menu_book Chapter 20

Chapter 20. On the Wing. September 27. I was preparing to start for Staten Island when Sister Chatham consented to accompany me. She and Sister could not bear to see me go alone. She said, I will go with you to Rossville if you will go from there to New York and up the Hudson to Newburgh. I will pay all expenses, providing you will make this, after leaving New York, a rest trip.

I consented to obedience. In due time, we reached Freehold, New Jersey, where I had promised to attend a temperance meeting that night. The next morning, we took the train for Jamesburg. from there to South Amboy. Here we crossed in a steam tug to Perth Amboy, where we waited some time for the ferry boat, enjoyed watching the oyster men bringing in and loading oysters, crossed Raritan Bay to Staten Island, took the train for Rossville, were soon welcomed to the

parsonage home of Reverend S.D. Jones, where we spent a pleasant and profitable Sabbath, filled our engagement Sabbath evening in the M.E. Church. Monday morning, while waiting for the boat, we took a walk around to Governor Lyon's castle. Miss Lyon invited us in. This was a rich treat. The castle looks out upon the sea and the New Jersey shore beyond. At the entrance is a brass cannon, a captured relic of the Mexican War, farther on, the figure of a knight in the armor of

the Middle Ages. The house seemed a museum of curiosities, rare paintings, relics of the old world, the savages of this, and old family portraits. The architecture is admirable throughout. Brother Jones accompanied us to New York. We remained here until Thursday, making our home at Bethany Institute. Visited many places of interest, enjoying the sightseeing, but more than all the Tuesday meeting at Dr. Palmer's, which has been held every week for 40 years,

a wonderful meeting of depth and power, and the Macaulay Water Street Mission, which was opened in 1872 by Jerry Macaulay, known as the converted saloon-keeper, notorious gambler, and river thief. This, as those who have had the privilege of participating in it say, quote, has appeared to be a glorious manifestation of the power of God unto salvation, and one of the most useful Christian agencies existing in the lower wards of New York City,

end quote. It has been supported in answer to the prayer of faith, and the Lord has blessed and honored it continually. The doors of the mission house are never closed to those who are seeking for the way of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. A religious meeting is held here every evening in the year at half past seven o'clock. There is no expense and no distinction of persons to those who come to the meetings. Every one, however humble or degraded, is welcome

and affectionately pointed to him who is the way and the truth and the life. Their superintendent had been very sick and had just returned from Asbury Park. On entering, we read, back of the platform, in gilded letters, Jerry, we welcome you home. I thought, oh, may we so live as to merit such a hearty welcome across the river. Everything here seemed positive and brief. When the meeting opens, their rule is one-minute speeches. I have never witnessed more definite work. Very many

testimonies were given when the altar was presented. A young man arose to go forward, saying, I am just out of the penitentiary, where I have served three years. I heard about this mission. I have come here to be saved. I must have salvation. Oh, do pray for me. To my surprise, he made himself known to me after the meeting. He was from Ohio, had run away from his uncle years ago and had now engaged to embark for a foreign port.

We trust he was saved. In a streetcar on our way to the Central Park, I was so impressed to speak to a gentleman and his little girl. Such a step in this great metropolis is a risk. Mary said, You can't trust a stranger here. After meeting several times in the park, I yielded to my conviction, and, improving an opportunity, found out I was not mistaken. He was a minister of the gospel from Massachusetts, had been seeking through a friend of his and an acquaintance of

mine to obtain one of my books. October 3rd was a lovely day. At 8 a.m., we took the steamboat C. Vibbard for Newburgh. Before we reached there, Mary concluded to go on to the Catskill Mountains. After noon we were invited to the pilot house, where we had complete advantage of the scenery, with full explanations from the pilot and captain. We felt grateful for this special privilege. We landed at Catskill Village and took a stage for the mountains. Here we spent a most delightful week in the home of Mrs. Baker. I was perfectly enraptured with the grandeur of the scenery.

The Bible history, especially our Savior's experience at the mountains, had a deepened meaning. Time was improved. All points of interest were visited. We'll give my journal of one day. October 5th. Arose early, had our devotions. After breakfast, prepared for a ride. Miss Eva Baker accompanied us. We left there at 7 a.m., took a lunch with us. Oh, that we could describe the scenery of this day! No artist could do it justice. We visited Profile Park, Fawn's Leap, Dripping Rock, Buttermilk Falls, Haynes' Falls, Cotterskill Falls, and the Laurel House. Here we met Mrs. Cleveland, sister of Horace Greeley.

We ate our dinner on Sunset Rock. While here, two lady artists sketched our party. While the rest went to gather ferns and leaves, I remained. The ladies proposed our exchanging cards. To my surprise, one of them was a niece of Dr. Pern. She seemed delighted as she had read The Valley of Baca. I went up to the laurel house, had a rest before we were ready to go to the mountain house. This excelled all. A writer well says, there is something indescribable in the pleasure

experienced during the first hour upon the piazza of the mountain house, gazing upon the scene toward the east. As we came through the spacious hall upon the piazza and on Table Rock, my first thought was of the Savior's experience when taken up to a high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Here we were almost three thousand feet above tidewater, yet great peaks towered above us. Our guide says, although the mountain house is far below

the highest summits of the range, yet portions of four states of the Union and an area of about 10,000 square miles are comprised in the scope of vision from its piazza. From here we descended the winding Grand Mountain Road. Now and then the eye takes in a magnificent panorama of hill and valley, forest and river, hamlet and village, and thousands of broad acres where herds graze, and the farmer gathers his crops, much of it dimly defined because of distance.

It seems more like a map in all its perfection than a picture of nature. We were delighted with our boarding place, the scenery was so beautiful. Just after we reached Catskill Landing, October 9th, A heavy storm came up. The river was very rough when we first went on board the Vanderbilt at 6 p.m., but within two hours we had the privilege of enjoying the beautiful moonlight on the Hudson. We spent a delightful evening, then retired for a good night's rest.

It seemed quite natural to travel lying down, yet how fully I realized, as the train passed us, the contrast of this night's ride and the one on my cot, when the train went flying down the Hudson, went on my way to Ocean Grove the first time. I will copy a clause of what I wrote in my journal that night on the boat. Quote, Oh, the change! How hopeless I was then, and what I suffered! I am sure, if the skeptics could realize it all, and see the change, they could not doubt but

divine power has been manifested in my case. No human means alone could have wrought so great a change in so short a time. There seems to be so much controversy about my cure. Mr. Hume's words were so often used, quote, we must admit any solution rather than a miracle, end quote. Dr. Bushnell adds, quote, little wonder is it that we have difficulty in sustaining the historic facts of Christianity, when the most Christian, most evangelical teachers assume so readily

the utter incredibility of any such gifts and wonders as the Gospels report, and as they themselves have it for a righteousness to believe. End quote. We went directly to Ocean Grove, arriving that evening, found sisters preparing to start for Philadelphia, where they had a prospect of business. Sister Chatham and I remained about a week longer. Blessed memories are associated with all the experience of those months. We had a happy,

congenial family throughout the season. Friendships were formed which we cherished dearly, and which we hope to renew again on earth. We confidently expect to continue in heaven. October 14. Praise ye the Lord! Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. This afternoon, as I take my rest, I have a consciousness that the chief desire of my heart is to work for souls, to do whatever will most glorify my Father in heaven,

who for me gave his only begotten Son, unspeakable gift which calls for every exertion of praise and gratitude. O thou bounteous giver of all good, thou art of all thy gifts thyself the crown. Give what thou canst, without thee we are poor, and with thee, rich, take what thou wilt away. My precious sisters have left us. I do trust they will be able to secure what seem to be openings before them. It was so kind in Brother G. to intercede in their behalf,

but his letter just received expresses fears of disappointment. Dear girls, what faithful sisters they have been to me! I did long to succeed, so that they could realize something for their summer's work. But we will praise the Lord that things are as well with us as they are. We have had a blessed summer. Evening. Had several calls. Brother Bancroft and Father Osborne had prayers. Seems strange for Sister C and me to be alone. Our little altar is sacred.

Her prayers do my soul good. We must soon separate. I can scarcely ever look at her and think of all the comfort she has given me without emotion. Sabbath, we had a farewell prayer meeting at Grace Cottage, led by Brother Liligore, Sister Inskip, and others participating. It was a memorable meeting. With faith, we could ask a blessing upon each soul that had entered our cottage during the season. At Sister Davidson's, we spent our last night. A terrific

storm prevented our going on Tuesday. I had not witnessed the sea in such a storm. Had a talk with one of the life-saving crew. I was thankful for this scene. Awfully grand, terribly sublime, expresses it. In company with Mrs. Eaton of Washington, D.C., we took the train at Elizabeth, New Jersey. Sister Chatham left us for her home in Philadelphia. I went on to New York. After going with our party to A.T. Stewart's store, I left them there and wended my way to

69 Second Avenue. This hour I felt for the first time that I had started out into the world alone. It indeed seemed like beginning life anew. Oh, how I prayed for God to guide each step. I knew I was in the right path and soon had a warm welcome at Bethany Institute. This is an institute for the training of Christian women as Bible readers, city and foreign missionaries. I think there is no other institution in this country

having the same specific aim and plan. Its course is for one year, and its departments of instruction are biblical, medical, and practical. The expense to its missionary students is very small, as they are mainly sustained by the Institute after the probationary month. Its superintendents are the Rev. and Mrs. A. G. Rulafson, who exercise a kind and parental care, as well as superintendents over those who are in preparation for their future work.

Into this joyous and happy training home are welcomed young women of all denominations who are called to missionary labor and who seek experience and preparation for the same. In this delightful missionary atmosphere, I felt much at home, attending the lectures and biblical instruction and gathering new inspiration from the direct, practical gospel methods of its workers. This institute became my headquarters for weeks, and my earnest prayer is that many who read this

simple record of a most worthy institute may be led to enter its course of studies and missionary work. On Friday accepted the repeated invitation of Mrs. Clark to visit her, went expecting to remain but a few hours, but Mr. and Mrs. C. kindly insisted on my making their house my home during my stay in the city. Monday, October 28, 1878. Oh, for a fresh baptism of the Holy Ghost! I want, through boundless mercy and free grace, an increasing intercourse and communion with my

God every day, better preparing me for the duty of each moment, whether rest or work, shall number the hours of this week. O my Father, give me wisdom, power, and physical strength to do Thy will. Thou knowest I must be clothed. Direct us in all our shopping today. May even my garments please Thee. Evening One year last night since I met the Garagas brothers. What a marked year of God's special care!

What true and faithful friends they have been! Surely they will have their recompense of the Lord. They will take nothing from me for their labor. After lunch, Sister C. went with me to purchase my cloak, bonnet, and winter wear. As I put on the cloak, I thought, Oh, that I might be a blessing to each person I meet in this garment! Had a talk with the ladies from whom I bought it and the bonnet. They are both professors.

My friends are all interested in my dressing becomingly, though plainly. I do not believe in extremes either way, but we must hear the voice of conscience in these matters. We came home, and after dinner I accompanied Grandma Hazen, Henry, and his mama to hear Dr. Newman's lecture on Babylon. This was a treat. Wednesday, 30th. At the lovely home of Brother William Peck Smith, Brooklyn. It is late, but I must commit to your pages a note of these blessed

days. Yesterday morning I spent in writing letters. In the afternoon, called for my bonnet and went to pay for it. To my surprise, Sister Clark presented it to me. From the store we went to Dr. Palmer's meeting, where we had a little foretaste of heaven. Many ministers present. Dear Brother Belden, with whom I had been well acquainted, did not know me. Also met Sister Washburn and many others whom I knew. Sister Mary D. James went home with us, had several calls.

This morning we all went to Mrs. W. K. Shanks to the ladies' meeting. Sister Bota May, Sister W. and I remained here for lunch. Brother Smith called and took us to the holiness meeting at First Place Brooklyn. I did not know I was advertised to be there, but the helper was with me in my weakness. Dr. McPherson took tea with us, spent a pleasant evening. November 1, 1878. At Sister Clark's, two more interesting days have passed.

This has been a special privilege. Yesterday a.m. went to Dr. Tyng's church. Attended the convention met to discuss the second coming of Christ. Was surprised to meet acquaintances from all parts of the land. Had the pleasure of meeting several with whom I have corresponded, Rev. H. L. Hastings, Dr. Charles Cullis, and others. Brother Russell of Pittsburgh would have me take lunch with him. Here I met William Still, the author of The Underground

Railroad, a copy of which he presented to me. Afternoon. The meeting was very interesting. Dr. Feltwell went with me to see Harriet Britton, the great missionary. Returned for evening meeting, heard several great speakers. In the afternoon had a number of calls. Miss Stevens says she read of my restoration while in Paris, France. Evening. We all went to the convention, heard Dr. Tyne, Jr., Dr. Brooks of St. Louis, Major Whittle of Chicago, and Dr. McKay of England. This a.m.,

Sister C. had her servants gather in the nursery, where we had a precious season of prayer before parting. Sister Clark went with me to Bethany Institute, where Mrs. Townsend came for me at 2 p.m. We started for Orange, arrived at her home in time for tea. Dr. Bartine, the Methodist Episcopal pastor and wife, Mrs. Mann and her son Albert, spent the evening with us. Dr. B. closed with prayer. He arranged for tomorrow's services. Oh, that I may have unction from on high

to do my whole duty. Miss Ida Townsend came with her aunt. She is a lovely character in many respects. Plays beautifully. Is the organist in Dr. Deems's Sabbath school. Sabbath was a lovely day, greatly enjoyed Dr. Bartin's sermon on the cedars of Lebanon. He compared the character of the Christian to the trees. I have seen fine paintings of our Savior, but never was so impressed as when I entered the church and gazed upon the life-sized figure of Christ in one window

and the beloved disciple in the other. As the sun shone against the outside, it was beautiful. I was enraptured with the thought that he is not a picture only to my soul, but a real Savior, a present reality. When we returned to evening services, the shades of night had made of this beautiful picture only a blur. We could not define the figures. How well this compares with the view which sinners have of Christ. They cannot see the King in his beauty. They treat him as though he

were no more to them than this blur upon the window to our vision by gaslight. O how sad the thought of the final condition of that soul, who neglects the ample provision made for the salvation of man through the sufferings of Christ, who his own self bear our burdens in his own body on the tree. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone

to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. The righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are passed, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Thursday, 6th. In Grandma Everett's room. They fear she will never return to this room again. She is sinking fast, but so happy in the Lord. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,

and whose sins are covered. Such are prepared for the last conflict. Her son Peter has come. They expect Rev. T.T. Everett today. On Tuesday, at the temperance meeting, led by Mrs. Dr. Knowles, a lady approached me, saying, as she took my hand, How thankful I am to meet you! I never expected to have this privilege. I read of your restoration while at my home in Florence, Italy. She then introduced me to her sister,

Miss Van Marder, who edits the Bay Window in the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Advocate. Yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Van Marder came for an hour or two. It is seldom I enjoy such a treat as the society of one person alone. She is a sufferer. It is pleasant to mingle with congenial spirits. She feels we may meet in her home in Italy. When she and others speak of my going across the water, the neglected fields of our own land come up before me. This brings forcibly to

remembrance what at the time seemed a wonderful prediction when confined to my couch of suffering, even before entering the homeopathic hospital for treatment. Dear Mary Elliott, a minister in the Society of Friends from Ohio, visited me while at Sister D's. After sitting a time in silence, she startled all by saying, I seem to feel that thou wilt yet stand upon thy feet, and if obedient, thou wilt do more effectual work for the master on thy feet than thou hast done

upon thy couch, and not only on this, but on the other side of the Atlantic. I am thankful, with all that has offered since my restoration to visit other countries, there is no desire to go until my Heavenly Father's will. Dr. Richards called for me. I spent a pleasant hour in their home. According to engagement, I dined with Mrs. Dietz, the constant friend of Molly Fanshawe of Brooklyn, who has a mysterious power of working without her sight. Mrs. D. has a large embroidered

Afghan and some beautiful waxwork which she made. Her history is wonderful. Yesterday she took me to see another invalid, Miss Hart. After a pleasant talk, we had prayers. When I enter an invalid's room, I seem to live over my past life. After a pleasant afternoon with the little party, we had prayer. Mr. D. took me to Rev. Bartin's, where I had promised to spend the night. Went across to Mrs. Townsend's to see Grandma E. She knew me. Seems fully reconciled to go or stay

as the Lord wills. Rev. T. T. Everett came over and took dinner with us today. I have had a good time with Sister B. Was surprised with a present from Dr. Richardson and wife of ten dollars. Mrs. D. bought ten books. I can now send Mother her rent. How I would like to send her more! But my heart bounds in gratitude with every dollar that helps me cancel a debt. How Mother will rejoice with me when I am free from debt! I desire this above all temporal things.

then, next, to be able to make her home more comfortable in her feebleness. How blessed to realize that we are in the hands of him who holds the world. This is peace and rest such as the world knows not. Brother S. writes that they expect me in B. tomorrow. November 19th. In company with Everett Townsend I went to Brooklyn, had a cordial welcome at Fleet Street Parsonage by Rev. I. Simmons and family, with whom pleasant days were spent. Enjoyed meeting here my dear

friends Mrs. Lily Beale and Rev. A. M. C. Saturday night I attended the closing service of a holiness convention. Sister Anna Oliver and others gave practical testimonies. Sabbath morning, I attended service at Fleet Street M.E. Church. In the afternoon, a Union Sabbath school of Brother Wilson's. After a brief address here to a large audience, I returned to my room feeling deeply the responsibility of the evening's services.

This weight increased with my sense of weakness and inability. It seemed impossible for me to address that audience. I went with trembling to my seat. My soul cried unto God for help. As I arose to go to the stand, I had such a realization of the value of immortal souls, I lost sight of great men, and only felt the responsibility of this hour in view of eternity. The Spirit of the Lord gave me utterance. A deep solemnity pervaded the house.

As I took my seat, Brother S., the pastor, said, Shall I speak of your books? I at once felt that they must not be mentioned. As I went down from the pulpit, a gentleman, a Navy officer from Washington, D.C., said, I want to shake hands with you. I came into this meeting in a very skeptical frame of mind. I had no faith in you, but you have convinced me of some things. I want to have a talk with you. We arranged a meeting for the next evening at the parsonage. He brought others with

him. My book, The Valley of Baca, was noticed on the table by one who exclaimed, Why was this not spoken of last night. The reason being given, the first mentioned gentleman said, There, I don't know anything about the circumstances, the needs, in the case. But had those books been advertised, it would have counteracted the impression made upon the people. The public has been imposed upon to such extent that now we naturally ask, when we hear of a special meeting,

what is the object? Miss Smith is right in not giving the world a chance to say she is making capital of this wonderful experience. The Lord will bless her for it. Other prominent persons have said the same. Some have felt I did wrong in not permitting a collection to be taken or the books presented on several important occasions when it would have been greatly to my advantage, but I dare not let the temporal interfere with the spiritual

interests. The results of good accomplished by keeping an eye entirely single to the glory of God and the salvation of souls have been ample reward for all self-denial required. I praise the giver of all blessings for the keeping grace in this respect. I have attended meetings where I knew many books would be sold if the matter was pressed. At the same time I was needing means, yet was sweetly kept from a selfish thought, because I went forth doing my duty with

a consciousness that I was pleasing Him who always opens my way through every obscure path. End of chapter 20