.vvv^v«<^v^>amii»a«mmTmTWW'vfVf'*riffr"'"~''''''*' Mv^^^^^^^aM>«^^^\^>^^^^^\vMM«^^^»Kvx\N^^^^ X!f'>;'i:ttrcfifr:v^i(^.v.::,'K: 'mYmmmrm-MU'^r Our Bisho A SKETCH OF THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST AS SHOWN IN THK Lives of its Distinguished Leaders „.A^o.PSO«,D.D..LLa FOR FOURTEEN VEARS PRESIDENT OF OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY; DELEGATE TO THK METHODIST CECUMENICAL CONFERENCE HELD IN LONDON IN 1881; COMMIS- SIONER OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION AT THE OHIO CENTENNIAL IN 1888; AUTHOR OF "SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS," " POWER OF THE INVISIBLE," ETC. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY COLONEL ROBERT COWDEN Corresponding Secretary United Brethren Sabbath School Board UllustrateD wltb ©rigfnal Bngravlngs The most interesting books to me are the histories of individuals and individual minds, all autobiographies and the like. This is my favorite reading. — Longfello-w. 1889 Elder Publishing Company CHICAGO COPYRIGHT BT H. A. THOMPSON, D. D., Lli. D. — 1889 ALL RIGHTS RESBBVBD. Uo /ID^ 1bonore& fatbcv Whose toils and labors in this life secured for me the advantages of a higher education ; Whose daily example, as well as teaching, was an inspiration to plain living and high thinking ; Who taught me to reverence and love all things pure and good : Zo /ll>^ SainteC) /iDotber Who first took me by the hand and led me with her to the house of the Lord ; Whose highest ambition for her children was that they might be the children of the Most High ; Who died in hope of a blessed immortality; Whom I think I love as dearly to-day as when I looked into her face for the last time on earth, eighteen years ago ; XLo ail tbe /iRembers an& jflBinisters of tbe TUnlteD JSretbrcn Cburcb Of which church I have been a member since fourteen years of age ; For whose upbuilding I have faithfully labored for more than a quarter of a century ; and above all zro Ibim " Whose I am and whom I serve " ; Whose promises have never failed; whose mercy endureth forever : THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED by the AUTHOR. PREFACE. As " the beginning of the book is the last that is written," as has been facetiously said, it only remains for the author to add that he will not soon forget the effort which, when a boy, he put forth to know something of the honored men who represented the church of his choice, and with what interest he read whatever was written concerning them. He found little written, however. The church was too busy in making history to spend time to write it. Many men had kept no record of their labors save what an uncertain memory could reproduce; others who were in labors most abundant and of whom records should have been kept, were men whom a false delicacy prevented from giving to the world such an insight into their lives as would have blessed the church. There are many others of these fathers whose faithful, self- denying labors the pen of the historian should record before the waves of oblivion have rolled over them. The author has confined his labors to those, whom the church by her highest authority, has called from the ranks and placed in positions of honor and influence. The means of information at his command were limited, but he aimed to gather what was accessible from living men, from private diaries, from church publications, and to present them to the church as his space would allow. By means of this volume he has hoped to inspire in the member- ship of the church, and especially the younger portion of it, a more intelligent appreciation of all that the fathers have done for us and a warmer attachment to the church, which has grown up from their labors. He is not without hope that God's leading hand may be seen in the lives of these men, and that we may have the confi- dent assurance that He who has led us in the past will lead us along the highway of the future, if our trust is in Him. PREFACE. Where there seemed to be a conflict of statements as to dates and other matters, the author took what was, in his judgment, the more probable. The expectation was to have given the book to the pub- lic at a much earlier date, but his connection with the Ohio Centen- nial as commissioner of science and education delayed the prepara- tion of a portion of the manuscript. While he would return thanks to all who have generously aided him in the preparation of this work, he is under special obligations to the following persons, which he desires hereby to acknowledge: Col. Robert Cowden, the efficient secretary of the Sabbath school Board; Mrs. A.. L. Billheimer, of Birmingham, Ala.; Mr. G. P. Hott, of Dayton, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Rike and Prof. A. W. Drury, of Dayton, Ohio; Dr. A. W Jones of Westerville, Ohio, and Prof. D. Eberly, of Pennsylvania. With the hope that this volume may advance the cause of the Master, by bringing more vividly to the notice of those in as well as those out of the church the character and labors of those who have b33n the official representatives of the United Brethren Church, it is submitted to the kind consideration of a Christian public. H. A. Thompson. Westkrville, Ohio, January 1, 1889. Il^TEODUCTIOK No class of literature' is more sLimuhiting ana healthful trian tne biographies of good men and women. The vivid portraiture oT the noble and good who have lived on the earth is always an inspiration to those who come after to try and imitate them. A biography, to be faithful and full, need not necessarily be lengthy. Only that which peculiarly distinguishes a man from his fellows should be made prominent. The ^■Jgraphies of the Bible, graphic but brief, have furnished the firesides of thousands of earth's humble homes with themes for stories of never lessening interest as well to the narrator as to the listening youth. The righteousnej-s of Noah, the faithfulness of Abraham, the faultlessness of Joseph, the meekness of Moses, the poetry and song of Daniel, the wisdom of Solomon, the wild impetuousness of Elijah and his triumphant exit from time, the fidelity of Daniel and the Hebrew children — what admira- tion and aspirations their reading or recital has kindled in human hearts. Then there are the histories of the early and later Chris- tian martyrs. Who but has listened to or read with wide-eyed won- der the stories of their fidelity to the Savior and their tragic deaths? And how our hearts were thereby made to burn with holy zeal for the cause of truth and righteousness! A study of the lives of great military chieftains, such as Hannibal, Alexander, Julius Ca'sar, Na- poleon, Washington, Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, tends unfail- ingly to fill youthful blood with martial fervor and develop a warlike spirit. The examples of our great statesmen have tended to the development of a nation of patriots. Our subject becomes for the time our hero, and our souls are drawn toward him with a longing to be like him. The heroes of the present century being nearer in point of time are more interesting to us than those of the remoter past. The grand characters of the Reformation, and later, Luther, Melancthon, Calvin, the two Wesleys, John Knox and Otterbein — who shall attempt to measure the overflowing tide of influence result- ing from their lives ? Among the religious denominations of the last one hundred years in this country, none are more interesting in their rise and INTRODUCTION. development to the student of church history, nor more aggressive in their activities to-day than the church of tlie United Brethren in Christ. Taking its rise as it did in a great religious awakening and revival among the Germans in eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland, and without any intent on the part of the principal actors and reviv- alists to found a new sect, hundreds and^then thousands of newly awakened and converted souls were naturally drawn together for fellowship and counsel. As the work progressed and the numbers increased, the bonds strengthened and conferences became more general and more frequent, and finally periodical. At these confer- ences the one great question discussed was how to more certainly and more safely extend the work of evangelization among the masses. The one end sought was to get people converted, and let them go to seek denominational homes where they would. As the circle widened, the mass broke up into smaller groops, for the more frequent annual gatherings, and the larger or more general conferences be- came less frequent. Not until many years had passed were any articles of faith formulated. The itineracy system of ministry having been adopted, it became necessary to elect superintendents, who were called bishops. These were chosen by the delegates composing tlie general confer- ence and were always taken from the ranks of the ministry, and were men preeminent for ability and zeal in the work. From the first to the present, twenty-five different men have been called to this station, and have served the church with fidelity for longer or shorter terms. Of this number seventeen have already gone to join the innumerable throng in glory. Of the eight who remain with us five have passed, or are approaching their three-score and ten years, and the others are rapidly nearing the Beulah land. Biographies of but two or three of the number have ever been written. We have been so much engaged in present duty and plans of future conquests for the Redeemer that we have neglected to place in permanent form the memory of the lives and deeds of our fathers for our children to read. The time has now fully come when that duty should have attention, and Dr. H. A. Thompson, a man fully competent for the task, and rarely endowed with maturity of judgment, extensive research, ripe scholarship, literary taste, familiarity with the history and life of the denomination, and imbued with a love of truth and a churchly spirit, has placed the church and the general reader of religious literature under obliga- tion for the accomplishment of this work in the present volume. INTRODUCTION. The task to which the author devoted himself was herculean, owing to the meagerness of records and the cloud of oblivion that has already settled over much that would have been exceedingly interesting to the reader. Nevertheless he has accomplished his purpose in a manner that will be sure to receive the approval of the church, and the " well-done " of all readers. The book should find a place in not only every United Brethren home, but also upon the shelves of all true lovers of the church universal. In the light of the deeds and words of the great actors on the stage of the church's activities will we find much of the secret of church life and devel- opment, and also much of the purpose and plan of the Redeemer in drawing all men unto Himself, and securing the conquest of the whole earth to His kingdom. "What is the history of the church but in largest measure the story of the brave souls, whose hearts were fired with the divinest enthusiasm, and who braved all peril, even to the bitter death in the interest of the sacred cause." R. COWDEN. / CO]N^TE]NTS. CHAPTER I. Paob. Origin and Growth of the United Brethren m Christ, 7 CHAPTER n. Life of Philip William Otterbein — First Bishop, . 37 CHAPTER III. Life of Martin Boehm — Second Bishop 75 CHAPTER IV. Life of George A. Geeting — Third Bishop, . . . 104 CHAPTER V. Life op Christian Newcomer — Fottrth Bishop, . . 120 CHAPTER VI. Life of Andrew Zeller — Fifth Bishop, . . . 157 CHAPTER VII. Life op Joseph Hoffman — Sixth Bishop, .... 171 CHAPTER VIII. Life of Henry Kumler, Sr. — Seventh Bishop, . . 187 CHAPTER IX. Life of William Brown — Eighth Bishop, . . . 306 CHAPTER X. Life of Samuel Heist and — Ninth Bishop, . . . 217 CHAPTER XI. Life op Jacob Erb — Tenth Bishop, 327 CHAPTER XII. Life op Henry Kumler, Jr. — Eleventh Bishop, . 242 CHAPTER XIII. Life op John Coons — Twelfth Bishop, . , , , 278 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Life of John Russel — Thikteenth Bishop, . . . 387 CHAPTER XV. Life of John Jacob Glossbrenner, D. D. — Fourteenth Bishop 317 CHAPTER XVI. Life of William Hanby — Fifteenth Bishop, . . . 338 CHAPTER XVIL Life of David Edwards, D. D. — Sixteenth Bishop, . 361 CHAPTER XVHI. Life op Lewis Davis, D. D. — Seventeenth Bishop, . 388 CHAPTER XIX. Life op Jacob Markwood — Eighteenth Bishop, . . 436 CHAPTER XX. Life op Jonathan Weaver, D. D. — Nineteenth Bishop, 448 CHAPTER XXI. Life of Daniel Shuck — Twentieth Bishop, . . 473 CHAPTER XXII. Life of John Dickson, D. D. — Twenty-first Bishop, . 498 CHAPTER XXIII. Life of Milton Wright, D. D. — Twenty-second Bishop, 535 CHAPTER XXIV. Life op Nicholas Castle — Twenty-third Bishop, . , 551 CHAPTER XXV. Life of Ezekiel Boring Kephart, D. D. LL. D. — Twenty- fourth Bishop 581 CHAPTER XXVI. Life op Daniel Kumler Plickinger, D. D. — Twenty-fifth Bishop, 599 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page Portrait of Author, . . . . . Frontispiece. Portrait op Philip William Otterbein, . . . . 27 Portrait op Martin Boehm, 75 Portrait of Joseph Hoffman, ..."... 171 Portrait of William Brown, 206 Portrait of Jacob Erb, . 227 Portrait of Henry Kumler, Jr., ..... 242 Portrait of John Coons, 278 Portrait of John Russel, 287 Portrait of John Jacob Glossbrenner, D. D., . . 317 Portrait op William Hanby 338 Portrait op David Edwards, D. D 361 Portrait of Lewis Davis, D. D 388 Portrait op Jacob Markwood 426 Portrait of Jonathan Weaver, D. D., . . . . 448 Portrait of Daniel Shuck, 473 Portrait of John Dickson, D. D., 498 Portrait of Milton Wright, D. D., . . . 525 Portrait of Nicholas Castle 551 Portrait op Ezekiel Boring Kephart, D. D. LL. D., . 581 Portrait of Daniel Kumler Flickinger, D. D.,- . . 599 THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. IN" the United Brethren church there are at present about two hundred thousand members, represent- ing a population of at least 750,000 people. There are about sixteen hundred persons enrolled as itinerant preachers, with six hundred local preachers, making at least two thousand, more or less, effective men who are teaching the people the way of everlasting life. There are two hundred thousand children and youths gathered into the schools on the Sabbath, whose spiritual welfare is looked after by more than thirty thousand teachers and officers. It ranks eighth as to numbers among the denominations in the United States, All intelligent people, whether members of it or not, are interested in a church with so large a membership and exerting the power which it does exert for the weal or woe of the community. The Roman Catholics insist upon but one true church, their own denomination, and there can be no other. The revolt of Luther did not of necessity cre- ate denominations. Yet the great underlying principle of Protestantism allows as many divisions of the army of the Lord as the wants of man require. These are all branches of the true church. Yet there should be something to justify their separate existence. A new denomination may arise either by the breaking away from the mother church, or by the leadings of God's 7 b THE KISE AND PROGRESS OF providence to meet the exigencies of the hour. Histor} is full of examples of minister and member breaking away from old and established churches and the found- ing of a new denomination of their own, but as a rule such movements are not productive of the highest good. Generally this is caused by some matter of church government or some other minor consideration which has led to bitterness and heart burnings, and when the separation occurs it is frequently not so much to honor God and to advance His cause as to glorify self. John "Wesley, Martin Luther, and others who after- wards became the founders of churches, did not start out with this idea of a new organization. They sought to defend and proclaim the truth of God, and when God in his providence opened a way for them, like obe- dient children they walked therein. Otterbein and the men who were associated with him did not seek to establish a new organization, but held on to their early church connection until practically driven out. They did not organize their converts into a new church until there was no other place left for them. It was very late in life, perhaps, before he had any very definite idea that such should be the result of his labors. He sent for Christian Newcomer and Jacob Baulus that he might confer with them concerning the work he was so soon to leave behind him. He often asked, " Will the work stand and endure the fiery test ? " In the con- versation that ensued he said, " The Lord has pleased graciously to satisfy me fully that the work will abide." The prophetic foresight of the man was justified. His work still lives. This church therefore was not the result of schism. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 9 It was not broken off from any other organization be- cause of unpleasant relations or as a mere matter of church government. It was of the Lord's own planting. The men who organized it did not intend to do so, but were led of God to take steps of which they had not dreamed, to build a structure for which they had not planned. When the age needs a great man for an emergency God either finds such a man or creates one and sends him forth to deliver the message wliich He gives him, or to do the work which He puts into his hands. When God has a people there must be some place in which they shall grow and prosper, or He will make a place for them. They are as the apple of His eye, and they will not be left desolate. The work of the men who led in the founding of this new denomination will be given at length in the pages that are to follow. Suffice it to say here that Mr, Otterbein was a German, a member of the German Reformed church and a preacher in the same. He was an enlightened and sincere seeker after the truth, but not at this period a man of the deep religious experience which he afterwards possessed. '• There was, however, an earnestness and pathos in his preaching, which aroused the people from the dead formality into which they had fallen, under the labors of a Christless minis- try. Some were glad and feasted on this rich food of pure evangelical doctrine, and none more than his own mother ; but by far the greater number hissed and scoffed and gave the young evangelist to understand that he must break the point off his sermons or cease to preach." This he could not do. So he left his native land and came to America as a Missionary to the Ger- mans. 10 THE RISE AND TEOGEESS OF " The moral condition of the Germans in America was the most deplorable, and the very least was being done for its improvement. The more we direct our eyes to those early days the more apparent will it be that Otterbein occupied a unique position, and that, as regards evangelical teachmg, he stood, by towering pre- eminence, the apostle to the Germans. For Otterbein's labors and for the United Brethren church there was a distinct field in God's vineyard, and that field did not en- croach upon the field of any other active occupant. While the United Brethren church was raised up to serve the Germans, its office was to serve them — not as Germans — but as men. Thus while they or their repre- sentatives, whatever the language spoken might be, should continue, and while there should be lost souls to be won, so long, if faithful to its solemn duties, its commission would continue in force." The doctrines of evangelical Christianity seem to have been almost lost sight of. Many of those whose names were upon the church records were merely nomi- nal members, who had no interest in the church beyond their connection with it, and who knew nothing of what is meant by the regeneration of the soul and the witness of the spirit. When Otterbein experienced this and began to teach it to others in his denomina- tion he met with much opposition. Newcomer tells us how he went to his pastor, a Mennonite preacher, and suggested to him that it was the privilege of all believ- ers to have a knowledge of their acceptance with God, but the pastor did not think it possible. Afterwards he confessed his error and accepted the truth. God was seeking through these spiritually minded men to awaken their dead, formal churches to the opening of THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 11 a new era of evangelical life. If they would heed his voice they would grow and prosper. If they did not the kingdom sliould be taken from them and given to those who were more worthy. They proved them- selves unequal to the emergency, hence a new organi- zation was called into existence, which should hold up to prominence the saving truths of Christianity. The providential origin of the church is shown further by the spirit of Christian brotherhood which it produced. At a time when cold formality and cap- tious criticism is the rule, it is no easy thing to throw aside our own preferences and allow the principles of Christian charity to prevail, as was done when Boehm and Otterbein met, and in all their after relations to each other. " The history of the various denominations furnishes no parallel to the union of the different ele- ments following upon the famous meeting at Isaac Long's. There have been other unions but they have not been so spontaneous. They have been more mechanical, more the result of calculation. Living- in times in which perhaps even essential points are often ignored, we are not prepared to appreciate a union that required the sacrifice of only minor points. But char- ity and forbearance were then so rare that it was no ordinary step when Christians so far overcame their suspicion and exclusiveness as to meet on the broad plain of Christian fraternity. E\ddently for those brought together in such a union and in such fellow- ship, no other name could be so appropriate as the simple spiritual application — brethren. Our church is indebted in no small degree for its harmonious devel opment and present extent to the spirit of peace bequeathed to it in its founding." — Drxiry. 12 THE EISE AND PROGRESS OF While ]VIr. Otterbein was serving the congregation of the Reformed Church at York, Pa., influences were at work which led him finally along the path of inde- pendent church action. " The leaven of spirituality was steadily gaining force and producing the usual effects in many places, and the ministers and people sympathizing with Mr. Otterbein's views were increasing. Their ec- clesiastical relations became burdensome, for their motives no less than their piety and wisdom were called in question. Those who sympathized in the revival movement came together for counsel. Unintentionally, perhaps unconsciously, the ties of the old ecclesiastical relationship had grown feeble since they had no fellow- ship of heart and life. There were not, however, any indications of insubordination ; rather the disposition was to continue faithful to their connections and wait the developments of Providence. If there was any ambi- tion of leadership and the formation of a new church organization, it was carefully hidden from public view. But there was nothing of the kind. The next step was a plain one. A Reformed society in Baltimore had gath- ered into its folds quite a number of members who had been converted under the peaching of Mr. Otterbein. They were mostly young persons of an enterprising spirit, and they joined the evangelical party which was already forming in the church. In the end a new society was organized, and Otterbein accepted a call to the pastorate." The rules of discipline adopted by this Baltimore congregation are very important at this juncture, as they were written by Mr. Otterbein, and were the basis of the new church which afterwards followed. They were adopted in 1785, and recorded in the church THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 13 book. They are introduced by the following prefatory remarks : "William Otterbein came to Baltimore May 4, 1Y74, and commenced his ministerial work Without delay, and by the help of God, he began to organize a church, and as far as it was possible for him, to bring it within the letter and spirit of the gospel. Such disciplinary church rules as were needful were therefore from time to time adopted, made known, and the importance of keeping them earnestly enjoined. But the afflicting and long-continued war and tlie disper- sion, on account of the same, of many of its members into the interior of the country, prevented these rules from being written in a book for their preservation " But through and by the goodness of God, peace and quietness being restored, and with the gathering together of former members, and with a considerable addition of new members, the church finds herself at this time considerably increased. Therefore, it is unanimously concluded and ordained, by the whole church, to bring the constitution and ordinances of this church into the following form, which we hold as agreeing with the word of God ; and for their perma- nency, and perpetual observance herewith, record and preserve. 1. " By the undersigned preacher and members that now constitute this church, it is hereby ordained and resolved, that this church, which has been brought to- gether in Baltimore, by the ministration of our present preacher, W. Otterbein, in the future consist of a preacher, three elders and three trustees, an almoner, and church members; and these together shall pass under and by the name : The Evangelical Reformed Church,. 14 THE RISE AND PE0(JEESS OF 2. " Ko one, whoever he may be, can be a preacher or member of this church, whose walk is unchristian and offensive, or who lives in some open sin (1 Tim. iii. • 1-3 ; 1 Cor. v. 11-13). 3. " Each church member must attend faithfully the public worship on the Sabbath day and at all other times. • 4. " This church shall solemnly keep two days of humiliation, fasting and prayer, which shall be desig- nated by the preacher — one in the spring, the other in the autumn of the year. 5. "The members of this church, impressed with the necessity of a constant religious exercise, of suffering the word of God to richly and daily dwell in them (Col. iii. 16; Heb. iii. 13; x. 24, 25), resolve that each sex shall hold meetings apart, once a week, for which the most suitable day, hour, and place shall be chosen, for the males as well as the females ; for the first an hour in the evening, and for the last an hour in the day-time, are considered the most suitable. In the absence of the preacher, an elder or trustee shall lead such meetings. " The rules of these special meetings are these: {a) No one can be received into them who is not resolved to flee the wrath to come, and by faith and repentance to seek his salvation in Christ, and who is not resolved willingly to obey the disciplinary rules which are now observed by this church for good order and advance in godliness, as well as such as in the future may be added by the preacher and the church vestry; yet always excepted, that such rules are founded on the word of God, which is the only unerring guide of faith and practice. THE imiTED BRETHBEN CHUKCH. 15 (h) These meetings are to commence and end with singing and prayer; and notliing shall be done but what will tend to build up an d advance godliness. (c) Those who attend these special meetings but indifferently, sickness and absence from home excepted, after being twice or thrice admonished, without mani- fest amendment, shall exclude themselves from the church. (d) Every member of this church should fervently engage in private worship, morning and evening pray with his family, and himself and his household attend divine worship at all times. (e) Every member shall sedulously abstain from all back-biting and evil-speaking of any person or persons without exception, and especially of his brethren in the church (Eom. xv. 1-3 ; 2 Cor. xii. 20 ; 1 Peter, ii. 1 ; James iv. 11). The transgressor shall, in the first instance, be admonished privately ; but the second time he shall be openly rebuked in the class-meeting. , (/") Every one must avoid all worldly and sinful company, and to the utmost shun all foolish talking and jesting (Ps. xv. 4; Eph. v. 4—11). This offense wiU meet with severe church censure. (g) ISTo one shall be permitted to buy or sell on the Sabbath, nor to attend to worldly business ; or to travel far or near, but each shall spend the day in quietness and religious exercises (Isa. Iviii. 13-14). (h) Each member shall willingly attend to any of the private concerns of the church, when required to do so by the preacher or vestry ; and each one shall strive to lead a quiet and godly life, lest he give offense and fall into the condemnation of the adversary (Matt. v. 14-16 ; 1 Peter, ii. 12). 16 THE RISE AND PKOGKESS OF 6. "Persons expressing a desire to commune with us at the Lord's table, akhough they have not been members of our cliurch, shall be admitted by consent of tlie vestry ; provided that nothing justly can be alleged against their walk in life, and more es23ecially when it is known that they are seeking their salvation. After the preparation sermon, such persons may declare them- selves openly before the assembly ; also, that they are ready to submit to all wholesome discipline ; and then they shall be received into the church. 7. " For as much as the difference of people and denominations end in Christ (Kom. x. 12; Col. iii. 11) and availeth nothing in him, but a new creature (Gal. vi. 13-36), it becomes our duty to commune with and admit to the Lord's table, professors to whatever order or sect of the Christian church they belong. 8. "All persons who may not attend our class- meetings, nor partake of the holy sacrament with us, but attend our public worship, shall be visited by the preacher, in liealth and in sickness, and on all suitable occasions. He shall admonish them, baptize their chil- dren, attend to their funerals, impart instruction to their 3'^ouths, and should they have any children the church shall interest itself for their education. 9. " The preacher shall make it one of his highest duties to watch over the rising youth, diligently instruct them in the principles of religion, according to the word of God. He should catechise them once a week, and the more mature in years who have obtained a knowledge of the great truths of the gospel, should be impressed with the importance of striving, through divine grace, to become worthy recipients of the holy sacrament, and in view of church membership, such as THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 17 manifest a desire to this end should be thoroughly instructed for a time, be examined in the presence of their parents, and if approved, after the preparation ser- mon, the}^ should be presented before the church, and admitted. 10. " The church is to establish and maintain a Ger- man school, as soon as possible ; the vestry to spare no effort to procure the most competent teachers and devise such means and rules as will promote the best interests of the school. 11. "That after the demise or removal of the preacher, the male members of the church shall meet, without delay, in the church edifice, and after singing and prayer, one or more shall be proposed by the elders and trustees. A majority of votes shall determine the choice and a call shall be made accordingly ; but should the preacher on whom the choice faUs decline the call, then as soon as possible others shall be proposed and a choice made. But here it is especially reserved, that should it so happen that before the demise or removal of the preacher, his place should already have been provided for by a majority of votes, then no new choice shall take place. 12. " Ko preacher can stay among us who is not in unison with our adopted rules and order of things^and class-meetings, and who does not diligently observe them. 13. " No preacher can stay among us who teaches the doctrine of predestination, or the impossibility of falling from grace, and who holdeth these as doctrinal points. 14. '" Ko preacher can stay among us who will not to the best of his ability care for the various churches ib THE KISE AND PEOCJKESS OF in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, which churches under tlie superintendence of William Otterbein stand in fraternal unity with us. 15. "I^o preacher can stay among us who shall refuse to sustain, with all diligence such members as have arisen from this or some other churches or who may yet arise as helpers in the work of the Lord as preachers and exhorters, and to afford unto them all possible encouragement, so long as their lives shall be according to the gospel. 16. " All the preceding items shall be presented to the preacher chosen, and his free consent thereto obtained before he enters upon his ministry. 17. " The preacher shall nominate the elders from among the members who attend the special meetings, and no others shall be proposed ; and their duties shall be made known unto them by him, before the church. 18. " The elders so long as they live in accordance with the gospel and shall not attempt to introduce any new act contrary to this constitution and these ordi- nances, are not to be dismissed from their office except on account of debility, or other cause. Should an elder wish to retire, then in that case or in case of removal by death, the place shall be supplied by the preacher as already provided. 19. " The three trustees are to be chosen yearly on new-year's-day, as follows : " The vestry will propose six from among the mem- bers who partake with us of the holy sacrament. Each voter shall write the names of the three he desires as trustees, on a piece of paper, and when the church has met, these papers shall be collected, opened and read, and such as have a majority of votes shall be announced THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 19 to the church, and their duties made known to them by the preacher, m the presence of the church. 20. " The ahuoner shall be chosen *at the same time and in the same manner as the trustees, and at the next election will present his account. 21. "The preachers, elders, and trustees shall at- tend to all the affairs of the church, shall compose the church-vestry, and shall be so considered. 22. " All deeds, leases and other rights concerning the property of this church shall be conveyed in the best and safest manner to this church vestry and their successors, as trustees of this church. 23. " Should a preacher, elder or trustee be accused of any known immorality, upon the testimony of two or three credible witnesses, the same shall be sus- tained against liim, and he shall be immediately sus- pended ; and until he gives some proof of true repent- ance, and makes open confession, he shall remain ex- cluded from this church. The same rule shall be observed and carried out in relation to members of this church who shall be found guilty of immoral conduct (1 Cor. V. 11-13; 1 Tim. v. 20; Tit. iii. 10). 24. " All offenses between members shall be dealt with in strict conformity with the precepts of our Lord (Matt, xviii. 15-18). No one is therefore per- mitted to name the offender, or the offense, except in the order prescribed by our Savior. 25. " JSTo member is allowed to cite his brother be- fore the civil authority, for any cause. All differences shall be laid before the vestry, or each party may choose a referee from among the members of the church, to whom the adjustment of the matter shall be submitted. The decision of either the vestry or 20 THF RISE AND PROGRESS OF referees shall be binding on each party; nevertheless, should any one believe himself wronged he may ask a second hearing, w^hich shall not be refused* The sec- ond hearing may be either before the same men or some others of the church ; but whoever shall refuse to abide by this second verdict, or on any occasion speak of the matter of dispute, or accuse his opponent with the same, excludes himself from the church. 26. " The elders and trustees shall meet four times in a year, namely : the last Sabbath in March ; the last Sabbath in June ; the last Sabbath in September, and the last Sabbath in December, in the parsonage home, after the afternoon service, to take the affairs of the church into consideration. 27. "This constitution and these ordmances shall be read everv new-year's-day before the congregation, in order to keep the same in special remembrance, and that they may be carefully observed and no one plead ignorance of the same. 28. "We, the subscribers, acknowledge the above written items and particulars, as the groundwork of our church, and we ourselves as co-members, by our signatures recognize and solemnly promise religious obe- dience to the same." William Otterbein, Preacher. [Signed by elders and trustees.] Baltimore, January 1, 1Y85. All of the members of the church signed their names with their own hands, thereby binding them- selves to the constitution and rules of the church. These articles are meant to be in themselves a com- plete discipline, and independent of any other church organization. In doctrine, method and spirit they are THE UNITED BKETHKEN CIIUKCH. 21 directly opposed to tlie Reformed church of which Otterbein had hitherto been a member. It was agreed by the pastors who had been interested in this revival movement to hold a conference in Baltimore in 1789 to consider more fullv the interests of the o^rowino- congregations that looked to them for spiritual guid- ance. This may properly be considered the first defi- nite step of the new organization. Of the fourteen preachers who were committed to the movement seven were present. They were a company of men who would have done honor to any church, and on account of their talents, their piety and devotion to the work of the ministry were well qualified for the duties of the hour. At this conference a confession of faith was adopted which had been in use in Mr. Otterbein's own congfre- gation, save the article touching ordinances, which had been made a little more liberal to meet the pecul- iarities of the Mennonite brethren. The " rules of dis- cipline" adopted were substantially what we have given, and were prepared by Otterbein for the use of his own congregation . The r ules and confession of faith were ordered -to be published in 1813. They were revised and adopted again in 1814 They were both retained by the first general conference of the United Brethren in 1815. Mr. Spayth, one of the secretaries of the conference, speaks of the confession of faith of 1789 as the " same as in discipline." From this beginning the church has pushed forward to do her part in the conquest of the world. She had many things with which to contend. She originated among the Germans, and her work was for a time con- fined to them. She finally overleaped the boundary. 22 THE RISE AND PROGEESS OF and now numbers her largest membership among the Enghsh-speaking people. She owes little or nothing to the influence of great names, great wealth or high culture. Her early ministers were men taken from the forest, the plow, the workshop, and who could preach on the Sabbath while they supported their families from the labor of the week. They found their adherents among men and women in private life, who were humble like themselves and earned their daily bread by the sweat of their brows. Having come from cold, formal churches, where the ministry were men of culture, she made the sad mistake of supposing that all culture tended to formality, and therefore ignored all the help which a thorough education would have fur- nished. With a firm conviction that a change of heart was absolutely essential to membership in a Christian church, none were admitted to their societies, how- ever influential in private life, who did not have good reason to believe that they were converted, and who did not give such evidence to others. Without a college or seminary at which to train her preachers, she sent them out with warm hearts, but with untrained minds, to teach others the way of life. Taking their lives in their hands, counting no toil or labor too severe that they might win souls to Christ, they have forded streams, crossed mountains and slept in the forest. " In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of rob- bers, in perils by countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren ; in weariness and painfulness ; in watchings often ; in hunger and thirst ; in fastings often ; in cold and nakedness," they went forth, like the great apostle to the Gentiles, testi- THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 23 fyiug everywhere of their Master and seeking to bring back His'lost sheep to the fold. The pages which are to follow in this volume will show something of the trials endured and the labors wrought. These men not only required that their followers should have within their own hearts the assurance of their sins forgiven, but they must show the same to the world. The church is to be a city set upon a hill. To revolutionize society she must set herself against evil in church and state; hence her men are ardent, moral reformers. Had she preached and taught doctrines more palatable to the people and refrained from seeking to change the social life about her, she would have had man}^ more adherents. It seems comparatively easy at this time to pass resolutions against strong drink, but to array one's self against it and preach and practice what we teach : to forbid church members from makinof or using strong drink when distilleries were owned and managed -by ministers of the gospel, and when the accursed thing was thought to be a good creature of God and was used by all, was no easy thing to do, and especially by a growing church that needed members. She was against slavery from the beginning, and held it wrong for man to hold property in his brother man, when the national life was honey-combed with it, and when some other churches were down on their knees in obsequious submission to King Cotton. Her paper Avas bm'ned by a Yirginia postmaster, and her ministers mobbed because of their views ; but she held most ear- nestly to her convictions, and the logic of events has indorsed the action. During the late war she was most thoroughly loyal to the old flag, and sent more of her members and ministers to the army than did any other church body of equal size. 24 THE KISE AND TROaRESS OF Believing secret societies to be antichristian in their nature and tendency, and therefore injurious to the development of the religious life, she has set herself against them, and made connection therewith a test of church membership. Members who allied themselves with such organizations thereby excluded themselves from the pale of the church. As these societies for the most part have entrenched themselves in our larger cities, the church has not made much headway in the cities. Her membership in the main has come frojn a rural population. She has not consented to compro- mise because men of means and power have been against her. She has held up what she conceived to be the banner of truth against all forms of sin however strongly fortified by wealth, social position or culture. Along the line of practical, aggressive Christian work, the church need not be ashamed. There is no- where a more efficient, nor relatively larger number of Sabbath-school workers than are found within her bor- ders. They are men and women who have made them- selves competent for the work put into their hands and with a devotion and persistence that knows no flagging they are laboring to deepen and to make more intelli- gent the piety of the church. Our home missionaries are on the frontiers of civilization, carrying to the lone emigrant the knowledge of a Father who is seekingHis lost children. While in German}'' — whence came our founder — and among the dusky sons of Africa, go up from the labors of this church songs of thanksgiving to Him who made of one blood all the nations of the earth. What the future may have in store for her we do not know. When we consider the resources in her THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 25 hands, and remember her divine origin; when we look to Him who has safely led her through the dangers and trials of the past, and made her the instrument of sal- vation to thousands of human souls, the outlook is hopeful. Her work has been given her to do, and if faithful to that trust, she is immortal till her work be done. If she will prove as faithful to the faith once delivered to the saints as in the past ; if her sons and daughters shall have the baptism which the fathers received and be willing to make such sacrifices as God may require, and be led whithersoever He may desire to lead, then He will give great success to her labors and the work of the Lord shall prosper in her hands. If she shall kindly, but firmly, put herself against all forms of sin, in church, or state, in public and private life, organized or unorganized, then shaU she be a great power for good and the generations to come shall rise up and call her blessed. If she shall be wilUng to adapt herself to the wants of the ages as they come and go, holding on to what is essential and throwing off what is temporal, then shall she give healing to the nations and balm to wounded hearts. May we not hope that she will thus live and labor and endure, and that God shall lead her out into a larger place, that many more sons and daughters shall be brought into her fold and that she shall, until the end of time, prove a light to the nations that sit in darkness. " What we desire for this church we desire for all the branches of the chui:ch of God ; that alike, holding fast whatever is proved, v/elcoming all new light and standing true in every trial, each may have success in its particular mission and advance through the princi- ple of a divinely implanted life until the inward and 26 THE UNITED BKETHKEN CHURCH. essential, if not the outward and incidental, unity of Christ's church shall everywhere appear and unite the church militant — yes, the church fighting and battle- scarred — shall join the church triumphant in joyous acclaims over a lost world, restored to obedience to its sovereio:n Author,^^ — 67^(!^''^y5r$r— WOktAtw PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. ON the 3d day of June, 1726, in the ancient town of Dillenburg in the province of Nassau, now known as Weisbaden, Philip William Otterbein was born. The town overlooks the river Dille. " Just above the town stood a noble ancient castle, the birthplace and residence of an illustrious line of counts. Here Will- iam the Silent was born. Dillenburg contained in the middle of the eighteenth century over three thousand inhabitants. It was noted for its Latin school, female seminary, mines and mineral springs." John Daniel Otterbein, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born September 6, 1696. He was mar- ried November 28, 1T19, to Miss Wilhelmina Henrietta, daughter of John Jacob Hoerlen. She is called by the faculty of the Herborn School, " the riglit noble and very virtuous woman Wilhelmina Henrietta." The father was styled " the right reverend and very learned John Daniel Otterbein." He studied at Herborn, and in 1718 he became a candidate for the ministry. In 1719 he became a teacher in the Reformed School at Dillenburg. In the year 1728 he became pastor of the congregation at Frohnhausen and Wissenbach, the former located about three miles from Dillenburg, to which former place he now moved. Here he performed the duties which fell to his lot, teaching and training his family so as to prepare them for the schools about 27 28 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, him, instructing his congregation m the teachings of the catechism, and so hved, honored and esteemed by his people. His was a piety Avhich controlled his inmost life. In the register at Frohnhausen he writes : " Here I, J. D. O., begin in the name of the Triune God, and will continue this work to His honor, which must be the nature of all our private as well as public deeds and acts." In the marriage register he writes : " May the Triune God, to Avhom I have committed myself and all my possessions, grant that my beginning be pious, holy and salutary, so that all my actions may redound to the honor of His name and the blessed edification of many." His ministry was abruptly brought to a close. He died J^ovember 14, 1742, in the beginning of his forty- seventh year. The following account of this good man, the father of our first bishop, was written in 1802, for the Nassau Chronicle^ and gives a commendable record of the man and his family : " He was untiring in his efforts to fulfill the duties of his vocation ; and in the circle of his family, which consisted of six sons and one daughter, he enjoyed every possible domestic happiness. Being formerly a teacher, he availed himself of every advantage by means of domestic instruction to prepare his sons for their future exalted career. His industry was so far rewarded that the eldest son was sent to the high school at Herborn, where he had already gained the confidence of his teachers, v\^hen death destroyed the father's well- conceived plan. The father died in 1Y42 without leav- ing any means, because the annual income was indeed not sufficient to meet even nccessar}' expenses. The FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. 29 sufferings of the anxious mother and deeply wounded widow were indescribable. Yet they were not greater than her trust in God. " She moved to Herborn, because her sons could be educated more cheaply there, and living was likewise less expensive. The following year already her eldest son received a charge from which he realized an amount equal to one-half of his father's salary. The family fared much better now. Four years later he received a parish. The second son received a remunerative ap- pointment by which he was able to assist in supporting the family and educating his youngest brothers. Six years later he went to a foreign land, where he was liv- ing after a number of years happy and honored. Then the third brother received a similar position and through him the education of his remaining brothers was fully completed. This good man still lives contented in this place. He had the pleasure of having his mother, a woman who was very respectable and most noble, with him, and he manifested toward her, who saw all her children well cared for, a genuine filial af- fection up to her death. She died at an advanced age. The three youngest sons left our state. They all filled good parishes and were in good financial circumstances. One of the sons by means of his Avritings gained for himself quite a large reading public,and another occupied a seat and had a voice in the consistory of his country." This faithful mother seconded the aims and efforts of the faithful pastor and father. The teaching which he sought to give his family at home was supplemented by the mother moving to Herborn that she might, with her limited resources, give her children the best education the town afforded. Through her economv 30 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEEBEIN, and efforts with the aid of the older children, these sons were all classically and theologically educated, and all of them became ministers of the gospel. She was very devoted to her children. "When the earnestness and devotedness of William's early preaching excited opposition on the part of some of his hearers, his mother said to him, " Ah, William, I expected this, and give you joy. This place is too narrow for you, my son ; they will not receive you here ; you will find your work elsewhere." She was often heard to say : " My William will have to be a missionary ; he is so frank, so open, so natural, so prophet like." When the time really came for him to enter on mission work in a for- eign land, " she hastened to her closet, and after being relieved by tears and prayer, she returned strengthened, and taking her William by the hand and pressing that hand to her bosom, she said, ' Go ; the Lord bless and keep thee. The Lord cause His face to shine upon thee and with much grace direct thy steps. On earth 1 may not see thy face again ; but go.' " Says Emerson in his "Nature": " Some qualities she carefully fixes and transmutes, but some and those the finer, she exhales with the health of the individual as too costly to perpetuate. But 1 notice also that they may become fixed and permanent in any stock by painting and repainting them, — in every individual, — until at last Nature adopts them and bakes them in her porcelain." If the virtues and qualities of parents are to reappear in their children, what good results may we not expect from a young man who starts in life gifted with so rich an inheritance? The after record will show us that the son did honor to so noble an ancestrv. FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 31 HIS EDUCATION. "William was sixteen years of age when his father died. The mother for prudential considerations resolves to go to Herborn, a village containing about twenty- five hundred inhabitants, and located about three miles south of Dillenburg. It was the seat of a cele- brated Eeformed school which had been founded in 15S4:. The school consisted of the pedagogium, made up of five different classes, and the academy. In the former, each class had its own teacher, and the pupils studied logic, mathematics, philosophy, and Greek and Roman literature. Having graduated from this, they passed into the academy, where medicine, law, and theology were taught. Most of the students seem to have given attention to the theological course, which occupied three years. The students preached each week before the professors. Special theological tenets were not pressed very much, yet the school was moder- ately Calvinistic. Into such a school as this came Philip William Otterbein as a student in 1742. Next in importance to the influences of the home life in determining our after career are the associations of our school days. His fellows will leave upon a student influences which will help or hinder him in the work of life. All the elements of his nature will be drawn out to meet the friendly help offered b}^ these young men, or to protect himself from their evil associa- tions. Most of them are preparing themselves for the ministry, but many of them most likely as a mere busi- ness and not in obedience to any divine call, and there- fore they will not be spiritually helpful to him. Yet even in contact with these, lessons will be learned which may be of help in after life. This will be especially 32 PHILIP AVILLIAM OTTEEBEIN, true if any bad example which tliey may show shall be counteracted by faithful teaching which shall hold up before this young student the true idea of a Christian life, and the work of the Christian minister. In this respect our young student was very fortunate. One of his teachers, and one who exerted a healthful influence over him was Dr. John Henry Schramm. He was a preceptor in Herborn in ITOl ; was pastor at Dillen- burg in 1Y07, and made theological professor at Her- born in 1709. Dr. Valentine Arnold was born at Dil- lenberg, and felt a special attachment to Philip "William Otterbein, because of the instructions which he had received from his father when he had charge of the Latin school. These were both able scholars ; men of warm hearts as well as cultured minds, and interested in general church work, and in all forms of practical, active Christianity. From these two men perhaps more than from any others, he received the inspiration which led him across the ocean to bear the glad tidings of salvation to his German brethren who had sought a home in the wilds of the western continent. CALLED TO THE MINISTRY. Having completed his course of study in Herborn, the young man is turning toward the gospel ministry. He has left no writings which would let us into the ex- periences of his spiritual nature at this time ; but it is safe to conclude that the earnest wish of his mother, perhaps the example and teaching of his now lamented father, and above all the guidance of the Holy Spirit, led him along this path. While waiting for a call to some congregation he taught for a time in the county of Berg. In 1748 he became preacher in the Herborn school. Having been examined May 6, 1748, by the FIRST BISHOP OF TIiE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 3?> Herborn faculty lie becomes a candidate. He is now but twenty -two years of age. In 1749, June 13, he was ordained in tlie city church at Dillenburg. The following is the certificate of ordination given by Dr. Schramm when Otterbein was about to become a mis- sionary : " To tJie Reader^ Greeting : " The reverend and very learned young man, Philip William Otterbein, from Dillenburg, in Nassau, a can- didate of the holy ministry and a teacher of the third class in this school, received by me, assisted by CI. Arnold, prof essoi* and first pastor of the congregation at Herborn, and by the Reverend Ivlingelhoefer, second pastor of the same church, on the 13th day of June, 174:9, the right of ordination by the laying on of hands, that he might perform the functions of vicar in the congregation at Ockersdorf. This I certify at his re- quest ; and to my much esteemed former hearer, who is now about to emigrate to foreign shores, I earnestly wisli all good fortune and a prosperous voyage, and subscribe this letter as a testimonial of my never fail- ing affection toward him. [seal.] " John Henry Schramm, Doctor of Theology and Stqyerintendent of the Church at JVassau. " Herborn, February 28, 1752." Ockersdorf was a village containing about two hun- dred people, and located a short distance from Her- born. His increased income enabled him to aid the other members of the family in securing their educa- tion. A young man so well endowed, so well cultured, and so thoroughly competent, should have had a cor- dial welcome ; but the preaching which he gave was 34 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, not what the people wanted. Says Spayth, p. 19: " His zeal, his devotion, the earnestness with which he met these new duties, surprised his friends and aston- ished his hearers. In reproof he spared neither rank nor class. While some approved and encouraged the young preacher, others would say 'No, — such a ser- mon, such burning words, and from so young a minis- ter,' etc., etc. His friends advised him to speak more calmly, to moderate his voice, his fervency, etc., etc., etc. Opposition and clamor, however, had but a tend- ency to add force to his arguments in directing his hearers from a cold formalit}^ to the life and power of our holy religion." From which of these places the opposition came we do not know. The condition of religion was sufficiently low at either place no doubt to have awakened opposi- tion against one who was not preaching simply per- functor}'- sermons, but was preaching as one sent of God, to call formal Christians as well as sinners to a better life, and who expected sooner or later to give account of his teaching. "The high in power, and from whose decision there was no earthly appeal, united their authority with those who felt themselves too sharply reproved, and dropped some hints concern- ing the danger of incurring their displeasure, recom- mending at the same time a more reserved mode of preaching. To these Mr. Otterbein paid no attention at the time ; he rather waxed strong in spirit and love of preaching Christ. His mother saw the storm gathering and said to him, " You must be a mission- ary." " But missionary where ? To what land, what people, mother, shall I go?" She would quietly an- swer, " Be patient, preach us another sermon, wait the FIKST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 35 Lord's time " — and it came sooner than they expected. In 1746 the sj^nods of Holland had sent Rev. Mich- ael Schlatter, of St. Gall, vSwitzerland, as a missionary to the German Reformed emigrants in Pennsylvania. As the Germans were not able materially to assist these brethren in the new world, the Hollanders generously proffered aid. After five years of service in America, Schlatter returned and asked for more men and more money. He was cordially received and favorably heard by the Hollanders at Amsterdam, and sent to Germany to get further aid and to secure six young men as mis- sionaries. Mr. Schlatter appeared at Herborn and was aided in his work b}^ the faculty at that place. Mr. Schramm writes in the records of the academy at that place, February 25, 1T52: "Rev. Schlatter handed me the list of candidates whom he desires to take along with him to Pennsylvania, and prays that we give them a general academical testimonial. Shall the}'' have such ? " Under it writes Dr. John E. Ran : " Yes, I hope there is no one that would not rather see the ministers deserving this recommendation advanced to work in a foreign land than in their home country." The following testimonial was given to Mr. Otterbein : " To the Reader, Greeting : " The bearer of this, the truly reverend and very learned Mr. Philip William Otterbein, an ordained can- didate of the holy ministry, hitherto preceptor in this pedagogium, and now called as a preacher to Pennsyl- vania, was born June -i, 1T2(), in the morning l)etween two and three o'clock, at Dillenburg, of honorable parents, belonging to the Evangelical Reformed church, and was baptized June 6. His father was the right reverend and very learned Mr. John Daniel Otterbein, 36 PHILIP AVILLIAM OTTERBEIN, formerly the highly esteemed rector of the Latin school at Dillenburf^, but afterwards a faithful, zealous preacher to the congregation at Frohnhausen, "Wissenbach, and who departed from time into eternity November 16, 1742. His mother is the right noble and very virtuous woman, "Wilhelmina Henrietta, her maiden name being Hoerlen. She is alone at this time as a widow. His godfather was Mr. Philip William Keller, stew^ard to the Court of Nassau, Dillenburg, who was a near rela- tive. The truly reverend Philip William Otterbein was well raised in the Eeformed Christian religion, and then received as a member of the church. He has always lived an honest, pious and Christian life ; and not only by much preaching and faithful declaring of the word of God in this city, as also at a near affiliating town where he had been vicar for a "Considerable time, and at other places, but also by his godly life has he built up the church. " Therefore to this end we commend him to the pro- tection of the Almighty, whose care and leading we pray upon him hence, and we pray tha,t He may give him much grace from above and the richest divine blessing in the work to which he has been called and to which he is willing to go, and we wish him from the bottom of our souls success. " So done at Herborn, in the principality of Nassau, Dillenburg, February 26, 1752. " V. Arnold, Professor and First Pastor.'''' The mother wished her son to go as a missionary, but when the hour of parting came it was no easy thing to give him up. With a conMent trust in Him who controls all things, she said, "go." Mr. Schlatter and his young missionaries first went to Holland, where FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BEETHKEN IN CHRIST. 37 they were to secure their outfit and take passage. One of the original number finally declines to go, and a young man from Berg takes his place. The associates of Otterbein were William Stoy, John Waldschmidt, Theodore Frankenfeld, John Casper Rubel, and Wissler, from Berg. They pass an examination at The Hague, and are formally set apart for the mission work. They were to be "orthodox, learned, pious, and of humble disposition ; diligent, sound in body, and eagerly desir- ous, not after earthly but heavenly treasures, especially the salvation of immortal souls." The marriage fees, house rent, and such resources as they should receive in America, would amount possibly to one hundred and fifty dollars, and the remainder of their expenses would be borne by the devoted Hollanders. " But from Switz- erland, the Palatinate, and even England, generous contributions came. They sailed from Holland toward the last of March, and on the night preceding the 28th of July, 1T52, they landed in New York, having been nearly four months in making the voyage. They were met on the next day after their arrival by John M. Muhlenberg, an eminent missionary of the Lutheran church, who quoted to them the language of the Master, " Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." A FOKEIGN MISSIONAEY. For a long time Germany had been the battlefield of Europe, and it seemed as if there would be no end to it. " A generation had grown up which was rude and ignorant. Fortunately parents regarded it as a religious duty to teach their children to read the Bible and the catechism, and perhaps to write a little; but be3'ond 38 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, this point their knowledge rarely extended." Says Loher, " The government cared nothing for the people, and almost everywhere the religious party which hap- pened to be in the majority opposed dissenters. This state of things was w^orst in the Palatinate, w^here the electors had changed their religion four times in as many reigns. The whole country was compelled to follow the example of.its rulers, and whoever was not willing to accommodate himself to this state of affairs could not do better than to take up his pilgrim's staff and leave his native land." Louis XII., to protect France, proceeded to make a desert of the valley of the Rhine. Many of its cities were burned, and others were devastated. In the dead of winter the people were turned out of their houses, which were immediately burned. Thousands of peo- ple were rendered homeless. They wandered in field and forest and many of them died from starvation. Many arrived in Holland utterly destitute, and the people with the government did all they could to keep them. The Queen of England offered to find a home for them in America, and in one winter as many as thirty thousand left their native land and encamped about London. Some of them Avere returned, while others settled in Ireland and elsewhere. The large majority came to America and settled here. "In Pennsylvania they found a permanent home ; here they prospered and finally passed beyond its borders and occupied large portions of adjacent colonies. Large numbers of Swiss followed them. Some of them had means, while others were very poor; but all of them were frugal and industrious." Mr. Schlatter and his missionaries went from Kew FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 39 York to Philadelphia. Mr. Otterbein received a call from the Reformed congregation at Lancaster, and he accepted. An engagement was made for five years between liimself and the congregation . He entered upon his duties in August, 1752, being in the twenty-seventh year of his age, and full of vigor and zeal. The coun- try was now unbroken and thinly settled. Lancaster was the principal town west of Philadelphia ; yet in 1751, a year previous to this, it contained only about five hundred houses and two thousand inhabitants. The congregation had not been a very successful one. There had been frequent vacancies in the pastorate, and at this time it had been without a pastor for more than a year. He had many discouragements, yet con- siderable success. "Previous to this time, its histor}' was somewhat fragmentary and weak. He was the instrument by which its strength was concentrated and made permanent. Under his ministry the small old wooden church was superseded by a massive stone church. Internally the congregation greatly prospered. Evidences of his order and zeal look out upon us from the records in many ways, and enterprises started in his time have extended their results, in the permanent features of the congregations down to this dav." — liar- haugh. This churcn, made up as it no doubt was, not only of those who were genuine Christians but of many others whose relations were merely nominal, must have made it more or less unpleasant for a man like Otterbein, who sought to give full proof of his ministr3\ " He com- plained of many grievances which made his ministry unhappy ; and demanded as the condition of his con- tinuance the exercise of just ecclesiastical discipline, the 40 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEKBEIN, abolition of all inordinacies and entire liberty of con- science in the performance of his pastoral duties." All this having been conceded, he resumed his work, reserv- ing the right to resign when he desired, as he wished once more to visit his native land. A paper in Otterbein's hand- writing and signed by- eighty male members of the church, without any date, is preserved in the archives of the church at Lancaster. This no doubt grew out of the action which he saw necessary to take to promote the highest spiritual wel- fare of the church. " Inasmuch as for some time matters in our church have proceeded somewhat irregularly, and since we in these circumstances do not correctly know who are they that acknowledge themselves to be members of our church, especially among those who reside out of town, we, the members and officers of this cliurch, have taken this matter into consideration, and find it necessary to request that every one who calls himself a member of our church, and who is concerned to lead a Christian life, should come forward and subscribe to the following rules of order : "First of all, it is proper that those who profess themselves members should subject themselves to a becoming church discipline, according to the order of Christ and his apostles, and thus to show respectful obedience to members and officers in all things that are proper. " Secondly : To the end that all disorder may be prevented and that each member may be more fully known, each one, without exception, who desires to receive the Lord's supper, shall, previously to the ])rep- aration service, upon a day appointed for that purpose, FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 41 personally appear before the minister, that an interview may be held. " 'No one will by this arrangement be deprived of his liberty, or be in any way bound oppressively. This we deem necessary to the preservation of order ; and it is our desire that God may bless it to this end. Who- soever is truly concerned to grow in grace will not hesi- tate to subscribe his name." The practice here introduced by Otterbein of giving the pastor an opportunity to meet each communicant before partaking of the Lord's supper continued in this congregation for a period of seventy-five years. Dur- ing the week previous to communion the members called at the parsonage and left their names as commu- nicants. The pastor was thus enabled to give such advice and counsel as the several cases might require. During his stay in Lancaster, possibly during the year 1754, he had a remarkable religious experience. Having preached an earnest sermon on repentance and faith, one of his hearers, awakened to a sense of his condition, came to him for advice. For some unaccount- able reason this minister of tlie gospel knew not what to say to this awakened sinner. His reply was, " My friend, advice is scarce with me to-day." He sought his closet and poured out his soul to God, and did not leave it until he had that knowledge of spiritual things which m after years made him so competent to give advice to those who were seeking the way of life. Whatever we may think of this new experience to Otterbein himself it was very remarkable. When Bishop Asbury said to him, " By what means were you brought to a knowledge of the gospel and our blessed Savior?" he answered, " By degrees was I brought 42 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, to the knowledge of the truth while I was at Lancas- ter." " His own calm judgment near the close of his life went back tenderlj'^ and gratefully to the period of liis ministry at Lancaster as including the dawn of this conscious spiritual life." Ever after he preached this conscious experience as the privilege of all Christian people. Was not this the tnne, Avhen, without neglect- ing the externalities of Christianity, special attention be called to tiiis new experience of full assurance, guaranteed to us when the soul stands acquitted in the presence of its King? And was not this the man called of God to press it u»pon tlie attention of a people who had grown up in a state church and had in good part lost siglit of the essentials of piety ? Wlicn Otterbein resigned his charge at Lancaster in 1T5S he intended to return to Europe, but the way not opening up, he temporarily took charge of the Re- formed church at Tulpehocken. This section was inhabited for the most part by those whom the English queen had sent over in 1710. The settlement was Avithin what is now known as Berks and Lebanon coun- ties. After Braddock's defeat in 1755, no frontier set- tlement escaped the vengeance of the natural savage. A letter Avritten in 1755 by a resident of Tulpehocken show^s something of the dangers to which the people were exposed. " My company had now increased to about three hundred men ; most were armed, although about twenty men had nothing but axes and pitchforks. All unanimously agreed to die together, and to engage the enemy wherever Ave should meet them, and so obstruct their Avay of marching further into the inhab- ited parts, till others of our brethren could come up and do the same, and so save the lives of our Avives and our children." tIKST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 43 The people of Tulpehocken stood very vigorously for the old land-marks as they understood them, and had no sympathy with innovators. "As is often the case in their zeal to keep fanatics out of their circle, they were not so diligent as they should have been to cherish the true Christian spirit wiihinP "When at Lancaster, as shown elsewhere, his spiritual nature had been especially touched, and the peculiar condition of the people here as well as the difficulties surrounding him would only make him the more anx- ious for their welfare. He preached on week days, on Sundays, and in addition, established evening meetings for prayer and religious instruction. " On these occa- sions his custom was to read a portion of Scripture, make some practical remarks on the same, and exhort all present to give place to serious reflections. He would then sing a sacred hymn, and invite all to accompany him in prayer. At first, and for some time, but few, if any, would kneel, and he was permitted to pray alone. * * After prayer he would endeavor to gain access to their hearts by addressing them individually with words of kindness and love." * Some Avere awakened and saved, while others mocked. When Mr. Otterbein's heart was being cheered with the blessed results which were sure to follow, and which did follow such efforts, their propriety was questioned by those who were more conservative and less spiritual. " What does this mean," said some ; " the minister and men and women kneel and pray, and weep, and call upon God for Jesus sake to have mercy upon them. Who ever heard of such proceedings ? " Yet the good work was begun, and notwithstanding the opposition of *Spayth: pp.23, 24. 44 PHILIP WlLLLlAM OTTERBEIN, both members and preachers, these meetings brought much joy and comfort to the earnest-hearted believer in Jesus Christ. PASTOR AT FREDERICK. In 1760 Mr. Otterbein accepted a call from the Reformed church at Frederick, Md. The church at this time numbered about two hundred communicants. It had been served previous to this time by Rev, Theo- dore Frankenfeld, one of the six young missionaries, and by tlie Rev. John C. Steiner, wlio had left it some- what irregularly. Mr. Schlatter writes in 1747: "I must say of this congregation that it appears to me to be of the first in the whole land, and one in which I have found the most traces of the true fear of God ; one that is free from the sects of which in other places the country is so full." His labors here as elsewhere were owned and blessed of Heaven, and the church prospered. Dr. Daniel Zach- arias, pastor at Frederick from 1835 to 1873, in a centenary sermon preached in 1847, says of Mr. Otter- bein: "During Mr. Otterbein's labors in Frederick, the church in which we now worship was built; also the parsonage which has been the successive residence of your pastors ever since. Many other improvements in the external condition of this congregation were likewise made during this period, thus showing that Mr. Otterbein was not only a very pious and devoted pastor, but was also most energetic and efficient in promoting the outward prosperity of the church." But it was not all smooth sailing even in so pleasant a sea as. this. Persons who have no stronger claim to an inheritance among the saints than that their parents were church members, and that thev themselves had FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHEIST. 45 been baptized, would not look with much favor upon a pastor whose catholic spirit would allow him to extend the hand of fellowship to Christians of all denomina- tions, and associate with those irregular preachers whom the Lord had raised up to proclaim His truth. At the same time we cannot doubt that the same liberal spirit which would not elsewhere be bound by any improper bonds, would give a prominent place to his prayer-meeting and to lay cooperation in his new field of labor. " At one time the excitement became so great that a majority of the church determined on his summary dismission ; and to effect it most speedily they locked the church doors against him. On the following Sab- bath, when the congregation assembled, his adherents, knowing that he had a legal right to the pulpit, were disposed to force the doors ; but he said to them : ' Not so, brethren ; if I am not permitted to enter the church peaceably, I can and will preach here in the graveyard.' So saying, he took his stand upon one of the tomb- stones, proceeded with the regular introductory sermon in his usual fervent spirit, delivered a sermon of remark- able power, and at its close announced preaching for the same place on the succeeding Sabbath. At the time appointed an unusually large concourse assembled, and as he was about to commence the services again under the canopy of the heavens, the person who had the key of the church door hastily opened it, saying : ' Come in, come in, I can stand this no longer ! ' " In 1763 he received a call to the Reformed church at Philadelphia, which he was urged to accept, but cir- cumstances beyond his control prevented. The church 46 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEINj where he was now laboring was not willing to give him up. He himself says : "The people allege that they on my account have incurred unusual expenses, and that they next year will build a new church ; also that if I leave them the church may not be built, and that the present debts may rest upon a few, and that furthermore my going would surely cause disturbance, and give offense." He agreed, however, to go in another year if the way should open ; but in the mean- time it was found possible to secure Dr. Weyberg as pastor, and he was chosen. On the 19th of April, 1762, Mr. Otterbein was mar- ried in Lancaster, Pa., to Miss Susan Le Roy ; Rev. "William Stoy performed the ceremony. Miss Le Roy was of Huguenot descent, and therefore of strong Protestant proclivities, as was her father's family. Mr. Otterbein became acquainted with her while at Lan- caster. After leaving there he had spent two years at Tulpehocken, and the remainder of the time intervening before he came to claim his bride had been spent at Frederick. He w^as now thirty-five years of age, and she twenty-six. She lived but six years after her mar- riage, and died April 27, 1768, aged thirty-two years and five months. She was buried at Lancaster. No children were left of this marriage. At the death of her father she had brought to her husband about one thousand five hundred dollars. " It is a beautiful tra- dition that, only two days before his death, he requested a friend to bring a pocket-book, made by the tender hands so long motionless in death, and that, gazing upon the carefully preserved keepsake, he kissed it with all the fondness of a youthful lover." — Drury. In September, 1765, he took charge of the church FIRST BISHOr OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 4Y at York, which for two years had been without a set- tled pastor. The church was not in the best condition, owing to the imprudent conduct of the former pastor. His congregation was important, and he did his work faithfully. Imbued with a catholic, missionary spirit, he traveled and preached elsewhere quite extensively. One of the meetings which he attended has become historic. Martin Boehm, a Mennonite minister, had appointed a meeting at Isaac Long's, some six miles northeast from Lancaster. Otterbein and Boehm had never before met. The great gulf existing between the Reformed and Mennonite churches may have accounted for this. The large barn would not hold the people. " There were in attendance members of the Lutheran, German Reformed, Mennonite, Dunkers, and otlier churches, with others who were not church members at all. Boehm preached to the people. lie was a man of medium size, wore his beard long, and was dressed in the Mennonite costume. Otterbein was a man of com- manding appearance, large in figure and clad in the usual clerical dress. Their church connections would tend to separate, while their Christian spirit would bring them more and more together. The preacher with great force made known to the people the truths of the gospel which had lately come to him with a fresh clearness and renewed power. As Otterbein listened he discerned a kindred spirit ; one which had under- gone the trials through which he had passed and had come into the clear light of sins forgiven. As the preacher was about to sit down the great heart of Otter- bein opened to take in this sweet, spiritual man, and, clasping him in his arms, he exclaimed: 'We are brethren ! ' The effect for the moment was startling. 4:8 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEKBEIN, Unable to restrain their emotions, some of the congrega- tion praised the Lord aloud, but the greater part were bathed in tears, and all hearts seemed melted into one." This meeting occurred probably about 1T66, and was the chief starting-point of a movement which culmi- nated in a new religious organization, and more than any other one, perhaps, suggested the name United Brethren. In April, 1Y70, Otterbein visited his friends and rela- tives in Germany. He had leave of absence from his church at York, and while absent his pulpit was sup- plied by other ministers. Eighteen years had passed since he had left his friends and associates behind him in order to become a missionary in America. His mother, five brothers and a sister were still living. George, who lived at Duisberg, was probably the first one met. They revealed to each other the experiences through which they had passed since their separation. As William told his story George was very much affected, and, with tears streaming down his cheeks, embraced his brother and said : " My dear William, we are now, blessed be the name of the Lord, not only brothers after the flesh, but also after the spirit. I have also experienced the same blessing ; I can testify that God has power on earth to forgive sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness." The few months spent here must have been very busy and pleasant ones, but they passed by, and our missionary must once more turn his face toward the setting sun. His brother had said to him : " My dear brother, I have a very strong impres- sion that God has a great work for you to do in Amer- ica." The parting hour must have been a sad one. The mother soon after died, and William never again saw a member of his family. He reached America FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 49 safely and resumed his labors at York as well as his itinerant preaching in the country. In the year 1770 there was much dissension among the members of the German Reformed church in Bal- timore, and complaints were made against the pastor, Rev. John Christian Faber, Avhose life w^as not exem- plary. He in turn made complaint against his oppo- nents, and against Rev. Benedict Schwope, who was preaching near Baltimore. A committee of investiga- tion was appointed. The evangelical part of the congre- gation finally withdrew and elected Mr. Schwope as their pastor. Mr. Schwope and his adherents bought some Jots and erected thereon a meeting-house. The synod put forth efforts to unite the congregation, but did not succeed. It was proposed that both pastors should resign and the two churches should unite in calling a new man, but this failed. In 1773 Mr. Schwope was anxious to withdraw, and a call was extended to Otter- bein; but he declined in view of the unsettled condition of the congregation. He finally expressed a "willing- ness to go if the synod should approve. They did not approve. The following spring he was again called and accepted. He was indirectly censured by the synod, but they afterwards voted to receive the congregation. This was really an independent church before Mr. Otter- bein took charge of it. The name assumed was " The German Evangelical Reformed Church," or "The Evangelical Reformed Church." The term evangelical has not been a part of the title of the German Reformed church, and its selec- tion in this case under the trying circumstances indi- cated a purpose and intention which nothing else could have so well expressed. 3 60 _ PHILir WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, February 3, 1774, Mr. Asbury wrote a letter to Otterbein, whom he had never met, urging him to settle in Baltimore. Not long after Mr. Asbury makes this entry in his journal : " On Saturday Mr. Schwope came to consult me inresj)ect to Mr. O.'s coming to this town. We agreed to promote his settling here and laid a plan nearly similar to ours, to-wit : That gifted per- sons among them who may at any time be moved by the Holy Ghost to speak for God, should be encouraged, and if the synod would not agree thev were still to per- severe in the line of duty." Mr. Jolm Ilildt, a member of Mr. Otterbein's vestry as early as 1809, and a faithful friend, says in a letter }Hiblished in the Telescope July 28, 1858, " That Otter- bein was called provided he would consent to be, or become, independent of the synod of the German Reformed cliurch, and when he learned this he demanded of them three days' time for consideration, at the expi- ration of which time he acceded. Being no longer tram- meled with the rules and discipline of the German Reformed church, he formed, with the consent of his brethren, a new set of rules for the membership of his new and independent church." The independence of this church is further shown by the manner in which the church property was held. The deed was made August 7, 1771, to three men, not in trust, as is usually done, but to themselves. These in turn willed their share to others, and these to others, until in 1702 it was deeded to William Otter- bein, who in turn bequeathed it to Peter Hoffman and William Baker, " Avho should take all legal measures to vest the said property in the elders, trustees and mem- bers of the German Evangelical Reformed church." By FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 51 thus keeping the property in their own hands the}^ could take such action as Providence might point out to them; but it indicates that their expectation was from the beginning an independent church. When in 1840 it was sought to cany the property over to tlie Reformed congregation, after an examination of all the legal papers pertaining thereto, the court gave judgment " in strong and decisive terms '' in favor of the congregation. In Griffith's '* Annals of Baltimore," published in 1822, may be found this statement : " Several members of the German or Dutch Presbyterian Society, attached to the Eev. William Otterbein, form a separate religious society which they distinguish by the name of the German Evangelical Reformed church, and they pur- chased a lot where their present church is, on Conway street, and worship in a small house there.'' In 1785 rules for the government of the church, written by Mr. Otterbein himself, were adopted, recorded in the church book, and signed by all the members of the church. These ^vere to all intents and purposes a church discipline. They were complete in themselves, and in spirit, doctrine and methods were in direct opposition to the church from which the members had separated. The reasons for not putting them in this form earlier are given in the preface : " Such disci- plinary church rules as were needful were therefore from time to time adopted, made known, and the impor- tance of keeping them earnestly enjoined. Put the afflicting and long continued war, and the dispersion on account of the same, of many of its members into the western part of the country, prevented these I'ules from being written in a book form for their preservation." 52 PHILIP WIIJ.IAM OTTEKBEIN, Tliose who want to see this original discipline com- plete— which afterwards became the basis of the United Brethren church — will find it in Drury's " Life of Otter- bein," pages 173 to 182. We can quote but three of the articles, in order more fully to show the spirit of Otterbein, and why he and his people could no longer remain in the communion of the Reformed church: " 13. No preacher can stay among us who teaches the doctrine of predestination, or the impossibility of falling from grace, and who holdeth these as doctrinal points. " 14. Ko preacher can stay among us who will not to the best of his ability care for the various churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, which churches, under the superintendence of William Otter- bein, stand in fraternal unity with us. "15. No preacher can stay among us who shall refuse to sustain with all diligence such members as have arisen from this or some other churches, or who may yet arise, as helpers in the work of the Lord, as preachers and exhorters, so long as their lives shall be according to the gospel." In the fourteenth article reference is made to the various churches m Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vir- ginia, "that stood under the superintendence of William Otterbein." The fifteenth article refers to the " preachers and exhorters " already in the field. What do these mean ? LAY PREACHERS. With all tlie formalism and dead orthodoxy that prevailed at the period we are now considering, there was now and then a minister like Otterbein whose vision had been enlarged, whose spiritual impulses had FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. 53 been quickened, and who sought to cultivate within his people a wider spiritual experience. These men as the}^ met each other would discover the agreement of their aims and purposes and would naturally be led into a closer companionship with each other. "What- ever might be their church relations, or ecclesiastical burdens, notliing could hinder their sympathy wnth each other. So also among the laity of their various churches there would be found men of strong spiritual aspirations, and without leaving their own churches they could and did gather together little bands of believers for their mutual help. These more spiritual clergymen encouraged such gathering, and overlooked and directed them somewhat with a view to the spiritual culture of the members. We do not suppose that either members or ministers, at this time, had any idea of leaving their own churches, or of entering into new or different church relations; but God was leading them by a path which they knew not of. The ministers who favored these more evangelical methods were called "united ministers," and held meet- ings of these devoted church members and others at different times. Minutes of these meetings were kept, and some are still in existence. In one of their records this purpose is made manifest: " The ground and object of these meetings is to be that those thus devoted may encourage one another, pray and sing in union, and watch over one another's conduct. At these meetings they are to be especiall}^ careful to see to it that family worship is regularly maintained. All those who are thus united are to take heed that no disturbances occur among them, and that the affairs of the congregations be conducted and managed in an orderly manner." 54 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, These "united ministers" met once or twice a year to hear reports from their little societies and to advise and direct them. At the meeting June 2, 1776, the minutes gave account of the following license: "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen: We, the undersigned, ministers of the Reformed church, hereby announce and malce know to whom it may concern, that Henry Weidner is a member of the Reformed church, and inasmuch as we believe that the Lord has called him into His vineyard, we allow him to preach the gospel, and hope that lovers of the truth will receive him in love; and we invoke upon him the grace and blessing of God. " Given in our ministerial meetino: at John Ran£:er's, June 4. 1776. " William Otterbein, " Willi A>[ Hendel, "Jacob AVeimer, " Benedict Schwope." This was a veiy advanced step for these united ministers to take, and the indications are that Mr. Otterbein was traveling too fast for his associates to keep pace witli him. They were all members of the lieformed churcli and probably hoped to work a trans- formation in it. The meetings of 1 776 were probably the last held by these men. Some of these men confined their labors to the Reformed church and no doubt did good work ; some of these laymen who had been thus introduced into the work, afterwards, when the United Brethren wei'e organized, became faithful preachers in the new church. Mr. Otterbein was to have a ])leasant association with the Methodists in his work. When he began to hold his prayer meetings and to preach experimental FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 55 religion, there were no Methodist preacliers in America. Wesley and Whitefield had both been here, and th^ latter had preached eloquently and had reached men's hearts, but had organized no churches and ordained no preachers. In 1771, Francis Asbury arrived in this country, on the day on which Otterbein entered his work in Baltimore. May 4, 1774, he and Asbury met. Asbury entered in his journal as follows : " Had a friendly intercourse with Mi. Otterbein and Mr. Schwope, the German ministers, respecting the plan of church disci- pline in which they intended to proceed. They agreed to imitate our methods as nearly as possible." Mr. Asbury was now in his twenty-ninth year, while Mr. Otterbein was in his forty -eighth year. At this time Mr. Otterbein knew little English and Mr. Asbury no Ger- man. Great as were the contrasts between these two men, the things in which they were alike, though hid- den more or less from view, were greater and more decidedly marked. They had yielded to the same truth ; they had experienced the same things ; they preached the same doctrines; they were each interested in a great mission. Mr. Otterbein was the greater in spirit- ual resource, and was possessed of larger preaching talent. Mr. Asbury was greater in active power and had before him a clearer and more inviting field."* A warm personal friendship sprang up between these kindred spirits, and it was not strange that when Mr. Asbury came to be ordained he requested that Mr. Otterbein be associated with the others in the solemn ceremony. These relations so pleasantly begun were continued as pleasantly between these two men and the bodies ♦Drury's Life of Otterbein, p. 207. 66 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEEBEIN, they represented until Otterbein's death. Asbury often preached in his church. In 1786 Asbury makes the following entry in his journal : " I called on Mr. Otter- bein ; we had some conversation on the necessity of forming a church among the Dutch, holding conferences, and so forth." In 1809 a committee was appointed by the Balti- more Conference of the Methodist church to "ascer- tain whether any, and if . any what, union could be effected between the Methodist Episcopal and the United Brethren in Christ." The exceedingly friendly corre- spondence Avhich ensued is found in Spayth's History, pp. llG-126, and breathes the most kindly Christian spirito An organic union was most likel}^ not thought of. The United Brethren were occupying almost exclu- sively the German field and the Methodists the English. The latter had no thought, perhaps, of a special mission to the Germans at this time. In the letter of greeting from the Methodist church, bearing date March 27, 1811, we find this language : " We hope you will not in- dulge for a moment a suspicion that we wish to inter- fere in your conference and church concerns." Furthermore, the letter says : " You will ])lease then, dear brethren, to accept from us the right hand of fellowship, and our assurances that all our preaching houses shall be opened to your licensed preachers, as far as our power and advice may be extended, and that our sacraments, love-feasts and class- meetings shall be open to your members who apply with such form of certification as you may judge proper, according to our proposals sent you from the Harrisburg conference." The matter was taken into consideration and met FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 57 with a cordial reception on the part of the United Brethren in Christ. Mr. Newcomer makes the following note in his journal : " To-day, the vestry of Otterbein's church assembled to take into consideration a commu- nication of the Methodist Conference. Otterbein was president of the vestry. The communication related to a closer union between the two societies, namely, the Methodist and the United Brethren." "We talk to-day with peculiar pride of the fellowship of Christian churches, but we can hardly understand, much less excel, the good feeling which prevailed at this time between these two societies, engendered and sustained in good part, no doubt, by the kindly Chris- tian felloAvship which Asbury and Otterbein had to- wards each other. Mr. Spayth, who entered the con- ference in 1812, in writing of this period many years after, says with unusual emotion: "I confess it is hard forme to get away from this sunny spot. The love, I trust, still lives withm my heart. I can look back and yet see the smiles and cordial shakes of the hand, hands now cold in death, while mine writes and trembles; the hearty and joyous welcome when Methodists and United Brethren met ; their songs, their voices, their shouts of hallelujah, hallelujah, continued to ring — rings and vibrates in my nervous S}- stem while I write, and thrills my soul afresh. We are constrained to say : " Wliat happy hours we once enjoyed, How sweet their memory still." It may not be out of place in this connection to give Mr. Asbury's statement in relation to the Ger- man fathers, and to Mr. Otterbein in 1812 while he was yet alive. " Preeminent among these is William Otter- bein, who assisted in the ordination which set apart your 58 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN, speaker to the superintend ency of the Methodist Epis- copal church. William Otterbein was regularly or- dained to the ministry in the German Presbyterian church. He is one of the best scholars and greatest divines in America ; why then is he not where he be- gan ? He was irregular, Alas for us, the zealous are necessarily so to those whose cry is, ' Put me into the priest's office so that I may eat a morsel of bread.' Osterwald has observed, ' Hell is paved with the skulls of unfaithful ministers.' Such was not Boehm ; such is not Otterbein, and now his sun is setting in bright- ness. Behold the saint of God leaning upon his staff, waiting for the chariot of Israel." Reference has already been made to the meeting of Otterbein and Boehm. A new worker is now to be raised up in the person of Christian Newcomer, a mem- ber of the Mennonite church, who is to aid Mr. Otter- bein and be a valuable co-laborer with him in the mar- shaling of the scattered forces which as yet had been without much regular organization. A fuller account of the man's life and work will be given elsewhere. Suf- fice it to say for the present that he was born in Lancas- ter county, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1T49, and began to preach about 1777. Because of his aggressive Chris- tianity, Boehm had already been cut off from the Men-^ nonite church. For some time Newcomer had known Otterbein and had listened to his preaching, and had been impressed with his deep, fervent piet3^ He him- self tells us that many of those who came to hear him and the other preachers who had been sent out, were converted to their teachings. " Those persons that held to and embraced these doctrines were by them formed into societies, and were called Otterbein's people, but FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 59 the worldly-minded gave them the nickname 'Dutch Methodist' which in those days was considered slan- derous. As these men preached the same doctrine that I had experienced, and which, according to my views and discernment, so perfectly agreed with the doctrine of Jesus Christ and his apostles, I associated with them and joined their society, and, blessed be God, although I withdrew myself from the Mennonite society on ac- count of the want of the life and power of religion among them, I never in any wise felt condemned for so doing." Otterbein now has charge of an independent con- gregation. Boehm has been expelled from the Men- nonites because of his evangelical views and practices. Geeting is under ban for the same cause in the Re- formed church, and will soon suffer the same fate. Newcomer has left the Mennonites, bringing with him those of like faith with himself. Thus the scattered elements are coming together, led by a common pur- pose — the salvation of sinners and the deepening of the spiritual life of professed Christians. As before stated, the "' United Ministers " came together as often as once or twice a year to look after the scattered societies and to advise and encourage them. A great meetmg was often held at the time and place where these minis- ters meet, similar to the one where Boehm and Otterbein met at Isaac Long's barn. A gathering of these min- isters was held in 1789, in Otterbein's parsonage, at Baltimore. " The members present were William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, George A. Geeting, Chris- tian Newcomer, Henry "Weidner, Adam Lehman and John Ernst." There were seven members present and at least seven absent. Of those present five came 60 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN. from the Reformed faith and two from the Mennon- ites. Of those absent there were four from the Re- formed side, three from the Mennonites, and one rep- resentative from the Moravians. Will it be possible to unite in one compact body these men of different faiths and the people whom they represent ? We shall see. Up to this time Otterbein and Boehm had had a kind of supervision of the men and the work, because in the main it had been the outgrowth of their own efforts. " The office of superintendent had been exer- cised by Otterbein up to this time, not by right of election or' choice but by force of circumstances ; in- separably connected with the rise and progress of the Church, all eyes had been directed to him to lead in counsel; the preachers, not one excepted, paid this deference to him ; the care of all the churches had been resting upon him, and such was the love of obedi- ence to him, that if he said to one, go, he went ; if to an- ' other, come, he came." * It seemed to them best that the relation of themselves to the workers under them should be a little more closely defined. There would have been no difficulty, and all would have been glad to have followed as hitherto their well trained leaders, but the leaders themselves were anxious to have a little more responsibility placed upon those who were co-operating with them. They adopted at that time a confession of faith, written by Otterbein himself and used by him in his independent congregation in Baltimore. A slight modification was made in the matter of the ordinances to suit the views of the Mennonite disciples. At this conference they adopted some rules of discipline, on the basis of those used by Otterbein at Baltimore. These *Spaytli, p. 83' FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 61 rules and confession of faith were published in 1813. They were re-approved by the first General Conference of the United Brethren in 1815. The next formal conference was held in 1Y91, eight miles from York, Pennsylvania. There was no other formal conference for some years. That in 1791 does not seem to have undertaken any new measures. These preachers kept on preaching as their time and circumstances would permit. The}^ would accept invitations from the people, and sometimes make appointments to suit their own convenience. Some of them made circuits about their homes, which they served as best they could. Great meetings were held now and then and under the supervision of Otterbein and Boehm. New men were licensed as the exigencies of the circumstances seem to demand. Newcomer, Geeting and others, would often visit the other preachers, and also places where there were no regular preaching places, and hold meetings along the way, " These great meetings were sometimes held in groves, yet they were not camp-meetings, sometimes they were held in barns and sometimes in private houses. The meetings were called great meetings, quarterly meet- ings, sacramental meetings and two-days meetings, according to the accidents belonging to them. They seldom exceeded two or three days in duration.-'* Newcomer mentions in his journal a number of these meetings held in the neighborhood of Antietam, when. Otterbein was present and preached. " Not all who were present at these Antietam meetings at which Otterbein was present and preached, have even at this time gone to their long home. The writer last year heard from *Drury's Life of Otterbein, p. 244. 62 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN. living lips the account of these glorious seasons. The children were told to hurry and get their work done, as there was to be a great meeting and Father Otterbein was coming. When from any cause the meeting Avas to be held in the church, the children were left at home to give room for the older people. . . Down to the present time the great meetings at Antietam, now Keedysville, though modified somewhat of late, have been regularly held.'' * Mr. Otterbein came to this country as a minister of the German Reformed Church. After his varied expe- riences at Lancaster, he met with indifference, not to say opposition on the part of the Mother Church. This was more or less at all points until he came to Balti- more. Here he had charge of an independent church whose work and methods and doctrines were not in keeping with those of the Reformed Church. He sought to bring into the church only those who had experienced the pardon of their sins, and to lead those already members into a richer spiritual life. The establishing of class meetings, prayer meetings and the introduction of lay preaching were some of the means which Provi- dence seemed to be using for the upbuilding of His king- dom, and these were among the things which awakened opposition on the part of his Reformed brethren. According to the testimony of the Reformed Church itself, such innovations on the part of its preachers could not but awaken opposition. Says Dr. Nevin, "experimental religion in all its forms was eschcAved as a new fangled invention of cunning imposters, brought in to turn the heads of the Aveak, and to lead captive silly Avomen. Praj^er meetings Avere held to be a *Life of Otterbein, p. 248. FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 03 spiritual abomination. Family worship was a species of saintly afifectation, barely tolerable in the cases of ministers (thougli many of them gloried in having no altar in their houses), but absolutely disgraceful for common Christians. To show an awakened conscience on the subject of religion, a disposition to call on God in daily secret prayer, was to incur certain reproach. . . The picture it must be acknowledged is dark, but not more so than the trutli of history would seem to require." The same writer says of Otterbein : " He was a good man who seems to have been drawn into a false position by the cold dead temper that he found gener- ally prevalent in the regular church." Mr. Otterbein it seems did sustain a double relation, one of whicli was merely nominal. During the last twenty-five years of his life he was jiresent at the Reformed Synod but three times, and these before the year 1800. After this he was never present. While pas- tor of an independent church he could not have been con- sidered a member of good standing in the Synod. Mr: Geeting was expelled in 1804. Both these men were guilty of the same irregularities, but Mr. Otterbein paid no attention to the Sjmod's action. The}'^ had been and were afterwards warm personal friends, and Mr. Otterbein approved the labors and course of Mr. Geeting. At the meeting of the Synod held in Balti- more in 1806, Mr. Otterbein was present when invited by a special committee. " When he arrived, an oppor- tunity was given him to speak. He arose and addressed the Synod in a most feeling manner, and strove to impress the minds of the ministers present with the importance of experimental religion, of the 64: PHILIP WILLIAM ottp:kuein. new birth, and the great necessit}' of preaching to the people distinctly and plainly, as men who must give account to God. Mr. Becker, pastor of the German Reformed Church in Baltimore, arose and opposed the views he had advanced, and answered him roughl}'. Mr. O. heard lihu through, with his accustomed meek- ness, and then taking his cane and hat, he bid the preachers farewell, bowed and retired never to return again." * At another time he met Mr. Becker, who said unto him : " The Synod will certainly exclude you, I am determined to have you expelled, we can not suffer such wicked fanaticism among us." To this Otterbein replied, " The Synod is too late ; the exclusion is ])asV Dr. Benjamin Km^tz has left the following testimony : " During the latter part of his life he was no longer regarded as a minister of the German Reformed Church." The probability .seems to be that he did not of his own accord ask to have his name taken from the rec- ords of the Synod of the Reformed Church, and he was " too heavy " for them to exclude him. In his case he did not see any impropriety in preaching the word to earnest people in his own and other churches, and in organizing them into bands for their own spiritual cul- ture. It might have been his faith that God would so awaken these dead churches that the members could in a short time go back into the fold without the spiritual life being frozen out of them. But God led him and others in a path which they did not foresee, and he had the good sense to allow God to control. While his name may have remained on the records of the Synod, * Lawrence, p. 260. FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 65 his lieart, his counsel, his sympathies were all ^yith the people, who were standing for true vital piety, and his former church relations gave him but little concern. On the 25th of September, 1800, the first of the regular series of annual conferences was held at the house of Peter Kemp, near Frederick City, Md. New- comer gives us a sketch of the conference : " Found Father Otterbein, Boehm, and twelve other }))'eachers there. The conference was opened with singing and prayer by Otterbein and Boehm. The former gave a powerful exhortation. Then were all the brethren present separately examined respecting their progress in the divine life and their success and industry in preaching." 26th — " This forenoon Father Otterbein preached from Amos iv. 12. Boehm spoke after him. After transacting some other business the conference closed with prayer." Brief minutes of this early con- ference have been kept ; they are introduced with the preface. " Here now follow that from the year 1800, the United Brotherhood in Christ Jesus, until 1800 the United , have done in their annual conferences for the government of preachers and church members." At this conference those who had been acting as super- visors of the work were unanimously elected bishops. Henry Boehm (son of Martin Boehm), who was pres- ent, says of this conference : " It was important in many respects. First, they resolved to call them- selves, " The Church of the United Brethren in Christ." Second, they elected bishops for the first time ; Wil- liam Otterbein and Martin Boehm (my father) were unanimously chosen. Here were assembled their great men." * By this we are not to understand that previous *Boehm's Reminisences, p. 55. 5 66 PHILIP AVILLIAM OTTERBEIN. to tliis time they had no chief, but that now for the first time they are formally elected.* These were re- elected in 1805. In the minutes of the session of 1802, we find this peculiar item. " In regard to the keeping of a register of the names of the private members, it was found that out of twelve votes, nine were against the motion. So Avith consent the matter was dropped." This super- stitious notion, if we may call it such, of not reporting the names nor keeping a record of membership, lasted a very long time. A young man who joined the con- ference in Ohio in 1838, either at that time or soon after, ventured to inquire of one of the old fathers, as to how many members there were in the United Breth- ren Church, and his inquiring spirit was gratified by the old father looking him in the face, and solemnly saying to him, " My young brother, the children of God must never be numbered." The conference was held annually. The preachers were becoming better acquainted, circuits were formed and the preachers arranged to travel them. The bish- ops were looking more closely after the work, holding meetings and instructing the people. Otterbein attended them and preached as he could. JN"ewcomer makes fre- quent allusions to this in his brief records, "May 14th, Father Otterbein preached this forenoon with such power and grace, that almost every soul on the ground seemed to be pierced to the heart." In 1802 Otterbein was at the meeting at Antietam. Saj^s Newcomer, '' Father Otterbein preached the first sermon." At the conference in 1803, held in Cumberland Count}^, Penn- sylvania, Mr. Otterbeiii preached "as usual, a A^ery * Spayth, 83. ■ """ riKST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 67 powerful and interesting discourse/" "May 29th (1805), to-day our annual conference convened at Brother Jacob Baulus', twenty-one preachers were present. Father Otterbein and Martin Boehm were elected presidents [bishops]." "To-day Father Otterbein preached in Hagerstown, in the German Reformed Church. Oh, what feelings penetrate my soul whenever I hear this old servant of Christ declare the counsel of Christ. In depth of erudition, perspicuity of thought and plain- ness of language, he is unique and matchless." This w^as his last conference. After this time his age and weakened condition would not allow him to leave Baltimore. In December, 1805, Kewcomer learned that " Father Otterbein was very ill." On the 17th he writes, " this morning Otterbein "svas somewhat better. We had a long conversation together; among other things he said, ' if we would onl}^ prove faithful to the work that was so auspiciously begun, the Lord would certainly be with us and continue unto us his blessings.' " About this time Otterbein's church made the following record : " It was found that our preacher was too old to attend the meetings and to act as president, and Peter Hoff- man was elected president ^ro temjporeP Mr. Otterbein's advice and counsel is still needed, and when he is too old to travel and preach and assist the peojjle, the people and the preachers must come to him; and so they do. Newcomer says, "April 16th, 1808 — "We rode thirty-eight miles to Baltimore. I lodged with Father Otterbein. Sunday 17th — This forenoon Brother Geeting preached ; I gave an exhortation. Otter- bein and Geeting administered the sacrament. In the afternoon I preached, yet Otterbein could still preach." 08 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEKBEIN. In December,1809, Mr. IS^ewcomer was in Baltimore, ana heard him preach with great powxr and unction from on high. Bishop Asbury spent the evening of March 22, 1813, with Otterbein. He writes in his journal: " I gave an evening to the great Otterbein ; I found him happy and placid in God." Henry Boehm, wdio was with Asbury, says: " This was an evening I shall ever remem- ber; two noble souls met, and their conversation was rich and full of instruction. They had frequently met before ; this was their last interview on earth." June 19, Newcomer says : '' Found Father Otterbein weak and feeble in body, but his mental powers strong as ever." Yet his strength was gradually giving way. Kev. Mr. Schaffer, one of his Lancaster County con- verts, having come to Baltimore, Otterbein was relieved from preaching. "When the news of his failing health w^as rumored abroad, there was a desire that formal ordination should be given to some of the brethren who had been preaching, in order that hereafter their way might not be hedged in after he should be removed. Joseph Hoffman proposed to Newcomer that they go to Baltimore and receive ordination at the hands of Otterbein. The matter had not troubled Newcomer's mind, but he consented, and they reached Baltimore October 1st. The ordination took place on the 2nd of October. The Testry of the church, Kev. William Eyland, of the M. E. Church, and the candidates assembled at the par- sonage. Mr. Otterbein was lifted from his bed and placed in a chair, from which place he addressed the candidates. After an earnest and tender exhortation to them, he invoked God's blessing upon them, FIRST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 69 and having been assisted to his feet, he placed his hands on the heads of the candidates and solemnly repeated the ordination service. This was the last public act of a long and faithful ministry. On the following day, Hoffman and Newcomer preached in Otterbein's church, and administered the sacrament. On Monday, the 4th, they left the city. He urged them to be faithful, and if so, God would use them to carry on the work so well begun. His last words to them were ; " Farewell ! If any inquire after me, tell them I die in the faith I have preached." During the following weeks until the middle of November, he gradually grew worse. He suffered much from an asthmatic affection, which grew worse as the end approached. The last prayer which he heard was offered by Dr. Kurtz, of the Lutheran Church, at the close of which he responded, "Amen! amen! It is finished." He began to sink away after this, but rallied again, said slowly and distinctly : "Jesus, Jesus, I die, but Thou livest, and soon I shall live with Thee." Turning to his friends, he said, " Tlie conflict is over and past. I begin to feel an unspeak- able fullness of love and peace divine ; lay my head upon my pillow and be still." Spayth further says : " Stillness reigned in the chamber of death ; no, not of death — the chariot of Israel had come. ' See,' said one, ' how sweet, how easy he breathes.' A smile, a fresh glow, lighted up his countenance ; and, behold, it was death : He taught us how to live, and oh ! too high A price of knowledge, taught us how to die. Otterbein died as he had lived, with commanding composure and subdued greatness." 70 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTERBEIN. He died on Wednesday, November 17th, at 10 o clock in the morning. His funeral occurred the fol- lowing Saturday. His funeral sermon was preached by Eev. J. D. Kurtz, of the Lutheran Church, his faith- ful friend, and for twenty-seven years his co-laborer in Baltimore, from Matt. xx. 8 : " Call the laborers and give them their hire." This discourse having been in the German language, Kev. William Ryland, of the Methodist Church, spoke in the English. Most of the ministers of the city and a large concourse of people were present. None of the United Brethren ministers took part in the funeral services. New- comer, Hoffman, and others were engaged elsewhere. When Newcomer reached home and heard of Otter- bein's death, he wrote: "He is called to his everlast- ing home, where he rests from his labors and his works do follow him." When Asbury heard of his death, he exclaimed : " Is Father Otterbein dead ? Great and good man of God, an honor to his Church and country. One of the greatest scholars and divines that ever came to America, or was born in it. Alas ! the chiefs of the Germans are gone to their rest and reward from the evil to come." Otterbein's remains are deposited in the City of Baltimore, and Churchyard on Howard's Hill. In entering the gate, immediateh^ in front of the church, from Conway street, the passage to the church leads through a small yard called Otterbein's graveyard, there the sainted father of blessed memory, lies alone, there being no other grave in this apartment. The grave is adorned with two plain marble slabs, the upper one resting on four pillars of marble, with the follow- ing inscription : FIKST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 71 Here Rest the Remains of William Otterbein. He was born June 4th, 1726; Departed this life Nov. 17th, 1813, Aged 87 years 5 months and 13 days. " Blessed are the dead wliich die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them:" In the Ministry Sixty-two Years. Four months after the death of Otterbein, Mr. As- bury by request of his own Conference and the bereaved congregation, delivered in Otterbein's own church a discourse in memory of the departed. He makes this note in his journal : "By request, I discoursed on the character of the angel of the church of Philadelphia in allusion to William Otterbein, the holy, the great Otter- bein whose funeral discourse it was intended to be. Solemnity marked the silent meeting in the German church, where were assembled the members of our Con- ference and many of the clergy of the city. Forty years have I known the retiring modesty of this man of God, towering majestic above his fellows in learning, wisdom and grace, yet seeking to be known only to God and to the people of God." Dr. Benjamin Kurtz, of the Lutheran church, says of him : "Otterbein that true and living witness, whose memory I hold dear and cherish in my heart of hearts, was still laboring with faith and patience, and with great success, when I commenced preaching the gospel: but a short time before my arrival in Baltimore the Master had called him home. The pious part of the community still delighted in calling to mind his unctious sermons, his holy walk and conversation, and his won- 72 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEKBEIN, derful success in winning sinners from the error of their ways, as well as in encouraging the weak and building up believers. The devotion and enthusiasm with which those who had been converted under his preaching, spoke of his power in the pulpit, of his spirit and holy conversation in personal intercourse, and of his untiring labor to lead sinners to Christ, was really refreshing and filled my heart with love and admiration for that chosen and distinguished servant of the Lord. I know a num- ber of the early preachers who had been converted by Ottei'bein's instrumentality, and preached in company witli some of them on funeral and other occasions. They were all men of God, though not learned like Ot- terbein (who was a scholar as well as a saint,) they were faithful, devoted, and eminently usefuL If ever there was a true revival preacher Otterbein was one." Dr. Zacliarias, pastor of the Reformed Church at Frederick, Maryland, wrote in 1847, as follows: ''Mr. Otterbein was a ripe scholar and a devoted and pious man, who lived in God and God in him. By his agen- cy a new life was brought into the Church, at first as a mustard seed, but later a tree whose branches afforded a grateful resting place for many. He was respected and revered even by those who disapproved of his measures, and throughout life his character stood un- sullied by a single stain." Henry Boehm, the son of the Bishop, describes him as he saw him at the Conference of 1800 : "In form he was tall, being about six feet high, with a noble frame, and a commanding appearance. He had a thoughtful open countenance, full of benignity and a dark bluish eye that was very expressive. In reading the lesson he used spectacles which he would take off and hold in his FIKST BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 73 left hand while speaking. He had a liigh forehead, a double chin with a beautiful dimple in the center. His locks were gray, his dress parsonic." Mr. John Hildt gives his first impression of him as follows : "It was on Good Friday, in the forenoon^ when, by the persuasion of a friend, I entered the church where he officiated. A venerable, portly old man, above six feet in height, erect in posture, apparently about seventy -five years of age, stood before me. He had a remarkably high and prominent forehead, gray hair fell smooth down both sides of his head, on his temples; his eyes were large, blue and piercing, and sparkled with the fire of love that warmed his heart. In his appearance and manners there was nothing repulsive, but all was attractive and calculated to com- mand the most profound attention and reverence. lie opened his lips in prayer to Jehovah. Oh, what a voice, what a prayer ! Every word thrilled my heart. I had heard many prayers, but never before one like this. As he preached every sentence smote me. A tremor at length seized on my whole frame, tears streamed from my eyes, and, utterly unable to restrain myself, I cried aloud." " The true explanation of his devoted life and sustained labors is to be found in his deep perceptions of the moral contrasts presented in the Scriptures- He ap- preciated the unspeakable difference between a soul unrenewed and a soul renewed. The difference was one of quahty, fundamental character, not one of moral shading. By the aid of the Scriptures he read moral truth in its primitive causes. He saw that the differ- ence between unbelievers and Christians must be carried on the part of Christians to a jo3"ful and assured knowl- 74 PHILIP WILLIAM OTTEEBEIN. edge of salvation. He regarded this as necessary, not only for the proper joy and comfort of believers, but also as necessary for the triumphs of the Church. To deny the possibility of this assurance was to go against the Scriptures, and to cast away the essential consisten- cy of Christianity. Why should not so great a change as that from death unto life, from the despair to the favor of God, have a Vv itness in man's inmost experience? From such perceptions there could be but one result. Could any man have this deejD and living view of moral qualities and conditions — qualities and conditions so boldly presented and so strikingly contrasted in the Scriptures — and remain an ordinary Christian or an ordinary force in the work of saving men? "Mr. Otterbein's place in history is becoming more clear and his name more honored as the years go by. The ideas that he sought to advance are now firmly throned in the heart of the Church. The ideas of a con- scious experience of the grace of God, a spiritual Church- membership, a converted ministry, and the social ele- ments in religious life, are no longer symbols of divis- ions in the Church. But the world does not forget those that won for these ideas their recognized place. Revivals, the promotion of which required in him the martyr spirit, have now an open field and the authority of multitudes of the greatest names." Martin Boehm. MARTIN BOEHM, SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. SAYS the historian: " Before the rise of Luther and Calvin, there lay concealed in all the centers of Europe many persons who adhered tenaciously to the doctrines which the Waldenses and Hussites had main- tained, that the kingdom of Christ, or the visible Church which he established upon earth, ought to be inaccessi- ble to the wicked and unrighteous." That the Church might be a holy Church, separate from the world was the unceasing prayer of many good men of that day, as it is the constant prayer of good men to-day. One of the men, who at that day stood for a firm faith and a pure church, and whose name is honored by a goodly following in our own and other lands, was born in Freisland in 1505. He was trained for the office of priest in the Catholic Church ; but soon after he be- gan his work a diligent study of the Holy Scriptures produced his spiritual enlightenment and finalh'- his conversion. The martyrdom of some of the Anabap- tists about him elicited his sympathy, and no doubt helped to bring him into the light. To leave the Church into which he had been born, and to accept the shame, and obloquy and persecution, which were sure to come upon him, was no easy thing for a sensitive and tender- hearted man to do. Of his conversion he says, "I be- sought my God with sighing and tears, that to me, a troubled sinner, He would grant the gift of His grace ; that He would endue me with wisdom, spirit, frankness, 75 76 - MAETIN BOEHM, and manly fortitude, so that I might preach His name, and holy word, unadulterated, and proclaim His truth to His praise. At length the great and gracious Lord, perhaps after the course of nine months, extended to me His fatherl}' spirit, help and mighty hand, so that I freely abandoned at once my character, honor, and fame which I had among men, and put myself willingly in all trouble and poverty, under the pressing cross of Christ my Lord," From this period to the end of his life ; that is, during a space of twenty-five years, he travelled from one country to another, exercising his ministry under a series of pressures and calamities of various kinds, and constantly in danger of falling a victim to the severity of the laws. Anxious to spread his views of Divine truth, he travelled far and near. He travelled in Freis- lancl, Holland and Germany to make converts. Under his prudent and energetic labors, many of the chosen ones were gathered into a well-organized Church, whose doctrines and practices seemed much more in accord- ance with the teaching of Scripture than those adopted by his contemporaries. In later years these simple, honest, inoffensive people were brutally slaughtered. Many of them left the Old World and found homes in Lancaster and other counties in Pennsylvania, wherein the Providence of God some of these men early became associated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. One of these was Martin Boehm. Martin Boehm was born in Lancaster county. Pa., November 30, a. d. 1725, the year preceding the birth of Otterbein. His grandfather, Jacob Boehm, a native of Switzerland was a member of the Peformed Church. It was the custom in Switzerland for those who liad com- SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 77 pleted a trade, to travel three years through the coun- try as itinerant journeymen so as to perfect themselves in their work. While on a trip of this kind he fell in with the Mennonites, became a convert to their doc- trines, and when he returned home his manner was so strano'e his friends could not understand him. His experience of the formal religion which he saw around him, his boldness in reproving some, soon raised a storm of persecution. He was a heretic, and these were hunted down with great ferocity. The favorite mode of punishing them, especially at Berne was by drown- ing. This manner of death was deemed the most ap- propriate, because it was only baptizing them in their own wav. In 1533 the council published an edict an- nouncing that they should be left in peace if they would keep their belief to themselves and maintain silence ; but tliat if they continued to preach and keep up a sep- arate sect, they should not be any more condemned to death, but only to perpetual imprisonment on bread and water. His father, when he learned of his son's conduct, was very much excited. The young man was convicted of heresy and sentenced to prison. An older brother was appointed to conduct him to the place of confine- ment. He was not watched very closely, and as they were near the line he fled into Holland, where he was free from his persecutors, and in a land where liberty of worship was accorded to Christians of all denomi- nations. He settled here, became a lay elder among the Mennonites, married and had several children, the third of whom was named Jacob, and was the father of the subject of our sketch. This Jacob came to Amer- ica in 1715. He first went to Germantown, then to Y8 MARTIN BOEHM, Conestoga township, Lancaster county, where he finally settled. Here he married a Miss Kendig. Like his father, he became an elder in the Mennonite Society. He soon bought a farm and built himself a house. He was the first blacksmitli in all that section. When necessary, the wife Avould leave her work and blow and strike for him. They had a number of sons and daugh- ters. Martin was the 3^oungest of these. "What knowledge he possessed would be that ob- tained from his home teaching, and his contact with his Church, and not from the schools, for the latter must have been very scarce and very feeble. These men who had suffered persecution for their religious faith, and had fled from home and fatherland to enjoy it, would be very sure to indoctrinate their children with the same belief. AVhile a German, and trained to the use of the German language, in later years he learned to read and converse in the English language. His son describes him as a short, stout man, with a vigorous constitution, an intellectual countenance and a full flowing beard, which gave him a fine patriarchal appearance. He had strong common sense and well understood the science of family government. He was married, in 1753, to Eve Seiner, who was born on Christmas day, 1734, and therefore was nine years younger than he. Her ancestors, also, originally came from Switzerland. Martin inherited the home farm, and in 1756 built himself a house, in which all of his children were born, and in which others have been born into the kingdom. There were eight children born to them, of whom the youngest, Henry, became a prominent minister in the Methodist church. The son says, "My mother was a noble woman, and to my SECOND BISHOP OF THE UKITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 79 parents I am, under God, indebted for what I am on earth and all I hope to be in heaven." The son, long after, says of this home of his youth, "My early advantag-es for religious instruction were great. I was brought up in the nurture and admoni- tion of the Lord. Morning and evening the old family Bible was read and prayer was offered; my father's voice still echoes in my ears. My mother, too, had much to do in moulding my character, and shaping my destiny. One evening as I returned home, I heard a familiar voice engaged in prayer; I listened and it was my mother. Among other things she prayed for her children, and mentioned Henry, her youngest son. The mention of my name broke my heart and melted me into contrition; tears rolled down my cheeks, and I felt the importance of complying with the command of God: 'My son, give me thine heart.'" In 1756, Martin Boehm, when thirty -one years of age, was nominated to the ministry, and chosen by lot, as was the custom in the Mennonite church. He had no wish' for this place. He earnestly besought his brethren to nominate some one better than himself. This was not done, and the time came when each one nominated was to step forth and take a book. I stepped out with trembling, saying inwardh^, "Lord, not me, I am too poor." The books were opened and the lot was his. Believing that this fell by divine appoint- ment, he did not feel at liberty to dissent or refuse, but felt constrained to take upon himself the office of the ministry as best he could. Mr. Spayth gives Mr. Boehm's own statement of his condition as given to him: "According to our usage, it was not expected for me to preach immediately there- ■/, 80 MA.ETIN BOEHM, after, because our elder preacher was still able to preach, but it was my duty to assist him in preaching and exhortation, as God would give me ability. I had been reading the Scriptures much, but now read them still more and with care, in order to impress their read- ing on my memory, so that 1 might have something wherewith to preach or exhort. Sunday came; the elder brother preached, and in attempting to follow him by a word of exhortation I failed, although for some two years past I had been giving testimony at the close of the sermons, and frequently concluded the meeting. I continued reading. Tlie next Sabbath I was requested to take part and rose up, but could say little or nothing; I had charged my mind and memory with some Script- ure passages, but when wanted could not bring them to my recollection; I prayed to the Lord to assist me in retaining His word and strengthen me in my great weakness, that to some extent at least, I might an- swer his call. "Some months passed in this way, but it came not. This state began deeply to distress me. To be a preacher and yet have nothing to preach or to say, but to stammer out a few words and then be obliged to talie my seat in shame and remorse. I had faith in prayer, and prayed more frequently. While thus engaged in praying earnestly for aid to preach, the thought rose up in my mind, or as though one spoke to me, saying, 'You pray for grace to teach others the way of salvation, and you have not prayed for your own salvation.' This thought, or word, did not leave me. My salvation followed me wherever I went; I felt constrained to pray for myself, and while praying for myself my mind became alarmed. I felt and saw my- SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 81 self a poor sinner — I was lost. My agony became great, I was ploughing in the field and kneeled down at each end of the furrow to pray The word lost, lost, went every round with me. Midway in the field I could go no further, but sank behind the plough, crying, 'Lord, save, I am lost'; and again the thought, as voice, said, 'I am come to seek and to save that which is lost.' In a moment a stream of joy was poured over me. I pi aised the Lord, and left the field and told my companions what joy I felt., "As before I wished the Sabbath far off, now I wished it was to-morrow. Sunday came, the elder brother preached, and I rose to tell my experience since my call to the ministry. When speaking of my lost estate and agony of mind, I soon began to work on the congregation. This gave me encouragement to speak of our fallen and lost condition, and of repentance. The Sabbath following it was the same and much more. Before I was done I found myself in the midst of the congregation where some I saw were weeping aloud. "This caused considerable commotion in our church as well as among the people generally. It was all new — : none of us had ever seen or heard it before. A new creation appeared to rise up before me and around me. I^ow Scripture, before mysterious and like a dead letter to me, was plain of interpretation — was all spirit, all life. " Like a dream, old things had passed away, and it seemed as if I had aAvoke to a new life, new thoug-hts, new faith, new love. I rejoiced and praised God with my whole heart. This joy, this faith, this love, I wished to communicate to those around me, but when speaking thereof in public or in private, it made different im- 82 • MARTIN BOEHM pressions on different persons. Some gave a mournful look, some sighed and wept and would say, ' Oh, Martin, are we indeed lost ? ' Yes, man is lost, Christ will never find us till we know that we are lost. My wife was the next lost sinner that felt the same jcy, the same love." It was a rich treat to hear this father in Israel tell of his call to the ministry ; how he shrank from it when proposed, and how it resulted in his finding Jesus, the lost sinner's friend, and the joy he felt when the burden of sin was taken away. Of this he loved to speak in his old age, and would recur to it with an animation peculiar to himself. To see his eyes light up, and his whole countenance assume for the time a youthful ap- pearance in contrast with his snowy locks and white beard, was a sight; a pen dipped in liquid light could not describe it ; it had to be seen to be appreciated. He would say, " Now I oia a. servant, a. child of God. When this took place I knew of no one who had felt and en- joyed the sweet influence of the love of God in the heart but Nancy Keagy, my mother's sister. In our family connection and in her immediate neighborhood she was known as a very pious woman, and she was pious." Boehm's conversion and his evangelical preaching occurred in 1758. He was made a preacher in full standing in 1759. While his preaching was new to his Mennonite brethren, they did not seemingly oppose him. Along with the other Germans who had left Pennsyl- vania about the middle of the century, and moved to what was then called New Virginia, were many Men- nonite families. Some of his own relatives were among this number. Owing to the sparseness of the popula- SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 83 tion, they had but little preaching and ver}" seldom from men of their own denomination. Some of the converts of Whitefield found their way into this section, and began to preach a present salvation. Some of the Mennonites became seriously affected by this " New- light preaching," and they needed the advice and pres- ence of those in whom they had confidence, namely, their own preachers. Boehm was called at this time, and was anxious to go. that he might find this truth more fulW. A single example will show the condition of things that prevailed. A daughter of a Mr. Keller, weighed down with a sense of her lost condition, became almost distracted. The father, a kind-hearted man was sure she was sick, but her answer was, "My heart is sick." The father could not help her ; there was no one to ad- vise or counsel. At this crisis Boehm arrived. After salutations had passed and refreshments had been taken, Boehm, in conversation with Keller, inquired how mat ters stood in religion. Keller replied, " Most of us are doing well, but some new doctrines have of late been preached by men hereabout, which has caused some dis- turbance among us." " And what do these men preach ? " " What they preach is rather more than I can tell 3^ou, but it is dif- ferent from what we have ever heard. Our daue^hter, about two months since, was at their meetinir, and has not been like herself since." "And for two months she has been at no preaching? " " ISTo, we could not think of letting her go, and have wished she had never heard those people; and as we have written you, there are others of your people just like her, melancholy and de- jected, and all we can get them to say is, ' We are lost, 84 MARTIN BOEHM, we have no true religion,' and for this reason we have sent for yoa, believing that they would be advised bv our own preachers and dismiss their gloomy thoughts." "And where is that daughter of yours?" ''Why," answered the mother, "there you see she is, and has not spoken a word to any of us to-day." Boehm now moved his chair to her side and sought to draw from herself the state and exercises of her mind. She listened to him for some time in silence, breathing at intervals a deep sigh. Soon the fountain of her tears was opened again, and she began to weep aloud, and said : " Is it possible that you, a stranger, know what I have felt and suffered for weeks, and you believe that I am a sinner, that I am lost? " " Yes, I know this, my daughter, but I know Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost, and he is come to find you and to save you to-night yet. Do you believe in Jesus ? " "Yes, I believe Jesus Christ lives; but have I not offended him ? Will he not come and judge the world and me ? Oh that Jesus would save me ! " " Come," said Boehm, " we will kneel down and pray." The}'^ knelt down. The agony of Miss Keller was great, she cried : " Lord save, or I perish ! " " Yes," said Boehm, " hold to that ; he will save, and that speedily." And so it was ; she was blessed and all her sorrow was gone — dissolved in joy. Seeing this, her mother cried out : "Martin! Mar- tin ! what have you done ? Why did you come ? What will become of us now ? " " Yes," replied her husband. " what will become of us ? We, too, are lost." That night was a night of mourning and a night of SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 85 jo}^ for that home ; for the morning light found them all rejoicing in the love of God. Mr. Boehm went to Virginia to help others, but was very much helped and encouraged himself by what he saw and heard. What he saw confirmed him more and more in the truthfulness of the experience through which he had just passed. Fear of offending his breth- ren was now gone, and he was more courageous than ever to speak the truth. "We became satisfied that men everywhere must repent, and that this repentance must be accompanied by a godly sorrow deeply felt ; and that there can be no rest, no peace, no hope, and no faith without it." He had news to tell of what he had witnessed in Virginia ; things which he had never witnessed before, and the recital of which carried con- viction to many hearts. During the two years which followed, he preached with unusual power and success, God was with him by the influence of the Spirit, and many lost persons were brought to a knowledge of the truth. Sabbath preaching was not enough to satisfy the wants of those who had been awakened, so he began to preach on week-days and during the evenings. The time seemed to be ripening for an awakening among the people, and this man was being helped for it by improving the opportunities as they came to him to meet the wants of those who already were thirsting for a better life. As a result of his trip to Virginia, some of the New-light preachers, to whom reference has already been made, came at intervals into Lancaster County, Pa. Sometimes they preached in English and some- times in German; they were of great service in awaking the ])eo[)le, but their woi-k did not, as in tlie case of 86 MAETIN BOEHM, Otterbem and Boehm, result in any permanent organ- ization. At this time it was more or less common to hold what were then called great meetings. These were simply gatherings of people who had similar beliefs and experiences, where pi'eachers of different church communities would preach and exhort. They were held in barns, houses, in the woods, as was most con- venient, and lasted for about two days. These Virginia preachers aided Mr. Boehm in holding these great meetings. Rev. Samuel Huber, thus describes one of these " Big Meetings." " It was no uncommon thing for a brother farmer to give out an appointment for a big meeting to be held at his house, and it was expected as a matter of course, that the people attending it should have some- thing to eat while there. For this reason provision for the people and provender for the horses were prepared in sufficient quantities to meet the wants of the expected assemblage. It was not considered a strange thing among United Brethren, for the brother at whose house the meeting Avas to be held, to slaughter a few hogs, sheep or calves and, on extra occasions, a beef, and to have a quantity of bread, cakes and pies baked, with bushels of potatoes and other vegetables, ready for use. "In addition to these preparations, one indispen- sable item in the farmer's utensils needed for such an occasion was a large table, from ten to twenty feet in length, and from four to five feet in breadth. The top of it was made of good old tough oak or pine boards from one to two inches in thickness. These were placed upon a frame supported by feet made of oak or pine scantling from three to four inches square. The table SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 87 was then decorated with large pewter and earthen dishes, and bowls, which were placed in the centre as receptacles for eatables, and out of which the consumers were supplied. " These big meetings were attended by crowds of people. Some came from a great distance. The hosts^ at whose houses the meetings were held were not scared when they saw carriages, wagons, and vehicles of all sizes, then in use, drawn by four-legged animals, and loaded with saints and sinners coming to the meet- ings. Some came to see, and to be seen ; others to hear preaching. In man}^ instances from one to two hundred persons were entertained and fed during the meeting, together with their horses. At the meeting at Daniel Whistler's, before referred to, upwards of four hundred persons took dinner at his house on the Sabbath. " But while the brethren were thus holding meet- ings and entertaining people free of charge at their houses, it was often remarked by other persons in respect to a certain individual, that he would be eaten out of house and home in a short time. Now, I do not wish to say that a person who is distinguished for hos- pitality may not in some instances become bankrupt through miscalculated speculations or unforeseen cir- cumstances. But so far as my personal knowledge extends, I have never known a person who became poor in worldly affairs hy giving of his substance to the cause of God. " There once resided in Lancaster Countv, Pa., a brother whose house was a general rendezvous for preachers and other persons. Father Newcomer said to him at one time that he thought the preachers Avere 88 MARTIN BOEHM, becoming too hard on him by putting up at his house too often. To this the brother replied : ' If you want me to get rich in the' world, just send me as many people as you can, I will entertain them free of charge and be glad to do it.' He carried out the measure of hospitality to its full extent by entertaining all .who came to him, and they were not a few. He increased in woi:ldly riches to a great extent, and fully realized the declaration of Scripture, ' He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given shall be returned to him again.' " It was by such means as those referred to, that the United Brethren shed a salutary influence around them, and prevailed on the people to come to their meetings. They counted it full pay for their trouble and expense, when sinners were converted and be- lievers were established in the faith. The same spirit of hospitality exists among many of them at this day." * One of tliese great meetings was held on the farm of Israel Long, who lived about six miles northeast of Lancaster. It was held in a barn. The build- ing is still standing. It was built of stone, about 180 feet long and of proportionate width. It contained, on the floor above the basement, six mows. There were three of the Long brothers who Avere converts from the Mennonites, under Boehm's preaching. They were prosperous farmers, who soon became interested in the new faith. At the meeting held at Isaac Long's, parties were present from Lan- caster, York and Lebanon Counties, belonging to the Lutheran, German Keformed, Mennonite, and possibly * Huber's AiUobiut,rapliy, pp. 214-216. SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 89 other Churches. One of the Yirginia preachers before mentioned was present. Most of those who S3anpa- thized with the new movement were, no doubt, brought into the light through the labors of Otterbein and Boehm, On such an occasion an unusual interest would be manifested. When these people assembled on similar occasions the presence of the Holy Spirit was expected and sought, and He did not disappoint the wishes of the people. Otterbein and Boehm had never met before. Otterbein is now present, whether by invitation of Boehm or of his own choosing we do not know. His preaching before this had brought him within a short distance of Mr. Boehm's residence, bat the sad memories of the cruel persecutions in Switzerland and the great difference existing bitterly still between the German Reformed and Mennonite Churches, may ac- count for this lack of interest in each other. The barn, after being filled, would not contain the crowds of people. An overflow meeting was held outside, in an orchard, and addressed by a Virginia preacher. Not- withstanding the falling rain, the people listened with interest. Boehm preached inside the barn. As he arises to speak, we see a man of moderate height, with long, flowing beard and dressed in the plain, simple, unos- tentatious manner of the Mennonite people. Near him sits Otterbein, a larger man in size, of fine appear- ance, and dressed more in keeping with the customs of the day. These men are about fifty years of age, in the prime of life, and both of them wonderfully in earnest in leading men to the truth. Mr. Otterbein listened as Boehm unfolded the truth of the gospel, as he uttered with exulting freedom and I'esistless force 90 MARTIN BOEHM, truths that his own mind and soul, through deep pangs and struggles, had apprehended. As Boehm concluded his sermon, and before he could sit down, Mr. Otter- bein, moved by an overpowering conviction of new- found fellowship in the truth, clasped Boehm in his arms, and exclaimed " We are brethren !" In view of the ecclesiastical relations of these men, as well as their previous training and beliefs, the effect was wonderful. Unable to repress their emotions, some of the congre- gation praised the Lord aloud, but the greater part were bathed in tears, and all hearts seemed melted into one. The scene would form a picture worthy of the pen of the most skillful artist. Neither Martin Boehm nor any others of the workers at this time, so far as known to us, thought of cutting loose from their own church and proceeding to estab- lish a new organization. Surrounded as they were on all sides, by a dead formality, they seem to have been about as prudent as earnest spiritual teachers could be under such circumstances. An aggressive, spiritual- minded man must be Yery annoying to a body of church members who are resting in the form and have lost the power of the Spirit. These Mennonite brethren, although having come out from another church themselves, could not have the charity neces- sary to tolerate withm their pale a man who saw and taught the essential truths of Christianity in a manner different from that in which they saw and taught them ; and the way to prevent any trouble, was to cut him off from their household, which they proceeded to do. If he was sent of God to call these men to a higher spiritual life, they Avere not ready to leave the flesh- pots of Egypt, so they turned away from his call, and cast him out of their vineyard. SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 91 A communication sent out by the Mennonite bishops, ministers and deacons of Lancaster county and adjacent parts, giving reasons for the expulsion of Boelmi, has been preserved to us. There are in it tlie usual indications of a long struggle with considerable irritation. Mr. Boehm sought to satisfy his brethren, for he was not a troublesome man, and wanted peace and quiet. But they insisted that he must desist from the course which he had been pursuing, and this he could not do. The paper gives an ex parte statement of the case, and is better than could have been expected after so long a conflict. After an introduction it proceeds as follows : " Now, however, it is a well-known fact that between us and Martin Boehm there is, in many points, a difference of views, and we have, at times, for several years already, labored to become more of one mind, and to understand each other better, that we might be found faithful laborers in the Church of Christ; which, however, has not been accomplished, and the matter has from time to time become worse. For the reason, however, that the brotherhood do not possess as good a knowledge of the cause and origin of this disagreement between us, which consists of many things both in words and deeds, as we do (although many are not entirely unacquainted with it), we have concluded to write them and thus explain the matter. In the first place, in that in which we believe that he (Boehm) erred in the doctrine of Christ, he had a great deal to do with forming a union and associating with men (professors) who allow them- selves to walk on the broad way, preaching warfare and the swearing of oaths, both of which are in direct opposition to the truths of the gospel and the teachings of Christ." 92 MARTIN BOEHM, It is also stated that " he maintained that Satan was a benefit to man," and declared " that faith cometh from unbelief, life from death, and light from darkness." It is also stated that he said that the Scriptures might be burned, and that the " Mennonite ministers laid too much stress upon the ordinances." It is also said that the Church could no longer retain Boehm and his followers that had been members of the Church as brethren, and that they should be excluded from the communion and counsels of the brotherhood. The real reason for his expulsion was the part that he took in promoting revivals in different sections, and in his fellowshiping with those who belonged to other churches. Had the membership been anxious to retain in their number a man so pure, earnest and childlike as he was, a li ttle difference of opinion as to church order, would not have produced a separation, especially on the part of a man who was as prudent and discreet as was Boehm. There was nothing of the fanatical or wild enthusiast in his nature. When requested to desist from his course, " he said he could not, but if it could be shown to him he had done wronff, he would recall." When he was expelled he sang — "Oil! thou triumphant King, How did'st thou long to bring To man the hope of life and heaven: Thyself to death, for even me. Lord, thou hast given." After his expulsion he continued to preach yet more and more, and when his son was able to take charge of the home farm, he gave himself more generally to traveling and preaching. Having no settled chari^o, his itinerant labors were even more SECOND BISHOP OF THK UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 93 extensive than those of Otterbein. As the work grew and widened under the labors of each, there soon came a time when for the general good there should be more active cooperation, and henceforth their labors are united. At the first conference, held in 1789, in Otterbein's ])arsonage, Mr. Boehm, with others, was present. He had been formally expelled for the evangelical views which he held, and the methods which he practiced, hence he was now without eccle- siastical restraint. Before this time there had been on the part of Otterbein and Boehm, informal confer- ences with the lay preachers, at the great meetings. Otterbein and Boehm, because of their relations to these men and the societies, most of whom had reached their present positions through their labors, and because of their eminent fitness for the work, were universally accepted as the leaders of this movement. The following licenses will show the position held by them down to 1800: " We, the undersigned, hereby witness that David Snyder, in West Bans Fori Township, Cumberland County, Pa., stands among us as a preacher of the gospel, by our consent. " Given by us at Peter Kemp's, Frederick County, Md., September 24, 1801. " W. Otterbein, V. D. M. " Martin Boehm." Newcomer's journal covers but a small portion of the time when Boehm Avas an active preacher, but again and again, reference is made to his wonderful power and success. May 1, lT96,"In the afternoon Bro- ther Boehm gave an interesting discourse." May 4, "This morning we crossed the Schuylkill river; Brother Boehm, 94 MARTIN BOEHM, Kram, and two more were in compan3^" October 14, "This day a three days' meeting commenced at Brother Martin Boehm's." June 6, "I rode home with Brother Boehm; alter family prayers, when we were just about to retire to bed, a son of Brother Boehm's, who lives about nine miles distant, arrived at the home of his parents. He had lately embraced religion, had found the pearl of great price, was yet in his first love, of course very happy, so much so that he expressed himself in ecstacy of his enjoying heaven and the smiles of his Savior and Redeemer here on earth; his mother, Sister Boehm, was so rejoiced at the happiness of her youngest son, that she could not help shouting and praising God for the blessing. The father also got happy, and so we had a blessed time of it until after midnight." 1799, May 22, "Thursday a great multitude of people had assembled; Brother Boehm s])oke with uncommon power." May, Sunday, 25, "This morning Brother Boehm preached the first discourse with great power." May 26, "To-day Brother Boehm preached again before the sacrament on the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, with extraordinary power; every heart present was touched and tendered." Sunday, 81st,"This forenoon Father Boehm preached in Haieser's meeting house." September 2, "Father Boehm preached with great power. Sunday, 9th, "Father Boehm followed me. The word made a great impres- sion." 10th, "Father Boehm spoke to the people with uncommon power. The power of the Lord .came down." ' 11th, "Father Boehm followed me. He had not spoken long, when, quite unexpectedh'^, several persons rose simultaneously on their feet, clasping and shaking their hands, and shouting and praising God SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRJ:THREN IN CHRIST. 95 with ecstacy of joy/' 19th, "Father Boehra spoke with great zeal and power from these words, 'Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live. ' " Sunda}^ Tth, "Anotlier sermon was delivered by Father Boehra, and we had a blessed meeting." Sunday, 3d, "Father Boehm preached this forenoon with great power and effect." Sunday, 26th, "Father Boehm preached this morning with great power." And so the record goes on, page after page, showing how faithful an itinerant this man was, and how zealously he labored to build up the Master's kingdom. In 1800 the conference met at Peter Kemp's. Says Newcomer in his journal, "The conference was opened with singing and prayer by Otterbein and Boehm. The former gave a powerful exhortation. Then were all the brethren present separately examined in regard to their progress in the divine life, and their success and industry in preaching. This forenoon Father Otterbein preached from Amos iv., 12. Boehm spoke after him; after transacting some other business the conference closed with prayer." The first General Conference was made up in part of the same members who composed this, and they said of the former body, that, "they there united themselves into a society which bears the name of the United Brethren in Christ, and elected William Otterbein and Martin Boehm, as superintendents and bishops." Henry Boehm, who was present at the time says of tliis confer- ence: " They elected bishops for the first time ; William Otterbein and Martin Boehm, my father were unani- mously chosen." He was at this time seventy-five years of age. He was reelected in 1805. The following incidents have been preserved to us 96 MAETIN BOElIMj concerning this faithful man : " At one time, a certain Mr. ^V., being anxious to hear what this false prophet would say, after many forebodings and fears upon the subject, at length took courage to go and hear him ; such, however, was his apprehension of evil lest he should become sj^ell-hound and bewitched by the preacher that, with great caution, he took his seat be- hind the door, thinking, no doubt, should he feel the moving of the spell upon him, he could make a rapid egress before he would be completely bound up. Whilst hearing the word preached, he thought the whole dis- course was directed to him alone. He also afterwards blamed my father for telling the preacher all about him, although my father had not spoken to him upon the subject. But such were the effects of God's w^ord upon his heart that he became deeply concerned for the salvation of his soul. His convictions increased during some months. In the fall he had neglected to haul in his firewood, .and so was unprepared for winter. A heavy snow had fallen ; while pondering over his sit- uation it was suggested to his mind that as he had not made prej^aration for cold weather, even so he was also unprepared to meet death. His conviction became deeper. Feeling his Avretched condition, he fell upon his knees and wrestled with God until he found peace to his soul, and afterwards his wife and five children also embraced religion. Five of the family have since passed over Jordan, and the remaining two are still on their w^ay to Zion, giving thanks to God for having sent those loonderful preachers into their neighbor- hood. This is wdiat was called bewitching the people in those days. Such was the ignorance and prejudice of the times. SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 9Y " At a meeting held by Father Boehm, in the open field near York, Pa., a great many people attended. In those days men wore large boots and spurs. Among the attendants at the meeting was a certain Dr. Peter Senseny, who walked about the grounds having his legs ensconced within a large pair of riding boots and spurs. Father Boehm, in expiating on the wickedness of the times, exclaimed : ' Some per- sons are going to hell with boots and spurs on their legs ! ' These words entered the ears of Senseny with impressive force. Going to hell with boots and spurs ! Going to hell with boots and spurs ! continued to reverberate in his mind, producing serious reflections in regard to the course of his life ; and finding himself on the broad road to hell, ' he was convicted of the error of his ways, sought the Lord, and obtained a change of heart.' " * "At one time Mr. Boehm was to preach on the Conewago, Pa. Mr. Brand had offered him tlie use of his house. His neighbor, Mr. B. Carper, was highly offended that Brand should bring one of those so-called false prophets and deceivers among us; and the more so, as it was generally reported that they had such bewitching power over the people, that when they once get into a family, there was no knowing wdiere matters would end, as in many cases they had caught whole families." Carper concluded to make short work of such de- ceivers. " So, when Boehm came to preach at Brandt's house, I went there intending to kill him, and as I was a strong, stout man, not fearing half a dozen men at a time, I had made up niy mind how to take the preacher. * Huber, p. 14. 7 98 MARTIN BOEHM, When he would come out of the door after preaching, I intended to pounce upon him, and with one blow knock him down, then jump upon him and kill him. So, while he was preaching, 1 stood outside of the house, waiting until he would be done and come out; at the same time I was listening to his discourse. It appeared to me that Brandt had told Boehm about my- self, what sort of a man I was. The word preached went into my heart like arrows from a strong bow. In an instant a fearful trembling came over me. I took to my heels and ran home as fast as my legs could carry me. When I came to the house, my fears in- creased so much that I was at first afraid to enter it in the dark." He had a dreadful night. Next morning he took his axe and went to the woods, and saw a " bearded man" coming towards him. He threw away his axe and ran. When he reached the fence and went to leap over, "another bearded man'' met him. ''He took hold of me and pulled me down from off the fence. The first man then jumped upon me. It appeared that when these men held me down, the earth opened and 1 went down into hell. My body hij in that fence corner nearly the whole day. I knew nothing of this world during that time. After I recovered I found myself a new creature in Christ Jesus. I rejoiced that I was brought out of the thralldom of the devil, and liberated from hell when I thought the devil had me. After this I had no desire to kill the false prophets, so- called, but found them to be God's true preachers, who preached his word faithfull}'." * At an early day, perhaps about 1Y77, Methodist * Huber, p. 47, SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 99 preachers began to call at tlie house of Martin Boehm. He, like Otterbein, Geeting, Newcomer and others, was on the most friendly terms with these Christian people. Their chief work was among the English- speaking people, hence they grew more rapidly than did the Brethren. The wife of Boehm and some of his children united with them, and the son Henry became a preacher among them and a traveling companion to Bishop Asbury. After a time a chapel was built on land owned by Jacob Boehm, which had been deeded to him by his father. Both societies, the United Breth- ren and the Methodists, for some time enjoN'ed the freest use of the house for church services. From the earliest times the Methodists had rigid rules concerning admission to their class meetings and love feasts. Two or three times admission was all that was allowed, un- less they became members. The rules have been pretty strictly adhered to even in later years. In 1802 Martin Boehm's name was allowed to go on the class book as a nominal member, so he might have the privilege of attending their meetings. In 1809 terms of union were agreed upon, by means of which the members of one church could be admitted to sacraments, love feasts and class meetings of the other, upon a knowledge of the fact that they w^ere in good standing in their own churches. Boehm's name is signed with Geeting's and Newcomer's to the letter sent to the Methodist con- ference in 1809, Mr. Spa3'th's testimony on this matter seems very positive and direct: " Boehm told the writer of this arti- cle, that though his name was on the class book, he did not consider himself actually a member of the church, and gave as a reason, that his name was never placed 100 MARTIN BOEHM, on the papers either by his design or request. Now be it known then, that a meeting house was built on Boehm's own kind at an early day, to which he and the United Brethren had contributed freely, but it was managed by the Methodists, who but a short time be- fore had begun to preach in Lancaster count}^ The Methodists and the United Brethren then were like the Christians of old, one heart and one mind in their reli- gious devotions. But the day also came when the Methodist preacher laid exclusive claim to the meeting house, and father Boehm himself was threatened with being shut out of this meeting house, and was told that he could not be indulged to remain in a class meeting or love feast. Here was a difficulty to be overcome. To cure this he was advised to have his name appear on the class hook for foi'm^s sake. This he meekl}?-, but hrmly refused to consent to; but was threatened as above, entreated and begged so long that he with great reluctance consented that his name might go on the class book, at least for form's sake. Yet it should be distinctly understood at the same time that he thereby had not actually become a Methodist ; and the sequel proved the fact, for he would not conform to any other part of their church government as a minister or pri- vate member, nor was he ever known at home or abroad as a Methodist preacher to the day of his death. '^ In conclusion, on this topic, we would remark that Brother Boehm's relation to the Brethren Church was unbroken from first to last. This our annual confer- ence proceedings sufficiently show; thus in 1800, in con- nection with Otterbein, he was elected Bishop. He was prevented by sickness from attending the confer- * Bdigious Telescope, Aug. 17, 1843. SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 101 ence' of 1801 ; he attended the conference in Maryland in 3 802. lie was ^'e-^iected Bishop in 1805, and attended the: conference l^fl'ipO, which was the last this devoted servant of the ISiord Jenjoyed with his brethren in the Church on earM»i4*^,From this time to the time of his death, great age, -with its accompanying infirmities, alone preve:^ed i^t^ from attending an annual con- ference. -■'■^ '"^ Martin 5^^^ asleep in Jesus, March 23, 1812. His days of ^ness were few. For a person of his age he had enjoyed a remarkably good state of health. He Avas still active and able to ride some short distance till within a few days of his dissolution. But death was to come, and it did come, and found this servant of the Lord read3\ The icy hand of death diminished the vital flame gradually and without much pain. No one thought him near dying at the first indisposition, but death btid begun to loose the silver cord, and to show its effects, by sj'mptoms of increasing debility and Aveakness. He asked to be raised upon the bed, said he wished to sing and pray once more before he left, which he did with a clear and distinct voice. This done, he desired to be laid back upon his pillow, and, behold, he was no more. Henry Boehm, his son, was a traveling companion of Bishop Asbur}^ The latter was holding a confer- ence at Leesburg, Virginia, and shortly before its close the Bishop said to Henry, "as soon as conference ad- journs you must have the horses ready and we must go right to your father's." He Avas reminded of appoint- ments not yet filled, but he would not hear to any de lay. It was about one hundred miles to reach Martin Boehin's. The Bishop seemed to have a presentiment 102 kAiRTIN boehM, of Boehm's death. They started ; when they came within a mile of the old homestead, they heard for the first time of his death. The Bisho]) makes this record: " Friday, a cold disagreeable ride brought us across the country to Samuel Bookley's. Here I received the first intelligence of the death of my dear old friend, Martin Boehm." " Sabbath, April 5th, I preached, at the Boehm Chapel, the funeral sermon of Martin Boehm, and gave my audience some interesting particulars of his life." The text was, " Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile." The crowd was large and the occasion was one of mournful interest. The Bishop drew the character of his lifetime friend with great exactness. He said, " Martin Boehm was plain in dress and manners. When age had stamped its impress of reverence upon him, he filled the mind with the noble idea of a patriarch ; at the head of a family, a father, a neighbor, a friend, a companion, the prominent fea- ture of his character was goodness. You felt that he was good. His mind w^as strong and well stored with, the learning necessary for one whose aim is to preach Christ w'ith apostolic zeal and simplicity." Says Henry Boehm : "After the Bishop had finished his impressive discourse, which was listened to with tears and sighs by a numerous auditory, he called on me to speak. I endeavored to do so, but when I stood in the pulpit where I had so often beheld my father, in the church that bore his name, with my venerable mother before me tottering over the grave, my rela- tives all around me ; w^here T could look out of the window on the burying-ground and see the new-made grave of ni}^ father, ni}" eyes filled with tears, and I was so overcome that I could only utter, 'Let silence SECOND BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 103 speak.' The people Avere deeply affected all over the liouse. There was weeping from many eyes. My father was greatly beloved in life, and deeply lamented in death."* His remains rest in the cemetery near his meeting house, overlooking the old homestead. He had attained the age of eighty-six years three months and eleven da^^s. He had preached the gospel iov fifty four years. * Boehm's Reminiscences, p. 376. GEORGE ADAM GEETING, THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. OlSTE of the intimate personal friends of Otterbein, his fellow churchman and faithful co-laborer, and who was the first one called upon to bear the oppo- sition of the new movement, by suffering the pains and penalties of church expulsion, Was George Adam Geet- ing. He was born February 6, 1741. in Nassau, Prussia, He was brought up in the Reformed Church. He was scholarly, as was his associate Otterbein, but along with his native German he had some knowledge of Latin, and his literary attainments were fair. He labored as a miner. He came to this country when about eighteen years of age, and located in the neigh- borhood of Antietam, where he made his home for the remainder of his life. After his arrival in this country and his settlement in his new home, he spent his summers in quarrjang stone, digging wells, and such emplojnTients, and his winters in teaching school. This section of countrv had been visited by Reformed ministers from Fred- erick. Mr. Otterbein, in going to Frederick about 1760, preached at Antietam. Young Geeting was brought under the saving influence of the gospel, and soon proved himself a chosen servant of the Lord. When Otterbein moved to York his visits here Avere less frequent. As there were long intervals between the times for preaching, and the people needed spiritual instruction, the schoohiiaster of tlie village, Mr. Geet- 104 THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 105 ing, was frequently called on to read sermons for the edification of the congregation. His services were very valuable to the people. When Otterbein learned of the good effects resulting from Geeting's reading, and his faithful efforts to supply the wants of a pastor, he directed that on the following Sabbath, when he came to read again, some one of the brethren should take his book from his hand and leave him to the expression of his own thoughts. At the time appointed, a Mr. Jacob Hess stepped forward and took the book from his hand. Mr. Geeting hesitated for a moment or two, and then began to talk, making a very interesting and impressive ad- dress. From this day forward preaching was the special work of his life. This was about 1TT2. He became a very influential and faithful co-laborer with Otterbein and Boehm in the work which they had already commenced. Pie was ordained in 1783, in the Antietam Church, by Mr. Otterbein and Eev. William Hendel. This was a somewhat irregular ordination, and it is not known that he had any other, but his ordination was afterward recognized as sufficient. We have already said elsewhere, that these earnest- minded, pious, devoted people who were found here and there, in order that they might have the benefit of each other's counsel and association, although members of different churches, met at stated times and places for worship. Minutes of the meetings held by the United Ministers to arrange for the supervision of these people, were kept, and some of them have lately been found. At a meeting held May 29, 1774, it was agreed that " the ministers at Antietam were to meet every Sun- day in two classes. George Adam Geeting and Samuel 106 GEORGE ADA^[ GEETING, Becker are appointed leaders. They are to meet alter- nately at the church, and at Conrad Schwabel's or where else the leaders may direct.'^ At the ministers meeting, June 12, 1775, it was said of the Antietam class, " they are again at peace, after a slight disturb- ance' and meet on Sundays. " On October 15, 1775, it is said, "The friends at Antietam are at peace and hold their meetings according to our rules." June 2, 1770 : " The friends at Antietam continue at peace and are prosperous." The records, as we have seen, go to show that Mr. Geeting must have been a judicious leader who knew how to care for his flock and to lead them into green pastures and beside the still waters. From 1776 the preachers engaged in this revival work came together at least once a year, generally at some great meeting, and counseled over their work and encouraged one another. At one of these meetings it was agreed to hold a conference with all the preachers "in order to take into consideration in what manner they might be most useful." This first conference was held in 1789, in Baltimore, in Otterbein's parsonage. Among the names first mentioned here, is that of George A. Geeting, who is thus recognized as one of the faithful co-laborers in the good work. The next formal conference was held in 1791, and George A. Geeting is again mentioned. His ministry appears to have been very effective. Like the others of his time, he seems to have been a persistent itinerant, going wherever the way seemed open to ^lim. Bishop I^ewcomer, again and again makes mention of his travels, and his faithful, effective preaching. In his journal, April 26, 1796, he says : " This day, I came, in company with brother George THIKD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 107 Geeting, at what is called Berner's Church, but we were not permitted to preach there, so brother Geeting spoke in the graveyard adjoining the Church, to a numerous congregation, ^vitll remarkable power." 29th: "We held a meeting at a place called Black Eidge Church ; here were also refused to preach in the Church, and Brother Geeting spoke in the school house adjoin- ing. " May 1st : " This forenoon Brother Geeting spoke to the people with demonstration and power. I think not a few were convinced of their awful situation." " On the 14th, 15th and 16th, we held a three day's meeting at the Antietam, not far from Brother Geeting's." " Sept. 19th : Left home on a journey to Virginia. 20th : I reached Newtown ; here I met Brother Geeting." Sunday, 21:th: " This forenoon Brother Geeting preached with remarkable power, from these words, 'Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me.' " Sunday, Oct. 1st : " Brother Geeting preached with power and unction from above." Oct. 5th : " I again set off in company with Brother Geeting on a journey to Pennsylvania. Sunday, 8th : In the after- noon Brother Geeting preached with great blessing." 17th : '• Had a meeting to-day about six miles from Lan- caster ; Brother Geeting spoke with great power." " June 10th, Sunday : Brother Geeting spoke with un- common power and grace. June 11th : Brother Geeting preached here (Harrisburg) in the German Eeformed Church. 12th : To-day we crossed the Susquehanna river; the corner-stone of a Union Church was to be laid, where Christian preachers of all denominations are to enjoy the privilege of preaching. Such a pro- ceeding I had never witnessed, therefore I concluded to go. Brother Geeting was requested to deliver the 108 GEORGE ADAM GEETING, first discourse ; he preached with uncommon power. 14th: This da}'^ we preached at Bobenmeyer's Church in Cumberland county ; by all appearance the word spoken had but little impression; when I had concluded speaking, Brother Geeting once more arose and ad- dressed the congregation in the most pathetic manner, entreating them with tears to be reconciled to God and flee the wrath to come. This, by the grace of God, had the desired effect ; the hearts of the people were made tender; tears flowed abundantly and sinners inquired what to do to be saved." Thus it goes on until the death of the good man is recorded. Perhaps no one traveled more extensively nor labored more efficiently than did this man. A fel- low churchman of Mr. Otterbein, and most likely one of his own converts, after he had started this new movement, he would no doubt exert an influence on Otterbein as the latter did on him. There is no one in whom he confided more freely, nor no associations that afforded him more pleasure than those enjoyed with Mr. Geeting. Spaytli says of the relations of these two men : "Brother Geeting's Eome was Otterbein's retreat, his headquarters when out of Baltimore. Perhaps never loved tw^o men better, nor for a longer period of time, than Otterbein and Geeting loved each other. Brother Geeting's was also the council house for the preachers far and near. He was much looked to for counsel, for advice, for instruction; and such was the love toward him and the confidence in him, that his word had much of the authority of law, and his counsel was as the counsel of the ancients ; and this was given on his hand with such humility and tenderness of love, that the im- THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHKEX IN CHRIST. 109 pression could never be forgotten nor effaced. How faithfully he performed the work allotted to him in the ministry of the Brethren Church, was exemplified in the forty years of his illustrious life, spent joyfully in the Divine Master." A meeting house was built near Mr. Geeting's place about 1780. This was most likely the first Church erected by the followers of Otterbein. The ground was never deeded to any organization, and the build- ing, a humble log structure, was a result of the good will and combined labors of the community. In later 3'ears it was called the Geeting Meeting House. Mr. Geeting was for a time a kind of pastor over this little society, although his labors as we have seen in New- comer s journal were like those of the other itinerants associated with him, and in that day it meant extensive traveling, continuous preaching and much trial and ex- posure. The course of Mr. Geeting, like that of Mr. Otter- bein, Avas not satisfactory to the leaders in the Re- formed Church. His name appears among the minis- ters of the Synod up to the year 1804, though he was usu- ally absent and excused. At a meeting of the Synod in Reading, April 29, 180-1, " complaints were preferred against Mr. Geeting on account of disorderly conduct." The question was put, "Shall the matter in relation to Mr. Geeting be j)Ostponed another year and he be earn- estly admonished to abstain from his disorderl}" con- duct, or shall he, according to the proposition of Mr. Becker, be expelled from Synod without any delay." After a lengthy discussion, in which reasons were as- signed in favor of and against the proposition submitted, fit was resolved that he be expelled from the Synod. 110 GEORGE ADAM GEETING, This resolution was adopted by a vote of twenty against seventeen. He can at any time be restored on giving evidence of true reformation." (Minutes 1S04.) Har- baugh in "Fathers of the Reformed Church," says: " Highly fanatical proceedings on his part seem to have led to his expulsion. He continued ministering in har- mony with the Brethren till his death. He spent forty years in the ministry, though wildl}^ fanatical and as such badh^ suited to be a leader of God's people. He seems to have been personally a good man. " Dr. Dubbs, in his "Historic Manual," refers to the same matter in these words : "At the same time he (Ot- terbein) labored as an evangelist especially in Maryland and was regarded as one of the leaders in the religious movement which he had helped to inaugurate. One at least of the original class leaders, John (George) Adam Geeting, was brought by him to the Coetus and then ordained to the ministry. * * * * He be- came an enthusiast of the most pronounced type, whose preaching was attended by extraordinary excitement. Under his auspices were chielly held the ' great meet- ings'on the Antietams, which are not yet forgotten. In this respect he went much further than Mr. Otterbein, whose disposition was more quiet and reflective. Geet- ing became more and more irregular, and as he did not heed the admonitions of the Synod, was finally excluded by a vote of twenty to seventeen. * * * There was no reflection cast on the personal character of Mr, Geeting, but the type of religion which he represented was certainly foreign to that of the Reformed Church, and it is possible that he did not expect or desire a dif- ferent action on the part of the Synod. He continued to labor in the manner which pleased him best, and hip THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. Ill memory is greatly cherished in the Church of the ' United Brethren in Christ.' " That Mr. Geeting represented a type of religion "foreign to that of the Keformed Church" of that day is altogether probable. His type was that which sought the witness of the Spirit as an evidence for the pardon of sin ; communion with God which it is the privilege of all believers to enjoy ; that peace of soul which passeth all understanding ; which will daily man- ifest itself in a godly life ; which consecrates time, talent and all to the service of the Master ; which counts Church connection and Church ordinances as Avorse than useless, as wicked, unless the heart first repents of its transgressions and seeks the Divine favor. This was not the type wliich prevailed at that day in the Keformed Church, its own ministers being the wit- nesses. Dr. Helpenstein gives the following as indi- cating the temper of the Church in this matter : " In the 3^ear 1760, my father, minister in German- town, departed this life. An invitation was sent to Rev. Anthony Hautz to visit that Church. He did so. They gave him a call. He accepted it, returned home, and shortly after gave them notice that he declined it. The reason he gave was that the Eev. Helpenstein had his difficulties in the congregation, and how could he be able to manage them. The difficulties were the prayer meetings, that were at that time introduced into the con- gregation. There was then a great revival in the Church. Mimbers were awakened and met together in prayer meetings. To this there was great opposition, and much commotion was caused in the congregation." Dr. Nevin, in his lectures on the Fleidelbero: Cate- chism, published in 1842, gives a picture of the early 112 GEOKGE ADAM GEBTING, condition of the Reformed Church. ''To be confirmed and then to talve the Sacrament occasionally, was counted by the multitude all that was necessary to make one a good Christian, if only a tolerable decency of outward life were maintained besides, without any regard at all to the religion of the heart. True, serious piety was, indeed, often treated with open and marked scorn. * * * The idea of the new birth was treated as a pietistic whimery. Experimental religion in all its forms was eschewed as a new-fangled invention of cun- ning imposters, brought in to turn the heads of the weak, and to lead captive silly women. Prayer meet- ings were held to be a spiritual abomination. Family worship was a species of saintly affectation, barely tolerable in the case of ministers (though many of them gloried in having no altar in their houses) but absolutely disgraceful to common Christians. To show an awakened concern on the subject of religion ; a dis- position to call on God in daily secret prayer, was to incur certain reproach. * * * The picture, it must be acknowledged, is dark, but not more so than the truth of history would seem to require." It is not to be wondered at that a man who had experienced the new birth in his own spiritual con- sciousness, the conviction that God was reconciled to him, should seek a more congenial spiritual atmosphere in which to nourish and develop his Christian graces. Mr. Spayth, in speaking of this period of his life, says : " Having been brought up in the German Reformed Church, that Church was dear in his affec- tions, nor was this without a return from many mem- bers in that Church to whom his preaching had been made the power of God unto salvation. He likewise THIRD BISHOP OF THP: UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHFaST. 113 enjo^'ed the friendship and esteem of some of her preachers ; but from that Church came also some of his severest trials, by way of opposition to the work of grace and the conversion of the people ; and as opposi- tion or persecution which comes from those with whom we have been associated, or united, in natural, social, or religious relations, cuts with a keener edge and wounds deeper than when directed against us from any other source, Mr. Geeting, when speaking of it, while the big tears dropped from his eyes, would say : " For the hurt of the daughter of ray people, am I hurt. Oh, what a Savior we have, and yet the health of my people is not recovered." He was about sixty- three years of age when expelled from the Church. The conference minutes of 1803 are signed by Otter- bein, Boehm and Geeting, and they were most proba- bly written by the latter, as they breathe his kind and saintly spirit. Says the record : " The conference was opened by reading 1 Tim., ii., singing and prayer, that our Lord and Savior may blfess our assembling together and that it may be to the honor of His name and our edification. Oh, Lord, hear us, for Christ's sake. Amen." The work had so far progressed that it was not deemed best for the conference in Pennsylvania to arrange work for the preachers in Maryland and Vir- ginia, hence they were allowed to arrange for them- selves. At the conference in 1804 but few persons were present, owing to an epidemic which prevailed. " In the May following, a sacramental meeting com- menced at the Antietam (G. A. Geeting's house), at which Father Otterbein was present and preached on Saturday. On the Sabbath following, Otterbein preached again, with his usual energy, perspicuity, 114 GEORGE ADAM GEETING, unction and power. Under preaching and at the com- munion table tears of sorrow and of joy flowed abun- dantly, and the wells of salvation furnished a rich supply." At the conference of 1805, which met near Mid- dletown, Md., it was " resolved that George A. Geeting shall be present at the appointed great meetings in Maryland and on this side of the Susquehanna in Penn- sylvania." Newcomer agreed to travel through Mary- land and a certain part of Pennsylvania, and C. Crum through Virginia, and each was to receive less than eight dollars for his labors, per annum. It was further " resolved that the preachers who preach only when they like shall receive no compensation for their serv- ices, and it shall be their duty to pay over to the con- ference the money they may receive, for the benefit of the traveling preachers." Thus more and more the itinerant plan is being developed. Circuits are made for the advancement of the work, and the preacher, instead of preaching at intervals at points about his own house, when it may be convenient, must adapt himself to the field marked out for him. There is more supervision of the work than heretofore. Newcomer, Geeting and others traveled much from place to place, assisting the preachers on sacramental and other occa- sions, and doing much miscellaneous and itinerant work. Kev. Samuel Huber relates this example of his ten- derness and kindness of heart: A Mr. Dehoff had a son about seventeen years of age, who was sick, and not knowing his disease, sent him to Dr. Sinseny, of York, Pa., for treatment. The doctor told him that he was consumpted and that he could not cure him, and advised him to pray to God and prepare for the next world. The boy reported to his father, and betook himself to THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 115 prayer. The idea that prayer would be of any service to him offended the father, and he required his son to desist, and if he heeded not to do so, he should leave his home and seek a home elsewhere. " The son, rather than give up seeking the Lord, left his father's house to seek a home among strangers ; at the same time he knew not where to go ; but having heard something about old Father Geeting, that he was a good religious man who lived about eighty miles from his father's residence, he directed his course that way. When he came to Geeting he gave him an account of his situation, and Geeting being one of that kind of Christians who never send the distressed empty awa}', requested him to tarry at his house, procured employment for him, and advised him to continue in prayer to God. To this advice the boy earnestly adhered until he found the pearl of great price. After this he continued to serve his Divine Master, was healed of his malady, became a preacher of the gospel and lived to the age of seventy years, and died triumphant in the faith." We find Mr. Geeting's name on the roll of members who belong to the conference, up to the year 1812. During a portion of these years he was the efficient secretary. The address to the M. E. conference which was authorized to be sent in 1809 was signed by Geeting in connection with Otterbein and Boehm. Another letter was sent signed by Geeting, and possibly prepared by him. He was the presiding officer of the conference in 1812, which was held near his own home. He took an active interest in it, and it proved to be the last one which he attended. Soon after its close, in company with his wife he went to Baltimore to visit his old friend and colaborer, William Otterbein, who. by the increasing 116 GEOKGE ADAM GEETING, infirmities of old age, '-vas not able to leave the city. Not feeling very well during Ins stay, lie shortened his visit. He put up the second night, when some thirty miles from Baltimore, at a house kept by Mr. Snyder, a place where he had frequently stopped before. " Early in the morning he enjoyed a little rest, conversed with his companion and Mr. Snyder about the Christian life, and the prospects of a glorious immortality. He became silent, and then said, ' I feel as though ray end had come ; hark ! hark ! Who spoke? Whose voice is this I hear? Light! light! what golden light! Now all is dark, is dark again ! Please help me out of this bed.' They did so. Now let us sing : " ' Come thou long expected moment, Come thou Spirit-power on light ; 'Tis thy call my Lord and Master. How shall I express my joy, When thy grace and power of love Bid me rise to climes above?' " He now sank on his knees, leaning against the bed and prayed fervently, giving thanks to God for His abundant mercy toward him, His unprofitable servant. A prayer then was offered up at the very gate of heaven, and in it much joy ; there was no doubt, no fear, no desire for a longer stay on earth ; but God the Father was confidently asked, for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Savior, to look upon him, to hear and accept his petition, to receive His poor servant and take him to Himself, for the sake of the great love wherewith He had loved him and delivered him from all evil. " He was helped into bed again, and in about fifteen minutes, while his hands were calmly folded, his ransomed spirit fled." THIRD BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 117 His age was seventy-one years, four months and twenty-two days, and he had spent forty years in the ministry. Henry Smith, a venerable Methodist minister, said of him, " I was acquainted with Rev. G. A. Geeting, and my dear father loved him above all men, for it was under his preaching at one of the great meetings in Antietam that he gav^e his heart to God. * * * He was a gifted, eloquent and powerful speaker. His voice Avas pure and sweet, and his preaching found way to the heart as well as the ear. " He was possessed of superior gifts, his sympathies were ready and abundant, his understanding of occasions and faculty of adaptation were much beyond the usual. He had a voice combining sweetness and power. His method and continued attention to books, made him capable of great and unceasing usefulness In his preaching he was earnest, yet deliberate. His addresses to the conscience and the feelings were always impressive, and sometimes strikingly moving. "As he was in the first place, and in the strictest sense, a product of the revival movement, tiiere was combined in him its strictest moral and logical charac- teristics. Otterbein and Boehm, though authors in the movement, were themselves formed by earlier and different influences. The distinctive character of Mr. Geeting was apparent in all his course from first to last." Father Spayth, who was in close relationship with those who knew these men best, gives the following touching tribute to the three men who are first known in our history, Otterbein, Boehm and Geeting. " Otter- bein was argumentative, eloquent, and often terrible 118 GEOEUE ADA.M GEETING, in the denunciation of sin. In the elucidation of the Scriptures clear and thorough, few being his equal in these respects. Boehm was the plain, open, franlv ex- pounder of God's word ; of ready utterance, having a clear and strong voice, and, being full of life and ani- mation, he often carried his congregation before him, as if the}' had been borne along by a resistless current. But Geeting was like an early spring sun, rising on a frost-silvered forest, which gradually affords more light and heat, until you begin to hear the crackling of the ice-covered branches, the dripping of the melted snow, as it were a shower of rain, and until a smiling joyous day appears ; so did Geeting enlighten and melt the hearts of his congregation by the word of truth, and so did the shouts of praise for redeeming grace follow floods of penitential tears. He was the St. John of this clover leaf, if tlie reader will allow the comparison ; always " ' Affectionate in look And tender in address, as well becomes A messenger of grace to guilty men '; of good habits and havfng a well cultivated mind ; in conversation cheerful, pleasing and interesting, and in every way a desirable companion. His winning man- ners and shining talents secured for him unusual re- spect and esteem, good congregations, and, what was much more important, access to the hearts and con- sciences of those who came to hear him. He would follow the sinner in his devious paths, showing the severity of God's law in a manner which made stout hearts to quail and tremble, and then, with feeling and language peculiar to himself, present the stricken hearted a loving Savior, and in tones so beseechingly THIRD BISHOP UF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 119 sweet that the effect was usiiall}' a congregation in penitential tears. Here was the secret of power which he possessed over an audience. All who ever heard him, saw it, felt it ; he alone seemed to be unconscious of it. But love and a child isli good nature, like the rays of an evening sun, resting quietly on his round face, was all that could be seen of the highly-gifted mind in the midst of sinners crying for mercy or saints shouting for joy. Many were awakened under the preaching of Bro. Greeting in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.'" Mr. Geeting was a man of good physical constitu- tion, and capable of great endurance. He became possessed of a good farm, and everything about him was indicative of good condition. The good horses that he kept are spoken of to this day. He was scru- puously neat in dress, though he never wore the custom- ary clerical suit. CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER, FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. WE have already spoken of the work wrought bv Otterbein and Boehm. While Otterbein was a settled pastor, he also labored very much as an evan- gelist. In connection with Boehm he held meetings in country places, often continuing from Saturday to Monday, at which meetings hundreds of souls were converted. People came from far and near to hear them. Often societies were organized, and these needed some pastoral supervision. " Hence, when converts were found who were deeply pious and had gifts and felt moved upon to exhort or preach, they were encour- aged to go forward ; and after they had been well tried and approved, a license to preach, signed by Mr. Otter- bein and Mr. Boehm, was granted them. By this means the infant societies were strengthened, the nu- merous calls for evangelical preaching answered, and the word of the Lord published abroad." Among the most successful of these lay preachers was Christian Newcomer. He was born in Lancaster County, Penn., on the 21st day of January, a. d, 1749. His father, whose name was Wolfgang New- comer, as well as his grandfather, came from Switzer- land to America, landing at Philadelphia. His father was a carpenter by trade. He first married a Miss Baer, who only lived about one year after marriage. After remaining a widower for two 3^ears, he inarried Elizabeth Weller, and the fruits of this marriage were 120 FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHEIST. 121 eight children, three sons and five daughters. Christian was the second of these three sons. His parents were both members of the Mennonite Church, in which were still to be found examples of the ancient piety which was so manifest under the labors of Menno Simonis. " I do recollect," says Mr. New- comer in his journal, " perfectly well that I have seen them both on their knees, many a time before the bed, offering up their prayers or evening sacrifice to God, although in silence. At ascertain time I was present when my parents had a conversation respecting my ■grandmother. They said she was very melancholy and sad, in great doubts about the salvation 5f her soul, and in distress of being lost, adding that she ought not to do so, but cast herself on the mercy of the Lord her God." This made a very deep impression on his 3"0ung heart. "Ah, I said to myself, if such persons as my pious grandmother (for I considered her a pious char- acter)^ do lament and are in distress on account of their salvation, what will become of me ? How shall I ap- pear before the great judge of all the universe to give account of all that I have done ? " So concerned was the boy at this early day about spiritual things. At a later period he wrote of his own mental strug- gles: " Oh, how many thoughts and dreams of judgment disturbed my mind. I could see no way how I could be saved. Frequently did I endeavor to pray, in my ignorance of the plan of salvation ; willingly w^ould I ^ believe and persuade myself that I was one of the happy number which are saved. I soon made the dis- covery, however, that I still continued in the captivity of sin and Satan; the terror of a sin-avenging God, the 122 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMEE, fear of IipII, and my own turbulent passions continued to sway their power without any perceivable abatement. I remember once being in a field at work, when the grace of God wrought such powerful convictions in my heart, that I went down on my knees in a hollow place in the field, crying to the Lord and saying, O, thou blessed Savior, I Avill cheerfully believe in thee, for thou art my Redeemer, and I am the purchase of th}^ most precious blood. Alas I did not know that I dared or was permitted to come to Jesus Christ in my miserable and sinful state. " One circumstance which I have never forgotten, nor ever shall I forget, I am constrained here to relate. One day I was harrowing some ploughed land in a field, quite alone, and riding one of the horses. I pulled, in passing a peach tree, a couple of peaches, and ate one of them, the stone of which slipped suddenly downmy throat into the windpipe, so that I was unable to draw m}' breath. Oh, the terror and the anguish of soul that struck me ; death and eternity staring me in the face, and my God not reconciled, no comfort, no consolation in the soul. It is utterh'^ impossible to describe the an- guish which siezed me at this instant — suddenly to be removed into another existence, to appear before the awful tribunal of the great Jehovah, and unprepared. Kind reader, imagine if you can my situation ; every- thing around me began to grow dim, my sight failed, a sudden tremor ran through every nerve, I struggled to catch breath but in vain ; like a dart an idea shot across my mind (yea, I believe the Good Being, God sent it), that I should instantly run my back against an apple tree which stood about twenty-five or thirty yards from me, in order to remove the stone and there- FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 123 by save my life. No sooner thought than done. Down 1 came from my horse in an instant, and ran with all my remaining strength toward the tree, though barely able to discern it. At last I reached the spot, bounced my shoulders against the trunk, and out came the peach- stone. How did I rejoice? Pierced by gratitude, I sank down on my knees, giving thanks to Almighty God for the preservation of my life. " Often did 1 dream concerning the da}" of judg- ment ;. especially did I dream once of standing on an extensive open and level piece of ground ; on all sides and in every direction, as far as the eye could pierce, there appeared a multitude of people. On a sudden, the thunder began to roar in a most wonderful manner, and I thought the day of judgment at hand. In a mo- ment I saw the Lord Jesus come down from heaven in his glory ; methought he drew me forcibly to him ; with this I awoke, and instantly leaped out of bed. A ray of hope darted through my mind. Perhaps, said I to myself, there is still mercy for poor unworthy me. " Some time thereafter a very heavy tempest arose one evening in the western horizon. Presently the whole canopy of heaven was a black darkness ; tre- mendous thunder following, clap after clap, and the forked lightning illuminating the objects around me, making darkness visible ; this, said I to myself, is per- haps the day of judgment, of wliich I have lately dreamed. Oh, what anguish, fear, and terror took possession of my heart, I walked from room to room, tried to read and pray, but all to no purpose. Fear of hell had seized on me ; the cords of death had wound about me. I felt as if wholly forsaken, nor did I know which way to turn. All my prayers committed to 124 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER, memory would not avail. Oh ! eternity, eternity, I ex- claimed, Avhich way shall I fly ? The passage , door of the house stood open wide, I saw the rain pouring down, . the lightning blaze, and heard the thunders roar. I ran, or rather reeled out of the house into the yard a few paces, to the garden fence, and sank upon my knees, determined to give myself wholly and without reserve to Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer of all man- kind ; submitting to His will and His alone, having in this manner humbled myself before my Lord arid Mas- ter, unable to utter a word, a vivid flash of lightning darted across my eyes ; at the same instant a clap of thunder — oh, what a clap ; as it ceased, the whole an- guish of my soul was removed. I did not know w^hat had happened unto me. My heart felt glad, my soul was happy, my mouth was filled with praises and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for me, a poor unworthy creature. I thought if ever a being in the world had cause to praise the Lord, I was that creature. For several nights tears of gratitude and joy moistened my pillow, and I had many happy hours. For some time I continued in this state of mind. My soul was happy when I arose m the morning. All na- ture had in m}'' eyes put on a different appearance. All things had become new, and I was enabled to rejoice all the day long." This wonderful change occurred in 1767, when he was about eighteen years of age. Having no spiritual advisers to guide him, he lost for a time this heavenly peace, and became careless and indifferent. "In this situation I had a conversation with an elder or preacher in the Mennonite Society, consulting him and askino' bis advice. He counseled me to be FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 125 baptized, to join the Societ}^ and take the sacrament. I took his friendly advice, and did as he had counseled me to do; but all this did not restore me to the joyful sensation or inward comfort Avhich I had lost." He lived in this uncertain condition for several years. He avoided the company of the loose and vicious, and led a moral life. His father is becoming old and is making a disposition of his property. Finally he dies and the widow and her daughter make their home with the son Christian. On the 31st of March he was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Baer. The following winter he was taken ill, and the remembrance of his lost joy came back to him. The conviction of sin was powerful, and his agony was very great. He had spent two days and three nights in this misery, and, while reading in the book of Revelation, a new joy came to him. " In a moment, ^he peace of God and pardon of my sins was manifested to my soul, and the spirit of God bore witness with my spirit, that God for Jesus' sake, had taken away the burthen of my sins, and shed abroad his love in my poor unworthy heart. Oh, Thou glorious Being! How did my soul feel at the time ? Only those who have felt and experi- enced the same grace will be able to understand and comprehend what I say. My joy, or rather ecstacy, was so great that I was, in some measure, as one beside himself. Not to disturb those who were in the house, locked in sleep, T ran out into the yard to give utter- ance to my feelings. Then I gave glory and hallelujahs to my Bedeemer with a loud voice. M}^ whole heart was filled with gratitude to God and the Lamb. Unto Him be all the praise and glory forever. " Several weeks — I am almost ready to say perhaps 126 • CHEISTIAN NEWCOMER the most happy weeks of my life — passed away in this happy manner, my peace flowing like a river, and the love of God dwelling in my heart. I now felt a desire, yea, a something within, urging me to communicate this happiness to my fellow creatures. I thought and believed it to be my duty to inform every individual of the loving kindness of God, and especially what he had done for my soul; but fear that I would be consid- ered insane, or a fool, prevented my lyerfor'ining this duty. Ultimately I determined to go to one of our preachers, who stood high in my estimation, and hold a conversation with him on the subject. I related to him with all the fervor of a new convert, what the work of grace had accomplished in my soul. My heart was full of the love of God, and my expressions were, perhaps, rather fervent; therefore, he could not under- stand me. He thought me hast3'^; said I had formed too stout an opinion in this matter, and might very easily be in error, in believing such professed experience. "All the way I had to fight a severe combat with the enemy, being afraid I might have expressed the work of grace in my heart with too much ardor and assurance." Speaking of this minister, in whom he had confi- dence, he says: "We frequently differed in opinion during the conversation we had on the subject. On my side I mamtained the assertion that a person could and surely would be conscious of the fact, Avhen God for Christ's sake had shown mercy to him, a poor sin- ner, in granting unto him a free pardon for all his guilt. This my friend would by no means admit." This minister finally took sick, and Mr. Newcomer concluded to visit him. He hoped to elicit something FOURTH BISHOI' OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN OIIKIST. 127 concerning his experience, but felt a hesitation in sug- gesting the matter to a clergyman. Finally they were left alone, thereupon the minister said to him, " Chris- tian, do you not recollect the conversation and dispute we had together when you were here the last time, particularly in regard to the seed of the woman and the serpent ? " Mr. Newcomer having responded to this, the minister said : " Since that time the convic- tion has darted through my mind like a flash of light- ning, that the seed of the woman can and must destroy the head of the serpent within me, in my heart. Yes, I do believe that by the power of our Savior, Jesus Christ, sin can and must be destroyed in my heart if I shall be saved." • Thus not only did the Holy Spirit, apparently with- out human help, lead Mr. Newcomer into a clearer and more satisfactory experience of God's grace, but through him brought others into a more comforting- assurance of their acceptance with him. The spirit of God seemed to be calling him to speak of his experience to others. Yet, timid man as he was, he shrank from the work. lie himself judged, and most likely correctly, that the dark hours of his experi- ence were caused by his refusal^ to heed the call which was ringing in his ears, to proclaim the glad tidings to the perishing multitudes about him. He writes further in his journal: "Henceforth, whenever I was at meeting, I frequently felt an urging within me to speak to the congregation and relate to them my experience ; but considering myself unfit for the task, I always declined and kept at a distance. I was esteemed by my neighbors, and most of them wished me well. Often did I pity them unto tears. 128 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER and felt constrained to tell them what to do to be saved. I do sincerely believe if I had been obedient to the call of God, I should have avoided the misery into which I was once more plunged ; but the office of a preacher appeared to me of such importance, and not without cause, I attached thereunto such an awful con- sequence, at the same time I knew my own impotence and ignorance that I could not be persuaded to preach, although often solicited by my neighbors to do so, until ultimately, like Jonah, I sought safety in flight by selling my plantation and removing from my neigh- bors into the State of Maryland." * He removed to Frederick County, Md. This oc- curred in the Spring of 1775, while the Eevolu- tionaiy war Avas in progress. He says : " My neigh- bors in the new abode were generally a good mean- ing, friendly sort of people, without experimental religion, and very few, if any, could be found with whom I could converse on the subject. Here, also, did I act again in the same manner as I had done at my former home in Pennsylvania ; refused to take up the cross, and disobeyed the call to preach the gospel of salvation to lost sinners. For this reason my misery and distress returned again." Mr. Newcomer takes ill with a fever. He ex- pected to die ; his body was sick but his mind clear and active. In this condition he says : " I was convinced that had I been obedient to the call formerly men- tioned I should not have had to endure this severe spell of sickness. I therefore made a new promise to my God, that I would be more obedient, if again re- stored to health. 'No sooner had I formed this resolu- tion and made this promise, than my health was grad- ually restored and I got perfectly well." FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 129 He was not satisfied ; he wanted the joy which he had before possessed. He gives a night to prayer. In this Avresthng with God the coveted light conies to him. " Henceforward my peace followed like a river. My whole soul was swallowed up in the love of God. I was ready and willing to suffer for Jesus' sake all things which He in His wisdom and goodness should desire me to do or suffer, * * * Since the peace of God was restored unto ray soul, the former call to preach the gospel^ or rather not to preach, only to tell to those around me what the Lord had done for me, returned with redoubled power ; it seemed to me to burn like fire in my bones, that it was my duty, and that the Lord required at nw hands to exhort the people to seek the Lord their God or be lost forever. But as before my embarrassment also returned. I knew myself so ignorant, so unworthy, so unfit for the task, as to be totally at a loss what to do or how to act." The first opportunity to bear public, testimony to his wonderful experience occurred when on a visit to his old friends in Lancaster County, Pa., and before his Mennonite congregation, of which he was still a member. He went with them on the Sabbath day to the meeting house, Avith the firm resolve to be silent and say nothing. He sa^gt: " Sitting for some time, listening with attention to the discourse and ex- hortations of several of their preachers, I could per- ceive distinctly that they still continued in the same ignorance and inexperience of religion as they were when I left them. " It now ran like fire through my bones. I felt in- wardly constrained to take up the cross, and whereas 130 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER brethren (Mennonites) gave the privilege or liberty to speak, I dared not remain silent any longer, I arose with a sorrowful heart, and spoke with tears in my eyes to my old friends and acquaintances ; I related to them, with all the ability in my possession, how I had oftentimes felt at meeting when living yet among them, candidly stated my experience of the work of grace in my soul before I left them, as also wdiat the X,ord in his infinite mercy had done for me since my removal to Maryland. I also sincerely confessed to them what the Lord had required of me before my removal, to warn them of their danger, and that until this day I had been disobedient to my blessed Master." Such a statement from such a man, under circum- stances so peculiar, would have a wonderful effect both on hearer and speaker. As to the latter we have the speaker's own testimony : " I was so affected as to be hardly able to speak intelligibly, but I stammered as w^ell as I could, and endeavored to recommend to them the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Every person present was sensibly touched, all shed tears as well as m\^self. I have no doubt many were convinced that a form of religion, a religion whose habitation is only the head and is not felt in the heart, is insufficient to sal- vation. After discharging this duty, I felt glad that I had been obedient, and an inward satisfaction rested on my mind. Henceforth I was frequently requested to exhort and speak in public to my fellow-beings, which caused many a hard combat to be obedient. It con- tinued to be a severe cross to me, but I always feared that I should lose the peace of mind I now enjoyed by- disobedience." Shall we not pause a moment to reflect how, amid FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BKETHREX IN CHRIST. 131 varying scenes of light and darkness, God has wonder- fully led this man? In his own remarkable experience he has had a clear and vivid perception of those ti'uths of the gospel which it shall be his blessed mission to proclaim to an uni-egenerate world. There is no chance for him to retreat if he were disposed to do so, for already he has imperiled his soul by a refusal to obey. True he is very weak, and in his- own judgment very inefficient. He has none of the culture of the schools to fit him for his work. He had the management of a farm and the care of a family. Twenty-eight years of his life have gone by, but the Master says to him, '* Go," and wnth the pressure of the Master's hand urging him forward, with the clear and invigorating words of the Holv Writ, " Lo, I am with you always," ringing in his ears, he starts out upon a career of care and toil and anxiety, but one that shall be full of blessed re- sults. He tells us himself how he became acquainted with Otterbein and his evangelistic work. His home was about nine miles from Lancaster, and about thirteen from the home of Martin Boehm. He does not seem to have met Boehm at this time. Although there was a congregation of those who were associated with Boehm, the prejudices existing had probably kept these good men of kindred spirit from becoming acquainted with each other. Thus God raised up each in His own good way for the work aw^aiting him. " Already for a considerable time I had become ac- quainted with William Otterbein and George Adam Geeting, two preachers of the German Reformed Church, and had frequently heard them preach in the neighborhood of my place of residence. These indi- viduals, endowed by God, preached powerfully, and not 132 CHRISTIAK NEWCOMER like the Scribes. Th-eir discourses made uncommon impressions on the hearts of the hearers. They in- sisted on the necessity of genuine repentance and con- version, on the knowledge of a pardon of sin, and in consequence thereof a change of heart and restoration of spirit. They soon collected many adherents to and followers of the doctrines which they preached, from the multitudes that congregated to hear them. Those persons who held to and embraced these doctrines, were by them formed into societies, and were called 'Otterbein's people,' and the world l3!^-minded gave them the nickname, Dutch Methodists, which in those days was considered rather slanderous. " Whereas, these men preached the same doctrine which I had experienced, and which, according to my views and discernment, so perfectly agreed with the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His apostles ; therefore r associated^ with them and joined their society; and blessed be God, although I withdrew myself from the Mennonite society, on account of the want of the life and power of religion among them, I never felt in any way accused for so doing; on the contrary, 1 have received many a blessing from God when associated Avith my own brethren." The work was spreading rapidly among the Ger- mans, especially in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The harvest was plenteous, and as usual the laborers w^ere few. Mr. Newcomer now found opportunities for preaching opening up on every hand. His heart went into his work, and although attended with many sac- rifices, he enjoyed it. He says of himself : "About this time it Avas frequently required of me by my brethren to attend meetings that were appointed by FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 133 the people without my knowledge. On such occasions I had to leave home and travel a hundred or more miles to attend a two or three days' meeting, which occasioned considerable loss of time and neglect of ni}^ occupation. This also required a good deal of self- denial and many a sore conflict. But I had to submit and be obedient to God and the brethren, because the fear still continued to assail me that by my disobe- dience I might again lose the peace of my soul. In addition thereto I felt such a burning desire in my heart for the salvation of poor sinners that I gave all thoughts of self-interest as chaff to the wind by simply saying to myself, The salvation of one precious soul is worth more than the possession of the w^hole world.'' In this early day these preachers were looked upon with strange interest. • They were men who had no very formal induction into the sacred office. They were uncultured and illiterate ; the}^ came from the laboring classes in the community. They were intense, earnest, and perhaps a little peculiar in their manner and bearing. These persons, without any pay, and with the sole desire to save their fellow-men, went here and there, as they could find an audience, and momentous results followed their work. Samuel Huber, a man more or less intimately asso- ciated with Newcomer, in 'his autobiography, tells us that his home, in Franklin county, was at first the only preaching place for the United Brethren between Har- risburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md.* "At the time alluded to they had frequently to travel from forty to sixty miles to reach an appointment, and that without * Iluber's Autobiography, p. 13. 134 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER even having accommodations for man or horse except- ing at taverns. It was not because there were not suf- ficient provisions in the country to entertain travelers that they had no stopping places. The reason that people refused to give these persons entertainment was that they were looked upon as false prophets, deceivers and bewitchers of the people. Such, indeed, was the ignorance, superstition and blunders of the people upon the subject of true religion, that they were afraid to entertain a preacher of this sort, fearing that if once in the house he would bewitch the whole family; and in many instances they refused to shake hands with them for fear of becoming spell-bound." Years ago the following incident, as illustrating the prevailing notions of the times, was told the author by Michael Bash, of Roanoke, Ind. : In an early day his mother's people lived not very far from the home of Ifewcomer. A younger sister, possibly fourteen or sixteen 3' ears of age, had labored for a short time as a domestic in the home of Mr. Newcomer. Some time after she had returned to her own home. Mr. New- comer was to hold a meeting in that neiohborhood. The parents of the young girl did not want her to attend for fear she would come under their evil in- iiuence. After persistent urging on her part, it w^as agreed to ])ermit her to attend, provided the elder sister, afterward Mrs. Bash, should accompanv her, in order to protect her. They went to the house where the meeting v,^as to be held. Every few minutes the elder sister was noticed to move a little on the bench where she sat towards the rigiit, then again toward the left, and sometimes partially rise up. The belief prevailed that some kind of magic power could go out FOURTH BISHOP OF THE CXITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 135 from the preacher's mouth that would fasten people to their seats, and this poor girl was determined to resist such infiiience, and so kept moving her body to break, if possible the magic sj^ell. In a little time the younger sister was so wrought upon by the preaching that she fell over. Immediatel}^ the older one jumped to her feet, bounded out of the door and ran towards home as fast as her limbs would carry her, and crying at the top of her voice: "Mamma, they've got her; mamma, the3^''ve got her." Such influence did these simple-hearted men of God exert on the people about them. Huber tells us of having come into " Tuckaho Val- ley, and tarried to preach at Brother Battenburg's. These strange preachers were looked upon as phe- nomena. Some people looked at us with terrified glances, afraid to come into the house, but stood gap- ing at the windows. After eyeing us for some time, it was discovered from our appearance that we looked just like other men; we invited them into the house; after some hesitation they began to enter. The word preached took effect. * * * The preaching was then done by local preachers. They preached gratuit- ously and paid their own expenses. For about two years' time the Lord Avrought such worl<; among the peo- ple that preaching places were opened in such numbers in these parts that we could not fill them. Circuit preachers were then sent out to serve the people with preacliing." After having traveled from Franklin county, Pa., to attend a General Conference near Zanesville, Ohio, Father Huber writes : "• I arrived at home safely after a journey of five weeks, somewhat out of pocket in 136 CHKISTIAN NEWCOMER money, having received for traveling expenses and ser- vices three dollars. * * * Although the first United Brethren preachers, with few exceptions, preached with- out pay, it must be understood that in most cases they were farmers and could afford to do so. I received during my ministry of over forty years' continuance less than twenty dollars for traveling expenses and preaching. All this does not, however, prove that men who pursue no other calling than that of the ministry, should labor at it without a competent remuneration." These old fathers were quaint, original men, had their own notions, and had the courage of their con- victions. Says the same writer above referred to : " We had frequently to preach in log cabins at night, with no other light than that made with pine knots blazing in the fireplaces, and with a table for a reading desk, and' sometimes without even this. We had no oppor- tunity to read manuscript sermons to the people, even if we desired to do so. Such a thing as memorizing and preaching other men's sermons was not thought of in these times, except by shallow-brains and blockheads. We had to take the Bible for our rule of faith and practice. Out of it, through God's assistance, we ob- tained our theology, preached, exhorted and taught, as the Holy Spirit suggested. We graduated on horse- back, instead of in large htiildings. " This kind of preaching, done in cabins, barns, woods, highways and hedges and other places, was the means, through God, of raising the standard of the cross in valleys, country, cities, towns and villages, where the devil had established his kingdom and reigned triumphantly. ISTo sooner did these enemies of the devil, the preachci's, come up to the help of the Lord FOUKTH BISHOP OF THE UNl'J'ED BKETHKEN IN CHKIST. 137 against the mighty, and open their batteries \yith singing, }3rayer, preaching and exhortation, than open- ings were made in the walls of Satan's kingdom. Many of his strongholds were taken by storm b}^ enforcing the unadulterated truths of the gospel, seconded and sealed to the heart by the power of Him '^ who hath his wa\'^ in the whirlwind and in the storm."* Newcomer kept a brief journal of his life from 1795 to 1S30. Many things are omitted, and many others, concerning which we would like to have more informa. tion, are stated with annoying brevity, but we have enough to give us at least a glimpse into the nature of the man and the work he did. It may be interesting to the reader to have from his own pen an account of the striking manifestations which attended his earnest, faithful preaching. " Sunday, 17th, 1802. Brother Geeting spoke with a tender compassion ; the people began to cry aloud. The meeting was held in a barn. When Brother Geeting had closed his remarks, I arose, went among the people in the congregation, exhorting them to accept the overtures of mercy; presently a young man fell on my neck, crying, and calling aloud : ' Oh, Mr. New- comer, what shall I do ; what shall I do to be saved ? ' I replied : ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.' In- stantly two others (who were brothers) fell on their knees, crying: 'What shall I do? I am lost forever! Oh, Lord Jesus I have mercy on me.' A young woman fell down, crying for mercy. Her sister, who was sit- ting beside her, with a child in her arms, instantly laid it on the floor, imploring the mercy of God. Next came the mother, also crying: 'O Lord! mercy for *Huber, p. 147. 138 CHEISTIAN NEWCOMER myself and my children.' The father also drew nigh, took the child up to prevent its being hurt in the group, and stood alongside of his children and wife, with tears streaming down his furrowed cheeks. Oh. what asis'ht! The scene could not be beheld without emotion. The whole congregation began to cr}^ and moan. The excitement became general. Presenth^ one fell here, another there, a woman hanging on the breast of her beloved companion, a daughtei* in the arms of her distressed mother, all crying for mercy. Never before have I witnessed the power of God in so great a degree among so many people. We com menced singing and praying, and, glory be to God ! many distressed souls found peace and pardon of their sins in the blood of the Lamb. The meeting was protracted till late at night."" Again, Sunday, Sept. 11th : "A great multitude of people were this day assembled. The power of God was signally displayed. Many were crying aloud for mercy ; a man fell to the ground and lay for three hours apparently lifeless. When he recovered, he arose praising God very effectively for what He had done for his soul." Sunday, ]^ov. 13th: "To-da}^ we had indeed a little Pentecost. From three to four hundred persons had collected ; more than the barn, in which we had assembled for worship, would contain. I preached to them from Titus III, with greatliberty and effect, for the salvation of souls. The congregation was remark- ably attentive to the Word ; though it rained, those Avho had no shelter in the barn kept their stand in the rain without the least disturbance. It is indeed sur- prising, and at least to me somewhat mysterious, to FOURTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 139 behold the manner in which the power of God works here among the people. During the time of preaching several persons fell to the floor ; some lay as if they were dead, others shook so violently that two or three men could scarcely hold them. Sometimes the excite- ment would be so great that I had to stop speaking for several minutes, until the noise abated. Some few were praising God and shouting for joy." Sunday, 20th: "We then dismissed the meeting but the people had no desire to depart. I spake to them again until almost exhausted, still they continued to stay. At night I had an appointment at the dis- tance of a mile and a half. Here again the Lord was present. Sinners on every side fell to the floor as if they were shot ; among others was a youth about thirteen years of age. Some were struck with awe, others flew into a passion, gathering their friends and relatives up, and carried them out of the house, saying this Avas the work of the devil. They carried the youth up stairs, and laid him on the bed, watching him with great anxiet3^ "When he recovered from his swoon he began to praise God, and exhorting all around in so wonderful a manner that about a dozen of them came in distress, confessing with tears that they had sinned against God, and crying : ' What shall we do to be saved ? ' " Sunday, June 2d: "This morning at our love feast we had a real Pentecost; the power of God came down on the congregation ; in an instant some fell to the grouhd and lay as if lifeless ; others cried out for mercy with all their strength ; yet others cried and sobbed with a contrite heart ; while some were shout- ing, jumping, and praising God with all their power. 140 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER No wonder if some here also w^ere amazed and con- founded when they witnessed sucli extravagant joy as made them suppose the people to be drunk or beside themselves," One of the most remarkable entries is made June 26, 1809: " This forenoon we had love feast. At the commencement it seemed to be rather cold and lifeless. At last the powder of God came over the assembly. Some fell lifeless to the ground, the whole congregation melted into tears, and many desired to be prayed for. At last we concluded the meeting, and many came with streaming eyes to bid me farewell, desiring I should pray for them. Ultimately I had to leave these dear children, and almost tear or force myself away, to pursue my company, who had started some time. After I had left town some distance I found about seven young people in the woods, on their knees, pray- ing and crying for mercy ; another lay on the ground, and a fi'irl was standino- a short distance from the road- side crying. I had to stop again, get off my horse, and exhort them to persevere in prayer until the Lord should have mercy on them and bless them, assuring them that they would surely find Jesus. I then began singing, and rode on to the next house, where I over- took my company." He relates this circumstance concerning himself, August 4th : " This has been an uncommonly warm day ; the heat was nearly unsupportable. After crossing the Potomac river a very heavy rain poured down in tor- rents. I stopped for awhile at a house on the roadside, until the rain had ceased. I again started, although it was growing late in the day, in order to reach the place of my destination. I had not rode a great dis- FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 141 tance when a thunder storm arose ; presently night came on, and I was benighted in the woods, with no other light than that afforded by an occasional flash of lightning. In- this situation I lost the path I had to travel, and rode for a considerable time through the bushes searching for the path, but in vain. At last I got off my horse, tied him to an herb, fell on my knees and prayed to my Lord and Master for direction and preservation, it thundering all the time. I felt the presence of the Lord and felt secure under his Almighty wing. On rising from my knees 1 jperceived thejKoth only a few yards from me. I mounted my horse again, pursued the path, and in a short time reached Brother Ambrose's house. Here I met with a friendly recep- tion and a good fire to dry my clothes." It was not always pleasant sailing. Satan could not have his kingdom invaded by a man of such spirit- ual power without some resistance. Sunday, May 13, " This day we came to Carlisle, and preached at night in the Methodist church. We had a powerful time. The friends and brethren were filled with love to God and each other, which is not the least surprising. But the natural consequence, persecution, which has been suffered here in an eminent degree, is truly surprising. "Only a few days ago the servants of the deVil knocked a preacher down in the street on his way home from the meeting house; and last night a young man was dreadfully maltreated and injured, and lies now in a dangerous state of illness. I paid him a visit, at which he was greatly rejoiced. In conversation he said to me, if it was the will of God, he was willing and ready to die ; that he enjoyed peace with God and could even pray for his murderers. 142 CHRISTIAN Np;WCOMER, Samuel JTuber relates the following as having been tokl liim by Newcomer himself: "A camp meeting was being held in York count}^, Pa. At one time dur- ing its continuance, the wicked threatened to storm the camp in the night. Towards evening they began to collect in gi'eat crowds, armed with bludgeons and other offensive weapons, making great threats and menaces against the tent holders. Amongst the pro- fessors of religion on the ground, might have been seen those who made great pretensions to faith and trust in Providence when no danger was near ; there were also some praying peojjle whose trust and faith in a super- intending Providence became strengtliened in a time of danger. These, seeing the camp surrounded and threatened in this hostile manner, betook themselves to prayer, looking to the Lord for help. "Towards evening, just about the time the 'Amale- kites ' were preparing for the assault, dark clouds were seen slowly rising above the horizon ; thunders were heard rolling in the distance; piles of clouds, swiftly pro})elled forward by an invisible force, came rolling- over each otlier and obscured the heavens from view ; palpable darkness covered the camp ; and then, as if a match had been applied to a fiery element, peals of thunder shot forth from the clouds above ; immense flashes of lightning glared throughout the camp : meteors, likc' large fire-balls, falling from the zenith to the earth, and carried by a mighty whirlwind, rolled and flew to and fro over the ground, and over the peo- ple, and through some of the tents, and went far off into the woods. It appeared as if the battlements of heaven had opened, sending its elements down in suc- cessive streams of fire. This scene lasted over one FOUKTH BISHOP UNITED BKETllUEX IN CHKIST, 143 hour, during which time the wicked became so much terrified that by rapid movements they cleared tliem- selves from the ground. After this phenomenon had subsided, and no one was hurt b}^ it, the meeting went on without further disturbance.'' * As Newcomer was leaving the ground, and while on his way to York, some persons said to him : " You can now see that your camp meetings are wrong, and God sent his fire among your people to destro}^ the camp." But Newcomer replied: " God was our guard and sent his tliunder and lightning to prevent the wicked from doing us injury," * Was not tliis the case ? Newcomer began his preaching in 17TT. He with the other preachers came together as often as once a year at a great meeting to consult together and to encourage each other. At one of these meetings it Avas resolved to hold a conference with all the preach- ers in order to take into consideration in what manner they might be most useful. This v/as held in 1789, in Baltimore, in Mr. Otterbein's parsonage, and laid the first final basis for the United Brethren Church. There were seven persons present, five representing^ the Re- formed element and two the Mennonite. At first he, like others, preached at appointments made here and there as seemed best. Before long he has appointments within what he calls his circuit. These were at first appointments of his own arranging, which he served regularly. At one time these were in three different States. Otterbein and Boehm were the first bishops of the Church. At an annual conference in 1802, it was * Huber's Autobiography, p. 223. 144 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER resolved "that in case one of our superintendents, William Otterbein or Martin Boehm, should die, an- other in his place shall always be appointed. This is the wish of these two brethren and the universal wish of all the preachers present." Otterbein died N"ovem- ber 17, 1813; Boehm died May 23, 1812.; Geeting died January 28, 1812. There was need of an active bishop, and in 1813 Newcomer Avas elected. Of this conference he says : "■ I find the brethren are greatly divided in respect to the discipline of our society." " To-day (6th) we had somewhat of a turbulent time ; the brethren appeared not to understand each other. The brethren elected a superintendent or bishop who is to have charge of the whole society." He was now in his sixty-fourth year. In 1810, he made his first visit West. June 12, 1810, " This week I was chiefly engaged in making prepara- tions for a journey to the State of Ohio." In many re- spects the western world was a surprise. " July 1st, I was at Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; 7th, came to Samuel Picker- ing's, a pious Quaker family in Belmont County ; 9th, came through Zanesville ; 11th, came through Lancas- ter, where I found several acquaintances ; 16th, came to Mr. Crider's, in Ross county. The people are generally employed in gathering their grain ; the harvest is very abundant; I doubt whether I have ever seen handsomer wheat than what I saAV this season in this country ; frequently I said to my fellow-travelers, 'Oh, what a country this will be in half a century hence' ; 20th, we rode through the Pickaway plains, many thousand acres covered with grass ; 23d, rode through Dayton and came to Andrew Zeller's, where we were joyfully received ; 29th, preached in Cincinnati ; Friday, August FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 145 5th, had a two clays' meeting at Lewis Kemp's, near Dayton; 10th, rode to a camp-meeting near Chilli- cothe ; 13th, to-day I had a little conference with the brethren ; fifteen preachers (how I write! preachers, in- deed! we are not- worthy the appellation) were present ; bless the Lord for the brotherly love and unanimity which prevailed throughout ; 20th, rode about twenty miles and preached to a goodly number of the people, I am surprised where so many people came from in this ajpjparent wilderness, September 14, after being twelve weeks on my journey, I reached home this eve- ning and found my friends all well. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for all his goodness and mercj^" June 8th, 1811, he starts on another trip to the "West to look after the preachers. He usually did this once a year as long as he lived, making nineteen in all. He was an active, persistent itinerant, ll^either rain nor floods nor storms, nor any other ordinary difficulties seem to have daunted him. He was never so happy as when on his horse going from place to place, seeking opportunities to tell men of Him who came to seek and to save the lost. In 1814 he was re-elected Bishop for thr^ years. He makes this note in his journal, "The orethren elected poor unworthy Christian Newcomer as Bishop and Superintendent for three years ; may God have mercy on me and grant me his assisting grace, to dis- charge my duty faithfully." This was a very import- ant conference. The men whose personal influence had been suiflcient to unite the two wings of the Church, and enforce its few rules and regulations were both dead. There were good men among their ministers, but no one who could take the place of Otterbein, The 146 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER, Church was extending her borders, and it became neces- sary to have the doctrines and discijDhne in printed form. Two copies in manuscript were laid before this conference. One of them had been prepared b}' New- comer himself, who plainly saw the need of more sys- tem, and the other by a Mr. Snook, originally a Mora- vian. It was thought best to consult the churches in the West, and definite action was therefore ])ostponed until the Miami conference would hold its session. Miami met and agreed that a general conference should 1)6 held, that delegates should be elected, and that the rules of the Church should then be corrected, amended or altered, as seemed best. It was agreed to hold the General Conference near Mt. Pleasant, June 6, 1815. It met in John Bonnet's school-house, about one mile east of Mt. Pleasant. Fourteen plain preachers, all speaking the German language, made up the first General Conference. ''They were men of sound minds and warm Christian hearts ; men thoroughly read in the Bible and well trained in the school of experience ; humble men such as God can use, because they will give him the glory." C. New- comer and A. Zeller were elected to preside, and Jacob Baulus and H. G. Spayth were chosen secretaries. Newcomer says in his journal: 6th, "This day General Conference convened at Old Brother Draksel's ; ma}^ the Lord have mercy on us; instead of love and unanim- ity, the spirit of hatred and discord seemed to prevail. May the Lord, in mercy, grant us more Avisdom and grace. 7th, This day we met again : Bless the Lord, the heat had considerahly ahated and the business befoi'e us was conducted better than I expected." " Nor will we disguise the truth ; the sky was not FOUKTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 147 exactly clear. A heavy atmosphere would ever and anon press and swell the bosom, and then came ruffling breezes, and sharp words. This could not last long. The darkening clouds, which hung over this Con- ference, .must be cleared away. A calm atmosphere and a clear sky could not be dispensed with ; a pause ensued. The Conference agreed to humble themselves before God in prayer ; and such a prayer-meeting your humble servant never witnessed before nor since. Brethren with streaming eyes embraced and thanked God. From that hour to the end unanimity and love smiled joyously on that assembly. "Permit a special notice here. Nothing, perhaps, was anticipated with greater certainty by any delegate in going to that Conference, than that the meeting should take place in the sweetest and most humble subordination to each other, each esteeming his brother higher than himself, and worthy of more honor. But the spirit of the children of Zebedee and their mother is still visible on such occasions, and never more so than when wise and good rulers, either in Church or State, are removed by death. For who should have sufficient wisdom, who should be so well qualified to take the helm and guide the vessel safely, as the Zebe- dees? And should a doubt be raised, they are ready to answer, ' We are able.' " Some of these evangelical ministers, who labored in the revival movement of this period, held connection with other churches. Newcomer, soon after his con- version, left the Mennonite Church, of which he had been a member, and, so far as he could, joined himself to the United Brethren. As, yet, they were simply a collection of converted people, many of whom had 148 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMKR, nominal membership in other Churches, but who were drawn together by a common sympathy. If this Avork is to endure, these people must be held together by stronger bonds than these. If allowed to go back to their own cold formal Churches, their piety will be chilled. If held together b}^. the personal influence of two men, when these are gone disintegration will begin. Newcomer early saw this, and, so far as known, was one of the first who began to organize the membership into classes. He met with opposition, but showed common sense. Practical man as he was, this seemed to him the only way to success. As far as can be learned, he began to organize in 1809. On May 10, 1809, he says : " This day the session of our conference convened. My wish and desire was to have better order and discipline established in our society, and some of my brethren were of opinion that this was unnecessary ; that the word of God alone was all- sufficient, and were therefore opposed to all discipline. I could plainly see that this opposition originated in prejudice, therefore I sincerely and fervently prayed for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. The Lord answered my prayer, when I almost despaired of success, and had nearly determined to leave and with- draw from the society. The brethren resolved, and a resolution was adopted in the Conference, to give a friendly and brotherly answer to the request and address of the Methodist Conference, and I hope that peace, unanimity and -concord will be preserved and strengthened in the respective societies." On Sunda3% April 5, 1812, " preached in the afternoon at Valentine Doub's, where I formed a class of ten m^mhers.''^ On Sunday, May 16, 1813: "Had a quarterly conference FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 149 at Peter Brown's, where I formed a class of twenty- two members." July 24, " preached at widow Weimar's, and formed a class of fifteen members." August, 1818, he did something toward organizing classes, at Antietam, in Maryland. He was arraigned by the Muskingum Conference, in 1819, for so doing. About the same time he formed a class at Greencastle, Pa. It is said the Methodist Episcopal Church were about to get some of his converts, and he took some loose leaves, joined them together, enrolled the names of the three members, and that this was the first class book in the Church. In 1813, May 5th, he says : " I find the brethren are greatly divided in opinion in respect to the discipline of our society." As noticed elscAvhere, in 1815, a manu- script cop3' of a discipline for the better order of the Church, was written by l^ewcomer, and laid before the General Conference, and, indeed, the preceding annual conferences. January 1, 1817, he says: "AVo had a considerable trouble with a few of the brethren to convince them of the necessary discipline and regula- tion in society ; they would not come into any order or regulation, and still desired the others to coincide with them." June 1,1818: "This day we held our con- ference. This was something rather new and strange to some of the brethren, and they appeared loth to ac- quiesce and come under the rules of discipline ; but they were soon convinced of their error." From 1813 to 1820 was an unsettled period m our denominational history. Its founder had been a mem- ber of the Reformed Church. Before his death, and after his death, it had drawn largely from the Menno- nites, through the labors of Boehm, Newcomer and 150 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMEli, others. As the Reformed element waned, the Menno- nite increased in strength. Unaccustomed to much organization, and desiring the utmost simplicity, it is questionable whether tlie United Brethren Church mit'ht not have been sacrificed, had it not been for the strong hand and native tact of JSTewcomer, He never introduced trouble, but always sought to allay it. He was unambitious save to pi-omote the honor of his Master, Sincere, honest, conscientious, faithful, skillful, he held in submission the unruly elements. A good student of human nature, he knew how to deal with men. Early seeing the importance of a thorough organization, from his position as Bishop, he could control the restless s])irits about him until time and reflection had shown the error of their ways and the wisdom of his counsels. He was the re-founder of the Church, and, humanly speaking, had it not been for the tact and good sense, and the piety of this man of God, we might not, as a denomination, be in existence to-day. As before said, he began to preach in 1Y77. He ^vas a member of the first conference in 1789. He presided at the first conference held in Ohio, in 1810. Shortly before the death of Otterbein, in 1813, he was elected Bishop. He was re-elected Bishop for three years in 1814 by the Hagerstown conference. He was re-elected by the General Conference in 1815 and each succeeding conference, including that of 1829, three years before he died. He was a minister for fifty-three years, and a Bishop about seventeen. For fifty-three years he was m his saddle almost daily, going from bouse to house, from town to tow^n, from State to State, carrying the glad tidings of salvation. He had a mes- sage from God to a lost and ruined world, and lie could FOURTH BISHOP LNITKD BRKTTIKKX TX CHRIST. 161 not rest until he had delivered it. He did not always have a warm reception, but none the less did he work. January 18, 1801, he says: ''This day I went from house to house; found the people generally very igno- rant in matters of religion, and very shy and reserved toward me, believing me t(j he a tleceiver; may God grant them more knowledge in these things." Midti- tudes in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Kew York, and in Canada, heard from his own lips the glad news of a risen Savior.- He had a vigorous constitution that enabled him to travel. He kept a good horse, kept him in good con- dition, and when well mounted, took but little account of heat or cold or distance. Sometimes he would travel a whole day with nothing to eat, even after he had reached his threescore years and ten. In his eighty- first year, on his last trip West, he rode fifty-two miles in one day. As we read his daily journal, briefly kept during all these arduous labors, no word of complaint escapes him, but a constant thanksgiving. He does not think that he is doing too much for his Master, but is ever gratified that he is permitted to do anything. Difficulties and per])lexities only nerve him for greater efforts, and make him more cheerful. His relations to the Methodists were pleasant and satisfactory to them, and in every way complimentary to himself. He learned of their success in saving- souls, and rejoiced in it. They held joint meetings to- o-ether, and around one common table all distinction of sect was lost in Christian love and fellowship. At the Methodist Episcopal Conference in Harrisonburg, in 1809, a committee was appointed to consult with Xewcomer, to see if there could not be some plan of 152 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMER, cooperation agreed upon between the two Churches. Says Newcomer in his journal : " I am fully persuaded that air of us were seriously concerned, and had noth- ing else in view but the salvation of immortal souls and the furtherance of the good cause of our Lord and Master in spreading His kingdom throughout our blessed country." A resolution w^as adopted, which he was to deliver to Otterbein, He enters in his journal on April 10th, the following : " During the night I slept but very little, my mind was so intensely occupied about the connection of the societies ; several times I arose during the night, praying for grace and wisdom from above. Oh ! that the Lord may take the cause in His own hands and direct all things to His own glory." A friendly letter -was returned to the Methodist Epis- co])al Church, signed by Boehm, Geeting and New- comer. As a result of this general good feeling which prevailed a plan of cooperation mutually satisfactory, was agreed upon. The letters of correspondence that passed have been preserved. Each Church remained distinct as before. Methodist houses of worship were to be open to the Brethren when not used by the former, while the Brethren houses, on like conditions, were to be open to the Methodists ; class meetings and love feasts to be open in both Churches to mem- bers of both societies. In all this movement New- comer played a very important part. Long and faithfully has he labored, but his work on earth will soon be done. A few weeks after he had made his last western trip, he writes : " I am still in- disposed ; remained at home, engaged in reading and prayer. My loving Savior extended His loving kind- FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 153 ness to me in secret prayer, and blessed my poor soul so abundantly, that it became impossible for me not to shout and praise the Lord aloud. Glory and honor be to His holy name forever ! Hallelujah ! " Recover ing somewhat, he goes to Yirginia, goes to Boons- borough, Marjdand, and on the way God mercifully preserves him. Attends a camp-meeting in York county; met a camp-meeting near Hagerstown ; and so he goes until October 11th, when he writes: " I re- mained at home, engaged in reading and prayer; found my soul particularly drawn out to God in behalf of all my brethren in the ministry. I feel my feeble- ness increasing from day to day. The power and strength of my constitution is gone." From the 12th to the 1st of the following month he is out again, and then writes : " This day I am so unwell that I am not able to leave my room, but glory to my God, I have sweet communion with Him. Though solitary, 1 am not left alone, for my Savior is still with me, and con- tinues the best of friends." November 11th, he writes : " I jfind that I am barely able to hold a pen to make this entry in my journal. Kot many days are left unto me to live in this world. Soon the call will be, ' Give account of thy stewardship.' Bless the Lord, I am in nowise afraid to appear in His presence, for I know One who is my surety, and has paid my debts." Thus he lingers, confined to his room for some weeks. He goes with Hildt to Hagerstown, and was much rejoiced. On Christmas day, attended a sacra- mental meeting, and had a most gracious and power ful time. February 7th, attended a Methodist quar- terly meeting in Hagerstown. Started for Virginia in March, but the weather being bad and body weak, 154 CHRISTIAN NEWCOMEK, returned home. On the 4th of March, he makes this last entry in his journal : " This forenoon I tried to write in my journal, but alas! I find that I am not able to perform the task, so I lay down my pen, and the Lord above knows whether I shall be able to resume it again. The Lord's will be done. Amen, Hallelu- jah!" With this triumphant shout, and in full view of the Jordan of death, this man's record of his own work closes. From day to day he continued to grow weaker and weaker. A short time before his death, his friend and colleague. Bishop Kumler, arrived from the West. The old veteran cross-bearer was greatly rejoiced to see him, and they spent a few very happy hours in each other s company. He departed this life on the 12th of March, 1830, with perfect composure, and without even a strug- gle. A few minutes before his death, he requested a young man present to pray once more , which he did. Father I^ewcomer, in his own strength, without any assistance, arose from his pillow the last time, and with those present in the room, presented himself at his bed- side, before that throne where he had formed a spirit- ual acquaintance with his Lord and Master for many years past and gone by. After the prayer was ended, he again lay down, reclining his head on his pillow, drew breath a few times, and calmly expired in the full assurance of a blessed immortalit}^ His whole countenance ap- peared to be a faithful mirror in which the serenity of mind and the peace within was depicted in faithful characters. A large multitude from the surrounding neighbor- hood attended his funeral. Bishop Kumler preached a FOUETH BISHOP UNITED BEETHKEN IN CHEIST. 155 discourse in the German language, from John xvi : 22 : "And ye now therefore, have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." Brother John Zahn followed, and spoke in the English language from Deuteronomy xxxiv : 5 : " So Moses, the servant of the Lord died there, in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord." He is buried near Keedysville, Md., with no stone to mark his last resting-place. We were anxious to present our readers with a por- trait of this grand old worker, but we could not find one. If there is one in existence, we have not been able to find it. H. G. Spayth, his personal friend and co-laborer, tells this as to his methods : "When traveling Susque- hanna Circuit in the year 1812, in the depth of winter of cold and snow, I had a meeting in Berks county. While preaching, Bro. Newcomer's tall figure made its appear- ance at the door. I beckoned him to come to the stand, but the room being crowded he remained where he was, and without leaving the door, closed the meeting with a very impressive exhortation, and sang and prayed. I pronounced the benediction. The audience made move to leave. Now was Newcomer's time . He shook hands with one and then with another, addressing some by name ; he exhorted all young and old, Avith a voice and visage as spiritual and holy as if he had just come from the Court of Heaven. Many began to weep and we had a gracious and powerful blessing. Thus often when it was thought that he was far away, he would come upon meetings unexpectedly and unlooked for, but his coming was everywhere and always hailed with joy. For a truth God was with him, and had made blessing to the church and to the people. 156 CHKISTIAN NEWCOMER " He was indeed a chosen vessel of the Lord, as his subsequent labors most amply prove. Though in some respects less than Otterbein, Boehm or Geeting, never- theless, take him as he was, we are justified in saying of him, that the grace of God was not bestowed on him in vain, for he labored more abundantly, preached more frequently and visited more extensively. He was just the man by nature and by grace for his place. With- out him the cluster would have been incomplete. Tall in stature, of a commanding figure, and a keen visage, a voice moderately strong, and if at times impeded for a moment by some natural object, it but heightened the effect of his preaching, drawing the attention of the audience only nearer to the speaker, affording him an opportunity to draw the gospel net more effectually around them and thus secure a larger draft. From first to last, and for many years, Bro. Newcomer made good proof of his ministry, in all things showing himself a pattern of good works."* * Spayth's History, p. 68. REV. ANDREW ZELLER, FIFTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST INFORMATION concerning the early history of this man is very meager. Indeed, this is true of most of the ancient fathers. A few years ago one wrote (and what was true then is for the most part true yet) : " The United Brethren have eschewed biographies and autobiographies. But a single autobiography, or biog- raphy, if we may except some meager notices in peri- odicals, has yet been published. Of some of our ablest ministers we know but this, that they entered the bat- tle-field in youth, and fought valiantly until the day was well spent, and that they died bravely at their posts.'- Andrew Zeller was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1T55. He resided in Berks County, in Eastern Pennsylvania. We know nothing of his early history. He was raised on a farm, and would be familiar with the duties and trials of a farmer's life, and at that period they were not a few. His education would be very limited, and comprise a knowledge of the simplest branches. In later years he used to repeat the following story of his early boyhood : There were six boys of whom we have knowledge, in his father's family. They lived in a new country, which had to be prepared for the plow before it could yield an abundant harvest. It is altogether probable that, with so large a family to 157 158 ANDEEW ZELLER, look after, the members of it must use the plainest food. They resided near the banks of a little stream called the Swatara, which the boys perverted into Sweet Arrow. These six boys would at times gather around a large dish of soup, which was the only article of diet for that meal, and with no other utensils for eating but iron spoons. With these each did his best to satisfy the demands of a strong appetite. These young pupils had already learned the art of comparing their dish with the stream near them, and, as they were rapidly emptying their dish, they would occasionally measure its depth with their spoons, and say, " The Sweet Arrow is so deep," conscious of the fact that, as the depth diminished, their pleasure was lessened. He was converted about the year 1790. A number of references are made to him in "Newcomer's Jour- nal." In the record for May 21, 1799, he says: "A two days' meeting convened at John Zeller's. Bros.' Crum, Kreider and Boehm delivered the messages to the peo- ple. I stayed for the night with Andrew Zeller." No- vember 15, 1799, he writes: "This day we caime to Mr. Zeller's, near the little Swatara, and had a blessed meet- ing." October 10, 1800 : " This day our sacramental meeting commenced at Bro. Zeller's, in Berks county. I spoke first from Titus iii, verses 5, 6, 7; the word appeared to be accompanied with power." May 21, 1 802 : " I set out for Swatara to a great meeting, tarried for the night with a Mr. Yotter, a serious man." 22d : " I arrived at Bro. Zeller's, the place appointed for the meeting. The Lord was present in convicting and con- verting power." May 17, 1803 : " To-day I paid a visit to a Lutheran minister. The man is truly in a sad con- dition. In conversation I said, the Lord had forsaken FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 159 him because he had not been faithful in declaring the whole counsel of God. He is very near the point of despair. May the Lord extricate him. At night he went with me to Mr. Reigel's where we both remained." 18th, "^ This morning he insisted on my returning home with him again, which I did ; sta3^ed until after dinner, and after commending him to the Lord in prayer, I pursued my way and arrived with a joyful heart at A. Zeller's." We find no record of any visit during the year 1804. We have not been able to learn when, nor under what circumstances, Mr, Zeller began to preach. There was a formal conference of the early preachers at Ot- terbein's parsonage in 1T89. The next was held in 1791, at the house of John Spangler, eight miles from York, Pa. These were yearly meetings for the preach- ers for general consultation, and not for legislative action, and were usually held in connection with some of the great meetings. We do not find Mr, Zeller's name mentioned among either those who were present or those who were absent at the conference of 1791, We have a record of the men who comprised the conference of 1800, which was an important one in the history of the U. B. Church, and we do not find his name on the list either of those present or those absent. He was not present at the conference held September 23, a. d. 1801, at Peter Kemp's, in Frederick count}^, Maryland. The next con- ference met at the house of John Cronise, in Frederick county, Maryland, and his name is not in the list. Kineteen great meetings were held during this year, but we do not find him taking part in any of them, un- less it was at his own home. On October 6, 1803, the 160 ANDREW ZELLER, next annual conference assembled at David Snyder's, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Zeller'sname is not on the list. The conference appointed for October 3, 1804, was also to meet at the house of David Sny- der, in Cumberland county, but an epidemic prevailing in Maryland, and in the place where the conference was to meet, but five brethren were present. They ex- amined the letters sent up, and no others arriving, they resolve that the next conference shall be he held at Jacob Baulus', near Middletown, Maryland, and then adjourned their meeting. So far as we may judge from the record left us, Mr. ZeUer, while residing in the East, was a w^arm-hearted, earnest Christian man, who was a faithful member of the Church and interested in its prosperit}^ ; his home was the stopping place for the preachers as they passed through, "where they always found a cordial welcome, and who were rejoiced to tarry with him. His home seemed to be the preaching place for this section, and meetings were held here as often as con- venient. Once or twice a year it seemed to be possible for Mr. Newcomer to hold meetings here for a longer or shorter time. We do not find Mr. Zeller's name on the conference records ; he is not present with the preachers ; does not appear as one at their great meetings; is not found visiting with Newcomer, or others of the itinerant class. "We are driven to the conclusion, that if licensed at this time, as he probably was, that he did not give himself very fully to the work, but contented himself with such spiritual teaching and preaching as could be done near his own home. In A. D. 1787, an ordinance was adopted for the FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 161 government of the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio river. In 1788 a settlement was made at Marietta. The country was now open for settlers, and as early as 1803 some United Brethren, seeking homes for themselves and their children, came into the untrodden forests of Ohio. A settlement was made in the region of Germantown and Dayton. In A. D. 1806, a United Brethren Society was organized at A. Zellers, near Germantown, which was most likely thQ first organization of this kind in the State. Among the first preachers of the United Brethren Church in this section, we find the names of Andrew Zeller, David Troyer and Thomas Winters, who afterward became a minister of the Keformed Church. Mr. Zeller is now a man in middle life, and an earnest lover of his Church. His home, as usual, is open for religious services. During the year 1806, the next year after his arrival, sinners were converted and added to this little pioneer band. For some years his house is a kind of a headquarters for the Church in the "West. As his home and heart and purse were all open for the good of the Church when he lived east of the Susquehanna, they are doubly so in this western country, with its increased privations and needs. Mr. ISTewcomer, whose heart was rejoiced, when after a hard day's ride he reached the home of Andrew Zeller, by the banks of the Swatara, is just as welcome to his new home amid the waving forests of Ohio. He, and those who came with him, were earnest, aggressive men, who believed the earth was the Lord's, and that men should give him the affections of their hearts. They had been subjected to toils and priva- tions in the East, and they looked for the same here. 162 ANDREW ZELLEE, To men of such aims and purposes, there were many open doors. The calls for preachers were numerous. The labor was severe, and the compensation very small, but in the midst of toils and privations, they sowed the seed which has produced an abundant harvest. They belonged to the conference in the East, but, face to face with the hardships of pioneer life, they could not well attend. It seemed almost a necessity to organize a conference in the West. Newcomer was authorized to visit the West, and organize a conference here, which he did on the 13th day of August, a. d. 1810, at Michael Crider's, in Ross county, Ohio, which was the first conference west of the Alleghenies. The records have not been kept, but Newcomer makes mention of it in his "" Journal." One of the men who was a mem- ber of this body was Andrew Zeller. It is pleasant to see the impression made upon Mr. Newcomer in this, his first visit to the West. He was past sixty years of age, and the enthusiasm of youth was gone. He made his trip on horseback from Mary- land, and he was an expert traveler. He crossed the Monongahela river, came into Jefferson county, and thence to Zanesville. He stopped with Mr. Benedum, a minister of the gospel, and " so many people had assembled together that the house in which we were to preach could not contain the half of them, so we preached before the house, under the canopy of heaven." He comes in Ross county. " The people are generally engaged in gathering in their grain ; the harvest is very abundant. I doubt whether I have ever seen handsomer Avheat than I saw this summer in this county. Frequently, I said to my fellow-traveler, Oh, what a country this will he a century hence ! 20th. FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 163 We rode through the Pickaway plains — many thou- sand acres covered with grass. 23d. To-day we rode through Dayton, and came to Andrew Zeller's, where we were joyfully received. 13th. To-day I had a httle conference w^ith the brethren — fifteen preachers, (liow I write ! Preachers indeed, we are not worthy the appellation) were present. Bless the Lord for the brotherly love and unanimity of mind which prevailed throughout." In Newcomer's journal, April 29th, A. D. 1811, we read : " This day Bro. Geeting and Andrew Zellei came to see me, and stayed with us all night. We had a long and interesting conversation together respecting the work of God generally, and particularly in the western country. 30th. I rode with Zeller to Shep- herdstown. May 2d. This forenoon Bro. Zeller preached at our home." Among all the references made by Newcomer to Zeller and his visits to his home, this is the first reference which we find him making of his preaching. During the remainder of his life, almost every year Newcomer made a visit to the West, to look after the flock and to enlarge the work; and Andrew Zeller's was his regular stopping place. "August 6th. We rode eight miles to Andrew Zeller's, where our confCx-ence is appointed to be held. The session of the conference was opened this afternoon by reading chapter 4 of Sec- ond Corinthians. It continued until Saturday at noon. Peace, union and brotherly love characterized the meet- ing. Three brethren were appointed to travel continu- ally, and form regular circuits. August 22d, A. D. 1814. I arrived at Brother Andrew Zeller's, where our conference is to be held. 23d. Our conference is 164 ANDKEW ZELLER, commenced. As president I opened the confer- ence with prayer. The conference continued until the 27th. We had considerably less difficulty than I expected, and closed the session in great harmony and unanimity. Praise the Lord for it. 29th. To-day we had meeting again, and administered the sacrament. After meeting, tlie preachers dined once more at Brother Andrew Zeller's ; we then bade each other an affectionate farewell, and departed to our respective fields of labor. May the Lord make each of us a fit and useful instrument in his hands to work in the vine- yard." This was an important conference. It was thought by the more aggressive men of the Church, that a gen- eral conference should be held, to supj^ly some deficiency in the rules and regulations of the Church, and give more system and uniformity to their administration. The members in the East felt tliat on so important a matter, their brethren in the West should be consulted. This conference most cheerfully took up the subject, and recommended that the members which were to meet in general conference should be elected from among the preachers from all parts of the Church, by a majority of the votes of the members in the Church. The election was held. Twenty delegates had been provided for, but fourteen came together. Five of them were from Pennsylvania, three from Virginia, two from Maryland and four from Ohio. The Ohio delegates were Andrew Zeller, A. Ileistand, Daniel Troyer and George Benedum. The conference met abotit one mile east of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., in a simple, plain school-house known as John Bonnet's School-house. Mr. Bonnet was a devoted member of the Church ; and near here FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST, 165 also resided the venerable Abraham Draksel. C. New- comer and Andrew Zeller were elected to preside; Jacob Baulus and N. G. Spayth were chosen secretaries. A company of fourteen plain ministers, all speaking the German language,meeting in a little country school- house, may not loolc like a very formidable affair, but it did very much toward crystalizing the elements of the new church, and giving it the trend which it has since taken. "Nor must we turn away from this conference be- cause it was graced by no distinguished Doctors of Theology, no patron princes, no celebrated literary lights ; for in the conference on the Mount of Olives, which received the commission to disciple all nations, no prince, not one learned doctor, not a single great literary light was found. There was the pure-minded Nathaniel, the impulsive Peter, the devoted John. And in the humble conference to which the reader has just been introduced were found men of sound minds, of warm Christian hearts ; men thoroughly read in the Bible and w^ell trained in the school of experience; humble men such as God will use, because they will give Him the glory. They had, nearly all of them, either been introduced into the ministry under the superintendence of Otterbein or had enjoyed a personal acquaintance with him. A number of these had labored with him for many years, and had long enjoyed the benefit of his godly counsels."* The preachers of the West were most anxious, likely, to have a representative man from their own section, and accordingly Andreio Zeller and Christian Newcomer were elected Bishops. ♦Lawrence, vol. 3, p. 37. 166 ANDREW ZELLER, The man who was one of the secretaries, and who has revealed to us a little of the spirit of this body, has gone to his long home andean no longer be questioned, but he has left behind him the hint which seems to show that then as now, men were apt to interpret too literally the apostle's statement that " He that desireth the office of a Bishop desireth a good thing." Says Mr. Spayth: " But the spirit of the children of Zebedee and their mother is still visible on such occasions, and never more so than when wise and good rulers, either in Church or State, are removed by death ; for who should have sufficient wisdom, who should be so well qualified to take the helm and guide the vessel safely, as the Zebedees? And should a doubt be raised they are ready to answer, ' "We are able." ' Previous to this time there had been some discussion concerning the laying on of hands. At the session of the Miami conference June 27, 1815, in Fairfield count}^ Newcomer, who had been ordained by Otterbein, ordained Christian Crum, and then, with the assistance of Crum, ordained seven others, among whom was Bishop Andreii:) Zeller. The second general conference convened in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, in June, 181Y, and continued Newcomer and Zeller as Bishops until the next conference, which was to be in four years. A new conference was now organized called the Muskingum. Six ministers and two bishops were pres- ent. The Miami Conference was to convene in War- ren County. Newcomer tells us of some of the diffi- culties which had to be encountered in going from the Muskingum to the l^Jiami conference. "June 8th, Preached in Circleville. Zeller and myself traveled FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHKIST. 167 on. When we reached the Scioto Kiver we found the stream very much swollen. "We could not reach the ferry without riding a considerable distance in the water which had overflown a large marshy bottom. Brother Zeller led the way. His horse fell under him in the mud, but he recovered and reached the ferry in safety. I followed him. My horse also fell but could not recover, and stuck fast in the mud. I had to alight in the water, took my saddle-bags from the horse and carried them out on dry ground, wading in water up to my hips. My horse exerted all his power to get out of the mud, and finally succeeded in extrica- ting himself. I now gave thanks to God on my knees for my preservation, rode back to Jefferson ville and lodged with Musselman, where I rested after my nar- row escape. What has become of Brother Zeller I am unable to tell. 9th. Rode to Charlestown and lodged at a public-house. Here I received the information that Brother Zeller was eight miles ahead of me. 10th. This morning I set out very early ; rode twenty-five miles before I fed my horse or had breakfast. Over- took Mr, Zeller in a small village. We then rode to- gether to Lebanon. 11th. We arrived at Zeller's. Here I rested on the 12th." At this time Newcomer was about sixty-nine years of age, and Zeller sixty- four. From 1815 to 1821, Mr. Zeller filled the office of Bishop with entire acceptability. His health not being very good, and the labor and exposure of travel being severe upon him, he could no longer give such active service to the Church as this office demanded. His piety, his good sense, and his abundant liberality had contributed largely to the prosperity of the Church in 168 ANDREW ZELLER, Ohio, and his influence will be felt as long as the Church has an existence in the Ohio Yalley. He was twice married, and by his first wife had eight children. They were named as follows : John, Michael, Andrew, and George ; Elizabeth, who was married to John Kemp ; Christina, married to Henry Kumler, Jr.; Mary, married to Jacob Antrim, and Bar- bara, married to Philip Zehring. So far as known to the writer none of these children are living. We have sought carefully to find a picture of him, but nothing of the kind can be secured, and it is very probable that none ever existed. He is described in his old age as " a little above medium height and remarkably straight ; hair white and on the top of his head thin ; e3^es gray and full, and skin very fair. To the last year of his life he walked perfectly erect, and with a quick and measured step." He died on the 25th of May, 1839, in the eighty- fourth year of his age, and is buried in the cemetery at Germantown. As we have elsewhere said, the Miami Conference in its early history held a number of its sessions at his home. The same conference was in session at Germantown at the time of his death. Mr. Spayth relates this story of him, which came under his own observation : " While on his official tour in 1815, he had to have a small piece of work done in the town of M. The mechanic was a worthy man but would not attend Church nor hear preaciiing. While doing the work he cast a heedless look at Brother Zeller, who stood not far away with his hands folded before him. The man looked the second and the third time, but with feelings which had begun to steal on him, for which he could not account. Another look, and an FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 169 arrow shot through his heart. From that moment he had no rest (the stranger stood ever before him with folded hands, and as he thought praying to God for his soul) till God spoke peace to him. That man has ever since been a consistent Christian. How many splendid sermons are preached which are followed by no con- versions. What a contrast between what men call great preachers and those God approves. One hears the echo of applause ; the other is followed by a train of happy souls bound to meet him in Heaven. We now see through a glass darkly ; fleeting visions pass before and around us which will prove happy realities when the veil shall be lifted, and we shall see the saints who are the joy and diadem of the true minister reflecting the light of Jesus Christ. " As he approached the dark river, he expressed, to some of the brethren who visited him, a great longing for the ISTew Jerusalem. He calmly folded his arms, and without a struggle passed away. Thus calmly and pleasantly he entered into rest after more than fifty years of faithful service in the cause of the Mas- ter." " Why weep ye for the falling Of the transient, twilight gloom? I am weary of the journey, And have come in sight of home. " I can see a white procession Sweep melodiously along, And I would not have your mourning Drown the sweetness of their song. " The battle-strife is ended ; I have scaled the hindering wall ; I am putting off the armor Of the soldier — that is all. 170 ANDEEW ZELLEK. " Would you hide me from my pleasures? Would you hold me from my rest ? From my serving and my meeting, I am called to be a guest." Alice Carey. -jj^AIL /h'^prncu^ REV. JOSEPH HOFFMAN, SIXTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. EEY. JOSEPH HOFFMAK was born on the 19tli of March, 1780 a. d., in Cumberland County, Pa. His father was a member of the German Reformed Church, the same Church to which Otterbein belonged, and his mother was a member of the Seventh-Day Bap- tists. His parents were moral and industrious people, but had not experienced that religious condition known to us as a change of heart. Soon after the birth of this son they were awakened to a knowledge of their con- dition, found pardon for their sins, enjoyed the witness of the Spirit, joined the United Brethren Church, and were consistent members of it during the remainder of their lives. Mr. Hoffman did not have the advantages of culture which have come with the opportunities of to-day, but he had a good native intellect, which he' improved as he had opportunity, and thereby secured quite a fund of information. He was a man of indomitable spirit, cheerful in disposition, and disposed to be a little jovial from his earliest years. Those who recognized his ability believed that, if ever converted, he would be- come a minister of the Gospel, which expectation was realized when he was saved by grace. As early as fourteen years of age he felt that he was a great sinner. This knowledge came to him not through the teaching of any one so far as known, but 171 172 JOSEPH HOFFMAN, by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. He saw that himself and the world about him were lying in wicked- ness. These impressions remained with him for years. He had no pious friend to advise him, and yet he greatly needed directing into the right path, so he opened his heart to his wife. While fishing one day, he was unusually merry and jovial, and on his way home liis wife reproved him for it, by saying that it did not look as though he was very anxious to be relig- ious. This was a rebuke he did not expect, and it took effect. He heeded the admonition, retired to a grove, and, beside an old tree, gave his heart to God. He himself was accustomed to say in after years : " I heard the voice of God, saying, thy sins which are many are all forgiven thee." He entered into the spiritual life when twenty-one years of age. Soon after this time the call of the Master came to him : " Go speak to the people." Those around him had no preaching, and they needed it very badly. He saw them destitute, and did what he could to meet their wants. In 1803, a. d., he was licensed to preach by the properly constituted authori- ties, and«in the following yearhe entered upon an itiner- ant life, which continued until 1812, when his health for a time gave away. Spayth says of him during this period : " Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania were alternately his field of labor. In Brother Hoffman, the itinerant preacher was freely exemplified. In labors abundant, even to excess. An originality and inspired power character- ized his preachingin a peculiar manner. Sinners wept and believers rejoiced. His joy in the gospel harvest was nevertheless balanced by the burden, the heat, the SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 173 sweat and fatigue, which like so many ministering angels waited on the itinerant preacher wherever he went, and Joseph Hoffman enjoyed the benefit of their constant attendance from 1804 to 1812. Six or seven months before the sitting of the annual conference (in 1812), in a calm atmosphere, the sound of Hoffman's voice had been distinctly heard a mile from the house he preached at, and yet that voice was not strained, but flowed in unison with the gospel theme. But at that time he arose slowly, as one borne down by some unseen weight, and in his effort to speak, that strong voice was reduced to a faintness ; the book trembled in his hands ; this sight, and the few words which he attempted to say, moved the audience to the strongest sympathy ; they knew the cause and felt the more easily affected. To human appearance his health and strength were gone." By a judicious husbanding of his strength, and a prudent tempering of his zeal, his health improved, and he was, after a time, again ready for efficient work. Along with the joy which he experienced in leading men to Christ were the privations he suffered and the anxiety that came to him from protracted absence from his family. It was not a pleasant thing to him that the wife by his side should be hastening to a premature old age, if not, indeed, death itself, in the doing of these things, which should be done by others. She was a faithful wife, and the lack of adequate support to him made it necessary for her to carry burdens, which weakened her frame. "While he went forth to fight the battles of the Lord, she aided as best she could, by labor and by prayer at home, to keep him in the field 174 JOSEPH HOFFMAN, In Hoffman's da3's the idea was very prevalent that ministers should preach on Sunday, without cost to the people, and during the rest of the [veek, or, as much of it as might be necessary, time should be given to their farms or their merchandise. That theory has not been entirel}^ exploded in our own day. The writer, a few years since, found some persons in Ohio who thought the present method of preaching was a very expensive matter. It was not the way of the fathers. These men thought, and honestly thought, so far as we know, that paying men compensation for their whole time might, and, no doubt would induce men to undertake to preach who were not called of God to the work, and, therefore, would bring much discredit on the church ; while others, who preached without pay, would not do so unless influenced by the Holy Spirit. They had been so trained in the Churches, from which they came, hence, it was not to be expected that they could easily break away from such surroundings. Says Rev. Samuel Huber : " Now, although the first United Brethren preachers, with few exceptions, preached without pay, it must be understood that, in most cases, they were farmers, and could afford to do so. I received, during my ministry of over forty years' continuance, less than twenty dollars for trav- eling expenses and preaching. All this does not, however, prove that men who pursue no other calling than that of the ministry should labor in it without a complete remuneration." But to teach this and to attempt to practice his own teaching was no easy thing in Hoffman's day. He believed that a man, called of God to this sacred work, should give his time, himself his all to the preaching of SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 175 the gospel and tlie performance of pastoral work. While he sought the spiritual interests of the people whom he served, he fully believed that a broad symmetrical Christian character could not be developed except where men were willing to consecrate their means to the furtherance of the gospel. It is the teaching of Holy Writ that they who preach the gospel shall live of the gospel. He was in advance of his age, and therefore a reformer of his times. We have hardly yet reached the truth that all a man has belongs to the Lord, and is to be used for the promotion of his cause. The early preachers who were sent forth by Otter- bein and Boehm were licensed to preach, so they did not run without authority, but none of them had been formally ordained. While God had set his seal of ap- proval on their work by- giving them souls for their hire, yet to old and established church members it might seem a little disorderly not to submit to such a solemn ordinance. It seemed to Hoffman that such ordination should be secured so as to quiet the tongue of the fault-finder, and provide against any quibbling that might hereafter arise. He visited Brother New- comer, who had not yet been ordained, and who resid- ed some ninety miles distant. They counseled togeth- er and the result was they concluded to visit Father Otterbein, who was in feeble health at the time, and be ordained by him before the summons should come to him to "come up higher." On October 1, 1813, they arrived in Baltimore. Otterbein had already received a letter from the brethren in Ohio, suggesting that something of this kind should be done. He would have done this before, but said : "I have always consid- 176 JOSEPH HOFFMAN, ered myself too unworthy to perform this solemn in junction of the Apostle, but now I perceive the neces- sity of doing so before I shall be removed." Rev. Frederick Shaffer, one of Otterbein's own converts, was tilling his pulpit at this time, and he was selected to be ordained with them. Rev. Wm. Ryland of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was invited to assist in the ordination. Mr. Otterbein was helped into an arm-chair, and from this place tenderly addressed them. He urged them not to be in haste to lay on hands on those whom they should be called upon to set apart by this holy ordinance. Having been assisted, he rose to his feet and placed his hands on the heads of the candidates, and, standing upon the very verge of the unseen world, this patriarchal man solemnly dedicated these two brethren to the sacred office of the ministry. It was a very solemn and impressive service for Mr. Hoffman. Eight days after this, the man who had thus consecra- ted him, stood himself in the presence of the King of kings. Mr. Hoffman was in the prime of life, being about thirty-three 3^ ears of age, and from this holy presence he went out with enlarged views of the sacredness of his calling, and with a burning zeal to do more than ever for the cause of his Master. JSTewcomer, in his " Journal," gives us a faint out- line of the labors of that early period, and of his con- nection with this man : "January 29, 1806. To-da}'' I preached at Rocky Spring. Brother Joseph Hoffman, a young preacJier, came here. "31st. We rode to Greencastle. Brother Hoffman spoke to a numerous assembly. SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 17Y " May 4th. We rode to the sacramental meeting at the Antietam. Crum preached first; ISTeidig and Hoffman followed. " 26th. This day Brother Joseph Hoffman preached at my house. " September 9th. Brother Hoffman and myself rode to Marsh Creek. " 11th. This day Hoffman preached at my house. '' February 10, 1808. After meeting had concluded Brother Joseph Hoffman arrived. We rode together to Lewistown, where I spoke. " May 21st. This day Brother Hoffman preached at our house. " June 4:th. I set out to the quarterly meeting at the Antietam. Joseph Hoffman delivered the first sermon. " January 21, 1809. Eeached Spangler's, where I met Brother Joseph Hoffman on his way from Balti- more. " 27th. Kode to Hagerstown. Brothers Sneider and Hoffman came to me this day. We had a blessed meeting at night. "^ April 15th. This day Brother Hoffman preached at my house. " May 3d. Brother Hoffman preached (at Middle- town) in the afternoon. A vast multitude of people had collected. Several persons were convicted of their lost situation, and cried for mercy. Others were aston- ished, and fled, as they supposed, for safety. " June 1st. I rested here. Brother Joseph Hoff- man, my traveling companion, arrived to-day. " Sunday, 11th. This forenoon we preached in Mount Pleasant to a numerous congregation. Hoffman 1T8 JOSEPH HOFFMAN, followed me ; it appeared to me to make some impres- sion." The following incident occurred June 16 : "We (Newcomer and Hoffman) had filled and attended to all our appointments and were therefore at liberty to go where a door opened. I prayed that the Lord might point out some work in his vineyard. In a sec- tion of country where we were absolute strangers to the people, trusting in Providence we traveled joyfully and leisurely along. We stopped at a house, the owner of which was an old Dunker preacher. I asked the lady of the house wh}^ she had not attended last evening with her husband ? ' Oh I would have attended cheer fully if my husband had suffered me to do so.' I soon perceived that discord and uricharitableness reigned in the family. I exhorted them to love each other. I spoke to them and also to their children. They were all very much affected." " Sunday, June 18, at night I preached at Jacob Wolfs ; 19, Bro. Hoffman joined me again ; had an ap- pointment to meet at the ten-mile meeting house ; on arriving we were refused admittance, so I preached to the people from under the shelter of an oak tree and the canopy of heaven with great liberty. In the aft- ernoon Bro. Hoffman preached both in the German and English languages. The house was crowded full of people ; many cried aloud for mercy and the whole congregation was melted into tears." " September 2, I rode about thirty miles to Hagers- town. Joseph Hoffman preached here from Canticles 8:. 5, 6. It was a very ingemimis discourse. October 23, Bro. Hoffman and myself preached at Henry Smidt's. September 29. 1813, Bro. Joseph Hoffman SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 179 came this morning to my house on his way to Balti- more, and requested me to accompany him. I^ovember 8, preached at Joseph Hoffman's ; 11th, a meeting of several ministers, among whom was Joseph Hoffman, was held to form a union if possible with the Albright Brethren. Our consultation continued until the 13th, but we were not able to effect a union. The principal stumbling block appeared to be this, that according to our discipline our local preachers have a vote in the conference as well as traveling preachers." It will be seen from the foregoing, that Mr. Hoff- man made full proof of his ministry. While health and strength permitted, he was a flaming evangelist, full of zeal for his Master, traveling, laboring, enduring as duty seemed to demand. In 1814, he was appointed to take charge of the church vacated by the sainted Otterbein, in Baltimore. He was here three and one-half years, and did faithful work. He was eminently qualified for so responsible a position. He was now thirty-four years of age, in the period of mental vigor, not an untried man, but the personal friend of Otterbein, and by him set apart to his work. In 1817, A. D., he removed, with his family, to Fairfield County, Ohio, and connected himself with the Miami Conference. It was a somewhat sudden change from the more thickly settled sections of the East to the sparsely populated soil of the West, but he had long before this determined that when duty called, it was " Not his to make reply." So, with cheerful heart, he enters the Master's service here. He begins to break to the pioneers of 180 JOSEPH HOFFMAN this new West the bread of life, and lays the foundation of churches whose membership still live to praise him^ It would not be at all strange that a man of his power and skill should at once take a prominent place in the Miami Conference. His native ability, his extensive experience, his ordination by Otterbein himself, and the years of service in the Otterbein Church, justly gave him prominence. It seemed altogether fitting, when Bishop Zeller's health would not permit him to continue longer in the Bishop s office, that Joseph Hoffman should be solicited to take his place. As the associate of Bishop Newcomer, he filled the office with credit from 1821 to 1825, when he " retired with honor from the itinerancy." As Bishop, he traveled extensively. Remembering the Savior's last command, " Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," he preached the gospel in many places where the United Brethren were unknown. He visited Canada, and spent a sum- mer there in preaching. Like many another of those early preachers, he did not carefully garner his con- verts, and the results of his work were reaped by other churches, rather than his own. He spent a winter in the city of New York, "when he gained access to many pulpits amongst the great and good, and, had rest been his object, he might have been settled there in a very desirable living which was proffered him." In 1824 he visited Philadelphia, and soon met with an open door. A druggist, Mn Frederich Yallett by- name, entertained him at his own residence. " While at Philadelphia he walked six miles into the country, and preached to several congregations ; on his return in the evening Mr. Yallett, who had become much SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 181 attached to Mr, Hoffman, had invited to his home a num- ber of his friends. ' There ' said Mr. Vallett 'is a preacher and a bishop for you.' He was pressed to prolong his visit, but official duties required his presence elsewhere. It was with mutual regret and tenderness that he parted with the hospitable associations of those comparatively strange but dear friends." The following truthful incident may be given as showing his boldness and unyielding faithfulness as a minister of the gospel. " At a great meeting held in a region where preju- dices prevailed against religious excitement, several persons were deeply convicted, one of whom was the wife of a highly respectable clergyman. This incident caused much displeasure with the friends of the peni- tent, wounding as they thought their respectability. On Sabbath morning after the audience had assembled, and the service was about to commence, eight or ten men and among them a venerable father came forward and requested Mr. Hoffman who was to preach to be cautious how he preached ; that some had been alarmed the day previous, and if any one should be further alarmed he must cease preaching and quiet the people. If he refused to do this they had vowed the meeting should not proceed, as they were good Christians and not heathens. They charged him to take heed to their words. He had not proceeded far until many were bathed in tears, and cried aloud for mercy. The men arose to their feet trembling with anger, but Mr. Hoff- man spoke the faster and louder. The scalpel of truth was thrust deeper and deeper into the wounded heart until the disturbing forces of the moral system were laid bare. Then came the balm of Calvary's victim — the blood 182 JOSEPH HOFFMAN. that cleanseth from all sin. The old gentleman waved his strong arm toward the preacher, and while in the act a young man fell at his feet shrieking ' O father pray, O father pray.' He attempted to flee, but his son held him saying ' Oh father dont go — stay — pray.' The Pharisee was conquered. The word of the Lord had its course and was glorified. It was the work of God. Who could resist it ? " He was a rare expounder of the Scriptures. Tho prophetic parts received special attention at his hands, and in the elucidation of these he was quite skillful. He opened what the types and shadows of the old Testa- ment, making plain to his hearers the underlying truths which God meant thereby to convey to his people. He was deeply interested in the promulgation of Bible truth. He sought in his presentation of it to commend himself to every man's conscience. While not a learned man, in the technical acceptation of that term, he had more than usual skill in the presentation of the truth. " Every passion of his soul was expressed from the more tranquil to the intensely agitated ; from the tears of compassion and grief for ruined sinners, to the glowing emotions of joy and triumph through Christ; from hal- lowed indignation to transporting complacency." Mr. Spayth, who knew him in his better days, gives this example as illustrating his manner of preaching : "At a quarterly meeting held at John Stickler's, in Westmoreland county. Pa. in 181Y, Joseph Hoffman preached from Isaiah i: 18, 19, 20 : while dwelling upon the character of sin staining the soul in all its parts the audience listened with attention, and were filled with joy, for his speech distilled as the dew and as the small rain upon the tender grass. But when the SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 183 conditions were presented, and the threatenings of insulted justice introduced, the feehng became intense. The soul stained with sin, which added the crime of rebellion against Jehovah, was brought into the pres- ence of the law giver, and as he reached the last verse of the text : ' If ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken, it,' his voice rose with a grandeur and solem- nity of the theme, and it seemed as if the sword were actually drawn. ' What ! ' cried he, ' rebel, and there the sword ! ' Sinners were paralyzed with fear, as if they were waiting for the blow. The preacher paused, and, looking up, began to pray : ' Oh Lord, spare these people, although their sins be as scarlet and as crimson, in the fountain that was opened for sin and uncleanness, wash them, and make them white as snow.' The reader can well imagine how well prepared his sin- stricken audience was to follow him in his prayer. He was a man about six feet in height, with a strong body and of vigorous constitution. He was not a man to be trifled with. The following anecdote is told of him: "At a camp meeting, near Lancaster, Ohio, a young man a few feet in front of the pulpit persisted in smoking a cigar just at the opening of one of the public services. Mr. Hoffman politely requested him to desist. To this he paid no attention. Again Mr. Hoffman informed him that the rules of the camp for- bade smoking inside the square, and hoped he would desist. Still the young man puffed away as though he had not heard a single word that was said to him. This was too much ; so Mr. Hoffman seized the cigar with his hand and threw it violently on the ground and rubbed it in the dust with his foot. As he did this he ex- 184 JOSEPH HOFFMAN, claimed in a low tone : ' There, if you have no sense, I will teach j^ou some.' The young sprig- eyed the stal- wart preacher from head to foot. His look was met by a withering glance from Mr, Hoffman, and the young man, much disgusted, retired from the scene." He had a high forehead, hair thin, crown bald, and one keen eye, the other having been destroyed by the stroke of a limb while at work in the forest. His countenance was expressive, and the whole man seemed to speak to you. He had a strong voice, which without being strained could be heard a mile. His enunciation was clear and full. His gestures easy and complete, and without having made a study of the science of elocution, he was at times the best of orators. He was a man of fine Christian experience. As a man who faithf ull3'^ sought to do his best without caring for the consequences, he was on pleasant terms with his Maker. He talked with God as friend talketh with friend. He approached Him with implicit faith and knew that all proper requests would be granted. " A few years since he called to see a young minister who was lying very ill of fever. He had known him from a child and loved him. He kneeled by his couch and poured forth his soul in his behalf. In meekness he seemed to be a son of the Lord telling him the wants of the Church and the world, and that his brother could not be spared. The tone of his voice and the words of his lips could not but inspire all who heard them with faith that his prayer would be answered. And so it was ; the prayer of faith had saved the sick." After retiring from the more active work of the ministry, he still preached wherever he had the oppor- SIXTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 185 tunity. He was still one of the best counsellors the Church had. He visited and preached on many of the charges in the conference. He was twice married, and was the father of eleven children, of whom there were eight sons and three daughters. He early taught his children the Scriptures, and around the family altar daily commended them to God. As a result of his faithful teaching and heavenly example, five of these sons entered the ministry in the United Brethren Chuich. One son and one daughter are still living at an advanced age. " About ten years before his decease he delivered a very effective sermon to the Miami conference, and an- nounced that he supposed it would be his last ; and so it proved. Still he continued to preach occasionally till the close of his pilgrimage. He resided near Lew- isburg, Preble County, Ohio. In the summer of 1856, Owentown Chapel, near El Dorado, had been rebuilt, and in connection witli a dedication service a quarterly meeting was to be held, beginning on the 8th dav of November, and expectation was on tiptoe, for it had been announced that Bishop Hoffman would be there and preach the first sermon. But before he left his home that morning, without any previous illness, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof came along, and 'the man of God, like Elijah, dropped the mantle which he had worn so long and so worthily, and ascended the heights of glory." " I know it is over, over — I know it is over at last ; Down sail, the sheathed anchor uncover, For the stress of the voyage has passed ; Life, like the tempest of ocean Hath outblown its ultimate blast. 186 JOSEPH HOFFMAN. There's bvit a faint sobbing seaward, While the calm of the tide deepens leeward. And behold ! like the welcoming quiver Of heart pulses, throbbed through the river Those lights in the harbor at last; The heavenly harbor at last." Paul Hamilton Hayne. REV. HENRY KUMLER, SR., SEVENTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. HENKY KUMLEE, Sr., was born in Pennsyl- vania, most probably in Lancaster County, Janu- ary 3, 1Y75. His father's name was Jacob. Tlie father was born in Switzerland, in the count}^ of Basel. The D-randfather's name was John Kumler. The fam- ily emigrated to America when Jacob, the father, was about seven years of age. He was married to Eliza- beth Young, daughter of John Young, in her twenty- eighth year. The eldest child was named John, the second, Jacob, the third, Henry, the subject of this memoir, the fourth, Michael. There was one daughter whose name was Elizabeth. The mother, falling from a horse, was mortally w^ounded, and died after six months' suffering. The father remained a widower for about sixteen months, and was then married to Sophia Britenstein. She died leaving one daughter, Catharine, who married Jacob Zin. Henry moved from Lancas- ter County to Franklin, about the year 1810, bought a farm, and settled some four miles from Greencastle, Pa. At this time he was a nominal member of the German Reformed Church, but according to his owm judgment of himself, not very actively pious. When about seventy seven years of age, and about two years before his death, he was induced to write out for his two children such items of interest in connection with his life as he could remember. From this brief and neces- 187 188 HENRY KUMLER, SK., sarily incomplete autobiography, we make the follow- ing extracts : " I was about eight years of age when my mother died ; and while she lay afflicted anu in great distress, ministers would often visit and speak to her concerning the salvation through Jesus Christ, instructing her that a proper preparation, in time only, could fit us for the enjoyment of Heaven. Sometime after the burial of my mother I was brought into great sorrow, and often hid myself in some lonely spot, to weep and pray in filial sympathy. I well remember to have seen father pray with tears ; this had a powerful influence upon my mind, even to conviction. But I grew up wandering away from God, like the prodigal. Still God's Spirit did not leave me, for I remember well, when returning home at night from wicked company, that my conscience was so smitten, that I knelt in a field, praying to God to have mercy upon me, and to forgive my sins. But these thoughts soon vanished from my mind again. As I was returning from busi- ness on a certain evening, passing a tavern in which there was dancing, I entered and stayed some time. Not long after this I was taken sick, and anguish of soul seized upon me. I recollect distinctly that I was so in trouble that I looked toward the window, in the night. I imagined I saw hell with all its terrors open before me. Just at this time some young relatives came to visit me. I told them that if they ever saw me in such company again, they should not permit me to stay ; but rather break my bones than leave me in such a crowd. When I recovered I began to engage in public prayer in my father's house. But I soon relapsed into sin again. SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 189 " In my seventeenth year I, Avith others, attended devotional meetings under a reformed instructor. I continued in unbelief until the last day, upon which the good man prayed so heartily for us that the tears rolled over his face. I was again convicted, and be- came so restless that I could not sleep during the whole of the following night. When we were received as members I resolved to be faithful to God until death. I left home to learn a trade. " My master and his wife were irreligious, and would often frolic and dance. For ten or twelve even- ings I engaged in secret prayer, but my resolution soon grew faint. I became more and more careless until the year 181 1. When I was in my barn one day the Spirit of God entered my heart. With great astonishment I looked upon my youthful days, knowing that God had often called me, and that I had just as often promised to live for him. My conscience was condemned. With tears and a broken heart I cried, ' O ni}^ God, how good Thou art! for in my great distress and affliction I might have sank down to hel).' The compassion of God filled me with amazement. Light sprang up m my mind, I was well convinced that this was the last call, as I could have been by an audible voice. If I now refuse to turn, hell will be my portion. ' O God, I have frequently promised thee, and again violated my promises.' My distress was great. I abandoned my work, and sought some secret place, and with a condemned conscience began to pray. ' O my God, I have often made vows and never kept them ; this shall be the last one. Give me more grace than I have here- tofore possessed, or I will be forever lost.' I was now determined not to cease the struggle until I had ob- 190 HENEY KUMLEKj SE., tained mercy. But Satan was also near. I "wished to conceal myself in the hills or mountains, where no one could see me, there to weep and pine away. I passed eleven days in this condition, and, as I was alone m the barn at prayer on a certain evening, my heart was so filled with the love of God that I could no lono-er restrain myself. I ran to the house, and spoke to my wife of the great necessity of our souls' salvation. She answered that for some time she had observed mv dis- quietude, and asked why I had not long since revealed it to her, inasmuch as I knew she would not oppose a good matter. This was the evening on which we had family worship for the first time. God be praised, for I believe that He heard my prayer in behalf of myself, my wife and my eleven children. May God grant us and our children grace, that we may all be enabled to fight the f<;,ood fight of faith, so that, when He shall call us home, I can exclaim. Behold 1 and the children which God hath given me ! But sometimes I fear lest the spirit of this world should delude some of {hem. * O my Jesus, visit them often with Thy Spirit.' " A short time after my conversion, my neighbor, Michael Tice and I were chosen trustees to build a new church edifice in Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn. I had no rest by day or by night, until I had visited Tice, and told him what the Lord had done for my soul ; then, thought I, will he also be converted. On a certain evening I resolved to go to him. It was about a mile and a half. When I came near the house, it was already night, the yard was full of his work-hands engaged in foolish talk. This hurt my feelings so much that I could not say a word to him. I returned, weeping like a child, that I had not courage to tell him what God for Christ's sake had done for me. SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHKIST. 191 " A few days I felt encouraged to try my brother- in-law, Jacob Wengert. On a Sunday morning I formed the resolution to go and tell him what our duty was. When I was about half way, Satan almost pre- vailed on me to go back. He presented before my mind Wengert's wife, whom I knew from my youth up. 'She will laugh and scorn when you come thus,' was the language. I knelt and prayed to God for strength. I arose, went to the house, and found him alone in the kitchen. Trembling, I began to say: ' Think you not that it is time to begin another way of living?' He looked at me as if I was insane. Having thus stared at me for awhile, he answered : ' I have often thought about it, if I knew that I could hold to it.' With tears and trembling, I said: 'Dear Lord! what think you if the night of death should overtake us ? ' I went away weeping until I reached the woods, I then knelt again to pray to God for assistance ; and in the course of a week Brother . Wengert was in great distress ; he wrestled with God with much fervency ; the Lord heard- his prayers and he found mercy. Then we began to have prayer meetings together, and in a few years we had a class of some thirty members. Before this, I knew of no true Christian, save in Hagerstown, which was about eight miles from here. As I came near my barn, one evening, when returning from a prayer meeting, I saw an old man in my barn-yard with a low-crowned hat on; my heart was glad, for I thought he was a Christian. But in this I was deceived. He informed me that the Albright preachers had preached some in his neighbor- hood, and that he went to hear them once, and that they had bewitched him ; that he felt as if something 192 HENKY KUMLEK, SR., was crawling up his body, so that he could scarcely stand up. He said that he then began to think about filthy things, and this feeling left him. He resolved never to hear them again ; but his wife and one of his daughters resolved to go, and desired him to accom- pany them ; he said he would not. They insisted until he promised to go. When they came near the house, he tarried in the bushes, and let his wite and daughter go alone into the house. In the bushes he prayed to God to keep him from that strange spirit. Then, said he, I went in too, but this time they had no influence over me, and I could sit still. I listened to the old man with amazement, and because he was an old man, and I young, especially young in religious experience, I had not courage to tell him my mind. " The next day my heart was sick. I told my wife that I was very unwell, and that I was going to be ill. She said I should go to the doctor and get some medi- cine. I went to Greencastle and got the medicine, and traveled nearly all the way, weeping. When I was about half way home, it was spoken plainly to my mind that I should not get sick. ' It is your dis- obedience ; you do not follow the Spirit, or you would have told that old man the conviction of your mind.' ' He that is ashamed of me, of him will I be ashamed before my heavenly Father.' M}^ soul was still more and more oppressed. I did not take the medicine, but I was so distressed that I went out into a field, into a deep cavity, knelt down, weeping and praying, saying : ' Oh, God, I thought I had found grace in thy sight, and behold I had not the courage to tell that old blind man the truth, but before this I was not ashamed to serve Satan.' ' You are not as you ought to be ; you SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHEEN IN CHRIST. 193 are not right before God,' was the language of my heart. O, how miserable I felt. I was indeed in a deep hollow in the field, but my soul was also in a hor- rible pit, ' If you were right, the Lord would have heard your prayer two years ago in behalf of your children, and behold you have not yet received an answer.' O, how dreadfully I felt, as I lay thus alone in the pit, in great trouble. I called upon the Lord, and he heard my cry in my distress ; he drew me out of . the miry pit and placed my feet upon a rock. I was so overpowered with the spirit of God that I cried aloud , and could have been heard at the distance of twenty rods. I broke out in these words, and remem- ber them very distinctly : ' Well might David exclaim, " for by thee I have run through a brook, and by my God I leaped over a wall." ' Oh, how glad I was ; I could rejoice and leap for joy the whole day , That evening after supper we began to sing and pray, and before we were through, Hannah, Henry and Susanna, the three eldest of ni}' children, were brought into such distress that they began to weep and pray. God be praised for the compassion of Jesus Christ. His spirit was with us. We continued in prayer until midnight, and thanks be to God, I believe they have not yet become weary in well doing. " Shortly after this, I began to exhort in our prayer meetings. In a. d. 1813, I met for the first time with our yearly Conference, which convened in Hagerstown, then and there I received license to preach. In 1814, the yearly conference met in my house. During this year I frequently accompanied John Schneider upon his circuit, also Henry Spayth, Fathers Meyer, Crider, etc. In A. D. 1815, I was elected a delegate to our con- 194 HENRY KUMLER, SR., vention, to assist in framing the discipline. In this year I was appointed circuit preacher, and placed upon a ver\^ large circuit near Greencastle ; Brother Dehoff was my colleague. In 1816, 1 traveled Virginia Circuit, and had to ride about 370 miles every four weeks. All this time there were only four traveling ministers, and all east of the Allegheny mountains, namely: John Schneider, Dehoff, Spayth and Henry Kumler ; Joseph Hoffman was stationed in Baltimore. "In 1817 I was presiding elder, and had after harvest, thirteen Sundays in succession, protracted meetings. " In the month of October, through the influence of a cold I had taken, and excessive labor on the district, I was taken down with fever and jaundice, and con- fined for sixteen weeks, so that I f bought that my earthly career must close. The tempter now came and thrust sorely at me. He showed me how little good I had done. All my works and all my preachings were contaminated and full of imperfection. My soul and and body were in great distress, so that my family thought I would die. They called Brother Newcomer out of his bed, and just as he entered the room, I seemed to hear, as it were, the voice of Christ, saying unto me : ' Poor creature ! Why art thou looking upon thyself and thy works ? Knowest thou not, that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cleanseth us from all sin ? ' Father Newcomer prayed that God might spare me yet awhile for the sake of the Church. I stopped him in this petition, for I had a desire to de- part and be with Christ. Since that time I know what it is to be sa^-ed by grace. God be praised, that through his mercy, I am still what I am. SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 195 " I must now refer to something which I have intro- duced already. In 1816, when I traveled Virginia Cir- cuit, I do not think that I left home at any time with- out shedding tears. For several miles I sympathized with my family, for my children were yet young, and had much to attend to. And this was not all ; for I remember one day when I had twenty-eight miles to ride .to my appointment, tears were my company all the way, O my Jesus, how distressed did I feel ! I thought, here you ride about like a fool — nobody is converted, and 3^our family needs you at home. I was led into such distress that I cried, ' O God, if I have gone forth before I ought, do thou break my bones that thou canst make me stay at home.' In the evening quite a multi- tude had convened together. "With the help of God, I commenced the meeting, read the text, and began to preach with a heavy heart, but before I was through, three or four were upon the floor, crying heartily, ' Jesus thou Son of God, have mercy upon us. Praise and thanks be to God.' This was a traveling penny for me upon my journey. " Once in the beginning of my ministry, I went to a protracted meeting in Middletown, in the State of Maryland. I put up with Jacob Baulus, near Middle- town. This was before I had license, I think. Baulus was this year presiding elder. He heard that the Albrights frequently had meetings at my house, and I think he was afraid they would catch me ; and when we were going towards Middletown, where the meet- ing was, he said to me : ' They are noisy stuff, they are not right.' When the ministers had convened, he said that I should preach the first sermon. Feeling my ignorance, and, in view of what lie liad said against 196 HENRY KUMLEK, SR., noise, I was under the bush ; I could not say much. After preaching, he divided the preachers, sending them to three or four places. ' Geeting, Felty, Baulus, and John Schneider, remained in Middletown, and Kumler goes with me to my house, for we have meet- ing there this evening.' I said, send me to some other place, and take some other with you. He ordered me to be still, and said, I must go home with him. This fell heavily upon my heart. I said nothing, but thought to myself, this evening you will have to preach, for I won't do it. I went home with him ; we had an early supper, and, as I was afterward alone in my room, he entered, and I said to him : ' If no other preacher comes, you will have to preach yourself; I will not preach to-night.' He looked at me, and said : ' You need not say a word, you must preach to-night, for I am at home here, and just like an old bell.' O, how distressedly I felt, 'my heart was filled with sorrow. I took my book, climbed upon a hill, which was covered with pine bushes, knelt down, and prayed to God thus : ' If I must preach thy gospel tliis evening, then I must have more grace.' I then sought a text, prayed and wept again before God, and he strengthened my weak faith. Kow I had new courage, and said to myself : ' Now I go in the strength of the Lord ; the}' may then say of me what they please; babbler, stormer, or Pharisee.' And, thanks be to God, before I was done preaching, five or six were upon the fioor, crying, and making such a confusion, that I could scarcely hear my own words. I sat down and thanked God that he had heard my poor prayer. Then my friend, Jacob Baulus, arose, and made it hum. The next morning I said to him : ' Yesterday you be- SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 197 witched me upon the way to Midclletown ; you talked so hard against noise, and when I was done preaching, you arose, and got louder than I did. After this you can not bewitch me any more.' He answered : ' Oh, now and then, it is right enough.' " I must now return once more to the time of my conversion. In my great distress I had a peculiar dream. I dreamt I had the consumption, and was getting weaker and weaker for two years, until I saw myself die. This mysterious dream was not interpreted unto me until the expiration of two years; then it was clear to my mind. I was raised in the Reformed Church, and I think our preachers had once experi- enced religion, and could preach the truth tolerably well. They studied, and were received as ministers. , When the United Brethren and Albright ministers heard that I had experienced religion, they, came and asked the privilege to preach in my house. This I granted them when our Reformed ministers had no appointments in Greencastle, but when they had ap- pointments there I did not grant it. Party spirit is a bad spirit. It always grieved me when people were converted and left our Church. But the two years grew shorter; tlie consumption will soon terminate in death. One Sunday our preacher came from Green- castle and preached a sermon for me. He called those people who prayed in public Pharisees, and that they opened the windows yet, that people could hear them. He said that Christ had said, ' When thou prayest, go into thy closet,' etc., and let loose tremendously, for his gun was well charged. It hurt my feelings very much. His drunken, card-pla3'ing, gambling and dan- cing company was very much pleased, and laughed, 198 HENRY KUMLER, SR., looking at me. Just as I went out, when the congrega- tion was dismissed, one hunched me, and asked if I knew for whom the sermon was preached. I made no answer. I went home with my obstinate consumption, wrote a long letter to my preacher, and informed him that I could get no sense out of his last sermon, and that I thought he knew the Scriptures better than I, since I was only an ignorant farmer, and that I thought he had also read where Christ commands that we shall let our light shine, and not hide it under a bushel. And David says: ' Come and hear, all ye that fear the Lord, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul.' Stated that he, perhaps, preached so that the Methodists should not find me ; but I thank God that I ever discovered the verse found in the First Epistle of John, chapter 5th, 1st verse : ' Every one that love^ Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten by Him ; ' and I thank God that He has some children yet upon earth who desire to work righteous- ness. Finally I gave him a recipe how to keep his members. He should take away every post and prop, that they can find no rest until, like Mary Magdalene, they find it at the feet of Jesus ; that is where I find rest. When he had read my letter, he said to Jacob Wen- gert, for he brought it to him, ' Tell Kumler if he thinks that he can not go to heaven without shoes and stock- ings, let him go.' But after a little he repented of this language, and told Wengert that he should tell me to come to him immediately. I did so. When I came there he said: ' Kever in your life undertake to write a letter to a preacher again.' ' Why not? ' said I. He answered : ' When you only say a thing, and find that you are cornered, then you can say, " I did not mean SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 199 SO," and you can construe it into another sliajDe.' But I answered him in the language of Pilate : ' "What I have written I have written.' . ' Well, come in and sit down,' He drew^ the letter out of his pocket, and the first question was, ' What do you understand by the word light ? ' I answered, ' to let my light shine, is to show by my life, before God and man, that I am deter- mined to lead another life.' He answered, ' Oh, that is all well enough.' ' But,' said I, still further ' I believe that a man like me, who has such a large family, should speak to, and exh-ort his family and pray with them.' He answered again, ' that is well enough.' I then pro- ceeded and said, ' There is a man living with me in my house, and we have lived in peace together, but not as Christians ; he has now moved, and lives ten or eleven miles from here, and I had no rest until I went to him. I stayed over night ; sang and prayed Av^ith him in the evening before we went to bed, and also in the morn- ino- before I left. The man broke out in moaning and tears, crying, God have mercy on me a sinner.' He then rolled my letter up and put it in his pocket, and said, 'That was all well enough.' 'Yes,' says I, 'God be praised I went on my way rejoicing, and wdiosoever will may call it hypocrisy and Pharisaism. He said, 'the sermon which I preached last Sunday I should not have preached, but not less than three came to me and said, you will lose Kumler.' And so it was too, and my consumption ceased. And so ended my connection with that church, "In A. D. 1819, my family and I emigrated to Ohio, to where I now live. When I had been here a few weeks, I got into great distress, I believed I had sinned in removing, because the society in the town- 200 HENKY KUMLEK, SK., ship where we had lived was good, and the neighbors which I now had were swearers, dancers and frolickers. It vexed my heart very much, and I remember well that I laid upon the ground and prayed for all my neigh- bors. Oh, how this satanic life vexed me. I, however, commenced preaching at different places, as opportu- nity offered, and God blessed his word to the salvation of souls. " I will here relate a circumstance, as an illustration of the wrong views some entertained on the subject of religion. One old man by the name of Good, who attended my meetings, finally became much distressed about his salvation. For almost one year, he would come to my house to counsel with me. One day he came and said : ' Can a man get religion and lose it again ? ' 'Oh, yes,' said I. ' Then,' said he, ' I went to bed last night with a very heavy heart on account of my sins, and about midnight I awoke, and felt inex- pressibly glad. I fell asleep again, and when I awoke in the morning, everything was gone, and I began to lament.' I told him to persevere, that better things were before him. Thus we went on until after harvest, when we had a camp meeting at Hetzler's on Brown's Run ; there he was blessed. He came to me and said : ' I am so overcome that it makes rae gasp for breath. Is it so with you?' ' O, yes,' said I, 'just persevere, it will be better by and by.' ' Then,' said he, ' there are my boys, they must come to the anxious bench.' He went away, but came back soon, saying that they had got angry and stubborn, and would not obey him. 'But,' said he, 'there is my Frederic, he must obey rae.' He went to him, but he refused and resisted. His father said he must come to the mourner's bench, SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 2Ul or he would thrash him completely. The little fellow went and knelt down at the bench. The old man then came to me and asked me to go and pray with him. I told him that he should let him alone, that we could force no one to be religious, that they must be willing. ' Oh,' said he, ' that is the way.' He and his wife found mercy. So also did Father Landis and his wife. Father Clark and old man Watung and his wife, and many others. And God be praised, this gladdened my heart." When Kumler settled in Butler County, he built a large room adjoining his house at his own expense, so that the brethren should not be without a meeting- house. Here a class was formed, and the gospel preached for many years, and in this house many were born into the kingdom. One or more sessions of the Miami annual conference were also held in this house. He was the father of twelve children — seven sons and five daughters. Two of his sons, Henry and Daniel, became ministers, and Henry afterward became a Bishop. The children were all converted, and became honored and useful members of the Church. A family of such numbers, piety and enterprise, must exert an extended influence in favor of the United Brethren Church. Asa father, husband, neighbor, citizen, min- ister and bishop neither this Church nor any other has seen his superior. To him, more than any other man. Bishop Zeller possibly excepted, the Church is indebted for its early planting and training in the Miami Valley. He died Saturday morning, January Tth, a. d. 1854 from palsy, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years and five days. " In personal appearance. Father Kumler was neat 202 HENRY KUMLER, SR., and comely. He was not tall, only five feet and seven inches, but was firmly built, with a little tendency to corpulency ; weighing from one hundred and eighty to one hundred and ninety pounds ; erect in his stature and sprightly in his walk. His countenance was open and pleasant, denoting great cheerfulness and much thought. " His mind was well balanced. He was mild and even in his temper, yet possessing sufficient firmness and energy to render him prompt and thorough-going in all that he undertook. Yet he seemed to accom- plish his business with ease to himself and all con- cerned. His heart seemed to be a fountain of cheer- fulness, his conversation was richly spiced with little pleasantries, so that he was, in the language of one who knew him well, a perfect pass-away -time to all his laboring or traveling companions. "His family government was firm but mild, pro- ducing in his cnildren that fear that is richly sweet- ened with love. A significant look or nod from him was often enough to produce instant obedience. Such was the respect for his authority by his twelve children, that they would at any time possible have come or gone at his beck. " His liberality was not easily excelled. He was always forward in giving for public improvement whether in Church or State ; and, yet, the fund was not exhausted ; he always had wherewith to give again, and, after all, enough to help his children to an abundance. To enable him to give, he was frugal and industrious. From small beginnings he was enabled, by the bless- ing of God, to accumulate thousands, and tens of thousands, to distribute among liis children and others. SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 203 Such was his success in the management of his temporal business, that, during his long life, he never had a law- suit. " I was once asked, concerning him, how it was that he was so prospered in all his undertakings. Does he work so very hard ? No, said the friend of whom the inquiry was made. He is quite a moderate worker, but he ciphers a great deal. He planned well, but this was not the whole secret of his success ; the blessing of heaven rested upon him. He loved and trusted the Lord, and was blessed in basket and in store. He sowed bountifully, and the Lord repaid him again. " His gifts and graces, as a minister of Christ, were somewhat peculiar, though not easily surpassed. He preached with ease to himself, but with much feeling, interspersing his sermons with incidents that would touch the heart of the hearer almost before he was aware of it. His manner was winning and affectionate, and his theme was generally encouragement to the pious. His warm heart, affectionate zeal, winning manner, and encouraging theme, constituted his strength as a minister. Although he preached in German, those who did not understand his words, would frequently feel, even to tears, under his fervid discourses." In his old days he was persuaded to attempt to preach to the people in English, but one or two efforts were all he made. He could not be well understood, and he labored at such a disadvantage, that he made no further efforts in that direction. One of the fathers, who was accustomed to listen to him, said : " He preached with tears. Such love and tenderness as he 204 HENKY KUMLEK, SB., manifested, I have never known surpassed. I have never heard him, without shedding tears myself." He began to preach when about thirty- eight years of age, in tlie year 1813. Kumler's house became almost as prominent a place for preaching, and for en- tertaining preachers, as that of Andrew Zeller. Fre- quent references are made to it by N"ewcomer : " Novem- ber 4th, 1813, we had meeting at Henry Kumler's." "April 11, 1814, I preached at Henry Kumler's." " Sunday, May 22d, we had a sacramental meeting at Henry Kumler's. We had a good time ; several per- sons were under deep conviction, and some obtained peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Feb. 6th. I attended meeting at Henry Kumler's. 14th. Twelve preachers, six of them United Brethren in Christ, and six of the Albright Brethren met this day at Henry Kumler's to make another attempt to unite the two societies, but we could not succeed in coming to an agreement. The men who composed this com- mittee on the part of the United Brethren — Christian Newcomer, J. Hoffman, Jacob Baulus, Abraham Mayer, Christian Berger and Conrad Roth." ."Jan. 7th, 1825. Came to Jacob Shoubs, on Crooked Eun, where our General Conference is to be held ; may the Lord grant us his assisting grace. The Conference continued until Friday, the 10th. Brother Kumlerand myself were elected Bishops of the Societ}^ for the four succeeding years." On the election of Kumler, Spayth who was pres- ent says : " That the thought had never entered Kum- ler's mind, and no suggestion of the kind had been made to him by any member of the Conference. When the counting of the ballots was commenced, and SEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 205 his name was announced, he covered his face with his hands and wept ; and when the result was pronounced, he was still weeping and trembling with emotion. A pause in the business of Conference ensued ; heads were bowed, faces were covered, and, for perhaps ten min- utes, no one presumed to speak. He was re-elected in 1829, 1833, 1837 and 1841, serving continuously for twenty years, and retiring in 18'1:5. During the first eight years of his superintendency, he crossed the AUe- ghanies on horse-back, eighteen times. A day or two before Newcomer died, Henry Kumler reached his home, and these brethren, upon whom had come the care and burden of the Church, spent some very happy hours in each other's compan}^ When l^ewcomer died, Kumler preached his funeral, and for the remaining three years was the only Bishop of the Church. REV. WILLIAM BROWN, EIGHTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST MANY years ago Michael Brown emigrated from Alsace to Pennsylvania. He settled in the beautiful valley of the Tulpehocken, and, with his wife, was among the first fruits of the revival movement, under the joint labors of Otter bein and Boehm. In 1796 a grandson of this German emigrant was born in Cumberland County, Pa., in a place re- mote from any evangelical church. In his seventh year this little boy stood by the bedside of his dying grandfather. The aged patriarch, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, talked and exhorted till the place became as the very gate of heaven ; and as the old man died, his hand rested upon the head of the weeping grandchild by his side ; and from that hour the child's heart was drawn towards God and heaven. Often on Sunday mornings he would take his Bible, retire to some solitary spot in the hills, and spend hours in reading ; and while thus employed his face would be wet with tears. There were ministers and church members in the neighborhood where this boy's parents resided, but they were of the kind that drank liquor, led careless lives, and knew little or nothing of experimental religion. Occasionally, however, George Benedum and Abraham Mayer visited the Brown family ; and these visits were as the visits of angels, not only to the parents, but to the children, and especially' to the boy whose heart had 200 WILLIAM BROWN, seemed to go up to heaven with the ascending spirit of his grandfather. During the Conference year which included portions of 1811 and 1812, the devoted evan- gelist, John Crider, frequently visited the family, and while holding a class meeting at Mr, Brown's house, he went to the youth already noticed and said : "William," for that was his name, "do you love the Savior and pray to him ? " " I often try," he said, " but God will not hear me." From that time young Yf illiam was known publicly as a seeker of religion ; and in May, 1812, at a big meet- ing at Abraham Mayer's farm, near Carlisle, he was happily converted, " Now Heaven," to use his own language, " shone all around me, and right through my heart, I was happy day and night for m on tiis. Often after all had retired at night, I would walk out, look up into the starry heavens, and think of Jesus and heaven, until, before I was aware of it, I would be run- ning with outstretched arms, praying to Jesus to give me wings to fly home to glory." He grew to manhood, and then came his call to preach. His license was granted in 1816, at a Confer- ence held at Daniel Long's, Cumberland County, Pa. William Brown became one of the most effective of the early itinerants in the United Brethren Church. Bishop Newcomer makes a number of kindly references to him in his " Journal." "Sunday, March 3, 1816. Thursday we had a meeting at Bro. Henry Kumlers. William Brown, a young man, exhorted after me. 14th. We had a meet- ing at our house. Brother Kuniler spoke first; young Brown exhorted after him, very feelingly." During the year 1816, he assisted other ministers on their fields. Rev, William Brown. EIGHTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN ' CHRIST. 207 In 1817, he was placed on the Hagerstown Circuit. During 1818 and 1819, he traveled the Virginia Circuit with thirty appointments and three hundred miles of travel ever}"^ four weeks. Newcomer writes : " Sunday February 22, 1818. This forenoon Wm. Brown spoke first ; the grace of God wrought powerfull3^ May 2, 1819. I preached in Shank's church. William Brown spoke also with great power," We find the following interesting item September 27, 1819: " Yisited Bro. Abra- ham Mayer, who has been sick for a considerable time. Returned to Sister Snyder's and married Rev. William Brown to Miss Sarah Koch. February 7, 1820. Bro.Wm. Brown preached at our house to-day. 9th. I rode with Wm. Brown to Samuel Huber's. 14th. I rode in com- pany with Brother Brown, across the ISTorth Mountains. With considerable difficulty we reached Peter Brown's, the father of William, where we stayed for the night. 17th. Returned to Sister Snyder's, where Bro. Wm. .Brown has his home. Sunday, 13th. Brother Brown de- livered the first discourse. Sunday 31st. Wm, Brown preached at night. Sunday 15th. Bro. Wm. Brown spoke with energy, from Psalms 45: 5.^' "Sunday, April 22, 1821. Had meeting at Abr. Mayer's. William Brown spoke first ; I followed him. 23d. To-day we came to Peter Brown's (father of my traveling companion) in Sherman's Yalley." He is a delegate to the General Conference which, that year, met May 15th at Daniel Mechlin's, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and seems to be traveling in company with Bishop Kewcomer. On their return " Sunday, June 24th, Brown preached at a Sacramental meeting in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Sunday, 15th, he and JSTewcomer both preached at Valentine Doubs." 208 WILLIAM BROWN, Mrs. Snyder's, where Brown made his home, seems to have been one of the regular stopping places of New- comer, and he and Brown must have had frequent opportunities for friendly conversation with each other. December 14th he says : " This day I rode in a happy frame of mind through wind and snow, from morning till night, without any refreshment, and arrived at Sister Snyder's, where I stayed for the night." On the 12th of April he writes : " I rode w4th Brothers Hoffman and ISTeidig to Sister Snyder's ; here we held a meeting and stayed for the night. September 2d. Left home on a journey to the State of New York ; rode to Valentine Doubs, where I was to meet my traveling comjyanion, William Brown ; here I received the information that he was unable to accompany me, so my journey was prevented at this time. Sunday, October 20th. A Sacramental meeting is held at Jacob Thomas'. William Brown closed with a warm and feeling heart." In 1822, on Christmas day, he writes : " This morning we had a blessed meeting before day. The people assembled before two o'clock ; the meeting closed at daybreak. I preached in the forenoon and administered the Sacrament ; John Brown preached in the afternoon, and Wm. Brown at night. December 23. A very rainy day ; rode in compa,ny with Wra. Brown to the widow Bursh's, where we stayed for the night. On Sunday, September 25, 1824, I preached at Mr. Stam's at 2 o'clock ; Bro. William Brown met me here. We rode together to Lancaster, and preached at night at Elliott's meeting house. Sunday, 26th. Had a blessed time in love feast. William Brown spoke in the German and John Brown in the English language. 27th. Came to Littlestown ; lodged with William Brown. February 2d. EIGHTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 209 Came to Littlestown and lodged with William Brown." March 31, 1826, we find this record : " I came to the house where I have been so often and so kindly enter- tained, where I have always found an agreeable home day or night, but, alas ! Sister Snyder was no more : she had departed this life. The home appeared no longer the same. All seemed desolate and empty. Nov. 24th. I set out for Baltimore. 25th. I came to this city and lodged with William Brown. October 20, 1827. Reached Baltimore, lodged with William Brown. Sunday, August 31, 1828. Came to camp meeting in Shenandoah County. Bro. William Brown preached in the afternoon. October 25th. I rode to Shippensburg. A new meeting house was dedicated to the Lord. Bros. William Brown, Griffith, and a Pres- byterian minister were present. Sunday, 26th. This forenoon Brown preached first in the German language. 27th. I rode home with Brown." July 24, 1829, on his return from the West, he ssljs : " I came to Bro. Wm. Brown's and sta3^ed for the night." August 26th. After an interesting camp meeting he rode to Wm. Brown's and stayed for the night. In all probability the last time that this venerable old bishop was at this home. The extracts quoted go to show that Bishop New- comer must have been a valued friend and counselor to young Brown, and that he had his entire confidence. Brought in contact with an earnest, active, zealous spirit, as that old father possessed. Brown could have been nothing else than a faithful itinerant and an earn- est man. He aided Newcomer in manv of his meeting's : and his home, after he left Mrs. Snyder's, was a place where Newcomer was especially delighted to come, and where he tarried whenever circumstances would allow. 210 WILLIAM BROWN, In 1817, as we have seen, he traveled ITagerstown circuit. As a specimen of some of the discomforts to which these early ministers were subjected, a writer in the Telescope for May, 1858, gives the following: " About 1817, William Brown traveled our circuit, and John Russell traveled his first round with William Brown. In coming to their appointment one cold day, they had the Antietam Creek to cross, which ran through my father's property. It was so blocked up with ice, that only the channel was open. Brown suc- ceeded in crossing, but Russell did not succeed until my father went to his assistance. They were both very cold, but after they were refreshed, the people began to gather, and we had a good meeting that night." The following circumstance is related by Huber as having occurred at a camp meeting in Virginia, August 28, 1828. He was himself present and witnessed it: "Fathers Kewcomer and Geeting, and Brothers W. Brown and W. Reinhart, with some other preachers, attended it, Newcomer preached on Sunday morni ng to a large congregation. When speaking, he wept like a mother over the corpse of her darling child; his words were attended with unusual power. Geeting followed with exhortation. Newcomer requested Brother Brown to preach in the afternoon. Brown hesitated, saying that he felt himself too unworthy. Newcomer said to him : ' Take up the cross ; we will pray for you.' " When Brown had read his text and commenced to preach. Newcomer prostrated himself upon his knees, behind Brown on the stand, and, with uplifted hands, prayed to God, for Christ's sake, to bless Brother Brown, and enable him to preach. The congregation, seeing Newcomer in that attitude, were melted into, tears. EIGHTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 211 ■ At the same time I heard a roaring-hke sound above me among the trees. I looked up, but saw no appearance of wind. Suddenly something came over the people like a whirlwind. They fell over from their seats in the altar and ou tside of it. The cries of mourners, struck by the power of God, became so great that Brown's voice could not be heard ; singing, prayer, and many conversions took place." The General Conference for 1833, was held in Dres- back's Church, Pickaway County, Ohio, May 14th. William Brown was one of the six delegates from the Pennsylvania Conference. This was one of the most important Conferences that had been held. It defined more definitely the power of the General Conference itself; how it should be composed ; provided for secur- ing the salary of the itinerant preacher; determined how long an itinerant should remain on a circuit, and among the most important of all, arranged for the issuing of a paper and the building of a printing estab- lishment. At this Conference, Henry Kumler, Sr., Samuel Heistand and William Brown were elected Bishops. In this capacity he served the Church four years, and as an itinerant for twenty-five years. William Brown has a connection with the temper- ance question which should not be omitted from his record. As said elsewhere he was a member of the General Conference of 1821. At that day there was not a very strong sentiment against the moderate (?) use of rum. Some of our own people were deriving profit, either directl}^ or indirectly, from this wicked business. They probably knew no better. " It was the custom of the time, both by church members and ministers, to drink. The church records of many a New 212 WILLIAM BROWN, England ordination or installation service of this period show that strong drinks were freely indulged in by both clergymen and laymen ; and tradition has it that the United Brethren were far from free from what, at this day, is regarded by all good Christians as both dis- reputable and wicked," Rev. George Benedum intro- duced into the Conference a resolution to the effect " that no preacher shall be allowed to carry on a dis- tillery." E,ev. William Brown moved to strike out the word preacher, and insert member. His good common sense taught him that what was bad morally for a preacher was bad for a member. After some time spent in debating the matter, it was agreed to retain both words. As finally adopted, it read : " Resolved, that neither preacher nor lay member shall be allowed to carry on a distillery ; and that dis- tillers be requested to cease the business ; that the mem- bers of the General Conference be requested to lay this resolution before the several annual conferences ; that it shall be the duty of the preachers to labor against the evils of intemperance, during the interval between this and the next General Conference, when the subject shall again be taken up for further consideration." So far as we know, this is among the first official declarations made against the rum business by the American Churches. All honor to the little band of German preachers who dared even then to raise the banner of opposition so high ; a banner which we are glad to say the Church has never allowed to be lowered, and all due honor to William Brown for the part which he played in the movement. While Brown himself knew something of the hard- ships of a preacher's life and was willing to endure EIGHTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 213 them, he wanted the itinerants to be supported. Dur- ing the year 184:3, when residing in Indiana, one of tlie local brethren had been induced to go to Iowa as a mis- sionary, and give himself entirely to the work if his family could be supported. The last part of this con- tract was not very well kept, which called from Brown the following earnest words : " Our lay members will not do justice to the brethren that labor in word and doctrine ; the local are to come far and near and spend much precious time, say six months in the year, and nobody cares if they have money to pay their fare or horse-shoeing ; as if preachers were slaves of society. The itinerants are to go all the time and live on the wind, or nearly so. A church that will not support a ministry should have none. If the Conference can ap- point men in the circuits to ruin them and their families, then many of our best preachers must stay at home and labor. Look at the money subscribed to the Benevolent Fund and Home Missions. Preachers must do most of the paying and preaching into the bargain. There are so many wealthy members that have no bowels of com- passion, no feeling for the living or the dead, nor for the Lord of life and glory." "Wilham Brown was born July 9, 1796, and died May 11, 1868, aged 71 years 10 months and 2 days. His father, Peter Brown, died December 2, 1848, aged 78 years 6 months and 17 clays. As far as we can learn the Bishop had but two children : Susanna Matilda, born November 3, 1829, and died December 8, 1831, while the parents were living in the East; William Otterbein Brown, the son, was born Januaiy 21, 1827, and died February 10, 1879. The children, with the parents and 214 WILLIAM BKOWN. grandparents, are all buried in the same graveyard, near the old home. Peter Brown, the father, seems to have come West at a somewhat early day. In 1834, when on a visit to his father, the Bishop entered a piece of land in Benton County, Indiana, In 1838 he left Baltimore, Maryland, and came to Benton County, Indiana, to reside. While here he traveled several circuits and was presiding Elder a portion of the time, but during the last year sustained a local relation to the Church. While he did this, he was preaching more or less all the time. He died of congestion of the liver. There was no funeral discourse preached at the time of his burial, as he always opposed such services, believing this to be improper. He did not wish to have any at his own burial, and his wishes were complied with. One who traveled in that section, while the Bishop was yet living, says of him: " 1 found him a good coun- selor and a good preacher for his day and language. I think his early preaching was in the German language. At the time I knew him he was preaching but little, yet he preached a few times for me, and his preaching was always very acceptable to his hearers." One of his nieces speaks of him thus. " He was a very tender and affectionate uncle, whom all dearly loved. He was up- right and prompt in all his duties and relations in the Church. He preached in the English and German lan- guages in his own and adjoining neighborhoods. He went as far as Danville, Illinois, to preach to the Ger- mans. During this time he held a local relation to the Church. In his old age he went back to Pennsylvania and Maryland, where his family lived, and where he had EIGHTH BISHOP UNITPJU 13RETHKEN IN CHKIST. 215 done some of his most effective preaching. "When he returned and rehearsed the glad meetings he had with old friends, and how heaven and earth seemed to meet together, his great heart would melt and his voice choke for utterance." The picture before us shows a large, full, closely shaven face, and with a very kindly expression in it. His eye is strong and piercing. The nose and mouth indicate strength of character and force of will ; evi- dently a man who-does his own thinking and has his own opinions. He was above medium size, rather strong and vigorous, and well fitted for the burdens of an itinerant's life. He was a man of good native men- tal force, and did much to advance the interests of the Church, not only where he lived but wherever he went. A man of devoted piety, who lived an upright, consistent life. REV. SAMUEL HEISTAND, NINTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST QAMUEL HEISTAND was born in Page County, lO Virginia, March 3d, A. D. 1781. He was tlie youngest of six sons. His parents belonged to the Moravian Church. His mother was a native of Ger- many, and a woman of more jthan ordinary intelhgence and piety. Two of his brothers, Abraham and John, became ministers in the United Brethren Cliurch. Samuel experienced religion when quite young, but did not live a very consistent life. He came to Fair- field Count}?^, Ohio, as nearly as we can ascertain, about 1804. In 1806 he was aroused from his backslidden state, under the preaching of Rev. George Benedum. He soon became associated with Mr. Benedum as a pioneer evangelist in Ohio, and was nicknamed his "apprentice." He was mairied to Margaret Raude- baugh, about 1808. The influence of Mr. Benedum must have been very helpful to him. Mr. Benedum was one of the first United Brethren evangelists in Ohio. He settled in the Scioto Valley, and lifted up a standard around which the early settlers were induced to rally. He helped to organize the Miami Conference in 1810. One who knew him well says of him, " as a teacher of the young, Mr. Benedum was as mild and genial as the rays of a spring sun, yet he did not lack firmness; as a 316 NINTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 217 helper to young preachers, none surpassed hhn. He heard their prayers and discourses with tenderness ; his countenance beamed with pleasure when he discovered indications of talent and of improvement ; he was slow to reprove, ready to encourage, and kept before their minds the importance of personal religion and depend- ence on God. "I was present when he formed the first regular class on Pleasant Eun in 1818, His invitations for members so captivated the people that they pressed around him in crowds, giving him their hands, weeping and shouting. At a camp meeting on Pleasant Run, I heard him preach a sermon before the Sacrament, and such was the profundity of thought, such the power of the Holy Ghost in the sermon, that it seemed to me that heaven and earth were coming together." Under the instruction of such a man of God, and imbibing his spirit, Heistand became a very efficient minister of the gospel. He Was licensed to exhort by the Miami Conference in 1819, and to preach in 1820, when thirty-nine years of age. We had but few mem- bers in the West, at that time, and they were in moderate circumstances. There were but few churches or organ- ized societies, hence he must preach where he could find people to listen to him, and with but very meager compensation. At a session of the Muskingum Conference held in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., in 1827, Avhen the traveling preach- ers reported their salaries, it appeared that "S. C. Briggs received $50.00, J. Wilson $79.00, and John Crum $18.00; all were satisfied." Well may the historian say, " By reference to the proceedings of this (Scioto) Conference, it will be seen 218 SAMUEL HEISTAND, that the highest salary received during the last year, by any one man, did not exceed seventy dollars, ^vhile the average was about thirty apiece. The whole history of the United Brethren Church shows conclusively that no worldly motive could have induced men to leave their worldly occupations to become traveling preachers. The ' woe is me, if I preach not,' has reached the heart of many a pious 3^oung man, and driven him from friends and home to hunt up the lost sheep of the house of Israel ; without even a staff to lean upon, save the Savior's own blessed promise, ' Lo, I am with you al way even unto the end of the world.' " Says Spayth, " We have stated that the preachers were limited to from $80 to $160 per year. This is to be understood as the most one might justly receive, but how much less than that sum, next to nothing, had the Brethren preachers been subjected to, in the history of our Church for many years, can not be known at this time. This much we do know, that brethren traveled and preached extensively for years, and received less than twenty dollars a year, and these brethren had rising families, and were by no means in affluent circum- stances. Not that these men preached to a poverty- stricken people, but the reverse; yet so it was, whether through ignorance or conscientious scruples, the preach- ers among the Germans received little or nothing. He that then would preach the gospel must do it without money or price ; the harvest was great, the laborers were few. Those were times which tried men's faith, causing some conflicts, and placed the early ministers very often in straitened circumstances; yet they were enabled to say, 'The Lord hath delivered us out of them all' " NINTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 219 The country was new and unsettled, and the priva- tions incident to a pioneer life must be endured. As a specimen of the trials of these early preachers, we give the following : In 1837, a preacher was sent to the Juniata Circuit, Pa. This included Juniata, Perry and Mifl9.in Counties. His biographer says of him, " Dur- ing the year he took up a number of new appointments in remote portions of the county inhabited by very poor people. He visited among them from house to house, lodged with them and shared their hospitalities. The best they had was cheerfully given him ; but their poverty was such that even the very best was small in quantity and very inferior in quality. For months at a time, he did not see a morsel of wheat bread. Buck- wheat, oats and corn constituted the food upon which the people among whom he labored, subsisted. On such diet he could live very comfortably, and never felt like uttering a complaint on account of the treatment he received, but the utter impossibility, at times, of securing food for his horse, was the source of frequent and dis- tressing annoyance to him. For days and weeks did the poor brute have to go without a handful of grain, subsisting wholly upon grass, ha}^ or fodder. Often would he gladly have purchased grain to feed him, but money was almost non-existent then. For months did he go without a dollar in his pocket. If his horse lost a shoe, he would stop at a blacksmith shop, ask the smith to replace the shoe, intending to request him to trust him until he had money enough to pay. But when the good smith replied in answer to the question, ' I do not charge ministers,' after expressing many thanks, he would mount his horse and ride away with a merry heart. Frequently during this year, he suffered 220 SAMUEL HEISTAND, most severely with cold while lodging with poor peo- ple. One night was especially remembered by him. It was terribly cold and stormy, and the room in which he was lodged was so open that the wind whistled through the cracks from all points of the compass. When shown to this room, he found upon examination that the bed consisted of a chaff tick with but little chaff in it, a muslin sheet, a threadbare blanket, and a light calico quilt. He piled his clothing upon this and vainly tried to sleep. The wind savagely blew, the old house shook, and he lay shivering with cold. About midniofht he arose, went to the head of the stairs and called for his cloak and saddle cover, the latter a large bear skin. He placed the bear skin on the bed to lie upon, and his cloak over him, and was then enabled to sleep a little. Many nights were spent much in the same way. But he cheerfully bore all these sufferings and privations, and often rejoiced because of being per- mitted to preach the gospel to a poor, simple-minded people, who were so glad to learn of him the way of life and salvation." In 1824, the Miami Conference was divided, and the eastern section took the name of Scioto. Its first session was held in Fairfield County, Ohio, June, 1825. Samuel Heistand, living within the bounds of this new Conference, became a member of it. On February 4, 1826, a Charter was granted by the Legislature of Ohio, to incorporate, " The Benevolent Society of the United Brethren in Christ," and among the incorporators we find the name of Samuel Heistand. The minutes of the Scioto Conference previous to 1829 are lost, but at the session which convened May 11, 1829, we find Samuel Heistand, with several others, present. In 1831 NINTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 221 he was sent to Adelphos Circuit. He received the largest salary paid this year to any of the preachers, which would indicate either that he had a wealthy field of labor, or that he was a faithful and most accept- able preacher, the latter of which is most likely true. In 1832, himself and John Clymer are sent to Muskin- gum Circuit, and receive jointly for their year of service 1155.80, In 1833, he traveled Washington Circuit, He was a faithful itinerant. One who knew him well said of him, " He was a man of deep piety, a faithful and efiicient expounder of the Holy Scriptures, by no means an orator, but a close practical reasoner. No man could be in his company Avithout feeling that in him were sweetly blended the true characteristics of a friend, a Christian and a divine." He was Secretary of the General Conference which met in 1821. He was a member of the Conference which met in 1825. Newcomer and Hoffman were the presiding Bishops. Some important changes of Church polity occurred at this Conference. Some modification was made in the mode of baptism. Hitherto there had been three grades recognized in the ministry. It was now decided that there should be no special ordination of the Bishops, and that policy still prevails. Hitherto the Presiding Eldership had not been looked upon as a very important office. Elders had been taken for the most part from the local preachers and were not expected to travel. It was now agreed that they should give their whole time to their districts, and receive an equal salary with the other itinerant preachers. A cer- tain portion of the salary of the traveling preacher was set apart for the support of the Elder. So also it was required that hereafter a collection be lifted at each 222 SAMUEL HEISTAND, appointment, for the support of the Bishop. He should receive the usual allowance paid to the traveling preacher, viz. : $160 to a married man, and $80 to a single man. Previous to this time the Bishops had sud- ported themselves mainly from their own resources. Boehm was aided by his farm, I^ewcomer had resources of his own, Hoffman for the most part depended on his own funds. The measures now adopted w'ere a great step in advance, and made the work more efficient. It was also resolved at this time, " that, if necessary, an English as well as a German secretary shall be elected at any annual Conference." Thus far the German has been in the ascendant, but the English is gradually working its way in. In 1821, it was agreed that the discipline should be published in both languages, and it , so appeared, the left side of each page having German and the right side English. The General Conference of 1833 convened in Picka- way County. It consisted of thirty-three delegates, and among them was Samuel Heistand. At this time certain changes were made as to the composition of the General Conference; provision was made for increas- ing the salary of an itinerant ; also the length of time he might remain on a circuit; but the most important of all possibly, and that which has most vitally affected the Church, was the projecting of a printing establish- ment, and the appointment of a board of trustees who should solicit subscriptions and take steps to publish " a paper devoted to religious, moral and literary intelli- gence." The devoted l^ewcomer having died after a long and eventful career, leaving Henry Kumler, Sr., the only Bishop at this Conference, Henry Kumler, William NINTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 223 Brown and Samuel Heistand were elected Bishops for the ensuing four years. Heistand was now about fifty- two years of age. At the Conference of 1837, he was re-elected to the office of Bishop, in connection with Henr3^Kumler and Jacob Erb. The Conference convened at Germantown, May 9th. Heistand delivered the opening sermon, which we were told was very touching, made so per- haps because it came from a man who stood on the very verge of the unknown future. This was perhaps one among the most important Conferences held, as it led to the adoption of the Constitution of the Church. The paper presented was approved, and ordered published with a circular letter calling the attention of the Church to the same, and asking that the delegates to the Con- ference of ISil be instructed to adopt, amend, or reject the same. Soon after this Bishop Heistand was holding a Con- ference in Pennsylvania. One who met him there sa^'s of him : "He had the appearance of a very good man. He was well read, especially in the Scriptures, and a speaker of marked intellectual and emotional powers. At the close of the session he addressed the Conference as if conscious that it was his d3ang address ; which it really was, for he fell asleep in Jesus soon after. Tears flowed down his cheeks while he spoke, and both the manner and matter of his remarks were well calculated to make a deep impression upon the minds of the body addressed; and this they certainly did. One point upon which he dwelt with much emphasis and apparent anx- iety, and against which he warned the Conference, was that of giving the Bishops too much power. It seemed as if the aged father saw danger in that direction." 224 SAMUEL HEISTAND, He took an active part in the labors and business of the Church until his death, as the records of the Annual and General Conferences will show. He labored with Kumler, Erb, Coons, Hanby^ Russell, Benedum, Hoffman and men of that class, and did faithful service. As shown before, he was one of the incorporators of the Benevolent Society and was always interested in its prosperity. He was a faithful friend to the missionary work and to the religious press, and a lover of the Church of his choice. He was a man a little above medium size, well built, and weighed at times as much as two hundred pounds. He was a very moderate English scholar, but well read in the German, his native language. He was a man of good social qualities, and noted for his generous hospitality, no one ever going away hungry from his door. Pie died in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 9, 1838. His age was fifty-six years seven months and six days. " Until a short time prior to his death he retained his wonted vigor and strength of mind. In conversation with his brother Joseph four days previous to his departure he said he had during the day ' felt the sweet drawings of heaven more power- fully than ever before ; ' and after his speech had failed him, the name ' heaven ' pronounced in his hearing would cause his face to be lit up with a smile." He had a natural impediment in his speech which was shghtly in his way until he became thoroughly aroused, and then he became eloquent. He was a faith- ful preacher of the Word. At a camp-meeting held near Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, he, with Ilanb}'^ and a number of other preachers, was in the stand. It was his turn to preach, and he spoke from Daniel, " They that be wise shall NINTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 225 shine as the brightness of the firmament." He was in good trim for preaching, and a wonderful power appeared to accompany the word. There seemed to be a sound all over the camp-ground, like the " rushing of a mighty wind,^' as on the day of Pentecost. Hanby arose to exhort, stood a moment without saying a word, and was then so overcome that he knelt down at Bishop Ileistand's knees. Another one arose to speak, but he also took his seat without saying anything. God was present in His word and honored the labors of His servant. So lived and died this faithful servant of God. If he did not have time for the accumulation of worldly riches, he laid up for himself treasures in heaven. After almost twenty years of ministerial service, he was called to receive the reward of his labors. " Servant of God, well done ; Rest from thy loved employ ; The battle foaght, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy. •' The pains of death are passed, Labor and sorrow cease, And life's long warfare closed at last. His soul is found in peace. " Soldier of Christ, well done. Praise be thy new employ ; And while eternal ages run Rest in thy Savior's joy." REV. JACOB ERB, TENTH B18H0P0FTHE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. JACOB ERB was born two miles southeast of Man- heim, Lancaster County, Penn., on the 25th day of May, A. D. 1804. He died at Shiremanstown, Cumberland County, Penn., April 29, 3 883, aged seventy-eight years eleven months and four days. His grandfather. Christian Erb, was born in Switzer- land in A, D. 1736, and when only three years of age was brought to this country. His father was also named Christian, and was born in Lancaster County, in A. D. 1758. His maternal grandfather was Abraham Hershey, who emigrated from Switzerland to America in A. D. 1759. His mother's maiden name was Eliza- beth, a sister to Christian and Abraham Hershey, early preachers in the United Brethren Church. In A. D. 1810, when Jacob was six years of age, his parents moved from Lancaster County, to Cumber- land County, Penn., and settled on a tract of land on the banks of the Susquehanna, opposite Harris- burg. On that farm his father died in 1820. After the death of the father, the family removed from the farm to Wormleysburgh, where the mother resided until the time of her death, which occurred when she was eighty- five years of age. Before and after the father's death his home was a regular preaching place for the United Brethren. When 226 Jau^ ^ TENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 227 Jacob was sixteen years of age, he was converted at his own home in the month of January, 1S20, and joined the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. After his father's death he lived with his mother during the winter, and in tlie summer labored on a farm of his brother-in-law, Samuel Eberl}^ near Shiremanstown, Penn. The year after his conversion he began to exhort the people to attain to an experimental knowl- edge of saving grace. On being urged by Father Her- shey and by Neidig to enter the active ministry, after mature thought and prayer he consented and was licensed to preach by the Hagerstown Conference, which met at the home of John Cronise, Frederick County, Md., May 3, A. D. 1823. He was then about nineteen years of age, and had been a member of the Church for three years. He was appointed to Lan- caster Circuit, which then embraced thirty appoint- ments ; in his zeal to spread the work he soon enlarged it to forty appointments. In 1824, he was appointed to Hagerstown Circuit as junior preacher with Henry Burtner. May 10, 1825, he was again sent to Lancas- ter Circuit, and opened a mission toward Philadelphia. During this time he also made a trip to Rochester, K. Y., and Camden, in company with Christian Smith. He was ordained to the office of Elder at Chambersburg, Franklin County, Penn., ]N"ovember 17, 1825. The field did not look so discouraging to him as to some of his predecessors, and yet to be a minister in his time was no child's play. One of his contemporaries gives us a brief picture of the work of the ministry about the time that Erb began it: " In those days our services were held in private houses, barns and groves. I do not recollect that there 228 JACOB EEB, was one meeting-house in Cumberland Yalley, except at Shropp's. The circuits were large and our members but sparsely settled throughout the country. Our cir- cuit embraced part of Frederick and Washington Coun- ties in Maryland, and part of Franklin County, Penn., and had no less than thirty appointments. It re- quired four weeks to make the round. At this time all east of the Susquehanna River was called the Lan- caster Circuit. The preachers often had very long rides to reach their appointments, and often through very inclement weather, but they seldom disappointed unless they were sick. It was common for our people to go twenty or thirty miles to a protracted meeting, and many would walk this distance. At these meetings the beds were spread upon the floor and the people were quartered around the room. " The preachers had but little time to read ; some got but little, others no pay. I remember hearing one say, who is yet living (this was in 1858), that he was out of pocket for his preaching nine hundred dollars. I heard George Geeting (son of the Bishop) tell my parents, with tears, that he was traveling his first round on his circuit when he heard of his father's death. He said he never was more anxious to see him than at that time, but of that pleasure he was deprived ; but although it was a trial, he was submissive to the will of God and received the descending mantle of his sainted father " These were good men, pure in life and adorned with virtue. They were plain in language, relying upon the divine energy granted them. They did not pre- tend to refinement of composition, but relied upon the divine spirit working with them, and, like the fishermen TENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHBEN IN CHKIST. 229 of Galilee, they boldly proclaimed a risen Savior to a fallen world. They bestowed but little care upon the study of style, and it was no doubt because they were aided by a co-operation greater than that of man. God was with these men, and they were instrumental in the conversion of many precious souls. I have often heard them preach at camp-meetings with so much power, that proud philosophy gave way and sinners were cut to the heart all over the camp. Some would fall like dead men ; others would call aloud for mercy, and often the altar was crowded with penitent sinners." As a minister, Erb labored extensively in his native State, in New York and in Canada, as early as A. D. 1825, w^hen only twenty-one years of age. He was in Rochester on the 25th of October, 1825, when the water was first let into the Erie Canal. "When young he was sent by his Conference as a missionary to Canada. Alone, with his knapsack on his back, he journeyed on foot, like his Master before him, going from place to place, talking with the people and preaching to ihem as he had opportunity, seeking in every way to lead them to Christ. Years after this, when, as Bishop, he was holding a session of Scioto Conference, he had occasion to refer to this experience. In order to provide for the preachers when they ' became unfit for travel, it had been arranged that each preacher on joining Confer- ence, should be asked to give his note for ten dollars, the payment of the interest on which amount should entitle to membership in the society. At one of the Bishops' Conferences an opportunity had been given, but the preachers, anticipating, perhaps, that small sal- aries would come to them during the year, were not in a very great hurry to give their notes. Erb, who was 230 JACOB ERB, in the chair, saw something must be done to arouse the newly admitted brethren to a sense of tlieir duty. He arose, and in substance said: "Brethren, a few years ago, I was a missionary in Canada. I was travehng along the road one day on foot, with my knapsack on my back, thinking of the friends I had left behind me in the States, and fearing 1 was not doing much good here, when on making a turn in the road, / saw the Devil. He addressed me and said, 'Erb, you are making a great fool of yourself.' I answered 'Not so.' He insisted that I was, and I inquired why he so thought. He replied ' You might have had a pleasant time at home among your friends if you had remained there, but you have come over here, and you are travel- ing up and down these valleys with no pay, no means of support, no one caring for you. If you are able to endure it for a few years, you will become old and crippled and poor, and you can then go home and live for a time in poverty and die in disgrace.' " Said Erb, " I then became a little excited and told the Devil he lied ; that the preachers had organized a benevolent society, and that the interest of the money they paid was to aid needy preachers, and that when I reached old age, if I had nothing of my own, I would be cared for by my brethren Brethren* I want you to make good my statements to the Devil." It is needless to say that, after such a realistic address as that, they responded freely with their notes. Erb was not only a fair preacher, but his plain, prac- tical German sense made him a good organizer, and for his skill in this direction the Church is very much indebted to him. East of the Susquehanna River other men had labored before him, but to his executive ability TENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 231 the United Brethren Church as a denomination owes its first definite organization. In 1823, he preached on the Lancaster Circuit. It extended from Harrisburg to Lancaster, out to Turkej^ Hill, thence to Columbia^ to Marietta, Maytown, Middletown and Highspire, thence to Hummelstown, Union "Water Works, Annville, Leba- non, Shaeftown, Ephrata, Manheim and Litz. All over this field were members who were recognized as such, but they were not formed into classes and enrolled in a formal manner. Mr. Erb then regarded this as a great mistake, but their minds had to be prepared for the important step to be taken, in formally organizing by reception and enrollment. After the lapse of sev- eral years it appeared to him that the proper time had come. It was during the year 1827 that he formed the first class of church members in the United Breth- ren Church east of the Susquehanna River. Classes had been formed west of the river before this date. This organization took place at what is called Sherk's old meeting-house, located in the northwestern part of Lebanon County, several miles east of Grantville. In the year 1830, when he preached on Halifax Cir- cuit, he baptized, by immersion. Elder John Wine- brenner in the Susquehanna Eiver at Harrisburg, Penn. Erb and Winebrenner had often held revival meetings together, and when the latter changed his views on church matters, he preached what is generally known in that country as the " 1830 Sermon on Baptism." Immediately after the delivery of the sermon, he pro- ceeded to the river, and Mr. Erb baptized him just above the place where the Cumberland Valley Hailroad bridge is now located. This occurred on Sabbath. July 4, A. D. 1830, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. 232 JACOB ERB, In 1829, when twenty -four years of age, Erb was a delegate to the General Conference, when Christian Newcomer and Henry Kumler, Sr., were Bishops. It met in Fairfield County, Ohio. With William Brown, Henry Burtner, John Hendricks, Thomas Miller, John Zahn, Simon Dresbach and Ezekiel Boriug he came to Ohio, to represent the old Hagerstown Conference, when but four Conferences composed the whole Church. He was the last to die of the twenty-eight members who composed that body. He was also a member of the General Conference which convened in Pickaway County, Ohio. Since the previous one, I^ewcomer had gone to rest. At this Conference steps were taken to publish a paper under the direction of the General Con- ference as soon as a sufficient number of subscribers could be secured. George Dresl)ach, Jonathan Dres- bach and John Russel were appointed trustees to carry into effect the intention of the Conference. The first paper was issued about January 1, 1835. In 1837, Jacob Erb was elected one of the Bishops of the Church. With him were associated Samuel Heistand and Henry Kumler, Sr. In 1841, he was reelected to the Bishop's office and associated with Henry Kumler, Sr., John Coons and Henry Kumler, Jr. In 1845, he was elected the editor of the German paper, The Busy Martha. In 1849, he was again elected to the office of Bishop, and associated in this office with J. J. Glossbrenner and David Edwards. For the period of twelve years he filled acceptably the oiSce of Bishop in this Church. In the year 1840, John Russel, one of the most learned and active men in the Church, and who was then residing in Baltimore, was encouraged by his friends to establish a German paper in the city, in the TENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 233 Interests of the Church. It was to be a semi-monthly sheet with the title of Busy Martha. The first num- ber appeared March 7, 1840. About May 20, 1841, for some reason, it was temporarily suspended. The General Conference resolved this year to establish a German paper in Baltimore, and appointed trustees to carry out this purpose. Bishop Erb was elected editor and publisher. The Busy Martha was thereupon transferred to the Church authorities. The first num- ber under the new management was issued July 1, 1841, under what were supposed to be very favorable auspices. It was discontinued for lack of patronage June 22, 1842, much to the regret of the English as well as the German brethren, many of whom had con- tributed to its support. The closing words of the editor are very matter-of-fact, and at this late day almost pro- voke a smile. " With pain I am compelled to notifiy the readers of the Busy Martha that I have no pros- pects which would justify me in continuing its further publication in this place; for it appears to me as if almost everything that could be a hindrance has been raised to prevent the publication of a third volume of the Busy Martha. (1) It appears to me that the trus- tees who were elected by the General Conference care nothing about the matter. (2) The printer is not dis- posed to print the Martha any longer. (3) A consid- erable number of subscribers have not paid for the sec- ond volume, which in justice should have been done," etc. In 1831, he traveled Littlestown Circuit The suc- ceeding year he spent in general work, and with Bishop Brown compiled the English Hymn Book. For the •next three years he was Presiding Elder of the Carlisle district, and during this time made a visit to Canada. 234 JACOB ERB, In 1836, he was sent to the Canada Mission. During this year he was married to EKzabeth Shirk, of Erie County, New York. He was made pastor of the Church in Baltimore, and was the pastor when an effort was made to wrest the property from the Church. In 1854 and the following year he was Presiding Elder in the Chambersburg- district. In 1856, he was appointed agent to collect money for Philadelphia Circuit. The next year he was again Presiding Elder for the Cham- bersburg district. In 1858, the Board of Missions put him in charge of the Canada Mission Conference. He was continued the next year in charge of this Confer- ence, and appointed agent for the printing establish- ment. The two following years (1860 and 1861), he labored in this interest and that of Otterbein Univer- sity. In 1869 he was engaged in the erection of the Boas Street Church edifice at Harrisburg, Pa. His more active work ceased with this, but he never considered himself as local. He served as pastor twen- ty-two years, as Presiding Elder seven years, as Bishop twelve years, as agent three years. During the last sixteen years of his life he was not able for regular Avork; yet always ready to assist by preaching, by counseling, and in whatever way he could when his health permitted. The trouble with the Otterbein Church at Baltimore was a serious one. Brother Erb himself puts it thus in a communication to the Telescope of January 7, 1846: '" The members of this church, with myself, are still engaged in opposing a set of men who pretend to be its officers, and as we expelled one of these pretenders under a charge of adultery, or for having two wives, and another for untruth, and others for creating disor- TENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 235 der in the church, and as others had previously sent us written resignations of their offices in the church, we have no notion of giving up the contest, but feel confi- dent that tlie Lord will not permit or suffer the enemy to triumph over His people for coming up to the require- ments of Scripture." If the Bishop were to re-write that to-day, he might make it a little more tender, and yet there is no doubt that during the years he was in charge here, he was very much harassed and anno3'ed by mischievous men. These men, aided by sympathiz- ers in the German Keformed Church, locked the church against Bishop Erb, on October 5, 1842, and said he should never preach in it again. They instituted suit against Erb and others, praying for an injunction, but wei-e defeated. Then they prayed the court for a man- damus. This was settled on November 12, 1846, when the judge gave his decision in favor of Erb and his associates. On Wednesday, the 18th, the busy hum of those who were there to put the church in order for worship was heard. The following Sunday it was to be opened again for service, and the hearts of the pastor and his people be made glad. While in this happy state. Bishop Russel and his wife arrived to witness this joy. One who was present at the scene thus writes: " On Sunday morning the long silenced bells began to ring, once more inviting friend and foe, as in days gone by, to come to the house of the Lord. This was a solemn hour ; as far as the sound of those bells could be heard you could see old and young, white and black, stand- ing in doors or looking out of the windows, gazing towards the steeple of Otterbein's Church, trying to convince their minds, with the eye, what the ear could 236 JACOB EEB not accomplish, and when you met with a brother or sister, you could see the tears of gratitude rolling down their cheeks, and the first utterance was, ' Thank the Lord.' Erb preached from Psalms 50 : 14, 15. I never witnessed such a scene in a congregation before. Smiles of joy on every countenance mingled with tears from every eye. Then each humbling himself before Him who is mighty to save, pouring out sincere prayers to the Throne of Grace, imploring the Lord to forgive their enemies, that they might be brought from dark- ness to light, and see that they who fight against His people are warring against the Might}^ One in Israel." Erb was for a time a Trustee of Otterbein University. In connection Avith J. Weaver, he was an ao-ent of the University in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, selling scholarships with a view of endowing a German professorship, and in other ways advancing its inter- ests. In 1866 and the two following j^ears, he was con- nected as part owner of Cottage Hill Seminary, an insti- tution for the higher training of young women, located at York, Pa. In the Telescope of March 24, 1869, he says : " Education tends to the elevation of man and better fits him for the discharge of the duties of the various relations in life, and especially ministers of the gospel. But while we thus speak we hope it may not be so interpreted as to drive out of the ministry men who, by long experience and practical efficiency in this work, have become of value to the Church, because the}'^ may not be up with the times in rhetoric, algebra or astronomy. Those who have made themselves effi- cient by faithful work and long experience, let it be accounted to their credit in lieu of other and less impor- tant acquirements. Put the hoys throxigh on t?ie hooks. TENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 237 but let the veteran workers have credit for all the knowledge tliey have derived from the school of expe- rience. Weed out the worthless, but let the faithful and serviceable be retained in the places which they have heretofore honored." These are utterances whose good sense commend them to the judgment of every thoughtful man. During his ministry of sixty years, it was his privi- lege to attend sixty sessions of the Annual Conference, being present at all its sessions during his ministerial life excepting the last, in 1883, which he so much desired to attend, as his letter to Conference clearly indicated, but owing to failing health and mental powers he was unable to do so. From his letter to the Conference we make this extract : "I love to look back and see the progress which we as a Church have made. Plow our brethren have pushed forward the work is seen in the hundreds of churches built, the thousands of members received, many of whom are already safe in heaven; in the schools wluch have been founded, in the institutions of benevolence; in our publishing house — becoming every year more and more extensive; and in the noble work of our missionary society. I thank God that I have lived to see this day, which presents such grand monu- ments of substantial growth of the Church of the Uni- ted Brethren in Christ. As a humble member of this Conference I always 'tried to do my duty. In looking back I can see where I might have done better service, but I console myself with the thought that I always tried to bring an honest heart to my work. A kind heavenly Father granted to me the privilege of attend- ing, in consecutive order, sixty annual sessions of the 238 JACOB ERB Pennsylvania, Conference. Could I be present with you, this would be my sixty-first. My faith in God is strong, my confidence in His word unshaken, and I know by personarexperience there is a power in true reliffion. The future of a blessed life is to me full of hope and promise. God is my refuge and my strength." He came to the parsonage one day to have a talk with his pastor, and tell him how differently death appeared when we are ourselves about to meet the real- ities of it. " To try to console the dying is one thing, to face death yourself is another." Later on, when dis- ease was pressing him, he realized that he was apt to be a little dissatisfied with his lot, and that his spirit was not as submissive as it should be. He believed that it was his privilege to rise above such an experience, and for such he contended. His struggles were somewhat pro- tracted. The night in which he gained the victory, his pastor, Rev. D. R. Burkholder, sat by his bedside. After his severe struggle, when victory came it was complete. The following morning he said to his daughter Sue : "' Last night I completely conquered the Devil." After this he never complained. He \yas serene in spirit, calm, passive and peaceful to the end. At times his mind would wander to his early years and he would live over again the scenes of his early ministry. When his brethren came in he always invited them to pray with him, aiid, though at times his mind would wander a little, he would always respond with an intelligent Ameii. He died on the 29th of April, 1883, and was buried m Shropp's Grave-Yard, near Shiremanstown, Penn. The funeral services were conducted by Bishop Dickson from John 14: 1, 23. During this interesting discourse TENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 239 he related the following impressive incident coiLcerning himself. "Father J. Russell signed my first Quarterly Conference license. Father Hanby signed my Annual Conference license, and Father Erb signed my Ordina- tion license. I have now participated at the funeral services of each of these fathers." Said his late pastor of him : "As a minister he was studious, thoughtful, logical. His power was felt and his fame went abroad. He advocated and contended for harmony between the outer rectitude and the inner experience. He proved his ministry in the last moments of his life. His faith was strong, his hope was bright, his end was peaceful. As the shades of night were gathering around us he calmly fell asleep in Jesus. Peace, be still ; the Master called his aged servant from labor to rest, and while we miss his presence and coun- sel, his influence lives." When he came to preside over Allegheny Confer- ence, he found some restless spirits who possibly wanted to test the mettle of their Bishop, and he had trouble to keep them in proper bounds. One day he said to them " In the other Conference when the Bishop makes a few remarks he puts the question and that is the end of it ; but you won't have it so here." And yet these men learned to love him very dearly. Says one of these same men in a note : " He was about five feet nine inches in height, and would weigh about one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He was full of fun and enjoyed a good joke and a pleasant sally of wit, but was not foolish about it. He was a very hospitable man, who liked to entertain his friends and enjo3^ed their society. He was open-hearted and generous, giving freely of his money to advance interests that he loved. His ances- 240 JACOB ERB. tors were Mennonites, and some of their peculiarities clung to him all his life. He dressed often without a collar, with a white neck-tie, a shadbelly coat, generally of a brown color, and wore a white hat. He was a good German scholar and preacher, but not so good in English. Never lazy in the pulpit, but full of anima- tion, and his eyes would sparkle when he threw his whole soul into his subject. He was often in tears him- self and melted his hearers to tears. His preaching was practical and awakening. A stranger's first impres- sion of him would be, ' That man is in earnest and believes what he sa3^s.' He was never jealous of others. It did him good to hear them preach Avell. He rejoiced at their success, and therefore had the esteem and good will of all. He favored colleges, Sabbath- schools, and everything that looked like enterprise and growth. In this respect he was in advance of many of his brethren. The Church did not move forward and leave him behind, sour and discontented, but he grew with it, and kept himself in good spirits. In his later years he was ten- der and fatherly, kind and forgiving. The Church lost a valuable man, a faithful member, a devoted friend, when he was called hence." " Yet what is death, so it be glorious ? 'Tis a sunset." REV. HENRY KUMLER JR., ELEVENTH BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. HENRY KUMLER, JR., was born at Myerstown, in Lancaster county, Penn., January 9, 1801, but was brought up at Greencastle, Franklin County, Penn. He was one of eleven children. His father, also named Henry Kumler, had been brought up in the German Reformed Church, while his mother had been . reared a Mennonite. Young Henry had very poor educational advantages. Between six and fourteen years of age he went to school some, but his teacher was very inefficient. When not drunk, he was very severe, and poor Henry had to suffer the consequences of that ungoverned temper. The father, while a nominal member of church, was not a converted man. About the year 1812 he experienced a change of heart, and established an altar of prayer in his home. One evening, feeling in an unusually happy condition, he sang and prayed, and was especially drawn out in prayer for his childreil. He named them, and prayed for them with unusual fervor. The mother followed in prayer on their behalf. Soon one of them cried out, " I am lost ! " then another. The father, while still on his knees, passed around among his children and encouraged them to go to God. In a tender tone he said to the boy : " Henry, do you not wish to go with me to Heaven ? " The 241 242 HENRY KUMLER, JR., boy's heart was almost broken, and he began to weep and pray. About three months after this period he was converted. He tells the story himself in the fol- lowing language: "While at a meeting at Jacob Wengert's, my soul was more than ever depressed, burdened and gloomy, and my distress on account of sin was very great. When the change was effected I could not help knowing the fact. My chains fell off ; my prison doors were broken open ; my condemned soul no longer trembled under the sentence of death. My tongue was filled with praise, and my mouth with laughter. I felt myself one of the favored of the Lord. For weeks after this I was as one who knew no want. My water was pleasant, my bread was sweet, and labor rest. I loved sincerely, and my love knew no bounds. I delighted in the closet, the prayer meet- ing, the society of the just ; and the word of God was heard with gladness." Soon after his conversion he joined the United Brethren church, of which his father was a member. When fourteen years of age he was made leader of a class in Greencastle. He had about three and a half miles to walk to meet his class, but he attended to his duties faithfully. The young people, many of them church members, who had been taught to ridicule the kind of piety which this boy practiced would see him on his way to meeting, and would annoy him by using such remarks as the following : " Ha, Henry, going for more glory and hallelujah, are you?" While a class leader the Spirit began to operate upon his heart, and he could not get rid of the impression that it was his duty to preach the gospel. "Feeling an utter want of fitness, either to exhort or preach, he /^T^CAJ /y^c-yTyiy /C^^t.^7>^C^l^ ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 243 slwank from duty, concealed his convictions in his own bosom, and thereby brought upon his soul darkness, doubts and keen distress. His cheeks were often wet with tears as he followed the plow, meditating upon these things, or while he wandered and prayed for hours together in the woods." He finally opened his heart to his friend, F. Baulus who gave him good ad- vice. A sermon having been preached by Rev. William Brown, who afterward became a bishop in the church, it made a very deep impression on his mind. He attempted to exhort after him. The family moved to Ohio in 1819. After exhorting about a year he was authorized to preach. His license is signed by C New- comer, bears date June 2, 1819, and was given to him while threshing grain in his father's barn. He was then in his nineteenth year. An amusing story is told of his first preaching. When in the midst of his dis- course a woman in the audience was seized with what was familiarly known in that day as " the jerks." His attention for the moment having been called away, he lost his bearings, and the text and sermon disap- peared from his mind. He could not recall the sub- ject, the words of the text, nor where they could be found. He was in a quandary, and did not knoAv what to do. He did not want to sit down, and he could not go on. Turning to a brother who sat by his side, he said to him in a subdued tone of voice, "Brother John, where is my text ? " Brother Featherhoff gave him the desired information, and he finished his sermon without further molestation. "Instead of devoting himself to the ministr}'- with- out reserve, he was persuaded by his relatives to attend first to the securement of a good home for his family, 244 HENRY KUMLER, JR., meantime to preach as he could gratuitously. Against this course both his understanding and his conscience protested, but he was unable to resist the appeals of worldly prudence which came to him from all sides. Sometimes he would break away and spend more time in preaching than his pecuniary interests seemed to allow. On one occasion of this kind, returning from rather a long preaching tour, he was met by his prudent father-in-law, who was in a very serious mood. "Henry," said he, " when a man is married he ought to take care of his family, and if you intend to be an itinerant, you can not keep a wife, and I will have to take Chris- tena home again." To a spirited young man with a young wife this kind of influence was hard to resist, and it eventually drove him into extensive business with the hope that he might soon acquire a competence and become an untrammeled itinerant. With this object in view, he removed to Preble county, erected a large mill for grinding, started a woolen factory, opened a tanyard and cleared out a farm. And yet, while he had all these enterprises on hand, he preached every Sabbath and often through the week at funerals, but he preached without preparation, and most of the time without the Spirit. Thus he toiled in what he calls " Egyptian servitude" sixteen years, much of which time he had little peace, nay, was very unhappy. He did nothing to improve his fortune and nothing com- paratively for the Lord. But he was in the snare of Satan, and how was he to be released ? God had pre- pared a Nathan in the person of a humble currier in his employ, to administer a salutary reproof. Calling him into the shop one day he said, " Brother Kumler, I want to talk plainly to you. One who has so much ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 245 business on hand as you have is not fit to preach, and you had better quit it. You have no religion, and you are doing no good by your preaching. These old church preachers can preach without the spirit, for they have the form, but you have neither form nor power." These words burned like a blister at the time, but they were wholesome. He felt the force of the reproof, and made no apologies for himself. He took his case to God, covenanted to be his minister, sold his mills, set- tled up his affairs, and threw himself unreservedly into the itinerancy. "Oh, had 1 been wise," he has often said, "and obeyed God instead of man, how much more good I might have done and how many grievous sorrows would I have escaped. I have," he has said, " trav- eled wherever sent since I became an itinerant ; have received often a mere pittance for support ; have en- dured weariness, privations, and yet I have been a hap- py man, even in temporal matters I have done better than when I devoted myself to them," Mr. Kumler had been a class leader for three years, in his early life, an exhorter one year, sixteen years a local and half itinerant preacher, and twenty years an unreserved itinerant until 1854, when he became connect- ed with the Telescope office. He was elected presiding elder in Miami conference in 1836, in which office he continued until 1841, when he was elected bishop, and served in this .capacity four years. In 1846 he was re-elected presiding elder, in which office, with the ex- ception of two years, he continued until 1853. In 1853 he was a trustee of the printing house, and traveled in its interest. On February 24, 1854, he was elected publishing agent. He was not in favor of high salaries, and this may be one reason why his election was 246 HENKY KUMLER, JR., not looked upon with much favor by some of the em- ployes. The next day after his election ho writes : " Had much perplexity to-day with the office buildings, and officers looking down their noses and resigning their offices." March 2, he says: "Matters are very perplex- ing here in view of habits which have resulted from principles of loose government. Oh, Lord, give me wis- dom." He was a man of strong convictions. He had his own judgment as how to best carry on this business for the good of the church. He was a fast friend to the establishment, but also loyal to his convictions of duty. A man of such intense nature and so thoroughly conscientious could not have smooth sailing unless he had things his own way. His diary, during these months, shows a great deal of care and perplexity, and yet, withal, as sweet and forgiving a spirit as the circum- stances could permit. He removed to Dayton and entered upon his work. March 14th he writes: " This morning I had great trials. When a brother, who should have more sense, treats one with hard language it sets hard. Oh, God, give me more patience to bear all things." 21st — " The question was raised to-day in the office whether attending to its business was serving Mammon or Christ." 27th — " We had a meeting at the office to-day for a better organization, so that each one is to mind his own part. If each is minded to do his part all is pleasant." April 4th — " To-day I had much aggravation, our pressman left without finding us a proper man in his place. I do not intend to let the devil deceive me." 10th — " Returned to Dayton and found things out of fix. Oh, how I am tempted." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 247 11th — " To-day I had a gloomy (\?ij. I had a set- tlement among the men with whom a diiSculty existed. I hope it will go better." 14th — " Had some trouble to-day with the girls. They are not worth what they cost in a printing office. They can do no errands. Boys are much cheaper." 17th — " I did not know how much a man could do to win an enemy until I tried so to do. I am sorry I have not more patience with my enemies." 18th — " This day was a day of perpetual aggrava- tion to me. Oh God, I have not half the patience I need for an agent here at this establishment." 22d — " To-day I had much to do, I am very much perplexed." 24th — " This was another day of perplexity to me. Some of our hands were on a spree and left the busi- ness lag. I am disheartened about things here. All kinds of aggravation must be met with when there are some twenty-five hands to work. Oh my soul, have thou more patience when things seem to go wrong." 26th — " I am almost out of patience. Some things are going wrong every day." April 2d — " To-day I am much perplexed because of the multitude of business. I believe in my heart we will never get done with business. Oh Lord, grant that I may at least be done to die." Monday, April 8th, was an unusally bad day. " This day was a day of trouble, also a day of great trial. Indeed I thought the devil was loose. I fear I will get angry." 9th — " This morning Satan has sought to provoke me to anger. Oh, my God, help me to lean on Thy grace." 248 HENKT KUMLEE, JR., On the 11th light seemed to break in. " This day- was a pleasant day to me. Oh, what a pity that man- kind is not more tender to his species. If man is happy himself, he can make others so too." 22d — " This day I am made to lament the waste of things about the office and yet I am so fixed I can not help this excess." 23d — " I am resolved not to fret so much as I have done." 26th — " To-day I had a better time than common ; was in a good humor all day." JuljT^ 11th — " This was a day of perplexity to me because of the indifference of hands. When men are not willing to do their duty how provoking." A new trouble comes up, which adds not a little to his perplexities, and even went so far as to interfere with his church relations. July 15th — " This day I had some perplexities with Brother about the withholding of the money pledged for the removal of the office .to Dayton." July 18th — " To-day I had my patience tried again, I have more hopes that the things falling out to me in Dayton, as they do will make me a better man." August 14th — " Was not in the office one minute until I was provoked. I had provocation upon provoca- tion. Men are intent upon imposing on this office by unjust bills." On the 18th he writes : " This was a day of anxiety and fear, for I had promised money, and the last hope of getting it all failed. This gave me much uneasiness indeed." On the following day he writes : " To-day I got all the money I needed, and some to spare." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHEIST. 249 August SOtli there came a new revelation to him : " To-day I discovered a serpent striking somewhere, a deep-laid plot to get me away from this office. Oh, Lord, grant me that favor, that if Thou desirest me away from here, it may come to pass." Wednesday, September 6th, he attends the annual conference at Miltonville— " The conference con- cluded I was blamable for not holding fellowship with the brethren at Dayton, which I can not do. In this difficulty, I am not contending for dollars of my own, but for the rights of the printing office. Oh, Lord, guide me aright ! " November 11th — " I had some trouble in word about what some in the office call stinginess in me, but I charge them with being wasteful in little things." 21st — " This day I had some perplexity, but I bore it in patience. The printing office is a hard case to manage ; grace is needed." 22d — " I am much depressed in spirit to-day, that I feel as though I could not stay .about such a concern any longer. I wish I could undo my coming here." 28th — " I feel as though I was too much concerned for the office, or others too little. Men are ffettins" too nice to do their duty." December 8th — " This day my relation as trustee and publishing agent of the printing establishment did cease, not to be renewed soon." 9tb — " I have not been profited in coming to Da}^- ton. It was a dark and dreary Providence. May it turn to my salvation." 15th — " Since the care of the finance of the printing office is off my mind, I am like a man loosed out of prison." 250 HENKY KUMLER, JK., February 14th he made his last day's work in the office. During the days preceding he spent some time in preparing some articles on " Total Depravity." His experience during the last few months in the office would, no doubt, be very suggestive to him. Mr. Kumler did not look upon this experience as a very satisfactory one. He says himself : " Being in a great glee to do something great for the church, I accordingly laid hold in good earnest, but I was like Esau; I willed and did run, but caught to myself vex- ation, care, much labor and but few friends. After a full trial, I became convinced that I was fastened to the wrong car. After several weeks of reflection, and a most singular turn of my affairs by a trustee meet- ing, I resolved to resign the office of trustee, which I did ; and it would have been much to my credit, com- fort and financial success if I had done so on the day when I was elected by the General Conference. Yet out of all my mistakes God has distilled a bitters well calculated to deplete self, and in its stead make mani- fest in me the riches of His grace." In addition to the labors and the cares that came from a business to which he had not been accustomed, he was especially worried, because some of the brethren at Dayton had promised to pay the expense of moving the office from Circleville, over and above $40. These brethren " refused to comply with their pledge given to the General Conference, because it cost more than they expected. I could not fellowship these men in the worship of God. For months I have not been in the church here in Dayton. This was a great privation to me. I will not soon again take upon me to care so much for any concern as I have for this office. It has ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 251 been to me a second wife, and I cared for her as for a wife, but this wife has died on the 8th of December, 1854. I mourned a few days, but now I am comforted." On the 17th of April, by the appointment of the Missionary Board, he started for Nebraska to open up a work for the United Brethren Church in that Ter- ritory. He spent six months or more in this work. He found the outlook very discouraging, but he did some good work. During a portion of the time his health was not good, and this may be one reason " why discouragement looked hun in the face." He says: "At Omaha I have prayed for several families, but as yet they would rather go to a frolic than to church." At this time Omaha was about ten months old, and had about 500 inhabitants. He was in the midst of dangers, trials and perplexities, which come to all in a newly settled country. He found the clergy there mostly engaged in '' fishing up their members coming from other countries and churches, and in build- ing up secret societies * * * The gods of this world, secrecy and brandy are the three gods worshiped, and divine worship deplorably dead and formal." As a speci- men of his labors he writes: " On the 29th, in company with one of the dwellers at De Soto, we set out for Fountenelle, fixing stakes by lohich to travel hereafter, as mine was the first vehicle that passed. I got to the place much wearied, having traveled about thirty miles without any inhabitants, and preached for the people. Some thirty or forty families are crowded into a few tents and huts in a circular form like a camp meeting. Here I sleep in the midst of revolvers and guns. Here the powder is kept dry and a guard all night because of the Indians who have stopped several 252 HENEY KUMLEE, JE., families of them all this week. I left another appoint ment. My condition in Nebraska is unpleasant ; at times I feel as though I would as lief go to heaven from here, so far from Ohio. At times I felt as if I might as well and better be in another world, for all I do here. But God, who knows best, will lead me in this zigzag course only as long as is necessary to prepare me for the Canaan of heaven." At the close of the year he had traveled and preached in eleven counties — six in Nebraska, and five in Iowa. He writes : " This mission has from fifteen to twenty appointments, three small societies organ- ized, one Sabbath-school well attended, six subscrip- tions for the Children^ Friend and twelve for the Re- ligious Telescope^ two local ministers and a fair prospect for the formation of more societies, about twenty members. Nine dollars and seventy-five cents in free-will donations were given to me. A majority of the folks in Nebraska were astounded that /did not also put in for a "claim." They would stare at me as though they thought me deranged when I informed them that the Lord was my claim (portion)." Mr. Kumler gives us his own impressions of this year's work : " This year has ended with all its cares, bustle and grief. I, too, have died to some things. One of these is the notion of greatness and tall preach- ing entertained by me. Tall preaching brmgs men into note, but oh, what a deception! Great preaching is that which God Himself directs. A man does not become noted, as a speaker so much from the wisdom of words as by the power of God bidding him to speak to dead sinners, by which they are made to live. " Being solicited by the executive committee on mis- ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHEIST. 253 sions " to go to Nebraska as a missionary, I consented to do so. First as an act of penance, in order to mor- tify my pride ; secondly as an act of obedience to Christ's command : ' Go ye into all the world.' My traveling in JS^ebraska was in general unpleasant, be- cause of the rude state both of the country and of socie- ty. The whole population in Nebraska is irreligious. When they learned ray business, but little attention was given to me. The ministers of other denomina- tions were generally members of secret orders, and thereby gave me occasion to withhold my fellowship from them. * * * To my great mortification I was greatly embarrassed in preaching the word. I somehow forgot the splendor and glory of the sacred volume. Its treasures were concealed. But few sermons preached by me in Nebraska were clear. This was to me a great mystery. I was thus taken through the furnace of affliction in different ways, that I may never forget that I am nothing. At times, not a few, I had heavenly pleasures that are yet untold. Tears were my companions for miles, and praises to God gushed forth from my lips — praises heard only by Him who beholdeth all things." Soon after his appointment to the Missouri Mission, in 1852, he fell from a tree upon the edge of an ax "and cut my leg two-thirds off in the joint." This would have discouraged an ordinary man, but as soon as he could move about on crutches he was off to his work, traveling by private conveyance a distance of 800 miles. September 18th, he writes, " Started for Missouri. It was a serious time. I had to harden myself to keep from tears. The Lord was with me." During the 254: HENEY KUMLEK, JR., same year he performed this long journey after this once by water and twice by his own conveyance. While about his work in Southwestern Missouri, serious rumors began to be current about his abolir tionism, and it was insinuated that he was down there " for some evil intent." He paid no attention to them, but went on about his work. He called upon the peo- ple in general to assist him. A wealthy slaveholder sent him word that he desired to have an interview with him at his own house. Mr. Kumler called, and the following conversation ensued : " The report is out, Mr. Kumler, that you are an anti-Mason. Are you opposed to Masonry ? " Mr. Kumler answered, " Yes, I am." A few words passed upon the subject of slavery, when Mr. T. abruptly asked, " Are you an abolition- ist?" Mr. Kumler, " That depends upon the meaning you attach to the word. In the North in many places I would not be considered an abolitionist. But I am, an anti-slaTiery vian to the core." This last remark stirred Mr. T.'s warm blood, and he quickly responded, " Damn you ! What business, then, have you here ? If you know what is for your good, you will make tracks to a free State very soon." Mr. Kumler, not in the least frightened by the rude speech, quietly but firmly replied: " Mr. T., if you can not converse with me without polluting your lips with oaths, I will not talk with you at all. I have heard it thunder before, and you need not think I am to be frightened away from the work. I am here to do my duty. I have not come to meddle with your blacks, but it is a part of my duty to tell you ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 255 that it is your duty to set your blacks free, and that you will have a fearful reckoning at the bar of God." Mr. T. cooled down, invited Mr, Kumler to visit him again, and promised to do something for the church. The Maumee country in Northwestern Ohio, not many years ago, wasamudd}^ wilderness, with here and there a few new settlements. There were few roads, fewer bridges and not many of the conveniences or com- forts of life. Anxious to extend the kingdom of heaven into this section, in 1841 Mr. Kumler pene- trated on horseback into the new region, and was the means of commencing a work, the results of which eternity alone will unfold. He had just the patience and energy necessary to push through prickly-ash s wails, eight, ten and twenty miles in extent on a trail; to wade in deep mud from daylight to dark; to cross swollen streams without bridges, and to make him- self happy in the open cabin of the new settler. Many anecdotes might be related, illustrative of the spirit in which he prosecuted this work. He had ridden all day hard, most of the time in rain, mud and water. His "leggin's," and indeed most of his clothes, were coated with mud. As the sun was about setting, his horse plunged into a deep slough, and, in the struggle to get out, fell upon his side, at the same time pitching Mr. Kumler at full length into soft mud and water. As he gathered himself up, fished out his saddle-bags, and poured out the muddy water, which had run in among his books and clothes, a feeling of impatience began to arise in his mind. It was a favorable time just then, as the shades of night began to settle around the weary, wet and hungry itinerant in the woods, for Satan to make an onslaught. But he was " a foeman worthy 256 HENEY KUMLEE, JE,, of liis steel." Mr. Kumler at once discerned the enemy's plan and said: " Satan, I have had the victory over you all the day and you are not going to get the advantage of me now, just at night, when I am in this pickle. 1*^0, sir; I will crow over 3'ou," and crow he did. He was a vigorous student of books, and especially of God's word. He was not intellectually idle. No lazy preacher shall ever find anything in his teaching or example to encourage indolence or ignorance. The many articles found in the columns of the Telescope bear witness that he always had something to say, and that he had learned the art of putting things. We may not always agree with his judgments, but there is an honesty and force about them that wins our respect. The brief notes in his diary teem with refer- ences to his studies. " Reading a work entitled ' Phi- losophy of the Plan of Salvation ;'" " spent the main part of the day in reading and writing;" " read ' Elijah the Tishbite,' and found it very interesting;" "busy reading and writing; I fault myself for not having that taste for reading which I should have." " I am busy reading the historj^ of the popes of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries ;" " finished reading our Church History ;" " reading the History of the Lutheran Church ;" " reading ' Plutarch's Lives ;' " " reading ' McKnight's Epistles ; ' ' Upham's Mental Philosophy' and ' Peters on Baptism' a third time ; " " reading ' Wat- son's Institutes ' again. " While a missionary in Mis- souri, he still reads : " reading ' Christmas Evan's Ser- mons;' he was a mighty Welshman;" "reading ' Home's Introduction to the Study of the Bible,' a very valuable work indeed." "I am through vrith Home." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 257 Especially was he thorough in the examination of books concerning the Bible and in the Bible itself. He believed that a competent preacher must be a close student of God's word. Again and again he speaks of the pleasure which he jQnds in such study : "A pleasant day forme in the study of the Scriptures ;" " reading the Bible and committing to memory all lean ; " " this day is devoted to reading the Scriptures ; to know and to understand the Bible is my delight ; " " was refreshing my memory on Paul's letter to the Romans; it is a creamy epistle ; " " the study of the Scriptures is the most delio'htful work on earth : " " readinfy the book of Joshua— this should be studied by jurists and lawyers ;" " to-day I am reading in the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews; I am too dull for a preacher ; oh, my God, quicken Thou me for the great work of the ministry ; " "reading in the book of I^umbers; never did I •read these histories with as much interest as now ;" " Moses, the servant of God, in all the messages de- livered to Israel, uses the plainest style, and not the much refined and hypercritical style of to-day;" "1 have read the last chapters of Deuteronomy ; the death of Moses is to me as though my father had just died; having been with Moses so long in reading his five books, I hate to leave him." In the close of his sixty-sixth year he writes: " I feel that I must do better in my studies than I did last week. Oh God, keep Thou me in my ministerial labors." In the same year he says,"My reading this winter outside of the Bible is in Home's Introduction ; the study of the Bible is the work of a man's life, the loorkP "Oh, what a treat it is to me to have time to think and rove men- tally in the Holy Scriptures ; here are pleasant flowers, 258 HENRY KUMLEE, JK,, delicious fruits and precious mines of pure gold." In his seventy-first year he writes, " read, as is m}^ custom, two chapters in the Old and two in the New Testament," and so the record goes on to the end of his life, "When old age comes upon him, and he is no longer able for work, his diary still speaks of the weather and his con- tinued interest in God's word. Mr. Kumler was a very industrious man, both men- tally and physically. It was necessary in the days of his boyhood that he should learn to work, and he never forgot the trade. He had no patience with lazy people. He was no sooner home from one of his preaching tours, until his coat was off and he was at work, look- ing after the interests of his family. Again and again do we light on such statements as the following : " Cut wood and split rails ; " " labored hard for my family and to have to give to the needy ; manual labor is hard when not accustomed to it, but makes sweet bread;". " still at hard labor ; " " was in the harvest field ; cradled a little, bound a httle and raked the balance of the time;" " quarr^'ing stone and spent the night with the sick ; " " paving with stone ; this world is full of care and trouble, glad that it is not forever;" '•pruning apple trees and reading Goldsmith;" " helped my wife to shear the sheep." July 18, 1865, when sixty-four years of age, he writes. " I am going out with my wife to pull flax, this I do not like to do in my old days, but cotton wear is too dear,' and my wife wants something to do." On the 27th, he writes : " I am aiding my wife in prepar- ing flax, as she must always have something. This I name for example's sake, as the present character of the ministry is to do little and want big pay." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 259 In 1868, when his wife was seriousl}' ill, and hii-ed help hard to obtain, he says : "In the morning I first wash and clothe my afflicted wife, then I build a fire and get breakfast and wash the dishes, make the bed and sweep the house, this takes me about two and a half hours.'' July 15, 1858, he writes: " I was at what is called a picnicy but there was no enjoyment to me in view of the folly exhibited by the members in the plays." This moved him to express himself in the Telescope on "Pic- nics," which he did after this fashion : " Before we were on the ground twenty minutes little painted sticks and hoops, and paddles, and ropes for swing- ing and forming circles were on hand, and, sin- gular to tell, those who were very timid at class and prayer meeting took the lead in these plays. These timid souls were so eager for play that they forgot to ask their pastor first to pray, and afterward, when called on, was told to make a short prayer, which he did. Will some lono;-headed and clear-sighted Christian philosopher please show the difference between ancient Israel dancing in their good humor around the golden calf and Christian congregations romping, running, tumbling, laughing, sweating in chase after a gum-elastic ball, throwing and catching hoops, catching, kissing, slap- ping, hoi*se-shoe pitching, just like silly sinners do?" In 1863 he was much troubled over a graduate of Otterbein University who did not see the same horror in physical recreations that Mr. Kumler saw. " If our schools have this kind of an effect on young people, even church members, then I am sorry I ever gave the 8500 which I gave for the purpose of encouraging education; but, alas, we have a lot of pleasure-loving young men, 260 HENKY KUMLER, JR., who are now taking the lead. They are more concerned for big salaries than to lead souls to Christ." In 1868 he writes: " I have concluded to let my beard ^row below my mouth, as a visible monument that I have re- solved to be more than ever dead to the world, as to its rudiments, pride and idolatry, and not to shun as much as formerly the declaring the whole counsel of God." It is said that many years ago a circus came to Lewisburg, Ohio, and that for many miles around the people flocked to see it, and among these came some United Brethren, who expected to take dinner with Brother Kumler, as they had been accustomed to do on big meeting occasions, when his hospitable door was always open. All Lewisburg was astir to see them come in. When the first tap of the drum was heard Mr. Kumler locked all his doors, put down the window blinds and gave strict orders to his family that no dinner was to be provided that day for any one who came to town to see the circus. Some of the brethren who came to his house that day for dinner went away very much disappointed. All this seems surprising to us on the ]3art of a man who had such a sunny nature, such a genial temper- ament and with such a vein of humor running through his writings, his words and his acts. It was not be- cause he did not enjoy innocent fun, but, because, in his judgment, all these things tended to detract from the earnestness of a Christian life. He was thoroughly conscientious, but, as we think, unnecessarily severe in his judgment. Mr. Kumler was an able preacher. At times his congregation would bo in tears, as they listened to his ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 261 heart-searching appeals. He felt the hand of God upon him, and he preached for eternity. He writes, September 26, 1857 : " The work of the ministry is aw- fully solemn. Oh, God, who is sufficient to point sinfully inclined man to God ? " At times a little vein of humor would crop out, but he was usually serious, appealing to the heart and judgment as a man sent of God. Kot- withstanding all this power he had very moderate views of his own ability. It is surprising how much self-depreciation he manifests. As we have run through his diary we have again and again been struck with his severe criticisms of himself. In 1849, May 6th, he says : "In exhortation I offended some of the sons of Belial;" "had some good liberty at Lewisburg ; " " hard rowing ;" " was abused on the street this morning (July 9th) by one of the votaries of Jezebel for preaching against spiritual fornication and idolatry ; if he feels as comfortable as I do, I wonder ;" " had grace in preaching ;" " had a middling good time ;" " have resolved to be more pointed in my preaching ; " " preached the dedication sermon ; hard rowing indeed ; rode fifty-two miles. Some one prom- ised to pay me for this trip, but not even my expenses were paid." " Here I was publicly reproached because I attacked Masonry, Baalam and the devil." November 30th — " My language was objected to as being vulgar ; man is very nice, but not pious." " I exhorted and made the devil angry." " To-day I am studying for the Sabbath ; the work of preaching is too serious not to have much reflection." " Both ser- mons were poor ; I am ashamed that I have preached so long and so poorh^" " Good text but poor sermon ; I had to hunt my way through the text." " Why do I 262 HENKY KUMLEE, JE., preach SO many poor sermons?" "Exhorted Brother to church duty, but you can not make a cow cHmb like a squirrel." August 2d indicates a dreary day : " Preached three times to-day, and all ver}^ poor ; oh, how poor ! I felt to-day as though I should quit preaching ; too AA'-orth- less to be heard. Why am I so ignorant ?" He was not a careless shepherd of the Master's sheep, as the follow- ing will show : " Oh, God, have mercy on me as minister of this (Dayton) congregation. Thou hast waked me up and revived me. I am troubled about this people's spiritual condition. We must have Thy help or we perish." In 1858, March 15th, there comes a better feeling: "To-day I feel as though I could reprove all sin to the face. Never did I see disobedience to God's law in the same abhorrent light." March 11th — "I could not think of much, nor could I tell what I did think." In 1862 he says : "Among my greatest troubles is that I can not preach better. I love to preach, but I wish to see better results follow my labors. If in this I am faulty. Lord show it to me." Some questions he looked at with the coolness of a philosopher. " When at conference I was on the whole treated by the members as though I was unworthy my position in the church as bishop. Well, this is good for me. It teaches me that I am not yet dead to sin." I preached from Heb. iii. 19. Such darkness as settled down on my mind during the sermon I have not experienced in the last two 3^ears." When in his sixty-fourth year he prays: " Oh God make me a good preacher yet, amen." " I can not ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 263 preach, with that good effect on my hearers as I think a man of my age and experience should do. If I thouD-ht I was not to blame in this defect then I would be satisfied." " I am a debtor to God for His great and exceeding mercy in my commission and call to the ministry. I often wonder that God could use such an ordinary utensil in His house, and yet if any one else should call me ordinary it would tempt me. Oh, what is man ?" At the close of this year, he says : " I am praying and covenanting with God that I may not be so discontented in view of my poor preaching. I often feel miserable and badly ashamed that I can not preach better after having preached nearly fifty years, but in this I may be wrong. I will rest and do my duty." The following year he writes : " I am relieved from that ugl}^ spirit with which I have been plagued very much, namely, a dissatisfaction with my best efforts in preaching and prayer and every other duty." Later on he says : " I am a myster}^ to myself ; I am dissatisfied with myself as to my preaching. There appears to be no attraction in it. Others care nothing for it. This may be my fault." In his sixty-ninth year he writes: " I am anx- iously inquiring of God in prayer to know why I am so barren in my preaching and then afterward so awfully tormented about my poor preaching by refiections against myself, when at the same time I do my best in preparation for the pulpit by thinking and prayer and reading." His tact never deserted him. In 1870 he says : " In the morning I was injured by church sleepers. I stopjied preaching, and had a verse sung which got the people awake." In 1873 he cries out: •' Oh, God, pity a poor old preacher that has not the power in preach- ing which he should have." " Preached from Hebrews 264 HENKY KUMLEK, JK. xii.j 28, a great text, but age is very manifest," and so it was. His best work was behind him, the reward was yet to come. About the year 1843 a conference of the United Brethren preachers was held in Wood county, Ohio. At that time there were no railroads nor telegraphs nor turnpikes in that section. At the season of the year when the conference was held the roads were deep in mud and water. Some went on foot, but most of the preachers had horses. They had "leggin's" and saddlebags, wore home-spun clothes, shirts without starch, were clean shaved, and combed their hair straight down. At this conference was a young man of eighteen years, who, forty years after, gives his mem- ory of the event : " The preachers were all on tip-toe to see the new bishop from the Miami Valley. He was in his prime; his hair was sprinkled with gray; his voice was clear and strong, and his faculties at their best. During the year past two flaming evangelists had died in a blaze of glory. Kumler preached a funeral sermon from Paul's grand utterance, ' I have fought a good fight.* The congregation, which filled the house and overflowed into the adjacent grounds, was shaken as with a mighty wind. Tears flowed like rain, shouts of joy re-echoed through the surrounding forests, and the word glory fairly burst from pent-up hearts. I see Brother Kumler now, with his fine, honest eyes lifted to heaven, and hear him say, as if it were but an hour ago : ' Farewell, Brother Martin ; fare- well. Brother Lillibridge; we will meet you on the other shore ! ' I doubt whether a stronger sermon was ever preached." He was a man of deep religious exj^erience. At ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 265 times lie was on the Mount of Transfiguration, and occasionally in the valley beiow. He tried faithfully to study his own heart. He held himself rigidly to the requirements of the gospel. Indeed, if there was any difference, he was more charitable to other sinners than he was to himself. To him the devil was no myth. He met him almost daily, and had fierce strug- gles with him, but he usually came out of the contest victorious. He prays, " O Lord, give me a wise head and a loving heart to be kind to my enemies." " I am under temptations. It appears to me that I am mis- treated very much, and my country too, and that by my brethren in the church, but I will balance it by thinking that perhaps I have mistreated others as much." " I have reason to be thankful that I have enemies enough to keep me down." August 20, 1853, he writes : " I am still afflicted ; it may be unto death or life, I know not. If God has more work for me in the other division of His church than in this I am satis- fied. The will of the Lord is always the best." At the close of the year 1853 he bewails his spirit- ual condition, and renews his covenant in the following earnest language : " I have at times no knowledge of the Scriptures. I can not preach any at all. This morning I most devoutly enter into a new covenant with God, through Christ Jesus my Lord, to live more cautiously and more devoutly than ever before ; to read and study the Word more thoroughly as a light to my feet and a lamp to my path ; to devote more time to secret prayer ; to take more pains to consult God in regard to all my doings, and to do more to rescue per- ishing sinners from hell. In doing this I wiU not trouble myself so much as heretofore about that which 266 HENRY KUMLER, JR., I can not help. If God is pleased to leave me to myself in preaching, I will ' tug on ' as well as I can. I have had clear evidence that I was called to the ministry." .His anxiety for his people is shown in his record of February 19, 1858 : "I never had my faith in prayer so hard tested as at this time. I have, perhaps, never taken the pains in prayer before as I have for a good revival in Dayton congregation, with but little good effected. Oh, I am troubled." Kovember 19th — "I was reading, praying and sob- bing all day over my hard heart. I preached in the evening, with but little effect." September 29, 1860 — "This was a day of trials to me ; almost everything looks dreary. Wickedness is daring ; professors are slumbering, apparently in a state of ease. The few who are awake look to me as an exception to the general rule in Christendom. Am I tempted ? Are not these facts ? " The congregations were not always as helpful as they might have been, and at one time he cries out, " Oh, Lord, wilt Thou give me strength not to be tempted by the devil and sleepy brethren sitting before me during preaching, and fast asleep before I read my text ? It is so insulting to common sense to have men sleep while I am trying to preach ! " " Oh, God, grant me a right heart, that I may love afflictions and my enemies too." He reaches his seventy-first year, and the battle against him and against the temptations of his own evil heart still goes on, but he is constantly the victor through Him in whom he has trusted. In 1873 he writes : " I am thirsting for the love of God and for that power which does qualify one for the ministry." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BBETHKEN IN CHKIST. 267 " I am hungering and thirsting for righteousness. I feel at times as though all the storms were reserved for me." In looking ahead as to what he shall do, there is no better one to guide than He who has led thus far, and he cries out, "Oh, my Savior be so kind as to con- trol my temporal hereafter as to where I shall spend my old and local life." When seventy-seven years of age, he writes : '* I am on the Lord's side and hate every worldly conformity." " Oh, Lord, grant unto me a lov- ing heart, to love all my enemies, and the enemies of the church," At the close of the same year, when his itinerant life has almost ended he writes, " I have glorious hope that I shall soon land on the shores of light." Mr. Kumler was a very ardent believer in infant baptism, and contended for it most earnestly. He says of his own baptism: " In this ordinance I was no doubt placed into a gracious condition, which accounts for my early conviction and conversion," which occurred when he was about fourteen years of age. He was both witty and sarcastic, and this at times served him a good purpose. At one time he was engaged in a public discussion with a minister of another church upon " infant baptism and immersion." His opponent kept pressing him somewhat defiantly for a " Thus saith the Lord " on the subject. In an instant Mr. Kumler was on his feet, and calling to his opponent, said, " will the brother have it right now?" The answer was in the affirmative. The audience trembled at Kumler's rash- ness. They feared he had blundered. With an inde- scribable pointing of the finger, he said, " Why sir, you know the place, the very chapter and verse where it says ' Thus saith the Lord ' for immersion ? Yes, weU 268 HENEY KUMLEK, JR., it is just the next verse under that.'''' He escaped a difficulty by his quick wit and won his audience. He was master of the situation. While severe at times in his judgment, he was gen- erous and broad-minded. In his diary for May 15, 1851, we find this pecufiar entry : " Reading, writing and thinking, but often interrupted. Attended prayer meet- ing ; women grayed like inenP August 16, 1858, he writes concerning a union prayer meeting in Dayton : " I have been, and still am, displeased with the restraint put on women in worship." December 2d — " The Avomen are yet silent." In the Telescope for December 18, 1858, we find the following from his pen : " That women were not included in the priesthood of the Jewish church nor in the apostofic ministry is evident. This I un- derstand as fundamental evidence that women are not intended to have part in the regidarly ordained min- istry of the church. * * But the mention of Miriam as a prophetess and Deborah, and Anna, who spoke of Christ, and of Philip's four daughters, and the daugh- ters who in the last days should prophesy, and of the women who were directed to prophesy with their heads uncovered, yes, and to pray, too, is proof conclusive to my mind at least, that the duty of women in the as- -sembly goes beyond that of singing, sighing, sobbing and looking on. They are divinely authorized to be helpers to the regular ministry by their prayers, testi- mony, and visiting, especially the sick. * * But this conflicts in no way with the public devotional exercises of women." He had some peculiar views on the matter of edu- cation. He was not opposed to mental training, but ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 269 only to certain practices which seemed to him to be in opposition to the gospel. In 1850 he writes a subscrip- tion and heads it with $100 for an academy at Lewis- burg, Ohio. In 1851 he is a member of a committee to locate a seminary authorized by the Miami Confer- ence. October 3d, he " went to Seven-Mile as a mem- ber of the board of trustees for building a college ; made arrangements for the collection of $21,000. July 7,1852 the board of "Evergreen College," met at Seven-Mile in the interests of the college, but not much was done. He had the fear which many of the fathers enter- tained, that a college training would drive us into for- malit}^, and that, instead of looking to God to call men into the ministry, we should have men entering it simply as a profession. The experience of other churches shows there was a measure of reason for this opinion. In 1856 he writes : " This year I have been fully con- vinced that an educated ministry is not God's choice. The ministry is a very different business from law and medicine. Souls are not led to God on human princi- ples. To lead a soul to God he must be humbled ; but human wisdom puffeth up. All the knowledge im- parted by man will not wake up a sleeping sinner. Every conversion is a miracle. It is a wonder too high for human thought. God will not give His honor to men. If learned men were God's choice, then the power of God would not be seen." In the Missionary Telescope for 1859 some one asked, " Is there not some one among the many students now in our colleges willing to go to Africa as a mis- sionary ? " This was too much for Mr. Kumler, who responded : " Depraved humanity has always treated 270 HENRY KTJMLEE, JR., Christ with, contempt in this important matter of turn- ing away from tlie Lord of the harvest and looking to colleges for an efficient ministry. Has He given to col- leges the prerogative of supplying missionaries ? * * Understanding as I do the wicked tendency of man to look to institutions of learning for an efficient ministry, instead of praying the Lord of the harvest that He might thrust out men of His own choosing, and that the masses out of the church are treating Christ with con- tempt, and trust in the arm of flesh ; and as I have my- self suffered my eyes to turn somewhat toward colleges in by-gone years, hnt now have repented and found par- don; I have consented in humility to enter publicly my protest against the high-handed insult of looking to any other source whatever but Christ only for an effective ministry. This ma}^ cause some to laugh, but to me it has caused tears. "Written as a recantation of former mistakes by your brother and fellow-laborer in Christ's harvest, Henry Kumler," He was an earnest advocate of what was termed the manual labor . method of college management. He wanted the students to have sound bodies as well as cultured brains, and above all not to grow up with a dislike for labor. The way to do this was to require them to labor with their hands every day. For years this was debated pro and con at the meetings of the trustees of Otterbein University, and the dis- cussions growing out of it almost wrecked the institu- tion. Kumler is at the meeting of 1858, and is in favor of the system, but thinks that others are not so in fact but only in appearances. He expresses himself through the Telescope in the following plain language :■ " Our last meeting as trustees of Otterbein University ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 271 most fully convinced me that the distinct idea of manual labor being made the student's daily study as much as his other studies is not entertained in a kindly manner by a majority of the trustees. * * * The idea that every student must be free to labor or not to labor as he may wish to do, is now looked at by the writer as a sure method of most effectually uprooting every vestige of manual labor as a distinct feature of our college. Manual labor exists at Otterbein on ]pajper and in resolutions. If our people will have it this way, let them speak out. I am sure more has been done to glide the only practical plan overhoard than to carry it into effect. The above plain hints are intended to disabuse the public mind. I have not said that I will not aid in the future." " Yours, Henry Kumler, ^'■Professor of the science of true honesty.'^ Time modified his views on some of these ques- tions. He was for years a trustee, and, if we mistake not, at one time was an agent of Otterbein University. He gave money for its support, but this did not prevent him from freely giving his opinion as to its management. "When seventy years of age he was invited " to take hold of Lebanon Valley College, and pay the debt, but the debt is that which I am afraid of. I am also appealed to in behalf of the theological school." What a sight it would have been to the old fathers if they could have seen Henry Kumler solicit- ing money for a theological seminary ! He accepted the agency, went to work for it, visited conferences, solicited members, and gave the most of his time to it during the year 1872. He did efficient work, not only in securing money, but in allaying the prejudices 272 HENKY KUMLER, JE., of the older people. Whatever many of them may have thought in the past, what Henry Kumler could endure and labor for could not in the nature of the case be a bad thing. He was thoroughly loval to the Government during the late Civil War. His diary at this time is full of ref- erences to it, and some of them seem almost prophetic. In 1856 he writes: "I read the news from Kansas, until I felt provoked at our Government for being so wicked and cruel. I am now looking for God's power in the destruction of American slavery." Au- gust 15, 1861 : " I am constrained to look with sorrow on the affairs of our countr}^ The rebellion in the South will result in the abolition of slavery, but bloody." In 1865 he writes : " Quarterly conference was peaceable because the copperhead snake was not permitted to bite, but she did show her forked tongue." For years he was the champion of the church against secret societies. Both in public and private he gave them hard blows, as the columns of the Telescope will bear witness. He let no opportunity go by W'hen he might stab them. He had but little tenderness or sympathy for men who could consent to become clergy- men in an anti-secrecy church, and then directly or indirectly give aid or comfort to these orders. Many of his troubles grew out of conflicts with these men. His pra3^er of March 25, ] 865, was the prayer of his life : " My prayer to God is that He will mildew all wicked purposes, especially oath-bound secrec3^ which, strictly speaking, is of the devil, and good men are seduced into, and sympathize with the delusion. Oh, God, for Israel's sake, hasten the time when this de- lusion shall be exposed." ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 273 He was elected bishop at the General Conference of 1841, which met at Dresbach's Meeting House, Pick- away county, Ohio. He was then about forty years of age, and in his prime. He saw at this time the un- usual sight of father and son bishops at the same time in the same church. At the conference in Cincinnati, in 1857, he was elected German bishop, but before the conference closed he resigned, and J. Kussell was elected to fill the vacancy. The day after his election he writes : " Oh, how flat I felt sitting with the bishops. Oh, God, give me a new baptism." At the conference which met in Westerville, Ohio, in 1861, he was elected German bishop again. He was present, and a member of the conference Avhich met at Western Iowa in 1865. On the 17th of May he writes : " Oh, Lord, I am getting old and more outspoken than is now fashionable, by which I must be unpopular with the younger clergy. Be pleased to fix my work Thyself." On the 19th he again writes : " I am now free from all church offices. I praise God that I have been free from an undue desire for office. God has made me a hishopfoi' lifeP The last record in his diary was made November 19, 1880. For some months previous he had been fail- ing. From that time until his death, which occurred August 19, 1882, he read but little and took but little interest in the affairs around him. He was suffering from a stroke of paralysis. Rev. C. Schneider, pastor of the Wayne Street Church, to which Mr. Kumler be- longed, preached a sermon from Matthew xxv. 21, in the German language. Bishop Glossbrenner being present spoke with tenderness, and paid a worthy tribute to the honored dead. Looking down upon the 274: HENRY KUMLERj JR., prostrate form, he said, "Farewell, Brother Henry, we will meet again in the morning." The remains were taken to Lewisburg, Ohio, for burial, where the deceased had lived for so many j^ears, and services were held in the United Brethren church there. Dr. L. Davis, his life-long friend, preached an able and appropriate sermon from the text, " I have fought a good fight," etc. A friend who knew him well thus writes of him : " No better man ever Uved than Henry Kumler, Jr. He was always a full, sound, hearty Christian. He w^as as humble as a child and as tender and loving as a mother. No good man could look into his full, clear, honest eyes without loving him. In private and in public, in the family circle and abroad, in and out of office, he was the same pure, warm-hearted, true man. When I first knew him he was a bishop. It was about the year 1843. His sermons in those days were wonderfully excellent. He had little learning, except Bible learn- ing, but he could preach. He gave his hearers the very marrow of the Gospel. I think his great strength lay in his profound sympathy with the Gospel as it is, and his genuine love for man. He had no ambition for office, he only sought the souls of men. My good old friend had a rich vein of humor withal. He could tell a good anecdote, give a quaint illustration, wreathe a cono'reoration in smiles and bedew it with tears. He was an old-fashioned United Brethren, and grew some- what sad when the new-fashioned came in. When I last saw him he was tottering on the edge of the grave ; memory gone, and only the smile of his dear, loving' eyes remained of his former self. As I think of him my heart melts and my eyes fill with tears.' ELEVENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN OHEIST. 275 As we have gone over the brief sketches which he kept during the last thirty years of his life we have formed a very high appreciation of his character, and have learned to love him. We have found him so honest, so thoroughly conscientious, so tender-hearted, so loyal to his church and his God that he wins our admiration. He needed no organization but the church. Worldly organizations, which in his judgment hindered the church, found in him ah honest but persistent foe. He was a thoroughly radical man, and believed in severe measures when they were necessary. He came in con- flict with his brethren who differed from him, but his diary again and again bears record of his forgiving- spirit. No one appreciated kindness more than he, and no one bestowed it where deserved with a kindlier grace. Honest himself, he hated all kinds of shams. To stand in favor with God and to win souls from sin was his highest ambition. He had lived upon this earth eighty-one years, eight mouths and nine days when the heavens opened and he was not, for God had taken him. " I grudge thee this right hand of mine ; I grudge thee this quick-beating heart ; They never gave me coward sign Nor played me once a traitor's part. "Ah well, friend death — good friend thou art — I shall be free, when thou art through ! Take all there is — take hand and heart ; There must be, somewliere, work to do." H. H. REV. JOHN COONS, TWELFTH BISHOPOF UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. JOHN COONS was of ancient German extraction. His name in its present form is Americanized. His mother was a light-haired Saxon, whose maiden name was Howe. These parents w^ere poor and illiterate. John was born near Marti nsburg, Ya., October 25, 1797. When the boy was about ten years of age, the family moved to Eoss ^ County, Ohio, and settled there. He was brought to Christ in 1821, through the labors of Jacob Antrim, who had come from Pennsylvania and was admitted into the Church of the United Brethren as an exhorter. " He (Antrim) was a good singer, an ingenious preacher, a great exhorter, had tact and energy and buoyancy of spirit which bore him onward when stronger men would have sunk down in discour- agement and despair. In the Miami Valley, and espe- cially in Southern Indiana, he was remarkably siiccess- ful in gathering members into the Church. During a long service of years he was an unrivaled revivalist." Soon after his conversion, Mr. Coons began to preach. In 1822 he was licensed as a minister of the gospel and received into the Miami Conference which at that time included the entire Church west of the Alleghany Moun- tains. He was appointed to his first field of labor, "Washington Circuit, in 1823. We have before us a copy of a license issued in Eoss County, January 16, 377 278 JOHN COONS, 1824, and signed by Joseph Hoffman, certifying that John Coons has been solemnly ordained to the office of " Deacon " in the Church. Another one, issued May 18, 1826, in Highland County, Ohio, and signed by Henry Kumler and Christian Newcomer, certifying that he was solemnly ordained by them to the office of " Elder." In the year 182-1 he traveled Adelphia Circuit. In 1825 Miami Conference Avas divided, that part embracing the northern portion of the State being called the Scioto Conference, and with this part he identified himself. He was a delegate to the General Conferences of 1829 to 1833. After 1836 he spent a number of years as Pre- siding Elder. In 183Y he was again a delegate to Gen- eral Conference, and again in 1841. At this Confer- ence he was elected Bishop. He filled the office accept- ably for four years, and his health not being able to endure the labors attendant upon this position, he entered again upon the more pleasant and less labori- ous position of a circuit and stationed preacher. He removed to the Miami Valley in 1845, and on March 5, 1846, he joined the Miami Conference at a session held at Otterbein Chapel, Darke County, Ohio. He remained in connection with this body until his death. During his connection with it he filled many of its most important fields of labor. January 16, 1821, he was united in marriage to Cath- erine Bookwalter, by whom he had eight children, only three of whom are now living. One of these, Joseph B. Coons, is a lawyer, residing at Spring Hill, Kansas. Martha married Mr. Pentzer, a Presb^^terian clergyman, and is residing some place in Iowa. Lucella, who is now a widow, married a Mr. Bartlett, and resides in Dayton, Ohio. The wife and mother died April 26, vr ^W>^ TWELFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 2Y9 1840. Some time after her death, Mr. Coons married a widow lady living near Circleville, Eleanor Windship by name, and by her he had seven children, three of whom are still living : John is preaching for the United Brethren Church ; Philip is in the express business at Springfield, Ohio ; while one daughter, Ellen, lives near Germantown. The second.wife survived her husband a number of years. The Bishop died at his residence in West Dayton, on Saturday, August 7, 1869, having reached the ripe age of seventy-one years nine months and twelve days. He had long been afflicted with dyspepsia and finally died with .cancer of the stomach. For some time before his death he was confined to his bed. He loved life ; to him it was precious. During the early part of his sickness he constantly expressed a desire to live longer; but when it was evident to him that he could not re- cover, through grace he triumphed. Giving directions concerning the place and manner of his burial, he called his famil}^ one by one to his bed and bade them fare- well, as though death was one of the most common and pleasant facts of life, with the declaration that he was ready to be offered up, and with a prayer on his lips for the coming of his Savior, he entered the Valley of Death with a firm and fearless step, trusting in Him who has said, " Where I am there may ye be also." His remains were conveyed to Germantown, where they were deposited near his old home. As we write, there lie before us two marriage licen- ses, one bearing date 1838 and the other 1863. They both certify on the back as to the marriages having been solemnized by John Coons. The one having the earlier date is in a large, clear, plain handwriting, indi- 280 JOHN COONS, eating force of character, painstaking, thoughtfulness and individuality ; the later one is not so bold and strong, but is clear and distinct. His life as a Christian man was irreproachable. For nearly half a century he was a professor of religion, and not a single charge of guilt against his Christian life is recorded to blot his meniory. He lived a pure life and hated with a settled hatred that which was low and little. Yet with a broad charity for the faults of others, he was warmly attached to his Church brethren, free from any disposition to succeed if it brought injus- tice to others, and never uttering a word intentionally to injure the Christian life or character of any. He seemingly guarded with as much care the good name of his brethren as he did his own. Without murmur or conflict he accepted whatever disposition the Church made of him. None more devotedly believed in God, in His personal supervision of the affairs of men, and the power and ultimate triumph of right, than did he. Without being a sectarian he was warmly attached to the principles and policy of the United Brethren Church. In the judgment of some, Bishop Coons would hardly be considered an eminent preacher, but he was an attractive, useful minister. His ability was native, not acquired. He was without even a common-school edu- cation, common as it was in his early life. He could not read even so much as a verse in the Bible until after his conversion. Ministerial life in the United Brethren Church, when he entered it and for many years after, offered but little opportunity for self-culture. With circuits of from twenty to thirty appointments, with travel of from two to five hundred miles to fill them. TWELFTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 281 and with a meagre pittance when the work was done, there was little time and energy left for study." Yet sound in doctrine, simple and easy in manner, original in thought and arrangement, conversant with the Bible, the one book to him, with excellent descriptive powers and with a pleasant, persuasive voice, he was successful in bringing souls to Christ. He is described by those who knew him best as a man six feet in height, well proportioned, with brown hair, and blue eyes deeply set. He was of sanguine temperament, apt to learn, of inquiring disposition, and possessed a retentive memor3^ He was uneducated in the schools, but trained in the affairs of life. He was magnetic in address, possessed true dramatic instincts, and when aroused was eloquent. He was born with a love for the grand and beautiful in nature. He had a strong natural love for harmony, peace and good fellow- ship. Discord, strife and the lower passions seemed undeveloped in his organization. He was impatient of pain in himself and in others. He was timid to a certain point, and then was firm and fixed. He was influential in his Chm'ch and had many warm friends when known. He served his Church in the active min- istry until within a year or so of the close of his life. One of the members of the Muskingum Conference over which he presided when a Bishop, describes him as '" tall, spare, yet well proportioned in his person, having a good voice, easy in his delivery, with a fine presence, impressive in his preaching. He was a man of marked asefulness, and filled his place as a Bishop well. He was a man of feeble health, which was the reason of his non-election to the Bishop's office the second time." Mr. Coons was not a very regular correspondent of 282 JOHN COONS, the Chiircli papers. His busy life, his feeble health, or the consciousness of his lack of scholarly attainments may have kept him from it, yet when necessary he could make himself understood in print. Removed from the heat of the contest, which to those interested no doubt seemed a very important one, we can but smile at the earnestness and directness of these men of the past, and wonder why they could make so much of such little things. Possibly in their age we should have done no better. Through some misunderstanding which implied that the Telescope office needed money and was about to appeal to the Church for a contribution, Mr. Coons, who was Presiding Elder, allo^ved a resolution to be passed by the Springfield Circuit, in which they pledged some money on certain conditions. Some supposed uncom- plimentary reference having been made to this in the Telescope^ Mr. Coons comes back at the editor in the following spicy manner : " Sixthly and lastly, brother Edwards, I want you to give this a place in the Telescope ; there I want no surgical operation to be performed on it ; do not dissect and rebuild it again, further than spelling and punctu- ation demand, if needed ; and please have the politeness to put no head nor tail to it by way of remark. If you wish, in addition to your editorials, to write for the paper, take that authority as a correspondent on any and all subjects you wish." The editor granted his request and published it without " putting head or tail to it." In that early day how men could belong to an Anti- Slavery Church and yet support men and measures which tended to entrench and prolong the evil, seemed TWELFTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHEIST. 283 as hard to reconcile with consistency as in these latter days it is to accept the statement of Christian men who call themselves Prohibitionists, and say they are in favor of the destruction of the liquor traffic and yet support men and measures whose object is to legalize and per- petuate the so-called business. Some of these radical brethren must have been pushing Mr. Coons a little too far, for he speaks out in the Telescojye of September 24, 1845, after this fashion : " My inmost soul saj^s. Oh, that Africa might be free. I am willing to do anything in my power, in any Scriptural way, to have it effected. Notwithstanding all this, we are sometimes called slave- holders in principle and no better than slaveholders by members of our own Church. Why is this ? Because we do not attach ourselves to the Abolitionists, to carry out the political measures of that party as some of our ministers and members have seen fit to do. If any of our brethren want to attach themselves to an Abolition society and carry out their measures, they can do so without charging the rest of the Church with being no better than slaveholders in principle." It is very evident that Mr, Coons did not court the glory of being called an "Abolitionist." If he had been versed in the methods of our day, he would have told these brethren that he was "Just as good an anti-slavery man as they were, but " In 1842 it was supposed that Bishop Erb would pre- side over the Allegheny Conference. By some re- arranging of the Bishop, Mr. Coons was sent, and the time of the Conference was changed. Bro. Eitter, a member of the Conference, foolishly rushed into print, to make complaint, and of course Mr. Coons felt hurt. In a reply in the columns of the Telescojpe^ he came 284: JOHN COONS, back at Bro, Eitter with such plain talk that it should, and perhaps did, quiet him. Hear him : " Where you got the information that Bro. Erb is your Bishop I can not tell. I have been one of the rep- resentatives of the Scioto Conference to the General Conference, regularly, for the last fifteen years, and I have never heard or known of such a district in the Church. The General Conference elects the Bishops and says they shall preside over the Annual and Gen- eral Conferences and oversee the spiritual affairs of the Church. So the United Brethren Church, or our entire people, is our district, and we divide our work among ourselves ; and ifaffiiction or other unavoidable preventa- tive hindrances be the cause of our non-attendance, we are not to be censured or turned out of office for it. I expect that Bro. Erb will try to study discipline as you have directed him, so that he may be able to stand in his own defense ; and if the General Conference shall elect you to the office of Bishop, Bro. Bitter, yotc will find tnore dijficulties than heretofore. " If you saw any thing wrong in my administration, why did you not reveal your mind in a line by mail ? If thy brother trespass, go to him, and not to the world first. Permit me to tell you that you have done wrong in choosing the Telescope as a place to reveal your mind on this subject. I am very sorry to have to reply to you in a public periodical as a feeble defense against your stern demands. And now, brother, my advice to you is, that you hereafter attend well to your district, do all the good you can, and when 3^ou think there is anything wrong in my administration, please have the politeness and ministerial sympathy to write me. It is doubtless due your own Conference, Bishop Erb and TWELFTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 285 myself, that a requisite acknowledgment be made by you." One of the things which called special attention to Mr. Coons Tvas his gracefulness of manner and neatness of personal appearance. His tall form, his neatness of dress and his general appearance made him the most commanding in public assemblies of all our men. This was especially to be commended at a time when our untrained ministers seemed to have an impression that carelessness in dress would add to their influence with the common people. He had good, self-control. He managed his temper and himself well, both in the pul- pit and elsewhere. He was not so much a writer, but was a gifted and graceful talker. He was not a man to plan or to originate measures, but could harmonize w^ell with what the denomination did. He viewed questions as they affected himself perhaps as much as for their bearing on the Church-at-large. He was a good stu- dent of human nature, could read men and see through their shams and pretenses. His strength in the main was in his control of himself and his insight into men ; a man of good ability, but of delicate health. In his earlier years he was a ma-n of some financial means, but became reduced as he grew older. He occupied an influ- ential position in Miami Conferences, and left behind him a large circle of warm personal friends. We have been fortunate in securing a fine picture of Bishop Coons. As v/e look into his frank, open, manly face, we recognize the tender-hearted, polite, dignified Christian gentleman, who faithfully served the Church of his choice for a long life, reaching by his ability and faithfulness the highest position which it could give him, and who would have done credit to any 286 JOHN COONS. body of people. " He rests from his labors." "Fold ye the ice-cold hands Calm on the pulseless breast; The toil of the summer day is o'er , Now Cometh the evening rest; And the folded hands have nobly wrought Through noontide's din and strife, And the dauntless heart hath bravely fought In the ceaseless war of life. " From the gorgeous glare of day, Welcome the gentle night, Fading the tranquil lines away, Solemn and calm and bright. Then tenderly, tenderly fold the hands In peace on the pulseless breast; For the evening shadows come quickly on. And sweet is the Christian's rest." Thomas D'Aecy McGeb. ,^. REV JOHN RUSSEL, THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. KEY. JOHN EUSSEL was of German ances- try, and was born at Pipe Creek in the State of Maryland, on the 18th of March, 1799. He had in early life the advantages of a Christian home and relig- ious training. His grandfather, who came to this country about the year 1Y56, was converted soon after his arrival. In a letter written to his brother in Eu- rope, he says, " Here I have learned to pray for the pardon of my sins and for a pure heart and a right spirit. Oh how I have longed for Jesus to redeem me from my trouble, which God -has granted unto me by inward experience. We shall hardly see each other in this world ; let us so live that we may meet in heaven." His father, Jacob Russel, Vv^as a man of deep piety. The mother likewise set before her boy a good example of a religious life, and took a deep interest in his spiritual welfare. As the public opportunities for Christian cult- ure were not so numerous as now, the deficiency had to be supplied by more efficient instruction at home. In his younger years Mr. Russel was not addicted to the degrading vices which so often wreck the lives of our most gifted young men. He was, however, fond of fun, enjoyed a good joke at his own expense or at the ex- pense of others, and hence his presence was a necessity wherever young people were gathered together. He enjoyed these pleasantries of wit even down to old 387 288 JOHN KUSSEL, age, and many are the pleasant memories which his associates recall concerning him. Notwithstanding all of this, his mind was not at rest. His better nature asserted itself, and he knew he was slighting the teachings of his parents, disobeying his own conscience, and going contrary to God's re- vealed will. In the buoyancy and recklessness of youth, he managed for some time to push aside these more serious thoughts, but there came a time when they asserted themselves with more than usual strength. When coming home from a gathering of young people, to which he had gone without his parents' consent, he was seized with feelings of bitter remorse, and when he reached home he rushed into his mother's room, made confession and promised amendment. He had formed a determination to do better, and, without con- fiding his purpose to any one, he sought God until He was found of him, and he became a new man. He says, " I would pray as well as I knew how ; I would sometimes use prayer-books, until at length, under an apple tree, my troubled spirit was comforted ; gladness so filled my soul that I ran to my mother, telling her what I had obtained. All three of us, father, mother and myself, prayed rejoicingly. I experienced such a power I thought I must tell everybody how I felt." His conversion had a good effect on the neighborhood. Prayer meetings were started in many places ; revivals broke out, and many young people were converted to God. At the request of the brethren, he would often read the Scriptures, and sometimes exhort at these meetings, without any idea, however, that some time he was to take upon himself the solemn obligations of an embassador of God. THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 289 When a boy, he met with a remarkable deliverance, which had no small influence on his after life. On his father's farm was a cave, which at one time he attempted to explore. The entrance was from above, between two ledges of rock, and widened as he descended. Having let himself down until his arms rested on the surface, he found nothing below on which he could stand, nor could he get either up or down. He strug- gled and cried, but to no purpose. Having remained some time in great suspense, he was rescued by a neigh- bor, who heard his cries and came to his help. He served an apprenticeship of about eighteen months to a blacksmith. His master intending to leave the neighborhood, the father bought a set of tools for the son, and a colored man to blow and strike for him, and the two began business. It soon became man- ifest that the Master above had other work for him. He was to be sent to break in pieces the flinty hearts of hardened sinners. His earnestness and his sim- plicity reached the hearts of the unconverted, and his exhortations were bringing more successful results than did his shop. He saw, and his father saw, how God was leading him as this new life was opening up before him, and they both acquiesced. The shop was aban- doned, the colored man made free, and Russel, in the nineteenth year of his age, started for conference, which met in Lancaster County, Pa. Here he was li- censed to preach, his papers being signed by Bishop Kewcomer, who took him with him to Virginia, and placed him on a circuit to preach. He had little knowl- edge and no experience, but he had a flaming zeal for the salvation of souls. " It was the yearning of a full heart for the salvation of the people, a yearning that 290 JOHN BUSSEL, found vent in tears and prayers and exhortations. The people flocked to hear him, bare-footed and in hunting shirts, but kind and hospitable and attentive. He, himself, in speaking of these years of labor, says: ' We had glorious times, bless God, His hand bore me through.' " Traveling a circuit in that day was altogether a dif- ferent thing from what it is now. His second year was spent on a circuit lying mostl}^ in the State of Penn- sylvania. Starting at Hagerstown, thence to Green- castle, Chambersburg, Carlisle, Shiremanstown, Worm- leysburg, up the Conodoguin, crossing the mountain at Sterut's Gap into Sherman's Yalley, out to Finestone Ridge, Buffalo Yalley, Path Yalley, Turkey Yalley, Amberson's Yalley, and on back to Hagerstown, what is now (1856) embraced in nine circuits and stations in the Pennsylvania Conference and a part of Alle- gheny Conference. For his salary he received $80. His horse broke down, and rather than abandon the work, he took it afoot. The preaching places were far apart, and he was sometimes compelled to travel all night, wading the streams, to reach his appointments. During this year he contracted a painful disease in his eyes, from being compelled to wade the Juniata river when in a state of perspiration, a disease he did not get rid of for several years afterward. His exposures were great, his travels extensive and laborious, and his remuneration small. Yet, after all, it had its pleasant features. It was not all hardship and disappointment. There was no missionary fund to supply the deficit in his salary, but there were warm- hearted brethren and sisters, who greeted him with smiles, who followed him with their blessings, and who THIKTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 291 gave him the very best they had. He was entertained by their firesides, fed at their tables, and sheltered within their homes. Wherever he went he found a ruined world, and had the satisfaction of knowing that he was a co-worker with God in the salvation of lost man. " And what were the bludgeons and menaces of the wicked rabble^ who often stood at the door of the preaching room? "What if his horse must be kept under lock and key to protect him from injury hy these half civilized Pennsylvanians, when he saw his labors thus blessed ? " In 1819 Ohio was in the far west, at least was so considered by those residing in Pennsylvania. Though much of it was still uncultivated wilderness, it was a land of remarkable fertility, and was fast being settled with an industrious population. As must be the case in a newly settled country, educational and religious advan- tages were scarce, and the dwellers on these hilltops and in these valleys turned their eyes in search of help to the Old Keystone State. Kussel was licensed to preach in 1819, and in May of the same year, in company with Bishop Newcomer aYid Rev. John Fetterhoff, came to this country. At this time there were but two conferences west of the Alleghenies. The circuit given to Mr. Russel included what was afterward known as Scioto Conference, cov- ering portions of Fairfield, Perry, Licking, Hocking, Muskingum and Pickaway counties, and was called Lancaster Circuit. It took from six to seven weeks to make one round in his circuit. The first camp-meeting ever held by the church in the State of Ohio, was held on the land of Mr. Dresbach. The next one was held in Pickaway county, and proved very successful. 292 JOHN KUSSEL, Christian families came with their tents twenty-five miles to attend these meetings. Benedum, Smalls, Bowser, Cramer, Macklin, Shower, Zeller, Klinger, Heistand and an English preacher named Havens were the preachers in attendance. At the urgent request of Bishops Zeller and Kum- ler he spent the latter half of his year in the Miami settlement. This was, in every sense of the word, a Western frontier, and the minister had all the inconven- iences and privations of a frontier life to endure. Rivers swollen to madness must be crossed, roads diffi- cult to travel at any time must be got over at all sea- sons of the year, miles of dense forests with hardly a footpath must be plodded through. Drenching rains and drifting snows must be encountered ; poorly clad and poorly sheltered, these men of God moved onward, sowing the seed of eternal truth. Mr. Russel had him- self a Jiatchet made, with which he hlazed the trees as he passed along, that he might know of his whereabouts when he happened in that latitude again. The follow- ing incident will show the kind of fare the itinerants of that day were accustomed to. Having spent the whole day on horseback, traveling through rain arnl mud, he was compelled to stop for the night with a small Quaker family. The cabin fire was soon under way, for the double purpose of drying the guest and cook- ing the supper. The hospitable Quakeress prepared some corn dough, greased a shingle, and, placing the dough on the shingle, all was set before the 5re to bake. When one side was browned the shingle was jammed ajrainst the chimnev, the cake loosened and turned, and the other side put to the fire. A portion being baked, it was taken from the board a veritable "johnny-cake," «? THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 293 the first ever seen by the traveler. A portion of the cake with a tin of milk made the supper. After a whole day's fasting on horseback, it was devoured with an appetite hardly known to your pale-faced dyspeptic itinerants now. But the active mind of the young min- ister did not fail to discover in this johnny-cake process a very apt illustration of a striking scripture metaphor^ " Ephraim is a cake not turned ; unfit for use until baked on both sides." The affliction in his eyes which had been caused by his wading the Juniata some years before, was no bet- ter at this time, but rather worse ; so much so, that he was compelled to give up his regular work as an itin- erant. He was so earnest a preacher, however, and so thoroughly called of God to his work, that he must preach the everlasting gospel as health and circum- stances would allow. He was so bent on doing good that he built a schoolhouse near his own dwelling, organized a Sabbath-school, and gave instruction to its members every Sabbath. He did not intend to be located any sooner nor any longer than necessity de- manded. When his health improved he was again ready for work. He faithfully performed such work as the conference gave him, until 1830, when he vras elected presiding elder. Up to this time the church had no periodical, and no means of communication of any kind with its mem- bers. The membership in different parts of the coun- try knew very little of each other. This great want was seen by Russel and others, and how to remedy it became a question of vital importance. Our people at this time were not a reading people. Many of them were German and not familiar with the Eng- 294 JOHN KUSSEL, lish language. While there was need for a paper, there was no great desire for it, and it was a question whether it could be supported. After much thought over the matter, Mr. Kussel, Jon- athan and George Dresbach purchased a press and launched the paper. Mr. Eussel was so fully in sympathy with the work, that he sold his little prop- erty, and invested the entire proceeds as his share of the capital. The paper appeared in 1834. The follow- ing year he gave much of his time to securing sub- scribers for the paper. His support of this interest was always hearty and substantial, and in the days of its darkest financial necessities and embarrassments, he was ready to step forward with loans and donations for its relief. He was a member of the board of trus tees until he went East. When he died the trustees of the printing estabhshment passed the following as a recognition of his work : ^^ Resolved: That in the demise of this good man, the printing establishment has lost one of its earliest and stanchest friends, and we record with gratitude the fact that in its founding, and through its long subse- quent years of struggle for existence and prosperity, he never failed to sympathize with it, and to trust in its final success, manifesting all these by donations, and furnisliing funds on long time and at a low rate of interest." While in Baltimore, he also helped to start a German paper in the interests of the church. It had no con- nection with the church until the General Conference of 1841, when said conference received it with its press and office as church property, and located it in Balti- more, where it had been before, and elected its officers, who received a portion of the money pledged to estab- lish the Busy Martha in Baltimore, where it was THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 295 published by Brother Jcacob Erb until July, 1842, when it was suspended for lack of good paying subscriptions. It helped to prepare the way for the German paper which we now have. " After laboring several years in Ohio, in 1837 he was called by the vestry of the Otterbein Church in Baltimore to fill their pulpit, and he took charge of the congregation in the following year. To this date, about eighteen years of his itinerant life had been spent in the West. As a compensation for his labors during that time, he received about $60 per annum. Several points, however, were well seen to — watch- fulness, prayer, work and economy. Mrs. Russel pulled the flax, rotted, scutched, hackled, spun, wove and made the cloth into garments for her husband to wear. She took the wool from the sheep's back, and b}'' passing it through the same unpatented machine, dying and fulling excepted, provided him with winter clothing. She spun and wove for her neighbors, and bought necessaries for family use. She submitted cheerfully to all this toil and the necessary privation of much of her husband's society to keep him in the field, much as she loved and valued him and much as she enjoyed his company. She sacrificed her personal preferences rather than have himJay down his commis- sion and abandon his calling. His elder daughter (afterward Mrs. Geeting) spun the filling for ten yards of tow linen in her seventh year. Russel himself made his own shoes, and repaired clocks for the neighbors. They thought it not beneath them to resort to any honest means to make a living. In this way they lived comfortably, kept out of debt, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the church." 296 JOHN RUSSEL, He was called to Baltimore by the vestry of the Otterbein Church, and took charge of the church in April, 1838. He Avas several years in Baltimore, two as presiding elder in Pennsylvania Conference, and four as a bishop. He was returned to the city a second time in 1831, and left in 1854. Mr. Russel was very efficient in getting competent young men into the ministry, and did much to encour- age them in their work. He enlisted six in the State of Ohio, and eight in Maryland, most of whom did good work, and some of them filled responsible places in the church. January 1, 1846, soon after he was elected bishop, he had occasion to write to a young minister, and finally his letter was published in the Telescojpe. It is full of most excellent advice and shows the good sense, the dignity and the fatherly kindness of the bishop. We must make an extract or two : " Think not, l^Tow I am a preacher I may be ranked among the apostles ; rather think that you have barely entered upon the threshold of God's ministry. Also think it your duty to improve your mind, talents, self-knowl- edge and character, with all other graces calculated to advance a Christian minister. On the other hand, do not think less of yourself than you ought to think, but think soberly. " If your retention is bad, do not crowd it. It is of as ill consequence to overload a weak memory as a weak stomach, so keep it free from trash. Take heed what company you keep, what books you read, and what thoughts you favor. What you are determined to re- member, think of before you go to sleep at night, and the first thinff in the morning' when vour faculties are THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 297 fresh. Habituate yourself to close and rational think- ing. When you have started a good thought pursue it ; do not presently lose sight of it. Manage your actions and thoughts in such a manner as if you were just going out of the world. " Take no text which you can not Avell handle, for it is ill in a child, when its parents send it to bring chips, to take hold of a big stick, and pout because it can not cari-y it." The following specimen of Russel's preaching abil- ity is from Samuel Ruber's autobiography. Huber had been asked to aid Mr. Eussel in holding a meeting in Sherman's Valley, Fa. He was there before Russel, and began the meeting. It was well under headway, and much interest had already been aroused. " Up to this time Brother Russel had not been in the meeting, but, from what we understood afterward, he appeared to be dodging." Brother Russel had been threatened by some rowdies with the loss of his horse's tail, and, it may be, a little damage to himself. These threats might have made him " dodge " some, and it appeared to be so from the fact that, during the first part of the meeting, he was in the room above, peeping down through the stove-pipe hole in the floor, watching the movements below and observing how matters were going on. Seeing the ranks of the enemy breaking, he took courage, and came down into the room just about the time that Brother Winget was closing his remarks. Bishop Russel opened his gun, and commenced exhort- ing in such terms that the power of God's word flew like showers of grape shot from a battery. If ever God helped a man to speak in His name, He did so throuffh Brother Russel on this occasion. The meet- 298 JOHN RUSSEL, ing proceeded, some getting religion and praising God ; others, cut to the heart, fell down in distress to rise up again with joy. Mourning, singing, praying and shouting were the cnaracteristics of that night. The meeting continued until breakfast time the next morning. Although born and reared in a pro-slavery State, like many another man brought up amid such surround- ings, he was intense in his opposition to slavery. Soon after the Telescope started, the question of opening its columns to the discussion of the evils of slavery came up in various sections. In 1838 it was discussed in the Pennsylvania Conference, in session at Wormleysburg, and Russel was present. A member having objected to its introduction, for fear it would hinder the circula- tion of the paper, Russel responded as follows: "The church of the United Brethren in. Christ has faithfullv spoken out against this curse of crimes, and done well in refusing to admit within her pale, slave-holders. She has washed her hands of the pollution of this with- ering, blighting crime. None of the blood of the op- • pressed is found on her skirts. God forbid that she should now abandon her noble position, so bravely taken, and hitherto so manfully maintained. This is no time for her to change front on this important ques- tion, or settle down into cowardly criminal silence. Let her continue to speak out, both through her minis- try and her press. Let her cry aloud and spare not. Let her show the people their transgressions and the American nation its sin in oppressing God's poor, for as certain as God is God, and right is right, the repub- lic will have to come to the church's position on this question, sooner or later. Our position on the subject THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 299 of slavery is made known wherever we go. At all events I do not see that the discussion of that important ques- tion in the columns of the Telescope is going to dimin- ish very materially its circulation.'' While acting as presiding elder in Southern Ohio, he was riding along one da}", and saw a man chopping firewood. Stopping his horse, he called to him in a deep tone of voice, " Where is Lazarus ? " " What did you say?" was the courteous inquiry of the laborer. " I say, where is the bod}^ of Lazarus ? " "I don't know who you are talking about," said the astonished man. " You come down to preaching and I will tell you where Lazarus is." He did this in order to get the man to church, with the hope that he might be led to Christ. The man came of course to learn more of this wonderful story. When Mr. Kussel entered the pulpit he said, " There is a man here who wants to know^ where the body of Lazarus is," and then went on to tell the wonderful story of Lazarus, including his death and resurrection. This story proved to be the teach- ing which the Spirit used to awaken the man, and the result was he accepted Christ. As usual, Mr. Russel had proved himself a good student of human nature, and in his odd way did the man a great favor. On one occasion he and Dr. Davis had met to ar- range for some bequest which Eussel was to make. When this work was done, Russel, by way of a little pleasantry said, " Brother Davis, where is headquarters in this church ? " Having founded, as it were, the printing establishment, and having little S3niipathy with the educational work as then carried on, it was easy to conjecture where he would locate the head- quarters. Davis answered him, " If you want to find 4 300 JOHN RUSSEL, out vnhat to think and luyw to think, go to Otterbein — that is headquarters for thinking — but if you want to learn how to write, or how to communicate your thoughts, go to the Telescope oiSce." "Ah ! you are slick, you are very slick. Brother Davis," answered Eussel. When Dr. Davis was made bishop in 1853, Russel was sitting in front of him in the General Conference room, and had in his hand a slate on which he made his notes and wrote his motions and resolutions. He wrote one, and handed it back to Brother Davis, and said to him, " Brother Davis, you make it slick for me." He often preached against pride, and especially as it manifested itself in dress. When at camp-meeting on one occasion, he was preaching against pride, as usual, and especially against the wearing of hoop skirts, for which he had no special fondness. Having completed his discourse, he came down from the pulpit, and was met by a lady, who, to ease the force of his re- marks, said, " Father Russel, pride is not in dress, it is in the heart." " Oh, yes," said Russel in reply, " but when you see the foxes' tails, the foxes are not far off." Russel was a thoroughly loyal man, and had no sympathy with those engaged in the late Rebellion. A story is current in a certain portion of the East which is sufficiently vouched for to warrant its insertion here. He was in attendance upon a meeting at one time, and most likely had charge of it. While the meeting was in progress, a man (we shall call him Jones, for want of a better name) who had been and was then a sym- pathizer with the South, was called on to pray. This of itself would not commend the man nor his prayer to the tender mercies of Russel. When the man, who THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 301 had a proclivity for long prayers, had prayed as long as Mr. Kussel's patience could stand it, the latter said out in quite audible tones, " Amen, amen, that's long enough, Brother Jones, long enough." It need not be said that Brother Jones' prayer ended somewhat un- ceremoniously. At a certain conference in Pennsylvania, the mem- bers were all asked to meet at the church, and they would from there be sent to their respective boarding- houses. When the report had been read, it was seen that Russel and a young man, who had just come into the conference, had been sent to the same place. Russel arose in his place, and, looking somewhat seriously at Bishop Glossbrenner, and yet with a merry twinkle in his eye, said, " I object." As all eyes were turned to the speaker, the bishop said to him, " Wh}^ do you ob- ject ? " "I object, " said Russel again. " I came from home with a number of questions that I want answered, and this young man I fear won't answer them for me." Glossbrenner, turning to the young man, who was already somewhat frightened, said to him tenderly, " Won't you answer Brother Russel's questions ? " "I will do the best I can," was the modest answer. " All right, then," said Russel, " I will go Avith him." Mr. Russel was an original man, and did his own thinking. In the inauguration of our educational work, he played no mean part. In this historic contest there were at least three parties : Those who wanted one or more schools, as might be necessary to meet the pres- ent demands; those who wanted one seminary for the whole church, with manual labor appendages and those opposed to all institutions under the control of the church. Bishop Russel might with propriety be placed 302 JOHN RUSSEL, under the third list. He was in favor of the highest mental culture, urged all the young ministers to im- prove their talents by diligent study, and taught them how to do this, but did not believe the church should descend from the lofty business of saving souls to man- age institutions of learning. Already he saw, or thought he saw, '* the great danger that we as a church are lia- ble to fall into, by admitting such smattering institu- tions, clogging the wheels of reformation among us." He proposes to discuss the matter in the German paper and says, " I think I can fully show in what sense we as a church can be more useful wWhovX j^reacher factories than with them. * * * K those in favor of seminar- ies can show us that we as a church have always beea wrong, and still are wrong for not admitting ^.preacher factory^ we will have to yield the point and be at rest." "When the sentiment has developed to such an extent that an institution is inevitable, then, like a wise gen- eral, he adapts himself to the situation, and shows us what he would advise. " The first plan : To have been joined by the whole church, should be to be reunited on some general plan; to have located the institution in some central place ; about 300 acres of land should have been purchased, with suitable buildings upon it ; the land should have been divided into farms of 125 acres each ; the re- maining fifty acres should have been laid off in lots, on which students of the seminary should have engaged in tilling the soil and raised all the garden stuffs neces- sary for the institution ; the farms should have been leased to industrious tenants, the proceeds of which would have gone far to have sustained the establish- ment. To a plan like this I would still give $500. THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 303 " It should be so arranged that a general conference should make its sessions in some part of the buildings. An apartment should be allotted to the use of the deaf and dumb of our church, also a paper issued for the blind. The printing office {TelesGope) should be accom- modated with room for its operations. Here a variety of ideas are suggested as to union of everything, and of the great number of persons to be employed con- stantly; also that our young men and the rising gener- ation would learn to work and not be ashamed of it. The whole church, rich and poor, would be equally bene- fited, while the rich only have been contributors. " A seminary of learning among the United Breth- ren in Christ, to which labor is not appended, will not suit the habits of our people nor their views of the matter. Should learning prevail without labor, it will tend to make- men proud, and they will soon learn to despise the local ministry and rob it of its vested rights; a lazy monopoly of men will do. all the preaching and praying, and the diversity of gifts will be lost entirely, then farewell to the peculiarities of Brethrenism ; pride and love of ease will increase ; men will persuade each other to goto college rather than to become converted; the love of ease will swell the ministry and the laity with all sorts of people ; all restraints will be broken down and manual labor discarded ; the means which keep lazy men away, and keep the l)ocly tired thus aid in crucifying the flesh. This rock of offense may cause the church to become divided, which is very undesirable indeed." Mr. Russel's fears were not well founded. Colleges have been established within the bounds of our church, and are doing a good work. With us manual labor 304 JOHN RUSSEL, appliances have failed. Even a " preacher factory,"' as he and his followers would call it, has been established, and has sent out its scores of efficient workers. For none of these causes has the church yet been divided ; on the contrary, it is more intelligent, broader, deeper, better able to cope with the wickedness of the world than ever before. Even great men may be mistaken at times in their judgment. In 1869, in order to show his interest in a well trained ministry, and in his anxiety to avoid what he sup- posed to be some of the evils of theological seminaries, he donated $5,000 to estabhsh a "Biblical Chair" in Pennsylvania Conference. It was hemmed in by so many restrictions that the plan contemplated did not prove to be feasible. There were but two students, and these were taught by Russel himself. The establish- •ment of Union Biblical Seminary has given us a more excellent way. The rules and regulations of the Rus- sel Chair may be found in* the columns of the Telescope for July 7, 1869. The following story is told by Hanb}'^, in his church history, concerning Russel, and reveals a trait of the bishop's character. A trial was in progress for the control of the Otterbein Church. Previous to the com- mencement of the suit, the church had been thoroughly rejmired. " A new pulpit, of modern style and conven- ience, had taken the place of the old one, which was set to one side in the church yard. The church was locked up, and quite a jealousj'^ existed between the ejected parties. Russel went to the city, and announced through the city papers that, no preventing Providence, he would preach in Otter bein's pulpit the following Sabbath at a specified hour. Excitement was all on tip- toe. Have the civil authorities opened the church? Will THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 305 that stubborn man break it open himself? What does this mean '{ Preach in Otterbein's pulpit ! In the meantime Kussel had stationed the old pulpit close to the wall of the church yard, elevated some six feet above the pavement. At an early hour on Sabbath morning-, crowds gathered around the closed church wondering what would be the result of the published appointment. When the appointed hour arrived, the old fox, ^vith his long and sturdy form and usually dignified appearance, came moving slowly out of the parsonage, ascended the old pulpit, and preached a short sermon to a large congregation of very attentive but much disappointed hearers. Russel was a benevolent man. He took pleasure in helping those who needed help. At one time he stopped over night with one of the itinerant preachers, and the next morning, after they had breakfasted, the good wife came to remove the dishes, and found a five-dollar note left underneath his plate. To one of the poor itinerants of Pennsylvania Conference he at one time gave $100. He was constantly doing some- thing of this kind, and in such a way that the world knew little about it. When he lived in Baltimore, he remarked to a friend at one time, that he had never turned a beggar awa}^ from his door without giving him something. He would sell his wheat to a poor neighbor .at $1 a bushel, some of which he knew he would never get (but he knew they needed the wheat), when the miller was willing to pay him $1.15 a bushel and take it by the wagon load. He was much opposed to witches, wizards, and all sorts of hobgoblins. He often had to confront his German brethren who were not so orthodox as was he. 306 JOHN RUSSEL, When he lived at Baltimore, a child died on the Hooks- town road. An old brother, who claimed to be a witch-king, said the child was killed by witches, that he knew who they were, and that some of them be- longed to the church. This made so much of a stir that Russel was sent for to quiet matters. When he reached the place he found the people very much ex- cited over the matter. He began to reprove the old brother for the disturbance he had made. The latter said to Russel that he had better be careful how he talked, that there were witches all about him, that it would not be safe for any one to remain in the house, especially in the room where the corpse lay that night. Russel replied that he was not afraid of all the witches in the city, so he had them make him a bed in the room and slept near the corpse without injury. The old witch-king was arraigned before the church, and, refus- ing to make acknowledgment and leave his witchery, he was expelled. In the early days in Ohio, much of the preaching was done in the woods. One Sunday morning, after Russel had preached a sermon and dismissed the congregation, a man mounted a seat and offered charm- bags for sale. He described the power of these bags with great vividness. He said they would protect from lightning, shooting, sickness, and accidents of any and all kinds. Russel's first thought was to an- nounce a sermon on the subject when he came that way again, but on a little reflection concluded there was a shorter and better way. He asked the agent if it would protect a beast. " Oh yes, just as well as a man." " Will it protect a rooster ? " asked Russel. " Oh yes, any animal." So Russel had the boys catch THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 307 him a rooster, and the charm-bag was tied around iis neck. Russel loaded the gun himself, and then, in the presence of the whole congregation, who were anxiously awaiting tlie result, he asked the man how near he might come to the rooster. " Just as near as you please ; you can not shoot him while the charm-bag is on him." Russel drew up his gun and fired, and down came the rooster. It proved such a conclusive and manifest answer that he never saw the man or his charm-bag afterward. He had quite a vein of humor, ^vhich cropped out in peculiar ways. The following is reported to have oc- curred in his early preaching in Pennsylvania. Like most of the preachers of that day, he traveled alto- gether on horseback. He had an arrangement to carry his Bible and hymn book in front of him in a kind of holster, similar to those used for carrying horse pis- tols. It was so made that he could lay his book on it and read as he rode along. One day, having preached the previous night, he was riding along, and a man on horseback overtook him. He asked Russel what he carried in his holster. "Pistols" (epistles), Avas his reply. '' Why, what do you do with pistols? " "Shoot people," answered Russel. "'And would you shoot a man ? " " Yes, I shot two last night, back here." "What did they do that you shot them?" " Oh, nothing; there is a spirit gets possession of me, and I just fire away, no matter who it hits." He saAV the man was getting frightened, and, before he was aware of it, the poor fellow put whip to his horse to escape. Russel called to him, and started after to explain the matter to him, but the traveler beat him in the race and o-ot awav safelv. It is needless to sav the man he 308 JOHN RUSSEL, shot on the previous night had been convicted for sin under the sermon he preached. Many hardships had to be endured by the itiner- ants of those early days. He was travehng once in Ohio. He plodded all the forenoon on a cool misty day, and at noon he became very hungry, but there was no house in sight. He finally met a brother in the woods, who said he must go home with him for dinner. " How far is it," asked Russel. " Ten miles." "Is there no place nearer where I can get my dinner ? I am hungry." " N'o, mine is the nearest house. When we get there, dinner will be ready, and plenty of it." They trudged on, and when they got there dinner was ready, and plenty of it, but not a thing to eat save a large dish of boiled turnips, and Eussel never could eat cooked turnips. At this time he was very hungry, and there was nothing else to eat, so he went to work with a vim, made a hearty meal, and liked cooked turnips ever after. At one time, when he was a presiding elder, he had a quarterly meeting to attend, and on his way had to spend the night with a dirty Irish family. He ate no supper and in the morning there was nothing for break- fast but some cold, soggy biscuits and rancid butter, which, hungry though he was, he could not eat. He started off without his breakfast, having about twenty miles to ride. The roads were bad and the streams swollen, with no bridges over them. He came to one of those streams with the banks full and the current rapid, and he w^as afraid to venture in. Wliile consid- ermg wliat to do he saw a tree, or log, lying across, a little above him. He carried his saddle-bags and um- brella across on the log, then started the horse in, intending, while she swam over to run around and THIETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 309 catch her as she came out on the other side. But she had such a struggle with the current that he forgot his running around. So she reached the opposite shore first and trotted off. He shouldered his baggage and walked on after her. She would stop and pick a little grass until he came up with her, and then she would trot off and leave him. She did this for some time. Finally, going up a hill, he gave out, sat down on the saddle and told God tliat he had that meeting on his hands and could not get there without his horse ; that if He wanted him to hold that meeting He must help him catch Dolly. He rapped on the saddle, called her again, and she came walking back to him. He felt very sure til at God at that time answered that prayer. "When he reached the place of meeting, he found the people gathered together, but he told them he must have something to eat before he could preach, so they sang and prayed, as was the custom in the olden time, and the}^ had a season of great power in the woods. He was at one time called to attend a funeral for the Lutherans. During the time of service, most of the people kept their hats on, which was offensive to him. As they sat down to table, after giving thanks he called for his hat, and, as they had theirs off, he put his on his head, expecting to give a reason for so doing. Oppo- site him sat a man who had a large black beard. Rus- sel asked him if -he belonged to the Dunkards. "No," he answered somewhat indefinitely, "I belong no- where." Said Russel, " It may be with you as with me before I was converted — I thouo-ht I belono-ed nowhere, but when the light of God shone into my heart I found I belonged to the devil." The man choked a little, got up from the table and went out. The re- mainder sat in silence. 310 JOHN RtrSSEL, In company with some preachers going to confer- ence, it fell to his lot to preach a sermon while riding. He says, " I proposed if they rode slowly and close together I would try. We sang a hymn, offered a prayer, read a text and I preached. I became quite excited. The people stood in their doors as we passed by ; some got on their horses and came after us, won- dering what was going on. Bishop Heistand said he felt agreeably entertained, and wished there was more of this adopted among us. It seemed that even our horses were cheered, especially by the singing." "I was honored by a visit from Brother J. B. Erb, from the East. I did my utmost to make him com- fortable. Among the rest, I prepared water and be- gan to wash his feet, very humbly. ' I must wash your feet also,' he said. After this was done, we both felt happy ; we both agreed that in this way we ' had done the commandment of our Lord." In 1837 his congregation in Richland county was a mixture of German and English, and did not tire readily of hearing preaching. After a long German sermon, the English would ask to have the same ser- mon in English. This was given them. After this he took a different plan. "I would read my text and divide it in German, then read the same text in English and divide it in the same way, then speak in one part, first German, then English, and so on until the whole was gone through with. This will take some three hours. In all my travels, I found no people so anxious to hear the word of God as in Eich- land county." At one time Russel met a German shoemaker in Sherman's Yalley, Pa. He was a lover of his Bible, THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 311 and kept it at his bench. "When approached by Russel at one time, he said : " ' Tliat book converted my soul in my youth, and I have committed to memory the whole except Revelations, which is so full of mystery that I have failed to get it by heart.' This astonished me so much I walked away thinking over it, and, not able to credit what he had said, I came back and asked permis- sion to try him. I took the Bible and turned to the first part. He ran over chapter after chapter, working all the time, until I was so far satisfied. Then I turned several pages, read a verse here and there, and asked where it was found, and he told me. In this way I turned from one part of the Old Testament to another until I was satisfied. Then he began to repeat whole chapters in the Psalms and some of them backward until I was fully satisfied, I said to him it would be an easy thing for him to preach. 'No,' he said, 'I have not Avisdom and judgment enough to form into a ser- mon what I know.' Last of all, I would name the verse, chapter and book, and he would repeat the verse. I was entirely convinced, and looked on this man as a marvel. If I had taken this course as soon as I was converted, I would have needed no other book, day or night, save the Bible. Other books were recommended to me by my friends, and here I made the greatest mis- take of my life. John Arnt was his own concordance. WilUam Otterbein seldom spoke a sentence but it was associated with a similar text of Scripture." While a young man, one of his preaching places was about four miles north of the Juniata river, Pa. A man of passionate temper, who lived there, let the basement of his house for preaching purposes, and it was gen- erally crowded. One evening, when Russel was about 312 JOHN KUSSEL, half through with his sermon, this man jmnpecl to his feet, rushed through the crowd, and ran up stairs, stamp- ing on the floor at a terrible rate. The people rushed to the door, and the preacher was left alone. A man came in and told him he should leave, as he was in great danger. Eussel left, tarried in the neighborhood all night, and in the morning went to this house to get his satchel. The owner stood in the door, and would not allow Eussel to come in, but threw it out to him as far as he could throw. Russel said, " It will not do to part this way; you are giving me no chance to make confes- sion." He hesitated a moment, and then said, " Come in, I won't hurt you." Eussel sat down with him in the room and said to him, '-Now I willconfess my wrong if you will tell me what it is." He said, " The sermon you preached last night Avas all on me; my neighbors must have told you all about me." " Not a word," Eussel answered. " Is that so ? " "Yes, it is certainly so." "Well, it made me mad to be abused so in my own house. You may have another appointment." So they parted, and as time passed on the family became pious, so it was not seed sown in vain. In 1809 he came to Ohio and was sent in the rea'ion of the Miami river. His meetings were attended by a class of people called " IS'ew Lights," who seemed to take a great interest in the cause of Christ. Their manner of exercising interested him very much. The women would get w^hat was called " the jerks." They would throw their heads backward and forward in such a way that their necks would crack like a wagon whip, and then throw themselves across the benches THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHEEN IN CHRIST. 313 as if their bones would break. The men would stand on one leg, with the other drawn up to the body, and, springing up and down, their heads went back, and they would sing with all their might a hymn that had this chorus to it — " We have a little sister. She has a copper bottom, Sail oh, sail oh." " We asked some of the women if they were not hurt." "Oh no," they said, "we feel like a feather ; we could bear to be crucified ; it is a heavenly feeling." Some asked him why he was so downhearted, and he answered, that he was trying the spirits. Tliey replied, " the wind bloweth wlTere it listeth." He wished him- self back to his former circuit. ' A camp meeting was held by Russel at Lower San- dusky, on Father Baulus' land. The cholera had broken out in the town about two miles away, and was so fatal that ail connection was forbidden with the town. The meeting was continued six days, and not a single case of cholera occurred on the camp ground. When the meeting closed, the citizens of the place asked of Russel to move into the vacant tents. Baulus allowed them, on condition that they would sing and pray. All came that could, and the work began in earnest. Baulus preached to them every day ; many wicked persons were made serious. The w^eek after this camp meeting another was held about twenty miles away, on Honey creek. In spite of the fact that the cholera was raging in many places, great crowds of people came. When services were wanted they would come with a rush, screaming while coming. It was a very powerful meeting. 314 JOHN RUSSEL, When in Pike county, Russel went to look np a place for baptismal service. He saw some roughs watching him, to see where he proposed to baptize. It was customary on such occasions for the rowdies to go before and roll logs in the stream to muddy the water. Says Russel : " I walked up the stream, which was near the camp ; here I looked out a place, the rowdies follow- ing at a distance. Then I went back to where I had been, stuck up a stake and then left. On the day of baptiz- ing, I instructed the brethren to keep close to me and I would lead the way. The rowdies, who knew where the stake was, commenced muddying the water, the whole congregation going after them ; we turned right about, struck for the other place, and being much under timber were hid from their view. Baptism passed off nicely, and the rowdies were not aware of it until we were on our way to camp, rejoicing." Scioto Circuit was sometimes called the United Brethren College, because here they would send their young men to get them trained to hardships and rough fare. To this section Eussel sent an old Quaker, who asked for work in the ministry, stating that he had but seven years to live, and wished to spend it in calling sin- ners to repentance. He had enough to live on, and was therefore not particular as to the support. If Russel would give him a permit, he would go wherever he would send him. He was sent there for six months. He found the place, and in six weeks came back, saying, " I could stand the country, but not the people. Some of them are so filthy I can not stay with them long enough to have them converted, and that everlasting corn bread my stomach will not bear." The old Quaker returned to his farm quite cured of his preaching spirit. THIRTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 315 "When Russel was still a single man, about the year 1818, he held a night meeting at a place in Franklin county, Pa. The weather was quite warm, and when he reached the house where the meeting was to be held, it was already filling up fast. He entered a gate so as to go in the back door ; in so doing he slipped into a pit dug in the ground, filled with water and offal from the table. After he got out he Avent to the pump and got under the spout to wash. The man of the house came out, inquiring where the preacher was. Russel answered him, and it being very dark, he came to the pump to see what was the matter. He said, " Man of the ground, what doest thou here ? " " Hush ! " said Eussel, "if the people find where I am, they will all rush here, thinking I have cut my throat. Here, take this handle and pump with all your might." Russel says of this, " I soon crowded into the room, wet and barefooted, preached with unusual liberty, made a good impression, and the people were none the wiser of m}'' mishap." Russel's last home was near Keedysville, Md., not very far from the battlefield of Antietam. His home was used as a hospital for a time, under the name of Locust Grove Hospital. The fourteen rooms were all full of sick and wounded during the Antietam battle, and he aided as best he could in caring for them. In 1870, when the United Brethren Church Avas built at Keedysville, he gave some money in his wife's name for a good bell to place on it. "When the bell was first put in its place his daughter, Mrs. Geet- ing, called him out to hear it ring. This was the last time he was out. The first death which the new bell announced was his own. He died December 21, 1870, 316 JOHN RUSSEL and his funeral sermon was preached by Bishop Dick- son. Russel's grandfather had been converted under the labors of Otterbein. The latter often stopped at Russel's and at Geeting's. Otterbein preached the grandfather's funeral sermon, and after the burial serv- ices he sat under a large tree near the house and comforted the aged grandmother. Russel arranged before his death that he should be buried in his grand- father's grave at Mt. Hebron. This was done, but his remains have since been removed to the cemetery in Keedysville, Md. His two daughters, Mrs. Geet- ing and Mrs. Emmert, still survive him. "ULe^^T^ --^^c-d^ REV. JOHN JACOB GLOSSBRENNER, D. D. FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. ■yOHN JACOB GLOSSBPvElSrJS'ER was born in fj Hagerstown, Md., July 24, 1812. His parents, Peter and Christiana Glossbrenner, were of Ger- man descent, and members of the Lutheran Church. When about six years of age his father died, leaving his mother in very limited circumstances. As a result, he, with his only brother, Adam, was at an early age placed among strangers. John J. was sent to learn the trade of silversmith under Mr. John Reynolds, of Hagerstown, who was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Until his twelfth year he was a regular attendant of the Lutheran Church. Among his most cherished recollections were the impressions made upon his young mind by the plain and affectionate preaching of Rev. B. Kurtz, afterward editor of i\\Q Luthe^^an Oh- server. For several years after he went to his trade, he manifested but little interest in the subject of relig- ion, and though strictly moral, he had gone astray from God. In his seventeenth year he was awakened to a sense of his lost condition, while listening to the preaching of Rev. Mr. Gibbens, of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He at once began to seek a change of heart, and after months of effort, he experienced a per- sonal knowledge of salvation. He sought and obtained the witness of the Spirit, that he was a child of God. He had reached a very important period in his his- tory. 317 818 JOHN JAC015 GLOSSBRENNEK, Soon after his conversion, he was made leader of a class of young persons, who had obtained religion about the same time with himself. This was a period of great profit, and of great pleasure to him. He says of it himself, "We had glorious times while in our simplicity and singleness of heart we met together to sing and pray and encourage each other. The Lord met with us and filled us unutterably full of glory and of God. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth." When about eighteen years of age, he became acquainted with the United Brethren in Christ, and being pleased with their doctrine and discipline, he felt impressed to connect himself with them. Soon after his connection with this body of Christians, he was given license to exhort, signed by George A. Geeting. He soon felt impressed to enter more fully into the work of the ministry, and to give himself unreservedly to the work of saving men. With this end in view he used every means within his reach to quahfy himself for his work. As fast as means came into his hands, he used it for the purchase of books, to the study of which he diligently applied himself. About this time Eev. Mr. Kurtz, whose ministry had been so helpful to him in his earlier years, offered to place within his reach the means of a college edu- cation, and a thorough preparation for the ministry. We wish he had accepted the offer ; but while feeling very grateful for it, Mr. Glossbrenner was constrained to decline it, believing it to be his duty to go forth to preach Christ. He did this, being careful, however, to obey the apostle's instruction, " give attendance to reading." As he grew older, his views widened along these lines, and he urged his younger brethren, when- FOUKTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 319 ever practicable, to secure the best possible preparation for their work. In 1831, when about nineteen years of age, he attended the Virginia Annual Conference, which met in Shenan- doah countj^ where he was admitted into the conference and licensed to preach. Rev. William Brown was the presiding bishop at this time. When about to start to conference with a view to enter the itinerant ministry', he needed a horse and had not the means to buy. Whatever else the circuits of that day may have lacked, they did not lack in size, hence the preachers had abundance of opportunity to travel. Certain brethren who were anxious to see this young man have a good start, among whom were Valentine and Jacob Doub, John and Joseph Hershey, John Statler and Henry Burtner, contributed means and purchased a horse for him. This timely act was ever after held in grateful remembrance by him, and is an example worthy of imitation. From the conference in Shenandoah he was sent to llagerstown circuit, a circuit numerous in preaching places and large in territory, covering the greater part of the counties of Washington and Fred- erick in Maryland. At the next conference he was sent to a large field of labor in the valley of Virginia, in connection with Brothers Hershey and Haney. On both of these fields he did the work of an evangelist, and made full proof of his ministry. During his first year in the valle}'^ he became ac- quainted with Miss Maria M. Sliuey, of Augusta county, whose hand he sought in marriage. This was consum- mated Februar}^ 1-1, 1833. He found in her a wife every way worthy of his hand and heart. To them were born six children : one died in infancy ; the 320 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBRENNER, oldest, Catherine, was niarried to D. K. Flickinger, and died after a few short months of married life ; the second one, Eliza, married Prof. W, B. Yonce, of Roanoke College, at Salem, Ya., and is also dead ; the oldest of the living daughters, Sarah Cornelia., is mar- ried to Mr. H. K. Hanger, a merchant of Churchville, Ya. Maria, the next youngest, is married to Rev. J. H. Turner, of the Lutherville Female Seminary, Mary- land ; Henrietta C, the youngest child, is niarried to Rev. L. M. Fox, D. D., professor in Roanoke College, Yirginia. On the 14th of February, 1883, a company of friends met at the home of Bishop Glossbrenner to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage. Many of his friends could not be there, and many of them sent letters and other testimonials of congratulations and greeting. At this time the bishop was in the seventy- first year of his age. Mrs. Glossbrenner was in her sixty-seventh year. The bishop in some introductory remarks made on this occasion, said he had been mar- ried four times in his Ufe. The first was when he was converted, the second was Avhen he joined the church, the third when he took upon himself the vows of the Christian minister, and the " fourth, the marriage, the anniversary of which we now celebrate. It has not been broken these fifty years. These j'^ears have been spent in love and confidence. I can only say, the Lord is good ; His mercy endureth forever." When the bishop was first married, it being St. Yalentine's day, he made his wife a present of a valen- tine. On the fiftieth anniversary she returned the compliment, b}^ presenting him one, through their son- in-law, Rev. Mr. Turner, who said, "How much of FOUKTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHKIST. 321 sorrow and joy in fifty years ! History has not written down all these events. These fifty years of j^our fife have been important years to the world and to the church especially. There were few missionaries then ; now, everywhere the Christian religion is preached. To- you, my dear father and mother, may there be added to your history many years. Fifty 3^ears ago your bridal tour was not in a palace car. No words of sympathy were then whispered over wires to friends hundreds of miles away. Truly these have been fifty years full of events. What of the next fifty years ? No couple celebrates the second fifty years in this world. Fifty years from now will find us enjoying other scenes. May God give you many returns of your marriage day, and ma}'' we all meet at the mar- riage supper of the Lamb." On speaking of his past life, the bishop said : " Some hardships I have passed through, but not alone; my wife, my true and faithful companion, endured them with me. The cares of my family in the earlier years of my ministry rested on my wife. A good wife is a blessing of God. She never said ' Locate.' Our salary was then $80 per year, afterward, for some years, $160, but we lived through all. Now we are monu- ments of grace and mercy." Mrs. Glossbrenner sat, during the exercises, near the bishop, unable to restrain the tears which came, as the words of the bishop and others so moved all who were present. The wish of all, at this hour, turned to the absent mother, Mrs. Catherine Shuey, then in her eighty-seventh year, and who, perhaps, was the only one living who witnessed the earlv marriage of her daughter. She was in moderate health only, and was 322 JOHN JACOB (JL0SS15RENNER, not able to be present at the golden wedding of her daughter. At the session of his conference in 1833, Mr. Gloss- brenner was ordained to the olSce of elder in the church, Rev. William Brown officiating as bishop. From this conference he was sent to Staunton circuit, where he labored with great acceptability. In 1834 he was elected presiding elder, and stationed on the Virginia district. He was then about twenty-two 3^ears of age. He performed the duties of this office for three years successively, having been twice reelected. In the capacity of circuit preacher and presiding elder he con- tinued to travel through the greater portion of Vir- ginia, from 1831 to 1845, a period of fourteen years. Having come into the church so early, and having become prominent in connection with its more public work at an early age, those not acquainted with him began to think of him as much older than he really was. In that early period he Avas at one time intro- duced to an aged father in the church, as Br-other Glossbrenner. The old man held him affectionatelj^ by the hand, and looked inquiringly into his face, as though a little puzzled to know just what the thing meant, and then said, " Are you old Brother Gloss- brenner's son ? " Mr. Glossbrenner, with a twinkle in his eye, replied, " No, I am the old man himself P A singular stor\^ is told of his election, probably the first time, to the eldership. It was customary in that early day to close the regular Avork of the conference, and have preaching at a certain hour, by the bishop or some other one selected for the purpose. Bishop William Brown was holding the conference, and was to preach the sermon that morning. Just as he was on the steps FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 323 leading to the pulpit, it occurred to him that one im- portant item of business had been omitted, so with his foot on the steps ascending the pulpit, he turned about, and facing the members of the conference said, " I move that Brother Glossbrenner be made presiding elder," and without waiting for the motion to be seconded by any one, proceeded to put the question, " As many as favor it will say aye," and it was carried unanimously. Of course all were satisfied with the re- sult, but with our modern notions of business, such a movement on the part of the bishops would seem a little irregular and unparliamentary. Glossbrenner used to laugh over the matter himself, and say of it, had it not been for Bishop Brown he might never have been elected presiding elder. He was a delegate to the General Conference of 1837, which met at Germantown, Ohio. This meeting- was a memorable one, from the fact that at this time steps were taken to secure a constitution " for the bet- ter regulation of the church." He was also a delegate to the General Conference of 1841, at Dresbach's church, in Pickaway county, Ohio, when the constitu- tion, under which we have ever since lived, was adopted. He was also a member of the one that met at Circleville, in 1845, at which time and place he was elected to the office of bishop. He was at this time about thirty-three years of age. He was elected at nine successive conferences, having charge of a diocese for forty years. At the General Conference of 1 885, which met at Fostoria, when it was feared he could not perform the active work which seemed necessary for a bishop to do, it was suggested tliat he be hon- ored with a complimentary position on the board of 324 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBKENNEE, bishops. Before the balloting began he said : " Since the commencement of this session, persons have come to me to know where I was, what my position Avas, and whether I would suffer my name to be used. I told them, and tell you all, that I am in the hands of the Lord and the church, and whatever disposition the church shall make of me will be satisfactory to me. As I am getting older, I want to retain a sweet spirit, and no matter what the decision of the General Con- ference may be, I hope I may never get on the grum- bling-stool.'" At the close of these remarks it was pro- posed to make him bishop-at-large, and it required great effort to prevent this motion from going through with a rush. The discipline knows nothing of such an office as this, and it was thought best to take a little time to meet the emergency. Afterward the disciphne was so amended as to allow for the election of a bishop emeritus y when the conference may feel disposed to do so. Glossbrenner was so elected, " and was entitled to a seat in the councils, and a ballot ; in fact, all the honors and privileges inhering in the office ; but that lie be not required to perform any labor, only at such times and places as may suit his convenience and strength to accomplish." After the report was adopt- ed, and Glossbrenner elected as bishop emeritus, an honor never before conferred upon any member in this church, the following resolution was adopted by a hearty rising vote : '' 1st. That Bishop Glossbrenner has the united con- fidence and affection of our hearts, and we Avill ever remember him in our prayers. 2d. That while we have exacted no duties at his hands we will warmly and cheerfullv welcome him to our conferences in anv FOURTEP;XTIT lUSUOP UNITED BEETHEEX IN CHRIST. 825 duty which he in council with his associates may deem himself able to perform." The General Conference of 1865 met in Western, Iowa, at the close of the war. "We had gone through a long and bloody struggle, and men's passions had not yet quieted down. A portion of the previous four years had been spent by Glossbrenner awa\' from his diocese, and in the bounds of the Southern Confederacy. Markwood, with his hot, fiery, impetuous nature, was compelled to flee. There were suspicions on the part of a very few that Glossbrenner could not have been loyal or he would have shared the same fate. He ex- plained his record so satisfactorily to the conference that he was again elected, his vote being sixty-three, and that of Markwood only sixty -six. Some very strong resolutions were adopted at this conference, and Glossbrenner voted for them. For his vote on these, he was attacked by a Virginia ])aper on his return, but the writer allows that while he was supposed to be in svmpathy with the North, he had a character which commended him to the confidence of the South During the war, when he could not meet his confer- ferences he remained in the South and employed all his time and energies in caring for the flock, that they be not scattered. He had special fitness and peculiar opportunities for this work. Within the limits of the Southern Confederacy clergymen were excepted from the effects of the conscription law. Great res})ect was l)aid to the office of a minister. He was made presid- ing elder during this time, preached regularly and held his meetings when nothing prevented. He was often asked to preach to the rebel soldiers, and to members of other denominations. He was prudent, careful, con- 326 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBEENNEE, servative and in his preaching kept aloof as far as possible from the distractions of the times. Kev. Mr. Brashear, who was for a time presiding elder during the war, having learned that the rebels were driven back from a certain point, concluded that they had gone to stay, and so praj^ed that they might be sub- dued. It was not long before they returned and Mr. Brashear was compelled to liee. Mr. Glossbrenner would make no such mistakes as that. He Avas careful and discreet, and had the confidence of both sides. He knew the strength of the North as most Southern men did not know it, and he privately advised his friends that the South could not succeed. He was considered by those who knew him at this time to be tlie most eloquent preacher in Virginia. This gave him very great influence in and out of the church, and his remaining there was a source of confidence to both preacher and people. Without his help the church would have become greatly dispirited. His choice of subjects for the pulpit, and the subject matter for his sermons, were somewhat restricted, but better for him thus to keep his people together and prepare them for heaven, than to have touched forbid- den subjects and lost all opportunity for helping his hearers. In the year 1853 considerable attention was given to the subject of depravity in the General Conference. It came up on a proposition to strike out the word " de- pravity " from the questions asked of candidates for the ministry, and a different question substituted. After quite an exciting discussion, the question was so modi- fied as to read, " Do you believe in the doctrine of nat- ural, hereditary, complete depravity 'i " An explanation FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 327 of this was offered by Glossbrenner, and appended in a note : " 1. By ' depravity ' is meant, not guilt nor liabil- ity to punishment, but the absence of holiness, which unfits a man for heaven. 2. By ' natural ' is meant that man is born with this absence of holiness. 3. By ' hereditary ' is meant that this unholy state is inherited from Adam. 4. By ' total' or 'complete' is not meant that a man or child can not become more unholy, or that he is irrecoverably unholy, nor that he is a mass of corruption, but that this absence of holiness must be predicated of all the faculties of the soul." During the four years that followed a lively discus- sion was kept up in the church organ, and when the conference met in 1857 preparations had been made for a sharp contest. Sober thoughts prevailed, and a substitute was adopted, which put at rest for a long time the question which at one time seemed difficult of adjustment. It now reads, " Do you believe that man, abstract of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is fallen from original righteousness, and is not only destitute of holiness, but is inclined to evil and only evil, and that \3ontinually ; and that except a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God?" He was especially anxious that on three points his record should be made clear to his brethren. One of these was his loyalty to the church and the nation dur- ing the Civil War. Another, his position on the secrecy question. At times he was thought by some not to be sufficiently pronounced on this peculiarity of the church, but he insisted that his record would show that he had more faithfully administered the disci- pline than had others who probably had said more than he. The third point was his relation to the doc- trine of human depravity. 328 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBRENNEK, One of the changes which he especially wanted to see brought about was the introduction of lay repre- sentation in all the councils of the church. In the Telescope for March 2, 1881, the subject is ably dis- cussed by him. He aimed to show both from Scriptures and ecclesiastical history that the laity originally were a part of the governing body. When the church lost its original purit}' and simplicity they were thrust out, and priestcraft became the order of the day. In his judgment the highest good of the church will not come to pass until we return to the ancient order of government in church affairs. " When shall we see the members of our own church awakenmg to a sense of their responsibility and their stewardship to God ? When shall we see our members responding more liberally and cheerfully to the calls of the church to sustain our institutions of learning, our missionary enterprises, and other benevolent enter- prises of the church ? I answer, when we open the doors of our ecclesiastical assemblies and cordially in- vite the laity to come in and assist in devising means and measures to promote the peace, unity and pros- perity of the church." " What do the laity lack to justify their exclusion from our councils? Is it a want of piety, intelligence, or a want of loyalty to the church ? Emphatically, no. As to piety, they will compare favorably with the min- isters. They, as well as the ministers, have been born of the Spirit, and have the promise of the same Spirit to guide them into all truth and righteousness. As re- gards intelligence, the laity are the peers of the majority of those who represent the church in our ecclesiastical assemblies. As regards enduring attachment for the FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 329 church, have not the laity given as strong evidence as the ministry ? Why, then, exclude them ? Nearly all the Protestant churches, in some way or other, have lay representation. Why, then, should we exclude them as though we doubted their piety, intelligence or loyalty. A closer connection between the ministry and laity will add to our strength and give new im- petus to all the enterprises of the church." If he had lived to participate in the councils of the coming general conferences, he would most likely have witnessed the triumph of his idea of church govern- ment, and would have found the way opened to admit laymen to the highest law-making body of the church. Glossbrenner was not a scholarly man, in the usual acceptation of that term, but he was a faithful student of nien and books. He had a retentive memory, a pen- etrating mind, industrious habits, and with these he acquired a large amount of information. While not so aggressive as some men, for his nature was dijEferent, he was a friend to the educational interests of the church. We wonder at this day that it took so long to la}^ the foundation of a " school of the prophets," and when it was done there was no very enthusiastic support of it. There was not so much any organized opposition, as there was a general indifference throughout the church. When it was agreed to establish the seminary. Bishop Glossbrenner encouraged the presentation of the mat- ter at his conferences, and gave it all the support he could in order to secure funds for its support during the first two years of its existence. He had occasion at one time to make these utterances : " !N"ot less than three-fourths of all our children who have been edu- cated in colleges not under our own direction have 330 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBRENNEE, been lost to us. Many of them have gone to other de- nominations, others to the world. But for her own grievous neglect to provide for the nurture of the sons whom God gave her, many of those had now been standard-bearers in her battles, and shining lights in her firmament. To this church the loss of so many cultivated minds and pious hearts is irreparable. Others have need of them ; but for us who have need of a hun- dred educated men for every one in the church, such a policy as we formerly pursued, and which is by no means fully corrected, is fatuitous and suicidal. "We can not spare our sons to others. "We can not innocently neglect to train them for ourselves." How much of his zeal for the new seminary was due to such incen- tives as these we do not know, but we do know that he was a faithful friend to the new enterprise as long as he lived. "When the new college building, which had been erected at Wester vilie to take the place of the old one which had gone down in a night, was ready for use, Glossbrenner was asked to make the dedicatory ad- dress. In the main this was a plea for the study of the Bible in our own institutions of learning. In the little resume which he gave of an experience in this work he says : " "When I first became a minister in the church, I did not know half a dozen United Breth- ren graduates. There were several large conferences which did not contain a single minister or layman who enjoyed the advantages of a collegiate education. At the present time, however, we can point with pride and gratitude to scores of graduates, the majorit}'^ of them earnestly engaged in promoting the best interests of the denomination and of religion, as ministers, as i-OUKTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 331 teachers, as editors, and in the various departments of professional and public life. Such facts do indeed make an important change for the better, and they constitute, with all earnest and large-minded United Brethren, a conclusive argument in favor of strength- ening and perpetuating our institutions of learning, which have thus commended themselves to the confi- dence and affections of the church." In the same address he gave his ideal of a Christian minister to some who were preparing to enter into this work, an ideal well illustrated in his own devoted life : " There are those before me who have recently taken upon themselves the responsibilities of the Christian ministry, and others who are preparing themselves for this sacred office. Permit me to say to you that the church is not over solicitous about the production of great or learned or highly finished or eloquent ser- mons, but it does imperatively demand that every preacher of the Gospel shall put forth his utmost ener- gies, both for preparation and performance ; that he keep his soul all alive to the sacredness and fearful responsibilities of his calling. So far as results are con- cerned, the measure of capacity or learning is of infi- nitely less importance than the spirit in which the work is done. God does unquestionably employ in His vineyard a great variety of talents and attainments, and He honors every man according to the fidelity and spirit of consecration with which he fulfills his mis- sion ; but there is no place for the idle ; none for those Avho are only half awake ; none for those who are not. prepared to make full proof of their ministry; w^ho are not of a fervent spirit, ready to endure hardness, or bonds, or death for Christ's sake." 332 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBEENNEK, In an address to the students of Lebanon Yalley College, in 1884, on " Sober Mindedness," he spoke as follows — we give it as a specimen of his plain, simple language, and the earnestness with which he always addressed men : " I exhort, I beg young men to be sober-minded. This trifling with God and the soul does positively border on stark madness. To make the infinite and manifold proofs and felt convictions of religion to be so many reasons for neglecting it, is doing barbarian violence to all that is rational and right in our nature. I ask, do any of you mean to go through life and so take hell for your portion ? I suppose not. You in- tend no such folly, no such crime against God and your souls. Observe, then, your true position and atti- tude, for I pronounce them unworthy of a rational be- ing. You are confessedly convinced of the reality and of the importance of experimental religion, and yet you act as if you were convinced of exactly the oppo- site proposition. Your conscience feels the moral obli- gation of piety toward God, and you will not obey. This, then, is your attitude. You live in habitual con- flict with your understanding and your conscience, with your common sense and your moral sense. I am un- able to conceive of any proposition more justly start- ling to a thinking, well ordered mind than this." He was what we might with special fitness term a Gospel preacher. His sermons were sound, systematic, and aimed at the conscience and heart of the hearer. He dealt in no rhetorical flourishes nor metaphj^sical disquisitions to please the fancy. He believed in the power of the Gospel, and that alone, to change the human heart. He selected his text, stated his points FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 333 of doctrine, and then sustained them by appropriate quotations of Scripture. He was ready, apt and accur- ate in their use, neither adding thereto, nor taking a word from tliem. He never trifled with the word of God. His thoughts were uttered in plain, simple style and chaste language. He was so intensely in earnest, that when freely under way his whole nature seemed aroused. Those who heard him at his best, went away with the truth riveted upon their minds, and with a very vivid impression of the genuine earnestness of the man. This intensity of his nature at times made his addresses eloquent to the hearer, although the speaker may have been unconscious of his strength. He preached that which he fully believed. He needed no new gospel, for th6 old was sufficient for all his wants. He sought to win men more by the proclamation of the love side of the Gospel, than by awakening them with its terrors. As he came near the end of his life, he said he would like to preach one more sermon, and his text would be, "It is I, be not afraid." Once during the war he preached a sermon somewhere in the State of Virginia. An intelligent Christian soldier was present, who said he had often thought that he would like to have heard St. Paul preach, but was now satisfied, for he had heard a man preach, who came up to his ideal of Paul." Those who knew Bishop Glossbrenner best would unite in saying that he was " a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." The highest beauty of his character, perhaps, was its symmetry. His habits were regular and his temper even. He was calm, dignified, kind, yet persistent in what he believed to be right. He was not easily irritated, but in the midst of trials and even of wrongs done him, he could possess his soul 334 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBEENNER, in patience. In the midst of perplexities he u^as the same cahn, self-possessed man. He neither thought nor said unkind things of his brethren. He had his own convictions, to which he firmly ad- hered, and although differing at times from his breth- ren, as to church polity, he could do so, and did do so, without disparaging them. Even when efforts were made to displace him, he believed the Lord ruled and all would be well. He was in very many respects a model bishop, both as to his character and in authority. He was a fine preacher ; he was a churchly man, on the lookout for the advancement in all proper ways of his ow^n de- nomination, yet not a bigot. He had a warm interest in the welfare of his itinerant brethren. Their troubles were his troubles, and their success his glory. He would often say in his last hours : " In the church let me live — in the church let me labor, in the church let me die, and by the church let me be buried." He was a prudent, careful, dignified presiding officer. He was skillful in preventing trouble, as well as in meeting it properly when it came. He was a wise coun- selor, understood our church economy better than many others, for he w^as a part of it, and helped to make it, and therefore seldom made any mistakes in the administration of law. "When necessary he could reprove and rebuke, with all longsuffering and gentle- ness. Modest, retiring, unassuming, and indisposed to court attention or commendation from men, he ap- preciated kindness, and in turn loved and trusted men. When he was buried, Bishop Weaver spoke of him and his w^ork in the following touching language : "Bishop Glossbrenner entered the ministry in the United FOUKTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 335 Brethren Church, when the membership did not exceed 25,000. He traveled for the most part on horseback. At that day there were no railroads, and ministers gen- erally traveled as he did. Even when he was elected to the office of bishop, forty-two years ago, he had to travel mostly by private conveyance. Sometimes it would require from two to three weeks to go from one conference to another, but no matter how far it was, nor how difficult the journey, he would perform it without murmuring or complaining, and after he was sixty years of age, when his turn came to visit the confer- ences on the Pacific coast, although it involved a ride of 1,200 miles by stage over mountains that would make the nerves of younger men tingle, he went with- out murmuring or complaining. No difficulty seemed too great for him to face when duty called him to go. Many a long, dreary night, he rode over rugged mount- ains on the Pacific slope, w^hile young men slept quietly at their homes. " When he entered the ministry in this church, we had no home, frontier or foreign missionary society, no institutions of learning, no Sabbath-school associa- tion, no Sabbath-school literature, no well organized itinerancy, no books written by men of our own church and no constitution. He grew up w^th the growth of the church, and was always to be found in the front rank of every advance made by the church. Older and indeed younger men than himself would sometimes hesitate when these advance movements were proposed, but Bishop Glossbrenner was always ready for everything that would add potency to the church that he loved so well. If he erred along any of these fines, it was because he loved the church more than his reputation. The one great question with him seemed to be, " Is it right?" 336 JOHN JACOB GLOSSBKENNEE, When the news of his death reached Harrisburg, there was great sorrow, as indeed there was all over the church. A correspondent of the Telescojye writes as follows, on receipt of the sad news : " I desire to say for Bishop Glossbrenner this one thing, and I say it on my own personal responsibility, he is the most uni- formly straightforward man I have ever seen. He was one of the best bequests God ever made to any people. The gift of such a man to any church, the grand and beautiful life he led, the long years he was spared to serve, and the great good he accomplished is great cause for the most devout thanksgiving, I know I voice the sentiment of our people in Pennsylvania in what I have said," , Mrs. Glossbrenner died October 14, 1884, aged sixty- seven years ten months and sixteen days. She had been in delicate health for some years. At this time the bishop himself was quite feeble, and not able to attend some of his conferences. At the Scioto Confer- ence a resolution was adopted, expressing the sympathy of the conference, and while the paper was before it for action. Dr. L. Davis, of Dayton, paid a beautiful tribute to Bishop Glossbrenner in the following lan- guage : " I have been in the ministry and Scioto Conference fifty-six years, but the bishop is a little older in years, and also Is my senior in the ministry. This near relation in the number of years gives me tender feelings. When the name of Bishop Glossbren- ner is mentioned here, as it is now, he seems to be pass- ing away from us, and this reminds me of my early departure. I have always regarded Bishop Glossbren- ner as not only a man of great power as a preacher of Christ, but also as a model bishop," Bishop Glossbrenner died on the morning of Jan- FOURTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 66 i uary 7, 1887, aged seventy -three years five months and thirteen days. His remains lay for some days in the east room of his own dwelling, and was from this place taken to the church, where, for so long a time he had worshiped. The bishop asked to be buried in the cemetery beside his wife. He forbade any extrav- agance in connection with his funeral, and requested that his body be carried to the grave by his brethren in the ministry, after the example of Stephen. His requests were complied with. A tender funeral dis- course was preached by Bishop Weaver, from Rev. XXI : 25. " For there shall be no night there." He then said, " it is now left to us to bear to the tomb the body of our brother, tenderly and solemnly, and lay it away to rest in hope of the resur^'^ction. We will do this reverently." " The place where he rests is somewhat of a lonely spot, and yet it is a beautiful elevation by a thorough- fare. It was his wish to rest here. In this rural scenery he had found delight and rest in these many years. Amid the romantic farms and rustic beauty of these hills and valleys he had dwelt in the days of young manhood with the companion of his love and sorrow. Every hill and valley and streamlet and dwelling and shadowy forest seemed sacred to him. Here, in his last years, he planned and erected the beau- tiful home in which his companion and he died. Here, at Churchville, though far from the center of the church in which he toiled, his modest and retiring spirit dictated a resting place for his ashes. Here, while the church weeps his loss, sorrowing most that they shall see his face no more, he rests in that long, long, mysterious sleep. His record is on high ; his memory is with the church." REV. WILLIAM HANBY, FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. KEY. WILLIAM HANBY was born in Washing- ton county, Pa., April 8, 1808. Being of lowly parentage, his entrance into life was most humble, but his exit from it most triumphant and glorious. His early childhood, like that of many a more distinguished man, was pinched by poverty and possessed few advan- tages. At an early age he found a good home in a Quaker family, where he was taught to be honest and industrious. His first adventure may be related here. One Sab- bath, when all of the family save himself had left home, he chanced to look aloft, and saw a large bird sailing grandly in the sky above him. He flew to the house to get the gun, carried it out, rested it on a stump, shut his eyes and blazed away. A few minutes after he lay on his back and saw the same large bird calmly sailing on. In after life he saw many a man " hoist by his own petard." In the bosom of this good family, whose memory he always cherished with kindest feeling, the years passed pleasantly away. Farming was not, however, suited to his taste. When he was sixteen years old he determined to learn a trade, and decided on that of a saddler. As was the custom in those days, he was bound by a legal contract to a mechanic by the name of Good. Could he have foreseen the hardships of the next few years, no doubt he would have remained on 338 ^^:;^^-^ FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BBETHKEN IN CHRIST. 339 the farm. Some would say he made a mistake, but God had a work for this lowly boy to do, and the way to it lay through the burning, fiery furnace. He soon found he had entered into a bondage as terrible as that endured by the slave in the South. He was shamefully and brutally treated, and he looked forward with horror to the five weary years of ser\dtude. This cruel master tried to compel him to lie and to steal, but when informed that he must injure his neighbor by telling a lie or submit to the lash, he refused to be guilty of falsehood. At one time he nearly lost his life under his chastisement, and he saw there was no hope for a poor, friendless boy in the hands of such a demon. After three years spent in this kind of servi- tude he found life intolerable, and determined if pos- sible to gain his freedom. On the 24th of March, 1828, he made his escape by twisting his bed-clothes into a rope and letting himself down in the dead of night from the second-story window. He met his old mother in the edge of town, bade her a sorrowful " good bye, " and with bursting heart started out on that long perilous journey, penniless and alone, with his face toward Ohio. " No words can describe,'' he afterward wrote, "the anguish of my heart that night and for days afterward — leaving a poor, depend- ent mother behind, very poorly clad myself, my spirit crushed by the treatment I had received, and every moment dreading to hear the footsteps of my dreaded master, who had repeatedly assured me he would ' fol- low me to hell.' " In his utter despair he cried to God to direct his steps, promising Him if he ever reached freedom and safety he would give his heart and life to His service. At first he traveled only by night, and re- mained hid during the daytime. When almost starving. 340 WILLIAM HANBY, he appealed to a good woman in a farm house, who gave him food and shelter, and kept him hid away un- til his travel-worn feet were somewhat healed and his tired body rested. He started on from this refuge with hope in his heart and vigor in his frame. The remem- brance of this kind friend who helped him in the hour of his need brought tears to his eyes to the last of his days. He now traveled in day time, asking directions from every person he met, to a place as distant as possi- ble from the place he was seeking. On the 1st of April, 1828, he reached Zanesville, Ohio, and though weary and sick from his long journey, went to work at his trade. In a short time he left Zanesville, and found a blessed home in the family of Samuel Miller, near Som- erset, Ohio. Here he followed his chosen occupation, and the influence of this intelligent, pious family had much to do in bringing hira to God, and shaping his life for the work before him. In 1830, under the labors of Eev, l^athaniel Havens, he was converted to God. Kow arose a 'question of honor. He knew that by the laws of his country he was a free man, having reached his majority, but, by the terms of his indenture, his old employer had a claim on him for serv- ice, and this claim should be met. The indenture itself was not in existence, having been burned by a friendly dairy maid at the time of his escaj^e, but his keen sense of honor forbade his taking advantage of that fact. He gathered together all his savings, went back to his native State, settled all claims against him, and returned a happy man, but with an almost empty purse. Soon after this he became impressed with the con- FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 341 viction that he must go forth and preach the Gospel. Few men have experienced the fierce struggles and deep darkness through which his pathway led. His entire ignorance of theology, except the power of God to save, and, indeed, with everything connected with the profession, appalled him. He had received but a few months of schooling in all his life, and it was now too late to secure an education. He determined to work hard at his trade, and promised God to find a younger man whom he would educate, and who would do the work which he felt himself unable to do. This plan brought no relief to his troubled heart. After a long and fearful struggle he gave up, and on his knees, alone in a grove, made the consecration of himself to the Lord, and received such an evidence of his call to the ministry that during all the years of toil and j^ri- vation which followed, he never for one moment doubted it. On the 17th day of October, 1830, he was married to Ann Miller, daughter of his honored partner and benefactor. The wife proved a helpmeet indeed, and, through all the years of privation and toil which fell to his lot, she was devoted, uncomplaining and faithful. Her devout and beautiful life shed an influence for good upon all with whom she came in contact. Her children cherish her memory as that of a true angel of light. In April, 1831, Mr. Hanby was licensed to preach in the United Brethren Church. In the year 1833 he gave his name to the Scioto Annual Conference to travel and was placed on what was then called Wolf creek circuit. He had 170 miles to travel and twenty-eight appointments to fill in making one round. He made the round once in four weeks. The labor was very 342 WILLIAM HANBT, hard, and privations and trials very severe. His salary for the entire year, presents included, amounted to $35. He counted his hire in human souls, the net increase for the year being 100. In 1834 he was elected presiding elder, although at this time he was only twenty -six years of age. His district comprised the whole of Scioto Conference as it was then. During the year he traveled over 4,000 miles on horseback. In 1836 the conference was divided into two districts, and presided over by Coons and Hanby. These two were elected to the General Con- ference, which was held in Germantown, Ohio, in May, 1836. Hanby was at this time appointed general agent and treasurer of the Telescope office, at Circleville, Ohio. He gave the very best of his powers of mind and body to the work which followed, and no interest of the church was dearer to his heart, even to the day of his death. In 1839 he was appointed editor of the Telescope, in place of William Khinehart, resigned. The establishment was heavily in debt, and in order to economize, he was instructed to act as agent, publisher and editor. It was thought that unless an almost superhuman effort was made, the house Avould go to the wall. The work was very hard. In addition to the business man- agement the editor must study in order to make a paper which was to be read by many who had received a hundred times the advantages he had known. His early lack of education made him a life-long student. At the conference of 1841 he was elected for the term of four years. In a sketch of his life, written by him- self, he said : •' No department of the work of the church of my choice has drawn so heavily upon my FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHEIST. 343 best energies as the Telescope. The toil and anguish endured to save a sinking vessel is more than I can describe." During these dark days he walked by faith and not by sight. The church paper was an untried enterprise among a people who had small conception of the magnitude of the work they were undertaking. They had little idea of the wants of such an establish- ment, and as little idea of their own great need of it. Many were illiterate and prejudiced against learning or anything that savored of a finished education. Taking a paper was too near an approach to " book learning," which they had learned to despise. More than one minister boasted that *' he had never rubbed his back against college walls." It would have been a difficult task to have carried on a paper, under such discouraging circumstances, if it had been free from debt, but, burdened as it was, the task was much more difficult. Hanby had clear vision and fine business qualifications, and he bent his energies to remove every obstacle. He succeeded in having the paper put on a cash basis as soon as possible, and instituted measures to increase the circulation. Among them were premiums offered for the largest list of subscribers. It is a noticeable fact that men who afterward attained to high positions in the church, were men whose names appear prominently in the columns of the church organ as agents for it, such as John Russel; J. J. Glossbrenner and Lewis Davis, Dr, Davis and N. Altman crowded each other hard for the prize, the " Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge," and in the race, the doctor, a very unusual thing for him, was beaten. But it was a time of hard struggle for the man on whom so many duties devolved, and 344 WILLIAM HANBY, was accompanied Avitli no little privation, for with all the hard labor, the salary was meager, and many de- vices must be sought to enable the family exchequer to meet the demands made upon it. These days were so dark, and the struggle so bitter that it overshadowed the home like a personal calam- ity, so that those who remain of that family circle look back to that time of trial with a shudder. " The debt, the deW was the ever-present menacing, impending calamity, only to be turned aside by an overruling Providence, whose lielping hand was constantly besought by day and by night. His little five-year-old daughter had accumulated, by much self-denial, the wonderful sum of five old-fash- ioned big copper cents. The anxiety for the payment of the debt ]3ressed so heavily on her little heart, that she felt her treasure must not be hoarded in a time of such peril. It was a hard struggle that went on in her heart, a foretaste of the day when other precious treas- ures must be laid on the altar, but it aided in victory on the right side. One day, when her father was sit- ting with knitted brows, evidently in more than usual danger from that great evil, the debt, she slipped softly to his side, and laid all her treasures on the table before him, never doubting but it would prove ample for the liquidation of the debt, and with the faint hope that maybe one precious penny might be left. ''What is it for ? " he asked, and the keen black eyes were misty with tears when she whispered, "to pay the debt." Would God he could have looked forward in those days of darkness and have seen, as doubtless he now sees, the Telescope going all over the church, the book concern occupying a stately building, all its own, not FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 345 only free from debt, but making money for the church, and spreading light and truth throughout all her bor- ders. No doubt he would even more earnestly have counted it "all joy" to spend and be spent in such a service. It will be a matter of interest to recall the positions taken by him in the columns of the paper at this early day, on the great questions that stirred the people — some of them still great questions. His anti-slavery position was not one of words and convictions alone, but of deeds daring and effective. While in the paper he was brave to speak for liberty and to declare, fear- lessly, the universal brotherhood of man. He did not shrink from danger when called upon to prove his sym- pathy in deeds as well as in words. At this time the laws of the State of Ohio imposed a heavy fine and imprisonment for the crime of assisting a poor panting fugitive to escape from the clutches of the slave driver. But, with a knowledge of all its consequences, he chose to obey the voice of God rather than the laws of man. There were, at that time, but few in Circleviile whose sympathies were actively enlisted in behalf of the slave, and the name " abolitionist" was a term of reproach only equaled by that of "prohibitionist" in our own day. Indeed, there seems to have been but one wdio could be trusted to assist in caring for the fugitive slave. This was Mr. Doddridge, a merchant of the town. Mr. Hanby and Mr. Doddridge, with perhaps a few- otiiers, established a station on the underground rail- road, and manned it themselves. One of the memories of the old Circleviile home is of mysterious, quiet knock- ings in the dead of night, of hurried whispered consulta- tions in the darkness, and of the quiet disappearance of 346 WILLIAM HANBT. the father, and the wonder of the children quickly hushed at finding him at home in the morning. Once, at midnight, the signal was given and the door opened to admit Mr. Doddridge, who brought word that he had five slaves hidden away, and that the pursuers were on their track. There was no one else to go. None other that could be entrusted with an adventure so full of hazard, both to the would-be-pursuers and to the fugitives. So Mr. Hanby went out in the night, procured conveyances, and quietly stole away with his trembling charge to the home of Jonathan Dresbach, whose house formed another station on the railroad, the more secure because it was not south but east of the Circleville station. Here they were hid away, and the driver, by a circuit- ous route, returned to town, and was to be seen at day- light, in his own home, with an air of having spent the night in the bosom of his family. The pursuers, how- ever, got on the track, followed it to Mr. Dresbach's, searched all the premises, actually treading over the hay under which they lay buried, and returned to town unsuccessful, breathing vengeance on the " black aboli- tionists" for having spirited them away. One man, who was assisted by these brave men, returned again and again, first for his mother, then for his wife, after- ward for some of his children, mailing five trips back, and safely reached Canada each time with his precious ■charges. Mr. Hanby's vote was one of the first seven cast in Pickaway county for the Free-Soil candidates, but he lived to see those votes each become a thousand, and to welcome the glad day when liberty was pro- claimed "throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof." FIFTEENTH BISIIOl' UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 34:7 On the temperance question he would need to change but very httle from his utterances of that day to stand in the foremost ranks of temperance workers of to-day. True tlie principle of prohibition was not urged then, but total abstinence for all he earnestly advocated, not only by tongue and pen but by example. On JSTovember 16, 1841, he assisted in the organization of the Washingtonian society at Circleville, of which Hon. Chauncey N. Olds, of Columbus, was the presiding officer. Every member of his family, including appren- tices to the printing business and his two elder children, aged six and eight years, took the total abstinence pledge, and by him and his family, at least, it was con- scientiously kept and always regarded as a sacred obligation. It was in his old age, and during his last efforts in the good cause, that he was made to suffer for conscience sake, when his propert^^ was destro3"ed dur- ing the famous whisky war at Westerville. His vote was also cast among the first for prohibition. He was early and always a friend to the Sabbath- school. During all his time of service as editor, it was his custom to go out to places in the surrounding countr}^ where there were no schools or weak ones, taking his children with him to assist in the singing and would organize new schools or strengthen weak ones. More than one church within the bounds of the Scioto Conference grew out of schools founded or fos- tered by his labors. Up to the last moments of his life he faithfully and regularly prepared his Sunday, school lesson. When taken sick with his last illness, he had a class in the school at Westerville composed of married ladies, and man}' hours of weariness, during his long confinement, were made bright by their tender, 348 WILLIAM HANBY, affectionate ministrations. He was a member of the first Sunday-school normal class organized at Wester- ville by President H. A. Thompson, and did faithful, effi- cient work. On the subject of woman's work he had views far in advance of the times, was a firm believer in the equal- ity of the sexes, and never more delighted than when his daughters showed themselves the intellectual equals of their brothers. The missionary work was always dear to his heart. He gave as freely and conscientiously as possible, and when the work demanded one of his own family, his cheerful acquiescence and words of encouragement were a tower of strength to her who was called. He was always the earnest opponent of secret socie- ties, and saw in them great danger menacing both ' church and state and exerting a pernicious influence upon the individual. This opinion he never changed, notwithstanding charges have been made^to the con- trary, but he did modify his views with reference to the manner of dealing with it. He honestly believed the church should discriminate between the oath- bound societies and the minor orders banded together in so-called charitable associations and for self- protection. Had he lived in the days of bombs and dynamite, he might have found little difference between them. During the year 1844 he spent much time in secret prayer and in searching the Scriptures. In the wide- spread discussion of sanctified and higher life, he was led to believe that there were heights and depths of Christian experience which he had never known. His efforts were rewarded by a baptism of power and FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 349 zeal that he never felt before, and during the long years that followed, his faith never wavered. His experience might more fitly be termed assurance of faith. A daughter, who remembered tht^discussion and struggle, and especially the fact that the doctrine was very un- popular, watched his life with care all the years through to see if his light died down or if he ever felt that he was mistaken, and, in answer to her question during his last illness, he seemed to sum up the whole matter in these, to her, memorable words: "My experience is that the highest attainment of grace is perfect sub- mission to the will of God." In May, 1845, at the General Conference held in Circleville, a special committee reported concerning the affairs of the Telescope office as follows: " We find the affairs of the Religious Telescope in prosperous condi- tion, there being at this time in the treasury a balance of $3,000 in favor of the office." The "debt" was paid at last. At this same conference, after a short time spent in balloting, J. Russel, J. J. Glossbrenner and William Hanby were elected bishops of the church. In those days the office sought the man not the man the office. This brought great dismay to him, and came like a calamity to his wife and children. In those days more was thought of the responsibilities of the office than of the honors or emoluments. When the resultofthe election had been learned, the wives of two of these newly made bishops wept and prayed, and could not be comforted. Small wonder was it in the case of Mrs. Hanby. Serving the church as bishop meant long absence from home, exposure and hardships scarcely to be imagined 350 WILLIAM HANBY, in these days of rapid transit. His absence from home laid upon the wife, a woman of delicate health, of timid, shrinking nature, a burden almost too heavy to be borne. There was a fkmily of five children, his moth- er and step-father, both in feeble health, besides the charge of the " saddle and harness making " establish- ment, by which, during the entire time of his service for the church, he eked out the living his meager salary failed to secure. No wonder the cross seemed very heavy to the wife. His work as bishop was arduous, indeed. He was absent from home three and sometimes four months at a time, often making all the weary journey on horse- back. Letters were expensive luxuries and rare vis- itors, and the use of the telegraph was unknown, so that the partings were times of great distress and gloom. How many chances there were that the traveler might fall a victim to accident or sickness and never return, and how the fear would chill his heart that he would find the little circle broken on his return. For some time previous to starting on one of his long journeys he had been subject to attacks of vertigo, which were regarded as quite serious by his physicians, as possibly being the forerunner of apoplexy. He felt the duty must be done, so he bade his loved ones " good bye." His letters miscarried, and weeks passed without any word from him. A letter from him Avas published in the Telescope^ in which he said he never expected to see his home again, but the kindness of friends kept this from his family. It was a time of great distress, and the thought that he might be dead on some lone prairie was constantly present to them. Finally, one Sabbath morning, the postmaster found a FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 351 letter in the well-known writing, and. knowing as all the community did, the great anxiety of the family, sent the letter to the house. The children were at church, but friends hastened to bring them home to hear the good news that the father was not only alive, but healed of his sickness. He had been attacked with vertigo while in the pulpit at Dublin, Ind., and good old Dr. Witt had taken him to his home and cured him. The first year of his term as bishop he presided over the conferences of Ohio and Indiana ; the second over those of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia; the third year over those of Illinois, Michigan and Iowa. During the four years he presided over everj'^ confer- ence existing in the church. All this territory was traveled over by private conveyance. In 1849 he was again elected editor of the Telescojje. The Telesco2)e was now in much better condition than during his previous term as editor. The church had learned how indispensable it was to her prosperity, and its support was assured. The office now, under his judi- cious management, underook to establish a " book con- cern,'' to supply the literature which the church needed. The work had to be done at both ends — to create a de- mand and then supply it. The church had but fcAV writers, and to select from those of other denomina- tions required no little skill. The office had now been removed, from the two-story frame building of four rooms, in which it first saw the light, to more com- modious quarters in the basement of the large United Brethren Church, built with special reference to its accommodation and from this place the books were published and sent out. During this time our first church history was written, and printed on our own press. 352 WILLIAM HANBY, Perhaps there was no one in the church at that time who had a higlier appreciation of the value of a good education than he. The church needed an edu- cated ministry and an intelHgent people. Up to this time we had no schools, and no book establishment worthy of the name, and but little literature. The ministry needed the book concern, and the people needed the schools. He tried to make the TeUsGO])e a very John the Baptist, to prepare the way for the com- ing of this gospel — the educational work of the church. It was during this term of service that the Otterbein University, the first school of the church, was founded, followed, in something over a year, by Mount Pleas- ant College, in Pennsylvania. He labored faith- fully to secure the founding of Otterbein University. He was on the first committee appointed to obtain the school then known as " Blendon Young Men's Semi- nary," in the possession of the Methodist Episcopal Church, located in Westerville, Ohio, and was ever after its firm friend and supporter. He spent many days, taken from other pressing duties, in obtaining its charter from the Ohio State Legislature. At the close of this term of office his connection with the general work of the church ceased. "We have reason to be- lieve that he would again have been elected to the office of bishop, but when he saw himself likely to re- ceive the office at the hands of his brethren he with- drew his name, feeling in his inmost soul that it was not a call of God, and no influence could induce him to accept a calling not backed by the Holy Spirit. In 1853 he retired from the more public work of the church. After visiting for a time and regaining strength somewhat, he again went into the work of FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 353 the ministry, and was at one time pastor of the church at Westerville. Afterward he was elected financial agent of Otterbein University, and again traveled a circuit. He was loth to give up the work to which he had given his life. During, the remainder of his life the success of Otterbein University was the uppermost wish of his heart, and he was for a long time a resi- dent trustee, and generally a member of the prudential committee. ; At one time all his property was liable for its debts, and when remonstrated with concerning it he said, " Some one must stand for it ; why not I ? " He contributed largely of his means, and denied himself and family many things in order to help along the good cause ; toiled early and late that his children and the children of the church might have the advantage of the culture denied him. His home was always open to the student. Many a sick and discouraged boy or o'irL lono-ino: for home and friends, found cheer and comfort in the home of Bishop Hanby. He had an abiding interest in young men, and never failed to speak that word in season which the Bible tells us is so good. During his last illness affec- tionate messages came to him from all parts of the church from young men whose fainting faith he had never failed to strengthen. One successful young man unhesitatingly declared if it had not been for the quiet watch he kept over his spiritual life he would have fallen away. When on the playground, when he Avas too often taunted with being a Christian, and be- came exasperated, and was tempted to deny his Lord, he felt the gentle touch of the loving hand on his head, and the low voice saying, " John, are you still trying to be a Christian ?" and he felt that he could bear any 354: WILLIAM HANBY, persecution rather than to have to hang his head and answer " No." How keen and earnest his interest was in all that pertained to the welfare of the school ! He was always present at all its public gatherings, rhetorical exercises, public society meetings, until he must have had " Demosthenes, Cicero, Greece and Eome " on his brain, as class after class flourished and passed on, but his interest to the time of his death never flagged. One in writing of him said: "Bishop Han by was a remarkable man, able, with breadth of view, high in- tellectuality, marked elements of character, strong in- dividuality, energetic and persistent in purpose. His influence was felt wherever he wrought." Said another: " His small but lithe frame is surmounted by a head of Napoleonic size ; his eye is dark, his skin the same, and the lines encircling his mouth indicate a thought- ful mind and a decisive character." Rev. I. L. Book- waiter thus describes him : " In personal appearance he was always clean, neat and tidy, a standing rebuke to ministerial slovenliness which was somewhat com- mon in his day. He was of medium size, rather slight in build, complexion dark, and had very penetrating black eyes; a commanding look, with pleasant, inviting countenance. His social nature was attractive, and in conversation he was familiar and edifying. He was a man of prayer, and his inner life was preeminently one of deep piety. In his pulpit efforts he was, perhaps, not as scholarly as some, yet he was a residy and powerful preacher in his prime. "With his large amount of mag- netism, and when under the special influence of the Holy Spirit, his preaching would sometimes be attended with wonderful results." At times his sermons made impressions on his hearers which remained through life. FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 355 Some were so impressed that after a lapse of forty years they would be able to recall text and outline with vivid recollection of the effect produced on the audience. " He was in every respect a Christian gentleman, al- ways polite and reverent. Thus he lived and thus he trained his children." His devotion to and care for his aged mother dur- ing a period of thirty 3'ears proved his reverence for old age. His business tact was marked, and he pos- sessed high ideas of order. Lawrence says of him, " As a financier he probably saved the Telescope office from a disgraceful wreck, and as bishop he did' much to establish order, especially in the business affairs of the church." Bookwalter says that fifty years before, Hanby had found, in southern Ohio, a group of Euro- pean Germans without a shepherd. His heart was deeply moved for their spiritual welfare. He urged Fathers Cramer and Macklin to go down and hunt them up. From this small beginning, which started under the fostering care of Mr. Hanby, has come a German conference of over 2,000 members, scattered over Ohio and Indiana, who are very pious, hard- working Christians, with some of the blood of Otter- bein and Luther coursing in their veins. Hanby wrote and published a history of the church which has proved very valuable to later writers. He compiled a small volume of h^^nns at an early day for use in the Sabbath school, the best of its kind intro- duced into our church. In the preface to the edition appearing in 1842 we have the following : " The happ}'^ results growing out of the late experiment of intro- ducing singing into the Sabbath schools is the only apology for offering tliis little work to the public. Wherever singing has been adopted the number of 356 WILLIAM HANBY, scholars has been increased four fold." Later he pre- pared a careful compilation called the " Church Harp," for the use of churches. In 1856, after a sale of more than 40,000 copies, he had it revised, and it was better bound tlian its predecessoi's had been. He was one of the committee which prepared the hymn book that preceded the hymnal now in use. He filled every office in the gift of the church, from class steward to bishop, which, perhaps, can not be said of any other man in the church at that time, but strange to say, he filled that of class steward after having served the church as bishop. The beautiful thing about it is that he accepted the humblest office in exactly the same spirit as the highest, and discharged its duties with just as great conscientiousness and faithfulness. He lived economically, though few had higher appreciations of the real comforts of life. This was imperative, for while most of his contemporaries who attained to eminence in the church were men of means, either in their own right or their wives', he was poor, started with nothing, always received an in- adequate salary, the highest being $500, yet he raised and educated nine children, eight of his own, and one adopted child; supported his mother and stepfather for many years ; constantly kept a " United Brethren Ho- tel," where all good United Brethren felt free to be entertained without money and without price. He assisted in every benevolent enterprise and gave in pri- vate charity sums he never dared to count. He was strictly temperate in all things, teaching and practicing abstemiousness. He possessed a very tender conscience, was slow to give offense and when overtaken in a fault could not rest until he had said, " Forgive me, I was wrong," even if FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHEEN IN CHRIST. 35T the injured one was the smallest child. Naturally of a quick, impulsive temper, one of the triumphs of grace in him was its transformation into one of patience and gentleness. He scorned to injure the lowest of God's creatures. He was master of the secret of growino- old gracefully. No one ever heard him complain that the former times were better than these. He believed heartily that under the reign of the blessed Redeemer, the world was growing better. He was " up with the times," and enthusiastic in any new enterprise which promised good to the church of his choice or the cause of humanity in any direction. He gave largely of his means, and did it not for praise of men. Many a poor widow or afflicted laborer had reason to bless him for his disinterested goodness. During the sickly season he made it a part of his regular work to go about among the poor, dispensing medicines furnished from his own scanty purse to those who w^ere unable to em- ploy a physician. During the cholera epidemic, though ill himself, he rode to those he feared were needing help, until finally stricken down with varioloid, con- tracted in some of the wretched homes he had visited. It was his custom to look after a poor widow's wood- pile before leaving home as regularly as he did his own. His last years were crowded with sorrows and suf- fering. His oldest son, B. R. Hanby, in the midst of a life of usefulness, to prepare him for wdiich his father had made so many sacrifices, was called home. He was soon followed by the second son, C3^rus, a man of equal usefulness in a different sphere. In the year preceding his own death the third son, Dr. W. O. Han- by, joined his brothers on the other side. So of the four manly boys well fitted to help to win the world to Christ but the voungest, Samuel, remained. He 358 WILLIAM HANBY, suffered severe attacks of illness in the last years of his life, antl through the misfortunes of others saw all his pro}3erty swept away. And to crown all, his wife, with whom for forty-nine years he walked the weary way, went on before, and left him to finish his pil- grimage alone. But all these griefs, which would have made sour and bitter a man of weaker faith, only drew him closer to his Savior, and though the smiles had to shine through tears, they were blessed tears, that watered his heart and made the graces grow. One said of him, "There was no moroseness nor bitterness in all his last years." His spirit was as sweet as a Ht- tle child, and his words full of grace. One earthly blessing he had left, in which his soul took unbounded delight, and that was the love and devotion of his children, who honored him and cared for him with an affection which no words can express. Overcome by this exhibition of kindness on their part, he constantly grew sweeter and brighter in the midst of intense pain as the end of life drew near. A short time before coming down with his last illness one of his daughters sitting near his couch, upon which, weak and suffering, he was reclining, observed him quiet- ly weeping. She said to him tenderly, "What is it, father? " He answered " Oh, I am so happy ; my long toilsome journey is nearly ended ; my life work is joyfully over ; half of my children are already safe in heaven, and I am just as sure the rest will be ; half are safe at home, and all the rest are on the way. Mother is there (meaning his wife) and in a little while I shall be there, too. These lines are in my mind constantly : " ' The Lord mj shepherd is, I shall be well supplied ; Siuce lie is mine and I am His, What can I want beside?' " FIFTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 359 He passed away May lY, 1880. His last words as he called back from the brink of the river were, " I'm in the midst of glory." At his funeral many heartfelt testimonials were made to his life of usefulness and blessing. Rev. J. S. Mills, who was a constant and true friend through all the recent sorrows of the family, and who conducted the funeral services, related tlie following occurrence at the occasion of the visit of Eev. Joseph Cook, of Boston, to Wester ville. " The morn- ing after his lecture Mr. Cook learned of the person and blessed spiritual condition of Brother Hanby, and that while he was bishop and editor he had furnished shelter to the fugitive slave, and expressed a desire to see him. Accompanied by Rev. J. S. Mills and Presi- dent H. A. Thompson, of the University, at whose house he was being entertained, Mr. Cook went to visit him, and while there listened with marked interest to the words spoken by the suffering man. He spoke of his sympathy with Mr. Cook's work in the field of Christ- ian science, and expressed his happiness at being per- mitted to see him. At the close of which Mr. Cook said, " I have come for your blessing," and taking in his hands both the hands of the bishop, he reverently bowed his head while Mr. Hanby gave to him the earn- est benediction, ' May the blessing of the Lord God be upon you and upon your work'; and Mr. Cook responded, 'And may we meet in the city that hath foundations.' Mr. Hanby finished the quotation, ' Whose builder and maker is God.' To which the great scholar replied, ' Even so may it be.' Every one was thrilled as this spirit-prompted ritual was uttered, and in perfect silence, which no one dared to break, the visitors passed sol- emnlv out." 360 WILLIAM HANBY. Rev. E. S. Chapman said : " I would willingly be among those who mourn his loss. I am sure my life is better for having been associated with him." Bishop Dickson said : " He was resigned and cheerful in his last illness. He was strong in intellect, possessing a clear mind, but also stronger in faith. He was emi- nently a Christian man, and accomplished what so many more have failed to do successfulh^, brouglit up a large family, all of whom are earnest Christians. I consider there is no higher test of man's life than that." These are samples of the many beautiful tributes paid to his memory. He was ripe for the celestial harvest, and the reapers have carried the golden sheaf home to the heavenly garner. " Oh, loved of thousands! to thy grave. Sorrowing of heart, thy brethren bore thee; The poor man and the rescued slave Wept as the broken earth closed o'er thee; And grateful tears, like summer rain Quickened its dying grass again! And there as to some pilgrim shrine Shall come the outcast and the lowly. Of gentle deeds and words of thine Recalling memories sweet and holy. Oh, for the death the righteous die! An end like autumn's day declining, ■ On human hearts, as on the sky. With holier, tenderer beauty shining; As to the parting soul were given The radiance of an opening heaven! As if that pure and blessed light, From off the eternal altar flowing, Were bathing, in its upward flight The spirit toits,worship going." J^i^t^c^e that the Meth- odist Episcopal Church was complicated with secrecy and slavery, neither of which could he approve. Will- iam Davis finally gave the young man the United Brethren discipline to read, which he did and was very much impressed with it. It was just the thing he had been waiting to find. It seemed to him, to use his own language, ''that God had made him for these senti- ments and this discipline." Simple, unostentatious and reformatory, all attracted him. Here he could have 396 LEWIS DAVIS, all the good things which he had found in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church without the evil. Is it any wonder that in these later years he should seem unusu- ally tenacious of these early principles of the church, and should manifest some sorrow as the church seemed to be letting go of them ? Other churches would have been glad to have had him — were anxious to have him. They were wealthy and popular and could have given him a place very early in his history, but the things which were dear to him they did not urge. In this ht- tle church, a mere handful in numbers, with Httle in- fluence, with an uneducated ministry, with little hope of making much of a show in the world's redemption, but because they commend the things which are dear to him, he casts in his lot with them, content to suffer with them and for them if the things which his heart holds dear can be made to triumph. After these years of struggle and conflict it will not be pleasant to see the church yield these time-honored views, especially if this should be done, not because they have been proven false, but, as some suppose, the more rapidly to increase her membership. During the time that he was teaching he was urged by men who knew something of his ability, and who thought that he was intended for the ministry, to preach. His experience before the debating club had in part prepared him for this. As yet he had no well defined purpose of being a preacher, but at times he would talk some. Before leaving home he had opened his heart to his mother, and she encouraged him if a call came to him to heed the call. He taught his three months of school and then six months more. SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 397 During 1838 he was licensed, and in the spring of 1839 he joined the Scioto Conference at Pleasant Run. He traveled as an itinerant for eight years, one of which was spent in the eldership. During all this time his thirst for knowledge in- creased. He was poor in books. He would buy such books as he needed and as his limited means would al- low, and when these had been well studied, would ex- change them for others. He could not, in this way, accumulate much of a library. He did not simply read, he studied his books, a very unusual thing with many of the preachers of that day. fie read Watson's Insti- tutes through in six weeks in order to know what was .in them. He then went to work to carefully study them, and made notes of the portions that interested him most, in order to impress them on his memory. His association with Bishop Edwards was very helpful to him along this line. Davis would take note of the pages he read and their contents, and then when he met Edwards, the two men would compare views and thus mutually help and inspire each other. It was a grand sight to see these two men with no surroundings to inspire them, but rather the reverse, with limited means and more limited supply of books, from pure love of knowledge thus improving their leisure moments, and urging each other to get higher attainments in knowl- edge. Would that the young clergy of to-day, with many more advantages, would imitate such devotion. The following incident shows hoAv fixed had become this habit of study with him. One time, when on his circuit, he was visiting a family by the name of Chap- man. When he had talked all he wished to say to him about the common affairs of the family and the church, 398 LEWIS DAVIS, he went to one side of the room, took out his Bi'ble and began to read and make notes as usuaL Soon Mr. Chapman came to talk with him again. It was not long before Davis said to him^ with a little earnestness in his tones, " Mr. Chapman, I can't stand this." " Stand what, Mr. Dg^vis ? " was the courteous reply. Mr. Davis saw that he had thoughtlessly been rude to the man. He then took a little time, and told him of his limited education, the poor facilities he had had, and the duty laid upon him to study in order to meet the obligations put upon him. The man in reply said he did not understand this. When other preachers came they spent all their time in talking and he sup- posed the new preacher did the same. The wife vras admonished by the husband as to the situation, and after that he was allowed to study when he chose, without being subjected to any interruptions. At another time, when stopping with a Mr. Wood, who was a good man but a little talkative, when Mr. Davis, as was his practice, moved off to one side of the room to do some studying, he said to him, "Brother Davis, I don't want that work done. While you are here I want you to talk all the time. You are our preacher, and I pay you for talking." Davis said to him, " Brother Wood, I can't talk all the time, and if you won't allow me to study some while in your house 1 must go elsewhere, where I can stud3\" The result was the men soon understood each other, Davis studied as he wished thereafter, and while on that cir- cuit never had a warmer friend than Mr. Wood. This habit of study was kept up during all his work as a traveling minister. It was known throughout the conference by the other members. When the time SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 399 came for a move along the educational line, all eyes naturally turned to this man as the pioneer who should blaze the way. Some complaints were made at times by some of the members that he did not talk enough, but the more discerning encouraged his habits of appli- cation. Among those who were most helpful to him was David Edwards, who was himself a lover of books and encouraged Davis so to be. As he saw the need of education for himself, so he was one of the first to see its great value to the church. If the church would do the work committed to her, she must combine zeal with intelligence. As some one has said, " The church that thrives is the church that makes the college thrive." Others had felt a want of this kind, but to Davis the building of a college was a necessity. The feeling in favor of a college culminated in the action taken by the General Conference in 1845. Davis urged the matter as best he could. There was no serious opposition to what the conference did. It ^^ Resolved, 1st, That proper means be adopted to estab- lish an institution of learning; 2d, that it be recom- mended to the attention of the Annual Conferences, avoiding, however, irredeemable debts." The action seemed to contemplate the building up of a single insti- tution by the whole church, which at this stage of our development might have been the wisest thing to do. The church was not a unit on the matter. Even the ministers, and some of them in high official posi- tion, saw serious injury to the church. Those who favored a college had to make their case and push their project, for every step of ground was hotly con- tested. A few years before this the Methodists had pro- jected a number of institutions of learning. One of 400 LEWIS DAVIS, these, a preparatory institution, was located at Wester- ville, about twelve miles north of Columbus, Ohio, and was called " Biendon Young Men's Seminary.'" When arrangements were made for opening a college at Del- aware, the interest was gradually drawn away from Westerville, and, after a fruitless effort to live, the citizens decided the best thing to be done w^as to sell it to some other denomination which might be able to o-ive them a local school. The Scioto Conference con- vened in Pickawaj'^ county, Ohio, October 26, 1846, and a delegation from "Westerville, representing its citizens, appeared, and ofifered to turn over the seminary to the conference if it would pay a debt of $1,300 against it. As the publishing interests of the church Avere in the bounds of this conference, the men of the church natur- ally looked to Scioto to take the lead in this matter. Rev. William Davis at this time was opening a mis- sion in Westerville, and no doubt communicated with the citizens concerning the feeling in the conference. This proposition to pay the debt and take the property, which consisted of four acres and two buildings, seemed to the conference as a great bargain. A committee of three persons, William Hanby, Jonathan Dresbach and Lewis Davis, were appointed to visit, examine and re- port. The result was, the property was purchased. These three men were elected trustees, and the}^ pro- ceeded to invite the other conferences to cooperate w^ith them. They elected Lewis Davis as a traveling agent to receive funds to pay the debt and to enlist the cooperation of the other conferences. They had selected a prudent man, tlioroughly in sympathy with the enterprise, of indomitable will, and competent to put his case. TTnl n different man been chosen it is not at all likely the enterprise would have succeeded. SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 401 In December, 1886, the graduates of Otterbein University, with members of the faculty and other friends had a reunion at the home of Dr. Davis, in Dayton. He was asked to give some " reminiscences " of his early experiences in connection with the college, which he did in the following manner : " I have sometimes feared lest my life might in some sense be considered a failure. But when I see this o-atherino-, and look at the fruits of this toil, I am greatly cheered. There are none here w4io were with me in the beginning or who know the day when I went to this work. Those that were with me have gone home. There hangs the last catalogue issued by Otter- bein University, and there beside it hangs the first catalogue. (These were hanging to the chandelier in the parlor.) Between them hangs a tale of forty years' history. More than forty years ago, in 1845, the Gen- eral Conference opened the way for collegiate education in our church. It was only an enabling act. Then I rubbed m}' hands and said, ' That is a good thing.' We were young and enthusiastic and courageous and ignorant — ignoraBt of much that was to be done in this work. I met with Bro. Jonathan Dresbach, and we talked of this matter and what the General Conference had done. We talked with others. We heard of Blen- don Seminary, at Westerville, with four acres of ground and some buildings. It was in debt and could be bought for $1,300. We visited it and looked the grounds all over. We concluded it was good and cheap, and so reported to Scioto Conference, just forty years ago last fail. They bought it, with Jonathan Dresbach, Wm. Hanby, and L. Davis, trustees. Then we began to think of a name. Otterbein University 402 LEWIS DAVIS, of Ohio was suggested. "We thought of college, "We did not just know the difference between a college and university. "We thought somehow that a university meant more than a college. So we took it all in and called it Otterbein University. The brethren cast their eye on me. They wanted me to be a tool or an arm for them to work with, I was then a young presiding elder and was just beginning to feel the sweets of dignity, but I went into the work. That is ' reminis- cence.' " I wrote a subscription, the first of the church, for this educational work. I subscribed and paid the first dollar for higher education in this church. It was not much, but it was the first. Otterbein was dead. For thirty -four years he had been gone to the church above. Jle was a great and good man. The church had always revered him. "We revere him more than ever before, now as the fruits of his work appear. Great as he was, and great as the work he did for the church and the world, he did nothing for higher education, neither did his immediate associates. But we went into it — went into it blindl}'- — and wrote a subscription and sub- scribed to it. Shall I tell you the amount I subscribed ? Fifteen dollars. No more, no less. It was little. I was poor then, very poor — poorer than I am now — and did not understand the wants of the work as now. I went to a man — whose name I could give, and one known all over the church — for his subscription. I wanted him to give a good amount. I pleaded at least that he would give as much as I had done. He said, ' You put your name there to show yourself.' I began to press him some, but I only got $10.00. I went to another man, and he said he would give $10.00 if I SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 403 would take it in books. I accepted the offer — took the books and paid the money. I liave some of the books yet. Brother Hanby gave me $25.00 — grand, good man! I went to Jonathan Dresbach. lie was worth 1100,000. He gave me $50.00. From another I got $25.00 and from another $50.00 ; and so the work began. Now I had the cream. I must start out elsewhere ; so I started for Sandusky Conference away on the Maumee. I liad a horse and overshoes and a good overcoat, and so I started on horse- back. The first night I stayed with a hickory United Brethren. The next day I started out in the snow. •! had to cross A him creek, I went along and along and along, and saw nobody of whom I could inquire. The snow had covered the road, so that there were no tracks. I came to a ford. I could see no one of whom to inquire about it. I started down the bank. The horse went in gently for awhile. Then it plunged and plunged. I climbed up on the horse's back. The horse plunged and swam across, and I got out, but was wet, and soon stopped over night with a stranger Then I went on by Sandusky, and day by day through the mud, through the black swamp — mud^mud — mud — mud, till I could not tell the color of my horse. I got to conference a little late. I had heard that the bishop would antagonize the work. Bishop Russel was then the presiding bishop. He was a strong man- strong in intellect, with a mighty brain well stored, and strong in prejudices. I met him tremblingly. 'I have made up my mind to oppose this,' he said. I told him I had come to represent the work. •' You be still, you be still,' was his reply. I told him I could not be still, and if they gave 404 LEWIS DAVIS, me an advisory seat I would advocate it. I got a chance, but he managed to rule me out of order. I said something, but I was always too early or I was too late, or something was wrong, so that he ruled me out of order. He did oppose it in a characteristic speech of half an hour, and then put the question. But they voted for the college, but by a small majority. It was a victory, but a dear one. I felt that a few more such victories would defeat me. Then I went to Muskingum Conference. There I met Bishop Rus- sel again. 'You are here?' 'Yes, I am here.' ' Well, you be still.' I asked him to be still. I told him I did not think it his business, as a bishop, to op- pose this work. He was to preside, and let the (Confer- ence act. I thought I understood something of parlia- mentary custom. He replied, ' You be still.' He opposed it in the conference vehemently. He said if this thing carried something awful would happen to the church. He did not point out what it would be, but vehemently he asserted something awful would happen to the church. The conference did not vote it that year, but it did the next year. Bishop Russel was atypical man. He was a gentleman — grand, noble, manly, intelligent. He was a representative of the church of that time as to the educational work. The fathers of the church were well represented in him. They were not opposed to education, but the}^ did not believe it the business of the church to educate. This sen- timent I met through the entire church. Other churches held the same view largely. They were getting rid of it faster than we were. Perhaps Otterbein held it. Boehm, Newcomer and Geeting held it. I know Asbury held it. This we had to combat. SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 405 " But we began the work. There is the first cata- logue. In 1847 we opened the school. We had one full teacher, and others who helped. I taught some. Professor Griffith was our chief teacher. We strue- gled ten years before we could graduate any one. We had not the faculty nor the requirements to entitle us to confer any degrees. After ten years' work we grad- uated two ladies — one yet living and one dead. When I left the college, fifteen years ago, there had been graduated one hundred and forty-four. " I fear I have detained you too long. God bless you all. If there is anything of which I am proud it is of this work. As Cotton Mather said of that grand in- stitution, Harvard, 'It is the best thing the fathers of the country thought of.' So I would sa}', the best thing our church ever thought of is the Christian col- lege. God bless it and bless you all." To those who will read between the lines there will appear lessons of toil, of patient endurance, of dis- couragement, of suffering and of conflict which the doctor delicately passed over in his address. It was a great undertaking, and grandly did he meet it. At his own fireside one time he reported that he had taken a note from a contributor for one dollar, payable in four quarterly installments. Another, a bishop, if we mis- take not, at least one in authority, was solicited for a donation. He answered, " How much do you want. Brother Davis, from me ?" Davis answered, " I want fifteen dollars. " With a look of astonishment the good brother replied, " Why, Brother Davis, what in the world do you intend to do with so much money?' If this is the conception the dignitaries had of the mag- nitude of the work, what must have been the indiffer- ence, not to say ignorance, of the masses ? 406 LEWIS DAVIS, In the Telescope of July 18, 1866, there will be found an editorial which gave a good epitome of the situation at the time Mr. Davis labored and suffered. " The friends of these early schools were compelled to fight their way at every step. The general sentiment to all appearances was irreconcilably opposed to any advance in this direction. A large majority of the ministers shared this opposition. It was not an un- usual thing for some of them in their pulpits to thank God they had never rubbed their backs against college walls. "We distinctly recollect with what admiration we used to contemplate these exhibitions of pluck when a boy. "It is but a span back to the time when not a single dollar had ever heen contributed hy any of our members for an educational object, and when no contributions of this kind had ever been solicited. Very many will recollect what small sums were at first asked when this work was commenced, and how these insignificant sums were even then sometimes thought to be out of all propriety. We remember that not many years since, a college agent once, at the annual meeting of the trustees of one of our schools, approached Bishop Kumler, and very timidly expressed the hope that he would donate ^ye dollars to the college before leaving the place. The bishop seemed to have comprehended the matter somewhat in advance of the agent, and, looking him in the face, replied that if the agent would give him five dollars he would kick the whole thing down into Alu7n Creek. Before leaving he had subscribed many times the amount solicited." There was a man named John Eckert, w^ho had been in jail in Germany for preaching experimental religion. He was a man of good life, but of limited SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. 407 information. He itinerated some with Edwards. He preached a sermon, in ^vhich the smoke and the locusts coming out of it were made to represent the college ; the pit was the indefinite amount of learning — no limit to it ; the smoke was the mystifying effect of human teaching ; college men always made things dark about them — were locusts. When college-bred men are ready for work, they seek good salaries, and want to live on the fat of the land. John's exegesis was not in keeping with the strictest rules of grammar, but it illustrated the spirit of the times. One of the most serious objections alleged was that it was to be a " priest factory," where men not called of God should be sent out to preach. Even men in high official position made this assertion. It became so serious that it was thought best to issue a circular, which disarmed anything of the kind. It can be found in the columns of the Telescope for 1848-47, and was w^ritten by Hauby and Davis. It says : "We now enter our most solemn protest, and we think it unkind in any of our brethren thus to represent us, because we have, from the beginning, disavowed in public and in private any intentions of the kind. Our great object is the gen- eral diffusion of useful knowledge, especially in the church to which we belong. * * * As it respects the opinions of the fathers of the church we do not consider them of superior authority in deciding a ques- tion of this kind. * * * If God should call a man from the plow, let him go. If from any of the high schools of the land, let him likewise go and go imme- diately. * * * This sentiment, we think, our vener- ated fathers held no more sacred than we do. ' * * * And now all we ask is to be treated with Christian court- esy, and not to have urged upon us positions we have 408 LEWIS DAVIS, never taken ; and further, either to convince us of wrong by the Bible or discipline, or allow us peaceably and kindly to do what we are perfectly willing they may not do." The first new college chapel which was built at Otterbein University, and which was burned in 18Y1, had a recess on the west side, designed in part, when frescoed, to add to the beauty of the building. A man from north- ern Ohio, if we mistake not, sent as a trustee, not be- cause of any fitness for the place, but that his friends might thereby compliment him, came, returned home and reported that this offset was a place in which the authorities intended to place a large Tnirror in front of which the students would practice their bowing and gesticulating, and that the effect would be to make the young people proud and haughty, and should not be encouraged. Much of the opposition came from the prevailing conviction that education would tend to formalism, and that those brought under such influence would not be so pious as hitherto. A good lady living near Circle- ville intimated a desire to give something to the institution if she could have any guarantee that it would not hinder revivals. Davis took note of her promise, and, when revivals occurred year after year, he informed her of the fact, but there were other reasons for delay and he failed to get her money. Davis was charged with being in a secular business which was unworthy of a Christian minister and not in keeping with his vows, but in God's name he went forward and vfas not forgotten. The idea in the mind of Davis was to educate our own children under our own religious influence, so they should not be led away from our own church, and not SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHKEN IN CHRIST. 409 for any special profession. Bishop Eussel was not opposed to education in the abstract, but held that it was not the mission of the church to build schools. It was the business of societ\^ at large to look after the secular education of the people. Russel listened to the presentation of his side of the case by Mr. Davis, and answered him by saying, " Davis, you talk slick, but from this will come a theological seminary, and you will be professor of theology." The old man was more of a prophet than he supposed. The natural result of an intelligent people will be a higher grade of ministry'-, and this will necessitate a theological seminary : and Davis was for years a professor of theology. At this late day we are struck with the broad com- prehension which at this time Mr. Davis had of the educational problem. He did not have any special edu- cation himself, except the few months at the academ}^ He had not read any books or journals giving him the philosophy of the subject. He had not come in con- tact with college graduates or college professors. There were no older men in the conference who had been aroused on the subject and from whom he could catch inspiration. The agents, who from time to time were sent out, were working for the church and sought contributions because this enterprise was expected to help the church, but just in what way they could not tell. Bishop Hanby was probably the most intelligent and faithful ally he had, but he did not so much lead as follow and aid Mr. Davis. In the General Confer- ence which authorized this movement, it is not proba- ble there were half a dozen men who had any well de- fined idea of the educational work this man had to plan and did plan to meet an ideal in his own mind, which 410 LEWIS DAVIS, ideal was so accurate that it has been and "is to-day not only the accepted policy of this church, but of all churches and of educated men in general. At the same time he had to look after the financial interests of this institution, shape its policy and secure the funds to make it a success, in all of which he acquitted him- self with credit. When the college opened it was in charge of Pro- fessor GriflBth, of Indiana. Davis had taught some in his younger years, and had been studying more or less since that time. What he had learned he now begins to teach. He had classes in English grammar, geog- raphy, bookkeeping, elementary natural philosophy and others of like character. While doing this he was taking some studies in the college himself. He learned to read the Greek Testament fairly well, and knew something about geometry, from which he got his first clear insight into the philosophy of reasoning. During this time he also had charge of the college boarding house, which proved a delightful home for many a student. He had charge of this for seven years, but as the income was limited it paid him little besides his board. In the meantime he studied hard to meet the wants of his own class, to keep up with his private work in college, and here laid the foundation of that skill which afterward served him so well when he came to manage the institution himself. With the ability which he possessed and the tact which he manifested it is not strange that his brethren should want to promote him to what they supposed was the highest office in the gift of the church. He was elected bishop of the General Conference which met at Miltonville, in 1853. It was a position he did SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 411 not desir^, and he did not think it was the work for which he was best adapted. He had become so ab- sorbed in his educational work that he did not wisli to give that up. In 1850 he had been chosen president of the university. He proposed to resign the office of bishop, tliat he might continue in the educational work. He was urged to give a jDortion of his time to each of these lines of work, and, with the hope that at the end of his term the brethren would leave him off, he consent- ed so to do. When he was reelected in 1857, he resigned the presidency and Rev. Alexander Owen was chosen to fill the vacancy. As his failing health compelled him soon to resign Davis was again sought for to aid the college, and as his tastes were more along this line than in the bishop's office, he resigned the latter in the second year, and returned to the presidency which he held until 1871, when he vacated this place to accept a place as senior professor in the faculty of Union Biblical Seminary. Our space will not permit us to enlarge upon this part of his life work, but somebody ought to give the church the inner history of these years of struggle for the educational work of the church. It is a valuable chapter in our history, which can not well be omitted. JSTo one living is so competent to give it as Dr. Davis him- self, and again and again have we urged him to do so. The history of Otterbein University, like that of most of those founded in the earlier settlement of our coun- try, affords another example of success accomplished under the most adverse circumstances. The records of the trustees in the early days of the university show that the managers of the institution were not free from perplexity. Time and again they met when debts 412 0 LEWIS DAVIS, were pressing them, without knowing which way to turn. They adjourned to meet again with the assurance that succor would come, but in what direction or from what source they could not tell. They had a conviction that they were about a divine work, hence they could not let go. In the records of the executive committee for 1860 we find this action : " "We recommend further, that in order to succeed we must give ourselves to earnest and fervent prayer. If God does not under- take for us, our best efforts will fail. "We have reason to believe that in other days God did give Otterbein University favor with the people, and will do so again if we freely turn our hearts and thoughts to Him." At the dedication of the new college building, in 1871, Dr. Davis resigned the presidency to take a place in the United Brethren Seminary at Dayton. The trustees of the university, after accepting his resignation paid the following well-merited compliment: ^^liesolved, That in accepting the resignation of Rev. Lewis Davis, D. D., as president of Otterbein University, we do so with a full recognition of the invaluableservices rendered by him to the institution during the eighteen years through which he has been its honored head, and with grateful remembrance of his unflagging devotion and perseverance and of his hope against hope through all its vicissitudes in this extended period; and that while we sincerely regret his separation from the university just at a time when it is entering on a new era of pros- perity and usefulness, the best wishes and most de- vout prayers of this board shall attend him to the new sphere of Christian labor upon which he is about to enter." The General Conference in 1869 instructed the SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHEEN IN CHRIST. 41 3 bishops to appoint a board of education, whose duty it should be, in addition to promoting the general work of education in the church, to devise and adopt a plan for founding a Biblical institute, to be under the control of the General Conference; to locate said institution and proceed with its establishment as soon as possible. The board was appointed, and, after canvassing the situation, agreed to open the institution October 11, 1871. Dr. Davis was made the senior professor, and was aided in his work by Rev. G. A. Funkhouser. For fourteen years he has worked faithfully for its success, teaching its students, doing his part as a member of its board of trustees and in its executive committee, ad- vocating its interests in the church paper ; in correspond- ing with its patrons, in soliciting funds for its upbuild- ing, in any way he could he sought to advance its interests. He has had the double honor — an honor given to a very few men of this day — of piloting our first college and our first theological seminary through the shoals of ignorance and the quicksands of povert}^, until they have taken on the character which they now have, and already give promise of their wonderful power for good. As a deserved compliment for the work done in these two directions his name stands on the catalogue of Otterbein University as professor emeritus, and also in the same relation in that of Union Biblical Seminary, and will likely remain here as long as his life shall last. When the building now occupied by the seminary was dedicated in 1882 the speaker of the day made the following complimentary reference to him : " I am glad the senior member of this faculty, who years ago laid the foundations of the collegiate work of 414 LEWIS DAVIS, this church, and who lifted that work to so successfu\, « place among the colleges of the land, is here to-day to witness the dedication of this building, the first theo- logical seminary in this church. To none of us can this day be so pleasant as to him who, almost forty years ago, through adversity and distrust and opposition, looked forward to this day and had the courage and patience to wait and labor for its realization. May he have many returns of this anniversary before he shall be needed in that grander university whose pupils are the children of the great King." His mother died many years ago. Learning that she was ill, he got a horse and buggy and went to Bote- tourt county, Va., to see her again. He spent a month. visiting with her. During this time she was confined to her bed, and he had frequent and long talks with her. His brother, who was a Methodist preacher, was at home at the same time. He told her about his life and the work in which he was engaged, and that he must soon return and look after it. She arranged with him that he should come to her again before finally leaving. The hour of parting at last came. Let him tell the story. " I went to her bed. She asked me to kneel down." Here he ceased to talk. His lips trembled. He looked out at the window. Great tears were chasing each other down his cheeks. For a moment he could not proceed. The door of memory was opened and a flood of recollections came back. The whole scene was once more before him. At last with broken utterance he said: "She didn't cry; no, she didn't cry. I kneeled beside her bed. She placed her hand on my head ; with her other she gestured, placing it on her bosom, and said. ' Cherish the truth here ; as you understand the SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. 415 truth, cherish it here;' then placing her finger on her lips, said, ' tlien put it here.' I have sometimes used that statement and that gesture before my classes. I got it from my dying mother. I never saw her again, but all these years she seems not to have been very far away from me. Does that seem like mysticism ? I never get away from the feeling that my mother is near me. I have sometimes been almost too decided in saying what I thought. It has been because I thought of my mother, who said, 'put it here,'" plac- ing his finger to his lips. The writer has known Dr. Davis for more than a quarter of a century. For five years of that he was a member of the same college faculty with him, and became familiar with his views on educational questions. During a part of this time he has been on terms of more than ordinary intimacy. He has always found him the same honest, faithful, earnest man. He is a man who has his convictions and can give a reason for them ; what he believes at all he believes with all his heart. In his earnestness for the triumph of what seems clear to him, he at times seems severe, but there is no hard- ness in his heart for men who honestly differ from him. He has a kind of quiet contempt for men who are wish^^-washy, who have no opinion, or none for which they care to contend. To put it in his own language, he " has no use for such men." The world has no place for them. The office of the Christian minister, jes, of every Christian man, is to make public opinion what it should be, not to follow it. If men say to him " You can not succeed," he answers " That is not my business." He must only ask himself should this thing exist, and if answered in the afB.rmative, then he is called of God to 416 LEWIS DAVIS help cause it to be, and he is derelict to his highest convictions of duty if he fails to use all the means at his command to bring it to pass. This will help to account for his unceasing hostil- ity to secret societies. From his standpoint they were at war with every interest of society and of the Christian church. He had studied their origin and history, knew every specious plea for their existence, and how to meet it. He was an open, fair antagonist, but his sledge-hammer blows were blows the opposition did not care to meet. He would as soon think of committing suicide as to give his name to any organization and take a solemn oath to " forever conceal and never reveal " what should be said to him. As a preacher sent of God it was his business to utter the truth and not to conceal it. To have required him to travel the streets with his hands on his mouth, keeping within his own bosom his convictions of duty, would have been a severe punishment to him. When John Mil- ton was traveling on the continent to complete his education, civil discord in England was a sufficient cause for his returning home. In those stern days men could not shilly-shally down the stream of popular compromise. Milton soon took sides against what he regarded as tyranny. He says : " When God com- mands to take the trumpet and blow a dolorous blast, it lies not in man's will what he shall say or what he shall conceal. I considered it dishonorable to be enjoying myself in foreign lands while my countrymen were striking a blow for freedom." Davis was always a thorough anti-slavery man. He was so in Virginia before he came to Ohio, and did not SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BBETHREN IN CHRIST. 417 need to be converted. He sympathized with all loyal men during our late Civil War, and hailed with delight all legislation that would help the black man. These views of his would compromise him somewhat when he labored along the border of the slave States. He had learned from his mother to put the truth in his heart and speak it from his lips. After preaching on one occasion he went home with a farmer, and after reading an account of emancipation in the West Indies, commended the matter to his host. The latter said noth- ing but treasured up the affair in his own heart, and after Davis left no doubt talked freely to his neighbors about it. When Davis returned again, the man would not entertain him, although his family were members of the church. He stood for his own convictions, and the community were stirred up against him. Twelve miles from this place he preached on Sunday afternoon and to a large audience. When he was done a man came for- ward and read a paper to the audience, in which it was asserted that Davis was an " abohtionist, " and he was asked to respond whether he was or not. If lie did not answer, it would be assumed he was. If he was, he was warned to leave the country. This was in Ohio, a free State, where men were supposed to ha\^e a right to their own convictions and to be allowed to civilly express them. A Baptist man who was X3resent, and a friend of his but at the same time a pro-slavery man, jumped for the party who read the paper, intending to punish him but he had made his escape. Davis read from the United Brethren discipline to show that we are opposed to slavery. In this excited condition of things the con- gregation of course interpreted what he read to be rank abolitionism. 418 LEWIS DAVIS, About three miles from this place lie went to preacli one night, and the man who was to entertain him was a Virginian, a tough United Brethren, and a pro-slavery man. His horse was placed in charge of Mr. Ewing, a scholarly man and somewhat intimate friend. The congregation listened until he Avas through with his sermon. He then read discipline again here to show the position of the church and that he was honestly representing the convictions of his people, and then asked them if any of them could oppose that to stand up manfully and defend themselves. Davis waited, but no one took up the challenge. He hoped Mr. Ewing would. Davis then said, " You go away and talk about me, but you won't meet me in argu- ment." The meeting closed and he returned with his host, Mr. Powell. They had supper, but nothing was said. Before long a note was received from Mr. Emng, saying he could not keep his horse any longer. Mr. Powell reported there was great excitement out- side. Davis went out to get his horse, but could not find it. " Mr. Ewing, why did you so treat me ? Why not stand up and defend yourself Avhen you had op- portunity ?" said Davis. He answered, " Mr. Davis, personally I respect you very highly, but your senti- ments are dangerous, and I can not entertain them." " Why not, then, reply ? " " Beca^use I respected you, and wished to keep down the mob." " Mr. Ewing, I placed my horse in your care, and if any damage is done to him you will pay me for him." Davis returned to Powell's, but the latter did not want him to remain. Davis left him and went to another house and asked for a bed to sleep in, and slept. Ewing sent a man to hunt the horse and found him, and Davis was awak- SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 419 ened at midnight by a messenger from Ewing, asking him to come and get his horse. Davis examined the horse carefully to see that all was right, and when he satisfied himself it was, he mounted it and rode about four miles and found another member of his church, a pro-slavery man, however, who took him in and gave him bed and breakfast. To his surprise he found the schoolmaster, who had read the paper after his sermon, was boarding here. As Davis rode over the hill in the mornino- on his journey he overtook this man and he ordered him to leave the country. Davis answered that he would leave when he was ready, and if this man wanted to help him out he had better begin soon. He did not mean to be frightened away from his duty. He was made of sterner stuff. At one time he was on the train on his way to Cin- cinnati, and saw the conductor put a colored man off the train. He went to some of the officials who were on board to learn if this was endorsed by them, and found it was. Indignant at such conduct, he expressed his mind to them concerning the matter. Near him sat a Kentuckian who had heard what was going on. He came to him afterward, and in terms of congratulation said, " I see you are an abolitionist ; I admire you for speaking as you do. Men should not hide their con- victions." Davis himself always sought to act on that line. He says, " I have sought to treat all men without guile. I do not cover up my convictions. If I have a sentiment which men ought to know, I must assert it. It is both a pleasure and a duty." During the war, when there was so much timeserving, he had his con- victions and asserted them. Men had no trouble in ascertaining where he stood and what he believed on 420 LEWIS DAVIS, any important question. While residing in "Wester- ville one of tlie old citizens, Mr. Westervelt, saw him. on his way to the polls on election day, and said to him, " President, you are going to vote with the abo- litionists, of course." " Yes." " Well, you and the preachers like you have done all they could to bring on the war." " Yes, I did all I could," was the cool reply. " Well, I don't want anything more to do with you," said the astonished citizen. Davis said, " Let me explain: the Saviour said, ' I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword.' I advocate the truth, and if that brought on the war, then I am guilty. This was made the occasion of war. I was willing to take the conse- quences of telling the truth." Mrs. Davis tells a story of her husband which is too good not to be repeated. A young man from the South found his way to the college, and also found a home in the family of the president. He was polite and courteous, a moderate student, but indoctrinated with southern ideas, and of course believed that slavery was the natural condition of the black man. Mr. Davis was anxious to correct his erroneous views, and took occasion at meal time as the most opportune period, to put his opinions before the student. As the latter could not, of course, meet the objections brought against his pet notions, he became a little annoyed at times, but bore it all patiently. The end came one day when a fugitive slave, on his way north, stopped at the president's, and he insisted he should be brought out to the table to eat with the family, including the young man. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Under no circumstances could he submit to such indignity. By permission he left the table and went to the hotel to get SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 421 his dinner. He was very angry. Some parties anxious to know the trouble inquired if he did not have a pleasant boarding place. The young man answered it was all pleasant and good except one thing : " It was niggah for breakfast, and niggah at dinner and niggah at supper : it was just niggah all the time." JSTeverthe- less the president was not converted from his anti- slavery views. One of the characteristics which crops out during his whole life is his high steadfastness of purpose. " Most men live only from hand to mouth. The bias of their hfe is presented to them by accident. They are driven hither and thither by the gusts of their own passions, or become the sport and prey of others, or intrust the decision of their course to the immoral god, circumstance. In the words of Isaiah, ' Gad and Meni are the idols of their service; they pre- pare a table for chance and furnish a drink offering to destiny!' From such idols no inspiration comes." In his early years Milton wrote to a young friend, " You ask me, Charles, of what I am thinking. I think, so help me heaven, of immortality." The sub- ject of this sketch was not thinking so much of immor- tality as he was of his Master's approval and to build up the church of his choice. From this high aim, no privation, no disappointment, no opposition could turn him. Inflexible as the needle to the pole, he pursued the even tenor of his way, and his efforts were re- warded with success. He has a strong emotional nature. The notion that strong emotions are incompatible with strong intel- lectual powers has long since been exploded. The his- tory of all men who have made their mark in the 422 LEWIS DAVIS world's progress shows a vigorous emotional nature combined with strong intellect. The biographer of Dr. Mark Hopkins says, " Friends who knew him in- timately discovered depths of sentiment in his soul, shy and furtive tenderness, which ordinary acquaint- ances would not suspect. A native reserve inclined him to silence touching the whole world of his inner and spiritual self. In some respects he was a solitary man, shut up with himself and his God. It was easier, more natural for him to speak of his thoughts than of his feelings. But though he may have been silent, it does not follow the feelings were absent." In more than this respect do we find a parallel between these distinguished educators. Neither of them in the begin- ning expected to become teachers for life. The posi- tions they filled in the educational world came to them without seeking. They were both men of magnificent physical frame and commanding personal appearance. They were men of intense enthusiasm, and in all edu- cational achievements this has borne a distinguished part. Until the last day of their teaching, the intel- lectual powers of both were brilliant as ever, and their interest as keen in questions which for years they had discussed with their students. They had both learned the true art of teaching : to begin with the simplest elements and to construct the fabric " with which they became familiar from foundation to the topstone." They both recognized the individuality of the student and sought to develop it ; not that they were indiffer- ent to their own views, but habits of independent, self- reliant thinking were of more value than the adoption of any systems. They ^vere both skillful in question- ing, and when a subject was in hand, at any cost it had SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHEIST. 423 to be reduced to the last analysis. They were both catholic and large minded in their relation to truth, and while clinging to the old were ready to welcome the new. They had both cultivated of necessity the habit of extempore speaking, and could think well in the presence of an audience. They were both men of large hopefulness, and taught their pupils to shun the " pit- falls of pessimism." I^either of them were students of literature in the strict sense of the term ; were not great readers of miscellaneous books. Some of our greatest men have been men of few books. It was not so much their power of acquisition as of personality that impressed their pupils. They established no special school of thought. This was not their aim, but " to train men into habits of broad and independent thinking, to develop the sources of personality — that loftiest summit toward which we move in our attain- ment." A friend who was at one time conversing with him concerning his entrance into the ministry says: " He was ordained May 5, 1842. Henry Kumler gave him his license. He showed me a little pocket-book con- taining his license, with a string tied around it. It was of black morocco and had a gilt border to it. He had a friend who was a school teacher in the Kanawha country where he taught. ' I loved him and he loved me. I had bought a new pocket-book and showed it to him. He emptied the contents of both on the table, and gave me this one and asked me to keep it as long as I lived, and promised he would keep mine till he died. "We parted then and I never saw him afterward. I do not remember to even have heard from him.' The young man's name was Robert Lupken. Great tears 424 LEWIS DAVIS, stood in his eyes as he turned over this memento in his fingers, and the memory of his early manhood days came back upon him." Under an apparently severe exterior Dr. Davis has a warm, sunny heart. While hating sin he has a warm interest in his race. Whatever concerns the destiny of man concerns him. While sober and sedate and digni- fied when occasion demands it, around his own quiet fire- side he delights to unbend to his friends and no man enjoys a clean joke better than he. When surrounded by those who take pains to call out this part of his nature, the sallies of wit fly thick and fast. There is nothing bit- ter or sarcastic in his thrusts, but done with the most generous kindness and with a merry twinkle in the eye. His temperament is hopeful and his whole nature sunny. He would much rather compliment men than find fault with them. This cheerfulness has permeated his whole religious life. He takes no account of that spurious piety which shows itself in long, sour faces and dolorous sounds, while at the same time it thrusts its fingers into your pockets to filch your money or j^our character. His piety is not a thing to be put on and off like a cloak, but has grown into the very warp and woof of his nature. He has come so near the throne and looked so often into the face of the Anointed that his heart may continually rejoice and his life speak forth words of blessing^. In 1868 the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the faculty and trustees of Washington and Jefi'erson College, Pennsylvania. It was a well merited compliment paid to a deserving man. At the close of the year (1888) we looked in on Dr. Davis at his own quiet home in Dayton once more, and SEVENTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. 425 received a very cordial welcome. He is now released from any oflBcial responsibilities. He has almost com- pleted his seventy-Qfth year. A little tinge of sadness manifests itself as he tells us how the church he has loved so dearly, and for which he has labored so long, is drifting away from her moorings, and is in danger of being stranded on the quicksands of worldliness. He is as busy as ever, spending much of his time in his quiet study, revising his lectures and consulting his books, his ever faithful friends. His face is toward the land of Beulah. The Delectable mountains are almost in sight. He can begin to faintly hear the music of those who sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. For our sakes may he yet be spared to us many days. When the Master does call we are sure he will hear the wel- come plaudit, " "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." "And if the eye must fail of light. The ear forget to hear. Make clearer still the spirit's sight. More fine the inward ear. Be near me in mine hours of need To soothe or cheer or warn, And down these slopes of sunset lead. As up the hills of morn." Whittieb. REV. JACOB MARKWOOD, EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. REV. JACOB MAKKWOOD was born December 26, 1815, about one and a half miles west of Charlestown, Jefferson county, "W. Ya. His grand- parents on his father's side came from Germany and settled at Charlestown, then Virginia, now West Virginia. His father, John Markwood, was born here April 2, 17T2. Upon the death of his parents, John was left to support the family. This put on his shoulders a heavy burden, and opened the way to the common temptations which beset the path of the young man de- prived of parental counsel and restraint. During these years of toil to maintain a comfortable living for those dependent upon him, he formed the habit of drinking, from which he was never afterward entirely free. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Durst, in the year 1Y97. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a woman of superior culture for that day. She was fitted both by nature and by training for the arduous work of caring for a family of children. With- out the advantages of schools or frequent church serv- ices, and with but limited means at her command, she secured the best advantages of the times for her family. Those whom Providence had made the objects of her love had a careful home training, as well as the exam- ple of a faithful Christian mother. Though the father never professed Christianity, with the exception named he was an upright man, of good character, and, aided by 436 (L^^,^2^^^iSii.^iP-2^^ EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHKEN IN CHRIST. 427 a faithful, Christian wife, he reared a Christian family. He was a mason by trade, and labored to secure for his family the best he could. There w^ere born to these parents five sons and three daughters. David, the eldest child, was born in 1798, and died in Fairfield county, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Catharine was born in 1801, and died at Martinsburg, "W. Ya., in 1869. Maria was born in 1803, and has spent most of her life in Cincinnati, Ohio. John was born in April, 1806, and is living in comfortable circumstances near Ridge ville. Mineral county, W. Ya. He was for a time a preacher in the United Brethren Church. He is a man of sterling worth, and has lono^ given character to the church in his community. He has been blind nine years from cataract, but lives in good hope of seeing Christ as he is. The above-named children were born in Charles- town, then a small village, now the county seat of Jefferson county. The family then moved one and one- half miles west of the village, where Lucy, the third daughter, was born in 1809. She removed to the West where she lived a number of years. Henry Avas born in 1812, and lived an honorable life, the latter years of which were spent in Mineral county, W, Ya. Here also were born- the twin brothers, Conrad and Jacob, on December 26, 1815. Conrad died near Zanesville, Ohio. He was blind for almost six years before his death. The family home was maintained ; the youngest children were nearly fifteen years of age when the father broke up housekeeping and the children were left to look after themselves. The parents were both blind for several years preceding their death, the mother for fourteen years from effect of a cataract. 428 JACOB MAKKWOOD, She fell asleep in Jesus at Martinsburg in 183S. Slie had been a faithful and loving mother, and left to her children a goodly heritage in imperishable things. The father lived with his daughter to the age of ninety-nine years and six months, and died near Ridgeville, Mineral county, W. Ya., June 18, 1871. The boys were all con- verted in youth, and all held places of honor in the church, either as preachers, exhorters or class leaders. All the daughters became religious early, except Catha- rine, who was not converted until middle life. Jacob Markwood, the illustrious representative of this honored family of Virginians, bore the striking characteristics of his father. For the finer qualities of his nature and the nobler training of his youth, he was doubtless debtor to his mother. He had the good fortune to be one of a large family of children, and, being the youngest, he would incur the dangers of increased parental fondness, but there were no traces of these discernible in his after life. His childhood was spent in the home of his parents, with his brothers and sisters as his companions. At once sprightly and pleasant among his playmates, he began in childhood to exhibit the elements of character which were after- ward to appear in one of the most thrilling men of his time. Early in youth he had a severe attack of fever, the effect of which followed him for years and robbed him of many privileges and opportunities which other- wise he might have enjoyed. His father, possessing no real estate, was compelled, in seeking employment, to move from one place to another, and, while this method of living had some advantages, it also had its disadvantages. At this early day the country afforded few, and these EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 429 very poor, opportunities for education. A few months of school training, such as it was, must suffice in these times for the education of the children of the families in the common walks of life. First in Charlestown, then one and a half miles in the country, then at Shady Springs on the banks of the Shenandoah, then at Shep- herdstown on the Potomac, afterward at Green Springs, Frederick county, for a time at Martinsburg, W. Ya,, and possibly elsewhere, wandering here and there, this family found little chance to secure even the meager advantages offered. The greater part of his childhood was spent at Shady Springs, Jefferson county, Ya., but the first schooL- he attended was a subscription school (there were no others in his time) about two miles from Shepherdstown, taught by Mr. Lemon, of Pennsylvania. On one occasion he was pun- ished for some misbehavior, but although the whipping was unusually severe, young Markwood obstinately refused to cry, thereby manifesting the strong will that afterward gave tone to his character. This term of three months with a few others, amounting in all to not more than ten or twelve months, constituted his course of preparation, so far as the school room was concerned. This was by no means the limit of his education. He pos- sessed an inquiring mind. From earliest childhood grew the desire for knowledge. Quick and intelligent in school, when out of school he allowed no chances of gathering information to pass by unimproved. Of grammar, a study then thought unimportant, he was passionately fond in his younger days, and often vent- ured severe criticisms on the inaccuracies of the pro- fessedly learned. Books were his companions when a boy, and were not cast heedlessly aside at the approach of 430 JACOB MARKWOOD, manhood. He handled them with a kindred pride and care when the fancies of childhood had been sup- plemented by the grander themes of science and theol- ogy. His early life was greatly influenced by the study of the Bible. Its teachings furnished themes for con- versation when opportunity offered for acquiring a fuller understanding' of its meaning. At the age of fifteen he and his twin brother were left to their own resources. They were tossed here and there, often among strangers, securing as best they could the necessities of life. During these years he had encouragement in his desire to receive an educa- tion and some little aid from his brother John. After working about the country for some five or six years, he went to work for his brothers John and Henry, who were running a woolen factory on Green Spring river, in Frederick county, Va. With them he learned the weaver's art and became skillful in the manufacture of woolen goods and in the use of the power loom. This was his trade. He continued in this occupation until he entered the ministry. Prior to his engagement with these brothers on Green Spring river he had worked with an older brother in a factory near the old home. It was during this time that the interesting experience related by John Lawrence in his " History of the United Brethren in Christ," volume II, page 222, occurred. Mr. Lawrence says of Jacob Markwood, that " In his tenth year he became the subject of deep convictions, and while a book containing the experience of some English Wesleyan preachers melted his heart, a tract on the final damnation of the wicked caused him to tremble with fear and to pray for mercy. At the age of thirteen he was put to work in a woolen factory under the care of EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 431 an elder brother. While thus employed he attended a revival meeting, during which meeting, while kneeling at the mourners' bench, after a three dsijs' struggle, he found, to use his own words, ' inexpressible peace in Christ.' " This was probably a Methodist meeting. There were at that time no United Brethren in the communities where he resided. Several years elapsed before he came to Green Spring, where he first formed the acquaintance of the church w^itli which he after- ward became so closely identified. From the date of his conversion he carried the con- victions of his call to the ministry. But on account of his youth and a sense of his inability to meet the high requirements of a minister of the Gospel, with some other discouragements which he met, he delayed his entrance upon this important work. During this interim which was little more than his boyhood years, he main- tained the honest convictions of his heart by an "up right walk and chaste conversation." He chose well his company. His associates were moral, and for the most part religious so far as he could have it so. He was not a looker on merely among his associates, but was recog- nized as a leader, and exerted such an influence as to shame what was dishonorable among- them. Livino' from childhood in and near the scenes of his early years, there has not come to the one who has furnished most of the information for this sketch, information of a single discreditable act which connects itself with the career of Jacob Markwood. Doubtless he had his faults, but those of his companions who remain unto this day have long since learned to associate his memory only with noble deeds. The date of his conversion was October 9, 18-32. It is related of him that he read the Bible from this 432 JACOB MARKWOODj time forward with great regularity. "When working in the factory he would have it on the loom before him or on the nearest window, that he might at any spare moment gather some knowledge from its pages. He was not alone in this. In the class of United Brethren at Green Spring to which he first belonged were others, who at the bench, or behind the plow, from a pocket Testament often gleaned the grains of gold. His early manhood was spent among a people where careful study and knowledge of the Scriptures was scarcely equaled by any of the church then in the Shenandoah valley. The " Old Stone Church," known by that name for many miles around Green Spring, still stands, in which in the fall of 1836, along with the converts of a recent camp meeting, Jacob Markwood presented himself as an applicant, on profession of faith, for membership in the church of the United Brethren in Christ. On the one hand was James C. Hott, who yet lives, a pillar in the church, and on the other a younger brother, Jacob F. Hott, who was for many 3"ears a fellow laborer in the ministry, and who now shares with him " the rest of the weary." Attendance ujDon the camp meeting re- ferred to had kindled anew the desire of his earlier years, and at the solicitation of the members of the church he was induced to participate in its communion. He was received into the church by Rev. John Haney. The woolen factory on Green Spring is now in ruins. It was accidentally burned about the close of the Civil War, and was never rebuilt. It was built on Green Spring river, which, starting from a large spring often appearing of that color, after an irregular course of four or five miles, turning four flour mills and EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETIIKEN IN CHRIST, 433 two saw mills, empties into Black creek and becomes a tributary of the Potomac river. Amid such surround- ings, the great currents of his soul again became tur- bulent. Will Jacob Markwood, the weaver, enter the Gospel ministry? The question had been asked on the mountain path by his comrades and men trained among the brethren of the " Old Stone Church." In its most weighty form it proposed itself to the hesitating youiig man at the loom. Doubtless under the shadow of the mountains overlooking him on the east and by the murmuring rill winding among the hills on the west, and beneath the shadows of the weeping willows in the tangled morasses of the narrow valley between, he often pleaded with burdened spirit that God might lead him in the way he ought to go. Hesitancy had become a power which only divine grace could over- come. These rugged hills and leafy dells held the secret of his eloquence in prayer. Many persons rec- ognized it and saw therein his fitness for the work, for in those primitive days more than now, the church be- lieved that power in prayer was an eminent qualifica- tion for the ministry of Jesus. Prominent among those whose example and course influenced the after life of Jacob Markwood, was Peter Hott, who some months since outlined many of the facts contained in these pages, but whose reward is now no longer in uncertainty. On various occasions he took 3' oung Markwood with him to meetings, which he was accustomed to hold at different schoolliouses about the country, and at these used to good advantage the talent of the factory hand. Encouraged by his ef- forts in conducting public services, Markwood allowed his name to be presented to the class for a recommen- dation to obtain license to exhort. This was granted 434 JACOB MAEKWOOD, by the class at Green Spring, and the recommendation was carried to the quarterly conferences of Winchester circuit, Virginia Conference, which met at the old Pine Church, near Stephen City, Ya., over which Jacob Eineheart presided as elder. Here he was licensed to exhort in June, 1837. In the following September he was given license to preach, and began to use his gift as opportunity offered, as a helper on the fields over which others had charge. He was encouraged in his preparation for the ministry by his brother John, and so far as known met with no discouragements from any of the family. Like so many of his times and place, and like not a few of our own day, he was a con- stant user of tobacco. There was little said in opposi- tion to its use then, but his increased experience led him to abandon its use several years before he died. It seems a little difficult to say just when and where his first sermon was preached. Prior to receiving license from the church he was often called upon to speak, and was accustomed to respond by the use of some passage of Scripture, upon which he would speak with great earnestness. An instance of this kind is especially mentioned where in a schoolhouse in what is now called Welltown, he spoke with great unction from the words,"Come thou with us and we will do thee good." What may with most probabilit}'^ be called his first sermon was preached in the house of John Hott, a member of the Lutheran church. -This was within two hundred yards of where the church now stands in which the bishop made his last public address, and but little over a mile from where he was received into the church. From this class since the days of Markwood have gone out nearly a score of ministers. EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 435 Said one who knew him: " If ever he thought or talked of some other calhng than the ministry it was the ebulUtion of some transient mood, for lie was a minister of Jesus by every tendency of his soul and affinity of his heart. He was a God-ordained prophet in the very faculties of his intellect and the instincts of his conscience. He could have been nothing else unless he had been false to himself. His powers took hold of theology as a Eaphael took hold of painting, with the power and force of a consuming love. No man ever had a higher estimate of the Gospel ministry than him- self. I remember to have congratulated him when elected to the office of bishop, and he replied, ' Oh, my dear, precious brother, your office as a true minister of Jesus Christ is beyond all comparison, infinitely be- yond my office as a bishop or any other office on earth.' " He was small in stature, perhaps not over five feet seven inches in length. He was neatly, even delicately formed and modeled after a most perfect S3''mmetrv. His feet and hands were remarkably small ; he wore a number three boot. His complexion was dark, his face singularly corrugated and mobile, with a power of ex- pression exceeding that of words, and this was no small part of his matchless oratory. His eyes wore a glassy appearance and in the later years of his life seemed to be fixed upon some object a great way off. His voice was characteristic and capable of almost infinite modu- lations and suavity. It was equally remarkable in its quality, being that of a strangely shattered bugle. In elocution he followed no model but his own strong, im- pulsive nature and intense enthusiasm. He possessed the power of being precise, perspicuous, ornate, ar- gumentative, grand, simple, even luxurious, and that all 436 JACOB MAKKWOOD, in the same sentence. It is impossible to account for liis eloquence upon any single principle, save upon character, and the marvelous combination of his un- rivaled powers. Those who heard him in his palmy days, and those only, can form anything like an adequate conception of his power over an audience. His speech was rapid, flowing on in a ceaseless torrent of coher- ently chosen and perfectly articulated words. His in- tensity of thought, courage of diction and cultured acumen enabled him to coin words at will, and that with a smoothness and adaptability to his subject that accorded with the judgment and taste of the most fas- tidious. Had he been the product of refined and cult- ured society, or had he enjoyed the privileges of a collegiate training, his unique character could be more easily understood. But he was himself, yet alike affable and attractive to all. His life further on shows how his characteristics approached the eccentric in later years. In March, 1838, he was received into the Yirginia Annual Conference. Two wiio were members then — George Hoffman and Mr. Lute — are still living. Mr. Hoffman, who has now passed his four score years, says that the year in which Markwood joined the con- ference it met in annual session at Shiloah, in the neigh- borhood of ISTew Bethlehem, Augusta county, Ya., with Bishop Samuel Heistand presiding. Meager records are to be found of his early work in the ministry. The journal of the conferences up to 1850, which contained the reports of his labors, has been lost for a number of years. Says Mr. Lawrence, " He was, in 1838, appointed to travel Hagerstown circuit, as a colleague of William Knott, where lie remained ten years. Next, he was EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 437 sent to South Branch circuit, where he labored two years longer." From this record it is seen that he served but four years as a pastor and that on two charges. He was then elected presiding elder in 1843, and was placed on the Maryland district. Those who Avere gathered into the church during his pastorate on these charges have passed to their reward. The universal testimony re- maining is that he was from the beginning successful, both in his pulpit and pastoral work. While he may never have had the reputation of a revivahst, yet there are sufficient evidences that he met with no ordinary suc- cess in this important part of the church ^vork. Possessed of a quick discernment, aided by a thorough insight into character, it could not but greatly aid in directing his incisive utterances home to the hearts of those to whom they applied. The power of his logic confirmed and convinced men of opposing view^s, while the irre- sistible influence of his impassioned eloquence carried his hearers like the rushings of a mighty tempest. His time, while on circuits and districts, was most diligently employed in study. Logic, metaphysics and medicine were, perhaps, his favorite studies, yet there was scarcely a branch of learning of which he did not have a good knowledge. He possessed a rich and voluminous vocabulary, which placed at his command the inexhaustible resources of his fertile mind. With an almost unerring memory he retained and repro- duced whatever came within his notice. He w^as intensely critical, but seldom, if ever, did he allow this trait to assume an odious form. He carried an earnest desire to help others, and his criticisms were offered for this purpose. On one occasion, after hearing a 438 • JACOB MARKWOOD, minister preach who used the word " platform," pro- nouncing it " flatform," he was stopping over night at the same house with him, and late in the night awakening from his sleep, and, remembering the word, he went to the room of the minister and called : " Brother ! brother ! p-1-a-t-f-o r-ni — platform," and then returned again, sleeping no more, but leaving the brother to profit by the interruption of his slumbers. This disposition to help others, and especially young members, found expression in the loaning of good books. To loan a good book was to him an opportunity of do- ing good which he was always glad to embrace, nor did his helpfulness stop here. He was known on several occasions, when presiding elder, to distribute his quar- terly collection among the poor, even to the last cent, and borrowed money to go on his way. The recipient of certain favors from the bishop related that years ago, before entering the ministry, when he and his family were in need, he having been sick for some time, the bishop loaned him money sufficient to meet tlie de- mands of their pressing needs. After recovering so as to be about, he met the bishop and mentioned the pay- ment of the money loaned to him. The bishop said to him: " You must hush, brother; do not talk about pay- ing me that while you and your family are in such a condition. It hurts me." There was no stingy corner in his soul. When his parents were old he greatly con- tributed to their support and comfort. It was his cus- tom to always remember the servants at homes' where he stopped over night. With his election to the presiding elder's office came the enlargement of his usefulness. For eighteen years almost incessantly the church had the benefit of his EIGHTEENTH RTSHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 439 1 arduous sei-vices in this field. Mr. Lawrence says that 1854 and 1855 were spent in an agency for the mission- ary society. Unfortunately the records give no account of his work in this cause. The Virginia Conference Journal states that in 1853 J. J. Glossbrenner and J. Markwood were appointed a committee to see to the organizing of a home missionary society within the bounds of the conference, and shows the aggressive movements in this direction. The following resolution is found in j,he minutes of 1855 : " Resolved, That Jacob Markwood be appointed an agent to travel til rough the bounds of this conference and sohcit sub- scriptions for the purpose of erecting a house of wor- siiip in Frederick City, Md. In 1856 he was again electetl elder, and was continued from year to year until 1861, when he was chosen bishop. He preached the annual sermon before the Board of Missions, in session at Milford, Warren county, Ind., which con- vened May 11, 1859, from "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." It is given in the report in full, and covers only seven pages. He was a member of the board from 1855 to 1861. He took a great interest in the agitation of higher education in the church. He was one of the pioneer laborers in this work in Virginia conference. He was for a number of years a trustee of Mt. Pleasant College, Pennsylvania. He was for a time trustee of Otterbein University. In 1845 he was elected agent of the printing establishment, but for some reason declined to serve. He served as secretary of his conference foi' a number of years. As presiding elder he was a tireless worker. :N"o district was so large, no journey so long as to abate his 440 JACOB MARKWOOT), ardor. Often to reach distant appointments he rode day and night, clianging horses with members along the way as often as necessary to reach his destination. Our Church History said while he w^s yet living : " Mr. Markwood is a bold defender of the peculiarities of the United Brethren Church, an indefatigable itiner- ant, a Christian of the finest mold, an eloquent and faithful preacher, and he is never happier than when in his saddle climbing over the hills and mountains on the way to a quarterly meeting." Often in those days the grit of an elder was put to the test, especially at camp meetings, but here he was equal to the emer- gency. On one occasion when at a camp meeting where huckstering was forbidden, certain parties began to erect a stand for selling knick-knacks, liquors and such like. Markwood went out where they were, and in a good-humored way told them they must leave, and taking a hatchet knocked down the stand faster than they could erect it. For a time they persisted in their work, but he, talking all the time about the weather and the crowds that were coming to the meeting, tore away the structure, throwing it over the fence into the road, and was soon rid of the nuisance. He exerted a remarkable influence over those who, it would seem, were his enemies, scarcely ever failing to control them at liis wnll, sometimes firml}^, sometimes kindly and ■sometimes playfully. He was often severe on those wlipse lives evinced no sincerity, and gave no promise of good. On one occasion, when preaching, he was in- terrupted by one who wanted to interpose some doubt- ful notions, but who'took his seat as if struck by light- ning when the bishop gave a heavy scowl and spoke out, " Sit down, you tadpole of hell." At another time, EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 44:1 when he found a trifling character at the altar he went to him and in his characteristic uay said, "Aren't you tired?" and receiving the answer "No," here- plied, " Well, when you get tired you can get up and go away." For his uncompromising adherence to the principles of the Union in the earh' part of the war, he was reported to the southern confederacy, as he had reason to be- lieve, b}'" one of his acquaintances and a member of the church, and a reward of $1,000 was offered for his arrest. Afterward he met the supposed informer at the house of a friend, and while sitting on the porch the following conversation ensued. The bishop said, playfully, " Brother, do you like niggers ? " " Ko, I don't," was the answer. Said the bishop, " I do. I like to sit near them where I can smell them ; they smell better than some white people." In his preparation for the pulpit he was the fjiirthest removed from stereotyped methods. His preaching was extemporaneous, a method adapted to his brilliant oratory. He sometimes used notes as helps, but they were brief. He seldom preserved them. He rarely wrote a sermon in full. No more than two or three of his sermons remain in permanent form. He would use the same text on different occasions, but in the strict sense he never repeated a sermon. He said he could not prepare a sermon as other men, but must study carefully his subject beforehand and at the time depend upon his general information and the help of the Holy Spirit in preaching. It may also be said that he made the most thorough preparation for his work. No man of his circumstances read more Avidely or more thor- oughly than he. A sermon of his in manuscript, "On 442 JACOB MAKKWOOD, Election and Reprobation," delivered at Lacy Springs, Va., is in the possession of a friend in Ohio. He was elected bishop in 1861, and served in this of- fice eight years, thi-ough perhaps the stormiest period in the church's history, his associates in office being J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards, Daniel Shuck antl Henry Kuraler, Jr., for the first quadrennium, and the same the second, with the exception of J. Weaver in place of Henry Kumler, Jr. While bishop his work was of a most acceptable character. Says a Western ed- itor : " We had the pleasure last evening of listening to a most eloquent sermon by Bishop Markwood in the Unit- ed Brethren Church. * * * The subject was "Ex- perimental Religion." It was a masterly effort, rich in logic, philosophical and brilliant. The bishop's health is still feeble, but the sermon of last Sabbath evenino- was the work of a grand mind." Minnesota Confer- ence Minutes for 1862 says: ''The bishop preached three very excellent sermons, and on Saturday evening- delivered a thrilling lecture on the Rebellion and state of the country." In the Rock River Minutes of 1862 we find the following: '"The bishop delivered a soul stirring and instructive sermon on the Christian ministry, Avhich will tell favorably on the destiny of manv souls in the great day of the Lord." Wisconsin Minutes, 1865, reports: "At 11 o'clock Bishop Markwood, though exceedingly lame and suffering much pain, preached with much power and acceptability." To these might be added many more. Wherever he went he was regarded as one of the ablest preachers of his time. During the last years of his ministrv he endured great suffering, but he maintained that peculiar bril- liancy of mind that ever won the admiration of his hearers. EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED I5RETHREN IN CHRIST. 443 As already intimated, his sympathies were with the Union during the hite Rebellion, and his public addresses on the state of the country were among the ablest efforts of his ]ife. On account of his political views he was not allowed to remain in Virginia during the war, but made good use of his time in the North and West in aiding in many ways to strenthen the sentiment in favor of the loyal North. When the Virginia Con- ference could not meet in one body, he presided over the northern portion. At the various conferences, when resolutions were offered on the state of the country, the bishop would often respond to the unanimous call of the house, in the most eloquent appeals for the Union and the freedom of the slaves, sometimes speaking for more than an hour. He was absent from the Minnesota and Northern Iowa Conferences in 1863, but few were the hindrances that he allowed to keep him from filling an engage- ment. Mr. Lawrence speaks of him as a fearless defender of the peculiarities of the church. In its battles it relied upon him as an old soldier. Slaver v, secrecy and such questions, upon which the church took an advanced position, found in him a tireless foe. Belie\ang them to be evil, he hated them as he hated evil. He was not unwilling to risk all for a right principle. He was highly respected by the conferences over which he presided, and there was at the close of his first term a universal request for his return to the district, and at the cl6se of his second, universal sympa- thy for him in his afflictions and prayer for his recoverv. In the year 1837, on the 3d of September, he was united in marriage with Miss Arbeline Rhodeffer, of Luray, A^a. Her mother was a Baptist, while her father was in sympathy with them. She went t6 444 JACOB MARK WOOD, visit some relatives in Augusta county by the name of Spittler. These parties were members of the United Brethren Church, and while Miss Khodeffer was here she was converted. She was an only daughter, brought up in a refined and wealthy home. Her training, as well as the opinion entertained by her parents, naturally put a wide difference between the spheres of the zealous presiding elder and the beautiful maiden of Luray. This differ- ence developed on the part of the parents, the father especially, into sincere opposition to this marriage, Avhich liad to be consummated away from home; but this feel- ing was shared b\^ the parents alone. The daughter, like a loyal woman, gave not only her hand but her heart to share the cares and toils of an itinerant in Virginia, Amid the ceaseless labors which came to him, life went smoothly with them, and after years witnessed complete reconciliation in the house at Lura3\ Mr. Markwood was ardently devoted to his wife, and she proved to be a most faithful companion to him in the latter years of his life, when affliction made much attention necessary. She was ready to do all in her power to relieve his suffering. She never uttered a complaint because deprived of the luxuries of earlier years. They had no cliildren to bring joy to their declining years. In 1865 it became apparent that the incessant toil to which the bishop had subjected himself was making serious inroads on his phj^sical powers, and for the future his work must be done with less energy, lie was afflicted with nervous prostration, which became the occasion of great pain. On the Virginia Conference Journal are records each year from 1866 to 1872 bearing to him the sympath}^ of his brethren in the ministry and praying for his recovery. He was present EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IX CHRIST. 445 for the last time at the Virginia Conference wliicli met at Chewsville. Md., 1870. In 1871 and 1872 he was unable to attend. During these years of affliction be was at times able to travel, and occasionally preach, and at times gave some hope of final recovery. IS^ear the close of his life his sight failed very much, though he was not entirely blind. While compelled with truthfulness to say that his mind at times during his sickness suffered some temporary aberrations, yet he never failed to exhibit the keenest perceptions of human weakness. "While from home on one occasion, he was prostrated at the* home of a member of the church for several days, perhaps weeks ; on his partial recovery he pre- pared to continue his journey, and on bidding the brother adieu the bishop said, "Farewell, brother; if I get able I will pay you, but if I am never able the Lord will reward you for your hospitality." He was afterw^ard asked something about the brother, when he replied, "Yes, I saw veiy plainly that he was more anxious that I should pay him than he w^as that the Lord should rew^ard him." When remonstrated with against his fatal habit of intense industry, without repose or relaxation, he would answer, "Yes, you are right, but I can't help.it." His every power was strung to intensity. " He was an intellectual and spiritual Jehu. He drove the coursers of his chariot with loosened reins and stinging lash. In everything he did he kept life's engine running at its utmost speed all the time. No \Yonder that so soon it wore out." One who was very near to him says : " Of an acutely sensitive conscience, he kept himself uniformly strung up at a moral tension that perpetually strained his 440 JACOB MAKKWOOD, health and exhausted his physical system. Had he not possessed extraordinary constitutional powers he must have been numbered long before he was, among those whom the 'zeal of God's house' hath eaten up. What multiplied labors did he not willingly undergo? What fearful exposures did he not gladly suffer, and what bit- ter sacrifices did he not joyfully make for Christ's sake ? Who ever knew him to consider himself, his own ease or convenience, when any duty called or opportunity offered by which any kind of good was promised to his brethren or to the cause of religion or charity ? And when with broken frame and distempered nerves he worked with the force and effect of two able-bipdied men, who ever knew him to indulge in an}'' complaining of his labors or to ask any special recognitions for his services. Perfectly humble and self-accusing, he never had the support of even a just estimate of himself and his self-denying and consecrated life. His whole life was an unceasing outflow of heart and brain, and labor for the highest love of God ancj the greatest good of man." He lingered in the lights and shadows of affliction until January 22, 1873, when his spirit passed peace- fully into the presence of his blessed Lord. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his friends in the home of his father-in-law, near Luray, Va. The burial services were conducted by Eev. George W. Statton, and his remains were deposited in the cemetery at that place. A few years later, at the request of friends and with the consent of Mrs. Markwood, the remains were removed to the cemetery at Rohrersville, Wash- ington county, Md., where there was erected at his grave a suitable monument to his memory. Still a few years later, according to a provision in the will of Mrs. Markwood, her executor. Rev. J. W. Howe, had his EIGHTEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 447 remains returned to the former burial place in Liira}', where they quietly sleep awaiting the resurrection of the just. The following inscription is found on the marble shaft at his grave : REV. JACOB MARKWOOD, LATE BISHOP OP THE TJ. B. CHURCH. BORN DECEMBER 26th, 1815 ; DIED JANUARY 22d, 1873 ; AGED 57 YEARS AND 27 DAYS, HIS LAST WORDS : "MY "WORK IS DONE ; THE LORD HAS NO MORE AVORK FOR ME TO DO." "BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD. THE^ REST FROM THEIR LABORS, AND THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM." At the session of the Virginia Conference which met in Hagerstown, Md., February 13, 1873, a most touch- ing and feeling memorial of their dead brother was read and put on their journal. He was loved and honored by all his brethren. Mrs. Markwood afterward married Rev. Joseph Her- shy, of the St. Joseph Conference. He died not very long after. She lived a few years longer and died at Shire- manstown. Pa., December 3, 1886, at the home of Sister Erb. Her remains rest beside the bishop near her ear- lier home near Luray, Va. Her attachment to the church was constant to the last. In the disposal of her property she remembered the institutions of the church, which received the larger share of all her effects. Thus was given to the Lord the lives and the possessions of these His children. The Master saw fit to remove the laborer in the strength of his years from his earthly vineyard ; indeed, far too soon for his fellow-laborers in the Gospel. Yet doubtless it was well ; The day is over, the toil ended and the servant pillows his head on the bosom of his Lord forever. JONATHAN WEAVER, D. D., NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST JONATHAN WEAVEK, D. D., has served the church longer than any other living bishop. He was elected in 1865, and will soon have completed twenty-four years of faithful, efficient service. His grandfather on his father's side came from Germany about the 3'ear 1750, and for a time lived in Lancaster count}^ Pa. About 1Y52 he moved to "Western Pennsylvania and resided in Washington county. His grandfather on his mother's side was born in this country, but the place can not now be as- certained. He also settled in Washington county, Pa., in an early day. He was of German origin. The father and mother were both born in Washmg- ton. Pa., in the same 3'ear, and probably about 17Y5. No record was kept of these events, but the dates, while not. absolutely certain, are presumably correct. The father and mother of our subject were married in Washington county. Pa., about 1798. They emigrated to Ohio about the year 1810. These parents, like al- most all their neighbors, were uneducated. They could read and write in the German, and learned to read and write in tlie English after they were married. The father died when he was about sixty -three years of age, and became a Christian when about sixty. Before this time he had lived a moral, upright life. The mother was also converted when about sixty years of age, but was inclined to religious things, and was always a 448 NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 449 faithful, persistent Bible reader. This afterward proved of great help in strengthening the faith of her son. From the time of her conversion she was a very devoted, earnest Christian, and during the later years of her life most of her time Avas given to reading and prayer. She was ready in the Scriptures, and well in- formed as to the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel. She died in the eighty-seventh year of her age, in full hope of a blessed immortality. The son has much of the temperament of the mother, and in many respects inherits her nature. J. Weaver was born in Carroll county, Ohio, March 23, 1824. There were six boys and six girls in the fam- ily, and he was the youngest of the twelve children. Two sons and three daughters are still living; all except one lived to manhood and womanhood. One brother died at thirty -six years of age; the rest all lived to reach fifty years and upward. Those now living are aged re- spectively, sixty-four, sixty-six, sixty-nine, sevent3^-four and seventy-seven. Our subject was born and raised on a farm, and in that day it meant very much hard work and many dis- advantages. He could do all manner of farm work, and did not know much else. The country was new, the people were all about on the same plane, and all labor- ing to clear off farms. His early associates, as a nat- ural consequence, were farmers' boys and girls, not vic- ious, but uncultured, unambitious, and persons whoknew but little of the world, besides the little incidents which now and then came up in the usual rounds of farm life. Although, as said before, these parents were not Chris- tians, they were very careful to see that their boy did not go into bad company. He saw but little of the busy, active world around him; in fact, did not know 450 JONATHAN WEAVER, that there was any. Now and then he saw a newspaper, but had no access to books suitable to boys. The great library of children's literature which greets us to-day had not then been written. The schools of that time were very poor, and even these could only be enjoyed for three months in the year. In writing of his early school days at one time, he says : "In those days schoolhouses were built of round logs with a huge fireplace in one end, around which might have been seen from twenty to forty red ' wom- ises,' each boy holding in his hand a copy of the United States spelling book, or else had had his A, B, C*s pasted on \x> paddle, and what added to the interest of this scene was the cracking of the whip over their backs, causing them to make some tremendous jumps (I speak from experience). The teachers in those days, or at least the majority of them, had never been through what was then the standing arithmetic, the Western Calculator. Indeed, it was not necessary they should, for when a young man had ciphered to the ' sin- gle rule of three,' he was considered a kind of gradu- ate. These days, however, have passed away ; new and splendid schoolhouses have been built ; well quali- fied teachers are now necessary. All things considered, we are now far in advance of what we were in the daj's of yore. Spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic were all the teachers pretended to teach. The reading books were the spelling book and the New Testament. The benches on which they sat were made of small trees split through the center, and sticks put in them for legs." In a school of this kind he learned to read, write and cipher. There were no churches witliin reach of him. He never attended churcli on Sunday until he was four NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 451 teen years of age ; occasionally he would hear preaching on a week-day evening, and this often at his father's house. This was not at all a regular thing, but hap- pened when a Methodist or United Brethren preacher would pass that way. Both his intellectual and spiritual culture were badly neglected. ' When he did listen to preaching it moved him, but he did not know what to do. There was but one Christian in the neighborhood, and he was not blamed for practicing it very much. Hoav meager the advantages, and how great the disadvan- tages that seemed to surround his pathway ! His asso- ciates and companions were no better off than he was, so there was not much help from them. With this httle light and this great darkness, there was never a time when he did not have a kind of convic- tion that he ought to be a Christian, but what to do and how to do he did not know, and there was no one to lead him. Is it at all strange tliat under such cir- cumstances one should make blunders ? When about fifteen years of age, his father having given security on some notes was compelled to pay them, and so lost his little property. He sold his farm and bought a small, poor farm in another com- munity. It seemed a very great calamity, and from the human standpoint was a calamity, but the son afterward looked upon it as one of the disguised bless- ings w^hich sometimes come to uS. God's messengers do not always come to us with pleasant faces. "All God's angels come to us disguised. Sorrow and sickness, poverty and death. One after other lift their frowning masks. And we behold the seraph's face beneath, All radiant with the glory and tlie calm Of having looked upon the face of God." ^&' 452 JONATHAN WEAVER, By this change the famih^ found its way into a new community, and were surrounded with new envi- ronments. The opportunities for education were not much improved, but the character of the schools was some better, and the teachers much better. Still the family was poor. Misfortune had crossed their path, the labor of the boy was needed on the farm, and he could not get more than three months of schooling during the year. His desire for more knowledge began to grow stronger, but the advanced schools were very few, and his means were limited. He busied himself in reading what books he could find, and picking up such knowledge as came in his way. When he was about twenty -one years of age, by a hard struggle and by the little help which his mother could give him (his father now being dead), he was enabled to attend a five months' term at a Presbyterian academy, located at Hagerstown, Ohio. This was the sum total of his education, so far as the schools were concerned. Had he been properly urged and encouraged, he might have done much better, but nearly all of the ministers of that day with whom he came in contact were opposed to anything like a collegiate education, so there was no one to help him in his struggle toward a higher culture of his powers. What he has gathered since that time has been by dint of much reading and constant, per- sistent personal effort. He has made good use of the spare moments which he could take from the duties of a busy, poorly-paid ministry, and is, to-day, a man of extensive reading and of general information. He was married to Miss Iveziah L. Robb, of Mahon- ing county, Ohio, on the 24tli of Februar}'", 1S4Y. They lived pleasantly and iiopefully together until she was NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 453 removed by death about four years after. She was an earnest, active Christian woman, and died in great peace. Two daughters were born to them, both now living and both married. In 1854 he was again mar- ried to Miss Mary E. Forsyth, of Canton, Stark county, Ohio. To them have been born nine children, five sons and four daughters ; one son and one daughter are dead. In early life he felt the need of salvation, but hav- ing no one to teach him the way, and no special encour- agements about him to enter on such a life, he made no direct effort to do better. When about seventeen years of. age he was permitted to attend a camp meeting. He had no special aim in going save to see what was done at such places. He had never in all his life seen what was then called a " mourner's bench," but had heard of it from others and knew what it meant. So far as he understood the matter, he had no doubt as to the truth of revealed religion, but he had no clearly defined idea of what was meant by a life of devotion to God, and how that life could be entered upon. His mother's devoted reading of the Bible and her conver- sation with him concerning it had given him a great reverence for the Scriptures. This likel}^ saved him from many doubts which otherwise he might have had. The camp meeting was well attended, and was con- ducted as in those days, by singing, praying, preaching, exhortino: and shoutino^. The first time the mourner's bench was offered he accepted the invitation and went forward. ISTo one asked him to go, and he could hardly at the time tell why he went. He had all along felt that he should do something, but w^hat that somethingf was he did not know. This was the first 454 JONATHAN WEAVER opportunity he had ever had, and he improved it. During the progress of the meeting he united with the United Brethren Church, but he did not experience a change of heart until 1841. He was fearful when he returned from the camp meeting that his father would be displeased with his course, as his father was not at this time a Christian. The boj' determined that if pos- sible he would work harder and be more diligent than ever before, so he would have no justifiable reason to find fault with him because of the step he had taken. Some three or four months after this the father and son were at work in the barn. The boy did not know that the father had heard of the step he had taken, , for he had said nothing to him about it. "While at work the father addressed the boy, saying he had understood he had made a start in religion. The boy was alarmed, for he did not know what was coming next. To his surprise the father said to him, that as he had made a start in religion he did not want him to do as so many others had done, pursue the matter for a time and then give it up, but he wanted him to stick to it. This gave the boy much encouragement. He needed some help, for he had not yet entered into the light. He had contin- ued seeking for some six months from the time he united with the church before he had the courage to confess that he was saved. This long struggle grew out of the fact that he knew so little about the first principles of religion, and had no one to give him the proper instruction. At this time there was not a Christian in the family. Some of his brothers and sisters were seeking Christ, but they were in no condi- tion to help him. Within a 3^ear from the time he started, his parents, two of his l)rothers and four of his NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 455 sisters were members of the church. This made a wonderful change in affairs at home. When about nineteen years of age, he was elected class leader, and served for the space of two years. From the time of his conversion he felt impressed that he ought to enter the ministry, but he had no special qualification for the work. He read what he could, and studied more or less when about his work. Wlien twenty years of age, he received license to exhort, and in six months after was licensed to preach. During this time he had access to some books. The youngest sister was married to a young minister, and by his help he obtained some light on the doctrines of the Gospel. His first exhortations and first sermons, if sermons they could be called, were studied for the most part while following the plow. The conviction grew upon him that he must give his life to the ministry, but how to creditably fill such a place he could not see. He was poor and uneducated. He did not seem to have much but good health, a strong voice and a good supply of zeal — all desirable qualifications in a preach- er. As already mentioned, he spent five months at a Presbyterian academ}^, which gave him a little start and helped him to form some better habits of study. In 18,45 he was placed on a circuit by the presiding elder, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of a minister who was in bad health. During the year 1-846, he taught school a few months, and labored on a farm the balance of the 3^ear. In February, 184Y, he united with the Muskingum Conference at the session held at Union Chapel, Stark county, Ohio. Bishop Russel presided. At this conference he received his first regular appointment. The name of the charge was Lake Erie mission. 456 JONATHAN WEAVER, In a sketch of this period given in the Telescope of of 1860, page 195, he 8113-8, '* The mission was 200 miles around, had seventeen appointments, and there were twenty-three members. I was young and fidl of ho])e. My advantages had been very poor for I was raised under the okl constitution, when men ahnost universally opposed an educated ministry, I had to. make the best possible out of my ignorance. When the time came to start for the mission, which was distant over 100 miles, I felt some misgivings, but would not suffer even my mother to know that my mind was in the least cloudy. I packed up my effects in an old-fashioned pair of saddle bags, and took hasty leave of home and friends, and set my face toward tin; north. The roads were exceedingly muddy, as it was in the spring of the year, but after a fe\v day's hard riding I reached the first appointment,mnd stopped with John Goodin, now in Iowa, who liVed on the mis- sion and had traveled it the preceding 3'ear. With this good brother I renuiined for a da}^ or two, and then set out in search of the few scattered sheep, which were spread over six or seven counties; but thanks to my good luck, I found every one of them in the couise of a month. Being now fairh^ addressed to my work, I laid in with all my might, and soon had the number of appointments increased to twenty-three, which I filled regularly every three week8.">He received eighty members into the church during the year and $80 of salary for his services. His mother died May 9, 1867, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. In a note in the Telescope con- cerning her death, he says: ^'Twenty years ago I took leav^e of m}' mother and her home to enter my first NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 457 field of labor. Young and inexperienced, I scarcely knew what to do. What my feelings were as mile af- ter mile was left between myself and home, I need not attempt to describe. One thing, however, gave me consolation, and has given me comfort many a time. I knew that one who lived near to God was praying for me. Some one might say this was but a trifle, but to me it was a blessed consolation. During these twenty years that I have spent in the ministry, I have always held sacred in my memory this thought, Mother prays for me. You may call me weak, but I presume to go to my graA^e with the fond and close!}' cherished recollections of a kind, Christian mother. * * « j do not claim that mother was perfect, but this I will say, that for twenty years I have not seen nor heard of a fault. She was acquainted with the H0I3' Scrij^tures as but few are. I do not remember ever asking for a passage of the Scriptures, but what she could turn to it at once." The Universalists troubled him some, especially when they found that he did not know much about their views. The result was that he was compelled to , inform himself concerning their peculiarities, and when this was done they became a little more shy of him. He suffered considerably during the winter from exposure, as he was not accustomed to lake winds, and at each round he had to travel about forty miles along the lake shore. At times, when he awakened in the morning, he would find half an inch of snow or more on his bed. It was a year of trial and struggle, yet of great profit. He learned more of human nature, both in himself and others, than he had ever known before. 458 JONATHAN WEAVER, An annoying circumstance occurred during the year. He was invited to preach at a place about seven miles south of Cleveland. There had never been but one sermon preached there, and but one man who made any profession of religion. About 100 persons came to hear him. The congregation desired to have him return, and he announced a meeting- in three weeks. At this juncture a large man, who proved to be a justice of the peace and an infidel, arose and said there should be no more preaching. At the appointed time "Weaver returned to fill the appointment, and the house was full. As the preacher was about to begin " the 'squire en- tered and gave a harangue. He excited a little Irishman by some of his remarks, and he retaliated. They bandied words for a time, when the 'squire commanded him to sit down or he would make him smart for what he had said. At this rather serious time the Irishman's wife, who had been a quiet spectator, jumped to her feet and said, ' Faith, Davy, you may as well die for an ould shape as a lamb ! just give him a little.' ' Faith, and I will,' says Davy, whereupon he felled the infidel to the floor, then took him by the feet, dragged him out of the house and administered to him sucli treatment as he judged he deserved. All this time the preacher stood in his place, hymn book in hand, secretly wishing he was somewhere else at that moment. After the fiffhtins: was over he went out of the house, and the first person he met was the Irishman's wife, who had stood hard by Davy all through the fight. Said she : ' Mr. Preacher, and wasn't that good for him?' The preacher thought it was. He was not in good health, and would have gone home, but the people insisted, and some said he must preach. He returned and preached NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 459 several times after that, but the 'squire did not molest tliem any more, while Davy and his wife were always on hand, and paid their share of the expenses." The next year, which was only a part of a year, he traveled Mt. Yernon mission, in northeast Ohio. He had but moderate success this year, as the next session of the conference came in about seven months. He re- ceived for his work $60. At the close of this year, November 4, 1S47, he was ordered by Bishop Gloss- brenner to Warner's Chapel, Stark county, Ohio. In those years ministers were not required to pass through a regular course of reading, nor were they to remain three years on probation, as now, before they could be ordained. All things were common then, very com- mon. At this conference he was assigned to Fowler circuit, eastern Ohio. He had good success and re- ceived for his work $175. At this time he was a mar- i:ied man. November, 1849, the annual conference was held in Berlin, Mahoning county, Ohio, and he Avas assigned to New Eumley station, Harrison county, Ohio. Here he remained two years, and had fair suc- cess. His salary each year was about $260.« In November, 1851, the conference was held in Canaan, Wayne county, Ohio. At this conference he was elected presiding elder, and was placed on the New Rumley district. He was reelected three times, serv- ing two 3^ears on the New Rumley district and two on the Dover district. His salary was about $300 each year. In 1855 the Annual Conference was held at Bethel, Holmes county, Ohio. At this meeting he refused to be reelected presiding elder, and was placed on Crooked Run circuit. Here he had good success, receiving over 460 JONATHAN WEAVER, 100 into the church, and about $300 salary; In 1856 he ^\"ds assigned to Dover Mission station, and had a good year, with over 100 accessions. In 1857 he was a del- egate to the General Conference, held at Cincinnati, Ohio. In June of that year he was elected soliciting agent of Otterbein University. In November of that year, he entered upon the work of the agency, and con- tinued in it for eight years, except a part of one year, in which he served as presiding elder in his old con- ference. He entered into the work of the agency, not because of love for the work, nor because he felt so well prepared for it, but because he felt a great interest ill the cause of education. He had been a trustee of Otterbein University for several years, learned some- thing of its needs, and felt like doing \vhatever he could to build up the institution. When he went into the agency he was in the prime of life, about thirty -three years of age. He knew enough of the church to know its needs along educa- tional lines, and he had the skill and patience and per- sistency to make his case to the membership. They were not enthusiastically in favor of colleges. They did not know very much about them, and sometimes those who knew the least were the most active in their o})position. He was a kind-hearted, genial-spirited man, and this helped him to reach the people. The time when he entered upon the work was an unpropi- tious one. The managers of Otterbein Universit}^ had no previous experience in building colleges. An at- tempt was made to endow the college by the sale of scholarships. These were sold at a ruinously low price, and the plan could not succeed. Some of those who favored the college and gave it their support, did so NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 461 with the expressed understanding that a manual labor department was to be associated with it. They pur- chased scholarships with this in view, and when this was abandoned they refused to pay their scholarships. One of the earnest advocates of this method writes : " I had a conviction at the meeting of the board of 1868 that the system of manual labor had no seat in the affections of the leading spirits of Westerville. I saw in a clear light that manual labor was not cher- ished by them, and it could not prosper with the oppo- sition felt in heart and expressed. There never was, neither in heart nor in practice, a S3^stem of manuai la- bor at Westerville more than at any other college, for an industrious man can find work always. I had been deceived- myself , and gave notice to the public." Weaver, as agent, was called upon in the public prints and by the friends wherever he went to defend what the board did. He says : " I was not immediatelj^ connected with the board until within the last two years, vet I have the utmost confidence in the brethren who went out in the first place to sell scholarships, that they did not attempt to deceive the people or take any undue advantage of them. It was confidently hoped that a system of manual labor might be connected with the school so as to make it a blessing to all concerned- but in casting about, it was discovered by a majority of the board of trustees that a system requiring all to labor, summer and winter, was impracticable for the present. Every man must know that a law requiring all to labor, must, in order to be consistent with itself, bind the institution to furnish the necessary amount of labor. Sit down a moment and reflect. Take 400 stu- dents with a capital of but a few thousand dollars, and 462 JONATHAN WEAVER, how would 3^ou expect to furnish them with labor summer and winter ? " There were some things in connection with the agency work which were pleasant and profitable and some unpleasant. Even at this day he thinks it w^as the most trying church position which he ever tried to fill. By means of this he learned many things in human nature wliich it was valuable to know. He formed a general acquaintance wnth our people in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. He made a very fair success of the work, and gave satisfaction to his employer. Mr. Weaver's education, so far as the training of the schools was concerned, w^as very limited. He had a taste for writing, and spent w^hat time he could spare from other duties in writing on various topics, not for publication, but for his own improvement. He kept up a large correspondence, mostly for the purpose of mental culture, and found it very beneficial to him. He had a taste for discussion, and so was easily led into the field of controversy. He had a number of public discussions with ministers of other churches on doc- trinal points. This made it necessary to read and study more along these special lines than he otherwise would have done. It was a gain to him to be subjected to this kind of pressure. He has been a very prolific writer for our church paper, and he has a very skillful way of putting his points. He keeps himself cool, col- lected, well poised, and has the advantage of his oppon-, ent. His style is clear, simple, easily understood and strong. He keeps his temper well under control in his writings, and there is a little vein of the humorous running through it, when the subject will allow. If NI>fETEENTH UISIIOl' UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 4G3 there be any thing ludicrous in connection with an event or object, he is sure to see it. Take the following as a specimen of his newspaper correspondence. He was on his way to Illinois. Beyond Lafayette his car went off the track, turned over twice and settled bottom side up. He says: "I had often speculated in my own mind as to what I should do in a case of this kind. I had come to a conclusion, and yet it was not certain how it would be. But it so happened, I did just as I had thought to do. When I found that the car was off the track, I took firm hold of the arms of the seat, and held on until the car was steady. I can not de- scribe the circles I may have made during the revolu- tions, but, judging from my own length and the height and width of the car, there must have been some sliglit interference of the extremities. However this ma}^ have been when the car was steady, I found I was still hanging to the arm of the seat, which was then overhead. The rest were all piled up among the bag- gage, broken glass and seats. Some of the men rushed out through the windows, which was all of no use. They could much more readily have gone out at the door. I gathered up my baggage and went out as regularly as possible, and found, on examination, that I was not in any way injured, not even scratched.'" "We have sometimes wondered whether this may have suggested to hira his work on '' Divine Providence." The following occurred while a college agent. He had some distance to walk in order to reach a pro- tracted meeting. He says : " On the way I was over- taken by a boy, who was returning from a saw-mill. I asked permission to ride, which he granted. There 464 JONATHAN WEAVEK, was no box on the sled, nothing to sit on but the naked benches, but I concluded that this was better than walk- ing, as the roads were in bad condition for footmen. The team was not as good as some I have seen, but by almost constant pounding, the driver managed to keep up something of a motion. On the way we met a num- ber of persons who were not a little amused at our ap- pearance. The driver, being something of a philosopher, paid no attention to their grinning. On he went, dash- ing and slashing at the rapid rate of not less than one and one-half miles per hour. Finally he drew up the reins and informed me that he was at home. I thanked liim two or three times for his kindness, and then went on my way considerabl}^ refreshed." This disposition to see the amusing side of things, even of annoying things, was an aid to him in getting over hard places. A number of these occurred to him while in the arduous work of a college agent, and after a time they came to the eyes of a reading public. In 1859 he reports the following : " I must report my trip from West Unity to Strj^ker. I went to the postofflce where the hack always stopped, expecting to see- a decent looking vehicle, but alas, it was nothing superior to an old two-horse wagon, Avith a sort of covering which had all the appearance of antiquity. It was dif- ficult to keep down my natural risibilities. I looked first this way then that way. Presently the driver, with seeming pride bawled out : ' All aboard for Stryker.' I crawled in, there being no other passen- gers going that way, and, horrid to relate, the roof of that old, dirty wagon was so low I could not sit with m}'^ hat on, and the da}'^ being somewhat damp, I dare not ride with it off • so, humiliating as it was, I NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 465 crept in behind the seat, partl}^ sitting and, partly kneeling in ahnost any kind of shape. In this way I • rode seven miles, and then, to add to the insult, the driver' charged me half a dollar. It is a burning shame that men vrho pretend to keej) up accommodations for travelers should have such a vehicle and then charge such an enormous price. The judgment will siV^ In the Telescope for October 13, 1858, we find the following, written, no doubt, when the author was in a happy mood : " Not long since, in one of the towns of northern Ohio, you might have seen a tall, slender man, some six feet four and one-half inches in height, hurriedly passing through the streets, sometimes walk- ing, sometimes running. Ilis long, lean form no doubt excited the levity of those who saw him. All this did not in the least deter the gigantic runner. On and on he sped and, when almost out of breath, he reached the depot. Looking around him, he espied the iron horse backed on a switch. ' All safe,' he said to himself, ' I have time enough yet. I will take my breath a little, and then I will find a suitable seat.' Some one standing by said to the stranger, ' You need not be in a hurry, you can get in when they back to the platform.' Hearing this the stranger stood still, with his carpet sack in one hand and his cloak in the other. Presently there was a sharp whistle and th(? train moved slowly on, but alas, when too late, he made the mortifying discovery that the train was gone. ' Where,' he exclaimed with evident emotion, ' Where is the man who said there was time enough yet ? ' lie was not to he found.'''' ' When acting as college agent he had occasion to teU the following, which will bear repeating : " Some 406 JONATHAN WEAVER, men think and act like the Irishman. One da3% when at church, the deacon called on him for some money for missionary purposes. He excused himself, but the dea- con urged him to give. Tlie Irishman answered he must pay his debts first and then he would give. The dea- con reminded him that he owed the Lord a great deal, and ought to pay Him. He answered : ' Faith, dea- con, I know it ; but then He donH crowd me like my other creditors^ " When out on one of his soliciting tours for the col- lege, he was induced to write the following : " I have traveled considerably in different directions, but I do not remember ever seeing larger ' hoops ' than I have seen this trip. I do not mind seeing small hoops, but wdien they are from sixteen to twenty-one feet in cir- cumference, I think they are rather large. It does look so funny to see a lady hooped out in full style, presenting something of the appearance of an Egyp- tian pyramid, and then by her side a gentleman with pantaloons on just as tight as the bark on a cherry tree. If the contrast is as great in substance as it is iti appearance, their union is a plain violation of the in- junction of the Apostle : ' Be ye not unequally yoked together.' " In addition to the fact that he has been a regular and interesting correspondent of the different church papers, and has written some pamphlets, he has writ- ten four books which have been published in more permanent form. The first was on the " Resurrection of the Human Body," which met with a very good sale. The second was on " Divine Providence," which also met with favor in the church. The third, a smaller volume on "Ministerial Salary," was well NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 467 received, and met with fair sale both in and out of the church. The fourtli was on " Universal Res- toration." This was the largest book he wrote, and required more labor to prepare it than did either of the others, and it also met with a fair sale. He wrote another work on "Christian Bap- tism," but did not publish it. He is now editing a work on " Christian Theology," made up of contri- butions from his'own and other pens on the various branches of this subject. The author has in his posses- sion the manuscript of an elementar}^ work on theol- ogy which may some time see the light. When we remember that all this writing has been done while busy in the ministry, with liis mind harrassed and per- plexed with college finance, or when the care of the churches was upon him, we may well know the bishop here has not been idle. In 1851, at the first General Conference he attend- ed, he received commendable support for the office of bishop. Why it was done he could not tell, as he was unknown to most of the delegates until he went to this conference. In 1861, at the General Conference held in Westerville, he was elected bishop for the Pacific Coast district, but, on account of his large famil}^ and tlie small salary, it was, in his judgment, not best for him to go. So he resigned, and Rev. D. Shuck was elected. In 1865, at the General Conference held in Iowa, he was again elected bishop and placed on the East Mississippi district, which comprised the States of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. In 1869, at the General Conference held in Lebanon, Pa., he was re- elected and placed on the East district, which com- prised the States of Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, Mary- 468 JONATHAN WEAVER, land, Tennessee and Virginia. Dui-ingthis quadrennial, he visited the Pacific coast and held the conferences in California, Oregon and Washington Territory, trav- eling alDout 1,300 miles by stage. At the conference in Dayton, in 18Y3, he was again elected to the bishop's office and placed on the Ohio district, which included the States of Ohio and Kentuck}^ also the Dominion of Canada. He was elected again at the conference held in Westfield, 111., in ISYT, and placed on the East Mis- sissippi district. In 1881, at the conference held in Lis- bon, Iowa, he was again reelected. The districts were changed, and he was placed on the Northwest district, which extended from Detroit, Mich., west, including Colorado. In 1885, at the General Conference held in Fostoria, Ohio, he was elected for the sixth time. The conference arranged the plan of visitation so that the bishops exchange districts each year. During this quadrennial he has been on the Ohio, Eastern and Southwest districts, and is now in the NortliAvest district. During the twenty -three years he has served as bishop, he has traveled extensively and almost con- stantly. In the providence of God he has not missed a conference in all these years — not very rugged, but nearly always able to go. God has wonderfully aided and strengthened him. In all probability he has dedi- cated more houses of worship than any man in the church. His experience as a college agent in securing money, and the quiet vein of humor running through his nature ma,k8 him a very desirable man for church dedications. The bishop's experience as a college agent taught him that it was much easier to found a colleffe than it was to build it up and endow it after it was founded. NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. -409 He, therefore/discouraged man}' of the more enthusi- astic of our brethren in the conferences, who thought each conference should have its own school. He was one of the first to move in the matter of theological instruction. As many of tlie influential members of the church were not up to his standard lie had to make haste slowly. At the General Conference of 1865, as a beginning in this line of work, he advocated a theolog- ical department in connection with the colleges of the church. He was opposed by some, but he captured his opponents by stipulating that it should only include the course of reading prescribed Iw the discipline. To this, of course, the opposition could make no valid ob- jection. When 1869 had been reached the church had grown so fast that it was possible to establish Unjon Biblical Selninary. There was a time when our fathers saw a great evil in the use of instrumental music in the churches, and the members were forbidden to use it. At this same conference he labored to have the rule made advisory, and it was so made. When our missionary work in Africa looked most discouraging, and a majority of the board were about to give it up. Weaver plead for its continuance, and urged that it be referred to the Gen- eral Conference of 1869, and it was agreed to continue it. Subsequent years have shown the wisdom of the action. We believe that it is an open secret that Bishop Weaver, more than any one man, is responsible for tlie suggestion that a church commission shall be appointed that shall " consider our present confession of faith and constitution, and prepare such a form of belief and such amended fundamental rules for the government of this church in the future, as will, in their judgment, be best 470 JONATHAN WEAVER, adapted to secure its growth and efficiency in the work of evangelizing the world." He has always been in sympathy with all the advancements the church has made, and while not always in the lead, he has aimed to be in the front rank. In reply to a question as to what mistakes he had made, if any, he replies : " In looking over my own life I see many defects. Life has not been such a suc- cess as I hoped to make it. My failures have been very man}^ As a preacher, I have fallen far below my ideal ; indeed, in everything I have undertaken I have come short of what I desired to accomplish. Want of means, with the care of a large family, together with poor advantages in early life has hindered me very mach." Bishop Weaver is now about sixty-five years of age. For more than two score years he has been a faithful worker in and for the church. As preacher, college agent, author, bishop, he has left his impress on our organization. In personal appearance, he is about six feet four inches high. When he stretches himself to his utmost limits, he can, without much difficulty, look down on a majority of the men whom he meets. He is of slender build, stoops a little, has a high forehead, a bright, keen eye, with a merry twinkle in it, which shows a wealth of good humor underneath. This helps to make him a social, companionable man. He knows how to bend before the storm which he can not check, and to straighten up when the fury has passed by. This is one of the elements which helps to make him a good presiding officer, for by a little pleasantry he can often dissipate the forces which otherwise might work mischief. NINETEENTH BISHOP UNITED BEETHKEN IN CHKIST. 471 He is justl}^ ranked among the best preachers of the church. He is a Bible student, and fanuhar with the Scriptures. He aims to get and to give the very mar- row of the Gospel, in a plain, simple, easy, forcible man- ner. He is thoroughly natural and unartificial in all he says and does. His hearers never have any doubt as to what he means, nor any question as to how much of it' the speaker himself believes. When at his best his face becomes aglow with the truth, and he speaks as though he had just come from the presence chamber of the Master Himself, and felt that His hand was still upon him. His long form is at times a little angular, and his gestures not always in keeping with the strictest rules of oratory, but when his features become lit up with the theme which he presents, all minor con- siderations are forgotten in the majesty of the truth it- self. No matter how many times he may have preached before, he is always sure of a good audience. When he was a college agent we were more or less associated with him, and knew something of his work. He labored at a time when there was much to dis- courage, both in the financial mana,g'ement of the col- lege itself and on the part of the people who had not 3^et learned to properly appreciate the work which he did. But with all these difficulties about him. he toiled on with a cheerful spirit, leaving no' unpleasant memories behind him. To him as our oldest bishop the eves of the church are turned to-day, as the man who is to lead them out of the wilderness condition into the land of promise. Prudent, patient, not easily offended, keen to perceive and courageous to do Avhat is necessary to be done, he has the elements of a good leader. He may be mistaken in 472 JONATHAN WEAVEE. his judgment, but the people who follow him are sure he is thoroughly honest, and so they trust him. Perhaps no man wields a greater influence in the church to-day than does he. May he yet be spared many years to see the fruit of his patient and enduring toil. ^-e^^^^a^-fc^K y'^^^^<-^^ REV. DANIEL SHUCK, TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. JOHN SHUCK, the father of our subject, was a plain, honest farmer, who earned his bread by Ms daily toil. He was born in Kentucky, and at that time, in that section, there were few facilities for educa- tion. He was a member of the Evangelican Lutheran Church. He was a modest, undemonstrative man, and kindly disposed toward all Christians of whatever name. He was a diligent student of the Bible, and trusted in Christ for salvation. He died in ISTovember, 1884, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years, in hope of ever- lasting life. The mother's maiden name was Lapp. She was born in Germany. She was converted and united with the United Brethren Church under the labors of Rev. J. Antrim, in one of the first organizations in Harrison county, Ind. . She died when Daniel was very young, and he has but few recollections of her. What a loss he thereb}'^ suffered no one can know except those who have gone through similar experiences. She lived and died a Christian. His grandparents on his father's side he never saw. In the early territorial histor}' of Indiana, the}^ moved from near Lebanon, Ky., to the neighborhood of Corydon, Ind. The grandparents on the mother's side were members of the German Reformed Church until they joined the United Brethren in the organiza- tion of the class near Mauckport, Harrison county, Ind. 473 474 DANIEL SHUCK, There is still a large church at this point. Grand- father Lapp was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a man of positive convictions, who had no sympathy with Tories. He fell asleep one day while taking his usual rest and apparently without pain. " He was not, for God took him." Three of his inother's brothers were clergymen. John and A. Lapp were ministers in the United Brethren Church, and Jacob Lapp was a minis- ter in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Daniel was born in Harrison county, Ind., Jan- uary 16, 1827. There were four children in the family older than himself and nine younger, making fourteen in all. Seven were half-brothers and sisters. His old- est sister died in infancy, also one of his half-sisters. His youngest brothei' died about twelve years ago near Hartsville, Ind., whose daughter is now professor of mathematics in Hartsville College. His home, surrounded by delightful scenery, was on a hillside overlooking a beautiful valley near the Ohio river, in southern Indiana. One point of view in his boyhood he had selected as a suitable site for a college, thus early foreshadowing what his future labors might be. His home surroundings were as pleasant as the}^ could be, Avith no mother to guide his wayward feet. He had no such pictures laid away in his memory as did another, who lived near the same Ohio river, and has let us look into her home. "Listen closer; when you have done With woods and corn fields and grazing herds, A lady, the loveliest ever the sun Looked down upon, you must paint for me. Oh! If I could only make you see The clear blue eyes, the tender smile, The sovereign sweetness, the gentle grace, TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST. 475 The woman's soul, and the angel's face, That are beaming on me all the while. I need not speak these foolish words. Yet one word tells you all I would say — She is my mother. You will agree That all the rest may be thrown away." His oldest sister took the oversight of the household affairs, until she married Eev. J. Kiley. The mother's brothers, who were clergymen, frequently visited the home, and the influence exerted was a religious one. The prevailing element of the community in which he lived was religious, and this may have had no little influence in keeping the boy in right paths. His early years were spent on the farm, aiding in the house and out of it as circumstances made it necessary. In this way he was brought in living \ital contact with nature, which was healthful for both body and mind. Away from the temptations of vice which are found in the cities, he kept his heart and life pure, listening to the voice of Him who spoke in the genial sunshine and the starry heavens above hira. His earliest desires were to live a good life. He was not quarrelsome, but when provoked sought to control his own spirit. Among his earliest impressions was the conviction that at some time he would be a minister of the Gospel. How much of this impression was due to the example and influence of his uncles, and how much to the more direct prompt- ings of the Divnie Spirit, we can not tell. His flrst opportunity for going to school was to a private school four miles from his home, taught b}^ a Mr. Dean. Two of the family attended this school, riding one horse. Not long after this, a private school was opened in a log meeting house about one and a half miles from his home. Some time after this district 476 DANIEL SHUCK, schools were started; these were conducted in different places according to the taste and judgment of the teacher. The course of instruction was very limited. Webster's spelling book, the English reader, contain- ing some of the choicest specimens of English litera- ture, Pilve's arithmetic and Kirkham's English grammar were the principal studies. Some attention was given lo penmanship. Books for reading were scarce. The sisters taught him the alphabet out of the Bible. He had no direct religious teaching at the time. There was no family prayer at home except when ministers would call and pray with them. When he was con- verted, in his fifteenth year, he began family prayers in his father's house. Later in his life, 1845-46, he spent one year at the State University of Indiana. At this time there were no schools in existence in the United Brethren Church. He went where duty seemed to lead him. He was at the time junior preacher on Liberty circuit, Indiana Annual Conference. Before the session of the conference in March, 1845, he had conchuled to go, and had authorized his brother David to make the necessary purchase of books, which was done. When it was known the preachers opposed his going, he concluded to ask the advice of Bishop Henry Kumler, Jr. The bishop dissuaded him from his purpose. He promised to give him a work the next year in connec- tion with a good scholar, that he could travel, preach and study at the same time. He finally surrendered his own convictions, and was willing to yield to the advice of his brethren. He took an appointment with Rev. J. A. Ball, who was a good English scholar, an able minister and a father in Israel. He had been TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 477 elected a delegate to General Conference, and was con- siderably afflicted during the first six months of the year. As a result the charge needed all the time and labor of the junior preacher. He finally revealed his convictions and wishes to Father Ball. The latter, see- ing his anxiety for a better education and his disap- pointment at the way matters had terminated, agreed to release him and fill the charge himself. This was the only person, save his brother, who gave him any encouragement to seek a higher education. His means were limited, and so he attended school but one year. He gave most of the time to the study of the English, Latin and Greek languages, all with direct view to his future life work — the preaching of the Gospel. This was the beginning, really, of his education. His entering the State University for so short a period as one year he considers the second best act of his life. These early fathers meant well, but they seemed to have such a dread of schools and scientific knowledge. Perhaps they did not mean to intimate that too much knowledge was bad for a preacher, and that the more ignorant he was the more useful he could be, but thej^ probably thought a preacher of general information might be tempted to become vain, and rely more on his own mental resources than on the gift of the Holy Spirit, not knowing that the most highly cultured men are the most modest, while those who know the least are the most anxious for display. Be that as it may, many a young man has had his usefulness as well as his enjoyment crippled, and his life work maimed by honest but injudicious friends urging him out into the ministry when he wanted to go to school and should have gone there. In their zeal to save men, they may 478 DANIEL SHUCK, outvie their Master, and forget that God calls men to prepare to preach as Avell as to preach. It has been related to the writer that at one time Alexander Biddle was admonished by his conference for carrying his English grammar with him, and that David Bone- brake, of Indiana, was suspended by his quarterly con- ference because he was privately pursuing the same study. Thanks to Father Bail who had light enough to help this young man to gratify his hunger for knowledge. On the eleventh day of March, 184Y, when a little over twenty years of age, he was married to Miss tl. B. Cannady. The ceremony was performed by Rev. T. S. Chittenden. No children have ever been born to them. While having no children of their own, they have been able to give a home to the homeless, and take the place of father and mother to them. For years theirs has been a kind of orphan's home. One little babe, when only two weeks old, lost her mother, and was taken into the hearts and home of this kind brother and sister and reared by them as their own daughter. She is now the wife of Rev. D. A. Mobley, D. D., president of San Joaquin Valley College, at Woodbridge, Cal. Another, having lost her mother when about three years of age, also found a home and kind parents here, and is still with them. These are both religious, and are members of the United Brethren Church. Others, from time to time, have come into this home, and shared in the affection and goodness of these devoted servants of the Master. Daniel was converted in the autumn of 1841, at about fourteen years of age, when alone in the field. He then and there had the consciousness of pardon and TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 479 the witness of the Spirit that he was an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ, He was made to rejoice that his name was written in heaven. He hud been under conviction for some months before, but had not revealed the fact to any one. Some weeks before this, while attending a revival meeting, he had determined to commit himself if an}^ one should askhim to go to the mourner's bench. In that day no one seemed to think of seeking out a boy of his age. Indeed it is doubtful if the ministers themselves thought it possible for such an one to have any clear ideas of a religious life. While the church was neglecting him, the Lord was seeking him. When he entered into life there was a quarterly meeting in progress at the crossroads near Mount Zion meeting house. Rev. W. S. Stuart was presiding elder. The preacher in charge was Rev. M. McElfresh. There was quite an interest at this time among the people. The presiding elder announced that six persons had given their names to unite with the church. The preach- er in charge said there were seven : " Here is a little one." Our subject was the seventh. He was led to join with the United Brethi-en through the influence of his family relationship and in part because he preferred the spirit and usages of this church to any other. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the quar- terly conference on Corydon circuit, and by Indiana Annual Conference in January, 1844, when about seven- teen years of age. After due examination he was received into this conference at its session held in Franklin church, Union county, Ind., in March, 1844. He has traveled Corydon, Washington, Laughey and Newbern circuits, and filled Lawrenceville, New Albany and Hartsville stations in Indiana. He also served as 480 DANIEL SHUCK, presiding elder when the whole conference territory and the charge in southern Kentuckj- constituted tlie presiding elder's district. He then served each district after its division. In 1858 he acted as missionary in Missouri ; he served as elder of the Missouri district, and also had charge of St. Aubert mission. He served as presiding elder one year in Walla Walla dis- trict, Washington Territory and eastern Oregon. He served Monument circuit, Stanislaus circuit. Wood- bridge station. Feather River circuit, Rohrerville cir- cuit, Sacramento district and Humbolt district in California. During one of his itinerant trips in Missouri he found himself in pretty close quarters one morning. After breakfast at a slaveholder's home, the following conver- sation occurred between Mr. Shuck and a book peddler by the name of Butt. He asked : "Are you prospect- ing for a home in this country ? '' "JSTo, sir," answered Shuck. "Are you trading ? " "JSTo, sir," was the response again given; " I see you are a book peddler — I am ped- dling the Gospel." *' What church do you belong to?" " The United Brethren in Christ." " Is this the Chris- tian order? " " No, sir." " Is it the Disciples'? " " No, sir." "Where do you differ from other cliurches in this section ? " " We differ from other churches in our polity; we unite the Episcopal and Congregational elements ; we do not allow our members to make, sell or use spirit- uous liquors, except for medicinal and mechanical pur- poses. Persons who wish to unite with us must break off their connection with secret societies, if they belong to an3% and our members are prohibited from joining any. Persons w^ho hold slaves, if they profess religion and want to join with us, must make provision for TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 481 the freedom of their slaves." At this point Mr. Butt's eyes seemed to flash. He said to Mr. Shuck : " My friend, you are barking up the wrong- tree. The Chris- tian people of this country have resolved to keep politics out of the pulpit." Mr. Shuck answered : " We do not propose to interfere with any man's rights. Many of our members have moved into this State, and they de- sire to enjoy their church privileges, and we are trying, as far as possible, to supply their religious wants. If persons believe they can own slaves and get to heaven, there are churches large enough to take them into their fellowship, but our ship is too small to do so; it would sink her." He went to his wagon and took out a book, saying : "I want to sell you this book ; you may have it at cost." It proved to be a " Bible Defense of Slavery." Mr. Shuck purchased it, and gave him a cop}^ of our Dis- cipline. He thought it was about time for him to be getting away. A colored boy brought his horse, and he asked the host his bill, and vf as answered : " Noth- ing, only do all the good you can; but I am awfully afraid you are an abolitionist." Mr. Shuck thanked him for his kindness, and hastened on his journey, not knowing what awaited him. He organized a class m 1858 at St. Aubert. Bro. L. Colbentz was made leader. In the following spring Mr. Shuck was invited to pr-each in a schoolhouse about five miles from St. Aubert. There were no pray- ing persons in the community. He organized a flour- ishing Sabbath-school here, and Brother Colbentz was made superintendent. In July, 1859, Mr. Shuck had a three days' meeting at this appointment. A promi- nent man by the name of Smith, who resided near the schoolhouse, took a considerable interest in the meet- ing. One Sabbath, at the close of the service, Mr. 482 DANIEL SHUCK, Smith invited his wife and himself to take dinner with him. He was born in New York and raised in Vir- ginia. He had not been in the liabit of going to church. He was the only man in that section of coun- try who took the New York Tribune. He was a member of the vigilance committee, and, as he was about ready to start for Pike's Peak, he would tell Mr. Shuck what had transpired in their meetings concerning him. At a regular meeting in his absence, a leading lay- man of a sister church, who had been present at the meetings held by Mr. Shuck, and who had testified for Christ, had introduced a resolution to give Mr. Shuck a certain number of days to leave the country, and if he did not within that time, then to send him away. His host had been informed of the resolution. He spoke to a Mr. Moore, of the Christian Church, who was also a member of the vigilance committee, of the proposed action at the next meeting, and urged him to be present. Mr. Shuck had preached at a schoolhouse near where Mr. Moore resided, and had been treated very kindl}^ by him. The next meeting of the com- mittee was held. The resolution was introduced, when Mr. Moore, who made no profession of Chris- tianity, asked the professed Christian brother of an- other denomination, " Have you heard Mr. Shuck preach ? " He answered, " I have." " Can he preach ? " " Yes." " Has he interfered with any of your rights? " " He has not." " Tlien let him alone as long as he does not interfere with any of your rights, or you will have war among yourselves." The resolution did not pass. As a preacher he has not been disposed to complain of his hardships and trials, although he has had his full share of both. Like most of our frontier workers he TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN ClJKi:-l. -tSB has had hard work but little pecuniary pay. As an example of this, his first year's work took him a journey of 200 miles around his circuit, and at the close of the year he had twenty-eight appointments, which he filled every four weeks. His salary for the year's work did not amount to sixty dollars. He lived on his circuit, and so far as the prosperity of the church was concerned had a good year. The people came out to his meetings, and he had full houses on the Sabbath, and generally at his week-day appointments: He has had some interesting revivals. He never kept any account of the number of conversions ; had no inclina- tion so to do. God owned his efforts by crowning them with revivals on all his charges during an itinerating life of forty-four years. While a student in the university he had his regular Sabbath appointments, and went from Bloomington to Indianapolis to join Rev. A. Wim- set in a meeting in the city in August, 1846. The meet- ing was one of remarkable power and interest. While he was a member of the State University, one of the preachers of a sister church who was sta- tioned at Bloomington, invited him to a dinner about the holidays. He was flattered with the notice, and accepted the invitation. When there he found the pre- siding elder of the district was to bear him company. As there was no United Brethren Society in that sec- tion, it was suggested to him, by these men, that he change his church relations, and as an incentive to do this a good charge was promised him, that would look well to his financial interests. He was, for the mo- ment stunned by the proposition, and finally summoned courage to ask the brethren if they thought that a horse and buggy, fine clothes and a good living, 484 DANIEL SHUCK, were enough to buy him ; if so, they had misjudged him, as he was not on the market. He did not change his church relations. Most of the trials that have come to him in his ministerial work have been from without. Much of this from the disloyalty to Christ, and the want of fidelity to covenant obligations, upon the part of so many men who have professed to be called of God to the work of the ministry. With but two exceptions in his life, he always went to the field assigned him by the proper authorities, and did the work to the best of his ability, striving to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and man. He was elected a trustee of Hartsville University in 1851, and since that time his connection with the edu- cational work of the church has been decided and active. With the exception of four years, when on the Pacific coast, he was a member of the board of trust- ees from 1851 to 1877. A part of the time he- was agent, was also treasurer, and a part of the time taught some classes. While pastor at Hartsville, he delivered lectures on church history, and during the last two years of his pastorate, he taught classes in S3^stematic theology. When a move was made to purchase grounds and erect a new building, he agreed to give one-fourth of all he possessed to erect the contemplated building. When the institution was $8,000 in debt, and a severe trial had come to them through the resignation of President Scribner, he again offered to give three dollars out of every hundred he was worth, if the membership within a given radius would do the same. A few re- fused, but the managers secured most of the $8,000. TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 485 He was a member of the board of education at its first organization, and as such assisted in founding Union Biblical Seminary. He was active in the open- ing of the seminary, and in locating the site for the building. In 1872, at the request of the board of trustees, he consented to act as agent for the seminary, and entered upon the work at the close of the session of his conference. He labored until within a few days of the meeting of General Conference in 18T3. At the session of the California Annual Conference, in 1878, there was a committee of three appointed to secure a site for an institution of learning under the supervision of the conference, and Mr. Shuck was chosen one of said committee. During the year the committee accepted a proposition, made by a board of trustees, for a seminary at Woodbridge, San Joaquin county, and made arrangements to open the school in September, 1879, which was done. The patronage was such that in due time the managers incorporated as the San Joaquin Valley College Association. At the beginning, Kev. D. A. Mobley, D. D., was made principal. In the organization of the college faculty, he was made president, which relation he still holds. Brother Shuck has been a member of the board of trustees during all the years since its founding. When the question of securing a permanent fund for San Joaquin Valley College was discussed, he agreed to give his note for $500, bearing four per cent, interest per annum until paid. This was one-fourth of all he was worth. He is still president of the board of trustees, and, inasmuch as he is not at present able to do regular effective work as an itinerant, the executive committee have appointed him as agent to do what he can to advance the interests of the college. 486 DANIEL SHUCK, He was elected bishop at tlie General Conference, held in Westerville, Ohio, May, 1861. J. Weaver had been elected and had resigned. Some nieraber sug- gested Mr. Shuck's name, and, without any thought of the matter on his part, he was elected. In view of his age, being at this time a little past thirty -four years, and for other personal considerations, he concluded it would not be best for him to accept. He wrote out his resignation, but before he presented it he consulted with BishojD Glossbrenner, who advised him not to re- sign, but to go to the district. This was during the excitement of the war. He returned to the J^ew Al- bany Mission station and the New Albany district to push the work of the year. When the year closed, he boxed his goods and marked them for Sacramento, Cal. By the time this was done he could not get away without giving a bond for $5,000 that he Avould appear if drafted. In this uncertain condition he went to Annual Conference, and found that about a dozen of the preachers had volunteered their services to their country. It was linally concluded that it would be best not to leave then. He was elected pre- siding elder, and remained in Indiana until December, 1863, when, learning of the death of Ilev. Israel Sloane, who had been an efficient worker in California, he re- signed his district and hastened to the land of the set- ting sun. He was delayed on the route because of the severe cold weather. He was detained in Dayton some twenty days, waiting the time of the steamer. John Kemp took him and his wife into his own home and treated them very kindly. He was on his way to California, via New York, Aspinwall and Panama. After a voyage of thirty-five TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHKIST. 487 days from New York they arrived at San Francisco, thence to Sacramento City, thence to the brethren and sisters on the Sacramento river, in Yolo county. He arrived here in March, 1864. He found the church work somewhat demoralized. The leader had been taken away by death. Some who had been placed on works, from one cause or anotlier, had abandoned them, so that there was but one preacher. Rev. J. W. Har- row, who was wholly given to the work of preaching. He had just come from Humbolt county to Sacramento valley. During the winter. Rev. Joseph H. Mayfield, of Oregon, had held a revival meeting on the Feather river, in Butte county, in which about eighty persons professed a saving faith in Christ. He organized a class of fifty members, of the church of the United Brethren in Christ. Mayfield was in the country on a trading expedition, but in this case turned his attention to better work. There was a small class on Day Creek, Sacramento county, a class at Monument, one near Sylvy ville, Yolo county, and two in Humboldt county. The brethren were very much discouraged. The bish- op went to work with energy' to encourage the things which remained that were ready to ie. He first preached at Monument, and then went to Live Oak, in Butte county, and held a meeting there with increasing interest and good results. In company with others he next held a meeting with the Dry Creek class. He then started to visit the brethren- on Eel river, Hum- boldt county, to reach which would require a week of constant travel on horseback. In due time he and Brother Harrow made the long and tiresome journey, one stretch of Avhich was on a narrow trail. Some- times they were ascending at an angle of forty-five 48S DANIEL SHUCK, degrees, or what seemed to be that, and again descend- ing at the same inclination to the horizon. Up and down, onward they pursued their tiresome journey, sleeping on the ground at night and traveling during the day, until at last, tired and weary and rejoiced, they reached the end of their journey, the home of Brother Harrow, who lived with his mother and brothers. Some refreshment and then they slept, sung to rest by the music of old ocean's roar. A meet- ing was commenced which continued over the Sabbath with good results. During July and August he held a number of meet- ings in the Sacramento valley, and with good success, closing with a good camp-meeting in Butte county, where Gridley, a town of about 700 inhabitants is located. After the close of this camp meeting, he and his wife, in a private conveyance, with two other families, started to visit the churches in Oregon. They traveled during the day and camped out at night. The first Sabbath he held religious services in Trinity Center, Cal.; the second in Rouge River valley. Ore., near Ashland ; the third, in Looking Glass valley, Ore., and the fourth, a camp meeting, near Oakland. At the last two meetings he assisted Rev. T. J. Conner, the presiding elder ; the fifth was spent at a quarterly camp meeting in the neighborhood wii ere Philomath now stands ; the sixth at a camp meeting in Yam Hill county ; the seventh at a camp meeting, in Washing- ton Territory, near Fort Vancouver ; the eighth at a quarterly meeting, near Sublimity. During this meet- ing Rev, W. H. Daugberty, one of the most eloquent and successful missionaries on the coast, died at his TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 489 home in Sublimity, and the bishop preached his funeral sermon ; the ninth he attended religions services near Salem ; the tenth was at the time of the sitting of the Oregon Annual Conference. He visited all the charges within the bounds of the conference, and did all he could to encourage and build up the cause, and with some evidence of success. The bishop had intended to sell his horse and buggy and return to California by way of steamer, but, having traveled the route and found acquaintances with whom he could profitably spend the Sabbaths in preaching, he concluded to return in his own convey- ance. He got along very pleasantly until late one evening just as the last rays of twilight were departing and he was within four miles of Brother Boulware's in Butte county, CaL, he met two men in the high- way and inquired of them if he was on the right road to Mr. Bouhvare's, whereupon one of them dismounted, seized the bishop's right hand with his left, and, presenting a cocked revolver to his face, demanded his money or his life. The money being the least valuable, he gave the money. He then asked for his revolver, but was informed that he did not carry one. He then searched him to learn if his statements were true; next he ordered him out of the buggy, fastened his arms with a rope and sent him forward to the side of his horse, all the time keeping his revolver in his hand for an emergency. The other man led the bishop's horse about one hundred yards from the road. His wife was ordered to get out of the buggy on the other side, and her person was thoroughlv searched for money. As they could not manage the keys very well, they broke open the trunk and valises and took out all 490 DANIEL SHUCK, the good wearing apparel. Having secured the object of their search, the whole amounting to about $130, they "loosed him and let him go" This was a strange closing to a long, wearisome and laborious journey, made for the cause of the Master. He had been in "peril by sea," and he now knew what it was to be in "perils among robbers." He returned to Monument, Yolo county, Cal., in time for the first regular session of said conference in October, 1864. The session was one which brought new hope and inspired new confidence. This period was a hopeful hour for the church in California. One of the preachers then in the State wrote in his journal: " The church was almost in a dis- organized state, but a change was soon visible. Letters were written from friend to f liend, ' The bishop has come.' Those who had been predicting the sudden de- mise of the church changed their opinions, while the true friends of the cause rejoiced and deserters felt like returning to their former allegiance." Mr. Sliuck was reelected bishop of the Pacific Coast district in May, 1865, at the General Conference session held in Western, Iowa. He continued from year to year in the same general line of active work. In 1865 the Cascade, now Walla Walla, conference Avas organized. This extended the field of his labors. In 1867, as Brother Kenager's duties called him for a time to the Willamette valley the bishop agreed to serve as pre- siding elder until the next session. During this year the preachers had some excellent revivals. A grove meeting was held in Powder River valley in May, 1868, a camp meeting in Grand Rounde valley in the same month and a conference camp meeting in June, 1868, TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 491 near Walla Walla City. This last was a grand meeting, and productive of good results. The conference camp meeting of the Oregon confei'ences, held near Forest Grove, in Washington county, on the 1st of July, 1868, was the largest meeting which the bishop was permit- ted to witness along the coast. There Avere at least 2,500 people present on the Sabbath. The members of the conference for the most part were present. A new inspiration had come upon them. The membership had been increased, and a goodly number of unreserved itinerants had been found to man the fields. Philomath College had been established and was meeting with encouraging success. There was unity in the church and among the ministers on all moral questions. The few" years of Mr. Shuck's work as bishop on the Pacific Coast mission district, w^ere years of much anxious thought and of unremitting toil to extend the Master's cause as represented by the United Brethren in Christ. The effects of these long journeys and of his abundant labors are now showing themselves more or less in his husky and bi'oken-down voice, and in his inability for close application to study. He tried faith- fully to magnify the office and meet as best he could its responsibilities. He received during this period an average salary of $608.50 per annum. The office opened up to him a wider field of usefulness in his plan of life, which was to spend and be spent in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Where he should do this never entered into his plans, foi* " the field is the world." It was from this consideration that he gained the consent of his mind to enter upon the responsibili- ties of the ofBce. 492 DANIEL SHUCK, Since out of the ofRce of bishop, he has been trying to fill the higher office of an embassador for God,a preacher in apostolic succession ; in charge of circuits, stations and districts as the door was opened in the providence of God and in the economy of the United Brethren Church. At the session of the California Annual Conference in October, 1887, he requested to be let out of the reg- ular worlv and to be granted the relation of conference evangelist. He hoped that a few months of rest would so restore his voice that he could render efficient serv- ice as an evangelist, but up to the present time he has only attempted to preach three times. He has never made any particular form of church work a specialty. He served the church for a time as trustee of the printing establishment. For many years he tried to build it up, as one of its agents. For years he contributed something to the columns of the Tele- scope once or twice a month. All of these services were rendered gratuitously. He was one of the managers of the Home, Frontier and Foreign Missionarj^ Society of the United Brethren in Christ, from its organization in May, 1853, until May, 1881. He always felt and took a deep interest in this department of church work. At the fir-st annual meet- mg held in Westerville, he was one of the managers who urged the western coast of Africa as the prospect- ive field for a foreign mission work. During all these years when a member of the board he was at his post, except when absent on the coast. Once during his last terra of services he went from California to Westerville at the last meeting of the board held there. Since 1852 he has also taken a lively interest in the educational TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 493 work of the church. To work while it is called to-dsiy was his motto, and what his hand found to do he did with his might. This is a mistake which many of our most industrious men have made, and which we are sorry to see the church has encouraged them to make. It has not sought to save its workers. After the long and laborious tours which Bishop Shuck made, there should have been periods for rest and recuperation. When serving as pastor, as a general rule he de- voted the forenoon of each day except Monday to study. He first selected portions of Scripture with such helps as he had at his command. He would then study other works on theology, in moral and intel- lectual philosophy, in science and literature, as the time at his command would permit. He did much of his reading and study when going from one appoint- ment to another. In his early itinerant life he made it a point to read five chapters in the Bible every morn- ing. Because of this habit, there came up at one time a complaint in the quarterly conference that he was not social. He has read many books, has studied but a few^. He is rather sedate, somewhat reserved and backward, would rather suffer wrong than do wrong to his co-laborers or his fellow men. In matters of honor is disposed to prefer others to himself. In fervency of spirit in serving the Lord does not want to be excelled by any. From one who stands very near the family we learn that the bishop's home life has been one of peace and love. When married, himself and wife were both Christians. They erected a family altar, he leading the devotions in the morning, she in the evening. He was traveling when he was married, expected to itinerate as 494 DANIEL SHUCK, long as he was able, and she agreed to go with him. She has kept her part of the contract, and the home life, when there to enjoy it, has been all that the word means. No jars, no discords, no clashing of wills, but one purpose, one work, to do the will of the Master. He never received a fat salary. Indeed, many years of his itinerant life were spent when it required the closest economy to keep out of debt — but he did it. At the close of the third year of united labor they mutually agreed that they w^ould not go in debt for their living or their clothing; that they would not run a bill with the merchant, and this they strictly adhered to through all the years. He sought first of all to get facts clearly and plainly before his mind, and then to express them on paper with the simplest language at his command. He is concise in his expressions, usually does the best in his first writing, and seldom rewrites. He occasionally writes a sermon, but usually prepares them without writing. When in the regular pastoral work, before he closed the work of the Sabbath, the subjects for the following Sabbath were suggested to him. He would study these subjects, first, by reading caref ulh'^ the text and its connections, then read the text in the original Greek, then examine such notes and comments as came in his way. With these aids to help him, he carefully thought out his sermon and had it arranged in his mind for future use. He seldom takes written notes into the pulpit. He did so for a time, while building a church in the city of New Albany, Ind., but as a rule he found it weakened instead of strengthened him. It at any time he discovered by reviewing his discourse in his mind that he had forgotten some point or some TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BEETHEEN IN CHEIST. 495 illustration which he intended to use, he made that a reason to charge his memorv to serve him better in the future. The action of the last General Conference in ap- pointing a commission and the action of that commis- sion have given him great concern and brought much anguish of mind. If 3^ou should ask him the reason for such anxiety, he would probably tell you that, if such a principle can prevail in legislation, all constitutional law in a voluntary association is a farce. If the two- thirds of those who vote on this new constitution should vote in its favor, and the article on secret com- binations thereby become the rule of the church, then the church will deny the testimony of the true and faithful witnesses of the past and present, and will stand stultified befoi'e the Christian conscience of the age. If carried out according to its original design, the church will be divided from center to circumfer- ence. While, therefore, he would tell you that the church was making a blunder, and that he saw grave danger ahead of her, rocks on which she is in danger of strand- ing, he still hopes that the God who hears and answers prayer will save the church from disruption, that the radical revolutionary measures may not prevail. He still hopes that the composition of the next General Con- ference will be of such a conservative nature as to harmonize the disturbing elements; to conserve highest demands of Christian! t}^ and prevent a division or dis- integration of the church. He experienced what we term the higher Christian life about forty years ago. He was led into it when alone on his circuit. He saw it to be his duty to make 496 DANIEL SHUCK, an unreserved consecration of himself and services to Christ, and appropriated by faith His provisions and promises as made to him individually. Through these two score years of privation, of cares, of sufferings, of labors, of trials in various ways, the Lord has kept him in perfect peace, He has lived the life of faith which overcomes the world. So far as his own spirit is con- cerned, it has been in a holy calm, a sweet hush, in the midst of the errors and jealousies of others, and in the hottest of the battle. He has much reason to thank God for his unspeakable gift, for the cleansing virtues of his blood, and for the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, God revealed to him the true path of life, the King's highway of holiness, and he entered into it, and is still in it, and is nearing the cit}' of light into which none shall find admittance but the followers of the Lamb. With all his misgivings as to the legislation of the church and its effects upon our growtj], the outlook in California seems hopeful to him. There are a number of good meeting houses and parsonages. There has been within the last yea,!' an addition to the ministerial force of ten ministers of fair ability. The most of them say they have gone to stay, and to help cultivate the land, San Joaquin Valley College has grown in favor among the people, and commands the respect of the educators of the State. If the college grows, as there is reason to believe it will grow, it will contribute much to the future growth of the church, and especially if she maintains her distinctive principles on the great moral evils of the day. With an unreserved itinerant ministry, with a consecrated membership, with a united stand on the Lord's side and in opposition to sin and all its forces, TWENTIETH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 497 and if the Spirit of God accompany all the agencies which it has been using and will still use, there is a bright future for our church in the State of the golden sunset. The bishop has been somewhat conservative in his nature, and has not changed his views much on the questions which have agitated the church during the past years. He was in favor of the ^j^'o-nif^.^ represen- tation, and also of la}" delegation in the General Con- ference, if introduced in a constitutional way. He drafted the law now in our discipline authorizing Annual Conferences, wiiich might desire to do so, to introduce lay delegates into their conferences. He still believes as he has believed before that the article in the constitution on secret combinations, is right and should remain as it is ; that it is clear in its statements; that our legislative enactments from time to time have been in harmony with it. He was present as a spectator at the General Con- ference held in German town, Ohio, in 1849 ; he has been a member of every General Conference since that time, and has been present at every session except in 1865. He had been on the coast for so short a time, he did not think it best to come back so soon. So far as known he has never been an aspirant for office. From his earliest Christian life until tlie present, as duty was urged and as responsibility was imposed upon him, he tried to do the best he could to meet them. No one could have been more sincere, more earnest, more zeal- ous or more self-denying than he has tried to be. REV. JOHN DICKSON, D. D., TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. JOHN DICKSON was born near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., June 15, A. D. 1820. On his father's side he came of Scotch-Irish stock, which helps to account, in part, for his independence of char- acter. His great-grandfather, John Dickson, was born on the northeast coast of Scotland, of the house of Argyle. When fifteen years of age he, with the rest of the family, were compelled to leave Scotland on ac- count of political troubles. They fled to the north of Ireland, in order to keep out of the way of King- James II. They remained in Ireland about three years, when he emigrated to this country, landed at Philadelphia, at which place he made his home for some time. He next moved to Donegal Meeting- house, in Lancaster, thence to Carlisle, Shippensburg, and finally, in 1737, settled on the farm, near St. Thomas, now owned by the bishop's cousin, Col. W. D. Dickson. He had seven sons. William, the grandfather of our subject, was born at this place. At the age of seven years he was captured by the Indians, many of whom were about here at this time. He was kept by them eleven weeks, most of the time in a cave on an adjoining farm, and was finally returned by a kind old squaw, who had been receiving favors from the family. This same squaw also warned them of a massacre which the Indians were planning. They took advantage of this warning and fled to Carlisle, 498 o0-x^-<^-;^2^-^^-^-^_ ife 4 .// TWENTY-FIKST BISHOP UNITED BKETHKEI' '"^IN CHRIP' ^99 where they remained about three years and then re- turned to their former home. The grandfather was a sergeant in Colonel Boquet's comtoand, and served to the end of the campaign. He was with Major Dun- woodie at the massacre,, aqd was one of the three that escaped to Fort London. The remainder, with the major/ were all killed ^nd scalped. He also joined a company that was raised in the county at the begin- ning of the War of Independence, and held the posi- tion of ensign, declining several offers of promotion, till the close of the war. He had four brothers in the army ; one was killed at the battle of Monmouth, one at Brandywine, one by the Indians, and one died on his way home from the army. William, the grandfather, was married, August 1, 1767, to Nancy Dunlap. Not much can be learned now of her ancestry. She was an aunt to James Dunlap^ once a prominent lawyer of Chambersburg, and the author of " Purdon's Digest of the Laws of Pennsyl- vania." She must have been rather a kind-hearted old lady. It was said of her in after years, that when the boys from the neighboring village would visit the Dick- sons for apples, she would always have a piece of bread and butter and cake for them, and if any of them re- fused to eat she would whip them and compel them to eat. To them were born nine children, five boys and four girls. James, the father of our subject, was tlie seventh of the family, and was born ISTovember 28, A. D. 1781, and died in Knox county. 111., in the sixty-eighth year of his age. The maiden name of the bishop's mother was Brat- ten, and she was of English descent. The original name was Britton.but as that word became somewhat iodious 500 JOHN DICKSON, during revolutionary times, it was changed to Brat- ten, to escape that odium. She had four brothers and one sister. She died in Knox county, 111., in 1840, and is buried in that county. The father was a man who believed in Solomon's theory that a rod is good for a child, and our subject came in for the blessing of the law, and, perhaps, did not get more than the father at least thought he deserved. ■ The mother, a kind, ten- der-hearted woman, became a mediator between the children and the father. As to their religious belief both the Dickson and the Bratten families were of Presbyterian tendency. As a result the children were required to commit to memory the Westminster Catechism and repeat it over on Sun- day afternoons, the father asking the questions and the mother and children repeating the answers. It does not seem to have left very pleasant memories in his mind, for the bishop has been heard to say that if he wanted to punish a man severely he would compel him to study the Shorter Catechism. If the records in the old Sunday-school books, show- ing us how the good boys died when young, be a true indication of goodness, then the bishop could not have been a very model boy, for he survived it all and is living yet. There were two things for which he did not seem to have a very great fondness : he was not pos- sessed of an intense longing for work, and he readily excused himself from school. The Scotch-Irish were perhaps not proverbial for their industry, and he might blame his disposition on his ancestry. Even his father did not dearly love hard work. As to his carelessness about school and his lack of taste for the place, it may in ])art be due to the unskillful teachers of the time. He was apt to learn, yet after all did not progress rapidly. TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 501 To be able to teach penmanship, reading and arithmetic and to be able to flog well when deemed necessary, and that very frequently, was the chief pedagogic qualifica- tion in these days. The last seemed the most important and therefore most possessed it in a high degree. As he was raised on a farm, he knew but little ex- cept going to school to ignorant teachers in the winter, and hard work during the summer while at home. When a little past thirteen years of age his brother went to learn a trade, and he had to take more than the usual amount of hard work on himself. There was hardly any kind of farm work which he could not do, and did not do even, at that early age, according to the methods then practiced. There were some things in connection with his school days which he can not well forget. The boys who did not, or could not study, must have some occupation. Pulling ears, snapping the fingers, and throwing paper wads were of not unfrequent occurrence. " Barring out the teacher," was one of the essentials in the old curriculum, and w^hatever else might be imperfectly studied or wholly omitted, to have omitted this would have been highly objectionable, if not indeed disgrace- ful. It was understood that on such occasions as Christ- mas and New Year's the pupils were entitled to a treat from their teacher. It might consist of apples, candy, cakes, or whatever he chose, but it must be something. It was his duty according to an unwritten law and their right to have it. At one time Mr. Huston, a relative of his mother, a man of some culture and powerful muscle was the teacher for the winter. It was plan- ned one day among tlie older scholars, that while he was at dinner the fortifying of the schoolhouse 502 JOHN DICKSON, should occur, that when he should return he could not find entrance. When he came back he found every- thing ready for a siege — doore and windows were all ef- fectually fastened. He sui'veyed the situation for a moment, then started for the woods and soon appeared wath a great hickory stick in his hand. Conrad Baker, who was afterward governor of Indiana, was one of the braves on this occasion. He had made a water-squirt, and his part in the programme was to squirt boiling water from the loft above, to drive back the besieging forces. Huston with one blow broke in a window, shutters and all. This so alarmed the garrison inside that an immediate and unconditional surrender was made. It is not known what became of Baker's arms and ammunition, perhaps he kept them as a memento of his youthful prowess, but it is very certain that no one was driven back with boiling water that day. A few days after this the pupils had all the cakes, apples and cider they wanted. There was a similar occasion which we may men- tion. Samuel B. Smith was above the average as a teacher, but he was high strung and a little too fond of strong drink, as w^ere many of the teachers and mdeed others of that day. Smith was barred out in due form, and became in consequence very much en- raged. He said if he could get at them, he would light on them as a hawk does on a chicken. When he found he could not frighten them, he concluded to fas- ten the pupils in so they could not get out, and he did his very best. The pupils, anticipating something of the kind, had prepared for such an emergency. Sallie Bratten, a cousin of the Dickson's, had been sta- tioned some distance away in the w^oods, and as soon as TWENTY-FIRST BISIIuP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 503 Mr. Smith had left, she tore down the outside barri- cades, and out wallvcd tlie garrison triumphantly. In a day or two they were treated with hot toddy and cakes, of which the teacher himself partook very freely, and some of the boys, who, perhaps, did not un- derstand the nature of the toddy, went home a little " funny." When the nature of the schools is taken into consid- eration, it is a constant wonder that children ever learned as much as they did. But few of the teachers were in any proper sense qualified for their work. There were such frequent changes, sometimes from better to worse, and then from worse to better. The schoolhouses and accommodations were very poor. No effort was made to make the school room an inviting place. Knowledge ol)tained under difficulties was perhaps thought to be tlje most valuable kind. The helps in the way of books were in keeping with the teachers and surround- ings. The spelling book came first, the Old and l:^ew Testament for reading, and arithmetic with slate and penpil, completed the list of books as usually furnished. Mr. Dickson was never in a school where geography and grammar were taught until after he was sixteen years of age. When the bishop goes back to this period of his life he can count eighteen different teachers of this class, who taught and thrashed him to the best of their abil- ity. The father was anxious for the boy's success, and advised and lectured upon the subject whenever he thought it necessary. With but few books at home and poor schools, and inefficient teaching away from home, it is not to be wondered at that he had little ap- petite for knowledge, and was not ambitious to be a scholar. 504 JOHN DICKSON, When lie was about sixteen years of age he began to see and feel the need of a better education. He then began to develop a taste for knowledge. At that age his services were needed on the farm. As his leisure time would allow he would study at home, and thus lay the foundation for future acquirements. In 1839 his father moved to Knox county, 111. Galesburg had been laid out not long before, and an academy started. He entered this school in the spring of 1840, when about twenty years of age. He soon took the real Illinois shakes, which in that day were no trifling mat- ter, and they got the advantage of him. He came home, was sick all summer, and the next spring, when he Avas of age, he started for Pennsylvania. He commenced teaching school when about seven- teen years of age. Having returned to Pennsylvania, and with nothing special on hand, he returned to the school room. He always had a good certificate, and had no difficulty in finding a school, and the presump- tion is that he was a very fair teacher and gave good satisfaction. When the public school, which was held during the winter, was over, he usually followed it with a spring term. His dislike for study had now disappeared, but his dislike for hard work clung to him. He was very fond of fun and lively, jovial compan- ions. He became skillful at cards, and the ball room became a very attractive place. There was hardly any kind of worldly amusement that did not have a fascina- tion for him. Life meant to him, what it meant to many young men, a time for enjoyment, regardless of the interests that hang about it. But God meant to use him for other purposes, and a call comes to him so TWENTY-FIEST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 505 strong and so loud that he hears and obeys. In November, 1842, he attended a meeting at what was known as the Eed Schoolhouse, located about eight miles from Chambersburg. Under the preaching of Kev. J. C. Smith, a young man in the first year of his ministry, Mr. Dickson became deeply convicted of sin, and on the second night of the meeting gave his heart to God and united with the church. His conversion was a little out of the ordinary way of doing things there. His reputation as a gi-eat lover of fun and one who was anxious for discussion was such that the preachers had a dread of meeting him. When they went out into the congregation to speak to the unconverted, they would usually pass him by be- cause they did not wish to encounter him. On that Saturday night he went to his boarding house in deep distress, and a sleepless night did not make the matter any better. The next evening he went to the prayer meeting held before the preaching service, as was the custom then, and handed the preacher a note asking a private interview with him. They went out together, and as they walked along Mr. Dickson unburdened his heart to him. He had a great dislike for what was then called "the mourners' bench," and he hoped by going out in this way to escape the odium that in his own mind attached to that harmless thing. When he asked the preacher's advice, he told him that he could do nothing for him but point him to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. They went down into the woods near by, and as the preacher prayed he became more distressed than ever. On the way back to the schoolhouse, the preacher asked Mr. Dickson if he was willing to come forward that evening as a penitent. He answered, 506 JOHN DICKSON, "Anywhere to get rid of this burden of sin." On that eventful night at the hated mourners' bench he found peace in believing. A gracious revival followed, at which about thirty souls were converted. We have said in a previous paragraph that Mr. Dickson in his early years was very fond of discussion. The village and country debating societies not onl}'- sharpened his appetite for this kind of work, but helped to briny: out whatever of mental and emotional streno'th was in him. That the young schoolmaster at this time was no mean antagonist may be learned from the following incident, which has lately come to our knowledge. Be- fore he was converted he undertook the task of de- molishing Universalism and Universalists, in a public discussion in a neighborhood near Greencastle, Pa. Mr. D. Kuhn was his antagonist, and each leader chose a helper. The discussion lasted an afternoon and evening, and was made in the presence of a crowded house. Leaving that county soon after, Mr. Dickson did not know what effect the discussion had on the phice nor how the people received it. Almost twenty years after that time, he was preaching in that neighborhood and was entertained by one of the old citizens. Dur- ing the conversation they talked of the debate of former years, and the citizen said it was the best thing that had ever occurred in that community. It proved such a death blow to this heresy that its advocates never rallied; its preacher ceased his visits and his preaching, and one man that had been persuaded to come eight or ten miles that he might be confirmed in the faith went home fully satisfied that Universalism was a very dangerous error. After tlie many inter- vening yearSj this would be a very gratifying report. TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITKD BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 507 Very soon after this he was put up to open meet- ings, and in April, 184i, was granted license to exhort, signed by John Russel, presiding elder. He was pushed forward somewhat rapidl\% and in his mature years it seemed to him a mistake,especially in view of his past life. Quarterly conference license to preach was granted him at a camp meeting held near Littlestown, Adams county, and bears the date of August 9th, 1845, and signed by M. Lohr, presiding elder. After traveling a year under the presiding elder, he joined the Annual Con- ference at a session held near Carlisle, Pa., March 12, 181:7, Bishop Hanby presiding. He was ordained at a conference held in York, Pa., January 26, A. D. 1850, Bishop Erbofiiciating. A somewhat singular providence led him into the active work of the ministry. He was teaching school in the winters of 1845 and 1840, near Keedysville, Md. John Russel lived near this place, and he used to go down occasionally and spend a Sab- bath with him. His school was broken u]) by the itch getting among his pupils. He closed up, went to Russel, and started with him in his buggy to conference, which met in Springville, Lancaster county. Pa. As a result of this trip, he was assigned under the presiding elder to Perry County circuit. It took four days to make the journey which can now be made in less than that number of hours. The greater portion of the circuit was new terri- tory. On the wqrk there were two small log churches with slab seats, without backs. The remainder of the appointments, eight in all, were in schoolhouses or in private dwellings. The people received the young preacher very kindly, and he passed a very pleasant and prosperous year. They were given to a good deal of noise and other demonstrations in their meetings. 508 JOHN DICKSON, Once when Russel, who was the presiding elder, was preaching, as he warmed up with his subject a sister, who had warmed up at the same time, gave a joyous scream at the top of her voice, when the preacher stopped and said, " Hokl up, sister, till I am through, and then take it out." She held up. The people on this work were plain and unsophisti- cated. The}' treated their new preacher well, and paid him $100 salary, the disciplinary allowance then. He had an excellent Christian home at Father Henry Young's, who boarded himself and horse gratuitously, as was the rule in those times. The next conference was held near Carlisle, and Hanby presided, although Russel was there also. This was the first session of the Pennsylvania Conference, after the East Pennsyl- vania had been set off. Glossbrenner presided. It Avas soon after his election for the first time to the bishop's office. The bishops then, as now, visited the confer- ences alternately, Russel presided at both the con- ferences of 1847 and 1848. There were but three bish- ops at this time, Russel, Hanby and Glossbrenner. From the Hersh}'^ Conference he was assigned to the Big Spring charge, in Cumberland county, Pa. A. Owen had served this charge the previous year, and was deservedl}'' popular as a preacher and a man. As he had been there but one year, there was a good deal of dissatisfaction at his removal ; but the new preacher did not find this out until the year w^s nearly out. He was blessed with an excellent revival at the principal point, so he was able to take a good report to confer- ence, and, in compliance with a petition sent to the conference, he was returned the second year, although a single man. TWEXTY-FIKST UISIIOP UNITED l^KEl'UKKN IN CHKIST. 5()!j Springfield, the village here, is a shabby old town, Avithout enterprise or ambition ; but the natural scenery is very romantic. Several large springs come out from an amphitheater of hills, flow together and make quite a stream. But that which above eveiything else makes him remember this field of labor and this 3'ear's work, is the fact that here he found the woman who was to aid him in his future ministerial work, in the person of Mary Jane Adair, to whom he was married November 14, 1848. Eev. J. C. Smith, his spiritual father, officiated at the wedding. It was a kind of universal law in the Pennsylvania conferences in those days, that a young minister must not marry until he had completed his three years in the active work, and finished his course of reading. He had carefully ob- served this rule, and there were therefore no impedi- ments in the way of his marriage. His wife was, like himself, of Scotch-Irish descent, and reared under United Presbyterian influences. The United Brethren preacher and the United Presbyterian girl were united for better or for worse, and the union is still complete, only to be broken when the grim messenger shall come, which we hope will be many years hence. During all the years of toil and hardsiii]5 which must come to every itinerant minister, and of which burdens his wife must bear a large part, Mrs. Dickson has shown herself a faithful, devoted. Christian wife, a worthy helpmeet in every sense of the word. The first 3^ear he was on the charge he had his home with Brother David Brandt, who, Avitli his family, was ver\' kind to him, and was a faithful friend as long as he lived. The next year he lived with Brother Jacob Keller, who owned the house in which he preached. 510 JOHN DICKSON, It liad been a distillery in former years, and was built over one of the springs. The audience room was above, and the stairs by whicli it was reached were on the outside of the building. It was supplanted some years afterward by a new brick building in another part of the village. This place was made memorable on ac- count of an Annual Conference held at Father Kan- aga's. A room was fitted up by Father Kanaga in the upper part of his residence, with stairs on the outside, for the accommodation of the conference. Here the fathers met for council, no one, not even the owner of the house, being allowed to be present. The stairs were still standing, and the room left as it had been prepared when Mr. Dickson went there to preach, but now church and stairs and house are all gone. Not- withstanding the general roughness of the place, the hills, and rocks, and woods, he enjoyed the work here verv much. Its quiet gave him good opportunities for reading and study, which he improved, applying him- self so closely to study as to injure his health for the time being. While at this place, he was awakened one night to go to see a sick man, who lived about three miles away. He and the doctor started together to visit the man, to see what could be done for soul and body. They found the man to be very sick, and were sure he was about to die, and was not ready for the change. How very penitent he became, and what vows and promises he made as to how he would live if he only should get well again ! By careful nursing he did get well, and was reputed to have become more wicked than ever before. This case, with others of like kind, did not produce in the mind of Mr. Dickson a very strong conviction in favor of death-bed repentances. TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 511 The stay of one year at Father Keller's was all that could be desired in the way of comfort and pleasant surroundings. Old Mother Keller, the wife, was one of the best of women, tender-hearted and kind. Her home was a great place for visitors, perhaps we had better say boarders, at big meetings; and for whom she could not do too much. She was the daughter of the Kanaga referred to elsewhere, and had from lier child- hood been trained to entertain preachers and people, and to do so with pleasure. "When she was young nothing was thought of traveling forty miles on horse- back to attend a big meeting. The people went for a purpose, and they returned, feeling that the time and labor had not been spent in vain. They did not in those days have missionary, church-erection, or Sunday school organizations, as we have to-day, but they had a good deal of heart love, and heart earnestness, which at times seem to be lacking in too many places, and with too many of our own people of to-day. It was during this year that he was written to concerning the editorship of the Religious Telescope. His own name and that of John Lawrence were before the authorities as suitable persons for the place. He declined to be considered a candidate at all. Seven years after, when Bishop Edwards had charge of the Zhiity Magazine he wrote to Mr. Dickson and urged him to consent to become editor of that short-lived periodical. He had a strong aversion to the confined life which such a man must live. He would be outside to enjoy the pure air and the genial sunshine. This was one reason why he declined to teach school, and why he always enjoyed a circuit more than a station, when in the act- ive ministry. The bishop's office gave him an oppor- tunity to indulge in this busy, active, out-door life, 512 JOHN DICKSON, where lie could come in contact not only with nature, but with the busy masses whose welfare he was seek- ing. The Pennsylvania Conference, at its first separate session, in 1847, reported thirteen small charges, with a membership of about 2,000 communicants. The strong men of the conference were J. Russel, George Miller and A. Owen. Russel was a man of giant mind, which was well matured by self-culture. He preached usually in German, but did very well in English. George Miller was an able man in the pulpit, a wise counselor and an exemplary Christian. Owen became in after years one of the ablest thinkers and most polished speakers of the church. It is questionable if the church then or since has seen his superior. John Fohl was, perhaps, the most efficient man of the conference in the practical work of the ministry, although but ordinary in the pulpit. J. C. Smith was arising young man, and became a very fair preacher, and effective in all the de- partments of a minister's work, preaching well in both German and English. G. A. Colestock and "W. B. Ra- ber entered the work in the Pennsylvania Conference soon after Mr. Dickson did, and both became promi- nent men, preaching on the best charges, serving as presiding elders, and a number of times as delegates to the General Conferences. Raber died in York, several years ago; Colestock is enjoying a pleasant home, al- though in somewhat feeble health, at Mechanicsburg, Pa. At the Herrsh}^ Conference the educational question came up after this manner: The Allegheny Conference, at its previous session, had taken steps to establish a college to be located at Mt. Pleasant, within her own TWENTY -FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 513 boundaries, and had appointed a committee of two to visit the Pennsylvania Conference and solicit coopera- tion. This failed by a large majority, mainly for the following- reasons : A number of the older members, in the main led by Russel, were opposed to high schools, as they called them ; others thought they should have been consulted before the location had been determined upon, and did not feel like cooperating until they were assured that Mt. Pleasant was a proper place. Otter- bein University (Blendon Young Men's Seminary) had just been purchased, and it was thought they had bet- ter not be too hasty but wait and see how it would go with the Ohio school. This latter was the view taken by Mr. Dickson, and so he stands on the record. Owen and Dickson afterward went to Mt. Pleasant as trust- ees of the college from their own conference. At that time the}^ needed a president, and Dickson's name was mentioned as a candidate. Owen was chosen, and in Dickson's judgment the college never did a wiser thing than when the management made that choice. After serving Hershy station one year, and Big Spring a year, he was, in the sixth year of his ministry, appointed to Chambersburg station. It was at this time in a very dilapidated condition. The church building was old and shabby, and in danger of falling down, and although w^e had a number of excellent Christian people in the church, we were poor, and for reasons not to be named here, somewhat in disgrace. Something had to be done, and done quickly. In the second year he was there, A. D. 1852, he undertook, in the midst of all these discouraging circumstances, to build a new church. The salvation of the congrega- tion seemed to depend upon the success of the enter- 51.1: JOHN DICKSON, prise. He did nearly all the soliciting and collecting himself, and after much effort saw a brick building of one story, forty by sixty feet, completed and dedicated to Almighty God. It was at that time the best church in the. bounds of the Pennsylvania Conference, and we are not sure that the church had a better building srny- where. This enterprise put a new life and a new zeal into the congregation. The people now concluded they were going to stay in Chambersburg. Mr. Dick- son was here for three years. During the summer of 1852 the cholera raged in Chambersburg, but he re- mained faithful to his work, and did not leave it for a day. Many fell victims to the unrelenting scourge, among whom were some of the very best citizens. Aft- er eight years of absence he returned again, and for four more years he served this congregation. During the eight years of absence he served as presiding elder for two years, and four years on Shopp's station. It was called a station, but was at this time an inner circuit, embracing Avhat are now known, besides Shopp's charge, asMechanicsburg, Kew Cumberland, West Fairview and Yocumtown. He had a junior preacher with him and each one went round the circuit every four weeks. They had great prosperity in the way of revivals and accessions to the church. Three new churches were built. There was also the beginning of good times for Mechanicsburg. There had been preaching for some years in the old union meeting house, but little had been accomplished. It was apparent to Mr. Dickson that but little would be done until we had a house of our own. During the second year that he was on the charge, by a vigorous effort a two-story brick building, forty-eight feet by TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 515 sixty front, was erected. From that time it grew rapidly. Soon after, it was made a station and is now among tlie strong charges of the conference. During tliese four years his colleagues were Samuel Dietrich, H. Y. Hiemelbaugh, Jacob Wilt and Prof. D. Eberly, all worthy and efficient young men, and all now dead but Eberly. One of the evidences of growth is the divid- ing up of large charges and the building of churches. When in the spring of 1862 he was appointed for the second time lo the Chambersburg station, he found some subscriptions had been taken for a parsonage. He took hold of this work, pushed it forward, built the house and occupied it the same fall. When he first w^ent to Chambersburg he found Jacob Hoke to be one of the most active members of the church, and the longer he was there the more valuable did his services become. He was trustee of the church, secretary of the quarterly conference and official meeting, class leader, taught a weekly Bible class, was a wise counselor and a liberal contributor to all the interests of the church. The Chambersburg congregation most probably never had a more worthy or more useful member. Though not serving in any of these capacities, he is still a member and regular attendant of the services of the church. He keeps on praying, does a good deal of preaching here and there, and manifests as much zeal for true Christianity and for the church as ever. During the twenty-two years which Mr. Dickson spent as a stationed and circuit preacher, his labors were blessed with revivals on all the charges, and on some with very remarkable revivals. The records of his conference will show that he never left a charge Avithout leavino- it in a better condition than when he 516 JOHN DICKSON, found it. Pro'bably none of his brethren in his confer- ence have done more toward the building up of the in- terests of tlie church and of the conference than he has. With the exception of his first year, his whole itinerant life has been spent in Franklin and Cumberland coun- ties. As he nears the period in life when his more act- ive labors must cease, it must be a real gratification to look back ahd see the progress the church has made when he was permitted to labor, and that with others of his brethren he was permitted in God's providence to help bring about this result. He is now the only itinerant left in the active work, that was in the confer- ence when he began. In 1861 he was a delegate, for the first time, to the General Conference. It met at "Westerville, Ohio. J. C. Smith and "W. B. Raber were his colleagues. He has been a member of every Geperal Conference, either by election or ex officio, from that time until the pres- ent. At this conference there was a good deal of at- tention paid to the secrecy question. A case from Sandusky Conference was up under an appeal, and after a number of flaming speeches, a strong paper was j)assed, nearly unanimously making connection with secret societies an immoralit\'. It was at this meeting that for the first time he met with Isaac Kretsinger, familiarly known as " ]Jncle Ike." After he made his first speech he never lacked for listeners. It is safe to say that whoever else may change his mind on this question, there is not now and never has been any question as to where " Uncle Ike " stands. At this conference Rev. J. Mark wood was first elected to the bishop's office. Rev. Dr. L. Davis went out of the office to take the presidency of Otterbein University. Henry Knmler, Jr., was elected (Tcrman bishop. TWENTY-FIKST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 517 • The General Conference of 1865 was held at West- ern, Iowa. Nothing- of special interest occurred here, except that wlien the news of the capture of Jefferson Davis reached the conference room, it produced quite a sensation, and a general good feeling was the result. At this time and place J. Weaver was elected bishop. The General Conference of 1869 met at Leb- anon, Pa. Here, unexpectedly to himself, he was first honored in being elected on first ballot to the bishop's office and work, and was assigned to the West Mississippi district. lie has been reelected to the same position at every General Conference since that time, and is now in the last year of his fifth term, making twenty years in all. His extensive revival work, and the wear and tear of body and mind growing out of such arduous labors, were having their effect upon a constitution never very strong. Had it not been that the nature of his work was changed, in all human probability he would have been compelled to have given up the active ministry long since. To this extent his election'to the bishop's office was a gain to him, and probably lengthened out his active life. It seriously interfered with his studies. In the earlier part of his life, he had overdone in this, and had somewhat impaired his health. But this necessary traveling from place to place, and the diver- sion of the mind from too close application to stud}^ seemed to invigorate him, and in all human probability added years to his usefulness. Some time after he had been in the office, he was inquired of whether the church had not come to a point where the office of bishop could not be dispensed with, and he gave in substance, as we now remember, about the following answer: "The 518 JOHN DICKSON, bishop's ofRce is not one of much honor or authority in the United Brethren Church." " Unless matters should materially change, the church need have no fear of a hierarchy. There are some advantages in a quadrennial election of bishops, but, take it all in all, a life term has many advantages. The Methodist brethren have fully tried, and have ex- pressed no general dissatisfaction with it. In our present condition we could not well do without these oiRcers. At present one of their principal duties is the soliciting of money at church dedications. "Whoever can do this well has one of the elements of a successful bishop. The districting of the church is a good arrangement, but the bishop should be allowed to remain eight con- ecutive years on his district, if he is expected to reside on it. " The greatest danger to be feared will be from our ambition. Seeking to be great rather than good will often lead to building up societies regardless of piety. It is not the water outside, but that inside which sinks the ship. So with the church when the Avorld throngs her pale. As a denomination we have but little out- side of our piety to depend upon. Other denomina- tions have numbers, wealth, political and literary pres- tige. We are among the smaller denominations, and made up mostly of poor people. We have no author who has a reputation outside of our own denomination, and we have no one in the high places of the nation. If we lack in piety, we have nothing to build on, noth- ing to commend us to the people." Of the bishop's family, the following will interest the public: William A., the oldest son, graduated from a commercial school in Philadelphia, was TWENTY-FIKST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 519 afterward converted and graduated at Union Bib- lical Seminary, at Dayton, Ohio. He spent several years in the active ministry. He is now book- keeper in the United Brethren Publishing House, at Dayton, Ohio. He married a Miss Kuhn, of Cham- bersburg, Pa., and they have three interesting chil- dren— a girl and two boys. John D., tlie second son, is a carpenter, a good workman and a good worker. He married a Miss Cowan, of Columbus, Ohio. He is liv- ing in Chicago, and doing well. They have one child. Charles K. travels most of the time, and is unmarried. Clarence B. is a graduate of Otterbein Univei'sity, and also of a medical college in Cleveland, Ohio. He is now located in Los Angeles, Cal. He married a Miss Rosencrans, formerly of Westerville, Ohio, and they have one child living. Madge, the oldest daughter, is also a graduate of Otterbein University, and of a Cleve- land medical college. She has been practicing medi- cine at Dayton, Ohio, with marked success. Mary Alice, also, is a graduate of Otterbein University. She spent about three years after her graduation at the Erie Conference Seminary, as principal of the ladies' depart- ment, and made a fine record as a teacher and discipli- narian. She is now taking post-graduate studies at Wellesley College, Mass., and expects to devote her life to teaching. Jennie May, the youngest, is still at home, and is the solace and comfort of the parents, as they travel down the declivity of life. Bishop Dickson for a long time has been a faithf id cor- respondent of the press of the church. For a time he was so by appointment, but he has written freely, and still writes for the Telescope. His style is plain, clear, pointed and expressive. His busy life has made him a 620 JOHN DICKSON, practical man, hence bis writings are raainlj'^ on that particular line. While wo may not always accept his views, he puts them clearly, forcibly, and without equivocation. We may not always believe in what he says, but we are sure he believes so. He has written nothing foolish. lie writes to be understood, and the average reader knows what lie means. The same dis- position which ci'ops out in his conversation, and makes him such a genial companion, shows itself at times in a quiet way in his writing. As an example of this we insert the following from a communication in the Tel- esco])eol 1869, page 209: "The mere appearance of the preacher will sometimes tell loudly of the conceit that lies ^vithin him. Instead of a plain, homely-clad, unassuming minister of Him who was meek and lowly, he is fixed up in the latest style of dandyism, his hair well oiled and carefully roached, his tie and choker fastidiously arranged, his glittering chain dangling at his side, all as fine as a new pin. Were 3^ou to meet him anywhere else you would hardly suspect anything above a fop. A discerning man would suspect that all that gaudy array is intended to cover up a conscious deficiency of brains. Not so with the preacher, he thinks brains and broadcloth should correspond, and it would be a disrespect to so much mind to appear in common apparel." We did not know the bishop in his earlier 3^ears, when in his physical prime, but in his later years we find him, not noisy or boisterous, seeking to make up for lack of thought by a more than usual manifesta- tion of lungs, but an earnest, plain, simple preacher of divine truth, aiming to bring home God's word with the least amount of verbiage, and with an artless man- TWENTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 521 ner to the heart and conscience of the hearer. The ideal which he has himself held up to young men in his diocese, he seeks to follow himself. " Let the min- ister feel in his own soul the weight of God's truth, the value of an immortal spirit. Let him remember it is a matter of life and death to his hearer ; that he is deal- ing with eternal things, and that the great God is to sit in judgment upon his soul, and he will not have to 'put on ewrnestnessP He alwa3^s has a word of cheer for young men who are seeking to prepare themselves for the work to which Jhe Master has called them, and especially if they have not had the advantages which others may have had, and he has nothing but reproof and displeasure for them who have no ambition to show themselves workmen approved of God. What an inspiration in these words to the 3^oung men for whom they were in- tended : " It our young men will rise to eminence, they must depend upon themselves, not others. They must realize that their powers are from God; that they are responsible to Ilim for their cultivation and their use, and that if they would be men of might they must not be satisfied with simply passing through the hands of an examining committee. They may do that and re- main intellectual dwarfs all their lives. They must cherish a desire, not only to be equal with their breth- ren, but to be superior to them, not for the sake of a greater name but for the sake of being more useful. To this end they must husband their time, they must have system in their studies, they must apply theni; selves day and night, that they may be master work- men. Indeed, if a young minister has little or no desire for intellectual treasures, r.ll the instructors, counselors,^ 522 JOHN DICKSON, conferences and books in the universe can not make a man of him; and if diligent and persevering in his stud- ies ; if he feels that his destiny, under God, is in his own hands, and acts accordingly, he need not be a whit be- hind the chiefest of his brethren." If the men who see the pitfalls in the way and point them out in clear, plain terms to those who are in danger of falling therein, are worthy of honor, then the young men of his own conferences, if not, indeed, the whole church, owe him thanks for such wholesome council as follows : " It is the misfortune of some young men to become prematurely popular. It is usually a great calamity, and one which indiscreet men and w^omen often have much to do in bringing about. When a young minister learns that he is " petitioned for," and when in a dozen different wa3'^s he is praised to his face, he must know himself well if he is not spoiled, sometimes badly spoiled, by it. It is time he ought to know that these people who commend his excellence in this way are generally very poor judges of true merit. But, inflated with motives of self-great- ness, he is apt to conclude that further toil in the path of improvement is needless; when he should be on the way for still higher attainments, pressing forward in the race for a laudable superiority, he sits down content to spend the rest of his days in the enjoyment of his easily gained hollow popularity. He should know that if he aims at nothing higher than popularity ; his course is a foolish one. As he has covenanted to give his best powers to the service of God, it is highly criminal." {Telescope, 1869, page 201). Before we came to know Bishop Dickson, the im- jpression was left upon us that he was not in very TWEXTY-FIRST BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 523 earnest sympathy with the educational work of the church. We gathered this jiossibly from the action of his conference on this subject in 1847. We are now sure that we held liim responsible for that which the conference did, and which he did not favor. He may not have been so ardent at times as some of us who are younger in years, but a man could not have written and talked as he did, and be opposed to education. ' Is there one of us who could not most heartily indorse the following : " If the minister can have the advantages of school training, so much the better, but he must not be disheartened in the race for eminence if denied them. In point of mental strength, and in capacity for usefulness, he may far excel others who have been dignified with a parch- ment, and who boast of some initial affixes to their names. There are intellectual giants who have never been favorites of the schools. It will, we presume, be true in all cases, that men will never go above their standard. Many young men will remain intellectual dwarfs all their life simply because they do not desire to excel, when they should be vigorously pressing on- ward to higher and still higher eminence in the do- main of knowledge. They are content to pass from circuit to circuit, preaching the same sermons over and over again. Oh, what a body of able men we would have to labor in the Christian vineyard if all our ministers could be prevailed upon to cultivate to the utmost the powers that God has given them ! " We were once on a church board with the bishop, when another member of the board was urging some particular line of policy, which the bishop did not exactly approve. At the close of the session this same 524: ^ JOHN DICKSON. member said in our hearing, " Bishop Dickson is one of the best men I ever saw to show how a thing canH he done.'''' It was said in a little excitement, and perhaps not meant to be complimentary, and yet, after all, was it not a compliment to the man? The man who con- templates building a tower, we are told, will count the cost, and any thoughtful, prudent man will foresee the difficulties in the way before he ventures ahead with any policy. As we know him, the bishop is careful, prudent, cautious in his own private matters, and should be so in all others where vital interests are at stake. As an indication that he looks before he places his feet, during the nineteen years that he has been presiding at the conferences, only twice have his rulings been appealed from, and in both of these cases he was sustained by the conferences. ,yft<^^^€£^^Wt^^p^^<^ REV. MILTON WRIGHT, D. D„ TWENTY-SECOND BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. THE ancestors of Bishop Wright, in his family name, Avere originally from England, but for several generations have been of American birth. So far back as known their names are as follows: Samuel, James, Samuel, Benoni, Daniel, Daniel, the last named being his father. Both the Samuels referred to were deacons in the Congregational (Puritan) Church, and the first sometimes a public speaker. All these ances- tors were believers in orthodox Christianity, and all, or nearly all, were personally pious. The first Samuel came from England, probably in bis thirty-fifth year, with his wife Elizabeth and five children — ^ James being his second son — and settled at Springfield, Mass., about the year 1639. For the next 175 years his ancestors lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont. In the year 1816 Grand- father Wright, with his family, removed to Ohio. Daniel Wright, Sr., his grandfather, was born in Lebanon, Conn., April 1, 1757. In the State of New Hamsphire, February 3, 1785, he married Sally Freeman, daughter of Edmund Freeman, a prominent and much respected citizen of that country, whose brother was a member of congress. His wife, the bish- op's grandmother, had a clear mind and an excellent physical constitution. She was very humble, quiet and unassuming. She was through life a faithful member of the Presbyterian Chu]-cl). Her death occurred at 525 526 MILTON WKIGHT, the age of eighty-six years, and her piety and sweetness of disposition grew to the last. The mother's maiden name was Catharine Keeder. Her father, whose father and grandfather were both named Joseph, came from Virginia to Cohimbia, now a suburb of Cincinnati, about 1791. The grandfather Reeder was a man of rather delicate constitution, but possessed extraordinary athletic agility. He was com- missioned captain of militia, and served as baggage mas- ter to important trains sent out from Cincinnati. He was married, at Cincinnati, June 2, 1796, to Margaret Van Cleve, daughter of John Van Cleve, who was killed by the Indians, in the outlots of Cincinnati, live years be- fore. Mrs. Van Cleve, after her second marriage to Sam- uel Thompson, removed to Dayton, Ohio, April, 1796, one of the first two families settled there, and there her son, Henry Van Cleve, was county clerk twenty- one years. The father, Dan Wright, Jr., was born in Shefford township, Orange county, Vt., September 3, 1790. He was brought up on a farm, but obtained a good educa- tion for those days, and taught a term of school. He came to Montgomery county, Ohio, with his parents, when in his twenty-sixth year, where he was married to Miss Catharine Reeder, February 12, 1818. Three years later, with two small children, these parents' removed to a piece of government land of eighty acres, which the husband had entered in Rush county, Ind. The young wife, now twentj'-one yeiws of age, was the inspiration of the removal, and largely of the success in overcoming the difficulties which beset the pathway of the new settlers. It was on this farm that the bishop was born, November 17, 1828, and here he spent TWENTY-SECO>fD BISHOP UNITKD BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 527 the first eleven years of his life. In the year 1840, the father having sold out, removed to another farm ten miles distant, in Fayette county, where he died in 1861, aged seventy -one years, and where the mother died six years later, in the sixty -seventh year of her age. In intellect the father wa-s strong and manly. He had keen perceptive and- strong reflective faculties. His mtuitions seemed remarkable. He was a man of strong convictions, but very tolerant of the opinions of others, and very ready to recognize all that was good in any person, religious denomination or polit- ical party. He was in advance of his neighborhood and age, in every controverted educational, social, moral or political reform, and he lived to see several of these victorious. No feature of his intellect and character was more marked than the strength and impartiality of his judgment. About the year 1832, he banished ardent spirits from his house forever, henceforth tasting not, touching not, nor having a grain of corn for the distilleries at any price. He was an intense anti-slavery man and an out-and-out anti-slaver}^ voter, voting for Birney in the year 1844. He was an anti-Mason from the son's earliest recollec- tion. He was converted at forty years of age, but not a member of church, because those he otherwise har- monized with indorsed human bondage. He died in hope of immortality, in 1861. The mother had a ready, clear mind, of ordinary strength. Her feelings were very fine, and her coun- tenance was very expressive of them. She w^as a woman of strong sympathies. Her conversational powers were quite good, and her social qualities inter- esting and winning. She was converted before the 528 MILTON WRIGHT, bishop was horn, and for a number of years was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, though really a Presbyterian in church preference. Her last days were full of patience, heroism, and longing for immortality. She died in 1866. Affection- ate, self-sacrificing, thoughtful, pious, she could not fail to have a w^arm place in the hearts of her children. The children of this family owed most, religiously, to the mother. Her extraordinary power over their hearts, her systematic talk right into their hearts, her deep concern for their spiritual interests and never failing prayer for them, had an influence seldom equaled. To her more than to all other human instrumentalities the bishop owes his religious impressions. In speech the father was remarkably pure, free from anything that would offend modesty and delicacy. The oldest brother, Samuel Smith Wright, was ten years the bishop's senior. In physical and mental powers he was probably endowed beyond any of the family. It was generally predicted that he would be a minister; but by a fatal fever prevailing in the region where he was teaching, he was cut down in eight days. His death-bed was the scene of the grandest Christian triumph. The second brother's name was Harvey. Tohis advice the bishop probably owes more than to any other per- son his early desire and efforts for careful mental im- provement. He married well and has a large family. He has done well financially, and is living on a fine farm. He is an able and well gifted Baptist minister of the old school, and is w^ell known in his church, throughout his State, and in neighboring States. He was the most gifted of any of the family in speech. TWENTY-SECOND BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 529 William was over three years younger than the sub- ject of our sketch. He was his playmate, schoolmate, church mate and conference mate. He ^vas meek, diffi- dent, faithful, affectionate, and from his childhood un- commonly good, even for a good boy. From his youth to maturity his complexion and features 'resembled those of a handsome little girl. In his manhood he was large and line-looking. An attack of dyspepsia so im- paired his health that his wit in conversation and public speech were never fully regained. He had great amiability of disposition and meekness of spirit. When he died, he lifted his feeble hand, and, with his feeble voice, his eyes bright with joy, exclaimed, "Jesus ! Jesus ! home! home! " His sister Sarah was four years his senior. At the age of nineteen she was married to Charles Harris, and at her death, in 1868, she left ten children, all still liv- ing. She died expressing a hope in Christ. On the 24th of November, 1859, the bishop was united in marriage with Susan Catharine Koerner, of Union county, Ind. Her father w^as a native of Schleitz, Saxony, and came from Hamburg to America after he had reached his majority. For the last fifty years of Tiis life he was a prominent member of the United Brethren Church, was well educated, and pos- sessed excellent gifts of conversation and first-class mental powers. He died at the age of eighty-six. Mrs. Wright was converted at fourteen, and joined the church. She attended college at Hartsville, and came within three months of graduation, but w^as not am- bitious for the degree. For practical sense, penetrating intellect, honest purpose, good judgment and unvarying- patience, no one has ever stoo ' children whose names are as follows : Daniel, Abraham, Henry, Andrew, George, Susan, Catharine, Mary, Christiana and Elizabeth. Henry, the son of Nicholas, is the bishop's grandfather. His mother's father, Abraham Goss, was born in Germany about the year 1758. His father, George Goss, came to this country when Abraham was quite young, and settled in the Mohawk country, known as the Wyoming valley, in Pennsylvania. He was a classi- cal scholar, and proficient in not less than six or eight different languages. T wo or three of the grandfather's brothers were killed in the Wyoming massacre. At this time Abraham was about twelve years of age, and he and his father enlisted as volunteers in General Wash- ington's aVmy. The father was killed or died during the war. And at the close of the war, Abraham Goss, with his mother, moved into Clinton county, Pa., near Lock Haven, where he married a Miss Emenheiser; and from that place the3^ moved into Clearfield county,Pa., where he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight 581 582 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHART, years. He drew his pension from the United States as a soldier of the Revolution, until his death. Nicholas Kephart first settled in Berks county, Pa., and afterward in Centre county. His son Henry, the grandfather of the bishop, married Catharine Smith, a maiden of English descent. Abraham Goss, the ma- ternal grandfather, married Elizabeth Emenheiser, whose father was of Dutch descent. To these parents were born, with other children, respectively Henry Kephart, Jr., and Sarah Goss, who were married March 26, 1826. To these parties were born in all thirteen children — seven sons and six daugh- ters. Bishop Kephart being the second son and fifth child. He was born in Decatur township, Clearfield county. Pa., about three miles northwest of the present town of Osceola, ISTovember 6, 1834. His father was a preacher in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. His education was neglected and his knowledge of literature was limited to the Holy Scriptures, in which he was wonderfully proficient. He was a man of wonderful memory, seldom if ever forgetting any- thing of importance. He had the whole Bible at his command and could refer to any passage, giving book, chapter and verse at any time. His family never needed any other concordance than he, when present. He was an able preacher, and his sermons were not without efl'ect on his own family. His voice still rings in their ears, and the most impressive sermons to which they ever listened he preached. He was a kind father, but quite reserved ; never became angry, but had com- plete control of himself. The mother was a woman of great force of character. Seldom if ever did she yield to circumstances, but made TWENTY-FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 583 circumstances yield to her indomitable will. In all matters of business the father and husband never failed to consult her. Her judgment was almost faultless and her intuitions like prophecy. She was a very kind mother, and much attached to her children. Her methods of government in the family were mild, yet firm. These parents joined the United Brethren Church about the time they were married, and lived devout Christian lives. They never failed to have family wor- ship morning and evening; if the father was not at home the mother conducted it. Their house was the home of the United Brethren itinerants, and in it they always preached every time they " came around" until the boy was at least ten years of age. Protracted meetings were held in their barn and house, at which many were converted. At the time of the bishop's birth, Clearfield county was a vast wilderness on the western slope of the Alle- gheny mountains. There, in the yesir 1826, his parents erected a small log cabin; and with not a cent of money, but with an ax, a mattock, a rifie and the most simple and spare household outfit, but with brave and loving hearts, thev commenced the Herculean task of clearing- out and paying for a farm. Flour, fruit and all the luxu- ries of life were scarce, but venison, bear meat, berries, nuts and hard toil were plenty. The husl)and felled the trees and often, aided by the wife, rolled the logs into heaps and burned them, to make way for a crop of Avheat, while the wife cultivated the garden, sheared the sheep, scutched the flax and sj^un both wool and ' flax into yarn and wove it into homespun, out of which she made garments for herself, her children and her husband. 584 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHAUT, Living on a farm, the boy would have the usual farm work to do. During the summers of his early boyhood he spent the time in picking stones and brush, cutting sprouts, and harrowing, plowing, chopping in the " clearing, " making rails and fence, harvesting, and doing all sorts of rough farm work on a poor, stony, stumpy farm, for his parents lived where he was born until he attained his majority. At the age of seven years he first began school. At first he went a distance of two miles, he and his brothers and sisters often wading snow a foot deep. There were many days when he could not go. At school he was noted for learning very slowly, being a little headstrong, never quarrelsome, but always ready for a fight when imposed upon. Between the ages of six and twelve he had many a contest with boys of his own size, and even larger ones, who sought to do him an injustice. His associates were the uncouth, liardy mountaineer boys and girls of those mountain regions. It was a regular wilderness of pine, hemlock and laurel in the ravines, and oak, hickory and chestnut on the hills. The schoolhouse was an old log cabin, once a residence, filled up with long benches made of slabs, no backs to the seats, a large ten-plate stove in the center and rough boards laid on pins driven into the wall for writing desks. The pupils all sat with their faces to the wall when they wrote. The books were " Cobb's Speller," " Enghsh Eeader," " Pike's Arithmetic," and " New Testament." There were no geographies and no gram- mars. The teacher had no classes in arithmetic. He kept on hand a large hickory rod with which half a dozen would be whipped at one time. His parents were anxious to have their boy avail himself of all the TWENTY-FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 585 opportunities for culture that he had, but the facilities were so poor, and the method of conducting the schools so imperfect, that although young, his whole nature rebelled against the system, and he refused to attend. As he grew older the schools became better, and his last teacher, William Hooper, is remembered with much pleasure. At home in his father's library and in the homes of his neighbors, he found such literature as " Pilgrim's Progress," Fox's " Book of Martyrs," Baxters' " Saints' Eest," Fleetwood's " Life of Christ," Upham's " Life of Faith,'' Weem's " Life of Washington," of " Frank- lin," and " Eobinson Crusoe." By the aid of a pine knot light in the old cabin home he made himself familiar with the contents of these books. When he reached his sixteenth year he spent a part of the winter in making shingles, and in the sprmg of the year, when the freshet came, he and his brothers would go raftmg on Clearfield creek and the Susque- hanna river, going as far down as Peach Bottom or the Maryland line. This was kept up until he attained his majority, at which time he had become a pilot on the creek and river. Having purchased the lumber for a raft he and his next younger brother, Abraham, spent the winter of 1853-54 in hauling it to the creek. In the spring these two, with another brother, ran the raft to Lock Haven and cleared $180 on it. This encouraged them, and the next season they bought timber for two rafts, camped out the whole winter, chopped and hewed the timber, 13,000 cubic feet in all, hauled it three miles to the creek, rafted it to Marietta and sold it, but timber being low, they lacked, after all their hard work, eighty dollars of having fair wages for their 586 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHAKT, work. This cooled their ardor for the lumbering busi- ness and changed the current of their after lives. He was always" select in his associates, when a matter of his choice, always preferring the pure and good rather than the profane. Pie was much inclined to meditation, and not infrequently did he retire from his associates to ponder over problems that were forcing themselves on his mind. At one time when a boy, he went to New Castle to attend quarterly meeting. In order that he might think, he separated himself from the company and his mother chided him for his con- duct, but little did she know the thoughts of his young mind and the questions he was trying to answer. He worked one winter in a " log camp " with about forty men, all rough, swearing, drinking, card-playing fellows, but in the evening when they would be pla,ying cards and telling obscene stories, this boy would be sitting in one corner of the camp, reading his Bible by the light of a tallow candle. Years after, when he was president of Western College, one of the men who was with him in that camp happened to meet his brother-in-law, Daniel Albert, and inquired about him. Albert replied: "Oh, he is out in Iowa, and is president of a college." " Well," said the rude fellow, "by God, that's just what I ex- pected, for when we were in camp together, in the evening while we were playing cards and telling dirty stories, Zeke (short for Ezekiel) was sitting reading his Bible. Now he is president of a college and the rest of us are nothing but day laborers." He was converted in the fall of 1861, when about seventeen years of age. It was in the old Bradford meeting house, near the present village of Woodland, Clearfied county, Pa. He joined the United Brethren TWENTY-FOUKTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 587 Church. He never was demonstrative in religious exer- cises, but always self-possessed and deliberate. From early childhood, under the prayers and teachings of father and mother, he learned somewhat to love God and to fear him. At this time he " learned the way of the Lord more perfectly." His baptism was somewhat peculiar. Some time after his conversion he and his father had been talkine: one day at the sawmill, a mile distant from home, and during the day they had talked some about the duties of church members, and his father mentioned among others the duty of baptism. On their way home in the evening, when they were crossing the bridge over the stream on which the sawmill was built, he suddenly stopped and said : '"Pap, I want you to baptize me." " What ? " said his father ; " not right now ! " " Yes," said the boy, " here is the water, and you are duly au- thorized to baptize, so I see no reason for deferring the matter." " Well," said the father, " if that is the way you feel, so be it," and then at the edge of that mount- ain stream he kneeled down, and the father baptized him, the two being all alone, save the presence of " Him who is universal." The children of the family, including our subject, became accustomed to the most rigid economv, and they did not know what it was to be idle. AVhen he was about ten years of age a Sabbath-school was organ- ized in their little, dingy, old log schoolhouse, to whicli place tlie children would go with their father everv Sunday during the summer months in their bare feet, dressed in their tow linen pants and shirts, and wearing what were then termed " chip hats." The mother was a weaver by trade, and manv a dav did he sit during; 588 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHART, the long winters at the old " quill wheel," and '^wind the quills " for the dear old mother, Avho earned many a dollar by weaving homespun for the neighbors. In fact, from the time the boys of the household were six years of age, they did not know what it was to be idle. Father and mother always found something useful for them to do, and their limited income and large family made it necessary that they utilize every means at their command. He early had intimations that God would most likely call him into the ministry. When but a small boy a good man, a member of the Swedenborgian church, Mr. George Schiiltz by name, laid his hand upon his head, and, looking into his childish face one day, said to him : " My boy, you go to school. God has something in store for you if you be true." It was like bread cast upon the waters. It was an inspiration to him. These words ring in his memory to-d a}', and under God, they probabl}^ had much to do in determining his course. When he was concluding to go to school and add to his scanty stock of knowledge, some of the ministers of the church who had not yet learned to appreciate the value of a thorough training to the preacher of the church, discouraged him, but others bade him go for- ward, in which last he desires to make a special men- tion of Cyrus Jeffries, R. G. Rankin and J. B. Resler. In the winter of 1855 he went to public school and studied geography, arithmetic, reading, writing and English grammar, and having a good teacher he made fast progress. He did not learn as readily as some others, but he was energetic and diligent, and when he did master a lesson he retained it. In 1856 he entered Dickinson Seminary, located at Williamsport, Pa. TWEN^Ti'-FOCKTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 589 where be remained as a student for some time. His re- sources being limited,and being dependent entirely upon himself, he was compelled to leave and *taught some. In April, 1857, he entered Mount Pleasant College, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and remained there until the students and property of that institution were transferred to Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio. Here he remained until his money was spent. He went to Missouri and taught, and somewhat re- plenished his Avasted treasury. He had been licensed to preach by his quarterl}' conference in 1857. After his return from Missouri he > entered the ministry, re- maining out of school five years. One of these 3''ears was spent on Troutwell mission, one year as pastor on Johnstown station, two years in Altoona, and one on Mount Pleasant station. While at Johnstown, he was appointed a missionary, to Washington Territory. When he reached Harrisburg, on his way to New York city, he found his paper money was worth onlv twenty-five cents on the dollar, and he was not able to go. At the expiration of these five years he returned to Otterbein University, where he graduated in the scientific course January 4, 1865. In 1870 he com- pleted the classical course in the same institution. Following his graduation in 1865, he spent one year as principal of Michigan Collegiate Institute at Leoni, Mich., two years as pastor in Allegheny Confer- ences, and in August, 1869, he was elected president of Western College, located in Linn county, Iowa, in which capacity he served thirteen years. It was not his purpose to teach but to preach, if God should so order. After he had graduated he received call after call to positions in and out of the church, and 590 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHART, after he had refused some calls to good positions he was not sure but that he was making some mistake, and said to his wife that if any other such call, which he had not sought should come to him he thought he ought to accept it. Soon after this came the news to him that he had been elected to the presidency of Western College. He accepted the call as of God and went to work to aid a struggling institution. The greatest difficulty that met him was its heavy indebtedness. Judgments were alread}^ on the docket, and mortgages were in process of foreclosure. The judgments were paid off and the mortgages settled, so that at the time of his resignation the debts were measurably provided for, and the college re-located at Toledo. His experience has taught him that in founding a college, at least a partial endowment fund should first be secured, and then arrangements should be made for buildings. Having the former, the latter could be much more readil}^ secured. The strength of a college lies in its faculty, not in its buildings and grounds, and to secure a good faculty you must have means to pay them well. Thus far his special work in the church has been as a teacher and disciplinarian. In his manner as a teacher he was dignified, calm, easy and deliberate, never manifesting any irritation or undue hurry. His kind spirit and warm interest in every student was always felt. His manner of teaching gave to his students great freedom of discussion, which often became general and lively. If he took smy position, then he would stand like a rock, and no argument or opinion from any authority would change him. With his genial good nature there is a strong vein of humor, TWENTY-FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BKETHREN IN CHRIST. 591 and many were the anecdotes that he used to illustrate his point. Thus his recitation room was never monot- onous. While liberal with his students, he never failed to express his own strong moral conviction, and thus his students went away, feeling better by having been in his presence. As a college president his government was liberal and uniform. He did not one day denounce and the next day flatter. This uniformity of management won respect, and few were the temptations to violate regu- lations. If a student persisted in wrong-doing, and dis- cipline was at last needed, it was not administered with any passion, but with a firmness and force that would not soon, if ever, be forgotten by those who heard it as well as by those who received it. His knowledge of human nature is keen and correct, and seldom did he fail to get out of a student what he w^anted to know. This knowledge of human nature, together with his general knowledge of books, made him skillful in meet- ing the many calls for information and advice. For this purpose he was always at command, and his study at his own home was always o})en. Here the same pa- tience was manifested, he being ever ready to help one who had come with his complaint or his want. As to college management, one who was a pupil under him at one time says : " In one respect his gov- ernment marks him in advance of any college president I know anj^thing about. It was in this, that ladies and gentlemen were placed under exactly the same regula- tions. In most of our educational institutions the rule is that the ladies only are to keep study hours, the ladies only are responsible for social oifences. Here the gentlemen were just as responsible in a matter of 592 EZEKIEL BORING KKPHART, social arrangement that might be a violation of rule as the ladies ; and they were just as quickly called up for not keeping study hours as one of the girls in the ladies' hall, the only place usually where there is an account kept of such matters." Another of his pupils says there was a young man who had been accused of drinking and whom the faculty had required to sign a paper in which he promised to abstain while in school. " I saw and heard this young man turn defiantly to the president and declare he would not do it, and then attempted to arouse the sympathy of the students by appealing to them. President Kep- hart arose, and in a voice like thunder, all the lion in him having been aroused, and with his eyes flashing, ordered the young man to be silent ; then turned to the other members of the faculty, while his whole face twitched and quivered with the strength of his feelings, and said, " What shall we do with this young man?" They at once voted that he be expelled for insubordination. It is the only time I ever saw him roused. He usually was very mild and jovial while the lion in him slumbered. " He was quite an enthusiast on all scientific sub- jects. I was a member of his class in geology, and I remember how the boys would occasionally get him into a discussion, and especially if they were not pre- pared to recite, and he would occupy the whole hour with an animated discussion with his class, then look up in surprise when the bell rang to close the recitation, while the boys were well pleased with the results of their efforts." At one time he suspected that some of his young men were in the habit of going into the janitor's room TWENTY-FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 593 in the college buildirig for the purpose of playing cards. He came to the building at one time, and walking up to the door, found it locked. He did not ^vaittobe invited in, but placing his shoulder against the door, Samson- like, he took it off, hinges and all, and discovered the young men in the midst of their game. Is it any won- der that at times they accused him of having eyes in the back of his head f His first vote was cast for John C. Fremont, in 1856, while a student of Dickmson Seminary. From its origin he has been a member of the republican party. He was elected to the State senate of Iowa in Octobei', 1871, and served a term of four years, refusing to serve any longer. He received a unanimous nomination as a candidate for governor of Iowa, at the hands of the temperance republicans of the State, but declined the nomination on the ground that, in his judgment, it was not the way to secure prohibitory laws in the State, but would produce factions, and defeat the end sought. He had no desire for political life, but the people, of their own free will and choice, called him, and he did not feel free to decline the call. The place was wholly unsought by himself, and he believed then and still believes that it was the call of duty to him. It was a very fitting preparation for the work to which the church has since called him. It brought him face to face with a new kind of life from that to which he had been accustomed, and a different classof men. He learned from his connection with political life, that much of the cry of corruption in politics, by the masses, is without any real foundation, and that sad as it makes one to say it, there is as much unmanly scheming and wire pulling and trickery in church as in State Doli- 594 EZEKIEL BOKING KEPHART, tics. While a senator he lielped to revise the entire code of Iowa. The present school law of the State was in the main shaped by him, and the system of normal institutes is his own arrangement. Indeed, the school law of the State remains about as the Fourteenth and Fifteenth General Assemblies left it. On May 19, 1881, at a General Conference held at Lisbon, Iowa, he was elected bishop of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. He resigned the presidency of the college in June of the same year. He was assigned to the district of the Southwest. In May, 1885, at Fostoria, he was reelected. From a child his constant prayer was that God would show him what to do. The preferments that have come to him, so far as he is concerned, have come unsought. They have come in the providence of God. He has always believed that God has provided a place for all his chil- dren, and that he will show that place to them if they will open their eyes and see. In answer to the question once put to him as to whether his work as a bishop interfered with his pre- viously arranged plans, he said not ; " For my plan of life has been to work where God puts me, and do his will." The duties and responsibilities of the office have been cheerfully met, for there has been the per- sonal consciousness of a present, personal God to lean upon and consult. Absence from his family and his books is the most unpleasant dutj^ it brings to him. , It became his duty to prepare the address of the board of bishops to the General Conference of 1885, which brought the secrec}^ question fairly before the confer- ence. Whatever may be the final disposition of the question, it will take rank as an able paper. The TWENTY-FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 595 results which are likely to grow out of it will have much to do in tletermining the future prosperity of the church. While the bishop has no sympathy whatever with secret societies, he believes that a Christian man is good enough to belong to any church. Broad and liberal-minded as he is, he is an earnest devotee of women's rights, both in church and state. He was married on the 4th of November, 1860, to Miss Susan J. Trefts, of Johnstown, Pa. Her parents were from Wittenberg, German}', and members of the Lutheran Church. To them have been born four chil- dren: Waldo M., born January 20, 1862, died January IT, 1869 ; Elwood Irving, born May, 1866, died Novem- ber 11, 1866 ; Emma May, born December 28, 1868, Lulu Maud, born October 12, 1871. While death has entered his circle, in spite of all, his is a delio:htful home. The husband and father leaves his business cares and worries outside of the gate. No mat- ter how weary he may come in, no hasty or impatient word escapes his lips. Day in and day out he is the same even-tempered, kindly-spirited man. He is fond of a joke and freely participates in innocent fun of an}'- kind. Generous to a fault with the members of his family, he still has almost perfect control, through the spirit of love. The daughters adore him, and nothing could induce them knowingly to offend him. Nor does the wife play an unimportant part in the making of this home. In unity and love the}^ open their doors to strangers and friends. She with her activity and good taste has ever done her part in making it a place of joy and beauty. His religion is that which lights up, beautifies and gives peace to every hour. It is especially manifest 596 ezekip:l boring kephaet, toward his fellow-men. He finds some good in all, and meets all with the same warm hand. He has his reward, for few win such general respect from high and low as does he. We should take him to be about six feet in height, and in weight not far from 220 pounds. His complexion is dark. As he sometimes facetiously puts it, every other Jew he meets asks him if he is not a descendant of the children of Israel. His face is usually closely shaven, except very short whiskers on the side. His compressed lips show great force of character and an energy which, when once aroused, will brook no oppo- sition. Most of our bishops have come from that class of men who, in their earlier years, were deprived of the advantages of a collegiate education. They can not as readily enter into the nature of the educational problem as one who " is to the manor born." Bishop Kephart is one of the few who has been blessed with such ad- vantages. The broad outlook which his earlier train- ing has given him, and the experience which he has had in college management, should make him very help- ful and very influential in all that concerns the educa- tional department of church work. The friends of higher education look to him for generous sympathy and for large plans for the upbuilding of this interest. He is at present the president of the Board of Educa- tion, and has been since the last General Conference. As a presiding officer he is deliberate, not easily ex- cited, cool and holds the body well in hand. In con- ference he examines courteously and kindly, yet plainly^ to know whether the itinerants have done their duty. He is just as careful to know that the membership have TWENTY'- FOURTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 597 dealt fairly with their pastor. If the preacher's salary has been faithfully earned and has not 3^et been paid, the bishop will be apt to express his opinion concerning it. When a man or a cause needs a word of encour- agement or sympathy, he does not hesitate to express it. He pushes forward the business of the conference with energy, but without hurry, and is both genial and dignified in all his management. As a preacher he is able and impressive. His ser- mons show great care and thought. At first the mental machinery moves a little slowl}^ For a few minutes you wish he would hurry, and you may be impatient to help him utter the truths you know are waiting to be uttered. In a little time he warms up to the occasion, and as blow after blow follows with sledge-hammer force, you see the walls of opposition crumbling. If constructing an argument, he gathers in his facts and truths from all realms, and with wonder and astonish- ment you see the mighty structure rise before your eyes. Steady, without haste, with logical exactness and with ponderous energy he moves on to the goal before him. He does not soon exhaust himself, but when blow after blow has been struck you become the more conscious of the reserved forces which have not yet been called into action. Courageous and fearless, there is no truth which he dare not utter, no error which he may not attack. He is yet in his prime. With his generously trained mind and his strong powers of body, may we not hope that his work has onl}^ begun, and that he shall yet do much more to shape the destiny of the church which he so ably represents ? 598 EZEKIEL BORING KEPHAET. "Heaven never meant him for Uiat passive thing That can be struck and hammered out to suit Another's taste and fancy. He'll not dance To every tune of every minister; It goes against his nature — he can't do it. He is possessed of a commanding spirit. And his, too, is the stature of command; And well for us it is so ! There exist Few fit to rule themselves; but few that use Their intellects intelligently — Then Well for the whole if there be found a man Who makes himself what nature destined him, The pause, the central point to thousand thousands, Where all may press with joy and confidence. Now such a man is Wallenstein." — Coleridge. JS^ TueJc'L-i^';^ DANIEL KUMLER FLICKINGER. D. D.. TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. BISHOP FLICKINGER was born May 25, A. D. 1824, near the village of Seven Mile, Butler county, Ohio. His parents were pious, industrious and well-to-do people, natives of Pennsylvania. Their ances- tors at no remote period before them had come from Switzerland. His grandfather on each side came over from the Old World between 1Y80 and 1790. The religion of these parents was of a very positive kind and took hold of their daily life. The father being a large farmer, ahvays had hired help, and at times quite a number of hands about him. His house was the regular preaching place for many years, as well as the home for the itinerant preachers. Time was taken for prayer morning and evening, and for the usual meetings on Saturday at one o'clock p. m., to all of which meetings and prayers the laborers were invited to be present. In the absence of the father, the family worship was conducted by the mother. Not- withstanding this family worship twice a day, all the regular meetings, including the weekly prayer meetings and the quarterly meetings of the circuit were regu- larly attended by them. The father and sometimes the mother Avere in attendance at the quarterly meetings, although these were often thirty miles from home, the roads bad and the traveling done on horseback or in a lumber wagon. In 1880 an itinerant was living who had a pair of 599 600 DANIEL KUMLER FLICKINGEK, saddle bags, which Jacob Flickinger had given hhn forty seven years before that time. He came to his liouse to preach, and had nothing with which to carry liis clothes, save a cotton cloth, and no money to spare with which to buy. Mr. Flickinger told him to stop at a certain saddle shop, get a pair of saddle bags, and have them charged to him. This he did, and used them for many years, and they were good w^hen this story was narrated, although they are now a little out of date. Another minister came to fill his appoint- ment one day, on horseback, as was the custom in those daj^s, but had no saddle on his horse. The only one on the premises worth giving away belonged to the boy whose history we are writing. The father said, "Bring your saddle and give it to the preacher, and 1 will buy you another." The boy Avas then about fif- teen years of age, and not very anxious to give up liis saddle. Indeed, to this day he has a remembrance that he wished, and perhaps said at this time, that he wished the preachers would quit coming to their house. As early as 1832, when Daniel was about eight years of age, he was deeply convicted of sin, and felt that he must become a new creature in Christ Jesus, or be for- ever lost ; up to this time he had never sworn an oath, nor done any wicked act of which he was conscious, yet he felt that he was a great sinner. Having heard a rela- tive tell his father that children were dying very rapidly about four miles from there, he became alarmed, and felt sure if he should die he certainl}^ would be lost. When about twelve years of age this young boy was induced to join the church. From eight years of age until this time he had frequent convictions of sin. TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 601 After joining he prayed in public, spoke in class and prayer meetings, and did whatever he felt to be duty. He made it a rule to pray four times a day, which he did for several months, and at times liis religious enjoy- ments were all that were desired. At times he became quite happy. Once, when plowing in a large field alone, there being a deep ditch at one end of it, he would go into that at times and pray, and the Lord heard him even at this early period of life. Had he been faithful to this light, it might have been much better for him. This happ3^ condition of things continued about six months, when he began to neglect duty, and conse- quently became cold and indifferent in religious mat- ters. He began to dread prayer and class meetings, and would have avoided them, but they were at his fathers house, and there was no getting away from them. The father conducted the family devotions in the morning, and he and another brother in the evening. That he should be required to pray at night before the hired hands and others with whom be had sinned during the day was a very great annoyance to him. One evening, to avoid doing this in the presence of those who had witnessed his iiTelio'ious acts durino- the day, he set up a tremendous coughing and kept at it until another commenced praying and relieved him. At another time when class meetino- Avas beino- held at the house one Sabbath forenoon, he worked with one of his teeth and caused it to ache, preferring to suffer seriously with the toothache and a guilty conscience rather than to confess his sins and do riffht. This unrest continued until Xovember, 1837. While listening to a sermon one day by Eev. Isaac Tlob- 602 DANIEL KUMLEK FIJCKINGEK, ertson, the Spirit took possession of his heart, and the result was that he determined, if possible, to return to God. For days and nights he saw his wickedness as he had never seen it before. He remained in this condition for weeks and months. In the house of God, at the mourners' bench, in the barn, the fields, the woods, by day and by night, he everywhere sought deliverance from this burden of guilt. Often, after the rest of the family had gone to bed, he would go to the barn or field and wrestle with God until after midnight. Finally the burden was partiall}'^ removed, and he promised God to discharge all known duty, and with this spirit he began the year 1840. One cold night in the month of March, 1840, while returning from a prayer meeting to which he had gone four miles over a bad, rough road on horseback, the light of God's coun- tenance came upon him with a clearness not to be mis- taken. The peace, serenity and rest then and there re- ceived were indescribable. His thii'st for knowledge came back to him with greater intensity than ever before, and he desired a better training, that he might be able to accomplish more good thereb3^ This was so impressed upon him that he proposed to his father that if he would furnish him money to obtain a collegiate education which Avould not exceed half that he finally gave him, he would expect nothing more from his estate. This he refused to do, saying he had enough learning to make him useful, and more might make him proud and be injurious to him. Notwithstanding his father thought his boy should become a preacher, he, like many others, did not think education necessary to good preaching. Even the TWENTY- FIFTH BISHOl' UMITED BRETHKEN IN CHRIST. 603 United Brethren of that day did not appreciate educa- tion, and some of the old ministers denounced it. The old class leader and a number of the ministers who stopped at his father's house, said to him that they were impressed that he ought to preach. One of them went so far as to propose that he would make an ap- pointment for him. So anxious was he for an educa- tion that, when this was denied him, he did not listen to the advice of others, or even his own convictions, as to speaking in public for the salvation of souls. As a result, his spiritual enjoyment began to dechne, and his life was not very satisfactory to himself or to others. In the meantime, with what leisure he had, he began reviewing his old studies and reading miscel- laneous books. He wrote words and their definitions, and carried them with him when he went to work. Having to plow a good deal, he would hold the plow with one hand and his home-made dictionary in the other. He also carried with him a small pocket Testament, and read some verses, and as he went along plowing he Avould repeat them over and over until they were memorized. This was very valuable, for the Scriptures which he can the most readily recall to-day, and the words with which he is most familiar, were then and there learned. In the summer he was eighteen years of age, he lost his health, and for four years was a great sufferer from dyspepsia, liver trouble and general debility. His disease, w^ith the medicine taken to cure it, well nigh destroyed both mind and body. In after years, as he came to look back on these afflictions, he saw how they were overruled for his good. But for these. 604 DANIEL KUMLEK FLICKINGER, in all probability he raight have become a worldly- minded man, giving all his energies to the acquisition of wealth. His father being so decidedly against his receiving a college education, he gave up all hope of it until after the death of his father. It was made his duty to remain with his mother one year after his father's death, Avhich brought him to his majority. He was twenty- one in May; the following fall he went to Germantown to attend a seminary under the control of Rev. Jacob Pentz. During this year he made rapid progress in his studies, but was so broken down in health again that he became almost a wreck. He was compelled to quit school and was forbidden to study. Having spent a month in recruiting, his healtli was so far restored that he was able to teach a s])ring term of school. The following winter he taught six months. This brings him to the spring of 1846, when he was twenty-two years of age, and his health moderately good. He was married, February 25, 1847, to Miss Mary Lintner. He commenced farming, and was doing well financially and reasonably well religiously. In August, 1848, his wife became afflicted with sore eyes, which became so bad that she could not take care of herself or her child, born February, 1848. This continued so that it was difficult for him to be away from home at all. At the request of her mother he took lier to her home, where she remained most of the winter. He taught school again that winter, and his wife's bad health continuing, in the spring of 1849 he sold off his stock and rented his farm. This gave him time to do some reading and studying, and may have suggested to those who insisted on his preaching, that he was arranging to do so ; but TWKNTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BKETIIKEK IN CIIKIST. 605 such was not his plan. In after years he saw how God was leading him all this time in strange paths. His wife's sickness deranged all his plans, and put an end to his financial prosperity. He was making money on his farm and getting along so well that he had already bought a second farm and would soon have paid for it. This would have given him 317 acres of fine land in one body in Butler county. As matters were he could not carry on business, so taught school. He still hoped to complete his education, and with this in view, just before his wife's death, he bought a house and lot in Oxford. His wife died September 30, 1851. At the time of her marriage she was not a Christian woman, yet was ver}^ circumspect in all her life. Her self con- trol, patience and good sense often checked impatience in him. About two years after her marriage she em- braced religion and joined the United Brethern Church and lived a consistent Christian life until her death in 1851. He never had license to exhort. Kev. J. Coons, preacher in charge, asked the class, without his knowl- edge, to recommend him to quarterly conference, which they did, and license to preach was granted him. At this time he was a class leader. The license was dated x\pril, 1849, and was retained by the leader for more than a year. In the meantime, Mr. Flickinger made two appointments and tried to preach some half dozen of times for others. At the session of Annual Conference in 1850 he was received into it. When asked by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner if he "felt moved upon by the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel," he answered that a num- ber of the brethren said it was his duty, and that they had brought him there ; he had no very powerful 606 DANIEL KUMLEK FLICKINGER, impressions on tlie subject, but was willing to do his duty, and, if the conference did not object, he would see what he could do. The bishop gave him a signifi- cant look, and told him he could withdraw. He was voted in, has been a member of it ever since, and aU unreserved itinerant, going wherever the church sent him. He was sent as junior preacher with Kev." Mr. N'orris to Mount Pleasant circuit. Thev had nine regular appointments, which they filled every two weeks. The}^ gave each jjlace a protracted meeting, and had five or six good revivals, at which about 200 new members were taken in. The circuit had agreed to pay each of them $200. At the third quarterly meeting they proposed to dismiss Mr. Norris and keep Mr. Flickinger, on the ground that they could not support more than one preacher. Flickinger proposed to go, on the ground that he would rather "go and preach to some poor people for nothing, than to preach to rich and stingy people like them for small pay. To send away a poor preacher because unwilling to pay him, and want to retain one who had a farm and would not need much, was a shame. They opened their eyes and ears when thus talked to by the junior preacher, and the result was that both of them stayed. There was about hoo millions of monev represented at these nine appointments. This being his first field of labor, with no special preparation for the ministry, and with not half a dozen sermons on hand, the young preacher was kept quite busy. He would fill his appointments on Sunday, and hurry home on Monday, so as to fill up for the next round. He could use the same sermon at three or four TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 607 l^laces on the circuit. Still he had little time to spare. He did not know at that time that books of skeletons were published to aid those who desired such help. He would select his text, and then think and think what to say, and then would write down what he proposed to use. He would spend from four to six days in pre- paring one sermon. He often lamented in later years the fact that he did not have a good education and the training which a good theological seminary would have given him. Not having time to prepare funeral ser- mons, he avoided these occasions as much as he could. He did find time to send some shot and shell into the Campbellite and Ilniversalist camps, which he hoped did some effective work. His wife liaving died about the time of conference, he declined to travel. The stationing committee, how- ever, gave him an appointment of which he did not learn until after the burial of his wife. He went to the circuit, but at the end of the second quarter offered his resignation. They prevailed on him to remain until they could get another preacher, which they did not care to get. At the end of the year his health was again broken. He had held a number of protracted meetings, and had about seventy accessions. When he went to conference he carried with him about $60 of missionary money, which astonished the people, as it was many times more than had ever come from one circuit before for such a purpose. Bishop Glossbrenner was on his way to attend the Indiana, Illinois and Iowa Conferences, and gave him an invitation to go with him, which invitation he accepted. This trip gave him a knowledge of the church and of the ministry, which was of great value to him in deteimin' 608 • DANIEL KUMLER FLICKINGER, ing his aftej' work. At the Indiana Conference he met the Blairs from Kentucky, who were there to get a young man to go witli tliem to be an itinerating mis- sionary. The}^ pleaded long and hard, but he feared his health would not be sufficient to endure the hardships, and so put them off. From this point they went to the Illinois Conference, which met at Westfield. It took them ten days to go from here to Knoxville, where the Iowa Conference would be held. Some interesting ex- periences occurred on the way, such as we shall not here repeat. They visited Iowa City, Muscatine, and Rock- ford, 111., which place they reached, after riding one night, just in time to see tlie train leaving. The bishop gathered up his satchel and ran after it, calling out to it to stop ; but it would not stop, even for a bishop. Mr. Flickinger reached home, after an absence of one month, in fair health, and fuller of information as to the needs of the church than when he started on his trip. "Wlien he left home he left with $80 and a good silver watch in his pocket. His travehng expenses cost him about $50, and the remainder, with his watch, went to the poor preachers. When he reached home he had saved less than |2 from his funds. He so pitied these poor preachers that his overcoat and watch were left with them. One man was about to lose his horse, and Mr. Flickinger gave him his watcli and told him to put that in on his debt, which he did for about $20. Tins opened his eyes to the necessity of getting moi*e money for church purposes, especially for preaching. After spending a month in Ohio, looking after his farm and children, he went to visit Bishop Glossbren- ner and see some friends in Pennsylvania. On the 9th of January, 1853, he was married to Cornelia Virginia TWENTV-FIFTIl BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 609 Glossbrenner, eldest daughter of the bishop, with whom he was not permitted long to live. She had ripened for glory, and the Lord took her. She died August 17, 1854. Being a widower from September, 1851, to Jan- uary, 1853, and then becoming one again in about twenty months after marriage was a heavy stroke to him. In his loneliness and distress he sought the Lord for help. Soon after his second marriage he was appointed to a mission in Cincinnati in connection with colporteuring for the American Tract Society. At the sitting of the next Annual Conference he was ordained by Bishop Edwards and sent to Dayton station, consisting of tliree appointments, Rev. R. Rineliart in charge. For his first year's preaching he had received $121 ; the second one, Lewisburg, paid $187; the part of a year in Cincinnati amounted to barely enough to pay board- ing, and the fourth year in Dayton he received $283. About the first of November, 1851, he said to a member of the board of missions that if no better man could be found to accompany W. J. Shuey to Africa that he might present his name. His name was con- sidered, but on account of his uncertain health the board declined to appoint him. He was sent for one day in December to come to the room which since 1857 he has occupied as missionary secretary, and was informed that he had been appointed to go to Africa with Mr. Shuey, provided he would remain two years. He asked until 2 o'clock p. m. to consider the matter, when he agreed to go. At 6 p. m. the same evening he started for New York city to snake arrangements for the voyage. He resigned his charge, adjusted his busi- ness matters, and in company with W. J. Shuey and 610 DANIEL kumlf:k FLICKIXGER, D. C, Kumler lie left Dayton on the ith of January 1865, and expected to sail in a few days. They finally sailed on the 23d. They reached Africa in safety ; kShuey and Kumler remained but a short time, leaving Flickinger as the sole representative of the church. He made Goodhope station, of the Mendi mission, his headquarters, meantime exploring the country a good deal. Various points were thought of, but for good reasons given up, until it was thought best to se- cure Shengay. Flickinger spent most of his Sabbaths at Goodhope and preached there, as they had no minis- ter. In October, 1855, he married Miss Susan Wool- sey, who was a teacher at Mendi mission station ; but after her marriage she remained at Goodhope, assisting them. At the close of the year he had several attacks of fever, and was urged to leave for Freetown, which he did. The physician advised him to return to Amer- ica, which he did, arriving in time to meet the board, which convened Januar}'^ 4th, in Mount Pleasant, Pa. By July he was so far recovered that he could deliver lectures once a week on Africa. During July and August he made at the rate of $300 per week in notes and cash for the missionary cause. He seemed to have an inspiration and desire to obtain missionary funds. During these trips he had some amusing experiences. The whole African field and work was comparatively new to our people. He was often introduced as a colored missionary. On one occasion, after portraying the sad condition of the Africans, a woman who heard him through said, "They might go to hell before she would pay a cent to save such superstitious heathen as these." Another person, after listening to him for some fifteen minutes, turned and TWENTY-FTFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 611 left the lioiise in great anger, saying he did not come to hear a man talk about " niggers," He was revisited the next day by Mr, Flickinger, who talked Africa to liim all the afternoon and until midnight, and when he finally left him the next morning, he had his note for $50, which was all paid. At the conference in Cincinnati, in 1856, not being in good condition to return to Africa, he applied for work, and was finally sent to Piqua, Ohio, In about two months he had the church repaired, the classes at work, and some additions of members. At this juncture the executive committee of the board of missions sent for him to meet them. At this time J. K, Billheimer and D. Witt, having been previously appointed to go to Africa, were now in New York, expecting soon to sail. Mr. J. C. Bright opposed the sending of these men, unless Flickinger would go with them. Shengay was not yet in our control. It would be difficult for these new men to get it, and if they should take sick, and be compelled to return, the church would become dis- couraged. Unless Flickinger would consent to go along, secure Shengay and initiate these men into their work, Bright would oppose their going at all. It was finally officially agreed to recall the men unless Flickinger could go with them. He agreed to go, and the next morning by 4 a. m., was on his way to l^ew York. Their vessel had sailed , but they finally departed December 5, 1856'. This was a severe trial to him under the circumstances, but rather than see the mission abandoned he went, and the result was that it was of the Lord's appointing. He returned the following Ma}^ in time to meet the General Conference, which met at Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was elected corresponding secretary of the missionary society, in May, 1857. 012 DANIEL KUMLER FLICRINGER, He did not think it was right to displace J. C. Bright, who had been an efficient worker, and there- fore tendered his resignation to the board. Mr. Bright was placed on the board of managers, and at his urgent request, Mr. Flickinger agreed to remain where he had been placed. He at once entered on the duties of his office, Avhich at that early day meant to travel from place to place, lecture, preach, talk missions generally and solicit mone}". It was thought he ought to bring most of the money necessary to keep the society at work. He visited the conferences and in ten days, at four different conferences, he received $3,000, in good notes and cash, much of it cash. While in the East on work of this kind, he was taken seriously sick, and brought home, and was informed by his physician that he could not live; He therefore resigned his secretary- ship, and his predecessor, J. C. Bright, was elected to remain until the meeting of the board. He could not continue because of failing health, and Flickinger was again elected, and from that time. May, 1858, until 1885 he has been the efficient corresponding secretary of the Home Frontier and Foreign Missionary Society of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and with slight exceptions when out of the country he did the work of the office. In the fall of 1861 it looked as though our mission in Africa must die. Mr. Billheimer and alT the other missionaries had come home sick, and there was no money to send others, or to pay debts in Africa. The mission was left in the care of Rev. J. A. Williams, a native African, who held the property, but, under the circumstances existing then, could do but little. Flick- inger, in 185f), had bought a house and lot in Freetown, which was to be a kind of recruiting station. After TWENTY-FIFTH mSHOl' FIsITED BKP:THREK IX CHRIST. 613 securing- Sliengay this was to be sold ; because of some flaw in tlie title, Mr. Billlieiraer had failed to make a sale. The Civil War was upon us, and our people thought they had enough to do, without giving much attention to Africa. Finally Flickinger agreed to go at his own expense, sell property, pay debts, and put things in working condition again. The committee accepted his proposition. He managed to sell the property there, paid the debts, allayed the unpleasant feeling which Chief Caulker manifested toward us, and made him much more approachable than he had been before. At the General Conference of 1865, the question of the publication of a missionary Sabbath school paper came up. The Missionary Telesco])e had been suspended, mainly because of the 6,000 readers which it had, at least two-thirds received it gratis, because they were life members or life directors. Mr. Flickino-er felt that the board of missions must have an organ throu oh Avhich it could reach the people. The General Confer- ence authorized him to issue a Missionary Visitor as soon as 1,500 subscribers could be secured. He knew it would be hard work to secure subscribers until the people saw the paper, and knew what it would be ; so he at once issued 1,500' and sent them to ministers. Sabbath school superintendents and oth- ers. This was in Juh^ and he did not look for any returns until the next April. At the end of the second year, not counting anything for editorial work, it paid expenses, and since that time has proved a financial success. He himself say^s concerning this, as well as similar periods in his life: " With this, as with a number of other things ^f ith which I have had to do, I walked bv faith. In mv zeal fiH DANIEL KUMLER FLICKINGER, for some things I have taken great risks, but God brought me through safel}'. There are times when I have had a kind of prophetic inspiration, have acted upon it and came out all right. " In an article from the pen of Rev. J. K. Billheimer, in the Telesco^pe for February 18, 1885, occurs the follow- ing earnest language : " Our corresponding secretary, Mr. Flickinger, is now in Africa for the eighth time. Twice he went there to help locate the missions, six times he has gone there to organize, plan, advise, coun- sel and encourage the work. Four times he has gone at the earnest solicitations of the superintendent and other parties. This is one of the secrets of our success. The six trips our secretary has made to Africa have cost the church much less than it would if he had not gone, unless we value what we have there at nothing. * * * "Why this frequent crossing of the ocean? Wliy not elect a missionary hishop f Africa is our field. We are adapted to the work, our hearts are in it, and God is blessing our labors there and the church at home most wonderfully." This question came up before the board that con- vened at Fostoria, May 13, 1885. The finance com- mittee recommended the appointment of a missionary bishop. It was urged that if such a person were ap- pointed he could make his headquarters in London ; could hold the conferences in Germany and Africa, and spend the remainder of his time in soliciting funds in Great Britain and in the United States. A letter Avas read from J. J. Jones, secretary of the London Mis- sionary Society, commending our methods of carrying- on the African mission. As a result of all this, the board unanimously agreed to i-ecommend to the TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHRF:N IN CHRIST. 015 conference, soon to assemble, the appointment of a mis- sionary bishop. The subject came before the conference a few days later, and the following resolution was adopted : "That a missionaiy bishop be elected, to bo known as foreign missionary superintendent." D. K. riickinger was therefore elected missionar}^ bishop on the first ballot. A difference of opinion prevailing as to what portion of his time should be spent abroad, he tendered his resignation, which was not accepted. In September he w^rites to the Telescope, " I am now off for Africa for the ninth time. I most heart- ily wished the General Conference to give my place to another, and did feel much like stepping aside and not attempting another vo3\age to Africa." He goes to work again witli his accustomed zeal. " Just think of the fact, that in all tlie thirty years we have worked in Africa we have expended $150,360.32 ; of this amount other societies have contributed at least $35,000, so that, all told, we have only given toward the support of the«Gospel in heathen lands, $115,000. With this, nine mission stations have been put into operation, hundreds of chiklren have been educated, civilization has been given to hundreds of adults, in whole or in part, and the Gospel has been preached to thousands of people, over 1,500 of whom have renounced heathenism, and professed Christ ; and a considerable number of them, both in life and death, showed that they had been with Christ and learned of Him." On the forty-fourth dav out, he writes : " I read and wrote all my eyes would allow, and Avalked and whistled all I could stand in that way. I did about all the work and furnished most of the amusement on board. 61<) DANIEL KUMLEK FLICKINGER, "Gathering facts for the stoiy of missions in the United Brethren Church has brought to mind many of the struggles through wliich the Board of Missions and its officers have passed since 1853. Also some of the victories so gloi'iously achieved in the face of the most determined opposition. How unexpectedly, and just in the nick of time, did the Lord raise up friends to furnish the money to keep the board from abandoning some important missions. Then Mr, Blanchard came from Carlisle, Ky., — came to Dayton to find an anti-slavery church to which he gave $4,200 in cash, as he did, at a time when we were much in need. And the Lord ])ut it into the hearts of such men as Bishop Russell, Brown, Lane, Lohr and others to give us from $5,000 to $10,000 each. We may well say, 'Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.' Yea, more, we may well trust Him to nelp us out of our present embarrassments." In May, 1886, he is present at the annuaJ meeting of the Board of Missions. Since his election as bishop he has labored in England, Germany, Africa and the United States. Lie has given time, money and toil to the work. AYhile in this country he is not idle. A man of his active, busy temperament can not be idle. In the fall of 1886 he starts for Africa again. In December of that year he holds the eighth African Mission district conference. Burdens press upon him. The work is inviting, but he is crippled for means. " Truly, we have much to be tiiankful for, and, es- pecially, that souls are coming to Christ by scores and hundreds in this dark land, but. Oh, how much we have to deplore in the shortcomings of many of our people here and because of the incorrigibleness of not a few TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 617 who are still unmoved, though the}^ have heard the Gospel, and some of them for many years." Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Clark, of Denver, Colo., having given him $5,000 the previous August, for the erection of a training school in Africa, to prepare men for the work of teaching and preaching, he at once arranged to erect such a building, and on January 31, 1887, the corner-stone \vas laid and an address made by Bishop Flickinger, from which we take the following- interesting paragraph : " The building is to be fifty- one feet long, thirty -one feet wide, and its walls, which are stone, twenty-three feet above the ground. The corner-stone and many others in it, came from the walls of John Newton's slave pen on Plaintain island, three miles from this place. All the stone to be used is gen- erously given by Chief Neale Caulker, a true friend of ours. Surely, Mr. Newton, once a cruel slave tender, and afterward a celebrated minister of the Gospel, would rejoice with us were he here, to see these stones now used for a house in which to train men and women to work for the abolition of slavery and wickedness of every kind." Earl}'- in April he was on his way to Eng- land again. May 25th and 26th finds him in Germany holding the annual missionary district meeting. Hav- ing spent over four months in Africa, his health is giv- ing way, and about the middle of July he starts for the United States. Since his election as bishop he has made two trips to Africa and three to Germany. He can not come home without reminding his brethren once more of their duty by telling them "that members of the United Brethren Church will pay more for tobacco and jewelry and toys in one year thas would pay all the debt, and yet they k:ep on throwing away the <>18 DANIEI. KDMLER FJJCKINGER, Lord's mone}^ for useless and hurtful things, and starve the Lord's cause and their own souls." He reaches home in July, spends such portions of his time in lecturing, writing and visiting the confer- ences as his health and the health of his family will allow. The last of October he sails arain for Eng-land. I^ovember the 3d he writes from London, where he had been attending some missionary meetings, which did not yield the good results anticipated. "We suspect he was a little dissatisfied when he penned these perti- nent queries to the Telescojye : " Why did not the blessed Jesus set apart a gold mine, as well as die, from which to get money to send the Gospel to the heathen? It might easily be furnished by Christians, but as they onl3^ give pennies where they ought to give dollars, as a rule, it certainly would have been better if the Lord had provided for mone}' in some such way. The shortest way out of all this trouble would have been to have killed our first parents for sinning, and not allowed any heathen to have been born. In that event there would have been no need of a Saviour or missionary collections, or even a heaven to get into, as this is all some professors live for, they say. It is evident they do not love to help others into lieaven, or they would not spend from $5 to $50 dollars a year for useless or injurious things, and put off the missionary cause with less than one-tenth, as many do." Bishop Flickinger somewhere wrote, at one time, "In my living, clothing, traveling, and in all, I studied economy ; I therefore always had money to pay my debts and to give to benevolent purposes, because I saved it." As the success of the African mission is due, in the TWENTY-FIFTH BISIIoP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 619 main, to the plans and labors of Bishop Flickinger, it may not be out of place in this connection to give the opinion of a disinterested observer. Hon. Judson A. Lewis was United States consul at Sierra Leone, during the administration- of Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. After his retirement he wrot<3 a book on " Missionaries and Missions" from a secular standpoint. In this book he gives us an account of Shengay mission. Among other things he says : " In this way the secretary and the treasurer, who are really the managing men of the society at home, have familiarized themselves so com- pletely with the work of the mission on the coast, that they know just what its wants are. Now this is a very important item and probably one reason why the Shengay mission is the hest managed and most prosper- ous little mission known to the writer on the west coast. The managers at home know just what is re- quired. The}' don't guess at anything, for they have been to the front and camped out ; they have eaten hard tack, and slept on the ground ; the}" have seen bat- tles and helped to fight them. Hence they know how to comraaad and what kind of soldiers to place on guard. If anything goes w^ong or new stations are needed, requiring the services of a good man to engage the chaps in much 'palaver,' D. K. Flickinger packs his knapsack and the first you know he is on his way to the west coast of Africa, and soon you see him bound- ing in, knowing just what he wants, and how and w^here to find it. Off he goes in his boat, up and down the bays and rivers, visiting chiefs and head men, day and night on the rivers, sleeping in his boat or on shore, as the case may be. In this way he works two (^20 DANIEL KUMLEK FLICKHSTGER, or three months, and accomplishes the object for which he went forth, and is again on his way back to his post and people. He has become thoroughl}^ acquainted with the native chiefs and their people, and the}^ with him." Concerning Mr. Flickinger's family, the two children of his first wife both reside in Colmnbus, Ohio. Sam- uelJacob, the oldest, was born in 1848. He is a gradu- ate of the Otterbein University, had a special course in Cornell University, New York, and is now the efficient editor of the Ohio State Jouimal. He is still unmarried, and in politics is strongly republican. Under his skillful management the Journal has been enlarged, the circulation has been increased and its general tone has been elevated. Daniel Lintner was born in 1852, is also a graduate of Otterbein Universit}^, and at the present time is a prominent clerk in the Insurance Department of Ohio. He was married in 18YT and has an interesting family of children. Of the children of the last wife the oldest, Mary C, Avas born in 1857. In 1877 she was united in marriage to W. L. Todd, of Willoughby, Ohio. Mr. Todd was an accomplished and enthusiastic musician, and had charge of the department of music in Otterbein University for a number of years. He died somewhat unexpectedly in the summer of 1887 while spending his vacation at Mr. Flickinger's residence in Willoughby. His son Euah was \Qrj sick at the same time, but was spared a few months longer and then taken, and Mrs. Todd's heart and hearth were both left desolate. Sarah Jane was born in 1858, and in 1880 was married to C. P. Williams, of Marietta, Ohio. Mr. Williams TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 621 Avas chief clerk in the school commissioners office dur- ing the administration of Hon. Leroy D. Browne, but is now in business in Memphis, Tenn. Nellie Glossbrenner was born in 1860. She is a graduate in music, and quite skillful as a teacher in this department of work. Since the death of Prof. Todd she has had charge of this branch of study in Otterbein University. Slie is a lady of culture, of good social quali- ties, an enthusiast in her work, and very popular with lier friends, of whom she has a large number. She was mar- ried, June 14, to Mr. H. H. Myers, of New London, Wis. Elmer Ellsworth was born in 1862. He graduated from Otterbein University, and afterward completed a course in medicine in Cleveland. He married Miss Florence Wilson, of Willoughby, in 1884. He removed to Emporia, Kas., where he has been practicing homoe- opathy ever since. John William was born in 1864. He also graduated from Otterbein University, and is unmarried and con- nected with the reportorial force of the Ohio State Journal. Charles Henry was born in 1868, and died in Wil- loughby, in 18Y7. Bishop Flickinger having been prevented from se- curing the education for which he longed when a boy, de- termined that his children should not be so unfortunate, and has therefore spared neither pains nor money in securing for each of them a good education. ISTot only has his family had the benefit of his foresight in this re- spect, but in the church of his choice he has always been among the foremost to push forward her educational interests. For this purpose he has freely given of his 622 DANIEL KUMI.ER FLICKINGEB, mone}^, his time, his influence and his energies. For a number of years he has been one of the most efficient trustees of Otterbein University. When the time came to make an effort to endow the universit}^, Dr. Davis was asked to undertake the work. He had rendered similar service before, and felt now asthough the load should be placed upon younger shoulders. Mr. Flickingersaid to him to come to Miami Conference, and he would help him. If the author is not mistaken he kept his promise by himself giving over $1,000, and securing among his friends enough to endow one chair to the amount of $5,000. At other times he has given for the debt, for literary halls, for library and other wants of the in- stitution. He was just as earnest and anxious a worker in the interest of a higher theological as he was of a literary training. When it seemed best to open Union Biblical Seminary, there were teachers, but no students, no buildings, no endowment. Students could be found, a building could be had temporarily, but how should these teachers be paid ? An agent was put in the field to secure help. Bishop Glossbrenner, who for certain reasons had become interested in the work, said to the bishop : " Daniel, you must go with me to all my conferences this fall, and you and I can raise money enough to run the seminary for two years." The outlook was not very liopeful until Mr. Flickinger agreed to cooperate. Subscriptions were taken at the conferences, mostly among the preachers, to be paid in two annual installmen-ts. This made him extra work and care outside of his official duties, and for a time seriously affected his health, but he had the pleasure of seeing a good work prosper in his hands. TWENTY-FIFTH BISHOP UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. (523 Mr. Flickin^er earh^ saw the value of the press in church work, and used it for the carrying forward of his enterprises. The Missionary Vislto?' was originated by him, and for twenty 3^ears he was its constant editor. In connection with this, he has freely used the Telescope to keep the church instructed and aroused. From the articles which appeared there from his own pen, one could not only gather the facts of his own life, but the histor}' of the missionary, as well as other movements in the church. From 1865 to 1881, when the publish- ing house was making an effort to relieve itself of debt, he was one of its trustees, and to his persistence and earnestness and fertilit}^ of resources is due not a little of the results then accomplished. As a writer he may not and does not possess all the graces of the finished author. The best thoughts do not come at random. One needs time and quiet and freedom from the ])ressure of business, that the best ef- forts of his brain may be put into "thoughts that breathe and Avords that burn," and Mr. Flickinaer has had no such leisure. He has laid foundations upon Avhich other men are to build, and he has laid them well. Almost every editorial written or article con- tributed had to be done to meet a present emergenc3^ The keen business sense which shows itself in all his work appears in his writings. There are no double meanings. He knows what he wants to say, and one who reads knows what he means. He gets the ear of the church, and the\^ know what he wants. While Mr. Flickino-er's work has been raainlv aloni^: missionary lines, there is hardly a department of churcli work which he has not touched, and which he has not helped. When the history of the growth of the church 624 DANIEL Kl'MLEK FLICKINGER. for the last forty years shall be written, it v,' ill be found that it must touch him at a number of points. The last letter from him says that he will be in America for three months, but we are sure they will be ver}^ busy, active months. He is now sixty-four years of age, and has the energy and fervor of a young man, but the cares and activities of life have left their impress upon him. The e3^es are bright and full of cheer, but the hair is gray, the face is furrowed, the step is not so elastic as usual, but the love for the heathen is as strong as ever. He will never rust out, and we are not sure that he will ever be able to take time to die. We should not be surprised if, with the cares of the heathen upon him, as he goes up and down the earth, some time the chariot of Elijah should swoop down and take him home, and we know nothing of it until he is gone. For the sake of those who intimately know him, and for the sake of the church which he has served so long and so faithfully, may the chariot be a long time in coming. APPENDIX. Statistics for 1888. The following statistics, which are taken from the "United Brethren Year Book " for 1889, will be of special value to all mem. bers of the United Brethren Church : Organized Churches 4,450 Itinerants, . . . . . , . 1,490 Local Preachers, 560 Members at end of Year, 204,517 Increase during the Year, .... 9,239 Number of Sunday-schools, .... 3,509 Scholars in Sunday-school Enrollment, . . 219,846 Teachers and Officers, 32,026 Number of Church Houses, .... 2,609 Number of Parsonages 439 Local Sunday-school Collections, . . . $65,312 General Sunday-school Fund and Children's Day Collections 3,255 Preachers' Salaries, 474,590 Church Expenses, 366,258 Bishops' Collections, 6,182 Preachers' Aid 3,566 Collected for General Missions, . . . 38,609 Collected Special to Missions, .... 38,219 Collected Woman's Missions. .... 10,112 Collected Sunday Schools for Missions, . . 4,191 Total Collected for Missions, . . . . 91,134 Church Erection Fund, 1,964 Educational Beneficiary Fund, .... 1,249 Colleges, Academies and United Brethren Semi- nary 22,572 Total for All Purposes, .... 1,036,086 Value of Church Houses, .... 3,757,161 Value of Parsonages, 401,959 625 626 APPENDIX. HISTORICAL TABLES. GENERAL OFFICERS. « BISHOPS. 1800-13, William Otterbein (died 1813) ; Martin Boehm (died 1812) ; George A. Geeting (died 1812). 1813-15, Christian Newcomer. 1815-17, Christian Newcomer and Andrew Zeller. 1817-21, Christian Newcomer and Andrew Zeller. 1821-25, Christian Newcomer and Joseph Hoffman. 1825-39, Christian Newcomer and Henry Kiimler, Sr. 1829-33, Christian Newcomer (died in 1830), and Henry Kumler, Sr. 1833-37, Henry Kumler, Sr., Samuel Heistand and William Brown. 1837-41, Henry Kumler, Sr.; Samuel Heistand (died 1838), and Jacob Erb. 1841-45, Henry Kumler, Sr., Jacob Erb, Henry Kumler, Jr., and John Coons. 1845-49, John Russel, J. J. Glossbrenner and William Hanby. 1849-53, J. J. Glossbrenner, Jacob Erb and David Edwards. 1853-57, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards and Lewis Davis. 1857-61, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards, Lewis Davis and John Russel. 1861-65, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards, Jacob Markwood, Daniel Shuck and Henry Kumler, Jr. 1865-69, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards, Jacob Markwood, Jonathan Weaver and Daniel Shuck. 1869-73, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards, Jonathan Weaver and John Dickson. 1873-77, J. J. Glossbrenner, David Edwards (died 1876), Jonathan Weaver and John Dickson. 1877-81, J. J. Glossbrenner, Jonathan Weaver, John Dickson, Mil- ton Wright and Nicholas Castle. 1881-85, J. J. Glossbrenner, Jonathan Weaver, John Dickson, Nicholas Castle and E. B. Kephart. 1885-89, J. J. Glossbrenner, Jonathan Weaver, John Dickson, Nicholas Castle, E. B. Kephart, Milton Wright and D. K. Flickinger. 1889 EDITORS OP THE " RELIGIOUS TELESCOPE." Rev. William Rhinehart, .... 1834 to 1839 Rev. William Hanby 1889 to 1845 APPENDIX. 627 Rev. D. Edwards, Rev. William Hanby, Assistant, Rev. John Lawrence, Rev. John Lawrence, Rev. D. Berger Rev. M. Wright, .... Rev. M. Wright and Rev. W. O. Tobey, Rev. J. W. Hott, .... Assistants, j ^^^' W- ^- Tobey, . ( Rev. M. R. Drury, AGENTS OP THE PUBLISHING HOUSE. Trustees — John Russel, John Dresbach and George Dresbach, .... Rev. William Hanby, editor and agent. Rev. J. Markwood (did not serve), Rev. N. Altman, .... Rev. William Hanby, .... Rev. S. Vonneida, .... Assistants, i ^^''- ^ Kumler, Jr., < T. N. Sowers, T, N. Sowers and J. B. King, . ' . T. N. Sowers and Rev. W. J. Shuey, Rev. W. J. Shuey and Rev. Wm. McKee, Rev. W. J. Shuey, .... 1845 to 1849 1849 to 1852 1850 to 1852 1852 to 1864 1864 to 1869 1869 to 1873 1873 to 1877 1877 to 1877 to 1881 1881 to 1834 to 1839 to 1845 to 1845 to 1852 to 1853 to 1854 to 1855 to 1861 to 1864 to 1865 to 1866 to 1839 1845 1852 1853 1861 1861 1864 1865 1866 EDITORS OF SABBATH-SCHOOL PERIODICALS. Rev. D. Edwards, 1854 to 1857 Rev. S. Vonneida, 1857 to 1869 Rev. D. Berger, 1869 to 1885 Rev. J. P. Landis (resigned), . . . 1885 to Rev. D. Berger, 1885 to EDITOR OF "woman's EVANGEL." Mrs. L. R. Keister, A. M 1881 to EDITORS OP GERMAN PAPERS. Rev. Jacob Erb, . . . , . . i841 to 1842 Rev. N. Altman, 1846 to 1847 Rev. D. Strickler, 1847 to 185J Rev. Henry Staub, 1851 to 1858 Rev. S. Vonneida, • 1859 to 1866 628 APPENDIX Rev. Ezekiel Light, 1866 to 1869 Rev. William Mittendorf , ... 1869 to 1885 Rev. Ezekiel Light 18d5 to CIRCUI^ATION OP PERIODICALS FOR 1888. " Religious Telescope," .... 13,345 "Children's Friend," .... 37,250 " Missionary Visitor," .... 32,450 "Lessons for the Little Ones," . . 43,950 "Bible Teacher," ..... 5,016 "Large Quarterly," .... 98,250 " International Quarterly," . . . 45,750 "Jugend Pilger," 2,653 " Froeliche Botschafter," . . . 1,212 " Woman's Evangel," .... 2,700 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. . Founded 1847 Hartsville College, Hartsville, Ind. . Founded 1852 Western College, Toledo, Iowa. . . Founded 1856 Lane University, Lecompton, Kas. . Founded 1865 Philomath College,' Philomath, Ore. . Founded 1865 Westfield College, Westfield, 111. . . Founded 1865 Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa. . Founded 1867 Avalon College, Avalon, Mo. Academy, 1869. College Founded 1881 San Joaquin Valley College. Woodbridge, Cal Founded 1878 Roanoke Academy, Roanoke, Ind. . Founded 1867 Edvrards Academy, White Pine, Tenn. . Founded 1877 Shenandoah Institute, Dayton, Va. . Founded 1877 Washington Seminary, Huntsville, W. T. . Founded 1880 WestVirginiaAcademy,Buckhannon,W.Va. Founded 1882 Erie Conference Seminary, Sugar Grove, Pa. Founded 1884 Gibbon Collegiate Institute, Gibbon, Neb. Founded 1886 Union Biblical Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. . Founded 1871 COMPARATIVE STATISTICS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, 1813--1; CO es >> 11 00 c es a> 2 -32 Cfi 2 a 0 0 >, at a 3 „ 0 ■S ° CO zj «2 ^ a si .9-3 8g Oo ♦1813 10,000 9,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 47,000 61,399 94.453 89,811 91,.57() 97,983 108, 12i 108,965 118,0,^5 120,445 125,464 137 .tT.I *1820 *1835 .... . *1845 *1850 ♦1853 2^6i6 3,900 4,630 3,297 3,415 3,663 3,924 3,912 3,983 3,874 3,959 4,010 4,078 4,067 4,187 4,356 4,524 4,400 4,463 4,292 4,308 4,335 4,.332 4,396 4,450 "469 499 '417 417 ' 916 916 185T 1,009 1,513 1,906 1,775 2,042 2,268 ]8()1 1865 68,171 80,957 94,180 106,002 9,928 12,5.56 14,003 16,057 78,099 93,513 108,183 132,059 1866 1867 1868 1869 789 837 864 "881 967 870 755 770 783 "753 742 831 1,544 1,607 1,647 i,634 1,709 1,701 1,822 9,309 9,508 8,957 1870 1871 2,420 3,519 3,610 2,739 2,644 2.718 113,425 16,417 128,842 135,954 9,204 1872 1873 144,870 157,197 148,691 160,931 163,439 169,.530 177,:512 187i l,886i 131,8.59 i,967| 136,076 1,953 14:3,881 2,059 148,763 2,153 152.331 1875 1876 2,854 2,897 3,060 1877 1878 153,1.59 24,153 27,278 26,819 26.520 35,690 26,40;i 27,:377 26,787 2S,547 :30,051 33.026 . 1879 1880 1881 1883 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 ' 1,235 1,2.57 1,246 l,3^t) ],34« 1,378 1,566 1,490 ■7.56 963 928 89+ 90.j S9U 589 560 2,317 2,196 l,9a5 2.220 2,174 2,230 3, •,'.">:{ 2,268 2,155 2,050 154,796 157.835 157.712 1.59,547 161,838 lti(i,333 173,-65 IS-.. 103 195,278 204,517 3,268 3,04:3 3.21H 3.180 3.201 3,228 3,169 3,169 3,478 3,509 1.59.935 1.59,141 158,319 ia5,743 163,513 167,645 167,971 179,739 206,088 219,846 187,203 185,960 184,839 191,433 189,915 195,022 194,7.58 208,376 3:36,139 251,873 3,796 4,465 5,633 .5,175 5,:i98 8,073 8,244 9,674 13.413 12,251 12,659 11,907 i'3',786 13,345 * Estimated. 6:^9 m U z < z y uo < CA) m > < < :S O U qojnqo •saoissrpi JOj S[ooqog •saoissii\[ •snoissipi •[Bjauag 'saoissij^ aoj pg^oaiioo ■piv iSjaqoBaaj •SaiJBIBg jSdoqsia ■»OCOOO^(i-OOt— tOWCCC0Q0T-^i--t- •C<5C5^CCDCCC0^-O^0OO00^■^■^T-lr-l • e-l 05 05 r: '«♦< -4^ rH ^ IC W O ^H »o ^1 tf5 -^ ; to NO CO n CO o 00 o S. ti e-i,t- ri^^. 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CTJ^cn co_ • • •' 15 "^'"^ 1 ■asnB.) aiqta $3,919.62 4,416.55 3,916.43 1 •A"jnua:;uo3 •putij[ IBjauao looipg - /fBpung $999.02 1,956.14 3,085.26 1,998.44 1,787.39 1,584.38 1,397.14 1,335.81 1,531.62 1,646.86 1,581.47 1,741.56 1,783.93 1,744.81 1,581.83 1.794.93 3,004.84 3,355 . 75 •SJBa^ 'Is 11 'i oc 5 r X X o X SS t: C£ X X oo oc 1 — ' 0* CO -+- »C CO i- 00 X X X X X 00 OO QO xxxxxooxoo 6:!1 ^ ~J4 ^ \l/ a iC^^ ^"^'^ v'.-W*S«*v-"'.- '"• ■V'^:<^^-'''T*^T^V>^^'^riN\Vi^V^^^