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FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV     LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM    TO 

THE   LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


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LIFE  AND  LETTERS 


Mrs.  Phcebe  Palmee 


REV.    IIICHARB    WHEATLEY. 


'Slli:  IIATU  DOSE  WHAT  SHE  COULD." 


NEW   YORK: 
W.    C.    PALMER,    PUBLISHER, 

62    i2    64    EIBLK    HOUSE. 
1881. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1876, 

By  W.  C.  palmer,  Jr., 

In  the  oflRce  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C 


LOVERS    OF    CHRISTIAN    HOLINESS, 
IN  THE   METHODIST  AXI) 

othek  eeanches  of  the  cnuKcn  of  oun  lokd  jesus  cnmsx, 

ILLUSTKATIVE    of    the    ntlVILEGES, 

POWECS,    A>'I)    POSSIBILITIES    OF   CHUISTIAN    WOMANHOOD, 

13   RESPECTFULLY   DEDICATED. 


INTRODUCTION 


rpWENTY-THREE  years  ago,  I  first  formed  the  ac- 
^  quaiiitauce  of  the  beloved  and  lamented  Mrs.  Phoebe 
Palmer.  She  was  then  in  the  vigor  of  health,  and  was 
but  fully  commencing  that  remarkable  career,  in  which 
she  became  so  distinguished. 

I  was  appointed  to  preside  over  the  session  of  the  New 
York  East  Conference,  which  met  in  Allen  Street,  in  1853. 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  sent  me  a  cordial  in^'itation  to  make 
their  home  my  home,  and  it  gave  me  great  pleasure  to  accept. 
The  session  was  unusually  protracted  by  some  investiga- 
tions, which  at  that  time  w  ere  conducted  in  open  conference, 
and  it  did  not  close  until  the  early  part  of  the  second 
week.  I  thus  enjoyed  many  opportunities  for  solid  conver- 
sation, as  well  as  for  noting  the  spirit  and  manner  of 
thought  and  Hfe  of  our  departed  friend.  The  acquaint- 
ance thus  formed,  was  renewed  subsequently,  by  visits  from 
time  to  time,  and  continued  until  her  ascension  to  a  higher 
world.  / 

I  had  read  the  first  volume  which  had  issued  from  her 
pen,  and  was  pleased  with  its  general  character,  especially 
with  its  simplicity  and  directness  of  style,  and  its  single- 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

ness  of  aim.  I  bad  some  apprehension  however,  lest  siie 
might  have  imbibed  something  of  that  mysticism  wliich 
aflfects  Madame  Guyon,  and  which  to  a  greater  or  less  ex- 
tent, has  enfeebled  the  Christian  activity  of  many  a  truly 
devoted  disciple.  Instead  of  this  apprehension  being  real- 
ized, I  was  delighted  to  find  her  warmly  interested  in 
every  form  of  practical  Christianity.  In  her  own  city,  she 
was  anxious  for  church  extension  and  enlargement,  and 
was  ready  to  perform  her  part  in  the  distribution  of  tracts, 
and  in  earnest  effort  for  the  rescue  and  salvation  of  the 
unfortunate  and  the  fallen. 

Beyond  her  own  city,  she  was  interested  in  the  pros- 
perity of  every  part  of  the  work.  She  sympathized  witli 
our  struggling  literary  uistitutions,  and  was  anxious  for 
the  higher  culture  of  our  young  ministers,  as  well  as  for 
their  richer  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

While  many  came  to  her  for  si>iritual  counsel,  and  while 
she  was  deeply  interested  in  many  who  visited  her  Tuesday 
afternoon  meetings,  she  found  time  to  conduct  a  wide 
correspondence,  and  to  commit  to  paper  the  thoughts  which 
we  find  so  profusely  scattered  over  the  pages  of  this 
volume.  At  the  same  time,  she  was  i)leasant  and  genial  to 
the  guests  that  visited  her  hospitable  home.  I  was  also 
pleased  with  the  quiet  simi)licity  and  regularity  that 
marked  the  family  order,  and  the  spirit  of  Christian  cheer- 
fulness which  was  constantly  manifested. 

In  conducting  the  religious  services  in  her  meetings,  she 
was,  so  far  as  I  observed,  always  calm  and  collected.  Sbe 
urged  those  who  attended,  to  an  immediate  Jind  uncondi- 


Vi  INTRODUCTION, 

tional  submission  to  God's  will,  and  to  an  entire  consecra- 
tion to  His  service.  She  loved  to  dwell  on  the  fullness  of 
Divine  love,  and  on  the  deep  and  abiding  joy  whicli  was 
the  privilege  of  the  true  believer,  yet  her  constant  and 
apparently  chief  effort  was  to  persuade  her  friends  to 
trust,  at  ono3  and  perfectly,  the  simple  word  of  God. 

Every  question  found  there  its  solution,  and  every  i)lau 
or  movement  was  referred  to  that  standard,  and  not  to 
feeling  or  impulse.  This  constant  habit  preserved  her,  on 
the  one  hand,  from  the  wildness  of  fanaticism,  and  on  the 
other,  from  the  depths  of  mysticism.  On  a  few  occasions, 
subsequently,  when  I  heard  her  at  camp-meetings,  I 
noticed  the  same  constant  and  persistent  ai)peal  to  Di- 
vine truth.  It  was  to  this  abundant  element  and  habit,  I 
ascribe<l  much  of  her  power.  Few  women  have  ever  trav- 
eled 80  extensively,  addressed  so  many  audiences,  or 
brought  so  many  to  the  foot  of  the  cross. 

But  she  has  gone  I  Goodness  and  usefulness  give  no 
immunity  from  death.  But  she  has  not  wholly  left  us. 
^' Being  dead,  she  yet  speaketh."  Her  words  linger  in 
the  books  she  has  written,  and  in  this  memorial  volume, 
which  a  talented  friend  has  skilfully  prepared.  May  it 
aid  in  accomplishing  the  great  work  to  Avhich  her  life 
w.is  <levoted. 

M.  Simpson. 

^ovEMitKU  30tb,  1876. 


PREFACE. 


CRITICISING  the  biographer  of  au  eminently  holy  and  useful 
man,  Mrs.  Palmer  remarked  that,  from  "  sincere,  but  doubt- 
less mistaken  motives,"  he  had  left  out  of  the  biography  *'  the 
very  pith  of  that  which  made  him, — its  subject,— what  he  was/^ 
by  not  inserting  letters,  one  of  which  "gives  a  very  particular 
account  of  his  reception  of  the  grace  of  entire  sanctitication,"— 
probably  thinking  "  that  in  this,  he  was  mistaken  or  fanatical.*" 
'*  It  looks  to  me,"  she  added,  "  like  involving  serious  responsi- 
bilities, for  a  biographer  to  take  upon  himself,  to  wttldjold  the 
record  of  manifest  operations  of  the  Spirit  upon  the  individual 
of  whom  he  writes,  because  it  treats  of  experience  not  beyond 
the  Bible,  but  beyond  the  ordinary  standard ;  and  because  it 
contlicts  with  the  theological  views  of  the  writer.  *  *  *  Had 
his  biographer  let  him  speak  out,  scores  and  probably  hundreds, 
of  young  men  miglit  have  sought  for  the  same  grace  specifically  } 
and  they,  in  turn,  have  induced  hundreds  more  to  seek  and  ob- 
tain the  same  preparation  for  usefulness  that  made  him  so  emi- 
nent." In  entire  accord  with  these  views,  her  own  biography 
has  been  constructed.  From  the  immense  mass  of  material  at 
command,  selections  have  been  impartially  made,  that,  like  tlie 
differently  colored  stones  in  Mosaic  pictures,  have  been  so  ar- 
ranged as  to  present  an  accurate  portrait  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  inner 
and  outer  life,  as  it  really  was.  That  life  was  one  consistent 
and  symmetrical  whole — exemplifying  the  *•  beauty  of  holiness," 
and  constituting,  under  grace,  a  "guide  to  holiness."'  Perfection 
— ^except  in  love — she  never  claimed.  But  nearer  approacli  to 
the  perfection  of  "  the  spirits  of  just  men"  has  rarely  been  real- 
ized by  any  of  the  human  family.  May  the  perusal  of  its  records 
minister  abundant  grace  to  the  readers  I 


TABLE    OE   COKTE:srTS, 


CHAPTER   I. 

FuuMATivE  Forces  akd  Coxditions  or  Religious  Life— Paiientage.... 13-49 
Henry  Worrall— Early  Indications  of  Literary  and  Poetic  Albiiity— Con- 
version—Marriaire— Great  Revival  in  Allen  Street  Clinrch— Maternal 
and  Spiritual  Experiences— Relijiious  Growth  and  Activity— Sabbatli- 
Bchool  Labor— Day  of  Days— Entire  Sauctiflcatiou. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Personal  Characteristics  and  Experiences 50-138 

Perfect  I.ove  a  Permanent  Possession— Love  for  Kindred  Spirits— For 
the  Ministers  of  Christ— Dr.  Hannah— Catholicity  of  Spirit— liitcruii- 
tional  Camp-meeting  at  Round  Lake— Love  of  Native  Lund— Assassi- 
nation of  Bresideut  J^incoln— Joy  in  the  I^ord- Ordination  of  Bisiiops 
Hamlino  and  Janes- Hev.  B.  Creagh— Mrs.  Ann  Wilkins— Joy  over 
Repentant  Sinners— Dittusive  Joyonsness— Rev.  Dr.  Nathan  Bangs- 
Semi  Centennial  Marriage  Hymn— Praise  a  Duty —Peace  of  God  Expe- 
rienced in  Sickness— Never  Yield  to  Discouragements— Meekness.— Pa- 
tience-Natural Reserve—Shrinking  from  Publicity— Opinion  of  Hon- 
orary Titles— Humility— Willing  to  be  a  "  Stepping-stone  "—Divine  Call 
to  Public  Labor— Conflicts  Ended  in  Conquests— Knowing  No  Man 
after  the  Flesh— Provokes  to  Good  "Works— Gentleness— Mctliod  of 
Bible  Studv— Bible  tbe  Sole  Rule  of  Faith— Dreams— The  Raging  Lion 
—Prof.  Mattisou— Bishop  Hamliue— Remarkable  Vision— Hal>it  in 
Prayer— FastiMg-Submissiveness-Dependence  on  God— Prayer  a 
Physical  Force— Special  Providence— Keen  Observer— Bishop  Janes— 
Peacemaker- Disinterested  Liberality— Rev.  Dr.  Perry-Humor— Ed- 
itorial Dinner— Letter  to  Queen  Victoria— Observance  of  the  Lord's 
Dav— Christian  Faithfulness— Growth  in  Grace— Explicit  Testimony 
—Endured  as  Seeing  the  Invisible— A  Tireless  Worker— Dominant 
Purpose  in  Life— The  Master  Passion. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Domestic  Life 139-168 

Conjugal  Uuity— Brido  of  Forty-and-Four  Years— Dread  of  Bereave- 
ment—Eminent Usefulness  largely  due  to  Dr.  Palmer — Love  for  her 
Children- Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Foster— Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  F.  Kuapp— Love 
for  Relati\  es— Mrs.  Jjankford— Parents — Mrs.  Kellogg — An  Ideal  Meth- 
odist Home— Dedication  Hymn — Successive  Consecrations — Early 
Riser— Worship  ill  the  Night  Seascm- Enjoyed  S(K"ial  lleligious  Life- 
Literary  Laltors- "  Way  of  Holiness"—"  Guide  to  Holiness" — A  family' 
Mcal-DomcsticOrdcr— InfluJiuce on  Sen'ants— Habitual  Hospitality — 
Subjects  of  Conversation- Duty  always  First Birth- day  Surprises. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

ClIUKCH  LAIJORS 169-204 

In  the  Sunday  School— Preparatory  Teacher's  Class — Conversion.s — Cen- 
tenary of  MethodJHui— Visits  after  Resignation — Compositions  for 
Christinas  Celelirations- In  the  Sanctuary— Love  for  the  Means  of 
Grace— ClaRH-meetings—"  Hiding  of  Methodism's  Power" — Appointed 
Class-leader— Rules  of  Ministration— Successes— Interest  in  the  Indi- 
vidual Meiiibeis— Fidelity— Plain,  Pithy  In struction.s— Personal  Ap- 
peals—Alien  St.  Church—"  Going  to  the  Altar"-— Family  of  Eleven 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  j^ 

Converted— Transfer  to  Norfolk  St.  Church— R(^a8()ii.s  thorcfor— Tiiti- 
inate  kuowled^e  of  Class-nuMubers — Revival  in  Norfolk  8t.— Hov. 
James  Caii^liey— Rev.  J.  Roclu',  1).  D.— Re\ .  W.  K.  Boole— Fiftieth 
Street  Church—"  Old  Duaue  Street." 

CHAPTER  V. 

PHILANTiniOPrC  ENTERPRISE 20r)-237 

Distribution  of  Rcliirious  Tracts— Warm  Dinner— Methods— Ti-inmplia 
—Visitation  of  the  Po(»r  and  Sick— Mrs.  P,  Clothes  the  Naked— Leo- 
pold Solomon— Adopted— Apostatized— Ministrations  to  I'risouers  in 
the  Tond)s — Reli,i;i«>us  Meetiuics— Mrs.  Morris— Mrs.  Upham— .Associa- 
tion with  Beneticeiit  Societies— Recaptui-ed  Slaves- New  York  Female 
Assistance  Society— Corresi)ondiii,iX  Secietary— Visitor— Home  loi-  tlie 
Friendless — Work  and  Wa^es—"  Johnny  Palmer  N."—Estalilishment  of 
Domestic  Missictns — liadies'  Honje  Missionary  Society— ITeddini; 
Church — Five  Points— Meeting  in  Tiiplei-  Hall— Father  Ciivazzi— Mis- 
sion to  the  Jews— Rev.  C.  E.  Harris— Foreign  Missions— China— Dr. 
Maclay — Palestine. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Tuesday  Meeting  for  the  Promotion  of  Holiness 238-257 

Origin — Converted  into  a  Union  Meeting — Mrs.  Upham's  Experience  of 
Perfect  Love — Prof.  Upham  and  Mrs.  Palmer— Grateful  Letters- 
Members  of  the  General  Conference — Rev.  Dr.  Oliu— Management  of 
Meeting — Rev.  Dr.  Bradley,  of  Siam — Mis.  Coi>way — Significant  Tend- 
encies— Similsir  Meeting  Establi.shed  in  Rock  Island,  111.— Description 
of  the  Tuesday  Meeting  by  Dr.  Roche— Bible  the  Text-Book. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Evangelistic  Expeditions 2.".s-;u7 

The  Bible,  Mrs.  Palmer's  Infallible  Guide— "  Way  of  Holiness"- ISiO  : 
Rye,  Williamsburg,  Caldwell's  Landing,  Baltimore.  1841 :  Hempstead 
Harbor,  N.  Y.— Burlington,  Mount  Holly,  N.  J.— Incidents  by  the 
Way— Jersey  City.  1842  :  Bethlehem,  Pa.— Moravianism— Ramapo  Val- 
ley—Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  1843:  Bridgeport,  Fairtield,  Conn.  1844:  Sing 
Sing — Drowning  of  Rev,  Elijah  Andrews— Trenton,  N.  J.— Conductor 
Converted— Bordentown.  1845:  Mrs.  Garretts<m— Sing  Sing -Wesley- 
au  University — Middletown.  184G:  Sickness— Methods  of  Travel  and 
Usefulness.  1847  :  Norwalk,  Conn. — Philadelphia — Girard  College — 
Meeting  for  the  Promotion  of  Holiness— Eastliam,  Mass.— Graiuu  ar 
of  Salvation.  1848:  Bow  Hill,  N.  Y.— Incidents- Vincenttown— Bap- 
tist Minister  wholly  Sanctified- Baltimore.  1849:  Sandy  Hill,  N.  Y. 
—Wonderful  Discourse— Bp.  Heddiug's  Prayer— Chancellor Wal went h. 
1850:  Boston,  Mass.— "The  Little  Methodist  Sister"  and  the  Boston- 
ians— Tidl.y,  N.  Y. — Pleasant  Incider.t— Red  Lion  Camp-meetiiii;,  Del. 
--Bustleton,  Pa.— C<mviction  of  Divine  Call.  1851 :  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 
—Indian,  Mainemaine — Philadelphia— Dr.  Tilden— Albany.  N.  Y.— 
Triumphs  of  Truth  over  Error — Rev.  Tobias  Spicer— Justified  ami 
Wholly  Sanctified  in  less  than  an  Hour.  18.")2 :  Red  Lion,  Hillsdale. 
1853:  Napanee.  Out.— Squire  Neville— Mrs.  McLeod— Kingston  Dis- 
trict Meeting — Five  Hundred  saved  at  Camp-nu'eting— .SVx  Thousand 
added  to  the  Church.  1854  :  Theresa,  N.  Y.— Bridal  Party  lunught 
to  Jesus  -Napanee,  Bond  Head.  C.  W. — Martlia's  Vineyard,  Mass. — 
Rev.  Dr.  Wayland  on  the  Methodists— Eastham— Bursting  Boiler 
and  Inuninent  Danger.  1855:  Philadelphia— Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson— Can- 
adian Camp-meeting — Orthodoxy  and  Reverence  of  Canadian  M«'tho- 
dists— Provincetown,Mass.  1856:  Oswego,  N.  V.— Olflcial  Wrong  made 
O^clnUif  Right— Coburg,  C.  W.— Victoria  College— Death  of  Mrs. 
Worrall— New  Baptism  of  Power.  1857;  Annus  IVIiuAnrLis— Millord, 
Conn.— Brighton,  C.  W.— Miin)rook.  C.  W.— Graphic  Description  of 
Woodland  Religious  Life  and  Labor— Montreal. C.  E.— Rev.  Dr.  stin- 
8on— Expert  mental  Camp-meeting — Ronuinists  Saved— Kr-nnebec, 
Maine— Eatire  SauctJflcation  of  Father  Taylor,  the  Sailor's  I'reacher 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  X 

Page 
— Spenoertown.  Prescott,  C.  W.—Brin^ing  the  Tithes  into  the  Lord's 
Store-house.  1858;  Osweffo,  N.  Y.— Leading  Editorial— Biugliampton 
— Deseendsuits  of  President  P^dwnrds— Uuion— Laodiceau  Chinch— 
Providenre,  R.  I.— Dr.  Wayland— Boston— Woodstock,  St.  Johns,  N, 
B.— Romanists  Converted— Halifax,  N.  S.— Crimean  Soldiers  Saved 
— Cliarlottctown,  P.  E.  Island— Mr.  Brecken— One  Thousand  Saved— 
Tlie  '•  Bclievinu:  Meeting  "— Monckton,  N.  B.— An  Unbelieving  Tiionias 
—Gracious  and  (Glorious  Revival— Sackville— Charlotte-town,  P.  E.  Is- 
land—Tearful Adieux— IS-TO:  H«mesdale,  Pa.— Christian  Vigilance  Band 
—Scrauton— Antagonistic  Otticial  Conquered. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Evangelistic  Labors  in  the  British  Isles 348-402 

Project  Realized- "Welcome  !  Welcome,  to  the  Shores  of  Old  England"— 
Btnvden— Metljod  of  Life  and  Labors— Episcopal  Views  of  the  Irish- 
Re  viva.— ()i»eu-air  Prayer  in  Belfast,  Ireland — Marvelous  Psychologi- 
cal Phenoineiui— Converts  from  Romanism — Giant's  Causeway — 
McQuilken  and  Quigley— Effects  of  the  Revival  on  Romanism  — New- 
castle-ou-Tyue— Suntlcrland— '*  Maiden  Assize"— Prayerful  Pitmen- 
Living  in  tile  House  of  the  Lord— North  Shields— Mr.  Wesley's  Studj  — 
Mementos  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher.  1860;  East  Jarrow— Bede's 
Church— Glasgow— Spiritual  Condition  of  the  Churches— Great  Result- 
ant Benefits— Carlisle,  Penrith.  Gatesliead— (xratitlcatiiui  of  Anti- 
quarian Tastes— Lab»)rs  more  Abundant- Newport,  Ryde,  Isle  of 
Wiglit— Thrice  Repeated  Promise— Rev.  R.  Young  ou  the  Newcastle 
Revival— "  Dairyman's  Daugliter"— Queen  Victoria  Accepts  "The 
Promise  of  tlie  Father"— Letter  to  lier  from  Mrs.  Palmer— An  Ex- 
President  of  the  Weslej-an  Conference  on  Revivals— Poole,  Swanage — 
Union  Meeting  Extraordinary —Duke  of  Manchester's  Grand-daugliter. 
1861 :  Maidenhead— Gothic  Chapel  and  Dying  Church— Windsor— Roy- 
alty—Persecuting  Bishop  of  Exeter— Rochdale— Mac?les"^eld—Ughill— 
Bii-tli-place  of  Henry  Worrall,  Esq— Epworth— Vicar— Susannah 
Weslej- — Darlington — Barnard  Castle  —  Liverpool  —Warlike  Excite- 
ment—G.  Pennell,  Esq.  1862:  Madeley-Fletcher— Evangelistic  Suc- 
cesses—Dove-like  Harmony— Brfdgend— Death  of  Prince  Albert- 
Cardiff,  Wales— Pentecostal  Effusion— Opinions  of  Social  and  Relig- 
ious Life— Welch  and  English— Douglas.  Isle  of  Man— Manx  Lan- 
guage—Eimiskillen,  Ireland— Irish- American  Preachers— Serious  Ill- 
ness—Bosanquet—J(>hn  Wesley.  1863:  Leeds— Bramwell—Sigston — 
Contimious  Lahor— Walsall— Methodist  Unity— Sympathy  of  Wesleyan 
Ministers— Birmingham— Marriage  of  the  Prince  of  Wales— Chimney 
Sweeps  and  Noble  Lords  Pleaching  the  Gospel— "  Five  Weeks'  Work 
for  Jesus"— Manchester— Nottingham— Enniskillen,  Ireland— Louth, 
England— "  Head  Grown  Weary,  Very  Weary" —Mr  Caughey— Man- 
chester —  Revivalist  Independents  —Retrospect— Return. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Evangelistic  Expeditions- Continued 403-478 

1863:  Immediate  Recommencement  of  Labor— Allen  St..  New  York- 
Congress  St.,  Troy— P«»ssibilitie8  of  Voltaire  and  Tom  Paine  if 
Converted  in  Youth— N(utli  Second  St.,  Troy— Personal  Holiness 
Necessary  to  Succesisful  Revival  Effort— Lawrence,  Mass.— Conversion 
of  a  Gentlemanly  Skeptic— Boston— Percy,  Pictrtu  ,C.  W.  1865  :  Canip- 
nieeting  in  Canada.  1866:  Newark,  N.  J.— Saratoga  Springs— Vanity 
Fair— Working  Faith— Upper  Newton  Falls,  Mass.— Difference  Be- 
tween Universalisin  and  Unitarianism— Albion,  Mich.— Choice  of 
Harvest  Ficjld—Greenbush— Niagara  Suspension  Bridge— Morris- 
burgh- Bro<kville,  C.  W.—  Barbara  Heck— Rose  Bush  Planted- 
Delightful  In<!ident— "Can  you  tell  me  of  anything  I  can  do  for 
Jesus?"— Palmyra.  Mich.— Dr.  Mahan— Dr.  E.  O.  Haven -Watertown 
Camp-meeting.  1867:  St.  Louis— "  A  Little  Nearer  the  Enemy"— 
Ixiavenworth,  Ks.— Kansas  City,  Mo.— Lebanon,  111.— "Tide  of  Salva- 
.tion  — McKendree     College— Students     Saved- Natchez— Vicksburg, 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  . 

Page 
Miaa.— Cincinnati— Pre«.  C.  G.  Finney,  Grimsby— Trenton,  C.  "W.— 
Lymloii  Centre,  Vt—Wasbinffton— General  Giant— lialtiiMore.  iHf.s ; 
Peel— Godcricli.C.W.— Mounds ville,  W.Vh.— Centre  Siindwich,  N.  11. 
— Geddea,  N.  Y.  IHO'J;  Wabash.  lud— Quaker  MinisteiH— Jiuftalo— 
Attica— Utiea,  N.  Y.— Dedication  Uyiiin— Garn-tt  Hihlical  Insti- 
tute—De.atur  —  lilooininKton  —  Prof.  Jacquew  —  Sprinj^tield,  111.— 
Home  of  Lincoln— Prince  Edward's  Island— St.  John's,  N.  li.— Kosta— 
Maquo«eta,  lo— Baltimore— Alexandria,  Va.—Iu<lianai>oli8— Col.  Kay 
—Fort  Wa^  ue,  Ind.— Montreal— Gak's  Corners— Minnesota  State  C.  M. 
— "  We  are  Immortal  till  our  Work  la  Done."  1870:  Labors  in  Minnesot.-i 
— Illinois— Kansas— California—"  A  Jubilant  Time"— Paci  tic  Universi- 
ty—•'Ebeiiezcr  of  Praise."  1871:  Expedition  to  Canada— Toronto- 
Owen  Sound— Ohio  State  Camp-meetinj;:— W.  Virginia  State  C.  M.— 
Chatauquii  Lake.  1872:  Mas-^ena  Springs— Potsdam— "  Passion  for 
Soul-Saviu£r"— Woonsocket,  11. 1.— Bath,  N.  Y.— Death  of  Prof.  Upbam 
— London,  C.  W'.— Ten  days  of  "Kemarkable  Conquest,"  1873 ;  Toit)i.to 
— Jackson,  Mich—Divisions  Healed— Port  Clinton— Mysterious 
Providence— Tilsonburg,  Out.— Albany— "  Holiness  to  the  Lord."  1874: 
Rochcsfei — Jacksonville— Waves  of  Salvation  in  Florida— Holiness 
Convention  in  New  Haven-— Lake  Side— Illinois  State  Camp-meeting 
—Ohio  State  C.  M.— Close  of  Last  Expedition. 

CHAPTER  X. 
Literary  PRODrcxiONS. 479—510 

Peculiarities  of  Style— Early  Literary  Aspirations— Busy  Pen— Way  of 
Holiness—"  Thkuk  is  a  SHoRrKii  Way'  "—Contributor  to  the  "  lAuHes* 
IieposUor!f''—l^mnenni»  Testimonials  to  Beneficence  of  Works— Editor 
of  "  Christian  AOvocale  "— "  Phrebe,  our  Sister  "—"Present  To  Mv 
Christian  Friend  "—Mrs.  Bishop  Janes— Poem, "  That  Thky  Am.  May 
Bk  Onh"—  '  Faith,  and  Its  Effects"— Dislike  to  Controversy— T.  S.— 
Correspondin.i^  Secretary— Ex-Governor  of  Indiana— Wondrous  Power 
of  an  Open  letter -Encoura.irement  of  Others  — Sale  of  Work.s— 
*' Incidental  Illustrations  of  the  Economy  of  Salvation" — Desicn 
of  Methodism— Dr.  Bond— Reception  of  Works  in  Great  Biitain 
— Mrs.  Dr.  Butler  of  Essex,  Vermont— Translation  of  Books  into 
French— Adam  Clarke's  Granddaughter— Soul-saving  B.inds— "Life 
of  Bishop  Hamline"— "Pioneer  Experiences"— "Promiseof  the  Father" 
— An  Unanswerable  Volume— Editorial  Usefulness  and  Popularity — 
Beautiful  Triliute  to  Rev.  Alfred  Cookman — Vast  Correspondence — 
"Sweet  Mary"— "Life  of  Mrs.  Marj'  Gardner" — "A  Wreath  for  My 
Darlings"— "Four  Years  in  the  Old  World"— End  and  Ai:u  of  all  Endea- 
vor—Wi'ote  ami  Spoke  for  the  Multitude. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Doctrinal  Opinions .511-558 

"  God's  WWd  Written"  the  Infallible  Guide— The  Second  Advent— Letter 
to  Rev.  William  Miller— Own  Vlew^s  as  to  the  "  Coming  One  "— Caieful 
Adherence  to  the  Letter  of  Holy  Writ—"  Ashamed  of  My  Words  "—The 
Holy  Spiiit  Speaking  Through  The  Word— Dr.  Spicer— Saved  from 
Error— Faithful  in  Warning— x*rofessor  and  Mrs.  Upham— '•  Deceiv- 
ableness  and  Lying  Wonders"— Belief  in  a  Literal  Heaven  and  Literal 
Hell— Realization  of  tlie  Invisible— Confession  of  Faith—"  What  is 
Go.spel  Holiness,  or,  Sanctitlcationi'  —Holiness  not  Ecstatic  ICmotions 
and  Wondrous  Visions— Justification  and  Entire  .Sanctificatlon  Dis 
tiuct  but  ;'«.ss«7>/y  Simultaneous— "  Consecration  INIust  Precede  Faith  '* 
—Origin  of  the  "  Altar  Phraseology"— Theologian  Instructed— Faith 
and  Its  Functions— "  W^hat  is  the  Evidence— Dr.  Bangs  — Effects 
of  Doctrinal  Teaching— Duty  of  Believing— Profession  of  Faith,  lutt 
Feeling,  to  be  Held  Fast— The  Sealing  of  the  Spirit— Proximate  Ends 
of  Entire  Sanctiflcation— Praise  should  be  Co-extensive  Nvith  Divine 
Blessing— Important  Letter  to  Dr.  Hamllne  on  the  Eve  of  bis  Election 
to  the  General  Superiutendency— Letter  to  Bi.slH»i>  Jiines— "  Laity  for 
the  Times"— "A  Word  to  Methodist  Preachers."— I^'tter  from  a  liritish 
Wesleyan  Miuister— Original  Letter  of  John  Wesley— Siluncjid  Prcsby- 


3^  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS, 

Page 
teilan  Lady— Fallacy  Exposed— Influence  of  Godly  "Women  on  Reli- 
gious Cultiire— Necessity  of  Profession— Dr.  Oliu — The  Full  Baptism  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  a  Gift  of  Power  f()r  Useful  Work — Mrs.  Gov.  Wright- - 
Prof,  anil  Mrs.  Upham— Calvinistic  Convention  on  Holiness— Rev.  Dr. 
BrinsuKule- Letter  to  Bishop  Huntington- Rev.  Mr.  C— Yearly  Meet- 
ing of  Orthodox  Friends— The  Soul,  when  Justified,  not  w  oily  Siincti- 
I  fled— "An  Absurdity;  or.  Believe  That  Ye  Have  it,  And  Ye  Have  it" 
—Hue  and  Cry  after  an  Ignis  Faluns— A.  little  Cross-tiring — Mystical 
Madam  Guyon — Testimony  of  Dr.  Nathan  liangs  to  Theological  Accu- 
racy—" Concurrence  of  Many  of  Our  Best  Minds"— Dr.  Abel  Stevens. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Ethics  AND  Esthetics 589-619 

Ethics  and  Esthetics  Inseparably  United— Martha  and  Mary— Grace 
to  be  Hiisdhf  Used — Self-abnegation — Family  Ethics  of  Scriptural 
Type — Susaniiah  Wesley — Unnecessary  Household  Drudgery — Christ- 
tauity  not  Communism — Social  Gradation— Friends — Evils  of  Religious 
Romance— Mrs.  H.  B.  Stowe — Female  Class-leaders — American  Depar- 
ture from  Primitive  Usage— Woman's  Status  and  Wojk  in  the  Church 
of  Christ— Has  she  the  Right  to  Preach ?— Method  of  Religious  In- 
etruction- Inconsistency  of  the  Sileutists— Historical  Precedents- 
Teachings  of  St.  Paul— Usage  of  Post-Apostolic  Church— Practice  of 
Reformed  Churches— Queen  Victoria— Geraldine  Hooper— Susannah 
Wesley— Miss  Bosanquet,  etc.— Mrs.  Dr.  Taft— License  of  Sarah  Mallet 
by  John  Wesley— Results  of  Female  Preaching— Plioebe  Palmer. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

UYENG  TESTEtfOXT 620-626 

Christiana's  "  Shining  Token"— The  Beulah  Land—"  Beautiful  Hour"— 
Visit  to  Greenwood— Crowning  Testimony— Death  of  Sister  Caroline— 
"  Put  My  Name  In  It"— Teaching  Correct— Exultant  Praise— "  Blessed 
Bible"— Severe  Sufferings— The  Chariot  Comes—"  Glory !"— Dissolu- 
tion. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

iH  MemorIAM ,  627-636 

"Crowned  Princess"- Dr.  J.  B.  Wakeley— Funeral  Services— Bishop 
Janes— Beautiful  Testimony  of  Rev.  Robert  Young— Rev.  W.  H.  Boole 
—Rev.  John  Parker— Rev.  Dr.  Lowry— Rev.  T.  Dewitt  Talmage— 
Rev.  L.  Young,  of  Canada— Mitcliell  Neville,  Esq.,— Rov.  A.  Atwood— 
Merited  Encomium. 


MEMOIRS 


CHAPTER    I 


F0R3IATIVB  FORCES  AND  CONDITIONS  OF  RELIGIOUS  LIFE 
— PARENTAGE. 

SAYS  an  honored  biographer*  of  the  subject  of  these 
memoirs :  "  When  we  look  ui^on  the  stream  of 
Christian  piety  as  it  gUdes  along  in  its  narrow  channel, 
till,  from  the  mere  rivulet,  it  becomes  the  majestic  river, 
deepening  and  mdening  as  it  sweeps  onward  to  the  ocean 
of  Divine  fulness,  we  naturally  indulge  the  inquiry,  whence 
it  arose,  and  how  it  attahied  its  present  exi)ansion  f '' 

Mrs.  Palmer  was  favored  with  a  i)ious  ancestry.  Her 
forefathers,  from  time  immemorial,  were  natives  of  Eng- 
land, and  as  members  of  the  Established  Churcli,  li\e<l 
according  to  the  custom  of  their  days.  They  attended 
to  the  ordinances  of  piety,  and  were  instructed  in  the 
things  of  the  kingdom,  but  knew  httle  of  the  soul-saving 
I)ower  cf  the  gospel. 

A  curate  who  resided  in  the  family,  assuming  by  vir- 
tue of  his  clerical  position  the  office  of  a  spiritual  guide, 
blind  as  those  he  aspired  to  lead,  was  accustomed  to  play 
at  games  on  the  Sabbath,  after  attending  church  services, 
and  to  indulge  in  other  similar  uidiscretions. 

Henry  Worrall,  the  father  of  ]\Irs.  Palmer,  was  born  in 
Yorkshire,  about  eight  miles  from  Sheffield.  In  his  four- 
teenth year,  he  stole  away  from  his  home,  one  morning, 

*Rev.  J.  A.  Roche,in  the  Ladles'  Repository,  Feby.,  18G6. 


14 


MEMOIRS  OF 


and  went  to  one  of  Mr.  Wesley's  five-o'clock  morning  meet- 
ings, at  Bradford.  It  pleased  the  Lord,  through  the  minis- 
try of  that  remarkable  man,  to  enlighten  liis  mind.  For 
the  first  time,  he  api)rehended  fully  the  fundamental  truth 
of  the  gospel,  "  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  ho  cannot 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  He  subsequently  took 
pains  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  great  Reformer,  as 
often  as  possible.  The  seed  thus  sown  took  root  in  his 
heart.  He  joined  the  Society,  and  received  a  ticket  certi- 
fying his  membership,  from  the  hand  of  Mr.  We^ley. 

At  that  time  freedom  of  speech  in  our  fatherland  was 
not  allowable,  either  in  regard  to  Church  or  State,  how- 
ever wisely  uttered.  The  poet,  James  Montgomery,  the 
early  liiend  of  Mr.  Worrall,  was  cast  into  prison  for  his 
liberal  sentiments.  That  went  far  towards  alienating  him 
fi'om  his  country,  and  settled  him  in  his  i^urpose  to  visit 
the  New  World,  of  whose  institutions  he  was  an  ardent 
admirer.  He  came  to  the  land  of  his  choice  w^hen  about 
twenty-five  years  old. 

In  those  days  a  passage  from  the  Old  to  tjie  Kew 
World,  made  no  small  demand  on  one's  time — often  re- 
quiring from  six  to  eight  wrecks.  On  board  the  vessel  in 
which  he  sailed  were  some  noted  skeptics.  Ho  listened 
to  their  sophistries,  and  was  at  last  induced  to  read  the 
works  of  Voltaire,  Kousseau,  Tom  Paine,  and  others.  It 
was  a  dangerous  voyage,  and  the  soul  of  the  voyager  was 
greatly  imperiled  and  well-nigh  wrecked. 

Grace  interposed.  One  Sabbath  morning,  after  his 
arrival  on  the  shores  of  America,  thiidving  of  his  own 
moral  sentiments,  he  reasoned  thus:  "  If  the  Christian 
religion  be  true,  as  I  formerly  believed,  it  is  a  wonderful 
and  all-commanding  truth,  involving  tremendous  respon- 
sibihlios.  It  is  surely  too  i.ni)ortant  to  give  uj)  without 
further  thought."  True  to  the  voice  of  conscience,  he 
tJiere  resolved  to  devote  two  weeks  to  the  work  of  testing 


MliS.   PH(EBE  PALMER. 


15 


the  tnith  of  the  Christian  fiiith  experimentally  ;  iutendinj; 
to  make  use  of  such  means  as  might  be  helpful  toward  the 
attainment  of  spiritual  li<,4it.  If,  after  the  use  of  means, 
and  prayerful  investigation,  he  found  reasons  for  believ- 
ing the  religion  of  the  Bible  to  be  true,  he  would  embrace 
it  J  if  otlier\\ise,  he  would  renounce  it  wholly. 

Suiting  the  action  to  the  resolve,  he  sallied  out  in 
quest  of  a  house  of  prayer,  not  knowing  to  what  church 
his  steps  were  tendhig,  but  only  wishful  to  find  a  place  of 
worship,  where  he  could  best  test,  experimentally,  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Christian  religion.  He  had  not  traveled  far, 
when  his  attention  was  arrested  by  the  voice  of  song. 
Entering  the  open  door,  the  rich  harmony  of  the  many 
voices  attuned  to  the  praise  of  the  Most  High,  ravished 
.  his  car.  His  heart  was  won  by  a  thrilling  mehxly,  set  to 
a  hymn  in  the  Wesleyan  collection,  sung  lustily  in  the  old- 
fashioned  Methodist  style.  All  conspked  to  remind  him 
of  the  vscenes  and  sentiments  of  early  days  in  his  father- 
land. Strangely  was  his  heart  touched  by  the  finger  of 
the  Almighty.  Remembrances  of  what  he  had  lost  by 
the  evil  communications  of  subtle  companions  and  bad 
books,  was  vividly  brought  out,  as  the  Holy  Spirit 
touched  the  hidden  springs  of  imi)erishable  memory. 

Conscience-smitten,  and  deeply  wounded,  he  was  now 
tempted  distressingly  with  the  thought  that  he  was  too 
great  a  sinner  to  be  saved.  And  thus  passed  the  two 
weeks  he  had  resolved  to  devote  to  the  investigation  of 
the  Christian  religion.  Every  day  the  arrows  of  divine 
truth  sped  deeper  into  his  stricken  soul.  Hope  lied,  and 
he  felt  that  he  was  righteously  doomed  to  eternal  death, 
and  must  i)erish.  At  this  point,  with  a  feeling  of  unut- 
terable desperation,  he  said,  that  if  lie  must  jierisli,  he 
would  perish  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  ^*  I  can  but  i)crish  if 
I  do  cast  myself  on  the  mercy  of  God  through  Christ  Jesus. 
I  must  I    I  AVILL  !    If  I  i^erish,  I  perish.*'    At  that  moment 


IQ  MEMOIRS  OF 

he  cast  his  helpless  soul  on  the  Sa^^o^^,  and  was  saved ! 
He  waa  born  of  the  Spirit,  and  old  tlnngs  passed  away. 
AYalldng  henceforth  before  God  in  newness  of  life,  he  was 
prepared  to  serve  his  generation  according  to  the  will  of 
God. 

He  had,  previous  to  this,  married  Miss  Dorothea  Wade, 
an  American  lady  of  pious  parentage,  who,  about  the  same 
time,  obtained  an  interest  in  Christ.  She  was  a  faithful 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  was  remarkable  for  the 
good  order  and  discipUne  which  she  maintained  in  her 
large  household. 

Phcebe  Worrall,  their  fourth  child,  was  born  in  i^ew 
York  city,  December  18th,  1807. 

EARLY   TRAININO 

Often  did  she  express,  with  gratitude,  her  indebtedness 
to  the  grace  of  God,  for  parents  who  trained  her  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Would  that  it  might 
bo  TVTitten  of  all  fathers,  as  of  the  father  of  the  faitlifiil,  "■  I 
know  him,  that  he  will  command  his  children  after  him." 
Her  father  was  like  Abraham  j  and  walking  in  his  steps,  af- 
fectionately, yet  firmlj',  co}n)7iand€d  liis  household.  Family 
Avorship  was  not  a  mere  hurried  form,  or  left  subject  to 
contingencies, — to  be  attended  to  as  most  convenient. 
"  Order  is  Heaven's  first  law."  The  law  of  that  liimily  was 
that  all  earthly  considerations  should  be  subservient  to  the 
duties  of  the  hour  devoted  to  family  worship.  The  early 
bell  was  regularly  rung  half  an  hour  before  family  praj^er, 
leaving  ami)le  time  for  all  to  be  prepared.  Another  slight 
call  of  the  bell,  announced  that  the  moment  had  arrived. 
At  that  minute  no  tardy  ones  Ihigered.  From  every  part 
of  the  house,  little  feet  came  boundhig  into  the  sitting  room. 
No  one  composing  a  part  of  that  family  wished,  or  was 
allowed  to  be  absent. 

There    sat    tho  honored  and  beloved  father  cf  the 


MLS.  r  IKE  BE  rALMER.  X7 

household,  with  the  large  Bible  and  hynm  book  (  u  the 
stand  before  him.  All  seated,  a  portion  of  the  AN'ord  of 
God  was  reverently  read,  hiterspersed  occasionally  with  a 
fcAV  interesting  remarks.  A  holy  calm  prcAailed.  Even 
the  infant  seemed  to  know  that  quietness  was  the  order  of 
the  hour.  The  Bible-reading  closed,  a  hymn  Avas  gi\-cn 
out,  every  child  able  to  read,  having  a  hymn  book,  and 
joining  in  the  song.  A  sweet  anthem  of  x)raise  rose  every 
morning  from  that  family  choir  of  half  a  score  of  blended 
voices.  Then  followed  the  i)rayer.  Thus  seeking  divine 
benedictions,  the  day  was  commenced.  In  a  similar  man- 
ner, that  is,  with  a  song  of  praise,  reading  the  Scriptures 
and  i^rayer,  it  ended.  In  surrounding  the  table,  at  meals, 
all  were  exi)ected  to  be  i)resent,  and  stand  while  the  bless- 
ing was  asked.  The  meal  finished,  every  one  stood  while 
the  father  of  the  household  retiu^ned  thanks.  Thus  were 
the  members  of  that  family  taught  to  reverence  all  the  in- 
stitutions of  piety,  to  honor  and  obey  their  parents,  to 
revere  the  Sabbath,  to  love  the  means  of  grace,  and  to  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  His  righteousness.  Trained 
in  the  luirtui-e  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  the  most  of 
that  large  family  of  ten  children  became  members  of  the 
household  of  faith,  in  early  life. 

YOUTHFUL     CHARACTERISTICS. 

In  childhood,  Phcebe  was  led  hj  a  sensitive  conscience 
to  adopt  the  most  careful  language,  lest  she  should  assert  a 
falsehood.  If  called  to  repeat  anythhig,  she  so  frecpiently 
said,  ''  I  tJdnlc  it  was  so  and  so,"  that  a  playful  sister 
would  say,  '^  Phoebe  Imoics  nothing,  she  only  thinks." 
Her  filial  devotion  was  faultless.  She  regarded  the  ex- 
pressed wish  of  her  parents  as  binding  upon  her  conduct 
as  a  direct  command. 

She  gave  early  indications  of  hterary  ability.  At  the 
age  of  eleven  years,  she  received  a  present  of  a  New  Tes- 


18  MEMOIRS  OF 

tauieiit  from  tlie  British  Consul,  George  Buclianan.  She 
tlieii  composed  tlie  following'  lines,  and  wrote  them  upon 
the  fly  leaf  of  the  Testament : 

This  Revelation — holy,  just,  and  true— 
Though  oft  I  read,  it  seems  forever  new  ; 
While  light  from  lieaven  upon  its  pages  rest, 
I  feel  its  power,  and  with  it  I  am  blest. 

Within  its  leaves,  it  grace  divine  displays, 
Makes  known  the  Almighty's  will,  in  various  ways ; 
Justice,  it  speaks,  to  those  who  heaven  defy, 
And  with  ungracious  lips  its  truths  deny. 

'Tishere  the  Avearied  one,  in  sin's  rough  road, 
May  find  the  path  mark'd  out  that  leads  to  God, 
Aud  when  oppressed  ])y  earth,  all  here  may  find 
Sweet  promises  of  peace  to  cheer  the  mind. 

To  this  blest  treasure,  O  my  soul,  attend, 
Here  find  a  firm  and  everlasting  friend — 
A  friend  in  all  life's  varied  changes  sure, 
Which  shall  to  all  eternity  eiidure. 

Henceforth,  I  take  thee  as  my  future  guide, 
Let  naught  from  thee  my  youthful  heart  divide 
And  then,  if  late  or  early  death  be  mine. 
All  will  be  well,  since  I,  O  Lord,  am  thine! 

She  gave  herself  to  the  Saviour  in  childhood.  Like 
Lydia,  her  heart  was  gently  opened  to  receive  Jesus. 
^'  Love  is  of  God,  and  whosoever  loveth  is  begotten  of 
God."  So  early  in  life  was  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad 
in  her  heart,  that  occasionally  it  was  a  subject  of  perplex- 
ity Avith  her,  that  she  cotdd  not  so  distinctly  trace  the 
hour  of  her  conversion,  as  many  others.  But  there  was  a 
time  in  her  young  child-days,  making  a  turning  point  in 
her  experience  that  did  not  admit  of  questioning.  Seemg 
a  number  of  i)ers()ns  at  the  altar  of  i)rayer  as  seekers  of 
salvation,  some  of  whom  seemed  to  be  the  subjects  of  ex- 


MUS.  PJUEBE  PALMER.  19 

<'itiii<^"  iiifluoncos,  such  as  slic  liad  not  IVlt,  she  Avoiit  for- 
Avard  and  knelt  ainon^'  them.  Slie  h()i)ed  that  by  some 
mysterious  i^ower  she  miyht  also  reeeiAe  like  intlueuee, 
and  he  led  to  cry  .out  hi  the  a(>()ny  of  dee})  eonviction. 
Xo  such  feelings  were  given,  but,  on  the  eontiaiy,  a  reali- 
zation of  trust  and  ho])e  in  God,  that  she  shouhl  not  be 
cast  off,  but  that  JesTis  loved  and  Avould  save  her.  The 
tempter  said,  '^  The  reason  you  feel  thus,  is  because  you  ai-e 
not  convicted.  So  you  may  just  as  well  give  up  the  whole 
matter."  '^  That  I  will  never  do.  Ko  !  [N^ever !"  said  the 
>'oung  seeker.  '^  I  vnW  continue  to  seek  as  long  as  I  live 
though  it  may  be  till  I  am  three-score,  or  a  liun(ked  years 
old.  I  will  continue  to  seek,  and  if  I  find  mercy  at  last, 
I  ATill  thank  the  Lord  that  I  ever  liA^ed,  and  praise  Him 
forever  !"  That  moment  Jesus  revealed  Hunself  as  never 
before  to  His  little  one,  and  she  went  on  her  way  rejoicuig. 

The  lessons  of  grace  are  wouderfidly  simple.  Strange 
that  she  should  have  been  so  long  in  learning  them.  But 
she  was,  even  at  that  early  age,  slow  of  heart  to  believe. 
Looking  back  with  wistful  eyes  on  past  centuries,  she  saw 
the  Jew  bringing  his  costly  offering,  and  thought,  ''  O 
had  I  lived  in  that  day,  hoAv  gladly  Avould  I  have  parted 
with  every  thing,  however  costly,  and  have  purchased  the 
best  possible  offerin'g.  All  I  would  have  to  do,  Avould  be 
to  lay  it  upon  the  altar,  and  know  that  it  was  ac^'epted." 
These  were  the  thoughts  of  early  childhood.  She  knew 
it  was  wrong,  but  her  heart  sighed  in  its  longing  for 
something  tangible  to  her  perceptions,  in  the  Christian  re- 
ligion. How  little  did  she  then  know,  that  all  the  types 
and  shadows  had  been  fulfilled  in  Christ.  But  God  was 
preparing  her  by  these  realizations  of  heart- want,  to 
apprehend  ^^  Christ  as  the  end  of  the  law  for  rightcMms- 
nesSj  to  every  one  that  believeth.*' 

When  she  learned  through  the  revelation  of  tlu^  Holy 
Spirit,  that  '^  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for, 


20  MEMOIBS   OF 

the  evidence  of  things  not  seen,"  how  she  gloried  in  the 
condescension  of  the  Great  I  AM,  in  making  all  such 
truths,  as  stand  in  vital  connection  with  human  salvation, 
so  woudrously  plain.  And  when  she  learned  tlie  marvel- 
lous si  iH])]icity  of  the  Gospel,  she  was  not  slow  in  declar- 
ing it  to  others.  Her  character  was  then  marked  by 
*'  great  conscientiousness,  profound  admirati(^n  of  good- 
ness, a  longing  after  a  higher  life,  and  a  wish  to  honor 
(^hrist,  that  tempted  her  to  envy  themartyr\s  croAvn." 

ITci-  I'eligious  experience  does  not  seem  to  hav<^  satis- 
fied herself  She  had  never  ceased  to  be  prayerful  and 
sincere,  and  was  ever  a  careful  attendant  on  the  ordinan- 
ces of  the  sanctuary,  and  liA^ed  above  the  frivolities  of  the 
day.  Neither  in  ai)pearance  nor  practice  did  she  conform 
to  the  world.  But  she  was  not  as  happy  in  her  religious 
ex])erience  as  she  ought  to  have  been.  She  was  not  so 
nnich  lacking  in  gracious  purpose  and  good  desires,  but 
greatly  la(*king  in  joyous,  iiromise-appropriating  faith. 
And  not  only  was  she  slow  of  heart  in  believiug,  but  she 
l)revented  the  work  of  faith  from  going  on  with  power, 
by  not  obeying  the  divine  order.  For  '^  ^^^X\\  the  heart 
man  believeth  unto  rigliteousness,  and  va'Ai  the  mouth, 
confession  is  inade  unto  salvation."  She  beheved  more 
with  lier  heart,  than  she  was  willing  to  confess  with  her 
montli.  It  was  tlius  that  vshe  bound  the  hands  of  Omni- 
])()tence.  ITer  closely  written  diary,  dating  far  back  to 
girlhood  days,  has  the  following  record  : 

MnjI  \Sth,  1825. — To  he  depriv^ed  in  any  measure  of  retire- 
ment, and  time  allotted  to  .secret  jn-ayer,  is  ever  a  spiritual  loss. 
M^^  lieart,  prone  to  wander,  needs  every  available  inspiration, 
to  iii'jje  it  heavenward.  Heard  Rev.  D.  DeVinne  preach,  this 
moiiiing.  Text,  "  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  liim  deny 
himself,  take  up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me."'  It  was  his 
first  sermon  to  onr  people  of  the  Diianc  St.  Church,  and  was 
good.     Its  i>recei)ts,  followed,  Avould  surely  make  me  a  more 


MI^S.  rmEliE  PALMER.  2T 

useful  and  luippy  disciple.  Ecv.  T.  Mason  preached  a  farewell 
sermon  tliis  afternoon,  from  tlie  words,  ^'  I  have  not  shunned  to 
declare  unto  you  the  whole  counsel  of  God."  Well,  indeed,  will 
it  he  for  any  minister,  who  can,  witli  the  fiiithful  Paul,  truth- 
fully say  thus.  Eev.  Nathan  li.ings  discoursed  this  evening, 
from  the  words,  ''  Be  not  conformed  to  this  world." 

January  Isf,  1826.— I  have  abundant  cause  of  gratitude  and 
praise  for  the  goodness  and  mercy  that  has  f(dlo'>\  ed  me  throu_i>h 
the  past  year.  Health  of  body  has  been  aw^arded,  and  endeared 
friends  liave  gathered  around  me.  0,  that  T  maj'  manifest  my 
grateful  love  to  t!)e  Lor<l,  my  Redeemer,  by  entire  devotedness 
to  his  service.  I  am  endeavoring  to  lean  on  Jesus,  and  to  be 
more  conformed  to  Iiis  image.  But  the  tempter  says,  I  have  no 
right  to  trust,  I  am  so  unworthy.  I  know  I  ought  to  be  a  more 
cross-bearing  Chiistian.  ^  It  is  the  willing  and  obedient  that  eat 
the  good  of  the  land.  T  will  trust  in  Him  who  is  the  strength  of 
Israel.  My  soul  of  late  has  been  going  out  after  God,  in  more 
earnest  longings.  Ihnow^,  experimentally,  that  God  hears  and 
answers  j)rayer.    I  long  for  the  full  assurance  of  faith. 

March  3,  1826. — Have  spent  the  day  mostly  in  the  chamber 
of  a  saint  who  is  on  the  confines  of  the  heavenly  city.  Such 
sweet  composure,  fearless  serenity,  in  view  of  death's  manifest 
approaches,  is  wonderful.  My  soul  was  newly  inspired  for  the 
Chiistian  race,  to  see  one  ending  her  earthly  course  so  gloriously. 

Sister  Kendall,  the  dying  one,  is  my  class-mate.  This  after- 
noon I  attended  class-meeting.  My  dear  class-leader,  Brother 
Paradise  did  not  speak  to  the  members.  A  fiither  in  Israel,  who 
has  been  fort*y  years  in  the  way,  led  tlie  class.  Some  of  his 
remarks,  I  am  sure,  will  never  be  forgotten.  When  lu;  said, 
'^If  Jesus  should  stand  in  person  before  us,  and  say  to  every 
individual  present,  '  What  wouldst  thou  that  I  should  do  unto 
thee?'  What  would  you  as  an  individual  ask?">ly  heart 
quickly  resjionded,  ^'  Lord,  that  I  may  be  conformed  to  thine 
image ! " 

MARRIAGE. 

]Sineteen  ])leasaiit  years  had  ])asse(I  amid  scenes  of  in- 
terest, profit  and  pleasure,  under  the  paternal  roof,  when 


22 


MEMOIRS  OF 


Dr.  Walter  C.  PaliiuT,  a  youii.i>'  ])liYstcian,  in  -every  way 
worthy  \wv  highest  regard,  sought  her  liaiid  iu  marriage. 
Concerning  this  event,  slie  writes  : 

Auijust  12,  1827. — The  most  eventful  j^eriod  of  my  life  is 
ai)pr()arliing.  During  tho  past  eleven  months,  friendsliip  has 
been  ripening  into  a  mature  affection  between  myself  and  a 
kindred  spirit,  who,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  is  in  every 
respect,  worthy  of  my  love.  I  l»ave  not  approached  this  crisis, 
without  careful  circumspection  and  prayer.  I  liave  ever  felt 
that  it  was  a  step  too  momentons  to  be  hastily  taken,  fixing  as 
it  does,  life's  destiny.  It  has,  therefore,  been  a  subject  of 
prayerful  solicitude  with  me,  that  the  aveune  to  my  heart's 
sanctuary  might  be  guarded.  I  have  dared  to  present  a  defin- 
ite request,  which  I  trust  has  long  stood  answered,  that  the 
Lord  would  not  permit  my  affecticfns  to  flow  out  in  a  way 
bordering  on  marriage,  toward  any  one,  other  than  as  ordered 
by  Divine  Providence.  I  have  regarded  it  as  cruel — in  fact, 
wicked,  on  the  i)art  of  a  lady,  to  encourage  a  manifestation  of 
affection,  that  she  did  not  intend  to  reciprocate,  and  since  my 
earliest  approaches  to  womanhood,  I  have  been  very  guarded 
on  this  point.  The  Bible  is  alike  true  on  this  point  as  on  all 
others,  ''  With  what  measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  to 
you  again."  Repeated  approaches  have  been  made  on  the  part 
of  three  or  fonr  different  individuals,  whom  I  might  not  have 
thought  nn worthy  of  my  love ;  but  as  I  did  not  see  my  parents' 
approving  smile,  I  have  carefully  avoided  their  society,  re- 
solved not  to  favor  attentions  that  I  conld  no-t  return.  No 
credit  is  due  to  me  in  relation  to  these  matters.  But  in  view  of 
the  great  change  I  now  contemplate,  in  removing  ere  long  from 
my  father's  house,  it  is  proper  to  say,  that  I  owe  much  to  the 
grace  of  God,  that  I  have  been  so  carefully  fostered  under  the 
]»arental  eye.  I  cannot  remember  when  I  first  learned  to  obey 
my  i)arents.  Obedience  from  infancy  has  been  the  rule  of  the 
household.  Severity  has  not  been  necessary.  Doubtless,  the 
kindness  of  my  dear  parents  would  have  induced  them  to  use 
the ''rod  of  correction,"  had  I  refused  obedience,  as  enjoined 
in  the  Bible,  but  having  been  taught  from  my  cradle,  that  my 
parents'  wishes   were  the  governin<;  law    of    the    household 


MBS.  PHCEBE  FALMEE.  23 

domain,  the  rod  of  correctiou  Las  not  bt'cn  necessary.  I  do 
not  remember  ever  to  liave  been  wilfully  disobedient  to  any 
parental  command.  If  I  have  loved  and  honored  my  parents, 
and  if  their  expressed  Avishes  with  me  liave  been  e(pial  to  their 
known  commands,  is  it  not  because  God  has  in  these  regards 
writteu  his  hiw  on  my  heart  ?  And  here,  at  this  eventful  period 
of  my  life,  I  pause,  and  raise  an  Ebenezer  of  Praise,  for, 
hitherto,  the  Lord  hath  helped  me ! 

And  now,  after  having  been  war^^  in  the  bestowal  of  my 
affections,  I  find  them  permanently  and  strongly  fixed  on  one, 
who  I  believe  is,  in  the  order  of  infinite  Love,  designed  to  be  a 
helpmeet.  In  religious,  moral,  and  intellectual  endowments, 
he  stands  approved.  The  best  of  all  is,  that  he  is  a  servant  of 
the  Lord.  On  his  thirteenth  birthday  he  was  powerfully  con- 
verted, and  now,  in  his  twenty-fourth  year,  he  is  still  holding 
on  his  way.  I  cannot  but  believe  that  heaven  api)roves,  and 
as  my  dear  friend  has  consulted  my  parents,  and  they  have 
given  their  consent,  I  indulge  in  pleasant  anticipations  that  all 
will  be  well.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  for 
all  the  goodness  and  mercy  which  have  followed  me  all  my 
days. 

Novemh^er  24,  1827.— Strange,  indeed,  that  such  an  event- 
ful pieriod  of  my  life  should  have  passed,  and  no  scrap  of  entry 
in  my  note-book.  But  0,  ho>;\'*  indelibly  has  memory  in- 
scribed on  its  tablet  thoughts  that  will  ever  be  cherished. 
September  28th,  1827,  I  was  nnited  in  marriage  to  Dr.  Walter 
C.  Palmer.  The  ceremony  took  place  at  my  father's  house,  in 
the  presence  of  a  number  of  relatives  and  friends.  Rev.  Nicho- 
las White,  pastor  of  the  Uuane  St.  M.  E.  C,  officiated.  Among 
the  guests  was  my  loved  one's  old  preceptor,  Dr.  David  Hosack. 
After  a  little  jaunt  abroad,  and  an  incessant  round  of  visiting 
new  and  old  relatives,  we  are  now  settled  down  in  our  new 
home.  I  have  shed  some  tears  in  thinking  of  the  loved  ones  at 
home.  I  M^as  the  first  one  to  break  the  family  circle.  My  dear 
father  always  looked  with  almost  a  jealous  eye,  on  any  gentle- 
man who,  he  imagined,  might  covet  one  of  his  daughters.  The 
next  morning  after  my  marriage,  I  left  for  my  wedding  trip,  at 
an  early  hour.     I  was  affected  to  hear  from  one  of  the  dear 


24  MEMOIRS   OF 

ones  present,  at  tlie  next  gatlieiing  around  the  family  altar, 
Low  keenly  my  precious  father  felt  the  loss  of  the  absent  mem- 
ber. Said  one,  ^' It  seemed  almost  like  a  funeral  occasion.  Thus 
it  is,  our  family  circle  lias  commenced  to  break.  One  has  gone, 
and  perhaps  ere  long  another  will  go,  till  we  shall  all  be  sepa- 
rated." It  is  well  for  us,  that  such  feelings  do  not  always 
last.  I  do  not  doubt  but  my  father  feels  that  I  have  married 
one  every  way  worthy  of  ray  love.  And  as  for  myself,  I  have 
no  tears  of  sorrow  to  shed,  though  I  have  felt  the  pang  of  sepa- 
ration from  the  dear  household  circle.  I  know  that  all  is  right. 
The  experience  of  every  day  confirms  me  in  the  persuasion 
that  our  union  is  of  the  Lord.  The  fimiily  altar  has  been  es- 
tablished, and  we  are  aiming  mutually  to  acknowledge  the 
Lord  in  all  our  ways.  I  feel  that  I  am  surrounded  by  mercies. 
But,  0,  what  a  lack  in  my  religious  experience  !  I  am  so  often 
fearful  and  unbelieving.  I  shrink  from  crosses,  and  often 
bring  condemnation  upon  my  soul.  I  approve  of  the  things 
that  are  excellent,  but  am  wanting  in  courage,  fixith  and  fer- 
vour. If  the  flames  that  consumed  the  martyrs  were  before 
me,  and  the  command  given  that  I  should  pass  through  them, 
it  seems  to  me  that  I  would  at  once  leaj)  through  the  fire,  and 
yet,  strange  to  say,  my  timid  nature  too  often  shrinks  when 
duty  is  x^resented.  Too  painfully  do  I  know  the  meaning  of 
the  poet. 

"  'Tis  worse  than  death,  my  God  to  love, 
And  not  my  God  alone." 

This  marriage  Avas  a  complete  answer  to  Miss  Worrall's 
prayers.  The  parties  to  it  were  in  hearty  religious  sympa- 
thy. Between  them  were  no  discordant  tastes,  sentiments 
or  habits  of  any  kind.  Never  Avere  two  hearts  more  thor- 
oughly blended,  or  two  lives  more  perfectly  one.  It  w^as  a 
most  proWdential  and  felicitous  union  of  two  congenial 
si)irits.  One  of  her  frequent  sayings  to  her  remarkably  de- 
voted husband,  Avas,  "  Pa  !  you  and  I  understand  each 
other."  In  her  last  illness  she  paid  the  folhn\ing deserved 
tribute  to  her  husband :  ''  You  have  been  one  of  the 
kindest  of  husbands  to  me;  I  could  not  have  done  Avhat  I 


MBS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  25 

have,  without  you.     Our  love  has  been  abiding-,  and  it  will 
abide  forever.     It  Avill  ever  be  one  with  Jesus." 

GREAT  REVIVAL  IN  ALLEN  STREET  CHURCH. 

We  now  come  to  an  event  that  exercised  a  lasting  re- 
ligious influence  upon  the  lives  of  Mrs.  Pahner  and  her 
husband,  and  also  of  many  others.  It  was  the  great  re- 
\ival  in  the  Allen  St.  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  with 
which  they  were  connected.  That  revival  has  become  his- 
toric in  American  Methodism.  She  gives  the  following 
record  of  it  in  her  journal : 

,  April  2Sth,  1832. — A  remarkable  revival  is  now  going  on  in 
the  Allen  St.  Chureli.  It  began  with  a  four  days'  meeting. 
The  beloved  pastor,  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin,  as  he  announced  on 
the  Sabbath  that  a  foiu^  days'  meeting  would  commence  on 
Monday  morning  at  10^  o'clock^  said  that  he  hoped  it  might  be 
a  forty -days'  meeting,  and  such  it  has  proved  to  be.  My  dear 
Dr.  P.  and  self  were  both  present  at  the  first  meeting  when  the 
services  commenced,  in  April  last.  When  those  who  desired  a 
deeper  work  of  grace  were  invited  forward,  feeling  that  no  one 
could  need  it  more  than  myself,  I  was  among  the  first  to  kneel 
at  the  altar, — my  husband  leading  the  way.  I  was  quickened 
in  the  divine  life,  and  trust  that  I  have  since  been  living 
nearer  to  the  Lord.  My  beloved  was  greatly  blest,  and  has 
been  used  in  an  extraordinary  manner  in  the  promotion  of  this 
wonderful  revival.:  He  seems  to  be  filled  with  the  Spirit,  and 
labors  so  excessively,  that  I  sometimes  fear  he  will  kill  him- 
self. I  chide  mj'self  for  the  feeling  I  have,  in  regard  to  this 
matter,  and  keep  my  fears  to  myself,  as  I  would  not  dare  to 
hinder  liim  from  adding  stars  to  the  crown  of  his  rejoicing.  I 
do  not  doubt  but  scores  have  been  brought  to  the  Lord  through 
his  agency.  Hundreds  have  been  saved  through  this  great 
visitation  of  the  Spirit,  and  still  the  work  goes  on  in  unabated 
power.  .  I  am  getting  on  feebly  in  the  divine  life  : — not  so 
much'  U'lcking  in  good  purposes,  as  in  carrying  out  my  ever 
earnest  resolve.  I  ought  to  be  more  openly  active.  I  lack 
faith  and  courage. 


26  MEMOIRS   OF 

FA3IILY  EXPERIENCES. 

This  is  the  anniversary  of  my  wedding  day.  Varied  have 
been  tlie  vicissitudes  through  wliich  I  liave  paslfeed  since  my 
last  record.  He  Avho  setteth  tlie  solitary  in  families  lias  en- 
trusted two  darling  little  ones,  both  of  which  he  has  recalled 
to  his  own  bosom  of  love.  Alexander  H.,  Mas  born  September 
27th,  1828.  He  was  a  lovely,  yet  pallid  little  exotic,  and  when 
but  nine  months  old,  was  transplanted  to  a  more  congenial 
clime, — beyond  the  reach  of  eartlily  blight. 

In  less  tlian  three  years,  another  little  son  was  entrusted. 
Tlie  treasure  was  lent  bnt  seven  short  wrecks,  and  was  then  re- 
called ;  giving  ns  two  angel  children  in  heaven,  and  leaving  us 
childless  on  earth.  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe  the  pressure  of 
the  last  crushing  trial.  Surely  I  needed  it,  or  it  would  not  liave 
been  given.  God  takes  our  treasure  to  heaven,  tliat  our  hearts 
may  be  there  also.  The  Lord  has  declared  himself  a  jealous 
God,  He  will  have  no  other  Gods  before  Him.  Alter  my  loved 
ones  were  snatched  away,  I  saw  that  I  had  concentrated  my 
time  and  attentions  far  too  exclusively,  to  the  neglect  of  the 
religious  activities  demanded.  Though  painfully  learned,  yet 
I  trust  the  lesson  has  been  fully  apprehended.  From  hence- 
forth, Jesus  must  and  shall  have  the  uppermost  seat  in  my 
heart. 

FRUIT    OF    THE    REVIVAL. 

The  revival  referred  to  in  the  preceding  note  continued 
to  progress  over  two  years.  Hundreds  were  gathered 
into  the  fold  of  the  Kedeemer.  Probably  not  less  than  a 
score  of  ministers  date  their  conversion  at  this  memorable 
period.  Among  those  who,  as  penitents,  gathered  around 
the  altar  at  that  time,  were  the  late  Dr.  James  Floy,  Dr. 
John  McClintock,  Kev.  Robert  Emory,  Dr.  M.  D.  0.  Craw- 
ford, and  his  now  sainted  brother,  Rev.  Charles  Keyes, 
Rev.  N.  Mead,  and  many  others  w  hose  names  in  the  Church 
are  as  ointment  poured  forth. 


MBS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  27 

MATERNAL  AND  SPIRITUAL  EXPERIENCES, 
August,  1835.-  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all 
His  benetits  ?  I  have  been  raised  almost  as  fiom  the  dead,  hav- 
ing recently  passed  through  a  very  critieal  illness;  when,  for 
days  in  succession  it  seemed  as  though  any  hour  might  have 
been  my- last.  The  Lord  has  now  blest  lis  with  two  darling 
little  ones.  The  eldest  is  over  two  years  old,  and  the  youngest 
•  was  given  to  our  arms,  but  a  few  weeks  vsince.  Both  the 
mother  and  the  youngest  born  were  so  near  the  confines  of  eter- 
nity, that  it  seems  a  miracle  of  mercy,  that  we  did  not  o'erstep 
the  boundaries  of  time.  I  say  mercy,  because  my  jirecious  ones 
were  so  unwilling  to  let  me  go,  and  also  for  my  own  sake,  and 
the  blessed  cause  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour.  Not  that  His  work 
might  not  go  on  equally  well  without  me,  by  another  being 
raised  up  to  take  my  i:>lace,  but  I  do  not  want  anotlier  to  take 
my  crow^n.  I  have  long  felt  that  the  Lord  has  a  work  for  me 
to  do,  but  1  need  an  inspiration  of  power  beyond  what  1  now 
possess. 

While  flickering  between  the  two  worlds,  during  my  late 
extreme  illness,  I  had  views  of  responsibility,  and  feelings  un- 
like any  I  have  heard  described.  I  know  that  1  had  not  been 
insincere  in  my  feeble  attempts  to  live  for  God, — I  felt  that  J 
was  trusting  alone  in  the  merits  of  Jesus,  for  salvation.  Know- 
ing that  I  had  come  to  the  Saviour,  I  was  not  troubled  with  har 
assing  fears,  that  He  would  cast  me  out.  But  0,  such  a  sense 
of  shortcoming  and  un worthiness  !  How  shall  I  describe  it  ?  A 
conciousness  of  having  done  so  little,  for  Him  who  liad  done  so 
much  for  me.  To  be  saved  as  by  fire, — to  be  just  able  to  enter 
the  door  of  heaven,  when  I  might  have  had  an  abundant  en- 
trance ministered  to  me.  The  thought  seemed  sad,  rather  than 
joyous.  I  have  heard  persons  saj^,  ''  0,  if  1  can  only  get  inside 
the  door  of  lieaven,  that  will  be  enougli  for  me!"  Could  any 
such  one  know  the  feelings  of  that  hour  with  me,  never  would 
the  ignoble  expression  again  be  lieard. 

Can  people  be  so  near  the  other  world  as  to  hear  music  from 
the  other  shore  ?  So  I  think.  In  inexpressibly  solemn  tones,  I 
seemed  to  hear  strains  from  the  other  shore,  which  1  can  never 
forget. 


28  MEMOIRS   OF 

My  desire  was  to  get  well.  Not  merely  to  enjoy  life,  thougli 
my  surroundings  were  happy,  and  conspired  to  make  life  de- 
sirable, but  that  I  might  live  to  engage  in '^  instant  in-season 
and  out-of-season  "  activities,  in  the  service  of  the  Lord  my 
Redeemer.  Hearing  a  child  passing  my  window,  calling  out, 
••' Blackberries  for  sale!"  I  thought,  how  gladly  would  I  live, 
if  it  were  only  to  walk  the  street  crying  out '' Blackberries!" 
if  I  might  only  say  to  each  i)asser-by,  ^'  Do  you  love  my  Sav- 
iour f '  And  now  that  the  Lord  has,  in  infinite  mercy,  raised 
me  uj),  how  shall  I  worthily  magnify  his  name  ?  May  I  never 
forget  the  solemn  teachings  of  those  hours  of  pain  and  weak- 
ness. 

One  thing  more  especially  demands  a  thankful  record.  I 
have,  since  my  childhood  been  in  tlie  habit  of  composing  verses, 
occasionally.  I  have  never  dared  to  give  anything  to  the  pub- 
lic, other  than  I  had  cause  to  believe  would  be  for  the  glory  of 
God.  M}^  views  of  responsibility  led  me  to  reason  thus.  If  I 
have  a  talent  for  writing,  God  has  given  it.  To  use  that  talent 
in  any  other  way  than  to  promote  his  glory,  would  be  sacrile- 
gious. And  who  can  tell  where  the  influence  of  a  fragment  of 
thought  may  end,  after  having  been  given  to  the  press?  A 
wrong  sentiment  may  live  and  speak,  when  the  hand  that  wrote 
it  is  mouldering  in  the  grave.  With  these  views,  I  dared  not 
indulge  a  natural  love  for  the  facetious,  and  only  published  such 
articles  as  1  had  reason  to  hope  would  do  good.  In  regard  to 
some  lines  I  had  Avritten,  the  tempter  suggested,  that  the  tone 
of  spirituality  was  higher  tlian  the  exemplifications  of  my  life, 
and  tlierefore  insincere.  But  now,  when  lying  on  what  seemed 
tlie  iK'd  of  death,  the  cruel  tempter  said,  "  Who  will  thank  the 
Lord  that  you  ever  lived  ?"  The  recollection  of  those  earnestly 
pious  lines  was  a  comfort.  ^'Someone  may  read  them,  long 
after  you  are  gone,"  said  a  comforting  whisper,  *^  and  on  read-  ^ 
ing  them  may  bless  the  Lord  that  you  ever  had  a  being  on 
earth."  

I  have  just  been  spending  three  or  four  days  at  Sing-Sing 
camp-meeting.  The  Lord  manifested  himself  most  graciously 
to  His  peoi)le.  My  own  soul  was  refreshed.  The  Lord  has 
given  me  a  longing  desire  for   purity.     I  am  sure  I  would   not 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  29 

knowingly  keep  back  anytliing  from  God.  But  alas!  there 
must  be  some  liiudrance,  or  I  should  consciously  enjoy  tlie  wit- 
ness, that  Jesus  reigns  tlie  Supreme  Object  of  my  affections. 

One  cause  of  oft  solicitude  has  for  some  time  past  been  set- 
tled beyond  controversy.  WheneA^er  my  soul  has  reached  out 
most  ardently  for  the  witness  of  holiness,  the  adversary  hjis 
suggested  most  persistently  tlie  question  of  my  justification. 
When  I  let  the  subject  of  entire  sanctification  alone,  and  do  not 
reach  out  after  higher  attainments,  then  I  seem  to  have  rest  in 
the  assurance  of  my  adoi)tion. 

.  Keviewing  this  matter,  I  became  satisfied  that  it  was  a  strata- 
gem of  the  tempter,  to  keep  me  from  rising  to  higher  attain- 
ments in  the  divine  life.  I  then  resolved  that  the  vexed  ques- 
tion should  be  forever  settled,  and  reasoned  thus :  '^  I  am  either 
a  child  of  God,  or  I  am  not.  In  the  eye  of  God  the  matter  is 
settled.  And  now,  if  I  have  such  an  evidence  of  anew  creature 
as  God  has  given  in  His  Word,  in  the  strength  of  Omnipotence, 
never  will  I  doubt  again.  Whatever  \rj  feelings  ma}^  be,  I  will 
believe  God's  immutable  Woid  unwaveringly,  irrespective  of 
emotion."  Two  test  passages  were  presented  by  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  my  mind.  1st.  ^^  As  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
they  are  the  sons  of  God."  For  weeks  i^revious  to  this,  I  had 
risen  at  an  early  hour,  and  commenced  every  day  by  a  solemn 
consecration  of  m3^self  to  the  Lord,  my  Redeemer,  resolved  that 
entire  devotion  of  heart  and  life  should  be  my  motto  forever, 
and  had  endeavored,  with  each  passing  day,  to  live  answerable 
to  it. 

I  saw  that  this  covered  the  ground,  and  asked  by  ?r/m^  spirit 
could  I  have  been  led  other  than  the  spirit  of  God.  The  spirit 
of  evil  could  have  had  no  part  in  such  leading;  consequently,  I 
am  being  led  by  the  spirit  of  God,  and  if  so,  God  Himself  de- 
fines my  state, — I  am  a  Child  of  God. 

2d.  '^Love  is  of  God,  and  whoso  loveth  is  begotten  of  God." 
"  What  evidences  have  I,  of  love  to  God  ?  "  I  asked.  ''  ^Vhy  is 
the  first  thought  of  the  morning,  and  the  controlling  idea  of  the 
day  a  desire  to  please  God  ?  Should  I  desire  to  please  Him  if  I 
did  not  love  Him  f  ''  But,"  said  the  adversary,  ^^low  io  you 
know  V   ''  How  do  I  know  I  love  mj'^parents,"  I  asked.    Would  I 


30  MEMOIRS  OF 

not  do  every tliiug  out  of  their  i)resence  to  please  them,  just  the 
same  as  in  their  presence  ?  I  Jcnoiv  I  love  them,  and  on  the  same 
principle  /  Inow  that  I  love  God,  and  therefore  I  know  that  I 
am  a  Child  of  God.'-  I  tlien  heartily  believed,  simply  because 
God  S(tidso.  I  had  the  evidence  of  his  AVORD,  and  therefore 
with  contideuce  said,  '^I  know  that  I  have  the  evidences  of  adojj- 
tion,  I  am  a  Child  of  God^ 

The  moment  I  believed,  the  witness  was  given  indubitabh^ 
clear.  Yes  !  the  Spirit  testified  with  my  spirit.  '/  He  that  he- 
lieveth,  hath  tlie  witness  in  himself."  And  thus  it  has  been  all 
along  througli  the  experience  of  childhood  and  riper  years ;  to 
just  the  degree  I  have  heUeved  God's  word,  I  have  felt  happj- 
and  assured.  But  I  now  see  that  the  error  of  my  religious  life 
has  been  a  desire  for  signs  and  woudeis.  LikeNaamau,  I  have 
wanted  some  great  thing,  unwilling  to  rely  unwaveringly  on 
the  still  small  voice  of  the  Spirit,  speaking  through  the  naked 
WORD.  It  was  thus  that  the  question  of  my  adoj)tion  was  set- 
tled, and  the  witness  given  with  the  clearness  of  noonday. 

July  29, 183G. — Never  have  I  i)assed  through  a  trial  so  severe, 
as  since  tlie  last  date.  If  it  were  not  that  the  Heavenly  Physi- 
cian had  applied  tlie  healing  balm,  I  should  shrink  utterly  from 
a  review  of  the  scene.  But  a  life  of  christian  progress  presents^ 
8tep])ing-stones.  Nature  may  slirink  i^ainfully  from  taking  the 
leaj)  from  one  stepping-stone  to  another,  and  the  chasm  below 
look  craggy  and  fe'arful,  but  if  helped  forward^by  a  divine 
hand,  all  will  be  M'ell.  I  dare  not  doubt  but  I  am  being  led 
fortli  by  a  right  way,  to  a  city  of  habitation.  Tlirough  a  dis- 
tressing casualty,  our  darling  youngest  born  has  suddenly  been 
translated  from  earth  to  heaven. 

Just  before  the  great  trial  came  upon  me,  I  had  attended  a 
camp-meeting,  where  the  Lord  was  most  graciously  present, 
and  my  own  soul  shared  in  the  general  refreshing  from  on  high. 
Soon  after  my  return  home,  I  observed  that  my  lovely  little 
(laughter  Eliza,  about  eleven  months  old,  though  not  really  ill, 
[Appeared  to  be  drooping  in  health.  I  don't  know  why  it  was, 
but  a  feeling  came  over  me  that  she  might  not  be  with  me  long. 
My  motherly  fondness  might  have  drawn  the  jncture  too 
strongly,  but  I  thought  her  an  angel-like  child,  both  in  disposi- 


MRS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  ^\ 

tioD  and  beauty  of  form.  Slie  was  robed  iu  virgin  wliite,  and 
her  every  look  seemed  so  angelic,  that  I  clasped  her  yet  more 
closelj^  to  my  breast,  and  with  inexpressible  love,  exclaimed, 
^'  0  you  little  angel !  "  I  sat  clasping  her  iu  my  arms,  till  glie 
fell  into  a  soft  beautiful  slumber.  A  gentleman  called,  asking 
to  see  me.  I  laid  the  lovely  sleeper  iu  her  cradle  bed  in  the 
uursery,  telling  the  nurse,  that  after  the  caller  had  left,  I 
should  retire  to  my  room,  and  slie  must  bring  the  infant  to  me. 
In  less  than  an  hour,  an  appalling  shriek  from  the  direction  of 
the  nursery  startled  me.  I  flew  to  the  spot,  and  what  a  scene 
met  my  gaze !  The  gauze  curtains  that  surrounded  the  cradle 
of  the  sleei)ing  infant,  through  the  carelessness  of  the  nurse, 
had  caught  fire.'  I  grasped  ni}-  darling  from  the  flames.  She 
darted  one  inexpressible  look  of  amazement  and  pity,  on  her 
agonized  mother,  and  then  closed  her  eyes  forever  on  the 
scenes  of  earth.  After  a  few  hours  the  sweet  spirit  of  my  dar- 
ling passed  away,  leaving  me,  from  the  suddenness  of  the  shock, 
in  an  inexpressible  bewilderment  of  grief.  Turning  away  from 
human  comforters,    I  coveted  to  be  alone  with  God. 

After  the  angel  spirit  winged  its  way  to  Paradise,  I  retired 
alone,  not  willing  that  any  one  should  behold  my  sorrow. 
While  i)aciug  the  room,  crying  to  God,  amid  the  tumult  of  grief, 
my  mind  Avas  arrested  by  a  gentle  wliisper,  saying,  ^^Your 
Heavenly  Father  loves  you.  He  would  not  permit  such  a 
great  trial,  without  intending  that  some  great  good,  propor- 
tionate in  magnitude  and  weight  should  result.  He  means  to 
teach  you  some  great  lesson  that  might  not  otherwise  be 
learned.  He  doth  not  willingly  grieve  or  afflict  the  cliildren 
of  men.  If  not  wilUngb/,  then  he  has  some  specific  design,  in 
this,  the  greatest  of  all  the  trials  you  have  been  called  to 
endure." 

In  the  figony  of  my  soul  I  had  exclaimed,  '^  0,  ^\iiat  shall  I 
do  !"  And  the  answer  now  came, —  ''Be  still,  and  know  that  I 
am  God."  I  took  up  the  precious  word,  and  cried,  "0,  teach 
me  the  lesson  of  this  trial,"  and  the  first  lines  to  catch  my  eye 
on  opening  the  Bilde,  were  these,  ^^0,  the  deptli  of  the  riches, 
both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God!  how  unsearchable 
are  his  judgments  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !" 


32  MEMOIRS   OF 

It  is  tlie  Holy  Spirit  alone  tliat  can  take  of  tlie  things  of 
God,  and  reveal  them  to  the  waiting  soul.  The  tumult  of  feel- 
ing was  hushedj  and  Avith  the  words  came  a  divine  conviction, 
that  it  was  a  loving  Father's  hand,  that  had  inflicted  the  stroke. 
'^  What  thou  knowest  not  now,  thou  shalt  know,  hereafter,"  was 
assuringly  w}iisi)ered.  Wholly  subdued  before  the  Lord,  my 
chastened  spirit  nestled  in  quietness  under  the  wing  of  the 
Holy  Comforter. 

From  that  moment  the  very  distressing  keenness  of  the 
trial  passed  away,  and  my  loved  little  one,  who  during  her 
brief  stay  on  eaith,  had  seemed  so  akin  to  heaven's  inhabitants, 
appeared  scarcely  separated  from  me.  The  vail  separating  the 
two  worlds  was  so  slight,  that  things  unseen  became  a  living 
reality.  Never  before  have  I  felt  such  a  deaduess  to  the  world, 
and  my  affections  so  fixed  on  things  above.  God  takes  our 
treasures  to  lieaveii,  that  our  hearts  may  be  there  also.  My 
darling  is  in  heaven  doing  an  angel  service.  And  now  I  have 
resolved,  that  the  service,  or  in  other  words,  the  time  I  w^ould 
have  devoted  to  her,  shall  be  spent  in  work  for  Jesus.  And  if 
diligent  and  self- sacrificing  in  carrying  out  my  resolve,  the 
death  of  this  child  may  result  in  the  spiritual  life  of  many. 

Ever  since  I  gave  this  great  trial,  with  all  its  painful 
peculiarities  up  to  God,  resolved  not  to  look  at  second  causes,  a 
conviction  has  rested  on  my  mind,  that  the  Lord  will  make 
her  translation  to  heaven,  the  occasion  of  many  being  trans- 
lated out  of  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  into  the  kingdom  of.  His 
dear  Sou.  And  now  my  Avhole  being  says,  with  a  strength  of 
purpose  beyond  anything  before  attained,  "  My  heart  is  fixed, 
0,  God,  my  heart  is  fixed!" 

RELIGIOUS   GROWTH  AND  ACTIVITY. 

We  are  now  approaching  days  of  better  and  more  con- 
firmed religious  experiences  in  tlie  case  of  Mrs.  Palmer. 
The  notes  in  her  journal  are  not  numerous,  but  those  given 
indicate  spiritual  growth  and  pious  activity. 

An  entry  dated  January  3,  1837,  is  too  portentous  of 
good  to  be  passed  over : 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  33 

Yesterday  was  one  of  the  best  days  of  my  life.  The  enemy 
persistently  suggested  to  me  that  I  could  not  pass  through  the 
ordeal  of  seeing  so  muo.i  company,  witliout  danger  of  breaking 
the  covenant  into  Avhich  I  had  solemnly  entered  on  New  Years 
Eve.  Ever  since  my  child-hood  I  liave  been  in  the  habit  of 
going  to  the  house  of  God  to  attend  watch-night  service,  and  to 
sj^end  the  last  hours  of  the  year,  in  reviewing  tlie  past,  and  in 
rencAviug  my  covenant  to  serve  the  Lord  more  faithfully  dur- 
ing the  coming  year. 

Sabbath  being  the  first  day  of  the  year,  and  expecting  many 
calls  on  Monday,  I  saw  reasons  that  seemed  plausible,  why  I 
should  remain  at  liome,  intending  to  spend  the  last  hour  wholly 
with  God,  and  in  solemnly  renewing  my  covenant  engagements 
to  be  only  and  forever  His.  But  when  the  hour  came,  0,  how 
the  enemy  withstood.  He  can  quote  Scripture,  when  by  taking 
detached  portions,  it  suits  his  subtle  purpose.  "It  is  better 
not  to  vow,  than  to  vow  and  not  i)eiform  "said  the  adversary. 
And  then  such  a  fear  came  over  me,  that  I  might  not  be  able  to 
keep  my  vow.  "  Do  not  coveuant  anew  till  after  the  festivities 
of  New  Year's  Day  are  over,"  urged  the  tempter.  But  I  had 
knelt  before  the  Lord,  with  the  Bible  in  hand,  with  a  sincere 
desire  to  do  right.  I  cried  to  the  Strong  for  help,  when  in  au- 
thoritative tones  the  Holy  Spirit  said,  *'  \o\v  unto  the  Lord 
and  pay  thy  vows." 

With  an  indescribable  weight  of  responsibility  resting  on 
my  mind,  I  said,  '^  0,  Lord,  if  Thou  wilt  give  me  something 
from  Thy  word  to  strengthen  me,  I  will  take  it  as  my  motto 
during  the  whole  year."  I  then  opened  the  precious  Book  of 
books,  and  the  first  words  my  eye  rested  on,  were  these,  '^  I  can 

DO  ALL  THINGS   THROUGH   ChKIST   WHICH   STENGTHENETH    ME." 

How  shall  I  speak  of  the  wondrous  manner  in  which  the  Holy 
Spirit  made  these  words  spirit  and  life  to  my  soul  •  I  saw  that 
the  strength  of  Omnipotence  w^as  pledged  for  my  sustainmeiit. 
With  a  conscious  power  of  purpose,  beyond  anything  ever 
before  realized,  I  then  entered  into  covenant  with  God,  laying 
hold  upon  divine  power.  Ever  since,  I  seem  to  have  increasing 
strength  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  moment. 

Sabbath,  January  Ist,  a  divine,  soul-hallowing  conviction 


34 


MEMOIRS  OF 


rested  upou  me,  assuring  my  inmost  soul  that  the  Lord  my  Re- 
deemer is  with  me  and  will  guide  me  with  strength  for  all  life's, 
emergencies  and  conflicts. 

Yesterday,  January  2d,  many  friends,  perhaps  not  less  than 
a  hundred,  called.  I  had  resolved  in  the  strength  of  tlie  Lord 
that  I  would  not  only  avoid  all  mere  frivolity  of  manner  and 
speech,  hut  would  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  say  something  that 
would  attract  the  attention  of  my  visitors,  to  the  One  alto- 
gether lovely.  I  was  really  amazed  at  the  condescensions  ot 
grace  in  helping  me.  I  do  not  think  I  ever  felt,  or  manifested, 
more  cheerfulness,  or  was  more  successful  in  promoting  the 
happiness  of  others,  and  yet  I  think  no  one  left  the  house  with- 
put  thinking  more  of  Jesus,  and  the  interests  of  eternity.  To- 
day I  have  a  realization  of  having  passed  the  Rubicon.  I  i^re- 
sume  some  will  say,  in  thinking  of  me,  "  Is  Saul  also  among  the 
prophets?"  Yes!  and  through  grace  they  sliall  see  that  Saul 
will  siaij  among  the  prophets.  I  seem  to  feel  that  it  is  the  voice 
of  Divinity  within  me,  that  says,  "  I  will  strengthen  thee,  yea, 
I  will  help  tlice  -,  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand 
of  my  rigliteousness,  for  I,  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hold  tliy  right 
hand,  saying  unto  thee,  fear  not." 

SABBATH-SCHOOL   LABOR. 

Aprils  1837. — I  have  lately  been  waited  upon  by  a  com- 
mittee from  the  Allen  street  Sabbath-School,  asking  me  to  com- 
mence a  Young  Ladies'  Bible  Class.  I  have  consented  to  do  so 
for  the  present,  tlioagh  my  health  is  so  poor,  that  I  am  not 
sure  I  shall  be  able  to  continue  in  the  work.  But  I  long  to  be 
useful,  and  imparting  to  others,  will,  I  trust,  be  a  means  of  grace 
to  my  own  soul.  What  study  so  important  and  pleasurable  to 
a  traveler  to  immortality,  as  a  careful  study  of  a  book,  tlie 
only  chart  that  describes  the  way  leading  to  eternal  life. 
Earthly  knowledge  fails.  Much  tliat  is  gained  from  mere 
human  composition,  and  laborious  study  of  the  classics,  will 
perish  with  time. 

Many  students  spend  years  in  acquiring  knowledge  that 
will  be  of  little  or  no  avail  in  that  world  where  they  eirpect  to 
spend  the  eternity  of  their  existence.     And  yet  life's  probation 


MRS.  rnCEBE  PALMER. 


35 


may  be  finished  at  any  unlooked-for  hour.  But  how  does  it 
enhance  the  value  of  Biblical  studies  to  kuow  tluit  tlie  Holy 
Scriptures  Avill  be  the  literature  of  lieaven.  The  Word  op  the 
Lord  endureth  for  ever.  The  Bible  is  the  science  ot  iniinor- 
tality.  "  Whether  there  be  tongues,  tliey  shall  cease ;  wliether 
there  be  knowledge,  it  sluill  vanish  away."  I  do  not  wonder 
that  the  immortal  Wesley  exclaims,  ''Let  me  be  a  man  of 
one  book !  " 

The  Bible  Class  here  referred  to  soon  became  an  im- 
portant tiistitution  in  the  Churehj  its  members  numbering 
from  lifty  to  sixty^  and  so  ciowded  Avitli  visitors,  that  it  be- 
came repeatedly  necessary  to  seciu^e  larger  and  yet  larger 
places  in  whidi  to  meet.  Iler  mode  of  instrneting  the 
class  was  in  some  resi)eets  unique.  The  plan  pursued  was 
to  go  through  the  Bible  in  coui'se,  conncencing  with  tln^ 
Old  Testament  Scrii)tures,  and  by  ever  reciting  references, 
making  the  New  Testament  Scrij^tures  a  key  to  the  Old. 
She  fi^equently  reminded  her  class  that  the  object  of  their 
meeting  was  to  lieli)  each  other  to  a  better  understanding 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  assuring  them,  that  as  individuals, 
they  had  just  as  good  a  right  to  question  her  as  she  had  to 
question  them.  It  was  in  keeping  with  this  suggestion 
that  the  ladies  composing  the  class,  planned  to  meet 
weekly  at  the  house  of  some  one  of  the  members,  and 
write  out  such  questions  on  the  chapter  for  the  coming 
sabbath,  as  they  thought  best  suited  to  elicit  light. 

These  questions  being  handed  in  to  their  teacher,  de- 
manded a  close  and  critical  study  of  the  word,  and  greatly 
added  to  the  interest  of  the  occasion,  both  with  the  teacher 
and  those  that  were  taught.  She  also  wrote  questions  her- 
self for  the  use  of  this  class,  sufficiently  voluminous  to  con- 
stitute two  or  three  good-sized  volumes,  at  least.  Dur- 
ing a  period  of  eight  or  nine  years,  she  continued  to  in- 
struct this  class  with  ever  increasing  interest  and  i)rolit, 
till  from  ill  health,  and  a  protracted  journey  abroad,  she 
was  comi)elled  to  resign  it  into  the  hands  of  another. 


36  MEMOIRS  OF 

DAY   OF  DAYS  I    ENTIRE   SANCTIFICATION. 

Under  the  date  of  July  27tli,  1837,  we  have  an  experi- 
ence which  she  regarded  as  the  most  eventful  of  all  lier 
religious  career.  She  was  accustomed  m  all  her  after-hfe, 
to  speak  of  July  2Gth  as  ^'  the  day  of  days."  What  a  memo- 
rable day  was  that^  when  tlie  hosts  of  Israel  went  over 
into  the  promised  Land.  They  had  enjoyed  some  refresh- 
ings b}^  the  way,  and  had  been  sustained  daily,  with  bread 
from  heaven.  But  in  wandering  around  the  mountain  so 
long,  instead  of  going  up  and  hghtingthe  Lord's  battles  m 
Canaan,  they  frustrated  the  grace  of  God.  But  a  time 
came  when  their  wanderings  were  at  an  end.  Not  more 
eventful  was  that  daj"  to  the  hosts  of  Israel,  than  was  the 
memorable  "  day  of  days  ^'  when  Mrs.  Palmer  entered  into 
the  rest  of  faith,  the  Canaan  of  perfect  love."  The  steps  by 
which  she  entered,  with  accompanying  remarks  shall  be 
given  in  her  own  words. 

I  never  made  much  progress  in  the  career  of  faith,  until  1 
most  solemulv'  resolved,  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  Jeliovah, 
that  I  Avould  do  every  duty,  though  I  might  die  in  the  effort. 
From  tliat  hour  my  course  was  onward  and  upward.  I  also 
covenanted  with  God  tliat  I  would  be  a  Bible  Christian, 
and  most  carefully  seek  to  know  tlie  mind  of  tlie  spirit,  as  re- 
corded in  tlie  AVkitten  Word,  though  it  might,  lead  to  an  ex- 
perience unlike  all  the  Avorld  beside.  I  had  often  prayed  for 
holiness  of  heart,  before,  but  do  not  remember  now  that  holi- 
ness, as  a  blessing  in  name,  was  on  my  mind ;  my  highest  and 
all- engrossing  desire  was  to  be  a  Bible  Christian. 

The  day  of  tlie  Lord  is  near  in  the  Valley  of  Decision.  This 
was  an  important  step,  and  took  me  much  nearer  to  God,  the 
source  of  Light  and  Love.  In  a  manner  that  exceeded  all  for- 
mer perceptions,  the  living  Word  said  to  my  heart,  ''Te  are 
not  your  own,  ye  are  hought  with  a  price,  therefore  glorify  God 
in  your  body  and  spirit,  which  are  (rof/'s." 

From  this  I  saw  that  1  could  not  be  a  Biblk  Christian,  with- 
out  being  wholly   consecrated.     I  rose  early,  and  began  every 


ME3.  rua:BE  rALMEii.  37 

new  day  with  a  renewed  solemn  consecration.  In  the  name 
and  strength  of  tlie  Triune  Deity,  I  presented  myself  to  the 
Lord.  And  every  day,  and  hour,  my  soul  seemed  to  be  i)re88- 
ing  hard  after  God.     From  the  depths  of  my  heing,  I  said, 

"My  heart-strings  graau  with  deep  complaiut, 
My  flesh  lies  iJanting,  Lord,  for  thee, 
And  every  nerve  and  every  joint. 
Stretches  for  perfect  pnrity." 

While  in  this  state  of  longiug  expectancy,  my  pastor  came 
in  one  morning,  and  spoke  of  a  lady  atIio,  the  evening  preAious, 
had  j)i*esented  herself  at  the  altar  of  prayer,  as  a  seeker,  and 
professed  to  find  the  Saviour.  He  said  that  the  lady  ai)peared 
to  be  an  entire  stranger,  and  asked,  '^  Will  you  not  go  and  see 
her  ?  " 

I  might  have  hesitated  about  going  to  a  stranger  tlius,  but 
the  Holy  Spirit  whispei'ed,  ^'  Did  you  not  consecrate  yourself  to 
the  Lord  this  morning ;  and  if  so,  it  is  not  left  optional  with 
yourself  whether  you  will  go;  the  one  and  only  question  is, 
Would  the  Lord  have  you  go  ?  " 

Looking  at  the  question  in  that  light,  tlie  duty  was  clear.  I 
went ;  found  the  lady  a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus.  An  un- 
converted, gay  sister,  was  silting  b^',  who  manifested  great  dis- 
pleasure. I  asked  if  she  did  not  feel  the  need  c;f  tlie  same 
grace  that  her  sister  had  received?  In  a  manner  exceedingly 
repulsive,  she  answered,  No! 

Affectionately,  I  entreated  her  to  be  careful  of  her  utterances 
before  Grod,  as  she  was  in  danger  of  sinning  as  Ananias  and 
Sapphira  did— that  is,  lying  against  the  Holy  Ghost.  And 
here  I  was  withstood.  ''How  much  of  self  in  this  performance," 
suggested  the  tempter.  Though  consciously  not  insincere,  yet 
the  accusation  was  for  the  moment  almost  paralyziig,  and  from 
the  depths  of  my  soul  I  cried  out,  ''  What  shall  I  do  ?"  Tlie  still, 
small  voice  whispered,  "  Stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of 
God !  " 

''Stand  still,  and  do  nothing  f  Xo.  "Be  steadfast  and 
immovable,  always  abounding  in  tlie  work  of  tlie  Lord,  foras- 
much as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord." 


38  MEMOIIiS  OF 

It  was  thus  tliat  the  blessed  Holy  Spirit,  tlirongh  the  living 
Word,  deigned  to  talk  with  me,  making  the  Avritteu  word 
spirit  and  life. 

At  this  point  I  perceived  the  privilege  of  luowhig  that  my 
labors  were  in  the  Lord.  Paul  must  have  known  it,  or  he  would 
not  have  written  thus.  And  to  Inow  this,  T  must  be  conscious 
that  the  spring  of  every  motive  is  pure.  It  was  thus  I  appre- 
hended heart  purity  as  an  absolute  necessity  if  I  would  be 
useful. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  after  this  conversation  with 
the  young  lady,  she  was  powerfully  converted,  the  Si)irit 
having  used  my  lips  in  convincing  her  of  sin.  Between  the 
hours  of  eight  and  nine  o'clock  the  same  evening,  I  was  led  by 
the  Spirit  to  the  determination  that  I  would  never  rest,  day  or 
night,  until  I  Jciiew  that  the  si)ring  of  every  motive  was  pure, 
and  that  the  consecration  I  made  of  myself  was  wholly 
accepted. 

The  adversary  said,  ^'  Don't  be  rash.  You  may  have  to 
wrestle  all  night,  and  i^erhaps  all  day  to-morrow,  and  the  next 
day  too.  If  you  do  this,  it  will  be  your  death."  I  replied, 
^'  God  demands  present  holiness.  I  cannot  glorify  Him  with- 
out holiness;  and  if  I  cannot  live  to  glorify  God,  let  me  die  and 
glorify  Him." 

I  was  then  withstood  with  the  suggestion,  "  How  do  you 
know  that  this  is  God's  timeP''  Again  the  Spirit,  througli  the 
written  Word,  speaking  to  my  inmost  soul,  said,  '^Now!  is 
the  accepted  time,  behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation." 

Had  any  one  asked  me,  weeks  previous  to  this,  ^' Are  you 
wholly  consecrated  V  my  answer  might  have  been,  as  far  as  I 
know  myself,  "  I  am."  Otherwise,  I  could  not  understandingly 
have  retained  a  state  of  justification,  for,  Iww  can  one  on  scrip- 
tural princijdes  retain  a  state  of  justification,  while  Inowingly 
keeping  back  anything  from  God.  '^  To  liim  that  knoweth  to 
do  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  s?*w." 

But  I  was  now  following  hard  after  God,  and  to  the  degree 
my  mind  was  enlightened,  was  making  daily  advances  God- 
ward.  Said  Jesus,  "  I  have  manv  things  to  sav  unto  vou,  but 
ye  cannot  bear  them  now."     He  had  been  saying  thus  to  me  as 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  39 

His  disciple,  and  followiug  on  lovii)gly  after  Him,  true  to  the 
light  revealed,  I  Avas  Avalkiiig  in  justification  before  Him. 

Hi  coming  to  the  decision,  I  will  be  holy  now,  I  took  a 
step  beyond  any  I  had  ever  before  taken.  God  is  liyht.  As  I 
drew  nearer  to  Him  than  ever  before,  He  drew  nearer  to  me. 
I  had  often  entered  into  covenant  with  God  before.  Koav,  by 
the  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  I  saw  .that  the  High  and  Holy  One 
would  have  me  enter  into  a  covenant  with  Him,  the  duration 
of  which  would  be  lasting  as  eternity,  absolute,  and  uncous 
ditional. 

>I  felt  that  the  Spirit  was  leading  into  a  solemn,  most  sacred, 
and  inviolable  compact  between  God  and  the  soul  tliat  came 
forth  from  Him,  by  which,  in  the  sight  of  God,  angels  and  men, 
I  was  to  be  united  in  eternal  oneness  with  the  Lord  my  Re- 
deemer, requiring  unquestioning  alle  ;iance  on  my  part,  and 
infinite  love  and  everlasting  salvation,  guidance  and  pro- 
tection, on  the  part  of  Him  who  had  loved  and  redeemed  me, 
so  that  from  henceforth  He  might  say  to  me,  ^'  I  will  betroth 
thee  unto  Me  forever." 

Tliatthe  covenant  might  be  well  ordered  and  sure,  I  thought 
^'let  me  particularize,  taking  every  step,  so  that  not  one  may 
ever  have  to  be  retraced."  The  first  object  presented  to  be 
given  up,  was  one  with  which  every  fibre  of  my  being  seemed 
Interwoven ;  with  amazement,  I  asked,  can  it  be  tliat  the  Lord 
-requires  that  this  one  beloved  object,  dearer  to  me  than  life  it- 
self, be  bound  to  the  altar?  What  shall  I  have  to  live  for  if  I 
give  up  this  object  ?  The  Holy  Spirit  suggested,  '^  Have  you 
not  often  said  to  the  Lord,  your  Redeemer,  'I  take  Thee  as  my 
only  portion  !'     Now,  God  is  taking  you  at  your  word." 

"  What  a  sacrifice,"  said  the  temi^ter.  "  Did  you  ever  hear 
of  such  a  sacrifice  being  required  at  the  hand  of  any  one  V 

Here  the  tender,  loving  Spirit  interposed.  "  Did  Abraham 
know  why  he  was  called  to  give  up  Isaac  at  the  time  he  gave 
him  up  ^  But  he  knows  now.  And  are  you  willing  to  wait  till 
you  get  to  heaven  in  order  to  know  why  the  Lord  demands 
this  sacrifice  at  your  hand?"  My  soul  replied,  ''  Yes!  Lord,  I 
w^ll  wait  till  knowledge  is  made  perfect.  Take  this  object  if 
Tliou  dost  require.     Take  life  or  friends  away.     I  am  wholly 


40  MEMOIRS  OF 

Thine!  There  is  not  a  tie  that  binds  me  to  earth.  Every  tie 
has  been  severed."  t 

''Perliaps  there  is  sometliing  that  you  do  hot  know  of,  not 
yet  given  up,"  Avhispered  tlie  tempter. 

'*  What  will  not  a  man  giVe  for  his  life  ?  and  I  have  given  up 
tliat  which  is  dearer  to  me  than  life.  I  make  no  provision  for 
future  emergencies,  resolved  hereafter,  as  God  shall  reveal  Hif 
will,  to  say,  ^Behold  Thy  Avilling  servant !' " 

Arriving  at  this  point,  the  enemy  had  no  further  ground  for 
questioning,  relative  to  the  consecration,  whether  it  was  entire, 
absolute,  and  unconditional.  From  the  depths  of  my  being  I  felt 
that  the  consecration  Avas  absolute  and  universal,  and  in  view 
of  all  comiug  time.  But  at  this  point  I  was  for  a  moment  per- 
plexed with  the  question, — 

'^  How  do  you  know  that  God  will  receive  you  ?  "  And  here 
I  paused,  and  pondered,  "  How  may  I  know  that  the  Lord  doe& 
receive  me?"  To  this,  in  gentle  wiiispers,  the  Spirit  replied, 
'^  It  is  written,  I  will  receive  you."  *^  Must  I  believe  it,  be- 
cause it  simply  stands  written,  without  any  other  evidence  than 
the  Word  of  God  ?  "  I  exclaimed. 

In  answer  to  these  questionings,  the  ever-blessed  Spirit 
(given  to  guide  us  into  all  truth)  suggested,  "  Suppose  you 
should  hear  a  voice,  speaking  in  tones  of  thunder,  from  heaven, 
saying,  '  I  will  receive  you,''  would  you  not  believe  it  then?" 
I  could  not  help  believing  it  then,  because  I  should  have  the 
*^  evidence  of  my  senses,'''^    was  my  reply. 

In  a  moment  I  saw  the  inconsistency  of  my  position,  re- 
membering that  I  was  taught  by  the  Scripture  most  plainly,  and 
had  always  known,  that  the  blessing  of  entire  sanctiflcation  was 
received  hy  faith,  inasmuch  as  it  stands  written,  ''  Sanctify  them 
through  Thy  truth.  Thy  Word  is  truth." 

^'  But,"  said  the  adversary,  '^  suppose,  after  you  have  believed 
you  don't  feel  any  different,  what  will  you  do  ?"  Here  tlie 
blessed  Word  again  met  me,  intensifying  the  truth,  *'  The 
just  SHALL  live  hij  faith.''''  I  now  saw  what  faith  was  in  all  its 
simplicity.  Such  perceptions  of  the  Divinity  of  the  Word  I 
never  before  had."  So  true  is  it  that,  '^  if  .any  man  will  do  His 
will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine." 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  41 

I  liad  thought  of  the  doctrine  of  faith  as  difficult.     Now  I  saw 
that  it  was  only  to  believe  heartily,  wliat  in  fact  I  had  always 
professed  to  believe,  that  is,  that  the  Bible  is  the  Word  of  God 
just  as  truly  as  though  I  could  hear  Him  speaking  in  tones  of 
thunder  from  Sinai's  Mount,  and /«///<-  is  to  believe  it! 

Still  the  enemy  withstood  me,  with  the  suggestion,  '' Suppose 
you  should  be  called  to  live  a  long  life,  till  you  are  three  score  or  a 
hundred  years  old,  and  .never  have  any  of  those  manifestations 
that  others  enjoy — never  have  anything  but  the  naked  Word 
of  Grod  upon  which  to  rely  ]  and  should  die,  and  come  up  before 
your  Judge,  without  ever  having  had  anything  but  the  naked 
AVord  to  assure  your  faith  '?" 

My  reply  was,  '^I  would  come  up  before  my  Judge,  and  in 
the  face  of  an  assembled  universe,  say,  ''The  for:  l:ition  of  my 
faith  was  Thy  immutable  Word."  The  moment  1  came  to  this 
point,  the  Holy  Spirit  most  assuringly  whispered,  ''  This  is  just 
the  way  in  which  Abraham,  the  father  of  the  faithful,  walked." 
''  By  faith  he  journeyed,  not  knowing  whither  he  went." 

There  is  joy  in  faith.  "  Can  it  be  that  the  Lord  of  the  Way  is 
going  to  honor  me  thus,  as  to  permit  me  all  along  through  life, 
to  tread  in  the  footprints  of  the  father  of  the  faithful?" — was 
the  language  of  my  heart. 

It  was  at  this  point  that  the  Covenant  was  consummated 
between  God  and  my  soul,  that  I  would  live  a  life  of  faith.  That, 
however  diversified  life's  current  might  roll,  though  I  might  be 
called  to  endure  more  complicated  and  long-continued  trials  of 
my  faith,  than  were  ever  before  conceived  of,  or  even  brought  to  a 
climax,  where,  as  with  the  father  of  the  faithful,  commands  and 
promises  might  seem  to  conflict,  that  I  would  still  believe,  though 
I  might  die  in  the  effort,  I  would  hold  on  in  the  death  struggle. 

In  the  strength  of  Omnipotence  I  laid  hold  on  the  Word,  "  I 

WILL   RECEIVE  YOU  I" 

Faith  apprehended  the  written  Word,  not  as  a  dead  letter, 
but  as  the  living  voice  of  the  living  God.  "  Holy  men  of  God 
spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost."  The  holy 
Scriptures  were  intensified  to  my  mind  as  the  livehj,  or  living 
oracles — the  voice  of  God  to  me,  as  truly  as  though  I  could  every 
moment  hear  Him  speaking  in  tones  of  thunder  fi  om  Sinai. 


42  ME  MO  IE  S  OF 

And  no  IV,  that  throiigli  the  in  workings  of  the  Hoi 3^  Spirit, 
I  Iiad  presented  all  my  redeemed  powers  to  God,  through  Christ, 
how  could  I  doubt  His  immutable  word,  ''  I  will  receive  you?" 

0  I  with  what  light,  clearness  and  power,  were  the  words 
invested,  ^<  Sanctify  them  through  Thy  truth,  Thy  Word  is 
truth  !  " 

Yet,  though  I  Icnew  that  it  could  not  be  otherwise  t  han  that 
God  did  receive  me,  my  faith  was  at  once  put  to  tl  e  test.  I  had 
expected'that  some  wonderful  manifestation  would  ...  once  fol- 
low as  the  reward  of  my  faith.  But  I  v/as  shut  up  to  faith — 
naled  faith  in  a  naked  promise. 

Said  the  adversar^^,  tauntingly,  '^  Where  now  is  the  great 
joy  that  you  anticipated  ?  Why  do  you  not,  from  constraining 
influences,  praise  the  Lord,  as  many  others  do  who  receive  the 
blessing  of  a  clean  heart  ?  " 

y^o  subtle  is  Satan,  when  transformed  as  an  angel  of  light, 
that  though  kept  from. yielding,  I  did  not  perceive  that  it  was 
the  temi)ter,  and,  in  answer  to  his  subtle  suggestion,  replied, 
^'  I  do  not  feel  so  much  like  praising  tlie  Lord  from  impelling 
influences  now,  as  on  some  other  occasions. ' 

True  it  is  that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  cometh  not  by  obser- 
vation. But  0,  the  proneness  of  the  human  heart  to  say,  Lo  ! 
here,  and  Lo  !  there !  And  how  few  seem  to  remember  that  the 
ever-blessed,  tender,  gentle  Holy  Spirit;  is  quiet  in  its  influen- 
ces. He  would  fain  lead  the  soul  into  green  pastures,  and  be- 
side still  waters — casting  down  all  high  imaginations,  and 
whispering  soothingly,  ''  In  quietness  and  assurance  thy  rest 
shall  be."  And  now  that  Satan  would  have  come  in  as  a  flood, 
the  Spirit  lifted  a  standard  thus — 

^'  Through  what  power  were  you  enabled  to  enter  into  the 
bonds  of  an  everlasting  covenant  with  God,  yielding  up  that 
which  was  dearer  to  you  than  life  V  It  was  through  the  power  of 
Omnipotence.  I  could  no  more  have  done  it  of  myself  than  I 
could  have  created  a  world.  Every  step  toward  the  attainment 
of  this  grace  has  been  through  the  direct  inspirations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit." 

'^  And  upon  whose  Word  do  you  now  rely  ?  "  "  It  is  on 
the  AVoRD  of  the  immutable  Jehovah.     He  has  given  me  that 


MBS.  PHCEBf;  PALMEB.  43 

Word."  Wonderful,  indeed,  that  tlie  Holy  Spirit  does  thus 
condescend  to  reason  with  the  human  heart ;  but  throu£?h  tliese 
reasonings  I  saw  with  the  clearness  of  a  sunbeam,  that  it  was 
all  from  first  to  last  the  work  of  the  Spirit — ''  God  working  in 
me  to  will  and  to  do."  With  the  poet,  I  experimentally  appre- 
hended, 

"  Thou  all  our  works  in  us  hast  wrought. 
Our  good  is  all  divine, 
The  praise  of  every  virtuous  thought 
Aud  righteous  act  is  thine." 

^  Now,  that  I  so  clearly  apprehended  that  the  power  to  will 
and  to  do,  was  all  so  manifestly  of  the  Lord,  I  began  to  reason 
with  myself  thus  :  ^^Do  I  wait  to  thank  a  friend  who  does  me  a 
great  favor,  till  I  feel  an  impelling  influence  to  do  it  ?  Do  I  not 
do  it  because  it  is  a  duty  f  And  now,  if  the  Lord  has  enabled 
me  to  make  an  unconditional  and  absolute  surrender  of  all  my 
redeemed  poM^ers  and  faculties,  and  has  given  His  Word,  as- 
suring me  that  He  does  receive  me,  shall  I  refuse  to  give  Him 
the  glory  due  to  His  name,  till  I  feel  constraining  influences  V 
Ashamed  of  the  thought,  I  took  yet  another  step  in  the  Di- 
vine order,  without  which,  a  most  important  and  imperative 
requirement  would  have  been  omitted, 

There  are  distinctive  steps  in  the  attainmenit  of  the  great 
salvation!  In  that  of  entire  consecration,  I  had  so  carefully 
pondered  the  path  of  mj  feet,  that  the  way  back  again  to  self, 
or  the  world  in  any  degree,  was  returnless.  The  next  step, 
Faith,  in  regard  to  Divine  acceptance  of  all,  had  also  been  dis- 
tinctly taken.  And  now,  as  I  plainly  saw  the  third  stej)  clearly 
defined  in  the  Word,  I  took  the  advance  ground— Confession. 
Giving  God  the  glory  due  to  His  name,  I  exclaimed,  '^  Through 
Thy  grace  alone  I  have  been  enabled  to  give  myself  wholly  and 
forever  to  Thee.  Thou  hast  given  Thy  Word,  assuring  me 
that  Thou  dost  receive.  I  believe  tfiat  Word!  Alleluia!  the 
Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth  unrivalled  in  my  heart.  Glory 
be  to  the  Father !  Glory  be  to  the  Son  !  Glory  be  to  the  Holy 
Spirit  forever!  0 !  into  what  a  region  of  light,  glory  and  purity, 
was  my  soul  at  this  moment  ushered!     1  felt  that  I  was  but 


44  MEMOIRS   OF 

as  a  drop  in  the  ocean  of  infinite  Love,  and  Christ  was  All  in 
All. 

If  any  one  had  asked  me,  previous  to  this,  ^'Are  any  of  the 
graces  of  the  Spirit  perfected  in  you?"  I  might  have  said,  ^^I 
am,  indeed,  greatly  deficient  in  all  the  gifts  and  graces  of  the 
Holy  Spirit ;  hut  if  one  grace  is  nearer  perfected  than  another, 
it  is  the  grace  of  humiUty.^^  But  never  before  did  I  know  the 
meaning  of  the  word  humility.  How  the  realization  was 
intensified  to  my  mind,  ''Not  by  works  of  righteousness  that 
we  have  done!"  I  saw  that  I  was  not  suificient  of  myself  to 
think  a  good  tliought,  much  less  to  perform  a  righteous  action. 
I  felt  that  I  could  not  save  myself,  even  for  one  moment,  and 
from  the  depths,  my  soul  cried  out, 

"Every  moment,  Lord,  I  need 
The  merit  of  Thy  death." 

But  amid  these  realizations  of  utter  nothingness,  I  had  such 
views  of  the  unbounded  efticacy  of  the  atonement,  that  if  the 
guilt  of  the  universe  had  been  concentrated  and  laid  upon  my 
head, 

"The  stream  of  Jesus'  precious  blood 
Would  wash  away  the  dreadful  load." 

August  \Oth,  1837. — This  morning  I  was  blessed  in  a  pecu- 
liar manner.  About  four  o'clock  I  awoke,  with  an  intense 
breathing  after  God.  I  was  assured  by  the  way  in  which  my 
soul  seemed  to  grasp  a  signal  blessing,  that  the  Lord  was 
about  to  seal  me  more  fully  His.  For  days  previous,  I  had,, 
with  unutterable  desire,  been  pleading  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
might  continuously  urge  me  onward  in  the  divine  life  ;  that  I 
might  not  be  permitted  to  rest  short  of  any  state  of  grace,, 
made  possible  for  me,  through  the  death  and  present  interces- 
sion of  tlie  Saviour;  and  that  to  the  degree  in  which  it  might 
consist  with  the  will  of  God,  miglit  prove  the  full  power  of  sav- 
ing grace,  to  transform  to  the  uttermost,  in  heart  and  in  life. 

Never  before  had  I  such  a  deep  experimental  consciousness 
of  the  Apostle's  meaning:  ''Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth 
our  infirmities,  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for,  as . 
we  ought,   but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh   intercessions  for  us, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


45 


with  groanings  -wliieli  cannot  be  utterod.  And  He  tliat  searcli- 
eth  the  heart,  knoweth  wliat  is  tlie  mind  of  the  Spirit,  because 
He  maketh  intercession  for  the  saints  according  to  the  will  of 
God."  My  special  prayer  on  this  eventful  occasion  was  as  set 
forth,  Ephes.  1:13,  ''In  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that  ye 
heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation  ;  in  whom 
also,  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were  sealed  with  that  Holy 
Spirit  of  promise,  which  is  the  earnest  of  our  inlieritance,  until 
the  redemption  of  the  purchased  jiossession." 

Now,  my  prayer  was,  ^^  Lord,  seal  me  iinto  the  clay  of  redemp- 
tion.^^ There  was  a  distinctiveness  in  the  hallowed  exercises 
of  that  hour  wliich  must  ever  preclude  all  questioning.  The 
Divine  Spirit  that  inspired  those  imutterable  groanings  sealed 
the  truth  on  my  heart,  that  the  work  was  of  God.  During 
about  two  hours,  I  remained  under  those  peculiarly  hallowing  in- 
fluences, breathing  forth  in  inexj)ressible  longing,  "  0  Lord,  seal 
me  !  Seal  me  unto  the  day  of  redemption,"  The  Spirit  itself 
helped  my  infirmities,  and  I  was  enabled  to  ask  in  conscious 
faith,  and  realize  that  I  had  the  thing  I  desired  of  God. 

So  sacred  was  the  communion  of  that  hour,  so  holy  and  in- 
violable the  covenant  entered  upon  between  the  everlasting 
God,  and  the  Spirit  that  came  forth  from  Him,  that  it  should 
be  assimilated  yet  more  and  more,  to  His  own  glorious  like- 
ness here  on  eartli,  and  eventually  reunited  to  Him  forever, 
that  I  have  not  liad  a  temptation  to  doubt.  Glory  be  to  the 
Father  !  Glory  be  to  the  Son  I  Glory  be  to  the  Holy  Spirit. 

"My  hope  is  full,  O  glorious  hope,  of  immortality." 

Surely  it  was  to  me  a  day  to  be  remembered  through  the 
untold  ages  of  eternity.  Much  of  it  was  spent  in  laboring  for 
and  with  souls,  persuading  professors  to  the  duty  of  entire  de- 
cision for  God,  and  encouraging  them  to  enter  by  faith  into  the 
enjoyment  of  all  their  privileges.  Also  with  those  seeking  to 
know  a  pardoning  God.     An  interview  of  the  last  description 

with  a  Mr.  M will  long  be  remembered  with  peculiar  pleasure. 

Such  a  genuine  inquirer  after  truth,  such  a  vehement  desire  to 
know  Ciirist  by  a  saving  faith,  I  have  seldom  seen  manifested. 
The  Lord  condescended  to  make  me  in  a  measure  useful  to 


46 


MEMOIRS  OF 


liini.  He  soon  began  to  repose  in  Christ  for  salvation.  In  en- 
deavoring to  unfold  to  him  the  glory  and  extent  of  this  salva- 
tion, as  my  feeble  capacities  would  allow,  he  seemed  to  receive 
it  with  such  ardor  of  feeling,  and  intensity  of  desire,  that  after 
he  liad  believed,  I  was  constrained  by  the  Spirit's  power,  I  am 
fully  persuaded,  to  offer  him  a  full  salvation,  and  how  far  he 
accepted  it,  remains  yet  to  be  determined.  Thus  far  his  Christ- 
ian course  has  been  marked  with  an  unusual  decision  of  char- 
acter. My  mind  is  imjiressed  with  the  belief  that  he  will  be  a 
burning  and  shining  light.  Oh,  may  he  be  a  monument  of  the 
extent  of  saving  grace. 

Sejnember  11th. — Precious  Jesus,  where  shall  I  begin  to 
speak  of  th}^  loving  kindness.  Thou  hast  not  disappointed  my 
expectations,  but  hast  more  than  fulfilled  them.  For  some 
time  past  my  course  has  been  onward  and  upward,  my  com- 
munion has  been  with  the  Triune  God.  My  faith  in  his  power 
and  eternal  veracity,  has  been  abundantly  increased,  and  I 
have  enjoyed  the  almost  constant  visits  of  his  love,  and  have 
gloriously  realized  that  they  were  transforming  in  their  influ- 
ence. It  has  seemed  that  it  was  but  to  look  up  througli  the 
Spirit,  and  see  Jesus  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  pleading 
my  cause,  and  that  his  language  to  me  was,  '^  Wliat  wilt  thou  ?" 
and  it  was  but  to  make  my  request,  and  then  to  feel  the  imme- 
diate assurance  of  the  answer. 

The  more  I  observe  the  motions  of  the  Spirit  on  tlie  hearts 
of  others,  the  more  I  see  that  it  is  according  to  their  faith  it  is 
done  unto  them.  Obstinate  unbelief  receives  its  punishment 
by  a  consequent  delay.  We  must  not  reject  the  counsel  of  God 
against  ourselves.  It  is  O'lr  solemn  duty,  if  by  examining  the 
Word,  we  can  ascertain  that  we  are  of  those  to  whom  the 
promises  in  question  are  applicable,  then  it  is  our  solemn  duty 
to  rely  on  them,  whether  our  feelings  warrant  it  or  not.  There 
is  no  test  as  a  standard  for  our  feelings,  in  Scripture,  previous  to 
believing,  and  if  God  has  not  i>laced  one,  where  shall  we  fix  it  ? 
Let  U9  note  the  testiijiony  of  Scripture.  If  by  trying  ourselves 
by  the  word  of  God,  Ave  find  we  have  but  one  evidence  of 
Divine  relationship,  let  us  glory  in  this.  It  is  by  strong  faith, 
not  feeling,  that  we  glorify  God.     By  the  whole  tenor  of  Scrip- 


MBS.  PECEBE  PALMEB.  47 

tiire  we  are  assured  that  the  trial  of  our  faith  is  ix'iinitted  only 
for  its  more  glorious  establisliment.  I  have  felt  tliat  the  Lord 
has  led  me  peculiarly  iii  tliis  ^\^Ay.     Glory  be  to  His  uame' 

Wisdom  has  marked  all  His  footsteps.  He  lias  led  me  in  a 
way  I  knew  not.  The  counsels  of  His  grace  have  been  sweetly 
unfolded  in  their  design  and  tendency,  as  I  liave  been  led 
onward  It  seems  to  me  now,  that  when  an  intimation  is 
given,  that  in  any  way  bears  the  impress  of  His  spirit,  by  which 
I  can  recognize  it  as  from  Him,  I  could  never  again  question  or 
hesitate.  The  Lord  grant  that  I  may  never  disobey  the  voice 
of  His  spirit,  or  reject  the  counsels  of  His  grace  concerning  me. 

"  Though  fearful  nature  shrinking  stand, 
I'll  follow  on  at  His  command." 

One  circumstance  that  has  a  bearing  on  the  above,  I  can 
but  mention.  It  is  this  :  the  last  object  that  was  presented  as  a 
barrier  to  the  entire  sanctitication  of  all  my  powers  was  my 
precioiis  companion.  How  natural  would  it  have  been  for  the 
unbelief  of  my  lieart  to  have  exclaimed,  '^  Wliat!  am  I  not  per- 
mitted to  retain  this  gift  of  God,  connected  Aviih  which  is  all 
my  earthly  happiness?"'  Blessed  be  His  name,  that  the 
whispers  of  grace  were  lieard,  the  voice  of  duty  obeyed,  and 
the  absolute  consecration  of  every  power  was  made.  Yes, 
giace  conquered.  The  seal  of  the  Spirit,  that  I  was  then  set 
apart,  sanetilied  wholly  to  the  service  of  the  Most  High,  was 
given.  Wh}'  this  last  sacrifice  was  required,  I  then  knew  not, 
nor  was  it  for  me  to  question,  but  it  has  since  been  fully  and 
satisfactorily  explained.  Before,  there  were  always  dregs  in 
the  cup  of  my  enjoyment,  if  he  was  not  a  partaker.  My  love, 
as  I  have  since  discovered,  was  far  too  exclusive.  If  I  went 
even  to  the  house  of  God,  and  experienced  the  visits  of  His 
grace,  they  were  hardly  jnized  to  the  same  degree,  unless  ho 
also  was  a  sharer.  But  now,  how  different.  Though  my 
genuine  affection  lias  increased,  I  can  see  liim  go  Avith  a  con- 
tented lieart  about  his  Father's  business  in  his  own  sphere,  and 
I  can  go  with  a  light  heart  to  that  assigned  me.  He  is  perhaps 
more  useful,  knowing  that  I  am  satisfied  with  his  absence,  and 
I  Icnow  tliat  I  am  far  more  useful  now.     Had  I  listened  to  the 


48  MEMOIES  OF 

reasonings  of  nature  so  secminghj  i)lausible,  wliat  would  Imve 
been  the  result?  The  darkness  of  unbelief  and  the  chidings  of 
an  unsauctified  nature,  unquestiouabl}'. 

It  is  my  most  daliberate  opinion,  that  we  need  not  expect  to 
enter  into  the  holiest,  through  the  blood  of  Jesus,  while  we  make 
the  least  reserve.  The  very  name  of  the  blessing  we  seek 
precludes  it  To  seek  the  sanctification  of  our  nature,  and 
make  reservations  of  any  kind,  is  solemn  mockery,  or  trifling 
with  our  Maker. 

September  9th. — Last  evening,  Hannah,  our  housekeeper,  en- 
tered into  the  rest  of  perfect  love.  She  had  been  struggling 
for  it  through  the  day,  with  much  fervor.  Early  in  the  evening 
sb*j  came  uj)  to  my  room,  and  while  conversing  with  her  the 
struggle  increased,  till  she  was  constrained  to  cry,  ^'  I  will  not 
let  Thee  go,  until  Th'ou  bless  me."  The  anguish  of  her  soul 
was  very  great  j  so  much  so,  that  her  groans  and  cries  might 
have  been  heard  through  the  house.  But  the  Lord  whom  she 
sought,  came  suddenly  to  His  temple,  and  His  entrance  was 
truly  glorious.  She  was  for  some  time  almost  entirely  over- 
powered with  the  weight  of  glor^-  which  o'ershadowed  her. 

Oh,  what  am  I,  that  I  should  be  thus  favored.  From  her 
first  coming  to  live  with  us,  I  have  felt  that  she  was  sent  in 
answer  to  prayer,  having  been  much  perx>lexed,  and  exposed  to 
temptation  through  the  unfaithfulness  of  servants.  Assured 
that  our  most  minute  circumstances  and  causes  of  anxiety 
are  not  unfelt  or  unknown  to  God,  I  humbly  asked  that  he 
would  take  my  cause  in  hand.  My  expectations  have  been 
more  than  realized.  It  gave  me  much  pleasure  to  hear  her 
say  that  she  had  asked  tlie  Lord  to  direct  her  to  some  place 
where  she  nnght  enjoy  Cliristian  privileges,  and,  '*  Blessed  be 
His  name,"  she  said,  ''  this  house  has  been  a  heaven  to  me,  ever 
since  I  entered  it."     This  was  cause  of  holy  exultation. 

After  retiring,  being  much  fatigued  in  body,  my  sleep  w^as 
very  confused,  and  though  my  confidence  was  not  in  tlie  least 
shaken,  yet  that  near  communion  and  distinctness  of  percep- 
tion of  the  persons  of  the  Trinity,  which  had  made  any  ap- 
proaches through  faith  to  the  throne  so  effectual  and  soul- trans- 
forming, was  hindered.    I  felt  the  fullest  assurance  that  it  was 


MliS.  FHOEBE  PALMER.  49 

the  tempter.  I  should  iilmost  have  thought  I  could  have  borne 
it  better,  but  my  uneasiness  was  so  great,  that  I  awoke  my 
dear  companion,  to  communicate  it  to  him.  "  He  hath  said  my 
grace  shall  be  sufficient,"  was  his  reply.  I  would  not  doubt  it, 
and  arose  and  plead  with  the  Lord,  and  though  the  cloud  w^s 
not  then  removed,  yet  such  was  tlie  assurance  I  felt,  that  it  was 
the  buffetings  of  Satan,  for  a  short  season,  that  I  almost  re- 
joiced in  expectation  of  the  glory  that  would  subsequently  be 
revealed.  I  retired,  and  soon  after,  again  awoke,  in  a  most 
triumphant  frame  of  mind,  and  was  constrained  to  acknowledge, 
that  though  no  ^Hemptation  for  the  present  was  joyous,"  yet 
that  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness,  are  the  result  of 
Datient  faith. 


CHAPTEE    II. 

PERSONAL  CHAKACTERISTICS  AND  EXPERIENCE. 

CONSCIOUSLY  endowed  with  the  grace  of  entire 
sanctifieation,  lo\ing  the  Lord  with  all  the  heart, 
inind,  soul,and  strength — walking  in  the  fear  of  God  and 
in  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  Mrs.  Palmer  thencefor- 
ward retained  the  glorious  blessuig  received  on  '^  the  day 
of  days,"  and  consistently  strove  to  perfect  holiness  in  obe- 
dience to  the  inspired  injnnction.  There  was  no  iDcriod 
between  that  marvelou'^  epoch,  and  the  day  of  her  tri- 
nmphal  departure,  when  she  could  not,  with  more  or  less 
fervency,  have  written  as  she  did  on  the  13th  of  June, 
1872,  when  manifestly  nearing  the  end  of  earthly  life  and 
labor. 

0,  yes  !  this  body  is  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Whence 
this  absence  of  all  desire  to  live  for  self?  Whence  these  cease- 
less inworkings,  to  work,  live,  tliiuk,  and  speak  fcrGod? 
Whence  this  absorbing,  controlling  love  for  God  and  His  cause? 
Conscious,  deei)ly  conscious,  that  I  have  received  the  sentence 
of  death  in  myself.  Wlience  this  realization  of  reliance,  momen- 
tary reliance,  on  Him  thjit  raiseth  the  dead  ?  Is  it  not  be- 
cause tlie  Holy  Spirit,  as  a  living,  actuating  principle,  has  taken 
full  possession  of,  and  is  now  working  in  me  to  will  and  do  of 
His  good  pleasure  ? 

Dwelhng  in  God,  and  God  dwelling  in  her,  she  dwelt 
in  love,  and  in  ber  avjis  the  love  of  God  perfected. 

Inseparably  associated  with  that  supreme  love  to  God, 
and  indeed,  the  necessary  outgrowth  of  it,  was  her  love  to 
man.  Naturally  and  righteously,  this  beneficent  human 
love  was  strongest  to  the  partner  of  her  Life,  and  to  the 


MEMOIBS   OF  MRS.   FMCEBE  PALMER.  51 

children  who  were  the  fruit  of  their  union.  But  from  tlie 
domestic  centre,  it  radiated  iii  potent,  though  ever-widening 
imdulations,  to  her  relatives  and  ix^rsonal  friends ;  to  the 
ministry,  the  church,  the  country,  and  the  whole  world. 

To  kindred  spirits,  like  IVlrs.  Bishop  Ilamliue,  wlio 
could  fully  enter  into  her  plans  and  labors,  and  who 
shared  her  rich  spiritual  exi^erience,  her  correspondence 
reveals  an  intense  aftection,  whose  constancy  and  forcej 
the  lengthening  years  served  only  to  strengthen. 

New  York,  Aiigust  21s/,  1845. 
I  am  blest  in  meeting  ,\oii  in  s^hit  before  the   throne  of 
heavenly  grace.     The  engagement  to  meet  you  daily,  tlieie,  is 
still  held  in  sincere  remembrance,  and  I  often  indulge  in  thanks- 
givings to  God,  for  the  gift  of  such  precious  friends. 

'*  The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above." 

You  may  think  me  childisli,  but  I  feel  as  if  I  could  scarce 
forbeai-  saying  how  much  I  love  you,  and  then  to  feel  that  I 
may  indulge  this  affection,  and  say  with  gratitude  to  the  Giver 
of  every  good  gift, 

"  Surely  Thou  didst  unite 
Our  kindred  spirits  here." 

0,  it  is  precious,  indeed.  Tears  often  fill  my  eyes  at  the 
thought  of  again  meeting  you  on  eartli,  but  0  !  what  a  little  time 
it  will  be,  ere  we  together  vmite  in  the  song  of  Moses  and  the 
Lamb.  Our  last  parting  is  still  fresh  in  memory— the  accom- 
panying circumstances,  the  si)ecial  providence  by  which  that 
season  of  communion  with  3^ou  was  brought  about,  and  the  long 
cherished  desire  of  my  heart  to  hear  brother  Hamline  preach, 
which  was  then  granted,  and  the  last  embrace,  etc.,  are  recollec- 
tions which  I  still  love  to  recall.  Since  that  period,  God  hath 
watched  over  us,  and  through  grace,  our  course  has  been  onward 
and  upward,  and  though  perhai)s  not  always  fully  able  from 
sensible  assurance,  to  i)ronounce  on  an  onward  course,  yet,  as 
dear  brother  H.,  in  a  communication  not  long  since,  said,  '^  When 
the  mists  have  cleared  away,  we  have  found,  though  driven 


52  MEMOIBS   OF 

about,  that  our  heavenly  Pilot  has  carried  us  safely  and  surely 
onward." 

Few  were  better  qualified,  iutellectiially  and  spiritually, 
than  she,  to  comfort  others  with  the  eoiiifort  wherewith  she 
herself  was  comforted  of  God,  and  especially  when  they 
were  passing  through  the  tiials  of  bereavement.  To  the 
Rev.  C.  W.  Sears,  she  writes  under  date  January  18th, 
1858 : 

Your  little  sheet  of  such  mournful  interest  came  to  hand. 
I  thank  you,  my  brother,  for  your  kind  remembrances.  There 
is  blessed  satisfaction  in  the  thought  that  what  wc  know  not 
now  we  shall  know  hereafter.  But  nothing  ic  more  certain 
than  that  "  God  takes  our  treasure  tc  heaven  that  our  hearts 
may  be  there  also."  And  as  your  ties  to  earth  arc  thus  being 
severed,  I  do  not  doubt  but  your  affections  are  being  set  yet 
more  full}'^  on  things  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  at  the  right 
hand  of  the  Father.  Your  beloved  ones  have  gone  to  be  with 
Jesus,  yet  do  you  not  often  feel  as  though  they  were  very  near 
you,  mingling  with  the  hosts  of  the  Lord  that  encamp  round 
about  them  that  fear  Him. 

The  doctrine  of  the  ministry  of  angels  is  taught  in  the  Scrip- 
tures. What  a  pity  the  Catholics  have  so  abused  the  doctrine, 
and  more  recently  the  Spiritualists,  that  Christians  seem  almost 
unwilling  to  take  the  comfort  that  the  Scriptures  give  on  this 
eubject. 

My  dear  Brother  Sears  has  been  enabled  through  the  power 
of  tlie  Spirit,  to  e::.ter  within  the  vail.  And  here,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  you  are  beiuf  enabled  to  cast 
anchor  yet  deeper  and  deeper  within  the  vail.  Through  the 
blood  of  sprinklina  you  are  come  to  Mount  Zion,  to  an  innumer- 
able company  of  anc^els,  to  the  ireneral  assembly  and  church  of 
thf  first  born  which  are  written  in  Heaven,  and  tc  God,  the 
Judge  of  all.  and  to  the  spirits  of  thejusi  made  perfect.'  What 
blessed  companionship !  How  soon  the  slight  vail  that  hides 
these  glorious  realities  from  open  vision,  will  fall.  "  Time  is 
but  the  dressinnr-room  for  eternity,'*  says  one. 

Some  of  our  dearest  ones  are  unexpectedly  called  out  a  little 


MES.  PBCEBE  PJLMER.  53 

before  ourselves,  to  go  to  the  marriage  supper.  But  thougli 
with  them  faith  is  lost  in  open  vision,  yet  doubtless  they  still 
retain  all  their  loving  sympathies  with  us.  Death  does  not 
change  the  affections,  it  only  disembodies  the  spirit.  And  I 
love  to  feel  that  those  wfio  loved  me  before  passmg,through  the 
vail,  do  not  love  me  less  ardently  now.  If  they  love  to  do  the 
will  of  God  when  with  us  here,  they  love  to  do  it  still.  And  if 
the  will  of  God  he  that  they  should  be  ministering  spirits,  sent 
forth  to  minister  unto  them  that  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation, 
surely  then  they  are  permitted  to  minister  to  us.  Our  God  is 
the  God  of  the  living,  and  not  of  the  dead.  Alleluia  to  His 
name  !  How  soon  shall  we  also  bave  left  the  land  of  the  dying, 
and  have  gone  to  tlie  laud  of  the  living 

'•Where  sickness  and  sorrow,  pain  and  death, 
Are  felt  and  feared  no  more.'' 

You  speak  of  your  iuterest  with  the  blessed  theme  of  holiness. 
Those  who  enjoy  the  witness  of  this  precious  blessing,  seem  to 
be  of  but  one  mind  on  this  subject.  Those  wlu)  possess  the 
priceless  pearl  of  purity,  well  know  that  they  cannot  retain  it, 
without  testifying  of  it  specifically  to  others,  any  more  than 
Fletcher  could  enjoy  it  without  professing  it.  To  the  degree 
we  cease  to  be  a  witnessing  church  on  this  subject  to  that  de- 
gree do  we  cease  to  answer  the  design  to  which  God  raised  us 
up,  and  to  that  degree  will  our  glory  have  departed. 

What  would  those  dear  ones  who  now  see  things  in  the  clear 
light  of  eternity  say  to  us,  in  regard  to  the  importance  of 
this  subject,  could  they  now  speak^  1  have  feared  for  you  in  the 
West. 

To  her  life-long  bosom  friend,  Mrs.  Hamline,  the  tender 
loving  s;\^ni)iitliy  expressed  in  the  letters  wTitten  in  con- 
nection w  ith  Bishop  Haniline's  sickness  and  death,  was 
peculiarly  consoling. 

New  York,  February  VSth,  18G5. 
W^e  are  so  thai^ful  tohear  that  consolations  abound  so  licidy 
with  our  beloved  brother,  in  his  hour  of  need.    May  the  God  of  all 
consolation,  lav  underneath  and  around  our  precious  sister,  the 


54  MEMOIRS  OF 

everlasting  arms,  and  press  her  yet  closer  to  His  heart  of  infinite 
love.  We  would  fain  be  with,  and  speak  to  the  dear  Brother  of 
our  heart,  who  has  for  so  many  long  years  been  so  precious  to 
us,  and  by  attectionate  councils,  and  ever  glowing  sympathies, 
aided  us  in  our  upward  journeyings.  *But  we  know  not  what  to 
say;  we  know  not  but  the  lieavenly  gates  liave  already  been 
opened  to  let  the  heir  of  glory  in . 

Most  Prfxious  Sister  H.; 

And  has  the  solemn,  yet  glorious  moment  at  last  come?  I 
can  scarcely  realize  it, — and  yet  it  must  be  so. 

The  telegram  bearing  the  intelligence  that  our  ever  dearly- 
loved  Brotlier  H.  has  at  last  left  the  sutfering  body,  4ind  entered 
upon  his  eternal  repose,  has  reached  us  tliis  morning. 

I  know  I  must  not  indulge  my  grief.  Why  should  I,  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  his  coronation  day  has  come,  and  he  has  no 
more  to  endure — 

''The  pains,  the  groans  and  dying  strife." 

Surely,  an  entrance  has  already  been  ministered  unto  him 
abundantly,  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  O  !  I  am  sure  it  was  no  ordinary 
greeting  tliat  awaited  liim,  as  he  entered  tlirough  tlie  gate  of 
pearl,  and  began  to  walk  the  gold-paved  streets.  How  many  of 
those  he  loved  dearly,  and  with  whom  he  mingled  in  joyous  sol- 
emn worship  on  earth,  had  readied  the  eternal  city  before  liini. 
Already  has  he  been  introduced  into  the  presence  of  the  King  of 
glory,  and  with  the  loved  ones  gone  before,  bowed  with  the 
worshipers  around  the  throne.  And  0  !  liow  soon  shall  we,  my 
now  doubly  dear  sister,  together  with  him,  behold  the  King  in  His 
beauty,  and  join  in  the  raptures  of  the  saved  and  redeemed,  in 
heaven,     \fcel  that  it  will  not  be  long. 

We  Avould  fain  liasten  on,  to  be  present  at  the  funeral  ser- 
vices, and  take  the  last  aifecting  glance  of  one  who  lias  been 
dear  to  us  as  an  own  dear  brother  in  the  flesh.  We  would  also 
love,  if  possible;  to  do  something  in  this  hour  of  trial,  for  tiie 
dear  Sister  of  our  heart.  But  1  find  that  the  intelligence,  though 
so  long  looked  for,  has  affected  me  more  painfully  than  I  could 
have  anticipated.     Should  we  attempt  the  journey,  we  could  not 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  55 

accomplish  it  in  time  to  be  present  at  tlie  fnneral,  without  trav- 
eling in  the  night,  and  to  do  this,  Dr.  P.  thinks  would  be  to 
hasten  my  own  departure  for  the  heavenly  world.  But  we 
know  the  everlasting  arms  are  underneath  and  around  you.  And 
now  that  the  one  dearest  to  you  on  earth,  has  been  taken,  we 
are  sure,  tliat  you  will  be  taken  more  closely  than  ever  to  the 
bosom  of  infinite  Love. 

0  !  that  to  the  inmost  recesses  of  your  soul,  you  may  hear  his 
voice  now  repeating,  '^  Thy  Maker  is  thy  Husband,  the  Lord  of 
Hosts  is  His  name,  and  thy  Redeemer  the  Holy  Que  of  Israel,  the 
God  of  the  whole  earth  sluiU  he  be  called." 

Shall  we  not  have  a  letter  very  shortly,  telling  us  all  about 
how  our  dear  brother  was  sustained  in  the  last  conflict,  and  liow 
you  are  enabled  to  endure.  If  possible,  let  it  be  vrritteu  by  your 
own  dear  hand. 

Eukindled  by  the  love  sbe  bore  to  tbe  Great  Shepherd 
and  Bishop  of  souls,  was  the  pure  and  reverent  aifection 
entertained  for  his  ministering  servants.  From  one  of 
these,  she  had  experienced  unkind  treatment.  But  instead 
of  resenting  it  in  a  manner  unfortunately  too  common,  she 
carried  the  matter  to  the  throne  of  grace,  fervently  plead- 
ing that  he  might  be  wholly  sanctified,  in  w  hich  event  she 
felt  certain  that  the  offense  neither  w^ould  nor  could  be 
repeated. 

1  turned  to  my  sister  who  was  sitting  beside  me  (in  the 
church  where  the  brother  referred  to  was  conducting  divine 
worship),  and  asked  if  she  would  assist  me  in  bearing  the  burden, 
to  which  she  assented.  After  my  return  home,  my  feelings  re- 
mained the  same,  but  I  did  not  let  go  my  hold,  and  also  the 
next  morning  it  seemed  afc  though  I  had  lost  all  desire  for  food, 
and  that  I  must  be  every  moment  in  prayer,  but  I  felt  that  my 
plea  must  be  granted,  before  my  spirit  could  rest.  These  were 
my  exercises  through  the  day.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  love- 
feast.  The  dear  brother  was,  what  under  any  other  circumstance 
might  have  been  said,  unexpectedly  present  In  opening  the 
meeting  ht  most  earnestly  struggled  for  the  present  witness  of 
holiness      This   was   the   first   outward  manifestation   I    had 


56  MEMOIRS  OF 

received,  of  his  being  fully  awake  on  tlie  subject,  and  0  !  how 
my  faith  rose.  In  sj)eaking,  lie  referred  to  peculiar  exercises 
the  preceding  evening,  and  for  several  days  his  mind  had  been 
exercised  on  tlie  subject  of  holiness,  and  he  felt  as  if  he  must  have 
it  before  preacliing  it  to  others.  Tlie  great  deep  of  his  heart 
seemed  broken  np,  wliile  he  wept  and  supplicated  and  talked 
of  the  blessing,  and  carried  the  sympathiee  of  the  people  with 
liim.  He  said  his  mind  had  been  so  absorbed  since  the  preced- 
ing evening,  that  it  had  been  the  theme  of  his  sleeping,  as  well 
as  his  waking  hours.  He  dreamed,  the  night  previous,  that  he 
was  i)laced  between  two  i^eisons  clothed  in  white.  He  could 
not  attribute  it  to  his  worthiness,  his  being  placed  between  two 
angels,  and  he  was  at  a  loss  to  know,  what  such  a  dream  could 
mean. 

Before  the  meeting  closed?  he  received  the  witness  of  the 
blessing. 

In  view  of  this  victory  of  grace  over  natural  feeling,  as  well 
as  the  conquest  of  faith,  in  the  answer  to  prayer,  my  soul  re- 
joiced with  a  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  I  have  seldom, 
if  ever,  known  more  excessive  joy.  The  communication  between 
the  two  worlds  seemed  so  direct,  that  I  could  emphatically  say, 

"Faith  lends  its  realizing  light." 

When  pastors  were  passing  through  trials  pecuUar  to 
ministerial  life,  she  keenl}^  sympathized  ^vith  the  afflicted 
ambassadors  of  Christ.     On  Sunday,  1840,  she  records : 

Heard  Mr  Stratton,  at  the  Forsyth  Street  Church.  ''  Final- 
ly, brethren.  i)ray  for  us.  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have 
free  course,  and  be  glorified."  An  instructive  and  deeply  inter- 
esting discourse.  I  sat  under  the  ministry  of  this  devoted  ser- 
vant of  Christ,  for  two  years.  He  was  my  pastor  at  the  time, 
when,  through  the  new  and  living  w\ny,  I  was  permitted  to 
cast  anchor  within  the  vail.  As  a  faithful  pastor,  he  led  his 
flock  beside  '^  still  wat€)rs,"  and  into  "  green  pastures."  0,  how 
it  grieves  me  when  I  see  the  fathers  of  the  church,  who  have 
borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day,  in  any  way  sliglitly 
regarded.  Their  faithful  toils  in  the  service  of  the  church  must 
make  them   most  i)recious  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  He  cannot 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


57 


but  view   with    abhorreDce  anytliiug    that   Avould  eausoiesisly 
wouud  them." 

This  pure,  reverent,  appreciative  k)ve  to  the  ministry 
endeared  Mrs.  Pahiier  to  thousands,  inehiding  many  be- 
hmging  to  foreign  hinds,  like  the  Kev.  Dr.  Hannah,  whose 
farewell  words  she  touchingiy  inserts  in  her  diary. 

June  iOth,  1856. — To-morrow  the  Delegates  from  tho  Britisli 
Wesleyan  Conference  leave  our  shores.  This  evening  we  had  an 
interesting  farewell  service  at  the  Green  St.  Church.  Dr. 
Hannah  delivered  a  very  interesting  and  i)rofitable  discourse, 
from  Romans  14,  7-9.  Dr.  Bangs  gave  Dr.  Hannah  and  his 
traveling  companion  the  parting  hand,  in  the  name  of  the 
American  Methodist  community.  As  I  extended  my  hand 
to  say  adieu  to  Dr.  Hannah,  I  remarked,  "  Dr.  Hannah,  you  see 
so  many  faces,  that  we  sliall  not  wonder  if  you  do  not  remember 
us  all."  Dr.  H.,  grasping  my  hand  and  shaking  it  earnestly, 
exclaimed,  '^  Never  shall  I  forget  Mrs.  Palmer." 

Conscientious  and  Christian  denominational  attach- 
ments never  interfere  with  the  broadest  and  most  liberal 
catholicity  of  spirit,  and  particularly  in  the  cases  of  those 
w  ho,  like  this  ''  elect  lady,"  love  the  w  ay  of  "  holmess." 
Writing  to  Mrs.  Hamline,  from  Toronto,  under  date  April 
15th,  1871,  she  asks, 

Have  you  observed  how  greatly  the  Lord  is  blessing  tho 
ministers  and  people  of  other  denominations  in  connection  with 
the  '^  Conventions  on  Holiness"  held  in  churches  of  various 
denominations  ?  We  attended  one  of  the  Conventions  held  in 
an  old  established  Episcopal  Church,  a  few  Aveeks  ago.  It  was 
a  season  of  Holy  Ghost  power.  Male  and  female  disciples  par- 
ticipa,ting  with  unreserved  freedom.  Congregational,  Episcopal, 
Baptist,  Presbyterian  and  Methodist  ministers,  as  one,  witness- 
ing of  the  great  salvation. 

The  Tuesday  meeting  seems  to  be  the  general  rallying 
point  with  these  dear  brethren  of  various  denomiations.  The 
Lord  IS  blessing  and  diffusing,  the  savor  of  the  meeting  m  a 
remarkable  manner. 


58  MEMOIliS  OF 

In  the  spread  of  the  doctriue  and  experience  of  Scrip- 
tural holiness,  she  rejoiced ;  for  therein  she  beheld  a  partial 
fiilfilliiient  of  our  Lord's  desire  for  the  unity  of  His  visible 
C'hurch.  The  International  Camp  Meeting  at  liound  Lake, 
held  in  July,  1874,  received  her  sincerest  approbation, and 
occasioned  devout  thanksgi^ing,  as  the  two  following  ex- 
tracts will  show : 

Portland,  Maine. 
On  JBoard  the  Steamer  Falmouth. 
July  4th,  1874. 

We  have  very  much  wished  to  attend  the  luteruational 
Camp  Meeting,  commenciug  next  week.  You  haA^e  doubtless 
observed  that  Bishop  Janes  presides.  Did  you  read  liis  letter 
Just  puhlislied  iu  the  Christian  Advocate,  and  since  re-i^ublished 
in  several  periodicals  in  Canada  and  elsewhere  ?  We  pray  that 
the  glare  of  outward  circumstance  may  not  be  such  as  in  any 
degree  to  interfere  with  deep  spirituality.  Let  us  unite  in 
pleading  that  it  may  be  a  season  of  unprecedented  Pentecostal 
power.  As  all  the  Bisliops  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  North  and 
8onth\i'eiYG  accepted  the  invitation,  with  the  most  of  all  our 
Editors  of  Church  periodicals,  North  and  South,  etc.,  how  great- 
ly desirable  that  the  prayer  of  our  Lord  may  be  most  gloriously 
and  manifestly  answered,  ^'  That  they  may  be  one, ''  etc.  If  the 
Pentecostal  flame  descends,  it  will  indeed  be  so. 

We  see  our  name  advertised  as  expected  to  be  present  at 
that  meeting.  Months  ago,  we  were  officially  invited,  and  said 
u  Providence  permittiug,  we  would  come."  But  seemingly,  Pro- 
viden^'c  does  not  permit.  Not  knowing  at  what  time,  jjrecisely, 
the ''International "  would  be  held,  we  engaged,  two  or  three 
inontlis  since,  to  attend  the  Camp  Meeting  at  Berwick,  near 
Halifax,  where  we  are  now  going.  To  this  place  we  have  stood 
advertised  as  pledged,  some  weeks  past.  The  Conference  for  the 
British  Provinces  is  just  closing,  and  it  is  expected  that  a  large 
number  of  the  Ministers  will  come  direct  from  Conference  to  the 
C.  meeting.  Using  tlie  judgment  that  God  gives  us,  it  seems  to 
us  that  we  may  be  more  needed  liere  in  these  regions  tlian  else- 
where. It  was  in  tliese  parts  and  the  regions  roundabout,  tliat 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest  permitted  us  to  see  about  two  thousand 


MliS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  59 

gathered  iuto  the  fold,  just  before  we  left  for  England.     Praise 
His  name  forever ! 

New  York,  Jm/?/ 27,  1874. 
My  Beloved  Sister  Hamline  : 

I  tliink  I  wrote  you  while  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  on  our  way 
to  Halifax,  N.  S.  On  further  tliought,  I  now  remember  distinctly, 
I  wrote  while  on  board  the  Steamer  Falmouth,  Avhich  you  proba- 
l)]y  received,  after  your  last  was  sent.  The  Camp  Meeting  we 
went  to  attend  in  tliat  far-off  land,  was  most  graciously  owned 
of  God  in  the  sanctitication  of  believers,  and  the  salvation  oi 
sinners. 

We  hastened  back,  in  order  to  spend  a  short  time  at  the  ^^  In- 
ternational," according  to  agreement. 

It  really  was  a  wonderful  concej^tion,  and  by  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord,  was  carried  out  most  deliglitfuUy.  Several  Bishops, 
and  most  of  the  leading  spirits  in  Methodism,  North,  South 
Eastj-and  West  were  present.  I^can  liardly  begin  to  tell  you 
how  strongly  they  made  love  to  each  other,  in  the  presence  of 
the  multitude.  Dr.  Green,  one  of  the  most  i)rominent  men  in 
Canadian  Methodism,  told  Dr.  Palmer  that  he  really  had  serious 
thoughts  of  stepping  forward,  and  joining  the  hands  of  the 
Bishops  Kavenaugh  and  Janes,  and  repeating  the  ceremony, — 
'' Whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder." 
This  was  at  the  Fraternal  Meeting  on  the  stand. 

It  was  indeed  a  meeting  of  much  spiritual  power,  and  all- 
abounding  love.  It  will  doubtless  be  repeated  another 
year. 

Whether  itinerating  in  Canada,  or  journey  iug  in  evan- 
gelistic tours  through  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  Brit- 
ish Isles,  Mrs.  Palmer's  heart  always  turned  with  fond  af- 
fection to  her  own  beloved  land. 

Deem'd  her  own  laud  of  every  land  the  pride, 
Beloved  by  Heaven,  o'er  all  the  world  beside  ; 
Her  home,  the  spot  of  earth  supremely  blest, 
A  dearer,  sweeter  spot  than  all  the  rest. 


QQ  MEMOIRS  OF 

Mrs.  Palmer's  reflections  on  President  Lincoln^s  assas- 
sination are  worthy  of  serious  and  careful  reflection. 

The  whole  of  the  past  week,  in  regard  to  busiuess,  has  been 
as  a  Sabbath.  So  signall^^  set  apart  to  mournful  devisings  and 
doings.  On  Monday,  the  remains  of  the  President  were  brought 
by  the  way  of  Philadelphia,  to  tliis  city.  Tens  of  thousands 
looked  upon  his  lifeless  remains,  as  they  lay  in  state  at.the  City 
Hall.  We  chose  the  midnight  hour,  thinking  we  might  be  able 
to  gain  access,  which  thousands,  by  the  pressure  of  the  crowd, 
were  denied.  * 

It  was  just  as  the  city  clock  was  pointing  the  solemn  mid- 
night hour,  that  we  gazed  upon  all  that  ^vas  mortal  of  the  be- 
loved man  that  we  had  loved  and  revered  as  the  second 
Washington  of  our  nation.  Would  that  I  could  depict  the 
solemnity  of  that  countenance.  There  was  something  so  speaking 
about  it,  that  its  strangely  solemn  features  have  ever  since 
been  telling  on  both  heart  and  mind. 

I  would  love  to  tell  you,  beloved  one,  all  I  feel  on  this  subject. 
Surely,  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth,  would,  by  the  solemnities  and 
atrocities  of  this  astounding  event,  teach  us  as  a  people,  lessons 
which  we  must  not  fail  to  learn,  if  we  would  not  have  something 
yet  more  terrific  befal  us.  Yesterday  afternoon,  the  funeral  i^ro- 
cession  passed  from  City  Hall,  through  Broadway  and  Fifth 
avenue,  to  34th  st.,  occupying  several  hours.  Such  an  assemblage, 
I  presume,  was  never  before  witnessed  in  this,  or  any  other  city 
in  America.  Fifty  dollars  were  paid  by  some,  for  the  privilege 
of  occupying  a  window  in  a  street,  through  which  the  funeral 
procession  passed.  The  body  was  placed  on  a  magnificent  fu- 
neral car,  drawn  by  eight  white  horses,  drained  in  black  cloth. 
Solemnity  and  order  m'arked  the  mournful  obsequies.  One  can- 
not but  think,  amid  all  this,  where  is  the  soul  of  the  dejjarted 
chieftain,  so  suddenly  called  to  leave  the  poor  body  tenantless? 
Would  that  our  dear  President  had  not  received  his  death 
wound  in  the  theater.  Last  Tuesday  afternoon,  the  awful,  tragic 
death  of  our  President  was  the  pervading  idea. 

Dr.  P.  opened  the  meeting  with  reading  the  9l8t  Psalm.  Oue 
of  the  beloved  ministers  present,  said,  '^  I  thank  Dr.  P.,  for 
reading  that  appropriate  portion  of  the  word."     What  a  noble 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  ^^ 

good  man  was  our  dear  President,  but  I  fear  he  vras  not  abiding 
under  the  sliadow  of  the  Alniiglity,  when  he  went  to  the 
theater,  tliat  sad  night.  It  is  said  he  went  witli  great  reluctance 
to  the  theater  that  evening.  Well,  did  he  not  get  out  from 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty  when  he  did  go  ?  Hjid  he 
remained  at  the  ''White  House,"  might  he  not  have  been 
shielded  by  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty  ?  fVoni  the  attack  of 
the  assassin?"  So  we  are  prone  to  think.  Paidou  my  long 
letter. 

Tracing  the  development  of  Christian  character  and 
experience,  in  the  snbject  of  these  memoirs,  we  see  that  ni 
her  the  promise  was  signally  verified ,  '^  Thou  shalt  rejoice 
in  the  Lord,  and  shalt  glory  in  the  Holy  One  of  Israel." 
'  Isa.  41 J  16 ;  and  that  she  fully  recognized  and  obeyed  the 
apostolic  injunction,  "Eejoice  in  the  Lord  always;  and 
again  I  say.  Rejoice."  Phil.  4;  4.  Wliatever  promised  to 
promote  the  spread  of  holhiess  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord, 
invariably  awakened  strains  of  grateful  joy.  Her  descrip- 
tion of  the  ordhiation  of  Bishops  Hamline  and  Janes,  and 
of  her  exultant  thanksgiving,  is  full  of  hallowing  interest. 

Jfrtj/,  1844. — This  morning  witnessed  the  ordination  of  the 
Kev.  L.  L.  Hamline,  and  E.  S.  Janes,  to  the  office  of  Bishop 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  They  are  in  no  ordinary  degree,  lovers 
of  holiness,  and  being  intimately  acquainted  with  both,  I  feel 
like  saying  that  seldom,  if  ever,  has  our  own,  or  any  other 
church  been  favored  with  such  models  of  christian  excellence 
at  the  head  of  ecclesiastical  aftairs. 

That  two  men  should  be  elected  to  sustain  the  highest  re- 
sponsibilities in  the  church,  of  such  humility  of  spirit,  and 
purity  of  life,  betokens  good  for  us  as  a  people.  Perhaps  two 
more  fully,  and  experimentally  assured,  that  those  who  bear 
the  vessels  of  the  Lord,  should  be  men  of  clean  hands  and  pure 
hearts,  comld  not  have  been  chosen.  Last  night,  dear  Brother 
Hamline,  (who  has  been  sojourning  with  us  during  the  sitting 
of  the  General  Conference),  said,  with  a  manner  expressive  tf 
unutterable  solicitude,  ''Sister  Palmer,  pray  that  I  may  go  to 


62  •         MEMOIRS  OF 

the  altar  on  the  morrow,  with  a  holy  heart.  I  want  to  be 
pure — to  '  lift  up  Jioly  hands  ' — I  feel  as  if  I  could  never  lay  my 
hands  upon  the  heads  of  others,  to  set  them  apart  for  the  sacred 
office,  unless  these  hands,  as  also  this  heart,  be  pure."  This 
morning  he  again  repeated  the  request.  "  Pray,"  said  lie, ''  that  I 
may  be  pure—that  not  a  spot  may  remain,  as  I  stand  before  the 
altar  to  be  set  apart  for  my  work."  He  did  not  mean  this  as 
an  intimation  that  he  has  not  a  conscious  sense  of  purity.  Tlie 
words  were  but  the  outbreatliings  of  his  soul,  and  expressive 
of  the  important  ligbt  in  wliich  he  viewed  it  as  an  essential  in 
the  office  to  which  he  was  about  to  be  consecrated. 

The  scene,  as  presented  to  my  mind,  was  one  of  extraordi- 
nary interest,  and  will  ever  stand  connected  in  my  mind  with 
hallowing  associations.  Inexpressible  interest,  and  long  con- 
tinued wrestling  and  intense  gratitude  shall  be  brought  to 
remembrance  by  the  recollection  of  this  eventful  period.  The 
contrast  between  the  two  candidates  for  orders  was  strikingly 
beautiful.  Brother  Janes,  w^ho  seems  naturally  to  be  i:)ossessed 
of  a  nervous  temperament,  presented  a  picture  of  almost 
angelic  sweetness  and  calmness.  Doubtless,  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
its  hallowing,  strengthening  influences  breathed  unutterable 
consolation  at  that  hour.  It  must  have  been  grace  propor- 
tioned to  his  need,  that  sustained  in  such  perfect  calmne-'^s  of  de- 
meanor, when  in  the  act  of  taking  upon  himself  such  tremendous 
responsibilities.  His  looks  spoke  in  language  not  to  be  mis- 
understood, aye,  most  convincingly,  that  he  was  sustained  by  a 
power  beyond  himself.  Dear  Brother  Hamline,  who  from  the 
manner  in  which  he  has  stood  connected  in  worldly  and  church 
associations,  might  have  been  thought  possessed  of  powers  of 
body  and  mind  that  Avould  have  raised  him  quite  above  an 
exhibition  of  feeling,  was  so  wroughr  upon  bj"  a  view  of  hi* 
responsibilities,  that  his  whole  bearing  was  marked  with  it,  to 
a  degree  beyond  expression,  solemn  and  interesting.  He  wept 
much,  but  his  tears  told  to  the  heart  of  the  beholder,  of  hallow- 
ing emotion.  And  though  his  manner  said  that  ^f  it  were 
l)ossil)le,  they  would  have  been  withheld,  yet  doubtless  it  was 
emotion  divinely  begotten,  and  told,  as  it  was  intended  it 
should  do,  to  the  heart  of  the  beholder,  of  his  knowledge  of  the 


MRS.  PHiEBE  PALMER.  (j;3 

high  and  holy  responsibilities  he  was  taking  upon  himself. 
The  peculiar  temperament  and  position  of  each,  considered,  I 
have  no  doubt  that  it  was  just  the  manner  that  God  took  to 
glorify  Himself,  relative  to  both  these,  His  servants.  0  !  my 
soul,  magnify  the  Lord. 

At  noon,  on  my  return  from  the  ordination,  when  in  the 
retirement  of  my  closet,  pouring  forth  the  thanksgivings  of  my 
heart  to  God,  I  felt  that  it  was  but  meet  to  memorize  the 
season  by  presenting  a  special  thank-offering  to  God.  In 
view  of  the  marked  interposition  of  his  providence — and  his 
special  favor  towards  us,  as  a  people,  in  raising  up  two  such 
devoted  lovers  of  holiness,  to  sustain  the  highest  respoDsibilitiea 
in  the  power  of  the  church  to  give. 

JOY  IN  THE  LORD. 

New  York,  October  5t1i,  1840. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Thanks  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  the  giver  of  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  for  the  innumerable  blessings  flowing  out  upon 
a  lost  world  through  Jesus  —Emmanuel — God  with  us  !  Would 
that  I  could  communicate  to  my  precious  brother  and  sister 
what  my  heart  feels  in  saying  God  with  us.  Does  he  in  w^hom 
all  fulness  dwells — The  Fountain  of  blessedness—  Dispenser  of 
every  good  and  perfect  gift,  indeed  abide  with  me,  and  does  He 
not  momentarily  bid  me  i)artake  of  His  fulness — His  Purity — 
His  love — His  light — His  wisdom — His  strength, —  Aye,  doth  He 
not  in  a  degree  even  make  this  Omnipotence  mine,  by  saying 
unto  me,  "  All  things  are  possible  with  God,  and  all  things  are 
possible  to  him  that  believeth," — Hallelujah,  to  liis  excellent 
name ! 

'^  Jesus  and  all  in  Him  are  mine. 
Alive  ill  Him.  my  living  Head, 

And  clothed  in  righteousness  divine, 
Bold.  I  approach  the  eternal  throne, 
And  claim  the  crown  through  Christ,  my  own," 

^Of  late,  I  have  been  endeavoring  to  be  more  truly  'Mnstant 
in  season  out  of  season,"  and  as  ever,  has  my  own  soul  been  wa- 
tered and  quickened  in  the  divine  life. 


^4  MEMOIRS  OF 

On  looking  over  wliat  I  liave  Aviitten,  I  am  tenipted  to  dis- 
satisfaction with  the  thouglit  tliat  there  is  so  much  about  self 
in  it ;  but  I  would  fain  exalt  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  if  God 
causes  liis  goodness  to  pass  before  me,  shall  I  not  proclaim  it  to 
the  glory  of  his  grace  ?  " 

To  be  instrumental  in  promoting  the  cause  of  holiness  in 
the  Church,  to  my  mind,  seems  to  be  a  privilege  most  glorious. 
Your  calling — how  high  and  holy  !  An  angel,  indeed,  might 
covet  a  position  so  commanding.  Would  that  I  were  able  to  open 
my  heart  to  you  fully,  on  tliis  subject.  It  is  my  earnest  prayer, 
that  God  may  enable  you  to  be  fully  answerable  to  your  vast 
responsibilities.  Is  it  not  Fletcher  that  says,  '^  would  tliat  I  were 
all  spirit."   Such  were  almost  the  breathings  of  my  heart  now. 

Tobe— 

"  For  Jesus,  day  and  uight  employed," 

Seems  infinitely  desirable.  My  soul,  w  ithin  a  few  days  past, 
has  been  gathering  increasing  iirdors.  To-day  God  has  been 
preparing  me  for  a  deeper  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  0  !  with  what 
unutterable  longings  have  I  waited  before  the  Lord,  for  this. 
To  the  i^raise  of  liis  grace,  let  me  here  record  that  I  believe  I  have 
measurably  received  it.  Its  a  favorite  idea  with  my  dear  Dr.  P., 
if  all  Christians  would  only  get  good  measure,  pressed  down, 
shaken  together  and  running  over,  what  would  run  over  would  he 
enough  to  convert  the  world,  I  rejoice  in  the  belief  that  our  very 
precious  brother  and  sister  are  thus  filled,  and  the  overflowings 
of  tliese  holy  ardors  are  now  telling  upon  the  jirosperity  of  the 
Church,  far  beyond  anything  your  conceptions  may  warrant. 

But  liow  truly  are  we  reminded  tliat  we  have  this  treasure 
in  earthen  vessels,  and  0  !  how  ojtten  does  the  asi)iration  of  my 
mind  remind  me  of  the  frailty  of  the  vessel,  and  in  like  manner 
it  is  doubtless  with  yourselves.     But  shall  we  say — 
"  O  would  He  more  of  heaveu  bestow, 
And  let  these  vessels  break." 

Or  shall  we  not  rather,  in  view  of  the  magnitude  of  the  work 
to  be  accomplished,  and  the  fewness  of  laborers,  say, 

**  If  such  a  worm  as  I,  can  spread  # 

The  common  Saviour's  praise, 
Jesus,  support  the  tottering  clay, 
And  lengthen  out  my  days." 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMEE.  Q^ 

I  seem  much  inclined  to  the  sentiment  that  we  are  imnioi  tul 
till  our  work  is  clone. 

July  2Gth,  1851. — Whatliatli  God  wrought  for  me  since  July 
2Cth,  1837.  I  would  ever  remember  this  day  as  the  Israelites 
did  the  month  of  Abib.  On  this  eventful  day,  fourteen  years 
ago,  I  was  permitted,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant to  enter  within  the  vail.  It  was  by  the  Spirit  alone  that  I 
was  eulightened,  strengthened  and  brought  in.  Yet,  would  I 
have  remained  within  the  vail  for  oue  moment,  but  through  the 
power  of  the  Spirit  ?  No!  it  is  only  because  I  have  been  mo- 
mentarily kejjt  by  the  jjower  of  the  Spirit. 

Having  obtained  help  of  God,  I  continue  to  this  day  testifying 
to  both  small  and  great,  the  power  of  Christ  to  save — the  vir- 
tue of  that  blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  And  not  only 
.have  I  been  kept,  but  I  feel  that  my  course  has  been  onward 
and  upward.  My  faith  and  zeal  have  been  steadily,  I  trust,  on 
the  increase.  I  sought  the  blessing  of  holiness,  believing  if  I 
possessed  it  I  should  be  more  useful.  In  this  I  have  not  been 
disappointed.  In  giving  up  all  my  redeemed  powers  to  God, 
through  Christ,  I  have  continually  rejoiced  in  the  conscious  ac- 
ceptance, and  have  at  all  times  realized  that  it  is  not  optional 
with  me  whether  I  will  do  this  or  that  duty,  but  the  one  ques- 
tion with  me  has  been,  what  would  God  have  me  do  ? 

In  endeavoring  to  keep  in  constant  use  the  ability  to  be  use- 
ful, I  feel  that  it  has  been  steadily  on  the  increase.  In  my  ex- 
perience, is  confirmed  the  tinith  of  the  words,  '^Unto  him  that 
hath  shall  bn  given,  and  he  shall  have  more  abundantly." 

The  entire  sanctification  of  active  pastors,  missionary 
laborers,  or  literary  toilers,  increased  her  joy  in  the  Lord. 
The  pastor  referred  to  in  the  following  extracts  from  her 
diary,  w^as  the  Eev.  Bartholom^ew  Creagh ;  and  the  Sister 
Wilkins,  Mrs  Ann  Wilkins,  who  subsequently  dedicated 
her  life  to  the  evangelical  education  of  Liberia,  and 
^'  whose  praise  is  in  all  the  churches." 

January  liih,  1848. — Observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer, 
by  the  members  of  the  Allen  Street  Church.  A  very  interest- 
ing social  meeting  in  the  basement,  this  afternoon.   Our  beloved 


()(J  MEMOIBS  CF 

pastor  comes  out  clearly  in  the  profession  of  holiness.     How 
greatly  have  I  desired  this.     ''  0  !  Lord,  I  will  praise  thee." 

January  15th,  1848. — A  Sister  Wilkins  was  sitting  beside 
Sister  Purdy,  who  with  tearful  eyes  was  earnestly  looking  for 
the  blessing.  But  she  did  not  seem  to  be  looking  for  it  as  near 
at  hand,  but  while  I  urged  the  duty  of  looking  to  Jesus  as  a 
present  Saviour  unto  her,  she  cast  herself  wholly  upon  him, 
laid  hold  upon  the  promises,  and  was  enabled  to  testifj^  with 
joyful  lips,  to  the  few  who  still  lingered,  of  Christ  as  her  full 
and  complete  Saviour. 

•'  AVhere  shall  I  thy  praise  begin  V  Work  as  thou  wilt,  O,  my 
God,  only  work.  Ride  forth  in  the  chariots  of  thy  grace  from 
conquering  to  conquer.     How  greatly  art  thou  blessing  me  ! 

May  ith,  1858. — To-day  the  remains  of  Eev.  Geo.  Coles  were 
consigned  to  the  tomb.  He  died  in  the  Lord.  The  funeral  ser- 
vices took  place  from  34th  st.  M.  E.  C.  His  autobiography  has 
been  published,  and  he  was  the  author  of  some  works  of  merit, 
through  whicli  "  being  dead  he  yet  speaketh."  I  once  had  a 
remarkable  answer  to  prayer  in  his  behalf,  which  stands  re- 
corded on  the  pages  of  eternal  remembrance,  and  must  ever  be 
written  on  the  table  of  my  own  heart,  as  matter  of  present  and 
eternal  thanksgivings.  It  was  during  the  time  he  was  Editor's 
Assistant  of  the  Christian  Advocate  andJiMirnal.  He  dedicated 
the  house  in  which  Ave  live,  on  the  first  Tuesday  afternoon  after 
our  removal  here.'' 

New  York,  September  25,  1864. 
You  will  remember  Brother  Inskip,  and  1  am  inclined  to  think 
you  have  some  knowledge  of  Sister  Inskip  as  a  Christian  Sister 
of  more  than  ordinary  energy  of  character.  Neitlier  our  Brother 
nor  Sister  Inskip  are  disposed  to  be  slow  or  unintluential,  and  I 
have  longed  that  their  power  to  swaj^  might  all  be  turred  wholly 
in  a  sanctified  channel.  TheMesire  of  my  heart  has  been  glori- 
ously fulfilled. 

At  the  Sing  Sing  Camp  Meeting,  througli  the  influence  of  our 
beloved  Sister  Sarah  Lankford,  mainly,  Sister  Inskip  was  enabled 
to  claim  Jesus  as  a  Saviour  able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost.  Sister 
Sarah  is  a  host.  She  has  meetings  in  her  tent,  where  many 
ministers  and  people  received  the  full  baptism.     While  Sister 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  gj 

Inskip  was  attending  these  meetings  from  time  to  time,  the 
enemy  tempted  her  that  she  was  devoting  too  much  time  to 
herself  personally,  and  ought  to  be  at  work  in  other  tents  where 
she  might  be  leading  sinners  to  the  Saviour.  On  mentioning 
this  temptation  to  Sister  Sarah,  she  said,  ''■  Dear  darling,  get  the 
blessing  of  holiness,  and  it  will  be  a  gift  of  power  by  which  you 
will  be  enabled  to  do  much  more  in  helping  sinners  to  Jesus/' 
I  mention  this,  because  the  result  proved  it  to  be  so  gloriously 
true.  Sister  Inskip  received,  and  testified  before  many  hundreds, 
that  she  had  obtained  the  witness  before  leaving  the  encamp- 
ment. It  was  only  as  might  have  been  anticipated,  that  her 
husband  should  be  affected,  and  drawn  to  a  consideration  of  the 
subject,  through  her  testimony.  Two  weeks  passed,  his  mind 
gradually  prei)aring,  and  his  heart  becoming  yet  more  deeply 
impressed  in  regard  to  his  need  of  personal  holiness,  till  on  Sab- 
bath morning,  while  preaching  from  Heb.  12,  1st,  he  experienced 
the  blessing  in  great  power.  It  Avas  while  earnestly  exhorting 
his  people  to  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  to  do  it  now,  that 
he  received  power  to  say,  "  I  am  doing  it  now  !  I  have  done  it 
NOW  !  Glory !  Glory  !  Glory  !  "  The  power  of  the  Lord  came 
down  upon  the  people  in  a  very  remarkable  manner,  and 
many  wept  and  others  praised  the  Lord,  and  the  whole  congre- 
gation was  moved  in  a  very  extraordinary  manner.  The 
evening  of  that  day  proved  to  a  demonstration,  that-  holiness 

IS  POWER. 

Sister  I.  told  me  that  she  never  heard  her  husband  preach 
with  the  unction  he  did  that  night.  Sinners  were  awakened  all 
over  the  house.  And  Sister  I.  also  proved,  in  her  own  expe- 
rience, the  truth  of  what  Sister  Sarah  had  told  her,  that  is,  that 
holiness  at  as  a  power  that  would  help  her  in  bringing  her 
friends  to  Jesus.  She  sat  with  the  choir  that  evening  during 
the  sermon.  Several  of  themwere  unconverted.  She  ros<'  from 
her  seat  as  Bro.  I.  finished  his  sermon,  and  turning  to  each 
unconverted  one,  said,  '^  Come !"  It  was  the  Spirit  speaking 
through  her  lips,  and  immediately  they  rose  and  followed  her 
to  the  altar.  On  her  way,  she  stopped  and  spoke  to  others, 
aaying  ''  Come  !"  and  they  also  rose  and  followed  her.  Many 
were  saved  that  night,  and  ever  since,  the  work  has  been  going 
on,  evening  after  evening,  with  increasing  power. 


^8  MEMOIRS  OF 

On  the  first  Tuesday  after  Bro.  I.  received  the  blessing,  he 
<'ame  with  Sister  Inskip,  to  the  meeting  at  our  house 5  several 
otlior  uiinisters  were  there,  but  he  was  tlie  Jirst  to  rise.  He 
began  by  saying,  *'I  do  not  know  the  order  of  tliis  meeting, 
never  having  been  here  before,  but  I  want  to  tell  what  great 
things  the  Lord  has  done  for  my  soul,  &c."  I  cannot  take  time 
to  repeat,  but  you  may  see  some  little  account  in  the  next  num- 
ber of  Guide,  in  Revival  Department. 

Od  Monday  we  hastened  home  from  Baskin  Ridge,  Bro.  Inskip 
having  appointed  the  special  meeting  at  his  Church  in  view 
of  our  having  promised  to  be  present.  He  had  also  invited 
the  ministers  of  the  Williamsburg  and  Brooklyn  churches,  with 
their  congregations,  to  be  present.  The  theme  was  holiness. 
It  was  a  season  of  remarkable  interest.  We  thought  it  most 
fitting  for  the  occasion,  that  we  should  tell  just  how  the  Lord 
had  brought  us  into  the  enjoyment  of  the  blessing.  Ere  the 
meeting  closed,  three  Spirit-baptised  ministers  beside  Bro. 
Inskip,  gave  in  a  clear  and  most  blessed  testimony  of  the  power 
of  Christ  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  particularly  Brother  George 
Woodruff,  Bro.  Home,  formerly  Missionary,  but  recently  Pas- 
tor of  South  Second  street  Church,  both  of  whom  had  received 
the  full  baptism  at  Sing  Sing  Camp  Meeting,  and  also  Bro.  W. 
F.  Collins.  Hundreds  were  present,  and  not  less  than  thirty 
or  forty  gathered  around  the  altar  as  seekers  of  the  full  bap- 
tism, many  of  whom  we  have  reason  to  hope,  received.  We 
remained  together  from  three  till  about  six  o'clock,  and  then 
again  in  tlie  evening  from  seven  till  ten  o'clock.  The  power  of 
the  Lord  was  gloriously  present,  and  in  the  evening  several 
were  raised  up  to  testify  of  the  power  of  Christ  to  forgive  sins. 
On  Tuesday,  we  had  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  meetings 
at  our  own  house,  we  have  ever  witnessed.  The  Spirit  came 
down  upon  the  crowded  assembly  in  overflowing  manner,  and 
in  most  jubilant  strains,  the  Alleluias  of  earth  and  heaven 
seemed  to  blend.  An  unusual  number  of  ministers  were  present, 
and  on  them  specially,  the  refining  fire  descended.  Surely,  the 
sons  of  Levi  are  being  purged.  How  your  well  attuned  hearts 
would  have  swelled  the  strain,  Glory  to  the  Lamb !  could  you 
have  mingled  with  us.     One  of  our  dear  ministers  told  me  that 


MES.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  69 

the  Holy  Spirit  came  down  so  overwhelmingly  upon  him,  that  he 
thought  he  would  have  fallen  to  the  floor,  had  he  not  support- 
ed himself,  by  holding  on  to  a  chair.  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest !     Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath,  praise  him. 

In  the  joy  of  angels  over  repentant  sinners,  Mrs.  Pal- 
mer graciously  participated,  in  an  extraordinary  degree. 
Corning,  N.  Y.,  Jannary  1st,  1870. 

'^New  time,  new  favors  and  new  joys,  do  a  new  song  re- 
quire." My  heart  is  filled  with  gratitude,  love  and  praise. 
During  the  past  year  I  have  been  learning  some  further  lessons 
in  faith  and  trust,  and  also  not  a  few  lessons,  perhaps  wholly 
new.  Often  do  I  have  occasion  to  know  that  unless  doomed  to 
wander  around  the  mountain,  as  a  punishment  for  unbelief,  that 
the  path  of  the  heaven-bound  is  by  ^^  a  way  not  passed  hereto- 
fore." During  the  past  year,  I  have  had  new  trials  and  new 
triumphs,  and  through  grace  alone,  can  say  my  course  has  been 
mainly  onward  and  upward.  During  the  past  year,  have  trav- 
eled in  company  with  the  loved  partner  of  my  ways  and  w^alks, 
not  less  than  12,000  miles.  Have  seen  hundreds  newly  gathered 
into  the  fold  of  Christ,  and  multitudes  of  the  disciples  o f  Jesus 
sanctified  wholly. 

February  4//i,  1871.— ^  He  that  believeth  in  the  Son  hath 
everlasting  life."  True  heart-believers  enter  upon  their  un- 
ending, heavenly  life,  here.  Eternal  life  is  a  present  realization. 
Alleluia  to  God  and  the  Lamb !  Faith  in  Jesus,  as  my  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification  and  redemption,  brings  into  my 
Boul  a  present  heaven,  and  eternal  life  is  a  present  realization. 

January  4th,  1873.— My  soul  exults  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
"  His  name  shall  be  called  Jesus,  for  He  shall  save  His  people 
from  their  sins."  Through  His  ever  abounding  grace.  He 
hourly  permits  me  to  test  the  power  of  His  name,  and  to  prove 
the  blessedness  of  the  promised  salvation.  0  !  that  with  the 
swiftly  passing  years,  I  may,  with  every  passing  moment,  cast 
anchor  deeper  within  the  vail !  What  could  I  do  without  an 
ever-present  Saviour?     The  longer  I  live,  the  more  deeply  do  I 

realize,  ^ 

"  Every  mr)ment  Lord,  I  ueed 

The  merit  of  Thy  death." 


70  MEMOIRS  OF 

Thanks  be  unto  God,  that  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,.  1 
have  victory  over  the  workl,  the  flesh  and  Satan,  and  am  mo- 
mentarily blessed  with  a  divine  consciousness  that  the  blood, 
touches  all  the  past.  '^0!  the  blood,  the  precious  blood,  that 
Jesus  shed  for  me!"  Precious!  infinitely  precious,  is  the  Name 
above  every  name. 

Name  over  all,  of  holiest  cheer, 

Dearer  with  every  passing  year, 

More  sweet  as  days  and  hours  take  flight; 

Watchword  of  morning,  no(m  and  night. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  intelligent,  holy  joyousness,  was  conta- 
gious, and  lovingly  strove  to  diffuse  itself  in  all  circles,  and 
especially  in  those  that  included  the  sons  and  daughters  of 
the  Lord  Almighty.  We  next  behold  her  contributing  to  the 
happiness  of  the  venerable  Dr.  Nathan  Bangs,  on  the 
fiftieth  anniversary  of  his  wedding. 

New  York,  April,  1856. 
Since  I  began  to  write,  Dr.  Bangs  has  been  in.  You  would 
much  enjoy  an  interview  with  him.  He  seems  to  be  so  sweetly 
maturing  for  heaven,  and  is  so  full  of  faith  and  power.  On 
Wednesday,  of  this  week,  he  auticipates  receiving  the  visits 
of  his  friends,  on  the  anniversary  of  his  fiftieth  wedding  day. 
I  presume  a  large  company  will  be  present,  and  the  whole  tiling 
strikes  me  as  exceedingly  interf^sting.  Dr.  B.  told  me  last 
week,  that  over  two  hundred  had  already  been  invited, 
and  he  hardly  knew  where  to  stop.  The  entertainment  is  to 
be  given  at  the  house  of  his  son  Lemuel,  whose  means  are  reputed 
to  be  abundant,  and  who,  with  his  brother,  does  honor  to  their 
name,  in  sustaining  their  father  in  a  manner  worthy  of  his 
position  as  a  man  and  a  Christian.  It  has  been  anticipated 
that  Bishop  Janes  would  deliver  an  address,  but  he  made  a 
mistake  in  the  day, thinking  it  last  Wednesday,  and  came  accord- 
ingly. He  Avas  expected  to  be  in  Cincinnati  this  week,  and 
whether  he  will  remain,  I  do  not  know.  I  have,  by  the  sugges- 
tion of  some  of  Dr.  B's.  family,  written  a  few  lines  which  may  be 
sung  on  the  occasion,  of  which,  if  they  come  from  the  printers 
to-day,  I  may  send  you  one. 


MES.  FU(EBE  PALMER. 


SEMI-CENTENNIAL  MARRIAGE  HYMN. 


71 


To  our  honored  father  in  Christ,  Rev.  Dr.  Bangs,  awd  iii.s  I^si  kk.mkd 
Lady,  who,  for  fifty  years,  has  been  the  sharer  of  his  toih  and  triumphs, 
these  lines  are  affectionately  inscribed,  by  one  who  from  infancy  has  known 
and  loved  them. 

The  smile  of  Heaven  our  pathway  cheers 

Ou  this  our  happy  marriage  day  ; 
A  wedded  life  of  fifty  years 

Demands  a  joyous,  festive  lay. 

Life  is  not  all  a  wilderness, 

O'erhuDg  with  clouds,  surcharged  wiiu  teiii    ; 
Oh  !  life  hath  many  things  to  bless, 

When  holy  Faith  the  spirit  cheers. 

This  world  hath  clouds,  yet  blissful  rays 
Of  sunshine,  from  the  throne  of  Love, 

Hath  lightened  up  life's  varied  ways, 
While  passing  to  our  home  above. 

In  journeying  to  our  home  of  rest, 

Full  half  a  century  has  past  ; 
Each  year  with  still  new  mercies  blest. 

And  yet  more  favored  than  the  last. 

Our  sons  and  daughters  round  us  press. 

Our  children's  children,  too,  arise  ; 
And  all  unite  our  names  to  bless. 

And  light  our  passage  to  the  skies. 

Zion  beloved,  our  chiefest  care — 

Now  thousands  strong,  throughout  the  land- 
When  first  we  joined  her  weal  to  share, 
How  few  in  number  was  her  band  ! 

By  Z ion's  Lord  to  conquest  led, 

We  in  her  bloodless  battles  fought ; 
Behold  !  from  hence  it  shall  be  said, 

What  hath  the  God  of  Israel  wrought  ! 

And'now  let  highest  praise  abound. 

Let  worship,  honor,  might,  be  given  ; 
Angels  and  men  the  strain  resound, 

Of  glory  to  the  God  of  Heaven. 


72  MEMOIRS  OF 

To  natures  so  richly  and  graciously  gifted,  praise  is  as 
much  a  duty  as  prayer. 

November  20th,  1837.  I  have  felt,  for  some  time  past,  most 
iDtense  desires  after  conformity  to  God.  These  breathings 
have  not  been  unavailing.  I  would  thankfully  acknowledge 
that  an  increase  of  spiritual  life  has  been  the  result,  but  I  feel 
conscious  that  I  do  not  indulge  sufficiently  in  the  spirit  of 
praise.  I  would  obey  the  divine  injunction  given  by  the  apos- 
tle to  his  Hebrew  brethren,  wlien,  after  expatiating  so  conclu- 
sively on  the  all-sufficiency  of  the  atonement  of  our  great  High 
Priest,  now  entered  into  the  heavens  for  us,  he  says,  ^'  By  Him 
therefore,  let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God  continually, 
that  is,  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  His  name."  How 
reasonable  that  this  should  be  the  ceaseless  sacrifice  of  every 
heart,  that  feels  momentarily  the  cleansing  efficacy  of  His  blood. 

July,  1839.  I  have  of  late  felt  the  solemn  obligation  of  ren- 
dering continuallj'',  the  tribute  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  I 
was  constrained  to  feel  its  imperativeness,  from  opening  on  this 
passage.  ''  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  smote  him,  because  he 
gave  not  God  the  glory."  This  was  said  of  the  impious  Herod. 
How  much  more  censure  does  the  believer  rest  under,  who  does 
not  continually  obey  the  command  to  offer  up  the  tribute  of 
praise  ?  Fed  as  he  is  momentarily,  with  manna  from  heaven, 
sustained  thereby  as  a  living  miracle  in  spiritual  life,  kept  from 
the  power  of  the  roaring  lion,  and  the  continual  recipient  of 
the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Spirit.  But  where  may  I  end  it  ? 
It  is  all  grace,  grace.  "  Whoso  offeretli  praise,  glorifieth  me;" 
what  an  encouragement.     Blessed  Jesus  ! 

"  Let  praise  my  every  hour  employ, 
Till  I  thy  glory  see, 
Enter  into  my  Master's  joy, 
And  find  my  heaven  in  Thee." 

Of  ^^  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth'all  understand- 
ing, and  which  keeps  the  heart  and  mind  through  Christ 
Jesus"  (Phil.  4:  7),  as  experienced  in  sickness,  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  is  witness. 


MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  73 

New  York,  Dec.  5ih,  1864. 
Perhaps  Dr.  Hamline  has  already  informed  you  of  my  recent 
serious  illness.  For  two  days  and  nights,  dear  ones  stood  over 
me, — watching  my  hreath  and  fanning  me,  not  knowing  but  at 
any  liour  I  might  ])as8  the  portals  of  time.  Tliank  God  !  all  was 
peace,  light,  and  rest. 

"  My  Jesus  to  know,  and  to  feel  his  blood  flow, 
'Tis  life  everlasting,  'tis  lieaven  below." 

Would  that  I  could  more  worthily  magnify  God.  What 
grace  to  a  poor  unworthy,  helpless  worm.  Surely  it  is  not  by 
works  of  righteousness  that  we  have  done,  but  through  his 
mercy,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     And  now  my  heart  is  saying, 

"  Be  all  my  added  life  employed, 
Thine  image  in  my  soul  to  see." 

I  believe  I  have  been  detained  a  little  longer  here  below,  in  an- 
swer to  the  prayer  of  faith.  You  would  wonder,  if  my  space 
would  permit  me  to  tell  you,  w^hat  has  since  been  told  me,  of 
the  manner  of  pleading  in  the  church,  and  the  social  circle,  that 
one  so  undeserving  might  still  be  kept  by  the  heavenly  Master, 
in  the  Vineyard.  And  now,  my  much  loved  brother  and  sister 
H.,  will  unite  in  saying  Amen,  to  the  prayer  that  during  the 
future  of  my  added  life,  I  may  serA'e  my  generation  more  fully 
to  the  glory  of  God. 

My  illness  was  induced  by  taxing  myself  too  severely,  in  la- 
bors abundant.  So  pressing  have  been  the  claims  on  our  time, 
constraining  us  to  unremitting  labors,  tliat  I  look  back  with  as- 
tonishment that  we  have  endured  so  long.  If  spared,  we  shall 
be  more  careful  in  future,  and  not  suffer  ourselves  to  be  over- 
persuaded.  I  have  not  yet  recovered, — still  feel  a  pressure  on 
my  head,  which  admonishes  me  to  carefulness. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  DIARY. 

September  17th,  1868.  A  person  asked  me  the  question, 
*'  Sister  P.,  are  you  always  happy  ?"  If,  in  asking  the  question, 
the  brother  meant  to  say,  "  Sister  P.,  are  you  always  the  subject 
of  ecstatic  emotion?"  I  would  have  replied,  ^^  No."  But  if  he 


74  MEMOIRS  OF 

meant.  "  Are  you  peaceful  and  at  rest  in  the  will  of  God, 
happy  to  know  His  will,  that  you  may  do  it  ?"  I  think,  through 
the  grace  of  our  Lord,  I  might  have  said,  ''  Yes."  With  a  full 
heart  I  can  say, 

"  Happy,  thus  my  Lord  to  know, 
I  find  His  service  my  reward. 
Every  work  I  do  below, 
I  do  it  to  the  Lord." 
Truly  Jesus  is  the  Alpha  and  the  Omega  of  my  soul.     My 
joys  and  sorrows  all  take  their  rise  from  the  cross.     When  Jesus 
is  exalted,  my  soul  triumphs ;  when  He  is  dishonored,  my  soul 
grieves.     0,  may  I  ever  have 

"  A  heart,  His  joys  and  griefs  to  feel, 
A  heart  that  cannot  faithless  prove, 

A  heart  where  Christ  alone  may  dwell. 
All  praise,  all  meekness,  and  all  love." 

,  April  I2th,  1870. 
'^How  precious  are  Thy  thoughts,"  says  the  Psalmist.  I  enjoy 
precious  tlioughts  of  God  to-day.  Particularly  lias  this  thought 
been  applied  with  sweetness  to  my  soul.  ^'  My  presence  shall 
go  witli  thee."  ♦  I  have  a  realizing  sense  of  the  nearness  of  God's 
presence  now.  ''  In  Him  I  live,  niove,  and  have  my  being."  I 
have  had  precious  thoughts  of  late,"  while  reviewing  the  way  by 
whicli  the  Lord  hath  brouglit  me  forth,  into  a  place  of  broad 
rivers  and  streams.  0,  it  is  indeed  a  wealtJn/  place  where  Jesus 
bestows  his  fullness.  And  precious  indeed,  beyond  the  power  of 
expression,  is  the  thought,  or  rather  the  thouglit  verified,  by  be- 
ing made  an  experimental  realization,  that  Jesus,  as  aii  indwell- 
ing presence  is  made  unto  me,  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctifi- 
cation,  and  redemption.  Never  shall  I  forget  a  most  eventful 
period  of  my  life,  almost  thirty-three  years  since,  when  the 
still  small  voice  whispered  in  my  spirit's  ear,  "God  is  no  re- 
specter of  persons."  My  heart  responded, '' Of  a  truth  I  per- 
ceive God  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  What  He  has  done  for 
one,  is  only  an  assurance  of  what  he  is  willing  to  do  for  anoth- 
er." From  that  moment  the  resolve  was  formed,  tliat.,every 
earthly  consideration  conceivable,  sliould  l^e  subservient  to  the 
attainment  of  a  state  of  holiness.    Through  grace,  I  endeavored 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


75 


from  tliat  hour,  to  be  answerable  to  all  the  gentle  monitions  of 
the  blessed,  tender,  Holy  Spirit,  taking  up  every  cross.  Tiuly 
did  my  soul  follow  hard  after  God.  I  labored  with  unutterable 
longing  to  enter  into  that  rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of 
God.  While  thus  pressing  toward  the  prize  of  my  htgli  calling 
in  Christ  Jesus,  I  felt  the  Holy  Spirit's  aidings  and  np])rQvings. 
Yet,  though  I  knew  I  was  jvstified  by  grace,  and  could  say, 
''  Therefore,  there  is  now  no  condemnation  to  them  who  are  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  alter  the  Spirit," 
condemnation  would  have  ensued,  had  I  not,  with  Intensity  of 
purpose,  and  minutely  true  to  the  Holy  Spirit's  leadings,  trailed 
after  the  Spirit.  Doing  this,  the  witness  of  justifying  grace 
remained  with  me. 

if  ay  16th,  1871.— To-day  Jesus  reigns  in  my  soul  as  the 
Prince  of  Peace.  How  wonderful  that  the  Lord  should  rejoice 
over  liis  peojde  with  singing;  yet  so  it  stands  written,  '^  He  will 
rejoice  over  thee  with  joy,  He  will  rest  on  His  love,  He  will  joy 
over  thee  with  sinrjing.'''  In  responsive  strains,  my  soul  echoes 
back,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  peace  upon  earth,  and 
good  will  toward  men  !"  ^^  When  my  soul  entered  into  rest  over 
thirty  years  ago,  the  Lord  showed  me  that  the  special  heritage  of 
the  sanctified  believer  was  peaee.  My  peace  I  give  unto  you.  My 
peace  I  leave  with  you."  Holiness  is  a  state,  not  particularly  of 
great  rapture,  but  Avhere  all  controversies  between  God  and  the 
soul  are  forever  settled,  and  conscience  has  the  advantage  of 
every  question.  The  atmosphere  of  my  soul  \i>]ieac€.  ''  Being 
justified  bj"  faith,  I  have  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

February  25th,  1857. — Last  night  I  stood  l)y  the  dying  bed  of 
an  expiring  saint.  The  agonies  of  death  were  u\)vu  her.  While 
thus  buffeting  the  billows,  in  passing  over  Jordan,  though  she 
did  not  yield  to  discouragements,  yet  the  flesh  seemed  to  weary 
in  the  strife;  and  the  breathing  of  her  spirit  was,  ^Mf  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me.'.'  With  an  expression  of 
deepest  agony,  she  turned  to  me,  saying,  '•  Sister  Palmer,  do 
you  ever  get  discouraged  7"  Her  minister,  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  wns  standing  by.  He  l:r.d,  en  former  occasions,  inti- 
^uated  to  me,  that  those  who  made  their  boast  in  the  Lord  were 


76  MEMOIRS  OF 

in  danger  of  boasting  in  themselves.  But  Christ  and  holy 
angels  were  present,  and  I  dared  not  do  otherwise  than  speak 
of  the  all-sufficiency  of  grace  to  the  praise  of  my  covenant- 
keeping  God.  I  replied,  ^'  Througli  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  I  believe  I  can  say,  that  I  have  never  given  way 
to  discouragements  during  the  past  twenty  years.  I  do  not 
mean  that  I  have  not  had  tiery  trials,  and  been  tempted  to  dis- 
couragements, but  I  mean  to  say,  to  the  glory  of  grace,  that  I 
have  been  so  divinely  sustained  while  trusting  in  Jesus,  that  I 
have  been  brought  off  more  than  conqueror.  And  thus  it  will 
be  with  you.  He  hath  said,  '  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  for- 
sake thee,'  and  the  heavens  would  sooner  fall,  than  that  a  soul 
trusting  in  God  should  not  come  off  more  than  conqueror." 
Soon  afterward,  the  Lord  gloriously  lifted  her  head  up  above 
tlie  billows,  and  in  ecstatic  strains,  she  exclaimed,  ''  Praise  Him! 
Praise  Him,  all  ye  people!  Sound  forth  His  praise  to  the  end  of 
the  earth,  from  sea  to  sea,  from  shore  to  shore !"  She  con- 
tinued to  triumph  till  about  six  o'clock  this  morning,  when  she 
surmounted  the  last  billow,  and  passed  through  death,  triumph- 
ant, home.  I  was  unacquainted  with  this  dear  aged  saint  per- 
sonally, but  the  Lord  had  condescended  to  make  our  works 
helpful  to  her,  and  now  that  she  was  about  to  pass  over  to  her 
heavenly  inheritance,  she  earnestly  desired  that  I  should  be 
sent  for.  Never  shall  I  forget  the  patriarchal,  solemn  manner, 
in  which  she  pronounced  a  blessing  on  me,  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.     The  sublimity  of  the  scene  can  never  be  forgotten. 

Jlxteriorly,  meekness  was  manifest — the  meekness, 
which  like  that  of  Moses,  is  all  of  grace,  working  in  and 
through  the  natural  powers. 

August  \Qth,  1839. — Domestic  concerns  have  been  extreme- 
ly pressing  of  late,  and  patience  has  been  required  to  do  its 
perfect  work.  In  the  midst  of  all  that  the  world  calls  cares 
and  disappointments,  I  find  that  grace  has  power  to  sustain. 
I  realize  the  truth  of  the  declaration.  "  I  will  circumcise  thy 
heart  to  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  with  all  thy  soul,  might  and 
strength."  The  assurance  of  this,  as  being  fulfilled  in  my  ex- 
perience is  as  clear  as  noonday.   Is  not  the  knowledge  that  God 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMEB.  77. 

TeigDS  unrivalled  in  the  affections, — subduing  all  tliingB  unto 
Himself,  bringing  every  desire  into  captivity, — perfect  love  t 
If  so,  then  I  Lave  the  blessed  witness  of  perfect  love. 

In  patience  she  possessed  her  soul — in  patience  slie  in- 
structed those  that  opposed  themselves — uniformly  return- 
ing good  for  e\il,  but  never  hesitating  to  speak  the  truth 
in  love. 

Natiu^ally  of  retiring  disposition,  the  dutyofconfessin^j 
Christ  before  men,  and  more  particularly,  the  duty  of  ex- 
plaining the  nature  and  enforcing  the  obligation  of  holi- 
ness— involved  painful  crucifixion  of  feeling  in  the  earlier 
years  of  her  x)ublic  labors.  Publicity  was  never  welcomed, 
save  as  a  necessary  incident  of  extensive  and  successful  toil. 

August  12th,  1839. — On  the  9th,  returned  from  Huntington 
Camp-meeting.  We  encamped  on  the  ground  nearly  a  week 
previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  meeting.  The  time  was 
delightfully  spent,  and  mind  and  body  were  better  prepared  for 
the  exercises  of  the  meeting.  I  realized  such  an  emptying  of 
self,  and  such  a  trust  in  God. 

On  Sabbath,  it  was  proposed  to  have  a  meeting  especially  for 
professors,  and  as  I  was  perhaps  the  first  to  suggest  it,  I 
thought  I  might  be  expected  to  take  a  more  active  part  than  I 
felt  disposed  to  do.  I  have  been  reflecting  on  charity,  as  illus- 
trated in  the  13th  of  1st  Corinthians,  particularly  on  the  point, 
'^  doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly." 

The  way  that  the  Lord  had  brought  me  thus  far  on  my  pil- 
grimage,— which  had  been  in  some  respects  prominent,  passed 
in  review  before  me,  and  I  could  sweetly  rest  in  the  assurance 
that  He  had  sent  His  angel  before  me,  to  keep  me  in  tlie  way. 
Intimations  of  late  given,  disposed  me  to  conclude  that  the 
time  for  me  to  expect  to  be  useful  in  the  more  active  duties  to 
which  I  had  been  previously  called,  had  passed  by.  Glory  be 
to  God  !  I  felt  so  willing  to  leave  myself  at  his  entire  disposal, 
that  I  had  not  one  wish  apart  from — ''  Thy  will  be  done."  Yet 
as  the  current  rojled  on,  gathering  strength,  I  asked,  ''Am  I 
willing  to  he  useless  t"  It  was  at  this  point  the  spark  of  divinity 
within  me  rose  with  all  the  ardor  of  importunity.  The  fervor 
of  desire  bade  defiance  to  the  expression,  and  I  gronned  the  nn- 


78  MEMOIRS  OF 

ntfer.ible  groan.  My  soul  was  all  on  fire  for  the  interests  oi 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  the  idea  of  being  discliarged  from 
service,  with  no  greater  disabilities  for  its  performance  than 
uflual,  was  intolerable.  With  emotion,  I  said,  "  Lord,  it  assured 
that  it  is  Thy  will,  I  can  and  do  submit.  Thou  hast  called  me 
to  be  a  laborer.  Thou  liast  given  the  fervor  of  desire  ;  and  am 
I  to  be  placed  in  circumstances  where  Thy  cause  requires  the 
willing  helpful  hand,  and  not  be  permitted  to  participate  ?"  I 
felt  that  it  could  not  be.  God,  who  had  implanted  the  desire  to 
be  useful,  did  not  on  the  contrary  require  that  I  should  be  tvill- 
ing  to  be  useless.  I  could  think  of  nothing  in  the  Spirit  of  His 
word  that  made  the  demand  j  and  light  began  to  break  in  upon 
the  temptation. 

Previous  to  this,  I  had  spoken,  and  thougli  I  felt  fully  satis- 
fied that  it  was  required  of  me,  yet  the  want  of  power,  as  I 
thought,  in  what  I  said,  seemed  to  render  more  weighty  the  in- 
timations that  the  time  for  the  Lord  to  work  by  me  in  His 
vineyard,  had  passed  by.  0,  the  intense  emotions  of  that  hour ! 
I  was  given  to  view  it  as  a  privilege  beyond  all  computation,  to 
be  permitted  to  participate  in  any  possible  manner,  in  the  pro- 
motion of  the  Bedeemer's  kingdom.  The  cry  now,  was,  ''0!  if 
Thou  canst  use  so  unworthy  an  instrument,  permit  nie  to  re- 
main in  Thy  vineyard."  How  I  wondered  that  He  had  allowed 
me  to  be  a  witness  for  Him.  I  looked  on  the  past  for  condem- 
nation of  my  former  career,  and  found  none,  but  the  rather, 
that  God  had  required  it,  and  sealed  it  with  His  approval.  But 
to  go  forward,  seemed  to  require  a  fresh  manifestation  of  the 
Spirit.  Circumstances  seemed  to  indicate  that  to  be  true  to 
my  foimer  views,  I  must  then  and  there  move  onward.  I 
thought  of  Gideon's  fleece,  and  pleaded  for  a  sign.  I  thought 
my  situation  justified  my  asking  f(jr  it.  Prayer  was  proposed 
in  the  meeting,  and  I  asked  that  the  Lord  would  make  known 
His  will  concerning  me,  by  putting  it  into  the  heart  of  tlie 
leader  of  the  meeting  to  ask  me  to  engage  in  prayer.  Scarcely 
had  I  made  the  request — ^when,  certainly,  contrary  to  human 
probabilities,  he  called  me  by  name.  In  a  moment  all  my 
scruples  were  lain  aside  ;  temptation  vanished,  and  the  clear 
light  of  heaven  shone   into  my  soul.     Since  then,  I  have  felt  it 


MRS.  PHiEBE  PALMER.  -() 

to  be  a  high  honor  conferred  upon  us,  when  the  Lord  permits 
us  in  any  manner  to  be  helpful  in  assisting  the  devotions  of  His 
people.  I  have  not  always  waited  to  feel  this  constraining 
Spirit,  otherwise  than  as  His  spirit  is  always  urging  to  every 
good  work,  but  have  said,  when  opportunities. have  been  pre- 
sented, '■'■  Lord,  hast  thou  a  work  for  me  to  do  here  1  If  «o  give 
wisdom  to  guide,  grant  the  gift  of  utterance,  the  unction  of  the 
Holy  One  '^ 

Bow  Hill  Camp  Ground,  N.  Y.,  June27th,  1848. 
My  heart  was  exercised  with  various  and  conflicting  emotions 
during  the  cWsing  prayer.  My  heart  naturally  shrinks  from 
publicity.  One  of  my  greatest  trials  in  concluding  to  attend 
the  meeting,  Avas  because  one  Minister  who  had  received  inti- 
mation of  my  attending,  had  written  to  several  others  to  inform 
them  of  it;  and  to  be  the  "observed  of  all  observers"  was  a 
trial  from  which  my  nature  would  have  drawn  back,  had  it  not 
been  for  the  manner  in  which  I  apprehend  the  principles  of  ho- 
liness. But  my  Almiglity  Deliverer  has  sustained  me  even  in 
this  trial,  and  thus  have  I  passed  on  to  the  close  of  the  meeting, 
with  my  will  lost  in  the  will  of  God,  observed  or  not  observed, 
desiring  only  that  the  whole  will  and  pleasure  of  my  Heavenly 
Fatlier  might  be  accomplished. 

New  York,  August  ISth,  1848. 
To  our  much  loved  friends ,  JBishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline : 

I  returned  to  my  home  yesterday,  after  an  absence  of  three 
or  four  days,  which  was  spent  at  a  Camp  Meeting,  near  Pfiila- 
d'jlphia.  Our  dear  Sister  James  was  present.  How  sweetly 
does  her  life  exhibit  the  beauty  of  holiness.  I  think  I  never  saw 
an  individual  more  fully  possessed  of  that  loVe  that  thinketh 
no  evil,  than  our  beloved  Sister  James,  yet  as  she  professes 
the  enjoyment  of  a  state  of  holiness,  she  has  her  trials.  She 
feels  sadly  assured  that  many  ministers  of  the  New  Jersey  Con- 
ference, do  not  love  explicit  testimony  on  this  subject.  Yet 
but  little  opposition  was  manifested  with  the  exception  of  one 
evening  on  the  stand,  when  a  junior  minister,  not  possessed  of 
remarkable  abilities,  asked  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  on  tliose  of 
us   who   did  not  profess  to  be  so  perfect,   that  we  might  not 


80  MEMOIRS   OF 

progress,  nor  so  holy  tliat  we  could  say,  ^'  Stand  by,  I  am 
holier  than  thou,"  or  cry  out  "  The  temple  of  the  Lord  are  we. 
The  temple  of  the  Lord  are  we,"  &c.  Whether  this  striking 
rhapsody  was  intended  for  Bretliren  Atwood  or  Cooper,  minis- 
ters of  the  Philadelphia  Conference,  who  had  come  out  very 
sweetly  and  clearly  in  professing  the  blessing,  or  our  humble 
selves,  I  do  not  know,  but  the  presiding  elder  attributed  it  to 
his  ignorance,  and  hoped  to  reprove  him  in  such  a  way  that  he 
might  not  soon  again  be  guilty  of  such  a  misdemeanor.  The 
next  morning  Brothei  Atwood  preached  a  sermon  on  the  sub- 
ject of  holiness,  remarkable  for  the  clearness  of  its  views,  and 
the  power  which  attended  it,  may  never  be  forgotten. 

There  are  reasons  why  I  shall  remember  this  meeting  with 
thanksgiving  to  God.  I  had  been  strongly  urged  to  attend  one 
which  was  held  at  the  same  time  at  Eastham  near  Boston. 
Here  Weslejan  views  of  holiness  are  much  appreciated,  and  last 
year  while  with  them,  I  witnessed  many  enter  into  the  enjoy- 
ment of  holiness.  I  wasperhaps  equally  urged  to  attend  tliemeet- 
ing  in  New  Jersey  ;  but  here  I  well  knew,  that  the  doctrine  was 
deineciated,  yet  I  dared  not  refuse.  When  I  inquired  of  the 
Lord  which  of  the  two  I  should  attend,  it  was  suggested  that 
the  Saviour  would  not  have  left  His  throne  in  heaven  had  His 
only  object  been  the  enjoyment  of  congenial  society,  and  if  I 
would  take  Him  as  my  example,  my  way  was  clear.  I  yielded 
and  went  to  New  Jersey.  Most  abundantly  have  I  been  re- 
warded in  my  own  soul,  for  this  act  ot  self-denial. 

Among  the  Philadelphia  friends,  I  became  deeply  interested, 
and  I  saw  numbers  step  over  the  bar  of  unbelief  and  brought 
out  most  rejoicingly  into  the  conscious  possession  of  perfect  love. 
But  I  did  not  atteud  many  meetings  with  tlie  New  Jersey 
friends.  One  morning,  on  rising,  I  asked  tluit  the  minds  of  others 
might  be  directed  toward  me,  and  my  mind  influenced  toward 
others,  so  that  the  day  might  be  spent  in  the  way  that  would  in 
the  highest  possible  degree  glorify  God.  A  brother  came  in  early, 
and  asked  that  I  would  attend  a  meeting  in  the  Camden  tent.  I 
could  not  have  been  asked  to  a  place  on  the  ground  that  I 
would  not  rather  have  attended  than  this.  Their  minister,  1 
knew  well,  was  opposed  to  Mr.  Wesley's  views  of  holiness,  and  I 


MBS.  rmEBE  PALMER.  pj 

have  never  been  called  to  stem  opposing  influences  in  sucli  a 
Avay.  But  in  asking  of  tlie  Lord,  it  was  suggested,  ''  Did  you 
not  ask  that  the  minds  of  others  might  be  influenced  in  regard 
to  you,  and  why  should  you  not  regard  tliis  as  an  intimation 
from  God  in  answer  to  your  request.  I  went,  and  tlie  power  of 
the  Lord  rested  upon  me  in  a  i)eculiar  nuinrier,  and  before  the 
close  of  the  meeting  it  was  estimated  that  over  a  dozen  received 
the  blessing  of  holiness. 

In  perfect  accord  with  ]\Irs.  Palmer's  spirit  and  aim, 
were  her  opinions  of  purely  honorary  titles. 

January  6th,  1857.  Received  a  \erj  interesting  letter  from Eev. 
L.  Warner,  a  district  chairman  of  the  Wesleyan  Conference,  Can- 
ada. Among  othei  interesting  tilings,  he  observes  ;  ^'  The  title  of 
D.  D.  is  offered  me.  I  would  like  your  advice  in  regard  to  tlie 
reception  of  it.  Do  you  think  that  to  so  designate  would  serve 
to  make  me  moi"e  humble,  hoi ij  smd  useful  T  Our  English  and 
Canadian  friends  are  more  sparing  of  their  titles  than  our 
clergy,  who  are  under  the  influence  of  American  associations. 
I  have  long  had  misgivings  in  regard  to  the  expedienc}'  of 
conferring  the  title  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  on  the  humble  teachers 
of  Christianity,  whose  highest  aim  should  be,  to  be  x)atterns 
of  lowliness  as  was  tlieir  Divine  Master,  who  hath  said,  "  Learn 
of  me."  Does  it  not  savor  too  much  of  being  called  of  man — 
Rabbi. 

May  19th,  1870. — Rose  early  this  morning  (as  usual,)  and 
while  giving  thanks  for  a  temporal  blessing,  of  ordinary  occur- 
rence, the  words  were  applied  with  unusual  meaning  and  power, 
"  In  every  thing  give  thanks."  Thanks  be  to  the  giver  of  every 
good  gift  tliat  I  have  been  enabled  amid  all  the  varied  general 
trying  things  of  life,  to  giv(#  thanls. 

But  now,  in  being  called  to  pass  a  way  in  trial,  that  indeed  is  a, 
way  I  had  ^'  not  passed  heretofore,"  wheie  persons  professing  a 
strong  experience,  and  adherence  to  the  truth,  and  blest  through 
the  truths  presented  by  the  spirit,  through  our  humble  agency, 
show  a  disposition  to  ignore  the  instrumentality,  and  enter  up- 
on our  labors,  and  instead  of  manifesting  an  aff'ectionate  and 
gracious   appreciation,  as  when  they  first  armed   themselves 


82  MEMOIRS  OF 

with  the  whole  panoply,  and  became  identified  with  holiness — 
manifest  a  willingness  that  we  should  be  unrecognized  in  the 
gi-eat  battle  of  holiness  and  salvation.  Some  of  these,  only  a 
few  years  since,  looked  coldly  on,  amid  our  struggles  to  keep  the 
banner '' Holiness  to  the  lord  "from  trailing  in  the  dust. 
And  now,  as  the  bfessed  Holy  Spirit  reiterated,  ''In  every 
thing  give  thanks,''''  tlie  tempter  said,  '^  How  can  you  give 
thanks  in  this  ?  and  then,  with  light  and  power,  the  Spirit 
lifted  the  standard,  by  applying  the  words — ^^  All  things 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God."  I  began  to 
ask  myself— ''Am  I  not  willing  to  be  a  stepping  stone  in  the 
great  temple  V  ' 

EXTRACT    FROM   DIARY. 

Decemher  lOth,  1 873. — I  have  nothing  to  say  of  myself,  other 
than  that  I  have  received  the  sentence  of  death  in  myself,  that 
I  should  not  trust  in  myself,  but  in  Him  that  raiseth  the  dead. 
Througli  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  have  been  raised 
to  newness  of  life.  From  lienceforth,  "  I  live,  yet  not  I,  but  Christ 
liveth  in  me,"  and  if  Christ  lives  in  me,  saving  me  from  self  and 
sin,  and  enables  me,  through  the  mighty  inworkings  of  his  Holy 
Spirit  to  be  valiant  for  tlie  truth,  and  exultantly  sing  the 
victor's  song,  to  His  name  alone  be  all  the  glory.  Alleluia! 
Truly  my  soul  is  attuned  to  the  strain.  Now,  thanks  be  to 
God,  Avlio  always  causeth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ,  and 
maketli  manifest  the  savor  of  His  knowledge  by  us,  in  every 
place. 

But,  0  !  the  solemnity  of  the  sequence,  as  given  by  the  in- 
spired apostle.  "  For  we  are  unto  God  a  sweet  savor  of  Christ 
in  them  that  are  saved  and  in  tliem  that  perish ;  to  the  one^  Ave 
are  the  savor  of  dLuitli  unto  death,  and  to  the  other,  the  savor  of 
life  unto  life."  No  marvel  that  Paul  exclaims,  "  And  who  is  suf- 
ficient for  these  things  ?"  Wonderful,  indeed  !  Momentous  and 
solemn  as  eternity  are  the  responsibilities  of  those  who  stand  as 
the  mouth  of  the  Lord  to  the  multitude.  Strange,  tliat  so 
early  in  the  career  of  Cliristianit}',  as  in  the  lifetime  of  Paul, 
there  should  be  many  Avho  ministered  in  holy  things  unfaith- 
fully ;  yet  so  it  was,  or  he  would  not  have  w^ritten,  "For  we  are 


MRS.  FHCEBE  PALMEE.  33 

not  as  many  which  corrupt  tlic  word  of  God,  but  us  of  sincerity, 
but  as  of  God,  and  iu  the  sight  of  God,  speak  we  in  Christ. 

Of  these  wonderful  sok^ninities  and  responsibilities,  1  have 
not  a  slight  experimental  apprehension.  That  God  has  called 
me  to  stand  before  the  peoi)le,  and  proclaim  His  truth,  has  long 
been  beyond  question.  So  fully  has  God  made  my  commission 
known  to  my  own  soul,  and  so  truly  lias  He  set  His  seal  upon  it, 
before  the  upper  and  lower  world,  in  the  conversion  of  tlious- 
ands  of  precious  souls,  and  the  sanctification  of  a  multitude  ot 
believers,  that  even  Satan  does  not  seem  to  question  that  my 
call  is  divine.  It  has  been  many  years  since  I  remember  to 
have  had  a  temptation  to  doubt.  Well  do  I,  as  a  daughter  or 
the  Lord  Almighty,  remember  the  baptism  of  fire  that  fell 
upon  me,  over  thirty  years  since.  Not  more  assuringly,  per- 
haps, did  the  tongues  of  fire,  fall  in  energizing,  hallowing  in- 
fluences on  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Almighty,  when  they 
ALL  spake  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost, 
than  I  felt  its  consuming,  hallowing,  energizing  influences  fall 
on  me,empowering  me  for  holy  activities  and  burning  utterances. 

Ever  since  that  sacred,  eventful  hour,  I  have  had  an  ever- 
abiding  conviction  that  I  have  received  the  sentence  of  death 
in  myself,  that  I  should  not  trust  myself,  but  in  Him  that  rais- 
eth  the  dead.  The  idea  that  I  can  do  anything  myself,  seems 
so  extinct,  that  the  enemy  is  not  apt  to  tempt  me  in  that 
direction. 

From  the  annexed  description  of  trials  endured  and 
victories  won,  we  learn  that  Mrs.  Palmer's  spiritual  con- 
flicts ended  in  glorious  conquests ;  and  that  temptations 
turned  to  her  salvation,  through  "the  su})ply  of  the  Spirit 
of  Jesus  Christ.'^    Phil.  1:10. 

She  has  had  keen,  peri)lexing,  and  painful  trials  from  various 
sources,  but  to  the  glory  of  all  abounding  grace,  let  us  record 
that  by  none  of  tliese  was  she  materially  hindered  in  her 
great  work.  She  felt  that  her  high  calling  was  to  save  souls, 
and  by  every  possible  means  to  assist  in  uprearing  the  walls 
of  Zion,  and  bring  about  the  establisliment  of  Clirist's  Kingdom 
on  earth.     She  expected  molestation  and  diversified  perplexi- 


^4  *  MEMOIRS  GF 

ties  would  arise  from  various  ami  unlooked-for  sources,  to  hinder 
the  progress  of  this  work,  but  she  acted  on  the  principle  tliat 
it  was  not  the  workman  that  was  to  be  guarded,  but  the  work. 
►She  only  regarded  herself  as  one  among  a  host  detailed  for  this 
work.  And  where  perplexities  arose  from  wliat  were  regarded 
by  some  of  her  friends  a.% personal  attacks,  she  did  not  so  regard 
them.  But  divinely  conscious  that  it  was  GoiVs  worh  she  was 
doing,  and  not  her  own,  she  would  go  to  her  Divine  Sympa- 
thizer, her  Almighty  Helper,  and  say,  ^'  Lord  Jesus,  Thou  art 
the  Waj'  the  Truth  and  the  Life.  This  is  not  my  Truth  that  has 
been  assailed  ;  it  is  thy  Truth.  Thou  hast  only  permitted  it  to 
flow  out  upon,  the  world  through  this  humble  channel.  Pity  the 
assailants !  Father  forgive  them,  they  know  not  what  they 
<lo."  On  one  occasion,  while  thus  praying  for  one  who  had  once 
obtained  tlie  blessing  of  holiness  through  lier  instrumentality, 
but  afterward  lost  the  blessing  by  not  confessing  it,  -and 
preached  against  the  views  by  which  he  had  once  entered  upon 
its  enjoyment,  she  leceived  such  a  penetrating  baptism  of  joy, 
that  she  never  afterward  ceased  to  feel  the  power  of  the  grace 
then  bestowed,   though  years  have  since  passed  away. 

We  will  speak  of  this  particularly,  because  the  Lord  seemed 
to  have  placed  her  for  the  defence  of  some  simple  truths  which 
had  been  blessed  in  the  salvation  of  hundreds,  as  may  be  seen 
in  the  succeeding  pages  of  this  volume,  and  the  penetrating 
baptism  on  this  occasion  received,  was  just  what  she  needed  to 
prepare  her  for  succeeding  conflicts.  The  manner  of  the  recep- 
tion of  this  baptism  was  this.  The  friend  who  had  thus  received 
the  blessing  through  her  agency,  and  had  now  lost  it,  and  was 
giving  his  influence  against  these  simple  views  of  faith,  was  one 
who  had  been  much  loved.  The  friend  who  informed  her  of  the 
manixr  in  which  this  friend  had  assailed  these  simple  truths, 
said  it  was  done  in  such  a  way,  as  to  make  it  evidently  a  per- 
sonal attack.  Sheremembered  how  powerfully  the  Lord  wrought 
on  his  own  heart,  cmly  two  years  before,  by  the  representation 
of  these  truths,  and  she  now  thus  continued  to  pour  forth  her 
soul  to  God,  "  Thou  alone  knowest  what  a  trial  this  Ik,  in  view 
of  the  circumstances.  O,  give  me  something  from  thy  Word,  by 
^^•hich  I  may  be  instructed,  in  regard  to  the  meaning  of  this  trial. 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  85 

She  reached  forth  her  hand  to  take  that  sacred  Word,  asking  that 
He  wlio  spake  through  theUrim  and  Thuni mini,  in  ancient  days, 
miglit  direct,  and  opened  on  these  words,  '•  Iftliis  counsel,  or  this 
work,  be  of  men,  it  will  come  to  naught,  but  if  i!:  be  of  God,  ye 
cannot  overthrow  it,  lest  haply  ye  be  found  even  to  tight  against 
God.  And  to  him  they  agreed,  and  when  thej"  had  called  the 
apostles,  and  beaten  them,  they  commanded  that  they  should 
not  speak  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  let  them  go.  And  they  de- 
parted from  the  i)iesence  of  the  council,  rejoicing  that  they 
were  counted  worthy  to  sufter  shame  for  his  name."  He  who 
spake  through  the  Urim  and  Thummim,  in  ancient  days,  now 
spake  through  the  lively  oracles,  to  her  inmost  soul.  Had  the 
voice  actually,  as  a  living  voice,  issued  directly  from  the  throne 
of  God,  scarcely  could  it  have  been  felt  w4th  greater  power,  or 
in  deeper  verity,  as  The  voice.  But  it  was  the  voice  of  the  in- 
dwelling Spirit  in  her  heart,  applying  appropriate  truth.  Her 
spirit  bounded  up  in  unutterable  joy,  and  she  cried  out  amid 
her  luxurious  tears,  '^  Who  am  I,  or  what  was  my  Father's 
house  before  me,  that  I  should  be  accounted  worthy  of  such  an 
honor,  as  that  when  Tnithis  assailed,  it  should  be  said,  that  the 
attack  was  j^e;rso«rtZ  ?"  0  !  indeed,  it  was  almost  a  bewilderment  of 
joy  that  was  now  produced,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  she  had 
been  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  Christ's  sake.  Not  that 
any  lingering  of  doubt  had  rested  on  her  mind,  in  regard  to  the 
blessed  doctrine  of  faith,  as  she  had  experienced  and  jjromul- 
gated  it,  for  slie  had  known  liundreds  on  hundreds  of  various 
denominational  creeds,  bound  up  into  renewed  spiritual  life, 
througli  these  teachings,  as  accompanied  by  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  But  to  feel  that  the  Lord  had  now  so  gloriously 
recognized  her  as  his  servant,  by  permitting  her  to  enjoy  the 

"  glorious  shame, 

The  scandal  of  the  cross." 

0  !  this  indeed  seemed  too  much,  and  her  soul  was  filled  with 
unutterable  ecstacies.  From  that  hour,  ever  after,  she  gloried  in 
the  cross  of  Clirist.  It  seemed  now  as  if  her  precious  Saviour 
said  to  her,  "  Ask  what  ye  will,  in  my  name,  and  it  sliall  be  done 
unto  you."     And  this  promise  was  now  a  glorious   boon.     She 


30  MEMOIRS  OF 

believed  her  friend,  thougli  lie  liad  erred,  was  not  intentionally 
insincere.  And  she  now  asked  tliat  an  intense  hungering  and 
thirsting  after  righteousness  might  again  be  produced  in  his 
heart,  and  he  never  permitted  to  rest,  until,  by  simple  faith,  he 
had  again  entered  into  the  rest  of  perfect  love.  She  kept  him 
steadily  before  God,  and  in  a  few  weeks  her  prayer  was  answered. 
So  intense  and  absorbing  did  his  desires  after  inward  purity 
becomcj  that  he  found  himself,  as  if  by  a  divine  impulse,  drawn 
to  her,  who  had  before  been  instrumental  in  his  obtaining  this 
grace.  The  Holy  Spirit  again  made  use  of  the  same  agency, 
and  by  the  presentation  of  precisely  the  same  simj^le  views  of 
faith,  the  forfeited  blessing  was  again  restored,  and  the  triumph 
of  grace  was  complete.  But  we  must  pause.  The  record  of  lier 
daily  walk  and  couversatiou,  mark  her  as  a  happy  Cliristian. 
Conflicts  she  has  had, but  these  were  only  required  as  the  occa- 
sion for  new  victories. 

Writing  to  the  revered  Henry  Moore,  on  December 
27th,  1848,  Mrs.  Palmer  remarks  that  she  seemed  to  have 
inherited  aristocratic  feelings,  which  unconsciously  blended 
themselves  with  all  her  associations;  but  that  from  the 
moment  when  God  took  full  i)ossession  of  her  heart,  she 
exi^erienced  such  a  renovation  in  sentiment  and  life,  that 
thenceforward  she  followed  in  si)irit  and  practice,  the  ex- 
ample of  Him  of  wiiom  it  was  said,  ''  The  common  peojde 
heard  Him  gladly."  The  renovation  was  permanent. 
While  the  rich,  noble,  and  titled,  waited  on  her  ministry, 
she  sought  neither  their  society  nor  their  favors,  particu- 
larly, neither  did  she  shun  them.  She  liad  resolved  to 
know  no  man  after  the  flesh,  but  to  proclaim  the  common 
salvation  to  all — and  ^^ith  marked  respect  to  the  masses. 
On  October  4th,  1872,  she  records : 

Last  night,  during  a  season  of  sleej),  and  partial  wakefulness, 
I  seemed  to  be  under  a  divine  influence,  and  these  words  were 
resounding  through  the  chambers  of  my  soul,  '•'  Wherefore, 
henceforth,  know  we  no  man  after  the  flesh  ;  yea,  though  we 
have  known  Christ  after  the  flesh,  yet  now  henceforth,  know 


MRS.  PHCEBE  FJLMEK.  gj 

we  Him  no  more."  And  now^  in  tlie  wakefulness  of  the  noon 
hour,  I  see  a  significance  in  the  words,  beyond  any  I  have  before 
appreliended.  Let  me  from  this  time  forward,  in  a  more  em- 
phatic sense,  know  no  man  after  the  flesh,  on  account  of  his 
nation,  ancestors,  station  or  wealtli,  riot  fearing  the  great  or 
wise  of  tliis  world,  but  labor  ever  faithfully  and  untrammeled, 
to  save  rich  and  poor,  high  and  low.  irrespective  of  earthly 
considerations.  To  God  alone  be  all  the  praise  for  as  much  of 
this  spirit  as  He  has  given  me. 

Aiming  at  tlie  noblest  ends,  and  guided  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  Mrs.  Palmer  was  not  only  a  dilligent  co-laborer 
with  God,  but  with  womanly  tact  and  sanctified  j)ersua- 
siveness,  effectively  urged  others  to  become  such.  The 
relation  of  her  conversation  with  a  St.  Louis  gentleman, 
when  pointing  out  his  duty  and  privilege  in  this  regard,  is 
full  of  interest. 

January  16th,  1867. — While  iiere  at  St.  Louis,  a  gentleman 
of  large  means  and  extensive  business  reputation,  who  acts  and 
talks  on  the  i^rinciple  that  he  can  do  little  by  way  of  inducing 
his  friends  to  come  to  Jesus,  was  in  converse  with  me.  As  I 
urged  the  importance  of  doing  thus,  and  asked  if  he,  as  an 
acknowledged  servant  of  God,  would  be  clear  of  the  blood  of 
all  men,  he  said  his  business  at  this  time  of  the  year  was 
really  too  exacting  to  admit  time  requisite  for  such  labor.  He 
seemed  to  be  brought  to  a  recognition  of  the  legitimate  and 
true  bearing  of  the  case,  by  my  observing  about  thus  :  '^  You 
say  your  business  claims  are  such  that  you  cannot  command 
the  time.  Now  here  is  a  week's  labor  before  us,  in  this  })lace. 
It  is  Wednesday  evening.  Suppose  it  were  said  to  you  by 
some  reliable  person,  '^  Meet  me  at  a  given  point,  on  next 
Wednesday  evening,  and  in  payment  thereof,  I  will  give 
$50,000.  Would  your  business  claims  be  so  exacting,  as  not 
to  admit  of  an  effort  to  do  tlie  thing  required  ?  "  ^'  0,  no  !  We 
business  men  certainly  love  to  make  money,"  was  his  ready 
answer.  "  Now,  suppose  you  should  make  an  efi'ort  as  earnest 
and  persistent  to  v/iu  a  soul  to  Jesus  to-morrow,  as  tliougli  you 
weie  to  have  $10,000  for  the  labor  bestowed;  would  you  not  be 


gg  MJCMOIES  0£ 

likely  to  succeed  in  bringing  at  least  one  soul  to  tlie  Redeemer? 
And  then  pursue  the  same  earnest,  detinite  course  each  succeed- 
ing day  ;  would  you  not  be  able  daily,  to  bring  at  least  one  soul 
to  the  sanctuary,  who,  tlirough  your  prayerful  labors,  might 
yield  to  the  claims  of  Jcvsus?"  ^^I  do  not  doubt  it,"  said  my 
candid  friend.  ^'  Tlien  do  you  not  see  that  you  think  more 
of  tlje  every  day  money-making  claims  of  business,  than  of 
priceless  souls,  for  whose  redemption  the  wealth  of  heaven  was 
expended  ?  One  soul  outweighs  all  the  wealth  of  the  world,  and 
if  you  did  not  value  $50,000  in  nionej^,  more  highly  than  five 
Bouls,  you  would,  of  course,  find  time  to  labor  thus  during  the 
time  of  special  visitation."  He  frankly  acknowledged  the  fact. 
Wherever  we  go,  we  find  scores  of  such  men  holding  official 
positions.  They  may  be  found  in  all  so-called  Christian 
churches  throughout  the  land.  But  are  such  men  Christians  ? 
They  certainly  are  not  Christ-like,  and  if  to  be  truly  a  Chris- 
tian is  to  be  Christ-like,  then  the  question  is  settled.  ^'  If  any 
man  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  His."  How  did 
the  spirit  of  Christ  induce  him  to  feel  for  sinners  ?  Was  he 
rich  ?  The  wealth  of  heaven  was  his,  but  for  our  sake  he  be- 
came poor.  If  the  wealtli  of  hea,ven  was  expended  to  purchase 
my  soul,  let  me  not  deem  mjself  a  Christian,  if  unwilling  to 
\}\\t  forth  any  labor,  or  make  any  sacrifice,  however  costly, 
which  may  result  in  the  salvation  of  a  soul. 

Living  daily,  and  even  momentarily,  by  faith,  such  sup- 
plies of  grace  were  received  as  imparted  refined  gentleness 
to  strength  of  character.  None  could  insist  more  strenu- 
ously on  the  need  of  constant  dependence  on  Christ,  and 
^ital  connection  with  Him. 

October  Cyth,  1873. — I  am  daily  apprehending  more  fully,  not 
only  that  salvation  is  by  faitli,  but  that  salvation  in  all  its  de- 
grees is  the  result  of  a  momentary  act.  Christ  is  to  us,  and  Avill 
be,  all  tliat  we  trust  Him  for.  As  it  is  in  our  being  sustained  in 
natural  existence,  we  get  so  accustomed  to  the  momentary  act 
of  inhaling  the  vital  air,  that  it  becomes  natural,  and  we  seldom 
dwell  on  the  thought   that  we  are  sustained  by  the  power  of 


MRS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  80 

Grod.    Yet  80  it  is.    Past  grace  will  not  meet  present  necessities. 
The  longer  I  live,  the  more  deeply  does  my  soul  cry  out, 
"  Every  moment,  Lord,  I  need 
The  merits  of  Thy  death." 
Earnest  prayers,  long  fasting,  and  burning  tears  may  seem 
befitting,  but  cannot  move  the  heart  of  infinite  love  to  a  greater 
willingness  to  save.    God's  time  is  now.  The  question  is  not, — 
What  have  I  been  ?  or,  What  do  I  expect  to  be  ?    But,— Am  I 
now  trusting  in  Jesus,  to  save  to  the  uttermost  %    If  so,  I  am 
now  saved  from  all  sin.     With  my  eye  fixed  on  the  immutable 
WORD,  it  is  now  not  only  my  privilege,  but  my  duty  to  say 
now,  in  praise  of  the  faithfulness  of  God, 

"  Thou  from  sin  dost  save  me  now, 
And  thou  wilt  save  me  evermore." 

Is  it  not  wrong  to  be  hidefinite,  in  regard  to  that  which  God 
makes  very  definite  ?  If  we  have  received  of  that  Spirit, 
whereb}^  we  Tcnow  the  things  freely  given  us  of  God,  then  if 
sanctified  wholly^  it  is  a  duty  to  know  it. 

Mrs.  Palmer  w^as  ever  watchful  that  the  spirit  should 
be  in  harmony  with  the  miud  and  will  of  God. 

October  \Wi,  1872. — I  am  endeavoring  to  watch  my  spirit. 
The  human  and  the  divine  are  so  closely  identified,  that  con- 
tinual watchfulness  is  necessary,  or  we  may,  at  unawares,  walk 
after  our  own  spirit,  instead  of  the  Spirit  of  God.     Moses  did 
this,  when  he  said,  '^  Ye  rebels,  must  we  fetch  water  out  of  this 
rock "?"     ^'  A  slight  error  of  spirit," — some  would  say.     But  God 
is  a  jealous  God:  He  will  not  give  His  glory  to  another,  even 
though  it  might  be  His  favorite  servant,  Moses.     How  signally 
was  Moses,  as  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  punished  for  assuming  a 
form  of  expression,  suggestive  of  the  idea  that  he  was  perform- 
ing this  service  in  his  own  might.     0,  to  stand  upon  the  watch- 
tower  ! — watching  over  self  in  all  its  specious  windings.    Thank 
God  ! — it  is  now,  and  through  abounding  grace,  I  trust  ever 
will  be,  the  language  of  my  soul  to  its  indwelling  Lord. 
"  Thou  aU  my  works  in  me  Last  wrought; 
My  good  is  all  Divine  ; 
The  praise  of  every  virtuous  thought, 
And  righteous  act,  is  Thine." 


90  MEMO  IBS  OF 

Wholly  devoted  to  the  work  to  which  she  believed  her- 
self to  be  especially  called,  Mrs.  Palmer,  like  David, 
could  truthfully  exclaim,  "  The  zeal  of  Thine  house  hath 
eaten  me  up."  Ps.  C9 :  9.  The  following  extract  from  her 
diary,  in  1846,  exemplifies  this  tendency,  and  explains  her 
enlightened  views  on  the  subject. 

My  health  admonishes  me  that  I  must,  ere  long,  close  my 
earthly  labors,  unless  the  progress  of  disease  in  my  system  be 
arrested.  To-day,  in  contemplating  the  necessity  of  giving  up 
a  long  cherislied  portion  of  my  work,  I  wept — not  from  a  desire 
to  retain  it,  if  my  Heavenly  Father  required  that  I  should  not, 
but  from  a  tenderness  of  feeling  which  I  am  sure  is  warrantable, 
— long  association  and  its  consequen^.es, — spiritital  relationslu]ys, 
etc.,  considered.  I  have  written  a  resignation  to  the  Allen 
Street  S.  S.  Association,  of  my  Bible  class,  whose  charge  was  en- 
trusted me  about  nine  years  sinca.  Here  God  has  given  me 
spiritual  children.  Some,  w)ie  soon  after  conversion,  liave 
been  enabled  to  claim  the  bles^iing  of  full  salvation.  Here  the 
Holy  Spirit  has  often  tak^n  of  the  things  of  God,  and  revealed 
them  unto  me ;  and  here  wany  of  the  lovers  of  Jesus  have  re- 
ceived out  of  the  trea<^iAries  of  grace,  things  new  and  old.  I 
love  this,  with  other  portions  of  my  work,  greatly,  and  see 
where,  if  I  had,  perhaps,  been  more  judicious,  and  better  aware 
of  my  danger,  I  xniglit  have  been  spared  longer  to  my  work. 
My  more  public  labors  have  been  small,  in  comparison  to  my 
labor,  hour  after  hour,  with  j)ersons  who  have  called  for  con- 
versation on  religious  experience,  when  laboring  under  the  ef- 
fect of  disease,  till  now  it  is  spread  throughout  my  system,  to  a 
degree  which  makes  my  recovery  (humauly  speaking),  extreme- 
ly dubious.  I  am  well  aware,  that  the  Divine  government  ex- 
hibitfl  iaws^  natural  and  physical,  which  must  be  as  truly  obey- 
ed,— unkjss  supernaturally  reversed, — as  those  regulating  His 
spir^i^upJ  kingdom.  I  fear  I  have  not  been  as  attentive  as  I  might 
have  been,  in  observing  these  laws.  I  have  sacrificed  myself 
in  communing  on  religious  ex])erience,  with  an  indefinite  hope 
that  the  goodness  of  my  cause  would  warrant  the  innovation, 
and  now,  though  my  Father  doth  not  chide,  yet  in  love  he  as- 
sures me  tlii»t  T  irjgbfc  have  acted  more  wisely. 


MliS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  9j^ 

Fresh  revelations  of  soul-transporting  truth  were  fre- 
quently made,  while  prayerfully  studying  the  Bible. 

Tuesday,  26,  1847.— While  reading  the  7th  of  Hebrews,  this 
morning,  at  an  early  hour,  I  almost  unexpectedly  received  an 
increase  of  light,  power,  and  bliss.  Reading  of  the  sujx'iioiity 
of  Christ  as  Iligli  Priest,  I  thouglit  how  greatly  I  should  love 
clearer  apprehensions  of  Christ  as  my  High  Priest,  and  thought, 
''  I  will  make  this  a  subject  of  special  intercession."  But  before  I 
called.  He  answered.  The  Holy  Spirit,  in  answer  to  the  inter- 
cessions of  my  Saviour,  took  of  the  things  of  God  and  revealed 
them  unto  me.  I  realized  that  while  I  offered  myself  up  to 
Christ,  through  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  He,  through  the  virtue 
of  his  blood,  presented  me  spotless  to  tlie  Father.  0,  what  a 
■view  I  enjoyed  of  the  meritoriousness  of  Jesus.  My  whole 
heart  said,  '^  Whosoever  will,  let  him  come"  and  but  give  himself 
up  to  Christ,  and  He  would  love  to  present  him  faultless  before 
the  throne  of  his  Father.  0,  my  communion  is  truly  with  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit. 

METHOD   OF  BIBLE   STUDY. 

New  York,  June  lith,  1874. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

In  reading  the  Scriptures,  it  has  been  a  matter  of  ambition 
with  me,  not  to  rest  short  of  any  object  or  state  of  grace  im- 
plied,— in  any  portion., — assured  that  every  precious  gift,  in 
whatever  form  presented,  is  equivalent  to  a  promise  of  its  at- 
tainment. I  read  them  in  course, —Old  Testament  in  the 
morning.  Gospel  at  noon,  and  the  Epistles  at  night. 

Kneeling  before  the  Lord,  with  the  outspread  Scr'})- 
tures  of  truth  before  her,  she  diligently  compared  scripture 
with  scripture,  prayerfully  and  obediently  seeking  to 
know  what  was  the  mind  of  the  Spirit.  ^'  Thy  word  is  a 
lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light  unto  my  path."  Ps.  119 ; 
105.  "  The  entrance  of  Thy  words  giveth  light,  it  giveth 
understanding  unto  the  simple," — are  utterances  that  ex- 
press her  estimation  of  '^  God's  Avord  T\Titten,"  and  also  her 
experience  of  its  power.     With  Paid,  she  held  that  ''  All 


92  MEMOIRS  OF 

scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable 
for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness ;  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thor- 
oughly furnished  unto  all  good  works."  2  Timothy,  3 ;  16^ 
17.  Therefore  she  habitually  and  invariably  rejected  all 
guides  whose  teachings  did  not  harmonize  with  the  letter 
and  spirit  of  Inspired  Writ. 

In  the  best  use  of  reason,  enhghtened  and  sanctified  by 
the  Holy  Spirit,  Mrs.  Palmer  studied  the  Sacred  Scrij)- 
tures, — apprehended,  beUeved,  obeyed,  and  promulgated 
the  truths  pertaining  to  righteousness  and  true  holiness 
therein  revealed.  In  nothing  would  she  go  beyond  the 
word  of  the  Lord— but  in  all  matters  of  faith  and  i)ractice, 
demanded  an  explicit,  '•'•  Thus  saith  the  Lord." 

September  21st;  1872.— There  is  a  way  in  which  I  havefoimd 
it  necessaiy  to  watch  over  myself,  a  way  through  which,  on 
one  occasion  in  my  progress  in  the  Christian  highway,  I  came 
\e\y  near  coming  into  condemnation.  It  was  at  a  time  when  I 
was  being  fed  daily  witli  fresh  manna  from  lieaven,  and  was 
sustained  in  an  earnest,  honest  progress,  and  in  daily  labors  for 
God,  that  Satan  kept  urging  upon  me,  '^  You  ought  to  seek  for 
some  new  experiences."  Day  and  night  it  was  urged  upon  me. 
One  morning,  I  thought  it  would  be  well  to  bring  the  matter  to 
an  issue,  and  for  that  i)urpose  entered  my  closet,  expressly,  and 
bowed  in  lowly  prostration.  I  had  not  yet  opened  my  lips, 
when  the  ever-blessed  Holy  Spirit  whispered,  "You  are  in 
danger  now  of  sinning  after  the  same  similitude  that  the  Israel- 
ites did  when  they  said,  '  Our  souls  loathe  this  light  food.' 
Are  you  not  daily  fed  with  the  bread  of  life,  directly  from  hea- 
ven ?  Are  you  not  thereby  being  strengthened  for  all  the  ever- 
multiplying  duties  and  emergencies  through  which  you  are 
called  to  pass  ?  Are  you  not  a  miracle  of  grace  every  day,  as 
were  those  Israelites  who  were  daily  fed  with  bread  from  hea- 
ven ?  Yet  so  accustomed  did  they  become  to  being  strength- 
ened and  sustained  for  all  tlieir  jonrneyings,  that  they  dared  to 
say  '  our  soul  loatheth  this  light  food.'  " 


MES.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  93 

Dreams  of  divine  origin,  prophetic  of  what  "svas  about 
to  transpire,  and  preparative  01  the  subject  for  conlUet, 
and  duty,  Mrs.  P.  regarded  as  within  the  limits  of  Christ- 
ian i)rivilege.  Tliis  will  explain  tlie  construction  puc  upon 
an  impressive  and  memorable  dream  of  attack  by  a  raging 
lion,  in  a  letter  to  Bishoi)  and  Mrs.  Hamline. 

New  York,  November  29th,  1855. 

I  constantly  feel  a  consmning  desire  to  glorif}-  God,  by  '^  sav- 
ing poor  souls  out  of  the  tire,"  to  do  something  more  toward 
[)er8uading  the  Church  to  put  on  her  beautiful  garments  and 
come  up,  clothed  in  strength,  ^'to  the  help  of  the  Loul — the 
help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty."  In  doing  anything  to- 
ward bringing  about  these  glorious  results,  we  ouglit  to  expect 
to  be  withstood.  Jesus  says,  '^  Bemember  the  things  that  I  said 
unto  you.  *  *  *  The  servant  is  not  greater  than  his  Lord."  1 
have,  in  obedience  to  the  Saviour,  been  calling  this  to  remem- 
brance this  evening,  and  on  my  knees  have  thanked  the  Lo.  d 
that  I  am  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  His  sake. 

Two  or  three  weeks  ago,  1  had  a  very  vivid  and  significant 
dream.  I  saw  several  wild  beasts  running  in  haste  toward  me. 
As  I  was  eyeing  them,  in  order  to  discover  whether  they  were 
bears  or  lions,  a  fierce  lion  suddenly  attacked  me  in  great  fury. 
The  attack  was  so  unexpected,  tliat  1,  in  a  moment,  lost  sight  of 
the  other  wild  beasts,  that  seemed  to  be  comparativel}'  of  infe- 
rior size,  and  seizing  hold  of  the  mouth  of  this  huge  lion,  I,  with 
a  strength  which  I  knew  could  only  have  been  supernatural, 
kept  his  mouth  closed.  Never  can  I  forget  that  dream.  The 
fury  of  the  lion  seemed  so  tremendous.  Fain  would  he  have 
opened  his  jaws  and  torn  me  in  pieces.  But  think  of  me,  stand- 
ing there  with  my  hands  spanning  the  mouth  of  a  huge,  furious 
lion.  Every  particle  of  my  physical  and  mental  strength  seemed 
called  into  exercise,  while  no  prospect  of  human  aid  was  at 
hand.  0,  tliought  I,  if  my  husband  was  only  here,  to  lielp  me 
in  this  awful  conflict.  But  again,  I  thought,  if  he  was  here,  liow 
could  he  help  me,  for  his  very  efforts  to  belabor  the  animal 
would  only  infuriate,  and  make  his  strength  the  greater,  and  then 
his   strength  might   wholly  exceed  the   power  of  my  grasp. 


94  MEMOIRS  OF 

Added  to  this,  I  seemed  left  in  one  sense  without  Divine  aid, 
but  I  reasoned  thus,  ^'  How  could  I  possibly,  by  my  own  feeble 
grasp,  keep  the  mouth  of  this  lion  closed.  Supernatural  aid, 
or  rather  Divine  aid,  must  surely  be  given,  though  I  have  no 
sensible  perception  of  it,  or  otherwise  how  could  I  i)ossibly  en- 
dure ?  "  Yet  so  intensely  was  my  every  particle  of  mental  and 
physical  energy  called  into  exercise,  in  maintaining  a  successful 
grapple  with  this  terrible  lion,  that  I  actually  did  not  get  over 
it  for  hours  after  I  awoke.  I  forgot  to  say,  that  during  this 
dreadful  conflict,  the  lion  succeeded  in  getting  out  one  long 
faug^  and  this  greatly  added  to  my  liorror,  for  it  seemed  every 
moment  as  though  it  would  penetrate  my  hand,  and  if  so,  thea 
I  knew  I  should  be  disabled,  and  all  would  be  over.  From 
this  hour,  I  became  settled  in  my  convictions  that  some  terri- 
ble conflict  awaited  me,  but  from  what  quarter,  I  could 
form  no  conception.  I  did  not  expect  it  from  Mattison,  though 
I  had  reason  to  believe  that  his  aim  against  the  profession  of 
holiness,  was  as  deadly  as  ever.  But  Dr.  Bond  had  freely  ex- 
pressed his  disapproval  of  Mattison's  course — had  assured 
us  that  he  was  with  us,  and  had  urged  us  for  communica- 
tions for  the  Advocate.  .How  little  did  I  think  it  could 
have  been  in  his  heart  to  have  published  such  an  article 
from  Mattison,  as  you  will  see  in  the  Advocate  of  the  present 
week !  It  came  so  unexpectedly,  that  it  was  really  like  the 
leaping  of  the  lion  in  my  dream.  And  it  really  did  seem  to  re- 
quire the  united  force  of  all  the  powers  of  my  being,  both  men- 
tal and  physical,  to  endure.  I  hope  the  enemy  did  not  really 
get  power  over  me  sufficient  to  use  his  frigiitful  fang.  Thank 
the  Lord,  I  think  I  kept  his  mouth  shut,  through  the  power  of 
Daniel's  God.  But  0!  what  a  conflict  I  had  with  the  roaring 
lion.  Husband  and  myself  went  down  to  Dr.  Bond,  to  know 
what  could  have  been  his  meaning,  in  permitting  8,uch.  a. personal 
attack.  I  expostulated;  Had  he  not  invited  and  urged  me 
to  write,  and  told  me  that  I  should  have  a  column  devoted  to 
my  use,  weekly,  and  under  a  special  heading,  if  I  would  only 
fill  it?  Had  I  not  said,  ^'  Dr.,  I  never  even  wish  you  to  publish 
anything  I  write,  unless  the  doctrines  of  the  article  wholly 
accord  with  your  theological  views,  "  etc. 


3IRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  95 

Dr.  Boud  admitted  all,  and  more,  but  said  Mattisoii  Itad 
come  to  him,  saving  that  he,  as  an  editor,  was  wholly  onesided, 
giving  us  all,  and  himself  and  party  none. 

"  Mattison,"  said  Dr.  B.,  ^'knows  that  lam  withyo?/,  and  so  I 
am  5"  but  I  will  not  weary  you  nor  myself  with  tlie  recital  of 
the  particulars  of  this  really  outrageous  attack — I  wept  for  tlie 
cause  when  I  expostulated  with  Dr.  B.,  and  told  him  I  was 
confident  the  day  of  eternity  would  reveal  that  he  had  not 
brightened  his  crown  by  the  admission  of  the  article.  Alas  ! 
how  this  time-serving  pqlicy,  will  tell  in  the  other  world.  Dr. 
B.  said  the  article  ought  to  be  met  in  view  of  Mattison's  pal- 
pable mis-statements.  But  I  told  him  that  I  did  not  think  the 
Lord  would  require  me  to  stoop  to  a  man  who  would  thus  lower 
himself.  He  then  said,  ''  Give  me  the  material,  and  let  me  do 
it,"  but  I  told  him  I  should  wait  for  clearer  light,  before  I  could 
decide  that  such  a  thing  might  be  my  duty. 

It  was  surprising  that  my  dream  about  that  sudden  and  fero- 
cious attack  from  that  huge  lion  should  have  escaped  my 
memory,  under  these  circumstances,  but  all  at  once,  just  after 
my  return  from  Dr.  Bond's,  my  dream  suddenly  and  vividly 
came  up  before  me.  accompanied  with  a  divine  conviction  tl  at 
the  Lord  had  permitted  it,  as  prophetic  of  the  trial  throu^i  h 
which  He  saw  I  was  about  to  pass. 

Prof.  Mattisoii  had  assailed  the  nature  and  character- 
istics of  Mrs.  Palmer's  i)ublic  and  private  teachings  on  the 
subject  of  entire  sanctification,  attributing  defectiveness, 
if  not  heresy,  to  the  nature,'  and  extreme  injudiciousness — to 
say  the  least — to  the  characteristics.  Among  rejoinders 
proposed  to  Mrs.  P.,  but  never  accepted  or  adopted  by  her, 
is  the  following  brief  draft  in  the  handwriting  of  the  al);e 
and  learned  Bishop  Handine. 

FALSE  STATEMENT  CORRECTED. 

Mr.  M.  accuses  me  of  teaching:  First,  that  the  sanctified 

should  profess  holiness  before  "promiscuous  assemhlies^^  and 

"ungodly  persons. ^^      I  simply   deny  it.     He   refers   to    page 

229,  of  "  Faith  and  its  Effects."     There  is  not  one  word  on  tlie 


90  MEMOIRS   OF     ' 

subject,  iuthe  place  referred  to.  He  accuses  me,  secondly,  of 
teacliiug  that  we  should  profess  holiness  in  scriptural  lan- 
guage. I  certainlj^  do  teach  it,  but  did  not  dream  it  was 
heresy  to  express  experimental  truth  in  scriptural  terms.  As 
to  the  former,  if  I  had  tauglit  it,  I  should  expect  objections  to 
it.  If  I  have  not  taught  it,  I  sliould  hardly  have  dared  to 
characterize  the  act  of  charging  it  upon  me,  or  even  of  naming 
it,  as  coming  from  a  Methodist  minister. 

Commenting  on  the  controversy  between  Mr.  Mattison 
and  Mrs.  Palmer's  friends,  Bishop  Haniline  wrote : 

Mr.  M.  admits  that  it  is  right  to  profess  the  blessing  of  holi- 
ness, on  proper  occasions,  etc.,  but  the  points  of  difference  be- 
tween him  and  Dr.  Bangs  liave  dwindled  down  to  this.  He 
says  that  Dr.  B.  teaches  with  Sister  Palmer  (see  page  229  of 
^' Faith  and  Its  Effects  "),  that  it  should  be  done  on  all  occa- 
sions, and  in  promiscuous  assemblies,  and  before  the  ungodly. 
I  was  going  to  say  I  was  surprised, — but  that  would  hardlj^  be 
correct,  as  anything  from  that  source  being  true  would  have 
surprised  me.  But,  on  turning  to  the  page,  there  is  not  even 
the  shadow  of  anything  that  resembles  it,  and  now  I  challenge 
Mr.  M.  to  produce  anything  from  her  works  that  teaches  any- 
thing of  the  kind. 

The  spiritual  experiences  described  in  the  following- 
extract  from  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James,  are  fruitful  of 
thought,  and  were  doubtless  designed  to  x)repare  her  for  the 
remarkable  career  of  holy  usefulness  she  subsequently  ran. 

New  York,  November  17th,  1840. 
Beloved  Sister: 

I  am  reminded  of  a  dream  I  had,  I  think  the  next  morning- 
after  I  i>arted  with  you.  I  seemed  to  be  in  social  interview 
with  two  or  three  of  the  Redeemer's  chosen  ones.  When 
prayer  was  proposed,  I  thought :  ''  0,  I  wish  such  a  one  would 
pray,"  for  he  was  signalized  in  my  mind  as  one  strong  in  faith, 
and  I  wanted  some  one  to  pray,  who  would  take  me  right  up 
in  the  arms  of  faith,  to  Jesus.  Immediately,  a  gentle  chiding 
tilled  me  with  holy  shame  before  the  Lord,  and  the  Spirit  said. 


MRfi.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  97 

in  language  which  I  trust  will  ever  rest  as  living  truth  011  my 
heart,  '^  Tlie  Blessed  Jesus  will  Himself  take  you  up  in  His 
arms.-'  I  received  the  precious  lesson  with  joy,  saw  I  had  been 
over  solicitous  about  outside  agencies,  and  took  courage. 
After  this,  I  was  permitted  to  enjoy  a  very  blessed  state  of  ex- 
perience. Condescending  love  seemed  to  invite  me  to  take  the 
place  of  the  beloved  disciple.  I  was  conscious  of  the  posses- 
sion of  that  grace  whereby  I  was  enabled  to  feel  the  experi- 
mental blessedness  of  breathing  out  my  whole  existence  to 
God,  and  in  the  language  of  my  own  hearty  and  the  frequently 
expressed  sentiment  of  my  lips,  was — 

"  While  on  His  breast  I  lean  my  head, 
And  breath  my  life  out  sweetly  there." 

My  soul  was  wrapped  in  unutterable  visions  of  glory.  I  hesi- 
tate in  attempting  to  describe  the  inconceivable  glory  that 
passed  before  me.  I  am  at  a  loss  for  language,  and  I  have  been 
asking  the  Lord  to  empower  me,  so  that  I  may  be  able  to  give 
some  faint  idea  of  it.  The  holiness  of  God  was  presented  to  my 
ravished  soul,  yet  it  did  not  seem  inapproachable,  like  the  burn- 
ing bush.  No  voice  issued  forth,  but  love, — infinite  love.  Such 
a  joyous  consciousness  of  oneness  of  spirit,  such  a  consciousness 
of  identity  in  this  atmosphere  of  glory,  in  which  I  seemed  to  be 
bathing,  when  these  words  came  with  such  power  ; 
''  A  drop  of  that  unbounded  sea 
Is  ours,  a  drop  derived  from  Thee." 

While  beholding  the  unutterable  glory,  though  no  form  of 
words  was  used,  the  Everlasting  Father  revealed  immediately' 
afterward,  Christ,  the  Gift  of  God,  and  then  I  realized  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  was  taking  of  the  Uiings  of  God,  and  showing  them 
unto  me.  I  never  felt  before  in  such  blessed  unity,  the  unity 
of  the  God-head.  While  the  vision  lasted,  the  spirit  of  the 
words  quoted  above,  '^  a  drop  of  that  unbounded  sea,"  was  con- 
tinually present  Avith  me,  and  soon  afterward,  these  words  were 
proclaimed,  as  in  perfect  unison  of  sentiment,  ^'  Beloved,  now 
are  we  the  sons  of  God."  0,  the  inexpressible  glory  ! — my  body 
shrank,  unable  to  participate  with  the  spirit  in  such  excessive 
raptures,  while  the  spirit  struggled  in   its  extreme  joyousnesa, 


98  MEMOIRS  OF 

as  if  to  disengage  itself  from  the  shackles  of  mortality.  The 
effect  of  this  manifestation  has  been  hallowing.  Pray,  dear  sis- 
ter, that  it  may  be  permanently  so.  0,  the  beauty  of  holiness! 
My  soul  is  increasingly  cax>tivated.  I  feel  as  if  I  shotild  be  per- 
mitted, through  Jesus,  to  cast  anchor  deeper  within  the  vail 
daily.  Let  us  plead  for  this.  It  is  the  will  of  Him  who  hath 
loved  us,  with  a  love  stronger  than  death.  Let  us  commence 
with  an  increase  of  energy  to  see  how  many  cold-hearted  pro- 
fessors we  can  persuade  to  engage  in  the  pursuit  of  holiness. 
Possibly,  we  might  fix  our  mind  on  one  new  object  of  solicitude, 
dail}'.     We  will  unite  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  to  try  it. 

How  every  member  of  the  family  was  borne  in  the 
arms  of  faith  and  love  to  the  throne  of  grace,  appears  in  a 
letter  to  Bishop  Hamhne,  who  had  asked  a  j^romise  that 
she  wonkl  remember  him  daily  before  the  Lord. 

May  19th,  1844 — Brother  Hamline  asks  that  I  will  promise 
to  remember  him  daily,  hefoie  the  Lord.  You  know  it  is  the 
disciple's  privilege  to /eZZ  Jestfs  a ZL  Ihave  spread  this  matter 
before  the  Lord,  and  with  stipulations,  will  heartilj'  enter  into 
the  engagement.  I  make  it  a  point  to  present  the  individual 
members  of  my  family,  through  Christ,  the  sin  atoning  sacrifice, 
daily,  before  God.  A  deep  and  abiding  consciousness  j^ossesses 
my  soul,  that  this  is  not  an  unmeaning  service.  I  feel  that 
God  daily  recognizes,  and  am  often  with  most  blissful  confi- 
dence permitted  to  say,  ^'  Thou  dost  accept — This  and  the 
other  beloved  one  sliall  abide  as  in  Thy  more  immediate  pres- 
ence throughout  this  day.  The  Lord  of  Hosts  will  give  His 
angels  cluirge  concerning  us,  and  we  shall  be  kept — The  Spirit 
as  a  peaceful  dove,  shall  brood  over  us,  and  all  the  air  be  love." 
And  thus  my  heart  divinely  assured,  brea^thes  into  the  ear  of 
the  High  and  Holy  One,  these  confiding  expressions,  founded  as 
they  are,  on  the  faithfulness  of  Jehovah. 

Now,  dear  Brother  H.,  I  suppose  you  wonder  what  this  has 
to  do  with  the  promise  that  I  will  remember  you  daily.  I  will 
hasten  to  say,  that  your  request  shall  be  regarded  in  the  light 
of  a  sacred  engagement,  and  answered  in  the  aflSrmative,  if  you 
will  consent  to  enter  into  an  engagement  to  make  a  part  of  our 


NliS.  rH(EBE  PALMER.  (jlj 

family.  We  kuow  that  you  will  soon  leave  us,  but  if  you  \vill 
still,  when  far  away,  think  of  us  as  youT  own  dear  Inotlici  juul 
sister,  we  will,  in  the  presence  of  the  High  and  Holy  One,eugag(' 
to  remember  you  daily  as  a  brother  beloved  in  the  Lord,  and 
will  engage  to  remember  dear  Sister  Hamline  also  as  a  sister  be- 
loved in  Christ — and  for  His  sake,  and  in  His  name,  we  shall 
delight  to  bear  you  up  continually,  on  the  wings  of  faith  and 
prayer.  The  endearing  friendships  we  have  formed  Mitli 
dear  brother  and  sister  Hamline,  w^e  ascribed  to  God,  tlie  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  May  this  friendship, — Aye 
more,  relationship — be  perpetuated  throngli  time,  in  the  manner 
that  shall  in  the  highest  possible  degree  glorify  God,  and  through 
eternity  be  matter  of  unending  felicity  and  eternal  praise. 

Prayer  was  not  imcomiiiouly  accompanied  by  fasting- 
or  abstinence.  In  her  joiuiial,  is  the  record  of  a  religious 
^isit  to  Crosswick^.N.J.,  in  the  year  1843,  that  refers  to 
this  custom. 

^'  Much  libertv'  in  conversation  and  prayer,  with  an  assur- 
ance that  God  had  ordeied  my  way  in  sending  me  there.  I 
find  it  somewhat  crossing  to  the  flesh  to  asbtain,  when  abroad, 
— as  it  is  my  custom  on  Friday — to-day  a  little  more  than 
usual,  as  it  excited  some  observation  which  could  not 
well  be  avoided;  an  excellent  dinner  being  prepared  for  ns. 
My  health  will  not  permit  my  fasting,  as  a  general  thing, 
Avholly, — but  I  find  it  well  to  observe  the  day  in  frequent  acts 
of  self-denial.  Paul  says,  '' I  keep  my  body  under."  I  find  it 
helpful  to  my  spiritual  health,  to  do  likewise.  To-day  I  had 
reason  to  be  thankful  that  I  did  so." 

Living  by  faith,  a  life  hid  with  Christ,  in  God,  on 
August  14th,  1838,  we  find  her  writing,  while  realizing 
that  she  has  ''  cause  of  deep  self-abasement,"  on  comi)ara- 
tive  failure  to  gi-asp  the  whole  of  Christian  privilege. 

"I  have  had  many  delightful  visits  of  love.  But  shall  I 
say  visiis  f  No  ! — my  full  heart  woidd  more  i)roperly  memorize 
the  past  few  days'  experience,  by  saying,  I  have  been  favored 
with  abiding  love.'''' 


lOQ  MKMOTIiS  OF 

AVhen  physically  iudispostMl,  Iut  i^rayers  for  restoration 
to  health  were  uniformly  submissive  to  the  Divine  Will,  and 
were  offered,  without  doubt  that  the  Heavenly  Father  woidd 
resx)ond  in  manner  most  conducive  to  His  glory,  and  to 
the  good  of  His  trusting  child.  An  illustration  of  this  is 
selected  from  her  journal  of  November  27th,  1853: 

Returned  home  last  niglit,  ill,  with  prosi^ects  of  being  more 
seriously  ill  to-day.  Unmistakable  symptoms  indicated  several 
days'  indisposition.  I  asked  the  Lord  that  he  would  restore 
me,  and  cause  me  to  rise  in  comfortable  healtli  in  the  morning, 
unless  it  would  be  more  to  His  glory  that  I  sliould  be  ill.  I 
felt  that  tlie  Lord  heard  me,  and  l-new  that  the  answer  would 
be  such  as  wonld  glorify  Him.  This  morning,  at  the  com- 
mand of  Him  who  spake,  and  diseases  obej^ed  His  word,  I  arose 
in  comfortable  health. 

Foi-  guidance  in  the  selection  and  treatment  of  topics 
of  discourse — in  the  axiplication  of  di\ine  truths  to  the 
hearers — in  all  aiTangments  to  compass  the  largest  evan- 
gelistic success,  Mrs.  Palmer  prayerfully  trusted  in  the 
Holy  Spirit — the  abiding  Instructor  and  Comforter.  The 
instance  adduced  is  typical  of  life  long  habit 

DIARY. 

Corning,  Jan.  2d,  1870. 
We  left  our  pleasant  home,  on  the  morning  of  the  31st. 
Arrived  about  7i  in  the  evening.  Found  Rev.  C.  P.  Hard,  and 
several  official  brethren  of  tlie  church  awaiting  ns.  Was 
taken  to  the  house  of  J.  Brown,  Esq.  About  8  o'clock 
reached  the  church  where  it  had  been  announced  we  would  be 
present  to  hold  a  watch-meeting.  A  large  congregation  was 
present.  Jesus  nuido  one  of  the  number.  Amid  abounding 
grace, mercy,  and  peace,  we  saw  the  Old  Year  out,  and  welcomed 
in  the  New  Year.  Our  three  Sabbath  services  have  all  been 
crowned  with  the  manifested  i^resence  of  the  High  and  Holy 
One.  Had  a  signal  and  immediate  answer  to  prayer,  in  the 
selection  of  a  subject  this  morning.  As  usual,  I  had  chosen  a 
theme,  but  feeling  a  little  solicitude  in  regard  to  the  choice. 


MRS.  VHCEBE  PALMER.  ],)J^ 

left  tlic  matter  open.  While  on  tlie  way  to  church,  my  mind  was 
directed  to  a  subject  dilfereut  from  the  one  I  had  selected.  The 
opening  prayer  was  made  by  the  llev.  Mr.  Judd,  missionary 
recently  returned  from  India.  I  asked  in  faith,  nothing 
doubting,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  might  direct,  so  that  the  service 
oi  praiier,  and  matter  of  disconrse  might  be  so  inspired  as  to 
form  one  beatiful  whole.  My  prayer  \vas  answered  in  a  manner 
siugularl}'  direct.  Had  brother  .Judd  intended  discoursing 
himself,  from  Eoman,  12,  instead  of  ourselves,  his  prayer 
could  not  have  been  more  powerful  and  appropriate.  Scores 
of  earnest  seekers,  both  for  pardon  and  purity,  gathered  around 
the  altar,  and  at  ever}^  service,  souls  were  blest. 

Her  diary  and  correspondence iiboiii id  with  illnstrations 
of  constant,  believing  A^Testling  Avith  God,  in  behalf  of  min- 
isters. Bro.  Uphani,  and  also  many  li\ing  preachers  and 
pastors  have  been  the  snbjects  of  long-continned  snppUca- 
tion — snpplication  heard  and  answered,  as  in  the  case  of 
the  ministers  referred  to  in  her  (.liary  ofi'May,  1849 : 

How  wonderful  the  condescension  of  my  Heavenly  Father! 
The  evening  of  the  day  on  Avhich  my  father  Mas  buried,  the 
Lord  permitted  me  to  witness  the  full  answer  to  the  petition 
Avhich  I  had  for  so  many  long  wrecks,  and  with  so  much  impor- 
tunity been  seeking. 

The  minister  for  whose  sanctiti cation  I  had  been  pleading, 
came  in,  and  during  the  interview,  testified  with  great  joy,  of 
Christ -as  his  Saviour  from  all  sin.  "  The  blood  of  Jesus  clean- 
seth  me,"  he  exclaimed  ''Jesus  saves  me  now  unto  the  uttermost. 
Glory  to  His  name*!"-  with  similar  expressions  of  confidence  and 
holy  triumph.  My  soul  was  filled  with  joy  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Unless  God  had  enlarged  the  vessel,  it  seems  to  me  T  could 
hardly  have  borne  larger  measures  of  grace  and  glory. 

'^  Pray  for  me,  "—is  a  stereotyped,  conventional,  well - 
nigh  meanmgless  reqnest,  as  often  preferred  by  ordinary 
christians,  to  the  church,  and  to  each  other.  Not  so  was 
it,  with  this  devoted  daughter  of  the  Almighty,  who  highly 
appreciated  '^the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of   the  right- 


102  MEMOIES  OF 

eous, " — knowing  that  it  '^availetli  nuicli. "  St.  Paui, 
whose  pathetic  and  urgent  entreaties  to  the  saints,  for  re- 
membrauee  in  their  prayers,  are  so  remarkable,  scarcely 
attached  more  importance  to  the  intercessions  of  beUevers 
than  she. 

Saturday,  27th  May,  1841. — On  coming  out  of  meeting,  this 
evening,  I  walked  with  sister  Bartine.  Just  as  we  were  sepa- 
rating, I  felt  an  unusually  strong  sympathy  of  soul  with  her, 
and  I  longed  to  say,  as  we  parted,  "O  sister,  pray  forme," 
but  the  peculiarity  of  the  circumstances  in  which  Tve  were 
placed  in  reference  to  others,  seemed  to  forbid  it.  As  I  re- 
turned home,  I  was  sweetly  reminded  of  my  Almighty  Friend, 
and  the  whispers  of  His  love  soothed  my  spirit  About  an 
hour  after  my  return  home,  in  an  unexpected  niaunei-,  an  ex- 
traordinary^ influence  descended,  and  produced  such  a  lively 
sense  of  the  love  of  Christ,  that  the  inquiry  immediately  arose 
in  my  mind,  ''  Whence  this  influence?"  ]\[y  mind  Avas  at  once 
led  to  dear  Sister  Bartine,  and  I  felt  a  sweet  assurance  that  it 
was  in  answer  to  her  i^rayers,  that  I  was  thus  remembered. 
The  next  morning,  I  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  her.  I 
askedif  she  had  not  been  praying  for  me  at  the  time  specified 
the  evening  before.  The  tears  started,  at  the  inquiry,  and  slie 
replied,  "I  was  endeavoring  to  do  so.  "  Observation  confirms 
me  in  the  persuasion,  that  the  minds  of  those  for  wliom  we  are 
interested,  in  our  approaches  to  the  throne,  are  by  the  same 
spirit  directed  to  the  instrumentality  through  which  the  Holy 
Spirit  designs  to  operate. 

Whether  prayer  be  a  phy^sical  force  in  the  universe,  is 
a  question  that  Mrs.  Palmer  does  nor  seem  to  have  consum- 
ed much,  if  any,  time  in  considering.  She  was  too  busily 
employed  in  high  and  holy  labors,  to  wish  to  discr.ss  the 
question  with  Prof.  Tyndal,  or  his  disci] >les.  Facts  were 
satisfactory  enough, — their  philosophy  she  expected  eter- 
nity to  reveal.  Enough  for  her  to  know,  that ''  Elias  was 
a  man  subject  to  like  passions  as  we  are;  and  he  prayed 
earnestly  that  it  might  not  rain ;  and  it  rained  not  on  the 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  \{)\\ 

^arth  for  the  space  of  three  yeiirs  and  .six  months.  And 
he  i)i'ayed  again,  and  the  heaven  gave  ram,  and  the  earth 
brought  forth  her  fruit,"  James  5;  17,  18.  P^nougii  lor  her 
to  know  that  the  incarnate  God  is  "  yesterday,  to-day,  and 
forever,  the  same," — and  that  He,  Avho  wrought  such 
wondrous  miracles  in  the  days  of  His  earthly  sojourn,  lias 
^'  all  power  m  heaven  and  m  earth"  now.  Her  petition  for 
milder  weather  was  m  perfect  concord  with  the  constitu- 
tion and  course  of  thmgs,  and  was  honored  in  the  result. 

Union,  N.  Y.  September  IGth,  1857. 

Had  a  remarkable  answer  to  prayer  this  morning.  The 
weather  being  severely  cold  (a  heavy  frost),  I  asked  the 
Lord  if  it  might  mellow  down,  so  that  His  people  who  antici- 
pated worshipmg  at  the  grove  during  the  week,  might  have 
favorable  weather. 

I  remembered  the  same  Jesus  who  said  to  the  winds  and 
the  waves  '^  Be  still,"  had  said,  "  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the 
Father  m  my  name,  that  will  /  do,  that  the  Father  may  be 
glorified  m  the  Son."  'If  the  desired  change  in  the  weather 
sliould  take  place,  would  you  regard  it  as  incidental,  or  as  real- 
ly in  answer  to  prayer"?'"  was  the  inquiry  now  presented. 
^'  I"  would  regard  it  as  in  answer  to  prayer,  and  would  sjyeak  of 
it  as^such  to  Thy  praise,"  1  responded.  I  felt  that  my  Saviour 
had  the  same  regard  for  His  disciples  now,  that  He  had  when 
at  their  request  He  rose  and  stilled  the  tempest.  I  believe  in 
answer  to  the  prayer,  "  Give  comfortable  weather  for  the 
meeting,''  that  He  did  so,  for  shortly  afterward  the  weather  began 
to  mellow  down,  and  all  tlie  succeeding  days  of  the  week,  we 
had  delightful  weather,  more  so  I  think,  as  a  whole,  than  any 
we  have  had  during  the  meetings  I  have  attended  this  summer. 
"  Glory  to  God  in  the  Highest !" 

A  letter  addressed  to  Mrs.  Hamline,  nearly  twenty -one 
years  later,  indicates  that  her  faith  in  God's  speci;d  i)rovi 
dence — and  that  in  answer  to  prayer — remained  unim- 
paired : 


104  MEMOIRS  OF 

New  York,  July  ^Otli,  1872. 
Returning  home  by  way  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  we 
were  in  great  peril.  We  had  been  II3  ing  with  fearful  speed.  I 
need  not  tell  you  of  the  short  curves — percipitous  depths,  and 
many  tunnels,  and  yet  we  dashed  on  with  frightful  velocity, 
until  coming  t  :>  a  sudden  i)ause.  Dr.  P.  observed  the  brakeman 
in  consternation.  Inquiring  the  cause,  he  begged  Dr.  P.  not  to 
ask ;  said  he  was  too  much  frightened  to  tell.  The  fact  was, 
that  the  wheel  of  the  locomotive  had  been  on  fire,  and  about 
half  burned  off,  so  that  it  had  now  fallen  off.  What  a  mercy 
that  we  had  not  been  dashed  off  from,  one  of  those  fearful  pre- 
cipices! Through  how  many  dangers,  toils  and  death,  the 
Lord  has  gently  cleared  our  way. 

A  keen  observer — the  Yarious  scenes  aud  incidents  of 
daily  life  were  photographed  on  memory,  recorded  with 
graphic  power,  and  commented  on,  with  freedom  that  owns 
supreme  responsibility  only  to  God. 

New  York,  November  29tli,  1844. — This  afternoon  the  corner- 
stone of  a  Church  in  our  neighborhood  was  to  have  been  laid.  The 
weather  was  unfavorable,  and  the  services  were  to  be  within 
doors  of  a  church  near  by.  A  little  company  assembled  and 
waited  till  some  time  after  the  hour,  when  the  minister  who  was 
to  address  them,  came  in.  After  gazing  on  the  little  company, 
with  a  look  that  seemed  to  intimate  that  the  company  w^s  too 
small  to  expend  the  labor  of  a  sermon  upon,  he  retired. 

A  lovely  young  disciple,  in  reading  his  look  aud  seeing  him 
turn  away,  remarked,  ''Would  Jesus  have  done  so?  Would 
He  not  have  stayed  and  given  a  few  words  of  eucouragment  V  0, 
in  how  many  things  would  those  who  love  the  Saviour  act 
differently,  if  they  would  only  make  it  a  point  to  act  as  they 
have  reason  to  believe  the  Saviour  would,  if  placed  in  similar 
circumstances. 

A  sweet  exemplification  of  what  the  Saviour  doubtless  would 
do,  was  given  by  Sister  Wigtou,  a  week  ov  two  since.  Sister 
Wigton  has  been  the  Lord's  prisoner  for  about  thirty  years  ;  so 
ill  as  to  be  confined  to  her  room,  and  much  of  the  time  to 
her  bed,  during  that  time. 


MliS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  ;i()5 

Since  Bishop  Janes's  residence  in  the  city,  foi  about  live  or 
six  years,  Avheuever  at  lionie,  lie  has  taken  the  utmost 
paius  to  call  on  her  frequently,  and  to  take  charge  of  a  preacli- 
ing  appointment  at  her  house  weekly,  and  seems  to  have 
taken  as  much  pains  to  have  it  punctually  attended  to,  as 
though  hundreas  or  thousands  were  to  liave  been  present. 
When  Bishop  Janes  is  not  at  home,  dear  Sister  Janes  has  been 
known  to  get  up  from  a  sick  bed,  in  order  to  engage  a  preacher, 
so  as  to  prevent  disappointment  to  the  sufferer.  Week  after 
week,  has  our  beloved  Brother  Janes  preached  in  her  room,  with 
perhaps  hut  four  or  five  hearers.  May  we  not  presume  that  the 
Saviour,  in  the  days  of  His  incarnation,  would  have  done  just 
sof  But,  alas  !  how  few  popular  divines  could  afford  time  for 
such  an  enterprise. 

In  the  days  of  my  girlhood,  I  attended  Brother  Paradise's 
class.  On  one  occasion,  he  observed,  ''  Always  ask,  in  whatever 
waj^  engaged,  would  Jesus  have  done  so  were  he  placed  in  my 
circumstances  *?  If  He  would  not,  do  not,  for  the  life  of  you, 
do  it." 

Gifted  with  extraordinary  powers  of  intuition,  sagacious, 
and  i^ossesspd  of  remarkably  good  sense,  Mrs.  Palmer  was 
quick  to  seize  the  passing  oi)portunity, — ''  instant  in  sea- 
son and  out  of  season," — as  the  accomi^anying  incident 
demonstrates : 

New  York,  Maij  6th,  1857. — By  the  use  of  the  sword  of  the 
Spirit,  I  saw  two  men  of  the  most  tiger-like,  tiendish  spirit^ 
suddenly  disarmed  and  passive.  Never  do  I  remember  to  have 
heard  the  language  of  cruelty  and  slaughter  breathed  out  so 
revoltingly  as  this  morning;  while  walking  past  two  sons  of 
Erin,  as  I  was  returning  from  the  Mission-room.  While  indulg- 
ing in  language  exxnessive  of  their  keenest  thirst  for  the  life- 
blood  of  a  fellow  creature,  I  stepi>ed  hack  along  side  of  them, 
and  in  mellowing  accents  observed — ^'The  Bible  says,  '  TiOre 
your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  pray  for  them 
that  despitefuUy  use  you.'"  It  was  the  language  of  the 
Spirit,  and  as  I  gave  utterance  to  it,  the  High  and 
Holy     One     invested     it     with     a     disarming    power.      Both 


10(3  MEMOIliS  OF 

men  seemed  alike  subdued,  as  one,  in  soft,  gentle  tones  re- 
plied— '"  To  love  one's  enemies  would  indeed  be  hard."  *^  Yes, 
to  love  one's  enemies  would  indeed  be  hard  and  impossible, 
without  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  But  Ave  may  have  tiie  lielp 
of  the  Lord.  God  hn^  liromised  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask 
Him.  But  we  cannot,  of  course,  exi^ect  the  promised  aid  unless 
we  asA;." 

While  I  talked,  they  seemed  yet  more  and  more  yielding  in 
their  replies, — and  as  I  parted  with  them,  they  could  scarcely 
have  used  more  deference  had  I  been  Queen.  . 

Thanks  be  to  God !  for  the  privilege  of  thus  swaying  har- 
dened hearts,  by  the  all-conquering  power  of  the  Spirit, — '''The 
word  of  God,  which  is  the  Sword  of  the  Spirit. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  letters  reveal  incisive,  comprehensive , 
tenacious,  good  sense.  Studying  an  object  in  all  its  rela- 
tions, she  almost  instinctively  adopted  wise  methods  of 
comj^assing  it.  Her  correspondence  in  the  publication  of 
her  many  volumes,  and  of  the  ''  Guide" — on  educational, 
domestic,  and  busmess  matters, — while  redolent  of  sanc- 
tity, presents  her  in  the  light  of  a  calm,  wise,  and  wholly 
practical  Christian. 

While  in  Great  Britain  she  recommended  and  obtained 
the  alteration  of  the  interior  of  at  least  one  chiu-ch,  so  as  to 
condu(?t  evangelical  meetings  therein,  with  facility.  She 
also  suggested  and  outlined  plans  of  usefulness  for  w^ork- 
ing  Christians,  especially  for  the  organization  of  Christians 
into  vigilance  bands,  and  soul-sating  associations,  that  Avere 
promptly  adopted,  and  that  operated  harmoniously  and 
with  blessed  results.  In  all  this,  she  had  the  godly  sym- 
pathy and  wise  co-operation  of  Dr.  Palmer. 

One  very  marked  trait  in  the  subject  of  these  memoirs 
was  the  glad  readiness  Avith  Aviiich  she  glorified  the  grace 
of  God  in  others.  Writing  to  Mrs.  James,  from  Coney 
Island,  N.  Y.,  on  the  14th  of  August,  184G,  she  succinctly 
recounts  the   self-denying  and  beneficent  labors  of  Mrs. 


MBS.  Pn(EBE  PALMER.  107 

Lankford,  in  the  country  district  where  Providence  had 
oast  her  h)t. 

"  The  s  .uud  of  the  chiuch-going  bell,' 

calling  the  inhabitants  to  keep  holy  day,  in  the  worshiiJ  of  God, 

"  These  valleys  and  rocks  never  heard." 

Bnt  what  may  not  one  whole-souled  disciple  of  Jesus  do !  How 
lias  the  scene  changed  ?  Had  sister  pleaded  important  domestic 
engagements,  as  she  tjuly  might  have  done,  antl  have  thought 
the  spiritual  and  moral  culture  of  the  inhabitants  less  i)iessing 
than  household  cares,  she  would  not  have  gone  Avith  tract  in  iiand 
over  hill  and  dale,  two,  three  or  four  miles  distant,  informing 
the  parents  that  religious  services  were  about  to  commence  in 
the  neighborhood,  and  inviting  the  children  to  Sundayv  school, 
the  most  of  whom,  as  their  parents  before  them,  having  been 
brought  up  without  even  knowing  how  to  read  the  Word  of 
God.  But  what  hath  God  wrought  in  this  neighborhood,  onc«^so 
noted  for  Sabbath  breaking,  and  other  wickedness  !  Here  is  a 
family,  in  summer  months  often  numbering  between  forty  and 
fifty,  morning  and  evening,  daily  called  to  surround  the  family 
altar.  Here  is  a  little  band  of  the  disciples  of  Jesus,  united  in 
Church  fellowship.  Here  the  word  of  God  is  weekly  proclaimed 
to  the  listening  inhabitants.  Here,  between  fifty  and  sixty 
children  are  gathered  in  school,  many  of  whom  have  learned  by 
this,  their  only  means  of  attaining  the  knowledge,  to  read, 
and  are  now  fitting  for  usefulness.  And  last,  though  not  least, 
here  is  a  well  regiihited  household,  maintained  under  the  most 
disadvantageous  circumstances.  0!  how  fitly  may  the  des- 
cription given  in  Prov.  31,  of  a  virtuous  woman,  be  here 
applied;  and  in  thinking  of  this  most  lovely  and  beloved  sister, 
how  often  has  my  heart  said,  ^'  though  many  daughters  have 
done  virtuously,  yet  thou  excellest  them  all." 

*"Tis  not  meet  to  leave  the  work  of  the  Lord  and  serve  tables," 
said  that  eminent  servant  of  Christ,  Rev.  T.  Merritt,  wlien  this 
dear  sister  was  about  to  leave  the  extensive  field  of  usefulness 
which  she  had  so  long  and  so  successfully  cultivated  in  New 
York  city.    Little  did  he  realise  how  eminently  God  was  about 


108  ME  MO  IBS  OF 

to  signalize  her  as  a  light  in  a  dark  place.  A  short  time  since 
some  of  the  frnits  of  her  lahor  aajis  safely  gathered,— William 
Constant,  of  wliom  an  interesting  account  was  written  by  sister 
about  a  year  since." 

Caldwell's  Landing,  Jidij  5th,  1846. 
To  Bishop  and  Mks.  Hamlin e 

Bishop  H.  will  remember  the  interesting  place  from  wliicb 
I  w^rite.  A  day  of  mucli  interest  in  1844,  during  the  early  part 
of  Bishop  H.'s  sojourn  with  us,  spent  at  the  delightful  residence 
of  my  beloved  sister  Laukford,  is  jet  in  remembrance.  What 
a  day  of  buflfetings  from  the  adversary,  was  that  Sabbath! 
But  0  how  many  victories  of  grace  have  been  gained  since 
that  period. 

Had  the  adversary  forseen  the  effect  resulting  from  Brother 
H.'s  establishment  in  the  possession  of  full  salvation,  the  high 
position  he  was  about  to  be  called  to  occupy,  the  many  souls 
which  were  to  be  sanctified  through  his  instrumentality,  then 
the  manner  of  his  withstanding  at  that  time,  were  not  to  be 
w  ondered  at.  But  as  ever,  in  just  about  the  ratio  good  is  to  be 
accomplished  Satan  endeavoured  to  hinder.  I  have  no  doubt 
that  dear  Brother  and  Sister  H.  are  more  powerfully  withstood 
by  the  enemy,  in  every  conceivable  way,  than  are  ordinary 
Christians. 

PARTING    INTERVIEW    WITH    BRAMWELL'S    BIOGRAPHER. 

Hudson,  N.  Y.,  March  I5th,  18G5. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  lines  first  quoted  remind  me  of  our  last  interview 
with  the  venerable  friend  and  biographer  of  Rev.  Wm.  Bram- 
well,  England.  You  will  remember  Sigston,  at  whose  hons<- 
Brain  well  was  translated  from  earth  to  heaven.  We  had  a 
delightful  interview  with  him,  when  in  Leeds.  A  letter 
received  from  the  Minister  in  Leeds,  tells  us  that  within  a  few 
Aveeks  the  devoted,  venerated  Sigston,  finished  the  voyage 
oflife,  inhis  eighty-eighth  year.  We  received  his  patriarchal 
blessing    just  before  parting  with  him.     In   telling  ns   about 


JinS.  PHCEBE  PALMFAl.  1()9 

Binmweirs  funeral,  lie  repeated  with  glowing  enthusiasm  the 
words  sung  on  the  occasion  : 

''The  voyage  of  life's  at  an  end,  " 

Plow  his  beloved  Biamwell,  as  a  ministering  spirit,  must 
Imve  hailed  him,  as  he  completed  life's  voyage  and  stei)ped 
over  on  the  eternal  shore. 

'•  Bl(\ssed  are  the  peace-makers ;  for  they  shall  be  called 
the  children  of  God,"  Matt.  5 . 9,  is  a  beatitude  to  which 
this  ''Mother  in  Israel"  was  legitimately  entitled.  She 
was  prominently  and  emphatically  a  peace-maker^  as  is 
evident  in  other  portions  of  this  volume.  The  beneficent 
effort  next  recorded,  is  typical  of  many  similar  triumi)hs. 

New  York,  A^pril  lith,  1851. 
Diary. — '^  First  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother  and  then  offer  thy 
gift."  ''  I  can  keep  all  the  commandments  but  one,"  said  one;  '^  I 
am  commanded  to  believe,  but  I  cannot  believe,"  said  he.  For 
several  weeks,  the  sympathy  of  the  church  had  been  enlisted  in 
the  case  of  this  brother.  He  was  so  earnest,  and  apparently  so 
sincere,  that  it  was  regarded  as  a  mystery  indeed,  that  he  could 
not  believe,  and  obtain  the  token  of  acceptance.  Weeks  had 
passed  thus,  when  he  called  on  me,  and  said  that  for  some  time 
he  had  had  it  in  his  mind  that  it  might  be  his  duty  to  seek  a 
reconciliation  with  a  sister  with  whom  a  difference  had  existed, 
of  years  standing.  I  did  not  wonder  that  his  offering  had  not  been 
accepted.  Strange,  indeed,  would  it  have  been,  if  he  could  have 
believed.  I  went  and  tried  to  be  a  peace-maker,  and  the  Lord 
blessed  the  effort.  The  brother  and  sister  saw  each  other,  and 
an  affecting  reconciliation  took  place.  Now  the  brother  finds 
no  difficulty  about  believing,  but  is  triumphant  in  the  God  of 
his.  salvation.  He  now  sees  that  his  error  Avas  in  trying  to 
believe  for  tlie  acceptance  of  his  gift,  before  he  was  reconciled 
tc  his  brother. 

"  As  ye  aboimd  in  everything,  in  faith,  and  utterance, 
and.  knowledge,  and  in  all  diligence,  and  in  your  love  to 
us,  see  that  ye  abound  in  this  grace  also. "    2  Cor.  8 : 7. 


110  MEMOIRS  OF 

''  In  this  grace  "  of  disinterested  liberality^  Mrs.  and  Dr. 
Palmer  did  abound.  The  suspicion  of  mercenary  motive 
never  rested  on  them.  '^  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely 
give,"  Matt.  10:8,  is  an  injunction  of  the  Eedeemer  t(i 
which  they  paid  the  strictest  heed,  as  is  obvious  from  the 
following  letters. 

New  York,  May  2d,  1854. 
Rev.  AVm.  Young: 

Bear  Brother. — Would  it  be  an  object  of  special  desire  witli 
you,  to  have  the  Rev.  Nathan  Bangs  at  your  camp-meeting. 
If  so,  I  tliiuk  he  miglit  be  obtained,  if  a  special  invitation  were 
sent  to  liim.  T  need  not  say  to  you  that  his  praise  is  in  all  the 
churches.  Few,  perhaps,  liave  heard  of  him,  but  know  of  him 
as  a  man  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  eminent',  not 
only  for  his  ministerial  gifts,  but,  in  view  of  his  earnest  and 
apostolic  ministrations  on  tlie  precious  theme  of  present  holi- 
ness. I  judge  that  his  services  maybe  obtained,  because  he 
observed,  after  our  return  last  year,  that  he  would  have  accom- 
panied us  to  Canada,  if  he  had  known  of  our  going.  A  letter 
might  be  addressed  to  him,  either  through  ourselves  or  the 
M.  E.  Book  Concern. 

Permit  us  to  say  here,  that  the  Lord  has  blest  us  with  all 
tliiDgs  needful  for  life  and  godliness ;  and  when  we  fly  about 
on  errands  of  His  grace,  it  is  not  needful  that  our  expenses  be 
paid  J  as  we  have  '^  the  needful"  for  such  emergencies,  and 
even  feel  that  our  all  belongs  to  God,  and  we  are  not  accus- 
tomed to  have  our  expenses  met, — though  such  is  sometimes 
proffered.  But  with  Dr.  Bangs  it  might  be  otherwise.  May 
tlie  Lord  direct  I  Biity  calls  me  at  once,  or  I  would  till  my  slieet. 
May  the  camp-meeting  be  a  season  of  the  most  wonderful 
disi^lays  of  grace  ever  witnessed  in  Canada.  " 

New  York,  February  25th,  1859. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  an  angel's  work,  and  when  we  see  sinners  repent- 
ing, feel  that  we  have  an  angel's  reward,  for  our  joy  is  unspeak- 
able.    But  we  have  some  cases  which  must  be   disposed   of. 


AIRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  \\\ 

unknown  to  angels.  Angels  fly  on  wings  of  love,  free  as  the  air 
of  lieaven.  But  we  fly  (though  at  the  Divine  bidding)  as  rail- 
road ears,  steamers,  &c.,  take  us,  the  expenses  of  which,  though 
often,  are  not  always  met.  AV#  have  also  other  expenses  to 
meet,  as  we  wish  to  retain  our  establishment  here,  in  view  of  thc^ 
perpetuation  of  the  Tuesday  meeting,  which  with  every  year  is 
more  largely  attended,  and  yet  more  influential  for  good.  We 
are  now  endeavoring  to  adjust  matters,  so  that  we  can  leave 
without  pressures  homeward.  In  all  our  journeyings,  the  Lord 
has  abundantly  supplied  all  our  need,  so  that  we  lacked  no 
good  thing.  At  every  point,  the  God  of  all  grace  seems  to  have 
met  us  with  the  inquiry,  "  Lacked  ye  anything  ?"  and  with 
adoring  gTatitude  we  have  been  constrained  to  say,  "  Nothing, 
Lord."  Yet,  in  some  regards,  the  dealings  of  the  Lord  w  ith  us 
have  been  peculiar.  Thus  far,  our  financial  afiairs  have  not,  in 
an  earthly  sense,  prospered,  during  our  many  and  long  contin- 
ued absences  from  home.  We  have  had  the  privilefje  of  testing 
whether  we  were  willing  to  sacrifice  that  which  cost  us  some- 
thing. But  in  regard  to  these  little  matters,  we  trust  our  hearts 
will  ever  dispose  us  to  say,  with  David,  ''  Who  are  we,  that  we 
should  have  to  offer  after  this  sort,  for  of  thine  own  have  we  given 
thee  V  &c.  The  early  disciples  were  called  to  test  principles 
which  few  seem  to  contemplate  now.  When  called,  it  is 
written,  ''  Immediately  they  forsook  all  and  followed  liim."  We 
have  had  but  one  way  of  deciding  the  point,  when  called  to 
near  or  remote  places  to  labor  for  many  years  past.  The  ques- 
tion has  been  decided  thus,  ''  Will  our  going  be  likely  to  result 
in  the  salvation  of  but  one  more  soulthan  might  otherwise  be 
saved  ?     If  so,  one  soul  outweighs  millions  of  silver  and  gold." 

Toward  curreut  church  expenses,  i)hilauthrox)ic  euter- 
prises,  domestic  and  foreign  missions,  and  the  relief  of  the 
poor,  3Irs.  Palmer  Avas  ever  a  systematic  and  liberal  con- 
tributor. 

Another  form  of  the  same  grace, — disinterested  liberality, 
— is  illustrated  in  Mrs.  Palmer's  letter  to  that  gallant  and 
chivalrous  soldier  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Eev.  Dr. 
Perrv,  who,  true  to  the  noble  impulses  of  a  noble  and  lofty 


112  MEMOIRS    OF- 

nature,  had  volunteered  his  services  in  behalf  of  a  mis- 
represented lady,  and  who  subsequently  died  in  the  niili- 
tarv  service  of  his  beloved  and  imperilled  coimtry. 

Oswego,  N.  Y.,  Saturday,  March  Sth,  1856 
Rev.  Dr.  Perry 

Dear  Doctor, — HusbaTid  sent  me  your  Review  of  Mr.  M.,  a 
day  or  two  since.  Aly  moments  have  been  so  fully  occupied, 
early  and  late,  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  read  the  whole.  To 
intimate  that  I  feel  otherwise  than  the  deepest  interest  in  it, 
would  be  wrong.  I  have  glanced  it  over  with  all  the  carefulness 
ray  pressing  and  soul-engrossing  duties  have  permitted,  and 
now,  for  a  moment,  take  my  pen,  by  way  of  relieving  my  heart, 
to  say  that  I  feel  grateful  to  God,  and  you  as  His  servant.  I 
devoutly  believe  tliat  you  have  been  enabled  to  serve  the 
cause  of  truth,  and  trust  that  He  who  is  '^  The  way,  the  Truth 
and  the  Life, "  will,  by  the  precious  sustainments  of  His  grace, 
uphold  and  reward  you.  I  feel  more  than  satisfied  with  the 
manner  in  which  Mr.  M.  has  been  met,  and  so  widely  have  you 
been  enabled  to  provide  against  what  may  be  the  contingencies 
of  a  rejoinder  on  the  part  of  Mattison,  that  I  imagine  it  can 
have  but  little  weight.  Dr.  Palmer  writes  me  that  Mattison 
threatens  to  publish  the  letters.  I  cannot,  of  course,  fully  re- 
member at  this  late  period,  vhat  they  may  be.  But  this  I  know, 
that  they  were  only  written  for  the  eye  of  Brother  G.  And 
I  also  know  that  lie  deeply  regretted  afterward,  that  he  had 
pursued  a  course  that  had  caused  us  to  feel  so  deeply ; — that  he 
felt  and  acknowleclffcd  by  word  and  letter,  in  humiliating  terms, 
his  regret.  Xo  earthly  considerations  could  induce  me  to  con- 
sent to  the  publication  of  a  note  which  he  wrote  me,  to  this 
effect. 

Some  of  the  expressions  of  that  note  are  still  vividly  written 
on  the  pages  of  memory — a  part  of  which  were  about  thus, 
^'  Would  that  I  could  forever  blot  from  the  pages  of  memory, 
the  incidents  of  the  last  few  wrecks,  in  connection  with  this  af- 
fixir,"  &LC.  He  also'said  to  me,  ''  I  could  despise  myself,  for  the 
trial  I  have  been  to  you,"  &c.  And  it  was  thus  that  the  matter 
was  forever  buried  in  my  own  mind,  and  I  should  regard  it  as 


MES.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  1]3 

sacrilegious  ever  to  i)ermit  these  Imniiliating  coiicessioiis  of 
Bro.  C.  to  come  out.  Some  time  ago,  in  looking  over  rwy 
papers,  I  found  a  paper  of  this  sort  from  Bro.  C.  Feeling 
as  thougli  it  might  hardly  be  true  to  his  memory,  that  such 
a  paper  should  be  submitted  to  the  sight  of  others,  should  I  be 
taken  awaj^,  I  inclined  to  the  idea  that  it  was  due  to  him 
that  it  should  be  destroyed.  I  am  not  wholly  sure,  but  I  think 
I  destroyed  it.  Little  did  I  imagine  tliat  what  was  the  occasion 
of  these  humiliating  confessions,  was  so  soon  to  be  brought  up 
to  my  disadvantage." 

Genuine,  godly  humor  gleams  in  the  description  of  an 
editorial  dinner,  given  in  a  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Ham- 
line,  dated  NeAV  York,  November  9th,  1855. 

I  have  recently  made  a  visit  to  Provincetown,  on  Cape  Cod, 
of  which  I  must  tell  you  more  hereafter.  Before  I  went,  we 
had  our  Sabbath-school  Anniversary,  which  continued  three 
days.  Several  speakers  from  a  distance^  were  engaged,  and  tlie 
effort  was  very  successful  in  enlisting  dorm  .ant  energies,  and  far- 
reaching  influences.  Among  our  speakers  from  abroad,  were 
several  editors.  We  made  it  the  occasion  of  giving  an  editorial 
dinner.  You  would  smile  and  approve,  if  I  sliould  tell  you  how 
the  design  of  the  ''  editorial  dinner  "  was  conceived.  You  know 
there  is  one  editor,  who  imagines  that  I  would  liave  extorted 
the  dreaded  profession  of  lioliness  from  the  lii)s  of  a  dying 
Bishop,  and  there  is  another  wlio  takes  sides  witli  him  in  all 
such  matters.  I  thought  how  pleasant  it  must  have  been  for 
Elisha  to  take  those  friends  who  would  have  exposed  liim  to 
harm,  to  Avliere  he  might  introduce  them  to  a  nice  meal.  I 
coA^eted  the  privilege  of  doing  likewise.  I  told  Dr.  P.,  wlio  you 
know  is  alwaj'S  disposed  to  humour  ra}- honest  convictions,  and 
the  thing  went  off  beautifully.  Really,  not  otily  as  a  matter  of 
religion,  but  of  taste,  I  think  it  was  one  of  the  nicest  tilings  I 
ever  did  of  that  sort.  Of  course  we  kept  wlioll}'  away  from 
discussing  matters  calculated  to  revive  unpleasant  recollections. 
And  I  really  think  the  whole  affair  was  divinely  directed,  and  in 
the  '^  beauty  of  holiness.'''' 

This  reminds  me  of  a  letter  from  an  editor,  received  some 


114  MEMOIRS  OF 

weeks  since,  informing  me  of  his  intention  to  review  ^'  Incidental 
Illustrations."  The  article  on  a  ^'  secularized  ministrj-"  has 
given  him  uneasiness.  I  do  not  feel  greatly  alarmed,  and  have 
answered  his  letter  in  a  way  to  assure  him,  that  I  cannot  con- 
scientiousJij  take  back  anything.  Some  of  his  best  friends  thini: 
he  is  convicted  by  his  own  conscience.  If  so,  I  trust  the  Lo:d 
will  take  care  of  both  him  and  me  too. 

I  have  within  a  few  days  received  a  letter  from  that  old 
Simeon,  Father  Kent,  of  New  Bedford.  It  contains  needful 
truth  for  the  Church  to  an  extraordinary  degree.  I  have,  had 
several  letters  from  him  bofore,  but  never  one  that  seemed  so 
much  like  direct  inspiration.  Bishop  Waugh  is  at  j)resent  our 
guest.  We  are  expecting  to  dine  with  us  to-day.  Bishop 
Waugh  and  Ames,  Dr.  Elliott,  Dr.  Bond,  Dr.  Bangs,  Brother 
Wright,  of  Cincinnati,  and  Dr.  Scott,  Delegate  for  the  Irish 
cause  from  Ireland.  We  were  exi)ecting  Arthur,  his  associate, 
but  his  health  is  too  feeble  for  him  to  venture  out. 

Would  it  were  the  will  of  my  Heavenly  Father  that  I  might 
add  the  names  of  our  beloved  Bishop  and  Mr«.  Hamline,  to  the 
list  of  expected  guests.  But  3  ou  are  the  Lord'3  prisoners.  I 
trust  we  may  not  long  be^ compelled  to  say  so.  Are  you  not 
getting  in  a  more  hopeful  state  of  health  f — and  may  we  not 
hope  for  a  visit  from  you  before  long  ? 

New  York,  Dec.  4th,  1855. 

To  THE  SAME : 

Mrs.  Olin  has  also  made  a  call,  bringing  her  last  new  work, 
^^Hill  Side  Flowers."  It  is  a  book  of  finely  selected  poetry, 
bound  in  ^'Annual"  style,  with  a  preface  by  Bishop  Simpson. 
Bishop  Simpson  is  in  the  city.  We  expected  him  to  put  up 
with  us,  but  from  some  unlooked  for  circumstances  it  was  over- 
ruled. He  has  been  to  dine  with  us  and  we  have  had  a  very 
pleasant  visit.  He  has  just  retarned  from  liis  Texas  tour,  and 
gives  us  a  description  of  j^rairie  life;  says  he  slept  on  the  ground 
one  night,  when  it  was  so  cold  that  the  frost  partly  skinned  his 
nose,  but  took  no  cold  by  the  exposure.  Was  six  weeks 
without  hearing  from  his  family.  Said  he  had  been  reading 
^'Incidental  Illustrations,"  ard  expressed  himself  as  particu- 
larly pleased 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


115 


When  the  clouds  of  aspersion  and  detraction,  that  unpro- 
voked antagonism  had  raised  around  lier,  were  dispelled, 
her  thankfulness  to  God  for  bringing  forth  her  ''  riglit- 
eousness  as  the  light,"  and  her  ^'judgment  as  the  noou-ilay," 
was  devout  and  deep  ;  because  by  such  vindication  Divine 
ProAidence  instrumentally  aided  her  great  life-work,  in 
spreading  scriptural  hohness  throughout  these  lands. 

New  York,  May  12th,  1856. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  just  received  a  most  interesting  letter  from  the 
General  Conference.  How  I  would  love  to  step  into  your  little 
sanctuary,  this  morning,  and  read  it  to  you.  It  contains  so  much 
of  the  sort  of  information  that  you  would  love  to  hear.  You 
would  thank  the  Lord  and  take  courage.  *^  The  summing  up" 
is  received  with  much  favor.  Dr.  Perry  has  had  to  do  with  an 
appeal  case  in  which  his  success  has  had  to  do  with  the  cause  of 
truth  in  more  ways  than  one.  Dr.  Perry  says,  tliat  Dr.  McCliu- 
tock,  among  others,  emphatically  endorses  the  '^  suaumings  up  '^ 
as  a  conclusive  response  to  Mattison.  I  can  hardly  forbear 
transcribing  a  few  lines  of  this  letter,  I  am  so  sure  it  would 
give  you  satisfaction.  It  shows  how  deeply  the  Lord  has  bap- 
tized Dr.  Perry,  into  the  spirit  of  caring  for  us  in  connection 
with  the  cause  of  holiness,  and  also  shows  liow  truly  the  Lord 
takes  His  own  way,  to  honor  and  guard  truth,  and  those  that 
maintain  it.  I  do  not  know  that  you  are  acquainted  with  Dr. 
Perry,  personally.  He  is  noble  in  person,  and  digniiied  in 
bearing  and  in  purpose,  and  seems  eminent^  calculated  to  fill 
positions  of  responsibility.  I  was  not  without  my  solicitudes,  in 
view  of  Mattison's  subtlety,  of  the  efforts  that  might  be  made  to 
bring  him  into  disrepute.  I  cast  wy  solicitudes  on  my 
Redeemer,  and  prayed  that  He  whose  providences  are  as  a 
wheel  within  a  wheel,  Avould  interpose,  and  to  show  you  in  Avhat 
an  unlooked-for  manner  God  may  answer  prayer,  I  will  trans- 
cribe a  few  lines  from  Dr.  Perry's  letter. 

^'  Upon  what  strange  circumstances  human  opinions  depenrl. 
I  made  a  speech  in  General  Conference,  on  Tuesday,  on  an  aj^peal 


110  MEMOIRS  OF 

from  tlie  New  York  Conference,  in  wliicli  I  met  the  New  York 
Conference  Delegation,  and,  after  a  day's  figlit,  had  the  action  of 
the  New  York  Conference  reversed,  by  a  unanimous  vote.  I  was 
the  better  pleased  to  do  this,  because  my  princii^al  opponent 
was  Bro.  Osbon,  of  Mulberry  street,  who  has  strongly  sympa- 
thized with  Mattison,  in  his  war.  I  was  very  warmly  com- 
plimented on  all  hands,  from  the  Bishops,  and  the  British 
Delegation  down,  and  the  warm  congratulations  of  the  brethren, 
either  produced,  or  made  known  to  me,  much  sympathy  for  3'ou, 
and  I  verily  believe,  so  strangely  are  we  connected  together,  by 
the  Mattison  controversj",  that  my  success  greatly  helped  j'ou ! 
This  TrnvY  have  arisen  parti}''  from  some  attempted  smartness 
'outhe  part  of  Dr.  Osbon,  in  making  some  broad  allusions  to 
the  controversy  in  his  speech.  He  was,  however,  well  rebuked, 
and  very  greatl}-  mortified I  tell  you  this,  only  be- 
cause of  your  direct  connection  with  the  affair.  I  hardly  know 
what  to  say  about  our  friend  Mattison.  He  is  scattering  his 
books,  but  if  I  judge  correctly,  is  not  making  friends. 

''  I  am  going  to  try  an  experiment.  I  am  going  to  preach  in 
the  Church  here  on  Sabbath  evening  ....  I  design  to  preach  on 
the  doctrine  of  Christian  Perfection,  and  shall,  as  plainly  as  I 
can,  proclaim  the  old  Wesleyan  doctrine,  &c.  Last  Sabbath 
evening  was  the  time  referred  to.  Shall  we  unite  our  daily  sup- 
I)lications  in  his  behalf  that  he  may  speedily  have  the  2vitness  of 
the  hlesshuj.  I  am  sure  he  is  hungering  and  tliirsting  after  it. 
He  told  me  that  his  investigations  on  this  subject  had 
done  his  own  soul  good, — that  when  he  first  entered  upon  the 
defense  of  our  writings  he  did  expect  to  find  some  difficulties, 
but  his  investigations  had  onl}'  tended  to  confirm  liim  in  tlie  ex- 
cellence and  imj)ortance  of  Wesleyan  doctrine,  and  the  entire 
unanimity  of  our  views  Avith  the  standards  of  Methodism."  I  do 
not  give  his  precise  words,  but  am  more  than  within  bounds 
in  giving  his  sentiments. 

P.  S. — We  have  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Perry  to-day  from 
Indianapolis.  Speaking  of  an  interview  with  Dr.  G.  Peck,  he 
says,  "  Mattison  has  entirely  misrejiresentcd  him,  in  quoting  him 
in.  regard  to  Dr.  Olin's  dying  requests,  &c." 


MUS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  1  ^  r^ 

Beyond  absolutely  needful  refutation  of  injurious  luis- 
statenient,  by  means  of  the  voluntary  and  disinterested 
agency  of  true  friends,  Mrs.  Palmer  wholly  refused  to  pro- 
ceed. Adversaries  were  quietly  let;  to  then-  own  devices 
while  she  pursued  the  even  tenor  of  her  Christ- like  way, 
sa;y'ingwithNehemiah,  the  Tirshatha,  '^T  am  engaged  m  a 
great  work,  and  cannoi;  come  do^^^l."  The  only  contril)u- 
tion  from  her  pen,  relative  to  the  Mattison  Controversy,  that 
Was  pubUshed  during  its  progress,  appeared  in  the  Chris- 
tian Advocate  of  December  5th,  1855,  aiulTead  as  follows: 

COALS  OF  FIRE. 

'  In  so  doing,  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head."     Eoni.  12 :  20. 

I  might  tell  you  of  one  of  your  friends  who  is  never  troubled 
very  seriously,  for  any  length  of  time,  with  hard  feelings  about 
any  one.  Not  that  she  does  not  sometimes  have  trials  of  this 
sort,  calculated  to  perplex,  but  there  are  some  things  which 
Satan  cannot  endure,  and  it  is  well  to  find  out  what  these  thinga 
lare.  Well,  here  is  one.  He  cannot  bear  to  witness  exhi])ition8 
of  love  to  our  enemies,  or  to  have  us  bless  and  pray  for  them 
that  despitefully  use  and  persecute  us. 

When  the  enemy  obtrudes  with  new  trials  of  this  sort,  she 
scarcely  trusts  herself  to  dwell  on  the  merits  or  demerits  of  the 
case  ;  but  shielding  herself  afresh  in  Christ,  she  breathes  out  in 
words  of  love,  blessings  on  her  enemies.  And  the  more  the 
enemy  magnifies  the  extent  of  the  wrong,  and  tempts  her  to  in- 
dulge in  hard  feelings  against  those  who  despitefully  use  her, 
the  more  earnestly  does  she  ejaculate,  "Lord,  bless  them! 
Lord,  bless  them!"  And  tlius  has  she  continued  to  repeat 
blessings,  until  the  enemy  has  been  vaiupiished. 

Decidedly  Wesleyan,  or  rather  Pauline,  in  opinion,  on 
the  subject  of  dress,  she  used  the  influence  of  friends,  to 
warn  the  endangered  of  the  peril  of  worldly   conformity. 

Diary,  Tuesday,  January  Wth,  1871. — Precious  meeting  to- 
day.   I  had  a  conversation  witli  a  friend,  who,  many  years  ago^ 


118  MEMOIRS  OF 

after  a  severe  struggle  with  her  own  will,  made  a  full  surren- 
der, and  Jesus  entered  the  heart- temple,  and  cleansed  it  with 
His  blood,  inlaid  it  with  holiness,  and  came  with  the  Father  to 
take  up  His  abode  with  her.  Then  what  a  power  she  became. 
The  Church  felt  and  acknowledged  it.  Serving  the  Lord  in  the 
heautij  of  holiness.  By  the  attractions  of  her  Cliristian  life,  she 
was  enabled  to  lure  other  professed  Christians  into  the  high- 
way of  holiness,  and  to  win  souls  for  Christ.  But  as  the  high 
noon  of  worldly  prosperity  began  to  beam  upon  her,  she  began 
to  walk  a  little  after  the  lasliion  of  tliis  world,  and  now  my 
soul  is  sad  with  the  thought  that  she  may  be  walking  in  a  de- 
gree quite  beyond  her  comprehension,  in  sparks  of  her  own 
kindling.  What  will  professions  of  entire  sanctiti cation  avail, 
when  we,  in  company  with  like-minded  professors,  conform  to 
the  customs  and  fashions  of  worldly  society  ?  Certainly  it  will 
inore  than  nullify  the  profession.  It  will  cause  tlie  uncircum- 
cised  to  triumph.  0  !  how  fearfully  deceptive  and  blinding  is 
the  god  of  this  world.  At  the  risk  of  wounding,  though  I  have 
long  loved,  I  tried  to  be  faithful  to  this  dear  friend. 

Wliile  laboring  at  Windsor,  England,  January,  18G1,  a 
number  of  soldiers,  and  also  of  musicians  belonging  to  the 
Queen's  band,  enlisted  in  the  service  of  tUe ''  King  of  Kings.^ 
Some  of  these  musicians  sought  and  found  the  gift  of 
power,  and  exijerienced  the  grace  of  entire  sanctification. 
Conscience, — informed  and  piuified, — would  no  longer 
allow  them  to  perform  on  Sabbath  as  on  secular  days  -, — 
and  yet  the  Sovereign  conmianded  their  service  on  the  royal 
grounds,  on  the  Lord's  Day,  when  she  ordinarily  made  her 
appearance,  and  when  jdeasure  trains  from  London  brought 
hosts  of  Sal)l)atb  brealvcrs,  to  see  the  Queen,  as  also  to 
spend  the  sacred  hours  in  godless  revelry  and  amusements. 
The  royal  town  deserved  its  appellation  of  "Wicked 
Windsor."  What  was  to  be  done'  ?  Not  more  clearly  was 
Daniel's,  or  the  AiH^stles'  case,  one  of  choice  between  obe- 
dience to  the  earthly  magistrate  and  obedience  to  "the 
Lord  of  the  whole  earth."    Were  these  pious  soldiers  to  be 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  Hf) 

like  Sliadrach,  Mesliack,  and  Abednego,  or  like  Naaman, 
the  whilom  leper,  accomi)aii>iiig  his  master  to  the  house  of 
Eimmon;  or  were  tliey  to  be  exempted  from  trial  of  tlieir 
principles .  Mrs.  Palmer  sympathized  Avith  the  men.  She 
l)rayed  for  them.  She  did  more, — for  she  addressed 
Queen  Victoria  in  their  behalf. 

Think  as  you  please  of  it,  we  wrote  a  letter  to  Her  Majesty, 
giving,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  our  views  of  the  ixMiuirenicnts 
of  the  King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords,  of  a  people  wlio  liad 
been  the  most  highly  favored  under  heaven  Avith  religious  light. 
Specially  did  we  give  our  views  in  relation  to  the  resi)oiisibili- 
ty  of  one  whom  God,  in  tlie  order  of  His  gracious  providence, 
had  placed  at  tlie  head  of  the  nation,  to  set  such  exanjj)les  as 
miglit  be  safely  followed. 

No  answer  was  received,  at  least  no  traces  of  the  pen  from 
her  Majesty's  hand.  Tliis  would  not  be  allowed  :  but  a  respect- 
ful note  from  the  Queen's  Secretary  assured  us  our  letter  had 
been  received ;  and  this,  of  course,  was  all  I  could  ask. 

What  decision  the  Queen  and  her  advisers  came  to,  on 
the  subject-matter  of  the  letter,  does  not  appear.  The 
King's  daughter,  however,  had  faithfully  done  her 
duty. 

Mrs.  Palmer  remembered  the  Sabbath  day,  and  kept 
it  holy,  as  the  Lord  hath  commanded.  The  unwillingness 
to  employ  ordinary  means  of  conveyance,  in  order  to  enjoy 
the  desired  ideasure  of  hearing  Bishop  HamUne  preach, 
described  in  the  ensuing  extract  from  her  diary,  recalls  a 
similar  entry  in  relation  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Guthrie,  Avhile  in 
Scotland .  The  intention  of  listenhig  to  his  eloquent  voice 
was  at  once  relincpiished,  when  it  w  as  disco\'ered  that  its 
execution  would  have  involved  unnecessary  infraction  of 
positive  law  concerning  the  Sabbath. 

Diary,  June  KStli,  1844. — As  I  pass  onward  in  my  jouruey- 
ings  opportunities  for  testing  principles  are  continually  piesent- 
ing.     I  liad  a  thorough  test  of  principle  I  liad  l:»i<l  down  in  1113' 


120  MEMOIRS  OF 

own  mind,  relative  to  a  proper  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  both 
last  Sabbath  and  this. 

Brother  Hamline,  whom  I  have  never  yet  heard,  preached 
both  last  Sabbath  morning  and  this  at  the  Sands  street  Church, 
Brooklyn.  I  have  seen,  so  much,  the  evil  of  encouraging  Sab- 
bath travelling,  subjecting  hundreds  as  it  does  to  labor  through- 
out the?  day,  instead  of  allowing  attendance  on  the  means  of 
grace,  that  I  dare  not  do  anything  that  will  favor  it  in  the 
least.  On  mentioning  my  feelings  on  the  subject  to  Brother 
Hamline  this  morning,  he  said  ^^  I  think  these  little  mattsrs 
are  calculated  to  give  a  more  thorough  test  of  principle  than 
greater  ones,  and  are  perhaps  more  regarded  in  the  eye  of  God.^ 
In  momentous  matters  the  eyes  of  the  multitude  are  upon  you, 
and  you  dare  not  swerve ;  but  in  lesser  matters  you  are  scarcely 
conscious  of  other  than  the  eye  of  God.  But  few,  perhaps,  have 
had  occasion  to  lament  these  innovations  on  the  Sabbath  more 
than  myself,  from  the  frequent  conversations  I  have  had  with 
agents,  chambermaids,  and  those  variously  employed,  in  the 
labor  necessary  to  sustain  Sabbath  travelling.  If  Sabbath 
travelling  is  necessary,  then  their  labor  is  necessary,  and  if  so, 
meets  with  the  Divine  approval.  But  those  thus  employed  feel 
otherwise;  several  have  said  to  me  that  they  could  not  serve 
the  Lord  and  do  thus.  Their  own  consciences  condemned 
them,  but  having  no  other  way  of  supjjort  for  their  families,  and 
seeing  others  ready  to  step  into  their  place,  as  soon  as  vacated, 
they  risk  the  loss  of  the  soul  for  the  sake  of  a  livelihood. 

Yery  strikingly  is  this  virtue  of  fidelity  to  God  apparent^ 
in  the  narrative  of  the  voyage  to  England,  in  June,  1858,* 
a  narrative  that  unintentionally  portrays  the  writer's  char- 
acter with  photographic  exactitude.  FauiLly  prayers,  in 
whicli  all  took  part,  w  ere  regularly  offered  in  the  state- 
room ;  daily  social  worship  was  established  in  the  dining- 
saloon ;  and  ministers  of  two  evangelical  denominations 
were  courteously  but  faithfully  reproved,  for  w^orldly  con- 
formity, and  urged  to  seek  the  blessing  of  entire  holiness. 

*"  Four  Years  in  the  Old  World."  pp.  13-25. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  rALMEJR.  121 

Attracted  by  her  spirit,  iiiaiiners,  and  i)()sitive pietj,  the 
liidy  of  a  British  naval  officer,  who,  with  her  daughter, 
was  among  the  passengers,  sought  Mrs.  Palmer's  aequaint- 
ance,  listened  most  attentively  to  her  clear  expositions, 
and  enforcements  of  religious  duty,  attended  the  daily 
worship),  and  i)arted  from  her  American  friend,  at  Li\'erpool, 
with  high  regard,  and,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  with  i)ermanently 
good  imi)ressions  and  resolves.  Against  intemperance, 
liquor-selling,  liquor-makuig  and  liquor-drinking  Mrs. 
Palmer  waged  micompromising  Avarfare.  When  hokling 
meetings  in  Windsor,  England,  in  18G1,  with  Dr.  Palmer, 
they  found  the  Methodist  Church  involved  in  the  guilt  and 
shame  of  complicity  with  the  rmii  traffic,  and  in  that  com- 
plicity discovered  the  secret  of  Methodism's  poverty  oi 
spirit,  and  paucity  of  numbers.  The  basement  of  the 
chiu'ch,  or  ])art  of  it,  was  used  as  a  liquor  cellar,  and  re- 
mmded  her  of  a  Scotch  Presbyterian  Church,  in  her  own 
country,  of  which,  in  the  days  of  gii'lhood,  it  was  written, 

"  There's  a  spirit  below  and  a  spirit  above, — 
The  spirit  of  hate,  and  the  spirit  of  love : 
The  spirit  above  is  the  spirit  divine, 
The  spirit  below  is  the  spirit  of  wine." 

On  Monday  evening,  during  the  progress  of  a  numerously 
attended  meeting,  the  congregation  was  disturbed  by  a  thun- 
derous shock  occasioned  by  aa  intoxicated  drayman  hurling  a 
tierce  of  spirits  from  the  top  of  the  vault  to  the  depths  below. 

We  told  the  dear  friends  that  we  could  not,  neither  would 
we,  insult  the  God  of  the  armies  of  Israel,  by  asking  Him  to  go 
out  before  His  people  in  that  place,  until  the  accursed  tiling 
was  taken  away ;  and  I  am  sure  that  they  were  about  as  anx- 
ious as  ourselves  for  its  speedy  removal. 

The  next  morning,  at  an  early  hour,  the  excellent  superin- 
tendent minister  went  to  see  the  enterprising  circuit  steward, 
seven  miles  distant,  in  order  to  secure  his  immediate  co-opera- 
tion in  clearing  the  chapel  x>iemises  of  the  worse  than  golden 
wedge,  or  Babylonish  garment.     We  thanked  God,  and  took 


122  MEMOIRS  OF 

courage.  This  victory,  aud  the  subsequent  conquests  we  wit- 
nessed, while  at  AYiudsor,  was  well  worth  a  voyage  over  tfee 
Atlantic;  and  herein  do  Ave  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  rejoice.  That 
the  enemy  raged,  was  only  as  might  have  been  anticipated;  for 
when  did  Zion  conquer  without  X)revious  conflict  ?  "  Where 
no  war  wages,  no  victories  await  her."  So  said  good  Bishop 
Hamline. 

From  Poole,  in  Dorsetshire,  Mrs.  Palmer  wrote  of  a  simi- 
lar couflict,*  and  of  a  similar  conquest.  At  that  time,  the 
drinking  customs  and  usages  of  England  were  worse  than 
at  present.  Total  abstinence  from  the  use  of  all  that 
intoxicates  is  making  rapid  progress,  and  particularly  in 
Methodist  circles.  For  much  of  this  improvement  Great 
Britain  is  indebted  to  the  firm,  kind,  uncompromising- 
opposition  of  herself  and  husband,  to  the  devoimng  sin  of 
di^unkenness,  in  any  and  every  degree : 

Did  I  tell  you  of  the  circuit  steward  and  sabbath -school 
superintendent,  who  was  carrying  on  the  largest  business  for 
his  Satanic  majesty  in  this  town  f  While  revival  meetings  were 
held  in  the  Wesleyan  chapel,  this  leading  layman  in  the  church 
was  furnishing  the  intoxicating  draught,  by  which  the  hosts  of 
sin  were  being  incited  to  the  commission  of  all  sorts  of  u^jroarious 
iniquity. 

We  h^d  already  commenced  our  special  services,  when  we 
were,  in  the  most  humiliating  manner,  made  acquainted  with 
this  fact.  Our  first  meetings  were  held  on  Sabbath;  when  on 
Monday  morning  a  note  was  handed  us,  reading  thus: — 

"  How  can  God  revive  his  work  in  t\\G  Wesley  chapel,  when  the 
most  noted  maltster  in  the  town,  owning  the  largest  number  of 
liquor  establishments  in  the  region,  is  circuit  steward  and  Sab- 
batli-scliool  superintendent  ?  Will  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  answer, 
for  the  benefit  of  a 

Poor  Sinner." 

We  sent  for  the  excellent  superintendent  of  the  circuit,  who 
had  bewailed  what  had  been  the  manifest  want  of  religious 
power  and  prosperity  among  his  peoi>le.     We  read  him  the 


i/i?S.  PECEBE  PALM  Ell.  123 

note,  and  asked  that  lie  would  consent  to  oiii-  leaving  at  the 
close  of  tlie  week,  thinking  that  we  might  leave  at  that  time 
without  exciting  observation,  not  wishing  to  raise  questiouiDg, 
or  making  the  wherefore  of  our  departure  known.  He  entreated 
us,  with  tears,  to  remain,  saying  that  the  state  of  the  cause  m  the 
place  was  deplorable ;  and  his  only  hope  was  that  the  Lord 
might  use  us  there,  as  in  other  places,  in  raising  the  standard. 
We  told  him  we  had  no  possible  h()i)e,  in  view  ot  the  circum- 
stances, and  could  not,  neither  would  v^e^  Insult  the  Captain  of 
Israel's  hosts  by  asking  him  to  go  out  before  the  people  with 
such  evil  in  their  midst.  And  as  we  had  not;  come  to  the  Old 
World  intending  to  assume  the  position  of  '  rejrrovcrs  general,* 
we  begged,  as  a  favor  that  he  would  allow  us  to  depart  noise- 
lessly He  appea^i'ed  to  feel  as  deeply  as  ourselves,  but  wholly 
unwilling  we  should  leave. 

I  will  not  attempt  to  describe  what  I  felt  under  these  cir- 
cumstances. Two  whole  nights  I  scarcely  closed  mj^  eyes,  and 
I  v^■as  really  ill.  1  seemed  to  have  an  assured  presage  of  com- 
ing evil.  I  saw  that  we  had  come  to  a  point  in  the  career  of 
our  labors  iu  the  Old  World,  where  we,  in  regard  to  the  great 
god  Bacchus,  would  be  required,  not  to  turn  aside,  but  to  stand 
up  openly  and  in  defiant  attitude,  despite  of  opposing  influ- 
ences, whether  in  high  or  low  places,  and  meet  the  conse- 
quences, however  formidable.  Over  and  over  again  did  I 
express  my  convictions  to  Dr.  P.  that  in  this  occurrence  I  was 
beginning  to  hear  the  death-knell  of  our  revival  services  in 
England. 

As  time  has  i^assed  on,  and  1  have  witnessed  the  almost  uni- 
versal bowing  down  to  the  great  god  13acchus,  iu  this  enlightened 
country,  my  heart  has  been  inexpressibly  sad.  Were  the  habit 
of  partaking  of  tlie  intoxicating  beverage  confined  to  the 
acknowledged  servants  of  sin,  or  the  lower  order  of  the  people, 
the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  reaching  them  were  less  formidable. 
But  the  habit  prevails  equally  among  church-members  and  min- 
isters, as  with  avowed  worldlings. 

The  spirit-dealer  was  waited  upon  ;  but,  prizing  the  gains  of 
sin  more  than  his  membership,  or  his  love  of  souls,  he  preferred 
to  resign  his  standing  in  the  church  to  the  renunciation  of  his 


124 


MEMOIRS  OF 


traffic.  On  the  evening  of  the  day  he  withdrew  from  the  church, 
twenty  souls  were  born  into  the  kingdom,  besides  several  who 
received  the  sanctifying  seal. 

With  the  perfect  embodied  ideal  of  humanity  ever 
before  her,  in  the  character  and  life  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
Mrs.  Palmer  intently  studied  each  aspect  of  it,  deliber- 
ately adopted  its  principles,  imbibed  its  spirit,  and  zeal- 
ously strove  to  reproduce  that  perfect  life  in  her  own. 
Growth  in  grace,  in  knowledge,  love  and  power,  was 
steady  and  sj  mmetrical,  and  beautifully  illustrated,  as  the 
succeeding  extracts  from  diary  and  correspondence  show, 
the  inspired  declaration,  ^-The  righteous  shall  floimsh 
like  the  palm-tree,  he  shall  grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
Those  that  be  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  shall 
flourish  in  the  courts  of  our  God.  They  shall  still  bring 
forth  fruit  in  old  age  5  they  shall  be  fat  and  flourishing." 
Ps.  92 :  12-14. 

RENEWAL   OF   STRENGTH. 

Dianj,  Decemher  13th,  1837.— To-day  I  feel  all  the  ardent 
aspirations  of  my  soul  sweetly  centering  in  God.  I  do  not 
feel  that  I  have  one  desire  apart  from  Him.  He  is  my  all  in  all. 
I  at  present  enjoy  "  the  silent  heaven  of  love."  The  beauty  ot 
holiness  more  and  more  captivates  my  enraiitured  soul,  and 
its  requirements  appear  still  more  and  more  reasonable  as 
I  daily  drink  in  its  spirit.  Spirit  of  Holiness!  Continue  to 
breath  uj)on  me  Thy  purifying  and  soul-transforming  influ- 
ences. My  experience  has  uniformly  corroborated  the  truth, 
that  after  every  intense  season  of  longing  for  more  comformity 
to  the  Divine  image,  though  the  soul  may  not  at  that  moment 
or  hour,  realize  the  attainment  of  the  blessing,  or  feel  a  pres- 
ent answer,  yet  it  is  invariably  given. 

TRIUMPHANT  JOY. 
Diavff,  1841.— On  the  opening  of  the  New  Year,  I  was  awak- 
ened suddenly  from  sleeii,by  a  serenade  from  our  church  choir. 


il/7.'S.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  X25 

It  was  so  miicli  like  being  usliered  into  heaven,  that  for  some 
time  afterward,  it  seemed  as  if  I  mingled  with  the  society  ot 
the  redeemed  in  heaven.  A  blessed  persuasion  was  given,  that 
my  dismission  from  the  body  would  be  attended  with  similar 
circumstances,  when  the  glories  of  the  eternal  world  should 
ourst  upon  my  enraptured  vision,  and  the  spirits  of  the  *'ju8t 
made  j^erfect  "  hall  me  with  songs  of  triumph,  and  bear  me  to 
the  presence  of  Him  whom,  having  not  seen,  I  love.  I  rejoice 
with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  I  am  encircled  m  the 
arms  of  Infinite  Love.  Though  the  life  of  the  Cliristian  is  one 
of  continual  warfare,  and  ^^  legions  of  wily  fiends  oppose,"  yet 
he  may  so 'learn  to  trust,  that  his  enemies  may  not  be  permitted 
to  triumph  over  him.  This,  through  grace,  is  my  own  experi- 
ence, and  shall  I  not  rejoice  in  the  Rock  of  my  salvation  ? 

^^  DAY  OF  DAYS.  " 

Diary,  Jnhj  26th,  1841,  As  was  the  month  Abib  to  the  Israel- 
ites, so  is  this  memorable  day  with  me.  On  the  evening  of  this 
day,  four  years  ago,  was  "  the  beginning  of  months"  with  me.  It 
was  then  I  was  ushered  into  a  life  of  faith  of  which  I  had  no 
conception. 

Since  that  time,  the  entire  consecration  of  my  whole  being  to 
God,  has  been  the  paramount  object  of  my  life,  and  I  believe  I 
have  not  seen  one  hour  since,  but  I  have  felt  that  death  would 
be  preferable  to  a  departure  from  God.  My  mind  ever  reverts 
to  this  j)eriod,  as  to  that  when,  in  the  most  solemn,  deliberate 
manner, — I  gave  myself  away  in  the  bonds  of  an  everlasting- 
covenant,  to  be  wholly  the  Lord's,  for  time  and  for  eternity, 
and  when  on  the  part  of  the  Infinite,  Immutable  Jehovah,  the 
offering  was  accepted  and  sealed- 

Such  had  been  my  proneness  to  unbelief,  that  I  felt  that  noth- 
ing less  than  divine  j)ower,  could  keep  me  for  one  nu)nient  in 
tliis  state  of  grace.  I  saw  that  God  was  able  to  uphold  me  by 
tlie  right  hand  of  His  power.  I  saw  the  absolute  necessity  of 
being  saved,  moment  by  moment,  and  my  heart  began  to  sing, 

"  Fm  a  miracle  of  grace." 

Glory  be  to  God !     I  am  beginning  to  know  better  how  to 


126  MEMOIRS  OF 

apprehend  the  lesson,  to  ^^  glory  in  tribulation."  I  have  been 
enabled  to  say,  ^'  Lord,  I  thank  thee  for  trials,  and  as  fresli  ones 
are  presented,  I  plead  earnestly  that  the  lesson  of  grace  intend- 
ed to  be  communicated,  may  be  fully  apprehended. 

My  will  sweetly  rests  in  the  will  of  God.  For  worlds,  I 
would  not  be  left  to  choose  my  way  through  the  pilgrimage  of 
life.     Even  now, 

"This  note  above  the  rest  shall  swell, 
My  Jesus  hath  done  all  things  well." 

SPIRITUAL  RETROSPECT. 

Diary,  December  Slst,  1846. — This  night,  in  the  sanctuary  of 
the  Most  High,  I  have  been  numbered  with  the  witnesses  of 
Jesus.  Congregated  with  his  disciples,  I  have  referred  to  the 
glory  of  His  grace,  to  the  period  ten  years  since  when  I  entered 
into  solemn  covenant,  that  I  would  take  the  soul-inspiriug  sen- 
timent, "  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which  strengtheneth 
me,"  as  my  motto  for  the  then  ensuing  year.  What  hath  G-cd 
wrought  since  that  eventful  hour  ?  Year  after  year  liave  I 
rested,  with  jet  stronger  confidence  on  this  soul-strengthening 
assurance.  While  thus  rej^osing,  strength  suited  to  every 
emergency  hath  been  granted,  ;?/si  when  needed  :  0,  yes  ;  through 
Christ,  not  who  did,  or  will,  at  some  future  period,  but  Avhich 
strengtheneth  just  noiv,  while  I  rest  upon  Him  for  strength,  and 
the  succeeding  moment  while  I  continue  to  rest  ui)on  Him  for 
strength. 

]\Iost  eventful,  indeed,  have  been  the  succeeding  years, — 
CmiiST,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  righteousness, 
sanctification  and  redemption,  hath  permitted  me  with  an 
appropriating  faith,  continually  to  testify  that  He  is  indeed 
unto  me  all  that  this  most  w^onderful  x>assage  imi)lies.  It 
is  not  without  temptation  that  I  set  my  soul  to  the  faith- 
fulness of  God,  in  making  this  bold  assertion. 

My  unworthiness,  and  the  remembrance  of  my  short- 
coming, would  dissuade  me,  but  the  knowledge  that  I  have 
never  removed  the  offering  fiom  off  the  altar,  but  in  the 
integrity  of  my  heart  have  ceaselessly  presented  the  sacrifice — 
this  knowledge,  I  would  say,  blended  with  an  absorbing  view 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  1  07 

of  the  faithfulness  of  God,  furnislies  a  scriptural  reason  for  my 
boldness  when  I  again,  with  yet  increasing  confidence,  repeat, 
'^  who  of  God  IS  made  unto  ?ne,  wisdom,  righteousness,  saucti- 
lication,  and  redemption."' 

Tlianks  be  to  God,  who   giveth  victory  through   our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Diartj,  Jan.  19,  1847.—^'  Count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  di. 
vers  temptations."  ''  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temp- 
tation." Tliese,  and  kindred  passages,  have  admonished  me, 
this  morning,  in  a  manner  which  I  hope  may  be  ever  remember- 
ed. My  faith  continues  to  be  tried.  Temptations  complicated 
and  diverse,  abound.  0,  God  !  my  Heavenly  Father,  graut  that 
in  all,  I  may  be  more  than  conqueror.  I  would  rejoice  in  this, 
that  it  is  thy  will,  that  I  should  be  '^perfect  and,entire,  want- 
ing nothing."  0,  that  even  with  much  sweetness  of  spirit,  and 
in  the  quietness  and  docility  of  perfect  faith,  I  may  lie  in  Thy 
hands  until  the  Heavenly  Bridegroom  shall  pronounce  me 
*' without  spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing." 

Diary,  Monday  July  26,  1847.— '^  Shall  I  ever  forget  this  eve- 
ning, ten  years  since  ?  It  was  then,  through  Jesus,  the  new 
and  living  Way,  I  was  permitted  to  cast  anchor  within  the  vail. 
Truly  may  I  say,  '^  Having  obtained  help  of  God,  I  continue  to 
this  day."  Increasingly  do  I  feel  the  need  of  Divine  assistance. 
Every  moment  is  my  heart  in  its  deep  realizations  of  helpless- 
ness, virtually  breathing  forth  in  the  ear  of  my  all-sufficient 
Saviour, 

"  Unsustained  by  Thee,  I  fall. 

Send  the  help  for  which  I  call. 

Weaker  than  a  bruised  reed, 

Help,  I  every  moment  need.'' 

He  who  hath  said,  '^  I  am  the  Almighty,  walk  before  me, 
and  be  thou  perfect,"  hath  girded  me  with  his  strength.  Bless- 
ed be  the  Lord,  ^'  who  teacheth  my  hands  to  war,  and  my  fin- 
gers to  fight."  Had  he  for  one  hour,  or  even  for  one  moment, 
left  me  to  the  will  of  my  enemies,  my  cruel  foes,  in  that  hour, 
Avould  have  overcome  me,  and  wrested  away  the  shield  of  faith. 
^- 1  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee,"  is  still  the  voice 
of  my  covenant-keeping  God.     My  confiding  heart  responds, 


]^28  MEMOIRS  OF 

"  Never  will  I  remove 
Out  of  Thy  hands,  my  cause. 

December  18,  1848. — I  am  this  day  forty-one  years  old. 
How  rapidly  does  time  progress 

^'  The  year  rolls  round,  and  steals  away 

The  breath  that  first  it  gave  ; 

What  e'er  we  do,  where  e'er  we  be, 

We're  traveling  to  the  grave." 

Yet  I  do  not  find  my  mind  much  absorbed  with  the  thought 
that  I  am  traveling  to  the  grave,  nor  with  the  reflection,  that 
I,  with  the  throng  of  human  beings  suirounding  me,  am  destin- 
ed to  live  forever.  My  mind  is  much  absorbed  in  prayerful  en- 
deavor to  serf  e  my  generation  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
I  thank  the  Lord,  that  I  have  been  spared  through  another  year. 
I  trust  my  spirit  is  better  fitted  to  dwell  with  God,  and  to 
mingle  with  the  pure  inhabitants  of  heaven,  than  if  it  had  been 
called  away  at  an  earlier  peyiod.  How  desirable  that  the  un- 
dying spirit  should  be, 

"  Fully  prepared  and  fitted  here. 
By  perfect  holiness,  to  appear 
Before  God's  glorious  face." 

Diary,  Jnhj  18th,  1849,— The  '^pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness,  and  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noonday,"  con- 
tinues its  work  of  destruction. 

*'  Friend  after  friend  departs. 
Who  has  not  lost  a  friend." 

Bro.  Samuel  Roberts,  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Allen  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  died  last  night,  of  the  i)revailing  epidemic.  One 
might  well  tliink  of  ''  the  pains,  the  groans,  the  dying  strife,"  in 
beliolding  his  agonies  for  several  hours.  But  in  all  he  endured  as 
seeing  the  invisible.  Tliough  in  indescribable  distress,  he  cried 
out,  ''  All  is  well,  I  am  going  home." 

During  the  past  week,  nine  hundred  and  ninety-one  have  de- 
parted this  life,  within  the  bounds  of  this  city.  Over  four  hun- 
dred died  of  cholera. 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER,  yy^ 

*'  In  the  way  of  thy  judgments,  0,  Lord,  have  we  waited  for 
Thee.  The  desire  of  our  soul  is  to  Thy  name  and  to  the  remem- 
brance of  Tliee.  With  my  soul  have  I  desired  Thee  in  the 
night ;  Yea,  with  my  spirit  within  me  will  I  seek  Thee  early  j 
for  when  Thy  judgments  are  in  the  earth,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world  will  learn  righteousness." 

EXPLICIT   TESTIMONY. 

Diary,  January  1st,  1856. — I  feel  that  my  union  with  God  is 
inward,  vital  and  real.  Most  consciously  do  I  realize  that  all  my 
interests  are  identified  with  the  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom. 
If  this  should  be  my  last  testimony,  I  would  wish  to  say  before 
God,  angels,  and  men,  that  from  my  own  heart  experiences,  I 
know  that  God  can,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  so 
subdue  the  heart,  as  to  bring  the  whole  soul  into  a  joyous  obedi- 
ence to  Christ.  Jesus  saves  me  from  my  sins.  I  feel  the  Triune 
Deity— God  the  Father,  Son,'  and  Spirit,  has  undertaken  the 
work  of  my  salvation,  and  through  grace,  I  have  been  enabled 
to  submit  to  the  saving,  sanctifying,  and  ever-purifying  pro- 
cesses through  which  I  am  led.  God  is  leading  me  forth  by  a 
right  way.  The  process  of  late  has  often  been  crucifying  to  the 
flesh.  I  have  been  called  to  endure.  But  I  have  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  have  laid  myself  a  whole- 
burnt  sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  the  service  of  the  church,  and 
I  am  permitted  of  late,  often  painfully,  to  feel  that  the  sacrifice 
is  being  consumed.  The  profession  of  holiness  has  of  late  been 
publicly  and  seriously  assailed  by  those  who  ought  to  have  de- 
fended it.  I  have  been  personally  assailed  as  standing  at 
the  head  and  front  of  offending.  But  I  feel  that  Christ  is 
gloriously  with  me.  He  is  even  now  saying  to  my  inmost  soul, 
'^  Great  is  the  Holy  One  in  the  midst  of  thee."  Though  my 
nature,  at  times,  recoils,  yet  grace  triumphs  over  nature,  and  I 
seem  almost  lost  in  view  of  the  glory  that  will  follow.  ''  Christ 
shall  be  magnified,"  Truth  shall  triumph,  and  I  feel  that  I  am 
indeed  enabled  to  ''glory  in  tribulation."  Often  have  I  had 
occasion  to  exclaim,  "  The  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached 
Thee  are  fallen  upon  me."     In  view  of  these  things,  nature,  in 


130  :j::MOins  of 

syrapatli}'  witli  t\ie  outward,  will  more  or  less  suffer  -,  but  in 
the  midst  of  all,  my  spirit  will  often  in  joyous  song  burst  forth 
in  the  words, 

"  And  I  enjoy  the  glorious  shame 
The  scandal  of  the  cross." 

As  a  witness  of  the  power  of  saving  and  sustaining  grace,  let 
me  say,  it  can  empower  the  «oul  to  be^oyoM*  in  tribulation. 
Indeed,  I  feel  almost  like  cTiiding  myself,  when  I  speak  of  tribu- 
lAtion.  It  is  enough  for  the  disciple  that  he  be  as  his  Master , 
yet  he  that  is  perfect,  shall  be  even  as  his  Master.  How  few 
are  my  trials,  in  view  of  my  many  triumphs!  Truly,  '^  The  ser- 
vant is  above  his  Lord."  The  recent  persecution  against  the 
profession  and  professors  of  holiness,  seems  only  to  have  in- 
creased their  holy  courage.  The  interest  in  the  precious  theme 
of  holiness,  as  a  whole,  seems  manifestly  on  the  increase. 
Those  who  enjoy  the  blessing,  seem  disposed  with  yet  greater 
explicitness  and  earnestness,  to  *''  Hold  fast  the  profession  of 
their  faith,  without  wavering."  Hallelujah  !  The  Lord  God  omni- 
potent reigneth  !  ''  From  henceforth,  let  no  man  trouble  me,  for 
I  bear  in  my  body  tho  marks  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  Never 
have  I  felt  more  like  saying  with  holy  boldness,  and  a  degree 
of  exultation,  ''I  am  crucified  to  the  world,  and  the  world  to 
me."  0,  it  is  indeed  blessed  to  feel  a  conscious  identification 
with  the  interests  of  a  suiFering  Saviour.  It  is  blessed  to  have 
a  heart,  ^'  Risjoys  and  griefs  to  feel."  It  is  blessed  to  feel  that 
He  takes  our  entire  being,  and  lays  upon  it  His  own  blessed 
heart  of  love,  and  causes  all  its  pulsations  to  flow  out  in  unison 
with  His  own  nature  and  purposes.  Though  the  flesh  may  dis- 
like the  way,  yet  faith  approves  it  well,  and  it  is  indeed  most 
blessed  to  have  the  entire  being  so  identified  with  Christ,  as  to 
feel  at  rest  in  the  will  of  God,  even  though  the  prayer  may  be 
answered, 

"  My  spirit  to  Calvary  bear, 

To  suffer  and  triumph  with  Thee." 

Never  have  the  words  seemed  so  significantly  glorious  to  me  as 
of  late,  ''  If  we  suffer  with  Him,  we  shall  also  be  glorified  to 
gether." 


MBS.  PHiEBE  BALMER.  131 

January  29th. — 1  Lave  some  filings  pressing  upon  me,  which 
are  seriously  calculated  to  induce  heaviness  of  heart.  Some 
sources  of  trial,  through  the  continuous  ragiugs  of  poor  mistaken 
Mr.  Mattison,  of  which  many  know,  and  in  which  thousands  of 
the  lovers  of  entire  sanctitication  sympathize,  and  some  scores 
of  perhaps  yet  severer  and  more  complicated  trials  of  which  few 
know* 

Diary,  February  20th,  1863. — My  mind  is  deeply  impressed 
with  the  conviction,  that  if  I  would  make  my  life,  in  all  its 
particulars,  a  power  for  God,  and  really  make  it  a  practical  de- 
monstration of  '^  the  beauty  of  holiness,"  I  must  be  ever  on  the 
watch-tower.  ''  Watch  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation," 
is  the  Divine  command.  In  the  Divine  order,  watching  \)rQcedes 
praying.  If,  as  with  the  prophet  Elisha,  our  interior  eye  might 
be  ever  open  on  both  worlds,  we  would  see,  not  only  the  host  of 
God,  for  our  defence,  but  the  army  of  aliens.  Some  of  these  are 
robed  as  angels  of  light.  How  much  spiritual  discernment, 
watchfulness  and  meekness  of  wisdom  is  necessary,  in  order  to 
ensure  perfect  victory.  Surely,  a  watchful  eye  and  a  constant 
looking  to  Jesus  will  insure  i^erfect  victory.  God  the  Father, 
God  the  Son,  God  the  Holy  Ghost  is  for  us :  good  angels  are  for 
us;  all  the  ministries  of  the  redeemed  and  saved  hosts  in  heaven 
and  on  earth  are  for  us,  and  why  should  not  the  entire  of  life, 
in  all  its 2)(t.rticulars,  be  one  continual  triumph  1  Through  grace, 
I  must  be  more  watchful  and  jiraj  erful,  and  thus  I  shall  be  more 
victorious  than  ever.  My  mind  haa  been  influenced  to  these 
reflections  by  observing  on  the  jiart  of  some,  who,  I  believe, 
are  yielding  themselves  fully  up  to  Jesus, — a  want  of  wisdom, 
leading  to  a  seeming  infringement  on  the  law  of  love.  Certainly, 
any  violation  of  the  law  of  love,  on  the  partof  professors  of  per- 
fect love,  is  a  trespass  that  grieves  Jesus,  and  raises  a  note  of 
victory  from  the  camp  of  Satan.  The  "  royal  law  "  ought  to 
occupy  a  most  notable  place  in  the  heart  sanctuary  of  every 
Christian.  We  cannot  do  well  in  the  sight  of  Infinite  Love, 
and  be  constantly  victorious,  only  as  under  its  dominion.  '^  If 
ye  fulfill  the  royal  law  according  to  the  Scripture,  '  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself, '  ye  do  well.  "  (James  2:8).  0, 
to  live  ever  in  the  atmosphere  of  perfect  love !  "  God  is  love.  '' 


132  MEMOIRS  OF 

If  we  would  liave  great  teudeiness  of  perception,  in  regard  to 
this  great  ruling  principle  of  the  Christian  religion,  we  must 
treat  conscience  very  tenderly. 

"  Quick  as  the  apple  of  au  eye, 
O,  God,  my  conscience  make; 
Waken  my  soul  when  siu  is  nigh, 
Aud  keep  it  still  awake.'" 

Mrs.  Palmer  endured  "  as  seeing  the  invisible."  She 
walked  "by  ftiith  and  not  by  sight."  This  divinely  im- 
parted powder  of  actualizing  the  unseen,  was  one  secret  of 
lier  holy  energy,  and  of  her  marvellous- success  in  winning 
souls  for  Christ. 

Diary.  January  9th,  1868. —  The  present  life  is  so  short, 
and  the  whole  human  family  are  so  soon  to  enter  upon  the 
eternity  of  their  existence,  that  it  is  amazing  all  do  not  with 
earnestness,  ask  "  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved  V  Either  eter- 
nal life  or  eternal  death  is  before  us,  and  ere  a  very  short  iieriod 
is  past,  will  be  th<i  inheritance  of  all.  If  the  oldest  persons  now 
on  the  shores  of  time  were  told  to  look  back  upon  the  far 
fleeting  years  since  they  commenced  their  earthly  career,  they 
would  tell  us  that  the  period  seems  strangely  brief.  Our 
earthly  life  is  ''  as  a  vapor  that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and 
then  vanisheth  away."  Wesley  said,  after  he  had  lived  about 
eightj'  years,  ''I  feel  myself  to  be  as  an  arrow  flying  through 
the  air.  A  "moment,  and  all  will  be  eternity  with  me.  I  am  a 
spirit  come  forth  from  God,  and  rapidly  returning  to  God." 
Well  *  with  him  the  arrow  is  flown.  Wesley  has  now  been  an 
inhabitant  of  the  eternal  world  over  seventy  years,  and  where 
will  tliosei)ersous  reading  these  lines  be,  in  seventy  years  from 
this  time  ?  Dear  Reader ;  shall  you  and  I  now  ask  ourselves, 
^^  Where  shall  I  spend  my  eternity  ? 

"  A  Leaven  or  hell,  and  that  alone, 
Beyond  the  present  time  is  known, 
There  is  no  middle  state." 

In  closing  up  the  year  1838,  she  Avrites  to  a  friend  : 
My  time,  this  summer,  has  been  unusually  occupied.     I  have 
;attended  two  camp-meetings,  spent  nearly  a  month  on  a  visit 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  733 

to  Baltimore,  have  written  hymns,  dialogues,  and  pieces  for 
Sabbath-school  celebrations,— I  don't  know  how  many.  Do 
you  think  I  have  been  idle  ? 

Nor  is  that  all.  Dr.  P's.  time  continues  to  be  increasingly 
occupied  with  professional  business,  so  that  he  seldom  gets  an 
hour  at  home  at  a  time.  Not  unfrequently,  I  have  some  of  his 
engagements  to  attend  to.  From  a  view  of  my  responsibilities 
as  a  child  of  God,  an  heir  of  immortality,  a  witness  for  Jesus, 
a  lab6rer  in  the  vineyard,  I  find  it  necessary,  in  order  to  do  the 
duties  of  the  vocation  wherewith  I  am  called,  to  take  upon  my- 
self many  more  engagements  than  formerly. 

I  cannot  be  contented  to  let  an  hour  pass,  without  making  its 
mark  on  eternity.  All  I  desire  is,  that  I  may  fill  up  my  time,  as 
will  most  glorify  God. 

Diary,  December  29th,  1844. — The  past  jeiiv  has  been  mark- 
ed with  a  good  degree  of  outward  prosperity. — For  the  greater 
part  of  the  time  I  have  been  more  abundant  in  labors,  and  the 
Lord  has  encouraged  my  heart  by  permitting  me  to  see  the 
fruit  of  my  efforts.  Holiness  in  the  M.  E.  Church  seems  to  be 
gradually  on  the  rise. 

Not  merely  with  the  voice,  but  with  the  ready  aud 
fluent  pen ;  not  only  with  obser\:ation,  but  unnoticed  by 
an}'  human  eye,  she  sought  to  serve  her  generation  ac(u)r(l- 
ing  to  the  will  of  God.  Mrs.  Pahner  was  an  uncommonly 
able,  graphic,  and  interesting  letter- writer.  ^lany  w^ere 
the  effusions  of  head  and  heart  that  flowed  through  her 
skillful  hand,  to  paper,  that  were  never  destined  for  vision 
of  other  eyes  than  those  she  pointed  to  Jesus  for  salvation, 
or  rest  of  i^erfect  love. 

January  2()th,  1857.— Wrote  to  Mr.  S.  B.  Goodall,  of  Speirs 
Turn-out,  C.  R.  R.  Georgia.  From  the  tone  of  his  letter  tome, 
to  which  I  have  just  replied,  I  imagine  that  he  is  a  servant  in 
his  Father's  house,  when  he  might  just  as  well  be  claiming  the 
privilege  of  adoption,  and  rejoicing  in  the  richness  of  his  in- 
heritance as  a  child  of  God.  Like  Martha,  he  is  troubled  about 
many  things,  both  in  regard  to  himself  and  others.  I  had  liber- 
ty in  my  own  spirit,  with  my  pen,  in  setting  i)lainly  before  him 


134  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  one  tbing  needful.     My  letter  might  have  been  entitled  '^a 
short  way  out  of  difficulties." 

January,  1858. — I  am  puiposiug  to  fill  up  my  moments  for 
God,  more  fully.     0  !  for  power  to  glorify  God  more. 

*'  Every  moment  well  improved 
Secures  an  age  in  heaven." 

In  the  language  of  the  now  sainted  Adelaide  Newton,  I  can 
say,  "  I  long  so  earnestly  to  be  growing  in  grace  hourly,,  filled 
with  the  spirit,  burning  with  love  to  Christ,  and  Christians,  and 
sinners, — to  be  a  reflection  of  Him  in  the  world,  and  working 
while  it  is  yet  to-day." 

That  longing  was  abundantly  realized. 

Diary,  June  I2th,  1871. — ^'  Returned  from  Baskinridge,  this 
morning,  in  company  with  Bishop  Janes  and  others.  Enjoyed 
Christian  communion  with  Brother  and  Sister  B.  Dear  Bishop 
Janes  enquiring  about  my  health  and  pi'ospects  of  labor  for  tlie 
summer,  I  informed  him  that  we  were  announced  as  pledged 
to  at  least,  four  Camp-meetings.  The  first  in  Canada,  the  Ohio 
State  Camp-meeting,  the  week  succeeding,  at  Moundsville,  West 
Virginia,  and  another  early  in  September,  in  Pennsylvania,  on  the 
Alleghany  Mountains.  I  ^dded,  as  I  presume  will  be  the  fact? 
that  I  imagined  that  we  should  Aee/^  at  work,  in  view  of  the 
pressure  on  our  time,  and  probably  cease  at  once  to  work  and 
live.  He  quickly  responded,  with  an  animation  truly  inspiring, 
-' No !  not  cease  to  work."  It  reminded  me  of  the  words  of  the 
dying  President  Fisk.  A  loving  attendant  said  to  him,  ^^ Dr. 
your  work  is  almost  done.".  ''  No!"  said  the  dying  saint,  ^'  My 
work  is  not  almost  done  ;  I  am  going  to  heaven,  to  do  the  will  of 
God,  and  if  I  thought  there  was  nothing  for  me  to  do  in  heaven, 
heaven  would  be  no  place  for  me." 

Work  in  multitudinous  directions  was  always  waiting  to 
be  done.  Ceaseless  journeyiugs  to  distant  camp-meetings; 
severe  and  i)rotracte(l,  but  ever  pleasant  and  Joyous,  toils 
while  attending  them;  frequent  ministrations  in  churches, 
the  labors  of  authorship,  the  wearisome  cares  of  editorial 
responsibility^,  the  immense  and  copious  correspondence, 


MnS.  PH(i:iiE  PALM  Ell.  -[35 

tlie  multiplicity  of  i)bilautliropic  engagements,  the  demands 
of  family  and  of  riiligious  society — all  combined  to  keep 
Mrs.  Palmer  continujilly  at  work, 

'*  With  ber,  no  melaucboly  void, 
No  iiioiucut  linger'd  unemploy'd, 

Or  unimproved,  below. 
Betwixt  tbe  mount  and  multitude, 
Her  day  was  spent  in  doing  good. 

Her  night  in  praise  and  prayer." 

One  great  dominant  purpose,  shines  resplendently 
through  the  vast  mass  of  diaries  and  letters,  that  reveal  the 
inmost  life  of  tliis  "  Mother  in  Israel,"  and  that,  with  all 
the  distinctness  of  a  plate-glass  mirror,  reflect  her  active 
and  many-sided  life.  That  puipose  Avas  to  glorify  her 
Lord, — that  aim  to  build  np  His  kingdom  in  the  hearts, 
and  over  the  hves  of  men. 

July  26th,  1842. — Five  years  have  passed  since  I  was  first 
enabled  to  say  with  perfect  assurance  to  the  beloved  of  my 
soul,  ^'  The  fairest  among  ten  thousand,"  ''  I  am  ivholly  Thine 
Thou  hast  the  uppermost  seat  in  my  affections.  Thou  dost  reign 
unrivalled  in  my  heart."  Since  that  eventful  period,  I  have  not 
known  the  moment,  no  matter  liow  trying  the  circumstances, 
that  I  would  have  dared  desire  other  than  the  will  of  God.  The 
language  of  my  heart  under  all  dispensations,  either  afflictive  or 
joyous,  has  been,  '^  Good  is  the  will  of  the  Lord." 

When  endeavoring  to  recuperate  exhausted  energy,  and 
by  (change  of  scene  and  atmosphere,  to  regain  lost  health, 
at  the  now  popular  and  fashionable  sea-side  resort  at  Long 
Branch,'  New  Jersey,  her  spu'it  contemplated,  with  saintly 
rapture,  the  probability  of  once  more  being  i)ermittod  to 
run  on  the  errands  of  her  Redeemer's  love, — to  do  for  JJim, 
and  for  the  souls  He  died  to  save,  what  angels  are  not  per- 
mitted to  perform.  This  deUght  flows  freshly  and  forcibly 
out,  in  a  characteristic  letter  to  "  my  very  precious  sister 
James,"  imder  date  July  1st,  1845. 


136  MEMOIRS   OF 

But  for  a  few  days  past  I  have  not  been  without  the  expec- 
tation that  my  gracious  Master  may  yet  again  say  to  his  wait- 
ing servant,  '^  Go  work  in  my  vineyard,"  and  if  He  does,  how 
will  my  bounding  spirit  delight  to  run  on  the  errands  of  His 
grace,  yet  a  little  longer  here  below.  Yet  when  in  expectation 
of  shortly  joining  '^  The  disembodied  Saints,"  a  thrill  of  delight 
would  at  times  pass  over  my  spirit,  on  thinking  how  I  should 
be  permitted  to  minister  to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  those  who  liad 
been  companions  in  tribulation  with  me,  when  on  earth  -,  and 
doubtless  the  Father  of  Spirits  would  at  times  commission  me 
that  blessed  employ.  Yet  if  I  l^new  it  to  be  His  will  to  con- 
tinue me  longer  in  the  flesh,  to  comfort  my  precious  husband, 
to  bring  my  dear  children  uj)  for  his  service,  and  to  serve  the  in- 
terests of  His  kingdom,  I  see  v/eighty  reasons  why  I  may  say 
'*  Amen — Even  so  let  it  be." 

Did  you  ever  think  that  there  are  some  things  that  meii  can 
do,  which  angels  are  not  permitted  to  perform  ?  You  know  the 
angel  which  visited  Cornelius,  was  not  permitted  to  tell  the  story 
of  the  cross,  but  was  only  commissioned  to  tell  him  to  send 
for  Peter;  and  how  short  seem  the  few  years  of  the  most 
lengthened  life  spent  in  being  fitted,  and  in  fitting  others  for 
immortality,  in  comparison  to  those  millions  of  ages  which  we 
expect  to  spend  in  enjoying  the  felicities  of  heaven  ?  And  then 
to  reflect  on  the  tremendous  truth,  that  God  intends,  through 
the  agency  of  his  Spirit,  to  save  7nan  by  man,  and  that  souls  may 
know  the  horrors  of  eternal  death,  which  have  been  elected  to 
eternal  life,  had  they  been  dealt  with  faithfully.  How  it  be-- 
hoves  the  followers  of  Christ,  as  workers  together  with  God,  to 
seize  at  every  moment  of  this  short  life,  to  help  others  in  the 
way  to  heaven  *  *  *  *  ^ 

'^  CAN  W'E  DO  THE  MOST  GOOD  THERE  f 

New  York,  September  8th,  1855. 
My  beloved  Sister  Nash  : 

By  an  arrangement  made  some  time  since,  we  were  ex- 
pecting to  close  up  our  summer's  jaunts,  by  going  to  a  camp- 
meeting  at  Shelborne  Point,  wliere  we  contemplated  unmingled 
satisfaction, — the  blending  of  temporal  and  si)iritual  enjoyments 


MRS.   PHCEBE  PALMER.  I37 

in  rich  profusion.  But  the  question,  as  evor  under  sucli  circum- 
stances had  arisen  in  my  mind,  ''  Can  we  do  the  most  good  there  V 
Thanks  be  to  God,  that  this  has  been  with  me  in  such  cases  the 
one  prominent  question,  for  j^ears  i^ast  !  The  place  wiiere  our 
friends  were  awaiting  us  at  Shelborne,  is  nearer  my  ideas  of  a 
paradise,  than  any  place  I  ever  remember  to  have  seen,  but  I 
said  to  my  heart,  ''  This  is  not  thy  rest.  Thy  Saviour  had  not 
left  his  throne  in  heaven,  if  His  object  had  been  to  witness  en- 
chanting scenes,  or  to  mingle  with  enchanting  friends." 

DOMINANT    PASSION. 

The  following  undated  letter,  of— probably  1854, — con- 
fesses what  life  convincingly  demonstrated,  viz :  a  passion 
for  soul-sa^dng. 

Dear  Brother  Harper  : 

You  will  be  surprised  to  hear  that  we  think  of  visiting  Canada 
again.  Little  did  I  think,  when  I  saw  you  last,  that  we 
were  in  prospect  of  meeting  so  soon  again.  But  having  receiv- 
ed an  earnest  invitation  to  attend  a  Camp-meeting,  on  the 
Brampton  District,  we  have  laid  the  matter  carefully  before 
the  Lord,  and  it  seems  to  be  duty  to  come. 

I  have  settled  it  in  my  mind  that,  one  soul  out-weighs  the  uni- 
verse. I  have  asked  myself,  whether  it  is  not  probable  that  one 
soul  more  might  be  saved,  either  directly,  or  indirectly,  through 
our  efforts,  by  going,  rather  than  by  staying,  and  tlie  scale  pre- 
ponderates towards  going.  I  have  a  passion  for  soul-saving.  0, 
how  my  soul  yearns  over  the  perishing  !  i5ut  if  sinners  are  to 
be  saved,  it  is  to  be  through  the  agency  of  the  Clnirch.  The 
Church  must  be  clothed  with  the  garments  of  salvation.  If 
the  individual  membership  be  clothed  with  the  garments  of  sal- 
vation, and  armed  with  the  power  wliich  holiness  imparts,  she 
will  indeed  be  mighty,  to  work  for  God,  and  it  is  for  this  my 
spirit  longs  with  unutterable  desire. 

Weary  in  the  Avork  sometimes, — because  of  the  infirmi- 
ties of  the  flesh — but  never  weary  of  it,  she  delighted  to  re- 
coimt  the  victories  of  grace,  and,  in  the  intervals  of  cessa- 


138  MEMOIRS   OF  MRS.   PECEBE   PALMER. 

tion  from  public  labor,  to  i)lau  and  prei^aie  for  fresh  cam- 
paigns in  regions  whither  the  Great  Captain  might  point 
the  way. 

Diary,  January  1st,  1871. — On  this,  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
the  first  day  of  the  month,  and  the  first  day  of  the  year,  I 
would  raise  along  the  pathway  of  life,  yet  another  Ebenezer 
OF  Praise.  In  memory  of  God's  great  goodness  and  mercy, 
that  has  followed  me  through  all  the  days,  and  weeks,  and 
months,  of  the  year  just  closed,  'tis  meet  and  right,  as  I  pass 
over  the  threshold  of  another  year,  that  I  now  raise  a  yet  more 
enduring  monument.  It  is  done  !  And  now,  I  would  call  heav- 
en and  earth  to  witness,  the  inscription  on  this,  yet  another, 
the  last,  and  highest  top  stone  :  ^'  Grace  .'  Grace,  unto  it  !" 

Sixty -three  years  have  already  been  told  on  life's  eventful 
journey.  I  have  already  entered  upon  what  has  been,  with 
thousands,  the  last  decade  of  life.  How  many  of  our  contem- 
poraries have,  during  the  past  year,  ended  life's  transient 
dream.  The  good  Dr.  Chalmer  saj^s,  in  contemplation  of  en- 
tering upon  his  sixtieth  year,  that  he  would  regard  this  last 
seventh  decade,  when  entered  upon,  as  the  Sahhath  of  life,  and 
to  be  spent  in  preparation  for  his  eternal  rest  beyond  the 
grave. 

As  with  the  many  years  that  preceded  it, the  past  year  has 
been  spent  in  extensive  journey  in  gs,  and  labors  abundant. 
Eternal  praises  to  the  Holy  Trinity  for  the  many  souls  we  have 
been  permitted  to  see  sanctified  wliolly,  and  the  many  added  to 
the  ranks  of  the  newly-saved,  during  this  favored  year  !  Thanks 
for  the  many  brought  into  fellowship  with  Christ,  that  have 
been  enabled  to  abide  in  Him,  and  to  bring  forth  precious 
fruit ! 


CHAPTER    III. 

DOMESTIC  LIFE. 

SELDOM,  if  ever,  has  there  been  a  more  perfect  union 
than  that  between  Mrs.  Pahner  and  her  hnsband — a 
union  "  converting'  each  into  the  other,"  endearing-  both  in 
free,  joyous,  and  mutual  service, — "  a  type  of  the  union 
between  tlie  Chm^ch  aiul  her  Lord." 

While  on  a  visit  to  Baltimore,  October  1st,  1838,  she 
gave  the  loving  tribute  to  her  husband  here  transcribed. 

My  Dearest  Earthly  Treasure  : 

Can  we  ever  cease  to  be  grateful,  or  ever  withhold  the  undi- 
vided sacrifice  of  our  hearts  and  lives  from  Him  who  lias  made 
us  of  one  heart  and  mind  ?  Oh,  how  my  soul  melts  in  view  of 
such  a  precious  gift,  such  a  companion.  I  need  not  say  it  was 
beyond  my  deserts.  It  came,  as  does  all  my  mercies,  from  the 
hand  of  Infinite  Beneficence. 

Did  you  think,  on  Friday  last,  of  the  circumstances  of  that 
day  eleven  years  ago  ?  It  was  then,  beloved  bosom  companion, 
that  we  were  given  to  the  embrace  of  eacli  other,  to  journej'  on 
together  through  the  pilgrimage  of  life.  And  thus  far  we  are 
on  our  way  !  May  we  not  say  from  the  retrospect — '^  Goodness 
and  mercy  have  followed  us." 

The  sweets  derived  from  mere  earthly  friendship,  where 
twin  hearts  are  cemented  in  love,  are  insignificant,  in  couii)ari- 
son  \vith  the  happiness  possessed  by  those,  whom  heaven,  in 
the  plenitude  of  its  goodness,  in  every  sense  has  made  one.  It 
is  not  in  the  power  of  time  to  j^lace  a  limit  to  tlie  felicities  of 
those  thus  circumstanced.  As  a  renewed  thank  oflfering,  shall 
we  not  endeavor  to  get  nearer  to  the  throne  than  ever,  and  seek 
to  have  the  Spirit's  seal  njore  deeply  engraved? 

To  the  glory  of  God,  I  can  say  that  this  is  my  ceaseless  en- 


140  MEMOIRS  OF 

deavor.  I  believe  I  grow  in  grace  daily,  and  my  power  to -ex- 
ercise fixith  on  tlie  Sou  of  God  increases.  I  have  had  some  sig- 
nal-manifestations of  its  i^ower  to  prevail  with  God,  since  1 
have  been  here.  My  visit  lias  not  been  unproductive  of  good. 
While  bearing  the  cross  under  peculiar  circumstances,  peculiar 
results  liave  followed.  I  still  realize  the  blessedness  of  being  a 
''person  of  one  business."  I  have  attended  class,  and  the 
prayer-meetings,  and  last  Wednesday  had  a  social  meeting  ot 
females,  at  Father  Palmer's  house.  I  labor  to  encourage  them 
in  sustaining  one  regularly. 

Thirty -three  years — crowded  with  toils  and  triumphs— 
sped  into  eternit}^,  after  this  letter  Tvas  written.  Then,  re- 
viewing the  conjugal  experience  of  the  past,  the  love,  the 
joy,  the  hope,  which  brightened  and  sanctified  the  whole, 
were  expressed  in  touching  lyric,  inscribed  to  her  husband, 
and  entitled : 

BRIDE  OF  FORTY  AND  FOUR  YEARS. 
(to  her  husband.) 

Joy  !  to  our  happy  wedding-day  ! 

Full  forty  years  and  four, 
'Mid  brightening  skies,  have  passed  away, 

Each  happier  than  before. 

Matches  are  made  in  Heaven,  'tis  said  ; 

With  us  I'm  sure  'tis  true, 
As  years  on  joyous  wing  have  sped, 

In  higher  bliss  with  you. 

It  was  in  my  young  womanhood, 

Bright  girlhood  days  scarce  sped, 
When  we  at  Hymen's  altar  stood, 

And  you  and  I  were  wed. 

He  who  to  Caua's  marriage  came. 

Was  an  invited  guest, 
He  heard  the  vows  made  in  His  name, 

And  then  pronounced  u%  blest. 


MUS.  rnCEBE  FALMER.  242 

Pronouuced  us  owe,  yes,  sweetly  one, 

As  dew-drops  blend  together, 
Not  only  'till  life's  latest  sun, 

But  live  and  love  forever. 

Oh,  blessed  voice  !  the  echo  still, 

As  years  their  courses  run, 
With  brightening  joy  my  heart  doth  fill, 

The  words  that  made  us  one. 

-  Our  love  is  still  in  youthful  mood, 
As  when,  in  manhood's  pride, 
You  at  the  nuptial  altar  stood. 
And  called  me  first  your  bride. 

Dear  husband,  though  years  haste  away, 

And  forty  years  and  four 
Have  passed  since  our  first  wedding-day, 

Or  forty-four  years  more  : 

Or  added  forties,  I  shall  yet, 

With  heart  still  young  as  ever, 
Live  on  in  love,  nor  e'er  forget. 

My  nuptial  day.  No  !  Never  ! 

PI.EASANT   REMINISCENCES. 

New  York,  January  25thy  1850. 
My  Beloved  Sister  Boswell  : 

We  have  not  met  since  we  parted  on  the  Bustleton  Camp- 
ground. Did  you  know  that  Dr.  Palmer  arrived  from  New 
York  about  ten  o'clock  that  evening?  It  was  the  last  night,  as 
you  will  remember,  and  he  remained  up  most  of  the  night.  It 
was  an  eventful  night.  The  reminiscences  are  pleasing.  I  was 
by  invitation,  enjoying  a  social  interview,  and  had  been  lead- 
ing three  or  four  over  the  bar  of  unbelief,  till  I  came  to  one  sit- 
ting at  the  head  of  tlie  tent.  I  had  not  conversed  long,  when  I 
looked  to  the  one  sitting  next.  Lo  !  it  was  Dr.  P.  He  had 
entered  the  tent  unobserved,  and  for  some  time  had  been  a 
silent  participator  in  tlie  interesting  scene.  A  love  feast  was 
appointed,  at  which  Dr.  P.  was  invited  to  take  the  lead.  It 
was  lield  at  one  of  the  larger  tents.     I  remained   till  about 


142  MEMOIRS  OF 

twelve  o'clock,  when  nature  being  wholly  exhausted,  I  could 
endure  no  more.  '^  Did  j^ou  see  my  hu-sband,  Dr.  P.  ?  "  said  I, 
to  an  aged  sister,  who  entered  llie  tent  Avhere  I  had  been  sleep- 
ing, a  little  before  daylight,  the  next  morning, — ^'  See  him  !  " 
she  exclaimed,  ^^Why  yes!  He  has  been  at  work  nearly  all 
night,  and  instrumental  in  the  sanctiflcation  of  about  twenty 
souls."  My  heart  did  indeed  greatly  rejoice  for  sending 
the  note  for  him  to  accompany  me  home.  I  hesitated,  fearing 
that  it  might  only  be  a  wearisome  and  exj)en8ive  jaunt  for  my 
gratitication.  But  nothing  is  more  evident  than  that  the  Lord 
moved  me  to  write  for  him,  as  you  will  remember  I  did  at 
Bristol.  How  little  do  we  know  what  a  few  words  may  do, 
when  spoken  under  influences  begotten  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Do  you  remember  a  sentence  uttered  by  you  as  we  were 
pressing  our  way  through  the  crowd  on  the  B.  camp  ground. 
It  was  about  this  :  ^^  Only  think  that  of  all  the  vast  multitude  on 
this  ground,  not  one  can  be  saved  without  Holiness !  "  I 
thought  of  the  hundreds  who  were  wholly  estranged  from  God 
— their  hearts  far  from  him  by  wicked  works — of  the  hundreds 
of  mere  formal  professors,  into  whose  calculations  a  life  of 
holiness  does  not  come,  and  of  the  few  who,  if  the  trumpet  of 
God  should  at  that  moment  call  them,  would  be  found  with 
garments  unspotted,  and  cannot  tell  you  how  the  magnitude  of 
the  work  to  be  done,  arrested  my  attention  and  feeling.  Often 
have  I  spoken  of  the  subject  since. 

JOYOUS    CONFIDENCE   IN   HUSBAND's   LOVE. 

Groton  Hollow,  July  l.«^,  1850. 
Much  Loved  Husband  : 

I  have  scarcely  begun  to  say  what  I  wish  to  say,  but  time 
forbids  my  lingering.  I  hesitate  in  referring  to  some  remarks 
made  by  Dr.  Bowen,  during  the  closing  exercises  from  the  stand 
this  morning.  But  in  view  of  the  fact  that  my  most  devoted 
and  much  loved  husband  does  not  sacrifice  that  which  costs  him 
nothing,  in  favoring  the  absence  of  the  partner  of  Ms  life — the 
companion  of  his  heart,  I  think  it  proper  to  say  to  you,  that  Dr. 
Bowen  seemed  to  labor  in  spirit,  while  endeavoring  to  express 
his  gratitude  to  God,  for  the  instrumentalities  which  had  been 


MRS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  243 

sent  among  them.  '^  I  do  not  mean  to  praise  them,  but  1  do 
praise  God  for  sending  them,"  &c.  I  know  you  love  me.  In 
regard  to  the  strength  of  your  affection,  I  have  often  thouglit 
of  the  inspired  injunction,  ''  Let  the  husband  so  love  his  wife, 
even  as  Clirist  loved  the  churcli;  and  gave  himself  for  it  -,  "  and 
well  indeed  has  your  bearing  toward  your  wife  been  answerable 
to  this  injunction,  for  I  have  long  thought  that  you  loved  your 
wife  better  than  yourself,  and  this  is  the  more  surprising,  in  view 
of  the  object.  But  I  know  you  do  not  want  me  to  say  such 
things.  But  I  feel  that  there  will  be  rich  enjoyment  in  pressing 
you  and  the  dear  children  to  my  heart,  as  soon  as  my  Heavenly 
Father  shall  bid  me  return,  after  the  fulfilment  of  my  mission. 
I  do  not  wish  you  to  imagine  that  I  am  otherwise  than  most 
happy  in  my  Avork.  It  is  a  mission  which  Gabriel  would  gladly 
have  undertaken,  I  doubt  not,  if  a  mandate  from  the  Eternal 
throne  had  assigned  him  the  privilege. 

dread  of  bereavement. 

Camp  Meeting,  near  London,  C.W. 
Diary,  October  6th,  1856.  This  morning  I  was  awakened 
at  an  early  hour,  by  the  voice  of  my  precious  husband  repeat- 
ing over  several  delightful  portions  of  the  Word  of  God.  The 
connection  of  the  passages  was  most  peculiarly  appropriate 
and  soul-inspiring,  and  they  were  repeated  with  such  fluency, 
and  holy  pathos,  that  the  utterances  scarcely  seemed  as  the 
utterances  of  my  dear  husband,  but  as  it  were  the  Holy  Spirit 
speaking  througli  him.  He  has  often  awakened  me  under  simi- 
lar circumstances.  The  j)assages  he  rej^eats  are  generally  ex- 
pressive of  enrapturing  adoration  and  i)raise.  Surely  he  seems 
to  have  begun  an  angel's  life  below.  Angels  only  live  to  adore, 
love,  praise  and  serve.  Of  the  adoring,  loving,  serving  Christ- 
ian, it  may  be  said, 

"  Their  real  life  in  Christ  concealed 
Deep  in  the  Father's  bosom  lies, 
And  glorious  as  their  Head  revealed 

Soon  shall  they  meet  Him  in  the  skies." 


]44  MEMOIRS  OF 

Dropping  into  slumber,  she  dreamed  tliat  Dr.  P.  was 
about  to  take  his  departure  for  the  heavenly  world,  and 
adds : 

'^  The  impression  on  my  mind  has  been  so  painful  and  vivid 
that  my  physical  system  is  tottering  under  it.  During  a  por- 
tion of  the  time  I  have  scarcely  been  able  to  stand. 

0,  my  God,  if  Thou  art  indeed  about  to  call  me  to  pass 
through  this  trial,  strengthen  me  for  the  conflict.  Thou  who 
hast  so  truly  made  us  one  in  thee,  and  one  in  each  other.  Thou 
only  canst  sustain  amid  the  severing  of  nature.  Can  it  be 
that  Thou  art  about  to  call  me  to  endure  thus  V 

Her  eminent  usefidness  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  Mrs. 
Palmer  attributed  largely,  under  God,  to  the  entire  sympa- 
thy, and  loving  aid  of  Dr.  P. 

Boston,  Mass.,    {undated.) 
Precious  Husband  : 

I  have  just  received  your  two  most  affectionate  letters.  You 
know  how  my  moments  are  seized.  But  I  drop  everything  to 
say,  that  your  little  letters  give  me  inexpressible  satisfaction. 

The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  see  how  needful  we  are  to  each 
other.  If  I  have  been  in  anj'  degree  useful,  it  has  been  greatly 
owing  to  the  fact,  that  the  Lord  has  given  me  a  husband  who 
seems  ever  to  have  appreciated  me  beyond  my  worth,  and 
whose  encouragements  have  been  very,  and  I  think,  absolutely 
needful  to  me,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  work  to  which  the  Lord 
has  called  me. 

Diary,  September  28thy  1872. — My  wedding-day.  This  eve- 
ning, forty-five  years  ago,  I  was  united  in  lioly  wedlock,  to  my 
beloved  W.  C.  P.  Six  dear  children  have  been  given  us. 
Three  are  waiting  to  welcome  us  on  tlie  sliores  of  immortality, 
and  three  are  with  us  amid  the  scenes  of  probation.  May 
all  make  their  calling  and  election  sure,  and  at  last  appear  an 
unbroken  family  in  heaven.  Husband  and  I  feel  that  we  have 
been  wedded  forever.  We  are  most  blessedly  one  in  the  Lord, 
and  in  each  other. 

"  Our  aims,  our  joys,  our  hopes,  are  one, 
Our  comforts,  and  our  cares." 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  245 

"  Jesus,  the  Corner  Stone, 

Did  first,  our  hearts  unite. 
And  still  he  keeps  our  spirits  one. 
Who  walk  with  him  in  white." 

What  a  life  of  love,  and  labor  for  Jesus,  have  we  had. 

Intelligent,  intense  love  for  her  children  was  the  atmos- 
phere in  which  they  moved  continually — a  love  manifested 
not  only  in  endearing  language,  but  in  judicious  care  for 
theu'  welfare  in  every  particular.  More  than  learning, 
riches,  honor,  or  aught  else  this  short  enduring  world  can 
give,  did  she  desire  their  entire  sanctification — knowing 
that  all  good  is  boimd  up  in  that  experience.  Writing  to 
Dr.  Palmer,  from  Kew  Haven,  on  January  19th,  1854,  she 
says : 

My  heart  was  much  drawn  out,  as  it  ever  is,  for  our  dear 
children.  The  Lord  only  knows  how  continually  they  are  on 
my  heart, — how  much  I  desire  their  present  usefulness  and  hap- 
piness. The  Lord  has  given  them  so  much  light  by  whicli  to 
discern  that  holiness,  usefulness,  and  happiness,  are  inseparably 
connected.  I  well  know  that  they  can  not  really  enjoy  them- 
selves unless  they  aim  at  entire  devotion  to  God,  The  burden 
of  my  heart  for  them  constantly  is,  that  they  may  be  living  ex- 
amples of  ''  the  beauty  of  holiness,"  for  well  do  they  know  as 
dear  Aunt  Mary  said,  ^^  There  is  no  such  thing  as  a  half-hearted 
Christian.''''  I  have  often  wished,  if  it  were  tlie  will  of  God,  that 
my  heart  were  as  a  window,  where  mj'  dear  children  might  look 
in  and  witness  all  the  spiritual  and  natural  movements  of  their 
mother's  heart  toward  them.  O,  if  all  the  desires  of  her  heart 
toward  them  were  fulfilled,  what  burning  and  shining  lights 
would  they  be  !  And  such,  through  grace,  I  trust  tliey  will  be. 
The  sweet  promise  the  Lord  gave  me  in  their  behalf,  on  New 
Year's  day,  I  intend  ever  to  claim.  Do  you  remember  it  ?  I 
marked  it  on  the  margin  of  your  Bible,  I  also  marked  it  on  my 
own,  Isaiah  59 :  21.  ^'  As  for  me,  this  is  the  covenant,  ifec."  In- 
clination says,  transcribe  the  whole  passage, — but  time  forbids. 

Twenty  years  afterward,  she  writes  in  the  same  strain 

10 


146  MEMOIRS  OF 

to  Mrs.  nainline,  about  the  loss  of  a  clear  granddaiigliter, 
Phoebe  Pahner,  who  uuexpectedl}'  withered  and  died 
soon  after  the  Lord  of  the  \iueyard  had  transplanted  her 
httle  sister  Mamie : 

New  York,  April  SOth,  1874. 
What  was  our  surprise,  to  learn  on  reaching  home,  that  yet 
another  darling,  little  Phoibe  Palmer,  the  pet  of  the  circle,  hai 
been  taken  also.  She  was  a  remarkably  beautiful  child,  and 
the  hearts  of  the  parents  seemed  strangely  bound  up  in  her. 
This  great  sorrow  we  trust  is  being  sanctified  both  to  liis  and 
Mary's  good.  They  thank  you  for  your  sweet  letter  of  condo- 
lence. Day  and  night  I  am  pleading  that  they  may  both  be 
speedily  sanctified  wholly,  as  I  am  sure  that  this  is  the  design 
of  infinite  Love  in  this  great  trial. 

An  unusually  sensitive  and  tender  nature  felt  family 
severances  most  keenly ;  and  solicitude  for  her  children 
did  not  abate  after  their  hai^py  marriage.  Thought,  affec- 
tion, and  energy  were  ever  vigorously  enployed  for  the  in- 
crease of  their  holy  usefulness  and  happiness.  A  few  days 
after  her  eldest  daughter's  marriage,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  visited 
Mrs.  Foster  at  her  new  home  in  Troy,  took  part  in .  the 
quarterlj^  meeting  exercises,  and  heard  with  joy,  the  testi- 
mony of  both  their  children,  to  the  power  and  blessedness 
of  Divine  grace. 

In  January,  1859,  she  writes  of  a  visit  to  them  at  their 
next  home  in  Williston,  Vermont,  where  she  and  Dr.  P. 
spent  two  weeks  in  special  services  with  Mr.  F  : 

We  were  delighted  with  his  manifestations  of  enlightened 
piety  and  fervor  of  spirit.  We  were  enabled  to  work  together  as 
true  yokefellows,  and  tlie  Lord  wrought  graciously  among  the 
peoj)le.  There  are  about  three  times  as  many  more  members 
than  there  were  when  he  commenced  his  labors. 

From  Bishop  Hamline's  residence  at  Schenectady,  Mrs. 
Palmer  wrote  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Knapp, — June  17th,  1855, — 
urgently  entreating  entire  consecration  to  God, — entreaties 


MliS.  PHCEBE   PALMER.  /47 

that  have  borne  abiuidant  fruit  in  the  Scibbath-schoul  and 
other  labors  of  Mr.  Knapp  ami  the  beautiful,  musical  com- 
positions of  Mrs.  Kjiapp : 

i  waDt  you,  my  dear  Phoibe  and  Joseph,  to  be  deeply  de- 
voted to  God, — to  re8olve,  should  the  Lord  si>are  you  to  each 
other,  that  your  lives  shall  uuitetlly  flow  out  upon  the  world  in 
rich  blessings. 

Do,  uiy  dear  children,  at  this  early  period  in  your  union,  re- 
solve not  to  live  for  yourselves.  If  you  will  do  this,  I  think  the 
Lord  may  spare  you  long  to  each  other.  This  is  being  united 
in  the  Lord.  But  if  you  do  not  resolve  on  this,  I  feel  jealous 
for  the  Lord  of  Hosts.  He  Avill  have  no  other  Gods  before  Him. 
I  want  you  to  aim  at  the  liighest  and  most  extended  usefulness^ 
and  then  will  you  live  happily  and  God  will  be  glorified. 

Eminent  holiness,  usefulness  and  happiness  are  inseparably 
connected. 

A  mother's  blessing  be  on  my  dear  son  and  daughter. 

Of  one  dear  sister,  whose  praise  is  iu  all  the  churches, 
she  wrote  ( 1846 )  in  words  of  truth  and  soberness : 

♦  My  precious  sister  Sarah  L.  came  in  this  evening.  What 
a  sweet  exemx^lification  does  her  blameless  life  present,  of  the 
beauty  of  holiness  !  With  her,  grace  seems  ever  to  triumph. 
In  all,  she  is  more  than  conqueror. 

The  presence  and  grace  that  could  provoke  such  ex- 
pressions of  undying  love,  as  are  recorded  in  the  next 
extract,  from  the  dying  husband,  often  graced  and  blessed 
the  home  circle  of  the  distinguished  sister. 

New  York,  March  11th,  1873. 
Beloved  Sister  H.  : 

Our  dear  brother-in-law,  T^  A.  Lankford,,  has  passed  away 
from  earth.  He  has  been  sleeping  in  Jesus  smce  last  Thursday 
evening,  March  6th.  His  last  conscious  act  was  on  Monday, 
three  days  j)revious.  He  had  been  lying  with  closed  eyes  for 
some  time,  when  suddenly  rousing,  he  gazed  with  inexpressi- 
ble tenderness  on  the  one  dearest  to  liim  on  earth,  and  pressing 


148  MEMOIRS  OF 

his  lips  to  'hev\<,  kissed  lier  many  times,  exclaiming,  ^' I  love  you  ! 
I  love  you! — very, — very, — very  much?"  He  theu  sank  into 
a  stupor  from  which  he  never  roused  till  the  third  day  after, 
Avhen  without  a  struggle  or  parting  sigh,  he  calmly  entered  into 
rest.     Thus  one  by  one  we  pass  away  from  the  shores  of  time. 

"  Gone  hack  to  its  element  grand, 
V  Is  the  billow  that  brought  it  on  shore  ; 

Lo  !  another  is  washing  the  strand, 
And  the  beautiful  shell  is  no  more." 

During  the  last  six  weeks  of  his  stay  on  earth  he  was  a 
great  sufferer.  He  often  expressed  his  longings  to  depart  and 
be  with  Jesus,  but  ever  in  perfect  submission  to  the  will  of 
God, — adding  ^'  the  Lord's  will  is  best.  All  my  appointed  time 
will  I  wait  till  my  change  come." 

Akin  to  her  own  domestic  circle,  in  sweetness,  spiritual- 
ity, and  love,  were  those  in  which  herself  and  Dr.  Palmer 
had  been  prepared,  under  grace,  for  their  great  life-work. 
It  is  no  less  interesting  than  profitable  to  look  in  upon 
them  as  the  aged  saints  who  crowned  their  excellences 
were  drawing  near  to  the  heavenly  country.  Of  Mr.  Wof- 
rall,  Mrs.  P.  Avrites : 

January  ith,  1849. — This  evening,  at  the  request  of  our  dear 
parent,  our  family  circle  of  brothers  and  sisters  assembled  in  his 
sick-room,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  a  prayer-meeting.  Rev. 
Daniel  Sniitli  pastor  of  the  Greene  Street  Church,  (of  which  my 
father  has  from  the  time  of  its  erection  been  a  trustee)  met 
with  us.     It  was  an  affecting  and  profitable  season. 

1  am  at  a  loss  to  speak  of  the  great  grace  bestowed  upon  my 
dear  father,  in  this,  his  time  of  need.  He  dwells  in  the  land  of 
Beulah,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  heavenlj^  world  seem  near. 
His  room  is  a  Bethel.  The  atmosphere  by  which  he  is  sur- 
rounded seems  all  love  and  sweefhess. 

Of  Mrs.  Worrall,  her  mother,  she  says,  January  1st, 
1857 :  , 

A  precious  mother  has  passed  through  the  gates  of  death, 
to  her  home  in  the  heavens ;  but  the  Conqueror  of  death  was 


jifES.  FHCEBE  PALM  Eli.  249 

with    her,  and    slie   triumphed   in   victory, — glorious    victory 
througli  the  Wood  of  tlie  Lamb. 

It  Sviis  on  the  '13th  of  September,  i)revioiis,  that  the 
"-  precious  mother "  sweetly  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  while  her 
devoted  daughter  was  speaking  for  Him  at  a  Camp-meeting 
in  Canada.  '^  The  atonement  is  all-sufficient/'  exclaimed 
the  d;ving  saint,  again  and  again. 

Just  before  she  left  her  earthly  tabernacle,  her  countenance 
suddenly  lighted  up  with  holy  joy.  Her  spiritual  eyes  doubt- 
less already  opened  on  immortality,  and  she  saw  beloved  ones, 
gone  before^  waiting  to  bear  her  to  the  presence  of  Him  whom 
her  soul  loved. 

The  Aunt  Mary,  previously  referred  to,  in  one  of  Mrs.  P's 
letters,  was  Mrs.  Kellogg,  a  lovely  and  beloved  disciple, 
w^hose  copious  memoir  as  it  appears  in  her  sister's  hand- 
writing, is  reluctantly  condensed  into  the  following  obitu- 
ary. 

Mrs.  Mary  Jane  Kellogg,  second  wife  of  Mr.  Josepli  Kellogg, 
of  precious  memory,  was  the  fourth  daughter  of  Mr.  Henry 
Worrall,  Sr.  From  childhood,  she  was  the  subject  of  deep  reli- 
gious feelings  ;  after  repeated  refusals  to  yield  publicly  to  Christ, 
she  was  induced  by  her  sister,  to  present  herself  as  a  suppliant 
at  the  altar.  It  was  so  thronged)  under  the  influence  of  Eev. 
J.  N.  Maffitt,  that  she  could  only  kneel  at  a  bench  in  front  of 
the  altar.  Her  position  was  such  that  she  could  only  see  a 
mass  of  feet,  and  this  suggested  the  first  comforting  thought 
which  had  crossed  her  mind  for  days.  Her  words  were,  ^'  For 
the  first  time  in  my  life  I  have  found  my  right  place,  at  the 
feet  of  everybody",  at  the  feet  of  sinners ;  here  will  I  lie ;  as 
Jesus  looks  on  them.  He  may  see  me.*' 

There  divine  mercy  saved,  and  heavenly  comfort  filled  her 
soul.  Thenceforward,  from  the  fifteenth  year  of  her  age,  to  the 
hour  of  departure,  amid  all  the  chequered  experiences  of  religious 
life,— amid  the  trying  duties  of  motherliood  to  four  children  of 
her  husband,  by  a  former  marriage,  and  to  six  others,  the  fruit 
of   her    own    union — amid   all   the  multitudinous   cares  and. 


250  MEMOIRS   OF         . 

respoDsibilities  of  life,  she  ever  manifested  a  singularly  pure, 
sweet,  and  self-sacrificing  spirit.  Her  faithfulness  to  lier  friends 
in  pointing  out  characteristic  religious  deficiencies,  and  urging 
them  to  a  entire  devotion,  was  wonderful.  "Tliere  is  no  such 
thing  as  a  half-hearted  christian,"  she  was  wont  to  say.  To  save 
souls  was  a  quiet  but  forceful  passion  with  her,  and,  never  did 
she  rejoice  more  in  her  friends,  than  when  they  exliibited  or 
promised  unwonted  diligence  in  tliat  department  of  Christian 
exertion. 

Class-meetings  she  dearly  prized,  and  in  her  last  messages  to 
the  members  of  the  church  she  belonged  to,  besought  them 
regularly  to  make  use  of  those  excellent  means  of  grace.  She 
joyously  entered  into  rest  on  the  evening  of  December  30th, 
1854. 

The  curiosity  so  often  manifested  about  the  household 
order  and  arrangments,  in  the  homes  of  famous  men  and 
women — and  particularly  of  authors — is  excusable  if  not 
laudable.  Know  ledge  of  that  subject  is  one  of  the  i)remises 
on  which  i)ublic  opinion  is  justly  founded.  Looking  into 
the  interior  of  Dr.  Palmers  handsome  residence,  at  31G? 
East  15th  Street,  Stuyvesant  Square,  while  Mrs.  Palmer 
was  yet  the  presiding  genius,  we  see  nothing  but  neatness 
elegance,  and  order.  It  is  an  ideal  Methodist  home— for 
use  and  comfort — not  at  all  for  show.  It  is  in  a  section  of 
the  city  that  unites  many  of  the  pleasures  of  the  country 
with  aU  the  advantages  of  the  city.  That  commodious  and 
beloved  domicile  is  dedicated  to  God.  The  furniture  of  the 
ample  parlor  bespeaks  its  consecration  to  the  highest  uses. 
Eager  crow  ds  of  earnest  Christians  of  all  denominations 
gather  there  on  Tuesday  afternoons.  ^'  Holiness  to  the 
Loi-d  "  is  written  on  the  walls,  and  is  the  moral  air  in  w^hich 
the  inmates  live,  move,  and  have  their  being.  Of  its 
solemn  dedication  to  the  service  of  the  Triune  God,  the 
now  translated  mistress  gives  a  brief  but  vivid  description 
in  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Hamline,  on  the  lOfch  of  December,  1870. 

Would  that  I  could  describe  to  you  what  a  meeting  we  had 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMEB.  ]51^ 

on  the  29th  of  November  !  Seldom  Lave  I  felt  so  much  of  the 
overwhelming  power  of  saving  grace.  So  also  with  dear  Dr.  P., 
and  others.  I  had  asked  that  the  Lord  would  direct  in  every- 
thing he  would  have  us  do,  as  preparatojy.  Just  before  our  re- 
moval, I  awoke  quite  early,  one  morning,  with  the  suggestion, 
that  the  Master  of  assemblies  would  have  me  write  a  Dedication 
Hymn.  I  rose,  and  before  breakfast,  wrote  the  accompanying 
liymn  which,  to  the  praise  of  God,  alone,  I  will  say  was  accom- 
panied by  an  extraordinary  unction.  About  twenty  ministers 
were  present,  among  whom  were  J.  T.  Peck,  from  Syracuse,  Dr. 
Boardman,  author  of  ''Higher  Life,"  &c.,  ''Now,  thanks  be  to 
God  who  always  causeth  us  to  triumph." 

DEDICATION   HYMN. 

Sung  at  the  Tuesday  Afternoon  Meeting,  Nov.  29th,  1870,  on  the  occasion 
of  the  Dedication  of  the  House,  316  East  Ibth  st.,  opposite  Stuyvesant 
Park. 

O,  thou  Mo8t  High  !  in  heaven  adored, 

While  angels  bow  with  veiled  face, 
And  cry,  O,  Holy  !  Holy,  Lord  ! 

Behold !  we  worship  from  this  place. 

Though  Ziou's  gates  Thou  lovest  best, 

In  wondrous  grace  Thou  dost  ordain, 
That  Jacob's  dwellings  shall  be  blest, 

And  in  them  Thou  dost  live  and  reign. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  behold  and  see ! 

Thy  people  in  thy  name  have  met, 
To  dedicate  this  house  to  Thee  ; 

Here  let  Thy  holy  seal  be  set. 

And  in  this  house  wilt  thou  abide  : 

"We  consecrate  it  to  Thy  name  ; 
In  every  room  and  heart  reside, 

And  here  Thy  hallowing  grace  proclaim. 

Head  of  the  Chiirch  !  O  !  wilt  Thou  still, 

Thy  Church  in  this  our  house  behold, 
With  greater  grace  Thy  people  fill. 

Give  power  beyond  the  days  of  old. 


152  MEMOIRS  OF 

Here  let  the  Holy  Ghost  abide, 

And  Pentecostal  gifts  be  given, 
And  Christ, — the  living  Christ,  reside 

In  human  hearts  made  meet  for  heaven 

The  former  residence  of  Dr.  Palmer,  in  St.  Marks  Place^ 
had  also  been  formally  dedicated  to  the  service  and  worship 
of  the  Most  High.  It  was  with  natural  reluctance  that 
Mrs.  Palmer  consented  to  removal,  and  that  for  tw  o  rea- 
sons;— the  first,  her  rooted  aversion  to  change,*  and  the 
second,  a  fear  lest  the  appearance  and  ai^pointments  of  the 
new  mansion  might  offend  the  prejudices  of  any,  even  the 
weakest  of  God's  children.  The  second  may  not  seem  wor- 
thy of  second  thought  to  multitudes.  With  ker,  however,  the 
bearing  and  probable  effect  of  every  action  was  deliber- 
ately canvassed  with  extreme  conscientiousness.  Objec- 
tions were  overcome  by  providential  causes,  by  the  influx 
of  irreligious  Germans,  and  at  length  the  unpleasant  prox- 
imity of  their  i^laces  of  resort  for  revelry  and  amusement, 
and  by  conviction  that  the  change  would  conduce  to  the 
glory  of  God. 

^Tiat  is  true  of  the  St.  Mark's  and  Stuyvesant  Square- 
houses  is  also  true  of  the  modest  dwelling  at  54,Ri^^^on 
street,  where  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  resided  for  so  many  long 
and  eventful  years.  To  thousands,  the  memory  of  even  its 
pictured  shades  is  dear.  That  also,  with  appropriate  ceremo- 
nies, had  been  given  to  the  "  Giver  of  every  good  and 
perfect  gift,"  under  the  hand  of  the  genial  and  godly  Eev. 
George  Coles,  and  subsequently  held  in  trust  by  the  earth- 
ly owner,  for  the  i)romotion  of  His  kingdom  and  glory. 
Memorable  indeed,  were  the  spiritual  manifestations 
accompanying  its  consecration.  No  less  than  six  ministers 
received  the  grace  of  entire  sanctification  on  that  Pente- 
costal day. 

Uniformly  an  early  riser,  we  find  the  record  in  her 
diary  of  1838 : 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  153 

Punctuality  in  m^^  engagements  with  God,  is  necessary  to 
my  advancement.  Shall  the  children  of  this  generation,  who 
have  been  declared  wiser  than  the  children  of  light,  rise  up 
early,  and  sit  up  late,  and  eat  tlie  bread  of  carefulness,  to  lay 
up  corruptible  treasures,  while  the  children  of  a  King  consume 
the  early  hours  of  the  morning  in  sleep?  He  wiio  redeemed 
me  from  the  service  of  self  and  sin,  rose  while  it  was  yet  night, 
to  pray. 

I  well  remember  the  shrinking  of  body  and  mind,  when 
I  first  began  to  devise  a  plan  for  having  uninterrupted  time 
for  devotion.  I  saw  that  the  most  eligible  opportunity,  and 
the  only  one  that  would  positively  warrant  a  precise  hour  of 
freedom  from  company,  must  be  taken  from  the  season  usually 
devoted  to  sleep.  The  spirit  w^as  willing,  but  the  flesh  was 
w^eak,  and  for  some  time  after  I  commenced  this  practice,  by 
w  hich  I  gained  nearly  two  hours  from  my  accustomed  repose, 
I  w<as  inclined  to  question  its  expedieney.  I  found,  however, 
the  strength  of  my  spirit  so  increased,  and  my  heavenward 
advancement  so  much  accelerated  by  it,  that  I  could  not 
conscientiously  discontinue  the  experiment.  I  felt  that  body 
as  well  as  soul  belonged  to  Jesus;  that  both  were  pre- 
cious in  His  sight,  and  that  He  knew  the  sincerity  of  *my 
piotives. 

I  long  more  to  be  a  proficient  in  the  science  of  holy  living, 
and  skilled  in  the  art  of  heavenly  warfare,  than  for  any  earthly 
attainment.  Time  spent  in  any  engagement,  not  in  some  w^ay 
conducive  to  this  end,  seems  lost.  Pleasure  or  pain,  sickness 
or  health  were  welcome,  if  assured  that  this  absorbing 
object  was  gained.  Soon  my  health  began  rapidly  to  impjove. 
Soul  and  body  were  invigorated  and  refreshed,  by  the  smile  of 
Heavenly  approbation.  I  rejoiced  in  the  knowledge  that  God 
was  pleased  with  the  persevering  spirit  of  sacrifice,  in  Avhich 
I  was  enabled  through  His  grace  to  persist  in. 

September  Uth,  1847.— Rose  a  little  after  daybreak,  this 
morning.  Enjoyed  a  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord.  Spent  much  of  the  time  till  noon,  in  domestic  concerns. 
May  I  ever  be  enabled  to  say, 


154  MEMOIRS  OF 

^'  Careful  without  care  I  am,     ^ 
Nor  feel  my  happy  toil, 
Preserved  in  peace  through  Jesus  name, 
Supported  hy  His  smile." 

I  find  that  grace  has  so  transformed  my  nature,  that  my  mind 
as  naturally  turns  to  God  for  help  and  guidance  in  temporal 
matters,  as  in  those  termed  spiritual  duties.  Enjoyed  an 
excellent  meeting  this  afternoon.     Both  parlors  filled. 

Prior  to  this  date,  we  light  upon  the  entry : 

I  have  lately  found  it  very  sweet  to  arise  in  the  night  sea- 
son, and  on  bended  knees,  lift  np  the  voice  of  adoration; 
supplication  and  thanksgiving,  to  the  God  of  all  my  mercies.  I 
love  to  imitate  holy  example.  David  says,  Psalm  119  :  62. 
''  At  midnight  I  will  rise,  to  give  thanks  unto  Thee,  because  oi 
Thy  righteous  judgments."  The  example  of  other  favorites  of 
heaven,  furnishes  proof  of  its  excellency.  As  far  as  I  have 
proved  it  from  my  own  experience,  I  have  found  the  season 
peculiarly  profitable. — heaven  seeming  nearer  to  earth." 

This  custom  she  observed  for  many  years,  when  her 
health  would  permit. 

Social  religious  life  was  always  enjoyed  with  exquisite 
zest. 

January  1st,  1841. — The  Lord  has  brought  me  through  an- 
other year.  Mercies  innumerable  have  strewed  the  pathway, 
and  my  course  has  been  heavenward.  I  am  permitted  to  enjoj'^ 
communion  with  the  Triune  God,  and  to  enjoy  through  the 
abundance  of  His  mercy,  sweet  fellowship  of  spirit,  with  tliose 
who  live  near  the  throne. 

My  dear  Sister  Sarah  has  been  with  us.  She  is  still  going 
on  from  strength  to  strength,  sweetly  proving  that  no  changes 
of  season  or  place  can  make  any  chanire  in  her  mind.  I  have 
felt,  this  morning,  like  exclaiming,  "  Wliat  am  I,  or  wliat  my 
father's  house  before  me,  that  I  should  be  permitted  such 
society  on  earth?  so  like  to  the  anticipated  society  of  the  just 
made  perfect   in   heaven."     Professor  Upham,  Brother  Fitch, 


MnS.  PIKEBE  PALMER.  ]55 

Brotlier  Hatfield,  and  Sister  Sarah  and  myself  spent  the  morn- 
ing in  sweet  communion.  Our  gracious  God,  though  the  prime 
mover  of  tlie  whole,  permits  us  to  be  the  channels  through 
which  spiritual  good  is  communicated  to  each  other. 

But,  tlioiigli  living  in  modest  altlnence,  blest  with  the 
coutidence  and  att'ection  of  admiring  friends,  the  i)atliway 
of  life  was  not  always  strew  n  with  roses;  or,  if  the  roses 
were  there,  the  sharp  and  cruel  thorns  were  tangled  with 
them.  The  chastened  spirit  preened  its  wings  of  ftiith  and 
love,  for  flights  of  evangelic  zeal,  or  loftier  soaring  to  the 
realms  of  light. 
June  20th,  1841.     She  writes : 

For  some  months  past,  I  have  been  called  to  pass  through 
scenes  of  unusual  trial.  Faith  has  been  called  to  endure 
the  fiery  ordeal  of  spiritual  and  mental  conflict.  Grace  has  sus- 
tained, and  thougli  deeply  conscious  of  many  short -comings, 
yet,  through  the  infinite  merit  of  the  atonement,  and  the  con- 
stant application  of  that  blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  unright- 
eousness, the  oti'eriug  that  I  have  been  enabled,  through  grace,  to 
render,  has  been  accepted. 

Beside  spiritual  conflict,  I  have  been  called  to  endure  much 
severe  pain  of  body,  which,  for  a'  considerable  time,  has  render- 
ed me  unfit  for  mental  effort.  Any  indulgence,  even  in  a  slight 
degree,  would  bring  ou  paroxysms  of  excruciating  pain.  But, 
in  the  midst  of  all,  I  have  sweetly  realized  that  God  was  with 
me  ;  and  also,  the  assurance,  that  He  doth  not  willingly  afflict 
the  children  of  men,  but  with  the  intent  that  some  special  les- 
son of  His  grace  shall  be  communicated.  With  the  poet,  I  Ciin 
exclaim, 

"  Labor  is  rest,  and  pain  is  sweet, 
If  Thou,  my  God,  art  here." 

The  years  1812  and  1813  w^ere  filled  up  with  duties 
incident  to  daily  Christian  life.  But  during  the  latter 
year,  she  wrote  a  series  of  articles  for  the  Christian  Advo- 
cate and  Jomnal,  "  w  bich  were  afterw  ards  })ul)lished  in 


256  N  MEMOIRS  OF 

book  form,   imder   the  well-kuowu  title,  ''  Way  of  Holi- 
uess." 

RESTORED   HEALTH   AND   NUMEROUS   DUTIES. 

June  6th,  1848. — Day  filled  and  almost  crowded.  I  often 
think  of  the  Saviour,  avIio  would  fain  have  retired  again,  and 
yet  again  from  the  multitude  ; — but  they  pressed  nj)on  him.  It 
is  enough  that  the  (liscii>le  be  as  his  Master.  I  trust  I  am  ena- 
bled to  look  upon  all  my  various  providential  allotments  for 
the  filling  up  of  my  time  ais  God's  appoinimenis.  I  commit  my 
way  to  Him,  and  then  sweetly  rest  in  the  assurance  that  my 
ways  are  ordered  of  God.  This  makes  duty  a  privilege.  Home 
mission  meeting  this  morning.  A  presiding  Elder,  and  his 
family,  from  New  Jersey,  to  dine.  Meeting,  this  afternoon. 
Several  friends  to  tea,  and  company  till  quite  late  this  evening. 
Added  to  my  several  meeting  engagements,  weekly,  are  the 
many  calls  for  religious  conversation,  &c.,  with  the  domestic 
engagements,  which  of  course  call  for  a  mother's  attention  in 
every  family. 

Yet,  perhaps,  I  may  enumerate  as  among  the  most  mono- 
polizing demands  upon  my  time,  the  many  letters  which  I 
am  required  to  write.  These,  alone,  are  numerous  enough  to 
make  volumes,  yearly.  I  feel,  in  all  tfiese,  that  I  serve  the  Lord 
Christ.     This  is  enough. 

"  Labor  is  rest,  and  pain  is  SAveet." 

I  deeply  feel  that  nothing  I  can  do  will  be  in  the  least  sub- 
servient to  the  Divine  glory,  unless  the  Holy  Spirit  gives  it 
point  and  efficiency.  But  yet,  as  I  am  impelled  by  the  press  of 
circumstances,  which  I  cannot  regard  as  otherwise  than  provi- 
dential, to  be  abundant  in  labors,  I  dare  to  rest  confidently  in 
the  persuasion  that  my  labors  are  in  the  Lord,  and  conse- 
quently must  have  His  blessing. 

June  l^th,  1857. — Have  been  endeavoring  to  serve  the  Lord 
to-da3  ,  in  domestic  orderings,  and  by  attention  to  companj^ 
Chiss-meetin;jf  this  evening.  I  sometimes  have  occasion  to  ob- 
serve, that  the  idea  has  obtained,  that  I  have  no  domestic 


MBS.  PBCEBE  PALMER.  ]57 

cares ;  such  as  are  usually  incumbent  on  house-keepers  and 
motliers.  This  idea  can  only  hav^e  been  obtained  from  tlie  want 
of  observation,  or  due  consideration.  God,  in  the  order  of  His 
gracious  providence,  has  given  me  a  large  house,  involving  pro- 
portionate cares,  and  continually  are  we  permitted  to  enjoy  the 
privilege  of  using  hospitality.  I  know  of  a  few,  or  I  might  say 
perliaps,  witli  marked  truthfulness,  I  know  not  of  any  who 
oftener  have  the  enjoyment  of  entertaining  *'  angels  unawares." 
But  by  endeavoring  to  make  all  things  subservient  to  the  duties 
of  religion,  showing  manifestly  before  my  fiimily  that  I  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  its  righteousness,  God  honors  the 
intention,  and  adds  needful  sustainments.  But  the  fruits  of  my 
pen  are  largely  the  result  of  the  redemption  of  my  time,  and 
from  the  impelling  of  necessity, — being  '^  instant  in  season  and 
out  of  season." 

Increasing  years  and  widening  influence  brought  fresh 
demands  on  disciplined  power  within  the  home  circle. 
Rest  was  simply  change  in  the  direction  of  active  energy. 
Editorial  cares  alternated  with  vocal  labors  in  public, 
until  the  prayer  of  Charles  Wesley  was  almost  literally 
granted  to  her. 

"  O,  that  without  a  lingering  groan, 
I  may  the  welcome  word  receive, 
My  body  with  my  charge  lay  down, 
And  cease  at  once  to  work  and  live." 

January  6th,  1873. — We  are  spending  the  first  week  in  the 
year,  at  liome.  I  can  scarcely  si)eak  of  it  as  rest.  The  demands 
on  our  time  are  generally  quite  as  exacting  when  at  home  as 
when  abroad.  We  devote  much  time  tQ  the  editorship  of  the 
'^  Guide  to  Holiness."  This,  Avith  a  large  correspondence,  keeps 
me  ever  ''  for  Jesus,  day  and  niglit  employed."  But  what 
^blessed  inspiration  in  tlie  work.  "  Ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ." 
If  this  could  be  said  to  servants  called  to  serve  froward  masters, 
how  favored  am  I,  in  being  permitted  to  trace  lines  of  tliought 
tliat  through  the  aidings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  be  written  on 
the  fleshly  tablet  of  hearts  redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Jesus, 


158  MEMOIRS  OF 

whose  tracings  may  be  read,  in  tlie  souls  saved,  long  as  eter- 
nity endures.     Truth  is  iini)erishable. 

Our  calls  to  go  abroad  and  labor  ior  souls,  are  many,  and  we 
need  wisdom  from  above,  at  every  point,  and  are  trusting  that 
''he  that  asketh,  receiveth.''' 

SIGNATURE  OF  JESUS. 

This  morning,  in  family  devotion,  my  dear  companion,  in 
addressing  the  throne  of  grace,  said,''  We  present  our  petition 
with  the  signature  of  Jesus,"  and  my  faith  seemed  to  take  a 
firmer  hold,  while  I  thought  of  the  impossibility  of  a  petition 
being  rejected,  when  drawn  up  in  accordance  with  the  word  of 
God,  and  presented  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  Oh  !  the  triumphs, 
the  ceaseless  victories  ever  consequent  on  the  exercise  of 
simple  faith,  the  faith,  that  without  carnal  reasoning  or  ques- 
tioning takes  the  Almighty  at  His  word;  and  that  says, 
''because  Infinite  Truth  has  uttered  it,  I  believe  it,  though 
human  probability  should  pronounce  it  impossible." 

The  charming  sketch  of  one  family  meal,  next  subjoined, 
rs  accurate  enough  to  ser^e  for  very  many  others,  the 
guests  at  the  table  being  changed. 

Diary,  1849 — A  good  old  brother  Sawyer  was  present,  from 
Canada,  whom  Dr.  Bangs  introduced  as  his  spiritual  father. 
Dear  mother  Stebbins  told  an  affecting  portion  of  her  experi- 
ence, at  the  supper  table.  Dr.  Bangs,  who  is  ever  intent  upon 
bringing  out  instructive  lessons,  on  such  occasions,  had  been 
questioning  her  on  the  subject  of  faith.  Her  answers  were  most 
satisfactory,  and  brought  out  a  recital  of  experience  most  inter- 
esting and  edifying.  A  number  were  present,  and  we  truly  had 
a  spiritual,  as  also  a  temporal  repast.  We  have  been  in  the 
habit  of  pursuing  a  course  which  we  ever  realize  is  favored 
with  a  sense  of  divine  api)roval.  It  is  that  of  having  a  portion  of 
the  bread  of  life  from  each  one  surrounding  the  table,  in  turn. 
Sometimes  the  person  sitting  at  the  head  of  the  table  selects  a 
verse  commencing  with  A,  the  next  repeats  one  commencing 
with  B,  and  thus  we  progress  until  the  alphabet  is  finished.     On 


MRS.  PECEBE  PALMEli.  I59 

other  occasions,  avc  choose  a  subject,  freciueiitly  iterniitting  the 
children  to  take  their  choice.  Tliis  evenin<^-,  little  Walter  P.sked 
the  privilege  of  choosing  a  subject,  which  being  granted,  he  said, 
''Let  us  have  the  subject  of  faith."  He  was  required  to 
commence  with  a  passage,  when  he  replied,  ''Have  faith 
in  God,"  after  which,  many  inspiring  passages  were  given, 
upon  which  Dr.  Bangs  and  others  remarked  most  interest- 
ingly. 

The  effect  of  a  system  adopted  and  carried  out  with  a 
single  eye  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  under  the  guidance 
and  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  was  singidarly  manifest  in 
one  of  the  quietest,  hapinest,  and  most  orderly  homes  in 
Christendom.  Of  this,  Mrs.  Palmer  speaks  repeatedly,  in 
her  journal.  In  1844,  when  her  children  were  young,  and 
at  the  age  which  too  often  chooses  a  parent's  absence  for 
the  indulgence  of  frolic  and  mischief,  she  says  : 

On  my  return  to  my  hapjjy  home,  found  sweetness,  order, 
and  propriety  reigning.  In  this  matter,  God  does  indeed  sig- 
nally bless  me.  I  never  remember  to  have  been  abroad  on  any 
of  these  errands  of  the  Lord,  but  I  have  found  it  thus.  This 
helps  toward  confirming  me  in  duty.  If  my  family  were  neg- 
lected, I  should  not  believ^e  it  in  the  order  of  God,  to  absent 
myself  from  them.  As  it  is,  I  never  stay  ivojw  them  a  day  over 
what  duty  seems  to  demand.  With  my  numerous  friends  in 
various  parts  of  the  country,  I  have  never  stayed,  that  I  can  re- 
member, one  week,  on  tlie  ground  of  mere  personal  friendship. 
Home,  and  home  duties  I  have  ever  conceived  to  be  the  place 
of  mother  and  wife  -,  and  frcmi  these  liiv;h  responsibilities,  none 
can  relieve  them.  A  religion  that  would  lead  to  coolness  of 
affection,  or  want  of  attachment  to  family  endearments,  or 
domestic  ties,  in  any  of  its  various  relations,  is  not  of  God ; 
and  Bible  Christianity  is  incompatible  with  such  a  course. 

January  \ fit,  1852. — Keceived  congratulatory  visits  from  a 
number  of  friends.  Improved  intervening  moments  in  writing 
New  Year  congratulations,  and  expressing  devout  wishes  for 
present  and  eternal  happiness,  to  some  choice  friends  at  a  dis- 


150  MEMOIKS  OF 

tance, — Kev.  Bp.  Hamliue,  Rev.  Dr.  Boweu,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Reddy. 

Gave  also  a  New  Year's  gift,  in  writing,  to  my  daughters  Sarah 
and  Plioibe.  Received  also  some  pretty  New  Year's  gifts,  and 
sent  some  to  others.  Thank  the  Lord  for  dear  friends  and  pre- 
cious relatives.     Went  to  meeting  this  evening. 

May  2ith,  1856.— Rev.  J.  B.  Wakely  dined  with  us.  He  is 
full  of  life  and  anecdote.  Had  quite  an  earnest  conversation  in 
relation  to  how  far  the  Christian  may  safely  go,  in  humorous  de- 
tail. I  love  a  cheerful  piety.  ''  Bejoice,  "  says  the  apostle,  ^'  and 
agiain  I  say,  Rkjoice.  "  But  we  need  wisdom.  Cheerfulness 
must  not  degenerate  into  levity.  But  I  love  the  manifestations 
of  a  sweet,  Cxigaging  piety,  where  every  look  and  tone  bespeak 
a  well-spring  of  joy  within,  and  a  desire  to  communicate  to 
others.     God  is  love ! 

Consisteut  aud  forceful  piety  commanded  the  respect- 
ful love  of  servants,  w  ho,  in  many  instances  w^ere  led  to 
thoughtful  consideration  of  the  Heavenly  Master's  claims 
upon  them,  and  ultimately  to  voluntary  and  whole-hearted 
enlistment  in  His  service  : 

January  SOth,  1838. — I  have  again  had  cause  to  triumph  in 
the  God  of  my  salvation,  as  having  proved  His  promises  to  be, 
yea  and  amen,  in  answer  to  prayer  for  the  conversion  of  the 
woman  living  with  me.  This  morning  while  bearing  her  case 
before  the  Lord,  a  thought  of  discouragement  came  into  my 
mind.  My  reflections  were  these  :  Did  I  not  ask  direction  of 
Heaven,  in  taking  this  person,  and  request  that  we  miglit  be 
mutually  profitable  to  each  other  ?  On  the  contrary,  how 
wicked,  how  utterly  wicked,  she  has  been.  But  yet  my  whole 
soul  resolved  it  into  the  will  of  God,  either  for  her  or  my  good  : 
and  I  felt  that  I  could  not,  nor  did  question  His  wisdom,  in 
permitting  it  to  be  thus,  knowing  that  what  I  knew  not  then,  I 
should  know  hereafter,  and  that  God  would  justify  His  Avays. 
I  was  now  about  to  part  with  her,  and  asked  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  her,  but  my  heart  was  moved,  that  she  should 
go  from  us,  apparently  so  unconscious  of  her  need  of  a  Saviour. 

About  four  P.  M.,  a  gentleman  came  in,  deeply  distressed 


MBS.  PHOEBE  PALMEB.  Id 

in  mind,  and  after  a  struggle  of  about  two  hours,  in  bursting 
the  prison  of  unbelief,  he  experienced  a  glorious  transition 
from  darkness  to  light.  During  the  time  of  his  exultation,  our 
woman  came  into  the  room  on  an  errand.  She  beheld  liis  face 
beaming  with  joy,  while  in  an  ecstacy  he  went  about  tlie  room, 
giving  each  his  hand,  telling  them  to  i^raise  the  Lord.  As  she 
entered  the  door,  he  also  caught  her  hand  and  said,  '^  Praise 
the  Lord!  He  has  forgiven  all  my  sins!  Oh,  praise  Him." 
This  the  Lord  made  the  direct  instrument  of  conviction.  The 
tears  began  to  flow,  and  scarcely  did  they  cease,  imtil,  about 
nine  hours  after,  she  received  the  joy  of  pardon.  Her  distress 
was  excessive.  I  never  but  once  remember  having  seen  any 
equal  to  it.  She  has  since  said,  that  she  felt  as  though  she 
could  not  live.  She  now  sits  sweetly  clothed,  and  in  her  right 
mind,  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.     To  him  be  all  the  glory. 

In  1849,  occurs  the  following  recital  of  successful  inter- 
cession in  behalf  of  the  cook : 

Had  a  gracious  victory  over  Satan,  this  morning.  He  had 
made  a  bold  assault  on  one  of  the  members  of  our  household. 
For  three  or  four  days,  Mary,  the  cook,  who  is  a  pious  girl,  has 
been  greatly  distressed,  the  enemy  tempting  her  that  she  had  no 
religion,  and  had  deceived  herself.  She  had  yielded  to  the 
suggestion  until  she  was  unable  to  sleep,  and  unfitted  for  the 
duties  of  her  calling.  Our  breakfast  table  gave  i)roof  cff  her 
>3,bsence  of  mind,  but  I  said  nothing  of  her  deficiency  to  her, 
yet  felt  that  this  bold  attack  was  not  to  be  submitted  to,  longer. 
I  took  her  to  my  room,  and  pleaded  with  God  that  He  would 
rebuke  the  adversary.  He  heard  and  answered,  and  before  we 
rose  from  our  knees,  Satan  was  vanquished,  and  her  mouth  was 
filled  with  i^raises.  After  her  deliverance,  I  said  to  her,  when- 
ever the  enemy  attacked  her,  she  must  say,  ''  Glory  be  to  Jesus  ! 
He  is  my  Saviour,"  for  Satan  does  not  love  to  hear  the  Saviour 
praised,  and  v>'ould  doubtless  leave  her,  if  she  onlj-  persisted  in 
praising  her  Saviour.  She  has  continued  to  do  so,  and  remains 
very  happy. 

Any  i)ortraitare  of  the  domestic  life  of  Mrs.  Palmer 
would  be  incomi^lete,  that  did  not  present  m  strong  colors, 


162  MEMOIBS  OF 

the  scenes  of  hospitality  in  which  she  characteristically 
delighted.  Numerous  callers,  of  all  Christian  denomina- 
tions, were  perpetually  seeking  spiritual  advice  and  aid, 
and  were  ordinarily  Invited  to  partake  of  temporal  mer- 
cies.    In  1841,  a  visit  received  from 

Rev.  Mr.  Loring,  a  Presbyterian  clergyman,  whose  soul  is 
imbued  ^vitll  the  spirit  of  holiness  *  *  Dear  Father  Merrill 
and  his  wife  have  been  staying  with  us  for  some  days  past. 
Holiness  is  exemplified  in  his  every  word,  look,  and  action. 

Wednesda}  ,  May  1st,  1844,  the  General  Conference  convened 
in  the  Green  Street  Church.  We  have  since  been  favored  with 
the  companionship  of  many  of  the  Lord's  anointed  ones. 
Messrs.  Hamline,  King,  Sorin,  Crandall,  Fisk,  Woodbury,  and 
others  liave  been  abiding  with  us,  and  God  has  abundantly  re- 
warded us  with  His  peaceful  presence  and  approbation,  and 
the  atmosphere  surrounding  us  seems  to  be  impregnated  with 
love  and  holiness. 

Sometimes,  some  of  these  beloved  ones  will  say  ''Lord,  this 
hospitable  family  give  a  cup  of  cold  water  to  Thy  disciples  in 
the  name  of  disciples.  May  they  be  abundantly  rewarded."  In 
answer,  my  heart  says,  ''Lord,  we  are  already  most  blissfully 
rewarded.  We  ave  every  moment  receiving  in  sweetest  plen- 
titude,  most  gracious  rewardings. 

Being  placed  in  the  order  of  God,  in  circumstances  favorable 
for  the  accommodation  of  God's  dear  ones,  is  indeed  a  glo- 
rious privilege,  and  my  heart  thankfully  adores  the  riches  of 
grace,  for  permitting  us  to  be  so  circumstanced.  We  would 
never  have  had  a  habitation  to  dwell  in,  had  not  God  given  it 
us.  It  is  but  meet  then,  that  it  should  be  devoted  to  His 
service.  Every  room  has  been  consecrated.  And  now,  our 
habitual  prayer  is,  "Lord  of  Hosts,  send  out  the  invitations  of 
Thy  Spirit  J  let  Thy  guests  come  together  by  Thine  own 
invitation,  and  when  they  come,  may  they  feel  the  enlightening, 
hallowing  influence  of  Tliy  presence. 

Ttiesdcuj  22(1,  1849.— Bishops  Hedding,  Waugh,  and  Morris, 
in  company  with  our  dear  Bisliop  Hamline  and  others,  dined 
with  us  to-day.     All  the  Bishops  were  to  have  been  present, 


MLS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  1(53 

but.  Bishop  Janes  did  not  come,  on  account  of  the  iUnes8  of 
his  beloved  wife.  At  the  meeting  this  afternoon  we  luid  a  sea- 
sou  of  much  interest." 

Up  to  the  time  when  called  to  the  uiamage  supper  of 
the  Lamb,  these  hospitable  eutertaiuments  of  devoted 
laborers  in  the  great  harvest -field  coiitiiiued.  The  Rev. 
Dr.  McChutoek,  whose  active  religious  career  began  about 
the  same  time  with  that  of  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  whose  great, 
warm  heart  was  commensurate  with  the  magnitude  of  his 
cultured  intellect,  used  to  say  that  he  liked  to  ^' cross  as 
many  lines  of  life,''  as  could  be  done  profitably.  So  did 
she.  Methodist,  Episcopalian,  Presb5i:erian,  Baptist,  Con- 
gregationalist,  Quaker,  etc.,  were  all  welcomed,  if  only  true 
and  earnest  co-workers  in  spreading  scriptural  holiness 
throughout  these  lands. 

To  sick  friends  when  domiciled  ^^ith  her,  as  in  the  case 
of  Mrs.  Hamline,  her  tenderness  and  care  were  remarkable 
and  unfailing.  She  diligently  ministered  to  their  wants, 
rejoiced  in  their  convalescence,  and  exulted  when  they 
came  out  of  the  furnace  as  ^'  gold  seven  times  purified." 

The  profitable  entertainment  of  guests,  so  far  as  mind 
and  heart  were  regarded,  was  a  subject  of  deep  and  pray- 
erful solicitude.  Ordinary  and  extraordinary  topics  of 
conversation  were  not  ignored.  The  Christian  life  is  too 
many-sided,  too  influential  on  all  the  interests  of  society,  for 
one  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  rare  good  sense,  and  practical  charac- 
ter to  pass  them  by.  But  the  grand  secret  of  human  pros- 
perity, the  great  motor  of  social  progress,  she  well  knew 
to  be  "  Holiness  to  the  Lord,"  and  therefore  that  was  the 
prominent  and  most  thoroughly  discussed  topic  of  converse. 
The  following  excerpts  furnish  illustrations  of  habitual 
practice : 

Qu  May  10th,  1841,  the  New  York  Conference  commenced 
its  sessions  in  the  Allen   Street  Church.     Being  in  the  imme- 


^Q4:  MEMOIRS  01< 

diate  neighborhood  we  were  favored  Avith  much  of  the  company 
of  the  Lord's  annointed  ones.  In  part,  I  took  Martha's  phice ; 
although  I  believe  I  had  Mary's  heart,  I  enjoyed  sm  eet  fellow- 
sliip  of  spirit  with  some  of  tliese  beloved  ambassadors  of  the 
Lord,  but  I  am  fearful  that  the  first  few  days  were  not  quite 
so  profitably  spent  as  they  might  have  been.  Conference 
business  was  absorbing  during  the  hours  they  were  in.  I 
tliought  possibly  I  might  not  be  called  \v\)on  to  urge  so  promi- 
nently the  subject  so  important  to  me.  As  there  did  not  ap- 
pear as  much  of  an  opening  as  usual,  I  feared  an  abatement  of 
zeal,  and  I  began  to  inquire  resolutely  the  cause.  My  mind  re- 
verted to  the  fact,  that  I  had  been  less  definite  in  urging  the 
necessity  of  a  present  witness  of  holiness.  Tliough  I  could 
not  refer  to  any  opportunity  neglected,  I  did  not  feel  perfectly 
satisfied  Avith  the  course  i^ursued.  In  the  afternoon  a  brother 
came  iu.  I  darted  a  prayer  to  heaven,  that  if  I  had  been  in 
any  measure  laboring  under  temptation,  that  it  might  be  dissi- 
pated by  the  effort  I  was  about  to  make.  I  spoke  more  point- 
edly than  usual,  and  was  powerfully  tempted  to  think  that  the 
brother  Avould  consider  me  officious.  But  I  felt  my  own  courage 
rising  immediately  after  the  effort,  and  a  joy  in  the  tliought 
that  I  had  tried  to  do  my  duty.  This  dear  minister  in  a  few 
days  sent  me  w^ord,  that  he  had  been  greatly  blessed  through 
that  afternoon's  conversation. 

Memorandum. — I  solemnly  covenanted  with  God  on  Friday, 
the  12th  of  June,  that  if  He  would  condescend  to  bless  that 
effort,  I  Avould  endeavor  thereafter,  under  similar  temptations 
''  that  perhaps  it  is  not  duty  to  be  so  exjilicit  iu  urgiug  the  sub- 
ject,— especially  to  ministers,"  to  regard  it  as  the  A^oice  of  an 
enemy ;  and  to  be  more  truly  ^'  instant  in  season  aud  out  of 
season,"  than  I  have  heretofore  been.  The  Lord  heli^s  me  to 
keep  my  coA^enant. 

The  claims  of  ordinary  hospitality  and  the  conA^entional 
courtesies  of  life  were  never  suffered  to  interfere  mtli  the 
discharge  of  religious  duties.  ^'  I  made  the  resolve,''  she 
writes,  "  that  religious  enfiagements — that  which  might  be 
deemed  the  LorcVs  work — most  emphatically,  should  not  be 
neglected,  or  made  secondary,  in  any  degree." 


MBS.  rmEBE  PALMER.  1(55 

Ordinary  social  calls  from  friends  and  acquaintances 
were  also  utilized  for  their  spiritual  good.  That  object  was 
never  permitted  to  pass  out  of  siglit,  whatever  might  be 
the  immediate  business  on  hand.  On  September  2d,  1839, 
we  find  her  writing : 

To-day  has  been  very  much  taken  up  in  seeing  company, 
but  I  liave  reason  to  be  very  thankful  that  I  do  not  luive  many 
trilling  visitors.  My  friends  seem  to  have  learned  what  to  ex- 
pect from  me,  and  if  afraid  of  serious  conversation,  do  not  make 
long  visits. — unless  tliey  become  interested  in  the  subject 
which,  in  all  companies,  I  feel  it  a  duty  to  bring  forward  as  most 
prominent. 

February  2d,  1843. — She  writes  :  I  find  it  very  sweet,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  day,  to  ask  not  only  that  my  mind  may  be 
directed  in  reference  to  others,  but  that  the  minds  of  others  may 
be  directed  toward  me,  so  that  m^^  time  may  be  filled  up  in  the 
most  profitable  manner,  and  as  shall  tell  best  on  the  pages  of 
eternity.  I  thank  my  Heavenly  Father,  that  when  subject  to 
frequent  interruptions,  He  does  not  permit  me  to  be  dissatisfied 
in  regard  to  them,  but  I  take  them  ever  as  His  appointments. 
An  interesting  train  of  thought  maybe  broken  in  upon,  while 
writing,  as  is  very  frequently  the  case ;  I  generally  feel  like 
disposing  of  the  subject  thus  :  "  This  individual  has  come  in  by 
the  special  appointment  of  my  Heavenly  Father.  Let  me  be 
careful  that  just  the  purpose  for  which  he  or  slie  has  come  be 
answered."  In  this  way,  I  do  not  dare  say  I  am  disappointed, 
however  frustrated  in  my  designs.  And  this  is  often  the  wa}' 
that  day  after  day  passes,  that  don't  seem  to  tell  very  much  on 
the  pages  of  time.  But  I  labor  in  faith.  I  am  sure  they  will 
tell  on  the  pages  of  eternity. 

I  have  the  Word  of  the  Lord  to  bear  me  out  in  this  belief. 
^^  Wherefore,  mj  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmov- 
able, — forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord." 

1853.— Young  Mr.  Minor  recently  returned  from  Palestine. 
Made  an  exceedingly  interesting  call.  He  seems  to  be  a 
deeply  devoted  and  intelligent  Christian.     He  gave  me  much 


166 


MEMOIRS  07 


interesting  information  concerning  Palestine — its  present  state, 
&c.  His  mother,  Mrs.  S.  C.  Minor,  is  at  present  laboring  in 
Palestine  a  few  miles  from  Jerusalem— carrying  on  agricultural 
pursuits,  with  the  aid  of  a  few  who  went  with  her  from  this 
region,  a  few  years  since.  She  employs  Jews  and  Arabs,  and 
teaches  them  to  till  the  soil,  and  has  been,  amid  severe  trials, 
successful. 

Sociable,  friendly,  and  observant  of  proper  conventional 
usages, —  always  w  alking  by  the  same  rule^  and  minding 
the  vsame  thing — Mrs.  Palmer  introduced  the  subject  ot 
personal  holiness  into  all  religious  circles,  w  ith  the  same 
wisdom,  transparent  .sincerity,  and  earnestness,  that  she 
pressed  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  tow  ard  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  upon  the  unconverted. 

Baltimore,  May  17f/i.— Dined  at  Dr.  Thomas  Bond's,  Sen.  I 
could  not  seem  to  get  freedom  of  spirit  in  introducing  tlie  one 
absorbing  subject.  I'feel  thankful  that  I  find  a  restlessness 
of  spirit,  if  I  cannot  be  in  some  way  instrumental  in  giving 
such  a  turn  to  conversation,  as  I  conceive  will  best  tell  on  the 
pages  of  eternity. 

1849. — To-day  we  dined  at  Bishop  Janes'  with  our  dear 
Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  and  other  friends.  Urged  the  impor- 
tance of  entire  holiness  on  Rev,  L.  R.  Dunn,  of  Newark.  Hope 
the  effort  may  not  be  useless.     Dr.  Bangs  supped  with  us. 

1849. — This  evening  Sister  Hamline  and  I  supped  with  the 
Mercein  family,  on  the  occasion  of  the  recent  nuptials  of  T.  F. 
R.  Mercein  with  the  friend  of  his  choice,  Miss  Stephens.  Drs. 
Bangs  and  Peck,  and  a  number  of  other  ministers,  with  tlieir 
wives,  were  present.  The  interview  was  interesting.  T.  F.  R. 
M.  does  not  seem  to  have  lost  any  of  his  zeal  in  passing  through 
the  ordeal  of  courtship  and  marriage.  Would  that  it  miglit  be 
thus  with  every  young  minister. 

Middletoioi,  MaijlSth,  1851. — We  are  enjoyingour  visit  very 
much.  Dr.  Olin  is  patient,  and  an  interesting  Christian.  I  see 
in  him  and  dear  Mrs.  Olin,  much  to  admire  and  love.  Oar  visit 
seems  to  have  given  much  satisfaction.  Doubtless  the  Lord 
ordered  it,  I  trust  for  the  benefit  of  dear  Dr.  Olin's  lieart. 


MBS.  PHOEBE  PALMEB.  I57 

July  17th,  1851. — Part  of  this  day  we  spent  ruralizing  with 
the  sweet  family  of  Bishop  Janes.  The  Bishop  has  a  good  farm 
and  house,  but  his  official  duties  monopolize  his  attention,  so 
that  he  has  but  little  time  with  his  family.  The  health  of  our 
dear  sister  Janes  is  exceedingly  feeble,  but  endearments  abound, 
and  the  beauty  of  holiness  i)revails.. 

Though  burdened  with  many  cares,  and  physically  op- 
pressed by  public  labors  that  seemed  to  demand  nerves  of 
steelj  and  sinews  of  brass,  Mrs.  Palmer  always  found  in 
her  happy,  sanctified  home,  a  haven  of  refuge.  She  there 
experienced  the  blessedness  of  that  peace,  and  love,  and 
joy,  and  tender  companionship,  which  are  at  once  the  fruit 
of  grace,  and  the  foretaste  of  glory.  Tlie  succeeding 
extracts  from  diary  and  correspondence  fitly  close  this 
chapter  on  domestic  life. 

Diary,  December  19th,  1871. — Had  a  most  loving,  beautiful 
surprise,  last  evening,  (the  sixty-fourth  anniversary  of  her  birth.) 
On  opening  the  door  of  our  dining-room,  last  niglit,  what;  was 
our  amazement,  on  beholding  all  the  members  of  the  beloved 
fjimily, — children,  and  children's  children — fourteen  in  num- 
ber, all  congregated  around  a  sumptuously  set  table.  Their 
child-like  glee  was  unbounded,  when  they  saw  how  complete 
had  been  their  affectionate  devisings  in  giving  me  a  birthday  sur- 
prise. '^  Children  are  the  heritage  of  the  Lord."  Thanks  to  the 
Father  of  mercies  for  these  dear  ones.  May  He  pour  out  His 
blessed  Spirit  upon  our  se^d,  and  His  blessing  upon  our  off- 
spring. 

New  York,  February  27th,  1873. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Last  nigiit,  as  a  sort  of  surprise,  we  liad  a  delightful  gathering 
of  our  dear  children.  How  we  do  spread  into  bauds  !  Sixteen  I 
with  great  and  small,  got  into  the  house,  without  our  Jcnowledge, 
and,  by  previous  arrangement  among  themselves,  prepared  a 
sumptuous  rejiast,  in  the  dining-room. 

As  they  entered  the  house  noiselessly  through  the  lower  door, 
we  did  not  know  anything  of  the  matter,  till  the  whole  com- 


108  MEMOIRS   OF  MRS.   PHCEBE  PALMER. 

pany,  in  single  file,  coming  through  the  back  parlor,  passed  be- 
fore Doctor  P.,  and  myself,  as  we  were  sitting  in  the  front  par- 
lor. Mr.  Kuapp,  taking  me  by  the  arm,  took  me  in  my  almost 
bewilderment  of  surprise,  to  the  largely  spread  table,  and, 
Phoebe,  I  believe,  took  her  father,  and  then  all,  as  one,  around 
the  table,  joined  in  acclamation  and  congratulation.  Mr.  Fos- 
ter most  feelingly  thanked  the  Lord  for  the  table  blessings,, 
and  the  union  of  the  family  circle,  etc.  The  explanation  of  the 
whole  matter,  is  this  :  February  9th,  was  their  dear  father's 
birthday.  They  had  intended  to  give  him  this  surprise,  but  we 
not  being  at  home  at  the  time,  they  were  resolved  not  to  be 
foiled,  so  they  sought  the  first  opportunity  since  our  return.  They 
managed  to  make  me  a  visit  similar,  and  just  as  unlooked  for, 
on  my  birthday.  The  Lord,  in  his  rich  mercy,  is  uniting  and 
blessing  us  as  a  family,  yet  more  and  more.  May  we  ever  be 
united  in  the  '^  bundle  of  life." 


CHAPTER    lY. 

CHURCH  LABORS. 

1 — In  the  Sunday  School. 

2 — In  the  SAXcTrARY. 

3 — In  the  Local  Churches. 

rr  the  Sunday-school,  Mrs.  Palmer  had  long  been  a  use^ 
fnl  teacher.  With  voice,  pen,  and  pencil,  she  contribu- 
ted to  the  fulfilment  of  its  high  and  holy  mission,  in 
indoctrinating  chilhhood  and  youth,  and  in  leading  them  to 
unreserved  j)ersonal  consecration  to  Christ.  Her  own 
children  were  all  intelligently  converted  to  God  before  at- 
taining the  age  of  seven,  years. 

The  intimate,  and  even  critical  acquaintance  with  the 
word  of  God,  so  apparent  in  after  life,  was  doubtless  due 
iu  part,  to  the  mniute  and  exhaustive  care  with  which  the 
lessons  were  prepared  for  the  Sabbath. 

One  of  the  headings  in  her  journal  reads  thus  \  '•'-  Be 
punctual  iu  all  my  engagements  with  God.''  Though  in 
feeble  health,  and  many  demands  pressing  upon  her  time, 
she  felt  it  to  be  her  duty  to  attend  the  services  connected 
with  all  departments  of  the  Church.  The  Sabbath-school 
teachers'  fellowship  meeting,  she  speaks  of  as  being 
remarkably  interesting.  God  was  ever  present  to  reveal 
Himself  to  the  waitiag  teachers'  hearts — and  the  revivals 
of  religion,  that  often  swept  through  the  Sabbath-school, 
were  largely  due  to  these  seasons  of  refreshing. 

This  institution  of  the  Church  she  considered  pecu- 
liarly the  cause  of  God.  From  the  early  age  of  seven 
years,  her  time  was  spent  either  in  receiving  or  ini])arting 
instruction.     She  graduated  from  the  status  of  scliolar  to 


170  MEMOIRS  OF 

tliat  of  teacher,  and  from  that  of  teaclier  to  tliat  of  super- 
inteudent,  and  from  that  to  the  higher  charge  of  what 
was  termed  a  ^^Preparatory  Teachers  Chiss."  From 
twenty  in  number,  this  chiss  increased  to  over  a  hundred, 
and  enhirged  acconmiodations  were  made  for  it  in  what 
was  called  the  '^  Ohl  Allen  street  Lecture  Eoom.-' 

The  extent  of  the  infiuence  of  that  Bible-class  will 
probably  never  be  known  —  not  only  on  the  teachers,  and 
on  mothers  that  have  gone  out  from  it,  but  on  the  many 
ministers'  wives  that  have  received  lessons  of  Tvisdom  from 
her  lips,  and  who  are  now  helpfid  workers  in  the  Master's 
vineyard. 

1837. — The  Lord  still  deigns  to  make  me  useful  to  those  around 
me.  The  young  ladies  of  my  Bible-class  have  been  brought  to  see 
themselves  in  need  of  a  Saviour.  The  interest  awakened  among 
them  has  been  great  5  so  much  so  that  one  Sabbath,  we  did  not 
attend  to  the  ordinary  duties  of  the  class.  They  are  daily 
remembered  by  name  before  the  Lord. 

Diary ^  Nov.  20th,  1837. — The  Lord  has  mercifully  condescended 
to  bless  me  much,  by  giving  me  to  see  the  fruit  of  my  labors. 
Three  of  my  Bible-class  have  professedly  been  brought  to  the 
knowledge  of  remission  of  sins.  On  the  last  Sabbath,  how  my 
heart  rejoiced  in  God  my  Redeemer,  to  see  the  characteristics  of 
hearts  truly  changed,  so  sweetly  exliibited  by  their  anxiety  for 
the  other  members  of  the  class,  who  are  yet  out  of  Christ.  They 
all  seem  to  be  truly  awakened.  May  they  speedily  be  brought 
iuto  the  kingdom  of  grace.  The  Lord  has  laid  the  burden  of 
their  souls  heavily  on  me.  Oh  !  what  a  responsibility  rests 
upon  the  Sabbath-school  teacher,  who  has  souls  in  charge  !  Will 
not  the  fearful  recpiirement  of  souls  lost,  be  made  of  many  an 
unfaithful  S.  S.  teacher?  What  might  not  be  done,  if  all 
teachers  felt  their  fearful  responsibilitj^  as  they  should. 

She  ^^ites  under  date  of  September,  1838,  a  letter  to 
Miss  Sands,  a  member  of  her  Bible  class,  from  which  we 
give  a  brief  extract : 


MES.  PR(EBE  PALMEB.  j^j^ 

Dear  Precious  Love  : 

I  had  almost  said,  daughter,  and  yet  I  scarcely  dare  presume 
to  do  so,  in  the  association  with  which  it  stands  in  your  com- 
munication. Tears  of  gratitude  filled  my  eyes  when  I  thought 
of  the  high  honor  you  conferred  upon  me  in  calling  me  your 
spiritual  mother.  You  have  conferred  an  honor  I  scarcely  pre- 
sumed to  claim  ;  yet  permit  me  to  say,  that  it  is  the  unyielding 
ambition  of  my  soul,  to  be  thus  through  grace,  signalized  in 
that  day  when  the  clear  light  of  eternity  will  manifest  before 
congregated  worlds,  the  works  of  each. 

I  have  asked  of  Him  who  has  promised  to  fulfill  the  desire  of 
those  that  fear  Him,  that  He  would  condescend  to  make  me  a 
'^  Mother  in  Israel."  I  feel  that  this  is  an  ambition  that  meets 
His  ai^proval ;  and  I  care  not  how  rapidly  the  wing  of  time  may 
bring  that  period,  when  maturity  of  years,  shall  render  even 
a  semblance  of  apology,  unnecessary.  The  intervening  years, 
months,  days  and  hours,  I  desire  should  be  marked  with  results, 
which  would  in  verity  perpetuate  my  memory  as  that  of  a 
^'  Mother  in  Israel."  With  such  views,  my  ardent  soul  says, 
^'Quick-footed  time  haste  on  thy  course  ;  'Tis  love  that  drives 
my  chariot- wheels."  Let  the  point  of  my  destination  be  reached 
sooner  or  later,  if  only  the  result  of  every  moment  tell  in  eter- 
nity." 

The  religions  services  held  on  the  celebration  of  the  Cen- 
tenary of  Methodism,  were  the  occasion  of  more  brilUant 
revelations  of  Di\ine  trnth  and  of  Christian  privilege : 

Diary,  October  28th,  1839.— Friday,  the  25th,  the  Centenary  of 
Methodism  was  observed  throughout  all  our  bounds  as  a 
religious  festival.  Grateful  emotions  spring  up  in  tlie  heart,  in 
view  of  the  circumstances  leading  to  the  celebration  of  tliis  day. 
One  hundred  years  ago,  Wesley,  with  a  heart  burning  witli  zeal, 
commenced  his  luminous  career,  which  has  since  blessed  tlie 
world.  It  has  been  well  said,  by  one,  tliat,  '^  Methodism  is 
Christianity  in  earnest."  If  the  purity  of  its  doctrines .  especially 
that  of  holiness  of  heart,  liad  been  carried  out  in  individual 
practice,  from  the  time  Wesley  enforced  its  necessity, — what 
might  have  been  accomplislied  througli  us  as  a  people  ?    Though 


172  MEMOIRS  OF 

there  may  be  cause  for  humiliation,  in  view  of  wliat  might  have 
been  accomplished,  weha  ve  great  cause  for  gratitude.  W  itnesses 
that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanses  from  all  sin,  are  daily  augment- 
ing the  number  of  the  redeemed  family  on  earth;  and  the  services 
of  this  memorable  day  have  proved  that  God  still  smiles  upon  us 
as  a  people.  The  sunrise  meeting  was  favored  with  unusual 
manifestations  of  the  presence  of  God.  During  the  day,  the 
same  Spiiit  hovered  over  the  assembly,  and  the  love  feast  in 
the  evening  was  a  glorious  close  to  the  eventful  scenes  of  the 
day.  May  we  not  suppose,  that  the  sainted  Wesley s,  Fletcher, 
Bramwell,  Smith,  Clark  and  hosts  of  others,  whose  names  crowd 
upon  the  memory,  were  comingling  with  these  scenes  and  urg- 
ing forward  the  armies  of  Israel  to  further  conquest  on  this 
auspicious  day  ? 

The  work  of  the  Lord  seems  to  have  received  a  new  imi)ulse. 
Our  dear  ministers,  yesterday,  labored  as  if  baptized  anew  with 
the  Holy  Ghost.  The  whole  of  last  week  was  a  time  of  rising 
in  my  own  soul.  On  Saturday,  while  preparing  myself  for  my 
Bible-class  exercises,  when  I  came  to  the  request  of  Moses, 
"  Lord,  I  beseech  Tliee  show  me  Thy  glory,''  my  soul  began  to 
catch  the  insi)iration,  and  to  breathe  forth  with  fervor,  ''  Show 
me  Thy  glory."  While  endeavoring  to  open  the  scriptures  to  the 
understanding  of  tlie  members  of  my  class,  on  Sabbath,  the 
Lord  began  to  reveal  Himself  yet  more  gloriously.  My  breath- 
ings for  greater  manifestations  still  continued.  In  the  Tues- 
day meeting  I  told  them  my  expectation,  and  asked  them  to 
pray  that  my  petition  might  be  granted.  On  Wednesday,  I 
awoke  with  an  unusual  sense  of  the  presence  of  God.  I  was 
so  filled  with  His  fulness,  and  had  such  a  view  of  the  glory  of 
my  inheritance  as  a  child  of  God,  an  heir  of  glory,  and  as  being 
one  with  Christ,  that  all  was  unutterable  glory.  I  said  to  dear 
Dr.  P.,  '^  the  view  is  so  glorious  that  I  can  bear  only  a  glance. 
Hallelujah  !"       . 

Diary,  July  lOth,  1842. — Much  time  has  elapsed  since  I  last 
mad'j  an  entry,  but  it  has  not  been  because  I  have  not  had  much 
of  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord  to  record.  His  leadings  have 
been  wonderful.  No  period  of  my  experience  has  been  more 
diversified    with    signal   mercies   and  deliverances,    and  also 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMEB. 


173 


severe  trials  in  depth  and  duration.  Notvvitlistanding,  my  feet 
are  on  the  Kock  of  Ages,  My  confidence  in  the  faithfulness  of 
God  is  still  steadfast.  My  anchor  cast  deep  within  the  vail. 
The  multiplicity  of  my  engagements  has  prevented  me  from 
writing  as  often  as  formerly,  my  time  for  such  engagements 
being  occupied  in  more  extensive  preparations  for  jiiy  Bible- 
class,  in  letter- writing,  etc. 

February  5th,  1843. — Had  a  very  interesting  Bible-class  to- 
day. Some  of  the  members  have  become  awakened.  One,  dur- 
ing the  week,  was  powerfully  converted.  This  afternoon,  the 
interest  was  such  that,  by  the  request  of  the  members,  I  con- 
cluded to  have  a  prayer-meeting.  The  Lord  was  very  present 
with  us.  I  think  we  had  reason  to  conclude  that  awakenings 
were  multiplied.  When  the  time  came  to  close,  one,  Miss  K., 
was  so  powerfully  wrought  upon,  that  she  cried  aloud  for  mer- 
cy, and  continued  on  her  knees.  We  were,  from  her  case,  joined 
with  others  of  deep  interest,  constrained  to  stay  during  church- 
service.  Most  of  the  class,  who  had  found  the  Lord,  told  for 
the  encouragement  of  the  seekers,  just  the  manner  that  they  had 
found  Him,  wliich  was  greatly  interesting  and  profitable.  This 
evening  Miss  K.  found  the  Lord,  and  was  blest  with  a  \evy 
clear  experience. 

The  sessions  of  the  Bible-class  were  frequently  occa- 
sions of  supreme  enjoyment  and  special  anointings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.     On  Sabbath,  November  3d,  1844,  she  writes : 

"  Enjoyed  a  precious  season  at  my  Bible-class.  Lesson — 
the  fourth  chapter  of  Mark.  Jesus  was  indeed  present  with  us, 
and  opened  the  Scriptures  to  our  understanding.  I  received 
from  the  treasury,  things  new  and  old,  and  not  only  my  own 
soul,  but  other  disciples  of  Jesus,  feasted.  "  Unto  you  it  is 
given  to  know  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  lieaven,"  was 
dwelt  upon  with  memorable  delight,  and  it  was  not  difficult  to 
believe  that  things  hidden  from  the  wise  and  prudent  might  be 
revealed  unto  babes,  through  the  merits  and  condescension  of  an 
interceding  Saviour.  One  of  the  members  of  the  class  observed 
that  Jesus  had  a  ^'  beloved  disciple,"  and  queried  as  to  the  man- 
ner and  privilege  of  becoming,  in  a  more  especial  sense,  beloved 


174  MEMOIRS  OF 

disciples.     Tlie  subject  was  dwelt   upon  with  rich  profit  and 
pleasure. 

In  the  year  1845,  continuous  sickneSvS  compelled  first, 
tenii)orary,  and  then  permanent,  resignation  of  her  Bible- 
class,  after  nine  years  of  blessed  beneficent  service.  But, 
as  the  following  exceri)t  fiom  her  diary  indicates,  interest 
in,  and  love  for  it,  remained  unabated. 

August  9th,  1857. — Visited  the  Bible-class  this  morning. 
Our  pastor  was  assisted  in  preaching  on  the  subject  of  humility. 
Lord  deepen  my  humility  !  I  feel  myself  to  be  but  as  a  drop 
in  the  ocean  of  infinite  love.  Christ  is  all  in  all.'  The  Lord 
knows  that  I  do  not  feel  myself  sufficient  to  think  a  good 
thought. 

The  more  than  ordinary  intellectual  gifts, and  the  pow- 
ers of  fluent  and  graphic  description  with  which  the  Lord 
had  endowed  His  hand-maiden,  were  all  conscientiously 
consecrated  to  His  service.  Their  earliest  public  fruition 
was  devoted  to  the  Sunday-school. 

Diary,  Jan  ith,  1838. — Circumstances  frequently  transpire 
tliat  teach  me  how  fearlessly  I  may  commit  my  wajs  to  the 
Lord,  assuring  me  that  *'  He  will  direct  my  paths,"  and  estab- 
lish tlie  thouglits  of  my  heart.  One  of  this  nature,  has  caused 
me  much  triumph  of  soul  for  a  few  days  past.  It  was  that  of 
writing  the  dialogues,  pieces  and  hymnti  for  the  Christmas 
celebration.  When  first  solicited,  I  hesitated  much,  fearful 
lest  it  might  in  some  measure  check  that  spirit  of  intense  de- 
votion, and  that  consciousness  of  dwelling  within  the  vail, 
which  I  had  been  permitted  to  indulge,  by  their  necessary  con- 
nection with  things  which,  thougli  in  themselves  good,  yet  are 
calculated  to  draw  my  affections  out  from  that  inward  quiet 
so  desirable  for  a  close  walk  with  God.  The  performance  of 
the  duty  seemed  necessary,  and  I  undertook  it  as  being  in 
the  order  of  God, with  the  humble  prayer  that  He  woultl  per- 
mit me  to  be  useful  in  this  way,  by  making  the  effort  really 
serviceable  to  the  good  of  souls.    My  prayer  has  been  answered 


MJiS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  I75 

even  beyond  my   expectation.     We  had  on  Christmas  day,  a 
most  interesting  and   delightful  Sunday-school  celebration. 

Three  years  later,  slie  writes  to  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James, 
about  a  contemplated  visit  to  Burlington,  N.  J.,  and  gives 
some  glimpses  of  the  manner  in  which  she  sought  to  im- 
part the  highest  degree  of  interest  and  effectiveness  to  the 
Sunday-school. 

With  Sabbath -school  hymns,  pieces,  dialogues,  «&sc.,  for  the 
Christmas  and  New  Years  anniversaries,  I  thought  I  might  be 
hindered  from  seeing  you,  as  my  calls  for  this  kind  of  work 
have  been  more  numerous  than  usual,  this  year.  As  you  will 
observe  by  the  Advocate,  I  Iiave  not  been  entirely  idle  in  other 
respects.  With  engagements,  company,  and  otlier  things 
which  necessarily  occupy  time,  I  had  felt  as  if  I  hardly  dared 
to  think  of  visiting  Burlington.  Your  letter  settled  me  on  that 
point  however,  that  it  is  of  the  Lord.  I  have  the  prospect  01 
help  with  Sunday-school  engagements,  from  our  dear  Brother 
Woodbury.  I  do  not  know  but  that  he  may  be  able  to  accom- 
pany me.     He  is  eminently  fitted  for  usefulness  in  revivals. 

In  December,  1844,  she  wi^ites  to  Bishop  and  Mrs. 
Hamline,  of  the  regret  with  which  the  attempt  to  get  out  a 
volume  of  exercises,  hymns,  &c.,  for  Sabbath-school  cele- 
'brations  before  Christmas,  had  been  abandoned.  Multi- 
tudinous cares  and  labors,  would  not  admit  of  successful 
execution  of  the  project.  In  her  journal  of  November  18th, 
1817,  she  records, ''  Avrote  a  little  Sabbath-school  piece,  this 
evening,"  and  again,  on  December  25th,  with  motherly 
pride  and  pious  gratitude  : 

Sabbath-school  celebration  this  evening.  Little  Walter  and 
Phoebe  took  part  in  the  exercises.  He  who  hath  aaid  "  Tlie 
very  hairs  of  your  head  are  numbered"  granted  His  blessing 
on  the  project,  and  enabled  them  to  do  well. 

While  sickness  forbade  the  continuance  of  i)ersonal  in- 
struction in  this  delightful  and  promising  held,  and  pro\i.- 


176  MEMOIRS  OF 

dential  calls  to  wider  usefulness  prevented  retiu^n  to  it,  after 
recovery,  Mrs.  Palmer  never  ceased  to  clierisli  the  warmest 
love  for  the  Sabbath-school,  nor  to  contribute,  a>s  ckcum- 
stances  permitted,  to  its  prosperity. 

2.^IN  THE  SANCTUARY. 

In  the  prudential  means  of  grace  peculiar  to  Method- 
ism, Mrs.  Palmer  Avas  a  constant  and  conscientious  par- 
ticipant. The  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  power,  of 
which  she  was  a  gratefid  and  J03  ous  recii)ient,  was  utilized 
in  witnessing  for  Christ  as  a  present  and  perfect  SaAiour 
from  aU  sin,  and  in  persuading  others  to  embrace  Him  as 
such.  The  subjomed  excerpts  relative  to  these  duties  are 
full  of  interest. 

Diary,  July  2d,  1838. — Last  evening,  in  the  experience  meet- 
mg,  grace  triumphed  gloriously  over  nature.     In  the  early  part 
of  the  meeting,  I  felt  an  unusual  shrinking,  when  the  duty  of 
speaking  was  presented.     I  felt  desirous  to  avail  myself  of  the 
opportunity,  if  assured  of  its  being  duty ;  but  the  enemy,  by 
repe  ited  suggestions,  endeavored  to  darken  my  mind.     I  asked 
for  thti  light  of  the  Spirit,  relative  to  the  requirement,  and  then 
abandoned  myself,  soul  and  body,  into  the  hands   of  the  Lord. 
"  I  am  thine,"  said  my  confiding  soul,  and  I  felt  conscious  as-  ^ 
sistance  from  on  high,  while  speaking  of  the  riches  of  grace 
manifested  toward  me  in  the  experience  of  the  past  week.     I 
sat  down  feeling  that  Jesus  was  the  strength  of  my  soul.     As 
the  meeting  progressed,  rather  an  unusual  backwardness  was 
exhibited.     I  was  impressed  to  tell  them  of  the  way  in  which 
I  had  been  led  into  this  wealthy   place.     Aware   of  the  im- 
propriety of  always  following  impressions,  without  examining 
prayerfully  the  i)rinciple8   leading  to  action,  I  looked  couii- 
dently  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  guidance,  and  determined, 
if  another  pause  ensued,  to  improve  it.     I  did  so,  and  found  it 
peculiarly  blessed,  to  be  obedient  to  the  motions  of  the  Spirit. 
A  plain  path  seems  marked  out  before  me — the  path  of  obedi- 
ence. 


IIES.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  I77 

July  26th,  1838.— This  eveuing  attended  love-feast  at  Forsyth 
Street  Church.  The  glorious  circumstances  of  my  beingso  let  into 
God,  one  year  ago  this  morning,  were  vividly  before  me.  I  felt 
a  measure  of  the  overwhelming  i^ower  of  saving  grace,  and  I 
attempted  to  give  vent  to  the  feelings  of  my  full  heart,  hut  was 
twice  prevented  in  consequence  of  others  rising  at  the  same 
time. 

January  Sd,  1840. — During  the  past  month,  the  Lord  has  con- 
descended to  strengthen  my  faith,  by  i)ermitting  me  to  see  the 
fruit  of  my  labor.  About  two  weeks  since,  I  attended  a  meeting 
for  social  worship,  at  AVilliamsburg.  The  intimations  of  the 
Spirit  induced  me  to  occup}"^  more  time  than  I  am  accustomed  to, 
on  such  occasions.  Sister  Cox,  at  whose  house  tl'e  meeting 
was  held,  was  re-established  in  the  witness  of  holiness.  An- 
other was  awakened,  and  went  home,  and  wrestled  until  two  in 
the  morning,  when  she  received  the  spirit  of  adoption.  A  Baptist 
lady  also  inquired  why  she  might  not  receive  this  blessing  of 
holiness,  which  had  been  the  theme  of  the  evening.  She  sought 
and  found,  and  came  the  ensuing  week,  proclaiming — ^'  The 
blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  sin." 

CLASS-MEETINGS. 

None  of  tlie  prudential  institutions  of  the  Methodist 
church  were  more  highly  appreciated  by  Mrs.  P.,  than  the 
class-meeting.  Mr.  Paradise  was  her  first  leader,  atid  from 
him  she  was  accustomed  to  hear  the  inquiry — variously 
propounded — how  her  sopl  prospered  in  the  di\ine  life,  and 
to  receive  such  instructions  as  occasion  reciuired.  The 
^'  hidings  of  Methodism's  power,"  as  a  Cahinistic  divine 
remarked,  are  subordinately  in  the  class-meeting.  It  is 
one  exidanation  of  its  unprecedented  success.  It  was  one 
of  the  agencies  that,  under  God,  i)repared  this  ^'  ^Mother  in 
Israel "  for  her  wonderful  prophetic  labors  in  the  future. 

Dec.  l^th,  1837. — Last  evening  I  attended  class-meetiny.  It 
was  one  of  the  most  glorious  seasons  that  I  ever  experienced. 
My  prayer  before  I  went  was,  that  the  Spirit  of  holiness  miglit 
brood  over   us,  and  the  petition    was  abundantly   answered. 


178  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  glory  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  fill  the  place  where  we  were 
assembled. 

August  SOth,  1838. — In  consequence  of  the  indisposition  of  my 
dear  husband,  it  became  ray  duty  to  speak  to  the  class.  I  felt 
much  liberty  of  spirit.  Jesus  seemed  very  present  to  bless.  0, 
how  I  love  His  cause,  His  people,  His  Avoik !  As  I  pass  on 
my  heavenward  journey,  I  find  that  I  more  and  more  lose  sight 
of  self,  or,  as  a  devout  writer  says,  "  the  noise  of  self  ceases." 

Mrs.  Palmer  was  often  found  in  the  class-room,  either 
leading'  her  husband's  class,  in  his  necessary  absence,  or 
visiting  the  different  classes  in  the  church,  whither,  as  she 
often  says,  ^'  I  seemed  impressed  to  go." 

She  repeatedly  speaks  of  memorable  seasons  in  answer 
to  prayer. 

In  the  month  of  December,  1839,  Mrs.  Palmer  was 
pastorally  appointed  by  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Gilder,  to  the 
charge  of  one  of  the  church  classes.  The  appointment 
was  somewhat  of  an  innovation  on  the  usages  of  New  York 
Methodism,  being  the  first  of  the  kind  ever  made  in  that 
city,  though  in  perfect  consonance  A^itli  the  spirit  and 
economy  of  the  body  in  the  mother  coimtry.  The  conse- 
quences amply  justified  its  wisdom,  and  awakened  the  in- 
quiry w^y  such  an  element  of  power,  as  feminine  leader- 
ship, had  not  been  more  widely  adopted  by  American 
Methodists.  In  Great  Britain,  the  invaluable  gifts  of 
godly  w  omen  have  been  thus  employed  in  the  churches, 
from  the  days  of  Wesley  until  now,  and  everywhere  with 
specially  blessed  results.  The  rules  adopted  by  Mrs.  P.,  for 
the  guidance  of  her  nunistration,  are  whoUy  in  harmony 
with  her  p>ractioal  character, — are  fidl  of  wisdom  and 
fraught  with  felicitous  issues. 

She  WTites  under  date,  December  5th,  1839 : 

On  Friday  evening,  I  am  to  take  the  entire  charge  of  a  class. 
It  is  to  be  formed  principally  of  young  converts.  I  thought  it 
would  be  well  to  lay  down  some  rules  by  which  I  should  be 


MliS.  PHiEBE  riLMEi:.  ][79 

goTerned.  First.  I  will  ascertain  wlietber  they  are  funished 
with  the  discipline, — containing  our  rules,  doctrines  and 
usages, — and  will  labor  to  enforce  the  necessity  of  being  thor- 
ough Methodists.  Second.  In  order  to  more  fully  explain  my 
meaning,  1  will  furnish  each  one  with  Wesley's  tract,  containing 
the '' Character  of  a  Methodist."  Third.  I  will  urge  the  sub- 
ject of  holiness  as  a  fundamental  doctrine.  The  Wesleys  hav- 
ing been  thrust  out  to  raise  up  a  holy  people,  it  consequently 
becomes  their  duty  to  rise  up  to  that  standard  of  experience. 
Fourth.  In  order  to  keep  the  subject  prominently  before  them,  I 
v>ill  ask  them  to  covenant  before  God  with  each  other,  to  pray  at 
least  three  times  a  day  for  the  attainment  of  the  witness  in 
themselves.  Fifth.  I  will  cultivate  by  every  possible  means,  a 
sympathy  of  feeling  among  the  members,  bj'  getting  them  to 
bear  one  another's  burdens.  This  will  serve  to  unite  them  to- 
gether in  Christian  love,  and  cause  them  to  long  for  a  return  of 
the  evening  class-meeting.  Sixth.  I  will  impress  upon  them 
the  importance  of  praying  for  her  who  has  charge  over  them. 
May  the  Lord  enable  me  to  be  faithful  in  this  department  of 
labor ;  and  may  not  the  blood  of  one  soul  thus  committed  to 
my  care,  be  found  upon  me,  in  the  day  of  eternity. 

In  dissolving  my  connection  with  the  class  of  which  I  have 
been  for  so  long  time  a  member,  and  very  frequently — owing 
to  my  husband's  profession — been  in  charge  of;  my  feelings 
were  those  of  intense  interest.  I  told  them  that  if  in  the  day 
of  eternity,  one  individual  should  be  found  without  the  wed- 
ding garment  of  holiness,  it  would  not  be  through  my  unfaith- 
fulness, in  not  having  been  sufficiently  explicit,  in  pressing  the 
duty  of  entire  consecration.  I  fully  believe  that  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  carried  the  conviction  home  to  their  hearts,  of  my  final 
acquittal. 

SUCCESSFUL  LABORS. 

January  Sd,  1840, — At  my  last  class-meeting,  on  rising  from 
prayer,  I  received  an  intimation  that  some  one  had  been 
blessed  during  the  exercises.  I  asked  if  there  was  one  there, 
that  had  received  a  special  blessing,  to  declare  it,  to  the  praise 
of  God.   A  lovely  young  lady,  who  had  been  seeking  pardon,  for 


IgO  MEMOIRS  OF 

some  time,  came  to  me,  and  aaid,  ^^  The  Lord  has  blessed  me." 
Thus,  while  we  were  yet  speaking,  God  heard  and  answered. 

October  2Sth,  1843. — Enjoyed  an  unusually  precious  season 
in  leading  my  class,  last  evening.  It  brought  to  my  remem- 
brance the  season  v/hen  our  beloved  Sister  Stebbins  addressed 
the  members.  I  think  of  her  as  a  female  Carvosso.  The  very 
mention  of  his  name  seems  to  say,  "  Have  faith  in  God.''  How 
much  I  love  those  that  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly  !  '^  We 
love  Him  because  He  first  loved  us."  Love  begets  love,  and  we 
are  required  to  love  one  another.  God  gives  us  the  ability  to 
be  useful  to  each  other.  He  could  work  on  human  intellect 
through  angelic  instrumentality,  directly,  ai)art  from  the  inter- 
vention of  man,  if  he  had  ordained  it  thus.  But  He  designs  that 
man  should  be  helpful  to  his  fellow  man.  It  is  the  '^  self-same 
Spirit"that  actuates  the  whole  body  -,  divides  to  each  member 
''severally  as  He  will."  "To  one  is  given  the  word  of 
wisdom,  to  another  the  word  of  knowledge,  to  another  faith,  to 
another  the  gift  of  healing,  to  another  the  working  of  miracles, 
to  another  prophecy,  to  another  discerning  of  spirits,  to  another 
divers  kinds  of  tongues."  But  all  these  worketh  that  one  and 
self- same  Spirit, 

The  members  of  one  body  are  necessarily  united,  yet  the 
eye  cannot  do  th6  work  of  the  hand,  nor  can  the  head  say  to 
the  feet,  I  have  no  need  of  thee.  So  I  have  my  place  in  the 
body,  and  I  desire  to  serve  Christ  in  his  members,  in  just  the 
sphere  of  labor  appointed  me,  by  the  great  Head  of  the  Church. 

I  do  not  believe  we  will  be  upbraided  for  loving  the  instru- 
mentality through  which  He  communicates  His  gifts.  I  thank- 
fully ascribe  all,  to  the  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 

God  loves  most,  where  He  sees  the  most  of  His  image,  and 
He  will  not  chide  us  for  doing  the  same. 

New  York,  October  27th,  1844. 
My  Beloved  Sister  James  : 

The  work  goes  on  prosperously.  My  Friday  evening  class 
increases  in  grace  and  numbers.  I  have  blessed  encourage- 
ment that  it  will  be  with  the  members  as  with  Gideon's  army; 
Some  strong  ones  have  already  been  raised  up,  who  are  valiant 


MES.  FHGEBE  PALMER.  Jgj^ 

for  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and  through  ttiem,  otlier  witnesses  are 
being  raised  up.  I  am  increasingly  contirnied  in  the  opinion, 
that  tlie  most  successful  season  for  presenting  the  claims  of  the 
Redeemer  to  a  whole-liearted  service,  is  the  early  stage  of  re- 
ligit)us  experience.  I  never  saw  sweeter  or  more  consistent 
witnesses  of  perfect  lov^e,  than  some  of  those  wlio  have  been 
brought  early  into  the  way.  I  received  an  interesting  letter 
from  Bishop  Janes,  a  few^  days  since.  Presenting  this  subject 
to  babes  in  Christ,  by  way  of  inquiry,  etc.,  was  a  prominent 
topic. 

December  7th,  1844. — Ventured  to  lead  my  class,  this  evening, 
but  find  it  will  not  do.  Jesus  seems  to  say  by  the  voice  of  this 
providence,  ''  Rest  awhile."  In  order  to  do  so,  it  seems  as  if  I 
should  have  to  refraiu  from  meeihuj  with  those  ''  that  speak 
often  one  to  anotlier."  When  T  meet  with  them,  the  fire  burns  to 
such  a  degree,  that  it  seems  to  me  I  cannot  well  withhold.  And 
then  meetings  of  this  description  are  apt  to  drag  along  heavily, 
unless  there  are  those  i^resent  that  are  heartily  willing  to  fill 
up  those  little  portions  of  time,  which  others  seem  not  quite 
so  ready  to  occupy.  On  such  occasions  my  heart  yearns,  and 
ray  lips  obey  its  dictates,  but  I  now  prove  that  it  is  more  than 
my  health  will  endure. 

September  2&th,  1845. — Tlie  work  of  the  Lord  never  seemed 
so  pleasant.  Last  Thursday,  just  at  class  time,  Dr.  Palmer 
was  called  out,  and  as  no  time  was  left  to  get  another  leader, 
I  resumed  my  old  work,  and  led  a  class  of  between  twenty 
and  thirty,  and  have  felt  the  effect  severely,  since. 

The  following  letter  toucliingly  exhibits  the  interest 
felt  for  every  member  of  the  class. 

New  York,  January  \8th,  184(). 
To  MY  DEAR  Sister  Crosby  : 

Beloved,  as  the  Lord  has  at  present  placed  his  seal  upon 
my  lips,  so  that  I  dare  not  communicate  freely  with  you,  I 
have  felt  that  it  would  measurably  relieve  my  mind  to  unburden 
it  to  you,  relative  to  our  class-meeting.  You  are  aware  that 
you  were,  in  a  manner,  a  subject  of  solicitude  witli  me,  until 
your  robes  were  washed  and  made  white  in  the  blood  of  tlie 


1S2  MEMOIRS  OF 

Lamb,  and  you  numbered  witli  tliat  company  who  with  un- 
spotted garments,  follow  Him  withersoever  He  goeth.  Tu  like 
manner  do  I  feel  for  each  member  of  my  claoS.  I  have  endeav- 
ored to  ask  in  faith,  mighty  Mtli,  that  ever}/  member  of  our  band 
may  walk  before  Him  ou  earth,  with  unspotted  robes,  and  at 
last  be  numbered  with  tliat  compan}'  who  liave  come  up  out  of 
great  tribulation ;  will  you  not  unite  with  me  in  daily  interces- 
sion for  the  individual  members  of  the  class,  knowing  that 
where  two  or  three  are  agreed  as  touching  any  one  thing,  it 
shall  be  granted.  My  throat  continues  much  out  of  order,  liu- 
manly  si)eaking.  But  it  is  enough  for  me  to  know  that  my  heav- 
enly Father  orders  all  my  changes,  and  to  His  name  be  all  tlie 
glory. 

Writing  to  the  Eev.  G.  W.  Woodriiif,  luider  date,  Oct. 
12th,  184(3,  she  details  the  methods  employed  to  i)rom()te 
Christian  nsefiilness  and  growth  in  grace,  in  the  members 
of  her  class : 

At  my  class-meeting  on  Friday  evening,  a  week  since,  I 
urged  the  members  to  come  at  once  to  this  i^oint  of  entire  sur- 
render, and  to  begin  to  be  in  verity  the  Lord's  servants,  assuring 
them  that,  ''  He  that  watereth  sliall  be  watered."  I  urged 
upon  them  to  take  upon  themselves  the  ohlufation  to  be, 
^'Instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,"  not  to  wait  till  oppor- 
tunities came  to  urge  sinners  to  come  to  the  Saviour,  or  to 
"beseech  cold-hearted  i^rofessors  to  a  closer  walk  with  God. 
Every  person  present,  with  the  exception  of  one,  entered  into 
solemn  covenant  to  do  so  in  the  strengtli  of  tlie  Lord.  During 
the  week,  I  found  my  own  soul  very  sensibly  watered  from  on 
high,  from  the  responsibilities  brouglit  ui>on  me,  by  tliis  re- 
newed obligation.  I  had  endeavored,  before,  to  be  diligent  in 
this  duty,  ))iit  I  found  myself  now  making  opportunities,  and 
with  an  increase  of  strength,  and  holy  ardour,  I  went  to  my 
class-room,  last  Friday  evening,  and  such  a  season  of  refi'eshing, 
from  tlie  presence  of  the  Lord,  we  have  seldom  enjoyed.  The 
experience  of  all  who  had  taken  upon  themselves  the  obli- 
gation, told  of  a  quickening  in  the  divine  life.  While  they  had 
labored  during  the  week  in  warning,  entreating  and  pouring 


MliS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  I33 

out  tlieir  supplications  for  otiiers,  God  had  watered  tlieir  own 
souls.  Never  do  I  remember  to  have  enjoyed  more  of  the  spirit 
of  a  revival,  in  class-meeting,  than  on  this  occasion.  The  one 
who  had  not  taken  upon  lierself  the  obligation  the  week 
previous,  expressed  her  deep  regret,  and  said  she  had  also  been 
endeavoring  to  be  useful  during  the  week,-  though  slie  felt  she 
had  grieved  the  Spirit  in  not  expressing  lier  determination  at 
the  preceding  class-meeting.  With  grateful  hearts  Me  again 
entered  into  the  obligation  for  the  present  week.  God  grant 
that  the  fruit  may  be  yet  more  abundant ! 

Is  there  not  quite  too  much  danger,  dear  Brother,  of  Christ- 
ians absorbing  themselves  with  their  own  experience,  to  the  ex- 
clusion of  zealous  efforts  for  the  salvation  of  others  ?  I  fear 
tliat  this  is  a  snare  of  Satan,  even  with  some  who  would  be 
wholly  devoted  to  God. 

Not  that  I  would  divert  the  minds  of  believers,  from  an  ab- 
sorbing interest,  relative  to  receiving  the  full  baptism  of  the 
H0I3'  Ghost,  but  I  would  direct  them  to  what  is  implied  in 
Holiness,  Sanctification,  or  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Does  it  not  imply  a  coming  to  God  through  Christ,  and  present- 
ing all  our  redeemed  powers,  a  living  sacrifice,  or  as  Dr.  Clark 
terms  it,  '*  a  continual  sacrifice.''  Now,  tlie  very  moment  we  lay 
all  upon  that  altar  which  sanctifieth  the  gift,  and  begin  to  act 
upon  the  principle  that  we  are  the  Lord's — His  property,  set 
apart,  sanctified  to  His  service, — wliat  is  this  but  entering  into 
that  state  of  lioliness,  without  which  it  is  declared  no  mnn  shall 
see  the  Lord,  and  how  long  should  any  who  profess  to  believe 
that  they  already  belong  to  God,  be  in  coming  to  this  point.  0, 
indeed,  it  is  unreasonable  not  to  be  holy. 

I  remember  tlie  experience  of  a  devoted  sister,  whicli  fully 
corroborates  my  views,  and  illustrates  what  I  would  say.  For 
some  time  she  had  been  seeking  the  blessing  of  holiness  in 
name,  seemingly  without  apprehending  its  true  principles, 
when  without  imagining  just  wliat  the  effort  would  leatl  her  to, 
.  she,  with  a  feeling  of  discouragement,  concluded  to  cast  licrself 
wholly  on  Christ,  and  in  view  of  the  perishing  around  her,  to  go  at 
once  to  work,  acting  upon  the  principle,  "I  am  wholly  the 
Lord's."    I  need  not  tell  you  the  result,  for  doubtless  even  in  the 


184  MEMOIRS  OF 

sight  of  God  ^'actions  speak  louder  than  words."  She  soon  found 
that  all  her  perplexity  about  getting  the  witness,  had  ceastid. 
It  had  come  indeed,  but  hoiv,  she  now  felt  to  be  a  small  matter. 
Doubtless  this  would  be  the  experience  of  thousands  who  have 
long  lingered  on  the  borders  of  the  promised  land,  if  they 
would  only  ''  Go  and  do  likewise."  It  is  the  simj^licify  of 
the  way,  that  people  stumble  at.  ''If  the  prophet  had  told 
thee  to  do  some  great  thing  "  is  the  reproof  which  thousands 
need.  But  the  words  of  the  unchangeable  God  remain  un- 
altered. *'  If  any  man  will  do  His  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doc- 
trine." 

December,  1847. — Enjoyed  a  memorable  season  at  class.  I 
spoke  to  the  members  as  faithfully  as  I  would  have  done,  had 
I  known  it  were  the  last  opportunity  I  should  ever  have  with 
them.  S.  C,  a  young  intelligent  sister,  w^ho  hasjust  passed  the 
term  of  her  probation,  was  much  laid  upon  mj^  mind.  Her 
conversion  was  clear  and  powerful,  and  I  hoped  much,  that  she 
would  ere  this  have  had  her  goings  established  in  the  highway 
of  holiness.  Immediately  after  her  conversion,  (about  six 
months  since)  the  sjiirit  urged  her  onward  to  this  attainment, 
but  the  world,  conformity  to  it  fashions,  aud  looking  at  the 
example  of  those  who  are  thus  lingering  on  enchanted  ground, 
has  influenced  her  to  stoj)  short  of  this  rest,  which  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God.  My  mind  was  solemnly  impressed  with  tlie 
assurance,  that  if  she  did  not  leave  the  principles  of  the  doctrine 
of  Christ,  and  go  on  to  perfection,  that  she  would  shortly  settle 
down  into  a  lukewarm  state,  a  cold  profession,  and  thus,  with 
thousands  of  professors  with  whose  names  the  church  books  are 
loaded,  in  turn  be  a  stumbling-block  in  the  way  of  others,  as 
others,  by  her  acknowledgment,  have  been  to  her.  Of  this  I 
believe  I  warned  her  faithfully.  In  like  manner  have  I  warned 
other  members  of  my  class,  resolved  by  the  help  of  the  Lord 
to  be  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men. 

0 !  what  a  responsible  relation  to  the  church  militant  do  class- 
leaders  hold.  0  !  what  prayerful  vigilance  is  needful,  in  order  to 
keep  them  free  from  the  ensnaremeiit  of  the  devouring  lion. 
If  not  faithful  in  warning,  it  will  at  last  be  said,  ^'  Tlieir  blood 
will  I  require  at  thy  hand." 


Mi:S.  PH(EBE  PALMER. 


185 


The  plainness  and  pithiness  of  the  teachings  enjoyed  ])y 
the  members  of  that  class,  may  be  inferred  from  the  fol- 
lowing recital,  selected  from  journal  of  18-48. 

It,  the  class,  met  at  six  o'clock,  ou  account  of  tlie  protracted 
meeting  now  in  progress  at  the  clmrcli.  As  I  began  to  speak  to 
the  members,  I  was  enabled  to  feel  an  entire  reliance  on  Christ, 
as  my  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption. 
The  Lord  in  infinite  condescension  again  spoke  through  me,  and 
four  members  of  the  class  were  enabled  to  believe  unto  full  sal- 
vation. Most  sweetly  and  clearly  did  these  waiting  ones  enter 
into  the  rest  of  faith. 

Br.  C.  said,  ''  My  mind  has  been  enlightened  to-night,  to  see 
that  it  is  my  privilege  to  be  holy.  When  I  set  out  to  seek  re- 
ligion, I  was  in  earnest.  I  had  only  made  \\\)  my  mind  that 
day  to  bring  it  to  a  point,  and  to  seek  with  all  my  heart.  I  told 
my  resolution,  and  that  evening  went  to  church,  but  found  the 
door  closed.  I  knocked  earnestlj ,  till  the  sexton  came,  and  on 
gaining  admittance,  went  directly  forward  to  tlie  altar." 

"To-night  I  have  made  up  my  mind  that  I  will  set  out  to  seek 
holiness."  ^^WhenAo  you  expect  to  get  it  ?"  I  enquired.  He 
hesitated.  '■'■  When  do  you  think  God  will  be  willing  to  give  it 
to  you  f  I  continued.  '■'■  I  think  lie  would  be  "willing  to  give  it 
tome  now."  "Do  you  think  He  will  give  it  to  you  nowf 
Here  he  again  hesitated,  and  I  continued.  ''■  Do  you  give  your- 
self vrholl}'  up  to  God  through  Christ  now  V  "I  believe  I  do." 
''  Does  He  not  receiv^e  you  V  '■'■  I  cannot  say  that  \fccl  He  does." 
''  But  can  you  not  believe  God  on  the  authority  of  His  own  word, 
and  trust  the  Lord  to  incite  such  feelings  as  may  most  glorifj^ 
Him?  for  He  is  this  moment  saying  to  you,  ^I  will  receive  you, 
and  faith  is  to  believe  it."  "  I  will  believe,"  he  responded.  "  But 
do  you  belicA^e  ?  If  so,  why  not  say,  just  while  you  are  now 
offering  yourself  up  a  living  sacrifice,  '  Thou  dost  receive 
me,  I  am  wholly  Thine,  for  with  the  heart  man  believeth 
unto  righteousness,  and  with  the  mouth  confession  is  made 
unto  salvation.' "  For  a  moment  he  lingered,  assuring  his 
heart  before  God,  and  then  cried  out,  "  I  do  hclicvc,  Glory  be  to 
God." 


]86  MEMOIRS  OF 

Her  diary  preseuts  some  striking  and  suggestive  pic- 
tures of  labor  in  the  Allen  Street  Church. 

January  25th,  1841. — On  Friday  and  Saturday  of  last  week, 
the  Lord  indulged  me,  by  permitting  me  to  see  my  labors 
crowned  with  almost  immediate  success.  On  Friday  afternoon, 
in  meeting,  while  wrestling  with  a  mourner,  encouraging  her 
faith,  and  presenting  her  plea,  she  was  comforted.  After  public 
exercises  were  over,  I  remained  with  others,  who  also  were  com- 
forted. 

On  Saturday  evening,  after  the  meeting,  I  spoke  with  a 
brother,  who  was  earnestly  seeking  the  blessing  of  holiness. 
I  remarked,  that  the  error  under  which  persons  of  his  slate  of 
mind  labored,  was  that  of  putting  off,  until  some  future  period, 
and  if  that  period  ever  came,  there  w^ould  have  to  be  a  no^v,  at  last. 
I  asked  liim  if  he  was  willing  to  make  an  effort  to  believe  now. 
He  assured  us  he  was.  He  walked  home  with  us,  and  Dr.  P.  and 
myself  endeavored  to  point  out  the  way  of  faith.  We  asked 
whether  he  really  believed  that  the  way  we  had  been  endeavor- 
ing to  illustrate,  was  indeed  in  accordance  with  the  truth  of 
God,  and  such  ground  as  might  be  ventured  upon,  without  pre- 
sumption. He  fully  believed  it  to  be  so.  We  then  urged  him 
to  venture  upon  it  without  delay.  With  calm  deliberation  and 
decision,  he  said,  "  In  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  I  w'i7L"  ''  But 
when  ?  brother,"  I  inquired.  ''Now,"  he  replied.  After  a 
ntoment's  pause,  I  again  asked,  "  But  do  you  1 "  In  the  very 
act  of  saying  "J  ^o,"  tlie  blessing  came  with  extraordinary 
power.  The  i)lace  seemed  filled  with  the  presence  of  God.  0  ! 
what  a  moment.  We  knelt  in  solemn,  joyous  worship.  We 
continued  near  an  hour,  kneeling,  praising  God  for  this  abun- 
dant grace,  lifting  our  voices  in  thanksgiving  and  grateful 
adoration.  The  circumstance  of  its  being  the  same  room  where 
I  received  the  seal  of  consecration,  brought  to  lively  recollection, 
the  untold  bliss  of  that  devoted   hour. 

December  14th,  1848,— W^e  find  the  following  record 
inscribed  in  her  journal : 

An  exemplification  of  the  advantage  of  personal  appeals  to 
the  unconverted,  yet  more  striking,  now  occurs  to" my  memoiy. 


MRS.   PH(EBE  PALMER. 


187 


One  Sabbath  evening,  as  I  was  about  mid- way  in  the  centre 
aisle  of  the  Allen  St.  Church,  I  cast  my  eye  up  to  the  gallery. 
In  beholding  the  lightness  and  gaiety  of  that  crowded  throng, 
my  oppressed  heart  silently  ejaculated — '^  witliout  God  or  Clirist 
in  the  world."  '^  And  suppose  it  should  be  your  duty  to  go  up 
and  converse  M'ith  some,  in  relation  to  tlieir  eternal  interests  V 
was  suggested.  My  nature  shrunk  from  the  publicity,  but  I 
looked  to  God,  and  nature,  as  ever  through  the  strength  of  Jesus, 
yielded  to  grace. 

On  arriving  tliere,  I  asked  that  my  steps  might  be  directed, 
and  then  went  to  a3H)ang  lady  who  sat  with  her  head  pensively 
leaning  on  her  hand.  Slie  did  not  manifest  other  than  serious- 
ness, and  I  believe  did  not  reply  to  my  inquiries.  After  a  few 
moments,  I  left  her,  and  went  to  converse  with  others.  *  Some 
of  tJie  young  ladies  of  my  Bible-class,  on  my  conversing  with 
them,  left  the  gallery,  and  presented  themselves  as  seekers  of 
salvation,  yet  I  did  not  feel  that  the  object  for  which  I  had  gone 
to  the  gallery  had  been  fully  gained.  On  breathing  out  the 
thought  before  God,  my  mind  was  again  directed  to  the  young 
lady  whom  I  had  addressed  on  first  ascending  the  gallery.  On 
returning,  I  found  her  disposed  to  resist  the  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  but  so  confident  was  I,  that  my  steps  had  been 
divinely  directed,  that  I  said  unhesitatingly,  ''  I  have  a  mes- 
sage from  God  unto  thee,"  ^nd  well  did  I  know  that  God,  by 
His  Spirit,  would  accompanj^  that  message  to  her  inmost  soul." 
Tiie  large  tear  drops  began  to  fall,  though  her  efforts  to  resist, 
were  marked.  So  resolved  was  she  that  her  emotion  sliould  not 
be  observed  by  otliers,  that  the  large  tear  drops  gathered  un- 
bidden in  her  eyes,  and  she  let  them  fall  in  quick  succession, 
without  even  consenting  to  close  her  eyes,  or  to  bow  her  head, 
as  if  under  concern.  I  conversed  with  her  for  some  time,  but 
she  gave  no  intimation  that  she  would  yield,  when  she  suddenly 
started  up,  as  though  she  would  endure  no  more. 

I  thought  she  was  going  to  leave  the  house,  with  the  resolute 
determination  to  quench  the  Spirit,  and  in  view  of  such  awful 
temerity,  exclaimed,  ''  Wliere  are  you  going  f  "  Going  to  tlie 
altavj^^  said  she,  in  a  resolute  voice.  I  had  said,  '•  If  you  will  go 
-to  the  altar,  I  will  accompany  you,"  but  as  she  had  given  me 


188  MEMOIRS  OF 

no  intimation  of  her  intention  to  do  so,  I  Mas  now  taken  wholly 
by  surprise,  as  I  found  myself  attracting  the  gaze  of  the  whole 
congregation,  by  being  led  as  it  were,  by  a  weeping  penitent  iu 
a  very  hurried  step,  from  the  gallery,  through  tlie  body  of  the 
church  to  the  altar.  Slie  continued  to  seek,  and  on  Wednes- 
day evening,  of  the  same  week,  was  made  a  joyful  recipient  of 
God's  pardoning  mercy. 

I  knew  not  who  she  was,  neither  was  I  present  at  the  time 
of  her  conversion,  but  when  word  was  brought  me  from  the 
meeting,  of  lier  change,  I  thought,  ''this case  is  so  evidently  the 
fruit  of  being  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,  that  I  should 
love  to  have  some  clue  to  find  her  out,  in  order  that  J  may 
nurse  her."  I  prayed  that  my  heart's  desire  might  be  fulfilled, 
in  this  matter,  when  lo  !  next  Sabbath,  she  entered  my  Bible- 
class. 

She  informed  me  that  the  entire  circle  of  her  friends  wero 
wholly  irreligious,  and  not  only  unwilling  to  attend  the  means  of 
grace  themselves,  but  disposed  to  persecute  her  grievously  for  do- 
ing so.  She  was  gaily  attired,  and  I  affectionately  urged  her  to 
come  out  more  fully  from  the  world,  and  to  be  whole-hearted 
in  every  respect,  in  tlie  service  of  Christ,  adding,  ''if  you  only 
persevere,  I  should  not  wonder  if  the  Lord  soon  gave  you  all 
your  family  to  go  to  heaven  with  you."  Witliin  three  months 
of  tliis  time,  one  after  another  of  h§r  family  were  brought  into 
the  fold  of  Christ,  making  about  eleven  in  number,  compris- 
ing not  only  the  immediate  familj^,  but  sons  and  daughters-in- 
law,  etc.  In  view  of  the  selfdenying  efforts  which  our  economy 
favors, — inferred  from  the  proceeding, — God  has  made  duty  so 
plain  that  I  dare  not  refrain  from  making  personal  appeals  to 
the  impenitent,  or  the  seeker,  as  opportunities  offer.  I  feel  that 
I  should  record  instances  like  the  foregoing  on  the  tablet  of  mj- 
memory,  in  order  that  duty  may  be  discerned,  and  the  voice  of 
nature  silenced,  in  view  of  future  emergencies. 

LABORS  IN  NORFOLK  STREET  CHURCH. 

Working  themselves,  with  a  fervor  that  taxed  every 
energy  to  the  uttermost,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  judiciously 
determined  to  exi)end  that  work  in  such  manner  as  w  ould 


MliS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  189 

most  glorify  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard.  Nothing  can  be 
kinder,  more  considerate,  or  more  worthy  of  chinch  mem- 
bership, than  the  letter  which  follows,  giving-  the  reasons 
for  leading  Allen  Street  Church. 

New  York,  October  12th,  1848. 
Beloved  Bkother  Creagh  : 

Seldom  have  we  put  pen  to  paper  under  what  we  deem  to  be 
more  responsible  circumstances.  It  is  not  without  prayerful 
deliberation  tliat  we  make  known  to  you,  as  the  pastor  of  tlie 
Allen  Street  congregation,  a  decision  which  has  been  the  result  of 
much  serious,  and  jjrt/»/?/nnquiry.  This  decision  is  no  other 
than  to  ask  a  certiticate  of  dismission,  in  order  that  our  names 
may  be  transferred  to  the  Norfolk  Street  Cliurch.  T)ie  request 
may  startle  you,  and  to  make  it,  we  can  assure  you,  is  indeed, 
as  we  have  said,  painful,  and  the  thought  that  it  might  also 
give  you  pain,  and  add  yet  gi'eater  weight  to  your  already  bur- 
dened heart,  has  caused  us  to  linger  in  painful  suspense,  until 
the  way  is  now  made  so  plain,  that  we  dare  no  longer  resist 
what  we  believe  to  be  the  order  of  God. 

Our  kind  pastor  may  desire  to  know  our  reasons  for  coming 
to  this  decision.  One  important  reason  is,  that  our  sympathies 
have  been  much  enlisted  for  the  Norfolk  Street  Church,  on 
account  of  its,  feebleness.  The  pecuniary  wants,  and  tlie  need  of 
laborers  in  this  Church,  have  already,  by  its  pastor,  been  made 
known  to  Brother  Creagh,  and  we  need  not  say  that  we  feel 
ourselves  bound  to  dispense  according  to  the  ability  given  in 
these  respects,  and  to  do  thin  just  in  the  sphere  where  such  as 
God  has  made  us  the  stewards  of,  may  be  most  needed,  and 
most  effective.  lii  looking  at  the  wants  of  the  Norfolk  Street 
Church,  Brother  Creagh,  with  ourselves,  can  have  no  doubt  on 
the  subject. 

In  relation  to  the  Allen  Street  Church,  we  have  long  tliouglit, 
that  in  view  of  wiiat  ouglit  to  be  her  resources,  both  in  repird 
to  her  pecuniary  ability — her  long  standing  as  a  church,  and 
the  amount  of  piety  and  talent  of  lier  membership,  tliat  she  has 
witliin  her  pale  what  ought  to  have  been  available,  toward 
the  establishment  and  upbuilding  of  several  churches. 


190  MEMOIRS   OF 

Witli  this  view,  wliich  lias  beeu  the  sincere  conviction  of 
several  years  past,  we  feel  that  it  would  rather  require  an 
apology  for  remaining  so  long,  rather  than  for  the  request  for 
dismission.  And  if,  as  inferred,  an  apology  were  required,  we 
will  say,  what  may  assure  you  that  we  do  not  take  this  step 
without  some  self-denial  and  serious  inconvenience.  It  is  not 
expedient,  doubtless,  for  us  to  glory,  yet,  during  the  eighteen  or 
twenty  years  of  our  membership  here,  we  hoi)e  we  are  not  with- 
out seals  to  our  labors  here,  both  in  regard  to  the  reception  of 
the  grace  of  justification,  and  sanctitication.  To  these,  our 
hearts  are  bound  in  the  strong  ties  of  spiritual  relationship,  and 
the  inquiries  which  may  be  awakened  in  the  minds  of  some  such, 
would  be  a  source  of  painful  solicitude,  were  it  not  for  the  as- 
surance, that  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are  j^erfect,  and  we  are  sure 
ithat  He  would  not  require  this  duty,  without  causing  the  con- 
sequences to  be  such  as  may  glorify  His  name;  Thus  we  dare 
to  believe  it  will  be.  Another  motive  which  may  have  had 
some  weight  toward  detaining  us  here,  is  the  inconvenience  to 
which  I  shall  be  subjected,  in  view  of  the  frequency  of  my  pro- 
fessional calls,  even  while  engaged  in  sanctuary  services.  Yet 
these  matters  dwindle,  in  view  of  the  inquiry,  *^  Can  we  not,  on 
the  whole,  bestow  our  labors  on  a  part  of  the  Lord's  vineyard, 
where  they  are  more  needed,  than  that  which  we  now  occupy?" 
If  Brother  Creagh  will  look  at  the  comparative  wants  of  the  two 
churchea  in  question,  we  think  it  cannot  be  otherwise  than  that 
he  will  decide  with  ourselves,  that  we  have  been  influenced  by 
the  Great  Master  of  the  vinej'ard,  to  ask  a  transfer,  to  go  to 
a  portion,  which  for  months  past,  has  been  calling  loudly  for 
help. 

We  have  chosen  this  mode  of  communication,  because  we 
could  not  well  bring  our  minds  to  the  painful  duty  of  communi- 
cating verbally.  Our  minds  are  wholly  one,  on  this  subject,  and 
when  our  classes,  which  meet,  one  on  Thursday  afternoon,  and 
the  other  on  Friday  evening,  shall  be  taken  in  charge  by  others 
who  may  fill  our  places,  we  shall  ask  the  benediction  of  our  be- 
loved and  honored  pastor,  and  take  our  leave. 

Yours,  as  ever,  in  the  bonds  of  Christian  love, 

Walter  C.  and  Ph(ebe  Palmkr. 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


191 


The  warm,  affectionate  heart  of  Mr.  Creagh  was  as  paiu- 
fully  affected  by  this  change  of  local  chiudi  relations,  as 
were  those  of  his  parishioners.  The  irritation  experienced 
in  connection  with  it,  thongh  annoying  at  the  time,  soon 
ceased,  and  the  old  cordial  feelings  were  re-established. 
Few  things  would  have  given  him  more  exqui,site  pleasure, 
than  to  have  assimied  once  more  the  relation  of  i^astor  to 
them,  as  he  stated.  On  siuTendering  her-class  book,  ]\Irs. 
Palmer  accomi^anied  it  ^ith  a  letter,  minutely  detailing 
the  circumstances  and  relations  of  sundry  members,  in 
a  manner  which  shows  how  intimate  her  knowledge  of  them 
was,  and  how  great  was  her  solicitude  for  their  spiritual 
welfare. 

Established  in  Norfolk  St.  Church,  we  see  her  courage- 
ously pushing  the  battle  to  the  gate,  and  inviting  the  sol- 
diers of  Christ  to  join  in  the  conflict. 

New  York,  May  29th,  1850. 
To  Eev.  James  Caughet  : 

Beloved  Brother , — We  received  yours,  of  several  days  since, 
and  were  also  a  few  hours  ago  made  acquainted  with  the  con- 
tents of  a  more  recent  letter  from  you,  to  your  cousin,  Mr.  C, 
of  this  city.  In  view  of  tliis,  you  may  be  surprised  to  learn 
that  we  have  not  yet  quite  given  up  the  expectation  of  your 
coming.  It  is  true  your  answers  are  discouraging,  and  with 
these  in  view,  our  importunities  might  cease,  were  it  not  that 
we  believe  God  lias  a  work  for  you  to  do  here.  We  are  sure  you 
would  not  willingly  be  disobedient  to  this  calling,  if  you  knew 
just  liow  the  matter  has  stood,  and  now  stands. 

Eeferring  in  stirring  words,  to  the  defeat  and  self-in- 
flicted slaughter  of  the  enemies  of  Judah,  the  children  of 
Amnion,  Moab,  and  jMount  Seir,  in  the  reign  of  Jehos- 
haphat,  when  the  singers  appointed  to  i)raise  the  beauty 
of  hoUness  began  to  sing  and  praise^,  the  Lord  in  the 
forefront  of  the  Jewish  array,  she  adds : 


192  MEMOIRS  OF 

Come,  dear  Brother  !  Stand  under  God  at  the  head  of  our 
army  of  the  Norfolk  Street  Division.  The  battle  is  not  yours, 
but  the  Lord's.  Come  helieving,  and  trusting,  and  in  the  spirit 
of  REJOICING.  Often  have  you  been  called  in  weariness  and 
painfulness,  in  patchings,  in  fastings,  to  wait  the  issue  of  your 
conflicts  in  your  former  engagements  on  the  battle-field. 
Now,  if  the  Captain  of  your  salvation,  on  tliis  occasion,  calls 
you  to  witness  His  goings  forth  unto  yourself,  an  unusual 
mode  of  warfare,  will  you  not  come  in  haste,  and  leap  at 
once  upon  the  battle-field,  with  shouts  of  victory  ? — Victory  in 
prospect !  Alleluia  to  God  and  the  Lamb,  for  the  joy  of  faith  ! 
T  cannot  doubt  but  you  will  at  once  be  with  us.  AVe  sliall 
expect  to  hail  you,  with  the  high  praises  of  God  in  your  mouth, 
and  a  two-edged  sword  in  your  hands.'''' 

Yours  in  unchangeable  love,  in  which  my  husband  and  family 
join. 

Unable  to  resist  a  call  whose  clarion  tones  were  exultant 
in  i^rospective  victory,  Mr.  Caughey  repaired  to  Norfolk 
Street,  and  in  the  brief  campaign  that  followed,  received 
that  enthusiastic,  but  steady  and  disciplined  support,  of 
which  it  held  out  the  promise. 

The  following  letter  to  an  influential  but  dissatisfied 
brother,  who  thought  of  abandoning  the  church  for  one 
that  was  stronger  and  more  congenial,  exhibits  the  writer 
in  most  enviable  light — true  to  the  interests  of  the  Church 
and  of  Christ,  determined  to  take  things  as  they  were,  and 
by  God's  blessing  to  make  them  what  they  ought  to  be : 

New  York,  May  'SOth,  1854. 
My  Dear  Brother  B  : 

I  have  been  Avaiting  for  an  opportunity  to  call  on  you,  to 
enjoy  an  affectionate  Cliristian  interview.  But  I  was  taken 
quite  sick  yesterday,  and  still  feel  so  out  of  health,  as  to  be 
quite  unable  to  walk  out  to-day. 

I  know  you  very  sincerely  desire  to  walk  with  God,  and  I 
trust  the  testimony  that  jour  ways  please  the  Lord,  is  the  ob- 
ject of  most  intense  solicitude  with  you.     I  do  not  doubt  but 


MES.  PHiEBE  FALMER.  193 

the  Lord  has  assured  you  so  fully,  that  both  spiritual  and 
temporal  prosperity  are  only  to  be  eujoye.d,  so  far  as  your 
ways  please  him,  that  I  am  sure  you  will  not  think  an  apology 
necessary,  if  I  suggest  what  is  at  present  a  subject  of  solicitude 
with  me,  on  your  behalf. 

I  have  heard  (  rather  as  a  secret,  and  wliat  I  hope  may  re- 
main such,)  that  you  have  expectations  of  taking  your  trans- 
fer from  the  Norfolk  Street  charge.  I  hope  this  may  be  a  mis- 
take, but  if  it  should  not  be,  let  me  ask  my  dear  Brother 
whetlier  lie  feels  quite  sure,  that  this  is  the  step  which  will  be 
most  pleasing  to  God.  I  do  not  ask  this  because  I  do  not 
think  it  possible  with  God  to  raise  up  another  to  take  your 
place.  We  know  the  Church  belongs  to  God^  not  to  us.  We 
know  it  is  nothing  with  God  to  help,  whether  with  many  or 
few.  Tlie  silver  and  the  gold  are  His,  and  the  cattle  on  a 
thousand  hills.  The  best  of  us  are  but  stewards,  whether  our 
possessions  be  in  money,  or  in  intellectual  gifts.  And  if  we 
are  permitted  to  minister  in  the  Church  of  God,  whether  it  be 
in  fift  or  speech,  or  in  money j  we  only  dispense  according  to 
the  abilitj'  which  God  giveth,  for  what  have  w^e  but  what  we 
have  received. 

If  we  go,  though  it  may  be  but  one  step  out  of  the  way  of 
God's  appointment,  how  soon  may  He  hedge  up  our  way,  so  that 
from  very  darkness  and  confusion,  we  may  not  know  which 
way  to  take.  And  how  often  does  spiritual,  temporal,  and 
even  physical  disability,  follow  one  wrong  step,  though  the 
deviation  in  its  beginnings,  may  have  seemed  so  trivial,  as 
scarcely  to  demand  attention.  If  you  start  from  a  wrong 
point,  how  can  you  end  right  ?  The  Church  can  do  without  u«, 
but  we  cannot  do  without  the  helpful  aids  of  the  Church.  And 
is  it  not  indeed  a  great  favor,  to  be  used  in  any  way,  to  help 
forward  the  interests  of  the  lledeemer's  Kingdom  ?     And  this 

has  the  Lord  permitted  my  dear  Brotlier  B.  to  do,  at  the  N 

Street  Church. 

One  portion  of  our  Lord's  vinej  ard  is  just  as  precious  to 
Him  as  another.     And  now 

"  The  vineyard  of  the  Lord, 
Before  His  laborers  lies." 
18 


194  MEMOIRS  OF 

Is  there  a  portion  of  tlie  Yineyard  where  you  are  fiure  you 

are  more  needed  than  at   the  N Street  Church  ? — tlien  go, 

and  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  go  with  you,  my  dear  brother. 
But  unless  you  are  fully  assured,  that  the  Master  of  the  vine- 
yard has  enabled  you  to  finish  your  work  there,  and  now  calls 
you  to  labor  elsewhere,  how  can  you  receive  His  blessing  in 
going  •  and  if  you  may  not  be  assured  of  His  blessing,  think 
what  harassing  questioning  Avill  follow,  when  the  day  of  trial 
comes. 

Surely,  you  will  not  take  this  step,  my  brother,  until  you 
can  unhesitatingly  say,  ^^  I  A^noir,  assuredly,  that  He  whose  I 
am,  and  whom  I  serve,  calls  me — for  my  eye  is  single,  and 
I  see  where  tlie  necessities  of  the  work  imperatively  demand 
me  elsewliere." 

The  disciples  of  the  Saviour,  will  often,  with  their  Divine 
Master,  be  called  to  fields  of  labor,  which  will  test  their  disinter-, 
estedness.  Christ  lived,  not  to  please  Himself,  neither  will  the 
disciple  live  to  please  himself,  if  possessed  of  the  same  spirit  as 
his  Lord.  It  is  not  without  some  experimental  knowledge  of 
the  things  whereof  I  write,  that  I  make  these  suggestions.  Dr. 
P.,  and  myself,  would  not  have  left  a  strong  and  popular  Church, 
directly  in  our  neighborhood,  for  one  weak  in  its  resources,  and 
less  popular,  and  at  a  greater  distance,  if  it  were  not  that  the 
Lord  had  assured  our  hearts,  that  we  must  not  live  for  our- 
selves. Religion  assured  us  that  the  claims  of  the  stronger 
ought  to  yield  to  the  weaker.     In  view  of  the  necessities  of  the 

N Street  Church,  we  tore  ourselves  away  from  a  field  of 

labor,  whicli,  from  almost  our  youthful  days,  we  had  been  en- 
deavoring more  or  less  to  cultivate.  What  we  suffered  in  doing 
this,  the  Lord  onlj^  knows. 

Now  suppose,  because  we  have  had*  some  trials  about  our 
minister,  and  some  other  things  occurring,  not  quite  pleasing, 
we  shall  desert  the  Church  in  the  hour  of  her  greatest  need. 
Would  not  the  Master  of  the  vineyard  chide  us,  and  refuse  to 
employ  us  in  another  portion  of  his  vineyard,  if,  to  please 
ourselves,  and,  unbidden  by  him,  we  should  leave  where  he  has 

so  evidently  placed  us  ?     We  find  our  attendance  at  N 

Street,  attended   with    serious,    and  various    inconveniences. 


MBS.  rniEBE  PALMER. 


195 


From  year  to  year,  vre  have  been  waiting,  lioping  that,  from 
among  tlie  number  who  are  being  born  there,  some  one  may  be 
raised  up  to  take  our  place,  but  our  scattered,  and  ever  scatter- 
ing congregation  seems  to  betoken  tliat  the  Lord  intends  the 

N Street  Cliurch,  as  a  sort  of  Mission  Church,  differing  from 

other  Mission  Stations  in  that  it  is  being  sustained  by  a  few. 
Aud,  though  from  causes  ^^^li('h  might  be  mentioned,  the  disad- 
vantages of  our  position  seem  to  increase,  yet  we  dare  not 
leave,  wlien  we  so  evidently  see  a  work  to  be  done,  wliich  otliers 
do  not  step  forward  to  do.  At  the  bidding,  aud  with  tlie  bless- 
ing of  tlie  Lord  of  the  vineyard,  we  could  go  to  the  most  uncon- 
genial j)osition,  or  to  the  fartliest  verge  of  the  earth,  and  be 
happy.  But  without  His  bidding,  and  without  His  blessing, 
were  we  to  go  to  the  fairest  position  in  Paradise,  we  would  feel 
unhappy,  and  unblest. 

I  know,  my  dear  brother,  that  you  feel  unhappy,  in  view  of 
our  newly  appointed  minister.  Will  you  not,  with  me,  my  dear 
brother,  set  aj^art  a  certain  portion  of  the  day,  to  pray,  that  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord  maj'^  accompany  his  coming  to  us.  Shall 
we  not  covenant  to  pray  daily,  during  the  coming  conference 
year,  that  the  Lord  may  make  us,  as  a  people,  a  blessing  to  our 
pastor,  and  make  him  a  blessing  to  us.  In  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  I  ask,  my  dear  brother,  will  jon  not  unite  with  me  in  this 
covenant?  We  have  been  asking  that  the  Lord  will  fulfill  His 
promise,  and  send  us  a  pastor  after  His  own  heart.  Has  the 
Lord  fulfilled  his  promise,  or  have  we  been  confounded  ?  Some 
among  our  more  deeply  devoted  members,  do  believe  that  our 
prayers  for  a  pastor  after  God's  own  heart  have  been  signally  an- 
swered. Would  you,  my  dear  brother,  in  the  secrecy  of  your 
closet,  be  willing  to  say  before  the  Lord,  that  the  wrong  man 
has  been  sent  ?  If  not,  ought  you  not  to  be  particularly  careful 
in  assuming  this  attitude  before  the  peojde,  lest  you  may  pre- 
possesfe  the  minds  of  our  people  unfavorably  toward  the  com- 
ing pastor.  Let  us  each  be  miiulful  that  God  has  said,  ^'  Touch 
not  my  annointed,  and  do  my  prophets  no  harm."  In  view  of 
the  dissatisfaction  which  some  hove  expressed,  an  unconverted 
j)erson,  said  a  day  or  two  since,  *'  The  people  have  been 
praying    that    the    Lord    would    send    them    a  minister,  but 


196  MEMOIRS  OF 

now  that  be  is  coming,  tliey  think  the  Lord  has  sent  the 
wrong  man,  and  they  are  all  up  in  arms  about  him."  And 
what  a  sad  thing  it  would  be  to  grieve  the  heart  of  a  beloved 
Ambassador  for  Christ,  sent  to  us  by  the  appointment  of  the 
Head  of  the  Church.  Let  us  rather  esteem  him  highly,  in  love, 
for  his  work's  sake,  and  take  the  messages  of  life  and  salvation 
which  he  may  deliver,  as  directlj^  frffm  the  Court  of  heaven. 
Your  aifectiouate  sister. 

The  last  excerpt  from  Mrs.  Palmer's  diary,  here  to  be 
adduced,  is  exceediugiy  iuterestiug  : 

June  \Ath,  1857. — Our  pastor,  Mr.  Roche,  gave  in  a  very  clear 
testimony  of  tlie  work  of  the  sanctifier  on  his  heart,  at  the 
meeting,  this  afternoon.  *'  I  will  gia^e  you  pastors  after  my 
OWN  HEART,"  says  the  Divine  Shepherd  of  Israel,  whose  ever- 
vigilant  eye  neither  slumbers  nor  sleeps.  Yes,  a  good  pastor 
is  a  gift  from  God  -,  and  for  a  man  after  God's  own  heart,  whose 
hands  might  be  pure,  and  whose  heart  might,  through  the  blood 
of  Jesus,  be  cleansed  from  all  tlie  defilements  of  sin,  we  asked, 
miiijust  such  a  man  our  faithful  Lord  has  (jiven  us  ;  a  man  who 
has  ex^yeri mentally  learned  the  way  to  the  cleansing  fountain, 
and  thus  has  experimentally  learned  just  how  to  lead  the  flock, 
over  which  the  Great  Shepherd  luis  made  him  overseer,  directly 
to  the  purifying,  life-giving  and  life-preserving  waters.  We 
are  hoping  for  much  from  the  guidings  of  such  a  num,  tilled  as 
he  is,  through  the  Spirit,  with  wisdom  and  kuowlodge.  0  !  why 
does  not  the  church  bear  in  habitual  remembrance,  that  a  good 
pastor  is  a  gift  from.  God,  and  to  be  obtained,  not  by  under- 
handed management  and  mere  human  policy,  but  in  answer  to 
the  j9ra?/fr  of  faith — 'Tor  this  thing  will  I  be  inquired  of,  saith 
the  Lord." 

3. — IN  LOCAL   CHURCHES. 

In,  or  about  the  year  1842,  Mrs.  Palmer's  services  as 
an  exjioneut  of  tlie  doctrine  of  entire  sanctification,  came 
into  extensive  request.  Not  only  bj'  Methodists,  but  also 
by  Presbyterians  and  other  evangelical  denominations,  her 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  I97 

expositions  aud  exliortatious  were  eagerly  sought,  and  re- 
ceived with  faith  and  k)ve,  as  in  obvious  concord  with  the 
teachings  of  Holy  Writ.  From  many  illustrations,  a  few 
of  particular  interest  are  selected  : 

August,  1842. — Have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  an  interesting 
interview  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  of  Newburg,  Pastor  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  of  that  place.  A  month  since,  I  was 
solicited  to  attend  a  meeting  where  a  number  of  friends  of  the 
Presbyterian,  aud  other  denominations,  were  convened,  to 
talk  and  pray  on  the  subject  of  Holiness.  The  meeting  was 
social  in  its  character,  aud  not  only  brothers,  but  sisters  also, 
were  invited  to  give  in  testimony  in  reference  to  the  subject. 
"When  brother  Hill  was  introduced  to  the  meeting,  and  express- 
ed his  hearty  belief  of  the  doctrine,  theoretically,  and  his  intense 
desire  to  know  e:3cperimentally,  of  its  blessedness,  a  deep  sym- 
pathy of  soul  seized  me,  and  a  burden  which  found  its  only  re- 
lief in  bearing  his  case  to  a  throne  of  grace.  His  deep  humility 
and  ardent  expressions,  reminded  me  strongly  of  what  I  had 
pictured  to  my  mind  of  a  Fletcher.  I  asked  the  Lord  for  a 
message  that  might  touch  his  heart.  I  felt  that  my  request  was 
gi-anted,  but  the  time  was  so  short,  I  did  not  deem  it  expedient 
to  say  all  that  was  in  my  heart.  In  the  afternoon,  I  anticipated 
an  opportunity  to  say  what  still  remained  on  my  heart  as  a 
burden,  but  tlie  same  cause  as  in  the  morning,  influenced  me. 
For  two  or  three  days  succeeding,  I  continued  to  feel  so  as- 
sured that  my  testimony  to  that  brotlier  was  unfinished,  that  I 
at  last  yielded  to  wliat  appeared  to  be  the  solicitations  of  duty, 
and  consented  to  write,  what  I  woukl  have  communicated  to 
him  at  the  meeting 

With  much  deliberation,  and  a  slirinking  of  nature,  I  was 
influenced  to  a  decision  by  lellectiug  on  the  words  of  tlie 
Saviour,  "  The  cl'ildren  ol"  this  woihl  are  wiser  in  their  genera 
tion  than  the  children  of  light."  I  thought  of  the  politician, 
when  the  nomination  of  the  favorite  candidate  was  at  issue. 
Also  of  the  interest  and  energy  displayed,  when  an  important 
case  in  court  is  pending,  and  while  thus  weigliing  the  matter, 
and  bringing  the  light  of  eternity  to  bear  upon  it,  I  felt  that 


198  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  Saviour  appealingly  said  to  my  soul,  "  Ye  are  my  wit- 
nesses." 

This  letter  resulted  in  the  interview  mentioned.  To  assure 
me,  tliat  I  had  not  Relieved  in  vain,  the  Lord  permitted  him  to 
say,  that  every  word  as  I  uttered  it,  at  the  meeting,  was  spoken 
•  directly  to  his  heart.  That  was  wliat  I  liad  asked,  and  felt  that 
I  had  the  desire  of  my  heart  granted  at  tlie  time.  Glory  be  to 
God ! 

Brother  Hill  did  not  come  with  the  intention  of  staying  that 
night,  but  during  the  evening,  became  so  deeply  absorbed  in 
wrestling  prayer,  in  wliich  we  alternately  engaged,  that  it  was 
near  midnight,  before  he  seemed  to  be  aware  of  it,  and  he  staid 
witli  us,  not  only  all  night,  but  until  near  noon  of  the  next 
day. 

During  the  deep  exercises  of  the  evening,  he  felt  that  lie 
was  enabled  to  lay  all  upon  the  altar,  but  did  not  become  quite 
so  clear,  in  the  witness  of  its  acceptance,  as  he  desired. 

On  the  day  of  his  arrival,  I  had  set  apart  a  room,  that  had 
lately  become  unoccupied,  for  the  more  especial  use  of  God's 
servants;  or,  as  I  said  before  the  Lord,  while  dedicating  it  to 
his  service,  a  ^'  propliet's  chamber."  How  little  did  I  then 
imagine,  that  its  acceptance  was  to  be  so  signally  given,  and 
so  soon.  But  it  was  sweetly  hallowed  by  this  servant  of 
Christ.  The  last  sound,  as  I  fell  into  the  re^^ose  of  sleep,  was 
praise  and  i>rayer,  and  the  first  that  reached  my  ear  in  the 
morning,  was  the  same  blissful  sound.  '-^  Bless  the  Lord,  0, 
my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits." 

On  Wednesday,  we  went  in  company  with  him,  and  several 
other  Christian  friends,  to  Newark,  to  attend  a  meeting  similar 
to  the  one  in  Newburg.  My  ^.ear  husband  accompanied  us. 
O,  what  a  blessed  day  is  ushering  in  upon  us!  Christians  of 
different  denominations  meeting  on  one  common  ground, 
^'  Holiness  to  tlie  Lord."     0,  how  truly  do, 

"  Names  and  sects  and  i)arties  fall, 
And  Christ  alone  is  All  in  All." 

It  was  a  blessed  meeting.  The  most  perfect  reciprocity  of 
feeling  is  manifested  by  tl)ese  brethren,  toward  me,  especially 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  J[(J9 

by  the  ministry.  What  a  niiglitj^  cliauge  has  a  practical  recep- 
tion of  the  doctrine  produced.  But  a  short  time  since,  and  tlie 
most  of  tliem  would  have  condemned  as  fanatical,  and  perhaps 
as  almost  heretical,  a  female  that  Avould  ^lare  give  in  a 
testimony  for  God,  before  the  Church.  Now,  they  invite  and 
urge  such  testimonies. 

New  York,  July  SOth,  1846.* 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  cause  prospers  with  us.  Our  itinerant  fellowship  meet- 
ing, wliich  was  established  purposely  for  the  promotion  of  holi- 
ness, in  our  various  churches,  is  commanding  increasmg  interest. 
Dr.  Bangs  presides,  and  some  of  the  preachers  manifest  their 
interest  in  a  manner  truly  encouraging, — especially  Brothers 
Seys  and  Eogers. 

February  20th,  1848. — I  attended  a  meeting  at  Yorkville, 
on  Wednesday  afternoon,  in  view  of  promoting  holiness. 
Friends  from  the  vicinity,  were  present.  The  power  of  the 
Lord  was  manifest.  -Six  or  seven  clear  witnesses  of  the  power 
of  Christ  to  save  from  all  sin  were  raised  up. 

March,  Monday. — What  a  privilege  to  be  permitted  to  ask 
in  faith,  believing,  nothing  doubting.  Asked  tlie  Lord  would 
direct  my  way  this  evening,  and  concluded  to  respond  to  a  fre- 
quent and  urgent  inA-itation  to  attend  the  Mondaj^  evening 
meeting,  in  Williamsburg.  We  had  a  gracious  season.  Here 
also,  the  Lord  added  to  the  list  of  witnesses.  Three  more  were 
permitted  to  unite  with  the  blood- washed  conix)any,  and  to  say, 
"  Unto  Him  who  hath  redeemed  mc,  and  washed  me  from  my 
sins,  in  His  own  blood,  to  Him  be  glory." 

1848. — The  ''third  Monday  evening  meeting,  for  the  promo- 
tion of  holiness  iu  our  various  churches,"  was  held  at  the  Ninth 
Street  Church,  this  evening.^  We  had  a  gracious  season.  ]Many 
witnesses  testified  to  tlie  power  of  Christ  to  save  from  all  sin. 

This  meeting  was  originally  establislied  by  the  Rev.  Timothy 
Merritt,  author  of  the  ''  Christian  Manual,"  about  ten  years 
ago.  On  account  of  the  varied  concernments  of  our  ministers, 
and  their  frequent  changes,  he  conjectured  that  it  would  eventu- 
ally be  discontinued,  unless  it  might  bepfacedin  the  care  of 
some  one  residing  iu  the  city,  permanently. 


200'  MEMOIES  OF 

At  his  request,  therefore,  we  took  the  interests  of  the  meet- 
ing in  charge, — attending  to  tlie  distribution  of  notices  to  the 
preacliers,  and  various  cliurclies.  The  blessing  of  God  has  at- 
tended tliese  meetings,  and  they  continue  to  increase  in  interest. 

Fehruanj  -ith,  ]848. — Called  on  the  Rev.  James  Caiighey. 
He  had  been  holding  a  series  of  meetings,  at  the  Willett  Street 
Church,  which  have  resulted  in  the  hopeful  conversion  of 
about  one  hundred  souls.  He  is  now  closing  his  labors  here, 
and  exjiects  ere  long  to  close  them  in  this  part  of  the  world, 
and  to  spend  perhaps  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  Euroj)e. 

This  afternoon,  attended  a  meeting  at  a  private  house  in 
Eldridge  Street.  Mrs.  C.  had  said  to  me,  "  several  of  my  neigh- 
bours do  not  attend  church,  and  if  I  will  get  them  together, 
will  you  come  and  talk  to  them  ?"  I  promised  to  do  so,  and  this 
afternoon,  a  company  met.  Not  knowing  what  sort  of  a 
company  might  meet,  I  had  not  taken  much  pains  to  have  any 
one  present  to  assist,  and  as  I  entered,  and  saw  several  in 
waiting,  I  scarcely  knew  what  course  to  pursue.  I  trust  I  was 
diyinely  directed.  The  Bible  and  Hymn  Book  lay  on  the  table, 
I  gave  out  a  hymn,  sung,  prayed,  and  then  read  the  third  chapter 
ofMalachi,  upon  which,  by  the  assistance  of  the  Spirit,  I  made 
remarks.  Seldom  have  I  felt  more  truly  as  if  my  way  was 
ordered,  than  on  this  occasion }  some  were  considerably  affected. 
Much  good  was  done. 

The  principles  on  which  endeavors  to  save  and  bless 
others,  pioceeded,  are Incidly  explained  in  a  letter,  in  1854, 
to  the  Hev.  W.  H.  Boole,  then  stationed  on  his  first  charge 
at  Clinton,  Conn. : 

Can  you  not  get  every  member  of  your  charge  to  go  to  work 
for  God  ?  If  any  man  will  not  work,  neither  shall  he  eat,  is  just 
as  true  in  regard  to  spiritual  food. 

When  the  discii)les  received  the  bread  from  the  hand  of  the 
Saviour,  they  Avere  commanded  to  go  to  work  at  once,  and  break 
it  to  the  multitude.  Tliey  were  not  told  to  wait  till  it  had  ac- 
cumulated in  tlieir  hand  to  a  large  piece,  but  to  begin  with  the 
little  piece,  just  a»  they  luul  received  it,  and  as  they  hrake^it 
multiplied.     And  just  so  it  was,  that  the  Saviour  dealt  with  me 


MBS.  PECEBE  PALMEB.  201 

as  His  humble  disciple.  The  portion  of  grace  I  had  received, 
seemed  hut  small, — very  small,  but  iu  view  of  my  entire 
redemption,  I  recognized  tlie  fact  that  I  was  not  my  own,  and 
endeavored  in  sincerity,  thougli  with  trembling,  to  give  myself 
entirely  to  God. 

The  duty  of  acting  on  the  principle  of  entire  consecration 
was  at  once  suggested.  Yet  I  had  not  the  witness  of  lioliness. 
But  said  the  Spirit,  "  Go  to  work  for  God — Invite  tlie 
sinners  to  Christ."  My  trembling  heart  replied,  ^^Lordj.thej" 
will  say.  Physician,  heal  thyself.  How  little  do  I  know 
of  the  deep  things  of  God.  How  little  grace  have  I  received ; 
and  with  such  a  small  amount,  how  can  I  dispense  to  the  spiritu- 
al necessities  of  others?"  ^' You  can  dispense  according  to 
what  you  have  received,  and  not  according  to  what  you  havs 
not  received.  If  you  cannot  talk  about  the  deep  things  of  God, 
and  explain  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom,  you  can  deal  in  the 
first  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ.  You  know  men  are 
sinners,  and  need  salvation.  You  know  they  need  the  invita- 
tions of  the  Spirit  to  come  to  Christ.  You  know  they  must  re- 
pent or  perish.  You  know  these  things,  because  you  read  your 
Bible.  Many  who  profess  to  believe  the  Bible,  seldom  read  it. 
You  can  go  to  those  who  need  to  be  told  of  the  first  principles 
of  a  religious  life,  and  be  a  channel  bf  communication  from  God. 
Let  th«3  God  of  the  Bible  speak  through  you.  Sinners  will  be 
responsible  for  these  messages  of  salvation,  not  because  you 
have  spoken,  but  they  will  be  responsible  to  God,  for  it  is  the 
Lord's  message,  not  yotos,  that  you  deliver.  It  was  thus  I 
reasoned,  and  it  was  thus  that  the  tender,  gentle,  ever-loving 
Spirit  met  my  reasonings.  He  did  not  break  the  bruised  reed, 
neither  did  He  yield  to  my  infirmity,  but  assured  me,  if  I  would 
dispense  of  tlie  little  grace  I  had,  according  to  my  ability,  that 
I  might  leave  the  result  with  Him.  And  how  soothingly  was 
my  heart  settled  in  the  conviction  that  the  requiremenis  of 
grace  are  according  to  what  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to 
that  he  hath  not.  Audit  was  while  in  this  weak  and  trembling 
state  that  I  began  to  break  the  bread.  Had  I  not  obediently 
gone  to  work  acting  on  the  principle  of  consecration,  dispens- 
ing   according  to  what   I  had,  I  believe  I   should   not  have 


202  MEMOIRS   OF 

received  tlie  further  grace.  Ever  since,  I  have  found  the  more  I 
disi)ense,  the  more  I  get.  Can  you  not  get  your  people,  one 
and  aU  at  worlf 

The  iiarratiou  of  means  employed  to  accomplish  the 
great  end  of  her  life,  in  Fiftieth  Street  chiu'ch,  New  York, 
is  replete  with  practical  suggestions  : 

January  ]st,  1858. — Began  the  year  as  in  the  more  immediate 
presence  of  God,  in  His  holy  temple.  As  the  last  moments  of 
the  old  year  were  receding,  we,  in  remembrance  of  the  command 
of  our  dying  Lord,  partook  of  the  precious  memorials  of  His 
death,  with  our  Christian  friends  of  Fiftieth  Street  church. 
During  tlie  previous  exercises  of  the  evening,  four  or  five  had 
received  pardoning  mercy.  As  the  old  year  passed  out,  and 
the  New  Year  greeted  us,  we  bowed  as  a  redeemed  company 
and  yielded  ourselves  up  afresh,  in  solemn  covenant  to  our  Re- 
deemer. We  felt  that  tlie  Holy  Spirit  was  present  to  seal  the 
offering. 

During  the  exercises  of  the  evening,  I  had  recalled  before 
the  people,  the  memory  of  between  twenty  and  thirty  years, 
when  I  first,  on  a  New  Year's  eve,  took  as  the  motto  of  my  life, 
'^  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ,  which  strengtheneth  me." 
After  tlie  close  of  the  service,  an  interesting  sister  in  Jesus, 
informed  me,  that  she  had  been  seeking  tJie  blessing  of  holi- 
ness about  four  years,  but  had  been  hindered  by  various  per- 
plexities, especially  with  the  idea  that  if  she  obtained  the 
blessing,  she  could  not  keep  it,  but  while  I  was  speaking,  she 
was  enabled  to  believe  that  she  could  i^o  all  things  ^//ro„- .7 /< 
Christ,  and  slie  now  was  trusting  in  Christ  as  her  full  Saviour. 

Thank  the  Lord  for  the  privilege  of  entering  upon  the 
New  Year  as  ?ifnt it-bearing  branch. 

Januanj  15//<,  1858. — A  short  time  since,  we  had  five  hundred 
bills  printed  for  the  purpose  of  inviting  people  to  the  Fiftieth 
Street  church.  Tlie  bills  were  headed, ''  The  harvest  is  past,  the 
summer  is  ended,  and  we  are  not  saved."  On  meeting  the  ex- 
pense, I  said  to  Dr.  P.,  '^  If  but  one  soul  more  may  be  induced 
to  come,  and  that  one  be  saved,  how  thankful  shall  we  be,  and 
how  many  thousand  times   over  will  the   trifling  expense  be 


MRS.   PRCEBE  PALMER.  203 

Tepaid.  And  now  I  have  received  intelligence,  that  a  lady, 
who  had  not  been  in  the  habit  of  attending  religious  services, 
received  one  of  the  notices,  and  partly  in  view  of  the  novelty 
of  the  thing,  and  doubtless  in  answer  to  the  Spirit's  invita- 
tion, she  was  induced  to  come.  And  here  the  God  of  the  tem- 
ple met  her,  and  she  was  awakened  and  converted,  and  a 
friend  also  that  accompanied  her,  was  won  over  to  the  Sav- 
iour. This,  to  some,  may  seem  a  small  matter,  but  when  we 
think  of  the  w^orth  of  one  soul,  how  important  these  little 
matters  appear.  A  gentleman  also  was,  through  the  same  in- 
fluence, brought  to  the  church,  and  was  awakened  and  con- 
verted. 

Up  to  the  time  of  departure  for  Europe,  these  la- 
bors in  the  local  churches  continued,  and  were  (luietly  and 
blessedly  renewed,  immediately  after  return  from  the  Old 
World.  , 

May  29th,  1858.— This  is  now  Sabbath  evening.  I  have  closed 
my  last  Sabbath  in  my  native  laud.  '^  I  was  sick  and  ye  visited 
me."  The  morning  was  mostly  spent  in  the  chamber  of  my 
dear  sick  friend,  and  sister  in  Jesus,  -Mrs.  Truslow.  She  has 
been  dangerously  ill,  but  the  Lord  is  raising  her  up,  in  answer 
to  the  prayer  of  faith.  Praise  His  name  !  This  afternoon  we 
had  a  farewell  meeting  at  the  Thirty -seventh  Street  Church. 
It  was  a  solemn  season  of  interest  and  power.  I  saw  several 
with  tearful  eyes,  as  we  endeavored  to  urge,  in  the  power  of 
the  Spirit,  our  last  messages. 

A  glorious  meeting  this  afternoon.  Jesus  was  present  and 
manifested  His  glory.     A  great  many  were  present. 

APTER   RETUBN   FROM  THE   OLD   WORLD. 

Feb.  2'ith,  1868.— Closed  our  services  at  the  old  Duane  Street 
Church,  this  evening.  Came  by  official  invitation,  and  have 
seen  the  arm  of  the  Lord  made  bare,  in  tlie  conversion  of  about 
one  hundred  souls,  and  the  sanctification  of  many  believers. 
Not  unto  us,  not  unto  us,  0,  Lord !  but  unto  Thy  name,  give  glory, 
for  Thy  mercy  and  Tliy  truth's  sake.  Some  remarkably  inter- 
-esting  cases  of  conversion  have  occurred.     One  of  the  disciples 


204  MEMOIRS   OF 

of  Jesus,  w]io,  during  tlie  receut  services  had  been  quickened 
Into  new  spiritual  life,  began  to  pray  for  an  unconverted 
neighbor.  She  then  invited  her  to  the  house  of  God.  She 
came  and  soon  after  presented  herself  at  the  altar  of  prayer,  as 
an  earnest  seeker  of  salvation.  Most  graciously  did  Jesus  re- 
veal Himself,  the  ''fairest  among  ten  thousand."  Though  from 
the  hour  Jesus  revealed  Himself,  she  remained  most  delight- 
fully clear  in  her  experience,  yet  every  succeeding  night,  she 
hastened  to  the  altar,  as  soon  as  the  invitation  to  supx^liants 
was  given.  -' Wliat  would  jou  have  Jesus  do  for  you  more'?" 
I  asked,  as  slie  knelt,  the  succeeding  evening.  '^  It  is  for  my 
husband,  I  am  praying  now,  who  has  been  a  cripple  for  three 
years^  and  unable  to  come."  Thus,  three  or  four  evenings  passed, 
till  on  Sabbatli  evening,  observing  her  deep  emotion,  I  went  to 
her,  and  said,  ''Is  Jesus  still  x)recious  ?"  "0,  yes, -rery  precious," 
she  replied,  "but  my  husband  is  in  the  house,  and  he  is  a  crip- 
ple and  can't  come  here,  and  I  know  he  wants  to  be  blessed. 
Can't  some  one  go  and  talk  with  him  V  In  a  short  time,  Dr. 
Palmer  was  at  the  side  of  the  disabled  man,  and  finding  it  was 
with  him  as  with  the  lame  or  palsied  one  brought  to  the  great 
Ph^^sician,  that  he  was  more  than  Avilling  to  be  brought.  Dr. 
Palmer  assisted  him.  He  was  a  pale-fiiced,  intellectual  looking 
man,  and  was  manifestly  tlie  subject  of  much  physical  affliction. 
By  the  aid  of  crutches  and  the  help  of  friends,  he  was  able  to 
reach  a  cliair  near  the  altar.  We  could  not  but  think  of  the  one 
who  was  borne  of  four,  and  the  roof  broken  up,  that  lie  might  be 
let  down  into  the  immediate  presence  of  Jesus.  0,  the  joy  of 
that  newly-saved  praying  wife,  as  she  saw  her  crii)pled  hus- 
band i)laced  near  the  altar,  surrounded  by  praying  friends,  who 
were  supplicating  Jesus  to  make  him  whole.  0,  the  rich  mercy, 
the  abounding  compassion  of  the  Son  of  God.  He  surely  was 
more  than  willing  to  heal  the  sin-sick  man.  Quietly  did  he 
speak  the  life-giving  word,  and  in  accents  sweeter  tlian  music 
of  heaven,  say,  "Son,  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee."  0,  it  was  a 
beautiful  scene — to  Witness  that  happy  wife  and  husband  made 
one  in  Jesus." 


CHAPTEE    V. 

PHILANTHROPIC  ENTERPRISEo 

1_IN  THE   DISTRIBUTION   OF   RELIGIOUS  TRACTS. 
2_In  VISITATION  OF   THE   POOR  AND   SICK. 

3— In  ministrations  to  prisoners  in  the  tombs. 
4_Ix  association  with  beneficent  societies. 
5— In  the  establishment  of  domestic  missions. 
6_iN  the  projection  of  a  mission  to  the  jews. 
7_Ix  the  interest  of  foreign  missions. 

l._IN  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OF  RELIGIOUS  TRACfS. 

EXTIRE  sanctificatiou,  as  a  moral  condition,  involves, 
and  that  necessarily,  an  inherent  operative  energy, 
to  be  divinely  guided  in  seeking  to  glorify  God,  and  to 
meliorate  society  in  the  mass,  and  also  as  to  the  individu- 
als which  compose  it.  Patient,  persistent,  and  aflame 
with  purest  love,  Mrs.  Palmer  illustrated  one  aspect  of 
this  operative  energy,  in  the  work  of  tract  distribution ; 
going  from  door  to  door,  leavhig  the  silent  messengers  of 
mercy,  and  bespeaking  favorable  reception  of  messages  m 
words  fltly  spoken. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  custom  was  to  use  it  as  an  adjunct  ni  her 
visitations  among  the  poor,  sick,  and  godless.  In  what 
manner  this  was  done,  and  with  what  eftect,  is  best  ascer- 
tahied  from  her  journal. 

On  the  4th,  I  went  on  my  tract  district.  Feeling  my  ntter 
iuabilitv  to  go  fortli  to  purpose,  I  endeavored  to  arm  myself 
with  the  might  of  the  Spirit,  for  my  mission  of  mercy.  One 
woman  told  me  hoNV  gloriously  she  had  been  cheered  by  a  pi^e- 
vious  visit,  when  on  a  bed  of  extreme  sickness,  from  whicli  slie 
had  n^jver  expected  to  rise.    My  heart  exulted  as  she  descanted 


^c 


206 


MEMOIRS  OF 


on  tlie  benefits  she  then  and  there  received.  The  next  was  a 
cliild  of  God,  on  a  bed  of  affliction.  I  endeavored  to  cheer  her 
by  a  reference  to  the  consolations  of  the  gospel,  suitable  to  her 
own  case.  She  cheered  my  own  lieart  in  turn,  by  an  expression 
of  confidence  in  Him  whom  my  soul  adores  and  loves.  Next, 
Avas  a  person  at  first  rather  repulsive  in  lier  manner,  but  feeling 
that  I  had  a  message  from  God,  unto  her,  I  continued  my  en- 
quiries, till  I  found  her  much  more  easy  of  access  than  I  had  at 
first  imagined;  and  elicited  that  she  had,  previous  to  marriage^ 
been  an  att,endant  on  tlie  English  Church,  but,  in  consequence 
of  having  married  a  Romanist,  had  discontinued  going  to  church 
I  endeavored  to  convince  her  of  the  necessity  of  speedily  mak- 
ing her  peace  with  God.  Her  heart  was  touched.  She  prom- 
ised that  she  would  accompany  me  to  the  house  of  God  on  the 
ensuing  Sabbath. 

The  next  case  of  unusual  interest  was  an  acknowledged 
Deist.  I  handed  him  tlie  tract.  He  received  it  in  a  courteous 
manner.  I  asked  him  if  he  would  read  it  ?  He  said  he  would. 
I  endeavored  to  ascertain  what  his  principles  were.  He  then 
said,  ''  To  tell  you  the  truth,  I  am  not  a  believer  in  these 
things."  I  endeavored  to  ascertain  his  most  prominent  objec- 
tions to  the  truths  of  Christianity,  and  he  enumerated  various 
reasons  for  the  rejection  of  them,  in  such  a  frank  and  gentle- 
manly manner,  that  the  opinion  I  first  formed,  that  he  was  a 
person  of  no  ordinary  mind,  seemed  still  more  conclusive.  He 
expressed  a  willingness,  tliat  if  I  could  furnish  proof  sufficient 
of  their  authenticity,  or  could  in  any  way  make  them  appear  as 
worthy  of  belief,  he  would  be  glad  to  acknowledge  the  truth. 
I  then  gave  what  I  thought  to  be  the  most  acceptable  and  promi- 
nent proofs  of  their  authenticity,  some  of  which  he  evaded,  or 
pronounced  unaccountable,  and  others  he  endeavored  to  set 
aside  by  his  sophistry.  The  contrast  between  the  christian  and 
the  infidel,  at  the  hour  of  death,  affected  him  the  most,  and  he 
acknowledged  it  a  glorious  delusion,  that  Avill  impart  such  hap- 
piness through  life,  such  a  feeling  of  security,  and  then  so 
triumphantly  sustain  in  the  hour  of  death.  "  But,"  said  he,  (as 
though  he  had  conceded  too  much,)  ^'  I  have  yet  to  see  it."  I  then 
availed  myself  of  the  advantage  he  had  given  me,  by  his  prom- 


MBS,  PH(EBi:  PALMEi:.  207 

ise  that  lie  would  make  use  of  such  means  to  come  to  \\h\  light, 
as  I  would  suggest  to  serve  that  i^urpose,  and  requested  him  to 
ask  that  Being,  whom  I  liad  represented  as  a  God,  long  suffer- 
ing, tender  and  kind,  that  if  indeed  He  was  God,  He  would  mani- 
fest Himself  as  such,  to  his  soul.  The  words,  couched  seem- 
ingly in  unbelief,  savored  indeed  too  much  of  in'ofanity  to  suit 
my  feelings,  but  I  felt  it  necessary  thus  far  to  condescend  in 
expression  to  his  Views. 

At  this,  he  hesitated,  and  with  much  more  warmth  than  he  had 
previously  nijinifested,  protested  against  the  proj)riety  of  sup- 
plicating an  unknown  Being.  But  nothing  that  I  had  before 
said,  convinced  me  so  fully  that  I  had  taken  the  proper  course 
as  this,  I  reminded  him  of  his  word,  that  he  had  twice  passed, 
and  told  him  that  I  must  consider  his  promise  binding,  as  the 
success  of  my  cause  in  a  measure  depended  on  it.  In  view  of 
his  strict  m)raliti/,  of  which  he  had  before  boasted,  he  did 
not  dare  positively  to  refuse,  although  he  said  he  could  not 
in  conscience  do  it.  He  had  said  that  he  did  not  consider 
himself  accountable  -,  I  endeavored,  in  good  conscience,  to  pur- 
suade  him  that  there  could  not  be  much  responsibility  in  the 
case,  even  according  to  his  own  belief. 

Wednesday,  October.—  Went  to  the  tract'meeting  this  evening, 
and  had  a  very  delightful  season.  I  felt  much  drawn  out  in 
prayer,  that  every  soul  might  be  blessed.  A  heavenly  influence 
seemed  to  i^revail,  Avhile  those  of  different  denominations, 
together  joined  in  humble  aspirations  to  our  common  Father. 
I  love  the  cause.  0  !  that  I  were  a  more  efficient  laborer. 
The  spirit  of  love  and  unity  that  so  sweetly  triumphs  when  we 
together  wait  before  the  Lord,  is  truly  gratifying. 

Juhj9tli,  1838. — Saturday  evening,  called  on  Mr.  F.,  ai)parent- 
ly  a  confirmed  skeptic,  to  present  him  and  Mrs.  F.  with  tickets 
for  Professor  Bascom's  lectures,  on  the  ^^  Kelative  claims  of 
Christianity  and  Infidelity."  At  first,  lie  absolutely  refused 
to  attend.  After  stating  his  objections  to  Christianity,  which 
were  distressing  to  hear,  he*  partially  promised  to  go.  The 
hope  of  being  useful  to  this  description  of  person,  alone  urges 
me  on.     My  soul  strongly  says,  ''  Come   not  thou  into  theii 


20§  MEMOIRS  OF 

secrets;"  but,  if  duty  calls,  I  am  assured  I  shall  be,  ^'  kept  as 
the  apple  of  His  eye." 

A  protracted  meeting  being  in  contemplation,  I  thouglit  of  the 
opportunities  I  would  have  of  doing  good,  and  getting  good. 
I  thought,  by  the  help  of  the  Spirit,  I  would  set  myself  apart, 
more  especially  for  active  service,  by  visiting  individuals,  by 
getting  them  to  meeting.  The  Lord  was  very  present  with  me 
in  the  morning,  while  conversing  with  a  dear  brother,  on  the 
subject  of  holiness.  I  was  enabled  to  get  near  access  to  the 
throne.  While  pleading  that  he  might  have  the  present  witness, 
I  received  the  sweetest  assurance,  that  I  was  heard,  and  that 
my  petition  should  be  answered,  just  as  far  as  his  free  agency 
would  permit.  My  mind  becomes  increasingly  confirmed  in  the 
necessity  of  being  a  worker,  together  with  God. 

March  5th,  1841. — I  realize  most  deeply  in  my  own  experi- 
ence, the  blessedness  of  these  words, — "  Ye  are  the  temple  of 
the  living  God ;  as  God  hath  said,  ^'  I  will  dwell  in  them,  and 
walk  in  them,  and  I  will  be  their  God,  and  ^they  shall  be 
my  people."  Very  peculiarly  did  I  feel  its  force,  as  I  was 
about  entering  the  sanctuary  this  evening.  I  find  it  good  to 
labor  for  God.  I  have  spent  a  considerable  portion  of  the  day 
in  tract  distribution,  and  in  other  religious  visits. 

1846. — Went  on  my  tract  district  this  afternoon.  Went  from 
cellar  to  garret,  in  some  houses,  and  distributed  tracts  to  about 
fifty  families.  Visited  three  families.  Took  a  warm  dinner 
to  a  destitute  one.  I  fear  the  father  of  the  latter  is  au  im- 
penitent sinner.  I  pressed  the  importance  of  a  speedy  turning 
to  God,  and  prayed  with  him. 

New  York,  March  ith,  1847. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  Lord  still  continues  to  prosper  His  work  in  this  city. 
At  the  Allen  Street  charge,  our  altar  is  still  surrounded  nightly, 
and  a  noble  army,  many  of  whom,  bid  fair  to  be  wbole-hearted 
christians,  have  been  raised  up.  The  Lord,  ni}^  Strength,  has  en- 
couraged me  mucli  in  ])er8onal  eiforts,  during  the  last  foui"  days  -, 
four  have  been  gathered  in  from  tlie  highways  and  hedges,  all  of 
whom  now  give  good  evidence  that   they  have  passed  from 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  209 

death  unto  life.  These  were  mostly  persons  not  accustomed  to 
attend  the  means  of  grace,  and  were  therefore  not  gospel  hard- 
ened. They  became,  in  a  degree,  awakened,  by  my  urging  the 
claims  of  God  upon  them,  at  their  houses,  and  then  on  taking 
them  to  church  with  me,  I  was  successful  in  encouraging  them 
to  expect  the  blessing,  at  the  very  hour  in  which  they  sought 
with  all  the  heart.  According  to  their  faith  it  was  done  unto 
them.  Each  one  experienced  religion  in,  I  think,  less  than  an 
hour  after  presenting  themselves  for  prayer  for  the^rsi  time. 

Distributed  tracts  this  afternoon  ;  was  greatly  encouraged 
in  my  efforts  in  this  department  of  christian  duty,  by  finding 
the  woman  whose  case  I  have  referred  to,  happily  converted  to 
God.  She  was  once,  several  years  since, — a  professor  of  reli- 
gion, but  had  wholly  backslidden.  Had  entirely  deserted  the 
house  of  God,  and  given  up  all  the  ordinances  of  religion. 
Though  seemingly  wholly  indifferent  to  spiritual  things,  when 
I  first  visited  her,  about  three  weeks  since,  she,  during  the  in- 
terview, was  aroused,  promised  to  attend  church, — though  not 
without  much  persuasion,  and  last  Wednesday  evening  was 
brought  out  of  darkness  into  God's  marvelous  light,  and  is 
now  a  happy  believer.  Glory,  honor,  and  thanksgiving  be 
ascribed  unto  God  for  His  great  mercy. 

May  20th,  1848,  recording  the  case  of  a  bedridden  in- 
valid, once  a  self  deceived  Pharisee,  who,  with  his  wife 
had  been  converted  through  her  instrumentality,  and  who 
died  in  faith,  she  writes : 

Mr.  S.,  from  the  time  he  experienced  a  change,  appeared 
to  ripen  for  heaven.  His  wife,  in  speaking  of  this,  said,  '^  Soon 
after  you  began  to  visit  him,  this  change  took  place.  0,  we  shall 
ever  remember  your  interest  with  gratitude."  If  it  had  not 
been  for  tract  visitation,  Avhich  adnnts,  or  rather  invites,  and 
enforces  ingress  to  the  higliways  and  hedges,  these  precious 
souls  might  not  have  been  plucked  as  brands  from  the  burn- 
ing. They  lived  in  the  rear  of  an  alley,  and  I  had  several 
times  passed  through  my  district,  without  even  suspecting  that 
tliere  was  a  dwelling  there.  But  it  has  been  my  desire  to  ex- 
plore my  district  thoroughly,  and  as  far  as  time  will  allow,  to 

14 


210  MEMOIRS  OF 

liaiid  tlie  tract,  myself,  to  each  faiijily,  individually,  whether  in 
garret  or  cellar,  believing  that  to  do  it  by  proxy,  is  not  in 
general,  the  better  way.  Mr.  S.  was  an  unusually  iDteresting 
man,  who  had  seen  far  better  days.  It  is  probable  that  hij 
aMictions  brought  him  to  Christ.  "  He  doth  not  afflict  the 
children  of  men  williugly." 

March  SOth,  1851, — Went  out  this  morning  at  an  early  hour,  to 
do  something  toward  reclaiming  an  inebriate,  Mr.  B.  Begged 
him,  on  my  knees,  to  lay  liis  hand  on  tlie  Bible,  and  promise 
the  God  of  the  Bible  that  lie  would  neither  '^  Touch,  taste,  nor 
handle"  spirituous  liquors.  This  afternoon,  on  his  knees,  he 
solemnly  pledged  himself.     Thank  the  Lord  ! 

March  olst. — Long  conversation  ^ith  Mr.  B.,  about  the 
divinity  of  the  word  of  God.  Said  he  never  saw  the  Scriptures 
in  such  a  light  before.  Gave  him  a  pocket  Bible,  which  lie  says 
he  ever  intends  to  carry  close  to  his  heart.  My  sympathies 
have  been  greatly  enlisted  in  his  behalf.  The  prey  has  been 
snatched  from  the  fangs  of  the  devoiirer.  My  soul  doth  mag- 
nify the  Lord.  To  him  be  glory  foreyeT.  Visited  Mrs.  P.,  who 
is  recovering  from  a  long  illness.  Tlie  Lord  blessed  the  inter- 
view to  her.  I  think  she  will  be  whole-hearted  in  the  service 
of  the  Lord. 

Ai^ril  ^st. — Mr.  B.  was  reading  the  Bible  as  I  entered 
the  room,  early  this  morning.  Pointing  to  the  fifty-first 
chapter  of  Isaiah,  ^'  See,"  said  he,  ''  what  I  accidentally  opened 
upon."  ''Not  accidentally,^''  I  replied,  ''  God  guxe  it  to  you,- 
for  before  I  came  to  the  room,  I  thought  of  directing  your 
mind  to  it."  My  soul  is  filled  with  joy  in  his  behalf,  the  joy 
of  Christ. 

Space  will  not  aUow  the  detail  of  aU,  or  nearly  all,  the 
cases  of  indi^id^aLs  and  of  families  who  were  brought  to 
the  experience  of  repentance  unto  life,  by  these  protracted 
and  abundant  labors  in  Tract  distribution.  The  moral 
condition  of  the  great  commercial  metrox)olis  needs  thou- 
sands of  such  devoted  volunteers,  where  now  there  are  not 
tens. 


MRS.  PIKE  BE  PALMER 


211 


2. — IN   VISITATION    OF    THE   POOR  AND  SICK. 

Mrs.  Palmer  was  not  of  those  who  ofter  tracts  <mli/  to 
the  destitute,  and  who  invokti  blessings  upon  the  needy, 
^itliout  bestowing-  from  their  own  abundance,  such  things 
as  are  requisite  and  necessary  for  the  body. 

Wliere  probabiUties  of  great  usefulness  in  the  objects 
of  her  generous  care  existed,  no  exi^ense  was  si)ared  to  fit 
them  for  it.  Anticipations,  as  in  the  case  of  Leopold  Solo- 
mon, were  not  always  realized :  but  slie  never  regretted 
the  endeavor,  though  it  ended  in  disapi)ointment. 

March  Wi,  1844. — My  oft-repeated  admoiiitious,  Avere  thig 
day,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  crowned  with  success,  in  the 
case  of  a  Mrs.  P.  Though  young  in  years,  she  is  one  wlio  lias 
taken  large  drauglits  from  the  cup  of  affliction.  Slie  was  left, 
in  the  loneUness  of  widowhood,  with  three  infant  children, 
sev^eral  months  since,  though  not  now  apparently  over  twenty 
years  of  age  :  she  has  an  invalid  mother,  and  her  daily  earnings 
at  shoe  binding,  not  being  sufficient  to  meet  these  demands  of 
her  family,  she  often  sits  late,  and  long  at  her  needle,  and  thus 
has  her  own  health  become  enfeebled.  Yet  notwithstanding 
all  her  trials,  she  has  been  unmindful  of  the  widow's  (iod.  The 
ordinances  of  religion,  and  the  house  of  the  Lord  have  been 
wliolly  neglected.  This  afternoon,  I  urged  her  to  go  with  me 
this  evening,  to  a  ])lace  of  worship;  and,  as  I  well  knew  the 
time  spent  in  .i><>ing,  was  in  her  estimation,  money  needed  in 
lier  fiiniily, — I  promised  as  an  inducement,  to  give  her  what 
she  might  earn. 

Her  invalid  mother,  promised  to  exert  herself,  in  the  care  of 
the  children,  during  her  absence,  and  the  arrangement  was 
made.  Her  associations  had  been  irreligious,  and  so  little  had 
a  knowledge  of  the  way  of  life  dawned  upon  her  vision,  that 
any  other  way  of  getting  to  heaven,  than  by  her  morality, 
seemed  to  have  been  unthought  of.  But  the  Lord  is  in  Hig 
Holy  temple,  and  Mrs.  P.  was  not  gospel  hardened. 

Her  heart  was  softened  under  tiie  rays  of  the  Sun  of  right- 
eousness, and  gently  opened  to  receive  the  truth.     When  those, 


212  MEMOIRS  OF 

wbo,  with  purpose,  liad  resolved  to  come  out  from  the  world, 
deny  themselves,  and  follow  the  Lord  Jesus,  were  invited  for- 
ward, Mrs.  P.  went,  and  while  there,  she  was  enabled  to  lay 
hold  on  the  hope  set  before  her,  and  returned  to  her  house,  a 
witness  of  tlie  power  of  Christ  to  save. 

The  voluptuary,  surrounded  by  idolizing  friends,  with  all  the 
accompaniments  of  wealth  and  grandeur,  cannot  even  begin  to 
know  the  happiness  I  have  this  evening  enjoyed,  in  listening 
to  the  lispings  of  these  babes  in  Christ. 

The  young  widow  (whose  pitiful  story  I  have  referred  to, 
with  the  three  infant  children,  and  invalid  mother),  said,  "  I 
have  seen  much  trouble  in  this  world,  but  I  went  to  meeting 
last  Thursday  evening.  There  the  Lord  blest  ijie.  Ever  since, 
I  have  been  so  happy,  that  I  have  hardly  had  any  care.  I  put 
my  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  everything  goes  on  light  and  easy." 
Experience  equall}^  interesting  was  related  by  several  others, 
newl}^  found  in  Christ. 

September  \7th. — In  a  low  cellar  kitchen,  found  a  feeble 
woman,  whose  family  was  mainly  dependent  on  her  for  sus- 
tenance. Her  inebriate  husband  lay  on  a  bed  in  the  corner, 
and  all  things  looked  comfortless.  A  boy  about  eleven  years 
of  age  sat  in  the  corner,  who  seemed  in  training  to  follow  his 
father's  example.  His  mother  said  she  had  not  been  able,  for  a 
long  time,  to  induce  him  to  attend  Sabbath- school.  I  succeeded 
in  obtaining  a  promise  from  him  that  he  would  attend,  if  he 
could  l)e  decently  clad.  I  promised  to  furnish  a  coat,  out  of 
which  his  mother  said  she  would  make  a  jacket,  and  before  I 
left,  he  seemed  quite  elated  with  the  idea  of  attending  Sabbath - 
school.  The  mother  appeared  to  have  known  something  of  the 
comforts  of  religion.  She  showed  me  an  old  Bible,  which  for 
years  had  been  her  companion.  May  God  cause  His  light  to 
ghine  on  that  desolate  habitation. 

New  York,  October  2(1.  1846. 
To  Mrs.  M.  D.  James  : 

Probably  you  have  before  this,  been  informed  that  our  very 
precious  brother  S.  has  departed  to  be  Avith  Christ.  He  w^as 
taken  ill  while  Dr.  P.  and  myself  were  abroad,  on  a  visit  to 
Niagara,  Canada,   etc.     He  had  been  sick  about  three  weeks. 


Mns\  PHCEBE  PALMER.  213 

when  we  returned.  He  lingered  four  weeks  afterward,  during 
which,  Dr.  P.  saw  him  several  times,  daily,  and  I  also  was  with 
him  most  of  the  time.  During  tlie  whole  of  his  long  illness,  he 
was  perfectly  triumphant.  That  perfect  love  casteth  out  fear, 
was  most  gloriously  veritied  in  his  experience. 

The  hundreds  to  whose  temporal  necessities  he  had  minis- 
tered, were  doubtless  in  waiting,  to  receive  him  to  everlasting 
habitations.  His  brother-in-law,  the  sainted  Payson,  whom  he 
so  much  loved,  jre  may  imagine,  was  also  with  that  blissful  com- 
pany, who  came  to  escort  him  home. 

CASE  OF  LEOPOLD  SOLOMON. 

New  York,  April  28tK,  1855. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline 

Well,  we  have  also,  in  yet  more  immediate  pros]3ect,  another 
dear  child.  When  you  come,  we  hope  to  have  the  privilege  of 
introducing  you  to  Leopold  Solomon  Palmer,  our  Jewish  boy. 
You  will  remember  that  he  was  thrown  into  prison  for  embrac- 
ing the  Christian  faith.  We  e«s:pect  to  receive  his  indenture  to- 
morrow. He  is  bound  to  us  by  the  city  authorities.  We  take 
him  as  our  child,  in  the  name  of  the  ^lethodist  public,  to  train 
him  for  the  ministry  to  which  he  feels  himself  called. 

Mayt^th,lS55. 
To  the  same : 

I  told  you  in  my  last,  of  our  newly  adopted  son,  Leopold 
Solomon  Palmer.  He  lias  now  been  with  us  several  days.  He 
is  indeed  most  lovable  and  loving.  We  already  take  much 
comfort  in  him,  and  expect  that  he  will  be  a  blessing  to  thous- 
ands of  the  house  of  Israel.  He  has  been  relating  his  intensely 
interesting  experience  as  a  Christian,  to  me,  this  morning. 
You  would  be  tilled  with  wonder  and  joy,  could  you  hear  him 
tell  of  what  things  he  has  suffered  for  Christ's  sake.  I'ray  that 
he  may  be  an  instrument  eminently  fitted  for  the  ^Master's  use, 
and  ever  be  deeply  humble  and  holy. 

August  oth,  i85G. 
To  the  same: 

You  inquire  about  our  adopted  sou,  the  convert  from 
Judaism.     I  have  hesitated  in  communicating  with  yourselves. 


214  MEMOIRS  OF 

or  others,  on  the  subject, — fearful  that  it  miglit  detract  from  the 
sympathy  enlisted  for  the  Jewish  cause.  He  remained  during 
the  summer  term,  at  Charlotteville  Seminary,  where  we  had 
placed  him.  At  the  close  of  the  term,  he  earnestly  and  affec- 
tionately asked  leave  of  us,  as  his  "  dear  father  and  mother,"  to 
come  liome  to  us,  to  spend  the  vacation.  We  may  Iiave  erred 
in  granting  him  this  indulgence.  After  liis  return,  his  relatives 
began  to  lurk  around  our  premises,  and  obtained  occasional 
interviews  with  him.  They  pleaded  the  utmost  affection. 
His  father  told  him  that  his  absence  was  killing  his  mother. 
At  last,  by  their  various  deceptions,  tliey  enticed  him  to  return, 
and  he  .is  again  in  their  cruel  grasp.  We  still  liold  the  in- 
dentures by  which  he  was  bound  over  to  us  b}'  the  authorities, 
— his  parents,  as  you  remember,  having  cast  him  into  tlie  city 
l)rison.  But  we  do  not  regret  any  i)ains  or  expense  we  have 
been  at,  in  our  endeavors  to  rescue  the  dear  boy.  We  did  it 
for  Clirist's  sake,  and  feel  thankful  that  we  were  thus  i^ermitted 
to  show  our  love  for  His  precious  cause,  by  making  efforts  to 
rescue  one   of  His  persecuted  members. 

What  ultimately  became  of  the  youth  is  not  known. 
Mrs.  Palmer  adds: 

He  never  returned.  Doubtless  he  apostatized  from  the 
Christian  faith.  The  danger  of  being  lifted  up  witli  spiritual 
pride,  is  great.     He  left  his  IMble  and  his  God. 

3. — IN  MINISTRATIONS   TO   PRISONERS   IN   THE   TOMBS. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  perceptions  of  right  and  wrong,  her  rev- 
erence for  law,  her  convictions  of  the  need  of  its  just  sanc- 
tions, and  of  im])artial  but  merciful  enforcement,  forbade 
contagion  by  sentimental  perversion  and  folly.  She  saw 
tliat  sin  and.  its  sorrows  spring  from  a  corrupt  and  wicked 
heart,  and  sought,  in  alllier  mii!ist:'at:o:is,  to  convince  pri- 
soners of  the  fact,  to  induce  repentance  toward  (lod,  faith 
toward  our  Lord  Jesus  ("lirist,  and  a  hearty,  humble,  and 
entire  consecration  to  His  service.  She  told  them  of  His 
ability  and  w^illingness  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  and  had 


MBS.  PR(EBE  PALMER.  215 

tlie  unspeakable  joy  of  beholding  legitimate  and  permanent 
fruit  of  her  toils.  For  many  years  in  succession,  that 
gloomy,  Egyptian  pile,  known  as  the  ''  Tombs,"  was  bright- 
ened by  her  visits — sometimes  alone,  at  others,  accompan- 
ied by  friends  or  husband.  In  this,  as  in  so  many  other 
respects,  she  was  a  true  follower  of  the  Oxford  ]Methodists. 
Tlie  following  excerpts,  from  letters  and  diary,  convey  an 
adecpiate  idea  of  her  self-denying  and  benign  eiforts  in  this 
l)eculiar  department. 

November,  1844. — lu  the  afternoon  visited  the  female  con- 
victs of  tlie  Tombs.  Through  the  instrumentality  of  the  ladies 
of  the  Moral  Reform  Society,  pious  matrons  have  been  en- 
gaged to  take  charge  of  the  female  convicts,  and  meetings 
with  the  prisoners,  have  been  instituted  on  Sabbath,  and  Fri- 
day afternoons. 

I.  was  called  upon,  quite  unexpectedly,  to  speak  to  them,  and 
felt  liberty  in  presenting  Christ  to  them,  as  the  Saviour  of 
sinners,  and  all  seemed  to  listen  with  attention  more  eager 
than  is  generally  Avitnessed  in  places  of  worship.  Two  wept 
much,  one  sobbed  aloud,  and  wrung  her  hands  in  agony.  I 
thought  of  the  saying  of  the  Saviour — "  Suppose  ye  that  these 
are  sinners  above  all  men."  Notwithstanding  their  degraded 
state,  I  could  not  bring  my  mind  to  tliink  them  such. 

Some,  probably  for  the  first  time,  heard  religious  truth  urged 
upon  their  conscience.  Men  are  sinners  in  proportion  to  tlie 
light  tliey  resist.  Doubtless,  several  of  these  had  been  trained 
from  infancy,  to  pilfering  and  falsehood,  and  when  I  contrasted 
their  condition  with  that  of  some  children  of  religious  parents, 
who  from  the  years  of  accountability  have  been  resistiui;'  the 
Holy  S])irit,  by  refusing  to  give  their  hearts  to  God,  I  felt  that 
the  latter  were  indeed  the  greater  sinners. 

New  York,  Mnij  2\st,  18.50. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Bishop  and  Mrs.  Morris  made  us  a  nice  little  visit,  a  few 
days  since.  We  were  much  pleased  with  them.  T  took  sister 
M.  with  me,  to  my  weekly  Sabbath  afternoon  meeting,  at  the 


216  MEMOIRS   OF 

City  Prieon.  We  had  a  very  affecting  and  profitable  interview 
with  the  prisoners.  On  my  return  home,  Bishop  Morris  smil- 
ingly, and  rather  archly,  fixed  his  eyes  on  me,  and  said,  '^Did 
you  get  Mrs.  Morris  to  hold  forth  this  afternoon  f  I  was  not 
aware  that  he  knew  of  my  propensity  to  do  such  things,  quite 
as  Avell  as  Bishop  Ham  line,  but  I  assured  him  that  Mrs.  M. 
did  talk  most  affectingly  and  profitably  to  the  prisoners.  It 
was  even  so.  The  siglit  of  her  eyes  affected  her  heart  to  such 
a  degree,  that  she  in  melting,  moving  strains,  expressed  her 
symj^athy  for  them,  and  her  present  desires  for  their  spiritual 
and  temj)oral  good. 

Diary,  February  9th,  1851. — Sister  Sarah  Lankford,  and  sis- 
ter Keene,  accompanied  me  to  the  Tombs.  Mrs.  Upham  met  us 
there,  and  we  had  an  interesting  time  with  the  prisoners.  We 
spent  the  remainder  of  the  afternoon  at  the  Five  Points  Mis- 
sion. 

June  15th,  1851. — Held  a  meeting  with  the  female  prisoners  at 
the  City  Prison.  Witnessed  a  dreadful  sight.  One  of  the  male 
prisoners  had  tied  a  handkerchief  around  liis  neck  and  strangled 
himself.  Tliere  lie  lay.  in  his  l^ine  coffin,  with  the  kercliief  still 
about  his  neck,  and  Ids  face  awfully  discolored,  looking  more 
like  a  fiend  tlian  a  human  being.  How  unlike  the  sight  I  wit- 
nessed yesterday.  There  lay  the  sweet,  placid  form  of  the  now 
sainted  Brewster,  angel  gentleness  and  love  already  stamped 
on  his  countenance,  though  suddenly  precipitated  into  eternity  j 
his  life  and  even  his  look  seemed  to  say  it  was  sudden  glory. 

February  22d,  1857. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

This  afternoon  we  held  a  meeting  with  the  female  prison- 
ers of  the  City  Tombs.  Several  of  the  prisoners  were  affected 
to  tears.  When  asked  if  they  really  desired  an  interest  in  the 
prayers  that  were  about  to  be  offered,  that  they  would  mani- 
fest it  by  rising,  I  think  as  many  as  forty  or  fifty  arose,  many 
of  them  weeping,  as  tliej"  stood.  These  are  not  generally  (yos^^t'? 
harrlcu'rl  fiiiuicrs.  One  cannot  but  tliink,  in  contrasting  them 
with  the  g()s])el  liardened  sinners  wliicli  we  often  meet  within 
our  fine  city  churches, — ^'  The  publicans  and  harlots  go  in  be- 


MBS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  217 

fore  you."'  Here  I  met  also  Mrs.  Cuniiingliain,  or  if  lier  posi- 
tion be  true,  Mrs.  Dr.  Burdell.  I  can  scarcely  describe  the 
feelings  with  which  I  looked  upon  this  woman.  She  was  not 
present  during  the  services  vve  held  with  the  i)risoners.  But 
after  our  service  had  closed,  one  of  tlie  city  Governors  came  in, 
and  asked  if  I  would  not  like  to  go  and  see  her.  Never,  lo  my 
recollection,  has  anything  in  the  history'  of  crime  transpired 
in  tliis  city,  which  has  stirred  the  community  to  its  ver^' depths, 
and  aroused  all  classes,  near  and  remote,  as  the  awful  transaction 
with  which  she  stands  connected.  I  had  never  for  a  moment 
thought  of  her  as  Mrs.  Burdell,  and  as  the  Governor,  on  taking 
me  to  her  cell,  introduced  me,  with  all  possible  i)oliteness  to 
her,  as  Mrs.  Dr.  Burdell,  I  was  of  course  constrained  to  ad- 
dress her  by  that  title,  during  the  interview.  I  will  not  at- 
temx)t  to  depict  my  feelings  as  I  responded  to  her  affability, 
and  took  that  hand  which  has  doubtless  been  imbued  in  the 
blood  of  one  whose  name  she  would  fain  bear.  She  is  perfect- 
ly lady-like,  no  boldness,  or  moral  obtuseness  appear  to  mar 
the  ftiir  exterior.  The  pictures  which  profess  to  sketch  her 
person  are  all  libelous.  She  is  remarkably  tine  looking,  and 
will  doubtless,  to  ordinary  observers,  seem  prepossessing.  She 
manifested  everything  the  reverse  of  invectiveness,  was  dis- 
posed to  ai^ologize  for  the  unparalleled  curiosity  of  the  public, 
which  by  tens  of  thousands  would  be  pressing  to  see  lier,  if 
opportunity  were  allowed. 

I  said  to  her,  ^'  You  must  be  lonely  here,  at  times.''  She  an- 
swered with  a  great  deal  of  womanly  naturalness,  about  thus, 
'^ Not  so  lonely  as  some  might  suppose.  Public  prejudice  has 
been  excited,  and  curiosity,  if  nothing  more,  brings  quite  a 
number  here,  and  then  I  have  the  cares  of  my  family  to  think 
of,  which  occupies  some  time.  I  sew  often,  in  evenings.  I  al- 
ways was  fond  of  sewing."  She  talked  quite  religiously.  Pio- 
fessing  to  trust  in  the  Lord  that  He  would  soon  bring  her  soul 
out  of  the  fire  :  Said  she  might  truly  feel  that  she  was  as 
Daniel  in  the  den  of  lions  now,  and  all  she  could  do  was  to 
trust  in  the  Lord  for  deliverance.  Wliile  she  was  talking,  I  was 
impressed  with  the  belief  that  she  had  once,  in  reality,  known 
of  the  excellencv  of  the  grace    of  God.     I  do    not   think    that 


2]  8  MEMOIRS  OF 

persons  can  ordinarily  talk  tlio  language  of  Canaan,  after  the 
fashion  tliat  she  did,  ^vith<>ut  having  once  had  an  experimental 
knowledge  of  the  things  of  God.  It  was  because  Satan  was 
once  so  high  in  heaven  that  he  fell  so  low.  The  greater  the 
height  from  whicli  an  object  falls,  the  greater  the  velocity  of  its 
downward  course,  and  the  deeper  it  sinks.  I  do  not  doubt  that 
she  is  a  woman  of  more  than  ordinary  talents,  and  would  have 
made  her  mark  in  tlie  world,  for  the  higher  style  of  usefulness, 
had  she  devoted  her  talents  to  God.  In  person,  manner,  and 
conversational  ability,  she  is  calculated  to  attract.  Satan  loves 
a  shining  mark,  and  she  has  doubtless  devoted  her  powers  to 
him,  and  it  is  therefore  he  has  made  such  terrible  capital. 

4. — IN  ASSOCIATION  WITH  BENEFICENT  SOCIETIES. 

As  .we  shall  see  from  the  appended  extracts,  Mrs.  Pal- 
mer was  promiuently  identified  with  benevolent  societies 
as  member,  \isitor,  and  corresponding  secretary.  ^N'othing 
pertaining  to  humanity  was  foreign  to  her.  Whether 
the  cry  for  help  came  from  near  or  far,  it  always  found 
in  her  a  ready  ear  and  responsive  hand. 

Correspondence,  1846. — Last  night  I  attended  a  missionary 
meeting,  which  was  called  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for 
the  sustainment  of  the  recaptured  slaves.  One  thousand  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars  Avere  raised,  beside  merchandise, 
which  had  been  called  for  by  the  Missionaries,  amounting 
perhaps,  to  over  one  hundred  dollars  more.  The  money  seem- 
ed to  be  given  in  the  heanty  of  holiness.  The  services  were 
truly  deliglitful.  It  was  not  hard  to  believe  it  "more  blessed  to 
give  than  to  receive."  There  is  a  plan  upon  which  Dr.  P.  and 
myself  have  been  endeavoring  to  act  for  a  few  years  past,  so  as 
to  reduce  the  matter  of  giving,  to  a  system.  We  have  concluded 
that  if  the  resolve  of  Jacob,  Gen.  28:  22,  was  good  under  the  old 
dispensation,  it  is  yet  more  called  for  under  the  new.  Since 
that  time,  we  have  never  found  the  Lord's  treasury  empty 
under  any  emergency.  Relative  to  this  subject,  we  have  often 
been  blessed  with  such  peculiar  assurance  of  the  approval  of 
God,  that  we  feel  it  right  to  nicntion  it  at  times  to  His  praise. 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  219 

Oct.  29th,  1847.  —  Went  to  a  meetiii*,^  of  tlie  F.  A.  Society, 
this  morning.  Was  solicited  to  write  the  report.  Consented, 
believing  that  it  might  be  a  work  whicli  GoVl  required.  I  never 
dare  say  tliat  I  will  never  do  tliis\)rthe  other  tiling.  I  would 
not  dare  to  clioose.  ''What  woukl'st  Thou  liave  me  to  do,"  is 
the  language  of  my  heart. 

The  society  above-mentioned  is  the  "IS^ew  York  Female 
Assistance  Society,  For  the  Relief  and  Religious  Instruc- 
tion of  The  Sick  Poor,"  now  in  the  sixty -third  ^i^-Av  ot  an 
eminently  unobtrusive  and  useful  existence,  and  witli 
which  is  associated,  as  auxiliary,  the  "XewYork  Dorcas 
Society."  The  title  of  this  incorporation  sufiiciently  ex- 
plains the  peculiarities  of  Mrs.  Pabner's  records  of  personal 
connection  w  itli  it. 

Wednesday,  17th. — The  Benevolent  Society  of  Allen  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  began  its  winter  labors  to-day.  The  Board  of 
Managers  of  this  cliarity,  has  met  in  my  parlors  for  the  last 
seventeen  years.  How  many,  since  the  commencement  of  its 
career,  have  been  called  into  the  eternal  m  orld.  What  wonder- 
ful changes  have  passed  over  many  of  its  members. 

Wednesday,  while  writing  tlie  report  of  the  N.  Y.  F.  A.  S., 
Avas  greatly  assisted.  The  Spirit  brouglit  things  to  nn  remem- 
brance which  were  instructive  to  my  own  soul.  J  believe  this 
peculiar  assistance  came  in  answer  to  united  jJrayer. 

Novemherdth,  1847. — Annual  meeting  of  the  F.  A.  Society. 
I  was  elected  to  the  office  of  corresponding  secretary. 

Friday. — Handed  in  my  rei)ort  to-day,  which  was  most 
favorably  received  by  the  Committee  of  Ladies  who  were 
convened  for  the  purpose  of  hearing  it  read. 

In  January,  of  the  same  year,  1847,  we  tind  a  brief 
descrii)tion  of  her  labor,  in  fellowship  with  tl:::-;  society. 
She  continued  to  write  its  published  annual  reports  lor 
eleven  years,  up  to  the  time  of  her  leaving  for  Europe. 

Much  of  my  time  is  spent  in  attending  to  the  cases  of  the 
sick  poor,  as  visitor  for  the  F.  A.  Society.     Five  persons  have 


220  MEMOIRS  OF 

been  awakened,  and  I  trust  converted,  as  tlie  result  of  my  labors 
for  tliis  society,  lately.  I  Jiave  some  encouragement  in  attending 
to  the  duties  connected  with  my  calling,  as  a  tract  distributer 
also,  and  have  reason  to  liope  that  some  of  the  seed  sown,  Avill 
sirring  up  unto  everlasting  life. 

To  that  most  exeelleut  institution,  the  ''  Home  for  t^.e 
Friendless/'  Mrs.  Palmer  also  freely  gave  the  benefit  of 
her  syniDathies  and  aid. 

May  8th,  1851. — Tlie  ladies'  anniversary  meeting  of  the 
Guardian,  etc..  Home  for  the  Friendless,  was  favored  witli  tlie 
presence  of  the  Lord.  The  Lord  assisted  me  wliile  I  trusted  in 
Him,  and  spoke  of  the  necessity  of  entire  consecration,  if  we 
would  be  Bible  Christians.  Tlie  ladies  from  different  parts  of 
the  country,  several  of  whom  spoke — seemed  to  be  quickened. 

In  connection  A\dtlL  the  ^^  Home  for  the  Friendless,'^ 
Mrs.  Palmer  i^rovided  more  than  one  deserted  or])han  w  ith 
comfortable  homes  for  life.  The  narration  of  her  kindness 
to  a  little  waif,  subsequently  named  J.  P.  K.,  is  full  of 
interest  and  suggestiveness. 

New  York,  JnJfj  29th,  18.53. 
To  Mrs.  IMakwin,  Secretary  of  the  Home  for  the  Friendless  : 

Dear  Mrs.  M. — I  intended  to  have  called  on  you  in  order  to  give 
information,  through  yon,  to  the  ladies  of  tlie  Board  of  Direction 
for  the  "■  Home,"  of  tlie  welfare  of  our  dear  little  Johnny.  But 
circumstances  having  liindered,  and  being  about  to  leave  the  city 
for  a  few  days,  I  have  concluded  to  write  you  a  line. 

After  having  kept  the  dear  little  creature  several  weeks, 
during  which  time  he  endeared  himself  with  every  passing 
week  yet  more  and  more  to  us,  duty  seemed  to  say,  that  it 
were  better  to  respond  to  the  call  of  Mrs.  N.,  in  behalf  of  our 
sweet  little  pet.  I  still  tliiiik,  as  I  was  tlien  inclined  to  think, 
that  lie  would  not  have  long  survived  in  the  city.  I  therefore 
concluded  to  be  the  bearer  of  him  to  Mrs.  N.,  myself.  The 
journey  in  getting  to  Mrs.  N.,  occupied  the  most  of  two  days, 
and  if  I  were  to  give  you  the  incidents  of  the  journey  in  detail, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  ooi 

you  miglit  perhaps  tliiuk  tliat  sometliing  of  tlie  spirit  of  self- 
sacrilice  miglit  liave  been  called  into  requisition. 

I  could,  see  no  reason  why,  if  this  dear  child  were  placed  in 
circumstances  where  lie  might  have  a  right  X)hysical,  mental, 
and  religious  training,  he  might  not  live  to  be  an  eminently 
devoted  servant  of  Clirist.  For  this  my  heart  yearned  :  for  this 
I  had  prayed,  and  I  was  only  now  as  a  professed  servant  of 
Christ,  doing  a  work  calculated  to  make  my  prayers  effeefmd.  I 
do  not  doubt  that  tliere  are  many  praying  for  tlie  dcnserted 
cliildren  at  the  ^'  Home"  and  elsewhere,  whose  faitli  is  dead,  and 
of  course  ineffectual,  being  unaccompanied  by  the  needful  works, 
for  "Faith  without  worJcs  is  dead,  being  alone." 

It  was  not  convenient  to  take  a  nurse  with  me,  and, 
from  wliat  you  may  infer,  but  which  I  will  not  take  time  to 
mention,  you  maj^  imagine  I  was  continually  being  reminded 
of  my  Saviour,  who  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took 
upon  liimself  the  form  of  a  servant.  But  0,  how  was  the 
tliouglit  of  care,  weariness,  and  humiliation  lost,  in  the  consid- 
eration of  tlie  ever-blessed  Son  of  God,  wiio  came  all  the  way 
from  lieaven  to  eartli,  to  save  me  alive,  though  the  sentence  oi 
deatli  liad  been  pronounced  upon  me. 

Tlie  fact  is,  few  really  look  upon  it  as  a  religious  duty  to  adopt 
fatherless  children,  and  when  addressed  on  that  subject,  act,  and 
speak  with  as  little  idea  of  religious  responsibility,  as  though 
the  Scriptures  were  wholly  silent  on  the  theme,  I  have  recent- 
ly been  interested  in  providing  two  orphan  cliildren  \i  itli  a 
home.  Those  I  have  applied  to,  have  been  professors,  in  eligi- 
ble circumstances.  My  heart  is  sad,  when  I  think  of  the  time 
I  occupied  in  this  pursuit,  with  so  little  success. 

God  surel}"  sJiys,  He  will  preserve  these  fatlierless  ones,  but 
by  it' /<om  will  it  be  done?  He  does  not  send  angels  hereto 
nurse  them.  Who  does  tlie  Lord  intend  to  employ  in  doing 
this  work  ?  But,  be  it  remembered,  '^  they  who  do  the  work,  will 
receive  the  wages. ^'' 

Fifteen  eveutful  years  sped  their  flight  into  the  past 
eternity,  and  then  the  tiMider  benefaetress  received  joyful 
tidingy  of  the  fulfillment  of  her  prediction. 


22\1  MEMOIBS  OF 

Ffhruary-Sth,  1868. — Mrs.  C,  long  a  helper  iu  our  family, 
called  tliis  moruiug.  She  told  me  she  had  visited  Johnny  Pal- 
mer X.,  now  about  sixteen  years  old.  This  boy  we  took  when 
an  infant,  from  the  ''  Home  for  tlie  Friendless."  Being  an 
orphan,  and  utterly  friendless,  we  kept  him  several  months, 
and  migiit  have  adopted  him,  but  his  health  was  so  frail,  that 
we  feared  he  might  not  survive  a  summer  iu  the  city.  Hearing 
ofa  lady  who  had  lost  a  little  son  by  death,  and  wished  to 
adopt  another  in  his  place,  I  carried  the  dear  pet  boy  away 
from  the  embrace  of  our  children,  amid  their  tears,  to  an  ex- 
cellent home.  Surely,  God  is  the  Father  of  the  fatherless.  He 
is  now  a  fine  healtliy  boy,  in  his  young  manhood.  The  lady's 
husband  having  since  died,  he  is  now  an  exceeding  comfort, 
manifesting  all  the  affection  of  a  most  dutiful  son,  together  with 
the  forethought  of  husband  and  brother  to  the  widowed  one, 
to  whose  care  he  was  intrusted  in  infancy. 

Who  the  parents  of  this  child  were,  we  never  knew.  We 
took  him,  doubtless,  through  the  inspiration  of  the  Father  of  the 
f9,therless.  God  does  not  send  angels  here  to  do  this  work,  but 
by  the  gentle  whispers  of  His  Spirit,  to  those  who  possess  the 
ability  says,  "  Take  this  child  and  nurse  if  for  3/c."  Some  listen 
to  the  Divine  voice,  and  enter  upon  the  work,  and  then  He 
whose  name  is  "  Faithful  and  True"  pays  the  wages.  Eminently 
has  it  been  so  in  the  case  of  the  one  who  took  our  darling  little 
Johnny.  Others  are  unwilling  to  trust  Him  who  lias  said  ''  I 
will  pay  thee  thy  wages."  Declining  the  trouble  and  exi)ense, 
they  spend  the  evening  of  life  among  unaffectionate  surround- 
ings, and  in  heart  solitude. 

5.— IN  THE  ESTABLISHMENT  OF    DOMESTIC  MISSIONS. 

The  preaching  of  ^'  Christ,  and  Him  crncifled^'Ms  theone 
indispensable  factor  of  the  world's  weal — so  far  as  lui- 
nianity  is  regarded.  Kone  know  tliis  better  than  the  'Mioly 
women"  to  whom  the  world  is  so  immensely  indebted, 
and  who  liave  always  taken  so  lively  an  interest  in  the 
establishment  and  snstenance  of  domestic  missions.  In  this, 
as  in  so  many  other  enterprises,  Mrs.  Palmer  w^as  con- 
spicuous : 


MRS.  PJIGEBE  PALMER.  •         223 

Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Diary  June,  1846. — Spent  part  of  the  day,  as  one  of  a  com- 
mittee,— in  making  arrangements  for  the  approacliing  anniver- 
sary of  the  *'  Ladies' Home  Missionary  Society."  Dr.  Bond  is  to 
preside,  and  Bishops  Hamline,  Janes,  and  other  speakers  will 
jn-esent  tlie  claims  of  the  Society.  Lord  prosper  onr  efforts  to 
promote  Thy  Kingdom  in  the  earth." 

June  Will,  1846. — Anniversary  of  the  "Ladies'  Home  Mis- 
sionary Society,"  this  evening.  The  arrangements  were  prayer- 
fully made,  and  the  Lord  crowned  our  efforts  with  much  success. 
Bishops  Hamliue  and  Janes,  and  J.  W.  B.  Wood  addressed  the 
meeting.  Bp.  H.  endeavored  to  impress  the  duty  of  acting  on  the 
jjrinciple  of  sacriticing  to  God,  that  which  costs  us  something. 
Tlie  duty  of  retrenchment  was  largely  dwelt  upon.  Som^ 
modes  of  retrenchment  were  i^roposed,  relative  to  expenses  in 
small  matters,  such  as  useless  reading,  confectionery,  and  other 
trifles  for  children,  dress,  both  in  males  and  females,  by  which 
thousands  might  be  saved  for  missionarj^  and  other  j)urposes. 

Who  might  not  save,  at  the  least,  one  dollar  per  year,  in  some 
one  of  these  ways,  and  devote  one  dollar  more  per  year  toward 
saving  precious  souls  '1  The  Rev.  J.  W.  B.  Wood,  presented  the 
position  of  the  L.  H.  Mission,  as  similar  in  bearing  to  that  of 
the  Methodist  Society  in  early  days, — seeking  with  most  sedu- 
lous care,  tlie  poor  and  destitute,  and  thus  embracing  what  was 
primarily  the  glory  of  Methodism.  ^'  The  poor  have  the  gospel 
preached  unto  them."  0,  shall  we  ever  cease  to  regard  this 
as  an  object  of  highest  ambition "?  Should  it  be  so,  then  may  it 
indeed  be  said,  "  The  glory  is  departed." 

HEDDING  M.  E.  CHURCH. 

To  Mrs.  Palmer's  zeal  and  iudouiitable  persistence,  the 
erection  of  Heddiug  Church,  in  East  Seventeentli  street, 
is  mainly  owing. 

The  Ladies  of  the  Home  Missionary  Society  had  selected 
a  place  on  First  Avenue,  and  had  a  missionary  appointed  from 
conference,  for  two  or  three  years,  but  the  results  were  not  sat- 
isfactory, and  the  conference  had  failed  to  name  a  missionary  for 


224         •  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  place.  Mrs.  P.  had  i^leaded  with  the  Board  of  Managers  to 
continue  the  effort  for  one  year  hunger,  and  they  had  applied  for  a 
missionary, — but  the  conference  failed  to  respond.  Wlien  Mrs. 
P.  found  out  the  state  of  the  case,  she  went  to  see  a  number  of  the 
ladies  of  the  board,  and  tliey  called  a  meeting  at  the  Book 
Eoom,  to  consult  Avith  the  Bishops.  A  brother  who  had  been 
stationed  where  they  w^anted  a  single  man  or  none,  was  on 
hand,  and  at  Dr.  P's.  table,  at  dinner,  where  this  brotlier  dined 
with  two  of  the  Bishops,  they  ai^pointed  him,  and  Mrs.  P.  said, 
''  j^ow  Brother,  we  want  a  Church,  and  I  will  give  you  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  as  my  first  subscription."  This  was  the  commence- 
ment of  the  17th  Street  M.  E.  Church.  In  six  njonths  from  that 
time,  they  held  services  in  the  basement  of  the  Church. 

Five  Points  Mission. 

Five  Points  Mission  was  resolved  upon  while  following  lier 
father's  remains  to  Greenwood  Cemetery.  Bisliop  Janes  was 
seen,  in  regard  to  it.  With  her  husband,  that  locality  was  gone 
over  a  number  of  times,  to  find  a  place  suitable  to  commence  a 
mission.  The  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society,  of  wliich  she 
was  an  officer,  was  plied  witli  tlie  question  for  three  years 
before  the  commencement  of  the  mission. 

In  a  letter  to  Eev.  Joseph  Hartwell,  ISTew  York,  rel)ru- 
ary  17th,  1853,  she  says : 

It  was  at  the  anniversary  meeting  where  brother  Nortli  said, 
''  I  will  give  one  hundred  dollars  towards  the  establishment  of 
the  Five  Points  Mission,"  and  from  that  time,  some  who  had 
opposed,  and  some  that  were  willing  to  let  it  pass,  took  hold 
witli  all  tlieir  might.  Its  present  success  is  owing  to  the  zeal 
and  lidelity  with  which  Mrs.  Skidmore  and  Mrs.  Diiell  (now 
Wright)  entered  with  all  their  hearts  into  the  mission. 

Never  shall  I  forget  the  discouragement  emanating  from 
almost  every  quarter,  and  from  points  whence  you  would  least 
exi)ect  it,  Avhen  my  heart  first  began  to  be  stirred  in  relation  to 
the  now  encouraging  Five  Points  Mission.  For  about  three 
years,  I  kept  up  the  agitation,  and  often  had  some  serious  re- 
buff's, from  some  who  now  stand  among  the  more  prominent. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


SlO 


for  its  sustaiument.  One  year  before  the  point  was  gained,  we 
had  come  so  near  it,  that  we  were  holding  the  meeting  of  the 
Board,  where  J  fully  expected  the  decision  to  undertake  the 
mission  would  be  madcj  and  was  already  rejoicing  in  hope, 
wlicn  one  of  tlie  members  of  the  Board  said,  '^  I  will  give  ten 
dolbirs  toward  the  snstainmcnt  of  another  German  mission,  but 
not  one  dollar  will  I  give  toward  the  sustainment  of  one  at  the 
Five  Points,  for  it  will  be  money  thrown  away  )  many  attemi)ts 
have  been  made,  but  none  have  succeeded,  and  none  can  suc- 
ceed, etc."  Another  member  of  the  Board  joined  in,  and  said 
about  tlie  same, — making  the  offer  of  ten  dollars  also.  And  yet 
another,  unwilling  to  jiay  one  cent  for  poor  Five  Points,  said  slie 
would  pay  thirty  dollars  for  a  German  Mission.  The  German 
Mission  was  taken  up,  and  Five  Points  left  in  its  hopelessness 
another  long  year,  when  He,  who  is  stronger  than  ''the  strong 
man  armed,"  moved  one  to  say, ''  I  Avill  give  one  hundred  dollars 
toward  a  mission  at  Five  Points,"  and  the  matter  went,  and 
the  heart  of  Satan's  den  in  our  city  has  been  touched.  Praise 
the  Lord  !  I  could  tell  a  story  very  similar  about  our  "  Hedding 
Mission,"  but  I  forbear.  Let  us  continue  to  pray  and  ''  agitate," 
about  Palestine,  and  not  give  the  matter  up,  until  we  know 
that  the  ''  Master  of  the  vineyard  says  so.  " 

How  entirely  she  desired  that  the  Gospel  should  be 
preached  to  the  poor,  is  api)arent  in  a  letter  to  Miss  Palmer, 
her  eldest  daughter,  under  date  of  January  Gth,  1852. 

On  Saturday  evening,  we  had  a  great  meeting  at  Tripler 
Hall,  lor  tlie  benefit  of  our  Five  Points  Mission.  Over  five 
thousand  dollars  were  collected  or  subscribed,  with  which  we 
intend  to  build  a  Meeting-house  and  Mission  room. 

I  wish  you  could  liave  heard  the  singing  on  this  occasion. 
Tell  Mrs.  Keene,  if  they  have  not  a  Home  Missionary  Society 
in  operation,  she  must,  when  she  gets  well  enough,  enlist  some 
of  the  active  male  and  female  members  in  forming  such  a 
society.  From  a  notice  in  the  ''  Advocate"  a  week  or  two  since, 
calling  on  the  ]\Iethodists  to  form  a  churcii  in  a  destitute  por- 
tion of  the  city,  by  a  gentleman  who  is  not  a  Methodist,  him- 
self, I  conclude  that  the  M.  E.  Church  in  Philadelphia  may  not 

15 


226  MEMOIliS  OF 

have  any  Home  Missionary  Society  in  operation.  It  is  the 
legitimate  work  of  Methodism  to  be  ever  breaking  up  new 
ground.  It  just  strikes  me  that  Mrs.  Boswell  might  be  very 
efficient  in  forming  such  a  society.  You  may  read  this  portion 
of  my  letter  to  Sister  Boswell,  if  you  see  her,  and  give  my 
warmest  love  to  her  and  also  to  Bro.  Boswell. 

Diary,  May,  1853. — This  evening  I  attended  the  Anniversary 
Meeting  of  the  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society,  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  The  efforts  of  this  society  have  been  greatly  blessed  of 
the  Lord.  It  commenced  its  oj)erations  about  eight  years  since, 
and  some  of  our  large  and  flourishing  churches  owe  their  origin, 
under  God,  to  the  energies  put  forth  by  the  enterprising  chris- 
tian ladies,  of  the  L.  H.  M.  S.  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  At  present, 
it  has  under  its  fostering  care,  four  mission  stations.  The  Five 
Points  Mission  is  before  the  i)ublic.  The  vicinity  in  wiiich 
this  mission  is  located,  is  such  as  scarcely  to  promise  a  self- 
supjiorting,  i)ermanent  church.     At  i)resent,  there  is  a  class  of 

some members,  most  of  whom  give  encouraging  evidence  of 

having  been  translated  from  the  kingdom  of  darkness^  into  the 
kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son.  Several,  since  the  establishment 
of  this  mission,  have  gone  from  the  abodes  of  misery  and  filth, 
with  which  this  region  abounds,  to  join  the  redeemed  and  j)uri- 
fied  worshipers  in  heaven.  Yes,  thanks  be  to  God !  several 
of  various  ages  Lave  gone  from  this  region,  known  the  world 
over  as  the  very  heart  of  Satan dom,  and  noted  for  uncleanness 
of  every  descrix^tion.  Even  from  this  place,  have  redeemed 
spirits  entered  the  portals  of  glory,  with  a  two-edged  sword  in 
their  liands,  and  the  high  praises  of  God  on  their  lips. 

One,  a  little  creature,  belonging  to  the  infant  class,  was  men- 
tioned with  thrilling  effect,  this  evening.  Though  surrounded 
by  most  dismal,  chilling  scenes,  an  intoxicated  mother,  with 
I)Overty,  and  all  its  attendant  train,  she  sung,  amid  the  gloom, 
with  her  expiring  breath, 

"  Thorc  is  a  happy  laud, 
Far,  far,  away.'' 

How  pleasant  it  must  liave  been  to  that  infant  spirit,  to 
have  left  that  cheerless  abode,  for  tlie  reabns  of  light,  and  im- 
mortality. 


MRS.  riKEBE  PALMER.  227 

Novemhvr  24th,  ] 85:3.— Went  to  the  Five  Points  Tluinks- 
giviDg  feast.  Provision  and  toys,  to  tlie  anionnt  of  three 
hundred  dolhirs  or  more,  had  been  sent  in  by  the  benevolent. 
Between  three  and  four  hundred  partook, — children  of  the  poor 
and  vile.     Fatlier  Gavazzi  gave  an  address. 

January  17 th,  ]858. — Visited  the  Corlaer's  Hook  Mission, 
and  also  the  Five  Points  Mission,  this  afternoon.  While  tlie 
message  of  salvation  was  being  dispensed  at  tlie  latter  place, 
observing  the  attention  of  the  hearers,  I  especially  marked  the 
improvement  of  scores  of  children  rescued  from  the  haunts 
of  crime  and  degradation.  I  then,  in  contrast,  remembered 
Tvhat  that  locality  was,  six  years  ago,  and  my  heart  was  filled 
with  admiration  of  the  grace  of  God. 

Kp:w  York,  January  2rith,  1858. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  recently  been  attending  meetings  at  the  Five  Points 
Mission-House.  From  a  dozen  to  twenty  are  now  niglitly  sur- 
rounding tjie  altar  in  that  j^lace  which  so  recently  was  the  heart 
of  Satan's  den.     Surely,  grace  is  omnipotent. 

Surely,  the  idea  of  a  mission  to  the  Five  Points,  that  en- 
tered Mrs.  Palmer's  mind  while  the  funeral  cortege  oi  her 
deceased  father  wound  its  solemn  w^ay  to  Greenwood,  was 
of  Divine  insi^iration.  It  was  one  of  the  ^'  seed  thoughts" 
of  the  ages — wondrously  prolific  of  results. 

0. — IN  THE  PROJECTION  OF  A  MISSION  TO  THE  JEWS. 

^^elieving  in  the  nearness  of  Christ's  second  advent, 
Mrs.  Palmer  also  believed  that  the  hour  was  near  for  the 
removal  of  the  vail  from  the  heart  of  Israel,  Avhen  ]\  loses 
and  the  prophets  are  read. 

To  ensure  the  temporal  assistance  required  by  the  enter- 
prise, '^  The  Ladies  Jewish  Association  and  Industrial  Tea 
Meeting"  was  projected.  Friends,  far  and  wide,  Avere 
addressed  by  letter,  w^hile  those  near  at  hand  were  person- 
ally solicited.  Writing  to  ]Mrs.  Keene,  of  Philadelphia, 
February  10th,  1855,  she  says: 


228  MEMOIBS  OF 

"We  have  been  making  efforts,  for  over  a  year  past,  to  get  a 
Jevrisli  i)lace  of  worsliip,  and  a  Jewish  missionary  sustained 
in  New  York.  We  have  about  forty  thousand  Jews  here,  and 
a  very  few  ChristiaBS  seem  to  be  interested  in  making  efforts 
for  their  salvation.  I  have  eonchuhMl  to  send  you  one  of  our 
memorials.  Do  please  see,  if  possible,  wlietlier  you  cannot  in- 
terest some  who  are  able  to  give  in  this  behalf  in  Pliiladelphia. 

To  another  correspoudeut  she  wrote  : 

On  Thursday  morning,  I  wrote  to  Bp.  Janes,  informing  him 
that  the  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society  had  officially  decided 
in  adopting  a  Jewish  Mission.  I  informed  liim  of  your  oi^inion 
that  we  had  better  for  the  j)resent,  employ  our  convert  from 
Judaism.  I  liave  called  on  Mr.  Stockton,  and  he  more  than 
favors  our  plan -for  purchasing  a  Jewish-Christian  Synagogue. 
He  did  not  hesitate  for  a  moment  in  being  one  of  our  '•  Joint 
Company."  His  one  hundred  dollars  or  more  Avill  be  forth- 
coming, when  needed.  We  stand  some  cliance  of  having  the 
privilege  of  paying  our  five  hundred  dollars,  as  I  do  not  doubt 
but  the  sum  may  be  made  up  within  three  months  from  the 
time  we  made  the  proposition,  provided  we  can  get  our  mis- 
sionary out  in  the  field,  as  an  agent,  for  a  few  months. 

''  Shall  we  emj^loy  a  converted  Jew,  or  a  converted 
Gentile,  as  a  missionary  in  this  enterprise  f  was  a 
weighty  question  on  which  advice  from  the  Bishop  was 
sought.  Jewish  converts  had  been  mainly  employed  up 
to  that  time,  though  laboring  under  the  disadvantage  of 
unjust  suspicion.  ''  Bishop  Waugh,"  wrote  Mrs.  P.,  to 
Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  '^  said  that  an  influential  and 
liberal  Jew  had  told  him,  if  Christians  wish  to  do  any- 
thing toward  con^'incing  Jews  of  the  truth  of  Christianity, 
they  must  not  send  among  them  such  as  professed  conver- 
sion from  Judaism.  Such  were  regarded  as  apostates,  and 
unworthy  of  confidence, — the  idea  having  obtahied  that 
they  had  changed  their  faith  from  mercenary  motives." 

The  question  whether  to  i)urchase  or  buihl  a  cluirch  or 
hh-e  a  hall,  was  at  last  decided  b}'  declining  to  do  eitlier 


illiS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  229 

for  the  nonce,  and  by  adopting  Dr.  Palmer's  consecrated 
lionse  as  the  place  for  the  coniniencement  of  the  mission. 
The  Eev.  C.  E.  Harris  was  also  engaged  as  the  missionary, 
xis  usual,  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Handine  were  fully  acquahited 
Avith  the  progress  made.  On  August  8th,  1855,  Mrs. 
Palmer  a\  rote : 

Did  I  tell  you  that  our  JcAvish  Mission  is  at  last  fairly  com- 
nieuced  f  We  have  as  yet  no  cliapel,  with  steeple  aud  church- 
going  bell,  hut  we  meet  in  the  chapel  winch  was  solemnly  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  the  Almighty  God,  under  our  roof.  Here 
our  mission  has  been  commenced,  and  here  the  sous  of  Israel 
meet.  Last  night,  we  had  a  meeting,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  was 
present.  Three  Jewish  missionaries  who  had  been  converted 
from  Judaism,  and  another  preparing  for  the  ministry,  with  sev- 
eral other  converted  Jews,  were  present.  It  was  a  good  meeting. 
Last  week  we  had  our  first  meeting.  We  were  reminded  of  the 
company  assembled  in  an  upper  room  in  the  earliest  days  ot 
Christianity.  We  had  memorable  assurances  that  He  who  bap- 
tizeth  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire,  was  with  us.  He 
favored  us  with  tokens  of  His  presence  and  approval.-  Our 
missionary  at  present  resides  in  the  house  with  us,  as  our  guest. 

To  the  same : 

October  11th,  1855. 

How  rapidly  days  and  weeks  pass  away  !  On  the  first  Tuesday 
of  each  month  I  have  three  meetings.  Home  mission  in  the 
morning,  our  social  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  in  the  evening, 
our  Jewish  missionary  has  a  stated  weekfy  meeting  for  the  Jews. 
We  are  hoping  that  the  Lord  may  open  the  hearts  of  those  who 
pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem,  so  that  we  may  luiA^e  a  church 
soon. 

The  hope  Avas  not  realized.  The  Avell-meant  experi- 
ment did  not  achieve  all  that  w^as  saiigTiuiely  and  belicA- 
ingly  sought,  and  was  e\'entually  relinquished.  To  say 
that  it  failed  wholly,  would  neither  be  true  to  +act,  nor  to 
the  faith  of  Christ.  The  seed  was  soAvn,  and  the  harvest 
will  assuredly  be  reai>ed  l>y-andd)ye. 


230  MEMOIRS  OF 

June  11th,  1856. — This  iiioiDiiig  we  assembled  and  witnessed, 
witL  a  score  of  friends,  the  departure  of  the  British  delegates. 
Thej'^  embarked  in  the  steamer  Africa.  Our  dear  brother  Harris, 
who  for  some  months  lias  been  engaged  as  a  Jewish  missionary 
in  the  employ  of  tlie  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society,  set  sail 
at  the  same  time. 

7. — IN  THE  INTEREST  OF  FOREiaN  MISSIONS. 

Soon  after  marriage,  Mrs.  1*.  had  the  impression  that 
she  and  Dr.  Palmer  might  be  called  upon  to  enter  the 
foreign  mission  field.  Nature  shrank  from  the  sacrifices 
implied  in  such  a  destiny,  but  still  she  was  willing  to  make 
them,  if  required.  The  requisition  Avas  not  made,  but  the 
vow  to  devote  herself  as  absorbingly  to  the  salvation  of 
souls  as  any  foreign  missionary  could  do,  w^as  made  and 
registered  m  heaven.  The  mission  to  China  would  doubt- 
less have  been  undertaken  at  some  time,  had  she  never 
interested  herself  in  the  teeming  millions  of  that  strange 
and  far-off  land, — -just  as  the  mission  to  the  Five  Points, 
would,  in  all  probability  have  been  suggested  to  some  other 
faithful  soul,  had  she  chosen  to  ignore  it.  But  these 
strong  probabilities  or  certainties  do  not  detract  from  the 
lionor  w  hich  God  put  upon  Mrs.  Palmer,  by  suggesting, 
nor  from  her  faithfulness  in  acting  upon  the  suggestions 
in  relation  to  those  great  undertakings. 

•   CHINA  MISSION. 

The  mission  to  China  w^as  established  through  her 
efforts.  She  had  spoken  with  Bishop  Janes,  and  other 
bishops,  and  with  some  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
General  Missionary  Society-,  on  the  subject.  But  the}' 
replied  that  it  would  take  so  long  before  any  fruit  would 
appear,  that  the  I>oard  wcmld  not  undertake  it.  One 
morning,  while  ridhig out  with  Dr.  Pabiier,  she  said,  ''  Pa! 
Would  you  be  ^Nilling  to  give  so  much  yearly,  for  ten  years, 
if  tAventv   others   would  mxe  the  same  amount,  for  the 


MRS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  03]^ 

establislmieiit  of  a  mission  to  Clilm)?"  Dr.  P  tuisweiiMl  in 
the  iiltiriiiativc,  and  said,  '^  I  wonld  double  the  amount 
named,  each  year."  Tiie  next  question  was,  "  Will  you 
say  so  at  the  anniversary  of  the  Missionary  Society,  this 
evening '? ''  That  evening-,  in  the  Greene  Street  church,  he 
did  say  so.  The  propositi^m  was  no  sooner  made  than 
Bishop  Janes  said  he  Avould  be  one  of  the  number.  Mr. 
W.  H.  Woodbury  was  the  next  to  volunteer,  and  the 
twenty  pledges  were  very  quickly  made.  The  departure 
of  some  of  the  first  missionaries  to  China,  was  the  occasion 
of  Mrs.  Pahner's  inscribing  a  full  narration  of  her  relations 
to  that  fruitful  mission  in  her  diary. 

1347.—  This  afternoon,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hickok  and  lady,  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Maolay,  missionaries  to  China,  visited  us.  They  are 
interesting,  and  I  doubt  not  truly  devoted  in  spirit  to  the 
work  to  which  they  have  been  called  by  the  Great  Head  of  the 
Church. 

The  mission  to  China  has  long  been  a  matter  of  much  interest 
with  Dr.  P.  and  myself.  When  Abell's  very  important  call  for 
pious  physicians  was  put  into  my  hands,  nearly  teu  years  since, 
my  mind  was  stiongly  impressed  that  it  might  be  our  dutj'  to 
go. 

Shortly  after  our  marriage,  my  husband  expressed  a  per- 
suasion that  it  might  be  his  duty  to  go  on  a  foreign  mission,  as 
Xdiysician.  I  indulged  a  secret  hope  that  he  might  be  mistaken, 
but  dared  not  say  anything  dissuasive,  from  an  idea  that  if  it 
were  the  will  of  God,  and  I  should  stand  in  his  way,  the  Lord 
would  remove  me,  yet  though  I  did  not  dissuade,  I  did  not  en- 
courage, and  there  the  matter  rested.  Now,  I  seemed  to  be  re- 
quired to  count  the  cost. 

"  Leaving  home  and  friends,  and  all 
The  dear  delights  of  ripe  society." 

I  did  count  the  cost,  and  I  believe  the  Spirit  helped  me  to 
do  it  thoroughly.  After  this,  the  question  was  proposed, 
*'  Would  you  be  willing  to  devote  yourself  just  as  fully  to  the 
cause  of  Christ  here,  as  though  you  were  already  amid  China's 


232  MEMOIRS  OF 

dense  pop:ii;:tioii  ?"  If  you  will  do  so,  tlie  Sprit  of  Holiness  is 
the  spirit  \vliich  wall  tell  upon  missions,  and  the  Lord  will  make 
you  instrumental  in  working  upon  minds  which  tell  on  missions, 
and  you  may,  for  the  present,  do  more  service  in  aiding  mis- 
sionary work  here,  than  if  you  were  in  China. 

I  thought  of  the  absorption  I  should  feel,  in  the  work  of  sav- 
ing souls,  if  thus  wholly  given  up,  and  I  resolved  to  make  the 
work  of  the  Lord  as  absorbing  here,  as  though  I  were  on 
missionary  ground,  and  my  career  has  ever  since  been  influ- 
enced by  these  resolves. 

Through  this  humble  instrumentality,  the  Lord  has  conde* 
scended  to  act  directly  on  my  mind,  which  is  now  operating 
the  salvation  of  China. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  W.,  a  hiwyer  in  lucrative  practice,  who 
earnestly  desired  the  blessing  of  perfect  love,  but  had 
been  hindered  in  its  attainment  by  the  dread  of  preaching 
the  Gospel,  which  he  felt  that  he  was  called  to  do, — was 
by  her  means,  brought  into  the  experience  of  that  grace, 
and  forthwith  devoted  his  money,  time,  and  energies  to 
labor  for  the  spiritual  illumination  of  China, — and  with 
telhng  effect. 

"  The  Missionary  Board,"  she  adds,  ^'  was  induced  to 
undertake  the  work,  and  now  we  have  already  five  mis- 
sionaries appointed  for  China." 

MISSIONARY  VOLUNTEERS. 

To  the  Rev.  M.  C.  Briggs,  long  and  favorably  known 
for  his  subsequent  faithful  missionary  labor  iu  California, 
but  then  a  student  in  the  Biblical  Institute  at  Concord,  she 
mdited  a  spirit-stirring  letter  on  March  23d,  1850,  in  which 
is  powerfully  discussed,  the  query,  '^  Ought  missionaries  to 
offe.,  or  wait  for  the  church  to  call  them  V  Her  conclusion 
is,  that  as  Judson,  Xott,  and  Hall,  the  Andover  students 
offered  themselves  for  work  among  the  heathen,  and  had  de- 
clared themselves  pressed  in  spirit  to  go  to  them,  so  should 
all  similarly  called  of  God,  volunteer  for  the  work.     Mr. 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  233 

Briggs  is  also  invited  to  consider  whether  the  Lord  has  not 
work  for  him  in  that  direction.     She  urges : 

Think  of  the  millions  of  India,  who  have  never  in  any  form 
known  of  the  gospel  of  their  siilvation.  Think  of  the  thousands 
of  these  sliort-lived  beings  who  are  weekly  passmg  away,  un- 
washed from  their  pollution,  in  the  blood  of  Christ.  And  then 
to  look  upon  the  laborers  standing,  one  almost  in  the  way  of 
another,  in  the  midst  of  gospel-hardened  sinners, — my  heart  is 
burdened — deeply  burdened,  and  my  lips  labor  for  ut<  erance. 
I  acknowledge  myself  unequal  to  the  task  of  seting  forth  what 
I  feel  to  be  the  claims  of  the  heathen. 

MISSION  TO  PAJLESTINE. 

Mrs.  and  Dr.  Palmer,  after  reading  Dr.  Durbin's  "  Ob- 
servations in  the  East,"  became  ardently  wishful  to  see  a 
mission  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  established  in 
Palestine.  That  excellent  work  had  only  intensified  prior 
longuigs  to  see  the  land  hallowed  by  the  footsteps  of  the 
Incarnate  God,  with  all  its  occupants,  entirely  consecrated 
to  Christ.  Their  desires — (for  in  this,  as  in  all  things  else, 
the  twam  were  one), — were  expressed  in  a  forcible  letter, 
fall  of  unanswerable  logic,  and  instinct  with  glowing  piety, 
to  Dr.  Durbin,  of  which  the  following  is  but  a  meagre  ex- 
tract. 

New  York,  February  12th,  1853. 
To  Rev.  Dr.  Durbin,  See.  of  the  Miss,  of  the  If.  E.  G : 

Dear  Brother, — I  have  for  some  time  indulged  an  earnest 
desire,  that  the  pure  uncompromising  principles  of  Methodism 
might  be  planted  in  Palestine.  In  view  of  the  apostolic  zeal  of 
the  founder  of  Methodism,  it  seems  not  only  right,  but  evident- 
ly called  for,  that  his  sons  in  the  gospel  should  go  forth  and  in  the 
spirit  of  the  apostles,  proclaim  the  Gospel  as  the  power  of  God, 
unto  the  salvation  of  men.  If  Methodism  is  in  fact,  as  it  has 
been  denominated,  ''  Christianity  in  earnest,''''  then  who  can 
doubt  that  the  Head  of  the  Church  calls  her  to  undertake  a 
Mission  in  Palestine. 


234  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  proposition  was  seconded  hy  an  offer  to  give  one 
thousand  dollars,  in  ten  annual  instalments  of  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  if  nineteen  additional  j^ledges  could  be  pro- 
curt  d.     Part  of  the  number  Dr.  P.  had  already  obtained. 

The  emban-assments  of  the  treasury  woidd  not  have 
been  increased  on  the  proposition  submitted,  for  it  was  ac- 
comi^anied  by  a  distinct  declaration  that  iX  did  not  affect 
existent  pledges  to  the  sustenance  of  other  mission  stations. 
Nor  was  it  the  state  of  the  finances  that  ultimately  turned 
the  scale  against  the  project.  What  the  considerations 
were,  appears  in  a  letter  of  February  17th,  to  Eev.  Mr. 
Hartwell. 

About  nine  o'clock  A.  M.  Dr.  P.  took  me  to  the  mission 
rooms  to  see  Dr.  Diirbin.  Dr.  D.  and  ourselves  had  a  long  talk 
about  Palestine.  Though  all,  and  more  than  all,  we  have  said 
about  the  need  of  missionary  effort  in  P.  is  true,  yet  Dr.  D. 
thinks  the  field  so  unpromising  that  he  dares  not  encourage  the 
hope  of  success.  Time  and  again  the  field  has  been  entered  and 
abandoned  as  hopeless.  The  American  Board  has  now  with- 
drawn her  mission,  and  the  London  Missionary  Society  alone, 
I  believe,  has  the  field,  and  it  is  conjectured  that  this  may  be 
more  in  view  of  politieal  effect  than  anything  else ;  besides, 
ecclesiastical  comity  forbade  interference  with  the  work  of  other 
churches  in  his  opinion.  I  can  scarcely  say,  at  the  present 
moment  what  decision  it  may  be  better  to  come  to.  In  view 
of  what  my  yearnings  over  this  portion  of  Grod's  vineyard,  once 
so  favoured,  are,  I  cannot  regret  the  efforts  I  have  made  to  bring 
it  into  remembrance." 

Those  efforts  were  characteristically  i)ersistent  and  res- 
olute— were  backed  by  the  eloquence  of  tears.  Moved 
and  inspired  by  both,  and  also  by  higher  forces.  Bishop 
Simpson  advocated  the  establishment  of  a  mission  at  Jeru- 
salem, before  the  Managers  of  the  Missionary  Society,  with 
such  persuasiveness  that  they  voted  five  thousand  dollars 
to  make  the  trial.  Whether  it  has  been  Avise  or  iuiA\ise  not  to 
make  the  trial,  is  one  of  the  mooted  and  undecided  questions 


MJiS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  235 

of  ]\retliocllst  ecclesiastical  liistor;\'.  Tiie  difficulties  are  iio 
^Vreater  than  those  eiicomitered  by  the  Apostles,  and  He 
who  Avas  with  them,  is  witli  all  His  disciples,  even  to  the 
end  of  the  world. 

INDIA  MISSION. 

The  marvellous  success  of  the  M.  E.  Church  Mission  in 
India,  was  cause  of  con<i^ratidation  to  her,  until  she  ascended 
to  join  tiie  vast  cloud  of  missionary  witnesses  for  Christ, 
before  the  throne,  and  in  doubtless  cause  of  greater  rejoic- 
ing" now.  Her  views  of  woman's  status  and  work  in  the 
chm^ch  were  clean  cut  and  precise,  as  also  of  the  qualifica- 
tions of  the  latlies  who  go  out  to  India  either  as  married  or 
shigle  missionaries.  Writing  to  Mrs.  Hamlin e,  on  August 
20th,  1873,  she  close*  as  follows : 

Many  thauks  for  the  letter  from  India.  It  is  just  what  is 
needed, — particularly  the  part  that  refers  to  the  missionary 
ladies.  I  have  long  wished  to  republish  Mrs.  Wade's  and  Dr. 
Judson's  views  of  these  matters,  and  think  I  shall  do  it  yet, 
and  this  excellent  letter  from  Bro.  Norton  will  be  a  grand 
accompaniment.  It  will  appear  in  October  No.  (  Guide  to 
Holmess)  as  September  is  already  in  the  printers'  hands.  Do 
send  us  all  you  can,  from  missionaries  and  others,  that  will 
help  the  blessed  cause. 

MINISTERIAL  EDUCATION. 

That  those  called  of  God  to  be  messengers  of  gTace  and 
expositors  of  the  Scrii)tures, — of  the  Divine  mind  and  will 
concerning  man, — should  be  sufficiently  and  piu*posely 
educated  for  their  life-work  was  one  of  those  self-evident 
truths  that  Mrs.  Palmer  coidd  not  allow  to  be  questioned. 
She  had  the  keenest  sjnnj)athy  with  poor  struggling  men 
of  little  or  no  educational  culture,  who  were  conscious  of 
the  Spuit's  behest  to  i)reach  the  everlasting  Gospel — w  hose 
humble  efforts  to  bring  sinners  to  Christ  were  owned  of 
God,  but  whose  ilhteracy  proved  a  bar  to  extensive  accept- 


230  MEMOIRS  Oi 

a'oility  and  usefulness.  Such  an  instance  was  brought  to 
her  notice,  Avhile  at  Barry,  in  Canada  West,  in  1855. 
AVriting  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamhne,  on  June  27th,  of 
that  3'ear,  she  details  the  case  of  this  zealous,  persecuted, 
and  noble  man,  and  asks  :  , 

Now  what  can  be  done  to  meet  a  case  like  this  ?  My 
hearr  is  stirred  within  me,  as  I  ask  the  question.  Can  we  not 
liave  something  like  an  Educational  Society  in  the  M.  E.  Church? 
This  is  a  question  wliich  has  been  specially  on  my  mind,  many 
months  past.  It  seems  to  me,  that  the  Head  of  the  Church 
requires  that  we,  as  a  people,  sliould  hasten  to  have  an  organiza- 
tion of  some  sort,  to  meet  such  exigencies.  The  peculiarity  of 
our  mission  as  a  people,  is  calculated  to  reach  persons  of  this 
sort.  But  how  many  a  rough  stone  thus  brought  out  of  the 
quarry,  might  be  hewn  and  prepared  to  occupy  places  of  most 
marked  usefulness,  such  as  are  ever  in  demand  by  the  peculiari- 
ties of  our  calling  as  a  church. 

Not  many  of  the  mighty  and  noble  are  called,  and  contrary 
to  an  oft  expressed  opinion,  I  am  inclined  to  think  we  are  not 
greatly  deficient  in  the  needful  sort  of  men,  to  meet  the  demands 
of  those  who  claim  to  be  of  this  higher  class.  Is  not  our  call- 
ing mainly  to  the  more  numerous  class  of  common  people  ?  These 
form  the  mass,  and  it  was  to  these  tlie  Saviour  ministered. 
These  heard  the  Saviour  gladly,  and  these  will  attend  the  min- 
istrations of  our  Church  gladlj^,  if  we  will  only  send  them  the 
right  sort  of  men. 

Eloquently  portraying  the  class  of  ministers  demanded 
by  the  times, — men  who  fully  understand  and  sympathize 
ynt\\  the  toilers — men  who  should  be  prepared  to  teach 
and  xu^each,  so  as  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  masses,  she 
asks  again  : 

Now,  can  we  not  have  an  Educational  Society,  to  take  up 
men  of  this  stamp  and  train  them  for  hardy  service  in  the 
Church  ?  Can  we  not,  in  some  quiet  sort  of  a  way,  get  up  an 
institution  to  which  our  Bishops  may  lookj  an  institution 
whose  arrangements  may  be  such,  that   our  appointing  power 


MES.  FH(EBE  PALMER.  237 

shall  be  at  liberty,  in  case  of  any  emergency  requiring  hardy 
service,  to  make  the  requisite  demand, — an  institution  Avhose 
educational  standard  may  be  such  as  to  require  all  tlie  classi- 
cal ability  needful  to  fit  a  man  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  min- 
isterial duty  among  the  common  people. 

The  benefactions  of  Miss  Garrett,  and  of  Messrs.  Drew 
and  Eich,  have  since  then,  called  into  existence  just  such 
institutions  at  Evanstou  and  Madison,  and  translated  the 
venerated  Bibhcal  Institute — Abna  Mater  of  all  American 
Methodist  Theological  Seminaries — fi'om  Concord  to  Bos- 
ton. But  the  very  creation  of  those  institutions,  while 
speaking  volumes  in  praise  of  their  founders,  vindicates  the 
insight  and  foresight  that  the  afore-cited  letter  to  Bishop 
and  Mrs.  Hamline  reveals. 


CHAPTER  YI. 

TUESDAY  MEETING    FOR    THE  PROMOTION   OF   HOLINESS. 

THE  origin  of  this  renowned  and  influential  convention 
of  earnest  Christians,  was  on  this  wise.  Prior  to 
1835,  a  female  prayer  meeting  was  regularly  held  by  the 
members  of  the  Allen  St.  Church,  in  their  house  of  worship. 
A  similar  meeting  was  also  held  in  the  Mulberry  St.  Church. 
It  was  proposed  by  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford,  with  the  concur, 
rence  of  Mrs.  Palmer,  that  they  should  unite  and  hold  their 
meetings  in  the  house  of  Dr.  Palmer.  This  they  did,  on 
Tuesday  afternoons,  and  for  some  time  convened  in  his 
back  office,  until  the  numbers  in  attendance  became  so 
great,  as  to  necessitate  removal  to  the  parlors  on  the  second 
floor. 

The  meeting  continued  to  be  a  ladies'  meeting,  up  to 
1839,  when  Mrs.  Upham,  who  had  been  led  to  the  experi- 
ence of  entire  sanctification,  through  the  instrumentality 
of  a  Methodist  sister,  in  Maine,  and  who  had  enjoyed  one 
of  the  precious  seasons  of  grace,  at  Dr.  Palmer's, — ex- 
l^ressed  great  desu-e  to  bring  her  husband  to  the  next 
meeting,  that  he,  also,  might  enjoy  its  privileges.  The  wish 
was  gratified,  and  several  Christian  gentlemen  were  in- 
vited by  Mrs.  Palmer,  to  be  present,  at  the  same  time. 
Since  that  day,  it  has  continued  to  be  a  miion  meeting. 

Professor  Upham,  in  a  subsequent  conversation  with 
Mrs.  Palmer,  questioned  her  for  about  three  hours,  as 
closely  as  when  he  examined  his  college  classes.  He  would 
freciuently  stop  and  say,  "  Pardon  me,  I  am  satisfied 
on  that  ]H)i*U,  but  here  is  another.''  He  at  last  said,  "I 
am  perfectly  satisfied."  The  next  morning^  he  entered  into 


.)fRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  239 

the  rest  of  faith.  His  subsequent  writings  on  that  glori- 
ous subject, — pubhshed  under  the  titles  of  ^^  Higher  Life," 
''Di^^ne  Union,"  etc.,  have  led  many  hi  his  own  and 
other  conununions  to  the  search  and  experience  of  the 
same  grace.  Eeturning  to  her  eastern  home,  Mrs.  Upham 
established  a  weekly  meethig,  identical  in  aim  and  com 
pass  with  that  in  Rivington  street; — an  example  since 
imitated,  with  more  or  less  success,  in  many  places  and  in 
many  lands. 

The  details  of  Prof.  Upham's  recipiency  of  full  salva- 
tion are  peculiarly  interesting  and  suggestive. 

Jauuanj  '^rd,  1840. — On  Tuesday,  Mrs.  Upham,  wife  of  Pro- 
fessor Upliam,  of  Bowdoiu  College,  Maine,  came  to  meeting. 
Though  a  member  of  the  Congregational  church,  she  has  for 
several  months,  stood  as  a  witness  of  the  present  attainableness 
of  holiness,  firm  and  unbending,  among  many  who  regarded  her 
peculiar  views  as  not  only  novel  but  unpopular.  Difficulties 
arose  in  the  way  of  lier  professing  what  Grod  liad  done  for  her. 
The  views  of  the  denomination,  discountenancing  female  speak- 
ing, was  a  great  trial.  She  was  told  that  it  must  be  a  snare  of 
the  enemy ;  but  grace  sustained  her^  and  enabled  her  to  bear 
a  noble  testimony  for  God. 

The  simple  testimony  of  a  Methodist  sister,  led  her  to  think 
there  was  something  more  for  her,  experimentally,  to  know. 
She  resolved  on  searching  the  Scriptures  diligently,  to  see 
whether  the  present  enjoyment  of  holiness  was  a  blessing,  the 
witness  of  which  miglit  be  expected  in  this  life.  She  gave 
herself  up  wholly  to  the  pursuit.  Some  of  the  Epistles  she  read 
and  re-read,  and  the  more  she  studied,  the  more  confirmed  was 
she,  in  the  belief  that  it  was  not  only  her  privilege,  but  her 
solemn  dut}^  to  be  entirely  sanctified.  She  sought  the  blessing 
w^ith  ail  her  lieart,  and  entered  into  its  enjoyment. 

From  tliattime,  lier  husband,  wlio  for  twenty-five  years  had 
been  teaching  others  the  way  of  life,  became  an  object  of  intense 
interest.  For  several  months,  he  was  skeptical  as  to  liis  j)rivilege 
in  reference  to  this  blessing,  but  lately  he  has  also  been  assured  of 


240  MEMOIBS  OF 

the  glory  of  liis  iulieritauce,  aud  is  now  a  witness  of  this  grace. 
His  establisliment  in  grace  seemed  peculiarly  marked  by  the 
finger  of  God.  He  was  called  to  the  city  to  attend  to  the 
publication  of  a  theological  work — on  tlie  '^  Will" — and  Mrs. 
ITphaiu  "was  led  to  tlie  Tuesday  meeting.  The  spirit  of  freedom, 
which  invited  inquiry  and  discussion^  together  with  the  clear 
witnesses  of  this  grace,  inclined  lier  to  ask  the  privilege  of 
briugingher  hnsbaud,  the  Tuesday  following. 

On  Tlnirsday,  I  had  an  interview  with  liim,  and  it  w^as  ren- 
dered a  mutual  blessing.  His  views  became  clearer,  and  his 
desire  for  the  jjresent  attainment  of  the  blessing,  more  ardent. 
And  here  let  me  ascribe  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  Divine  influ- 
ence, I  realized,  while  answering  the  questions  which  he  pro- 
posed. I  felt  that  they  were  asked  w^ith  a  sincere  desire  to 
elicit  truth.  We  parted,  having  spent  the  evening  at  my  sister 
Lankford's,  in  a  truly  Christian  manner. 

On  my  return  home,  the  burden  of  his  soul  was  laid  upon  me 
with  so  much  weight,  that  I  continued  a  long  time,  wrestling 
with  the  angel  of  the  covenant,  in  his  behalf.  I  saw  that  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom  needed  an  advocate  in  the  denomination 
of  Christians  to  which  he  belonged,  in  defence  of  this  doctrine. 
Standing,  as  he  did,  with  an  important  college,  it  was  greatly 
desirable,  that  he  should  be  a  Avitness  of  its  attainment.  I 
laid  myself  down  for  repose,  but  the  spirit  of  supplication  still 
continued,  and  my  sleep  was  broken  by  the  breathings  of  in- 
tense interest  for  this  subject  of  solicitude.  When  I  awoke  in 
the  morning,  it  was  still  pressing  upon  me.  I  arose  early,  aud 
instead  of  what  is  usually  my  first  exercise,  praise  and  thanks- 
giving, I  began  immediately  to  unburden  my  soul  with  increased 
earnestness.  My  faith  began  to  rise,  and  to  lay  claim  to  a  pre- 
sent answer.  "■  Is  it  not  according  to  Tliy  will,  that  he  should 
be  blessed  now  V  I  asked.  I  felt  that  it  must  be  so.  The  maji- 
ner  in  which  his  case  had  beiui  laid  upon  my  mind,  assisted  to 
the  increase  of  my  fiiith.  The  suggestion  was  made,  that  he 
would  probably,  at  that  hour,  be  asleep.  But  I  remembered, 
what  had  been  my  exercise  during  the  night.  I  felt  confident 
that  his  must  have  been  similarly  exeicised.  I  was  reminded 
that  I  had  asked,  with  a  measure  of  faith,  that  he  might  not 


MBS.  PRCEBE  FALMIJE.  241 

rest  without  the  blessing.  With  tliese  reflections,  I  urged  my 
plea,  and  said,  ''  Wliether  asleep,  or  otherwise,  Thou  canst 
bless  ;  and  0  !  grant  him,  even  }ww,  a  manifestation  of  Tliyself, 
and  clear  views  of  the  simplicity  of  faith."  I  felt  that  my 
prayer  was  heard.  I  had  asked  that  which  was  according  to 
the  will  of  God,  and  had  received  the  thing  I  desired  of  Him, 
and  prayer  was  mostly  lost  in  praise. 

The  next  evening,  he  came  to  the  house,  and  I  found  that 
just  about  that  time,  he  had  received  a  very  powerful  manifes- 
tation of  the  Spirit.  Such  a  view  of  the  simplicity  of  faith 
burst  upon  him,  as  seemed  to  bring  a  new  creation  with  it ; 
and  now  his  cry  is,  ^'  0,  the  power  of  Faith  /" 

I  never  felt  more  like  devoting  all  ni}^  powers  to  God.  While 
pleading  for  Professor  Upham,  I  promised  the  Lord,  if  he  would 
impart  the  blessing,  I  would,  through  grace,  make  it  an  especial 
subject  of  praise,  not  only  through  time,  but  also  through  all 
eternity,  and  that,  if  the  entire  devotion  of  my  life  to  his  ser- 
vice were  in  any  way  possible,  it  should,  as  a  ceaseless  thank- 
offering,  be  rendered.  I  feel  it  a  duty  to  make  memoranda  of 
such  instances  of  His  condescension,  that  they  may  enduringly 
stand  as  memorials  of  his  loving  kindness,  for  the  confirmation 
of  my  faith. ^' 

Professor  Ui)ham  ever  after  cherished,  a  warm  attach 
meut  to  Mrs.. Palmer.     He  writes,  Sept.,  1840  : 

Our  visit  to  New  York,  the  last  winter,  was  greatly  blessed  to 
us.  To  me,  personally,  it  was  iu  religion,  the  ''beginning  of 
da^^s."  and  althougli  you  will  think  me  right  in  ascribing  every- 
thing in  its  ultimate  source  to  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  God, 
yet  I  am  compelled  to  say,  I  have  ever  felt  the  most  sincere  and 
grateful  obligation  to  the  respected  and  beloved  sister,  who, 
for  the  sake  of  one  so  unworthy  as  myself,  was  willing  to  as- 
sume the  responsibility  of  a  perpetual  vow.  May  God  in  iiis 
goodness  reward  her  a  thousand  fold  :  ^'  I  consider  myself  con- 
secrated and  pledged  forever." 

Prior  to  this,  under  date  of  March  24th,  1840,  he  had 
written : 

I  feel  my  great  obligation  to  your  interesting  little  circle, 

16 


242  MEMOIRS  OF 

and  trust  that  your  Saviour  will  abuudautly  support  and  reward 
you.  Let  it  be  our  meat  and  our  drink  to  do  the  will  of  our 
Heavenly  Father.  We  shall  not  be  ashamed,  when  we  have  res- 
pect to  all  His  commandments. 

Mrs.  Upliaiii,  writing  on  the  same  sheet,  on  the  same 
day,  March  24th,  says  : 

0  !  could  you  see  and  hear  my  dear  husband  talk,  in  our 
little  meeting,  how  hap])y  you  would  be,  because,  you  have  he- 
(jotten  him  in  the  gospel.  You  have  seen  him  trembling  and 
afraid  ;  now,  could  you  see  him,  you  might  j)erhaps  feel  that 
he  was  strong  in  the  Lord,  even  as  you. 

These  words  of  cheer  could  not  bnt  be  satisfactory  to 
Mrs.  Palmer,  in  those  comparatively  early  days  of 
earnest  work.  She  felt  the  cause  of  holiness  was  making 
rai)id  adA  ancemeiit,  and  it  was  to  her  a  source  of  gratitude 
that  she  w  as  permitted  to  sow  the  seed,  and  also  to  rejoice 
with  the  reaiiers. 

Diary,  March  3ls#,  1841. — Received  a  letter  to-day, from  Pro- 
fessor Upham  and  lady.  Our  spirits  were  much  refreshed  by 
the  cheering  intelligence  that  he  still  continues  firm  in  the 
witness  of  holiness. 

His  establishment  in  the  possession  of  this  blessing  haa 
tended  much  to  the  confirmation  of  my  own  faith.  I  can 
never  look  back  upon  the  solemn  covenant  engagements  entered 
into  at  that  time,  in  reference  to  this  vspecific  object,  without 
adding  fresh  fuel  to  the  fire  of  devotion. 

They  liave  already  opened  a  meeting  at  their  house,  similar 
to  our  Tuesday  meeting,  and  by  their  courageous  example,  are 
boldly  saying  to  all  around,  ''  We  are  well  able  to  go  up  and 
possess  the  good  land."  Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest,  for  such 
witnesses. 

The  circumstances  connected  with  the  origin,  jirogi^ess, 
and  results  of  the  Tuesday  meeting,  remind  us  of  the 
establislunent  of  that  Thursday  nu^eting  in  London,  by  John 
Wesley,  for  the  instruction  of  inquirers,  how  to  flee  from 


Mh'S,  riKKHK  FALMKR.  243 

the  wrath  to  come,  for  the  rehxtiou  of  rehgioiis  ex])eiieiice, 
the  bestowiiieiit  of  fitting"  advice  by  mature  and  experi- 
enced Christians,  and  the  ottering-  up  of  i)rayer  suited  t(> 
the  necessities  of  tliose  who  were  present. 

The  United  Society,  first  in  Europe  and  tlien  in 
America,  grew  out  of  that  unpremeditated  but  i^rovidential 
arrangement. 

Not  less  marked  by  the  guiding  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  nor 
less  distinguished, — the  aim  and  scope  of  the  meetings 
considered, — by  the  Divine  blessing,  has  been  the  Tuesday 
meeting  for  the  ])romotion  of  holiness,  established  first,  at 
54  Eivington  street,  thence  transferred  to  23  St.  Mark's 
place,  and  now  held  at  316  East  Fifteenth  street,  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  where  nearly  as  many  as  three  hun- 
ched peoi>le  are  not  unfrequently  congregated. 

There  is  something  prophetic  in  the  trustful  anticipa- 
tion of  their  future  usefulness  to  the  Church  of  Cluist  in 
the  subjoined  extract, — something  assuring  us  that  the 
Divuie  Spirit  was  preparing  his  consecrated  handmaid  for 
usefulness,  far  exceeding  her  expectations. 

In  Mrs.  Palmer's  diary  of  1837,  occims  the  first  entry  in 
relation  to  these  celebrated  meetings,  which  have  been  so 
signallj^  blest  to  the  si^iritual  good  of  thousands,  and 
whose  tame  is  co-extensive  with  the  limits  of  Protestant 
civilization.     It  reads : 

Yesterday,  at  our  meeting,  there  were  maDy  x^resent. 
Friends  remained  during  the  evening,  and  prevented  my  attend- 
ance at  the  lecture.  My  soul  thirsted  for  tlie  sanctuary  of  the 
Lord. 

June,  1838. — In  our  Tuesday  afternoon  meeting,  the  power 
of  the  Lord  was  present  to  bless,  in  an  unusual  manner.  Glory 
be  to  God,  tliat  this  meeting  has  been  rendered  a  blessing  to 
many  !  I  trust  that  in  the  day  of  eternity  it  will  be  found  that 
this  cliurch  in  the  house,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  has 
been  one  of  tlie  nurseries  of  the  general  church.     Not  human 


244  MEMOIBS   OF 

Tiiight  or  power,  but  Jehovah's  owu  right  hand  hath  wrought 
the  good.     To  Him  be  glory  forever !     Amen  ! 

May,  1844. — The  Lord  was  gloriously  present  at  our  after- 
noon meeting.  Several  brethren,  brought  to  the  city  by  the  sit- 
ting of  the  General  Conference,  were  present,  among  others 
Rev.  A.  D.  Merrill,  who  has  long  been  a  lover  of  holiness.  He 
sought  the  blessing  as  a  necessary  qualification  for  a  minister, 
— felt  that  he  could  not  take  upon  himself  the  responsibilities 
of  the  sacred  office,  until  thus  qualified.  He  obtained  it,  and 
then  offered  himself  to  the  Church,  and  ever  since  has  been 
X)rominent  on  this  subject,  in  his  ministrations. 

That  ixi)ersonal  exjierience  of  holiness  should  not  be  regard- 
ed as  an  essential  pre-requisite  for  the  ministry  is  matter  of  sur- 
prise with  me,  and  surely  would  be  with  any  one,*  who  would 
be  at  the  pains  to  look  at  the  Scriptural  authority  for  such  an  ex- 
pectation. What  strictness  was  required  under  the  Levitical  dis- 
pensation. I  have  j  ust  been  looking  over  the  book  of  Leviticus, 
and  my  attention  was  specially  drawn  to  the  eighteenth  chapter, 
where  holiness  in  the  priesthood  is  made  matter  of  such  scru- 
pulous enjoinment.  If  holiness  i.s  enjoined  upon  the  people,  in 
a  higher  sense,  and  with  jet  more  commanding  reasons,  is  it 
enjoined  upon  those  that  minister  in  holy  thiug.s.  For  the 
priest's  lips  sliould  keep  knowledge,  and  they  should  seek  the 
the  law  at  His  mouth,  for  he  is  the  messenfjer  of  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

What  a  reason  !  A  messenger  to  deal  out  messages  from 
God  to  man — and  to  do  this  without  a  consciousness  of  clean 
hands  and  a  pure  heart!  Wliat  a  wonder  that  the  thought  is 
not  overwlielming. 

Diary,  Octoher  27th,  1844. — Two  or  three  weeks  since,  we  had 
three  Presbyterian  ministers  i^resent,  and  all  greatly  interested 
on  the  subject  of  holiness,  as  a  matter  of  experience,  and  of 
course  like  little  children.  Wliat  a  difference  it  makes  !  I  am 
rejoiced  indeed,  that  it  is  becoming  more  a  matter  of  experi- 
ence with  our  ministers.     Dr.  Olin  now  enjoys  the  blessing. 

April  Wth,  1835. — Perhaps  I  have  mentioned  that  our 
Tuesday  meetings  have  of  late  been  signally  blest ;  lovers  of 
holiness  from  all  parts  of  the  city  and  its  vicinity  attend,  and 
a  part  of  the  time,  both  parlors  have  b6eu  filled  with  a  crowd 


J/A'^.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  245 

much  like  tent-meetings  or  camp-meetings.  Last  meeting 
was  a  season  of  extraordinary  power.  I  hardly  know  how  to 
begin  to  describe  it.  Persons  of  different  denominations  were 
present,  and  all  drank  into  one  spirit.  One  person  (not  a 
Methodist)  was  unable  to  sustain  the  shock  of  power,  and  sunk 
down  overwhelmed.  A  Baptist  minister  confessed  his  belief, 
that  holiness  was  indeed  a  doctrine  of  tlie  Bil)le — lamented 
his  want  of  it — said  that  neither  himself  nor  any  other  minis- 
ter, was  fully  capacitated  to  preach  the  uusearcJiable  riches  of 
Christ;  without  it. 

Brother  Knox,  of  the  Oneida  conference,  made  a  similar  con- 
fession, but  seemed  to  be  on  the  very  verge  of  the  promised 
land.  Two  other  ministers  were  present ;  both  received  power- 
full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Diary,  Sept.  28, 1845. — Mother  Hayter  was  a  Methodist  of  the 
truly  Wesleyan  stamp, — joined  the  church  under  Mr.  Wesley, 
and  was  for  several  years  a  class  leader  in  England,  and  for  sixty 
years  adorned  her  profession.  She  has  been  a  constant  attend- 
ant for  eight  years,  at  our  Tuesday  meeting.  What  a  burst 
ofpraise  must  have  resounded  through  the  heavenly  city,  when 
this  long-tried  faitliful  disciple,  entered  into  the  joy  of  her  Lord. 
She  departed  suddenly,  about  the  time  I  was  placing  the  chair 
for  her,  in  anticipation  of  her  being  with  us  at  our  meeting. 

In  Ax)ril  of  the  same  year,  while  eoufiued  to  her  bed  by 
sickuess,  Mrs.  Palmer  had  been  anxious  lest  her  absence 
from  the  Tuesday  meeting  should  detract  from  its  interest, 
and  had  sought  counsel  from  God,  on  the  subject.  W^hile 
thus  engaged,  Mrs.  Lankford  entered  the  room,  and  her 
fears  Avere  banished.  The  meeting  was  the  Lord's,  and  He 
would  care  for  its  management.  Like  the  souls  of  David 
and  Jonathan,  those  of  Mrs.  Palmer  and  Mrs.  Lankford 
were  knit  together.  Earely  has  the  w  orld  witnessed  so 
natural,  so  beautiful,  so  persistent  an  illustration  of  purest 
sisterly  love,  or  of  nuitually  comi)lemental  (lualitication. 
An  extract  from  a  letter  to  Mrs.  James,  under  the  above 
date,  exi)lains  Mrs.  P's.  anxiety  about  the  meeting. 


246  MEMOIIiS  OF 

You  may  wonder  why  I  should  regard  it  so  needful,  that  a 
special  person  should  be  x^iesent  to  take  charge  of  the  meeting, 
when  there  are  generallj^  three  or  four  ministers,  and  several 
leaders,  etc.,  present.  The  reason  is,  as  before  stated,  that  it  is 
2ip€cxdiar  meeting,  and  needs  that  peculiar  management,  which 
Yery  childUle — simple  piety,  exhibits,  and  it  is  not  every  day 
that  you  can  meet  with  those  who  know  just  how  to  come  down 
to  the  simjyUcity  of  the  gospel — but  I  think  Sister  Sarah  does. 

February  9th,  1846. — The  Mork  of  holiness  prospers.  Three 
professed  to  get  clear  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  witness  on  Tues- 
day, a  week  since,  at  the  meeting.  One  Avas  our  beloved  Sister 
Kidder,  wife  of  the  Rev.  Brother  Kidder,  editor. 

June,  1846. — We  had  an  interesting  meeting.  Bishop  Ham- 
line  made  the  introductory  remarks.  Several  ministerial 
brethren  were  present, — Brothers  Miller,  P.  P.  Sandford,  Red- 
ford,  Creagh  and  Haytor.  I  was  rejoiced  to  hear  Brother 
Creagh ;  he  is  holding  fast  his  confidence,  and  seems  to  be  estab- 
lished in  the  faith. 

1849: — Rev.  Dr.  Bradley  and  lady,  of  the  Siam  Mission, 
(who  were  recalled  from  their  labors  on  account  of  having 
adopted  Wesleyan  views  of  entire  sanctification),  were  at  the 
meeting  this  afternoon.  He  gave  in  a  very  precious  testimony 
of  the  poAver  of  Christ  to  save  from  all  sin. 

The  wife  of  the  Indian  Missionary,  Mr.  Copway,  received 
the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification  in  a  very  powerful  manner. 
She  was  a  stranger  to  me,  and  had  I  judged  from  outward  ap- 
pearance, I  had  not  thought  her  so  near  the  reception  of  the 
blessing,  as  she  was  more  conformed  in  outward  manner  to  the 
world,  tlinn  earnest  seekers  after  holiness  generally  are.  Soon 
after  I  began  to  converse  with  her,  she  wept,  and  expressed 
strong  desires  for  the  blessing.  Presently,  she  fell  on  her 
knees,  as  I  urged  it  upon  her  present  acceptance.  For  about 
an  hour,  she  continued  in  strong  crying  and  tears  before  God, 
when  by  an  act  of  faith,  she  suddenly  apprehended  Christ  as 
her  full  Saviour,  and  seemed  to  be  lost  to  everything,  but  the 
infinite  excellencies  of  her  Saviour,  and  the  bliss  of  believing. 
Dear  Sister  Shipman  also  stayed,  and  labored  with  her,  and  felt 


MBS.  PMCEBi^  riLMER.  247 

that  she  also  was  permitted  to  plunge  deeper  iu  the  unfathoia- 
able  ocean  of  love. 

Jamtanj,  1857. — A  gracious  season  at  the  meeting,  this  after- 
noon. Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  returned  mi.ssionary  from  California, 
gave  a  thrilling  account  of  various  trying,  triumphant  exjieri- 
ences. 

December  15th,  1857. — Meeting  excellent.  Densely  crowded 
as  usual.  Many,  unable  to  get  in,  occupied  the  hall  and  stairs. 
Have  concluded  to  enlarge  our  borders.  Husband  is  contract- 
ing for  an  additional  building,  costing  about  two  thousand 
dollars,  which  will  i)robably  be  commenced  this  week.  We  do 
it  for  God,  iu  view  of  arranging  for  permanent  accommodation 
of  the  meeting.  And  now  my  heart  is  gratefully  exclaiming  with 
David,  "  Now  therefore,  our  God,  we  thank  Thee,  and  praise 
'fhee,  and  praise  Thy  glorious  name." 

The  significance  of  the  growing  tendency  to  nnion,  then 
becoming  ax)parent  among  all  evangelical  denominations, 
was  fully  appreciated  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  as  the  next  extract, 
(from  a  letter  to  a  Canadian  friend),  indicates  : 

New  York,  Ajyril  23(7,  1858. 
To  Mil.  Scott  : 

To  m}'  mind,  tlie  indices  of  the  times  seem  singularly  sig- 
nificant. In  these  union  meetings,  we  see  a  return  to  tliose 
primitive  principles  which  made  Christianity  so  potent  in  the 
conviction  of  unbelievers,  in  the  early  ages.  This  oneness 
of  Christians,  in  heart  and  in  effort,  is  just  wliat  Christ,  the 
Founder  of  Christianity,  set  forth  as  a  fundamental  principle,  if 
we  would  luive  the  world  believe  in  the  diviuitj?  of  His  claims 
as  a  vSaviour.  Hear  Him  in  His  prayer  to  His  Father,  for  His 
disciples,  ''  That  they  all  may  be  one  j  as  Thou,  Father,  art  in 
me,  and  I  in  Thee,  that  they  maj'^  be  one  in  us  ',  that  the  world 
may  believe  that  Thou  hast  sent  Me." 

Detroit,  June  29th,  J8G4. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

AVe  have  just  come  here  from  Kock  Island  City.  Ave  spent 
the  Sabbath  there,  most  profitably  and  delightfully — liad  tlirce 
most  precious  services.     Aunt  Harris  is  a  lovely,  earnest,  pure 


248  MEMOIllS  OF 

minded  Christian.  She  has  kept  up  a  meeting  at  her  own  house 
on  the  subject  of  holiness,  the  past  four  or  five  years,  and  is 
exerting  a  most  gracious  leavening  influence  in  the  Church 
community.  I  asked  her  ivlien  and  where  she  received  the  bles'S- 
ing.  She  looked  surprised,  aad  said,  ^^  Wh}',  do  3  ou  not  know  ? 
It  was  at  the  Tuesday  meeting  in  New  York,  during  my  visit 
there  several  years  ago."  So  she  came  home,  resolved  that  she 
would  establish  a  Tuesday  meeting,  in  Rock  Island  Citj^,  which 
has  been  going  on  ever  since.  Surely,  our  Tuesday  meeting 
has  spread  jnto  bands.  Who  can  tell  hoAV  diifusive  its  influ 
ence, — and  wliere  it  may  end  ?  Surely,  its  effects  will  be  seen 
long  as  eternity  endures. 

Extracts  of  similar  character  might  be  largelj^  multi- 
plied. Journals  and  correspondence  abound  in  illustra.- 
tions  of  the  perpetual  usefulness  and  spiritual  fruition 
of  the  Tuesday  meeting.  In  response  to  the  solicitation 
of  Eev.  H.  y.  Degen,  editor  of  the  "  Guide  to  Holiness," 
Mrs.  Palmer  bad  already  contributed  to  that  periodi- 
cal a  descriptive  account  of  its  origin,  object,  and  methods. 
In  18G0,  the  Eev.  Dr.  Kocbe,  once  the  beloved  i^astor 
of  Dr.  and  IMrs.  Palmer,  contributed  to  the  February  num- 
ber of  the  Ladies'  Pespository,  an  able  and  excellent  article 
entitled  ''  Mrs.  Phcebe  Palmer,"  from  which  is  excerj)ted  a 
just  and  glowing  descrii)tion  of  this  influential  convention : 

It  is  one  of  the  greatest  spiritual  centers  in  any  land.  It  is 
attended  by  professors  of  religion,  without  regard  to  sex  or  de- 
nomination. A  better  intercommunion  of  Christians  we  may  not 
hop(5  to  see  in  this  world.  Prol)ably  in  no  church  will  tliere  be 
found,  IVom  week  to  week,  so  many  earnest  believers  drawn  to- 
gether, from  different  evangelical  bodies.  We  doubt  wlietlicr 
under  any  pulpit  of  our  country,  there  sit  as  manj'  ministers,  for 
the  single  purpose  of  spiritual  help.  For  successive  weeks,  wo 
have  seen  there  from  twentj'  to  thirty  preachers  of  tlie  Gospel. 
Among  these  are  found  Bai>tists,  Congregationalists,  Dutch 
Eeformed,  German  Reformed,  Presbyterians,  Protestant 
Eiiiscoi)alianSj  Methodists,  and  tlie^^  mingle  in  tlie    assembly, 


MliS.  FHiEBE  PALMER.  249 

engage  in  tlie  exercises,  and  assert  tlieir  profit  by  the  means. 
Tlie  inivileg(?  to  si)eak,  extends  to  .all,  and  is  as  i)roni[)tly  em- 
braced by  some  that  are  not  of  our  Church,  as  by  any  that  are 
in  it. 

One  of  the  most  eloquent  testimonies  we  ever  heard,  was 
that  given  by  a  Protesant  Ej^iscopal  lady.  One  of  the  most 
thrilling  accounts  of  the  attainment  of  holiness,  Avas  from  a 
Congregational  pastor.  One  of  the  most  convincing  experiences 
of  the  i^ower  of  '^  perfect  love;"  to  sustain  us  in  the  most  fiery 
trials  that  are  to  try  us,  was  from  the  minister  of  a  Church  that 
does  not  accept  the  doctrine. 

In  this  meeting  are  persons  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States 
and  tlie  British  possessions  -,  from  England,  Ireland,  and  Scot- 
land. Of  these,  many  have  read  the  books,  or  throughher  labors 
become  familiar  with  the"  name  of  Mrs.  Palmer.  Professor 
Upham,  generally  i)resent  when  in  the  city,  is  said  to  have 
been  brought  into  the  enjoyment  of  holiness  through  her  in- 
strumentality. Mrs.  Palmer,  when  there,  uniformly  speaks, 
though  she  consumes  no  more  time  than  would  be  allowed  to 
another.  It  is  not  an  unfrequent  thing  for  a  half  dozen,  and 
sometimes  double  that  number,  to  profess  to  find  the  blessing 
for  which  they  sought,  in  that  place.  Strangers  in  the  city  will 
declare  the  mercy  they  have  found  of  God,  and  the  edification 
they  have  secured  at  the  meeting,  or  returning  to  their  lodg- 
ings, continue  to  seek  the  Divine  fulness.  One  case  may  illustrate 
many.  It  was  a  lady  of  Richmond,  Alrginia.  She  was  stopping 
at  the  '<  St.  Nicholas."  While  in  attendance  upon  the  meeting, 
she  was  deeply  exercised  for  purity  of  heart.  Burdened  with 
desire,  she  went  back  to  the  hotel  at  the  close  of  the  services. 
There  she  struggled  in  prayer.  Her  desire  was  granted  her. 
The  St.  Nicholas  became  the  *'  gate  of  heaven."  The  next  week 
she  gladdened  the  meeting  with  her  narrative  of  mercy. 

Two  years  later,  in  answer  to  inquiries  from  regions 
near  and  remote,  in  relation  to  the  manner  of  conducting 
the  Tuesday  meeting,  31rs.  Palmer  transferred  the  account 
imblislied  iiLtlie  "  Guide  to  Holmess,"  to  the  pagcss  of  that 
admirable,  and  unanswerable  volume,  ''  Promise   of  the 


250  MEMOIRS  OF 

Father."     As  a  matter  of  permanent  interest  and  value, 
it  claims  insertion  here  : 

After  Mrs.  Puhuer  received  the  promise  of  tlie  Father,  catho- 
licity of  spirit  was  a  marked  trait  iu  her  character.  SpeakiDg 
of  the  various  evangelical  denominations,  we  have  heard  her 
say,  ''  It  is  the  degree  of  conformity  to  the  image  of  the  Saviour 
that  settles  the  nearness  of  my  relationship.  ^  Whosoever 
doeth  the  will  of  my  Father,  which  is  in  heaven,  the  same  is 
my  brother,  and  sister,  and  mother ;'  and  such  is  my  love  to  all 
the  members  of  the  household  of  faith,  that  I  can  hardly  say, 
in  relation  to  any  one  denomination,  '  Benjamin  is  my 
brother.' "  There  surely  is  a  point  in  the  upward  career  of  the 
Christian,  to  which  Paul  refers,  when  he  says,  *' till  we  all  come 
to  the  unity  of  the  Spirit," — a  point, 

"  Where  names,  and  sects,  and  parties  fall, 
And  Christ  alone  is  all  in  all." 

Truly  as  our  natural  being  seeks  its  affinities,  and  to  have 
this  social  want  of  nature  met,  turns  to  the  friendly  circle,  thus 
our  renewed  being  seeks  affinities.  To  meet  this  want  of  the 
spiritual  being  of  all  of  every  evangelical  sect,  who  are  disposed 
to  count  all  tilings  loss  for  tlie  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  she  has,  for  the  past  thirty  years,  liad  a  w^eekly  meeting 
at  her  house,  where  ministers,  and  people  of  various  denomina- 
tions meet,  and  tlie  Bible  alone  is  the  text-book,  irrespective  of 
denominational  creeds.  At  this  hallowed  place,  hundreds  have, 
during  the  past  thirty  years,  received  the  endowment  of  pow- 
er, wliich  Christ  promises  to  all  who  in  faith  wait  for  it. 

THE  TUESDAY  AFTERNOON   MEETING. 

What  is  the  character  of  these  meetings  ?  Perhaps  we  may 
not  be  able  to  answer  this  question  better  than  by  giving  an  ex- 
tract which  we  copy  from  a  Congregational  paper.  It  reads 
thus : — 

Friends,  we  assure  you  that  these  meetings  are  not  for  secta- 
rian or  party  purposes.  A  free,  hearty,  general  invitation  is 
extended  to  all,  of  ev(iry  name,  to  sit  togetlier.  in  heavenly 
places,  in  Christ  Jesus.     Inquirers  of  different  denominations 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  251 

are  taken  witli  equal  cordiality  and  warmth,  to  the  heart  of 
love.  Instruction  is  imparted  to  all  and  every  one,  without  dis- 
tinction, seeking  higher  attainments  in  the  divine  life.  Prayer 
to  God  is  offered  with  equal  fervency,  and  prevailing  impor- 
tunity in  one  case  as  in  another. 

Our  very  soul  has  leaped  joyfully  in  witnessing  how  com- 
pletely the  Spirit  of  God  annihilates  the  spirit  of  ttcctarianism, 
and  leaps  over  the  boundaries  of  Shibboleths.  Here  we, see 
Methodists,  Baptists,  Presbyterians,  Episcopalians,  Quakers, 
United  Brethren,  and  Jews  in  Christ,  forgetting. creeds,  confes- 
sions, hair-splittings, and  part}-  distinctions,  sitting  side  by  side, 
drinking  deeply  of  the  one  living  fountain.  And  should  there 
happen  to  be  any  one  present,  who,  through  mistake,  or  for  want 
of  a  due  sense  of  gospel  propriety,  gives  a  i)rei)onderance  in  fav- 
or of  any  party,  creed,  or  sect,  a  cold  chilliness  steals  over  every 
one  present.  And  those  who  follow  such  a  one,  j)our  in  the  oil 
and  wine  of  gospel  grace,  to  obliterate,  if  possible,  the  least 
tincture  of  the  sect,  and  smooth  off  the  rough  edges,  and  calm 
every  rising  sus])icion. 

THE    KII5LE,    THE   BLESSED    BIBLE,    IS   THE   TEXT   BOOK. 

Not  Wesley,  not  Fletcher,  not  Finney,  not  Mahan,  not 
Upham,  but  the  Bible,  the  holy  Bible,  is  the  first  and  last,  and 
in  the  midst  always.  The  Bible  is  the  standard,  the  ground- 
work, the  platform,  the  creed.  Here  we  stand  on  common 
ground,  and  notLing  but  the  spirit  of  this  blessed  book  will 
finally  eradicate  and  extirpate  a  sectarian  spirit.  No  meetings 
are  attended  with  more  direct  and  special  indications  of  divine 
acceptance.  God  is  evidently  present  in  a  very  remarkable 
manner,  to  bless,  sanctify,  and  purify. 

Hundreds  have  stepped  into  this  Bethesda,  and  come  out 
«very  whit  whole.  The  atmosphere  is  invigorating,  healthful, 
and  heavenly.  Any  one  has  perfect  liberty  to  rise  and  re(iuei*t 
prayers,  or  relate  the  dealings  of  God  with  his  soul,  drop  a 
word  of  exhortation,  exi)osition,  or  consolation,  or  pour  out  his 
heait  in  ])iayer  or  praise,  always  remembering  to  be  brief,  and 
to  V.w  point,  and  never  losing  sight  of  the  main  object  of  the 
niLX'ting — "  Holiness  to  the  Lord."     These  meetings  are  not  for 


252  MEMOIRS  OF 

debate,  controversy,  or  speechifying,  but  for  lioliness.  Every 
one  that  enters  these  consecrated  halls  is  expected  to  conform 
strictly  to  the  objects  and  purport  of  the  meeting.  Such  is  tlie 
nature,  exercise,  and  spirit  of  tliese  social  gatherings,  that  we 
feel  assuied  that  even  the  skeptic,  the  subtle  caviller,  and  ob- 
jector will  be  constrained  to  exclaim,  "Tlie  linger  of  God  is  in 
it !" 

HOW  ARE  THESE  MEETINGS  CONDUCTED  ? 

The  meeting  commences  at  half-past  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and 
is  opened  Avitli  reading  the  Scriptures,  singing,  and  prayer. 
Frequently,  two  or  three  succeed  each  other  in  prayer.  Several 
ministers  are  generally  present,  and  the  opening  exercises  are 
conducted  by  some  one  of  these,  but  much  oftener  than  other- 
wise by  the  venerable  Dr.  Bangs,  who,  during  several  past 
years,  has  seldom  been  absent. 

This  meeting  is  far  more  social  in  its  character  than  ordi- 
nary religious  gatherings.  It  is  rather  the  design  of  those  un- 
der whose  supervision  it  is  held,  that  it  should  be  regarded  as 
a  social  religious  company,  than  as  a  formal  meeting,  requiring 
set  exactions  of  any  sort.  The  children  of  this  world  have 
their  social  gatlierings,  where,  in  intelligent,  social  converse, 
heart  meets  heart  in  unrestrained  fellowship.  We  can  conceive 
how  undesirable  any  set  forms  would  be  under  such  circum- 
stances, and  this  social  gathering  is  designed  to  be,  in  the  relig- 
ious world,  answerable  to  this  want  of  our  social  nature  as  chil- 
dren of  the  kingdom.  After  the  opening^ exercises,  any  one 
is  at  liberty  to  speak,  sing,  or  propose  united  prayer. 

Strangers  from  various  regions  generally  being  present  at 
every  meeting,  it  is  not  uncommon  for  those  in  charge  to  say 
something  calculated  to  give  direction  to  the  exercises,  explana- 
tory  of  its  objects.  Many  inquirers  after  the  ^'  AVay  of  Holiness" 
here  gather,  and  it  is  not  unusual  for  the  meeting  to  assume 
something  like  the  form  of  an  inquiry  meeting.  There  are 
always  present,  a  goodly  number  who  profess  to  have  received 
the  promise  of  the  Father,  and  who  are  ever  ready,  with  yearn- 
ing hearts,  to  testify  to  the  praise  of  Christ,  just  how  they  Mere 
enabled  to  overcome  every  difficulty  through  faith,  and  plunge 


MliS.  FHaJBE  PALMER.  253 

into  tlie  open  fountain  that  cleanseth  from  all  unrighteousness. 
It  must  indeed  be  deliglitful  to  the  truly  pious  of  every  sect,  to 
Avituess  the  blended  sympatliy  of  hearts  made  perfect  in  love, 
and  those  aspiring  to  that  state. 

Here  you  behold  the  streams  of  heaven-originated  sympathy, 
flowing  out  in  word,  in  song,  and  in  prayer,  so  that  the  prayer 
of  Christ  becomes  a  heartfelt  realization,  ^'  that  they  may  all  be 
one,  even  as  we  are  one."  Surely  tlie  words  of  the  poet  here 
become  an  experimental  verity  : — 

"The  gift  which  He  on  one  bestows, 

We  all  delight  to  prove ;  ' 

The  grace  through  every  vessel  flows 
In  purest  streams  of  love." 

Testimony  follows  testimony  in  quick  succession,  inter- 
spersed with  occasional  singing  and  prayer,  as  the  circumstances 
may  seem  to  demand,  in  sympathy  with  the  condition  of  the 
cases  brought  before  the  meeting.  In  no  meeting  that  we  have 
ever  attended,  have  we  seen  the  spirit  of  the  law  of  Christ  so 
sweetly  fulfilled — '^  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens." 

The  testimony  of  the  seeker  of  salvation,  or  of  the  timid, 
lisping  babe  in  Ziou,  is  listened  to  with  as  much  interest  as  that 
of  the  most  deeply  experienced.  Whether  male  or  female,  all 
are  one  in  Christ  Jesus.  We  have  often  thought,  in  our  ob- 
servings,  whether  this  meeting  is  not  xevy  like  thtat  gathering 
of  the  early  discij^les,  Avlien  the  one  hundred  and  twenty  were 
assembled  wdth  one  accord  in  one  place.  Here  were  the  chosen 
apostles  of  our  Lord,  and  here  also  were  the  beloved  Marys, 
Joanna,  and  the  ''  nuiny  other  women,"  who,  through  evil 
and  good  leport,  with  imdaunted  step,  followed  the  Man  of 
Soirows,  receiving  as  their  reward  the  first  commission  to  pro- 
claim the  gospel  of  a  risen  Lord. 

And  these  disci] >les  being  thus  assembled,  with  their  Lord 
in  the  midst,  wait  the  i>romise  of  the  Father,  "  which,"  saitli  he, 
'^  ye  have  heard  of  me."  And  here  they  continued  witli  one 
accord,  in  prayer  and  supj)lication,  looking  to  be  imbued  with 
the  gift  of  power  from  on  high,  which,  irrespective  of  persons  or 
yex,  had  been  promised  to  every  one  of  tliosc  waiting  di^<MT)'"- 


2o-i  MEMOIBS  OF 

Aud  when  it  fell,  though  there  may  have  been  dispensed  gifts 
after  some  sort  differing,  yet  it  was  to  each,  singly,  a  gift  of 
'power ;  and  this  gift  of  power  moved  its  recipient,  whether 
male  or  female,  to  speak  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance.  They 
had  now  entered  upon  the  dispensation  of  the  Spirit.  The  day 
of  which  Joel  spake,  in  which,  saith  God,  "  I  will  pour  out  my 
Spirit  upon  my  sons  and  daughters,  upon  juy  servants  and  my 
hand-maidens." 

And  truly  does  this  pentecostal  scene  shadow  forth  what  we 
would  sa^-  of  this  interesting  weekly  gathering.  To  the  praise 
of  God  it  may  be  said,  that  many  have  here  received  the  full 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  so  penetrating,  efficacious, 
and  far-reaching  have  been  its  influences,  that  we  verily  believe 
that  thousands  will,  in  eternitj'^,  give  God  glory  for  the  establish- 
ment of  this  precious  means  of  grace.  Intelligence  comes  on 
the  wings  of  the  wind  from  near  and  remote  regions,  of  those 
who,  through  the  influence  of  this  meeting,  have  been  led  to  ^ 
receive  Christ  as  a  Saviour  from  all  sin,  and  are  now  in  turn 
bearing  witness,  experimentally,  to  the  truth  of  the  doctrine, 
and  others  are  believing  through  their  testimony. 

In  these  meetings,  the  utmost  freedom  j)revails.  The  minis- 
try does  not  wait  for  the  laity,  neither  does  the  laity  wait  for 
the  ministry.  There  ai;e  seldom  less  than  from  six  to  ten  min- 
isters present,  and  often  more.  These  commingle  as  one  with 
the  laity,  irrespective  of  theological  views  or  dignity  of  position. 
It  is  not  unusual  for  tiiose  of  different  denominations,  who,  in 
the  religious  and  literary  world,  are  the  observed  of  all  ob- 
servers, to  be  sitting  undistinguished  in  those  crowded  rooms, 
and  only  brouglit  out  as  they  may  desire  the  privilege  of  identi- 
fying themselves  ojjenly  with  the  interests  of  the  meeting. 


Neither  prolonged  absence  in  Europe,  nor  triumphal 
translation  to  Paradise,  imi^aired,  as  was  feared  by  many, 
the  x)ower  and  blessedness  of  this  i)otent  institution. 
While  its  ardent  sui)porters  enthusiastically  loved  the  calm, 
energetic  "  Mother  in  Israel,"  to  whom  its  origin  was 
mainly  due,  their  faith  and  hope  intelligently  reposed  in 


MRS.   riKEBE  PALM  Kit.  255 

lier  Lord,  and  their  Lord  5  and  they,  like  lier,  invariably 
found  Him  to  be  a  faithful  and  covenant-keeping  God. 

LTnder  date,  April  13th,  1869,  we  find  record  of  a  re- 
markable answer  to  the  prayers  of  this  truly  Christian 
convention : 

Wc  had  a  good  meeting,  to-day.  The  fiftieth  Psalm  was 
read  hj  Dr.  Palmer,  and  several  written  requests  were  read.  A 
Christian  lady  from  a  distance,  when  on  a  visit  to  the  city,  sev- 
eral months  ago,  asked  the  ptayer  of  the  meeting  for  her  Bible- 
class,  wliich  was  composed  of  about  twenty  joung  men.  As  she 
X)resented  her  request  that  every  one  of  the  young  men  miglit  be 
converted.  Dr.  P.  replied  tliat  it  was  indeed  a  large  request  j  and 
rather  by  the  wholesale,  but  not  too  great  for  our  Almighty  Lord 
to  answer.  This  i)etitiou,  with  others,  Avas  presented  at  the 
mercy  seat,  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  On  returning  home,  she  was 
delighted  to  find  tliat  a  direct  and  immediate  answer  had  been 
given,  and  tlnxX,  everij  member  of  her  Bible-class  had,  during  her 
absence,  been  brought  to  Jesus.  What  a  remarkable  answer  to 
prayer !  And  yet,  only  what  we  ought  to  anticijjate.  We  hear 
such  recitals  with  joyful  surprise,  scarcel}'  believing,  for  very 
Joy,  like  that  earnest,  praying  company,  who  were  asking  for 
Peter's  release.  Had  they  not  expected  the  answer,  ought  they 
to  have  asked?  Still,  Avhen  the  speedy  answer  came,  liow 
amazed  they  were. 

Diary,  1870. — An  excellent  brother,  who  has  traveled  in 
Europe  and  America,  in  company  with  Rev.  Mr.  Hammond, 
the  well  known  evangelist — said  in  tliis  afternoon  meeting,  that 
Mr.  Hammond  and  liimself  had  visited  Cardiff  Wales,  and 
several  other  places  abroad,  Avhere  we  had  labored,  and  every- 
where heard  of,  and  saw  the  fruits  of  the  extraordinary  revival 
that  occurred  during  our  protracted  stay  in  the  Old  AVorld — 
Glory,  honor,  praise,  power,  might  and  dominion  be  ascribed 
unto  our  God,  and  to  the  Lamb  forever  ! — May  the  fruit  forever 
remain. 

New  York,  December  21«f,  187(3. 
To  Mrs.  Lankfokd  : 

We  expected  you,  of  course,  on  Tuesday.  We  liad  a  meeting 
of  remarkable  interest  and  power.     On  Wednesday,  we  had 


256  MEMOIRS  OF 

several  ministers  to  dine  witli  us,  ^yitll  some  other  friends,  Mrs. 
Upliam,  Wright,  etc.,  making  in  all,  about  twenty. 

The  Master  of  the  feast  was  speclaUn  invited,  and  I  think  all 
present  felt  that  He  had  accepted  the  invitation.  We  Avished 
that  you  were  with  us,  and  would  liavesent  a  special  invitation, 
but  supposed  that  you  would  come  and  remain  over  Wednes- 
day. 

Diary,  May,  1872. — The  Tuesday  afternoon  meetings  have 
been  wonderfully  crowned  with  the  Divine  benediction,  during 
several  weeks.  ^Members  of  General  Conference  and  visitors 
from  abroad,  from  almost  every  region,  California,  Oregon, 
North,  South,  East  and  West,  have  met  on  the  grand  platform 
of  i)erfcct  love.  Glorious,  beyond  descrijition,  have  been  the 
manifestations  of  the  approval  and  presence  of  the  Head  of  the 
Church.  Who  am  I,  or  what  was  my  Father's  house,  that  the 
ark  of  the  Lord  should  so  long  abide  at  our  house  !  It  is  now 
about  thirty -five  years  since  these  precious  meetings  com- 
menced under  our  roof.  Doubtless  hundreds  are  now  singing 
in  glory,  W'ho,  through  the  agency  of  these  precious  means  of 
grace,  are  singing  with  the  blood- washed  company  in  heaven. 

Writing  to  Mrs.  Han^linej  in  December,  1871,  and 
alludiug  to  the  many  ministers  of  different  evangelical 
denominations  who  had  borne  witness  to  the  wonderful 
works  of  God,  Mrs.  Palmer  adds. 

And  about  thus  is  it,  every  Tuesday.  I  sometimes  say  to 
Dr.  P.,  that  if  we  had  never  lived  for  anything  else  but  the 
Tuesday  afternoon  meeting,  we  shall  have  enough  to  jiraise  the 
Lord  for  forever.     But  ''  'tis  all  grace  !" 

June  0th,  1872,  she  writes : 

We  had,  I  presume,  over  a  score  of  brethren  and  sister 
friends  of  the  Orthodox  order.  Many  of  them  spoke  with 
sweetness  and  power, — doubtless  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance. 

It  is  the  time  for  their  yearly  meeting,  and  we  hope  to  be  at 
one  of  their  meetings  to-morrow,  as  we  have  been  strongly 
invited. 

In  the  Tuesday  meeting,  where  glad  thousands  have 


MBS.  PH(EBE  FALMER.  257 

obeyed  the  injunction  to  make  known  God's  doings  among 
tlie  people, — to  make  mention  that  His  name  be  exalted, — 
where  the  glorious  victories  of  the  cross,  in  Great  Britain, 
Canada,  and  the  United  States  have  so  often  been  exult- 
antly recoimted,— where  prayer,  fervent  and  effectual,  has 
been  offered  for  the  embassadors  of  Jesus, — where  Dr. 
Cook,  Prof.  Ux^ham  and  a  host  of  Methodistic  and  other 
worthies  have  worshii)ed,  the  old,  yet  ever  new  story  of 
Jesus  and  His  love,  is  still  told  with  unabated  power. 
Hearts  glow  with  hallowed  ike,  and  eyes  are  suffused  Avith 
joyous  tears.  Millennial  glory  radiates  from  the  hallowed 
spot,  while  songs  of  grateful  praise  to  the  Lamb,  wlio 
hveth  and  reigneth  forever,  rise  to  blend  rntli  the  melo- 
dious hymns  of  those  who  have  passed  from  its  i^recincts 
to  the  city  of  our  God, — Jerusalem  the  golden. 

17 


CHAPTEE    YII. 

EVANGELISTIC  EXPEDITIONS. 

THE  BIBLE,  in  all  things,  was  to  Mrs.  Palmer  an  in- 
fallible guide,  in  whose  teachings,  faith  was  impUcit 
and  unwavering.  Prayerfully  and  obediently  were  its 
pages  studied, — Scripture  being  compared  with  Scripture. 
In  the  expositions  and  experiences  of  the  elder  Methodist 
divines,  she  keenly  deUghted, — not  because  they  were 
Methodistic,  but  because  they  were  in  consonance  with 
the  spirit  and  letter  of  God's  word.  The  joy  of  the  Lord 
was  her  strength. 

The  day  of  profound  and  brilUant  usefulness,  so  auspi- 
ciously began,  was  speedily  overcast ;  and  for  more  than  a 
year,  the  cloud  of  physical  affliction  and  trial  gathered 
densely  around,  and  compelled  partial  retirement  from 
the  field. 

Erom  the  fiumace  of  pain  and  sleepless  weariness, 
came,  ^'  The  Way  of  Holiness,"  which  has  been  such  a 
treasiuy  of  blessing  to  tens  of  thousands,  and  whose  minis- 
tries of  mercy  will  continue  to  the  end  of  time.  Eventually, 
the  clouds  broke,  the  mists  cleared  away,  and  for  more 
than  tliirty  years  ]\[rs.  Palmer  i^ursued  the  even  tenor  of 
strenuous,  vigorous,  and  increashigly  efficient  toil,  until, 
in  honored  age,  her  sun  set  in  a  clear  sky — or  rather 
passed  away  from  human  sight  to  shine  with  resplendent 
glory  and  beauty  in  the  heavenly  world. 

1840 

In  this  year,  Mrs.  Palmer  began  the  long  series  of  evan- 
gelistic expeditions,  which  only  terminated  in  the  last  year 


MEMOIliS   OF  MRS.   PH(EBE  PALMER.  259 

of  mortal  life,  by  brief  visits  to  Eye  and  Williamsburg, 
where  her  messages  were  honored  of  God  in  the  salvation 
and  strengthening  of  many  souls.  She  also  \asited  Cald- 
welFs  Landing,  the  residence  of  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford,  un- 
der Avhose  diligent  endeavors  the  moral  desert  was  made 
to  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose,  and  there  shared  in 
her  sister's  toils  and  triumphs. 

Baltimore^  J/c/.,  May  13^A,  1841,  Mrs.  Palmer  made  a 
visit  to  Baltimore,  the  home  of  her  husband's  parents.  On 
the  journey  there,  we  findJier  diligent  in  her  work  for  Jesus. 
She  visited  the  General  Conference  then  in  session,  and 
renewed  old  friendships. 

Dr.  Bangs,  with  other  deeply  devoted  friends,  supi)ed 
with  the  family  in  the  evening,  and  the  subject  of  conver- 
sation was  the  full  assurance  of  faith. 

On  Monday,  she  again  attended  General  Conference 
and  heard  some  spirited  debates,  but  felt  grateful  to 
God  in  witnessing  the  Christian  forbearance  manifested^ 
She  says : 

I^tuow  I  may  be  thouglit  by  some,  to  be  too  contracted  in 
my  views,  but  it  is  an  established  truth  in  my  mind,  that  should 
the  spirit  of  holiness  preside,  these  conflicting  opinions  would 
be  much  more  easily  tianquilized.  ''  Charity  hopeth  all 
things,  believeth  all  things,  is  not  easily  provoked."  I  long  for 
more  of  tJus  heavenly  principle. 

1841. 

HEMPSTEAD   HARBOK,  N.  Y. — BURLINGTOX,    MOUNT   HOLLY,   N.  J., 
JERSEY  CITY. 

IIEMrSTKAI)  HAIIHOR,  N.  Y. 

On  the  17th  of  August,  I  went  to  the  grove  at  Hempstead 
Harbor.  The  glory  of  God  was  extraordinarily  manifested.  It 
was  thought  th  at  about  eighty  were  brought  into  perfect  lib- 
erty, and  two  hundred  to  know  the  forgiveness  of  sins.  From 
the  moment  of  starting  on  board  the  steamboat,  heaven  and 


2^0  MEMOIIiS  OF 

earth  seemed  propitious.  A  meeting  was  lield  on  the  passage 
down,  and  a  Toice  from  the  tliird  heaven  seemed  to  proclaim, 
''  Ask  what  ye  will,  in  my  name,  and  it  shall  be  granted."  The 
necessity  of  entering  into  the  closet  of  our  own  hearts,  and  of 
standing  as  the  followers  of  Jesus,  in  myreiyared  attitude,  for 
the  more  powerful  displays  of  grace,  was  urged  with  point  and 
power.  The  disciples  of  tlie  Saviour  were  grouped  together, 
and  with  beaming  countenances,  spoke  with  confident  language 
of  present  possession.  From  the  first,  a  hallowed  sense  of  the 
divine  glory,  seemed  to  o'ersliadow  iis.  It  was  thus  that  be- 
lievers entered  understandingly,  and  feelingly  into  the  labor 
of  love.  It  was  the  overflowings  of  their  hearts,  in  their  right- 
eous zeal,  which  caused  sinners  to  tremble,  and  with  unutter- 
able groanings,  to  feel  the  power  of  the  Spirit's  appeal.  My 
eyes  suftiise  with  tears,  and  my  heart  trembles  with  holy  awe, 
in  the  recollection  of  tlie  liours  spent  at  the  encampment.  The 
Spirit,  like  a  dove,  descended  and  sat  upon  the  soul  in  its 
I)eaceful,  yet  joyous  influences.  I  felt  that  ^'  God  was  in  this 
place,'' — and  it  was  ^'  holy  ground."  During  this  meeting,  my 
eye  was  intently  fixed  on  God,  and  through  God,  on  duty.  I 
was  enabled  to  endure,  as  seeing  the  invisible. 

MOUNT  HOLLY,  N.  J., 

Novemher  22d,  1841. 
My  Precious  Husband  : 

Will  not  wonder  that  the  interests  of  the  kingdom  of  God, 
still  keeps  me  from  him,  when  I  tell  him  that  I  know  that  He 
has  permitted  me  to  be  in  a  measure  helpful  in  bringing  about 
the  establishment  of  this  blessed  kingdom,  in  the  hearts  of 
others,  during  my  absence.  I  know  that  your  heart  will 
exuUj  I  was  about  to  say,  I  know  you  will  not  repine  at  the 
tliought  of  my  absence,  but  I  shrank  from  the  very  mention  of 
the  word  repine,  when  the  interests  of  the  Master  are  served 
by  our  being  parted  in  the  flesli.  ^'  We  part  in  body,  not  in 
mind." 

''  Our  uiinds  continue  one  ; 

While  each  iu  sweet  communion  joined, 

We  hand  in  band  go  on.  " 


MRS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  2G1 

0,  how  8weet  1  find  it,  to  preseut  to  my  God,  you,  my 
beloved,  and  those  precious  little  ones.  Kiss  them  for  me  ;  tell 
them  that  Ma  sends  one  hundred  kisses  each. 

I  find  it  a  sweet  privilege  to  present  all  the  members  of  my 
household,  through  Jesus,  before  the  throne  of  God,  morning 
and  evening.  May  they  abide  in  His  presence,  captivated  con- 
tinually with  the  absorbing  charms  of  the  altogether  lovely. 
But  I  must  endeavor  to  tell  you  some  of  the  marks  of  the 
way.  Yoa  can  hardly  conceive  how  difficult  I  find  it  to  gef  time 
to  write.  I  am  sitting  in  my  chamber,  and  from  the  window, 
some  time  since,  saw  the  pastor  direct  his  course  toward  the 
house.  The  room  is  almost  filled  with  company,  who  desire  to 
see  me,  but  I  have  resolved  if  possible,  not  to  disappoint  my 
beloved  husband,  as  I  gave  him  reason  to  expect  a  letter  from 
me  early  in  the  w^eek.  I  should  have  written  yesterday,  but  it 
seemed  utterly  impossible.  Immediately  on  leaving  you,  I  re- 
turned to  the  ladies'  cabin.  I  saw  the  chamber-maid  who  had 
promised  me  previously  to  think  on  the  subject  of  religion .  Slie. 
looked  much  interested  on  seeing  me,  and  I  observing  it,  said 
"  So  you  see  I  have  come  again.  Have  you  thought  more  on 
the  subject  of  religion  since  I  left  you  V  "  Yes,  indeed  I  have,'' 
was  the  reply,  and  my  heart  assured  me,  as  much  as  her  em- 
phatic manner,  that  she  spoke  truly.  I  conversed  more  Avith 
her  and  Avith  another  colored  servant,  and  they  both  encour- 
aged me  much  to  hope  that  they  would  set  out  to  seek  the 
Lord. 

During  this  conversation,  two  ladies  having  two  children 
in  charge,  were  busily  engaged  in  their  toilet.  My  heart  went 
out  in  ardent  desire  for  their  salvation.  I  was  prayerfully 
looking  for  an  opportunity  to  get  around  their  hearts.  You 
would  almost  smile  at  the  two  little  expedients  which*  the 
Lord  put  into  my  power,  to  make  use  of.  I  had  with  me  my 
beautiful  little  Annual  Bible,  which  you  presented  me.  O,  how 
thankful  I  was,  that  I  had  a  pretty  Bible.  I  saw  a  thorough 
utility  in  it.  My  heart  kept  continually  saying.  ''  Blessed 
Bible,  how^  I  love  it."  After  being  interested  in  it  myself,  for 
some  time,  I  stepped  forward  to  the  young  votary  of  fashion, 
pr^d  said,  "Would  you  not  be  pleased  to  have  a  book.    Itlook'^ 


262  MEMOIRS  OF 

notliiug  like  a  Bible,  but  it  is  the  Bible."  She  said  she  would, 
aud  I  placed  it  carefully  in  lier  hand,  and  Avith  a  degree  of  in- 
terest she  appeared  to  read  it,  and  examine  the  pictures.  I 
kept  continually  saying,  '^  Lord  speak  to  her  heart,  for  Thou 
canst  speak  through  the  instrumentality  of  those  pictures." 

After  examining  it  for  some  time,  she  handed  it  to  the  lady 
with  her,  wlio  appeared  to  be  equally  interested.  Soon  after, 
a  sweet  little  girl  tliey  had  with  them,  came  up  to  me  and 
said,  ''  I  want  to  kiss  you,"  I  was  utterly  astonished.  I  had 
been  asking  the  Lord  to  give  me  their  hearts  in  some  way,  and 
I  saw  He  had  condescended  to  do  it,  through  the  instrumentali- 
ty of  this  little  creature.  I  was  permitted  to  have  a  conversa- 
tion of  much  interest  with  the  mother.  I  pressed  the  necessity 
of  a  i^resent  preparation  for  eternity.  Slie  acknowledged  the 
truth  in  looks  and  words,  and  I  was  greatl}^  encouraged  to  hope 
for  lasting  results. 

We  arrived  at  Bro.  Ayers  just  before  the  morning  meeting 
closed.  They  had  announced  Bro.  AVoodbury  for  the  evening. 
He  preaclied,  and  there  was  some  moving  among  the  people^ 
Afterward,  I  tried  to  talk,  and  felt  that  the  Lord  lielped  me. 
Tlie  next  morning  was  a  love-feast,  and  we  had  a  sweet  season. 
In  the  evening,  Bro.  W.  again  preached,  and  several  in  the 
prayer-meeting  afterward  j^roraised  to  give  themselves  up  to 
follow  the  Lord  more  fully. 

Monday,  God  began  the  work  among  sinners  -,  five  Avent  for- 
ward to  the  altar.  One  exi^erienced  religion.  I  had  forgotten 
to  mention  that  dear  Sister  James  came  to  Burlington  on  Fri- 
day. She  had  made  an  engagement  for  me  to  be  at  a  meeting 
on  Monday  eveningj  at  Mount  Holly,  and  she  felt  that  the  dis- 
appointment would  be  such  that  I  must  go,  even  if  I  had  to  re- 
turn* to  Burlington.  Bros.  Ayers  and  Woodbury  would  not 
give  me  up,  for  Bro.  X.  said  my  A'isit  was  designed  for  them, 
and  that  though  they  wished  to  have  a  meeting  that  day,  for 
tliose  seeking  a  deeper  Avork  of  grace,  they  would  not  have  it 
unless  I  i)romised  to  be  present.  I  was  so  sure  that  such  a 
meeting  was  necessary,  for  a  thorough  foundation  for  the  work, 
that  1  saw  no  other  Avay  than  to  promise  to  return,  as  they 
said  thev  would  not  give  it  out  witliout  tliis  assurance. 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  2G3 

We  weut  to  Mt.  Holly  in  the  morning.  Pieviou>s  to  the 
meeting  in  the  afternoon,  a  young  Lrotlier  came  in,  whom  Sister 
Janios  called  one  of  the  lambs  of  the  flock.  While  Ave  were 
talking  together,  his  mind  l)egan  to  be  intently  fixed  upon  the 
attainment  of  the  i)resent  witness  of  holiness.  We  went  to  what 
was  called  tlie  female  prayer-meeting,  but  some  of  the  breth- 
ren attended.  It  was  a  glorious  meeting.  I  think  I  never  was 
where  tliere  was  a  more  general  descent  of  the  Holy  Gliost.  I 
began  to  talk  of  the  love  of  my  Saviour.  It  was  all  boundless 
love,  and  it  seemed  as  if  the  idea  of  one  not  yielding  to  such  love, 
would  almost  break  my  heart.  I  wept  at  the  thought  of  one  re- 
sisting such  love  for  a  moment.  I  told  them  that  it  seemed  that  if 
it  were  possible  for  angels  to  weep,  they  would,  over  the  sight  of 
one  hesitating  for  one  moment  to  yield  a  ready  and  joyous 
obedience  to  the  requirement,  ''  Thou  shalt  love  Lord  tliy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  soul,  mind  and  strength."  The  house  where 
Ave  Avere  assembled  was  a  double  country  house,  and  the  rooms 
and  entry  Avere  crowded.  The  brothers  occupied  that  part  of 
the  hall  nearest  the  front  door.  The  power  of  God  came  doAA'n 
upon  two  of  tliem  in  sucli  a  manner,  that  it  took  tAvo  others  to 
hold  them.  One  of  these  Avas  the  young  brother  Avho  came  in 
to  see  Sister  James.  God  sanctified  his  soul  in  a  v^ery  power- 
ful manner.  Tlie  passage  to  the  door  being  thus  closed,  it  seem- 
ed just  as  though  the  hand  of  love  had  determined  to  confine 
CA'erj^  one  Avitliin  its  bounds,  until  they  Avere  fully  made  the 
prisoners  of  tlie  loA^^e  of  God.  0,  hoAV  Sister  James  and  myself 
rejoiced  at  the  work  of  the  Lord.  It  seemed  as  if  it  would  not 
have  been  widely  different,  if  mortality  had  been  swalloAved  up 
of  life.  I  liave  noAV  returned  to  Burlingion,  and  attended  the 
afternoon  meeting.  I  should  suppose  that  over  fifty  stood  up 
as  a  token  that  they  entered  into  covenant  to  give  themselves 
to  be  wliolly  the  Lord's,  for  time  and  for  eternity.  What  a 
sight  for  men  and  angels  !  Glory  !  Glory  be  to  God  ! 

This  evening,  a  large  number  Avent  forAvard  for  prayer,  and 
Bro.  AV.  thinks  eight  or  nine  experienced  religion.  What  hath 
God  wrought !  To  morroAV  an  engagement  has  been  made  for 
me  to  go  to  WhitestoAMi,  about  nine  miles  from  Mount  Holly, 
AA'here  I  iiiu  expected  to  hold  a  meeting.     I  shall  not  be  able  to 


204  MEMOIRS  OF 

return  until  the  next  morning.     Tlie  prospect  seems  so  glorious, 
that  I  do  not  know  what  to  say  about  coming  home. 

I  would  write  much  more,  but,  wearied  nature  says  No! 
It  is  now  very  late  at  night  or  morning,  I  know  not  which. 
The  Lord  bless  and  sustain  you  all,  and  give  his  angels  charge 
concerning  you,  and  preserve  you  unto  His  heavenly  kingdom 
forever. 

JERSEY    CITY. 

On  her  return  to  the  city,  she  pours  out  lier  heart  to 
her  frieud,  in  the  following  letter : 

New  York,  December,  1841. 
T()  Mrs.  James: 

Since  my  return,  my  hands  have  been  full.  A  variety  of 
pursuits  seem  to  engage  every  moment.     I  can  say  with  truth, 

"With me,  no  melancholy  void, 
No  moment  lingers  unemployed, 
Or  unimproved  below." 

I  have  been  attending  meetings  at  Jersey  City,  of  much  the 
same  character  as  those  at  Burlington,  I  cannot  describe  to 
you  the  weight  of  resi)onsibility  I  at  times,  feel  to  be  resting 
upon  me,  in  view  of  these  various  calls,  as  they  seem  to  be  ac- 
cumulating. By  the  manner  in  which  I  am  sustained,  I  have 
no  reason  to  think  otherwise  than  that  the  invitations  I  receive, 
and  tlie  providential  ox^enings  which  seem  to  say,  '^  Go  forward," 
should  be  regarded  as  the  voice  of  God. 

Tliose  extraordinary  outpourings  of  the  Spirit,  which  I  am 
often  led  to  anticipate,  as  a  proof  to  others  that  I  am  called  to 
Ihis  peculiar  work,  as  was  Moses  and  Gideon,  seem  to  be 
delayed.  The  Lord  gives  me  liberty  of  speecli,  favor  iu  the 
eyes  of  His  servants,  and  tlie  affections  of  tliose  to  whom  I 
endeavor  to  be  useful.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  I  am  tempted 
with  the  suggestion,  that  an  extraordinary  work,  should,  to 
prove  its  validity  to  others,  be  accompanied  Avith  more  extra- 
ordinary effects. 

I  often  think  of  tlie  Avords  of  the  beloved  Fletcher,  '^  We 
will  not  ask  signs,  Polly."     It  was  the  sin  of  Israel  that  they 


MRS.  PR(EBE  PALMER  265 

asked  signs.  And  my  heart  says,  ''  Lord,  I  will  not,  as  Gideon, 
ask  signs."  It  is  enough  that  I  hear  Thy  voice.  Thou  hast 
said,  ''  Ye  have  need  of  patience  !"  And  Thou  aj-t  proving  me  : 
Shall  I  repine  ?  The  Lord  blesses  my  labors,  and  the  blessed 
portion  of  the  word, '^  For  as  much  as  ye  know  that  your 
laboi  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord  !  causes  me  to  triumph.  0, 
biesf?  IiIkS  name ! 

1  am  at  present  placed  in  very  responsible  circumstances. 
Caii  you  not  meet  me  daily  at  the  throne  of  grace,  at  two  P.  M.  ? 
Pray  especially,  that  I  may  have  icisdom  to  direct  in  every  step. 
It  is  in  reference  to  the  articles  I  have  written  on  holiness.  I 
fully  believe  the  hand  of  God  is  in  the  whole  affair,  for  good. 

1842. 
BETHLEHEM,  PA. — KAMAPO   VALLEY,  N.  Y. 

Early  in  1842,  Mrs.  Palmer  received  a  very  urgent 
invitation  froua  Miss  Frederica  Bohler,  grand-daughter  of 
Eev.  Peter  Boliler,  to  whose  miinstry^  John  Wesley  was 
so  deeply  indebted,  to  visit  Bethlehem,  the  i^rincipal  cen- 
tre of  Moravianism  in  America.  "  For  God's  sjike  come 
and  help  us,"  wrote  the  lady.  The  imploring  appeal  met 
with  prompt  response.  On  March  17th,  Mrs.  Palmer,  in 
correspondence  with  Dr.  Palmer,  gave  an  intensely  inter- 
esting description  of  the  Moravian  community^  there,  of  the 
spii^ituai  condition  of  its  members,  and  of  her  own  success 
in  laboring  to  spread  scriptural  holiness  among  them. 
The  doctrine  of  Christian  perfection  had  been  coldly^  and 
even  derisively  regarded,  and  so  lukewarm  and  sensitive 
had  the  most  decidedly^  religious  among  the  single  sisters 
become,  that  they  did  not  wish  to  pray  aloud  even  in  the 
presence  of  each  other,  without  first  locking  the  door  of 
the  room  in  which  they  were  gathered. 

This  general  backsliding.  Miss  Bohler,  and  the  spiritually 
minded  few,  deeply  deplored;  and  gave  to  their  guest, 
entire   and  grateful  sympathy  in  her  labors    to  effect  a 


2()G  MEMOIRS  OF 

genuine  religious  revival.  Not  only  that,  but  they  gave  per, 
sonal  co-operation, — giving  themselves  wholly  to  Christ,  in 
the  first  instance,  and  then  to  the  service  of  the  Church, 
by  His  will.  By  this  ^isit,  the  debt  of  Methodism  to 
Mora\iauism  was  in  part, — but  if  only  in  part,  still  richly 
repaid. 

RAMAPO    VALLEY. 

Monday f  August,  22d. — I  was  earnestly  solicited  by  my  hon- 
ored father,  and  my  sister  Sarah,  to  accompany  them  to  a  camp- 
meeting  in  Ramapo  Yallej'  I  concluded  to  go,  and  most 
truly  did  I  prove  that  i  was  indeed  divinely  directed  in  the  un- 
dertaking. I  was  fearful,  in  this  case,  of  being  influenced  by 
the  solicitations  oi  friends,  and  I  asked  that  if  it  was  right, 
that  the  minds  of  those  attending  the  meeting  might  be  so  influ- 
enced toward  me,  and  I  toward  them,  that  I  might  be  fully 
pursuaded  of  being  in  the  order  of  God,  in  attending  tlie 
meetiug. 

We  arrived  on  the  ground  about  eight  in  the  evening. 
My  husband  inquired  for  the  committee  to  know  where  to 
place  his  tent.  We  were  soon  surrounded  by  a  band  of  chris- 
tian brothers,  each  disposed  to  vie  iu  their  demonstrations  of 
christian  love.  A  brotlier  with  wliom  I  was  totally  unac- 
quainted, Baid,  ''  0,  Sister  Palmer,  I  have  been  hoping  that 
you  would  come  to  this  camp-meeting."  This  brother  was  one 
ot  the  committee,  and  an  official  member.  After  tlie  evening 
service  was  over,  and  while  we  were  partaking  of  some  re- 
freshments the  committee  came  in,  and  we  had  a  blessed  sea- 
son of  refic'.-^hing,  as  one  after  another  joined  in  i^rajer.  The 
brother  just  alluded  to,  became  all  athirst  for  the  present  wit- 
ness of  full  salivation,  and  his  deep  interest,  I  afterwards  ascer- 
tained, was  tlie  reason  why  he  was  so  anxious  I  should  be  pres- 
ent at  the  meeting. 

The  next  morning,  before  the  commencement  of  public  ser- 
vice, while  endeavoring  to  point  out  the  simplicity  of  the  way, 
he  was  enabled  to  enter  by  faith  into  the  enjoyment  of  the  rest 
he  had  so  long  been  seeking.  He  became  more  deeply  rooted 
and  grounded  in  the  possession  of  the  blessing,  during  our  stay 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  267 

on  tlie  encami)mfnt  :  and  as  he  had  been  among  tlie  first  to 
welcome,  was  also  one  of  the  last  to  see  us  off  the  ground. 

This  was  but  a  prelude  to  the  abundant  grace  vouchsafed. 
I  do  not  know  that  1  ever  was  at  a  meeting,  where  I  was  in 
labor  more  abundant,  or  God  more  eminently  present  with  me 
to  bless  my  efforts. 

Here  we  again  met  with  our  Presbyterian  brethren,  spoken  of 
before.  Brother  Hill's  noble  testimony  had  led  two  into  the  belief 
of  full  salvation,  while  their  united  testimony  led  many  to  the 
Saviour.  They  were  as  flaming  torches,  filled  with  the  Spirit.  In 
a  couple  of  weeks,  they  will  be  called  to  answer  before  the 
Presbytery,  for  what  is  termed  by  that  body,  ^'  heresy."  But 
if  the  Lord  is  as  eminently  present  with  them,  as  at  this  time, 
they  have  nothing  to  fear. 

Will  it  be  believed  a  score  of  years  hence,  that  men  were 
arraigned  before  an  ecclesiastical  tribunal  of  this  description, 
for  no  other  reason,  than  that  of  declaring  as  their  belief,  that 
man  may  be  cleansed  from  ail  unrighteousness  in  this  life,  and 
be  enabled  to  falflU  tlie  great  command,  ''  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord,  thy  God,  with  all  thy  heart,  soul,  mind,  and  strength  ?" 

For  tills  peculiarity  of  belief,  these  brethren  will  probably 
be  condemned,  as  guilty  of  heresy. 

SING-SING. 

September  Gth.^Haxe  just  returned  from  Sing  Sing  camp- 
meeting.     Was  much  blessed  with  the  presence  of  God. 

Novemher  3^.- -Eevd.  Mr.  H.  came  in  this  morning,  and  asked 
what  books  1  liad  found  most  helpful  in  my  pursuit  of  holiness. 
I  for  a  moment  hesitated,,  not  unmindful  of  the  rtiany  helps 
with  which  we,  as  a  people  have  been  favored,  and  then  replied, 
^''  Brother,  the  Bible  has  been  the  one  iirominent  book  with  me." 
I  then  pioceoded  to  state,  how  I  was  led  step  by  step,  onward 
iu  the  patli  leading  to  holiness,  through  the  direct  instrumen- 
tality of  the  word  of  God.  After  I  had  finished,  I  was  pleased 
to  hear  him  say,  '^Sister  Palmer,  you  have  given  just  the  an- 
swer I  had  hoped  you  would."  To  have  the  approbation  of  his 
enlightened  l)iety,  was  indeed  gratifying.  The  Bible  is  suffi- 
ciently explicit  in  its  directions  for  all  inquirers  after  holiness, 
and  when  we  can  trace  the  various  recordsof  exi)erience  in  such 


268  MEMOIRS  OF 

lives  as  Wesley,  Fletcher,  Rogers,  and  Bramwell,  we  find  they 
sweetly  blend  with  the  teachings  of  the  Blessed  Book. 

O  !  bless  the  Lord  that  He  has  inclined  so  many  who  speak 
forth  the  words  of  truth  and  soberness,  to  bear  testimony  to 
the  truth  of  this  great  bible  doctrine.  The  fact  of  my  being 
driven  directly  to  the  hiw  and  the  testimony,  has  been  es- 
sentiall}^  serviceable  to  me,  in  the  sphere  in  which  I  have  been 
called  to  move.  I  have  been  mucli  witli  those  of  different  de- 
nominations. At  the  meeting  for  Christian  conference,  which 
has  been  held  for  several  years,  in  our  own  house,  I  have  had 
most  satisfactory  evidence,  that  holiness  when  maintained  as  a 
Bible  doctrine,  is  most  eminently  calculated  to  unite  those,  who 
in  sincerity,  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, — irrespective  of  name 
and  party. 

It  is  not  unusual  for  three  or  four  different  denominations 
to  meet  in  our  parlors,  that  are  consecrated  to  this  hallowed 
purpose.  Recently,  I  observed  a  Presbyterian  minister  at  the- 
head  of  the  room,  a  Methodist  minister  next,  a  Baptist  student 
of  theology  next,  and  a  Moravian  next;  and  this  was  not  in  any 
degree  by  special  design. 

1843. 


Labors  in  social,  church,  and  camp -meetings  continued 
incessantly,  and  were  blessed  with  excellent  and  plenteous 
fruit.  In  Bridgei)ort,  the  people  w^ere  all  alive  on  the  sub- 
ject of  entire  sanctiflcation.  Then,  and  subsequently,  in 
Fairfield,  many  sought  that  grace  with  "  strong  crying  and 
tears,"  and  under  the  instructions  of  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  of 
the  pastor,  Eev.  J.  L.  Gilder,  entered  upon  its  fehcitous 
experience. 

1844. 

EYE,    Sma  SING,  N.    Y. — HIGHTSTOWN,    TRENTON,    BELLE- 
VILLE, BORDENTOWN,   MOUNT   HOLLY,   BURLING- 
TON, N.   J. 

Tn  August  of  this  year,  while  at  a  camp-meeting  in 
Belleville,  N.  J.,  the  preacher  in  charge,  pursuant  to  a  sug- 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMEJR.  2G9 

gestion  from  Mrs.  Palmer,  invited  all  who  wislied  to  attain 
present  holiness,  to  indicate  the  wish  by  kneeling  at  the 
altar,  and  praying  for  it  specifically.  For  a  season,  the 
benches  fronting  the  stand  reminded  spectators  of  the 
Jewish  Bochiiii.  Bnt  it  was  only  for  a  season,  for  the 
eftnsion  of  the  Spirit  soon  tnrned  the  thonghts  to  the  np- 
per  chamber  at  Jernsalem,  when  ''  the  promise  of  the 
Father  "  had  been  fnltilled  to  the  waiting  disciples.  Much 
good  was  accomplished. 

Prior  to  this,  Mrs.  P.  had  labored  with  gTeat  acceptance 
and  snccess  at  Boston,  Mass.,  and  also  at  Hillsdale,  X.  J. 
In  the  antiunn,  she  also  attended  the  camp-meetings  at 
Eye  and  Sing  Sing.     Of  the  latter,  she  records  : 

SING-SING. 

Attended  the  Sing  Sing  camp-meeting.  It  was  much  the 
same  in  interest  as  tlie  one  at  Rye.  It  seems  as  if  the  Lord 
was  intent  on  the  purification  of  the  church,  and  as  if  no  means 
were  left  untried.  The  Rev.  Elijah  Andrews,  who  had  attended 
the  Rye  meeting,  was  lost  overboard,  in  passing  up  the  river  on 
his  way  to  the  meeting.  A  great  fright  prevailed  on  board,  by 
what  at  the  time  was  thought  to  be  the  bursting  of  the  boiler, 
and  whether  he  jumjjed  overboard,  or  how  the  accident  hap- 
pened, none  could  say.  It  produced  a  tremendous  effect  among 
all  classes,  and  most  loudly  piToclaimed,  "■  Be  ye  also  ready,  for 
in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  man  cometli." 

The  testimony  of  some  that  were  on  board  was  most  gratify- 
ing. It  was  some  who  had  stood  out  bold  witnesses  of  perfect 
love.  It  was  with  thrilling  interest  that  I  heard  one,  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  same  day,  testify  that  ^'perfect  love  casteth  out  fear," 
it  was  a  valuable  testimony  indeed, — the  peculiar  circumstances 
considered. 

This  Avas  a  meeting  that  will  be  remembered  by  hundreds,  for 
the  spiritual  benefit  received.  Dr.  Bangs  presided,  and  opened 
the  public  services  on  the  ground,  by  enforcing  the  text,  '^  Be  ye 
holy."  Many  obtained  the  precious  pearl  during  the  meeting, 
and   many   have  returned,  hungering  and   thirsting  after  the 


270  MEMOIBS  OF 

blessing.  My  overjoyed  heart  could  almost  exclaim,  ''  now 
lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for  my  eyes  have  seen 
Tliy  salvation." 

Hightstowii  and  Trenton,  K.  J.,  were  next  visited. 
With  thrilling  exi)ressions  of  gratitude  to  God,  she  relates 
the  incidents  of  travel  and  of  Christian  work.  The  con- 
ductor, who,  standing  on  the  hinder  platform  of  the  last 
car,  had  helped  her  on  board  after  the  train  had  started, 
on  her  last  visit  to  Trenton,  had  been  converted.  Her 
words  to  him  on  that  occasion,  ''  I  would  not  like  to  come 
so  near  missing  heaven,  as  I  have  missing  this  car — 
Woidd  you  ?"  had  sunk  into  his  heart,  awakened  reflection, 
and  induced  him  to  begin  a  new  life. 

Belle^ille,  Borden  town,  Mount  Holly  and  Burhngton 
also  shared  in  the  blessing  of  her  spmt  and  doctrine,  in 
December  following.  Eeturning  from  the  former  i^lace,  a 
gentleman  who  politely  offered  a  seat  in  the  cars  remarked 
on  the  excitement  of  the  pending  presidential  election,  and 
was  somewhat  suii)rised  by  the  truthful  criticism  that 
those  most  excited  would  probably  think  Christians  beside 
themselves,  were  they  to  manifest  proportionate  zeal  for 
the  salvation  of  sinners.  Lengthened  conversation  ensued, 
whose  outcome  of  spiritual  profit  was  certamly  large  to 
one,  and  in  all  probably  to  both. 

1  KENTON. 

Septemherl6th.—Wa&  delayed  at  Trenton  till  the  next  morn- 
ing. Went  to  class-meeting  with  Bro.  and  Sister  Wakeley  at 
night,  and  on  the  whole,  had  such  a  sweet  and  profitable  season, 
that  I  could  not  doubt  but  that  the  matter  had  been  providen- 
tially ordered,  although  I  had  fully  expected  to  liave  spent  the 
time  at  the  grove.  The  next  morning,  with  other  friends,  I  Avent 
to  the  meeting,  a  distance  of  eleven  miles.  On  the  way,  con- 
versed most  of  the  time  with  one  deeply  desirious  of  being  ^'  all 
the  Lord's;"  hoped  she  would  have  received  the  witness  before 
reaching  the  ground,  but  though  just  on  the  verge,  she  even- 
tually permitted  unbelief  to  triumph. 


AlliS   PH(EBE  PALMER.  271 

I  had  much  opportunity  to  coniinuiie  with  ministers,  and 
found  tliem  accessible  on  the  subject  of  holiness,  and  much  time 
was  passed  in  conversation  on  this  all- important  theme. 

I  have  seldom  felt  a  deeper  sympathy  of  spirit  with  them. 
They  are  men  "  of  like  passions  ''  with  ourselves.  This  I  think 
is  not  sufficiently  considered.  Satan  doubtless  takes  even 
more  pains  to  prevent  their  getting  into  the  enjoyment  of  holi- 
ness, than  even  with  the  members  of  their  flock.  He  knows 
that  their  flock  would  be  likely  to  follow  their  faith,  should  they 
get  into  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  blessing,  and  so  he  engages 
principalities  and  powers  to  contend  against  them.  But  sure- 
ly their  efforts  should  be  correspondingly  greater,  and  if  they 
but  realized  their  awful  responsibilities,  it  surely  would  be  so. 
O,  how  much  they  need  the  prayers  of  the  people,  and  the  spirit 
of  the  scriptures  demands  it,  and  if  the  time  spent  in  speaking  of 
the  lowness  of  experience  of  some  of  them,  was  spent  in  lift- 
ing  up  their  hands,  how  much  greater  would  be  our  prosperity. 
But  we  surely  had  too  little  i)reaching  on  holiness.  The 
p«ople  were  hungering  for  food,  which  they  did  not  get.  It  is 
a  mistake  to  sujipose  that  first  principles  are  all  that  are  re- 
quired at  camp-meeting.  The  Rye  and  Sing  Sing  meetings 
were  an  assurance  of  this.  The  preaching  at  both  these  places 
was  much  on  the  subject  of  holiness,  and  little  other  labor 
seemed  to  be  blest,  but  there  were  many  conversions,  espe- 
cially at  Sing  Sing.    I  think  there  were  over  fift}'  the  last  night. 

BORDENTOWN,    N.    J. 

December,  1844. — A  few  days  since,  Brother  Tuttle,  of  Bor- 
dentowu,  desired  that  I  should  spend  a  little  time  there,  pre- 
paratoiy  to  the  commencement  of  a  protracted  meeting. 

On  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth,  started  for  BordentoMn.  in 
company  with  Dr.  P's  brother,  John.  Spent  most  of  the  time 
on  the  road  in  conversing  with  Brother  J.,  on  the  necessity  of 
having  a  renewed  nature  and  the  witness  of  it,  in  order  to  get 
the  assurance  of  a  well  grounded  hope  of  heaven.  He  is  amiable, 
and  possessed  by  nature  of  rather  more  than  an  ordinary  share 
of  the  ennobling  and  endearing  qualities  of  the  heart.  But 
these  are  gifts  from  God,  and  if  not  sanctifietl  to  His  service, 


272  MEMOIRS  OF 

but  increase  responsibility.  How  sweetly  and  extensively 
would  liis  influence  tell,  if  these  natural  abilities  which  tell 
interestingly  and  i)ersiiasively  on  those  around  him,  were  only 
turned  into  a  sanctified  channel. 

Brother  Tuttle  was  kindly  waiting  for  me  at  the  cars,  and 
conducted  me  to  liis  pleasant  home.  The  weather  was  extreme- 
ly cold,  but  the  ardor  of  heavenly  love  burned  with  a  sin-con- 
Buming  energy  on  my  heart,  and  I  felt, 

"  No  changes  of  season  or  place, 
Could  make  any  change  in  my  mind." 

In  the  evening,  before  the  hour  for  service  at  the  church, 
I  attended  class-meeting,  held  at  the  house  of  a  veteran  in 
Israel,  old  Father  Robbius.  I  was  blest  in  speaking  to  a  part 
of  the  members  of  the  class,  and  refreshings  from  God's  X)resence 
seemed  to  be  realized  by  all.  On  going  to  the  church,  I  was 
required  to  exercise  in  a  more  x^ublic  manner  than  I  had 
anticipated, — Bro.  Tuttle  mentioning  mj  name  to  the  j)eople, 
and  then  calling  upon  me  to  make  the  opening  prayer,  speak, 
etc. 

How  my  nature  still  shrinks  from  this  publicity,  but  I  never 
refuse,  and  grace  always  sustains.  Though  nature  recoils,  yet 
the  divine  principle  within  me  always  goes  out  in  searching  for 
the  mind  of  the  Sjjirit,  and  when  it  is  found,  with  Jeremiah,  I 
can  say,  '^  Thy  word  did  I  find,  and  I  did  eat  it^  I  desire  to 
hnow  the  will  of  God,  however  crossing  to  the  flesh  it  may  be, 
and  when  apprehended,  I  can  say, 

"  Love  makes  my  willing  feet, 
In  swift  obedience  move." 

The  friends  listened  to  the  claims  of  God,  urging  present 
holiness,  with  apx)arent  interest,  but  the  energy  and  earnest 
waking  which  I  had  hoped  for,  was  not  at  once  produced.  My 
Heavenly  Father,  as  on  other  occasions,  had  prepared  me  for 
this.  I  could  not  see  my  way  perfectly  clear  to  go,  until  I  had 
made  up  my  mind  that  I  would  not  be  discouraged,  and  think 
myself  uncalled,  tliougli  I  sliould  not  be  permitted  to  witness 
any  fruit  of  my  labor.     After  this  surrender,  a  plain  path  was 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  273 

made  before  me,  and  I  fully  believed  God  would  work,  though 
I  might  not  be  permitted  to  see  it.  Spent  most  of  the  morning 
of  Tuesday  in  religious  conversation.  In  the  afternoon,  Bro. 
P.'s  class  met  in  the  house,  and  I  felt  that  I  had  a  message 
from  God  in  speaking  to  the  members. 

1845. 

SING-  SINa,  N.  Y. — MIDDLETOWN,  CONN. 

Sickness  compelled  cessation  from  public  labor  during 
the  greater  part  of  this  year;  but  still,  as  strength  and 
opportunity  admitted,  the  old  flame  of  loving  zeal  blazed 
out  with  all  its  pristine  fervor.  The  account  of  labor  in 
Middletown,  detailed  in  a  letter  to  Airs.  Mary  D.  James,  on 
the  18th  of  September,  is  full  of  interest. 

Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  August  17th,  1845. — Early  in  the  present 
month,  I  visited  the  amiable  and  deeply  pious  Mrs.  Garretson, 
at  Rhinebeck,  where,  with  her  intelligent,  pleasant  daughter, 
she  resides,  surrounded  with  the  blessing  of  a  bounteous  provi- 
dence, lovely  indeed,  and  being  loved.  Attended  the  Sing  Sing 
camp-meeting.  Though  not  able  to  labor  with  and  for  others, 
as  formerly,  had  many  encouragements.    . 

Middletown,  Conn.  Last  week.  Sister  Sarah  Lankford  and 
I  visited  Middletown,  Conn.,  the  seat  of  the  Wesleyan  Univer- 
sity. We  have  seldom  felt  more  sure  of  going  at  the  bidding 
of  the  Saviour,  any  where,  than  to  this  place.  We  had  several 
opportunities  for  "  praising  the  beauty  of  holiness,"  and  our 
gracious  God  condescended  to  permit  us  to  see  some  fruit  of  our 
labors.  Several  became  deeply  awakened  to  the  importance  of 
"holiness,  and  some  who  before  had  only  regarded  it  as  a  privi- 
lege, were  aroused  to  the  solemn  duty. 

One  of  the  professors  of  the  University  frankly  acknowl- 
edged that  he  had  been  faulty  in  looking  at  the  matter  thus, — 
as  though  it  were  optional  witli  himself  whether  he  would  per- 
fect holiness  in  the  fear  of  God,  or  otherwise,  and  said  he  was 
afraid  that  too  many  regarded  the  matter  thus.  Alas !  how 
many  are  unmindful  that  it  is   an  imperative   command,    ''Be 

YE  HOLY.'' 

18 


274  MEMOIRS  OF 

An  interesting  young  sister,  tvLo  is  engaged  to  be  married  to 
a  young  minister  about  to  sail  for  Africa,  felt  that  sbe  was  ena- 
bled to  enter  into  the  rest  of  faith,  during  our  visit.  Professor 
Holdich  called  on  us,  and  wished  to  be  affectionately  remcni- 
bdred  to  you.  We  met  witli  Mrs.  Holdich  also,  at  a  class-meet- 
ing of  tlie  Faculty,  lield  at  the  University,  at  which  were  i^resent 
three  or  four  ladies  of  the  Professors,  with  several  of  the  breth- 
ren, tutors,and  students.  We  endeavored  to  present  Holiness 
as  the  duty  of  t\iQ.  present  moment,  with  faithfulness,  and  shall 
hope  that  God  will  cause  that  which  was  sown  in  weakness  to 
be  raised  in  power. 

1846. 

Illness,  and  consequent  physical  prostration  were  araong^ 
the  afflictive  experiences  of  this  year.  Travel  was  compara- 
tively limited — tlie  ])rincipal  object  being  the  regainment 
of  health.  Accompanied  by  Dr.  Palmer,  she  spent  some 
time  at  Saratoga  Springs  j  and  also  jom-neyed,  by  easy 
stage>s,  to  Buffalo.  Their  custom  was  to  stop  over  nighty 
and  perhaps  for  a  day  or  two,  in  addition,  at  intermediate 
stations.  Ko  sooner  was  Mrs.  Palmer  carefully  i^rovided 
ior  at  the  hotel,  than  she  would  suggest  to  lier  husband 
the  propriety  of  visiting  the  Methodist  pastor  in  charge, 
introducing  the  subject  of  personal  hohness,  and  aftbction- 
ately  pressing  its  acquisition,  and  the  duty  of  lu^ging  others 
to  accept  the  proffered  grace.  It  was  in  this  prolonged 
season  of  bodily  suffeiing,  that  Mrs.  Palmer  composed  and 
published,  "  The  Way  of  Hohness  ;"  a  volume  that,  next 
to  the '' Dairy  man's  Daughter,"  has  done  more  for  the 
spread  of  evangehcal  godliness,  than  any  other  of  the  pres- 
ent century. 

1847. 

NOKWALK,  CONN. — PHILADELPHIA. — Sma  SING,  N.  Y.- 
EASTHAM,  MASS. 

FoRWALK,  Conn. — In  September  of  this  year,  with  re- 
covered health,  Mrs.  Palmer  visited  the  cami)-meeting  near 


MBS.  PECFAiE  PALMER.  275 

Norwalk,   Conn.,  and  spoke  with  power  on  her  favorite 
topic.     She  writes : 

I  do  not  wait  to  witness  ^^  raanifestntion  of  tleeii  interest  on 
thetlieme  of  holiness,  before  speaking.  If  but  little  concern  is 
felt,  iJioportionate  zeal  should  be  exhibited  in  urging  the  duiy. 
It  is  not  so  pleasing  to  nature,  but  I  act  or  the  principle,  that 
it  is  a  duty  to  cast  aside  the  enthusiastic  doctrine,  that  we  are  not 
to  do  good,  unless  we  feel  ixee  to  it.  I  felt  the  approval  of  my 
Heavenly  Father,  in  pressing  the  importance  of  present  holi- 
ness, this  morning. 

Philadelphia. — Subsequently,  in  company  with  Mrs. 
Lankford,  Mrs.  Palmer  visited  Philadelphia,  in  response 
to  the  earnest  solicitations  of  friends,  who  were  deeply  de- 
voted to  the  promotion  of  holiness  in  that  city  and  vicinity. 
They  stayed  a  while  at  Mount  Holly,  on  the  way,  to 
visit  Mrs.  James,  and  attended  the  prayer  and  class-meet- 
ings, at  the  church.  Welcomed  most  pleasantly  by  dear 
friends,  they  \isited  Girard  College,  ''  a  stupendous,  mas- 
sive, and  costly  building."  Whatever  may  have  been  the 
intentions  of  its  founder,  it  is  really  a  most  excellent  Chris- 
tian institution. 

Sabbath  afternoon  she  and  Mrs.  L.  addressed  the  Sun- 
day-school childi-en. 

This  afternoon,  two  Sabbath-schools  were  crowded  into  the 
S.  S.  room  of  the  Union  Church,  through  the  intervention  of 
friends,  for  the  purpose  of  having  sister  S.  and  myself  talk  to 
them.  Tliis  was  quite  unexpected,  but  we  had  asked  of  the  Lord 
to  direct  wholly,  as  to  the  manner  of  our  being  useful  whik'  liere, 
and  we  dared  not  doubt  but  that  He  had  directed  this,  other- 
wise, I  surely  should  have  thought  it  a  mistake,  but  as  it  was^ 
the  Lord  blest  us  in  the  deed,  and  we  had  reason  to  believe, 
before  the  close  of  the  interview,  that  our  God  had  ordered  our 
way  in  this  also.  Several  little  ones  arose  to  say  that  they 
would  endeavor  to  remember  their  Creator  now  in  the  days  of 
their  youth. 


276  MEMOIRS  OF 

While  iu  Pliiladelpliia,  Mrs.  Palmer  attended  and  or- 
ganized a  meeting-  for  the  promotion  of  holiness,  similar 
in  many  respects  to  the  Tuesday  meeting. 

Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.,  Eastham,  Mass.— The  state  of  my  health 
considered,  you  may  be  surprised,  wlieii  I  inform  yow,  that  I 
have  been  at  two  camp -meetings.  One  at  Sing-Sing,  N.  Y., 
the  other  at  Eastham.  Mass.  The  first  named  was  good,  very 
good.  Several  were  converted,  but  the  number  of  those  mIio 
received  the  blessing  of  holiness  exceeded,  I  think,  the  number 
of  conversions.  We  were  favored  with  much  of  the  Divine 
presence.  In  our  tent,  more  than  a  dozen,  I  think,  reoeived  the 
witness  of  sanctification. 

The  latter,  which  was  held  at  Eastham,  was  a  season  of 
power.  The  grove  in  whicli  it  is  lield  is  called  ''  The  Millennial 
Grove."  Often,  while"  worshiping  with  Grod's  sacramental  hosts, 
in  this  place,  was  I  reminded  of  the  latter-day  glory. 

Among  the  many  memorable  things  which  I  heard,  were  some 
things  which  I  may  not  soon  forget,  I  will  mention  two  or 
three.  The  Rev.  Mr.  G.  said,  ''Tlie  reason  why  many  were  not 
living  in  the  enjoyment  of  full  salvation  was  because  they  did 
not  understand  the  grammar  of  salvation  and  use  the  right 
moods  and  tenses. — Say  not,  ''If  I  will  be  saved,  I  may  be 
saved  ]  or  I  shall  be  saved.  Adopt  the  indicative  mood,  present 
tense,  first  person,  singular  number — I  am  saved. ''^ 

Rev.  Mr.  M.,  observed,  ''  It  matters  not  wliat  tlie  disease  may 
be,  whether  cholera  or  fever,  if  we  have  a  physician  Avho  can 
cure  all  manner  of  diseases.  Our  Jesus  is  able  to  make  every 
■whit  wliole,  whatever  the  malady,  and  of  this  I  liave  been  a 
witness  for  the  past  twenty-six  years. 

1848. 

150W  HILL,   N.   Y. — YINCENTTOWN,   N.   J. — FISHKILL,   RYE, 
PLEAS  ANT  VILLE,  N.  Y. — BALTEVIORE,  ]\rD. 

Bow  Hell,  N.  Y.,  J^ime  21st. — Took  ears  for  Canojoharie, 
stage  from  thence  to  Cooperstown, — the  residence  of 
l^ev.  B.  W.  Gorham,  where  the  night  was  spent.    Heniy 


MRS,  PHCEBE  PALMER.  277 

Won-all,  Sr.,  Esq.,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Pahner,  was  herooiii- 
paiiion  on  this  expedition.  A.  ride  of  ten  miles,  next 
day,  brought  them  to  Boav  Hill  camp  ground,  where  a 
meeting  was  then  in  i)rogTess ; 

After  service,  said  to  a  pious  looking  female,  standing  at  the 
door  of  one  of  the  tents  :  "  Do  you  enjoy  the  witness  that  you 
are  whollj^  sanctified  ?"  "  I  do  not,  hut  I  have  come  from  a 
place  ahout  sixty  miles  distant,  hoping  to  receive  that  blessing 
My  health  for  a  long  time,  has  been  very  feeble,  and  the  fovor 
of  God  seems  to  have  been  specially  manifested,  in  strengthen- 
ing me  for  the  arduous  undertaking  of  coming  here.  I  am 
hoping  to  obtain  the  blessing."  Tasked  her  whether  she  did 
not  believe  that  God  was  willing  to  give  her  the  blessing  now  ? 
She  soon  acknowledged  that  it  was  not  only  a  privilege  but  a 
duty  to  look  for  the  blessing  now.  After  further  conver- 
sation, the  fervor  of  her  desn^es  kindled  to  a  flame,  and  it  was 
but  a  few  moments  ere  she  was  rejoicing  in  the  assurance  that 
she  was  sanctified  through  the  offering  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

Here,  too,  31rs.  Palmer  Avas  honored  as  God's  instru- 
ment in  leaduig  the  presiding  elder  into  the  exi)erience  of 
full  salvation.  He  had  been  cumbered  Avith  much  serving, 
but  a  storm  of  wind  and  rain,  dispersing  the  crowds, 
lessened  his  cares,  and  gin  e  leisure,  sufficient  to  attend  and 
participate  in  undisturbed  religious  worship.  He  definitely 
sought  and  definitel;\  received  the  blessing.  Intercessory 
prayer  was  answered,  first  in  the  awakened  desire,  and 
then  in  the  gi*acious  satisfaction  of  that  desire  for  the 
l^erfect  love  that  casteth  out  fear. 

Sabbath,  June  26th. — This  morning,  at  eight  o'clock,  we 
had  one  of  the  most  glorious  love-feasts  I  ever  attended.  Bro. 
S.,  gave  in  his  testimony, first  in  order,  and  trul^'it  was  one  of 
the  most  powerful,  comprehensive,  and  lucid,  of  the  full  power 
of  saving  grace,  I  have  for  a  long  time  licaid.  Several  other 
ministers  followed  him,  who  had  eitlier  received  tlu'  blessing 
during  the  meeting,  or  had  been  greatly  quickened  in  the  pur- 
suit of  it.     0,  what  hath  God  wrouo-ht ! 


278 


MEMOIBS  OF 


ViNCENTTOWi^^  N.  J. — 111  xVugust,  at  tlie  earnest  solici- 
tation of  Mends,  Mrs.  Palmer  ^isited  the  Yincenttown 
camp-meeting. 

Nature  shrank  from  going,  but  on  lifting  my  heart  to  God 
for  iustructionj  duty  seemed  plain.  In  an  nimsually  clear  and 
powerful  manner  did  I  apprehend  the  power  of  the  Si)irit  rest- 
ing upon  me,  while  I  endeavored  to  present  Christ  as  a  present 
and  full  salvation.  It  was  thought  that  over  a  dozen  received 
the  pearl  of  perfect  love. 

Among  tliese  witnesses  was  a  Baptist  mhiister.  The  par- 
ticulars of  this  case  were  so  remarkable,  that  I  must,  In  a  few 
words,  relate  them.  I  was  led  to  refer  to  my  individual  experi- 
ence, and  to  relate  more  definitely,  than  I  think  expedient  to 
do  generally,  the  steps  b}'  which  I  had  been  brought  into  the 
way  of  holiness,  and  began  by  stating,  that  I  had,  by  experi- 
ence, been  most  full3'  assured  that  God  was  no  respecter  of 
persons,  and  also  the  manner  by  which  I  had  experimentally 
apprehended  the  truth.  ^'If  anj^  man  will  do  His  will,  he  shall 
know  of  the  doctrine." 

While  I  was  speaking,  I  observed  a  minister  listening  with 
earnestness,  and  the  enemy  suggested  that  he  miglit  be  listen- 
ing with  otlier  motives  than  those  that  were  wholly  sincere. 
Whether  so,  or  otherwise,  I  well  knew  that  God  could  cause 
liis  heart  to  be  penetrated  by  the  power  of  truth,  and  tlie 
Author  of  faith  inspired  my  henrt  to  plead  with  coniidence 
that  it  might  be  so.  After  an  earnest  struggle,  I  wns  enabknl 
to  say,  in  the  name,  and  in  the  strength  of  Jesus,  "I  will  not 
let  Thee  go." 

Not  long  after  this,  I  arose,  and  again  spoke  of  tlie  necessity 
of  relying  on  the  word  of  God,  after  the  consecration  had  been 
made,  for  the  acceptance  of  tlie  oifering,  and  then  gave  as  an 
illustration,  the  case  of  the  minister,  who  after  he  had  conse- 
crated all,  w^as  asked,  ^'Does  not  God  accept  your  offering  f 
He  replied,  '^I  have  no  other  evidence  than ///s  ?ro>'(Z."  The 
God-dishonoring  character  of  unbelief  was  dwelt  upon,  and 
<:he  importance  of  resting  on  the  naked  word  of  G<)<1  urged. 

Presently,  the  minister  for  whom  I  liad  been  plendiiig,  arose 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  279 

and  stated  that  lie  came  to  that  tent,  not  a  believer  in  the 
possibility  of  attaining  salvation  froui  all  sin,  during  the  pres- 
ent life.  Since  he  had  been  there,  he  had  been  convinced  that 
this  was  indeed  the  privilege  of  the  believer,  and  from  the 
remarks  to  which  he  had  listened,  he  had  been  instructed  in 
relation  to  the  manner  in  which  the  grace  was  to  be  obtained,  and 
noAV  felt  that  he  had  laid  all  upon  the  hallowed  altar,  and  was 
enabled  to  believe  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleansed  him  from 
all  unrighteousness. 

A  minister,  present,  asked  that  those  who  had  received  the 
blessing  of  holiness  during  the  exercises,  would  manifest  it  by 
rising.  Several  were  lying  prostrate  under  the  power  of  God, 
while  others,  perhaps  ten,  arose,  among  whom  was  the  Baptist 
minister,  whose  case  has  been  stated.  While  those  who  had 
been  newly  brought  into 

''  The  land  of  rest  from  inbred  sin, 
The  laud  of  perfect  holiness," 

stood  as  witnesses,  the  power  of  the  Spirit  came  upon  them  in. a 
remarkable  manner,  and  they  wept  tears  of  holy  joy,  and  shout- 
ed aloud  the  praises  of  God.  The  Baptist  minister,  especially, 
was  loud  in  his  acclamations,  and  his  shout  of  trium])h  might 
have  been  heard,perhaps,well  nigh  over  the  encampment. 

FiSHKiLL,  Eye,  ^.  Y. — In  August,  IMrs.  Palmer  attend- 
ed camp-meetings  held  near  Fislikill  and  Eye,  respectively, 
and  ^vitnessed  gracious  displays  of  sanctifying  power. 

Plkasantville,  N.  Y.,  September  5ih. — The  meetings  in  our 
tent  were  blest  with  mucli  of  the  presence  and  power  of  God. 
Many  entered  into  the  bliss  of  perfect  love,  during  these  hallow- 
ing influences. 

I  ascertained  that  the  ministers  were  not  well  provided  for  at 
the  last  meeting,  as  the  principal  families  take  board.  I  there- 
fore took  assistants,  and  provided  for  several, each  day. 

BALTmoRE,  Md. — In  the  latter  part  of  this  month,  she 
repaired  to  Baltimore,  for  the  purpose  of  attending  a 
camp-meeting  in  the  neighborhood  of  that  city,  in  com- 
pany with  the  devoted  mother  of  Dr.  P. 


280  MEMUlliS  OF 

Tuesday  afternoou,  Mother  Palmer  and  I  left  for  the  camp- 
ground, where  we  arrived  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
Eev.  Wm.  Taylor  was  just  anuonucing  his  text,  "  Be  ye  holy.'* 
The  sermon  was  clear  and  powerful.  I  kept  without  making 
myself  known,  during  the  remainder  of  the  evening. 

Wednesday  morning,  I  attended  a  general  class- meeting,  in 
one  of  the  large  tents,  at  a  very  early  hour.  Perhaps  from  one 
hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred,  were  present.  In  speaking 
of  the  dealings  of  God,  I  found  myself  inclined  to  speak  in  a 
manner  which  might  not  intimate  who  I  was,  but  had  scarcely 
commenced  speaking,  before  I  perceived  that  I  was  recognized- 
Most  sweetly  did  I  feel  that  the  friends  of  Jesus  were  my  friends? 
aye,  more  than  friends — brothers  and  sisters  in  Christ.  The 
ministers  present  seemed  to  drink  truly  into  the  same  spirit. 
T  was  called  upon  to  close  the  interview  with  prayer,  after 
which  scores  gathered  around  me,  who,  though  they  had  never 
seen  my  face  in  the  flesh,  expressed  themselves  acquainted  in 
spirit.  Among  others  who  strongly  grasped  my  hand,  was  Mr. 
Creamer,  the  Hymuologist  of  Baltimore.  I  was  pleased  to 
recognize  him,  as  an  ardently  devoted  Christian. 

At  the  instance  of  the  friends,  and  with  the  approval  of  the 
Presiding  Elder,  Dr.  Dorsey,  a  special  meeting  was  given  out,, 
after  the  close  of  the  service,  from  the  stand,  in  view  of  my 
being  present.  It  was  in  one  of  the  largest  tents  on  the  ground, 
but  it  was  crowded  even  to  a  distance  outside  the  door.  Dr. 
Dorsey,  Avith  several  ministers,  manifested  much  interest  while 
witnessing  of  the  grace  of  holiness,  and  in  humility  spoke  of  the 
work  of  the  Spirit  on  their  hearts. 

I  felt  liberty,  and  a  joyous  conviction  amounting  to  a  divine 
certainty,  that  God,  in  the  order  of  his  gracious  providence,  had 
called  me  to  the  work  in  which  I  am  engaged.  I  sat  up  most 
of  the  time  during  the  last  night.  Several  received  the  wit- 
ness of  full  salvation,  after  the  midnight  liour,  while  the  Holy 
Spirit  heli)ed  me  to  present  the  way  of  faitlu 

Thursdat/,  I  desire  to  record  to  the  jiraise  of  God  the  ex- 
traordinary liberty  felt  during  the  closing  exercises  at  one  of  the 
large  tents,  this  morning.  It  was  announced  that  about  twenty 
had  been  born  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  during  the  night.    The 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER  281 

I 
Lord  caused  me  to  realize  the  awful  responsibility  of  the 
Cluirch,  when  new  born  babes  had  thus  been  committed  to  her 
keeping.  I  can  indeed  say,  tliat  it  was  out  of  tlie  abundance  of 
my  heart  that  my  mouth  spoke.  Young  converts  will  inevita- 
bly backslide,  imless  they  obey  tlie  command,  and  go  on  unto 
perfection. 

1849. 

Sandy  Hill,  K.  Y. — In  the  summer  of  1849,  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Palmer  resolved  to  take  a  trip  to  Sandy  Hill,  ^N.  Y^., 
the  Troy  Conference  being-  in  session  at  that  place.  On 
her  return,  she  w  rote  : 

The  Lord  abundantly  fulfilled  the  desire  of  my  heart,  in 
giving  m}'  dear  husband,  with  myself,  a  renewed  quickening  in 
the  divine  life,  and  blessing  us  in  our  labors. 

Wliile  at  Bro.  Northrop's,  a  lawyer  of  this  place,  where  our 
dear  brother  and  sister  H.,  with  Bishop  Hedding,  and  others, 
were  staying,  a  Brother  Webster  was  enabled  by  faith,  to  enter 
into  the  holiest,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant, 
after  I  had  been  laboring  with  him  about  two  or  tliree  hours. 
Thus  has  God  speedily  and  definitely  fulfilled  the  request  I 
made  of  Him,  on  coming  here.  Bro.  Webster  strongly  testified 
of  his  enjoj-ment  of  sanctifying  grace,  on  Sabbath  afternoon, 
in  the  church. 

After  the  love-feast  closed,  we  repaired  to  a  beautiful  park, 
in  about  the  centre  of  the  village,  which  had  been  j^repared  in 
expectation  of  a  much  larger  congregation  than  the  church 
would  hold. 

Probably  three  times  as  many  as  the  church  would  liave 
accommodated,  were  thus  i)rivileged  to  listen  to  one  of  the  most 
wonderful  discourses  I  ever  heard.  ^^  And  ye  are  witnesses  of 
these  things,"  etc.,  were  the  words  from  which  Bro.  Hamline 
si)oke.  No  one  present,  I  tliink,  can  ever  forget  tlie  discourse, 
or  the  power  that  attended  the  word.  A  prominent  lawyer  of 
the  place  informed  us  that  all  the  lawyers  from  witliiu  about 
thirty  miles  of  the  country  round,  were  there;  and  seemingly. 
none  but  a  sanctified  lawyer,  imbued  with  heavenly  wisdom, 
could  have  used  the  text  in  such  an  incontrovertible,  masterly 


282  MEMOins  OF 

manner  One  of  these  lawj-ers  wlio  liad  been  regarded  as  skep- 
tical, stood  and  wei)t,  mucli  of  the  time. 

After  the  afternoon  sermon,  the  people  were  detained  by  the 
severitj^  of  the  storm,  when  a  number  of  Jesus'  witnesses  were 
again  permitted  the  privilege  of  testifying.  A  number  being 
present,  Bishop  Hedding  jiroposed  a  social  meeting,  about  six 
o'clock.  He  led  in  prayer,  himself.  I  shall  not  soon  forget 
that  prayer,  so  fervent,  and  apostolic,  yet  so  childlike  and 
humble,  though  strikingly  elevated  in  sentiment. 

It  arose  from  the  deep  sanctuary  of  a  heart  burdened  with 
the  care  of  all  the  churches,  and  deeply  did  we  feel  that  those 
breathings  were  inspired  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  this  venerable, 
honored  servant  of  the  church. 

This  morning  (on  the  return  home),  we  had  an  interesting- 
interview  of  two  or  three  hours,  with  Chancellor  Walworth. 
We  parted,  feeling  thatit  would  be  precious  to  spend  an  eternity 
with  the  followers  of  Jesus,  in  heaven. 

Other  evangelistic  exj^editious  were  made,  dimug  the 
year,  that  were  abundantly  owned  and  blessed  of  God,  but 
of  these  no  specially  noteworthy  incidents  ai)pear  to  have 
been  preserved,  in  her  diary.  Elsewhere,  will  be  found 
the  record  of  wonderful  ^dctories  of  faith,  while  at  Cazen- 
ovia,  ^.  Y. 

1850. 

BOSTON,  MASS. — CARBONDALE,    PA. — TULLY,    N.    Y. — U¥.T>   LIOX,    DEL.— 
BUSTLETOX,    PA. — OXEIDA    CONFERENCE    SEMINARY,    N.    Y. — 
SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. — PROVIDENCE,    R.    I. — OXFORD,    NOR- 
WICH, BIXGHAMPTOX,  N.  Y. 

Boston,  Mass. — In  the  early  part  of  March,  pursuant  to 
repeated  invitations  from  Boston,  Mrs.  Palmer  journeyed 
totlu.tcity,  attended  meetings  in  Bromfield  Street  Church, 
and  also  ^^  in  the  splendid  church  recently  i)urchased  of  the 
Unitarians,'^  situated  in  Hanover  street.  That  magnificent 
edifice  she  ^^  deemed  to  be  highly  lionored  by  the  labor  of 
such  a  truly  humble,  holy  minister  as  our  excellent  brother 
Dwight."    The  17th  was  in  many  respects  a  memorable 


MBS.  PRCEBE  PALMEB,  283 

day.  The  Hon.  ]Mr.  Mckerson,  member  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  and  a  brother  of  her  host,  entered  into 
tlie  rest  of  perfect  love. 

I  have  also  attended  two  meetmgs,  by  invitation,  held  at  the 
house,  of  an  Episcopalian,  Mr.  Warts,  a  lawyer  of  this  place. 
The  one  on  Saturday  morning,  held  from  11  o'clock  till  about 
two,  was  exceedingly  interesting.  Here,  those  of  ditt'erent 
denominations  were  assembled,  Episcoijaliaus,  Presbyterians, 
Unitarians,  etc.  The  most  appeared  to  be  from  fimong  the 
first  circles  in  the  city.  Carriage  after  carriage  drove  to  and 
from  the  door,  and  the  comers  habited  as  the  children  of  this 
world,  entered,  and  there  sat  the  little  Methodist  sister,  who, 
for  comfort,  had  seated  herself  on  a  low  ottomau.  The  inter- 
view opened  with  prayer,  after  which  I  was  desired  to  present 
my  views  of  entire  consecration.  For  about  an  hour  and  a 
half,  the  Lord  helped  me  to  set  forth  what  I  believe  to  be  the 
principles  oi Bible  consecration,  giving,  throughout,  experimental 
illustrations. 

The  deepest  interest  prevailed,  and  at  the  close  of  tlie  inter- 
view the  most  of  them,  in  the  mostaft'ectionate  manner,  assured 
me  of  tlieii  heaity  concurrence.  Tears  were  shed.  Above  all, I 
believe  God  was  glorified." 

TuLLY,  X.  Y.— On  the  2d  of  July,  1850,  Mrs.  Palmer 
wrote  from  Tully,  Cortland  Co.,  to  Dr.  P.,  narrating  sun- 
dry evaiigeUcal  toils,  in  which  ]\Irs.  Lankford  bore  part. 
In  Tally,  Mrs.  P.'s  loving  instructions  Avere  blest,  to  the 
entire  sanctilication  of  a  minister's  wife,  who  was  changed 
from  a  tiuiid,  shrinking,  silent  Christian,  into  one  of  tear- 
ful, modest,  but  ])entecostal  power,  and  who  afterwards 
spoke  in  public,  Avith  remarkable  effect.  The  folloA\ing 
l)leasant  incident  occurred  on  the  Avay : 

Yesterday,  as  we  were  passing  through  the  village  of  Gro- 
ton  Hollow,  we  stopped  for  a  moment,  when  a  person  came  to 
the  carriage,  and  said,  "■  Is  this  the  Mrs.  Palmer  of  New  York, 
who  has  Avritten  on  the  subject  of  holiness?"  On  being  an- 
swered in  the  attirmative,  I  began  immediately  to  urge  him  to 


284  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  attainment  of  tlie  same  grace,  and  gained  his  promise  that 
he  would  at  once  set  ahout  seeking  it  with  all  his  heart.  We 
then  went  about  a  mile  beyond  the  village,  to  the  house  of  a 
brother.  While  we  were  dining,  the  person  who  had  made  me 
the  promise,  came  in,  all  athirst  for  the  blessing,  and  in  an  hour 
or  two  afterward  left  this  house  rejoicing  in  the  assurance  that 
he  had  now  gained  the  long  desired  blessing.  This  brother,  I 
am  told,  is  an  efficient  local  preacher.  Last  night  he  declared 
(in  a  meeting  for  testimony  which  we  attended  in  the  village) 
that  the  day  liad  been  signalized  as  one  of  the  most  remarka- 
ble in  the  history  of  his  Christian  i^ilgrimage,  and  sweetly 
related  wliat  God  had  done  for  his  soul..  It  seems  to  me  he 
bids  fair  to  be  another  Carvosso. 

Eed  Lion  Camp-meeting,  Del. — On  the  lOtli  of  Au- 
gust, we  find  her  a  short  distance  fi'om  the  campground 
"  sitting  in  the  woods, — my  lap  for  a  table," — ^busily  occu- 
pied in  w  riting  to  Dr.  Palmer,  describing  the  incidents  of 
travel,  the  cordial  reception  by  many  friends,  and  her 
.abundant  labors  at  the  meeting. 

After  parting  with  you,  I  went  to  the  saloon  table,  and  took 
up  a  book  very  much  worn  from  Uvse,  and  read  on  the  cover, 
''  Way  of  Holiness,  with  Notes  by  the  Wa3\"  On  opening,  I 
found  its  margin  written  on  in  many  places,  in  a  manner  that 
makes  it  quite  a  curiosity.  I  thought  it  had  been  so  thorough- 
ly worn  by  use,  that  I  concluded  it  would  be  no  robbery,  to  re^ 
place  it  by  a  new  one  of  the  same  sort.  The  Lord  grant  that 
it  may  be  instrumental  in  directing  some  wandering  one  in  the 
highway  to  heaven. 

Met  our  dear  brother  Longacre  on  the  boat,  waiting  our 
arrival.  A  carriage  soon  conveyed  us  to  our  much  loved  Mrs. 
Keene's.  Though  I  so  much  wished  to  see  her,  I  almost 
dreaded  to  meet  her,  for  the  first  time  after  her  bereavement. 
But  the  same  sweet,  subdued  spirit,  manifested  by  her  father, 
when  he  called  upon  us,  cliaracterized  the  amiable  daughter. 
I  think  I  never  saw  such  a  perfect,  beautiful  example  of  what  I 
think  a  Christian  should  be,  under  similar  circumstances.  The 
encami)ment  is  very  large.  Opportunities  for  usefulness  are 
abundant. 


MliS.  l'H(EBE  rALMEli.  085 

Shall  I  give  you  about  a  specimen  of  llie  way  in  wliicli  God 
is  ordering  my  steps  ?  At  the  eight  o'clock  meeting,  before  the 
stand,  the  minister  in  charge  left  th(^.  stand  and  asked  me  if  I 
would  pray,  wlien  called  on.  After  tlusy  liad  sung,  lie  called  on  me 
to  pray.  I  think  I  never  felt  more  of  the  aid  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  in  public  prayer.  But  my  mind  was  burdened,  feeling 
that  I  had  a  message  to  the  peo^jle.  I  turned  to  Sister  Boswell, 
who  sat  next  me,  and  said,  ''  I  almost  wish  that  he  had  given 
me  an  opportunity  to  speak."  Just  as  I  Avhispered  these  words 
in  her  ear,  he  again  left  the  stand  and  came  to  me^  saying, 
^^Sister  P.,  would  you  not  like  to  speak  ?  We  want  you  to  use 
your  liberty,  and  feel  j)eifect  freedom  to  exercise  in  any  Avay." 

I  felt  that  God  was  eminently  with  me,  while  for  perhaps 
twenty  minutes,  or  half  an  hour,  I  endeavored  to  deliver  a  mes- 
sage from  God — Holiness — its  claims — its  self-denying  princi- 
ples, and  the  numner  in  which  I  had  experimentally  tested 
them,  were  listened  to  amid  prayers,  tears,  and  praises.  I  trust 
God  will  work  mightily.  Indications  are  cheering.  But  I  am 
reminded  that  I  have  need  of  patience.  The  Spirit's  process  is 
not  quite  as  rapid,  (though  always  equally  sure)  under  some 
circumstances,  as  others.  At  some  places  where  I  go,  I  find 
a  people  x^repared  of  the  Lord,  and  I  only  seem  required  to 
gather  the  harvest.  At  others,  the  fallow  ground  is  to  be  broken 
up,  and  then  the  seed  is  to  be  sown,  and  the  fruit,  of  course,  can- 
not be  so  quickly  gathered.  It  is  somewhat  thus  under  present 
circumstances.  But  I  think  we  shall  have  a  glorious  ingather- 
ing; before  the  close  of  our  labors. 

BrsTLETON,  Pa. — Iler  next  letter  to  Dr.  P.,  under  date 
August  15tli,  Avas  Avritten  at  Bristol,  Pa.,  while  on  the  way 
from  Philadelphia  to  Bustleton  camp-meeting,  in  company 
with  Mrs.  Bosw  ell,  and  two  or  three  ministers. 

I  have  seen,  she  writes,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  made  bare,  in 
a  remarkable  manner,at  the  Philadelphia  camp-meeting.  Many 
have  been  sanctified  and  many  converted.  Never  liave  I  had 
more  satistiictory  assurance  of  being  called  of  God  for  the  per- 
formance of  tiie  work  in  which  I  am  engaged. 

Dearest  Husband,  I  feel  that  I  'MU-iudeed  a  whole  burnt  sacri- 


28G  MEMOIUS  OF 

liee.  Several  ministers  have  received  the  blessing  of  holiness — 
class  leaders  and  members  have,  of  course,  followed.  I  have 
been  called  to  more  public  and  extensive  labor  perhaps,  than 
ever  before.     But  God  has  sustained  me  gloriously. 

Oneida  Conference  Seminary,  :N'.  Y.— The  letter 
addressed  by  Mrs.  Palmer  to  the  pupils  of  that  excellent 
literary  institution,  is  valuable  as  a  revelation  of  i)ersonal 
character,  a  specimen  of  the  advice  wontedly  given  to 
newly  justified  or  quickened  souls,  and  as  a  suggestion  to 
those  who  have  learned  to  follow  her  as  she  followed 
Christ. 

New  York,  October  26th,  1850. 
To  my  Precious  Young  Friends  of  the  Oneida  Conference  Seminary: 

How  often  has  my  heart  been  present  with  you  since  we 
parted  in  body  a  few  weeks  since.  Could  the  body  at  once 
obey  the  bidding  of  the  Spirit,  and  wing  its  way  as  readily  as 
thought,  often  would  you  liave  beheld  me  present  with  you, 
at  your  weekly  gatherings ;  and  many  arc  the  things  which  I 
would  wish  to  ask,  and  fervent  are  the  desires  which  I  would 
express,  in  regard  to  your  spiritual  Avelfare.  Let  me,  then,  say 
a  few  of  the  many  things  I  would  then  express. 

How  are  those  much  loved  3'ouug  friends  progressing,  who 
commenced  their  heavenward  pilgrimage  when  I  was  with  you  f 
Is  dear  Miss  At  well  ''Leaving  the  principles  of  the  doctrine 
of  Christ,  and  advancing  rapitUy  toward 

"The  land  of  rest  from  inbred  siu — 
The  land  of  perfect  holiness  ?" 

And  my  young  friend,  Miss  M.  E.  Davis,  Avho  also  set  out  on 
the  evening  of  the  first  day  I  was  with  you,  is  she  endeavor- 
ing to  win  many  souls  to  her  Saviour  ?  And  of  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  other  y-oung  friends,  I  would  also  inquire,  all  of  whom 
either  set  out  to  serve  the  Lord,  or  resolved  that  they  would  do 
so.  Of  three,  I  remember  Miss  Stoddard,  Miss  Anderson, 
Miss  Seel}',  and  others,  wliose  countenances  I  remember,  but 
whose  names  I  cannot  at  this  moment  recall.  Are  these  all  earn  • 
est  in  endeavors  to  make  their  election  sure  ?     The  beat  way 


MRS.  niiEBE  PALMER.  287 

to  retain  grace  is  to  keep  it  iii  coiisttant  use.  I  have  received  a 
letterfrom  our  excellent  Mrs.  Bisliop  Hamline,  in  Avhicli  slie 
says,  ''In  former  days,  when  persons  were  importuned  to  set  out 
to  live  for  eternity,  it  was  not  unusual  to  say,  '•  When  do  you 
mean  to  set  out  to  serve  the  LordV  "  I  wish,"  she  continues, 
"  that  the  old-fashioned  i)hraseology  might  again  obtain."  Do 
you  feel  like  saying,  ''  Amen'''  in  response  to  such  a  wish  ?  0,  if 
all  who  have  professed  to  commence  a  religious  career,  from 
among  yourselves  and  elsewhere,  had  only  been  faithful 
servants  of  the  Lord,  \y\\at  a  race  of  Christians  would  we  now 
have  had. 

We  may  have  all  the  religion  we  will  live  for.  All  tlie  grace 
and  all  the  glory,  wliich  the  Bible  presents  as  the  privilege  of 
God's  redeemed  ones.  The  Scriptures  present  no  bounds  at 
which  the  soul  may  arrive  in  religious  attainment,  other  than 
the  exceeding  greatness  of  God's  power,  and  tlie  riches  of  Hie 
grace.  Here,  then,  is  a  motive  of  ambition  for  the  most  aspiring 
mind. 

The  most  capacious  intellect  may  here  expatiate,  and  find 
full  scope  for  its  highest  aspirations.  Here  the  sanctitied  in- 
tellect may  find  at  its  command,  treasures  of  wisdom,  knowl- 
edge, and  power.  I  say  ^^o?re>-,  for  liow  truly  is  the  knowledge 
gained  by  the  researclies  of  a  sanctified  intellect,  powerful  in 
preparing  an  individual  to  sway  minds  of  various  grades.  I 
know  I  need  not  say  to  you  tliat  tlie  religion  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  rather  encourages  than  forbids  scientific  investigation. 
"  Through  desire  a  man  having  separated  himself,  seeketh  and 
intermeddleth  with  all  wisdom.''  Doubtless  a  man  may,  with 
the  approval  of  God,  set  himself  apart,  or  in  other  words,  sanc- 
tify himself,  for  the  acquisition  of  wisdom  ;  but  tlie  highest 
wisdom  in  the  sight  of  God  is  unquestionably,  that  whicli  has 
the  most  direct  bearing  on  the  salvation  of  souls.  And  here 
let  me  again,  and  with  yet  stronger  emphasis,  say,  "He  that 
ivinneth  Boulsi&icise.''^  0,  there  is  indeed  a  holy  art  in  win- 
ning souls.  Some,  by  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
have  learned  it.  We  all  have  the  same  Holy  Teacher,  and  may 
all  learn  the  same  heavenly  lesson. 

The  Lord  giaat  that  all  my  much-loved  young  friende  may 


288  MEMOIIiS   OF 

learn  the  art  of  soul-saving ;  and  may  all  their  acquisitions  in 
earthly  or  heavenly  science,  have  an  ultimate  hearing  on  the 
advancement  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  AVho  can  tell  the 
■aggregate  amount  ot  good  whicli.  may  appear  to  the  jnaise  of 
God,  as  tlie  result  of  instructions  received  at  the  Oneida  Con- 
ference Seminary.  These  results,  for  years  past,  have  been 
summing  up  on  the  pages  of  eternity. 

My  heart's  warmest  salutations  to  the  beloved  friends 
whose  names  have  already  been  mentioned. 

The  subjoined  extract  of  a  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs. 
Hamline^  containing  accounts  of  wide-spread  and  fruitful 
ministries,  evoked  many  joyous  and  fervent  ascriptioiis  of 
praise.  ''  Hallelujah !  The  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reign- 
eth  ! "  is  the  exultant  shout  wdth  which  it  commences. 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS.  ;   PROVIDENCE,  R.  I. 

New  York,  Novemher2M,  1850. 
To  Rev.  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

At  the  solicitation  of  friends,  I  recently  made  a  short  re- 
ligious visit  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  also  to  Providence,  E.  I. 

The  sisters'  meeting  for  holiness,  which  you  established  at 
So,  was  kept  up  about  a  year,  and  was  resuscitated  during  my 
stay.  I  was  with  them  a  little  over  one  day,  and  had  three 
meetings.  I.  reached  Providence  on  Friday,  and  stayed  till  Mon- 
day— had  an  exceedingly  interesting  season.  Several  received 
the  blessing  of  full  salvation,  while  I  was  at  Providence.  But 
the  interest  wliich  most  enlisted  my  heart's  sympathies,  was  tlie 
awakening  among  the  Baptists  to  the  importance  of  holiness 
as  a  doctrine  of  tlic  Bible.  The  lady  of  the  Baptist  minister 
came  to  me,  and  never  do  I  remember  to  have  received  a  call 
from  any  one,  who  seemed  more  evidently  sent  by  the  urging 
of  the  Spirit,  and  never  was  I  more  conscious  of  having  deliv- 
ered a  message  from  God,  than  after  liaving  responded  to  her 
inquiries.  Her  liusband,  I  understand,  than  wliom  no  minister 
m  Providence  has  a  more  important  cliarge,  is  an  opposer  of  tlie 
doctrine,  but  it  is  among  tlie  most  influential  members  of  his 
charge,  that  the  doctrine  has  taken  the  deepest  hold. 


MRS.  FHiEBE  PALMER.  289 

It  was  at  the  instigation  of  an  influential  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church,  that  a  notice  was  sent  to,  perhaps,  all  the 
evangelical  churches  in  Providence,  that  a  meeting  for  religious 
conference  would  be  held  in  the  Power  Street  Church,  at 
which  I  would  be  present,  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M.  A  large  number 
attended,  in  view  of  the  hour,  and  about  as  many,  I  imagine 
from  other  denominations  as  our  own.  I  felt  deeply  the  re- 
sponsibility of  the  circumstances,  and  on  looking  to  Christ, 
who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  I  concluded  to  follow  the 
example  of  Paul,  who,  by  the  simple  relation  of  experience, 
produced  conviction  on  the  most  skeptical.  At  the  close  of  the 
meeting,  several  came  to  me  and  said,  ^*  I  cannot  see  Bible  re- 
ligion in  any  other  way,  than  about  as  you  have  stated  it,"  etc. 
I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  whole  matter  was  of  God,  and 
will  be  crowned  with  His  blessing. 

Oxford,  Norwich,  and  Binghampton,  N.  Y. 

I  have  also  recentlj^  made  a  very  interesting  visit  to  Ox- 
ford, Norwich,  and  Binghampton,  the  wliole  taking  little  less 
than  a  week.  Here  we  also  witnessed  some  memorable  victo- 
ries of  grace,  in  the  sanctitication  of  believers,  and  in  the  con- 
version of  souls.     Let  me  instance  two  cases  of  the  latter. 

At  Oxford,  we  staj'ed  with  Bro.  Reddy,  the  P.  E.  at  whose  re- 
quest the  visit  was  made.  On  tlie  morning  of  our  departure,  a 
young  woman  who  liad  come  in  to  assist  in  domestic  affairs,  sat 
up  during  family  prayer,  doubtless  intending  to  indicate,  as  is 
common  in  that  part  of  the  country,  that  she  was  not  a  pro- 
fessor. Sister  Sarah  Lankford,  who  accompanied  me,  led  in 
prayer,  and  as  I  looked  upon  this  sinner,  wlio  did  not  bend  the 
knee,  I  said,  ^^  Lord  save  her  NOW,fc/y  thejyowcr  o/tlty  S2)irif.''''  I 
Icnew  that  my  prater  was  heard.  Before  noon,  that  soul  was,  I 
believe,  truly  converted.  Sister  Sarah  was  used  mainly  as  the 
instrument. 

The  next  morning  (Sabbath),  we  were  at  Norwich,  having 
arrived  there  about  twilight  on  Saturday  evening. 

On  Sabbath,  at  the  family  altar,  I  was  called  upon  to  lead 
in  prayer.  I  jirayed  for  a  lovely  young  man,  a  member  of  the 
family  circle  as  though  he  were  a  professor  of  religion,  imagining 

19 


290  MEMOIRS  OF 

him  to  be  such — felt  my  heart  much  drawn  out — asked  that  he 
might  be  iustrumeiital  in  the  salvation  of  scores  and  hundreds  of 
souls.  As  I  arose  from  my  knees,  brother  Dana,  the  minister, 
came  and  said  to  me,"  Young  Mr.  G.  is  not  a  professor  of  relig- 
i(m."  '^What  a  mistake  jovi  have  made!"  said  the  Tempter, 
tauntiugl}  .  ''  How  it  must  have  sounded  in  the  ear  of  otliers, 
who  knew  that  he  was  not  a  professor  !  Ask  that  a  non -professor 
may  be  instrumental  in  the  salvation  of  hundreds  of  souls  !"  And 
thus  the  enemy  chided.  My  heart  replied,  ^'  I  did  not  make  a 
mistake.  God  will  convert  this  person  and  doubtless  will  jet 
make  him  instrumental  in  the  salvation  of  scores  and  hundreds." 
I  then,  in  conscious  defiance  of  Satan,  went  to  the  young  man  and 
said,  "  I  did  not  make  a  mistake  in  praying  for  you  5  the  Lord 
means  to  convert  you,  and  make  you  instrumental  of  great  good 
to  otliers,  and  now  when  do  3  ou  mean  to  begin  to  serve  the  Lord.^'' 
I  must  not  go  through  the  train  of  argument  I  went  through, 
to  convince  him  that  it  was  all-important,  that  he  should  begin 
noiv.  After  about  half  an  hour's  conversation,  he  came  to  the 
deliberate  resolve,  to  set  out  at  once,  and  for  life.  Before  the 
hour  of  public  service  that  morning,  lie  went  to  the  house  of  a 
friend,  an  influential  young  man  of  the  place,  told  him  of  his 
decision,  and  asked  his  friend  to  set  out  with  liim.  That  night 
young  Mr.  G.  was  converted.  After  liis  conversion,  he  arose  from 
his  knees,  and  with  tears  told  of  his  happy  change,  and  begged 
his  young  friends  to  go  with  him  to  heaven.  He  is  one  of  the 
first  speakers  in  the  literary  institution  at  Norwich,  and  I  liave 
no  doubt  but  the  Lord  intends  to  make  him  an  eminentl}'^  useful 
minister  of  the  gospel.  This  was  alx^iit  three  or  four  weeks 
ago,  and  I  have  since  received  a  letter  stating  that  two  weeks 
after  this  conversion,  he  received  the  blessing  of  entire  sanctifi- 
cation,  and  is  now  exercising  his  gifts  in  social  meetings.  So 
much  for  defying  Satan  in  tlie  name  of  the  Lord.  0,  my  soul, 
praise  the  Lord ! 

1851. 

ITHACA,  N.Y. — PHILADELPHIA.— ALBANY,  N.  Y.^WALWORTH,  CARDIFF, 
PLYMOUTH,  CUBA,  GROTP^X,  SPAFFORD,  N.  Y. 

Ithaca,  X.  Y. — By  invitation  of  Eev.  Mr.  Burritt,  pas- 
tor of  the  M.  E.  Olinrch,  in  Ithaca,  Mrs.  Palmer  went  to 


MliS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  291 

that  city, — now  the  seat  of  Cornell  University, — on  tlieOth 
of  Jannary,  and  was  pleasantly  entertained  at  tlie  house 
of  J.  r.  Eldred,  Esq.  The  entire  sanctitieation  of  the 
minister  was  the  first  fruit  of  her  labor.  In  the  evening, 
the  work  began  in  power.  '^  Several  professed  to  receive 
the  blessing'."  Dr.  Stephens,  Judge  Dana,  Bishop  Kellogg 
and  others,  were  greatly  moved  and  benefited.  Dr.  Stephens 
was  connected  Avith  another  denomination  that  rejected  the 
doctrine  of  Christian  perfection,  and  felt  it  to  be  his  duty 
to  unite  Avith  the  M.  E.  Church.  '•'  I  tell  Inm,"  she  charac- 
teristically states,  '^  that  it  is  not  only  the  vnlliiig  but  the 
obedient^  who  eat  the  good  of  the  land."  The  grace  of 
justification  aahs  sought  and  obtained  by  penitents,  as  v^'ell 
as  that  of  full  salvation  by  behevers. 

Old  discords  between  neighbors  were  reconciled. 
^'  Mutual  confessions,  mutual  forgiveness,  and  mutual  faith 
were  the  characteristics  of  the  meeting." 

January  17^/<.— From  Ithaca  to  Oswego,  we  traveled  with  the 
finely  educated  Indian,  Mainemaine,  and  his  family.  Tlie  finest 
specimen  of  the  Indian  race  I  e^  er  saw.  He  believed  in  the 
Christian  religion,  but  is  not  enjoying  its  blessedness.  His  eyes, 
many  times  filled  with  tears,  as  we  urged  its  importance.  He 
promised  to  write  to  me,  and  I  have  strong  hopes  that  tlie  Lord 
may  yet  raise  him  and  his  sons,  in  whose  education  he  is  much 
concerned,  to  be  apostolic  in  labors  among  his  own  people. 

Philadelphia. 

Feb ruari/  26th,  1S57. 
To  Dr.  Palmer  : 

At  a  meethig  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Keene,  Dr.  Tilden,  a  k)cal 
preacher  and  a  very  intelligent  professor  of  full  salvation,  then 
sitting  next  hi  order,  gave  his  experience.  He  told  how  much 
he  felt  his  need  of  the  blessing  of  holiness,  after  his  justification, 
but  was  not  enabled  to  apprehend  it  as  his  privilege,  until  a  few 
years  since,  some  continuous  articles  on  the  theme,  publislied  in 
tlie  "  Christian  Advocate  and  Journal,"  were  brought  before  him. 


292  MEMOIRS  OF 

"  By  these,"  said  he,  "  I  saw  that  the  offering  must  be  "brought 
and  laid  upon  the  altar,  before  it  woulfl  be  sanctified."  Now,  as 
never  before,  was  he  enabled  to  comprehend  the  subject.  He 
saw  just  how,  as  a  worker-together  with  God,  he  was  required 
to  do  his  part  of  the  work,  by  presenting  all  liis  redeemed  i)owers, 
to  God.  And  then  he  saw  how  his  offering  must  of  necessity  be 
holy — for  ^'Whatsoever  toiicheth  the  altar  shall  be  holy!"  It 
was  one  of  the  most  lucid — intelligent  experiences  of  the  sort 
I  ever  heard,  and  called  forth  a  burst  of  praise.  I  can  assure 
you  no  one  hesitated  in  referring  to  the  altar,  after  this. 

Albany,  X.  Y. — Ou  Ai^ril  6th,  Dr.  Palmer  received  a 
very  interesting  letter,  describing  the  revival  in  the 
capital  of  New  York. 

An  extraordinary  work  is  going  on,  in  the  sanctification  of 
the  Church.  On  the  first  night  I  came,  I  enquired  of  the  min- 
ister, Bro.  Arnokl,  how  he  stood  in  his  own  experience,  in  re- 
gard to  the  sul)ject  of  holiness.  He  said  he  was  not  clear.  I 
told  him  I  could  not  labor  in  much  faith  for  the  peoj)le,  unless 
he  would  himself  come  out  as  an  example  in  faith,  as  well  as 
in  doctrine,  on  the  subject.  He  was  laid  as  a  great  burden  on 
my  mind,  and  about  half  an  hour  after  the  meeting  began,  he 
came  out  as  an  explicit  witness,  that  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth  from  all  sin.  The  work  since,  has  been  sjDreadiug 
rapidly.  Nearly  all  the  leaders,  and  many  members  have 
believed  unto  full  salvation.  Sister  Arnold  stood  much  the 
same  as  her  husband,  but  now,  I  think,  intends  to  testify. 
There  have  been  some  peculiarities  in  the  nature  of  the  work, 
which  I  have  had  to  do  here.  You  know  I  aui  within  range  of 
the  teachings  of  T.  S.  These  with  other  teachings  (Hodgsonian) 
while  through  the  influence  of  a  presiding  Elder,  Mr.  Clark 
(who  you  will  remember  was  brought  before  the  Troy  Confer- 
ence for  trial,  on  an  occasion  when  Bishop  Hamline  presided) 
having  done  much  mischief  in  i)erplexing  the  minds  of  the 
people,  so  that  but  few  have  stood  out  clearly  in  the  profes- 
sion of  entire  holiness. 

I  have  witnessed  memorable  triumphs  of  truth  over  error. 
On  Saturday  afternoon,  Dr.  Clark  arose,  and  with  tearful  eyes 


J/A'6'.  J'fKEBE  PALM  Eli.  293 

said,  he  wanted  to  know  that  tlie  hiw  of  life  in  Jesus  Christ 
had  made  him  free  from  the  Liw  of  sin  and  deatli.  But  his 
mind  was  perplexed,  liow  far  the  work  of  entire  sanetification 
had  been  wrought  in  liim.  When  he  was  justified,  and  what 
further  work  he  was  to  expect,  were  now,  he  said,  matters  of 
much  solicitude.  Said  I,  *^  It  matters  little  w/te?i,the  blessing 
was  received,  the  question  all  important  for  you  now,  is,  '<  Do 
you  know  that  you  are  now  in  tlie  enjoyment  of  entire  sancti- 
iication  V  ''J  do  not,''''  said  he.  '^  Do  you  believe  it  to  be  your 
inivilege  to  have  that  blessing ^lojy  ?"  I  asked-  '^  Yes,"  was  his 
emphatic  reply.  In  point  of  time,  we  were  now  in  the  midst 
of  the  meetiug,  but  I  proposed  prayer,  after  which  he  still 
continued  on  his  knees.  I  went  and  knelt  beside  him.  He 
said  that  he  now  consecrated  himself  for  all  coming  time,  and 
expressed  the  most  absolute  surrender  of  his  entire  being,  to 
God.  I  presented  the  simple  way  of  faith,  and  in  a  few  mo- 
ments he  arose  and  testified  that  the  ^iri<  bore  testimony  with 
his  spirit  now — that  the  work  was  accomplished.  Several 
similarly  perplexed,  have  come  out  with  the  same  clearness. 

The  teachings  of  Rev.  Tobias  Spicer,  and  kindred  spirits, 
seem  also  to  have  obtained  rather  more  largely  here,  than  on 
our  way.  The  doctrine  that,  ^^  He  that  hath  the  witness^h^- 
lieveth,"  instead  of,  '^  He  that  believeth  hath  the  witness,"  etc., 
had  also  operated  as  a  hindrance.  But  truth  triumphs,  ''  Jesus 
reigns — He  reigns  victorious." 

On  Friday  morning,  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
who  had  been  under  these  influences,  came  in.  I  asked  him 
whether  he  was  enjoying  the  blessing  of  holiness.  He  snid  he 
rather  hoped  so,  he  thought  lie  had  loved  God  with  all  his  heart, 
ever  since  his  conversion.  In  answer  to  my  inquiries,  he  would 
not  say  that  he  was  wholly  sanctified.  After  about  an  liour's 
entreaty,  I  got  him  to  promise  that  he  would  not  rest  vjion  his 
pillow  that  nir/ht,  until  he  kneio  that  the  work  was  accomplished. 
As  is  ever  the  case,  when  we  begin  to  draw  nigh  unto  God,  He 
begins  to  draw  nigh  unto  us.  Clearer  light  now  shone  upon 
his  mind,  and  he  saw  the  remains  of  unbelief  in  his  heart, 
from  which  he  felt  that  he  must  have  deliverance.  About  five 
o'clock  on  the  same  day,  he  experienced  a  glorious  deliverance, 


294  MEMOIRS  OF 

and  is  now  a  champion  in  the  cause,  greatly  interested  in  bring- 
ing others  in  the  way.  Tlie  next  morning  his  Mife  came  to  see 
me,  and  experienced  the  blessing  in  a  powerful  manner.  It 
would  do  my  heart  good  if  T.  8.  might  only  be  here  a  short 
time,  and  see  how  quickly  and  how  powerfully  they  who  helieve, 
get  the  witness  in  themselves. 

During  the  mouth  of  Juue,  the  Walworth,  Cardiff",  aud 
Plymouth  camp-meetiugs  were  Aisited.  Labor  at  eaeli  was 
exceediugly  fruitful  aud  joyous.  Passiug  from  the  latter,  to 
one  six  miles  from  Cuba,  on  the  Erie  Eailroad,  their  joys 
and  trimni)h8  still  continued. 

July  Sd. — Hallelujah!  The  Lord  God  omuipotent  reign- 
eth  !  What  shall  I  sa}^  of  the  manifestations  of  saving  ])o\ver, 
to-day  ?  During  the  morning,  it  rained,  and  we  could  not  iiave 
out-door  services.  Three  or  four  tents  were  thrown  into  one, 
by  the  wish  of  the  brethren.  Husband  and  I  occupied  much 
of  the  time.  Great  grace  rested  on  all.  A  number  were  sanc- 
tified wholly.  The  dear  family  who  accommodated  us,  off  the 
ground,  were  not  forgotten.  I  had  asked  that  the  cuj)  of  cold 
water,  given  in  the  name  of  a  discijde,  might  not  lose  its  re- 
ward, and  a  blessing,  worth  more  than  thousands  of  silver  and 
gold,  was  awarded.  The  father  of  Sister  De  L.,  a  member,  I 
believe,  of  the  Baptist  communion,  was  filled  with  the  Spirit, 
and  spake,  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance.  Though  deaf,  and  un- 
able to  hear  anything  that  had  been  said  in  the  meeting,  he  ut- 
tered sentiments  ill  allusion  to  what  had  been  said,  just  the 
same  as  though  he  had  heard  all.  I  could  not  regard  this  at  all 
less  than  miraculoijs.  A  son  of  theirs,  who  is  a  minister,  re- 
ceived the  witness  of  holiness,  in  power,  just  about  five  minutes 
before  we  left  the  ground.  Their  two  daughters  promised,  as 
we  were  leaving  them,  that  they  would  never  rest,  until  thev 
were  wholly  sanctified.  Two  other  sons,  who  conveyed  Dr.  P. 
and  myself  in  separate  carriages,  from  the  ground  to  the  cars, 
both  received  tlie  grace  of  entire  sauctification,  before  we  part- 
ed. 

The  case  of  the  son,  who  rode  with  me,  was  one  of  singular 
interest.     I  had  not   much   more   than   seated   mvself  in  ilie 


MBS,  PHCEBE  PALMER.  295 

conveyance  with  him,  when  I  asked,  "  Do  yon  enjoy  the  blessing 
of  holiness  ?''  ^^  Everybody  is  telling  me  that  I  must  pi^eaeli, 
but  I  do  not  believe  it,"  lie  exclaimed.  "  I  should  be  fnr  from 
saving  that  you  were  called  to  preach,"  said  I;  ''but  this  I 
know,  that  there  is  but  one  way  for  me  to  come  at  dut\',  and  that 
is  by  telling  the  Lord  that  I  am  willing  to  do  the  things  sug- 
gested ;  all  I  want  to  know  is  His  will  concerning  the  matter, 
"  for  it  is  only  those  that  will  do  His  will,  that  shall  know  of  the 
doctrine."  He  seemed,  for  a  time,  evidently  unwilling  to  know 
the  will  of  the  Lord,  in  this  regard,  concerning  him  j  fearing  to 
say  he  w^as  willing,  lest  the  duty  might  be  made  ijlaiu.  But 
he  became  convinced  that  his  j)osition  was  wrong,  and  unsafe, 
and  he  yielded  up  his  will  on  this  point,  and  on  doing  this, 
soon  found  it  easy  to  yield  up  his  whole  being  to  God,  througli 
Christ.  Then  I  began  to  tell  him  of  the  way  into  the  holiest, 
through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant.  Most  quickly 
did  he  comprehend  it,  now  that  hindrances  were  removed — 
"  How  simjile !"  he  exclaimed. 

And  thus  will  every  one  exclaim,  who  complies  with  the  con- 
dition upon  which  alone  they  may  enter,  and  not  until  this  is 
done,  can  any  man  know  of  the  doctrine,  however  much  he  may 
theorize,  and  in  written  volumes,  may  publisli  his  ignorance,  or 
darken  counsel.  This  brother  now  found  that  the  i)romises 
were  his,  and  he  exulted  in  conscious  j^ossession  of  full  salvation. 
Dr.  P.  was  engaged  with  the  brother  with  whom  he  was 
riding,  in  a  similar  manner  j  and  he  also,  had  had  similar 
difficulties.  This  brother  also,  before  he  parted  fi'om  us,  entered 
into  the  rest  of  faith.  Thus,  three  brothers,  sons  of  our  excellent 
Brother  and  Sister  De  L.,  who  had  ministered  so  kindly  to  our 
temporal  necessities,  were  within  two  hours,  filled  Avith  the 
perfect  love  of  God. 

Spapford,  K.  T. — This  was  the  last  of  the  series  of 
camp-meetings  attended  this  year. 

New  York,  Sej^temherSOth,  1851. 
To  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James  : 

We  returned  from  a  meeting  held  last  week,  at  Sjmfford,  in 
Western  New  York.     It  was  estimated  that  there  were  about 


296  MEMOIRS  OF 

one  hundred  and  fifty  conversions,  and  I  should  suppose  that 
about  the  same  number  were  wholly  sanctified.  I  can  give  but 
a  faint  idea  of  the  interest  of  the  meeting,  but  I  have  a  mind 
to  tell  you  of  two  or  three  scenes  which  now  came  ujj  vividly 
before  me.  One  was  the  case  of  an  inebriate,  whose  wife  was 
a  poor  dejected  wanderer  from  Christ,  and  who  previously  en- 
listed my  S3nupathies.  Her  husband,  who  was  yet  more  woe- 
stricken  and  humble  in  his  appearance,  came  in  while  I  was 
endeavoring  to  persuade  his  wife  to  return  to  Him,  from  whom 
she  had  so  deeply  revolted.  I  remembered  Him  whose  mission 
to  earth  was  to  gather  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel, 
and  in  His  name  I  began  to  ask  tliis  forlorn  looking  inebriate 
to  return,  for  he  too,  with  his  wife,  had  once  been  a  hax)py  child 
of  God.  Spirituous  liquors  had  made  such  fearful  ravages  up- 
on him,  in  mind,  body,  and  estate,  tliat  I  do  not  wonder  that  a 
pious  physician  present,  should  say,  ''^If  Sister  Palmer's  faith 
will  reach  that  case,  it  will  exceed  my  anticipations."  His  case 
literally  reminded  one  of  the  sow  that  was  washed  and  had  re- 
turned to  her  wallowing  in  the  mire,  for  at  first,  there  seemed  to 
be  but  little  more  effect  or  intelligence  in  return  to  my  affection- 
ate inquiries,  than  might  be  expected  from  such  an  animal.  But 
the  voice  of  kindness,  and  entreaty,  through  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  gradually  won  upon  him.  Said  I,  ^^Will  you  not, 
in  the  strength  of  the  Lord, — not  in  your  own  but  in  the  LorcVs 
strength,  j)romise  that  you  will  never  again  touch  spirituous 
liquors  ?  If  you  will  trust  in  the  Lord,  you  Jcnotv  he  will  help. 
But  you  cannot  ask  the  Lord  to  help  you  to  do  a  thing  which 
you  have  not  resolved  to  do."  He  caught  the  idea,  and  said,  '^  I 
w411  resolve  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  never  again  to  touch  it, 
never,  never  !" 

Immediately  the  Spirit  lielj^ed  his  infirmities,  and  he  began  to 
cr}',  "  Lord  have  mercy  on  me  and  bless  me,  for  Jesus  sake  !"  and 
thus  he  continued  to  cry.  His  wife  also  knelt  beside  him  and  to- 
gether they  wept,  and  pleaded  for  mercy.  We  labored  with  them 
till  a  late  hour,  but  we  left  them  weary  and  lieavy  laden.  Soon 
after  these  had  obtained  acceptance,  I  conversed  with  another, 
who  also,  through  the  prevalence  of  strong  drink,  had  wander- 
ed far  from  his  Father's  house.     He  luid  been  groaning  and  sup- 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


297 


plicating  for  mercy,  "  Whoso  confesseth  and  forsakethhis  sinK, 
shall  find  mercy,"  said  I ;  ^^  Now  do  \jou  confess  and  forsake  your 
sms  V  *^  I  do  !"  he  exclaimed,  when  in  a  moment  he  bounded 
np,  and  began  to  praise  the  Lord.  Laying  hold  upon  ray  hand, 
he  cried  out,  '-Bless  you!  Bless  you!"  And  then  bounding 
over  the  bench,  he  flew  to  his  Avife,  and  took  her  over  to  the 
place  where  he  had  been  kneeling.  She  was  also  a  backslider, 
and  there  they  mingled  their  supplications,  tears,  and  praises. 
Many  scenes  of  interest,  somewhat  similar,  did  I  witness. 

Let  me  tell  you  of  a  contrast.  The  last  night  of  the  meet- 
ing came,  when  all  the  prominent  men  of  the  place,  almost  en 
masse,  presented  themselves  for  prayer.  We  were  accommo- 
dated in  the  tent  of  the  physician  who  received  the  blessing 
of  holiness,  the  first  day  we  came  on  the  ground,  and  in  this 
tent  were  gathered  the  lawyer  of  the  place,  with  his  lady,  the 
squire  and  his  lady,  the  principal  merchant,  all  seeking  religion, 
with  others  occupying  important  stations,  seeking  for  a  renewal 
in  grace,  and  confessing  their  faults  one  to  another.  It  really 
seems  as  if  the  Lord  intended  to  sweep  the  place,  and  cause  a 
new  form  of  piety  to  prevail.  There  had  been  many  backslid- 
ings,  and  the  state  of  religion  had  been  low — very  low.  Those 
who  had  been  professors,  saw  that  the  difficulty  with  them  had 
been  that  they  had  not  obeyed  God,  and  gone  on  to  perfection. 
God  gave  them  some  beautiful  examples  of  what  He  was  will- 
ing to  do.  One  young  lady,  from  one  of  the  more  prominent 
families,  came  forward,  crying  for  mercy.  Before  she  left  her 
home,  she  had  been  told  that  not  for  a  thousand  dollars  would 
they  have  her  present  herself  at  the  altar.  In  a  few  mo- 
ments the  Lord  gave  her  a  joyful  assurance  of  His  justify- 
ing gTace.  She  arose  and  confessed  Christ  as  her  Saviour, 
before  a  large  concourse.  About  half  an  hour  afterward, 
I  arose  and  tried  to  talk  to  sinners,  by  way  of  winning  them 
to  Christ,  and  concluded  by  saying  a  few  words  on  the  im- 
portance of  holiness.  I  stood  by  this  newly  converted  one, 
as  I  talked,  when  she  grasped  my  hand  almost  convulsively, 
and  said,  *^  0 !  I  must  have  something  more — I  have  not  got 
all!"  I  hardly  thought  it  possible  that  she  should  so  soon 
after  her  happy  conversion,  be  convicted  for  a  deeper  work.    I 


298  MEMOIRS  OF 

knelt  down  by  lier,  to  tell  lier  she  must  not  cast  away  the  be- 
ginning of  her  confidence,  when  she  weepingly  ejaculated,  "O, 
I  must  be  perfect ! '^  I  now,  to  my  astonishment,  saw  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  had  thus  early  in  lier  heavenward  career,  arrested 
her  mind  to  tlie  importance  of  present  holiness.  And  surely  it 
was  the  Holy  Spirit  tliat  told  me  that  I  must  now  direct  lier 
how  to  take  the  higiier  walk— the  way  of  Iioliness.  I  did  so, 
and  in  less  than  an  hour,  I  think,  after  her  conversion,  she  was 
rejoicing  in  the  enjoyment  of  full  salvation.  On  the  evening  of 
the  same  day,  I  went  wliere  a  number  were  testifying  of  the 
great  things  God  lind  done  for  them.  One  who  had  just  re- 
ceived the  blessing  of  holiness,  was  giving  in  a  lucid  testimony 
to  that  effect.  A  brother  turned  to  me  and  said,  ''It  was  only 
this  morning  that  that  person  experienced  religion!"  I  re- 
ferred to  these  experiences  in  the  public  meeting,  the  next  day, 
telling  them  it  was  because  this  form  of  piety  had  not  before 
prevailed,  that  backsliding  in  heart  had  been  so  prevalent 
among  them,  for  never  before  had  I  been  where  so  much  of  this 
was  apparent.  But  there  seemed  to  have  been  a  proclamation 
issued  from  the  King  of  lieaveu,  for  the  return  of  these  back- 
sliders. Never, I  think,  on  any  camp  ground,  have  I  witnessed 
such  a  general  work.  The  unholy  professors  weie  convinced 
or  their  error  in  stopping  short  of  this  grace,  and  earnestly 
sought  and  obtained  it.  Scores  of  backsliders  returned  to  their 
Father's  house.  And  very  many  who  had  never  known  the 
joys  of  salvation,  were  made  happy  partakers  of  saving 
gi^ace. 

Never  has  my  mind  been  so  arrested  to  the  importance  of 
the  fact  that  it  is  for  the  want  of  personal  holiness,  tla*  £o 
little  is  done  by  the  laity, in  the  work  of  soul  saving.  Ministers 
cannot  do  the  work  of  the  people  in  this  department.  Bu.t 
ministers  can  urge  \\\H)n  the  people  the  necessity  of  personal — 
l)resent  holiness.  There  can  and  ought  to  be,  examples  in  ex- 
perience in  this  regard,  otherwise  their  teachings  will  be  ccm 
l)aratively  powerless.  O,  tor  a  holy  ministry,  and  a  holy 
church. 


MliS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  299 

1852. 

The  Eed  Lion  and  Hillsdale,  with  other  camp-meetings, 
were  attended  this  year.  Peace  continued  to  flow  like  a 
river,  and  righteousness  as  the  waves  of  the  sea. 

1853. 

NAPANEE,  ONT. 

Napanee,  C.  W. — In  the  month  of  August,  she 
received  an  invitation  from  Squire  Mitchell  Neville,  of 
Newbiu-g,  Canada  West — now  styled  the  Province  of 
Ontario, — to  attend  a  camp-meeting  to  be  held  on  his  farm. 
Mr.  N.  enforced  his  kindly  in\itation  by  the  statement 
that  camp-meetings  had  nearly  died  out  in  Canada.  The 
request  was  received  by  Mrs.  P.,  as  a  manifest  call  fi'om 
Heaven,  and  was  immediately  responded  to  by  the  promise 
to  be  on  hand — God  willmg.  In  the  letter  of  invitation, 
Mr.  Neville  volunteered  to  meet  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  at 
Kingston,  and  thence  to  convey  them  in  his  own  carriage, 
to  the  encamx)ment  at  Napanee.  Leaving  New  York  in 
ample  time  to  meet  the  engagement,  the  evangehsts  were 
detained  on  the  way  by  the  burning  of  an  important  rail- 
road bridge,  and  did  not  reach  Kingston  until  the  next 
day.     No  one  was  in  waiting  to  receive  them. 

Having  made  the  acquaintance  of  Mrs.  McLeod,  who, 
with  her  three  sons,  had  obtained  the  blessing  of  entire 
sanctification,  while  on  a  \isit  to  J3r.  Palmer  and  wife ; — 
she,  (Mrs.  McL),  traveling  nearly  a  hundred  miles  from 
a  seashore  watering  place,  to  attend  the  Tuesday  meeting— 
the  visitants  engaged  a  carriage,  and  soon  found  hearty 
welcome  at  her  residence  on  the  banks  of  Lake  Ontario, 
about  a  mile  out  of  Kingston. 

The  District  Meeting  was  then  in  session  at  the  church, 
and  was  forthwith  notified,  by  Mrs.  McLeod,  of  their  arri- 
val.   A  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  on  the  guests,  and 


300  MEMOIBS  OF 

invite  them  to  the  meeting.  After  a  very  affectionate  re- 
ception, the  members  expressed  great  surprise  that  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Palmer  had  come  so  far  to  attend  a  cami)-meeting-, 
which  the  District  Chairman  had  not  thought  of  sufficient 
importance  to  puhUsh  over  the  area  of  his  jurisdiction. 
The  Canadian  Wesleyans  had  already  become  acquainted 
with  Mrs.  Palmer,  through  the  columns  of  the  "  Christian 
Guardian  "  whose  editor  had  published  a  letter  every  week, 
for  more  than  a  year,  with  Mrs.  Palmer's  name  attached. 
The  letters  had  been  copied  from  her  recently  issued  work, 
entitled  ^'  Faith  and  its  Effects."  The  gathering  at  the 
church  was  large,  as  the  ladies  also  had  a  meeting  for 
the  District.  This  gave  pubUcity  to  the  camp-meeting. 
The  Mayor  of  the  city,  and  the  Chamberlain,  mth  other 
influential  civic  ofiicials  were  present,  and  all  resolved 
to  attend.  Arriving  at  the  camp-ground,  it  was  discovered 
that  Squire  Neville  had  only  just  received  the  letter  an- 
nouncing acceptance  of  his  invitation.  Their  appearance 
was  hailed  with  glad  welcomes. 

The  Lord  wonderfully  owned  the  \dsitors.  The  Mayor 
of  Kingston  was  powerfully  blest,  over  Jive  hundred  pro- 
fessed conversion,  and  nearly  as  many  obtained  the  fidl 
assmance  of  faith.  That  meeting  gave  new  life,  and  a 
fresh  impetus  to  cami)-meetings  in  Canada.  The  Wes- 
leyan  Methodist  Conference  rei)orted  an  addition  of  six 
thousand  that  year, — mostly  from  the  region  where  the 
camp-meet hig  had  been  held.  Furtlier  details  of  this 
visit,  and  of  subsequent  labors  are  given  in  the  interesting 
letter  of  Mr.  Neville,  on  page  635. 

From  that  time  forward.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  attended 
four  camp-meetings  in  Canada,  every  summer,  for  a  number 
of  years  in  succession.  Assiduously  devoting  eleven 
months  out  of  the  twelve  to  the  practice  of  a  lucrative 
profession,  the  remaining,  or  holiday  month,  was  api)ro- 
priated  by  Dr.  Palmer,  to  physical  and  spiritual  recupera- 


MES.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  3Q| 

tion  ill  evangelical  expeditions  to  Canada,  with  Mrs.  Palmer. 
The  whole  history  of  revival  efforts  sho^ys  no  more  grate- 
ful record  than  that  of  those  summer  visits  to  the  sister 
Canadian  chui'ches. 

THERESA,  N.  Y. — NAPANEE,   BOND   HEAD,  C.   W. — MARTHA'S   VINEYARD, 
EASTHAM,  MASS. 

Theresa — N.  Y. — On  New  Year's  day,  Mrs.  Palmer 
was  at  Theresa,  N.  Y.,  whither  she  had  journeyed  to  assist 
in  a  protracted  meethig.  After  recounting  some  of  the 
incidents  of  travel,  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Palmer,  under  date, 
January  1st,  1854,  she  adds : 

*  *  *  *  \Yell,  to  continne  on  my  torn  off  sheet,  with  the 
wedding  company  from  Theresa.  The  wedding  had  heen  at 
the  church  in  Theresa,  by  Mr.  Ferguson,  and  I  therefore  receiv- 
ed not  only  all  the  intelligence  I  needed,  but  they  also  engaged 
the  seme  conveyance  to  take  me  to  Theresa  (from  Watertown), 
by  which  they  had  been  brought,  which  made  it  exceedingly 
pleasant  and  commodious  for  us.  But  the  best  of  all,  and  why 
I  mention  these  particulars,  is  this.  In  my  endeavors  to  be 
'^instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,"  I  seized  an  oppor- 
tunity to  converse  witli  one  of  the  leading  young  gentlemen  of 
this  party,  on  the  subject  of  liis  soul's  salvation.  The  company 
were  sitting  in  different  parts  of  the  room,  some  of  them,  ap- 
parently, b}^  their  quizzing  countenances  saying,  '^now  you  liave 
caught  it," — while  others  looked  more  serious.  The  young 
man  was  very  intelligent, — not  one  sinner  in  fifty,  more  ready 
in  conducting  an  argument, — but  the  Lord  made  trutli  effectual, 
and  he  acknowledged  the  importance  of  religion,  and  a  speedy 
attention  to  its  claims.  I  assured  him  that  my  prayers  should 
follow  him  through  the  day,  wherever  he  might  be.  I  have 
noticed  that  this  will  effect  a  sinner  more  than  anything  else, 
and  so  it  was  on  this  occasion.  I  seemed  to  have  gained  the 
hearts  of  tlie  group,  and  they  took  as  much  pains  to  get  me  off 
to  Theresa,  as  though  I  had  been  one  of  them.  My  heart  was 
much  drawn  out  in  prayer  for  the  awakening  and  conversion 
of  the  whole  companj.     I  know^  you  will  give  God  all  the  glory 


302  MEMOIRS  OF 

when  I  tell  you  that  this  young  man  with, — I  have  understood, 
— more  than  half  that  compan^^  were  forward  as  seekers  of 
salvation,  last  night.  This  young  man,  wlio  is  brother  to  one  of 
tlia  brides,  with  his  sister  the  bride,  and  her  husband,  w^ere  all 
brouglit  into  the  enjoyment  of  religion,  while  I  was  endeavor- 
ing to  point  them  to  the  Lamb  of  Grod,  last  night.  0,  how  I  did 
want  you  with  me,  to  help  me  sing, ''  Glory  to  the  Lamb  !  "  The 
other  groom, — w^ho  is  an  intelligent  young  lawyer,  and  liis 
bride,  were  at  the  meeting  also,  and  came  very  near  yielding, 
and  1  have  scarcely  a  doubt,  will  yield  before  the  week  is 
over.  This  circle  is  among  the  leading  spirits  in  the  more  re- 
fined class  in  Theresa.  Last  night,  when  it  was  asked  how 
many  in  the  congregation  felt  the  need  of  a  Saviour,  about  sev- 
enty arose  I  should  think  there  were  at  least  tw  enty  forward 
for  prayers.  On  Saturday  night,  one  of  the  physicians  of  the 
place  was  brought  into  the  enjoyment  of  salvation  while  I  was 
kneeling  beside  him —  ^'  How  great  salvation  who  can  tell  ?  '* 
Such  a  testimony  as  he  arose  and  gave  in  ! — would  I  had  the 
power,  or  could  take  time  to  describe  it — just  such  a  class  of 
mind  as  the  Lord  has  given  you  the  ability  and  the  inclination 
to  work  upon,  is  here. 

The  Pentecostal  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  at 
Napanee  camp-meeting,  C.  W.,  in  the  preceding  year, 
and  the  consequent  large  ingathering  to  the  membership  of 
the  church,  very  properly  induced  urgent  solicitation  to 
attend  another  meeting,  on  the  same  spot,  in  the  present 
year.  Tlu^ough  Mr.  Ne\alle,  Mrs.  Palmer  had  replied  on 
the  2d  of  May, — x>romising  to  attend  that,  in  connection 
with  another  camp-meeting  on  the  Bradford  District  to 
which  they  had  been  invited  by  the  Bradford  Circuit 
Committee,  through  Eev.  ]\Ir.  Young,  the  Chairman. 

Napanee,  Bond  Head,  C.  W. — The  second  Adsit  to 
Napanee  was  quite  brief,  as  appears  from  the  following 
letter.  Thence  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.,  repaired  to  Bond  Head 
camp-meeting,  of  which  fuller  account  is  given  elsew^here. 

I  arrived  in  Kingston  about  two  o'clock,  but  did  not  leave 


MJiS.  rHiEBE  PALMER.  ;^03 

until  near  five,  and  arrived  at  the  camp  ground  about  dusk.  We 
left  the  next  morning,  for  Kingston  again,  and  at  six  o'clock 
were  again  on  the  Lake. 

On  Saturday,  we  took  the  cars  for  Bradford,  forty -five  miles 
from  Toronto,  where  we  met  the  Rev.  Mr.  Young,  who  took  us 
tive  miles  further  to  Bond  Head— and  reached  the  camp-meeting 
on  Saturday,  about  four  o'clock.  The  meeting  I  cannot  describe 
to  you;  there  were  hundreds  converted.  It  was  one  of  the  most 
glorious  meetings  I  ever  attended.  The  Lord  appeared  to  honor 
the  labors  of  your  dear  Ma,  in  a  most  wonderful  manner.  I  am 
sure,  if  my  dear  daughters  could  have  been  there,  they  would 
willingly  consent  to  the  absence  of  Ma  and  Pa,  though  it 
is  a  great  privation  not  only  for  you,  but  for  us  also. 

Martha's  Yineyaed,  Mass.— Retm^uiiig,  triumphant 
through  grace,  from  Canada,  Mrs.  P.  next  took  the  steamer 
"  Bay  State"  to  Fall  River,  and  thence  another  steamer  to 
Martha's  Vineyard.  A  letter  pubUslied  on  retiu^n  to  New 
York,  is  full  of  permanent,  historical  interest,  and  pro\ides 
much  food  for  serious  thought,  to  aU  earnest  lovers  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ. 

Many  of  the  ministers  manifested  much  interest  in  the  entire 
sanctification  of  their  people,  and  spoke  of  their  desire  to  be 
ensamples  in  faith  and  doctrine.  May  the  time  never  come,  when 
either  ministers  or  people  will  fear  to  come  out  openly  and 
often,  in  preaching  and  in  testimony  on  this  subject.  Holmess 
is  the  ultimate  object  of  all  evangelical  ministrations.  It  will 
be  a  sad  day  for  Methodism  when  our  ministers  fear  to  give 
Christian  perfection  prominence  in  their  ministrations,  from  the 
fear  of  provoking  controversy  It  is  as  we  believe,  not  only 
the  crowning  doctrine  of  the  Bible,  but  the  distinguishing  doc- 
trine of  Methodism,  for  the  maintenance  of  which  we  were 
specificallv,  as  a  people,  raised  up.  God  thrust  the  Wesleys  out 
to  raise  a  holv  people.  "We  believe  that  the  design  of  God  in 
raising  up  the  ministers,  called  Methodists,  was  to  reform 
the  continent,  and    to  spread  scriptural  holiness  through  the 

land." 

This  declaration  of  our  bishops,  reminds  us  of  a  conversation 


304  MEMOIBS   OF 

with  Dr  ^Yayland,  as  i  elated  by  an  excellent  brother,  as  haviug 
occnrred  between  himself  and  Dr.  W.  The  Dr.  said  he  used  to 
think  that  the  Baptists  were  the  people  raised  up  by  God  for 
the  evangelization  of  the  world.  Tlieir  humility,  zeal,  and  emi- 
nent devotedness  in  early  days,  ins^nred  hir,  mind  with  the  hope, 
that  the  Lord  had  raised  them  up  to  do  a  great  work.  But  he 
liad  long  since  been  compelled  to  look  with  less  hopefaluess  to 
that  quarter.  Increasing  worldliness  in  the  church,  less  devot- 
edness,  love  of  display,  manifested  in  fine  churches,  fine  equi- 
page, with  other  indications  of  conformity  to  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  have  all  had  a  tendency  to  turn  his  mind  away  from  the 
expectation,  that  God  would  signally  honor  them,  as  his  i)ecu- 
liar  peo|)le. 

Being  thus  compelled  to  turn  his  eye  away  from  his  own 
peojile,  and  believing  that  God  would  yet  have  a  iDeculiar  peo- 
ple, he  had  been  solicitously  looking  toward  the  Methodists, 
And  here  his  eye  had  for  some  time  rested.  But  the  too  evident 
indications  of  conformity  to  the  spirit  of  the  times,  an  increasing 
tendency  toward  worldly  display,  in  our  fine  j^laces  of  worship, 
dress,  etc.,  all  inclined  him  to  fear  that  we  also  were  turning 
aside  from  the  old  landmarks.  Yet  still  he  adheres  to  the 
opinion,  that  God  icill  have  a  people,  by  whom  He  may  show 
forth  His  praise,  and  if  we  do  not  hasten  to  be  answerable  to 
our  commission,  it  is  his  opinion,  that  God  will  soon  raise  up 
another  j)eople  in  our  place. 

Eastham,  Mass. — A  letter  to  Dr.  Palmer,  written  while 
absent,  in  the  month  of  August,  at  Millennial  Grove,  East- 
ham,  Mass.,  si^eaks  of  the  ^'  earnest  of  a  wonderful  meet- 
ing. The  company  is  very  large.  It  is  estimated  that 
about  one  hundred  ministers  are  on  the  ground,  from  every 
direction.  Our  brother  Benjamin  Adams, — Five  Points 
minister— talked  on  the  stand  j  and  W.  P.  Corbit,  of  Madi- 
son street  station,  gave  great  satisfaction  in  preaching, 
yesterday  afternoon.  A  Biblical  Institute  tent  is  on  the 
ground,  and  the  most  of  the  students  are  here.  Nearly,  if 
not  all,  are  earnestly  pleading  to  be  men  of  clean  hands 
and  piue  hearts." 


MliS.  PHCEBE  FALMEll.  3()5 

Calling  on  Mrs.  Major Hamniersley,  at  Hartford,  Conn., 
on  the  way  home,  she  availed  herself  of  the  opportunity  to 
pour  out  the  story  of  Heavenly  grace  diuing  the  trip,  to 
Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hainhne. 

To  tlie  praise  of  God,  we  can  say  that  we  were  permitted  to 
gather  fruit,  though  not  so  abundant  as  that  gathered  during 
our  Canada  tour.  Yet  we  feel  quite  sure,  tbat  the  Lord  called 
us  to  go  on  this,  as  on  that  tour.  Tlie  tendencies  of  Methodism 
in  New  England  are  strongly  towards  Congregationalism.  Both 
in  doctrines  and  in  usages,  there  are  stronger  tendencies  to 
amalgamate,  than  a  whole  hearted  Methodist  could  Avish.  Ex- 
pensive churches,  rented  pews,  gaiety  of  attire,  and  un- 
wonted display  of  jewelry,  on  both  male  and  female  members, 
seems  to  prevail  with  our  own  people,  to  well  nigh  the  same 
extent  as  with  other  denominations.  But  more  serious  than 
all.  Is  the  fact  tliat  distinctiveness  in  relation  to  the  doctrine  of 
entire  santitication  is  not  becoming  more  apparent.  But  I  hoj^e 
I  may  not  make  the  picture  seem  too  dark.  What  I  mean  to  say 
is,  that  these  are  the  evident  tendencies^  but  there  were  some 
successful  struggliugs  against  these  tendencies,  yet  these  were 
not  as  marked  and  open  as  one  would  wish.  We  were  S(?nt  for 
to  attend  the  Boston  camp-meeting,  by  the  Rev.  J.  Porter, 
presiding  Elder  of  the  District.  Sister  Sarah  and  myself  went 
early  in  the  week.  Dr.  P.  joined  us  before  the  close  of  the  meet- 
ing. I  must  record  a  remarkable  preservation  of  our  lives  on 
our  return  from  the  New  England  camp-meetings.  While  on 
board  the  elegant  steamer  '^  Empire  State,"  between  ten  and 
eleven  o'clock  at  night,  and  the  passengers  mostly  retired,  the 
boiler  burst.  Truly,  we  could  now,  judging  from" appearances, 
say,  "There  is  but  a  step  between  me  and  death."  The  con- 
sternation among  the  passengers  was  awful.  Among  the  hun- 
dreds on  board,  we  did  not  observe  any  among  them  that  gave 
indication  of  a  preparation  for  eternity.  '•'  Thanks  be  to  God, 
who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ," 
such  a  sweet  consciousness  had  I,  of  victory  over  death,  that 
^'  all  was  calm  and  heaven  Avithiu."  '^  I  know  whom  I  have 
believed,"  was  the  language  of  my  heart,  and  from  an  almost 

20 


306  MEMOIBS  OF 

irresistible  influence  my  lips  began  to  pour  forth  in  strains  of 
melody,  the  peaceful  confidence  of  my  heart,  in  tke  words, 

'*  While  Thou  art  intimately  nigh, 
Who  !  Who  shall  viohxte  my  rest  ? 
Sin,  earth  and  hell  I  now  tlefy, 

I  lean  upon  my  Saviour's  breast. 
I  rest  beneath  the  Almighty's  shade, 

My  griefs  expire,  my  troubles  cease. 
Thou,  Lord,  on  Avhom  my  soul  is  stayed 

Wit  keep  Thine  own  in  perfect  peace. 
Me,  for  Tliiue  own.  Thou  lov'st  to  take, 

In    time  and  in  eternity. 
Thou  never,  never  wilt  forsake 

A  helpless  worm  that  trusts  in  Thee." 

Sister  Sarah  united  witli  me,  and  we  sang  the  words  to  the 
beautiful,  plaintive  tones  of  the  tune,  '■'■  We're  going  home  to  die 
no  more."  It  really  seemed,  as  we  were  siuging,  as  though  we 
were  aided  by  a  supernatural  power,  and  I  do  not  doubt  but 
the  strains  fell  in  almost  unearthly  tones  on  the  listeners.  Im- 
mediately the  scene  began  to  change  from  wild  consternation, 
to  more  unimpassioned  thoughts  of  the  future,  bringing  into 
striking  contrast,  the  i)eaceful  trust  of  the  christian  and  the  sad 
insecurity  of  the  worldling,  who  is  trusting  in  the  God  of  this 
world,  for  hapj)iness. 

After  w^e  had  finished  these  stanzas,  we  were  entreated  to  re- 
peat them.  By  this  time  Dr.  P.  came  in,  and  we  commenced 
the  hymn,  '^  How  do  Thy  mercies  close  me  round,"  and  with  liis 
beautiful  bass,  the  Lord  helloed  us  to  discourse  music  which  I  do 
not  doubt  told  on  hundreds  of  hearts. 

By  the  time  we  finished,  the  boat's  company  was  calm,  and 
the  immediate  and  imminent  danger  seemed  to  have  subsided. 

The  deck  outside  the  ladies'  cabin,  was  filled  with  a  dense 
fog,  either  from  the  bursted  boiler,  or  the  boat  being  on  fire,  or 
both. 

The  officers  of  the  boat  seemed  unwilling  to  inform  the  peo- 
ple of  the  facts  in  the  case.  Which  ever  was  the  case,  tlie 
difficulty  was  in  some  way  braved,  and  after  several  hours 
detention  in  the  midst  of  Long  Island  Sound,  we  were  again 


MJRS.  riKEIU-J  rALMER.  307 

sloTvly  on  our  way,  reacliiug  the  city  of  New  York  the  next 
afternoon,  instead  of  early  the  next  morning,  as  due. 

"  Tliere  are  some  Methodists  here  !''  exclaimed  a  passenger, 
in  the  hearing  of  Dr.  Palmer,  as  the>sweet  strains  of  the  sancti- 
tied  singers  fell  on  the  ears  of  the  hushed  and  breathless  throng 
of  men,  who  jammed  the  door  and  passage  way  of  the  ladies- 
cabin, — anxious  for  the  safety  ot  female  friends.  What  a 
powerful  testimony  to  the  value  of  Methodistic  doctrine  and  ex- 
perience, the  involuntary  exclamation  was,  is  apparent  to  all. 
And  that  all  might  have  a  similar  exi)erience,  the  consecrated 
three  were  toiling  with  all  energy  and  diligence. 

1855. 

PHILAl)ELPHIA.--a:RNESTTOWX,  BAKRIE,  BOXD  HEAD,  C.  W. — RED  LION, 
warrior's  mark,  pa. — PROVINCETOW^X,  SOUTH  WILBRAHAM, 

MASS. 

Philadelphia. — March  9th,  foiiud  3Irs.  Palmer  ouce 
more  in  the  city  of  Philadeli)hia.  Writing  to  Dr.  Palmer, 
she  says  : 

Dr.  Hodgson  called  to  give  a  special  invitation  to  attend  a 
largely-  attended  Social  Meeting,  whicli  i»  held  every  Wednes- 
day evening  at  St.  George's,  his  i)resent  charge.  How  unlike 
this,  in  courtesy  to  some  who  hold  his  views  !  I  am  convinced 
that  his  experience  is  far  better  than  what  might  be  inferred 
from  the  teuvdencies  of  his  doctrine,  as  witnessed  in  tlie  low 
and  superficial  experience  of  many  avIio  profess  to  embrace  his 
views.  I  went  to  the  meeting,  and  we  enjoyed  rather  an  inter- 
esting season.  One  of  the  leading  men,  in  relating  his  experi- 
ence of  entire  sanctificatiou,  dated  it  to  a  period  when  we  pass- 
ed through  this  region,  some  five  or  six  years  since.  How  much 
bread  cast  upon  the  waters,  is  found  after  many  days.  Though 
I  had  before  known  of  this  brother,  as  a  witness  of  this  salva- 
tion, yet  little  did  I  imagine  tlic  humble  instrumentality  Avas 
ourselves.  Do  you  remember  Prof.  Willett,  son  of  Col.  Willett, 
of  aristocratic  memory  ?  He  is  here.  One  of  the  most  humble, 
devoted,  self-sacrificing  Christians  I  ever  saw.  The  Lord  has 
chastened  him  sorely,  which  has  probably  had  to  do  with  liis 
eminent  and  entire  dovotedness. 


308  MEMOIRS  OF 

Ernesttown,  Baerie,  Bond  Head,  C.  W. — The 
camp-meetings  held  near  these,  places  were  successively 
visited  with  great  i^rofit  and  usefuhuNss.  The  reverence 
exemplified  by  the  Canadian  Methodists,  as  well  as  theii' 
orthodoxy,  elicited  deserved  praise. 

Brampton,  Canada  Wp:st,  July  Sd,  1855. 
Dear  Bishop  and  Mrs.  H  : 

We  have  attended  tliree  camp-meetings,  at  all  of  which  we 
have  been  favored  with  remarkahle  manifestations  of  the 
Divine  favor.  At  the  one  commencing  June  18tli,  held  at 
Ernesttown,  about  twenty  miles  above  Kingston,  we  had  rain 
about  half  the  time,  but  so  abundant  were  the  showers  of 
grace,  that  there  seemed  to  be  no  questionings  among  the 
people.  "  He  hath  done  all  things  well,"  was  the  oft  repeated 
exclamation.  The  work  of  conversion  and  entire  sanctiflcation 
went  on  simultaneously.  I  tliink  it  would  be  a  low  computa- 
tion to  say  that  not  less  than  one  hundred  were  wholly  s:inc- 
tified,  and  quite  as  many  professed  to  have  received  justifying 
grace. 

At  the  Barrie  District  camp-meeting  we  witnessed  a  yet 
more  remarkable  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  I  have  heard 
no  estimate  of  the  numbers  brought  to  Christ,  but  I  think  there 
could  not  have  been  at  the  least,  less  than  two  or  three  liundred. 
The  work  was  so  general,  that  I  do  not  believe  that  tliere 
was  a  sinner  on  the  ground,  that  did  not  feel  tlie  arrestings  ol 
God's  Holy  Spirit. 

But  the  number  wholly  sanctified,  exceeded,  I  thinlv,  tlie 
number  justified.  Here  Wesleyan  views  on  the  subject  of 
entire  sanctiflcation  definitely  and  generally  prevailed.  The 
blessing  of  holiness  is  sought  as  a  distinct  blessing,  and  tlie 
definite  seeker  receives,  as  ever,  the  distinct  blessing  for  wliich 
he  asks,  and  testifies  explicitly  of  the  grace  received.  Wesleyan 
views  are  not  controverted  by  either  ministers  or  tlie  laity. 
The  distinctive  peculiarities  of  Methodism  are  also  in  other 
respects  more  particularly  observed  here  than  in  some  other 
portions  of  our  work.  Kneeling  in  prayer  is  observed  by  the 
congregation,  not  only  by  church  members,  but  b}'  all  worshij)- 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  309 

ing-  assemblies.  Think  of  a  large  congregation  at  a  camp- 
ineeting,  kneeling,  with  scarcely  an  exception.  Professors  of 
religion  also  uniformly  kneeling  in  solemn  reverence  before  the 
Lord,  on  entering  the  place  appointed  for  worship,  according 
to  the  good  old  fashioned  custom  among  us.  Uniformity  is  also 
observed  in  regard  to  singing.  All  the  congregation  stand, 
and  if  one  might  judge  from  the  high-toned  chorus  of  sweet 
sounds,  all  sing,  and  accc'rding  to  the  Bible  admonition,  make 
melody  in  their  hearts  to  the  Lord.  The  people  are  not  con- 
tinually learning  new  tunes,  but  their  singing  seems  to  be 
regarded  as  truly  an  act  of  devotion  as  their  prayers. 

After  attending  the  Barrie  District  camp-meeting,  whicli 
commenced  on  the  28d,  we  spent  the  evening  and  the  ensuing 
day  at  Barrie,  about  eight  miles  distant  from  the  camp  ground. 
We  had  a  very  interesting  meeting  at  B.  Several  were  blest 
with  the  gift  of  perfect  love.  One  woman  who  had  walked 
five  miles,  with  her  baby  in  her  arms,  to  be  present  at  the 
meeting,  Avith  I  believe  some  others,  experienced  religion.  How 
sweetly  she  must  have  rested  that  night,  on  her  inllow,  'after 
her  ten  miles'  walk.  Mrs.  Locke,  an  intelligent  lady  at  the  head 
of  a  female  boarding-school,  located  in  this  place,  and  at  whose 
house  we  were  entertained,  received  the  blessing  of  purity,  in  the 
afternoon,  while  we  were  laboring  with  her,  in  her  own 
parlor.  From  Barrie  we  went  to  Bond  Head,  and  remained 
over  night  at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Young.  Had  a  special 
meeting  in  the  evening,  which  was  owned  of  God,  and  early  the 
next  morniug  started  for  the  camp-meeting  on  the  Mono 
District,  tliirty  or  forty  miles  distant.  Tlie  District  Cliairman, 
Rev.  L.  Warner,  and  Mr.  Young,  One  of  the  superintendents 
accompanied  us. 

Eed  Lion  and  Warrior's  Mark,  Pa.,  cainp-meet- 
ings  next  ensued.  After  leaving  them,  Mrs.  Palmer  re- 
turned home,  and  in  October  started  for  Provincetown, 
Mass.,  whence, on  the  U8th  iiist.,  she  wrote  to  Bishop  and 
3Irs.  Hamline. 

You  look  at  my  address,  and  perhaps  you  exclaim,  "  Where 
will  our  sister  next  alight  ? ''     Here  I  am,  on  the  very  verge  of 


310  MEMOIRS  OF 

Cape  Cod,  looking  out  upon  the  broad  Atlantic  Ocean.  This  is 
the  third  day  since  I  came  here,  in  answer  to  an  invitation 
from  the  church  of  tliis  place.  Metliodism  has  a  strong  hold  in 
Provincetown,  but  its  origin  and  early  progress,  reminds  one 
of  the  x^ersecutions  of  the  apostolic  days.  After  the  timber  for 
building  the  first  church  was  prepared,  ready  for  raising,  so  re- 
solved were  the  ''  Orthodox"  adherents  that  the  innovations  of 
^Methodism  should  not  be  introduced,  that  the  prepared  timber 
was  removed  and  placed  in  two  piles.  An  effigy  more  offensive 
in  character  than  I  like  to  describe,  was  hung  in  the  midst  of 
the  two  piles,  and  the  wlude  was  set  on  fire.  Those  whose 
liearts  the  Lord  had  touched,  through  the  instrumentality  of 
Methodism,  and  who  would  have  adhered  to  the  principles  and 
worship  of  their  choice,  had  actually  often  to  go  under  cover  of 
the  '^  fish  flakes,"  etc.,  to  the  appointed  place.  When  the 
church  was  reared,  it  Avas  actually  watched  day  and  night  by 
men  armed  for  the  purpose,  until  the  building  had  attained  a 
permanency  too  imposing  to  admit  of  its  being  carried  away. 
And  now  what  hath  God  wrought !  Here  are  t\vo  churches, 
both  good  eligible  edifices  -,  one  is  larger  than  any  church  in 
Boston,  I  am  told.  Certainly  it  is  a  noble  superstructure,  capa- 
able  of  accommodating  several  hundreds.  Out  of  a  population 
of  three  thousand,  two  thousand  are  under  the  influence  of 
Methodism,  attending  its  ministry,  and  supporting  its  institu- 
tions. It  just  now  strikes  me  that  the  Providence  Conference 
was  once  held  here,  and  Bishop  Hamline  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    Was  it  not  so  ? 

AVell,  it  has  been  some  time  since  they  have  had  a  searching 
revival  here,  and  the  Lord  has  put  it  in  the  heart  of  the  devoted 
minister  in  charge  of  the  largest  church,  and  a  few  others,  to 
feel  that  the  basis  of  the  revival  must  be,  ''Holiness  to  the 
Lord  !" 

A  letter  from  South  Wilbbaham,  Mass.,  to  Dr.  P.,  on 
the  ()th  of  December,  furnishes  the  last  i^ecord  of  labor  for 
the  advaucemeut  of  Christian  holiness,  in  the  year. 

The  Lord^s  carrying  on  a  good  work.  There  was  not 
one  Methodist   here,  as  far  as  I  can   discover  (and  the  minister 


MliS.  FR(EBE  PALMER.  31X 

says  the  same)  staDcliiig  out  clearly  in  the  enjoyment  of  holi- 
ness— not  even  the  Mrs.  Sessions  that  sent  so  earnestly  for  nie 
to  come.  The  minister  seemed  to  be  standing  alone.  Kow 
Sister  Sessions  and  several  others,  profess  the  blessing. 

1856 

OSWEGO,  N.  Y. — WAUKESHA,  WIS. — COBURG,  C.  W.,  PORTCHESTEll,   N.  Y. 

New  York,  March  26th,  1856. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

This  was  poor  Mattisou's  ground,  and  through  his  influence, 
several,  who  had  once  enjoyed  the  blessing  of  holiness,  had  lost 
it,  and  a  general  prejudice  was  excited  against  the  subject. 
There  had  been  divisions  and  strifes,  but  it  could  not  be  said 
even  by  poor  M.,  himself,  that  it  was  on  account  of  tlie  proies- 
sion  of  lioliness,  for  I  do  not  know  that  there  was  one  really, 
coming  out  openly  in  the  profession  of  the  blessing.  I  think 
there  were  two  or  three  who  were  really  sighing  and  crj'ing  for 
the  sins  of  the  people,  and  who  at  heart  knew  of  the  blessed- 
ness of  the  grace,  but  the  profession  was  so  disreputable,  that 
the  subject  was  little  talked  of.  There  had,  during  the  last 
three  or  four  years,  been  great  dissatisfaction  with  their 
ministers.  Last  year  they  sent  their  minister  away,  and 
only  kei^t  him  part  of  the  conference  term,  and  during  the 
balance  of  the  year  hired  another  in  his  place.  They  liad 
also  rejected  conference  authority,  and  refused  to  sustain  their 
Presiding  Elder.  The  first  Sabbath  I  was  there,  was  their  last 
quarterly  meeting  occasion.  The  Presiding  Elder  was  in  the 
place,  and  came  to  offer  his  services,  biit  they  concliuled  to  re- 
tain their  position  toward  liim,  and  reject  him  finally.  Now, 
all  this  doubtless,  was  for  want  of  holiness,  and  yet  they  seemed 
disposed  to  hold  off  from  the  subject.  Still,  they  wanted  a 
revival,  and  seemed  determined  that  they  Avould  have  one.  I 
felt  that  God  could  not,  and  would  not  work  while  the  church 
was  in  such  a  state.  It  was  somewhat  remarkable,  that  though  I 
knew  nothing  of  this  state  of  things,  I  began,  the  firs,t  evening 
of  my  coming,  to  say,  "  Prexmre  the  way  of  the  Lord."  '^  Pick 
up  the  stones" — '^Take  the  stumbling  blocks  out  of  the  way." 
For  several  days,  I  worked  against  wind  and  tide.  ^ly  spirit 
labored   so  hard   against  restive    influences,   that   my    head 


312  MEMOIRS  OF 

often  ached.  I  told  the  brethren  and  sisters  plainly,  that  God 
would  not  ^vork  wliile  the  churcli  was  in  such  a  state.  That 
He  would  no  more  permit  them  to  be  victorious  in  subduing  of 
sinners  to  the  cross,  than  He  would  permit  Israel  to  be  success- 
ful in  warfare,  while  Achau  was  in  camp. 

Thank  the  Lord,  they  began  to  yield,  to  repent,  and  finally 
resolved  to  put  the  evil  awaj^  from  among  them. 

An  official  wrong,  I  told  them,  must  be  made  officially  right. 
One  who  had  been  most  forward  in  rejecting  the  Presiding 
Elder,  got  under  such  a  deep  searching  iufluence,  that  his  eyes 
were  held  waking.  He  went  around  with  a  paper,  among  the 
members  of  the  official  board,  and  succeeded  in  getting 
a  sufficiency  of  names,  so  as  to  put  the  thing  in  a  way  of 
being  made  right.  The  salary  of  the  P.  E.,  was  collected. 
God  began  to  work.  Many  received  a  deep  and  i)enetrating 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Most  of  tlie  official  board  and 
many  others  received  the  sanctifying  seal,  and  testified  clearly 
of  the  power  of  Christ  to  save  from  all  sin.  God  began  gra- 
ciously to  work  on  the  hearts  of  sinners.  The  membership  went 
to  work.  Brethren  and  sisters  might  be  seen  in  every  direction, 
endeavoring  to  win  souls  to  Christ.  As  ever,  the  Lord  re- 
warded -the  cup  of  cold  water.  At  the  house  where  I  was  guest, 
Mr.  A.,  a  merchant  of  Oswego,  and  his  wife,  a  lovely,  intelligent 
lady,  both  at  their  own  home,  received  the  gift  of  j)erfect  love. 
I  think  Peter,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  could  not,  to  outward  ob- 
servation, have  been  more  evidently  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
than  Mr.  A.  was,  at  his  own  dwelling,  on  Sabbath  afternoon, 
March  9tli,  about  five  o'clock.  Several  others  were  also  filled  at 
the  same  time.  Even  a  child,  about  twelve  ov  tliirteen  years  old, 
was  so  overpowered  with  the  divine  presence  tliat  she  was 
unable  to  lise.  A  young  woman,  a  domestic  in  the  family,  also 
experienced  religion  during  my  visit.     God  is  faithful. 

COBURG,  c.  w. 

New  York,  Septemher  25th,  1856. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

And  here  in  this  haBowed  place,  and  at  the  commencement 
of  the  camp-meeting  services,  in  view  of  tlie  infinite  desirable- 
ness of  the  promised  grace,  we  separated  ourselves  in  being  a 


MBS.  FH(EBE  PALMFAl.  323 

whole  burnt  sacrifice,  ceaselessly  eoiisumiiig,  in  the  work  of  the 
world's  salvation.  That  meeting,  in  view  of  its  far  reaching  re- 
sults, I  do  not  doubt  Avill  make  its  mark  on  eternity. 

With  inextinguishable  ardor  did  a  number  of  those  young 
students  from  the  school  of  the  i)rophets,  Victoria  College — 
begin  to  ask  for  the  baptism  .of  fire.  Its  results  on  the  future 
of  the  meeting  were  glorious.  Scores  of  seekers,  some  pleading 
for  pardon,  and  others  for  purity,  were  ready  to  rush  forward 
at  every  invitation.  Many  were  saved.  0,  it  seemed  as  it 
Pentecostal  times  had  in  verity,  come  upon  us.  Truly  did  the 
Lord  pour  out  His  Spirit  upon  His  servants  and  his  handmaid- 
ens, upon  His  sons  and  His  daughters.  With  each  passing 
day  and  hour,  did  the  manifestations  of  divine  power  in  the 
awakening  of  sinners,  the  sanctification  of  believers,  and  the 
quickening  of  the  saints,  increase.  And  thus  matters  progress- 
ed, until  Tuesday,  the  fourth  day  after  my  dear  mother  had 
entered  her  heavenly  rest.  It  was  evening,  and  all  day,  angels 
had  been  hovering  over  us,  bearing  the  news  to  heaven,  of  souls 
newly  rex^enting,  newly  forgiven,  and  newly  sanctified.  To 
scores  of  redeemed  spirits  had  the  blood  of  sprinkling  been 
newly  applied,  and  with  the  redeemed  company  within  the  vail, 
we  had  again  and  again  joined  in  the  song, 
'^  Glory  to  the  Lamb,"  etc. 
Ah !  I  did  not  then  know,  that  that  dear  mother,  who  first 
taught  my  infant  lips  to  repeat  the  praises  of  the  Lamb,  had 
been  mingling  in  the  chorus  with  us.  Just  at  twilight,  a  messen- 
ger (a  dear  minister),  came  from  tweut^^  miles  distant,  bringing 
a  telegraphic  dispatch,  by  which  we  were  assured,  that  our  dear 
mother  had  reached  her  long  sought  rest.  It  was  a  new  trial. 
God  had  done  it,  and  hidden  it  from  us.  Never,  perhaps,  did  I 
more  deeply  feel  the  need  of  grace,  to  enable  me  to  endure,  in 
such  a  manner,  as  to  glorify  Him  in  my  bod}^  and  spirit. 

But  the  Lord  strengthened  my  sj^irit.  Grace  to  help  in  time 
of  need  was  abundantly  given.  Our  first  impulse  was  to  fly  for 
home  immediately.  But  we  well  knew  that  all  must  now  be 
over.  I  sought  to  be  alone  with  God,  and  was  i)e:niitted  for 
about  an  hour  to  enjoy  the  privilege.  Expecting  to  leave  early 
the  next  morning,  some  friends  desired  to  see  me,  and  I  felt 


314  MEMOIRS  OF 

that  I  must  consent.  Six  i^ersons  came  in.  Two  were  enjoying 
tlie  witness  of  purity,  and  four  were  not.  I  felt  a  divine  im- 
pulse urging  me  on — assuring  me  that  I  must  not  pause  in  my 
work.  I  began  to  point  tliose  who  were  seeking,  to  that  blood 
that  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  In  a  few  moments,  all  four  felt 
that  they  were  enabled  to 

"  Plunge  into  the  purple  flood, 
And  rise  to  all  the  life  of  God." 

I  felt  that  my  sainted  mother  was  joining  in  the  angel  com- 
pany, who  were  newly  tuning  their  harj)s,  over  this  company, 
newly  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  And  she  seemed  to 
be  challenging  me  to  sing  with  her. 

I  could  not  forbear,  and  amid  vnj  tears  began  to  sing, 

Glory  to  the  Lamb  ! 

Glory  to  the  Lamb  ! 
For  I  have  overcome 
Through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 

0,  it  was  indeed  victory  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 
Heaven  had  come  down  to  earth.  Streams  of  salvation  seemed 
poured  out  upon  us  in  such  copious  measure  that  one  fell 
prostrate,  and  amid  gushing  tears  of  joy  w^e  continued  to  resound, 
''  Glory  to  the  Lamb  !" 

The  cloud  of  divine  glory  rested  ui)on  us,  and  here  I  believe 
I  received  a  new  baptism  into  the  spirit  of  my  work.  Only  a 
few  moments  previous  to  this,  I  had  heard  the  superintendent 
of  the  meeting  announce  the  trial  we  had  been  called  to  endure, 
and  he  called  upon  all,  most  affectingly,  who  wished  to  unite 
with  him  in  a  prayer  for  our  sustainment  under  the  affliction, 
to  rise.  Hundreds  arose  and  united  in  asking  that  God  would 
glorify  Himself  by  us,  under  the  dispensation,  and  richly  impart 
tiie  consolations  of  grace.  And  now  I  felt  newly  commissioned 
for  my  work — more  than  ever  detached  from  earth — newly 
winged  from  heaven.  Surely,  God  takes  our  treasure  to  heaven 
th.t  our  hearts  may  be  there  also.  From  this  hour,  I  resolved  that 
the  death  of  my  mother  should  be  made  the  occasion  of  spiritual 
life  to  many.     ''  Instant  in  season_,  out  of  season,"  I  resolved 


MRS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  3x5 

to  pursue  my  way,  making  every  strait,  tbrougli  wliicli  I  miglit 
be  brought,  whether  afflictive  or  joyous,  subservient  to  the 
salvation  of  souls. 

Other  cami)-ineetings  sought  and  obtained  Mrs.  Palmer's 
ser^dces,  during  the  summer.  At  Portchester,  N.  Y.,  and 
elsewhere,  the  woodland  assend)lies  were  copiously  blest, 
and  she  with  them.  "  Did  1  tell  you,"  she  asks  Bishop 
and  Mrs.  Hambne,  on  the  20th  October,  "  tliat  we  have 
been  m-gently  invited  to  ^isit  ^N^orth  Carolina,  diuing  the 
sitting  of  the  North  Carolina  Conferenc^e  ?  Oirr  works 
have  spread  largely  in  that  region,  and  the  peoi)le  are  ])ress- 
ing  us  to  come."  The  cloudy,  fiery  i)illar,  however,  did  not 
move  in  that  direction,  and  without  its  g-uidance  she  woidd 
not  go. 

•  1857. 

AJ>fNUS  MIRABILIS. 

MILFORD,  CONN. — BRIGHTON,  MILLBROOK,  PORT  HOPE,  C.  W. — MONTREAL, 

ST,  ANDREWS,  C.  E. — KENNEBEC,    MAINE. — SPENCERTOWN, 

ACTON,  HAMILTON,  LONDON,  C.  W. — NEW  YORK. 

AND  VICINITY. 

MiLFORD,  Conn. — Evangelistic  expeditions  in  this  year 
began  with  a  visit  to  the  church,  of  w  hich  Eev.  \A^.  H. 
Boole,  was  pastor.  In  correspondence  with  Bishop  and 
Mrs.  Hamline,  on  the  10th  of  January,  INIrs.  Palmer 
writes : 

Bro. Boole  is  now  stationed  at  Milford,  Conn.  We  had  after- 
noon and  evening  meetings,  during  the  week  of  my  visit  there, 
which  were  blest  of  tlie  Lord.  I  ought  to  mention,  by  way  of 
giving  encouragement  under  what  may  apjiear  most  discourag- 
ing circumstances,  that  when  I  lirst  spoke  to  Bro.  Boole  on  the 
subject  of  the  exj)ei'ience  and  doctrine  of  holiness,  in  tlie  Norfolk 
Street  Church,  of  which  he  was  then  a  private  member,  he  an- 
swered me  repulsively  and  discouragingly.  From  not  one  in  a 
hundred  with  whom  I  have  lalmred,  has  my  hd>or  seemed  so 
unpromising  at  first.     But  what  hath  God  wrouglit ! 


316  MEMOIRS  OF 

BRIGHTON,  C.  W. 

New  York,  August  'Sd,  1857. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  left  home  on  tlie  26th  of  June,  in  answer  to  invitations 
to  attend  camp-meetings  in  both  Upper  and  Lower  Canada. 
The  first  meeting  we  attended  was  at  Brighton.  Here  I  tliink 
there  were  not  fewer  tlian  two  hundred  saved.  The  work  of 
pardon  and  purification  went  on  simultaneously.  Scores 
would  present  themselves  at  once,  when  the  invitation  was 
given,  for  those  seeking  pardon  or  purity.  Never,  I  tliink,  were 
we  called  to  be  in  labors  more  abundant,  and  never  have  we 
had  more  reason  to  thank  God  and  take  courage.  As  usual, 
Dr.  P.  was  called  to  take  charge  of  all  the  i)ublic  i:)rayer  meet- 
ings before  the  stand,  and  I  was  generally  called  upon  after 
each  sermon,  to  address  the  people.  Thou^  my  health  had 
not  been  as  good  as  usual  for  some  months,  yet  the  Lord  ena- 
bled me  to  endure  almost  incessant  labor  early  and  late,  gain- 
ing, on  the  wliole,  in  physical,  us  also  in  spiritual  ability.  Some 
thrilling  incidents  come  urging  themselves  on  my  memory  as  I 
write,  but  hesitate  in  entering  on  the  detail,  not  knowing 
where  I  shall  end,  and  I  have  so  many  things  to  say  that  I 
must  forbear. 

Glorious,  indeed,  were  the  displays  of  God's  saving  power 
on  the  Brighton  encampment.  One  morning  I  w\as  led  to 
speak  particularly  of  the  promise  of  the  Father — the  full 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  said  it  was  one  thing  to  be 
emptied  of  sin  and  self,  and  another  thing  to  be  filled  with 
the  Spirit.  I  then  entered  into  the  particulars  of  tlie  manner 
in  which  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  set  myself  apart  in  a  special 
manner  for  a  specific  work.  A  mention  of  this  experience,  I  do 
not  doubt  I  have  given  you,  when  a  few  hours  after  liaving  pre- 
sented myself  as  a  whole  burnt  sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  the  ser- 
vice of  the  church,  at  an  unexpected  moment,  the  Holy  Spirit  fell 
upon  me.  For  days  did  I  feel  the  presence  of  His  consuming 
influences  to  such  a  degree  tliat  faith  was  well  nigh  turned  to 
sight.  But  though  the  sensible  perceptions  consequent  on  the 
reception  of  the  baptism  of  fire  may  have  abated  measurably, 


MliS.  rUOiBE  PALMER.  ^yj 

the  power  of  it  has  ever  been  iireseiit  with  iiie.  1  feel  it  upon 
me  now,  while  I  write,  inspiring  my  thought  and  nerving  me 
for  action.     Glory  be  to  the  Triune  Deity  ! 

After  the  opening  prayer,  on  the  next  day,  a  brother  arose 
and  referred  to  the  testimony  of  the  morning  previous,  in  re- 
lation to  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  astlie  promise  of 
the  Father,  to  all  believers,  and  said,  wliile  he  was  pleading  and 
waiting  for  tlie  fultillment  of  tlie  promise,  having  resolved 
never  to  yield  the  point  till  the  blessing  came,  all  at  once,  tlie 
Holy  Ghost  fell  upon  him.  No  one,  I  think,  could  have  doul)ted 
that  he  liad  received  the  baptism  of  fire.  Truly,  he  spahe  as 
the  Spirit  gave  utterance,  and  never  can  I  doubt  but  that  it  is  the 
will  of  God,  I  should  urge  on  believers,  the  necessity  of  this 
full  baptism  of  tlie  Holy  Ghost,  as  the  present  want  of  the 
church. 

And  now,  I  could  go  on,  and  speak  of  others  who  received 
this  baptism  of  fire,  and  how  the  effect  produced  by  their 
labors,  proved  it  to  be  a  baptism  of  power,  but  I  have  already 
lingered  quite  beyond  my  anticipations,  on  this  subject,  yet 
surely  not  beyond  what  its  importance  demands.  0, 1  do  won- 
der that  the  attention  of  the  Christian  world  is  not  more  con- 
centrated on  this  all-important  experience,  the  attainment  of 
which,  should  it  become  general,  would  soon  bring  about  the 
conversion  of  the  world  to  God. 

One  display  of  power  followed  another,  each  day  yet  more 
glorious  than  that  which  preceded  it,  till  the  last  day  of  the 
meeting  came.  And  what  shall  we  say  of  this  eventful  day  ? 
We  met  for  the  last  time,  before  the  stand.  Hundreds  had 
gathered  to  participate  in  the  closing  services.  On  such  occa- 
sions, we  generally  have  a  fellowship  meeting,  when  the  newly 
inspired  witnesses  testify  of  God's  saving  power,  and  those 
who  during  the  meeting  have  received  justifying  or  sanctifying 
grace,  are  invited  forward. 

Suitable  advices  are  given,  and  those  who  have  not  united 
in  church-fellowship,  have  the  opportunity  for  doing  so, — the 
Lord's  supper  is  then  administered  ;  after  which,  the  whole 
scene  closes  with  the  thrilling  ceremony  of  taking  the  parting 
Jiand,  after  having  encircled  the  ground,  in  a  procession  of  two 


318  MEMOIRS  OF 

or  three  abreast.  But  these  most  interesting  and  affecting  part- 
ing scenes  were  mostly  dispensed  with.  Emergencies  infinitely 
important,  called  for  the  surrender  of  ordinar}'  usages.  Many 
had  been  sanctified  wholly,  and  many  newly  brought  into  the 
fold  of  Christ.  Yet  multitudes,  wounded  by  the  Spirit,  were 
still  waiting  to  step  into  the  pool,  and  be  made  whole,  and  so 
wishful  were  their  looks,  that  we  yielded  to  what  we  believed 
were  the  beseechings  of  the  Spirit,  and  invited  these  longing- 
seekers  to  the  penitent  bench.  I  should  think,  not  less  than  a 
hundred  presented  themselves.  0,  the  victories  of  that  hour  ! 
Would  time  permit,  how  I  should  love  to  portray  for  your  satis- 
faction, these  soul-inspiring  scenes.  I  should  love  to  tell  you 
how  truly  thejo}'  of  angels  was  our  joy,  as,  in  rapid  succession, 
the  hovering  angels  flew  from  that  consecrated  encampment, 
with  tidings  of  sinners  newly  repenting,  and  newl}^  saved.  I 
know  not  how  many  were  blest  during  that  hour,  with  either 
the  witness  of  j^ardon  or  purity,  but  I  think  there  could  not 
have  been  less  than  fifty. 

MILLBROOK,    C.   W. 

July  6th,  1857. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

Suppose  you  follow  us  for  one  day,  and  you  take  it  mostly 
as  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  many  of  our  other  days 
are  si)ent,  during  our  repeated  absences  from  home.  We  arose 
about  six  o'ckck,  after  having  closed  a  meeting  before  the 
preachers'  stand,  near  midnight,  the  uight  previous.  Dr.  P. 
is  always,  iu  this  region,  given  in  charge  of  all  the  meetings  be- 
fore the  stand.  We  sleep  about  one-third  of  a  mile  from  tlie 
encampment.  Soon  after  we  arose,  a  conveyance  was  brought 
t-o  the  door,  to  take  us  to  the  ground.  But  the  kind  brother 
with  whom  we  abide,  who  is  the  owner  of  the  ground,  was  re- 
solved that  we  should  remain,  and  breakfast  with  the  family 
at  the  house,  and  therefore,  the  vehicle  is  kept  standing  until 
after  we  have  dispatched  our  breakfast.  Scarcely  have  we  fin- 
ished, and  read  a  p^jrtion  of  the  ever  blessed  Word,  and  knelt 
in  prayer  with  the  family,  and  put  our  things  hurriedly  on,  to 
go  to  the  ground,  before  four  large,  able-bodied  men  come  in^ 


MBS.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  319 

one  after  aiiotlier.  They  have  traveled  forty  miles  on  horse- 
back, to  attend  the  meeting,  and  are  now  come  to  get  tlieir 
horses,  in  order  to  return  to  their  homes.  We  find, 
on  inquiry,  that  they  all  enlisted,  about  one  year  since,  in  the 
service  of  the  Captain  of  their  salvation.  They  came  to  the 
ground  on  Saturday  evening,  and  it  is  now  ]\londay  morning. 
We  ask  them  how  it  is  with  tlieir  souls,  and  are  informed  that 
they  came  seeking  the  blessing  of  entire  sauctification,  but 
have  not  yet  attained  the  grace.  We  speak  of  the  open  foun- 
tain— the  readiness  of  the  Sanctifier  to  do  it  now.  He  whobap- 
tizetli  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with  fire,  is  in  our  midst.  In 
about  one-half  hour,  all  three  were  filled  with  wondering 
amazement.  The  Holy  Ghost,  as  a  gift  of  power,  light,  and 
life,  has  lighted  upon  each  one  of  them,  and  all  are  unutterably 
filled  Avith  glory  and  with  God,  and  return  to  their  homes,  fill- 
ed with  new  wine,  as  warriors  in  Immanuel's  army — fully 
equipped,  and  mighty,  through  the  Spirit,  to  do  battle  for  God. 
And  now  we  go  to  the  encampment.  The  eight  o'clock  preach- 
ing service  is  already  in  progress.  The  servant  ofChiist  i« 
preaching  from  the  text,  '^  God  sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world, 
to  condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world,  through  Him,  might 
be  saved.''  The  discourse  finished,  we  are  called  upon  to  ad- 
dress the  congregation.  With  a  feeling  of  conscious,  and  ab- 
solute dependence  on  the  Holy  Spirit,  we  speak  of  the  Chris- 
tian's high  calling — of  the  glory  of  the  present  dispensation, 
and  its  responsi])ilities  on  individual  profess<n*s.  We  si)eak  of 
the  day  of  Pentecost,  as  fully  come — no  need  of  waiting,  in  view 
of  the  fact,  that  He  who  baptizeth  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
with  fire,  is  in  the  midst.  Conscious  of  the  Spirit's  impellings, 
I  speak  on,  and  on,  till  a  half  hour  passes,  as  though  it 
were  but  a  few  moments.  Dr.  P.,  now  in  an  earnest  exhor- 
tation, invites  all  who  Avill,  to  draw  nigh,  and  partake  of 
the  gospel  feast,  assuring  them,  in  the  nanu^  of  tlie  heavenly 
Provider,  that  all  things  are  now  ready, — Pardon,  and  Holiness, 
and  Heaven.  From  sixty  to  eighty  present  themselves.  God's 
Spirit  is  poured  out  in  such  copious  measure,  in  the  conversion 
of  sinners,  and  the  sanctification  of  believers,  that  the  measure- 
ment   of   time    is    forgotten.       Preachers,    and  people  unite 


320  MEMOIRS  OF 

as  one.  Victory  succeeds  yictoiy,  till,  ere  Tve  are  aware, 
it  is  one  o'clock,  and  we  are  urged  to  take  something  to 
eat,  and  find,  that  the  time  for  the  ten  o'clock  service, 
has  passed  by  without  our  having  taken  note  of  time.  One  case 
after  another  presses  upon  us,  and  we  find  it  difficult  to  release 
ourselves,  so  as  to  get  time  to  eat.  And  now  we  dine.  No 
boarding  tents  here,  or  notliing  answerable  thereunto.  All 
things  are  common,  as  in  the  primitive  days  of  Christianity. 
Hundreds  have  been  on  the  ground  as  visitors,  but  so  hearty 
and  impelling  is  the  hospitality,  it  really  seems  as  if  those  who 
succeed  in  getting  the  greatest  number  to  partake  of  their 
l^rofusely  set  tables,  are  the  most  happy.  No  charges  for 
ground,  sextonship,  or  anything  of  the  sort.  Everything  is 
done  in  the  spirit  of  bounteous  sacrifice,  as  though  each,  in  pious 
noble  resolve,  had  long  since  learned  to  say  with  David,  '^  Shall 
I  sacrifice  that  which  cost  me  nothing."  But  I  must  not  wander, 
after  this  fashion,  or  where  shall  I  finish  ?  We  will  go  back  to 
the  dinner- table.  We  have  just  finished  our  rei)ast.  I  rise  to 
make  room  for  another  table,  when  we.  were  asked  to  converse 
with  a  daughter-in-law  of  our  host.  For  quietness  from  intru- 
sion, we  take  her  a  little  distance  in  the  woods.  She  tells  us  that 
from  her  childhood,  she  has  been  a  seeker  of  religion.  We 
find  her  case  so  similar  to  our  early  condition  of  perplexity,  and 
have  so  learned  from  what  we  have  suffered^  that  we  do  not 
find  it  difficult  to  point  her  the  way  of  faith.  And  by  the  same 
marks,  by  the  way,  by  which  we  ourselves  entered  upon  a  life 
of  unperi^lexed,  and  assured  faith,  she  enters,  and  not  only 
quietness  and  assurance,  but  holy  joy  at  once  fills  her  soul,  and 
we  hasten  with  her  back  to  the  tent,  to  tell  what  great  things 
the  Lord  has  done  for  her  soul.  We  find  quite  a  large  number 
present.  Several  are  sitting  around  the  table.  She  flies  to  her 
husband  and  friends,  and  with  tears  of  exultant  joy,  embraces 
them.  Praises  and  tears  abound,  and  others  are  announced  as 
seeking  the  Lord.  And  here  we  remain  in  an  informal  meeting, 
numbers  having  gathered  in,  and  a  crowd  surrounding  the  door. 
The  trumpet  again  calls  us  to  the  stand.  And  here  we  have  a 
sermon  from  a  devoted  embassador  for  Christ,  on  the  passage, 
''  We  would  see  Jesus."  This  finished,  we  are  again  called  upon, 


MES.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  321 

from  the  minister  in  charge,  to  address  the  congregation.  We 
have  made  it  a  point  never  to  refuse.  For  Tve  have  pleaded  in 
faith  that  the  Master  of  assemblies  will  take  the  direction, 
otherwise,  we  would  not  consent  to  address  the  i)e()i)le  after 
every  service,  with  the  exception  of  the  evening,  as  we  now  do, 
in  view  of  the  number  of  ministers  present.  There  are  three 
superintendents  of  circuits  here,  beside  rather  a  larger  number 
of  other  ministers  than  usual.  But  this  is  the  order  of  nearly 
all  the  camp-meetings  we  have  attended,  in  these  regions,  for 
the  last  four  or  five  years.  I  once,  about  three  years  since,  after 
having  been  called  upon  publicly,  at  a  previous  meeting,  to 
speak  after  almost  every  service,  and  without  previous  consulta- 
tion, gave  way  to  the  temptation  that  it  was  perhaps  not  using  me 
just  right.  I  therefore  spoke  to  the  minister  in  charge  of  the 
next  meeting  we  went  to,  and  asked  that  I  might  not  be  an- 
nounced thus  publicly,  witliout  previous  consultation.  But  so 
keenly  did  the  Holy  Spirit  reprove  me,  that  1  have  never  dared 
to  do  anything  of  this  sort  since,  but  have  left  the  time  and 
manner  of  my  laboring,  all  with  God,  believing  that  He  will 
guide  the  minds  of  others  toward  me,  and  thus  direct  me  into 
His  will.  And  to  the  praise  of  His  grace,  I  feel  that  I  ought  to 
record  my  hearty  belief,  that  I  have  thus  been  divinely  directed. 
Dr.  P.,  again,  in  an  earnest  exhortation,  invites  all  seeking 
either  pardon  or  purity,  to  present  themselves,  when  again, 
scores  come  forward,  and  many  receive  the  grace  for  which  they 
supplicate.  Alternate  prayer  and  praise  resound.  Would  that 
I  could  portray  before  you,  in  living,  truthful  characters,  these 
alternate  scenes  of  earnest,  intense  implorings,  bringing  such 
speedy  returns  from  the  throne  of  grace,  and  answering  praises. 
That  angels  are  hovering  around  us,  carrying  the  news  to 
lieaven,  of  repenting  sinners,  and  redeemed  spirits  newly  saved 
and  washed,  seems  scarcely  a  matter  of  faith,  but  a  living  veri- 
fication.    But  again  I  must  check  my  pen. 

It  is  not  till  about  six  in  the  evening  that  we  can  again 
leave  the  scene  of  so  many  bloodless  victories,  in  front  of  the 
stand,  and  permit  ourselves  again  to  be  torn  away,  in  order  to 
refresh  the  outer  man  with  the  food  that  perisheth.  We  go  to 
yet  another  tent,   seldom   taking    food    twice    at    one    tent. 

21 


322  MEMOIRS   OF 

Scarcely  have  Tve  supped,  and  rise  from  the  table  to  leave,  feel- 
ing that  demands  from  without  are  calling  us,  when  we  observ- 
ed one  sitting  near  the  tent-door,  as  we  are  about  to  pass  out, 
who  arrests  our  attention.  She  is  of  a  sorrowful  countenance. 
^^  Why  of  a  sorrowful  countenance,"  I  ask,  ^*  when  you  have 
such  a  gracious  Saviour  *?"  etc.  We  have  conversed  but  a  few 
moments,  when  her  sorrow  is  turned  to  unutterable  rejoicing, 
and  she  is  unable  to  bear  the  weight  of  glory,  and  she  sinks 
down  overpowered,  in  her  husband's  arms.  A  crowd  again 
gather  around  the  tent.  Seekers  of  full  salvation,  and  also 
seekers  of  i)ardon,  again  congregate,  and  kneeling  all  around 
by  the  table,  in  unutterable  groanings,  plead  for  the  promised 
grace.  Another,  and  yet  another  is  blest,  and  then  again  the 
garment  of  praise  is  given,  and  loud  Alleluias  ascend.  And 
thus  ascends  the  alternate  voice  of  supplication  and  triumph, 
till  agaiu  the  trumpet  sounds  for  a  rallying  of  Israel's  hosts,  at 
the  stand. 

But  here  my  portrayings  must  end ;  my  time  and  also  my 
sheet  forbid  my  saj  ing  more,  with  the  exception  that  we 
generally  have  remained  on  the  ground  till  near  midnight. 

PORT  HOPE,   C.   W.,   MONTREAL,  ST.  ANDREWS,   C.E. 

New  York,  August  Sd,  1857. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

About  noon,  July  the  8th,  the  host  of  Israel  dispersed  for 
their  various  stations,  to  labor  for  God,  and  ourselves,  with  a 
numl)er  of  others,  turned  our  faces  toward  Port  Hope,  where  a 
meeting  had  been  announced  for  us  in  the  evening. 

We  had  such  a  large  meeting,  that  we  were  somewhat  sur- 
prised, in  view  of  the  announcement  not  having  been  made  on 
Sabbath,  or  any  previous  meeting,  as  we  had  not  concluded  till 
Monday,  that  we  should  stop  at  Port  Hope.  But  the  m;ystery 
was  explained  the  next  day  as  we  rode  through  the  place,  and 
saw  our  names  announced  in  large  letters  on  show  bills  in 
every  direction.  This  waa  a  new  trial  and  it  required  new 
gi-ace  to  bear  it.  We  had  become  accustomed  to  announcements 
in  weekly,  and  occasionally  in  daily  papers,  but  not  without 
some  struggles  betweeji  natural  preference  and  the  crucifixions  of 


MRS.  rH(EBE  PALMER.  '  323 

grace.  But  it  was  a  new  trial  to  pass  througli  the  public  streets, 
and  see  our  names  announced  on  show  bills,  in  Jenny  Lind 
style.  The  Holy  Spirit  brought  to  my  remembiance  the 
gi\acious  teachings  referred  to  on  pages  51 — 5.*^,  of  the  Way  of 
Holiness,  the  crucilixion  there  comteni plated  as  associated 
with  tlie  terms  of  the  coyenant.  But  I  feel  careful  in  speak- 
ing thus.  The  Lord  knows  that  my  heart  is  far  from  saying 
^' the />?/nZe/t  of  the  Lord."  If  being  thus  announced,  would 
bring  out  one  more  person,  and  that  one  more  person  would 
be  spiritually  aided,  it  should  be  made  the  occasion  of  grate- 
ful ascriptions  of  praise,  and  continually  do  the  gracious 
remindings  of  the  Spirit  say,  "  Since  thou  hast  served 
me,  thou  hast  been  honorable."  We  were  detained  in  Port 
Hope,  by  circumstances  of  ill  health,  till  the  evening  of  the 
next  day,  July  9th.  We  had  occasion  to  see  that  the  Salvation 
of  souls  stood  in  connection  with  our  detainment.  Praise  the 
Lord  !  We  had  a  beautiful  sail  down  the  St.  Lawrence.  Did 
you  ever  in  your  *^  journeyings  oft  "  go  through  the  exciting 
scene  of  passing  over  these  rapids,  and  witnessing  the  "thou- 
sand isles  f  W^e  arrived  in  Montreal  about  seven  o'clock  on  the 
evening  of  the  10th.  Here  we  found  a  lovely  Christian  friend 
awaiting  us,  with  whom  we  rode  to  the  upper  part  of  the  city, 
where  we  found  a  little  company  at  supper,  anticipating  our 
arrival.  A  meeting  had  here  also  been  announced  in  the  great 
St.  James'  Street  Church,  Montreal.  We  had  a  memorable 
time.  I  think  I  never  was  conscious  of  greater  liberty  in  talk- 
ing of  the  excellency  of  holiness,  and  of  our  responsibility  as 
a  people,  to  be  a  witnessing  church.  Two  of  the  city  preachers 
were  present,  and  Dr.  Stinson,  Delegate  from  the  British  to  the 
American  conference.  Dr.  P.  also  spoke,  after  which  Dr. 
Stinson  made  some  most  encouraging  closing  remarks,  refer- 
ring to  his  high  appreciation  of  the  subject,  and  the  unanimity 
of  his  views,  with  those  we  had  expressed.  At  an  early  hour 
the  next  morning,  we  were  on  our  way  to  the  camp-meeting, 
which  was  to  be  held  at  St.  Andrews,  about  forty  miles  distant. 
An  interesting  incident  occurred  on  the  road.  While  on  the 
Ottowa  river,  surrounded  by  several  Christian  friends,  we 
were    speaking  of  the  excellency  of  the  word  of  God — of  its 


324  ■  MEMOIRS   OF 

penetrating,  subduing  power,  when  used  in  faith,  as  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit.  We  specified  a  case  that  occurred, 
of  a  high-handed  sinner,  being  thus  subdued  by  its  po- 
tency, as  we  were  returning  from  one  of  the  Board  Meetings 
of  the  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society,  a  few  weeks  since. 
As  we  paused,  a  lady  who  had  been  sitting  near  us,  taking 
notes  of  travel,  as  I  supposed,  turned  to  me  and  said,  "  Permit 
me  to  ask,  are  you  a  missionary,  madam  *?"  '^  Not  more  so,  per- 
haps, than  all  professed  disciples  of  the  Saviour  should  be,"  I 
replied.  ''  Excuse  me,  "  she  observed,  '^I  supposed  you  might 
be  a  missionary,  and  if  so,  I  have  a  small  offering  I  was  wish- 
ing to  present  to  the  cause."  The  opportunity  was  too  good 
to  be  lost,  and  I  informed  her  that  I  was  one  of  the  Direct- 
ors of  the  New  York  Ladies'  Home  Missionary  Society,  and 
would  most  thankfull3^  receive  an  offering  for  the  cause.  She 
then  presented  me  an  English  sovereign.  Wishing  to  know 
how  to  acknowledge  the  gift  to  the  society,  I  handed  my  memo- 
randum book,  and  asked  that  she  w^ould  record  her  name  and 
residence,  when  I  found  it  was  a  titled  lady  of  Europe,  travel- 
ing with  her  husband  and  suite,  from  whom  she  had  for  the 
time  detached  herself.  Her  name  stands  thus  recorded :  '^  Lady 
Charlotte  Copley,  Sprotborough,  Doncaster,  England,  or  6  Clif- 
ford street,  London,  England. 

We  reached  St.  Andrew's  about  raid-day.  This  meeting 
was  the  first  of  the  sort  ever  held  in  this  region.  It  was 
held  in  the  midst  of  a  Catholic  population,  and  was  looked 
upon  by  all,  as  an  experiment.  Several  months  since,  we 
were  advised  with,  in  regard  to  a  camp-meeting  being  held  in 
Lower  Canada,  and  were  asked  if  w^e  would  come,  in  case  it 
should  be  thought  expedient  to  make  the  effort.  Under  such 
circumstances,  you  may  be  assured  that  we  felt  no  small  re- 
sponsibility. The  ground  chosen  for  the  encampment  was 
within  three  minutes'  w^alk  of  the  Catholic  church,  which 
stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  w^ood,  as  we  approached  the 
ground,  and  daily  did  their  vesper  bell  salute  our  ears.  Many 
of  the  Catholics  attended  the  services  on  the  encampment,  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  during  the  evenings  of  the  week.  A  few  of 
them  were  saved,  and  we  trust  not  a  few  received  the  seed  of 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  325 

the  kingdom  in  their  lieaits,  which  may,  ere  long,  produce  a 
rich  harvest  for  God.  The  experiment  resulted  in  a  blessed  tri- 
umph for  truth,  so  that  I  do  not  doubt  that  the  camp- meetings 
hereafter  will  be  the  order  of  the  day  in  Lower  Canada,  as 
they  have  for  the  last  five  or  six  years  in  Upper  Canada.  The 
meeting  was  held  ten  days,  during  which  time  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  were  born  into  the  Kingdom  of  grace,  and  many 
of  the  disciples  of  Jesus  received  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

KENNEBEC,  MAINE. 

Diary,  August  26th. — Reached  the  encampment  to-day. 
The  Presiding  Elder,  though  we  had  never  seen  him  before, 
took  pains  to  assure  us  most  pleasantly  that  no  one  had  a 
right  to  monopolize  our  company,  as  our  invitation  had  been 
official. 

Pentecostal  blessings  produce  pentecostal  effusions  of  the 
Spirit,  in  the  awakening  of  sinners.  Not  fewer  than  fifty,  I 
think,  presented  themselves  as  seekers  of  the  full  baptism  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  Many  brethren  of  the  ministry  were  among 
the  earnest  pleaders.  Several  of  these,  with  a  number  of  the 
laity,  received  thf  gift  of  power,  and  were  afterward  enabled 
to  testify-  clearly,  and  from  blissful  exi^erience,  that,  ''  The 
blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  unrighteousness.'"  Among 
those  who  were  enabled  to  enter  within  the  vail,  and  cast  an- 
chor, was  our  interesting  friend  and  brother,  E.  Taylor — the 
well-known  mariners'  preacher.  Thirty  years  ago,  he  for  a 
short  time  enjoyed  like  jirecious  faith,  but  through  the  subtle- 
ties of  Satan,  soon  lost  it.  While  we  were  endeavoring  to 
simplify  the  way,  he  exclaimed,  '' I  see  it:  I  see  it:''  He 
afterward  said  to  us,  with  deep  feeling,  ''  Oh  !  I  have  lost 
thirty  years  :  God  has  only  brought  me  back  again  to  where 
I  was  thirty  years  ago." 

During  tlie  wliole  of  the  nieeting,  the  Spirit  continued  to 
work  in  tlie  sanctification  of  believers,  and  in  the  conversion 
of  sinners.  Many  remembrances  of  much  interest  miglit  be 
recorded,  but  time  fails.  Sure  I  am,  that  scores,  with  holy,  irre- 
Tocable  purpose,  lifted  their  hands  to  God,  in  token  of  eternal, 


326  MEMOIRS   OF 

uncouditioual,  and  absolute  suireuder  to  God.  And  many  of 
these  were  sealed  by  the  Spirit,  and  forever  set  apart  for  the 
service  of  the  sanctifler.  The  last  testimony  I  heard,  as  I  \yas 
leaving  the  ground,  was  beautifully  characteristic  of  tlie  Spirit 
that  i^revailed.  The  testimony  was  from  a  minister,  and  ran 
about  thus —  '^This  morning  I  lifted  my  liand  with  many  others, 
in  token  of  the  renewal  of  my  covenant,  to  be  forever  tlie  Lord's. 
I  had,  before  this,  consecrated  myself.  But  this  morning,  I 
solemnly'  lifted  my  right  hand  in  the  presence  of  God,  angels, 
and  men,  in  token  of  absolute,  eternal  allegiance  to  Christ, 
that  I  might  hear  Him  say,  '  I  have  betrotlied  thee  to  me  for- 
ever,' etc.  After  the  solemn  occasion  closed,  I  retired  alone, 
and  before  I  was  aware,  I  was  again  lifting  that  right  hand, 
which  had,  so  solemnly  been  raised  in  token  of  my  everlastiug 
covenant—  when  such  a  blessing  descended  upon  me,  as  I  can 
scarcely  describe.  It  was  the  conscious  leception  of  the  bap- 
tism of  fire.  I  felt  it  throughout  all  the  powers  of  my  body 
and  mind  ;  and  I  could  not  but  feel  that  my  covenant-keep- 
ing God  had,  in  remembrance  that  that  right  hand  had  been 
raised  in  honor  of  His  name,  condescended  to  honor  the  act, — 
for  as  I  had  my  right  hand  still  uplifted,  as  the  Spirit  fell  upon 
me,  it  seemed  as  if  the  Si^irit's  consuming  e^iergies  fell  at  that 
point  first,  and  from  my  hand,  and  then  through  my  whole 
body,  I  felt  its  consuming  vitalizing  flame."  Blessed  testimony! 
Surely,  it  was  not  in  vain  that  Abraham  said —  "I  have  lifted 
my  hand  to  God  and  cannot  look  back," 

SPENCERTOWN,  C.    AV. 

Sep  iem  her  1 1  /// ,  1 857 . 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

I  have  just  returned  from  the  encampment,  and  before  re- 
tiring to  my  pillow,  sit  down  to  record  to  the  praise  and  glory 
of  grace  alone,  the  manifestation  of  the  power  of  the  Spirit  I 
have  just  witnessed. 

But  how  shall  I  describe  it  ?  Such  a  sudden  and  overwhelm- 
ing gust  of  power,  1  have  never,  with  the  exception  of  two  or 
three  instances,  witnessed  before. 

You  will  remember  about  three  Acars  ago,  when  it  was  esti- 


MBS.  PHCEBE  VALMEK.  ;V27 

mated  that  about  five  hundred  were  suddenly  brought  under 
the  overwhelming  influences  of  the  Spirit,  while  we  w^ere 
speaking,  and  it  was  estimated  that  about  one  hundred  received 
the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification  in  a  few  hours.  Well,  this 
afternoon  we  have  witnessed  a  scene  somewhat  similar. 

We  came  to  the  encampment  yesterday,  early  in  the  after- 
noon. From  the  first  hour  of  our  entrance  on  our  work,  the 
Lord  set  the  seal  of  his  approval  in  a  marked  manner. 
Scores  entered  into  covenant  with  God  to  seek  with  unyield- 
ing purpose  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  But 
it  was  not  until  this  afternoon  that  the  wonderful  tokens 
of  Divine  approval  were  given.  Such  a  scene  as  we  have 
witnessed,  is  wholly  beyond  my  ability  to  describe.  We 
had  been  listening  to  an  excellent  sermon  from  a  young 
minister,  on  "  An  entrance  shall  be  ministered  unto  you 
abundantly,''  etc.  After  which,  I  endeavored  to  urge  the  im- 
portance of  an  immediate,  and  specific  setting  apart  of  every 
redeemed  power  to  \\o\j  service,  and  binding  the  sacrifice 
forever  to  the  hallowed  altar.  Dr.  P.  then  succeeded,  and  the 
unction  of  the  Holy  One  seemed  to  rest  upon  him,  in  an  ex- 
traordinary manner,  and  while  he  talked  as  the  Spirit  gave  ut- 
terance, the  Holy  Ghost  fell  upon  the  people,  and  the  scene  that 
ensuedj  I  scarcely  dare  attempt  to  describe.  If  I  should  say 
that  a  hundred  prostrated  themselves  in  strong  crying  and 
tears  before  God,  I  think  the  computation  would  be  small. 
A  large  portion  of  them  received  the  baptism  of  fire,  in  such 
power,  that  I  trust  the  result  will  be  as  unending  as  eternity. 
Hallelujah  !  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth  ! 

From  the  hour  in  which  that  remarkable  manifestation  of 
the  Spirit  took  place,  faith  seemed  well  nigh  changed  to  sight. 

Prescott,  Sejitemher  15///. 

As  the  Spirit  gave  utterance,  I  endeavored  to  urg3  upon  the 
attention  ot  the  vast  multitude  of  non-professors,  and  profess- 
ors, the  necessity  of  deciding  on  immediate  obedience,  as  the 
only  condition  of  retaining  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  already 
received,  and  of  attaining  still  larger  measure  of  its  awakening 
and  sanctifying  influences.     Scarcely  had  I  sat  down,  before  a 


328  MEMOIRS  OF 

lady  whom  I  recognized  as  one  wlio  had  herself  been  brought 
to  Christ,  the  day  previous,  came  forward,  weeping  convulsive- 
ly, bringing  another  lady  by  the  hand,  and  crying  out,  '^  0,  pray 
for  her!.  0,  pray  for  her,"  and  they  both  fell  on  their  knees 
weeping.  A  congregation  of  at  least,  I  should  think,  five  or  six 
tliousand  were  present,  and  all  seemed  ready  to  melt  as  wax, 
before  the  burning  influences  of  the  Spirit. 

You  will  remember  I  informed  you  that  I  had  been  led,  of 
late,  to  speak  more  frequently  of  the  necessity  of  putting  aside 
worldly  adornments,  if  we  would  be  fully  conformed  to  the 
will  of  God.  The  result  of  these  advices  at  this  meeting  has 
been,  that  between  forty  and  fifty  dollars  worth  of  jewelry, 
has  been  thrown  into  the  Lord's  treasury.  This  was  all  done 
noiselessly,  and  w^e  knew  it  not,  until  announced  to  us  during 
the  closing  exercises  of  the  meeting.  Over  two  hundred  names 
were  taken,  of  those  wiio  had  been  definitely  blest  w  ith  either 
pardon  or  purity.  But  it  is  presumed  that  these  are  not  near 
all,  as  doubtless  many  went  away  without  recording  their 
names. 

The  closing  exercise  consisted  of  one  of  the  most  glorious 
love-feasts  I  ever  attended.  After  which  the  special  recipients 
of  grace  during  the  meeting  were  called  forward,  as  usual,  and 
suitable  advices  given.  This  respon  sible  and  pleasing  duty  was 
assigned  to  us,  as  is  usual  with  our  Canada  friends.  The  Lord 
helps  our  dear  Dr.  P.,  on  some  of  these  occasions,  to  go  beyond 
himself,  especially  when  he  tells  them  all  about  what  he  used 
to  do,  and  how  he  used  to  feel  when  he  was  a  young  convert,  in 
his  sweet,  simple  way.  On  my  asking  them  if  they  would  not 
on  returning  home,  make  earnest,  thankful  and  persevering 
efforts  for  the  conversion  of  their  friends,  I  think  more  than 
fifty  threw  up  their  riglit  hnnd  in  earnest  attestation  of  their 
resolve  to  do  so, 

HAMILTON,    C.  W. 

Hamilton,  October  10th,  1857. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

We  arrived  at  Hamilton  about  dark,  and  Dr.  P.  made  an 
effort  to  check  his  baggage  through  for  Friday,  so  as  to  reach 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  329 

iiome  by  tlie  Albany  boat,  on  Saturday  morning.  But  God  has, 
in  a  wonderful  manner,  detained  us  at  every  step.  Dr.  P.  was 
frustrated  in  his  attempt  to  leave  his  baggage,  and  we  went  to 
the  house  of  a  friend,  to  remain  over  night,  intending  to  leave 
for  home  early  in  the  morning.  It  was  the  usual  evening  for 
prayer-meeting  in  the  three  churclies  here.  Two  of  the  min- 
isters received  information  of  our  unexpected  visit,  and  before 
we  had  finished  our  tea,  were  with  us.  They  immediately 
made  arrangements  for  uniting  the  jirayer-meetings.  As  we 
proceeded  to  the  meeting,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  urged  the 
text,  *' Call  upon  me  and  I  will  answer  thee,  and  show  thee 
great  and  mighty  things,  things  that  thou  knewest  not."  And 
while  talking  in  the  meeting,  I  felt  a  Divine  power  pressing 
me  mightily  to  urge  upon  the  people  to  set  themselves  apart 
at  once,  to  work  for  God  in  promoting  a  revival.  I  felt  the 
Holy  Spirit  working  in  my  own  heart  powerfully,  and  assured 
the  people  if  they  would  at  once  "bring  all  the  tithes 
into  the  Lord's  store  house,"  and  prove  Him  therewith,  that  He 
would  open  the  windows  of  heaven  and  pour  out  such 
a  blessing  as  would  overflow  the  regious  round  about,  and 
result  in  hundreds  on  hundreds  being  brouglit  home  to 
God.  I  asked  that  as  many  as  would  thus  bring  all  the  tithes 
of  time,  talent,  estate,  etc.,  into  the  Lord's  treasury,  and  begin  at 
once  to  act  on  the  principle  that  the  tithes  of  timej  reputation, 
talents,  whether  of  influence,  estate,  body  or  miiul,  should  be 
devoted  to  the  work  of  soul  saving,  would  manifest  tlieir  resolve 
to  do  so  by  raising  the  right  hand.  Thirty,  perhaps,  or  more  of 
those  present  lifted  their  hand  in  the  solemn  presence  of  God 
that  they  would  begin  to  work  immcdiatehj.  Thus  it  was  that 
the  battle  was  at  once,  in  the  most  unlooked-for  manner,pushed 
to  the  gate.  One  of  the  ministers,  speaking  of  tliis  since,  said, 
'^Tlie  battle  was  set  in  array  so  suddenly,  that  Satan  himself 
had  not  time  to  contemplate  a  defence."  We  dared  not  leave, 
but  promised  in  case  that  all  Avould  thus  go  abroad  at  once,  auti 
give  the  gospel  invitation,  we  would  remain  with  them  over  tlie 
next  evening.  There  were  in  all,  probabl}-  aljont  sixty  or 
seventy  present  at  tlie  meeting.  During  the  night, my  spirit 
was  awake  with  God,  much  of  the  time,  and^I  received  a  divine 


330  MEMOIRS  OF 

conviction  that  God  was  about  to  bring  out  the  people  in  multi- 
tudes and  stamp  our  ideas  of  a  "laity  for  the  times/'  with  signal 
success.  The  minister  stationed  liere  felt  in  tlie  same  way,  and 
on  all  sides  it  was  agreed  tliat  the  body  of  the  large  and  most  cen- 
tral cluirch  had  better  be  opened.  Hundreds  came  out,  though  it 
was  not  the  usual  meetiug  night,  and  nothing  was  known  of  the 
meeting,  only  as  the  gospel  invitations  liad  spread  rajndly  from 
one  to  another,  to  come  out  and  seek  salvation.  The  invitation 
for  seekers  of  salvation  to  come  to  the  altar,  had  not  been  given 
more  than  five  minutes,  I  think,  before  the  altar  Avas  crowded. 
Before  the  meeting  closed,  twenty-oue  earnest  seeking  penitents 
were  rejoicing  in  God.  The  most,  or  all  of  these,  were  persons 
gathered  in  from  the  world,  and  brought  to  the  house  of  God 
by  tlie  urgent  solicitations  of  those  who  lifted  their  liand  to 
work  for  God,  the  eveniug  previous.  You  will  not  wonder  that 
we  dared  not  leave  now.  The  next  day,  which  was  Saturday, 
we  had  a  meeting  in  the  afternoon  for  the  church,  and  in  the 
eveniug  again  for  sinners,  when  the  number  out  was  stiJl  more 
surprising,  and  over  twenty  were  saved.  Yesterday  (Sabbath,) 
we  had  about  thirty  saved  during  the  day— in  all,  about  seventy- 
five  in  three  days.  Surely  these  are  the  Lord's  doing,  and  mar- 
velous in  our  eyes.  We  intend  to  return  home  just  so  soon  as 
the  work  seems  fairly  establislied,  so  tliat  we  dare  to  leave. 

Hamilton,  C.  W.,  October  Mth,  1857. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

Could  we  tell  you  of  what  we  are  daily  witnessing  of  God's 
wonder-working  power,  in  sanctifying  believers,  and  saving  sin- 
ners, you  would  be  assured  that  your  disappointment  is  God's 
appointment.  One  week  ago  to-day,  sucli  a  work  commenced 
in  Hamilton,  as  has  never  been  witnessed  before.  Between  one 
and  two  hundred  have  been  translated  out  of  tlie  kingdom  of 
darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son.  Last  night,  forty- 
five  were  saved;  the  evening  previous,  thirty,  and  the  eve- 
nings previous,  about  twenty  each  evening. 

Such  a  Sabbath  as  yesterday,  we  never  saw.  Meetings  were 
being  held  from  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning  till  ten  in  the  eve- 
ning, in  all  of  whioli  I  believe  some  were  saved.     We  have  had 


MliS.  FHCEBE  PAL^lEll.  ;J;J1 

but  very  little  preaching.  I  mean  preaching  in  the  technical 
sense,  according  to  the  ordinary  idea  of  preaching  in  tlie 
present  day.  And  tliongh  I  would  not  be  understood  to 
speak  lightly  of  the  value  of  well  beaten  oil  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  sanctuary,  yet  never  have  I  been  so  con- 
firmed in  a  belief  long  since  adopted,  in  regard  to  the 
sort  of  preaching  needed  at  the  present  day.  It  is  the  preach- 
ing of  apostolic  times,  when  all  the  church  membersliip  were 
^^  scattered  throughout  the  regions  of  Judea  and  Samaria,  except 
the  apostles."  And  these  scattered  bands,  of  newly  baptised 
disciples,  though  so  young  in  faith,  and  composed  of  men. 
women,  and  children,  went  everywhere  preaching  the  Word. 
Surely,  dear  Sister  Sarah,  this,  in  the  most  emphatic  sense,  is  the 
sort  of  preaching  whicli  lias  been  made  instrumental  in  this 
great  revival.  Though  few  churches  can  boast  of  such  ministers 
for  talent  and  devoteduess,  and  we  are  earnest  in  our  acknowl- 
edgements that  as  shepderds  of  this  newly  gathered  flock,  their 
care  and  also  affectionate  teachings  and  guidance,  are  absolutely 
needful,  yet  we  will  again  say,  that  though  favored  with  the 
constant  aid  of  their  three  resident  ministers,  and  other 
ministers,  visitors  of  high  position,  district  chairmen,  etc.— 
yet  this  revival  took  its  rise  mainly  with  the  laity.  It  did  not 
commence  in  laborious  pulpit  effort,  neither  has  it  progressed 
in  this  way.  AYe  had  but  one  very  short  sermon,  during  the 
whole  week.  One  of  the  ministers  would  generally  say  a  few 
introductory  stirring  words,  and  then  leave  the  meeting  with 
ourselves,  to  follow  up  the  remarks.  Dr.  P.'s  prayer-meeting 
tact  is  of  course  brought  into  constant  requisition,  to  bring  up 
the  rear. 

The  result  was,  that  on  Sunday,  over  one  hundred  received 
the  blessing  of  pardon,  before  the  close  of  that  eventful  meet- 
ing. Was  not  this  one  of  tlie  days  of  the  Sou  of  Man  1  Truly 
did  our  hearts  say,  "  This  is  the  day  that  the  Lord  hath  made, 
we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it."  It  is  with  exceeding  care- 
fulness tluxt  we  speak  of  these  wonderful  displays  of  saving 
power.  The  revival  has  been  j^rogressing  ten  days,  and  nearly 
four  hundred  souls  have  been  newly  gathered  into  the  fold  of 
Christ.     In  the  meantime  the  great  work  of  purification  in  the 


332  MEMOIES  OF 

church  lias  been  goicg  on  with  great  power.  Our  afterDOon 
meetings  are  mostly  on  this  subject,  and  are  very  largely  at- 
tended. We  commenced  them  in  the  lecture  room,  but  were 
soon  crowded  out,  and  compelled  to  resort  to  the  body  of  the 
large  church.  And  it  is  seldom  we  have  a  meeting,  but  many 
new  witnesses  are  raised  up  to  testify  of  the  power  of  Christ  to 
save  to  the  uttermost.  There  has  been  no  attempt  to  take  the 
uumber  of  the  wJiolly  sanctified,  but  from  our  personal 
observations,  we  know  that  many  scores  have  received  the 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

If  you  think  the  contents  of  this  letter  would  interest  the 
attendants  on  the  Tuesday  meeting,  you  are  at  liberty  either  to 
read  it,  or  to  relate  such  i)ortions  of  it  as  you  think  will  re- 
dound to  the  glory  of  God.  That  thus  through  the  thanksgiv- 
ings of  many,  j>ra/ses  many  redound  to  God. 

P.  S. — Dr.  P.  just  tells  me  that  five  hundred  have  been 
saved.     Alleluia,  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth ! 

Summarizing  the  results  of  the  summer  and  fall  cam- 
paign, in  a  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  on  JSTovem- 
ber  13th,  Mrs.  Palmer  says  : 

Never  have  we  witnessed  such  triumphs  of  the  cross  as 
during  the  past  summer  and  fall.  I  think  I  should  speak  more 
than  within  bounds,  were  I  to  tell  j^ou  that  not  less  than  two 
thousand  have  been  gathered  iiito  the  fold,  at  various  meet- 
ings we  have  attended.  Hundreds  of  believers  have  been  sancti- 
fied wholly,  and  hundreds  have  received  baptisms  of  tlie  Holy 
Ghost,  beyond  any  former  experience.  Wo  feel  that  we  are 
also  ourselves  getting  nearer  to  the  heart  of  Christ,  and  that 
all  the  sympathies  of  our  being,  are  flowing  out  in  unison  with 
the  world's  Redeemer. 

We  went  from  Hamilton  to  London,  because  we  dared  not  do 
otherwise.  The  London  friends  having  had  e?rt/»is  on  us  in  a 
way  which  I  cannot  now  take  time  to  state.  We  thought  we 
could  not  remain,  as  Dr.  l*'s  business  seemed  so  peremptorily 
calling  him  home.  But  the  Lord  soon  began  to  work  in  Lon- 
don, much  as  in  Hamilton,  and  when  we  tore  ourselves  away 


MRS.  rmKHK  PALMER.  333 

fioin  Loudon,  at  midnight,  after  remaiuiug  twelve  days,  the 
iiumbei  of  the  newly  saved  amounted  to  about  two  hundred. 
We  left  amid  a  scene  of  power,  and  Ave  trust  that  the  work 
is  still  going  on,  but  of  this  we  have  not  liad  time  to  hear, since 
our  return.  I  need  not  add  tlie  work  of  entire  sanctitication 
has  also  been  going  on  gloriously,  at  all  tlieir  meetings.  Hun- 
dreds have  received  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Never 
liave  we  had  so  much  occasion  to  feel  that  we  are  immortal  till 
our  work  is  done. 

Diarij,  November  23d. — Received  a  most  interesting  letter 
to-day,  from  Eev.  E.  B.  Harper,  Hamilton,  C.  W.  The  work  is 
still  progressing,  though  not  with  the  same  power  as  when  we 
left.  He  says  that  to  just  the  degree  the  people  continued  to 
w^ork  in  bringing  one  each  day,  to  just  that  degree  tlie  work 
prospered:  but  just  as  soon  as  they  began  to  slacken  their  ef- 
forts in  this  direction,  penitents  became  less  numerous,  and 
those  that  came  forward  seemed  more  strengthless  in  their  ef- 
forts in  coming  to  the  Saviour  for  pardon.  What  an  assurance, 
that  the  strength  of  the  church  is  in  the  use  she  makes  of 
proffered  grace. 

Just  so  soon  as  the  church  in  Hamilton  began  to  labor,  and 
travail  for  souls,  just  so  soon,  and  proportionately  speedy,  were 
souls  born  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  And  proportionately 
strong  were  these  children  born  to  the  church. 

I  wrote  a  farcAvell  letter,  which  was  read  at  the  quarterly 
love  feast".  In  this  letter,  I  urged  the  necessit}^  of  continuous 
labor  upon  the  church,  if  they  would  see  a  continuous 
work,  and  assured  them,  if  the  work  should  cease,  that  the  re- 
sponsibility miglit  be  on  the  pjembership.  The  next  day  the 
membership  went  newly  to  work,  and  the  altar  was  again  well- 
nigh  surrounded  with  j^euitents. 

Of  subsequent  labors  in  ^ew  York,  and  its  vicinage,  no 
special  record  seems  to  have  been  preserved.  That  they 
were  abundant  indeed,  the  following  excerpt  from  a  letter 
to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  on  the  5th  of  December, 
will  show : 

We  have  been  called  to  attend  several  special  meetings  in 


334  MEMOIBS  OF 

and  about  New  York,  at  Williamsburg,  Perth  Arnboy,  Bedford, 
Brooklyn,  etc.     We  have  also  received  an  official  letter  of  invi 
tation  from  British  North  America,  taking  in  Nova  Scotia,  New 
Brunswick,  Prince  Edward's  Island,  Newfoundland,  Bermuda, 
etc.,  and  the  friends  are  also  expecting  us  in  Europe. 

1858. 

WILLISTON,  VT.— OWEGO,   BIXGHAMPTON,  UNION,  N.  Y. — PKOVIDENCE, 
R.  I.— BOSTON,   MASS. — PORTLAND,   MAINE. — ST,  JOHN,  WOOD- 
STOCK, FREDERICKTON,  ST.  JOHNS,  N.  B. — HALIFAX,  TRURO, 
RIVER    JOHN,     N.      S. — CHARLOTTETOWN,       PRINCE 
EDWARD'S  ISLAND. — MONCKTON,  SACKVILLE,  N.  B. 
BOSTON,  MASS. 

OwEGO,  N.  Y.,  March  I2th. 
Left  my  home  for  Owego,  this  morning.  Felt  that  the  Lord 
was  very  present  with  me,  communing  with  my  heart  by  the 
way.  Conversed  on  religious  experience  with  Mr.  McKeuzie, 
a  gentlemen  of  piety  and  of  worldly  means  and  position.  As 
travelers  to  the  eternal  city,  Ave  talked  freely  of  our  religious 
expeiiences  by  the  way.  At  Binghampton,  Rev.  Dr.  Paddock 
came  iu,  and  we  enjoyed  a  pleasant  season  in  heavenly  converse. 
As  we  journeyed  to  Oswego,  a  lady  accosted  me,  and  said,  "  Is 
not  this  Mrs.  P.^  author  of  ''  Faith  and  its  Effects  ?  "  She  also 
said  that  she  had  been  blest  in  reading  our  works,  and  knew  me 
from  seeing  the  engraving  in  '^  Incidental  Illustrations"— that 
she  was  a  resident  of  a  far  off  region  in  Genesee.  She  was  a 
precious  lover  of  the  Lord,  and  thus  in  my  journeyings,  angels 
met  ine  by  the  way.  , 

In  a  few  days  after  the  commeucemeiit  of  revival  effort 
in  Owego,  Mrs.  P.  w  as  joined  by  Br.  Palmer.  Under  their 
united  labors,  the  work  of  the  Lord  began  to  revive  w  ith 
power.  The  Great  Head  of  the  Churcli  signally  owned  the 
ministry  of  His  servants.  A  leading  editorial  in  the 
Owego  Gazette,  published  at  the  time,  gave  graphic  de- 
scription of  the  general  interest  in  religion,  and  of  the  suc- 
cess of  theix  labors  in  the  M.  E.  Ohui'ch.     All  classes  of 


JIES.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  335 

society  were  reached,  and  some  of  the  best  and  most  ])ros- 
perons  merchants  closed  thek  stores  in  the  evening-,  in 
order  to  attend  meetings  with  their  clerks. 

Prior  to  departnre,  on  the  20th,  she  inscribed  a  brief 
summary  of  the  results,  in  her  joiuiial,  as  follows  : 

All  evangelical  denominations  have  shared  in  the  copions 
showers  which  have  fallen  on  this  portion  of  our  Lord's  lieri- 
tage.  Truly  has  our  God  opened  the  windows  of  heaven,  and 
j)oured  such  a  blessing,  that  there  was  not  room  to  receive  it  j 
and  its  overflowings  have  reached  this  entire  community. 
Presbyterians,  Congregationalists,  Episcopalians,  drink  into 
one  spirit.  We  have,  by  special  invitation,  labored  in  the 
Presbyterian  and  Congregational  churches,  and  were  also  in- 
vited to  hold  a  meeting  in  the  Baptist  church,  but  time  Avould 
not  permit.  ''  Names  and  sects  and  parties  fall,  Christ  alone 
is  all  in  all."  People  of  all  grades  are  tnrning  to  the  Lord ;  and 
even  the  engine  houses  are  being  made  places  of  prayer.  Dr. 
Paddock,  in  speaking  of  this,  says,  ^^  Surely  the  Millenium  is 
dawning." 

BmaHAMPTON. — From  Owego,the  evangelists  went  to 
Binghami)ton,  in  response  to  earnest  soUcitations.  Special 
meetings  were  appointed.  Members  of  all  the  evangelical 
churches  assembled,  and  several  of  high  social  position 
and  influence  sought  and  found  the  rest  of  perfect  love. 

"Among  the  number,  was  a  great  grand-daughter  of  the 
eminent  President  Edwards.  Her  mother, — grand-daugh- 
ter of  Pres.  Edwards, — feels  that  she  also  enjoys  the 
grace." 

Union,  N.  Y. — Importunities  repeated,  next  drew  them 
to  Union,  where  the  fields  seemed  "  white  to  the  harvest." 
Presbyterians  as  well  as  Methodists  crowded  the  church  of 
the  latter,  and  shared  in  the  copious  outpouring  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  So  dense  was  the  throng,  that  great  difficulty 
was  experienced  in  procuring  passage  to  the  altar,  for 
seekers,  and  in  finding  place  for  them  when  the  gangway 


336  MEMOIRS  OF 

wjas  reached.  A  Laodicean  cliurcli  in  the  place  exercised  an 
overshadowing  influence  over  the  other^  and  gathered  the 
converts  from  Methodist  revivals  into  its  own  pale.  ^'  Tims/' 
adds  Mrs.  Palmer,  " Inne  not  a  few  been  brought  out  of 
Eg3i)t  to  die  in  the  TNilderness."  But  from  the  marked 
character  of  that  revival,  they  feared  that  the  end  of  their 
gains  from  Methodist  sources  had  come,  and  stirred  up 
themselves  to  continue  the  work  when  the  strangers  had 
taken  their  leave.  From  thirty  to  seventy  penitents  went 
forward  for  prayers,  for  several  days  ui  succession. 

Providence,  R.  I.,  Juhj  10th. 
Spent  two  or  three  hours  of  the  afternoon  with  the  devoted 
and  distinguished  Dr.  Wayland.  He  lias  now  retired  from  the 
Presidency  of  the  college,  and  is  living  in  a  neat  and  rather 
commodious  retirement,  a  short  distance  out  of  the  city.  We 
enjoyed  his  society  much.  He  seems  to  he  so  sweetly  humble, 
earnest  and  simple  in  his  piety,  that  we  could  not  but  be  inter- 
ested and  profited  in  his  company.  In  relation  to  the  subject 
of  the  work  we  are  anticipating  x^ublishing,  ''Promise  of  the 
Father,"  he  expressed  the  deepest  interest,  said  he  had  been 
looking  for  light  on  the  subject  and  was  pleased  that  it  was 
being  agitated. 

At  the  Chestnut  Street  M.  E.  Church,  in  Providence, 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day, 
spoke  "  of  the  imi)ortance  of  Christian  perfection  and  how 
it  may  be  obtained.'' 

Boston,  Mass.,  Jubj  12;^A.— Boston  was  reached,  and 
some  horns  occui)ied  in  completing  the  preparation  of  ''  om- 
work  for  the  press." 

July  iSth. — Attended  meeting  at  Old  South  Church,  this 
morning.  This  union  prayer-meeting  held  daily  at  the  "  Ortho- 
dox" Church,  has  been  held,  I  believe,  for  years  past.  Husband 
was  called,  and  spoke  sweetly,  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance. 
Unexpectedly  to  myself,  I  was  also  called  upon  to  speak,  and 


MBS.  PHCEBE  FALMEE.  337 

felt  the  sustainings  of  grace.  Attended  two  other  meetings  in 
this  same  church — one,  a  ladies'  meeting,  between  nine  and  ten 
o'clock.  The  other  meeting,  for  both  ladies  and  gentlemen, 
from  ten  to  twelve  o'clock.  Tlie  latter  was  specifically  for 
inquiry  and  prayer  on  the  subject  of  holiness.  In  these  suc- 
cessive meetings  we  were  called  upon  to  occupy  most  of  the 
time.  The  meeting  from  ten  to  twelve  was  specially  favored 
with  manifestations  of  God's  presence  and  power. 

Portland,  Maine,  Julij  \Aili. 
^^  Last  night  we  arrived  in  Portland."  Here  they  fonnd 
Eev.  H.  Cox,  formerly  of  Hillsdale  and  Newark.  He  had 
bnilt  a  large  and  commodious  clmrcli,  gathered  about 
two  hundred  souls  into  fellowship  with  God's  people,  and 
was  then  conducting  a  series  of  si)ecial  services  with 
success.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.,  enjoyed  the  inivilege  of  i^ro- 
claiming  Christ's  power  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  to  a 
large  congregation. 

St.  Johns,  jST.  B. — On  the  15th  of  the  month.  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Palmer,  left  Portland,  for  St,  Johns,  N,  B.,  and 
on  arrival,  called  on  Eev.  Messrs.  Bottrell  and  Albrighton, 
the  Wesleyan  ministers  stationed  there,  but  did  not  find 
either  of  them  at  home.  Thence  they  walked  to  the  Ger- 
maine  Street  Church,  and  took  i>art  in  divine  worship. 
The  two  ministers,  on  hearing  of  the  presence  of  the  evan- 
gelists, called  on  them,  the  same  evening,  and  entreated 
them  to  call  on  their  return,  and  spend  a  few  days  in 
labor.    This  they  could  only  conditionally  promise  to  do. 

WOODSTOCK,     FREDERICKTON,     ST.     JOHNS,    N.     B. — HALIFAX,      TKUKO, 
RIVER  JOHN,  N.  S. — CHARLOTTETOWN^  PRINCE  EDWARD'S  ISLAND. 

As  an  exception  to  the  general  rule,  which  devolved 
epistolary  composition  on  Mrs.  Palmer,  Dr.  1\,  on  the  14th 
of  October,  1858,  gave  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  a  suc- 
cinct, and  intensely  interesting  account  of  their  toils  and 


338  MEMOIRS  OF 

triumphs,  from   the  first  departure  from   St.  Johns,  IST,  E., 
to  date. 

Never  have  we  been  more  fully  assured  of  divine  direction, 
than  iu  our  detention  in  these  provinces!  We  left  home,  with 
the  exi)ectatiou  of  remaining  about  two  weeks,  to  attend  a 
camp-meeting  at  Woodstook,  in  the  i^rovince  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, on  the  St.  John's  Eiver.  The  God  of  the  armies  of  Israel 
was  present,  and  about  two  hundred  w  ere  blest.  On  our  re- 
turn, we  stopped  at  Frederickton,  the  capital  of  the  province, 
and  stayed  a  few  daj  s.  We  had  a  good  time,  and  several  were 
saved.  But  it  was  at  St.  John's,  N.  B.,  where  we  were  i)er- 
mitted  to  see  the  first  mighty  outpourings  of  the  Spirit.  At 
St.  John's,  we  were  detained  over  three  weeks.  Not  less,  I 
think,  tlian  six  hundred  names  were  recorded,  as  si^ecial  re- 
cipients of  grace.  Between  three  and  four  hundred  were  num- 
bered among  the  newl}^  justified,  and  between  two  and  three 
hundred  wholly  sanctified.  For  twenty-three  days,  the  work 
increased  in  interest  and  power,  until  the  last  afternoon  and 
evening  meetings,  which  were  affectingly  interesting,  and  pre- 
eminently glorious.  Not  a  few  that  attended  tlie  meetings, 
were  unused  to  attend  service  in  the  Wesleyan  churches,  and 
many  that  i)resented  themselves  as  subjects  of  prayer,  were 
from  other  churches ;  Episcopal,  Baptist,  etc.  I  think  there  were 
at  least  four  or  five  Roman  Catholics  converted.  Persons  also 
came  in  from  the  region  round  about,  four  and  five  miles  distant, 
and  many  much  farther.  One  lady  went  fifty-six  miles  by  stafjc, 
traveling  day  and  night,  making  in  all  one  liuudred  and  twelve 
miles,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  an  unconverted  relative,  trust- 
ing that  by  getting  him  under  the  cloud  of  tlie  divine  presence, 
he  miglit  be  arrested  and  find  mercy.  Her  liope  Avas  not  iu  vain. 
On  the  first  evening  of  lier  return,  he  was  saved.  Was  not  tins 
worthmore  than  a  million  of  gold?  0,  when  such  demonstrations 
become  common  on  the  part  of  Christians,  how  wonderful  will 
be  the  achievements  of  our  holy  religion.  Not  till  those  who 
are  called  by  the  name  of  Jesus  manifest  the  spirit  of  their 
Holy  Exemplar,  in  sacrificing  that  which  costs  them  something 
in  direct  efforts  to  save  souls,  can  we  expect  to  see  the  full 
triumi)hs  of  the  cross. 


MBS.  FHCEBE  PALME Ji.  359 

At  the  earnest  solicitation  of  tlie  official  l)oartl,  witli  tlie 
promise  of  co-operation  of  the  ministry  of  our  church,  Ave 
went  to  Halifax.  During  our  stay  at  Halifax,  the  secretaries 
of  the  meeting  reported  one  hundred  and  seventy  names  as 
among  the  newly  blest.  One  hundred  and  forty  of  these  were 
gathered  from  the  world.  From  a  dozen  to  twenty  soldiers 
were  among  the  newly  enlisted  in  the  service  of  the  Captain 
of  our  salvation.  They  came  forward  in  their  fine  scarlet 
uniform,  and  interspersed  themselves  among  other  kneeling, 
weeping  penitents.  And  it  was  to  us  a  most  interesting  sight 
to  see  these  hardy  men^  who  but  a  few  months  since  were  en- 
gaged in  bloody  conflict  in  the  Crimean  war,  now  commencing 
their  eternal  God- service,  and  acknowledging  allegiance  to  the 
blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 
lords.  Several  of  these,  after  receiving  pardon,  came  forward 
the  second  time,  and  again  bowed  at  the  altar;  we  at  first  won- 
dered, in  view  of  the  fact  that  their  conversion  had  been 
very  clear,  but  on  inquiry,  we  found  that  the  Holy  Spirit  had 
convinced  them  of  the  necessity  of  a  further  work,  and  they 
were  pleading  for  the  witness  of  inward  i)urity.  Nearly  all  of 
these,  we  trust,  with  several  others,  had  not  only  a  new  song 
put  in  their  mouths,  but  their  goinfjs  estahJished.  Glory  be  to 
God  in  the  highest !  From  Halifax  we  went  to  Truro,  an  in- 
land place  in  Nova  Scotia,  about  two  miles  from  the  head  of 
the  Bay  of  Fundy ;  and  here  again,  the  Head  of  the  Cliurch, 
even  our  God,  wonderfully  baptized  his  children,  and  many 
were  saved.  The  R(^v.  Mr.  ]McMurray,  the  district  chairman^ 
says,  in  an  article  in  the  '^Provincial  Wesleyan  :"  (I  might 
feel  some  embarrassment  in  transcribing,and  apologize  for  it, 
were  it  not  that  we  know  you  feel  a  deep  interest  in  every- 
thing which  stands  in  connection  with  our  labors.)  "  Wc  de- 
sire to  record  our  devout  thankfulness  to  the  God  of  all  grace,  by 
whose  goodness  we  were  favored  for  about  ten  days,  witli  the 
labors  of  those  devoted  servants  of  Christ,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Pal- 
mer, of  New  York.  Their  efforts  in  this  place  commenced  on 
the  evening  of  the  day  they  left  your  city  (Halifax),  and  were 
continued  in  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  each  subsequent  day 
during  their   stay   with   us.     The  occasion  has  been  to    our 


340  MEMOIRS   OF 

cliurcli,  one  of  exceeding  great  interest,  as  evinced  hj  the 
densely  crowded  congregations  that  had  been  in  attendance, 
Tvliile  the  many  who,  at  every  service,  i^resented  themselves  at 
tlie  communion  rail  as  earnest  seekers  of  salvation,  have  nearly 
all  been  richl3'  made  partakers  of  the  grace  they  sought,  afford- 
ing unmistakable  indication,  that  the  Lord  graciously  acknowl- 
edges, and  x^laces  the  seal  of  His  blessing  upon  the  labors  of  our 
beloved  brother  and  sister  in  the  service  of  His  church."  And 
again  Jie  says,  ''The  labors  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.,  among  us, have 
been  greatlj'^  blessed,  not  only  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  but 
also  in  the  increased  quickening  of  the  church,  preparing  our 
membership  for  holy  service  for  the  Lord,  and  leading  a  con- 
siderable number  to  the  attainment  of  the  great  blessing  of 
entire  sanctilication."  From  Truro,  we  went  to  Kiver  John, on 
our  way  to  Prince  Edward's  Island,where  God  also  x^oured  out 
His  spirit  upon  His  church.     We  stayed  here  three  days. 

We  are  now  at  Charlottetown,  Prince  Edward's  Island,  and 
here  we  are  witnessing  one  of  the  most  glorious  revivals  we 
linve  ever  seen.  A  flame  burst  forth  which  we  trust  will  en- 
voloi^e  the  whole  island.  Nightly,  wiien  the  invitation  to 
seekers  is  given,  from  seventy  to  one  hundred  present  them- 
selves. The  most  of  these  are  broken-hearted  i^enitents,  and 
then  to  witness  the  glorious  triumi)hs  of  faith  as  these  newly- 
converted  ones  sing — 

•'  Oh,  He's    taken  my  feet  from  the  mire  and  the  elay^ 
Aud  He's  set  them  on  the  Rock  of  ages." 

or  '^  I  love  Jesus,  yes,  I  do,"  etc.     The  poet  may  well  sing — 

"  The  men  of  grace  have  found 
Glory  begun  below." 

It  has  seemed,  night  after  night,  as  though  heaven  had  come 
down  to  earth,  and  but  a  very  thin  vail  separates  the  two  com- 
panies. Alleluia — the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reign eth,  and  to 
Him  be  all  the  glory  !  Mr.  Brecken,  a  Christian  gentleman  of 
wealth  and  influence,  at  whose  mansion  Ave  are  being  enter- 
tained, who  goes  abroad  largely  through  the  congregation, 
inviting  sinners  to  Jesus,  informed  us  that  in  all  the  vast 
congregation,  there  seemed  not  to  be  a  pew  but  one  or  more 


MliS.  PHCEBi:  PALMEIL  341 

penitents  might  be  found.     Surely,  tliese  are  tlic  Lord's  doings, 
and  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes. 

The  miuistrj'  and  membership  have  received  a  glorious  bap- 
tism of  fire.  All  the  ministers  on  the  district,  ^^  ith  the  district 
cliairmau,  have  been  j^resent,  and  have  been  enabled  to  testify 
tlmt  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  so  that  every 
minister  in  this  district  is  now  i)repared  to  go  forth  witnessing 
with  a  ''  toufjue  of  fire''''  to  the  peojile,  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour, 
able  to  save  to  the  uttermost.  We  cannot  doubt  but  this  island 
Avill  shortly  be  in  a  blaze  of  glory,  as  the  people  are  coming 
from  all  the  region  around,  and  oV)taining  the  blessing  of  pardon 
or  purity.  And  as  these,  with  their  spirit-baptized  ministers  shall 
spread  themselves  abroad  through  the  land,  who  can  tell  the 
result  ? 

Our  afternoon  meetings  have  been  very  largely  attended. 
Hundreds  come  out  daily,  and  would  that  I  could  describe  to 
you  the  extraordinary  effusions  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  we  have 
witnessed  on  these  occasions.  Here  local  preachers,  class- 
leaders,  yes,  and  brethren  in  the  traveling  ministry  also,  have 
prostrated  themselves  in  Iiumility  before  God,  and  have  sought 
the  full  baptism  of  fire,  and  have  not  sought  in  v.  in.  Truly 
we  are  witnessing  a  return  of  apostolic  days.  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest!  At  the  close  of  the  services,  last  Sabbath,  my  dear 
Mrs.  P.,  said  to  one  of  the  beloved  ministers,  ^'I  asked  the 
Lord  for  at  least  one  hundred  souls  to-day."  Said  he,  in  reply, 
^'I  think,  Sister,  your  prayer  has  been  answered."  How  won- 
derful the  mercy  of  God  to  the  church.  Such  are  the  demands 
of  the  work,  as  scores  on  sc;:res  are  being  newly  arrested  by 
the  Spirit,  tliat  we  feel  constrained  to  j'ield  to  tlie  importunities 
of  the  friends  here,  and  remain  a  few  days  longer. 

Monddji  morning,  19th. — We  had  expected  to  leave  to-morrow, 
for  Boston,  but  last  evening  the  work  appeared  to  be  so  greatly 
on  the  increase,  that  P.  is  hesitating  whether  we  should  not 
stay  until  Friday.  The  secretary  has  taken  the  names  of 
between  seven  and  eight  hundred  who  have  come  forward; 
the  most,  if  not  all  of  them,  have  been  blessed  with  the  pardon- 
ing mercy  of  the  Lord,  and  these  are  all  newly  from  the  Avorld. 
A  large  number  of  backsliders  have  also  been  reclaimed,  and 


342 


MEMOIRS  OF 


between  three  and  four  hundred,  we  beliefe,  wholly  sanctified. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory  !  I  think  dear  Mrs.  P.  is  a  little  more 
than  willing  to  stay,  hoping  and  expecting  to  see  the  number  of 
converts  amount  to  one  thousand  soijls.  Next  Friday  will  make 
four  weeks  since  we  came  to  the  island. 

One  unique  feature  of  that  Pentecostal  revival  in  Ohar- 
lottetown,  was  the  "  Believing  meeting,"  suggested  by  Mrs. 
Palmer,  at  the  outset,  and  thus  delineated  in  correspond- 
ence with  JVIrs.  Lankford,  on  the  5th  of  October, 

I  think  it  was  last  Tuesday  afternoon.*  Said  I,  to  the  crowd- 
ed assembly  convened,  ''  We  sometimes  liave  prayer  meet- 
ing, and  these  are  most  important ;  now  let  us  have  a  believing 
meeting.  If  one  must  exceed  the  other  in  importance,  surely 
it  must  be  tlie  latter,  inasmuch  as  without  faith  it  is  impossible 
to  please  God." 

Many  had,  during  the  heart  searching  exercises  of  the  pre- 
ceding days,  come  to  a  point  where  they  had  a  right  to  look 
for  the  present  fulfillment  of  the  promise  of  the  Father.  The 
sacrifice  had  been  brouglit  to  tlie  altar,  but  it  is  faith  that 
brings  the  power,  and  claims  the  tontjue  of  fire.  And  how 
thankful  we  ougiit  to  be  that  our  faithful  Lord  does  not  require 
us  to  believe  anything,  but  what  He  gives  a  reason  from  his 
Word,  for  believing,  etc.  Oh,  what  extraordinary  demonstra- 
tions of  the  power  of  faith  followed.  Surely,  the  scene  we  wit- 
nessed could  not  have  been  greatly  unlike  that  witnessed  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost.  It  is  not  enough  to  wait  and  pray  for 
the  descent  of  the  tongue  of  fire.  There  is  something  to  do. 
'^  If  any  man  will  do  His  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine." 
Through  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  the  offering  is  brouglit  to  the 
altar,  and  just  at  that  point  the  command  meets  us,  ''  Believe,'''' 
and  unless  this  command  be  obeyed,  the  witness  of  its  accept- 
ance cannot  be  obtained,  and  the  consuming  fire  does  not  de- 
scend. ^^  To  expect  the  witness  before  believing,"  says  Mr  Wes- 
ley, '^  is  as  inconsistent  as  to  expect  the  fruit  of  a  tree  before  the 
tree  is  planted.  The  witness  comes  through  believing."  This  is 
in  accordance  with  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible,  and  thank  the  Lord 
*  Perhaps  the  friends  at  the  Tuesday  meeting  were  praying  for  us. 


'    MBS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  343 

that  the  Wesleyan  views  of  faith  have  by  thousands  under  our 
own  observation,  been  tested  experimentally,  to  be  in  accord- 
ance with  Bible  teachings.  Would  that  I  could  portray  the 
scene  w^e  witnessed  at  this  ''  Believing  meeting."  All  the  min- 
isters on  the  District,  with  the  exception  of  one,  w^ere  present, 
and  not  one,  I  think,  but  received  the  baptism  of  fire. 

MONCKTON,  N.  B, 
From  Dr.  Palmer.) 

November  4th,  J  858. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford: 

We  had  no  expectation  whatever,  of  stopping  at  this  place,  to 
hold  meetings,  but  some  few  friends  met  us  at  the  railroad 
depot,  beseeching  us  with  tearful  eyes,  if  for  only  two  or  three 
days,  that  we  might  remain,  as  they  said  religion  had  nearly 
died  out  among  all  denominations.  They  handed  us  also  a 
written  request,  signed  by  members  of  different  denominations, 
as  we  have  since  learned.  On  asking  one  of  the  leading  men  of 
the  Wesleyan  Church — who  with  his  family  has  been  very  much 
blest,  to  sign  the  paper,  he  said  it  was  not  Avorth  wliile,  and  on 
being  expostulated  Avith,  and  told  how"  the  Lord  had  blest  our 
labors  in  other  places,  he  said,  ^'  Well,  if  tliey  come  here,  tliere 
will  be  one  place  where  their  labors  are  not  blessed."  But 
what  hath  God  wrought ! 

Last  evening  but  one,  I  think  tliere  were  at  least  fifty  for- 
ward for  prayers.  In  the  afternoon  meeting,  about  thirty  Avere 
at  the  penitent  form.  Some  of  these  were  seeking  purity  of 
heart,  others  to  be  healed  of  their  backslidings,  and  many  others 
seeking  pardon. 

Tlie  morning  meeting  commencing  at  scA'en  o'clock,  Avas  so 
largely  attended  that  we  haA^e  been  constrained  to  rem  OA^e  from  the 
lecture-room  to  the  body  of  the  church.  The  afternoon  and 
evening  meetings,  from  the  commencement,  have  been  held  in 
the  body  of  the  church,  and  largely  attended.  The  j)eople,  and 
preachers  are  coming  in  from  all  parts  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try, from  forty  miles  distant,  and  are  returning  to  spread  the 
flame  in  their  own  and  adjacent  circuits. 

The  w^ork  here  is  Avonderful.     There  Avere  no  class-meetings, 


344  MEMOIBS  OF 

from  four  to  seven  attending  preaching,  and  now  tlie  secretary 
has  taken  one  hundred  and  forty  names  of  those  who  have 
been  blessed.  The  minister  will  be  able  to  form  several 
classes.  Quite  a  number  of  the  leading  men  of  the  place 
have  been  brought  in. 

SACKVILLE,  N.   B. 
(From  Mrs.  Palmer.) 

Novemler  25th,  1858. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  were  now  about  thirty  miles  from  Sackville,  N.  B.,  a 
place,  which  above  all  others,  we  had  been  imi)ortuued  to  visit. 
But  from  the  pressure  of  our  calls  homeward,  we  had  declined. 
These  solicitations  were  now  renewed.  We  went,  and  here 
also,  I  think  as  many  as  two  hundred  were  newly  blest. 

Tidings  of  these  marvelous  effusions  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
had  already  been  carried  to  England,  by  a  Wesleyan  min- 
ister, who  had  been  in  Prince  Edward's  Island,  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health,  at  the  time  when  the  ''  believing 
meeting'^  was  lield  -,  and  who  then  received  the  baptism  of  • 
fire.  The  many  spiritual  children  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
met  them  at  the  lecture  room  of  the  church  in  Charlotte- 
to^vn,  on  their  way  to  the  steamer,  chanted  a  parting  hymn, 
and  solicited  and  received  some  parting  ad^ace.  Not  less 
than  a  hundred  accompanied  t^em  to  the  steamer,  and 
continued  on  the  dock,  waving  their  handkerchiefs  in  tear- 
ful congratulations,  till  lost  to  view  by  the  receding  vessel. 
Even  on  board,  the  labors  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  continued. 
The  cai)tain  had  attended  the  meetings,  and  w^as  under 
deep  conviction.  A  lady  passenger  was  also  in  the  same 
condition,  but  was  happily  converted  ere  the  voyagers 
separated. 

Staying  in  Boston  for  some  days,  on  the  way  home,  to 
supervise  the  publication  of  "  The  Promise  of  the  Father," 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  held  Sunday  meetings   of  remarkably 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  345 

interestiug  and  profitable  character,  both  iu  Metliodist  aud 
in  orthodox  churches  of  other  persiiasious,  and  liually  re- 
entered their  home'near  the  close  of  the  year. 

1859. 


Of  successful  effort  to  bring  sinners  to  Christ,  and  to 
build  up  His  church  in  holiness,  during  this  year,  Mrs. 
Palmer,  is  as  usual,  the  best  and  most  vivid  historian. 

HONESDALE,  PA. 

April  7th,  1859. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

During  the  first  four  days,  several  brethren  and  sisters  re- 
ceived the  blessing  of  clean  hearts,  but  there  was  little  yielding 
on  the  part  of  sinners.  On  the  Sabbath,  the  Lord  began  to  work 
most  graciously  in  the  salvation  of  sinners.  Many  were  brought 
to  the  feet  of  Jesus.  A  revival  succeeded,  such  as  has  not  been 
known  in  Honesdale  before.  Over  one  hundred  had  united  on 
probation,  at  the  time  of  our  leaving,  and  we  have  received  a 
letter  within  a  day  or  two,  assuring  us  that  the  work  is  still 
going  on  with  great  power,  and  many  more  have  handed  in  their 
names  for  church  membership.  Honesdale,  for  the  size  of  the 
place,  is  the  greatest  place  for  all  sorts  of  isms  I  ever  saw. 
Skepticism,  Spiritualism,  Universalism,  etc.,  were  the  order  of 
the  day.  A  former  minister  of  tlie  M.  E.  church  had  fallen  and 
gone  over  to  the  ranks  of  Spiritualism,  and  another  trial  with 
a  more  recent  minister,  had  been  well  nigh  ecpially  disastrous. 

While  I  was  tliere  (soon  after  my  arrival)  a  soul  saving,  or 
"  Christian  Vigilance  Band  "  was  formed,  which  as  souls  were 
being  brought  over  from  the  ranks  of  the  enemy,  were  being 
added  to  the  band,  till  at  the  time  of  our  leaving,  it  had  reached 
about  one  hundred  names.  The  members  of  these  bands,  as  you 
know,  obligate  to  work  at  least  one-half  hour  daily,  in  enlisting 
souls  for  Jesus.  Scarcely  ever  have  1  seen  a  more  penetrating 
work,  in  all  classes  of  the  communitj^,  than  at  Honesdale.  Truly 


346  MEMOIRS  OF 

did  the  Spirit  and  the  Bride,  say  come  !  Even  skeptics  were 
constrained  to  acknowledge  that  something  strange  liad  come 
over  the  community.  Said  one  of  these,  "  It  seems  as  if  all  the 
people  in  town  were  growing  crazy" — Said  he,  '^  I  believe  my 
wife  is  convicted,  and  I  should  like  the  minister's  wife  to  go  and 
see  her."  This  penetrating  and  widely  diffused  work  is  be- 
lieved to  be  in  a  great  measure  the  effect  of  tlie  laborers  in  the 
Christian  Vigilance  Band.  Said  a  man  of  business,  who  is  also 
one  of  the  church  officiary,  about  thus  ;  "Oh,  Sister  P.,  you  have 
got  me  into  it,  and  what  am  I  going  to  do "?  Why,  I  cannot  go 
into  it  for  half  an  hour.  I  began  this  morning,  thinking  I  must 
make  sure  of  my  half  hour,  and  actually,  the  more  I  do  of 
this  sort  of  work,  the  more  I  want  to  do,  and  though  I  thought  I 
had  a  great  deal  of  business  for  to-day,  I  have  kept  in  this 
soul,  saving  work,  almost  all  day.  But,  never  mind,  it  is 
right."  We  were  on  our  way  to  the  afternoon  meeting  as  he 
said  this,  and  of  course  I  could  not  but  say  :  '•  Why,  my  dear 
brother,  this  is  surely  the  one  great  calling  of  the  Christian,  to 
which  all  other  business  matters  should  be  manifestl}'  sub- 
servient. '  Diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord'— that  is,  making  all  your  business  matters  subservient 
to  the  Divine  service ;  and  how  can  you  serve  your  Saviour 
better,  than  by  making  everything  bend  to  the  one  great  work 
of  saving  the  precious  souls  for  whom  your  Saviour,  who  though 
rich  became  i^oor,  and  for  whom  He  s^jilt  His  precious  blood." 
I  think  we  shall  make  it  a  special  part  of  our  duty  to  form 
these  vigilance  bands  wherever  we  go,  and  I  do  not  doubt  but 
the  Lord  will  make  them  subservient  to  tlie  salvation  of  thous- 
ands of  souls. 

**  The  Ohristiau  lives  to  Christ  alone, 
To  Christ  alone  he  dies." 

SCBANTON,  PA. 

New  York,  May  ISth,  1859. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  pastor  informed  us  that  there  had  been  but  one.  conver- 
sion during  the  whole  conference  year,  and  never  do  I  remem- 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  347 

ber  to  have  visited  a  place  where  there  were  fewer  witnesses 
of  perfect  love,  or  more  obtuse  perceptions  on  the  subject. 

The  next  evening  he,(au  antagonistic  official,) was  all  broken 
up,  and  made  a  most  noble  and  lieroic  confession  of  his  back- 
sliding— ^said  he  had  once  enjoyed  the  blessing  of  holiness — 
lost  it  by  not  confessing  it,  etc..  He  had  scarcely  taken  his 
seat,  before  the  Lord  healed  his  backslidings,  and  blessed  him 
greatly,  so  that  his  mouth  was  tilled  to  overflowing  with 
praise.  It  was  wonderful  what  a  bound  forward  the  entire 
churcli  seemed  to  make  from  this  point.  The  next  day  we  had 
the  shout  of  a  king  in  the  camp.  A  number  flocked  to  his  class, 
and  a  prominent  man  of  the  place  was  powerfully  converted, 
during  the  exercises.  Up  to  the  time  of  our  leaving,  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-two  had  joined  the  church,  and  others  were 
intending  to  join. 

It  is  due  to  Dr.  Peck,  to  say  that  he  was  in  feeble  health, 
and  after  over  a  hundred,  I  think,  had  joined,  he,  in  his  quar- 
terly conference,  held  previous  to  one  of  our  large  evening 
meetings,  apologized  for  not  having  been  present  at  any  of  the 
meetings,  saying  that  his  feebleness  of  health  had  prevented 
him.  ''  Thanks  be  to  Grod  who  always  causeth  us  to  triumph." 
We  are  still  keeping  firm  hold  of  our  good  old  text,  ''  All 
things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

EVAI^GELISTIC   LABORS  IN   THE  BRITISH  ISLES. 
1859. 

LONDON,   ENGLAND — BELFAST,    COLERAINE,  IRELAND— BO.WDEN,   NEW- 
CASTLE, SUNDERLAND,  NORTH  SHIELDS,  ENGLAND.  «* 

AS  early  as  1845,  a  journey  to  Europe  had  been  seri- 
ously contemplated  and  discussed.  Bishop  and  Mrs. 
Hamhne,  it  was  hoped,  would  form  part  of  the  company. 
But  the  Bhhop's  clerical  duties,  and  the  professional  en- 
gagements of  Dr.  Palmer,  together  with  other  matters,  com- 
bined to  hinder  the  execution  of  the  project.  As  years 
advanced,  and  Divine  Providence  prepared  the  way,  the 
unforgotten  intention  assumed  definite  form.  In  1856,  the 
plan  was  revived  and  its  execution  again  deferred.  Mrs. 
Palmer  had  become  extensively  known  by  lier  numerous 
writings,  both  in  the  British  Isles,  and  on  the  Continent. 
Ministerial  delegates,  lay  and  clerical  visitors  to  the  United 
States,  had  made  andprofitedby  her  acquaintance.  Tidings 
of  the  wonderful  works  of  God,  in  the  British  Provinces 
had  been  given  to  the  churches.  A  general  desire  for  the 
presence  and  labors  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  had  sprung  up. 
Invitations — repeated  and  influential — had  been  extended. 
Tokens  of  Pentecostal  effusions  of  the  Holy  Spirit  were 
striking  and  abundant.  The  hom^  for  the  contemplated 
expedition  had  struck.  Friendly  and  touching  farewell 
meetings  were  lield  in  New  York,  and  amid  the  prayers 
and  blessings  of  the  saints,  the  twaui  (yet  one)  embark- 
ed for  the  Old  World.    The  description  of  the  voyage  has 


MEMOIBS   OF  MRS.   PH(EBE  PALMER.  349 

already  beeu  giveu  iu  the  personal  characteristics  aud 
experiences  of  Mrs.  P.,  page  120. 

"'  Pray  for  us  daily,"  she  wrote  to  her  special  corres- 
pondent and  his  excellent  consort,  on  the  eve  of  sailing  for 
England,  June  4th.  ''  Pray  that  we  may  ever  hQ>  filled  with 
faith  and  power.  We  want  to  see  thousands  sanctified 
wliolly,  and  thousands  won  over  to  our  Savioui'.  This 
morning  I  feel  that  He  is  my  all  in  all.  Alleluia !  The 
Lord  Grod  omnipotent  reigneth." 

On  the  15th  inst.,  the  passengers  landed  in  Liverpool, 
and  were  cordially  greeted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thorneloe,  a 
Wesleyan  minister  then  stationed  in  Prescott.  Observing 
a  gentleman,  whose  appearance  indicated  his  profession, 
eyeing  them  intently,  Mrs.  Pahner  said  to  her  husband : 

There  stands  the  minister  the  Lord  has  sent  to  welcome  us 
to  England.  Soon  as  the  vessel  reached  the  dock,  he  came  on 
board.  Coming  up  directly  to  us,  he  asked,  ^'  Is  this  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  P.?"  On  being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  most 
heartily  exclaimed  ^'  Welcome,  welcome,  to  the  shores  of  Old 
England ! " 

He  had  been  led  to  meet  them  by  an  announcement  in 
the  ''  Guide  to  Holiness,"  which  stated  that  they  would 
sail  from  New  York,  in  the  ^'  City  of  Baltimore,"  on  the  4th 
of  June. 

BowDEN. — Writing  to  Mrs.  Gov.  Wright,  from  Bow- 
den,  near  Manchester,  she  says : 

The  next  day  we  took  the  cars  for  London.  From  childhood, 
I  loved  to  treasure  up  recordings  of  the  pioneers  of  Methodism, 
in  England.  I  have  been  accustomed  to  follow  the  footsteps  of 
the  sainted  Wesley,  and  his  coadjutors.  And  as  we  rapidly 
coursed  our  way  by  the  steam-cars,  from  place  to  place,  interest- 
ing memories  would  crowd  rapidly,  one  upon  another.  Surely, 
memory  is  imperishable  !  As  we  passed  through  Oxford,  we 
looked  upon  the  University,  where  the  Wesleys  and  Whittield 


350  MEMOIRS  OF 

speui  their  early  days.  AVliat  has  God  wrought,  smce  that 
little  band  met  iu  those  halls,  and  resolved  to  conform  to  such 
Methods  of  selt'-sacriftce  and  devotedness  to  God,  as  might  lead 
to  eminent  usefulness.  How  has  the  little  leaven  leavened  the 
lump,  so  tliat  there  is  scarcely  a  city  or  town  in  Europe  or 
America,  but  has  been  blest  with  the  leavening  influences  of 
Methodism.  It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  twelfth  day  after 
we  left  our  native  sliores,  that  we  arrived  at  the  mansion  of 
our  friends,  on  Brixton  Hill.  Here  we  met  with  loved  ones, 
dear  indeed  to  our  hearts,  and  such  as  we  shall  ever  remember 
in  time  and  eternity.  Between  frequent  afternoon  and  evening 
meetings,  and  special  companies,  dinner  and  tea,  and  often  af- 
ter supper,  and  sometimes  even  breakfast,  our  time  has  been  so 
monopolized,  that  we  have  had  but  little  time  to  write.  While 
in  London,  w^e  had  several  special  meetings,  saw  many  believer* 
enter  into  the  rest  of  perfect  love,  and  several  persons  were 
newly  pardoned. 

From  Loudoii,  where  iu  meetings  held  by  them,  many 
found  pardoning  grace  and  perfect  love,  they  went  to  Man- 
chester and  vicinity  ;  and  thence,  after  a  brief  stay,  to  Bel- 
fast, Ireland,  where  the  Lord  was  doing  great  things  for 
His  people. 

So  remarkable  were  the  revelations  of  Divine  power 
and  grace;  so  numerous  and  genuine  the  conversions  to 
Christ,  that  all  evangelical  Christians  hastened  to  ascribe 
the  glory  to  God,  and  to  throw  their  energies  into  the  pro- 
motion of  the  great  revival.  Even  a  prelate  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church  deemed  it  expedient  to  publish  his  testi- 
mony in  its  favor,  and  to  warn  his  clergy  against  thinking 
too  lightly  of  the  wondrous  visitation. 

'<  I  should  think,"  said  he,  '^  that  there  are  few,  who,  having 
examined,  can  refuse  to  recognize  the  hand  of  God  in  this  re- 
markable manifestation.  We  dare  not  join  with  those  who 
would  neglect,  or  pour  contempt  on,  this  remarkable  (per- 
haps it  may  be  eccentric)  display  of  spiritual  affections  *  *  *  I 
have  long  felt  that  we  do  not  sufficiently  familiarize  our  flocks 


MBS.  PHCEBIJ  PALMER.  35 1 

to  the  contemplation  of  the  Spirit's  character,  and  His  wondrous 
operations  -,  that  we  do  not  sufficiently  dwell  on  His  personality, 
divinity,  regenerating,  comforting,  converting  power  j  that  we 
do  not  enough  enlarge  upon  His  work,  in  whom  we  live,  move, 
and  have  our  heing.  While  the  Spirit  is  comparjitively  a 
stranger  to  our  pulpits,  can  we  wonder  that  His  operations  are 
unknown  and  unreflected  on,  in  our  congregations  f ' 

111  Belfast,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  yielded  to  the  solicitations 
of  beloved  Wesleyan  friends,  and  held  meetings  for  several 
days  in  the  Donegal  Square  and  Frederick  Street  Churches. 
Evening  after  evening,  from  thirty  to  forty  persons  were 
raised  up  to  testify  of  Christ's  saving  power. 

Juhj  26th. — The  Mayor  of  Belfast  called  at  the  residence  of 
onr  host,  his  hrother-in-law,  to-da;y^,  and  says,  in  passing  his 
mills  this  morning,  he  saw  between  two  and  tliree  hundred  of 
his  operatives  gathered  in  the  open  air,  holding  a  prayer-meet- 
ing, despite  the  falling  rain.  This  was  between  eight  and  nine 
o'clock,  the  breakfast-hour. 

The  marvelous  psychological  phenomena  so  common  in 
the  South  and  West,  in  the  early  i)art  of  the  centiuy,  were 
repeated  on  a  grand  scale  in  Ireland,  and  in  such  manner 
as  to  comiiel  the  acknowledgement,  "  This  is  the  linger  of 
God,"  from  all  parties. 

These  sudden  and  remarkable  awakenings  are  not  confined 
to  any  i^articular  i)eople,  church,  or  place.  I  have  been  credi- 
bly informed  that  seven  were  stricken  in  a  Romish  Church,  and 
were  carried  in  their  state  of  helplessness  to  the  adjacent  uun- 
ner;v.  Strong  men,  as  well  as  females,  have  been  suddenly 
struck  down  in  the  street,  tlie  public  road,  and  their  own 
houses.  In  general,  a  deep  sympathy  is  felt,  even  among  the 
most  skeptical,  for  those  who  are  called,  in  common  phrase, 
^'  the  sufferers  ;"  and  everything  is  done  for  their  relief,  with 
earnest  and  affectionate  promptness. 

It  is  inspiring  to  see  how  immediately  the  fruits  of  the  new 
birth  are  manifested  in  these  lovely  converts.  Here  may  be 
seen  a  galaxy  of  Christian  graces^  as  set  forth  in  Gal.  5:22. 


352  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  love  of  the  new  converts  for  the  Bible,  and  tlicir  deep 
reverence  for  its  sacred  pages,  is  remarkable.  In  spite  of 
threats,  and  even  acts  of  violence,  on  the  part  of  relatives,  the 
Eoman  Catholic  converts  continue  in  steady  adherence  to  the 
doctrines  of  the  reformed  religion  ;  and  their  number  is  on  the 
increase.  One  of  them — a  poor  woman  residing  at  some 
distance  in  the  country — Avas  this  week  urged  by  some  of  her 
fellow  converts,  to  follow  their  example,  and  burn  her  "  Manual" 
of  the  Eoman  Catholic  faith.  ''  No,"  she  replied  ;  "I  will  not 
do  so  5  for  it  contains  some  portions  of  the  word  of  God  :  but 
I  will  bury  it  in  the  earth  !" 

CoLERAiNE^   and  the   Giant's   Causeway  were  next 
visited. 

Through  the  affectionate  courtesy  of  our  excellent  friend, 
W.  McArthur,  Esq.,  of  London,  who  is  at  present  on  a  visit 
here,  we  have  just  been  taken  to  see  the  Causeway,  and  the 
sublime  scenery  by  which  it  is  surrounded.  We  have  gazed 
with  admiration  at  the  sublimities  of  creation,  and  have  joy- 
ously exclaimed,  '^  All  thy  works  praise  thee,  O  Lord !" 

But,  though  this  region  abounds  in  the  wonderful  and 
sublime,  the  wonders  of  grace  so  far  transcend,  that  I  am 
longing  to  tell  you  a  thousand  times  more  than  I  can  now  do. 
All  earthly  sights,  however  glorious,  dwindle  into  insignificance, 
compared  with  the  manifestations  which  we  everywhere  beliold, 
of  an  unearthly  power  at  work  among  the  people,  making  all 
things  new.  The  resurrection  of  a  soul  from  the  death  of  sin 
to  a  life  of  holiness,  is  a  greater  wonder  than  the  creation  of  a 
world.  Thousands  in  this  town  and  the  regions  round  about 
have  been  created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Antrim,  August  2d. 
The  town  of  Connor  is  six  miles  distant, — the  favored  spot 

where  thB  revival  began.    Our  kind  host,  Mr.  J ,  is  well 

acquainted  with  the  weavers,  McQuilken  and  Quigley,  with 
whose  conversion  the  work  commenced,  and  has  offered  to  take 
us  over  to  Connor,  and  introduce  us  to  these  humble  brethren. 

Marvelous  indeed  were  the  manifestations  and  results 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  353 

of  divine  grace  in  this  section  of  the  country,  as  portrayed 
in  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  W.  Hunter,  a  resident  minister,  to 
a  clerical  friend  in  London. 

^'  Among  those  who  have  been  brought  under  conviction,  we 
have  some  very  old,  at  least  some  sixty  years  of  age ;  and  some 
very  young,  not  more  than  eight  years  of  age.  We  liave  persons 
of  education,  and  persons  grossly  ignorant.  We  have  persons 
of  good  moral  character,  as  the  world  has  it ;  and  some  of 
the  very  oflfscouring  of  the  earth.  Nothing  more  vile  in  Lon- 
don than  some  converts  I  know.  We  have  persons  of  all 
denominations  in  the  neighborhood — Prelatists,  Presbyterians, 
Baptists,  Methodists,  and  Romanists, — yes,  Romanists.  Oh,  sir ! 
if  you  could  hear  what  I  liave  heard,  and  see  what  I  have  wit- 
nessed ! — poor,  deluded  Romanists  casting  their  blessed  beads, 
their  manuals,  their  amulets,  from  them,  as  polluting  things, 
and  crying,  *  No  priest  but  Jesus,  no  mediator  but  Jesus  ;  no 
purgatory  but  the  fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for  uucleanness.' 
They  never  go  back  to  the  priest  for  confession  or  absolution. 
They  never  go  to  mass  again.  Oh,  no  !  tliey  go  to  some  of  our 
Protestant  places  of  worship,  where  they  get  a  nourishing 
draught  of  the  sincere  milk  of  tlie  Word.  I  am  a?  convinced 
as  I  am  of  my  own  existence,  that  Romanists  will  be  v^ery  large 
sharers  in  this  blessing.  The  priests  of  Rome  are  utterly  con- 
founded. First  they  scoffed,  next  they  blustered,  tlieu  tliey 
lost  their  temper.  Now  they  are  afraid,  and  at  their  wits'  eud. 
If  I  had  your  ear  for  an  hour,  I  could  tell  you  wonderful  things 
about  their  doings." 

BowDEN. — Fresh  from  these  glorious  scenes  and  con- 
quests in  Ireland,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  returned  to  Bow- 
den,  England,  where,  on  the  loth  of  August,  she  resumed 
correspondence  with  Bishop  and  JVIi  s.  Hamline.  Her  pen 
portraitures  are  skilful  and  striking. 

Rev.  Robert  Young,  author  of  ^^  Suggestions  for  the  Con- 
version of  the  World,"  etc.,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Waugh,  Repre- 
sentative of  the  Irish  Conference,  have  been  out  to  dine  with 
us.    We  have  also  had  an  interview^  with  a  number  of  minis- 

23 


354  MEMOIRS   OF 

ters.  We  are  encouraged  to  hope  that  four  ministers  with 
whom  we  have  conversed,  have  received  the  witness  of  purity. 
But  we  regret  to  say  that  there  is  far  from  being  as  much  de- 
finite interest  on  the  subject,  as  there  should  be.  Mr.  Wesley, 
on  one  occasion,  complained  that  a  general  faintness  had  come 
over  the  whole  kingdom,  in  regard  to  the  doctrine  of  Christian 
perfection ;  and  he  was  almost  weary  of  contending  against  the 
opposition  of  both  preachers  and  people.  I  fear  he  would  not 
have  much  occasion  to  change  his  tone,  if  he  were  here  now. 

There  is  surely  a  wonderful  work  to  do  here ;  and  how  far  the 
Lord  may  use  us  in  helping  forward  the  blessed  cause,  I 
do  not  know. 

We  have  just  received  an  encouraging  letter  from  the  min- 
ister who  has  translated  our  works  into  the  French  language. 
He  says  about  2,000  of  the  '^  Way  of  ^Holiness"  have  been  sold, 
and  ''Faith  and  Effects"  is  ready  to  be  issued.  If  we  were  able  to 
speak  the  French  language  with  sufficient  fluency  to  make  our- 
selves intelligible,  we  should  rejoice  to  go  there,  but  in  view  of 
oui"  inability  to  do  so,  I  think  we  shall  not  go. 


After  a  short  period  of  happy  and  beneficent  toil  in 
the  former  places,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  repaired  to  the 
latter,  in  response  to  the  long-standing  solicitations  of  the 
distinguished  author  and  preacher,  Eev.  E.  Young.  The 
first  meeting  was  held  in  Brunswick  Chai:)el,  the  largest 
dissenting  house  of  worship  in  Newcastle,  and  reputedly 
the  most  commodious  in  the  North  of  England.  Theii^ 
message  was  to  the  church.  The  meeting  was  one  of 
power,  and  w  as  succeeded  by  scores  of  others,  in  which 
a  mighty  flame  of  religious  revival  was  kindled,  that  over- 
spread the  whole  of  that  region.  But  little  noise  or  ex- 
citement accomi)anied  the  revival.  It  was  noticed  by  all 
intelligent  spectators,  that  the  principal  instruments  spoke 
without  exciting  the  ])assions  in  the  usual  way.  They 
struck  at  principles.  Crowds  filled  the  church  and  blocked 


MliS.  PEiEBE  PJLMEE.  355 

the  aisles.  Coiuiuimion  rail  aud  vestry  were  full  of  seek- 
ers for  salvatioD,  every  uiglit.  Old  and  young,  rieli  and 
poor,  knelt  at  tlie  altar,  without  distinetion.  ]Mr.  Young, 
full  of  holy  gladness,  said  he  eame  near  going  home  in  a 
chariot  of  fire.  Ministers  and  members  of  different  de- 
nomuiations  shared  alike  in  labors  and  in  blessings.  The 
ministers,  leaders,  and  stewards  conneeted  Tvith  Bruns- 
wick Place  Chapel,  mianunously  adopted,  and  presented  to 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  resolutions  exiiressive  of  deep  obli- 
gation for  their  very  opportune  and  highly  acceptable 
visit  'j  and  for  the  daily  arduous,  and  efficient  services 
rendered  to  the  cause  of  .the  Eedeemer,  and  especially  of 
the  Wesleyan  community,  in  the  important  town  of  Xew- 
castle.  Diu-ing  thirty-five  days  of  labor,  very  many 
church  members  received  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  not  fewer  than  thirteen  hundred  persons  decided  for 
God,  and  besought  the  prayers  of  His  people. 

Sunderland. — From  Newcastle,  the  fiame  spread  to 
Sunderland.  On  the  expiration  of  twenty-nine  days' 
ceaseless  service  there,  Mis.  P, wrote  : 

^^  During  the  past  week,  about  one  hundred  have  beeit 
saved  daily.  Oh,  how  glorious  have  been  the  manifestations 
of  awakening,  converting,  and  sanctifying  power !  It  is  not 
now  difficult  for  faith  to  apprehend  how  a  nation  may  be  born 
in  a  day. 

Since  the  commencement  of  this  work,  tbe  secretaries  of  the 
meeting  have  recorded  the  names  of  two  thousand  and  eleven, 
who  have  presented  themselves  as  seekers.  Of  these,  we 
trust,  about  two  hundred,  from  near  and  remote  regions,  have 
received  the  witness  of  purity." 

The  "  Northern  Daily  Express, "  though  not  a  rehgious 
paper,  in  genuine  British  style,  acknowledged  the  benign 
power  of  that  glorious  revival,  and  said ; 

"Either  from  the  badness   of  the  times,  or  the  increased 


356  MEMOIRS  OF 

goodness  of  the  people  ;  from  tlie  efficiency  of  the  i^olice,  or 
the  beneficial  results  of  the  revival  moveroent, — crime  seems 
to  be  greatly  diminishing  in  the  town  and  neighborhood.  On 
Friday,  there  was  a  ^  maiden  session,'  and  no  criminals  were 
placed  in  the  dock  for  trial.  An  ancient  custom  prevails  in 
England,  of  giving  a  pair  of  white  gloves  to  the  judge  i^resi- 
ding  at  a  session  where  no  criminal  cases  are  reported.  It  is 
thence  called  a  *  maiden  session'  or  assize." 

A  sea  captain,  with  his  whole  crew,  was  saved,  and  de- 
sired the  prayers  of  the  congregation  for  richer  and  fuller 
blessing,  during  their  passage  home  to  Southampton. 

An  influential  coal-owner,  residing  about  ten  milies  distant, 
stated  this  morning,  that  the  revival  movement  was  operating 
in  a  most  wonderful  manner,  hi  the  district  Avith  which  he  is 
connected.  He  said  solemnly,  that  upwards  of  four  hundred 
of  his  pitmen  had  been  brought  to  Christ. 

Wrote  a  friend,  to  Dr.  P. : 

Several  months  after  this  remarkable  visitation  of  the 
Spirit,  a  distressing  disaster  occurred  in  the  mining  district 
where  these  newly  converted  pitmen  were  engaged  in  their 
hardy  toil.  By  an  explosion  in  the  mine,  many  were  suddenly 
called  from  time  to  eternity.  Some  of  the  converted  pitmen, 
who,  though  victims  of  the  fatal  disaster,  were  not  instantly- 
killed,  bore  noble  testimony,  to  the  last,  of  the  power  of  grace 
to  give  victory  over  death,  hell,  and  the  grave. 

Of  the  ministers  and  men  of  business,  many  spent 
seven  hoiu\s  daily,  at  the  chapel.  Bounteous  temporal  i)ro- 
vision  was  supplied  for  worshipers  from  a  distance.  Three 
thousand  persons  were  present  at  the  evening  services, 
and  numy  went  aAvay  for  want  of  room.  Those  who  were 
saved,  in  turn — as  instructed  and  promi^ted  by  the  Divine 
Spirit, — endeavored  to  save  others.  Whole  households, 
actors,  glee-singers,  gamblers,  infidels  were  taken  out  of 
the  liorrible  pit,  and  i)laced  on  the  Rock  of  Ages.  Kot 
uutil  the  secretaries  of  the  meeting  had  recorded    the 


MBS.  rBCEBE  PALMER.  357 

names  of  over  two  thousand  who  liad  received  tlie  blessing 
of  pardon  or  piuity,  did  these  triiini})liant  toils  come  to  a 
close.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.,  almost  literally,  lived  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  Multitudes  took  tea  Avith  them,  in  English 
Methodist  fashion,  in  the  vestry.  From  3:30,  to  10  P.  M., 
they  were  in  the  church  edifice. 

North'  Shields.  -  Of  the  work  here,  the  Eev.  T.  Brum^ 
mell,  superintendent  of  the  circuit,  gave  brief  notice  in 
the  ''  Watchman,"  after  the  American  friends  had  been 
engaged  in  it  two  weeks. 

The  cliapel  lias  beeu  crowded  to  excess,  and  many  were 
unable  to  find  standing  room.  The  beneficial  results  have  far 
exceeded  our  most  sanguine  expectations.  Hundreds  of  anx- 
ious inquirers,  of  various  ages,  afiid  belonging  to  different  con- 
gregations, have  given  in  their  names,  as  having  found  i)eace 
with  God,  and  are  giving  evidence,  in  their  character  and  labors, 
that  they  have  been  renewed  by  the  power  of  God. 

Many  of  the  officers  and  members  of  our  own  societies  have 
been  greatly  quickened,  and  are  now  evidently  ''full  offidth 
and  the  Holy  Ghost. "  Our  esteemed  friends,  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Palmer,  have  consented  to  remain  with  us  another  week. 

Extra  trains  were  run  fi^om  Newcastle  and  Sunderland. 
The  theatres  and  many  taverns  were  closed. 

Ensconced  in  Mr.  Wesley's  study,  at  North  Shieldjs,  Mrs. 
Pahner  indited  a  characteristic  letter  to  her  old  friends, 
Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  dated  December  17th,  on  the 
remarkable  outpourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  North 
of  England. 

We  would  have  written  many  times,  but  if  your  affectionate 
eye  could  but  follow  ustlu-ough  our  labors,  as  we  are  numbering 
our  days,  weeks  and  months  in  this  far  off  land,  you  would  not 
be  surprised  that  you  have  not  heard  from  us  oftener.  Think 
of  a  sucession  of  confiniu^us  labors,  spending  from  six  to  seven 
hours  in  the  chapel,  daily,  not  excepting  Saturday  or  Sabbath. 

T  talk   at   both   afternoon  and    evening  service,  after  the 


358  MEMOIRS  OF 

usu.al  opening  of  singing,  prayer,  and  reading  tlie  Scriptures, 
which  we  select.  It  is  my  intention  not  to  exceed  lialf  an  liour 
in  my  address  at  each  exercise,  but  it  is  not  unusual  to  go  be- 
yond the  prescribed  bounds. 

You  may  conceive  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  stand  an- 
swerable to  such  responsibilities,  day  after  day,  week  in  and 
out,  without  taking  time  for  preparation. 

We  are  now  at  North  Shields.  Have  been  here  about 
twenty-two  days.  Here  also,  as  at  Newcastle,  and  Sunderland, 
the  Lord  is  doing  wonders.  The  secretaries  have  taken  hun- 
dreds of  names  among  the  newly  blest.  AVherever  we  go,  we 
lift  up  the  blessed  standard,  Holiness  to  the  Lord.  The  people 
rally  round  it,  and  scores,  if  not  hundreds,  are  induced  through 
the  power  of  the  Spirit,  to  seek  this  endowment  from  on  high. 

I  should  love  to  take  time  to  tell  you,  what  a  manifestation 
of  Grod's  approval  and  power  we  had  at  one  of  our  afternoon 
meetings,  soon  after  we  commenced  our  labors  at  this  i^lace. 
Dr.  P.  had  read  Isaiah  62.  I  do  not  give  what  would  be  tech- 
nically termed  sermons,  but  in  selecting  the  chapter  to  be  read, 
I  always  lix  my  mind  on  some  leading  idea.  My  thoughts  were 
specially  concentrated  on  verse  10,  ''  Go  through,  etc,"  ^^  Lift  up 
the  standard.^''  Dr.  Young,  the  Ex-President — the  Superintend- 
ent, Rev.  Mr.  B.,  and  several  other  ministers  were  present. 
Through  grace  alone,  we  were  enabled  to  present  witli  faithfulness 
what  we  believed  to  be  the  Bible  standard,  and  also  the  Wesleyan 
standard  of  Christian  privilege  and  duty.  Would  that  I  could 
describe  to  you  how  the  Lord  owned  tlie  humble  effort.  The 
place  where  we  were  assembled  was  filled  with  the  power  and 
I)resenee  of  God,  to  such  a  degree,  that  some  of  us  will  ever  re- 
member it  with  gratitude  and  Iioly  awe,  long  as  eternity  endures. 

Among  others  who  received  the  baptism  of  jiower,  on  that 
memorable  occasion,  were  two  wealthy  magistrates.  Two  more 
prominent  for  position  and  wealth,  I  presume,  are  scarcely 
known  in  this  region.  In  tlie  evening,  before  an  immense  con- 
gregation, both  of  these  geiiUemcn  craved  the  privilege  of  tes- 
tifying of  the  power  of  saving  grace. 

This  letter  is  dated  as  you  observe,  from  ^'  Mr.  Wesley's 
study."     Mr.   Wesley's   study    at   North   Shields? — you   ask. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  359 

Yes,  liere  is  tlie  veritable  place  where  the  indefatigable  Wes- 
ley, penned  many  of  the  precious  things  which  have  been 
blessed  to  thousands  in  Europe  and  America,  and  will  continue 
to  be  jirized  yet  more  and  more  till  the  end  of  time. 

"  Here,"  says  a  writer  in  Christian  Miscellany, '^  much  of 
Mr.  Wesley's  precious  time  was  spent ;  "  here  also,  as  various 
intimations  in  his  journal  show,  he  loved  to  be.  ''  Thursday, 
August  8tli,  1765,"  while  at  this  place,  he  writes,  ^^  I  scarcely 
ever  saw  the  people  here  so  much  alive  to  God,  particularly 
those  who  believe  they  are  saved  from  sin.  I  was  ready  to  say 
it  is  good  for  me  to  be  here ! — But  I  must  not  build  tabernacles, 
I  am  to  be  a  wanderer  on  earth,  and  desire  no  rest  till  my 
spirit  returns  'to  God."  Could  the  timbers  of  this  hallowed 
spot  be  rendered  vocal,  to  how  many  scenes  of  interest,  and 
numberless  pleadings  w^ith  God,  and  visitations  from  on  higli 
etc.,  might  they  bear  testimony".  Here,  in  part  at  least,  was 
written  Mr,  Wesley's  correspondence  with  Dr  Thomas  Seeker, 
then  Bishop  of  Oxford,  afterward  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
who  under  the  assumed  name  of  John  Smith,  controverted  Mr. 
AVesle^^'s  views  on  some  important  i)oints  in  doctrine.  Here, 
Mr.  Wesley  in  1748,  formed  tlie  i^urpose  of  i^ublishing  in  three- 
score or  four- score  volumes^  all  that;  is  most  valuable  in  En- 
glish literature,  in  order  to  form  a  complete  library  for  all 
who  fear  God.  This  structure  was  erected  on  the  roof  of  the 
orplian  house  built  by  Mr.  Wesley,  in  Newcastle-on-Tyne.  It 
is  a  wooden  structure  about  eleven  feet  square,  with  a  tiled 
covering.  The  orphan  house  has  recently  been  rebuilt,  and 
this  ^^  Study,  "  preserved  as  a  prec'ous  relic,  has  been  removed 
to  the  beautiful  grounds  of  Mr.  Solomon  Mease,  Esq.,  a  worthy 
and  influential  magistrate  of  North  Shields,  with  whom  we 
are  guests  during  tlie  period  of  our  labors  in  this  place.  He  is 
one  of  the  magistrates  to  wliom  I  referred  in  a  former  i^art  of 
my  letter,  as  having  received  such  a  blessed  baptism  of  the 
Spirit,  at  one  of  our  afternoon  services.  Here  also,  we  see  many 
other  precious  relics.  Dr.  Palmer  has  been  presented  by  the 
estimable  lady  of  Mr.  Mease,  with  a  manuscript  sermon  of  Mr. 
Y\etQ\\^v'i>,,  in  \\\9>  own  handwriting.  I  have  also  been  presented 
with  Mrs.  Fletcher's  Testament.     This  bears  on  the  cover  the 


3(30  MEMOIRS  OF 

name  of  ^^  John  Fletcher,  Madeley"  as  written  by  himself.  It 
was  doubtless  Fletcher\s  closet  companion  before  his  marriage 
with  Mrs.  Fletcher.  Afterward,  it  was  unquestionably  the 
closet  companion  of  Mrs.  Fletcher,  during  the  years  of  her 
widowhood.  There  is  hardly  a  page  but  whose  margin  bears 
the  impress  of  Mrs.  Fletcher's  pen,  and  on  some,  many  verses 
are  marked,  as  our  dear  Sister  Hamline  has  her  Bible  marked 
through  and  through. 

1860. 

EAST  JARROW,    ENGLAND, — GLASGOW,   EDINBURGH,   SCOTLAND. — CAK- 
LISLE,  PENRITH,  GATESHEAD,  NEWPORT,  RYDE,  COWES,  POOLE, 
SWANAGE,  STROUD,  LYNN  REGIS,  BANBURY,  OXFORD, 
ENGLAND. 

East  Jarrow,  January  2d, — The  ^'  Venerable  Bede,'^ 
more  than  ten  centuries  ago,  preached  ^'  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ/'  in  the  rejuvenated  but  antique  structure 
known  by  the  name  of"  Bede's  Church.''  His  chair,  eleven 
hundred  years  old,  is  still  preserved  for  the  gratification 
of  sight-seers  5  and,  i^rior  to  the  Eeformation,  narrowly 
escaped  destruction  at  the  hands  of  superstitious  Eoman- 
ists,  who  vainly  imagined  that  every  particle  of  it  had  pecu- 
liar therapeutic  virtues,  and  would  really  heal  the  sick. 

Bede  is  looked  upon  as  the  fii\st  translator  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures  into  the  Enghsh  vej?nacular,  and  there,  on  the 
spot  hallowed  by  his  ministry.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
preached  to  the  i)eople,  from  the  Book  he  loved  so  much, 
"  the  w^ords  of  this  life.'^  A  son  of  S.  Mease,  Esq.,  finished 
his  course  in  East  Jarrow,  in  1857.  Deploring  the  moral 
desolations  of  the  village,  he  especially  desired  the  erec- 
tion of  a  Wesleyan  chapel  there.  Subsequent  to  his 
decease,  Mr.  Mease  erected  the  church,  in  memory  of  his 
beloved  son.  In  that  church,  Mrs.  P.  labored  eight  days, 
during  which,  scores  of  names  were  enrolled  by  the  secre- 
taries, as  having  sought  and  found  the  '^  pearl  of  great 
price.'' 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  3^1 

Glasgow. 

February  3<7. 

Glasgow. — The  Lord  has  permitted  us  to  witness  the  defeat 
of  the  hosts  of  siu  to  a  remarkable  degree.  We  have  been  here 
a  little  over  four  weeks,  and  have  not  labored  at  any  place 
where  the  results,  in  view  of  eternity,  look  more  hopeful. 
The  established  religion,  as  3^ou  will  remember,  is  the 
Church  of  Scotland.  The  opinion  is  quite  general  among 
both  ministers  and  people,  that  it  is  possible  for  iiersons  to  be 
converted  without  ^knowing  it,  unmindful  of  the  fact,  that  all 
true  believers,  "•  receive  of  that  Spirit,  whereby  they  hnoiv  the 
things  freely  given  to  them  of  God." 

It  is  unjiopular  not  to  be  a  church-member.  Almost  any  or 
every  one  maintaining  any  sort  of  position,  belongs  to  either  the 
Established  Church  of  Scotland,  or  some  other  church,  and  par- 
takes of  the  sacrament  once  a  quarter. 

I  have  just  been  conversing  with  an  intelligent  lady, 
who  speaks  of  the  exceeding  injuriousness  of  this,  inasmuch  as 
it  is  a  quietus,  aud  conscience  sleeps  under  tlie  opiate  of  a  reli- 
gious profession  j  but  as  the  ministers  are  not  willing  to  bap- 
tize the  children  of  those  who  are  not  church-members,  and  it  is 
regarded  as  heathenish  not  to  have  children  baptized,  it  becomes 
a  sort  of  necessity  to  unite  with  the  church.  Hence,  it  is  com- 
mon for  church-members  to  know  nothing  expeiimentalh'  about 
a  change  of  heart. 

With  many,  it  is  thought  presumptuous  to  speak  of  the 
knowledge  of  sins  forgiven.  Never  have  we  labored  at  a 
place  where  the  words  of  the  Saviour  might  be  urged  with  more 
peculiar  appropriateness :  ^'  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait 
gate ;  for  many,  I  say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in,  but  shall 
not  be  able. 

Many,  I  fear,  who  eat  and  drink  in  God's  presence,  that  is, 
who  partake  of  the  sacrament,  are  strangers  to  the  doctrine  of 
conversion.  We  have  never  felt  more  imperatively  called  to 
faithfulness,  than  since  we  have  been  here,  and  have  never  seen 
more  marked  fruit  of  our  labors  ;  but  I  will  not  enter  into  par- 
ticulars. The  Lord  has  wrought  marvellously  in  the  upbuild- 
ing of  Zion,  and  to  His  name  alone  be  the  glory. 


362  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hay,  in  a  notice  publislied-in  tlie  ^'  London 
Watchman, "  said : 

It  is  pleasant  to  have  to  record  that  many  of  the  members 
and  office-bearers  have  come  forward  for  a  renewed  and  larger 
baptism  of  tlie  Spirit,  and  that  happy  testimonies  have  been 
given  by  some  of  them  of  the  almighty  power  of  saving  grace. 
****  The  secretaries  now  number  upwards  of  five  hundred 
names ;  of  these^  four  hundred  iirofess  to  have  found  i)eace  with 
Grod  tlirough  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Many  also  have  found  that 
perfect  love  which  casteth  out  fear.  A  leader  from  the  Airdrie 
circuit  said,  that  nearly  half  of  the  society  in  his  town,  seemed 
to  have  received  the  full  baptism  of  the  Spirit,  in  connection 
with  the  services. 

The  ^'  Re\iYal  Record,"  under  date  of  January  21st, 
announced  that : 

Persons  of  all  denominations  attend  both  the  afternoon  and 
evening  meetings,  and  a  large  majority  of  the  anxious  inquirers 
who  approach  the  communion  rail,  or  retire  into  the  vestry  for 
prayer  and  direction,  belong  to  other  congregations  than  tlie 
Wesleyan.  Kirkintulloch,  Kilsyth.  Thornliebank,  Gfreenock, 
Dumbarton,  Edinburgh,  and  even  Ireland,  furnisli  a  number  of 
anxious  inquirers,  and  some  willing  assistants  in  the  work. 

Mrs.  Palmer  adds : 

It  is  not  unusual  to  see  ministers  of  various  sects  mingling 
in  the  congregation,  though  they  did  not  often  take  part  in  the 
exercises,  as  in  England.  Never  have  I  been  more  deeply  con- 
vinced of  the  importance  of  giving  prominence  to  the  subject  of 
holiness  at  every  service,  than  under  the  i)resent  circumstances. 
Tliough  we  urged  tlie  duty  of  entering  in  at  the  strait  gate, 
by  the  way  of  repentance  and  faith,  yet  we  seemed  urged  in 
spirit  not  to  permit  one  service  to  pass  without  bringing  up  be- 
fore the  people  what  Mr.  Wesley  terms,  ''  the  Methodist  testi- 
mony j"  that  is,  the  doctrine  of  Christian  Holiness.  *'  This," 
Bays  the  founder  of  Methodism,  ''  is  the  peculiar  doctrine  com- 
mitted to  our  trust."  The  more  faithful  and  definite  we  were 
in  urging  this  subject  of  holiness,  on  the  attention  of  the  people, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  3(J3 

the  more  sigually  did  the  God  of  all  grace  own  our  ministrations, 
and  make  His  word  '^  quick  and  powerful,  nharper  than  any 
two-edged  sword  j"  and  even  neglecters  of  salvation  were  made 
to  feel  the  force  of  the  inquiry,  "  If  the  righteous  scarcely  be 
saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear  V 

We  have  endeavored  to  be  workers  together  with  them 
during  the  past  tliirty-three  days.  The  names  of  thirteen 
hundred  liave  been  given  in  as  special  recipients  of  grace. 

The  work  did  go  on — gloriously.  Doubtless  it  has  had 
much  to  do  with  the  wonderful  revivals  iu  that  cosmopoli- 
tan city  since  then.  The  March  Quarterly  Meeting  of  the 
Glasgow  West  circuit,  by  resolution,  exijressed  its  sense  of 
the  divine  goodness  in  *•  the  great  benefits  resulting  from 
the  visit  of  our  honored  and  beloved  friends.  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Palmer/'  and  also  "its  gratitude  to  them  for  their  pro- 
tracted and  unwear  ed  efforts  among  us,''.wliicli  resolution 
was  entered  on  tiie  minutes  of  the  meeting,  and  a  copy 
thereof,  together  with  a  suitable  letter,  transmitted  to  them 
by  the  superintendent  of  the  circuit.  Their  return  was 
also  urgently  requested  ''  at  their  earliest  possible  conve- 
nience.'' 

Carlisle,  March  22d. — In  the  antiquated  city  of 
Carlisle,  9i)  niiles  S.  S.  AY,  of  Edinburgli,  the  evangelists 
paused  awhile  on  their  southward  route.  Pastors  and 
l)eople  had  a  mind  to  Avork,  and  under  the  refresliing  rains 
of  righteousness,  Carlisle  and  vicinity  rejoiced  and  bh»- 
somed  as  the  rose. 

What  hatli  God  Avrought !  Notwithstanding  some  trying 
circumstances  cah'ulated  to  retard  the  work,  the  Lord  has 
wrought  most  graciously.  Over  four  luindred  and  fifty,  we 
have  reason  to  believe,  liave  V)een  born  into  the  kingdom  of 
grace,  during  the  piogiess  of  tlie  work  which  commenced  since 
we  came  here. 

Penrith,  Aprii  2Mh. — From  this  town  of  0,000  inhab- 
itants; they  visited  the  neighboring  seats  of  the  aristocracy, 


304  MEMOIRS  OF 

and  iu  it  they  raised  the  standard  inscribed,  ^'  Holiness 
to  tlie  Lord,"  in  the  si<>ht  of  all  the  people.  Holiness,  as  the 
l)riyilegeand  present  dnty  of  all  believers,  was  definitely 
proclaimed. 

A  critical  observer  thns  described  the  i)rogress  of  the 
battle,  and  the  resnlts  of  the  victory,  in  the  '^  Cumberland 
and  Westmoreland  Advertiser." 

We  have  carefully  watched  their  progress  from  the  first, — 
having  attended  the  whole  of  them, — and  are  amazed  at  the 
immense  spread  of  divine  influence  among  the  people. 

One  i^leasing  feature  about  this  revival  is  the  evident  genu- 
ineness of  it.  It  is  not  mere  excitement,  but  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  spreading  among,  awakening,  converting,  and  sanc- 
tifying the  people.  Proof  of  this  is  seen  in  the  very  satisfac- 
tory way  in  which  it  is  extending  to  all  classes. 

Such  was  the  state  of  the  overflowing  congregation,  last  Sab- 
bath, that  we  rejoiced  most  heartily  that  it  was  not  a  i^olitical 
gathering  for  some  revolutionary  purpose,  but  i)eople  drawn  to- 
gether by  the  Holy  Ghost,  for  the  purpose  of  being  saved  from 
sin  and  eternal  death. 

The  number  of  conversions,  according  to  the ''  Penrith 
Chronicle,^'  reached  nearly  seven  hundred. 

Gateshead,  June  2d. — Opposite  ^^ewcastle  on  the 
banks  of  the  Tyne,  lies  the  thriving  town  of  Gateshead. 
Unlike  the  celebrated  Dr.  Robert  Newton,  who,  when  dele- 
gate from  the  British  Wesleyan  Conference  to  the 
General  Conference  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  would  not 
take  time  to  visit  Niagara  Falls,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
very  wisely  ac(iuainted  themselves  with  the  ancient  and 
modern  history  of  the  places  they  visited,  and  took  the  live- 
liest interest  in  all  that  pertained  to  the  social  welfare  of 
the  inhabitants; — never  forgetting  that  Christianity  is  the 
l)arent  of  true  civilization,  nor  that  human  happiness, 
individually  or  collectively,  is  commensurate  with  hoUness. 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMFAL  3(55 

For  five  weeks,  they  remained  at  Gateshead,  endear- 
ing themselves,  as  the  London  "  Watchman  "  testified,  to 
Wesley ans,  chiuxhmen  and  dissenters,  ''  by  the  constant 
manifestations  of  their  deep  and  consistent  piety,  the 
kindness  and  afiabihty  of  their  manner,  and  then*  ardnons 
and  disinterested  ser^aces."  Between  five  and  six  hun- 
dred i)ersons,  at  the  different  services,  professed  to  have 
received  the  blessing  of  pardon — nearlj"  half  of  whom 
belonged  to  other  circuits  and  churches.  Corresponding 
numbers  obtained  jDurity  of  heart,  and  became  living 
witnesses  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  sin. 

Kindly  greetings  everywhere  welcomed  the  visitants. 
Pleasant  homes  counted  it  a  privilege  to  entertain  them. 
The  very  contrast  between  their  reception,  and  that  of  our 
Lord,  in  Judea  and  Galilee,  only  incited  them  to  give  all 
diligence  to  bring  redeemed  souls  to  the  knowledge  of  full 
salvation,  through  faith  in  His  blood. 

South  Shields,  Houghton-le-spring,  and  Tynemouth  were 
next  successively  favored  with  brief  and  most  blessed  visita- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Palmer.  Leaving  Gateshead,  for  London,  by  the 
steamer  ^'  Life  Guard,"  on  the  first  of  July,  they  found 
themselves  in  the  world's  metropolis,  at  the  house  of  General 
Knapp,  of  whom  Mrs.  P.  wrote  : 

Our  friend,  though  a  Congregationalist,  is  purely  Wesleyau 
in  his  views,  in  relation  to  the  doctrine  of  the  full  baptism,  and 
has  gathered  around  him  a  large  circle  of  beloved  disciples  of 
various  evangelical  sects )  and  truly  did  we  feel  the  significance 
of  the  lines, — 

"  Names  and  sects  and  parties  fall ; 
Christ  alone  is  all  in  all." 


NEWPORT 


In  the  extreme  south,   as  in  the  extreme  north  of 
England,  the  Lord  graciously  owned  and  blessed  the  min- 


366  MEMOIRS  OF 

istratious  of  His  servant  and  handmaid^  as  the  following 
very  interesting  letter  of  Dr.  Palmer,  to  Bishox>  and 
Mrs.  Hamline,  under  date  July  27tli,  will  show. 

Newport,  Isle  of  Wight,  July  27th,  1860. 

Mrs.  P.,  on  first  setting  foot  on  the  shores  of  England  open- 
ed her  ^)-om/se  book,  to  receive  a  messa^re  from  the  High  and 
Holy  one,  and  tlie  Lord  gave  her  from  it,  "  Call  nnto  me  and  I 
will  answer  thee,  and  show  the  great  and  mighty  tnmgs,  that 
thou  knowest  not,"  and  this  was  repeated  three  times,  in  suc- 
cession, on  opening  her  book,  as  though  her  Father  would  as- 
sure her,  that  His  resources  were  as  ampel  as  ever,  that  the 
provisions  made  for  a  lost  world  were  inexhaustibie,  and 
although  an  inmnnerahle  companj^  had  been  made  partakers,  as 
many  more  might  come,  ail  tilings  being  made  ready.  God, 
even  our  God  has  been  true  to  His  promise.  Indeed,  this  i?i 
hardly  needful  to  repeat  to  our  brother  and  sister  who  are  so 
continually  proving  His  faithfulness.  There  are  no  boundaries 
or  limits  set,  only  the  "  exceeding  greatness  ot  His  power  and 
the  riches  of  His  grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  who  can  estimate 
it  ?  The  aj)ostle, under  divine  inspiration  calls  them  exceeding 
(jreat  and  precious  j^romises,  and  these  not  made  for  services 
performed,  but  to  those  who  had  forfeited  all  claim,  na}',  more, 
even  to  those  who  merited  banishment.  But  it  is  written,  ^^God 
is  love,  "  and  who  can  donbt  it  ?  Here  is  the  grand  secret,  "  God 
is  love."  Who  can  measure  the  love  of  God  to  His  fallen  crea- 
ture man  ?  Christ,  in  giving  the  measure  of  His  love  to  His  chil- 
dren, says,  ^'  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I  loved  you.'''' 
You  probably  have  received  the  printed  account  of  the  work  in 
Newcastle,  Sunderland,  North  Shields,  Jarrow,  Glasgow  and 
Penrith. 

Rev.  Mr.  Young,  Ex.  President,  and  Chairman  of  the  Dis- 
trict, has  published  in  the  Wesley  an  Magazine  for  August,  an  ac- 
count of  the  work  in  Newcastle.    In  WTiting  to  a  friend,  he  says : 

''  Dear  Mrs.  K., 

The  Newcastle  revival,  whether  viewed  numerically,  finan- 
cially, or  spiritually,  must  appear^  to  the  unprejudiced  mind,  a 
great  and  a  glorious  fact. 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  3(J7 

1st.  Look  ;it  it  numerically.  In  this  circuit  ou-  increase  of 
members  is  three  hundred  and  forty-one,  with  twoliuudred  and 
thirty-four  on  trial,  besides  ahirgenumber  of  cliiidren,  meeting- 
in  preparatory  classes,  and  wlio  give  delightful  evidence  of  a 
work  of  grace.  The  membership  of  other  churches  in  the  town 
has  been  greatly  increased.  One  minister  announced,  a  few 
weeks  ago,  in  a  printed  circular,  that  he  had  added  one  hundred 
and  forty  members,  as  the  result  of  our  revival,  and  I  know  that 
large  accessions  have  been  made  to  other  churches.  Besides,  the 
work  has  radiated  from  Newcastle  to  nearly  every  circuit  in  the 
district.  The  result  is,  that  we  have  an  increase  of  one  thousand 
five  hundred  and  ninety-three  members,  with  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  fifty-one  on  trial,  a  state  of  prosperity  exceeding 
any  previous  year  in  the  history  of  Methodism  in  this  district. 

2d.  Looking  at  it  financially.  Previous  to  the  revival,  ^n- 
regular  receipts  of  the  circuit  had  to  be  sui^plemented  by  special 
subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  about  £15  per  quarter,  to  meet 
the  expenditure.  At  the  December  quarterly  meeting,  the 
subscriptions  were  discontinued,  and  at  the  March  quarter, 
the  regular  receipt  was  £30  more  than  the  expenditure  of  the 
quarter,  although  that  had  been  increased  by  an  increase  of 
stipend  ;  all  our  other  funds  have  improved. 

3d.  Look  at  the  revival  spiritually.  The  church  has  receiv- 
ed the  gift  of  power,  and  many  of  the  members,  old  and  young, 
are  living  sacrifices.  Some  sixty  young  men  are  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  talking  and  praying  with  the  people,  and  are  a 
great  blessing.  But  you  know  what  the  work  is,  for  you  have 
both  seen  and  felt  its  power  and  glory. 

I  am,  yours,  very  affectionately, 

Robert  Young." 

Our  time  has  mostly  been  spent  in  the  North  of  England.  We 
have  now  come  to  Newport,  Isle  of  Wight,  justly  styled  the 
garden  of  England.  Tliis  is  comparatively  a  small  place,  but 
the  Lord  is  fullilling  His  promise  ;  over  two  hundred,  we  trust, 
have  been  brought  from  darkness  to  light,  and  had  their  feet 
set  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages,  while  a  large  number  have  had  theii- 
goings  established,  and  can  now  witness  that  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth  from  all  unrighteousness. 


368  MEMOIRS  OF 

To  tlie  praise  of  our  covenant-keeping  God,  and  as  witnesses 
that  He  fulfills  His  promises,  we  would  record  to  His  glory  alone, 
that  we  believe  that  there  have  been  about  ten  thousand  added 
to  the  number  of  the  saved,  in  the  different  meetings  we  have 
attended.  To  God  alone  be  all  the  glory — Alleluia  !  the  Lord 
God  omnipotent  reigneth. 

Since  we  have  been  here,  we  have  visited  the  grave  of  the 
Dairyman's  daughter,  and  the  cottage  from  which  her  happy- 
spirit  took  its  flight  to  glory — and  have  seen  tlie  last  letter  she 
Avrote  to  her  brother,  who  was  forty  j^ears  a  local  preacher  in 
the  Wesleyan  society. 

Ryde,  July  SOth. — Yesterday  (Sabbath)  we  commenced  to 
labor  in  this  place.  The  Lord  graciously  manifested  His  pre- 
sence. In  the  afternoon  service,  nearly  the  whole  congregation 
arose  on  their  feet  to  say,  that  they  desired  the  full  baptism  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  the  evening,  fourteen  presented  them- 
selves at  the  altar,  seeking  j^ardon,  and  quite  a  number  seeking 
puritj'  of  heart.  We  are  expecting  large  things.  This  is  a  very 
fashionable  watering  place.  The  Queen  is  now  on  the  Island. 
Mrs.  P.  presented  her,  through  her  private  secretary,  a  copy  of 
the  ^'  Promise  of  the  Father, "  and  received  a  note  from  Sir 
Charles  Phii)ps,  of  *'  Her  majesty's  gracious  acceptance." 

CO  WES. 

•  August  20th^  1860. 

To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Last  week  I  wrote  to  Queen  Victoria.  The  subject  had  been 
resting  on  my  mind  with  most  solemn  bearing,  for  several  weeks. 
The  duty  was  made  very  plain.  There  are  some  things  which 
you  know,  may  be  made  very  plain,  between  God  and  our  own 
soul.  And  so  I  sat  down,  as  in  the  more  immediate  presence  of 
the  King  of  kings,  and  wrote  a  letter  whose  results  I  expect  to 
meet,  wlien,  with  an  assembled  universe,  I  shall  stand  before  the 
great  white  throne. 

As  a  Queen,  she  doubtless  merits  their  admiration.  But  as 
an  experimental  Christian,  she  cannot  be  regarded,  so  long  as 
she  patronizes  the  theatre,  and   the  horse  race,  etc.     I  have 


Miis.  rncEBE  PALME n.  369 

sometimes  thought  what  her  ideas  may  have  been,  on  witness- 
ing iu  many  phices,  as  she  has  beeu  ridiug  through  the  Island, 
the  large  phicards  announcing  ^'  Revival  services,"  with  our 
names,  as  visitors,  appended.  Of  course  she  must  have  her 
curiosity  excited  occasionally,  as  other  people,  and  how  often 
have  I  wished  it  might  lead  her  to  hear  such  things  as  stand  iu 
connection  W' ith  the  eternal  interests  of  her  soul. 

Last  week  I  sought  unto  the  Lord  with  great  carefulness,  and 
became  settled  in  my  convictions  in  regard  to  the  duty  of  un- 
burdening my  heart  in  a  letter  to  Her  Majesty..  And  in  regard 
to  few  duties,  have  I  felt  more  divinely  assured,  or  more  con- 
scious of  being  aided  by  a  power  beyond  myself.  I  have  reserv- 
ed a  copy  of  the  letter,  and  perhaps  at  some  future  day  you  may 
see  it. 

Would  you  think  it  possible  that  a  Wesleyan  minister 
could  assume  an  attitude  mjainst  Revivals  ?  Such  was  the  fact, 
and  doubtless  in  connection  with  our  humble  name.  The  Ex- 
President  who  always  preaches  the  official  sermon  and  gives 
the  charge  to  the  young  ministers,  said  nothing  personal,  of 
course,  but  a  paragraph  in  his  sermon  went  against  extra  revival 
efforts  and  something  that  was  understood  tobeagainst,partic- 
ularly  patronizing  extra  revival  agencies,  etc.  The  whole  con- 
ference was  in  a  tumult.  The  official  sermon  and  the  charge  is 
regarded  as  conference  sentiment,  and  at  tlie  set  time  the  Presi- 
dent receives  a  vote  of  thanks,  and  the  publication  of  the  ser- 
mon is  officially  ordered.  But  the  set  time  passed  by,  and  the 
publication 'of  the  sermon,  for  some  days,  and  then  was  largely 
opi)osed,  unless  objectionable  portions  might  be  omitted.  It 
was  strongly  and  resolutely  maintained,  that  the  publication 
of  &uch  a  document,  would  produce  agitation  throughout  the 
whole  body. 

The  Ex-President  was  offended,  and  withdrew  the  docu- 
ment, greatly  to  the  satisfaction  of  many,  and  so  there  has 
been  no  official  sermon  for  the  j'ear  published. 

This  High  Church  party  adopt  the  Church  of  England  forms, 
with  the  exception  of  reading  their  sermons.  They  read  the 
Church  of  England  service,  prayers  and  all.  I  presume  there  is 
not  a  Wesleyan  Chapel  in  London,  or  few  perhaps  in  any  of  the 

24 


370  MEMOIRS  OF 

larger  cities  and  towns,  where  the  Church  of  Englaud  form  of 
service  has  not  been  adopted.  And  this  I  presume  is  mostly 
through  the  influence  of  the  High  Church  party,  whose  meas- 
ures have  generally  prevailed.  This  year,  there  seems  to  have 
been  a  revolution.  It  is  said  the  Ex-President,  Tvho  is  one  of 
the  most  prominent  of  the  church  j)arty,  went  down  fifty  per 
cent.  Various  suggestions  he  made  were  overruled  with  many  a 
hearty  no  !  no  !  This  party  does  not  hold  to  explicit  testimony 
on  the  subject  of  holiness.  Unmindful  of  the  fact  that  Fletcher 
lost  it  four  or  five  times  by  what  he  calls  this  '^  bait  of  Satan,'''' 
not  to  confess  it,  they  by  their  oral  teachings  and  more  or  less 
by  their  w^ritings,  discountenance  the  profession  of  holiness. 
But  thank  the  Lord,  this  state  of  things  is  surely  ceasing  to 
have  the  ascendency. 

Holiness,  sj)ecific  holiness,  as  a  blessing  to  be  definitely  en- 
joyed and  confessed,  is  now  becoming  the  order  of  the  day.  Never 
have  we  used  more  plainness  of  speech  in  regard  to  all  these 
matters,  than  since  we  have  been  in  England,  Scotland  and 
Ireland.  And  everywhere,  God  prospers  His  own  truth,  and 
makes  it  mighty  through  the  Spirit.  Holiness  is  power.  It  is 
this  truth  that  God  honors  and  magnifies.  And  if  God  has  put 
honor  on  our  labors,  in  permitting  us  to  see  thousands 
saved,  since  wehave  been  here,  it  has  been  proportionately  as  we 
have  given  prominence  to  this  truth.  Never  have  I  been  more 
sure,  that  God  honors  us  as  a  people,  by  drawing  the  atten- 
tion of  other  denominations  to  us,  to  only  about  the  degree 
that  we  honor  Him,  by  being  definitelj^  answerable  to  the 
purpose  for  which  He  raised  us  iip — that  is,  to  spread  scriptural 
holiness  through  these  lands. 

Since  conference,  invitations  and  renewal  of  invitations 
have  been  coming  in,  and  pressing  upon  us  with  increasing 
importunity. 

We  would  not  have  you  infer  that  we  labor  that],  without 
any  trials  of  faith.  At  the  town  wliere  we  are  now  laboring, 
we  have  not  been  without  our  conflicts  with  the  powers  of 
darkness. 

During  the  eleven  days  since  we  came,  our  labors  liave  been 
mostly  witli  the  membershii).     Many  have,  we  trust,  been  sane- 


MBS.  PR(EBE  PALMER.  371 

tified  wholly.  And  uow  the  Lord  is  working  among  sinners, 
and  something  over  sixty  have,  I  trnst,  been  newly  born  into 
the  kingdom  of  grace. 

The  foregoing  letter  will,  doubtless,  furnish  valuable 
matter  for  the  use  of  some  future  historian  of  Methodism 
— if  not  of  Christianity  in  general. 

Poole,  Dorsetshire. — While  at  Poole,  the  evangelists 
received  letters  earnestly  soliciting  them  to  hold  a  meet- 
ing at  Swanage.  The  request  was  conceded,  and  a  very 
excellent  and  instructive  meeting  held  under  peculiarly 
striking  circumstances. 

All  the  ministers  in  Swanage  and  its  immediate  surroundings 
were  present.  Besides  the  three  clergymen  of  the  Established 
Church,  the  Independent  minister,  and  also  the  Wesleyan 
minister,  took  part  in  the  exercises ;  so  that  we  had  a  union 
meeting  extraordinary.  The  Rector  called  on  the  Independent 
minister,  to  open  with  prayer;  and  truly  he  j)rayed  in  the 
power  of  the  Spirit.  The  Eector  gave  out  the  hymn  commenc- 
ing with— 

"  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  Heavenly  Dove, 
With  all  thy  quickening  powers." 

Dr.  P.  then  read  and  made  some  remarks  on  the  second 
chapter  of  Acts,  where  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Lord  Almighty  is  so  gloriously 
set  forth.  The  Rector  then  announced  that  we  would  speak  to 
the  assembled  multitude. 

In  view  of  the  congregation  being  quite  as  large  without,  as. 
within  doors,  we  were  solicited  to  stand  midway.  I  never  felt 
more  divinely  conscious  of  a  gracious  commission,  and  seldom 
had  a  more  interesting,  tearful  auditory. 

The  Wesleyan  minister  was  then  called  uj^on  to  pray,  after 
which  the  Rector  made  the  closing  prayer. 

We  had  a  fine  representation  of  the  gentry.  None  were 
more  manifestly  with  us  than  the  grand-daughter  of  the  Duke 
of  Manchester,  who  said  she  had  been  deeply  interested  in  our 


372  MEMOIBS  Oi 

moYenient  ever  since  we  were  laboring  in  Newcfistle,  ai)d  had 
longed  to  mingle  with  us  in  onr  services,  and  witness  the  tri- 
uniplis  of  the  cross ;  hegged  to  know  if  we  would  not  go  to  Lon- 
don and  labor  there.  The  Rector's  lady  and  the  grand-daughter 
of  the  Duke  of  Manchester  seemed  to  be  kindred  spirits.  The 
Eector  and  his  lady  had  been  reading  our  works.  Both  were 
earnestly  seeking  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  The 
Rector's  lady,  I  do  not  doubt,  received  by  faitli,  this  wondroas 
gift  of  power,  as  she  rode  with  us  on  our  return  to  the  steamer. 

Upwards  of  three  hundred  souls  constituted  the  harvest 
gathered  by  the  reapers  in  Poole. 

1861. 

MAIDENHEAD,  WINSOR,  IlOCHDAl,E,  GREAT   GRIMSBY,  LOUGHBOROUGH, 

MACCLESFIELD,     UGHILL,     EPWORTH,    BOSTON,    DARLINGTON, 

BARNARD  CASTLE,  BERWICK-ON-TWEED,  LIVERPOOL. 

Maidenhead,  January. — Here  the  society  iDossessed  a 
beautiful  Gothic  chapel,  but  were  themselves  oh  the 
borders  of  spkitual  death  5  apparently  without  knowing 
it.  The  decadence  of  the  church,  it  was  feared,  would  soon 
end  in  extinction,  unless  something  were  done  to  infuse 
new  life  and  vigor.  Acting  on  the  principle  ^^  to  go  where 
most  needed,'^  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  accepted  the  in\itation 
to  hold  meetings  in  Maidenhead.  Faith  trimnphed.  Some 
"  were  saved  from  the  guilt  and  power  of  sin,  and  were 
enabled  to  testify  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth ;  and 
others  received  pardon.*' 

WmDSOR,  January, — Thoroughly  republican  and  utih- 
tarian  in  sentiment  and  practice,  the  extravagance  and 
l^rofuse  expenditure  connected  with  royalty,  impressed 
Mrs.  Palmer  very  unfavorably ;  and  particularly  when  she 
saw  the  squaUd  destitution  in  close  proximity  to  so  much 
state  and  gTandeur.  The  pomp  and  cu^ciunstance  of  exalted 
social  station  did  not  obsciue  her  vision,  nor  prevent  her 
from  precisely  estimating  the  essential  equality  of  all  men 
before  God.    The  evils  inseparably  associated  with  the 


21  US.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  373 

State  Chiu'ch  establishmeut,  were  shocking  to  her  unac- 
customed eyesj  and  the  persecution  of  tni  evangelical 
clergyman,  b}^  the  Bishoj)  of  Exeter,  seemed  neither  more 
nor  less  than  what  it  was, — bigoted  intolerance  and 
wicked  injustice. 

Nevertheless,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  began  to  proclaim  unto 
them  the  word  of  the  Lord ;  calUng  meanwhile  for  the 
gracious  influence  of  the  Holy  Spuit.  More  than  two 
himdred,  it  Avas  computed,  received  the  blessing  of  pardon, 
and  midtitudes  from  London,  and  from  different  parts  of 
the  circuit,  received  the  full  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  Con 
gregations  and  Sunday-schools  increased  in  numbers;  tlie 
circuit  treasury  overflowed,  a  new  chapel  was  built,  and 
old  ones  were  enlarged  as  the  fruit  of  the  reviAal. 

Rochdale,  Lancashire,  February. — Prior  to  this 
date.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  had  revisited  Poole,  on  the  occasion 
of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  a  connnodious  temperance 
hall,  and  were  refreshed  in  spirit  by  seeing  the  imi)roved 
moral  condition  of  the  town,  and  the  steadfast,  useful  walk 
of  their  spiritual  children.  Eeturning  from  thence,  they 
X^aused  at  Bristol,  took  a  survey  of  tlie  ancient  city,  and 
also\isited  "  that  man  of  faith  and  works — ^good  Mr.  ]Mul- 
ler," — at  Ashley  Down. 

In  Birmingham,  they  visited  the  grave  Of  the  devoted 
Hester  Ann  Pogers,  and  then  repaired  to  Rochdale,  where 
they  led  the  militant  host  against  tiie  powers  of  darkness, 
in  a  campaign  of  thirty  Ave  daysVluration,  and  were  i)rivi- 
leged  to  see  no  less  than  flA^e  hundred  and  forty -one  souls, 
— according  to  the  secretary's  report — blest  witli  clear  ex- 
perience, of  either  justification,  or  entire  sanctification. 

Macclesfield,  il/a//.- -We  began  our  work  here  ou  Sab- 
bath afternoon,  5th  instant.  Talked  about  holiness  as  the  prom- 
ised endowment  of  power,  and  tiie  absolute  necessity  of  all 
Christ's  disciples,  if  we  would  see  multitudes  pricked  to  the 


374  MEJWIES  OF 

heart.  Many  -^ept,  and  appeared  to  feel  deeply  ;  but  they  were 
not  willing  to  come  out,  and  with  one  accord  acknowledge  their 
need  of  the  blessing. 

On  Tuesday  evening  we  told  the  churcli-niembersliip,  very 
fully  and  j)oiutedly,  our  views  on  tlie  subject,  assuring  them 
that  God's  order  Quust  at  once  be  obeyed,  or  their  prayers  and 
efforts  for  a  revival  would  be  comparativeh^  in  vain.  The  Holy 
Spirit  made  truth  sharper  than  a  two-edged  sword,  as  we  re- 
peated again  and  again,  "  For  the  time  has  come  that  judgment 
miisthegm  at  the  house  of  God ;  and  if  it  begin  at  us,  wliat  shall 
be  the  end  of  those  who  obey  not  the  gospel  V  Local  preachers, 
class  leaders,  and  members,  came  rushing  forward  ;  and  I  do 
not  doubt  but  over  a  score  received  such  a  baptism  tliat  evening, 
as  they  had  not  before  apprehended.  Since  that  time,  the  Lord 
has  been  working  in  great  power. 

One  of  the  secretaries  told  Dr.  P.,  last  night,  that  over  one 
hundred  had  been  converted  during  the  past  three  evenings. 
The  work  is  daily  rising  in  power.     Hallelujah  ! 

Ughill. — Ml  route  from  Macclesfield  to  Ei^worth,  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Palmer  paused  over  a  day  at  Sheffield,  ami 
availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  visit  the  native 
place  of  Henry  Worrall,  Esq.,  the  venerated  father  of  the 
latter.  Mrs.  Palmer's  letter  to  Mrs.  Foster,  minutely  detail- 
ing the  p)articulars  of  the  visit,  does  honor  alike  to  head  and 
heart,  and  also  to  that  Sa^ionr  whom  she  loved  supremely. 

Ughill  is  a  scattered  village,  situated  on  a  range  of  hills, 
and  soon  after  entering  it,  I  began  to  figure  to  myself  the  ven- 
erated spot  I  had  so  long  wished  to  see.  On  looking  at  a  large 
antiquated  farm-house,  situated  on  an  eminence,  with  commo- 
dious outbuildings  a  little  back  from  the  road,  I  exclaimed, 
*'  There,  that  place  just  suits  my  ideas  of  the  place  where  my 
precious  father  was  born."  It  looked  as  if  it  might  have  stood 
the  ravages  of  five  hundred  years,  and  might  stand  till  the  end  of 
time.  Our  inquiries  on  tlie  premises,  did  not  seem  to  be  in 
favor  of  my  anticipations,  and  we  were  directed  to  a  person 
bearing  the  name   of  Worrall,   a  few  minutes' walk  beyond. 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


375 


And  here   we  found,  Henry  Worrall,  youngest  sou  of  father's 
youngest  brother,  Benjamin. 

We  found  him  a  very  pleasant,  communicative,  good-looking 
young  man,  witli  an  interesting  young  wife  and  baby.  I  imag- 
ine lie  must  have  looked  very  much  as  our  honored  father  did, 
wlien  of  his  age.  An  unusually  fail-  complexion,  clieeks  a  little 
ruddy,  and  a  clear  blue  eye. 

You  will  not  wonder  when  I  say  that  his  frankness  and 
independence  took  my  ftxncy.  Though  a  young  farmer,  I  could 
see  an  independent  bearing  about  him  that  reminded  me 
strongly  of  fatlier,  and  would  suggest  that  his  eciuanimity 
would  not  have  been  disturbed,  though  her  majesty  had  made 
him  a  call^  instead  of  our  humble  selves.  His  mother,  the 
widow  of  our  deceased  uncle  Benjamin,  lives  in  the  next  farm- 
house. He  took  us  to  see  her.  Here  we  saw  the  old  family 
Bible,  containing  the  family  records.  I  regretted  we  could  not 
remain  long  enough  to  take  a  copy.  On  inquiring  in  wliich  of 
the  houses.our  beloved  father  was  born,  we  were  directed  back 
again,  to  the  house  first  mentioned,  and  the  one  I  had  singled 
out  as  the  place,  soon  after  entering  the  village.  After  some 
earnest  conversation  in  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  soul,  and 
prayer,  we  retraced  our  steps  back  to  the  house  where  M^e 
first  inquired,  and  though  none  of  the  Worrall  fiimily  now  re- 
side there,  we  went  into  the  house,  and  looked  around  the 
premises,  and  gazed  over  the  beautiful  green  hills  and  valleys, 
which  tlie  eminence  commands.  My  mind  went  back  to  the 
time  when  our  departed  parent  last  passed  over  the  tliresliold 
of  that  door,  for  his  far  off  home  in  America,  when  he  took  liis 
last  view  of  those  scenes  of  his  cliildhood,  and  then  as  I  re- 
traced the  leadings  of  a  Divine  hand  guiding  and  prospering 
him  through  life,  ^'  spreading  him  into  bands,"  as  he  used  most 
gratefully^to  sj^y,  and  then  beheld  him  triumphantly  leaving 
the  shores  of  time,  for  his  home  in  tlie  heavens,  at  a  good  old 
age,  leaving  children  and  children's  children  to  follow  him  in 
his  unflinching  course  upward,  my  heart  did  indeed  bless  the 
the  God  of  mj  father. 

Epworth,  J/rt^.— We  are  now  at  the  well-known  birtliphace 
of  the  founder  of  Methodism.     Tlie  Wesleyans  liave  a  good 


376  Mr: Mollis  of 

church  edifice.  The  little  chapel  built  in  tlie  days  of  Wesley, 
1758,  and  of  which  he  writes,  ''  I  preached  in  the  shell  of  the  new 
house,  March  13,"  has  been  succeeded  by  a  more  commodious 
edifice,  rebuilt  on  the  old  site,  in  1821.  In  tlie  rear  of  the  pul- 
pit is  a  beautiful  marble  tablet,  inscribed  to  the  memory  of 
John  Wesley,  and  his  father  and  mother,  Samuel  and  Susannah 
Wesley. 

Among  the  first  objects  of  interest  we  hastened  to  see,  on 
coming  to  the  town,  was  the  Church  of  St.  Andrew,  where 
Wesley's  father  was  the  officiating  Rector,  nearly  fort  y  years.  It 
is  a  large,  ancient  structure,  so  old  that  it  is  said  no  one  can 
tell  its  age.  Probably  it  has  stood  at  least  three  or  four  cen- 
turies. It  is  a  stone  building,  in  the  Gothic  style  of  architec- 
ture, consisting  of  nave,  aisle,  and  chancel,  and  has  a  fine 
tower  at  the  western  i)ortion,  containing  a  musical  i)eal  of  bells. 

After  visiting  the  church,  our  next  object  of  special  interest 
was  the  rectory.  The  present  resident  and  Rector  of  Ep worth 
is  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Charles  Dundas,  M.  A.  The  living  now  is 
worth  nine  hundred  and  fifty-two.pouuds  yearly,  exclusive  of 
the  use  of  the  rectory  and  thirty-four  acres  of  land.  This 
makes  a  salary  of  about  four  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars,  in  American  currency,  and  must  largely  exceed  the  in- 
come received  when  Mr.  Wesley  senior,  was  the  incumbent. 
We  had  a  long  friendly  talk  with  the  Rector,  while  looking  at 
the  rectory  and  walking  over  the  beautiful  grounds. 

The  rear  part  of  the  building  looks  very  old ;  and  as  it  is 
not  unusual  for  houses,  and  also  churches,  to  be  centuries  old,  I 
scarcely  doubt  tliat  the  part  of  the  rectory  designated  did  sur- 
vive tlie  conflagration.  I  trust  my  friends  will  not  deem  me 
superstitious,  yet  I  cannot  but  feel  the  deepest  interest  and 
veneration  in  walking  over  grounds  hallowed  by  so  many 
pious  associations. 

Here  I  survey  the  scenes,  and  tread  tlie  walks,  which,  over 
a  century  since,  were  familiar  to  the  eye  and  sacred  to  the 
meditations  of  the  sainted  Susannah  Wesley,  a  woman  the  like 
of  whom  the  Avorld  has  seldom,  if  ever  seen  equalled.  Here 
she  x>assed  through  her  maternal  and  menr;.!  solicitudeK  and  t]i- 
umphs,  as  she  saw  her  gifted,  well-trained  children  rising  up 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  377 

aioiind  lier  to  call  her  blessed.  Here,  as  the  wife  of  a  pastor, 
during  the  absence  of  her  linsbaiid,  she  songlit  to  feed  the 
flock  by  Sabbath-eveniug  services,  reading  sermons  and  pray- 
ers, and  giving  Christian  advices. 

flere,  one  of  the  sweetest  songsters  in  Israel,  the' religious 
world  ever  knew,  first  drew  the  vital  air. 

A  correspondent  ofthe'^Weslej-au  Times  "  of  June  8,  says,— 
^'Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  spent  the  last  week  in  the  small  town  of 
Epworth,  the  birthplace  of  the  immortal  Wesley.  The  friends 
at  Epworth  had  two  objects-  in  view,  in  inviting  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Palmer  ;  viz.,  to  raise  funds  to  defray  the  expenses  of  a  larger 
organ,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  Both  are  in  a  great  meas- 
ure accomplished.  To  God  be  all  the  praise !  Whilelifting  the 
standard  of  the  cross,  and  exhibiting  Christ  as  the  only  Saviour, 
many  have  believed  and  found  peace,  and  others  the  blessing 
of '^perfect  love." 

DARLiNaTON,  e72</y. — In  this  town,  which  has  more  of  a 
Quaker  population  than  any  other  town  in  England,  of  its 
size ;  which  is  the  home  of  the  eloquent,  wealthy,  and  i)ious 
Pease  family ;  and  which  is  also  famous  as  the  town  from 
whence  the  first  railroad  in  the  world  was  constructed,  and 
which  now  boasts  possession  of  the  first  locomotive ;  the 
evangelists  spent  some  days.  From  ten  to  forty  w^ere 
saved  daily,  besides  scores  who  sought  and  obtained  cleans- 
ing from  all  sin. 

Barnard  Castle,  August. — Wyckliffe,  the  great  reformer, 
was  born  near  a  little  village  called  Wyeklitte,  a  few  miles 
from  Barnard  Castle.  We  lingered  some  time  in  the  church  at 
Wyckliffe,  now  centuries  old,  where  Wyckliffe  and  his  fatliers 
worshiped,  and  where  his  ancestors  have  been  for  ages  en- 
tombed. The  dust  of  the  reformer  does  not  lie  here.  We  also 
looked  at  the  ruins  of  Egliston  Abbey,  about  one  mile  from 
Barnard  Castle,  where  Wyckliffe  obtained  iiis  odnt-ation. 

History  also  records  that  the  stern  John  ivnox  occasionally 
preaclied  at  Baniaru  Castle. 

Here  the  cloud  of  divine  mercy  has  followed,  and  poured 


378  MEMOIRS  OF 

out  showers  of  blessings.  During  our  visit  of  about  thirty  days, 
besides  between  thirty  and  forty  children  under  fourteen  years 
who  have  flocked  as  doves  to  the  windows,  the  names  of  three 
hundred  and  three,  who  had  presented  themselves  as  seekers, 
were  recoi'ded  by  the  secretary  as  having  sought  and  obtained. 

The  importance  of  taking  the  names  of  the  newly  converted, 
in  order  that  they  may  at  once  be  given  to  the  watch-care  of  the 
Church,  cannot  be  over-estimated.  How  emphatic  the  decla- 
ration, ^^  Even  so,  it  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father,  that  one  of 
these  little  ones  should  perish  !  "  If  not  entrusted  to  the  care 
of  nursing  fathers  and  mothers,  is  there  not  danger  that  they 
will  perish?  And,  if  so,  where  may  their  blood  be  found? 
Will  it  not  be  on  the  skirts  of  that  Church  to  whom  that  babe  in 
Zion  was  entrusted  ?  I  have  sometimes  feared  thatmucli  blood 
may  be  found  on  some  church  communities,  who  have  failed 
on  account  of  not  entertainingright  views  of  responsibilities  in 
relation  to  this  matter. 

Liverpool,  October. 

To  say  that  England  is  in  a  state  of  breathless  suspense, 
would  be  incorrect.  At  the  moment  I  write,  she  is  awaiting,  in 
bewildering,  angry  excitement,  the  arrival  of  the  steamer,  which 
may  furnish  an  occasion  for  the  commencement  of  war  with 
America.  ^^  The  British  flag  has  been  outraged,"  is  the  one 
exciting  idea  of  the  outer  world  ;  and  that  the  offence  should  be 
speedily  punished,  seems. to  be  the  prevailing  sentiment  of  the 
populace.  Newsboys,  by  way  of  insuring  a  more  ready  snlefor 
their  papers,  cry,  ^^  War  with  America!  war  with  America  !  " 
The  question  may  arise,  ^'  And  how  do  Americans  resident  in 
England  feel, amid  such  surroundings?" 

We  can  only  speak  for  ourselves,  and  say  that  we  feel  per- 
haps more  security  on  this  point,  than  those  around  us  may 
apprehend.  We  cannot  believe  that  our  country  would  be  wil- 
ling to  plunge  herself  into  a  war,  at  present,  and  would  prefer  to 
make  the  amende  honorable,  rather  than  to  gratify  the  war  spirit 
of  England,  or  to  give  the  advantage  to  the  Southern  States, 
which  would  ensue,  in  case  England  should  join  them  in  hostili- 
ties. 

Amid  wars  and  minors  of  w  ars,  the  enteri)rise  which 


MBS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  379 

liad  drawn  thorn  to  England  was  x^atiently  and  trmmpli- 
antly  prosecutod.  In  eveiy  place,  they  nia<le  known  "the 
savor  of  Christ,-'  and  lovingl}^  oftered  Him  as  a  sovereign 
balm  for  every  wound — a  cordial  for  every  fear.  In  Liver- 
l)ool,  they  Avere  the  guests  of  G.  Pennell,  Esq.,  a  Wesleyan 
local  preacher,  of  large  means,  and  proportionate  largeness 
of  heart,  who  had  devoted  himself  and  all  he  had,  to  extend 
and  build  up  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

Mr.  Pennell  had  been  much  blessed  through  reading  Dr. 
Upham's  works,  and  was  the  means  of  their  republication  in 
England.  He  had  heard  of  us  as  the  instrumentality  by  which 
Dv.  Upham  had  received  the  blessing  of  holiness,  and  perhaps, 
in  part  for  this  reason,  has  been  particularly  solicitous  that  we 
should  visit  him. 

The  meetings  held  in  Liverpool  were  remarkable  for  the 
depth  and  power  of  conviction  for  sin,  the  clearness  and 
blessedness  of  conversion,  the  enlargement  of  yierws  as  to 
the  nature  and  extent  of  Christian  privilege,  the  realization 
of  the  glory  of  God's  inheritance  in  the  saints,  and  the 
number  of  those  who  were  the  subjects  of  Christ's  saving 
power.  Physicians,  policemen,  ladies  of  position  and  cul- 
ture, as  well  as  ''  the  masses  "  were  among  the  numbers 
saved. 

The  secretaries  have  taken  the  names  of  over  one  thousand, 
who  have  been  born  into  the  kingdom  of  grace^  at  Eiclnnond 
Hall,  since  we  began  to  labor  here. 

While  in  Liverpool,  Mrs.  Palmer,  writing  to  Bishop  and 
]\Irs.  Hamline,  from  No.  69  Everton  Pow,  on  the  5th  of 
December,  1861,  described  the  sentiments  of  the  English 
people  toward  the  United  States,  in  the  terrible  convulsion 
through  which  our  beloved  country  was  then  passing,  with 
a  i3hotographic  fidelity  and  accuracy,  that  could  not  be 
surpassed.  Her  letter  also  reveals  a  breadth  of  knowledge, 
a  quickness  of  intuitive  perception,  a  tactical  skill  in  deal- 


380  MEMOIRS  OF 

iug*  with  dangers  that  cau  not  be  avoided  5  a  fearlessness  of 
spirit  in  the  blinding  storm  of  strife  and  passion^  that 
woidd  be  invalnable  to  one  called  to  rule  an  empire, — Uke 
Queen  Victoria.  Her  eyes,  anointed  with  the  salve  that 
Christ  Jesus  only  can  supply,  saw- things  in  their  true  light, 
and  her  judgment,  instructed  by  the  Divine  Spirit,  promptly 
expressed  decisions,  whose  wisdom  the  subsequent  action 
of  statesmen  fully  approved. 

Surely  our  army  in  America  has  enough  to  do  now,  and  it 
will  he  strangely  ill-advised,  if  simple  apologies  are  not  made 
for  the  recent  attack  on  the  British  steamer,  or  the  ''  insult  to 
the'  British  flag,"  as  it  is  called  here.  It  will  be  utterly  in  vain 
for  tl»e  North  to  go  around  the  question  or  palliate  the  offence. 
England  will  luiquestionahly  commence  hostilities,  and  will  do 
it  quickly.  Oh,  I  do  hope  and  sincerely  pray  that  those  who 
rule  the  destinies  of  our  country,  may  he  induced  to  act  wisely 
in  this  dilemma.  We  will  plead  with  the  Glod  of  nations,  and 
trust  that  He  will  not  permit  our  politicians  to  lean  to  their 
own  understanding ;  but  however  humiliating  an  apology  may 
he,  to  make  it  in  word  and  deed,  by  giving  up  the  prisoners. 

The  want  of  cotton  has  either  directly  or  indirectly  affected 
the  pecuniary  condition  of  multitudes.  It  is  so  sad  to  look  upon 
the  squaUd  poor  of  this  country.  Can  we  wonder,  then,  that 
the  prevailing  sentimeut  of  England  seems  to  be  so  much  in 
favor  of  hastening  the  recognition  of  the  Confederate  States, 
hoping  that  it  may  bring  a  return  of  prosperity.  Though  there 
are  many  noble  exceptions,  yet  the  general  sentiment  toward 
us  Northerners,  is  that  of  censure. 

We  are  astonished  and  sad  at  the  feeble  tone  of  the  admin- 
istration, in  regard  to  the  extirpation  of  slavery.  The  fearful 
question  is,  whether  the  God  of  battles  may  not  permit  thou- 
sands more  of  our  army  to  fall,  ere  He  gives  us  the  victory,  or 
whether  He  may  not  signally  punish  us,  by  permitting  us  to  be 
shamefidly  vanquished  *?  It  has  seemed  to  me  that  what  we  do 
as  a  nation,  we  may  be  required  to  do  quickly. 


MES.  FH(EBE  PALMEE.  381 


1862. 


MADELEY,  ENGLAND.— BRIDGEND,   CARDIFF,  MERTHYR  TYDVIL,  ABER- 
GAVENNEY,   WALES.— BLAINA,  ENGLAND.— ABERDARE,  WALES. — 
DOUGLAS,   ISLE   OF   MAN.— EXNISKILLEN,   PORTADOWN,  IRE- 
LAND.—WOODFORD,    LEEDS,    RUNCORN,    ENGLAND. 

Madeley,  Fehriiarij25th,  1862. 

To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  left  Liverpool  to  come  to  Wales,  but  paused  ou  our 
way  to  visit  Madeley.  As  we  bad  to  pass  through  Shrews- 
bury, in  order  to  get  to  Bridgend,  the  first  place  where  we 
labored  in  the  principality,  and  Madeley  was  but  fifteen  miles 
distant,  we  could  not  resist  the  desire  to  see  the  place  where 
those  devoted  servants  of  Christ,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher,  la- 
bored. 

Madeley,  uatm^aUy,  had  irresistible  attractions  for 
those  who  had  drauk  in  the  spirit  of  the  Master,  almost  as 
largely  as  the  seraphic  couple,  whose  glowing  piety  and 
beneficent  labors  had  imparted  imperishable  renown  to 
the  locality.  Fletcher's  entire  consecration,  rich  experi- 
ence, unflinching  fidelity,  and  lovelmess  of  spirit,  as  dis- 
closed by  his  inimitable  '^  Checks  to  Antinomianismj"— all 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God,  be  it  recorded,— had  their 
counterpart  in  Phoebe  Palmer. 

We  did  not  intend  to  make  any  stay  at  Madeley,  as  we  had 
not  been  invited  by  the  official  board.  We  commenced  our 
services  at  Madeley  Chapel,  on  the  Sabbath,  and  the  Lord  pour.ed 
out  His  Spirit  in  a  wonderful  manner.  Many  were  the  slam  of 
the  Lord,  and  we  have  reason  to  praise  Him  with  a  loud  voice, 
and  to  say  with  one  of  old,  ^'  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath 
praise  the  Lord." 

Again,  at  Madeley  Wood,  the  Lord  made  His  power  known 
in  a  very  remarkable  manner,  and  during  the  week's  services, 
the  secretary  recorded  the  names  of  three  hundred  and  eighty- 
six,  that  had  found  peace  in  believing.  The  foHowing  week, 
we  labored  in  the  Madeley  Chapel.  The  Lord  continued  to 
i)our  out  His  Spirit,  and  the  secretary  took  the  names  of  two 


382  MEMOIRS   OF 

hundred  and  fifty-iiiue  who  had  .enlisted  in  the  service  of  thtt 
High  and  Holy  One. 

From  here  we  went  to  Dawley,  a  place  about  four  mile8  dis- 
tant, but  on  the  same  circuit,  and  here  again  we  saw  the  won- 
derful works  of  God,  and  that  He  was  answering  His  people's 
prayers  in  showing  the  mighty  things  that  He  had  challenged 
them  to  ask  for,  so  that  in  our  nineteen  days'  services,  they 
had  taken  the  names  of  eight  hundred  and  ninety-five  who  had 
professed  to  find  peace  in  believing.  Alleluia  to  the  Lamb ! 
Mrs.  P.  had  asked  the  Lord  for  one  thousand,  and  we  have 
reason  to  believe  the  Lord  answered  the  petition,  as  at 
several  of  the  meetings,  the  work  was  so  overwhelming  as  to 
preclude  the  possibility  of  taking  the  names.  The  work 
is  still  going  on.  The  next  evening  after  our  leaving, 
a  letter  state  that  at  one  of  the  places,  forty  found  peace. 
Another  letter  says,  ^'You  have  left  a  large  amount  of  labor. 
Scores  on  scores  are  continually  added  to  the  number  already 
saved.  New  classes  are  being  formed  in  all  ^directions,  and 
hundieds  are  turning  to  God.  Some  of  the  classes  in  number 
of  members  are  between  fifty  and  sixty,  and  they  are  crying  on 
every  hand,  ^  What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ? ' "  etc.  As  the  company 
around  the  throne  rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  repents,  no  doubt 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher  struck  their  harps  anew,  in  giving  glory 
to  the  Lamb,  for  this  abundant  outpouring  of  the  Spirit. 
Bridgend  and  Cowbridge  were  similarly  blessed. 

The  "  dove  like  '^  harmony,  as  Mrs.  Flet<3her  phrased  it, 
that  subsisted  between  Methodism  and  the  Church  of 
England,  to  the  end  of  her  days,  also  existed  at  the  time 
oi  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer's  visit. 

Never  have  we  been  at  a  place  where  the  established  Church 
and  the  Methodists  seem  to  be  so  lovingly  united.  Ephraim  does 
not  envy  Judah,  and  Judah  does  not  vex  Ephraim. 

Had  Dr.  P.  and  myself  been  the  vicar's  own  brother  and 
sister  from  America,  he  could  scarcely  have  manifested  more 
affectionate  assiduity  in  pointing  out  everything  with  which 
he  thought  we  might  be  interested,  and  about  the  church 
and  vicarage.     We  were  surprised  to  find  he  had  read,  '^  Way 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  3^3 

of  Holiness,"  ''  Faith  and  its  Effects,"  '•  Promise  of  tlie  Fatlier," 
etc.  I  imagine,  that,  could  the  vicar  of  a  century  since,  again 
have  been  with  us,  he  could  hardly  have  poured  out  more 
fervent  benedictions  on  us  and  our  labors. 

We  have  received  several  much  valued  relics  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fletcher,  since  we  have  been  here, — such  as  a  book  from 
Mr.  Fletcher's  library,  with  his  own  handwriting  on  the  fly- 
leaf^ a  cap  and  band  worn  by  Mrs.  Fletcher  5  also  a  cloak,  with 
hood,  as  worn  by  her,  such  as  you  see  in  her  picture ;  a  lock  of 
her  hair,  and  an  original  letter. 

Bridqend. — While  at  Bridgend,  South  Wales,  Mrs. 
Palmer  heard  the  tidiugs  of  Prince  Albert's  death,  and  as 
a  Christian  sister,  sjonpathized  deeply  and  truly  with  the 
bereaved  Queen ,  who,  despite  the  grandeurs  of  royalty, 
could  suffer  as  poignant  grief  as  the  meanest  of  her  sub- 
jects. Ever  ready  to  accord  generous  praise  to  whom  it 
was  due,  Mrs.  P.  spoke  of  him  as  ^^  unquestionably  a 
man  of  sterling  virtues,"  and,  if  not  of  "  earnest  heart-piety, 
of  high  morality,  and  w^orldly  rectitude."  By  his  sugges- 
tion, the  inscrii)tion,  "  The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  full- 
ness thereof,"  was  placed  in  fi-ont  of  the  London  Eoyal  Ex- 
change. His  con^ictions  and  sentiments  were  all  of ''Union" 
character,  during  the  "  Great  Eebellion,"  and  this,  too,  com- 
mended him  to  the  favor  of  oiu'  American  evangelists,  and, 
indeed,  of  all  true  Americans. 

Cardiff,  Wales. 

February  25th,  1862. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  Wesleyans  have  two  handsome  churches  here.  We  are 
laboring  in  Charles  Street  Chapel.  We  commenced  our  labors 
one  week  ago  last  Sabbath.  It  is  now  Tuesday,  and  the  secre- 
tary has  recorded  tlie  names  of  nearly  three  hundred,  ^vho  have 
professed  to  find  peace  in  believing. 

This  congregation  was  considered  the  most  fashionable  in 
the  town,  something  like  our  Mulberry  Street,  New   York,  and 


384  MEMOIRS  OF 

one  of  the  stationed  ministers  told  us,  that,  but  a  few  weeks 
since,  a  brother,  in  praying  at  the  other  chapel,  asked  the  Lord 
to  have  mercy  on  the  ^^  half-damned  "  congregation  at  Charles 
Street.  I  mention  this,  in  order  that  all  the  glory  may  be  ascribed 
to  the  Triune  Deity.  It  matters  not,  when  God  undertakes ;  the 
difficulties  vanish,  and  the  mountains  flow  down  at  His  presence. 
The  membership  have  been  greatly  quickened,  and  many  are 
endeavoring  to  bring  their  friends  to  Jesus,  and,  like  as  it  was 
in  the  days  of  his  incarnation,  the  multitudes  came,  bringing 
their  diseased  friends  with  them,  and,  as  He  never  turned  one 
away  without  a  perfect  cure,  so  now  they  bring  their  unsaved 
friends,  in  full  expectation,  as  '^  Jesus  is  the  same  yesterday,  to- 
day, and  forever,"  that  He  will  heal  all  that  are  brought  to 
Him,  and  according  to  their  faith  it  is  done  unto  them.  Halle- 
lujah !     The  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigueth  ! 

Further  details  of  tlife  Pentecostal  revival  at  Cardiff, 
together  with  a  restatement  of  Mrs.  Pabner's  impressions, 
and  opinions  of  religion,  and  social  life  in  Great  Britain, 
and  particularly  among  the  Methodists,  are  contained  in  a 
letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamhne,  dated  Merthyr  Tydvil 
South  Wales,  April  7th,  1862. 

The  past  ten  weeks  have  been  spent  in  South  Wales,  during 
which,  we  have  witnessed  the  quickening  of  hundreds  of  church 
members,  into  new  spiritual  life,  and  over  one  thousand  precious 
souls  l)orn  into  the  kingdom  of  grace.  Glory  be  to  God  the 
Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit. 

There  are  but  few  chapels  in  the  town,  where  the  services 
are  conducted  in  English.  The  Welsh  people  are  very  fond  of 
their  language,  and  very  tenacious  about  giving  it  up.  We 
came  here  by  the  most  urgent  solicitations  of  the  English 
Wesleyans,  but  the  Welsh  Wesley  an  s  having  for  the  largest 
chapel;  we  are  holding  services  in  tlie  Welsh  chapel,  and  crowds 
are  attending.  Some  of  our  audience,  I  presume,  find  a  little 
difficulty  in  understanding  us,  but  the  Holy  Spirit  is  working  in 
power  among  the  i)eople,  and  during  the  past  week,  several  of 
tlie  leading  members  liave  been  enabled  to  testify,  that  the 
blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  unrighteousness;  andpeo^ile  of 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  385 

ail  denominations  at  Cardiff,  joined  in  the  services,  and  tlie  re- 
vival became  so  general,  that  one  of  tlie  town  magistrates  who 
was  a  memberof  the  Established  Church,  returned  public  thanks- 
giving, that  the  public  morals  had  so  improved,  as  the  result 
of  the  revival,  that  the  magistrates  had  scarcely  any  cases 
brought  before  them,  and  the  town  prison,  instead  of  having 
thirty  or  forty  prisoners  as  usual,  had  not  one,  the  day  pre- 
vious. 

At  Cardiff,  as  elsewhere,  the  church  sought,  and  many  ob- 
tained this  baptism,  and  in  little  over  thirty  days'  labor,  seven 
liundied  were  gathered  out  of  the  world,  and  many  church 
members,  also,  who  had  been  living  without  the  witness  of 
adoption,  obtained  it. 

I  could  as  well  doubt  my  existence,  as  to  doubt  whether  the 
Head  of  the  church  did  not  send  us  with  a  commission  to  be 
faithful  in  the  dispensation  of  the  truth,  in  regard  to  all  t!iese 
matters  to  which  I  have  referred. 


The  religious  history  of  that  beautiful  isle,  greatly  in- 
terested Mrs.  Palmer.  The  memory  of  good  Bishops  Wil- 
son and  Hildesly,  is  still  fragrant.  The  latter  g■a^'e  to  the 
people  an  entire  translation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  the 
Manx  language,  of  which  she  writes  : 

The  fruit  of  his  labor  still  remains,  as  the  Scriptures  are 
read  in  the  Manx  language,  in  most  of  the  country  churches, 
where  services  are  performed  alternately  in  Manx  and  English. 

In  the  midst  of  a  solemn  appeal  for  entire  devotedness  of 
heart  and  life, — (she  writes  in  narrating  the  incident  of  one 
meeting  held  there,) — I  seemed  constrained  to  pause  suddenly, 
and  said,  *'I  feel  divinely  impressed  with  the  conviction,  that  if 
all  who  have  njfmed  the  name  of  Christ  here,  will  at  once  bring 
all  their  tithes  into  the  Lord's  storehouse,  and  prove  God 
herewith,  we  shall  have  the  windows  of  heaven  opened  upon 
us,  and  such  an  outpouring  of  the  Spirit,  as  has  never  before 
been  witnessed  in  this  place,  which  will  result  in  such  a  revival 
as  has  not  been  seen  in  the  '  Isle  of  Man.'  " 

25 


38G  •  MEMOIRS  OF 

There  was  a  most  solemn  pause  ;  and  all,  seemingly,  in  that 
large  assembly,  that  could  free  themselves  from  their  crowded 
position,  fell  on  their  knees  before  God.  For  about  tliree 
minutes,  all  was  silence,  with  tiie  exception  cf  stifled  sobs  on 
the  part  of  the  contrite,  and  suppressed  exclamations  of  praise, 
when  the  tide  of  divine  power  and  holy  joy  rose  to  an  irre- 
pressible point.  "■  Glory,  plory,  hallelujah  !  "  burst  frcm  every 
part  of  the  house.  The  tithes  had  been  brought  in,  and  the 
overflowing  blessing  had  been  poured  out;  and,  judging  from 
the  effect,  many  hearts  were  saying, — 

''  It  comes  in  floods,  we  can't  contain." 

Many,  before  the  close  of  the  service,  were  sanctified  wholly. 
Scores  of  heaven-illuminated  countenances  seemed  to  speak 
unmistakably  the  reception  of  an  indwelling  power,  which  we 
trust  will  be  diffusing  on  others  its  hallowing  influences,  during 
all  the  future  of  their  lives.  Many  who  had  been  convicted 
during  the  sep'ices  of  the  evening,  found  mercy ;  but  I  luive 
not  yet  heard  the  numberl 

Tlie  editor  and  proprietor  of  "  The  Mona  Herald,"  is  most 
happily  numbered  with  those  who  have  brought  all  into  the 
Lord's  storehouse  ;  and  is  now  disposed  to  sa}^,  with  the  editor 
of  a  political  paper  who  was  converted  at  another  town,  where 
we  were  laboiing,  "  If  I  cannot  edit  a  paper  for  God,  I  will  not 
edit  one  at  all.'' 

Enniskillen,  Ireland. — It  is  two  weeks  to-day,  since  we 
arrived  in  good  old  Ireland,  to  attend  a  camp-meeting  got  up 
after  the  American  fashion,  which  is  no  small  rarity  in  these 
regions.  The  meeting  is  held  in  a  beautiful  leafy  grove  be- 
longing to  a  wealthy  gentleman  who  is  agent  for  the  estate  of 
Lord  Belmore.  That  a  lovely,  sequestered  grove,  so  favorably 
situated,  should  liave  been  obtained  by  the  Wesleyans.  for  the 
purpose  of  holding  a  camp-meeting,  argues  faVorably  for  the 
cause -of  earnest  Christianity  in  these  regions. 

Ireland  is  a  fair  land.  Its  Avarm  Christian  hearts,  its  de- 
liglitful  landscapes,  its  winding,  sparkling  lakes,  its  rich  ver- 
dure and  bright  skies,  are  pleasant  to  the  eye,  and  refreshing 
.to  the  soul. 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  ^^^1 

This  Irish  camp-meeting  has  been  a  glorious  success.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Graves,  an  excellent  brother  of  the  Troy  Conference, 
Avho  came  to  these  regions  in  quest  of  liealth,  lias,  under  God, 
been  the  prime  mover  in  tlie  camp-meeting  enterprise  in  this 
country.  His  name  will  long  be  loved  and  honorc'd.  Rev. 
William  Hall,  a  dear  joung  minister  from  Toronto,  full  of  faith 
and  power,  Avho  is  on  a  visit  to  this  country,  has  also  been  much 
blessed  in  his  labors  at  this  meeting.  A  number  of  other  min- 
isters, from  various  parts  of  Ireland,  have  been  at  this  feast  ot 
tabernacles,  Avhose  ministrations  have  been  in  the  demonstra- 
tion of  the  Spirit. 

The  reyival  services  were  continued,  after  the  close  of 
the  camp-meeting,  in  the  Enniskillen  Town  Hall,  where 
scores  bowled  in  lowly  prostration  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and 
were  by  Him  raised  up  into  ncAvness  of  life.  The  nund)er 
of  converts  in  and  near  EnniskiUen,  w^as  estimated  at  live 
hundred. 

PoRTADOWN,  Ireland,  August. — Protestantism  is  well  rep- 
resented in  Portadown.  The  great  revival  which  occurred  in 
1859  and  1860  has  made  its  indelible  mark  in  favor  of  pure  and 
undefiled  religion  in  this  place.  Perhaps  in  no  denomination 
of  Christians  in  Ireland,  is  the  permanent  effect  of  that  won- 
drous visitation  more  manifest,  than  with  the  Wesleyan  com- 
munity he^e. 

At  every  service,  the  presence  of  the  High  and  Holy  One 
has  been  a  felt  reality.  Many  have  sought  and  obtained  the 
blessing  of  perfect  love  ;  others  have  been  healed  of  their  back- 
slidings  ;  and  many  convicted  sinners  have  found  their  way  to 
Jesus, — how  many,  we  have  no  means  of  knowing. 

Unable,  by  reason  of  serious  indisposition,  to  accompany 
Dr.  Palmer  to  a  public  breakfast  meeting  in  Enniskillen, 
held  in  connection  with  a  new  church  enterprise  in  that 
town,  Mrs.  P.  rejoined  him  the  next  day,  on  the  road  to 
Londonderry.  Special  meetings  commenced  the  succeed- 
ing day,  but  she  was  unable  to  attend  more  than  one^ 


388  MEMOIRS  OF 

being  i)rostrated  by  a  severe  and  critical  attack  of  conges- 
tive fever.  Isoi  finding  local  medical  aid  suited  to  Dr. 
P.'s  wishes,  they  left  Londonderry  for  Liverpool,  and 
through  divine  mercy,  reached  their  English  home  at 
Everton  Brow,  no  worse  than  when  they  started.  The 
force  of  disease  was  great,  progress  to  the  eternal  shore 
rapid ;  but  the  consolations  of  divine  love  were  overflow- 
ing, and  in  answer  to  the  intercessions  of  the  saints,  life 
was  spared,  and  ability  to  labor  for  Christ  and  for  souls, 
most  mercifidly  i^rolonged.  Her  life  work  was  not  yet 
done,  and  Mrs.  Palmer  devoutly  believed  that  "  Man  is 
immortal  till  his  work  is  done.  " 

In  October,  we  find  her  at  the  beautiful  residence  of 
J.  Kaye,  Esq.,  Prospect  Hall,  Woodford,  London*  try- 
ing what  a  change  of  air  would  do  towards  the  restoration 
of  a  dilapidated  constitution.  With  recovering  health, 
she  visited  the  old  family  mansion  of  the  Bosanquets,  and 
also  John  Wesley,  the  grandson  of  Charles  Wesley,  in 
London. 

1863. 

LEEDS,    WAI,SALL,    BIRMINGHAM,    MANCHESTER,    NOTTINGHAM,    ENG- 
LAND.— ENNISKILLENj   IRELAND. — gOUTH   MANCHESTER, 

ENGLAND. 

« 

Leeds. — A  condensed  account  of  labors,  scenes,  and 
incidents,  together  Avith  an  account  of  illness,  is  given  to 
Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  on  January  7th,  which  we  here 
insert : 

Wliile  ill  Leed.s,  we  witnessed  gracious  displays  of  saving 
and  sanctifying  grace.  Tlie  names  of  about  two  hundred  were 
recorded  among  the  newly  blest.  To  God  be  all  the  glory! 
Our  home  was  with  J.  Holroyd,  Esq.,  a  wealthy  circuit  steward 
in  the  Wesleyan  Church,  whose  pleasure  it  was  to  make  us  ac- 
quainted with  everytliing  wliich  he  imagined  wouhl  interest 
us.    We  drove  out  of  Leeds,  about  three  miles,  to  Cross  Hall, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  389 

wliere  Mrs.  Fletcher  brought  up  children,  and  exercised  herself 
in  good  works  and  words,  fourteen  years,  and  here  also  ;Mr 
Fletcher  made  a  visit*  of  six  months,  to  his  bride-elect,  and 
afterward  here  married  her. 

The  premises  are  now  the  property  of  a  wealthy  squire,  and 
I  presume  have  been  much  beautified,  since  the  days  of  Mrs. 
Fletcher.  He  has  the  deeds,  which  he  showed  us,  bearing  the 
names  of  Mary  Bosanquet,  in  her  own  handwriting,  and  John 
Fletcher,  by  which  the  property  at  Cross  Hall  was  conveyed  to 
another  purchaser. 

We  also,  on  another  occasion,  went  to  West -gate  Hill,  to  see 
Mr.  Bram well's  only  daughter,  who  is  still  living.  Mrs.  Har- 
greaves,  tlie  daughter  to  whom  several  letters  in  his  Memoirs 
are  addressed,  is  a  deeply  devoted,  intelligent  lady,  and  could 
you  look  at  Bramwell's  portrait,  and  then  at  his  daughter,  you 
would  wonder  at  the  striking  likeness.  We  visited  Bram  well's 
grave,  and  stood  in  the  pulpit  where  he  preached,  the  last  Sab- 
bath before  his  translation  to  heaven.  While  I  was  in  the 
desk,  the  chapel  keeper  told  me  that  she  was  present  when  the 
holy  Bramwell  said,  "  Lord,  didst  thou  not  say  to  me,  this  day 
thou  shalt  soon  be  with  me,  to  behold  my  glory."  This  was  on 
Sabbath  afternoon,  and  on  the  next  Sabbath  afternoon,  about 
the  same  hour,  she  saw  his  body  laid  in  the  tomb,  amid  the 
lamentations  of  many  hundreds.  A  large  tablet  marks  the 
spot,  on  which  is  inscribed,  ^^  Here  lies  all  that  was  mortal  of 
William  Bramwell,  Minister  of  the  gospel,"  etc.  His  wife,  Ellen 
Bramwell,  lies  beside  him,  and  a  stone  of  equal  proportions 
covers  lier  dust.  A  weeping  ash  overhangs  the  grave,  which 
with  all  its  surroundings,  suggest  that  the  dust  of  the  devoted 
pair  has  been  guarded  with  an  affection  ev  er  fresh  and  assidu- 
ous. The  home  of  Mrs.  Hargreavcs  is  next  door  to  the  Wes- 
leyan  Chapel.  Here  is  probably  the  place  where  she  resided, 
when  her  sainted  father  took  tea  with  her,  in  company  with 
many  other  friends,  three  days  previous  to  his  departure  from 
earth,  as  recorded  by  his  biographer. 

Mr.  Sigston,  who  you  will  remember  as  Mr.  Bram  well's 
biographer,  stiil  lives,  and  is  about  ninety  years  old.  At  the 
time  of  Bramwell's  death,  and  for  many  years  after,  he  kept 


390  MEMOIRS  OF 

one  of  the  most  influential  schools  for  the  in  truction  of  young 
men,  iu  all  Yorkshire.  The  premises  still  stand,  a\  ith  ample 
grounds  attached.  The  eminent  revivalisto,  John  Sniit!i,  and 
David  Stouer,  were  educated  under  Mr.  Sigston,  r.t  this  j)h.ce, 
and  many  others  who  have  been  ctara  in  Methodism. 

Our  visit  to  Mr.  Sigston  Avr^omoot  intcrc::tii:ir]j.  Ho  is  a  very 
tall,  venerable  man,  and  as  I  said  to  Dr.  P.,  looks  like  dignity 
itself,  x^ersonified. 

He  loves  to  talk  of  his  friend  Bramwell.  Says  it  was 
thought  that  there  were  never  so  many  strangers  iu  Leeds,  at 
one  time,  as  on  the  day  of  his  burial.  The  number  attending 
tliefuneial  was  estimated  at  least  ten  thousand.  He  related 
interesting  particulars  in  relation  to  hia  departed  Biamwell, 
not  related  by  his  biogra^  hers  (of  whom  there  have  been  three). 
But  I  must  not  permit  my  pen  to  pause  over  them,  or  my  letter 
might  assume  the  jiroportious  of  a  manuscript  volume.  Before 
parting  with  Mr.  Sigston,  we  sang, 

"Joyfully,  joyfully,  onward  I  move, 
Bound  to  a  land  of  bright  spirits  above. 
Angelic  choristers  sing  as  I  come, 
Joyfully,  joyfully,  haste  to  thy  home." 

While  we  were  singing,  he  became  exceedingly  joyful,  par- 
ticularly as  we  sang, 

"  Friends  fondly  cherished  have  gone  on  before  ; 
Waiting,  they  watch  me  approaching  the  shore." 

It  seemed  as  though  his  happy  spirit  would  almost  have  taken 
wings  for  glory.  AVe  passed  the  place  daily,  on  going  to  the 
chapel,  where  the  night  jiatrid  found  Mr.  Bramwell,  in  a  dying 
state,  and  carried  him  to  Mr.  Sigston's.  Many  of  Bramwell's 
spiritual  children  arc  still  living. 

At  Harrowgate,  we  saw  the  veritable  jierson  whose  eyesight 
was  restored,  iu  answer  to  Mr.  Bram  well's  prayer.  He  was  then 
a  boy  between  eight  and  nine  years  old.  I  asked  him  if  he 
could  remember  when  Mr.  Bramwell  jdaced  his  hand  on  his 
head.  He  said,  ''  Yes,  I  can  remember  it  just  as  well  as  the 
business  of  yesterday."  He  said  he  had  not  been  able  to  bear 
the  least  ray  of  light,  and  liad  been  kept  in  a  dark  room,  with 


MES.  PBCEBE  PALMER.  39]^ 

ills  eyes  closely  bandaged,  and  the  pain  in  his  eyes  had  been 
excessive.  As  Mr.  Biamwell  put  his  hands  on  his  head,  and 
prayed,  the  pain  ceased,  and  he  tore  the  bandages  off,  feeling 
that  he  had  no  need  of  them.  He  then  gazed  out  of  the  window, 
and  asked,  '^  Is  Mr.  Bramwell  gone  ?  "  The  family  were  filled 
with  amazement. 

This  gentleman,  William  Greensmith,  Esq.,  is  now  about 
seventy  years  old.  He  is  a  devoted  Christian,  and  a  liberal 
supporter  of  Methodism. 

Thank  you  for  the  Western  Christian  Advocate.  We  have 
seldom  seen  a  copy  of  it  since  we  have  been  in  the  Old  World. 
We  were  edified  and  interested,  in  glancing  over  its  columns. 
Particularly  were  we  arrested,  in  reading  good  Dr.  Kingsley's 
views  in  relation  to  tlie  state  of  religion  in  poor  dear  America. 
It  really  made  my  heart  ache.  For  hours  after  I  perused  it,  the 
subject  stood  up  absorbingly  before  me,  and  exerted  such  a 
controlling  influence,  that  though  I  had  retired  to  sleep,  I 
could  say,  ''  Thou  boldest  my  eyes  waking."  I  told  my  dear 
Dr.  P.,  that  I  conjectured  from  my  deep  feeling  on  tlie  subject, 
that  you  must  have  been  praying  that  the  article,  though  un- 
marked, might  meet  our  eye.  It  is  sad  to  think  of  a  decrease 
of  revival  influence,  and  church  members,  when  death  is  so 
rapidly  gathering  his  victims,  for  eternity,  and  the  prince  of 
darkness  is  so  vigilant  and  unceasing^  in  his  efforts  to  multiply 
his  agencies,  to  enlist  men  in  the  service  of  sin,  and  hurry  to  de- 
struction. I  do  not  won'der  that  you  express  yourselves  as  you 
do  in  regard  to  our  coming  home,  and  though  we  have  thousands 
of  friends  here  who  would  fain  have  us  linger,  yet  our  dear 
ones  at  home,  and  yearning  for  the  work  there,  would  incline 
us  to  respond  heartUy,  ^'  we  come."  But  we  dare  not  come? 
until  we  are  sure  it  is  by  the  command  of  the  Lord  of  the  vine- 
yard. Twice,  though  we  could  not  feel  quite  sure  it  was  at  the 
Master's  bidding,  we  made  the  attempt. 

On  the  first  occasion,  the  Lord  laid  his  hand  upon  Dr.  P.  He 
was  taken  so  severely  ill,  that  had  we  made  the  attempt  to 
cross  the  ocean,  liis  spirit,  T  presume,  would  have  taken  its  de- 
parture for  the  eternal  world,  ere  we  reached  our  native  shore. 


392  MEMOIRS  OF 

We  had  come  to  take  passage  from  LiTerpool.  On  account 
of  his  health,  we  were  compelled  to  give  it  up.  As  soon  as  I  was 
able  to  leave  him,  I  began  to  labor  for  souls,  and  as  soon  as 
possibly  able,  he  joined  me,  and  over  one  thousand  were  saved 
in  a  few  weeks.  We  then  went  to  Madele}',  memorialized  as  the 
scene  where  the  immortal  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher  exercised  their 
ministry.  Here  the  Lord  began  to  pour  out  His  Spirit,  as  we  had 
scarcely  before  witnessed,  in  this,  or  any  other  land.  As  the 
result  of  the  revival,  over  one  thousand  souls  Avere  saved  on  the 
Madeley  and  Wellington  circuits.  Nine  hundred  were  added 
on  trial  on  the  Madeley  circuit,  and  four  hundred  on  the  Wel- 
lington circuit,  beside  many  others  who  came  forward  and 
sought  and  obtained  mercy,  who  were  in  the  habit  of  going  to 
the  Established  and  other  churches. 

We  tlien  went  to  Wales,  and  the  names  of  about  one  thousand 
five  hundred  were  recorded  by  the  secretaries  of  the  meetings, 
who  professed  to  have  been  translated  out  of  the  kingdom  of 
darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son.  Then  we  came 
back  to  Liverpool  Again,  intending,  as  before,  to  set  sail  for 
America,  having  sent  word  to  our  loved  ones  at  home,  that  they 
might  expect  to  see  us  in  the  spring,  or  early  sunnner. 

But  our  earnest  Irish  friends,  who  had  advertised  us  as 
expected  at  their  camp-meeting,  the  summer  previous,  main- 
tained that  they  had  a  dmm  upon  us  now,  and  were  unyielding. 
Being  much  worn  by  incessant  labors,  .we  went  at  the  invitation 
of  our  excellent  host,  G.  Pennell,  Esq.,  to  spend  a  few  days  at 
the  Isle  of  Man,  by  the  way  of  recruiting  our  healtli.  We  had 
scarcely  arrived  there,  before  we-  were  importuned  to  labor  on 
nnsectarian  ground,  many  visitors  from  abroad,  in  quest  of 
health,  being  on  the  Island.  Our  ruling  passion  for  soul-saving 
again  predominated,  and  our  friends  having  hired  the  St.  James' 
Hall  for  the  purpose,  we  again  engaged  in  our  hapi)y  toil.  The 
Lord  wrought  wondrously.  High  and  low  attended,  and  hun- 
dreds went  away  for  want  of  standing  room.  During  our 
week's  service,  about  one  hundred  Avere  saved.  AVe  then  went 
to  Ireland,  intending  to  make  our  return  to  America  as  early 
in  the  fall  as  possible.  Our  visit  to  the  Emerald  Isle  was  most 
memorable.  • 


MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  393 

The  secretary  of  the  camp-meeting  informed  me  that  about 
five  hundred  were  blest  at  the  camp-meeting.  By  the  desire 
of  the  Mayor  of  EnniskiUen,  and  other  leading  men  of  the 
town,  we  remained  and  held  meetings  twice  daily,  in  the  Town 
Hall.  A  large  room  adjoining  the  hall  was  used  as  a  vestry  for 
seekers.  Many  sought  and  found.  Sometimes  from  thirty  to 
fifty  would  b<?  found  in  the  side  room,  as  seekers.  This  resulted 
in  our  Enniskillen  friends  resolving  on  having  a  new  Chax)el. 
The  subscription  was  commenced  hj  our  humble  selves,  at  our 
farewell  breakfast.  Several  of  the  leading  friends  having  come 
to  take  breakfast  with  us,  we  took  upon  ourselves  to  write 
out  a  subscription  paper,  and  handed  it  from  one  to  another, 
till  we  had  received  the  sum  of  three  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars.  Permit  me  to  pause  here,  and  say  that  this 
is  only  one  of  several  chapels  which  have  been  built  or  enlarg- 
ed as  the  result  of  the  revivals  in  which  we  have  been  en- 
gaged.    To  Goil  alone  be  all  the  glory  ! 

We  left  Enniskillen  for  Portadown.  Here  the  large  altar  was 
nightly  surrounded  with  seekers  and  penitents,  and  many  were 
saved.  I  presume  one  hundred  would  be  a  very  low  computa- 
tion, but  as  there  was  no  secretary  appointed,  as  is  usual  where 
we  labor,  I  cannot  write  definitely.  From  Portadow  n,  we  went 
to  Londonderry  (the  birthplace  of  Dr.  Elliott,  I  believe).  Here 
my  health  utterly  failed.  The  time  had  again  arrived,  when 
we  would  have  set  our  fiice  homew^ard.  But  the  idea  of 
doing  so  was  utterly  impossible. 

It  was  with  difficulty  that  I  was  brought  back  to  England, 
where  I  passed  through  one  of  the  most  formidable  and  pro- 
tracted illnesses  of  my  life.  This  wholly  i)recluded  our  return 
in  the  autumn. 

I  have  tlius  given  you  a  glance  of  a  year's  labor.  Can  we 
doubt  but  it  was  the  hand  of  infinite  love  that  was  laid  ujwn 
Dr.  P.,  preventing  his  return. 

But  you  will  say, ''  What  now  V  I  can  only  say  we  are  wait- 
ing the  Lord's  bidding.  Wide  doors  of  usefulness  are  in 
every  direction,  inviting  us  to  enter.  We  are  importunately 
urged  to  Manchester,  Bristol,  and  several  other  important  towns 
which  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  visit.     Still  we  feel  that 


394  MEMOIRS   OF 

our  health  seems  to  demand  a  respite.  We  have  seiioiis 
thoughts  of  going  to  Palestine.  If  we  go  to  the  Holy  Land, 
we  will  go  shortly,  in  view  of  returning  to  America,  early  in  the 
summer. 

Walsall,  Fehruarij. — Walsall  has  been  noted  in  my  own 
mind,  since  childhood,  as  the  i)lace  where  the  good  Mr.  Wesley 
came  so  near  losing  his  '.  ife,  by  the  ruffianly  mob,  in  1743.  As 
is  usual  with  our  labors,  the  work  began  with  the  church. 

The  truth  is,  we  are  resolved  on-y  to  bestow  our  labor 
where  the  ministry  and  laity  come  up  as  helpers  together  with 
usj  in  soul-saving  efforts. 

Here,  amid  the  hundreds  nightly  assembled,  may  be  seen 
the  Old  and  New  Connection  Methodists,  the  Free  Church  and 
Primitiva  Metliodists,  all  as  one,  in  the  great  work  of  bringing 
sinners  to  Jesus.  Many  of  these  have  knelt  side  by  side,  around 
the  crowded  commuiiion  rail,  seeking  the  blessing  of  perfect 
lovf  ',  and  scores  have  obtained  tlie  witness  tliat  the  blood, 
of  Jesus  cleanseth.  I  need  not  tell  you  that,  where  this  pre- 
vails, 

"  Names  and  sects  and  parties  fall, 
And  Christ  alone  is  all  in  all." 

If  anybod}^  will  share  more  largely  in  immediate  results 
than  another,  in  this  general  shower,  it  will  be  the  old  Metliod- 
ist  Connection.  I  know  you  will  wonder  at  this,  in  view  of 
the  recent  atttmpt  to  di  courage  '^  specific  revival  services,"  as 
an  interference  with  ^'  godly  order."  But  it  is  due  to  tlie  great 
body  of  Wesleyan  ministers,  to  say,  that  the  '^  special  "  resolve 
of  the  last  conference  was  speciallj^  repugnant  to  the  great 
majority;  and  th:  ugh  still  loyal  to  all  tlie  be«t  interests  of 
Wesleyan  Methodism,  as  we  trust  they  ever  may  be,  they  seem 
only  more  resolved  than  ever,  that  they  Avill  favor  special  re- 
vival efforts,  and  special  agencies. 

About  three  hundred  have  b(?en  added  to  the  Lord,  during 
the  last  three  weeks. 

BIRMI^'GIIA3IJ  March. — England  w  as  in  a  blaze  of  loyal 
enthusiasm  over  the  marriage  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  to 
the  Princess  Alexandra  of  Denmark,  when  Dr.  and  JMrs. 


MBS.  PE(EBE  PALMER.  395 

Palmer  were  engaged  in  espousing  blood-bouglit  souls  to 
Christ,  in  Birmingham.  She  wrote : 

We  are  still  in  England,  witnessing  the  triumphs  of  the 
cross.  A  number  of  the  young  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the 
more  vrealthy,  and  influential  families  in  society,  have  been  con- 
verted, and  are  now  actively  engaged  in  i)ronioting  the  cause 
of  Clirist.  It  would  rejoice  your  heart  to  see  how  active  they 
are,  in  bringing  their  friends  to  Jesus. 

Never  was  tliere  a  time  in  the  annals  of  England,  when  tlie 
lay  element  has  been  called  so  much  into  use.  Here  are  lay 
evangelists,  cf  every  grade  in  society,  from  the  humble  chimney- 
sweeper, T.  Carter,  to  the  noble  Lord  Teynham.  We  heard  the 
excellent  Lord  Teynham  preach,  on  Sabbath  morning,  in  a 
Methodist  chapel.  We  were  delighted  and  profited  beyond  our 
anticipations.  He  was  simple  as  a  little  child,  yet  powerful  in 
argument.  His  text  was,  ''  That  we  might  Icnow  the  things  tliat 
are  freely  given  to  us  of  God."  He  talked  as  one  eminently 
taught  of  God. 

In  the  Unett  and  Bath  Street  Chapels,  as  reported  by 
the  secretaries,  nine  hundred  and  ten  souls  experienced  the 
preciousness  of  Christ,  as  a  justifying  and  sanctifying 
Sa\iour. 

What  a  blessed  five- weeks'  work  for  Jesus  !  We  have  en- 
joyed it  exceedingly.  *'  Oh  !  give  thanks  to  the  Lord,  for  he  is 
good  •  *  *  *  to  Him  who  alone  doeth  wonders,  for  his  mercy 
cndureth  forever." 

Manchester,  Ajyril. — Eesponding  at  length,  to  many 
invitations  to  labor  in  ]Manch ester,  Br.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
opened  their  commission  in  Stock  Street  Chapel,  and  after  a 
season  of  happy  and  successful  toil,  passed  thence  to  Lever 
Street  Chapel,  where  a  similar  harvest  was  reaped.  Li  a 
letter  to  a  friend,  written  a  little  later,  Mrs.  P.  records  : 

AVe  are  pursuing  a  similar  course  at  Manchester,  as  at  Birm- 
ingham. We  have  scattered  our  labors  in  three  chapels,  at 
remote  distances,  by  the  earnest  request  of  ministers  and  peo- 


306  MEMOIRS  OF 

pie.  We  are  now  engaged  in  labors  at  Grosveuor  Street  Taber 
nacle,  \>liere  for  some  days,  Jesus  has  been  manifesting  His 
glory  in  the  sanctification  of  His  people,  and  the  conversioa  of 
many  precious  souls.  Here,  as  elsewhere,  day  and  evening 
meetings  have  been  held  without  intermission,  all  of  which 
have  been  crowned  with  the  presence  of  the  High  and  Holy 
One. 

During  five  w  eeks'  labor  in  Manchester,  divided  between 
the  three  chui*ches, 

"  One  hundred  received  the  witness  that  the  blood  of  Jesus 
clean seth  from  all  sin,  and  over  five  hundred,  we  trust,  were 
born  into  the  kingdom  of  grace.  " 

Nottingham,  June^ — Here,  the  services  were  held  in 
the  United  Methodist  Free  Church,  Shakspeare  street, 
which  was  filled,  every  evening.  Ministers  and  members, 
belonging  to  the  various  branches  of  the  Methodist  family, 
took  part  in  the  devotional  exercises.  Upward  of  six 
hundred  persons  recorded  their  names — among  whom  were 
Wesleyans,  Non  conformists.  Primitives,  Independents, 
Bai)tists,  Episcopalians,  and  even  Roman  Catholics, — as 
having  received  spiritual  blessings  through  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer's  zealous,  godly,  and  gratuitous 
labors  will  long  Uve  in  the  memory  of  many  in  this  tow^n. 

Enniskillen,  Ireland,  August. — This  was  the  third 
summer  that  the  Wesley  ans  of  Ireland  tested  the  moral 
powder  of  camp-meetings,  with  gratifying  success.  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Palmer  were  officially  invited  to  attend. 

We  are  told  that  some  of  the  family  of  Lord  Enniskillen  have 
occasionally  been  present,  and  some  other  persons  of  note,  be- 
longing to  the  Established  Church,  and  also  a  number  of  tlie 
better  class  of  Catholics.  Among  tliose  wlio  were  seen,  deeply 
affected,  yesterday,  was  a  Churcli  of  England  clergyman,  from 
London. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER  397 

On  Subbatli,  the  secretaries  took  the  names  and  residences 
of  over  one  lumdred,  who,  during  the  day,  li ad  presented  them- 
selves at  the  penitent  forms,  as  seekers,  a-jd  been  enabled 
clearly  to  testifj"  to  the  witness  of  justifying  or  sanctifying 
grace.  These  persons  lived,  many  of  them,  from  five  to  forty 
miles  distant.  The  past  two  ciays,  about  fifty  have  been  re- 
corded as  special  recipients  of  the  work.  Never  can  be  known, 
till  the  judgment  is  set,  and  the  books  opened,  the  ftir  reaching 
effects  of  this  and  other  camp-meetings  which  have  been  held 
in  this  country. 

Louth,  Lincolnshire,  September. — We  have  a  pleasant 
home  at  the  house  of  the  ex-Mayor,  J.  B.  Sharpley,  Esq.  His 
extensive  grounds  furnish  a  nice  walk,  daily,  and  we  also  ride 
out  often,  otherwise  we  should  not  be  able  to  endure  such  in- 
cessant labors.  Dr.  P.  seems  to  bear  up  lately,  much  better 
than  myself.  My  head  has  grown  weary,  very  Aveary,  and  ab- 
solutely requires  rest.  It  is  on  this  account  we  have  almost 
hesitated  in  informing  you  of  the  precise  time  when  you  may 
expexit  us,  as  we  shall  require  q^iiiet,  a  few  weeks  after  our  re- 
turn. 

We  closed  our  services  at  Louth,  night  before  last.  Our  fare- 
well  meeting  was  one  of  exceeding  interest.  I  would  love  to 
tell  you  all  aboui  it,  but  must  forbear.  Not  less  than  two  hun- 
dred were  at  the  railroad  station,  waving  their  last  tearful 
adieus,  as  the  train  bore  us  rapidly  away.  How  sweet  the 
thought  of  meeting  beloved  friends  in  Jesus,  of  every  clime,  in 
our  Father's  house  above  !  On  our  way  from  Louth,  we  passed 
three  hours  in  Sheffield,  of  precious  memory,  because  so  near 
the  birthplace  of  our  honored  and  loved  ftither.  While  there, 
we  dined  with  dear  Mr.  Caughey.  He  is  an  apostle  to  many  in 
this  country.  Hundreds,  I  am  sure,  claim  him  as  their  spiritual 
father.     He  is  at  preseut  in  feeble  health. 

Maischester,  IIarpurhey,  October. — Ecstiiig  for  a 
few  days  at  Soutliport,  they  received  an  urgent  invitation 
from  the  Indei)endents,  in  Manchester,  to  labor  with  them 
during  the  month  of  October.  Two  or  three  days  consti- 
tuted all   the  time  they  could  conditionally  promise   to 


398  MEMOIRS  OF 

spend  with  them.  The  state  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  health,  and 
their  anticipated  return,  absolutely  forbade  the  acceptance 
of  anj^  farther  opportunities  for  evangelistic  usefulness  in 
Great  Britain.  The  visit  so  earnestly  solicited  was  made. 
The  last  record  of  labor  in  the  Old  World,  is  as  follows : 

To  the  i)raise  of  grace,  we  must  record  tliat  we  are  closing 
up  our  labors  under  circunistnnces  truly  grateful  to  our  feelings. 
The  past  three  or  four  days  liavc  been  spent  witli  our  Inde- 
pendent friends.  When  we  Averc  laboring  at  Mancliester,  a  few 
months  since,  several  leading  bretlu-en  of  the  Independents 
sought  and  obtained  the  full  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  A  new 
chapel  being  called  for,  these  bretliren  resolved  it  shoukl  be 
founded  on  true  revival  ifrinciples,  in  full  recognition  of  the 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost^  as  the  present  privilege  of  all  believ- 
ers. God  is  now  honoring  theni  with  a  gracious  outpouring  of 
His  Spirit.  Betweeu  fifty  and  sixty  have  found  peaca  in 
believing,  since  we  came,  and  the  work  is  iaj)idly  on  the 
increase. 

The  hearty  welcome  received  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thorn- 
loe,  on  first  reaching  Liveri)ool,  w  as  prophetic  of  the  kindly 
and  afiectionate  reception  with  which  these  apostolic  labor- 
ers met  in  the  three  kingdoms,  and  in  the  x>rincipality  of 
Wales. 

So  profitable  and  so  blessed  was  the  sojourn ;  so  hearty 
and  persistent  the  co-operation  of  the  household  of  faith  ; 
so  glorious  and  so  continuous  the  success,  that,  on  leaving 
for  their  native  shores.  Dr.  antl  Mrs.  Palmer  had  nothing 
to  utter  but  most  afiectionate  benedictions,  and  prayers 
that  ^'  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  "  may  ever  be  multiplied 
to  the  land  of  the  Wesleys,  and  the  home  of  their  own 
ancestors. 

Tlie  hand  of  the  Lord  was  signally  manifest  in  their 
guidance.  Thrice  they  had  resolved  to  return,  but  Infinite 
Love  delayed  the  execution  of  the  purpose,  by  means  of 
severe  and  critical  illness  j  ^^  yet  in  all,  the  results  proving 


AinS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  399 

that  seeming  disappointments  had  in  a  most  marked  man- 
ner been  the  appointments  of  Infinite  Wisdom.'^ 

Triumphs  so  greatly  exceeded  trials,  tliat  they  could 
only  sing  of  goo(hiess  and  mercy.  "  If/'  said  Mrs.  P.,  "  our 
conflicts  have  been  made  the  means  of  the  extension  of 
Zion's  conquests,  we  therein  do  rejoice,  yea,  and  will  re- 
joice.'' Though  i^ressingly  invited  to  enter  many  open 
.doors,  they  felt  that  their  mission  in  the  Old  World  was 
ended,  for  the  time  present.  As  the  sequel  i>roved,  it  was 
ended  forever. 

In  company  with  the  Eev.  George  and  Mrs.  Hughes, 
and  with  nearly  eight  hundred  passengers  on  board,  they 
returned  with  great  gladness,  to  home  and  friends  ,•  not 
to  rest,  as  Mrs.  P.  had  hoped  and  intended,  but  to  toil  on 
in  the  Master's  blessed  Avork, until  called  to  exchange  the 
conflict  for  the  crown,  and  to  abide  ''  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  forever." 

Throughout  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  ]Mrs.  Phoebe 
Pahner  is,  by  hundreds  of  thousands,  held  in  very  precious 
memory.  They  glorify  the  grace  of  God  in  her,  and  Avith 
her  unite  in  the  i^ious  ascription,  '■'•  Blessing  and  glory, 
and  wisdom  and  thanksgiving,  and  honor,  and  power,  and 
might,  be  unto  our  God,  forcA^er  and  CA^er,  Amen." 

FOUR  TEARS  IN  THE  OLD  WORLD. 

It  is  impossible  to  give,  in  one  chapter,  but  a  A^ery 
meagre  outhne  of  the  wonderful  displays  of  Divine  i)ower 
during  the  four  years  of  their  evangelistic  toil  in  England ; 
but  Mrs.  P.,  in  her  own  inimitable  style,  has  published  an 
account  of  the  work,  entitled  "Four  Years  in  the  Old 
World,"  Avhi(5h  A\ill  richly  repay  the  reader. 

Tiie  Methodist  Quarterly  Heview  says,  in  regard  to  the 
volume  : 

It  is  a  pleasant  record  of  much  that  was  seen  and  done. 


400  MEMOIRS  OF 

Many  places  of  liistoric  fame  were  visited,  but  none  v/ith  more 
delight  tlian  those  which  are  Methodistically  historic. 

In  some  three  score  places  where  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P.  labored,  the 
power  of  God  was  wonderfully  displayed.  God  honored  the 
'^  Methodist  testimony,"  as  Wesley  styled  it.  In  many  towns, 
all  denominations  shared  in  the  precious  work,  Independents 
Churchmen,  Baptists,  ]\Iethodists,  ministers  and  laymen,  bowed 
at  the  same  altar,  and  became  witnesses  of  i)erfect  love.  When 
theatres  are  emptied,  rum-shops  closed,  j)olicemen  left  idle, 
blasphemers  taught  to  pray,  defrauders  compelled  to  make 
restitution,  and  thousands  of  awakened  souls  made  joyful  in 
the  Redeemer's  love,  the  work  must  be  confessed  to  be  of 
God. 

Tlie  Sundarf  School  Advocate  says:  The  facts  recorded  in  the 
volume  are  really  marvelous.  Thousands  on  tliousands  are 
born  again, through  listening  to  the  appeals  of  the  Doctor  and 
his  lady.  It  was  worth  a  life-time  to  achieve  such  results  for 
tlie  Master.  We  recommend  the  book  as  a  record  of  one  of  tire 
most  wonderful  works  of  God, in  human  history. 

Prof.  Thomas  C.  Fpham  requested  the  privilege  of  ex- 
pressing his  thoughts  and  feelings  in  regard  to  the  volume, 
in  the  "  Guide  to  Holiness."    It  reads : 

My  special  object  is  to  notice  briefly  the  recently  published 
work,  entitled  '•  Four  Years  in  the  Old  World."  TLe  motives 
which  led  the  authors  of  this  work.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  to 
visit  their  ancestral  land,  were  peculiar  ;  at  least,  as  compared 
with  the  motives  which  commonly  prompt  m'^n  to  action  ;  and 
remind  one  of  the  journeys  of  Paul  and  other  Christian  labor- 
ers, who  went  forth  in  i^rimitive  ages,  to  testify  for  Christ.  It 
was  not  to  gmtify  a  merely  natural  curiosity,  to  see  the  beau- 
ties of  Nature,  and  to  become  acquainted  with  wonderful  works 
of  art,  but  raiher  to  learn  the  designs  and  possibiliti(  s  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  to  place  themselves  in  harmony  Avitli  any 
work  He  might  have  for  them  to  do.  In  her  words,  it  was  a 
voyage  of  the  heart,  quickened  and  guided  by  the  great  inward 
Teacher  ;  not  an  aesthetic  journey,  for  the  purpose  of  gratifying 
the  outward  senses,  but  an  expedition  undertaken,  if  I  may  so 


MRS.  PHGEBE  PALMER.  401 

express  ?t,  in  the  interests  of  humanity.     And  they  found  the 
land  which  they  visited  aheady  white  for  the  liarvest. 

Tlie  w«uk  wliich  is  given  to  tlie  public  as  the  written  result 
of  tiieir  niissionavy  journey  is  interesting  in  many  respects. 
.Scrupulously  exact  in  iis  descriptions  of  the  scenery  of  the 
lands  wliich  they  visited,  of  ancient  remains,  and  of  interest- 
ing incidents  of  various  kinds,  so  far  as  it  was  pioper  to  notice 
them,  and  describing  and  narrating  them  in  a  simple,  ani- 
mated, and  graphic  style,  the  great  and  special  interest  of  the 
work,  nevertheless,  is  -his, — that  it  is  a  minute  and  faithful 
account  of  man  when  he  is  awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  respon- 
sibility, and  his  deej)  religious  wants,  and  of  the  manifestations 
i  nd  operations  of  the  Spirit  of  God  in  convi  icing  and  convert- 
ing the  soul  J  and,  consitlered  in  this  light,  it  stands  almost 
alone  J  although,  in  the  better  day  which  is  ap])roacliing,  and 
which  is  already  at  hand,  avc  hope  it  Avill  prove  tlic  ])recursor 
of  many  others,  Avhich  shall  narrate,  with  similar  thrilling 
power,  the  triumphs  of  Christ. 

The  simplicity  with  which  this  beloved  brother  and  sister 
went  forth,  unheralded  by  earthly  pomp,  and  unaided  by  earthly 
authority,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  and  in  the  strength  of  Christ 
alone,  was  the  Avarrant  and  the  evidence  of  a  divine  power; 
and,  Avhen  they  threw  down  the  gauge  of  battle  in  the  face  of 
Satanic  enmity,  it  Avas  the  pledge  of  victory.  Their  steps  Avero 
evidently  guided  by  a  higher  intelligence  ;  and  wonderful  Avere 
the  mighty  As^orks  of  God  Avhich  followed  them.  It  is  impos- 
sible here,  to  enter  into  any  details  ;  but  multitudes  Avho  in  the 
present  age  and  in  future  times  shall  read  them,  Avill  iind  their 
faith  strengthened,  and  their  hearts  greatly  rejoiced. 

There  is  one  characteristic  of  the  Avork  Avhich  is  especially 
worthy  of  notice.  I  refer  to  the  prominence  it  gives  to  tlu;  doe- 
trine  of  holiness,  and  to  the  practical  illustrations  Avhich  it 
furnishes  of  the  miglity  jiower  Avhich  attends  a  fully  consecrat- 
ed heart  and  life.  The  Christian  Avorld  is  beginning  to  learn 
the  value  of  assurance  of  faith  founded  upon  entire  consecra- 
tion,— principles  Avhich  involve  and  accept  the  responsibility 
ofmanonthe  one  hand,  and  the  absolute  truthfulness  of  God 
on  the  other,  and  which  in  their  combined  r.clion  vamX  result,. 


402  MEMOIRS  OF  Mils.   PHCEBE  PALMLB. 

open  the  afifectional  fountains  of  the  soul,  and  reveal  that  pure 
and  mighty  love,  which,  in  lieaven  and  earth,  is  recognized  as 
the  image  and  the  glory  of  God.  The  possessors  of  the  blessed 
experience  which  is  implied  in  this  statement,  are  truly  the 
younger  brothers  and  sisters  of  Him,  who  gave  his  life  for  the 
children  of  men.  And  I  think  it  is  not  unbecoming  to  say, 
that  the  writings  and  labors  of  Brother  and  Sister  Palmer  have 
done  much,  under  the  divine  blessing,  to  increase  the  number 
of  this  chosen  and  consecrated  host. 


CHAPTEE  IX. 

Evangelistic   Expeditions — Continued. 

LABOR    recommenced  immediately  on   their    reCurn 
home : 

*'  We  had  not  been  at  home  two  hours,"  wrote  Mrs.  Pahner, 
to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Haniline,  *'  before  we  were  waited  u]><)n  hy 
a  number  of  brethren,  composing  the  Quarterly  Conference  ot 
the  Allen  Street  M.  E.  Cliurch,  with  the  Presiding  Elder  and 
Pastor,  requesting  that  we  would,  if  able,  enter  upon  labors  at 
once.  We  consented  to  spend  our  first  Sabbath  at  Allen  street, 
though  much  worn,  and  needing  rest.  You  may  see  some  ac- 
count of  our  Sabbath  services  in  this  week's  Advocate,  a  copy 
of  which  is  already  on  its  way  to  you.  The  meetings  have  since 
been  continued  with  increasing  interest.  Several  have  been 
blest,  some  with  justifying,  others  with  sanctifying  grace. 
Other  cases  are  pressing  upon  us  from  various  directions.  But 
from  tlie  state  of  our  health,  and  other  causes,  we  do  not  think 
it  expedient  to  enter  upon  a  series  of  services  at  present,  as  we 
have  done  in  the  Old  World." 

18G3. 

ALIJ2N    STREET,    NEW  YORK. — CONGRESS    STREET,   STATE   STREET, 
TROY,   NEW^  YORK. 

Allen  Street,  New  York,  JVbvember.  The  coveted 
respite  from  labor  was  not  to  be  had,  until  ^'  the  weary 
wheels  of  life  stood  still."  Invitations  i)oured  in  from  all 
l)arts  of  the  country,  and  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  again 
girded  themselves  for  the  conflict.  On  November  2()th, 
she  w  rites : 

We  liave  been  doing  some  little  for  Him  who  has  done  so 
much  for  us,  since  our  return.     Tlie  past  three  weeks,  has  been 


404  MEMOIRS   OF 

Bpent  in  labors  abundant,  at  the  Allen  Street  Cliurcli.  Minis- 
ters and  people  liave  come  from  all  parts  of  the  city.  Hundreds 
have  been  present  each  evening.  The  number  of  seekers  sur- 
rounding the  altar,  lias  seldom  been  less  than  twenty,  and  often 
about  thirty.  Many  have  received  tlie  blessing  of  pardon,  and 
others  have  claimed  tlic  witness  of  purity. 

COXGIIESS  STREET,  TROY. 

December  Sth,  1383. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford; 

You  will  see  by  a  notice  whicli  I  will  clip  from  tlic  Troy 
Times,  tliat  we  closed  our  special  services  at  Congress  street,  on 
Sabbath  evening.  We  had  a  great  crowd,  and  the  Lord  of  the 
temple  w\as  gloriously  present  to  bless  His  people,  and  a!sj 
convict  and  save  sinners. 

On  Sabbath  afternoon,  we  attended  the  Sabbath-school, 
which,  with  the  Bible  classes,  etc.,  numbers  about  six  hundred. 
We  talked  to  them  about  the  importance  of  remembering  now 
their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth.  God  the  Holy  Spirit 
was  near,  to  intensify  truth.     Many  were  convicted  deeply. 

On  the  invitation  being  given  to  all  who  had  fully  resolved 
on  coming  to  Jesus,  and  commence  their  eternal  God-service  in 
the  presence  of  God,  men,  and  angels,  about  seventy  came  for- 
ward to  the  altar  and  its  surrounding.^. 

There  was  nuich  weeping,  and  I  doubt  not  a  large  portion 
of  these  youthful  penitents  did  truly  and  lieartily  repent 
of  their  sins.  I  think  not  less  than  fifty  professed  to  have 
found  mercj'^  Wiiore  we  labor,  the  names  of  the  childron  wlio 
seek  and  find  the  Saviour,  arc  not  generally  recorded.  I  do  not 
doubt  but  it  is  regarded  as  a  matter  of  fiir  greater  importance 
when  the  name  of  a  youthful  one  is  v;ritten  in  lieaven,  tiiancan 
be  conceived  of  on  earth.  While  the  name  seems  scarcely  of 
sufficient  note  to  be  written  by  the  secretary  of  a  meeting, 
angels  witness  the  record  as  it  is  Ix  ing  i)enned  in  the  Book  of 
Life,  with  exceeding  joy.  Youth  is  Ged's  time  to  convict  and 
save.  If  Voltaire,  Tom  Paine,  Rosseau,  or  any  other  of  those 
infidel  writers  had  been  ccmverted  in  their  child]iood,it  might 
have  been  said,  only  a  boy  had  been  saved.     But  when  we 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  405 

tliiuk  of  the  tliousands,  wlio,  in  succeeding  generations,  have 
been  and  will  be  poisoned  tlirough  the  pernicious  tendency 
of  each  one  of  tliese  infidel  writers,  who  can  conceive  of  tlie 
niultidude  of  sins  that  might  have  been  covered,  and  the 
many  now  writhing  in  endless  misery,  who  miglit  have  been 
saved,  had  either  one  of  tlicse  been  converted  in  their  youth  ! 

Dear  Sister  Wells  has  a  Bible  class  something  like  your  own, 
only  not  so  large.  She  says  it  consists  of  nineteen  young  ladies. 
The  last  three,  of  the  nineteen,  were  converted,  on  Sabbatli 
evening.  Praise  the  Lord  !  You  will  say— To  His  name  be  all 
the  glory  for  ever  and  ever  !  The  names  of  over  one  hundred 
have  been  recorded  as  having  sought  and  found. 

Yesterdaj^,  we  commenced  our  special  efforts  at  the  State 
Street  Chnrch.  All  the  Methodist  churches  in  Troy  have  united 
in  official  resolves  to  sustain  the  extra  meeting  at  State  street. 
Our  afternoon  and  evening  services  of  yesterday  were  largely 
attended,  and  accompanied  with  tokens  of  the  Divine  i>resence. 

18G4. 

NORTH    SECOND    STREET,   TROY  J  POUGHKEEPSIE,   BREWSTERS,   N.  Y.— - 
LAWRENCE,    BOSTON,   MASS. — MOUNT   PLEASANT,  IOWA. — PETER- 
BOROUGH, CANADA,— YARMOUTir,  N.  8.— NEW    ENGLAND. 

PERCY,  PICTOU,  C.  W. 

NORTH  SECOND  STREET,  TROY,  N.  Y. 

January  7th,  1864. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

The  fact  is,  though  I  never  felt  it  more  of  a  privilege,  ''  To 
work,  think,  speak  and  live  for  God,"  yet  I  have  found  myself 
so  exceedingly  Avorn,  the  past  three  or  four  days,  that  I  have 
thought  I  might  have  to  give  up  beforefinishingour  week  here. 
I  feel  a  little  better  to-day,  but  seem  to  need  a  respite  greatly. 

We  are  having  a  good  work  here.  Last  evening  we  had 
about  thirty  surrounding  tiic  altar,  the  most  of  whom  were  seek- 
ing pardon.  We  have  reason  to  believe  that  twenty,  at  least, 
obtained  forgiveness. 

Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest ! 

Vv'^e  have  found  the  general  indefiniteness  on  the  subject  of 


406  MEMOinS  OF 

heart  piirifcj',  a  marked  hindrance  to  the  work,  in  these  regioho. 
When  we  first  came  to  the  cliurcli  wliere  we  are  now  hiboriug, 
when  we  asked  the  people  to  come  out  and  couserrate  them- 
selves to  the  work  of  soul  saving,  about  one  hundred  came  and 
filled  the  altar  and  all  its  surroundings.  Still,  a  want  of  power 
was  most  manifest. 

Tliough  we  perhaps  did  not  have  a  day's  service,  without 
witnessing  more  or  less  of  the  convicting  and  converting  grace 
of  God,  yet  there  was  a  felt  want  of  power,  in  the  disciples  of 
Jesus.  We  realized,  i)ainfully,  that  the  power  delegated  to  the 
disciples,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  was  wanting. 

When  we  entreated  the  Church  membership  to  seek  the 
witness  of  heart  purity,  as  a  i)reparation  for  nsefuluess,  there 
was  an  evident  holding  back.  We  resolved  to  be  unllinching 
in  our  requisitions  on  this  point,  knowing  it  to  be  God's  order. 
The  light  of  eternity  alone  can  reveal  liow  wearying  to  flesh 
and  spirit  it  has  been,  to  stem  the  current  of  wrong  teaching  in 
this  place.  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  Xho,  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ !  The  standard  has  been  raised, 
and  the  way  of  the  people  prepared.  My  faith  is  grasping  in 
the  salvation  of  hundreds,  in  case  the  special  services  may  be 
continued  with  a  like  recognition  of  the  necessity  of  present, 
l)ersonal,  specific  holiness  on  the  part  of  jirofessors,  as  a  prei)ara- 
tion  for  the  work. 

The  Holy  Spirit  is  being  poured  out  in  an  extraordinary 
manner,  and  we  dare  not  leave,  at  present. 

Many  have  received  the  blessing  of  holiness,  and  now  the 
work  of  awakening  and  conversion  is  going  on,  with  i)ower. 
Between  thirty  and  forty  seekers  were  forward,  last  evening, 
and  many  were  raised  up  to  testify  of  the  j)ower  of  Christ  to 
forgive  sins. 

Lawrence,  Mass.,  March  14f/t. 
Dear  Sister  Sarah  : 

The  most  auspiciou:^  indication,  just  at  present  is,  that  the 
light  of  the  glorious  gospel  is  penetrating  the  hearts  of  some 
gentlemen  free-thinkers  here.  Early  last  week,  an  intelligent 
looking  gentleman  remained  for  conversation,  after  the  close  of 


MES.  rnCEBE  PALMER.  407 

the  evcninj^  service.  He  said  he  was,  and  liad  been  for  years, 
a  sincere  inquirer  after  the  truth, — yet  couhl  not  believe  in  the 
divinity  of  Christ,  nor  see  tlie  need  of  the  atoning  bh)od,  when 
a  man's  life  was  such  as  to  reprove  the  mass  of  professors.  I 
said,  "  What  j'ou  need,  my  friend,  is  the  eulighteniug  influence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Spiritual  things  are  spiritually  discerned. 
The  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
for  the}'  arc- foolishness  unto  him,  neither  can  he  Know  them, 
because  they  are  si)iritually  discerned.  Therefore,  you  must  have 
the  ifoly  Spirit  to  help  you.''  I  tried  for  some  time  to  extort  a 
promise  from  him,  that  he  would,  before  retiring  to  his  pillow, 
fisk  in  humble  prayer  the  promised  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  but 
though  sharp  in  his  insinuations  about  professed  Christians,  he 
was  gentlemanly,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  grace  to  use  him.  with 
affectionate  forbearance. 

After  m^^  return  home  that  night,  I  felt  much  drawn  out  in 
prayer,  that  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  might  shine  upon  the 
lieart  of  that  man,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  so  arrest,  that  lie  might 
have  no  rest,  till  he  was  led  to  acknowledge  his  need  of  Jesus. 

I  saw  little  more  of  him  during  the  remainder  of  the  week, 
till  Saturday  evening,  when  the  moment  the  invitation  to  peni- 
tents was  given,  he  hastened  forward  and  knelt  at  the  altar. 
I  went  to  him.  He  was  no\v^  more  than  r<'ady  to  acknowl- 
edge himself  lost,  without  Christ.  ^'  Oil,"  said  he,  '^  I  have  been 
such  a  sinner, — I  have  reasoned  so  much  against  Jesus  as  a 
Saviour !  "  ^'  But  now  you  feel  your  need  of  a  Saviour  ?  "  ''Oh, 
yes,"  said  he,  **  but  I  can't  feel  that  He  will  receive  me  now.  I 
have  rejected  him  so  long."  ''  But  jou  do  not  reject  Him  now  ?  " 
''  Oh,  no  !  "  ''  And  you  believe  that  the  Bible  is  God  speaking  to 
you  V  ''  Oh,  yes,  I  believe  the  Bible — yes,  every  word  of  it  now. 
I  have  questioned  it,  but  I  believe  all  now.  Yet  I  cannot  seem 
to  take  Christ  as  my  Saviour, — I  would,  but  I  cannot."  "  Your 
greatest  sin  will  be  in  your  not  receiving  Jesus  as  your  Saviour. 
Not  to  receive  Him,  is  in  fact,  rejecting  Him.  If  you  do  not  re- 
ceive Him  as  your  Saviour,  you  do  reject  Him,  because  He  is 
now  offering  himself  to  2/OM.  He  is  nearer  to  you  than  I  am, 
and  is  at  this  moment  saying,  '  Look  unto  me  and  be  ye  saved.'" 
*'  But  I  cannot  feel  that  it  is  for  we,"    ''  That  does  not  alter 


408  MEMOIRS   OF 

the  fiict,  for  true  as  the  Bible  is  the  Avoid  of  God,  it  is  for  you ; 
as  truly  as  though  there  was  not  auother  sinner  in  the  whole 
wide  world,  that  needed  a  Saviour,  but  yourself, — truly  as 
though  3'ou  had  stood  beneath  His  cross,  when  the  assembled 
multitude  were  crying  out,  '  Crucify  Him  !  Crucify  Him  !' — Sup- 
pose you  iiati  stood  there,  and  the  dying  Saviour  had  siugied 
you  out  from  that  multitude,  and  fixing  His  expirin.o:  gaze  on 
you,  had  said,  '  I  suffer  this  for  thee.'  Would  you  have  doubted 
His  williuguesE  to  save  you,  under  such  circumstances  ?  "  "Not 
at  all— I  see  it — I  want  to  believe."  "Say,  in  tlie  atrevf/th  of 
Jesus,  I  WILL  believe,  and  then  the  strength  of  Jesus  will  be 
pledged  for  your  sustainment."  "  Lord  help  me  !  Lord  help 
me  no  V  ! '' — Shortly  a  change  came  over  his  countenance,  and 
he  exclaimed,  "  I  can,  I  do  believe  !  Jesus  is  my  Saviour !  " 
Never,  seemingly,  did  the  new  song  seem  sweeter  than  just 
then  and  there.  I  broke  out  in  singing,  "  Oh,  He's  taken  my 
feet  from  the  mire  and  clay,  and  placed  them  on  tlie  Rock  of 
Ages  !  "  The  newly  saved  skeptic  joined  with  me  in  the  joyful 
strain,  as  though  he  had  always  known  it.  What  a  blessed 
teacher  is  the  Holy  Spirit.  How  remarkable  that  he  should 
have  thus  joined  in  word  and  strain,  in  view  of  what  his  former 
associations  had  been !  Surely,  it  v*^as  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Before  the  meeting  closed,  lie  arose  before  the  large  assem- 
bly, and  gave  in  an  humble  and  most  inspiring  testimony  of 
the  power  of  Christ  to  save.  This,  as  you  will  observe,  was 
on  Saturday  evening.  Last  evening  (Sabbath),  he  broke  out 
in  prayer  before  hundreds.  His  command  of  language,  and  the 
manner  in  which  the  Spirit  aided  him,  both  iu  prayer  and 
speaking,  suggests  that  he  is  likely  to  make  his  mark  in  the 
world,  for  God  and  salvation.  There  has  been  a  gathering  at 
the  Town  Hall  here,  similar  to  the  gatherings  at  Tammany  Hall, 
New  York.  This  newly  converted  free-thinker  told  us  last 
night  that  the  Lord  told  him  he  must  go  to  the  Hall,  and  tell 
them  what  great  things  Jesus  had  done  for  him.  He  went 
and  told  them  the  story  of  his  salvation.  They  listened  with 
astoni,shment,  and  without  gain-saying,  and  I  have  strong  hopes 
that  the  Lord  is  about  to  make  a  wonderful  revolution  in  this 
camp  of  Satan. 


MRS.  FHCEBE  PALMEE.  4()9 

BOSTON,  MASS. 

New  York,  April  2iL 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  . 

\Vc  were  waited  upon  with  a  request  that  we  would  pause 
at  Boston  on  our  way  homeward,  for  an  afternoon  service, 
previous  to  leaving,  in  the  evenin.flr  boat.  The  evening  be- 
fore v^  e  left  L.,  we  received  a  telegraphic  dispatch  informing 
us,  that  we  stood  published  for  a  meeting  at  eleven  o'clock 
and  three  o'clock,  the  next  day,  at  Boston,  in  the  Tremont 
Temple. 

The  result  proved  the  matter  to  have  been  eminently  of 
God.  So  marked  were  the  manifestations  of  divine  approval, 
that  we  could  not  resist  the  importunities  of  the  people,  to 
remain  over  another  day.  We  did  so,  and  remained  another 
and  yet  another,  till  we  had  numbered  ten  days,  the  work 
constantly  increasing  in  power,  and  the  numbers  attend- 
ing, jet  more  numerous.  We  heard  several  say,  that  for 
years,  Boston  had  not  been  witness  to  such  a  visitation  of  the 
Spirit. 

The  meetings  were  called  Union  Meetings,  and  all  evan- 
gelical denominations  attended,  and  took  part  in  tlie  services. 
We  have  seldom  found  it  so  difficult  to  tear  ourselves  from 
any  place.  Many  were  the  prayers  presented,  that  the  Lord 
would  detain  us.  But  we  had  settled  it  in  our  minds  that  we 
must  leave.  Some  of  the  most  devout  expressed  it  as  their 
opinion,  that  the  Lord  would  quickly  send  us  back  again. 
Said  one  earnest  ^'Orthodox"  brother,  "If  I  had  a  fortune  of 
$50,000,  and  it  would  take  it  all  to  detain  you  here  six  months, 
I  Avould  give  it  all,  and  be  willing  to  be  left  a  poor  man."  It 
has  since  been  a  source  of  some  trial  to  me,  to  have  persevered 
in  leaving,  amid  such  importunities. 

NEW  ENGLAND. 

Mount  Kisco,  N.  Y.,  September  2d, 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  now  returned,  having  been  present  at  four  camp- 
meetings  in  the  New  England  Conference. 


410  MEMOIRS  OF 

PERCY,  PICTOU,  C.  W. 


Octoher  ^Ist. 


To  Mrs.  Lankford; 

Wc  are  in  the  midst  of  a  more  remarkable  work  than  .any- 
thing we  have  for  a  long  time  witnessed.  An  old  minister  has 
just  been  in,  and  says,  **  We  never  saw  it  after  this  fashion." 
Otlicrs  are  saying  the  same ;  in  fact  the  exclamation  is  passing 
from  lip  to  lip. 

We  left  home,  as  you  know,  fully  resolved,  in  view  of  our 
health  and  other  matters,  to  remain  away  but  a  very  short 
time.  Though  it  was  cold  and  stormy,  during  a  large  portion 
of.the  time  we  were  at  Percy  camp-meeting,  the  Lord  wrought 
in  power.  About  one  hundred  who  came  forward  as  seekers^ 
found  justifying,  and  others  sanctifying  grace.  After  the 
camp-meetings  closed,  we  were  constrained  to  remain  three 
days,  at  Percy  village,  about  two  miles  from  where  the  camp- 
meeting  was  held.  Here  the  Lord  poured  out  his  Spirit, 
though  there  were  but  few  persons  in  tlie  place.  Tlio  people 
came  from  miles  around,  and  from  twenty  to  thirty  Avere  for- 
ward, as  seekers,  eacii  evening,  and  some  remarkable  conver- 
sions occurred. 

It  Avas  indeed  most  difficult  to  tear  ourselves  away  from  the 
place,  so  anxious  Avere  the  people  that  we  should  stay,  and  the 
work  was  so  manifestly  on  the  increase,  daily.  From  Percy 
village,  it  was  our  intention  to  return  directly  home.  But  in 
view  of  what  Avas  said  to  be  the  remarkable  destitution  of 
revival  influence  in  this  place,  aa-^c  were  entreated,  AA'ith  tears, 
to  come  OA^er  and  help. 

W^e  came,  but  promised  only  to  remain  one  week,  at  the 
longest.  Scarcely  ever  did  we  commence  to  labor  at  a  i)lace 
Avhere  the  giound  seemed  harder  to  break.  Mountains  of  ice 
seemed  before  us.  But  in  ansAver  to  the  prayer  of  faith,  and 
truthful  dealings,  the  mountains  began  to  melt.  The  church 
edifice  is  commanding,  and  the  people  intelligent  and  reputa- 
b^.c,  i\\v\  the  only  Avant  was  spiritual  power.  On  Avitnessing 
the  state  of  things,  I  thought,  ^' If  the  Lord  Avill  only  cause  the 
mountiiiis  lo  nu'lt  down  before  Him,  in  this  place,  never  will 
we  de8i)air  in  regard  to  any  place  Ave  may  be  called  to  visit. 


MRS.  PnCEBE  PALMER.  411 

We  began  our  labors  on  Friday  afternoon,  just  one  week 
ago.  It  was  not  till  Sunday  morning,  while  we  were  talking 
to  the  people  about  broken  vows,  tliat  we  began  to  witness  a 
deep  and  powerful  moving  among  the  people. 

When  we  called  upon  tlieni  to  come  and  pay  their  vows  to 
God,  in  tha  presence  of  His  people,  the  altar  and  all  its  surround- 
ings were  filled,  and  many  who  had  named  the  name  of  Clnist, 
wept  and  groaned  between  the  porch  and  altar.  Ever  since, 
tlie  Lord  has  been  working  in  extraordinary  power.  We  have 
three  meetings  every  day,  nil  of  which  are  largely  attended* 
In  less  than  five  minutes  after  we  gave  the  invitation  to 
seekers,  not  only  is  the  altar  filled,  but  the  front  seats  and 
benches  in  the  aisles.  Tliese  are  tlie  Lord's  doings,  and  mar- 
velous in  our  eyes,  and  to  His  name  alone  be  all  the  glory. 

18G5. 
CAMP-MEETINGS  IN  CANADA. 

The  preparation  and  pnblication  of  ^^  Four  Years  in  the 
Old  World,"  and  the  ''-  Memoirs  of  Bishop  Haniline/^  occu- 
pied the  earlier  portion  of  I8G0,  and  prevented  compliant 
response  to  the  official  invitations  incessantly  arriving  from 
every  quarter. 

,  On  board  Steamer,  ? 

Kear  Toronto,  C.  IF.,  Sejytcmber,  1st,  18G5.  ^ 

To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

On  the  18th  of  August,  a  camp-meeting  was  held  at  Port 
Dover,  C.  W.,  at  which  we  were  present.  The  Lord  was  glori- 
ously present.  At  tlie  closing  love-feast,  about  one  hundred  and 
forty  testified  of  tlie  power  of  God  to  save.  Eighty  witnessed 
to  the  all-cleansing  efficacy  of  Jesus'  blood,  and  others  that  the 
Son  of  Man  hath  power  on  eartli  to  forgive  sin. 

Our  next  camp-meeting  was  at  Grimsby,  about  one  hundred 
miles  distant.  This  was  as  equally  blest  as  the  former.  Last 
evening  we  attended  a.  service  at  Hamilton,  and  surveyed  the 
battle  ground,  wliere  about  five  hundred  were  saved  in  eighteen 
days.  And  now  we  are  again  on  our  way  to  camp-meeting, 
which  begins  to-day,  near  Port  Hope. 


412  MEMOIRS  OF 

1866. 

NEWARK    N.     J.— LYNN,     MASS.— SARATOGA,     N.     Y.— UPPER     NEWTON 

FALLS,       MASS. — ALBION,       MICH. — MOKRISBURG,      BROCKVILLE, 

GREENBUSH,  C.  VV.  —PALMYRA,  ANN  ARBOR,  MICH. — CHICAGO, 

ILL. — LIMA,     IND. — ADAMS,     WATERTOWN,     ROME,    N.    Y. — 

CLEVELAND,   OHIO. 

Begianing  lier  evangelistic  labors  in  the  spacious  and 
beautiful  Centenary  churcli  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  in  February, 
of  this  year,  Mrs.  P.  was  there  iiermitted  to  reap  the  cus- 
tomary harvest  of  souls.  The  places  named  above,  were 
all  visited,  and  Mrs.  P.  could  add  truthfully,  ^^  Thanks 
be  to  God,  who  always  causeth  us  to  triumph."  We  will 
give  a  few  of  Mrs.  P's  own  recordings : 


River  St.  Lawrence,  June  2, 1866. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford: 

When  you  said  (as  we  were  taking  the  parting  hand  after 
the  close  of  our  precious  Tuesday  meeting),  '^  Write  me  a 
letter,"  you  may  remember  that  I  said  "  Yes."  Perhaps  I 
might  scarcely  tliought  it  possible  to  command  the  time,  liad  I 
not  unequivocally  said,  *^  Yes."  So,  if  my  pencillings  by  the 
way  redound  to  the  glory  of  God,  it  will,  in  some  wa^',  set 
forth  the  good  of  making  a  promise. 

But  how  true  it  is,  that,  where  there  is  a  will,  there  is  a  way ! 
And  how  blessed  the  thought,  that,  with  every  passing  hour, 
we  may  become  yet  more  rich  toward  God,  by  bringing  tlie  prom- 
ises and  the  Almighty  Promiscr  together  !  It  is  oidy  to  say, 
*^  Hast  Thou  not  said  it,"  and  trust  for  the  fulfillment,  and  then 
the  lieavens  would  sooner  pass  away,  than  tliat  e^^ery  jot  and 
tittle  of  the  faithful  Promiser  should  not  be  fulfilled.  And  here 
let  us  pause,  and  ascribe  thanks  and  praise  to  our  covenant 
keeping  God. 

After  traveling  two  nights,  and  nearly  two  days,  without 
intermission,  excepi  change  of  cars,  we  arrived  at  the  camp- 
ground, about  three  miles  from  Albion  Station,  Mich.  Not  a 
Bhortjouruey,  surely,  to  attend  a  camp-meeting;  but  not  too 


MRS.  PHOEBE  PALMER.  413 

loa.i;:  ^1'  toilsome  a  journey,  if  our  coming  baa  resulted  in  the  con- 
version ot  but  one  more  sinner,  or  the  entire  sanctificatiou  of 
but  one  more  believer,  than  might  otherwise  have  been  recorded. 
For  many  years  past,  we  have  been  in  the  liabit  of  deciding- 
questions  in  regard  to  accepting  invitations. to  labor  abroad, 
thus  :  Will  it  be  likely  to  result  in  the  salvation  of  but  one  more 
sinner?  If,  by  using  the  judgment  God  has  given  us,  we  have 
reason  to  believe  so,  we  dare  not  allow  any  earthly  consideration 
to  hinder  us,  believing  that  the  salvation  of  one  soul  outweighs 
the  wealth  of  the  universe.  If  the  wealth  of  heaveu  was  ex- 
pended to  save  us,  and  Christ  came  all  the  way  from  heaven  to 
earth  to  make  our  individual  salvation  possible,  surely  no  jour- 
ney is  too  long,  or  any  outlay  of  ease,  time,  or  money,  too  much 
to  contemplate,  which  may  be  subservient  toward  the  salvation 
of  perishing  souls.  The  number  of  redeemed  spirits  born  into 
the  kingdom  of  grace,  we  have  no  means  of  ascertaining,  as  there 
was  no  secretary  of  the  meeting ;  but  as  there  was  occasionally 
about  fifty  seekers  forward  at  one  time,  and  they  that  seek  do 
find,  we  have  reason  to  believe  many  found  the  Saviour.  But 
the  work  among  believers  exceeded.  We  arrived  on  the  camp 
ground  on  Thursday  evening.  Took  the  eight  o'clock  service  on 
Friday  morning.  The  Master  of  Assemblies  Avrought  in  power. 
A  multitude  of  disciples  arose  to  pledge  themselves  that  they 
would  consecrate  their  all,  unconditionally  and  eternally,  to  the 
Lord.    Then  together,  in  solemn  and  united  resolve,  they  sang, 

"  I  will  not  rest ;  till  pure  within, 
Till  I  am  wholly  lost  in  Thee." 

We  then  knelt,  and  asked  for  the  sanctifying,  sealing  power. 
Truly,  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  near,  in  the  rallc}j  of  dcchion.  The 
refining  fire  descended.  Then  the  Spirit  of  testimony  was  pour- 
ed out,  and  manj^  spake  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance.  The 
meeting  continued  in  unbroken  interest  five  hours,  and  it  seem- 
ed difficult  to  bring  it  to  a  temporary  close  at  one  o'clock.  Much 
interest  vras  manifested  in  regard  to  the  doctrine  and  experience 
of  lioliness,  by  the  ministers.  I  do  not  remember  that  one  ser- 
mon was  preached,  in  which  there  was  not  an  earnest  and 
definite  allusion  to  the  precious  doctrine  of  salvation  from  all 


414  MEMOinS  OF 

sin.  The  Sabbath  morning  love-feast  was  j;lorioiis.  A  large  por- 
tion of  tliose  who  spoke,  testified  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour,  able  to 
save  unto  the  uttermost. 

On  ^londay,  the  general  order  of  the  meeting  was  prevented 
by  a  heavy  storm  j  but  the  result  proved  tliat  the  divine  order 
was  not  interrupted.  How  often  do  wc  find  that  our  disappoint- 
ments are  God's  appointments  !  The  meetings  in  the  tents  were 
remarkably  owned  by  tlie  Lord.  From  Albion,  and  many  of  the 
surrounding  places,  many  wliosc  banner  liad  been  newly  in- 
scribed with  ''  HOLINESS  to  the  Lord,"  and  others  who  had  the 
witness  renewed,  pledged  themselves,  on  returning  to  their 
homes,to  display  their  banner.  You  will  remember  tliat  it  stands 
written,  ^^  Thou  liast  given  a  banner  to  them  that  fear  Thee,  that 
it  may  be  displayed  because  of  the  truth."  What  a  glorious  truth 
is  it  that  Christ  is  able  to  save  to  tlie  uttermost,  all  tliat  come  un- 
to God  by  Him,  and  to  d<iliver  His  redeemed  people,  that  they 
may  serve  Him  Avithout  fear,  in  hoUucss  and  righteousness,  all 
the  days  of  their  lircs  !  Dr.  P.  asked  who,  from  tlie  various 
places  tliere  represtnted,  would  xiledge  tliemselves  to  jdant  tlie 
standard.  Would  that  I  could  portray  the  inspiring  events  of 
those  hours,  as  they  swiftly  flew,  and  one  brother  or  sister,  in 
quick  succession  after  another,  arose  to  say  that  the  blood-stained 
banner  should  be  unfurled  in  all  the  surrounding  regions.  Thus 
was  the  arrangem<i?nt  made  for  an  earnest  and  continued  battle, 
in  all  tlic  surrounding  towns  ;  and  thus  may  it  be  in  tlie  camp- 
meetings  which  may  succeed  throughout  the  country,  East, 
West,  North,  and  South,  during  the  coming  week.  "  They  that 
wait  ui)on  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength."  And  what  a 
blessed  opportunity  for  a  rally  of  God's  Israel,  and  augmenta- 
tion of  forces,  do  camp-meetings  furnish !  May  they  be  crowned 
with  yet  more  wonderful  results  this  year  than  ever  before,  and 
tens  of  thousands  newly  enlist  under  the  banner,  *'  Holiness  to 
THE  Lord  !" 

This  letter  was  commenced  while  sailing  down  the  beraiti- 
ful  lliver  St.  Lawrence,  amid  its  thousand  islands.  It  has  been 
finished,  sitting  in  a  railroad  depot,  at  Prescott,  Canada  West, 
while  waiting  for  the  cars  which  are  to  bear  us  away  to  another 
camp-meeting;  between  twenty  and  thirty  miles  distant,  to 


MRS.  rnCEBE  PALMER,  415 

which  wc  liave  for  some  time  stood  officially  invited,     l^ray  for 
us. 

Greenbusii,  July  5,  1866. 

Yours  was  brought  from  the  post  office,  during  the  closing 
exeiciscs  of  one  of  the  most  glorious  camp-meetings  it  has 
been  our  privilege  to  attend.  Our  Canada  fri<^nds  are  disposed 
to  avail  themselves  of  our  humblelabors,  to  the  extent  that  our 
physical  ability,  etc.,  will  allow.  We  have  repeatedly  taken 
charge  of  an  entire  service,  from  eight  o'clock  iu  the  morning 
till  between  twelve  and  one  at  noon.  Scores  have  sought,  and 
we  trust  obtained,  the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification  ;  and 
many,  very  many,  have  exulted  in  justifying  grace  newly  re- 
ceived. It  was  only  common  to  Jiave  from  thirty  to  fifty,  or 
more,  forward  as  seekers,  on  giving  the  invitation  to  come  to  the 
forms  placed  for  mourners. 

The  meeting  commenced  last  Thursday,  and  closed  yester- 
day (Thursday).  No  means  were  used  to  ascertain  the  magni- 
tude of  the  work,  till  the  daj-  but  one  previous  to  the  close,  when, 
in  order  that  the  converts  might  be  noted  and  properly  cared 
for,  and  the  name  of  the  Lord  be  exalted  by  His  doings  being 
made  known  to  the  people,  it  was  proposed  that  a  secretary  be 
appointed.  The  report  of  the  first  two  meetings  after  this,  was 
BBventy-five,  the  most  of  whom  had  received  either  the  blessing 
of  pardon,  orjiurity  of  heart.  From  this  time  till  the  close  of 
the  meeting,  over  one  hundred  names  were  recorded.  To  God 
alone  be  all  the  glory  ! 

Last  Sabbath  morning  was  a  season  of  wondrous  power. 
Our  tlieme  was  Pentecost.  Dr.  P.  read  part  of  Vno  second 
chapter  of  Acts,  and  I  tried  to  speak  ;  and,  to  the  glory  of  In- 
finite Grace,  I  feel  it  a  duty  to  say  that  the  Holy  Spirit  gave 
utterance.  We  asked  that  all  who  were  resolved  to  seek  the 
full  baptism,  and  have  it  now,  would  arise,  and  stand  till  the 
recording  angel  had  taken  the  record.  I  think  that  more  than 
one  hundred  arose,  and  solemnly  stood  before  tlie  Lord.  We 
then  asked  tliut  all  who  had  thus  pledged  themselves  would 
come  forward,  and,  like  the  one  hundred  and  twenty  male  and 
female  disciples  iu  the  little  upper  room,  with  one  accord,  and 
in  onej)lacCj  seek  believingly  for  the  promised  Mft  of  power. 


410  MEMOinS  OF    ' 

And  liow  inspiring  is  it  to  l^now  that  there  is  no  need  of 
tarrying  from  day  to  day,  for  tlie  dawning  of  the  Pentecostal 
morn,  as  did  those  early  disciples?  They  knew  not  of  the  sig- 
nificance of  the  types  and  shadows  until  after  their  fulfillment, 
but  they  were  commanded  to  tarry  till  imbued  with  power.  I 
think  we  have  reason  to  infer  that  they  knew  not  when  the 
promised  outpouring  of  tlie  Spirit  would  be  given,  but  that  it 
would  surely  come.  In  regard  to  the  time,  they  were  required  to  tar- 
ry in  faith,  knowing  the  faithfulness  of  tlie  divine  Promiser.  Not 
quite  so  with  the  disciples  of  the  j^resent  day.  When  the  day 
of  Pentecost  liad  fully  come,  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  com  - 
menced,  and  every  believing  soul  may  now,  at  once,  claim  the 
fulness.  God's  time  is  now.  The  day  of  Pentecost  is  fully 
come  to  every  one,  who,  in  defiance  of  every  conceivable 
obstruction,  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  Jehovah,  says,  "  Now.'' 
How  truly  do  all  such  prove  that  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  near,  in 
the  valley  of  decision  !  AYe  told  the  people  this,  and  many  of 
tlie  longing,  waiting  disciples  of  the  Saviour  will  ever  remem- 
ber that  hour  "  of  grace  and  sweet  delight  "  spent  on  the  Green- 
bush  camp-ground. 

It  was  near  mid-day  when  the  Rev.  William  Poole,  of  Brock- 
ville,  gave  us  a  powerful  discourse.  Other  ministers  alsopreaclied 
with  blessed  ability,  and  the  work  went  on  with  power  all  day. 
It  was  estimated  that  about  seven  thousand  persons  were  on  the 
ground.  Tiie  Lord  of  the  universe  gave  us  beautiful  weather, 
llev.  Mr.  M'Gill,  superintendent  minister,  presided  with  dignity 
and  Christian  courtesy,  while  every  minister  on  the  grourd 
seemed  to  be  inspired  to  do  his  part,  in  promoting  the  blessed 
work  ot  soul -saving. 

SARATOGA    SPRINGS,  N.  Y.      . 

April  Uth,  1860. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

We  attend  three  meetings  daily.  One  in  our  own  church,  at 
ten  A.  M.,  another  at  four  P.  M.,  and  again  at  seven  and  a  half 
o'clock  in  the  evening.  Strange  to  say,  there  seems  to  be  a 
more  marked  dislike  to  the  subject  of  holiness  here,  than  in  any 
place  we  have  visited,  cither  in  Europe  or  America.     Perhaps  it 


MRS.  PR(EBE  PALMER.  41  7 

may  be  accounted  for,  in  part,  tliat  it  is  a  sort  of  a  Babel,  <>i* 
rather  as  a  good  minister  said  in  prayer,  a  day  or  two  since, 
*'  Vanity  Fair."  And  beside,  this  is  a  region  where  the  doctrine 
has  been  openl}^  controverted  by  ministers  and  i)eople,  and  any- 
thing definite  on  the  subject  mostly  repudiated.  Yet,  after  all, 
the  reason  for  this  state  of  things  may  mainly  be  accounted  for, 
I  doubt  not,  on  the  same  princijde  that  the  Gergesenes  prayed 
the  Saviour  to  depart  out  of  their  coasts  j  that  is,  Yii^  presence  re- 
proved their  sordid  proclivities.  And  this  is  just  what  holiness 
does,  in  a  community  of  world  loving  professors. 

We  have  had  one  signal  answer  to  prajer.  A  father  who 
had  an  irreligious  son  at  the  Commercial  College  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  asked  prayer  in  his  behalf,  at  the  ten  o'clock  meeting, 
on  Thursday  morning.  Suiting  his  works  to  his  faith,  he  sent 
for  him  to  come  immediately.  He  arrived  early  on  Saturday 
evening,  came  to  the  meeting,  and  in  about  two  hours  after 
his  arrival,  was  powerfully  converted.  To-day  he  is  laboring 
for  the  salvation  of  others. 

UPPER  NEWTON  FALLS,    MASS. 

May  12ih,  1860. 
To  Mrs.  S.  A.  Lankford  : 

The  Lord  is  working.  But  such  fallow  ground  as  we  have 
been  called  to  break  here,  and  also  at  the  place  where  we  labor- 
ed last,  exceeds  anything  we  have  heretofore  had  to  do  with. 
It  reminds  me  of  an  experience  of  many  years  ago,  when  I 
opened  on  the  passage  Isaiah  55  :  8-11. 

The  Holy  Spirit  with  peculiar  force  then  suggested,  in  view 
of  the  processes  of  grace  inferred  from  this  passage, — whether  I 
would  be  willing  to  break  up  hard  stony  ground,  as  to  join  in 
the  exultation  of  the  harvest  gatherings,  and  my  soul  replied, 
"  Aye,  Lord,  any  part  of  the  work,  so  that  a  rich  harvest  be 
gathered  for  the  heavenly  garner." 

With  Unitarianism  and  Universalism,  and  general  obtuse- 
ness  on  the  subject  of  everything  that  constitutes  an  orthodox 
Christianity,  we  are  being  called  to  contend.  Even  members  of 
the  M.  E.  Church  think  that  revival  services  are  too  excitimj, 
and  that  we  are  making  quite  too  much  ado  in  getting  people 

27 


418  MEMOIRS   OF 

forward  to  the  altar,  the  thing  being  new  to  them.     Some  of 
them  also  quarrel  with  the  subject  of  holiness. 

A  noted  Universalist  minister  of  tliese  parts,  said  in  compar- 
ing the  two— Unitarianism  and  Universalism,  "  Tlie  difference  is 
this:  Universalists  believe  God  is  too  good  to  damn  the  people. 
Unitarians  believe  that  they  are  too  good  to  be  damned."  The 
large  churcli  edifice  in  w  hich  we  worship  has  been  recently  pur- 
chased from  the  Unitarians,  one  of  the  leading  Methodist  men 
having  recently  bouglit  it.  Wishing  to  have  the  seats  all  rented, 
so  as  to  ensure  a  return  for  his  money,  he  has  advised  the  min- 
ister to  be  reserved  in  regard  to  preaching  on  the  doctrine  of 
future  punishment.  Yet,  in  tlie  midst  of  all,  the  Lord  is  work- 
ing. Tlie  altar  is  nightly  surrounded,  and  souls  are  born  into 
the  kingdom,  at  both  afternoon  and  evening  services. 

ALBION,  MICH. — MORRISBUKG,  BROCKVILLE,  GREEXBUSII,  C.  W. 

Brockvillk,  C.  W.,  Jul)/  &th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Perhaps  I  have  not  reminded  you  that  our  last  was  written 
in  Michigan,  near  Detroit.  Shortly  after  mailing  our  letter, 
we  crossed  Lake  St.  Clair.  We  were  nearly  a  day  passing  with 
the  rapidity  of  steam-power,  through  Canadian  te:  i  itory.  Sev- 
eral large  towns  lay  in  our  way,  over  some  of  which  our  hearts 
affectionately  lingered,  in  remembrance  of  b;,ttles  fought  and 
victories  won  for  Christ,  the  Captain  of  our  salvation.  Particu- 
larly was  this  the  case,  in  passing  the  towns  of  London  and 
Hamilton.  About  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  we  reached 
that  stupendous  work  of  art.  Suspension  Briilge,  and  passed 
:Over  from  the  dominions  of  Her  Majesty,  Queen  Victoria,  into 
the  United  States.  I  can  never  cross  over  this  deep  chasm, 
and  look  at  the  rapid,  foaming  waters  beneath,  without  being 
^affected  with  the  contrast  of  man's  credulity  and  trust  in  h's 
fellows-man,  and  the  manifest  Avant  of  faith  and  trust  in  the 
.all-wise,  ever-faithful  Lord  God  Almighty.  I  think  of  the 
hundreds  who  pass  over  this  bridge  of  wire,  daily,  suspended 
from  three  to  five  minutes  together,  in  mid  air,  over  a  rock- 
bound  chasm,  more  than  a  hundred  feet  deep,  with  no  other 
guarantee,  of  safety  than  that  reposed  in  the  art  of  the  inventor. 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  419 

How  few  of  these,  if  called  to  trust  thus  implicitly  in  Him,  who 
taketh  up  the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing,  but  avouUI  imagine 
that  thoy  were  called  to  a  wonderful  test  of  faith  and  trust ! 
We  spent  the  night  at  a  hotel  on  the  American  side.  It  may 
seem  a  trifle  ;  but,  if  an  effort  there  made,  for  the  salvation  of  a 
soul,  may  be  effectual,  it  will  be  found  gloriously  worthy  of 
mention.  In  speaking  to  one  of  the  female  servients  at  the 
hotel,  about  her  soul,  the  Holy  Spirit  seemed  to  make  the 
affectionate  appeal  effectual.  She  was  nffected  ;  prcmiised  that 
she  would  at  once  begin  to  pray,  and  seek  the  salvation  of  lier 
soul.  I  also  promised  that  I  would  continue  to  remember  lier 
in  prayer,  and  would  expect  her  to  meet  me  in  lieaven  ;  which 
she  promised  she  would  endeavor  to  do.  I  left  with  lier 
a  little  book,  entitled  ^'  Come  to  Jesus,''  for  which  she  heartily 
thanked  me,  and  said  she  would  read  it,  and  think  of  me  as 
talking  to  her  while  so  doing. 

After  again  regaling  our  eyes  and  hearts  with  a  sight  oi 
the  magnificent  Falls,  and  the  surrounding  scenery,  we  took 
the  train  for  Lewiston.  Taking  the  steamer,  we  sailed  down 
the  beautiful  Niagara  River,  crossed  the  Ontario  Lake,  and  the 
next  day  landed  at  Prescott,  a  Canadian  town  on  the  b.'inks  of 
the  St.  Lawrence  j  from  thence  to  Morrisburg,  w'here  a  camp- 
meeting  had  been  appointed,  to  which  we  had  for  some  time 
stood  engaged. 

Few  regions  have  been  more  disturbed  by  the  Fenian  move- 
ment, so  that  it  was  thought  necessary  to  recall  the  camp-meet- 
ing. Of  this,  we  would  have  been  duly  informed,  but,  being 
at  the  time  in  Michigan,  we  did  not  receive  the  letter.  We  held 
several  services  in  the  church,  two  daily,  and  had  a  sort  of 
''home  cami)-meeting."  Souls  were  saved,  and  some,  we  trust, 
sanctified  wholly.  But  I  do  not  doubt  the  fact  of  recalling  the 
camp-meeting  was  a  serious  mistake,  inasmuch  as  '^  Let  your 
yea  be  yea,"  etc.,  was  seemingly  not  properly  regarded. 

Our  home  at  Morrisburg  was  on  the  banks  of  the  beautiful 
St.  Lawrence,  with  its  Thousand  Islands.  This  is  the  region 
where  Dr.  Bangs  exercised  his  early  ministrj,  amid  discourage- 
ments and  encouragements.  You  may  remember  his  remarkable 
dream, — breaking  the  rock;  etc.  Within  a  f^sY  miles  of  this,  lie 


420  MEMOIRS  OF 

married  in  a  Canadian  family.  We  were  guests  of  Mr.  Jacob 
Haines.  This  devoted  brother  has  for  several  years  past  been 
an  earnest  follower  of  the  Saviour,  of  the  Carvosso  stamp.  He 
began  his  heavenward  career  in  a  way  calculated  to  insure  suc- 
cess, reminding  one  of  Matthew  the  publican,  or  Zaccheus,  wlio 
seemed  to  have  no  desire  to  sacrifice  that  which  cost  notliing. 
Before  his  better  life  commenced,  he  kept  a  hotel,  and  sold,  as 
usual,  the  intoxicating  draught.  On  the  eve  of  his  conversion, 
he  was  sittiug  in  the  house  of  God.  Seekers  were  invited  to 
decide  at  once  for  Christ,  and  openly  acknowledge  their  need  of 
salvation.  With  him,  the  decision  had  that  night  been  made. 
He  arose  from  his  seat,  not  to  go  forward  to  the  altar  of  prayer, 
but  to  return  to  his  home.  Taking  an  axe,  he  went  to  his  sign- 
post, and  felled  it  to  the  ground.  Having  thus  brought  fortli 
works  meet  for  repentance^  he  returned  to  the  church,  went 
forward,  and  knelt  amid  the  company  of  seekers,  and  was  soon 
made  a  joyful  witness  of  the  power  of  the  Son  of  man  to  forgive 
sins.  His  onward  course,  during  the  years  that  have  since  suc- 
ceeded, has  been  marked  by  the  same  decisive,  self-sacrificing 
devotion  ;  and  though  a  man  of  large  business  as  a  farmer,  witli 
him,  the  salvation  of  souls  is  absorbing. 

Leaving  Morrisburg,  we  came  to  Brockville,  between  thirty 
and  forty  miles  distant,  where  we  remained  two  days,  liolding 
meetings  each  evening,  Avhich  were  divinely  owned,  and  well 
attended.  We  had  been  invited,  weeks  previous,  to  visit  this 
place )  but  had  also  engaged  to  attend  a  camp-meeting  at  Green- 
bush,  twelve  miles  in  the  interior.  1  would  love  to  give  you 
some  account  of  this  meeting,  it  was  such  a  blessed  season  of 
refreshing  5  but,  at  present,  time  will  not  permit. 

Jidij  12. — We  are  now  engaged  in  holding  special  services  in 
the  pleasant  town  of  Brockville.  Meetings  are  held  afternoon 
and  evening,  and  the  altar,  at  each  service,  is  surrounded  with 
seekers ;  and  new  Avitnesscs  of  the  power  of  Chri.st  to  forgive 
sins,  and  to  sanctify  His  people  wlioUy,  are  daily  being  raised 
up.  We  are  within  a  few  miles  of  where  that  honored  mother 
in  Israel,  Barbara  Heck,  and  lier  good  husband,  Paul  Heck,  lie 
buried  side  by  side.  On  Monday  last,  we  dined  with  George 
Heck,  Esq.,  grandson  of  Barbara  Heck.     We  saw  some  liighly 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  40  L 

prized  relics  of  the  worthy  pair,  particularly  the  Bible  that  tlie 
devoted  Barbara  had  on  her  lap,  and  through  which  her  spirit 
was  doubtless  holding  converse  with  the  Father  of  spirits,  at 
the  moment  He  took  her  to  Himself.  Her  death  might  be  re- 
gjarded  a  translation.  She  was  seemingly  in  her  usual  health, 
sitting  in  her  chair  5  and  the  first  token  of  her  departure  was, 
that  her  much-loved  and  well  worn  Bible  slipped  frorft  her 
hands.  , 

Since  the  death  of  her  husband,  which  occurred  several 
years  previous,  she  had  been  living  with  her  son,  residing  on 
the  banks  of  the  beautiful  St.  Lawrence  River.  Her  remains 
now  repose  in  a  graveyard  about  a  mile  distant  from  the  spot 
whence  she  took  her  flight  to  heaven.  It  is  just  such  a  place 
as  one  might  choose  for  his  last  earthly  resting-place, — on  an 
embankment  overlooking  the  St.  Lawrence,  Avhose  rapid  flow 
reminds  the  beholder  of  life's  ever-flowing  stream,  bearing  its 
sons  away.  I  regret  to  say,  that  the  grave,  though  carefully 
marked  by  the  relatives,  bears  no  inscription.  The  grandson 
told  us  that  he  would  long  since  have  raised  a  worthy  monu- 
ment, but  that  it  had  been  so  long  contemplated  by  the  Method- 
ist public  to  perpetuate  her  name  in  a  befitting  manner,  as  a 
mother  in  Methodism.  Assisted  by  the  Rev.  William  H.  Poole, 
Weslejan  minister  of  Brockvillc,  I  planted  a  beautiful  rose- 
bush on  the  grave  of  the  departed  heroine.  Some  of  the  roses 
were  in  bloom,  the  most  of  which  we  left  to  shed  perfumes 
over  the  venerated  spot. 

A  brother  beloved,  not  Zenas  the  lawyer,  but  S, the  law- 
yer, upon  whom  the  blessed  Holy  Spirit  has  set  the  sanctifying 
seal,  within  the  past  few  days,  busied  himself,  while  we  were 
viewing  the  graves  of  the  honored  dead,  in  taking  a  sketch  of 
the  graves  of  Barbara  and  Paul,  and  other  members  of  the 
Hecl^  family.  Being  an  adept  in  the  art,  he  produced  an  ad- 
mirable sketch,  which  we  hope  ere  long  we  may  see  engraved, 
during  the  Centenary  year,  for  some  of  the  popular  Methodist 
periodicals. 

The  remains  of  Mrs.  Lawrence  also  lie  interred  here.  She 
was  the  widow  of  Philip  Embury,  of  honored  memory,  who 
died  at  Ashgrove.    A  year  or  two  subseciuent  to  the  death  of 


422  MEMOIRS  OF 

Embury,  she  was  married  to  Mr  Lawrence,  one  of  the  little 
company  wlio  emigrated  with  Paul  and  Barbara  Heck,  Philip 
Embury,  etc.,  and  formed  the  first  band  of  Methodists  in  the 
New  World. 


My  letter  has  been  delayed.  After  being  engaged  in  pre- 
cious toil  for  the  Master,  about  ten  days  in  Brockville,  impor- 
tant duties  required  that  we  whould  turn  our  attention  home- 
ward. We  sliall  ever  remember  with  gratitude  to  God,  the 
many  dear  friends  of  Jesus  we  met  here,  and  with  wliom,  as 
laborers  together,  we  endeavored  to  gather  jewels  for  the  iUas- 
ter's  crown.  1  lie  (ie voted  pastor.  Rev.  William  H.  Poole,  Mith 
liis  true  helpmeet  in  tlie  Lord,  Mrs.  Poole,  are  intent  in  build- 
ing up  the  waste  jdaces  in  Zion,  and  inspired  with  a  consum- 
ing zeal  that  the  members  of  their  charge  be  presented  perfect 
jn  Christ  Jesus.  Many  youthful  ones  came  flocking  as  doves 
to  the  windows,  at  a  service  on  Sabbath  afternoon,  devoted 
specially  to  their  interests^  and  day  after  day,  the  communion 
rail  was  surrounded  with  earnest  seekers  of  pardon  or  purity, 
and  many  of  those  who  sought,  found.  We  had  some  memora- 
ble victories  of  grace,  in  regard  to  persons  who  were  made 
Rl)ecial  subjects  of  prayer,  at  the  afternoon  meetings,  the  par- 
ticulars of  which  I  would  love  to  record  ;  but  time  will  not  per- 
mit. 

DELIGHTFUL   INCIDENT. 

I  cannot  forbear  giving  you  a  hasty  recital  of  a  delightful 
Incident  which  occurred  as  we  were  passing  through  Saratoga, 
on  our  return  home.  The  train,  as  usual,  i)aused  a  few  mo- 
ments; when,  in  remembrance  of  our  brief  labors  there,  a  few 
months  since,  I  observed  to  Dr.  P.,  ^^  Perhaps  you  had  better 
step  out  among  the  peox)le  j  you  may  greet  some  of  our  friends 
in  Jesus."  As  he  was  passing  through  the  car,  a  strange  lady 
who  had  just  taken  her  seat,  grasped  his  hand,  and,  enthusias- 
tic with  delight,  exclaimed,  ''  A  thousand  thanks,  an  eternity  of 
thanks,  to  you  !  It  was  while  you  were  here  in  Saratoga,  that  I 
experienced  religion,"  etc.     Dr.  P.  quickly  returned  to  me  with 


MnS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  423 

a  benming  countenance,  and  related  the  pleasing  occurrence.  I 
iiave'often  pictured  to  my  mind  tlie  delightful  recognitions  that 
may  occur  in  heaven,  after  the  laborers  of  our  Lord,  and  those 
saved  through  their  instrumentality,  have  all  been  called  liomc, 
and  taken  possession  of  the  mansions  prepared  for  tlieni.  Often 
have  I  thought  of  the  time  when  we  might  walk  the  gold-paved 
streetsoftheNew  Jerusalem,  and  might  perhaps  througli  Infinite 
grace  be  recognized  by  yet  one  and  another  of  the  celestial  in- 
liabitants,  Avho,  coming  out  of  their  heavenly  mansions,  might 
greet  us  with  tne  joyful  exclamation,  ''  You  were  the  one  that 
gave  me  the  invitation  to  come  to  Jesus  ;  and  iiow,  beJiold  wliat 
a  mansion  he  has  prepared  for  me  !  '  But  we  had  hardly  anti- 
cipated a  recognition  so  nearly  akin,  in  hurriedly  passing  through 
a  place  so  much  like  Vanity  Fair,  as  this  fashionable  rendezvous, 
Saratoga  Springs. 

On  going  to  the  lady,  I  asked  to  know  the  particulars  other 
happy  conversion  ;  and  she  informed  me,  that  one  evening, 
while  we  were  illustrating  the  simplicity  of  faith,  by  the  following 
incuient,  her  faith,  most  unexpectedly  and  fully,  laid  liold  on 
Christ,  as  her  own  precious  Saviour ;  and  ''  Oh,"  she  exclaimed, 
'^  I  was  so  poicerfuUij  converted  !  " 

The  incident  was  this :  "When  we  were  laboring  in  the  Old 
World,  at  the  town  of  lierwick-on-Tweed,  I  observed,  at  one 
of  our  evening  meetings,  a  lady,  looking  exceedingly  pensive, 
making  her  v^ny  into  the  vestry. 

She  was  the  first  one  to  leave  the  audience-room  and  enter 
the  place  appointed  for  seekers.  I  would  have  spoken  to  her 
immediately,  for  my  heart  and  eye  m  ere  unusually  attracted  in 
sympathy  for  her,  as  I  gazed  on  her  sorrowing,  intellectnal  coun- 
tenance ;  but  as  many  others,  whose  speaking  looks  seemed  to 
say,  ^'  We  would  see  Jesus,''  came  crowding  into  the  vestry,  and 
the  prayerful  attention  of  a  dear  minister  was  enlisted  for  the 
lady  first  mentioned,  I  became  interested  for  otliers,  and  saw  no 
more  of  her  till  the  close  of  the  service  in  tbe  vestry.  It  was  a 
successful,  happy  meeting.  To  all  who  liad  sought,  Jesus  had 
revealed  Himself  as  the  altogether  lovely  ;  and  they  had  return- 
ed to  the  large  company  in  the  audience-room,  rejoicing,  ex- 
cepting the  one  dear  seeker  who  was  tlie  first  to  identify  herself 


424  MEMOIRS  OF 

as  a  seeker.  I  had  returned  to  the  audience-room,  leaving  the 
minister  ens^ar^ed  in  directing  that  lone  seeking  one,  to  Jesus. 
The  congregation  was  dispersing;  when  the  minister  came  out 
of  the  vestry,  and  said  to  me,  "  I  uo  wish  you  would  go  and  talk 
with  that  lady  ;  I  can't  do  anything  with  her.  She  says  that 
she  cannot  helieve."  I  returned  to  the  A^estry.  There  she  sat, 
alone,  the  picture  of  despair;  when  the  following  conversation 
ensued : — 

"I  am  sorry  you  find  it  so  hard  to  believe." 

^'  Well,  I  cannot  believe.'''' 

"  It  you  should  say  that  you  cannot  believe  me,  I  would  cer- 
tainly teel  grieved,  and  think, ''  What  have  I  done  that  it  should 
be  so  aitricult  lor  this  friend  to  have  confidence  m  me  ?  But,  m 
view  of  my  fallibility,  I  suppose  it  would  not  be  so  wonderful, 
but  that  you  should  find  it  so  hard  to  believe  God,  whose  name 
is  Faithful  and  True,  is  indeed  wonderful." 

"  I  cannot  believe." 

^'  AVell,  if  you  cannot  believe  some  things,  there  are  others 
that  you  can  believe.  Now,  if  you  cannot  believe  all  that  you 
would,  believe  what  you  can.  I  presume  you  can  believe  this: 
^  Ye  are  not  your  own  ?  '  " 

^'  Oh,  yes !  I  can  believe  that." 

^^  Well,  if  you  are  not  your  own,  to  whom  do  you  belong  ?  " 

I  saw  she  looked  puzzled  ;  but  I  continued  to  press  the  in- 
quiry, saying,  ''  There  certainly  must  be  proprietorship  some 
where.     Now,  tell  me  where  it  is:  to  ^r7/om  do  you  belong?" 

Never  shall  I  forget  the  gleam  of  heavenly  joy  that  began  to 
radiate  that  countenance  as  she  exclaimed, — 

*•  I  belong  to  Jesus!  " 

*'  Yes,  you  belong  to  Jesus ;  and  why  do  you  belong  to  Him?" 

'^  Because  He  has  redeemed  me  with  His  own  jirecious 
blood,"  she  quickly  and  most  joyfully  responded. 

^*  Redeemed  you  with  His  own  blood  !  Why,  the  bare  knowl- 
edge of  such  a  fact  is  enough  to  make  an  angel  happy;  and 
does  it  not  make  you  hapi)y  ?  " 

*'  Oh,  indeed  it  does  make  me  happy  ! " 

Scarcely  a  moment  had  i)assed,  before  she  exclaimed  in  an 
ardent  tone,  '^  Can  you  tell  me  of  anything  I  can  do  for  Jesus  V 


MHS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  425 

The  question  was  so  unlooked  for,  so  soon  after  such  deep 
sorrow,  that  I  was  hardly  prepared  for  it,  and  asked, — 

''  What  did  you  say  %  " 

"  Oh  !  can  you  tell  me  what  I  can  do  for  Jesus  ?  "  How  soon 
were  the  fruits  of  faith  manifest !  Through  its  power,  the  love 
of  God  was  now  so  suddenly  and  richly  shed  abroad  in  her  heart, 
that  she  at  once  wanted  to  do  something,  by  way  of  showing  her 
love  to  Jesus.  In  answer  to  her  question,  '^  What  can  I  do  for 
Jesus  ? ''  I  replied, — 

'^  You  doubtless  have  friends  out  of  the  ark  of  safety  ;  and 
now  you  can 

♦  "  Go  and  tell  to  sinners  round, 

AVhat  a  dear  Saviour  you  have  found." 

''  Oh,  "  said  she,  '^  I  have  been  a  communicant  in  the  Church 
of  England,  seven  years,  but  never  knew  what  it  is  to  believe, 
till  just  now  !  " 

*^  Now,"  said  our  earnest  friend,  whom  we  met  in  the  car  at 
Saratoga,  ^'  I,  too,  was  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  but 
had  never  believed  with  the  heart  unto  salvation.  But  while 
you  were  saying,  '  To  whom  do  you  belong  ? '  I  was  so  moved 
with  the  question,  that  I  seemed  almost  raised  from  my  seat  as 
I  put  the  question  to  myself,  and  said,  ^  To  idiom  do  I  belong  f 
A  voice  seemed  to  say,  '  You  belong  to  Jesus.''  ^ly  heart  re- 
sponded, •  Yes,  I  belong  to  Jesus.  He  has  redeemed  me  Avith 
His  own  most  precious  blood.'  Oh,  I  was  so  powerfully  con- 
verted !  " 

PALMYRA.,  MICH. 

Jackson,  ^Iicii.,  August  15/A. 
To  Mrs.  Lank  ford  : 

Early  on  ^londay  morning,  August  Oth,  we  left  New  York, 
for  Palmyra,  Mich.,  where  we  had  long  stood  engaged  to  attend 
a  camp-meeting. 

The  Lord  was  graciously  present  with  His  people.*  Judging 
from  a  human  stand-point,  it  might  be  said  that  the  falling 
rains  interfered  with  tlie  interests  of  the  meeting  -,  but  perhaps 
eternity  may  rev^al  that.tlie  ultimate  results  for  good  were  not 
lessened.     He  who   doeth  all  things  well,  often  works  '^  in  a 


42G  MEMOIBS  OF 

mysterious  way,  liis  wonders  to  perform."  Here  we  were  de- 
lighted to  meet  our  long- valued  Christian  brother,  Dr.  Mabau  ; 
for  several  years  jiast,  President  of  the  Adrian  University. 
His  name  has  long  been  as  ointment  poured  forth,  to  the  lovers 
of  heart-purity,  in  both  hemispheres.  Some  of  our  readers  are 
tiimiliar  witli  his  work  on  ^^  Christian  Perfection."  He  tells  us 
that  he  intends  shortly  to  give  to  the  Christian  world  a  work 
on  the  bai)tism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  we  doubt  not  will  be 
hailed  with  delight,  by  thousands.  Sabbath  was  a  glorious  day 
for  Zion.  He  who  caused  the  sun  to  stand  still  at  the  command 
of  Joshua,  and  stilled  the  boisterous  waters  of  Gennesaret  by  a 
word,  in  answer  to  the  prayer,  as  we  believe,  of  faith,  caused 
not  only  the  clouds  to  pass  away,  but  gave  to  His  people  a  re- 
markable refresliing  from  His  presence.  Many  who  were  hun- 
gering and  thirsting  after  i^ghteousness,  will  remember  the 
hours,  from  nine  till  twelve,  on  Sabl>ath  morning,  when  the 
Spirit  was  poured  out,  and  man 3^  seekers  of  tlie  great  salvation 
obtained  the  fullness.  Ere  the  close  of  the  day,  the  awakening 
and  converting  Spirit  was  abroad  among  the  people,  and  num- 
bers were  raised  up  to  testify  that  the  Son  of  man  hath  power 
on  earth  to  forgive  sins. 

But  the  services  throughout,  were  particularly  distinguished 
by  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit,  upon  God's  sacramental  hosts, 
who  had  congregated  from  various  and  remote  places,  and 
seemed  disposed  at  tmce  to  arm  themselves  with  the  might  of 
the  Spirit,  and  go  forth  to  glorious  conquest.  When  it  was 
asked,  '^  Who  would  hold  up  the  banner,  inscribed  with  "  Holi- 
ness to  the  Lord,''''  in  the  various  towns  and  places  there  repre- 
sented,— Palmyra,  Adrian,  Coldwater,  Clayton,  Manchester, 
Tecumseh,  Ida,  etc., — and  would  rally  around  it,  and,  in  tlie 
sight  of  God,  angels,  and  men,  stand  forth  with  displayed  ban- 
ners,—that  such  would  stand  with  upraised  hand  till  Heaven's 
recording  angel  had  written  down  the  name, — many  took  upon 
themselv(^?i  the  sacred  pledge. 

The  last  niglit  will  surely  not  be  forgotten  by  any  present. 
The  scene  was  suljlimc.  There,  in  the  beautiful  forest,  were 
the  blazing  cami)-tires,  with  many  lamps,  Illuminating  the 
leafy  temple  which  the  once  crucified,  risen  Jesus  had  honored 


MES.  PffCEBE  rALMER.  427 

witli  sucli  gracious  manifestatioDS  of  His  sanctifying  anil  con- 
verting power.  On  a  table,  neatly  draped  in  wliite,  were 
spread  out  llie  sacred  emblems  of  His  suffering  and  death.  Our 
thoughts  turned  to  Calvery.  We  remembered  tliat  sad,  memo- 
rable night,  when  Jesus  was  for  us  betrayed.  Every  mind  ap- 
l^eared  solemnized.  Even  the  resisters  of  salvation  seemed 
overawed,  as  the  presiding  officer  of  the  meeting,  Bev.  Mr. 
Blades,  as  if  inspired  for  the  occasion,  set  forth  the  solemn 
verities  of  the  scene,  with  a  pathos  and  in  language  I  may  not 
now  attempt  to  portray.  How  fitting  tliat  God's  sacramental 
hosts  should  on  this  eventful  night,  ere  they  took  the  parting- 
hand,  before  scattering  to  their  various  localities, — East,  West, 
North  and  South, — partake  of  those  sacred  emblems !  Faith 
seemed  to  apprehend  a  blissful  blending  between  the  two  worlds, 
as  we  unitedly  sang, — 

"  Millions  of  souls,  in  glory  now, 
Were  fed  and  feasted  here  ; 
And  millions  more,  still  on  the  way, 
Around  the  board  appear." 

Stout  hearts  quailed.  The  administration  of  the  Lord's  supper 
ended;  and  those  who  had  not  yet  bowed  to  the  easy  yoke  of 
Jesus,  were  again  invited  forward.  Truly,  the  Spirit  and  tlie 
Bride,  said,  "Come!"  Everywhere  over  the  encampment, 
might  be  seen  the  newly  energized  Spirit-baptized  member- 
ship of  Christ's  body,  both  male  and  female,  beseeching  their 
friends  to  come  to  Jesus.  Many  did  come,  antl,  as  weeping 
penitents,  fell  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  j  while  the  shouts  of  the 
newly  saved,  and  the  cries  of  those  who  had  been  wounded  by 
the  Spirit's  sword,  blended.  To  our  own  spiritual  vision,  faith 
was  Avell-nigh  turned  to  sight  -,  and  we  seemed  to  see  waiting 
angels,  on  rapid  wings,  carrying  the  report  of  yet  another  and 
another  repentant  and  saved  sinner,  to  heaven. "  This  eventful 
night-service  Avas  continued  hour  after  hour,  before  the  stand, 
with  increasing  interest,  till  two  o'clock,  when  the  excellent 
presiding  elder  thouglit  that  the  chilliness  of  the  night  suggested 
the  expediency  of  the  host  scattering  to  their  tents,  either  for 
Vest,  or  prayers  with  the  mourners.     Not  a  few  chose  the  latter. 


428  MEMOIBS  OF 

The  closing  services  were  protracted  to  the  afternoon  of  the 
succeeding  day.  But  time  fails  to  tell  of  the  delightful  love- 
feast,  and  the  affecting  partings,  as  we  encompassed  the  encamp- 
ment, and  bade  the  last  earthly  adieu  to  many  with  whom  we 


"  Till  on  Zion  we  stand, 

Having  gained  the  blest  shore." 

Leaving  dear  friends,  whom  we  shall  ever  affectionately  re- 
member, at  Palmyra,  we  went  to  the  Ann-Arbor  camp  meeting, 
where  we  spent  two  days, — Saturday  and  Sabbath.  Here,  also, 
the  Lord  manifested  His  sanctifying  and  converting  power. 

The  presiding  officer.  Rev.  Mr.  Gardner,  manifested  an  ear- 
nest interest  in  witnessing  the  efforts  that  were  made  to  induce 
the  hosts  of  Israel  to  cease  all  their  wanderings  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  enter  the  Canaan  of  perfect  love.  We  trust  many  en- 
tered the  rest  of  faith,  and  will  be  i^repared  to  fight  the  Lord's 
battle,  by  way  of  bringing  the  many  unsaved  in  that  region,  to 
Jesus,  strong  only 

"  In  the  strength  which  God  supplies 
Through  his  eternal  Son." 

After  leaving  the  camp-meeting,  we  returned  to  the  town  of 
Ann-Arbor,  in  time  for  the  evening  meeting  at  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  where  we  stood  pledged  for  a  service.  We 
had  a  gracious  season.  Spent  the  night  with  Dr.  Haven,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Michigan  University,  with  whom  and  his  excellent 
lady,  we  have  long  been  favorably  acquainted.  The  doctor's 
position  is  one  of  great  responsibility.  About  twelve  hundred 
students  are  in  attendance.  The  University  is  not  sectarian  or 
nominally  religious  j  but  the  doctor  preaclies  on  the  Sabbath,  in 
the  University  Chapel,  and  is  thus  furnished  with  an  oppor- 
tunity to  diffuse  a  religious  influence.  How  much  of  the  meek- 
ness of  wisdom  do  such  require,  and  who  can  tell  what  the 
aggregate  amount  of  even  a  general  religious  influence  on  tlie 
minds  of  twelve  hundred  young  men,  may  be,  when  viewed  on 
the  pages  of  eternity  ? 

On  Monday  morning,  we  were  again  on  our  way  westward. 


MBS.  PR(EBE  PALMER.  429 

We  reached  Evanston,  III.,  about  midnight.  We  found  our 
beloved  friend,  Mrs.  Bisliop  Hamline,  who  had  been  very  ill, 
slowly  recovering.  Here  we  met  with  the  excellent  presiding 
elder,— Rev.  Mr.  Crews,  of  the  Chicago  district,— who  said  be 
had  written  twice,  inviting  us  to  his  district  camp-meeting. 
We  promised  to  be  present  in  a  few  hours.  Bade  adieu  to  our 
Evanston  friends,  early  on  Thursday  morning,  and  arrived  at 
Chicago  district  capp  ground,  in  time  to  hear  a  good  discourse, 
at  half-past  ten.  Took  charge  of  the  afternoon  service.  Real- 
ized consciously,  the  divine  power  and  presence,  wliile  urging 
upon  the  people  the  responsibilities  of  the  dispensation  under 
which  we  live.  If  the  least  in  the  kingdom,  under  the  present 
dispensation,  is  greater  than  John  the  Baptist,  how  wonder- 
ful are  its  privileges !  But  privileges  are  duties. — sacred 
responsibilities,— high  and  holy  obligations.  John  the  Baptist 
was  great.  Among  them  that  were  born  of  women,  a  greater 
had  not  arisen.  He  exceeded  in  greatness  all  the  prox>hets 
that  had  gone  before  him.  Yet  how  amazing  the  thought,  and 
how  vast,  beyond  computation,  the  significance  of  the  words  of 
the  incarnate  Deity !— "  The  least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
is  greater  than  he."  Oh,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to 
be  ?     Surely  we  must  be  holy, — christ-like. 

The  pattern  has  been  given  us  in  God's  well-beloved  Son. 
Here  we  behold  tlie  pattern  as  given  by  God,  the  Eternal  Father, 
on  the  mount  of  His  holiness.  And  if,  under  this  last  glorious 
dispensation,  so  significantly  termed  the  Christian  dispensation, 
with  the  example  of  Christ,  traced  in  living  lines  before  us,  we 
do  not  see  well  to  it  that  we  make  every  thing  after  the  pattern 
shown  us,  it  were  better  for  us  that  we  had  never  beeu  born. 
If  it  will  be  more  tolerable  for  the  sinners  of  Tyro  and  Sidon, 
in  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for  those  enlightened  sinners  ot 
Capernaum,  how  much  more  intolerable  will  it  be  for  those  who 
live  amid  the  full  noon-tide  splendors  of  the  gospel-day,  with 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments  ever  open  before  them,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  sent  fortli  as  the  special  promised  gift  of  the  last 
days,  to  intensify  truth,  taking  of  the  things  of  the  Father  and 
the  Son,  and  revealing  wondrous  truths,  hidden  from  former 


430  MEMOIBS  OF 

"  WLicli  kings  and  prophets  -waited  for, 
But  died  without  the  sight.'' 

Did  Enocli  Avalk  with  God,  three  hundred  years,  under  a  dis- 
pensation  so  miicli  less  favorable  for  the  attainment  of  light 
and  power,  and  shall  professed  Christians  of  the  present  day, 
Care  limit  tlie  Holy  One  of  Israel,  and  say  that  they  cannot  walk 
with  God  in  holiness  and  righteousness,  during  theshort  term  of 
threescore  and  ten  years  ?  The  Lord  have  mercy  upon  those 
who  would  so  say  or  think  !  But  I  am  transcending  my  bounds. 
It  was  not  in  vain  that  we  thus  talked  to  the  people  about  their 
privileges  and  responsibilities.  Ere  we  closed  this,  our  one 
and  only  service,  we  asked  that  all  who  would  at  once  resolve 
to  make  their  acknowledged  belief  and  views  of  privilege,  the 
standard  of  their  experience,  and  from  henceforth  consecrate 
themselves  wholly  and  only  to  God,  would  signify  that  resolve 
by  standing  up. 

A  large  number  arose.  We  asked  that  they  would  remain 
standing  till  Heaven's  recording  angel  had  marked  each  name 
as  forever  joined  to  the  Lord  in  perpetual  covenant.  Several 
received  the  witness  that  they  were  fully  saved.  One  of  these 
was  a  minister  from  Nebraska.  Blessed  testimonies  v/ere  given 
in,  of  the  i)ower  of  Jesus  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  and  it  was 
not  till  the  twilight  shades  began  to  fall  around  us,  that  we 
could  disperse.  One  who  had  for  months  been  intensely  hun- 
gering and  thirsting  alter  righteousness  stepped  forward  to  me, 
and,  with  a  countenance  suggesting  almost  a  frenzy  of  desire, 
exclaimed, — 

''  Do  you  say  that  I  may  have  this  blessing  ? — J,  even  Jmay 
liave  this  blessing  *?" 

'^  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  He  is  a  respecter  of  cliar- 
cicter)  that  is.  He  fulhls  His  promises  to  those  who  comply  with 
the  conditions  ;  but  He  is  no  respecter  of  persons,''  I  replied. 

'^0!  may  I  have  the  blessing,  and  have  it  now, — I  who 
have  been  so  long  distressed  and  perplexed,  feeling  that  some- 
thing was  wanting?  Can  it  be  that  this  blessing  is  for  me  ? 
Ail,  it  was  to  bring  me  to  this,  that  the  Lord  took  away  my 
loved  one  !" 

It  was  while  we  were  assuring  her  that  the  blessing  was  not 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  43] 

only  for  lier,  as  tlie  purchase  of  Jesus'  blood,  but  was  for  her 
now,  that  she  was  enabled  to  plunge  into  the  fountain  opened 
in  the  house  of  David  for  sin  and  all  uncleauness^  and  she 
came  up,  and  by  an  eye  of  faith  saw  herself  every  whit  made 
whole,  that  she,  as  the  newly  cleansed  leper,  glorified  God 
with  a  loud  voice,  exclaiming,  "  Glory  !  glory  !  it  is  for  me, — 
even  me ! " 

We  took  tea  with  Mrs.  Gov.  E ,  and  other  pleasant  fi  lends, 

and  left  the  encampment  a  little  after  seven  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  feeling  that  our  stay,  though  short,  had  not  been  in 
vain. 

We  remained  in  Chicago  over  night,  and  very  early  the  next 
morning,  were  on  our  Avay  to  the  Goshen-district  camp-meet- 
ing. We  were  met,  toward  evening  of  the  same  day,  at  Sturgis, 
Ind.,  by  Rev.  II.  Newton,  of  Lima,  and  introduced  to  Mr.  D. 
Sharp,  with  whom  we  enjoyed  a  pleasant  home,  during  our  stay 
at  the  camp-meeting.  Many  have  made  sacrifices  for  the  war, 
some  giving  their  thousands,  others  their  tens  of  thousands; 
but  few  have  paid  so  dearly  as  this  dear,  kind  familj'.  Four 
beloved  sons,  under  the  age  of  twenty-three,  Avere  laid  on  the 
altar  of  the  service  of  their  ^country,  and  fill  soldiers'  graves. 
How  sad  the  bereavement ! 

The  camp-meeting  was  one  of  remarkable  interest. 

Sept.  9. — Watertown  district  camp-meeting,  just  closed,  lias 
been  a  service  of  great  power.  The  great  crowning  blessing 
of  the  crowning  disi^ensation,  was,  to  an  extraordinary  degree, 
the  absorbing  topic.  Here,  where  in  former  years,  unprofitable 
discussions  on  the  precious  theme,  were  rife,  and  tlic  force  of 
truth  in  regard  to  the  profession  was  blunted  by  Avorse  than 
needless  controversies,  scores,  during  the  past  week,  have  come 
out  in  a  good  confession  before  many  witnesses. 

Ministers  and  people  have  been  alike  interested.  Nofa  dis- 
cordant note  seems  to  have  broken  in  upon  the  blessed,  all- 
pervading  harmony  of  thought  and  pursuit,  as  the  multitude  of 
believers  have  communed  with  each  other,  and  followed  hard 
after  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  We 
have  seen,  I  think,  at  least  one  hundred  rise  to  their  feet  at 
once,  and  come  forward  to  the  place  prepared  for  seekers,  before 


432 


MEMOIBS  OF 


the  preachers'  stand,  and  there  pleading  with  one  accord  for 
the  baptism  of  fire.  Tlie  presiding  elder  tells  us  that  he  thinks 
at  least  one  hundred  have  been  converted.  Of  these,  the  names 
of  seventy-five  have  been  recorded.  Surely  a  blessed  week's 
work  ',  and  what  joy  it  must  have  caused  tlirough  all  the  realms 
of  glory  !     Alleluia  !     the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth ! 

The  presiding  elder,  J.  F.  Dayan,  early  in  the  progress  of  the 
meeting,  expressed  his  desire  tliat  we  would  occupy  all  the  time 
we  could,  in  laboring  with  tlie  people  on  tho  subject  of  holiness  ; 
said  it  was  the  want  of  the  region.  It  has  been  usual,  in  these  re- 
gions, to  occupy  a  large  portion  of  the  time  iu  preaching,  having 
four  sermons  daily.  We  arranged  to  take  the  eight  o'clock 
morning-service  each  day.  These  meetings,  devoted  mainly  to 
the  precious  theme  of  heart  holiness,  were  attended  with  an 
extraordinary  amount  of  divine  influence  j  and,  in  the  prayer- 
meetings  which  succeeded  the  addresses,  penitents  often  came 
rushing  forward,  mingling  their  cries  with  the  many  earnest 
seekers  of  purity.  These  meetings  seemed  to  give  tlie  key-note 
for  the  day.  The  last  eight  o'clock  meeting  was  a  scene  of 
such  remarkable  power,  that  it  continued  witli  unabated  and 
increasing  interest,  from  eight,  till  near  one  o'clock,  during 
which  time  many  were  converted,  and  many  sanctified  wholly. 

To-morrow  we  start  for  another  camp-meeting,  to  be  held  on 
tho* Adams  district.  This  (besides  holding  special  services  in 
three  or  four  towns  or -cities)  Avill  be  our  eighth  camp-meeting, 
this  summer.  Perhaps  the  question  is  being  asked,  ''  Where, 
in  all,  have  you  been  ?"  We  have  neither  room  nor  time  to 
specify,  beyond  what  we  have  already  done,  other  than  to  say 
that  our  scenes  of  labor  have  been  scattered  over  a  large  terri- 
tory. We  have  attended  three  camp-meetings  in  Michigan,  one 
in  Illinois,  one  in  Indiana,  two  in  Canada  j  and,  after  attending 
the  oiie  for  wliich  we  leave  on  the  morrow,  we  shall  close  our 
summer  campaign. 

Cleveland,  Ohio.— Still  later,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
ministered  effectively  at  Kahway,  N.  J.,  at  IVIiddletowii, 
N.Y.,  and  also  in  Cleveland.  Fro  n  Cleveland,  OhiOj  on  the 
12th  of  December,  she  wrote  to  Mrs.  Hamline: 


MRS.  PBCEBE  PALMER.  43;) 

We  liave  been  engaged  in  precious  toils  for  tlie  Master,  8o 
incessantly,  that  the  mouths  of  the  year  seem  to  have  passed  as 
days.  And  how  rapidly  do  the  swift-winged  years  bear  us  on 
to  our  home, — our  happy  home  above.  *  *  *  We  are  hold- 
ing three  meetings  daily,  and  a  most  gracious  work  of  revival 
has  commenced.  The  ministers  tell  us  that  such  a  work  lias 
not  before  been  witnessed  in  Cleveland.  The  altar  is  crowded 
with  seekers,  and  many  find  Ilim. 

More  busily  or  usefully  employed,  no  disciple  of  Jesus 
could  be,  thau  Mrs.  Palmer  had  been,  throughout  the  year 
of  grace,  18GG.  Every  hour  was  redeemed  and  diligently 
used  in  onerous  editorial  toil,  or  in  public  or  private  Christ- 
ian work. 

1867. 

ST.    LOUIS,    MO. — LEAVENWORTH,  KANSAS. — KANSA3    CITY,    ST.    LOUIS, 
MO. — LEBANON,  ILL. — MISSISSIPPI  CITIES,  NEW  ORLEANS.— CINCIN- 
NATI,   OHIO. — WHEELING,    W.    VA. — CUMBERLAND,    MD. — ERIE, 
PA. — DIXON,  ILL. — GOSHEN,  IND. — VINELAND,  N.  J.—  ROMEO, 
MICH.  — SIMCOE,  GRIMSBY,  TRENTON,  C.  W.— ST.  JOHNS- 
BURY,  VT. — PHILADELPHIA. — TRENTON,  N.  J. — 
WASHINGTON,  BALTIMORE,  MD. 

St.  IjOVIS,  January  15,  1807 
To  Mrs.  IIajiline  : 

We  entered  upon  our  new  year  in  this  place.  In  company 
with  the  great  congregation  at  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  in  the 
solemn  presence  of  the  great  I  AM,  we  had  renewed  our  coven- 
ant of  absolute  and  eternal  allegiance  to  Jesus  ;  and,  just  as  we 
were  bidding  the  last  final  adieu  to  theexxilring  year,  we  were 
partaking  of  the  memorials  of  a  Saviour's  dying  love,  and  thus, 
at  the  sacred  altar,  sealing  our  covenant  engagements.  Ere  the 
solemnities  of  the  Lord's  supper  were  finished,  the  New  Year  was 
greetingus.  She  came  with  hands  filled  with  innumerable  bless- 
ings, as  with  overflowing  hearts,  we  exclaimed,  ^'  AVhat  shall  we 
render  to  the  Lord  for  all  His  mercies  f 

During  the  first  two  weeks  here,  the  Church  has  been  cloth- 
ing herself  with  strength  and  beauty.     We  have  had  our  faith. 

28 


434 


MEMOIRS  OF 


tested  as  seldom  before,  and  liave  not  been  without  deep  heart 
solicitudes.  "  ButAvhen  did  Zion  have  conquest  without  pre- 
vious conflicts?  Where  no  war  wages,  no  victories  await  her." 
So  said  our  beloved  Bishop  Hamline,  while  yet  with  us.  And 
why  should  we  not  ever  expect  that  Avarfare  should  precede 
victory  ? 

We  are  now  witnessing  glorious  conquests.  Hearts  that 
have  been  estranged  by  undue-indulgence  in  party  zeal,  are  set- 
ting aside  political  differences,  and  uniting  as  one,  in  the  great 
work  of  building  the  walls  of  Zion— bringing  sinners  to  Jesus. 
Many  new  witnesses  of  perfect  love  liave  been  raised  up. 
Part  of  tlie  time,  we  have  three  meetings  daily.  At  our  meet- 
ings for  prayer,  held  from  half-past  eight  till  ten  o'clock  every 
jnorning,  the  Spirit  of  testimony  has  been  so  poured  out  upon 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Lord  Almighty, that  it  has  seemed 
impossible  to  confine  it  within  the  appointed  hours.  Here  the 
liosts  of  Israel  arm  themselves  with  an  increase  of  power  for  the 
evening  service,  some  of  which  have  been  eminently  blessed  of 
God. 

Every  soul  saved  ought  to  be  a  guaranty  for  the  salvation 
of  another.  We  are  trying  to  get  the  i)eople  to  act  on  this 
principle.  To  the  degree  we  succeed,  souls  are  brought  to 
Jesus.  Yesterday  afternoon,  a  brother,  who  is  a  Prussian  by 
birth,  called  on  us.  He  was  brought  into  the  light  of  the 
glorious  gospel,  about  two  years  ago,  after  a  long  night  of 
great  sorrow.  Since  we  came  here,  he  has  been  brought  into  the 
rest  of  i)erfect  love.  Now  his  manifestations  of  zeal  are  such 
as  ought  to  be  exemidified  in  all  who  profess  this  state. 
Though  a  man  of  business,  he  is  making  all  his  every  dsiy  sur- 
roundings subservient  to  the  salvation  of  sinners.  I  said  to  him, 
"  I  believe  you  have  been  successful  in  bringing  one  daily  to  the 
Saviour."  He  replied,  ''Some  days,  the  Lord  has  given  me 
fjuo."  How  soon  might  the  world  be  converted  if  all  Christians 
would  work  after  this  i)attern  of  Jesus  ! 

One  morning,  after  we  had  been  talking  to  the  people,  of  the 
necessity  of  more  zealous  sacrificing  work  for  Jesus,  :i  brother, 
wiiose  courageous  countennnce  seemed  to  bespeak  true  valor  for 
^Jesus,  arose,  and  said  about  thus  :  ''  The  situation  of  the  church 


MRS.  FHCEBE  PALMER. 


435 


here  reminds  me  of  an  occurrence  in  the  late  Tvar.  Tlic  Colonel 
said  to  me,  *  Adjutant,  I  think  we  would  do  better  if  we  were  a 
little  nearer  the  enemy.' — •  How  much  nearer.  Colonel  ?  ' — ^  Just 
on  tlie  t(!p  of  the  works,'  was  his  reply.  His  command  was  in- 
etantly  obeyed.  The  gallant  colonel  sacrificed  his  life  ,•  but 
the  situation  was  gained." 

Another  brother  said,  two  years  ago  the  Lord  brouglit  him 
out  of  spiritual  Egypt,  and  he  had  been  permitted,  most  of  tho 
time  since,  to  walk  on  the  margin  of  'Uhe  land  of  rest  from 
inbred  sin,"  till  last  evening,  as  we  were  asking  him  two  or 
three  questions,  he  was  compelled  to  leap  over ;  and,  since  tliat 
time,  language  was  too  weak  to  express  the  enjoyment  he  had 
experienced  in  the  rest  of  faith.  The  questions  wo  disked  were 
about  thus : — 

"  Do  you  now  lay  all  upon  the  altar  t  or,  in  other  words,  aro 
you  now  presenting  yourself  wholly  and  unconditionally  to 
God  ?  "  '•/  do;  at  least,  as  fur  as  I  know."  *^  Does  God  reqniro 
anything  beyond  what  you  know  cf  ?  God  is  Love  :  he  i3  not  a 
hard  master.  Have  you  not  a  High  Priest  who  knows  how  to 
be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  your  infirmities  ?  lie  knows  tliat 
you  would  present  a  more  acceptable  sacrifice  if  you  could  ;  but 
he  does  not  require  any  goodness  or  worthiness  in  you.  Tho 
goodness  and  worthiness  is  all  in  your  infinitely  meritorious 
Saviour  j  and  he  wants  all  the  merit  of  the  work,  and  waits  to 
take  all  the  glory.  And  now  let  me  again  ask,  How  do  you 
I)resent  your  sacrifice  ?  Is  it  through  the  blood  of  tho  everlast- 
ing covenant  V 

''  Yes,  I  come  through  the  blood  of  Jesus." — "  If  go,  then  you 
have  God's  word  to  assure  you  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleansctli 
you  from  all  sin  ;  and  faith  is,  to  believe  it.  This  is  t!ie  record 
that  God  has  given  of  his  Son.  And  you  cannot  lionor  God 
more  than  bj^  believing  Him,  nor  dishonor  Him  more,  tlian  by 
disbelieving  Him.  Unbelief  is  a  sin.  Surely  you  will  not  d<mbt 
the  word  of  God.  He  that  belie veth  not,  maketh  God  a  liarj 
and  you  would  not  dare  do  thus.  If  5-0U  aro  now  jiresenting 
all  to  God,  throiKjh  Christ,  I  tell  you  on  the  authority  of  God's 
word,  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  now  cleanseth.  Do  you  now 
believe  it  f ' 


436  MEMOIRS  OF 

^*  I  do  !  Praise  tlie  Lord  !"  We  then  unitedly  joined  in  tlio 
new,  eternal  song,  ^'  Unto  Him  that  liath  loved  us  and  redeemed 
ns,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins,  in  His  own  blood,  and  liath 
made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  His  Father,  be  glory 
and  dominion,  for  ever  and  ever." 

Tlius  was  the  brother  compelled  to  leap  over  the  bar  of  un- 
belief. We  liave  traced  the  simple  process  on  paper,  hoping 
and  prayhifj  that  every  dear  one  who  may  peruse  these  lines 
may  iu  like  manner  be  compelled  to  leap  over  the  bar  of  unbelief, 
and  this  moment  enter  the  rest  of  faith. 

A  German  physician  said:  ^' You  remember,  brethren,  tliat 
I  expressed  my  ardent  desire,  yesterday  morning,  for  the  bless- 
ing of  perfect  love.  As  I  left  the  meeting,  and  went  to  visit  my 
patients,  I  began  to  talk  about  Jesus,  and  my  soul  begau  to  liil 
up;  and  everywhere  I  talked  about  Jesus.  And  now  my  heart 
is  full,  I  know  I  have  full  salvation.  The  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth  me  from  all  sin." 

LEAVENWORTH,   KANSAS. 

January  23th. 
Dii.  Palmepv,  to  Mrs.  Hamline  *. 

I  tliink  as  many  as  one  hundred  liave  crowded  to  the  altar, 
as  penitents,  tlie  most  of  Miiom  have  been  raised  up  to  testify 
that  tlie  Son  of  Man  hath  power  on  eartli  to  forgive  sins.  Scores 
of  God's  people  also  surrounded  tlie  altar  at  our  afternoon 
meetings,  seeking  the  baptism  of  fire,  and  many  have  obtained 
the  promised  gift. 

KANSAS  CITY,  MO. 

Fchrnarj  11th. 
From  Kansas,  we  returned  to  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  where 
we  remained  engaged  in  labors  abundant,  from  Saturday  till 
Thursday.  Our  scene  of  labor  was  the  Congregational  Church. 
The  people  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  have  a  h:ill  to  worship  in; 
have  been  struggling  montlis,  amid  mipropitious  circumstances, 
fo  get  a  church.  Tlie  Congregational  minister,  having  heard 
of  our  uasectariau  labors,  desired  tlie  i^rivilege  of  ha\'ing  the 


MRS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  437 

services  held  in  his  cliuvch.  We  liad  a  large  gatheriug  on 
Sabbath  morning,  people  of  various  denominations  having 
assembled  J  many  were  blessed  with  justifying  and  sanctifying 
grace. 

LEBANON,  ILL. 

Feb ru art/  25i/i. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Leaving  Kansas  City,  we  passed  through  St.  Louis,  arriving 
at  the  earl}^  hour  of  live  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Wo  were  met 
at  the  cars,  by  an  excellent  Christian  gentleman,  Mr.  Baker,  a 
millionaire  belonging  to  the  church  south.  He  was  awaiting 
us  with  his  carriage,  and  took  us  to  his  home.  We  attended  a 
meeting  at  the  Union  M.  E.  Church,  at  half-past  eight  o'clock. 
We  were  delighted  to  find  that  the  work  had  been  deepening 
and  widening,  since  our  absence.  Dr.  George  has  obtained  the 
witness  of  holiness.  Previously,  he  had  been  in  sympathy  with 
a  class  of  our  ministers,  wlio  tliink  that  the  Holy  Spirit  does 
not  testify  to  entire  sanctification.  Now,  he  bids  fair  to  stand 
out  openly  among  the  strongest  advocates  of  the  Holy  Spirit's 
testimony  to  heart  purity,  and  the  witness  of  it. 

At  half-past  ten  o'clock,  avc  attended  another  meeting  at  the  ^ 
Southern  church,   and  witnessed  a  wondrous  scene  of  power. 

While  Dr.  P.  was  talking,  the  Holy  Spirit  was  poured  out  in 
an  extraordinary  manner.  I  would  have  spoken  immediately 
after,  but  tlie  flood-gates  of  salvation  had  been  uplifted,  and  as 
wave  after  wave  rolled  over  the  assembly,  I  had  to  i^ause  till 
the  gust  of  praise  had  reasonably  passed  over.  I  then  spoke,  as 
the  Spirit  gave  utterance.  ( I  say  as  the  Si)irit  gave  utterance, 
because  I  seemed  consciously  to  feel  its  constraining  power.) 
While  I  was  speaking,  the  tide  of  salvation  again  rolled  over 
and  over  tlie  people,  and  an  indescribable  scene  of  glory  and 
power  succeeded. 

I  hardly  know  how  to  account  for  this  unlocked  for  dispen- 
sation of  mercy,  and  yet  I  have  thoughts  of  which  I  may  tell 
you,  when  we  njeet.  After  taking  a  late  dinner  at  Mr  Bakei^ 
with  Sister  Boyle,  Dr.  George,  and  several  other  friends,  mostly 
of  the  church  South,  we  started  for  Lebanon,  on  the  same  eve- 
ning, in  the  five  o'clock  train. 


438  MEMOIRS  OF 

f-L.>  iWc  Imve'been  here  about  two  weeks.  He  wlio  alone  doeth 
wonders,  hiis  wrought  in  power.  Many  liave,  we  trust,  obtained 
the  blessing-  of  liohness,  and  between  one  and  two  Inindred  liave 
been  added  to  the  Lord.  The  exact  number  I  luive  not  yet  learn- 
ed, but  the  excellent  minister,  Rev.  Mr.  Eaip,  told  me,  last  week, 
that  he  had  taken  more  than  one  hundred  luunes,  of  the  con- 
verts. Over  fifry,  I  think,  are  students  of  McKendree  C<dlege. 
Far  the  largest  proportion  of  tlie  converts  are  men,  mainly,  the 
most  wealthy  and  influential  of  the  tov;n.  You  will,  with  us, 
unite  iu  giving  glory  to  God  in  the  highest. 

The  work  here  still  goes  on  gloriously.  An  unusual  feature 
of  the  revival  is,  tliat  ir.ost  of  tlie  converts  are  men.  One  hun- 
dred and  forty  have  joined  the  M.  E.  C.  since  we  came,  and 
about  one  hundred  and  seventy  professed  conversion.  Our 
afternoon  meetings,  we  devoted  mainly  to  the  subject  of  holi- 
ness. President  Allyn  came  out  clearly  in  the  profession  of  the 
blessing,  yesterday,  and  his  son  als;)  (  one  of  the  students  ),  came 
forward  as  a  seeker  of  holiness,  and  professed  to  lind.  lie  has 
been  converted  since  we  came.  Several  other  students,  con- 
verted within  the  past  few  days,  were  among  the  seekers  of  the 
■great  salvation,  some  of  whom  professed  to  find  the  gift  of 
power.     About  sixty  were  forward,  seeking  holiness. 

CITIES  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI — NEW  ORLEANS. 

Oti  the  Mississippi  River j  March  '•iWi. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Just  befoie  going  to  New  Orleans,  I  dated  a  letter  from 
Lebanon,  telling  jovl  that  on  March  4th,  we  intended  to  set 
sail  from  St.  Louis,  for  New  Orleans. 

We  had  a  prosperous  passage,  pausing  on  our  way  at  Cairo, 
Vicksburg,  Natchez,  and  a  few  other  places  memorialized  by 
sanguinary  strife,  in  the  liistory  of  the  late  war.  At  the  places 
mentioned,  we  called  on  the  ministers,  or  as  the  beloved  John 
might  say,  on  the  angels  of  the  churches. 

Nothing  can  be  more  sure  than  that  the  churches  South  gene- 
rally are  in  a  very  low  condition,  spiritually,  and  also  financially. 
The  ministers  mourn  oyer  the  desolations  of  Zion.     They  say 


MRS.  PHOEBE  PALMi:n.  439 

that  the  people  of  their  charges  are  demoralized.  To  a  minister 
ofone  of  these  churches,  wo  said,  "  If  you  cau  only  get  your 
people  to  come  up  out  of  the  wilderness,  they  will  be  lights 
amid  the  surrounding  darkness."  "Yes,"  he  replied,  "I 
preached  to  them  yesterday,  on  tlio  subject,  but  I  cannot  get  my 
people  to  feel  the  responsibilities  of  a  Cliristi.ui  j)rofessiou. 
They  can  see  no  liarni  in  dancing,  or  tloing  anything  else  like 
the  world."  etc.  H«  Siiid  this  with  tearful  eyes.  And  how  my 
heart  yearned  for  him!  Most  gladly  would  we  have  accepted 
an  invitation  to  remain  and  hold  meetings  in  his  church,  but 
Ave  were  only  birds  of  passage.  This  was  at  Natcliez.  Every- 
where, we  found  the  Soutlicrn  ministers  acquainted  with  us,  by 
reputation,  and  disposed  to  be  affectionately  appreciative.  At 
Vicksburg,  as  we  called  at  tlie  parsonnge,  the  minister,  Dr.  Camp, 
though  personally  unacquainted,  Avas  so  affected  at  sight  of  us, 
that  lie  turned  aside  and  wept.  He  afterward  apologized  for  it, 
saying,  that  for  years  he  liad  been  interested  witli  our  writings 
on  the  precious  theme  of  holiness,  and  liad  longed  to  see  us, — 
thought  of  coming  to  New  York, — but  now,  behold  the  Lord  had 
sent  us  to  see  him.. 

This  minister  (  Dr.  Camp  ),  was  also  most  importunate  that 
we  should  remain  and  hold  meetings.  But  of  course  our  stay 
could  only  be  two  or  three  hours.  Could  we  consisteitly  with 
our  engagement  to  Cincinnati,  have  taken  Mr.  Wesley's  advice 
to  his  helpers,  and  go  where  most  needed,  Ave  AAould  have  ac- 
cepted Dr.  Camp's  invitation,  and  remained  a  short  time  for 
special  services  Avith  his  people.  His  picture  of  their  jjiet^^  Avas 
quite  as  gloomy  as  that  given  of  Natchez.  I  think  he  said  that 
he  did  not  know  of  ten  of  his  people  that  he  could  rhiuk  of,  as 
in  a  justified  state.  This  minister  Avas  himself  all  athirst  for 
holiness.  But  something  seemed  to  prevent  his  entering  the 
rest  of  faith,  Avhile  Ave  Avere  Avith  him.  He  accompanied  us  to 
the  boat,  and  remained  Avith  us  till  the  last  moment,  and  with 
tearful  eyes,  Avatched  our  receding  boat.  -  Some  of  the  passen- 
gers observing  him  Avix»ing  his  eyes,  said,  "  Is  that  gentlemau  a 
relative?"  • 

We  have  had  A'ery  serious  thoughts  whether  the  Lord  might 
not  have  something  for  us  to  do  Avith  these  Southern  people. 


440  MEMOIRS  OF 

Tlie  want  of  perfect  love  caused  their  disasters.  So  we  tliinlr. 
I  have  always  thought  tliat  the  separation  of  tlie  M.  E.  C,  Noith 
and  Soutli,  was  the  entering  wedge,  and  in  part  througli  political 
intrigue,  preparatory  to  a  bolder  step — tlie  separation  of  the 
States.  Wliat  a  pity  that  the  ministers  of  the  churcli  South  do 
not  see  their  error.  But  though  tliey  mourn  their  desolations, 
I  fear  that  tliey  are  not  yet  sufliciently  humble  to  learn  the  les- 
sons that  infinite  wisdom  would  teach.  My  heart  yearns  foi- 
them.  We  liad  an  interesting  visit  to  New  Orleans,  and  re- 
mained about  one  week,  laboring  with  our  friends  of  the  churcli 
North  )  some  of  the  more  devoted  of  the  church  South  attended 
the  services,  with  whom  we  took  sweet  counsel. 

CINCINNATI. 

April  4th. 
To  Mks.  IIamlixe  : 

We  had  a  large  congregation  at  Morris  Chapel.  We  t.alked 
about  the  great  salvation  in  scripture  terms,  and  also  as  a  de- 
finite work,  and  a  present  necessity.  We  never  remember  to 
have  labored  anywhere,  where  there  seemed  to  be  such  an 
amount  of  unbelief.  It  was  a  darkness  to  be  felt.  Previous  to 
entering  the  church,  we  had  learned  from  the  minister  whose 
people  we  had  come  to  serve,  that  he  did  not  favor  the  pro- 
fession of  holiness.  We  were  afterwards  told,  that  as  far  as 
known,  there  was  not  a  minister  in  the  city  that  favored  the 
l^r*.fession.  After  two  or  three  services,  the  mountain  of  ice 
began  to  melt,  and  flow  down  before  the  bright  beamings  of  the 
Sun  of  righteousness.  And  now,  to  the  glory  of  the  Triune 
Deity,  we  are  having  streams  of  salvation.  At  both  afternoon 
and  evening  services,  the  altar  and  its  surroundings  are  ciowded 
with  earnest  seekers.  Many  have  received  the  blessing  of  pu- 
rity, otljcrs  pardon,  and  we  often  hear  tlie  shout  of  victory 
from  new  touched  lips.  Oil  Sabbath  morning,  Ave  met  an  en- 
gagement at  Covington.  'Jlie  minister  of  the  M.  E.  C.  there, 
having l)een  at  our  services  at  Morris  Chai)el,  knelt  at  the  altar, 
sought  and  obtained  #10  witness  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleans- 
etli.  On  Saturday  afternoon  he  gave  in  a  glorious  testimony. 
When  we  labored  with  his  peojile  on  Sabbath  morning,  we  had 


MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  44  [^ 

a  season  of  rcinaikable  power.  About  one  hundred  crowded 
tlie  altar  and  aisles,  by  way  of  manifesting  tliat  they  were  of 
one  accord  in  seeking  the  baptism  of  fire. 

Two  weeks  of  special  service  for  Jesus  were  spent  at 
Morris  Chai)el  and  one  at  Wesley  Chapel.  Gladly  would  we 
liave  remained  longer,  bnt  the  worn  state  of  our  health,  and 
imperative  duties,  demanded  that  we  should  turn  our  steps 
homeward.  On  our  way,  we  paused  over  night,  at  Columbus, 
0.,  enjoying  a  season  of  heavenly  converse  with  Rev.  Mr.  Felton, 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Pursuing  our  journey,  we  arrived,  the  next 
evening,  at  Wheeling,  Va.  Rev.  S.  Steele,  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
called  on  us.  He  had  long  been  hungering  and  thirsting  after  the 
witness  of  purity,  and  while  wo  were  engaged  in  talkijig  of  Jesus 
as  a  full  Saviour,  and  together  pouring  out  our  souls  in  prayer 
and  praise,  he  was  enabled  to  exult  in  the  precious  w  itness,  that 
the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth.  Passing  througli  Baltimore,  called 
on  Rev.  Dr.  Roberts,  whose  praise  is  in  all  the  churches.  For  many 
long  years,  he  has  stood  among  the  chieftains  in  Israel's  army. 
Many,  through  his  agency,  have  been  induced  to  go  up  and 
possess  the  good  land.  Perhaps  few  in  any  city  or  country, 
have,  according  to  AVesley,  more  courageously  maintained  the 
'^peculiar  doctrine  committed  to  our  trust"  than  the  devoted 
Dr.  Roberts. 

Leaving  Xew  York  on  the  20tli  of  June,  by  tlic  magnifi- 
cent steamer  ^^  Daniel  Drew,"  for  Chicago  and  the  West, 
the  first  i)ause  made,  on  the  westward  route,  was  at  CTif- 
ton  Springs,  in  the  large  hydropathic  establishment  under 
the  care  of  Dr.  Foster,  a  devoted  Christijin  i)hysician. 
There  tln^y  found  Mrs.  Bishop  Ilamline,  Dr.  Wliedon,  Edi- 
tor of  the  Jfethodist  Quarterhj  Bevieic,  lie  v.  L.  Ilartsough, 
and  other  friends,  with  whom  they  spent  a  few  hours  of 
social  and  spiritual  refreshment. 

From  Clifton  Springs  to  the  little  city  of  Erie,  constitu- 
ted the  next  stage  of  their  journey.  In  Erie,  they  spent 
the  Sabbath,  conducting  divine  Avorship  throughout  the 
day,  in  the  M.  E.  Church.     Thence  to  Cleveland,  and  next 


442  MEMOIBS  OF 

to  Oberlin,  our  travelers  wended  their  way.  Their  home  in 
the  latter  i)lace,  was  at  the  house  of  the  excellent  President 
C.  G.  Finney — so  well  known  for  his  wonderful  revivalistic 
successes,  and  theological  writings.  After  a  brief  and  re- 
freshing sojourn,  they  proceeded  to  the  Coldwater  camp- 
meeting,  in  Michigan, — found  hitense  interest  in  the  pre- 
cious theme  ;^"  Holiness  to  the  LortW — labored  with  wont- 
ed enthusiasm,  and  enjoyed  a  ^^  blessed  season  of  grace 
and  great  deUght.'^ 

The  Dixon  district  cami^-meetmg,  ui  IlUnois,  then  wel- 
comed their  advent,  witnessed  the  conversion  of  many  souls 
to  Chilst,  and  presented  them  with  a  unanimous  vote  of 
thanks,  for  the  "  kindly  visit,"  ere  they  took  their  departure. 
For  six  days  subsequently,  they  labored  in  Goshen,  Indiana. 
There  the  Lord  made  known  His  sanctifying  and  saving 
power,  at  each  service  ;  though  politics,  worldly  busuiess, 
and  fashion,  had  grievously  injured  the  church. 

Eomeo  district  camp-meeting,  in  Michigan,  was  largely 
attended,  and  there  the  consecrated  evangelists  had  ^'a 
season  of  remarkable  blessedness  and  power.  The  minis- 
ters generally  manifested  a  deep  and  engrossing  hiterest 
in  the  subject  of  heart  purity.  There  seemed  to  be  a 
delightful  unanimity  hi  regard  to  the  precious  theme." 

Crossing  the  line  from  Michigan,  into  Canada,  they  next 
held  a  home  camp-meeting  in  the  neat,  commodious  church 
edifice  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodists,  at  Simcoe.  ''  About 
seventy  new  names  were  added  to  the  ranks  of  the  saved, 
during  the  live  day's  service."  Those  who  had  received 
^'-  the  energizing  fires  of  the  Spirit,  Aveiit  about  making 
personal  ai)i)eals  to  the  unconverted,  seekhig  them  at  their 
own  homes,  and  in  the  church,  and  pleadhig  fcr  them  at 
the  altar  of  God's  sanctuary." 

Our  next  place  of  loving  toil  for  the  Master  was  Grimsby. 
The  key  note  of  the  meeting  Avas  '■''  Holiness  to  the  Lord." 
About  two  hundred  believers  sought  the  '^  pearl  of  perfect  love," 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  .       443 

and  over  two  hundred  convicted  sinners,  of  all  ages,  old  and 
young,  and  middle-aged,  found  their  way  to  Jesus. 

Hiiviug  held  services  at  the  old  McNab  Street  church, 
ill  Hamilton,  and  also  at  Port  Hope,  on  their  way  to 
Trenton  camp  ground, 

Ou  Monday  morning,  at  Trenton,  hetween  the  hours  of 
eight  and  one  o'clock,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  down  upon  the 
people  in  a  manner  tliat  con  never  he  forgotten  hy  an}-  Avho 
were  present.  Saint  and  sinner,  ministers  and  people,  will 
ever  rememher  the  solemn  grandeur  of  that  hour,  wheu  lie  who 
walked  amid  tha  galdeu  ca:i:lliisticks,  caused  the  light  of  His 
felt  presence  to  penetrate,  suhdue,  energize,  and  IHl  with  sanc- 
tifying power  and  glory,  many  hearts. 

On  the  11th  of  September,  they  arrived  at  St.  Johns- 
bury  district  camp-meeting,  held  at  Lyndon  Centre, 
Vermont — the  Rev.  Israel  Luce,  Presiding  Elder,  meeting 
them  at  their  coming.  Many  things  conspired  to  mako 
that  a  ''  most  blessed  feast  of  tabernacles."  Many  were 
sanctitied  w^holly,  and  the  names  of  nearly  one  hundred 
recorded  as  born  into  the  kingdom  of*  grace. 

On  the  23d  of  Octoher,  we  went  to  Philadelphir;,  in  answer 
to  an  official  call  from  the  Central  Church.  Ou  our  arrival,  we 
entered  upon  the  services  of  a  hoaie  camp-meeting,  holding 
three  meetings  daily,  which,  were  most  graciously  owned  of 
God,  in  the  sanctification  of  believers,  and  the  conversion  of 
sinners.  The  following  Saturday  and  Sahbath,  were  si)eut  i:i 
pursuance  of  a  previous  engagement,  in  Trenton,  N.  J.  Tlic 
meetings  there,  were  seasons  of  memorable  interest  an<l  much 
spiritual  profit.  On  j\Ionday,  we  were  again  with  our  beloved 
friends,  in  Philadephia.  The  number  who  have  received  the 
sanctifying  seal  has  not  been  recorded,  but  someell'ort  has  been 
made  to  take  the  names  of  converts,  which  amount  to  over  one 
hundred  and  twenty,  that  stand  written  among  tlie  newly  blest. 
A  city,  judge,  now  retired  from  active  service,  arose  and  desired 
to  give  hearty  thanks  to  the  God  of  all  grace,  for  tlie  great 
blessings  received  during  the  i)rogress  of  these  meetings.     For 


444  MEMOIRS  OF 

some  time  past,  lie  had  been  looking  on  the  dark  side  of  the 
picture,  but  during  the  past  few  days  he  liad  learned  to  look  to 
Jesus,  and  life's  picture  was  all  changed  to  brightness  and  glory. 
A  note  was  read,  asking  the  prayers  of  ihe  meeting  for  twelve 
inmates  of  the  Howard  Home.  A  few  days  after,  thanksgivings 
were  presented,  that  nine  out  of  the  twelve  had  penitently 
bowed  at  the  altar  of  prayer,  and  found  redemption  in  Jesus. 
Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest  ! 

WASHINGTON  AND  BALTIMORE. 

New  York,  Novemher  20th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Do  pray  for  us  daily,  while  at  Washington.  We  go  to  the 
Wesleyan  cliapel.  When  we  were  laboring  at  Cincinnati,  last 
spring.  Gen.  Grant's  mother  and  sister  came  from  Covington, 
to  the  services.  We  were  at  that  time  urged  to  go  to  Washing- 
ton, as  we  had  been,  repeatedly  before,  to  hold  services  at  the 
Hamline  church.  We  mentioned  this  to  Mrs.  Grant  and  daugh- 
ter, when  we  visited  them.  An  earnest  desire  was  expressed 
that  we  might  be  able  to  go,  and  they  said  that  they  Avere  sure 
Gen.  Grant  would  attend  tlie  services.  Now,  I  want  you  to  unite 
with  me  in  praying  daily,  for  a  few  days  to  come,  that  not  only 
General  Grant  and  family  may  be  induced  to  come  and  get 
salvation,  but  that  there  may  be  a  great  moving  among  the  dry 
bones  in  Washington.  How  greatly  is  it  needed!  All  things 
are  possible  with  God,  and  all  things  are  possible  to  lum  that 
helieveth,  and  for  mighty  faith  that  cannot  ask  iu  vain. 

December  VWi. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  only  remained  ten  days  at  Washington,  in  Weslej' 
Chapel,  whore  we  siiw  the  mighty  things  of  our  Almighty 
Lord.  On  Thanksgiving  Day,  we  spent  the  afternoon  at  Ham- 
line Chapel.     It  was  fi  most  blessed  season. 

Leaving  Washington,  we  spent  eight  days  at  Caltimore 
city,  liolding  two  meetings  daily,  as  usual.  Many  were  blest  ; 
about  hfty,  with  full  salvation.  With  a  large  number  of  these, 
the  tide  of  glory  was  overwhelming,  and  they  sank  doun  under 
the   weight  of  glory  ;    others   leaped  and  shouted.     Like  the 


MRS.  PBCEBE  PALMER.  445 

KSamaritan  cleansed  of  his  leprosy,  they  glorified  Christ  witli 
a  loud  voice.    Tlie  conversions  also  were  powerful.     Allelulia ! 

18G8. 

PEI:L,    GODKRICir,    C.    W. — MANNHEIM,     PA.— MOUNDSVlLLi:,    W.     VA. — 

iji:ntli:yvillk,  pa. — wheeling,  w.  va. — wilton,  south- 
port,   CONN.— CENTRE.— SANDWICH,  N.  II.— GEDDES,  N.  Y. 
— STEUBENVILLE,   OHIO.— PITTSBURG,   PA.— WHEELING, 
W.   VA.— MARTINSVILLE,   ZANESVILLE,   OHIO. 

Peel  District  Camp-meetinGj  C.  W.^  June. — Let  God 
alone  be  glorified.  We  have  witnessed  a  wonderful  work  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  in  this  place.  Multitudes  liad  gathered, — the 
Waterloo  Chronicle  says,  about  six  thousand,  ^Ij  heart  Iiad 
been  most  powerfully  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  the 
blessed  Holy  Spirit  must  and  Avould  be  honored,  and  extraordi- 
nary demonstrations  of  His  sanctifying,  convincing,  and  saving 
power,  be  given  in  answer  to  definite,  believing  prayer.  A 
scene  of  Pentecostal  power  ensued.  In  hallowing,  energizing 
power,  the  High  and  Holy  drew  near,  and  saint  and  sinner /c/< 
the  power  of  His  presence.  Not  only  were  many  of  tlie  disciples 
baptized  Avith  the  H  )ly  Ghost,  but  many  unsaved  ones  pricked 
to  the  heart.  It  was  only  to  give  an  invitation  for  seekers  of 
pardon  or  purity  to  present  themselves,  and  from  one  to  two 
hundred  would  come  flocking  forward.  The  amount  of  good 
done,  the  da}'  of  eternity  alone  can  reveal. 

GoDERicii,  July. — In  compliance  with  an  official  invita- 
tion of  the  Wesleyan  clinrch,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  labored 
in  this  i>lacc  for  several  days.  The  captain  of  a  hike 
steamer  pronounced  it  the  most  pious  place  lie  had  ever 
visited  ;  because  the  Mayor  would  not  permit  him  to  land 
merchandise,  intended  for  it,  on  the  Lord's  Day.  '•'  The  altar 
was  crowded  with  seekers,  and  at  every  service,  unseen 
reporters  bore  the  news  from  earth  to  heaven,  cf  souls 
newly  converted,  and  others  sanctified  wholly.  "^ 

MoiTNDSViLLE,  W.  Ya.,  Aur/ust. — Here  they  found  be- 
loved friends  in  tlic  persons  of  Rev.  Mr.  and  ^.Iio.  Inskip,  of 


446  MEMOIRS  OF 

New  York,  Eev.  John  Tlionipson,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
others,  M'ho  were  ''urging  the  conquests  of  Zion.  The  results 
were  glorious."  Tarrying  about  a  day  with  them,  they 
next  repaired  to  Bentley\ille,  Pa.  About  live  thousand 
were  present. 

Wc  anticipated  most  blessed  results.  Not  less  tlian  three 
hundred,  we  sliould  judge,  arose,  Avlieu  we  asked  that  all  who 
would  resolve  never  to  rest  until  imbued  with  i^ower  from  on 
liigli,  would  arise.  Not  a  few  were  gloriously  filled.  One  de- 
lightful feature  in  this  meeting  was  the  services  held  for  the 
children.  We  have  reason  to  believe  between  forty  and  fifty 
were  i)owerfully  converted.  The  last  meeting  with  the  children 
was  really  indescribably  glorious.  It  was,  indeed,  beautiful  to 
Witness  the  yearnings  of  their  young  hearts,  as  with  tearful  im- 
portunities they  pleaded  with  their  friends,  and  brought  new 
tropliies  to  the  feet  of  Jesus.  By  the  testimonies  given  in  at 
the  jiarting  meeting,  wc  were  assured  that  blessings,  even  be- 
yond our  anticipation,  had  fallen  on  the  people.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory  ! 

Centre  Sandwich,  N.  H. —  Ten  days  were  spent  in  blessed 
service  in  the  church  at  this  place,  which  was  under  the  charge 
of  that  indefatigable  hd)orer,llev.  T.  Cilley.  During  the  first 
two  or  three  services,  our  faith  was  put  to  the  test.  But  we 
knew  that  the  Captain  of  Israel's  host  never  lost  a  battle,  and 
none  ever  trusted  in  Him,  and  Wi.s  confounded.  Alleluia  to 
His  name  !  He  has  since  given  us  a  glorious  victory.  Eight 
or  nine  pews,  nearest  the  pulpit,  Averc  filled  in  a  few  minutes,  on 
the  invitation  being  given  to  seekers.  Witnesses  were  raised 
up  to  testify  of  the  power  of  Jesus  to  purify  the  heart,  and 
energize  soul  and  body  for  the  more  than  jingel  service,  of  bring- 
ing their  friends  to  the  world's  Redeemer. 

GEDDES,  N.  Y. 

New  York,  Kovcmher  28th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  returned  yesterday,  from  Geddes,  a  town  adjoining  Syra- 
cuse, anil  connected  by  street  cars.     We  are  trying  to  shorten 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  447 

our  visits,  so  we  tell  tlie  churches  whose  call  we  accept,  that 
we  will  come  and  remaiu  one  \ceek,  in  case  tliey  wisli  to  hold 
what  may  be  termed  a  ''  houie  can^p-meeting." 

Tlie  names  of  cue  hundred  had  been  recorded  as  brought  to 
Jesus,  at  Uie  close  of  the  first  Aveek's  campaign.  So  great  was 
tlie  divine  influence,  on  all  classes  of  the  community,  that  we 
wer  -  dirinehj  constrained  to  remain  day  after  day,  till  we  had 
finished  another  week,  which  resulted  in  the  salvation  of  one 
liundred  more,  and  the  sanctificatiou  of  many  moro  believers, 
during  the  Aveek  ensuing. 

Steubenville,  Ohio,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  Wheeling  and 
Martinsville,  W.  Ya.,  and  Zanesville,  Oliio,  shared  in  turn, 
during  the  month  of  December,  the  beneficent  ministra- 
tions of  Dr.  and  JVlrs.  Palmer.  The  divine  approval  was 
markedly  manifest  at  each  place. 

In  this,  as  in  former  years,  visits  more  or  less  lengthy, 
were  made  to  difierent  places,  in  the  interest  of  the  Eedeen- 
er's  kingdom. 

18G9. 

WABASIt,   IXD.— BUFFALO,  ATTICA,  UTICA,  N.  Y.— DECATUR,  BL005I1NG- 

TOX,    JACKSONVILLE,    SPRINGFIELD,    ILL. — PRINCE    EDWARD's 

ISLAND. — ST.  JOHNS,  N.  B. — DAWSON,  ILL. — K08TA,  MAQUO- 

KETA,  IOWA. — BALTIMORE,    MD. — ALEXANDRIA,    VA. — 

INDIANAPOLIS,  FORT  WAYNE. 

Wabash,  Ind.,  January  8ih,  1869. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

In  my  last,  written  about  two  weeks  since,  I  told  you  that 
our  next  scene  of  labor  would  be  at  Wabash,  Indiana. 

This  is  the  tenth  day,  since  we  came  to  W^abash.  The  work 
has  been  daily  rising.  Three  meetings  are  held  daily.  God  is 
pouring  out  His  Spirit  in  a  wonderful  manner. 

Many  of  the  leading  members,  and  also  church  members, 
generally,  are  being  baptized  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Among  those  who  have  received  the  baptism  of  fire,  arc 
two  ministers  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  one  of  whom  is  a  phy- 


448  MEMOIRS  OF 

c'ian  of  this  i)lace,  who,  witli  his  lovely  wife,  are  talking  and 
praying  in  oui- meetings,  with  tongues  of  fire.  Their  daughter 
also  knelt  among  the  seekers,  found  pardon,  and  has  now  joined 
the  M.  E.  Church.  A  young  man,  sou  of  a  Quaker  minister,  re- 
siding a  few  miles  distant,  was  forward  yesterday  afternoon 
and  evening,  and  found  Jesus, — looks  as  if  he  would  soon  make 
a  minister.  Between  thirty  and  forty  seekers  are  forward  at 
each  service,  and  the  Avork  is  daily  increasing  in  power.  It  is 
now  Friday.  We  leave  on  Monday,  for  home,  being  utterly 
worn. 

Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Fehruary  1st. 
To  Mrs.  Lankfokd  : 

Peo]>le  of  various  denominations  are  attending  tlie  meetings. 
Hundreds  are  in  attendance  on  our  afternoon,  and  also  the  even- 
ing meetings.  A  Presbyterian  minister  of  a  large  aristocratic 
cliurch,  at  our  meeting  on  Saturday  afternoon,  was  very  urgent 
that  we  should  so  arrange  as  to  hold  a  meeting  with  his  peo- 
ple. On  Saturday  evening,  every  class  leader  of  the  Pearl 
Street  Church  was  forward,  kneeling  at  the  altar,  with  a  multi- 
tude of  others, — some  seeking  pardon,  others  purity.  Yester- 
day was  a  high  day  for  Zion,  here.  After  talking  with  the  peo- 
ple about  the  error  of  the  Israelites,  in  going  round  and  round 
the  mountain,  instead  of  obeying  the  divine  command  that 
they  should  go  up  and  possess  the  land,  we  asked  that  all  who 
would  go  up  at  once  and  X)ossess  the  land,  would  present  them- 
selves at  the  altar  and  its  surroundings ;  a  multitude  came. 
The  power  of  God  came  down  upon  them,  and  several  entered 
into  rest. 

But  alas !  the  bones  have  been  exceeding  dry,  and  we  are 
longing  and  pleading  for  a  shock  of  divine  power,  tliat  will 
arouse  every  unholy  j^rofessor  in  Buffalo. 

Attica,  N.  Y.,  Fehruary  11th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  had  meetings  in  the  Methodist,  Presbyterian  and 
Baptist  churches.  Have  talked  about  the  great  salvation,  with 
as  much  freedom  as  if  the  meetings  liad  been  exclusively  in  our 
own  church. 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  44<) 

Yesterday  afteruoou,  iu  tlie  Presbyterian  clmrcli,  we  witness- 
ed a  scene  wliich  would  greatly  have  rejoiced  yonr  lieart,  and 
which  angels  must  liave,  with  rapture,  beheld.  Dr.  P.  read  the 
second  chapter  of  Acts,  and  talked  of  the  baptism  of  fire  as  tlie 
present  and  absolute  necessity  of  all  Jesus'  disciples,  of  every 
name.  In  the  Presbyterian  church.  Dr.  P.  asked  all  that 
would  be  of  one  accord,  in  seeking  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  to  come  forward.  Ministers  and  people,  Elders  and 
Deacons,  some  leading  brethren  in  our  own  church,  with  male 
and  female  disciples  of  the  different  churches,  all,  with  one 
accord  knelt  around  the  i)latform,  and  in  the  front  seats  and 
aisles,  and  truly  did  we  have  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord. 

CJTICA,  N.  Y. 

The  next  expedition  of  Dr.  and.  Mrs.  Palmer,  was  to 
Utica,  where  they  attended  the  dedication  of  the  new 
chapel  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  in  Conrt  street,  and  after- 
wards held  a  series  of  revival  meetings  in  it.  The  dedi- 
cation hymn  w^as  comi)osed  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  reads  as 
follows : 

"  O,  God  most  high !  in  wondrous  grace, 

Behold  the  house  we've  reared  for  Thee, 
Regard  it  as  Thy  resting  place, 
And  fill  it  with  Thy  majesty. 

With  outstretched  hands,  on  Thee  we  call ; 

Before  Thy  throne,  O  Lord,  we  bow. 
Let  hallowing  fire  upon  us  fall, 

Accept  us,  and  our  offering  now. 

Thus  by  Thy  presence  sanctify, 

This  earthly  sanctuary,  Lord, 
To  this,  Thy  house,  be  ever  nigh 

And  here  Thy  hallowed  name  record. 

When  from  this  altar  shall  arise, 

Joint  supplication  to  Thy  name, 
Accept,  O,  Lord,  our  sacrifice. 

Thyself  our  answering  God  proclaim. 
29 


450  MEMOIBS  OF 

When  licre  Thy  ministers  shall  stand, 

O,  give  them  hearts  and  tongues  of  flame, 

Hold  them  as  stars  in  Thy  right  hand, 
And  seal  the  truth  in  Thine  own  name. 

Now,  therefore,  O,  our  God  arise, 

In  this,  Thine  ark  of  strength  appear, 

And  let  Thy  people's  longing  eyes, 
Behold  Thee  fix  Thy  dwelling  here. 

Tlie  revival  wliicli  followed  was  of  blessed  characteristics 
and  beniliceiit  results  j  of  which  an  epitome  is  given,  as 
usual,  to  Mrs.  Hamline,  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  under  date  April 
14th. 

Auti-Wesleyan  doctrine  had  produced  its  legitimate  fruit 
there  to  a  degree  that  Methodism  seemed  djiug out.  A  Presiding 
Elder,  who  is  a  D.  D.(?)  had  actually  taken  pains  to  crush  out 
all  definite  testimony  on  the  subject  of  holiness,  as  far  as  his  in- 
fluence extended,  and  did  not  seem  afraid  to  say  to  the  ministers 
on  the  district  that  it  must  be  crushed  out,  as  lie  regarded  it  as 
synonymous  Avith  free  Methodism.  Good  Brotlier  Keddy  had 
been  struggling  almost  single-handed,  for  months,  against  these 
retarding  influences.  The  Lord  sent  us  to  his  help.  Glory  be 
to  God  in  the  highest !     It  was  not  in  vain. 

The  cause  of  holiness  now  triumphs.  Many  who  recoiled  at 
the  mention  of  the  term.  Holiness,  now  stand  forth  as  unflincli- 
iug  witnesses.  We  have  seldom  seen  a  more  glorious  triumi)h 
of  truth. 

As  ever,  wlieu  the  way  of  the  Lord  is  prejiared,  and  the  trail- 
•ing  banner  is  uplifted,  the  people  flock  around  it.  During  our 
visit,  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  came  over  from  the  do- 
minion of  sin,  to  Christ.  This  was  beside  many  who  had  back- 
slidden in  heart,  and  returned  to  the  fold.  And  again  you  will 
join  us  in  saying,  Allelulia  ! 

But  we  have  fallen  on  perilous  times — Satan  would  deceive, 
if  possible,  the  very  elect.  The  worldliuess  of  many  who  bear 
the  Christian  name  is  alarming. 

H.  AV.  Beecher  and  Mrs.  Stowe  are  using  tlieir  influence 
by  way  of  aiding  the  kingdom  of  Satan,  amazingly.     A  pai)er 


21 ES.  PHCEIiE  PALMER.  451 

just  now  lies  before  me,  in  which  I  read,  under  the  caption,'  ''A 
AVicked  Woman,"  what  greatly  saddens  my  lieart ;  that  is,  a 
plea  from  the  pen  of  Mrs.  Stowe  and  H.  W.  Beecher,  for  the 
billiard  table,  nine -pin  alley,  tableaux,  etc. 

Leaving  home  on  the  5th  of  May,  in  response  to  official 
invitations  from  the  churches  in  Central  Illinois,  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Palmer  paid  a  short  visit  to  the  Cleveland  friends  on 
the  way,  tarried  for  a  little  while  at  the  beautiful  Evanston 
home  of  ]\Irs.  Hamline,  and  b}'  courtesy  of  Eev.  Dr.  Kidder 
and  wife,  were  conducted  through  all  the  departments  and 
grounds  of  the  Garrett  Biblical  Institute.  ^'  May  this 
school  of  the  prophets  ever  be  a  praise  on  the  earth,"  she 
earnestly  prayed,  ''  not  only  for  literary  advantages  and 
soundness  of  creed,  but  for  richness  of  divine  unction ;  or 
in  other  words,  for  the  reception  of  the  full  baptism  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  on  the  part  of  all  who,  in  coming  time, 
shall  be  trained  within  these  walls  for  the  holy  ministry. 
Surely,  a  holy  work  demands,  first  of  all,  a  holy  heart." 

Decatur,  III.— On  the  19th,  they  concluded  a  ten  days' 
series  of  special  services  at  Decatur.  Several  ministers, 
with  a  number  of  the  laity,  w-ere  enabled  to  testify  of 
Christ's  power  to  save  to  the  uttermost.  A  number  of  power- 
ful conversions  occurred,  "but  as  no  secretary  was  ap- 
pointed, we  had  no  means  of  ascertaining  the  number 
saved."  This  Mrs.  Palmer  regretted.  The  appointment 
of  a  secretary  to  take  the  name  and  address  of  every 
seeker,  she  deemed  of  great  importance,  because  it  enabled 
pastor  ancl  officiary  to  keep  them  in  sight,  and  to  pay 
them  tlie  special  attention  peculiarly  needed  by  their 
spiritual  condition.  While  trusting  only  in  God  for  success, 
yet  it  is  the  duty  of  His  servants  to  leave  no  proi)er  means 
imemployed  to  assure  it, — is  a  lesson  she  constantly 
inculcated: 

Bloomington. — The  next  field  of  labor  was  the  seat 


452  MEMOIRS   OF 

of  the  Illinois  Wesleyan  University.     Thence,  on  tlie  27tli, 
Mrs.  Palmer  TNTote  to  Mrs.  Ilaniline,  in  detail. 

We  have  never,  to  my  recollection,  labored  in  a  legion  of 
country,  where  what  Wesley  calls  "  the  Methodist  testinjony" 
has  been  so  sliglitly  regarded.  One  of  the  more  prominent 
ministers  said  to  a  friend  of  ours,  that,  ninety-nine  ministers 
out  of  one  hundred  of  the  Conference,  including  these  regions, 
were  resolved  to  keep  down  everything  in  the  Conference 
favoring  holiness  as  a  specialty,  and  said  that  they  didn't  believe 
in  it,  etc.  Our  friend  asked,  in  view  of  liis  being  a  Methodist 
minister,  '^  But  wliat  do  you  do  in  view  of  tlie  fact  of  its  being 
a  Wesleyan  doctrine  V  His  reply  was,  '^  We  hold  to profjrcss, — 
Mr.  Wesley  lived  a  hundred  years  ago,  etc."  When  we  first 
came  to  these  parts,  we  felt  that  it  would  be  a  luxury  if  divine- 
ly permitted  to  fly  home.  But  in  despite  of  these  retarding 
intiuences,  the  Lord  is  working  mightily.  Would  that  I  had 
time  to  tell  jou  of  some  of  the  victories,  but  time  will  not 
allow,  at  present. 

Many  of  the  ministers  and  of  the  students  were  greatly 
blessed  with  a  rich  experience  of  the  deep  things  of  God. 

Jacksonville,  III. — Passing  on  from  Bloomington  to 
Jacksonville,  Mrs.  Palmer  wrote  from  that  place,  to  Mrs 
Lankford,  of  the  peculiarity  of  their  work  in  that  locality. 

The  banner  '^  Holiness  to  the  Lord,"  has  been  trailing  in  the 
dust,  more  sadly  than  in  any  region  we  have  ever  visited.  One 
of  the  more  prominent  ministers  told  a  friend  of  ours,  that  there 
y^Q.^  scarcely  one  minister  out  of  one  hundred,  in  the  Central 
Illinois  Conference,  but  was  of  one  mind  in  tlie  purpose,  not  to 
accept  holiness  as  a  specialty.  The  Free  Methodists  had  done 
much  harm  by  factious  and  schismatic  i)roceedings,  and  had 
brought  the  profession  of  entire  sauctification  into  wide  disre- 
pute. Notwithstanding,  God  gave  His  servants  favor  in  the 
eyes  of  ministry  and  laity.  Ilev.  Mr.  Jacques,  Professor  in  the 
niinois  Wesleyan  University,  received  the  baptism.of  fire  and 
was  gloriously  filled  with  God.  So  were  many  of  the  active 
pastors,  and  of  the  young  men  studying  for  the  ministrj*  in  the 


MBS.  rH(EBE  PALMER.  453 

University.     Several  of  the  uucouverted  students  were   also 
saved. 

lu  Jacksonville,  the  triuiiiidis  of  divine  grace  and  truth 
were  glorious  and  insi)iriting. 

Many  of  those  who  have  been  newly  saved,  are  students  of 
the  Female  College,  located  in  this  beautiful  town.  Our  ten 
days  sojourn  has  been  signally  marked  by  manifestations  of 
divine  approvsd,  but  the  last  were  crowning  services.  Both 
l)enitents  and  seekers  of  the  great  salvation  crowded  the  altar, 
at  each  service,  and  many  found.     Eternal  praise  to  God. 

Spkingfleld,  III. — From  Jacksonville,  our  evange- 
lists went  to  Springfield,  the  capital  of  the  state,  the  former 
home  of  the  martyred  President,  and  the  place  where  his 
mouldering  dust  now^  lies  entombed.  Here  the  meetings 
were  largely  attended  by  people  from  city  and  country. 
The  seeds  of  truth  were  widely  scattered.  New  witnesses 
were  raised  up  at  every  service,  in  testimony  of  the  di^ine 
faithfulness,  not  only  to  forgive  sins,  but  to  cleanse  from 
all  unrighteousness. 

PRINCE  Edward's  island,  st.  John's,  n.  b. 

August  5th, 
To  Mrb.  Hamline  .* 

Doubtless  I  wrote  you,  just  before  leaving  for  the  British 
Provinces.  Our  camp-meeting,  (the  first  ever  held  on  Prince 
Edward's  Island),  was  a  season  of  power,  to  saint  and  sinner. 
Tlie  "  Wesleyan  Provincialist  "  pronounces  it  a  "  glorious  suc- 
cess." 

We  afterward  labored  in  .two  of  the  large  cities,  holding  two 
meetings  daily,  at  Charlottetown  city,  and  St.  Jolin,  N.  B.,  ten 
days  at  each  place.  The  Lord  poured  out  His  Spirit.  Many 
church  members  were  renewed  in  grace,  and  many  sinners 
saved.  I  have  much  to  say,  but  am  constrained  now  to  write 
in  much  haste. 

Many  letters,  demanding  an  early  reply,  have  accumulated 
during  our  absence.  Surely,  the  harvest  is  great.  Intense,  absorb- 


454  MUMOIIiS  OF 

iug  interest  in  tlie  precious  tlieme  of  lieart-lioliiiess  ia  increas- 
ing all  over  the  land^  and  calls  to  labor  on  the  subject,  multiply 
from  every  qiTarter. 

**  You  need  a  private  secretary,"  said  a  lady,  as  she  looked 
upon  the  accumulating  mass  cf  letters,  during  our  short  stay  at 
lier  house.  And  nniny  of  these  letters  are  calls  to  labor  in  near 
and  remote  regions.  Among  those  to  be  answered  to-day,  are 
letters  from  Kansas,  where  they  want  a  '*  Convention  on  the 
subject  of  Holiness,"  in  case  we  can  come,  anotlier  from  Canada, 
several  from  various  parts  of  Illinois  and  Iowa,  from  ministers 
who  are  interested  in  the  blessed  theme,  and  desire  that  we 
sliould  attend  camp  and  ether  meetings  on  the  subject. 

I  enclose  a  circrdar  for  an  "  Illinois  State  camp-meeting," 
and  have  been  thinking  would  it  not  be  possible  for  our  dear 
Sister  Hamline,  and  perhaps  Dr.  and  Sister  Kidder,  with  other 
lovers  of  the  great  salvation,  from  Evanston,  and  tlie  regions 
round,  to  attend  this  meeting.  It  is  gotten  up  by  men  full  of 
faith  and  power. 

DAWSON,  ILL.,    KOSTA,  MAQUOKETA,  IOWA. 

Clinton,  Iowa,  Sejytemh'^r  Is/. 
To  Friends  at  Round  Lake  : 

Our  last  camp-meeting  for  the  season,  closed  yesterday 
morning.  We  have  attended  three,  in  three  continuous  weeks. 
The  fust  was  held  at  Dawson,  near  Springfield,  Illinois  State  cami:- 
meeting.  It  was  gloriously  successful.  The  second  camp-meeting 
was  perhai)s  about  one  hundred  miles  distant,  in  Iowa,  at  Kost:i. 
We  had  much  rain,  but  tlie  meeting  was  well  attended,  and 
the  ultimate  lesults,  may,  I  imagine,  be  better  than  if  a  great 
crowd  of  non-professors  had  been  present.  The  ministers  of 
two  districts,  and  two  presiding  elders  were  present,  and 
'^Holiness  to  the  Lord "  was  the  great  topic.  The  presiding 
elder  of  one  district,  received  the  blessing  in  a  distinct  and 
powerful  manner,  during  the  S.abbath  morning  service,  and  the 
presiding  elder  of  the  adjoining  district,  if  not  clearly  brought 
out,  came  so  near  it,  that  he  stands  strongly  committed.  Seve- 
ral of  tlie  ministers  also  received  the  special  ordination,  and 
were  enabled  to  testify  of  the  all-cleansing  blood.     Many  of 


MRS.  PHu£BE  PALMER.  455 

the  people  followed  the  faith  of  those  over  them,  in  the  Lord. 
The  third,  and  last  held  within  tliree  weeks,  which  closed  yes- 
terday, was  greatly  blessed  of  tlie  Lord.  Seldom  have  we 
witnessed  a  more  remarkable  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit,  i)ar- 
ticularly  on  ministers.  Among  »those  wlio  were  enabled  to 
plunge  into  the  purifjdng  fountain,  was  a  popular  Doctor  of 
Divinity,  President  of  one  of  these  western  colleges.  He  came 
about  a  hundred  miles,  hearing  that  Ave  were  to  be  at  the  camp- 
meeting.  I  have  strong  hopes  that  he  may  have  been  raised 
up  as  a  special  instrumentality  to  spread  Scriptural  Holiness 
over  this  western  world. 

BALTIMORE,  MD.,  ALEXANDRIA,  VA. 

October  19th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  just  returned  from  Alexandria,  Ya.  Tlie  Lord 
was  present  in  sanctifying  and  saving  power.  The  week  pre- 
vious was  spent  at  Baltimore. 

We  had  what  was  called  a  "  home  camp-meeting."  Afternoon 
and  evening  meetings  were  very  largely  attended,  and  crowned 
gloriously  with  the  presence  of  the  sanctifier. 

The  work  of  holiness  has  been  spreading  as  a  flame,  during 
the  past  few  months,  as  never  before.  East,  AVest,  North  and 
South,  most  inspiring  tidings  reach  us  of  great  conquests.  You 
may  have  noticed  in  our  last  ^'  Guide,"  we  call  for  news  from  all 
along  the  line  of  the  blood-besprinkled  army.  How  your  heart 
will  rejoice  when  you  read  a  letter  from  Illinois,  from  the  Kev. 
Prof.  Jacques,  who  received  the  blessing  of  holiness  at  Bloom- 
ington,  at  our  home  camp- meeting,  held  about  three  months 
ago.  The  two  presiding  elders  who  received  the  blessing 
through  the  agency  of  the  Union  district  camp-meeting  in 
Iowa,  are  now  like  flaming  torches.  Next  year  they  intend  to 
have  an  Iowa  State  camp-meeting.  The  flame  seems  to  have 
spread  wonderfully  from  the  camp-meetings,  which,  in  so 
much  weariness,  we  attended,  last  summer.  Again  and  again 
liave  we  exclaimed,  ''  Behold  how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire 
kindleth  !"  ' 


456  MEMOIRS  OF 

Indianapolis,  Ind.,  November  Qd. 
To  Mrs.  Laxkfokd  : 

The  masses  of  churcli  members  are  going  around  and  around 
tlie  mountain,  and  tlieir  carcasses  are  falling  in  the  wilderness, 
instead  of  going  up  to  possess  the  promised  laud.  But  since  we 
commenced  our  labors,  many  have  resolved  to  come  up  and 
possess  the  good  land,  and  are  now  standing  up  as  Caleb  and 
Joshua,  saying, ''  AVe  are  well  able  to  go  up  and  possess  the  good 
land  !"  During  our  first  Sabbath  morning  service,  I  think  as 
many  as  two  hundred,  at  least,  arose  to  say  that  they  would  at 
once  BRING  ALL  THE  TITHES  iuto  God's  store  house,"  etc.  Among 
these,  was  Col.  R.,  who  says  that  he  made  a  very  agreeable 
acquaintance  with  J.  and  P., at  the  recent  Sabbath-school  Con- 
vention. But  it  was  while  he  was  standing  amid  the  multitude, 
by  way  of  saying  that  he  would,  or  rather  did  now  in  fact  con- 
secrate himself  wholly,  that  the  blessed  Holy  Spirit  whispered 
to  his  heart,  ^'  You  don't  bring  all  the  tithes  into  God's  store 
liouse."  He  was  startled  and  overwhelmed  with  a  consciousness 
of  the  truth.  He  sat  down  and  wept.  I  ought  also  to  say  tliat 
there  are  daily  added  to  the  Lord  such  as  shall  be  saved.  Seve- 
ral were  saved  last  night. 

Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  November  28th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

This  is  the  seat  of  Fort  Wayne  College.  The  Lord  has 
been  showing  the  people  great  and  mighty  tilings.  All  the 
students,  both  male  and  female,  have  been  converted,  with  the 
exception  of  perhaps  one  or  two.  Tlie  President  of  tlie  College 
told  us,  as  we  were  rejoicing  over  a  young  man  just  born  into 
tlie  kingdom,  a  few  hours  since,  '^  This  was  the  only  unconverted 
student  remaining."  One  of  the  female  students  has  since  told 
us  that  one  or  two,  she  thinks,  are  not  yet  saved. 

W^hat  a  work  in  two  weeks  !  Surely,  grace  is  omnipotent. 
Large  crowds  come  out  nightly,  and  the  three  M .  E.  churches  have 
united  their  forces.  And  yet,  though  the  work  is  great,  I  do 
not  doubt  but  scores,  perhaps  hundreds  more,  might  have  been 
added  to  the  ranks  of  the  saved,  but  for  a  trespass  on  the  part 
of  some  who  stand  numbered  amouff  God's  Israel  here.     Think 


2fRS.  PE(EBE  PALMER.  457 

of  Olio  of  the  churches,  whose  minister  was  one  of  tlie  tliiee  at 
whose  call  we  came  here,  drawing  off  for  two  evenings,  to  hold 
a  festival.  True,  the  matter  had  been  arranged  before  the  peo- 
ple knew^  of  our  coming,  but  the  fact  of  its  coming  off,  just  at 
the  time  when  God  was  pouring  out  His  Spirit  in  such  a  re- 
markable manner,  was,  I  doubt  not,  most  abliorent  in  the  sight 
of  God.  Otherwise,  I  doubt  not,  we  should  have  seen  hundreds 
more  saved  in  this  community.  0,  what  revelations  will  the 
day  of  eternity  make  !  My  heart  has  been  strangely  sad  over 
the  sacrilegious  act.  It  was  the  design  of  the  God  of  battles  to 
set  His  people  on  high.  They,  had  long  been  groaning  under 
their  oppressions  here. 

The  banner  of  Holiness  had  been  trailing  in  the  dust.  Now 
it  had  been  raised,  and  the  people  were  going  forth  to  glorious 
victory,  in  the  siglit  of  this  community.  When,  lo  !  in  the  city 
papers,  in  sight  of  the  enemy,  appeared  an  advertisement  of  a 
festival,  two  evenings  in  succession,  in  one  of  the  M.  E.  churches. 
The  revival  services  had  attained  such  prominence  before  the 
community,  that  every  paper  contained  some  interesting  report, 
and  tlie  same  papers  advertising  the  festival,  contained  a  rej)ort 
of  the  stately  steppings  of  the  Captain  of  Israel's  hosts,  and 
the  victories  attained.  Everything  seemed  to  give  promise 
that  hundreds  were  about  to  be  won,  when  God  showed  His 
displeasure,  hj  causing  a  cessation  of  the  work,  well  nigh  as 
marked  as  when  Israel  was  driven  back,  after  the  victory  at- 
tained, w  hen  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell  flat.  And  w  hat  was  the 
sin  of  Achan,  in  concealing  the  golden  wedge,  and  the  Baby- 
lonish garment,  in  comparison  with  such  a  trespass  on  the  part 
of  a  church  community,  under  this  wondrous  dispensation  of 
light  ? 


458  MEMOIRS  OF 

1870. 

CORXIXG,   GEXKVA,   N.  Y.— GREAT   ST,   JAMES   ST.,  MONTREAL.— PIQUA, 

O. — GENEVA    DISTRICT    C.    M.,    N.    Y. — MINNESOTA    STATE    C.   M., 

cannon's   falls,  ST.  PAUL,  MINNEAPOLIS,    MINN.— QUINCY, 

ILL.— SOUTHERN   KANSAS   C.  M.,  LEAVENWORTH,    KS. — 

WOODLAND,    SACRAMENTO,  SAN  FRANCISCO,  SANTA 

CLARA,  SAN  JOSE,  STOCKTON,  SACRAMENTO,  CAL. 

CORNING,  GENEVA,  N.  Y. — GREAT    ST.  JAMES  STREET,  MONTREAL. 

January,  February,  March. 

Leavittsburg,  Ohio,  March  18th,  1870. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

AVe  have  endeavoTed  more  strictly  tliaii  ever,  to  adhere  to 
Mr.  Wesley's  advice  to  his  helpers,  that  is,  to  go,  not  where 
most  wanted,  hut  ^\heYe  moBt  needed.  In  doing  this,  we  have 
turned  aside  from  some  large  j^laces,  and  visited  smaller  places, 
where  Satan  had  entrenched  himself  strongly,  and  the  great 
wai]  t  of  revival  influence  had  been  long  felt. 

Viewed  from  this  stand-point,  we  have  received  extraordi- 
nary encouragement  for  which  we  would  raise  an  ever  during 
Ebenezer  of  praise.  In  the  small  town  of  Corning,  New  York, 
where  amid  seeming  discouragements,  we  commenced  the  New 
Year,  a  work  began  which  has  been  spreading,  not  only  through 
the  town,  but  surrounding  towns,  having  caught  the  revival 
flame.  The  recipients  of  the  work  now  number  between  four 
and  five  hundred. 

The  hitter  part  of  January,  and  early  in  February,  was 
spent  in  the  beautiful  little  town  of  Geneva,  where  for  years 
the  banner  ^'Holiness  to  the  Lord"  had  been  trailing  in  the 
dust.  The  result,  as  ever,  was  a  great  dearth  of  revival  influ- 
ence. Time  will  not  allow  me  to  particularize,  but  all  tilings 
considered,  tlie  achievements  of  grace  were  remarkable.  The 
banner  was  planted,  and  the  way  of  the  people  being  prepared, 
such  a  revival  occurred  as  had  not  been  witnessed  for  man}' 
years. 

The  latter  part  of  February,  and  the  first  weekof  the  present 
month,  was  sjient  at  Montreal,  at  the   Great   St.   James  Street 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  45^ 

Church.  This  church  is  the  great  Cathedral  of  Metliodisni.  It 
seemed  an  experiment.  Formalism  lias  prevailed  to  such  a  de- 
gree, that  after  the  fashion  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  the  minis- 
ters who  officiate  are  required  to  wear  the  gown.  The  edifice 
is  imposing,  and  will  hold  about  two  thousand.  Never,  I  think, 
have  I  felt  the  girdings  of  omnipotence,  more  than  while  la- 
boring in  tliis  church.  Many  were  sanctified  wholly,  and  from 
fifty  to  sixty  thronged  tlie  altar  daily.  About  three  hundred, 
we  trust,  were  brought  to  Jesus  during  our  two  week's  labor. 
"With  us,  you  will  unite  in  ascribing,  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest ! 

GENEVA  DISTRICT  CAMP-MEETING. 

Oak's  Corners,  N.  Y.,  JuneKith, 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

We  left  home  by  the  six  o'clock  Central  R.  R.Jast  night. 
Arrived  on  the  camp-ground  about  nine  o'clock  this  morning. 
The meetingbegan yesterday,  but  Ithinkthatthismorning  is  the 
first  that  they  had  rcgnlar  service  from  the  stand.  Dr.  J.  T. 
Peck  was  to  have  preached  this  morning,  but  both  he  and  the 
presiding  elder  were  so  persistent  in  their  entreaties  that  we 
should  take  the  service,  that  we  yielded. 

He  who  baptizeth  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire,  was 
gloriously  present.  And  when  we  asked  that  all  who  wished 
to  manifest  definitehj  that  they  were  indeed  candidates  for 
the  baptism  of  fire  would  stand  before  the  Lord,  and  let  the 
recording  angel  enrol  their  iiumes  now,  more  than  lialf  the 
assembly  arose.  Also  every  minister,  I  believe,  on  the  stand, 
and  there  were  mauy,  among  whom  were  Doctors  Peck  and 
Butler. 

I  noticed  that  Dr.  Peck  seemed  much  affected.  In  the  best 
sense,  1  think  it  was  a  blessed  succc  ss.  I  say  this,  because  1  felt 
so  strongly  tempted  not  to  take  the  service,  and  for  this  reason, 
I  never  rememl>er  to  have  talked  from  the  stand  before  Dr.  Peclc, 
and  some  other  dignitaries  present,  and  I  feared  that  it  might 
be  in  part  from  motives  of  curiosity,  that  they  were  so  urgent. 
But  grace  triumphed.     Alleluia  ! 


4C0  MEMOIRS  OF 

MINNESOTA  STATE  C.  M. 

Hastings^  Mixn.,  July  5ih. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

Could  the  devoted,  earnest  Paul  have  looked  dowu  tlirough 
the  vista  oftime^  and  conceived  of  a  Minnesota  state  camp- 
meeting,  where  Holiness! — the  all-crowning  theme  of  tliis, 
the  crowning  dispensatiou^would  have  been  tlie  great  absorb- 
ing topic, — how  his  mighty  loving  soul  would  have  exulted! 
But  can  we  doubt  that  he  occasionally,  and  exultingly  unites 
in  the  song  of  the  redeemed,  blood- washed  army  of  earth,  as  ihe 
notes  of  victory  ascend,  when  multitudes  of  the  hosts  of  God's 
Israel  plunge  in  the  purifying  fountain  !     Surely — 

"  One  family,  in  Him  we  dwell, 
One  host  above, — beneath  ; 
Though  now  divided  by  the  stream, 
The  nanow  stream  of  death. 

.  One  army  of  the  living  God, 
To  His  command  we  bow  ; 
Part  of  the  host  have  crossed  the  flood, 
And  part  are  crossing  now." 

The  camp- meeting  was  a  scene  of  great  and  glorious  con- 
quest. A  large  number  of  ministers  were  present,  from  near 
and  remote  parts  of  the  state.  ,  The  Lord  poured  out  His  spirit 
on  both  ministry  and  people,  in  an  extraordinary  manner. 
Presiding  elders  from  various  parts  of  the  state,  and  some  min- 
isters also,  from  Wisconsin,  were  present,  and  with  scarcely  an 
exception  all  seemed  to  share  in  the  general  baptism  of  fire. 
It  was  only  to  give  the  invitation  to  seekers,  to  have  every 
available  place  filled  with  earnest  pleaders,  and  many  found. 
Though  much  wearied  in  body,  we  trust  that  we  are  growing 
stronger  in  spirit.  Every  day,  during  the  continuance  of  the 
meeting,  we  have  taken  either  the  half-past  ten,  or  three  o'clock 
service  from  the  stand,  and  prayer  meeting  service  succeeding, 
and  never  do  I  remember  to  have  realized  more  sensibly,  the 
girdings  of  the  Almighty.  Particularly  on  Sabbath,  at  the  half- 
past  ten  o'clock  service.  Often  do  I  feel  constrained  to  exclaim 
to  Dr.  P.,  "  We  are  immortal  till  our  work  is  done."    The  closing 


2IIiS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  4gl 

exercises  were  at  raidniglit,  or  rather  at  one  o'clock  tliis  morn- 
ing. 

CAKNON^S  FALLS,  ST.  PAULS,  MINNEAPOLIS,  MINN. 

Brief  seasons  of  sucessful  ministry  in  Hastings  and 
Kortlifield,  filled  ux)  the  interim  between  the  State  and 
ensuing  local  feast  of  tabernacles.  Further  progress  is  de- 
scibed  to  Mrs.  P.'s  alter  ego^  Mrs.  Hamline,  while  descend- 
ing the  Mississippi  river,  as  follows : 

We  hav^e  since  attended  another  camp-meeting,  held  at 
Cannon's  Falls,  which  was  a  continuation  of  power.  Several 
of  the  ministers  being  present,  who  had  been  at  the  State  camp- 
meeting  the  week  previous,  contributed  to  the  spreading  flame. 

In  passing  from  one  district  to  another,  special  meetings 
were  appointed  at  Hastings  and  Northfield,  so  tliat  every  day 
has  been  filled  up.  Since  Cannon's  Falls  camp-meeting,  we 
have  had  two  meetings  daily,  in  two  of  the  largest  towns  and 
churches.  Sabbath  before  last,  we  commenced  our  labors  at 
St.  Paul.  Scores  crowded  the  altar,  seeking  sanctifying  power. 
As  ever,  seekers  of  pardon  mingled  with  the  throng,  ^nd  every 
day  the  number  multiplied.  Last  Sabbath  we  were  at  Minne- 
apolis. Here  also,  the  altar,  and  all  its  surroundings  was  crowd- 
ed, during  our  stay,  with  seekers  of  the  great  salvation,  or 
souls  newly  struggling  to  be  born  into  the  Kingdom.  Our  stay 
seems  to  have  been  quite  too  short.  Seldom  have  we  left  any 
region  where  a  longer  stay  has  seemed  more  desirable. 

QUINCY,  ILL. — SOUTHERN  KANSAS  C.  M. — LEAVENWORTH,  KANSAS. 

EvANSTOWN,  Utah,  August  llt/t. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  since  spent  a  Sabbath  in  labors  for  Jesus,  at  Quincy 
111.,  after  which  we  attended  a  camp-meeting,  a  long,  long 
distance  away,  in  Southern  Kansas,  only  taii  miles  from  the 
Indian  Territory.  Though  seemingly  at  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
Jesus  was  gloriously  present  in  sanctifying,  soul-saving  power. 

Last  week  we  attended  another  meeting,  to  which  we  had 
long  since  been  engaged,  near  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 


462  MEMOIRS  OF 

WOODLAND,  SACKAMKNTO,  CAL. 

Woodland,  California,  August  \9th. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

Tlie  Lord  of  liosts  is  with  lis,  tlie  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 

Never  luxve  we  liad  stronger  assurances  of  a  call  from  God, 
than  in  liaving  accepted  the  call  of  the  churches  here. 

Wo  arrived  last  Saturday,  Aug.  13th.  We  are  now  in  at- 
tendance on  a  camp-meeting  which  is  being  owned  of  God  in  an 
extraordinary  manner.  Such  a  camp-meeting  of  poVer  and 
largeness  of  attendance  has  never  before  been  held  in  California. 
We  always  take  one  or  two  i)ublic  services  at  the  s'and,  daily, 
beside  prayer- meeting  services,  childrens'  meetings,  etc. 

So,  you  see,  avc  do  not  write  home  letters,  because  we  have 
not  other  demands  on  our  time. 

The  calls  here,  from  every  part  of  the  coast,  are  numerous 
and  imperative. 

Sacramento,  September  3d. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

The  camp-meeting  to  which  we  were  invited,  held  fourteen 
days.  All  unite  in  saying  that  such  a  meeting  was  never  be- 
fore know^  in  California.  We  are  now  holding  afternoon  and 
evening  meetings  in  this  city,  which  are  largely  attended,  and 
the  altar  is  nightly  surrounded  with  penitents  and  seekers  of  the 
great  salvation.  Last  night,  the  minister  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  asked  if  we  would  not  hold  meetings  in  his  church. 
The  minister  of  the  church  8outh,  also  pat  on  the  platform,  and 
opened  the  meeting.  But  Oh,  what  a  work  there  is  to  do  in 
this  far  off  beautiful  land  !  So  much  fallow  ground  !  So  much 
profession  that  scarcely  approaches  to  morality.  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Newman,  of  Washington,  are  making  a  flying  visit  here.  The 
Doctor  says  that  such  are  the  imperative  demands  of  the  work 
here,  that  we  should  not  think  of  staying  less  than  a  year. 
Could  we  do  so,  I  imagine  that  we  might  see  hundreds  brought 
to  Jesus.    But  the  general  apathy  of  the  churches  is  great. 

SAN  FRANCISCO,  SANTA  CLARA,  SAN  JOSE,  STOCKTON,  SACRAMENTO. 

HaAiug  accepted  an  invitation  to  attend  the  Santa 
Clara  camp-meeting,  Dr.  and  Mrs.   Palmer  took  one  of 


MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  4(53 

the  beautiful  California  steamers,  the  "  Yosemite,"  and  after 
a  delightful  sail  down  the  Sagramento  river,  reached  San 
Francisco  about  eiglit  o'clock  at  night.  The  exceeding 
fruitfuhiess  of  the  land,  and  the  enchanting  beauty  of  the 
country,  elicited  enthusiastic  praise.  A  special  meeting 
had  been  arranged,  and  announced  in  tlie  Rev.  ]Mr.  Hea- 
cock's  church,  that  proved  to  be  a  season  of  remarkable 
spiritual  profit. 

^Multitudes  croAvded  around  tlie  altar,  as  candidates  for  the 
Spirit's  baptism.  At  the  close  of  the  service,  persons  tluit  ^ye 
Jiad  lost  sight  of,  five,  ten,  twenty,  and  thirty  years,  came 
crowding  around  us  ;  some  by  way  of  refreshing  our  memories 
saying, ''  I  saw  you  in  Philadelphia  ;"  another,  "  I  ratt  you  in 
Liverpool,  England  ;"  another,  ^^  Do  you  not  remember  seeing 
me  on  Prince  Edward's  Island  ^"  another,  '^  I  met  you  at 
Eimiskillen,  Ireland,*'  others,  long  since  from  Xew  York,  Can- 
ada, etc.     It  was  indeed  a  jubilant  time. 

At  Santa  Clara,  the  camp-meeting  was  a  very  pre- 
cious one.  ''  Many  diciples  were  blest  with  fuU  salvation, 
and  sinners  came  to  Jesus  .'^  Dirring  the  progress  of  the 
meeting,  the  corner  stone  ofthe  Pacific  Uuiversitj' at  Santa 
Clara,  was  laid,  "•  amid  quite  im^iosing  ceremonies  ; — the 
people  from  the  camp-ground,  and  the  townsmen,  attend- 
ing in  one  body. 

After  the  close  of  the  camp-meeting,  which  lasted  five 
days,  a  three  days  service  Avas  held  in  the  commodious 
chm'ch  at  Santa  Clara.  There  also,  the  revival  llame  biu-st 
forth,  and  from  twenty  to  thirty  seekers  knelt  at  the 
altar,  at  every  service.  Physical  phenomena  and  natural 
productions  all  had  a  pecidiar  charm  for  Mrs.  Palmer. 

Eich  iu  minerals,  delightful  in  climate,  and  as  abundant  in 
rare  and  precious  fruits  of  the  earth,  as  was  once  the  delightful 
land  of  fair  Palestine,  it  ought  to  be,  of  all  lands,  as  the  gar- 
den of  Paradise,  redeemed  from  the  fiiU. 

San  Jose  was  our  next  field  of  labor : — One  of  the  largest 


464  MEMOIllS  OF 

and  most  beautiful  towns  in  Santa  Clara  valley.  It  con- 
tains about  seven  tlioiisand  iuliabitants,  and  was  settled  by 
Spanish  Romanist  missionaries,  in  1192.  Tlie  Romanists  were 
suspected  of  liaving  burnt  the  church  of  the  Methodists,  who 
were  active  in  religious  and  educational  labors,  both  among 
the  American  and  Cliinese  populations.  Here  we  engaged  in  a 
three  days'  meeting,  liolding  afternoon  and  evening  services. 
Friends  of  lioliness  came  in,  from  miles  around.  Jesus  was 
most  eminently  in  our  midst,  baptizing  His  people  with  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  and  souls,  also,  were  newly  born  into  the  kingdom 
of  grace. 

From  San  Jose  we  went  to  Stockton.  Here  also,  we  engaged 
in  precious  toils  for  the  blessed  Master.  Laboring  in  spirit, 
day  and  night,  in  sympathy  with  Him  whose  whole  life  was 
one  great  sncrifice,  we  were  permitted  to  witness  the  fruit  of 
our  labors,  in  the  sanctification  of  believers,  and  the  salvation 
of  precious  souls.  Surely,  it  is  a  work  that  angels  might  covet, 
to  tly  from  one  region  to  another,  and  assist  in  i)lanting  firmly, 
the  banner  of ''  Holiness  to  the  Lord." 

Pursuing  our  homeward  way,  we  left  Stockton  for  Sacra- 
mento.    The  Sixth  street  congregation,  uniting  with  the  H 

street  people.  In  these,  our  last  services  of  four  evenings,  we 
enjoyed  a  memorable  season  of  sanctifying,  soul-saving  power. 
Sabbath  evening  Avas  our  parting  service,  wiien  we  bade  adieu 
to  many  with  whom  we  expect  to  meet  no  more  till  mortality  is 
swallowed  up  of  life. 

Stu[)endous  have  been  the  manifestations  of  converting  and 
sanctifying  i)ower  !  At  the  call  of  the  churches,  we  have,  during 
the  past  eleven  months,  traveled  between  twelve  and  thirteen 
thousand  mik-s.  Besides  going  to  many  other  places,  at  the 
bidding  of  the  Master,  we  have  traveled  across  the  continent, 
from  sea  to  sea.  ^'  Now,  thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always 
causeth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ,  and  maketh  manifest  the  savor 
of  His  knowledge  by  us,  in  every  place.'*  And  here,  during  the 
closing  days  of  1870,  let  me  renewedly  raise  an  JEbenezer  of 
exalted  Fraise  ! 


MliS.  FHCEBE  PALMER.  405 

1871. 

HAMILTON,  TOliONTO,  COOKSTOWN,  OWEN  SOUND,  C.  W. — OCEAN  GROVE, 

N.  J. — OHIO,  WEST  VIRGINIA,  CAMP-MEETINGS. — CHATAUQUA 

LAKE,  N.   Y. — STEPNEY,  CONN. 

Hamilton,  C.  W.,  March  2M, 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

This  is  the  seat  of  the  Hamilton  Female  College.  Tlie  work 
of  salvation  ia  going  on  with  great  power  among  tlie  students. 
One  of  the  college  professors  said  last  evening,  it  seemed  as 
if  the  Lord  Avas  giving  eveiy  one  a  call.  Several  of  tlie  liard- 
est  cases  in  the  college  have  been  gathered  into  the  fold  of 
Christ. 

Last  niglit,  after  the  students  had  returned  home  to  the 
college  halls,  some  were  so  distressed  tliat  they  leinained  np 
till  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  five  were  converted. 
Alleluia ! 

Toronto,  Jj?ri7  22ch 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

We  commenced  our  labors  in  the  central,  and  largest  Wes- 
leyan  church  in  Toronto,  on  Sabbatli  morning  last.  Speaking 
of  the  divine  order,— ^'Judgment  must  bef/in  at  the  house  of  God,''' 
we  urged  the  necessity  of  present  holiness,  as  the  only  and  abso- 
lute  preparation  for  the  work  of  revival. 

He  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  owned  the  word.  Over  one  hun- 
dred manifested  their  resolution  to  seek  the  blessing.  The 
work  of  revival  has  been  going  on  with  increasing  power,  ever 
since.  The  meetings  are  lield  twice,  daily,  the  multitudes  in 
attendance  multiplying,  and  truth  being  intensified  yet  more 
and  more,  with  every  passing  day. 

As  usual  with  us,  the  afternoon  meetings  are  largely  devot- 
ed to  the  theme  of  present,  personal  holiness.  Much  interest 
prevails,  both  among  the  ministry  and  laity.  Some  of  the 
ministers  have  come  out  clearly  in  the  i>r(>fessi<)n  of  the 
blessing,  and  others  are  tremblingly  passing  over  the  bar  of 
unbelief  into  the  promised  rest  of  faith.  It  is  only  to  give  op- 
portunity to  seekers  of  the  great  salvation,  and   the  altar  is 


4GC  MEMOIES  OF 

cro\Ade(l.  AYe  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  Iiow  many  have 
attained,  as  there  has  been  but  little  attempt  toward  secretary- 
ship, but  we  trust  heaven's  recording  book  may  have  noted 
many. 

Neither  can  we  form  an  estimate  of  the  number  converted. 
The  altar  is  nightly  surrounded,  and  all  the  available  room 
around  it  crowded  with  earnest  seekers,  and  the  most  of  those 
Avho  seek,  do  find.  Connected  with  this  large  Richmond  Street 
Church,  is  a  large  room,  devoted,  I  believe,  to  business  purposes, 
(  Missionary  secretary's  room,  I  believe,)  to  wliich  seekers  have 
been  diiected,  when  unable  from  the  pressure  to  get  to  the  altar. 
We  were  told  that  at  least  seven  found  Jesus,  in  the  adjoin- 
ing room,  last  night. 

CooKSTOWN,  C.  W.,  June  26th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  arrived  on  Thursday,  about  noon.  Took  the  afternoon 
2:30  service.  A  multitude,  greatly  beyond  our  anticipations, 
were  present.  We  were  a  wonder  to  ourselves.  God,  even  our 
God,  took  us  wholly  into  His  own  hand.  He  gave  me  a  voice  to 
compass  the  multitude,  and  so  saved  me  from  all  physical  disabili- 
ty, that  I  was  a  marvel  to  myself,  and  I  presnme,  to  others. 
We  are  immortal  till  our  work  is  done.  Hundreds  presented 
themselves  as  seekers  of  the  baptism  of  holiness,  and  the  Spiiit 
was  poured  out  in  an  extraordinary  manner.  We  had  a  service 
three  or  four  hours  long,  during  which  many  were  sanctified 
wholly,  and  many  sinners  converted.  Each  day  we  took  one 
of  the  three  services  at  the  stand,  and  witnessed  similar  results. 
My  health  is  even  better  than  when  I  left  home.  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest ! 

Owen  Sound,  Oxt.,  July  10th. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

Ever  since  we  left  our  home,  and  commenced  our  labors  in 
these  far  off  regions,  showers  of  blessings  have  been  falling 
npon  us,  and  upon  the  people,  watering  all  the  thirsty  land. 
Alleluia ! 

It  is  now  Monday.  Next  Thursday  it  will  be  three  weeks 
since  we  entered  upon  this  glorious  campaign.     The  subjects 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  4(;7 

of  the  work,  I  doubt  not,  number  five  hundred,  at  alow  compu- 
tation. I  mean  those  who  liave  either  received  pardoning  or 
sanctifying  grace. 

A  little  over  a  week  since,  we  came  to  this  place.  Here 
also,  we  have  witnessed  a  remarkable  out-pouring  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  How  many  liave  been  recipients  of  the  work,  eternity 
alone  can  reveal.  Every  one  coming  on  the  encampment  seemed 
under  a  divine  arrest. 

The  town  of  Owen  Sound,  being  about  three  miles  distant 
from  the  camp-ground,  at  its  close  it  was  adjourned  there,  and 
is  going  on  with  power.  Again  and  again  we  hear  the  exclama- 
tion :  "  Owen  Sound  never  witnessed  anything  like  this."  Oh. 
what  a  day  of  power  was  yesterday  !  Four  services  Avere  held. 
In  the  evening,  the  crowd  was  so  dense,  and  the  number  of  peni- 
tents and  persons  seeking  the  fullness  so  great,  that  meetings 
went  on  simultaneously  in  the  church  and  lecture  room.  The 
whole  number  recorded,  whose  names  have  been  given  in,  duriug 
the  meeting  in  this  place,  is  between  three  and  four  hundred. 
Over  one  hundred  are  recorded  as  having  received  the  blessing 
of  perfect  love,  and  between  two  and  three  hundred  have  been 
raised  up  to  testify  that  the  Son  of  Man  hath  power  on  earth  to 


OHIO  STATE    C.    M. — WEST  VIRGINIA   STATE    C.    M. — CHATAUQUA  LAKE; 
N.  Y.,  ETC. 

September  21  st. 
My  much  loved  Sister  H.  : 

It  seems  long  since  w^e  parted  with  you.  Too  feeble  to  sit 
up,  you  were  then  reclining  —I  do  not  like  to  say  on  the  bed  of 
languishing— but  O,  so  feeble  in  flesh  !  Yet  I  cannot  think  of 
you  as  other  than  strong  in  spirit. 

Just  as  I  was  writing  the  preceding  lines,  looking  up,  my 
eye  rested  on  "  The  Silent  Comforter."  Some  one  has  turn- 
ed its  leaves  to  a  page  commencing  thus  :  "  The  Lord  will 
strengthen  liini  on  the  bed  of  languishing.  Thou  wilt  make  all 
his  bed  in  his  sickness."  The  next  verse  reads,  ''  His  left  hand 
is  under  my   head,   and   His  right  hand  doth  embrace  me," 


4GS  MEMOniS  OF 

Surely,  this  is  the  sweet  answering  voice  of  your  soul,  to  the 
beloved.     '*  How  sweet  to  rest  in  His  embrace." 

We  have  just  returned  from  a  journey,  having  traveled 
about  live  hundred  miles,  during  the  last  twenty-four  hours.  1 
lioped  that  we  might  have  found  a  letter  informing  us  of  your 
improved  health. 

Never  do  I  remember  to  have  crowded  so  much  work 
into  spring,  summer  and  autumn.  You  may  recall  our  three 
weeks'  labors  with  the  churches  in  Hamilton,  Canada  West. 
After  a  hurried  stay  home,  to  preimre  the  '^  Guide,"  we  spent 
another  three  weeks  in  Canada,  at  Tronto.  Then  returning 
liome  to  pre^iare  the  next  montli's  magazine,  we  attended  two 
camp-meetings,  beside  a  week's  meetings,  two  sessions  dailj',  at 
Owen  Sound,  and  also  several  other  meetings  at  three  or  four 
otlier  towns.  In  the  midst  of  the  summer,  we  had  tlie  privi- 
lege of  visiting  you  at  your  pleasant  home. 

The  next  day  after  leaving  you,  we  arrived  at  the  Ohio 
State  camp-meeting.  It  was  a  season  of  great  spiritual  power. 
Nej;t  week,  after  the  close  of  the  Ohio  State  meeting,  we  at- 
tended the  Virginia  State  cami)-meeting,  which  was  markc  d  with 
the  hallowing  i)resence  of  the  High  and  Holy  One.  On  the 
day  that  the  Virginia  State  camp-meeting  closed,  we  hastened  to 
the  one  already  commenced  on  tlie  AUegliany  Mountains.  Of 
all  the  meetings  we  have  attended  this  summer,  none  was 
more  signally  crowned  with  the  mighty  out-i)ouriugs  of  the 
Spirit,  than  this. 

We  have  just  returned  from  the  Chatauqua  Lake  camp- 
meeting.  Beautiful  for  situation,  and  attended  witli  much  of 
the  presence  of  the  Sanctifter,  I  could  give  many  particulars  that 
would  interest  you,  but  time  fails.  Mainly,  my  health  is  not 
worse  than  when  I  saw  you.  If  you  knew  tlie  particulars,  you 
would  say  with  me,  tluititis  amazinggracc — vondions  mercy — 
almighty  power  alone,  that  sustains,  amid  such  incessant  labor. 
Beside  laboring  in  social  and  prayer-meetings,  we,  at  all  the 
camp-meetings  of  the  sunamer,  have  taken  the  afternoon  ser- 
vice daily,  at  the  stand,  etc.  Faith  in  regard  to  divine  sustain- 
ment,  in  connection  with  all  these  labors,  is  almost  turned  to 
sijiht. 


MRS.  PHOSBE  PILMER.  469 

1872. 

MASSENA,  POTSDAM,  N.  Y.— NORTHERN  NEW  YORK. — CHELSEA,  MASS.  — 

WOONSOCKET,  R,  I. — BATH,  N.  Y.— OHIO  STATE   C.  M.— 

LONDON,  C.  W. 

Massena,  N.  Y.,  January  llth. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

"We  had  been  engaged  to  go  to  Bennington,  Yt.,  but  on 
account  of  my  fast  failing  health,  had  recalled  our  engage- 
ment. 

But  Bro.  L.  S.  Weed,  thinking  that  the  Massena  Springs 
might  possibly  be  favorable  to  my  health,  we  concluded,  as  tlie 
place  was  not  large,  that  we  might  make  an  effort  to  labor,  and 
if  unable  to  remain,  might  return. 

I  found  myself  gaining,  rather  than  losing  bj-  the  journey, 
and  as  a  whole,  my  health  is  more  hopeful  tliau  when  I  left 
home. 

But  the  best  of  all  is,  that  the  Lord  is  working  in  a  won- 
drous manner.  Two  weeks  last  night,  we  arrived  here,  and 
commenced  our  labors  in  the  M.  E.  church,  a  new  and  com- 
modious edifice.  The  Baptist,  and  Presbyterian  ministers  and 
people  joined  as  one,  with  our  people,  openly  coming  out  as 
seekers  of  the  full  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  Many,  we  trust,receiv- 
ed  holiness,  as  in  truth  it  is, — a  gift  of  power  to  bring  the  unsaved 
to  Jesus.  The  result  is,  that  there  is  now  such  a  turning  to  the 
Lord  as  has  never  been  known  in  this  region.  The  subjects  of 
the  work  may  be  numbered  by  hundreds.  Meetings,  from  the 
commencement  of  our  labors  here,  have  been  held  morning 
afternoon,  and  evening,  all  of  which  are  largely  attended,  the 
people  coming  in  from  many  miles  distant. 

Potsdam,  N.  Y.,  January  23d. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  are  now  at  Potsdam.  Here  also  the  Lord  has  commenced 
to  work  in  great  power.  Over  twenty  souls  were  saved  last  uiglit; 
of  those  born  into  the  kingdom,  nearly  all  were  men  between 
the  ages  of  thirty  and  eighty  years. 

Doubtless  you  wonder  how  my  health  endures.     Surely,  we 


470  MEMOIRS  or 

are  immortal  till  our  work  is  done.  I  am  divinely  sustained, 
botli  pliysically  and  spiritmxUy.  My  health  is  less  liopeless 
than  when  we  left  home.  I  attribute  it  to  the  praijcr  of  faith. 
I  also  tliink  the  Massena  Springs  are  good  for  many  diseases,  and 
am  not  sure  but  they  may  have  been  an  advantage  to  me. 

NORTHERN   NEW  YORK, 

February  22d. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  remained  in  Northern  New  York,  about  six  weeks, 
visiting  three  or  four  places,  and  witnessed  a  multitude  sanc- 
tified wholly,  and  lumdreds  newly  brought  to  Jesus. 

I  find  that  the  passion  for  soul-saving,  that  has  so  fired 
my  inmost  being  for  over  thirty  years  past,  does  not  diminish, 
but,  as  time  sliortens,  iutensifies.  I  am  apprehending  yet  more 
clearly  that  the  '^gift  of  power"  promised  to  believers,  is  the 
power  tliat  brings  sinners  to  Jesus.  This  was  the  immediate 
result  Avitnessed  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  ought  to  be  the 
result  aimed  at,  with  all  who  seek  the  baptism  of  fire.  And 
the  reason  wliy  many  seek  and.  do  not  obtain,  is  doubtless 
because  they  do  not  set  themselves  apart  purposely  for  the 
work  of  bringing  sinners  to  Jesus,  but  rather  as  S(>me  great 
gift  to  make  them  happy,  etc.,  aside  from  being  specially 
useful. 

WooNsocKET,  K.  I.,  March  12th. 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

We  are  having  an  old  fashioned  "  four  days'  meeting," 
here.  Meetings  at  half-past  ten  o'clock,  two  o'clock,  and  half- 
past  seven  o'clock,  daily.  But,  3^ou  see,  I  find  time  to  write  a 
line  in  reply  to  yours.  We  are  having  a  union  meeting.  On 
Sabbath,  we  talked  to  a  large  congregation  in  the  Baptise 
Church,  on  the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  From  fifty  to 
one  hundred  came  forward  to  the  front  seats,  seeking  the  bless- 
ing. Yesterday,  we  labored  at  the  M.  E.  Church,  otlier  denomi- 
nations uniting.  The  prospects  were  very  encouraging  for  a 
glorious  work,  but  to-day  a  great  storm  is  raging.  But  the 
Head  of  the  Church  presides.     He  doeth  all  things  well. 


MRS.  PU(EBE  PALME n.  471 

Bath,  N.  Y,  Ajyrii  \]ih. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  returned  early  last  week,  from  a  meeting  of  eight  days, 
in  Bath,  N.  Y.,  where  we  were  told  that  they  had  not  had  a 
revival  for  years.  Few,  if  anj',  stood  dear  as  witnesses  of  holi- 
ness. Scores,  we  trust,  were  sanctified  wholly,  and  the  names 
of  about  sixty,  taken  as  newly  added  to  the  Lord.     Alleluia  ! 

You  will  perhaps  have  heard  of  Prof.  Upham's  death.  Vie 
were  with  him  before  he  passed  away,  as  he  lay  stricken  with 
paralysis, — speechless,  but  not,  when  we  saw  him,  unconscious. 
He  spoke  but  once,  and  that  was  doubtless  in  answer  to  the 
prayer  of  faith.  At  the  Tuesday  afternoon  meeting.  Brother 
Belden  asked,  if  consistent  with  the  divine  will,  he  might  be 
permitted  to  speak,  if  but  a  single  sentence  more,  by  way  of 
testimony. 

He  spoke  but  once,  and  that  single  last  sentence  that  fell 
from  his  li]3S  was,  '^  My  soul  is  with  God .'" 

LONDON,  C.  AV. 

October  'Sd. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

We  have  just  returned  this  week  from  London,  C.  W.  camp- 
meeting.  Week  before  last,  we  attended  the  London  district 
camp-meeting.  The  Lord  was  powerfully  present,  and  many  of 
both  the  ministry  and  laity  were  sanctified  whoU}',  and  many 
sinners  were  converted.  We  had  j^romised  to  return  to  Loudon 
after  camp-meeting,and  hold  a  three  days'  meeting.  But  the  Lord 
wrought  so  gloriously  in  the  sanctification  of  believers  and  the 
conversion  of  sinners,  that  we  were  constrained  to  remain  from 
day  to  day,  till  we  had  numbered  ten  days  of  remarkable  con- 
quest. From  fifty  to  seventy  were  daily  pressing  to  tlie  altar 
and  its  surroundings.  Our  battle-field  was  a  large,  richly  fur- 
nished church,  with  spire  pointing  to  the  heavens,  capable  of 
seating  about  two  thousand  persons,  where  the  people  had  not 
been  more  accustomed  to  revival  influences,  than  at  St.  Paul's,  in 
Kew  York.  But  we  began  urging  the  people  to  seek  holiness 
as  a  gift  of  power,  that  would  enable  them  to  bring  sinners  to 
Jesus.  Many  sought  and  found, — then,  as  ever,  multitudes 
were  saved. 


472  MEMOIBS  OF 

1873. 

TORONTO,  ONT. — JACKSON,  MICH. — PORT    CLINTON,    OHIO,  TILSONBURG, 
ONT. — SEA  COFF,  N.  Y. — OCEAN    GROVE,  N.  J. — ALBANY,  N.    Y. 

Toronto,  Ont.,  Januanj  26th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Thanks  be  to  God,  ^lio  always  causetli  us  to  triumph.  Dur- 
ing our  twelve  days'  labor  at  Queen  street,  over  two  liuudred  x)ro- 
fessed  conversion,  and  not  less  than  one  liundred,  I  think,  sought 
and  I  trust  obtained,  the  i>earl  of  perfect  love.  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest ! 

Yesterday  we  changed  our  battle-field,  and  are  now  at  the 
Metropolitan  Church.  This  being  very  central  and  large,  we 
are  in  faith  asking  and  believing  that  the  flame  enkindled  may 
spread  over  the  city.  Already  we  are  witnessing  most  glorious 
indications  that  our  faith  is  not  in  vain.     Alleluia  ! 

Jackson,  Mich.,  Ajyril  8lh,  1873. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  afternoon  and  evening  meetings,  are  now  seasons  of 
power.  At  first  there  were  many  formidable  hinderances  in  the 
way.  Disunion  prevailed.  About  half  a  dozen  class  leaders 
had  recently  had  their  class-books  taken  away,  and  many  were 
in  array  against  the  minister. 

This  party  had  said  that  there  could  not  be  a  revival,  and 
was  weakening  the  hands  of  the  few  that  otherwise  might  have 
been  disposed  to  work.  There  was  a  trespass  worse  than 
Achan's  trespass  in  the  camp. 

"Ry  permission  of  the  minister  in  charge,  we  called  a  church 
meeting,  making  a  spcciali}j  of  it  in  such  a  peculiar  way,  as  to 
demand  the  presence  of  all,  whether  disaffected  or  otherwise. 

The  Head  of  the  Church  owned  our  humble  endeavors  to 
bring  about  the  unity  of  the  Sjiirit  amazingly.  This  meeting 
was  called  at  nine  o'clock  on  Sabbath  morning.  Such  a  time 
of  weeping,  contrition,  and  fellowship.  Would  that  I  could  de- 
scribe it  j  everybody  shook  hands,  in  token  of  fellowship  and 
mutual  forgiveness. 

Immediately  God  began  to  work  in  power,  and  I  presume 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  473 

that  not  less  than  fifty  came  out  on  the  Lord's  side,  before  ten 
o'clock  Sabbath  evening.  And  still  the  work  goes  on  with  in- 
creasing power.     Glory  to  Jesus  ! 

Port  Clinton,  Ohio,  May  15th» 
To  Mrs.  Lankford  : 

We  are  having  a  most  powerful  work  of  the  Spirit  here. 
Tlie  wliole  town  is  moved,  and  sinners  of  all  ages  and  grades 
in  society,  are  being  saved.  Among  the  many  seekers  at  the 
altar  last  night, — about  twenty  of  whom  we  trust  were  convert- 
ed,— one  was  a  judge,  another,  the  Town  Auditor,  and  one  a 
doctor.  A  number  of  young  people  have  been  clearly  and 
powerfully  converted, — o:je,  a  boy  whose  parents  are  Catholics, 
though  now  forbidden  to  enter  the  church,  is  endeavoring  to 
get  all  the  boys  of  the  town,  he  can  influence,  to  come  and  get 
salvation.  One  boy,  who  was  invited  to  come  to  the  church 
and  seek  salvation  promised  to  do  so.  Said  anotlier,  tauntingly, 
'^  Are  you  going  to  spite  your  family^"  ^^  No,"  he  replied,  '^  lam 
going  to  spito  Satan,  I  hope."  He  came  last  night,  but  had  not 
been  in  tlie  church  an  hdur  before  he  was  taken  extremely  ill 
and  went  out.  Before  the  meeting  closed,  word  came  to  his 
sister  who  was  among  the  seekers  at  the  altar  that  her  brother 
was  dij'uuj!  What  a  mysterious  providence!  Thus  it  is  that 
God  is  teaching  wondrous  lessons  to  young  and  old. 

We  have  had  much  ministerial  aid.  All  the  ministers  on 
the  district, with  some  others  from  a  greater  distiince,have  been 
here,  and  two  presiding  elders. 

TiLsoNBURG,  Ont.,  June  20th. 
To  ^Irs.  Hamline  : 

We  took  the  service  this  afternoon,  trusting  in  Him  who 

giveth  power.     We  talked  of  Christ  as  the  '^  end  of  tlie  law  for 

righteousness  to  every  one  thut  helieveth.^^    Many  did  believe 

with  the  heart,  and  confess  with  the  mouth,  unto  full  salvation. 

****** 

It  is  now  Friday,  June  26th.  The  camp-meeting  commenc- 
ing Juno  IStli,  closed  on  Tuesday.  It  was  a  season  of  grace, 
and  great  delight.     Many  were  sanctified  wholly,  and  sinners 


474  MEMOIRS  OF 

saved.  The  meetings  closed  on  tlie  camp-grouiid,  on  Tuesday 
morning,  and  connueuced  in  the  cliurcli^  in  Tilsonburg,  at  lialf- 
past  tv.o  in  the  afternoon. 

We  have  had  one  continued  scene  of  power,  since.  Meetings 
have  been  held,  nioining,  afternoon, and  evening,  in  the  Wes- 
leyan  churcli,  which  is  large  and  commodious.  Such  a  visita- 
tion of  the  Spirit  has  never  before  been  witnessed  in  these  re- 
gions. Multitudes  are  coming  to  Jesus.  We  are  staying  longer 
than  intended,  but  in  view  of  the  magnitude  of  the  work,  have 
not  dared  to  leave.  Mr.  Tilson,  from  whom  the  town  takes  its 
name,  and  at  whose  house  we  abide,  was  converted  when  we 
were  liere  last  summer.  During  this  season  of  glorious  visita- 
tion, he  lias  received  tlie  baptism  of  lire,  and  is  now  mighty 
tlirough  the  Spirit,  in  bringing  others  to  Jesus.  He  is  very 
wealtiiy,  and  will  doubtless  consecrate  largely  to  Him  who 
giveth  power  to  get  wealth. 

lAary. — Ocean  Grove,  N.  J.  August  2Ath. — A  congregation 
of,  I  presume,  not  less  than  four  or  five  thousand,  listened  to 
the  Word,  lais  morning.  Dr.  P.,  and  myself  spoke  of  the  readi- 
ness and  ability  of  Jesus  to  save  to  tne  uttermost.  We  had  a 
most  gracious,  memorable  season. 

Had  a  large  gathering  of  Christians  in  Dr.  W d's  tent,  this 

afternoon.  Felt  the  guidance  of  the  Almighty,  Miiile  talking 
for  Jesus.  lu  the  evening,  took  charge  of  the  service  which 
was  held  in  the  large  Tabernacle.  We  talked  of  the  endow- 
ment of  power.  Many  arose  as  seekers  of  the  Pentecostal  gift, 
and  several  professed  to  find  the  promised  grace. 

Albany,  N.  Y.,  December  19th. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

A  minister  lately  transferred  from  the  Canadian  Conference, 
being  appointed  to  tlie  Trinity  Church,  seeing  the  deadness  of 
the  people,  and  the  utter  neglect  of  the  doctrine  of  holiness,  en- 
treated us  to  visit  his  people.  On  the  principle  of  going  where 
most  needed,  Ave  went.  At  first,  matters  were  discouraging  be- 
yond anything  I  can  tell.  Pleading  for  light,  we  opened  on 
1  Sam.  i;i:  19-23  inclusive,  i)ortraying  Israel's  impoverished, 
dependent  condition.     They,  not  having  been  true  to  the  pur- 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  475 

pose  for  which  God  had  raised  them  up  to  be  a  people,  God  had 
well  nigh  forsaken  them,  and  left  them  to  be  dependent  on  the 
Pliilistiues.  Eeading  on  to  the  next  chajiter,  (see  14,  1  Sam). 
I  saw  it  was  nothing  with  God,  to  save,  whether  by  many  or  by 
few.  We  greatly  desired  that  the  Lord  would  enable  us  to  lift 
the  falling  standard  of  Holiness  in  the  presence  of  the  people. 
Never  shall  I  forget  the  eventful  afternoon  of  Monday,  Decem- 
ber 8th,  when  the  Holy  Spirit  did  enable  us  to  unfurl  tlio  banner 
^^  Holiness  to  the  Lord,''''  in  the  presence  of  most  of  the  ministers 
of  the  Albany  M.  E.  churches.  When  the  invitation  was  given 
for  those  who  would  rally  around  the  standard,  resolving  to 
have  the  blessing,  scores  gathered  around,  filling  the  altar  and 
all  its  surroundings.  From  that  point,  the  work  began  in  power. 
Many  received  ihe  blessing  of  holiness,  and  about  one  hundred 
were  converted  before  we  left. 

1874. 

ROCHESTER,   N.  Y. — JACKSOXVILLE,    FLA. — NEW   HAVEN,    CONN. — NOVA 

SCOTIA,  ROME,  AND  INTERNATIONAL  CAMP-MEETING, — LAKE'SIDE, 

ILLINOIS  STATE,  AND  OHIO  STATE  CAMP  MEETINGS. 

Rochester,  N.  Y.,  January  27th, 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

The  Lord  wi ought  most  graciously  for  His  people.  Many 
were  sanctified  wljolly,  and  about  one  hundred  converted.  It 
was  the  first  revival  that  had  occurred  in  Rochester,  in  many 
years.  The  minister  at  whose  cliurcli  we  labored,  urged  as  an 
all-controlling  reason  why  we  ought  to  come,  that  there  had  not 
been  a  revival  in  Rochester  during  the  past  twenty  years  ! 

JACKSONVILLE,  FLA. 

To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

I  think  we  were  in  St.  Augustine  when  I  wrote  you  last. 
After  remaining  two  weeks  at  the  latter  place,  we  came  here 
on  Tuesday  niglit,  a  week  since.  On  Friday,  Rev.  Mr.  Darnell, 
minister  in  charge,  was  very  urgent  that  we  should  take  the 
Sabbath  morning  service,  which  from  the  state  of  mj^healtli,  I 
scarcely  consented  to  do,  but  said.  Dr.  P.  might  say  something, 
and  I,  if  able,  might  add  my  mite. 


4-70  MEMOIRS  OF 

But  we  Tvere  advertised  as  expected  to  take  the  service. 
The  Lord  was  with  us,  of  a  truth,  and  the  waves  of  salvation 
began  to  roll  over  the  people.  Ever  since,the  people  nave  been 
coming  out,  tliey  say,  as  never  before, in  this  place,  and  souls 
are  being  continually  added  to  the  Lord.  You  will  unite  with 
us  in  ascribing  glory  to  God  in  the  liighest ! 

new  haven,  conn. 

Portland,  Maine,  ? 

On  board  the  Steamer  Falmouth ,  July  ^th,  1874.  ^ 

Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Did  I  tell  you  in  my  last,  that  we  had  accepted  an  invitation 
to  take  charge  of  a  convention  for  the  promotion  of  holiness,  in 
the  City  of  New  Haven,  Conn.?  It  was  intended  to  be  unsecta- 
rian.  The  meetings  of  the  first  two  days  were  held  at  a  large 
influential  Baptist  church.  It  was  said  about  twenty  ministers 
of  various  denominations  were  present.  The  people  of  course 
followed  their  i)astors,  and  came  out  largely.  Many,  I  trust, 
were  enabled  to  step  over  the  bar  of  unbelief,  and  enter  into 
rest,  the  first  night,  among  whom  was  an  excellent  Presbyte- 
rian minister,  x^resident  of  the  association,  who  invited  us. 

New  York,  July  27th,  1874. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Sister  Sarah  Lankford  is  being  very  graciously  used  of  the 
Lord,  in  attending  camp-meetings,  and  holding  special  meet- 
ings in  various  places. 

We  hope  to  be  able  to  see  you  o/Yer  attending  the  Illinois  state 
camp-meeting,  commencing  August  5th.  AVe  have  several  invi- 
tations to  attend  other  camp-meetings,  some  in  Iowa  and  Illi- 
nois, but  my  health  is  so  poor,  that  we  shall  have  to  decline. 

Oil  the  envelope  that  contained  the  foregoing  letter, 
Mrs.  Hamline  Las  inscribed  the  brief  bnt  snggestive  sen- 
tence, "  The  last  I  received  from  her,  I  believe. " 

The  last  letter  of  a  series  extending  over  thirty  years, — a 
series  volnminous,  vigorous,  fresh,  sx)arkling,  and  aflame 
^vith  i^urest  love  to  God  and  man. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  477 

LAKE  SIDE,  ILLINOIS  STATE,  AND  OHIO  STATE  CAMP-]VrEET- 

INGS. 

Increasing  illness,  doubtless,  i^revented  description  of 
subsequent  labors,  to  this  devotedly  attached  "  sister  of  my 
heart.'^  On  the  29th  inst..  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  left  home 
for  ''  Lake  Side  camp-meethig."  At  Lake  Side,  over  a 
hundred  entered  the  i^romised  rest  from  all  sin,  and  many 
were  converted  to  God.  On«  significant  resolution  i)assed 
at  the  close  of  that  remarkable  meeting,  deserves  special 
remembrance.     It  reads  as  follows  : 

Besolvcd  :  That  we  are  unspeakably  thaukful  to  the  Great 
Head  of  tlie  Chinch  for  this  feast  of  tabernacles,  and  for  the 
wonderful  manifestations  of  the  presence  and  power  of  God. 
We  have  felt  that  under  tlie  illumination  and  guidance  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  we  have  been  led  to  such  harmony  and  unanimity, 
in  regard  to  the  subject  and  experience  of  full  salvation,  through 
the  blood  of  Christ,  that  we  are  tluiukful  for  the  many  souls 
tliat  liave  been  converted,  and  for  the  many  believers  that  have 
entered  into  the  blessed  experience  of  full  salvation. 

The  afternoon  of  August  5th,  found  the  indefatigable 
and  tirelessly  zealous  subject  of  this  volume,  together  with 
Dr.  Pabner,  at  the  Illinois  State  camp-meetiug,  for  the 
''  Promotion  of  Holiness."  Eight  or  ten  thousand  people, 
with  many  ministers,  were  in  attendance.  The  labors  of 
the  church  were  wonderfidly  owned  of  God,  in  the  sancti- 
lication  of  believers,  and  in  the  conversion  of  sinners.  One 
huncbed  and  eighty-five  persons  testified,  in  about  one 
hour,  in  clear,  expUcit  terms,  of  the  ability  of  Christ  to  save 
to  the  uttermost. 

Leaving  Illinois  on  the  13th,  they  proceeded,  accord- 
ing to  engagement,  to  the  Ohio  State  camp-meeting  at 
Mansfield.  Vast  crowds  were  in  attendance,  and  necessi- 
tated the  liolding  of  two  meetings  on  the  Sabbath,  at  the 
same  time.    That  at  the  tabernacle,  where  Dr.  and  Mrs.  P. 


478 


MEMOIRS  OF  MBS.  PRGEBE  PALMER. 


held  the  services,  witnessed  many  seekers  ^^i^leading 
with  strong  crying  and  tears,  for  a  renewal  in  the  divine 
image.  Many  felt  that  the  day  of  Pentecost  had  already 
come.  Male  and  female  disciples,  alike  imbued  with  power 
from  on  high,  spake  as  the  Spirit  gave  utterance.  On  Mon- 
daj^,  we  had  our  closing  service,  and  took  the  parting  hand 
with  many  dear  ones,  whom  we  shall  probably  see  no  more 
till  we  meet  in  our  Father's  kingdom." 

Oh,  how  sweet  it  will  be  in  that  beautiful  land, 

So  free  from  all  sorrow  and  pain, 
With  songs  on  our  lips,  and  with  harps  in  our  hands, 

To  meet  one  another  again. 

Thus  sweetly  and  hoi^efully  closes  Mrs.  Palmer's  last  re- 
cord of  pubhc  labors  in  her  evangelistic  expeditions. 


CHAPTER    X. 

LITERARY  PRODUCTIONS, 

''T30ETA  NASOiTUR  NON  fit/^  (a  poet  is  bom^  not 
-L  made,)  is  an  axiom  whose  essential  truth  api)hes 
to  authors  as  well  as  to  adepts  in  the  tuneful  art.  Phoebe 
Palmer  had  great  natural  ai)titude  for  literary  composition. 
Her  pen  flowed  freely,  and  thought  expressed  itself  in  per- 
spicuous, forcible,  and  graceful  style — a  style  remarkably 
pure,  and  withal  so  originally  individualized,  that  a  mere 
tyro  in  criticism,  acquainted  with  any  one  of  her  numerous 
vohimes,  would  at  once  pronounce  any  manuscript  sub- 
mitted to  his  inspection,  to  have  emanated  from  her  i^en. 
There  are  fewer  blots,  erasures  and  emendations  in  the 
immense  mass  of  her  diaries  and  correspondence,  than  in 
any  other  of  similar  bulk  with  which  we  are  acquainted. 

Aspirations  to  literary  celebrity  were  frequent  and 
powerful,  in  earlier  life,  but  were  never  cherished  for  the 
mere  sake  of  spreading  '^  a  sounding  name  abroad.'^  Her 
great  and  all-absorbing  aim  in  life  was  to  glorify  God, 
and  to  bless  mankind.  Particularly,  and  exclusiA  ely,  was 
this  the  case,  after  the  "  day  of  days,"  when  she  received 
the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification.  Prior  to  that,  her 
fluent  pen  had  been  emi)loyed  in  writing  poetrj,  pieces 
and  dialogues  for  Sunday-school  anniversaries.  Subse- 
quently, it  was  used  in  the  great  work  of  ''  spreading 
Scriptmal  holiness  over  these  lands,"  whereunto  she  felt 
herself  specially  called  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Mrs.  Palmer's  first  published  work  was  the  celebrated 
^'  Way  of  HoUness," — a  volmne  that,  in  the  estimation  of 


480  MEMOIRS  OF 

many  who  have  greatly  profited  by  it,  is  next  in  value  to 
the  Sacred  Scriptures.  Its  contents  had  previously  been 
given  to  the  church,  serially,  in  the  columns  of  the  '^  Chris- 
tian Advocate  and  Journal.'^ 

Its  origin  lay  in  the  investigation  of  an  answer  made 
to  Dr.  Ball,  a  Presbyterian  Elder,  who  in  a  convention  of 
earnest  Christian  friends,  had  remarked,  '•  I  have  thought 
whether  there  is  not  a  shorter  way  of  getting  into  this  way 
of  holiness,  than  some  of  our  brethern  *  *  *  *  apprehend  f  ^ 
'•  Yes,  brother,"  replied  Mrs.  Palmer,  "  There  is  a  shokt- 
ER  WAY !  Oh,  I  am  sure  this  long  waiting  and  struggling 
with  the  powers  of  darkness  is  not  necessary.  There  is  a 
shorter  way."  Then,  w4th  solemn  feeling,  and  deep  con- 
viction, she  added,  ^^  But  brother,  there  is  but  07ie  w^ay." 
That  shorter  icay  into  the  "  Way  of  Holiness,"  was  the  way 
of  entire  consecration,  and  of  simple  faith  in  the  Divine 
Promiser.  Prayerful  and  exliaustive  study  of  God's  w  ord, 
imi)arted  additional  clearness  and  strength  to  established 
convictions,  and  better  enabled  her  to  prei)are  the  little 
volume  that  proved  to  be  such  a  treasury  of  blessing  to 
multitudes )  that  has  been  translated  into  the  French  and 
German  languages,  and  that  so  wonderfully  paved  the 
way  to  futiu'e  evangelical  ministrations. 

Writing  to  Eev.  L.  L.  Hemline,  then  editor  of  the  '^  La- 
dies' Ilepository " — with  whom  and  his  estimable  wife,  a 
life-long  friendship  had  recently  been  contracted, — under 
date  Jime  7th,  1843,  she  says  : 

Rev.  George  Coles  has  just  called  in,  and  says  that  a 
package  is  about  to  bo  sent  to  Cincinnati,  and  asks  whether  he 
shall  enclose  our  little  yoliime  also. 

Possibly  Brother  Handine  may  remember  a  little  notice  in 
the  March  number  of  the  liepository,  of '^  A  Shorter  Way."  That 
notice  with  similar  testimonials  from  other  sources,  has  induced 
nie  to  present  the  ''  Shorter  Way,"  with  <^  Notes  by  the  Way," 
in  volume  form. 


MRS.  rnauiE  valmee.  4S1 

These  testimonmls,  togetlier  Aviili  former  conviction  of  duty, 
wliicli  was  so  i)iessing,  as  to  induce  me  to  a«k,  in  sulnnis.sion  to 
tlie  will  of  God,  that  persons  whose  character  woukl  entitle 
them  to  be  considered  accredited  judges,  might  also  be  led  to 
give  their  opinion  of  the  articles  then  in  i)rint.  Very  sliortly 
after,  I  received  a  letter  in  the  liighest  degree  satisfactory,  from 
Professor  Upham  and  lady,  in  which  the  professor  stated  that 
he  had  already  requested  their  re-publication  in  the  ''  Guide  to 
Christian  Perfection/'     I  thanked  the  Lord,  and  took  courage. 

Soon  afterward,  we  received  yours  of  March,  and  I  could 
not  but  feel  that  the  Lord  of  Hosts  had  moved  you  thus,  to 
strengthen  and  encourage  tlie  heart  of  one  of  His  little  ones. 
On  giving  the  numbers  into  the  hands  of  the  printer,  it  was 
thought  they  would  make  a  fair  volume,  but  the  sequel 
proved  that  the  printer,  as  well  as  ourselves,  was  mistaken, 
and  so  it  was  insisted  by  my  dear  husband,  that  I  shoukl  fur- 
nish other  matter.  I  could  conceive  of  notliing  more  projier 
than  ^' Notes  by  the  Way,"  tlie  talking  of  which  from  cliiUlhood 
had  been  ratlicr  a  favorite  pursuit  with  me.  I  have  therefore 
condensed  the  "  Notes,"  taken  during  the  two  or  tliree  first 
ye.ars  of  my  journeying  in  the  way  of  holiness,  w  ith  the  hope 
that  they  may  be,  in  some  degree,  helpful  toward  illustrating 
the  nature  and  privileges  of  the  way.  If  this  volume  should 
do  good  to  an^"  of  Christ's  Utile  ones,  my  utmost  ambition  would 
be  gratified,  and  it  would  be  encouragement  sufficient  to  warrant 
the  conclusion  that  tlie  time  spent  in  condensing  tliese  '^  Notes," 
would  tell  better  on  the  pages  of  eternity  in  this  way,  than  if 
otherwise  employed. 

Our  beloved  Bro.  Janes  brought  a  letter  from  the  West, 
assuring  us  that  we  were  admitted  to  the  honor  of  being  one  of 
your  correspondents  for  the'^llepository."  We  sliould  gladly 
have  availed  ourselves  of  the  privilege,  but  were  quite  ill  at 
the  time  of  receiving  your  request,  and  continued  so,  for  about 
three  months.  The  intervals,  when  able,  were  spent  in  getting 
out  the  ''  Shorter  Way." 

I  ask  your  forgiveness  for  such  a  lengthy  intrusion  upon 
your  precious  time,  and  will  close  with  avsking  your  acceptance 
of  six  volumes  of  the  ^'Way  of  Uoliness/'  for  yourself  and  friends. 

31 


482  MEMOIRS   OF 

To  the  ortiiodoxy  of  tlie  doctrine  contained  in  the  volume, 
a  J  also  to  its  literary-  excellence,  ])r.  Hamline  gave  un- 
qualified endorsement : 

It  is  a  i^leasant  task  to  compare  with  the  foregoing 
letter,  an  entry  in  her  diary,  made  on  the  1st  of  January, 
J  873,  nearly  thirty  years  later. 

Among  the  tilings  I  have  cause  to  praise  the  Lord  for, 
without  ceasing,  is  that  He  so  continuously  permits  sweet  en- 
couragements to  liow  in  npon  me,  in  connection  with  my 
liumhle  writings.  When  the  '^  Way  of  Holiness  "  was  Avritten, 
I  was  in  a  very  k)w  state  of  health,  from  wliich  I  had  hut  little 
expectation  of  ever  recovering.  Much  of  it  was  written,  while  in 
almost  an  agony  of  pain.  After  tlie  manuscript  was  finished,  I 
knelt  down  with  it  in  my  liand,  and  in  the  most  solemn  manner 
dedicated  it  in  the  name  of  the  Triune  Deity,  conscious  that  it 
was  by  divine  aid,  spiritually,  mentally,  and  pliysically,  tliat 
the  work  had  been  completed.  I  then  expected  that  my  sj^irit 
would  be  mingling  with  the  redeemed,  blood- washed  company 
around  tbe  throne,  and  my  body  in  the  tomb,  before  the  i)ubli- 
cation  of  the  work.  But  God  has  permitted  me  to  live  tldrty 
y^ars  since,  and  declare  His.  goodness  by  pen,  life,  and  lip. 
What  hath  God  wrought,  since  that  time.  Hundreds  liave,  by 
the  steps  marked  out  in  the  ''  Way  of  HoUness.^^  defining  the 
manner  by  which  Jesus  led  me,  as  Plis  lowly  disciple,  been 
brought  into  the  King's  highway,  and  thousands,  as  years  have 
rapidly  passed  on,  have  been  brought  through  the  Sx)irit's  lead- 
ings, by  us,  out  of  spiritual  Egy^it,  and  their  feet  set  in  the  way 
to  lieaven.  When  the  faint  dottings  of  each  day  shall  be  brought 
out  into  the  light  of  eternity,  things  which  have  seemed  so 
trivial,  as  scarcely  to  have  left  a  trace  on  memory,  will  perhaps 
;ai)pear  among  the  more  imi)ortant  of  our  lives.  To-day  a;  Mrs. 
A.,  was  spoken  of,  as  one  of  the  most  influential,  for  the  purity 
and  power  of  her  life.  Said  a  gentleman — one  of  the  ''New 
Year's  callers," — Few  will  receive  more  calls  than  Mrs.  A.,  not 
because  of  wealth  or  social  position,  but  because  of  her  Avinsomo 
social  piety;  she  tries  to  do  everybody  good,  and  everybody 
iovesher."     Here,  daughter  interrupted,  and   said,  '^  Mn,   you 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  433 

surely*  must  remember  Mrs.  A.  ;  you  gave  her  a  book  many  j'ears 
ago,  sbo  says,  and  writing  lier  name  in  it,  tokl  Iier  that  after 
reading  it  herself,  she  must  make  a  missionary  of  it, — it  was  the 
^'Way  of  Holiness,"  and  dates  her  experience  of  holiness  from 
that,  and  has  kept  her  missionary  book  going  ever  since." 

Though  I  could  not  bring  to  mind  the  least  recollection  of 
either  the  person  or  book  presented,  yet  I  do  thank  God,  and 
take  courage.  What  a  privilege  to  scatter  along  the  pathway 
of  life,  the  seed  of  tho  kingdom  !  But  it  is  all  2>raise  to  Jesus. 
It  is  God  alone  who  giveth  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the 
eater,  and  what  blissful  inspiration  in  the  promise  that  His  word 
shall  not  return  unto  Him  void,  but  shall  accomplish  the  pur- 
pose whereunto  it  is  sent. 

Recalling,  on  AimlGth,  1854,  the  circumstances  of  its  first 
issue,  Mrs.  P.  detailed  them  in  her  diary,  and  wrote  of  her 
critical  illness,  her  abiding  conviction  that  experience  of 
full  salvation  was  vouchsafed  to  her  for  the  benefit  of  others, 
her  unexi>ected  recovery,  the  duty  of  i^ublishing  the  vol- 
ume prepared,  its  issuance  anonymously,  the  inconsistency 
of  shrinking  from  publicity,  the  i>rinting  of  a  new  title-page 
with  author's  name  included,  the  immediate  1  Manifestation 
of  divine  api)roval,  and  the  subsequent  extensive  demand 
for  the  book.  That  demand  became  so  urgent,  and  the 
calls  of  the  Book  A  gents  so  pressing,  that  the  gifted  author 
could  not  furnish  as  much  neio  matter  as  she  desii-ed,  to 
the  emended  edition.  Notwithstanding,  it  was  received 
with  great  x^opular  favor.  The  editor  of  the  ''  Christian 
Advocate"  gave  it  a  quaint,  pleasant,  and  characteristic  no- 
tice in  the  words,  "  I  commend  unto  you  Phoebe,  our  sister, 
which  is  a  servant  of  the  church  Avhicli  is  at,  not  Cenchrea, 
but  at  Xew  York,  for  such  emphatically  she  is,^'  a  commen- 
dation that  acted  as  oil  upon  the  flame  of  holy  desire  to 
live  for  God,  and  to  serve  in  any  way  He  should  appoint, 
"  the  lowly  heirs  of  heaven."  Before  the  year  exi)ired,  a 
third  edition  of  the  "  Way  of  Ilolliness  "  was  called  forj  and 
to  Bishop  Hamline,  who  had  strongly  advised  its  i>rimary 


484  MEMOIRS  OF 

gift  to  the  cliurch  and  the  world,  she  related  with  deep 
gratitude  to  God,  the  storj^  of  its  poi^ularitj^  and  of  the 
several  criticisms,  editorially  made,  upon  it.  Of  these 
criticisms,  the  following  extracts  are  typical. 

We  recommend  it  as  one  of  tlie  best  books  that  can  be  placed 
in  tlie  liands  of  inquirers  after  full  salvation  in  Christ.  It  bears 
the  stamp  of  no  one  particular  sect,  but  teaches  the  way  of  holi- 
ness, in  truth  and  in  love. — N^eic  Yoric  JEvangelist. 

Pure  in  sentiment,  correct  in  theology,  and  beautiful  in  com- 
position.— Ladies''  Beposito rij. 

Contains  a  remarkably  clear  exposition  of  the  doctrine  of  en- 
tire sanctiiication,  and  scriptural  way  of  attaining  to  the  expe- 
rience of  this  inestimable  blessing. —  Wesleyan  Methodist  Maga- 
zine. 

Year  by  year,  fresh  evidences  of  the  potent  beneficence 
of  her  writings  was  presented  to  gladden  the  heart  and  to 
intensify  the  zeal  that  glowed  therein,  for  the  spread  and 
consolidation  of  the  Eedeemer's  kingdom.  Eev.  James 
Caughey  bore  loving  and  ample  testimony  to  the  good  her 
books  were  doing.  O.  H.  Knai^p,  Esq.,  and  the  wife  of 
Gen.  McCracken,  of  Ohio,  were  both  led  into  the  King's 
highway  of  holiness,  by  her  instructions.  Through  the  in- 
strumentality of  the  '^  Way  of  Holiness, ''  a  gracious  revival 
of  rehgion  broke  out  in  Kochester,  N.  Y.,  in  the  same  year, 
1847.  A  Ykginian  lady,  into  whose  hands  the  book  was 
imt  at  Marietta,  Ohio,  also  called  on  Mrs.  Palmer,  in  ]S"ew 
York, — accompanied  by  her  husband — to  say  that  she  too, 
had  found  full  salvation  under  the  guidance  of  its  pages, 
and  that  she  was  exulting  in  the  complete  sanctification  ot 
body,  soul,  and  spirit. 

Early  in  1845,  appeared  the  '^  Present  to  my  Christian 
Friend,  on  Entire  Devotion  to  God*,''  concerning  the  in- 
trinsic interest  of  which,  so  for  as  the  first  part  was  con- 
cerned, the  author  entertained  some  serious  misgivings. 


jyiiS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  485 

From  these,  liowever,  she  was  speedily  reUeved,  by  the  un- 
sought sttitemeut  of  Mrs.  Janes,  wife  of  the  Bishop,  that 
she  had  received  a  real  baptism  of  the  Iloly  Sjiirit,  while 
readhig  that  very  portion  of  the  book. 

In  the  following  year,  a  lady  in  Saratoga,  received  the 
full  assurance  of  faith,  while  reading  from  the  fourteenth 
to  the  twenty-seventh  page.  With  great  joy,  she  ran  to  a 
friend,  like-minded,  told  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  her, 
and  afterward  handed  the  book  to  another  sister,  who  re- 
ceived the  like  blessing,  while  reading  the  same  pages. 
An  occasional  contributor  to  the  ^^  Guide  to  Perfection, "  a 
corresi)ondent  of  most  valuable  character,  a  poi)ular  author 
whose  fame  and  influence  we're  incessantly  expanding, — 
Mrs.  Palmer  did  nothing  in  the  way  of  publication,  without 
serious  deliberation,  consultation  with  friends,  and  be- 
heving  prayer,  for  guidance  from  on  high.  Bishop  and 
Mrs.  Hamline  desired  the  publication  of  her  letters,  and 
greatly  aided  in  bringing  her  to  decision  in  that  i)articular. 
Them,  also,  she  consulted  about  the  i)ublication  of  '^  Faith 
and  its  Effects  ;  or.  Fragments  from  my  Portfolio,"  which 
appeared  in  the  early  i)art  of  1848,  and  of  which  the 
press  thus  spoke : 

Such  light  is  thrown  upon  the  precise  point  of  transit  from 
condemnation  to  favor,  from  bondage  to  liberty,  from  partial  to 
full  salvation,  as  is  not  perhaps  done  in  any  other  human  com- 
position.— Zioii's  Herald. 

It  is  rich  in  all  the  best  experiences  of  the  Christian  Life. — 
London  Quarterly,  England. 

The  following  poetic  composition,  written  in  1847,  is 
here  adduced,  not  so  much  to  illustrate  the  gifts  of 
Mrs.  Palmer,  as  to  show  the  intimacy  of  that  i)ure  and 
loving  friendsliiii,  which  reciprocally  sought  and  received 
counsel  in  all  matters  i)ertaining  to  Christian  life  and 
i^ctivity. 


48G  MEMOins  OF 

To  my  much-loved  Brother  and  Sister,  Bishop  and  Mr.s.  IIamline. 

THAT  THEY  ALL  MAY  BE  ONE. 

When  licarts  made  one  in  Clirist,  each  other  meet, 

And  then  pour  out  their  blended  sympathies, 
Ux)on  the  universe  ;  how  passing  sweet  ! 

Can  earth  know  joys  which  may  compare  with  these  1 
Aifections  flowing  out  through  God  the  Son, 

Meeting  in  the  broad  channel  of  His  love. 
Must  here  unite,  and  be  divinely  one  ! 

Is  this  not  bliss  like  that  enjoyed  above  * 

Shall  this  be  called  mere  friendship  ?    Ah,  the  phrase, 

But  tamely  answers  what  my  muse  would  say  ; 
Worldings  thus  name  a  form  their  ardors  raise, 

A  thing  of  earth,  which  ends  with  life's  short  day. 
I  sing  of  that  which  hath  immortal  birth. 

Of  holy  ardor,  which  descends  from  heaven, 
To  mould  together  hearts  in  love,  on  earth. 

Which,  as  the  blissful  antedate  is  given. 
Of  pleasures,  such  as  flow  forevermore. 
At  God's  right  hand  ;  when  all  life's  scenes  are  o'er. 

This  bliss  is  ours  ;  we  are  in  Christ,  made  one. 

He  is  our  life,  and  on  His  bleeding  heart 
We  rest :  He  is  our  Shield^our  Sun. 

In  fellowship  we  walk,  no  more  to  part. 
The  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ; 

And  now  through  Christ,  Avith  blended  sympathies, 
We'll  work  out  our  salvation,  whilst  He  Avorks  within  j 

When  called  from  earth,  we'll  meet  in  paradise. 


I  love  thee,  dearest  brother  of  my  heart  •, 

Before  my  eyes  beheld  thee  face  to  face. 
Our  hearts  were  made  acquainted  ;  can  we  part  ? 

No !  we  will  still  be  one  through  Jesus'  grace. 
And  thou,  my  sister,  dear,  most  precious  one, 

Though  we  in  flesh  must  part,  our  hearts  shall  dwell 
In  love's  embrace,  and  oft  around  the  throne  , 

We  still  will  meet ;  we  may  not  say  "  Farewell." 

Your  Sister, 
Tuesday,  June  22d,  1847.  Phcebe  Palmer. 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  4g7 

III  the  diary  of  1846,  March  29,  appears  an  entry  made 
after  sending-  the  hist  of  the  copy  of  '^  Faith  and  its  Efl'ects," 
to  the  printers,  as  follows  : 

If  God  has  called  me  to  the  puhlication  of  the  work,  it 
surely  is  because  He  intends  to  bless  it,  and  I  leave  the  results 
confidentl}^  witli  tlie  Lord.  Every  page  has  been  written  with 
much  prayer.  Now  that  I,  as  an  instrument  in  tlie  hand  of  the 
Lord,  have  accomplished  the  work,  I,  in  the  most  solemn  man- 
ner, dedicate  it  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

Though  I  have  had  the  work  in  contemplation  for  two  or 
three  years  i)ast,  yet  the  state  of  my  health  lias  been  such,  that 
I  have  hesitated  whether  I  might  presume  so  far  as  to  i)repare  the 
MSS.,  as  close  reading,  or  thinking,  still  affects  my  head  injuri- 
ously. As  I  was  about  commencing  the  labor,  a  friend  who 
had  come  to  the  cit^',  to  sustain  a  sinking  church,  was  invited 
to  make  his  abode  with  us.  My  labor  was  materially  lighten- 
ed by  the  help  of  this  friend,  and  this  also,  1  received  as  a  token 
for  good,  from  the  hand  o^  my  Heavenly  Fatlier. 

For  all  controversy,on  religions  or  doctrinal  topics^Mrs. 
Palmer  had  a  wholesome  disrelish,  and  could  not  be  in- 
duced to  desist  from  her  toils,  to  engage  in  it.  LikeNehe- 
miah,  she  said,  "  I  am  doing  a  great  work,  so  that  I  cannot 
come  down,  why  shoald  th3  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave  it, 
and  come  down  to  yon?"  Very  rarely  did  she  depart 
from  this  policy,  and  then  only, — as  on  the  occasion  re- 
ferred to  in  the  following  excerpt, — when  there  seemed  to 
be  necessity  for  it. 

June  1st. — Wrote  an  article  for  the  "  Christian  Advocate  and 
Journal,"  to-day,  in  reply  to  T.  S.,  on  *'  V/hatsoever  things  ye 
desire,  when  ye  pray,  believe  ye  receive  tliem,  and  ye  shall 
have  them,"  of  May  3d,  wliich  has  given  much  i)erplexity  to 
some  very  devoted  persons  of  intelligent  piety.  It  was  at  the 
earnest  solicitation  of  tliese,  that  I  consented  to  reply. 

Eeligious  and  idiilanthropic  societies  w  ere  eager  to  ob- 
tain the  assistance  of  her  grai)hic  pen,  and  right  willingly 


488  MEMOins  OF 

did  she  extend  it,  as  Corresponding  Secretary,  or  otlierwiso, 
so  far  as  time  and  oppoitnnity  Avould  admit.  Her  reports 
were  instrumental  in  rousing  to  greater  diligence  and 
liberality,  and  especially  in  the  department  of  rehgions  ex- 
ertion. Some  excellent  people,  whose  literary  quahfica- 
tions  by  no  means  outshone  those  of  Prescott  or  Macaulay, 
slightly  jealous,  apparently,  of  her  popularity,  offered 
some  small,  but  stinging  criticisms  on  the  peculiarities  of 
her  phraseology,  and  literary  style.  No  reply,  in  kind, 
Avas  elicited,-only  one  of  loving  and  faithful  Christian  sort, 
— where  reply  was  made  at  all.  To  Mrs.  James,  she  ^T?ote 
under  date  April  2Gth,  1849. 

Sister  James  may  remember  that  one  of  the  New  Jersey 
ministers  observed  that  the  author  of  the  '^  Way  of  Holiness/' 
liad  been  better  engaged  in  washing  her  dishes,  than  in  Avriting. 
A  few  days  since,  his  excellency,  the  Ex-Governor  of  Indiana, 
visited  this  city,  and  said  to  a  friend  (who  perhaps  liad  but 
little  knowledge  of  the  humble  author  of  the  ''Way  of  Holiness,") 
that  he  much  desired  to  see  the  author  of  that  book  -,  as  it  had 
been  the  means  of  his  conversion.  I  candidly  confess  I  have 
done  violence  to  my  feelings,  in  mentioning  this ;  perhaps  some- 
thing as  Paul  did,  when  he  "said,  "  It  is  not  expedient  for  me 
doubtless  to  glory." 

To  God  she  (/cive  all  the  glory , — knowing  that  she  had 
nothing  that  she  had  not  received — content,  if  Christ  only 
Avere  exalted.  Her  custom,  prior  to  writing  any  impor- 
tant letter,  was  to  kneel  down  before  the  Lord,  blank  sheet 
in  hand,  and  ask  in  faith  that  He  would  impart  heavenly 
Avisdom  to  fill  it  up  in  such  a  manner  as  would  most  glorify 
Him.  The  imperfect  history  of  one  such  letter,  is  giA^en  in 
her  diary,  of  February  15th,  1810. 

I  had  so  far  resisted  Satan,  as  to  thank  the  Lord  (thougli  in 
the  midst  of  temptations  to  the  contrary,)  that  He  had  indeed 
heard  my  prayer,  and  had  helped  me  to  Avrite  according  to  the 
teachings  of  His  Spirit,  pleading  that  I  had  put  my  trust  in  Him, 


^rIlS.  PH(EBE  rALMEB.  4§9 

and  liad  tlie  pioniise  of  the  Lord  Jehoviih,   that  I  shouhl  never 
be  confounded. 

This  letter  was  forwarded  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Ilamline. 
These  beloved  friends  thought  it  was  calcuhited  to  be  more  ex- 
tensively useful,  and  published  a  large  portion  of  it  in  the 
*'  Western  Christian  Advocate."  One  of  the  ndnisters  of  the  citj' 
of  Cincinnati,  stopped  at  the  office  of  the  iiaper,  and  obtained  a 
copy,  before  it  had  been  issued  abroad.  On  tnking  it  to  his  room, 
he  sat  down  with  his  hat  on,  and  his  eye  rested  upon  the  letter. 
He  commenced  with  living  examples  of  the  power  of  present 
faitli.  He  saw  it  was  just  what  he  needed,  and  what  he  was 
no\v  required  to  exercise;  Before  he  laid  the  paper  from  his 
hand,  he  was  enabled,  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  to  venture  on 
Christ  as  his  present  Saviour  from  all  sin.  His  emotions  were 
such  that  his  paper  fell  from  his  hand,  and  he  s^on  fell  pros- 
trate on  the  floor,  and  continued  till  after  twelve  o'clock  that 
night,  praising  God,  in  irrepressible  and  most  joyful  strains,  for 
salvation  from  all  sin. 

"  Lord  if  on  Thee  I  dare  rely, 

The  faith  shall  bring  the  power." 

This  minister  afterward  published  the  thrilling  experience 
slightly  noted  in  the  foregoing  paragraph,  and  other  notices 
of  the  letter  were  all  made  by  different  individuals,  in  the  same 
periodical.  One  presiding  elder  stated  that  three  or  four  of 
the  ministers  on  his  district  had  been  blessed  with  the  recep- 
tion of  like  grace,  through  reading  it:  It  was  afterward  re- 
published in  the  New  York  ''  Cliristian  Advocate."  In  allusion 
to  its  publication  here,  one  writes  that  a  gracious  revival  Avas  in 
l^rogress,  which  had  taken  its  rise,  as  it  was  believed,  through 
the  instrumentality  of  the  letter.  These  persons  were  person- 
ally unknown  to  me,  and  could  not  have  been  influenced  by 
other  desires  than  to  glorify  God,  giving  publicity  to  the  re- 
markable influence  vrhicli  seemed  to  attend  the  reading  of  the 
letter.  It  has  since  been  republished  in  '^  Faith  and  its  Effects," 
page  155.  What  a  triumph  would  Satan  have  gained,  in  the 
prevention  of  gracious  results,  liad  I  not  in  obedience  to  the 
divine  requirement,  believed  that  I  received  the  thing  I  had 
asked  of  God. 


490  MEMOIRS  OF 

Tlioiigii  to  some,  it  may  appear  a  matter  of  small  account 
to  take  time  to  note  sucli  tilings  as  these,  yet  tomj'  conceptions, 
most  important  jirinciples  are  involved.  Of  wliat  vital  impor- 
tance is  the  duty  of  prayer,  for  creatures  wholly  dependent  for 
spiritual  and  temx>oral  good.  "For  these  things  will  I  be  en- 
quired of,"  says  the  Dispenser  of  every  good  gift.  Then  follows 
tiie  inseparable  connection,  faith,  nmcavcruuj  faith,  which  as  a 
liand  nerved  by  Omnipotence,  is  stretched  out  to  receive  the 
offered  blessing.  Desires,  however  sincere,  or  importunities, 
liowever  long  continued,  will  not  induce  God  to  dispense  the 
needed  blessing,  unless  the  petitioner  ask  in  faith,  nothing 
doubting.  For  he  that  vravereth,  is  as  a  wave  of  the  sea,  driven 
about  and  tossed.  Let  not  that  man  think  that  he  shall  receive 
anything  from  the  hand  of  the  Lord. 

The  middle  of  the  year  also  brought  the  glad  intelligence, 
through  Mrs.  Sliipman,  that  the  wife  and  son  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Payson, — brother  of  Dr.  Payson,  of  precious  memory, — had 
been  brought  into  the  promised  land  of  perfect  love,  by 
reading  the  ^'  Way  of  Holiness."  Ministers  from  distant 
places,  not  unfrequently,  called  to  express  their  grateiul 
thanks  for  the  clear  views  of  faith,  and  for 'the  blessings 
of  divine  grace,  received  by  means  of  her  waitings.  S])eak- 
ing  of  Dr.  Bangs' joy,  in  meeting  two  of  his  spiritual  child- 
ren, on  one  of  their  expeditions,  she  wrote  to  Dr.  Palmer, 
June  23d,  1853. 


This  reminds  me  of  tlie  great  satisfaction  expressed  by  Leigh 
Richmond,  on  journeying  in  regions  wliere  liis  "Dairyman's 
Daughter,"  and  "  Young  Cottager"  had  been  telling  toward  the 
salvation  of  souls,  aiid  also  seems  to  say  to  my  heart,  that  I 
also  perhaps  ought  to  express  more  frequently,  to  the  praise  of 
God,  my  gratitude  for  the  very  many  seals  the  Lord  gives  to  the 
works  he  has  permitted  us  to  publisli.  I  seldom  go  abiond  any- 
where, but  numbers  I  have  never  seen  before,  tell  me  of  bless- 
ings tliey  have  received  through  the  humble  instrunjentality 
of  these  works.     The  Lord  knows  that  I  would  give  Him  the 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  491 

glory  duo  to  His  name.  Aud  I  also  believe  tliat  I  ought  to  say 
to  the  glory  of  His  grace,  that  I  do  feel  huiiible,  in  the  dust,  in 
view  of  His  great  condescension,  while  from  the  depths  of  my 
heart,  the  unfeigned  aspiration  ascends,  *'  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord, 
but  unto  Thy  name  be  glory  !" 

Keeping  steadily  to  this  one  great  aim,  the  glory  of 
God,  tliroiigli  the  spiritual  welfare  of  His  human  children, 
Mrs.  Palmer  encouraged,  by  cordial  praise,  every  well-meant 
effort  to  attain  the  same  end.  To  Mrs.  Sperry,  she  return- 
ed warmest  thanks  for  a  little  volume  prepared  by  that 
lady,  with  the  intent  to  edify  souls  in  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  God  'j  congratulated  herself  and  the  church  on  the 
addition  of  Dr.  Jesse  T.  Peck  to  the  list  of  writers  on 
the  great  theme  of  entire  holiness,  as  the  ^'  Central  Idea  of 
Christianity."  Getting  out  a  stereotyped  edition  of  '' Entire 
Devotion,"  w  ith  much  new  matter  incorj^orated,  her  heart 
burned  ^'  with  desire  to  glorify  God."  To  the  young- 
ladies  of  Dickinson  Seminary,  who  had  elected  her  an 
honorary  member  of  their  '^  Ladies' Trii)artito  Union,"  oho 
urged,  in  graceful  terms,  the  necessity  of  being  protlcients 
in  "  the  literature  of  immortality,"  and  of  aiding  each 
other  in  the  attainment  of  heart  and  life  holiness,  as  w^ell 
as  of  literarj'  and  scientific  excellency. 

In  1855,  the  Book  Concern  received  an  order  from  the 
Wesleyan  MethodistBook-Room,  in  England,  for  one  hun- 
dred copies,  in  sheets,  of  each  of  the  three  books  that  had 
then  been  published  by  Mrs.  Palmer.  The  Book  Agents 
filled  the  order,  but  not  in  the  form  requested,  by  sending 
three  hundred  bound  volumes.  In  August,  of  the  ensuing 
year,  the  Eev.  C.  E.  Harris,  then  in  Switzerland,  wrote 
that  during  an  interesting  interview  with  the  IJev.  Dr. 
Cook,  Protestant  missionary  in  France,  the  latter  took  from 
his  library,  the  little  volume,  entitled  "Way  of  IIoliness,with 
Notes  by  the  Way,"  and  spoke  of  his  deep  interest  in  the 
work.     Mr.  Harris  replied  by  stating  that  he  enjoyed  an 


492  MEMOIRS  OF 

intimate  acquaintance  with  the  author,  and  that  he  himself 
liad  been  brought  into  the  enjoyment  of  Scriptural  holiness, 
by  reading  that  work.  Much  deliglited  with  the  statement, 
Dr.  Cook  then  remarked  that  among  his  most  pleasing 
expectations  of  a  visit  to  America,  was  his  hope  of  meeting 
the  author  of  that  volume. 

INCIDENTAL  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE  ECONOMY  OF  SAL- 
VATION. 

In  March,  1855,  INIrs,  and  Dr.  Palmer  were  busily 
occupied  in  preparing  to  laun(^h  this  rich  argosy  of 
spiritual  knowledge  and  blessing;  and  with  what  view^s 
and  sentiments,  is  manifested  from  the  following  extract 
of  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline : 

The  little  leisure  I  can  comiiiand,  I  am  endeavoring  to  devote 
in  i)reparing  matter  for  the  new  volume  we  now  have  in  con- 
templation. We  sliall  probably  entitle  it,  ^^  Incidental  Illustra- 
tions of  the  Economy  of  Salvation — Its  Doctrines  and  Duties." 
Will  3'ou  i  Importunately,  and  in  faith,  ask  that  the  Lord  will 
direct  wholly,  in  ^natter  and  manner,  and  crown  the  whole  with 
His  abundant  blessing  ?  I  greatly  desire  that  the  entire  book 
may  bear  the  stamp — the  signature  of  God,  and  the  legible 
inscription,  ^'Holiness  to  the  Lord."  Will  you  not  daily  unite 
with  us  in  asking  this  ?  Why  may  not  every  page  be  enstamped 
with  the  beanty  of  holiness  ?  The  Lord  grant  that  it  may  be 
even  so,  for  Jesus'  sake.  AVhat  a  precious  text  is  this :  "  What- 
soever ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name,that  will  I  do,  that 
the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son." 

Though  diligently  occui:>ied  in  the  j)reparatioh  of  sun- 
dry volumes  adapted  to  serve  the  cause  of  Christ,  Mrs. 
I^ilmer  did  not  omit  her  contributions  to  the  periodical 
press,  when  the  weal  of  the  church  seemed  to  require  them. 
Illustration  of  this  is  given,  by  a  letter  to  Bishop  and 
?.lrs.  Ilandhie,  on  the  21st  of  November,  1855,  in  which 
the  following  ])assage  occurs : 

If  you  see  the  ^'Cliristian  Advocate,"  you  will  conclude  that  I 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  493 

am  tiying  to  stay  by  the  old  laud-marks,  aud  do  a  little  good. 
It  is  my  ambition  tliat  it  may  be  8aid  of  me,  at  last,  ''  She  hath 
done  what  she  could."  Did  you  notice  my  answer  to  *'  Ob- 
server," (  who  is  the  veritable  T.  S.)  on  the  right  sort  of  preach- 
ing for  camp-meetings  ?  He  thinks  that  the  reason  more  are 
not  converted  at  camp-meetings,  is,  because  there  is  too  much 
preaching  on  entire  sanctification.  I  have  seldom  wiirten  any- 
thing that  seemed  to  have  given  more  satisfaction,  than  tlie  hist 
two  articles,  '*  Interesting  relics  of  J.  B.  Taylor,"  and  '^  Believe 
:^  e  have  it,  and  ye  have  it."  I  think  I  have  enjoyed  a  marked 
sense  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  approval,  in  regard  to  the  latter.  I 
felt  urged  in  spirit  to  do  it,  though  it  was,  in  one  sense,  cross- 
ing to  my  feelings.  I  thought  it  might  cause  some  of  tlie  good 
friends,  who  in  their  exceeding  care  to  guard  truth,  have  over- 
leaped the  mark,  to  feel  badly. 

Again,  on  the  17th  of  January^  1856,  she  wrote  to  the 
same  intimate  friends. 

Early  this  morning,  before  Dr.  P.  left  his  oflfice,  I  took  him 
an  article  I  had  written,  to  read,  previous  to  mailing  it  for  the 
"  Methodist  Magasine,^^  i)ublished  in  Baltimore.  It  Avas  he.aded 
the  "Design  of  Methodism,"  with  a  motto  taken  from  tlie 
address  of  our  Bishops,  on  the  second  page  of  our  Book  of 
Discipline.  "  We  believe  the  design  of  God,  in  raising  up 
Methodist  ministers,"  etc.  I  urged  the  doctrine  in  "  Its  spe- 
cial aspects,"  to  a  degree  even  beyond  what  is  usual  with  me, 
perhaps.  Dr.  Palmer,  on  reading  it,  said,  "I  would  like  to 
take  this  article  to  Dr.  Bond."  I  thought  it  rather  an  experi- 
ment, in  view  of  matters  just  now,  but  said, '^  Take  it,  if  you 
please."  He  took  it,  and  Dr.  Bond  seemed  to  be  quite  affected 
with  it,  even  to  tears,,  aud  pro2)osed  the  adoption  of  i7«s  edi- 
torial, to  which  Dr.  P.  consented.  So  I  presume  you  may 
be  on  the  lookout,  next  week,  for  an  editorial,  under  the  cap- 
tion. Design  of  Methodism,  an  article  calling  the  attention  of 
the  ministry  and  laity  to  the  doctrine  of  holiness,  as  the  pecu- 
liar doctrine  committed  to  our  trust — the  specialty  of  Method- 
ism, and  bringing  the  sanction  of  our  Bishops,  from  our  Book 
of  Doctrine  and  Discipline,  to  show  that  they  so  regard  it.    I 


494  MEMOIRS  OF 

also  call  special  attention  to  tlie  name  of  Hedding,  and  say  now 
that  he  has  passed  into  the  lieavens,  he  will  not  regret  that  his 
name  stands  here  appended  to  this  recognition  of  the  doctrine 
in  '•  Its  special  aspects,''''  in  company  with  the  other  Bisliops. 
Dr.  P.  says  it  will  snrely  now  be  said  that  Dr.  Bond  has  become 
converted  to  "  Sister  Palmer  s  idea  of  the  subject  as  a  spe-. 
cialty.^'' 

The  reception  of  the  ''•  Way  of  Holiness,"  and  companion 
volumes,  by  the  British  Methodist,  and  general  religious 
public,  w^as  sufficiently  warm  and  appreciative  to  satisfy 
the  most  sanguine.  Their  influence,  too,  at  home  and 
abroad,  w  as  demonstratedly  blessed  in  multitudes  of  in- 
stances. 

I  believe  I  mentioned  to  you — Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline — 
(she  wrote  under  date  of  November  8th,  1855,)  the  favorable  re- 
ception of  the  *'Way  of  Holiness,''  in  Europe,  three  or  four 
months  since.  The  first  English  edition  of  **  Faith  and  its  Ef- 
fects," from  the  twenty-second  American  edition,  has  just  reach- 
ed us.  It  stands  advertised  in  the  **  Wesley  an  Methodist  Maga- 
zine," in  connection  with  the  *'  Way  of  Holiness,"  thus  :  '^  Wo 
would  reconnncud  to  all  class  leaders,  to  strivo  to  circulate  both 
works  amoug  the  members  of  their  charges.  Next  to  the  reading 
of  the  Holy  Scripture,  such  works  must  contribute  largely  to  the 
formation  of  all  the  habits  of  a  holy  life."  The  ''  Way  of  Holi- 
ness vStands  recommended  (editorially),  in  the  ^'Methodist  Asso- 
ciation Magazine,"  thus:  •*  One  of  the  best  books  of  the  class, 
which  has  issued  from  the  press  in  a  long  time.  We  envy  not 
the  feelings  of  the  individual  who  can  read  it  without  resolving 
on  entire  dedication  to  God.  If  such  books  were  more  in  vogue, 
more  holiness  of  heart  and  life  would  be  exemplified  by  professed 
Cliristiiiis.  "  I  intended  to  have  quoted  from  the '' Wesleyan 
Methodist  Magazine,"  but  by  mistake,  have  quoted  from  the 
organ  of  the  New  Connection.  This  latter  has  a  somewhat 
lengthy  notice,  and  gives  unqualified  approval.  But  I  must 
only  give  a  line  or  two.  This  notice  of  the  work  commences 
thus  :  '^  The  Way  of  Holiness  contains  a  remarkably  clear  expo- 
sition of  the  doctrine  of  entire  sanctification,  and  the  scriptu- 


MRS.  PECEBE  PALMER.  495 

ral  Avay  of  attaining  to  the  experience  of  this  inestimable  bless- 
ing. 

Tlie  tliird  Canadian  edition  of  eaeli  of  oar  works,  has  just 
been  issued.  By  the  same  arrival  by  wliich  we  received  from 
Loudon,  ''  Faiili  and  its  Effects,"  a  few  days  since,  we  also  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Manchester,  written  by  a  Christian  brother, 
who,  through  reading  the  work,  had  obtained  tlie  baptism  of 
tlie  Spirit.  He  is  the  leader  of  two  or  more  classes,  and,  since 
his  reception  of  the  blessing,  the  work  has  commenced  iu  his 
classes,  and  two  or  three,  at  the  time  of  his  writing,  had  already 
entered  into  the  eujo^meut  of  the  grace,  and  thus  tlie  leaven 
spreads.  Alleluia,  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth  !  A 
minister  who,  before  the  Mattison  controversy-,  was  known  as 
an  advocate  of  Dr  Hodgson's  views  on  holiness,  and  therefore 
not  particularly  fiivorable  to  what  we  regard  as  Wesleyan  views, 
was  so  incensed  at  poor  Mattison's  course,  tliat  he  suddenly 
turned  over  to  ns,  and  subsequently  became  very  intimate.  A 
few  evenings  since,  he  received  a  remarkable  baptism  of  fire. 
The  work  was  so  distinct,  that  he  exclaimed  over  and  again, 
''  I  surely  was  convertedhQiovQ,  but  Oh,  what  is  this  ?  What  is 
THIS  ?  "  He  was  well  nigh  overwhelmed.  Since  this  glorious 
baptism,  he  has  been  preaching  with  remarkable  i)ower,  and 
sinners  are  being  jiricked  to  tlie  heart  througli  his  ministrations. 
He  is  a  iiarticular  friend  of  Dr.  J.  T.  Peck;  and  speaking  of  this, 
to  us.  Dr.  Peck  said,  *'  This  is  the  first  direct  good  I  have  heard 
of,  as  coming  out  of  the  Mattison  controversy." 

I  wish  I  could  take  time  to  tell  you  about  a  remarkably  in- 
teresting Congregational  lady,  who  has  been  in.  Well,  I  must 
tell  you  just  a  little  about  this  matter.  She  is  tlie  Avife  of  an 
influential  physician,  residing  in  the  State  of  Vermont.  The 
Lord  condescended  to  make  ^^  Incidental  Hlustrations,"  etc.,  a 
blessing  to  her.  After  a  great  struggle,  she  was  enabled  to  get 
allou  thealtar,  and  bind  it  there  forever.  Thebaptism  of  fire  soon 
came.  Since  which,  she  has  found,  in  realit\',  that  a  whole  hurnt 
sacrifice  implies  a  process  most  crucifying  to  the  flesh.  She 
is  a  lady  of  influence,  and  has  felt  it  her  duty  to  lay  her  influ- 
ence on  the  altar,  by  way  of  testifying  before  her  Congregational 
friends,  of  the  importance  and  excellency  of  this  great  salvation. 


49G  MEMOIRS  OF 

She  ^vas  ciilled  to  do  this,  oii  a  public  occasion,  before  tliegrent 
congregation.  Many  \yept,  and  she  was  so  divinely  sustained, 
that  she  was  wholly  raised  beyond  herself.  She  has  since  been 
called  to  the  endurance  of  ficnj  trials. 

Her  husband's  brother,  a  Congregational  minister,  and  his 
wife.have  senther  husband,  (who  is  also  an  intluential  officer  in 
the  church),  a  letter,  ridiculing  and  remonstrating  against  all 
future  efforts,  and  entreating  that  he  will  i)lace  his  ban  ou  the 
wliole  affair,  and  '^save  the  fiimily  from  further  mortificatio7i.  " 
And  thus  the  matter,  at  present,  stands.  *'  Incidental  Illus- 
trations, "  etc.,  which  seems  to  have  been  regarded  as  the 
'*  troubler  in  Israel,"  has  disappeared.  Her  husband  has  brought 
her  to  this  city,  on  a  visit,  hoping,  I  presunu',  to  wean  lier 
mind  from  the  subject.  And  she  has  stolen  the  opportunity  to 
come  and  see  me.  I  have  presented  her  with  another  copy  of 
^^  Incidental  Illustrations  j''  and  never  have  I  given  a  book, 
I  think,  with  greater  satisfiiction. 

The  disapproval  of  Mrs.  Dr.  Butler's  coiu^se,  by  lier 
frieudsj  and  the  painful  persecution  endured  from  them, 
awakened  trains  of  thought  and  reasoning  in  Mrs.  Palmer'.; 
mind,  that  in  all  probability  gave  birth  to  one  of  her  last 
and  best  volumes,  ''  The  Promise  of  the  Father."  In  her 
journal  of  December,  185G,  appears  the  record  : 

Last  night  I  wrote,  as  the  caption  of  an  article  which  I 
intended  to  write  to-day,  '^Has  the  spirit  of  prophecy  fallen  on 
woman  f  Surely,  the  Christian  Church  is  in  danger  of  losing 
her  simplicit}'.  Tlie  promise  of  the  Father  has  either  been  ful- 
filled, or  has  not.  Those  faithful  affectionate  women,  who  fol- 
lowed the  Saviour  in  His  weary  walks,  and,  during  His  home- 
less  sojourn,  ministered  to  His  earthly  necessities,  after  the  other 
disciples  forsook  him  and  fled,  still  followed  on,  unflinchingly, 
openly  manifesting,  through  evil  and  good  report,  their  un- 
quenchable love.  And  there  were  not  a  few  of  these,  fixy  j 
Matthew,  in  relating  the  wonderful  scenes  of  the  crucifixion. 
*'  Many  women  were  there,  which  had  followed  Jesus  from 
Gallilee,  ministering  unto  Him  of  their  substance ;  among  wliicli 
was  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James  and  Joses, 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  497 

and  the  mother  of  Zebedee's  children."  They  were  "List  at 
the  cross  and  earliest  at  tlie  tomb;"  and  liere  tliey  Tvere  now, 
witli  the  other  disciples,  awaiting  the  fulfillment  of  the  prophecy, 
'Mnd  it  shall  come  to  pass,  after  those  days,  tlnit  I  will  pour  out 
my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh,  and  your  sons  and  jour  dangliters  shall 
prophesy."  And  did  one  of  that  waiting  company  wait  in  vain  ; 
or  did  the  cloven  tongue  of  fire  appear  to  all,  and  sit  upon  ''eoc/t" 
waiting  disciple,  irrespective  of  sex  ?  Surely,  this  Avas  that 
spoken  of  by  the  prophet  Joel  j  and  thus  has  the  Holy  Spirit 
expressly  declared,  through  Peter. 

The  dispensation  of  tlie  Spirit  was  now  entered  upon, — the 
last  dispensation  previous  to  the  last  glorious  appearing  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  when,  in  like  manner  as  he  had 
ascended  from  the  Mount  of  Olivet,  He  sliould  come  again  to 
judge  the  quick  and  dead.  Male  and  female  were  now  one  in 
Christ  Jesus.  Tlio  Spirit  now  descended  alike  on  all.  And 
they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Giiost,  and  began  to  speak  as 
the  Spirit  gave  utterance  ;  for  this  was  that  spoken  by  the 
prophet  Joel,  "  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  in  the  last  days,  saith 
God,  I  will  pour  out  My  Spirit  on  all  flesh, — and  your  sons 
and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy,"  etc.,  etc. 

Mrs.  Butler  resided  in  Essex,  Yermont.  On  her  retiu^n 
home,  she  nobly  championed  the  doctrine  of  entire  sanctifi- 
cation,  in  the  Congregational  Church,  of  which  she  was  a 
member;  and  soon  had  the  joy  of  beholding  her  brother 
helped  into  its  experience  by  the  same  instrumentality  as 
that  by  wliich  she  received  it,  viz.,  ^-  Incidental  Illustra- 
tions,'' etc. 

Information  of  the  potent  and  expanding  influence  for 
good,  exerted  by  her  works,  continuously  came  in  from  every 
quarter.  Religious  and  literary  critics  gave  them  close 
examination  ;  the  reading  public  eagerly  inquired  for  them; 
and  vigilant,  enteri)rising  publishers  comi)ete(l  for  the  inivi- 
lege  of  issuing  them.  Speaking  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Ham- 
line,  of  sundry  correspondents,  on  the  23d  of  February, 
1857,  she  says: 


498  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  one  from  Europe  is  remarkably  encouraging,  in  relation 
to  our  Yv'orks.  Tlie  geutleraau  writing  is  a  mercbaut  from  Mon- 
treal, Canada,  who  has  i-eceived  the  blessing  of  holiness,  through 
reading  *'  Faith  and  its  Effects."  He  is  now  traveling  on  busi- 
ness, in  Europe  :  is  spreading  the  works  wherever  he  goes. 
The  second  English  edition  of  the  "  Way  of  Holiness"  has  been 
I)ublishcd  in  England  ;  and  '^  Faith  and  Effects,"  more  recently 
published,  is  also  going  rapidlj^  A  uniform  edition  of  all  our 
Avorks  is  announced  as  forthcoming,  shortly.  Three  x^ages  entire, 
of  the  London  Quarterly  Review,  consists  of  advertisements,  and 
notices  of  these  works  from  the  press.  The  notices  from  vari- 
ous periodicals  are  among  the  most  favorable  I  ever  received. 
I  tell  you  these  things  because  I  know  they  gladden  your  hearts. 
You  rejoice  in  our  joys,  and  sympathize  in  our  sorrows. 

Tlie  works  are  announced  as  coming  forth  in  six  volumes, 
thus:  Vol.  I,  "Way  of  Holiness;"  Vol.  II,  "Faith  and 
Effects"  etc.  Vol.  Ill,  "  Present  to  my  Christian  Fiiendj"  Vol,  IV, 
"Useful  Disciple;-'  Vol.  V  and  VI,  "Incidental  Illustrations." 
Over  the  page  making  these  announcements,  it  reads  thus  :  "  The 
chief  characteristics  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  works  may  be  summed 
up  thus :  First,  A  lofty  and  pure  ideal  of  Christianity  and 
the  Christian  life.  Second,  She  is  deei))y  in  earnest  to  exemplify 
this  ideal, — not  by  fitful  endeavors,  but  by  a  steady  and  jjer- 
eistent  strife, — in  her  there  is  no  tinge  of  quietism.  Third,  Her 
writings  are  well  adapted  to  set  everybody  in  motion,  with 
whom  they  come  in  contact, — we  know  of  no  human  book  that 
will  stir  a  person's  soul  to  its  lowest  depths,  as  her  '  Faith  and 
Effects,'— her  books  make  working  Christians.  Fourth,  They 
exhibit  a  rare  insight  into  the  Scriptures,  a  clear  view  of  the 
temptations  of  the  enemy,  and  the  method  provided  for  our 
escape ;  wliile,  at  the  same  time,  they  open  up  so  clearly  the 
great  doctrine  of  holiness,  that  no  one  in  earnest  to  find  it  need 
stumble.  Fifth,  As  a  crowning  excellence,  they  indicate  a^xyrcsent 
salvation.  Many  have  a  way  of  talking  and  writing  about 
religion,  very  convincing  indeed,  but  then  the  hearer  or  reader, 
after  swallowing  the  nostrum,  falls  asleep,  without  thinking  or 
making  any  effort  for  the  next  twenty  years.  Not  so  with  our 
author.     Every  line  is  an  exhortation  to Xivesent  dutyy 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMEll.  499 

The  new  issue  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  works,  iu  England, 
almost  immediately  bore  remarkable  frnit  of  blessing,  as  we 
see  from  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  March  29th, 
1857  : 

A  servant  maid  who  had  been  blest,  througli  the  agency  of 
BrotLer  Kiiapp,  and  the  reading  of  the  works,  presented,  us  a 
''  thanl-ojfcrbuj  "  to  God,  ten  pounds  sterling,  to  be  appropriated 
to  the  i)urchabe  of  the  works,  to  be  distributed,  one  to  each 
class  leader,  for  the  use  of  the  chiss  members.  Think  of  a  ser- 
vant giving  out  of  lier  scanty  wages,  between  forty  and  fifty 
dolhirs,  and  this,  doubtless,  for  the  use  of  persons  to  whom  four 
hundred  dollars  would  be  of  less  value  than  forty  to  herself. 
A  lady,  who  is  the  sister,  and  also  the  daughter  of  a  baronet, 
has  also  been  blest  with  full  salvation,  and  opened  her  house 
for  a  meeting  similar  to  the  Tuesday  afternoon  meeting  here. 
The  meetingis  interesting,  and  attended  with  excellent  success. 
She  is  exceedingly  desirous  that  we  should  visit  England.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Young,  President  of  the  Conference,  is  particularly  in- 
terested in  the  recent  issues  of  our  works  on  holiness.  His  wife 
lias  been  specially  blest.  Rev.  Mr.  Thornton,  one  of  the  editors 
of  the  Wesleyan  Book  Room,  expressedhimself  as  much  pleased 
with  the  works,  and  his  wife  is  among  the  earnest  seekers  of  the 
blessing.  The  lady  of  a  district  chairman,  who  has  also  received 
the  blessing  of  holiness,  is  doing  much  towards  circulating 
the  works. 

One  of  the  letters  received,  is  from  the  Rev.  T.  Collins,  the 
minister  who  wrote  the  the  preface  to  the  ^'  Way  of  Holiness."  The 
other  is  from  our  good  friend,  0.  H.  Knapp,  who  has  been  spend- 
ing several  months  in  England.  The  Lord  is  greatly  owning 
his  labors  there.  You  will  remember  that  he  is  the  Mr.  K.,  to 
whom  several  letters  are  addressed  in  ''  Faith  and  Effects.  "  I 
think  liis  influence,  under  God,  has  had  much  to  do  with  the 
publication  ofthe  works  iu  England.  And  while  I  write,  the 
remembrance  of  the  text,  ''  Be  not  weary  in  well  doing,  for  in 
due  season  ye  shall  reap,  if  yefoint  not,"  comes  up  with  renewed 
inspirations.  Surely,  if  any  one  ever  tried  the  ''  lonOer  icay,'' 
to  perfection,  Brotlier  Knapp  did.     Mouth  after  month,  did  I 


500  MEMOIRS  OF 

write  to  him,  and  hours  on  hours  did  I  spend  with  him^  in 
trying  to  settle  his  perplexities,  till  at  last  I,  i»  fact,  almost  be- 
came discouraged  with  him  ;  when  one  evening,  as  I  was  pointing 
out  the  ♦'  Shorter  Waj',"  feeling  as  tliough  it  must  be  the  last 
time,  he  resolved,  irrespective  of  liis  emotions,  to  take  God  at  His 
word.  The  peace  of  God  at  once  took  possession  of  his  heart, 
and  gloriously  did  he  realize,  that '"  we  who  believe  do  enter  into 
rest.''''  The  same  week  he  testified  before  a  Sabbath  evening 
congregation,  in  a  Presbyterian  church,  of  the  power  of  Christ 
to  save  to  the  uttermost.  The  church  was  in  an  unusually  life- 
less state ;  but  on  the  same  evening,  a  revival  broke  out,  and 
about  ten  or  a  dozen  came  forward  to  be  prayed  for,  just  as  tliey 
do  in  our  Methodist  congregations  j  and  the  work  continued  to 
progress  with  great  power,  till  about  forty  were  converted  ;  and 
it  doubtless  might  have  been  going  on  still,  but  the  minister, 
when  asked  to  recognize  openly  the  doctrine  which  God  had  so 
signally  blessed,  utterl}^  refused  to  do  so,  and  the  work  almost 
as  suddenly  ceased,  as  it  had  commenced. 

Few  have  been  more  perplexingly  tried,  in  testing  the  "longer 
way,''''  and  few  have  had  a  more  marked  experience  in  proving 
the  excellency  of  the  "  Shorter  Way,"  than  Bro.  K.  He  told  me, 
after  he  had  been  but  twelve  days  in  the  Way,  tliat  he  thought 
he  had  gained  more  in  the  past  twelve  days,  than  in  all  his 
former  years  of  religious  experience.  And  now  the  Lord  is  ful- 
filling my  desire  for  our  fatherland,  measureably  through  his 
instrumentality.  "  Surely  we  shall  reap  if  we  faint  not."  Bro. 
Knapp  used  to  purchase  our  works  (ten  dollars  worth  at  a  time), 
for  gratuitous  distribution,  when  he  was  in  America.  AVe  hear 
of  several  who  are  thus  purchasing  them  in  England — one 
individual  purchasing  a  sufficient  quantity  to  supply  tlie  class 
leaders  of  a  whole  church,  etc.  Bro.  Knapp  has  the  charge  ol 
the  meeting  on  holiness,  held  at  the  house  of  the  lady  before 
referred  to.  He  says  persons  were  i^resent  from  various  parts  of 
London,  some  coming  several  miles.  One  lady  from  II.  P.  Park, 
was  present,  who  testified  clearly  of  the  blessing  of  entire  sanc- 
tification;  said  she  received  it  from  reading  a  copy  of  the  *'Way 
of  Holiness,"  when  traveling  in  Paris.  Bro.  K.  writes  of  his 
visit  to  the  house  of  the  President  of  the  Wesleyan  Conference, 


MES.  PRCEBE  PALM  EL.  501 

thus  :  ''  Mr.  Young  and  his  wife  spoke  verxj  strongly  on  tlie  sub- 
ject of  your  visit  to  Europe.     He  lives  in  John  Wesley's  house. 
I  went  througli  it,  sat  in  his  chair,  and  entered  his  closet,"  etc. 
And  here  I  must  surely  close.     You  say  I  must  not  apolo- 
gize for  long  letters.     And  yet  I  can  scarcely  forbear  chiding 
myself.     But  still,  knowing  your  deep  interest  in  all  that  con- 
cerns us,  I  cannot  but  feel  that  I  am  telling  you  just  such  things 
as  you  will  wish  to  hear,  and  will  raise  the  note  of  gratitude 
liigher.     It  is  not  without  some  solicitude  that  we  yield  to  the 
force  of  circumstances,  which  seem  to  detain  us  from  our  antici- 
pated visit  to  Europe.     Our  Canada  friends  have  sent  ns  most 
desirable  letters  of  introduction,  quite  beyond  all  we   could 
have  asked  or  thought,  anticipating  that  we  would  wish  to  be 
religiously  useful  there.     The  minister  in  charge  of  the  Wes- 
leyan  Theological  lustitution  in  London,  says  that  "  we  must, 
of  course,  spend  a  portion  of  our  time  at  the  Institution,"  and 
expresses  an  earnest  desire  for  our  visit. 

P.  s._Since  I  finished  my  letter,  I  have  received  a  most  in- 
teresting letter  from  a  minister  in  France,  wlio  has  received 
the  blessing  of  holiness,  through  reading  ''  Faith  and  Effects." 
He  has  commenced  translating  the  works,  beginning  with  ''  The 
Way  of  Holiness."  He  sends  over  the  Macedonian  cry  for 
HELP,  pecuniary  lielp,  in  the  puhUcation.  We  have  recently 
sent  two  hundred  dollars  for  the  spread  of  the  work,  in  Ireland, 
Scotland,  etc.,  and  shall  now,  perhaps,  see  lb  our  duty— nay 
our  privilege— to  send  one  hundred  dollars  to  France.  This 
devoted  missionary  says  the  people  are  i^oor,  and  cannot  afford 
to  pay  a  high  price  for  the  book,  and  he  wants  to  reduce  the 
price  of  publication,  so  as  to  be  able  to  sell  it  low. 

August  3d,  1857. 
To  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Did  I  tell  you  in  my  last,  of  the  experience  of  Dr.  Adam 
Clarke's  grand-daughter.  You  will  find  it  in  the  August  num- 
ber of  the  ^'Guide,"  I  presume.  It  has  no  name,  only  the  initials, 
E.  R.  You  will  find  it  a  most  precious  experience.  Her 
mother,  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  experienced  the 
blessing  of  holiness,  through  reading  <^ Faith  and  Effects  ^  and 


502  MEMOIRS  OF 

lier  son,  wlio  is  a  Wesleyan  minister,  was  brought  into  th:^  enjoy- 
ment of  the  same  grace,  through  reading  the  ''  Interior  Life," 
by  Prof.  Upham. 

Durin<^  the  year,  Mrs.  Palmer  wrote  a  series  of  articles 
for  the  '•'•  Beautxj  of  Holiness^''  under  the  caption,  "  Our 
Dear  Eatty,"  etc.,  also  another  series  for  the  '-^  Guide  to 
Holiness^''  entitled  the  "  Model  Mother,  or  My  Mother's 
Portrait," — the  latter  constituting  an  extended  notice  of  a 
work  imblished  by  the  Eev.  F.  Jobsou,  D.D.,  in  which  he 
drew  the  pen-i:>ortrait  of  his  sainted  mother.  She  also 
contributed  a  number  of  consecutive  i)apers,  to  the 
^'  Christian  Advocate^''  entitled  "  Laity  for  the  Times,-*  the 
authorship  of  which  was  mistakenly  attributed  to  "  a 
distingaiished  layman,"  viz.,  Dr.  Palmer.  Beside  all  these 
literary  labors,  and  the  multitude  of  exhausting  religious 
ministrations,  she  found  time  to  project,  and  energy  to  give 
embryonic  shape  to  an  association  for  the  spread  of  evan- 
gelical literature. 

In  1858,  her  busy  pen  contributed  an  article  to  the 
"  Beauty  of  Holiness^''  on  soul-saving  bands,  with  rides  for 
their  formation  and  working.  It  was  also  published  in  the 
"  Christian  Advocate.^''  '^  May  thousands  be  induced  to 
adopt  them,  if  my  mind  has  indeed  been  divinely  influ- 
enced in  writing  them,"  is  a  sentence  inscribed  in  her  diary. 
One  of  her  letters,  published  at  two  different  times,  in  the 
"Western  Christian  Advocate,"  and  afterwards  in  the 
"  Christian  Advocate,"  showing  that  the  principal  reason 
why  many  who  desire  entire  sanctification,  and  never  expe- 
rience it,  is,  that  they  do  not  resolve  to  be  holy  now,  i^ro- 
duced  extraordinary  effects.  One  minister,  who  read  it  in 
his  own  room,  fell  on  his  knees,  and  in  agony  of  desire, 
sought  and  fomid  the  blessing  then  and  there.  The  con- 
version of  ninety  immortal  souls,  tlirougli  his  ministry, 
was  among  the  effects  that  speedily  followed.  The  truth 
presented  in  that  letter,  has  told  with  nearly  equal  power 


MBS.  FH(EBE  PALMER.  503 

on  multitudes  of  hearts.  lu  18G6,  appeared  the  "  Life  of 
Bishop  Ilauiline  f  the  joint  labor  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer, 
and  an  able,  eloquent,  justly  appreciative  tribute  to  one  of 
the  noblest  ministers,  and  Avisest  general  superintendents 
of  the  church,  of  his  own,  or  any  precedhig  era. 

In  18G8,  appeared  her  "  Pioneer  Experiences  f  a  volume 
containing  the  testimony  of  i)ersonal  witnesses — eminent 
for  faith,  love,  zeal  and  holy  usefulness  in  the  kingdom 
of  Christ,— to  the  power  of  the  blood  to  cleanse  from 
all  unrighteousness.  It  was  specially  designed  to  show, 
and  does  incontrovertibly  prove,  that  Christian  holiness  is 
not  the  doctrine  of  a  sect,  but  of  the  whole  church.  The 
^^  Promise  of  the  Father ;  or,  A  il^eglected  Speciality  ot 
the  Last  Days,"  addressed  to  the  clergy  and  laity  of  all 
Christian  communities,  is  a  complete  correction  of  i)oi)u- 
lar  and  denominational  misrepresentations  of  scriptural 
teaching,  and  an  unanswerable  vindication  of  the  right 
and  privilege  of  Christian  womanhood  to  prophesy  in  the 
Church  of  their  Eedeemer. 

For  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  Scriptures  of  truth, 
clear  perception  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  meaning,  harmonious 
representation  of  doctrine,  on  the  point  under  discussion  j 
keen,  fearless,  unsparing,  and  yet  tender  exposure  of 
destructive  error;  conclusive  reasoning,  and  beautiful  earn- 
est piety,  it  is  second  to  no  volume  of  its  class,  extant. 
Marked  with  all  the  pecuUarities  of  her  style,  it  is  luminous, 
forceful,  mvigorating,  and  pre-eminently  adapted  to  produce 
the  widest  and  most  beneficent  effects  on  evangelical  Chris- 
tendom. Would  that  it  were  in  the  hands,  and  its  senti- 
ments in  the  heart  of  every  i>rofessedly  Christian  woman. 

After  assuming  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Palmer,  the 
proprietorshi})  and  editorial  numagement  of  the  ''  Guide  to 
Holiness" — with  which  the  ^'Beauty  of  Holiness"  was  in- 
corporated,— the  circulation  of  that  excellent  j^eriodical 
gradually  and  rai)idly  rose,  from  seven  thousaiul,  to  be- 
tween thirty-five  and  forty  thousand. 


504  MEMOIRS  OF 

Immediately  after  the  interment  of  Rev.  Alfred  Cook- 
man's  remains,  Mrs.  Palmer  paid  the  foUowiug  unstudied, 
but  touching  and  beautiful  tribute,  to  his  memory.  It  is 
but  a  specimen  of  her  general  x^ractice,  in  view  of  such 
bereavements  : 

New  York,  November  17th,  1871. 
Beloved  Sister  H.  : 

Yesterday  afternoon  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Alfred 
Cookman.  one  of  the  most  noble,  purest  spirits  that  ever  lived 
on  earth. 

How  mysterious,  and  yet  how  wise,  are  the  ways  of  the  "  Only 
Wise!"  How  unsearchable  are  His  judgments  !  Yet  it  seems 
to  be  vibrating  through  my  inmost  soul.  Oh,  tlie  depth  of  the 
"  ivisdoin-and  Icnowledge  of  God  !"  Though  His  judgments  are 
unsearchable,  and  His  ways  past  finding  out,  yet  we  know  that 
one  so  greatly  beloved  of  God,  as  our  Alfred  Cookman,  could  not 
have  been  called  away,  other  than  just  at  the  right  time.  As 
his  noble  form,  prostrated  in  death,  was  being  gazed  upon 
by  hundreds  of  weeping  friends,  as  it  lay  encased  in  a  coffin, 
before  the  altar,  yesterday,  I  almost  involuntarily  exclaimed, 
'^  How  mysterious!"  His  brother,  John  Cookman,  standing  by, 
said, ''  Yes,  it  is  darlc .'"  I  replied,  "  0,  no  !  not  darJc,  it  is  light  ! 
He  doeth  all  things  well !"  *'  Yes  !"  John  replied,  ''  light  on  the 
other  side,  but  dark  on  this  side." 

Bro.  A.  Cookman,  had  only  been  seriously  ill  a  few  days. 
His  disease  was  muscular  rheumatism,  affecting  the  heart. 
His  death  was  sudden  and  unlooked  for.  A  note  announc- 
ing that  he  had  been  seriously  ill,  but  was  now  convalescent, 
had  already  been  x)rinted  and  mailed,  io  part  of  the  readers 
of  the  ''  Christian  Advocate,"  when  the  press  was  stopx^ed,  and 
his  death  announced. 

I  write  thus  particularly  to  you,  because  I  know  that  he  so 
very  affectionately  regarded  you  and  the  dear  departed  Bishop, 
as  his  sj)iritual  father  and  mother,  in  the  exxierience  of  heart 
purity.  In  this  connection,  the  name  of  the  sainted  Hamline 
was  brought  out,  in  the  funeral  services  yesterday,  as  sweet 
ointment  x>oured  forth. 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  505 

Our  dearbrotlier  A.  C,  in  bis  oft  attendance  at  the  Tues- , 
day  afternoon  meeting,  in  years  past,  M'hen  stationed  in  New 
York,  (or  in  fact  wherever  stationed,  lie  came  as  often  as  possi- 
ble), wouhl  so  often,  v;hen  giving  in  liis  testimony  for  Jesns, 
point  to  the  large,  life-like  portrait  of  Bishop  Ilamline,  and 
exclaim,  "  There  is  the  likeness  of  the  beloved  sainted  man, 
who,  with  his  dear  wife,was  instrumental  in  leading  me  to  the 
cleansing  fountain  !" 

Often,  very  often,  did  he  speak  of  himself  as  *'  Your  son  in 
the  Gospel."  Of  him  it  may  truly  be  said,  he  Icept  the  faith.  In 
the  meekness  of  wisdom,  he  maintained  a  steadily  triumj)hant 
all- victorious  course.  Of  few,  of  the  present  day,  may  it  be 
said  more  emphatically;  "He  overcame  by  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,  and  the  word  of  their  testimony." 

He  wore  the  garment  of  humility,  gracefully.  With  hinj, 
the  Jove  that  envieth  not,  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  pulied  up, 
doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  and  seeketh  not  its  own,  was 
ever  nn  outbeaming  grace.  To  my  mind,  his  life  was  a  living 
manifestation  of  what  it  is  to  be  filled  with  the  Spirit.  The 
unctuous  power  of  his  intercessory  jdeadings  with  God,  was  re- 
markable. 

The  last  sermon  he  preached,  he  held  up  a  seared  leaf  of 
autumn,  before  the  people,  and  exclaimed,  this  is  my  text,  "  We 
all  do  fade  as  a  leaf''  After  discoursing  aftectingly  on  the 
subject,  he  carried  the  faded  leaf  with  him  from  the  pulpit,  and 
presenting  it  to  a  member  of  his  congregation,  said,  "  Your 
minister  and  this  leaf  are  much  alike." 

During  his  short,  yet  painful  illness,  thougli  he  expressed 
himself  as  unaware  of  what  the  Lord  was  about  to  do  with  him, 
he  said  that  he  was  so  fully  resting  in  the  sweet  will  of  God, 
that  if  the  choice  were  given  him,  whether  to  live  or  die,  he 
would  not  turn  his  hand  to  decide  the  matter. 

When  he  found  that  the  call  indeed  came,  "  Child  of  my 
love,  come  home,"  he  told  his  dear  wife,  that  though  it  would 
have  been  pleasant  to  walk  by  her  side,  yet,  as  he  was  going 
first,  he  Avould  be  waiting  at  the  gate,  to  welcome  her  when 
she  came,  and  if  i)ermitted,  would  be  her  ministeiing  angel. 
Many    other    sweet    sayings,    to  his  mother,   sister,  brother, 


500  MEMOIRS  OF 

aud  other  loved  ones,  miglit  be  recorded,  but  time  Avill  not 
permit. 

You  will  remember  the  mj'stery  that  shrouds  the  x)ast,  in 
regard  to  the  manner  in  whieli  his  father  passed  away.  That 
father  was  doubtless  buried  in  the  ocean,  and  of  liis  grave  no 
man  knowetli.  In  a  dream,  Alfred  saw  his  father  and  a  brother, 
and  his  dear  son,  recently  deceased,  among  the  glorified.  They 
were  a  11  beautifully  robed  in  white,  and  told  him  that  they  were 
Avashed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  They  joyously  welcomed 
idm  to  the  bliss  of  Paradise.  Among  the  themes  of  his  greatest 
rejoicing  w\is,  tliat  lie  had  been  enabled,  so  openly,  to  stand 
forth  among  Clirist's  holy  confessors,  as  identified  with  the 
cause  of  holiness.  To  the  last,  he  most  exultantly  testified 
again  and  again,  ^^  The  blood  of  Jesus  deanseth  from  all  sf/t."  His 
last  rapturous  expression  was  just  as  he  was  passing  through 
the  gates  of  mortality,  ''  I  am  sweeping  through  the  gates, 
washed  in  tlie  blood  of  the  Lamb  !"  0,  how  sublime  the  scene  ! 
How  wonderful  the  testimony  !  What  a  divine  exemxilification 
of  the  words,  ''  Death  is  swallowed  up  of  victory  !  What  an 
abundant  entrance  must  have  been  ministered  to  him,  into  the 
everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 

As  he  liad  honored  God  in  his  life,  so  God  greatly  honored 
His  servant  in  death.  I  have  attended  the  funeral  services  of 
many,  in  the  most  exacted  position  in  the  church  ;  but  I  do  not 
remember  to  have  bean  present,  under  any  circumstances,  at  a 
funeral  occasion,  where  there  has  been  such  a  combination  of 
solemn,  affecting  interest. 

He  was  buried  from  the  church  where,  during  the  past  year, 
lie  has  ministered, — the  large  beautiful  Centenary  Church  at 
Newark,  N.  J.  It  was  deeply  draped  in  mourning.  A  large 
numberof  ministers  were  presentj  several  took  part,  but  Bishop 
Simpson  Avas  the  special  speaker.  The  bishop  had  long  been 
fondly  attached  to  liim.  In  both  Pittsburg  and  Philadelphia, 
Alfred  Cookman  had  been  the  pastor  of  the  bishop's  family,  to 
whom  he  had  been  a  friend  dearly  loved  and  cherished.  You 
wou'-d,  indeed,  have  been  delighted  to  hear  how  appreciatively 
the  bishop  referred  to  Brother  Cookman's  definite  and  soul 
concuming    interest   on  the  theme  of  full  salvation.     Tears, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  5O7 

smiles  and  praises  niiDgled,  as  the  bishop  discoursed  of  tlie  power 
and  beauty  of  lioliness,  as  exhibited  in  the  pure  life  and  rapturous 
translation  from  earth  to  lieaven  of  liis  beloved  friend  and 
brother,  A.  C.  Of  all  the  dense  crowd  of  ministers  and  people, 
I  think  that  there  were  but  few,  if  any,  but  were  in  tears ;  yet, 
amid  all,  alleluias  and  tears  of  sorrow  and  grateful  praise  min- 
gled. The  choir  sang  in  solemn  tones,  the  whole  hymn,  "  Rock 
of  Ages,  cleft  for  me  ;"  and  closed  with  singing,  '^  Who  are  these 
arrayed  in  white,"  etc.,  to  the  chorus,  *^  They  have  clean  robes, 
white  robes  j  white  robes  are  waiting  for  thee — washed  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb."  A  hymn  and  chorus  of  which  their  pastor 
was  peculiarly  fond.  The  remains  were  taken  to  Philadelphia, 
last  night,  where  funeral  services  will  again  take  place,  to-day, 
in  the  church  where  he  formerly  preached. 

Failing  health  and  increasing  infirmities,  brought  no 
respite  from  literary  toil.  Mrs.  Palmer  seemed  to  be  inca- 
pable of  inaction.  If  i)recluded  from  public  ministration, 
her  pen  flew  rapidly  over  the  pages  of  letter  paper,  in  writ- 
ing to  numerous  correspondents,  whom  she  sought  to 
strengthen  in  faith,  and  to  edify  in  lioliness.  She  only 
ceased  to  work,  when  she  ceased  to  live.  March  1st,  1873, 
she  wrote  in  her  diary  : 

Mailed  nearly  a  dozen  letters  to-day.  The  demands  of  my 
corresj)ondents  are  far  beyond  m}^  ability  to  meet,  either  in 
time  or  physical  endurance.  I  write  enough  to  make  volumes, 
yearly,  a  large  portion  of  my  letters  being  to  persons  I  have 
never  seen.  I  seem  impelled  by  necessity  to  sow  beside  all 
Avaters — my  letters  going  often  to  remote  regions  ;  yet  I  am  not 
without  a  hope  that  these  particles  of  truth,  scattered  broad-cast, 
maj'  yield  a  revenue  of  praise  to  Jesus,  when  the  fire  sliall  re- 
real  every  man's  work,  of  what  sort  it  is.  It  is  my  habit,  in 
writing  letters,  to  kneel  down  with  my  blank  sheet,  and  ask  the 
Lord  to  give  matter  and  manner. 

Of  Mrs.  Palmer's  other  works —  "  Sweet  Mary ;  or.  The 
Bride  Made  Eeady  for  Her  Lord,"  which  passed  rai)i(lly 
tlirough  several  English  editions  ;  and  the    ''  Life  of  Mrs. 


508  MEMOIRS  OF 

Mary  Gardner,'^  of  which  thousands  were  sold ;  ^^  A 
Mother's  Gift;  or,  A.  Wreath  For  My  Darlings, '^  a  col- 
lection of  fugitive  poems,  of  which  Bishop  Janes,  in 
an  appreciative  introduction  says,  '^  It  is  a  very  valuable 
addition  to  the  poetry  of  the  church,''  ^^Four  Years 
in  the  Old  World,"  on  which  the  religious  piess  has 
la\ished  so  many  encomiums,  and  other  smaller  i^ro- 
ductions,  it  is  unnecessary  to  make  further  remark.  Of 
these,  as  of  the  many  projected  but  unfinished  works, 
suffice  it  to  state,  that  they  are  rich  contributions  to  the 
Church's  stock  of  i)ure,  evangelical  literature.  The  end  for 
Avhich,  and  the  spirit  in  which,  they  and  all  her  works 
were  composed,  is  admirably  set  forth  in  the  following 
article,  published  in  the  seventh  volume  of  the  "  Beauty  of 
Holiness."  by  its  now  glorified  editor. 

We  do  not  know  but  it  will  be  pronounced  a  breach  of  trust, 
to  publish  the  following  extract  from  a  strictly  private  letter,  ad- 
dressed to  us  by  the  worthy  sister  whose  name  appears  iu  the 
caption  ;  but  the  spirit  it  developes  is  so  in  contrast  with  that 
charge  upon  her,  by  tliose  who  have  professedly  felt  it  a  duty 
to  make  her  and  her  writings  a  subject  of  criticism,  that  wefeel 
inclined  to  risk  it.  We  give  it  without  note  or  comment.  Re- 
ferring to  a  matter  of  business  on  which  we  had  written  her, 
she  says : 

'^In  regard  to  the  publication  of  a  circular  containing  testi- 
monials of  our  works,  I  have  felt  like  leaving  it  with  you,  trusting 
iu  the  Lord,  to  take  the  dhection  of  your  miud.  I  feel  an  ever- 
l)ervading,  all-consuming  desire  to  glorify  God  to  the  utter- 
most, iu  all  things.  I  have  no  private  interests  to  serve — no 
l)rivate  rei)utation  to  build  up,  or  to  sustain,  but  such  as  stand 
iu  connection  with  Christ's  kingdom.  Never  have  I  written  one 
line  that  lias  had  a  righteous,  holy,  purifying  tendency,  but 
through  the  enabling,  constraining  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Most  deeply  do  I  feel  the  import  of  the  passage,  ^'  Their  right- 
ousness  is  of  me,  saith  the  Lord."  If  a  work  is  being  done,  our 
attention  is  not  occupied  with  the  instrument  used  in  performing 


MBS.  rnCEBE  PALMEB.  509 

the  work,  but  with  the  hand  that  wields  the  iustruiiiCDt.  That 
is,  if  you  were  using  a  spade,  by  way  of  preparing  tlic  earth  for 
the  reception  of  seed,  I,  in  behokling  your  work,  would  not 
say,  ^'  See  wliat  thntsj^aJc  has  accomplished,"  but,  ^'  See  what  my 
brother  D.  has  done.""  I  only  look  upon  ni^self  as  an  humble 
instrumentality  wliich  God  has  condescended  to  use,  through 
which  to  communicate  simple,  jet  infinitely  important  truth,  in 
a  manner  suited  to  the  unsophisticated  multitude.  It  is  true 
soiy.e  Doctors  of  Divinity  have  not  disdained  the  simple  teach- 
ings of  my  works,  and  it  is  encouraging  when  such  men  as  Dr. 
U.,  Dr.  H.,  Dr,  B.,  etc.,  so  freely-  give  tlie  testimonial  of  approval. 
Yet  it  has  been  my  aim  to  avoid  most  carefully,  every  tiling  like 
a  display  of  theological  technicalities.  Inasmuch  as.tlic  Bible  is 
not  a  sectarian  book,  or  holiness  tlie  mere  doctrine  of  a  sect,  it 
has  been  my  aim  to  present  it  as  the  absolute  requirement  of  the 
Bible,  and  binding  on  all,  of  every  name,  rather  than  as  a  mere 
doctrine  of  a  sect.  In  doing  this,  I  have  kept  closely  to  Bible 
terms — Holiness,  Sanctification,  and  Perfect  Love.  In  all  mj^ 
various  presentations  of  truths,  I  have  aimed  to  follow  the  sim- 
ple Bible  mode  of  teaching,  assured  that  the  divine  Author  must 
have  suggested  the  most  effectual  mode  of  making  truth  i)ali)a- 
ble  to  the  obtuse  i)erceptions  of  men. 

By  the  types  and  historic  narrations  of  the  Old  Testament 
Scriptures,  and  the  illustrative  emblems  used  bj^  the  Saviour, 
in  the  New,  I  adopted  the  incidental  mode  of  illustrating  truth, 
apprehending  it  as  God's  way  of  simplifying  spiritual  realities, 
and  making  them  tangible  to  the  understanding  of  tlie  humble. 
It  Was  after  this  mode  I  began,  and  have  continued  to  this  day, 
to  wiite  and  teach,  carefully  avoiding  giving  utterance  to  a  doc- 
trine or  sentiment  for  which  an  explicit,  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord," 
may  not  be  given.  I  feel  that  it  is  due  to  the  praise  of  grace,  to 
acknowledge  that  God  has  owned  these  simple  presentations  of 
truth.  To  tids  I  have  hundreds  of  letters  to  testify.  Dr.  P.  is 
just  now  engaged  in  assorting  about  three  thousand,  in  bound 
volumes,  the  most  of  which  are  of  an  encouraging  nature,  in 
connection  with  our  publications.  Hundreds  of  them,  I  think, 
are  from  persons  I  have  never  seen  in  the  flesh,  of  various  de- 
nominations.    My  Methodist  friends  ought  not  to  love  me  less 


510  MEMOIRS  OF  MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 

because  my  works  assume  to  be  rather  Bible  than  sectarian, 
though  I  am  confident  that  I  have  not  promulgated  doctrines  or 
used  terms  not  wholly  Wesleyan.  The  more  I  read  my  Bible, 
the  more  do  I  love  the  doctrine,  the  i^hraseology  and  the  usages 
of  Methodism.  I  think  theiu  eminently  scriptural,  and  wortliy 
of  all  commendation,  and  slionld  be  disposed  to  suspect  myself 
of  error,  should  I  depart  from  them. 

But  my  letter  is  alreadj^  too  long,  and  I  mUvSt  pause  heie.  In 
view  of  the  fact  that  ths  uninitiated  in  piety,  and  the  mass 
of  professors  so  seldom  come  in  contact  with  the  stringent,  yet, 
in  view  of  ultimate  salvation,  the  absolutely  important  doctrines 
of  the  cross,  it  strikes  me  that  the  presentation  of  them  in  in- 
cidental illustrations,  may  dispose  some  to  acquaint  themselves 
when  presented  in  this  approachable  form,  who  might  shrink 
from  the  perusal  of  theological  works,  which,  for  able  argumen- 
tation, might  be  more  imposing.  It  has  always  been  my  aim  to 
write  for  the  masses.   It  w^as  these  tliat  heard  the  Saviour  gladly. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

DOCTKINAL    TEACHINGS. 

IN  all  her  representations  of  Christian  faith  and  practice, 
Mrs.  Palmer  was  uniformly  guided  by  the  infallible 
contents  of  God's  Avritten  word.  That  it  was  given  to  the 
world  "  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect^  thoroughly 
furnished  unto  all  good  works,"  is  an  axiom  of  which  she 
never  entertained  the  slightest  doubt.  That  it  reveals  the 
second  coming  of  our  Lord,  as  an  event  ''  at  hand,"  she 
also  devoutly  believed ;  but  was  too  well  versed  in  its  teach- 
ings, not  to  know  that  ''  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no 
man,  no,  not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my  Father  only." 
Therefore,  she  rejected  all  the  speculations  of  Pre-millena- 
rians  and  Second  Adventists,  as  imwarranted  by  the  let- 
ter of  the  Scriptures,  and  held  firmly  and  distinctly  to 
the  duty  and  privilege  of  being  fidly  i^repared  for  the 
Lord's  second  coming,  whenever  that  may  be.  Conviction 
of  its  nearness  only  deei>ened,  as  years  increased,  and  life 
drew  near  its  end.  That  conviction  imparted  solemn,  yet 
joyfnl  earnestness,  to  all  endeavors  to  save  sinners,  and 
to  edify  believers  in  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  Gospel. 
Perspicuous  and  practical,  she  watched  with  intense  anxiety 
the  X)rogress  of  the  Millerite  movement,  and  when  the  time 
fixed  ui)on  by  its  leader  for  the  end  of  the  world  had  passed, 
and  his  deluded  followers  were  either  beginning  to  lose 
faith  in  all  things,  divine  and  human,  or  were  exhibiting 
proclivities  to  rush  into  wilder  absurdities,  wrote  to  him  a 
caustic,  but  thoroughly  Christian  letter,  full  of  good  sense, 
conclusive  reasoning,  and  wise  recomnnrndation,  of  which 


512  MEMOIRS  OF 

we  will  give  a  few  exti-acts.  Some,  wliom  she  had  been 
instrumental  in  leading  into  the  higher  walks  of  Christian 
experience,  had  become  strong  Adventists.  This  fact  gav3 
her  involuntarily,  a  vested  interest  in  the  movement,  stimu- 
lated to  prayerful,  and  thorough  investigation  of  the 
prophecies,  and  abundantly  justified,  if  indeed,  it  did  not 
demand,  cogent  appeal  to  their  enthusiastic,  but  visionary 
leader. 

New  YomL,Octoher  kith,  1844. 

To  Rev.  Wm.  Miller  : 

Bear  Sir,  *  *  *  By  a  sincere,  but,  as  time  has  proved,  an 
incorrect  movement,  you  have  influenced  thousands  of  minds, 
and  those  minds  liave  influenced  thousands  of  circumstances. 
The  many  papers  devoted  to  the  dissemination  of  your  views 
state,  that  East,  West,  North,  and  South,  have  heard  the  cry, 
and  have  been  roused  by  your  call.  Now,  as  the  trumpet  has 
not  given  a  certain  sound,  and  many  have  been  roused  to  an  ac- 
tion, not  suited  to  the  emergency  of  the  time,— should  you  not 
call  the  people  back  to  the  duties  variously  assigned  them  by 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  *l 

You,  brother,  were  the  first  to  sound  the  alarm.  Your 
name  and  your  eiforts  have  been  greatly  helpful  in  perpetuating 
it,  and  now,  should  you  nob  be  among  the  first,  and  most 
ready,  to  advise  and  urge  the  people  to  a  return  to  their  vari- 
ous avocations?  You  know  you  have  urged  upon  all,  in  view 
of  the  doctrines  you  believe,  to  leave  all  the  ordinary  duties  of 
life,  and  yourself  and  friends  were  doubtless  sincere,  in  regard- 
ing the  past  few  months,  as  a  time  demanding  this. 

And  what  has  been  the  result  ?  Why,  just  as  sliould 
have  been  foreseen;  a  confusion  of  tongues  more  lamentable, 
than  that  from  which  they  have  issued,  and — I  think  yourself 
will  acknowledge,— likely  to  be  fiir  more  so. 

In  A^iew  of  this,  I  again  ask,  is  it  not  your  duty  to  sound  a 
retreat?  Had  you  not  better  say,  ''Every  man  to  his  tent, 
0  Israel !" 

*  *  *  My  heart  has  been  pained  at  the  frecjuent  presenta- 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  513 

tion  of  the  idea,  tliat  none  are  iu  readiness  for  tlie  comirg  of 
tlie  Saviour,  but  such  as  are  believing  iu  the  Second  Advent 
faitli.  Tliis  faifh  has  frequently  been  i)resented,  as  Ihe  faith 
by  wliich  the  just  shall  live.  The  Bible  does  not  pre.sent  it 
thus.  It  is  only  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  atoning 
and  risen  Saviour,  th.at  can  be  termed  the  faith.  Ttiis  is  but 
one  of  the  errors,  which  I  think  you  will  acknowledge  harm- 
ful. 

Should  not  those  lecturers,  with  yourself,  who  have  brought 
the  people  out  under  the  auspices  of  a  faith,  wliich  has  tailed, 
be  helpful  in  remanding  them  back,  so  that  passages  so  impor- 
tant iu  the  plan  of  salvation,  should  in  their  minds  be  restored 
lo  their  original  meaning  ? 

You sa}'^ you  were  sincere,  but  Paul,  when  he  sincerely  thought 
he  was  doing  God's  sirvice,  found  he  had  been  deceived,  and 
do  you  think  he  Avould  have  been  forgiven  if  he  had  not  made 
acknowledgement  of  his  error  ?     I  rest  this  nmtter  with  you. 

Your  Sister  in  the  Lord. 

In  1873,  Mrs.  P.  xHiblished  the  following  as  exx^ressive  of 
her  views  of  the  "  Coming  One.'' 

We  are  not  now,  neither  were  we  ever,  in  sympath}'  with 
those  who  would  set  the  day  and  hour  of  our  Lord's  ai)pearing. 
But  for  about  thirty  years  we  have  unwaveringly  believed  that 
in  the  most  empliatic  sense  '^  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  liand." 

This  belief  has  not  been  founded  on  the  opinions  of  men, 
but  by  much  prayerful  searching  of  the  Scriptures,  comparing 
Scripture  with  Scripture.  Believing  that  all  Scri])ture  is  given 
by  inspiration,  and  is  jirofitable  for  doctrine,  reproof,  correction, 
and  instruction  in  righteousness,  and  that  the  same  Spiiit  tliat 
indited  the  Holy  Scripture  is  given  to  ox)en  its  sacred  meaning 
to  the  humble  believer. 

To  expect  to  know  the  day  or  hour,  or  even  the  year,  of  the 
coming  of  Jesus,  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  we  have  never  thought 
to  be  within  the  i^rovince  of  other  than  the  great  Eternal.  But 
that  the  humble  Bible  student  may,  by  a  carefnl  reliance  on  the 
teachings  of  the  Word,  and  observance  of  the  sigus  of  the 
times,  ^now  when  the  coming  of  the  Lord  drawcih  vl(jh,  and  is 

33 


514  MEMOIRS   OF 

eveu  at  the  very  doors,  is  a  truth  too  palpable  to  require  com- 
ment.    (See  Matt.  24:  29-33.) 

Dear  reader,  are  you  in  search  after  truth,  in  regard  to  the 
second  Advent  of  our  Lord?  Tliat  He  Avill  come  again,  you 
know,  because  there  is  not  a  more  explicit,  uncontrovertible 
declaration  within  the  lids  of  the  Bible,  than  this. 

Why  should  not  Christians  of  the  present  day,  be  like  the 
Christians  of  nearly  two  thousand  years  since  ?  So  greatly  did 
the  Cliristians  of  Thcssalouica  long  for  the  speedy  coming  of 
their  Lord,  that  instead  of  putting  it  off  '^  thousands  on  thous- 
ands of  ages  hence  "  (as  did  a  teacher  m  Israel  with  whom  we 
were  conversing),  their  almost  impatient  desires  inclined  them 
to  think  it  must  be  immediate.  Paul  corrects  their  mistake, 
telling  them  that  that  day  shall'  not  come  until  certain  things 
(of  which  we  sliall  hereafter  speak)  occur.  Janaes  also  exhorts 
his  Kutl'ering  brethren  to  j9a//cHce,  not  by  telling  them  that  the 
coming  of  their  Lord  was  to  be  protracted  ^^  thousands  on 
thousands  of  ages,"  but  by  the  most  welcome  truth,  '^  For  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  drawcth  nigh." 

If  the  joyous  anticipations  of  the  return  of  the  Son  of  Man, 
should  so  till  the  mind's  vision  of  the  early  Church,  about  two 
thousand  years  ago,  how  should  the  vision  of  believers  of  tlie 
present  day,  be  occupied  with  the  subject  ?  Christians  of  the 
present  day  have  the  Old  and  New  Testament  Scriptures.  The 
volume  of  Kevelation  is  closed.  The  Book  of  book.s  is  in  the 
hand  of  every  believer.  Not  only  does  it  testify  of  Christ  as  a 
Redeemer  from  sin,  but  of  Christ  as  a  Coming  One.  Oh,  yes  ! 
with  what  certainty  do  the  Scriptures  tell  us  of  Jesus  coming 
again,  not  as  an  offering  for  sin!  That  has  been  done.  How 
emphatically  does  Paul  speak  of  Him  who  was  "  once  oii'ered  to 
bear  the  sins  of  many  ;"  and  then  adds,  ''  Unto  them  that  look 
for  Him,  sliall  he  appear  the  second  time,  without  sin,  unto  sal- 
vation." And  Titus  also,  pointing  the  eye  of  his  brethren  up- 
ward, says,  '-  Looking  for  that  hope,  the  glorious  appearing  of 
the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ." 

The  following  extract  from  letter  to  Bishop  and  Mrs. 
Ha.Tnline,  dated  July  10th j  1847,  illustrates  the  careful- 


MBS.  rn(EBE  PALMER,  515 

ness  with  wliidi  she  adhered,  and  insisted  on  others  adher- 
ing, to  the  ipslsslma  verba  of  Holy  Writ.  With  Paul, 
she  said,  "  We  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  tons 
of  God,  "uhieh  things  also  we  speak,  not  in  the  words 
which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth,  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual.*'  1  Cor. 
2 :  12,  13. 

The  Presbyterian  minister  closed  the  meeting,  and  returned 
thanks  to  God  for  truth,  and  for  the  clearness  with  whicli  it  had 
been  presented — for  the  unity  of  the  Spirit.  After  the  meeting 
closed,  he  stayed  till  near  twelve  o'clock.  Said,  though  he 
appreciated  tliis  doctrine  of  holiness,  yet  he  had  not  as  yet  fully 
entered  into  the  enjoy njent  of  it:^  privileges.  The  diiliculty  was 
fully  explained,  when  he  said  that  he  did  not  think  it  well  to 
make  use  of  the  objectionable  terms  at  which  unbelievers  in 
the  doctrine  stundde.  I  said,  ^' Whosoever  is  ashamed  of  me 
and  of  Mj  words,  "  etc.,  that  the  words,  sanctification,  holiness, 
and  perfect  love,  were  the  words  by  "which  God  Himself  had 
chosen  to  designate  the  state  in  which  He  required  His  redeem- 
ed creatures  to  live,  and  must,  therefore,  be  divinely  expressive, 
etc.  This  idea,  I  fear,  is  becoming  more  prevalent  among  our 
Presbyterian  and  Congregational  friends.  Perhaps  you  may  re- 
member tlio  Ilev.  Mr.  C,  w^ho,  during  last  winter,  called  several 
times  at  our  house.  He  has  lately  been  installed  pastor  over  a 
congregation  in  New  Jersey.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Belden  has  just 
been  in,  and  says  Mr.  C.  gave  a  written  account  of  his  views 
and  experience,  which  was  read  before  the  ministers  who  were 
present,  previous  to  his  being  installed.  He  says  the  doctrine 
of  holiness,  in  its  fullness,  was  presented,  and  ilta  author  con- 
fessed that  the  views  had  been  apprehended  in  his  experience, 
to  a  degree  greatly  comforting  to  his  own  soul.  But  those  ob- 
jectionable phrases  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  dictation,  were  withheld. 
Holiness,  sanctification,  and  perfect  love,  %vere  not  given,  by 
May  of  d(;signating  the  state,  and  therefore  the  offence  of  the 
cross  ceased,  and  the  experience  was  higldy  approved  by  ji 
number  of  the  most  prominent  ministers  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  I  think  Sister  H.  won  hi  think  of  this  as  under  the 
head  of  being  "  ashamed  of  My  tcords.^^ 


516 


MEMOIRS  OF 


Aiiotlier  letter  to  Mrs.  Hamline,  dated.  May  22d,  1848, 
in  whieli  she  refers  to  some  strictures  of  the  llev.  Tobias 
Spicer,  I).  I),  of  the  Troy  Conference,  is  vahiable  and  in- 
teresting, not  only  as  showing  this  intelligently  liberal  ad- 
herence to  the  Scrii^tures,  but  as  indicating  her  viewsi  of 
the  Scriptures  themselves,  in  one  much  debated  i)articular, 
viz.,  ^'Does  the  Holy  Simit  invariably  speak  to  the  heart 
of  him  who  reads  the  Scriptures,  through  the  words  that 
compose  them?"  Her  answer,  in  effect  was,  ^- Yes — pro- 
vided he  sincerely  intends  to  do  the  will  of  God.*' 

Tlie  ground  of  faith  is  not,  as  T.  S.  infers,  something  which 
we  have  done,  hut  upon  the  iiniuutahle  promises  of  the  Lord 
Jehovah.    The  Word  of  God,  this  is  the  germ. 

"  To  liim  T\'ho  in  Thy  name  hclieves, 
Eternal  lile  with  Thee  is  given, 
Into  himself  he  all  receives, 

Pardon  and  holiness  and  heaven." 

What  is  intended  hy  the  often  repeated  scriptural  admoni- 
tion, "  Believe  f  Is  it  God's  infallible  word,  or  the  word  of 
changeable  man,  that  we  are  to  believe  ?  If  the  latter,  then  it 
were  indeed  exceedingly  dangerous  and  deceptive,  and  the 
worse  than  idle  vagaries,  anticipated  by  T.  S.,  might  follow; 
but  if  the  repeated  admonition,  "  Believe,"  is  but  an  eolio  caught 
from  heavenly  inspiration,  then  it  were  a  serious  matter  to  speak 
liglitly  of  results  which  miglit  follow  such  a  faith.  And  it  is 
fturprising  that  T.  S.  does  not  seem  to  give  consideration  to 
the  fact  that  faith  is  believing  God. 

Tlie  entire  Scriptures  are  the  voice  of  the  Holy  Si)irit.  ''  Holy 
men  of  old  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  tlie  Holy  Ghost."  We 
have  been  favored  with  opportunities  for  knowing  the  views 
and  experience  of  Methodists,  quite  equal  to  those  of  ordinary 
persons ;  but  I  never  remember  to  have  met  with  one,  who  did 
not  believe  that  "  The  forgiveness  of  sin,  and  the  renewing  of 
the  heart  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  are  the  work  of 
theHol}'  Spirit.  But  there  are  those  who  believe  that  tliereis 
vitality  in  the  word  of  God,  and  that  the  ^^  Spirit  speaketh 


MRS.  PECEBE  PALMER.  517 

expressly''''  tlirongli  the  lively  oracles,  and  many  of  these  have  I 
lieard  testify,  that  '*  he  that  believeth  hath  the  witness  in  himself.'''' 

Love  that  thinketh  no  evil,  and  hopeth  all  things,  constrains 
to  believe  that  there  are  but  few  among  us,  who  regard  the  word 
of  God  as  a  dead  letter.  If  not  dead,  then  there  is  a  living, 
quickening  Spirit  in  it,  and  blessed  be  God,  this  has  been  proved 
by  thousands  of  experimental  witnesses,  who  glory  not  in  them- 
selves, but  in  the  work  of  the  Si)irit.  None,  perhaps,  apprehend 
so  fully  the  deep  spiritual  meaning  of  the  Saviour's  words,  '^  It 
is  the  Spirit  that  quickeueth,  the  flesh  profiteth  nothing;  the 
words  that  I  speak  unto  you  they  are  spirit,  and  tiiey  are  life." 

T.  S.  then  gives  an  illustration,  which  the  advocates  of  this 
way  of  getting  converted  and  sanctified  may  use.  ^'A  receipt 
of  a  deposit  in  a  bank  is  just  as  good  as  the  cash,  because  that 
whenever  the  receipt  is  presented  it  will  be  cashed,  or  that  a 
promissory  note  is  as  good  as  the  money,  if  the  drawee  be  good.'' 
Is  T.  S.  prepared  to  say,  that  God  does  not  make  good  His  prom- 
ises to  us,  when  we  present  them  in  the  name  of  Jesus  ?  Christ 
says,  ^'  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that  will  I  do,  that 
the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  tlie  Son."  Does  our  Lord  mean  at 
some  future  period,  or  now  f  Let  Paul  answer,  ^'  The  promises 
of  God  are  all  jea,  and  Amen  in  Christ  Jesus."  Then  we  will, 
on  tlie  authority  of  the  Bible,  say  that  the  promises  of  God  are 
fulfilled  the  moment  that  the  waiting  one  relies  fully  upon  the 
Promiser,  after  having  complied  with  the  stipulations  laid 
down  in  His  word.  I  am  not  conscious  of  holding  any  views 
differing  from  our  orthodox  writers.  In  relation  to  the  fiiith, 
whicli  brings  present  salvation  from  all  sin,  Mr.  Wesley  says, 
*^  To  this  confidence,  that  God  is  both  able  and  w  illing  to  sanctify 
us  now,  there  needs  to  be  added  one  thing  more,  a  divine  evi- 
dence and  conviction,  that  hedoeth  it."  Much  more  from  the 
writings  of  Fletcher  and  others,  might  be  added,  precisely  the 
same  in  bearing. 

Clinging  thus  closelj'  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the 
Written  Word,  Mrs.  Palmer  was  in  no  danger  of  adopting 
the  foolish  fantasies,  or  of  falling  into  the  dangerous  errors, 
of  some  who  would  be  wise,  above  what  is  written.    Ever 


518  MEMOIRS  OF 

conscientious  and  faithful,  she  could  not  beliold  her  friends 
in  peril  of  suffering,  or  doing  harm,  without  lifting  up  the 
voice  of  warning,  as  the  next  ei)istle  demonstrates : 

New  York,  April  80,  1851. 

To  Professor  and  Mrs.  Upham  : 

I  received  a  letter  from  our  dear  ^Irs.  Upliam,  several  days 
since,  with  wliich  I  was  edified  and  interested. 

For  weeks  i)ast,  I  have  had  it  on  my  mind,  to  tell  you  my 
whole  heart,  on  a  suhject  which  has  given  me  the  deepest  solici- 
tude. 

If  tlie  Lord  has  given  me  a  special  call,  it  is  by  the  way  of 
magnifying  His  word.  '^  Thj^  word  liast  Thou  magnilied,  above 
all  TJttj  name.''^  David  says,  ''  In  God  will  I  praise  His  word.'''' 
Tliis  has  been,  and  by  tlie  help  of  tlie  Lord  shall  ever  be,  my 
emidoy.  Now,  when  I  hear  an  experience,  for  wlikh  an  ex- 
plicit "^  Thus  saith  the  Lord,"  may  not  be  given,  my  heart  is 
always  sad,  for  I  know  it  must  liave  originated  in  error. 

The  Holy  Spirit  never  t:,kes  us  heyoud  the  written  Word, 
neither  does  it  take  us  aside  from  it.  Now,  where  does  the 
Bible  speak  of  the  ^Ulcatli  of  the  will  ?"  Is  not  the  Saviour  given 
as  our  exemplar  ?  Do  i\\Q  Scriptures  warrant  us  in  tlie  expecta- 
ti(m  of  walking  in  regions  beyond  where  the  Saviour  walked  ! 
"  He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  Him,  ought  himself  also  to  walk 
even  as  He  walked."  Then,  if  we  imagine  that  we  have  enter- 
ed into  a  state  of  experience,  beyond  that  for  which  we  can 
quote  His  example,  we  have  mistaken  our  path.  And  to  the 
degree  we  walk  on  ground  where  we  may  not  see  His  footprints, 
to  that  degree  we  cease  to  abide  in  Christ,  for  we  do  not  walk 
as5e  walked. 

This  "third"  and  higher  state  contemplated  in  the  ^^deatlioi 
thewill"  has  not,  in  my  opinion,  its  foundation  in  the  Scriptures. 
Our  divine  Redeemer  had  a  will;  His  will  was  not  dead,  but  in 
subjection  to  the  will  of  His  Father.  "  If  it  be  possible,  let 
this  cup  i>ass  from  mej  nevertheless,  not  as  J  will,  but  as  Thou 
wilt."  I  know  some,  by  indulging  in  mystical  speculations, 
have  perverted  this  from  its  literal  meaning,  by  saying,  that 


MES.  FHGEBE  PALMER.  519 

the  Saviour  might  have  been  afraid  tliat  Ilis  physical  uatiire. 
might  not  eudure  the  agonies  of  tlie  garden, — fearful  that  lie 
might  ('Xj; /re,  before  He  had  fulfilled  the  design  of  God  in  suf- 
fering the  death  of  tlie  cross.  How  needless,  and  alas,  how 
harmful  are  these  metaphysical  speculations.  Where  is  the 
unsophisticated  child  of  God,  who  would  have  thouglit  of 
thus  construing  this  instructive  portion  of  the  Scriptures  ? 
Would  my  dear  Professor  U.  have  tliought  of  putting  such  a 
construction,  Avhen  the  Spirit  first  led  him  into  the  way  of 
holiness  1 

In  the  Bible,  we  are  told  that  the  way,  cast  up  for  the  ran- 
somed of  the  Lord  to  walk  in,  shall  be  called,  "  The  Way  of 
Holiness."  This  state,  beyond  a  state  of  holiness,  is  certainly 
not  recognized  in  the  Word  of  God.  The  "  W^ay  of  Holiness  " 
is  so  plain,  that  it  is  said  of  it,  ^'  Wayfaring  men,  though  fools, 
shall  not  err  therein." 

I  cannot  tell  you  how  my  heart  has  been  pained,  from  the 
fear  that  some  of  my  friends,  for  whom  my  soul  travailed,  until 
Christ  has  been  formed  in  them  a  complete  Saviour,  have  been 
spoiled  through  vain  philosophy,  after  the  traditions  of  men, 
and  not  after  Christ.  When  I  read  the  article  under  the  cap- 
tion, '^  Divine  Guidance,"  not  only  my  heart,  but  mj  head  was 
so  pained,  that  I  had  to  perform  my  task  at  several  sittings. 
In  an  agony  of  soul,  I  lifted  my  heart  to  the  Lord,  and  said,  •*  I 
know  the  cause  of  holiness  is  Thine,  and  Thou  canst  take  care 
of  Thine  own  work,  and  why  should  I  be  so  pained."  In  reply, 
it  was  suggested,  ''  Have  you  not  been  ceaselessly  asking  for — 

"  A  heart  Christ's  joys  and  griefs  to  feel  f" 

Well,  if  I  am  called  to  know  a  fellowship  with  the  sufferings 
of  Christ,  be  it  so. 

Positive  harm  is  being  done  by  persons  who  have  embraced 
these  views.  In  some,  developments  in  experience  have  been 
exhibited,  quite  unlike  anything  you  would  have  nnticipated. 
I  will  instance  :  One,  for  whom  we  have  felt  the  deei)est  solici- 
tude, she  having  expf^rienced  the  blessing  of  lioliness  years 
since,  through  our  instrumentality,  and  having  made  rapid  and 
undeviating  progress  therein,  imagined  that  slie  had  come  to 


520  MEMOIRS  OF 

this  tliiid  state.  Formerly  slie  had  exulted  in  the  blessed  state  of 
coiiscions  salvation  fiom  sin,  but  uow  she  says,  she  has  arrived 
at  a  point  beyond,  namely,  "  death  to  s^//."  Here  she  imagines 
that  self  is  so  comi)letely  annihilated,  that  her  identity  is 
lost, — the  life  of  nature  having  nou'  become  extinct.  Now,  when 
Satan  tempts  her,  she  observes,  "I  have  only  to  say,  ^  Thou 
shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  Thy  God.'  "  One  said  to  her,  ''■  Do  you 
mean  when  Satan  comes,  that  it  is  not  you  he  tempts,  but  God 
in  you  ?  "  "  That  is  what  I  mean,"  she  replied.  Another,  who 
has  arrived  at  this  state  of  self  annihilation,  said  to  me,  "  If  self 
i3  dead,  and  Christ  alone  is  in  the  heart,  what  ground  can  the 
tempter  find  to  work  upon  ^ — sin  is  gone, — self  is  dead,  and  all  is 
pure  and  lioly  V  Said  I,  in  reply,  *  'Let  me  ask  you  a  q  uestion,  and 
your  (jwn  answer,  will,  I  think,  meet  your  inquiry, — What  was 
there  in  the  heart  of  the  Saviour,  that  moved  him  to  say,  *  If  it 
be  possible,  let  this  cup  i)ass  from  mef  Surely,  the  desire  for  this 
did  not  originate  with  sinful  self,  for  He  was  without  tin,  and  in- 
finitely pure  and  holy  ?  "  Slie  did  not  answer  my  question,  and 
will  not  my  dear  friends  answer  it  ?  Was  it  not  because  in  Him 
was  the  human,  as  Avell  as  the  divine  nature.  His  humanity 
slyank  from  suffering.  Thus  with  ourselves;  if  wholly  sancti- 
fied, the  flesh  may  shrink  from  suffering,  yet,  if  in  us  the  human 
will  is  subject  to  the  divine  will,  the  jiredominance  of  grace  \\i 
evident.  For  the  God  of  nature  has  given  us  these  natural  pro- 
I)ensities,  and  they  are  not  sinful,  only  as  they  have  become 
debased  by  the  fall,  and  fiom  this,  Christ  saves  us.  Grace  does 
not  save  us  from  our  natural  propensities,  but  only  turns  them 
into  a  sanctified  channel. 

What  I  told  our  mutual  friend,  Mrs.  D.,  over  a  year  since, is 
now  indeed  coming  upon  us.  Conversing  with  Mrs.  E.,  over  a 
year  ago,  in  company  with  Mrs.  D.,  I  said,  ''I  see  nothing  in 
the  Bible  to  favor  such  an  experience."  Mrs.  D.,  replied,  *^  I 
think  it  is  a  hhjher  state,"  meaning,  of  course,  a  higher  state 
than  tluit  of  entire  sanctification.  I  observed, ''I  am  afraid 
of  a  higher  state  than  that  for  which  an  explicit,  'Thus  saith 
the  Lord,'  may  be  given."  Slie  said  sometliing  in  return,  ex- 
pressive of  the  idea  tliat  God  might  be  mnldng  further  devel- 
opments of  His  will,  by  the  leadings  of  His  Spirit,  as  revealed 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  521 

iu  the  experience  of  those  who  submit  wholly  to  the  guidance 
of  His  Spirit.  "  Then,"  said  I,  '^  were  new  revelations  of  His 
will  being  continually  made.  But  by  the  Bible,  we  are  inform- 
ed that  the  volume  of  Revelation  is  closed  with  the  Apoca- 
lypse." You  will  remember  this  wonderful  volume  of  living  truth 
closes  witli  tliis  solemn  declaration, ''  If  any  man  shall  ar?<Z  unto 
these  things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  tlie  plagues  written  in 
this  book."  And  if  a  way  higlier  than  the  way  of  holiness  has 
been  found,  is  not  this  an  addition  for  which  a  warrant  from 
the  Bible  mny  not  be  given  ?  But  if  this  theory  siiould 
obtain,  with  every  new  experience,  we  might  see  added  other 
and  new  revelations  of  the  will  of  God.  How  exceedingly 
dangerous,  not  to  bring  every  new  phase  in  experience  to  the 
law  and  the  testimony.  We  are  commanded  not  to  believe 
every  spirit,  but  to  try  the  spirits,  whether  they  be  of  God. 
By  this  we  see  that  they  may  seem  to  be  of  God, — else,  Avhy  be 
at  the  pains  to  try  them  ?  And  how  shall  we  try  them  ?  ''  To 
the  law,  and  the  testimony  ;  if  the}'  speak  not  according  to 
fcliese,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them."  But  Satan 
ma\'  seem  as  an  angel  of  light,  for  he  has  power  even  thus  to 
transform  himself,  and  we  have  no  way  of  detecting  him  but 
by  the  light  of  revelation.  It  does  not  surprise  me  that  those 
Avho  go  beyond  Bible  limits,  should  have  seemingly  luminous 
manifestations,  such  as  our  friend  Mrs.  E.  spoke  of,  when  I 
saw  her. 

Why  may  not  Satan,  while  as  an  angel  of  light,  he  leads 
forth  his  victim,  counterfeit  gracious  assurance? 

This  is  just  as  the  Scriptures  teach  us  to  expect,  for  the  com- 
ing of  Satan  is  in  all  deceivahleness  and  lying  wonders.  And  in 
no  possible  way  can  we  with  certainty  know  that  we  have  not 
yielded  to  his  deceptions,  bat  b^^  examining  every  step  by  the 
Wjrd.  '^  Tliy  word  is  a  lamp  to  my  feet,  and  a  light  to  my  patli." 
Never  had  I  such  views  of  the  subtlety  of  Satan,  as  on  entering 
the  way  of  holiness.  The  perceptions  I  then  received  of  his 
excecdhu/  subtlety,  have  ever  since  been  growing  more  keen  and 
confirming.  Often  have  I  said  of  late,  "he  would  deceive,  if  it 
were  possible,  the  very  elect." 

In  view  of  the  error  of  the  Catholic  Church,  in  withholding 


522  MEMOIRS  OF 

tlie  full  blaze  of  truth  from  tlie  laity,  which  they  do  by  withhold- 
ing the  Bible,  it  is  not  so  surprising  that  the  members  of  that 
communion  do  not  habitually  refer  to  the  Scriptures,  in  the  rela- 
tion of  tlieir  experiences.  Surely,  the  excellency  of  a  religious 
exi>erieuce,  is  only  to  be  tested  by  its  couformit}'^  to  the  Word 
of  God.  It  is,  therefore,  that  I  have  long  felt,  a  reservation,  in 
receiving  the  experience  of  ancient  Catholic  writers.  I  do  not 
wonder  that  some  of  our  friends,  who  so  evidently  have  been 
conforming  their  experiences  to  the  modes  given  in  these  writ- 
ings, instead  of  conforming  them  to  the  Bible,  have  missed  the 
mark.  One  of  the  friends  who  have  thus  been  spoiled,  through 
vain  philosophy,  says,  he  does  not  know  why  we  may  not  in  our 
experience  go  beyond  where  the  Saviour  did  when  ou  earth.  He 
also  thinks  that  Paul  was  in  a  lower  state  of  experience  than 
some  around  us,  who  arrive  at  this  high  state.  Now,  do  you  won- 
der that  my  heart  is  indeed  sorrowful  in  view  of  these  matters  ? 
Where  Avill  they  end  ?  I  might  mention  many  other  things,  but 
fear  I  have  already  wearied  you. 

Now,  let  me  ask  you,  my  dear  Brother  and  Sister  U.,  do  you 
not  think  that  those  who  imagine  that  the  life  of  nature  is 
extinct,  so  that  Satan  has  no  ground  upon  which  he  may  work, 
are  on  dangerous  ground  ?  "  How  may  I  know  the  voice  of  the 
Si)irit?"  says  one.  ''When  self  is  dead,  then  wo  other  ih-au 
the  voice  of  the  Spirit  can  be  heard  in  the  heart,"  says  the 
answerer.  Now,  suppose  the  Saviour,  on  the  assumption  that 
the  life  of  nature  was  extinct,  had  yielded  to  the  persuasion  of 
Satan,  through  Peter.  Suppose  He  had  imagined,  while  the 
voice  of  nature  would  have  said,  "  Let  this  cup  pass  from  Me," 
that  the  life  of  nature  was  extinct,  and  that  no  other  than  the 
voice  of  the  Spirit  could  be  heard  in  His  heart!  "  The  disciple 
is  not  above  his  Master,  but  ever^^  one  that  is  peifect  shall  ha.  as 
his  Master."  And  yet  another  of  the  delusions  of  this  higher 
state  is,  that  they  imagine  that  those  who  have  not  been  initi- 
ated cannot  understand  it. 

Thus  it  is  that  some  of  these,  who  have  been  begotten  in 
the  Lord,  look  upon  those  by  whom  they  have  been  begotten,  as 
unable  to  advise.  And  these  fatliersand  mothers  are  met  with 
this  painful  repulse,  ''  You  are  as  yet  but  a  babe  in  Christ."    I 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  523 

Will  not  ask  pardon  for  my  plainness  of  speech,  but  will  ask,  in 
view  of  cteinitij  whether  something  may  not  sx^eedily  be  done  to 
arrest  these  matters.     Do  write,  and  oblige, 

Yours  in  Jesus. 

Like  eTohn  Wesley,  George  Wliitefield,  Charles  Spur- 
geoii,  and  all  the  mighty  and  successful  evangelists  and 
preachers  of  modern  times,  Mrs.  Taliner  believed  in  a  literal 
heaven,  and  a  literal  hell ;  and  that  moral  conduct  here  de- 
termines which  shall  be  the  future  abode  of  the  immortal 
soul.  She  also  knew  that  it  pleases  God  to  save  man  by 
man,  and  felt  an  intense  desire  not  only  for  deliverance 
from  the  sin  of  blood-guiltiness,  but  also  for  the  salvation 
and  eternal  happiness  of  the  perishing.  She  realized  the 
invisible.  This,  added  to  the  overmastering  love  for  Christ, 
that  inflamed  her  soul,  impelled  her  to  life-long  public  and 
private  eiforts  to  save  souls.  The  appended  extract  from 
an  article  prei)ared  for  the  '^  Guide  to  Holiness,"  expresses 
settled  opinions  and  convictions,  that  were  never  modi- 
tied  : 

Alas,  for  the  many  who  are  dying,  unprepared  to  meet  their 
Ood  !  How  my  heart  is  moved  to  its  deptlis  in  thinking  of  them. 
What  would  you  say,  should  I  tell  that  often,  very  often, 

*'My  thoughts  ou  awful  subjects  roll." 

I  do  not  know  but  that  I  think  almost  as  much  about  the 
bottomless  pit,  and  the  fruitless,  eternal  wailings  of  lost  spirits, 
as  about  the  unending,  upward  soaring,  and  songs  of  tlie  saved. 
Often,  when  I  hear  the  righteous,  in  blissful  acclamation,  say- 
ing— 

"  When  we've  been  there  ten  thousand  j^ears, 
JJright  shining  as  the  sun, 
We've  no  less  days,  to  sing  God's  praise, 
Thau  when  we  lirst  begun." 

do  I  think  of  the  many  who  are  being  banished  from  the  pres- 
ence of  God,  and  the  glory  of  His  i>ower  j  who,  after  ten  thou- 
sand years  have  been  ten  thousand  times  told,  will  take  up  the 


524  MEMOIRS  OF 

lamentation,  ^'  The  harvest  is  passed,  and  the  summer  is  ended, 
and  we  are  not  saved."  Tliese,  after  tliey  have  spent  millions 
of  years  '^  Where  the  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not 
quenclied,"  will  not  have  one  less  day  to  spend  amid  the  horrors 
of  the  lost,  than  when  they  first  began.  Yes,  tlie  Bible  speaks 
of  the  bottomless  pit  and  should  the  faith  of  Cliristians  generally 
encompass  the  infinitude  of  meaning  in  this  significant  ex- 
pression, it  looks  to  me  as  if  their  labors  would  be  far  more 
abundant^  for  the  perishing  around  them. 

We  naturally  love  to  dwell  on  that  which  is  pleasant,  and 
not  on  that  at  which  our  nature  revolts,  so  as  to  measure  its  full 
proportions,  and  thus  we  are  prone,  as  professors,  to  fill  the 
vision  of  our  minds  with  contemi>lations  of  the  present  and 
eternal  liappiness  of  the  saved,  without  allowing  our  attention 
to  be  arrested  with  the  present  state,  and  the  future  prospects 
of  the  unsaved  around  us.  Would  that  those  who  name  the 
name  of  Christ,  were  more  generally  disposed  to  press,  with 
Isaiah,  the  solemn  inquiries,  "  W^ho  among  us  shall  dwell  with 
the  (devouring  fire"?  Who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  ever- 
lasting burnings  *?"  Scarcely  an  hour  passes,  in  which  we  are 
not  conversant  with  those  who  are  liable  to  be  thus  doomed.  A 
few  hours  may  remove  them  from  our  presence,  and  our  next 
meeting  may  be  at  the  bar  of  God.  O,  how  unlike  the  mass  of 
professors  must  we  live,if  wholly  delivered  from  blood-guilti- 
ness. Many  souls  will  doubtless  be  lost,  through  lack  of  faith- 
ful service  on  the  part  of  the  i)rofessedly  piors;  and  to  these 
unfaithful  servants,  the  Judge  will  say,  "  Their  blood  Avill  I 
require  at  thy  hand." 

The  object  of  the  Christian's  high  calling  is, 

"  To  serve  the  present  age." 

It  is  for  this  that  God  has  chosen  His  people  out  of  the  w^orld, 
and  ordained  them,  '^  That  they  should  bring  forth  much  fruit, 
and  that  tlieir  fruit  should  remain,"  Those  who  undeistand- 
ingly  enjoy  the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification,  apprehend  this. 
Yet  we  hear  some,  who  profess  this  blessing,  lament  their  want 
of  deep  feeling  for  sinners — a  feeling  that  would  prompt  toirre 
eistible  effort,  is  what  they  are  waiting  for,  as  preparatory  to 


MRS.  PHiEBE  PALMER.  595 

successful  labor.  It  is  as  inconsistent  to  wait  for  this,  while 
sinners  are  going  down  to  death,  unwarned,  as  though  your 
neighbor's  house  were  on  fire,  and  you  were  waiting  to  save  him 
from  perishing  in  the  flames,  until  your  feelings  impel  you  to  it. 
Our  calling,  as  disciples  of  Jesus — as  servants  of  the  ]\Iost  High, 
bids  us  at  once  engage  in  the  ^Zh/// of  warning  and  entreating 
those  who  are  unprepared  to  meet  their  God,  whether  these  be 
found  among  unholy  professors  or  open  sinners.  Let  us  cast 
aside  the  enthusiastic  doctrine  tliat  we  are  not  to  do  good  unless 
we  feel  free  to  it,  and  we  shall  doubtless  be  blest  in  the  deed  j 
and  the  feeling  each  has  been  waiting  for,  as  a  preparation  for 
the  work,  will  come  while  engaged  in  the  act. 

On  i^age  151,  of  the  ^^  Guide  to  Holiness,*-  Vol.  LIX, 
Mrs.  P.  w  rites : 

There  is  but  one  Avay,  from  earth  to  heaven,  and  the  Loid 
has  given  that  one  way  a  name.  It  is  our  purpose  to  make 
every  step  of  ascent  to  that  way  so  pljjin,  that  even  by  the 
most  unsojihisticated,  there  may  be  no  misappreliension. 

The  Bible  teaches  progression.  Men  are  first  justified,  and 
then  sanctified  wholly'.  We  believe  also  in  the  direct  witness 
of  the  Spirit. 

If  justified  in  the  sight  of  God,  it  is  the  privilege  of  the  be- 
liever to  have  the  w  itnessing  Spirit;,  assuring  liim  of  the  fact 
that  he  stands  justified  before  God. 

We  believe,  and  also  teach  from  the  Scriptures,  that  if  sanc- 
tified wholly,  the  Holy  Spirit  beareth  witness  with  the  spirit  of 
the  believer,  that  the  work  is  wrouglit.  '^  We  have  received 
of  that  Spirit  whereby  we  know  the  things  freelj^  given  to  us  of 
God.-' 

We  have  also  long  believed  and  taught,  that  all  tlic  disciples 
of  our  Lord,  under  the  present^  dispensation  of  povrer,  may,  and 
imistxGQG\\ii  t!ie  haptism  of  fire.  We  have,  over  thirty  years 
past,  been  earnestly  pressing  it  upon  all  believers,  as  an  imme- 
diate necessity, — an  endowment  of  jiower  avaihiblc  to  all,  by 
an  act  of  faith,  and  a  gift  of  hallowing  power,  that  must  be  ob- 
tained by  all  who  would  be  tiue  to  the  duties  of  their  heavenly 
calling. 


52G  MEMOins  OF 

Between  tL'.Tty  and  forty  5*ears,  we  have,  with  cousuminn; 
eaniestiiesSj  been  iirgir.g  iii)oii  the  religious  world,  these  great 
cardinal  doctiiues  of  our  divine  Christianity.  It  seems  due  to 
the  grace  of  God  that  we  should  say,  in  all  humility,  that  a 
divine  constraint  has  been  laid  upon  us,  to  declare  our  experi- 
mental conviction  of  these  momentous,  fundamental  truths. 

How  many  liave,  during  tliis  long  term  of  years,  experi- 
mented on  the  plain  Bible  i^rinciples  thus  set  forth,  eternity 
will  reveal.  How  blessed  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  in 
regard  to  all  heaven-inspired  labor,  the  record  is  on  high. 

To  all  eternity,  it  will  be  cause  of  exalted  praise,  that  at  such 
an  early  date  in  our  heavenward  career,  we  were  enabled  to 
adopt  such  views  of  the  Divinitu  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  the 
one  infallible  standard,  that  in  all  our  written  or  verbal  com- 
munications, we  have  subjected  our  own,  and  all  human  opin- 
ions, to  the  text  of  the  Divine  Word. 

If  we  have  been  kept  from  vacillations  in  doctrine,  or  ex- 
perience, or  litful  courses,  it  lias  been  through  the  guardings  of 
the  Holy  Word.     0,  what  a  wonderful  book  is  the  Bible  ! 

In  the  science  of  systematic  divinity',  slie  never  pro- 
fessed to  be  an  adept^  nor  ever  spent  an  anxious  hour  in 
the  attempt  to  frame  an  invulnerable  definition  of  entire 
saiictification.  In  one  of  her  earlier  works,  *'  Entire  De- 
Notion  to  God/'  we  find  the  question  ])ropounded  :  '^  What 
is  Gospel  holiness,  or  sanctification ! "  and  answered  as 
follows : 

Gospel  holiness  is  that  state  of  the  soul  which  is  attained  by 
the  believer,  when,  through  faith  in  the  infinite  merit  of  the 
Saviour,  body  and  soul,  with  every  redeemed  faculty,  are  cease- 
lessly presented,  a  living  sacrifice,  to  Godj  the  purpose  of  the 
soul  being  steadily  bent  to  know  nothing  among  men,  save 
Christ  and  Him  crucified,  and  the  eye  of  faith  fixed  on  the  Lamb 
of  God  that  t^keth  away  the  sins  of  the  world.  In  obedience 
to  the  requirement  of  God,  the  sacrifice  is  presented,  through 
Christ,  and  the  soul  at  once  proves  that  ^'  He  is  able  to  save 
them  to  the  vttermost,  that  come  unto  God  by  Him." 

Holiness  implies  salvation  from  sin — a  redemption  from  all 


MES.  rntEBE  PALMER.  527 

iniquity.  The  soul,  through  faith,  being  hiid  upon  tlic  altar 
ihiit  s a ndifieth  the  gift;  experiences  constantly,  the  jill-cleansing 
ethcacy  of  the  blood  of  Jesus.  And  through  tliis  it  knows  the 
blessedness  of  being  presented  faultless  before  the  throne,  and 
mingles  its  triumphant  ecstasies  with  tlio  blood- washed  com- 
l)any  :  ^'  Unto  Him  who  hath  loved  us,  and  Avashed  us  from  our 
sins,  in  His  own  blood,  and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto 
God,  and  His  Father." 

Tliough  saved  to  the  uttermost,  in  effect^  yet  the  soul  that 
has  been  brouglit  into  the  experience  of  this  state  well  knows 
tliatitisnot  to  the  uttermost  in  rZe^ree.  It  finds,  that  in  the 
entire  surrender  of  the  world,  it  has  but  *'  laid  aside  every 
weiglit."  And  now,  with  undeviating  purpose,  and  unshackled 
feet,  it  runs  with  incieasing  rapidity  and  delight,  in  the  way  of 
His  commandments,  gaining  new  accessions  of  wisdom,  power, 
and  love,  with  every  other  grace,  daily. 

Holiness,  sanctification,  and  perfect  love,  are  synonymous 
terras  ;  as  either  state  must  necessarily  include  theotlier.  The 
terms  JioUness  and  sanctification,  being  frequently  used  by  divine 
inspiration,  we  maj^  presume  to  be  most  significantly  expres- 
sive of  the  state  to  which  it  is  the  duty  of  every  believer  to 
attain. 

Sanctification  being  a  word  of  much  the  same  prominence  as 
holiness,  in  the  Blessed  Word,  it  may  be  well  to  devote  a  few 
moments  to  its  investigation  ;  as  it  will  doubtless  throw  an  in- 
crease of  light  on  the  endeavour  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  the 
blessing. 

As  we  have  frequent  occasion  to  observe  in  Scripture,  the 
term  sanctity,  in  its  most  simple  definition,  means,  setting 
apart  for  any  specified  purpose.  Thus  it  was  that  Moses  was 
commanded  to  sanctify  the  children  of  Israel.  Exod.  11):  10, 
11  :  "  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  unto  the  people,  and 
sanctify  them  to-day  and  to-morrow,  and  let  tliem  wash  their 
clothes,  and  be  ready  against  the  tliird  day,  for  the  third  day 
the  Lord  will  come  down  in  the  sight  of  all  the  people  upon 
Mount  Sinai." 

The  Israelites  also  were  required  to  sanctify  themselves. 
Lev.  20  :  7 :  '^  Sanctify  yourselves,  tlierefore,  and  be  ye  holy,  for 


528  MEMOIBS  OF 

I  am  tlic  Lord  your  God."  The  ISaviour  sanctified  Iilmseli"  for 
the  .redemption  of  the  world.  John  17  :  19  :  **  And  for  their 
sakes  I  sanctify  myself,  tliat  they  also  might  be  sanctilied 
through  the  truth."  God  also  is  represented  as  sanctifying  His 
people.  Lev.  20:8:  "I  am  the  Lord  Avhicli  sanctify  yon. 
Exod.  31  :  13:  "  That  ye  may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that 
doth  sanctify  you."  1  Thess;  5:  23:  ^^  And  the  very  God  of 
peace  sanctify  j'ou  wholly."  Ejdi.  5  :  25,  26  :  Even  as  Christ 
also  loved  the  Church  and  gaveHimself  for  it,  that  He  might 
sanctify  and  cleanse  it."  The  Saviour  prays  that  His  disciples 
may  be  sanctified  through  the  truth.  John  26:  17:  ''Sanc- 
tify them  tliroiigh  Tiiy  truth,  Thy  word  is  truth."  Peter  also 
speaks  of  the  sanctification  of  the  elect,  according  to  the  fore- 
knowledge of  God,  through  obedience  and  sprinkling  of  the 
Wood  of  Jesus.  1  Peter  I:  2.  Paul  speaks  of  the  sanctification 
of  the  Church,  cleansed  with  the  washing  of  water  by  the  Word. 
Eph.  5 :  20,  27.  The  Corinthian  brethren  are  also  exliortcd  to 
cleanse  themselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spiiit,  by 
taking  hold  of  the  promises.  2  Cor.  7:1.  The  vessels  in  the 
temple  were  all,  by  the  special  appointment  of  God,  set  ai)art 
for  holy  purposes  ;  and  though  a  variety  of  uses  was  designated, 
yet  they  were  sanctified  exclusively  for  the  holy  service  of  the 
sanctuary. 

Thus  it  is  that  the  Christian,  redeemed  from  all  iniquity,  not 
with  corruptible  things,  such  as  silver  and  gold,  but  by  the  pre- 
cious blood  of  Jesus,  is,  by  the  most  explicit  declarations  and 
ohliyatious,  required  to  come  out  and  be  separate.  2  Cor.  (] :  1(3, 
17  :  "  And  Avhat  agreement  hath  the  temple  of  God  with  idols  ? 
for  ye  are  the  temple  of  the  living  God,  as  God  hath  said,  I  will 
dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them  ;  and  I  will  be  their  God,  and 
they  shall  be  my  people.  Wherefore  come  out  from  among 
them,  and  be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord,  and  touch  not  the 
unclean  thing,  and  I  will  receive  yon."  Isaiah,  52,  11 :  ''  Go  ye 
out  of  the  midst  of  her  ;  be  ye  clean,  that  bear  the  vessels  of  the 
Lord."  1  Cor.  G  :  19,  20  :  "  Know  ye  not  that  your  body  is  the 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  in  you,  which  ye  have  of  God, 
and  ye  are  not  jour  own  9  For  ye  are  bought  with  a  price: 
therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your  spirit,  which 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMEll.  52<) 

are  God's."  1  Tliess.  4  :  3,  4  :  '^  For  tliis  is  tlio  will  of  God,  even 
your  saiietifiCtation."  John  15  :  19  :  ^'  If  yc  were  of  the  world,  tlio 
world  would  love  his  own,  but  because  ye  are  not  of  tlie  world, 
but  I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the  world  hateth 
you."  Yet  vsanctification,  as  api)lied  to  believers,  comprehends 
inconceivably  greater  blessedness  than  a  mere  nominal  setting 
apart  of  body  and  soul,  with  every  power,  to  God.  The  sacri- 
fice or  service,  however  well  intended,  could  not,  foranjoment, 
be  acceptable  without  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  the 
renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

In  order  to  be  washed,  cleansed,  and  renewed  after  the  image 
of  God,  the  sacrifice  must  be  ceaselessly  presented.  This  is  im- 
plied in  the  expression,  a  living  sacrifice  -,  it  is  thus  we  are  made 
priests  unto  God.  Through  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lamb  of  God, 
that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world— the  Way,  tlie  Trutlj, 
and  the  Life — the  Door  by  which  Ave  enter  in  and  lind  pasture — 
the  Lamb  newly  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world — the 
sacrifice  ascends  unto  God,  a  sweet  savour  of  Christ.  It  is 
thus  that  the  triumphant  believer  momentarily  realizes  the 
blessed  fulfillment  of  the  prayer  :  '^  And  the  very  God  of  i)eace 
sanctify  you  wholly ;  and  I  pray  God  jour  whole  spirit,  and 
soul,  and  body,  be  preserved  blameless  nnto  the  coming  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Faithful  is  He  that  calleth  you,  who  also 
will  do  it.     Amen.     Even  so.  Lord  Jesus." 

In  the  "  Guide  to  Holiness,  '^  for  1808,  page  86,  tlie 
question,  ^^  What  is  Holiness  ?''  is  answered  in  these  words : 

Ecstatic  emotions  and  w  ondrous  visions,  are  good,  but  a 
sympathy  with  Jesus,  in  the  great  work  that  brought  Him  from 
heaven  to  earth,  is  better.  Peter  was  delighted,  when  on  the 
mount,  and  would  have  built  tabernacles  there,  but  had  Jesus 
remained  on  the  mount,  He  could  not  have  died  on  Calvary  for  a 
lost  world.  And  had  Peter  and  the  other  disciples  remained 
there,  they  might  have  evaded  wearisome  toil  and  suft'ering,  but 
would  they  luive  received  the  crowm  they  are  now  wearing  ? 

There  are  many  who  imagine  faith  difficult,  and  think,  if 
they  could  only  have  some  luminous  manifestations,  they  could 
not  help  being  strong  in  faith.     So  Peter  might  have  thought, 

34 


530  MEMOIRS  OF 

but  how  was  it?  Compare  this  scene  on  Mount  Tabor,  with 
*2  Peter,  1  :  17,  18,  19. 

The  state  of  soul  that  tlie  disciple  must  possess,  if  lie  would 
be  truly  pleasing  to  His  Lord  and  Master,  must  be  a  state  of 
eiitive  unselfishness ) — even  as  Christ,  wlio  lived  not  to  please 
Himself.  We  are  often  asked,  ''  What  is  Holiness  ?  "  Is  it  not 
a  state  where  all  the  i)owers  of  the  being  are  given  np  to  God, 
through  Christ  ? 

And  this  involves  an  abiding  in  Christ.  This  brings  corres- 
ponding fruitfuluess  in  prayer  and  labor.  And  when  wo  find 
ourselves  unable  to  bring  our  friends  to  Jesus,  and  deficient  in 
that  faith  that  brings  virtue  out  of  Jesus,  vs^e  wrong  our  own 
souls,  and  the  cause  of  our  Saviour,  if  w^e  do  not  ask  Jesus 
apfirt ;  that  is,  get  into  the  inner  sanctuary  of  tlie  Divine  Pres- 
ence, and  as  the  disciples  of  old,  ask,  why  could  we  not  do 
thus  and  so  ?  How  instructing  and  inspiring  to  faith,  are  the 
words  of  Jesus,  '^He  that  believeth  on  Me,  the  works  that  I  do, 
shall  he  do  also,  and  greater  works  than  these,  shall  he  do, 
because  I  go  unto  My  Father.  " 

That  justification  and  entire  sanctification  may  2>ossi- 
hly  take  place  at  one  and  the  same  moment^  in  the  same 
individual,  Mrs.  Palmer  did  not  deny;  but  that  such  in- 
stances are  exceedingly  rare,  she  did  x^ositively  affirm.  In 
both  particulars,  she  saw  eye  to  eye  with  John  Wesley, 
and  with  him  she  believed  that,  with  the  Lord,  ^'  one  day  is 
as  a  thousand  years. '' 

*  *  *  Consequently,  He  can  as  well  sanctify  in  a  day 
after  we  are  justified,  as  in  a  hundred  years.  Accordingly,  we 
see,  in  fact,  there  is  no  difference,  that  some  of  the  most  unques- 
tionable witnesses  of  sanctifying  grace,  were  sanctified  within 
a  few  days  after  they  were  justified.  I  spoke  to  these,  re- 
ferring to  professors  of  that  grace, — forty  in  all,  one  by  one. 
Some  of  these  said  they  received  the  blessing,  ten  days,  some 
sev^ea,  some  four,  some  three  days,  after  they  found  peace  with 
God,  and  two  of  them,  the  next  day.  What  marvel,  since  one 
diiy  with  God  is  as  a  thousand  years  ! 


MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  531 

III  evangelistic  expeditions  to  dififerent  places,  ]VIrs 
Palmer  repeatedly  witnessed  similar  glorious  phenomena, 
— souls  awakened,  justified,  and  wholly  sanctified  Avithin 
the  comi)ass  of  a  few  days  or  hours.  In  one  of  her  works, 
she  narrates  the  experience  of  one  who  was  justified, 
wholly  sanctified,  and  called  to  preach  the  Gospel,  in  three 
days. 

Entire  consecration,  she  always  insisted,  must  precede 
entire  sanctification.  The  first  is  man's  w  ork,  with  the  aid 
of  the  Holy  Spirit^  the  second,  exclusively  the  Lord's.  Both 
nuist  co-operate  harmoniously,  in  order  to  complete  eman- 
cipation from  sin,  and  establishment  in  the  perfect  love 
that  casteth  out  fear.  In  Vol.  LX.  of  the  '^  Guide  to  Holi- 
ness,''  p.  183,  is  an  editorial,  entitled :  '^  Consecration 
MUST  PRECEDE  FAITH,"  which  says : 

'^  The  difficulties  with  many  offerers  who  come  to  the 
Christian  altar,  may  be  thus  solved.  They  are  told  that  the 
blessing  of  entire  sanctification  is  received  by  faith,  but  are  not 
duly  observant  of  the  fact  tliat  an  entire  setting  apart  of  all, 
for  God,  must  necessarily  precede  faith.  They  try  to  believe 
before  the  offering  is  laid  on  the  altar. 

We  think  few  find  it  difficult  to  believe,  after  the  sacrifice 
is  bound  to  the  altar,  even  with  cords,  to  the  horns  of  the  altar. 
Christ  then  becomes  our  light  and  our  salvation.  Faith  is  won- 
derfully sim[)le.  The  difficulties  mainly  come  by  trying  to  be- 
lieve the  offering  is  ^Mioly,  acceptable"  before  it  is  laid  on  tlie 
Christian's  altar.  Many,  as  the  Jews  in  the  days  of  Malaclii, 
are  not  willing  to  bring  that  which  is  without  blemish.  They 
sin,  after  the  similitude  of  those  covetous  Jews,  and  bring  the 
lame,  the  blind,  the  torn,  and  sick,  for  sacrifice. 

How  few  are  willing  to  go  witliout  the  camp,  bearing  the 
reproach  of  the  profession  of  this  grace  How  few  are  willing 
to  be  of  no  reputation,  for  Him  who  made  Himself  of  no  repu- 
tation for  us  !  How  few  are,  in  all  respects,  willing  to  comply 
with  the  condition  upon  which  entire  sanctification  is  prom- 
ised -y  and  how  few,  consequently,  are  enabled  to  believe  for 


532  MEMOIRS  OF 

tlio  blessing !  Alas !  how  utterly  impossible  is  it  to  believe^ 
while  we  love  the  praise  of  men  more  than  the  praise  of  God 
"How  can  ye  believOj  who  receive  lionor  one  of  another,  and 
seek  not  the  honor  that  cometh  from  God  only  ?" 

Isot  even  Macaulay  nor  Carlyle  has  a  mode  of  tliouglit 
and  expression  more  peculiarly  his  own,  than  had  Mrs. 
Phoebe  Palmer.  Her  illustrations  of  the  processes, — 
human  and  dhine, — that  are  involved  in  the  entire  sanctifi- 
cation  of  the  Christian'  disciple,  drawn  from  the  Israelitish 
altar  of  burnt  offering,  and  the  rites  and  customs  there- 
unto appertaining,  are  hers  by  right,  if  not  of  discovery, 
yet  of  distinct  application,  in  the  present  century.  A 
letter  under  date  November  15th,  1849,  explains  how  she 
came  to  adopt  what  so  many,  with  variant  feelings,  have 
denominated  the  "  altar  phraseology.'^ 

You  remind  me  of  an  intimation  I  gave  in  my  last,  in  regard 
to  the  manner  in  which  I  came  to  adopt  some  of  the  leading 
ideas,  wliich  characterize  my  writings.  In  doing  tliis,  I  sliall 
give  a  narrative  of  the  leadings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  quite  unlike 
anything  I  ever  remember  to  have  traced  on  paper  before, 
which,  perhaps,  wliile  it  may  look  simple,  to  the  fastidious,  may 
increase  the  confidence  of  Clirist's  little  ones. 

Tlie  little  work  on  ''  Entire  Devotion,"  was  mostly  published 
several  years  since,  in  a  series  of  articles  in  the  "Christian  Ad- 
vocate and  Journal."  While  writing  under  the  caption,  V*  How 
may  we  enter  into  the  enjoyment  of  holiness  ?  "  I  came  to  a 
point  where  I  would  have  said,  "The  moment  we  lay  our  offer- 
ing upon  the  altar,  it  is  a  duiij  to  believe  that  the  offering  is 
acceptable.^''  Though  I  knew  that  the  general  voice  of  Scrip- 
ture would  w^arrant  me  in  making  this  assertion,  yet  I  hesitated, 
aB  I  liave  ever  done,  in  advancing  any  point  in  doctrine,  with- 
out an  exidicit,  "  Thus  saiih  the  Lord.''''  .  I  lingered,  and  in  f  lith 
darted  a  prayer  to  heaven,  for  direction,  fully  purposed  not  to 
make  the  assertion,  unless  I  could  qualify  it  by  reference  "  to 
the  law,  and  to  the  testimony."  As  I  paused,  for  a  moment,  at 
this  point,  in  waiting  attitude  before  God,  I  was  summoned  to 


MBS.  PR(EBE  PALMER,  533 

Slipper,  during  which  a  passage  wliidi  had  never  claimed  my 
special  attention,  was  urged  with  irresistible  sweetness.  ^'  We 
have  an  altar,  whereof  tliey  have  no  right  to  eat,  who  serve  the 
tabernacle,"  passed  tlirough  and  through  my  mind,  producing 
an  almost  indescribable  exultation  of  feeling.  I  did  not  for  a 
moment  think  of  it,  as  connected  with  my  subject,  and  as  I 
have  not  dared  to  let  indulgence,  even  in  a  state  of  joyous  emo- 
tion, interfere  with  the  obvious  duties  of  the  present  moment, 
I  would  have  dismissed  the  thought,  with  the  idea,  that  my 
mind  must  not  now  be  diverted  from  the  subject  in  hand.  The 
articles!  was  writing,  were  to  be  continuous,  and  the  one  now 
before  me,  was  required,  and  I  sat  down,  on  returning  to  my 
room,  resolved  to  absorb  my  mind  in  the  completion  of  the 
article.  Yet  I  found  my  thoughts  so  prepossessed  with  the 
'^  altar,''''  of  which  they  have  no  right  to  eat  who  serve  the  tab- 
ernacle, that  I  could  not  fix  them  elsewhere. 

I  finally  concluded  that  I  would  have  my  mind  at  rest,  and 
work  the  faster  afterward,  and  indulge  myself  by  ascertaiuing 
something  more  of  this  altar.  I  knew  not  where  the  passage 
Avas,  nor  how  it  stood  connected,  but,  with  the  help  of  my  con- 
cordance, found  it  in  Heb.  12  :  10.  From  this  passage,  I  was  re- 
ferred to  the  words  of  the  Saviour,  *^  For  their  sakes  I  sanc- 
tify Myself,  that  they  also  might  be  sanctified  tlirough  the  truth.  " 
John  17  :  19.  And  then  to  Matt.  23 :  19  :  ^'  Ye  fools  and  blind  for 
whether  is  greater,  the  ^/j/f, or  the  altar  that  sanctifielh  the 
gift."  And  now  for  a  striking  and  most  tangible  illustration  of 
the  Saviour's  meaning.  I  was  taken  centuries  back,  to  where  it 
was  written,  ^'  Seven  days  thou  shalt  make  an  atonement  for 
the  altar,  and  sanctify  it,  and  it  shall  be  an  altar  most  holy. 
Whatsoever  toucheth  th;3  altar  shall  he  holij.''^  Exd.  29  :37.  Could 
I  now  regard  it  as  questionable,  whether  it  was  a  duty  to  be^ 
lieve  that  the  offering  w^as  sanctified,  when  laid  upon  the  altar  ? 
I  now  saw,  that  in  answer  to  the  prayer  of  faith,  which  I  had 
presented,  previous  to  leaving  my  room  for  supper,  God  had,  in 
his  wondrous  condescension,  caused  this  glorious  concentration 
of  truth  to  bear  upon  my  mind,  and  here  it  rested  in  its  enlight- 
ening influences,  telling,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  at 
every  new  point  of  discovery,  in  greater  blessedness,  on  my 
heart. 


534  MEMOIRS  OF 

Now,  I  saw  the  doctrine  of  entire  holiness — entire  sanctifica- 
</o>?,fr()in  a  ])Osition,  tlior.gh  not  Miiolly  new,  yet  invested 
with  claims  and  excellencies  far  beyond  my  former  perceptions  -, 
and  I  need  n«)t  say,  that  with  an  assurance  which  I  knew  to  be 
of  the  Holy  Spirit's  inspiration,  I,  on  resuming  my  writing, 
penned  the  sentiments  which  you  may  see  included  in  an  article 
under  the  caption,  ''  How  may  we  enter  into  a  state  of  holiness." 
(Present  to  my  Christian  Friend,  p.  15.)  Nothing,  surely,  can  be 
more  scriptural  than  the  phraseology  adoi)tedby  this  view  of  the 
altar.  How  continuously  thoughts  of  the  Jewish  altar,  and  its 
claims,  and  ivords  about  its  required  sacrifices,  must  have 
brought  the  word  altar  into  nse,  under  the  old  dispensation,  and 
now  that  tautjihility  has  been  given  to  the  thing  signified,  the 
substance  being  apprehended  in  Christ,  to  me  it  seems  singular 
to  hear  tlie  repetition  of  the  word  altar,  found  fault  with. 
Viewed  relatively,  what  word  can  be  more  significant. 

If  Christ,  in  allusion  to  the  sanctity  of  the  ancient  altar,  says, 
''  For  their  sakes  I  sanctify  Myself,  that  they  also  might  be 
sanctified,"  etc.,  then  Ave  who  have  come  to  this  altar,  and  pre- 
sented our  bodies  as  living  sacrifices  upon  it,  in  assuming  the 
position  that  the  offering  is  lioly  and  acceptable,  by  virtue 
of  the  altar  upon  which  it  is  laid,  will  not  hesitate  to  say,  that 
we  have  an  altar  most  holy, — an  altar  whereof  they  have  no  right 
to  eat,  who  serve  the  tabernacle. 

On  an  occasion,  perhaps  two  or  three  years  subsequent  to 
the  time  alluded  to  in  the  foregoing,  when  about  to  engage  in 
the  devotions  of  my  closet,  I  observed  that  my  regular  lesson 
included  the  Saviour's  severe  rebukes  to  the  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees. 

As  I  cast  ni}^  eyes  over  the  lesson,  when  about  to  kneel,  and 
peruse  it  before  God,  a  thought  flitted  through  my  mind,  that 
I  need  not  expect  any  new  lesson  from  its  perusal,  as  I  was 
already  so  familiar  with  it,  and  also  in  view  of  the  fact, that  the 
woes  i^ronounced  upon  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  might  not  be- 
long to  me.  I  detected  these  suggestions,  as  they  passed,  quick 
as  thought,  through  my  mind,  and  in  view  of  the  exceeding 
comprehensiveness  of  the  Scriptures,  concluded  they  must  be 
from  the  enemy,  and  so  I  told  Jesus  atl  about  them^  and  I  asked. 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  535 

that  from  the  okl  truths,  I  might  Icaru  some  new  lesson  of  grace, 
wliich  might  never  be  forgotten.  I  read  on  till  I  came  to  the 
verse,  ''Woe  unto  you,  ye  blind  guides,  which  say,  whosoever 
sluxll  swear  by  the  altar  it'is  notliing,  but  whosoever  sluiU  swear 
by  the  (jlft  that  is  upon  it,  lie  is  guilty."  I  saw  by  this,  that 
these  direful  woes  were  pronounced  ujion  the  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, because  of  the  light  estimate  they  placed  upon  the  altar, 
as  tliey  evidently  placed  a  higher  value  on  the  poor  puny  gifts 
that  they  laid  upon  the  altar,  than  on  tlie  altar  itself,  wliich  God 
proclaimed  to  be  an  altar  most  holy.  The  Spirit  now  brought 
to  lively  remembrance  tlie  sins  of  my  former  years,  Avheu  I 
had  sinned  after  the  similitude  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees, 
in  these  i)articulars,  Avhen  in  view  of  the  claims  of  the  Christian 
altar,  I  had,  with  slirinkings  of  heart,  hesitated  in  layiug 
tliis  and  the  dear  object  upon  the  altar,  as  tliough  tlie  object 
had  a  higher  claim  on  my  attentions,  than  the  sacred  altar  de- 
manding the  gift. 

Ob,  my  ftice  crimsoned  in  deepest  shame,  when  I  saw  how 
truly  I  had,  in  former  life,  merited  the  same  fearful  anathemas  ', 
and  in  view  of  the  latter  experience,  I  also  felt  to  take  unto  my- 
self confusion  of  face.  I  remembered  seasons,  since  I  had  laid 
all  upon  the  altar,  when  I  had  but  just  retained  my  hold,  that 
the  offering  I  presented  was  sanctified;  whe:;,  in  view  of  the  in- 
finite and  inherent  holiness  of  the  altar  upon  which  my  offer- 
ing was  laid,  I  ought  to  have  believed  mji^iAi ahiindanthj  saved. 
0,  I  indeed  blushed  at  the  narrowness  of  my  perceptions  and  the 
lightness  of  my  faith.  I  felt  that  if  I  were  possessed  of  a  million 
of  souls,  stained  witli  tlie  most  direful  pollutions,  I  could  as  con- 
fidently bring  them  to  the  Christian  altar,  as  I  could  bring 
one. 

Ill  February  J  of  the  same  year,  ( ISJrO,)  Mrs.  Palmer  had, 
in  couversatiou  with  ''  a  person  of  some  theological  stand- 
ing,'* given  exx^hination  of  her  distinctive  technology,  and 
of  the  manner  in  which  she  was  led  to  adoi)t  it,  identical 
in  substance,  with  that  subsequently  detailed. 

After  I  had  given  this  explanation  of  the  use  of  the  term, 
''laying  all  upon  the  altar,"  my  theological  friend  expressed 


53G  MEMOIBS   OF 

Iiimself  fully  satisfied.  He  tlieu  said  (r.ot  with  an  intention  to 
be  captious,  evidently)  ''  Yet  ho\y  can  we  know  tliat  we  liavo 
given  np  all,  until  we  have  the  witness  that  God  accepts  the 
sacrifice  ?  " 

''  Then  it  would  be  a  matter  of  knowledge,  and  of  course 
would  not  require  faith."  How  many  are  thus  requiring  the 
"svituest;;,  previous  to  the  exercise  of  faith,  not  conscious  that 
they  are  thereby  reversing  tlie  order  of  God,  w  ho  in  explicit 
declaration,  makes  faith  antecedent  to  tlie  witness.  '^  He  that 
believeth,  hath  the  witness  in  himself." 

Never  can  I  express  fully,  the  happiness  I  experienced  in  view 
of  the  condescension  of  God,  in  thus,  in  this  unlooked-for  man- 
ner, pouring  out  this  flood  of  light  into  my  soul.  I  could  not  have 
been  more  fully  assured  tliat  the  light  I  had  received  was  of 
divine  origin,  and  from  a  full  heart,  I  acknowledged,  tliat  I  had 
not  "  received  it  of  man,  neither  was  I  tau.;;ht  it,  but  by  the 
revelation  of  Jesus  Christ." 

Oue  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  last  monographs  on  faith  and  its 
functions  as  related  to  the  grace  of  Christian  perfection, 
and  on  the  errors  into  which  sincere  i)rofessors  unintention- 
ally fall,  Avas  published  posthumously,  in  the  "  Guide  ^^ 
of  June,  1875,  pages  1G2-4.  It  exemplifies  the  unvarying 
c!iaracteristics  of  her  teaching,  and  is  here  adduced : 

HOW   ENTIRE   SANCTIFICATION   MAY  BE  RECEIVED   NOW. 

In  relation  to  the  attainment,  or  retainraent,  of  entire  sancti- 
fication,  the  inquiries  first  in  importance  with  you  should  be,  do 
I  comply  with  the  conditions  iipon  which  God  ])romises  this 
blessing?  Do  I  come  out  from  the  world,  and  am  I  resolved  to 
manifest  my  detachnunit  from  its  spirit  and  customs?  Have  I 
set  myself  apart,  fully  purposed  to  devote  all  ni}'  redeemed 
I)Owers  to  God  alone,  with  the  intention  that  all  my  eartldy  in- 
terests and  atfections  shall  be  subservient,  in  CA^ery  minutia},  to 
the  service  of  my  Redeemer?  Do  I  now  x)resent  myself  a  living 
sacrifice  to  God,  through  Christ — laying  all,  whether  known  or 
unknown,  upon  that  altar  which  sanctifieth  the  gift — calling 
heaven  and  earth  to  witness  that  I  am  now,  and  puri)ose  for  all 


MRS.  PnCEBE  PALMER.  537 

coming  time, to  be,  irrevocably  tlie  Lord's?  In  a  Avord,  do  I 
now,  at  once,  with  a  resolve  that  it  shall  be  aii  act,  ever  enduring 
in  its  consequences,  sign  myself  over  in  tlie  presence  of  God,  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  to  be  in  the  most  absolute  sense,  forever 
the  Lord's  ? 

If  I  do  now  come  to  this  point,  it  matters  not  what  my  feel- 
ings may  be,  or  wliether  the  act  be  the  result  of  compulsion  or 
choice,  whether  the  Holy  Spirit  has  operated  on  my  intellect, 
judgment,  or  my  affections,  whether  driven  to  this  net  of  entire 
separation  from  the  world,  by  seemingly  adverse  or  prosperous 
providences,  it  is  all  alike  with  God  ;  the  point  has  been  gained. 
The  condition  n})on  which  the  blessing  of  entire  sanctification 
is  promised,  has  in  your  case,  been  met.  Tlie  next  step  \s  faith. 
It  is  entire  consecration  and  faith  that  brings  the  blessing.  Faiih 
not  in  ourselves,  but  in  the  Word  of  God.  Abraham  believed 
God,  and  his  faitli  was  counted  nnto  him  for  righteousness. 
This  faith  is  the  most  simple  thing  in  the  world.  You  would 
not  lind  it  hard  to  believe  that  I  would  fulfill  any  promise  within 
my  power,  that  I  had  made  you.  On  the  contrary,  you  would 
r.tlicr  find  it  hard  to  disbelieve,  in  view  of  my  ever  being  in  the 
halit  of  fulfilling  my  promises  with  j)romptness. 

How  presumptuous,,  and  strangely  inconsistent,  not  to  be- 
lieve that  God  does  receive  you,  now  that  you  comply  with  the 
conditions,  and  He  is  now  saying,  ''I  will  receive  you."  Per- 
haps the  question  may  obtrnde,  '^  How  do  you  know  this  is  God's 
time?"  Let  God  answer  for  himself.  ^' Now  is  the  accepted 
time.     Behold  now  is  the^day  of  salvation." 

DO   NOT   REST    WITHOUT   THE   EVIDENCE. 

"  The  things  unknown  to  feeble  sense, 
Unseen  by  reason's  glimmering  ray, 
"With  strong  commanding  evidence. 
Their  heavenly  origin  display." 

Yon  observe  that  you  "  somelimes  think  you  cZo  believe,  and 
then  you  have  j>crtcc,  but  you  lack  the  evidence  that  the  work  is 
accomplished."  I  would  not  advise  you  to  rest  withoutthe  evi- 
dence, for  ''lie  that  helieveth  hath  the  witness  in  himself."  It  is 
the  privilege  and  duty  of  the  believer  to  know  the  things  freely 


5-58  MEMOIRS   OF 

given  to  Iiim  of  God.  How  do  yoii  account  for  that  peace 
which  was  infused  into  your  heart,  as  the  consequence  of  believ- 
iijg,  hut  as  a  token  of  the  approval  of  your  Saviour?  ''My 
peace  I  give  unto  you.''  But  you  were  not  willing  to  abide  in 
the  rest  of  faith. 

With  many  others,  you  preferred  soaring,  to  sinking.  You 
preferred  signs  and  wonders  to  the  still  small  Aoice  of  Jesus. 
Whispers  of  approval,  love,  and  jjeace  were  not  so  much  to  be 
desired  by  you,  as  some  se/isi6Ze  tokens  of  acceptance,  such  as 
your  imagination  may  have  pictured,  or  you  may  have  heard 
others  speak  of.  Tlie  enemy  may  be  inclining  you  to  take  no 
other  evidence  than  something  that  may  be  addressed  to  your 
senses. 

''  ^ow  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen."  Tlie  question  with  you,  is,  "  Must  I  believe 
without  any  other  evidence  than  the  Word  of  God  ?  "  Such  is 
my  conf  deuce  ic  you,  tliat  if  you  should  tell  me  something,  not 
only  vastly  important,  but  even  improbable,  I  should  still  be 
inclined  to  believe  you,  for  you  have  never  given  me  any  reason 
to  doubt  your  word.  If  I  were  asked,  "  What  evidence  iiave 
you  of  the  truth  of  this  statement/'  I  should  at  once  say,  that 
your  word  was  the  foundation  of  my  belief. . 

INCONSISTENT    POSITION  ILLUSTRATED. 

But  you,  in  fact,  sa/  that  you  do  believe,  but  want  the  evi- 
dence. The  inconsistency  of  your  position  may  be  illustrated 
thus  :  Suppose  that  nobleman,  who  regarded  the  Word  of  the 
Son  of  God  as  less  potent  than  His  i)ersonal  presence,  in  the  re- 
storation of  his  sick  child,  had,  after  being  reproved  for  requir- 
ing signs  and  wonders,  obediently  went  liis  way,  taking  Christ 
at  His  word.  And  then  imagine  that  he  had,  after  this,  returned 
to  the  Saviour,  saying,  *'  Lord  Jesus,  I  know  that  Thou  art  the 
Son  of  God  ;  I  believe  Thy  word.  Thou  hast  said  my  son  liveth 
and  in  my  heart  I  believe  it,  but  I  want  the  evidence.'''  Do  you  not 
think  the  Saviour  would  have  rebuked  him  for  this,  more  severe- 
ly, than  on  the  occasion  of  first  coming  to  Him.  If  this  is  a 
truthful  illustration  of  what  may  be  your  position  before  God, 
I  pray  that  you  ma^'  see  it.     We  do  not  think  of  letting  our 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  539 

faith  iu  our  friends  depend  on  our  cliange fill  feelings.  Imagine 
I  should  say  to  you,  "1  hesitate  iu  relying  on  your  word,  because 
I  have  not  sufficient  confidence  in  you,  to  believe  you,  without 
some  other  evidence  than  your  word.  You  must  give  me  some 
unequivocal  demonstration  which  I  can  see,  or  feel,  before  I  can 
be  satisfied."  Were  my  course  such,  toward  you,  before  your 
friends,  would  you  not  think  I  had  insulted  and  dishonored 
you?     0,  unbelief  is  a  sin  ! 

WHAT  IS  THE  EVIDENCE. 

"  Faith  lends  its  realizing  light, 

The  clouds  disperse,  the  shadows  fly, 
The  invisible  appears  in  faight, 
And  God  is  seen  by  mortal  eye." 

God's  word  is  its  own  evidence.  Have  you  not  friends  in  whose 
veracity  you  have  so  much  confidence  that  you  Avould  not  for 
a  moment  think  of  doubting,  even  though  they  might  relate  that 
which  miglit  seem  astounding,  and  even  improbable  ?  And 
then  you  might  repeat  the  relation  to  me,  without  ever  thinking 
of  questioning  the  fact.  And  if  I  were  to  ask  you,  wliat  evidence 
you  had  of  tlie  truth  of  your  statement,  30U  would  give  me  the 
ivo7'd  of  your  friend,  as  evidence,  and  I  would  regard  it  as  evi- 
dence sufficient,  so  that  I  should  never  think  of  questioning. 
But  the  difference  is  here.  One  is  the  word  of  a  mere  fallible 
man  ;  the  other  is  the  word  of  the  immutable  Jehovah,  who  hath 
said,  '^  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  not  one  jot  or 
tittle  of  all  that  He  hath  said,  shall  fail."  The  words  of  men  are 
as  sounding  brass  and  a  tinkling  cymbal,  unless  God  gives  tiiem 
power,  but  the  words  of  the  faithful  and  true  Avitness  are  spirit 
and  life. 

When  we  believe  a  friend,  we  know  in  our  heart  wliether 
we  believe  or  not;  and  if  we  believe,  we  do  not  hesitate  in  speak- 
ing of  the  matter.  And  can  we,  in  heart,  believe  God,  and  not 
Jcnow  it '?  and  if  we  Jcnow  it,  why  should  we  hesitate  to  speak,  so 
long  as  God  hath  said,  ''  With  the  heart  man  believeth  unto 
righteousness,  and  with  iha  mouth  confession  is  made  unto  sal- 
vation." If  we  do  in  heart  believe,  do  we  want  the  evidence  of  a 
thing  we  already  know  ?     And  yet  it  is  not  unusual  for  persons 


640 


MEMOIRS  OF 


to  assume  this  inconsistent  position.  It  was  after  the  dose  of 
one  of  our  delightful  Tuesday  afternoon  meetings,  that  I  said  to 
an  intelligent  Christian  lady  : 

^'  Do  you  enjoy  the  blessing  of  perfect  love." 

**  I  believe  I  do  ;  yes,  I  believe  I  may  say,  I  know  I  love  God 
with  all  my  heart,  but  I  want  the  evidence." 

I  turned  to  Dr.  Bangs,  who  Avas  standing  near,  and  said : 

^'  Here  is  a  sister  who  says  slie  believes  she  loves  God  with 
all  her  heart  j  yes,  she  knows  it,  but  she  wants  the  evidence." 

Dr.  B.  smiled,  and  addressing  the  sister,  said: 

"■  Sister,  the  sun  is  shining;  you  believe  it — you  know  it,  and 
now  do  you  want  the  evidence  of  it  ?" 

The  mischievous  error  of  reposing  i^ersoual  confidence 
of  salvation,  on  emotions  that  are  variable  as  the  mnd, 
and  that  are  largely  dependent  on  causes  which  have  no 
moral  connection  with  the  Holy  Si)irit's  workings,  was 
clearly  detected,  and  ably  exposed  in  all  her  teachings  and 
writings.  The  annexed  quotation  from  diary,  1846,  indi- 
cates the  manner  of  exi)osure : 

When  I  first  received  the  blessing  of  holiness,  I  settled  the 
matter  relative  to  rapturous  emotions  thus.  I  am  called  to  live 
a  life  of  faith.  To  the  degree  sensible  emotion,  or  manifestations 
through  the  medium  of  the  senses  aie  given,  faith  is  not  neces- 
sary. 

Speaking  of  the  transfiguration  scene,  Peter  refers  to  him- 
self, and  the  other  two  favored  disciples,  as  ''  J^ye  ivitnesses  of 
the  majesty  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  ^*  And  this  voice  which 
came  from  heaven,  we  heard,  when  we  were  with  Him,  on  the 
holy  mount."  Here,  then,  the  gratification  of  His  senses,  both 
seeing  and  hearing,  was  experienced. 

But  the  holy  apostle  turns  away  from  these^  as  less  conclu- 
siv^e  evidence  for  the  foundation  of  faith,  and  says,  '^  We  have 
also  a  more  sure  word  of  proj)hecy."  How  does  this  rejirove  the 
many,  who  in  their  hearts  are  saying,  '^  Exce7i>t  we  see  signs 
and  wonders,  we  will  not  believe."  Those  w^'io  are  unwilling 
to  take  the  word  of  God  as  the  foundation  of  their  faith,  requir- 
ing the  added  confirmation  of  nr.nifestations  addressed  to  the 


MLS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  541 

senses,  may  not  be  aware  that  they  grieve  the  Spiiit  by  liglitly 
regarding  the  word  of  the  immutable  Jehovah.  **  I  believe  I 
have  given  up  fC\\;  "said  one;  '^And  does  not  .God  receive 
you?"  said  a  frienil ;  ^*  I  have  no  other  evidence  tlian  His 
word,''''  was  the  reply. 

I  should  be  far,  indeed,  from  influencing  any  one  to  rest  short 
of  t\ic  witness  of  the  Spirit.  But  the  Word  of  God  is  a  Book 
infinite  in  importance,  beyond  general  appreliension.  '^  Tlie 
WORDS  that  I  speak  unto  yon,  they  are  spirit,  and  they  are  life." 
A  life-giving  j^riuciple  flows  tlirough  these  word  wliich  God 
hath  spoken,  and  who  will  for  a  moment  indulge,  1  had  almost 
said  the  blasphemous  thought,  that  God  can  so  far  deny  Him- 
self,— as  to  invite  one  to  rely  upon  His  word,  and  then  with- 
hold from  the  relying  ojie,  the  internal  consciousness, — the  Di- 
vine conviction,  that  God  hath  fulfilled  to  him  tlie  woid  iipon 
wliich  He  caused  him  to  liope.  "■  He  that  helieveth  hath  the  tvit- 
ness  in  himself.''^ 

These  doctrines  of  faith  and  its  effects,  when  received 
and  adox^ted,  speedily  brought  the  joyous  experience  of 
full  salvation  to  multitudes.  The  experience  of  a  lady  at 
the  Korwalk  (Conn.)  camp-meeting,  related  in  correspond- 
ence with  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Hamline,  September  27th,  1847, 
was  tn>i<^al  of  that  of  multitudes  : 

On  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  I  asked  a  member  of  his 
flock  whether  she  was  enjoying  the  blessing  of  holiness,  and  a 
conversation,  as  nearly  as  I  can  remember,  ensued,  and  ended 
thus:  She  replied,  "No."  "  When  do  you  think  God  will  be 
willing  to  give  it  you?"  "Why,  I  think  He  would  be  willing  to 
give  it  now,  if  I  would  only  be  willing  to  give  up  my  unbelief." 
"Do  you  think  unbelief  a  sin?"  "Yes."  "Do  you  expect  to 
save  yourself  from  this  sin,  or  do  you  expect  Christ  to  save  you 
from  it?"  "  Christ  alone  can  save  me."  "Do  you  believe  that 
Christ  is  willingto  save  you  mojw,  from  this,  and  from  nil  your  sins, 
.and  that  He  will  do  it,  if  you  now  trust  in  Him,  for  present  salva- 
tion?" With  much  fervor,  she  answered,  "Yes."  "  Will  you  now 
trust  in  Christ,  this  moment,  to  save  you  from  all  sin  ?  I  do  not  ask 
you     what  you  will  do  to-morrow,  or  what  you  will  do  five  min- 


542  MEMOIRS  OF 

utes  bence,  for  the  future  is  iu  eternity,  and  at  the  expiration 
of  that  time  you  may  be  there  also.  All  you  need  is  present 
salvation,  which  can  only  be  received  by  a  present  act  on  your 
I)art,  of  entire  reliance  on  Christ  for  it,  and  which  will  be  con- 
tinued, so  long  as  this  act  of  reliance  on  Christ  for  it,  is  con- 
tinued. Does  Christ  now  save  jou ?•'  With  emotion,  she  an- 
swered, '^  I  believe  He  will." 

"  Tliat  is  not  it.  Does  He  save  now  1  Do  you  trust  in  Him 
this  moment,  to  save  you  from  all  sin  ?"  She  fell  on  her  knees, 
and  cried  out.  ''lam  saved!  Christ  saves  me  now.  Praise 
the  Lord  !  ]\Iy  Redeemer  from  all  sin,  I  will  prnise  Thee  V  I 
left  her  rejoicing  with  a  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  I 
do  not  think  more  than  five  minutes  were  occupied  iu  the  con- 
versation, and  when  I  arrested  the  sister  to  the  subject^  I 
think  vshe  was  concerned  with  some  domestic  arrangements  in 
the  tent.  I  mention  this,  to  say,  how  truly  it  is  not  according  to 
the  tears  shed,  nor  the  length  of  time  spent  in  the  pursuit, 
neither  according  to  anything  else  other  thon,  '^  according  to  our 
faith  it  is  done  unto  «s." 

On  the  diiti/  of  believing  that  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  ac- 
cepts the  offering  of  self,  when  unreservedly  consecrated 
to  His  service,  Mrs.  P.  laid  great  emphasis,  as  is  obvious 
from  one  of  many  similar  monographs,  taken  from  the 
"  Guide  to  Holiness :  '^ 

He  does  not  leave  it  optional  with  yourself,  whether  you  will 
believe,  but  He  commands  jou  to  believe.  Neither  does  he 
leave  it  optional  ivhen  you  will  believe,  but  He  commands  you 
to  believe  now,  and  tells  you,  ^*  He  that  believeth  not,  maketh 
God  a  liar."  Oh,  linger  no  longer  in  hesitating  attitude.  Long 
have  you  thus  been  saying,  "  When  wilt  thou  receive  me  ?  "  Avhilc 
God  has  been  holding  out  the  promise,  and  you  have  refused 
to  appropriate  it,  because  it  was  not  accompanied  with  some 
sign  or  wonder.  Oh,  waver  no  more,  or  you  may  so  grieve  the 
Spirit  of  Love,  that  you  may  hear  a  voice  saying  to  you,  '^  Ye 
liave  wearied  me,  eaith  the  Lord." 

Perhaps  you  are  at  this  moment,  saying,  "  I  would  take  God 
at  His  word,  and  believe  that  He  does  now  receive  me,  while  I 


MliS.  PHCEBE  PALMEE.  543 

offer  myself  up  through  Christ;  but  liow  can  I  believo  that  Ho 
does  receive  me,  before  I  liave  some  sensible  assurance  bearing 
testimony  to  the  fact?  Kemembcr,  it  is  not  written,  the  just 
shall  live  by  sensible  tokens,  but  ^'  The  just  shall  live  by  faiths 
You  do  not  say  to  your  friend,  '^  I  do  not  believe  you,  because 
I  do  not  feel  like  believing  you."  You  do  not  believe  in  rain. 
The  Saviour  said  to  the  weeping  sister  of  Lazarus,  *^  Said  I  not 
unto  thee,  if  thou  wouldst  believe,  thou  shouldst  seethe  sal- 
vation of  God  ?"  Faith  in  Christ  always  brings  power.  The 
Word  cf  God  is  not  a  dead  letter.  Listen  to  His  words  :  "  The 
words  tliat  I  spcalc  unto  you,  they  are  spirit  and  they  are  Z//c." 
Feeling  is  the  fruit  of  faith,  not  its  antecedent. 

"Lord,  if  on  Thee  I  dare  believe, 
The  faith  shall  bring  the  power." 

Oh,  my  heart  seems  to  assure  me  that  you  have  at  last  re- 
solved to  make  the  venture.  The  tempter  has  been  telling  you 
that  it  is  j)resuniptuous  to  believe  ;  but  you  now  perceive  that 
presumption  lies  in  doubting,  not  in  believing.  Though 
nature  contradicts,  and  all  human  probabilities  seem  to  con- 
tradict your  faith,  yet  your  heart  is  resolutely  saying,  "  I  can, 
I  WILL,  I  DO  believe  !  Y^es,  Lord,  thou  dost  receive  me.  I  am 
Avholly  thine  !  I  stay  me  on  Thy  faithful  word.  Heaven  and  earth 
shall  pass  away  before  one  jot  or  tittle  of  all  that  Thou  hast 
said,  shall  fail.  Angels,  spirits  redeemed  from  earth,  washed 
and  made  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  strike  your  golden 
harps  anew,  while  with  you  I  unite  in  the  song  of  the  redeem- 
ed:  '^  Unto  Him  who  hath  loved  us,  and  redeemed  us,  and 
washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His  own  blood,  and  hath  made  us 
kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  His  Father,  unto  Him  be 
glory  and  dominion  forever  and  ever.  Amen."  "  Now  unto  Him 
that  is  able  to  keeji  you  fyom  falling,  and  to  present  jou  fault- 
less before  the  presence  of  His  glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the 
onlj'  wise  God  our  Saviour,  bo  glory  and  majesty,  dominion 
and  power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen." 

And  now  that  you  believe,  hold  fast  the  profession  of  your 
faith,  without  wavering,  for  He  is  fiiithful  that  hath  promised. 
Y''ou  are  not  required  to  hold  first  the  profession  oiyoxw  feelings j 


544  MEMOIRS  OF 

but  the  profession  of  jonr  faith.  You  are  all  the  Lord^s,  now^ 
Mild  it  is  your  privilege,  aud  also  your  duty,  to  believe  just  so 
long  as  you  comply  \vith  the  conditions,  and  keep  yourself 
wliolly  in  His  hands,  tliat  He  will  work  in  you  that  which  is 
well  pleasing  in  His  siglit.  If  it  will  be  more  to  the  glory  of 
His  name  that  yours  should  be  the  blessedness  of  those  who, 
liaving  not  seen,  have  believed  -,  if  it  w^ill  better  suit  the  pur- 
l)oses  of  His  grace  that  you  should  walk  in  the  steps  of  the 
father  of  the  faitliful,  who  journeyed,  not  knowing  whither  lie 
w^ent,  then  alike,  as  with  His  friend  Abraham,  will  He  permit 
your  faith  to  be  variously  tried. 

God  has  taken  j^ou  into  Ids  hands  to  use  you.  Just  such  a 
training  as  will  best  prepare  you  for  the  work  He  has  for  you 
to  do,  awaits  you.  Would  you  be  an  eminent  examx>le  of  the 
excellency  and  power  of  faith  7  Tlien  count  the  cost,  and  give 
yourself  to  endure,  unshrinkingly,  the  trial  of  your  faith.  Leave 
all  your  emotions  with  God.  Have  faith  in  God.  Commit  the 
keeping  of  your  faith,  and  all  the  issued  of  your  heart  to  Him, 
and  as  it  is  written,  '^  The  just  shall  live  by/atY//,"  be  far  more 
solicitous  about  your  faith  than  your  feelings.  It  is  not  writ- 
ten of  Abraham  that  he  was  strong  in  feeling,  giving  glory  to 
God,  but  he  was  strong  in /ai7/t,  giving  glory  to  God.  ''This 
is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith."  And 
tlius  will  you  be  enabled  to  overcome  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb 
and  the  word  of  your  testimony. 

Ou  the  doctrine  of  the  sealing  of  the  Spirit,  as  implied 
in  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  ''  After  that  we  believed,  ye 
were  sealed  with  the  Holy  Spirit  of  promise,"  Mrs.  P.  gave 
her  views  thns,  in  the  "  Guide  to  Holiness :  '^ 

Though  we  do  not  believe  in  the  attainment  of  a  state  of 
final  and  unconditional  perseverance,  ^here  w^e  maj^  not  be  in 
danger  of  yielding  to  the  tempter,  and  falling  from  our  stead- 
fastness, yet  we  do  believe,  that  it  is  the  i^rivilege  of  the 
believer  to  attain  to  a  state  of  sucli  conscious  abiding  in  Christ, 
tliat  there  may  be  a  divine  conviction  inwrought  in  the  heart 
of  our  ultimate  steadfastness  and  final  salvation.  Yes,  our  go- 
ings  in  the  highway  of  holiness;  may  be  established.    We  may 


MBS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  545 

be  divinely  persuaded,  tliat  ''  neither  deatli  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  tilings  to 
come,  nor  heiglit,  nor  deptli,  nor  any  otlier  creature,  shall  be  able 
to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus, 
our  Lord."  And  this  special  state  of  grace,  I  do  not  doubt  is 
the  result  of  a  special  act  of  eternal  and  absolute  devotement 
on  the  part  of  the  creature.  This  state  implies  the  absorption 
of  all  the  redeemed  powers  in  the  service  of  the  Kedeemer.  It 
contemplates  a  whole  Z>»r;<i  sacrifice,  calling  forth  ever  consuming 
zeal,  whose  manifestations  may  often  call  the  devoted  disciple 
to  feel,  that  he  that  is  perfect  shall  be  in  reproaches  and  suffer- 
ings, even  as  his  Master.  The  cost  being  counted,  and  the  sac- 
rifice made.  He  who  bapti:^eth  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with 
fire,  sets  the  seal,  and  the  ever-consuming  flame  of  all-absorbing 
love,  energizes  and  impels  the  soul  in  holy  endeavors  for  the 
salvation  of  man.  And  this  is  the  endowment  from  on  high, 
which  the  Sanctifier  imparts  to  those  who  thus  set  themselves 
wholly  a[)art,  to  be  specifically  answerable  to  all  the  self-sacri- 
ficing duties  of  their  high  calling.  And  who  that  has  thus  receiv- 
ed this  sealing  of  the  Spirit,  but  feels  that  it  is  an  ev(M-abidiiig 
secret  of  power  ?  Said  a  dear  ambassador  for  Christ,  wiio  was  in 
our  hearing,  speaking  of  the  desirableness  of  this  grace,  "  Often 
when  I  would  fain  strike  a  bold  stroke  for  God,  the  tem])ter  snys, 
'  Hold !  be  not  too  fast,  you  may  yet  fall  away  from  your  stead- 
fastness j  then,  liow  the  precious  cause  you  so  much  love,  will 
be  dishonored ! '"  It  is  due  to  the  glory  of  grace  to  say  that  this 
beloved  minister  was  enabled,  on  the  same  day.  soon  after  we 
heard  these  longing  utterances,  to  feel  that  he  was  empowered, 
by  the  Spirit,  to  lay  hold  upon  the  promise,  ''  I  will  betroth  thee 
unto  me  forever  ;  yes,  I  will  betroth  thee  unto  me  in  righteous- 
ness and  in  judgment,  and  in  loving-kindness  and  in  mercies.'' 
The  doctrine  of  the  Sealing  of  the  Spirit,  is  a  Bible  doctrine,  and 
not  at  variance  with  the  doctrines  taught  by  Wesley,  and  other 
fathers  of  Methodism. 

Beiieiicjeiit  piety  and  morality,  as  defined  by  the  in- 
spired Word,  this  chosen  ^'liandmaid  of  the  Lord  "  believed 
to  be  the  proximate  ends  of  entiie  sanctification.     Vide 
Biary,  December  Gth,  1846 : 
35 


54G  MEMOIRS  OF 

Au  interesting  and  profitable  day.  Tliis  morning  heard 
Bishop  H.,  text,  James  4 : 3.  ^^  Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because 
ye  ask  amiss,  that  ye  may  consume  it  iq^on  youi*  lusts."  Hu- 
mility',— heart-searcliings,  and  holy  fervors  were  brought  into 
action  by  his  fiiithful  appeals.  A  diversity  of  ways  in  which  we 
may  "  ask  amiss  "  weie  presented.  One,  as  it  has  been  a  mat- 
ter of  seme  discussion  of  late,  I  will  mention.  ''  Not  a  few,  in- 
stead of  asking  for  lioliuess,  earnestly  importune  for  happiness. 
Some  are  thus  coveting  ecstatic  enjoyment,  who  are  not  willing 
to  malie  the  sacrifice  necessary,  in  order  to  be  holy,  thus  sac- 
rilegiously endeavoring  to  put  asunder  what  God,  by  an  irrevo- 
cable decree  hath  joined  together.  Such  ask,  and  receive  not, 
because  they  ask  amiss,  inasmuch  as  happiness  and  holiness  are 
inseparably  united.  I  do  not  give  the  Bishop's  precise  words, 
but  I  believe  I  give  his  sentiments  fairly.  This  reminds  me  of 
the  manner  in  which  with  some  success  I  Avas  permitted  to  re- 
prove a  brother,  some  time  since,on  this  i)oint.  I  liad  been  press- 
ing holiness  upon  him,  as  a  reasonable  service.  He,  in  a  man- 
ner, evaded  the  claim,  and  said,  '^  0, 1  am  hap*py."  "But  does  not 
God  command  you  to  be  holy,  and  if  you  were  knowingly  dis- 
obedient to  the  commands  of  a  very  kind,  and  wise  earthly 
parent,  Avould  3  ou  have  a  rUfht  to  be  happy  f  "  I  asked.  He 
perceived  his  error,  and  soon  afterward  found  a  permanent 
foundation  for  happiness,  in  obedience  to  tlic  command,  '^  Be 
3^e  holy." 

Throughout  the  voluminous  correspondence  and  literary 
compositions  of  nearly  forty  years,  one  truth  shines  re- 
spleudently  -,  and  that  is,  that  Phoebe  Palmer,  sought  and 
professed  holiness,  not  for  the  sake  of  happiness,  but  for 
the  sake  of  holiness  and  for  Christ's  sake;  as  a  gift  of  power 
too,  by  Avhicli  she  might  bless  mankind.  Happiness  slie 
knew  would  follow  as  the  shadow  does  the  substance. 

Praise  to  God,  Mrs.  Palmer  ever  held  to  be  as  specific 
a  duty  as  prayer.  She  Avas  not  unmindful  of  the  injunc- 
tion to  "  declare  among  the  people,  His  doings;"  Psalm 
9  :  11,  ''  Giving  thanks  always,  for  all  things,  unto  God  even 
ilie  Father  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."     Eidi. 


MRS.  PBCEBE  PALMER.  547 

5  :  20.  Gratitude  and  justice  both  demanded  tliat  slie 
should  deehire  how  great  things  the  Lord  had  done  for 
her.  The  same  duty  she  saw  was  incumbent  on  other 
recipients  of  the  same  grace,  and  with  the  Inspired  Psalmist, 
said,  ^*  Let  tliem  exalt  Him  also  in  the  congregation  of  the 
peox)le,  and  praise  Ilim  in  the  assembly  of  the  elders.  '^ 
Psalm  107 :  32.  Praise  she  held  should  be  as  specific  as 
His  mercies,  and  insisted  that  only  in  this  way  could  the 
long  line  of  testimony,  i^reserved  unbroken  through 
Biblical  ages,  be  i)erx>etuated.  She  also  appealed  to  the 
exami^le  and  instructions  of  Fletcher,  the  Wesleys,  and  all 
the  primitive  Methodists.  How  uniform  and  consistent 
coll^iction,  practice,  and  endeavor,— as  to  gratef id  profes- 
sion, covering  the  magnitude  and  x>reciousness  of  Divhie 
blessing, — Avere,  the  follo^ving  exceri^ts  from  diary,  and 
selections  from  correspondence  mil  i)rove. 

Diary.  Januari/  9,  184]. — Woe  is  me  if  I  do  not  profess  this 
blessing,  and  urge  its  attuinableness,  and  reasonableness  npon 
others.  I  saw  (referring  to  a  past  season)  wliat  a  wilful  turning 
either  to  the  right  hand  or  the  left  would  expose  me  to,  so  lumi- 
nously had  the  rays  of  divine  truth,  lit  up  my  path.  Tlie  way 
was  not  to  he  mistaken.  My  influence  is  in  the  hands  of  tlio 
Lord,  and  I  unhesitatingly  leave  it  there.  Duty  is  mine; — 
resiiUs,  tha  LonVs, 

I  felt  most  deeply  that  it  was  not  because  I  was  more  worthy 
than  others,  that  I  had  been  permitted  for  more  than  two 
and  a  half  years,  to  be  a  witness  of  the  possibility  of  living  in 
the  constant  enjoyment  of  this  knowledge,  that  the  blood  of 
Jesus  c'Jcanscth  from  all  unrighteousness.  I  do  not  assume  the 
ground,  that  I  have  not  trespassed,  in  thought,  word,  or  deed, 
since  that  time.  No  !  But  through  grace,  in  this  will  I  triunii)h, 
that  I  have  not,  since  that  memorable  hour  that  witnessed  the 
consecration  of  all  my  powers,  taken  myself  from  off  the 
altar,  but  have  ceaselessly  endeavored  to  present  a  living  sac- 
rifice, of  body,  soul,  and  spirit.  Not  one  of  my  consecrated 
powers  is  at  my  disposal,  not  even  for  one  moment.     When 


548  MEMOIRS  OF 

duty  has  been  presented, — however  much  nature  may  have 
sluunk  from  the  requisition, — I  have  been  enabled  to  act  iii)()n 
this  principle,  1  have  given  myself  irrevocably  to  God,  and 
though  life  may  be  the  forfeiture,  still  I  feel  the  favor  of  my 
God  is  better  than  life.  This  state  of  soul,  in  conjunction  witli 
an  act  of  faith,  like  a  key,  opens  the  door,  and  brings  the 
enraptured  soul  into  the  actual  possession  of  full  and  comi)lete 
redemption. 

The  ensuing  letter  was  written  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  and 
left  in  Eev.  Dr.  Hamline's  room^  before  his  election  to  tlie 
General  Sux^erin  tendency ,  in  1844.. 

Friday  afternoon. — Brotlier  H,  kindly  permits  me  to  ask 
questions,  or  to  present  truth,  and  1  gratefully  avail  myself  of  tlie 
privilege.  A  picture  presents  itself  to  my  mind.  Brother  II. 
has  a  son,  wliom  he  much  loves.  The  boy  has  been  in  perilous 
circumstances,  and  comes  to  his  fiitlier  hungry-,  thirsty,  and  all 
want.  His  heart  has  been  abundantly  assured,  from  a  knowl- 
edge of  your  nature,  and  the  resources  at  your  command,  to 
gratify  the  promptings  of  your  benevolent  wislies,  tliat  he  lias 
but  to  come  and  present  his  case,  in  order  to  liave  all  his  need 
supplied.  He  specifies  his  wants,  for  he  has  heard  his  father 
say  :  "  Ask  what  you  will,  my  sou,  and  it  shall  be  given  you."  At 
your  bidding  he  begins  to  specify  his  wants,  and  saye,  ''  Father,  I 
am  thirstij,  give  me  water.''''  His  request  is  answeied,  lie  drinks, 
and  at  once  feels  i)recisely  the  effect  anticipated. 

I  ask,  ^^  Did  your  father  give  you  water  ?  "  Should  he  with 
a  saddened  countenance  reply,  '^  I  do  not  ki^ow,  I  only  know  that 
it  was  water  I  wanted."  "  But  did  not  your  father  assure  you 
that  he  would  give  Jms^  what  you  asked,  and  docs  not  the  effect 
answer  your  anticipations  V  '*  Yes,  my  system  is  indeed 
greatly  invigorated,  but  yet  I  cannot  determine,  it  may  be  some- 
thing else."  '•  But  your  father  Icncw  that  you  needed  water, 
and  it  was  because  he  saw  your  need,  and  had  a  plentiful  sup- 
ply, that  he  told  you  that  you  should  have  it,  if  you  asked  for 
it,  and  how  can  you  reconcile  this  conduct  of  your  father  with 
truth?  Does  the  general  bearing  of  his  conduct  towards  you 
warrant  this  want  of  confidence  ?     Do  you  not  know  that  you 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  549 

cast  a  shade  on  the  character  of  your  fatlier,  by  indulgiug  this 
mode  of  reasoiiiug  ?  And  which  would  you  have  me  question  ? 
T\\^  paternal  love,  ahility,  or  fideUty  of  your  father,  all  seem  to 
be  involved."  Your  son  looks  towards  me  reproachfully, 
and  thinks  me  unkind,  and  yet  I  know  not  how,  from  his  state- 
ment of  the  case,  to  arrive  at  other  conclusions,  and  however 
much  he  may  be  pained,  he  alone  is  responsible  for  the  untrue 
or  unkind  thoughts  I  may  entertain  of  his  father. 

Brother  H.'s  spiiit  was  all  athirst  for  the  fountain  of  life  and 
purity.  His  heavenly  Father  had  given  him  to  seethe  image  of 
his  Saviour  infinitely  desirable.  The  conditions  upon  which  it 
Avas  to  be  received  were  set  before  him,  and  his  spirit  complied. 
The  Holy  Spirit  urged  you  to  take  the  image  of  your  Saviour, 
assuring  you  tliat  lie  had  taken  yours.  You  made  the  exchange — 
gave  Him  your  sin,  and  took  His  purity,  gave  Him  your  shame 
and  took  His  honor,— gave  Him  your  helplessness,  and  took 
His  strength — gave  Him  your  death,  and  took  His  everlasting  life.^^ 
Yes,  you  made  the  exchange.  It  was  not  in  your  own  strength 
that  you  were  enabled  to  exchange  your  own  vile  image  for  the 
blessed  likeness  of  your  Saviour.  But  you  did  do  it,  and  liere 
\v  us  fidelity  on  yoiir  part.  Was  God  unfaithful  in  the  perform- 
ance of  His  part  of  the  engagement  ?  How  can  it  be  otlierwise, 
if  the  position  in  which  you  stand  be  correct  ?  If  the  want  of 
fidelitj'  on  the  part  of  God  is  not  implied  in  the  attitude  in 
which  you  stand,  I  do  not  apprehend  your  experience,  and 
must  wait  to  be  further  informed. 

Now,  dear  Brother,  do  you  not  think  this  position  inconsis- 
tent f  Does  it  not  intimate  ix,  fault  on  the  part  of  your  Saviour  ? 
And  yet  your  whole  heart  is  saying,  ^'  I  have  no  fault  to  find 
with  my  Saviour,  His  name  is  Faithful  and  True.'''  At  the  mo- 
ment you  made  the  ^'exchange" — the  surrender  of  self — He  was 
at  once  true  to  the  performance  of  His  part  of  the  engagement. 
His  omnipotent  hand  was  laid  upon  you.  You  felt  it,  not 
only  outwardly,  but  inwardly.  It  pressed  upon  your  whole 
being,  and  diffused  all  througli  and  through  it,  a  sin-consuming, 
holy  energy.  As  it  passed  downward,  your  heart,  as  Avell  as 
I'.ead,  was  conscious  of  the  presence  of  this  soul-cleansing  energy, 
under  which  you  fell  to  the  floor,  and  in  joyful  surprise  of  the 


550  MEMOIRS   OF 

moment,  cried  out  with  a  loud  voice.  Still  the  hand  of  power, 
\\  rought  within  and  without,  and  wherever  it  would,  it  seemed 
to  leave  the  iaii)ress  of  the  SavioHr''s  image. 

Now,  Brother,  was  God  true  and  faithful  ?  Your  own  confes- 
sion has  thrown  the  want  of  fidelity  on  yourself,  and  here  1  know 
you  would  liave  it  rest.  But  will  you  by  a  ivord,  thought  or  look, 
in  future,  be  instrumental  in  cherishing  in  any  one  heart,  the 
iujpiession  tliat  your  heavenl^^  Father,  after  having  induced  you 
to  specify  your  Avants,  might  possibly  give  something  else  in  place 
of  what  he  had  caused  you  to  ask  for"?  I  think  the  lessons  in 
doctrine,  reproof,  correction,  Jiud  instruction  in  righteousness  con- 
tained in  the  first  paragraph  of  the  eleventh  chapter  of  Luke, 
meets  your  case  precisely.  A  specific  request  is  here  made  ;  the 
friend  wanted  three  loaves.  Because  of  his  importunity,  liis  friend 
arises  and  gives  as  many  as  he  needs.  And  then  the  Saviour 
says,  ^'I  say  unto  yon,  Ask  and  it  shall  be  given  you,"  etc.  If  a 
son  shall  ask  bread  of  any  of  you  that  is  a  father,  will  he  give 
him  a  stone  ?  or  if  lie  ask  a  fish,  will  he  for  a  fish  give  him  a  ser- 
pent ?  or  if  lie  'slmll  ask  an  egg,  will  he  offer  him  a  scori)ion '?  " 
You  know,  dear  Brother  H.,  that  your  heavenly  Father  gave  J«s< 
t]ie  bk'ssing  you  asked  for,  and  your  error  has  been  in  not 
heartily  confessing  with  your  lips,  His  faithfulness  in  fulfilling  His 
promises.  Your  heart  lias  believed,  but  your  lips  have  not  fully, 
freel}',  and  liabitually  made  confession.  And  thus  your  pait  of 
the  work  has  been  left  unfinished.  Do  you  not  think,  dear 
brother,  the  time  past  should  suffice "?  Would  not  God  have  been 
much  more  lionored  through  your  instrumentality,  had  you  not 
refrained  your  lijys,  but  fully  and  freely  declared  with  David,  to 
the  great  congregation,  the  faithfulness  of  j^our  God  ?  Oh,  no 
longer  hide,  in  any  degree.  His  righteousness  within  your  heart 
— redeem  the  time,  and  be  assured  that  the  more  you  hold  up 
the  light  that  God  has  enkindled,  the  more  gloriously  will  your 
own  soul  become  illuminated. 

A  very  holy  man  once  said,  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  confess  to 
ihe  outside  of  what  ho  enjoyed,  assured  that  it  not  oiily  honored 
God,  but  humbled  the  creature.  And,  dear  brother,  I  know  yon 
will  find  it  so  in  your  own  experience.  I  think  you  must  begin  to 
feel  that  you  have  been  kex)t  back  from  more  ox>en  confession, 


MBS.  PH(EBE  I'ALMER.  55I 

by  a  well  circumstancetl  device  of  the  enemy  of  God — of  holi- 
ness— of  your  soul,  ixntl  if  you  continue  longer  thus,  \vill  not  tlie 
enemy  secure  a  partial  triumpli  ?  Are  you  as  strongly  empower- 
ed to  serve  the  cause  of  holiness,  and  lionor  your  Saviour, 
who  lias  imparted  His  image  to  you,  as  if  you  were  enabled  to 
declare,  at  all  times,  unhesitatingly,  that  He  sanctifies,  and  saves 
you  fully.  An  encouraging  thought  i)resents.  You  know  it  is 
said  that  the  wrath  of  our  enemies  shall  j)raise  Him.  Now, 
brotlier,  should  you  take  i)ains  to  give  publicity  to  your  error, 
in  not  confessing  more  si)eciflcally,  the  great  work  that  God 
liad  wrouglit  for  you,  your  testimony  miglit  reach,  and  bring  out 
many  more  junong  tlie  dear  brethren  in  the  ministry,  simiharly 
conditioned  witli  yourself,  and  surely,  this  would  not  be  a  small 
service  to  the  church.  You  know  how  much  the  cause  requires 
witnesses  among  the  ministry,  that  ''  speak  of  that  they  know, 
and  testify  of  that  they  have  seen,"  and  for  want  of  such  testi- 
mony, the  work  is  less  prosperous  among  the  people,  than  it 
Avould  otherwise  be.  You  know  tlie  word  directs  us  for  exam- 
ple in  faitliand  practice,  to  tlie  ministry,  ^' Whose  faith  follow," 
^'  For  the  [)riest's  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  the  people 
should  seek  the  law  at  his  mouth.  If  such  is  the  responsible  at- 
titude in  which  God's  ambassadors  stand,  surely,  Jesus  says, 
more  appealingly  to  them,  than  to  us,  ^'  Ye  are  my  witnesses," 
and  the  account  of  their  stewardship,  when  called  to  jnesent 
every  man  j^erfect  in  Christ  Jesus,  may  be  found  to  be  vastly 
less  satisfactory,  from  the  very  fact,  that  the  testimony  of  their 
own  experience,  had  not  been  more  fully  brought  out  before  the 
people. 

New  YoiiK,  January  2oth,  1852, 
To  Rev.  Bishop  Janes  : 

I  am  indulging  the  humble  hope  of  soon  walking  the  streets 
of  the  Heavenly  Jerusalem,  with  the  dear  brother  whom  I  now 
address.  I  have  been  asking  the  Lord  for  wisdom  to  sa}'  now, 
about  what  I  shall  wish  I  hnd  said,  after  we  have  entered  upon 
our  eternal  state.  I  would  not  expose  myself  to  the  appearatce 
of  ofificiousness,  which  the  mention  of  matters  whidi  I  am  about 
to  suggest,  might  indicate,  were  it  not,  that  I  believe  youkuow 


552  MEMOIRS  OF 

tlie  integrity  of  my  heart.     Over  fourteen  years  since,  tlio  Lord 
brought  me  to  a  willingness  to  be  of  no  reputation  for  Him,  who 
made  liimself  of  no  reputation  for  me.    Tlic  day  of  your  ordina- 
tion as  Bisliop,  was   one  of  tlie  most  eventful  days  of  my  life. 
For  years  had  I  been  pleading  that  God  would  raise  up  instru- 
mentalities, whose  influence  might  be   felt  through  the  length 
and  breadth  of  our  land,  in  arousing  our  people  to  the  relative 
importance  of  holiness.     Tliat  there  should  not  be,  perhaps, 
more  than  one  in  fifty  .among  us,  professing  the   attainment  of 
this  grace,  wlien  the  distinguishing  doctrine  of  our  creed  is  a 
belief  in  tlie  attainableness  of  holiness  in  tlie  present  life,  to  me 
did  not  seem  answerable  to  the  claims  of  God  iipon  us.     On  the 
day  of  your,  and  our  Brother  Hamline's  ordination,  as  superin- 
tendents,  I  felt  that  the  Lord  had  indeed  looked  upon  His 
people  for  good,  and  was  now  about    to  fulfill  my  desire.     My 
heart,  in  almost  a  bewilderment  of  grateful  feeling,  cried   out, 
*^What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord,  for  all  His  benefits  ? — His 
mercy  in  raising  up  two  sucli  men,  to  such  a  position,  in  a  time 
Avheu  they  were  so  much  needed,— v/hen  such  an  evident  want  of 
internal  holiness  in  the  church,  had  plunged  her  into  such  diffi- 
culties ;  What  shall  I  render  f     The  answer  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
Avas,  '^  Present  yourself  as  a  whole  burnt  sacrifice,  upon  the  altar 
of  the  service  of  the  church,  for  the  ['roinotion  of  holiness."  I  did 
so, — and  Abraham,  when  he  saw  the  fire  descend,  and  consume 
Ids  sacrifice,  could  not,  I  think,  have  more  sensibly  realized  the 
acceptance  of  his  offering,  than  I  realized  the  consumiilg  ener- 
gies of  the  Holy  Spirit,  penetrating,  as  it  were,  every  fibre  of 
my  being.     I  had  before  felt  that  my  interests  were  all  identified 
Avith  the  interests  of  my  Kedeemer's  kingdom,  but  ever  since  that 
ev^entful  day,  have  I  felt  such  an  absorption  in  everything  that 
stands  connected  with  the  internal  purification  of  the  church, 
that  I  can  scarcely  speak  of  interests  apart  from  it.    Our  unity, 
as  a  people,  and  our  well-being  in  every  regard,  1  believe  slunds 
in  connection  with  rigiit  realizations  of  our  responsibilities,  in 
relation  to  this  important  theme.    God  has  set  us  as  a  city  upon 
a  hill  in  regard  to  this  subject,  and  if  our  ministers  indulge  in 
controverting  truths,    which  by  our  standard  authors   are  re- 
garded  as   of  vital  importance,    I  believe  God  will  punish  us 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  553 

'V\'ith  (lissentions.  Two  or  three  months  before  the  excitement 
coiiiinenced  in  PhiUulelphhi,  a  minister  of  New  Jersey  Confer- 
ence said  to  me,  '^  Tliey  are  liaving  very  warm  times  in  discuss- 
ing the  subject  of  holiness,  in  Phihidelpliia,  at  the  preachers' 
meeting,"  etc.  I  felt  in  my  heart  tliat  God  wouUl  not  Iiave  the 
force  of  trutli  weakened  in  tlie  minds  of  tlie  people,  after  tliis  sort, 
Avitliout  visiting  for  it.  He  raised  up  an  adversary  to  Solomon 
and  He  can  raise  up  an  adversary  to  us.  Tlie  next  thing  I 
heard  from  Philadelphia  was  tlie  excitement  about  a  lay  dele- 
gation, wliicli  a  careful  observer  of  the  movement  tells  me,  will 
doubtless  end  in  serious  disunion.  This  brother,  though  he 
knew  nothing  of  my  thouglits,  put  precisely  the  same  version 
on  it,  as  I  have  given.  This  was  Brother  Longacre  of  Phila- 
delphia. But  the  Philadelphia  controversy  on  the  subject,  will 
but  slightly  com[)are  with  the  f;ir-reaching  harm  which  is  being 
done  by  the  articles  of  brotlier  Mattison,  in  the  *•  Northern  Chris- 
tian Advocate."  Here  the  subject  of  holiness  has  been  couti(>- 
verted  in  almost  every  conceivable  wa^^,  and  1  think  I  will 
speak  truly  before  God,  when  I  say,  that  the  professors  of  it 
have  beeu  divided,  until  I  should  think  hundreds  of  them  are 
nov/  covering  their  lieads  in  shame. 

If  your  time  would  admit,  I  would  love  to  si)readout  before 
you  some  of  the  letters  I  have  received  from  some  of  the  most 
useful  and  accredited  presiding  elders  and  ministers  in  our  con- 
nectou. 

As  your  name  has  beeu  more  freely  used  in  this  controversy, 
than  the  name,  of  any  other  bishop,  I  have  been  endeavoring  to 
ask  the  Lord  in  faith,  to  direct  your  attention  to  it,  but  I  have 
learned  that  I  am  not  to  expect  God  to  do  through  spiritual 
influences,  that  which  ought  to  be  done  through  a  human  instru- 
mentality. Faith  without  worlds,  is  dead.  Let  this  be  the  apol- 
ogy for  my  present  work.  I  hoped  that  you  had  been  induced, 
before  now,  to  look  at  brother  ^Lattison's  articles,  but  on  asking 
Dr  P.,  last  night,  he  informed  me  you  had  not.  Since  which,  my. 
heart  lias  beeu  venj  heavy.  Shall  the  names  of  our  bishops  be 
sounded  tlirough  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  as  men  not 
favoring  t\\Q>  profession  of  holiness  ?  Does  it  signify  much,  that 
the  attainment  of  holiness  in  the  present  life,  is  a  distinguishing 


554  21EM0IUS  OF 

doctrine  of  our  creed,  if  the  profession,  when  attained,  is  not 
encouraged?  I  think  there  are  but  few  of  other  denominations 
of  the  i^resent  day,  but  Avill  admit,  tiiat  it  is  a  present  duty 
to  obey  the  command,  ^'  Be  ye  holy."  But  when  witnesses,  that 
God  does  empower  the  soul  to  obey  the  command,  are  raised  np 
among  tliem,  from  time  to  time,  they  are  persecuted  as  fanatical 
and  presumptuous.  Shall  this  state  of  things  be  brought  in 
among  us,  and  not  be  reproved  by  those  in  authority  ? 

Your  Sister  in  Jesus. 

About  the  year  1853,  statistics  were  given  in  one  of 
the  official  journals  of  the  churchy  setting  forth  the  decline 
of  Methodism  in  some  i)articular  i^ortions  of  the  country. 

The  following  is  the  first  draft  of  a  paper,  i^ublished  in 
four  successive  numbers,  in  the  Christian  Advocate  and 
Journal^  entitled  "'  Laity  for  the  Times,"  and  afterwards, 
in  printed  letter  form,  sent  by  mail  to  over  three  thousand 
effective  i)reachers.  Its  influence  was  potently  blessed, 
and  together  with  other  evangelical  means  wrought  so 
I)owerfully  under  God,  that  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  from  that  day  to  this,  has  not  had  to  mourn  over 
decreasing  numbers. 

A   WORD   TO    METHODIST   PREACHERS. 

We  believe  that  GotVs  design  in  raising  up  the  preachers  called  Meth- 
odists, in  America,  ii^as  to  reform  the  continent,  and  to  spread  Scriptural 
holiness  over  these  lands. — Bishops  of  thk  M.  E.  Church. 

Much  has  been  said  in  some  of  the  leading  journals,  m  re-* 
lation  to  the  want  of  prosperity  in  some  portions  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Various  causes  may  doubtless  be  si^ecified,  as  having 
had  a  tendency  toward  j)roducing  tliis  result.  But  the  writer 
will  not  occupy  space  in  stating  these  various  reasons  in  de- 
tail, but  will  specify  what  has  been  regarded  hy  some,  as  the 
one  great  leading  reason.  Let  us  go  back  to  the  brief  account 
of  the  design  of  Methodism,  and  its  rise,  as  given  under  the 
hand  of  our  Bishops,  in  the  opening  of  our  excellent  Book  of 
Discipline.     "  In  1729,  two  young  men  in  England,  reading  the 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  555 

Bible,  saw  that  they  could  Dot  be  saved  without  holiness; 
followed  after  it,  and  incited  others  to  do  so.  In  1731,  they 
saw  likewise,  that  men  are  justified  before  they  are  sanctified; 
but  still  holiness  was  their  object.  God  then  thrust  them  out 
to  raise  up  a  holy  people."  Our  Bishops  quote  tlie  above  from 
the  Messrs.  Wesley  themselves,  and  tlien  state  their  own  be- 
lief of  the  design  of  Methodism,  iu  the  emphatic  words  which 
stand  at  the  head  of  tliis  article. 

Do  our  preacliers  all  regard  this  as  the  specific  design  of 
Methodism  ?  Do  they  give  the  doctrine  of  holiness,  that  jiromi- 
nence  in  their  experience,  and  in  their  ministrations  which  the 
design  of  our  origin,  so  specifically  stated,  demands  ?  Let 
each  Methodist  minister  who  reads  these  inquiries,  answer 
whether  the  design  of  God,  in  raising  up  the  preacliers,  called 
Methodists,  in  America,  has  been  met  in  his  own  case.  How 
many  Methodist  i^reachers  are  there,  in  comparison  with  the 
mass,  who  are  experimental  witnesses,  that  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth  from  all  sin  ?  How  many  are  there  who  act  in  ac- 
cordance with  Mr.  Wesley's  advice,  ^'  All  our  preachers  should 
make  it  a  point  of  preaching  perfection  to  believers,  constantly, 
strongly,   explicitly.  '- 

There  was  a  period  in  Mr.  W^esley's  day,  when  the  work  of 
the  Lord  did  not  progress  as  on  former  occasions.  Mr.  Wesley, 
speaking  to  Mr.  Benson  of  the  cause,  says,  "  I  doubt  not  we  are 
not  <'-rj[j//c'i7  enough  in  speaking  on  full  sa net ifuaf ion,  either  in 
public  or  in  private."  Vol.  7,  p.  81.  And  on  another  occasion, 
in  admonishing  on  this  subject,  he  cries  out  as  though  his  soul 
were  agonized  with  the  prospect,  '^  I  am  afraid  Christian  Per- 
fection Avill  be  forgotten.  Encourage  Richard  Black  well  and 
Mr.  Colley  to  speak  plainly.  A  general  faintness  in  this 
respect  has  fallen  on  the  whole  kingdom !  Sometimes  I 
seem  almost  weary  of  striving  against  the  stream  of  both 
preachers  and  i^eople."  He  advises  Miss  B.  who  had  just 
received  the  blessing  of  perfect  love,  to  j^rofess  it,  and  encour- 
ages her  against  the  C(  iisures  of  church  members  who  did  not 
encourage  her  testimony.  In  another  jdace,  he  says,  ''I  exam- 
ined the  society,  and  was  suri)rised  to  find  fifty  members  fewer 
in  it  than  I  left  in  it,  iu  October  last. 


556  MEMOIRS  OF 

One  reason  is,  Christian  Perfection  has  been  little  insisted  on; 
andwJiere  this  is  not  done,  he  the  preachers  ever  so  eloquent,  there 
is  little  increase  either  in  the  number  or  grace  of  the  hearers,''''  Vol. 
4-  page  220.  ''  William  Hunter,  and  Jolm  Watson,  were  not 
men  of  large  gifts,  but  zealous  for  Christian  Perfection.  By 
their  warm  conversation  on  tliis  head,  they  kindled  a  flame  in 
some  of  the  leaders.  These  pressed  others  to  seek  after  it ;  and 
for  this  end  appointed  meetings  for  prayer.  The  fire  spread 
wider  and  wider,  until  the  whole  society  was  in  a  flame."  Vol. 
4.  page  38. 

Mr.  Wesley,  speaking  in  another  place,  of  the  want  of  pros- 
perity, assigns  as  the  reason,  that  the  Methodist  preachers 
had  given  up  'Hhe  Methodist  testimony."  He  says,  "  Went  on 
to  Launceston.  Here  I  found  the  work  of  God  had  gained  no 
ground  in  tliis  circuit  all  th«  year.  TJie preachers  had  given  up 
the  Methodist  testimony.  Either  they  did  not  speak  of  perfec- 
tion at  all,  (the  peculiar  doctrine  committed  to  our  trust,) 
or  they  spoke  of  it  only  in  general  terms,  without  urging  be- 
lievers to  go  on  to  perfection.  And  where  this  is  not  earnestly 
done,  the  work  of  God  does  not  prosper.''"' 

A  great  deal  more  might  be  quoted,  to  show  tliat  this  is  what 
Mr.  Wesley,  and  also  other  fathers  of  Methodism,  regarded  as 
the  ^'Methodist  testimony''^ — ''The  peculiar  doctrine  committed  to 
our  trust."  So  much  did  Bishop  Asbury  feel  the  importance  of 
it,  that  lie  says,  '^  I  am  divinely  impressed  with  a  charge,  to 
l>reach  it  in  every  sermon."  And  now,  how  do  tlie  Methodist 
ministers  of  tlie  present  day, — the  sons  of  Wesley  and  Asbury 
feel,  in  vieAv  of  this  ^^ peculiar  trust  f  Hoip  have  the  responsi- 
bilities of  the  "  Methodist  testimony,''''  been  met  by  tliem  !  If  ac- 
cording to  Mr.  Wesley's  declaration,  ''Methodism  does  not  pros- 
per,''"' where  the  ''  Methodist  testimony"  is  in  any  M^ay  given  up 
by  the  Methodist  preachers,  let  us  ask  every  Methodist  minister, 
wiio  may  read  these  inquiries,  "  Have  you  kept  the  "  Methodist 
testimony,''' — "  The  peculiar  doctrine  committed  to  our  trust." 
Have  you  kept  it  before  the  people  with  that  distinctness,  and 
eiirnestness  demanded  by  your  position?  Have  you  the  testimony 
in  your  own  heart  that  you  are  now  standing  in  the  enjoyment  of 
this  grace ;  and  out  of  the  abundance  of  yoxxx  heart;  do  you  make 


MliS.  PHiEBE  PALMER.  557 

it  a  point  to  minister  to  the  people  constantly ,  strongly,  expli- 
citly, on  the  subject  of  entire  sauctificatiou  ?  If  you  are  not 
obeying  the  advice  given  by  Mr.  Wesley,  to  all  Methodist 
preachers  on  this  subject,  have  you  not  according  to  Mr.  Wes- 
ley's deductions,  (Vol.  4.  page  459.)  some  reason  to  jjive  from 
your  own  convictions,  of  deficiency  why  the  work  of  God  does 
not  prosper  ?" 

Let  us  rouse,  brethren,  individually  and  collectively,  to  a  re- 
cognition of  our  resijonsibilities  on  this  subject.  Holiness  is  the 
distinguishing  doctrine  of  Methodism.  If  our  preachers  dwell  on 
the  subject  more  as  a  matter  for  theological  discussion,  than 
practical  experience,  they  have  but  little  to  gain.  Of  the  doc- 
trine of  holiness,  it  may,  in  the  most  emphatic  sense,  be  said, 
"  If  any  man  will  do  His  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine." 
How  much  better  can  one  preach  of  justification,  after  he  has  ex- 
perienced the  grace,  and  just  as  helpful  would  the  experience  of 
sanctification  be,  to  those  who  would  enforce  the  attainment  of 
it  on  others.* 

The  constant  and  effective  zeal  displayed  in  the  promul- 
gation of  the  peculiar  doctrine  committed  to  Methodist 
trust,  naturally  attracted  the  attention  of  Cis- Atlantic 
Wesleyans,  and  drew  from  one  of  their  itinerant  ministers, 
the  follow  ing  letter : 

Islington,  London,  March  2\st,  1856. 
Dear  Mrs.  Palmer  : 

Although  I  am  in  one  sense  a  perfect  stranger  to  you,  I  yet 
claim  acquaintance  with  you,  for  I  have  read  several  of  jour 
works,  and  have  learned  something  of  j'ou,  from  your  friend, 
General  Knapp.  I  owe  you  a  great  debt  of  gratitude,  for  the 
profit  whicli  I  have  derived  from  your  writings,  and  as  an  ac- 
knowledgement of  that  debt,  send  you  a  copy  of  part  of  a  letter 
of  John  Wesley,  with  which  I  think  you  will  be  pleased.  * 

It  has  never  been  published,  but  I  can  vouch  for  its  authen- 
ticity. It  was  addressed  to  Mr.  Thos.  Eankiu,  one  of  the  first 
preachers, — by   whom  it  was  given  to   a  family  connection  of 

*  You  can  make  what  use  you  please,  of  the  copy. 


558  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  present  possessor.  I  copied  it  from  tlie  original,  one  day  tliis 
week.  It  is  addressed  on  the  Lack:  '^  Mr.  Thos.  Rankin, — at 
Mr.  Jarvis,"  and  reads  as  follo>ys  : 

"  EpwoRTil,  July  2lst,  1774. 
"  Dear  Tommy  : 

^^  In  yours,  of  May  the  30th,  you  give  me  an  agreeable  account 
of  your  little  Conference  at  Philadelphia.  I  think  C.  Shadfordand 
you  desire  no  novelties,  but  love  good  old  Methodist  discii)line, 
as  well  as  doctrine.  I  have  been  lately  thinking  a  good  deal 
on  one  point,  wherein  perhaps  we  have  all  been  wanting — we  have 
not  made  it  a  rule,  as  soon  as  ever  persons  were  justified,  to 
remind  theui  of  ''  going  on  to  perfection."  Whereas  tliis  is 
tlie  very  time  jireferable  to  all  others.  They  have  then  the 
simplicity  of  little  children )  and  they  are  fervent  in  spirit, 
ready  to  cut  off  the  riglit  liand,  or  to  pluck  out  the  right  eye. 
But  if  we  once  suffer  tliis  fervor  to  subside,  we  sliall  find  it  hard 
enough  to  bring  them  again  to  this  point." 

This  is  the  whole  of  what  remains  of  the  letter, — there  is  no 
signature, — but  the  history  of  the  document, — the  well  known 
handwriting,  and  the  internal  evidence,  leave  the  authorship 
beyond  question. 

Diarij :  February  26lh,  1873. — Received  a  letter  from  a  Pres- 
byterian lady,  a  stranger,  who  says  :  "  I  take  the  ^ 'Guide  to  Holi- 
ness," and  also  have  all  your  works,  and  prize  them  more  highly 
than  if  written  in  letters  of  gold;  but  I  see,  in  regard  to  the 
retahiment  of  this  blessing,  you  place  much  stress  on  testifying 
to  the  grace,  when  received.  But  how  can  I  do  this,  when  the 
testimony  of  females  is  not  allowed  in  the  church  to  which  I 
belong  ■?  "  Is  it  not  passing  strange  that  persons  of  intelligence 
should  allow  themselves  to  be  thus  boufid,  when  they  know  it 
is  contrary  to  the  conscious  urgings  of  the  Spirit,  and  above  all, 
to  the  direct  and  implied  teaching  of  the  Word.  Surely,  in 
Christ  Jesus,  it  is  neither  male  nor  female,  bond  nor  free.  To  all 
who  are  made  recipients  of  the  free,  boundless  grace  of  God,  the 
voice  of  the  all-bounteous  Giver  sounds  forth,  '^  Ye  are  my  wit- 
nesses," "  You  know  what  I  have  done  for  you,  therefore  tec.tify 
for  Me.  "  Alas !  for  individuals,  or  church  authorities,  that  would 


MRS.  PHGEBE  PALMEIi.  559 

gainSciy  the  Hejid  of  the  Churcli^  and  grieve  tlie  Holy  Spirit  hy 
retarding  its  operations  in  the  hearts  of  Christ's  little  ones. 

Since  writing  the  above,  looking  at  the  ^^  Christian  Union,"  of 
February  19th,  under  the  head  of  Inquirer's  Friend,"  is  a  ques- 
tion and  answer  which  holds  me.  "  Be  just  as  good  as  ever  you 
can,  with  God's  help,  and  then  say  just  as  little  as  possible  about 
it  J  "  that  is  just  what  is  expected  of  me. 

Let  us  illustrate  the  teacliings  of  the  preceding.  A  person 
in  extreme  poverty  excites  your  compassion,  and  you  tell  him  to 
call  daily,  and  3  ou  will  meet  his  necessitieo  as  they  occur.  Time 
passes  on,  and  you  continue  to  supply  all  the  needs  of  your  i)oor 
dependent.  And  now  an  individual  who  knows  all  your  gener- 
osity toward  the  poor  man,  says  to  him :  "  Go  on  getting  dailj', 
all  the  good  things  you  can,  but  be  sure  you  don't  acknowledge 
it  to  the  praise  of  your  benefactor;  say  just  as  little  as  possible 
about  it."  Imagine  that  your  dependent  follows  this  advice. 
Would  you  not  be  likely  to  turn  your  benefactions  into  another 
channel,  where  your  favors  would  receive  the  acknowledgement 
due  from  a  grateful  heart  ?  God  demands  the  glory  due  to  His 
name.    ''  Whoso  offereth  praise  glorifieth  Me." 

[From  the  "  Guide  to  Holiness,"  Noremljer,  1875,  p.  140. 1 

BAIT    OF   SATAN. 

"  We  be  not  able  to  go  up  .^Profession  of  the  Spies." 

Mr.  Fletciier,  after  giving  us  a  strong  and  explicit  testimony 
of  his  personal  realizations  of  the  power  of  Christ  to  save  from 
all  sin,  says : 

^'  Yes,  I  rejoice  to  declare  It,  and  bear  witness  to  the  glory 
of  grace,  that  I  am  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  and  alive  unto  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  received  this  blessing  four 
or  five  times  before,  but  I  lost  it,  by  not  observing  the  order  of 
God,  who  has  told  us,  *  With  the  heart  man  believetli  unto  i  ight- 
eousness,  and  with  the  mouth  confession  is  made  unto  salvation.' 
But  the  enemy  oftered  his  bait  under  various  colors,  to  keep  me 
from  a  x)ublic  declaration." 

He  then  goes  ou  at  great  length,  \o  specify  what  sort  of  bnit 
Satan  used^  to  keep  him  from  an  ojieu,  explicit  declaration  of 


560  MEMOIRS  or 

entire  sanctification.  The  baits  are  much  the  same  as  liave 
been  publicly  urged  recently,  and  made  the  occasion  of  many 
losing  the  blessing,  but  we  will  not  now  take  time  to  specify. 
Suffice  it  to  say,  that,  after  he  had  received  the  blessing  the  fifth 
time,  and  had  learned  this  wile  of  the  devil,  we  hear  no  more  of 
his  being  beguiled  by  these  satanic  sophistries,  into  the  loss 
of  the  blessing,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  he  maintained  a 
steady  public  profession,  to  the  last. 

This  profession  of  entire  sanctification,  experienced  and 
demonstrated,  Mrs.  Palmer  forcibly  lu-ged,  as  the  plain 
duty  and  high  i)rivilege  of  all  its  subjects. 

Women  of  supjerior  intellect  and  irrepressible  but  wisely 
directed  energy,  have,  fi'om  time  immemoi'ial,  made  their  in- 
fluence on  the  thought  and  action  of  their  own  age,  most 
powerfully  felt.  Examples  are  frequent  in  Holy  Writ. 
The  pages  of  secular  and  ecclesiastical  history,  furnish 
many  striking  illustrations. 

The  mystical  piety  of  Madame  Guyon,  is  widely  and 
deeply  influential  to-day;  as  much  so,  perhaps,  as  at  auy 
previous  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  Chuich.  Susannah 
Wesley  has  not  yet  received  the  full  meed  of  merited 
praise,  for  her  important  services  to  the  reformation  of  the 
"  Keformation."  Madame  Krudener  mightily  influenced, 
not  only  the  Emperor  Alexander  of  Eussia,  but  the  whole 
tone  and  expression  of  Christian  life,  in  continental  Europe, 
during  the  earlier  decades  of  the  present  century. 

The  future  historian  of  the  Christian  Church  in  Amer- 
ica, will  doubtless  attribute  nuich  of  the  cast  of  thought 
and  of  the  spirit  of  active  Christianity,  now  prevalent  on 
the  American,  European,  and  Australasian  continents,  and 
in  every  isle  of  the  sea,  where  terse,  nervous  Anglo-Saxon 
speech  is  the  vernacular,  to  the  writings,  and  to  the  public 
and  private  labors  of  Mrs.  Phoebe  Palmer.  This  will  indi- 
cate itself  more  clearly  to  the  reader,  as  the  record  of  life 
and  labor  under  these  aspects  is  presented.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory  I 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PJLMr.B.  5(5 j^ 

To  Bishop  Hamline,  who  held  her  intellectual  aud  reli- 
gious attributes  in  highest  esteem,  she  wrote  on  the  17th 
of  eTune,  1844,— the  month  after  his  elevation  to  the  episco- 
pacy',— as  follows : 

And  now  Brother,  you  are  by  Divine  appointment— yes,  the 
Holy  Ghost  hath  placed  you  in  a  position  elevated  to  a  degree 
that  eu?powers  you  to  take  an  extensive  survey  of  the  cliuicli — 
her  luivileges,  and  consequent  ohliyatious — her  deficiencies,  their 
oW^/>i  and  the  best  mode  of  removing  them.  I  need  not  say,^ 
what  a  responsibility  !  you  already  feel,  perhaps  too  deeply. 
But  you  have  been  overlooking  your  field  of  labor. 

Our  beloved  Zion  already  lies  out  in  perspective  before  jou. 
And  from  what — for  which  we  are  distinguished  as  a  people, 
— do  our  most  weighty  obligations  flow  1     Is  it  not  for  the 
blessed  doctrine  of  holiness?    Fortius  we  are  niainly  distin- 
guislied.  For  this,  the  Wesleys  were  obnoxioys,  and  for  this,  God 
thrust  them  out,  that  is,  ^'  to  raise  a  hohj peopJe.''^    Now,  is  not 
our  membersliip  deficient — greatly  deficient  in  point  of  expe- 
rience on  this  subject?     I  know  you  feel  it,   and  your  heart 
prayevfully  turns  to  expedients  for  a  removal  of  the  evil.     You 
see  that  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  One  hath  made  you 
overseer,  has  hiit  followed  the  faith  of  those  over  them  in  the 
Lord,  and  oii  this  account,  you  cannot,  with  the  success  that 
your  longing  spirit  craves,  urge  them  onward,  to  definiteness 
in  experience,  on  tliis  subject,  and  in  endeavoring  to  get  at  the 
origin  of  this  evil,  your  responsibilities  burst  upon  you  with 
unequivocal,  irresistible    clearness.     God   says  ^' Begin  at  my 
sanctuary.'''    You  are  now  placed  in  a  position  wliere  you  are 
empowered  to  obey  this  admonition,  beyond  hundreds  df  j^oui 
brethren,  however  commaiuling  tlnur  desire.     Yon  are  invested 
with  authority  from  God,  and  the  church,  to  say  in  the  presence 
of  hundreds  of  your  brethren,  ^'  lie  ye  clean  that  bear  the  vessels 
of  the  Lord.'^    You  are  divinely  commissioned  to  inform  them, 
that  if  they  "  cleanse  the  precious  from  the  vile,  they  shall  be 
as  the  ''  mouth  of  the  Lord.''"' 

Oh,  with  what  unutte\:able  desire  have  T,  for  a  long  time, 
looked  forward  for  an  instrumentality  to  be  raised  up  for  the. 


502  MEMOIRS  OF 

performance  of  this  work.  I  know  tlie  instrumentalities,  apart 
from  the  power  of  God,  are  as  powerless  as  were  tlie  horns, 
llnongh  tlio  blowing  of  which,  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell.  But 
God  empowered  even  those  unseemly  instruments,  and  will 
He  not  empower  an  instrument  so  evidently  of  His  own  appoint- 
ment, as  is  brotlier  H.,  to  the  work  we  have  contemplated  ?  I 
will  close  by  saying,  I  have  a  divine  conviction  on  my  mind,  that 
you  have  been  spccificaUy  raised  tip  for  the  promotion  of  holiness 
in  the  church — '^  for  the  perfection  of  tlie  saints."  The  church, 
ej-e  long,  is  to  be  presented  to  Christ,  without  spot  or  wrinkle, 
or  any  sucli  thing,  and  oh,  how  much  is  to  be  done  for  her,  be- 
fore she  can  be  thus  presented. 

New  York,  October  17th,  1844. 
To  THE  Rev.  Bishop  Janes  : 

Beloved  Brother,— I  am  at  a  loss  what  to  say  by  Avay  of 
return  for  your  unexpected  favor  of  September  30th,  received 
two  or  three  days  since.  I  could  not  regard  it  otherwise  than 
doubly  valuable,  from  a  consideration  of  your  multiplied  cares. 
I  did  not,  at  the  time  of  its  reception,  contemplate  rejdying, 
fearing  that  I  might  trespass  on  your  time,  or  increasingly  bur- 
den a  mind^already  oppressed,  "  with  the  cares  of  the  churches." 
But  some  particulars  in  your  j)recious  letter,  have  been  so  urged 
upon  my  mind  since,  that  I  have  ventured  to  ease  my  own 
mind,  though  at  the  expense  of,  in  a  measure^  burdening  yours. 
I  know  you  would  not  think  me  ungenerous,  if  you  knew  my 
affectionate  solicitude  for  the  church,  upon  the  altar  of  (he  ser- 
vice of  which,  you  have  laid  the  entire  service  of  your  life. 
On  the  memorable  day  that  witnessed  the  consecration  of  your 
service  to  the  church  at  large,  as  one  of  her  presiding  officers,  I 
felt  that  it  was  by  the  special  favor  of  God  toward  the  church, 
that  you  had  been  thus  designated. 

With  unutterable  gratitude,  my  heart  inquiringly  exclaimed, 
"  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord,  for  all  His  benefits  ?"  I  felt 
through  the  abounding  mercy  of  God,  that  I,  with  yourself,  had 
already  "  consecrated  myself  to  God,"  but  that  two  so  deeply 
interested  in  personal  holiness,  and  so  advised  of  the  necessity 
.of  presenting  it  in  their  ministrations,  had   been  raised  up,  I 


MPiS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  5(53 

felt  to  be  a  matter  oi special  tlianksgiving,  and  required  a  return 
that  would,  in  some  sort,  correspond.     In  deepest  prostration, 
I  not  only  renewed  my  former  vows,  but  was  moved  by  the 
Spirit  to  laj-  myself  more  specially  upon  the  altar  of  the  service 
of  the  church,  as  a  whole  burnt  sacrifice,  and  more  definitely  in 
view  of  the  promotion  of  holiness.     I  did  not  at  the  moment> 
perceive  any  peculiar  change  in  my  religious  affections,  so  that 
merely  trom  these,  apart  from  other  evidence,  I  could  have  been 
assured  that  tlie  solemn  act  had  been  recognized  iu  heaven. 
But  from  the  conviction  that  such  a  sacrifice  was  exceedingly 
proper,  from  a  consideration  of  the  occasion  that  had  demanded 
it,  and  that  I  had  made  it  by  the  call  of  the  Spirit,  in  obedience 
to  that  requirement,  I  knew  that  it  must  be  received.     God 
could  not  deny  Himself,  and  on  this  assurance  I  ventured,  and 
said,  "  Thou  dost  receive."     Temptations  to  doubt,  both  from 
outward  and  inward  sources  have  seldom  been  urged  so  power- 
fully, or  assumed  so  much  plausibility,  as  on  this  occasion.    I 
had  an  engagement  to  attend  a  meeting  on  the  subject  of  holi- 
ness at  Williamsburg,  in  the  afternoon,  but  both  my  physical 
and  mental  energies  were  paralyzed  to  an  extraordinary  degree. 
"  You  expected  quickened  sensibilities^ — the  consuming  energies 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  betokening  the  approval  and  acceptance  of 
the  saciifice,  did  you  not  V    So  questioned  the  enemj- — Avliile  a 
state  of  feeling,  both  physical  and  mental,  reminded  me  of  Abra- 
ham, while  watching  the  offering  which  he  laid  upon  the  hal- 
lowed altar,  while  the  shades  deepened  and  lowered  over  him. 
I  reached  the  place  appointed  for  the  meeting,  so  faint,  that 
scarce  another  step  could  have  been  taken,  and  Satan  almost 
every  step  of  the   way  saying,  ^^  Did  you  not  expect    that 
the  corsuming  energies  of  divine  love  would  have  quickened 
body  and  mind  f    But  I  held  the  beginning  of  that  confidence, 
begotten  as  I  have  stated,  and  began  to  exercise — when  more 
than  all  I  had  anticipated,  was  given.     Body  and  spirit,  and 
ray  entire  intellectual  being  apprehended  a  higher  and  holier 
relation  to  God.     A  quickening  impulse,  taking  in  my  whole 
being,   and  hallowing  it  to  the  service  to  which  but   a  few 
hours  before,  it  had  been  specially  consecrated,  was  realized. 
Ever  since,  dear  brother,  my  heart  has  been  more  enlarged, 


554  MEMOIBS  OF 

and  my  labors  more  abundant,  on  the  all-important  matter  of 
promoting  holiness  in  the  church.  To  this^  as  Prof.  Upham 
says,  ^'  I  consider  myself  pledged  and  sealed  forever."  Nothing 
seems  to  stand  more  in  the  way  than  the  want  of  detinite  expe- 
rience on  the  subject,  in  the  ministry. 

Where  this  is  enjoyed,  an  impelling  influence  is  realized 
and  manifested,  and  such  are  more  abundantly  fruitful  in  their 
labors  in  bringing  others  into  this  state.  I  agree  with  you 
fully,  in  your  views  of  the  superior  excellency  of  Mr.  Wesley's 
judgment,  but  you  know  he  acknowledges  his  views  on  this 
subject  not  fully  established  at  first,  and  his  advices  to  the 
different  conferences,  materially  differed  from  the  time  of  giv- 
ing liis  first  admonitions,  to  those  tluit  received  his  last  and 
consequently  most  perfect  corrections.  I  observe,  to  a  state- 
ment of  views,  similar  to  those  referred  to  in  your  letter,  given 
at  the  fourth  conference,  he  appends  a  note  to  advise  that  it  be 
preached  more  rarely  than  justification.  It  reads  thus  :  •'  More 
rarely,  I  allow,  but  yet  in  some  places,  very  frequently,  strongly 
and  explicitly:^  This  was  in  1747.  And  at  this  conference,  he 
also  favors  another  position  taken  in  your  letter.  It  is  thus : 
<'  The  inspired  Avriters  almost  continually,  of  or  to  those  who 
were  justified,  but  very  rarely  of  or  to  those  who  were  wholly 
sanctified."  To  counteract  a  wrong  principle,  which  this  waa 
calculated  to  educe,  he,  in  later  years,  says,  in  a  note  appended 
to  the  quotation,  '^  That  is,  unto  these  alone,  exclusive  of 
others  5  but  they  speak  to  them  jointly  with  others,  almost 
continually.^''  In  later  experience,  in  giving  tlje  last  views  of  his 
now  more  mature  judgment  (1777),  he  says  :  ''  Therefore,  all  our 
preachers  should  maJce  a  point  of  preaching  Christian  perfection 
to  believers,  constantly,  strongly,  explicitly ;  and  all  believers 
should  mind  this  one  thing,  and  continually  agonize  for  it.''''  I 
italicize  tlie  words.  Were  his  sainted  spirit  by,  and  permitted 
to  dictate,  I  am  sure  it  would  authorize  the  emphasis  I  would 
fain  impart.  His  views  relative  to  explicitness  on  this  subject, 
grew  stronger  as  his  sanctified  judgment  returned,  and  the 
minds  of  the  i)eople  more  enlightened. 

And  now,  in  view  of  the  yet  more  enlightened  piety  of  the 
community^  presenting  the  claims   of  the  Redeemer  in  a  yet 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  565 

more  commanding  and  exclusive  form,  what  do  you  think  he 
would  now  say  ?  Would  it  not  be  something  by  way  of 
earnest  and  almost  commanding  entreaty  that  his  sons  in  the 
gospel,  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season,  in  urging^  *'  With- 
out holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  ?  "  I  am  fully  per- 
suaded that  labor  on  this  point  is  no  way  detrimental  to 
the  cause  of  truth  in  the  heart  o^ unbelievers.  An  avowed 
inlidel  was  most  powerfully  convicted  at  one  of  our  late  camp- 
meetings,  under  a  sermon  from,  '^  Sanctify  them  through  Thy 
truth,  Thy  word  is  truth."  Excuse  me,  alluding  to  humble 
self.  Sometime  since,  wliile  laboring  at  a  meeting  exclusively 
for  professors  on  tlie  tlienie  of  holiness,  the  imi^ossibility  of 
final  salvation,  "  Without  holiness,"  was  urged  in  a  manner 
more  like  ''  driving,"  than  I  have  been  accustomed  to.  Some 
persons  cried  out  in  agony.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  two 
remained  seated  with  faces  buried  in  handkerchiefs.  I  inquired 
the  cause,  when  one,  with  an  agonized  look  such  as  I  have  sel- 
dom beheld,  Jooked  up  and  said,  ''  Oh,  I  am  lost !  I  am  lost." 
The  otlier  also  seemed  to  be  in  grief  too  deep  for  words  ;  the 
Holy  Spirit  had  doubtless  been  saying  to  their  hearts,  '^  If  the 
righteous  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the 
sinner  appear,  for  neither,  as  I  afterward  was  informed,  jno- 
fessed  religion.  I  cannot  but  believe  that  tlie  present  enlight- 
ened state  of  our  congregations  admits  of  the  claims  of  Christ 
as  a  full  Saviour  being  urged,  even  in  the  early  stages  of  reli- 
gious experience.  It  seems  to  me  that  it  should  hardly,  at  pre- 
sent, be  regarded  as  strong  meat.  One,  who  at  present  is  in 
stature  and  years  comjiaratively  a  babe,  called  on  me  yester- 
day. For  one  year,  she  has  been  an  exemplary  professor  of 
holiness.  She  received  the  blessing  in  a  very  clear  and  un- 
equivocal manner,  the  third  day  after  unquestionable  conver- 
sion. Dr.  Bangs  observed, relative  to  her  experience,  that  ho 
did  not  know  that  he  had  ever  heard  a  more  satisfactory  testi- 
mony on  the  subject  of  holiness.     She  adorns  her  profession. 

With  the  marvelously  gifted  Dr.  Stephen  Olin,  she  also 
carried  on  a  correspondence,  in  which  the  duty  of  ministers 
t)0  exemplify,  preach,  and  profess  entire  sanctilication,  was 


5(^6  MEMOIRS  OF 

tlioroiiglily  discussed,  and  in  which,  both  parties  fully- 
agreed,  as  to  the  main  topic. 

*  *  *  We  frequently  receive  comnmnications  from  our 
mutual  friends.     Mrs.  H.,  in  one  of  Ler  late  communications, 

says,  that  Dr. is  now  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  i(;i7ne&s  of  Itoli- 

ness.  This  has  heen  tbe^suLject  of  repeated,  or  1  may  rather 
Bay,  of  continuous  thanksgiving  to  God.  For  your  owji  sake,  we 
rejoice.  '^  We  who  believe,  do  enter  into  res^"  Tliis  rest  of 
perfect  faith,  Ave  know  you  have  long  desired,  and  it  has  been 
with  us  a  matter  of  much  prayerful  solicitude.  But  you  will 
not  think  us  wanting  in  affectionate  regard  for  your  personal 
welfare,  wlien  we  say,  that  though  we  had  greatly  desiied  this 
because  we  loved  you,  yet  it  was  our  more  abounding  love  for 
the  cliurch — the  spouse  of  Clirist,  that  urged  us  onward  to  much 
prayerfulness  on  your  account. 

That  the  church  may  be  presented  to  Christ  without  spot  or 
wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing,  sliould  surely  be  a  matter  of  absorb- 
ing interest,  and  we  do  not  hesitate  in  saying,  to  the  glory  of 
grace,  that  for  several  years  past  it  has  been  a  subject  of  intense 
solicitude  with  us.  The  Scriptures  present  this  as  a  matter  of 
sucli  infinite  moment,  that  we  should  regard  anything  like  in- 
difference to  the  cause,  treacherous.  Tlie  ultimate  object  of  the 
Christian  ministry,  is  to  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ 
Jesus.  And  how  eminently  has  God  distinguished  us  as  a 
people,  relative  to  this  subject.  A  dispensation  of  the  Gospel 
has  been  committed  to  us,  by  which  we  are  peculiarly  signalized. 
We  stand  forth  before  the  world,  marshalled  under  the  banner, 
"  Holiness  to  the  Lord.''''  Why  were  we  thrust  out  as  a  people  ? 
The  first  clause  of  our  discipline  most  explicitly  states  the  char- 
acteristic which  mainly  distinguishes  us,  thus  :  ''In  1724,  two 
young  men,  in  reading  the  Bible,  saw  that  they  could  not  be  saved 
without  holiness;  followed  after  it,  and  incited  otheis  to  do  so 
also.  In  1737,  they  saw,  likewise,  that  men  are  justified  before 
they  are  sanctified  :  but  still  holiness  was  their  object.  God 
then  thrust  them  out  to  raise  a  holy  people.'''' 

Now,  dear  Doctor,  you  will  excuse  a  remark  relative  to  your 
last  interesting  letter.  Speaking  of  some  distinguished  indi- 
viduals, you  observe :  "  I  could  wish  that  such  w  ould  preach 


MES.  PHOEBE  PALM  EH.  5(J7 

the  high  doctrines  of  our  creed.  I  sometimes  regret  tho  efforts 
made  by  inferior  skill,  and  low  experience,  to  proclaim  these 
mysteries."  If  the  main  object  distinguishing  us  as  a  people 
be  the  attainment  of  holiness,  in  the  present  life,  should 
we  signalize  it  in  our  minds  as  something  above  ordinary 
expectation?  ^^ High  doctrine  of  our  creed,''''  seems  to  ex- 
press this  idea.  I  say  thus,  because  it  furnishes  an  oppor- 
tunity to  express  what  has  been  a  matter  of  much  regret  with 
mCi  Is  it  not  because  Holiness  has  been  regarded  as  a  "  high 
doctrine  of  our  creed,"  and  therefore,  but  si)aringly  presented, 
that  the  attainment  of  this  state  is  not  more  commonly  reach- 
ed ?  Other  denominations  are  looking  upon  us  with  amaze- 
ment, relative  to  this,  our  one  distinguishing  peculiarity.  I 
know  you  esteem  the  superior  judgment  and  piety  of  Prof.  U. 
When  he  first  became  most  'deeply  interested  in  the  theme  of 
holiness, he  visited  our  city.  One  of  the  first  places  he  sought 
out,  was  the  M.  E.  Book  Koom,  from  the  impression  that  holi- 
ness was  a  matter  of  common  experience  with  our  ministers. 
While  he  endeavored  to  elicit  light  from  the  experience  of 
those  with  whom  he  communed,  to  his  surprise  and  regret,  he 
met  with  but  little  responsiveness  of  feeliu<::.  He  mentioned 
this  to  us,  two  or  three  days  afterward,  with  carefulness,  by 
way  of  inquiry,  and  what  would  dear  Dr.  Oliu  have  said,  in 
reply  ? 

At  another  time,  a  gentleman  of  the  PrCvShyterian  church 
became  absorbingly  interested,  relative  to  holiness  as  a  Bible 
doctrine,  and  as  might  have  been  expected,  h:s  mind  was 
directed  toward  the  IMethodist  denomination.  He  entered  ono 
of  our  churches,  in  time  of  revival.  I  was  standing  in  a  i)osition 
to  overlook  the  congregation,  near  the  door,  when  he  came  and 
stood  beside  me,  and  eagerly  said,  *'  I  suppose  the  most*  if  not 
all  here,  enjoy  the  blessing  of  holiness — do  they  not '?  "  I  hesi- 
tated in  returning  an  answer,  and  have  seldom  been  more 
pained,  for  alas,  how  few  of  the  number  could  be  singled  out  as 
witnesses  of  this  grace.  At  another  time,  a  Presbyterian  minis- 
ter who,  from  reading  his  Bible,  had  become  convinced  of  the 
necessity  of  holiness,  went  to  the  Methodist  minister  of  the 
place  where  he  resided,  and  desired  to  be  instructed  rtilative  to 


568  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  experience  of  it.  The  minister  did  not  profess  to  enjoy  the 
blessing.  Mr.  H.  then  asked  to  he  directed  to  some  of  tlie  mem- 
bers of  his  charge,  professing  a  state  of  holiness.  The  Methodist 
minister  replied  that  Jie  knew  of  but  one,  and  she  was  not  at 
that  time  in  the  place,  and  '*  To  tell  the  truth,"  said  he,  "  I  do 
not  encourage  my  people  much  in  making  the  profession." 
Would  not  Wesley  have  pronounced  this  treachery  to  the 
cause  '?  What  does  it  signify,  that  we  hold  this  as  a  higli  doc- 
trine of  our  creed,  but  to  increase  our  resiionsibilitj^  *?  What  an 
account  will  we  have  to  render,  in  view  of  this  dispensation  of 
the  gospel,  which  has  been  committed  to  us  ?  Unless  we  have 
ivitnesses  to  substantiate  our  tlieory,  what  do  we  differ  from 
others,  other  than  as  the  Jews  differed  from  the  surrounding 
nations  ?  And  is  not  the  fact  that  we  have  not  more  witnesses 
attributable,  in  2>art,  to  the  ministry  1  How  few,  comparatively, 
profess  to  enjoy  the  witness  of  this  blessing.  Consequently,  it  is 
looked  upon  as  an  attainment  heyond  ordinary  expectation. 
It  cannot  be  expected  otherwise.  Eelative  to  the  ministry,  it 
is  said,  '^  Whose  faith /o//o«.'."  Our  dear  brother  is  placed  in  a 
jxjsition  to  •'  Begin  at  the  sanctuarij,'''  and  perhaps  will  remem- 
ber,wlien  so  ill  that  but  little  prospect  remained  of  ever  again 
engaging  in  active  service,  we  even  then  indulged  t]»e  humble 
hope  that  God  might  raise  you  up  for  the  special  work  of  arous- 
ing the  ministry  on  this  all-imi)ortant  topic.  Wliat  can  be 
done  to  bring  this  about  as  a  matter  oi  common  experience  .with 
the  people  ?  Perhaps  nothing  better  than  Mr.  Wesley's  last 
advice  ;  it  reads  thus  :  '^  Therefore,  all  our  preachers  should 
make  a  point  of  preaching  perfection  to  believers,  constantly y 
strongly  and  explicitly,  and  all  believers  should  mind  this  one 
thing,  and  continually  agonize  for  it."  If  this  sacred  charge  had 
been  kept  on  the  part  of  the  ministry,  as  also  tiie  membership, 
doubtless  scores  of  witnesses  would  have  been  raised  up  where 
there  is  now  one. 

As  is  manifest  from  the  narrations  of  Mrs.  Palmer^s 
evangelistic  ministrations  and  successes,  she  was  greatly 
hel])ful  to  hundreds  and  even  thousands  of  ministers  and 
laymen,  to  the  students  in  Female  Seminaries,  and  to  the 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  5G0 

undergraduates  of  colleges  and  Theological  Seminaries,  in 
the  search  for,  and  the  blissM  attainment  of,  ''  liohness 
to  the  Lord.^^  As  believers  in,  and  professors  of  the  grace 
of  entire  sanctification,  they  could  not  but  powerfully 
affect  the  tone  of  evangelical  thought,  and  the  si)irit  of 
active  philanthropic  enterprise,  in  their  respcn^tive'  locali- 
ties, and  as  those  were  so  widely  scattered — of  their  seve- 
ral countries,  and  also  of  the  regions  beyond,  to  which 
so  many  have  gone  out  as  devoted  missionaries  of  the 
cross  of  Christ. 

The  "full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost '^  is,  '^a  gift  of 
power,''  for  beneticent  activity, — was  an  evangelical  axiom 
with  her,  and  with  the  "  honorable  women,"  so  gloriously 
dl^tiiiguislud  by  their  Christ-like  sacrifices  and  grand 
achievements  at  the  Five  Points  of  Xow  York,  and  else- 
where. Many,  if  not  most,  were  recipients  of  the  grace  of 
Christian  ])erfection.  To  one  whose  presence  has  graced 
the  proudest  diplomatic  circles  in  Europe,  as  Avell  as 
brought  human  cheer  and  heavenly  comfort  to  the  darkest 
cellars  of  the  great  and  wicked  city,  Mrs.  Palmer  WTote,  a 
number  of  years  ago,  (letter  undated),  as  under : 

It  is  my  solemn  conA'iction,  before  God,  that  women  have  a 
work  to  do,  beyond  vrliat  they  are  now  doing.  And  may  not 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest  have  a  work  for  yon  to  do,  my  be- 
loved sister,  by  way  of  opening  yonr  lips,—  a  work  beyond  what 
you  liave  formerly  been  doing  ?  So  it  seems  to  me,  and  for  this^ 
I  believe  lie  is  now  preparing  you. 

Is  not  tlie  enemy  trying  to  make  you  think  tliat  the  act  of 
faith  implies  some  wonderful  venture  ?  It  is  merely  taking  God 
at  His  word — resting  on  His  immutable  promises.  '^  Ilavhif/ 
these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all 
filtliiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear 
of  God." 

Jicsfinfj  on  the  promises.  This  does  not  imply  a  state  of 
emotion.  Mr.  Wesley  says,  to  expect  feeling  6r/brc  venturing  on 


570  MEMOIBS  OF 

the  promise,  is  as  inconsistent  as  to  expect  fruit  of  a  tree,  before 
the  tree  is  phmted.  Feeling  is  tlie  fruit  of  ftnth.  But  it  dis- 
honors God  to  make  some  preconceived  state  of  feeling,  the 
condiiion  of  believing.  Perhaps  while  taking  the  first  steps  in 
faith,  a  feeling  of  rest  may  not  immediately  succeed.  True,  it 
is  written,  ''We  who  believe  do  enter  into  rest,"  but  the  rest  of 
faith  may,  in  one  siiuse,  consist  with  conflict,  for  we  are  called  to 
''  Fight  the  goodjifjht  of  faitli:' 

Have  you  not  come  to  a  point  where  you  are  not  only 
willing,  but  where,  true  to  the  Holy  Spirit's  operation  on  your 
heart,  you  actually  do  lay  all  on  the  altar  ? 

I  presume  you  are  saying,  "  As  far  as  I  know  the  will  of  God, 
so  far  I  do  now,  at  this  moment,  i^resent  all  to  God  through 
Christ, — I  have  no  other  way  of  approach  to  the  Father,  but 
through  the  Son, — I  wftnt  no  other  ;  the  blood  of  Jesus  is  suffi- 
cient to  cleanse  a,  world  of  sinners."  Well,  my  dear  Sister,  if 
you  now  present  all  to  God  through  Christ, — all,  whether  known 
or  nnlcnown,  does  the  Lord  require  more  ?  Is  He  a  hard  master  ? 
O,  my  dear  sister,  God  is  love.  You  have  a  Saviour  who  is  just 
now  being  touched  with  the  feeling  of  your  infirmities.  Not  of 
yourself,  but  through  the  aid  given  in  answer  to  the  interces- 
sions of  your  sympathizing  Saviour,  you  are  now  being  enabled 
to  give  yourself  unconditionally  and  unreservedly  away  to  Him. 
'I'liis,  I  trust,  is  now  your  state,  before  God.  You  desire  to  hiow 
the  will  of  God  only  thac  you  may  do  it. 

To  Mrs.  Gov.  Wright,  the  lady  to  whom  the  foregoing 
was  addressed,  and  to  many  of  her  sisters  in  mercy  and. 
charity,  the  baptism  of  the  Spirit, — the  blessing  of  entire 
sanctity, — has  been  a  gift  of  pow  er,  indeed. 

The  power  for  good,  that  Mrs.  Palmer  exerted  in  other 
evangelical  denominations,  was  well  nigh  as  potent  as  that 
she  swayed  over  her  own.  Under  the  eye  of  the  writer,  rests 
a  letter,  with  the  bold  and  x^ositive  chirography  of  Prof. 
T.  0.  Upham,  and  which  is  dated  Brnuswick,  Maine,  Sept., 
1840.  On  the  first  i)age  is  written,  "  Our  visit  to  Kew 
York,  the  last  winter,  was  greatly  blessed  to  us.  To  me, 
X)ersonally,  it  was,  in  religion,  the  beginning  of  days,  and 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  571 

although  you  will  think  me  right  in  ascribing  everything, 
in  its  ultimate  source,  to  the  mere  goodness  and  mercy  of 
God,  yet  I  am  compelled  to  say  I  have  ever  felt  the  most 
Biucere  and  grateful  obligation  to  the  respected  and  beloved 
sister,  who  for  the  sake  of  one  so  unworthy  as  myself,  was 
wilUng  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  a  perpetual  vow. 
May  God  in  His  goodness  reward  her  a  thousand-fold !  '^ 
Mrs.  Upliam  adds,  at  the  bottom  of  the  third  page,  her 
loving  contribution,  in  Avhich  are  the  words,  "  We  are 
happy  in  the  Lord,  and  happy  in  each  other,  and  enjoy  the 
peace  which  Jesus  gives." 

lieferring  to  the  Presbyterian  minister,  before  mentioned 
in  several  places,  wiio  had  sought  light  on  the  subject  of 
holiness,  from  several  Methodist  ministers,  Mrs.  P.  gave 
the  followhig  narrative  of  the  result  of  a  meeting  they 
both  attended: 

A  convention  was  held  in  New  York  City,  (in  the  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons)  consisting  of  ministers  and  peojjle, 
mostly  Congregational  and  Presbyterian.  Some  of  these  min- 
isters came  from  a  hundred  miles  distant.  T!ie  object  was  for 
inquiry  on  the  subject  of  holiness.  We  were  invited  by  some 
interested  friends,  to  be  present.  It  was  at  this  meeting  we  first 
saw  the  Presbyterian  minister,  Avho,  by  his  own  Bible  scarchings, 
had  become  convinced  of  the  truth  of  the  doctrine  of  holiness. 
Here  he  spoke  of  his  convictions  on  the  subject,  and  his  long- 
ing desire  for  the  blessing.  I  dared  not  do  otherwise  than  be  a 
witness  for  my  Saviour,  by  presenting  the  steps  so  clearly  laid 
down  in  the  Scriptures,  by  which  the  Holy  Spirit  had  led  me  to 
the  attainment  of  this  blessing.  The  Lord  owned  His  own  work, 
and  made  this  testimony  subsequently  efiectual  in  leading  this 
minister,  by  the  new  and  living  way,  into  the  holiest.  Immedi- 
ately after  this  minister  received  the  witness  of  the  blessing, 
he  testified  of  it  to  a  brother  minister  of  the  same  denomination, 
who  also,  on  the  same  day,  was  made  a  joyful  witness  of  the 
same  blessing. 

The  testimony  of  these  Presbyterian  ministers  has,  I  have  no 


572  MEMOIRS  OF 

doubt,  been  instrumental  in  enlightening  hundreds  of  their  own 
people,  on  the  subject  of  entire  sauctification.  The  one  first 
referred  to,  has  now  gone  to  the  upper  sanctuary,  but  Oh,  what 
a  testimony  did  lie  leave,  in  regard  to  the  im  jjortance  and  excel- 
lency of  specific  testimony.  The  other  still  remains,  and  of  all 
the  ministers  I  have  ever  known,  instant  in  season  and  out  of 
season,  in  testifying  of  the  attainment  of  this  grace,  never  do  I 
remember  to  have  known  one  more  definite,  or  more  successful, 
in  his  testimony.  As  usual,  for  all  who  are  fearless  and  unflinch- 
ing in  the  cause  of  trutli,  he  has  not  been  without  his  trials. 
Neither  has  he  been  without  his  triumphs — glorious,  signal 
triumphs.  His  testimony  is  now  being  received  among  his  own 
people,  as  never  before.  He  is  being  invited  now,  to  pulpit 
after  pulpit,  where  the  doctrine  has  never  before  been  received, 
and  ministers  and  people  are  pressing  around  him,  telling  him, 
''  This  is  just  what  we  want,"  and  begging  him  to  come  again. 
Oil,  this  is  indeed  the  power  that  must  shake  the  world,  and 
bring  in  the  reign  of  Christ. 

Diary,  JuneSd,  1848. — By  way  of  respite,  and  also  to  see 
a  dear  friend,  Rev.  Mrs.  Dr.  B.,  I  took  a  jaunt  to  Newark,  to-day. 
Dined  at  the  Kev.  Dr.  Kidder's,  and  enjoyed  an  interesting  inter- 
view. Went  to  Dr.  B.,  and  spent  the  evening  in  truly  Christian 
converse.  Mrs.  B.  has  been  in  quite  ill  health  a  few  months 
past,  with  quite  serious  prospects  of  changing  worlds.  She  re- 
marked that  my  visit  reminded  her  of  the  occasion,  whea  Jona- 
than went  out  to  meet  David  in  the  wilderness,  to  strengthen  his 
hands  5  and  she  also  referred  to  this  being  the  last  time  tliat  these 
devoted  friends  met.  If  we  meet  no  more  on  earth,  may  we 
meet  where  Jonathan  and  David  have  met,  and  enjoy  yet 
sweeter  communion  in  heaven. 

Dr.  B.  kindly  pressed  his  service,  this  morning,  June  4th, 
in  taking  me  in  liis  carriage  to  Clintonville.  AVhile  on  the  way, 
he  frankly  opened  his  mind,  in  relation  to  his  hearty  belief  in 
the  doctrine  of  holiness ;  said  he  hardly  could  say  why  it  was 
that  he  had  not  au  experimental  knowledge  of  it.  I  had  heard 
of  his  unwillingness  to  be  recognized  openly  as  a  believer  in  the 
attainment  of  this  grace,  and  I  endeavored,  with  candor  and 
kindness,  to  tell  him  my  whole  heart.     J  spoke  definitely  of  the 


MliS.  PHCEBf^  PALMER.  573 

impossi)>ility  of  receiving  the  blessing  until  reputation,  and  all, 
was  laid  upon  the  altar.  Dr.  B.  is  pastor  of  one  of  the  most  pop- 
ular Presbyterian  congregations  in  Newark,  and  if  lie  would 
but  come  out,  would  doubtless  exert  much  influence  in  favoring 
this  glorious  subject.  I  tliink  the  interview  will  be  a  memor- 
able one  with  liiin. 

1849.  Had  a  precious  interview  with  Prof.  Upham,  to-day. 
Reference  being  made  to  an  unkind  notice  of  his  religious  writ- 
ings, he  remarked  that  he  seldom  read  any  notices  of  his  works. 
He  liad  endeavored  to  present  truth,  and  if  he  had  succeeded, 
he  had  only  been  an  instrument  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  in 
bringing  it  out  before  the  world.  God  being  the  origin,  or 
author  of  truth,  it  was,  of  course,  His  own  work  to  take  care  of 
it,  as  to  its  reception.  He  seems  to  be  maturing  rapidly  for  his 
heavenly  inheritance. 

Kext,  in  the  order  of  time,  comes  a  letter  to  Dr.,  now 
Bishop,  Huntington,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  diocese  ot 
Western  New  York,  which  contributes  to  the  voliiTne  of 
testimony,  as  to  her  influence  ui)on  other  religious  per- 
suasions : 

New  York,  September  27th,  1850. 
Rev.  Dr.  Huntington  : 

Your  letter,  my  dear  brother,  would  probably  have  been 
answered  sooner,  but  I  was  not  at  home  at  the  time  of  its  re- 
cei)tion.  I  luive  pondered  over  and  again,  its  contents.  I  do 
not  doubt  that  God  has  wrought  in  you  a  willingness  to  do  His 
will,  and  i)erhaps,  in  all  prominent  regards  but  one,  you  may  be 
doing  His  will.  And  now  I  would  not  consume  your  precious 
time,  or  my  own,  by  vain  repetitions,  but  I  must  say,  though  it 
be  but  a  rei)etition  of  former  sentiments,  that  you  lack  that 
•^  faith  without  which  it  is  impossible  to  please  God."  If  from 
the  time  you  were  first  empowered  by  the  Holj^  Spirit  to  otter 
yourself  unreservedly  to  Gpd,  through  Christ,  you  had  taken 
the  Word  of  God  as  the  foimdation  of  your  faith,  and,  like 
Abraham,  journeyed  onward,  taking  the  Word  as  expressly 
the  voice  of  tiie  Spirit,  an  established  state  of  experience  had 
long  since  been  yours.     I  would  not  chide,  but  I  know  that  the 


574  MEMo§ns  OF 

ways  of  the  Lord  arc  equal ;  and  "  if  ye  will  not  believe,  surely 
ye  shall  not  he  estahlislied."  Did  you  ever  think  of  the  noble- 
man who  said,  *'  Sir,  come  down  ere  my  child  die  !"  Why  did 
the  Saviour  reprovingly  say  to  him,  "  Except  ye  see  signs  and 
wonders,  ye  will  not  believe."  Wliat  sign  or  wonder  had  the 
man  asked,  other  than  that  he  required  that  the  Saviour  should 
go  down,  instead  of  being  willing,  as  was  the  Centurion,  to  take 
the  word  of  Christ  ?  Had  he  said,  "  Speak  but  the  word,^^  the 
Saviour  would  not  have  rebuked  him  thus.  And  tliougli  the 
nobleman  again,  in  his  earnest  impetuosity,  said, ''  Come  down," 
yet  it  was  in  vain.  Tlic  incarnate  God  did  not  indulge  his  un- 
belief. With  Him  there  is  neither  variableness  nor  shadow  of 
turning.  Had  not  the  nobleman  been  satisfied  with  the  wo7'd 
of  Christ,  "  Go,  thy  son  liveth,"  his  son,  doubtless  had  died, 
ere  the  Saviour  had  yielded  to  his  earnest  importunities,  how- 
ever long  continued.  The  Holy  Spirit  has  begotten  earnest 
longings  in  the  heart  of  my  dear  Bro.  H.,  for  an  indwelling 
Christ.  The  Scriptures  declare  it  your  privilege  to  hnow  that 
Christ  dwells  in  your  heart  by  faitii.  "That  Christ  may  dwell 
in  your  heart  % /«i7/t,"  etc.,  Eph.  3:17.  You  are  commanded 
not  to  say  in  your  heart,  *'  Who  shall  ascend  into  heaven  to  bring 
Christ  down  from  above?  or,  who  shall  descend  into  the  deep? 
that  is,  to  bring  Clirist  up  again  from  tlie  dead.  But  what 
saith  it?  The  word  is  nigh  tliee  even  in  tliy  mouth  and  hi  thy 
heart,  that  is  the  word  of  faith."  Here  the  word  is  personilied  as 
though  it  were  Christ  himself,  speaking.  And  does  Dr.  H.  really 
receive  the  written  word  as  thougli  it  were,  indeed,  the  voice  of 
Christ  speaking  in  his  inmost  heart,  or  are  you  looking  for  some 
sign  or  wonder — saying,  in  your  heart,  "  Come  down  j"  if  so,  I 
think  our  unchangeable  Lord  will  sny  to  you,  '^  No  sign  shall 
be  given  but  that  which  has  already  been  given." 

I  hope  I  may  not  seem  severe.  I  dare  not  write  other  than 
the  honest  sentiments  of  my  heart,  and  I  believe,  also,  you  do 
not  wish  me  to  do  otherwise.  If  unbelief  is  a  sin,  then  it  can- 
not be  for  the  glory  of  God  that  any  one  continue  therein.  Is 
it  not  through  the  prevalence  of  partial  unbelief,  that  my 
brother  is  kept  as  a  servant,  rather  tiian  a  son  ?  (if  such  be 
the  case).     Would  it  not  have  been  more  for  the  glory  of 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  575 

God,  if  yearn  since,  you  had  claimed  your  full  privilege  as  an 
beir  of  God  1 

Scores  more  might  have  believed  through  your  testimouy, 
if  in  presenting  Christ  as  a  Saviour  from  all  sin,  you  had,  in  un- 
wavering confidence,  been  able  to  say,  "  I  speak  of  that  I  know 
and  testify  of  that  I  liave  seen."  As  a  minister,  you  are  placed 
in  a  position  where  the  people  are  admonished  by  God  to  follow 
you,  not  only  in  doctrine  but  in  faith.  From  the  tone  of  your 
letter,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  you  noiv  comply  with  the  conditions 
upon  wliich  entire  sanctification  is  promised.  You  have  bidden 
adieu  to  tlie  spirit  of  the  world,  resolved  to  come  out  and  be 
separate,  not  to  touch,  taste,  nor  handle  the  unclean  thing,  but 
you  cannot  be  cleansed  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit, 
until  you  believe  God.  Christ  at  this  moment  is  in  your  heart, 
working  in  you.  These  intense  breathings  aS^er  purity,  so  long 
continued,  assure  you  of  His  indwelling — His  continuous  work- 
ing. He  now  says  to  you,  ''I  will  receive  you.*'  O,  will  you  hear 
His  inward  voice,  and  not  say  in  your  heart,  ^'  Lo  here  !  or,  Lo 
there  7"  '^  The  kingom  of  God  is  within  you."  If  you  liat^e  been 
emptied  of  self  and  sin,  and  your  house  is  now  swept  and  gar- 
nished, it  is  because  your  Lord  and  Saviour  has  been  at  work 
witliin,  turning  on*  tlie  buyers  and  sellers,  by  way  of  preparing 
your  heart  for  His  constant  indwelling.  He  knows  that  you  can- 
not work  into  yourself  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  His  sight, 
He^herefore  proposes  to  work  in  you.  Do  suggestions  arise  in 
regard  to  the  identical  moment  when  He  will  thus  work  in  you  ? 
If  you  will  listen,  you  may  hear  Him  inwardly  saying  t )  you  now, 
^'Lo,  I  AM  thy  salvation,'''' — ''Now  is  the  accepted  time;  behold, 
now  is  the  day  of  salvation."  Do  you  say, ''  I  cannot  yet  believe, 
because  I  do  not  feel,  as  yet,  any  special  change  f  Neither  will 
you,  until  you  really  in  your  heart  believe,  without  making  any 
condition  with  the  Lord,  in  regard  to  your  feelings.  Cannot 
you  now  trust  your  Saviour  for  present  and  continuous  sal- 
vation, irrespective  of  frames  and  feelings. 

It  is  now  between  thirteen  and  fourteen  years  since  I 
began  to  live  thus,  trusting  in  Christ  every  moment,  as  my 
present  indwelling  Saviour.  Never,  previous  to  my  coming 
into  this  state  of  continuous  trust,  did  I  have  such  keen  iier- 


57G  MEMOIRS  OF  , 

eeptions  of  iny  absolute  need  of  the  atonement.  Every  mo- 
ment liave  I  needed  salvation.  Far  would  I  be  from  saying  tliat 
I  liave  never  in  any  tiling  trespassed  since  that  time.  But  thus 
far,  to  the  glory  of  grace,  I  will  say ;  I  have  not  since  that  period 
seen  the  moment  but  that  I  have  been  so  far  saved  from  self, 
as  to  feel  that  I  would  rather  die  than  knowingly  sin  against 
God.  I  have  enjoyed  the  consciousness  that  He  is  the  supreme 
object  of  my  affections.  TJiis  is  loving  God  with  all  the  heart, 
and  ''Love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.''  David  speaks  of  the 
blessedness  of  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  sin. 
Who  is  that  man,  but  the  one  who,  with  a  sincere  intention, 
and  with  an  aim  to  which  every  earthly  consideration  is  subser- 
vient, endeavors  to  please  God  in  all  things )  yet,  trusting  wholly 
in  Clirist,  conscious  that  his  best  endeavors  can  only  be  accept- 
able to  God  through  the  all-cleansing  blood  ?  Oh,  is  not  this  the 
man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  sin  ?  Why  not  ?  Be- 
cause the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth. — Not  that  it  can  or  will 
cleanse — but  cleanseth — cleanseth  now.  Such  blessedness  I 
trust  is  now  the  heritage  of  my  dear  bro.  H. 

Thanks  be  to  God,  that  there  is  a  time  appointed  for  the 
spiritual  emancipation  of  every  individual.  But  now  tlie 
fulness  of  the  time  has  come.  God  has  sent  forth  Ilis  Son. 
Already  have  we  been  redeemed  from  under  the  law,  that  we 
might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons.  You  quote  the  passage, 
''  To  as  many  as  believed  Him,  to  them  gave  He  power  to  becoHle 
the  sons  of  God. "  Would  you,  my  brother,  really  dare  inti- 
mate that  you  do  not  believe  ?  If  the  Saviour  should  now  to  you 
propose  the  question,  as  to  a  disciple  of  old,  "  Dost  thou  now  be- 
lieve ?  "—would  you  dare  say  *'  No  ?  "  0,  I  am  quite  sure  youi 
heart  would  rather  say,  "  Yes. "  You  would  not  withhold  the 
glory  due  to  His  name,  but  would  sconer  make  confession 
with  your  mouth,  b}-  saying  : 

"  Faith  ill  Thy  name  Thou  seest  I  liave. 
For  Thou  this  faith  has  wrought. 
Dead  souls  Thou  callest  from  the  grave, 
And  speakost  worlds  from  naught.'' 

'^Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the 
dead  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 


MBS.  PHGEBE  PALMER.  577 

tliroiigh  tli€  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  per- 
fect in  every  good  work,  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that 
which  is  well-pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ,  to 
whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever.  Amen." 

I  seldom  apologize,  but  my  letter  has  been  written  at  vari- 
ous sittings,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  mature  or  condense 
my  thoughts  as  I  might  otlierwise  have  done.  I  feel  greatly 
interested  for  you.  God  has  laid  you  on  my  heart,  so  that  1 
may  not  better  portray  my  feelings,  than  by  referring  to  tliat 
oneness  of  which  the  Saviour  speaks,  *^  That  tliey  may  all  be 
one,  even  as  we  are." 

Accept  the  Christian  salutations  of  my  dear  husband,  and 
think  of  me,  as  ever,  your  devoted  sister  in  Christ. 

Diary,  1847. — Prof.  Upham  called.  Enjoyed  a  short,  interest- 
ing interview.  The  Lord  help  me  ever  to  be  answerable  to  the 
vow  taken  upon  myself  wliile  pleading  that  he  miglit  be  raised 
up  as  a  witness  of  holiness.  Surely,  his  having  received  grace 
to  come  out  so  prominently  in  defense  of  this  glorious  truth,  is 
enough  to  provoke  unceasing  and  special  praise,  through  time 
and  through  all  eternity.  May  I  never  cease  to  present  special 
praise  on  his  account. 

To-day  the  Rev.  Mr.  C.  called,  as  an  inquirer  relative  to  the 
way  of  holiness.  He  is  truly  hungering  and  thirsting  after 
righteousness.  O,  that  he  may  be  raised  up  speedily,  a  witness 
oftlie  power  of  Christ,  to  save  unto  the  uttermost.  Tlianks  be 
to  God,  that  Scriptural  holiness  is  becoming,  more  and  more,  a 
matter  of  solicitude  with  tliose  of  other  denominations.  We 
have  lately  been  favored  with  a  visit  from  our  precious  devoted 
friend,  Prof.  U.  His  faith  seems  to  be  gathering  increasing 
strength  witli  every  hour.  ^^  It  is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be 
established  in  grace,"  is  most  sweetly  verified  iu  his  hajipy  ex- 
perience. 

*'  She  hath  done  what  she  could,"  was  said  of  one  in  former 
time.  God  grant  that  it  may  be  said  thus  of  me,  during  the  few 
remaining  days  of  my  life. 

New  York,  June  6th,  1874. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Yesterday  morning  we  went  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the 

37 


578  MEMOIRS  OF 

Orthodox  Frieads.  It  was  a  season  of  refreshing.  It  was  very 
hxrgely  attended,  and  great  freedom  prevailed  in  speaking.  A 
great  interest  is  now  prevailing  among  them,  on  the  subject  of 
holiness.  I  felt  that  it  was  through  the  inspiration  of  the  ever- 
blessed  Holy  Spirit,  that  I  felt  moved  to  speak.  ^'  Where  the 
Spirit  of  tlie  Lord  is,  tliere  is  liberty.''  It  was  a  precious  sea- 
son. At  the  closing  prayer  by  one  of  the  preachers,  she  thanked 
the  Lord  for  hearing  the  voice  whose  words  about  the  great 
salvation  she  had  read,  but  whose  face  she  had  not  before  seen. 
At  the  close,  many  gathered  around  us,  some  from  Illinois, 
others  from  Ohio,  etc.,  etc.,  and  saluted  us  most  affectionately, 
claiming  acquaintance,  some  having  read  the  "  Guide,"  others 
'*  Four  Years  in  the  Old  World,"  etc.,  and  others  having  at- 
tended the  Tuesday  meeting.  So  we  found  ourselves  amid  a 
host  of  friends. 

Neither  the  phraseology^,  nor  the  experience  of  Christian 
I)erfection,  or  entire  sanctification,  won  general  acceptance 
from  the  churches,  either  of  Methodistic  or  non-Method- 
istic  na:ne,  without  encountering  serious  and  determined 
oj^position.  Incredible  as  it  may  seem,  the  Presbyterians 
actually  w^ent  so  far  in  antagonism,  as  to  depose  from  the 
ministry  of  Christ,  in  their  church,  men  whom  they  ac- 
knowledged to  be  most  excellent  and  useful,  and  to  whose 
experience  they  did  not  object;  for  the  simple  reason,  that 
they  would  not  relinquish  the  use  of  purely  Scriptiu-al  lan- 
guage for  that  of  denominational  origin. 

Diary,  1847. — Almost  the  entire  day  spent  in  receiving  calls 
of  friends  who  come  for  religious  conversation,  llev.  Mr.  Bel- 
den,  Congregational  minister,  who,  about  four  years  since,  was 
''  deposed  from  the  Christian  ministry,"  for  his  adherence  to  the 
doctrine  of  holiness,  said  he  had  been  conversing  with  one  who, 
on  the  occasion  of  his  deposition,  voted  against  him.  He  says, 
''  I  now  much  regret  this,  and  ask  your  pardon." 

The  minister  who  made  this  confession,  Mr.  L.,  of  P.,  I  am 
also  well  accpiainted  with.  I  know  tliat  he  now  holds  the 
.same  views  as  Mr.  B.,  or,  I  may  ratlier  say,  his  viev/s  of  the 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  579 

doctrine  of  entire  sanctification  are  the  same.  But  whetlicr  it 
is  his  duty  to  come  out,  in  speaking  of  this  state,  in  tlio  11  so  of 
the  objectionable  terms,  '^  sanctification"  and  ''  lioliness,"  is  the 
question,  and  here  is  where  lie  difl'ers  witli  Mr.  B. 

Mr.  Belden  is  settled  on  the  ground  of  expediency  on  this 
point,  deeming  it  most  expedient  not  to  bo  ashamed  of  Clirist, 
nor  of  '*  His  words  before  this  wicked  and  adulterous  genera- 
tion." Tlie  words  ^'holiness,"  and  '^sanctification,"  are  the 
words  of  God,  and  are  most  significantly  expressive  of  the  state 
in  whicli  God  requires  all  His  cliildren  to  live. 

But  wonderful  to  say,  these  words  are  so  unpopular,  that 
a  denoJnination  of  professed  Christians  cannot  bear  them, 
and  the  Presbyterian  Synod  actually  voted  the  expulsion  of  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Belden  and  Hill,  for  no  other  reason  than  the  use  of 
tliese  objectionable  terms.  Mr.  Belden  said  to-day,  that  it  was 
over  aud  over  again  said,  ^'  It  is  the  terms  to  which  we  object. 
Give  tliese  up,  and  we  rejoice  to  have  you  one  with  us,"  or 
words  to  that  effect. 

When  it  was  said  by  these  brethren  that  these  terms  were 
Scriptural,  and  a  desire  was  expressed  to  exhibit  from  the  Bible 
the  propriety  of  their  position,  it  was  said,  '^  We  have  nothing  to 
do  with  the  Bible  in  this  case.     By  our  Articles  of  Faith,"  etc. 

Different  ministers,  with  whom  I  have  conversed,  who  are 
now  in  popular  esliuiation,  hold  the  same  views,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  terms,  and  of  course  retain  their  standing.  Two 
of  these,  after  having  read  the  "  Way  of  Holiness,"  expressed 
their  approval  very  decidedly.  But  they  do  not  get  into  the  en- 
joyment of  holiness,  and  this,  unquestionably,  explains  the  diffi- 
culty in  the  way  of  the  repeated  attempts  to  exercise  faith  j  and 
I  have  so  told  them,  in  words  to  that  effect.  "  How  can  ye  be- 
lieve, Avhich  receive  honor  one  of  another,  and  not  the  honor 
that  Cometh  from  God  only  ?  "  solves  the  difficulty. 

Later  on  in  the  same  year,  came  misrepresentations  of 
her  doctrinal  opinions  and  teachings,  from  the  bosom  of 
her  ov^Ti  beloved  clinrch,  which  occasioned  great  temporary 
pain,  but  also  produced  great  and  abiding  consolation. 

I  have  had  some  seasons  of  trial,  dee^  trial,  of  late.   The  Lord 


580  MEMOIRS  OF 

bas  said  to  my  heart,  ^^  Take  your  brethren,  the  prophets,  as  an 
example  of  suffering,"  etc. ;  and  great  lias  been  the  courage  witli 
which  the  Lord  has  inspired  me,  in  view  of  those  who  have 
gone  before.  I  can  truly  say  with  Paul,  ''  I  know  what  it  is  to 
be  abased,  and  what  it 'is  to  abound."  My  views  (doctrinal) 
have  been  misrepresented  by  those  who  do  not  seem  to  love 
holiness,  and  are  not  disposed  to  be  at  pains  to  read  what  I 
have  written. 

I  am  first,  now,  reminded  of  this  :  "  Blessed  are  ye,  when 
men  shall  revile  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against 
you,  falsely,  for  my  name's  sake,  liejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad, 
for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven."  And  again,  ''  What  glory 
is  it,  if  when  ye  be  buffeted  for  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it 
imtiently  ;  but  if  when  ye  do  ivell^  and  suffer  for  it,  yc  take  it 
imtientlj- ;  this  is  acceptable  to  God." 

O,  my  heart  is  greatly  rejoiced  while  I  write.  Joy  unuttera- 
ble and  full  of  glory  fills  my  soul.  I  see  now,  in  clearer  light, 
that  I  have  in  verity  been  following  after  Christ.  Especially 
in  reading  these  words,  has  my  courage  and  confidence  been 
greatly  increased.  *'  For  even  hereunto  are  ye  called ;  because 
Christ  also  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us  an  example,  that  ye 
should  follow  in  His  steps. ^'  What  an  7;  owor  to  be  permitted  to 
follow  on  in  the  steps  of  the  suffering  Saviour. 

The  Scriptural  statements  of  the  growth  of  the  divine 
life,  in  the  soul  of  the  believer,  as  understood  by  Mrs. 
Palmer,  one  or  more  ministers  of  the  New  Jersey  Confer- 
ence opposed  as  heresy,  and  taught  that  "  the  soul  when 
justified,  is  wholly  sanctified."  This  drew  from  her  an  argu- 
mentative statement  of  ortliodox  opinion,  in  a  letter  to  Mrs. 
Stokes,  under  date  of  April  22d,  1847. 

You  speak  of  a  minister  who  gives  it  as  his  opinion,  that  the 
soul,  when  justified,  is  fully  sanctified.  If  general  exi)erience 
were  not  at  variance  with  his  views,  ho  might  with  more 
plausibility,  urge  this  unscriptural  and  anti-Wesleyan  view. 
Unscriptural,  because  this  doctrine  cannot  be  legitimately 
drawn  fiom  the  Word  of  God.  It  is  true  that  its  ])artisan8 
affirm  that  it  may.      The  general  testimony  of  Scripture   is 


MRS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  53^ 

at  variance  with  these  sentiments.  Paul  was  writing  to  his 
brethren,  when  he  urges  upon  them  tlie  importance  of  coming 
out  in  entire  separation  from  tlie  contamiuating  influences  by 
which  they  were  surrounded,  and  then  presenting  the  promises 
of  acceptauce  and  conformity  to  the  divine  image^  says,  "  Having 
these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from 
all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  tlie  Lord."  Were  they  already  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  state 
of  holiness,  would  he  have  urged  them  to  the  attainment  of  it  ? 
They  had  not  yet  cleansed  themselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the 
flesh  and  spirit,  by  laying  hold  on  the  promises  to  that  effect. 
Again,  the  same  apostle  addresses  his  brethren  thus,  "  I  could 
not  Speak  unto  3-ou,  as  unto  spiritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,  even 
as  unto  hahcs  in  Cln-ist.^''  Here,  then,  were  those  who  were  babes 
in  Christy  forinspiration,  as  you  perceive,  admits  them  into  adop- 
tion, but  yet  they  could  not  be  addressed  as  wholly  spiritual. 

Much  more  might  be  said  on  this  theme,  by  way  of  exhibit- 
ing wherein  jour  friend's  views  are  not  in  unison  with  the 
principles  laid  down  in  the  Bible,  but  opportunity  does  not 
offer. 

I  need  not  say  how  much  at  variance  with  the  experience  of  the 
most  devoted  of  all  ages  are  these  sentiments.  God's  ancient  ser- 
vant, David,  cried  out,  even  after  he  had  said,  ^'  He  hath  brought 
me  up  out  of  an  horrible  pit,  out  of  the  mirey  clay," — "  Create  in 
me  a  clean  heart,  0,  God,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  wathin  me." 
Previous  to  the  lighting  down  of  the  refining  fire,  on  the  day  of 
Pentecost,  not  only  James,  and.  John,  but  other  disciples,  could 
dispute  among  themselves  which  should  be  the  greatest.  Thomas 
could  seek  signs  and  wonders,  with  various  other  wrong-doings, 
which  most  clearly  discovered  the  remains  of  carnality.  After 
the  full  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given,  strifes,  cowardice, 
and  unbelief  were  put  away,  and  sitting  at  the  feet  of  the  Master, 
in  lowliness  of  mind,  they  rejoicingly  had  all  things  common, 
doubtless  in  love  esteeming  one  another  better  than  himself, 
and  only  vieing  to  promote  the  glory  of  Christ,  in  establish- 
ing His  kingdom  on  earth.  The  most  invincible  daring  took 
the  place  of  cowardice,  and  their  subsequent  history  furnishes 
ample  demonstration  that  the  old  leaven  had  been  purged  out, 


582  MEMOIRS  OF 

and  tlie  entire  transformation,  or  renewal  of  nature,  brought 
about. 

Sliall  I  speak  of  tbe  cloud  of  witnesses,  which  have  since 
aiisen,  thousands  of  wliom  have  already  overcome,  tlirough  the 
word  of  their  testimony,  and  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  the  thou- 
sands more  who  are  now  witnessing  a  good  confession,  corrobo- 
rative of  the  Scriptural  experiences,  on  tliis  point  wiiich  I  have 
referred  to  ?  Clear  as  the  sun  at  noonday,  the  evidence  of  jus- 
tification and  adoption  was  given.  Closely  following  the  Spirit, 
they  soon  discovered  that  the  seed  of  corruption  was  not  wholly 
destroyed,  but  by  going  on  in  obedience  to  tlie  Spirit,  in  yet 
nearer  approaches  to  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  the  remains  of 
depra\'ity  are  seen;  and  just  in  proportion  to  the  haste  of  Ids 
advances,  and  the  nearness  of  his  approaches  to  God,  the  Source 
of  light,  subsequent  to  his  justification,  in  a  proportionate  de- 
gree will  his  perceptions  of  the  need  of  entire  sanctification  be 
hastened;  and  thus  it  is  that  we  hear  of  those  who,  instead  of 
lingering  years,  before  entering  into  tliis  promised  rest,  within 
afev/  days,  discern  their  privilege  in  Clirist  Jesus,  and  exclaim, 
''  We  are  well  able  to  go  up  and  possess  the  good  land."  Had 
Caleb  and  Joshua,  unaccompanied  by  their  fearful  nnd  unbeliev- 
ing companions,  alone  spied  out  the  land  which  God  had  already 
in  jjromise  given  unto  Israel,  and  of  wliich  He  now  said,  ^'  Go 
up  and  possess  it,"  is  it  probable  that  the  Israelites  would 
have  wandered  forty  j^ears  in  the  wilderness  I 

It  was  only  because  of  their  unhelicf,  that  they  were  forty  years 
in  accomplishing  a  journey  which  might  have  been  accom- 
plished in  eleven  days.  Alas,  how  many  fall  after  the  same 
example  of  unbelief.  Strange  tjiat  the  many  who  have  already 
beeu  brought  out  of  Egyi)tian  bondage,  and  are  now  on  the  way 
to  the  Canaan  of  rest,  are  not  admonished  by  the  many  car- 
casses which  have  fallen  in  the  wilderness.  The  hundreds  of 
thousands  which  fell,  of  ancient  Israel,  will  but  faintly  compare 
with  the  numbers  who  have  failed  of  reaching  the  believers'  rest, 
wlio,  in  like  manner,  have  witnessed  the  wonderful  deliverances 
of  God,  in  rescuing  them  from  the  slavery  of  Satan,  in  order  that 
they  might  be  unto  God  a  peculiar  people  1 

To  all  religious  sentimentalism,  Mrs.  Palmer  was  an 


MBS.  PUCE  BE  PALMER.  533 

uncompromising  opponent,  never  giving  place,  no,  not  for 
an  hour.  Neither  could  she  tolerate  for  a  moment,  the 
I)hrase^  "'  Believe  that  ye  have  it,  and  ye  have  it; "nor does 
aught  in  her  teaching  do  any  thing  other  than  directly  an- 
tagonize it.  In  an  article  in  the  "  Guide,"  under  the  capr 
tion,  "An  Absurdity;  or,  Believe  that  ye  have  it,  and 
ye  have  it,"  she  says  : 

We  scarcely  know  of  a  subject  standing  more  closely  in  vital 
connection  with  the  religion  of  the  heart,  where  the  enomy.  of 
all  rigliteousness  has  turned  gladiator,  and,  under  fairer  sem- 
blance of  piety,  made  more  havoc,  than  on  the  snbjecl,  whicli 
stands  as  the  caption  of  this  article.  Alas  !  witli  how  many 
has  the  hand  of  faith  been  palsied.  How  many,  whose  hearts 
have  been  prepared  by  grace  for  the  reception  of  full  salvation, 
are  restrained  from  the  exercise  of  that  holy  violence  whicli 
appropriates  the  promises,  and  are  not  sanctified  through  the 
belief  of  the  truth,  from  the  fear  of  deceptions,  the  wherefore 
of  which  is  nothing  more  than  a  mere  ignis  fat aus. 

.  Who  ever  did  believe  that,  either  in  a  religious  or  any  other 
sense,  the  mere  believing  of  a  thing  to  be  so,  would  make  it  so^ 
The  effort  to  press  such  a  sentiment  on  a  sane  man,  would  ]nit 
to  blusli  his  rationality.  We  know  of  no  one,  neither  do  we  re- 
member to  have  met  with  any  one,  who  would  be  disposed  to 
believe  or  enforce  such  an  unscriptural,  nonsensical  do.,ma. 
Theological  discussionists  must  j^ardon  us  when  we  say  that  we 
never  witness  their  labored  efforts  in  aiming  at  this  ignis  fatu us, 
but  witli  regret,  that  the  time  thus  consumed,  should  not  be  spent 
in  endeavoring  to  get  men  to  a  point  in  religious  experience 
where  they  can  believe,  on  Scriptural  principles,  that  God  does 
receive  tliem. 

Did  those  parsimonious  Jews,  who,  in  ancient  time,  brought 
the  lame,  the  torn,  tlie  blind,  and  the  sick,  for  sacrifice,  believe 
that  tlie  Lord  accepted  their  imperfect  offerings  ?  They  made 
no  attemi)t  toward  such  an  inconsistency.  Otherwise,  they 
would  not,  in  their  long  and  earnest  pleadings,  have  wearied 
the  Lord,  and  covered  His  altar  with  tears.  Had  any  one  inter- 
rupted them,  amid  their  tearful  implorings,  by  saying, ''  Only  be- 


584  MEMOIRS  OF 

lieve  God  will  receive  your  offerings,  and  He  will  accept  them," 
would  tliey  not  have  doubted  the  sanity  of  their  adviser  ?  They 
knew  that  the  Lord  had  said  He  would  not  accept  imperfect 
sacrifices,  and  Miey  did  not  attempt  to  persuade  themselves  into 
the  belief  that  He  did  receive  them.  They  could  not  believe  it, 
without  outraging  their  own  consciousness  or  rationality,  and 
therefore  did  not  make  the  attempt. 

And  thus  with  persons  of  a  later  day.  Witness  those  unbe- 
lieving Jews,  who  were  attendants  on  the  ministrations  of  Christ, 
in  the  days  of  His  incarnation.  His  Omniscient  eye  saw  that 
they  loved  the  praise  of  men  more  tlian  the  praise  of  God.  And 
this  they  knew  :  ^'For  what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man, 
save  the  spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him  V  It  was  therefore  tliat 
the  Saviour,  in  an  exclamation  equal  to  the  strongest  aflirraa- 
tion,  said,  '^  How  can  ye  believe,  who  receive  honor  one  of  an- 
other, and  seek  not  that  honor  that  cometh  from  God  only  !" 

We  have  no  reason  to  infer  that  they  made  any  attempt 
toward  saying  that  they  did  believe,  for  it  doubtless  was  a  well- 
ascertained  fact,  between  the  Omniscient  Eedeemer  and  their 
own  hearts,  that  they  could  not  believe  unto  righteousness, while 
indulging  in  the  known  mental  reservation. 

Neither  do  persons  in  tlie  present  day  try  to  persuade  them- 
selves that  the  Lord  will  accept  their  imijerfect  sacrifices.  Many 
come  to  the  Lord's  altar,  as  did  those  ancient  Jews.  Long  do 
they  wait,  and  in  earnest,  tearful  importunity,  beseech  the 
Lord  to  accept  the  lame,  and  the  torn,  and  the  sick,  for  sacrifice. 
They  con:e  with  known  reservations.  Too  many  love  the  praise 
of  men  more  than  the  praise  of  God.  They  greatly  desire  and 
plead  for  the  needed  grace.  But  when  the  Holy  Spirit  says, 
*^  Will  you  be  a  witness  for  your  Saviour,  of  the  grace,  when  it  is 
imparted  ?"  nature  shrinks,  and  says,  ''How  will  my  reputation 
stand  before  my  bretliren  and  friends,  if  I  thus  set  myself  up  as  a 
mark,  by  such  a  testimony  ?  "  Another  s.ays,  "  How  can  I  take  up 
this  and  the  other  cross,  and  come  out  from  the  world  and  be 
separate  V  Another  says,  "I  may  be  called  to  be  an  active  Chris- 
tian, perhaps  to  preach  the  Gospel,  or  to  be  a  missionary  in  dis- 
tant lands,"  with  perhaps  scores  of  other  mental  reservations; 
and  it  is,  therefore,  they  feel  the  force  of  the  Saviour's  words, 


MRS.  PECEBE  PALMER.  585 

"HcTT"  can  jq  believe!"  Ah!  too  painfully  do  tbey  feel  that 
they  cannot  believe,  too  painfully  conscious  are  they  that  their 
eye  is  not  singly  fixed  on  that  honor  that  cometh  from  God  only. 
But  though  Ave  meet  with  many  in  this  position,  yet  Tve  do  not 
find  tbat  the  struggle  with  these  is  to  believe.  It  is  witli  them, 
as  w  ith  tliose  tearfully  importunate  Jews,  who  would  fain  have 
had  the  Lord  accept  their  unworthy  sacrifices;  but  the  strangely 
inconsistent  idea  of  ]>ersuading  themselves  to  believe  that  the 
Lord  accepts  what  they  know  He  has  said  He  will  not  accept, 
has  probably  never  entered  tlieir  minds. 

We  will  say  again,  that  we  know  of  no  one,  neither  have  we 
ever  known  of  any  one,  whose  teachings  go  toward  favoring 
such  unmeaning  vagaries.  But  v»'e  do  know  of  those  who,  by 
tlieir  excessive  and  continuous  guardings  of  truth — simple  truth, 
such  as  God  has  made  so  plain  "  that  wayfaring  men,  though 
fools,  sliall  not  err," — have  bewildered  and  staggered  the  un- 
sophisticated. Whence  has  the  idea  obtained,  tliat  tliere  is 
Gometliing  so  difficult  and  incomprehensible  in  the  act  of  faith, 
that  so  fev/,  even  of  the  earnestly  and  sincerely  pious,  dare 
make  the  venture.?  Does  the  Bible  present  to  the  sincerely 
pious,  that  the  danger  of  deception  is  so  great  as  to  give  cease- 
less warnings  against  believing  too  soon  or  too  much.'? 

With  much  prayerful  solemnity  we  ask  those  brethren  wlio 
have  urged  the  dangers  in  the  way  of  faith,  that  they  will  care- 
fully searcli  tlie  Scriptures  on  this  point.  See  if  there  is  not  far 
more  said  about  the  danger  of  not  believing  enough,  or  of  being 
fearful  in  faitli,  than  of  the  danger  of  believing  too  much,  and 
being  strong  in  faith.  We  will  confess  that,  to  our  own  mind, 
the  review  is  appalling  !  Alas  for  us,  if,  by  our  mysticisms  on 
a  subject  so  simple,  we  have  hindered  any  from  attaining  to  a 
life  of  strong,  vigorous  faith,  and  in  the  summings  of  eternity, 
find  tliose  whom  our  warnings  have  deterred  from  entering  the 
Avay  of  faith,  reckoned  among  the  fearful  and  the  unbelieveing. 

Diart/y  Fehynary  lUh,  1851. — Wrote  to  Bishop  and  Mrs. 
H^ii.liue.  Our  meeting  was  good,  and  largely  attended.  Several 
from  abroad  were  present  j  Mrs.  Prof.  Upliam,  from  Maine,  Mrs. 
S.  I.  Davis,  I\!aine,  etc.  A  little  cioss  firing.  I  know  of  no  way 
to  be  led  by  the  Spirit,  apart  from  the  Bible. 


586  MEMOIRS  OF 

March  20th. — Mrs.  S.  I.  Davis  called,  to-day.  We  passed  an 
Lour  or  two  in  close  conversation,  in  relation  to  tlie  ''  Higiier 
fitate."  Some  of  my  choice  friends  are,  in  their  estimation,  leav- 
ing me,  and  getting  into  a  higlier  state  than  lioliness.  Lord 
help  me  to  walk  in  the  way  of  holiness,  and  suffer  me  not  to  aim 
at  getting  into  a  liigher  i^ath  than  that  on  which  my  Saviour 
trod,  when  on  earth. 

March  27th. — While  our  family,  etc.,  went  to  the  top  of 
Trinity  steeple  and  the  reservoir,  I  read  Madame  Guy  on,  by  Prof. 
Upham.  Many  admirable  traits,  but  quite  too  mystical  for  the 
imitation  of  Christians  at  the  present  day. 

To  a  Metbodist  i)reaclier,  whose  Presiding  Elder  doubted, 
if  he  did  not  deny,  the  orthodoxy  of  Mrs.  P.'s  doctrinal 
teachings,  she  vindicated  them  from  all  suspicion  of  heresy, 
and  affirmed  the  stability  of  her  faith  in  purely  Methodist 
theology,  while  declining  his  invitation  to  labor,  on  the 
ground  that  she  could  be  more  useful  elsewhere,  in  view  of 
the  hostility  of  his  ecclesiastical  superior  : 

New  Yokk,  May  ITjih,  1851. 
To  THE  Rev.  Mr.  T : 

I  hold  no  other  views  but  such  as  are  received  by  us  as  a 
people.  If  I  am  distinguished  for  peculiar  views,  otlier  than 
those  generally  received  by  us,  I  am  not  aware  of  it.  If  I  really 
were  thus  distinguislied,  I  should  suspect  m^^self  of  being  in 
error.  The  more  I  read  my  Bible,  the  more  fully  am  I  con- 
firmed in  tlie  opinion  that  the  doctrines  of  Methodism  are  the 
doctrines  of  the  Bible.  I  know  this  is  strong  language,  but  I 
am  willing  to  leave  my  opinion  on  this  jjoint  recorded,  for  the 
benefit  of  my  children,  and  the  Avorld.  Yes,  I  will  say  with 
David,  "  This  shall  be  written  for  generations  to  come." 

It  is  with  thankfulness  to  God,  that  I  also  perceive  I  am 
regarded  by  the  autho]'ities  of  our  church  as  orthodox.  For 
several  successive  mouths,  a  voluntary  notice  has  appeared  on 
the  cover  of  one  of  our  church  periodicals,  of  what  we  have 
written,  as  ^^ pure  in  sentiment,  correct  in  theology,''''  and  some- 
thing in  regard  to  the  style,  which  is  a  little  more  flattering  than 


MRS.  PRCEBE  PALMER.  587 

I  like  to  mention.  For  in  all  that  I  have  said;  I  suppose  I  feel 
something  as  Paul  did,  when  he  said,  ^^  I  am  become  a  fool  in 
glorying."  Yet,  in  view  of  your  presiding  elder's  opinion,  1 
have  felt,  a  sort  of  compulsion,  by  way  of  assuring  you  tliat  I 
have  reason  to  believe  that  I  may  be  more  useful  elsewhere, 
than  where  the  person  in  charge  may  not  wholly  approve  of  my 
efforts. 

From  "  The  Life  and  Times  of  Kathan  Bangs,  D.  D./' 
by  Dr.  Stevens,  we  extract  the  testimony  of  that  venerable 
l)atriarch,  to  the  character,  usefulness,  and  teaching  of 
Mrs.  Palmer.     In  his  Journal,  he  writes  : 

And  here  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  record  my  belief  in  the  deep 
devotion  and  Christian  usefulness  of  this  Christian  woman.  Tlie 
prejudices  which  have  arisen  against  her,  have  arisen  chiefly  from 
a  misapprehension  of  lier  opinions.  I  have  known  her  from  her 
childhood,  for  she  was  a  member  of  my  catechetical  class  in 
1817,  when  she  was  only  eight  or  nine  years  of  age.  Slie  was 
made  a  partaker  of  pardoning  mercy,  at  an  early  age,  married 
soon  after,  and  lived  a  pious,  blameless  life,  for  several  years; 
when,  about  thirteen  years  since,  she  was  enabled  to  rejoice  in 
God's  sanctifying  grace.  She  felt  it  her  duty,  as  everj^  devoted 
Cliristian  ought,  and  I  cannot  doubt,  does  feel  it  to  be,  to  strive 
in  every  Scriptural  way  to  promote  this  unspeakable  blessing 
among  her  fellow  Christians;  and  she  has  been  remarkably 
successful.  Many  have  been  raised  up  under  her  teachings  and 
prayers,  as  witnesses  of  the  saving  efficacy  of  Christ's  blood  and 
righteousness,  to  save  them  from  all  sin. 

And  why  should  any  one  oppose  another,  even  though  a 
female,  so  eminently  owned  by  the  Head  of  the  Church,  in  tha 
conversion  of  sinners  and  the  sanctification  of  believers  ^  For 
my  part,  I  dare  not.  I  cannot  but  rejoice  in  whatever  instiu- 
mentiility  God  shall  use  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  And  1  have 
abundant  reason  to  believe  that  this  devoted  woman  has  been 
thus  used  of  God,  as  an  instrument  of  good  to  others.  She  pos- 
sesses the  happy  art  of  winning  their  confidence,  and  of  pointing 
them  directly  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  for  life  and  salvation. 

Some  object  to  her  phraseology.     I  do  not  pledge  myself  to 


588  MEMOIRS  OF  MRS.   PB(EBE  PALMER, 

tlie  correctness  of  every  word  slie  may  utter,  any  more  than  I 
can  expect  every  other  person  to  agree  with  me  in  all  my  worda 
and  phrases.  But  why  should  I  dispute  about  words,  so  long  as 
the  substance  is  retained  ?  I  care  not  by  what  name  .this  great 
blessing  be  designated,  whether  holiness,  sanctification,  perfect 
love,  Christian  perfection — so  long  as  is  meant  by  it  an  entire  con- 
secration of  soul  and  body  to  God,  accompanied  with  faith  thai 
Heaccepts  the  sacrifice,  through  the  merits  of  Christ  alone. 

Dr.  Stevens  adds:  ^'The  singular  usefulness  of  this  '  elect  lady,' 
in  America  and  Europe,  both  by  her  writings  and  her  personal 
comumnicatioii  to  the  Church,  Dr.  Bangs  deemed  it  liis  duty 
to  recognize.  He  pronounced  her  teachings  substantially  or- 
thodox and  Wesleyan,  and  in  this  opinion,  he  had  the  con- 
currence of  many  of  our  best  minds.  He  esteemed  her  as  a  com- 
mendable follower  of  Hheholy  women,'  Mary  Fletcher,  Hester 
Ann  Rogers,  Ann  Cutler,  Ladies  Maxwell  and  Fitzgerald,  who 
gathered  about  Wesley  as  his  correspondents  and  helpers  in 
the  Gospel,  and  with  St.  Paul  did  he  say  to  the  Churches,  ^  I 
commend  unto  you,  Phcebe,  our  sister ;  which  is  a  servant  of 
the  Church,  *  *  that  ye  receive  her  in  the  Lord,  as  becometh 
saints,  and  that' ye  assist  her  in  whatsoever  business  she  hath 
need  of  you,  for  she  hath  been  a  succorer  of  many,  and  of  my- 
self also. ' " 


CHAPTEE    XII. 

ETHICS  AND  ESTHETICS. 

"  rpHE  completeness  and  consistency  of  its  morality  is 
-L  the  peculiar  praise  of  the  ethics  which  the  Bible  has 
tauj»ht."  So  Isaac  Taylor  affirms,  and  with  him  all  obser- 
vant and  thoughtfid  men  agree.  The  completeness  and 
consistency  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  beneficent  life  were  due, 
through  grace  in  Christ,  to  rigid  exemplification  of  the 
rules  drawn,  in  i)rayerful,  earnest  study,  from  its  inspire'd 
pages.  We  may  not  gather  from  her  writings  enough  of 
varied  matter  to  construct  a  system  of  Christian  ethics, 
but  do  find  sufficient  to  assure  us  that  a  system  had  been 
constructed  by  her,  and  that  all  the  processes  of  inner  and 
outer  life  were  guided  by  its  fundamental  principles. 

Christian  ethics  and  esthetics,  in  her  view,  are  insepar- 
ably united, — -joined  together  by  God, — nor  has  any  being 
the  right  to  put  them  asunder.  There  is  a  purely  Christian 
theory  or  philosophy  of  taste  j  an  exclusively  Christian 
science  of  the  beautiful  in  nature  and  art,  that  is  in  perfect 
harmony  with  the  Scrij^tural  canon  of  what  is  right  and 
just.  Whatever  is  in  concord  with  the  nature  and  will  of 
the  Most  High  God,  and  with  the  character  and  life  of 
His  incarnate  Son,  is  in  itself,  fitting  and  graceful, — ''  a 
thing  of  beauty  and  a  joy  forever. "  Whate^•er  accords 
with  rules  of  conduct  drawn  from  the  revealed  mind  and 
will  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  truly  beautiful  and  i)roi)er. 
With  such  sentiments,  no  instructed  disciple  of  the  Mas- 
ter can  quarrel.     Emi^ty-headed,  hollow-hearted,  worldly 


590  MEMOIRS  OF 

conventionalism  feay  exclaim  against  the  impropriety  of 
women  Avituessing  for  Christ,  in  mixed  assemblies  of  male 
and  females,  saints  and  sinners.  It  can  see  no  beauty  in 
tlie  public  religious  ministry  of  til  e  sex  whose  representa- 
tives stood  by  the  suffering  Saviour,  when  all  His  sterner 
disciples  forsook  Him  and  fled, — who  Avere  last  at  the 
cross  and  first  at  the  tomb  of  their  Lord.  Even  the  pro- 
phesying of  Jehovah's  handmaidens,  on  whom  the  Pente- 
costal tongues  of  fire  had  rested,  would  have  drawn  forth 
only  sarcastic  comment  and  denunciatory  remark.  But 
where  its  representatives  could  only  have  discovered  im- 
propriety, indecorum,  and  fanaticism  j  the  angels,  and  Him 
whom  they  serve,  could  onlj-  have  beheld  grace,  order  and 
noblest  beauty,  because  all  was  in  harmony  with  their 
Master's  will.  "Beautiful  indeed  was  the  life  of  this 
Mother  in  Israel,  because  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord." 

By  these  rules,  and  by  these  principles,  she  judged  all 
the  man  testations  and  aspects  of  ordinary,  or  extraordiuary 
Christian  life.  Excerpts  from  diaries  and  from  correspond- 
ence,— with  concise  summary  of  opinion  as  to  woman's 
status  and  work  in  the  church, — are  here  given,  in  justice 
to  her  memory. 

Work,  of  whatever  kind,  that  disciples  are  called  to  do 
for  the  Master,  is  in  her  opinion,  of  spiritual  or  religious 
character. 

Diary;  1347. — If  Christ  were  present  in  the  flesh,  and  I 
were  called,  with  Martha,  to  minister  to  the  temporal  wants  of 
my  Saviour  and  His  disciples,  it  seems  to  me  I  should  feel  as 
if  I  were  as  engaged  in  His  service ;  and  that  the  affections 
prompting  to  this  service  were  as  truly  pure  and  spiritual,  as 
though  I  were  witli  Mary  a  wholly  unencumbered  worshiper  at 
His  feet.  Or,  if  I  were  with  devoted  Mary,  and  clianced  to  cast 
my  eye  upon  the  unprepared  table,  my  listenings  to  His  holy 
teachings  would  he  broken,  by  a  sympathetic,  yet  invisible  cord, 
leading  from  the  Saviour's  heart  of  pure  love,  and  drawing 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  59I 

aside  tlio  tliougbts  and  affections  of  His  T/aiting  one,  to  the 
IJerformauce  of  tlie  otlier  service.  Witli  affections  equally  ar- 
dent, and  as  sweetly  spiritualized,  would  I  hasten  to  furnish 
the  needful  supplies,  and  as  truly  would  I  rejoice  that,  at  the 
bidding  of  my  Saviour,  I  had  been  called  with  such  an  ^' higli 
jvud  holy  calling." 

1  am  not  prone  to  distinguish,  by  way  of  preference,  par- 
ticularly between  those  which  are  called  temporal  or  spiritual 
duties !     Each,  in  its  turn,  seems  to  be  spiritual — 

''Every  work  I  do  below, 
I  do  it  to  the  Lord." 

Even  those  who,  in  the  order  of  God,  are  called  ostensibly 
to  the  duty  of  serving  others,  may  rejoice,  inasmuch  as  even 
tliey  have  an  lioly  calling,  ''  For  ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ." 

January  24f/j,  187L — Paul  beseeches  his  brethren  that  they 
receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  I  see  bow  that,  without 
tlie  utmost  vigilance,  the  grace  given  may  be  lost.  It  surely 
will  be  lost  unless  hastily  used.  Why  necessary  to  take  earnest 
lieed,  unless  it  be  that  a  power  is  ever  at  work,  trying  to  snatch 
from  our  grasp,  the  grace  already  received^  It  has  been  said, 
that  the  price  of  liberty  (civil)  is  eternal  vigilance  ;  so  with  our 
freedom  in  Christ  ;  if  we  retain  the  ground  gained,  and  walk  at 
liberty,  we  must  be  ever  on  duty.  "  Looking  to  Jesus,  the  Au- 
thor and  Finisher  of  our  faith."" 

"  In  Him,  my  strong  tower  for  safety,  I  hide. 
The  Lord  is  my  power,  the  Lord  will  i)rovide." 

January  Slst. — My  soul  follows  hard  after  God.  0,  for  more 
of  the  Divine  image!  Entire  self-ahncf/ation,  as  was  manifested  in 
our  Great  Exemplar,  is  a  grace  much  needed  in  the  mass  of 
professing  Christians.  How  meek  and  lowly  was  the  Prince  of 
Glory,  the  King  of  Kings  !  With  Ilim  there  was  no  llourish  of 
trumpets.  ''  He  shall  not  strive  nor  cry,  neither  shall  Hi/,  voice 
be  heard  in  the  streets,  till  He  bringforth  judgment  to  victory." 
So  said  the  prophet  of  Him  5  and  the  entire  life-history  of  the 
God-Man  is  fraught  with  lessons  of  humility  and  self-abnega- 
tion.    Paul,  in  the  way  of  self-sacrifice,  followed  close.y  after 


592  MEMOIUS  OF 

the  footsteps  of  the  Master.  He  laid  himself  not  upon  the 
sacrifice  of  his  own  faith,  but  a  sacrifice  upon  the  service  of  tlie 
faith  of  others.  He  lived  not  to  x>lease  himself.  In  him  tlie 
human  will  was  so  entirely  subject  to  the  Divine  will,  that  he 
says  to  his  brethren,  ''  Yea,  and  if  I  be  offered  upon  the  sacri- 
fice and  service  of  your  fiiith,  I  will  joy  and  rejoice  with  you 
all."  That  is,  I  will  not  do  it  grudgingly,  but  rejoicingly.  O, 
how  like  his  Saviour  was  Paul !  Thus  may  I  ever  exhibit  the 
Divine  image.  Says  one,  "  There  is  a  moral  in  self-abnegation 
that  lifts  even  the  common-place  to  the  heights  of  the  heroic." 
My  whole  soul  cries  out  for  more  of  the  mind  that  was  in 
Christ. 

Of  family  ethics,  Mrs.  Palmer's  ideas  were  of  tbe  old- 
fashioned  Scriptuial  type  j  ideas  which  have  imparted  such 
strength  and  sturdiness  to  the  Anglo-Saxon  race,  and 
such  compactness  and  progressive  force  to  its  several 
branches. 

New  York,  2Iarch  29, 184G. 

To  THE  BELOVED  SISTER  OF  MY  HEART,  MrS.  MaRY  D.  JaMES  : 

Yes,  beloved  one,  '^  He  hath  brought  us  forth  by  the  right 
way  to  a  city  of  habitation."  I  was  arrested  by  this  passage 
in  your  last,  and  could  not  but  pause  and  exclaim,  "  Yes,  by  a 
right  iro?/."  Only  think  of  a  Father,  infinite  in  goodness,  wis- 
dom and  love,  leading  forth  His  children  by  the  hand !  And  is 
not  onr  Father  every  moment  saying  to  us,  '^  I  will  hold  thee 
by  the  right  hand,  and  lead  thee  in  the  way  thou  shouldst  go." 
How  surely,  then,  may  we  encourage  our  hearts  with  the  assur- 
ance that  we  are  being  led  forth  in  the  right  way,  for  we  have 
committed  ourselves  wholly  to  His  guidance,  and  none  ever 
trusted  in  Him  and  was  confounded. 

Your  beloved  babe  precludes  you  mostly  from  those  out- 
ward active  services  to  which  you  have  been  accustomed,  and 
in  which  you  have  been  permitted  to  see  fruit  of  your  labors^ 
and  have  been  so  much  blest  in  your  own  soul.  Well,  you  do  not 
need  me  to  assure  you,  for  your  letter  furnishes  abundant  testi- 
mony, that  you  believe  this  also  to  be  a  *'  right  way.^''    One  of 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  593 

your  own  sweet  privileges  is  hereby  granted  you,  and  you  are 
hereby  i)ermitted  to  test,  and  also  to  exhibit  tlie  power  of  grace 
to  sustain  in  circumstances  where  thousands  of  Christian 
mothers  are  placed,  and  where,  alas,  too  many  are  prone  to  letgo 
their  liold  on  the  all-sufficiency  of  grace.  How  many  who  have 
adorned  the  doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour,  when  free  from  the 
otherwise  vexatious  cares  of  a  little  family,  have,  when  their 
(luiet  has  thus  been  broken  in  upon,  in  the  order  of  Providence, 
become  weak  as  others.  You  are  doubtless  aware  of  the  opin- 
ion tliat  has  obtained  with  a  large  class  of  housekeepers,  as  to 
the  almost  impossibility  of  maintaining  unbroken  peace,  and  a 
life  of  uu quenched  Zealand  entire  devotedness,  amid  the  un- 
ceasing trial  of  patience  and  untold  care,  to  which  such  are  ex  - 
posed,  in  rearing  a  family.  More  especially  have  I  observed 
those  i)ossessed  of  minds  of  a  higher  grade,  inclining  them  to 
engage  in  projects  calculated  to  tell  upon  the  world,  exj)osed  to 
severe  mental  conflict  on  this  point.  And  here  I  must  indulge 
in  sorrowing  reflections.     I  have  seen  the  might 3^  fall ! 

Now  can  I  doubt  but  that  our  God  is  bringing  fortli  the  be- 
loved of  my  heart  by  a  ^/  right  way,''''  when,  to  the  knowledge  of 
her  own  heart,  and  to  the  gaze  of  the  world,  she  stands  forth 
confessedly  of  the  class  last  alluded  to.  And  will  not  my  dear 
sister  confess  herself  signally  honored  of  God,  in  being  brough  t 
through  the  ordeal,  maintaining  unbroken  peace — unabated 
zeal,  and  deeper  devotedness  ?  Yes,  I  even  hear  you  ask,  '^Is 
it  not  matter  of  rejoicing  and  thanksgiving,  that  we  have  the 
privilege  of  testing  the  power  of  tluit  grace,  winch  is  so  abund- 
antl}^  bestowed  in  time  of  need."  With  m\-  dear  sister,  my 
whole  heart  responds,  *'  Glory  be  to  God  for  these  tests." 

Not  uufrequently  is  it  said  by  those  who  doubt  the  suffi- 
ciency of  grace,  ''If  Mrs. only  had  such  and  such  trials  to 

endure,  she  would  not  so  contidently  exclaim,  that  grace  is 
suflicient  to  sustain  under  all  circumstances."  It  has  even  been 
said  thus  of  the  unworthy  one  who  addresses  you,  and  then, 
when  I  have  been  called  to  pass  through  similar  trials,  and 
through  the  all-sufficiency  of  grace  been  enabled  to  rejoice  in 
tribulation,  I  have  been  told  that  this  was  what  had  been  said 
of  me.     Over  and  again  has  this  been  the  case,  and  I  have  been. 

38 


594  MEMOIRS  OF 

thus  led  to  excljum,  exultiugly,  ^^  He  hath  led  me  by  the  right 
way." 

How  my  admiration  of  the  grace  of  God  has  been  raised, 
by  contemplating  the  cliaracter  of  Mrs.  Susannali  Wesley. 
Surely  here  was  a  mind  of  the  highest  order,  well  fitted  to 
shine  witli  no  common  lustre  in  the  literary  or  religious  world. 
Endowed  naturally  with  the  most  marked  independence  of 
character,  and  original  turn  of  thought,  which  capacitated  her  to 
act  for  herself  beyond  ordinary  abilit}^,  yet  even  an  inspired 
Panl  would  not,  I  think,  in  point  of  submission,  have  hesitated 
in  ranking  her  among  the  favored  daugliters  of  her  who  called 
her  Iiusband  lord.  I  would  not  sully  the  honored  memory  of 
the  fatlier  of  Wesley,  yet  I  think  there  are  few  who  have  read 
the  interesting  history  of  the  Wesley  family,  but  wliat  will 
join  me  in  saying,  that  the  husband's  lordly  prerogative  was 
maintained,  quite  to  the  bt)unds  that  Scriptural  propriety 
might  warrant,  and  quite  beyond  what  the  gallantry  and 
republicanism  of  the  present  day  would  justify.  Wecan  scarcely 
isurvey  the  character  of  Mrs.  Wesley  from  a  more  favorable 
iposition  than  here.  Had  she  contended  the  point,  from  a 
knowledge  that  her  intellectual  capacities  fitted  her  for  equal 
aathority,  how  disastrous  would  the  consequence  have  been 
to  her  own  peace,  and  the  well-being  of  her  family.  I  have 
known  the  peace  of  an  entire  household,  shipwrecked  here; 
and  from  what  I  have  frequently  observed,  I  have  feared  that 
our  republican  principles  may  have  affected  our  American 
wives  somewhat  unfavorably,  inducing  a  forgetfulness  of  some 
express  Scriptural  injunctions  on  this  point. 

It  is  furtlier  said  of  Mrs.  Wesley,  '^  Notwithstaiuling  she 
allotted  two  i;oursin  the  day  for  meditation  and  private  i)rayer, 
no  woman  was  ever  more  diligent  in  business,  or  attenlive  to 
family  affairs,  than  she.  Remarkable  for  method  .and  good 
arrangement,  botli  in  her  studies  and  business,  she  saved  much 
time,  and  kept  her  mind  free  from  perplexity.  Slie  liad  nineteen 
cliildren — (think  of  the  amount  of  physical  suft'ering  and  care) 
— ten  of  whom  at  least  grew  up  to  be  educated,  and  tl)is  duty 
fell  upon  her, — and  it  is  almost  impossible  for  her  children  to 
lave  had  a  better  instructor. 


MIIS.  PBCEBE  PALMER,  595 

And  yet  all  this  might  not  be  pronounced  extraordiuaiy  ex- 
cellence \^y  some)  with  the  advantage  which  wealth  ensures. 
But  let  iM)o  remembered,  that  this  most  excellent  woman  was 
often  cnlhHi  to  gra})ple  with  poverty  and  its  attendant  circum- 
stances, anJ.  surely  it  will  be  said  of  lier,  "  Many  daughters 
have  done  virtuously,  l)ut  thou  excellest  them  all." 

And  now  my  beloved  Sister  James  will  wonder  at  such  a 
long  cha[»ter  on  such  an  unlooked  for  subject,  and  without  in- 
tending it,  I  may  have  taxed  her,  by  way  of  gratifying  my  own 
feelings  in  tracing  a  cliaracter  so  amiable.  You  will  surely 
imagine  my  health  much  improved,  to  admit  of  writing  such  a 
long  letter.  But  thougli  somewhat  improved,  yet  it  is  still  but 
seldom  tlnat  I  dare  take  my  pen,  and  then  only  at  intervals. 
But  I  think  I  can  as  easily  conceive  this  to  be  **  the  right  ivay^^ 
forme,  as  I  can  conceive  it  to  be^^'  the  right  icay''^  for  you  to 
v/rite  yours  a  line  or  two  at  a  time,  with  j^our  dear  babe  in  your 
arms.  I  believe  the  Lord  moved  you  to  write,  for  I  had  been 
longing  and  praying  for  a  letter  from  you.  And  when  I  re- 
ceived, I  knelt  and  tliauked  the  Lord  for  it. 

The  sentiments  expressed  in  the  subjoined  extracts 
from  her  diary  of  June  29th,  184G,  ought  to  be  carefully 
pondered  by  those  professedly  Christian,  but  most  deluded 
parents,  who  send  their  cliildi'en  to  dancing  schools,  array 
them  in  tlio  latest  frivolities  of  fashion,  and  connive  at,  if 
they  do  not  encourage,  their  patronage  of  that  school  and 
sink  of  all  iniquity — the  theatre. 

I  have  been  spending  the  past  three  weeks  at  C.  The  little 
ones  whom  God  hath  entrusted  to  us  are  with  me.  Grod  grant 
that  they  may  ever  in  spirit  be  Christ's  *'  little  ones."  How  much 
their  spiritual  welfare  presses  upon  my  heart,  I  cannot  say. 
Most  earnestly  do  I  desire  that  they  may  be  trained  as  ensam- 
ples  to  believers,  and  fitted  for  labor  in  the  Lord's  vineyard. 
I  well  know  that  they  cannot  be  eminent  for  holiness,  without 
being  eminent  for  usefulness,  and  I  would  fain  bring  them  ui> 
in  the  observance  of  those  self-denying  principles  witli  which 
the  laxity  of  modern  educational  training,  seems  to  be  (]uite  at 
variance.     The  experience  of  every  day  assures  me  yet  more 


596  MEMOIRS  OF 

fully,  that  tlie  admonition  "Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  be 
should  go,"  is  a  work  that  can  only  be  done  through  the  might 
of  the  Spirit.  This  keeps  me  continually  looking  to  the  Strong 
for  strength,— to  the  *^  only  wise  "  for  wisdom.  "  I  will  pour  out 
My  Spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  My  blessing  upon  thy  offspring," 
is  a  promise  which  I  am  ever  keeping  in  remembrance  before 
God.  And  how  condescending  that  He  should  say,  ''  Put  me  in 
remembrance."  Is  it  not  because  He  loves  to  fulfill  His  exceed- 
ing great  and  precious  promises  ? 

In  view  of  parental  responsibilities,  well  may  we  say, 

"  Where  many  mightier  have  been  slain, 
By  Thee  unsaved  we  fall." 

How  few,  even  of  those  seemingly  pious,  manifest  a  single- 
ness of  purpose  in  training  their  children.  May  not  the  precious 
immortals  committed  to  us,  "be  taught  that  the  vows  of  God 
are  upon  us,  and  that  we  are  under  most  solemn  covenant  en- 
gagements to  bring  them  up,  not  for  the  world,  but  for  God. 
How  seldom  are  baptismal  obligations  properly  recognized. 
Parents,  who  themselves  profess  to  have  renounced  the  world, 
and  its  vanities,  and  at  the  sacred  altar,  consecrate  their  chil- 
dren, and  thus  virtually  renounce  the  world  and  its  vanities  for 
them  also ;  parents  who  themselves  are  under  most  solemn  ob- 
ligations to  bring  their  children  up  in  the  exercise  of  those  self- 
denying  principles  which  would  lit  them  **  to  endure  hardness 
as  good  soldiers,"  even  these  parents,  do  nevertheless,  bring  up 
these  ver^T  children,  who  have  in  sacred  covenant  been  set  apart, 
in  all  the  ordinary  frivolities  of  the  world.  Instead  of  a  separa- 
,tion  from  tlie  world,  being  contemplated,  nnlikeness  in  appear- 
ance to  it  would  cause  uneasiness.  Do  such  parents  expect  that 
worldly  conformity,  which  surely  w  ill  strengtiien  with  the 
strength  of  their  children,  may  be  renounced  after  it  has  been 
thus  fostered?  Oh,  may  not  the  blood  of  many  children  thus 
trained  be  required  at  the  hand  of  parents  professing  godliness. 

"  Unless  restrained  by  grace,  we  are, 
In  vain  the  snare  we  see  ; 
We  see,  and  rnsli  into  the  snare 
Of  blind  idolatry. 


IIBS,  PHCEBE  PALMER,  597 

We  plunge  ourselves  in  endless  woes, 

Our  helpless  infants  sell, 
Eesist  the  light,  and  side  with  those 

Who  send  their  babes  to  hell." 

Home  was  ever  regarded  as  the  true  sphere  of  woman^s 
action.  Yet,  at  the  command  of  God,  she  may  and  must 
overpass  its  limits,  for  the  promotion  of  His  glory,  and  the 
bestowment  of  good  upon  His  redeemed  creatiu-es. 

Did  not  feel,  on  weighing  the  matter  before  God,  and  look- 
ing for  Divine  guidance,  quite  clear  tliat  it  would  be  better  for 
me  to  go.  My  beloved  father  still  remains  very,  very  feeble. 
Unless  intimations  justifying  the  belief  that  the  cause  of  Christ 
requires  that  I  should  leave  my  beloved  home,  I  never  can  feel 
pleasure  in  being  absent,  though  it  may  be  but  a  few  liours. 

I  have  many  precious  friends  whose  society  I  much  enjoy, 
yet  never  have  seen  the  time  that  I  could  forego  the  endear- 
ments of  my  own  sweet  home,  one  hour  longer  than  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  interests  of  others  have  demanded. 

Home,  on  the  whole,  or  speaking  in  general  terms,  is  the 
sphere  of  woman's  action;  and  yet  she  must  not  be  unmindful 
of  the  example  of  Him  who  "  lived  not  to  please  Himself." 

No  man  liveth  to  Himself,  nor  no  man  dieth  unto  himself; 
living  or  dying  we  are  the  Lord's. 

The  highest  ends  of  womanhood  can  never  be  wrought 
out  by  unnecessary  household  drudgery.  Many,  in  her  es- 
timation, err  seriously  by  mercenary  preference  of  lower, 
to  higher  work. 

1849.— I  would  be  careful  to  be  just  at  the  work  to  which  the 
Master  of  the  household  has  assigned  me,  and  not  be  dcing  the 
work  which  I  should  be  paying  another  to  do  for  me.  1  believe 
it  more  easv  to  err  on  these  points  than  we  are  apt  to  imagine. 
I  know  a  pious  lady  to  whom  the  Lord  has  entrusted  a  comfort- 
able share  of  property,  and  an  interesting  family,  which  neces- 
sarilv  require  much  care.  With  a  feeble  state  of  health,  she  is 
also  'possessed  of  a  literary  taste,  and  a  heart  inclining  her  to  be 
variously  engaged  in  doing  good,  and  talents  capacitatmg  her 


598  MEMOIRS  OF 

nobly  for  the  work.  But  in  view  of  laying  up  treasure  on 
eart  li,  siie  i)ei  mits  herself  to  bear  unaided  the  cares  of  her  family, 
y\h'At  2)erhai)s  some  poor  wonuui  in  her  neighborhood  may  be 
pilling  in  i>enury,  for  want  of  employment.  She  is  consuming 
lier  energies  in  doing  the  work  which  God  has  fitte<l  the  other 
to  do  for  her.  May  not  such,  when  called  to  render  an  account 
of  stewardship,  find  that  there  has  been  a  misappropriation  of 
talents. 

The  incideut,  next  related,  shows  how  precise  and  posi- 
tiA'e  instinctive  and  sanctified  eqnit}'  Avas,  in  all  her  corre- 
lations w  itli  others, — and  especially  w  ith  tliose  dependent 
on  menial  servitude  for  subsistence  and  home. 

Speaking  of  a  i)ious  lady,  w^ho  attended  tlie  Tuesday 
meeting,  and  who  was  in  want  of  a  servant,  Mrs.  i\  says, 
that  it  s©  happened  that  she  had  a  maid  in  waiting  for  a 
place.  On  mutual  introduction,  both  parties  were  pleased. 
But  the  lady,  who  regarded  the  meeting  as  i)rovidential, 
did  not  get  the  girl,  because  in  view  of  the  girl's  need,  she 
oli'ered  less  than  reasonable  wages.  Another  person  did 
ofler  the  rightful  amount  to  secure  the  servant.  On  this, 
Mrs.  P.  moralizes : 

God,  whose  especial  care  is  vouchsafed  to  the  stranger  andto 
the  fatherless,  and  who,  Himself,  pleadeth  tlie  cause  of  the  poor, 
and  sufters  not  even  a  sparrow  to  fall  to  the  ground  unnoticed, 
pleaded  in  the  order  of  His  providence,  the  cause  of  this  servant, 
immediately,  by  causing  an  individual  to  make  an  otter  of  a 
comfortable  home  and  reasonable  wages;  while  the  individual 
Avho  would  have  secured  her  services  was  left  to  Avonder  at  the 
seeming  contradiction  between  her  faith,  and  the  ultimate 
answer  to  her  petitions. 

The  narration  of  an  affair  so  trivial  may  seem  needless,  but 
the  principle  involved  is  vast  in  importance.  This  little 
matter  furnishes  an  illustration  of  every  day  difficulties,  the 
solving  of  which  might  be  found  in  the  iact  that  faith  becomes 
defective  by  want  of  practice. 

With  such  ideas,  Mrs.  Palmer  could  not  do  otherwise 


MBS.  I'BOiBE  PJLMJir:.  599 

than  abhor  that  "sum  of  all  viUainies  "-American  slav- 
erv  With  Abraham  Lincoh,,  .he  hchl  that "  If  slavery  be 
not  wrons,  nothins  is  wrong,"  nor  could  she  anticipate  the 
ultimate  su.tcess  of  the  national  arms,  or  the  preservation 
of  American  nationality  and  its  glorious  institutions,  inde- 
pendently of  that  grand  act  of  simple  rigliteous.u.ss,- 
Ihe  emancipation  of  the  colored  millions  held  in  helpless 
and  cruel  bondage.  Writing  to  Mrs.  Hamlme,  from  Eng- 
land, she  says :  , 
Though  the  news  of  repeated  victories,  iu  favor  of  the  Umou, 

are  cheering,  yet  the  fact  of  their  being  so  dearly  l'<'"S  't  is  dm- 
t,essing  ro  contemplate.     Dear  Sister  Hamline  -^  «'     ^1.    eij 
dies  liard."  Yes,  it  is  humbling  to  see  its  struggles  for  life.  It  ex- 
c  els  my  anticipations.    Wlien  the  rebels  toolc  np  aims  and 
ma  e  themselves  so  obviously  outlaws,  who  would  not  have 
Tonght  that  the  abolishment  of  slave,  y,  might  have  gmie  on 
,,uiet1y  and  surely,  without  so  much  pandering  to  the  South. 
W^ild  that  my  heart  could  have  breathed  out  Us  sad  thoughts 
^to  every  Aineriean  ear.  as  I  read  of  the  doings  o.  Congress 
in  ve.^ard  to  repealing  the   "Fugitive  Slave"   bill.     For  daj  s, 
sounded  in  iny  ears  as  a  death-lniell   foretell  „s  t   e  sacn  ce 
of  thousands  more  of  precious  lives.     I  do  not  doubt  bu    tl. 
God  of  nations  has  l.-ng  had  a  controversy  with  us  on  ac     . 
this  national  sin,  and  an  awful  convictionhas  rested  <>■     '        ' 
that  thousands,  if  not  tens  of  thous.ands,  of  those  who  aie  Ihsh  of 
our  flesh,  and  bone  ..f  our  bone,  may  yet  fall,  it  w-c.  do  no  ,  as  a 
i!  ,  1  isten  to  do  the  thing  that  is  right  be  ore  God  and  nnui. 
S;arce  y  less  does  my  heart  go  out  in  sympathy  tor  the  hei  av- 
ed  wive;,  orphans,  and  parents  of  our  own  >--  ;"";;"- 
for  those  of  the  South.     Sea.eely  is  it  less  important  that  «e 
^:.uld  hasten  to  be  right  for  the  sake  of  tlK,  ^^^''^^:^^^^ 
sike  of  our  <  rriug  b.  etl.ren  of  tl-.e  South.  It  God  has  had  a  contro- 
ver  y  Wth.  thenrtor  rejecting  the  right.  He  has  always  had  a  eon- 
^ovcrsy  with  us,  in  so  long  winldug  at,  -''If"' ;;;;.!;;:;'--« 
in  the  wrong.    How  cruel  was  the  passage  of  that  l  ngitn  e  Ma  c 
aw  bill,  and  what  atrocities  have  been  permitted  bv  the  Nor  h 
under  its  sanction.  It  niakesmy  heart  so  sick  to  dwell  on  the  sad 


(JOQ  MEMOIRS  OF 

details  of  this  war,  aud  t]i3  thought  of  liow  much  longer  we  niny 
keep  the  hand  of  God  upon  us  by  our  tardiness  as  a  nation,  tliat 
I  plead  with  my  Lord  and  Master  to  save  me  from  looking  too 
much  on  the  sad  picture,  otherwise  I  should  be  disabled  for  the 
work  He  has  given  me  to  do  here. 

Christianity  is  not  Commnnism ;  neither  does  equality 
before  law, — human  and  Divine, — dimply  the  levelling  of 
distinctions  rendered  necessary  by  the  unequal  distribu- 
tion of  natural  and  pro^idential  gifts.  Diversified  in- 
equalities may  all  be  beneficently  adjusted  to  the  good  of 
each  individual  in  every  class,  when  all  are  permeated  by 
the  spirit  of  pure  and  operative  love. 

September  22d,  1847,  writing  of  a  lady  friend  w^ho  had 
become  worldly  and  fashionable,  she  says : 

Tliis  dear  friend,  whom  tlie  Lord  made  me  instrumental  in 
leading  into  tlie  injoyment  of  lioliness,  has  now  fallen  from 
this  state,  and  is  again  conformed  to  the  world,  aud  is  seemingly 
in  bondage  to  its  customs. 

Riches,  if  rightly  used,  are  a  blessing.  They  furnish  its 
possessor  ability  for  laying  up  treasure  in  heaven.  But  unless 
the  possessor  holds  them  as  sacred  responsibilities,  for  which 
an  account  of  stew^ardship  must  be  rendered,  they  are  a  curse. 
I  should  like  to  have  a  faithful  ambassador  preach  from  the 
text,  ''Go  to,  ye  rich  men!  howl  and  weep  for  the  miseries 
which  are  to  come  upon  j^ou,"  etc. 

Yet,  I  have  no  sympatliy  with  that  querulous  spirit  wliich  is 
ever  denouncing  tlie  rich,  merely  because  they  are  so  ;  or  per- 
liaps  oftener  than  otherwise,  because  the  denouncer  is  not 
possessed  of  tlie  same  means,  and  who,  were  he  possessed  of  them, 
would  be  less  faithful  than  those  whom  he  denounces. 

There  are  gradations  in  society  which  always  have  been,  and 
doubtless  always  will  be,  till  the  end  of  time. 

Abraham  was  rich,  and  yet  was  the  lather  of  tlie  faithful  j 
and  eminently,  the  friend  of  God.  David,  King  of  Israel  was 
h.  man  after  God's  own  heart.  Joseph  of  Arimathea  was  a  rich 
man,  and  after  the  cowardly  fishermen  had  forsaken  their  Mas- 


MUS.  PE(EBE  PALMEB.  (JQX 

ter  in  His  hour  of  greatest  peril,  this  rich  disciple  went  l)ohlly, 
and  manifesting  a  devotion  which  had  outlived  reproach,  ehame^ 
and  even  death  itself,  craved  the  body  of  Jesus. 

If  there  were  no  such  gradations  as  master  and  servant  re- 
cognized by  God,  why  were  advices  suited  to  those  in  tliese  dif- 
ferent relations  given  by  tlie  express  dictation  of  the  Spirit  t 
If  these  gradations  are  recognized,  then  the  distinctions  which 
mark  them  seem  to  be  in  some  sort  inevitable.  But  these  are 
nice  points,  and  the  ''  wisdom  which  cometh  from  above  is  nec- 
essary." 

They  that  are  rich  in  this  world,  especially  need  to  be 
charged  ''  that  the^'  be  not  high  minded  nor  trust  in  uncertain 
riches." 

To  extravagance  and  folly  in  dress,  furniture,  sump- 
tuary provision,  company,  domestic  and  ecclesiastical  archi- 
tecture, Mrs.  Palmer  was  a  i)ersistent  and  j^rincipled 
antagonist,  for  the  reason  that  they  are  opposed  to  the 
simplicity  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  self-denying,  utilitarian 
spirit  of  our  holy  religion.  To  Bishop  and  JVlrs.  Hamline, 
she  wrote  on  May  30th,  1850 : 

I  arose  from  writing  my  last,  and  went  to  attend  Quaker 
meeting,  for  the  first  time  in  my  life.  After  a  solemn  pause  of 
about  twenty  minutes,  a  man  arose  from  among  those  seated 
as  ministers,  and  spoke  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  from  the 
words,  ''  And  at  the  last  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and 
cried,"  etc.  About  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  then  passed  in  solemn 
silence,  when  a  female  minister  arose,  and  spoke  from  a  text 
involving  the  duty  of  entire  devoted ness ;  I  think  it  was,  ^^  Ye 
are  not  your  own,"  etc.  She  also  spoke  fifteen  or  twenty  min- 
utes, with  some  warmth,  and  doubtless  felt  in  her  heart  the 
force  of  the  obligations  whereof  she  spoke.  Afterward  another 
female  minister,  in  a  gentle  singing  tone,  announced  her  text, 
"  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0  Zion,"  etc  ;  and  for  about 
another  twenty  minutes, discoursed  of  sweet  and  pious  things. 
A  few  minutes*  pause,  and  then  another  minister,  sitting  at  the 
head,  arose,   and  solenily   knelt  in  prayer,  when  the  whole 


(502  MEMOIRS  OF 

congregation  simultaneously  arose  to  their  feet,  and  continued 
standing  during  a  prayer  of  about  seven  minutes.  About  five 
minutes  more  were  spent  in  silent  musings,  when  the  liead 
minister  extended  his  hand  to  his  neighbor,  and  tlie  company 
arose  to  separate.  I  imagine  I  was  singularly  fortunate  to  have 
heard  so  much,  and  to  have  had  the  privilege  of  uniting  in 
prayer  with  these  Friends.  But  you  must  not  conclude  that  I 
have  been  won  over.  I  certainly  do  admire  their  sweet,  quiet 
manner,  their  simplicity  in  dress,  tlieir  plain  unexp -nsive 
meeting-houses,  and  think,  in  this,  that  the  dignity  of  their 
position  is  quite  beyontl  ourselves. 

I  do  nottliink  that  tliey  would  accept  of  a  ninety  thousand 
dollar  meeting-house,  tliough  it  were  ottered  them  at  half  piico  j 
and  they  certainly  do  exhibit  a  detachment  from  the  world,  as 
though  not  of  the  world,  and  undesirous  of  winning  its  favor, 
at  the  expense  of  the  dangerous  expedient  of  coming  near  to  it 
in  conformity.  No,  I  was  not  won  over,  but  I  thought  what 
wonderful  things  we  as  a  people  might  do,  if,  with  our  glorious 
Bible  doctrines,  and  far  greater  facilities  for  doing  good,  we 
were  more  careful  to  retain  our  simplicity.  T  think  we  come 
down  from  the  high  pot:ition  in  which  God  has  placed  us,  wjien 
we  ape  after  the  world  and  after  wordly  conformed  denomina- 
tions, in  eitlier  our  personal  decorations,  or  in  building  splendid 
liouses  of  worship.  B::t  I  do  grow  yet  more  in  love  with  the 
early  principles  of  Methodism.  It  is  my  belief  that  there  has 
never  been  a  system  which,  in  all  its  minuiiw,  will  so  well  bear 
the  light  when  brought  to  the  law  and  the  testimony.  It  is  only 
for  us  to  adhere  closely  to  the  doctrines  and  principles  of 
Methodism,  and  never,  I  imagine,  shall  we  find  ourselves  in 
a  dilemma  where  we  may  not  extricate  ourselves  by  a  refer- 
ence to  the  Bible. 

The  Christian,  though  not  of  the  worid,  is  nevertheless 
in  the  worid ;  and  such  being  the  case,  it  is  his  duty,  by 
Divine  ordinance,  to  discharge  all  relative  obligations  in 
the  ijosition  to  which  God,  iu  His  providence,  has  called 
him.  This  view  of  the  case  we  see  her  striving  to  impress 
on  the  mind  of  a  reluctant  Listener,  who  had  been  drawn 


MRS.  PHCEDE  PALMEK.  (5Q3 

into  the  sin^ilar  and  abnormal  life  recommended  by  the 
insane  and  fanatical  Ann  Lee. 

Diary,  1847. — After  class,  went  to  see  Mrs.  Pillow,  who  lias 
lately  leturiied  fiom  a  lesidence  (of  mouths  I  believe)  among 
the  ^'  Shakers."  She  liad  become  so  far  deluded,  dining  her 
residence  with  them,  that  she  renounced  all  earthly  obligations 
to  her  husband  and  family,  and  the  pursuasions  of  a  hind  hus- 
band were  unavailing,  in  urging  her  return.  His  only  alterna- 
tive was  to  take  out  a  writ,  and  demand  her  person  by  law. 

At  the  desire  of  her  husband,  I  visited  her.  I  urged  the 
text,  2  Tim.  2  :  25,  2G.  But  alas,  how  fully  Satan  seems  to  have 
accomplished  his  transformations  with  this  once  hai)py  child  of 
God.  O,  how  dangerous  is  the  least  departure  from  the  Written 
Word.  A  dependence  on  revelations  or  anything  not  fully  sanc- 
tioned,— who  can  tell  where  the  evil  of  such  a  dependence  may 
end  ?  I  urged  the  authority  of  the  plain  Written  Word,  relative 
to  the  duties  which  she  had  renounced,  and  she  infornie<l  me 
that  the  ShaJdng  Quakers  had  received  superior  light  in  refer- 
ence to  these  subjects,  and  revelations  in  connection  with  them, 
which  the  '^  Children  of  this  world"  (of  which  she  regards  me 
as  being  one)  could  not  apprehend. 

I  assured  her  that  if  they  gained  this  superior  light  by  add- 
ing their  revelations  to  make  up  the  amount  of  God's  require- 
ments by  the  testimony  of  the  Scriptures  tljemselves,  they  were 
condemned.  The  volume  of  revelation  being  closed,  God  had 
now  declared, ''  If  any  man  shall  add  to  the  words  of  this  Book, 
God  shall  add  to  him  the  plagues  written  in  this  Book,  or,  if 
any  man  shall  take  away  from  tiie  words  of  this  Book,  God  shall 
take  away  his  part  out  of  the  book  of  life,"  etc.  And,  no 
prophecy  of  the  Scrif)ture  being  of  any  private  interpretation, 
I  conceived  it  to  be  impossible  that  they  should  have  light  on 
the  Scriptures  which  any  other  disciple  of  Jesus  might  not 
have. 

I  spent  perhaps  an  hour,  with  seemingly  but  little  profit,  in 
urging  Mrs.  P.  to  the  importance  of  keeping  close  to  the  rc- 
vealed  will  of  God,  as  recorded  in  the  Bible,  witli  perhaps  little 
other  benefit  than  that  of  driving  her  to  the  conclusion  that  she 


(;()4  MEMOIRS  OF 

must  have  required  something  beside  Scripture,  in  bringing  her 
to  embrace  such  a  faith.  I  left,  deeply  convinced  of  the  danger 
of  stepping  aside,  in  the  smallest  degree,  from  the  Written  TTord, 
assured  that  such  a  remove,  however  small,  is  getting  on 
Satan's  ground,— just  where  he  claims  as  his  right,  the  privi- 
lege of  carrying  us  away  with  every  wind  of  doctrine. 

At  one  point,  of  no  slight  importance  to  modern  society, 
Mrs.  Palmer  and  the  would-be  Shakeress  drew  much  nearer 
to  each  other  than  was  possible  to  the  former,  in  cardinal 
matters  of  faith  and  practice.  It  was  that  of  dress.  Mrs. 
P.  did  unfeignedly  admire  an  external  array  that  bespoke 
the  purity,  modesty,  simplicity,  and  good  Christian  sense 
of  the  wearer,  as  is  obvious  from  an  entry  in  her  journal, 
under  date  of  September  30th,  1874. 

Mrs.  G.,  of  Sullivan  Street  Church,  called  a  few  months 
ago.  She  was  a  fashionably  attired  professor.  To-day  her  ex- 
terior is  that  of  an  humble,  decided  disciple.  Her  very  coun- 
tenance, in  keeping  wilh  her  dress,  bespeaks  Ihat  of  one  sit- 
ting at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  •^clothed  with  humility."  On  in(piir- 
ing  into  the  state  of  lier  mind,  I  found  tliat  it  liad  undergone 
as  thorough  a  transformation,  as  that  of  her  person.  She  liad 
been  ^*  transformed  by  tlic  renewing  of  lier  mind."  How  strange 
that  readers  of  the  Bible  should  say  that  dress  has  nothing  to 
do  with  religion. 

Sister  G.  is  now  a  very  decided,  whole-hearted  follower  of 
Christ.  Since  she  laid  aside  every  weight,  the  eyes,  of  many  are 
upon  lier.  Fault  has  been  found  with  her,  among  some  of  her 
nearest  connections,  for  icaste,  in  laying  aside  things  which  were 
costly  J  and  this  among  those  who  profess  religion, — forgetful 
that  the  Bible  forbids  costly  array. 

The  books  which  were  burned,  by  those  who  had  newly  es- 
poused the  cause,  in  the  days  of  Paul,  might  doubtless  have 
been  sold  to  those  who  still  adhered  to  the  faith  of  which  they 
treated,  and  thus  have  brought  some  gain  to  their  owners, 
while  the  pernicious  tendency  of  these  unhallowed  publications 
might  still  have  gone  on  poisoning  other  minds. 


MES.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  505 

But  these  converts  to  truth  were,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  taught  a 
better  lesson.  The  proper  principle  was  that  upon  whicli 
David  practised,  i.  e.,  ^^  Shall  I  sacrifice  that  which  shall  cost 
me  nothing  T' 

Long  years  brought  no  change  of  ethical  or  esthetic 
opinion  on  the  subject  of  dress.  Previous  to  Mrs.  Palmer's 
severe  illness,  in  answer  to  a  question  relative  to  it,  she 
wrote  the  following  article,  culled  from  the  "  Guide  to 
HoUness,"  for  February,  1875. 

You  ask  my  opinion  in  regard  to  the  world,  in  dress  and 
wearing  of  gold,  and  observe  tliat  yon  have  not,  in  my  published 
writings,  met  with  my  opinion  on  this  subject.  The  wearing  of 
gold,  when  the  object  is  mere  adornment,  is  wrong.  The  Bible 
plainly  forbids  it.  ''  Whose  adorning  let  it  not  be  the  wearing 
of  gold  and  pearls  and  costly  array."  The  Bible  also  forbids 
conformity  to  the  world,  which  I  conceive  to  mean  a  fashion- 
able exterior,  which,  certainly,  ill  becomes  the  gravity  which 
should  distinguish  the  Christian  lady,  our  enemies  themselves 
being  judges.  Even  worldlings  seem  to  expect  more  dignified 
exhibitions  of  the  high  calling  of  the  Christian,  than  a  mere 
fashionable  appearance  would  seem  to  suggest.  In  treating  on 
this  subject,  I  wish  to  be  governed  by  the  Bible  mode.  If  we 
may  only  succeed  in  getting  the  heart  right,  then  we  may  liope 
to  see  dress,  and  every  other  particular,  transformed  by  the  re- 
newing of  the  mind.  But  if  the  heart  be  not  fully  transformed, 
to  the  degree  it  is  not,  then  all  these  minor  matters  are  looked 
at  through  a  wrong  medium.  But  after  all  within  is  made  con- 
formable to  the  will  of  God,  then  we  may  hope  to  see  all  with- 
out conformable  to  His  will ',  for  *'  out  of  the  heart  are  the  issues 
of  life."  Diess  may  be  considered  an  index  to  the  mind.  And 
how  unseemly  in  the  eye  of  God,  angels  and  men,  that  a  hal- 
lowed temple,  which,  through  the  Spirit,  has  been  made  a  habi- 
tation for  a  God,  should  be  adorned  as  though  it  were  set  apart 
as  a  heathen  temple  for  the  God  of  this  world,  with  gold  and 
pearls  and  costly  array.  The  body  of  the  believer  is  a  temple 
for  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  what  agreement  hath  the  temple  of 
God  with  idols  ?     It  is  a  blessed  truth,  that  the  religion  of  our 


606  MEMOItiS  OF 

Lord  Jesus  Christ  enjoins  ^Ylultsoever  things  are  pure  and 
lov(ly,  and  of  good  report.  And  a  lovely,  pure,  simple  and  un- 
costly attire,  to  my  mind,  answers  the  Scriptural  idea  of  dress. 

To  religious  romance,  Mrs.  Palmer  cherislied  au  invet- 
erate antipathy.  Without  doubt  it  has  diffused  the})erni- 
cious  poison  of  subtle  and  deadly  worldliness,  through  the 
visible  body  of  Christ. 

Diary,  August  Slst,  1257. — This  afternoon  we  have  been  out 
on  a  pleasant  little  excursion,  ou  tlie  Boston  and  Maine  Kail 
Road.  We  Avent  as  far  ab  Andover:  called  on  the  far-famed 
Mrs.  H,  B.  Stowe;  found  her  homej  and  enjoyed  a  pleasant  lit- 
tle interview  of  about  an  hour  and  a  half.  She  lias  recently 
lost  a  promising  son,  about  twenty  years  of  age.  He  came  to 
an  untimely  end,  by  drowning.  0,  how  important  that  our 
children,  with  ourselves,  should  stand  ever  prepared,  at  a  mo- 
ment's wandng.  "  In  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of 
Man  Cometh."  My  object  in  going  to  see  Mrs.  Stowe,  was  in 
view  of  enjoying  a  close  religious  interview.  The  tirst  I  ever 
heard  that  there  was  such  a  person  as  Mrs.  Stowe,  was  some 
eight  or  nine  years  ago,  by  a  letter  received  from  Miss  Catherine 
Beecher,  the  sister  of  Mrs.  Stowe.  At  that  time  I  received 
several  letters  from  Miss  Beecher,  iu  connection  with  her  edu- 
cational enterprise.  In  the  lii-st  of  these  letters,  Miss  B. 
speaks  of  a  jirevious  acquaintance  with  me,  by  reputation,  hav- 
ing become  interested  in  reading  the  ^'  Way  of  Holiness."  She 
also  mentioned  the  name  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  H.  B.  Stawe,  as 
interested  in  the  same  work.  But  I  have  always  had  misgiv- 
ings in  regard  to  Mrs.  Stowe's  fictitious  Avritings,  presenting,  as 
they  do,  in  many  portions,  religious  experiences  in  a  fictitious 
garb.  It  always  seems  to  me  like  doing  evil  that  good  may 
come  5  or,  in  other  words,  like  the  ancient  Jews,  who  feared  the 
Lord,  and  served  their  own  gods, — who,  for  their  idohitrous 
practices,  were  subjected  to  Divine  displeasure,  and  scattered 
abroad.  And  when  thus  scattered  .abroad,  among  their  enemies, 
though  they  did  not  utterly  abandon  themselves  to  idolatrous 
practices,  yet  they  did  not  set  an  example  of  proper  or  accept- 
able God-fearing  worship.     They  feared  the  Lord,  r.nd  serveil 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  (J()7 

their  own  gods  —yes,  served  their  own  gods :  and  surely  His  serv- 
ants wc  are,  whom  we  serve.  So  common  and  so  popular  now,  has 
fictitious  religious  literature  become,  that  is,  tlie  practice  of 
putting  the  most  sacred  leligious  utterance,  into  acknowledged 
romance,  that  it  has  created  in  the  minds  of  tlie  community,  a 
sort  of  uncertainty  in  the  reception  of  all  religious  literature, 
with  the  exception  of  the  ever-blessed  volume,  the  Holy 
Bible, — Book  Divine.  It  has  also  been  the  means  of  an  unholy 
blending  of  religious  and  irreligious  practices.  Thousands  of 
professors  now  attend  the  theatre,  who,  before  the  appearance 
of  "  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,*'  would  have  abhorred  the  thought,  as 
utterly  at  variance  with  their  religious  profession.  And  it  is 
thus  the  little  leaven  is  leavening  the  whole  lump,  and  the  concord 
between  Christ  and  Belial  seems  to  have  become  identified  in 
the  minds  of  thousands  of  tlie  professedly  Christian  community. 
I  think  these  results  were  farthest  from  the  contemplations  of 
Mrs.  Stowe,  when  she  began  to  blend  truth,  in  apparently  such 
a  pious  manner,  with  fiction.  But  nothing  is  more  certain  than 
that  God  does  not  require  our  lie  to  His  glory,  and  the  attempt 
to  practice  after  this  sort,  must  inevitably  result  in  unending 
evils.  Who  can  tell  how  many  souls  may  thus  be  turned  aside 
from  the  path  of  strict  rectitude, — being  led  to  take  the  first 
step  as  wanderers  from  their  Father's  house?  Alas  !  and,  who 
will  bring  them  back, — will  Mrs.  Stowe  7 

Deei^ly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  nation,  of  which 
all  Christians  in  this  ''  free  and  enlightened  country  "  are 
citizens^  this  ^'  mother  in  Israel "  was  not  unmindful  of  its 
political  contests,  nor  uncaring  whicli  of  its  gi'eat  jiarties 
gained  the  ascendency  in  its  legislative  councils. 

November  4th,  185G,  she  writes : 

This  is  election  day.  Our  Presidential  election  has  called 
forth  an  eiilistment  of  interest  and  feeling,  perhaps  quite  beyond 
precedent.  Many  prayers  liave  been  presented  tliat  tlie  God  of 
nations  may  overrule.  It  is  not  in  my  heart  to  censure  the  ser- 
vants of  the  Most  High  God,  for  being  earnestly  active  in  mani- 
festing their  preference  in  the  election  of  *'the  powers  that  be." 


C03  MEMOIRS  OF 

We  can  scarcely  hope  tlmt  the  powers  that  be,  will  be  "  ordained 
of  God,"  unless  God's  servants  unite  in  earnest  activities,  in  the 
use  of  tlie  means  to  secure  this  end.  The  servants  of  the  God 
of  this  world,  will  be  untiring  in  their  efforts  to  secure  the  elec- 
tion of  such  rulers  as  will  serve  the  purposes  of  the  *'  Prince  of 
this  world."  Satan  has,,  for  centuries,  been  vaunting  himself  in 
boastful  claim  on  the  kingdoms  of  this  world.  Perhaps  the  most 
strangely  audacious  record  of  Satan's  assumptions,  on  tlie  annals 
of  time,  is  found  where  he  said  to  the  Son  of  God :  ''  All  these 
things  will  I  give  thee,  if  Thou  wilt  fall  down  and  worship  me." 
The  kingdoms  of  this  world  belong  to  our  God  and  His  Christ. 
Christians  are  theij,  wlio,after  having  acknowledged  the  claims  of 
Christ,  as  the  world's  Redeemer,  and  yielded  up  their  mortal 
bodies  that  He  may  reign — ''  Whose  right  it  is  to  reign," — cm- 
ploy  all  their  powers  to  bring  the  world  over  to  Christ. 

I  would  not  infer  that  the  most  effectual  way  to  do  this  may 
be  by  engaging  in  political  strife.  But  I  do  think  that  Christians 
ought  to  PRAY  much,  and  also  by  curefnl  foresight  and  earnest 
endeavor — seek  to  have  God-fearing  candidates  for  office  5  and 
then  in  pious,  united,  persevering  zeal,  strive  for  the  election  of 
such  candidates.  And  perhaps  thus  only,  may  our  prayer  for 
God-fearing  rulers  be  answered. 

The  appended  extract,  from  letter  to  Mrs.  M.  D. 
James,  under  date,  April  6th,  1844,  reveals  sentiments  in 
entire  accord  with  those  of  Mr.  D.  L.  Moody,  and  of  all 
evangelists,  pastors,  and  teachers,  who  seek  only  the 
glory  of  God  through  the  salvation  of  their  hearers,  concern- 
ing church  fairs  and  festivals.  Again  and  again,  does 
Mrs.  Palmer  recur  to  this  same  difficulty  in  the  record  of 
evangelistic  labor,  but  never  with  the  slightest  intimation 
that  her  opinion  had  been  modified  in  any  way  other  than 
that  of  added  intensity. 

*  *  #  #  The  thought  of  heaven  is  increasingly  sweet  to 
me.  And  yet  I  never  felt  like  saying  more  submissively,  ''  All 
the  days  of  my  appointed  time,  will  I  wait  till  my  change  come." 
The  state  of  the  world,  and  the  church,  calls  for  the  most  ene'  - 


MliS.  PIKE  BE  PALMEU.  609 

gctic  action.  Tlio  purpose  for  wliicli  we  liave  been  redeeiueil  to 
Gotl.  never  stood  so  absorbingly  before  me,  as  for  a  few  weeks 
past.  I  feel  that  there  is  not  that  explicitness  in  tlie  line  of  de- 
marcation between  the  cliurch  and  the  world,  wliich  tlie  s})iritof 
the  Word  requires.  I  most  heartily  accord  in  seutimeiit  with 
Dr.  Olin,  in  the  belief  that  the  design  of  God  in  redeeming  us 
unto  Himself,  is  not  answered  in  the  mere  salvation  of  the  soul 
from  sin,  (though  this  indeed  is  a  glorious  achievement),  but 
extends  much  further — the  redemption  of  the  entire  being  in  its 
continuous  processes  being  included.  An  explicit  statement  of 
the  design  of  God  in  redeeming  man,  is  thus  given  in  His  own 
Word,  "  Who  hath  redeemed  us  unto  Himself,  that  we  should 
be  unto  Him  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  wxrks."  What 
cause  of  lamentation,  that  the  high  and  peculiar  calling  of  the 
redeemed  ones  is  not  more  fully  apprehended,  in  the  experience 
of  profession,  and  dwelt  upon  as  a  necessary  qualitication  for 
heaven  from  the  pulpit  It  does  seem  to  me,  that  the  ordinary 
state  of  piery  falls  quite  below  the  Bible  standard.  I  have 
never  witnessed  conformity  to  the  spirit  and  usages  of  the 
world,  so  prevalen.'-  ?,mcng  us  as  a  people,  as  during  the  past 
winter.  The  manner  in  which  our  fairs  and  festivals  have  been 
conducted,  have  been  instrumental  in  bringing  about  a  blending 
of  matters  most  disheartening. 

Here  the  worldling  and  professor  have  joined  hands,  and 
only  the  step  to  the  chant  of  the  viol  has  been  wanting,  to  com- 
plete the  scene.  And  this,  doubtless,  would  have  succeeded,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  presence  of  ministers,  (who,  in  nome  cases, 
have  had  the  charge  of  the  affair).  I  cannot  but  attribute  it  to 
this,  tiuat  dancing  has  become  a  matter  of  not  very  uncommon 
occurrence  among  our  young  professors.  Is  it  surprising,  that 
when  the  band  plays  waltzes,  etc.,  at  a  sumjytuous  feast,  with  a 
minister  at  the  head,  that  our  young  people  will,  w  hen  free  from 
the  restraint  that  the  presence  of  the  minister  imposes,  carry  the 
matter  but  a  step  further,  and  dance?  I  sliould  wonder  were  it 
otherwise.  The  fact  of  liaving  a  revival  under  labors  where 
conformity  to  the  spirit  of  the  Avoiid  is  not  discountenanced, 
and  but  few  of  the  self-denying  principles  of  the  Gos]>el  urged, 
promises  but  little,  to  my  mind.     Whetljer  such  revivals  will 

39 


CIO  MEMOinS  OF 

not,  in  the  aggregate,  tell  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  kingdom 
<>f  Cliiist,  is  more  than  doubtful  with  me.  Such  ingatherings 
lielp  toward  accumulating  the  mass  of  external  i^rofession,  under 
which  the  church  is  alread}-^  groaning.  How  much  more  efficient 
would  tlie  church  be,  if  tliose  enlisted  under  her  banner,  were 
as  Gideon's  army — cliosen  of  God — fearless. 

"  Bold  to  take  up,  firm  to  sustain, 
The  consecrated  cross." 

Then  one  should  chase  a  thousand,  and  tivo  put  ten  thousand 
to  fliglit.  How  desirable  that  the  strength  of  the  church  sliould 
be  estimated,  by  the  holiness  of  her  membership— not  nuniher 
of  members  in  her  communion.  But  how  I  have  been  running 
on  !  And  yet  I  have  only  been  xuiburdening  my  heart.  I  know 
you  will  sympathize.  My  interest  in  the  cause  of  Christ  deepens. 
Dear  sister,  let  us  bind  ourselves  in  the  sight  of  God  to  re- 
newed diligence  and  faitlifulness.  When  we  see  those  to  whom 
God  hath  entrusted  the  keeping  of  the  flock,  and  whose  faith 
the  people  are  exhorted  to  follow,  resting  short  of  full  salva- 
tion from  all  sin,  let  us,  in  all  humility,  and  lowliness  seek  ex- 
pedients to  direct  their  minds  to  the  point.  We  can  do  but 
little  otherwise  than  by  prayer,  and  saying,  ^' Would  that  my 
Master  knew."  But  this  I  fully  believe  we  ought  to  do.  They 
are  of  like  passions  with  ourselves  ;  and  how  highly  responsible 
their  station.  The  one  absorbing  point  is,  to  '^present  eicry 
man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus."  Should  they  fiiil  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  this  all-absorbing  object,  how  solemn  tlie  account, 
when  they  come  to  render  up  their  stewardship.  0,  yes,  they 
.need  our  prayerful  sympathizing  help.     *     *     * 

'^  Diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord,"  iis  Mrs.  P.  held  that  the  Christian  woman  onglit  to 
be,  she  also  held  that  the  M.  E.  Churcli  affords  nnusual  scope 
for  active  energy  in  the  dei)artment  of  spiritual  beneficence. 
,Wonien,  fitted  by  gifts,  grace,  and  usefulness,  for  the  reli- 
gious leadership  of  others,  may  find  ample  room  for  all  the 
play  of  sympathy,  the  communication  of  knowledge,  and 
:  the  necessary  oi)eration  of  love,  as  class-leaders  of  their  own 


MUS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  (51J^ 

sex.  She  was  one  of  the  first,  if  not  the  first,  to  exemplify 
her  own  theory,  and  that  with  gracious  and  distuiguished 
success.  A  visit  to  the  male  class  of  a  g*(Mitleman  in  Phila- 
delphia, j[];ave  occasion  to  the  permanent  record  of  mature 
opinion  on  this  and  kindred  matters,  in  her  diary  of  1847. 

Went  to  Brother  B.'s  class  at  nine  o'clock.  Though  the 
class  is  designed  for  brethren,  yet  we  felt  that  it  was  of  the 
Lord  that  we  were  induced  to  accept  tlie  invitation.  Other 
sisters  \Yere  invited  in,  and  the  Lord  sent  His  quickening  Spirit 
among  tlie  people.  Heard  Mr.  Kennedy  i^reach  at  half  past  ten. 
Text,  ''  Woe  to  them  that  are  at  ease  in  Zion."  A  good  sermon. 
Society-meeting  was  held  after  the  public  service,  which,  I 
believe,  is  the  general  usage  in  this  i)art  of  the  country,  once  in 
a  quarter,  for  the  reading  of  the  General  Rules.  On  coming  to 
that  rule  which  regulates  the  number  of  members  in  eacli  class, 
the  minister  seemed  quite  at  a  loss  for  an  explanation  of  the 
well-known  deviation  on  this  point.  He  then  gave  one  some- 
what similar  to  what  Ihadlieard  on  a  like  occasion,  some  time 
since,  ?.  e.,  the  difficulty  of  finding  a  sufficient  number  of  suit- 
able men.  What  a  singular  excuse  for  swelling  the  number 
from  twelve  to  about  thirty,  forty,  and  even  fifty, — rendering 
it  thereby  impossible  that  the  design  of  these  meetings,  which 
are  the  most  far-reaching  and  important  in  our  economy,  should 
be  met. 

Who  can  account  for  the  fact  that  primitive  usages  have  so 
singularly   been    lost  sight  of,   relative   to   class   meetings  ? 

A  large  portion  of  the  class-leaders  in  Mr.  Wesley's  day  were 
pious  females.  Most  obvious  reasons  exist,  why  female  leaders 
i'liould  be  chosen  for  female  classes.  Its  fitness,  on  account  of 
the  adapteduess  of  experience,  induced  by  a  similarity  in  cir- 
cumstances and  trials,  makes  it  evident  to  every  reflecting  mind 
that  Mr.  Wesley  was  not  less  wise  in  this  arrangement,  than  in 
other  features  of  his  heaven  directed  economy.  It  is  singular, 
indeed,  that  there  should  be  so  much  embarrassment  in  endeav- 
ors to  justify  the  glaring  departure  from  this  rule,  and  yet  the 
true  ground  of  the  difficulty  not  be  come  at. 

It  may  not  be  said  that  tlie  number  of  pious  females,  in  pro- 


(J12  MEMOIRS  OF 

portion  to  the  males,  has  decreased.  We  have  females  among 
US;  whose  piety,  doubtless,  is  answerable  to  that  of  Hester  A. 
Hogers  or  Mrs.  Fletcher.  The  faithfulness  and  perseverance 
of  females,  in  whatever  thej^  undertak3,  is  acknowledged. 

If  our  classes  were  divided,  so  as  to  consist  of  about  twelve 
or  fourteen  members,  advantages  most  important  would  be 
realized.  Instead  of  forty  or  fifty  members  getting  together, 
to  hear  a  few  words  of  general  advice,  the  greatness  of  the 
number  precluding  the  possibility  of  admonition,  well  digested, 
and  suited  to  the  j)eculiarity  of  individual  cases,  each  member 
might  have  time  to  state  the  peculiarity  of  his  state,  and  receive 
a  word  in  season  in  returnj  he  would  then  qo  away  from 
this  weekly  banquet,  having  received  meat  in  due  season,  and 
longing  for  the  return  of  the  evening  which  would  again  find 
bim  in  the  class-room,  and  opportunity  being  furnished  for 
the  reception  of  more  solid  food,  the  vitiated  taste  for  tunes 
and  words,  only  calculated  to  excite  animal  passions,  would 
subside,  and  a  diflferent  state  of  things  would  soon  succeed. 

Both  for  the  piety  and  finances  of  the  church,  would  it  bo 
better  to  have  more  leaders,  and  the  members  composing  the 
classes  fewer.  The  church  has  the  responsibility  resting  on 
her,  of  being  possessed  of  far  more  talent  than  is  brought  into 
use.  *'  To  him  that  hath  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have 
more  abundance/'  might  be  very  fitly  applied  here  j  and  for 
these  unimproved  talents,  God  will  hold  the  church  account- 
able. If  the  number  composing  classes  were  less,  then  far 
more  attention  would  be  bestowed  on  individual  cases. 

The  absence  of  one  would  be  recognized,  and  on  inquir;^ 
the  cause  ascertained  )  whereas,  in  a  class  numbering  fifty  mem- 
bers,  twenty -five  niay  be  absent  and  the  delinquency  scarcely 
be  thought  of.  Twenty-five  paying  members,  in  a  class  of  fifty, 
might  be  thought  a  fair  proportion  for  one  class,  by  those  in 
charge  of  the  church  funds  ;  but  let  the  leader  of  such  a  class 
as  our  discipline  prescribes,  have  but  seven  paying  members 
out  of  fourteen,  and  he  would  soon  feel  this  to  be  an  unwarrant- 
able deficiency.  The  advantages  accumulate  upon  my  mind, 
and  I  may  not  take  time  to  enumerate. 

The  M.  E.  Church  needs  that  a  reforming  spirit  be  raised  up 


MRS.  PECEBE  PALMER.  (513 

in  the  midst  of  her,  possessed  of  the  enlightened  zeal,  firmness, 
aud  independence  oi  character  which  marked  her  founder,  under 
God.  Such  an  one  would  bo  called  to  pass  through  evil  as 
through  good  report,  of  course,  and  perhaps  would  not  do  well 
to  expect  sympathy  from  the  present  generation  j  but  the 
coming  one  would  doubtless  rise  up  and  call  him  blessed. 

It  has  already  been  shown  that  Mrs.  Palmer  fully 
believed  in,  and  also  firmly  maintained,  the  right  and  duty 
of  Christian  women  to  engage  in  i)ublic  religious  labors, 
when  specially  called  thereto  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  Her  set- 
tled conclusions  as  to  looman^s  status  and  work  in  the 
church  of  Christ  are  stated  clearly,  argumentatively 
and  unanswerably,in  the  volume  dedicated  to  the  '^  Rev. 
Dudley  A.  Tyug,  who,  being  dead,  yet  speaketh,  and  whose 
imperishable  name  will  ever  stand  enrolled  in  future 
history,  among  the  fearless  defenders  of  right  principles, 
and  whose  dpng  words,  '  Stand  up  for  Jesus,  ^  Tvill,  till  the 
remotest  i)eriod  of  time,  be  a  watchword  for  all  zealous 
promoters  of  Christian  truth."  It  is  entitled  "  Promise  of 
the  Father ;  or,  A  Neglected  Specialty  of  the  Last  Days," 
and  is  addressed  to  '^  The  Clergy  and  Laity  of  all  Chris- 
tian communities." 

The  perplexities  and  difficulties  of  holy  women,  baptized 
with  the  Spirit,  and  belonging  chiefly  to  other  communions 
first  gave  rise  to  its  composition.  At  their  request,  and 
at  the  request  of  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Congregational, 
and  other  ministers,  it  was  at  length  published  in  book 
form. 

"  Has  woman  the  right  to  pray  or  speak  in  the  assembly 
of  the  saints  ?  "  is  the  princii)al  question  discussed.  But 
with  it  is  another  question,  most  closely  affiliated, — ''  Has 
she  the  right  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ  to  the  perish- 
ing multitudes,  when  called  thereto  by  the  Holy  Spirit  F 
— which  receives  thorough  investigation.   The  very  form  of 


614  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  associate  question  embodies  its  own  answer,  which  is 
necessarily  in  the  affirmative.  It  is  always  right  to  obey 
the  Holy  Spirit's  command,  and  if  that  is  laid  upon  a 
woman,  to  preach  the  Gospel,  then  it  is  right  for  her  to  do 
so;  it  is  a  duty  that  she  cannot  neglect  without  falling  into 
condemnation.  Technically,  Mrs.  Palmer  never  did  i)reach, 
— ^never  was  licensed  to  do  so.     She  wrote  : 

It  is  our  aim,  in  addressing  tlie  people  previous  to  the 
prayer-meeting  services,  to  simjilify  the  way  of  faith,  to  seekers 
of  pardon  ;  and  we  also  try  to  tell  the  seekers  of  purity  just  the 
way  to  the  cleansing  fountain,  as  we  and  others  have  found  it ; 
and  often  do  we  hear  of  those,  wlio,  while  a  present  acceptance 
of  present  grace  is  thus  heing  urged  upon  them,  receive  the 
purchased  gift.  Preacli  Ave  do  not ;  that  is,  not  in  a  technical 
sense.  AVe  would  do  it,  if  called  ;  but  we  have  never  fi'lt  it  our 
duty  to  sermonize  in  any  way  by  dividing  and  subdividing 
with  metaphysical  hair-splittings  in  tlieology. 

We  have  notliing  to  do  more  than  Mary,  when,  by  the  com- 
mand of  tlie  Head  of  the  Church,  she  proclaimed  a  risen  Jesus  to 
her  brethren  ;  or  than  Peter  and  John,  who  talked  to  the  peo- 
ple about  a  crucified,  exalted  Saviour,  wlien  they  flocked  to- 
gether to  see  the  man  who  had  been  ret^tored  from  a  life-long 
lameness.  We  occupy  the  desk,  platform,  or  pulj)it,  as  best 
Buited  to  the  people,  in  order  that  all  may  hear  and  see. 

She  believed  that,  in  thus  adapting  herself  to  circum- 
Btances,  she  best  did  the  will  of  the  Lord.  That  Avomen 
have  the  right  to  pray,  and  to  speak  in  the  assemblies  of 
the  saints,  is  conclusively  demonstrated.  The  contradict- 
ory practices  of  Episcopalians  and  Presbyterians,  who 
hold  the  opposite  theory,  are  amusingly  but  crushingly 
exjjosed.  Both  invite  women — most  inconsistently — to 
join  in  the  service  of  song.  The  former  urge  them  also  to 
utter  audibly  the  liturgical  responses.  There  is  no  escape 
for  '' silentists "  from  the  grip  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  inex- 
orable logic.    All   of  them  misunderstand  and  misrep- 


2JltS.  rH(EBE  PALMER.  (;|5 

resent  Paul's  iustruction  about  keepiug  silence  in  the 
churches. 

llecurrmg  to  the  question,  "  Has  woman  the  right  to 
preach  the  Gospel ;  "  it  is  shown  that  this  is  not  a  question 
of  woman's  social  or  political,  but  of  her  religious  right ; 
not  of  right  to  ordination,  to  i>astoral  charge,  or  to  k'gis- 
lative  or  administrative  authority, — but  to  preach  Christ 
and  Illm  crucified. 

"  To  the  law  and  the  testimony.  If  they  speak  not  a(;- 
cording  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  Tight  in  them." 
Neither  creed  nor  confession — neither  dist*ipline  nor  ritual 
is  of  any  Aveight  in  this  debate,  save  as  it  conforms  to  the 
spirit  and  letter  of  God's  Word. 

What  of  precedent  does  the  Bible  present ;  p)recedent 
whose  princi]yles  and  relations  bear  author  it  at  in  ely  on  this 
agitated  subject  ?  It  presents  Miriam,  Deborah,  Iluldali, 
Anna,  the  four  daughters  of  Philip  the  Evangelist,  and 
sundry  others,  as  inspired  and  efticient  prophetesses.  If 
it  Avas  rigiit  and  proper  for  them  to  pro]>hesy  or  ])reach — 
(nearly  if  not  quite  synonymous  terms) — then  it  is  right 
and  proper  for  women  baptized  or  inspired  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  to  witness  for  Chiist,  and  to  preach  Christ  now — at 
the  present  time. 

Wliat  predictive  passages  do  the  Scriptures  contain^  beai- 
ing  on  this  questioned  right  ?  Those  in  the  book  of  the 
I)rophet  Joel,  in  the  book  of  Acts — notably  in  the  second 
and  in  other  chapters.  Psalm  G8  :  11,  is  conclusive  in  its 
foreshowings.  '"  The  Lord  gave  the  word,  and  great  was 
the  company  of  those  that  published  it,'' — ^^  company  of 
women  i)ublishers,"  or  '^  women  evangelists,'^  the  original 
Hebrew  says.  Grotius,  than  whom  no  living  man  is  more 
comi)etent  to  exju'ess  critical  opinion  on  this  passage, 
throws  the  whole  weight  of  his  ponderous  and  incan- 
descent erudition  in  favor  of  women  evangelists. 

What  does   Paul  authoritatively  teach   on  this  2^oint? 


61(5  MEMOIRS  OF 

That  is  easily  ascertained  from  careful  study  of  liis  words, 
and  the  ch^cumstances  attending;  their  utterance.  He  cer- 
tainly does  not  forbid  women  to  j^rophesy  j  for  he  requires 
them  to  retain  their  head  covering,  in  prophesjing,  /.  e., 
in  speaking  unto  men  ^'to  edification,  and  exhortation, 
and  comfort.  He  that  prophesieth,  editieth  the  church." 
1  Cor.  14:3,4. 

What  was  the  usage  of  the  post-apostolic  churchy  in  this 
matter  ?  Eusebius,  Justm  Martyr,  Irenaeus,  and  the  fath- 
ers, whose  works  are  i:>ublished  in  the  "Ante-Nicene  Libra- 
ry," supply  the  answer.  Dodwell  summarizes  the  testimony 
in  the  statement  that  ^'the  extraordinary  gift  of  the 
spirit  of  prophecy  was  given  to  others  besides  the  Ajxis- 
tles,  and  that  not  only  in  the  first  and  second,,  but  in  the 
tidrd  century,  even  to  the  time  of  (>onstantine,  men  of 
all  sorts  and  ranks  had  these  gifts — yea  and  women  too." 

What  has  been  the  j^^cictice  of  the  reformed  churches? 
The  iron  hand  of  Calvinism  has  choked  the  voice  of  fem- 
inine witness  for  Christ  in  the  churches,  and  tightened  its 
deadly  grip,  whenever  the  women  under  its  power  would 
have  proclauned  to  all,  the  ability  and  willingness  of  Christ 
to  save  to  the  uttermost.  To  this  rule,  however,  there  have 
been  many  honorable  exceptions  in  the  reformed  churches, 
and  especially  in  the  case  of  Quaker  and  Methodist  women. 

Perhaps  no  member  of  the  body  of  Christ  has  done 
more,  in  proportion  to  its  numbers,  for  the  best  interests  of 
the  human  family,  than  the  Quakers  or  Friends  ;  and  cer- 
tainly none  has  more  cordially  encouraged  the  i>reaching  of 
Avomen.  i^or  have  they. found  that  it  has, injured,  in  the 
least,  tha.t  modesty  and  charming  grace  which  are  to  woman- 
hood what  the  delicate  down  is  to  the  delicious  peach. 
None  who  know  these  female  preachers  can  deny,  that 
they  are  uniformly  pure,  lovely,  and  of  good  report. 

The  Episcopal  Church  in  Great  Britain  glories  in  the 
temporal  headshii)  of  a  noble  Christian  woman, — Queen 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  gl7 

Victoria.  Therefore  it  cannot  reasonably  o])i)ose  tlie 
preacliing  of  women.  Nor  does  it,  except  as  the  u\)\)o- 
nents  are  nnconverted  and  worUUy.  Its  devont  members 
praise  God  continually,  for  the  godly  exami)le  of  Miss 
Marsh,  daughter  of  the  venerable  Kev.  Dr.  Marsh,  of  Beck- 
enham.  One  of  the  most  singularly  interesting  and  iu- 
struLitive  books  of  the  century,  is  that  entitled,  "  She  Spake 
of  Him," — a  memoir  of  Mrs. .  Deraing,  formerly  ]\Iiss  Ger- 
aldine  Hooper,  a  lineal  descendant  of  the  mart^Ted  Bishop, 
who  for  several  years  preached  publicly  in  many  parts  of 
England,  encouraged  by  the  presence  and  co-operation  of 
many  dignitarie-;  of  the  church,  by  law  established.  Meth- 
odism— Uke  a  vigorous  plant,  bearing  on  its  tender  leaves 
some  remnants  of  the  husks  that  once  encased  it — has 
retained  some  of  the  hereditary  prejudices  and  opposition 
to  female  preachmg,  that  characterize  and  weaken  the 
churches  whence  its  exponents  have  emerged.  They  are 
only  dead  exuvice  however — certain  to  be  thrown  off  by 
more  vigorous  life  and  further  exj^ansion.  Particularly 
do  these  remarks  apply  to  American  Methodism. 

Susannah  AVesley  could  and  didpreach  in  her  husband's 
absence — not  in  the  church,  but  in  the  j^arsonage.  She 
did  it  better  than  her  husband,  and  drew  larger  congrega- 
tions, which  the  lordly  rector, — though  secretly  proud  of 
his  glorious  wife,  did  not  seem  to  rehsh.  That  noble 
mother  inoculated  her  son  John,  with  her  own  ideas  and 
spirit.  In  after  life, ''  he  pressed  into  the  service  of  religion, 
all  the  useful  gifts  he  coidd  influence."  Misses  Bosan- 
quet,  (afterwards  Mrs.Fletcher),Briggs,Perronet,  Crosby, 
Miu-rell,  and  others,  met  only  with  hearty  approval  and 
wise  counsel  in  their  public  efforts  to  save  souls,  and  to 
edify  the  church.  Miss  Barrett,  afterward  Mrs.  Dr.  Taft, 
was  another  remarkably  gifted  and  useful  Wesleyan 
preacher.  Pious,  popular,  sanctified, — thousands  rose  up 
to  (;all  her  blessed,  and  among  them,  many  who  became 


QiS  MEMOIRS  OF 

preachers  of  the  Gospel.  Sarah  Mallet, — single  and  mar- 
ried,— was  an  uncommonly  endowed  and  useful  preacher, 
for  many  years.  Her  name  appeared  on  the  same  circuit 
plan  with  that  of  her  husband.  John  Wesley  licensed  her 
to  preach  at  the  Manchester  Conference,  in  1787,  by  the 
following-  note  :  ^'  We  give  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to 
Sarah  Mallet,  and  have  no  objection  to  her  being  a  preacher 
in  our  connexion,  so  long  as  she  preaches  the  Methodist 
doctrine,  and  attends  to  our  discipline."  Long  after  Mr. 
Weslej^'s  translation,  women  preachers  abounded  in  Great 
Britain,  as  they  do  to-day,  among  the  Primitive  Meth- 
odists. Had  Wesleyan  Methodism  encouraged,  as  its 
human  founder  did,  the  prophesyings  of  wise,  discreet, 
and  godly  women,  it  might  possibly  have  numbered  ten 
adherents,  where  now  it  has  but  one.  American  Method- 
ism is  wiser  in  its  generation.  It  welcomed  Mrs.  Palmer 
as  it  now  welcomes  Mesdames  Tan  Cott,  Wittenmej^er, 
and  others ;  willing  and  glad  to  co-operate  with  them  as 
Barak  Avith  Deborah,  and  ready  to  glorify  God  with  shouts 
of  praise,  even  though  it  doth  i)lease  Him  to  save  souls  by 
the  hand  of  women. 

What  results  have  followed  the  preaching  of  vmmen  f 
Let  the  eloquent  Apollos  answer  for  the  expositions  of 
Priscilla,  and  the  cyclopaedic  Paul  for  Tryjihena,  Tryphosa, 
Persis,  and  Junia ;  Methodist  histor^^  for  its  w^omen 
preachers,  and  Mr.  Gurney  for  those  of  the  Friends. 
Tens  of  thousands  have  been  converted — multitudes  wholly 
sanctified — preachers  of  righteousness  raised  uj) — the  de- 
A  astations  of  sin  and  Satan  averted,  and  heaA^eu  filled  with 
ceaseless  rejoicing.  Phoebe  Palmer  closely  examined  the 
results  of  female  preaching.  They  satisfied  her.  She  in- 
quired whether  the  necessary  publicity  de-womanized  the 
preachers.  She  found — what  all  observers  had  seen — that 
for  purity  of  heart,  grace  of  character,  tenderness  ot 
feehug,    genial    attractiveness,    and    angelic    beauty   of 


MES.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 


619 


life,  they  were  second  to  none,  and,  mayhap,  superior  to 
all,  because  more  fiUly  in  sympathy  ^vith  the  heart,  and 
more  closely  conformed  to  the  life  of  Christ.  Tbey  had 
labored  with  blessed  residts,  and  she  entered  into  their 
labors.  No  license,  no  ordination,  no  pastoral  charge,  no 
ecclesiastical  power,  did  this  true  wife  and  mother  request 
of  the  church,  though  she  knew  that  Wesley  and  the 
Methodist  Church  had  licensed  women,  and  that  the  dea- 
conesses of  primitive  times  were  ordained  by  imposition  of 
episcopal  hands.  She  only  asked  and  received  the  liberty 
to  speak  for  Christ,  '^  to  edification,  and  exhortation,  and 
comfort."  And  so  effectively  did  this  Spirit-baptized  hand- 
maid of  the  Lord  exercise  her  liberty,  that, — graven  more 
deeply  by  labors  more  abundant,  by  benefactions  more 
precious  than  those  of  fjerhaps  any  other  woman  of  Ameri- 
can birth  and  training, — will  ever  be  borne  in  the  heart 
of  the  American  Church  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  tha 
honored  name  of  Phcebe  Palmee. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

DYINa  TESTIMONY. 

AS  the  time  drew  near  when  she  must  cease  at  once  to 
work  and  live,  Mrs.  Palmer  evidently  matured  for 
the  heavenly  garner.  Her  ripening,  meHowiiig  graces  in- 
dicated that  ere  long  the  summons,  "Come  np  liigliey' 
would  arrive.  In  June,  1871,  is  the  inscription  in  her 
diary : 

Christiana,  of  Banyan's  ''Pilgrim,"  received  a  shining  tolen, 
in  the  form  of  a  lance,  which  gently  penetrated  her  heart,  by 
which  she  was  assured  that  she  would  in  ten  days  be  called  to 
see  tlie  King  in  His  beauty.  I  presume  I  shall  not  be  called 
quite  so  soon  :  but  unless  the  disease  with  which  I  am  now 
afflicted  is  arrested,  the  shining  token  is  sure.  Never  have  these 
words  been  so  much  on  my  mind,  and  invested  with  so  much 
sweetness,  as  of  late.  ''  For  we  know  that  if  tlie  earthly  house  ot 
our  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens."  0,  the 
blessed  hope  of  immortality  and  eternal  life. 

In  the  same  month,  she  wrote  to  Mrs.  Hamline : 

I  have  been  thinking  quite  a  good  deal  about  finishing  life's 
short  journey,  ere  long.  I  had  indeed  imagined  that  the  token  as 
received  by  Christiana,  after  she  entered  the  Beulah  land,  had 
been  received.  It  came  in  the  form  of  painful  disease,  which  for 
a  long  time  has  lingered  in  my  system,  but  has  developed  itself 
in  acuteness,  aifecting  my  entire  system  seriously,  during  the 
past  few  months.  But  my  soul  rests  in  the  bosom  of  infinite 
Love.  "  He  doeth  all  things  well."  You  know  that  I  some- 
times breath  forth  the  sentiments  of  my  heart,  in  verse.  I  will 
enclose  a  few  lines,  written  for  daughter  Phoebe,  who  had  asked 
that  I  would  write  her  some  lines  that  slie  might  set  to  music. 


MEMOIRS  OF  MBS.  PHiEBE  PALMEB.  ^21 

I  will  get  dear  Dr.  P.  to  copy  them  for  you.  Phcebe  wept  when 
lier  Pa  read  them  to  lier,  aud  exclaimed,  "  I  can't  write  music 
for  those  words."  Aud  when  asked,  **  Why  not  V  She  replied, 
"  If  Ma  was  xcell^  I  could,  but  as  she  is  not  well,  I  cannot."  I 
feared,  while  I  was  writing  the  verses,  that  she  miglit  feel  so, 
and  tried  to  write  something  else.  But  having  knelt  down 
with  my  blank  sheet,  as  I  generally  do,  before  writing,  and 
asked  thnt  the  Lord  would  give  matter  and  manner,  I  seemed 
constrained  to  write  either  the  lines  as  here  given,  or  nothing. 

Avgust  Hth,  1871. 
To  Mrs.  Hamline  : 

Did  you  see  the  lines  in  the  "Christian  Advocate,"  of  July  20th, 
entitled  ''  Beautiful  Hour*?"  Daughter  Phoebe  has  set  them  to 
music.  I  have  long  thought  that  our  sweetest  strains  of  melody 
are  heaven-inspired.  I  am  sure  I  asked  the  Lord  in  faith,  that 
He  would  inspire  daughter  to  write  the  most  fitting  strains  for 
the  lines  that  I  seemed  by  a  divine  power  moved  to  write.  At 
first,  she  wept  when  her  father  read  them,— said  she  could  not 
write  music  for  such  words.  But  afterward,  as  my  health,  in 
answer  to  the  prayer  of  faith,  improved,  I  told  her  she  must 
now  set  the  words  to  jubilant  strains.  I  am  indeed  quite  sure 
the  Lord  must  have  helped  her,  for  the  melody  is  so  sweet 
Though  I  am  now  better  t  lian  wiien  I  wrote  the  lines,  yet  I  feel 
sure  that  I  w  as  not  mistaken  in  their  import.  Perhaps  I  may 
yet  precede  you  to  the  Eternal  City. 

Spared  for  more  than  three  years  after  this,  to  family 
and  friends— to  bless  the  church  and  the  world — on  May 
9th,  1872,  she  wrote  in  her  journal :  • 

Husband  and  myself  visited  that  beautiful  city  of  the  dead, 
— Greenwood.  What  a  multitude  of  dear  ones,  with  whom  we 
have  taken  sweet  counsel,  lie  sleeping  there.  And  there,  within 
a  beautiful  enclosure,  in  a  peaceful,  quiet  spot,  stands  a  monu- 
ment, bearing  on  its  base,  ''Palmer."  It  is  awaiting  the  time 
when  this  now  active  frame,  shall  cease  its  pulsations,  and  the 
spirit  ascend  to  the  God  that  gave  it.  On  one  part  of  the  monu- 
ment, that  awaits  the  inscription  of  our  own  departure,  is  that 


G22  MEMOIRS  OF 

of  our  precious  little  dailings,  who  liave  been  long  mingling 
with  the  cherub  baud  in  Paradise.     The  inscription  reads  thus : 

OUR  LOVED  ONES. 

Alex.ander  II, ,  Born,  September  23. 

Died,  July  2d,  1829. 
Samuel  M.,        Born,  April  29th. 

Died,  June  19th,  1830. 
Eliza,  Born,  August  28th,  1835. 

Died,  July  29th,  1833. 

To  which  tlie  following  lines,  written  by  their  mother,  are 
Bubjoined : 

What  though  this  urn  their  ashes  keep  } 

Their  spirits  took  an  upward  flight. 
On  Jesus'  breast,  they  fell  asleep, 

He  bore  them  to  the  realms  of  light . 
And  when  the  reign  of  death  is  o'er, 

And  Christ  descends  to  claim  His  own, 
Our  loved  ones,  then,  we'll  greet  once  more ; 

A;id  ever  mingle  round  the  throne. 

Referring  to  recent  cevcre  illness,  from  wliich  she  was 
still  suffering,  Mrs.  P.  A7rote  to  her  old  bosom  friend,  Mrs. 
I  lamline,  on  the  18th  of  Fobruary,  1874. 

Since  my  return  from  Rochostcr,  I  have  been  quite  seriously 
ill,  and  unable  to  do  much,  asido  iron  t^ihing  care  of  myself, 
and  jjcrmitting  dear  Dr.  P.  to  take  cfire  of  me.  Late  in  the 
autumn,  T.  took  a  very  severe  cold,  which  has  been  worse,  and 
alfected  my  whole  system,  but  more  particularly  my  head  and 
throat. 

How  cheering,  under  such  circumstr.nces,  is  the  knowledge, 
*'  Now,  we  Inow  that  all  thing.:^  work  together  for  good,  to  them 
that  love  God,  ''  While  at  tho  Tuesday  meeting,  last  week, 
not  able  to  hear  much  that  wc.z  said,  and  cnffering  with  the 
gathering  in  my  ear,  it  was   suggested,  "  Can  you  now   say, 

^'Thankful,  I  take  the  cup  from  Thee, 
Prepared  and  mingled  by  Thy  skill.^^ 

All  praise  to  the  Great  Physician  of  souls,  who  has  so  long 


^ffRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER.  Q2?> 

had  my  case  in  hand,  tliat  I  was  enabled  to  answer,  '*  Yes, 
thanlful,  1  take  the  cup.  Infinite  love  has  prepared  it.  Surely 
I  shall  not  be  permitted  to  suffer  one  pang  too  much." 

Taking  up  the  precious  Word,  a  short  time  since,  I  opened  on 
the  passage,  "  Now,  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and  bh)od 
cannot  inlierit  the  kingdom  of  God,  neither  dotli  corruption 
inherit  incorruption."  ''For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incor- 
ruption,  and  this  mortal  mwsi  put  on  immortality,"  ♦  *  *  » 
tlicn  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying,  "  Death  is  swallowed 
up  of  victory."  When  I  thought  of  the  many  prayers,  and 
the  continuous  efforts  of  the  past  two  or  three  years,  to  detain 
me,  amid  the  manifest  dissolution  of  nature,  I  saw  a  striking 
appropriateness  and  beauty  in  the  passage  above  quoted,  never 
before  apprehended. 

I  do  not  wish  you  to  think  that  I  am  in  anticipation  of 
immediate  dissolution,  but  1  do  feel  that  this  eartldy  house  of 
my  tabernacle  is  being  dissolved,  and  unless  I  improve  soon, 
there  remains  but  little  hope  of  doing  much  more.  l>ut  wliat- 
ever  the  result  maybe,  I  know  all  will  be  right.  Tlie  Lord 
will  not  call  me  till  my  work  is  done. 

Ill  the  i^recediiig  August,  this  now  glorified  saint  in- 
dited lier  crowning  testimony,  to  the  faithfulness  of  the 
convenant-keeping  God.  It  was  afterwards  published,  in 
facsimile  of  her  hand-writing,  and  is  ''  the  last  conununica- 
tion  that  lier  busy  hand  ever  wrote  for  the  Christian  pub- 
lic."   It  closes  thus  : 

Thus  far,  my  trials  have  been  triumphs.  Every  new  con- 
flict has  furnished  an  occasion  for  a  new  victory.  And  now,  in 
praise  of  the  faithfulness  of  God,  I  wish  to  say,  that  just  the 
lesson  that  the  Lord  taught  me  in  that  eventful  hour,  thirty- 
four  years  ago,  Avhen  He  said,  "  I  have  chosen  thee  as  a  sif/iiet,*^ 
has  been  most  graciously  fulfilled.  While  He  revealed  to  me 
that  I  should  have  great  trials.  He  also  assured  me  that  I  should 
have  great  triumphs.  So  great  and  continuous  have  been  the 
triumphs  of  truth,  in  connection  with  the  precious  tliemc  of 
holiness,  ihat  my  life  has  been  one  great  psalm  of ''Glory  to 
God  ia  the  highest !  " 


(;2 1  MEMOIRS  OF 

Tlie  closing  days  of  life  were  spent  in  sweet  peace, 
calmly  resting  upon  God,  in  entire  acquiescence  with  His 
will,  equally  ready  to  live  and  sufter,  or  to  depart  and 
be  with  Christ  forever.  "Living  or  dying, '^  she  wrote 
to  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Sarah  Foster,  then  at  Sea  Cliff*,  "  I 
have  one  all  controlling  desire,  and  that  is,  that  God  may 
be  glorified  to  the  uttermost,  in  me,  and  also  in  the  dear 
ones  He  has  given  to  me."  When  a  telegram  was  received, 
aimouncing  the  death  of  an  elder  sister,  she  wept,  and  re- 
marked, ''  Then  Caroline  has  reached  home  a  little  before 
me.''  In  giving  directions  about  what  she  wished  to  have 
done,  after  her  decease,  she  said,  "Pa,  dear,  we  have 
)nade  all  our  domestic,  social,  and  business  relations  sub- 
servient to  the  Iledeemer's  kingdom.     Kemember  that." 

When  threatened  with  immediate  suffbcation,  and  suf- 
fering from  blindness,  she  would  say,  as  the  handof  tender- 
est  love  smoothed  her  forehead,  or  ministered  to  her  need, 
'•  I  am  better  off'  thau  my  precious  Saviour  j  I  have  dear 
friends  all  around  me."  "  Put  my  name  in  it,"  was  a  charac- 
teristic request,  as  one  of  the  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises  was  read  to  her.  Familiarity  with  the  Scriptures, 
and  with  the  best  standard  hymns,  gave  striking  expres- 
sion to  varying  experiences.  A  member  of  her  family 
adds: 

In  healtli,  tlie  Bible  afforded  lier  daily  food  ;  in  sickness,  it 
was  the  source  of  all  her  comfort,  and  lier  unfailing  support. 

Her  sufferings,  from  the  first,  were  very  great,  but  amid 
all,  she  would  cry  out,  '^Alleluia,  Alleluia  Alleluia!  Precious 
Jesus,  i)recious  Jesus  !"  She  frequently  repeated,  *'TIjy  will  is 
best )  Thy  w^l,  not  mine,  be  done."  During  the  first  part  of 
her  severe  illness,  she  said  :  "  I  want  to  say  that  my  teachings 
have  been  correct,  and  I  am  now  testing  them,  in  this  hour  of 
extreme  suffering,  and  find  that  I  am  fully  saved  j  nota  shadow 
of  a  doubt.  The  altar  is  a  beautiful  type;  it  is  a  Scriptural 
figure,  and  I  am  resting  upon  it.    And  the  altar,  which  is  Christ, 


MRS.  PHOEBE  PALMER  025 

sanctifies  the  gift.  The  blood  of  Jesus  cleanses  me  from  all 
unrighteousness  J  "  and  than  the  exclamation,  *' Glory,  glory  !" 
burst  from  her  lips.  *'The  word  of  the  Lord  is  a  sure  founda- 
tion for  faith  :  it  is  solid  rock.  I  am  resting  on  the  Word."  She 
then  requested  us  to  sing  lier  own  hymn  : 

Blessed  Bible,  how  I  love  it! 

How  it  doth  my  bosom  cheer ! 
What  hath  earth,  like  this,  to  covet  ? 

Oh,  what  stores  of  wealth  are  here! 
Man  was  lost,  and  doomed  to  sorrow. 

Not  one  ray  of  light  or  bliss 
Could  he,  from  earth's  treasures,  borrow, 

'Till  his  way  was  cheered  by  this. 

**  Yes !  I'll  to  my  bosom,  press  thee, 

Precious  Word,  I'll  hide  thee  here  ; 
Sure,  my  very  heart  will  bless  thee, 

For  thou  ever  sayest  good  cheer. 
Speak,  my  heart,  and  toll  thy  pouderings, 

Tell  how  far  thy  rovings  led. 
When  this  Book  brought  back  thy  wanderings, 

Speaking  life  as  from  the  dead. 

"  Precious  Bible !  I  will  hide  thee. 

Deep,  still  deeper  in  my  heart ; 
Thou,  through  all  my  life,  wilt  guide  me, 

And  in  death  we  will  not  part : 
Part  in  death  f    No,  never,  never  ! 

Through  death's  vale,  I'll  lean  on  thee; 
Then,  in  worlds  above,  forever, 

Sweeter  still  thy  truths  shall  be." 

The  precious  promises  of  the  Bible  "were  Indelibly  written 
upon  her  heart,  and  weie  breathed  from  her  lips  in  tlie  hour  of 
hergrt^atest  agony.  When  one  said,  *^  Dear  Ma,  if  it  would  re- 
lieve you  to  groan,  do  so,"  she  replied,  "  Jesus  knows  beet.  I 
am  in  the  valley,  without  a  shadow,  trusting  in  Jesus  j  yet  olj,  so 
weary !  Oh,  I  would  so  love  to  go  !  but  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be 
done.  The  light  of  the  eternal  day  has  not  yet  dawned;  I 
thought  it  would  have  dawned  before  this."  When  asked,  **  Do 
you  see  me,  de>ar  ma?"  She  replied,  ^'No;  I  see  no  one  but 
40 


(52  o  MEMOIRS  OF  MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER. 

Jesus,  through  faith ;  but  I  shall  soon   see  the  King  in  Ilia 
beauty." 

When  told  tliat  her  life  was  a  commentary  on  that  text 
'*  She  hath  done  what  slie  could,"  she  replied,  ^'  The  precious 
Jesus  knows  I  have  done  all  in  sincerity,  though  I  might  have 
done  many  things  more  wisely.  It  was  only  Jesus  through  me, 
that  was  all.  The  Lord  is  a  jealous  God;  He  will  not  give 
His  glory  to  another.  Notliing,  nothing  attributed  to  me.  Sing 
praises,  sing  praises.  If  my  heart  could  speak  out,  it  would 
say,  *■  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  I  have  done,  but 
by  His  mercj^.  He  saves  me."  When  bathing  her  feverish  hands, 
she  said,  '^  I  shall  soon  be  bathing  my  hands  in  the  life-giving 
waters." 

During  the  morning  of  her  last  day  on  earth,  she  awoke  as 
from  a  sleep,  and  said,  '^  I  thought  I  saw  a  chariot,  and  it  had 
come  for  me ;  and  oh  !  it  was  so  glorious,  glorious  !"  We  have 
no  doubt  that  the  chariot  had  indeed  come.  She  knew  it,  but 
we  knew  it  not.  She  soon  after  said :  ^^  Thanks  be  to  God  who 
giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  '  0  death, 
where  is  thy  sting !  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ! '  and  then 
slowly  repeated  the  Doxology,  '^  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  glory 
be  to  the  feon,  and  glory  be  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  Amen." 

The  summons  came  unexpectedly,  at  last.  We  did  not  real- 
ize that  she  was  going.  A  convulsive  quiver  of  tlie  frame  and 
the  palpitating  heart  startled  us  ]  and  in  the  arms  of  her  de- 
voted husband,  she  sweetly  breathed  away  her  precious  life,  at 
2i  o'clock  P.  M.,  Nov.  2d,  1874. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

IN  MEMORIAM. 

"  XAT'^  ^^^  know  that  she  who  has  fallen,  fell  a  victor — a 
V  V  crowned  princess ;  better  still,  a  noble  mother  to 
thousands  in  Israel,  as  well  as  to  her  own  children."  Thus 
truly  spake  one  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  friends,  after  her  transla- 
tion from  tlie  field  in  which  she  fell, — a  conqueror  through 
Him  that  hath  loved  us, — to  the  city  of  our  God,  where  the 
crown  of  life,  and  the  vision  of  Jesus  awaited  her  piuified 
spirit.  And  so  felt  the  multitude  of  relatives  and  friends  as- 
sembled at  the  house,  on  the  day  of  the  funeral,  when  pray- 
er that  moved  every  heart,  was  offered  by  the  eloquent 
J.  B.  Wakeley,  D.  D.j — himself  so  soon  to  follow  her,  in 
rapturous  triumph,  to  the  realms  of  glory. 

The  remains  were  then  conveyed  to  St.  Paul's  Method- 
ist Eijiscopal  Church,  corner  of  Fourth  Avenue  and  Twen- 
ty-second street.  The  church  was  densely  crowded  with 
sympathetic  and  sorrowing  friends,  long  before  the  hour 
appointed  for  the  funeral  services  to  commence.  Shortly 
after  two  o'clock,  the  solemn  procession  bearing  the  mor- 
tal remains  of  the  deceased,  entered  the  sacred  oditice,  and 
slowly  moved  up  the  aisle,  to  the  altar,  in  front  of  which 
the  casket  was  then  placed,  Rev.  Dr.  Merwin  reading  the 
funeral  service.  A  most  imi)ressive  silence  prevailed 
throughout  the  church.  The  choir  then  eang  the  anthem, 
"  Cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord,"  after  Avhich  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Chapman,  pastor  of  Stw  Paul's,  read  the  145th  Psalm, 
commencing^  <^  I  will  extol  Thee,  my  God,  O  King ;  "  re- 
marking before  he  read  it,  that  this  portion  of  Scripture 


r>28  MEMOIRS  OF 

bad  been  selected  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  at  the  last  Tuesday 
afternoon  meeting,  prior  to  her  decease,  as  exj^ressive  of 
her  experience  and  feelings.  Dr.  Chapman  also  read  the 
17th  chapter  of  the  Gospel,  according  to  St.  John. 

Prayer  was  offered  by  Eev.  Dr.  Foss.  Eev.  Dr.  Roche 
read  the  hymn  composed  by  the  deceased, — "  Beautiful 
hour."  Bishop  Janes  then  delivered  an  eloquent,  j  udicious, 
and  appreciative  address,  in  which  he  ably  sketched  the 
early  hfe  and  rehgious  career  of  the  departed. 

*'  Marh  the  perfect  man,  and  heliold  the  upright j  for  the  end  of 
that  man  is  peace.'''' 

'^  Perhaps,  from  tlie  time  that  that  passage  was  penned,  it  has 
never  been  more  fitly  illustrated  than  in  the  decease  of  our  de- 
parted sister. 

*^  Mrs.  Palmer  was  not  a  quietist.  Her  eminently  spiritual 
life  did  not  make  her  a  recluse,  did  not  withdraw  her  into  re- 
tirement from  society.  She  did  not  spend  her  time  in  self- 
introspection.  She  was  not  all  tlie  time  employed  in  nursing 
her  own  happiness.  On  the  contrary,  she  worked  out  lier  own 
salvation,  by  laboring  for  the  salvation  of  others.  She  kept  her 
own  happiness  by  giving  it  to  others.  She  found  her  own  life 
by  losing  it  for  others.  Her  religion  was  a  mighty  inspiration 
to  Christian  activities. " 

Speaking  of  the  labors  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  in  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  he  added  : 

"  As  to  the  manner  in  which  they  labored,  I  have  a  most 
beautiful  testimony  from  the  Rev.  Robert  Young,  Ex-President 
of  the  British  Conference,  and  others  : 

"  Our  dear  friends,  (Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer),  though  so  undeni- 
ably and  prominently  useful,  showed  an  anxious  desire,  in  tru- 
est Clnistian  humility,  to  be  regarded  only  as  '  lielpers'  to  the 
existing  agencies  of  the  church.  All  their  meetings  for  exhorta- 
tion, etc.,  were  commenced  by  one  of  the  circuit  ministers,  and 
they  neither  ignored  nor  taught  others  to  ignore,  but  honored 
and  tauglit  otiiers  to  honor,  the  laws  and  institutions  of  the 
chf.rcli  that  had  received  them. 


MBS.  PR(EBE  PALMER,  629 

"This  testimony  to  the  manner  in  which  they  labored,  is  in- 
vulnerable.    So  orderly,  so  humble,  and  yet  so  earnest  and  suc- 
cessful.    For  these  labors,  she  was  admirably  fitted  by  natural 
gifts,  by  gracious  attainments,  and  by  providential  arrange- 
ments.    She  possessed  a  clear  understanding,  good  reasoning 
powers,  a  calm,  easy,  yet  impressive  and  eifective  utterance. 
She  understood  the  deep  things  of  Godj  having  an  unction  from 
the  Holy  One.    Providence  so  ordered  it,  that  her  husband,  who 
fully  sympathized  with  her  in  her  views  of  duty,  could  travel 
and  labor  with  heir.     And  above  all,  her  ardent  zeal  for  God, 
her  interest  for  the  salvation  of  perishing  souls,  gave  her  the 
highest  qualification  for  this  office  and  work  ;  for  neither  in  the 
ministry,  nor  in  the  desk,  are  men  or  women  of  much  account  in 
the  church,  until  they  have  a  passion  for  the  saving  of  souls 
until  they  are  restless  and  unhappy,  unless  they  can  see  and 
feel  that  God  is  enabling  them  in  some  way,  and  by  some  in- 
strumentality, to  win  souls  to  Christ.  And  this,  with  her,  was  a 
constant  inspiration.     She  was  always  under  the  constraining 
love  of  Christ,  and  moved  by  that  passion,   she  labored  most 
persistently  and  earnestly,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  to  save 
them.     With  her  views  of  salvation,  with  her  understanding  of 
the  doctrine  of  sanctificatiou,  with  such  glorious  attainments  ber 
fore  her  mind,  and  with  such  power  upon  her  spirit,  how  could 
it  be  otherwise,  than  that  she  should  most  zealously,  by  pen, 
and  by  lip,  and  by  life,  be  most  earnest  and  urgent  in  exhorting 
and  entreating  her  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord  to  go  on  to 
perfection,  to  seek  to  attain  to  the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the 
gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ?      God  honored  His  servant. 
As  we  have  seen— though  we  have  hardly  taken  a  bird's-eye 
view  of  her  life— many  were  led  to  the  Saviour,  and  many  were 
led  to  the  fountain  that  cleanseth  from  all  sin.     In  this  land  and 
in  other  lands,  many  already  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed,  and 
many  will  greet  her  with  thanksgiving,  and  praise,  and  love, 
when  they  meet  her  at  the  judgment-seat  in  the  spirit-land. 
And  we  doubt  not,  we  cannot  doubt,  that  in  eternity,  she  ^vill 
be  numbered  with  those  who  have  turned  many  to  righteous- 
ness, and   will  have  the  special  lienor  which  is  given  only  to 
those  who  have  been  useful  here  on  earth." 


630  MEMOIBS  OF 

III  a  memorial  sermon,  preached  in  Allen  street  M.  E. 
Church,  New  York,  November  15tli,  1874,  the  Eev.  W.  H. 
Boolcy  bore  the  following  testimony  : 

"  All  her  happy  relations  with  others  were  held  in  strict  and 
utter  sabordinatiou  to  Christ  and  His  will.  And  also,  all  per- 
sonal ambition,  prospects,  and  opportunities  were  alike  dethron- 
ed. She  liad  no  time  for  the  mere  interchange  of  fonnal,  .aim- 
less, social  visitation.  Her  means  and  position  were  ample  for 
sacli  recreation  and  enjoyment,  but  her  parlors  were  given  up 
to  meetings  for  holiness,  and  lier  recreations  were  all  included 
under  one  head,  ^'  One  more  day's  work  for  Je.sus."  This 
manner  of  life  extorted  many  criticisms  ;  there  was  in  it  all, 
such  a  seeming  disregard  of  society's  conventional  rulings  j  but 
such  criticisms  served  to  sliow  the  superficial  judgment  of  the 
unwise  critics,  wlu^se  spirit  could  not  judge  her  according  to 
the  positive  principles  of  her  holy  and  devoted  life.  Yet  she 
lost  nothing  by  this  close  adlierence  to  principle  ;  there  was  lul- 
filled  to  lier,  the  promise  of  Jesus,  that  in  this  life,  whoso  for- 
saketh  all  for  His  sake,  shall  receive  an  hundred-fold.  Of 
si)iritual  children,  brotliers,  sisters,  friends,  and  homes,  she 
received  many  hundred-fold. 

^'  Slie  was  always  clear,  positive,  and  uncompromising  in  her 
teaching  and  confession  of  Christ. 

'^  The  trumpet  gave  no  uncertain  sound  iu  her  moutli.  Since 
tlie  days  of  Wesley,  no  one  has  appeared  among  us,  who  has 
more  clearly  tauglit,  and  practically  enforced  the  vital  doctrine 
of  Methodism,  to  the  immediate  salvation  of  multitudes.  If  the 
soundness  of  one's  theology,  and  the  value  of  one's  work,  are  to 
be  estimated  by  the  amount  and  quality  of  the  immediate  and 
living  fruit  produced  thereon,  then  Mrs.  Phoebe  Palmer  ranks 
pre-eminent,  as  a  teacher  in  Israel.  If  it  was  intended  by  the 
wise  founder  of  our  church,  John  Wesley,  that  the  doctrine  of 
entire  sanctification  should  be  something  more  than  a  dry  theme 
for  discussion  among  theologians ;  that  its  promulgation  was 
to  bring  the  church  to  the  positive  realization  of  salvation  from 
all  sin,  ar.d  lift  the  living  members  of  Christ's  body  into  the 
fullness  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  power  -,  if  this  truth  was  to   '  Spread 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  (J31 

Scriptural  holiness  thiougli  the  lands,'  then  Mrs.  Phoibo  Pal- 
mer was  among  the  best  and  wisest  expositors  of  the  doctrine 
of  Cliristian  perfection ;  for  her  teaching  saved  and  sanctified 
thousands. 

On  the  same  day,  the  Eev.  John  Parker  paid  this  just 
tribute  to  her  memory  : 

^'  I  doubt  if  her  influence  can  be  estimated  in  the  present  life. 
She  has  i)ut  in  oj)eration,  agencies  and  means  for  usefulness, 
which  must  continue  their  activity,  till  the  end  of  time.  It 
may  be  justly  doubted  whether  auy  minister  or  layman  of  our 
times,  has  been  so  influential  for  good.  And  I  have  no  recol- 
lection of  any  record  of  usefulness  by  a  female,  in  the  entire 
history  of  the  church,  that  will  at  all  compare  with  hers.  She 
was  the  woman  of  the  Christianity  of  our  times. 

^'  Full  salvation,  through  faith  in  the  cleansing  blood,  was  her 
glad  and  conqueiing  theme,  in  all  her  life-work.  Her  statements 
of  doctrine  were  perfectly  Wesleyan.  I  know  this  was  disput- 
ed, chiefly  on  two  points — her  views  of  consecration,  rnd  her 
views  of  faith.  She  called  us  to  lay  our  all  on  Christ,  the  altar, 
telling  us  that  the  altar  sanctifieth  the  gift.  Having  thus  pre- 
sented all,  it  was  presumption  to  doubt  whether  Go;l  did  now 
accept ;  that  our  feelings  were  not  the  test  of  God's  willingness 
or  of  His  acceptance  ;  that  reliance  on  the  integrity  of  His 
promise  was  an  absolute  duty,  and  such  reliance  is  faith.  She 
never  taught  anything  different  from  this,  and  this  is  Wesleyan 
doctrine. " 

To  the  same  effect,  is  the  appreciative  and  eloquent 
eulogium  of  the  Kev.  A.  Lovvrey,  U.D.,  of  the  C7iristia?t 
Standard  : 

<•'  Among  all  the  '  elect  ladies,'  whom  Christianity  has  pro- 
duced, none  have  excelled  Phoebe  Palmer.  Her  work  has  been 
of  tlie  holiest  character,  her  zeal  quenchless,  her  usefulness  ex- 
tensive and  incalculable. 

"  She  had  marked  individuality,  and  in  some  sense,  a  superior 
commission.  Her  license  came  from  no  subordinate  source. 
She  was  accredited  from  on  high.      Hcu-  autliority  and  crcden- 


(532  MEMOIRS   OF 

tials  were  conferred  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  She  was  set  apart  and 
gifted  to  be  a  gentle  leader.  With  a  mind  Tigorous  and  dis- 
criminating, her  conceptions  were  quick,  just,  and  simple.  Ac- 
cordingly, her  plans  and  life-work  were  plain  and  practical. 
Her  counsels  and  administration,  touching  the  advancement  of 
holiness,  were  conservative,  and  yet  definite,  uncompromising, 
and  positive.  In  her  public  ministrations,  she  was  always 
doctrino-practical.  Her  talents  were  eminently  available,  for 
present  use  and  unexpected  emergencies.  She  was  vested  with 
a  remarkable  power  to  produce  immediate  results.  Nor  were 
these  fruits  evanescent.  They  were  life-long  and  permanent. 
Nay,  more,  they  are  commensurate  with  eternity.  This,  no 
doubt,  she  has  now  verified,  by  meeting  in  heaven  a  retinue  of 
redeemed  souls,  who  were  the  trophies  of  her  success  on  earth. 
'^  During  all  these  years,  the  fidelity  of  Sister  Palmer  to 
Methodism  and  orthodoxy,  has  been  noteworthy  and  commend- 
able. Such  were  her  theologic  accuracies,  and  the  sovereignty 
of  her  presiding  spirit,  that  no  heresies  were  taught,  and  no 
fanaticism  practised  in  her  meetings.  Allowing  for  the  ditfer- 
ences  in  the  types  of  mental  conceptions  whicli  are  always  in- 
separable from  strongly  marked  individuality,  Mrs.  Palmer,  we 
think,  was  strictly  Wesleyan  in  her  views  and  inculcations. 
In  order  to  lift  sincere  persons  over  the  bar  of  constitutional, 
habitual,  or  creed-bound  imbelief,  she  would  seem  to  lead  tliem 
out,  sometimes,  to  the  very  crest  of  presumption  ',  but  in  such 
cases,  she  always  left  the  bridge  of  orthodoxy  in  good  repair 
behind  her." 

Equally  characteristic  and.  eloquent,  is  the  tribute  of 
the  Eev.  T.  D.  Talmage,  the  celebrated  preacher  of  the 
Brooklyn  Tabernacle. 

"Columbus  no  more  certainlj^  discovered  our  New  World  than 
Phoebe  Palmer  discovered  that  new  world  of  light  and  love  and 
joy  and  peace,  wliich  she  spoke  of.  Cohimbus  did  not  create 
this  new  world ;  lie  pointed  it  out.  Phoebe  Palmer  did  not 
create  ^  the  higher  life  ; '  she  only  exhibited  it.  Slie  showed  to 
the  Church  of  God  that  there  were  mountain  peaks  of  Christian 
sanctification  that  it  had  never  attained,  and  created  in  the 


MRS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  633 

souls  of  TIB  v;ho  liave  not  reached  that  elevation,  a  longing  for 
the  glorious  ascent.  For  thirty-seven  jears — longer  than  the 
life,  perhaps,  of  the  majority  of  people  present  to-day— every 
Tuesday,  she  had  a  meeting,  the  sole  object  of  which  was  the 
elevation  of  the  standard  of  Christian  holiness  j  and  there  were 
hundreds  of  Cliristian  ministers,  who  came  in  and  sat  down  at 
her  feet,  and  got  her  blessing,  and  went  out  stronger  for  Chris- 
tian combat.  It  was  no  rare  thing,  in  her  evangelistic  meet- 
ings in  the  Utiited  States  and  Europe,  to  have  ministers  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Baptist  Church,  and  fhe  Method- 
ist Church  and  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  all  the  churches, 
coming  and  kneeling  down  at  the  altar,  bemoaning  their  unbe- 
lief and  their  coldness,  and  then  rising  up,  saying:  '^  I  have 
got  it — ^the  blessing."  Some  caricatured  and  said  there  was  no 
such  thing  as  ^a  higher  life  '  of  peace  and  Christian  sanctifi- 
cation ;  but  she  lived  long  enough  to  see  the  whole  Christian 
Church  waking  up  to  this  doctrine,  and  thousands  and  tens  of 
thousands  coming  on  the  high  table-land  where  once  she  stood, 
she  herself  having  passed  on  now,  higher  up,  that  she  may  still 
beckon  us  on,  crying:  <  Up  this  way  !  Up  this  way  ! '  Glo- 
rious soul  of  Phoebe  Palmer  !  Synonym  of  holiness  unto  the 
Lord! 

^'Always  accompanied  by  her  husband,  she  went  on  to  serve 
Christ,  and  she  wanted  no  higher  right  than  this,  the  grandest 
ri^ht  ever  given  to  man  or  woman — the  right  to  commend  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  a  dying  world.  Modestly  and  in  Chris- 
tian consecration,  she  went  forth  to  serve  God. 

"  Twenty-five  thousand  souls  saved  under  the  instrumentality 
of  Phoebe  Palmer !  What  a  record  for  earth  and  heaven  !  What 
an  array  for  the  judgment  day  !  What  a  doxology  for  the  one 
hundred  and  forty  and  four  thousand  !  What  a  mountain  of 
coronets  flung  down  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  ! 

'^  Oh,  that  the  name  of  Phoebe  Palmer  might  be  one  of  the 
watchwords  to  rouse  up  the  church  universal !  The  Methodist 
Church  cannot  monopolize  her  name.  She  belonged  to  that 
church,  she  lived  in  it,  she  died  in  it,  she  loved  it ;  but  you  can- 
not build  any  denominational  wall  high  enough  to  shut  out 
that  light  from  our  souls.     She  is  mine.     She  is  yours.     She 


031:  MEMOIRS  OF 

belongs  to  all  earth  and  all  heaven.    Eternal  God !  let  the  stury 
of  her  life  and  death  thrill  all  nations !  " 

With  that  genuine  pathos, — born  of  accurate  intel- 
lectual estimate  and  purest  Christian  affection, — which 
breathes  in  uttered  recollections  of  the  sainted  dead,  the 
Eev.  W.  Young,  of  the  Methodist  Church  in  Canada, 
wrote,  March  1st,  1875  : 

*'  Memory  is  too  treacherous,  and  space  too  limited,  to  at- 
tempt a  description  of  the  labor  performed,  the  victories  vron 
for  Christ,  the  glorious  and  blessed  result  in  after  years,  in 
numerical  increase  and  general  prosperity.  She  invariably  left 
a  blessing  behind  her,  but  perhaps  in  no  case  that  came  under 
my  notice,  was  this  more  clearly  seen,  in  immediate  results,  and 
fruits  following,  than  in  the  camp-meeting  at  Millbrook,  in 
1856. 

^'The  influence  of  the  Sabbath  labors,  principally  her  ad- 
dresses, secured  to  us  large  congregations,  every  day  and  evening, 
while  tlie  meeting  continued.  Her  labors  were  varied  and  con- 
tinuous. All  the  friends  of  Jesus  co-operated.  No  carping  criti- 
cism of  the  blessed  Bible  doctrine  of  holiness.  Believing  hearts, 
by  the  score,  felt  its  power,  and  exx)erienced  its  reality.  Sinners, 
in  equal  numbers,  were  converted  to  God.  Reverence  for  Divine 
things,  rested  upon  a  large  portion  of  the  community.  Desire 
for  worldly,  sensual  pleasure,  was  so  far  extinguished,  or  held  in 
check,  that  w'hen  the  circus,  which  visited  the  place  a  few  days 
after  the  close  of  the  camp-meeting,  came  to  settle  their  bill, 
they  found  their  receipts  two  hundred  dollars  less  than  their 
expenses.  Glory  to  God  !  The  effect  of  this  work  was  perma- 
nent, as  it  always  should  be. 

*'As  a  public  speaker,  she  was  unique  and  peculiar,  copying 
after  no  one,  yet  possibly  reminding  one  of  Mr.  Wesley,  w^hom 
she  so  much  admired.  Deep  feeling,  intense  earnestness,  love 
to  Christ,  and  the  souls  of  men,  completely  .  annihilating 
every  opposing  influence  and  feeling ;  cool  and  deliberate  j 
voice  clear,  utteraKce  distinct,  words  carefully  considered  and 
well  chosen  j  a  perfect  model  of  modesty  and  confidence.  I 
shall  never  forget  the  effect  produced  on  both  head  and  heart, 


MBS.  PHCEBE  PALMER.  635 

by  the  first  public  address  I  heard  her  deliver.  It  was  at  the 
first  of  the  above  mentioned  camp-meetings.  About  noon,  on 
the  Lord's  day,  she  was  called  upon,  without  previous  notice,  at 
the  close  of  a  sermon,  to  speak  to  a  congregation  of  several 
thousands.  Curiosity  soon  gave  way  to  a  higher  and  nobler 
feeling.  Breathless  attention  was  given.  Every  eye  was  fixed 
upon  her. 

''  Those  in  the  rear  of  the  congregation,  placed  their  hand  be- 
hind their  ears,  that  not  a  word  might  be  lost.  Before  she  got 
tnrough,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  down  and  melted  many  hearts. 
In  the  social  circle,  she  was  communicative  and  instructive. 
Her  religion  appeared  to  make  her  happy  and  cheerful.  It  was 
the  constant  theme  of  her  conversation,  and  the  great  work  of 
her  life." 

Mitchell  Neville,  Esq.,  a  prominent  layman  and  local 
preacher  of  the  Methodist  Church  in  Canada,  after  de- 
scribing Mrs.  Pabner's  wonderfully  successful  labors  in 
that  country,  adds : 

^'  Her  labors  in  this  region  are  gratefully  remembered  by  many 
thousands.  No  doubt  many  who  were  saved  by  her  instru- 
mentality hastened  to  greet  her  with  joyful  acclamations,  as  she 
came  white-robed  through  the  everlasting  gates.  I  think  it  may 
be  safely  said  that  her  name  is  cherished  more,  and  her  labors 
more  highly  prized  than  any  one  of  all  the  Lord's  honored  ser- 
vants in  this  region. 

''  My  impression  is,  that  amongst  all  the  highly  honored  and 
greatly  admired  female  laborers  in  the  Master's  vineyard,  Mrs. 
P.  stands  prominently  above  them  all,  and  that  many  more 
stars  now  deck  her  crown,  than  that  of  any  other  woman  who 
has  ever  graced  the  church  of  the  living  God." 

The  general  estimate  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  life  and  laboi-s, 
is  singularly  uniform,  and  is  perhaps  best  expressed  in  the 
words  of  the  Kev.  A.  Atwood,  of  Philadelphia,  w^ritten  soon 
after  the  tidings  of  her  decease  had  reached  that  city. 

^^  She  will  rank  in  history  far  in  advance  of  Mrs.  Hester  Ann 
Kogtrs,Lady  Maxwell  or  Mrs.  Fletcher.    She  has  done  more, 


536  MEMOIRS  OF  MRS.  PH(EBE  PALMER, 

Buffered  more,  labored  longer,  and  more  extensively,  and  led 
far  more  people  into  clear  liglit,  than  either  of  those  named. 
But  her  record  is  on  high.  All  the  wide  movement  of  the  Na- 
tional Committee  is  a  result  of  her  long  and  faithful  service." 

Entire  sanctification  bore  precisely  the  same  fruit  in 
hind^  in  the  life  of  each  of  those  godly  and  devoted  women. 
But  superior  endowments,  wider  opportunities,  more  favor- 
ing circumstances,  enabled  Mrs.  Palmer  to  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  righteousness  in  greater  profusion,  and  to  merit 
the  encomium,  "  Many  daughters  have  done  virtuously, 
but  thou  excellest  them  all.^^ 


Q^  FINIS.  ^^^:)