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Full text of "Memoir of George David Cummins : first Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church"

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MEMOIR 



FIRST BISHOP OF 



The Reformed Episcopal Church. 



BY HIS WIFE. 




PER. ARDUA 



"THEY that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the Stars forever 
and ever." DAN. 12 : 3. 




(I COLLEGE 

vw JT ^*^ y 

NEW YORK : 
D O D D, MEAD & COMPANY, 

No. 751 BROADWAY. 



Copyright, 1878, by A. M. CUMMINS. 




BISHOPS, CLERGY, AND LAITY 



REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 



AND TO THE DEAR FRIENDS IN THE 



PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 



WHO LOVE AND CHERISH 



His MEMORY. 



THIS RECORD OF THE LIFE OF THEIR BISHOP, 



AND LOVING FRIEND, 



IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 



NOTE. 

A WELL-KNOWN, and greatly-admired author says : " There 
is a moment of profound discouragement which succeeds to 
prolonged effort ; when the labor, which has become a habit, 
having ceased, we miss the sustaining sense -of its compan 
ionship, and stand, with a feeling of strangeness, and embar 
rassment, before the abrupt and naked result." 

With this feeling, and a keen sense of how unworthily 
this labor of love has been accomplished, the writer sends 
forth the result of months of uninterrupted work. 

To the severer voices of strangers, as well as to the gentler 
judgment of friends, these pages are submitted by the author, 
trusting that whatever may be their decision regarding them, 
their accuracy will not be lost sight of. 

A. M. C. 




CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Early Days and College Life, . . . . . . .13 



CHAPTER II. 
The Young Circuit Rider, 19 

CHAPTER III. 
Preparation Work, ......... 32 

CHAPTER IV. 
Life in Norfolk, 39 

CHAPTER V. 
Life in Norfolk, Continued, 49 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VI, 

PAGE 

Life in Norfolk, Continued, 55 



CHAPTER VII. 
Call to Richmond, 64 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Resigns Christ Church, Norfolk, 71 

CHAPTER IX. 
Work in Richmond, 77 

CHAPTER X. 
Call to Washington, .87 

CHAPTER XI. 
Life in Washington, 93 

CHAPTER XII. 
More Earnest Work, 103 



CONTENTS. in 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PAGE 

Call to New York, 112 



CHAPTER XIV. 
Other Souls to Win Call to Baltimore, 



CHAPTER XV. 
Labor in a New Field, ......... 135 

CHAPTER XVI. 
In Labors Abundant, 149 

CHAPTER XVII. 
First Visit to Europe Letters to his Children. .... 155 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Return Home, *75 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Call to San Francisco, Cal., . . . , . iSr 



IV CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XX. 

PAGE 

Another Home, 188 



CHAPTER XXI. 
Life in the Great West, 197 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Sowing the Seed, 209 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Work for Jesus, 225 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Work in 1865-66, 236 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Election to the Episcopate, 243 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
The Bishopric Accepted, . 256 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

PAGE 

Consecration and Work, 265 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
A Stand for the Truth 1868, 284 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
General Convention, 296 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Correspondence with Bishop Whitehousc 1869, . . . 307 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Correspondence, Continued, . . . . . . . 3 21 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Letters to Bishop Bedell, . 33 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
After the Darkness, Light 348 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

I'AGB 

Inhibition of Bishop Whitehouse, . . , . . . 357 



CHAPTER XXXV. 
Home Life, 369 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Work in 1870, 380 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 
Visit to New York and Conferences, ...... 394 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
Reformed Episcopal Church, . . . . . . 410 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 
The First General Council, ....'... 430 



CHAPTER XL. 
Work in the Reformed Episcopal Church, ..... 447 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

PAGE 

Work in Reformed Episcopal Church, 1875, Continued, . . 475 



CHAPTER XLII. 
The End, . . . .". . . . . .. 517 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



CHAPTER I. 

EARLY DAYS AND COLLEGE LIFE. 

"We know him now, all narrow jealousies 
Are silent ; and we see him as he moved : 
How modest, kindly, all-accomplished, wise, 
With what sublime repression of himself! 

***** 
Wearing the white flower of a blameless life 
Before a thousand peering littlenesses." 

EORGE DAVID CUMMINS was born near 
V_J the town of Smyrna, Del., December nth, 
1822. His father's family came to this country 
from Scotland, and settled at Oxford, near Easton, 
Md., on the Chesapeake Bay. It was at that time a 
shipping port of importance. From Oxford several 
members of the family removed to Delaware and 
Pennsylvania. Two of the uncles of the subject of 
this memoir settled in Philadelphia, and became prom 
inent shipping and commission merchants. The father 
of Bishop Cummins, Mr. George Cummins, purchased 
land in Delaware, and there he lived all his life. He 
occupied prominent positions in the State, and was a 
member of the Legislature for many years. Early in 
life he married the daughter of Governor Collins. 



14 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

She lived but a few months, and for many years he 
remained a widower. When quite an old man, he 
married the daughter of the Rev. John Durborow, 
and granddaughter of Major Hammond, of Howard 
County, Maryland. Being a man of fortune and 
leisure, he took great delight in relieving the wants 
of the poor around him. He was the physician to 
all who were unable to send for many miles for a 
medical man, and ministered constantly to the sick 
both in supplying medicines and delicate food. Hos 
pitable and generous, his house was always open 
to guests, whom he was rarely without. He was a 
large slave-holder, but set them all free before his 
death, and to the older ones gave each a house, and 
land sufficient to support them as long as they lived. 
He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
The mother of Bishop Cummins was very much 
younger than her husband. Her. ancestors came from 
England, and settled in Tennessee and Delaware. 
She was a very handsome woman and an earnest, 
consistent Christian, generous and loving, and ad 
mired and esteemed by all who knew her. By this 
marriage Mr. Cummins became the father of four 
children Sarah Collins, the eldest, now residing in 
Smyrna, Del. ; Fannie, who married Robert Hill, 
Esq., of Smyrna; George David; arid John, the 
youngest, who died in infancy, and lies beside his 
father in the graveyard near Smyrna. 

The subject of this memoir was the third child of 
George and Maria Cummins, and received the name 
of his father and a beloved uncle, who was appointed 
by the Court, guardian to the three children after the 
death of their first guardian, Mr. John Cummins. 



EARL V DA YS AND COLLEGE LIFE. I 5 

Bishop Cummins was deeply attached to his birth 
place, and during' his life enjoyed visiting there 
greatly. 

When four years of age his father died, leaving 
his young family to the care of his wife and brother. 
After Mr. Cummins 's death Mrs. Cummins re 
moved to Smyrna, and in the autumn of 1833 the 
three children were sent to school in Newark, Del. 
Mr. Cummins was placed under the care of the Rev. 
Mr. Russell, a Presbyterian minister, who kept a school 
in Newark. He was then eleven years of age, and 
his sisters were in the school of the Rev. Mr. Bell, 
a Presbyterian minister also. Here the Bishop "re 
mained until he was old enough to enter college. 
Through the influence of his mother he was sent, at 
the early age of fourteen years, to Dickinson Col 
lege, at Carlisle, Pa. The testimony of all who knew 
him when a child is, that he was remarkably gentle 
and loving in his disposition, yet very bright and in 
telligent, and fond of study. He remained at Dick 
inson College until he graduated. The law was the 
profession he had chosen ; but when, in his seventeenth 
year, he gave his heart to the Lord, he decided to 
study for the ministry. We have no letters written 
during his earliest school-days in Newark ; the first in 
our possession bears the date of November 2ist, 1838, 
before his conversion. It is written to his eldest sis 
ter. He says : " Have you heard the Rev. Mr. Bas- 
com preach ? He is certainly one of the most elo 
quent pulpit orators in the United States." In another 
letter he speaks of " studying very hard. We have 
a very large number of students, and the college is in 



1 6 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

a thriving condition." The President, Rev. Dr. Dur- 
bin, and Professor Allen, now President of Girard 
College, Philadelphia, as also Professor Caldwell, 
were warm friends of the young student. His letters 
at this time are marked by the same bright, cheerful 
spirit that so distinguished him in later years. The 
warm, loving heart beat then, as it ever did, with 
tender love to each member of his family, as well as 
to his boyhood's friends. In a letter dated April, 1839, 
he speaks of a great revival going on in Dickinson 
College, over one hundred having united with the 
church. It was at this time he gave his heart to God 
and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, entering 
on a life of earnest love and faithful labor for Christ. 
Soon after this consecration of himself to the Lord he 
was obliged to leave college : his health had been in 
jured by intense application to study for nearly three 
years. On the first page of a journal commenced at 
that time he writes : " My state of health at present is 
certainly an unenviable one. Exiled from college by 
a disease of the heart, within a few months of my 
graduation, I am forbidden to engage in any bodily 
exertion or mental study." 

In a letter written to his sister, from Philadephia, 
March 4th, 1840, he says : " I went to-day to consult 
Dr. Samuel Jackson ; from him I learned sad news. 
He says there is an enlargement of the heart, and 
that I should by no means return to college ; that it 
will take eighteen months or two years to relieve me ; 
that by taking great care I might recover, but if I do 
not I could live but a short time." This was a se 
vere trial to the young and ardent student, but he 



EARLY DAYS AND COLLEGE LIFE. 



bore it with the same sweet spirit so fully and fre 
quently manifested in after-life. 

Mr. Cummins rested from all study until Decem 
ber ist, 1840, when he once more returned to Car 
lisle. 

In a letter bearing that date he says : " I arrived 
here yesterday, in the evening, having accomplished 
the journey from Baltimore in one day ! Stewart had 
reserved my room for me, and here I am snugly 
ensconced as I was a year ago. The students and 
faculty received me most kindly, and seem to be very 
glad to have me back again. Professor Caldwell 
kept my name on the catalogue ..... There 
are many new students, and some very wicked ones. 
I pray I may be kept from sinning. ' ' 

Mr. Cummins's mother had married the Rev. Jo 
seph Farrow, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and 
had removed to Baltimore. 

This was his home for several years, where he 
spent the time when not at college or on the circuit. 
To his eldest sister his letters were chiefly written at 
this time. In one, dated Carlisle, February isth, 
1841, he writes : " My health is very much improved, 
and lately I have felt very well. I find studying 
agrees with me, and I hope to take a good place in 
my class at Commencement." And again, June ist, 
1841 : " My health is good. To-day we pass our 
final examination of the whole course. Our exami 
nations have been very rigid, lasting eight and nine 
days." He was a member of the Philosophical 
Society, and on July 5th, 1841, he delivered an ad 
dress before that society entitled " Knowledge an 



1 8 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Insufficient Guide to Individual or National Con 
duct." 

On July 8th, 1841, Mr. Cummins graduated with 
great honor, in a class of twenty-three. He deliv 
ered the "valedictory oration," and received the 
degree of B.A. On the nth July, 1844, he received 
that of A.M. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 

" Let Truth's pure girdle belt thee round, 
Let Christ's own Righteousness complete 
Protect thy breast, and be thy feet 
With Gospel fitness bound ; 
Thy shield be Faith's unchanging light, 
Salvation's hope thy helmet bright." 

AGED 20. 

IN March, 1842, Mr. Cummins was appointed by 
the Baltimore Methodist Episcopal Conference 
to the Bladensburg Circuit, in the State of Mary 
land. 

He was then only a licentiate. Those who knew 
him then remember him as so youthful in appearance, 
that no one would have thought he was prepared for 
the duties of a minister of the Gospel. 

From Bladensburg he writes to his sister Sarah : 
" I have just returned this morning from our quar 
terly meeting. On Tuesday morning I rode to my 
appointment at Pleasant Grove ; on Wednesday, to 
the Union meeting-house ; on Thursday, to a chapel 
about sixteen miles from here. I had an appointment 
on Friday morning, and we continued the meeting 
from that time. I preached on Friday morning, and 
in the evening again. Saturday, Brother Wilson from 
Washington preached in the morning, and Brother 
Coffin at night. On Sunday morning we had our 



20 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

love-feast, and Brother Wilson preached again. I 
was to have preached in the evening, but a large 
number of colored people came to the meeting, 
enough to fill two churches, and I offered to preach to 
them in the open air. Accordingly we went a short 
distance into the woods, and I stood on a chair under 
a cedar-tree, and preached to them. I should think 
there were a thousand present, and, as you may sup 
pose/ A Shout in the Camp ' ! I have now been around 
the circuit, and have found it very pleasant." 

His fondness for the country was always very 
marked. Even at this early period in his ministerial 
life he writes enthusiastically of the green fields, 
beautiful gardens, and leafy forests, and rich wheat- 
fields, in strong contrast with the brick houses and 
stone pavements of the city. 

He dwells upon the sweet freshness of country 
life, and compares it with the excitement, bustle, and 
confusion of city life, and yet his life-work was begun 
and ended almost in the great cities. When he pos 
sibly could he sought the quiet and rest of a country 
home, yet he felt that in the great centres of our 
country his work was to be accomplished. He was 
ever happiest in his home, and surrounded by those 
so tenderly loved. In this his first year of ministerial 
work, while among strangers, he writes : " How 
delightful will it be to step into the cars again with 
my face turned homeward !" Again he writes from 
his home in Bladensburg, Md., May 8th, 1843 : " Re 
member me to each member of my Sunday-school 
class. I intended writing before this, but my en 
gagements have kept me more constantly at work than 
usual. I am glad to say that for some time past my 



THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 21 

health has been better ; I have not felt so much debili 
tated, and J still hope I may become much stronger." 
The young and earnest preacher does not in these 
extracts give his sister an idea of how much he 
suffered. His was too unselfish a spirit to allow his 
suffering to depress those he loved. While thus 
speaking hopefully of his state of health, many hours 
of the day were passed in severe pain. The trouble 
of the heart, years before detected by one of Amer 
ica's most eminent physicians, still brought with it 
much physical disturbance, though the out-door life 
he led as a "circuit rider," did much towards 
strengthening his whole system. Indeed, gradually 
he grew much better, and in after-life attributed this 
favorable change to the two years he spent in almost 
constant exercise in the open air, on horseback. 
Thirty-four years of laborious "preacher-life" were 
given him, and in all that time he was only confined 
for a day or two to his bed. Even the last illness was 
short. His was a busy life. Active, earnest, enthu 
siastic, he did everything with his whole soul. An 
eminent Scotch physician said of him in 1862 : " It is 
this intense nervous activity that makes Dr. Cummins 
the preacher he is. " In. the routine of his early minis 
terial life in a small village, going from chapel to 
school-house, holding services for the simple folk 
who formed in great part his congregations, he was 
as careful in preparing his sermons, and as earnest in 
their delivery, as when he ministered to great con 
gregations made up of the most cultured and intellec 
tual people in the land. He writes in July, 1843, thus 
of his work : "Everything seems to be opening be 
fore us most encouragingly. We have appointed two 



22 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



camp-meetings, one on the 4th August, the other on 
the 1 8th. We celebrated the 4th July by a Sunday- 
school gathering in a grove near the chapel. We had 
a beautiful procession of children, though the school 
has been established but two or three months. In 
the afternoon we had a temperance-meeting. The 
Rev. Mr. French of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
living in Washington, and formerly chaplain to Con 
gress, spoke. I addressed the people first, and Mr. 
French followed." In another letter he says: "I 
have been to Washington several times since I wrote 
you. Bladensburg is but six miles from the Capital. 
I have been through the Capitol and the grounds, and 
visited the halls of the Senate and House of Repre 
sentatives. " In a letter dated September I3th of 
the same year he gives a full account of his duties in 
the " circuit," " preaching almost every day, and so 
much engaged as not to have time for writing." In 
this letter he speaks of having had the opinion of two 
physicians as to his health ; but though suffering all 
the time, his earnest faithfulness carried him through 
all his duties. The next letter from which we quote 
is written on the young preacher's birthday, Decem 
ber nth, 1843. He says ; " Just twenty-one ! What 
a crowd of thoughts pass through my mind on writing 
these words ! I think of my history the life I have 
lived, the scenes through which I have passed, the 
calling in which I am now engaged and of the future, 
what I shall yet be ; what will be the character of the 
rest of life's pilgrimage which lies before me, and 
whether thc^tvorld will be any better and happier from tlic 
fact that a man-child zvas born into the ivorld December 
nth, 1822 ! Who can tell ? The dark Future answers 



THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 23 



not. But my own spirit can answer through the aid of 
the Divine Spirit, it shall be so. May God grant it ! 
I am a winter-child, and not a 'summer-child,' as 
Miss Bremer so beautifully expresses it. Twenty-one 
years gone ! How fast life is going ! Yet this is but 
the entrance to life. Who can tell whether I shall live 
twenty-one years more ? Let me then be ' up and 
doing.' But life is not to be estimated by the num 
ber of years, but by the amount of work done. Some 
do not die too soon at my age. Their work is done, 
their mission accomplished." 

He was ever most anxious to labor unceasingly 
for the Master he so truly loved. Even at this early 
age the applause and praise were given him which 
reached him in so large a measure in later years ; but 
it did not seem to affect him : his one thought and 
aspiration seemed to be " to work for Jesus." Could 
he have had a slight vision of his labor and its end in 
the years that were to come, we believe he would 
have started back appalled ; for his was a most sensi 
tive, loving nature which shrank from expressing an 
opinion that would be painful to others. Bold v. 
a high degree in the pulpit, he never held back trie 
truth, however deep it might wound ; but socially he 
was the most tender, loving man, equally so to the 
lowly beneficiary of his church, as to the little Sun 
day-school or parish scholar. Few young men of 
twenty-one would have written these earnest, heart- 
searching words on their bi rthdays. 

In all his letters written at this time he tells of his 
work. His thoughts seem to have been constantly oc 
cupied with his duties. In one he gives an account 
of services held at Nottingham, Emory Chapel, and 



24 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



in Calvert Count} 7 , at a revival ; ol his duties on the 
Sundays in Bladensburg ; of his riding many miles in a 
severe snow-storm, etc. He further writes: " Monday 
was the day for the opening of Congress, and I re 
solved to be present. I rode from Col. J.'s to Wash 
ington, and paid my first visit to Congress. Need I 
say I was delighted ? The day was fine, the crowd 
of people at the Capitol immense. I succeeded in 
getting a seat, and beheld the beautiful spectacle. The 
hall, noble as it is, looked more so with its crowded 
galleries and all the members in their seats. It was 
a brilliant sight. I remained an hour or more, and 
was present at the election of the Speaker. I saw the 
principal members, but conspicuous among all was 
the time-bared head of John Ouincy Adams, the 
noblest of them all." Again he writes : " Last week 
I had a protracted meeting for the colored people in 
and around Bladensburg." In this letter he mentions 
receiving the " Baltimore Sun" early in the morning, 
and says : " Since the order of the Postmaster-Gen 
eral was received, the Sun is caried from Baltimore to 
Washington in a buggy, and passing through Bladens 
burg we can get it early." " Christmas," he con 
tinues, " is very near at hand, and I shall not be with 
you all. How I should like to enjoy the ' lectures ' 
this season in Baltimore ! I expect to deliver one 
here during the winter. A son's warmest love to 
mother. Think of me and pray for me. Snow is in 
plenty, and circuit-riding is not in winter what it is in 
summer." 

The beginning of the year 1844 found the young 
minister busy at work. January i6th he says : " Went 
Sunday to my appointments, preached twice and 



THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 25 

returned ; Wednesday preached once, so on Thurs 
day and Friday ; and again on Sunday preached three 
times. My health is much better. So much for a 
life in the woods and the free air of heaven." In a 
letter dated March ist, written in Baltimore to his 
sister Sarah, he says : " Here I am at home at last, 
the year over with all its toil and care, and journey 
ing and preaching, waiting for the trumpet which 
shall summon me to the war again ! It would take 
me*a long time to tell you all I have thought and 
felt, and enjoyed and suffered, since I began my work 
in Bladensburg ; suffice it to say I have bidden good- 
by to all the good people in the ' circuit,' and finally 
wound up by jumping into the cars yesterday even 
ing, and soon found myself in the loved City of Mon 
uments, and not long after was at home, shaking hands 
with the dear ones there and feeling as happy as a 
school-boy returning for the holidays." He adds : 
'* On Monday I start for my native State, the 
home of my boyhood." On April pth, 1844, ne 
writes to his sister from Charlestown, the county 
town of Jefferson County, (now) West Virginia, where 
he had been appointed by the Baltimore Conference' 
for the second year of his licentiate : ' ' According to 
promise, my dear sister, I take the first moment to 
tell you of my new home. It seemed harder to part 
from you than when I first left home. I cannot get 
used to being away from home ; itinerant life con 
flicts wonderfully with flesh and blood. I feel some 
times like casting anchor in a peaceful, quiet harbor ; 
the thought of never having ' a local habitation ' and 
a home has ever been sad to me, and throws a deep 
shade over life. ' ' Thus early did the young minister 



26 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

yearn for the home and fireside he so fully enjoyed 
and appreciated j thus early did his mind turn to the 
plan that was so soon to be carried out, of uniting 
with a Church which did not require her clergy to 
travel from place to place. Mr. Cummins ahvays 
loved the Methodist Church, and among her noblest 
ministers were some of his dearest friends. Her doc 
trines he could ahvays subscribe to, but love for a 
settled home, and a high admiration for her Liturgy, 
led him a year later to unite with the Protestant Epis 
copal Church, then so simple in her ritual. 

Journeying from Baltimore to Virginia, he gives 
a full description of the wild yet exquisite scenery 
about Harper's Ferry, which he had never seen be 
fore, and then adds : " I arrived in Charlestown about 
two o'clock, and received a warm welcome from Bro 
ther Gere and his family. You will want to know 
how I like my new home. I cannot tell you yet, as I 
left at once to meet my appointments. It is quite a 
pretty town, superior to Bladensburg. I rode Sat 
urday ten miles to my station, and preached twice on 
Sunday to good congregations. The churches are 
nice brick buildings, and the country pretty." The 
summer of 1844 Mr. Cummins was left in charge of 
the " circuit," as his colleague and superior, the 
Rev. Mr. Gere, was absent for a two months' vaca 
tion. It was at this time that the fame of the young 
preacher drew crowds from all parts of the county 
to hear him. His letters are filled chiefly with ac 
counts of his work, preaching day after day at the 
stations ; busy, earnest, energetic, he never missed 
an appointment no matter what the weather was. In 
pouring rains, blinding snow-storms, or under the 



* THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 2/ 

scorching rays of the midsummer sun, he might have 
been seen, mounted on his fine black horse " Char 
ley, ' ' riding miles to meet an engagement. His heart 
was in his precious work! September /th, 1844, he 
says : " Since I wrote you last I have been so much 
engaged that I scarcely know how I have lived. One 
thing I do know, that I have lived in the woods a 
great part of the time ! I have just finished with our 
fourth camp-meeting. The first was at Harper's 
Ferry, the next was on the Winchester Circuit ; the 
third was held in the Hillsborough Circuit, in London 
County, and was a delightful one. The families are for 
the most part people of wealth and refinement. They 
seem attached to me, and wish me to be with them 
next year. My last camp-meeting was our own, and 
was most pleasant. We are to have another in the 
woods, to commence next Friday. This will wind up 
for this year. Hereafter we will confine ourselves 
to ' temples made with hands. ' ' ' This summer he took 
a delightful trip to Niagara Falls, and enjoyed it as 
only such natures as his can enjoy the beauty of God's 
handiwork. "Since I" visited the Falls, " he writes, 
" a young lady fell from Table Rock and was in 
stantly killed. I was very near falling in the same 
way reaching over to get a spray of a pine tree, 
the undergrowth concealing the edge of the preci 
pice ! I shall preach in Charlestown twice on Sun 
day." 

The autumn and winter of 1844-45 were passed 
in a faithful discharge of the duties of a Methodist 
minister. "The first time I saw Mr. Cummins," 
writes a friend, " was at a camp-meeting held in 
Jefferson County. It was in the early part of Sep- 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



tember ; the woods were yet rich with their sum 
mer dress. I shall not soon forget the scene, so 
novel to my eyes, as we entered the camp-ground. 
The large space in the centre was arranged for the 
congregation, during the services, with benches 
placed as in a church ; beyond these was a wide 
avenue, and on each side of it at regular distances 
were heavy poles erected, on which was fastened a 
small platform. On these the ' camp-fires ' were kin 
dled at night. Still beyond this avenue was the row 
of tents, white as snow and strikingly picturesque. 
At one end of the camp-ground stood the ' preacher's 
stand,' with accommodation for many ministers. 
Around this was a railing. It was late in the after 
noon when I arrived with some friends, and already 
the benches were filled by the large number of per 
sons who had gathered from the surrounding coun 
try. It was a scene for Europe's great painter, Rem 
brandt, who loved to put on canvas just such pic 
tures. The strangely weird light from the burning 
heaps of pine wood on the elevated poles ; the crowd 
filling all the benches and leaning in groups against 
the huge forest trees ; the white tents ; and the minis 
ters assembled for worship on the platform all was 
most impressive. Soon one of Wesley's grand 
hymns was sung, needing not the rich tones of an 
organ to reach to a vast distance or to fill the hearts 
of those present with joy ; for every voice joined in 
the words, which rose up in sweetest tones to the starry 
vault above. The service left such an impression upon 
me that I attended the meeting again on the Sunday 
morning following with my friends. Mr. Cummins 
was chosen the preacher for the day. A larger throng 



THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 29 



was present than on Friday night, and all were 
quietly waiting for the services to commence. The 
text chosen by the preacher was Acts 7 : 55-60. In 
glowing terms he pictured the scene of the first mar 
tyrdom : the great and beautiful city, the surround 
ings of the young Martyr, his audience among the 
most learned of the world yet ' were they not able to 
resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake ;' 
of the final scene, and the glorious entering of the 
Martyr into the heaven, the transcendent brightness 
and beauty of which had just been revealed to him. 
The face of the young minister was all aglow with 
the theme occupying his thoughts, and earnestly did 
he urge upon his hearers the great need of their so 
living that, if need were, they might thus lay down 
their lives for the precious Gospel. Frequently dur 
ing that winter and the following spring I was priv 
ileged to listen to the. earnest preaching of Mr. 
Cummins, and through the power of his persuasive 
words I was brought myself to ' see Jesus ' and to 
give my heart to him." "One evening I accom 
panied," says the same friend, " an eminent presbyter 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church from New York 
City to hear him preach ' of whom so many spoke,' 
and although the former was greatly prejudiced 
against any minister not episcopally ordained, on 
coming out of the rude log-cabin in which the ser 
vice had been held lor at that time there was no 
church in that neighborhod he said to me with much 
feeling, ' If that young man lives, he will be heard 
of throughout the length and breadth of this land. 
Mr. Cummins was then not twenty-two years of age. 
Before this his earnest appeals to those who knew 



30 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

not Christ had not been without their reward. 
Many united with the Church, and ascribed their con 
version to the preaching of the young itinerant. 
During this winter the great question presented itself 
constantly to his mind, i.e., whether he should leave 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and unite with the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. His father and grand- 
father had been members of the Episcopal Church, 
but his mother and sisters and many loved friends 
were connected with the Methodist Church. The 
conflict was for a time severe. He feared the dis 
memberment of many ties which bound him to the 
Methodist Church, and thought many would censure 
him for leaving the church of his youth and first 
love. He writes to his sister, under date of March 
4th, 1845 : " I have almost lived an age in the last six 
months. I am perfectly conscious of the importance 
of the change I contemplate. I have not acted has 
tily or without a careful consideration of every mo 
tive, every circumstance, every obstacle. The result 
is that I am happy in my determination ; friends may 
forsake me, but I trust others may be raised up. I 
hope I have discharged all my duties faithfully. I 
have labored very hard. I think this is the best time 
for me to leave the Methodist Church, as my two 
years of probation have closed." In another letter 
he says : " My consolation is that the motives from 
which I have acted will be sufficient to support me in 
this trial. I thought at first I would be obliged to 
enter a Theological Seminary, but from a friend, a 
very distinguished minister of the Protestant Episco 
pal Church, I learn that this will not be necessary. I 
shall only have to be a candidate for the ministry 



THE YOUNG CIRCUIT-RIDER. 



and read with a bishop for six months, and then I 
can be ordained deacon. One thing I have decided 
on, and that is I shall not apply to Bishop Whitting- 
ham. I do not like his sentiments. I think Bishop 
Lee, of Delaware, will be my choice." 



CHAPTER III. 

PREPARATION WORK. 

" Not many lives but only one have we 
One, only one ; 

How sacred should that one life ever be, 
That narrow span ! 

Day after day filled up with blessed toil, 
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil." BONAR. 

AGED 23. 

THE next letter we have is dated March 25th, 
1845, Wilmington, Del. : " My dearest sister, 
I arrived here safely this afternoon, and am now at 
the hotel. I called on Bishop Lee, but find he is out 
of town. There is no bishop at present in Pennsyl 
vania, and Bishop Lee has been invited to perform 
episcopal duty in that diocese. As soon as I see the 
bishop I will write you. He has a very lovely home 
on the Brandy wine. I hope the blessing of God may 
accompany me in all my movements, and that I shall 
be directed alone by him." 

April 8th, 1845, ne writes again to his sister from 
Philadelphia : "After presenting my papers, etc., to 
Bishop Lee, we called on the Rev. Dr. McC. , rector 
of Trinity Church, Wilmington, who is the chairman 
of the Standing Committee. He told me the mem 
bers of the committee resided in different parts of the 
State, and that it would take some time to assemble 
them to consider my application for orders ; so I came 



PREPARATION WORK. 33 

here for a little holiday. Bishop Lee invited me to 
stay with him in his beautiful home ; but I wanted to 
see cousins M. and D., and so came to Philadelphia 
Saturday." He speaks in this letter of having at 
tended St. Philip's (Rev. Dr. Neville, pastor) in the 
morning, St. Luke's in the afternoon, and St. An 
drew's at night. He tells of his friends Bishop and 
Mrs. L., of their great kindness, and of how " lovely 
their home is a perfect Eden." In a letter bear 
ing date April igth, 1845, written in Wilmington, 
he says : "I write you now from my new home, 
where I have been domiciled about ten days. I am 
boarding in a private family, and have a delightful 
room. I wish I could introduce you into it as it ap 
pears just now ! The fire is burning brightly before 
me, the table at which I am writing is arranged with 
books and papers in a very student-like manner, and 
all the furniture is neat and tasteful. I have obtained 
some flowers for my companions, and some of the 
roses are blooming very nicely in the window beside 
me. But the most charming part of all is the magnifi- 
cient view I have from the windows. The Delaware 
River is spread before me, and boats of all kinds are 
constantly passing to and from Philadelphia. You 
can have no idea how beautiful the scene is ! Thus 
you see that I am nicely fixed as regards lodgings. 
Wilmington will be a pleasant residence during the 
summer. The walks are very beautiful, especially on 
the banks of the Brandywine. I have formed a good 
many acquaintances already, chiefly members of the 
Episcopal Church. Mrs. L. took me with her one 
evening to a little gathering. I find, too, some old 
friends here, Mr. C , Mr. B , and others. The 



34 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

most pleasant place to me, however, is the bishop's 
home. I could not tell you what noble spirits him 
self and wife are. They are all sweetness and kind 
ness and gentleness. Their home is almost an 
Eden : it extends to the banks of the Brandy wine, sur 
rounded by beautiful trees and shrubbery, and laid 
out in walks and terraces and lovely beds of flow 
ers. I have free access to the bishop's fine library, 
and shall make good use of it. I have fine opportu 
nities for study, and am busily engaged a good part 
of each day. It is necessary for me to pass three 
examinations. My first I shall pass in a few days, 
and the second in a month or six weeks." " I forgot 
to mention that to-morrow I am to be confirmed in St. 
Andrew's Church, Wilmington, by Bishop Lee. This 
is necessary in order that I may enter the Protestant 
Episcopal Church and be ordained. ' ' In another letter 
to his sister he refers to the great beauty of Wilming 
ton, and of the many friends he had made there. 
" The society," he says, " in the church is very pleas 
ant. The bishop and his family are my kind friends. 
It is very sweet to visit there. I have visited the old 
Swedish church, a place of great interest. I am 
becoming more and more attached to the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and love its Liturgy. I was con 
firmed last Sunday, and was much interested in the 
rite. In about five months I shall be ordained." 
May ist he writes : " To-day I have passed my first 
examination. Give my best love to mother, and tell 
her I must give this month to hard study, and then I 
will go to see her. Give my love to Mrs. J - and 
all my friends in Baltimore. I suppose, however, 
they do not take as much interest in me as they did. 



PREPARATION WORK. 35 



I am satisfied if I can do the Lord's work in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church." September 5th, 
1845, ne writes : " I shall remain here a fortnight 
longer, and then visit you before my ordination. My 
health is now very good. As the time of my ordination 
draws nigh, I begin to be anxious to know where my 
home will be at first. As yet it is all uncertain ; I 
sometimes thiiik of going to China. What do you 
think of it ? There is an offer made by two gentle 
men of our church to give a thousand dollars a year 
to a single man to go to China for five years. Shalt 
I go ? Can you do without me for so long ?" 

In a letter dated September iQth, 1845, ne writes 
to his sister : " The bishop, I am sorry to inform you, 
has made his plans so that my ordination will be two 
weeks later than I expected ; it will take place on 
the 26th instead of the I2th of October. I to-morrow 
go to Philadelphia to be present at the consecration 
of Bishop Potter, which will take place on the 23d ; 
from there I go to New York for a few days, and then 
return to Wilmington. I shall remain in Wilmington 
a week after my return in order to pass my last ex 
amination, and then I shall be with you. I am sorry 
you manifest so much opposition to my going to 
China ; for although I have come to no decision yet, 
still, if I go, I should regret having you oppose it. I 
think a life there would be very pleasant. The 
bishop wishes me to settle in Delaware, and my rela 
tives all want me in Smyrna. To resist the earnest 
wish of the bishop and the desire of my relatives 
would seem as though I were shrinking from duty, 
and seeking a place of ease and profit. I am, however 
perfectly content to await the opening of Providence 



36 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

and follow his direction. Immediately after my or 
dination I shall take charge of St. Andrew's for two 
or three weeks, at the request of the bishop during 
his absence, and after that shall go on to my parish, 
wherever it may be. Wilmington is more pleasant 
than ever to me. We have just had a fine horticul 
tural exhibition very creditable to my little State. I 
hope you can come on for a week at the time of my 
ordination." Under date of October 2d, he says: 
" I am yet unable to say where my first home will 
be, but I am informed that there is a probability of 
my being called, to a parish in Prince George's 
County, Md. If I am called there, it will be altogether 
without my seeking. It is an interesting parish, and 
near where I labored as a Methodist minister ; and 
my old friends earnestly desire me to be among them 
again." In another letter, October loth, he speaks 
of having passed his last examination, and as now 
ready for ordination. We have before us his ordi 
nation papers for deacon's and presbyter's orders. 
They are both in Bishop Lee's handwriting, and that 
for deacon's orders declares " that on the twenty-third 
Sunday after Trinity, on the 26th day of October, 
1845, m ^. Andrew's Church in the city of Wil 
mington," he admitted George David Cummins to 
the Order of deacons. This is dated the same 
day, " in the sixth year of his consecration." After 
his ordination, and Bishop Lee's return to Wil 
mington, Mr. Cummins went to New York to visit 
his friends there. He spent several weeks in that 
city and in Philadelphia. During these visits he 
preached every Sunday in some of the churches, and 



PREPARATION WORK. 37 

made many friends who were dearly loved by him 
through life. 

The spring of 1846 found him the assistant minis 
ter of Christ Church, Baltimore, the Rev. Henry 
Vandyke Johns, D.D., being the rector. Here 
began Mr. Cummins's first work in the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. By the side of one of God's cho 
sen servants, a man whose life was that of a consist 
ent, earnest disciple of Christ a man of rare love 
liness of character and great pulpit ability, and who 
wielded an influence felt throughout the State, nay, 
throughout the country the ardent young minister 
found just the field he desired for his labors. The 
superior wisdom and judgment of Dr. Johns, coupled 
with his wide experience, made him a fellow-worker 
most helpful to his young friend. To his loving coun 
sels and wise admonitions Mr. Cummins owed much, 
and through life he delighted to refer to this year 
spent with "dear Dr. Johns." Frequently he was 
heard to say that the intercourse of those months was 
worth more than aught else to him ; that he felt that 
what he learned by the side of such a man, so hum 
ble yet so learned, so gentle yet so strong in his ad 
vocacy of the truth, so wise yet so " like a little 
child," was beyond price to him in his work as a 
minister of the Gospel. That year was a most happy 
one to him. His work absorbed his whole time and 
attention. In the Sunday-school, among the poor, in 
the pulpit and out of it, wherever he could aid his 
beloved brother, there he was to be found. The 
teachers and scholars of the Sunday-school of Christ 
Church, Baltimore, became greatly attached to their 



38 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

young 1 pastor, and when he left them they presented 
him a valuable Oxford Bible, with a loving in 
scription upon it as a memento. In the autumn of 
1846 he visited New York, and his friends in Vir 
ginia. They had not seen him since he left them to 
go to Wilmington, and they rejoiced to clasp him 
once more by the hand. Here he remained some 
days, and then returned to his duties in Baltimore. 
In a letter dated December 22d, 1846, he writes 
to a friend, speaking of a severe trial through 
which he had been called to pass : ' ' And so, if we 
now rely alone on the arm of our Heavenly Father 
for the future and trust ourselves to his guidance, 
that future will still be marked by his hand, and will 
bring to us richer happiness and peace." 



CHAPTER IV. 

LIFE IN NORFOLK. 

" Come as a teacher sent from God, 

Charged his whole counsel to declare ; 
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod, 
While we uphold thy hands in prayer. 

"Come as an angel hence to guide 

A band of pilgrims on their way, 
That, safely walking at thy side, 

We fail not, faint not, turn nor stray." 

JAMES MONTGOMERY. 
AGED 25. 

ON the 1 7th of June, 1847, Mr. Cummins was 
elected rector of Christ Church, Norfolk, Va. 
This was, and is still, one of the largest churches 
in the State. The number of communicants while 
he was rector was four hundred and fifty, fifty of 
whom were colored. The church has a constitution 
by which a board of trustees is elected to manage 
its affairs, and a rector is chosen by the pew-holders 
instead of a vestry. 

Previous to his election, and in response to a cor 
dial invitation given by the trustees, Mr. Cummins 
visited Norfolk and preached for the congregation. 
An election was held the following week, and he 
was formally called. 

Out of the entire number of pew-holders, one hun 
dred and ten, only two were opposed to Mr. Cum- 



40 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

mins, and this on account of his extreme youth ; but 
these gentlemen subsequently became his warm 
friends. 

On the 24th June, 1847, Mr. Cummins was united 
in marriage to Alexandrine Macomb, youngest 
daughter of Hon. L. P. W. Balch, of West Virginia. 
As there was no Episcopal church within six miles, 
the ceremony took place in the home of Judge Balch, 
and in the room in which Mrs. Cummins's parents 
were married forty years before. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cummins went to Wilmington, Del., to be the guests 
of Bishop and Mrs. Lee, and on Sunday, July 6th, 
Mr. Cummins was ordained by the bishop to the 
order of presbyters. They left on Monday for their 
new home in Norfolk, where they were most kindly 
entertained. Norfolk is not like most American 
towns, having been settled largely by English fami 
lies. It is a quaint old seaport, with nothing of the 
newness that so impresses our friends from England on 
visiting this country. Old St. Paul's still stands un 
injured by time, as it stood in the days of the Revo 
lutionary War, marked by cannon-balls when the 
town was bombarded. Old houses, narrow streets, 
and quaint buildings gave it in 1847 the appearance 
of belonging to the " mother-country ;" and in their 
wide and generous hospitality and warm, loving 
hearts the people showed themselves children of the 
old Virginians. Six happy years Avere passed here 
by the young minister. In a letter from Bishop Lee, 
dated June 22d, 1847, ne savs : " My dear Cummins, 
I congratulate you upon the mark of confidence which 
you have received from the parish of Christ Church, 
Norfolk. I should suppose it to be an important and 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 4! 



interesting parish. I think you have acted rightly in 
accepting the call, and trust that the connection will 
be pleasant alike to pastor and people, and produc 
tive of those blessed fruits for which the ministrv was 
established." One of his dearest friends, a trustee of 
Christ Church and an eminent lawyer, writes thus : 

" NORFOLK", June 23, 1847. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND : I write now only to say that I most 
heartily rejoice that you have decided to accept the responsi 
ble charge of our congregation, and, as far as I can see, I 
think it is the Lord's doing. May He fill you with a double 
portion of His spirit, and give you for your reward many 
precious souls ! I should have regarded your refusal as a 
serious evil to the church, and well calculated to disturb our 
peace. ' ' 

During his pastorate in Norfolk Mr. Cummins 
had the support and co-operation of men in his 
church who were truly friends and pillars of strength 
men of culture and high social position, and of ear 
nest piety. It was a happy home to the young pastor, 
and he entered on his work with all the ardor of his 
nature. He was welcgmed at this time by his be 
loved bishop (Meade) in these words : 

" MILLWOOD, July 27, 1847. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : Your letter inclosing 
your dimissory papers is received, and I welcome you into 
the diocese of Virginia, and pray that you may have grace to 
serve the large and interesting congregation committed to 
your charge with wisdom and holy zeal. I hope to be with 
you in November. Present my kind regards to Mrs. C , 
and believe me to be your friend and elder brother in Christ, 

" WILLIAM MEADK." 



42 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Early in the autumn of 1847 an earnest spirit per 
vaded the congregation ; many came to ask, " What 
shall I do to be saved ?" The eloquent, heart-search 
ing sermons of their pastor had entered into their 
souls. Two confirmations were held, one by Bishop 
Meade, the other by Bishop Johns. The classes 
were large ; among them was Virginia Hale Hoffman, 
wife of the Rev. Cadwalader Golden Hoffman, of 
New York, and one of the missionaries of the Prot 
estant Episcopal Church to Cape Palmas, West 
Africa. Her memoir was written by her loving pas 
tor while he was rector of Trinity Church, Washing 
ton. In the letters Mrs. Hoffman wrote from Africa 
she speaks frequently, and in tenderest terms, of all 
she owed her beloved pastor. It was remarked by 
strangers in coming to Norfolk how many old men 
there were in Christ Church ! It was remarkable to 
see these white-haired men sitting Sunday after Sun 
day listening with profound attention to the earnest 
words which came so rapidly from the lips of the 
young preacher, for he was not then twenty-four 
years old ! His labors never ceased. In Sunday- 
schools, Bible classes, parish schools, in the pulpit, 
in the homes of the members of his large congrega 
tion, among the poor, he was seen year after year 
working as few men do ; but his reward was the 
priceless souls that he was allowed to present to the 
Lord. Letters and testimonials lie before us, filled 
with expressions of the deepest affection from the 
adults and children of his flock. We have seen the 
faces of Christ's little ones light up with brightest 
smiles as he entered the Sunday-school room. A clasp 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 43 

of his hand, a loving smile and kind word, would be 
treasured throughout the week. 

During his residence in Norfolk Mr. Cummins 
spent a portion of each summer with his family at his 
father-in-law's home in Jefferson County, Virginia. 
Here he was always urged to preach, and we have 
known the country people and well-to-do farmers 
telegraph in country fashion from one to another 
" that Mr. Cummins was to preach at Leetown, " and 
very early on Sunday mornings the carriages and 
wagons would surround the simple little Episcopal 
church which had been built on Judge Balch's estate 
by the congregation of St. Bartholomew's Church, 
New York, Rev. Dr. Balch, rector, a brother of 
Mrs. Cummins. Many came six and eight and even 
ten miles over rough roads to hear him, and when 
after these services, held amidst the grand forest of 
oak and maple trees, the people would gather round 
him to thank him for his comforting and helping 
words, he would say : "! love to preach to these 
people more than to the richest congregation in this 
country." His love for a country life was very 
great, and when his duties were so heavy in his large 
city congregations, he rejoiced when the time came 
for their annual "flitting" to the early home of his 
wife, where he could enjoy the society of her father 
and mother, whom he loved very dearly, and who 
felt for him the deep affection of parents to an own 
son. In August, 1848, Mr. Cummins's first child came 
to gladden his already happy home. His letters at this 
time contain frequent notice of his dear babe. He 
loved children so truly that he was prepared to feel 



44 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

an especial tenderness for his first-born, his " sum 
mer-child" as he used to call her. 

During the summer of 1849 the cholera broke out 
with fearful violence in Norfolk, immediately after his 
return from the diocesan convention held that year in 
Charlottesville. Mr. Cummins was at his post of 
duty through all those terrible months, visiting night 
and day, and ministering not only to his own people 
but to many poor colored persons, who suffered most 
from the dread pestilence. So soon as the Board of 
Health declared it to have left the city, excepting a 
few sporadic cases, the young pastor, with his wife 
and little child, went to the home of his father-in-law. 
There he was for a time prostrated by the same dis 
ease, brought on by great exposure and unceasing 
duties. 

The country immediately around Judge Balch's 
home is rich in historical reminiscences. At Martins- 
burg, six miles from Judge Balch's residence, General 
Stevens of the Revolutionary War lived. General 
Drake's home was a few miles to the south. General 
Charles Lee resided, after the Revolution, on the ad 
joining estate ; and four miles north General Horatio 
Gates passed the last years of his life. General Ste 
vens also had his home there. The descendants of 
General Washington live in Jefferson County, and 
during our late civil war General R. E. Lee and Gen 
eral McClellan occupied that part of the country 
with their vast armies for a long time. 

Mr. Cummins returned for a time to Norfolk 
after taking his family to Jefferson County, and he 
writes under date of July nth, 1849 : " I cannot tell 
you how lonely I am without you ; but I am in the 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 45 

path of duty, and my services seem so much needed. 
My people are unwilling that I should stay at home at 
night alone, lest I might be taken ill ; so I shall di 
vide my time among them. It is with deep gratitude 
to God that I tell you I am very well. There are yet 
some cases of cholera, the report this week being 
nineteen deaths. On Sunday I had all the services, 
but Rev. Mr. Smith assisted me in the communion. 
I preached from the text, ' And I, if I be lifted up 
from the earth, will draw all men unto me.' Was it 
the answer to father's prayer that I felt so strong 
through all my duties ? Yesterday morning I pre 
pared my address to be delivered at the commemora 
tion of President Folk's death. They selected me to 
avoid making it a political affair, which it would have 
been if a lawyer had been chosen. My friends advised 
me to accept the invitation. " Yesterday (July 
1 5th), I preached in the morning on missions, it being 
the day of our quarterly collection." In a letter, 
dated August 3Oth, 1850, he writes : 

" I feel deeply grateful to God for his goodness in bringing 
me safely home after our pleasant summer vacation. I 
found all our dear friends well. They made many inquiries 
about you. The heat this summer has been intense, and I 
am glad you are not here." 

In the spring of 1850 a son was born, and this dear 
child was an only son. His father's and grandfather's 
names were given him in baptism, Bishop Johns, of 
Virginia, performing the ceremony. In this letter he 
further writes : " The thoughts of all are occupied now 
with Virginia" (Miss Hale; afterward Mrs. C. C. 
Hoffman). " Yesterday she had a very affecting part- 



46 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

ing with her ' mission band.' They gave her a large 
Bible and Prayer-Book for the church in Cavalla. 
Virginia wished so much to have you present at her 
marriage." 

The inner life of Mr. Cummins at this time was 
marked by a more entire consecration of himself to 
God and to the work of his Master. He writes, Sep 
tember ist, 1850 : " Let us strive to make this season 
a period from which we shall date better resolutions 
and a holier life. Let us consecrate ourselves anew 
to his service. Let it be the daily-work of our lives 
to watch over our hearts, search out our sins, and pray 
fervently for grace to make us God's beloved chil 
dren. Meet me three times a day, morning, noon, and 
night, at the throne of grace, and let our prayers 
mingle together for the abiding presence of God's 
Holy Spirit." In this letter he speaks lovingly of 
"his precious children," and sends sweet messages 
of love to his little daughter, for whom he had the 
deepest affection. He also mentions how busy he was 
visiting among his people and in other duties. He 
writes : 

' The early service was held at 6.30, and at 10.30 we 
had the sermon and communion. The congregation was very 
large. It was Virginia's last communion with us, and at 
the same chancel railing where she had first communed. I 
know she felt it deeply ; she looked unusually sad. In Sun 
day-school this morning she said " how earnestly she longed 
for you to be here. ' ' Her bitterest trial is the view many 
worldly minds in the Church take of her course. Some, as 
you are aware, condemn it as an unnecessary sacrifice, not 
being able to appreciate her lofty views of duty and the call of 
God. One gentleman went so far as to tell her it was en- 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 47 

thusiasm. The effect upon her showed more than anything 
else her nobleness. She said it might be true, and set to 
work to examine herself. It grieves my heart to know that 
the Church is blighted with such views, such infinitely low 
views, of the work of missions and the need of great sacrifices 
in its cause. I must strive to do my duty more faithfully, 
and drive away such degrading views. Love to dearest 
mother and fathe'r. Kiss my sweet little daughter for papa. 
Tell her about me often. I commit my dear children daily 
to God in earnest prayer." 

September 8th, 1850, he writes : 

" Yesterday I read prayers at 6.30, and at 1 1 preached to a 
crowded congregation from the text Ephesians 2:2. In the 
afternoon I preached from the seventh Psalm, in continuation 
of my course of sermons on the Psalms. The church was 
very full." 

That autumn Mr. Cummins visited Washington 
and Georgetown, and preached for the rectors of the 
two churches in Georgetown. His family accom 
panied him, and together they enjoyed the attrac 
tions of the capital. About this time he made a trip to 
Baltimore, to recruit somewhat from the heavy labor 
he had gone through. He left Norfolk on Saturday, 
and spent the Sunday among his old and dear friends 
in Christ Church. He says : 

" I started for Christ Church, and went first into the Sun 
day-school. All were delighted to see me, teachers and schol 
ars ; even the orphan children came up and shook my hand 
heartily, and seemed to love me as an old friend. I waited in 
the vestry-room for the doctor, and astonished him not a little 
by my presence. Many old acquaintances in the congrega- 



48 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

tion came to speak to me, and with Dr. Johns were urgent 
that I should preach ; but I remembered my promise to you, 
and resisted all their entreaties. I am happy to say my cold 
is much better, and I hope to return home strong and ready 
to work. How sweet to think of returning home, to a sweet, 
happy fireside !" 

He received after his return to Norfolk the follow 
ing note from a lovely Christian woman, a member of 
his congregation one who was called home many 
years before her beloved pastor ceased from his la 
bors : 

" MY DEAR PASTOR : Allow me to express my indebted 
ness to you for your visits of mercy in days of trial. I cannot 
be sufficiently thankful for them, and for your sympathy and 
prayers, which cheered and supported me on the brink of the 
grave. My prayer is that when your labors and anxieties are 
ended, .and ' there is not another plant for you to water nor 
another vine for you to train,' you may enter the peaceful 
port of heavenly rest, receive the Saviour's welcome, ' Well 
done ! ' and be greeted by the blessed company of redeemed 
spirits who have been led to God through your instrumen 
tality. " Most gratefully yours, 

"J. G." 



CHAPTER V. 

LIFE IN NORFOLK (CONTINUED). 

" Grasp in thy hand that potent sword 
In heaven's high armory prepared, 
Quick to attack and strong to guard 
The weapon of God's Word ; 
Then strong in prayer pursue thy way, 
Nor foe shall crush nor arrow slay." 

AGED 29. 

IN one of his letters, dated May 5th, 1851, Mr. 
Cummins continues to tell of his work : 

"I preached yesterday from Ephesians 6 : 17. In the 
afternoon to the colored people, and at night from the text, 
' He being dead, yet speaketh. ' ' 

During his entire ministry he was deeply interested 
in the African race. His churches sent large sums of 
money and boxes of clothing and books to the Prot 
estant Episcopal missions in Liberia. Quarterly 
collections were regularly taken up in all the churches 
of which he was pastor. In Norfolk and Richmond 
he numbered among his communicants many of this 
neglected race, and for him they manifested sincere 
affection. His sermon, preached in 1861, " The Afri 
can a trust from God to the American, ' ' received the 
highest encomiums from such men as Robert C. Win- 
throp, of Boston, Bishop Mcllvaine, of Ohio, Bishop 
Henry W. Lee, of Iowa, Bishop Meade, of Virginia, 
and many others. 



50 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Mr. Cummins was exceedingly fond of music, and 
in the first years of his married life especially it was 
his habit to spend an hour in the evening in singing 
with his family. In passing through Baltimore in 
May, 1851, he had the great pleasure of hearit^' Jenny 
Lind, and of her he thus writes : 

' ' I have heard her, but it is impossible to give you all my 
impressions in a letter. Her command of her voice is almost 
superhuman, and its compass, volume, and power wonderful. 
The most of her pieces were elaborate, calculated to display 
her perfection in art more than the sweetness of tone. The 
" Bird Song" did this, however. She sang it in English. 
She seemed a bird singing " because she could not help it." 
Her face is one of the most benevolent I have ever seen 
full of goodness, kindness, modesty, and love. It is a true 
index of her character." 

On reaching Norfolk, June 2d, 1851, after a short 
absence, he writes thus of the dear parishioner whose 
note we have given, written on the previous Easter 
Sunday morning : 

" On reaching home I learned of the death of Miss J. G. 
You will grieve with me over this loss. She longed most 
ardently for me to be with her ; spoke of me in most affec 
tionate terms, and sent me a message ' ' that her last breath 
would be a prayer for me." What a loss we have met with ! 
Who will take her place in the church, in the prayer-meeting, 
among the poor and sick and the little ones ? The children 
of the Sunday-schools attended her funeral, each with a bunch 
of white flowers to lay on her grave. The poor families to 
whom she so lovingly ministered also followed her remains 
to the grave. They have lost their best earthly friend. The 
church and the entire community sorrow deeply. I regret 
I was not summoned to her bedside in time to see her. I 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 51 

had visited her almost daily during her long and severe illness. 
Rev. Mr. Chisholm took my place at the funeral." 

The summer of 1851 was passed by Mr. Cummins 
and his family at Northampton, Mass., that Mrs. 
Cummins might be under medical care. Her health 
liad been sadly affected by the climate of Norfolk. Mr. 
Cummins made arrangements to leave his church for 
three months. It was a severe trial to him, for as the 
years rolled by he became more and more attached 
to his people. They were most kind, however, and 
their affection for their young pastor manifested itself 
in this crisis in such a manner as to prove how strong 
a hold he had upon their love. He says : 

" Oh, that God may direct me in this matter ! I pray ear 
nestly for his guidance, and I know you will. . . . I have been 
visiting among my people quite constantly. On Sunday 
preached to a large congregation from the text " Ye are not 
your own," and administered the Lord's Supper. The com 
municants made a large congregation. The colored com 
municants, fifty, were all present, and it was an impressive 
scene. In the afternoon we had the colored Sunday-school, 
and it was indeed a wondrous sight. The lecture-room was 
filled to overflowing. The school is larger than the school for 
the white scholars in the morning. The white teachers are 
even more than we need. A lady and gentleman from Bos 
ton were present, and were greatly delighted. They con 
tributed towards the sum we are raising to purchase books for 

them. Mr. M preached for them in the afternoon, and I 

preached again at night from Acts i : 25. 

At this time, and when separated from his family, 
we find these words in one of his letters : 

"I feel more and more that what I need now is a life of 
more entire devotion to Christ, more prayer, and more com- 



52 GEORGE DAVID CU AIM INS. 

munion with God. Oh ! if I could feel I was each day 
growing in grace, in holiness, in freedom from sin, in the 
subjugation of my evil heart, in self-knowledge and self-con 
quest, what an infinite blessing it would be !" 

But while thus searching his own heart, others 
who knew him best could see daily his growth in 
grace, and how closely he walked with God. This 
year a number of the lambs of his flock were removed 
bv death. In his letters he gives " humble and hearty 
thanks to God for his great goodness in sparing his 

own precious L -and G ." In another letter 

he asks how does G. do without his " precious 
papa" ? The love he had for his children was in 
tense, and from their infancy they loved him with 
a love little children seldom show for their parents. 
They grieved for him in his absence, and their joy 
knew no bounds when he returned. It was his de 
light to make his home a bright, happy one for them ; 
his evenings were always given up to them until their 
bed-time arrived. Their home was too happy a one 
for them to wish to go elsewhere. His custom was 
to read aloud in the evening, and while his " little 
ones" were present the selections were always such 
as they could appreciate and understand. Music 
and reading made the evenings bright to the little 
family circle, and they were anticipated by the chil 
dren with great delight. The months of June and 
July of 1851 were passed in the North with his 
family, and we find him writing from his home, 
" dear old Norfolk," again, under date of August Qth, 

the birthday of his beloved L , his eldest child. 

Refreshed and strengthened by his rest and change 
of scene, he returns with delight to his field of labor, 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 53 

and enters upon his duties with all the enthusiasm of 
his nature. That summer he had decided upon a 
change of residence, and took a pleasant house imme 
diately on the water, the beautiful harbor of Nor 
folk. He says in this letter, August Qth : 

" I wrote all morning, and in the afternoon went out. Old 
familiar faces and_places greeted me on every side. All wel 
comed me home again, but I could not look towards our old 
home and its vicinity ; all brought up teeming recollections 
of by-gone days. Our friends are clamorous for your and 

the children's return. To-day is my sweet L 's birthday. 

God bless her ! is her father's prayer. Oh, how much we 
have to be thankful for ! Pray for me each day that God 
may guide me and bless my labors ! 

A letter from his friend Bishop Lee, of Delaware, 
reached him at this time. It is dated 

" INGLESIDE, December 29, 1851. 

" MY DEAR CUMMINS : Your kind letter gave me much 
pleasure. It has been an exceeding encouragement to me, 
under the trial which elicited the " Pastoral Letter," to be 
assured of the sympathy, the good wishes, and the prayers 
of the brethren whom I most esteem. Anything like con 
troversy is peculiarly alien to my taste, and no personal 
consideration could draw me into it. But the present is a 
time for no compromising policy. The contest is, in my opinion, 
for the very life of our holy religion ; and if we would secure 
the approving sentence of our Great Judge at the last, we 
must be steadfast in our maintenance of the truth of his Gospel. 

I know not what course Mr. B and his friends will adopt. 

But if God be for us, who can be against us ? I have the 
pleasure of frequently meeting Dr. Balch, and was at the 
consecration of his church at Chester last week. He has 
done wonders there, and I trust God will abundantly bless 



54 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



his labors to the salvation of many souls. It would give Mrs. 
Lee and myself, as well as your Wilmington friends, great 

pleasure to see Mrs. C and yourself here again. Please 

to remember us very kindly to her. When in this region 
again you must give your friends at St. Andrew's part or a 
whole of a Sunday. I should much enjoy a visit to you ; 
perhaps some day I shall 'accomplish it, but cannot exactly 
say when. Believe me faithfully yours, 

" ALFRED LEE." 

Thus early was it felt to be a necessity for the 
evangelical bishops of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church to stand up boldly for the Truth. The cloud 
was as yet but " as a man's hand," but it was a cloud 
nevertheless. 

In the spring of 1852 Mr. Cummins passed through 
a severe trial in the extreme illness of his wife, and as 
soon as she could be moved he took her to her 
father's home in Virginia. That summer, accom 
panied by his family, he made a very delightful trip 
to Niagara Falls, to Smyrna, Del., and to Cape May. 
The same autumn, after his return to his duties, the 
yellow-fever appeared in Norfolk, and prevailed, 
though not extensively, until the frosts arrested its fur 
ther progress. Mercifully the autumn was unusually 
cold for that region, and the frosts came much earlier 
than usual. Mr. Cummins had no cases in his con 
gregation, but he attended several sailors in the most 
unpleasant part of the old seaport town. They all 
died, but were greatly blest in the loving ministra 
tions of the young minister, and his heart was much 
cheered in believing that they went down into the 
Dark Valley with a sure and certain hope of meeting 
him who had so faithfully told them of Jesus in the 
heavenly home. 



CHAPTER VI. 

LIFE IN NORFOLK (CONTINUED). 

" Toil on, faint not, keep watch and pray ; 
Be wise the erring soul to win ; 
Go forth into the world's highway, 
Compel the wanderer to come in." BONAR. 

AGED 31. 

THE year 1853 found Mr. Cummins still wholly 
occupied with the care and varied duties of 
his large and important parish. During the five 
years he had been pastor of Christ Church many 
precious souls had been brought, through his instru 
mentality, to " see Jesus" and confess him before 
men. The parish was a peculiar one in some re 
spects, caling for unceasing parochial labor on the 
part of the pastor. The testimony of his dear people 
was ever that of grateful hearts to one who so un 
tiringly ministered to them. The souls he had 
brought to Christ, the dead he had laid away 
until the resurrection, the little ones whom he 
had consecrated to God in baptism, the friends he 
had united in marriage, the sick whom he had for 
years visited and cheered, and the poor to whom he 
had ever been a loving friend, all testified to his 
never-failing faithfulness. He loved them all with a 
devoted love, a love he felt was peculiarly deep. They 
were his first flock, the " firstfruits" of his ministe- 



56 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



rial labors. It was therefore with a very sad heart 
he thought of sundering these ties. The climate of 
Norfolk had never suited his wife or children, and 
even he felt its debilitating influence greatly, though 
he had never allowed this to interfere with a faithful 
discharge of his many duties. Summer after summer 
he sought strength for the labors of the following 
ten months or more in his wife's early home in 
Virginia and elsewhere, and up to this time these 
annual vacations had enabled him to meet the de 
mands made upon him. Very early, however, in the 
spring of 1853 it was thought necessary by Mrs.Cum- 
mins's medical adviser that she should leave Norfolk 
for the bracing mountain air of Northern Virginia. 
Accordingly he and his family left their home for 
Baltimore, where Mrs. Cummins and the children 
turned their faces towards Jefferson County, and Mr. 
Cummins returned to his lonely home and to his duties 
in Christ Church. His first letter after this painful 
separation is dated Baltimore, April 3Oth, and is filled 
with an account of his visit there : 

" I walked out," he writes, " with Mr. F to see 

Franklin Square and the church now being built for Mr. 

B 's congregation. The improvements there are beyond all 

expectation, and the church will be very beautiful. B 's 

perversion has produced great excitement in Baltimore. I 
trust it may do good eventually, but the present effect is to 
lower the church very much in public estimation in Mary 
land. " 

In a letter dated May 2d, he writes : 

' ' At eleven o'clock we had service. Rev. Mr. S assisted 

me. I preached on the nature of the Lord's Supper, it being 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 57 

the first communion of many. The text was, ' What mean 
ye by this service ? ' We had a large accession to the com 
munion all the candidates who were confirmed and others. 

The number of communicants was immense." " Mrs. J 

gave me a letter from her husband to read. It is chiefly occu 
pied with an account of the effect of my ministrations upon 
himself. Such a testimonial from such a man is a reward above 
all price, and of itself would be worth the labor of a lifetime." 

The following letter was written at this time to 
his precious children : 

" MY SWEET DAUGHTER : I write to tell you how much I 
love you, and how sorry I was to leave you in the cars. I am at 
home in Norfolk, and take my breakfast alone. I wish you 
were here to sit at the head of the table ! I look in your baby- 
house every day. Poor ' Lina ' is sitting there just as you 
left her. Georgiana is out in the yard, and has nobody to 
play with. You must be a sweet child, and be mamma's 
comfort till papa comes. Papa will come next week. 

" Good-by now, and every night and morning pray for 
your own dear PAPA." 

The second one is to his boy, then three years old. 

" MY PRECIOUS GEORGIE : I want to see and pet you very 
much. I expect you are very happy riding with Uncle 
Charles. How is the colt ? and the little chickens ? Is 
the whip worn out yet ? Good-by, and do not forget your 

DEAR PAPA." 

In a letter to his wife, dated May 4th, 1853, he 
says : 

" Bishop Meade arrived very unexpectedly yesterday, and 
I have been much of my time with him. Yesterday I dined at 

Mrs. C 's. She is much more cheerful. She and 

A send much love, as indeed do all your friends. I 



58 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

visited several families who have sickness in their homes 
or are in affliction. Hearing of the bishop's arrival, I 
went to Mr. S 's to. see him. I spent part of the even 
ing with him. This morning I drove out with the bishop. 
His health is very feeble, and his object in coming here was 
to seek improvement. He will not be able to attend the con 
vention. We visited the strawberry farms, and he enjoyed 

the drive very much. I dined at Mrs. P 's with him. I 

came home immediately after dinner to prepare my lecture, 
and did not go out again until it was time for service. The 
bishop was present. The lecture-room was full, but the 
bishop did not feel well enough to speak. He will remain 

until Monday. Mrs. Capt. S sent me a nice breakfast 

this morning. To-morrow is Ascension-day." 

In another letter he says : 

" I wish you could see our cloth-of-gold rose, it is so large 
and beautiful. Our flowers are all very lovely. Tell 'Lizzie 
I saw a beautiful humming-bird about the flowers yesterday. 
My spirit is holding communion with you, and I can commit 
you and my sweet ones to the care of our merciful Father. 
It is at this hour I miss you most, but I am striving to bear 
this separation cheerfully." 

The Diocesan convention met that year in Wheel 
ing. The railroad over the mountains had not long 
been completed, a great triumph of engineering skill. 
It was the first time the delegates could reach that 
city by rail. Mr. Cummins arranged to leave Nor 
folk for Wheeling via Baltimore and Harper's 
Ferry, that he might be with his family for a few 
days. He writes : 

" If you do not attend the convention with me, I will try to 
be with you at the cottage a little longer. I am so happy to 
hear that the dear children are enjoying themselves so much. 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 59 

How touching in little Georgia asking his Grandpapa ' to 
take him to see his Papa ' ! Oh, how I long to see you 
again ! But I must repress all longings. God is so good 
and kind and merciful to us that any but a contented state 
of mind would be sinful. Our cup he makes to run over ; 
and jvhat a blessing to have so lovely a spot as father's 
home to visit ! I pray for you three times a day. ' ' 

May 6th he writes : 

" Yesterday I dined at Mr. P 's with the bishop, and 

visited with him. After I left him I went to Mrs. T 's, to 

Mrs. James T 's, who has been quite ill ; to Mrs. S 's, 

and to Mrs. W 's. All send much love to you. This morn 
ing I drove out with Bishop Meade ; he wished to visit some of 

our prettiest gardens. We went to Mrs. S 's ; her place is 

looking beautiful. She is very feeble. From there we went to 
Rev. Mr. Jackson's and spent an hour. I then drove home 
with the bishop, and at his request read to him my treatise 
on " The Romish and Reformed Theories of Justification Con 
trasted." He expressed great satisfaction with it and advised 
its immediate publication, and offered to publish it at his own 
expense. He frequently receives money from persons which 
he appropriates in this way, and indeed nearly all his own in 
come is expended thus. A short time ago a gentleman wrote 
to him from North Carolina, stating that his sister left the 
bishop $500, to be expended as he pleased. He is going to 
use it to publish Archbishop Whately's ' Cautions for the 
Times.' I write at night. My heart is over the Blue Moun 
tains, but I commit you and my sweet children in prayer to 
a kind Protector. The bishop, with some of the clergy, 
thinks of going to-morrow to visit Lake Drummond, in the 
Dismal Swamp. The scenery is said to be of surpassing 
beauty. I am glad of the opportunity, for I may not have 
another. To-day I dined at Mr. W -'s, and then had ser- 



60 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

vice and baptism in the church. I took tea with the bishop 
and Mr. Jackson." 

About this time he writes from Cumberland, Md., 
on his way to the convention : 

" By the protecting care of our heavenly Father I am safely 
on my journey thus far. We took the cars at Kearneysville 
at 12.30, and at once found ourselves in the company of a 
large number of our clergy. The heat was excessive and the 
dust most annoying, and we had a most unpleasant ride ; I was 

glad you were not with me. Mr. H , our delegate from 

Christ Church, and his wife were in the cars. I was glad to 
meet them. The country through which we passed is very 
beautiful and the scenery wild in some places. To-morrow 
we rise at two o'clock, and leave in the train at three o'clock ! 
It is 200 miles to Wheeling." 

In the same letter he writes : 

' 'Eight o'clock P.M. We have just returned, my dearest wife, 
from a walk to the top of one of the hills surrounding the town. 
The view is one of the finest I have ever seen The hills rise to 
a lofty height on every side, and in the centre lies the town of 
Cumberland, the Potomac River winding through the valley 
and among the hills. Beyond rise mountains, stretching away 
as far as the eye can see. Standing on the summit, one has a 
vivid idea of the triumph of mind over the material world : it 
is almost inconceivable how a railroad could be made to pierce 
these mountain ranges. It is a comforting thought to me to 
know that all my loved ones follow me in my journey with 
their prayers." 

At this time Mr. Cummins received an urgent in 
vitation to make the annual address before the Cadets' 
Bible Society of the Virginia Military Institute, at 
Lexington, Va. For this purpose he left home June 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 6 1 

1 2th, for Lexington. On the i6th he writes from 
the Institute : 

" MY BELOVED E : I write you at last from the end of 

my journey, and with a grateful heart to a kind heavenly Father, 
for my safe arrival and good health. The ride in the stage 
of sixteen hours was most fatiguing. The day was very hot, 
and the turnpike dusty. I rested well at Staunton, and the 

next morning took the stage again for Lexington. Col. S 

came down to the hotel for me in his carriage, and we drove 
to his house, where I am now staying. I am fully repaid for 
all my fatigue by the beauty of this country. The Institute 
is on an eminence overlooking the finest scenery on every 
side ; mountains rising in grandeur, and most lovely valleys 
below them. I think it is even more beautiful than' the coun 
try around the University of Virginia. The Institute is a 
noble building, yet unfinished, in the Tudor-Gothic style, 
and so also are the homes of the professors. The Norfolk 
boys have been to see me. They are among the best students 
in the place. My address is to be delivered to-morrow night, 
and I am also to preach for them on Sunday. The Presby 
terian Church is kindly offered to us for Sunday night, it be 
ing a larger building. I have seen the Southern Churchman 
of last week. It contains my letter, but not the address ; 
that will appear next week. I find I cannot return to Jeffer 
son, but will have to go at once to Norfolk. I could not re 
main over the 24th [their wedding-day], even were I to try to 
reach you this week, and return to Norfolk in time for Sun 
day's duties. I will send my gift of love, however. What 
cause have we to bless God for all his mercies ! True, we 
have trials and sorrows, but they may be made our most 
precious blessings. Earnestly do I join you in the prayer 
that God will make us more wholly his. I have made the 
acquaintance of all the professors, and it is a cause of great 
thankfulness that they are all seven in number Christians. 



62 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Four are members of our church, and three Presbyterians, 
Col. S - is a most interesting man, eminently pious, and 
has had serious thoughts of entering the ministry, but Bishop 
Meade thinks his position here even more useful than that of 
a minister. He has, indeed, a cure of souls. Four times a 
week he has prayer-meetings for the cadets,, and has been 
instrumental in the conversion of many. His home is near 
the Institute, and by the lawn where the cadets parade and 
drill. This is very interesting. Both evenings I have been 
here they have had a drill of flying artillery, and the rapid 
firing of the cannon is very beautiful. This evening they 
are to have a battalion drill of the whole corps, and it is said 
to be a very fine sight. My address is to be delivered at 
eight o'clock to-night in the Episcopal church. 



" Satitrday morning, June i8//. My thoughts turn to you 
with pleasure this sweet morning, and I try to imagine how 
you are all engaged. My own darling children are before me 
in all their loveliness. I have wished for them so often to 
see the parades and drills of the cadets. You, who have 
been at West Point, know how interesting and beautiful it is. 
Last evening we had a battalion drill, and the rays of the set 
ting sun on their guns was very striking in its effect. Our 
Norfolk boys are doing very well. Last night I delivered my 
address to the cadets. The church was very full : all the 
cadets were present, as were the students of Washington Col 
lege. It occupied an hour in the delivery. I shall try to get 
to the Natural Bridge before leaving ; it is only thirteen miles 
from Lexington. The Board of Visitors meet here on Mon 
day for the annual examination, and will be received by a 
grand review and salute by the cadets. 

"Five o'clock P.M. I have just received letters, forwarded 
to me at this place, announcing my election to the Rectorship 
of St. James's Church, Richmond. The official announcement 
from the wardens is accompanied by a letter from a Mr. 
D - , who states that I was elected on the first ballot. 



LIFE IN NORFOLK. 63 

Oh, that God may direct me aright in this matter ! My 
constant cry must be to him. The wardens wish me to act 
at once, and all my plans are changed. I will write imme 
diately to Bishop Meade. Ask dear father and mother to 
write me their prayerful opinion. Pray for me earnestly." 

From the "Address," which was published in 
pamphlet form, we quote a single passage : 

' ' Eight hundred years ago all Europe rang with the sound 
of preparation for one of the most stupendous movements to 
which the energies of nations were ever summoned : A 
barefooted hermit from India had gone through the lands, 
rousing the multitudes by a burning eloquence to revenge 
the wrongs of the Christian upon the infidel and the Saracen. 
The Holy Sepulchre of Christ was in the hands of the Moslem, 
and to wrest it from such foul pollution was now the watch 
word of the vast millions of Crusaders. All the chivalry of 
Europe responded to the call, its nobility rallied to the 
standard ; unnumbered masses armed themselves for the 
strife. The ripening grain was left unreaped upon the har 
vest-field ; the crowded marts of commerce were depopu 
lated ; kings laid down their sceptres to take the sword, and 
like the- locusts of the East the darkening hosts swept on 
ward towards the Holy Land and City. Alas ! how different 
the ending ! Millions perished in the fruitless effort, and the 
Moslem reigned secure in his ascendency. 

"A nobler Crusade is that to which we are called ; infi 
nitely-more sublime in its aims, in its motives, in its results. 
It is a crusade not to recover the Holy Sepulchre from the 
infidel, but to recover the world back to God ; not to wrest from 
profane hands the tomb of Christ, but to plant his Cross in 
every land, and cause every knee to bow before its sway. It 
is a crusade against sin ; against evil in every form ; against 
gigantic systems of error grown hoary by age ; against debas 
ing idolatry, degrading superstition ; against oppression and 
ignorance, despotism and vice. Be this your elected work." 



CHAPTER VII. 

CALL TO RICHMOND. 

" In his love if them abide, 
He will guide." 

" And the Lord shall guide thee continually." Is. 63 : n. 
AGED 31. 

THE following- letter was written while Mr. Cum 
mins was the guest of the Military Institute : 
"LEXINGTON, VA., June 20, 1853. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : I received on Saturday evening a let 
ter from the wardens of St. James's Church, Richmond, an 
nouncing my election as their pastor ; and before taking a 
step in the matter I desire to lay before you my position, 
and to receive your counsel and advice. You know well 
how pleasantly I have been situated in Norfolk, and my high 
appreciation of that dear people. You know, also, that God 
has blessed my labors abundantly, and given me many seals 
to my ministry. And at the close of six years of labor among 
them it is not unbecoming in me to say that I possess their 
confidence and love in no small degree. 

" With all this, however, there has been for some time past 
a cause of deep anxiety and trouble to me, in the apparently 
injurious effect of the climate upon my wife's health. We 
have struggled against this conviction for a long time, in the 
hope that a change might occur for the better. It has not 
proved so, however, but, on the contrary, she seems less able 
to live in Norfolk than ever before. The result is that every 
summer, or a period of four or five months in each year, must 
be passed away. 



CALL TO RICHMOND. 65 

' This trial has often caused us to anticipate the necessity of 
a removal to a different atmosphere, but heretofore no special 
opening has appeared before me. We have awaited God's 
providence, and I must do my wife the justice to say, that 
she has never desired me to take a step looking to a change 
on her account. 

' ' Now, however, a field is presented to me elsewhere, to 
tally unsolicited on my part. And now arises the struggle 
between these opposing influences. But for this one cause of 
anxiety I should not consider an invitation of this kind, so 
strong is my attachment to my dear people. I write now to 
ask 'your advice in my perplexity. At the same time I will 
earnestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of God, that I may 
be permitted to' take no step other than His providence may 
mark out for me. I trust also to have an interest in your 
prayers. 

" I am, with much affection, faithfully yours in Christ, 

" GEO. D. CUMMINS. 
" Rt. Rev. WILLIAM MEADE." 

To this letter Bishop Meade sent the following re 
ply : 

" DANVILLE, VA., June 24, 1853. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I have just reached this 
place, and received your letter from Lexington, and as the mail 
goes out to-morrow morning I must write a line at once. Most 
deeply shall I feel for the people of Christ Church, Norfolk, 
should you leave them, as I know not where they will find one 
to take your place who will fill it to their satisfaction and 
edification, but I am not justified in undertaking to decide 
upon the point on which the question turns in your own mind 
and judgment. That must be left to yourself, after faithful 
prayer for divine guidance. If you must go, I would rather 
you would go to Richmond than to any other place in or out 
of the diocese. I can say no more. My love to Mrs. 
Cummins. Most truly yours, W. MEADE." 



66 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

The letter from the wardens of St. James's Church., 
Richmond, Va., is as follows : 

"RICHMOND, VA., June 16, 1853. 

" DEAR SIR : As wardens of St. James's Church in this 
city, the vestry have made it our duty to inform you at once 
that at a meeting held this afternoon they elected you to the 
rectorship of said church. Permit us to add that we hope 
that you may, under Divine Providence, deem it your duty to 
accept the call thus tendered to you, and that you will inform 
us at your very earliest convenience of your determination. We 
have been for some time a flock without a pastor, and it is 
very important that we should hear from you as soon as pos 
sible. 

' ' With sentiments of the highest esteem, we are 
'.' Your brothers in Christ, 

" H. J. CHRISTIAN, ) w d ,. 
B. B. MINOR, J ^ 

Under date of Lexington, June 2ist, 1853, Mr. 
Cummins writes : 

" How I long to be with you in this time of anxiety ! I 
have written to Bishop Meade, and will see the vestry in 
passing through Richmond, but shall not give my answer then. 

Col. S urges me to come here. Saturday night I 

preached to the cadets; subject, the 'Voyage of Ulysses.' 
Sunday morning, ' Henry Martyn a Model for Young Men ;' 
and at night, ' John Randolph as a Man and a Statesman ;' 
and last night the subject was ' The Conflict between Christ and 
Satan for the Soul of Man.' The church was full, the cadets 
all present ; they seemed much interested, and I trust good 

was done. I breakfasted at Col. McD 's, and took tea at 

Dr. W 's, the Presbyterian minister here. I leave Lex 
ington to-day for Staunton, thence to Richmond, and then 
to Norfolk." 



CALL TO RICHMOND. 6? 

In a letter, dated Richmond, July ist, 1853, on 
his way to Norfolk, he speaks of the intense heat, 
and of the contrast between the city and the country 
life he loved so well, but of the comfort he always 
felt in the faithful discharge of his duties, and con 
cludes thus : 

' Try, my beloved E -- , to look more to your Saviour 
for strength, and he will hold you up. My chief comfort in 
this sad separation is to pray for you, and commit you wholly 
to the care of our blessed Saviour. May he keep you in the 
hollow of his hand ! May he be to you now in the place of 
your husband ! May he sanctify every trial to your soul's 
eternal good, and may he keep us both close to himself and 
fit us for his heavenly kingdom ! Pray for me. Love to 
all, and kisses for my precious ' Lily ' and little man." 

In another letter, dated July 2d, he mentions hav 
ing just heard of the sudden death of one of his most 
prominent parishioners and kindest fronds. He also 
mentions having received letters from two of the 
vestry of St. James's Church, Mr. D - and Mr. 



<( I earnestly hope the determination to accept this call is 
of God. It is gratifying to learn of the interest with which my 
election is received in Richmond." 

July 2d again he writes : 

<( I have just returned from a visit to Mrs. S -- . and it 
was one of the saddest I ever paid. She gave me the particu 
lars of F - 's death, and says she is perfectly resigned to the 
will of God. He was at dinner Monday ; on Tuesday was 
very ill, and asked ' when will Mr. Cummins be here ? ' It was 
so very sudden ! She told me of Mr. J - having told them 



68 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

of the call to Richmond, when her husband exclaimed, ' Oh, 

what a loss to us ! but we must not be selfish." Mrs. S 

asked me, ' Are you going to leave us ? ' I told her what a 
severe trial it had been to have to decide such a question, 
but that she knew my difficulties. She said yes, she knew 
all ; that they ought not to wish to keep me always ; that she 
was so thankful for my ministry that it had been blessed in 
bringing F to a knowledge of salvation. She added 
that it would make no difference where we went, she would 
love us just the same, and that if it were a question of health 
it was my duty to go. Write to her, I know it will comfort 
her. I dined at Mrs. Selden's. They appreciate my motive 
for leaving, though they express great regret at the prospect. 
I was called away from dinner to baptize a very ill child. 

This afternoon I will visit Mr. John S and Mrs. Dr. 

C . Good-by. Kiss my precious children, and give love 

to all the dear ones. Pray for me." 

Mr. Cummins accepted the call to St. James's 
Church, Richmond, July 3d, and wrote to the vestry, 
saying he would enter on his duties September ist, 
1853. To this the vestry readily concurred, as it 
would enable them to have the church thoroughly 
repaired. Their letter in reply to his concludes with 
the following words : 

" The vestry most heartily unite with you in the prayer 
that your acceptance of their call may be the means of pro 
moting the glory of our common Master, and the spiritual wel 
fare of the congregation intrusted to your charge. Permit us 
to add that we hail your coming amongst us as a new era in 
this part of the Lord's vineyard to which we are attached, 
and believe that a wide field of usefulness lies open before 
you." 



CALL TO RICHMOND. 69 

About this time Mr. Cummins received the follow 
ing letter from one of his vestry, afterwards a very 
warm friend : 

" RICHMOND, June 27, 1853. 
' ' Rev. G. D. Cummins : 

" DEAR SIR : Although I have not the pleasure of a per 
sonal acquaintance with you, yet as a vestryman of St. James's 
Church T feel that I may approach you in respect to your 
recent election, and the relation I trust we shall in a short 
time sustain to each other. And first let me assure you of the 
general favor your election meets here not only in our con 
gregation, or in the Episcopal Church, but in the whole com- 
jnunity, evidences of which are continually occurring of a 
most gratifying character. A few days ago I received a letter 
from our late venerable rector, Rev. Dr. Empie, in which he 
expresses great pleasure at your being elected his successor. 
Whilst these things are agreeable in themselves, they are yet 
more important as opening the way for extensive usefulness ; 
and in this respect be well assured we can present you with a 
wide field ' white for the harvest. ' You are doubtless aware of 
the state of things here in the Episcopal Church, and it is 
needless for me to refer more particularly to it. I will only 
say, however, and with truth, I think, that your coming is 
looked to with hope and expectation, as calculated to exert a 
more beneficial influence in this particular than that of any 
other person ; and this is an important consideration in de 
termining so important a question. I doubt not that this sub 
ject will receive from you the serious and prayerful reflection 
which it demands, and I think you are entirely right in con 
sulting Bishop Meade before making your decision. I have 
been impelled to this communication from a desire that 
before deciding you should be fully aware of the great need 
the church has for you here ; of the great amount of good 
you may be instrumental in effecting ; of the cordial reception 



7O GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

that awaits you here, and the hearty co-operation you may 
safely count on in carrying forward the great work of the Re 
deemer. So that in leaving a place where your labors have 
been so highly blessed, you will come to one where there is 
even more to do than in the one you leave. I must now con 
clude, with the earnest hope that, guided by that Spirit whose 
direction you seek, you may see the path of duty pointed 
plainly to this place as the scene of your future labors. May 
I hope to hear from you soon ? 

" With high regard and esteem, I am, dear sir, 
" Yours most obediently, 

" FREDERICK BRANSFORD." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

RESIGNS CHRIST CHURCH, NORFOLK. 

"There is work for all in the Gospel field. 

And, if the mind be willing, 
The place for labor will stand revealed, 

And the fruitage rich, and the harvest yield 
Will surely crown the tilling." MARSHALL B. SMITH. 

AGED 31. 

ON the 5th July, 1853, Mr. Cummins formally re- 
signed Christ Church, Norfolk, when the follow 
ing communications were received by him : 

"NORFOLK, July 9, 1853. 
' ' Rev. Geo. D. Cummins : 

" REVEREND AND DEAR SIR : Your letter of 5th inst., 
addressed to us as trustees, resigning your office as rector of 
Christ Church in this city, was, according to the requirements 
of the constitution of that church, laid before the pew-holders 
assembled in general meeting last evening. 

' ' By their direction, we now inclose you a copy of the 
resolutions unanimously adopted by them in response to 
your letter. 

" We have no hesitation in assuring you that the resolu 
tions truly represent the sentiments of every member of the 
congregation. Each year of your ministration among them 
has but increased your influence and strengthened their con 
fidence in and affection for you ; and they all feel that in 
the removal of their faithful and acceptable pastor a loss has 
been sustained by them which it will be difficult to repair. 



GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 



The love, respect, and confidence of the peoyle of your late 
charge will accompany you to your new field of labor, with 
their prayers to the Throne of Grace for a continuance of the 
divine blessing on your ministrations, as well as on yourself 
and family in all things spiritual and temporal. We will 
only add for ourselves, that we sincerely regret the severance 
of our official relations, and the cause which in your judg 
ment made it necessary, and that we most cordially concur in 
the sentiments contained in the resolutions of the pew-holders 
of Christ Church, herewith inclosed. We beg leave to sub 
scribe ourselves, 

" Your sincere and attached friends, 

" WM. H. THOMPSON, "] T t 

WALTER H. TAYLOR, | 

N. W. PARKER, \ 

Jos. H. ROBERTSON, 

TAZEWELL TAYLOR, J 

The following are the resolutions : 

" At a meeting of the pew-holders of Christ Church, held 
in the lecture-room on Friday evening, July 8th, 1853, the 
trustees laid before the meeting a communication from the 
Rev. George D. Cummins resigning the rectorship of Christ 
Church, and assigning the ill-health of his family as the reason 
which had led him reluctantly to this step. Whereupon it 
was 

" Resolved, unanimously, That the congregation have re 
ceived this intelligence, and now accept his resignation, with 
the profoundest regret. They bear in mind the happy rela 
tions which have existed between the faithful pastor and his 
affectionate people during the six years that he has, both by 
precept and example, ministered among them ; and whilst 
they truly lament the severance of their connection, they 'no 
less sincerely sympathize with him in the cause which led 
to it. 



DESIGN'S CHRIST CHURCH, NORFOLK. 73 

" Resolved, That the trustees be requested to make 
known to Mr. Cummins the proceedings of this meeting, and 
to assure him that whithersoever he may go, the congregation 
will delight to cherish the memory of his social and Chris 
tian virtues, nor will they cease to pray that a career of use 
fulness so auspiciously begun, may not the less happily termi 
nate. 

" J. MURDEN, Secretary." 

Copy from minutes. 

In a letter dated July 5th he writes : 

" Part of my heavy trial is over. I have met some of our 
friends, and the result is different from my expectations. 
They have proved themselves noble friends indeed ; not a 
word of reproach have I heard from a single person, but, on 
the contrary, the gentlemen whom I have seen act the part of 
disinterested advisers and friends. I have never felt anything 
to be more grateful to my feelings than such conduct on 
their part amidst my own anxiety. With all there is one 
sentiment of deep sorrow, but an appreciation of my motives, 
and a confidence in my integrity of purpose. This morning 

I met T , and had a > long conversation with him. He 

said no one could desire to retain me here more than he did, 
but that for many reasons it was desirable for me to go to 
Richmond. He thought the church needed me there. It is very 
hot here now, and the dismal swamp is on fire for miles, and 
we are enveloped, at times, in the smoke ; even the cinders fall 
around us, and the air is very oppressive. I can see the light 
at night from our windows. Yesterday morning I preached 
from Psalm 84 : 10 to a large congregation which filled the 
church despite the great heat, and administered the commun 
ion, Rev. Mr. S assisting me. It was the last communion 

season I should be with them, and was a sad time to pastor 

and people. In the afternoon Mr. W came in to see me. 

You know his deep attachment for us. He spoke ' of the 



74 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

deep sorrow among all my people, ' and added they never 
knew before how strong their love for me was, but that he 
thought I was right in going. To-day is the 4th, and a 
Prussian frigate and sloop of war are lying out in the harbor. 
The bands on board are very fine, and they play very often. 

Rev. Mr. J came in to see me, and thinks I ought to 

go, although he is very sorry to have me leave. You know 
how we have worked together. He was in Richmond when 
I was elected, and says there was great satisfaction in the city 
at the result. He thinks my going important for the church. 
So I have sent my letter of acceptance." He adds, " It is not 
a little remarkable that next Sunday closes my six years of 
labor here. I entered upon my duties July nth, 1847." 

The following letter from his beloved friend Dr. 
Johns was received some months before, but a part 
of it may be inserted here : 

"BALTIMORE, February 19, 1853. 
' ' REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I have not yet met Col. 

P , but will call as soon as I hear that they have opened 

doors incur city. I regret your loss of such a valuable friend. 
Even one such man removing creates a void in the largest con 
gregation. But I trust Providence will send you another to fill 
the vacancy. Old Christ Church is pretty well packed. 

B and myself have our hands full, I assure you. I never 

worked so hard in my life as since returning from England 
last September. There has been much sickness and con 
siderable mortality. You know what the funeral service is 
here. I sometimes think we ought to have chaplains for our 
cemeteries, as in England. You must remember me very 
kindly to Mrs. Cummins. I see her brother now and then. 
Allow me most cordially to respond to your friendly allusion 
to our former intercourse. It has never been forgotten by 
me, and will always cause me to fed a brother's interest in 
everything relating to you and yours. I wish I could see 



RESIGNS CHRIST CHUXCH, NORFOLK. 75 

more of you, and must try and have that pleasure. Still, 
having been absent five months last summer and autumn, I 
feel obliged to keep in harness constantly for a season. We 
have started our new enterprise for the up-town section of 
the congregation, and hope to see it through in about a 
twelvemonth. 

^ ' ' Truly and affectionately, 

"HENRY V. D. JOHNS. 

" P.S. Old England is a glorious country, and our Evan 
gelical brethren there are ' true blue ' to the bone." 

Norfolk is one of our most interesting naval posts. 
In the Congregation of Christ Church were officers 
of all ranks, from commodores there were then no 
admirals to midshipmen. These with their fam 
ilies formed a large circle of refined and cultured 
people. Among them were many who had been 
brought to a knowledge of Jesus by the preaching of 
Mr. Cummins. Over them he had great influence, 
and some of them were his dearest friends. On 
one occasion, preaching at night to young men, as 
was his frequent custom, on " Henry Martyn, a 
Model for Young Men," the church was densely 
crowded, the galleries entirely filled with men. At 
the close of a most thrilling appeal to them to give 
themselves to God, a young officer arose in one of 
the galleries, and, forgetting where he was, he said 
in clearest tones that arrested the attention of all : 
" Here am I God help me !" On another occasion 
Mr. Cummins was writing on a particular subject, 
and his manner of treating it was not satisfactory to 
himself. He felt somewhat discouraged at his effort, 
and concluded not to preach the sermon, but was 
advised to do so with the remark, that sometimes 



76 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

words may reach the heart when least expected. 
The sermon was delivered with his usual vigor and 
earnestness. At the close of the service a young 
midshipman walked up the aisle, took the hand of 
the pastor, and said with intense feeling : " I thank 
you most deeply for that sermon. It has been the 
means of deciding me to-day to take my stand on the 
Lord's side." Mr. Cummins, on returning home, 
gave thanks to God in special prayer that he had 
been led, as he believed, by the Holy Spirit to preach 
that sermon, and had the incident written upon the 
blank leaf of his sermon. The young officer united 
himself at once with the church, and then left his 
country to join the squadron to which he had been 
ordered, and they never met again. 

Mr. Cummins preached his last sermon in Norfolk 
from the text St. John 4 : 36, 37. Amidst all his cares 
and anxieties in leaving his loved friends and home, he 
had to prepare the journal of the Diocesan convention 
for publication. A sale of their furniture was held 
July 1 3th, and on the following Monday, iSth, he left 
Norfolk for the home of Mrs. C -'s father, in North 
ern Virginia, thankful for the rest of the quiet coun 
try life after the excitement and sorrow incident to the 
breaking up of his home and taking leave of so many 
friends who felt it to be a personal trial to have him 

go- 



CHAPTER IX. 

WORK IN RICHMOND. 

" He was a -shepherd, and no mercenary, 
And though he holy was, and virtuous, 
lie was to sinful men full piteous ; 
His words were strong, but not with anger fraught ; 
A love benignant he discreetly taught ; 
To draw mankind to heaven by gentleness 
And good example was his business. 
****** 

But Jesus' love, which owns no pride or pelf, 

lie taught but first he followed it himself." CHAUCER.! 

AGED 31. 

THE summer of 1853 was passed in Jefferson 
County, West Virginia, with the exception of a 
most pleasant visit to Bath, Morgan County, Va., 
where Mr. Cummins, with his family and his wife's 
parents, spent a fortnight. September ist he left for 
Richmond, accompanied by his family, and at once, 
entered on his duties at St. James's Church. While 
waiting for their own house to be prepared for them, 
they were received into the homes of dear friends 
there. 

Before leaving Northern Virginia for Richmond 
Mr. Cummins received the following letter from Dr. 
May, then editor of The ChurcJi Review and profes 
sor in the Theological Seminary near Alexandria, Va. : 



78 GEORGE DA V1D CUMMINS. 



" PHILADELPHIA, August 30, 1853. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I write hastily to say 
that Bishop Meade, whom I saw here last night, gratified me by 
the information that you have prepared a treatise on Justifica 
tion which would be suitable for the Review, and that you 
might be persuaded to contribute it for that work. I lose no 
time in making the request that you will allow it to be used 
for an article in our Quarterly. Be pleased to let me have it 
as soon as you can, not later than November ist. I am en 
couraged to hope you may be willing to be a regular contrib 
utor. Do give me assurance to that effect. I was much dis 
appointed in not seeing you while we were so near each 
other. Be pleased to give me the assurance I have requested. 
I hope you will turn your mind to the preparation of a me 
moir of Mrs. Hening. You will be looked to for such a work. 
" Affectionately your brother, 

" JAMES MAY." 

The autumn and winter of 1853-4 were passed by 
Mr. Cummins in a faithful fulfilment of the duties of 
his new charge. The same religious awakening 
which had so cheered the heart of the young clergy 
man while in Norfolk manifested itself in the gay 
capital of the State. Numbers were through his 
instrumentality brought to confess Christ before men. 
His influence was widespread, and the church was 
incapable of holding the vast throngs that crowded 
to hear him preach. Class after class was presented 
to the bishop for confirmation, and so far as his 
work for the Lord went he had cause for heartfelt 
thanksgiving. But his master meant to try his ser 
vant in other ways. The health of his wife grew 
steadily worse, and all that autumn and winter and 
the following spring and summer she was a help- 



WORK IN RICHMOND. 79 

less invalid, confined entirely to her bed, and wholly 
unable to aid her husband in his work. But 
though this dark cloud hung" over his otherwise 
happy home, he was ever the bright, loving, helpful 
friend and pastor, 

, " With a heart at leisure from itself, 

To soothe and sympathize." 

As the shadow darkened over his own "home, he 
only lived closer to Jesus and gave out in larger 
measure the full, deep treasures of love and sym 
pathy garnered up in his own heart. His congregation 
increased until there were no longer seats for more ; 
and extra benches and chairs were provided to be 
placed in the aisles every Sunday. 

A confirmation was held in the winter, and again 
in the spring, \May 7th, 1854. In these classes, both 
very large, there were a larger number of men than 
women. In April his little daughter was very ill, and 
soon after his boy was seized with the same disease. 
Their father took them to their grandfather's home, 
where they were tenderly nursed by their grand 
parents and faithful nurse. In June the cholera ap 
peared in Richmond, but mercifully it did not be 
come the fearful epidemic through which Mr. Cum, 
mins had had to pass in Norfolk. In July he took 
his family to Cape May, where for six weeks they 
enjoyed the sea breezes and grew stronger every day. 
September ist found them in Philadelphia, where Mrs. 
Cummins passed several weeks under medical care. 
God so blessed the means used for her relief that 
she was able to return to Richmond in October with 
her husband and there to take up the duties which 



80 GEORGE DA VI D CUMMINS. 

she had so long 1 been compelled to lay aside. For 
this great blessing Mr. Cummins gave heartfelt 
thanks, arid joy and gladness once more pervaded 
his home. 

The deep interest he felt in Missions brought him 
in intimate association with the brethren who de 
voted their lives to the work. Bishop Payne was a 
dear and valued friend and correspondent. About 
this time he received a long and interesting- letter 
from the bishop, written on his reaching West 
Africa after spending a year in this country. He 
gives a description of his long voyage, of their arrival 
at Cape Palmas, of the health of the missionary band 
that went out with him, and expresses deep grati 
tude for all the kindness and generous aid given him 
by the dear people of Norfolk. We quote from the 
letter, which did not reach Mr. Cummins until after 
he settled in Richmond, as it speaks for one who 
was God's faithful servant, and who has "rested 
from his labors" for several years : 

"OFF BASSA COVE, LIBERIA, June 22, 1852. 
" MY spirit lingers around Norfolk, and to whom may I 
more properly speak of its recollections, its feelings, its hopes, 
than the honored servant of God who originates, guides, and 
lives by the happy influences which bless that favored place ? 
The missionary amongst the heathen, who has left all for 
Christ's sake, has his comforts, but the sweet sympathies and 
active co-operation of a Christian flock, loving him, joying 
in his joys, weeping in his sorrows, laboring together with 
him in the Gospel this is the peculiar privilege of the pastor 
in circumstances like yours, where Christianity has found 
a well-ordered, peaceful home. Happy are the people and 



WORK IN RICHMOND. 8 1 

the pastor that are in such a case ; ' yea, happy are the peo 
ple whose God is the Lord. ' 

" I have said yours and the happiness of pastors similarly 
situated is peculiar, and yet you do not enjoy it exclusively. 
How ungrateful should I be if I did not feel every day and 
acknowledge that / am happier and more joyful, and stronger 
in the Lord, for all the kind sympathy and heartfelt prayers 
and generous efforts of the many godly ministers and con 
gregations with whom I have mingled during the past year ! 
And that which sustains and comforts me, does and will sus 
tain and comfort those associated with me, and others else 
where engaged in the same blessed work. We live because 
ye live in the Lord. And if, as Bickersteth said so beautifully 
in his dying moments, ' No prayer is lost : they ever live, 
they are, as it were, indented around the throne of God, and 
when God looks around he sees the prayers of his people 
covered with the sweet incense of the Saviour's intercession, ' 
what treasures are now, and will ever be, pouring in upon our 
African mission through the lively interest and constant in 
tercessions of our many dear Norfolk friends ? And if prayers 
may avail for them and avail they will God shall return, 
as he has been wont to do, sevenfold, into their own bosom, 
for all they desire and do for others. ' ' 

He then writes of his plans for extending- the mis 
sion, and of Mr. Hening, suggesting some way by 
which that devoted missionary might still work for 
the cause in this country, and concludes thus : 

" I forgot to say that all our band are well and happy. Re 
member me very kindly to Mrs. Cummins and Brother Jackson 
and all my acquaintances and friends beloved in Norfolk ; 
and believe me, reverend and dear brother, 

" Very truly your friend and brother in Christ, 

" JOHN PAYNE." 



82 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

While in Norfolk Mr. Cummins was called upon to 
give up one of his most efficient helpers and dearest 
friends for the work of this mission. In 1853 Mrs. Hen- 
ing, another dear missionary, was tenderly and loving 
ly cared for by the congregation of Christ Church dur 
ing her last illness. The ministrations of Mr. Cum 
mins gave her great comfort during these last days 
on earth. Her blind husband and sweet babe re 
ceived the same loving attention. While Mr. Cum 
mins was in Richmond, another lovely young Chris 
tian woman left home and friends and went out from 
St. James's Church to tell the Africans of " Jesus and 
his love." Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Hoffman sleep side 
by side in the little cemetery at Cape Palmas, and 
Mrs. Hening in that near Norfolk. Mr. Cummins 
endeavored to keep alive an earnest missionary spirit 
in his congregations, and these dear ones " gone 
before" often spoke of the refreshing and strength 
ening influences felt in visiting Richmond and Nor 
folk. 

In the summer of 1853 Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff 
man and their little daughter visited Richmond, 
where Mr. Hoffman presented the claims of the 
mission to the churches in that city, while Mrs. 
Hoffman gladdened the hearts of her friends by her 
sweet presence. 

In April, 1854, Mr. Cummins was invited by the 
" Missionary Society of the Theological Seminary," 
Fairfax County, Va., to preach the annual sermon be 
fore the society. Owing to the pressure of parochial 
work, and illness in his family, he was unable to ac 
cept this invitation. He was also requested to pre 
pare a memoir of Mrs. Hening, but this he was 



WORK IN RICHMOND. 83 

obliged to decline for the same reasons. The editor 
of the Clmrcli Quarterly wrote to him at this time, 
urging him to send other contributions to the period 
ical. To this request he responded by sending sev 
eral articles, one of which was the " Romish and 
Protestant Doctrines of Justification Contrasted." A 
large Bible-class .in a select Episcopal school in 
Richmond, formed of young ladies, occupied a por 
tion of the time of the pastor during the year. On 
Chistmas-day a handsome piece of silver was pre- 
/ented to him by the pupils, accompanied by a most 
kind and appreciative note from the principal, who 
was a communicant of St. James's Church. In the 
early part of 1854 he was invited by the Committee 
of Arrangements of the American Bible Society, 
of which Dr. S. H. Tyng, Sr., was chairman, to make 
one of the addresses at its thirty-eighth anniversary, 
held in New York City on the nth May. He was 
prevented from accepting this invitation also, for the 
reasons before mentioned. In the autumn of 1854 
he visited Norfolk with his family, and passed some 
time amongst his dear friends. The Rev. " Charles 
Minnigerode, D.D., was his successor as rector of 
Christ Church. Mr. Cummins left his family with 
their kind friends, and returned to his duties in Rich 
mond. 

We quote from a letter written at this time : 

"RICHMOND, October 29, 1854. 

'' It is a new and strange life to me to be here alone in 
the quiet house, and to listen in vain for your footstep and 
the voices of our precious children. If I am disposed to re 
gret my loneliness, the feeling is checked by the thought that 
by remaining in Norfolk, you may be of service to our dearly 



84 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

loved friends now passing under the cloud of sorrow, and 
may contribute something to the spiritual comfort of the 
dear friend to whom wearisome days and nights of sickness 
are appointed. If so, it would be sinful to cherish lonely feel 
ings, for I could covet for you no richer blessing than to be 
able to lighten one load of human sorrow or bear the burden 
of one ' weak-hearted ' one. It is a truth I feel more and more 
deeply as life advances, that it is given to us to know no 
happiness like that of doing good ; and for this I believe 
we are not to lightly estimate or think meanly of our capacity 
or ability, but just to do what is in our power, or what the 
providence of God brings to our hands. We may feel weak, 
and may be tempted to think it is not in our power to do any 
thing ; but God works by our feeble instrumentality, and 
thus more to his own glory. I am so forcibly reminded, as 
I sit in this room, of your long and weary illness, and by it 
of the loving-kindness of God to us in raising you up again. 
Let the remembrance of this great mercy never be absent 
from us, and let our daily prayer be for its sanctification to 
our good. I reached home at 5.30 and soon had a fire made, 
and the room looked quite bright and cheerful. The servants 
welcomed me right gladly. I breakfasted Sunday with Mr. 

and Mrs. B , and also dined with them. Preached in the 

morning from Esther 5 : 13." 

In another letter, dated October 3Otn, he writes : 

"I went to St. James's. The crowd in the church was 
more dense than I have ever seen it, partly, I suppose, on ac 
count of the great number of visitors in town. Many stood 
in the aisles during the whole service, and a great many left, 
finding it impossible to obtain seats. I preached from the 
words, ' The Son of man hath power to forgive sins. ' I 
have been very much impressed since my return with the vast 
importance of the field to which I have been called, and of the 



WORK IN RICHMOND. 85 

great results that may follow my ministry. Certainly I have 
never seen more remarkable external manifestations, and it 
fills me with a deep sense of the great responsibility placed 
upon me. Never did any one need a more abundant supply 
of the Spirit of God, to ' fufil the ministry ' and ' rightly di 
vided the word of truth, ' than one in my present position. 

Mr. B seems to feel this most deeply. Pray for me, that 

my strength may be alone in God. ' 

In a letter of October 3ist, 1854, he says : 

'" The city is overflowing with people, some sleeping in 
tobacco-houses. The streets are as gay as in New York, 
The State Fair opens to-day. You are remembered always, 
and at no hour so pleasantly as at the hour of prayer. It is 
a comfort then to bear you and our darlings on my heart to 
our Father, and invoke fervently his blessings upon you. 

Rev. Mr. C occupies our guest-room. It is difficult to 

make one's way along the streets ; all is excitement and 
intense activity. I spent the morning in my study preparing 
my lecture. I have been visiting a great deal among the con 
gregation lately. I long to hear of the welfare of our little 

ones ; of sweet L 's troubles with her tooth, and 

dear Georgie's inquiries about his " dear papa," about 
whose coming he had such a hearty cry on Saturday. Tell 
them papa will soon be back. Pray for me. May God ever 
bless you, and make you more and more his own child, is 
my fervent prayer. The box for Africa will soon be ready, 
and will go in a vessel which sails from Savannah Decem 
ber I St." 

In another letter, of November 2d, he says : 

" I have just been to the Monumental Church, where the 
joint thanksgiving service was held. I assisted Mr. Wood- 
bridge. After church I 'drove out to the Fair grounds. It 
is indeed a wonderful sight, and I can give you no idea of 



86 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

its extent and variety. It is the finest exhibition of the kind 
I have ever seen, and a vast advance on last year. But the 
greatest sight is the crowd ; it can only be numbered by thou 
sands. I have met many friends from different parts of the 
State, among them Col. S and a Mr. L from Wash 
ington, who says he is coming to see me. ' ' 

It was at this time that, amidst the evident bless 
ing of the Lord upon his labors, and with every as 
surance of the love and esteem of his people, Mr. 
Cummins was again, and so soon, called to decide a 
question of duty. 



CHAPTER X. 

CALL TO WASHINGTON. 

"Just as God leads I onward go, 

Oft amid thorns and briers keen ; 
God does not yet his guidance show, 

But in the end it shall be seen 
How by a loving Father's will 
Faithful and true he leads me still. 
Thus anchored, faith is resting." 

From the German. 
AGED 32. 

ON November I3th, 1854, the vestry of Trinity 
Church, Washington, D. C., met and decided 
unanimously to tender Mr. Cummins a call to become 
their rector. He had no wish to leave Richmond, and 
was much surprised and even grieved at receiving 
this call. His first decision was to decline it, as he 
felt he had too lately entered upon the charge of St. 
James's Church, and that he could not see it to be his 
duty to leave his present parish. But he concluded 
to lay the matter before his best friends, in whose 
judgment he had great confidence, hoping that they 
might aid him to see what was wisest. In the mean 
time he made it a subject of constant prayer. One 
of the vestry of Trinity Church had been sent to 
Richmond to confer with Mr. Cummins, and to pre 
sent the claims of the church in Washington. Let 
ters were at once addresed to Bishops Meade and 
Johns of Virginia, to Dr. H. V. D. Johns of Balti- 



85 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 



more, and to several other valued friends. The call 
to Washington was a unanimous one on the part of 
the vestry, and a committee was appointed to con 
vey to Mr. Cummins the resolutions that had 
been passed, and to request his acceptance of the 
same. The official call was accompanied by a letter 
witten by one of the gentlemen before mentioned, 
setting- forth at length the reasons which in his opin 
ion should influence Mr. Cummins in his decision. 
We quote from this letter : 

" The vestry believe that they are not alone in the opin 
ion that this church is one of more than common importance, 
from the fact that its worshippers are here assembled from 
remote sections of the country, and, further, that during a 
large portion of the year it embraces numbers who come up 
here as the select from among the people the chosen law 
makers and many of the leading intellects of the nation. 
Consequently the rector of the church we represent ad 
dresses himself to a large and varying congregation, but one 
whose influence is not lightly to be estimated. The effect of 
his puWic ministrations may, therefore, truly and justly be 
said to be limited only by the boundaries of our broad con 
federacy nay, even to overspread it, as the representatives 
of foreign courts are not unfrequently found among his 
hearers. With prayerful interest they have surveyed the wide 
field of active labors in the ministry, calmly and deliberately 
weighed, to the best of their ability, the peculiar fitness of 
those whose names have been presented to them for the 
vacant rectorship, and have come to the unanimous decision 
which the transcript from their records, already furnished, 
will have made known to you. And I may be permitted 
to add that no clergyman in our church ever received a more 
cordially sincere invitation than that now extended to your 
self by the vestry of Trinity Church in this city. It is hardly 



CALL TO WASHINGTON. 89 

necessary to set forth to your mind, by way of influencing 
your decision in this matter, the peculiar attractions which 
attach to Washington and make it a place for a pleasant re&- 
dence ; but what the vestry mainly rely upon, as worthy of 
paramount consideration, is the wide and important field of 
labor here open to you for the employment of your talents and 
services. In the event of your acceptance of the invitation, 
the time for entering upon the duties of the rectorship will 
be left subject to your own decision. In all matters touching 
your personal convenience, I am instructed by the vestry to 
say that your preferences and wishes will be most cheerfully 
considered. In the name, and in behalf of the wardens and 
vestry of Trinity Church, Washington, I have the honor to 
be, with great respect, 

' Your obedient servant, 

" JAMES MORSS. 
''"'Rev. Geo. D. Cummins, Richmond, Va." 

Before Mr. Cummins's letter to Dr. Johns reached 
its destination the following note was received : 

"BALTIMORE, November 16, 1854. 

"REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER: I have just heard of 
your election to the rectorship of Trinity Church, Washing 
ton, D. C., and feeling a deep interest in the prosperity of 
this important congregation, and its having been in its in 
fancy my first charge, I cannot refrain from writing you to 
beg you to give this call your most favorable consideration. 
The congregation is large and united, and the opportunities 
of usefulness are of such a character as few clergymen pos 
sess. May the Lord guide you, my dear brother, to a souoid 
conclusion and, if it be his will, send you to Washington. 
" Ever truly and affectionately, 

" HENRY V. D. JOHNS." 

The Rev. William M. Jackson rector of St. Paul's 



90 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Church, Norfolk, but now with Jesus the dearly 
valued friend of Mr. Cummins, and the godfather 
of his boy, wrote as follows : 

" NORFOLK, November 21, 1854. 

"Mv DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER : I almost fear my 
feelings are too strong to allow me to give an unbiassed 
opinion in regard to the question of your removal to Wash 
ington. To myself personally it would be a serious loss, de 
priving me of many pleasant hours of friendly and fraternal 
intercourse. And, moreover, I should regard your leaving 
Richmond as a serious loss, not only to that city, but to 
our diocese ; and I feel confident that you have the earnest 
wishes of both our bishops for your continuance in Virginia. 
But, on the other hand, when I divest myself of all feeling 
and forget myself, and when I consider that the field of labor 
is wider in Washington than in Richmond, that it is a more 
important position, with a heavier responsibility, enabling you 
to exert a more widespread influence ; and, lastly, that it is 
a more difficult post to supply than that which you now have 
when I take all these facts into consideration I confess 
that the finger of duty seems to point to Washington, and 
compel you to accept. God grant you, dear brother, His 
wise counsel and direction in deciding this important ques 
tion. I sympathize with you in the difficulty and perplexity 
you must feel in deciding it. Between the crowded congre 
gations of St. James', and the large, intellectual, and influen 
tial congregation of Trinity, it is no easy matter for the mind 
to come to a decision. I am sure you will have the best of 
all wisdom for your guidance. My very affectionate regards 

to Mrs. C . 

" I am, dear brother, very affectionately yours, 

"WILLIAM M. JACKSON." 

The two bishops of Virginia were unwilling to 
have Mr. Cummins leave Richmond, believing he 



CALL TO WASHINGTON. 9! 

was doing great good in that beautiful and impor 
tant city ; while other dear friends and counsellors 
urged his acceptance of the call to Trinity. Among 
the latter were the father and elder brother of Mrs. 

C , and two bishops of the Protestant Episcopal 

Church. After most earnest consideration and con 
stant prayer to God for guidance, Mr. Cummins 
decided to accept the call to Washington, and ac 
cordingly sent the vestry of St. James' Church, Rich 
mond, his resignation of the rectorship. 

The following is the reply : 

" RICHMOND, December 8, 1854. 

" At a meeting of the vestry of St. James' Church, in this 
city, held this day, the following resolutions were adopted : 

" i. That while the Vestry feel themselves constrained by 
the considerations presented in the letter of the Rev. George 
D. Cummins to accept his resignation of the rectorship of 
St. James' Church, they cannot but express their deep regret 
that his conviction of duty should require him to sever a 
relation so pleasant to themselves personally and to the con 
gregation under his charge, and which gave promise of so 
much usefulness, not only to the Church itself, but to the 
community at large. Nor can they withhold the expression 
of their high appreciation of the zeal, earnestness, fidelity, 
and ability with which he has discharged the duties of his 
office. 

" 2. That the Secretary communicate to Mr. Cummins the 
foregoing resolutions, and express to him the warm regard 
which the vestry entertain for him personally, and tender him 
their best wishes for his happiness, and his more extended 
usefulness in the field of labor to which he has been called. 

"JOHN O. STEGER, Secretary." 

Mr. Steger inclosed the above resolutions in the 
following letter : 



92 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

" RICHMOND, December n, 1854. 
"Rev. George D. Cummins: 

" DEAR SIR : By the direction of the vestry of St. James' 
Church, I now inclose you a copy of the resolutions passed 
by that body on the acceptance of your resignation of the 
rectorship of that church. They will convey to you but. a 
faint idea of the deep pain and anxiety with which your 
resignation has been received ; but they will furnish you with 
an abundant assurance of the entire confidence of the vestry 
in common with every right-minded and true-hearted mem 
ber of your congregation in the honest sincerity of that con 
viction of duty which forces this painful separation upon you. 

"With the earnest prayer that God will cause this separa 
tion to contribute to the good of His people and the in 
creased glory of His name, 

" I am, my dear sir, with the highest regard and esteem, 
' ' Very truly your friend, 

" JOHN O. STEGER." 

Though Mr. Cummins had been but a short time 
rector of St. James', he had become greatly attached 
to his congregation, and parted from each one with 
a sad heart. The brief period of his labors among 
them, while it had been saddened by the continued 
illness of his wife, had been gladdened as well by the 
blessing of God upon his labors. 



CHAPTER XI. 

LIFE IN WASHINGTON. 

" I ask no heaven till earth be thine, 
Nor glory-crown while work of mine 
Remaineth here. When earth shall shine 
Amongst the stars, . . . 
Her sins wiped out, her captives free, 
For crown new work give Thou to me ; 
Lord, here am I." 

AGED 33. 

the first Sunday in January, 1855, Mr. Cum 
mins entered upon his duties as rector of Trin 
ity Church, Washington. Two Sunday schools were 
attached to the church, and not long after he assumed 
the charge of the parish a mission chapel was built, 
where services and a Sunday-school were held for 
the benefit of the poor neglected ones in a distant part 
of the city. For a part of the time Mr. Cummins 
was rector of Trinity Church the Rev. T - D 

was his assistant, and afterwards the Rev. J G -. 

These two young clergymen were graduates of the 
Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church near Alexandria, Va. 

The first temporary home occupied by the pastor 
and his family was opposite the Capitol, on Capitol 
Hill. They had the full enjoyment of the lovely 
grounds and grand old trees. In a letter dated May 
i8th, 1855, after returning to Washington from a little 
trip to Virginia, to attend the marriage of Mrs. 
C -'s youngest brother, he writes : 



94 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

" I found the city very cool and looking lovely. ' As I 
write this morning, the birds are singing in the trees before, 
the windows, and the grounds opposite are looking most 

beautiful. Had an interview with Mr. D ; he is to be 

baptized to-night. I had a most gratifying interview with 
him. He says that he has had religious impressions for 
twenty years, and that my lectures 'have removed all his diffi 
culties. I feel very grateful to God in being the instrument 
in such a conversion. To-day I shall see the other persons 
who are to be baptized. Mr. Tillinghast officiated for me 
Wednesday night, and gave the congregation an excellent dis 
course. I learn Bishop Otey is in town, the guest of Lieu 
tenant Maury at the Observatory, and I will see him tkis 
afternoon." 

We insert at this date a letter to his little son : 

" WASHINGTON, May 18, 1855. 

" MY PRECIOUS GEORGIE : I write you a letter to-day to 
tell you how much I miss you and sweet sister. I look over 
to the beautiful Capitol grounds, but I do not see any sweet 
little boy or girl like papa's trundling their hoops ; and last 
night there was no little body in the tiny bed. I looked into 
your drawer this morning and thought of you ; and into 
the baby-house, and saw the baby sitting very quiet. She 
seems very lonely. She has no one to play with her but the 
mice, and I expect they run over her face and toes, and 
wonder why she does not take notice of them. 

" You must be a very good boy and make dear mamma 
happy while papa is away, and when you start to come home 
I will put mamma and sister under your care, and you must 
take good care of them, for they are very precious. And 
when you get to the Relay House you will see papa peeping 
into the cars to see where his precious boy is, and how happy 
we will be to meet again ! So you must come home soon, 
for papa is very lonely away from you all. A little bird 



LIFE IN WASHINGTON. 95 



came and sat on the tree this morning by the window. I won 
der if he came to see if you were at home ? Good-by. Papa 
prays for you every day, and you must pray for him. Kiss 
sweet sister for me. YOUR OWN PAPA." 

May 2ist, 1855, he writes : 

" I closed my letter on Friday, took it to the post-office, 
and then went to see Bishop Otey ; he could not stay to preach 
for me, as he was obliged to leave for Philadelphia Saturday 
morning. Went to church at eight ; it was nearly as crowded 
as on Sunday. I baptized four adults two ladies and two gen 
tlemen. It was a very impressive ceremony. Saturday after 
noon Mrs. McG came for me in her carriage to go to see 

a little girl eight years old who is dangerously ill, and who 
longed greatly to see me. When I arrived she gave me a 

little bouquet she had arranged for me. Mr. D came to 

see me Saturday night. I believe a genuine work of grace 
is going on in his heart. Sunday morning I preached to 
a large congregation, and again at night ; the church was 
crowded. I preached the sermon you wrote on the outer 
leaf, concerning the conversion of that young officer in Nor 
folk. I see the candidates for confirmation every day ; there 
will be a large class. To-day the city is alive with prepara 
tion for the great Sunday-school celebration at five o'clock 
P.M., at the Smithsonian Institute. Our teachers were busy 
in the lecture-room decorating the banners. The accounts, 
with my address, will appear in the Baltimore Sun to-mor 
row. ' ' 

In a letter dated Washington, May 22d, 1855, Mr. 
Cummins speaks of his deep anxiety on learning of 
the illness of his little son : 

" My heart yearns over our precious boy. I can only 
commit him to God, and try to rest my troubled heart on 
Him. It is but a year since I watched with intense anxiety 



96 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

by our dear Lizzie's bed, and God in mercy raised her up, 
yet how ungrateful have we been for all His infinite mercies .' 
I feel most deeply that I deserve His chastenings, and can 
only cry to Him for mercy. We. had a great celebration 
yesterday not less than three thousand children and many 
adults. Five schools could not gain admittance into the 
room ; it was crowded to its utmost capacity. I thought at 
one time that it would be impossible for me to make my way 
in, but the janitor led me to the stage by a back door. The 
view on the green lawn of so. many children in spring attire 
was most beautiful. I have been to-day to the vestry-room 
to see candidates for confirmation, but I had no heart to visit 
after hearing of my darling boy's illness. It is sweet, when 
I can do nothing else, to pray for you all. May our Father 
keep you and restore our dear child, is my earnest prayer." 

The dear child was restored to health in answer to 
prayer ; for which his father gave fervent and special 
thanks. This month, May, 1855, Mr. Cummins de 
livered the annual address before the Evangelical 
Knowledge Society, during the session of the Dio 
cesan Convention held in Baltimore. " My class," he 
writes, " for confirmation increases. I have one very 

interesting case a Mr. R . This afternoon the 

band is playing in the Capitol grounds, and every 
thing is looking lovely. I never weary of looking 
upon the view opposite our windows." In the early 
part of June the congregation of Trinity Church pre 
sented their beloved rector with a very valuable car 
riage and horse, that he and his family might have 
the benefit of exercise, and he the more easily get 
over the great distances covered by his large parish. 
On the presentation of this most valuable gift Mr. 
Cummins sent his people the following note of thanks : 



LIFE IN WASHINGTON. 97 

" WASHINGTON, June 15, 1855. 

" MY DEAR SIR : It is difficult to give proper expression 
to my feelings upon the reception of the valuable and costly 
gift made through you by.my beloved people, the congregation 
of Trinity Church. I have heard of such tokens of affection 
made to pastors after long years of service, but this offering 
meets me almost on my entrance upon my duties, and after a 
ministry of only six months' duration in my present charge. I 
appreciate it from my heart not only for its own unmeasured 
value to me, not only because it will greatly add to the 
efficiency of my pastoral work, but chiefly for the delightful 
assurance it conveys of my place in the affections of the con 
gregation. I can only assure the dear friends who have so 
generously contributed to my comfort that their gift shall be 
used in their service ; that it will bind me closer to them in 
the tenderest ties ; and that I ask no higher happiness than to 
spend and be spent for their good, and no sublimer reward 
than their own eternal salvation through my humble instru 
mentality. With my earnest prayers for God's blessing upon 
every member of my charge, 

"lam faithfully and affectionately their friend and pastor, 

" GEORGE D. CUMMINS. 
'To JOSEPH F. LEWIS, Esq., Washington." 

The summer of 1855, or rather the period of his 
vacation, was passed by Mr. Cummins at Cape May, 
Schooley's Mountain, N. J., and at West Point, 
returning to his duties the first of September. 
He speaks, in a letter dated September 3d, 1855, of 
reaching Washington safely, giving thanks to God 
for His merciful preservation. The accounts of the 
a \vful railway accident at Burlington, N. J., had just 

reached him. " Mr. W -," he says, "met me at 

the depot, with Mr. L , Mr. G , Mr. C- , 

and Mr. D . They gave me a most cordial wel- 



9 8 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

come home. On Sunday had a large communion. 

Mr. D -assisted me, and read for me at night." 

The summer of 1855 was a memorable one in the 
history of Norfolk. The yellow-fever appeared early 
in the season, and raged for many weeks. The ac 
counts were fearful, and made the heart ache to read 
them. In this letter Mr. Cummins writes : 

" My heart yearns for poor Norfolk ! I send you the 
awful accounts in the JBaltimare Sun. On Friday there were 
forty deaths. So many of our dear friends have been taken ! 
The President will be asked to-day to remove the troops from 
' Old Point ' and give the fortress up to the people of Nor 
folk and Portsmouth, well and sick, leaving only those who 
cannot be removed, and enough to nurse them. A meeting 
for prayer for the sufferers is to be held to-night in Baltimore 
in a Presbyterian church, but composed of all denominations. 
This is the true spirit and way to work ; human means have 
been tried so long, and proved unavailing, it may be God 
will hear and answer prayer for the staying of the pestilence. 
Thursday is to be observed in Richmond as a day of humili 
ation and prayer. A gloom hangs over the District from the 
awful catastrophe at Burlington." 

In a letter of September 5th, 1855, he writes : 

" I must begin my letter about Norfolk, for it is ever in 
my mind. The horrors of the plague there are beyond all 
precedent in this country. I met on the avenue yesterday 
morning several persons just arrived by the boat ; they look 
dreadfully. They report 42 deaths Friday, 55 Saturday, 60 
on Sunday, and 54 on Monday, and many bodies unburied 
for want of coffins and men to bury them. Among those 

who have died are Mr. Jos. R , Dr. H , W. E. C , 

of the Beacon, Mr. G , all our acquaintances and friends ! 

low awful ! Kind Dr. Selden is over it. He was attended 



LIFE IN WASHINGTON. 99. 



by Dr. Fenna, of New Orleans, who has written a work on 
yellow-fever. The people will be removed to Old Point, 
and one of the Baltimore boats will convey them free of 
charge, and a military company from Richmond will guard 

the place. Mr. D came up in the evening, and we 

talked about his plans of usefulness. The more I see of him 
the more I am impressed with his noble character and his 
adaptation for this work. He is actively engaged in visiting 
among the poor. We will open a Sunday-school in some 
part of the city most destitute, and have preaching on Sunday 

afternoons. Mr. D will also hold religious services in 

the week in the houses of the poor, and by visiting them fre 
quently enlist their interest in the work. Some of the ladies 
of the congregation wish to establish a school for the instruc 
tion of the children of the poor during the week, and I hope 

this will be done. Mr. D will also do great good by 

taking the young men with him into this work. Mr. T ,* 

one of our young members, is already nobly at work, and 
wishes to study for the ministry. 

' ' I have been very busy lately visiting the congregation. 
' Holly ' does nobly, and improves every time I drive him. 
How are my precious pets ? I am so forcibly reminded of 

them when I see their playthings G 's locomotive and 

little gun, the doll and her bedstead, and a little bucket 
packed full of things, awaiting the return of two busy little 
heads and nimble hands ! The new wings of the Capitol 
grow finely. Next week the work of removing the dome 
commences. The workmen gave a day's wages for the relief 
of the Norfolk sufferers." 

In another letter dated September /th he writes : 

" Drove out with Mr. L , and on returning found Mr. 

M waiting to see me : he is hard at work preparing for 

* He has been for many years connected with the Protestant Epis 
copal mission in China. 



ICO GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

the Seminary, and gives up his profession of painting without 
regret. He is the second young man who has decided to 
prepare for the ministry in our congregation within the year. 

Yesterday morning I drove out with Mr. D to explore 

that portion of the city where we wish to locate our mission 
ary work. We happened to decide upon a place near the 

border-line of our parish, and Mr. D found a house most 

suitable within the limits of the Rev. Mr. S 's parish, and 

to occupy this his permission according to our canons was 

necessary. On Mr. D 's calling on him he refused his 

permission, and gave us to understand that he would oppose 
all operations not under the direction of the committee. We, 
of course, will only have to keep within our own parish limits, 
and there not all the clergy and bishops of the land can pre 
vent us preaching the Gospel as much as we please. We 
will only strive to be more earnest and zealous. Mr. T - 's 
little son is very ill. The little fellow sent me a lovely bou 
quet of exquisite roses. Your friends make many affection 
ate inquiries after you. The accounts from Norfolk are 
most appalling. If I am detained from joining you it will 
be because it is my duty to remain here, and we could not 
be happy to act otherwise. ' ' 

The autumn of 1855 found Mr. Cummins and his 
family settled in a lovely home on Sixth Street. 
There they had the privilege of frequently gathering 
around them loved relatives and valued friends. 
Once every month a reception was held, when a large 
part of the congregation met at the rector's home. 
The venerable father and mother of his wife spent a 
part of the winter with them. This sweet intercourse 
they greatly enjoyed, for their love for their beloved 
son-in-law was rare in its strength and intensity. 
The work in which Mr. Cummins' whole heart was 



LIFE IN WASHINGTON. IOI 

engaged went on uninterruptedly, and great interest 
was manifested in his ministrations, not only by his 
own people, but by strangers visiting the capital. 
Officers in high positions under government, foreign 
ers, Senators and Representatives, and justices of the 
United States Court were members or regular at 
tendants at Trinity. The students at the Theological 
Seminary near Alexandria came regularly several 
each Sunday to hear him preach. His own home 
was thrown open to these young men, and many 
who now occupy prominent charges in the Protestant 
Episcopal Church were frequently his guests. Young 
men loved to gather around him, and they always 
felt at home in his company. The influence he exerted 
on them was wonderful, and frequently there would 
be more young men than women in his confirmation 
classes. Wherever he went his influence for good 
was felt. The loving smile, the hearty clasp of the 
hand, the ready sympathy for all in sorrow or need, 
drew about him many friends. In the quaint, quiet 
old town of Norfolk, in the whirlpool of Washington 
society, or the wondrous rush of Chicago life, his 
holy example was felt thoroughly by men absorbed in 
the distracting pursuit of political life or the degrad 
ing greed for wealth. A Senator and Governor of 
one of our most important States said in 1858 : " Mr. 
Cummins ought never to leave Washington. No other 
man can take his place. His power as a preacher sur 
passes that of any man I know, and his influence is felt 
throughout the country." Another eminent states 
man and dear friend said of him at this time : " I 
never knew a man so self -forgetful, both in his work 



IO2 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

for his Master or socially ; and in his home he is 
lovely." One of the judges of the United States 
Court said : 

" I never knew so perfect a man. My profession has 
thrown me with men whose names shine as stars in the his 
tory of their country, and I have heard many of the most 
distinguished preachers of the United States, but I have 
never met with a man whose character was so symmetrical. 
As a clergyman, as a father, son, brother, husband, and 
friend, he is all one could ask. See him when you will, 
meet him under all circumstances, and he is the same gentle, 
loving spirit. No one can come within the pale of his in 
fluence and not be made better by it. ' ' 

In the spring of 1856 Mr. Cummins delivered a 
sermon on the " Evidences of Christianity" before 
the Young Men's Christian Association of Washing 
ton. It was one of a series delivered by clergymen 
of all evangelical churches. He felt a deep interest 
in this association, and whenever time and opportun 
ity permitted he was ready and willing to aid the 
members in their work. A letter of thanks was ad 
dressed to him on the occasion of his delivering this 
sermon, by the president and other officers of the as 
sociation. 



CHAPTER XII. 

MORE EARNEST WORK. 

"A few short years and our toil is done, 
Our conflict finished, the victory won ; 
We shall lay our cross and our armor down 
For the saintly robe and the kingly crown." 

MARSHALL B. SMITH. 
AGED 34. 

IN the spring of 1856 Mrs. C - and the little chil 
dren went for a visit to Judge Balch's. Writing 
under date of May igih Mr. Cummins says : " I did 

not reach W until Sunday morning at six o'clock, 

owing to an accident on the road. Mr. D - had 

given me up, and engaged Mr. G to preach for 

me. At four o'clock I had service in the church, and 
baptized six children and afterwards visited the col 
ored Sunday-school. At night I preached from St. 
John 14 : 9 to a very large audience. " Mr. Cummins, 
accompanied by some friends, attended the Virginia 
Diocesan Convention, held in Fredericksburg, May 
2ist, 1856. He says : 

" I am writing to you from the table of the Secretary of 
the Convention, where I feel as perfectly at home as I ever 
did among so many very dear brethren and friends of other 
days. I started on Wednesday morning with Thomas and 

Mary D , and found more of my people at the boat 

the Rev. Mr. P , of Wheeling, and some Philadelphia 

clergymen. At Alexandria we took in a large number of 
clergy and laity Mr. and Mrs. G , Mr. Dana, Dr. 



104 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Packard, and a host of others. Bishop Johns, his daughter, 
and a number of students were on board. We arrived at Fred- 
ericksburg about eleven o'clock, and were kindly received. 

I am most pleasantly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. C . 

We went over to the church and found a brilliant assembly ; 
the church crowded. Rev. Mr. Pendleton, of Lexington, 
preached the Convention sermon, and an excellent one. 
Bishop Meade followed with an exhortation. After the ser- 
victs a most joyous and exciting scene followed. So many 
dear friends, so many old familiar faces ! My hand ached 
with the warm grasp of so many, and my voice was hoarse 
with talking, and by night I was very weary. M and An 
drews gave me a regular hugging. At half-past four I went 

to Dr. B 's to see Mrs. S . It was a sv/eet meeting. 

We talked of you and the dear children, and of Norfolk. I 
prayed with her as in old times, and then left. Last night 
we had a meeting of the Evangelical Knowledge Society in 
stead of a sermon. This morning I preached at eleven o'clock 
to an exceedingly crowded congregation ; many had to go away. 
I tried to preach to do good to the young men, and I trust it 

will be blessed to them. I dined to-day at Mr. B 's with 

Bishop Johns, M , Colonel S , and others. A great 

work is going on in Lexington among the cadets. Many of 
the clergy and laity wish me to go up Sunday and preach to 
them ; but it is impossible : I must be at home Saturday. ' ' 

In a deeply interesting letter, dated Washington, 
May 25th, Mr. Cummins continues his account of the 
Virginia Convention : 

" I would that you could be by my side, that I might tell 
you more fully of the precious religious festival I have so 
lately left in Fredericksburg. I do not know that ever in my 
life I enjoyed so much the communion of saints, for such 
indeed it was. I found in every one a brother, and trust 
that I was blessed by the intercourse. I wrote you from the 






MORE EARNEST WORK'. IO5 

lecture-room of the church. That afternoon we had a meet 
ing of the clergy and laity for conference and prayer, and 
especially to hear an account of the wondrous work of grace 
among the cadets and young men of Lexington. Mr. Pen- 
dleton and Colonel S spoke. Many were in tears. It be 
gan, as far as human instrumentality goes, in a prayer-meeting 

held by Colonel S in his office twice a week. The revival 

went on quietly until fifty cadets have been brought to Jesus ; 
and others from Washington now Washington and Lee 
College have also been influenced. Some have chosen the 
work of the ministry, and still the work goes on. After hear 
ing of this blessed work, Rev. Mr. Scott arose and told of a 
similar work in Africa, and it was wonderful to mark how in 
both cases, in two hemispheres, and under such diverse cir 
cumstances, there were such similar features. At night Mr. 
Caldwell preached in the Protestant Episcopal church, and Dr. 

M in the Presbyterian. Friday night I preached again in the 

Methodist church, and Saturday morning spoke at the morning 
meeting at six o'clock in our church. Those morning meet 
ings were most precious ! The large church was filled, and 
singing, extempore prayer, and warm addresses formed the 
exercises. I spoke from the words of Peter, ' It is good to 
be here ;' and at 9.30 I left with a reluctant heart, but feel 
ing it a duty to come. 

" Dr. Tyng arrived Friday night, and was to speak at a 
missionary meeting last night and preach on Sunday. Bishop 
Johns came up in the boat with me, he having been taken ill 
and compelled to return home. I preached twice on Sunday : 
in the morning from St. James i : 22, 23, and took all the 

service, as Mr. D remained in Fredericksburg. At night 

from the text, ' If they hear not Moses and the prophets, 
neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the 
dead.' 

Mr. Cummins attended the Protestant Episcopal 



IO6 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

Convention held in Baltimore the last week in May. 
In a letter, dated Washington, June 2d of the same 
year, he says : " Sunday morning I preached to a 
large congregation a sermon for the times on the 
text, 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,' 
etc., inculcating love, kindness, and forbearance. 
You know what a terrible state of things prevails 
here since Mr. Sumner was assaulted, so many carry 
ing arms, expecting deadly rencounters. The com 
munion was large. I read my report matte to the con 
vention to the congregation. I -dined at Mr. C -'s. 
At night preached from the text, ' His heart trem 
bled for the ark of God.' The church was filled." 
In the same letter he writes of his little daughter : 
" I know who was the ' May Queen ' on Saturday 
just the sweetest and most precious little somebody 
about seven years old, whose little cheeks are so 
blooming ! ' Under date of June 4th he thus writes 
of his work : 

" The heat is intense, thermometer at 96, and the dust is al 
most intolerable. On Monday at five administered the commu 
nion to a lady at the infirmary ; then visited Mrs. M ; from 

thence to the Rugby House to see Mrs. C , who has been 

so ill ; then to Mrs. B 's, who cannot recover ; and after 
wards to Mr. T 's to inquire about his little child. Tues 
day I determined to accompany our Sunday-school to the 
seminary. The children went in omnibuses. Mr. Lewis 
and I went in the boat. I saw Dr. and Mrs. May. The 
children met in the grove near Dr. Sparrow's house. They 
had singing and addresses from two of the students. I saw 
a letter of Mr. Rambo's to Dr. May : he says the health of 
all the missionaries is very bad. Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Hoffman, 
and Miss Alley are all ill : he scarcely knows which will be 



MORE EARNEST WORK. IO/ 

taken first. Miss Ball has returned home. Only Miss Wil- 
liford in tolerable health. Little Kate Hoffman died very 
suddenly in February. ' ' 

In 1855 Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, with their infant, 

visited Washington. After they left, Mrs. H 

writes thus from Alexandria, March 2oth : 

" Went after tea with Miss D and M. Me to see 

Mr. and Mrs. C . Mr. Cummins is as ever. Words do 

not express what he is. We had a pleasant visit. Sunday, 
Charlie walked with me to Trinity, and I sat in the rector's 
pew. Lizzie and Georeie -came in. Lizzie at once took my 
hand, and smiled so brightly, I wondered if she knew me, not 
having seen me since I left. And now what can I say, dear 
sister ? Four years and a half have passed since the solemn 
words of our blessed Liturgy were uttered by the voice which 
first awakened me to a sense of their beauty, and again 
I heard it : ' The Lord is in His holy temple, ' etc. I believe 
I wished I might die with the words of Holy Scripture read 
by his voice bearing my spirit upward. After following 
with continuous interest every petition in the sweet litany, 
and joining in singing the beautiful psalm, ' As pant's the hart 
for cooling streams,' I heard the words, ' Not slothful in 
business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. ' Could you but 
have heard that sermon ! It will follow me to the grave. 
The vivid picture drawn of the Church in earnest I see now, 
and, God helping me, I will more nearly resemble it. The 
close was an application of the subject to ourselves, and could 
he have read my heart, he could not have carried out a train 
of thought more suited to me. I went home with Lizzie, 

and dined with E . We had a long talk about Mr. 

C 's leaving Richmond. Had I which I had not a 

doubt before, they would have fled then. His soul is more 
than ever in earnest for those under his care. He gives all 
glory to the grace of God for the good done. He has intro- 



IO8 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

duced four collections annually for missions ; has a mission 
ary meeting once a month, when reports and letters are read 
from missionaries ; he has two lectures a week, and a Sun 
day-school teachers' meeting once a month. There are four 
schools attached to the church, and over six hundred schol 
ars ; Bible-classes for gentlemen and ladies, the questions for 
which he prepares himself. Besides this, he has two sermons 
each Sunday, and the Wednesday evening lectures are pre 
pared with as great care as a sermon. They are delivered in 
courses, and are most interesting." 

This dear child of God returned to Africa in the 
autumn of 1853. Her health failed rapidly on reach 
ing Cavalla, and on March 23d, 1856, just one year 
after the above letter was written to her beloved 
sister, she passed away, and her grave is now by the 
ocean side, under the shade of the graceful palm-tree. 

In the summer of 1856 Dr. and Mrs. Cummins 
spent several days with their dear friends^ Rev. 

W- - W and his wife, at Leesburg, Loudon 

County, Virginia. Mr. W was then rector of 

the Protestant Episcopal church in that town. Bish 
op Meade was visiting the church in Leesburg at 
the same time. He dined one day at Rev. Mr. 
W -'s, and after dinner he requested Dr. Cummins 
to go into the parlor with him, as he wished to speak 
with him alone. The aged and feeble bishop rested 
on a sofa, while his beloved young friend sat beside 
him. They talked much of the state of the Church, 
so dear to the bishop, of the errors then existing, of 
its future, etc., and at the close of the conversation 
he said : 

" The signs of the times are such as to fill my heart with 
the deepest anxiety. Matters cannot remain as they are ; 
those holding the doctrines of baptismal regeneration, of a 






MORE EARNEST WORK. IOC) 

priesthood, and kindred errors, will go on to greater extremes, 
and they will take a deeper hold on the clergy and laity of our 
beloved Church. / shall not live to see it, but a time will 
come when some one must breast the current and stand up 
boldly in defence of the truth. On you and those like- 
minded will devolve this duty. I charge you to stand firm, 
and I look to such as you to bear the standard of God's 
truth bravely and faithfully." 

Several weeks of the year were passed at Nor 
thampton, Newport, and Staten Island ; at the two 
latter places they were the guests of dear friends. 
The period of time prior to making this northern trip 
was passed in constant visiting among his people, es 
pecially the sick and afflicted. In a letter written at 
this time he mentions having dined at Mrs. W -'s 
(one of his parishioners), and having a conversation 
with Mrs. Lee, who gave him an interesting account 
of a dinner she was at with General Washington, and 
of the present Mr. Custis, of Arlington, coming in 
from school while they were at dinner a boy about 
ten years of age and calling General Washington 
"grandfather." The journal letters written by Mr. 
Cummins at this time are filled with the record of his 
daily duties -visiting, and other pastoral work. In 
one he says : " Read Rev. Mr. Chisholm's Life to 
day" he died during the pestilence in Norfolk. " It 
has done me good. Oh may his mantle fall on me ! 
. . . . This is ordination week at the seminary. 
I hope to be able to go down. Mrs. G - is here 
from Norfolk, and has brought us some beautiful ar 
ticles from Japan. I went to see her, and told her 
we would have had her as our guest had you been 
at home. Received a sweet letter from Dr. P , 



1 10 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

of Richmond, making an appeal in behalf of Mr. Chis- 
holm's church, Portsmouth ; will take up a collection 
next Sunday. I would do any thing for the sake of 
that blessed man." We insert here a part of a letter 
written at this time : 

" THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, June 26, 1856. 

" I write you a few lines from dear Dr. May's study. I am 
his guest. The meeting of the Alumni took place at eleven. 

I dined at Dr. Sparrow's. At four o'clock Mr. H 

preached a sermon before the Alumni. At night I preached 
before the students from the words, ' He that goeth forth and 
weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' This morn 
ing at nine I attended the examination of the Senior Class by 

Dr. Sparrow on the Articles, and at eleven o'clock Mr. P 

delivered the sermon before the Missionary Society of the 
seminary, after which we heard the Senior Class read their 
essays. I dined at Dr. May's, and at three o'clock Dr. Spar 
row delivered the address to the .graduating class. It was a 
masterly effort, on the true qualifications of a minister. After 
this dear Bishop Meade addressed the class and delivered the 
diplomas. I went over and took tea at the High School with 

Dr. McG and his family, and afterwards addressed the 

boys on the privilege of being early in Christ. A remarkable 
religious interest is prevailing in the school. ' ' 

June 3Oth he writes : 

" Mr. K brought sad news from the seminary. Our 

loved one, Virginia Hoffman, is a saint in heaven ! Dr. 
May had a letter from Mr. Hoffman telling all. She died on 

Easter Sunday morning after great suffering. Mary D 

v/ill copy the letter for you. 

" Oh ! how many of our best friends are now in heaven !" 

In another letter, written a lew days later, he says : 



MORE EARNEST WORK. 



Ill 






' To-day we complete the purchase of our lot on Sixth 
and N streets, and by October our chapel will be up ! Is it 
not glorious ? It is a beautiful location. ' ' 

On his return to Washington after his summer's 
rest, Mr. Cummins found all his people well, and he 
writes most cheerfully of the winter's work which he 
had already mapped out. With all his native energy 
and enthusiasm he planned new work, besides the 
usual busy routine, and entered into it with fresh 
zeal. At this time he wrote a sketch of the life of his 
beloved friend, Rev. William M. Jackson, rector of 
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, Va., who died of yel 
low fever in 1855. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CALL TO NEW YORK. 

" For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of 
love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have minis 
tered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6 : 10. 

IN November of this year Mr. Cummins received 
the following letter : 

" NEW YORK, November n, 1856. 

" REV. AND DEAR SIR : By a vote of the vestry of St. 
Thomas' Church, New York, we are charged with communi 
cating to you the following resolutions, passed unanimously 
at a meeting of the vestry held last evening : Resolved, That 
the rectorship of St. Thomas' Church be tendered to the 
Rev. Geo. D. Cummins, rector of Trinity Church, Washing 
ton, D. C. 

' ' In furtherance of the object of these resolutions, we would 
ask for this subject your earnest attention. The parish of 
St. Thomas, in the character and influence of its congrega 
tion, holds an important position among the older churches 
of the city. 

" It has always been sustained by rare ability and worth on 
the part of its pastors, the succession of whom, since its 
foundation, has been Rev. Cornelius R. Duffie, its first in 
cumbent, succeeded by Dr., now Bishop, Upfold, who was 
followed by the Rev. Dr. Hawks. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. Dr., now Bishop, Whitehouse, to whom our late rector, 
the Rev. Dr. Neville, was the successor. Dr. Neville has 
left us in a condition of general prosperity. You are our 



CALL TO NEW YORK. 113 

first choice in the present vacancy. We trust that you may 
give this proposition a favorable hearing, that you may come 
among us and enjoy the harvest of the ministry which we 
are confident awaits you. That New York offers an abun 
dant field for the noblest ministerial duty we need not urge, 
for you are familiar with the wants and opportunities of large 
cities. Any special information which you may desire con 
cerning the parish we shall be glad to furnish you. St. 
Thomas occupies a prominent site on Broadway, and has 
been recently rebuilt. If you prefer to visit us, we shall be 
happy to aid you in forming a resolution. If we are generally 
well enough known to you to authorize you in at once ac 
cepting this call, we shall take it as a compliment that you so 
decide. Looking for as speedy a reply as convenient, and 
trusting that we may soon become personally acquainted with 
you as you are so honorably known to us now by reputation 
we remain for ourselves, and in behalf of the Vestry of St. 
Thomas,' 

"Yours respectfully, M. SPENCER, ) Wardfn . 

LYMAN DENISON, j ' 
" EVERT A. DUYCKINCK, Clerk." 

This letter was followed by one written by Bishop 
Whitehouse, one of the former rectors of St. Thomas', 
to Rev. Dr. Balch, brother of Mrs. Cummins. It is 
dated 

" NEW YORK, November 12, 1856. 

" REV. AND DEAR SIR : The vestry of St. Thomas' Church 
on Monday evening gave a unanimous call to Mr. Cummins, 
of Washington, who, I believe, is your brother-in-law. I 
have not the pleasure of knowing him personally, but am 
anxious that he should accept the invitation. I have known 
the progress of events that have resulted in this application to 

Mr. C , and they have been very satisfactory in showing 

a strong personal interest in him, and a very united desire to 



114 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

obtain him. If you can say a word, backed by my testimony, 
to induce a favorable reply, I think a mutual benefit will be 
conferred o*n congregation and pastor. 

"Very faithfully yours, HENRY J. WHITEHOUSE. 

" REV. DR. BALCH." 

A letter of counsel from Dr. Balch was received 
by Mr. Cummins on the i5th. Another letter, writ 
ten by a valued friend in New York, expressed the 
writer's opinion as to the claims of St. Thomas', as 
compared to Trinity Church, Washington. This was 
followed by a long letter signed by the wardens of 
St. Thomas', giving Mr. Cummins further information 
respecting that church, for which he had written, in 
order that he might decide wisely as to this call. A 
letter from a friend, dated New York, November 
1 7th, 1856, in reply to one from himself, says : 

"You would have no difficulty in carrying out your 
Evangelical views. Most of the congregation would go with 

you heart and hand. Dr. T has expressed a strong wish 

that you would come. You would be most cordially received 
here, and would have plenty of work. Trusting that you 
may be guided from on high, and that under that guidance 
you may be borne to this city, I remain affectionately and 

truly yours, H. D . " 

"REV. G. D. CUMMINS. 

" Do not hesitate to command my services in any way 
you please." 

A very kind letter from the late pastor of St. 
Thomas', Rev. Dr. Neville, was also received, giving 
information, and containing many expressions of inter 
est in Mr. Cummins' decision. This letter is dated 
' Taunton, November 18, 1856." The next letter in 






CALL TO NEW YORK. 115 

order of date is from Rev. Dr. G. T. Bedell, then 
rector of Ascension Church, New York. 

" NEW YORK, November 18, 1856. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : To no brother would 
I give a more hearty welcome than to yourself ; and under no 
one do I think St. Thomas' would be more likely to grow. For 
the sake of that parish it is greatly important that you should 
decide to come. I have been accustomed to regard your 
church in Washington as one of the highest importance. I 
know no such field for the promotion of the glory of God for 
a man who has the peculiar talent for it. I shall rejoice to 
have such a coadjutor here, and so commending you to the 
infallible guidance of God, I am your faithful brother, 

"G. T. BEDELL. 
''REV. G. D. CUMMINS." 

After prayerful consideration and a careful weigh 
ing- of the judgment of his friends, Mr. Cummins 
declined the call to St. Thomas' Church, New York, 
and on November 22d received the following note 
from Mr. Maury on behalf of the vestry of Trinity 
Church, Washington : 

" DEAR SIR : By a unanimous resolution passed by the 
vestry at a meeting held on the 2ist inst., I am instructed to 
acknowledge the receipt of your very acceptable letter of that 
date, and to express to you the gratification of the vestry 
that you have seen fit to decline the call to another field of 
duty. Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

" C. B. MAURY, Register pro tern. 
"REv.'G. D. CUMMINS, 

"'Rector Trinity Church, Washington.'" 

In 1857, in the month of May, he held the first 
religious service in the new hall of the Capitol. One 



Il6 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

of the leading papers of the day thus speaks of it : 
" The first religious services, the first hymn of praise, 
and the first sermon was delivered in the new hall of 
the Capitol to-day by the Rev. George D. Cummins, 
D.D. More than two thousand persons were com 
fortably seated. The arrangements of the hall were 
perfect, and the voice of the speaker was distinctly 
heard in every part. Dr. Cummins' text was Deut. 
33 : 29. The theme of the speaker was ' the hand of 
God in the history of this country. ' ' Then follows 
a full report of the sermon, and of the closing services. 

In this year Mr. Cummins was invited to deliver 
one of the addresses at the Thirty-second Anniver 
sary of the " American Sunday-school Union," held 
in Philadelphia. In October he received a very 
affectionate letter from his dear friend and brother, 
the Rev. C. C. Hoffman, of the Protestant Episcopal 
Mission to West Africa, respecting a memoir of his 
wife, which Mr. Cummins had been urged by her 
friends to write. This work he undertook amid all 
his many duties. It was a labor of love. 

The first letter we have, written in 1857, bears the 
date of May 22d, and is from " Petersburg, Vir 
ginia," where Mr. Cummins went to attend the Dio 
cesan Convention. There he met again many dear 
old friends from Norfolk and Richmond. On Thurs 
day night he preached for the Rev. Mr. Gibson and 
on Friday for Rev. Mr. Platt, rector of St. Paul's. 
His friends urged him to remain over Sunday and 
preach for them, and Drs. M - and P - wished 
him to occupy their pulpits in Richmond. He re 
turned joyfully to his home to continue his work. In 
a journal letter of June 2/th he says : " I went to 



CALL TO NE W YORK. I I / 

visit a man at the infirmary, who was wounded in the 
riot on the ist of June, and cannot recover; he was 
one of the rioters, and was shot by the marines. He 
is very hardened, and received me very coldly. I 
pointed him to the Saviour, and prayed with him, 
and will see him again. 

At this time he received the following letter from 
President Maclean, of Princeton College : 

"COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, PRINCETON, July 20, 1857. 
" MY DEAR SIR : You have probably learned before this 
that at the last annual commencement of our College, the 
Trustees conferred upon you the degree of Doctor in Divinity. 
The object of this note is to give you official information of 
the fact, to do which, I assure you, gives me sincere pleasure. 
" Most respectfully yours, 

"JOHN MACLEAN, President of the College. 

" REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS." 

He writes thus in his own bright way : 

" I am congratulated on every hand on my new honors ! 
Most persons seem to think it is a very great compliment, 
coming from so eminent a College as Princeton. I pray that 
it may only make me more humble and more zealous in my 
Master's work. I feel so deeply, in view of all my mercies, 
as did John Howard ' Lord God, Why me? \ I am trying 
to turn this sad season of separation from my family into a 
period of spiritual profit to my soul. I have much time for 
meditation, for Bible reading, and for prayer. I need not 
say how constantly I pray for you and our precious children, 
for your restoration to health, and for your soul's welfare. 
Tell sweet Georgie I use his Bible when I am upstairs. God 
bless and keep you." 



Il8 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

From one of his letters, dated July 6th, we take 
the following account of how he passed his Sundays 
at this time : 

" Yesterday (Sunday) I rose at 5.30, and had service at 
6.30. Went at 10 o'clock to the Sunday-school, and closed 
it ; it is very large for summer. At n read the service and 
preached en the Sympathy of Jesus, Heh. 4 : 15, and ad 
ministered the Communion to a large number of communi 
cants ; the service lasted until nearly 2 o'clock. Dined at 
Mr. Coxe's. After dinner read my sermon to, and prayed 

with, Mrs. C , who is in deep affliction. Returned home 

at 3 o'clock, and after 4 drove to the chapel and found a fine 
school, and thence to the Colored Sunday-school, and found 
it also very large. Returned home at 5.30, and read until 6, 

when Mr. T and his brother came in and remained until 

7. At 8 we had service, and I preached from the text, ' This 

one thing I do,' Phil. 3 : 14. Dr. P , from Bladensburg, 

with several gentlemen, were in." 

In this month he again visited the Theological 
Seminary during ordination week, and presented Rev. 
Thomas Duncan for presbyter's orders. He was the 
guest of Rev. Dr. McGuire, but saw many of the 
brethren, and dined at Bishop Johns', enjoying his 
delightful home. The middle of July he left Wash 
ington for Virginia, where he passed six weeks with 
his relatives and family. During this vacation Dr. 
Cummins wrote the memoir of Mrs. Hoffman, which 
was published that autumn by Lindsay & Blakiston, 
Philadelphia, and republished in England, with a pre 
face, by the Rev. A. M. W. Christopher. 

The winter of 1857-58 was passed in the usual rou 
tine of duty. Bishop and Mrs. Johns were their 
guests during the winter, and Bishop Meade also. 



CALL TO NEW YORK. \\<) 



Bishop Scott, of Oregon, and other dear friends, came 
to brighten their home. 

In the autumn of 1857 Dr. Cummins delivered a 
lecture before the Young Men's Christian Association 
of Washington on "Modern Phases of Infidelity." 
It was published for circulation, as it was thought to 
be a clear and forceful presentation of the various 
forms of unbelief which then, as now, are so potent 
for evil. 

In a letter written in October, 1857, Dr. Cum 
mins speaks thus of his work : 

" I preached in the morning from Psalm 119 : 54, on the 
Bible. I have rarely preached to a more interested audience : 
many were deeply affected. I took up a collection for the 
support of our Home Mission and school. I told the con 
gregation of the work we were doing, and its cost, viz.: 
Preaching every Sunday morning in the Free Chapel, a Sun 
day-school of 200 scholars and some of these under serious 
impressions and a day-school of seventy children : the cost 
is a thousand dollars for maintaining them. I took up a 
large collection. I told them this work gave me greater de 
light than the work in Trinity Church. In the afternoon I 
visited the Colored Sunday-school, and at night preached to a 
dense crowd concerning the fearful disaster of the ' Central 
America ;' it fills all thoughts here. Five hundred and thirty- 
one souls lost in one terrible catastrophe ! Lieut. Herndon 
was the commander, and was also lost. He was a brother of 

Mrs. Com. M , one of our congregation. It will remain 

a lasting monument to his memory that he preserved such 
perfect discipline to the last as to transfer all the women and 
children to another ship, and kept the crew from acting as 
the crew of the Arctic did. Poor fellow ! You saw in 
Harper s Magazine a sketch of his work, ' The Exploration 
of the River Amazon.' " 



I2O GEORGE DAVID CUMMTNS. 

_ 

In another letter Dr. Cummins speaks of a visit 
to Bishop Johns at his beautiful home, " Malvern :" 

" I left for a little visit at 2.30, but did not reach the house 

until 5 o'clock. The Bishop and Mrs. J were delighted 

to welcome me. Mrs. J is just the same sweet, affec 
tionate friend as ever the Mrs. S of our earlier Norfolk 

days. We had long talks of old friends in Norfolk, of you 
and the children. The house is a gem, and the grounds are 
lovely. The Bishop had many talks with me. It rained 
so hard that I did not get to the Seminary, but Dr. Sparrow 
came over and stayed for two hours. The Bishop and Mrs. 
J promise us a visit in December ; he will give me a Sun 
day. I know you will be glad to hear this. To-morrow I go 

to visit Rev. Mr. D in Virginia. He wrote urging me to 

preach for him, as Bishop Meade is to confirm for him on 
Friday morning. I at first thought I could not go, but on 
reflection consented. I send you a paper from Edinburgh, 
edited by Bayne, formerly edited by Hugh Miller. I want 
you to read Bayne's article on 'Charlotte Bronte,' it is the 
richest writing I have met with for many days. How sweet 
to feel that God's will is always the best. I trust He is draw 
ing me closer to Him. May He bless and keep you ever." 

Dr. Cummins tells of his visit to Fauquier County 
in a letter written the same autumn : 

' Thursday morning at six o'clock I left for Fauquier. 
At one of the stations Bishop Meade joined me. At 10.30 

we reached Markham Station, and found Mr. D waiting 

for us. We drove to Dr. S 's and lunched, and then 

went to the church. There was a good congregation, and I 

preached. After service we drove to Major A 's, where 

we dined. In the afternoon we drove to Mr. D 's house. 

It is a very sweet little home everything in such good taste. 
I can convey to you no idea of the scenery ; it is truly wild 






CALL TO NEW YORK. 121 

and romantic, far more so than that of Jefferson County. 
Friday morning we drove to the church, and I preached 
again ; and Bishop Meade confirmed one gentleman. We 
all went to dine with a son of the late Chief Justice Marshall. 
There were only about forty persons in all a regular Vir 
ginia gathering ! I saw there a diary of Gen. Washington, 
kept while he lived in New York during the first period of 
his Presidency, and read his account of his visit here when 
he came to lay out the District of Columbia. It is a precious 
MS., and is worth no little money. It was left among the 
papers of Judge Marshall. I returned home Saturday to be 
ready for my Sunday duties. Preached morning and night 
in Trinity, and visited our Schools four in all containing 
six hundred scholars. The chapel also was filled with a 
large congregation. To-morrow I have two funerals. Poor 
E. B - shot himself while gunning. I visited him twice. 

His parents were at Mr. L 's at the time. The other 

funeral is the infant of a clergyman and his wife from Missis 
sippi. They are in deep affliction. I am truly grieved to hear 

of darling G 's illness. I have seen so much sorrow and 

affliction round me lately that I rejoice with trembling over 
God's blessings to me. May He give me to feel more and 
more deeply that He is drawing me nearer to Him by joy and 
sorrow and all His dealings with us. ' ' 



CHAPTER XIV. 

OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 

" Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk." Psalm 143 : S. 

AGED 36. 

WE approach another period in the life of Dr. 
Cummins most painful to him. He always re 
gretted deeply receiving- a call to another church. It 
was ever a time of severe trial to one so conscientious. 
In all his parishes Norfolk, Richmond, and Wash 
ington his warmest affections went out to his beloved 
people ; and most fully did they respond to this love. 
The question of leaving them was necessarily one 
which caused him great pain. Heretofore he had 
been largely influenced by the advice of older and 
more experienced friends in the ministry. And now 
he was called to decide whether he should again 
strike his tent, and, leaving his dearly-loved congre 
gation in Washington, take up the work of his Master 
in another field. Like Dr. Chalmers, it was his cus 
tom at such times to write to those among his friends 
in whose judgment he had the greatest confidence, 
placing before them in the fullest manner the reasons 
for or against his going, and asking their prayers and 
brotherly counsel. When these replies reached him 
he read them again and again, and then with the 
most earnest and persistent prayer asked for heavenly 
guidance. We well know what these seasons of trial 



OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 12$ 

were to Dr. Cummins. The one thought of his mind 
was, Will the cause of my Master be served best by 
my going or remaining ? The question of any per 
sonal advantage or influence never seemed to enter 
his mind ; if it did, no human being ever heard or kn"w 
of it. On the ist June, 1858, Dr. Cummins received 
the following letter. It came at a time when the 
shadow of a heavy trial still lingered about his home. 
On the 5th March, 1858, a little daughter was born. 
His wife continued extremely ill during the months- 
of March and April, and through May was still a 
great invalid. It was when pressed down by this 
affliction that he was called upon to decide a matter 
of deep importance : 

" VESTRY ROOM, ST. PETER'S CHURCH, } 
"BALTIMORE, June i, 1858. f 

" REVEREND AND DEAR SIR: It has been made my pleasant 
duty to inform you that at a full meeting of the vestry of St. Peter's 
P. E. Church, held this evening, you were unanimously elected 
rector of said church, and I am further directed to urge upon 
you an early acceptance of this call. 

" With the greatest respect, yours truly, 

" LAWRENCE THOMSON, Register. 
" REV. G. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

This letter reached him when his heart was filled 
with gratitude to his beloved people for their un 
wearied kindness, manifested in every imaginable 
way, towards himself and family during the long and 
dangerous illness of his wife. Each hour brought 
some evidence of this thoughtful care for their pastor 
in his time of affliction, and the thought of leaving 
them was at first too painful to be entertained. His 
first and very decided judgment was to decline this 



1 24 GEVRGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

call. So far as his influence went, and the felt blessing 
of God rested on his labors, there was no need to 
leave' Washington on the contrary, every evidence 
that he should remain, and for a time this was his 
decision. But a visit from his dear friend Dr. Johns, 
of Baltimore, and an urgent letter received from him 
later, caused him to weigh the matter more thought 
fully before sending his final answer. We quote from 
Dr. Johns' letter : 

" The anxiety on the part of St. Peter's ' Committee ' in 
reference to yourself seems to increase. Mr. W and Mr. 

B came to see me to-day, and are hardly able to restrain 

their anxiety to secure your services. I have revolved this 
question of your removal to Baltimore over and over, and the 
more I think of it the more am I convinced you will act wisely 
in coming. I really think you could not have a finer oppor 
tunity to serve the great cause of truth and righteousness than 
is now presented. ' Such occasions can not often occur in life.' 
The Lord aid you in the decision of this grave question, and 
incline your heart to wise results. 

" I shall look upon your acceptance of this call as a most 
happy relief to myself, as I shall have in you a friend in and 
with whom I can take counsel in matters on which I often want 
a known and true brother. There never was a more auspicious 
time for work work with and for the Gospel. Do come and 
labor with us. I do not think you will ever regret coming to 
our city." 

This letter was followed by a number from the 
members of the vestry of St. Peter's Church, from 
which we quote : 

" BALTIMORE, -June 8th. 

'' MY DEAR DOCTOR : I have just read in the Intelligencer of 
yesterday your letter in reply to the criticisms of the National 






OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 12$ 

Era upon your sermon on the character of Rev. Mr. T , 

and beg leave to offer my congratulations. It is to my mind a 
clear and convincing defence of your position, and a just state 
ment of that of our church with regard to all such questions. 
I am gratified in being able to say that such of your friends here 
who have seen the letter are delighted with its sentiment and 
tone. At the present moment I can not doubt but that it will 
be pleasing for you to know this, and also that your election 
has met the cordial approval of the people of St. Peter's, as in 
deed of all our friends. They unite, without an exception, in 
the fervent hope that God may, in mercy to us, guide you to an 
acceptance of our call. The Committee has everywhere been 
congratulated and commended for what we have done. As an 
illustration, I yesterday and this morning met with four old 
men who have been members of St. Peter's, respectively, from 
forty to fifty-four years 1804 1813 1818 and in all that 
time have been regular worshippers there, and have known and 
taken part in all its history. Their expressions of approval, 
gratification, and hope were very earnest, tender, and touching. 
I believe I have given you true and faithful testimony, and did 
time admit could add much more. 

" With my best wishes, I am, Reverend and dear Doctor, 
faithfully, etc., " R. T. B 

" REV. DR. CUMMINS," Washington." 

Another venerable and well-beloved vestryman 

writes : 

" BALTIMORE, June 10, 1858. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR : The times and the church are ready 
for sound and clear evangelical teaching, and had we the men of 
the right stamp, more pulpits than St. Peter's would be open to 
them. I was truly gratified by the unanimity of the vestry in 
your election, and at the growing anxiety to hear of your ac 
ceptance. I will pray that God will mercifully open your way 
clearly, that you may speedily see it your duty to come, and by 



126 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

His blessing and grace revive this glorious old sanctuary, and 
that we may all say ' that the glory of this latter house is greater 
than the former.' 

" With great respect, yours obediently, 

W. W. " 

Also from a brother clergyman's letter we quote : 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : Should your views of duty 
lead you to decline the call of St. Peter's vestry, I really do not 
know what will become of the church. So much satisfaction 
has been expressed at the call given to you, and so many happy 
hopes are entertained of a joyful future for the old church, that 
your declinature would cast deep gloom upon the best people, 
and make many of them, I fear, give up in despair. I am sure 
you must be much perplexed when the friends of St. Peter's on 
the one hand, and your own congregation on the other, are 
pressing their respective claims upon your consideration. I 
pray that you may be guided, to a correct decision, and one 
which will make for your own happiness and usefulness for the 
period during which God may employ you in His service. 

" We all hope and trust that your path will be cleared of all 
obstacles, and that it will not be very long before the joy of all 
hearts in St. Peter's, and many anxious ones out of it, will be 
quickened by the intelligence that you art the rector and that 
it is again sailing under its old true colors." 

In another letter, written by a member of the 
vestry, he says : 

" To my rnind there appears to be a clear indication of 
Providence, and a wide and effectual door has been opened to 
you one which seems to me and many here as seldom offered 
to any one. The minds of many of us will continue to be 
agitated until your acceptance is announced ; if otherwise, I 
shall esteem it a calamity. It would leave our friends in St. 



OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 12? 

Peter's, humanely speaking, in a deplorable condition. From 
the urgency used you have a right to infer that a high estimate 
has been placed upon your peculiar fitness for this position ; it 
is so, and every indication seems to point this way. The anxiety 
is great to hear from you. The inquiry is frequently and again 
repeated, ' What is the news from Dr. Cummins ? ' Let our 
friends have a speedy affirmative reply. It will lighten many 
hearts. May the good God guide and direct you in your de 
cision." 

On the 1 5th June another member of the vestry 
visited Dr. Cummins at^his home in Washington. On 
his return to Baltimore he wrote to Dr. C as fol 
lows : 

" I can well understand the extent and nature of the struggle 
through which you are called to pass in deciding this deeply im 
portant matter. The minds of our people are prepared to hail 
your coming as an event to be prayed for, and to give devout 
thanks to God for. Should you decline, they will give up all 
hope of any great work being accomplished." 

Another vestryman writes : 

" God grant you may see your way clear to come to us." 

We quote from a letter written by a valued friend, 
and prominent member of St. Peter's : 

"BALTIMORE, July 3, 1858. 
"Mv DEAR DOCTOR: I have just seen your letter of the ist 

inst., addressed to our mutual friends . I sympathize with 

you in your present struggle. Permit me to say that while I am 
personally extremely anxious to hear of your positive acceptance 
of our call, yet knowing what I do all the attending circum 
stancesyour very difficulties, allow me to say, make me feel 
more and more anxious that you should come to us, as we feel 



128 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

more ardently attached to one whose conscientious mental 
struggles to find the path of duty is so acute as yours. I pray 
God to direct you aright in this, to us, momentous subject. 
Many hearts are rejoicing at the prospect of your coming. Your 
church views are well known, but you are not looked upon as 
an ultra person. Dr. D reports that your friends at the 
Seminary approve your removal to Baltimore, and Dr. N 
said decidedly ' you were the man for the place.' " 

At this time Dr. Cummins sent a communication 
to his vestry, laying- before them the urgent invitation 
to go to Baltimore, the reasons for his acceptance (in 
the minds of his friends), and *nis own uncertainty as 
to what was his duty. To this the vestry of Trinity 
Church could only reply by expressing their deep 
sorrow that any such question should have arisen, and 
expressing the hope that their beloved pastor would 
remain with them. 

St. Paul's was the first P. E. church in Baltimore. 
St. Peter's was the next organized in that city. Bishop 
Henshaw, of Rhode Island, was the rector for many 
years, followed on his election to the Episcopate by 
Dr. Atkinson, now Bishop of North Carolina. Dr. 
Atkinson was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Morrison, 
whose pastorate extended over only a few years. 
The old church suffered much from these changes, 
and the tide of population gradually rolled further and 
further up town, and as churches arose in the newer 
portions of the city the old parishes felt it. Their 
prosperous days seemed to have fled. It was to re 
suscitate this dear old church where so many had 
been brought to know Jesus that Dr. Cummins' ear 
nest labors and his large pulpit ability were needed. 
To urge the importance of this great work was the 



OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. I2Q 

object of those friends who knew the man they sought. 
It would be impossible and unwise to quote from all 
the letters which lie before us. From a few we have 
already given extracts. They are all alike in their 
earnest appeals to the man of their choice. 

About the middle of June, and as soon as Mrs. 
Cummins could travel, they went to make a little 
visit to Bishop and Mrs. Johns. From there they 
passed to the Rockbridge Alum Springs in Virginia, 
wjiere they remained some time, but finding that Mrs. 
Cummins was not benefited by the mountain air, they 
left the Springs for her father's home in Jefferson Coun 
ty. On the 6th July Dr. Cummins sent his acceptance 
of the call to St. Peter's Church, Baltimore, and at 
the same time wrote the following note to his father- 
in-law : 

" FRIDAY EVENING, July 6, 1858. 

" MY DEAR FATHER : I have passed through a severe 
struggle, more severe than ever I have had in my life; but it is 
over now. Surely it must be of God, for it has been in opposi 
tion to feeling and inclination at every step. The work aLne 
is my great motive an opening such as I believe may never 
occur again for the evangelical cause in our church. We look 
forward with joy to spending the month of August with you. 
" Your affectionate son, 

" GEO. D. CUMMINS." 

They reached the home of Judge Balch before 
August, and it was while there Dr. Cummins received 
many letters of congratulation and delight on learn 
ing of his acceptance of the rectorship of St. Peter's. 
From one of these letters, written by a friend and 
member of the Committee, we quote the following : 



130 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" Our hearts are filled with thankfulness, our mouths with 
songs of praise to our God and Heavenly Father for this His 
great goodness to us and our dear old church ! To our thanks 
we join our prayers that His grace and heavenly benediction 
may be abundantly poured out upon you." 

Immediately on the receipt of Dr. Cummins' ac 
ceptance a committee was appointed to superintend 
extensive repairs and improvements in the old church 
and rectory. For this purpose it was closed until 
the first Sunday in September, the time fixed upon 
by Dr. Cummins for entering- upon his duties. An 
endowed Parish School and Orphan Asylum are at 
tached to St. Peter's. It was the wish of the con 
gregation and vestry to build a new church further 
up town ; this was accomplished after the war ended, 
under the rectorship of Rev. Julius Grammar, D.D. 
The property was valuable for business purposes, the 
sale of which would enable the vestry to erect a new 
edifice. This, however, was not agitated until Dr. Cum 
mins had been the rector of St. Peter's some years. 

In a letter dated July Qth, a friend writes : 

" I observe the papers of yesterday announced your accept 
ance. T writes me, ' I wish you were in town to hear the 

congratulations ! ' Everybody is delighted. E. S. C was at 

my house last night, and says ' We must go ahead now.' " 

The following letter was received at this time. 

"WASHINGTON CITY, July 9, 1858. 

" MY DEAR SIR : As the senior vestryman of Trinity 
Church, and chairman of a meeting of the wardens and vestry 
held yesterday afternoon, I have been directed to acknowledge 
the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst. resigning the rector 
ship of the church, and to say that the resignation is accepted, - 



OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 131 

to take effect on the first of the present month, as proposed by 
you. 

" In thus severing the connection between pastor and people, 
which has pleasantly and profitably existed for three years and 
a half, the vestry. cannot suffer the occasion to pass without 
expressing their high appreciation of the zeal and -fidelity which 
have distinguished your labors among us, and their regret 
that you have felt compelled to transfer these efforts in the 
cause of Christ and the Church to another field of duty. We 
believe that in these expressions of regard, and admiration for 
ministerial care, exertion, and success seldom equalled we do 
but reflect the sentiments of the whole congregation, and that 
in your new home, and in the discharge of duty to another 
people, you will be followed by the united prayers and sincerest 
wishes for the prosperity and happiness of yourself and family, 
of all those whom you leave behind. 

" In behalf of my associates in the temporal government, of 
the church, and individually, 

" I remain, very affectionately and respectfully, 
" Your friend and brother, 

" E. L. CHILDS. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

In the early part of this year Dr. Cummins visited 
Smyrna, Delaware, for a short time. He writes 
thus : 

" This morning I walked out to see the town, and identified 
some of the houses and places connected with my boyhood ; 
but oh, how different they look now ! and how strange to me 
to think of all my life since I left here as a boy of eleven years 
old ! How strangely has God led me on, and into what an 
eventful life ! May my life to come be more consecrated to 
Him, more holy, and more useful. I preach for them Sunday 
in the Presbyterian Church. The Episcopal Church is closed 



132 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



for repairs. Have Mr. G announce the lecture, Bible-class, 

and quarterly collection for missions for next Sunday." 

We think it best to insert here two letters received 
about this time by Dr. Cummins, as they belong prop 
erly to his life in Washington, though one reached 
him after he settled in Baltimore. The first is from 
Bishop Meade, and is dated 

"MILLWOOD, VA., March 21, 1858. 

"REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER: Although it is two 
months since I received your life of the dear departed saint 
Mrs. Hoffman, I have just been privileged to hear it read in 
our family at night, for I cannot read at night and that is the 
time for such reading my few hours of ability for study in the 
day being completely occupied with something I am preparing 
for the press. 

" I cannot allow an hour to pass by after the reading is 
over although it is painful to my eyes even to write without 
thanking you most heartily for the pleasure, and I hope profit, 
you have afforded me by this book. I trust it will increase the 
love of Christ in every heart, and especially direct it into a mis 
sionary channel. God has enabled you to execute your task in 
the very best manner. One of my family has read it three 
times. 

"I rejoice to read and hear of your labors, and trust that 
they will be abundantly blessed. Our Convention is drawing 
near, and I hope we shall have the pleasure of meeting you 
there. My eyes are aching, and I must conclude. My love to 

Mrs. C and the children. 

" Yours most truly in Christ, 

"W. MEADE." 

The next is from the Rev. C. C. Hoffman, and is 
dated 



OTHER SOULS TO WIN CALL TO BALTIMORE. 133 

" ORPHAN ASYLUM, CAPE PALMAS, ) 

" W. AFRICA, August 9, [ 

" MY DEAR BROTHER : I have received the memoir you 
sent, and have read it with deepest interest. I thank you for 
your judicious selection of letters and journal, and for portray 
ing so faithfully the character of one so deeply loved, and 
whose memory I so sacredly cherish. I notice also the token of 
brotherly love, as well as the beautiful reference to the 'Sainted 
One ' in your dedication. I may thank you for this work in my 
own behalf a precious memorial of the departed. I would 
thank you in the name of our mission for the bright example 
you have set before us in bringing again to view the patient 
and joyous laborer; and surely I think I may say, without my 
being considered partial, that the Lord's people thank you for 
bringing to view the wondrous grace of God manifested in the 
life and character of our absent one. Absent only, for she lives 
now, clothed in immortality, for ever with the Lord. I cannot 
write further, for strength and time forbid. Express my thanks to 
Mr. W for his kind letter, and to the children of the Sunday- 
school for their gift for St. Mark's ; it came in good time, and I 
have been encouraged thereby. They shall hear from me. 

" Our Christian love to Mrs. C , and kind remembrance 

to your little ones, and believe me, dear brother, 

" Faithfully yours, 

"C. C. HOFFMAN." 

In August Dr. Cummins left Virginia and returned 
for a time to Washington. In a letter dated Wash 
ington, August 22d, 1858, he writes : 

" This visit to Washington and the services on Sunday 
have been among the most trying ordeals in my whole 

life. My journey was a hot and dusty one. Good Mr. L 

was at the station, with Holly and the carriage, Holly looking 
nobler than ever. Our home looked so lovely I felt deep regret 
at having to give it up ! Everything was in perfect order. Rev. 



1 34 GEORGE DA VI D CUMMINS. 

Mr. Rambo, of the African Mission, was here. Rev. Mr. K 
came in, and brought letters from Mr. W and Mr. B 
in Baltimore. I am going to advocate the election of the Rev. 

Mr. P for Trinity. Joseph B called in for a moment 

in the evening. At night I could not sleep ; my thoughts were 
too busy, and all the scenes connected with this room came so 
vividly back to me. I felt most deeply God's mercies to us, 
and pray that he may roll away from us the cloud now hanging 
over our home circle, though it is doubtless 'big with mercy, 
and shall break in blessings on our heads.' At 10 o'clock Sun 
day I went to the Sunday-school, and then to church, and 
preached from Haggai 2 : 7. The congregation was very large. 
After service many remained to speak to me, and all were very 
kind and affectionate. Every one inquired most anxiously 
about you, and expressed great regret at your continued illness. 
On Sunday night I preached to a crowded audience on 
Christian Unity. M was present, and said it was a com 
plete answer to C in the Intelligencer. I am now going 

to visit some families in affliction." 

In another letter he says : 

"I have been very much impressed with the kind and 
cordial greeting and manner of the people towards me, and am 

very thankful to find it so. Joseph B spent an hour with 

me this evening. He told me that Mr. B of Baltimore 

had an interview of two hours with him when the former came 

to Washington. He was much impressed with Mr. B , and 

on his leaving he said : ' We have a praying circle in Baltimore. 
We have prayed for this, and we believe 'he will come.' Does 
not this explain the way by which I have been led to the 
decision." 



CHAPTER XV. 

LABOR IN A NEW FIELD, 

" Send us where'r thou wilt, O Lord ! 

Through rugged toil and wearying flight, 
Thy conquering love shall be our sword, 
And faith in thee our truest might. 

" Send down thy constant aid, we pray; 

Be thy pure angels with us still. 
Thy truth, be that our firmest stay 
Our only rest to do thy will." 

AGED 36. 

ON the first Sunday in September, 1858, Dr. Cum 
mins commenced his work in Baltimore, and 
filled his pulpit almost uninterruptedly during the au 
tumn and winter of 1858-9. He organized a Pastoral 
Aid Society, for the purpose of having the laity work 
with the pastor. It was divided into ten departments. 
The first that of the Sunday School ; the second was 
under the head of Clothing and Fuel for the Poor ; 
third, Orphan Asylum of St. Peter's Church ; fourth, 
Ladies' Sewing Society for Missionary Purposes ; 
fifth, The Church Home and Infirmary ; sixth, St. 
Peter's Parochial School ; seventh, Baltimore City 
Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; eighth, 
Scripture Reading and Services in Neglected Places ; 
ninth, Visiting the Sick and Poor ; tenth, Committee 
on Hospitality. The purpose of this last department 
was to see that strangers were seated in church. In 



1 36 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

each department there were a committee of gentle 
men and one of ladies. The society met once every 
two months and annually, and at both the annual and 
bi-monthly meetings reports were handed in to the 
Rector, who was president. The Sunday-schools, 
parochial school, and the societies connected with 
the old church thus received an impetus, and the Rec 
tor found that engaging every member in active 
church work interested them at once. It was the cus 
tom of Dr. Cummins both in Washington and Balti 
more, indeed in all his churches, to give much per 
sonal attention to the Sunday-schools. He organized 
them into classes, each bearing a name, and being a 
missionary society of itself. The scholars were en 
couraged to deny themselves and raise money for mis 
sions. At the end of the working season, generally 
in the latter part of May, an anniversary meeting was 
held, when the classes would present their offerings 
separately, with appropriate emblems accompanying 
them.* 

We have before us the programme for one of these 
delightful anniversary services, with the names of 
each class, and a description of each emblem and the 
amount collected. Music, prayer, and addresses 
formed a part of the services. A Bible-class was or 
ganized for ladies and gentlemen and children. 
Seventy-three persons formed this class, the youngest 
member being the son of the Rector, then eight years 
old, the oldest a veteran soldier of Christ of sixty- 
five. It was a most instructive and deeply interesting 
Bible-class. All loved to attend, and the earnest 

* In the spring of 1857 the amount thus offered by the children of 
Trinity Church, Washington, was $1017. 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD 137 

searching of commentaries and the Word of God by 
each member was delightful to see. It was looked 
forward to with intense interest. This class was con 
tinued throughout the five years Dr. Cummins was 
rector of St. Peter's. 

In the autumn of 1858 the mother of Dr. Cummins 
was called to be with Jesus, whom she had so truly 
loved and faithfully followed for fifty-six years. This 
was a severe trial to her son. He had ever been a 
most tenderly loving child. Her dying testimony to 
one present was that " he had never disobeyed her 
nor spoken a cross or unkind word to her." Dr. 
Cummins was constantly by her bedside, and by his 
prayers and loving ministrations soothed his beloved 
mother's last moments. It was his hand she clasped 
so closely when passing on to the dark valley ; his 
voice that uttered the last sweet words, " I will be 
with thee," as she caught a glimpse of the "land 
Beulah." 

It was also a custom of Dr. Cummins to send 
forth an earnest " letter" to his people before the be 
ginning of Lent. The object of these letters was to 
turn the thoughts of the congregation to the peculiar 
duties of that season. His services at such times 
were of a deeply earnest nature, calculated to arouse- 
every one to self-examination and a sincere desire to 
follow Christ more faithfully. 

We have before us a number of these letters for 
each year. The course of Lenten lectures in 1861 
was upon " The Gospel in Leviticus, or a Veiled Mes 
siah in the Hebrew Ritual." It consisted of 

i. Introductory Lecture : The Book of Leviticus 



138 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Its Author Its peculiarities The Gospel in Types 
and Symbols. 

2. The Burnt Offering. 

3. The Meat Offering. 

4. The Offering for Sins of Ignorance and Sins of 
Inadvertency. 

5. The High Priest and his Consecration. 

6. The Consecration of Aaron's Sons, and the Per 
sonal Requirements of the Priests. 

7. The Sin and Punishment of Nadab and Abihu. 

8. The Sanctuary and its Symbolical Furniture. 

9. The Great Symbol of Sin the Leprosy. 

10. The Cure and Cleansing of the Leper. 

11. The Great Festivals the Passover and Feast 
of Unleavened Bread. 

12. The Sheaf of First-fruits of the Harvest 
The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. 

13. The Feast of Trumpets The Feast of Taber 
nacles The Sabbatic Year. 

14. Good-Friday the Great Day of Atonement. 

15. Easter-Sunday The Jubilee. 

These lectures were delivered every Tuesday and 
Thursday afternoons. On Friday evenings at eight 
o'clock preparatory services to confirmation were 
held, and on Wednesday evenings a course of lectures, 
in 1 86 1, on the Book of Genesis were, delivered. In 
concluding the letters containing the programme of 
services in this year, Dr. Cummins thus addresses his 
people : 

" I commend to you as special subjects of prayer : our 
Country's deliverance and salvation ; our Church's enlarge 
ment and purity ; the conversion of our beloved friends ; the 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD. 139 

spread of the Gospel by the agency of home and foreign 
missions ; and above all, as our chief and deepest want, the 
growth of the life of faith and love in each of our hearts. 
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God is, that ye 
may be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 
a peculiar people, zealous of good works ; that ye may shine 
as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life ; that 
ye may win Christ and be found in him ; and that I may 
rejoice, in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, 
neither labored in vain. 

" Your affectionate friend and pastor, 

" GEORGE D. CUMMINS." 

The subject of the course of Lenten lectures for 
1863 was " The Closing Scenes in the Life of Our 
Lord ;" that for 1864, " The Epistles to the Seven 
Churches ;" that for 1866, " The Great F.orty Days 
in the Life of Our Lord between His Resurrection 
and Ascension." 

These Lenten services were felt to be peculiarly 
blessed of God ; and Dr. Cummins not only gave 
much time to the preparation of the lectures, but was 
conscious that in no way could he more thoroughly 
reach his people than by such expositions of Scrip 
ture truth. 

The death at this time of his beloved and revered 
friend, Dr. Henry V. D. Johns, then rector of Em 
manuel Church, Baltimore, was a great trial to him. 
They " had taken sweet counsel together ;" they 
were as an elder and younger brother, and the loss 
was deeply felt by him. Resolutions expressive of 
the sympathy of the rector and vestry of St. Peter's 
were passed. Dr. Cummins became much interested 
in the erection of the "Johns Memorial Church," 



140 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Baltimore, which was completed about two years 
after the death of that noble defender of the truth. 

At the time of which we write, and indeed since 
he entered the Protestant Eipscopal Church, Dr. 
Cummins fully believed it was practicable and wise 
to work side by side with those who held entirely op 
posite views. It was his wish and as far as he was 
concerned he carried this out to labor harmonious 
ly with those of a different school of thought in the 
Episcopal Church. His ministry in that church had 
now extended over a period of thirteen years. He 
had been very intimately connected in church work 
with men who could not think as he did. In Nor 
folk this was but seldom the case. In Richmond, 
also, he was chiefly associated with clergymen of his 
own school. In Washington he met with much more 
of this intercourse ; and now, established in Baltimore, 
he found his work lay among those chiefly who were 
then classed as High Churchmen. What is now known 
as Ritualism had not yet come to disturb the peace of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

Through all the years of his ministry Dr. Cum 
mins had never met with the slightest discourtesy on 
the part of those who differed with him. Although 
bold as a lion in the pulpit, yet socially, and when 
with brethren at the various church meetings, he was 
always so bright and courteous, so readily pleased, 
and so unwilling to take offence, that few could have 
found ground for any disagreement. All who knew 
him acknowledged this, and those who were most 
heartily opposed to his Low Church views were 
among his kindest friends, socially. Earnestly, faith 
fully did he labor in every way with these brethren 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD. 141 



while in Baltimore. He did it not because he wished 
to convey the impression that he did not " stand 
by his colors" with sufficient firmness, or that he had 
any low motive in view, but simply because he felt 
that he could consistently with his views of truth 
work with others who thought so differently, as long 
as he was permitted to promulgate his views from tJie pul 
pit unreservedly, and with all the force and ability he 
possessed. In later years, and when the advanced 
Ritualism of the present day had made inroads deep 
and wide into the Church, he thought differently, and 
then candidly and openly he avowed his change of 
opinion. But all the years in which he did labor 
side by side with High Churchmen, he did it with the 
sincerest and purest motives. 

In the autumn of 1860, while Mrs. Cummins was 
in Massachusetts, Dr. Cummins visited once more 
his old parish in Norfolk, Va. We quote from some 
of his letters written at this time : 

" BALTIMORE, Oct. 10, 1860. 

" We leave this afternoon for Norfolk. I know your 
thoughts are with us, and that you are praying for our safe 
arrival at the haven where we would be. This is election -day 
for mayor, but all is as quiet as if it were Sunday almost, 
under our new and most admirable police system. I voted a 
reform ticket, and there were not ten persons at the polls. 
Last year crowds of armed desperadoes took forcible posses 
sion of them. What a change !" 

Under date of October nth he writes : 

"We are indeed here in our old home. I feel truly 
grateful to God for his protecting care over us last night, 
and bringing us in health to our journey's end. Mr. T 



GEORGE DA VI D CUMMINS. 



met us at the wharf, and was most kind. We drove up to 
his house, and found Mrs. T - and the children awaiting 
us. We breakfasted, and then L -- and Ella went with 
the nurse to see dear Miss D - and Mrs. J -- , who is 
here, while the Bishop is at the Board of Missions, now being 
held in New Haven. Everything looks so natural and un 
changed around me : the flowers are exquisite, especially the 
roses. Rev. Mr.. R -- , rector of Christ Church, has just 
called. Dear old Mrs. C -- is still living, and I shall take 
L. and E. to see her as soon as I possibly can." 

On the 1 2th he writes : 

' This morning we went out again to see Miss D -- and 
Mrs. J - , and then to Mrs. C -- 's. The dear old lady 
was at home and rejoicing very much to see us. She is very 
feeble, and only goes out to drive. I went down-town and 
met many old friends. After dinner I went again to Miss 
D -- 's, and conducted the praying-circle which still meets 
there. It was a very pleasant meeting, and all asked a great 
deal about you. I am going out to visit some of the fami 
lies in affliction. I preach in Christ Church on Sunday 
twice. ' ' 

In his letter of October I3th he says : 

" On the table on which I am writing are three vases of 
flowers such as Norfolk only can produce, just sent to me by 
Mrs. Captain S -- , and arranged by sweet L -- . Among 
them are half-opened buds of cloth-of-gold roses, four on a 
stem, and many others scarcely less splendid. I long to be 
able to send them to you. After writing to you yesterday I 
went out and visited many of our dear friends, some of whom 
are in affliction. They made many affectionate inquiries 
concerning you. In the afternoon several families called, 
and in the evening we took tea at Dr. S -- 's. All our 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD. 143 

friends are as affectionate as ever. We leave Tuesday for 
Baltimore." 

Dr. Cummins had suggested to the alumni of the 
theological seminary near Alexandria, Va. , that they 
should raise funds to erect a hall at that place, to 
be called " Meade Hall," after his beloved and re 
vered friend, Bishop Meade. He had succeeded in 
interesting the alumni of the seminary in the project, 
and they, by the aid of their congregations, had been 
most successful in collecting the amount necessary. 
His own congregation had contributed largely, and 
in a letter dated Norfolk, October i6th, he says : 

" Mr. T and I went to Governor Tazewell's to pre 
sent the claims of ' Meade Hall, ' and I hope to get a contri 
bution from the family." 

On Thanksgiving-day, November 29th, 1860, Dr. 
Cummins preached a sermon entitled " The Christian, 
in Time of National Peril, trembling for the Ark of 
God" (i Samuel 4 : 13). It was delivered at a time 
when our country was threatened with anarchy and 
ruin, when good men and women could only lift up 
their voices to the God of nations to preserve them 
by his almighty power. This sermon was spoken of 
at the time as a powerful effort ; and at the request of 
many persons, outside the congregation of St. Peter's, 
as well as his own friends, a large edition was printed 
and distributed throughout the United States. In 
the beginning of the year 1861, January 4th, Dr. 
Cummins preached another sermon in St. Peter's, 
which at that time produced a marvellous effect. The 
title of this sermon was " The African, a Trust from 



144 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

God to the American" (Isaiah 65 : 8). It was de 
livered on the day of " national humiliation, fasting, 
and prayer' ' set apart by the President. An edition 
of fifteen hundred copies of this sermon was printed at 
the urgent request of many citizens of Baltimore, and 
sent all over the country. We have before us a 
large number of letters from friends of Dr. Cummins 
upon the subject of this sermon. We quote from a few : 

" BOSTON, February 21, 1861. 

" DEAR SIR : I thank you for sending me a copy of your 
able and eloquent sermon, ' The African, a Trust from God 
to the American. ' I have read it since my return from Wash 
ington on an errand of peace, and am deeply impressed by 
its appropriateness and power. 

" Yours respectfully, ROBERT C. WINTHROP. 

" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

The following note is from one of the present 
Southern bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church : 

" PHILADELPHIA, January 29, 1860. 

" MY DEAR DR. CUMMINS : I have just now enjoyed a 
rare luxury in reading your sermon on the subject which is 
agitating our unhappy country. It is the only sermon among 
the number which I have received which elicits from me any 
formal acknowledgment. Apart from its rhetorical excel 
lence, which is of the highest order, it is a sermon replete with 
wisdom, and entitles its author to a high place in the councils 
of the Church in all the vicissitudes of her history. I have 
given it extensive circulation among my friends so at least 
you would say if you could see the catalogue of names which 
accompanies it this morning on its mission through the parish. 

" I am, my dear brother, your sincerely attached friend, 

" J. P. B. W . 

" REV. G. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD. 145 

Another is from the present Protestant Episcopal 
Bishop of Pennsylvania : 

" PHILADELPHIA, January 18, 1861. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I cannot forbear to 
thank you for your two admirable sermons, which I have re 
ceived and read with unfeigned pleasure especially the last, 
received yesterday. I read it all through alone, and then I 
assembled all my family, from grandmother to grandchild, 
and read it aloud to the delight and edification of all. It is 
a true and noble outspeaking of what I believe to be the mind 
and will of Christ. I agree to every word, and if it could be 
printed in a cheap form and scattered throughout the land, 
I am sure it would act as a corrective to the false views held 
by many well-meaning Christians. 

" My heart bleeds, my dear brother, at the fearful convul 
sions in our midst. God have mercy upon us, for vain is 
the help of man ! 

" Very truly yours, WM. BACON STEVENS. 

" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

From Bishop Mcllvaine, of Ohio, he received a 
long letter of eight pages, under date of January iQth, 
1 86 1, closely written. We extract only a few sen 
tences : 

" I have received and read with much pleasure your ser 
mon preached on the day of fasting and prayer. I cannot 
say that I think it was the subject for such a day, but I can 
say that I think it well handled and in a good spirit. There 
is but one page in the contents of which I cannot go with you 
substantially. . . As a Christian, and a Christian min 
ister full of love to all the precious interests of the Gospel of 
Peace in the country, and hence to all the dark places of the 
world, I mourn in bitterness of spirit over the present dan- 



146 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

gers of our Union. Oh ! for party spirit to go into the 
caves and dens of the rocks, and hide itself ! Oh ! that men 
would learn and feel that there are interests in the country a 
thousand times more precious than party platforms and con 
sistencies ! I really had no idea of writing all this when I 
began. The Lord bless you. 

" Yours affectionately, C. P. MC!LVAINE." 

The following note is from Bishop Lee, late Prot 
estant Episcopal Bishop of Iowa : 

" DAVENPORT, IOWA, December 13, 1860. 
" MY DEAR DOCTOR : I have just read your sermon on 
Thanksgiving- Day. I read it aloud in my family, and I can 
not refrain from saying, ' God bless you for it ! ' It is patri 
otic, Christian, noble. I fear that secession is inevitable, 
but the Lord reigns. 

" Yours affectionately, HENRY W. LEE. 

" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

A prominent Southern gentleman wrote on the 
22d of January, 1861, as follows : 

" I received yesterday a copy of your admirable sermon 
preached on the occasion of the national fast. I thank you 
most heartily for preaching it. It is time that the Church in 
these Southern States should make a clear, distinct, and 
strong declaration of the grounds on which she tolerates an 
institution which was introduced among us by the very par 
ties that are now loudest in condemning it. You have per 
formed the delicate task in an able and masterly manner, and 
in a judicious, moderate, and truly Christian spirit." 

In April, 1861, the United States troops passed 
through Baltimore on their way to Washington. 



LABOR IN A NEW FIELD. 



They were attacked by some desperate men, and firing 
upon them, killed several. The whole city was iii a 
state of fearful excitement, and Dr. Cummins thought 
it advisable to take his family to Smyrna, Del., for a 
time. His wife and children remained in Smyrna 
some weeks, while he returned to Baltimore to his 
duties. At this time he writes : 

" BALTIMORE, May 9, 1861. 

" I was in the midst of the troops all the time. They are 
3000 strong. I saw them drilling, and practising firing with 
the cannon ; the balls ivhistled as they went through the air. 

' The first body of troops crossed from Perryville to Havre 
de Grace Tuesday night, but the bridges are not yet rebuilt. 
This is going to be a long and awful war if God does not 
save us. The South will fight with desperation, and sacrifice 
everything almost before they submit. The government has 
a terrible work to do ! 

" There will be no fighting here, unless a few desperate 
men should assault the troops, and if so they will be de 
stroyed. Everything is very gloomy here. Twenty-five hun 
dred troops landed at Locust Point yesterday, May nth. 
It looks very much as though there would be a conflict very 
shortly near Harper's Ferry. The government sent troops 
up the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. last night. I rejoice you 
are not here. I dread the effect of the news of the first con 
flict. Our Sunday-school anniversary is appointed to come 
off to-morrow afternoon, but of course it cannot be what it 
would have been in a time of peace. We keep up our service 
for prayer at St. Peter's each day at 12 o'clock, and intend 
to continue it. Prayer now is all that is left to us. May 
God protect and bless you and our precious children !" 

Although the city of Baltimore was not the scene of 



GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 



conflict during all the years that followed, this was a 
most anxious and sad time to every one of her citi 
zens. Many had relatives and friends in both armies, 
and the pastor was called upon to comfort and sym 
pathize with all, whatever their political views might 
be. 



I 



CHAPTER XVI. 

IN LABORS ABUNDANT." 

"And the Reaper came and found, 

Among the fragrant leaves, 
The golden fruitage, ripe and full, 
And he bound it in his sheaves." 

AGED 39. 

N a letter dated May nth, 1861, Dr. Cummins 
writes sadly of the state ol things in the city, and 
says : 

" We have had a day of unsurpassed loveliness. The 
morning in this part of the city was almost heavenly. I 
thought of the wickedness of man in defiling so fair a scene 
with war, and what a contrast to the bountiful goodness of 
God ! I preached on Sunday, at n o'clock, to a large' congre 
gation, a sermon on casting out from the heart all this awful 
spirit of malice, bitterness, and hatred. At 4 o'clock we had 
our anniversary. It was a very successful one, notwithstand 
ing the times. The church was crowded in every part. The 

children sang very well. Dr. S and Rev. Mr. C 

were present. Some of the devices were very appropriate. 
One was a basket of fine fruit ; the name of the class was 
'First-Fruits.' Another, the ' St. John Class, ' a live white 
dove sitting on a basket of flowers. The ' Havelock Class,' 
a cross with a beautiful sword and shield, and helmet with 
vi/or at its base. The 'Virginia Hoffman Class, ' a marble 
cross surrounded at its base with ilowers." 



I 50 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

In all his letters written at this time there is a full 
record of earnest and unceasing labor among his peo 
ple. The sadness that was so deeply felt by him in 
this fearful time, separation from his family, and the 
pressure of heavy responsibilities never interfered 
with his daily routine of duty. To the sick of his 
flock he ever carried the brightness and cheer of his 
own sunny spirit ; to the bereaved his words of con 
solation were only the more tender by reason of his 
own trials. He truly went about doing good. 

In the month of May, 1861, Dr. Cummins, ac 
companied by two of his vestry, paid a short visit to 
Washington. While there he met all his old and dear 
friends, whom he found greatly depressed by the 
state of the country, the fearful advance in the cost 
of living, the lessened value of property, the breaking 
up of families, and the absence of loved ones who had 
joined the two armies. The changes that had oc 
curred in his old congregation saddened him greatly, 
and all whom he met lamented his having left them. 
He thus writes from his old home : 

"WASHINGTON, May 21, 1861. 

" I rode up to the Capitol, which is occupied by two 
regiments, and went out on the Library portico to look at the 
beautiful prospect. It was now more lovely than ever in the 
first fresh green of spring. I saw Alexandria and the tower 
of the seminary in the distance, and the white tents of the 
encampments on the north of the city. On my way to the 
Capitol I met the New York Second Regiment, just arrived 
from the North, twelve hundred men. As I reached the gate 
of the Capitol grounds I met the funeral of Colonel Vosburg, 
of the New York Seventy-first Regiment. It was a sight to 
behold. First came the Rhode Island Regiment, at whose 



"IN LABORS ABUNDANT." 151 

head rode Governor Sprague ; then the Twelfth New York Regi 
ment ; then the Seventy-first New York, and last the Sixty-ninth 
New York in all between three and four thousand men. The 
coffin was covered with the U. S. flag, and his noble horse 

was led behind it. Dr. B and Rev. Mr. M were in 

one carriage, and I bowed to them in passing. In an open 
carriage behind the hearse sat Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Cam 
eron on the back seat, and Mr. Seward and Mr. Chase on 
the front. I had seen all these gentlemen except Mr. Lincoln 
very often, and was agreeably disappointed in his personal 
appearance. After lunch we drove out to the camp of the 
Seventh Regiment. It is on the Fourteenth Street road, op 
posite Columbia College. We could not stay to see the pa 
rade, which was to take place at five o'clock, but after visiting 
some of the tents and listening to a splendid band of about 
forty musicians, we drove to the station, and took the 6. 15 
train for Baltimore." 

In another letter, dated May 23d, he says : 

" At a time like this we must be thankful that we have 
many mercies, and that we are not situated as a number of 
our friends are. As to Jefferson County, you will have 
learned from your mother's letter what a state they are in 
.there ; nor can it be otherwise it must be one of the thea 
tres of war. Mr. B came in the afternoon and drove 

me to Druid Hill Park ; it was a great treat. It is the most 
beautiful spot I have ever seen. At n o'clock this morning 
I read the ' Special Service ' at St. Paul's for Dr. Wyatt. At 
6.30 P.M. we had a meeting of the Standing Committee at 
Dr. W 's, and then I hurried to my lecture ; the attendance 
very good. ' ' 

Dr. Cummins had been requested by the Mayor of 



152 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Baltimore to open Druid Hill Park with appropriate 
religious services, which he did May, 1861. It is one 
of the loveliest parks in this country or Europe, and 
contains about eleven hundred acres. With a quota 
tion from another letter we close the history of the 
early part of this year, as immediately after this was 
written Dr. Cummins joined his family at Smyrna, 
Del., and they passed the June and July at the springs 
in York County, Pennsylvania, with many pleasant 
friends. He writes : 

" BALTIMORE, May 24. 

" No human mind can tell what is before us. I rode 

down-town in the cars to-day with Mr. W ; he seemed 

deeply troubled. He feels that all things are so insecure here 
business dead, thousands out of employment, the poor clam 
oring for bread, and the general demoralization among the 
masses ! And this only at the beginning. General Scott will 
make no great forward movement during this summer. I am 
glad to see by a notice in the Recorder that father's article 
has just been published in the Episcopal Quarterly. You will 
see it among the book notices." 

The autumn of this year was an unusually busy 
one. In November he went to Philadelphia to de 
liver the annual sermon before the Bishop White 
Prayer-Book Society, in the Church of the Holy 
Trinity. This sermon was printed at the request of 
the Board of Managers of the Society. His work, as 
marked out for the winter of 1861-2, was by no 
means lessened by reason of the anxiety that filled the 
heart of the pastor ; on the contrary, he seemed only 
to gird on the armor more securely, and of him it 
must also be said : 



"IN LABORS ABUNDANT." 153 

" Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing, 
The Christian onward goes ; 
Each morning sees some task begin, 

Each evening sees it close ; 
Something attempted, something done, 
Has earned a night's repose." 

The testimony of all who knew him during these 
sad days of war say that 

" The love-lit eye, too, ere he spoke, 

Forestalled the office of his tongue, 
And hearts on which its radiance broke 

Thrilled with new life, and heavenward sprung 
And prayer and praise where'er he trod 
Bore witness that he walked with God." 

It was, we think, at this time that a pleasing inci 
dent occurred. It was frequently his custom to 
preach especially to young men ; on these occasions 
the church was thronged. On the evening to which 
we refer, the subject of the sermon was the great need 
of our country for pious young men. The text was 
St. John's message to young men : " I have written 
unto you, young men, because ye are strong." At 
the close of the discourse Dr. Cummins repeated, with 
deepest feeling, the beautiful lines by Bishop Cleve 
land Coxe, 

"In the silent midnight watches." 

The bishop, then Dr. Coxe and rector of Grace 
Church, Baltimore, was unknown to the rector of 
St. Peter's one of the audience. After the services 
Dr. Coxe went into the vestry-room and said, " My 
brother, I never knew I had ever written anything 
so good as that until I heard you repeat it to-night." 



154 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

We were present at the time, and well may Dr. Coxe 
have thus spoken. . In that vast throng the faintest 
sound might have been heard ; the people held their 
breath while the speaker repeated the beautiful and 
touching lines, his face aglow with enthusiasm and 
earnestness as he plead with them to stand up for 
Jesus, to enroll themselves on the Lord's side. Many 
wept, and the most frivolous went away with those 
eloquent yet tender, loving words and tones sound 
ing in their ears. Several gave their hearts to the 
Saviour, and dated their conversion from that night. 

The spring of 1862, another bereavement came to 
throw its dark cloud yet, blessed be God ! the silver 
lining was there over the happy home. A young 
niece, much beloved by all who knew her, was called 
to suffer agony from a railway accident, and after 
many days left for her Father's home. 

In July of that year Dr. Cummins and his wife 
sailed for Europe, leaving their little children in the 
care of their grandparents in Virginia. They only 
expected to be absent three months. The health of 
Dr. Cummins had not been so good as usual for some 
months, and after consulting his physicians he decided 
to follow their advice and try the effect of a sea 
voyage, both for. his own and his wife's health. 



I 



CHAPTER XVII. 

FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE, AND LETTERS TO HIS 
CHILDREN. 

AGED 40. 

N a letter written by Dr. Cummins to his children, 
dated July 25th, 1862, he says : 



" I have just counted over one hundred vessels of all 
sizes in view from our window, in this magnificent harhor 
and bay reaching from New York to the Narrows. We have 

just returned from a delightful drive with Mr. and Mrs. L 

[the dear friends with whom they were staying]. We drove 
through some of the. most beautiful parts of the island, and 
at times had views of the bay and ocean also. The scene at 
night is fairy-like, the lights in the distant cities stretching 
for miles along the shore. We are very thankful to hear you 
are all so happy in the sweet home of your dear grandparents. 
This will reconcile us the more to our separation from you, 
and to know you are contributing to their enjoyment. Do 
not give yourselves any uneasiness about the war. You are 
in a safe and retired spot, and whatever may be the condition 
of the country we can reach you on our return to this coun 
try. Above all live near to your Saviour, seeking his grace 
as the first of all blessings, going to him daily as to your 
best friend for guidance and strength." 

The next letter in order of date was written on 
the steamer : 



I 56 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

" ON BOARD STEAMER CITY OF NEW YORK, July 26, 1862. 

" MY PRECIOUS CHILDREN : We left Mr. L 's at 9 

o'clock and reached the steamer at 10.30, and were ushered into 
our state-room, when lo ! we found anything but state. Imagine 

a little ' cuddy ' about one third the size of G 's room at 

home, and only half as high, with two berths, one above the 
other, and a sofa ; and here we are to pass eleven or twelve 
days ! But there is nothing like philosophy, and so we went 
to work to arrange everything as comfortably as possible, 
and occupied the time thus until 12 o'clock. The scene about 
the steamer just before starting was one of dire confusion : 
passengers eager to get their luggage safely bestowed on 
board ; emigrants, policemen, and porters talking at the same 
time ; friends of passengers bidding them adieu ; sailors crying 
out in their strange dialect until the cry ' All ashore ! ' is 
heard, when all who are not going in the ship hasten to leave, 
and she begins to move. We went at once on the quarter 
deck, and enjoyed the scene of the city, the harbor, and the 

noble bay. As we passed Staten Island Mrs. L waved 

us a farewell from the balcony, and we answered it. 

" All is novel to us on shipboard : the pilot's orders and 
the sailors' movements. ' Port ! ' shouts the pilot, and ' Port ! ' 
is echoed by two officers, and thus passed to the men at the 
wheel. Port means ' right, ' or ' steer to the right. ' ' Hard- 
a-port ' means ' steer to the right quickly.' ' Starboard ' is 
'left.' I introduced myself to Captain Petrie, and he in 
vited us to take seats at his table. 

" 2.30 o'clock. We are now near Sandy Hook, where the 
pilot leaves us, and the captain takes command of the ship 
until we are near the coast of England, when an English pilot 
takes her in charge. The Highlands of Neversink are in 
view, and this is the last land we shall see until we catch a 
glimpse of the shores of the Old World. 

' The boatswain's whistle would amuse you. Our boat 
swain is a perfect representative of a sailor, a regular ' Jack 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. 157 

Tar,' and has a curious whistle with which he gives orders to 
the sailors. 

"3.30 o'clock. Our pilot has just left us, and another 
ocean steamer, the Borussia, bound for Hamburg, is in sight. 

" 6 o'clock P.M. We remained on deck until 4, and then 
went to dinner. 

" Sunday, 12 o'clock. The Great Eastern has been in 
sight all morning, some fifteen or twenty miles ahead of us. 
We are now over two hundred miles out at sea, and yet I have 
been watching flocks of sea-birds flying about and resting on 
the waves. 

" Monday, Jtily 28. Last night we slept well, though the 
ship rolled a great deal. This morning is exceedingly beau 
tiful ; around us stretches the vast and boundless ocean, with 
not a sail upon it. 

" Tuesday, July 29. We are getting along finely; the 
weather is lovely, and the sea very calm. Mamma was on deck 
all this afternoon. Last night at 9 o'clock the engines of the 
ship suddenly stopped. This is always an exciting event on 
board an ocean steamer. It was found that some of her 
machinery around the shaft had become too hot, and the 
engines were stopped to cool it. At 12 o'clock P.M. we were 
moving again. This morning we are all on deck ; to-morrow 
we expect to pass Cape Race, on the coast of Newfoundland, 
1000 miles from New York. This evening all assembled in 
the saloon, and we had some music. 

:< July 30, 8 o'clock P.M. This has been another lovely 
day. About 12 o'clock we first began to see land on our left, 
a part of the Banks of Newfoundland, and soon the shore 
came in full view. Near the shore we discerned a white ob 
ject, looking like a sair", but on looking through a glass it 
proved to be a small iceberg, white as snow, looking at one 
time, as we drew near it, like a church with a parsonage ad 
joining ! As we moved on we saw Cape Pine first, with a 
lighthouse on it, and an hour later Cape Race. Here we 



158 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

stopped a few moments, and a boat bearing the British flag 
came out to us bringing the latest news, received at that point 
by telegraph from New York. Then we left with our prow 
towards the east, and our next stopping-place will be ' Ould 
Ireland.' I was called about 4 o'clock to see a woman who 
is very ill among the steerage passengers. The surgeon 
thinks she will not live to reach Ireland. She is a member 
of our Church, and seems to be a true Christian, with a firm 
trust in the Saviour. 

" Life on shipboard is very monotonous, and we are 
longing for the voyage to be over. We have favorable winds, 
and have travelled to-day 268 miles, and are in Latitude 50. 

" Saturday, August 2. Distance travelled to-day is 286 
miles. The poor woman I wrote of yesterday died this morn 
ing. We are now 1800 miles from New York, and have 
1 200 more to travel. 

" Sunday, August 3. We have had a very affecting 
scene to-day, a burial at sea. Ten o'clock was appointed for 
the service. The coffin was wrapped in a flag, and brought 
on the shoulders of the sailors dressed in their best clothes 
to the side of the ship ; a portion of the upper railing was 
removed, and the coffin rested upon a board, one end over 
the side. At the request of Captain Petrie I read the Burial 
Service. At the words ' We therefore commit her body to 
the deep,' the coffin sank into the depths of the ocean, to be 
guarded by Him in whose sight the very dust of his people 
is precious, and to be fashioned like his own glorious body 
at the resurrection of the just. What an unspeakable comfort 
to know that while we were committing her body to the deep, 
her soul is at rest with Him in whom she trusted for salva 
tion ! My mind has been dwelling on the poor mother who will 
watch and wait in vain for her daughter's return from across 
the sea, and must hear that she sleeps in its mysterious 
depths. 

"At 12 o'clock I read the service of the Church of 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. 



England in the saloon ; the officers and men and many of 
the cabin and steerage passengers were present. 

" August 4. We have entered on our tenth day at sea, 
and it is a most disagreeable one : sea quite rough, raining 
and very cold. To-morrow afternoon we expect to see the 
shores of Ireland, our first view of the Old World. 

" Tuesday, August 5. This is a bright, beautiful day. 
The chief officer of the ship announced to me this morning, 
on going on deck, that we should see land at 2 o'clock, and 
be at Queenstown by midnight, and we shall be at Liverpool 
Thursday morning. 

" I will mail this letter at Queenstown, and it will go in 
the steamer of this line which leaves Liverpool to-morrow, 
and touches at Queenstown, so that you will learn of our safe 
arrival on the shores of Ireland, though not yet at Liverpool. 
We have indeed great cause for gratitude to God for bring 
ing us thus far in safety. We will spend several days in Liv 
erpool, and I hope to hear Dr. McNeile preach. I have 
letters to an interesting clergyman, a friend of Dr. McNeile's. 

"August 5, 5 o'clock. I have just seen the mountains 
or hills in County Kerry, Ireland, and now must close my 
letter. We remember you constantly in our prayers, my pre 
cious children, that God may watch over you, and keep you 
from all evil, and incline your hearts to love and serve him. 

" And now farewell. Mamma joins me in fondest love to 
dear grandpapa and grandmamma and your own dear selves. 
" Your loving father, GEO. D. CUMMINS." 

The next letter is dated 

" EDINBURGH, August 8, 1862. 

" MY PRECIOUS CHILDREN : This morning at i o'clock 
we left Liverpool for Edinburgh. It was raining very hard, 
but we must expect such weather in England, and we find the 
people are very indifferent to it. Notwithstanding the rain, 
our ride was one of great interest. The country was full of 



l6o GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

novelty to us, the very trees and grasses so different from 
our own : the trees much smaller, and of less variety. The 
hedges are very pretty, contrasting beautifully with the lighter 
green of the grass. The first point of interest was the town 
of Lancaster, and here we saw the first old English castle, 
on a hill. Lancaster was a Roman town 1800 years ago, and 
its castle was built by John of Gaunt in the fourteenth cen 
tury. The son of John of Gaunt, Henry Bolingbroke, be 
came Duke of Lancaster, and afterwards king, so that now 
one of the titles of the Prince of Wales is ' Duke of Lancaster. ' 
In the ' Wars of the Roses ' between the houses of York and 
Lancaster this city suffered much, and also in the war be 
tween Charles I. and the Parliament : it was on the king's 
side. 

" After leaving Lancaster we found ourselves soon in the 
midst of the most beautiful scenery of England. It is the 
region of the Cumberland Lakes, and we were passing 
through beautiful valleys, encompassed by lofty hills, down 
whose sides little streams were trickling, as white as melted 
silver. Ten miles from Kendal station, where the train 
stopped a few moments, is Lake Windermere, near which 
Southey and Wordsworth resided. It was in this region 
Wordsworth drank in inspiration from such lovely scenery. 
Every acre of ground was dear to him. We shall read his 
poetry with new interest after looking on these beautiful hills. 

" Our next station was Penrith, where we saw the ruins 
of another castle, where Richard III. resided for a long time. 
Seventeen miles further on we came to the town of Carlisle, 
the last city in England on our journey, and once besieged 
by Robert Bruce. Soon we passed Gretna Green station, 
and knew by the name that we were in Scotland. Gretna 
Green is famous for its having been the spot where persons 
came to be married to escape the laws of England. Our 
journey now lay through an uninteresting country for a hun 
dred miles to Edinburgh. It was not quite dark at twenty 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. l6l 

minutes past 9 o'clock ! On reaching Edinburgh we went 
to the Alma Hotel, and we were soon delightfully domiciled 
in two pleasant rooms, a parlor and bedroom ; our meals 
served in the parlor. We like this plan so much chiefly be 
cause of the privacy and home feeling. 

" On looking out of our parlor windows in the morning I 
was met by a scene that seemed like fairy-land. Immediately 
opposite our windows rose a tremendous pile of rock partly 
covered with grass and trees, and on the summit stood an 
old gray-stone castle, with turrets and angles, and heavy 
walls and battlements, from which the guns were frowning. 
These words will give you no idea of the grandeur of the 
scene. The pile of rock is four hundred feet high, and on it is 
the Castle of Edinburgh, so old that its origin is lost in ob 
scurity. On either side of the castle is a park of walks and 
flowers stretching for a long distance. In this castle Mary 
Queen of Scots once resided, and many other sovereigns, 
and here James I. of England, her son, was born, and when 
only eight days old was let down in a basket from a window 
to escape his enemies. 

" After breakfast I went out to find Sir James Y. Simp 
son, but on reaching his house found him out. I called 
again at 2 o'clock, and on sending in my card was invited 
into the dining-room, where the professor was seated, sur 
rounded by a number of guests, at lunch. He received me 
very kindly. His work is a wonderful one, and he is a most 

earnest Christian. At the table I met Mrs. A , from 

South Carolina, who told me of very pleasant lodgings. 
These I engaged at once. On Saturday we drove out, it was 
so bright and beautiful. We drove by the castle, down the 
Highgate and Canongate, so famous in Sir Walter Scott's 
works, to Holyrood Palace, and the Abbey, now in ruins. 
On reaching our lodgings I found a letter from Rev. Dr. 
Ramsay, the Dean of Edinburgh, inviting me to preach in St. 
John's Church on Sunday morning, and soon after the Dean 



1 62 GEORGE DAVID 'CUMMINS. 

/ 

called. He was very cordial, and offered to loan us books, 
and in a half hour after he left sent us eight or ten volumes. 
He also invited us to tea at 8 o'clock the next evening. 
Thus closed our first day in Scotland. All round us the scenes 
are full of the greatest novelty and crowded with historical 
interest. 

" Sunday Mo rnmtf, August 10. This is a beautiful day, 
and so cool we are clothed in winter wraps. Sir James 

Simpson called at 10 o'clock to see M . We showed 

him your photographs, and grandpapa's and grandmamma's, 
and he said grandmamma was just like his mother-in-law, and 
took it home to show it to his family. He is very kind and 
affectionate. At a quarter to n Dean Ramsay, with his 
niece, called to take us to St. John's Chapel, where I preached. 
Inside the vestibule we found a vestryman standing by a large 
alms-basin, in which soma gold and silver had been placed by 
the people as they canu in. The Dean's assistant read part 
of the service, and the Dean the rest, except the second lesson, 
which I read. I preached to a very attentive audience from 
St. John 21 : 24. 

" After service I went to Sir James Simpson's to lunch 
by invitation, and to go with him at 2 o'clock to hear the 
celebrated Dr. Guthrie preach. Professor Guernsey, of 
Dresden, physician to the Princess of Saxony, went with us. 
Arriving at the church we found a crowd seeking admission 
through a gate. The pew-holders are admitted first by tick 
ets, and the strangers sent in the school-room below. After 
the services begin the strangers are allowed to come up and 
take any vacant seat or stand in the aisles. 

" At 2.15 Dri Guthrie entered in gown and bands. The 
church was now filled to its utmost capacity, holding about 
twelve or fifteen hundred persons. Dr. Guthrie is a tall 
man, about fifty-five years old, a most expressive face, 
thin hair turning gray. His sermon was from Isaiah 59 : i. 
He began by an iniroduction of great beauty, drawn from 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. 163 

nature, to show the mutability of everything earthly in con 
trast with the unchangeableness of God. This occupied fif 
teen minutes. Then he preached for forty-five minutes longer 
in a strain of great beauty and pathos. There was no argu 
ment, but most beautiful imagery drawn from nature, and 
thrilling anecdotes, and pathetic appeals to the feelings. He 
is full of animation and gesture and deep feeling. If he has 
any fault, it is an excess of metaphor and illustration, but he 
is a master over the feelings of the human heart. After the 
sermon Professor Simpson took me in and introduced me to 
Dr. Guthrie, and he invited me to dine with him to-morrow 

at 5 o'clock. We walked home, and Professor S showed 

me many places of interest the house where Hume wrote his 
history of England ; the building where the Solemn League 
and Covenant was signed ; John Knox's house ; the place 
where the Heart of Mid-Lothian stood, and where Oliver 
Cromwell lodged. We had a beautiful walk to pur lodgings 
by Sir Walter Scott's monument and Mr. Pitt's statue, and 
many other interesting spots which I cannot now name. 

" At 8 we went to Dean Ramsay's, and enjoyed our 
visit very much ; he has two nieces living with him, and 
a brother, an admiral in the British navy. The Dean has a 
very intelligent Skye terrier. He told us that when he had 
family prayers the dog would invariably jump up and go to 
the door the moment the Dean began the benediction, and 
stand there waiting most patiently for the footman to open 
the door. He knew at once when ethe words were spoken ! 
We enjoyed the pictures and books greatly. The Dean was 
greatly surprised to find that fine photographs could be taken 
in New York ! His residence is only a few doors from our 
lodgings. This morning he sent us his photograph, a print 
of St. John's Chapel, and more books. You know he is the 
author of ' Anecdotes of Scottish Life and Character ' and 
other books, and he has presented us with copies of them. 



164 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

G will be interested in the ' Anecdotes ' it has the story 

of ' Pickle ' in it. 

" August ii. This morning I went to the post-office, 
and received your precious letter. I am much interested in 
the beautiful articles made here of wood, and painted in the 
clan tartan colors. The vases are lovely. The small fruits 
are now in perfection, and far surpass ours ; strawberries of 
immense size, raspberries as large as small plums, and goose 
berries of the same size, and very fine nectarines. 

" Admiral Ramsay called to see us this afternoon. At 
4.30 I took a cab and drove about two miles to Dr. Guthrie's 
to dinner. He lives in a very sweet home near the suburbs, 
and has a small lawn and many flowers around it. I met two 
of the elders of Dr. Guthrie's church, and the Rev. Prof. 
La Harpe and his wife, from Geneva. We had a very pleas 
ant dinner. Dr. Guthrie is most genial and cordial in his 
manners, so much like a Southern gentleman, and is full of 
humor and anecdote. Hugh Miller was one of the official 
men in his church. Mrs. Guthrie sent mamma some beauti 
ful flowers, and gave me a photograph of the doctor. I 
walked back to our lodgings, a distance of two and a half 
miles, everywhere attracted by the curious sights and places 
in the ' Old Town.' We enjoy very much our present mode 
of living. We occupy two large rooms on the. first floor, 

and Mr. and Mrs. T , from South Carolina, two others. 

Already they have made themselves acquainted with us, and 
we find them very pleasant, refined, and intelligent. I ought 
to tell you of the Highlanders we see sometimes in the 
street, wearing so strange a dress : striped stockings reaching 
to the knee, a plaited ' kilt ' coming down nearly to the knee, 
and a ' sporan ' hanging in front, made of goat's hair. A 
loose jacket, a Highland 'bonnet,' and a large sharp knife 
kept in a case fastened to the stocking, completes their pictur 
esque costume. We drove out this morning to do some shop 
ping, and bought some beautiful specimens of the clan tartan 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. 165 

wood-work. We wish to take home photographic views of 
the most interesting places we visit, especially those of his 
toric interest, so that you will all be able to enjoy them with 
us. I bought mamma a bunch of heather from the market 
yesterday, and she has pressed some of it for you. 

" August 12. I must now close my- long letter, and 
will mail it for the steamer City of New York, which leaves 
Liverpool to-morrow. 

" We get full accounts, through the London Times, of all 
that is transpiring in our own land. How we should rejoice 
if this terrible war could be ended ! The people here talk con 
stantly about it. And now good-by, my darlings. We pray 
constantly for you that God will guard you from all evil, and 
make you his own children by his renewing grace. Love 
to all the dear ones. 

" Ever your loving father, GEORGE D. CUMMINS." 

" EDINBURGH, August 13, 1862. 

" MY ^RECIOUS CHILDREN : This morning I went out for 
a stroll. I went first to visit the monument to Sir Walter 
Scott erected by the people of Edinburgh, and situated in a 
most beautiful part of the city surrounded by gardens filled 
with flowers, now in the height of their beauty. Sir Walter 
Scott is enshrined most deeply in the hearts of the Scottish 
people, as the one who has done so much to invest their his 
tory with such intense interest by his wondrous writings. 
They regard him as holding a place second only to Shake 
speare. Many of the scenes of his works are laid in Edin 
burgh, which he calls ' mine own romantic town,' and here 
he was born and educated. The monument is a worthy one 
to his memory. It is a Gothic structure of stone rising two 
hundred feet high. It is open below, and in the centre of its 
Gothic arch is the beautiful statue of Sir Walter, in white 
marble. The figure is larger than life, and is in a sitting 
posture, holding a manuscript in one hand and a pen in the 



1 66 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



other ; his favorite dog, so constantly his companion in life, 
is sculptured by his side, looking up into his master's face. 
The likeness of both is said to be excellent. The monument 
was begun in 1840, and cost $75,000. 

" From this point the view around you on every side is 
very beautiful. Princes Street, the chief street in Edinburgh, 
is opposite, and before you the beautiful public gardens, 
once a rocky ravine running through the very heart of the 
city, but now one of its chief ornaments. Looking around 
you see Calton Hill, with the monuments to Lord Nelson 
and Dugald Stewart ; St. Andrew's Square, with Lord Mel 
ville's monument ; and before you rises the ' Old Town ' with 
its quaint houses, two or three hundred years old, crowned 
by the grand old castle towering above everything else. 

" After gazing upon this scene, I went into the Royal In 
stitution near by, an imposing Grecian building, containing 
the Scottish Antiquarian Museum. This, as you may sup 
pose from the name, is a place of great interest, and I found 
it crowded with curious relics of the past. I passed through 
it hastily, as I intend visiting it more leisurely with mamma. 
I saw the pulpit from which John Knox preached, and which 
formerly stood in the old St. Giles's Church ; also the first 
Bible printed in Edinburgh in 1579, and a flag of the Cove 
nanters, with many relics of Scottish history. Besides these 
I was very deeply interested in several mummies taken from 
a tomb in Egypt, and presented by the finder himself to this 
museum. They are just as the bodies were deposited in the 
tomb, with the wrappings partly removed, and had lain thus 
three thousand years ! In one case were the mummified 
bodies of two children ; the wrappings had been removed 
from one, leaving the body seen, discolored but with the 
outline perfect. I saw also the mummies of cats and birds. 

"After this I visited the hall where the Free Church 
Assembly was in session, and remained a few minutes. 

" Coming back I found mamma ready to go out, and we 



FIRS!" VISIT TO EUROPE. l6/ 

took a cab and drove to the Scott monument and several 
other places of 'interest, and returned by the castle. 

" After dinner I went to call on the Bishop of Edinburgh, 
Dr. Terrot, and found him very feeble and suffering from the 
effects of a stroke of paralysis. He spoke to me of Bishop 
Meade, and remembered well his visit to England. 

' Then, by special invitation from Sir James Simpson, I 
dined again at his house to meet two Scotch clergymen, one 
of them from the Highlands. We had a very pleasant dinner ; 
the whole conversation turned upon religious topics alone. 

" At 8.30 o'clock we went to the ' Carubber's Close 
Mission,' a mission in behalf of the neglected classes in the 
' closes ' and ' wynds ' of the city a work in which Sir 
James Simpson feels a deep interest. At their earnest re 
quest I addressed the meeting. 

" Friday, August 15. Mamma felt more comfortable 
this morning, and I went out for a stroll. I went first to the 
Ragged Schools founded by Dr. Guthrie, as I felt a good 
deal of interest to see the working of them. The one 1 visited 
is called the Original Ragged School, being the first founded 
in Edinburgh. It has three departments, a boys', girls', and 
an infant class, and numbers in all about two hundred and 
seventy children. They come from the very lowest and most 
degraded classes of society, which in European cities are even 
below those with us. 

" I went through the dormitories, eating- rooms, and 
bathing-rooms. On arriving in the morning each child takes 
off his or her clothing, deposits it in a bag, washes and bathes 
the whole body, and puts on a suit of clothes furnished by 
the institution. They make all their own clothes and shoes, 
and also paper boxes for sale, being taught by workmen. 
Over one hundred of the children live all the time in the insti 
tution, having no other home. It' is a noble chanty, and costs 
about $10,000 a year to support it. The school is situated in 
Ramsay's Lane, called after the poet Ramsay, who lived 



1 68 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

there, and leads into the Lawn Market, into which I turned. 
This is the place where stood the old Tolbooth, or ' Heart of 
Mid-Lothian,' a jail of the city in the olden time, and ren 
dered so interesting by Sir Walter Scott's novel, ' The Heart 
of Mid-Lothian,' which we are now reading. Passing down 
Lawn Market, I came to the High Kirk, or Cathedral of St. 
Giles, once a Romish cathedral, and containing forty altars ! 
It is several centuries old. Here occurred the famous scene 
of Jenny Geddes throwing the stool at the head of the dean 
in 1637, when Charles I. attempted to introduce the Lit 
urgy of the Church of England into the Scotch Church. 
Grandpapa will tell you all about it. The cathedral now 
includes three churches belonging to the Kirk of Scotland, 
and one of them, the oldest, is the church where John Knox 
preached twelve years, and he is buried beneath the pavement, 
with nothing to mark the spot but one red brick among the 
paving-stones ! 

' The High Street of Edinburgh begins at St. Giles's, and 
I walked down it to John Knox's house, which stands at the 
beginning of the Canongate. 

'The house is a very quaint old building of stone, 
erected in 1490 two years before Columbus discovered America 
and was set apart for his residence by the authorities in 
1559, soon after the Reformation. Just above the ground- 
floor, or first story, which is low, is an inscription in 
Roman letters, thus : LVFE. GOD. ABOVE. AL. AND. 
YOVR. NICHTBOVR. AS. YI. SELF.; that is, 'Love 
God above all, and your neighbor as yourself. ' There is also 
an antique sculpture in front representing Moses at the burn 
ing bush. I did not go into the house to examine its curiosi 
ties, but left this for another day. 

" I will close my letter now. .Give our love to all the dear 
ones at the cottage. 

" Your own loving father, GEO. D. CUMMINS." 



FIXST VISIT TO EUROPE. 169 

" EDINBURGH, Saturday Evening, August 16, 1862. 

" MY DARLING CHILDREN : This afternoon I left mamma 
for a little while, and took a walk in the ' Old Town. ' The 
streets were almost filled with people : this seems to be a cus 
tom with the people of the lower classes, and perhaps it is 
caused by their living in such narrow ' closes, ' or ' wynds ' as 
they are also called. You enter by a narrow archway, and this 
opens into a court, where the houses run up from five to ten 
stories high, occupied to the very top, sometimes not ten feet 
apart. This is, as I have said before, the old part of the city, 
which was once surrounded by walls, and the people were re 
quired to build within the walls ; hence these ' closes ' and 
tall houses. The Canongate was the residence of the nobility, 
and the Scottish Court was held in Holyrood Palace, which 
is situated at the foot of the Canongate Street. I saw a num 
ber of the houses where the nobles lived hundreds of years 
ago, and the old Canongate jail and church. In my walk 
I passed in front of the Palace and Abbey, and up the hill to 
Burns' s monument. 

" Sunday, August 17. This is, for a wonder, a bright, 
beautiful day. I declined Dean Ramsay's invitation to preach 
again in St. John's Church, and stayed with momma. At 6.30 
P.M. I went to speak at a great meeting in the assembly hall 
of the Free Church of Scotland. For two years past a very 
remarkable revival has been in progress in Scotland, and ser 
vices have been held similar to the union prayer-meetings 
in our country. Since they began, Sir James Simpson has 
become an earnest Christian, and his heart is full of the 
work. Notwithstanding his intense absorption in his profes 
sional duties, and the number of his patients, he goes to 
these meetings and takes a prominent part in them. 

" The meetings on Sunday evenings, composed of all 
denominations, are held in a beautiful hall capable of holding 
three thousand persons, and on this evening was crowded to 
its utmost capacity. Sir James Simpson presided, and 



I7O GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

opened the meeting by an address of nearly half an hour. 
He was followed by Captain Mackenzie, of the Royal Navy, 
and then I spoke. The meeting was one of great interest, 
and I hope a blessing to the souls of many. Sir James intro 
duced me as coming from the United States, and all Ameri 
cans now attract attention, as the people here take a very 
deep interest jn the troubles in our country. 

"Monday, August 18. To-day is another bright day, 
which is something to be recorded in this country. Mamma 
is better, and I walked to Calton Hill. This hill is about 
four hundred feet high, and stands at the end of Princes 
Street, in the eastern portion of the city. On its top are 
monuments to Nelson, Dugald Stewart, and to Playfair, the 
mathematician. From this hill is beheld one of the most 
beautiful views I ever looked upon : the city on one side, 
with the grand old castle rising in the centre, and its gardens 
and monuments and public buildings ; and back of you Salis 
bury Crags, with Arthur's Seat rising boldly and abruptly, 
with Holyrood Palace at their base, while on the other side 
you see the Frith of Forth, and the hills in the County of 
Fife beyond. 

" Tuesday, August 19. To-day I visited the National 
Gallery of Painting and spent two hours there. There I saw 
a number of portraits of Mary Queen of Scots and other 
famous people." 

" EDINBURGH, September 5, 1862. 

". MY PRECIOUS CHILDREN : I wrote by the last steamer 
to dear grandmamma, telling her how ill mamma has been. She 
is now better, and my heart is filled with thankfulness to God 
for his great goodness towards her. Mamma's illness will, 
however, compel us to change our plans. Instead of going 
to Germany, up the Rhine to Switzerland, and from thence 
to Paris, we will go (D. V.) about October ist to Paris, leaving 
London to the last. We received a letter yesterday from 
your uncle T inviting us to stay with them in Paris, 



FIRST VISIT TO EUROPE. I/I 

which we hope to do. They are still at the sea-side, near 
Cherbourg, at a place called Leon-sur-Mer, and will return to 
Paris the ist October. 

" We expect to sail on the 2 ad of October, probably in 
the City of Baltimore, a fast steamer, and our hope is to reach 
New York by November 3d, and go as soon as possible to 
Virginia for you. 

' ' Our hearts have been filled with sadness this morning 
in reading of the second battle of Bull Run on the 2pth 
August, and of the fearful loss of life. Away from our native 
land, we can see more vividly than ever the misery of this 
fearful war, and can only pray to God to put an end to it by 
his merciful providence. 

" We have been sorely disappointed in not receiving 
letters from you. Ho\v thankful we are that the recent battles 
have been so far away from Jefferson County ! 

" As mamma improves I hope to make short excursions to 
Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford, to Roslyn, and to the High 
lands. 

" Our prayers are constantly offered for you. May God 
keep you in safety, and restore us to you in his own good 
time ! Love to all. 

" Your loving father, GEO. D. CUMMINS." 

The following letter was written to his sister 
Surah : 

" EDINBURGH, September 19, 1862. 

" MY DEAREST SISTER : Our accounts from home are so 
terrible and distressing that it is pleasant to hear from one of 
our loved relatives who are not surrounded by the horrors 
of war. Our latest news is that Jackson is really in Mary 
land ! This has cut off our communication with the chil 
dren, as the Confederate army will prevent all trains passing 
on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 

" You will be surprised to receive another letter from 



172 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Edinburgh, but we are detained here by E 's illness, and 

shall have to remain some time longer. Of course all our 
plans have been changed, and we have abandoned the hope 
of making anything like a tour on the Continent. Our utmost 

hope now is that E may regain her strength in time to 

allow us to make a visit of a week or ten days to her brother 
in Paris before returning home. 

" We expect to sail from Liverpool on the 22d or the 
29th of October. We must try to be patient, however, and 
await the will of our heavenly Father. 

" Our long sojourn in Edinburgh has made me very fa 
miliar with this most interesting city. Since E began to 

improve I have made two excursions, and hope to make others. 

' ' On Wednesday I took the train to Hawthornden, about 
seven miles from town, a beautiful spot, once the home of the 
poet Drummond, the friend of Shakespeare. It is a place of 
rare loveliness on the banks of the little river Esk, which 
runs through banks a hundred feet high, wooded to the top 
with beautiful shrubbery. Along the margin cf this stream I 
walked for a mile on a narrow path, until I came to Roslyn 
Castle and Chapel. The castle is partly in ruins, and is of 
very great age, and the ponderous stones and walls speak 
of centuries ' long ago. ' 

" The chapel is, however, the place of chief interest. It 
is a Gothic building very richly carved within and without, 
and was built in 1446, was defaced by a mob from Edin 
burgh at the time of the Revolution in 1688, and restored in 
the next century. 

" I rode back to Edinburgh in the afternoon on the top 
of the stage-coach, and enjoyed the scenery very much. 
Yesterday (Thursday) I rode out to Dalkeith Park, one of 
the residences o f the Duke of Buccleuch, one of the richest 
noblemen in the kingdom. This family is directly descended 
from the famous Duke of Monmouth who was executed for 
conspiring against his uncle James II. of England, and 



FIXST VISIT TO EUROPE. 173 

whose story Macaulay tells so graphically. The park in 
cludes 1 200 acres of beautiful groves and walks, with twenty- 
five acres appropriated to gardens. I went first to the palace, 
which is full of valuable portraits of the most famous 
characters in English history, by such artists, as Van Dyke, 
Reynolds, Sir G. Kneller, and others. Among them are 
portraits of James I., Charles II., Mary Queen of Scots, 
Lady Arabella Stuart, William and Mary of Orange when 
children, Claverhouse, and the Duke of Alva, besides land 
scapes by Claude Lorraine, pictures by Rubens, Salvator 
Rosa, and others. There is a clock which belonged to Louis 
XIV., a candelabra of Napoleon I., and a mirror of the 
Duke of Monmouth, with a tortoise-shell frame. Three times 
this palace has been the temporary abode of the monarch, 
Charles II. in 1633, George IV. in 1822, and the Queen 
and Prince Albert in 1842. I was shown the bedroom and 
dressing-room occupied by the latter, which are kept as they 
were when occupied. The mattress and pillow-covers are of 
white satin. Our republican extravagance has not yet reached 
this height ! 

" From the palace I went to the gardens, which are not 
shown to strangers. As I before said, they occupy twenty- 
five acres, and are very wonderful. The flowers are chiefly 
in borders, two and three hundred feet long ; there are twenty 
hot-houses of immense size : one for peaches, 211 feet long ; 
one for apricots, same length ; nine for grapes ; one for pine 
apples, 200 feet long ; then one house alone for geraniums, 
one for fuchsias, one for the various varieties of heath, and 
several for tropical plants. And yet this is but one of the 
duke's residences, his chief one being Drumlanrig Castle, 
farther south in Scotland, besides others and a palace in 
London. 

" Saturday Morning, Sept. 20. I have kept my letter 
open that I might see if the Cunard steamer, now due, brought 



174 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

any important news from, home, but there is no account of 
her arrival in the papers. 

" We know, however, that Jackson is at Frederick City, 
Maryland, with a large army, and of course this cuts off all 
communication between Baltimore and Virginia. I wish you 

to write to Mr. S , and ask if there is any way left to get 

a letter to the children. Ask him to reply to you, and if so, 
you can send this letter to them. E is improving, I trust. 

" We hope to leave Edinburgh about the 4th October, 
and go on to Paris, leaving ourselves ten or twelve days in 
London. 

" May our merciful heavenly Father preserve us all in 

safety to meet again in our own home ! E joins me in 

love. 

" Your loving brother, GEO. D. CUMMINS." 

Dr. Cummins was obliged to abandon the hope of 
visiting Paris. or London. His wife did not regain her 
strength, and after waiting in Edinburgh as long as 
possible, they sailed for the United States the middle 
of November. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

RETURN HOME. 

" I am with you alway. " 

" They cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered 
them out of their distresses." PSALM 107 : 6. 

AGED 40. 

IN returning to this country, in the City of Wash 
ington, Dr. Cummins encountered a fearful 
storm. The steamer was sixteen days making the 
passage. The captain was one of the most experi 
enced commanders, having been nineteen years on 
the route between New York and Liverpool. 

The terror of the passengers was fearful to wit 
ness. The screams of the women and children and 
the fear and despair of the men, the shrieks of the 
wind through the bare spars and rigging of the ves 
sel, the loud notes of the captain's trumpet as he gave 
orders which could be heard above the noise of the 
fierce blast by the faithful sailors, the crash of a 
broken mast, or the rush of water over the sides, 
breaking away the bulwarks, continued day after day 
and night after night, and were terrible to hear and 
bear. The only light was in the stateroom of Dr, 
Cummins, who was allowed one that he might ad 
minister medicine to his wife. The night and day 
were almost alike, for the fury of the storm was such 
as to darken completely the port-holes, so that a can- 



176 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS 

<ile was needed from .three o'clock in the afternoon 
to nine o'clock the next day. Dr. Cummins was re 
quested to hold services for those on board. The 
rolling of the vessel was so great that even the prac 
tised seamen could not walk at all steadily, indeed 
could scarcely keep their feet. The service held in 
the main cabin was a most solemn one. A little table 
was bound with cords to one of the pillars of the sa 
loon ; on this were firmly tied two candlesticks with 
burning candles in them, and by their side lay a Bible 
and Prayer-Book. The clergyman was obliged to sit 
on a chair, which was also lashed to the pillar. 
Around him, as close as they could get, sat, on the 
floor of the cabin, the women and children, while 
around the room and at the door stood or crouched 
as well as they could the men. Moans from one and 
another broke the hush that was over that little assem 
blage. The comforting and helping service for a 
storm at sea in the Protestant Episcopal Prayer-Book 
was read with deep feeling, and a hymn was sung, 
which was followed by a few sentences of encourage 
ment, and the minister and his hearers dispersed. 
They were of all creeds Roman Catholics, Protes 
tants, and Jews yet in this time of awful peril they 
gathered together to pray to the one God for protec 
tion. 

The scenes that took place on board that ship 
were rarely strange. Night after night the quiet of 
the sick-room was interrupted by poor weak women 
coming to the minister to " save them" or to " pray 
for them." In the soft tongue of their loved France, 
or in the harsher tones of our mother-country, they 
threw themselves on their knees and besought the 



RETURN HOME. 



minister's help. Earnestly and* often he prayed with 
those who had no Rock on which to lean in that hour 
of peril, and constantly did he in many ways comfort 
and sustain the timid. And so the storm wore itself 
out. Its fury spent itself. A storm long to be re 
membered by all on board. The captain told Dr. 
Cummins that " he thought his ship must go down 
every moment, and no life-boat could live for a minute 
in such a sea." For four days and nights he had 
himself lashed to the mainmast, that he might give his 
orders to the faithful, gallant crew. Here he was fed 
and stimulated that his strength might not fail. After 
the fury of the tempest had spent itself he gave the 
ship up to the command of the second officer, and 
was taken to the hospital blind and lame and other 
wise injured by exposure ! 

When the ship rode once more on smooth waters, 
a thanksgiving service was held on board. What a 
contrast to the first ! And yet when the gallant ves 
sel rode into the harbor, the gayest laugh and merri 
est jokes came from the lips of the thoughtless opera 
troupe, who in the hour of dire distress vowed un 
wavering fealty to that God who holds the waters in 
the hollow of his hand ! 

During all these sad months of separation from his 
children, Dr. Cummins had failed to receive letters 
from home. Almost immediately after he arrived in 
England, Stonewall Jackson again broke up the Balti 
more and Ohio Railroad, so that no communication 
could be had with Baltimore, and thus no letters 
could reach the steamers. When, therefore, he set 
foot once more on his native shores, his heart was 
filled with sad forebodings. Yet very earnestly did 



I 78 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

he try to cast all his care upon God. The invalid wife 
was tenderly placed in a special car, through the lov 
ing: care of a dear friend and an official of the road. 

O 

and in all the comfort of their own home was con 
veyed to Baltimore. But no children's voices greeted 
them ! No word had reached them of their welfare 
since August. They only learned that General Lee 
had retreated from Jefferson County, and had gone to 
Richmond. Sad were the days and nights spent by 
Dr. Cummins. He had no heart even for his work 
when the fate of his children was unknown. Through 
the great kindness of the same dear friend who had 
sent on his own car to Jersey City for them, he was 
enabled very silently and secretly to go at night to 
Harper's Ferry, where one of the best soldiers of the 
army of the United States had command. Arrange 
ments were made very quietly by which the anxious 
father could reach his father-in-law's home, about four 
teen miles distant, under a flag of truce. After passing 
the Federal lines, however, Dr. Cummins was exposed 
to great danger from the Confederate pickets, as it 
was still night and very dark. Several times during 
that memorable ride did he hear the click of the sen 
try's rifle when he could not give the password. 
But in two instances he was recognized by his 
voice by those who had heard him preach years 
before ! Thus did God watch over and keep his 
servant ! At the break of day he rode up on horse 
back to Judge Balch's house, and with* feelings too 
great for words he entered. Entered to find his Be 
loved ones all safe. We have heard him speak of 
that moment with such deep emotion as almost to pre 
vent utterance. His first act was to gather the 



RETURN HOME. 179 



family together and return fervent thanks to God for 
his goodness to them all. The mystery was then ex 
plained. Letters had been written regularly, but there 
had been no mails, and they were returned to them or 
lost. The last that had been sent were in a vessel 
which passed the City of Washington on her way 
home ! 

The next morning, at an early hour, the little ones 
were taken in an ambulance to Harper's Ferry, and 
there received by the dear friend who had waited all 
night in his car for them. Their journey to Baltimore 
was safely accomplished, and the weary invalid was 
blessed by the sight of her children after nearly five 
months' separation. It was a joyful and thankful 
household which assembled that night in the sick 
room to give thanks unto the Lord. 

The next summer Dr. Cummins and his family were 
at Easthampton, Long Island, and there the children 
had a pleasant interview with the kind general who 
had remembered ' ' he was a father too, ' ' and had sent 
a flag of truce to escort the anxious father to the 
Confederate lines. As the youngest child sat upon 
his knee, and the two elder on each side, the general 
questioned them merrily about their residence in 
" Dixie," and the children enjoyed greatly the bright 
conversation, and were sorry to have it end. They 
left Easthampton the next day. The sea voyage and 
rest from all excitement and labor, as well as the 
great pleasure Dr. Cummins had had in seeing so 
much that was novel and interesting in the " old 
country," brought back the needed strength, and he 
was able to take up once more the heavy duties of 
his parish. 



180 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

With a very grateful heart he went through the 
labors of the winter of 1862-3 with only the aid of a 
reader. He was strengthened and cheered by the in 
gathering of that season. It was remembered by 
many as the beginning of the " new life" within their 
hearts. The confirmation-classes were unusually 
large. The Bible-class increased in numbers, and the 
interest of its members grew. The Sunday-schools 
gave evidence of great vitality, and the weekly lec 
tures were fully attended, even by those belonging to 
other churches. We have freq-uently met with per 
sons who spoke of those lectures as being most pre 
cious to their souls, and how greatly they had been 
missed. 



I 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. 

" Just as God leads me, I would go ; 

I would not ask to choose my way ; 
Content with what he will bestow, 

Assured he will not let me stray. 
So as he leads, my path I make, 
And step by step I gladly take, 

A child in him confiding." LAMPERTUS, 1735. 

AGED 40. 

N December, 1862, Dr. Cummins received the fol 
lowing letter : 



" SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., December 4, 1862. 

"REVEREND AND DEAR SIR : I wish as briefly as possible 
to make a statement to which I beg your serious consideration. 
It is one which has involved in it, to a great degree, the 
future character of the Church on the Pacific. 

' ' The congregation of Grace Church has recently erected 
one of the finest church edifices in the country. The idea is 
to have this the cathedral church of the 'diocese ' Grace 
Cathedral " and to be forever the home of the bishop when 
in town. This is to make it the head-quarters of the diocese, 
and the leading parish on the Pacific. I, of course, cannot 
pretend to have the responsibility of any charge over it, as 
my duties and the length of my absences from town must be 
increasing every year. My connection with it is to be a 
nominal one to give it a cathedral character. It is intended 
to elect a dean of the cathedral, who will be de facto rector 



1 82 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

and have the entire parochial charge, leaving my interest in 
it merely such participation in the public services, when in 
town, as he and I may arrange between us. 

" I regard this as the most important position in this coun 
try. An empire is growing up, and in a few years San Fran 
cisco will be the rival of New York. The Pacific Railroad will 
be built, and then, with a line of steamers to China and Japan, 
the whole commerce of the East must flow through this port. 
And yet we have never been able to have here a man of first- 
rate ability in our Church. The Presbyterians and Meth 
odists are represented by their ablest men, while we are con 
demned to the merest mediocrity ; and now we are forming 
the character of the Church for the next century. Grace 
Church is to give a tone not only to the Church in this city, 
but on the whole Pacific coast. The building up of Grace 
Cathedral by the right kind of man would infuse life and en 
ergy into the whole Pacific Church. 

" The question I wish to put is, whether you would take the 
place ? I have proposed it individually to most of the vestry, 
and it has met with their hearty concurrence. As to our unity of 
feeling and purpose, I believe that in ' striving together' for 
the Gospel there would be no difference on any important 
point. In all that is evangelical (Tn the true sense of the 
word) I should be as anxious as yourself. Party divisions 
have never yet been introduced into this diocese, and it is my 
object to keep them out. I feel that any one coming here 
and taking this place will be doing a work for the Church 
which can be opened for him nowhere else ; but as yet we 
have had no one to do this work, never power enough in the 
pulpit to arrest the attention of these people. A nobler field 
could not be found for any one to inculcate the Gospel upon 
their active minds. With regard to yourself, I would say 
that I have no doubt you are doing much good where you are, 
but it would be better to be one of those who are to decide 
the character of the Church for the next century in this rising 



CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. 183 

empire. Will you telegraph me your answer ? I trust it will 
be favorable. 

' Trusting that the Spirit from on High will lead you 
to decide for the best interests of our holy faith, 
" I remain yours faithfully, 

" WILLIAM INGRAHAM KIP, 

"Bishop of California. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

A second letter from Bishop Kip, dated December 
8th, 1862, reached Dr. Cummins soon after the first. 
In it the bishop explains more fully his own position 
in connection with Grace Church. He writes : 

' The object of my continued connection with the church 
is merely to give it the character of a cathedral church. The 
building is constructed expressly for this object, having in the 
inner chancel on one side a canopied seat for the bishop, 
and on the other side a canopied seat for the dean. In the 
outer chancel are stalls for ten clergy. My connection with 
it would be, as I remarked in my former letter, nominal, and 
consist in this : that this would be the place where I have my 
ecclesiastical home, and be found at service when not em 
ployed elsewhere. My participation in the services would be 
merely that which, according to the custom of the diocese, 
I always take when present in any church at morning service 
to read the Ante-Communion Service (except the epistle) and 
give the benediction. The pulpit would be under your con 
trol entirely. As to parochial matters, they are to be entirely 
under the control of the dean." 

This second letter of Bishop Kip was followed 
by one from Mr. Louis McLane, of the firm of Wells, 
Fargo & Co., San Francisco. It is dated 



184 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" December g, 1862. 
' ' Rev. George D, Cummins : 

" MY DEAR SIR : Bishop Kip has read me his two letters 
to you, asking you to come here and take charge of Grace 
Church and parish, and explanatory of the position he desires 
to occupy towards you as rector. His first letter was writ 
ten after a full and frank conference between us, I promising 
to write and urge on you the acceptance of the call. I con 
sider this as the greatest field in the United States for a true 
churchman, a minister of Jesus Christ with the necessary 
talent and will to hold his own. You have both qualities, and 
can do more good for the Episcopal Church here in two or 
three years than you can do in any other place. You can 
build up the strongest parish in the State, both as to numbers 
and good works. I will work with you shoulder to shoulder. 

I will write to my brother A to make you as comfortable 

as possible aboard the steamer. The climate here is delight 
ful and certainly healthy. Do not decline our call without 
long consideration. The invitation will leave you free to do 
as you may wish, either to remain for years or leave after six 
months. 

" Yours sincerely and with respect, 

" LOUIS McLANE." 

A letter from Mr. McLane, dated December 2oth, 
1862, is short, and relates chiefly to the promise of 
most generous aid and thoughtful care on the part 
of a truly large-hearted man. The letter ends with 
the sentence : "' I sincerely hope you have decided 
to come here before you receive this." A letter from 
Bishop Kip, dated San Francisco, February 2ist, 1863, 
was received by Dr. Cummins soon after. The bish 
op writes : 

" REVEREND AND DEAR SIR : I have seen Mr. McLane this 
morning for the first time since receiving your letter. 



CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. 185 

" You do not overrate the importance of this position. I 
do not know one in the Church which could exert so wide 
and permanent an influence to the whole diocese. I should 
very much like, if you could come out, to have you do so by 
June, that I may begin my visitations. The vestry framed 
a resolution leaving the whole matter to me, with power to 
make such arrangements with you as I chose. If you will 
telegraph me that you will accept you may consider the call 
offered you I will summon the vestry and have you for 
mally elected ''Rector of Grace Parish,' with the title of 
' Dean of Grace Cathedral.' Please telegraph me. as soon 
as convenient, and let us know when you will come, if you 
decide in our favor, and I will then forward the formal call. 
" Believe me yours very truly, 

" WM. INGRAHAM KIP." 

This was followed by one of the same date from 
Dr. Cummins's friend, Mr. McLane : 

" MY DEAR MR. CUMMINS : Your letter of the 8th reached 
here during my absence from the city. The bishop called this 
morning to say that he had laid your letter before the vestry 
of Grace Church, and that they had authorized him to urge 
your acceptance of the rectorship with the title of Dean. 
The climate is bracing the year round, the nights are always 
cool. I sincerely trust you will try its effects upon you, if 
only for a year. You can come on your own terms as to 
time, and I entreat you to come and stir us up. 

" With esteem and regard, believe me your sincere friend, 

" LOUIS MCLANE." 

A letter from Rev. J. L. C , bearing date 

Waterbury, Conn., March 2ist, 1863, was received 
by Dr. Cummins some time after the above was 
written. We quote from it : 



1 86 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" I have a brother and a nephew living in San Francisco, 
the latter in a banking house there. He is a member of 
Grace Church. I have two letters to-day from him urging 
me to go on to Baltimore to see you, and read to you his let 
ters. He earnestly hopes you will not decline the call. He 
says he never knew such united and anxious feeling in a 
parish for any man to become their pastor as pervades Grace 
Church. 

' ' Yours most sincerely and respectfully in the best of 
bonds, J. L. C . " 

Another letter from the same clergyman, and one 
from a presbyter of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in New York who has since become widely known 
by reason of certain predictions concerning that 
church, were received by Dr. Cummins, and were, 
with those from which we have quoted, the chief in 
formation upon which he acted in deciding so impor 
tant a question. 

His answer, after very earnest consideration of the 
call, was that he could not see it to be his duty to 
leave his present field of labor, where God had so 
abundantly blessed him, for another, however attrac 
tive that might be. 

The spring of 1863 found him as hopefully and 
faithfully at work as though the moans of the 
wounded and dying and the cries of the widowed and 
fatherless were not heard throughout this highly -fa 
vored country. With the innate horror of war which 
he ever felt, it was to be expected that the pastor of a 
congregation such as St. Peter's where some sons 
and brothers and fathers were fighting for the govern 
ment and some for the South would feel not only 
the deepest sympathy for the relatives of these sol- 



CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. l8/ 



diers, but would suffer intense anxiety day by day in 
waiting for news of the members of his flock, some of 
whom had been brought to Jesus by his preaching. 

This constant and severe strain upon his nervous 
system showed its effects in May, 1863, when his phy 
sicians told him frankly that unless he removed at 
once to a more bracing climate he would be wholly 
unfitted for his work. 

Here his faith and trust in God were fully tested. 
In the midst of work such as he was accomplishing 
in St. Peter's, to either be laid aside altogether or 
have to remove to another field was a sorrow to this 
servant of God too deep for words, but with all his 
loving resting on Jesus, he said, " As Thou wilt." 



CHAPTER XX. 

ANOTHER HOME. 

" Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 

i COR. 4 : 2. 
AGED 41. 

JUST at this crisis the following letter was re 
ceived : 

CHICAGO, May 16, 1863. 

" Copy of resolutions passed by the vestry of Trinity 
Church, Chicago, May i6th, 1863, touching the call of Rev. 
Dr. Cummins : 

"Resolved, That the Rev. George D. Cummins, D.D., be 
invited to become the rector of Trinity Church, Chicago. 

"Resolved, That J. L. Reynolds, L. P. Hiliard, and John 
Wright be a committee to communicate the foregoing resolu 
tion to Dr. Cummins, and urge his acceptance of the invita 
tion ; and that said committee be requested, if practicable, to 
visit Baltimore, and in person communicate with Dr. Cum 
mins. Otherwise by correspondence. And if Dr. Cummins 
prefer to visit Chicago before deciding, that his expenses shall 
be paid, etc. 

" Adopted unanimously. H. E. SARGENT, 

" Secretary." 

A committee visited Baltimore and had a long 
interview with Dr. Cummins at his home on Madison 
Avenue. 

This question seemed one of easy solution. There 



ANOTP1ER HOME. 189 



was not much left for him to do. His physicians had 
decided the matter for him. He felt that they were 
right ; but it was a sad trial to him and his wife to 
break up their home again and go to an untried field. 
Still they recognized the hand of the Lord "in this, 
and without a murmur submitted. To bid adieu to 
the dear friends with whom he had labored all these 
years friends who in many ways had wound them 
selves around his heart, to whom he had so faithfully 
and lovingly ministered during a time of deep anxiety 
and fear to all was a trial too deep for words to one 
so loving. He shrank from it with a keen sense of 
all that it cost him. Their home, too, was so attrac 
tive, and around it hung many tender associations. 
But the question admitted of no debate, and, after 
some weeks, Dr. Cummins decided to accept the call. 
The call came in May, but it was not until after 
midsummer that the matter was finally decided. This 
interval was passed in a visit to Chicago, that Dr. 
Cummins might learn .more fully of the new field ; 
and in resting from all labor, in New York and East- 
hampton, Long Island. The first letter we have of 
Dr. Cummins written at this time is dated Niagara 
Falls, June 24th, 1863, when on his way to Chicago, 
having left his family in New York : 

" I left you at 7 o'clock yesterday morning. I enjoyed 
very much the ride on the Hudson River Railroad. Almost 
immediately we came to the Palisades, and these extended for 
miles. I noticed that the solid rocks forming them were in 
some places crumbling, and thought of the Psalmist's expres 
sion, ' These all shall wax old, as doth a garment, and as a 
vesture shall be changed, but Thou art the same.' Soon 
we reached the region of Sleepy Hollow, where Ichabod 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



Crane flourished, then by Tarrytown, associated with Andre 
and his sad fate. Not far from this the Highlands came in 
view, more beautiful than ever to me, and I passed by 'West 
Point, Fort Putnam, Kosciusko's monument, and C 's 
Hotel where we passed a part of the summer, of 1855. Then 
Newburg came in sight and Fishkill Landing, and I thought 
of Rev. Mr. C -- and your dear sister, now in glory of 
their home there and here ! The next object of interest 
were the Catskill Mountains, rising in great beauty and even 
grandeur, not unlike the mountains around Loch Katrine and 
Loch Lomond. At 11.45 we reached Albany, not five hours 
travelling one hundred and fifty miles. We reached Niagara 
at 10.30, having travelled four hundred and fifty miles since 7 
o'clock this morning, in fifteen hours. My room overlooks 
the Rapids on the American side, where the river makes its 
mighty leap, and I went to sleep with the sound of the cataract 
in my ears. I was, of course, weary with so long a journey, 
but am rested this morning, and am writing to you before 
going out to view the great works of God. " 

Later he writes : 

" I passed the morning on Goat Island, enjoying the 
different views of the Falls, and wishing all my loved ones 
were with me. The mighty waters are still rolling on as ever, 
unchanged, perhaps, since creation, and undiminished in vol 
ume. I repeated to myself Milton's lines : 

" ' These are thy glorious works, 
Parent of Good ; thyself ho\v wondrous then !' " 

Dr. Cummins reached Chicago June 26th, and was 
received with great kindness by the vestry and con 
gregation of Trinity Church. He describes the 
church as exceedingly beautiful when lighted up. 
Chicago reminded him of a European city. Of Trin 
ity Church he writes : 



ANOTHER HOME. 



" The front is of stone and very imposing, the sides of 
brick, with no windows, like Christ Church, New York, and 
is lighted from above. The interior is beautiful ; the pews 
are of oak, the chancel semicircular, with stained-glass win 
dows. The church is very large, but easy to speak in, though 
it has galleries. Sunday morning at 10.30 we had service. 

Mr. G and Dr. H read the service and I preached. 

The congregation was very large. ' ' 

Then follows a full description of how he passed 
the time while in Chicago, the people he met, and his 
impressions of that grand city. In concluding the 
letter he says : " I have promised my friends in Balti 
more that I would not decide the question until I re 
turned. It is a momentous question. May our hea 
venly Father in his great goodness lead me to decide 
aright !" He speaks of the beautiful lake, and of Wa- 
bash and Michigan avenues, and also of the great 
kindness of the people. 

In a letter dated June 2gth he writes : 

" Let us be unceasing in prayer to God for His guidance. 
I never felt more anxious to do right. I am willing to sacrifice 
anything to follow his will. I do not wish to leave my 
present home if by God's blessing I could go on with my 
work ; nor can I tell how a residence here might affect your 
health." 

Under date of July ist, at Niagara Falls, he writes : 

" On Monday, after closing my letter to you, Mr. C , 

Mr. H , and Mr. S called for me in an open carriage 

to drive. We went first to see the process of raising a block 
of brick buildings, for which the people in Chicago have be 
come so famous. These buildings were owned by Mr. H , 



I9 2 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

and are five stories high and eighty feet long, and I saw 
them in the process of being raised several feet from the 
foundation, and all the occupants pursuing their avocations 
undisturbed ! One whole block in the city, including the 
Tremont House, a first class hotel, was thus raised, and 
everything went on as usual in the buildings, and not a piece 
of plaster was cracked ! We next drove to the City Water 
Works. The water is pumped up from Lake Michigan into 
a high tower by steam-engines. Then we went to see one of 
those immense grain-elevators where grain is carried up and 
down again into the boats by steam power. Some of them 
hold over one million bushels of grain. Yesterday, June 3cth, 
I left Chicago. Mr. R , Mr. C , and Mr. S ac 
companied me to the cars, and expressed very earnest hopes 
that I would accept their invitation. I promised to give it 
most earnest and prayerful consideration, and send them an 
answer at the earliest day possible. They will wait until 
October ist for me to begin my work in Trinity. I am 
writing now from the Clifton House on the Canada side of 
the Falls. The view is incomparably superior to that from 
the American side. While sitting on the piazza of the hotel 
the sun rose, and the rays falling on the Falls made a column 
of rainbow rising upright from the waters." 

Dr. Cummins had scarcely reached New York 
before the fearful riots began. He had taken lodgings 
for himself and family in Thirty-eighth Street, near 
Madison Avenue, and there they witnessed many 
terrible scenes the burning of the Colored Orphan 
Asylum, and the procession going to attack the United 
States Arsenal. Day after day and night after night 
they heard the wild shouts and howls of what no 
longer seemed to be human beings made after the 
image of God, but a number of wild beasts fresh from 
the jungles of India thirsting for blood. 



ANOTHER HOME. 193 



Finding it no longer possible to remain in the city 
with any comfort, they removed to Easthampton, 
Long Island. Their drive to the steamer was a mem 
orable one. The stores on Broadway were closed ; 
the streets deserted ; no vehicle to be seen for 
squares ; it was as though a fearful plague had driven 
every one from their homes, except those who were too 
ill to leave their beds. Every few minutes the firing 
was heard and the shouts of the frenzied throng, as 
madly they marched from street to street, doing their 
deadly work. Just as the carriage reached the upper 
end of Wall Street it met the procession of furies, 
headed, as in the days of the Terror in- France, 
by women armed with axes, hatchets, pitchforks, 
scythes, and clubs, and with demoniacal faces. By a 
sudden and skilful turn of the carriage by the coach 
man a' lane was reached, and soon they arrived at the 
boat, while in the distance was heard the furious yells 
of the maddened throng. 

Dr. Cummins and his family remained on Long 
Island until the last of September. Finding that sea 
air and sea bathing failed to restore his wonted 
strength, he at last decided that it would be wisest to 
try the climate of Chicago, hoping the change might 
bring back health and strength. Accordingly he sent 
his resignation to the vestry of St. Peter's Church. 

From one of his most valued friends in St. Peter's 
he received at this time a letter, from which we quote : 

" I sympathize with you most truly, for I know the diffi 
culties that must present themselves in the settlement of such 
a question. I do not like to say anything lest it savor of 
selfishness, but this I must say, that I am sure not one 
of your many devoted friends in Baltimore is more anx- 



194 GEOItGE DAVID CUMMirrs. 

ious for you to stay than you are to do your duty in this 
whole matter. I am sure all I might say has been weighed 
carefully by you, but I shall not cease to pray that if it be 
God's will, you may remain with us. I hope your health may 
be restored and that you may return here strong for the fight 
you have heretofore so nobly and successfully made for Christ. 
But whatever may be the result, I shall ever pray that God's 
blessing may be with you and yours. 
" Believe me to be 

" Very faithfully your friend, 

" T. W. A ." 

In a letter bearing a later date the same dear 
friend writes : 

" I learned from Mr. W that you had declined the 

call to Chicago. It would have gratified you to have heard 
the outspoken, sincere, and hearty expressions of joy and 
affection in the congregation of St. Peter's, as well as in the 

community at large, when Mr. W gave it out that you 

had decided not to go to Chicago. I am sure, my dear sir, 
that your friends do not overestimate your power for good to 
this community. It will be a happy day to us all if God 
shall return you to us with renewed strength. Your friends 
have an unfaltering confidence in your desire to know and do' 
his will in this as in other things." 

The acceptance of the call to Chicago saddened 
many hearts in Baltimore, and this trial was felt the 
more for their having heard the rumor that it had 
been declined. 

Another letter from the same valued friend, bear 
ing date August 24th, 1863, was received by Dr. Cum 
mins while at Easthampton : 



ANOTHER HOME. 1 95 



" MY DEAR DOCTOR : I need not say that the announce 
ment in your letter caused me great pain. It seems like a 
complete unsettling of my relations with St. Peter's, which 
were so pleasant under your ministration. Our acquaint 
ance with you has ripened into strong personal affection and 
esteem, which separation will not lessen. You will carry to 
your new home our love and best wishes ; and we shall ever 
thank God for the privileges we have enjoyed under your 
ministry. 

' The motive which moves you is one of the strongest 
that . can be presented, and ought to weigh heavily with any 
man who regards properly the life which God has given him. 
The expressions which I have heard respecting your removal 
have generally been those of unmixed affection and unabated 
love. 

" We shall miss you, dear doctor, more than I can tell 
you. To my dear wife it is a real trial. 

" With sincere affection, believe me to be as ever, 
' Your sincere friend, 

"T. W. A. ." 

A meeting- of the vestry of St. Peter's Church 
was held August 2ist, when the usual resolutions 
were passed, accompanied by expressions of deep re 
gret at the severance of the ties which had bound them 
together for so many years. The document ends with 
the following sentence : 

" Earnestly hoping that by God's blessing the change con 
templated may be the means of restoring you to health and 
strength, so that you may be able to continue for many years 
the work of the ministry in which you have been so eminently 
successful." 

The last of September Dr. Cummins took n j > 



196 GEOKun: DA VID CUMMINS. 

family to St. Catherine's Wells, Canada, where they 
remained for eleven months, that Mrs. Cummins might 
be benefited by the waters. During- this time Dr. 
Cummins filled all his appointments in Trinity Church, 
Chicago, only visiting his family occasionally and for 
a few days at a time. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LIFE IN THE GREAT WEST. 

He liveth long who liveth well 

All other life is short and vain ; 
He liveth longest who can tell 

Of living most for heavenly gain. 
***** 

Sow love, and taste its fruitage pure ; 

Sow peace, and reap its harvest bright ; 
Sow sunbeams on the rock and moon, 

And find a harvest-home of light. BONAR. 

AGED 41. 

r I "'HE story of the life of Dr. Cummins while rector 
J- of Trinity Church, Chicago, will be best told 
by extracts from letters written by himself. They are 
journal-letters, telling of his daily work. 
The first we have is dated 

"October 3, 1863. I trust that I feel more than ever desir 
ous to glorify God by consecrating my time and talents to him in 
the work of winning souls. I shall strive to live more closely 
than ever to my Saviour, knowing and feeling that in this is 
our only true blessedness. I know that your prayers will be 
offered for me to-morrow, and always, that I may be faithful 
and grow in holiness continually. 

" May our loving heavenly Father keep you under the 

shadow of his wing ! Tell G that he must now be more 

than ever gentle and kind and thoughtful to supply my place. 
Kiss darling E , ar.d tell her to try to be a dear child of 



98 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Jesus. I trust my precious L will daily grow in grace, 

and in likeness to the blessed Saviour. 

"October 4, 1863. My first Sunday in Trinity Church as its 
pastor ! It was an occasion of great interest and, I trust, of 
profit to all who participated in the services. About 10 o'clock 
I went to the church, and found a bright fire in the vestry- 
room, and everything very comfortable. Every time I am in the 
church I am more favorably impressed with its beauty ; every 
thing is in such excellent order and so conveniently arranged. 
At 10.30 the services began. The church was filled, galleries 

and floor, notwithstanding the rain-storm. Dr. H read 

the morning prayer. I took the Ante-Communion Service. 
The music was the finest I have heard since I listened to the 
choir of St. Bartholomew's, New York, when under your 
brother's charge. 

;< The organ is a very large one, and the voices wonder 
fully fine. I regret that it is not more congregational, but 
this, I hope, will be gained in course of time. I preached 
from Col. 4:17. The people listened attentively, and seemed 
to feel it as I did. On returning to the chancel for the 
communion I was surprised to find so few remaining : such 
a contrast to St. Peter's ! You will see how great a work is 
to be done here ! We had the chancel-rail filled only five 
and a half times. The communion was so soon over that I 
did not feel fatigued. I wish you could look into my room 
where I am now writing, and see how cosey and sweet it is. 
1 am sure you would be glad. 

' 'Monday. All day yesterday the weather was very inclem 
ent ; the church, however, was well filled. My text was from 
Psalm 87 : 2, 5, 6. The singing was even finer than in the morn 
ing. I never heard anything more delightful than the psalm and 
hymn. I felt quite bright at the close of the day's work, and 

hope I may feel stronger in this cool climate. Mr. C is to 

have me at his house one evening this week to meet some of the 
Trinity Church people ; he is also going to drive me this 



LIFE IN THE GREA'f WEST. 199 

afternoon to call on Bishop Whitehouse. During the half- 
hour I was out this morning the bishop called with Rev. Mr. 
W and Judge O . 

" Tuesday afternoon, 5 o'clock. Mr. C and I start 
ed at 4 for the bishop's. We found him in, and sat 
half an hour with him. He received me very cordially. 
I told him I had only resided in two dioceses, Virginia 
and Maryland, and in both my relations to the bishops 
and the authorities were very pleasant and harmonious, 
and that I hoped it would be so here. He invited me 
to meet some friends at his house Thursday evening, and Mr. 

C also. I accepted the invitation. Mr. C seems to 

be very happy that I have come to Chicago. After tea went 
to the vestry-room to attend a vestry meeting. I am very 
much impressed with the energy of the gentlemen and their 
liberality. 

"Wednesday evening. This morning at 9 o'clock I 
left the depot of the Galena Railway with Mr. and Mrs. 

R for the home of Mr. B , fifteen miles from 

Chicago. In an hour we reached his beautiful residence, 
surrounded by lovely grounds, gardens, and a conserva 
tory. The dwelling is large, and filled with beautiful works 

of art. Mrs. B soon came in, and to my surprise I 

found her to be a niece of Mr. M. P - -, of Clark County, 
Va. , and of Captain Richard L. P ' : .-f our congregation in 

Norfolk. Mr. B took us around his grounds, and then 

showed us what above all things interested us a magic- 
lantern and views, in nineteen boxes, pictures of views in 
Europe, exquisitely painted, for which he paid $50 each ; 
all kinds of insects and plants, three or four hundred plates 
in all ; all the heavenly bodies, and all the movements of the 
solar system in motion, caused by most delicate machinery. 
All these, and an oxyhydrogen microscope of wondrous 
power, and a solar microscope, and other inferior micro 
scopes, he purchased for $8000. They were the effects of a 



200 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

German who devoted his life to them, and died here of 
despondency and want of success. I would go hundreds of 
miles to see them exhibited at night. The oxyhydrogen 
microscope requires oxygen gas to be manufactured to light 

it properly. Mrs. J is the same lovely old lady we knew 

in Norfolk, and was delighted to see me. Our conversation 
was chiefly on religious topics, and we were of one mind and 
heart. Mr. B is a very earnest Christian and a thor 
oughly evangelical man. He has a chapel on his grounds, 
and holds services himself as lay reader. He translates 
sermons of German and French divines for the congregation. 
You may imagine my delight in meeting such a man. On 
returning to Chicago, I called at the American Express Co. to 

see Mr. F , who is at the head of the company here and 

one of my vestry. The office is immense, and crowded with 
clerks and goods indeed, everything here is on a gigantic 
scale. Mr. H is going to send you a box of fine grapes. 

" I have been visiting in the congregation every day since 
I arrived. The vestry are very kind. Mr. and Mrs. H 
have urged me to be their guest while you are at St. Cath 
arine's. They are as hospitable as Virginians. To-day I 
went out to see about sending you money. I went to Mr. 

C 's office and told him what I wanted to do. ' Very 

well, Dr. C , ' he said, ' I will see the treasurer, buy the 

silver, have it boxed up and sealed in my office, and sent off 

by express without any cost to you, as I know Mr. F 

will not charge you anything. ' Is not this doing a kindness 
in a generous way ? Chicago is a wonderful place, so full of 
novelty, and unlike our Eastern cities. 

" October 9, 1863. I am more pleased with Chicago 
each day ; the lake is always an object of great interest, 
and on every side are things to excite surprise and ad 
miration. The energy and progress here are almost in 
credible. At 7.30 P.M. I had my first lecture in the lec 
ture-room of the church. It was well filled, and the ser- 



LIFE IN THE GREAT WEST. 2OI 

vice very pleasant. Mr. H - remarked, after coming 
home, that in a few weeks we would be driven into the 
church by the crowd. In the afternoon I went out with 
Mr. H jp to his office. It is in the Court House. I 
went through it and admired the completeness of all the in 
ternal arrangements. We also made several visits. Thurs 
day at 7.30 Mr. H and myself went to the bishop's, and 

there met a large company. I knew but few persons. The 
bishop was very courteous and attentive. I am engaged this 

evening to meet some friends at Mr. R 's. I intend to 

stop a day at St. Catharine's on my way back from Baltimore, 
and will see father and mother on my way on. 

"Friday afternoon. Your letters have just come. One from 
each ! I knelt down after reading them to thank God for all his 
goodness to me in giving me such a home-circle ! May his lov 
ing-kindness ever be your portion, and may he give to both of 
us and all of us the blessedness of resting in his love of 
living in the consciousness of his favor ! Do all you can for 
the poor sufferer, and to any others you hear of. God is so 
wondrously good to us, we ought to be ever ministering to 

others. To-day at dinner Mr. and Mrs. H said they 

could not think of giving me up this winter. I have never 
met with greater kindness. I can have a most comfortable 
study at the church ; the rooms are beautifully fitted up 
with shelves. Indeed everything is as delightful around me 
as any heart could wish, except the absence of my precious 

family. Mr. H has a nice horse which he insists that I 

shall ride every day. I have felt much stronger ever since my 
arrival here ; it is certainly a bracing climate and a deeply 
interesting place. There are 4000 Confederate prisoners 
here ; I am to preach to them next week. All the clergy take 
part in preaching to them. There are many professing Chris 
tians among them. 

" October 12. On Friday I was visiting all the after 
noon and making inquiries concerning an assistant. Friday 



2O2 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

evening I took tea at Mr. R 's, and met the bishop and 

Mrs. VV , and the Rev. Mr. Cheney and wife. We passed 

a pleasant evening. Saturday morning was busy with Mr. 

C in trying to have the chancel window shaded, the light 

being too trying to the eyes. Saturday evening went to the 
rehearsal of our choir, to show the interest I feel in their 
work. I enjoyed listening to them very much. . There is 
much musical talent in Chicago. Sunday morning dawned 

brightly and beautifully. Mr. R sent me your letter. 

It made the day a glad one. I think it wise to engage Rev. 
Mr. C as tutor to L and G . The Times re 
ports my sermon on Sunday in full. We had a noble congre 
gation. The vast building was filled in every part. I had no 
one to assist me, but went through all the services without 
fatigue. The church is so easy to fill. At 3 o'clock I went 
to the Sunday-school. At 7.30 P.M we had service, and Mr. 
Cheney read for me. The church was crowded like St. Peter's 
used to be. The church has in all 256 pews. Many have 
been rented this week. I was sent for in the afternoon to 
visit a poor woman. This is Tuesday. Last night I had a 
meeting of the teachers of the Sunday-school to consult about 
the improvement of the school. It was very pleasant. Mr. 
R will become our superintendent. 

" October 14, 1863. Making visits all day in Mr. H -'s 

carriage. At 6 met the vestry at Mr. C 's. We are 

starting anew a sinking-fund system to pay off our indebted 
ness ; Mr. C thinks we can pay all by Easter. If so, they 

will build a rectory. I took my first ride this morning, and 
am charmed with the horse. I am to use it each day as my 

own. Mr. H insists upon getting a new saddle, bridle, 

and whip. He is the kindest of men. Last night Mr. and 

Mrs. C invited me to come and be with them all winter. 

Are we not blessed in such friends ? 

" October 15. Each day I am more and more delighted 
with Chicago ; it is a very interesting city. The Lake is 



LIFE IN THE GREAT WEST. 203 

never-wearying in interest, almost as much so as the ocean. 
Wabash and Michigan avenue are very beautiful the one 
looks immediately out upon the unbounded expanse of water, 
and the other, Wabash, is very wide, and has two rows of 
trees on each side, of the avenue ten or fifteen feet apart. 
' The lines have indeed fallen unto us in pleasant places. ' I 
send you a copy of the Times, and also a most wonderful and 

powerful letter from dear Bishop Hopkins to Bishop P . 

It is a tremendous blow, a Titan's stroke, and he promises to 
follow it up with a book, if spared. ... I cannot re 
sist the conviction that God will yet raise you up and give 
us years of joy in the future. But his blessed will be done 
in you and in me always, and ever, and alone ! 

" October 17. I went out yesterday to purchase the books. 
I bought Macduff's ' Hart and the Waterbrooks, ' ' Grapes of 
Eshcol, ' ' Thoughts of God,' and 'Arthur Vanderleur's Life.' 

Mrs. H- sent you another box of grapes, and Mr. C a 

box of game. Rev. Mr. Cheney read again for me last night. 
I preached from St. John 12 : 25. The church was filled 
with an immense audience. It is a wonderful field, and may 
well excite one to fervor and diligence. I am especially 
thankful that, although the church is so large, it is so easy to 
fill with the voice as not to weary me in preaching. The 
ventilation is so good that the air is not oppressive even from 
such a crowd. To tell you of other kindnesses, Mr. S 
has sent me passes to go all the way to New York by the M. 
C. R. R. and its connections. Is not this most kind ?" 

The next letter is dated Baltimore, October 2oth. 
In it Dr. Cummins gives a graphic description of the 
scenery on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad cross 
ing the Alleghanies. He then tells of his busy life 
while in Baltimore, superintending the packing of the 
furniture, books, etc., in their home on Madison 
Avenue. He writes : 



204 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" I am still uncertain about getting to Jefferson County. 
All is confusion here. General Lee's movements are mysteri 
ous and incomprehensible to the government. No one knows 
where he will turn up. Last Sunday a serious disaster be 
fell the gvernment forces at Charlestown, Va. General Love- 
joy was a classmate of mine at college." 

In the midst of heavy work he found time to call 
and see all his dear friends of St. Peter's, " who were 
all most kind and affectionate, but feel my leaving 
deeply." During his stay in Baltimore he was the 
guest of William Prescott Smith, Esq., where he was 
most affectionately welcomed and made very com 
fortable in his elegant home. In a letter dated Balti 
more, October 24th, he thus describes the Sunday 
passed with his former congregation : 

" This morning at 10 o'clock I started for St. Peter's, 
and went into the Sunday-school, spoke to all the teachers, 
and addressed the children. At n o'clock I preached. 
The church was thronged and many were standing. It was a 
very interesting service. My text was 2 Cor. 4:5. I bap 
tized Mr. D 's child and one of Mrs. H S 's. I 

hope to leave for St. Catharine's Tuesday night at 8.30. 
May our Father ever bless and keep you all, and bring us in 
safety to meet once more !" 

On his return to Chicago, Dr. Cummins writes 
thus, under date of November 4th : 

" Again I am in my new home, and my song ought to be 
unceasing of the loving-kindness of the Lord. I have trav 
elled in these past two weeks two thousand two hundred 
miles, and was mercifully saved from all danger. The few 
brief hours we spent together were precious beyond all esti- 






LIFE IN THE GREAT WEST. 2O5 

mate, and so soon passed ! but let us be thankful for such a 
mercy, and not indulge in sad thoughts. I found the ground 
covered with snow here, though in St. Catharine's we had 
rain. Yesterday at 10 o'clock I went into the Sunday-school, 

and found good Mr. B in his place as superintendent ; a 

gentleman came in to instruct the children in singing, and 
they sang very sweetly. I had all the service, as Mr. T 
failed to make his appearance, but, strange to say. I was but 
slightly fatigued. Many pews have been rented since I took 
charge of the church, and all is encouraging. The great fair 
for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers is attracting 
many to the city. One day seven thousand dollars were 
taken in, and last week twenty thousand dollars ! This is 
the way they do things in this wonderful city. 

" November 4. Mr. C went with me to a printer to 

have some circulars and Bible-class questions printed." 

From the circular we quote a portion of the con 
tents, that an idea may be had of what the routine of 
work was then at Trinity : 

" SUNDAY. Divine Services at 10.30 A.M. and 7.30 P.M. 
Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and at 
Christmas and Easter. Sermon to young men on the first 
Sunday evening of each month. 

' The Sacrament of Baptism is administered to infants on 
the third Sunday afternoon of each month, at 3 o'clock. 

' The Parish Sunday-school meets each Sunday morning at 
9 o'clock. 

" WEDNESDAY. Divine Service and Lecture in the lecture- 
room of the church at 7.30 P.M. The course of lectures for 
this season is on the Acts of the Apostles, or the History of 
the Apostolic Church. 

"FRIDAY. The Rector's Bible-class for Adults of both 
sexes meets in the Lecture-room at 7.30 P.M. each Friday. 



206 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

"A Preparatory Service and Lecture will be held before the 
Communion on Saturday, at 7.30 P.M., preceding each Com 
munion Sunday. 

" CHURCH OFFERINGS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. 

" On the first Sunday of each month the collection is for 
the pgor and needy, to be disbursed by the Rector. 

" On the third Sunday morning of each month, except July 
and August, a special collection will be made for the follow 
ing charities, in this order : 

" JANUARY. Foreign Missions of the Church in Africa, 
China, Japan, Greece, and South America. 

" FEBRUARY. For the Sunday-schools of Trinity Church. 

" MARCH. The Diocesan Fund Support of the Episco 
pate. 

" APRIL. Church Publishing Societies. 

" MAY. Feeble Parishes and Missionary Stations 
Church Extension beyond the Diocese. 

"JUNE. Distribution of Bibles, Prayer-Books, and 
Tracts. 

" SEPTEMBER. City Missions and other City Charities. 

"OCTOBER. To aid the Education of Students for the 
Ministry. 

" NOVEMBER. -Diocesan Missions Church Extension in 
Illinois. 

" DECEMBER. Domestic Missions in the Territories and 
destitute places in our own land. 

" THANKSGIVING DAY. Special Collection for the Aged 
and Infirm Clergy of the Diocese, as directed by a Canon of 
the Convention." 

In the same letter of November 4th he speaks 
gratefully ol the generosity of one of his church mem- 
bsrs in presenting him with a valuable set of trapping's 
for the horse he rode "another instance of great 
generosity on the part of this people. 



LIFE 7/V THE GREAT WEST. 2O/ 

Through the generous and thoughtful care for 
their rector's comfort, ample means had been provided, 
apart from his salary, to pack and bring on his fur 
niture, library, etc., from Baltimore. A kind friend 
provided a safe place to store all until a home could 
be occupied by himself and family. 

In concluding the same letter, Dr. Cummins 
writes : 

" Many, many thanks for your kind words of advice. I 
love them. May God keep me humble, and near to the cross 
of His dear Son. 

" Sunday afternoo ;z, November 8, 1863. I have not felt 
before such a longing for the society of my loved ones since I 
left you. Oh ! that we may feel a greater longing for the 
society and friendship of Jesus and ' the spirits of just men 
made perfect ' in our heavenly home ! Here we can be to 
gether at the longest for only a few fleeting years, but that 
fellowship is eternal. May God in His infinite mercy keep 
me humble, pure, loving, and spiritually minded, and sanc 
tify me daily, and all my precious family, for His heavenly 
kingdom. I pray to do my duty faithfully to perishing souls, 
to preach more earnestly than ever the love of Christ, and to 
know nothing beyond my work. My field is indeed a won 
drous one, and crowds come to hear ; there is a vast deal of 
irreligion here, and I try to preach only of the soul's salva 
tion or loss, of Christ, of mercy, of redemption. 

' This morning Dr. T read the service for me, and I 

preached from Phil. 3 : 14. The congregation was very large. 
Every time I enter the church and see such a throng my cry 
is for more grace, more power, more fidelity to preach Christ 
aright ! Tuesday night the church will be open to give 
young men a choice of single sittings. Thursday afternoon 
the Ladies' Sewing Society is to be revived. My assistant 
will be here next Sunday. 



208 GEORGE DAVID CUMMIN'S. 

" November 9, Monday. At 7.30 yesterday we had ser 
vice. I preached from Matt. 22 : 13. It was, I trust, a 
blessed day to me. I tried to preach the love of Christ more 
earnestly than I have ever done ; the congregation seemed to 
listen with interest, and I trust God will bless His word each 
time to the salvation of some souls. I was not at all fatigued. 
I cannot doubt this climate will be of great benefit to my 
health ; already I feel stronger than 1 did in Baltimore. I 
have spent this morning in visiting. This afternoon at 5.30 
I went to a supper given by the Young Men's Christian Asso 
ciation to the clergy of Chicago. The object was to make a 
report to the clergy of their work, and they adopted the 
English custom of a feast beforehand. About sixty were 
present, including all the prominent evangelical clergymen of 
the city and a number of laymen. We had a very handsome 
supper, after which reports were read from the different com 
mittees, and speeches from a number of the clergy. 

" November n. I rejoice to hear that dear G is 

taking lessons in music and drawing. The arrangement 

about the children's studies is a delightful one. In D 's 

and your work for our friends do not forget Mr. B . I 

have no truer or nobler friend than he is among all my people 
here. May our blessed Saviour ever be your friend and com 
forter ! 

"November 13. I closed my letter to you about 3 

o'clock, and started for Mrs. S 's residence, about five 

miles from Chicago, where the Ladies' Society was to meet. 
There were about forty ladies present. I addressed them, 
telling them that I wished them to work for my assistant, 
who would also be a missionary in the city. They entered 
very cordially in my plan. At 8 o'clock I read a chapter, 
and we sung Bishop Ken's evening hymn, ' Glory to Thee, 
my God, this Night, ' and I offered a prayer, and so we broke 
up. It is a pleasant way of bringing the families of the con 
gregation together." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

SOWING THE SEED. 

" Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters." ISAIAH 32 : 20. 
AGED 41. 

"V TOVEMBER 16." Yesterday, Sunday, the storm kept 
i. i the ladies home, but I had a good congregation of 
gentlemen, both morning and night. We have had our first 
teachers' meeting, and are about to introduce the missionary 
system into the Sunday-school, and I hope it will add very 
much to its efficiency and interest. 

" November 18. I am now constantly occupied in visit 
ing the congregation, and hope to get through before Christ 
mas, though we are continually adding to the number. I 
'have not yet had a single case of sickness in the congregation. 
Is not this remarkable ? I am very glad to hear such pleasant 

accounts of the children's studies, but do guard dear G 

from studying too much. 

"November 21. Thursday at 5.30 o'clock I went to Mr. 
's house, our junior warden, where the society met. 



There were thirty ladies present, despite a hard rain. We 

had some sweet singing by Miss M , one of our choir. I 

met there Dr. DeL. M , one of my parishioners just re 
turned from Europe. He spent a week with Sir James Y. 
Simpson, in Edinburgh, this autumn. He says that Sir 
.James is just as great an enthusiast in archaeology, in re 
ligion, and in our war, as when we were there. At 8 o'clock 
we dispersed, and Mr. H 's carriage was sent to take me 
to Rev. Dr. C 's, It was his birthday, and he is in the 



210 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



habit of having the clergy at his house to supper. Gold is up 
to 154 now ; the cause is an anticipation of danger to General 
Burnside, who is besieged by Longstreet. I have not written 
you any thing about the war. It is too mighty a theme for a 
letter ; I must wait until we meet. At the end of three years' 
it seems as far from a conclusion as ever. May God in mercy 
bring us peace ! Yesterday I had a charming ride, and feel 
better for every one. At night I conducted the Bible-class ; 
the attendance was large, and the exercises very pleasant. 
To-day I have been busy directing the unpacking of my 
books and table, and arranging them. It has been a busy 
day, but the room looks so home-like with my books on the 
shelves ! On Sunday we had a service which lasted nearly 
two hours and a half. I had to read a pastoral letter from 

Bishop W about Thanksgiving, and take up a collection 

for diocesan missions, which amounted to one hundred dol 
lars the largest they have ever taken for that purpose, Judge 

O says. I want to make it one hundred and fifty. I 

have prayed for you in church and in my own room. May 
our Father be your comforter in all your suffering ! 

" November 26. This is a day set apart for thanksgiving 
to God, and I have tried to ' count up my blessings, ' and 
find that they are innumerable. How great is God's good 
ness to me in my restored health, in my ability to labor in 
His blessed service, in my many friends, in my comfortable 
position, and the hope of your improvement, but above all 
in the love of Christ, in His unwearied forbearance towards 
me, and His loving-kindness ever new, ever fresh ! For all 
these I bless and magnify His holy name, and desire to renew 
my dedication of myself this day to His service and His 
glory. May He take me and mine and make us all and alto 
gether His, and sanctify us by His Holy Spirit ! I have a 
difficult work to perform to-day, but hope to go through it 
with His help. I have chosen as my theme, ' The Christian's 
Ground of Hope for the Future of his Country, ' and my text 



SOWING THE SEED. 211 

is Psalm 20 : 7. Mr. C and Mr. R had my sermon 

printed in the daily papers. Yesterday I called on Dr. 

D , of New York, who came to Chicago the night before. 

Dr. and Mrs. C came up to the chancel to speak with 

me. Dr. C has been on a tour of duty in the West. I 

am delighted to hear of the children's rapid improvement 

under Rev. Mr. C . I am still more delighted to know 

that L is engaged in ministering to the poor and the sick ; 

it is a blessed ministry of mercy, and I hope she will grow 
up finding it to be her greatest delight. Nothing, I think, more 
surely ripens in any one all the loveliest Christian graces. 

" November 28. Thursday I went to see Dr. D , of New 

York, and took him to see our church. The doctor thinks 

Trinity next to St. 's in New York in size, and very 

beautiful. St. 's has two hundred pews on the ground- 
floor, and Trinity one hundred and eighty. Dr. D has 

never been to Chicago before, and is surprised at all he sees 
here. In the afternoon I buried the young man whom I was 
called to see Sunday night. The weather is now very cold. 
Winter has set in. You will be amused when I tell you that 
a large white owl flew into the church, and has quietly seated 
himself on one of the projections in the chancel very high up, 
and there he sits, grim and solemn, not in the least disturbed 
by the music, preaching, or the presence of the people ! 

" November 30. Thermometer at 10 Fahr., yet we had 

a full church yesterday. Dr. D was present. Dr. Van 

D read for me. I preached from Exodus 32 : 26. You 

will be glad to hear that not a single desirable pew remains 
unrented. We hope all the debt will be paid at Easter. . . . 
All is anxiety and excitement about war news, and I fear the 
next few days will be full of eventful tidings. 

" December 3. Went to the meeting of the Board of 
Managers of the Aged Women's Home. Visited morning and 
afternoon. 

" December 6. Bishop Lee, of Iowa, preaches for me to- 



2 1 2 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

day. He is here soliciting aid for his school for girls at Du- 
buque. Friday evening we had an interesting meeting of the 
Bible-class ; the answers were very prompt and correct. 

Saturday was devoted to visiting. I dined at Mr. E 's 

with Bishop Lee, Bishop W- , of M , and Rev. Dr. 

C . On Saturday I had the Preparatory Communion Ser 
vice, the first held.in Trinity for years. It was well attended. 
Our communion list is very small for so large a church. A 
mighty work is needed to be done here for Christ and the sal 
vation of souls. Worldliness prevails everywhere. This is a 
day I can never cease to praise, so bright, so beautiful, so 
perfect ' The bridal of the earth and sky,' as George Her 
bert sings. Dr. A , from Quebec, read the morning prayer ; 

I read the Litany. The bishop's text was, ' And I saw a 
great white throne, and him that sat on it ' a most excel 
lent and faithful sermon. I longed for you and the children, 
and thought of my precious daughter at communion at the 
same hour with me, and prayed that God would make her a 
shining light in His church. This afternoon I preach to the 
children." 

The next letter from Dr. Cummins from which we 
quote is dated 

"December n. This is my birthday. I am now forty-one 
years old. It has been a day of many thoughts, some sad and 
others cheering. How profound and unceasing ought my grati 
tude be to God that He has permitted me to live so long, and 
above all, that more than half of my life has been spent in 
preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ ! for I commenced 
my ministry when I was only twenty years of age. Alas ! I 
can look back upon a record blotted and marred by ever- 
recurring failures, infirmities, and sins, and yet on^ thought 
cheers me amidst it all. I trust I am slowly gaining mastery, 
and making some improvement in Christian character. I 
have this day renewed my consecration to God, and as I can- 



SOWING THE SEED. 213 

not look forward to twenty years more, and have no right to 
count upon a single year, I would be more earnest and devoted 
in my work of winning souls to Christ, knowing ' that the night 
cometh when no man can work.' How strange and eventful 
has our life been ! The changes in our homes, your long- 
continued illness surely we ought to feel that God is disci 
plining us by His providence and His chastenings to purify 
us and make us meet for heaven. And while He chastens us, 
His mercies are not restrained to us. In the midst of the 
awful calamities to our land, and while so many of our old 
friends are in desolation and suffering of every kind, we are 
blessed with an ample support, our precious children spared 
to us, and the eldest, we trust, a child of God ! Let us dwell 
on these blessings, and not on our trials ; and let us draw 
nigh to God, and commit all to Him and trust Him for the 
future. 

" December 14. I have nearly gone through my visiting- 
list of one hundred and seventy-five families. The work here 
is very light, having few sick persons to visit, and the climate 
is so bracing that I trust by God's blessing my health may 
'continue to grow stronger. We have no poor people in Trin 
ity Church, but I intend to start a mission in some destitute 
part of this city, and have my assistant preach every Sunday 
afternoon there, and also establish a mission Sunday-school. 

" December 16. What a joy I have had to-day in receiv 
ing your letter telling me you are better ! My heart was full 
of gladness and gratitude ; and yet I had not read it half 
through before my heart was filled with anxiety over our dear 
boy. 

" ' Bits of gladness and of sorrow 

Strangely crossed and interlaid ; 
Bits of cloud-belt and of rainbow 
In a deep alternate braid. 

" ' Days of fever and of fretting, 

Hours of kind and blessed calm ; 
Boughs of cedar and of cypress, 
Wreaths of olive and of palm. 



214 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Noons of musing, nights of dreaming, 
Words of love, and ways of strife 

Tears of parting, smiles of meeting, 
Paths of smooth and rugged life.' 

" These are Bonar's sweet lines, and I have more for you 
when we meet. May our heavenly Father restore our boy 
to health ! 

" I wrote to-day to our dear boy, urging him to give his 
heart to Jesus now in his childhood, before days of sin and 
sorrow come to him. I have felt very anxious about him 
since receiving your letter, and have again and again com 
mitted him in prayer to God. Snow-storms follow each other 
here in quick succession, and the pavements are covered with 
ice, and the Lake roars like the ocean. I hope these storms 
will not prevent my getting to St. Catharine's. 

" December 19. Just heard of the death of dear Dr. May, 
of the Virginia Seminary. He ever impressed me as walking 
so closely with Christ. May we strive to copy the example 
of two such friends as Dr. and Mrs. May !" 

At this time Dr. Cummins received a sad letter 
from an old friend at Norfolk, Virginia, whose de 
lightful home was his and his young wife's home also 
for several months when they first went to Norfolk : 

" NORFOLK, December 17, 1863. 

" MY DEAR -FRIEND : We have passed through sore trials 
since I last saw you, and a sad change has passed over our 
comfortable and happy home, which I have decided to aban 
don and seek another in Baltimore. I and mine have much 
to be thankful for in the midst of the troubles that afflict our 
people. I will not harrow you with the recital of the suffer 
ings that have been endured by our people, now reduced al 
most to pauperism. 

' ' When you write, do so as in olden times to a sincere friend 



SOWING THE SEED. 215 

who has never lost his interest in you and yours. I hope Mrs. 
C-- 's health is improved, and that yours has not given way. 

L - and G are no doubt realizing the bright promise 

of their childhood. Remember me most affectionately to 

them. Mrs. T joins nie in kindest remembrance to Mrs. 

C and yourself. 

" Your sincere friend, T T . " 

"December 23. Oh ! there is such a work to be done 
here for Christ that every opportunity to preach Him is 
precious. To-day I received the inclosed letter from^Nor- 
folk. It is very sad and touching. How wonderful are 
God's ways ! And how unspeakably precious to know that 
He is always good, merciful, loving, just, and wise ! I can 
not nor would I dare to predict what the end of it all will be. 
That God is working out His will through the wrath of man, 
I must ever believe. But one thing seems wonderful to me : 
how gigantic a work of charity He is placing upon the nation. 
Here are hundreds of hospitals filled with sick and wounded, 
soldiers' families in need and suffering, and, last, the hundreds 
of thousands of the poor colored people needing so much to 
keep them from the jaws of death. 

" December 23. I wish to establish a Mothers' Meeting 
in our midst, and use every other instrumentality that may 
elevate and bless my people. There is a vast deal to be done 
here, and we have a noble church and a grand field, and we 
ought to be happy in doing the Master's work. It is vastly 
harder to suffer and wait than to work, and surely He means 
only to purify you through patient waiting and enduring. May 
He draw you nearer to Himself by this fellowship in suffer 
ing with Him which He has called you to share 1 

" December 24. This is Christmas-eve, a time when we are 
accustomed to gather in our own home-circle and make each 
other happy by our little gifts. I feel quite lonely this 
evening, as it recalls our happy hours in by -gone years. ' ' 



2l6 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



Dr. Cummins left Chicago, after his duties were 
over at Christmas, for St. Catharine's, where he 
passed a few days, and then returned home with his 
son, whose health had not been very good, and a 
change of air was thought desirable for him. They 
had a memorable journey back, encountering one of 
the most severe snow-storms that had been known for 
twenty-seven years. Through the great kindness and 
thoughtfulness of one of his vestry, who was then 
General Superintendent of the Michigan Central 
Railroad, he was made more comfortable than others, 

but his kind friend Mr.- S was severely frosted 

through his generous exertions to relieve the sufferers. 
The cold was intense, thermometers standing at 36 
below zero, so that all who were at all exposed to it 
suffered severely, and in many cases were fatally in 
jured. Much anxiety was felt for the safety of their 
pastor, but through God's mercy he and his young 
son were spared from injury. In returning to Chica 
go Dr. Cummins felt more deeply than ever his sepa 
ration from his family under such circumstances. 
After speaking in one of his letters of this trial, he 
adds : 

" But it would be ungrateful and sinful to allow such feel 
ings to prevail, for we are in the path of duty, trying to act 
wisely and for the best, and God is so merciful that we must 
dwell chiefly on His loving-kindness." 

In a letter dated January i2th, 1864, he records 
the kind acts of several friends : 

" Mr. S G gave a pair of valuable skates. Mr. 

W also remembered us, and good Mr. S came to 



SOWING THE SEED. 2 1/ 

offer us a horse and sleigh. Every day we are receiving 
some new token of kindness from our friends. Mr. H 
sent you five dozen partridges. He and all our friends were 
greatly pleased with the gifts. Surely, as father writes, ' the 
lines have fallen unto us in pleasant places.' We are sur 
rounded by the very kindest of friends, so thoughtful in min 
istering to our comfort." 

After Dr. Cummins returned to Chicago, the ist 
of January, his wife and children removed from lodg 
ings to a furnished house. He writes, January 



" I have followed you to the house to which I trust you 
were able to be moved on Monday, and I try to imagine how 
you are fixed, and hope that you will find it comfortable. I 
am happy to know you are in a home of our own. As I 
write, G - is studying. He is almost my constant com 
panion, and a great comfort to me. 

"January 15. I have been deeply touched to hear of the 
kindness of Rev. Mr. R - and his family to you in moving 
and arranging for your comfort. Surely we are most highly 
blessed with such kind friends ministering to our comfort 
-here, .and such sweet Christian spirits ministering to you 
there. May God reward them ! 

"January 18. I have been constantly occupied since my 
return with parochial work. My Bible-class is very pleasant 
and well attended. The lectures Wednesday evenings seem 
to be of great interest to my people, and the Sunday congre 
gations are very large. I had last evening a long visit from a 
Baptist clergyman who is coming into our Church. I ad 
vised him to place himself under the guidance of Bishop 
Mcllvaine. During his visit Bishop W - called with his 
chaplain and sat a long time. The bishop came to ask me to 
preach an ordination sermon next week. Had a long letter 
from W - W - , of Leesburg, Va. I will do ail I can in 



2l8 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



sending him the Bibles and Sunday-school library. Dear G 

has been quite ill, but is now much better. He has been enjoy 
ing a splendid copy of Audubon's Birds, and a Portrait Gal 
lery of Indians, to-day. Among the latter he found the chief 

of the Six Nations and grandfather to Mr. K , whom we 

met at St. Catharine's, and who is going to Europe with Dr. 

McM . I have not had time to read ' Say and Seal.' 

Would that we had more such choice spirits as Miss Susan 
Warner and her sister ! 

" January 20. Our dear boy is quite well again, for 
which I am deeply thankful. I went out to-day to see about 

several matters ; had a long chat with Mr. C . He spoke 

of the rectory, and said he had told Mrs. C how beauti 
ful our home was in Baltimore ; that he had a glimpse into 
the dining-room from the parlors, and that he wanted to have 
the rectory here in the same tasteful style. Went to see 

Mrs. S ; found her more* ill. She is an earnest Christian, 

and is willing to die if it be God's will. How precious it is 
to find such firm faith in one to whom life has so many attrac 
tions ! Mr. C , Mr. F , and Mr. S called to ask 

me to allow my sermons of last Sunday to be printed, but I 

declined. Kind Mr. S has just sent me a valuable work, 

' The Life and Times of John Huss, ' in two volumes ; it is 
just out. I have thought that it would be improving for us 
to select a verse of Scripture to make the theme of our medi 
tation conjointly for one week. We will then be dwelling to 
gether upon the same precious truths of God's Word. 1 
will select one this week, and you can do so the next. Mine 
is Philippians 4 : 3, and may the blessed Saviour make us to 
realize it in our own hearts in this our time of trial ! If we 
trust Him, He will turn our sorrow into joy, and after these 
weary days make our life bright and blessed in our united 
effort to serve and love Him. To-day I sent off a copy of 
Mrs. Hoffman's Memoir to Miss Warner. 

"January 25. Took tea at Mr. C 's with G . 



SOWING THE SEED. 2 19 



They were very kind. Mr. C says G - is a splendid 

fellow. Had a long talk about Trinity, the rectory, and my 
work. It is always helping to hear his enthusiastic remarks 
about the importance of my work, and of my influence for 
good. He says he always shall think it a most happy ar 
rangement that he went on to B and was able to see you 

and get you on his side, and that he was so glad to have seen 
our lovely home. Yesterday, Sunday, I took up a collection 
for foreign missions one hundred and eighty dollars. At 
night preached from Isaiah 5 : 4 to a very crowded congre 
gation. 

"January 28. I thought at one time that I would have to 
forego my usual delightful Lenten services. Trinity Church 
has never been opened for a week-day service in Lent, except 
on Ash-Wednesday and Good-Friday. The gentlemen are 
entirely absorbed all day in business, and the women are un 
accustomed to attend any week-day services. But I deter 
mined to try the experiment, and intend to deliver the course 
on the Epistle to the Seven Churches. I will issue a cir 
cular to the people. Yesterday the thermometer hanging on 
the south wall of Mr. H 's house stood at 72, and the tu 
lips have sprung above the ground. This in the North-west, 
a thousand miles from Norfolk, where we had such weather 
in the winter ! And yet last week the cold was fearful. Your 
letter has filled" my heart with joy ! Oh ! that we may be one 
in Jesus, and all our little family united to be forever with 
the Lord ! Let earthly care be a heavenly discipline. Do 
you remember dear Dean Ramsey told me of his sainted wife, 
when he showed me the memorial window in his church, rep 
resenting the scene at Bethany, and said she always called 
herself a Martha, but now she is at the Lord's feet ! How 
little will all life's trials appear when we meet before the 
Master ! G is very happy with me ; he is studying reg 
ularly. Every one is kind to him, and he is a general favor 
ite. Mrs. H 's boys make him a model in every thing. It 



22O GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

is very amusing to watch them. May God, even our own 
Covenant God, bless, comfort, and keep you ! 

"February 8, 1864. I have ever tried to make my Lenten 
services a special blessing to my people. An interest has 
already been awakened in the course of lectures, and I hope 
great good will be done. On Sunday the church was very 
full, and I preached from the text, ' We love Him because 
He first loved us,' and at night one of my regular sermons 
to young men. My sermon was, ' The Game of Life.' The 
church could not hold all who came, and I trust good was 
done. Had a letter to-day from Miss Warner ; was it not 
interesting ? 

"February 10. I have lately had to take quite a decided 
stand in behalf of the cause of evangelical truth. When I 
came here I was called on to aid in the support of a church 
paper. I consented on the condition that it should be made 
acceptable to all classes of churchmen, and occupy a broad 
and common ground. But so far from occupying such 
ground, it has ever since been most offensive in its tone of 
flippant taunts of other Christian churches, and I feel that I 
can no longer support it. I shall consequently withdraw my 
name. The cause of evangelical truth is very dear to me ; 
and though I try to work harmoniously with those who differ 
with me, / cannot compromise what I believe to be Gospel truth. 
My position in that respect is one of great importance, and I 
am determined to wield it in behalf of the precious truth of 
Christ. This beginning of Lent makes me think much of 
you : our Lenten seasons in Baltimore were so delightful. 
May you, through the great mercy of God, be able to join in 
these services next year ! We are supporting a student at 
Griswokl College, and I shall sendW W the Sunday- 
school library, costing one hundred dollars, so just now my 
charity fund has been absorbed, but I will try to help Mrs. 
H after a while. 

"February 16. Yesterday morning was balmy and mild ; 



SOWING THE SEED. 221 

to-day we are again in an arctic temperature thermometer 
standing at 10, 12, and 14 below zero in different places, 
and the wind blowing heavily all day. 

"Febntary 17. Despite the intense cold we had a fine 
attendance at church yesterday. I want to tell you how 
much pleasure I have had in reading ' Say and Seal.' I can 
now understand why you hesitated when I asked you if the 
' Old Helmet ' was not superior to ' Say and Seal.' I think 
the character of Mr. Linden more attractive than that of Mr. 
Rhys that is, he is not quite so far removed from the rest of 
mortals, and there is more of the every-day features of life 
about him. And what a beautiful character is Faith's, 
ripening daily into a noble womanhood under Mr, Linden's 
teaching and training! I think the effect of Miss Warner's 
works upon the heart is exceedingly helping and encouraging, 
and though we may feel that the characters are ideal ones, yet 
we know that they are such as can be lived by so many of 
Christ's people. And then how lovely she makes a religious 
life presenting it in the fullest, freshest sympathy with all 
that is beautiful in nature, refined in taste, and cultivated in 
intellectual matters ! I think no true Christian can read her 
works without feeling new longing for a fresh consecration to 

God. Went to-day to see Mr. C about the church paper 

of which I wrote you. My moving in the matter has made 
quite a stir among all parties concerned in it, and they have 
promised to try to make the paper acceptable to all. I have 
determined to wait and see, as I am truly anxious to preserve 
harmonious relations with all classes of churchmen in the 
diocese, and nothing but the duty of sustaining the precious 
truth of the Gospel, as I understand it, -will move me to an an 
tagonistic position. I have been much distressed to hear of 
your state, but how short and utterly insignificant will all 
earth's sorrows and sufferings appear when looked back upon 
from eternity ! Think you that when you arc ' forever with 
the Lord' you will ever regret one hour of pain that drew 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMIN'S. 

you nearer to him ? A trial sanctified is a blessing far above- 
a trial removed. True indeed that only a heart taught of 
the Holy Spirit can enter into such truths and feel their bless 
edness. . . . Wednesday evening I took tea by special 
invitation with Mr. and Mrs. B . I accept these invita 
tions in order that I may the better know my people, and be 
able, I trust, more effectually to reach their hearts. 

"March 2. I continue to receive very cheering evidences 

of God's blessing upon my labors. Mr. W told me last 

evening that Mr. D was deeply interested in the subject 

ot personal religion, and I hear of others whose hearts are, I 
think, touched some who have been thought very indiffer 
ent. This is very precious to me, and I trust that this spring 
will bring an accession to the church of not a few who are 
truly brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Yesterday 
afternoon I delivered my first lecture on the Church at Sar- 
dis ; the day was beautiful and the attendance excellent. My 
theme was chiefly on spiritual declension, from the words, 
' Thou hast a name to live, and art dead,' and I hope my 
own heart felt the benefit of the truth. I am very happy to 
know that you are meditating so much upon the striking 
promises in the Epistles to the Seven Churches. Do you 
know that the promise in Rev. 2 : 17 is believed by many 
of the best writers to refer not so much to future and heav 
enly blessedness, as to the believer's present privileges the 
' hidden manna ' meaning the soul's food, and the ' white 
stone and new name ' referring to and symbolizing the imme 
diate communion between Jesus and each of his true servants 
the sweet interchange of Christian love, that which is 
known only to the soul that experiences it. The other pas 
sages of Scripture which brought you such peace are very full 
of consolation. The Bible is truly the Word of God spoken 
afresh to each soul by him, who uses it as a sword, and also 
as balm to the wounded heart. 

"March 5, 1864. This day is the anniversai'y of our young- 



SOWING THE SEED. 22 3 

est child's birth. Six years have passed since that memorable 
time when I thought you were going before me into the spirit- 
world. Surely we ought ever to remember all the way God 
has led us ! And from that scene my mind is carried back to 
that more distressing period in Edinburgh, when I thought 
you were going away from earth without a sight of our chil 
dren. Oh ! how good God has been to us, chastening us sin 
love, and drawing us nearer to him by his gracious disci 
pline ! 

"How truly and intensely a Christian's heart can enjoy 
the beauty of God's works 1 I came home to-day near the 
lake, and it was looking more beautiful than ever. Near me the 
water was of a light bluish-green color, further away of a deep 
blue, and the horizon fringed by violet-colored clouds. I am 
sure this lovely lake will ever be a thing of beauty and delight 
to you. 

"The R.ev. Mr. Auer, of our African Mission, addressed 
the Sunday-school and preached for me concerning the work 
in Africa. 

"Yesterday I read a valuable and impressive charge from 
Bishop Mcllvaine to his clergy on ' Preaching Christ, ' and 
it has made me anxious that every sermon should lead to 
Christ, and set him forth as the sinner's only hope. The 
bishop shows very clearly how a minister may preach impor 
tant truth, and yet fail really in preaching Christ. 

" March 9. I find other indications of ablessing on my 

labors. Yesterday afternoon I went to visit a Mr. W , 

who has been very ill. I found him quite ready to receive 
any religious counsel. He spoke of the good my sermons 
had done, and said they were such as to set him thinking 
deeply, and that all his friends felt in the same way. I hope 
he will become an earnest Christian. Thus I am encouraged 
to find God's word not returning to him void, but doing its 
blessed work in the awakening and conversion of precious 
souls. Many ladies tell me they could not get their husbands 



224 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

to come to church before, and now they come to every ser 
vice. And at our afternoon lectures we have a number of 
gentlemen, more, I think, than came in Baltimore. I am 
greatly cheered by these tokens of good, and hope that a great 
work will yet be done. ' ' 

Dr. Cummins thus writes of the death of a class 
mate at college, a man of fine ability and who gave 
promise of being an instrument in the hands of God 
of bringing many souls to Jesus. Although for some 
years he was a most eloquent preacher, yet his last 
days were inexpressibly dark and sad. 

" March \\. Have just heard that poor C died on 

Saturday in Philadelphia. ' Who maketh thee to differ,' is 
the lesson to me." 



CHAPTER XXIIL 

WORK FOR JESUS. 

" Behold I have given him for a. witness to the people." ISAIAH 
55 : 4- 

" For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will 
of God, ye might receive the promise." HEB. 10 : 26. 

AGED 42 

" CHICAGO, March 26. 

S^\ N Wednesday evening I preached for Rev. Dr. Bishop 
\^J at his church St. John's one of a series prepara 
tory to confirmation. He is a very earnest, evangelical cler 
gyman. Thursday there was a communion service at St. 
James's Rev. Dr. Clarkson's. I made an address. This 
morning Good-Friday I preached from St. John 10 : 17, 18. 
To-night we have service again, and I deliver my last lecture 
on the ' Seven Churches,' and then Easter closes up the 
record of my work since the first of October, 1863." 

Dr. Cummins, accompanied by his young son, vis 
ited St. Catharine's after Easter, and remained with 
his family ten days. This visit cheered him greatly, 
and he returned to his work with renewed zeal. He 
writes under date of 

" April 9. How merciful is God to me ! My first act on 

reaching my room at kind Mr. H 's was to kneel down and 

thank him for all my mercies, and pray to be able to consecrate 
myself anew to him in the blessed work of preaching Christ and 
of saving souls. It was a sweet picture that met my eye as I 



226 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

turned back to look once more at the house as I rode away ; 
our three precious children standing on the porch in the 
beautiful sunlight waving me a last ' Good-by. ' I felt thank 
ful for such children, for the comfortable temporary home, 
and for the dear happy hours where we were permitted to 
be all together. The one shadow that clouded our happiness 
had its ' silver lining,' for through this severe trial we have 
been brought nearer to God. 

' ' When I reached Chicago good Mr. S met me, with 

a bright face, and asked if I had received his telegram. I 
said ' No,' and then he told me the good news that at a 
meeting of the vestry, on Thursday night, the whole sum was 
raised necessary to clear off the entire debt ! and that my 
salary had been increased a thousand dollars ! You may 
imagine my joy and gratitude, for now Trinity can be conse 
crated ! I said to Mr. S , ' Well, you are the kindest 

and most generous people I ever met with.' The vestry 
propose now to build a rectory, and to go on with it at once. 
Is not this prompt and energetic action, and is it not noble 
in the vestry to pay all the balance of the debt without calling 
upon the people ? They will ask the congregation to help in 
building the rectory. I then went to the bishop's to see him 
concerning the consecration, and the appointment was made 
for the 24th April. I received a letter from Dr. Schenck 
saying he would preach the sermon on the occasion. 

" Monday, April n. Yesterday I was able to announce to 
the congregation that the church was out of debt, and would be 
consecrated on the 24th, Dr. Schenck preaching the sermon. 
I had also the pleasure of announcing the opening of a ' Mission 
Sunday-school ' on the same day, showing that we did not 
intend to confine our labors to ourselves, but that, now by 
God's blessing we were out of debt, we would go forward 
and extend the same blessings to the poor and neglected. I 
preached from the words, ' Master, it is good to be here. 'In 
the afternoon at 3.30 I went to the Mission Sunday-school 



WORK FOR JESUS. 22/ 

and spoke a few words to the teachers and children. Over 
twenty persons offered themselves as teachers, and we had a 
very fair number of scholars as a beginning. At 7.30 we had 

our evening service. I miss dear G in going with me 

to each service, and also in his pew. The church was 
densely crowded ; the young men stood in galleries and 
aisles. I preached from 2 Sam. 12:7: ' Thou art the 
man.' I trust the Gospel of the blessed Saviour was pro 
claimed fully and faithfully, and that some souls were won. 

" You may imagine the gladness of every one connected 
with Trinity Church at the entire freedom from debt, and 
now I am looking for spiritual blessings. I begin my con 
firmation lectures this week, and the confirmation is appointed 
for Whit-Sunday, the i5th May. 

" Many pews have been taken by new families, chiefly 
those who have purchased them. I shall begin at once to 
visit all the new parishioners. 

" I have felt more lonely without dear G ; he was 

such an interesting companion. Dear boy, I hope he is daily 

growing stronger ! How I miss my sweet little E and 

our readings about ' Ellen Montgomery ' and our precious 
little housekeeper my memory of her is very pleasant ! 

" April 13. The vestry met Monday evening, and 
after attending to all the business of the church expressed a 
unanimous desire for my institution next Sunday, i7th. The 
office has been used before in Trinity Church, and I think the 
effect is a good one. It seems to impress the people with 
the sacredness and responsibility of the relation between pas 
tor and people, and that is more needed in a new community 
than in any other. You will follow me, I know, in thought 
and prayer next Sunday. Yesterday morning I went to see the 
bishop about my institution, and it is finally arranged for next 
Sunday morning. I had our regular Sunday-school teachers' 
monthly meeting Thursday. Such is in part the story of my 



228 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

life. You see it is a busy one ; but I am always happier when 
constantly occupied. 

" April 14. Had a letter from Rev. Mr. S . He 

tells me that the Rev. Mr. G would be willing to leave 

his present home, and I have written to Baltimore urging his 
call to St. Peter's. 

" April 16. It is Saturday night, and I am alone in the 
quiet of my room, with my whole heart going out towards my 
precious family. This has been an eventful week, and to 
morrow is to be a memorable day in my history. 

" The Office of Institution is a very impressive and solemn 
one, and full of absorbing interest to the ambassador of Christ. 
I have tried to bring myself to enter into it with the most 
earnest and most humble spirit. I do feel a deep longing to 
live for Christ, and labor for him, and to be set apart more 
entirely to his service. As my life advances I feel more 
profoundly than ever the utter worthlessness and hollowness 
of a life of worldliness, and the unspeakable blessedness of a 
life whose fountains are all in Christ a life of separateness 
from the world, of an earnest following of Jesus, and of daily 
growing more like him. 

" I think the sad discipline of events around us for the 
past three years has contributed to increase this feeling in 
me. The prevalence of war and all its horrors the change 
in our country to one who has seen it so different the new 
aspects of society the repulsiveness of many social features 
of our day, all help to deepen my longing for something bet 
ter, higher, purer, holier than earth. And yet I think my 
interest in my work deepens : it seems to be an uplifting 
above all the evil influences of our day, just to be spent in 
such a service. Oh, that my heart were truly washed from 
every defilement of evil and wholly filled with the blessed 
Spirit ! 

" I have a vast deal to do to retrieve the past past errors, 
past failings, past neglects. I will strive to-morrow to give 



WORK FOR JESUS, 229 

myself wholly to God, and pray for the cleansing of my soul 
from every sin, and a fresh baptism of the Holy Ghost. Last 
evening I delivered the first of my confirmation lectures in 
the church. 

" Monday, April 18. And now to tell you of yesterday. 
The day dawned beautifully, and the sky was without a 
cloud. Our hearts were all glad to see so bright a day for 
the services. The church was crowded. At 10.30 the 
bishop with the clergymen entered the chancel, and I went 

with Mr. H and Mr. F to the chairs placed outside 

the chancel and took my place between the two. Rev. Mr. 
Cheney read the Morning Prayer to the Creed, the Rev. Mr. 
Freeman the remaining part. The bishop read the Ante- 
Communion Service, and then followed the institution office. 

The bishop made his address, then Mr. H advanced and 

presented the keys of the church, and I replied as prescribed 
on receiving them. Then I went within the rails of the 
chancel, and the bishop presented the books, as directed in 
the office. Then he offered the prayers as prescribed, and I 
followed with my part. I preached the sermon, as requested 
by the bishop although I invited him to preach^from the 
words ' We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the ex 
cellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.' Then 
followed the communion, and after that the congratulations 
of the vestry. The whole service was deeply impressive, 
and I hope will be productive of much good to pastor and 
people. In the afternoon I baptized four children, and at 
night preached to young men on ' David's Repentance.' 

" April 19. We had a meeting of the gentlemen of the 
congregation last evening to consult and decide about the rec 
tory. There were a number present, and they subscribed 
very generously the most of them giving five hundred dollars 
each. It is a noble beginning, and we think there will now 
be no difficulty in building a comfortable home for us. 

" April 25, Monday. Yesterday our church was con- 



230 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



secrated. The day was stormy, and we thought few would 
venture out ; but the congregation was large, and the services 

most interesting. Dr. S preached the sermon. Eight 

clergymen took part in the services. A collection was taken 
up for the rectory, and the offering amounted to nine thousand 
dollars, including the subscriptions at the meeting last Mon 
day night. Rev. Dr. S preached again at night. This 

morning I breakfasted with Dr. Bishop, Mr. Cheney, and Dr. 
S at Mr. E 's. 

:< The services yesterday were of intense interest to us all. 

Dr. S 's sermon will be published, and I will write a short 

history of the church to accompany it. Every one is inter 
ested about a home for us. I never heard of such energy and 

liberality. Mr. F told me last night he would double his 

subscription, making it one thousand dollars. 

" April 26. I am now each day in the vestry- room to 
see persons wishing to be confirmed. As yet there are few 
who seem willing to confess Christ, though I know many 
whose hearts have been touched and who are seriously im 
pressed as to their duty. 

" The obstacles to the progress of deep, vital religion are 
mighty in this community. If ever Christians were called to 
be witnesses for Christ, to shine as lights in the world, hold 
ing forth the Word of Life, it is in a city like this, where all 
the mightiest forces of modern civilization are concentrated ; 
and where in the train of great prosperity wickedness follows, 
as in every such community. Christ has his own people 
here, however, and while he gives me strength I shall ' know 
nothing among men but Jesus Christ and him crucified.' 
The subscriptions to the rectory have reached twelve thousand 
dollars, and the vestry are now considering the question of 
purchasing a delightful house on Michigan Avenue. 

" April 30. It is Saturday evening, the hour when I 
love to commune with my loved ones so far away. The day 
has been wet and gloomy, and I am home-sick. When I am 



WORK FOR JESUS. 



actively engaged in my work I can keep off such feelings, but 
there are many times when they come upon me very heavily, 
and my heart longs for those linked to me so closely, so ten 
derly. How truly we are made for sympathy and friendship ! 
Our blessed Lord craved human sympathy in the hour of his 
agony when he said to the three disciples, ' Tarry ye here, 
and watch with me.' Still, to indulge in sad feelings in the 
midst of our abundant mercies would be sinful. Our lot is 
full of blessings ! Yesterday I delivered my third lecture on 
confirmation. Thank you for your words of encouragement 
concerning my work." 

The middle of May Dr. Cummins again visited 
his family at St. Catharine's, Canada, for a few days. 
On May gth he writes of the war news, which at that 
time filled all minds : 

' The advance of General Grant on General Lee before 
Richmond the- second battle of the Wilderness General 
Butler's march to City Point on the James River, confronted 
by Beauregard and General Siegel's advance in the Shenan- 
doah Valley, where he is met by another Confederate army. 
' The slaughter is fearful.' But ' the Lord reigneth, ' and 
' the judge of all the earth will do right.' . . . Rev. 

J G has been called to St. Peter's, Baltimore, and I 

am urging his acceptance. 

" May 10. All has been intense excitement over the great 
battles of Thursday and Friday last ! It is said that fifteen 
thousand wounded soldiers are in Fredericksburg as yet un- 
cared for !" 

Dr. Cummins and his family were very anxious on 
receiving the news from Virginia, as many dear friends 
and relatives were exposed to the dangers that fol 
low in the wake of a large army. He writes 



232 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" May 12. My confirmation class will be a small one. To 
add to the other causes operating against our work is the pres 
ent intense excitement which absorbs every mind and drives 
all else out of the thoughts. But it is God's cause and he will 
take care of it. Jesus will yet gather to him all his people, 
and oh, that we may may be among his chosen ones, now and 
forever ! 

" Simday, May 29. This afternoon I go to the Mission 
Sunday-school. HOAV precious was our meeting in your 
room last Sunday afternoon around the table of the Lord. 
May we meet thus in our Father's kingdom ! I found a large 
school gathered and a fine body of teachers. It was a very 
cheering sight. A converted Jew was addressing the school 
when I entered, and it was deeply interesting to listen to him. 
I followed him in an address, and then the children sang sev 
eral beautiful hymns. They have a nice cabinet organ." 

June 3, 1864. To a very dear friend Dr. Cum 
mins writes, under the above date : 

' ' You have long since been able to lie passive in his 
hands, and desire to know no will but his. He has been 
with you very constantly of late, giving you great peace, and 
sanctifying your sufferings to your good, by drawing you 
nearer to him, and giving you to realize a Saviour's love and 
presence. How sweet to know that all the way he has led 
you these many years has been his way, a path chosen by 
him to accomplish his blessed purposes of love towards you 
even your sanctification. You know and feel his discipline 
has not been in vain you are nearer to God, more submis 
sive to his will, more filled with his spirit and what is 
equal to this ? In a few fleeting years what difference will it 
make to any one of us whether our days on earth were passed 
in sickness or in health ? One thought alone will then be up 
permost did our lot in life, our life-discipline, work for us 



WORK FOR JESUS. 233 



everlasting life a home and a place among the sanctified 
and ' the spirits of just men made perfect '? 

" For myself I find during the last few years my interest 
in earthly things, apart from Christ's cause, is exceedingly 
diminished. I long only to do my work for Jesus, and to be 
come daily more weaned from earth. 

"June 10. On Wednesday evening I went to the hall 
where our Mission School is held, to another exhibition of 
our fine magic lantern. We had a large attendance, and a 
most unruly set of boys. The temptation to fun and noise 
was great when the lights were lowered ; we could scarcely 
keep them in order. It reminded me of Eleanor Powle's 
Ragged School in London, and the somersaults of the boys to 
relieve their nervousness. 

" I rode to the rectory lot this morning. It was a dis 
agreeable day in the centre of the city, dusty and warm, but 
when I reached the lot the view was beautiful. The lake 
was agitated by the wind, and the water was a lovely shade 
of green. It is delightful to think we shall so soon be in our 
own home, if it be God's will. It is pleasant to watch the 
workmen laying every stone. The house is to be of the 
pretty cream-colored brick so popular here, with stone trim 
mings, and is to have every modern improvement. The lawn 
has beautiful evergreen trees in it, and looks so nicely. I am 
hurrying the workmen as much as possible, as I know how 
you long to be settled in our own home. 

" I am now very busy visiting the congregation, as I wish 
to see every one before I leave for my summer vacation. Be 
sides this, I have to see to all the parochial work, which, with 
the preparation of sermons, lectures, and other services, oc 
cupies every moment of my time. I have now no assistant, 
but have written to Rev. Mr. G , hoping to secure him. 

"June 1 6. How constant and complete ought to be 
our preparation to meet our God ! How near we are to the 
eternal world, and how ceaseless ought our care to be to keep 



234 GEORGE DAVID CUMMIN'S. 

our lights trimmed and burning, waiting for the coming of 
our Lord ! Oh ! unspeakable blessing to be ready to go in 
with him when he calls us ! Thus let us strive to live, with 
our hearts ever-fixed on Jesus ! And thus, whoever of our 
little circle goes first for we must go alone it matters but 
little, for we will meet in heaven and spend an eternity to 
gether. 

" June 20. Had services yesterday Sunday at 10.30, 
baptism in the afternoon, and service again at night. Among 
the congregation was the Bishop of Prince Rupert's Land, 
who is on his way to England. He came into the vestry- 
room before the services, but declined to preach for me. 
He came back after the services to express his pleasure in 
them. His jurisdiction is the Hudson's Bay Company ter 
ritory, and adjoins our country above Minnesota, and the 
best way to reach his diocese' is through Minnesota." 

On the evening of July 4th, 1864, Dr. Cummins 
left Chicago for St. Catharine's, to join his family and 
pass his vacation with them. His church had been 
left in charge of an assistant, and it was with a very 
joyful spirit he turned his face once more towards his 
Canadian home. Since he left them, the latter part 
of May, they had all been ill ; but the news was kept 
from him until the great danger was overpast, as it 
would have seriously interfered with his plans to have 
left his people before July. God mercifully spared 
each member of his little home circle ; and on reach 
ing St. Catharine's, July 5th, he found them convales 
cent. The month of July was passed in their tempo 
rary home, and in the early part of August they left 
St. Catharine's for Niagara Falls, where they re 
mained several weeks. The first of September they 
were accommodated, through the great kindness of 



WORK FOR JESUS. 235 



Mr. H. E. Sargent, then the General Superintendent 
of the Michigan Central Railroad, with a luxurious 
private car, in which they journeyed pleasantly, and 
with but little fatigue to their invalid, to Hyde Park, 
then five miles from Chicago. Here the party re 
mained a week, at the very comfortable hotel immedi 
ately on the Lake Shore. From Hyde Park they 
went to delightful quarters in the city, generously pre 
pared for them by one of the vestry, where they were 
most lovingly cared for until late in October, when 
they again removed to lodgings. During this time of 
waiting their beautiful home on Calumet Avenue was 
being rapidly built. The health of Mrs. Cummins 
grew rapidly worse as the autumn of 1864 advanced, 
and her physician advised country air. Dr. Cummins 
was so fortunate as to be able to rent a furnished 
house at Evanston, about twelve miles from Chicago, 
and to this delightful home he removed his family. 

Finding that his wife improved very soon after 
their removal to Evanston, it was decided by the no 
ble and generous men who composed the vestry to 
sell the rectory on Calumet Avenue which was near 
ly completed and purchase for their rector a home 
in Evanston, which was then for sale. A tasteful car 
riage and valuable horse had been another proof of 
the untiring kindness and whole-souled liberality of 
this dear people towards their beloved rector. With 
these aids Dr. Cummins found he could easily attend 
to his work in Chicago, driving in every day, and re 
turning in the evening. On the Sundays he re 
mained chiefly with his friends in town. This home, 
beautiful in itself, was rendered still more so by the 
dear people of Trinity Church. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

WORK IN 1865-6. 

A glorious harvest of sinners won 

A harvest worth securing 
Rest for the toilers their life-work done 
Crowns for the victors, and near the throne, 

Peace, joy, and life enduring. 

M. B. SMITH. 

AGED 43. 

IN March, 1865, Dr. Cummins was again tendered 
the rectorship of Grace Church, San Francis 
co, Cal., with a very large salary. This call, after 
earnest and prayerful consideration, he felt it to be 
his duty to decline. Though he was fully sensible of 
the field there presented to him for almost unlimited 
influence, and the great need for earnest men in that 
new and important city, yet he could not think it wise 
or right to leave his beloved flock in Chicago, when 
God's blessing had so markedly rested on his labors 
in that no less important field. He therefore grate 
fully and affectionately declined this second call. 

In the spring of this year, while their new home 
was being prepared for them, Dr. and Mrs. Cummins 
visited some dear friends in Toronto, Canada, and 
Dr. Cummins preached in St. Paul's Church in that 
city, at the request of his friend Rev. H. R . 



WORK IN 1865-6. 237 



A happy summer was passed at Evanston in their 
country home, an unbroken circle. 

In September the Annual Diocesan Convention 
met in Chicago, and Bishop Whitehouse appointed 
Dr. Cummins the preacher for the occasion. The 
convention sermon was on " The Claims of the Prot 
estant Episcopal Church upon the American Peo 
ple," and at the request of the members of the Con 
vention, both clerical and lay, it was printed in pam 
phlet form for circulation. 

Dr. Cummins's position in this sermon was a 
thoroughly honest one. He fully believed what he 
there stated was the truth. Several years after he 
came to think differently, and then as frankly admitted 
the change in his opinions and stated the cause. 

During the session of the Convention he had the 
pleasure of entertaining the clergy and laity, with the 
bishop, in his own home. It was a happy occasion, 
and all who were present cannot soon forget it. 

The first of October, 1865, Dr. Cummins left Chi 
cago, accompanied by his family, for Philadelphia, to 
attend the General Convention as delegate from the 
Diocese of Illinois. Mrs. Cummin,s and the children 
visited her father in Virginia and friends in Baltimore 
while her husband was in Philadelphia. We have be 
fore us most interesting letters written at this time, 
giving a full account of the debates, in which Dr. 
Cummins took an active part. We give extracts from 
these letters. 

Immediately after the close of the General Con 
vention he placed his son at school in Burlington, 
Vermont. This was a most pleasant trip, as he was 
accompanied by several friends and their sons, and 



238 GEORGE DA FID CUMMINS. 

travelled in a private car from Baltimore, furnished 
with every comfort, entirely at the cost of one of the 
chief officers of the New York Air Line, who was a 
very dear personal friend. 

During his stay in Philadelphia he was the guest 
of a most earnest and devoted Christian gentleman. 
His fellow-guests were Bishop Eastburn and Rev. 
Dr. Nicholson, now Bishop Nicholson, of Philadel 
phia. He writes : 

" PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 3, 1865. 

" Went out to call on Bishop Hopkins, who received me 
very warmly he asked very kindly after you then to call on 

Bishop Whitehouse, and last to Miss F 's to see Dr. and 

Mrs. Clarkson ; there I met Bishop T . To-day the 

Convention opened ; the Bishop of Montreal preached the 
sermon. Dr. C was elected President of the Conven 
tion, and has put me on several important committees, so I 
shall be busy. Thursday night Bishop Coxe preached an 
interesting sermon before the Board of Missions in St. Luke' 
Church. 

" Friday morning, during the session of the Convention, I 
offered my resolution welcoming back the Southerners. The 
night before Bishop l^ay had taken his seat in the House of 
Bishops, and on hearing this the Board sang the Gloria in 
JZxcelsis. My resolution passed, and a large majority of the 
delegates are full of joy and thanksgiving over it." 

One who was present in the Convention when Dr. 
Cummins offered his resolution thus describes the 
scene : 

" The finest display of eloquence was on Thursday last. 
The church was densely crowded. A pause, a momentary 
rustle, and then all is calm. Dr. Cummins, of Chicago, rises 



WORK IN 1865-6. 239 



and addresses the chair. He has spoken once or twice be 
fore, and there is an anxiety to hear him at length. The 
house is hushed as his melodious voice reaches ears painfully 
intent on catching every word that he may utter. His speech, 
voice, look, and manner show that he feels intensely the im 
portance of the subject on which he is to speak. His natu 
rally open, cheerful countenance displays a terrible earnest 
ness. He rests with both hands on the back of the pew in 
front of where he is standing, and his figure bends, as he 
pours golden words of burning eloquence in the ears of the 
listening President and members of the Convention. He 
looks appealingly at the chair, and upon his brethren of the 
clergy and laity. He is logical and at times analytical, but 
it was when picturing the glory of the Church in the good 
and happier days that we thought him majestic. He tells 
his listening audience that it was the glory of the Church that 
she was the last body to break the ecclesiastical bonds of 
the Union, and let her be the first to restore these bonds. 
Let her gather them up, and weave them into a chain of love 
never again to be broken. ' How beautifully grand and sub 
lime,' whispers a reporter as he ciphers each word on paper ! 
You realize you are listening to one of America's foremost 
orators. But in a moment he changes the scene, and intro 
duces you to one whom he justly claims as the friend of his 
youth. You now learn that there beats a generous heart 
within the bosom of the captivating orator. He tells of the 
love he bears the memory of the saintly Bishop Meade, once 
Virginia's most distinguished prelate, and with filial tender 
ness places him right upon the record of the rebellion. It 
was nobly said, and many hearts swelled with gratitude to the 
speaker for his appropriate eulogy of one who had been a 
father to many of them. Dr. Cummins takes his seat, and 
all feel that the case is at an end, and so it was. ' ' 

Dr. Cummins writes : 



240 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" The North Carolina delegation told me that it would 
have a great effect upon the South. Friday I dined with 
your brother, the Bishop of Montreal, Bishops Hopkins, Mc- 
Ilvaine, Potter, Eastburn, Clark, and Talbot, Judge Cham 
bers, Dr. McVicar, your sister, and L . Speeches were 

made by Bishops Mcllvaine and Hopkins, telling us of their 
early visits to England and interviews with Wilberforce and 
Hannah More. At 7.30 P.M. an interesting missionary meet 
ing was held in St. Luke's, and addresses were made by Rev. 
Mr. Hening, the blind missionary from Africa, and others. 
Sunday morning I preached in the Church of the Epiphany 
for Dr. Newton, and in the evening for the Rev. Mr. Atkins 
in Germantown. On Monday drove with Dr. Nicholson to 
the new Divinity School. At night there was a meeting at 
St. Mark's of the Society for the Increase of the Ministry. 
The feeling in the Convention towards the South is wonder 
ful, and our hearts are filled with devout gratitude to God 
over it. 

" October n, 1865. Attended the business meeting yes 
terday of the E. K. S., and at night the ' Anniversary ' was 
held in Holy Trinity. 

" Dr. Quintard was consecrated this morning Bishop of 

Tennessee. Bishop S preached the sermon. It was a 

noble testimony to evangelical truth. I read the testimonials 
of the Bishop-elect from the Diocese of Tennessee. 

" October 13. Dined at cousin D 's and met Mr. G 

and A. C . In the evening attended the anniversary of the 

Church Missionary Society at Holy Trinity Church. Bishop 

V , Rev. Mr. W , of Nevada, and Dr. N spoke. 

Dr. N 's speech was a grand one. Yesterday went at 
10 o'clock to the Convention, and at 12 spoke on the case of 
Bishop Wilmer for half an hour. It was a speech just warm 
from the heart, and I hope did good. It was received in 
profound silence, and some were in tears. I have received 
thanks from the oldest and most eminent men of the 



WORK IN 1865-6. 241 



Convention, among them Dr. M , of Connecticut ; Rev. 

Dr. W , of Massachusetts ; W. H , ex-governor of 

New York ; Bishop C , and very many others. The vote 

on Bishop W was unanimous. The whole result is glori 
ous, and seems to indicate the presence of the Holy Ghost in 
answer to prayer. ' ' 

Sunday, October i5th, Dr. Cummins passed in 
Reading, Penn., where he preached twice. 
Tuesday, i/th, he writes : 

"We had the Thanksgiving service for peace to the 
country and unity to the Church. It was held in St. Luke's. 
Twenty-seven bishops were in the chancel, and the church 
was full. There was no sermon. The Convention met after 
the service. 

" October 18. Dined at Dr. H 's with Bishop and 

Mrs. S , of K ; Dr. C , of Boston ; Rev. Mr. 

D and Mr. W , of Baltimore. At five o'clock went 

to the Board of Missions. 

" This morning (ipth) I breakfasted with the alumni of the 
Alexandria Seminary. 

" October 23. Preached yesterday for Dr. H at St. 

Luke's. On Saturday Missionary Bishops were nominated 

for Nebraska, Nevada, and Colorado. Dr. C is greatly 

troubled to know what he ought to do. I shall be truly sorry 
to lose him, but I am so thankful / was not called upon to 
decide the question for myself ! 

" October 24. The Convention adjourns to-night, when 
the closing services will take place. It has been a most mem 
orable General Convention, and will be mighty in its effects 
on Church and country. The official reporter of the U. S. 
Senate came on with his corps of phonographic reporters, and 
has taken down every word, and will publish it in a volume of 
six hundred pages. The election of Dr. H and Dr. 



242 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

R was confirmed last night, and the Rev. Channing 

Moore Williams elected Missionary Bishop to Japan. He is 
from Richmond, a brother of Mrs. L , and a noble man. 

" I have had such sweet communion with Dr. N , it 

has done my soul great good to learn from him, and to partake 
of his spirit. 

" October 2.5. I go to Smyrna, and on Friday start for 
Baltimore. I shall preach on Sunday (29th), in St. Peter's and 
Emmanuel churches." 

After his visit to his friends in Baltimore, Dr. 
Cummins, with his wife and daughters, spent some 
time in New York and Philadelphia, and then re 
turned to Chicago. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 

Man may make bishops, Christ alone 
Makes those whom he vouchsafes to own. 

Like Paul then preach, nor aught beside 
Christ Jesus, and him crucified. 

So wear your lawn no robe of state 
A prophet's robe in that be great. 

REV. DR. MUHLENBERG. 

AGED 44. 

IN the spring of 1866, at the urgent advice of his 
physician, and with the generous consent of 
his vestry, Dr. Cummins took passage, for himself 
and family, on board the Africa, of the Cunard line, 
for Europe. 

The journey was undertaken with the hope that the 
sea voyage and residence abroad would permanently 
benefit Mrs. Cummins's health, while the recreation 
was needed by Dr. Cummins. It was also felt that 
the advantages to their children would be very 
great. Their plan was to be in Europe for a year, 
Dr. Cummins returning to his parish for several 
months in the winter. They sailed from Boston on 
the loth of May, and after a pleasant voyage reached 
Liverpool on the 2oth. A day was spent in Chester, 
and from that quaint old city they went on to Leam 
ington, where they passed some weeks. From Leam 
ington the little party went to London, and thence 
to Paris, where two months and a half were most 



244 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

agreeably passed, Mrs. Cummins being under the 
care of physicians. They had scarcely reached 
Paris, and settled comfortably in lodgings, when news 
reached Dr. Cummins which entirely changed all 
their plans. We will tell the story in his own 

words : 

" PARIS, Saturday, June 16, 1866. 

" This day I read in a New York journal, of June 2d, 
at the office of John Munroe & Co., No. 7 Rue Scribe, a 
telegram announcing my election, by an almost unanimous 
vote of the Convention of the Diocese of Kentucky, to the 
office of Assistant Bishop of the Diocese. 

' June 24, 1866. To-day I read in the Church Journal 
of New York an editorial announcing the same fact. 

" Paris, June 26. I received to-day the official an 
nouncement of my election in the following letter from the 
Standing Committee of Kentucky : 

" ' LOUISVILLE, June i, 1866. 

" ' REV. AND DEAR SIR : The undersigned, the Standing 
Committee of the Diocese of Kentucky, have just been ap 
pointed by the Convention of the Diocese a Committee to 
make known to you that you have been elected this day, with 
the most gratifying and extraordinary unanimity, the Assistant 
Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky. We perform this duty 
with great pleasure, and venture to urge your acceptance of 
this high office, and to assure you that in the event of your 
acceptance you will be cordially welcomed by a warm-hearted 
people. 

" ' Very respectfully, your friends and obedient servants, 

JAMES CRAIK. 

FRANCIS M. WHITTLE. 

J. J. TALBOT. 

W. F. BULLOCK. 

WM. CORNWALL.' " 



ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 24$ 

We have before us several very full accounts of 
the action of the Convention, from the daily papers. 
We give only a brief synopsis. The Convention met 
May 3Oth in St. John's Church, Louisville. In Bishop 
Smith's address he asked for an assistant, as he no 
longer felt able to fulfil the duties of so large a dio 
cese at his advanced age. Resolutions were passed, 
and the Convention proceeded to elect an assistant. 
Several clergymen were nominated, and three ballots 
were taken, resulting in the rejection of the candidate 
by the laity. No little feeling arose among the cleri 
cal delegates when their candidate was rejected, and 
one of the clergy, Rev. Carter Page, made a speech 
expressing his surprise at the action of the laity. 
Rev. Dr. Craik urged the claims of Bishop Lay, and 
withdrew his own name in the bishop's favor. To 
avert all such feelings and to promote the harmony 
of the diocese, a proposition was then made by the 
laity in the Convention for the appointment of a com 
mittee of conference on the subject. This proposal 
was accepted by the clergy, and a committee of six 
gentlemen of each order was appointed, to whom the 
whole subject was referred. Friday afternoon, June 
ist, the Committee of Conference, through Judge 
Bullock, made the following report : 

' ' The Committee of Conference appointed by the Conven 
tion of the Diocese of Kentucky to decide upon a suitable 
person for the office of Assistant Bishop, beg leave to report 
the following unanimous action : 

" Resolved, That the Rev. George D. Cummins, D.D., of 
Chicago, Illinois, be recommended to the Convention of the 
Diocese of Kentucky as Assistant Bishop of said diocese, in 



246 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

which they respectfully but earnestly solicit the concurrence 
of the Convention." 

Judge Bullock said : "I am further instructed to state 
that we have reached this result after the most careful con 
sideration ; and in doing so we had in view the glory of God 
and the good of the Church ; that we were all willing to sur- 
, 'render for ourselves, and the party we represent, all personal 
feeling and private ideas. It is our prayer that the unanimity 
which we have met in answer to secret prayer will also govern 
this meeting ; that in selecting this man, we knew that from 
his piety and his talents that Kentucky would adopt him ; and 
it is for that piety and other good qualities we have done so, 
and we have no other earthly motive in view." 

The Rev. F. M. Whittle then nominated the Rev. 
George D. Cummins, D.D., rector of Trinity Church, 
Chicago, as Assistant Bishop of this diocese, and the 
Rev. Dr. Craik seconded the nomination. 

A ballot was taken with the following result : For 
Dr. Cummins, 21 votes, Dr. Craik, i ; Mr. Whittle, i. 
The laity proceeded to ballot, with the following re 
sult : For Rev. Dr. Cummins, 23 votes; nays, i. 
The chairman then declared the Rev. George D. 
Cummins, D.D., elected to the office of Assistant 
Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky. Mr. Cornwall 
moved, that in view of the great unanimity in the 
choice of an Assistant Bishop, the Convention unite in 
singing the Gloria in Excelsis, and the whole assembly 
present united in this grand song of praise to God. 

In the journal kept at the time by Dr. Cummins 
we find the following entry : 

" PARIS, July, 1866. 
' ' Letters have reached me from a number of bishops, ex- 



ELECTION' TO THE EPISCOPATE. 247 

pressing their pleasure at my election and earnestly urging my 
acceptance of the office. 

These letters are now given, though in several 
cases extracts only are made, as the entire letters are 
too long for publication. The first in our possession 
received by Dr. Cummins is dated 

" CLAREMONT, N. H., June 4, 1866. 

" REV. AND DEAR BROTHER : I beg your permission to 
express to you the satisfaction with which I learn that you 
have been elected Assistant Bishop of Kentucky. That the 
Spirit of the Chief Shepherd is the mover of this solemn pro 
ceeding I cannot doubt. I pray you, then, listen to the call 
as one in which the Lord is telling you what to do. I have 
confidence in you that your work will be done to his gracious 
and full acceptance. 

" Your affectionate brother in Christ and the church, 

" CARLTON CHASE. 
" REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

The next document in order of date is a Prayer 
of Thanksgiving, prepared by Bishop Smith, of Ken 
tucky, and was used in the Convention and in the 
churches in Louisville. 

PRAYER. 

" O Almighty Father, the giver of every good and per 
fect gift, we render unto thee our hearty thanks that it hath 
pleased thee, as we trust, to hear our prayers in guiding us 
aright in the choice of our Assistant Bishop elect ; and most 
humbly we beseech thee to preserve him and his family 
whilst abroad, and when upon the mighty deep ; and to bring 
him to us in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. 



248 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

" All which we ask for his sake who is the Shepherd and 
Bishop of our souls, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
Amen." 

The letter next in order is from the then Assistant 
Bishop of Ohio, and is as follows : 

" GAMBIER, June 5, 1866. 

" REV. AND DEAR BROTHER : The papers state that you 
have been elected to the Assistantship of Kentucky. Thank 
God ! Nothing better could have come to them ! No holier 
work could have come to you ! No more blessed call from 
God could have reached your ear. The call is from God. 
You cannot say ' No.' I beg you to say ' Yes.' The field is 
a grand one. I have just visited two of your parishes. My 
earnest congratulations to you. 

" Affectionately, G. T. BEDELL. 

" REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

A very kind note from the Rev. W. O. Lamson 
was received at this time, thanking Dr. Cummins 
for taking charge of the American Chapel in Paris 
while the rector had a rest and vacation. It is 
dated 

" 61 RUE DE LA PEPINIE'RE, PARIS, June 2. 

" MY DEAR DR. CUMMINS : We are at home for a few 
hours en route for Switzerland ; in obedience to the urgent 
kindness of our flock, who feel such pleasure and confidence 
in your services as to know the interests of the Church are 
in good hands, I repeat my thanks for your services and 
congratulate you upon your election to the Episcopate, which 
I have heard with pleasure. I trust you will justify the 
wisdom of the choice by accepting. 

" I am, very faithfully yours, 

" W. O. LAMSON. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 



ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 249 

From a presbyter of the Diocese of Kentucky a 
cordial letter was received, from which we make a 

few extracts : 

" LOUISVILLE, June 6, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DR. CUMMINS : Upon the announcement 
of your election the Gloria in Excelsis was sung. On last 
Sunday thanks were given in our churches for your election, 
and prayers offered for your Dreservation and safe return. 
There are three parties in the church here the Virginia 
churchmen, the evangelical high churchmen, and the sacra- 
mentarian high churchmen. All, however, united upon you. 
I am confident that by the blessing of God you can harmonize 
these conflicting interests. Moreover, your ecclesiastical sen 
timents are admirably adapted to this diocese. Kentucky is 
the daughter of Virginia both in ecclesiastical polity and 
theology and in political sentiment. A conservative, evan 
gelical churchman (as I know you to be) can at this time, as 
a bishop, wield a mighty influence for good by the blessing of 
God. I sincerely trust that your convictions of duty may 
prompt you to accept this high and holy office thus thrust 
upon you by the providence of God. You can be more use 
ful than as pastor of a parish, however important, and an en 
gagement however sacred with any particular church should 
it seems to me give place where the interests of an entire 
diocese and of the whole Church are so intimately concerned. 
Having felt an intense interest in this matter, and having 
watched events with prayerful attention, I am convinced that 
your election was ordained by the special providence of 
God. Oh ! that God may assist you to decide this important 
matter aright ! I believe you have been given us by the prov 
idence of God for this position, and I am confident that 
under such an administration as we may expect of you, most 
glorious results will be realized. We are all more anxious 
than I can express to hear your decision. 

' Truly and faithfully yours, G. D. E. M. 

" REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



We give in full the letter from Rt. Rev. B. B. 
Smith, D.D., senior Bishop of Kentucky, and Presid 
ing Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
the United States : 

" CATLETTSBURG, Ky., June 8, 1866. 
" Rev. G. D. Cummins, D.D. : 

" MY VERY DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST : Before this 
reaches you you will doubtless have heard through some other 
medium of your almost unanimous election, on Friday last, 
June ist, to be my assistant. 

" Had you been at home I should immediately have let 
you know, by telegram, how entirely agreeable to me the se 
lection is in which I would have no hand and how cordially 
I shall welcome you to my side in the near and sacred relation 
which Timothy sustained to St. Paul. Oh ! that we could 
only hope that like grace may be upon us both, and a like 
measure of success attend our joint labors ! I inclose this' 
to Mr. Sargent, of Chicago ; but in the course of a week 
expect to receive in New Haven, Conn., your address 
direct, when I shall write you a long letter, giving you a de 
tailed account of the circumstances of the election- from my 
standpoint, and also my views of the position and prospects 
of the Church in the diocese, urging the reasons which to my 
mind seem conclusive that it will be your duty to accept. 

" But so blind are we, and ignorant, that THAT is left to 
the decision of the great Head of the Church, by none more 
confidently and cheerfully than by your brother, shall I say ? 
or your father in the Gospel, 

" B. B. SMITH." 

Bishop Clarkson, of Nebraska, who, since the ac 
ceptance of the rectorship by Dr. Cummins of Trin 
ity Church, Chicago, had, with his wife, been among 
his most dear friends, thus wrote : 



ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 



".NEBRASKA CITY, June n, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DR. CUMMINS : I do not think I ever heard 
of the election of a bishop with more gratification and joy 
than that which filled my heart to overflowing when the news 
came to me of Kentucky's wise choice, unless, indeed, it was 
once before, when my now sainted uncle, Samuel Bowman, 
was chosen by Pennsylvania. 

". . . Now I hope, dear Doctor, that you will see it to be 
your duty to accept. I know that you possess great and 
peculiar qualifications for the high and awful office, especially 
in the field to which you have been called, and I do not see 
how you can decline. 

' ' I want you to be sure and let me know when and where 
the consecration will take place, so that I may make my ar 
rangements to attend. 

". . . I shall be very anxious until I hear of your de 
cision. I wish tha Kentucky were a little nearer to Ne 
braska, so that we might be more together in the future ; 
but I am sure that if God spares our lives we shall have abun 
dant call for mutual counsel in the blessed cause of our dear 
Redeemer and His precious Church. I am getting ready 
for a tour through Dakota Territory, and shall probably hear 
but little until my return of what goes on in the Church ; but 
it will be a sore grief to me if I shall learn that you had not 
accepted the call to the Episcopate of Kentucky. Mrs. Clark- 
son joins with me in all my gratification and in my congratula 
tions. We have often spoken of you and Mrs. C --- and 
the children. Please give our most affectionate regards to 
Mrs. C -- . 

" May God bless and keep you in his fear and love. ' 

" Yours affectionately, ROBT. H. CLARKSON." 

By the same steamer came a letter from Bishop 
Kerfoot, of the Diocese of Pittsburg. 



252 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



"NEW BRIGHTON, Pa., June 13, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DR. CUMMINS : I said ' Amen' to your elec 
tion at once ; and I feel as though I must not longer postpone 
writing so to you myself. . . . But apart from that, I feel 
sure that you can and would do a great and good work in Ken 
tucky. . . . But my brief experience makes me feel bold 
to say to any honest minister of Christ, go into this work if 
God calls. No man can safely seek it, but if it come un sought it 
comes a great mercy, a great grace to any true heart. It 
brings one very near the great First Bishop. It necessitates 
a nearer spiritual and self-consecration. It helps towards 
this. It brings so many new and wonderful opportunities to 
do good ; makes- feeble efforts so availing ; is so evidently a 
divine ordinance to accomplish the thousand things the 
Church and her people need, that the privilege grows in one's 
esteem and grateful love daily. May God guide you now 
and ever, my dear brother. 

" So prays your faithful friend and brother, 

" J. B. KERFOOT." 

The following is the next in order of date : 

" CINCINNATI, June 13, 1866. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I have heard with 
great satisfaction that the choice of Assistant Bishop of Ken 
tucky has fallen on you. I had feared it would settle on some 
one whose views of divine truth and influence in the Church 
would be far less hopeful for good. 

" Supposing you will see it your duty to accept the office, 
I pray that the anointing of the Holy Ghost the spirit of 
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly 
strength may abide upon you, to make you strong for the 
truth, and brave against whatever exalts itself against God 
and his Gospe/. 

" I trust our two dioceses so near to one another 'along 



ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 253 



so extensive a line of separation may be joined together in 
oneness of spirit and work. 

" Yours affectionately, CHAS. P. MC!LVAINE. 

" REV. G. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

Another letter from Bishop Smith reached Dr. 
Cummins at the same time ; it is dated 

" NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 18, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR : In a letter, sent ten days ago to 
Chicago, to be transmitted to you, I expressed my thankful 
ness to God that the choice had fallen upon you as my assist 
ant in my old age, and promised a much longer letter when I 
arrived here, detailing the circumstances of your election, 
giving my impressions of the position and prospects of the 
diocese, and the reasons why I think you ought to accept. 
... . After repeated ballots they agreed to a joint 
nominating committee, which after discussing several candi 
dates finally accepted your name unanimously and with en 
thusiasm ; and you were at once almost as unanimously, and 
with far more sacred enthusiasm, declared to be elected. 

". . . The reasons why I think you ought to accept 
are,first and the strongest the most irresistible is, that I re 
gard it as the call of God in answer to prayer. . . . This 
field is very inviting. The climate, the people, the work are 
all as attractive as can reasonably be expected. But my 
mind is dwelling with very dark forebodings upon the conse 
quences of your not accepting. May God bless you and 
put it into your heart to accept this call, and by his grace 
may you ' come to us in the fulness of the blessing of the 
Gospel of peace. ' 

" Very truly and affectionately your father in Christ, 

" B. B. SMITH." 



254 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

" LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 22, 1866. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I write a few lines 
simply to assure you of my most earnest prayer that you may 
feel it your duty to accept the call to the Assistant Bishopric 
of this diocese. 

' ' Your election was as good as unanimous. I can assure 
you of a warm and cordial reception by clergy and laity 
throughout the State, and there is no doubt of the field being 
one in which you will accomplish great good. On the other 
hand, should you decline, there is reason to fear the conse 
quence must be immense mischief to the cause of Christ for 
all time. 

' ' Should you desire any information which I may be able 
to give you, please call on me without hesitation, or make 
any other use of me you please. That God may preserve 
you in safety, and constrain you to become our chief pastor, 
to the glory of his name, is the prayer of 

" Sincerely your friend and brother, 

FRANCIS M. WHITTLE. 
" REV. G. D. CUMMINS." 

The following letter from Bishop Stevens reached 
Paris a little later than those from the United States : 

" LINDAU, Bavaria, June 30, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR : I am not able to write you, as I 
desire, a long letter, but I cannot refrain from expressing my 
intense gratification at your election to the Assistant Bishopric 
of Kentucky. From the depth of my heart I bless God for 
putting it into the hearts of that committee to nominate you, 
and into the will of the Convention to elect you. It is a 
great gain for the Diocese of Kentucky it is a greater gain 
lor the Church in the United States, for your presence and 
counsels in the House of Bishops will, I am sure, tend to the 
extension of evangelical truth with apostolic order. 



ELECTION TO THE EPISCOPATE. 255 

" I hope to reach Paris, with my daughter, on Saturday 
evening next, and to meet you on Sunday in church, should I 
be able to attend. 

" Very truly yours, WM. BACON STEVENS. 
"REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

" SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 10, 1866. 

" REV. AND DEAR BROTHER : Permit me to assure you 
of the pleasure afforded me by the intelligence of your elec 
tion to the Assistant Bishopric of Kentucky. While a posi 
tion involving the heaviest responsibilities and most arduous 
labors, yet it is one to be desired by him who is called 
thereto in the providence of God, and for the sake of Christ 
and his Church. 

' ' I trust you see your way open to its acceptance, and be 
largely blessed in the discharge of its duties by him whose 
grace is sufficient for us, and who demands our services as 
they may be wanted for his work. 

" Faithfully yours in Christ, " ALEX. GREGG. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

To say that letters such as these were not most 
gratifying to Dr. Cummins would be a statement 
utterly at variance with his whole nature, but their 
reception, for a time, made it more difficult to decide 
this most important matter 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE BISHOPRIC ACCEPTED. 

" I will follow at thy bidding, 
Only make the pathway plain 
Let me know that thou art leading." 

AGED 44. 

IT had been but three years since Dr. Cummins 
had accepted the charge of Trinity Church, 
Chicago. To that generous people ,he owed much, 
and he fully appreciated this indebtedness. No 
pains or money had been spared to make him and his 
family happy and comfortable. God had most abun 
dantly blessed his labors among them to the saving 
of many souls. His health had been much stronger 
since he had made Chicago his home ; and while he 
had been able to enjoy his second visit to Europe 
through the liberality of his dear people, they were 
also caring for his church during his absence, that he 
might have no anxiety. Were these not sufficient 
reasons for his coming back to the hotel in Paris, and 
with a sad countenance saying to his wife, " I am 
called again to decide a most important question ; 
God only can help me to act wisely and for his 
glory "? The first feeling and desire of Dr. Cummins 
was to decide the call to the episcopate, and not to 
agitate the subject further. Indeed for many days 



THE BISHOPRIC ACCEPTED. 257 

his mind was. almost fixed upon this decision. The 
idea of leaving his noble congregation, the field so 
ripe for the ingathering, his peaceful country home, 
where every tree and flower was endeared to him, 
to go to a new and untried field, the responsibilities 
of which awed him at times, all for a while caused 
him to turn away from this call, not entertaining a 
thought of accepting it. He was far away, too, from 
those with whom he had ever taken sweet counsel. 
Situated as he was, he had no one to whom he could 
turn for advice and guidance. No, not so ; he had 
One on whom he always leaned, One who had hereto 
fore been his unfailing Friend and Guide. Day after 
day, yes, hour after hour, he communed with this 
beloved Friend, this heavenly Counsellor. Most ear 
nestly did he implore his direction, and his alone, 
and then he asked the fervent prayers of the dear 
ones around him. Before the question was finally 
settled in his own mind the above letters had 
reached him. They naturally had much to do with 
his decision. Without one thought of any such call 
being made, with no wish to leave his beloved peo 
ple, and with a shrinking from doing aught that 
would even seem like ingratitude to the cherished 
friends from whom he had so recently parted, he 
could not refuse to listen to the earnest expressions 
of those whom he felt were well fitted to help him 
in this great and important decision. They came, 
too, at a time when it did not seem presumption to 
say they were God's messengers to tell him what to 
do. After a prayerful consideration of each letter, 
Dr. Cummins decided to accept the call to the episco 
pate, though with a sad heart. Not sad because of 



258 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



the honor done to him by Kentucky's churchmen ; not 
sad for the many kindly expressions from his breth 
ren in the Church ; not sad for the great field lying 
before him ready for the husbandmen ; but sad that 
again his tent must be struck, and once more the 
good-byes be said, and dear hands again clasped for 
the last time. The rending of such ties was the 
saddest part of his life. He shrunk from it as few men 
do, and those who knew him most intimately felt 
this to be true. His was too loving a nature not to 
allow his heart's warmest affections to flow out to 
wards his friends. Intensely did he suffer when 
called to part with them. We know well the strug 
gle of those days in June and July, 1866, the hours 
he passed in discussing the all-absorbing question, 
and the fervency with which he besought his Father's 
guidance. In his journal we find this entry : 

" PARIS, July 15, 1866. 

'' To-day my letters of acceptance have been dispatched 
to the Standing Committee of Kentucky and to Bishop Smith, 
and also a letter to the Vestry of Trinity Church, Chicago, 
announcing my purpose to accept the office of Assistant 
Bishop of Kentucky." 

Thus briefly he writes of what had cost him days 
of anxiety and perplexity. The official letters being 
dispatched, those to friends were written, and these 
were very sorrowful. Had he not had the hope 
that he was doing God's will in accepting the office 
of bishop, the trial would have been far more severe. 
To these friends he frankly told all that was in his 
heart, and they, as generous as ever, wrote him 
sadly, but most affectionately, and continued his 



THE BISHOPRIC ACCEPTED. 



warm friends even after years of separation. In 
August, Bishop Smith wrote him as follows : 

" NEW HAVEN, CONN., August 3, 1866. 
4 ' Rev. Dr. Cummins : 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR : It would be difficult for me to de 
scribe the emotions of grateful delight with which, five days 
ago, I read your consent to become my assistant. I trusted 
the providence of God in advance ; I beheld the hand of God 
in each wonderful step as the movement advanced ; and I 
now bless and adore the mercy, of God, which has brought it 
all so nearly to completion ; and, as I expressed it in a letter 
to the Presiding Bishop this morning, ' If our Lord God 
will only grant you a long life and a successful episcopate, my 
best and most earnest desires will be fully gratified.'! 
Your suggestion as to the place (in which your consecration 
is to be) is peculiarly gratifying to us all. 

" Your hopeful, loving brother in the Gospel of our Lord, 

" B. B. SMITH." 

The next letter received by Dr. Cummins, when 
in England, is from his dear and reverend friend 
Bishop Hopkins : 

" BURLINGTON, VT., August 2, 1866. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : Your welcome letter 
from Paris, announcing your acceptance of the office of Assist 
ant Bishop of Kentucky, so unanimously conferred by their 
Convention, has just arrived, and gave me the most cordial 
pleasure. God be praised whose spirit guided them to the 
choice of one whom I esteem so highly. And may his abun 
dant blessing attend your labors, and prosper them to the 
fullest extent desired by all who love you. 

" . . . With my earnest prayer that the protecting 
hand of the Lord may be with you, lead you back to us in 



260 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

health and safety, and guide you and yours to all good in time 
and in eternity, I remain, 

'' Your affectionate brother in Christ, 

" JOHN H. HOPKINS. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 

The next is from Rev. Dr. Craik : 

" LOUISVILLE, August 2, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR CUMMINS : I have the pleasure to 
acknowledge the receipt of your very welcome letters of the 
1 4th ult. It is a subject of sincere congratulation to us all 
that God has put it into your heart to make this sacrifice for 
the. good of his Church. It is a day of small things now in 
Kentucky, but we believe that the material is here, if properly 
addressed, with which to build up the Church. 

" . . . We shall be very happy if you will bring Mrs. 
Cummins to our house immediately upon your arrival in 
Louisville, and leave her there while you make your visit to 
Chicago previous to the consecration. We live a little way 
out of town, and it may be more pleasant for her on that ac 
count. Christ Church being the mother church of the city, 
and somewhat better arranged for such a service than any 
other, I should greatly prefer to have the consecration there. 
' Fervently praying that our Heavenly Father will direct 
us in all our doings with his most gracious favor, and further 
us with his continual help in this great crisis in the history 
of his kingdom, I am, very respectfully, 

'' Your friend and brother, JAMES CRAIK. 

' THE REV. GEORGE D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

After a prolonged stay in Paris, Dr. Cummins and 
his family returned to England. His consecration 
was fixed for November i5th, in Christ Church, 



THE BISHOPRIC ACCEPTED. 26 1 

Louisville. While at Sudbrook Park, near Richmond, 
he received another letter from Bishop Smith : 

" NEW HAVEN, CONN., August 17, 1866. 
" Rev. Dr. Cummins : 

MY VERY DEAR BROTHER : Since I last wrote you, some 
correspondence has taken place between me and the Presiding 
Bishop which it is proper to report. ... I am assured, 
however, as I now do you, and as I argued to Mr. 

W , that I regard all these things as the small dust of the 

balance compared with the preponderating mercy of the an 
swer to prayer in an almost unanimous election, and in the 
gift of such a co-worker in the one great work of upholding 
the ark of God ! 

" God bless my dear son in the Gospel of our common 
Lord ! B. B. SMITH." 

A letter from a friend and presbyter of the dio 
cese contains the following sentences : " 

" We congratulate you upon the improving health of Mrs. 

C . God grant she may be completely restored ! We 

are hopefully anticipating your settlement in our midst, and 
are sanguine of a prosperous diocese through God's blessing 
upon your labors. I send you by mail to-day a copy of the 
Journal of Convention (1866), which will afford you all the in 
formation available." 

The months of August and September, and part 
of October, were passed most pleasantly in various 
parts of England, and in the middle of October they 
returned to the United States. Ten days were 
passed in New York, and then Dr. Cummins and his 
family turned their faces westwards for their new 
home. Arriving safely in Louisville, they were 



262 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

kindly greeted by several friends, and at once taken 
to the country home of the Rev. Dr. Craik. 

Leaving his family there, Dr. Cummins went to 
Chicago, where he spent two Sundays with his dear 
people previous to his consecration. The generous 
congregation of Trinity Church presented him with a 
handsome set of bishop's robes, which he wore 
throughout his episcopate, and was clad in them 
when laid away in the cemetery near Baltimore, 
where he rests now awaiting the resurrection. The 
letter herewith given reached him while in New 
York: 

"GENEVA, October 30, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR : You are truly welcome home 
again, I trust with health renewed, and with strength for 
your great work. 

' ' I felt the high compliment of your request that I should 
preach at your consecration. It would have very pleasantly 
revived our old relations at Baltimore had I been able to take 
eten an inferior part in your consecration, but it is not possi 
ble. My appointments for November were all made, and my 
time is so preoccupied that I could not have prepared a ser 
mon equal to so important an occasion. 

" May the Lord be with you and bless your episcopate. 
Farewell now to what makes the happiness of clerical life ! 
The episcopate is full of the happiness that arises from the 
noblest opportunities of doing the Master's work ; but it is so 
wearing, so incessantly absorbing, and so cut off from those 
near relations which we form in parochial life. I pray that 
as your day so your strength may be. 

" I shall never forget your brotherly course in Baltimore. 
" Yours sincerely and faithfully, 

" A. CLEVELAND COXE. 
" THE REV. DR. CUMMINS." 



THE BISHOPRIC ACCEPTED. 263 



The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in Iowa writes as follows : 

" DAVENPORT, November i, 1866. 

" MY DEAR DOCTOR CUMMIXS : Yours from Leamington 
was duly received. I hope this will find you safe and well in 
Chicago. I hope to be able to accept your kind invitation to 
be present at your consecration, though my health is not very 
good. 

" May God bless you in your new duties and responsibili 
ties ! I never feel like congratulating any one upon his call 
to the episcopate, from my own experience of its cares and 
burdens ; but I can heartily welcome you to our number, and 
bid you God-speed in your important work. 

" Faithfully yours, HENRY W. LEE." 

From an esteemed parishioner of St. James's, Rich 
mond, Dr. Cummins received a valued letter at this 
time dated 

" MONTGOMERY, ALA., November 6, 1866. 

" MY DEAR SIR : The news of your election to, and ac 
ceptance of, the Assistant Bishopric of Kentucky truly re 
joiced me. You are just the man for that field. Your zeal, 
your eloquence, and that warm heart of yours which draws 
everybody to you, will create in your diocese an influence 
which must greatly benefit our beloved Church. I only wish I 
could work by your side. 

" The voice of your old parishioner of one whose sincere 
attachment time has never weakened will, I trust, be welcome 
at this time. I will be with you in spirit at your consecra 
tion, and will breathe the warmest prayer of my heart that God 
may bless you with all blessings and spiritual understanding. 

" Believe me, with great respect and affection, your friend, 

" HUBERT P. LEFEBVRE." 

They have met long since in heaven. 



264 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

The letter here given is from one whom Dr. Cum 
mins loved and revered, and whose friendship and 
sympathy he enjoyed for many years : 

" CINCINNATI, November 12, 1866. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I have fully expected 
to be at your consecration, and perhaps will be ; but I am 
now so unwell with a severe cold and cough that it is very 
doubtful. 

" I write this in order that should I not be there you 
may be aware of the cause. I hope the solemnity may be free 
from any of the ' novelties that disturb our peace. "... 
May the Lord give you abundantly the anointing of his Spirit, 
and make you strong to be a defender as well as teacher of the 
truth in its simplicity, in these days when the snares of Pop 
ery and Infidelity on two sides, associated with and getting 
strength from the snares of the world and the flesh on all 
sides, give such responsibility to the office of a minister of 
Christ, and especially to the office of a bishop, ' set for the 
defence of the Gospel. ' 

' The times demand great firmness and faithfulness, as 
well as zeal and diligence. 

" Your affectionate friend and brother, 

" CHAS. P. MclLVAiNE. 
" REV. DR. CUMMINS." 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

CONSECRATION AND WORK. 

" Let thy soldier, still contending, still be with thy strength supplied ; 
Thou wilt not deny the quiet, when the arms are laid aside 
Make me meet with thee forever, in that country to abide." 

From the German. 

AGED 44-45. 

"" I ^HROUGH the great kindness of a friena, an 
J- elegant private car was placed at the disposal 
of friends from Chicago who wished to attend Dr. 
Cummins's consecration, and every exertion was made 
to make the party, consisting of some twelve persons, 
comfortable. They had a pleasant journey to Louis 
ville, where they were most hospitably entertained 
by the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in that city, and some of the clergy took part in the 
ceremony. 

There are numerous newspaper reports before us, 
from which we could take extracts, but we prefer 
giving the simple account from Dr. Cummins's jour 
nal. He writes : 

"LOUISVILLE, November 15, 1866. 

' This day I was consecrated a bishop in the Church of 
God, in Christ Church, Louisville, by the Right Reverend 
John Henry Hopkins, D.D., LL.D., of Vermont, Presiding 
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
States, assisted by Bishops Smith, of Kentucky, Lee, of 



266 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

Iowa, Talbot, of Indiana, Clarkson, of Nebraska, Quintard, 
of Tennessee, and Kerfoot, of Pittsburg. 

" Morning Prayer to the Psalter was read by the Rev. E. 
F. Berkley, D.D., of St. Louis. The First Lesson, Zechariah, 
third chapter, by the Rev. J. W. Venable, of Versailles, 
Ky. ; the Second Lesson, Acts, first chapter, by the Rev. 
Clinton Locke, of Chicago ; the Nicene Creed and Versicles, 
by the Rev. J. N. Norton, D.D., of Frankfort, Ky. ; Pray 
ers, by the Rev. H. N. Bishop, D.D., of Chicago ; io6th 
Psalm, by the Rev. J. S. Shipman, of Lexington, Ky. 

" Collect and Commandments, by Bishop Quintard, of 
Tennessee ; Epistle, by Bishop Talbot, of Indiana ; Gospel, 
by Bishop Lee, of Iowa ; 2gih Hymn, by Rev. W. H. Platt, 
of Louisville. 

" Sermon, by Bishop Lee, of Iowa, from the text St. 
John 20 : 21, 22, 23. 

" Bishops Clarkson and Talbot were my presenters, 
Rev. Dr. Craik and Rev. F. M. Whittle the attending pres 
byters. 

" The Litany was said by Bishop Smith, of Kentucky. 

" The Rev. J. J. Talbot, of Louisville, read the testimo 
nials to my election. 

" Vent Creator Spiritus was sung antiphonally by the 
Presiding Bishop and the bishops, clergy, and people. 

' ' I am the eighty-first in the order of succession of Amer 
ican Bishops." 

We quote from the Church Journal, November 
2ist, 1866 : 

' The Episcopal Oath was then taken, in a firm, clear, 
and manly tone, audible in every part of the church. 
The interrogatories were then put by the Presiding Bishop, the 
answers being made with great distinctness. Being then vested 
with the rest of the episcopal habit by the Rev. Dr. Craik and 
the Rev. F. M. Whittle, the Assistant Bishop-elect knelt, and 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 267 



the Veni Creator Spiritus was sung over him. . . , All the 
seven bishops united in the laying on of hands. . . . After 
the delivery of the Bible and the Pastoral Charge, the new 
Bishop was received within the chancel rail and long knelt in 
private devotion before the altar, while the church rang with 
the triumphant strains of Mozart's Gloria in Excelsis, admi 
rably sung by the choir. 

" Dr. Craik announced that the proceeds of the offertory 
would be devoted to the work of diocesan missions, and ex 
pressed the hope that a large sum might be placed in the 
hands of the new bishop to encourage him at the beginning of 
his work. 

' The Communion Service followed, in which the bishops 
assisted the Presiding Bishop. After the singing of the old 
Gloria in Excelsis the Presiding Bishop offered the prayer for 
the new bishop, and gave the blessing of peace. The chan 
cel steps were long thronged by those who wished to congrat 
ulate the new bishop and bid him a hearty God-speed. 

' The music was especially fine ; a choir of fifty voices 
some of remarkable sweetness rendered the chants with great 
artistic finish and joyous energy, in full keeping with the 
happy occasion." 

The spacious church was crowded to its utmost 
capacity. Just as the new bishop knelt before the 
communion table, a broad, bright ray of sunlight 
poured its golden light over him. All present re 
marked the striking incident, and there were many 
who witnessed it with tearful eyes, and prayed fer 
vently that the Sun of Righteousness might ever thus 
shed its beams upon the heart of him who had just 
assumed such great responsibilities. Besides the 
seven bishops, there were twenty-three clergymen 
from Kentucky, three from Indiana, eight from llli- 



268 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

nois, two from Missouri, two from Tennessee, one 
from New York, three from Ohio, and one from 
Mexico. In the evening there was a missionary 
meeting held in St. Paul's Church, Louisville. Bishop 
Smith presided, and addresses were made by Bishops 
Talbot, Clarkson, Kerfoot, Lee, of Iowa, and Bishop 
Cummins. On Friday evening one of the leading men 
of Louisville invited the visitors and members of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church to his house, to welcome 
their assistant bishop, and to confer together as to 
the best interests of the diocese, until the Convention 
of the following May. We quote from the Louisville 
Courier-Journal of November i6th : 

" The missionary meeting was held in St. Paul's Church. 
. . . Bishop Cummins was the next speaker, and he spoke 
very eloquently and impressively. He designated the great 
want of the Church as being organization, with more love for 
Christ and more zeal for his Church. His words thrilled 
every heart, and assured every one that in the high office to 
which he has just been called he will accomplish a noble work. 
Church people throughout the diocese will receive their new 
bishop with open arms. His presence and voice will awaken 
new life and zeal in every parish." 

The first entry in the diary of Bishop Cummins 
is dated Louisville, November i8th : 

' This day Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity I officiat 
ed in the morning at Christ Church, reading the Ante-Com 
munion service except the epistle and preached from Reve 
lation 3 : 8. Sunday night, November i8th, I preached in 
St. Paul's Church." 

The first letter we have after his consecration is 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 269 

dated November ijih. His family were in Chicago, 
having returned in the private car with the bishops 
and clergy, and the kind friend from Chicago who 
had cared most untiringly for the comfort of the 
entire party. From letters written at this time we 
extract the following : 

"LOUISVILLE, November 17, 1866. 

It seems as though the events through which we have 
passed in the last few days have made my precious family 
doubly dear to me. May God sanctify me for my new office. 
My ride back from Jeffersonville was a sad one. I trust a 
merciful Father's arm was around you, preserving you from 

harm. I dined at Mr. S 's with Bishops Hopkins and 

Quintard, and Rev. Mr. Shipman and Rev. Mr. Venable, Dr. 

and Mrs. Craik, Mr. T , and Mr. A - of Dr. Craik's 

vestry. I felt too sad to be able to make myself agreeable. 

I took tea at Judge H 's with Bishop Hopkins, his son, 

and Bishop Quintard. Mr. S kindly invited me to make 

his house my home, and I consented. I only wish the invita 
tion had come to all my little flock, but during this week 
their house was full of guests. 

" November 18. My thoughts turn to-day with ceaseless 
longing to my precious ones, and my heart is with you, so far 
away ! To-day I began my work in the diocese at Christ 
Church. Dr. Craik made a noble appeal for the church at 
Maysville. I spoke also. The sum needed was raised, and 
even more than was asked for." 

Before leaving New York, and soon after his ar 
rival in the United States, Bishop Cummins had 
entered his son at the Lehigh University at Bethle 
hem, Pa., of which Henry Coppee, D.D., LL. D., 
was then president. There the bishop's son remained, 
until 1869. 



270 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

The bishop's family spent several weeks in Chi 
cago with friends, and as soon as his duties per 
mitted he joined them and officiated several times 
for his former congregation. 

While this visit was, for many reasons, a sad one, 
yet it gave pleasure as well, as the circumstances of 
the bishop's election to the episcopate had rendered 
it impossible for him to return to Chicago imme 
diately after his return from Europe, and he felt it to 
be due to these kind friends to be among them for 
awhile. 

"LOUISVILLE, November 19. 

" Rev. Mr. T called to ask me to confirm in pri 
vate a man who is very ill and this is my first confirmation. 
I also administered the communion to him." 

"LEXINGTON, KY., November 21, 1866. 

" Yesterday Mrs. W drove with me about the town 

and suburbs. Lexington is not a handsome town, but the 
country around is lovely. We drove to the cemetery, from 
the centre of which towers a lofty and noble monument to 
Henry Clay. There are many beautiful homes in the town. 
The people are refined and elegant in their manners, and 
just like Virginians. Dn Totten has opened a church school 
for girls here. I preached in Christ Church. The church is 
a beautiful building and very large. In the evening there 
was a reception at Rev. Mr. S 's house, that the congre 
gation might meet me. They all gave me a most warm and 
cordial welcome, and I like them very much. 

" I think we would find Lexington a happy home and the 
people very congenial. There is no great progress, as in Chi 
cago, and no bustle ; but there is refinement and warmth of 
he.art and much that makes life desirable. I go to-day to 
Louisville, and thence to Bowling Green ; and expect to 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 2Jl 

reach Chicago by the first Sunday in December, and will 
preach in Trinity Church. When I left Louisville for this 
place we were detained at Frankfort for some time, a freight 

train being off the track. I went up to see Dr. N : he 

received me very kindly, and we had a pleasant talk about 
church matters. He told me that in the committee that 
nominated me half were low churchmen and half high church 
men, and after discussing many names with no agreement 
Governor S asked him how he felt about me. He re 
plied favorably, and Governor S arose and nominated 

me with tears in his eyes, and Dr. N immediately sec 
onded the nomination." 

" BOWLING GREEN, November 23. 

" I am thus far safely on my visitation tour, and by God's 
blessing have been preserved from all harm. The robbers 
who assaulted the train on this road have all been arrested 
and are now in jail, and will be doubtless severely punished. 

" I found the little flock of our church people here wor 
shipping in a very small frame school house, and this in a 
town of four or five thousand people. I have called all the 

people to meet me to-morrow night at the house of Mr. H , 

and I intend to see what can and will be done towards build 
ing a church. I will try to aid them from elsewhere. The 
more I see of the diocese, the more I am impressed with the 
feebleness of our Church in this State. Outside of Louis 
ville, Lexington, and two or three towns on the Ohio River, 
the Church scarcely exists. It has a nominal existence in a 
few towns like this, but little more than nominal. But there 
is a vast portion of the State where the population is sparse, 
the country inaccessible, with no railroads, and scarcely a 
town of three hundred or four hundred people in any county. 
In these portions of the diocese I am told that there is no 
prospect of a beginning for our Church perhaps for a genera 
tion ; the population is very rude, ignorant, and demoralized. 



2/2 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

Some counties on the border of Tennessee are the hiding- 
places of desperate men, who live by such deeds as that com 
mitted on the railway lately. My work, of necessity, must lie 
in the towns, and in the strip of country lying just south of the 
Ohio River. The towns of Kentucky, where our work must 
alone lie for a generation to come, are all easy of access from 
Louisville or Lexington. Louisville is a far more beautiful 
city than you could imagine from your brief sojourn there. 
It has pleasant society, and I think I could do more for the 
advancement of the Church by being in Louisville than in 
Lexington, in the way of establishing mission churches and 
new congregations by my own services when I was at home, 
and also by superintending charities, which we hope to estab 
lish there, such as a Church Home and Hospital. The con 
dition of the colored people has interested me deeply. We 
are going to do what we can to bring them under the influ 
ence of our Church by schools and services, and doubtless a 
few years will work a great change in their condition. 

" Saturday. Mr. W has just brought me L 's 

letter. What a journey ! and what an experience ! I am 
most grateful to God that you bore the tossings about so 
well. ' ' 

" BOWLING GREEN, November 26. 

" Saturday evening I met the friends of our Church, and 
after an earnest conversation they determined to raise one 
thousand dollars among themselves towards a church edifice. 
There are only about twelve Episcopal families here. I in 
tend to make an earnest effort to raise two thousand dollars 
more to put up the building. I preached twice on Sunday in the 
Baptist church, and confirmed a class. The congregation was 
large, and composed of persons of other denominations. I meet 
some of the people again to-day to talk over the prospects of 
the Church and to deepen their interest in the work. At one 
o'clock to-day I leave with Rev. Mr. W for Russellville. 



CONSECRA TION AND WORK. 273 

Tuesday I go to Clarksville, Tenn., and Wednesday to 
Hopkinsville, Ky. , to hold services. 

" I have had many thoughts of our future since we parted, 
and sometimes they have been sad ones. But I am sure this 
is wrong, and I try to dismiss them, and cherish brighter re 
flections. If our way has been indeed chosen for us of God, 
and we try to do his work, he will make our path bright and 
blessed and cause all sacrifice to be a joy." 

" RUSSELLVILLE, November 28, 1866. 

" We reached this place at seven o'clock, and found the 
church already filled, indeed crowded. I preached, and con 
firmed and addressed the class of candidates. Yesterday at 
3.30 P.M. the people came to confer with me concerning the 
opening for our Church. The town has about fifteen hundred 
people in it, and those I have met with are very pleasant. 
They received me very warmly. I wish to establish here, in 
connection with Bowling Green, an associate mission, and to 
place a clergyman here to work in connection with Mr. 

W . The opening is promising for our Church. I 

preached again at night ; the people seemed deeply interested 
in the services." 

About this time Bishop Cummins received sev 
eral letters from friends, from which we quote. The 
first is from a clergyman of the Church of England, 
and is dated November 22d, 1866 : 

" MY VERY DEAR FRIEND : Having lately heard that your 
consecration to the sacred office of a bishop in the Church of 
Christ was to take place the middle of this month, I desire to 
offer my sincere congratulations and my earnest prayers that 
the great Head of the Church, who has called you to that 
office, may abundantly replenish you with all the gifts and 
graces requisite to the successful administration of the holy 



274 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

functions appertaining thereto. . . . Believe me, my dear 
friend, it was with unmingled feelings of joy and thankfulness 
that I first heard of your election, and I should have written 
immediately to express my feelings had I known your address. 
I did not know your whereabouts in England or the United 
States. I feel assured that your new position will, by God's 
grace, be profitable to those over whom he has appointed you 
overseer. Your sphere of usefulness is now much enlarged : 
may you be the honored instrument in God's hands of win 
ning many souls to Christ. It would have given me much 
pleasure to have been present at your consecration, and added 
my prayers to those which undoubtedly went up from many 
hearts to the throne of grace for the new apostle of the Lord^ 
the new leader of the Lord's hosts in the conflict with sin and 
Satan. Those prayers, though not presented then and there, 
have yet, I trust, reached the mercy-seat with acceptance. 

" It is a very great pleasure to write to you again, and I 
shall long to hear from you. Give our united love to our 

very dear friend Mrs. C , and each of your dear children, 

and believe me 

" Your very sincere friend, T. T. R. " 

The next in order of date is from Bishop Vail : 

"ATCHISON, KAN., November 24, 1866. 
" For the Right Rev. Geo. D. Cummins, D.D., Louisville, Ky.: 

" RIGHT REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER : I should have 
written you before your consecration had I not known that 
you were abroad, and if I could have learned in my prairie 
fields, where I spent the summer, how to address you. 

" I would now write to give you the welcome of a humble 
brother upon your entrance into the Episcopate. 

" In the confidence of your brethren I congratulate you. 
In the assumption of new responsibilities I sympathize with 
you. I pray that God may be with you, by his Holy Spirit, 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 2?$ 

to bless you in your efforts to extend the knowledge among 
your people of the blessed Gospel of the Son of God, and 
that the glory of our dear Lord Jesus may be accomplished 
through you. 

' ' I know of none who, in the good old Diocese of Ken 
tucky old among our Western dioceses could have been 
more fitly selected, or could effect, by God's grace, a larger 
blessing for the fold of Christ. 

" May the Holy Ghost speed and prosper you ! Believe 
me, affectionately, 

" Your friend and brother, THOMAS H. VAIL." 

The following is from Bishop Lee of Delaware : 

"WILMINGTON, DEL., November 26, 1866. 
' ' Right Rev. Geo. D. Cummins : 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : It would have been exceedingly 
pleasant to me to have been present at your consecration, hav 
ing always, since our first acquaintance, felt so much interest 
in your welfare and success. 

" My constant journeyings for the last eight months in 
Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as in my own diocese, 
made it hardly possible for me to accept the invitation which 
I received from Bishop Smith. 

" I can hardly congratulate you on your appointment to 
an office involving so much labor and such dread responsi 
bility, but I trust you will be mercifully sustained and greatly 
prospered in your work. At all times and in all places the 
work of a bishop is full of weight and difficulty. It must be 
particularly so in the field upon which you are now to enter. 
Commending you to him who is able to make all grace 
abound towards us, and assuring you of cordial sympathy and 
affectionate regard, 

" I remain vour brother in the Lord, 

" ALFRED LEE." 



276 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 



The next letter is from a beloved friend, a lawyer 
in Washington, D. C., and a member of his congre 
gation while rector of Trinity Church, one who had 
been as a brother to him for years : 

"WASHINGTON, November 25, 1866. 

" RIGHT REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D. : It is a holy 
title in which you have been clothed, my dear friend and 
teacher in sacred things. Yet I do not love you one whit the 
more for the dignity of your high office than when you were 
my own pastor. 

" Among all those who rejoice to hear of your election to 
the bishopric, I will give place to none in the joy and delight 
your promotion affords. You never will know what a com 
fort it is to me to have you feel towards me confidence in my 
unabated affection, and to believe I retain your esteem. You 
are, and have been ever since we first met, my most helping 
and strengthening brother in Christ, and I can assure you 
I have missed you sadly in every way since you left your 
flock in Washington. But I see how plainly it was all or 
dered by him ' who doeth all things well," and how, when 
you were called to rend asunder ties you formed here that 
will last through eternity and how I felt and believed and 
even favored with pain the removal to Baltimore, it was 
but the step from stone to stone by which God was prepar 
ing you to meet his call for a higher station of usefulness in 
his service. I know you realize far more than I can compre 
hend the nature of your duties, and the preparation for the 
work. May he for whom you have heretofore labored guide 
you to all strength and fitness for your work. How I would 
have rejoiced to have witnessed the solemnities at Christ 
Church on the i5th ! My soul would have been lifted up by 
the deep emotion of my heart to see one I love so much by 
the unanimous voice of his brethren in the Church, laymen 
and ministers receive the ' commission ' anew, coupled with 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 2/7 

graver duties, and vested with larger powers for usefulness. 
I meant to write only about your new office, and to 
tell you how much talk and pleasant things your old friends 
have to say about it. It gratifies me to see how strong the 
love is they bear you. The newspaper is going around from 
hand to hand and house to house ; all are touched and 
charmed with its accounts, and the excellent discourse of 
Bishop Lee ; and I was doubly glad the teacher of the hour 
was, as he claimed to be, ' your intimate friend. ' 

" My dear mother charged me to say for her that she fully 
believes you are called to the office, and that God will furnish 
you with strength for your duties. Love to all your family." 

The following is from Bishop Cummins 's kind 
friend for seven years, Ex-Governor Stevenson of 
Kentucky : 

" CoviNGTON, December 12, 1866. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : I wrote you a long letter in Octo 
ber, and directed it to Chicago, hoping it would greet you 
upon your return from Europe. I fear it has been consigned 
to the Dead Letter Office at Washington. 

" It had no other merit than the sincere outpouring of 
the warm heart of a thorough Episcopalian, of the Virginia 
Bishop Meade stamp, to his beloved and newly elected dio 
cesan ! Besides my gratitude at your election and a narra 
tive of the peculiar and providential blessings which seemed 
to culminate in the glorious and closing work of our Conven 
tion, I begged you always to consider my house your home, 
and to be assured of the affectionate greeting which would 
always await you in our family circle. . . . You have been 
called, under the providence of God, at a most auspicious and 
critical time to a responsible but noble field of labor. I trust 
and believe you will love and become endeared to the people 
of Kentucky ; you are precisely the bishop we need and de 
mand. The work may be laborious, but God will give us the 



2/3 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

increase. In these days of extravaganzas in Ritualism we 
want a father in God whose warm heart, sound judgment, 
and simple exposition of the Gospel is only exceeded by his 
unfaltering devotion and fearless orthodoxy to its precious 
truths. 

" Mrs. S joins me in kind and cordial greetings to 

Mrs. C and yourself, and I beg you to accept the assur 
ance of that warm regard with which I am, 

"Very truly yours, J. W. STEVENSON." 

We give extracts from a letter written by 
Bishop Green, of Mississippi, and Chancellor of the 
University of the South : 

" UNIVERSITY PLACE, TENN., January 16, 1867. 
" Right Rev. Geo. D. Cummins, D.D. : 

" MY DEAR SIR : It has been my intention ever since 
your consecration to write you a letter, not of congratulation, 
but of brotherly welcome to the arduous and responsible 
labors of the Episcopate. A multiplicity of other and more 
pressing demands upon my time has prevented my doing so 
until the present moment. 

" Let me now, therefore, if it be not too late, assure you, 
my good brother, of my confidence in you, and of my hearty 
prayers for your happiness and usefulness. You have a noble 
field, and I believe you will work it well. . . . The next 
meeting of our Board of Trustees will be at Montgomery, on 
the 1 3th February. Can you not be with us ? Your presence 
as a mere visitor and well-wisher Avould be highly gratifying to 
us all. . . . Do come, if you can. I have written a similar 
invitation to Bishop Smith. 

" Affectionately your brother in Christ, 

" W. M. GREEN." 

Bishop Cummins returned to Chicago early in 
December, and, as we have said before, passed some 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 279 

weeks with his former charge, preaching 1 for them 
regularly twice on Sundays, and holding services in 
the week. This he felt was due to the people of Trin 
ity Church. They had been so generous, so liberal, 
so thoughtful for him, that he was all the more 
anxious to be with them as much as possible while 
they were without a pastor. January ist, 1867, he 
with his family returned to Louisville, where they 
remained with kind and most hospitable friends until 
the latter part of February, the bishop meantime 
filling all his appointments. In February he accom 
panied his wife and daughters to Baltimore. Up to 
the second week in May he was occupied with visita 
tions through the diocese. The first of April his 
family went to Virginia, to be with the parents of his 
wife. We have before us letters of Bishop Cum 
mins written during the months of May and June. 

The first is dated 

" COVINGTON, KY., May 26, 1867. 

" I preached and confirmed in St. Paul's Church, New 
port, this morning, and officiate at Trinity Church, Coving- 
ton, to-night. Rev. Mr. M called to take me to confirm 

a sick person before the morning service. . . . The con 
gregation was large, and I confirmed eighteen persons. This 
makes sixty-eight persons confirmed in this church since Jan 
uary last. The Convention meets in St. Paul's, Louisville. 
Rev. Mr. W has been elected Assistant Bishop of Vir 
ginia. He has not yet decided to accept. I hope for Vir 
ginia's sake he will go, as I think he is just the man for the 
diocese. 

" May 27. Preached last night in Trinity Church, Cov- 
ington, to an immense congregation, and confirmed twenty- 
three persons, making in all fifty-six in this church since 
January last. The prospect before us in the diocese seems 



280 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

very encouraging : all are impressed with the record of my 
work for the past six months, and we have now entire har 
mony. Bishop Smith has appointed Thursday as the day for 
the Convention sermon and communion, as it is Ascension 
Day. Wednesday will be devoted to business. . . . Bear 
me ever in your heart in prayer. ... I desire to cultivate a 
spirit of unity and harmony among the congregations. I shall 
strive to bring the whole diocese into perfect harmony in our 
great work of extending the Church throughout the State. ' ' 

"LOUISVILLE, May 29, 1867. 

" At ten o'clock this morning the Convention assembled 
and tried to organize, but the question was started of the con 
stitutionality of the bishop's call, and a lively discussion 
sprang up, lasting until eleven, the hour for service. At 
eleven o'clock I preached the Convention sermon : it was 
listened to with much interest. At 3.30 the Convention re 
assembled. Bishop S was absent and I took the chair. 

The debate on the legality of the bishop's call was very ear 
nest, but at last the Convention legalized his act, and thus 
all trouble was avoided. The Convention passed a unanimous 
resolution asking that my sermon be given for publication. 

'' To-morrow is the day for unveiling the full life-size statue 
of Henry Clay, by Hart, and the ceremonies are to be very 
imposing. Judge B is to deliver the address. The Con 
vention has been invited, and will go in a body, and accord 
ingly we meet at eight o'clock to-morrow morning for service 
and the communion, as it is Ascension Day, but will have no 
session of the Convention until three o'clock. Every day 
some new call for my services comes to me. I am wanted to 
lay corner-stones for churches at Shelbyville and Georgetown. 
Rev. Mr. T , Mr. C , and Mr. W wish confirma 
tion. I am very lonely without my precious ones, and long 
for a home of our own. On the yth I go to Pewee Valley, 
on the 8th to Georgetown, and on the nth to Paris." 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 28 1 

At this time Bishop Cummins first met with Lyte's 
beautiful hymn, " Abide with Me, fast falls the Even 
tide," and writes thus of it : 

" I send you this as a Sunday night's breathing of my 
own soul. May it be yours and mine now and always until 
' Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.' Do try to learn 
it, and get L and S to learn to sing it for me. Good 
night. 

He was very fond of music, especially sacred mu 
sic. It was his custom to join with his family in sing 
ing in the evening whenever he was at home. He had 
a correct ear for music, and could readily catch any 
tune which he liked. His voice in singing as well as 
preaching was most melodious. Nothing pleased 
him more than to gather around the piano and sing 
hymn after hymn with his home circle. Some of Mr. 
Bliss's hymns were his special delight, and also some 
of Mr. Sankey's. " The Sweet By and By," " Oh ! 
to be Nothing," "The Gates Ajar," "The Ninety 
and Nine, ' ' and many others he never wearied of hear 
ing. " Guide me, O thou great Jehovah," " Rock 
of Ages," " Lord, with glowing Heart I'd praise 
Thee," "Nearer, my God, to Thee," and others 
from the Prayer-Book collection he dearly loved ; 
but none were so dear as the one he so solemnly re 
peated as he caught a glimpse of the " precious Sa 
viour ' ' on the portals of the house not made with 
hands. 

Writing from Elizabethtown on the 3d of June, 
he mentions his intention of visiting Henderson on 
the roth, and says : 



282 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

' Then I shall have visited every parish in the diocese ex 
cept one, Princeton, in the extreme south-west, where I can 
not go at this season of the year. To-night I hold confirma 
tion here. To-morrow I go to Owensboro. At Henderson 
we will have several days' services, and an ordination (Whit- 
Sunday) and confirmation. 

" This bright warm afternoon I am reminded of the cot 
tage and the porch, with our improvements, and long to see 
the honeysuckle that we trained. I am glad to have some 
time to spend at the cottage before we leave for the North, 
for I enjoy the calm evenings there so much, and I am happy 
to be able to be with dear mother and father to cheer them by 
our presence. I preach here and confirm a class. Since I 

was last here, Mr. T , the rector, has made with his own 

hands a desk and pulpit, and they are very tasteful." 

" OWENSBORO, June 6. 

' The church here is very feeble and has no pastor. The 
hearts of the people were almost ready to despair, but my com 
ing seems to have infused new life into them. I have con 
ferred with the vestry, and they will call a rector at once. ' ' 

" HENDERSON, KY., June 7, 1867. 

' ' I am now at one of the most distant points of the dio 
cese. The weather is intensely hot and very trying. We 
were received on reaching this place by two of the vestry. 
Henderson is a much more important place than Owensboro, 
and we have a tasteful church edifice here, but the church is 
in a low condition. I have called the vestry to meet me this 
afternoon to advise them concerning the future. The pres 
ent rector is very old, and I shall advise them to call a 
younger man as associate rector. This community reminds 
me very much of Norfolk a quiet town, with a warm-hearted, 
hospitable people. We have had services every day since I 
arrived, though the heat is intense. Sunday I ordained Mr. 



CONSECRATION AND WORK. 283 

Ross to the presbyterate my first ordination. My visit to 
Henderson has awakened great interest. When I reached here 
there were \>\\\.four candidates for confirmation, and I con 
firmed twelve Sunday night." 

Almost immediately after completing his list of 
visitations, Bishop Cummins went to Virginia, and 
passed a week at his father-in-law's home. From t 
there, accompanied by his wife and daughters, he 
went to Bethlehem, Pa., to be present at the Com 
mencement of the Lehigh University. There they 
passed several days, and enjoyed greatly the inter 
esting exercises. From Bethlehem they returned 
to Baltimore, and from there went to Northampton, 
Mass., where they spent the summer. In the au 
tumn, Bishop Cummins with his family returned to 
Kentucky. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

A STAND FOR THE TRUTH 1 868. 



" O fear not in a world like this, 
And thou shalt know ere long 
Know how sublime a thing it is 
To suffer and be strong." 

AGED 46. 

VERY soon after he returned to Kentucky a coun 
try home was offered to Bishop Cummins, by 
its owner, at a moderate price. It was situated in 
Pewee Valley, sixteen miles from Louisville, on the 
railroad to Cincinnati, and possessed many attractions. 
The congregations of Christ's Church and St. Paul's, 
Louisville, chiefly assumed the responsibility of the 
debt ; and the bishop, with a very joyful heart, set 
about repairing the house and grounds, which had 
been allowed to fall into decay. Before the main 
building was ready for occupation he removed his 
family to " Oak Lea," and all the winter they were 
accommodated in the wing of the house. Through 
the generous liberality of friends and relatives in the 
East, he was enabled to make this home comfortable, 
and a bright future opened before him. Happy in his 
work, blessed of God in his labors, and with restored 
strength, the winter of 1867-8 was one of the brightest 
.of Bishop Cummins's life. 



A STAND FOR THE TRUTH 1868. 285 

In February he attended a meeting of the House 
of Bishops, assembled in New York on the I5th, to 
elect a missionary bishop for Oregon. He writes : 

' Twenty bishops were present, and after balloting nine 

times they elected Dr. P . I know him and admire him 

very much ; he is a man of beautiful spirit, and full of mis 
sionary zeal, and I know he is utterly opposed to the school 
of ritualists and Romanizers. I doubt, though, whether he 

will accept. Bishop P invited me to dine with him, with 

several of the bishops, but I declined, as a violent snow-storm 
was falling. I have not made any calls yet upon our friends. 

I wrote for G to come over from Bethlehem to-morrow. 

" February 6. Our dear boy is with me: he came last 
night. I am very happy to have him ; it is bringing a part 
of home to me. I am truly glad to know that on Monday my 
face will be turned towards my fondly loved home !" 

The spring and summer of 1868 were passed in 
busy work throughout the diocese, with the excep 
tion of a visit to Chicago, accompanied by his wife 
and youngest daughter. The country home of Bishop 
Cummins was too attractive to permit of his wishing 
to go elsewhere, and the entire summer was passed at 
" Oak Lea," with occasional visits to parishes in the 
diocese. When not otherwise engaged he preached 
in some one of the churches in Louisville, or in the 
school-house in Pewee Valley. Through the earnest 
efforts of the bishop, funds had been raised to finish 
a tasteful stone church in Pewee Valley. This was 
opened for services in 1869. 

-In August of 1868, the sad news reached them by 
telegraph of the dangerous illness of Judge Balch. 
Mrs. Cummins was at that time too ill to leave her 



286 GEORGE DAVID CUM^IINS. 

bed, and the bishop at once started for Virginia. He 
writes : 

" ON BOARD THE STEAMER, August 31, l868. 

" It is with a sad heart that I turn my face eastward on 
this long journey. I have felt so deeply the sadness of going 
without you on this sorrowful mission. To feel that you are 
forced to keep your bed of suffering and denied the happiness 
of ministering to your father in his illness is very distressing 
to me. The precious consolation under such a trial is that 
' it is the Lord's doing,' and though ' marvellous in our eyes' 
yet most assuredly a work of love, and only to be borne with 

a spirit of cheerful resignation. I said to G , just now, 

'.Oh, that M was only with us !' 

" If I find dear father still in this world I will tell him of 
all your deep love and intense yearning to go to him, and of 
your utter inability to/travel. And if he has gone to his rest, 
I will do all in my power to comfort dear mother. My 
thoughts will be continually with you, and my prayers unceas 
ingly offered for you. May our Heavenly Father bless and 
comfort you." 

The following brief note tells the sad story : 

" KEARNEYSVILLE, VA., September 2, 1868. 

" I have just reached this place, and find that dear father 

is with his Saviour whom he loved so well. All that I can 

learn here is that he fell asleep on Saturday, and was laid 

away to rest on Monday afternoon. I am going up to the 

cottage at once on horseback. Your brother L arrived 

last night from -Canada, too late, like myself, to see father or 
be present at his funeral. May God be with you and com 
fort you under your great sorrow, a sorrow not as those with 
out hope." 



A STAND -FOR THE TRUTH 1868. 287 

In October, 1868, Bishop Cummins left his home 
for New York, to attend the General Convention. 
On his way he spent a Sunday at Covington, Ky. 
From there he writes : 

" I met in the cars Governor and Mrs. S . Our con 
versation was chiefly of the great issues before our Church. 
He is very earnest in his support of all evangelical interests. 
I preached at Trinity Church in the morning from the text, 
' The simplicity that is in Christ,' 2 Cor. 11:3. It was a 
sermon for these sad times. I spoke with great warmth and 
earnestness ; certainly this people will never be in any doubt 
as to my position on the vital questions at issue in our Church. 
This bright October afternoon I have been thinking how 
lovely our home must be looking under the rays of a cloudless 
sun. I am grieved to have to leave you when suffering so 
much, but if I succeed in getting help for our missionary 
churches from the Building Committee of the ' Church Mis 
sionary Society,' I will be home sooner than you expect. I 
preached again at night from the words, ' My words shall not 
pass away.' The congregation was very large." 

"BALTIMORE, October 6, 1868. 

" I resume my journal. I left Cincinnati in company 
with a number of the clergy and other friends. Met Rev. 

Mr. C at Belle Air, and had a long talk with him upon 

the state of the Church. I was up in time the next morning 
to see the destruction wrought by the great flood in August. 
I should scarcely have recognized Ellicott's Mills and Elys- 
ville. Hundreds of workmen are still employed on the deso 
lated portion of the road. I reached Baltimore at nine o'clock 

A.M., and went with Rev. Mr. C to the hotel, and thence 

to your sister's. The Doctor drove me out after dinner to 

see Rev. Dr. G , who kindly promised me help for our 

missionary churches ; then to Mr. R 's, who also promises 



288 GEORGE DAVID CUMMIN'S. 

help ; then to see a number of dear old friends, and the site 
of the new St. Peter's, and the design. It will be very im 
posing when finished. Mr. G - is very happy about the 
new church." 

" NEW YORK, October 7, 1868. 

" We arrived here this morning about seven o'clock, and 
went to the Astor House for breakfast ; will go up to Dr. 
B 's this afternoon. All is excitement and intense in 
terest concerning the Convention. Dr. G showed me 

several more memorials that he had received upon momentous 
subjects, and there is a promise of stirring discussion on all 
the great topics. We cannot doubt that God ivill take care of 
His truth ; but my stand is taken firmly on the old evangelical 
basis, now and ever , and to keep ' this Church ' upon the platform 
of the Reformation. ' ' 

" HOUSE OF BISHOPS, October 8, 4 o'clock P.M., 1868. 

" I am now seated at my desk. We have a beautiful 
room, fitted up with forty-two very tasteful desks and arm 
chairs. Each desk is furnished with a large portfolio with the 
name of the diocese on it, and filled with paper and envelopes. 
The room is very bright and cheerful. We have just organ 
ized and are attending to mere routine business. I went 
down to the Bible House after writing to you, and had an in 
terview with Rev. Mr. Rising concerning my application to 
the Church Building Committee, and he has arranged to have 
a meeting of the committee next Wednesday to meet me. 
To-day I introduced my resolution concerning the sending of 
our children to Romish schools, and it has awakened an ex 
ceedingly able and interesting debate. Eleven bishops spoke. 
The debate is still going on, has lasted two hours, and has 
gone into mighty questions. I have never listened to a de 
bate of more intense interest." 



A STAND FOR THE TJ?[7THi868. 289 

" NEW YORK, October 8. 

"At ten o'clock this morning the bishops and clergy as 
sembled in the two robing-rooms of Trinity Church, and after 
robing went immediately into the chancel no procession ex 
cept one following the other. There were no choristers. All 
had evidently been arranged by the advice of Bishop Mc- 
llvaine and others who think with him. The chants were 
sung by a company of clergymen from the gallery. Bishop 
A. Lee preached a magnificent sermon, utterly condemnatory 
of all modern innovations, and especially the doctrine of 
priesthood, sacrifice, and altar. We thank God most heartily 
for this noble utterance. I preach in the Church of the 

Atonement on Sunday, i8th. I am staying at Dr. B 's, 

who belongs to Calvary Church. The family are very kind 
and attentive, and I am most pleasantly situated. At nine 
o'clock I went to a reception of the bishops and clergy at 

Bishop P 's. There I. met many friends. Dr. E 

has sailed for France. . I had an earnest talk with Dr. H 

and Dr. G , of South Carolina, concerning the errors in 

our Church they are thoroughly with me. 

" October 9, Friday. After the adjournment of our House 
we had a meeting of the Southern bishops to consider the 
question of the Freedman's Commission. After this I walked 

with Bishop Johns to Mr. A 's, to call on Mrs. J . 

She made many inquiries about you. Immediately after din 
ner I went to Calvary Church to hear Bishop B preach in 

behalf of missions. After the service I went with Bishop 

B to Judge R 's reception. There was a great crowd 

present. I remained only a short time. This morning Bishop 
Mcllvaine rose and objected to the surpliced choir of boys at 
the daily service at Trinity Chapel. Some of the Bishops 
favored it strongly, but finally it was arranged as the evan 
gelical bishops wished, by withdrawing the surpliced choir. 

I have been unusually busy to-day, and now M B - is 

waiting for me to go to Dr. B 's to dine. To-night the Board 



290 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

of Missions meets for business in the Church of the Transfigu 
ration, and will meet for a long time. Our Evangelical societies 
meet on the zoth, 2ist, and 22d. I am engaged to preach in 

Grace Church next Sunday at Dr. P 's urgent request, and 

will make a missionary address at St. Thomas's the same day. 
" October 10, Saturday. Last night I attended the meet 
ing of the Board of Missions. You may judge of my feelings 
when, upon entering the church, I saw before me in the 
chancel an altar, with a super-altar, and on it in the centre a 
brass cross three feet high, and two brass candlesticks of the 
same height on either side, with candles in them, but unlighted. 
And just in front of the altar was the venerable Bishop Mc- 
Ilvaine, within a few feet of what he had all his life so ear 
nestly protested against. The feeling of indignation is gen 
eral, and very great among all evangelical men, and some will 
not again attend the meetings if they are held in that church. 
It seems unpardonable to have selected such a place for the 
meetings of the Board, and thus compel us to countenance 
the very things we have so earnestly protested against in the 
declaration of the twenty-eight bishops. The Evangelical 
bishops hold a meeting to-day at two o'clock to consult to 
gether upon these and other vital issues before us. There is 
intense feeling on all sides, and every day there are discus 
sions bearing upon great questions such as leaving out the 
term ' Protestant Episcopal, ' and using that of ' The Church ' 
in the United States. You see that it touches vital points. 
This morning I went down to the E. K. S. and met Dr. 

C , Dr. S , Dr. Sparrow, and many others. I learn 

that the most advanced and extreme men among 'the low 
churchmen will not press their own views and plans, but 
unite with us on the great platform of Evangelicism, and in 
an unbroken front towards the Romanizers. ' ' 

" HOUSE OF BISHOPS, October 12. 
" Yesterday I preached at Grace Church from the words, 



A STAND FOR THE 7 n A'/7Y/-i868. 29! 

' The kingdom of God is within you.' Dr. T and Dr. 

C - assisted in the services. After the services Judge 

S and Mr. M -, lay deputies from Virginia, came to 

speak to me, also Mr. and Mrs. Charles R , and Mrs. 

D , from Norfolk. But the best news of all is that Dr. 

P has promised me two hundred dollars for the churches 

in Kentucky ! In the afternoon I went to St. George's 
with Bishop Eastburn. Dr. Tyng preached. I saw Bishop 
and Mrs. J i . At seven I drove to St. Thomas's ; the 
church was filled. I spoke with great earnestness. This 

morning I met Rev. S H. T , jr., at the Bible 

House; he has promised me one hundred dollars ; so you 
see our little churches will go up yet ! I shall not cease 
my efforts to raise money, not only for the church in Pewee 
Valley, but for those which I need so much in other places, 
and for our needy ministers. 1 am not afraid of getting too 
much, for I could use five thousand dollars for our imme 
diate and pressing needs. 

' This morning several clergymen and others, who heard 
me speak last night, have urged me to take part in the great 
meeting to-morrow night at the Academy of Music, and 
Dr. - - has been here to beg me to deliver the same speech 

as at St. Thomas's. I consulted with Bishop , and he 

said ' That he would not have the slightest difficulty in speak 
ing ; for though he was in active co-operation with the Amer 
ican Church Missionary Society, he continued to work with 
the Board of Missions, and he thought there ought to be some 
one to speak for the Foreign Missions to-morrow night.' 
Acting under his advice I consented. It is intended to make 
it a great occasion ; two hundred singers are to join in a great 
missionary hymn, and other sacred music. The house holds 
three thousand people. I intend to dwell upon the memories 
of Boone and Hoffman, and on the foreign work generally. 

Dr. H came to me this morning to ask me to take part 

in a meeting in behalf of a movement to provide an order, or 



292 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

body of men as Evangelists or Itinerants, to go into destitute 
places to preach. 

" October 13, 1868. Went last evening to the meeting of 
the Board of Missions, and listened to the reports of Bishops 

C and R , read by themselves. Both reports were 

very interesting. As we were leaving, Bishop S , of 

P , took my arm, and as we walked together had a most 

earnest talk upon our position as evangelical men in this crisis. 
He is most decidedly opposed to the extreme men, but said 
' he could and would die for the evangelical cause. ' I have 
been to-day to see about dear father's portrait and the memo 
rial window. The business before the House was to elect a 
Missionary Bishop for Oregon and Washington Territory." 

"NEW YORK, October 14. 

" Yesterday I went down at seven o'clock to the Academy 
of Music and found a vast audience filling the building from 
the floor to the ceiling. There are three galleries, and they 
were all crowded to the utmost, and on the stage were several 
hundred singers and a large orchestra. All the bishops, 
clergy, and laity of the Convention were there, almost without 
an exception. I send you a programme. I spoke only fifteen 
minutes. The meeting was a great success, and the music 
very fine, especially the singing ' From Greenland's icy moun 
tains, ' and a hymn to the tune of ' Coronation.' The solo 
' Comfort ye, my people,' was sung by one of our clergy, 
and with the instrumental accompaniment was very beauti 
ful. 

" 1.30 P.M. We have^ist finished our lunch, and this is 
a very pleasant hour of the day, each party ignoring for the 
time all differences and indulging in bright and even merry 
intercourse. I meet people from almost every quarter of the 
country, some of them old friends from Virginia. I am so 
entirely absorbed in my duties that I can only speak to them, 
but have no time for visiting. The question of appointing a 



A STAND FOR THE TJ?UTffi86&. 293 

Committee on Church Unity has been discussed, but has met 
with great opposition from the high churchmen. 
" Love to all in our own dear home." 

" HOUSE OF BISHOPS, October 16. 

" Yesterday called on Dr. and Mrs. M , they having 
left cards thinking you were with me. I did not go to Dr. 
Haight's reception, nor to Governor Fish's, on Monday night, 
on account of fatigue from the duties pressing upon me. You 
will scarcely understand me when I tell you that I am weary 
to get back to my own quiet peaceful home. The excitement 
is so great here that it wears upon one. And yet we have 
not pouched the great questions of ritualism all our exciting 
debates have been on the case, the question of sister 
hoods, and surpliced choirs. Yesterday G arrived ; he 

is looking remarkably well, and is taller and stouter than when 

he left us in September. To-day I took G to the Bible 

House and introduced him to many persons, and then we 
went to the House of Bishops, before its organization, to let 
him see the room and our arrangements ; then to the House of 
Clerical and Lay Deputies, and went in to see that House in 
session. 

" October 19, Monday. Yesterday at ten o'clock I drove 
to the Church of the Atonement Rev. Mr. Sabine's. Mr. 

P read the service. I tried to preach as earnestly and 

faithfully as I could. In the afternoon I had to bid G 
farewell, as I had to leave at four o'clock for Staten Island. 
He has enjoyed his visit very much. At four Rev. Mr. R 
called for me. There were three of ''us appointed for this 
missionary meeting. On reaching the landing about six 
o'clock we were met by friends. After driving through the 
beautiful grounds of my host, a warden of St. John's, I 
reached the house, the front of which looked out upon the 
water. I could see the distant light-houses. The water 
proved to be the ocean itself ; for Mr. T 's house is be- 



294 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

yond the Narrows, and the lights I saw were those on Sandy 
Hook and the Highlands of Neversink. After tea we drove 
to St. John's. We all three made addresses, and the collec 
tion was good, amounting to three hundred and fifty dollars. 

I went to New York this morning with Rev. Dr. E , and 

had a good deal of conversation on church matters. I send 
you a card which has been sent to each bishop this morning 
in an envelope, and it has awakened much surprise among 
some of the bishops, who were not aware of my connection 
with the American Church Missionary Society. Bishops 

W and Q came to talk with me about it. I am glad 

that henceforth no one will be able to misunderstand my po 
sition. 

" October 20, Tuesday. This is an important day with 
us. We have had a report from the ' Committee on Memo 
rials," consisting of Bishops L , J , and C , in re 
sponse to the memorial of certain of the low churchmen, ask 
ing for the permission to use alternate forms in some of the 
offices in the Prayer Book. The committee reported that it 
was unwise and inexpedient to attempt any such changes, and 
their report was adopted. The debate of the House upon a 
report of the same committee upon a memorial sent by the 
vestry of Rev. Mr. T 's church asking for an interpreta 
tion of the canon, and to declare the mind of the Church 
upon the subject, is very earnest. There is not the slightest 
probability of the canon being repealed, or amended in any 
way, but to make it more and not less stringent. This is the 
tendency of the whole current of feeling in the Convention. 
All that we can do is to plant ourselves upon the Prayer Book 
as it is, for thus we can save any movement Romeward or 
Greekward by any changes in the Prayer Book. We are sat 
isfied with the Prayer Book that Bishops Meade, Griswold, 
and others of like mind used with entire satisfaction." 

At the time these words were written Bishop Cum- 



A STAND FOR THE TR U TH 1868. 2Q5 

mins fully believed what he then wrote. No charge 
can with any truth be made that in all he ever said or 
did he was not perfectly honest. Just so soon as he 
believed otherwise, the Church knew it. He was thor 
oughly persuaded then, and years before and after this 
period, that the errors which had then crept into the 
Protestant Episcopal Church ' ' must be fought against 
within her pale." It was not until years of untiring 
labor, of most faithful teaching had passed, and, with 
out any judicial authority whatever in the Diocese of 
Kentucky, he saw these errors grow and strengthen 
day by day, until they no longer came with stealthy 
tread, but were blazoned with all the pomp and 
glitter of that school, that he turned away weary of a 
struggle of five long years. Had he possessed the 
authority, Ritualism would have been put down in 
Kentucky, though it would have still grown and 
flourished in other dioceses. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 

" And His truth endureth from generation to generation." 

PSALM 100. 



W 



AGED 46. 
E resume Bishop Cummins's journal : 



" Immediately after dinner I went to Calvary Church, 
where a meeting was held in behalf of the Society for sending 
out Evangelists. We had a spirited meeting. Dr. H - is 
the president of the society, and presided. He spoke, as also 

did Bishops N , E , W , and myself, as well as 

the Rev. Mr. Fox, of Durham, England, the biographer of 

Mr. Hoffman. I hope Dr. W will aid me in my work in 

Kentucky. I spoke earnestly to him about it. This morn 
ing I went to the Bible House and met many friends ; from 
thence with Mr. W , of Baltimore, to the communion ser 
vice held in the Church of the Ascension, appointed as an 
introduction to the evangelical meetings beginning to-day. 
The Rev. B. Wistar Morris was elected Bishop of Oregon. 

" October 21, 1868. I left our House yesterday at four 
o'clock and went down to the business meeting of the Evan 
gelical Knowledge Society. The attendance of evangelical 
men was very large, from all parts of the country. At seven 
o'clock I went to the anniversary exercises ; the services were 
very interesting. Bishop Mcllvaine presided, and ten 
bishops were present. Bishop Mcllvaine, Bishop Stevens, 
and the Rev. Mr. K were the speakers. After the ad- 



GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 297 

journment I met many old friends Dr. N , Mr. H , 

and R. S , of Boston. Mr. H 's case in Rhode Is 
land is not yet decided, but he is very cheerful. 

." This morning the debate on the subdivision of dioceses 
has been earnest and interesting. It is one of the most vital 
questions we have to decide. We have just had lunch, after 

which I had a very earnest interview with Bishop , with 

regard to my position towards the Evangelical Societies. He 
asked me if I had thought of the effect upon some of the lead 
ing men in Kentucky. I told him ' yes,' that I had counted 
the cost, that I had acted from an urgent necessity laid upon 
me to give all my influence in favor of the Protestant element 
in our Church, and to resist the mighty tide of error in our 
midst tending towards Rome. The interview was perfectly 
friendly and cordial, but very decided on my part. I know 
very well I shall have to bear reproach for the stand I have 
taken, but I am not troubled by this. I believe I am stand 
ing for the defence of the precious truth of the Gospel, now 
so sadly imperilled in our own Church by the growth of false 
doctrine. Our time on earth is short, and all our influence 
so fleeting is but an atom to be given to our Master. ' ' 

On Wednesday, October 21, Bishop Cummins de 
livered an address before the American Church Mis 
sionary Society, which was a reply to Dr. Ewer's three 
sermons entitled, " Protestantism a Failure." It was 
printed in the American Church Missionary Society's 
Register of December, 1868, in full. We quote a 
few sentences : 

"We are conscious, profoundly conscious, of the vital 
issues now pressing upon us. We whose heritage is this Re 
formed Church of Christ, feel in the depths of our souls that 
we are passing through a crisis solemn, momentous, awful 
and you will bear with me while I add my voice in defence of 



298 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

all that the Reformers of England in the sixteenth century 
bequeathed to us as our heritage and the heritage of our chil 
dren. Within a short distance of where we are assembled, a 
course of sermons has been preached to prove Protestantism 
a failure ; and that by one who in the most solemn hour of 
his life made this declaration : ' I do solemnly declare that I 
will conform to the doctrine, discipline, and Avorship of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church.' I do not wish to give too 
great importance to the utterances of any one man ; but this 
sermon is but a sign of the times, but one indication among 
so many, of the deep, widespread effort to eliminate from this 
Church her distinctively Reformed or Protestant character, and 
to place her where she stood before the Reformation, denied 
by the corruptions of mediaeval times. 

:l Three memorable attempts have been made within the 
last three hundred years to subvert the work of the Anglican 
Reformers. The first was in the sixteenth .century ; the 
second in the seventeenth ; the third in the nineteenth. 
The first was an attempt by force ; the second by fraud ; the 
third by treachery." 

The address was printed in full in several of the 
New York secular papers, and awakened great, in 
terest and enthusiasm on the part of those in sym 
pathy with Bishop Cummins, and indignation and 
condemnation from the High church and Ritualistic 
party. The following letter was received from Rev. 
Dr. S. H. Tyng, senior : 

" IRVINGTON, Friday, October 23, 1868. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER : May God be praised 
for your fidelity to Christ and His truth on Wednesday even 
ing. Eternity alone can unfold the strength and confidence 
you were made the means of imparting to many of your 
brethren in the younger ministry. It was a noble testimony, 



GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 299 

worthy of the brightest and boldest of the great Reformers 
and all the saints of God will thank you for it. ... 

" We were all very sorry to feel the necessity of the ab 
sence of our beloved friends in the Episcopate yesterday. 
We had a glorious assembly and occasion in its spirit, its 
celebration, and its influence. . . . The brethren will 
go home wonderfully encouraged and cheered by all that they 
have heard and seen, 

' The Lord bless you and keep you, and prosper you 
much in your important and arduous work. 

" Your faithful friend and brother, 

" STEPHEN H. TYNG. 
" RIGHT REV. BISHOP CUMMINS." 

We quote from a leading newspaper printed in 
New York at the time : 

" Bishop Cummins, of Kentucky, appears before the 
American Church Missionary Society in noble and fearless 
advocacy of evangelical truth, and in defence of the Protest 
antism for which the Reformers braved the fires of martyr 
dom. The noble words of Bishop Cummins and of other 
clergymen thrilled us as we listened. May God bless them 
and make them strong in His might." 

On the 23d October, Bishop Cummins went to 
Peekskill, on the Hudson, and preached in behalf of 
missions. On the 24th he returned to New York and 
writes thus : 

" I agree with you that we have done but little touching 
vital questions. We have made the new dioceses in New 
York and Maryland ; we have passed a Canon prohibiting our 
clergy from marrying divorced persons ; we have refused to 
-make any changes in the Prayer Book to suit the views of low 



300 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



churchmen on the one side, and of those who wish to change 
the Nicene Creed on the other ; we have refused to change 
the Canon which brought about the Tyng trial, and it stands 
just as it did before ; we have refused to alter the Canon 
concerning the officiating of other than our own ministers in 
our churches. This Convention will prove an era in my life, 
and may decide the whole future of my career. May God 
overrule it for His glory and the advancement of His pre 
cious truth." 

On the evening of October 25th, at the urgent re 
quest of many friends, Bishop Cummins repeated 
his address on "The Protestantism of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church," in the Church of the Incarnation. 
It was printed in pamphlet form for extensive circula 
tion. The following is a notice of the meeting : 

" On Sunday evening, October 25th, the Church of the 
Incarnation, Rev. Dr. Montgomery's, corner Madison Avenue 
and Thirty-fifth Street, was filled by a vast audience to listen 
to an address from the Right Rev. Dr. Cummins, Assistant 
Bishop of Kentucky, in defence of the principles of the Eng 
lish Reformation, now so imperilled in the Episcopal Church 
of England and the United States. Many of the most prom 
inent laymen of different Episcopal churches of this city were 
present, and a large number of clerical and lay deputies to 
the General Convention now in session." 

In a letter dated October 27, he writes : 

" How unspeakably comforting your words are to me in 
the stand that I have taken for evangelical truth and Protest 
ant principles in our Church. I am greatly impressed with 
what you say of the beauty of ' Oak Lea.' I would rather 
live there than in Fifth Avenue. I am amazed at the growth, 
grandeur, and wonderful wealth of this city, but it is not to 



GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 3OI 

be named by the side of a home like ours, amidst the peace, 
the purity, the refreshing, elevating influences of God's works 
in nature. But to continue my journal. At 4.30 I returned 

to Dr. B 's to correct my address for the press. It is 

something that I shall be glad for my children to read in after 
years, as a testimony of my fidelity to the principles of the 

Reformation. I had a visit from Mr. , who is at the 

General Theological Seminary. He came to speak of things 
at the seminary that were most distressing to him as showing 
a leaning towards Romanism. The facts he stated to me 
ought to be. brought out in our House ; but I have been so 
prominent already on the Protestant side that my moving in 
such a matter may be considered offensive. The House of 
Clerical and Lay Deputies have at last before them to-day the 
subject of Ritualism. Two reports are before them, both 
good, but the minority report is much stronger and more de 
cided in condemning things by name. The majority report, 
however, will certainly pass. This morning I met Rev. Mr. 
Fox, from England, at the Bible House : he promised to send 
me interesting documents, and to write me. We went to see 

Dr. D , concerning the publication of his memoir of Mr. 

Hoffman, and of my memoir of Mrs. H , by the Evan 
gelical Knowledge Society. The Executive Committee of the 
American Church Missionary Society desire me to lay before 
them the wants of the diocese. They will appropriate, as far 
as they are able, a sum to meet my needs, or rather needs for 
the work. This is very generous, and I am much encouraged. 
I go to-night to Englewood, and from thereto Smyrna, Del., 

to perform the marriage ceremony for F . 

' The lower House shirked most sadly the responsibility 
concerning Ritualism, but the ' pastoral letter ' was very de 
cided, and for this we are very thankful. Moreover, an 
evangelical bishop was elected for Nevada Rev. Mr. Whit- 
taker, a missionary in that country. The closing service was 
in Calvary Church, and Bishop Smith read the pastoral letter. " 



3O2 GEORGE DAVID CUMMIN'S, 

At the close of the General Convention Bishop 
Cummins accepted an invitation from his friend, Rev. 

Dr. N , of Boston, to make him a visit. From 

there he writes : 

" The weather was so inclement that I was unable to see 
any thing of Boston except the centre of the city. I went out 
to see Church's painting of Niagara, and was most deeply 

impressed with it. We dined at Mr. S 's, where I met 

Rev. C. G . Our conversation was chiefly about their 

visit to the East in 1866-7. They went as far as Jerusalem. 
On returning to New York I learned that the Evangelical 
Knowledge Society are about to print five thousand copies 
of my address at the Church of the Incarnation. Friday I 
go on to Baltimore, and Saturday to Washington, and Monday 
start for home.'' 

In a letter written November 5, 1868, Bishop 
Cummins tells of meeting again his old friend, Dr. 
Durbin : 

" At six o'clock I dined by special invitation with Dr. 
Durbin, who you know was President of Dickinson College 
when I was a student. ... I have been greatly blessed 
in my efforts to secure help for my poor churches in Ken 
tucky. " 

The following Sunday was spent in Washington ; 
he was the guest of a dear friend and former parish 
ioner, and preached morning and night in Trinity 
Church. On Monday he turned his face homeward, 
accompanied by the widowed mother of his wife, who 
passed the winter with them. The effect of Bishop 
Cummins's course in the General Convention upon the 
leading men of his diocese was twofold his work 



GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 303 

suffered in a degree, and he was personally made to 
feel that he could no longer expect sympathy or kind 
ness from some of those who only two years before 
had so warmly welcomed him to Kentucky. His 
home was sold in the spring of 1870, the promises of 
assistance in purchasing it having been withdrawn, and 
he had no means of his own beyond the salary of four 
thousand dollars, which he received, out of which all his 
travelling expenses had to be paid. " Oak Lea" was 
sold to the highest bidder for the sum originally asked 
for it, and all the cost of improvements was lost. In 
the spring of 1870 the Diocesan Convention passed a 
resolution offering to purchase the place as an episco 
pal residence ; but it was then too late to accept the 
offer, Bishop Cummins having made all his arrange 
ments to reside with his son-in-law, who had offered 
to build a house for their joint occupancy. 

To leave this home, where every tree and shrub 
and flower was endeared to him, and to which he 
ever returned after the weariness of travel, and the 
trials and cares of his office, to rest within peaceful 
walls, was a trial none can fully understand. But the 
loss of his home, the averted look of some he knew so 
well, the bitter taunts and unkind spirit manifested 
by others, and the unwillingness of some of the clergy 
to allow him to officiate in their churches, made no 
difference to one who walked so closely with his God. 
He ever met all with the same loving smile and the 
same warm clasp of the hand, and felt towards each 
the same friendly feeling. Not the slightest differ 
ence was allowed to appear in his manner, for he had 
taken the noble stand for what he believed to be the 
truth, and the suffering of this present time was not 



304 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

to be compared with the peace and joy which possessed 
his soul. As earnestly, as faithfully as ever he labored 
for the Protestant Episcopal Church in Kentucky, 
making no difference whatever between high and low 
churchmen, so far as kindly aid and ready sympathy 
went. But while treating every one with Christian 
courtesy and love he suffered intensely, and nothing 
but the conscious presence of his Saviour and the daily 
strength given by Him, enabled him to bear the 
trials of that sad winter. Before this time of sorrow 
came to the little home-circle at " Oak Lea," Bishop 
Cummins writes thus cheerfully : 

" BOWLING GREEN, KY., November 19, 1868. 

" It is hard to realize that I am again away from you and 
my home, now dearer than ever. I can only return unceasing 
thanks to God for such a home, such a family, and all my 
blessings. May I be able to consecrate my life more entirely 
to God, and the advancement of his own sacred truth in his 
Church ! 

' The memories of those few days spent at home are very 
sweet no words can tell how dear they are. Yesterday I 

met Rev. Mr. P , and we talked of the meeting of the 

Convocation, and our anniversaries in Louisville. A letter 
has been received from Mr. Parvin changing their programme. 
They will put off their meetings in Cincinnati and Chicago 
until I can be with them. 

" I reached this place at twelve o'clock last night, having 
left Louisville at six A.M. It was a long and tedious ride. I 
cannot tell you my deep gratification at finding a comfortable 
brick church here, completed, where, two years ago, we wor 
shipped in a little school-house. It is a tasteful building, 
and the interior really beautiful and so church-like. I am 
more than repaid for what I have done for the people of our 



GENERAL CONVENTION Continued. 30$ 

Church in this place, and rejoice over the good work. We 
had services last night, and again this morning, and will have 

another service this afternoon. Rev. Mr. R is 'with me, 

besides Mr. C . " 

In another letter, written from Paris, Ky., dated 
December pth, he tells of a visit to Lexington and 
Cynthiana ; from these places he went on to Paris, 
where he preached and confirmed. 

" The congregation at Cynthiana was an excellent one 
notwithstanding the severely cold weather. We left Cynthiana 
at nine o'clock and reached here in an hour. I am at the 
rectory. To-morrow I go to Cincinnati, on my way to Mays- 
ville. I see by the Cincinnati papers that thirty-five bodies 
have been brought to the city, and I have telegraphed to keep 
them until I reach there to-morrow, that I may inspect them. 
I have great hopes of securing the remains of our dear breth 
ren, and have so written to our friends in Philadelphia." 

The reader will remember the fearful accident 
which occurred in December, 1868, on the Ohio 
River. Two steamers collided, and almost all on 
board were lost, among them two young clergy 
men, the Rev. Mr. Rising and the Rev. Mr. Parvin, 
who were on their way to Louisville to hold mission 
ary meetings. Bishop Cummins concludes this letter 
with the following sentences : 

" In Mr. Rising's pamphlet, ' Romanizing Germs in the 
Prayer Book ' for he wrote it he has this forcible remark 
concerning the Reformers, which is now strikingly applicable 
to himself and Mr. Parvin : ' When Death knocked at the 
door of the studio where these diligent sculptors were at work, 
they dropped their chisels, took a last fond look at their 



3C>6 GEORGE DA VID CUMMINS. 

nobly-conceived but half-wrought statue, and making speed 
to obey the summons 'which was of God, left that statue to be 
finished in perfect symmetry by other hands. ' Could any 
thing be more beautiful or more descriptive of them and their 
work ? I will write you of my success in finding the bodies. 
Winter has set in early ; it is as cold as January, and heavy 
snow-storms are occurring in the East and North-west. I shall 
go to Covington to-morrow, and Saturday to Maysville. " 

The Christmas joy that came to the household at 
" Oak Lea" knew no abatement, despite the threaten 
ing trials that soon overshadowed it. All were togctJier. 
The dearly loved grandmother, the father and mother, 
the dear student at home for the holidays, the minis 
tering child, who carried so willingly the duties 
which belonged of right to the house-mother, and the 
" wee bairn," the pet of the house all gathered 
around the Christmas-tree, welcoming to its gladness 
the stranger from afar, who was so soon to be one of 
their circle. It was a bright, happy time. Since 
then they have never all met again. The memory 
of those hours of gladness that never came again will 
keep green with those who remain, until the glory of 
the new Jerusalem will break upon their sight. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP WHITEHOUSE 1869. 

"I have not departed from Thy judgments: for Tfwu hast tatigJit 
me." 

AGED 47. 

ON the 2d of January, 1869, Bishop Cummins re 
ceived the following letter from Bishop White- 
house : 

"CHICAGO, December 31, 1868. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : An effort has been recently made 
in this city to establish a society entitled ' For the Promotion 
of Evangelical Religion in the North-west,' 

" I am obliged to regard this as a movement designed to 
disturb my diocese, and factious in its character. 

" I am informed that a general meeting has been an 
nounced to take place in Trinity Church, and that you are ex 
pected to take a prominent part in it, 

" Under the impression that this may be so, I venture to 
express my hope that you will decline to give it the sanction 
of your presence ; or in any way connect your influence and 
office, within the charge of a brother bishop, with a movement 
which he, in common with the large majority of the diocese, 
deemed schismatical and injurious. You are satisfied, I am 
sure, from the past, that you would be at any time a welcome 
visitor in Chicago, and honored in its pulpits. But as pre- 



308 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

siding over or connected with such a meeting as the one pro 
jected, your visit would be misconstrued and hurtful. 

" Faithfully, your friend and brother, 

" HENRY J. WHITEHOUSE. 
" RIGHT REV. DR. CUMMINS, Assistant Bishop of Kentucky." 

On the receipt of this letter Bishop Cummins at 
once wrote to Bishop Mcllvaine and other friends, 
seeking advice from them. The following is Bishop 
Mcllvaine's reply : 

"CINCINNATI, January 7, 1869. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : I have received your note and its 
three copies of letters, and am ready to give my opinion. 
I wish, with you, that the society had been made auxiliary to 
one of our general Evangelical societies. 

"But they have aright to establish such a society, no 
matter what bishop may object. For you to go, after his 
letter, would be unpleasant, to be sure ; but I think should 

Bishop W gain his point in this whether it be yielded 

on grounds of principle or only of courtesy we should inau 
gurate a claim which would have no end. Now the request 
of Bishop W - is a claim, and intended that for the sake of 
making it less objectionable he puts in the form of a request 
that you have no right to come into his diocese for such purpose. 
The claim is made the more offensive because of its calling the 
movement ' factious ' that is, because it is contrary to his 
will and ' schismatical ' and ' injurious,' because it is not in 
the interests of such societies as he considers Church. Now 
let us think what would be our position should we even seem 
to yield to such claims. First, We should seem to allow the 
factiousness and schismatical nature of the society in question. 
Secondly, Bishop Potter could as well object to our advocacy 
in New York of the three Evangelical societies, or any other 



CORRESPONDENCE^^. 309 

he might not like. Bishop Whitehouse could as well forbid 
me, or you, or any clergyman going into Illinois for a day, 
and preaching for any clergyman, or speaking for any cause. 
When recently a clergyman from Nashotah was here and he 
may be here yet calling on people of my diocese for subscrip 
tions to Nashotah, I might just as reasonably have forbidden 
him. What would Bishop Whitehouse have said ? There is 
a great principle of right and freedom involved, and we must 
not even seem to give place to such claims. 

" My advice is that you answer the Bishop's letter very 
kindly and frankly, stating that, however painful to appear in 
Chicago under such circumstances, you cannot do any thing 
which could be construed into an acknowledgment of the right 
claimed, whether claimed on the ground of law or courtesy. 
11 Yours affectionately, 

" CHARLES P. MC!LVAINE." 

Bishop Cummins also wrote to Dr. D , of New 

York. His advice was " not to go to Chicago," but 
" to write Bishop Whitehouse protesting against his 
denunciations of the society," "that the society in 
question had no connection with any one of the three 
general societies. ' ' 

A letter from Rev. Charles Edward Cheney, rec 
tor of Christ Church, Chicago, comes next in order 
of date : 

" CHICAGO, January 23, 1869. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : Yours of the 2ist is at hand this 
moment, and I hasten to reply. I partially wrote you imme 
diately on the receipt of your letter of the i2th, with its in- 
closures ; but owing to the fact that the Executive Committee 
of our society had held no meeting, I waited until I could re 
port to you some definite action. As there seems to be such 
determined opposition on the part of Bishop Whitehouse, we 



310 GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

decided not to hold a public anniversary meeting. In defer 
ence to the views expressed by Bishops Lee, of Iowa, and Mc- 

Ilvaine, yourself, and Dr. D , I proposed that we should 

resolve ourselves into an auxiliary to the Church Missionary 
Society. But this met with hardly any favor, especially with 
the working lay members of the organization. . . . The 
result of our deliberations was substantially this to give up 
any attempt at a very public demonstration, but to go to work 
and obtain subscriptions, enroll as many members as we can 
secure, and in St. John's and Christ Churches hold meetings. 
Both Dr. Powers and myself would feel that in no way could 
these meetings be made so successful as by your presence and 
influence. At the same time I feel the delicacy of the position 
which you occupy, and do not feel at liberty to urge you against 
your own convictions of what courtesy towards another 
bishop or the good of the cause demands. 
" Affectionately yours, 

CHAS. EDWARD CHENEY." 

The letter herewith given is from Bishop Mcll- 
vaine. 

"WILMINGTON, DEL., January 28, 1869. 

" DEAR BISHOP : Conversing this morning with Bishop Lee 
about Bishop Whitehouse's letter to you as to which you wrote 
me he called to my remembrance the fact that about the year 
1841 or 1842 there was a similar case. Bishop Hopkins was 
going to Philadelphia, from Vermont, to deliver a lecture or 
course of lectures on Romanism. It was a time of consider 
able excitement in Philadelphia about Romanism politically. 
Bishop H. U. Onderdonk thought the lectures would increase 
the excitement, and wrote to Bishop Hopkins strongly object 
ing to his coming. Bishop Hopkins replied, and stood upon his 
right and argued it out, and came. I wish that letter could be 
found. It was no doubt published in the Recorder. But as 



CORRESPONDENCE^^. 3 1 1 

it applies exactly to your case I have thought you should 
have it recalled to your mind. 

" Yours affectionately, CHAS. P. MC!LVAINE. 

" RIGHT REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

A letter from the Rev. E. Sullivan, then rector of 
Trinity Church, Chicago, dated January 29, 1869, 
reached Bishop Cummins at this time. It is a letter of 
thanks chiefly, as the bishop had promised to occupy 
the pulpit of Trinity during Mr. Sullivan's absence 
in Canada, and adding : 

" I understand, however, that you have decided to post 
pone your visit for the present, which, under the circum 
stances, perhaps, is the wiser course. What the issue of all 
this will be, or whereto it will grow, it is hard to predict. 
May the Spirit of Wisdom be given to us to direct us aright." 

Bishop Cummins had not replied to Bishop White- 
house's first letter, as he wished to seek counsel of 
his brethren. Before he had decided upon his course, 
the following letter reached him from the Bishop of 
Illinois : 

" CHICAGO, February i, 1869. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : On December 3ist I wrote you a 
letter stating that a society had been originated in this city 
which I was obliged to regard as a movement designed to dis 
turb the peace of my diocese and as factious in its character. 
I also stated that a general meeting of the same had been 
projected to take place in Trinity Church, and that you were 
expected to take a prominent part in the meeting, etc. 

' This was written as a private letter, and to this day has 
remained so, as far as I am concerned ; but I regret to say 
that no answer to it has been received from you, nor any in 
timation afforded me of your views and intentions. 



312 GEORGE DAVID CU AIM INS. 

" It has been currently reported that my letter, or copy 
of it, in whole or in part, has been in the hands of Mr ? 
Cheney, of Christ Church, and of others in Eastern cities ; 
that you wrote to Rev. Mr. Sullivan your intention to fulfil 
your visit, with an offer to officiate for him on Sunday, the 
1 7th ult. ; it has been reported through Chicago and elsewhere 
that I had officially inhibited you from officiating within my 
diocese ; an article in the Milwaukee Sentinel has made an 
abusive attack on me for so doing, which article I inclose ; 
that you were telegraphed by the rector of Christ Church not 
to come at present, and in consequence of this you did not 
fulfil the intention, which you otherwise would have done, of 
being in this city on Sunday, iyth of January. 

" Under the circumstances I think I have a claim on you 
for an explanation of the matter, and for some distinct assur 
ance of the character of any visit you may make to my juris 
diction. If such a visit is to be honorably regarded as an 
indulgence of personal and social relations, you will be most 
welcome. If it is to commit you to any quasi sanction of 
partisan spirit and action in my diocese, I beg respectfully to 
say that I should regard it, after what has passed, as a serious 
breach of fraternal courtesy. And if you have, as rumored, 
consented to act, accredited by the ' American Church Mis 
sionary Society ' or its kindred organizations, the exercise of 
such agency will raise questions still more serious, probably, 
in other jurisdictions as well as in my own. 

" Remaining very truly your friend and brother, 

" HENRY J. WHITEHOUSE. 
" RIGHT REV. GEO. D. CUMMINS, D.D." 

To this letter Bishop Cummins sent the following 
reply : 

" PEWEE VALLEY, KY., February 3, 1869. 

" MY DEAR BISHOP : Yours of the ist inst. has just 
reached me, and I hasten to give you a plain statement of 



CORRESPONDENCE 1869. 313 

facts, which, I am very sure, will relieve me of any seeming 
want of courtesy toward you, and at the same time will con 
vince you of my earnest desire to promote the peace and har 
mony of the Church in your diocese. 

" My first invitation to go to Chicago, for the purpose of 
addressing a public meeting in Trinity Church, came from the 
Rev. Mr. Sullivan, who informed me that an Evangelical 
missionary society had been organized in Chicago, and that I 
was invited to speak at its anniversary on the 2oth of Jan 
uary. He did not mention the official name or title of the 
organization, and I concluded that it was a society auxiliary 
to our three great societies, viz., The Evangelical Knowledge 
Society, The Evangelical Education Society, and The Church 
Missionary Society. 

;< Very shortly after Mr. Sullivan's letter, and after my 
acceptance of the invitation, a second letter carne from Mr. 
Sullivan telling me of a visit of yourself to him, on which 
occasion you announced your purpose to oppose a prompt 
and determined resistance to the society. The same mail 
brought your letter of December 3ist to me, in which you 
characterize the new society as ' factious and schismatical, 
and designed to disturb the peace of your diocese, ' and you 
expressed your desire that I should decline to ' lend the sanc 
tion of my presence, or in any way connect my influence and 
office with it. ' This letter placed me in a most embarrassing 
position. To accede to your request would, in my judgment, 
be acquiescing, at least seemingly, in your judgment of the 
society, and condemning my brethren, whose reputation is 
very dear to me. I could not believe that such men as Che 
ney, Sullivan, and Powers, faithful and long-tried presby 
ters, could be guilty of designing to disturb your diocese or 
of promoting schism. At the same time it was painful to 
deny your request, especially in view of the past pleasant 
personal relations between us. 

" I determined to make an effort to induce the brethren 



3H GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 

connected with the new society to change their organization, 
so as to make it auxiliary to the three societies alluded to 
above, and thus, as I supposed, to disarm all opposition from 
you. Hence the long delay in replying to your letter of De 
cember 3ist. I have corresponded with Mr. Cheney, Mr. 
Powers, and Mr. Sullivan ; but up to this time I have had 
no official reply to my suggestion. The Executive Committee 
had appointed a meeting for the 2d of February, but I have 
not heard of their action. They are aware that my consent 
to speak is held in abeyance, and depends very much upon a 
fuller knowledge of the character and aims of the society. 
I have not yet seen the constitution of the society, and 
only within a few days past have I met with a list of its offi 
cers. Many of them are known to me, and command my en 
tire confidence. From the published opinions of one of them 
/ differ most widely. I refer to the article; in one of our Church 
papers advocating and tirging that evaneglical men should, leave 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, because their liberty in Christ is 
denied them within the Church. I do not believe that the emi-" 
nent clergymen and laymen who are associated with Ir.m in 
this society have any sympathy with his views in this matter. 
/ am very sure that they hold, with myself and every bishop of 
the evangelical school, that it is our duty to oppose those who seek to 
divide the Church, as well as those who seek to assimilate her to 
the corrupt and idolatrous communions of the Oriental and Papal 
Churches* FOR MYSELF, I LOVE THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH MORE FERVENTLY AS LIFE ADVANCES. To me she 
is the fair and pure bride of Christ, ' the glory of the Re 
formed Churches,' as Bishop Hobart called her in 1814 in his 
sermon before the General Convention of that year ; loyal to 
Christ and his truth in her articles, offices, and homilies, and 
probably as free from imperfections as a Church can be, ccm- 

* The italics are given by the author to draw attention to the views 
of Bishop Cummins at that time. 



CORRESPONDENCE 1 869. 3 I 5 

posed of fallible men in whom the work of God's grace is 
always incomplete. 

;< The above statement, I trust, will answer your call for 
an explanation of matters connected with your first letter. I 
sent it to Mr. Cheney, because I deemed it right that the 
society should know your feeling towards it, and as you did 
not mark it ' private, ' or express a desire to have it so re 
garded, I did not think it a breach of confidence to permit 
others to read it. With regard to my promise to preach in 
Trinity Church on the iyth ult., it was based on the hope 
that the society would adopt my suggestion and hold a meet 
ing then in behalf of our general evangelical societies. Mr. 
CHENEY'S telegram was to inform me that the meetings of all" 
kinds were postponed for the present. Your letter of Feb 
ruary ist, however, raises a new and more serious issue ; and 
I am deeply pained to find that you have taken a position 
which my conscience compels me to oppose and resist. You 
say, in the concluding paragraph of your letter : ' And if you 
have, as rumored, consented to act accredited by the " Amer 
ican Church Missionary Society," or its kindred organiza 
tions, the exercise of such agency will raise questions still 
more serious, probably, in other jurisdictions as well as in 
my own.' 

"It is true, 'as rumored,' that I have consented, or 
rather promised, the societies alluded to by you to go to Cin 
cinnati, Chicago, and other places to advocate their claims ; 
and it is my purpose to visit Chicago on Sunday, February 
2ist, to preach for, and ask offerings in behalf of, ' The Amer 
ican Church Missionary Society ' and ' The Evangelical Edu 
cation Society, ' both of which have been so sadly bereaved 
of their secretaries by the awful calamity on the Ohio River 
in December last. If I understand your allusion, my dear 
Bishop, it is to raise a question as to my right to make such 
appeals in your diocese. If so, it involves a great principle 
of right and freedom, and I cannot give place to such a 



GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS. 



claim for an instant. These three great Organizations are the 
legitimate modes in which a large portion of our Church seek 
to advance their principles and to extend ' the truth as it is 
in Jesus, ' in all honest loyalty and fervent love to the Church. 
To deny them the right, at all proper times and places, to 
propagate and extend these principles, is a step fraught with 
imminent peril to the welfare of the Church, and as one who 
would sacrifice all but Christ's truth to preserve the peace and 
harmony of the Church, I earnestly implore you not to raise 
such a question, never before raised, and the agitation of 
which is to be most deeply deplored. 

" I am, ever most faithfully yours, 
" GEO. D. CUMMINS, Assistant Bishop of Kentucky. 

" BISHOP WHITEHOUSE. 



" P.S. To avoid misapprehension, I think it best to state 
now, that I shall feel at liberty to make any use of this cor 
respondence that may seem desirable, to which I suppose 
you have no objection. G. D. C. " 

The letter given herewith was received by B