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THE  NEW  YORK 
PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

ASTOR,    LENOX 

TILD£N   FOUNDATION 


ipyv^  vKKovAMaj^. 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY 


OF 


REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D 


A  MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL 
FOR  SIXTY  YEARS 


Published  by  Request 

OF 

The  Tennessee  Annual  Conference 

OF  THE 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South 


fv£ 


kttOR    LENOX  AN'D 
R 


1>927 


DEDICATED  TO 
MY  WIFE 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


(  hapter  Page 

I.     Glimpses  at  Life  Principles 7 

II.     Early  Religious  Impressions  .    .  ■ 9 

III.  Influenced  by  Godly  Lives 12 

IV.  Beginnings  of  My  Ministry ....  17 

V.     Middleton  Circuit 20 

VI.     Spring  Hill  Circuit 23 

VII.     Fayetteville  Station ....  26 

VIII.     Decatur  Station 29 

IX.     Gallatin  Station 32 

X.     Andrew  Chapel  and  California 34 

XI.     Fayetteville  Station 41 

XII.     Franklin  Station 44 

XIII.  Spring  Hill  Station 50 

XIV.  Florence  Station 54 

XV      Tuscaloosa  Station 58 

XVI.     Tuskegee  Station 61 

XVII.     Auburn  Station 64 

XVIII.     Lowndesboro    District 66 

XIX.     Oak  Bowery  and  Lafayette 70 

XX.     Wetumpka  Station 73 

XXI.     Montgomery  Station 75 

XXII.     Felicity  Street  Pastorate 80 

XXIII.  First  Year  at  Carondelet  Street S7 

XXIV.  Second  Year  at  Carondelet  Street 107 

XXV.     Third  Year  at  Carondelet  Street 123 

XXVI.     Fourth  Year  at  Carondelet  Street 150 

XXVII.     Pastorate  at  Rayne  Memorial 190 

XXVIII.     Walnut  Street,  Kansas  City 210 

XXIX.     Pastorate  at  Washington  Street 230 

XXX.     Appointment  to  Centenary,  St.  Louis 234 

XXXI.     Second  Year  at  Centenary 245 

XXXII.     Third  Year  at  Centenary 252 

XXXIII.  Fourth  Year  at  Centenary .  264 

XXXIV.  Appointed  to  St.  John's  Church 271 

XXXV.     Second  Year  at  St.  John's .  285 

XXXVI.     Third  Year  at  St.  John's 297 

XXXVII.     Re-appointed  to  Centenary 307 

XXXVIII.     Second  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary 323 

XXXIX.     Third  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary 333 

XL.     Fourth  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary 343 

XLI.     Fifth  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary 350 

XLII.     First  Year  at  McKendree,  Nashville 360 

XI. III.     Second  Year  at  McKendree - 368 

XLIV.     Third  Year  at  McKendree 374 

XIV.     Fourth  Year  at  McKendree 384 

XLVI.     On  the  Superannuated  List 361 


Copyrighted   1904 

BY 

C.  M.  HAWKINS 


PREFACE. 


'ME  thoughtful  reader,  as  his  eye  scans  this  page,  may  recall 
his  youthful  contempt  for  the  preface ;  yet,  properly  viewed, 
it  is  the  key  to  an  author's  purpose.  This  work  proposes 
to  honor  Christ  not  only  in  one  life  but  in  His  method  with 
many,  There  was  a  long  line  of  brave  men  who  lived  before 
Agamemnon,  but  those  heroes  are  forgotten  for  want  of  a  poet  to 
sing  their  praises.  There  are  many  heroic  souls  who  lie  in  un- 
known graves  who  aided,  not  only  in  laying  the  foundation,  but  in 
rearing  the  structure  of  the  great  Methodist  Church,  in  the  South. 
They  bore  the  brunt  of  the  battle  while  we  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their 
victory. 

In  constructing  these  sketches,  Iiay^no  claim  to  large  originality. 
Many  of  these  ideas  have  accumulated  on  my  hands.  In  the  lan- 
guage of  Montaigne,  I  present  some  of  them  as  a  "  nosegay  of  culled 
flowers."  claiming  only  the  string  that  binds  them. 

In  writing  an  autobiography,  the  ego  must  be  in  evidence.  Phi- 
lologists assert  that  "  it  took  man  thousands  of  years  to  say  '  I '  as 
a  self-conscious  personality."  If  this  be  true,  why  should  one  shrink 
from  its  use  when  it  reveals  the  height  man  has  attained? 

We  laud  and  honor  the  patriotic  soldier  who  fights  the  foes  of 
his  country.  Are  not  the  men  and  women  who  fight  the  internal 
evils  which  menace  society,  equally  patriotic  and  deserving  of  the 
applause  of  their  fellow  men?  My  object  is  to  honor  some  of  the 
soldiers  of  Christ ;  men  and  women  fighting  the  good  fight.  This  is 
the  purpose  of  these  "  Peeps  Into  Life." 


CHAPTER  I. 
Glimpses  at  Life  Principles. 

"  If  I  can  live 
To  make  some  pale  face  brighter,  and  give 
A  second  lustre  to  some  tear-dimmed  eye ; 
Or  e'en  impart 

One  throb  of  comfort  to  an  aching  heart, 
Or  cheer  some  wayworn  soul  in  passing  by — 
If  I  can  lend 

A  strong  hand  to  the  fallen,  or  defend 
The  right  against  a  single  envious  strain — 
My  life,  though  bare, 

Perhaps,  of  much  that  seemeth  dear  and  fair 
To  us  on  earth,  will  not  have  been  in  vain." 

— Helen  Hunt. 

I  was  born  June  13th,  1826,  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania/  My 
parents  were  Scotch-Irish,  and  transmitted  to  me  some  of  the  char- 
acteristics of  that  people.  In  classifying  myself,  let  me  say,  I  am 
not  an  optimist,  nor  am  I  a  pessimist ;  I  ajn  a  meliorist,  or  one  who 
seeks  to  better  the  condition  of  mankind.  In  these  "  Peeps  Into 
Life,"  the  purpose  is  to  stamp  upon  other  minds  the  controlling 
motives  of  a  life  given  to  lift  up  humanity,  that  the  readers  may 
enjoy  the  simple  annals  of  one  who  has  spent  almost  sixty  years  in 
aiding  human  beings  to  climb  into  the  bosom  of  God. 

Early  in  my  ministry,  in  formulating  a  plan  of  action,  an  idea 
was  suggested  to  me  by  an  ancient  Roman  custom.  When  victorious 
generals  returned  with  their  armies,  it  was  the  practice  to  distribute 
a  certain  amount  of  gold  amongst  their  soldiers.  In  the  course  of 
events,  one  of  these  conquering  generals  took  the  same  amount  and 
put  it  into  silver  to  scatter  amongst  his  legions,  saying,  "  It  is  better 
the  many  should  have  silver  than  the  few  only  gold."  Much  of  my 
time  has  been  given  to  the  study  of  so  simplifying  truth  that  the 
many  might  be  helped.  For  more  than  forty  years  I  have  studied 
the  easy  passes  into  the  human  heart,  that  buried  forces  might  be 
evoked ;  on  the  principle  that  a  musician  sits  down  before  his  piano 
and  practises  until  without  a  conscious  volitional  act  he  will  strike 
those  chords  which  produce  the  sweetest  and  rarest  music. 

In  looking  over  my  shoulder  into  the  past,  life  to  me  seems  to 
be  what  the  word  "  drama  "  signifies — a  running  to  and  fro  of 
persons.     This  activity  produces  what  a  writer  terms.  "  the  rapture 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 

.ving."  We  arc  able  to  impart  life  to  others  without  dying. 
In  pushing  my  work  a  large  share  of  rapture  has  been  mine. 

One  of  the  great  French  writers  of  the  day  has  said.  '*  In  me 
dwells  some  one  greater  than  I."  Reinforced  by  a  Divine  presence 
one  sees  wonderful  possibilitk  s  rthing  finer  than 

the  sight  of  one  illuminated  by  the  Spirit  of  God  sending  forth  rays 
of  sunshine  to  gladden  other  lives.     In  peering  into  Christian  li 
we  and  they  received  an  impulse  from  heaven. 

Notwithstanding  Huxley "s  dictum  that  *'  autobiographies  are 
for  the  most  part  works  of  fiction."  this  volume  shall  be  as  unem- 
bellished  as  truth  demands.  In  all  writings  there  is  something  of 
tha'.    g  which,  as  Coleric..  n  the  case  of  Milton.  "  -is  a  rev- 

elation of  spirit." 

-  :ie  one  has  said.  "  Ah  libraries  are  a  mere  peep  into  the  in- 
expressible." In  considering  the  past,  one  learns  that  the  attempts  to 
bring  to  light  character  is  something  almost  impossible. 

Years  have  taken  from  me  my  childhood,  but  have  not  taken 
away  its  essence.  It  is  distressing  to  see  men.  as  age  grows  apace, 
holding  i  '.mpled  leave^  and  wonn-eate-  It  is  not  for 

bo  sit  down  and  mourn  like  the  man  history  de-  He  had 

been  an  athlete,  who  had  entered  the  arena  :>unger  men 

contending:  and  when  he  contrasted  his  now  feeble  and  shrive 
arms  with  theirs,  and  recalled  what  his  own  had  been  in  their  prime, 
he  wept  like  a  child. 

It  has  been  my  hab::  -    n  for  new  music  and  look  for  new 

sour     -  jy.     They  may  be  found.     When  one  keeps  his   -. 

and  ears  open,  he  will  see  and  hear  the  bubblings  of  life's  fountains 
as  they  pour  forth  their  music.  My  cup  of  joy  may  be  small,  yet.  I 
may  not  be  conscious  of  it  because  of  the  exceeding  sweetness  of  its 
contents.  My  body  has  grown  old.  but  I  can  not  afford  to  let  my 
mind  grow  old.  my  heart  to  harden,  or  my  spirit  petrify.  Old  ex- 
periences may  be  as  true  as  the  Bible,  but  are  no  part  of  to-day's 
religious  life,  any  more  than  petrified  forests  are  part  of  earth's  living 
verdure. 

Few.  if  any.  of  the  characters  described  in -these  pages  will  ever 
find  a  place  on  the  pages  of  history :  yet  such  noble  natures  ar-; 
makers  of  history.     The  world  is  quick  to  herald  the  fame  of  great 
generals,  great  statesmen,  and  great  poets :  but  God  and  the  a-  [ 
-  after  the  heroes  of  common  life. 


iBIOQRAPHl   01    RBI     JOB*   UATHSWS,  D.  D 


CHAPTER  II. 

Early  Religious  Impressions. 

As  far  nemor)  carries  me  there  was  a  felt  need  in  my 

heart.  That  unformulated  longing  held  me  until  I  was  in  the  con- 
dition of  the  boy  lost  in  the  street  crying  for  his  father.  The  phi- 
losopher Kant  gave  shape  to  a  like  untrammeled  longing  when  he 
inquired.  "  For  what  may  I  hope?  "  Is  there  an  answer  to  such  a 
querv  ?  If  not.  then  were  it  better  to  be  an  elm  in  some  great  forest 
than  to  be  a  Martin  Luther.  My  mother  taught  me  the  answer  in 
lessons  given  at  her  knee.  That  answer  thrilled  my  heart  when  she 
red  me  that  even  a  child  may  hope  for  salvation  through  Christ 
our  Lord.  Thus  taught,  love  for  Him  pulsated  through  my  whole 
being.  If  any  one  had  demanded  a  reason  at  my  hand  for  my  hope, 
childish,  confusion  would  have  followed.  Montaigne  helps  to  a 
solution  when  he  says.  *'  If  any  one  should  importune  me  to  give  a 
reason  why  I  believe.  I  feel  it  could  be  no  otherwise  expressed  than 
by  making  answer.  '  Because  it  was  He :  because  it  was  I.'  " 

I  peer  into  the  past,  and  trace  the  unfoldings  of  a  Christian 
life  from  my  earliest  recollection,  without  a  consciousness  of  the 
fact  the  spiritual  has  grown  up  through  the  common.  The  daily 
-  have  been  employed  to  meet  my  obligations  to  those  with 
whom  I  came  in  contact,  and  let  the  spiritual  evolve  as  the  flowers 
evolve  from  the  stem. 

Sometimes,  in  early  life,  when  in  revivals,  witnessing  souls  sud- 
denly emerging  into  a  state  of  joy.  doubt  as  to  the  genuineness  of 
my  conversion  would  spring  up,  but  a  comforting  thought  was  sug- 
gested by  an  older  Christian,  that  no  one  could  tell  where  darkness 
ended  and  daylight  began.  One  may  not  always  recognize  the 
moment  of  transition  from  a  sinful  state  into  the  new  life  in  Christ 

When  only  a  child,  on  every  occasion  presenting  itself  I  re- 
sponded to  every  call  for  penitents.  When  quite  young,  after 
entreaty  upon  my  part.  I  was  allowed  to  accompany  two  sisters  to  a 
Methodist  watch-night  service  in  the  citv  of  Philadelphia.  To  me. 
it  was  a  revelation  of  new  methods  on  religious  lines.  I  was  brought 
up  in  the  solemn  movements  of  the  old  blue-stocking  Presbyterians. 
At  that  watch-meeting  the  house  of  God  was  packed.  I  sat  in  the 
gallery.  As  the  service  proceeded  the  interest  deepened.  At  the 
close  of  the  sermon  penitents  were  invited  to  the  altar.  I  was 
anxious  to  go.  but  the  gentleman  who  policed  the  gallery  would  not 
allow  me  to  go  down,  thinking  only  of  preserving  order.  Sitting 
there.  I  listened  and  watched.    A  youth  was  at  the  altar,  apparently 

nteen  vears  old.     I  heard  his   subdued   and   weird   wail   as  he 


IO 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


cried  for  mercy.  The  minister  was  at  the  side  of  the  kneeling  youth 
and  sang  one  of  the  old  hymns — 

"  Alas,  and  did  my  Savior  bleed, 
And  did  my  Sovereign  die?  " 

This  was  sung  to  a  chorus  which  I  have  never  forgotten,  for  it  went 
to  my  heart.  There  have  been  times  when  I  have  used  it  with 
wonderful  effect. 

"Oh,  the  Lamb,  the  loving  Lamb, 
The  Lamb  of  Calvary! 
The  Lamb  that  was  slain,  but  lives  again. 
To  intercede  for  me!  " 

That  scene  and  song  intensified  my  purpose  to  be  a  Christian.  I 
surrendered  to  Christ,  and  not  only  surrendered,  but  consecrated 
myself  to  His  Service.  My  young  heart  was  conquered.  But — was 
I  converted? 

On  another  occasion,  when  about  ten  years  of  age,  passing  a 
Presbyterian  church  one  evening,  a  hymn  floated  on  the  air,  my  ear 
caught  the  strain  and  I  passed  in.  At  the  close  of  the  sermon  an 
invitation  was  given  for  persons  who  desired  salvation  to  go  for- 
ward. Quite  a  number  responded.  I  took  a  place  about  the  center  of 
the  designated  seat.  In  a  few  moments  the  minister  and  elders  pro- 
ceeded to  instruct  those  who  went  forward ;  not  one  of  them  so  far  as 
I  could  see,  so  much  as  noticed  me.  Perhaps  they  may  have  thought 
my  action. a  childish  whim.  I  knew  then  all  I  know  now:  that  I 
was  a  sinner  and  needed  a  Savior.  When  the  meeting  closed  there 
were  greetings,  but  not  for  me.  Lingering  at  the  place  until  the 
congregation  had  nearly  dispersed,  a  plainly  dressed  woman,  wearing 
an  old  faded  shawl  and  a  bonnet  out  of  style,  stepped  up  to  me,  and 
uttered  words  like  these,  "  Do  not  be  discouraged,  my  child."  Then, 
placing  her  old  hand  on  my  head,  she  invoked  blessings  on  the  lad. 
Through  the  long  journey  I  have  made,  there  have  been  times  of 
discouragement,  when  unexpectedly  I  imagined  that  strange  hand 
was  on  my  head,  and  those  strange  lips  lisping  blessings  upon  my 
heart ;  times  when  I  seemed  to  see  that  faded  shawl  and  that  weather- 
beaten  bonnet ;  until  new  courage  crept  into  my  soul,  and  reinforce- 
ments from  Heaven  rescued  me.  One  sweet  day  I  hope  to  strike 
hands  with  that  old  saint  somewhere.  But — was  I  converted? 
That  was  the  problem. 

By  and  by  circumstances  over  which  Providence  presided, 
necessitated  my  removal  to  Tennessee.  Not  long  after  my  arrival 
in  Shelbyville,  on  my  way  to  my  brother's  store,  one  Saturday,  pass- 
ing a  very  plain  and  dreary  looking  church,  my  attention  was 
arrested  by  a  peculiar  intonation  of  voice.  Crossing  the  street  to 
find  out  what  it  meant,  I  saw  in  the  pulpit  a  small,  neatly  attired  man. 
He  was  preaching  to  about  twenty  persons.  His  voice  was  rather 
lute-like  and  musical.    Halting  to  listen.  T  found  he  had  come  to  that 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWH,  D.  D.  XI 

point  of  interest  in  his  sermon  where  he  reached  what  was  known 
as  the  "  godly,  or  heavenly  tone,"  so  often  heard  in  those  days. 
There  stood  Rev.  S.  S.  Yarborough,  a  young  man,  handsome  of 
face,  with  a  hand  placed  behind  his  left  ear,  and  from  his  lips  pro- 
ceeded that  touching  tone.  That  "  heavenly  tone  "  was  simply  what 
is  practised  now  in  some  fashionable  churches  under  the  stylish 
name  of  "  intoning."  Some  of  our  preachers,  seeking  after  enter- 
taining their  people,  will  soon  introduce  what  is  called  "  intoning 
the  service."  What  effect  that  hand,  placed  behind  his  ear,  had  on 
that  young  man's  voice,  I  have  never  learned,  to  this  day. 

In  the  year  1842,  a  great  revial  broke  out  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Shelbyville,  Tennessee,  under  the  guidance  of  men  of  God. 
The  meeting  continued  for  many  days,  stirring  the  town  from  center 
to  circumference.  Over  one  hundred  professed  conversion,  I 
amongst  them.  I  was  assured  that  if  I  believed  in  Jesus  Christ  and 
publicly  confessed  Him,  that  was  all  that  was  necessary.  So  I  gave 
my  hand  to  the  pastor,  Dr.  Dashiel,  as  a  confession  of  my  faith. 

When  there  was  no  service  at  the  Presbyterian  Church,  which  I 
had  joined  under  special  pleas  which  need  not  be  mentioned,  it  was 
my  pleasure  to  attend  the  homely  little  Methodist  Church.  The 
singing  in  their  social  meetings  often  melted  me.  On  one  occasion 
a  protracted  meeting  was  held  in  that  church. 

The  pastor  was  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  B.  Walker.  He  was 
young  and  preposessing ;  his  manners  charming  and  his  tongue 
eloquent.  He  became  famous,  and  for  many  years  was  stationed 
in  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  In  his  preaching  at  that  revival  he 
emphasized  the  necessity  of  the  witness  of  the  Spirit,  and  insisted 
that  if  one  was  converted  he  will  know  it.  This  teaching  somewhat 
alarmed  me.  At  my  room  my  Bible  was  consulted,  and  coming  to 
certain  passages,  running  my  fingers  along  the  words,  my  boyish 
prayer  was,  "  Lord  make  me  like  that ;  give  me  the  witness  of  the 
Spirit !  "  Sometimes,  like  the  water-insect  called  the  synapta,  which 
has  a  peculiar  device  by  which  it  holds  itself  firmly  in  any  desired 
spot — having  an  anchor,  the  exact  shape  of  the  anchor  used  by 
ships;  sometimes,  my  young  heart  was  stirred  by  a  hope  which 
held  me  to  Christ.  Sudden  conversions  I  had  witnessed,  but  I  had 
entered  into  the  Christ-life  without  knowing  when  entering  into  it. 


I2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  III. 
Influenced  by  Godly  Lives. 

During  this  time  there  came  into  my  life  a  woman  named  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Burnett,  famous  for  her  familiarity  with  Methodist  doc- 
trines, history,  and  spirit.  That  woman  exerted  an  influence  upon 
my  life  beyond  all  description.  How  spiritedly  she  could  sing  those 
glorious  hymns  of  the  Wesleys,  now  rarely  heard!  With  what 
unction  she  sang: 

'  ■  How  happy  is  the  pilgrim's  lot; 
How  free  from  every  anxious  thought ; 

From  worldly  hope  or  fear! 
Confined  to  neither  court  nor  cell, 
His  soul  disdains  on  earth  to  dwell, 
He  only  sojourns  here." 

What  a  wonderful  grasp  on  God  she  had  when  leading  in  public 
prayer!  She  seemed  to  shake  the  very  gate  of  Heaven  with  her 
importunity.  Numerous  hearts  were  kindled  by  her  fire.  Nico- 
demus-like,  at  night  I  visited  her  humble  home.  There  she  opened 
up  the  Scriptures,  and  explained  the  teachings  of  the  men  of  God. 
She  would  read  from  Wesley,  Watson,  Fletcher,  Carvosso,  and 
Hester  Ann  Rogers  and  others,  until  my  youthful  being  hungered 
to  take  in  all  Christ  proposed  to  do  for  a  soul.  On  certain  lines, 
truth  was  burned  into  my  heart.  Association  with  that  humble 
woman  colored  my  whole  life,  as  the  river  is  colored,  by  the  side 
of  which  the  dye-wood  grows.  She  was  known  in  the  town  as  Betsy 
Burnett,  the  sewing  woman ;  her  new  name  is  yet  to  be  learned. 

With  these  and  other  influences  affecting  me,  I  became  dis- 
satisfied in  the  Church  of  my  fathers,  and  withdrew  to  join  the  little 
group  of  working  people  constituting  the  Methodist  Church  in 
Shelbyville.  This  act  of  mine  ruptured  family  ties ;  and  my  brother, 
who  raised  me,  stated  to  me  that  it  was  the  most  unfortunate  step 
ever  taken  for  the  family.  He  was  a  man  of  social  position,  a 
merchant,  and  for  nineteen  years  president  of  the  Branch  Bank  of 
the  State  of  Tennessee.  To  ally  myself  with  this  group  of  Method- 
ists was  damaging.  That  Society  was  too  poor  to  have  a  stationed 
preacher,  even  at  a  salary  of  one  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  and 
board  amongst  the  members. 

A  noted  minister,  a  Presiding  Elder  who  was  visiting  his  wife's 
relatives  in  our  town,  was  invited  to  occupy  the  Methodist  pulpit. 
After  his  sermon  he  invited  persons  to  join.  Myself  and  his  sister- 
in-law  stepped  forward  and  united  with  the  Church.  He  was  the 
Rev.  Samuel  S.  Moodv.     Memory  sees  him  now,  as  T  saw  him  in 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  I).  I>.  13 

the  flush  of  his  mature  manhood.  His  eyes  were  clear  and  dark,  his 
forehead  high  and  broad,  his  hair  glossy  and  black  as  a  raven's 
wing.  Both  eves  and  forehead  said  as  plainly  as  possible,  "We 
belong  to  a  man  of  brains."  His  nose  and  mouth  expressed  what 
was  literallv  true,  "  We  belong  to  a  man  who  feels,  to  one  who  is 
daringly  resolute."  He  looked  scholarly.  His  appearance  would 
attract  attention  in  any  company.  There  I  sat,  looking  into  his  face, 
in  that  little  old  church.  He  came  nearer  filling  my  conception  of  the 
look  of  an  angel  than  any  other  human  being  I  ever  met.  There 
was  a  gentleness  of  expression,  coupled  with  a  deep-set  purpose, 
which  emanated  from  his  every  feature  which  gave  one  the  sug- 
gestion of  purity.  His  spirit,  as  exhibited,  calls  to  mind  one  of  the 
old  Greek  tragedies,  where  Antigone,  the  beautiful  maiden,  is  passing 
to  her  death  because  she  had  attempted,  in  defiance  of  the  law  of 
the  city,  to  give  a  pious  burial  to  her  brother  who  had  fallen  in 
a  civic  feud,  and  she  utters  a  line  thus  translated : 

"  'Tis  mine  to  join  in  league  of  love  and  not  of  hate.', 

As  a  preacher  he  was  unusually  quiet  for  that  day.  Memory 
recalls  a  sermon  by  him  on  "  Hope."  His  voice  sounded  like  that  of 
pine  boughs  moving  softly  in  a  light  breeze.  My  pulse  quickened 
as  I  listened.  His  was  a  nature  finely  touched  and  as  free  from 
earthly  alloy  as  might  consist'  with  mortality.  He  filled  the  leading 
appointments  of  the  Tennessee  Conference,  and  was  a  very  useful 
man.  ,     ? 

He  was  not  only  happily,  but  usefully  married.  His  wife  s 
faith  in  God  transmuted  conviction  into  activity.  It  is  said  of  a 
certain  humble  workman,  that  he  boasted  of  having  mixed  the  mortar 
of  the  great  cathedral  of  Rome.  It  is  human  to  feel  honored  to  have 
one's  name  linked  in  some  honorable  way  with  noble  enterprises. 
This  noble  woman  prized  the  relation  she  bore  to  the  work  of  ex- 
tending the  great  empire  of  Jesus  Christ.  Mrs.  Moody  was  a 
young  lady  of  well  developed  mind  and  acted  on  the  motto  of  the 
general  so  famous  in  Germany,  "  First  ponder,  then  dare."  Sixty- 
five  years  ago,  one  had  to  count  the  cost  of  going  to_  a  Methodist 
altar  at  a  camp-meeting.  Methodism  was  the  butt  of  ridicule  in  the 
upper  tier  of  society  and  she  belonged  to  that  tier.  She  was  the 
niece  of  the  Governor  of  Tennessee.  During  the  latter  part  of  the 
summer,  a  camp-meeting  -was  held  at  old  Salem  in  Bedford  County, 
and  people  attended  by  thousands ;  amongst  others  Miss  L.  Cannon 
and  two  brothers.  At  the  close  of  a  sermon  on  Sunday  morning  at 
ti  o'clock,  the  minister  invited  "  mourners."  To  the  surprise  of  all 
who  knew  her,  this  noted  belle  arose  and  went  into  the  altar  and, 
on  bended  knees  in  the  straw,  sought  salvation.  The  tradition  has 
it,  when  her  brothers  heard  she  was  at  the  altar  they  were  incensed, 
and  after  consultation,  they  marched  into  the  place  of  prayer,  and 
led  her  out,  and  soon  started  for  home,  feeling  she  had  disgraced 
the  familv.     Nothing  daunted,  she  clung  to  her  purpose  and  was 


I4  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

soundly  converted.  She  longed  to  become  better  than  nature  made 
her.  She  desired  to  aid  the  coming  generation  to  fulfil  its  destiny. 
Living  a  quiet  but  consecrated  life  she  met  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Moody, 
a  minister  who  had  taken  front  rank  amongst  his  brethren.  In  due 
time  they  were  married.  Providence  thus  enlarged  her  sphere  of 
influence.  She  filled  her  position  as  a  pastor's  wife  with  rare  delicacy 
and  common  sense.  She  could  sing  in  the  language  of  an  unknown 
poet: 

"  Upon  God's  throne  there  is  a  seat  for  me; 

My  coming  forth  from  Him  hath  left  a  space 

Which  none  but  I  can  fill.     One  sacred  place 

Is  vacant  till  I  come.     Father,  from  Thee 

I  descended,  here  to  run  my  race; 

A  void  was  left  in  Thy  paternal  heart 

Not  to  be  filled  while  we  are  kept  apart. 

Yet,  though  a  thousand  worlds  demand  Thy  care, 

Thy  quick  love  flies  to  meet  my  slow- winged  prayer, 

As  if  amid  Thy  worlds  I  lived  alone." 

Rev.  William  Mullins,  was  another  character  that  entered  into 
my  young  life.  He  was  a  local  preacher  near  the  town  in  which  I 
lived.  Once  in  a  while  he  occupied  our  pulpit.  His  appearance  and 
preaching  profoundly  impressed  me,  and  led  me  to  a  consecration  as 
complete  as  a  lad  could  make.  He  deepened  my  conceptions  of  sin 
and  the  awful  result  of  dying  impenitent.  He  was  a  rugged-looking 
man.  When  aroused  in  the  pulpit  his  eyes  blazed  like  two  torches ; 
his  eyebrows  were  shaggy  and  his  entire  make-up  added  to  his 
utterances.  On  one  occasion  he  arose  in  the  pulpit  as  one  wild  from 
the  wilderness,  with  the  fury  of  God  in  his  eyes,  and  in  a  voice  that 
sounded  like  a  trumpet  announced  his  theme — "  Eternal  Punish- 
ment." From  that  hour  until  this  the  hunger  of  my  heart  has  been 
to  be  a  holy  man  and  rescued  from  eternal  punishment  through 
Christ  our  Lord.  On  another  occasion  he  discoursed  on  the  Judg- 
ment Day.  How  my  young  heart  quailed  under  the  massive  and 
thunderous  truths  hurled  from  lips  which  realized  what  that  great 
day  would  unfold.  Over  and  over  again  have  I  thanked  God  that 
such  preaching  fell  upon  my  ears.  He  gave  me  such  a  view  of  the 
horrid  and  devastating  nature  of  sin,  that  I  have  ever  desired  to 
carry  the  good  news  of  a  possible  salvation  from  its  power,  to  every 
human  being.  He  frightened  me  out  of  sin.  In  the  midst  of  my 
fears  I  looked  for  an  escape,  and  learned  that  the  goodness  of  God 
had  provided  a  way;  and  that  goodness  led  me  to  a  deep  and 
thorough  repentance. 

In  Shelbyville,  lived  one  of  the  most  godly  men  ever  coming 
under  my  view.  George  W.  Ruth,  the  silversmith,  was  a  man  of 
extraordinary  spiritual  power.  He  was  not  a  fanatic,  or  one  who 
harped  upon  a  single  string.  He  was  an  all-round  man  whose  life 
was  hid  with  Christ  in  God.     He  was  in  the  world  but  not  of  it. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RK\  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  15 

What  a' wonder  he  was  in  prayer!  Years  have  come,  and  gone,  but 
the  influence  of  these  prayers  abides  to  this  hour.  In  response  to  his 
cry  the  earth  seemed  to  shake  and  tremble.  When  he  died,  the  entire 
population  turned  out  to  his  burial;  a  tribute  to  a  Christian  life. 
George  W.  Ruth  was  the  one  who  called  upon  me  to  officiate  as  the 
leader  of  a  prayer-meeting.  That  was  my  first  appearance  before  the 
general  public. 

The  Methodist  Church,  South,  has  reason  to  congratulate  her- 
self on  the  work  wrought  in  behalf  of  the  slaves  in  ante-bellum  days. 
She  persisted  in  supplying  them  the  knowledge  of  the  Gospel.  An- 
nually, tens  of  thousands  of  dollars  were  expended  in  sending  mis- 
sionaries to  show  them  how  to  find  God.  Besides  the  many  special 
missionaries,  every  pastor  in  town  or  city  had  a  colored  church 
attached  to  his  white  charge.  Multitudes  were  converted,  and  some 
developed  into  rare  Christians,  and  lived  holy  and  happy  lives. 

Amongst  them  I  have  two  or  three  in  special  memory.  Old 
"  Uncle  Cudjo  "  was  one  of  these.  He  was  a  local  preacher.  In 
his  palmy  days  he  preached  with  great  power  at  times,  and  wielded 
an  influence  of  great  value  to  society.  Sometimes  the  whites  had 
him  in  their  pulpits.  He  was  of  marvelous  physique ;  he  seemed  to 
be  all  sinews  and  strength.  He  was  over  six  feet  in  height.  He  was 
aging  when  I  knew  him.  He  was  mighty  in  prayer.  He  always 
prayed  with  his  eyes  open.  One  day,  meeting  him,  I  said,  "  Uncle 
Cudjo,  why  do  you  always  pray  with  your  eyes  open?"  "  I'll  tell 
you,  young  master.  Once  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation  and  at 
the  close  of  the  sermon  called  for  mourners.  A  large  number  came 
forward.  I  got  down  on  my  knees  and  prayed  like  bringing  the 
heavens  and  the  yerth  together;  when  I  said  amen  and  opened  my 
eyes,  dere  wasn't  a  nigger  dare!  Ever  since  then,  I  watch  as  well 
as  pray !  " 

Another  colored  man  of  character  amongst  white  and  black 
was  "  Uncle  Barnaby,"  perhaps,  as  happy  a  mortal  as  I  ever  met.  If 
he  was  not  a  genuine  convert,  no  one  ever  was.  He  could  literally 
sing, 

"  Jesus,  all  the  day  long,  was  my  joy  and  my  song!  " 

His  heart  was  always  bubbling  over.  He  was  venerable  in  appear- 
ance, his  hair  grey  with  age,  but  his  eyes  retained  their  sparkle.  He 
was  ever  ready  with  a  surprising  answer  to  any  query.  One  morning 
on  my  way  to  breakfast,  I  met  him  driving  a  mule,  as  he  rode  in  the 
cart.  He  sat  there  smiling.'  As  I  was  parsing,  my  salutation  was, 
"  Riding  on  a  cart  this  morning !  "  "  Yes,  yes,  young  master ;  but 
by  and  by  I'll  be  riding  in  the  King's  chariot !  "  Memory  recalls 
him  now,  as  he  rose  to  his  feet  on  Sunday  in  the  church,  then  moving 
amongst  the  people  singing  and  shaking  hands,  while  tears  of  joy 
chased  each  other  down  his  cheeks.  He  would,  every  once  in  a 
while,  utter  a  favorite  term  in  an  indescribable  tone,  which  always 
touched  the  sensibilities;  that  term  was,  "Hail!  King  Jesus!"    As 


16 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


the  old  man  entered  the  Holy  City  he  must  have  thus  greeted  his 
Savior.  His  life  confirmed  my  boyish  faith  in  the  power  of  the 
Gospel  to  save.  The  power  of  personality  as  seen  in  this  old  slave, 
reminded  me  of  the  saying  of  a  recent  author,  "  Character  is  caught, 
not  taught.  "  The  influence  of  personality  has  never  had  its  proper 
place  in  religious  teaching.  Said  a  Presbyterian  pastor  to  me,  "  A 
gentleman  remarked  in  my  presence,  '  When  I  see  certain  ministers 
I  am  led  to  doubt,  but  when  I  see  Br.  Blank,  I  feel  that  Christianity 
is  divine ! '  "  The  latter  acted  upon  Dante's  suggestion,  who  advised 
that  men  eat  angel's  food,  and  be  not  content  with  the  kind  of  food 
they  share  with  the  brutes.    This  man  fed  upon  the  promises  of  God. 

My  first  Methodist  pastor,  Rev.  William  Burr,  was  a  young 
man  fresh  from  a  large  circuit.  He  was  not  a  theologian  in  the 
technical  sense  but  had  a  rich  experience  and  was  called  of  God  to 
carry  life-giving  water  to  thirsty  souls.  Is  it  not  true  we  are  created 
with  chords  that  respond  to  the  touch  that  comes  to  us  from  the 
realm  of  the  Divine  ?  God  can  speak  to  us  and  we  can  hear  Him 
unless  we  have  been  rendered  too  gross  by  sin.  When  Christ  called 
His  twelve  disciples  there  was  nothing  about  them  except  their 
loyalty.  They  had  less  education  than  can  be  found  in  most  of  our 
congregations,  but  He  gave  them  His  work  to  do.  The  same  Master 
said  to  this  young  man,  "  I  place  you  in  this  ministry  that  you  may 
do  in  your  sphere  what  I  did  in  Palestine."  The  people  in  that  day 
expected  the  minister  to  be  acquainted  with  the  Lord.  He  proved 
to  be  what  they  expected.  There  was  in  him  such  a  combination  of 
qualities  as  lifted  him  out  of  all  vulgar  mediocrity.  He  rose  step 
by  step  until  he  became  a  front  man  amongst  his  brethren.  Bishop 
McTyiere  said  he  was  the  best  Presiding  Elder  he  ever  knew. 

To  hear  this  man,  as  he  unfolded  his  message,  was  like  going  to 
a  living  spring  for  a  supply  of  water.  He  stressed  the  Atonement 
and  pointed  to  the  blood  of  Christ  as  an  essential  factor.  This,  my 
first  Methodist  pastor,  fed  me  on  food  convenient  for  me,  and  to  my 
taste  it  was  like  honev  fresh  from  the  rock. 


M  T0BI0GBAPH1  OF  RBI  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  l-] 


CHAPTER   IV. 
Beginning  of  my  Ministry. 

Rev.  E.  C.  Slater,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  Louisburg,"  Va.,  March  ist, 
1818.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  he  was  licensed  to  preach  at 
Salem,  Baltimore  Conference.  In  1838  joined  the  Tennessee  Con- 
ference and  was  one  of  the  most  eloquent  pastors  in  our  denomina- 
tion. He  was  social,  popular  and  useful.  In  1845  he  was  my  pastor. 
From  earliest  childhood  the  call  to  preach  was  upon  me,  though 
unspeakable  by  me  to  others.  The  half  smothered  sense  was  ever 
present  with  me.  Was  it  an  impulse  merely,  or  was  it  a  pressure  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  ?  Nor  did  I  fight  against  it ;  yet  no  one  ever  under- 
took the  ministry  more  conscious  of  unfitness  for  it.  All  alone,  I 
studied,  prayed  and  availed  myself  of  the  means  at  hand  for  self- 
development.  In  an  interview  with  Dr.  Slater,  it  was  decided  I 
should  preach  a  trial  sermon  to  the  blacks.  The  text  used  was,  "  Ask 
and  it  shall  be  given  you."  For  twenty-five  minutes  I  talked  about 
prayer.  '  Of  course  I  was  embarrassed.  My  manner  was  quiet,  my 
utterances  deliberate.  The  pastor  tenderly  gave  me  to  understand 
that  my  quiet  style  would  never  do  for  a  Methodist  preacher.  He 
did  not  inform  me  what  style  would  do.  In  my  anxiety  to  succeed, 
according  to  the  common  saying,  "  I  jumped  out  of  the  frying  pan 
into  the  fire."  I  went  from  one  extreme  to  another.  Had  he  given 
me  definite  instruction,  with  my  ardent  temperament,  the  right  status 
would  have  been  attained.  My  manner  became  boisterous.  On  one 
occasion,  a  Frenchman,  using  broken  English,  who  was  a  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  said,  "  Me  go  to  my  church,  me  go  to 
sleep ;  me  go  to  hear  you,  me  no  sleep ;  you  make  too  much  noise !  " 

On  March  25th,  1845,  tne  Quarterly  Conference  licensed  me  to 
preach.  While  a  clerk  in  a  store,  all  my  spare  hours  were  given 
to  the  equipment  of  myself  for  a  useful  man  of  God.  The  absorbing 
interest  with  me  was  my  relation  to  God  through  Christ.  Times, 
like  the  flow  of  the  tides,  came  upon  me,  when  my  heart  longed  for 
a  perfect  condition  of  faith.  At  that  time  I  did  not  know  there  was 
such  a  thing  as  a  divine  discontent,  a  condition  produced  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  leading  one  to  crave  the  best  things  of  God.  The 
biographies  of  several  of  the  noble  men  and  women  who  were 
colaborers  with  Wesley,  were  placed  in  my  hands.  Their  experi- 
ences fired  my  soul.  Sometimes  messages  come  to  us  through 
others,  reaching  us,  not  as  utterances  from  the  air  but  as  testimonies 
carried  to  us  through  human  hearts  which  have  beat  and  ached  like 
our  own.  At  times,  my  condition  of  mind  was  that  of  dissatisi ac- 
tion ;    therefore    doubts    sprang    upon    me.    when- truly    the    Holy 


1 8  PEEPS  INTO   LIFE. 

Spirit  was  producing  a  state  of  mind  which  would  lead  me  to  a 
richer  experience  and  a  more  thorough  equipment  for  my  work. 
Nevertheless,  all  the  while,  my  heart  clung  to  Christ  like  the  ivy 
when  it  throws  its  delicate  tendrils  around  the  sturdy  oak. 

Once  in  a  while,  I  visited  the  near-by  country  churches  and 
preached.  The  people  gave  me  a  large  hearing.  During  the  spring 
of  1846,  a  country  school  was  tendered  me  and  was  accepted.  Pro- 
vidence was  opening  up  my  way  to  enter  upon  an  itinerant  career. 
The  Persians  have  a  proverb  which  says,  "  Do  the  little  thing  now ; 
so  the  big  things  shall  by  and  by  come  asking  to  be  done." 

Another  noble  specimen  of  Christian  manhood  stepped  into  my 
life  and  blessed  me  all  my  days.  The  Rev.  Ambrose  F.  Driscoll, 
Presiding  Elder  in  our  District.  This  man  I  have  carried  in  my  heart 
for  sixty  years.  It  would  be  a  delightful  task  to  write  his  biography ; 
such  a  work  would  help  the  oncoming  throng  of  ministers.  All 
literary  men  would  be  happy  if  they  could  put  nature  into  their  books. 
Chateaubriant  attempted  to  describe  the  early  forests  of  America; 
Lamartine  asked  the  richest  language  to  help  him  describe  certain 
home  scenes.  It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  employ  the  richest 
language  in  portraying  the  life  of  this  man  who.  was  of  God's  kind. 
He  was  converted  at  five  years  of  age,  and  publicly  remarked  in  a 
love  feast,  he  never  deviated  from  his  sense  of  acceptance.  His  call 
to  preach  was  like  a  word  out  of  another  world,  and  he  soon  died 
to  earthly  ambitions,  content  to  go  forth  on  a  salary  of  one  hundred 
dollars  a  year.  In  the  Methodism  of  seventy  years  ago,  the  Church 
grew  so  rapidly,  the  authorities  were  difficulted  to  supply  the  demand 
for  preachers.  They  had  to  employ  lads  of  good  report,  to  carry 
on  the  work  of  God.  In  our  Church  at  that  time  our  condition  was 
like  that  of  the  Revolutionary  period  of  our  nation.  Burgoyne 
was  sweeping  through  the  North  with  his  well  equipped  army.  The 
danger  was  so  great  that  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  drafted 
every  boy  over  fifteen  years.  So  our  fathers,  from  necessity  laid 
hands  upon  every  youth  of  any  promise  and  sent  him  forth  as  a 
torch-bearer  to  enlighten  the  people.  Ambrose  F.  Driscoll  was  sent 
forth  in  his  youth.  He  started  not  without  trepidation,  b*it  consoled 
himself  with  one  of  the  grandest  of  thoughts,  "  God  can  take  me  at 
my  own  level  and  use  me  as  I  am."  His  life  and  work  soon  showed 
that  he  was  of  fibre  fine  as  steel  and  that  he  possessed  a  courage  born 
of  thought. 

This  man  became  as  a  father  to  me.  During  the  last  of  the 
summer  of  1846,  this  man  invited,  yea  even  urged  me  to  accompany 
him  in  the  District  to  a  series  of  camp-meetings,  which  I  did.  At 
these  gatherings  acquaintances  were  formed  with  representatives  of 
the  church  both  among  the  ministry  and  laity.  Camp-meetings  were 
then  at  their  best.  Hither  gathered  the  men  of  power  to  work  for 
Christ.  That  six-weeks'  tour  was  educative.  There  I  learned  the 
art  of  conducting  a  soul  into  the  Kingdom.  The  altar  exercises 
were  studied  until  they  became   familiar  to  me.     That  campaign 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ig 

deepened  my  experience  in  every  way.  The  earnest  preaching,  the 
fervent  prayers  and  stirring  songs  all  tended  to  carry  me  onward, 
until  at  times  I  felt  like  grasping  one  of  the  high  harps  close  to  the 
feet  of  God.  Many  scenes  of  great  spiritual  power  were  witnessed. 
Some  humble  men,  but  annointed  of  God,  swayed  the  multitude  as 
tree-tops  are  swayed  by  the  wind.  Sometimes  men  and  women  as 
if  shot,  fell  to  the  ground  under  the  preaching.  Some  went  into 
what  were  termed  trances ;  conditions  of  joy,  whether  in  the  body 
or  out  of  the  body  it  was  difficult  for  them  to  tell. 

When  the  camp-meeting  tour  ended,  we  were  on  the  eve  of  the 
session  of  the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference.  It  met  in  November, 
1846,  in  Nashville.  I  went  up  to  be  examined  and  received  on  trial. 
The  ordeal  was  passed  satisfactorily.  To  me  it  was  an  eventful 
occasion.  Some  of  the  greatest  men  of  the  whole  church  were  mem- 
bers. There  were  Drs.  John  W.  Hahner,  Fountain  E.  Pitts,  A.  L. 
P.  Green,  John  B.  McFerrin,  R.  H.  Rivers,  Edward  Wadsworth, 
and  others — men  who  made  history.  Bishop  James  O.  Andrew 
presided,  assisted  by  the  noblest  Roman  of  them  all,  Bishop  Joshua 
Soule. 

The  session  seemed  long,  but  the  last  day  came  and  Bishop 
Andrew  arose  to  address  the  preachers  as  was  the  custom,  and  to 
announce  the  appointments.  Name  after  name  was  announced. 
Down  the  list  he  went  until  I  not  only  thought  but  felt  that  I  was 
forgotten.  At  last  Middleton  Circuit  was  called ;  Charles  B.  Farris 
and  John  Mathews  were  announced.  A  glow  of  pleasure  ran 
through  my  frame.  It  had  not  concerned  me  whether  I  was  to  get 
a  good  or  a  hard  appointment ;  only  a  place  was  desired.  One 
ambition,  one  prayer  possessed  me,  that  I  might  learn  to  preach  so 
as  to  be  able  to  fill  anv  four-weeks'  circuit  usefully. 


20  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Middleton  Circuit. 

Going  at  once  to  our  circuit,  my  colleague  returned  to  his  home 
and  I  to  the  first  appointment.  A  sense  of  responsibility  affected  me ; 
the  feeling  was  "  Life  is  not  an  idle  dream ;  it  is  the  only  thing  with 
which  to  confront  eternity."  The  church  was  known  as  Ransom's. 
Sunday  opened  bright  and  fair.  The  congregation  filled  the  house. 
I  ascended  the  pulpit  with  fear  lest  I  might  become  stage-struck ; 
then  I  prayed  for  superhuman  aid.  When  I  arose  to  announce  my 
hymn  my  hands  began  to  tremble ;  then  clasping  my  elbows  into  my 
sides  my  hands  were  steadied  while  reading  the  hymn.  My  text  was, 
"  If  any  man  serve  me  him  will  my  Father  honor."  My  sermon  was 
a  medley.  My  purpose  was  all  right,  and  the  people  were  respect- 
ful in  their  attention. 

During  that  ecclesiastical  year  the  ups  and  downs  were  numer- 
ous ;  more  downs  in  feeling  than  ups.  My  governing  desire  was  to 
live  according  to  the  teachings  of  our  Lord.  Being  innocent  of 
earthly  ambition,  my  craving-  of  soul  was  to  be  an  energetic  worker. 
Allison  said,  "  Passion  and  reason  in  equal  proportions  form  energy." 
During  the  winter  I  pushed  on  through  rain,  sleet  and  snow 
going  to  the  churches  even  when  not  a  human  being  met  me.  Then 
I  was  down.  Sometimes  no  one  invited  me  to  their  homes  ;  what  was 
to  be  done  ?  Another  down  in  feeling,  but  riding  a  few  miles  where 
a  welcome  awaited  me,  then  was  I  up  in  feeling. 

Young  men  are  not  always  prudent  and  I  was  not  an  exception. 
On  some  occasions  in  my  zeal  my  scythe  cut  down  some  corn  with 
the  weeds.  My  performance  fell  far  below  my  ideal ;  this  produced 
dissatisfaction  upon  my  part  and  sometimes  mortification ;  then 
temptation  to  abandon  further  effort,  but  resistance  won  in  the  fight. 
There  was  no  great  aggressive  movement  during  the  year  but  we 
had  some  fine  meetings.  My  colleague,  Rev.  C.  B.  Farris,  was  in 
charge  of  the  work ;  my  place  was  that  of  a  striker.  For  those  days 
our  circuit  was  small ;  only  seventeen  churches  to  preach  in,  each 
four  weeks,  besides  preaching  at  night  in  cabins  down  in  hollows. 

My  colleague  was  not  only  esteemed  but  loved  by  all  who  knew 
him.  He  was  considered  one  of  the  most  useful  men  in  the  Con- 
ference. According  to  the  technics  of  the  schools  he  was  an  un- 
educated man ;  but  he  was  wonderfully  magnetic  in  his  association 
with  individuals,  -and  his  life  was  almost  flawless.  The  people  de- 
lighted to  hear  him  preach,  and  as  a  singer  few  surpassed  him. 
He  was  also  gifted  in  revival  work.     His  home  life  was  beautiful. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JO  US  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  2I 

His  neighbors  not  only  respected  but  loved  him.  Long  ago  he  made 
his  exodus,  passing  to  be  with  God. 

On  week  days  we  preached  at  n  a.  m.,  and  held  class-meeting 
after  every  sermon.  Often  at  night  we  would  preach  in  a  cabin  in 
the  hollows  or  on  the  hillsides  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  could  not 
climb.  Once,  having  preached  at  Lebanon  Church  in  the  morning, 
at  night  I  went  to  preach  in  a  cabin  at  the  foot  of  a  hill.  When  we 
reached  the  cabin  we  found  quite  a  number  of  neighbors  gathered  to 
enjoy  the  service.  When  the  sermon  was  ended  all  but  three  or  four 
returned  to  their  homes.  It  was  the  custom  for  the  woman  of  the 
house  to  prepare  supper  for  the  visitors.  When  sitting  near  the 
fire,  while  the  mother  was  cooking  supper,  the  child  began  to  cry. 
To  relieve  the  situation,  I  took  the  child  and  dandling  him  upon  my 
knees  I  began  to  sing  to  quiet  him.  It  was  not  a  very  great  while 
after  the  Presidential  campaign  of  Polk  and  Clay.  The  Henry  Clay 
champions  sang, 

"  Hurrah,  hurrah,  the  country's  rising, 
For  Henry  Clay  and  Frelinghuysen !  " 

The  Democrats  used  the  same  tune,  and  sang, 

"  Hurrah,  hurrah,  the  country's  rising," 
"  Down  with  Clay  and  Frelinghuysen!  " 

In  quieting  the  baby,  and  wishing  to  conceal  my  politics,  I  used  the 
first  line,  coupling  it  with  a  line  from  a  then  popular  revival  chorus, 
and  sang, 

"  Hurrah,  hurrah,  the  country's  rising, 
If  you  get  there  before  I  do!  " 

It  was  thoughtlessness  on  my  part.  An  old  brother  named  Dunn 
heard  my  song.  The  following  Saturday  was  quarterly  meeting. 
This  man  was  a  steward  and  attended.  He  informed  the  Presiding 
Elder  that,  "  Brother  Mathews  lias  ruined  himself  and  injured  the 
Church  at  Lebanon  by  singing  Whig  songs ;  no  one  will  go  to  hear 
him  preach !  "  My  Presiding  Elder  was  astounded.  On  Monday 
morning  as  he  was  about  to  leave  for  his  home,  as  he  led  his  horse 
he  invited  me  to  walk  with  him.  He  told  me  all  he  had  heard,  and 
exhibited  great  distress  over  the  thought  that  I  had  ruined  that 
Church.  I  was  astounded  and  indignant !  My  Irish  got  the  better  of 
me  and  I  resented  the  charge  of  singing  Whig  songs.  In  fatherly 
tenderness,  he  reprimanded  me.  Bitterly  denying  the  charge,  I  said, 
"  How  could  I  sing  Whig  songs  when  I  was  born  a  Democrat !  " 
He  left  me  fearing  his  confidence  had  been  misplaced.  I  returned' to 
my  duties  smarting  under  the  thought  that  no  one  would  hear  me 
preach  at  that  church.  When  the  day  arrived  for  me  to  go  to 
Lebanon  Church,  I  started  with  fear  and  trembling.  What  if  no 
one  would  attend !  My  heart  beat  with  great  thumps  as  I  neared  the 
place.     When  I  raised  my  eyes  judge  of  my  surprise  and  relief  to 


22  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

see  a  large  number  of  horses  and  several  wagons  which  had  brought 
a  crowd  to  the  place !  Entering  the  church  I  found  it  filled  in  mid- 
week. Many  had  come  to  hear  and  see  the  young  preacher  about 
whom  these  rumors  were  afloat.  This  Brother  Dunn  was  there, 
and  with  others,  after  the  sermon,  shouted  over  the  floor.  This 
added  to  my  indignation,  and  retiring  from  the  ground  I  avoided 
him.  He  followed  me  to  my  horse,  and  said,  "  Why  do  you  not  speak 
to  me?  "  My  pent-up  ire  broke  loose,  as  I  replied,  "  How  dared  you 
shout  after  telling  such  a  story  to  the  Elder,  who  is  suffering  on  my 
account !  " 

It  was  on  this  circuit  my  pride  was  challenged.  Being  ac- 
customed to  the  Presbyterian  ministry  and  seeing  they  dressed  well, 
having  a  nice  Sunday  suit,  out  of  respect  for  the  people  it  was  worn. 
Soon  it  was  whispered  around,  "  Our  little  preacher  is  proud." 
When  near  my  old  home,  during  what  was  called  rest  week,  I 
purchased  four  yards  of  homemade  blue  jeans,  and  had  the  tailor 
make  a  coat.  I  found  a  pair  of  gray  cassinet  pants,  nearly  worn  bare 
at  the  knees.  I  donned  these  when  starting  on  my.  next  round. 
Riding  horseback,  the  pressure  upon  the  knees  was  so  great  that 
•  the  pants  split.  Stopping  at  the  home  of  a  good  brother,  his  wife,  in 
her  kindness  of  heart,  after  I  had  retired  to  bed,  patched  my  pants. 
She  had  no  grey  goods  but  had  some  brown  jeans  and  fixed  the 
knee  of  my  grey  trousers  with  brown  goods.  It  took  a  good  share 
of  grace  thus  attired  to  push  on  around  my  circuit.  They  praised 
me  now  for  my  humility,  but  they  never  knew  what  went  on  inside 
of  me.    All  over  that  circuit  I  was  known  as  "  Little  John  Mathews." 


AUTOBIOCh'Al'HY  OF  KEY.  J01IX  MATHERS,  D.  D.  23 


CHAPTER  VI. 
Spring  Hill  Circuit; 

The  Conference,  this  year,  met  at  Murfreesboro,  Tennessee. 
I  was  domiciled  at  Dr.  Manney's  with  a  young  preacher,  Rev.  Wm. 
H.  Hughes.  We  joined  the  Conference  at  the  same  time.  We  were 
chums,  and  have  remained  fast  friends  through  all  the  long  journey 
we  have  made.  He  has  lived  in  Texas  for  years  and  has  been  super- 
annuated for  a  number  of  years.  Well-beloved,  we  shall  strike  hands 
"  when  we  have  crossed  the  bar !  "  Our  affection  was  like  that  of 
David  and  Jonathan. 

At  the  close  of  the  Conference,  the  appointing  power  sent  me 
as  Junior  Preacher  to  the  Spring  Hill  Circuit,  Russell  Eskew  in 
charge.  This  circuit  embraced  a  part  of  the  best  section  of  middle 
Tennessee.  Many  persons  of  culture,  refinement  and  wealth  were 
members  of  our  church.  My  colleague  had  been  kept  on  circuits 
where  civilization  was  not  at  its  best.  He  was  too  brusque.  Phys- 
ically he  was  large  and  vigorous,  and  equally  as  large  spiritually. 
He  was  one  of  a  class  which  fill  places  where  men  are  rarely  heard 
from  by  the  outside  world.  He  had  toiled  mostly  in  out-of-the-way 
places,  but  did  a  work  without  which  the  world  would  have  been 
poorer.  He  took  hold  of  his  work  with  an  energy  begotten  of  God, 
and  led  souls  to  Christ.  He  never  doubted  that  he  was  working  in 
the  vineyard  by  special  invitation  of  the  Owner.  His  convictions 
were  of  such  a  nature,  had  he  discovered  that  he  was  mistaken,  he 
would  have  cleared  the  vineyard  wall  at  a  bound,  and  at  the  risk  of 
breaking  his  neck  by  the  leap.  His  early  advantages  were  limited 
and  much  of  the  crude  mannerism  of  his  early  days  clung  to  him. 
The  more  cultivated  of  the  church  felt  he  was  not  the  man  for  the 
position.  Being  made  aware  of  the  fact,  it  became  a  thorn  in  his 
flesh.  He  held  some  misconceptions  of  his  responsibilities,  and 
sometimes  said  uncouth  things  in  a  rough  way.  It  has  been  well 
said,  "  Apples  of  gold  taken  out  of  pictures  of  silver  and  hurled  at 
your  head  may  become  instruments  of  great  pain."  He  sometimes, 
with  pureness  of  motive,  held  up  the  lamp  of  truth  so  that  people 
could  not  only  see,  but  dashed  the  lamp  into  their  faces!  This 
produced  friction.  However,  strength  was  given  him  to  grasp  the 
rudder  in  the  storm,  and  in  the  darkest  hour  he  felt  assured  he  would 
not  be  beaten  and  battered. 

Russell  Eskew  was  one  of  the  best  of  men.  Bating  the  few 
flecks  in  his  life  he  was  master  of  an  ordinary  assembly.  His  over- 
mastering faith  created  an  abiding  joy.  Like  the  honey-bee  extract- 
ing sweetness  from  the  flowers  he  extracted  sweetness  from  the 


24 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


promises.  It  might  have  been  said  of  him  as  of  Luther,  he  had 
"  shaken  every  tree  in  God's  garden  and  had  gathered  fruit  there- 
from." Though  lacking  tact  at  times,  his  heart  was  all  right.  His 
spirit  was  so  unselfish  my  entire  life  has  been  influenced  by  it.  As 
I  look  back  over  half  a  century  into  his  human  eyes  I  still  see  a  son 
of  God  behind  them.  This  holy  man  was  toughened  by  trials  which 
would  have  broken  down  any  one  with  a  taint  of  moral  weakness. 
At  one,  of  our  camp-meetings  he  picked  me  up  and  carried  me  on  his 
arm  through  the  camp  as  a  father  would  a  child,  shouting  as  he 
went,  while  tears  of  joy  fell  from  his  eyes.  He  has  long  since  joined 
the  white-robed  throng.  Farewell,  but  not  forever!  I'll  soon  join 
you ! 

During  this  year  my  spiritual  growth  was  perceptible.  My  con- 
dition of  mind  was  on  a  line  with  the  prayer  of  Lady  Maxwell, 
"  Put  a  thorn  in  every  enjoyment,  a  worm  in  every  gourd  that  would 
prevent,  or  in  any  measure  retard,  my  progress  in  Divine  life !  " 
I  sought  to  make  myself  over  to  God.  I  desired  to  see  the  world 
through  the  eyes  of  Christ.  We  had  several  precious  revivals.  At 
Spring  Hill  we  had  a  delightful  meeting,  which  broke  out  at  my 
monthly  appointment. 

One  of  our  prosperous  churches  was  about  four  miles  from 
Columbia,  called  Olivet.  Here  Wm.  M.  Leftwich  and  I  met  for  the 
first  time.  He  was  at  home  from  college  during-  vacation.  We 
met  again  many  years  after  when  he  had  become  one  of  the  leading 
pulpiteers  of  the  church.  He  lived  a  devoted  life  and  then  went  up 
to  meet  his  Lord.  Some  most  delightful  experiences  fell  to  my  lot ; 
and  some  rather  sad  ones.  On  one  occasion  Satan  saw  he  had  some- 
thing in  me  and  desired  to  sift  me  as  wheat.  Doubt  disheartened 
me ;  doubt  as  to  ever  becoming  a  successful  minister.  It  tormented 
me  to  such  a  degree  that  I  sought  my  room,  and  flinging  myself  on 
the  bed  I  wept  until  the  anguish  was  almost  unbearable.  While  in 
this  mental  agony,  that  noble  man  of  God,  Rev.  Green  Irvin,  who 
was  living  with  his  father-in-law,  "  Dicky  Chappell,"  came  into  my 
room,  and  with  an  expression  of  surprise  inquired,  "  What  is  the 
matter,  my  young  brother  ?  "  I  unbosomed  myself  to  him  as  to  the 
fierce  temptation  to  abandon  the  ministry.  God  sent  that  man  to 
me.  While  sympathizing  tenderly  with  me  in  that  hour  of  darkness, 
he  step  by  step  led  me  out  of  darkness,  pointing  to  my  work,  and 
what  the  future  would  do  for  me  if  true  to  God.  Then  he  shamed  me 
for  allowing  Satan  to  thus  discourage  me.  The  dear  man,  who  lost 
his  sight  afterwards,  never  faltered,  but  walked  with  God.  How 
everybody  loved  him!  That  interview  has  never  faded  from  my 
mind ;  under,  its  influence  I  have  filled  out  nearly  sixty  years  of 
active  service. 

Many  blessings  fell  to  me  during  the  year.  Being  young  and 
faulty  in  judgment,  an  event  occurred  which  caused  some  severe 
criticisms  which  led  me  into  an  improper  spirit.  We  had  a  week-day 
appointment  at  a  church  called  Bethel.    We  had  a  small  membership 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV-  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  25 

there,  and  they  were  poor,  rarely  ever  inviting  the  minister  to  par- 
take of  their  hospitality.  One  lady,  not  a  member,  but  well  condi- 
tioned financially,  was  in  the  habit  of  inviting,  what  they  called  the 
parson,  to  dinner.  On  my  visit  a  handful  attended  meeting,  amongst 
others  this  one  woman,  who  owned  a  few  slaves.  She  brought  her 
child  with  her,  a  toddler  about  three  years  old.  While  I  was  trying 
to  preach,  it  was  evident  no  one  was  listening  to  the  sermon.  This 
child  was  capering  over  the  floor,  entertaining  the  small  group  by 
drawing  the  mother's  shawl  across  the  floor,  then  falling  down  and 
kicking  up  its  heels.  In  my  embarrassment,  in  a  subdued  tone,  in- 
tending to  be  sweet,  I  said,  "  I  would  thank  the  good  sister  to  take 
care  of  her  child."  I  was  unfortunate  in  my  choice  of  words,  for 
instantly  I  perceived  I  had  "  raised  Cain."  Grasping  the  child  by  the 
arm,  she  half  dragged  it  to  the  door.  The  meeting  was  brought  to  a 
speedy  close,  as  there  was  a  tempest  in  a  teapot.  When  I  passed 
out,  some  one  told  me  the  woman  was  talking,  and  said  she  "  came 
to  invite  me  to  dinner,  but  I  could  not  eat  any  of  her  meat  and 
bread."  Being  imperfect,  there  was  a  rising  within,  and  I  remarked, 
I  had  one  twenty-five  cents  in  my  pocket,  could  pay  for  my  dinner, 
and  the  next  time  I  visited  Bethel  I  would  bring  my  dinner !  That 
retort  spread  like  wild-fire  in  dry  grass.  My  retort  was  wrong. 
But  I  took  my  dinner  with  me  to  Bethel  at  my  next  appointment. 
The  episode  was  the  talk  of  the  neighborhood  for  a  month.  Quite 
a  number  attended  service,  and  amongst  them  the  squire  of  the 
district  who  invited  me  to  dinner,  and  I  went. 

In  the  upper  part  of  the  circuit  we  held  a  camp-meeting  near 
Chapel  Hill.  Not  far  from  the  camp  ground,  lived  an  old-time 
saint.  He  was  odd,  but  good.  He  was  small  of  stature,  but  stalwart 
in  moral  power.  He  managed  with  the  aid  of  his  wife  and  two 
daughters  to  eke  out  a  poor  man's  living.  Being  industrious  and 
pious  he  enjoyed  his  scanty  bill  of  fare.  He  was  famous  through- 
out that  section  for  his  unostentatious  devotion.  He  was  of  the  kind 
described  in  the  Cotter's  Saturday  Night.  He  always  tented  at  the 
camp-meeting.  Withal,  he  was  considered  somewhat  eccentric.  As 
Junior  Preacher  it  fell  to  my  lot  to  preach  on  Sunday  morning  at 
8  o'clock.  My  subject  was  "  Prayer."  This  old  gentleman  seated 
himself  in  the  altar,  astride  the  puncheon  slab.  He  always  sat  in 
front  of  the  stand  with  his  face  down.  Having  given  several  in- 
stances in  answer  to  prayer  from  the  Word  of  God,  in  my  enthu- 
siasm I  exclaimed*,  "  I  can  give  others  from  the  same  source."  The 
old  man  suddenly  raising  his  head, and  in  his  squeaking  voice  replied, 
"  Give  us  a  few  more  John ;  a  few  more !  "  Both  congregation  and 
preacher  were  upset,  and  the  preacher  collapsed,  and  sat  down  in 
confusion,  as  I  could  not  command  another  instance!* 


26  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Fayetteville  Station. 

At  the  close  of  this  Conference  year  a  few  of  us  young  preachers 
went  to  Clarksville,  Tennessee,  to  attend  the  session  of  1848.  Here 
was  to  end  my  probation  if  counted  worthy  and  I  should  pass  my 
theological  examination.  The  committee  recommended  me  and  I 
was  received  into  membership  and  recommended  for  ordination  to 
Deacon's  orders.  Before  taking  the  vote  for  admission,  the  Bishop 
put  the  class  through  a  most  searching  examination,  from  which  I 
almost  shrank ;  but  explaining  the  vows  to  me,  they  were  assumed 
with  fear  and  trembling.  With  five  others,  on  Sunday  morning  we 
were  ordained  Deacons.  They  have  all  gone  with  their  report  to 
God,  save  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Hughes,  of  Dallas,  Texas,  and  myself.  We 
have  reached  the  margin  and  ere  long  will  drop  from  the  ranks  here 
to  swell  the  ranks  on  the  other  side. 

From  that  Conference,  Bishop  Robert  Paine  sent  me  to  Fayette- 
ville Station.  It  was  a  small  town,  of  barely  one  thousand  in- 
habitants. The  membership,  all  told,  numbered  thirty-two.  No  one 
knew  me.  My  name  preceded  my  person,  and  inquiries  concerning 
the  incoming  pastor  were  frequent.  No  one  could  answer  these 
queries,  save  two  brothers  who  had  attended  the  recent  Conference. 
They  were  seriously  interviewed,  and  as  seriously  pronounced,  "  He 
'  won't  do !  his  shirt  collar  is  too  wide !  "  In  a  few  days  the  young 
preacher  reached  the  town,  where  he  found  quite  a  respectable 
house  of  worship,  and  was  warmly  welcomed  by  the  influential,  in 
spite  of  his  wide  collar. 

A  few  days  brought  the  Presiding  Elder,  Rev.  A.  F.  Driscoll, 
whom  I  loved  tenderly.  He  came  with  a  rod.  His  interest  in  me 
was  almost  fatherly.  His  face  is  on  my  heart  now.  He  was  a 
solemn-looking  man,  so  much  so  that  the  less  respectful  young 
preachers  called  him,  "Old  Dry."  How  he  ever  took  to  me  so 
passionately  is  still  a  mystery— two  natures  so  directly  opposite. 
Mine  was  a  bubbling,  cheery  nature.  He  was  as  solemn  as  the  Ten 
Commandments.  Sometimes  I  made  him  laugh.1  In  his  day  the 
preachers  arose  at  5  o'clock.  I  was  sleepy-headed.  One  day  lie 
lectured  me  about  sleeping  late,  when  like  a  child,  I  faced  him  with 
a  smile,  as  I  said,  "  Brother  Driscoll,  how  can  I  wake  up  when  I  am 
fast  asleep  ?  "    He  turned  away  with  a  laugh. 

But  this  particular  visit  was  professional.  He  took  me  aside 
and  gave  me  a  lecture  that  made  the  fur  fly.  I  turned  red  and  pale 
alternately.  No  bee  ever  stung  me  with  greater  quietness.  Had  he 
shown  temper,  or  even  bossism,  I  would  have  had  occasion  to  go  at 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHK  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  27 

him  with  fire;  but,  no;  he  was  as  cool  and  sweet  as  an  October 
morning.  He  recalled  faults,  and  referred  to  mistakes  made  by  me. 
When  he  finished  there  was  nothing  left  in  me  but  hope  !  He  pressed 
me  to  guard  my  weak  points,  and  assured  me  that  in  the  Bishop's 
Cabinet,  "  I  nominated  you  for  this  station ;  Dr.  Hanner  said,  '  He 
will  do  the  -preaching,  but  will  have  his  own  way  no  matter  who  is 
over-ridden ! '  "  The  word  "  mortified,"  is  hardly  adequate  to  ex- 
press my  state  of  mind!  And  to  think  the  shirt-collar  sting  was 
yet  rankling  in  my  soul !  It  is  a  wonder  I  did  not  run  away !  That 
lecture  changed  my  whole  life.  A  law  was  passed  in  my  mind  never 
to  have  any  friction  in  my  churches ;  if  people  will  not  pull  my  rope, 
I  will  step  back  or  forward  and  pull  with  them.  From  that  day  on  it 
has  been  my  study  how  to  manage  men  without  friction.  Tact  has 
been  a  favorite  word;  years  have  come  and  gone  without  discord. 
To  recede  when  no  principle  is  involved  has  been  my  motto. 

In  those  days  discipline  was  enforced.  Some  of  our  members 
who  were  backslidden  in  heart,  attended  a  circus.  The  leading 
officials  urged  me  to  arraign  the  guilty.  Preacher  and  officials  knew 
very  little  about  Church  law.  A  woman  and  a  prominent  young 
man  had,  in  face  of  warning,  attended  the  circus.  They  were 
summoned  to  appear  at  a  church  meeting  the  next  Sunday  morning 
at  8  o'clock.  The  young  man  attended,  the  woman  did  not.  With- 
*out  any  red  tape,  a  Steward  moved  to  turn  them  out  of  the  Church 
The  motion  prevailed,  and  they  were  expelled!  These  expulsions 
caused  some  excitement ;  the  talk  was,  "  Mathews  will  break  up  the 
Methodist  Church."  This  report  gave  me  some  anxiety,  but  prayer 
and  care  resulted  in  a  happy  pastorate.  The  young  man  who  was 
expelled  was  soon  brought  by  the  Divine  Spirit  under  conviction, 
repented,  was  soundly  converted,  and  in  due  time  entered  the 
ministry,  and  finally  reached  the  front  rank  in  his  Conference.  He 
was  honored  with  the  "  D.  D."  by  one  of  the  leading  colleges. 

During  the  late  summer  and  early  fall,  invitations  were  sent  me 
to  attend  several  camp-meetings.  One  of  these  was  held  at  Holt's 
Camp  Ground  near  Shelbyville.  A  great  throng  attended.  Many 
preachers  were  present.  Sunday  was,  on  these  occasions,  usually  a 
trying  day,  owing  to  the  restlessness  of  the  people.  On  this  day  con- 
fusion was  evident.  The  Presiding  Elder  wilted  at  the  task  before 
him,  and  requested  some  one  else  to  deliver  the  eleven  o'clock 
sermon.  The  invitation  was  declined.  Then  he  hunted  me  up  and 
requested  that  I  preach  the  sermon.  After  a  short  parly,  and  con- 
siderable apprehension,  I  consented.  At  the  appointed  hour  the  seats 
were  filled  and  the  square  was  crowded.  There  was  a  babel  of  voices. 
It  was  confusing.  Announcing  the  hymn  brought  no  relief.  While 
the  few  were  singing,  the  Presiding" Elder  whispered  in  my  ear, 
"  There  are  at  least  a  dozen  people  trading  horses  on  the  camp 
ground."  Kneeling  down  to  pray,  the  story  has  it.  that  I  began  thus : 
"O  Lord,  we  thank  Thee  for  camp-meetings!  They  are  good 
things.    Some  attend  to  show  their  fine  clothes ;  some  for  their  health 


28  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

to  save  expenses  in  going  to  the  springs ;  others  to  meet  friends, 
and  others  to  trade  horses ;  for  Thou  knowest  the  Presiding  Elder 
has  just  whispered  in  my  ear  there  are  at  least  a  dozen  persons  now 
swapping  horses  on  the  ground !  A  few  attend  to  worship  God !  " 
When  the  prayer  ended,  judge  of  my  surprise  to  see  a  crowd  pressing 
around  the  arbor.  They  had  become  silent  and  looked  surprised 
and  subdued,  wondering,  no  doubt,  what  would  come  next.  When 
the  text  was  announced,  I  proceeded  to  give  the  substance  of  a 
conversation  between  two  men  traveling  together  on  horseback 
and  looking  ahead.  One  descried  a  cabin  ahead,  and  said,  "  No  one 
lives  there ;  boards  are  off  the  roof,  fence  down  and  weeds  thick." 
The  other  replied,  "  Yes,  it  is  occupied,  for  there  is  the  water-pail 
on  the  shelf  at  the  side  of  the  door,  and  there  hangs  the  ever- 
present  sign  of  occupation,  the  inevitable  string  of  red  pepper! " 
The  text  was,  "  Your  sins  have  separated  between  you  and  your 
God."  After  applying  the  story  to  the  crowd,  that  multitudes  were 
uncertain#as  to  the  purpose  of  life,  I  took  up  the  dilapidated  moral 
condition  of  the  masses,  and  having  the  attention  of  the  great  out- 
side crowd,  with  earnest  prayer  in  my  heart  for  God  to  give  His 
Word  power,  in  a  tender  manner  I  flung  out  truth  after  truth  in 
reference  to  the  responsibility  of  life,  its  end  and  aim.  For  about 
one  hour  sin  was  described,  and  when  the  end  was  reached,  penitents 
were  called.  The  response  was  prompt,  a  number  came ;  some  fell* 
in  the  straw  as  if  shot. 

Here  the  story  originated  of  the  blacksmith,  whose  shop  was 
near-by.  His  man  "  Sam,"  a  slave,  was  in  the  habit  of  attending 
at  night.  Sometimes  he  took  the  jerks  which  made  him  sore  for  a 
day  or  so.  This  man  called  Sam,  and  threatened,  "  If  you  attend 
the  meeting  I  will  flog  you."  The  attraction  was  too  great  and  Sam 
went,  took  the  jerks  and  was  taken  home  disabled.  The  master, 
enraged,  gathered  the  oldfashioned  cowhide  and,  as  he  raised  it  to 
strike  Sam,  it  flew  out  of  his  hand  and  the  master  began  to  "  jerk," 
to  his  sorrow,  for  sometimes  they  fell  on  their  face  and  blood  would 
spurt  from  the  nose. 

With  joy  I  left  my  old  charge.  My  love  for  the  people  was  pure. 
One  of  the  leading  stewards  suggested,  "  We  will  send  a  petition  to 
the  Conference  and  have  you  returned."  My  reply  was,  "  If  you 
do  I  will  die."  It  was  a  fearful  ordeal  to  fill  the  pulpit  for  one  year ! 
How  could  I  stand  two? 


.1/  TOBIOGRAPHY  OF  BB^     JOHT\    U  ITHEWS,  D.  D.  2g 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Decatur  Station.  • 

The  Conference,  this  year,  met  in  ShelbyvUle.  Here  Elisha 
Carr,  so  noted  in  Tennessee,  had  charge  of  the  meeting  for  the 
colored  people.  The  Baptist  Church  was  used  for  their  worship. 
They  had  no  altar,  nor  any  lamps,  but  used  candles.  When  Brother 
Carr  ended  his  very  dry  sermon,  he  proceeded  to  business,  which  was 
to  improvise  an  altar. "  Holding  a  candle  in  one  hand,  he  took  hold 
of  one  end  of  a  bench ;  then,  seeing  a  man  sitting  in  front  of  him, 
said,  "  Jake,  take  hold  of  this  bench  ;  "  then  fixing  it  as  he  desired, 
said,  "  Jake,  do  you  want  religion?  "  "  Yes,  master."  "  Then  kneel 
at  this  bench."  Addressing  another  man,  he  said,  "  Tom,  yon  want 
religion?"  "Yes,  sir,"  was  the  reply.  Thus  he  went  on,  holding 
the  candle  in  his  hand.  When  he  reached  about  the  fifth  man,  he 
said,  "Peter,  do  you  want  religion?"  "No,  master,"  was  his  re- 
sponse. "Then,"  said  Carr,  "you  hold  this  candle/'  It  was  a 
blessed  .Conference,  refreshing  the  spirits  of  these  laborers  together 
with  Cod.  This  rear,  mv  appointment  was  to  the  then  small  town 
of  Decatur,  at  the' head  of  the  mussel  shoals  on  the  Tennessee  River. 
It  could  boast  of  eight  hundred  inhabitants;  two  white  churches, 
Baptist  and  Methodist.  My  advent  into  Decatur  found  me  im- 
ploring Divine  aid  in  my  new  field.  I  absolutely  hungered  for 
supernatural  help.  My  method  of  praying  was  not  then  entirely 
satisfactory,  having  heard  devout  men  talk  of  agonizing  in  prayer, 
of  wrestling  for  victory.  My  habit  was  to  speak  with  God  for  what 
I  needed,  then,  rest  upon  his  promise.  When  attempting  to  spend 
much  time  in  prayer,  weariness  and  sleep  would  overtake  me.  But 
whether  awake  or  drowsy  the  sense  of  need  filled  my  soul,  and  an 
unformulated  longing  stirred  my  heart  day  and  night. 

This  was  a  great  year  in 'my  life.  The  Divine  Presence  was 
with  us  week  by  week. '  Conversions  occurred  at  the  homes  as  well 
as  in  the  church.  We  had  a  remarkable  revival  in  which  persons 
were  convicted  so  deeply  they  swooned  away,  then  emerged  into  a 
life  of  joy.  The  Rev.  P.  S.  Scruggs,  who  resided  in  the  town,  said, 
"  All  the  pastor  has  to  do,  is  to  ring  the  church  bell,  at  any  hour 
of  the  day.  and  the  house  would  be  filled."  Nine-tenths  of  the 
members  attended  class-meeting.  I  had  for  a  time  great  joy  in  my 
work.  But  Satan  would  not  let  me  alone.  During  the  last  Con- 
ference year  I  had  read  some  infidel  books,  and  some  works  on 
natural  law.  and  some  of  the  troublesome  questions  arose  in  my 
mind.  I  could  not  understand  the  philosophy  of  tilings  and  was 
troubled.     I  kept  my  doubts  to  myself,  and  fought  the  battle  without 


3© 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


human  aid.  Virtually  Carlyle's  theory  was  adopted,  though  ignorant 
of  it  at  the  time.  He  wrote  to  a  friend,  "  I  don't  want  to  hear  of 
your  doubts ;  I  have  enough  of  my  own."  My  conflict  was  like  a 
tempest,  which  for  a  season  threatened  to  sweep  me  from  my  moor- 
ings. One  Sunday  morning  while  in  the  pulpit,  seized  with  a  feeling 
of  desperation  as  I  stood  in  that  holy  place,  my  faith  towered  above 
fear,  and  one  emotion  thrilled  me,  as  I  said  to  myself,  "  I  will  trust 
thee,  O  Lord,  where  I  can  not  trace  thee !  "  Suddenly,  as  a  flash 
leaps  from  a  cloud,  there  entered  my  soul  a  sense  of  rest  that  sweet- 
ened every  faculty  of  my  being.  My  heart  emerged  from  the  mist 
and  fog  with  a  mightier  grasp  on  Christ  than  ever.  Since  then,  in 
dealing  with  doubt  I  do  as  when  I  am  eating  fish ;  when  I  come  to  a 
bone  I  do  not  attempt  to  swallow  it,  I  simply  lay  it  aside  and  go 
on  eating  the  meat !  If  I  can  not  master  the  doubt  at  once,  I  lay  it 
aside  and  feed  upon  the  promises. 

It  was  there  I  met  for  the  first  time  the  Rev.  W.  G.  Dorris, 
who  had  been  received  on  trial  at  the  last  annual  Conference.  He 
was,  perhaps,  the  most  popular  man  in  Morgan  County,  Alabama. 
He  was  appointed  to  Lagrange  Circuit.  He  had  never  preached  a 
sermon,  yet  was  sent  to  preach  to  the  faculty  and  students  of  our 
college.  He  started  on  his  first  round  rather  hopeful.  Within  a  few 
days  he  was  back,  and  to  my  surprise  told  me  had  concluded  to 
abandon  the  work.  My  experience  prepared  me  to  sympathize  with 
him,  and  I  directed  him  to  put  up  his  horse,  and  come  around  to  the 
office  and  talk  the  matter  over.  He  was  one  of  the  most  discouraged 
men  I  ever  met.  He  secured  a  table,  put  it  in  my  office,  and  I  en- 
couraged him  to  study  and  prepare  some  sermons.  He  spent  one 
month  with  me.  When  the  month  ended  he  started  on  his  circuit 
and  made  a  fine  impression.  He  rose  to  fill  the  leading  appointments 
in  his  Conference.  He  was  a  born  gentleman ;  and  exhibited  his 
noble  qualities  until  the  day  of  his  death. 

In  Decatur  there  was  a  holy  woman  dying  of  consumption. 
Mrs.  Ford  desired  an  interview  with  me.  Calling  to  see  her,  after 
Christian  conversation  she  said,  "  Brother  Mathews,  I  want  you  to 
make  me  a  promise ;  will  you  do  so  ?  "  The  reply  was  "  No  pledge 
can  be  made  until  the  subject  is  understood ;  you  must  explain  the 
nature  of*  the  request."  Then  she  said,  "  You  are  a  young  man ; 
God  has  a  work  for  you  to  do ;  opportunities-  will  open  before  you ; 
promise  me  you  will  never  give  up  your  ardent  manner  of  preach- 
ing." I  was  surprised,  but  promised.  Then  she  went  on  to  say, 
"  Some  ministers  begin  well,  but  by  and  by  lose  their  earnestness  and 
fail."    That  pledge  has  been  kept  for  over  a  half-century. 

Having  gathered  into  the  fold  quite  a  number  of  young  people 
who  were  earnest  and  active  Christians,  Satan  appeared,  lifting  up 
his  loftv  head  in  the  shape  of  a  dancing  master.  His  claims  were 
high.  He  proposed  to  take  the  crude  and  transform  them  into  ele- 
gant young  ladies  and  gentlemen,  and  urged  them  to  join  his  class 
and  become  adepts  in  politeness.     Hearing  of  his  effort  to  draw  off 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  31 

my  young  members,  I  publicly  suggested  their  danger.  One  day,  in 
the  hotel  awaiting  dinner,  this  man  attacked  me  with  great  vehe- 
mence. Mastering  my  feelings,  in  a  quiet  way  I  replied  in  the  form 
of  a  question  or  two:  "Who  are  you?  Where  did  you  come  from? 
A  gentleman  coming  to  our  town  asking  a  position  in  our  public 
schools  brings  credentials.  Where  are  yours  ?  A  minister  coming  to 
teach  religion  has  to  be  accredited ;  you  may  be  a  perfect  gentleman, 
or  just  out  of  the  penitentiary!  Who  knows?"  These  interroga- 
tions infuriated  him,  and  he  raved  like  a  wild  animal  in  front  of  a 
red  flag !  He  hissed  out,  "  I  am  as  good  as  you !  "  "  That  may  be," 
was  the  reply,  "  but  where  are  the  credentials?  "  In  a  day  or  two  he 
disappeared.    We  never  heard  of  him  after  he  left  town. 

An  aged  colored  Christian,  at  this  place,  was  superannuated  by 
his  master,  who  built  for  his  old  servant  a  little  house  and  furnished 
supplies  for  his  comfort.  The  old  man  was  very  regular  in  his  at- 
tendance at  church,  in  the  gallery,  on  Sundays.  He  was  very  hearty 
in  his  responses.  Everybody  respected  him.  .Now  and  then  he 
visited  my  office  and  spoke  always  of  his  hope  and  faith.  One  day, 
my  neighbor  who  was  winding  up  the  affairs  of  a  defunct  bank, 
called  and  said,  "Uncle  Tom  is  dying."  Gathering  up  my  New 
Testament  I  hastened  to  his  bedside.  He  welcomed  me  with  a  smile. 
At  an  opportune  moment,  I  referred  to  his  visits  to  my  office  and  his 
triumphant  assurance  of  salvation.  "  Now,"  said  I,  "  as  you  are 
about  to  cross  into  the  other  world,  how  is  your  faith  ?  "  Brighten- 
ing up  as  if  a  beam  from  Heaven  had  entered- his  soul,  and  reaching 
forth  his  bony  fingers  as  if  grasping  what  I  could  not  see,  he  shouted 
out,  "I  hold' Him  to  His  promise!"  What  a  glorious  time  we  had 
in  that  humble  cabin !  Ere  I  departed,  he  said,  "  Read  to  me  some  of 
Paul's  strong  savings."  I  turned  and  read,  "  The  life  that  I  now 
live."  He  shook' his  head.  Turning  to,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for 
thee,"  he  still  replied,  n  Not  that!  "  Then  it  flashed  upon  me  to  turn 
to,  "  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  kept  the  faith ;  henceforth 
there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown."  As  I  raised  my  eyes,  his  face 
glistened  with  the  very  light  of  Heaven !  In  a  day  or  two  he  was 
translated,  and  entered  through  the  gates  into  the  Celestial  City ! 


32 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Gallatin  Station. 

I  closed  my  fourth  year  in  the  regular  work.  My  studies  had 
been  pursued  and  I  had  to  be  examined  prior  to  ordination  as  an 
Elder.  The  ordeal  was  passed,  and  Bishop  Wm.  Capers  ordained 
me  to  the  office  of  an  Elder.  He  was  one  of  the  loveliest  of  men. 
He  was  as  gentle  as  a  woman.  His  preaching  was  of  the  purest 
cast.  His  style  was  simple,  but  Addisonian  in  finish.  He  was  the 
promoter  of  the  plan  which  gave  missionaries  to  the  slaves. 

Athens,  Alabama,  the  seat  of  the  Conference  this  year,  was 
famous  for  the  culture  of  its  people  and  the  strength  of  our  denomi- 
nation. The  Athens  Female  College  was  at  its  best.  Dr.  R.  H. 
Rivers  was  its  president  and  Dr.  Hubbard  one  of  the  professors, 
supplemented  by  a  very  able  corps  of  teachers. 

At  this  Conference  Dr.  R.  A.  Young  was  appointed  to  preach 
one  afternoon.  Conference  was  to  meet  in  our  church  at  the  same 
hour ;  a  few  of  us  younger  preachers  went  to  hear  Brother  Young. 
When  the  opening  exercises  were  concluded,  in  rushed  the  entire 
body  of  ministers,  having  unexpectedly  adjourned.  Dr.  Young 
seemed  in  a  quandary,  and  finally  arose  and  said :  "  The  Committee 
on  Public  Worship  will  please  select  another  preacher ;  I  am  so 
embarrassed  I  can  not  proceed."  This  created  a  sensation.  One  of 
the  committee  turned  to  Dr.  Alex.  Erwin  arid  requested  him  to  preach. 
He  went  into  the  pulpit,  a  hymn  was  sung,  and  he  then  announced 
his  text  "  Now  abideth  faith,  hope  and  charity,  these  three ;  but  the 
greatest  of  these  is  charity."  He  was  at  his  best,  and  poured  forth 
thought  after  thought  until  his  audience  was  completely  under  his 
magic  spell. 

When  the  appointments  were  announced  at  the  close  of  the 
session,  my  destination  was  Gallatin,  Tennessee,  as  successor  of  that 
famous  orator.  Fountain  E.  Pitts.  He  had  been  the  greatest  soul 
winner  in  the  southwest.  The  sense  of  responsibility  was  heavy,  and 
my  one  anxious  purpose  was  to  live  so  close  to  our  Lord  that  my 
spiritual  life  might  put  into  play  forces  God  could  bless.  Gallatin 
was  the  county-seat  of  the  famous  Sumner  County.  It  was  noted 
for  its  influential  citizens.  We  had  a  neat  house  of  worship  and  a 
devoted  but  not  large  membership.  On  my  arrival  an  office  was 
rented,  and  it  was  arranged  that  I  should  board  a  month  with  each 
of  twelve  of  our  families.  My  salary  was  fixed  at  one  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars,  according  to  the  new  law. 

Early  in  the  year  there  was  a  spiritual,  forward  movement  and 
a  promise  of  showers  of  blessings.     After  forming  the  acquaintance 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN 'MATHEWS,  D.  D.  33 

of  my  people  and  letting  them  see  my  purpose  to  help  humanity,  an 
aggressive  movement  was  made.  The  Sunday-School  grew,  as 
weTl  as  the  congregation.  Our  people  seconded  my  desire  for  a 
protracted  meeting.  We  had  a  prosperous  meeting,  for  a  number 
were  converted  and  added  to  the  Lord.  During  the  meeting  while 
preaching  one  night  my  eye  discovered  a  gentleman  in  the  center 
of  the  church  who  was  attracting  attention.  When  penitents  were 
called  the  reason  was  discovered.  He  had  been  stricken  by  the 
Spirit  until  he  could  not  move.  Two  or  three  brethren  who  under- 
stood the  situation,  lifted  him  from  the  pew  and  carried  him  to  the 
altar.  Tears  ran  down  his  cheeks,  and  prayers  went  up  to  God  in 
his  behalf.  Soon  he  was  happily  converted,  and  great  joy  stirred  the 
audience.  Others  were  converted  as  the  meeting  advanced.  An- 
other convert  was  a  young  man  who  was  very  wild  in  his  habits. 
He  would  fight  at  the  drop  of  a  hat  and  drop  it  himself.  He  be- 
came greatly  attached  to  me,  and  was  my  protector  on  all  occasions. 

During  the  year  a  saloon  keeper,  whose  wife  was  a  member,  was 
induced  to  attend  church  one  Sunday  evening.  The  house  was 
packed.  He  got  behind  the  door.  During  the  sermon  as  I  was 
discoursing  on  hiding  from  God;  I  cried  out,  "Come  out  of  your 
hiding  place !  "  When  the  saloon  keeper  reached  home,  he  upbraided 
his  wife  for  informing  the  preacher  of  his  presence.  She  told  him 
she  did  not  dream  of  his  being  there.  He  thought  I  called  him  out 
from  behind  the  door ! 

In  midsummer  I  spent  some  time  in  the  county  mansion  of  the 
Odems',  a  quiet  place  and  a  splendid  household.  Their  kindness  was 
excessive.  The  Vaughans  were  specially  regardful  of  the  pastor. 
The  Douglasses  were  devoted  Methodists.  Belonging  to  us  was 
Barton  Brown,  a  local  preacher.  His  two  boys  were  lads  of  fine 
character.  They  both  became  not  only  prominent  but  useful 
ministers. 


34 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  X. 

Andrew  Chapel,  and  California. 

In  the  autumn  of  1851,  the  Conference  convened  in  Lebanon, 
Tennessee.     Bishop  Robert  Paine  was  in  charge. 

Here,  for  the  first  time,  I  met  David  C.  Kelley.  He  was  a  young 
man  of  slight  build ;  sprightly  and  well  educated.  He  was  reared  in 
the  lap  of  the  church  by  parents  who  were  affectionately  regarded  by 
all.  This  young  man  was  to  become  a  factor  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South.  He  was  sent  as  a  missionary  to  China. 
In  the  course  of  time,  and  for  cause,  he  returned  and  steadily  grew 
into  a  man  of  wide  influence. 

At  this  Conference  the  Committee  on  Public  Worship  appointed 
me  to  preach  on  Monday  night.  After  the  sermon  a  brother  circu- 
lated the  report  that  the  preacher  was  heterodox.  The  Presiding 
Elder,  who  took  such  a  fatherly  interest  in  me,  inquired  what  was 
said  by  me.  The  position  assailed  was,  "  It  is  possible,  had  not  an 
angel  strengthened  Christ  in  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  the  plan  of 
redemption  might  have  failed."  The  idea  was  gotten  from  the  then 
most  prominent  Commentator  of  Methodism.  This  Presiding  Elder 
was  surprised  at  the  criticism.  A  sensitive  nature  could  hardly  brook 
this  assault. 

Bishop  Paine  sent  me  to  Andrew  Chapel,  Nashville.  The  Presi- 
ding Elder  notified  me  my  appointment  was  due  to  the  fact  that  I 
enforced  law.  This  church  received  me  with  cordiality.  The  Sun- 
day-School was  large  and  well  superintended  by  Brother  Newsom, 
a  magnetic  man  amongst  children.  We  had  prosperous  times  during 
the  six  months  of  my  pastorate.  We  had  a  crowded  house  the  entire 
time.  About  this  time  a  powerful  appeal  was  made  by  the  Bishop  in 
charge  of  the  California  work ;  and,  without  carefully  investigating 
the  conditions,  I  consented  to  go.  In  March,  1852,  the  Bishop  sent 
me  a  commission.  As  soon  as  possible  the  journey  to  New  York 
began.  On  the  5th  of  April  we  sailed  out  of  New  York  on  the 
steamship  "  Crescent  City."  In  a  few  days  we  arrived  at  Aspinwall, 
and  there  took  a  train  which  carried  us  eighteen  miles  inland.  We 
then  took  small  boats  which  were  poled  up  the  Chagres  River  by 
the  natives.  The  hundreds  of  passengers  had  to  lie  by  at  night. 
There  were  no  hotels.  We  slept  on  the  gravel  banks  of  the  river ; 
I  covered  myself  with  a  large  cloak.  It  was  a  novel  experience. 
Thoughts  of  the  past,  the  present  and  future  occupied  me  until  sleep 
crept  on  apace.    Just  as  day  was  breaking,  a  human  voice  awakened 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  7)5 

me,  soft  and  clear.  It  was  the  voice  of  a  Christian  man,  singing  in 
tones  which  went  to  my  heart: 

"  In  the  morning  when  1  rise,  give  me  Jesus: 
Give  me  Jesus;  give  me  Jesus. 
You  may  have  all  the  world 
But  give  me  Jesus." 

That  Sunday  morning,  that  voice,  are  abiding  memories.  May  that 
song  be  sung  in  the  resurrection  morn ! 

As  soon  as  possible  we  were  in  our  boats  and  on  our  way  to  the 
head  of  water  navigation.  About  noon  we  left  the  boats  and  securing 
mules  and  horses  we  were  on  our  way  across  the  mountains  for 
Panama.  It  was  a  trying  trip  on  muleback  along  a  single  path  that 
had  been  traveled  for  generations  until  holes  were  worn  in  the  rock 
apparently  six  inches  deep.  There  were  points  on  the  route,  where, 
if  these  animals  had  misplaced  a  foot,  we  would  be  hurled  over  a 
precipice.  These  animals  had  gone  over  this  path  until  they  knew 
it  well.  We  reached  Panama  without  serious  accident.  We  had 
to  spend  five  days  in  that  city  awaiting  the  coming  of  passengers 
from  a  steamer  which  left  New  York  a  week  behind  us.  Panama 
was  a  revelation  to  us ;  its  cathedral,  its  numerous  churches,  its 
ringing  of  bells,  its  antiquated  buildings  and  its  peculiar  population, 
conspired  to  set  the  heart  of  a  Christian  to  praying  that  spiritual 
religion  might  come  to  all.  We  saw  priests  carrying  fighting  chickens 
to  the  cockpit  for  a  battle ! 

At  the  end  of  our  stay  in  that  remarkable  city,  over  twelve  hun- 
dred passengers  boarded  the  handsome  steamer  "  Tennessee,"  for 
San  Francisco.  The  trip  on  the  Pacific  Ocean  was  enjoyable. 
Twelve  missionaries  were  on  board :  ten  for  California  and  two 
for  Oregon.  Here  I  found  the  character  of  the  trials  to  be  en- 
countered. The  subject  of  slavery  was  agitating  the  nation.  One 
minister,  rather  coarse,  affirmed  in  a  heated  debate,  an  impossible 
story.  It  was  of  a  slave  woman,  who  was  thrown  on  a  table  and  her 
tongue  nailed  to  it !  My  reply  was  summed  up  in  one  word,  "  Pre- 
posterous !  "  How  could  any  man  get  a  woman's  tongue,  hold  it  out 
and  proceed,  with  hammer  and  nail,  to  fix  it  to  a  table?  Four  hands 
could  not  do  it. 

While  on  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific,  seasickness  mastered  me. 
My  traveling  companion  who  shared  my  stateroom  escaped  the  sick- 
ness. Now  and  then  he  would  enter  the  stateroom  and  taunt  me  by 
saying,  "  You  can't  ride  in  a  carriage — eh  ?  Head  swims — eh  ?  "  It 
was  provoking. 

On  the  ioth  of  May,  all  was  excitement  on  shipboard  as  we 
passed  through  the  Golden  Gate.  We  soon  sailed  up  to  the  wharf  of 
San  Francisco.  A  great  throng  stood  on  the  pier,  some  looking  for 
dear  ones,  others  as  mere  spectators.  In  that  vast  sea  of  humanity 
there  was  not  a  single  familiar  face.  After  a  few  hours  I  went 
ashore,  and  was  directed  to  a  good  hotel  where  I  registered. 


36 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


i  ,  It  was  but  a  short  time  until  I  went  in  search  of  our  superintends 
ent,  Dr.  Jesse  Boring.  About  evening  the  office  was  found.  The 
Doctor  and  his  colaborers,  Morris  Evans  and  Joseph  B.  Malone, 
were  there.  My  reception  chilled  me.  My  appointment  to  Shasta 
City  was  announced,  but  no  one  had  any  information  to  give  me,  only 
it  was  a  mining  town  at  the  head  of  wagon  navigation,  in  the  county 
on  the  line  of  Oregon,  four  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  San  Fran- 
cisco. The  following  morning  I  turned  over  to  Dr.  Boring  not  quite 
seven  hundred  dollars,  this  amount  remaining  over  my  expenses.  No 
information  could  be  obtained,  only  that  Shasta  was  a  mining  town 
of  one  thousand  inhabitants. 

That  afternoon,  somewhat  discouraged  I  went  aboard  a  steam- 
boat for  Calusi.  Reached  it  in  due  time.  There  took  the  stage  for 
Shasta  City,  as  it  was  called.  Arrived  at  my  destination  on  Sunday 
afternoon.  The  town  was  alive,  full  of  miners  from  surrounding 
camps.  Saloons  open  on  all  sides,  gambling  dens  on  the  right  and 
left.  A  circus  was  in  full  blast,  also  a  bull  and  bear  fight.  In  the 
town  were  two  ministers,  one  a  Congregationalist,  the  other  a  North- 
ern Methodist.  Two  persons  had  joined  the  latter  Church.  After 
prolonged  inquiry  I  heard  of  one  man,  seven  miles  from  town,  who 
favored  the  Southern  Methodist  Church.  Soon  after  my  arrival, 
learning  there  was  no  Sunday-School,  I  began  a  canvass  of  the  town, 
calling  at  every  house  to  secure  the  names  of  the  children  for  the 
purpose  of  organizing  a  Sunday-School.  Visiting  the  few  families 
seemed  to  gratify  them,  and  they  readily  gave  me  the  names  of  the 
children ;  fifteen  in  all. 

After  a  fatiguing  search,  a  room  was  secured  on  the  main 
street  in  which  to  hold  service.  I  could  get  it  for  Sunday  morning. 
A  piece  of  plank  was  secured,  then  on  a  piece  of  paper  was  written, 
"  Preaching  here  on  Sunday  morning."  This  paper  was  tacked  on 
to  the  piece  of  plank,  and  hung  at  the  door.  The  room  was  worse 
than  dirty ;  it  was  filthy.  All  alone  I  went  to  cleaning  it,  then  im- 
provised seats  with  borrowed  planks,  going  from  place  to  place 
hoping  to  create  an  interest.  The  other  ministers  claimedthey  had 
pre-empted  things  by  right  of  priority.  I  walked  several  miles  in  the 
country  among  the  mining  camps,  but  did  not  find  a  solitary  man  in 
sympathy  with  our  church.  The  word  South  excited  the  prejudices 
of  those  addressed. 

Sunday  morning  arrived.  A  hand-bell  had  been  secured. 
Standing  in  the  door  of  mv  improvised  chapel,  I  rang,  and^  rang 
with  vigor.  At  nine  o'clock  I  organized  a  Sunday-School  of  children 
and  men,  fifteen  all  told.  The  meeting  opened  with  twelve  persons 
present.  One  or  two  sat  on  the  floor  smoking  their  pipes,  others  sat 
on  the  planks  and  a  few  stood.  Before  the  service  closed  about  forty- 
five  heard  the  sermon.  The  only  annoyance  was  a  mule  and  an 
auctioneer.  Seeing  a  crowd  around  mv  door  the  auctioneer  halted 
and  shouted  vociferouslv,  "  How  much  for  this  mule?  "  Then  away, 
but  returned  in  a  few  minutes,  crying,  "  I'm  only  bid  so  much.    How 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  I)  37 

much  for  this  mule?  "  His  tongue  went  like  a  bell-clapper.  It  was 
nip  and  tuck  between  us  in  the  way  of  voice.  I  at  least  held  my  own. 
My  stopping-place  was  called  a  hotel.  The  charge  for  board 
and  lodging  was  eighteen  dollars  per  week.  The  sitting-room  was 
large  and  answered  for  bar-room,  gambling  hall  and  dining-room. 
At  night  we  slept  in  what  was  called  the  "  corral,"  or  comb  of  the 
house  which  was  full  of  cots  and  a  blanket  for  each  cot.  With  no 
income  and  small  means,  I  figured  just  how  long  my  money  would 
hold  out.  The  conclusion  was  a  change  of  place.  I  found  a  room 
that  had  been  used  as  a  kitchen.  There  was  a  large  hole  in  the  roof, 
but  it  was  the  dry  time.  The  floor  was  covered  with  grease.  _  This 
I  rented.  Purchased  a  pair  of  blankets,  a  bucket,  a  tin  water  pitcher, 
a  wash  pan,  and  a  tin  tumbler.  I  made  a  wooden  bench.  Then  made 
a  candlestick  by  driving  four  nails  into  a  small  block  of  wood. 
These,  with  a  couple  of  trunks,  constituted  my  outfit  for  housekeep- 
ing. I  purchased  a  loaf  of  bread,  some  crackers  and  a  box  of 
sardines.  On  this  fare  I  subsisted.  Needing  clean  handkerchiefs,  I 
washed  them  in  my  tin  bucket,  and  smoothed  them  out  by  putting 
them  between  Howe's  Commentaries. 

The  first  Sunday,  after  eating  dinner,  as  there  was  no  place  else, 
I  took  a  seat  on  the  piazza  of  the  hotel.  The  place  was  crowded  and 
the  streets  thronged.  A  man  under  the  influence  of  liquor  happened 
to  fix  his  attention  on  me,  and  stepping  up  to  where  I  sat,  said  in  a 
loud  voice,  strong  and  clear,  "  Stranger,  let  us  take  a  drink."  I  re- 
plied, "  Thank  you ;  I  don't  drink."  Then,  with  a  look  of  surprise, 
eying  me  from  head  to  foot,  he  turned  to  the  passing  crowd  and 
cried,  "  Come  here,  all  ye,  and  see  a  man  in  California  who  says  he 
don't  drink !  "  As  David  said,  "  I  was  the  song  of  the  drunkard." 
The  jeer  of  a  crowd  is  embarrassing. 

For  the  next  Sunday  no  room  could  be  secured  for  love  or 
money,  in  which  to  preach'  The  Congregationalist  kindly  offered  me 
the  use  of  his  place,  and  I  preached  to  sixteen.  The  Methodist  Epis- 
copal minister  offered  me  his  room  for  night,  and  I  preached  to 
about  forty.  Under  these  and  other  painful  conditions,  after  persist- 
ent effort  to  secure  a  place  in  which  to  worship,  and  failing  to  secure 
a  single  sympathizer,  I  decided  to  return  to 'San  Francisco  and  report 
to  Dr.  Boring.  After  hearing  rav  story  he  blamed  me  for  living  as  I 
did. 

In  a  day  or  two  the  Superintendent  sent  me  across  the  bay  to 
Sonoma.  That  circuit  was  in  charge  of  Rev.  E.  B.  Lockly.  My 
mission  was  to  investigate  this  charge,  also  the  Napa  Valley.  I  was 
to  go  to  the  home  of  Judge  Shattuck.  There  my  welcome  was 
hearty.  He  had  a  lovely  home.  Brother  Lockly  was  there.  Mrs. 
Shattuck  took  me  into  his  room,  to  introduce  me.  He  was  lying  on  a 
cot ;  did  not  even  raise  up,  but  reached  out  his  hand  to  greet  me.  He 
was  written  down  in  after  years  as  the  laziest  man  in  the  State.  He 
was  a  vigorous  preacher  when  in  the  pulpit.  He  had  several  ap- 
pointments, but  organized  no  Society.     Sonoma  Valley  had  a  large 


3* 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


number  of  Southern  families  within  its  bounds.  The  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  had  gathered  them  into  her  fold.  At  my  sugges- 
tion, mules  were  borrowed  and  Brother  Lockly  accompanied  me  to 
see  these  Southern  families.  We  announced  it  everywhere  that  I 
would  preach  in  the  Court-House  the  following  Sunday. 

Dr.  Boring,  the  Superintendent,  expected  a  church  to  be  organ- 
ized. My  hesitation  grew  out  of  the  fact  that  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  had  not  only  a  house  of  worship,  but  a  large  congre- 
gation, a  prosperous  prayer-meeting  and  a  class-meeting  in  full 
blast.  What  to  do  troubled  me ;  to  organize  would  produce  strife. 
When  Sunday  morning  arrived  the  decision  had  been  reached  to 
organize.  We  secured  the  court-room  and  had  it  filled.  At  the  close 
of  the  sermon  an  opportunity  was  given  to  any  who  would  join  us. 
Fourteen  presented  themselves.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  a 
private  house  at  the  "Landing;"  two  more  joined  us.  The  work 
spread.  That  week  I  visited  Petaluma  and  Bodega.  At  the  latter 
valley  a  drunken  man  chased  me.  Returned  and  rode  over  to  Napa 
and  Suisun  valley  and  visited  other  points.  Returning  to  Sonoma 
I  found  two  letters  from  Dr.  Boring,  appointing  me  to  Asbury 
Chapel,  Sacramento,  and  to  proceed  at  once.  When  I  reached  San 
Francisco  the  Superintendent  informed  me  that  circumstances  de- 
manded a  change.  In  due  time  I  was  at  my  post,  and  called  upon  the 
brother  in  charge.  Judge  of  my  surprise  when  he  assured  me  he 
had  heard  nothing  of  the  change!  The  situation  was  embarrassing 
to  us  both. 

The  absolute  membership  in  the  city  numbered  eleven.  Others 
were  on  the  list,  but  were  in  the  mountains  or  in  other  towns.  We 
had  a  comfortable  little  frame  building,  with  a  sign  over  the  door, 
"Asbury  Chapel."  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  strong, 
and  the  pastor  exerted  himself  to  down  us.  Our  denomination  had 
a  number  of  influential  sympathizers  in  the  city,  who,  owing  to  our 
weakness,  stood  aloof. 

Taking  in  the  situation,  I  determined  to  leave  no  stone  unturned 
to  accomplish  good.  Several  leading  lawyers  and  influential  friends 
were  visited  and  special  pleas  were  made  until  they  promised  to 
attend  and  aid  by  their  pfesence.  A  number  of  families  were  visited 
and  an  appeal  made  to  them  to  send  their  children  to  our  Sunday- 
School.  One  woman  told  me  that  a  pastor  said  he  "  would  as  soon 
hear  the  devil  preach  as  that  man  at  Asbury  Chapel,  for  his  hands 
were  stained  with  human  blood,  having  been  sent  from  a  slave-hold- 
ing church !  "  True  to  their  word,  an  ex-Congressman,  a  Senator, 
and  the  Mayor  of  the  city  attended  our  service,  and  soon  we  were 
crowded.  Then  several  united  with  us,  and  prosperity  attended  the 
work.  Our  Sunday-School  reached  an  attendance  of  sixty ;  this  was 
encouraging  when  we  consider  comparatively  few  families  had  re- 
moved to  the  city.  We  were  assailed  right  and  left,  and  I  was 
necessitated  to  answer  charges  constantly.  Every  Sunday  night  after 
the  sermon  some  time  was  spent  in  explaining  and  defending  our  po- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  39 

sition  and  presence.  This  incessant  strife  worried  me,  and  was 
against  my  convictions.  Still  the  Lord  prospered  us  in  every  way. 
Our  finances  were  kept  up  and  the  pastor  was  paid  every  Monday 
morning. 

On  November  2d  an  awful  conflagration  swept  over  Sacra- 
mento. It  was  a  fearful  spectacle.  Great  waves  of  flame  swept 
from  block  to  block  until  one  was  awed  at  the  sight  of  a  sea  of  fire. 
On  came  the  leaping  flames  until  our  Chapel  was  on  fire.  Some 
friends  came  to  my  residence  with  a  dray  and  took  my  trunks  and 
belongings  to  a  place  of  safety  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  The 
then  new  State-house  had  been  erected  far  to  one  side,  so  it  escaped 
destruction.  The  Baptists  applied  for  the  Lower  chamber,  and  I  for 
the  Senate  chamber,  in  which  we  held  service  in  a  few  days.  ^People 
flocked  to  the  city  for  work  and  in  a  short  time  one  could  barely  tell 
there  had  been  such  a  ruin  by  flame. 

In  consultation  with  the  Presiding  Elder  and  others,  it  was 
thought  best  for  me  to  go  out  among  the  mines  and  try  and  raise 
funds.  The  Presiding  Elder  and  myself  took  a  boat  to  Maryville. 
From  there  we  footed  it.  The  first  day  we  walked  27  miles.  I  had 
a  pair  of  boots  too  high  in  the  instep,  and  my  feet  worked  up  and 
down  in  them.  By  night  great  blisters  were  on  my  heels.  The 
following  day  we  walked  29  miles.  The  rain  had  fallen  nearly  all 
day.  The  last  few  miles  I  thought  I  would  faint  by  the  way.  When 
near  what  was  called  a  hotel,  on  the  summit  of  a  hill,  my  companion 
pointed,  and  cheered  me  by  saying,  "  We  '11  soon  be  there !  "  Sick 
in  heart  and  blistered  in  feet  I  trudged  along.  When  we  reached  the 
place  and  inquired  for  sleeping  quarters,  the  keeper,  seeing  my  con- 
dition, tenderly  said :  "  Gentlemen,  I  am  sorry  for  you,  but  our 
bunks  are  all  taken."  Some  men,  who  had  been  playing  cards, 
looked  at  us,  and  one  said :  "  I  '11  divide  my  blankets  with  these 
gentlemen."  So  another.  We  secured  what  we  could,  and  put  two 
short  benches  together.  Then  the  Presiding  Elder  said  to  me :  "  Lie 
down  on  your  side  and  go  to  sleep.  I  '11  take  the  other  side  and  hold 
you  from  falling."  Thus  I  slept.  Next  day  we  got  on  as  best  we 
could  in  my  condition.  We  reached  a  mining  camp,  preached  and 
took  a  small  collection.  At  Grass  Valley,  Sunday  was  spent  with 
Rev.  John  C.  Simmons.  I  preached  and  secured  a  little  help.  The 
next  Sunday  I  was  at  Nevada  with  Brother  Blythe.  These  were 
stirring  men  and  were  doing  a  fine  work.  Returned  to  the  city  and 
took  up  my  Church  duties  again.  Now  and  then  I  secured  a  contri- 
bution for  building  purposes.  The  fight  so  distasteful  to  me  was 
renewed.  It  was  war — war  against  our  church — and  things  had  to 
be  said  which  did  not  harmonize  with  my  convictions,  and  I  decided 
when  the  Conference  convened  I  would  ask  a  transfer  to  any  Confer- 
ence inside  the  Southern  States. 

When  the  Conference  met  in  San  Jose,  Bishop  Soule'  presided. 
In  a  private  interview  I  gave  him  my  views  as  to  leaving,  and 
thought  of  course  he  would  grant  my  request.     When  the  appoint- 


40  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

ments  were  announced,  judge  of  my  state  of  mind  when  he  read: 
"  Sacramento,  John  Mathews."  Very  few  words  dropped  from  my 
lips  ;  all  I  said  was,  "  I  am  going  back  to  the  States !  "  Ere  the  semi- 
monthly steamer  sailed,  I  was  in  San  Francisco ;  called  on  the  Bishop 
and  requested  a  transfer.  The  old  soldier,  straightening  himself  in. 
his  chair  and  shaking  his  long  finger,  said :  "  Sir,  if  you  go  home  you 
do  so  on  your  own  responsibility."  With  some  feeling,  I  replied: 
"  Bishop,  I  am  equal  to  that  responsibility !  "  The  next  day  1 
boarded  the  steamer. 

Taine  said  that  the  seriousness  which  pervades  English  litera- 
ture is  due  to  the  fogs  and  mists  of  England.  This  may  be  true,  but 
there  is  no  question  that  mind  is  affected  by  its  environment.  While 
I  was  cheered  at  what  had  been  done  for  our  cause,  my  heart  always 
felt  that  the  resistance  to  the  assaults  of  prejudice  would  damage  me 
in  my  personal  piety  ;  therefore  my  departure.  Dr.  Jesse  Boring  was 
undoubtedly  a  good  man  and  an  eloquent  preacher,  but  was  a  failure 
as  the  Superintendent  of  this  mission.  A  clear  evidence  may  be  seen 
in  his  policy  of  manning  the  mining  towns  and  neglecting  the  rural 
sections  where  people  were  permanent.  When  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  had  pre-empted  the  valleys  he  saw  his  mistake. 

On  reaching  Tennessee  I  preached  at  different  points  until  the 
session  of  that  Conference.  Bishop  William  Capers  violated  law  and 
appointed  me  to  Fayetteville  station,  though  I  was  a  member  of  the 
Pacific  Conference.  The  next  Spring  that  Conference  located  me, 
and  the  following  fall  I  was  readmitted  to  the  Tennessee  Confer- 
ence. The  California  organ  of  our  church,  The  Christian  Observer, 
among  other  things  had  this  to  say  after  my  departure :  "  We  can 
not  but  entertain  the  hope  that  Brother  Mathews,  whose  energy  and 
success  in  the  city  of  Sacramento  has  reared  for  him  a  monument 
in  the  affections  of  the  people,  will  return."  My  intention  in  leaving 
was  satisfactory  to  myself,  whatever  may  be  thought  of  my  judg- 
ment. After  fifty- four  years,  in  looking  back,  my  conviction  is, 
Providence  directed  me. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D 


<P 


CHAPTER  XL 
Fayetteville  Station. 

In  beginning  my  work  at  Fayetteville,  new  purposes,  or 
amended  ones,  controlled.  My  spiritual  progress  had  been  over- 
shadowed and  at  times  embittered  by  the  memory  of  defections. 
Now  I  determined  not  to  carry  the  mood  into  my  work.  The  slough 
was  behind,  and  the  well-defined  road  stretched  on  ahead  of  me.  My 
faith  was  reinforced  by  the  thought  that  the  very  distress  we  feel 
over  our  failures  bears  testimony  that  our  aspirations  are  becoming 
our  attainments.  Some  one  says  the  most  encouraging  quality  about 
any  one  is  not  freedom  from  all  stains  of  the  lower  life,  but  the 
deathless  aspiration  which  drives  us  forward  and  will  not  let  us  rest 
satisfied  in  any  past,  whether  good  or  bad.  My  soul  was  not  only 
fleeing  from  the  devil,  but  seeking  God  with  an  irresistible  craving 
for  His  best  things.  In  this  mood  I  went  to  my  charge.  The  wel- 
come was  unusually  hearty.  The  young  men  of  the  town  petitioned 
for  me  and  proposed  to  pay  the  salary. 

My  audiences  were  large  and  my  preaching  was  earnest.  Now 
and  then  a  soul  was  converted.  Early  in  the  year,  one  Sunday  night, 
a  young  lady  of  another  denomination  while  listening  to  the  sermon 
was  deeply  convicted  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  She  returned  to  her  home, 
but  refused  to  lie  down  or  even  undress.  The  next  day  the  rumor 
spread  over  the  town  that  the  young  Methodist  minister  had  upset 
her  mind.  Exaggerated  reports  kept  coming  to  my  ears  until  I  felt 
uneasy.  Her  friends  had  never  witnessed  any  one  under  deep  con- 
viction for  sin,  and  therefore  were  excited  over  her  meetal  condition. 
But  the  next  night  while  at  prayer  she  was  converted  in  a  marvelous 
manner.     I  was  relieved,  and  the  girl  was  saved. 

On  another  Sunday  night,  while  preaching  on  "  Pay  thy  vows," 
a  young  merchant  was  brought  to  see  his  state,  and  as  I  was  closing 
the  sermon  he  arose  in  the  rear  of  the  church  and  asked  to  be  per- 
mitted to  speak.  He  stepped  to  the  front,  and  with  tears  running 
down  his  cheeks,  remarked,  "  I  want  to  make  a  confession."  His 
action  stirred  the  entire  congregation.  His  confession  in  substance 
was  this:  Returning  from  the  war  with  Mexico,  under  stress  of 
shipwreck,  he  vowed  if  God  would  spare  him  to  reach  home  he  would 
serve  Him.  God  spared  him,  but  his  vows  were  soon  forgotten. 
"  To-night  my  vows  come  back  to  me,  and  now  by  Divine  help  I 
propose  to  pay  them."    The  effect  was  thrilling. 

During  the  early  part  of  the  year  a  young  woman  lay  upon  her 
dying  bed  longing  for  a  complete  preparation  to  meet  God.  Being 
sent  for,  I  responded  at  once.    I  explained  as  far  as  possible  the  way 


42  .  P&EPS  INTO  LIFE. 

to  God  through  Christ.  Her  condition  demanded  urgency,  so  I 
poured  into  her  dying  ear  this  sentence :  "  Under  no  condition  forget 
to  plead — do  this  for  Jesus'  sake !  "  When  delirium  had  clouded  her 
brain,  ever  and  anon  she  would  cry  out,  "  Don't  let  me  forget  what 
the  preacher  said,  to  plead  '  for  Jesus'  sake ! ' :  Years  have  come 
and  gone,  many  hundreds  of  prayers  have  been  forgotten,  but  that 
cry  from  those  young  lips  still  lingers  in  my  memory.  God  can  not 
turn  away  from  that  all-prevailing  Name! 

During  the  heated  term  I  overworked  myself.  On  a  memorable 
Sunday,  having  lectured  the  Sunday-School,  preached  twice  to  the 
whites  and  once  to  the  blacks,  I  was  completely  exhausted.  Reach- 
ing my  boarding-house,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  send  for  a  physi- 
cian. Judge  of  my  surprise  when  the  doctor  pronounced  my  disease 
to  be  cholera !  Every  one  was  astonished.  I  had  not  been  out  of  the 
town  in  six  weeks,  nor  had  any  stranger  from  abroad  been  near  me. 
The  disease  prevailed  slightly  about  twenty-five  miles  distant.  It 
was  difficult  to  accept  the  physician's  diagnosis.  Soon  all  doubt  was 
dispelled.  Friends  removed  me  to  a  more  convenient  location. 
When  it  became  known  the  Methodist  minister  was  down  with  the 
fatal  disease,  the  people  became  alarmed  and  some  fled  the  town  at 
once. 

I  had  placed  my  body  in  the  hands  of  Dr.  McElroy  and  my  soul 
in  the  hands  of  Jesus ;  my  faith  linked  me  to  Him.  We  had  a  lady 
member  who  not  only  loved  her  pastor,  but  gave  her  time  to  nursing 
him  through  the  day — Mrs.  Galenus  Steele.  When  the  crisis  passed, 
she  was  sitting  in  my  room,  while  two  or  three. others  stood  in  the 
door.  I  spoke  of  my  hope  and  .faith  in  God ;  she  humorously  re- 
marked, "  Brother  Mathews  is  scared !  "  Her  young  married 
daughter  stood  in  the  door  and  I  wanted  her  to  hear  my  testimony. 
The  next  morning  about  9  o'clock  Mrs.  Steele  called  in  and  said, 
"  My  daughter,  Maggie,  was  taken  last  night  as  you  were !  "  I  never 
saw  Mrs.  Steele  afterwards.  She  spent  the  day  nursing  her  daughter 
and  worrying  over  this  her  only  child.  That  night  she  was  stricken 
with  the  disease,  and  in  two  days  was  dead.  Her  son-in-law  and 
grandchild  were  sent  to  the  country.  They  died  out  there.  No  one 
left  of  the  family  but  the  old  great-grandmother  and  Mrs.  Edmond- 
son.    The  scourge  spread  until  it  exhausted  itself. 

When  the  epidemic  had  abated  I  returned  to  my  boarding-house 
where  the  great-grandmother  had  Mrs.Edmondson.who  was  conva- 
lescing. It  was  decided  by  the  physician  that  as  her  mother,  husband 
and  child  were  dead,  it  fell  to  me  to  inform  her.  As  I  sat  at  her 
bedside  talking  of  the  events  of  the  past  two  weeks,  she  said,  "  Next 
Sunday  week  T  will  be  able  to  attend  church,  and  won't  I  make  the 
walls  ring  with  praises  to  God !  "  A  remark  dropped  from  my  lips 
which  led  her  to  inquire,  as  she  fixed  her  eyes  upon  me,  "  Where 
is  ma?"  "Gone."  Hesitating  a  moment,  she  asked  for  her  boy. 
The  answer  was,  "  Gone !  "  Then  asking  for  her  husband,  my  reply 
was,    "He  is  gone,  too!"     Her  eves  filled  with  tears:  then  turning 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  43 

her  face  to  the  wall  for  a  few  minutes,  turned  to  me  saying,  "  Brother 
Mathews,  God  spared  me  because  I  was  not  fully  prepared  to  go !  " 
A  few  days  after  it  was  evident  her  days  were  numbered.  Again  I 
sat  at  her  bedside  talking  of  Christ,  salvation  and  Heaven.  We  sang 
some  of  the  sweet  hymns  of  the  Church  together.  Another  hymn 
was  on  my  lips — one  of  triumph — and  as  the  third  line  was  uttered 
her  lips  failed  her,  the  blood  receded  from  her  face,  and  in  a  moment 
she  was  gone!  The  old  grandmother  stood  by  and  while  I  said. 
"  She  is  gone,"  I  imagined  the  angels  on  the  mount  of  God  were 
shouting,  "  She  has  come !    She  has  come !  " 

To  an  inquiry  as  to  how  I  spent  my  time,  the  response  would  be 
on  a  line  with  the  Italian  artist  at  Rome.  He  tells  us  he  gave  so 
many  hours  to  work,  so  many  to  sleep,  and  after  mentioning  other 
things,  added :  "  I  give  myself  half  an  hour  every  day  to  meditate 
upon  my  Italian  happiness !  "  During  the  winter  I  gave  a  certain 
number  of  hours  to  study,  another  group  of  hours  to  pastoral  work, 
a  certain  number  to  sleep  and  food,  a  couple  of  hours  to  recreation 
and  meditation  on  my  Christian  happiness.  Books  were  devoured 
by  me- — especially  any  that  bore  on  the  work  of  a  minister.  Once 
and  a  while,  my  patience  was  tried  by  the  demands  upon  my  time 
of  the  many  agents  scouring  the  country.  Our  mid-week  meetings 
were  well  attended,  and  seemed  to  be  heartily  enjoyed.  I  aimed, 
by  special  incidents,  fresh  facts  and  uncommon  methods,  to  make 
these  meetings  interesting  to  all  tastes. 

We  had  some  noble  families  in  Fayetteville — the  Shepards,  the 
Hines,  the  Morgans  and  others.  The  Conference  year  closed, 
leaving  me  a  sad,  but  better  man.  My  labors  were  not  confined  to 
my  parish,  but  I  aided  other  pastors.  During  this  year  every  spare 
moment  was  given  to  reading  and  study.  Literature  of  a  refining 
quality  was  secured,  and  poems  of  value  were  read  for  improve- 
ment in  style.  My  faith  claimed  an  interest  in  the  Atoning  Blood. 
•  What  is  all  knowledge  worth,  if  one  judges  amiss  in  the  supreme 
points? 


44 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  XII. 
Franklin  Station. 

At  the  close  of  the  Conference  year,  1854,  the  work  assigned  me 
was  Franklin,  Tennessee.  It  lies  south  of  Nashville  about  nineteen 
miles.  The  citizens  were  moral  and  high-toned.  We  had  a  number 
of  representative  families.  A  day  or  two  after  my  arrival  Bishop 
Paine  sent  me  a  message,  requesting  me  to  meet  him  at  the  hotel 
where  the  stage  stopped  for  breakfast.  At  the  time  appointed  we 
met.  The  interview  was  short  but  important.  "  John,"  said  the 
Bishop,  "  you  know  your  predecessor,  Brother  Lawrence,  was  very 
popular,  and  his  return  was  greatly  desired  by  his  people.  He  had 
a  great  revival  in  tfie  town,  but  had  not  learned  how  to  train  a 
church ;  it  was  decided  to  send  an  older  man,  and  you  were  selected 
to  do  this  work."  It  was  a  trying  ordeal  through  which  I  was  called 
to  pass.  He  was  one  of  the  purest  of  young  men  and  had  a  magnetic 
nature.  Some  of  his  friends  were  sadly  disappointed  at  his  removal. 
On  the  first  Saturday  after  my  arrival  I  dropped  in  at  the  drugstore 
of  Dr.  Wooldrige.  In  his  conversation,  I  suppose  without  in- 
tentional rudeness,  he  spoke  of  how  indignant  many  were  at  the 
removal  of  their  former  pastor,  and  said  other  things  which  touched 
my  sensibilities,  and  losing  control  of  myself  for  the  moment,  my 
reply  was  crisp  and  tart :  "  Look  here,  sir,  I  expect  to  put  out  ever} 
track  made  by  Brother  Lawrence !  "  My  reply  startled  him.  He 
informed  my  Presiding  Elder,  Dr.  J.  W.  Hanner,  of  his  mistake,  and 
my  reply.  No  one  likes  to  be  told  he  is  not  wanted.  This  reception 
called  out  the  best  that  was  in  me,  and  I  went  to  work  with  what  the 
Westerners  call  "  snap."  My  aim  was  to  seek  out  the  members  and 
come  in  touch  with  young  and  old  and  draw  them  closer  to  God 
He  s£w  that  in  my  heart  there  was  a  hunger  for  power  and  useful- 
ness. In  no  previous  year  did  my  efforts  accomplish  more  than  in 
Franklin.  Looking  back  I  can  see  I  was  at  times  too  brusque,  and 
had  much  to  learn  in  the  management  of  men.  I  needed  oiling,  as 
the  wheel  needs  it,  to  prevent  friction  and  flame. 

Our  first  Quarterly  Meeting  embraced  Watch-Night  service. 
Dr.  Hanner  was  promptly  on  hand,  but  did  not  preach  at  n  a.  m. 
Sunday.  A  young  lady  of  the  community  had  died ;  on  her  sick-bed 
she  professed  conversion.  The  family  desired  the  pastor  to  preach 
her  funeral  discourse.  We  had  a  minister  in  town  who  preached 
nearly  all  the  funerals,  not  only  in  town,  but  country  around.  Men 
laughed  and  said  he  preached  everybody  to  Heaven,  no  matter  who 
or  what  he  might  be.  With  this  fact  in  mind,  in  my  sermon  the 
statement  was  made  in  this  form :  "  She  professed  conversion  on  her 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  J OH~N  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  45 

dying  bed,  but  the  chances  were  all  against  her  salvation !  "  It  was 
an  unnecessary  statement.  It  might  have  been  asked,  "  Who  made 
thee  a  judge?  "  It  created  quite  a  stir  in  the  community.  One  man 
met  me  on  the  street  and  said  he  did  not  want  me  to  preach  his 
funeral.     I  needed  to  be  sandpapered  to  smooth  down  the  tartness. 

Dr.  Hanner  preached  at  night,  but  would  not  conduct  the  watch- 
meeting  service.  Quite  a  number  remained  to  close  the  Old  Year 
and  begin  the  New  in  holy  worship.  We  reviewed  the  past,  con- 
fessed our  shortcomings  and  all  the  members  entered  into  a  new 
covenant  with  the  Master.    It  was  a  profitable  time. 

The  kindness  and  love  of  the  people  were  enjoyed.  However, 
no  pastorate  can  claim  exemption  from  perplexities.  An  unpleasant 
duty  confronted  me  in  the  Sunday-School.  A  lad  belonging  to  one 
of  our  best  families  would  not  be  controlled.  After  bearing  with 
him  time  and  again,  something  had  to  be  done,  as  the  school  was 
being  demoralized.  Taking  my  position  in  front,  I  called  attention 
to  this  lad,  and  ordered  him  to  leave  the  school  at  once  and  not  to 
return  until  willing  to  obey  his  teacher.  He  left,  and  there  was  no 
trouble  after  that. 

We  had  three  or  four  young  persons  who  persisted  in  breaking 
one  of  the  rules — they  would  dance.  They  were  visited ;  tenderly 
but  firmly  admonished.  When  they  discovered  the  law  would  be 
enforced  penitence  was  manifested.  No  more  tampering  with  law 
from  that  on  to  the  close  of  my  pastorate.  Those  who  sought  for- 
giveness were  urged  to  use  prayer  as  a  stepping-stone  to  power. 

During  the  summer  preaching  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  to 
the  colored  people  as  was  the  custom,  in  my  sermon  warning  was 
given  against  superstitious  views  of  religion.  The  house  was  crowd- 
ed. The  pulpit  stood  between  the  two  doors ;  those  going  in  or 
passing  out  had  to  go  by  the  pulpit.  One  remark  was,  "  Some  were 
so  superstitious  as  to  believe  they  were  converted  in  a  dream  !  "  The 
fact  was  emphasized  that  the  mind  must  be  wide  awake  to  apprehend 
Christ.  This  stirred  the  ire  of  an  old  colored  woman  sitting  in  the 
rear  of  the  church  and  she  sprang  to  her  feet,  then  started  down  the 
aisle,  making  an  unearthly  noise,  in  guttural  tones — "  Ump-e — 
ump-e,"  shaking  her  head  in  dissent  as  she  passed  me.  The  congre- 
gation was  convulsed,  and  the  pastor  nonplussed. 

About  this  time  there  fell  into  my  hands  a  book  which  was 
creating  quite  a  sensation — "  Baldwin's  Armageddon  " —  in  which 
he  assumes  the  United  States  to  be  the  battle-ground  for  the  supre- 
macy of  the  world — Gog  and  Magog.  Dr.  Baldwin  was  one  of 
nature's  noblemen,  and  one  of. our  foremost  ministers,  a  student  of 
prophecy,  an  orator,  and  devoutly  pious.  Owing  to  his  convictions, 
when  Nashville  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Federals,  he  refused  to  take 
the  oath  prescribed  and  was  thrust  into  prison.  After  his  release, 
during  an  epidemic  of  cholera,  he  went  to  and  fro  like  an  angel  of 
mercy,  ministering  to  the  needs  of  the  sick  and  dying.  After  a  time 
he  was  stricken  and  after  a  few  days  seemed  out  of  danger.     All  at 


46  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

once  he  relapsed,  and  when  he  saw  death  inevitable,  shouted  and 
sang  until  death  sealed  his  lips.  He  went  to  join  the  white-robed 
multitudes  in  the  New  Jerusalem ! 

At  the  solicitation  of  Rev.  Alpheus  Mizell,  I  visited  Columbia. 
He  was  very  anxious  for  a  revival,  and  used  every  effort  to  secure 
the  blessing  of  God.  The  Presiding  Elder,  Dr.  Hanner,  gave  us  two 
of  his  wonderful  sermons.  The  evening  hours  were  turned  over  to 
me.  Hanner's  compact  and  massive  style  made  me  dread  to  follow 
with  my  simple  presentation  of  truth.  God  uses  every  man  on  his 
own  level.  On  Sunday  night  there  was  a  proof  of  the  Divine  pres- 
ence. Many  were  at  the  altar,  in  that  then  fashionable  church.  One 
after  another  was  converted  and  great  was  that  pastor's  joy.  I  had 
been  prodigal  with  my  voice,  and  when  we  closed  I  found  myself 
so  hoarse  I  had  to  return  home  to  recuperate. 

In  those  days  the  subject  of  music  gave  us  great  trouble,  isome 
saintly  old  brethren  with  cracked  voices  would  persist  in  leading. 
The  young  people  would  criticise  and  mock.  Choirs  were  un- 
Methodistic.  The  old  leaders  refused  to  lead  any  longer.  Then  the 
pastor  had  to  act  as  chorister.  Sometimes  the  pitch  was  too  high, 
and  then  the  discord  was  painful.  If  the  right  note  was  struck, 
sometimes  the  people  sung  with  spirit  and  unction.  A  meeting  was 
called  to  consider  the  question  of  music.  We  met,  talked,  and  left 
without  deciding  on  any  plan.  Amidst  the  duties  and  frictions 
arising  where  many  minds  are  to  be  consulted,  appeased  and  con- 
trolled, my  heart  rejoiced  over  its  deepening  interest  in  the  atoning 
blood.     How  soothing  is  a  living  faith  in  a  living  Christ! 

By  invitation,  Rev.  A.  H.  Dashiels,  D.  D.,  an  able  Presbyterian 
minister,  was  invited  to  aid  the  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  a  protracted  meeting.  On  Sunday  afternoon  I  hurried  through 
my  sermon  to  the  blacks  that  I  might  go  and  hear  this  minister.  He 
was  my  pastor  in  Shelbyville,  Tennessee,  ere  I  joined  the  Methodists. 
In  his  denomination  he  was  considered  the  foremost  pulpiteer  in  the 
southwest.  On  this  occasion  his  sermon  was  tinctured  with  gall. 
He  assailed  the  popular  revivals  of  the  day ;  they  were  seeding  the 
country  with  infidelity;  if  not  for  these  revivals  there  would  be 
fewer  doggeries  at  the  street  corners.  This  stirred  my  blood,  and  it 
was  difficult  to  stifle  my  anger.  This  is  a  sample  of  the  way  our 
Church  was  assailed  from  the  start.  The  Astor  library  is  said  to 
contain  about  eight  hundred  volumes  and  pamphlets  against  Meth- 
odism. I  learned  that  the  Episcopal  preacher  assailed  our  church 
that  same  afternoon :  and  the  Baptist  pastor  was  circulating  a  work 
written  against  us.  These  were  coincidences.  These  facts  show 
the  opposition  through  which  we  had  to  pass.  The  next  day  the 
Presbyterian  minister  called  and  hoped  the  Doctor's  assault  would 
not  be  resented ;  said  he  was  deeply  mortified. 

Being  urgently  pressed  to  go  down  to  Spring  Hill  to  help  in  a 
protracted  meeting,  I  assented.  Hollis  Horton,  a  prominent  layman 
and  noted  singer,  took  me  in  his  buggy.    That  great  revivalist.  Rev: 


W  TOMOGRAPHY  OF  RBV   JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  4y 

C.  C.  Mayhew,  was  there  and  I  heard  him  preach ;  there  were  several 
converts  under  his  sermon.  In  the  morning  I  occupied  the  pulpit  and 
we  had  eight  forward  for  prayers.  After  service  we  dined  at  the 
home  of  Rev.  H.  S.  Graves,  who  was  the  able  pastor.  Perhaps  we 
were  in  his  house  one  hour  and  a  half,  then  returned  to  Franklin. 
That  was  a  fatal  visit  to  me.  Two  weeks  before,  a  child  of  the  pastor 
had  died  of  scarlet  fever.  A  few  days  after  my  return  sickness 
seized  me.  Mrs.  Bennett,  a  motherly  old  lady,  took  me  into  her 
sitting-room,  put  me  on  a  couch  and  administered  lobelia  all  day 
long,  hoping  to  sweat  the  disease  out.  But  I  grew  worse.  A  phy- 
sician was  called,  and  pronounced  it  scarlet  fever.  An  abscess 
formed  in  my  right  ear.  When  all  was  over  my  hearing  in  that  ear 
was  gone  forever. 

Our  second  Quarterly  Meeting  was  of  large  profit  to  the  church. 
Our  Love  Feast  was  an  occasion  of  blessedness  ;  some  rejoicing,  some 
weeping.  The  Lord  had  the  right  of  way  in  that  meeting.  As  usual 
we  had  great  preaching  by  the  man  said  to  be  the  greatest  preacher 
in  the  church,  Dr.  John  W.  Hanner.  We  had  some  accessions  and  a 
general  quickening  of  the  membership.  During  the  six  months  the 
stewards  paid  me  fifty-eight  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents.  No  one 
could  charge  me  with  preaching  for  money.  My  spiritual  happiness 
was  according  to  God's  promises.  Having  time  for  developing  my 
faculties,  I  availed  myself  of  almost  every  spare  hour. 

The  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Bishops  was  held  in  May,  and  drew 
many  of  the  representative  men  of  the  church  to  Nashville.  These 
leaders  interested  me.  The  first  one  heard  by  me  was  Dr.  Sehon, 
Missionary  Secretary.  He  was  a  man  of  marked  physical  build, 
handsome  beyond  most  men;  his  face  beamed  with  sunshine.  His 
address  was  good,  style  neat,  but  it  lacked  strength  of  thought.  The 
following  dav  a  missionary  prayer-meeting  was  appointed  for  3 
p.  m. ;  but  the  Bishops  were  a  half-hour  late,  one  of  whom  was  to 
lead.  Dr.  Jeff.  Hamilton,  Alabama's  favorite  son,  was  requested  to 
open  the  meeting.  The  Bishops  entered  while  he  conducted  the  ex- 
ercises. Bishop  Robert  Paine  led  in  prayer,  and  such  an  earnest 
reaching  after  God  one  rarely  hears.  Bishop  John  Early  prayed  and 
then  followed  with  a  regular  camp-meeting  exhortation.  The  vener- 
able Weslev  Browning  of  Missouri,  closed  with  a  fervent  invoca- 
tion. 

On  this  occasion  Bishop  Paine  preached  the  funeral  discourse 
in  memory  of  Bishop  Wm.  Capers  one  of  nature's  noblemen.  Bishop 
Paine  had  a  fine  character  to  hold  up  to  his  audience.  Bishop  Capers 
in  his  life  was  almost  faultless.  He  conceived  and  organized  the 
plan  of  Home  Missions  for  the  blacks.  In  a  short  time  the  slave 
States  were  covered  with  a  network  of  missions  served  by  white 
ministers.  These  men  carried  the  Gospel  from  plantation  to  planta- 
tion. His  Catechism  was  generally  used  because  of  its  simplicity. 
The  leaders  of  our  Church  were  thoroughly  aroused  on  the  subject  of 
missions,  and  a  great  meeting  was  held.  Bishop  Joshua  Soiile  pre- 


48 


PEEPS   INTO   LIFE. 


siding.  He  was  the  personification  of  dignity,  his  bearing  kingly. 
He  impressed  our  people  more  profoundly  than  any  one  man  within 
my  knowledge.  Our  chief  pulpiteer,  Bishop  George  F.  Pierce  was 
the  principal  speaker.  His  address  was  good,  but  not  equal  to  his 
high  reputation.  Revs.  A.  L.  P.  Green  and  John  B.  McFerrin  lifted 
the  collection.  Green  was  quiet  and  gentle  in  manner  but  forceful 
and  touching ;  McFerrin  was  somewhat  boisterous  and  carried  for- 
ward the  collection  in  his  own  inimitable  manner.  They  were 
glorious  men.  Dr.  Green  was  a  gentleman  of  the  first  water,  and 
as  a  word-painter  could  not  be  excelled.  Dr.  McFerrin  wielded  an 
influence  for  good  that  few  men  eVer  possessed.  He  was  orthodox 
to  the  core.  He  nearly  always  carried  the  Conference  with  him. 
His  sermons  were  not  strong  in  structural  ability,  but  he  possessed 
that  "  something  extra  "  which  moved  the  multitude. 

This  year  the  Nation,  has  been  in  a  turmoil  of  excitement  over 
a  new  political  party  called  "  Know-Nothings,"  a  secret  order  which 
swept  over  the  land  like  a  gale.  Nearly  the  entire  male  population 
had  joined  this  order.  It  was  anti-Roman  Catholic.  Only  nineteen 
Democrats  were  left  in  Franklin.  When  appointed  to  this  church, 
the  Democrats  were  assailing  the  preachers  over  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee for  joining  what  was  called  the  "  Dark  Lantern,"  or  "  Know- 
Nothing  "  party.  I  was  in  a  dilemma.  After  deliberation,  I  de- 
termined to  announce  publicly  my  political  alliance.  At  the  union 
Thanksgiving  service,  when  it  came  time  for  me  to  speak,  I  re- 
marked, "  The  political  excitement  is  running  so  high,  let  me  settle 
the  question  here  and  now.  I  am  a  Democrat  and  expect  to  vote  for 
Andrew  Johnson  for  Governor.  Now  you  know  where  to  place 
me !  "  Strange  to  say,  the  campaign  was  passed  without  friction,  my 
candor  having  won  the  good-will  of  all. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  excitement  on  every  side,  my  heart 
went  out  in  earnest  prayer  for  power  to  do  the  will  of  God.  If  ever 
a  soul  prayed  for  one  thing,  I  plead  for  a  deepening  interest  in  my 
personal  salvation.  Sometimes  the  fear  haunted  me  that  my  duties 
as  a  minister  might  become  merely  professional,  and  my  soul  cried 
out  again  and  again,  "  O  Divine  Lord,  help  me  to  keep  my  own  soul 
alive !  "    This  prayer  I  have  stressed  year  after  year. 

During  the  year  my  dear  old  Irish  mother  entered  into  her 
eternal  home.  She  died  in  Philadelphia.  She  was  making  her  home 
with  one  of  her  daughters,  Mrs.  Sarah  Simpson.  Her  death  was 
unexpected.  She  had  been  feeble,  but  her  condition  was  not  con- 
sidered critical.  My  sister  entered  her  room  and  saw  a  great  change 
had  taken  place,  and  exclaimed,  "O  mother,  you  are  dying,  and  we 
are  all  alone !  "  Her  response  was,  "  No,  Sarah ;  not  alone,  Jesus 
is  with  me !  "  What  a  devoted  mother !  Ere  I  can  remember,  my 
father  died,  committing  his  wife  and  children  to  God,  assuring  her  of 
the  Divine  promise  and  care.  The  old  family  Bible  often  lay  upon 
her  lap,  out  of  which  she  instructed  the  little  ones.  She  made  the 
Book  fascinating  by  her  simple  explanation  of  the  lives  of  its  holy 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  49 

men  and  women.  As  I  grew  older  and  recalled  her  loving  care,  her 
self-denial  and  sweet  faith  in  God,  my  heart  waxes  warm.  In  my 
childhood  as  I  saw  her  bowed  in  prayer,  my  wonder  was  why 
she  was  so  long  upon  her  bended  knees.  It  is  understood  now.  She 
was  pleading  with  Him  who  promised  to  be  a  Husband  to  the  widow 
and  a  Father  to  the  fatherless !  God  honored  her  faith ;  He  led  us 
by  a  way  we  did  not  know,  but  led  us  in  the  right  direction. 

The  candidates  for  Governor  arrived  in  our  town  to  debate  the 
questions  at  issue.  Excitement  was  at  white  heat.  Everything 
absorbs  men  more  largely  than  the  Gospel.  A  Democrat  called,  and 
requested  me  to  make  a  formal  call  on  Andrew  Johnson,  as  there 
were  so  few  sympathizers  in  the  town.  I  did  so,  was  introduced,  and 
he  at  once  remarked,  "  You  are  a  brother  of  Bob  Mathews  of  Shelby- 
ville,  Tennessee."  They  were  devoted  friends,  and  it  is  said  Johnson 
never  forgot  a  friend.  When  seeking  the  nomination  Johnson  could 
not  secure  it  without  certain  votes  from  middle  Tennessee.  My 
brother  controlled  the  votes  of  his  Congressional  District  and  carried 
them  over  to  Johnson,  and  he  was  nominated.  In  after  years  when 
my  brother's  property  had  been  ordered  sold,  being  confiscated  on 
account  of  his  alliance  with  the  Confederacy,  the  President  being 
informed  of  the  fact,  the  sale  was  countermanded  and  the  property 
restored. 

The  pastor  of  Hillsboro  Circuit  sent  for  me  to  aid  him  in  a 
meeting.  At  that  point  in  his  Circuit  we  had  but  two  members  The 
Campbellites  have  a  large  church  and  dominate  the  community.  It 
was  eight  miles  from  Franklin.  My  landlord,  a  member  of  that  de- 
nomination, piloted  me.  There  was  a  union  meeting-house  in  which 
I  preached  on  Saturday  morning.  The  text  was,  "  He  that  trusteth 
in  his  own  heart  is  a  fool."  Some  one  notified  me  that  if  I  preached 
as  plainly  here  as  in  Franklin  I  would  be  mobbed !  On  Sunday,  the 
people  began  to  pour  in  from  all  directions.  Methodists  from  ad- 
joining sections  and  Cumberland  Presbyterians,  reinforced  us.  By 
request  I  discoursed  upon  the  evangelical  view  of  the  Atonement; 
or  how  a  soul  was  saved.  Avoiding  all  offensive  terms,  I  explained 
justification  by  faith  in  Christ.  The  congregation  was  attentive. 
Some  wept,  others  shouted.  There  was  evidently  a  King  in  the 
camp.  After  the  benediction  I  learned  that  some  of  the  Campbellites 
went  away  angry.  One  woman  said  she  "  wanted  to  smash  my 
mouth."  The  battle  was  on.  At  night  we  had  a  time  of  power. 
The  slain  of  the  Lord  were  many.  Penitents  cried  out  aloud  for 
mercy  and  God's  people  were  stirred  with  joy.  Some  were  con- 
verted in  a  remarkable  way.  After  the  meeting  closed,  the  pastor 
learned  that  two  men  made  a  bet,  after  they  saw  me  on  Saturday, 
that  this  man  could  not  get  up  a  revival ;  the  other  took  my  side. 
The  bet  was  a  quart  of  whiskey!  When  the  night  meeting  was  at 
its  highest  point  of  interest,  the  man  who  won,  called  for  his  quart 
of  liquor,  and  they  had  quite  a  time  over  that  bottle !  This  account 
gives  an  idea  of  the  moral  tone  of  some  in  that  part  of  one  of  the 
famous  counties  of  Tennessee. 


0  PEMPH  INTO   LIFE 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
Spring  Hill  Station. 


The  Annual  Conference  convened  at  Nashville  in  October,  1855, 
Bishop  Kavanaugh  in  charge.  Bishop  Joshua  Soule  was  present,  and 
Bishop  Robert  Paine  was  present  part  of  the  time,  but  was  quite 
unwell.  Wm.  C.  Johnson  was  elected  Secretary.  F.  S.  Petway  was 
our  Conference  singer ;  he  had  a  rich  voice  and  employed  tones,  at 
times,  which  made  the  soul  quiver  with  joy.  He  was  an  excellent 
preacher,  and  a  man  of  exceptional  piety. 

The  Conference  resolved  to  hold  the  Missionary  Anniversary  in 
each  of  our  churches,  to  aid  the  German  Church  of  the  city.  Two 
brethren  were  assigned  to  each  church.  Rev.  Thomas  W.  Randall 
and  myself  were  appointed  to  Elysian  Grove,  a  suburban  charge. 
Randall  was  one  of  your  Chesterfield  kind ;  born  such.  He  was  an 
eloquent  preacher  and  filled  the  leading  churches  of  the  Conference. 
There  was  music  in  his  voice  and  magnetism  in  his  manners.  We 
took  a  collection,  securing  one  hundred  dollars. 

Sunday  was  a  high  day  in  Zion.  Bishop  Kavanaugh  gave  us 
one  of  his  great  sermons,  abounding  in  climaxes  of  great  force.  Old 
McKendree  resounded  with  shouts  of  praise  to  our  Lord.  u  The 
Power  of  Godliness,"  was  his  theme. 

At  this  Conference,  I  met  for  the  first  time  that  remarkable  man 
Rev..Wm.  G.  Brownlow.  As  editor  of  a  partisan  paper,  he  knew 
the  history  of  every  prominent  man  in  political  circles  in  the  State, 
and  woe  betide  the  man  who  crossed  his  path !  He  and  Elder  Graves 
of  the  Tennessee  Baptist  drew  swords,  and  there  was  war  of  as 
lively  a  nature  as  occurs  in  a  generation.  Their  battle  lasted  for 
many  moons.  Brownlow  figured  largely  in  politics  in  the  time  of  our 
Civil  strife.    He  was  an  ardent  Union  man. 

My  appointment  was  to  the  Spring  Hill  Station.  My  new 
charge  was  visited  at  once.  The  village  was  small,  but  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  high-toned  people.  They  were  cultured,  moral  and 
Christian.  Nearly  all  were  well  conditioned,  neighborly,  and  de- 
voted to  Christ's  cause.  My  welcome  was  all  that  any  pastor  could 
wish.  The  Stewards  met  promptly  and  arranged  for  me  to  board 
for  three  months  with  Mr.  John  Cheirs,  the  leading  merchant  of  the 
town.  He  had  an  elegant  family.  To  my  great  surprise,  I  learned 
they  had  no  Sunday-School,  no  prayer-meeting,  and  no  class-meeting. 
In  a  community  of  culture  this  condition  was  unpardonable.  Having 
on  Sunday  announced  a  mid-week  prayer-service,  twenty-five  met 
me.  Though  naturally  buoyant,  depression  for  a  time  affected  my 
emotional  nature,  but  did  not  influence  mv  action.     My  aim  wa?  to 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  5> 

win  the  confidence  of  the  people.  While  one  can  not  always  control 
his  mental  state,  he  can  move  on  even  when  beclouded.  Some- 
times we  hear  a  song  which  runs  thus : 

■'  Some  days  must  be  dark  and  dreary." 

This  is  not  necessary  in  Christian  life.  If  my  will  would  sink  com- 
pletely into  the  Master's,  there  would  be  no  low  spirits.  He  may  be 
testing  me  for  future  service.  On  the  following  Sunday  morning 
we  met  to  organize  a  Sunday-School ;  had  only  twelve  present  owing 
to  heavy  rains.  As  has  been  my  custom,  an  appeal  is  made  at  each 
meeting"  for  recruits.  On  the  next  Sunday  we  organized  our  Sun- 
day-School with  forty  members  and  decided  interest  was  shown.  My 
heart  turned  to  some  of  the  promises  and  these  fell  upon  it  like 
spray-drops  from  the  river  of  God.  These  drops  revive  the  faculties. 
Sometimes  impatience  gets  the  better  of  me,  impatience  of  success. 
Then  I  fall  back  upon  these  promises,  and  as  is  said  of  the  great 
Welsh  preacher,  Christmas  Evans.  "  By  prayers,  he  shoved  and 
shook  the  gate  of  Heaven."  Sometimes  my  every  faculty  cried  out 
for  help  in  trying  to  save  men.    All  one  can  do  is  to  trust  and  obey. 

It  was  in  this  town,  during  a  heavy  sleet,  a  farmer  of  wealth 
from  the  county,  rode  in  for  his  mail.  Halting  at  the  door  of  the 
hotel,  he  inquired  of  the  landlady,  "Is  there  any  news?"  "Oh, 
yes,"  was  her  prompt  reply,  "  good  news :  we  have  a  new  minister 
who  preaches  so  loud  that  in  bad  weather  we  can  all  stay  at  home 
and  hear  him !  "  This  man  at  once  began  to  attend  my  ministry  and 
proposed  to  give  me  a  fine  horse  if  I  would  go  out  for  him.  Roman 
Catholic  as  he  was,  I-  the  more  appreciated  his  offer,  but  did  not 
go,  as  I  had  no  need  of  a  horse.  He  contributed  to  the  pastor's 
support. 

At  Spring  Hill  was  located  a  very  popular  high  school,  in  charge 
of  a  man  famous  as  a  teacher.  Professor  Peebles  was  a  man  of  high 
grade  and  remarkable  ability  in  developing  youths.  From  many 
sections  boys  were  sent  to  him  for  training.  During  the  session  I  met 
a  lad,  modest  and  handsome,  in  whom  I  became  deeply  interested. 
My  interest  never  waned.  The  lad  was  awakened,  joined  the  church, 
and  started  for  Heaven.  That  youth  developed  and  grew  into  one 
of  the  most  famous  pastors  of  our  church,  and  has  filled  successfully 
a  number  of  our  principal  pulpits:  Rev.  Felix  R.  Hill,  D.  D.  He 
has  been  a  skilled  workman  and  highly  esteemed  as  preacher  and 
pastor ;  he  is  magnetic  in  manner  and  wins  the  love  of  his  people. 

On  that  same  charge  I  began  the  practise  of  calling  mourners 
after  the  morning  sermon.  The  congregation  was  made  up  of  first- 
class  people,  called  by  some  aristocrats.  The  ladies  dressed  elegantly 
My  effort  was  to  save  these  and  their  children,  if  possible.  One 
bright  Sunday  morning,  when  the  people  were  out  in  force,  and  the 
ladies  in  full  dress,  after  an  earnest  sermon,  an  appeal  was  made  to 
seek  Christ,  saying,  "  If  you  are  in  earnest  in  your  desire  to  be  saved, 
von  will  not  be  ashamed  to  approach  the  altar  at  tt  o'clock  Sunday 


52 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


morning!  "  The  first  one  to  start  was  the  leading  lady  of  the  com- 
munity. She  was  deeply  moved.  Others  followed,  and  the  work 
moved  on  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  From  that  day  the 
interest  deepened  and  souls  were  saved.  How  grateful  to  God  I 
•felt  for  His  presence  with  us ! 

It  was  my  habit,  at  the  close  of  the  Sunday-School,  to  spend 
about  fifteen  minutes  in  catechising  the  children.  In  trying  to  keep 
the  children  interested  I  threw  in  some  pleasantries  and  they  were 
ever  on  the  alert.  One  Sunday  morning,  when  near  the  close  of  the 
school,  in  the  presence  of  many  visitors,  a  bright  little  daughter  of 
President  Peebles  sprang  to  her  feet  saying,  "  Xow,  Brother 
Mathews,  you  have  been  asking  us  all  questions!  May  I  ask  you 
one?  "  "  Yes,"  was  the  instant  response.  Then  she  said,  "  Tell  me, 
where  was  Moses  when  the  candle  went  out  ?  "  The  question  threw 
me  off  my  balance,  it  was  such  a  surprise.  The  spectators  laughed, 
and  all  I  said  was,  "  We  will  look  to  the  Lord,  and  be  dismissed !  " 
The  child  made  the  inquiry  in  good  faith ;  a  mischievous  uncle  put 
her  up  to  catch  me. 

During  this  ecclesiastical  year  I  aided  in  both  protracted  and 
camp-meetings.  These  meetings  exerted  a  wonderful  influence  over 
the  untrained  people  of  the  towns  and  country,  for  many  never 
attended  religious  meetings  only  on  such  occasions.  One  of  these 
was  held  at  Goshen  Camp-ground,  in  Maury  County.  As  a  neigh- 
boring pastor,  an  invitation  was  sent  me.  On  the  evening  of  the 
opening  I  was  expected.  At  the  root  of  a  large  tree  on  the  campus 
sat  a  man  over  middle  age  awaiting  my  arrival.  He  had  a  message 
for  me,  one  he  was  commissioned  by  a  dying  daughter  to  deliver. 
Six  or  seven  years  before,  when  Junior  Preacher  on  that  Circuit, 
while  preaching  at  the  Goshen  Church,  this  young  woman  kept  talk- 
ing, to  my  annoyance  and  that  of  most  of  those  about  her.  The 
talk  confused  me.  I  hardly  knew  what  I  was  saying.  At  last,  I 
looked  at  her  in  such  a  way  as  was  unmistakable  in  its  meaning.  It 
did  no  good.  Then  under  an  incensed  state  of  mind  I  reproved  her 
with  great  plainness  of  speech.  She  ceased,  but  the  meeting  was 
marred  and  it  was  necessary  to  close.  I  went  my  way  feeling  badly 
at  a  necessity  which  demanded  such  a  sharp  rebuke.  After  years, 
this  father  brings  the  message  from  the  lips  of  the  dying  young 
woman ;  it  was  that  this  reproof  saved  her.  The  reproof  set  her  to 
thinking,  and  finally  led  her  to  repentance  and  conversi6n.  She  felt 
she  was  going  to  Heaven,  and  desired  her  father  to  let  me  know  I 
was  instrumental  in  her  salvation.     Of  course  it  gave  me  joy. 

Rev.  C.  C.  Mayhew  was  the  lion  of  that  camp-meeting.  His 
fame  as  a  revivalist  was  spread  all  over  that  section.  Much  was  said 
of  him  and  he  deserved  all  that  was  said  in  his  favor.  His  zeal  was 
at  white  heat.  The  people  crowded  to  hear  him.  He  took  for  a 
text  "They  cast  four  anchors  and  looked  for  the  day."  It  was  a 
talk  all  aflame.  The  effect  was  magical.  The  crowd  was  captured. 
He  was  comparatively  young  but  had  great  power  over  untutored 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  53 

people.  In  after  years  he  transferred  to  the  Illinois  Conference ; 
modified  his  style  and  stood  in  the  front  rank  amongst  his  brethren. 
He  lived  well,  and  of  course  died  as  he  lived. 

Martin  Cheirs  was  a  man  devoted  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  He 
was  a  man  of  wealth  and  lived  as  he  had  been  instructed.  He  feared 
God  and  was  one  of  the  most  faithful  of  our  people,  always  in  his 
place  in  the  house  of  God.  He  inherited  a  number  »of  slaves. 
Amongst  them  was  a  woman  with  whom  nothing  could  be  done 
without  resorting  to  violence.  After  consulting  with  friends  he 
concluded  to  sell  her,  and  give  the  money  to  the  missionary  cause. 

In  this,  as  in  all  my  charges,  I  reached  after  the  youths.  After 
forty,  it  is  said,  you  can  not  change  a  man's  convictions ;  he  is  crys- 
talized.  My  aim  was  to  create  convictions.  In  the  family  of  Thomas 
Bond  was  a  young  son  whom  I  undertook  to  win  for  Christ.  Suc- 
cess crowned  my  efforts  and  he  became  an  active  Christian.  When 
my  pastorate  closed  I  was  sent  to  Alabama.  One  day  a  letter  reached 
me  from  the  father  of  this  youth.  In  it  was  the  story  of  his  sick- 
ness and  death,  and  his  triumphant  passage  from  time  into  eternity. 
He  charged  his  father  to  write  me,  and  state,  through  my  instru- 
mentality he  was  led  to  the  Savior.  That  letter  was  a  joy-bringer 
to  my  soul.  When  tempted  to  discouragement  that  message,  like 
a  beam  of  light,  scattered  darkness  and  illumined  my  path. 

Perhaps  the  work  of  the  year  gave  me  as  much  comfort  as  one 
could  expect,  if  the  original  meaning  of  that  word  be  accepted,  "  to 
be  strong  together  with  God."  My  union  with  the  Divine  Being 
was  more  palpable  and  satisfactory.  In  my  labors  my  dependence 
was  upon  the  Holy  Spirit  as  the  cementer  of  this  union. 

The  harmony  between  pastor  and  people  was  about  perfect. 
The  three  brothers,  Martin,  John  and  Nat  Cheirs  gave  their  in- 
fluence to  helping  on  the  Lord's  work.  They  helped  to  ntake  their 
pastor  forget  life's  burdens.  Their  wives  aided  in  pouring  celestial 
music  into  his  life.  Thomas  Bond  and  family  were  equally  as  helpful 
in  the  midst  of  the  battle  and  roar  of  life's  cares,  and  aided  to  keep 
the  altar  fires  of  his  soul  aglow.  Professor  Peebles,  with  his  great 
reputation  as  a  scholar,  was  as  encouraging  as  one  could  desire, 
listening,  not  as  a  critic,  but  as  a  devoted  worshiper.  There  were  the 
McElmores'  and  others  equally  as  helpful.  The  Church  grew  in 
numbers  and  piety. 


54  PEEPS  WTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

,  t        Florence  Station. 

In  the  fall  of  1856,  the  Tennessee  Conference  convened  in  the 
beautiful  little  city  of  Huntsville,  Alabama.  Bishop  James  O. 
Andrew  presided  with  his  promptness  and  dignity.  A  certain 
Quarterly  Conference  requested  their  preacher,  a  very  young  man, 
to  enter  objections  against  the  return  of  his  Presiding  Elder.  He 
did  so,  but  was  frightened  in  the  statement.  The  Presiding  Elder  at 
once  arose  and  responded,  "  If  that  young  man  had  stood  by  me,  as 
I  stood  by  him,  there  would  have  been  no  complaints."  Asking 
permission  to  say  a  word,  I  remarked,  "  Bishop,  you  see  if  we 
younger  men  dare  report  the  objections  of  our  people  to  those  over 
us,  our  motives  are  impugned,  and  we  will  be  subjected  to  personal 
feeling  in  the  Cabinet.  We  are  afraid."  Bishop  Andrew  sprang  to 
his  feet,  and  said,  "  If  I  knew  a  Presiding  Elder  who  would  carry 
his  personal  feelings  into  the  Cabinet,  he  would  not  fill  that  office 
long!" 

At  that  session,  by  request,  I  was  put  up  to  preach  one  after- 
noon, that  a  committee  might  hear  me,  to  see  if  I  would  do  for  their 
pulpit.  Of  course  I  knew  nothing  of  this  until  months  afterwards. 
The  chairman  of  that  committee  was  the  influential  man  of  the  town 
and  Church.  I  never  felt  less  like  preaching.  The  day  was  warm, 
the  audience  slim.  The  report  of  that  committee  was,  "  He  won't 
do  for  our  church ;  not  at  all !  "  But  the  Bishop  sent  me  to  that 
Church,  notwithstanding.  The  following  Sunday  I  was  in  my  pulpit, 
as  pastor  of  the  Church  in  Florence,  Alabama.  Here  the  Wesleyan 
University  was  located  and  was  extensively  patronized  from  the 
south  and  southwest.  It  was  then  at  its  best.  Rev.  R.  H.  Rivers, 
D.  D.,  was  president,  assisted  by  an  able  corps  of  professors. 

On  my  arrival,  I  was  sent  to  be  the  guest  of  the  Hon.  W.  B. 
Wood,  local  preacher  and  lawyer.  He  and  his  lady,  for  she  was  a 
delightful  woman,  received  me  graciously.  They  had  a  beautiful 
home.  On  Sunday  morning  I  awoke  thinking  of  my  introductory 
sermon.  Naturally  I  was  nervous.  The  sermon  so  occupied  my  mind, 
that,  when  I  had  about  #  finished  my  toilet,  picking  up  the  wash 
bowl,  I  stepped  to  the  window  to  throw  the  water  out.  In  my 
nervous  state  I  threw  bowl  and  water  both  out,  and  such  a  crash,  as 
it  struck  the  brick  chimney !  It  awakened  echoes  all  around.  One 
may  well  imagine  my  embarrassment.  It  was  a  trial  to  go  down 
and  face  the  family  after  such  a  catastrophe.  Mastering  my  nerves, 
the  summons  to  breakfast  was  obeyed,  and  at  once  I  inquired,  "  Did 
vou  hear  the  crash?"     I  apologized,  though   somewhat  confused. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  55 

This  was  the  first  act  in  the  drama  of  the  most  important  year  of 
my  life,  as  one  may  conclude  before  its  close. 

Florence  was  quite  a  town,  with  its  university  and  other  in- 
terests upon  which  the  citizens  looked  with  pride.     It  has  always 
proven  an  ordeal  to  me  to  preach  a  first  sermon  ;  on  this  Sunday  mor 
than  usual.     We  had  an  audience  not  only  of  the  citizens,  birt^ 
college  faculty  and  students,  Dr.  R.  H.  Rivers,  Prof essors  dTons' 
Casey,  Malone,  and  others.    The  house  was  crowded.     I  w?g  ghe 
sufficiently  embarrassed  to  put  my  faculties  into  full  play.    7Jac'e  of 
surroundings  stirred  me,  and  I  was  at  my  best.     New  tr^  wag 
sented  themselves ;  such  truths  once  learned  are  like  ne-  chojce  0| 
into  which  our  lives  have  entered,  and  in  which  we  eve^   c|ieering 
There  is  a  new  sky  over  our  heads,  and  a  new  earth  ^\_^00m   an(j 
One  of  these  truths  is  well  expressed  by  a  poet,  "  Lifed  jQst  Q'ne  of 
of  winning  the  prize  of  love."  jn  j^  coffin> 

This  was  my  opportunity  to  win  the  love  of  >ie  motiier  jay 
entered  upon  this  pastorate  with  a  deepening  con  le  Qne  ghe 
necessity  of  being  a  sunshine-maker.  I  had  learnedieek  while  a 
rose  is  a  thing  of  beauty,  its  color  and  symmetry 
these,  however,  are  not  so  much  the  qualities  wmVt  wag  then 
What  makes  us  prize  it  is  its  fragrance.  One  of  the  gcaje  for  the 
of  life  is  to  feel  one  is  privileged  to. make  others  h.,  intellectual 
be  a  sweetener  of  life  was  the  prayer  of  my  inmosi  who  could 
I  gazed  upon  these  representative  young  men,  who  jg  begt  hag 
society  in  the  future,  I  determined  that  my  preaching  and  for  a 
verge  to  securing  a  verdict  from  these  young  men  for  (  sg  jQ 

atoning  Lord.  x  t0  attain 

On  my  second  Sunday  the  house  was  filled,  and  to  ^e  affec_ 
the  college  professors  and  some  of  the  students  had  joii  0ther. 
Wood,  the  chorister,  in  improving  the  music.  It  was  not^g  an(j 
it  was  better-,  as  it  was  heart-touching.  This  action  gladde  -ne  Qn 
as  in  nearly  all  my  previous  charges  I  had  to  be  chorister  ;,hten_ 
as  preacher.  rnth 

Another  Sunday,  while  preaching  with  great  earnestness„£uj 
coat  sleeve  caught  my  brief  and  hurled  it  flying  over  the  puix  7 
For  a  moment  the  people  wore  a  look  of  surprise.  I  did  not  sto}- 
talking  but  deliberately  walked  down  into  the  chancel,  picked  up  my 
brief,  and  placed  it  on  the  Bible.  This  recalls  a  scene  in  my  first 
station.  The  warm  season  had  necessitated  the  opening  of  the 
windows.  The  wind  was  blowing  and  two  currents  met  over  the 
pulpit  and  formed  a  small  whirlwind,  and  it  took  up  my  brief  into 
the  air.  A  small  dog  was  resting  in  front  of  the  altar  and  seeing 
the  brief  in  mid-air  he  began — "  Bow-wow."  As  he  barked  the 
young  people  began  to  titter  and  I  began  to  blush.  A  Steward  came 
to  my  relief,  and  as  the  paper  fell  to  the  floor,  he  picked  it  up  and 
laid  it  on  the  pulpit.    But  the  meeting  was  spoiled. 

As  the  weeks  passed,  my  interest  in  my  charge  deepened.    The 
people  rallied  'to  my  support.    It  was  then  Judge  Posey  laughingly 


5^ 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


informed  me  of  the  report  of  the  committee  who  went  to  Confer- 
ence and  reported,  "  He  would  not  do!  "    The  prospect  for  a  revival 
began  to  loom  up.    Seeking  by  prayer  the  help  of  Heaven,  and  then 
loing  all  I  could  as  a  human  agent,  resorting  deliberately  to  certain 
offensive  witticisms,  one  could  but  hope.     I  justified  myself  all 
■•ugh  life  on  the  basis  of  a  teaching  laid  down  by  a  writer  who 
:cribing  a  successful  minister  and  naming  his  qualities,  he 
•id,   "  Added   to   these  he  possessed   that  one   rare   faculty 
In  th>iizes  all  the  rest,  humor."     The  multitude  needed  saving, 
beautiful   h-  the  battle  I  struck  when  things  ripened.    One  Sunday  I 
Andrew  pre^enitents  and  several  responded.     I  announced  services 
Quarterly  Co  week.     Having  the  hearty  cooperation  of  the  college 
to  enter  objeche  citizens,  the  work  moved  on  in  power.    One  rarely 
did  so,  but  was3  a  more  spontaneous  action.    Night  after  night  souls 
once  arose  and  d,  and  when  the  meeting  closed,  according  to  count, 
I  stood  by  hin  nd  fifty  were  under  the  sway  of  the  Holy  Power.    It 
permission  to     in  the  lives  of  many.     In  after  years  a  large  number 
younger  men  derts  took  high  positions  among  their  fellow  citizens, 
us,  our  motive.',ie  General  in  charge  of  the  Texas  Rangers  during  the 
feeling  in  the  <  id  never  lost  sight  of  his  Christian  duties.     He  con- 
his  feet,  and  s  rayers  in  his  tent.    Years  after  he  was  elected  Gover- 
his  personal  f  eat  State  of  Texas,  and  honored  his  Lord  and  Church 
long !  "  ,ss  life.     Another  became  the  great  land  lawyer  of  that 

At  that  jers   took   leading  positions   in   the   States   where   they 
noon,  that  a 

pulpit.    Of  r  this  ecclesiastical  year  an  event  occurred  which  colored 

The  chairmed  my  future  life.    At  a  Christmas  dining  I  met  a  young 

and  Churcl  East  Alabama ;  a  Miss  Mary  A.  Menefee.     She  was  on 

the  audierj  the  family  of  Rev.  R.  H.  Rivers,  whose  daughter  had 

do  for  o-  her  brother.    It  was  love  on  sight,  and  ere  long  I  began  to 

Churchy  her  affections.     She  was  a  "bonnie  lassie,"  fair  to  look 

as  past  and  winsome.     Her  qualities  as  observed  by  me  won  my 

Unive.,  and  in  due  time,  in  her  teens,  she  gave  me  her  maiden  hand 

sout1  heart.     We  were  married  April  30th,   1857.     After  nearly  a 

Qalf  century  I  can  truly  say,  "  It  was  a  happy  union."    While  my 

imagination  pictured  her  in  glowing  colors,  as  years  passed  by  I 

found  she  excelled  my  anticipations.     She  found  her  chief  earthly 

happiness  in  the  home;  she  filled  that  home  with  sunlight.     The 

language  of  a  poet  expresses  our  experience : 

'Closer,  closer  let  us  knit 
Hearts  and  hands  together: 
Where  our  fireside  comforts  sit , 
In  the  wildest  weather : 
Oh,  they  wander  wide  who  roam 
For  the  joys  of  life,  from  home." 

While  a  woman  of  taste,  giving  due  care  to  the  body,  she  did  not 
allow  her  soul  to  sleep  in  the  lower  life  of  the  senses.     She  availed 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  Of  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  57 

herself  of  her  educational  advantages  and  added  to  her  scholastic 
acquisitions  and  fitted  herself  to  play  the  important  part  she  took 
in  the  interest  of  Christ's  Kingdom.  She  was  ever  ready  to  do  the 
Lord's  work,  and  her  glad  cooperation  lightened  the  burdens  of  my 
ministries  as  we  were  called  year  by  year  to  some  of  the  most  in- 
fluential churches  of  our  denomination.  Her  scholarship  aided  me, 
her  faith  cheered  me,  her  wise  advice  saved  me  from  indiscretions. 
In  the  great  epidemic  of  yellow  fever' in  New  Orleans,  in  1878,  she 
would  not  leave  my  side.  When  urging  her  to  go  to  a  place  of 
safety,  her  reply  was,  "  If  you  stay  I  will  stay."  My  response  was, 
"'  If  I  knew  I  would  die  I  will  stay.  We  are  here  by  no  choice  of 
our  own ;  we  are  here  providentially."  She  faced  the  peril,  cheering 
me  day  by  day  as  I  almost  flew  from  sick-room  to  sick-room,  and 
from  funeral  to  funeral.  At  last  we  were  stricken,  and  lost  one  of 
our  five  children.  Ere  they  placed  her  youngest  born  in  his  coffin, 
I  carried  him  in  my  arms  to  the  upper  room  where  the  mother  lay 
convalescing,  that  she  might  have  a  look  at  her  little  one.  She 
gave  one  steady  look,  then  calmly  patted  his  little  cheek,  while  a 
tear  dimmed  her  eye.    He  was  our  sacrifice  to  duty. 

Rev.  R.  H.  Rivers,  D.  D.,  was  president  of  what  was  then 
known  as  Wesleyan  University.  He  was  made  on  a  scale  for  the 
highest  usefulness.  There  were, men  his  superior  in  intellectual 
grasp,  but  in  his  realm  as  teacher  I  -never  knew  one  who  could 
shape  and  color  other  minds  as  Dr.  Rivers.  Man  at  his  best  has 
a  preference  for  the  ocean  as  compared  with  a  pond,  and  for  a 
boundless  prairie  as  compared  with  a  square  yard  of  dirty  grass  in 
a  city.  Dr.  Rivers  saw  that  God.  made  it  possible  for  him  to  attain 
the  broadest  sweep  of  love  which  is  the  supreme  grace.  The  affec- 
tionate element  is  of  more  value  to  ,a  minister  than  any  other. 
There  are  characters  that  go  through  life  putting  out  lights  and 
blighting  hopes ;  others  go  through  the  world  making  sunshine  on 
the  right  and  on  the  left.  As  a  preacher  he  was  clear  and  enlighten- 
ing, and  could  be  understood  and  felt  on  account  of  his  warmth. 
Dr.  Rivers  won  hearts  on  every  field,  but  was  particularly  successful 
with  his  pupils.  He  had  a  voice  that  rang  out  like  the  tones  of  a 
silver  bell.  At  times  that  voice  would  tread  the  maize  of  passion, 
all  the  involutions  of  harmony,  then  would  die  away  throbbingly 
like  the  far-away  tones  of  a  lute.  His  loving  nature  was  his  ele- 
ment of  power.  Said  an  eminent  writer,  "  Give  me  a  firm  faith 
and  a  light  heart,  and  the  world  .may  have  everything  else."  He 
was  what  is  known  as  a  magnetic  man.  It  is  a  fact  that,  the  very 
moment  we  find  ourselves  in  the  presence  of  certain  characters, 
some  subtle  essence,  as  mysterious  as  thought  itself,  will  find  its 
way  to  the  mind  and  stir  the  soul.  In  vain  one  tries  to  get  a  clue 
to  the  secret.  He  was  such  a  man.  He  closed  his  earthly  career 
in  preaching,  and  died  as  he  had  lived,  loving  everybody  and 
cheering  all  around  him.  His  was  an  enviable  life  and  a  glorious 
death. 


ss  PEEPS  INT.Q  LIFE 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Tuscaloosa  Station. 

I  had  promised  my  young  wife  that  I  would,  at  the  end  of  the 
Conference  year,  transfer  to  the  Alabama  Conference.  This  was 
the  first  and  only  transfer  secured  at  my  own  request  in  a  ministry 
of  fifty-eight  years ;  yet  it  has  been  claimed  that  I  have  been  the 
most  transferred  man  in  the  Southern  Methodist  Church.  The 
Bishops  have  sent  me  hither  and  thither  until  I  hardly  know 
"  where  I  am  at." 

The  Alabama  Conference  met  in  Selma.  I  attended  the  ses- 
sion. That  remarkable  man,  Bishop  Early,  of  Virginia,  presided. 
It  was  not  only  a  large  body  but  was  composed  of  many  strong 
men.  Here  was  Thomas  O.  Summers,  D.  D.,  the  walking  cyclo- 
pedia ;  Jefferson  Hamilton,  another  pulpit  Hercules ;  and  A.  H. 
Mitchell,  D.  D.,  then  in  his  prime.  Here  were  some  masters  of 
oratory;  Rev.  P.  P.  Neely,  D.  D.,  the  crook  of  whose  finger  gave 
emphasis  to  a  word ;  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin  was  a  very  fine  rhetorician 
and  a  judicious  and  lovable  man ;  Dr.  O.  R.  Blue,  cool  and  self- 
poised  stood  abreast  of  the  foremost,  and  generally  carried  the 
body  his  way  of  thinking.  At  the  Selma  Conference  I  had  for  a 
roommate  Rev.  H.  N.  McTyeire,  D.  D..  afterwards  famous  as'  a 
Bishop  of  the  Church.  * 

When  the  appointments  were  announced  I  was  sent  to  Tusca- 
loosa.  After  the  adjournment  Drs.  Summers  and  Hamilton  came 
to  me,  saying,  "  Young  man,  you  are  going  to  the  most  intellectual 
Church  in  our  Methodism."  Their  description  somewhat  alarmed 
me.  On  m)-  arrival  I  found  Tuscaloosa  to  be  a  beautiful  little 
city ;  its  citizens  cultured  and  mostly  wealthy.  Here  resided  ex- 
Chief  Justice  Ormand ;  a  famous  physician,  Dr.  Guild ;  Alfred 
Battle,  then  of  large  wealth  and  wide  influence ;  Dr.  Garland,  then 
president  of  Alabama  State  University ;  Professor  Bronaugh  of 
the  University :  Dr.  Bonnell,  president  of  the  Female  College.  All 
members  of  our  church. 

On  our  arrival  at  Tuscaloosa,  we  were  taken  to  the  parsonage 
next  door  to  our  church.  It  was  plainly  but  neatly  furnished.  The 
ladies  had  busied  themselves  in  brightening  our  surroundings  and 
gave  us  a  welcome  which  warmed  our  hearts  toward  them.  As 
I  entered  upon  my  duties  the  prayer  of  my  heart  was  that  God 
would  bless  my  labors.  We  are  told  in  the  Old  Testament  when 
Hannah  sent  up  her  prayer,  her  face  was  no  more  sad.  Prayer 
tranquilized  my  spirit,  and  fear  of  man  no  longer  saddened  me. 
My  faith  in  the  supernatural  was  well  based,  and  my  eyes  turned  to 


AUTOBKKih'M'll)    01    h'i:\     JOHJb    UATHEWS,  D.  D  39 

the  hills  from  whence  help  cometh.  There  were  men  then,  as  now, 
who  would  emasculate  the  supernatural  from  our  system.  The 
old  legend  informs  us,  when  ^Eson  was  old,  Jason,  his  son,  desired 
Media  to  renew  his  youth.  That  was  done  by  drawing  off  his 
blood  and  by  filling  his  veins  with  the  juices  of  certain  herbs.  Some 
men,  then  and  now,  draw  off  the  vital  force  and  leave  us  at  the 
mercy  of  human  methods.  In  this  Church  I  adopted  the  plan  which 
I  have  pursued  through  my  long  ministry,  that  of  calling  for  re- 
cruits after  every  sermon.  Many  years  have  passed  but  the  memory 
of  a  scene  which  occurred  one  Sunday  morning  when  the  house 
was  crowded  still  refreshes  me.  I  had  made  an  earnest  appeal. 
For  a  few  moments  there  was  no  response.  After  a  pause,  a 
queenly  looking  young  woman,  a  leader  of  "  the  four  hundred," 
arose  and  came  to  the  altar.  It  was  a  surprise  to  all,  and  the 
audience  was  thrilled  with  delight.  More  was  renounced  then, 
than  now,  as  the  rules  were  enforced.  This  was  the  beginning 
of  a  work  that  went  on  successfully  during  my  pastorate  in  that 
city. 

My  opportunities  for  improvement  mentally  were  numerous ; 
books  were  at  my  command.  I  had  dabbled  in  the  lighter  sciences 
mostly.  The  heavier  sciences  I  did  not  tackle.  To  my  mind,  the 
study  of  facts  rather  than  theories  and  phantoms,  was  the  more 
profitable.  To  store  my  mind  with  knowledge — useful  knowledge — 
was  a  pleasure.  Then,  my  opportunities  for  usefulness  were  great, 
and  the  one  deep  purpose  of  my  heart  was  to  carry  a  cup  of  happi- 
ness to  every  lip.  Prayer,  like  incense,  ascended  Heavenward.  I 
needed  God ;  and  believing  that  the  man  who  needs  God  is  the  man 
He  wants  to  help,  my  heart  was  open  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  His 
assistance  was  invoked.  God's  presence  and  help  were  felt  to  be 
necessary  in  a  special  sense,  as  the  country  was  convulsed  over  the 
slavery  question. 

We  had  a  number  of  devout  members.  It  had  been  a  well-in- 
structed Church.  Some  of  the  foremost  ministers  of  our  denomina- 
tion had  filled  this  pulpit.  The  community  at  that  time  was  largely 
constituted  of  rich  planters  who  had  built  mansions  and  located  in 
the  city  for  social  life  and  educational  facilities.  It  was  a  delightful 
community. 

During  the  year  many  joined  on  probation.  When  the  day 
arrived  to  receive  them  into  full  membership,  I  adopted  what  was 
then  an  unknown  plan.  All  the  reception  ever  given  me  was  to 
take  my  name.  I  had  seen  them  called  forward  and  questions  pro- 
pounded, but  no  hand  of  fellowship  extended.  My  idea  was  to 
make  the  reception  as  impressive  as  possible.  To  each  one  I  ex- 
tended the  hand  of  fellowship,  and  while  holding  the  hand  invoked 
God's  blessing  upon  each  one.  It  was  an  impressive  scene.  How 
to  win  old  and  young  became  a  study.  Experience  had  taught  me 
that  the  majority  in  all  congregations,  rich  and  poor,  were  reached 
not  so  much  through  the  intellect  as  through  the  affections.     James 


6o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 

Russell  Lowell  once  said,  that  "  Books  are,  at  best,  but  dry  fodder, 
and  that  we  must  be  vitalized  by  contact  with  living  beings."  No 
abstract  statement,  however  logical,  ever  opened  the  eyes  of  an 
unsaved  man.  It  is  the  touch  of  human  sympathy  that  awakens 
the   divine   in   man. 

During  the  summer  bilious  fever  attacked  me.  I  was  con- 
fined to  my  bed  for  some  time.  Many  friends  called  to  see  me, 
among  them  preachers  and  other  men  of  prayer.  My  soul  hungered 
to  hear  the  voice  of  supplication,  but  no  one  proposed  it.  In  my 
weakness  it  never  occurred  to  me  to  invite  the  ministers  to  talk 
with  God  on  my  behalf.  One  day,  a  preacher  from  an  adjoining- 
circuit  dropped  in,  and  in  a  few  minutes  inquired,  "  Would  you 
like  to  hear  a  song  and  prayer?  "  The  very  thing  my  soul  craved, 
and  my  response  was  a  sobbing  assent.  George  M.  Talley  was  a 
sweet  singer,  and  struck  up  that  precious  hymn, 

"  Oh,  happy  day  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee,  my  Savior  and  my  God." 

An  angel-song  at  that  hour  could  not  have  been  sweeter.  It  is 
said  a  drop  of  musk  will  scent  a  room  for  a  thousand  years.  I  do 
not  think  I  will  ever  lose  the  fragrance  of  that  song  and  the  prayer 
which  followed. 

When  convalescing,  some  of  my  wealthy  members  insisted  that 
myself  and  wife  with  our  infant  daughter  go  to  the  Springs.  They 
were  twenty-five  miles  from  the  city.  The  Battle  family  had  a 
cottage  there,  and  sent  servants  and  provisions  ahead ;  while  the 
Vaughn  family  furnished  horses  and  carriage  for  transportation. 
We  found  everything  to  make  us  comfortable.  My  recuperation 
was  rapid.  Returning  reinvigorated,  my  work  was  taken  up  with 
energy.  My  strong  attachment  to  that  people  has  never  been 
effaced.  God  prospered  the  work.  As  the  Conference  year  was 
drawing  to  a  close,  it  became  necessary  for  financial  interests  for 
my  removal  to  East  Alabama.  At  the  Conference  session  held  in 
Macon,  Mississippi,  my  request  was  granted  and  I  was  sent  to  that 
beautiful  town,  Tuskegee,  then  famous  for  its  educational  facilities 
and  its  moral  tone. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV    JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  6l 


CHAPTER  XVI. 
Tuskegee  Station. 

At  Tuskegee,  was  located  the  Tuskegee  Female  College;  Rev 
A.  J.  Lipscomb,  D.  D.,  president,  and  Rev.  G.  W.  F.  Price,  professor, 
with  quite  a  number  of  lady  teachers.  Here,  too,  the  Baptists  had 
a  very  flourishing  female  college.  At  the  same  time,  the  citizens 
claimed  to  have  one  of  the  best  classical  high  schools  for  boys  in 
Alabama.     My  new  charge  received  me  with  open  arms. 

The  nearest  neighbor  to  the  parsonage  was  Rev.  G.  W.  F. 
Price,  who  in  after  years  became  so  famous  as  an  educator  and  as 
a  man  of  eloquence.  As  a  word-painter  he  was  unsurpassed. 
Words  of  the  choicest  quality  flowed  from  his  lips,  not  at  random, 
but  of  special  adaptation.  He  rose  step  by  step  until  he  was  known 
all  over  the  land,  and  honors  were  crowded  upon  him.  While 
gifted  as  a  teacher,  his  spirit  was  on  a  line  with  the  mind  of  our 
Lord.  Few  men  exerted  a  wider  influence  over  young  minds,  or 
lifted  more  young  hearts  into  hopefulness.  His  life  was_  marked 
by  a  manliness  worthy  of  imitation.  He  lived  nobly.  His  influence 
sweeps  on.  After  forty-three  years  I  became  his  pastor  again,  and 
found  years  had  not  severed  the  bond  of  friendship  which  united  us 
in  the  long  ago.  When  taking  charge  of  McKendree  Church, 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  he  was  the  first  man  to  commend  me  in  public. 
In  writing  of  such  a  character  and  closing  hours  the  approach  must 
be  reverential.  In  his  sickness  he  sent  for  me.  When,  on  the  last 
visit  he  spoke  of  our  long  acquaintance,  and  of  his  love  for  me, 
reaching  up  his  arms  clasped  me  around  the  neck  drawing  my 
face  down  to  his  he  uttered  words  of  triumph. 

Notwithstanding  the  country  was  in  commotion  over  the  ques- 
tion of  Secession,  and  war  seemed  inevitable,  the  pastor  succeeded 
in  influencing  his  people  to  subscribe  the  needed  funds  for  a  new 
house  of  worship.  After  long  interviews  and  discussions  in  com- 
mittee, I  was  appointed  to  write  a  New  York  architect  to  send  us 
the  drawing  for  the  plan  of  a  church  that  would  cost  thirty  thou- 
sand dollars.  That  amount  had  been  subscribed  in  the  form  of 
notes,  payable  at  different  times.  After  waiting  a  time,  the  plan 
arrived  and  all  who  viewed  it  expressed  approval.  It  took  time  to  let 
the  contract,  and  before  the  house  was  begun  my  pastorate  of  two 
years  expired. 

It  is  not  all  sunshine  in  any  life.  We  were  called  to  bury  our 
second  child,  a  son.  His  dust  lies  in  the  cemetery  in  that  town,  and 
hope  anticipates  a  reunion  in  the  great  City  of  our  God. 

Here  Satan  lifted  his  loftv  head  and  disturbed  the  quiet  joy  of 


62  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

a  prosperous  Church.  My  predecessor  was  an  able  preacher.  Like 
the  rest  of  us  he  sometimes  made  mistakes.  During  his  administra- 
tion, a  rumor  floated  around,  that  a  Judge,  a  member  of  his  Church, 
was  seen  in  an  adjoining  town  under  the  influence  of  liquor.  Dr. 
Cotton  called  to  see  the  Judge  and  informed  him  of  the  report. 
"  Who  is  your  informant  ?  "  demanded  the  Judge.  The  informant's 
name  was  given.  The  Judge  called  on  him,  and  he  denied  ever 
giving  the  minister  such  information.  The  Judge  was  left  to  his 
own  inferences,  and  withdrew  from  the  Church.  The  pastor  was 
greatly  perplexed,  but  was  helpless.  During  my  term  two  of  the 
Judge's  daughters  were  reported  as  dancing.  This  rumor  excited 
some  of  our  strictest  members  and  there  was  a  clamor  for  discipline. 
On  Monday  morning  while  crossing  the  square,  an  official  member 
accosted  me,  alleging  that  rumor  said  these  young  ladies  had  been 
dancing.  Said  he,  "  Discipline  ought  to  be  enforced  or  the  Church 
will  be  demoralized."  I  quietly  replied,  "  I  am  willing  to  call  to  see 
the  girls  at  once,  but  they  may  demand  my  authority  for  the  report, 
can  I  use  your  name  ?  "  "  No,  not  at  all ;  it  would  damage  my 
business."  Hardly  had  I  gone  a  block  when  another  brother,  con- 
siderably excited,  accosted  me,  and  urged  the  enforcement  of  dis- 
cipline. I  said,  "  I  will  go  at  once  to  the  Judge's,  and  see  the  young 
ladies.  They  may  demand  my  authority;  can  I  use  your  name?" 
"  No  indeed,  the  family  would  become  my  enemies."  These  were 
good  men,  yet  would  let  the  pastor  suffer  in  reputation  by  aliena- 
ting a  family.  After  weighing  the  subject,  my  conclusion  was  to 
go  and  see  the  family  and  talk  the  matter  over.  When  the  young 
ladies  entered  the  parlor  they  were  evidently  excited.  Quietly 
my  object  in  visiting  them  was  stated.  I  had  simply  called  to  talk 
over  the  rumor ;  not  to  bring  charges,  but  to  have  a  Christian  chat. 
There  was  an  ebullition  of  feeling  on  their  part,  but  as  "  a  soft 
answer  turneth  away  wrath,"  my  answer  was  on  that  line.  They 
spoke  of  hide-bound  members,  but  in  quiet  tones  I  replied,  "  If 
you  were  dying,  who  would  you  send  for  to  pray  for  you.  a  dancing 
Methodist,  or  one  of  the  hide-bound?"  As  they  began  to  soften. 
I  said  "  Let  us  pray."  My  heart  was  in  that  prayer.  When  the 
"  amen  "  was  uttered  and  we  arose,  every  eye  was  suffused  in  tears. 
God's  finger  had  touched  these  young  souls.  The  weeping 
mother,  between  her  sobs,  said,  "  Oh,  if  the  Judge  had  been  ap- 
proached in  like  manner  as  you  have  come  to-day,  he  would  not  be 
out  of  the  Church  to-day !  "  Then  appealing  to  the  young  ladies 
I  said,  "  Can  you  not  give  up  some  pleasure  for  Christ's  sake  ?  " 
They  requested  time  to  consider,  and  promised  to  make  known 
their  decision  in  a  few  days.  On  the  following  Saturday  they 
informed  me  .they  would  give  up  dancing.  Not  many  months 
passed  until  they  both  married,  and  removing  to  other  homes  united 
by  letter  with  the  Church  and  became  noted  as  Christian  workers. 

On  one  occasion  I  was  called  to  see  a  dying  patriarch.     For 
manv  years  he  had  preached  the  Gospel.    Tt  was  a  feast  of  fat  things 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ,,3 

to  hear  him  talk.  In  triumphant  strains  he  exclaimed,  "  No  fear. 
I  'm  ready  to  go  and  be  with  God!  "  When  the  statement  is  made, 
"  He  was  a  Christian !  "  it  signifies  a  character  like  Christ's.  In 
times  past  it  did  not  always  imply  so  much.  Thomas  a  Kempis  was 
a  believer,  but  he  lived  in  a  cell  for  seventy  years.  Pascal  wore  a 
girdle  of  thorns  to  keep  in  check  any  form  of  comfort.  This  old 
saint  won  his  title  bravely,  meeting  his  obligations  to  man  and  God. 

Some  one  asked  me  if  I  did  not  get  lonesome  so  continuously 
by  myself.  The  response  was,  "  Not  if  I  have  a  book  to  read  or  a 
subject  on  which  to  write."  My  aim  is  to  be  a  master  workman  in 
the  Lord's  vineyard,  and  I  follow  Adam  Clarke's  suggestion,  "  To 
intermeddle  with  all  knowledge."  Took  up  Rev.  Abel  Stevens's 
"  Preaching  for  the  Times."  As  Dr.  Johnson  said  of  a  certain  book, 
so  would  I  repeat  of  this  work :  "  The  critic  ought  to  read  it  for  its 
eloquence,  the  philosopher  for  its  arguments,  and  the  saint  for  its 
piety." 

Presiding  Elders  are  expected  to  be  wise  and  prudent,  but  are 
not  always  so.  Mine  grew  impatient  for  a  protracted  meeting.  My 
idea  was  to  depend  on  the  ordinary  means  until  we  were  ripe  for 
such  a  meeting.  At  his  Quarterly  Meeting  he  announced  a  pro- 
tracted service.  He  carried  on  the  meeting  in  his  own  way,  but  at 
the  end  of  the  week  closed  without  apparently  accomplishing  any- 
thing.   He  ran  the  meeting;  I  cooperated  with  him. 

Tuskegee  was  noted  for  a  number  of  talented  men.  Here  re- 
sided Hon.  David  Clopton,  a  Steward,  afterwards  in  the  Confederate 
Congress,  then  later  a  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court.  He  was  a 
man  of  large  ability  and  equally  esteemed  for  his  purity  of  char- 
acter. For  a  number  of  years  he  was  Superintendent  of  our  Sun- 
day-School in  Montgomery,  Alabama.  Here,  too,  was  the  Hon. 
Robert  Ligon,  a  Steward,  and  in  course  of  time  Lieutenant-Governor 
of  the  State.  Here  resided  the  Morgans,  the  parents  of  the  cele- 
brated United  States  Senator  Morgan.  As  a  member  of  our  Church 
we  had  an  elect  lady,  a  Morgan,  now  the  wife  of  ex-Supreme  Judge 
Chilton,  and  mother  of  the  Rev.  Claude  Chilton  of  the  Alabama 
Conference.  The  Judge  was  a  large-hearted  Baptist  and  his  wife  a 
strong  Methodist.  This  ecclesiastical  year  closed  delightfully. 
Manv  were  converted  and  added  to  the  Lord. 


6  PREPS   INTO   LIFE 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Auburn  Station. 

At  the  Annual  Conference  in  December,  i860,  I  was  appointed 
to  Auburn.  Political  excitement  ran  high.  Many  of  the  States 
voted  themselves  out  of  the  Union,  and  a  Confederate  Congress  met 
in  Montgomery,  and  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis  was  elected  President. 
The  excitement,  -  North  and  South,  was  intense.  War  was  inevi- 
table, and  Auburn  was  one  of  the  centers  for  the  training  of  Con- 
federate soldiers.  When  Mr.  Davis  was  on  his  way  to  be  inau- 
gurated the  people  poured  out  to  hear  his  speeches.  His  address 
at  Auburn  was  temperate  and  serious.  The  tasks  confronting  him 
called  for  deliberation  and  wisdom. 

We  had  a  strong  Church  at  Auburn,  and  they  warmly  received 
their  new  pastor.  Nearly  the  entire  community  were  Methodists. 
The  East  Alabama  Male  College  was  then  at  its  best.  Rev.  Dr. 
Sasnett  was  at  its  head.  He  was  a  fine  thinker,  a  strong  adminis- 
trator, and  a  Christian  gentleman  of  a  high  type.  He  was  a  great 
preacher  and  gave  us  an  unadulterated  Gospel.  He  was  supported 
by  a  strong  faculty.  At  the  call  for  volunteers  nearly  every  student 
responded  and  the  college  closed.  We  had  in  Auburn  a  Female 
College,  now  in  charge  of  my  predecessor,  Wm.  H.  Harrison,  D.  D. 
In  after  times  he  was  Book  Editor,  and  editor  of  pur  Quarterly 
Review,  He  was  a  close  student  and  a  man  of.  ability.  This  col- 
lege had  been  for  years  in  charge  of  one  of  the  best  and  strongest 
men  in  the  Church.  He  was  a  scientist  of  the  first  water  and  a 
teacher  unsurpassed  in  any  section.  His  Christian  character  was 
such  that  he  adopted  the  Bible  in  his  curriculum,  and  taught  the 
Gospel  as  he  taught  grammar  or  chemistry.  My  wife  attended  this 
college,  and  learned  from  the  lips  of  this  layman  a  clear  view  of 
theology  and  never  lost  the  deep  impression  of  Professor  Darby's 
spiritual  instruction. 

Quite  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  Alabama  Conference 
resided  in  Auburn  for  the  purpose  of  educating  their  children.  One 
of  these  was  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Hamill,  agent  of  the  Male  College.  He 
was  a  remarkable  man.  His  appetite  for  knowledge  was  abnormal. 
He  was  a  unique  preacher,  a  strong  debater,  and  a  very  godly  man. 
Our  great  Sunday-School  leader  was  then  about  twelve  years  of 
age  and  joined  our  church  under  my  ministry.  Dr.  Hamill  is  sur- 
passed by  no  man  in  America  in  the  knowlege  of  the  needs,  in- 
fluence, and  the  best  methods  of  conducting  Sunday-Schools.  His 
teaching  is  of  untold  value  to  the  rising  generation.     He  is  ably 


M  T0BI0GBAPH7  OF  REV.  ,loif\   MATHEWS,  D.  )>.  65 

reinforced  by  his  accomplished  wife.  It  is  a  pleasing  fact  to  me 
now,  when  old  and  under  physical  disabilities,  that  I  helped  to  give 
shape  to  this  young  life  and  encouraged  his  boyish  purpose  to  live 
for  God. 

Notwithstanding  the  inflamed  condition  of  the  public  mind  we 
had  some  profitable  times,  some  conversions  and  growth  in  Christian 
life.  My  heart  was  true  to  God.  While  I  was  true  to  the  State  and 
voted  with  the  people,  my  conviction  was  God  would  have  his  way 
with  the  Nation.  During  the  year  attended  camp-meeting  and 
aided  to  extend  the  Lord's  cause.  I  made  regular  pastoral  visits 
although  naturally,  I  did  not  love  it.  Why  pastoral  visiting  is  so 
distasteful  to  so  many  ministers  is  an  enigma  to  me.  With  prayer 
and  reasoning  I  sought  from  the  first  to  overcome  this  distaste.  One 
of  our  most  popular  Bishops  assured  me  that  the  most  distasteful 
part  of  his  duty  was  that  of  visiting.  Yet,  this  is  the  left  hand  of  a 
minister's  power;  preaching  is  the  right  hand,  and  nothing  can 
supersede  it. 

In  Tuskegee  and  the  adjoining  charges  there  was  considerable 
excitement  over  the  fact  that  a  number  of  the  preachers  were 
turning  out  their  beards.  Members  declared  they  would  not  have 
bearded  men  in  the  pulpit.  My  taste  has  always  been  for  a  smooth 
face ;  I  therefore  escaped  a  disturbance.  But  in  Auburn  another 
trouble  arose.  We  were  in  a  transition  state  over  chairs  and 
organs.  The  congregation  had  purchased  a  cabinet  organ  and 
organized  a  choir.  We  had  a  valuable  member,  a  man  of  great 
moral  worth,  who  loved  to  sing.  He  was  no  artist  and  sometimes 
would  miss  the  right  key,  but  nothing  daunted  would  try  again. 
How  he  watched  the  pastor's  lips  that  he  might  get  the  start  of  the 
choir !  Sometimes  it  was  a  race  to  see  which  would  get  the  start. 
Of  course  it  was  embarrassing  to  the  pastor  to  witness  the  con- 
fusion produced  by  both  starting  different  tunes !  These  facts  of 
beards  and  music  show  to  what  annoyances  pastors  were  subjected 
in  conducting  worship.  Gnat-bites  sting  one,  so  trifles  sometimes 
disturb  the  work  of  the  Church.  Some  good  men  claim  they  are 
standing  by  a  principle,  when  fighting  for  a  prejudice.  Lord  Bacon 
said,  "  Prejudices  are  idols."  It  took  tact  to  keep  from  allying  one- 
self to  a  party. 


66  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

LOWNDESBORO  DISTRICT. 

The  Annual  Conference  convened  in  Greensboro,  the  seat  of  the 
Southern  University.  It  was  a  stirring  Conference  on  account  of 
civil  strife.  Everywhere  one  heard  only  "  War !  war !  "  The  Con- 
ference met  in  its  then  shape  for  the  last  time.  It  voted  to  divide 
into  the  Alabama  and  Montgomery  Conferences. 

The  morning  of  the  day  Conference  closed,  Drs.  Hamilton  and 
Mitchell  called  to  see  me  to  know  if  I  would  consent,  for  the  time 
being,  to  remain  in  the  Alabama  Conference  and  go  to  one  of  the 
Churches  in  Mobile.  My  interests  were  in  the  bounds  of  the  Mont- 
gomery division.  After  considerable  persuasion,  I  agreed  to  go,  as 
the  Bishop  had  commissioned  them  to  make  the  proposition.  Three 
hours  after  this  interview  the  appointments  were  announced.  I 
expected  to  go  to  Mobile,  but  lo!  other  names  were  called,  and  my 
mind  began  to  wonder,  "  What  next,  and  where?  "  He  read  on  and 
on ;  still  my  name  was  uncalled ;  until  near  the  end  of  the  list, 
"  Lowndesboro  District,  John  Mathews,  Presiding  Elder !  "  I  was 
for  a  few  moments  dumbfounded !  I  had  then,  and  have  ever  since 
had,  a  repugnance  to  being  a  Presiding  Elder.  True,  the  presiding 
eldership  is  an  honorable  position,  but  honor,  while  appreciated,  was 
no  compensation  for  a  position  where  souls  were  not  inducted  into 
•  the  Kingdom  of  Christ.  It  is  a  position  too,  where  great  power 
over  other  lives  is  exerted,  and  personal  likes  and  dislikes,  even  in 
good  men,  sway  their  actions.  I  had  learned  it  is  a  futile  thing  to 
fence  with  authority.  About  all  one  can  do  is  to  bite  one's  lips  and 
accept  the  situation.  As  soon  as  possible,  in  a  somewhat  sulky 
mood,  I  went  to  my  District.  The  Bishop  told  me  his  reason  for 
the  appointment.     I  will  not  give  it ;  it  may  have  been  "  taffy." 

My  family  was  located  for  the  time  being  in  the  town  of 
Lowndesboro,  a  small  place,  but  choice  society.  We  boarded  in  the 
family  of  Mr.  Thomas,  a  man  of  great  wealth  and  of  fine  surround- 
ings. His  wife  was  one  of  the  most  saintly  women  who  ever  lived 
in  that  place.  To  serve  God  was  her  joy ;  to  do  good  her  highest 
happiness.  Wealth  did  not  intoxicate,  but  spurred  her  on  to  a 
closer  walk  with 'God.  While  she  could  not  create  spiritual  life  any 
more  than  she  could  create  the  morning  star,  she  put  her  soul  where 
Christ  could  shine  upon  it,  and  thus  secured  power. 

My  first  aim  was  to  magnify  my  office.  As  the  Discipline 
directed,  as  I  went  from  one  Quarterly  Conference  to  another,  I 
made  a  specialty  of  looking  after  the  support  of  the  preachers.  I 
was  absent  from  home  a  month ;  high  waters  and  prairie  mud  inter- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  67 

cepting  me.  A  point  with  me  was  not  to  turn  back.  Going-  to  one 
appointment,  I  had  to  pass  through  a  swamp.  As  far  as  the  eye 
could  see  there  was  nothing  but  water.  In  conversation  with  a 
gentleman  of  the  vicinity,  he  informed  me  that  great  holes  had 
washed  out  in  the  road,  and  about  a  half-mile  in  the  swamp  there 
was  danger ;  that  if  I  would  but  keep  a  certain  tree  in  sight  and 
make  for  that,  I  would  be  safe.  I  rode  forward,  but  was  some- 
what alarmed ;  and  like  a  certain  General  going  into  battle,  his  legs 
shaking  from  fear,  he  said,  "  If  you  knew  where  I  was  carrying 
you,  you  would  shake  worse  than  that !  "  Bravery  lies  in  the  blood, 
courage  in  the  mind ;  one  is  brave  in  proportion  as  he  does  not 
think,  but  is  courageous  in  proportion  as  he  thinks.  Pushing 
onward,  I  was  constantly  apprehensive  of  falling  into  some  hidden 
washout.  Though  unable  to  swim,  I  had  confidence  in  my  noble 
and  high-spirited  horse.  When,  after  an  hour's  wading,  that 
special  tree  was  reached,  I  turned  to  the  right  and  waded  on  until 
at  last  I  reached  solid  ground.  Near  where  I  emerged  from  that 
swamp  was  a  man  clearing  a  piece  of  land ;  and  having  a  fire,  the 
privilege  of  drying  my  wet  clothes  was  granted  me.  Moving  on 
for  a  few  miles  I  saw  another  sheet  of  water  ahead  of  me !  What 
now  ?  When  it  was  reached,  not  knowing  what  else  to  do,  I  decided 
to  cross  it.  My  horse  would  go  in  up  to  the  saddle-skirts  then 
wheel  around  and  run  out.  On  a  high  ridge  on  the  side  a  gentle- 
man witnessed  my  effort  to  force  my  horse  into  the  water ;  lifting 
up  his  voice  he  cried  out,  "  Mister !  Are  you  trying  to  swim  the  Ala- 
bama River !  "  How  could  I  know  it  was  the  river !  The  instinct 
of  my  horse  saved  me ;  no  doubt,  but  for  him,  a  Presiding  Elder 
would  have  drowned !  In  Alabama,  to  this  day,  they  tell  this  story, 
with  numerous  additions  and  embellishments.  In  a  speech  before 
the  Conference,  in  describing  the  scene,  I  spoke  of  my  "  fool  horse 
refusing  to  go  further,"  when  the  preachers  responded,  "  The  man 
was  the  fool !  " 

In  meeting  the  Quarterly  Conferences,  when  the  support  of  the 
pastor  was  under  consideration,  the  Stewards  would  say,  "  We 
raised  so  much  last  year."  My  answer  was,  "  Never  mind  that." 
Then  I  inquired,  "  About  what  does  it  take  to  support  a  man  and 
family  in  comfort  in  your  community  ?  "  The  answer  was  about 
double  what  they  had  paid.  In  urging  them  to  assess  that  double 
amount,  they  alleged  it  could  not  be  raised.  My  reply  was,  "  The 
pastor  will  take  corn,  meat,  spun  truck,  peas,  hides  and  tallow!" 
Then  they  began  to  see  light.  At  the  Brundige  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence one  brother  subscribed  hams,  another  side  bacon,  another  corn, 
and  another  peas.  The  subscription  went  on  until  the  question  was 
sprung,  "How  can  we  get  these  things  to  the  pastor's  home?" 
Two  brethren  proposed  to  furnish  wagons,  and  two  others  sub- 
scribed their  services  to  drive.  All  this  besides  the  usual  money 
assessment.  The  question  was  then  asked  me,  "  How  about  your 
pay?"     "Oh."  said  I.  "anything  will  do;  I'll  take  corn  or  socks, 


68  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

or  shucks  or  hides !  "  They  subscribed  corn.  My  home  was  a  long 
distance,  so  I  employed  a  man  to  pen  the  corn  and  cover  it,  and 
went  on  my  way.  Before  the  next  Quarterly  Conference  they  were 
writing  to  me,  wanting  to  purchase  the  corn  at  a  large  advance  in 
price,  but  I  wrote  back  to  divide  it  out  amongst  the  families  whose 
husbands  had  gone  to  the  army. 

The  Civil  War  was  being  waged  with  great  energy.  Every 
man  had  to  take  sides.  Strangers  had  to  give  an  account  of  them- 
selves. As  Presiding  Elder,  visiting  the  various  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings, the  people  whom  I  visited  would  soon  inquire,  "  Where  were 
you  raised  ?  "  The  next  night  I  would  be  the  guest  of  another 
neighbor,  who  would  soon  inquire,  "  Where  were  you  born?  "  The 
answer  promptly  given,  in  both  cases,  "  I  was  born  in  Philadelphia, 
but  raised  in  Tennessee."  These  neighbors  would  meet  and  discuss 
the  Elder,  and  as  to  his  nativity  and  raising  they  would  say  he  told 
me  so  and  so.  Suspicion  as  to  my  loyalty  to  the  Confederacy  was 
aroused.  Dr.  Hamilton,  at  the  Conference  in  the  winter,  laugh- 
ingly told  how  I  was  suspected.  Ever  after,  when  interrogated, 
before  I  replied  I  would  say,  "  I  was  born  in  one  place  and  raised 
in  another."    The  people  used  these  terms  interchangeably. 

During  my  absence,  the  overseer  on  our  plantation  was  con- 
scripted, which  necessitated  my  presence  there.  The  family  was 
large  and  without  any  one  to  look  after  the  servants.  Mrs. 
Mathews  returned  and  put  things  in  shape  by  the  time  I  finished  my 
round  on  the  District.  We  had  hard  times.  We  had  to  weave  our 
own  cloth  to  supply  white  and  black.  T  attended  the  field  hands 
that  the  crop  might  not  fall  short.  It  was  difficult  to  secure  sup- 
plies of  any  kind,  as  we  were  so  far  in  the  interior.  Though  ships 
ran  the  blockade,  yet  the  supplies  were  exhausted  long  before  any 
could  reach  our  section.  We  could  secure  no  medicines.  An  old 
North  Carolinian  had  told  me  of  the  curative  properties  of  peach 
leaves  and  I  had  sacks  filled  and  stored  away.  When  any  one  was 
sick,  the  order  was  to  get  a  handful  of  peach  leaves  and  make  a 
tea.  Our  supply  of  salt  gave  out,  and  the  only  thing  we  could  do 
was  to  dig  up  the  earth  floor  of  the  smoke-house,  and  run  it  through 
a  home-made  "  ash-hopper,"  then  boil  the  water  in  large  kettles,  and 
in  this  way  we  secured  some  salt.  It,  however,  retained  its  dirt 
color.  The  tvphoid  fever  broke  out  in  the  family,  and  the  phy- 
sician decided  it  was  caused  by  the  use  of  this  salt.  Two  of  the 
blacks  died,  and  my  wife  lay  for  weeks,  hovering  between  life  and 
death.  She  lingered  so  long,  the  physician  abandoned  the  case. 
One  Sunday  evening  her  mother  and  I  talked  of  the  abandonment, 
and  she  said,  "  Mr.  Mathews,  do  not  let  her  die  on  our  hands  with- 
out making  another  effort !  "  Then  it  occurred  to  me  that  I  had 
heard  of  a  physician  at  a  hamlet  eight  miles  away.  A  messenger 
was  despatched  post-haste,  but  the  plantation  blacks  dealt  in  the 
marvellous  to  such  an  extent,  when  he  found  the  physician,  he  stated 
all  the  physicians  around  had  been  there,  but  none  were  attending 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  69 

now.  The  doctor  said  it  was  an  abandoned  case,  and  refused  to 
go.  The  next  morning  I  sent  again.  He  came,  examined  my  wife's 
condition  and  at  first  refused  to  take  charge  of  the  case,  but  finally 
consented.  He  was  an  eclectic  physician,  and  for  two  weeks  did 
his  best,  and  then,  shaking  his  head,  said,  "  She  has  changed  and  is 
now  in  a  stupor ;  "  and  going  to  see  the  sick  black  woman,  he  re- 
marked, "  Frankie's  life  chances  are  worth  a  dozen  of  your  wife's." 
That  was  Monday.  On  Thursday  we  buried  the  black  woman,  and 
the  wife  still  lives. 

During  the  distressing  state  of  affairs,  it  was  difficult  to  even 
get  flour.  About  twelve  miles  away  I  learned  of  a  well-to-do  man 
who  wanted  some  Methodist  hymn  books.  I  had  four  dozen  stowed 
away  in  a  loft.  After  considerable  discussion,  he  agreed  to  give  me 
a  sack  of  flour  for  my  hymn  books.  We  could  get  no  coffee.  We 
used  what  was  called  "  Confederate  coffee."  Wheat  was  parched 
and  ground,  then  boiled;  but  it  was  a  poor  substitute.  Some  Con- 
federate soldiers  of  the  commissary  department  camped  near  us  one 
night ;  we  sent  some  milk  to  their  camp,,  and  they  sent  us  five  or 
six  pounds  of  coffee  which  lasted  us  for  special  use,  until  the  war 
closed. 

One  law  guided  me  heretofore,  and  now  it  was  adopted  with 
renewed  vigor,  because  of  increased  responsibility :  "  What  thy 
hand  findeth  to  do,  do  with  thy  might."  Certain  facts,  I  had  learned, 
contained  the  germ  of  all  organized  Christian  work.  These  facts 
were  studied,  hence  much  time  was  given  to  study  how  to  reach  the 
human  heart — the  easy  passes  into  each  heart.  A  musician  spends 
days  and  even  years  in  studying  how  to  evoke  the  richest  music 
from  his  instrument,  and  will  practice  until,  without  a  conscious  act 
of  the  will,  his  fingers  touch  the  right  keys.  There  were  times 
when  I  felt  I  had  little  or  nothing  to  bring  as  the  sheaf  of  my  offer- 
ing when  night  closed  in  ;  but  I  studied  and  trusted  God  for  re- 
sults. 


0  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
Oak  Bowery  and  Lafayette.  » 

The  Conference  of  the  year  1861  met,  and  Bishop  Pierce  pre- 
sided and  stated  that  the  Bishops  had  agreed,  when  any  of  the 
ministers  had  financial  interests  at  stake,  to  appoint  them  where 
they  could  take  charge  of  such  interests.  I  was  relieved  of  the 
District  and  put  in  charge  of  Oak  Bowery  Circuit.  My  home  was 
in  the  bounds  of  this  Circuit.  I  never  failed  to  meet  my  appoint- 
ments, and  the  people  were  ever  ready  to  attend  to  discuss  passing 
events  before  service  began. 

Then  at  another  Conference,  Lafayette  and  Oak  Bowery  were 
made  a  station  and  I  was  put  in  charge.  Lafayette  was  fifteen  miles 
away,  and  Oak  Bowery  eight.  Preached  at  these  towns  on  al- 
ternate Sundays.  All  kind  of  rumors  were  afloat.  We  could  hear 
of  the  defeat  of  our  Confederate  forces.  Sherman's  army  was 
marching  through  Georgia.  Raids  were  dashing  through  Alabama. 
A  raid  was  approaching  our  section.  Some  neighbors  rode  out 
two  or  three  miles  and  watched  the  burning  of  cotton-gins  along  the 
railroad  track.  We  had  to  hide  some  things,  but  the  raiders  would 
often  find  and  seize  them.  My  wife's  mother  had  sent  over  to  her 
daughter  a  bottle  of  peach  brandy  to  be  held  for  medicinal  purposes. 
Wife  hid  it  in  the*  ash-hopper.  Some  of  the  servants,  unknown  to 
her,  witnessed  the  hiding.  The  raid  passed  within  a  mile  of  us,  and 
when  it  had  passed  my  wife  went  to  the  ash-hopper,  uncovered  the 
bottle,  but  eve*y  drop  of  the  brandy  had  been  used  up.  We  never 
knew  who  stole  it. 

We  were  not  a  great  distance  from  Andersonville,  famous  for 
the  number  of  Federal  prisoners  and  the  trouble  to  secure  food  for 
them.  Soldiers  with  wagons  scoured  the  country  for  supplies ;  they 
would  order  us  to  open  our  smoke-houses,  and  take  half  the  meat 
we  had  on  hand.  The  food  supply  was  about  exhausted.  The  road 
was  filled  with  soldiers  in  groups,  deserting,  but  telling  the  people 
they  were  on  furlough.  As  the  days  passed  with  us,  it  was  one  long 
agony.  We  believed  our  cause  was  lost  and  prepared  to  acquiesce  as 
best  we  could.  Two  years  before  I  had  stood  in  the  pulpit  and  in 
preaching  to  a  large  audience,  I  called  upon  the  wealthiest  man  in 
the  audience  to  witness  as  we  rode  home.  My  position  was  this — let 
this  war  terminate  as  it  may,  I  will  accept  it  as  providential.  When 
we  were  sure  Lee  had  surrendered,  the  next  Sunday  everybody 
turned  out  to  church  to  hear  and  see.  In  my  place  I  called  upon 
that  same  man  to  witness.  "  Now,"  said  I,  "  the  result  is  known. 
My  family  loses  as  much  as  any  one  in  the  '  beat,'  and  I  accept  it 
as  providential." 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  yr 

When  Lee's  surrender  was  confirmed,  the  blacks  were  sum- 
moned from  their  quarters  into  the  houseyard  and  informed  they 
were  all  free.  "  You  can  go  or  stay.  If  you  stay  and  finish  the 
crop  it  will  be  divided  amongst  you  as  when  white  men  work  on 
shares."  They  remained  and  finished  the  crop.  There  was  no  dem- 
onstration. They  were  dazed.  One  man  spoke  up  and  said,  "  We 
will  not  let  you  and  Miss  Mary  suffer."  When  they  retired  to 
their  cabins  it  was  in  a  solemn  silence.  As  we  entered  our  house, 
Mrs.  Mathews,  said,  "  Are  we  not  poor  ?  We  '11  never  have  any- 
thing again !  We  will  not  be  able  to  get  even  sugar  and  coffee ! " 
To  quiet  her  fears,  my  reply  was,  "After  this  flurry  L  over  I 
expect  to  have  all  we  have  been  enjoying!  "  She  knew  we  did  not 
have  a  single  nickel.  That  night  we  went  to  sleep  not  without 
effort,  and  woke  up  in  the  morning  in  a  new  world. 

Just  about  sunset  a  man  riding  a  very  fine  horse  stopped  at 
the  gate,  and  inquired  could  he  get  himself  and  horse  fed?  He 
would  not  let  the  animal  be  put  into  the  stable,  but  she  must  be 
fed  at  the  gate,  so  if  pursued  he  could  mount  and  away.  I  had 
never  charged  any  one  for  a  meal,  but  believing  he  was  a  horse 
thief,  when  he  inquired  for  his  bill,  I  replied,  "  One  dollar."  He 
drew  from  his  pocket  a  soiled  rag,  and  unwound  it,  counted  out  ten 
dimes  and  handed  them  to  me.  That  dollar  was  my  financial  start 
in  the  new  world  of  things. 

The  following  Sunday  morning  my  appointment  was  at  Lafay- 
ette, fifteen  miles  distant.  When  the  town  was  reached  I  found  it 
in  possession  of  a  company  of  Union  soldiers.  The  officers  and 
some  of  the  men  attended  the  service.  It  was  told  me  that  some 
were  denying  they  were  Confederates.  I  always  had  a  contempt 
for  shirks  and  cowards.  During  the  sermon  I  alluded  to  the  fact 
that  the  county  voted  for  secession  by  a  majority  of  nine  hundred, 
and  it  was  not  thickly  populated.  Then  I  stated,  "  My  vote  was  for 
Secession  and  for  Davis  because  I  was  in  alliance  with  the  people. 
Now  we  are  whipped  I  accept  the  situation  as  providential."  The 
army  men  congratulated  me  on  my  candor. 

In  the  afternoon,  as  usual,  I  preached  to  the  blacks.  The 
house  was  full  and  we  had  a  spirited  meeting.  Just  before  the 
benediction  was  pronounced,  one  of  the  leaders  stepped  forward, 
and  laid  his  handkerchief  down  on  a  table,  and  remarked,  about 
thus,  "  While  we  sing  let  every  one  come  up  and  contribute  some- 
thing for  our  preacher !  "  A  song  was  started  and  they  marched 
up  one  by  one  and  put  their  offering  on  the  table.  The  collection 
amounted  to  ten  dollars  and  some  cents.  The  absorbing  question 
with  me  was,  what  to  do.  Here  is  a  plantation,  mules,  provender, 
cotton,  and  equipments  for  farming.  Shall  I  live  here  and  cultivate, 
or  sell  out  and  continue  as  a  traveling  preacher  ?  The  problem  was 
not  hard  to  solve.  I  decided  to  be  true  to  the  vows  of  my  youth 
and  continue  in  the  active  ministrv.  The  Lord  opened  up  my  way. 
The  plantation  was  sold.    Then  an  auction  of  mules,  wagons,  plows, 


y2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

corn,  fodder,  cows,  and  other  things  all  brought  good  prices  and  my 
way  clear  to  go  on  propagating  the  Gospel.  Rumors  were  spread 
abroad  that  the  Government  would  not  allow  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  to  exist.  The  question  confronted  us,  ','  What 
are  we  to  do  ?  "  A  few  left  us.  Bishop  Andrew  issued  a  circular 
calling  on  the  preachers  to  continue  in  their  work,  and  stating  that 
a  General  Conference  would  be  called  and  our  status  decided. 
Preachers  and  people  held  on,  and  the  result  has  been  a  marvelous 
prosperity.  By  the  meeting  of  our  Conference  in  December,  I  was 
ready  for  the  long  march  which  I  have  made  since  that  day.  We 
had  no  Bishop.  Rev.  O.  R.  Blue  presided,  and  sent  me  to  Wetump- 
ka  as  the  only  opening  for  me. 

However,  before  leaving  our  home,  I  held  a  protracted  meeting 
at  our  near-by  chapel,  and  a  revival  of  great  power  was  the  result. 
Rev.  Samuel  Harris,  a  very  strong  preacher,  and  a  very  spiritual 
man,  aided  in  the  work.  He  was  one  of  the  most  useful  local 
preachers  I  ever  knew.  It  was  one  of  the  old-time  meetings. 
Men  and  women  were  convicted  through  and  through.  It  was  not 
mere  enamel  but  went  to  the  core.  It  was  a  Baptist  community  and 
amongst  the  many  converts  fourteen  men  were  immersed  by  me  in 
the  creek  near  by.'  These  converts  were  my  neighbors  and  knew  my 
manner  of  life.  The  work  of  God  moved  on  in  spite  of  the  losses 
sustained  by  the  people. 

Property  may  vanish,  but  something  of  more  value  remains. 
An  eminent  writer  has  said,  "  All  the  rest  of  your  life  in  this  world  is 
left;  and  all  Heaven,  and  all  God.  He  is  behind  and  before.  He 
can  go  back  of  the  things  that  trouble  you." 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  -JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


73 


CHAPTER  XX. 
Wetumpka  Station. 

Wetumpka  was  comparatively  a  small  town,  but  I  found  a 
large-hearted  people.  We  had  a  small  membership  but  a  good 
house  of  worship.  The  Aliens  were  generous  to  a  fault,  and  as 
loyal  to  God  and  the  Church  as  they  well  could  be.  The  Houghton 
family  was  remarkably  helpful  to  the  pastor.  The  head  of  that 
family  afterwards  moved  to  New  York,  and  became  a  partner  in 
the  great  firm  of  Hurd  &  Houghton.  Their  love  lasted  to  the  end. 
Judge  Loomis  was  one  of  our  warm  friends.  Others  might  be 
mentioned,  whose  names  are  recorded  in  the  Lamb's  Book  of  -Life. 
While  the  membership  was  small  the  people  crowded  our  house  and 
it  was  a  treat  to  preach  to  them.  A  notable  conversion  was  that  of  a 
young  man  who  afterwards  became  a  Baptist  preacher  and,  after 
studying  at  their  Theological  Seminary,  went  as  a  missionary  to  a 
foreign  land.  In  thinking  of  my  work  I  always  felt  I  was  touching 
China  through  my  young  friend. 

The  ever  perplexing  problem  of  music  annoyed  some  of  us  very 
much.  There  were  several  fine  voices  in  the  congragation,  and  a 
certain  worthy  brother  led,  but  his  leadership  was  unsatisfactory. 
One  Sunday  morning  the  hymn  was  announced.  This  man  started 
off,  but  before  he  reached  the  end  of  the  first  line,  stopped  and  said, 
"  Oh,  it  is  the  wrong  metre,"  and  started  up  another  just  as  a  lady's 
voice  was  heard,  and  hers  was  a  wrong  tune  as  was  also  his  second 
one !  I  instantly  said,  "  Let  us  pray."  These  efforts  marred  the 
entire  service,  and  all  were  mortified.  A  few  desired  a  cabinet 
organ  to  accompany  as  well  as  guide  the  singing.  Others  were 
bitterly  opposed  to  "  machine  music "  in  the  house  of  God,  and 
threatened  to  leave  if  one  was  introduced.  Smarting  under  the 
failure  on  Sunday,  three  or  four  put  their  heads  and  money  together 
and  quietly  ordered  an  instrument  from  Montgomery,  and  by  Satur- 
day night  had  it  in  place  and  gathered  a  few  singers  and  practised 
plain  tunes  for  worship.  Judge  of  the  surprise  in  the  congregation 
when  the  organ  opened  up.  The  singing  was  so  hearty  no  one 
could  object,  and  no  one  withdrew  from  the  Church.  The  crisis 
was  passed  with  only  two  or  three  growls,  and  one  or  two  others 
showing  their  teeth. 

During  this  year  my  services  were  given  freely  to  aid  in  other 
meetings.  My  Presiding  Elder  was  always  ready  to  give  his 
preachers  words  of  cheer.  Kind  words  help  one  in  the  battle  of 
life.    Brother  D.  M.  Hudson  was  a  sunshine-maker. 

The  General  Conference  met  in  Mav  in  New  Orleans,  and  was 


74  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

under  the  sway  of  new  men  who  revolutionized  much  of  the 
machinery  of  the  church.  Four  Bishops  were  elected.  The  six- 
months'  probation  was  abolished  and  they  even  went  so  far  as  to 
abolish  the  name  of  the  Church.  At  the  earnest  entreaty  of  Bishop 
Paine  the  last  action  was  reconsidered  and  the  old  name  was  re- 
stored. Bishop  McTyeire  was  a  leader  in  reforms.  He  was  pastor 
of  Court  Street  Church  in  Montgomery,  Alabama,  when  elevated 
to  the  Episcopacy.  He  held  the  pastorship  until  the  ensuing  Annual 
Conference. 

At  our  first  District  Conference  great  interest  was  exhibited. 
At  this  meeting  I  was  appointed  to  preach  one  night,  and  gave  them 
a  sermon  on  the  Intermediate  State.  The  Bishop  the  next  day  talked 
with  me  about  the  points  I  made.  The  next  Sunday  he  was  in  his 
own  pulpit  and  gave  them  a  sermon  on  the  same  subject.  The 
following  Sunday  in  compliance  with  his  request,_  I  agreed  to  fill 
his  pulpit,  as  he  was  away  on  official  business.  Being  familiar  with 
my  sermon  on  the  Intermediate  State,  I  gave  it  to  the  Bishop's 
people.  When  the  meeting  closed,  a  Steward  said,  "Why,  the 
Bishop  preached  that  sermon  last  Sunday!"  Of  course  he  be- 
lieved I  had  plagiarized  from  the  Bishop.  The  reader  is  left  to 
infer  for  himself. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  75 


#CHAPTER  XXI. 
Montgomery  Station. 

At  the  Conference  following,  Bishop  Wm.  M.  Wightman, 
presided  with  great  acceptability.  He  was  courtesy  itself,  and  wise 
in  the  conduct  of  the  business.  I  was  elected  Secretary  and  served 
as  long  as  I  remained  in  that .  Conference.  At  the  close  of  the 
session  I  was  announced  for  Court  Street,  Montgomery.  It  was 
in  my  eyes  no  small  matter  to  fill  a  pulpit  so  ably  filled  by  McTyeire. 
I  took  charge  with  fear  and  trembling,  yet  relying  on  God  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

My  reception  by  the  officials  was  not  very  enthusiastic.  I 
was  considered  a  home  product  and  therefore  unheralded,  but,  feel- 
ing I  was  there  providentially,  I  determined  to  faithfully  perform 
the  monotonous  and  even  trivial  things,  using  for  Christ  the  small- 
est opportunity  which  offered  itself.  Praying  constantly,  and  trust- 
ing in  God's  promises,  I  gave  to  His  work  my  best.  My  effort  was 
to  make  my  pulpit  an  attractive  one,  therefore  I  sought  to  present 
truth  in  freshness.  My  Sunday-School  Superintendent  was  William 
Price,  a  scholar  and  a  worker.  He  was  a  man  who  might  well  be 
recorded  as  a  genius.  He  was  full  of  resources  and  made  the  school 
attractive.     Enthusiasm  creates  enthusiasm  as  life  creates  life. 

My  methods  of  developing  the  Church  were  aggressive  and 
rather  out  of  the  ordinary.  These  subjected  me  to  the  criticism 
of  being  eccentric.  As  I  once  answered  a  critic,  "  Some  men  can 
not  distinguish  between  eccentricity  and  freshness."  As  a  cautious 
man,  no  important  move  was  made  without  submitting  my  ideas 
to  the  Board  of  Officials;  they  did  not  always  approve,  but  we 
had  no  friction.  It  takes  two  to  make  a  fuss.  Sometimes  I  felt 
trammeled.  When  proposing  to  do  something  not  exactly  in  the 
way  that  something  had  been  done  for  years,  the  chief  spokesman 
would  say,  "  My  brother,  we  came  into  the  Church  under  Dr 
Hamilton's  administration !  "  In  a  pleasant  spirit  I  replied,  "  That 
was  twenty-five  years  ago,  and  the  world  has  turned  two  or  three 
summersaults  since  then !  "  When  there  was  the  appearance  of 
friction  brewing,  I  receded.  The  Board  of  Stewards  were  worthy 
gentlemen ;  some  were  broad-minded  business  men.  One  or  two 
were  hard  to  deal  with.  One  brother  would  oppose  every  measure 
introduced  without  consulting  him.  We  had  no  young  men  on  the 
official  board.  Two  names  were  proposed  at  Quarterly  Conference 
and  the  opposition  was  strong.  My  plan  was,  we  must  train  young 
men  to  carry  on  the  work.  They  were  elected.  One  of  them  was 
the  noted  Virginian  preacher,  Rev.  John  Hannon,  D.  D.,  the  other 


76 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


a  professor  in  the  Alabama  State  University,  Hon.  Will  Thorington. 
They  were  exceptional  characters.  Young  Hannon  attended 
prayer-meeting.  After  a  proper  wait,  one  night  I  called  on  him 
to  pray.  He  answered,  "  Please  excuse  me !  "  I  repeated  the  re- 
quest, "  Brother  John  Hannon,  lead  in  prayer."  He,  after  a 
moment's  hesitation,  struck  out  on  the  Lord's  prayer.  The  next 
time  he  was  requested  to  pray  he  was  ready  with  one  of  those  bril- 
liant, sparkling  prayers  for  which  he  has  been  long  celebrated. 

In  my  ministerial  work  an  appeal  was  made  as  I  closed  each 
sermon.  Many  of  the  young  men  of  the  city  attended  our  Church, 
and  some  of  them  were  caught  for  Christ.  On  one  occasion  I 
prepared  a  class  of  young  men  numbering  fourteen,  calling  them  to 
the  altar  and  propounding  the  usual  questions.  My  charge  was  one 
I  hoped  would  be  remembered.  It  was  an  impressive  scene,  which 
I  remember  to  this  day.  Some  one  remarked,  "  They  are  only 
youths !  "  signifying  they  were  not  of  much  value  to  the  finances 
of  the  Church.  What  of  that  company?  One  of  them  became 
president  of  the  leading  bank  in  the  city  where  he  resided.  Another 
became  the  leading  merchant  of  the  city  and  stood  in  the  forefront 
of  those  interested  in  Christian  work.  When  I  went  West,  I  found 
another  the  cashier  of  the  largest  bank  in  the  city.  One  became  a 
fine  business  man,  but  was  cut  down  by  death  in  the  flush  and 
vigor  of  young  life.  Another  became  a  leading  business  man,  and, 
running  down  the  list,  all  but  one  took  a  fine  stand  in  society. 

In  Court  Street  Church  we  had  some  as  noble  Christian  men 
and  women  as  could  be  found  in  any  section  of  our  land.  We  had 
a  large  element  of  financial  ability  and  social  power.  Judge  Clopton 
and  family,  Judge  Rice  and  family,  Colonel  Jack  Thorington  and 
family,  Mrs.  Lomax  and  sons,  the  Judsons,  the  Arnolds,  Powells, 
Smiths,  Thomas  Mount  and  family,  the  Harmons,  the  Blues,  John 
Browder  and  family,  the  Lakins,  Hobbies,  Hannons,  Williams,  and 
my  life-long  friend  B.  M.  Washburn,  with  others. 

On  one  Christmas  eve  a  dray  stopped  at  the  parsonage  gate, 
loaded  with  all  kinds  of  comforts.  The  card  was  signed,  "  From 
the  brothers-in-law  of  the  Church."  Provisions  to  last  through 
months.     Such  kindness  was  appreciated. 

On  another  occasion,  Mrs.  Mathews'  health  having  failed,  it 
was  necessary  to  have  a  change  of  climate.  She  was  taken  up  the 
country,  but  there  was  no  improvement.  She  was  unable  to  sit  up. 
One  day  Mrs.  Arnold  called  at  the  parsonage  and  handed  me  about 
four  hundred  dollars,  and  said  "  This  is  from  friends.  Have  your 
wife' meet  you  at  Opelika,  and  take  her  North."  She  was  brought 
on  a  bed  to  Opelika,  put  in  the  stateroom  on  the  sleeper,  and  we 
started  northward.  The  travel  exhilarated  her.  Reaching  Atlanta, 
we  changed  and  traveled  all  night.  When  she  wakened  in  the  morn- 
ing in  East  Tennessee,  she  said,  "  I  am  hungry."  She  was  strong 
enough  to  walk  in  to  the  breakfast  room  and  enjoyed  her  food. 
She  improved  rapidly.     We  reached  Baltimore  and  spent  Sunday 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RE}  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  IK  />.  77 

there.  Then  off  to  Brooklyn  to  see  our  dear  friends,  the  Houghtons, 
who  took  us  to  their  home  and  gave  us  a  welcome  such  as  makes  the 
heart  glad.  A  rest  of  several  days,  and  we  were  away  t6  Niagara  to 
see  that  wonder  of  wonders.  Then  we  sped  away  to  the  Alleghany 
Mountains  where  we  tarried  until  wife's  vigor  was  restored. 

We  had  in  our  Church  a  certain  excellent  man  who  had  a  hobby. 
He  was  half  deaf  and  without  any  special  culture.  He  was  possessed 
with  the  idea  that  he  was  called  of  God  to  lead  in  singing,  yet,  could 
not  hear  his  own  voice.  While  the  people  were  assembling  he 
would,  in  a  loud  cracked  voice  start  a  song;  often  it  was  difficult  to 
recognize  the  tune.  He  told  me  a  former  pastor  proposed  to  make  a 
bargain  with  him,  "  If  you  will  not  start  a  tune  in  the  church  I  will 
not !  "  He  declined,  saying,  "  Some  poor  sinner  might  catch  his 
song  and  be  saved." 

While  pastor  of  Court  Street  Church,  God  blessed  our  home 
with  the  addition  of  a  little  daughter ;  we  named  her  Mattie.  It  was 
at  the  time  of  carpetbag  rule.  The  blacks  were  insolent,  and  were 
expecting  the  division  of  the  lands.  They  had  been  told  this,  and 
were  generally  waiting  for  "  forty  acres  and  a  mule."  When  starva- 
tion began  to  stare  them  in  the  face,  some  of  them  would  seek 
employment.  We  found  what  we  called  a  motherly  old  woman  to 
take  charge  of  our  little  one.  The  child  was  perfect  in  health  and  at 
that  age  when  she  slept  nearly  all  the  time.  One  bright  afternoon  as 
I  started  to  make  some  pastoral  calls,  I  did  what  I  had  hardly  ever 
done  hefore,  told  my  wife  where  I  would  call.  Wfiile  at  the  house 
of  one  of  my  members,  a  runner  came  to  the  door,  saying,  "  You 
are  wanted  at  home — the  baby  is  dying !  "  The  nurse  had  poisoned 
the  child!  When  I  entered  the  house  the  physicians  were  tossing 
the  babe  in  the  air,  hoping  to  restore  respiration.  Alas !  §oon  all 
was  over,  and  little  Mattie  passed  to  be  with  Christ.  The  old  nurse 
was  obliged  to  earn  her  bread  but  did  not  want  the  trouble  of  holding 
the  child,  and  had  secretly  purchased  a  vial  of  laudanum,  and  in  igno- 
rance gave  it  enough  to  kill  a  dozen.  Such  was  the  political  status, 
no  one  ever  officially  took  notice  of  the  act.  The  carpetbaggers 
feared  to  arrest  any  of  the  blacks. 

During  the  four  years  of  war,  we  of  the  Southland  were  so 
shut  in,  we  fell  behind  in  the  knowledge  of  religious  developments 
on  some  lines.  There  came  to  our  city,  in  the  interest  of  Sunday- 
Schools,  a  Mr.  Pardee,  whom  I  learned  to  esteem  and  love.  He 
held  an  "  Institute,"  which  I  attended  with  great  profit,  absorbing 
his  principles  until,  with  the  aid  of  a  few  works  which  he  afterward 
sent  me,  I  undertook,  at  the  instance  of  brethren;  to  hold  Institutes 
over  the  State.  The  pastors  of  the  Protestant  Churches  of  Mobile 
invited  me  to  hold  one  there.  At  the  appointed  time  a  large  con- 
course filled  the  church,  and  for  four  days  I  held  three  services  each 
day.  My  hope  was  to  contribute  to  the  advancement  of  Scriptural 
knowledge.  Pardee's  work,  in  my  judgment,  for  simplicity  and 
clearness  has  not  been  excelled  bv  recent  writers. 


7» 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


At  the  General  Conference  in  Memphis,  in  1870,  being  a  dele- 
gate, I  was  present  when  the  report  on  Sunday-Schools  was  intro- 
duced. The  discussion  was  animated.  At  this  General  Conference 
Rev.  A.  G.  Haygood  was  elected  to  take  charge  of  the  Sunday- 
School  department.  My  name  was  suggested  for  the  position,  but  I 
assured  the  parties  I  would  not  serve  if  elected ;  I  loved  the  pastorate 
too  well.  Dr.  Haygood  came  to  me  after  his  election  and  said, 
"  I  know  very  little  about  this  work."  At  that  interview  I  gave  data 
for  securing  valuable  literature  for  his  department,  and  advised  him 
to  delay  going  to  Nashville  until  he  thoroughly  posted  himself.  We 
never  met  again  until  the  General  Conference  in  St.  Louis,  at  which 
he  was  elected  Bishop. 

Rev.  Mr.  Earle,  a  celebrated  Baptist  evangelist  on  a  tour  South, 
proposed  to  give  Montgomery  a  three-days'  meeting,  if  all  denomina- 
tions would  unite.  We  consented.  He  came.  Large  crowds  at- 
tended his  ministry  and  a  great  interest  was  begotten.  At  the  last 
gathering  on  the  third  day,  Mr.  Earle  requested  the  ministers  of  the 
different  denominations  to  state  their  views  as  to  continuing  the 
union  meeting,  or  each  pastor  hold  services  in  his  own  church.  My 
voice  was  for  union  meetings,  but  the  majority  went  for  separate 
services.  We  adjourned,  after  each  pastor  announced  preaching  in 
his  own  church.  The  next  night  I  conducted  meeting  in  our  church 
in  the  lecture-room,  with  a  fair  attendance.  From  that  night  on  the 
interest  deepened  until  there  was  one  of  the  greatest  outpourings  of 
the  Spirit  ever  witnessed  by  me.  At  the  end  of  the  week  the  other 
churches  closed.  For  a  time  I  was  alone.  Rev.  O.  R.  Blue  was 
visiting  in  the  city.  His  cooperation  was  invoked,  and  he  agreed  to 
help  me.  The  understanding  was  he  would  preach  every  night  and 
I  exhort  after  his  sermon.  We  moved  up  into  the  large  audience 
room ;  the  city  was  stirred  to  the  core.  One  rarely  ever  witnesses 
such  manifestations  in  conviction  and  conversion.  That  large  altar 
would  be  crowded,  and  the  aisles  filled  with  penitents.  Hundreds, 
first  and  last,  sought  for  mercy.  The  poor  were  there,  also  the  rich ; 
the  young  and  the  old ;  the  educated  and  the  uneducated ;  lawyers, 
merchants,  physicians,  and  others.  Men  and  women  cried  for  mercy 
and  there  were  loud  shouts  from  hearts  as  they  emerged  into  the 
rapture  of  the  new  life.  At  this  meeting  I  heard  what  was  termed 
the  "holy  laugh."  A  lady  of  the  highest  social  standing,  and  the 
name  she  bore  historic,  who  had  long  been  a  member  of  the  Church, 
was  so  filled  with  joy  she  marched  up  and  down  before  the  altar, 
tears  streaming  down  her  cheeks,  saying  in  silvery  tones,  "  I  have 
heard  of  the  holy  laugh,  and  now  I  have  it !  "  Then  followed 
a  laugh  which  would  have  stirred  an  angel's  nature.  The  audience 
was  subdued  and  an  awe  settled  upon  every  one  present. 

Brother  Oliver  R.  Blue  was  one  of  a  group  of  strong  men,  mem- 
bers of  the  Alabama  Conference  forty  years  ago.  He  won  his  way 
to  the  front.  He  was  a  man  of  exceptional  make-up ;  rarely  did  he 
exhibit  any  emotion.    He  gave  the  people  truth  in  its  clearest  form. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  79 

He  handled  those  themes  which  produce  conviction  and  repentance. 
Sin  was  made  hideous  in  the  eyes  of  his  hearers.  Dr.  Blue  was  very 
efficient  in  his  ministry.  He  won  many  souls,  not  by  ingenious 
dialectia,  or  vivid  scene-painting,  or  massive  erudition,  or  by  pathetic 
appeals,  but  by  the  awful  earnestness  which  is  fired  of  God. 

During  my  pastorate  in  Montgomery,  I  formed  the  acquaintance 
of  a  business  man  whom  I  desired  to  win.  I  used  all  the  Christian 
strategy  of  which  I  had  knowledge;  yet  thought  failure  would  be 
the  result  on  account  of  his  hesitation.  Perseverance  was  rewarded, 
and  B.  M.  Washburn  turned  his  face  Heavenward.  The  Holy  Spirit 
did  the  work.  He  has  been  in  several  General  Conferences,  and  on 
General  Boards,  and  is  teacher  of  one  of  the  largest  Sunday-School 
classes  of  young  men  in  the  entire  Church.  He  dearly  loves  the 
Church  and  is  ever  ready  to  augment  its  power.  Our  hearts  have 
been  as  those  of  David  and  Jonathan. 

Mrs.  Cala  Thorington,  had  she  lived  in  St.  John's  day,  would 
have  been  named  "  The  elect  lady."  When  I  became  her  pastor  she 
was  a  mature  Christian.  She  was  rooted  in  Christ.  As  the  root 
of  an  apple-tree  grows  down  silently  into  the  soil,  feeling  its  way 
after  earth  food  and  water,  and  drawing  up  nourishment  for  every 
limb  and  leaf,  so  she  went  down  into  Christ  for  her  spiritual 
nourishment.  We  form  our  estimate  of  people's  thoughts  by  their 
deeds,  because  they  were  thoughts  before  acted  upon.  There  was  a 
blending  of  qualities  which  gave  symmetry  and  polish  to  her  life 
which  made  it  shine  in  beauty  before  the  world.  She  was  handsome, 
educated  and  refined.  Mrs.  Thorington  emerged  into  a  womanhood 
of  great  refinement  and  usefulness.  Her  husband,  Colonel  Jack 
Thorington,  was  a  prominent  lawyer  and  an  elegant  gentleman,  one 
who  aided  his  wife  in  her  high  aims.  Years  ago  there  was  a 
famous  singer  who  sang  an  inspiring  song.  Over  and  over  again 
the  request  would  go  up,  "  Repeat  it !  "  It  was  called  "  A  Lift  on 
the  Way."  This  elect  lady  was  always  giving  some  one  a  lift  on  the 
way.  Often,  on  Sunday  morning,  would  she  send  her  carriage 
around  to  take  some  poor  widow  unable  to  walk,  to  the  house  of 
God ;  then  sending  them  home.  This  was  her  custom.  Was  this 
not  a  lift  on  the  way? 


80  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Felicity  Street  Pastorate. 

About  eighteen  months  before  my  term  of  four  years  expired  in 
Montgomery,  Bishop  Keener  visited  our  city  and  spent  part  of  two 
days  trying  to  influence  myself  and  wife  to  consent  to  go  to  New 
Orleans,  but  we  had  the  up-country  horror  of  yellow  fever,  and 
declined.  Our  last  year  in  Alabama,  Bishop  McTyeire  interviewed 
us  two  or  three  times  on  the  same  subject.  We  were  unwilling. 
Finally  he  put  the  matter  upon  the  conscience,  and  said,  "  Some  one 
has  to  go  for  Christ's  sake ;  why  not  you  ?  "  He  touched  us  in  our 
love  for  our  Lord.  I  said  nothing  more ;  without  assenting  to  his 
plea,  the  Bishop  went  forward  in  sending  us  to  New  Orleans.  Then 
began  really,  what  in  Methodist  parlance,  may  be  called  my  career 
as  a  "  Giraffe ;  "  a  term  employed  sarcastically  to  designate  those 
who  are  sent  from  city  to  city  in  the  interest  of  the  Church  of  God. 
The  men  who  employ  this  term  may  be  said  to  be  cowards.  They 
fear  to  assail  the  Bishops  who  transfer  these  preachers  to  leading 
Churches.  I  have  often  wondered  why  our  Bishops  never  lift  a 
pen  in  defense  of  this  berated  class. 

We  reached  New  Orleans  during  the  session  of  the  Conference 
in  that  city.  I  thought  we  were  rather  heroic  in  allowing  ourselves 
to  be  transferred  where  we  were  liable  to  face  the  "  black  death  " 
any  season.  Judge  of  my  surprise  when  a  young  man  took  a  seat  by 
my  side,  and  remarked,  "  Do  you  see  that  man  moving  among  the 
preachers  ?  "  I  had  noticed  his  going  from  one  to  another.  "  He 
holds  in  his  hand  a  resolution  to  which  he  is  securing  signatures. 
The  resolution  is  against  the  transfer  of  Dr.  Tudor  and  yourself ; 
they  are  counting  noses  and  already  have  a  majority."  Three 
Bishops  were  present,  and  report  said  it  took  the  combined  influence 
of  Doggett,  Marvin  and  Keener  to  prevent  its  introduction.  That 
was  the  way  the  Louisiana  Conference  proposed  to  receive  me ! 

At  that  session  it  was  announced  that  I  would  preach  on  Sunday 
morning  at  Felicity  Street  Church.  The  members  wanted  to  sample 
me,  as  I  had  been  announced  as  a  transfer  to  that  charge.  My  text 
was,  "  Looking  unto  Jesus."  The  theme  was,  "  The  Eye  on  the 
Right  Object."  The  next  morning  as  Dr.  Linus  Parker  was  on  his 
way  to  his  office,  as  editor  of  the  Advocate,  a  gentleman  jumped 
from  the  car  and  accosted  him.  saying,  "That  man  won't  do!  He 
encourages  baseball  playing!"  "How  so?"  asked  Dr.  Parker. 
"  He  used  an  illustration  of  a  catcher,  who  never  fixes  his  eyes  on 
his  hands,  but  on  the  approaching  ball,  his  hands  instinctively  ad- 
justing themselves  to  the  object!"     This  critic  became  one  of  my 


Al  TOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  gx 

warmest  friends.  He  was  a  good  mart  of  small  culture,  and  no 
broad  ideas  of  life  or  how  to  catch  men. 

These  receptions  were  not  very  uplifting  to  a  stranger,  who  be- 
lieved he  was  providentially  called  to  that  work.  In  taking  charge 
of  this  Church  I  faced  everything  with  a  strong  faith  in  God,  pray- 
ing for  the  baptism  of  the  fire,  without  which  all  my  plans  would 
prove  abortive.  My  predecessor,  Dr.  Parker,  told  me  I  would  find 
about  seventy  faithful  souls ;  the  rest  were  "  hangers-on."  My  first 
aim  was  to  win  the  confidence  of  my  people  by  getting  in  touch  with 
them,  visiting  as  rapidly  as  possible.  All  moral  delinquents  were 
treated  kindly,  never  letting  any  know  I  had  heard  of  their  lapses. 
A  brother  who  had  been  noted  for  being  specially  gifted  in  prayer, 
but  had  backslidden,  had  come  out  to  prayer-meeting  to  hear  the 
new  minister.  He  had  been  drinking  to  drunkenness.  When  the 
meeting  reached  the  point  of  warmth,  and  all  were  called  to  unite 
in  prayer,  this  brother's  name  was  announced  to  lead  in  the  prayer ! 
What  a  surprise !  He  halted,  seemed  to  choke  up,  but  what  a  prayer ! 
It  was  full  of  penitence,  full  of  pleas  for  mercy.  When  we  arose  from 
our  knees  all  were  in  tears.  He  afterward  said  he  felt  the  Church 
had  not  cast  him  off,  and  renewed  his  vows.  He  was  ever  in  his 
place  after  that. 

Another  man,  high  in  financial  circles  as  well  as  social  life,  was 
still  an  attendant  upon  the  means  of  grace,  but  his  face  indicated 
plainly  the  drinking  habit.  As  his  pastor,  I  gave  him  special  atten- 
tion. He  never  knew  that  his  sin  was  known  to  me.  The  wisdom 
of  the  serpent  was  employed  and  results  noted.  After  some  weeks 
his  face  began  to  whiten,  the  red  sign  was  vanishing.  Hope  stirred 
me,  and  in  the  home  circle,  to  my  wife,  I  used  the  inelegant  ex- 
pression, "  Brother  Blank  is  getting  white  under  the  gills !  "  He 
righted  up,  not  without  a  struggle.  In  a  Love-Feast  afterward  he 
stated  in  penitential  tones,  "  You  bore  with  me ;  I  ought  t6  have 
been  turned  out  of  the  Church.  I  am  glad  I  was  not  expelled !  "  He 
was  faithful  until  God  sent  for  him.  In  this  way,  during  my  long 
pastorate,  I  have  dealt  with  delinquents.  Another  idea  upon  which 
I  moved,  was  to  deliberately  employ  utterances  which  sometimes 
subjected  me  to  severe  criticism.  These  utterances  were  repeated  in 
the  homes  of  the  people  and  many  came  out  to  hear  a  man  who 
handled  truth  without  gloves,  calling  a  spade  a  spade.  Some  thought 
the  pastor  too  plain,  but  the  body  of  the  membership  hied  me  on. 
Right  or  wrong,  many  souls  entered  into  the  peace  of  God.  People 
clamored  for  a  protracted  meeting.  My  way  was  to  wait  the  Holy 
Spirit's  movements,  then  protract.  I  watched  for  the  descending 
Spirit  to  move  the  waters.  My  preaching  was  aimed  against  sin 
once  every  week  for  a  season,  then  on  the  Judgment  Day  and  per- 
sonal accountability,  and  eternal  punishment.  Then,  the  mercy  of 
God  in  Christ  was  stressed  and  this  led  men  to  see  how  to  escape  the 
wrath  to  come.  One  Sunday  morning  my  sermon  was  on  "  Getting 
to  Christ."    A  young  lawyer  was  present,  and  heard  me.    This  illus- 


82  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

tration  was  used :  Here  are  three  men,  each  purposing  to  cross  the 
Mississippi  River  to  reach  Algiers.  One  goes  by  ferry  boat;  the 
second  takes  a  skiff,  and  the  third  determines  to  swim  over.  The 
point  is  getting  there.  No  one  can  say  to  the  other,  "  You  are  not  at 
Algiers,  because  you  did  not  get  there  as  I  did."  This  young  lawyer 
soon  afterwards  notified  me  he  had  crossed  the  river  and  reached  the 
Savior. 

We  had  a  smooth  sea  until  the  questions  of  a  new  organ  and 
music  were  struck.  Three-fourths  of  our  people  wanted  a  large 
organ  and  a  change  in  our  music.  One  element  opposed  the  change. 
How  to  handle  these  questions  in  the  Church,  perplexed  me  more 
than  any  Church  of  my  ministry.  Some  suggested  a  fair.  It  was 
voted  on  and  carried.  The  ladies  managed  it,  and  when  the  rent  of 
the  hall  was  paid  and  all  other  expenses  deducted,  we  had  in  hand 
three  thousand  two  hundred  dollars.  The  element  opposed  to  the 
fair,  in  a  Church  Conference,  offered  a  resolution  to  use  the  money 
for  another  purpose.  The  resolution  failed  and  an  organ  was 
ordered.  Some  alterations  had  to  be  made  for  organ  and  choir.  The 
choir  loft  only  seated  fourteen,  whereas  about  twenty  belonged  to  the 
singers.  What  was  to  be  done  ?  The  Board  elected  a  lady  as  choris- 
ter. She  had  to  drop  some  of  the  singers,  and  concluded  to  drop  the 
people  whom  she  thought  would  willingly  submit,  on  account  of 
goodness  and  age.  Her  action  created  feelings  of  a  damaging 
nature,  and  one  man  blamed  the  pastor,  and  carried  his  ill  feeling  to 
a  very  great  point.  The  pastor  wrought  on,  not  indifferent  to  this 
state  of  things,  but  constantly  prayed  for  help,  never  alluding  in  an 
unkind  way  to  the  enmity  upon  the  part  of  this  prominent  man. 
The  people  prayed  and  cooperated  with  the  pastor,  crowds  attended 
the  Church,  and  penitents  were  converted  week  by  week.  I  spent 
much  time  in  what,  in  my  boyhood,  politicians  called  "  still  hunting." 
Whenever  I  heard  of  a  man  or  woman  concerned  about  salvation 
they  were  hunted  up  and  advised. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  D.  L.  Moody  was  invited  to  hold  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  in  the  Coliseum  Place  Baptist  Church.  He  had  not 
then  become  famous.  He  rarely  filled  the  lecture-room  at  night. 
In  the  mornings  he  conducted  experience  meetings  in  the  lecture- 
room  of  the  Carondelet  Street  Methodist  Church.  One  morning  I 
was  requested  to  lead.  My  talk  was  on  personal  work.  I  repeated 
an  incident  in  my  work  in  Montgomery,  of  a  woman  who  slipped 
in  and  out  of  my  prayer-meetings.  She  always  sat  back,  evidently 
trying  to  keep  hidden  by  shading  her  face  as  much  as  possible.  Week 
by  week  she  was  there.  At  last  she  was  missed.  We  wondered  what 
had  become  of  her.  Several  weeks  passed,  when  a  stranger  called 
and  requested  me  to  go  and  see  a  woman  dying  with  consumption. 
Promptly  responding,  judge  of  my  surprise  when  the  door  was 
opened,  to  see  the  woman  missed  from  the  prayer-meeting.  In  those 
days,  the  pastor  had  to  lead  the  singing  in  those  meetings.    She  said 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV    JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  83 

to  me,  "  I  sent  for  you  to  ask  you  to  sing  for  me  once  more  the 
hymn  you  sang  so  often.    I  want  to  hear  it  again  before  I  die : 

'  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me.' 
She  joined  in  the  song,  then  I  knelt  at  her  bedside  and  prayed. 
Then  she  told  me  briefly  that  she  had  been  a  Magdalene.  Desiring 
to  be  saved,  she  attended  the  services  at  the  church.  Looking  at  me 
with  her  brimming  eyes,  she  said,  "  Won't  you  sing  it  again  for  me? 
It  will  be  the  last  time."  Reseating  myself,  I  struck  up  with  a  glow- 
ing heart, 

"  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 

She  soon  passed  to  her  rest,  leaning  on  the  Friend  of  sinners  ! 

This  story  touched  the  hearers.  The  next  morning  a  messenger 
brought  to  me  a  large  picture,  handsomely  framed,  called  "The 
Rock  of  Ages ;  "  a  woman  clinging  to  the  Cross  in  the  midst  of  life's 
storms.  Mr.  Moody  sent  me  a  book  on  Exodus,  on  the  value  of 
the  blood.    It  had  his  autograph,  which  I  have  kept  all  these  years. 

In  1840,  when  quite  a  boy,  a  camp-meeting  was  held  three  miles 
from  Shelbyville,  Tennessee.  Never  having  attended  such  a  meeting, 
on  Saturday  afternoon  I  rode  out.  Everything  was  novel  to  me. 
The  famous  "  Johnnie  Brooks  "  preached  at  3  p.  m.  He  announced 
his  text,  and  employing  peculiar  nasal  tones,  he  began  by  lamenting 
the  deadness  of  the  meeting  up  to  that  hour.  No  interest,  not  a 
mourner,  not  a  shout,  not  an  amen !  He  added,  "  We  must  get 
out  of  this  lethargy  or  the  devil  will  whip  us  out ;  something  must  be 
done  to  break  the  monotony.  If  nothing  else  can  be  done,  I  move 
we  get  up  a  dog  fight !  "  There  was  an  undercurrent  of  philosophy 
in  his  proposition.  Stagnation  is  death.  His  words  were  like  stones 
thrown  into  a  pond,  there  was  a  stir ;  and  before  his  sermon  closed 
the  audience  was  ablaze  with  interest.  This  incident,  I  gave  to  a  large 
congregation,  and  it  was  afterward  discussed  at  my  expense.  The 
next  day  a  parcel  was  sent  to  the  pastor's  home ;  when  unrolled, 
there  was  a  handsome  cane  with  a  dog's  head  of  gold !  The  story 
set  the  gossips  to  talking,  and  many  new  faces  were  seen  in  the 
church. 

A  middle-aged  woman,  named  Mrs.  Dalton,  gave  a  large  share 
of  her  time  to  Church  work.  She  was  unpretentious,  but  a  bundle  of 
common  sense.  Noiselessly  she  went  in  and  out,  carrying  sunshine 
wherever  she  appeared.  There  is  always  work  about  a  Church 
which  corresponds  with  the  kitchen  work  in  our  homes.  The  pastor 
often  has  trouble  to  secure  workers  for  this  department.  Mrs.  Dalton 
came  to  me  and  said,  "  If  there  is  anything  to  be  done  that  no  one 
else  will  do,  give  it  to  me !  "  One  can  generally  find  persons  willing 
to  do  work  in  the  Church  which  corresponds  to  piano,  or  other  parlor 
duties.  She  accompanied  me  into  humble  homes,  and  to  those  who 
needed  consolation.  She  was  a  steady,  quiet  toiler.  An  incident 
occurred  which  was  of  an  exciting  nature,  which  threatened  to  end 


84 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


in  violence.  This  devoted  woman,  at  my  request,  played  a  part.  A 
woman  of  whom  I  had  never  heard,  lay  upon  a  sick-bed.  She  sent 
for  me.  When  visiting  her  she  unfolded  her  history.  She  was  a 
Roman  Catholic,  and  had  sought  soul  rest;  did  what  was  pre- 
scribed, but  failed  to  find  it.  She  had  heard  of  my  work  and 
wanted  me  to  help  her  to  find  comfort.  There  at  her  bedside  was  an 
improvised  altar,  the  candle  and  the  crucifix.  Not  a  word  was  said 
against  these  things  or  against  her  Church.  I  explained  to  her  how 
a  soul  finds  Christ.  Then  I  sang  some  of  the  hymns  of  petition, 
amongst  them  this : 

"  Show  pity  Lord,  O  Lord,  forgive, 
Let  a  repenting  rebel  live." 

Then  I  prayed  at  her  side.  As  I  was  leaving,  she  urged  me  to 
return  the  next  day,  which  I  did.  The  improvised  altar  was  gone 
with  the  candle  and  the  crucifix.  She  informed  me  that  she  slept 
sweetly  through  the  night ;  her  fear  had  vanished.  With  further 
instruction  day  after  day  she  grew  in  faith  and  comfort.  At  last 
she  proposed  to  join  my  Church,  and  in  due  time  she  was  received. 
After  weeks  of  patient  suffering  she  began  to  decline.  In  the  mean- 
time it  was  noised  abroad  that  she  had  turned  Protestant.  It  was  in 
a  section  of  the  city  in  which  many  uncultured  Irish  Romanists 
lived,  and  threats  were  made.  This  sick  lady  asked  for  protection. 
Mrs.  Dalton  was  requested  to  take  care  of  her  and  guard  her.  When 
death  seemed  inevitable,  a  mob  gathered  about  the  house  and 
threatened  to  break  in.  A  priest  was  sent  for,  and  in  an  excited 
manner  called  to  see  me,  saying,  "  I  have  a  note  in  my  pocket  from 
Mrs.  Blank  asking  for  extreme  unction."  I  knew  that  could  not  be 
possible,  as  her  hands  were  so  paralyzed  she  could  not  write.  When 
he  was  seated  in  my  parlor,  my  first  remark  was,  "  Let  us  talk  the 
case  over.  I  can  differ  with  a  man  and  yet  talk  without  excitement." 
We  got  on  nicely.  My  proposition  was,  "  Let  us  go  to  the  house 
together,  and  if  she  wants  to  receive  extreme  unction  I  will  remain 
and  see  you  administer  it."  When  we  approached  the  house  there 
was  another  priest,  and  a  boisterous  crowd.  When  Mrs.  Dalton 
heard  my  voice  she  opened  the  door  and  let  us  in.  Seated  in  the 
parlor  we  agreed  that  one  priest  should  speak  first.  Her  sight  was 
gone  and  her  hearing  defective.  This  priest  spoke  in  a  loud  tone, 
saying,  "  Mrs.  Helen  !  "  No  response.  Louder :  "  O  Mrs.  Helen, 
did  you  send  for  Father  Blank  ?  "  "  No,"  was  her  answer.  Calling 
her  name  again,  he  inquired,  "  Do  you  want  to  confess  ?  "  Her 
reply  was,  "  To  nobody  but  to  God."    He  then  plied  her  with  another 

question,  "  Did  you  send  for  Father  K or  anybody?  "     She  did 

not  know  I  was  in  the  room  until  after  her  answer.  At  his  last  in- 
terrogation I  put  in,  saying,  "  Tote  fair !  tote  fair !  "  When  she 
heard  my  voice,  she  said,  "  Yes,  I  sent  for  Father  Mathews."  He 
responded,  "  There  is  no  Father  Mathews !  "  The  other  priest  went 
through  a  similar  questioning  with  like  results,  then  the  priest  said, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  85 

'•  We  are  satisfied."  The  mob  outside  was  very  anxious,  and  bang- 
ing on  the  fence  and  door,  showing  intense  excitement.  We  passed 
out  and  stood  on  the  front  steps,  then  the  priest  said  to  the  crowd, 
*'  We  are  satisfied,  Mr.  Mathews  has  acted  the  gentleman."  I  said, 
"  Tell  them  how  we  are  satisfied !  "  They  did  not,  and  at  once  I 
spoke  out  and  stated,  "  She  dies  a  Protestant."  Turning  to  the  lead- 
ing priest  I  said,  "  Disperse  this  mob ;  this  woman  in  charge  is 
afraid  to  stay  in  the  house.  I  hold  you  and  your  Church  responsible 
for  any  damage  that  may  occur."  One  of  the  priests  had  a  cane 
in  his  hand  and  ordered  the  crowd  to  disperse ;  they  did  not  move 
until  he  stepped  down,  then  they  scattered  like  a  flock  of  sheep. 
The  daily  press  never  noticed  this  occurrence. 

This  Church  had  a  remarkably  well  organized  Sunday-School. 
For  many  years  William  H.  Foster  had  been  in  charge,  and  his 
system  and  work  gave  it  a  far-reaching  influence.  His  zeal  never 
flagged.  Few  men  in  the  whole  Church  evinced  a  larger  interest  in 
the  children  than  this  man.  In  this  school  was  a  young  lawyer  in 
whom  I  took  a  deep  interest.  He  was  a  gentleman  and  a  Church 
member.  My  interest  in  him  never  abated  until  I  saw  him  licensed 
to  preach.  He  soon  took  a  high  stand  in  the  Church  and  has  stood 
amongst  the  foremost  men  of  the  Louisiana  Conference;  a  man 
whose  convictions  were  so  clear  as  to  the  way  of  salvation  that  no 
one  was  ever  fed  on  doubt  suggested  in  his  pulpit.  He  has  been 
not  only  active,  but  a  very  useful  pastor.  He  married  a  young 
woman  who  largely  reinforced  him  in  his  work.  I  refer  to  Rev.  J.  T. 
Sawyer,  D.  D.,  of  the  Louisiana  Conference.  His  fame  grew  out  of 
his  love  of  the  essential  teachings  of  Methodism. 

It  was  while  pastor  of  Felicity  Street  Church,  that  the  plan  for 
a  seashore  camp-meeting  was  conceived  and  pushed  to  completion 
by  Wm.  H.  Foster.  Through  opposition  and  jeers  he  never  let  up. 
A  mass  meeting  was  called  at  Carondelet  Street  Church.  Speakers 
were  announced  in  large  posters,  and  each  Methodist  pastor  urged 
his  flock  to  attend.  The  evening  arrived,  the  speakers  were  on  hand, 
and  they  awaited  the  coming  of  the  crowd.  Bishop  Keener,  with 
all  his  pluck,  showed  he  was  discouraged.  Dr.  W.  V.  Tudor,  the 
eloquent  pastor  of  the  Church,  said  he  could  not  speak  under  such 
discouraging  conditions.  Seventy-five  persons  all  told  made  up  the 
audience.  After  much  whispering  and  consultation  it  was  agreed 
to  begin.  It  was  thirty  minutes  over  the  time  announced.  No  one 
would  lead  off.  I  was  not  on  the  program,  but  was  anxious  for  suc- 
cess, and,  like  the  others,  disheartened.  Shutting  my  eyes,jny  prayer 
went  up  against  despondency.  Then  came  the  thought,  "  Why  can 
not  God  work  through  the  few  as  well  as  the  many !  "  The  leaders 
pressed  me  to  open  with  a  speech,  which  I  did.  -During  my  talk  a 
stranger  to  me  said.  "  I  will  give  you  one  hundred  dollars !  "  Talk- 
ing under  the  inspiration  of  that  subscription  for  eight  minutes,  the 
same  stranger  said,  "I'll  give  you  fifty  dollars  more!"  The  tide 
was  rising.     Dr.  Tudor  had  recovered,  and  when  I  turned  to  the 


86 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


stranger  and  said,  "  Who  are  you,  anyhow  ?  "  Tudor  replied,  "  He  's 
all  right !  "  Dr.  Tudor  followed  in  a  fine  address  which  deepened  the 
interest.  Then  followed  Bishop  Keener  with  one  of  his  remarkable 
talks.  Mrs.  R.  M.  Walmsley  came  to  the  rescue  and  the  Bishop  an- 
nounced we  had  about  one  thousand  dollars  to  make  a  payment  on 
the  ground,  and  the  camp-meeting  was  assured. 

Our  prayer-meetings  were  often  seasons  of  great  spiritual  profit. 
They  were  attended  to  such  an  extent,  the  pastor's  heart  was  cheered. 
We  had  one  family  whose  presence  was  an  inspiration,  the  Thomp- 
sons. They  marched  in  Indian  fashion,  and  their  entrance  was 
always  noticed,  there  were  so  many  of  them.  We  had  many 
accessions  at  these  mid-week  services,  and  conversions  always  create 
interest.  Our  class-meetings  were  seasons  of  deep  spiritual  profit. 
One  lady  told  me  she  would  attend  class  if  I  did  not  ask  her  any 
questions.  I  agreed,  she  attended  regularly.  One  day,  when  the 
meeting  was  under  the  sway  of  Divine  power,  while  in  the  act  of 
passing  her  by  she  instantly  spoke  out  saying,  "  Sisters,  I  did  ask  the 
pastor  not  to  say  anything  to  me,  but  I  feel  like  talking !  "  and  with 
tearful  eyes  and  tender  voice  told  of  her  love  for  her  Lord.  My 
meetings  were  like  home  conversations. 

I  had  my  crux.  In  this  charge  I  suffered  an  indignity  at 
the  hand  of  one  of  the  most  influential  of  my  members.  It  grew  out 
of  a  misapprehension.  He  took  into  his  head  I  wanted  to  put  him 
down  in  the  Church.  One  Sunday  morning  sitting  by  a  stranger  in 
our  Sunday-School,  talking  over  the  plans  for  success,  this  brother 
stepped  in  front  of  us,  doubled  up  his  fist  and  shaking  it  under  my 
nose  said,  with  quivering  lip,  "  I  '11  let  you  know  you  can  not  put 
me  down  in  this  Church !  "  I  looked  into  his  face  and  in  a  sense  of 
sorrow,  did  not  utter  a  single  word!  He  walked  away.  The 
stranger  seemed  astounded,  and  I  sat  there  dumbfounded.  As 
pastor,  I  ever  after  put  him  forward,  but  I  failed  to  win  him.  His 
opposition  was  not  pronounced,  but  determined.  He  was  a  useful 
man,  and  served  his  Savior,  but  felt  I  had  wronged  him.  His  course 
toward  me  was  never  mentioned  by  me,  and  it  was  never  discovered 
by  the  people.    It  takes  two  to  get  up  a  Church  row ! 

We  had  a  very  old  lady  member  whom  the  Church  supported 
She  won  much  sympathy  inside  and  outside  the  Church.  We  paid 
her  a  certain  amount  monthly ;  she  was  a  kind  of  pet  of  our  people 
and  devoted  to  the  Church.  The  pastor  often  called.  One  day  as  she 
lay  on  her  dying  bed  she  said  to  me,  "  I  have  some  money  saved, 
which  I  want  you  to  take  to  the  Conference  and  place  it  for  the 
benefit  of  the  wornout  preachers."  A  friend  attending  reached  be-- 
tween  the  beds,  and  drew  out  about  nine  hundred  dollars!  The 
money  was  turned  over  to  me,  and  then  turned  over  as  she  requested. 
In  reviewing  my  four  years  as  pastor  of  Felicity  Street  Church, 
I  had  my  ups  and  downs,  but  far  more  ups  than  downs.  God  blessed 
my  ministrv  and  enlarged  the  membership,  and  gave  me  the  hearts 
of  multitudes. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RET.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  87 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
First  Year  at  Carondelet  Street. 

Attended  the  Conference  session,  at  the  end  of  my  four  years  at 
Felicity  Street,  at  Alexandria,  Louisiana.  Bishop  Paine  was  pre- 
siding, assisted  by  Bishop  Keener.  The  presiding  Bishop  was  quite 
feeble,  but  was  in  his  place  regularly.  At  the  close  of  the  session  I 
was  assigned  to  Carondelet  Street  Church,  in  New  Orleans,  as  suc- 
cessor of  the  eloquent  W.  V.  Tudor,  transferred  to  St.  Louis  and 
stationed  at  Centenary  Church  in  that  city. 

On  Sunday  morning  I  was  in  my  pulpit  to  conduct  the  services, 
but  not  in  the  best  possible  mood.  One  can  not  always  control  his 
mental  states.  When  the  hymn  was  announced  and  the  choir  started 
off,  I  found  the  music  so  grating,  I  went  to  praying  in  my  heart,  and 
the  petition  was,  "  O  Lord,  do  not  let  this  discourage  me,  for  the 
sake  of  Thy  cause !  "  I  was  greatly  perturbed.  My  ugly  mood 
began  to  vanish  while  leading  in  the  opening  prayer.  When  my  ser- 
mon closed  I  was  refreshed  in  spirit,  and  as  had  been  my  custom, 
calling  for  recruits,  judge  of  my  dismay  to  see  thirty  persons  from 
my  former  Charge  walk  forward  and  join  the  Church !  I  anticipated 
what  would  be  said — that  I  proselyted  them — when  I  knew  no  more 
about  it  than  the  veriest  stranger.  Gossip  was  busy,  and  with  a 
heart  leaning  upon  the  Divine  promise  I  resolved  not  to  sin  with  my 
lips.  I  was  always  extremely  sensitive  to  unjust  criticism,  while  I 
quailed  under  the  impugning  of  my  motives ;  I  talked  with  God 
about  it,  passing  through  another  tunnel  dark  and  long.  I  was 
learning  to  lean  more  and  more  upon  the  Divine  Spirit. 

The  Stewards  were  generous  with  me.  Here,  as  elsewhere,  I 
never  put  in  a  single  word  about  my  allowance.  They  kindly  fixed 
my  salary  at  four  thousand  dollars.  They  had  an  excellent  Sunday- 
School  Superintendent,  as  noble  a  specimen  of  Christian  manhood  as 
I  ever  met.  It  was  not  as  large  as  some  schools,  but  it  was  conducted 
on  high  principles.  He  diverged  from  a  number  of  usages,  but  the 
divergence  was  in  the  right  direction.  This  Church  had  a  large 
number  of  well  developed  Christian  men  and  women,  who  stood 
ready  to  cooperate  with  the  pastor. 

At  the  night  gathering  it  was  an  invariable  rule  to  call  for  pen- 
itents. Week  by  week,  men  and  women  responded  to  my  invitations 
until  it  was  the  common  talk,  "  There  is  a  constant  revival  at 
Carondelet  Street  Church."  Sometimes  a  dozen  would  bow  at  the 
altar,  then  two,  and  then  five.  Many  were  attracted  to  the  church, 
as  there  is  a  fascination  about  the  work  of  genuine  conversion. 

Our  prayer-meetings  grew  until  our  large  lecture-room  would 


88  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

be  crowded  at  an  ordinary  service.  The  pastor  studied  variety,  aim- 
ing never  successively  to  hold  two  services  alike.  Sometimes  my 
opening  would  be  an  incident  of  the  day.  I  would  call  to  see  some 
suffering  saint,  listen  to  her  words  of  hope,  then  go  to  the  prayer- 
meeting  and  open  it  with  the  relation  of  the  triumphant  talk  of  a 
bedridden  Christian  and  then  say,  "  Now  let  us  pray  that  we  may 
reach  the  same  stage  of  triumph."  Then  at  the  close  I  would  read 
a  few  verses  on  the  line  of  what  went  before.  Some  of  God's  little 
ones  felt  like  the  old  patriarch  who  had  served  God  all  his  life; 
in  his  dotage,  some  one  read  to  him  the  last  part  of  Revelation, 
where  Heaven  is  described.  It  so  affected  him,  he  exclaimed,  "  Give 
me  my  hat  and  cane,  I  want  to  go  to  that  country  where  they  need 
no  candle,  neither  light  of  the  sun !  "  Another  time  we  would  have 
two  or  three  hearty  songs.  Then  the  pastor  would  say,  "  Now,  we 
do  not  want  you  to  pray  for  the  Sunday-School,  or  for  missions,  but 
for  a  personal  knowledge  of  acceptance  with  God ; "  then  would  call 
on  some  one  gifted  in  prayer.  Another  evening  we  would  have  an 
experience  meeting,  and  I  would  say :  "  Now,  I  want  your  ex- 
perience in  brief.  Do  not  lecture  us  ;  I  am  paid  to  do  that ;  just  give 
us  a  scrap  of  your  experience !  "  We  had  in  this  Church  an  old 
brother,  true  as  steel,  but  lacking  in  discretion,  who  sometimes 
spoiled  our  meetings  with  harangues  out  of  harmony  with  the  oc- 
casion. Once  in  a  while  the  pastor  felt  compelled  to  interrupt  hini 
by  saying,  tenderly  as  possible,  "  Brother  we  are  not  on  that  sub- 
ject !  "  He  answered  me  promptly,  "  But  you  don't  know;  "  then  go 
on.  At  last  I  had  to  sing  him  down,  but  he  would  not  stay  down. 
Religious  tramps  often  annoyed  us.  Science  asserts  that  every 
eighth  person  is  deranged.  A  place  to  prove  this  sometimes  is  in  a 
large  experience  meeting. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  were  many  whose  experiences  fell  like 
dew  upon  the  grass,  reviving  and  refreshing  the  hearts  of  the 
hearers.  Let  me  state  deliberately,  that  this  Church  was  honored  by 
the  membership  of  the  saintly  Wm.  Sherry.  He  was  undemon- 
strative, but  pursued  the  even  tenor  of  his  way  like  the  path  of  the 
sun  in  the  heavens.  He  was  such  a  man  as  God  approves.  He 
grew  up  into  a  holy  manhood.  Growth  is  a  sight  in  which  God  de- 
lights. It  is  one  of  His  pleasures  to  stand  off,  as  it  were,  from  His 
work  and  see  it  alive.  Growth  is  the  triumph  of  the  Divine  skill. 
If  Enoch  satisfied  God,  so  did  Wm.  Sherry.  For  more  than  forty 
years  he  taught  the  Bible  class.  The  late  Bishop  Linus  Parker  was 
one  of  his  scholars. 

A  prominent  character,  a  cotton  broker  of  age,  who  gave  his 
heart  to  God  while  Dr.  Tudor  was  pastor,  Mr.  J. -P.  Harrison,  died 
one  day  sitting  at  his  desk  and  having  finished  this  sentence  in  a 
letter  written  to  Dr.  T.  O.  Summers,  of  Nashville,  Tennessee :  "  I 
have  staked  everything  on  Christ !  "  When  discovered,  the  pen  was 
still  in  his  hand.    A  pathetic  picture. 

Rayne  Memorial  Church  was  finished,  and  the  3d  of  January 

/ 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  $g 

was  announced  for  the  dedication.  Dr.  Munsey,  the  gifted  orator, 
was  appointed  pastor  and  arrived  in  time  to  preach  the  opening 
sermon.  He  came  with  a  wonderful  prestige  as  a  pulpiteer.  Gossip 
was  busy  about  him.  Being  entirely  bald,  it  was  said  he  was  such 
an  intense  student  that  he  unconsciously  pulled  out  his  hair.  At 
a  private  interview,  Drs.  Walker  and  Parker  and  myself  decided 
that  my  church  was  too  far  down  town  to  close,  but  the  people  of 
their  charges  would  be  dismissed  to  hear  this  famous  preacher. 
Quite  a  number  of  my  people  went  up  town  to  hear  him.  Our  Sun- 
day-School was  demoralized,  such  was  the  anxiety  of  the  teachers  to 
hear  Munsey.  My  conclusion  was  there  would  be  but  few  hearers 
in  my  church ;  but  the  congregation  was  large,  many  strangers  hav- 
ing dropped  in.  Five  persons  joined  the  Church  after  the  sermon. 
At  3  p.  m.  I  went  up  to  St.  Charles  Avenue  Church,  as  it  was  then 
named,  to  a  union  communion  service.  The  attendance  was  small. 
Bishop  Keener,  being  a  minute  man,  opened  the  service  on  time,  and 
had  administered  the  sacrament  to  the  ministers  before  the  presiding 
elder  or  pastor  arrived.  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  said  the  morning  sermon 
was  very  fine,  but  half  the  people  did  not  hear  him  he  spoke  in  such 
a  low  tone.  At  night  Dr.  Munsey  delivered  his  famous  lecture  on 
"  Elijah,"  after  which  Bishop  Keener  dedicated  the  church.  The 
house  cost  over  $33,000.  Brother  R.  W.  Rayne,  the  donor,  was 
unable  to  be  present. 

In  my  pastoral  work  I  called  to  see  Captain  Bassett's  family 
There  I  met  the  mother-in-law,  Mrs.  Vanbibber.  She  is  one  of 
Christ's  saints,  now  advanced  in  years,  and  equally  advanced  in 
Christian  life.  She  is  a  remarkable  lady.  She  was  educated  in  New 
England,  and  came  South  in  her  young  womanhood  to  teach  in  a 
seminary  in  Alabama.  Her  ideals  were  of  the  highest,  and  she 
taught  so  wisely  as  to  create  in  her  pupils  a  desire  to  reach  these 
ideals.  In  the  course  of  time  she  met  a  young  preacher,  Richard- 
son by  name,  who  won  her  hand  and  heart.  He  was  a  fine  specimen 
of  Christian  manhood;  was  elected  editor  of  the  Texas  Christian 
Advocate.  In  a  few  years  death  claimed  him.  Such  was  the  widow's 
character,  she  was  sought  after  and  in  proper  time  was  married  to 
Mr.  Vanbibber.  She  never  failed  to  let  her  light  shine.  With  her, 
duty  became  a  pleasure.  Some  persons  are  faithful,  as  if  that  dear 
-word  "  Dutv  "  were  synonymous  with  glory,  or  praise,  or  even  with 
victory.  When  the  six  hundred  rode  up  to  the  Russian  guns  at 
Balaklava,  they  did  not  ride  to  win  ;  they  rode  to  die,  and  they  died. 
This  lady  was  ever  found  in  the  path  of  duty.  With  pureness  of 
heart  she  moved  according  to  the  order  of  her  Lord. 

The  Louisiana  Conference  of  our  Northern  brethren  met  in 
one  of  the  colored  churches.  Bishop  Gilbert  Haven  presiding.  He 
was  so  thoroughly  interested  in  the  brother  in  black,  he  accepted  their 
statements  as  true,  no  difference  how  improbable.  He  was  a  strong 
man,  and  kept  the  South  stirred  up  by  publishing  the  marvelous 
statements  emanating  from  the  ex-slaves.     Some  of  the   charges 


90  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

were  true,  but  as  a  writer  once  expressed  it,  "  That  truth  was  dashed 
and  bruised  with  lies."  Our  Church  had  accomplished  a  great  work 
for  the  blacks  in  the  city.  Why  then  did  they  leave  us  ?  They  were 
told  we  would  re-enslave  them ;  that  we  were  only  waiting  for  the 
opportunity.  In  an  interview  with  one  of  the  colored  preachers, 
who  was  highly  esteemed  by  our  people  before  freedom,  and  equally 
esteemed  by  white  and  black  in  their  Church  after  leaving  us,  I 
inquired  of  him  why  was  it  they  left  us,  when  our  Church  had  done 
so  much  for  them.  I  can  only  state  his  answer.  After  emancipa- 
tion, Dr.  Newman  called  a  general  meeting  of  the  colored  people  to 
settle  their  Church  relationship;  speeches  were  made,  promises 
given,  stirring  up  their  hopes,  and  the  question  was  put  thus,  "  All  of 
you  who  want  to  belong  to  the  rebel  Church  stand  up !  "  Not  one 
dared  to  rise;  it  would  have  infuriated  the  already  excited  crowd. 
Thus  all  were  counted  as  joining  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
This  was  the  statement  made  to  me  by  Elder  Green,  the  most  in- 
fluential colored  preacher  in  the  city. 

Roman  Catholicism  dominated  the  city.  Their  wealth  ran  into 
the  millions.  New  Orleans  was  settled  by  men  of  that  faith.  In 
spite  of  all  opposing  influences,  it  has  tinctured  Protestant  senti- 
ment more  or  less.  The  Sacramentarian  idea  has  found  its  way 
into  the  minds  of  the  non-church  people.  As  pastor,  calls  were 
frequent  to  go  and  baptize  children  and  adults  when  death  was  ap- 
prehended. In  a  certain  case,  I  was  sent  for  to  baptize  a  dying  man.- 
His  mind  was  entirely  gone,  he  recognized  no  one.  His  wife  ex- 
citedly demanded  his  baptism.  My  reply  was,  "  Madam,  he  would 
have  no  knowledge  of  the  act,  and  if  in  his  senses,  would  decline." 
She  begged  and  entreated  until  it  seemed  she  would  grow  wild,  for 
she  believed  in  the  saving  act  of  baptism.  She  wailed  out  her  grief. 
I  was  in  a  quandary.  Finally  I  yielded  with  great  reluctance.  The 
wife  was  satisfied.  The  man  died  without  returning  to  conscious- 
ness. In  one  family  eight  children  were  baptized,  on  the  basis  of  the 
supposed  saving  efficacy  of  the  ordinance.  Many,  very  many  cases, 
where  children  were  in  the  act  of  dying,  the  ordinance  was  admin- 
istered. 

New  Orleans  Methodism  had  in  its  ranks  a  group  of  noble 
women.  Amongst  them  was  Mrs.  Susan  B.  Thomas,  a  cultured  and 
elegant  Christian  woman.  She  possessed  a  robust  intellect,  and  had 
the  ability  of  imparting  to  others  what  she  knew.  Perhaps  few 
•women  ever  exerted  on  the  female  mind  of  the  South  a  greater  moral 
influence.  She  was  educated  by  the  celebrated  Wilbur  Fisk  of  New 
England.  Some  leading  Southern  families  sent  for  teachers ;  three 
were  selected  and  each  left  her  mark  upon  the  female  life  of  the 
South.  When  I  first  met  Mrs.  Thomas  she  had  grown  gray  in  the 
service  and  was  on  the  retired  list,  but  her  mental  fingers  would 
grasp  the  highest  truths  and  discuss  them  with  a  charm  which 
fascinated  the  listener.  Her  spirituality  was  of  the  highest  order 
and  of  a  joyous  nature. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


91 


Some  one  has  wisely  said,  "  What  the  world  needs  more  than 
anything  else — more  than  the  gifts  of  money,  speeches,  theories, 
organizations — is  the  revival  of  personal  agency/'  Mrs.  Fannie 
Lyons  has  literally  given  herself  to  the  work  of  saving  others.  Few 
persons  in  New  Orleans  have  equalled  her  in  contributing  personal 
influence  to  enterprises  for  the  good  of  the  race.  In  local  organiza- 
tion she  has  stood  in  the  front  rank,  and  in  the  Home  Missionary 
cause  she  has  wrought  with  unabated  zeal  for  many  years,  and  has 
used  her  energies  in  promoting  the  woman's  temperance  organiza- 
tion. She  has  lifted  hand  and  voice  in  furthering  all  uplifting  en- 
terprises. After  years  of  active  work  she  is  still  in  the  field.  The 
world  needs  more  such  noble  spirits. 

A  touching  scene  was  the  baptism  and  reception  of  Thomas  G. 
Coony  into  the  Church.  Being  sent  for,  I  had  a  number  of  inter- 
views with  him.  Jesus  was  presented  in  his  attitude  of  Savior  until 
He  was  accepted  as  being  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost.  One  after- 
noon, at  an  hour  fixed  by  himself,  that  a  number  of  his  friends  might 
witness  the  ceremony,  I  baptized  him.  What  a  tearful  hour  that 
was !  There  stood  the  mother  near  her  son,  the  sisters  and  brother 
near  the  mother,  and  friends  standing  round  the  invalid's  chair.  He 
responded  feelingly  to  the  questions  propounded,  and  as  I  applied  the 
water  to  his  brow,  which  signified  the  Spirit's  work  in  the  human 
soul,  all  hearts  were  touched.  After  the  ordinance,  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship  was  given,  and  a  welcome  into  the  Church  of  our  Lord. 
He  lingered  many  weeks,  his  faith  gathering  strength  as  the  days 
went  by.  At  last  the  end  was  reached,  and  his  soul  was  launched 
into  the  higher  realm  called  Heaven. 

Another  convert  was  a  Roman  Catholic.  A  Baptist  lady  called 
for  me  to  accompany  her  to  see  a  Mrs.  Vicario,  supposed  to  be  dying 
of  consumption.  Found  her  agitated  over  her  soul's  safety.  It  was 
a  great  pleasure  to  show  her  the  way  to  Christ.  Calling  for  a  Bible, 
there  was  none  in  the  house.  While  a  friend  went  to  find  one  we 
sang  some  of  the  soul-lifting  hymns  of  the  Church  and  prayed  for 
her  salvation.  When  the  friend  returned  with  a  Bible,  passages  of  an 
encouraging  character  were  read  to  her ;  such  was  her  interest,  she 
listened  to  God  speaking  and  took  heart.  She  soon  accepted  Christ 
by  faith  and  the  light  of  life  shined  into  her  soul. 

All  ministers  have  times  when  discouragement  attacks  their 
faith.  But  these  attacks  furnish  the  occasion  to  insist  upon  the 
genuineness  of  our  convictions.  Years  ago  I  passed  from  Panama  to 
San  Francisco  in  a  powerful  steamship.  She  pushed  her  way 
steadily  day  by  day  against  wind  and  wave.  I  did  not  see  the  force 
that  propelled  her ;  it  was  down  in  the  engine-room.  The  spiritual 
force  works  on,  out  of  sight,  even  when  discouraging  things  occur. 
One  day  I  found  Dr.  Linus  Parker,  afterwards  Bishop,  laboring 
under  a  discouraging  mood.  During  a  lengthy  interview  he  ex- 
pressed the  fear  he  was  doing  no  good.  He  told  me  how  a  drunken 
Romanist  abused  him,  owing  to  his  failure  to  visit  the  man's  wife 


92  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

on  her  dying  bed.  When  sent  for  he  had  a  severe  chill,  but  informed 
the  messenger  where  to  find  a  minister.  Even  a  man  whose  life  was 
an  exhibition  of  commanding  faith  became  discouraged.  Hardly  a 
week  passed  in  my  ministry  without  some  discouraging  occurrence, 
yet  my  faith  stood  squarely  on  God's  promise. 

Secured  a  ticket  to  Ames'  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to  hear 
Bishop  Gilbert  Haven  lecture  on  woman's  rights.  He  is  nothing  if 
not  radical,  on  every  question.  It  was  interesting  to  hear  him  talk. 
He  stirs  things  everywhere  he  goes  and  keeps  up  a  commotion  in 
State  and  Church.  He  nominated  General  Grant  for  a  third  term, 
and  set  the  Republican  party  ablaze.  He  assailed  the  South  with  a 
fervor  hardly  compatible  with  his  position  in  the  Church  of  God. 
Whenever  he  attacks,  the  fur  flies.  The  Bishop  talked  for  one  hour 
and  a  quarter,  claiming  the  earth  for  woman.  He  had  an  audience 
in  sympathy  with  his  views,  but  very  few  Southerners  were  present. 
I  met  him  socially,  through  the  present  Bishop  Hartzell  of  Africa, 
and  found  him  a  genial,  jovial  spirit. 

Pastors  have  to  deal  with  men  sometimes  whose  nature  is  a 
puzzle.  We  had  a  member  who  had  a  rich  experience  and  his  public 
prayers  were  soul-stirring  and  uplifting.  It  was  a  real  pleasure  to 
hear  him.  He  rarely  attended  preaching,  and  seldom  ever  attended 
communion.  He  reminded  me  of  a  piece  of  plank  with  the  grain 
running  both  ways  on  the  same  side.  This  man  possessed  some 
excellent  qualities,  vet,  if  his  example  had  been  followed,  would  have 
wrecked  the  Church.  When  the  pastor  was  stricken  with  yellow 
fever,  he  proposed  to  give  up  his  work  and  nurse  him,  which  the 
physician  in  charge  would  not  allow.  He  was  about  as  cranky  a 
man  as  one  would  meet  in  a  score  of  years.  He  was  generally  on  the 
other  side  of  all  questions  of  Church  methods.  I  am  not  to  be  a 
judge,  but  I  think  he  is  in  Heaven.  His  tangles  and  crochets  con- 
stitute the  wood,  hay  and  stubble  which  will  be  burned  up.  Perfec- 
tion of  action  in  human  eyes  is  an  impossibility ;  God  only  requires 
perfection  of  intention. 

Kitty  Garrett  was  the  name  of  an  old  colored  Christian.  She 
was  a  consistent,  honored,  child  of  God.  She  never  deserted  the 
Church  which  led  her  to  Christ  under  the  old  regime.  Her  seat  in 
the  house  of  God  was  rarely  vacant ;  the  Gospel  message  was  meat 
and  drink  to  her  soul.  She  was  gifted  with  a  degree  of  common 
sense  far  above  the  women  of  her  color.  She  was  self-supporting, 
and  enlivened  her  toil  with  the  songs  of  Zion.  Her  next-door 
neighbor  reported  as  hearing  her  singing  all  the  evening.  That 
night  she  died.  No  one  knew  at  what  hour  the  angels  met  her, 
for  she  was  alone.  She  passed  away  leaving  her  old  tabernacle  in 
her  humble  bed.     Our   Church  gave  her   a   decent  and   Christian 

burial.  . 

The  St.  Anna's  Asylum  is  a  large,  airy  structure,  erected  in 
memory  of  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Merceir,  as  a  home  for  destitute 
females.    Having  visited  the  home  often,  it  was  found  to  be  a  noble 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  93 

benefaction.  The  purpose  of  my  visits  was  to  make  brighter,  lives 
that  had  been  shadowed  by  sore  trials.  Some  of  them  lost  their 
earthly  possessions,  but  held  on  to  their  faith  in  God.  Of  the  many 
inmates,  two  or  three  were  of  our  denomination,  and  at  the  regular 
services  I  took  my  turn  in  preaching,  seeking  to  encourage  their 
faith  in  Him  who  honors  the  confidence  reposed  in  Him.  In  visit- 
ing this  institution  from  time  to  time,  my  eye  caught  the  form  of  a 
kneeling  woman,  who  spent  all  her  waking  hours  on  her  knees  in 
prayer.  No  matter  what  hour  one  dropped  in,  there  was  that  kneel- 
ing figure  with  moving  lips  asking  help  of  Heaven.  Her  mind  was 
unbalanced,  but  she  was  harmless.  Poor  old  soul,  without  a  known 
relative  on  earth  to  give  her  even  sympathy,  in  her  loneliness  her 
eyes  turned  toward  the  hills  from  whence  help  cometh !  Long  since, 
the  cloud  passed  from  her  brain,  and  in  that  pure  realm  where  the 
good  gather  she  has  found  her  place,  and  with  the  mighty  host  of 
blood-washed  has  joined  in  high  praises  to  Him  who  redeemed  her 
and  presented  her  to  God  without  spot  or  wrinkle  or  any  such  thing. 

Another  institution,  called  "  The  Fink  Home,"  was  intended 
as  a  refuge  for  destitute  ladies  who  had  been  raised  in  affluence. 
It  was  a  real  home.  A  Mr.  Fink  died,  leaving  a  handsome  sum  for 
its  establishment.  By  some  means  the  bequest  had  been  lost  sight 
of,  and  the  city  had  used  the  funds.  A  member  of  our  denomina- 
tion unearthed  the  donation,  and  the  result  was  this  retreat.  Brother 
Keller  deserves  the  thanks  of  the  community  for  his  work.  In  this 
delightful  retreat  lived  one  of  our  members,  a  woman  of  rare  spirit ; 
rare  in  that  her  religion  was  all  joy.  She  realized  the  sweep  of 
that  scripture  where  the  Savior  says,  "  Your  joy  shall  be  full."  In 
the  classroom,  and  in  the  public  assembly,  she  bubbled  over  in  her 
Christian  happiness,  and  would  act  on  the  Psalmist's  suggestion, 
to  "  shout  for  joy !  "  God's  promises  were  ever  on  her  lips.  One 
Sunday  morning  an  elegantly  dressed  couple  from  a  Northern 
State  visited  our  church  and  heard  the  old  lady  shout.  When 
passing  out  of  the  house  of  God  the  visiting  lady  said,  "  Thank 
God,  I  have  lived  to  hear  a  shout  of  praise  in  a  Methodist  Church 
once  more !  "  Now  and  then  is  heard  from  Methodist  lips  the  state- 
ment that  the  emotional  in  religion  is  dying  out.  If  this  be  true, 
we  will  have  a  dead  Church. 

A  certain  woman  sent  for  me,  as  she  desired  a  special  inter- 
view. I  responded  to  the  request,  not  knowing  its  nature.  Often, 
strangers  like  this  wife  send  for  me  to  help  them  out  of  their 
troubles.  I  found  this  lady  gloomy  and  unhappy.  She  desired  a 
divorce  from  her  husband.  Her  story  was  an  affecting  one.  The 
man's  bad  temper  was  dilated  upon ;  his  general  treatment  was 
discussed,  the  blows  he  had  given  her,  and  his  drinking  habit  lead- 
ing to  other  acts  of  cruelty.  The  interview  was  somewhat  lengthy 
and  called  for  sympathy.  My  position  was  one  of  delicacy.  My 
advice  to  her,  in  face  of  Christ's  utterance  in  his  Sermon  on  the 
Mount,   was   to  bear  her  trials   for  the   Master's   sake.      She   had 


94 


PEEP 8  INTO  LIFE. 


assumed  vows  at  God's  altar  which  could  not  be  set  aside  at  will. 
She  was  also  assured,  God  would  develop  great  qualities  in  her  if 
she  bore  her  sufferings  in  the  right  spirit.  She  at  first  gave  evi- 
dences of  irritation  over  my  position,  but  as  the  conversation  ex- 
tended she  changed  and  seemed  to  appreciate  the  principles  in- 
volved. 

There  are  times  when  a  minister  is  forced  to  stand  on  the 
border-line  between  truth  and  falsehood.  Persons  demand  of  him 
if  he  has  heard  anything  from  certain  parties  as  to  the  questioner. 
Not  long  ago  the  daily  journals  announced  that  a  certain  Roman 
Catholic  professor  gave  several  reasons  justifying  one  in  telling 
falsehoods.  The  truth  should  be  told  at  any  cost,  though  friend- 
ships be  severed.  A  woman  called  upon  me,  not  one  of  my  members. 
She  was  full  of  spleen  toward  a  family  and  wanted  me  to  take  sides 
with  her.  She  lived  at  General  Somebody's  and  had  to  sleep  in  a 
tub !  Dreadful  people  in  her  eyes ;  nice  enough  in  the  eyes  of 
others !  Such  a  string  of  complaints  one  rarely  hears.  She  kept 
me  standing  in  the  cold  until  I  shivered.  Only  three  days  before 
her  kinswoman  had  informed  me  she  would  not  be  happy  any- 
where. Would  quarrel  with  every  one  and  everywhere.  It  was  a 
case,  possibly,  where  a  woman  could  say,  "  I  feel  better ;  I  've  given 
the  minister  a  piece  of  my  mind !  " 

A  note  received,  requested  me  to  call  upon  an  old  saint  on  his 
dying  bed ;  Father  Crebbin,  an  Englishman  who  belonged  to  the 
Primitive  Methodists  in  his  native  land.  He  had  great  strength  of 
character  without  much  polish.  Rugged  but  grand  in  moral  qual- 
ities. His  experience  was  not  only  ripe  but  rich.  He  had  some- 
thing to  tell  and  told  it  clearly.  He  was  over  eighty  years  of  age. 
While  lying  there,  I  asked,  "Would  you  like  to  hear  a  prayer?" 
"  Yes,"  said  he,  "  I  would  like  some  of  your  oil."  "  Is  your  heart 
at  rest?"  I  asked.  "Yes,  filled  with  the  fullness  of  God,"  was  his 
answer.  His  was  linked  to  Christ,  and  in  patience  he  was  wait- 
ing for  the  King's  chariot.  There  he  lay,  old  and  grey-headed, 
without  trepidation,  without  flurry — simply  waiting,  listening  for 
the  descending  convoy !  What  a  wonderful  witness  of  the  sustain- 
ments  of  God  in  life's  most  solemn  crisis.  A  short  while  and  he 
was  gone.  The  world  lost  much  when  he  departed.  Heaven  gained 
a  new  harper  when  he  entered  the  Golden  City ! 

In  response  to  a  call  sent  out  by  some  friends  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association,  I  attended  a  meeting  in  Dr.  Mallard's 
Presbyterian  Church,  to  prepare  for  the  visit  of  two  laymen  who 
proposed  to  work  in  the  interest  of  young  men.  Messrs.  Hall  and 
Cree.  About  thirty  persons  responded,  four  ministers  among  them. 
Dr.  Mallard  informed  the  gathering  that  the  Presbyterian  ministers 
as  a  body  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  a  convention  of  the  kind 
proposed.  My  views  were  solicited ;  my  response  was,  "  I  am  for 
lending  a  hand  to  those  who  were  proposing  to  save  souls."  I 
offered  the  use  of  Carondelet  Street  Church.     What  a  change  in  a 


1/  T0BI0QRA.PH1   OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  y5 

quarter  of  a  century !  The  Presbyterians  now  almost  run  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

Received  a  letter  from  Bishop  H.  N.  McTyeire,  requesting  me 
to  write  up  the  Church  news  for  him,  saying  "  You  used  to  write 
such  full  letters."  They  were  private.  His  letter  was  inclosed  in 
one  written  him  by  Dr.  Austin  of  this  city,  a  celebrated  yellow 
fever  physician,  about  some  of  our  city  ministers.  The  Bishop  in- 
closed it  for  the  reason  assigned  by  him ;  it  does  a  man  good  to  be 
encouraged  when  he  deserves  it.  That  letter  uses  this  language, 
"  Dr.  Munsey  enchains  me.  Mathews  brings  me  to  my  knees  and 
makes  me  feel  like  doing  better."  To  some  minds  the  Bishop 
seemed  cold  and  austere;  not  so.  His  office  did  not  remove  him, 
as  in  some  cases,  from  the  circle  of  friendship. 

Some  days  the  number  of  callers  is  astonishing.  To  be  sweet 
to  each  and  to  all  put  me  up  to  all  that  was  best  in  me.  Most  of 
them  called  in  the  interest  of  the  body,  and  now  and  then  a 
streak  of  petulance  would  seize  me  in  spite  of  my  prayers  and 
philosophy.  Just  as  I  sat  down  to  write  a  discourse,  the  bell  rang 
and  the  message  was,  a  lady  wishes  to  see  the  pastor.  A  Mrs.  Fog 
wanted  me  to  lend  her  a  dollar.  She  was  a  female  tramp.  Already 
had  she  wrought  upon  my  sympathies  until  she  had  fooled  me  out 
of  five  dollars,  making  false  statements.  Having  refused  to  aid  her 
further,  she  withdrew  from  our  Church  and  joined  the  Presbyterians 
to  secure  help.  They  found  her  out  in  due  time  and  ceased  to  aid 
her ;  now  she  has  the  cheek  to  ask  me  to  lend  her  a  dollar !  An- 
other woman  noted  as  a  beggar  of  the  better  class,  would  take  the 
money  and  purchase  lottery  tickets  even  when  her  children  were 
suffering  for  bread.  She  was  aided  until  witnesses  proved  her 
guilt.  One  would  hardly  believe  the  passion  for  gambling  could  so 
possess  a  mother. 

Another  caller  was  a  woman  well  provided  for,  as  well  as  her 
six  children,  in  St.  Anna's  Home.  Her  business  was  to  borro\v  ten 
dollars  to  start  a  little  store  and  be  independent.  She  had  no  idea 
of  business  and  inside  of  ten  days  would  be  in  debt.  Many  persons 
will  not  be  satisfied;  they  would  be  miserable  in  Heaven  unless 
totally  reconstructed.  Men  callers  were  more  frequent  than  the 
other  sex.  Sometimes  touching  stories  of  homes  in  ashes,  and 
children  needing  food,  but  it  became  such  a  common  story,  at  once 
they  were  detected.  It  sometimes  proved  a  great  trial  to  say,  "  No." 
Once  in  a  while  a  case  would  not  accept  "  No,"  and  I  had  to  threaten 
to  send  for  a  policeman. 

Another  day  the  scenes  shifted.  Early,  a  caller  notified  me  of 
the  death  of  a  young  mother  who  joined  our  Church  recently.  Over 
a  year  ago  T  united  her  in  marriage  to  her  husband;  now  requested 
to  attend  her  funeral  and  at  the  side  of  the  coffin  baptize  her  babe. 
A  sad  case,  yet  full  of  Divine  comfort  in  that  her  faith  failed  not. 
Spent  the  day  in  pastoral  work,  knowing  that  God  works  through 
others.     Sometimes  during  my  labors  a  sense  of  weariness  would 


96 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


steal  over  me,  and  the  tempter  would  say,  "  Return  home  and  rest !  " 
When  my  governing  principle  was  recalled,  I  pushed  on.  It  is  a 
well-known  fact,  the  stream  that  stops  flowing  dries  up  or  becomes 
a  stagnant  pool.  In  my  work,  some  hearts  had  been  cheered,  some 
tears  dried,  some  were  helped  over  a  trial  and  on  I  went  until  time 
to  attend  the  dead  mother's  funeral.  At  6  p.  m.  I  reached  home 
weary,  hungry,  not  having  tasted  food  since  early  morning.  On 
entering  our  home  I  found  an  Irish  minister  awaiting  me.  He  had 
letters  from  prominent  men  in  the  Church.  His  mission  was  to 
secure  funds  for  a  school  in  his  native  land.  There  I  sat  as  he 
patiently  unfolded  his  mission.  How  could  I  be  sweet  when 
hunger  was  demanding  to  be  appeased?  Mastering  myself,  my 
manner  was  kindly,  for  he  impressed  me  favorably.  My  wife,  wise 
and  tactful,  came  into  the  parlor,  inviting  the  gentleman  to  join  us 
at  dinner.  But  he  had  dined ;  then,  "  Please  excuse  my  husband,  as 
he  has  had  nothing  to  eat  since  early  breakfast."  He  replied,  "  I  '11 
wait."  This  I  regretted  as  it  would  necessitate  a  hurried,  half 
masticated  meal.  He  waited,  and  my  mood  was  not  made  any 
sweeter  by  the  dinner. 

A  call  came  to  make  a  visit  to  Gretna,  across  the  Mississippi. 
A  man  was  dying  who  desired  to  see  me  once  more.  He  joined  the 
Church  during  my  pastorate  at  Felicity  Street  Church.  He  had 
made  headway  in  Christian  living.  He,  like  a  soldier,  met  his 
obligations.  The  soldier  would  hardly  come  to  much  who  did  noth- 
ing but  stand  and  mark  time.  This  man,  as  I  approached  his  bed- 
side, stretched  forth  his  hands  in  greeting  his  former  pastor  and, 
as  he  did  so,  for  very  joy,  sobbed  like  a  child.  The  interview  was 
one  of  blessedness  to  my  poor  heart,  which  sometimes  was  assailed 
by  the  fear  that  I  had  done  very  little  in  peopling  Heaven.  There 
he  lay,  trusting  and  rejoicing;  willing  to  go  or  stay  as  God  might 
wish.  How  it  strengthens  one's  faith  to  see  a  man  who  stands 
upon  the  shore  of  eternity,  peering  into  the  future,  and  shouting 
forth,  "  There  is  light  ahead !  "  The  sting  had  been  extracted  from 
death,  and  he  was  passing  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death  fearing  no  evil.  Glorious  religion  that  fills  the  future  with 
rapturous  visions ! 

Two  temperance  Evangelists  came  from  Philadelphia  to  New 
Orleans,  at  this  time.  Mrs.  Dunham,  called  as  the  co-worker  of  the 
celebrated  Christian  temperance  advocate,  Mrs.  Wittenmyer.  They 
were  touring  the  South  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  the  ladies  more 
directly  in  the  fight  against  the  liquor  traffic.  They  proposed  to 
organize  a  "  Ladies  Union  "  to  help  overthrow  the  monster.  As 
usual,  at  their  request,  I  offered  the  use  of  Carondelet  Church. 
When  the  hour  appointed  arrived,  about  fifty  ladies  met  to  hear  the 
address.  The  word  "  address  "  hardly  conveys  the  true  idea  of 
what  we  heard.  It  was  a  heart  to  heart  talk.  Mrs.  Wittenmyer 
talked  for  an  hour  and  a  quarter ;  the  interest  did  not  for  one 
moment  abate.     As  she  talked  her  face  beamed  Avith  a  light  almost 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  97 

seraphic.  One  rarely  hears  so  touching  an  appeal  to  throw  out 
the  life-line  to  save  sinking  souls.  Her  prayer  was  literally  a  talk 
with  God.  Strange  as  it  seems,  our  people,  as  a  rule,  would  have 
little  to  do  with  people  from  the  North.  The  sting  of  carpetbag 
rule  still  smarted.  I  took  the  risk  of  violating  public  sentiment  in 
opening  the  church  to  these  holy  women.  Mrs.  Wittenmyer,  by 
invitation,  attended  our  mid-week  prayer-meeting,  which  as  usual 
was  crowded.  Her  talk  was  brimming  with  Christ.  Her  plea  for 
the  degraded  man  made  one  think  of  Jesus ;  then  raising  her  voice 
she  exclaimed,  "  Sisters,  after  the  crucifixion  the  Savior  went  up. 
Then  the  cry  was  heard,  '  Be  ye  lifted  up  ye  everlasting  doors,  and 
the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in ;'  He  entered,  and  the  first  to  fol- 
low him  was  a  thief!  A  converted  thief !  "  This  sent  a  thrill  through 
every  soul. 

On  Saturday  mornings,  going  into  my  study,  the  order  was  to 
say  the  pastor  can  not  be  seen  unless  it  is  imperative.  In  every  case 
it  was  claimed  to  be  imperative,  if  it  was  only  to  borrow  a  nickel. 
On  this  Saturday  morning  a  man  demanded  to  see  me — it  was 
absolutely  necessary.  He  was  ushered  in,  and  at  once  stated,  "  I 
want  to  give  you  my  views !  "  I  often  see  through  a  man  at  a  glance 
and  discover  his  object.  For  a  time  this  man  baffled  me.  I  opened 
up  the  way  that  he  might  state  briefly  the  purpose  of  his  visit. 
Several  questions  were  propounded  to  draw  him  out.  "  Do  you 
attend  Church?"  "Sometimes."  "Want  to  join  the  Church?" 
"  No."  "  Well,  what?  "  "  I  want  to  give  you  my  views !  "  "  Views 
about  what?"  At  last  he  excitedly  said,  "You  ought  to  go  to  the 
banks  and  get  money ;  the  Church  sustains  the  government  and  the 
banks,  and  you  ought  to  get  it  there !  "  The  man  was  evidently 
unbalanced,  for  he  repeated  his  statement  again  and  again,  until 
patience  ceased  to  be  a  virtue.  I  said  to  him,  "  My  wife  is  ill  and  I 
would  like  to  run  up-stairs  and  see  her ; "  but  he  sat  unmoved,  only 
repeating,  "  The  Church  must  go  to  the  banks  for  money !  "  Greatly 
bewildered,  I  thought  to  freeze  him  out;  was  he  simply  ignorant, 
or  crazy?  I  arose  to  leave.  He  arose  too,  but  began  again  about 
giving  me  his  "  views."  I  requested  him  to  excuse  me ;  my  plea 
being,  "  I  have  much  to  do  to-day,"  and  bowed  him  out.  This  pro- 
cess may  have  been  one  of  God's  methods  of  developing  in  me  some 
of  the  finer  graces.     I  was  undergoing  a  training  for  self-mastery! 

Always  on  the  lookout  for  seasonable  opportunities  for  saving 
men,  when  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  evangelists  closed  their  labors  I  con- 
cluded to  push  the  battle,  and  solicited  the  aid  of  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker. 
His  reply  was,  "  I  never  was  busier  or  happier  than  now."  and  con- 
sented to  aid.  These  evangelists  in  their  methods  made  things  easy, 
and  required  only  submission  to  Christ  and  accepting  Him  as  Savior. 
Little  was  said  of  repentance  or  regeneration.  The  hour  for  meet- 
ing arrived  but  we  had  only  a  few  present.  Dr.  Walker  was  true 
to  his  promise  and  gave  us  a  short  discourse  under  a  sense  of  dis-, 
couragement.    He  sat  down  and  the  meeting  was  in  my  hands.    The 


98 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


prospects  were  against  us  and  for  a  few  moments  the  promises  were 
forgotten,  but  my  faith  rallied,  and  I  said,  "  This  meeting  is  con- 
tinued for  the  purpose  of  affording  an  opportunity  to  any  who  may 
desire  to  be  saved."  After  a  short  but  earnest  exhortation,  the 
invitation  was  given  to  seek  Christ,  and  sixteen  came  to  the  altar! 
Two  men  whose  hair  was  white  as  snow  came  as  seekers,  and  an 
elderly  lady  was  anxious  to  be  saved.  Several  professed  conversion 
and  the  meeting  ended  in  joy.  The  weather  changed  and  for  a  week 
we  had  a  New  Orleans  flood.  The  meeting  was  continued,  and  we 
gathered  in  a  number  of  converts. 

I  was  notified  that  one  of  my  spiritual  children  had  just  died, 
Letitia  Jones,  a  full  orphan.  "  Tish,"  as  she  was  called  was  over 
fifteen  years  of  age.  She  was  physically  disabled  and  under  size ; 
the  effect  of  a  spinal  trouble.  During  my  pastorate  at  Felicity,  she 
gave  her  young  heart  to  Christ.  My  sympathies  for  the  little  girl 
were  very  strong.  She  was  thoughtful  beyond  her  years.  When  my 
family  was  necessitated  to  leave  the  city  to  recruit  wasted  energies, 
she  said  to  Mrs.  Mathews,  on  her  return,  "  I  knew  you  all  would 
get  back  safely,  for  I  prayed  for  you  every  day,  and  never  forgot  it 
once !  "  Her  faith  was  of  that  simple  kind  which  Christ  approved. 
She  was  gentle  as  a  lamb,  though  a  child  of  pain,  and  early  per- 
fected through  suffering,  and  soon  overtook  the  loved  ones  who  had 
preceded  her  to  the  Holy  City. 

At  the  close  of  a  noonday  prayer-meeting,  a  touching  scene  oc- 
curred. After  the  benediction  had  been  pronounced,  a  lady  of 
another  denomination  rushed  across  the  room  to  where  I  stood,  and 
cried  to  the  people  passing  out,  "  Come,  let  us  all  kneel  down  while 
Brother  Mathews  prays  for  my  children !  "  She  was  greatly  excited 
over  her  wandering  boy,  and  the  mother's  heart  yearned  for  his 
rescue.  A  number  grouped  around  us,  we  put  our  supplications  to- 
gether and  invoked  the  aid  of  Heaven.  Tears  mingled  with  that 
mother's  and  she  was  comforted  because  of  such  sympathy  in  her 
grief.  ' 

In  my  own  Church,  at  almost  every  regular  service,  some  one  is 
saved.  This  doubtless  grows  out  of  the  emphasis  I  place  upon  the 
cardinal  truths  of  our  Gospel.  One  Sunday  morning,  my  dis- 
course was  on  the  value  of  the  blood.  The  text,  I  John,  I,  7,  "  And 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  His  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin."  My 
points  were,  first,  His  blood  alone  is  the  ground  of  forgiveness. 
Second,  that  same  blood  is  the  basis  of  all  achievement  in  Christian 
life.  Third,  the  same  precious  blood  is  the  sole  foundation  of  our 
confidence  for  ultimate  salvation.  It  is  difficult  for  me  to  recall  a 
time  when  I  had  greater  freedom  in  expounding  these  principles 
than  on  this  occasion.  Many  a  tear  glistened  in  the  eyes  of  be- 
lievers, and  my  own  heart  glowed  with  Divine  ardor.  When  the  in- 
vitation was  given  for  action,  a  gray-haired  physician  came  forward 
exhibiting  deep  emotion.  For  years  he  had  attended  worship  but 
until  this  day  had  not  yielded  to  be  saved.     Soon  he  was  brimming 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


99 


with  joy.  Then  a  young  lady  followed,  showing  the  truth  affected 
all  classes.  Doctor  Johnson,  president  of  the  college  at  Brookhaven, 
was  present  and  closed  with  prayer  both  unctuous  and  inspiring. 
Long  ago  he  passed  up  in  triumph  to  see  the  Lamb  that  was  slain 
open  the  Gates  of  Heaven  to  the  blood-washed ! 

At  one  of  our  prayer-meetings,  Brother  Wm,  R.  Stewart,  our 
bubbling  brother,  was  over  from  Ocean  Springs.  His  talk  was 
animating.  He  stirred  all  hearts  by  his  utterances  of  faith.  He 
failed  in  business  in  the  city.  In  his  goodness  of  heart  he  went 
security  for  one  of  his  fellow  members  for  eighty  thousand  dollars 
and  had  it  to  pay.  He  was  a  man  of  great  energy  and  could  not  be 
kept  down.  His  Christian  life  was  never  hidden.  Of  course  he  was 
criticised,  but  nothing  could  move  him  from  his  moorings.  He 
anchored  to  Christ. 

A  long  letter  reached  me  from  a  cousin  in  Ireland,  a  maiden 
lady,  Miss  Elizabeth  Brigham.  In  this  letter  was  given  a  history  of 
my  ancestors.  She  is  a  capable  woman,  being  a  contributor  to 
various  magazines  in  Europe.  At  my  request  she  searched  for  data 
as  to  our  ancestors.  She  took  several  months  to  vertify  her  state- 
ments. She  traced  the  history  of  the  family  back  to  .the  "  Culdee  " 
of  Scotland.  She  visited  the  latter  country  and  called  at  the  old 
castle  which  once  belonged  to  the  family,  and  the  present  mistress 
took  her  through  it,  and  gave  her  a  view  of  the  original  portion  of 
the  mansion.  The  castle  belonged  to  the  family  which  gave  Bruce 
the  crown.  The  family  had  always  belonged  to  the  Culdee  before 
the  reformation.  My  parents  were  cousins  and  of  course  of  the 
same  family.    The  original  name  was  Breckin. 

In  every  large  Church  you  will  find  at  least  one  or  two  fault- 
finders. They  are  sometimes  characterized  by  that  inelegant  term, 
"  soreheads."  Nothing  goes  right.  One  of  these  just  returned 
from  New  York  and  Washington  City,  where  he  attended  one  of  the 
Hammond  meetings,  was  filled  with  what  he  saw  and  heard.  In 
one  of  our  meetings  he  compared  us  with  the  interest  there,  to  our 
great  disadvantage,  and  his  talk  was  like  dashing  pails  of  cold  water 
over  us.  He  stated  the  number  in  attendance.  In  reply,  I  stated 
we  had  two  hundred  and  fifty-five  at  our  last  prayer-meeting,  a 
larger  number  than  he  said  he  saw.  He  gave  the  experiences  of  a 
reformed  drunkard.  A  gentleman  who  heard  him  arose  in  the  audi- 
ence, and  said  "  I  am  from  the  East ;  no  one  seemed  to  care  for  my 
soul  there.  I  came  to  New  Orleans  and  here  I  found  Christ  and 
Christian  friends.''  This  testimony  counteracted  the  effect  of  the 
talk  of  the  fault-finder.  It  occurs  to  me  that  some  members  have 
formed  the  habit  of  complaining. 

In  my  pastoral  rounds,  I  called  upon  a  lady  of  fine  common 
sense — an  ex-Romanist.  I  congratulated  her  on  having  three  sons 
of  such  moral  worth.  She  replied,  "  Yes,  they  are  good  young  men, 
but  I  had  trouble  in  their  raising ;  but  I  made  them  obey  me.  I  had 
to  use  the  cowhide  to  enforce  obedience.     Thev  ran  awav  once  but 


iiuai 


IOO  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

I  held  them  to  what  was  right ;  and  now  they  thank,  bless  and  obey 
me."  Many  boys  are  ruined  by  the  indulgence  of  parents.  There  is 
a  maudlin,  sickening  sentimentality  that  children  must  not  be 
coerced.  There  is  a  current,  but  false  sentiment  on  many  lips, 
which  asserts,  "  You  can  coax  but  not  drive  me."  We  are  all  driven 
by  circumstances  to  do  what  has  to  be  done.  An  indulgent  parent 
is  the  worst  enemy  a  child  can  have.  Sometimes  it  is  a  great  mercy 
for  parents  to  be  taken  to  Heaven. 

In  our  midst,  lived  Dr.  Ahrens  and  his  wife,  both  Germans  and 
cultured.  He  has  stood  head  and  front  of  our  German  ministry ;  a 
preacher  of  rare  ability  and  deep  piety.  His  discourses  were  fresh, 
instructive  and  warming.  It  was  a  treat  to  hear  him.  His  wife  was 
particularly  entertaining  in  our  experience  meetings.  On  one  oc- 
casion at  the  seashore  camp-meeting  when  witnessing  for  her 
Lord  her  cup  ran  over,  and  in  her  joy  she  turned  to  her  native 
tongue  and  gave  us  German ;  then  suddenly  aware  of  the  fact,  ex- 
claimed, "  The  Lord  understands  German  as  well  as  English ! " 
Her  life  was  an  epistle  read  of  all. 

Visiting  in  my  rounds,  I  came  upon  a  lady  of  rare  quality.  She 
is  not  only  bra've  but  courageous.  This  lady  faced  public  opinion  in 
her  effort  to  save  fallen  woman.  Some  condemned  her  as  rash,  but 
with  quiet  zeal  she  stretched  forth  her  hands  to  save  her  fallen 
sisters.  She  took  some  of  them  to  her  own  home  until  they  could 
be  provided  for,  and  thus  sheltered  a  number  seeking  aid.  Noble 
women  are  not  all  in  Heaven.  Her  motto  was,  "  Rescue  the  perish- 
ing! "  She  gave  not  only  her  money  but  her  reputation  and  herself. 
Like  the  Master,  she  made  herself  of  no  reputation. 

The  hour  for  this  class  of  work  having  arrived,  pen,  paper,  and 
book  are  all  laid  aside  for  stern  duty.  More  and  more  do  facts  con- 
vince me  of  its  value.  Personal  interest  in  individuals  is  a  key  that 
seldom  fails  to  turn  the  bolt.  A  call  at  the  home  where  there  is  sick- 
ness, where  a  broken  arm  is  in  splints,  or  some  great  sorrow  is 
hovering  over  the  mind,  will  go  further  in  fastening  human  hearts 
to  a  minister  than  a  dozen  elaborated  discourses.  Human  minds 
crave  sympathy  and  are  won  by  its  exhibition  when  everything  else 
fails. 

In  New  Orleans,  Easter  was  celebrated  with  a  pomp  and 
splendor  I  had  nowhere  else  witnessed.  The  Romanists  and  Epis- 
copalians expend  large  sums,  thus  appealing  to  the  senses  through 
eye  and  ear.  To  uphold  their  action  they  appeal  to  the  Old  Testa- 
ment in  its  instructions  as  to  the  spectacular  in  worship.  They 
forget  this  was  God's  way  simply  because  the  race  was  in  its  infancy. 
He  was  dealing  with  childhood.  Christ  appeared,  not  in  robes  or 
ritualistic  splendor,  to  let  men  see  there  is  a  higher  realm.  On 
Easter  days  a  number  of  our  people,  attracted  by  the  decorations 
and  music,  go  to  these  churches,  particularly  the  young.  They  go 
to  see  the  show.  The  eye  and  ear  are  fed,  while  the  heart  is  never 
touched.    These  facts  led  our  less  spiritual  ministers  and  people,  for 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  101 

self-protection,  as  they  alleged,  to  make  Easter  Sunday  a  gala  day. 
At  this  day,  a  number  of  our  churches  are  decorated  to  vie  with 
other  churches  in  attractions.  The  music  is  most  elaborate,  and  the 
sermon  is  relegated  to  a  rear  place  in  the  program.  Little  by  little 
our  way  of  honoring  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  is  abolished  and 
the  spectacular  is  adopted.  Back  in  the  centuries  the  Israelites 
desired  a  king.  The  splendor  of  heathen  courts  created  a  desire  for 
a  like  splendor.  As  childhood  loves  red  shoes,  so  a  childish  condi- 
tion demands  the  spectacular  in  religion.  Where  this  trend  will  end 
it  is  not  hard  to  see. 

It  has  been  told  me  that  years  ago  the  doors  of  one  of  our 
churches,  in  this  city,  had  been  locked  on  Jefferson  Hamilton,  so 
long  in  after  years,  occupying  an  extraordinary  share  of  the  atten- 
tion of  our  Church.  Dr.  Hamilton  was  from  New  England  and 
appointed  to  old  Poydras  Street  Church.  He  assured  me  that  two 
men,  a  Mr.  Curtis  and  a  Mr.  Ross  ruled  the  organization.  They  did 
not  want  a  Northern  man  or  any  independent  thinker.  They  locked 
this  noble  man  out  of  the  church.  It  created  a  furore,  but  these  men 
held  sway.  The  authorities  had  to  transfer  Dr.  Hamilton  to  the 
Alabama  Conference.  The  leading  Church  received  him  and  he  left 
the  imprint  of  his  great  life  on  Alabama  Methodism.  These  same 
men  drove  from  the  Methodist  Church  one  of  the  most  eloquent 
men  ever  in  their  pulpit,  Dr.  Nicolson,  afterwards  a  Bishop  in  the 
Reformed  Episcopal  Church.  These  officials  carried  things  as  they 
pleased,  with  a  high  hand,  until  two  comparatively  young  men, 
John  C.  Keener  and  H.  N.  McTyeire  were  sent  to  New  Orleans. 
They  were  young  men  of  purpose,  and  saw  it  to  be  necessary  to 
break  the  power  of  these  two  officials,  and  only  succeeded  after  a 
long  and  bitter  contest  which  for  the  time  being  affected  the  Church 
disastrously.  I  have  known  Churches  where  one  and  two  men  ruled 
with  a  rod  of  iron.  No  wonder  the  old  philosopher  said,  "  It  is  sweet 
to  command,  though  it  be  but  a  flock  of  sheep."  There  have  been 
two  or  three  occasions  in  my  long  ministry  when,  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  I  swallowed  insults,  and  saved  the  cause  of  the  Master  from 
injury. 

Reaching  home  one  afternoon  I  found  a  middle-aged  man  who 
called  to  see  me,  but  made  the  strange  proposition  to  employ  my 
wife.  He  was  a  total  stranger  to  us  both.  He  desired  her  to  call  on 
the  officials  at  the  Custom  House,  and  secure  for  him  a  position, 
and  he  would  pay  her  a  certain  amount  monthly.  His  plea  was, 
"  She  has  influence  and  can  secure  me  a  place."  We  considered  the 
proposition  as  an  insult !  We  were  indignant,  but  bore  it  as  best  we 
could.  As  pastor,  many  appeals  have  been  made,  but  no  money 
promised.  Agents  have  offered  me  valuable  books  if  I  would  re- 
commend them,  even  when  I  had  not  read  them.  Some  ladies  went 
away  incensed,  when  in  reply  to  such  a  proposition,  I  said,<"  Madam, 
I  am  a  teacher  of  morals;  what  respect  would  you  have  forme, 
were  I  to  commend  the  book  when  vou  know  I  have  never  read  it  ? 


IQ2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

On  Saturday  night,  having  finished  all  preparations  for  Sun- 
day's work,  I  retired  and  soon  was  asleep.  The  bell  rang,  and  I 
was  awakened  and  notified  that  two  gentlemen  called  for  me.  A 
Miss  Georgia  Cook  was  said  to  be  dying.  Her  sister  was  one  of  our 
best  members.  The  sick  woman  was  unconscious.  It  was  heart- 
rending to  witness  the  distress  of  that  household.  The  young 
woman  was  suddenly  stricken  down  and  became  unconscious  before 
she  had  time  to  make  an  appeal  to  the  Savior.  She  was  present  the 
previous  Sunday  night  when  I  made  an  earnest  appeal  to  accept 
Christ.  She  may  have  done  so.  Little  did  she  dream  that  before 
another  Sunday  night  she  would  pass  into  the  beyond  and  stand 
face  to  face  with  eternal  things !  All  I  could  do  was  to  ask  God  to 
save  her  and  give  the  family  inward  support  to  pass  the  trying 
ordeal  in  submission. 

Dr.  J.  B.  Walker,  my  successor  at  Felicity  Street  Church  pro- 
posed an  exchange,  to  which  a  ready  assent  was  given.  The  follow- 
ing Sunday  I  was  in  my  old  pulpit.  The  Doctor  had  announced  my 
visit,  and  a  number  of  my  former  parishioners  were  in  attendance, 
persons  who  owing  to  infirmities  were  not  constant  in  attendance 
on  the  worship  of  God.  True  to  my  purpose  to  save  souls,  my 
sermon  was  on  that  line.  The  text  was,  "  Why  sit  we  here  until  we 
die?  "  The  subject  was,  "  The  Interposition  of  God  to  Save  a  City." 
One  position  at  the  outset,  was  the  necessity  of  will  power.  One 
may  be  vigorous,  handsome,  and  strong,  but  may  be  under  a  poor 
commander;  the  result  is  that  life  is  a  failure.  An  army  may  be 
well  equipped,  but  if  under  a  poor  commander,  defeat  is  inevitable. 
From  that  I  passed  to  the  necessity  of  instant  action ;  then  the  saved 
city.  Called  for  penitents,  and  five  came  to  the  altar,  and  four 
kneeled  at  their  seats. 

It  is  a  great  trial  sometimes  when  the  soul  of  a  pastor  has  been 
thrilled  with  joy  over  conversions  to  be  met  by  a  disagreeable  person, 
whose  tongue  goes  as  the  clatter  of  a  bell.  She  began  on  her  ail- 
ments. The  physician,  she  informed  me,  diagnosed  her  case  as 
almost  unparalleled.  Before  I  could  make  a  response  she  flew  at 
the  reputation  of  a  Mrs.  Jones,  a  bitter  enemy.  What  a  horrid 
and  vivid  picture  she  gave  of  poor  Mrs.  Jones,  her  defects,  her 
"  stuck-uppishness,"  her  way  of  dressing,  talking  about  garments  I 
knew  nothing  about;  and  then  referred  to  the  poverty  of  her 
enemy's  early  life,  and  "  Now  to  think  of  the  high  head  she  holds 
because  Timothy  Jones  married  her !  "  Hoping  to  change  the 
topic,  I  inquired,  "Has  Mr.  Brewer  recovered?"  To  my  sorrow, 
that  question  opened  the  way  for  a  fierce  onslaught  upon  the  poor 
disabled  man!  How  I  twisted  in  my  chair  and  inwardlv  groaned 
that  the  question  was  propounded.  I  could  only  pray,  "  Lord,  give 
me  enduring  grace !  "  Poor  Brewer  was  so  pummeled  one  could 
scarcely  recognize  him !  At  a  point  where  she  stopped  to  take  in 
a  little  more  air,  I  said,  "  I  must  go !  "  As  I  was  leaving,  the 
woman  added.  "  I  always  wanted  to  let  the  pastor  know  what  T 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  103 

thought!"  My  flight  from  that  house  was  as  rapid,  as  when  in 
my  childhood  1  fled  from  an  imaginary  ghost !  There  was  a  man  in 
that  city  whose  tongue  could  out-rattle  this  woman's.  Some  day  I 
may  describe  him,  unless  through  fear  I  shrink  from  the  task! 

Passing  through  the  door  of  my  home,  a  messenger  accosted 
me,  saying,  "  A  Mr.  Laffington's  child  is  dying  and  the  mother 
craves  to  see  you."  Accompanying  this  gentleman  to  the  home  of 
these  strangers,  a  child  was  in  the  throes  of  death.  My  heart  as  well 
as  my  lips  responded  to  that  mother's  grief.  Had  I  not  laid  away 
two  precious  little  ones,  and  one  of  these  had  been  poisoned  by  a 
colored  nurse !  I  knew  what  sympathy  meant  to  a  sore  heart.  After 
uttering  some  of  the  sweet  promises  found  in  the  Holy  Book,  we 
kneeled  together,  praying  God,  if  it  is  best  for  the  child,  best  for  the 
parents,  and  best  for  the  world  to  spare  this  little  lamb;  if  not, 
"  Take  it  to  Thy  bosom."  To  be  a  comforter  has  been  one  of  the 
joys  of  my  life.  In  one  pastorate  an  unsigned  letter  was  sent  me, 
saying,  "  You  comfort  people  too  much !  " 

My  sympathies  were  heavily  taxed,  one  day,  being  invited  to 
see  a  man  who  was  in  the  throes  of  a  struggle  with  the  liquor  habit. 
His  history  is  sadly  romantic.  For  fourteen  years  he  had  been 
delivered  from  this  awful  curse.  A  physician  directed  him  to  take  a 
stimulant  on  account  of  a  certain  disease.  The  old  appetite  was 
rekindled,  and  his  will  succumbed,  and  he  drank  until  nearly 
wrecked.  Convinced  that  only  Divine  Grace  could  save  him  he 
sought  that  aid  in  prayer.  He  soon  was  able  to  attend  the  house 
of  God,  was  soundly  converted  and  became  a  monument  of  a  soul 
rescued  from  the  curse  of  drink.  His  wife  was  a  Romanist  but 
witnessing  his  powerful  conversion,  joined  the  Church  with  him. 
The  Gospel,  in  his  case,  became  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation. 
He  became  active  in  Church  work,  and  being  a  man  of  some  means 
did  good  in  many  ways  with  his  money.  He  put  forth  his  energies 
to  rescue  others. 

I  was  called  on,  one  day,  by  a  female  torment.  She  claimed  to 
be  a  poetess.  To  make  sure  of  finding  me  she  called  before  break- 
fast. The  servant  announced,  "  A  lady  in  the  parlor  wishes  to  speak 
with  you."  I  entered,  and  for  one  hour  and  a  half  was  bored.  I 
was  a  minister,  and  bound  to  meekly  endure!  Her  antecedents 
were  paraded  before  me ;  as  usual  with  this  class,  she  was  once  rich. 
Now  the  authoress  of  a  song,  and  desired  me  to  subscribe  for  it, 
as  she  needed  to  have  the  influence  of  my  name  to  make  it  go.  I 
assured  her  I  could  not  recommend  what  I  had  not  read ;  to  do  so 
would  be  a  falsehood.  A  good  portion  of  the  time  I  was  thinking 
of  breakfast,  and  a  high-tempered  cook  whose  meal  was  spoiling,  and 
of  my  wife's  feeling  over  retarded  work.  At  last  I  mustered  up 
courage  to  tell  the  poetess  I  had  not  been  to  breakfast.  "  Oh,  ex- 
cuse me  sir,  I  will  wait !  "  I  went  in  to  breakfast  not  in  the  best 
possible  mood,  and  she  waited  sure  enough !  As  soon  aj  I  returned 
to  the  parlor  she  began  again.     I  grew  nervous,  and  manifested  in- 


io4 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


dications  of  an  uncivil  nature.  I  requested  to  be  excused  as  other 
engagements  demanded  my  attentions.  She  did  not  budge.  I  rose 
to  my  feet ;  she  told  another  anecdote.  I  moved  toward  the  door ; 
she  followed  talking  of  her  poem  as  I  passed  out.  It  was  rude  in 
me,  but  self-preservation  demanded  either  that,  or  to  have  a  nervous 
chill  or  something  worse! 

After  5  o'clock  dinner  on  one  occasion,  accompanied  a  Mrs. 
Bush  to  visit  a  couple  interested  in  their  personal  salvation.  What 
a  delight  to  unfold  the  plan  of  mercy  to  a  seeking  heart!  As  con- 
cisely as  I  could,  the  work  of  the  Divine  Spirit  was  unfolded.  They 
were  eager  listeners.  The  Bible  conditions  were  presented.  The 
love  for  liquor  had  a  deep  hold  on  the  man  and  he  was  anxious  to 
break  its  grip.  After  spending  an  hour  in  this  interview,  having 
prayed  with  them,  I  left  their  home  feeling  deeply  their  conditions 
and  my  inmost  thought  was  transmuted  into  a  prayer  for  their 
salvation. 

I  called  on  a  family  who  belonged  to  our  Church,  to  whose 
care  was  committed  by  the  father,  a  young  girl.  The  mother  is 
alive,  but  alas !  is  a  drunkard.  So  overpowering  was'  this  mother's 
love  for  liquor,  she  would  take  the  bread  money  and  purchase 
whisky,  while  the  child  suffered  from  hunger.  The  law  gave  the 
girl  to  the  father  who,  with  the  mother,  was  a  Roman  Catholic. 
That  mother,  fearing  her  child  might  become  a  Protestant,  kid- 
napped her.  The  mother  had  made  another  attempt  to  steal  her, 
and  the  girl  was  old  enough  to  know  her  danger.  The  girl  had 
joined  our  Church  and  was  happy  in  her  new  home.  It  is  a  horrid 
thing  to  see  a  child  who  dreads  a  father  on  account  of  drunkenness, 
but  to  see  a  mother  so  besotted  that  her  own  child  fears  her  is 
enough  to  make  angels  weep ! 

I  heard  of  a  lady  on  Canal  Street  as  a  Methodist  with  a  Church 
letter  in  her  trunk.  Found  her  at  home  but  not  her  husband. 
Conversed  with  her  on  the  danger  of  ignoring  her  Church  relations. 
She  used  the  standing  complaint  of  being  neglected  by  minister  and 
people.  How  are  ministers  to  find  out  who  are  Church  members 
and  who  are  not?  Many  hide  behind  this  excuse,  when  really  they 
are  back-slidden  in  heart  and  have  become  indifferent  to  their  vows. 
Often  the  life  is  moral,  but  the  heart  dead  to  Christ.  On  one  oc- 
casion, referring  to  this  class  in  the  pulpit,  I  said,  "  Some  of  you 
here  to-night  have  Church  letters  put  away,  where  perhaps  the  rats 
have  eaten  them  up !  "  The  next  day  a  gentleman  met  me  on  the 
street  and  laughingly  told  me  that  when  his  wife  reached  home 
last  night,  without  waiting  to  take  off  her  bonnet,  she  went  in  search 
of  her  Church  letter  and  found  it  unharmed,  much  to  her  delight ! 

Owing  to  the  ill-health  of  our  youngest  child,  John  B.,  it  was 
decided  to  break  up  housekeeping  and  send  my  family  to  Tennessee 
for  the  summer.  They  went  to  Paris.  Tennessee,  and  kept  house 
in  my  brother's  home.  I  went  to  boarding  at  the  McAllister  House. 
The  Rev.  C.  K.  Marshall,  T\  D.,  of  Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  put  up 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  lo5 

at  this  house,  and  promised  to  preach  for  our  people  on  Sunday 
morning1.  When  Sunday  came,  as  usual,  I  was  in  Sunday-School. 
Going  into  the  audience  room,  judge  of  my  surprise  to  see  that 
eminent  Christian  woman  from  Montgomery,  Alabama,  Mrs.  Jack 
Thorington,  sitting  in  my  wife's  pew !  Her  face  was  always  an 
inspiration.  At  n  a.  m.,  Dr.  Marshall  gave  us  an  instructive  ser- 
mon on,  "  Having  given  us  Christ,  will  He  not  freely  with  Him 
give  us  all  things?"  The  discourse  moved  my  own  heart  to  a 
warmer  love  for  God,  and  the  congregation  listened  with  close 
attention.     It  carried  comfort,  and  inspired  hope  in  many  a  heart. 

More  than  a  year  ago,  a  Captain  Brooks  started  in  for  a  life-and- 
death  struggle  over  the  appetite  for  stimulants.  With  the  help  of 
God  he  won,  but  his  victory  brought  him  to  the  grave.  Drink  had 
wrecked  his  body,  which  for  many  years  almost  existed  on  alcoholic 
stimulants ;  now  he  is  dying  from  the  effects.  When  he  was  con- 
verted and  united  with  the  people  of  God,  as  long  as  he  had  strength 
he  attended  all  our  services.  Now  he  is  confined  to  his  bed,  but 
happy  in  God.  In  an  interview  he  said,  "  Wife  informed  me  how 
you  had  prayed  for  me  in  the  prayer-meeting,"  and  added,  "  I 
turned  over  with  my  face  to  the  wall  and  said,  '  Jesus  did  you  an- 
swer Brother  Mathews'  prayer  ? '  Then  such  a  power  came  over 
me,  such  a  sense  of  sweetness  possessed  me,  as  thrilled  my  soul.  I 
never  felt  before  such  glory !  "  God  can  save  a  drunkard.  This 
man  was  for  years  a  captain  of  a  steamboat  on  the  Mississippi 
River  and  was  a  man  of  large  views  and  of  deep-set  purpose.  He 
lingered  for  months,  and  sometimes  his  appetite  for  liquor  almost 
crazed  him,  but  prayer  ascended,  and  God  sustained  him  though 
the  contest  was  fiery.  Again,  and  again,  he  emerged  from  the  con- 
flict with  praises  on  his  lips.  During  the  hours  of  struggle  it  was 
painful  to  witness  his  agony,  but  his  faith  failed  not,  and  at  last  his 
soul  was  filled  with  joy  and  he  went  down  into  death  a  conqueror! 

Spiritism  was  affecting  many  of  the  weak-minded  people.  Some 
of  my  members  were  entrapped  by  its  trickery.  Good  honest  souls, 
some  of  them  were.  On  one  occasion  I  called  on  an  old  lady  who 
had  recently  attended  a  lecture  by  a  Rev.  Mr.  Watson,  an  ex- 
Methodist  preacher.  In  that  lecture,  he  told  of  a  communication 
from  a  famous  Methodist  woman,  the  mother  of  Rev.  R.  H.  Rivers, 
D.  D.  When  Watson  delivered  that  lecture  and  announced  that 
communication,  Mother  Rivers,  as  she  was  called,  was  still  alive, 
and  a  resident  of  Pulaski,  Tennessee!  But  this  fact  did  not  shake 
the  old  sister's  faith  in  Watson  or  his  theory! 

At  our  Sunday  night  service,  amongst  others,  a  gentleman 
presented  himself  for  membership,  who  claimed  to  have  been  con- 
verted during  the  morning  sermon  by  the  pastor.  He  had  long  been 
a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  The  text  of  the  morning  ser- 
mon was,  "  Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple  of  God,  and  that  the 
Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  von?"  When  discussing  the  point  of  an 
indwelling  God,  and  our  distinctive  teaching  of  the  "  Witness  of  the 


io6  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Spirit,"  this  gentleman  entered  into  that  knowledge.  What  a  joy 
it  is  to  influence  a  mind  to  secure  the  high  blessings  of  assurance 
and  comfort! 

Carondelet  Street  Church  still  clings  to  the  original  idea  that 
experience-meetings  develop  Christian  power.  Our  Love-Feasts  are 
occasions  of  large  profit."  At  our  quarterly  Love-Feast,  Dr.  J.  B. 
Walker,  our  Presiding  Elder,  presided.  Many  witnesses  testified  to 
the  saving  power  of  our  Lord.  Now  and  then  a  less  confident  soul 
would  express  a  fear,  but  the  tide  of  joy  swept  on.  There  was  an 
undertow  of  spirituality  even  in  the  short  and  crisp  statement  of 
the  self-distrusting.  There  was  no  balking,  little  or  no  urging,  and 
no  one  attempted  to  solve  a  knotty  problem. 

One  of  our  brethren  whom  I  had  often  visited,  after  a  pro- 
tracted siege  of  illness,  entered  into  rest.  Through  his  long  and 
wearisome  sickness  he  was  wonderfully  sustained.  He  loved  to 
hear  the  voice  of  song  and  prayer.  He  was  in  a  shouting  state  of 
mind  to  the  end.  John  H.  Allabaugh  was  an  engineer,  and  his  last 
sentence  embraced  a  term  used  by  captains  when  about  to  leave  port. 
He  exclaimed,  "  O  Lord,  when  shall  /  cut  loose ?  "  In  a  moment 
he  passed  the  portals  of  Paradise,  ever  to  be  with  his  Lord. 

Going  out  of  the  church,  a  note  was  handed  me  from  a  Presby- 
terian lady.  The  note  contained  the  names  of  her  three  sons  for 
whom  she  requested  me  to  pray  by  name.  What  a  flow  of  love  in 
that  request !  It  was  not  that  any  one  or  all  should  sit  on  His  right 
hand  in  His  coming  glory,  but  that  they  might  be  Christians;  men 
living  lives  which  God  would  approve.  This  is  a  sample  of  many 
requests  of  a  like  nature.  Some  mothers  wait  until  their  sons  are 
far  gone  in  sin.  In  one  case  a  young  man  wanted  to  join  us.  His 
mother  opposed  him.  When  his  interest  had  abated,  and  sin  was 
mastering  him,  she  begged  that  our  people  would  try  to  save  him. 
It  was  social  grounds  on  which  she  objected  at  the  outset;  now 
when  too  late  she  would  have  him  saved  even  through  the  Methodist 
Church ! 

The  "  pretentious  man  "  is  more  trying  than  the  garrulous 
woman.  The  one  to  whom  I  now  refer  was  an  M.  D.,  LL.  D. 
Where  he  secured  his  titles  I  never  learned.  They  may  have  been 
assumed.  He  was  a  sham.  He  gave  me  three  tickets  to  a  lecture 
he  was  to  deliver  on  the  "  Cosmogony  of  Moses,  and  Philosophy 
of  Creation ;  or  a  Critical  Analysis  of  the  Unpointed  Hebrew  Text 
of  the  First  Chapter  of  Genesis !  "  The  occasion  of  our  meeting 
now  was,  that  three  years  ago  I  delivered  a  lecture  on  "  Fire  and 
Firemen "  by  request,  in  a  course  of  free  lectures  at  the  First 
Baptist  Church.  That  night  he  borrowed  my  lecture  and  after  three 
years  returned  it !  Such  a  stream  of  great  words  one  rarely  hears.  I 
twisted  on  my  chair,  but  took  the  dose  as  meekly  as  possible !  It 
called  out  at  least  the  best  that  was  in  me.  I  needed  patience,  and 
this  interview  helped  develop  it.  Sometimes  we  hear  men  dis- 
cuss the  vanity  of  women,  but  it  is  a  small  matter  compared  to  the 
vanity  of  certain  men. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RET    J(>H\   MATEEWS,  /».  D.  r,  - 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
Second  Year  at  Carondelet  Street. 

My  second  year  at  Carondelet  Street  Church  was  largely  a 
repetition  of  the  experiences  of  the  year  preceding.  On  the  wing 
from  morning  until  night,  and  often  into  the  night.  Said  a  Baptist 
lady,  "  Why,  sir ;  you  will  run  yourself  down.  Won't  some  of 
your  members  do  that  work?"  She  was  assured  that  they  could 
not  do  my  work.  There  may  be  willing  helpers,  and  useful  ones 
but  no  proxy  can  fill  the  pastor's  place.  True,  the  minister  grows 
very  tired,  but  he  is  paid  to  get  tired,  just  as  the  bookkeeper  and 
day  laborers  are  paid  to  do  their  work.  This  is  the  lowest  basis  of 
action.  There  is  the  higher  obligation,  and  that  is  to  do  the  work 
for  Christ's  sake.  How  a  man  who  professes  to  be  called  of  God 
to  the  ministry  can  excuse  himself,  particularly  after  the  solemn 
vow  voluntarily  assumed,  that  he  will  visit  from  house  to  house,  is 
a  marvel  to  me  \  There  is  no  path  a  pastor  can  take  to  secure  souls 
for  Christ's  Kingdom  like  getting  into  the  hearts  of  families  in  times 
of  affliction  and  death. 

Through  these  pages  little  has  been  said  of  books  read  and 
studied.  By  losing  no  time,  employing  every  spare  minute,  one  can 
read  much,  and  digest  what  has  been  read  while  going  from  house 
to  house.  My  landlord  brought  a  book  for  me  to  read,  one  full  of 
thought,  "  Professor  Stowe  on  the  Bible."  He  deals  with  phi- 
losophies and  physical  science.  He  grapples  with  these  subjects  in 
their  application  to  moral  principles,  holding  that  there  is  no  antag- 
onism;  but  rather,  perfect  harmony.  One  law  does  not  destroy 
another.  Now  and  then  to  tackle  a  heavy  work  like  this,  strengthens 
one's  faculties  and  opens  up  moral  vistas  which  broaden  conceptions 
and  deepen  holy  purposes. 

Many  times  have  I  been  called  to  visit  the  Charity  Hospital,  a 
famous  institution.  On  one  occasion  I  received  a  call  to  see  a 
stranger  in  a  strange  land,  a  Swede  longing  for  consolation.  An 
Episcopal  lady  sent  for  me  to  go  and  administer  the  communion 
to  this  dying  man.  My  companion  carried  the  elements.  We  went 
to  Ward  15,  and  called  for  Bernard  Braxtem.  Found  him  very 
low  and  aware  of  his  condition.  He  was  anxious  for  the  com- 
munion which  he  greatly  enjoyed,  saying,  "I  will  die  satisfied." 
What  a  pleasure  it  gave  me  to  be  of  use  to  this  young  man  dying 
awav  from  his  home  and  friends  of  his  youth ! 

'Earlv  one  morning,  before  I  departed  for  my  office  in  the 
church,  a  woman  called  to  see  me  concerning  a  revelation  from 
Heaven  made  to  her  about  the  negroes.     Tt  was  a  bundle  of  jargon 


108  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 

out  of  which  1  could  get  no  sense.  It  took  but  a  moment  to  con- 
vince me  that  the  woman  was  demented.  After  trying  to  lead  her 
out  of  her  hallucination,  she  insisted  that  she  had  a  message  from 
Heaven,  and  must  deliver  it  or  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost!  She 
desired  my  aid  in  publishing  her  revelation.  She  stayed  until  I  felt 
worried,  but  tried  to  be  pleasant.  I  excused  myself,  but  she  insisted 
upon  showing  me  her  "pass-book  "  as  she  termed  it.  In  this  book 
were  several  passages  of  Scripture  and  a  hymn  or  two.  To  gratify 
her  I  looked,  then  extended  my  hand  and  politely  bade  her  good 
bye! 

I  found  a  family  one  day  who  had  quietly  given  up  church- 
going.  On  my  first  visit  the  son  saw  my  approach  and  ran  out  into 
the  back  yard.  He  climbed  the  back  fence  to  keep  from  meeting 
the  minister!  After  several  visits  from  me,  the  mother  said  to 
the  other  members  of  the  family,  "  It  is  a  shame  the  way  we  act ! 
That  man  has  called  on  us  again  and  again ;  we  never  go  to  Church 
to  hear  him,  yet  he  has  not  reprimanded  us.  Let  us  all  go  to  prayer- 
meeting  to-night."  Sure  enough  they  came  marching  in,  and  rarely 
ever  after  that  failed  in  their  attendance  on  the  means  of  grace. 
That  young  man  proved  a  helper  indeed.  In  after  years  he  became 
an  active  officer  in  the  Church  and  a  blessing  to  his  pastor  in  a  dis- 
tant city. 

Having  been  written  to  a  number  of  times  to  give  my  rules  for 
winning  men,  my  answer  has  been,  "  I  have  no  specific  plan,"  as  one 
may  learn  in  this  book,  by  the  method  with  which  I  have  dealt  with 
each  case.  Take  an  incident  occurring  in  reference  to  a  demand  for 
action  as  against  the  decision  of  the  Sunday-School  Superintendent 
Mr.  R.  M.  Walmsley  was  the  efficient  Superintendent  of  Carondelet 
Street  Sunday-School.  He  was  a  man  of  high  principles  and  large 
influence.  I  admired  his  life  and  trusted  his  judgment.  A  large 
number  of  teachers  and  scholars  were  anxious  to  have  a  picnic. 
The  Superintendent  opposed,  for  satisfactory  reasons.  A  rebellious 
spirit  was  manifest  and  a  petition  was  circulated  requesting  the 
pastor  to  allow  the  school  to  have  a  picnic.  A  considerable  feeling 
was  engendered.  This  petition  was  signed  by  a  large  majority.  It 
asked  me  to  act  over  the  head  of  the  Superintendent.  My  position 
was  a  delicate  one.  The  Superintendent  was  too  valuable  a  man  to 
sacrifice ;  nor  did  I  wish  to  alienate  teachers  and  scholars.  What 
course  to  pursue,  for  a  few  moments  puzzled  me.  Soon  my  action 
was  decided  upon.  I  arose  with  this  petition  in  my  hand,  and  ex- 
plained the  delicate  position  in  which  the  pastor  was  placed,  and  in  a 
carefully-worded  speech  pointed  out  the  impropriety  of  placing  my- 
self in  antagonism  to  either  side.  The  teachers,  and  one  of  the 
Stewards  present  afterwards  said,  "  You  managed  the  entire  matter 
so  as  to  make  all  feel  pleasant." 

This  down-town  Church  is  the  center  of  a  large  population. 
The  masses  in  this  section  look  to  the  pastor  of  Carondelet  Street 
Church,  to  baptize  their  children  and  bury  their  dead.    Some  seasons 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  109 

he  attends  a  funeral  every  day.  I  was  called  to  bury  a  child.  Before 
the  funeral  service  the  family  desired  me  to  baptize  two  of  their 
children.  I  was  particularly  sorry  for  the  mother.  Her  husband 
was  no  earthly  account.  He  spent  his  own  fortune  and  then  his 
mother's.  Nor  will  he  work,  and  the  poor  wife  wages  a  fierce  battle 
for  bread.  In  looking  at  this  family  my  soul  is  tortured.  Something 
ought  to  be  done  with  such  men.  Some  day  the  law  will  take  them 
in  hand  and  make  men  of  this  class  work.  Thank  God  I  have  a 
tender  place  in  my  heart  for  the  poor,  and  no  one  shall  rise  up  in  the 
Judgment  to  charge  me  with  ^neglecting  them.  It  has  been  a  law 
of  my  life  to  know  no  man  after  the  flesh. 

My  eldest  daughter  having  graduated  at  Sylvester  Larned 
Institute,  I  sent  her  for  a  year  to  Martin  College.  The  president  in- 
vited me  to  preach  the  commencement  sermon.  In  order  to  develop 
my  daughter  on  other  lines,  I  sent  her  to  my  old  friend  Dr.  R.  H. 
Rivers,  a  model  educator  and  a  man  of  large  ability  as  well  as  large 
heart.  He  was  peculiarly  fitted  to  teach.  He  was  as  gentle  as  a 
spring  morning.  His  sympathetic  qualities  fitted  him  for  leading 
young  minds  into  noble  forms  of  living;  under  his  presidency  Martin 
College  was  very  prosperous.  A  very  large  audience  gave  the 
closest  attention  to  my  discourse.  It  was  not  a  sermonett,  but  was 
one  hour  and  thirty  minutes  in  its  delivery.  The  text  was,  "  The 
entrance  of  Thy  words  giveth  light."  The  object  of  the  discourse 
was  to  confirm  the  faith  of  the  people  in  the  essential  doctrines  of 
our  Holy  Book.  Bishop  W.  M.  Wightman  arrived  on  Tuesday  to 
deliver  the  Baccalaureate  address.  He  was  at  his  best,  and  in 
polished  periods  gave  us  larger  views  of  the  possibilities  of  educated 
womanhood.  His  style  was  ornate  and  appropriate.  He  was  a  born 
gentleman  and  a  fine  representative  of  the  higher  order  of  Christian 
manhood.     My  daughter  read  the  Valedictory,  taking  first  honor. 

One  Sunday  morning  in  the  midst  of  the  heated  term,  five 
persons  came  forward  to  join  the  Church  after  the  sermon.  Some 
of  them  by  letter.  I  had  "to  spend  some  time  laboring  with  oneor 
two,  to  influence  their  action.  Rev.  Mr.  Flynn  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  corner  of  Franklin  and  Felicity  Streets,  told  me  the  other 
day  that  Bishop  McTyeire,  while  pastor  in  our  city,  once  remarked 
he  would  compromise  with  the  devil,  in  New  Orleans,  if  he  would 
give  him  all  the  professors  who  removed  there.  One  thing  is  certain. 
a  large  number  of  Church  members  remove  to  this  city  who  never 
make  themselves  known  as  such ;  after  a  few  months  thev  lose  heart 
interest,  then  drop  out  of  line  and  are  finally  swamped  in  sin.  Now 
and  then  meeting  some  of  this  class,  when  interrogated  they  excuse 
themselves  by  saying  they  were  neglected  by  Church  members.  The 
plea  is  not  valid ;  yet,  it  has  sounded  in  my  ear  for  many  years. 

An  old  member  and  a  devoted  servant  of  God  named  Dakin, 
was  blind  and  almost  deaf.  Few  troubled  to  talk  with  her  because 
it  required  exertion.  It  was  difficult  for  her  to  keep  buoyant.  As  her 
pastor  T  felt  for  her  and  tried  to  cheer  her.     My  aim  was  to  quicken 


no  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

her  hope  and  add  something  toward  making  her  existence  a  joy.  I 
would  tell  her  the  story  of  some  other  child  of  God  walking  in  com- 
fort and  feeding  on  the  promises.  n  In  talking  with  her,  there  rose 
up  the  memory  of  time  given  to  cheer  one  of  God's  hidden  ones  in 
another  place.  It  was  of  a  woman  nearly  ninety  years  of  age.  She 
was  both  intelligent  and  pious.  She  was  so  deaf  that  one  had  to  talk 
to  her  through  a  long  tube,  and  the  voice  would  weary  in  its  effort  to 
be  understood.  To  hear  the  voice  of  prayer  was  a  delight.  Drop- 
ping on  our  knees,  with  the  end  of  that  long  tube  to  my  mouth  I 
would  pray  slowly,  carefully  pronouncing  every  vowel.  This  won 
her  love,  and  out  of  her  affection  sprang  a  purpose  to  express  it. 
Therefore  she  decided  to  knit  a  pair  of  socks.  It  took  her  a  long 
time  to  finish  them.  The  thread  was  coarse,  and  stitch  after  stitch 
was  dropped,  which  in  her  partial  blindness  she  never  discovered. 
For  forty-four  years  I  have  kept  those  socks  to  remind  me  of  the 
love  of  one  of  those  characters  who  walked  with  God. 

The  term  "  salt  of  the  earth,"  characterizes  a  lady  on  whom  I 
loved  to  call ;  Mrs.  McKnight,  the  mother-in-law  of  Dr.  J.  T. 
Sawyer,  of  the  Louisiana  Conference.  Her  presence  in  the  house  of 
God,  whether  at  preaching,  prayer,  or  class-meeting,  was  a  tonic  t6 
the  minister.  Her  heart  was  right  with  God,  and  she  fed  upon  the 
promises  of  God  until  she  developed  into  ripeness.  Her  interest  in 
her  family  and  the  Church  never  relaxed.  What  a  glorious  world 
this  would  be  if  made  up  of  such  characters.  During  one  of  my 
protracted  meetings  one  of  her  grandsons  was  converted.  That 
night  her  presence  was  necessary  at  home.  As  he  entered  the  house 
and  was  passing  up-stairs  to  his  room,  he  was  singing.  She  heard 
him  from  her  bedroom  and  called  out,  "  Son,  have  you  got  relig- 
ion ?  "  "I  don't  know  grandma ;  but  I  got  something."  The  lad's 
heart  was  full  of  joy,  and  joy  produces  song.  Her  daughter,  Mrs. 
Sawyer,  has  made  a  helping  mate  to  her  husband  who  has  been  one 
of  the  leading  ministers  of  Louisiana. 

A  special  call  was  made  on  two  ladies  who,  craving  heart  com- 
fort, had  sent  for  me.  One  was  a  Roman  Catholic.  One  of  the 
ladies  was  deeply  interested  in  her  soul's  welfare.  For  half  an  hour, 
I  expounded  the  way  of  life.  We  then  went  up-stairs  to  visit  the 
other  lady  who  was  quite  ill  in  body  and  soul.  The  interview  began 
naturally,  by  my  saying,  "  I  have  iust  been  explaining  the  method 
of  salvation  to  Mrs.  Trousdale."  Then,  item  by  item  was  presented 
to  this  woman  the  want  of  the  human  heart,  its  hungerings  for  God 
and  how  they  are  met  in  God's  Holv  Book.  In  reply  to  the  question, 
"What  is  faith?"  I  answered,  "It  is  believing  in  the  heart  what 
God  says."  Step  by  step,  she  was  led  on  to  see  that  faith  like  a  hand 
receives  God's  gift  of  forgiveness.  During  the  interview  tears  ran 
down  her  cheeks.  No  allusion  was  made  to  her  Church.  She  in- 
formed me  she  had  sent  for  the  priest  and  informed  him  of  her 
heartache.  He  employed  a  few  words  she  did  not  understand  but 
she  found  no  comfort.     He  gave  her  communion  and  left. 


\f  TOBIOOBAPHT  OF  RBI  ■  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  h.  m 

We  have  several  poor  saints  but  the  one  of  whom  I  now  speak 
needed  more  than  song  and  prayer ;  she  needed  pecuniary  assistance. 
Some  one  had  given  me  a  bag  of  cakes  so  I  carried  them  to  Mrs. 
Haines.  They  gladdened  her,  for  she  seldom  saw  cakes.  I  handed 
her  some  money ;  then  added  a  song  and  a  prayer.  The  song  was, 
"  Let  a  little  sunshine  in."  I  requested  to  change  the  last  stanza, 
and  sang,  "Let  a  little  sunshine  out !  "  That  is  my  philosophy. 
Everywhere  I  go,  my  desire  is  to  leave  sunshine  behind  me.  When 
a  young  preacher  traveling  my  circuit,  sometimes  before  I  reached  a 
spot  I  would  hear  some  old  colored  "  Aunty  "  singing  away  at  the 
washtub,  near  the  spring.  I  would  halt  and  say  something  cheer- 
ing; I  sought  to  add  a  moment's  happiness  to  her  life.  If  I  only' 
produced  a  smile  it  was  adding  that  much  to  the  sum  of  human 
happiness ! 

If  any  man  on  earth  needs  patience  it  is  the  pastor.  I  called  on 
a  lady  who  resided  far  down  town.  It  took  some  time  to  reach  her 
home ;  then  she  kept  me  waiting  several  minutes,  "  primping."  The 
distance  and  the  waiting,  with  time  taken  up  in  the  interview,  the 
morning  was  gone.  Often,  in  visiting  amongst  the  more  refined, 
have  I  been  necessitated  to  fall  back,  for  strength,  on  this  injunction, 
"  Let  patience  have  her  perfect  work."  The  poor  as  a  rule,  take 
me  into  their  kitchens  if  the  weather  is  cold.  This  recalls  the  case  of 
the  celebrated  Dr.  W.  who  gave  himself  a  certain  number  of  minutes 
to  a  visit.  On  this  occasion  he  called  upon  a  certain  woman.  She 
kept  him  waiting  twenty  minutes;  as  she  entered ihe  said,  "Sister, 
I  gave  myself  twenty-five  minutes  to  this  call,  have  only  five  minutes 
left.    Let  us  pray !  "    As  soon  as  his  prayer  ended  he  left. 

One  of  my  members,  a  good,  but  somewhat  inconsiderate 
woman,  complained  that  I  had  not  visited  her  home  in  some  time. 
She  had  hardly  ended  the  sentence,  when  I  took  the  aggressive  by 
saying,  "  Is  it  possible  madam,  that  you  did  not  wish  to  see  your 
pastor?  You  removed  but  did  not  let  me  know  it,  and  I  had  to  take 
that  long  walk  to  your  former  residence.  That  was  a  nice  way  to 
treat  vour  minister !  "    She  blushed  and  mumbled^  out  an  apology ! 

On  Canal  Street,  called  on  a  woman  who  is  a  member,  but  not 
an  ardent  one.  Depressed  over  the  loss  of  property  she  fell  into 
the  habit  of  grumbling.  She  complained  before  her  children  about 
the  Church,  the  pastor,  and  certain  members  who  never  visited  her. 
She  carried  her  habit  so  far  she  exerted  a  bad  influence  upon  her 
grown  children.  They  would  not  go  to  such  a  Church.  Thev  finally 
sought  companionship  on  other  lines.  This  mother  complained  that 
her  children  would  not  attend  Church,  never  for  a  moment  thinking 
she  had  influenced  them  by  her  grumbling.  She  did  not  anticipate 
such  a  result.  Most  of  her  children  had  joined  the  Church  in  early 
life,  but  the  constant  faultfinding  educated  her  children  out  of  re- 
spect for  God's  Church. 

One  of  the  band  of  workers  in  my  parish  informed  me  of  a 
voting  man  who  was  sick  and  wished  to  unite  with  the  Church.    His 


112 


PEEI's   INTO  LIFE 


mother  profoundly  impressed  her  son  with  the  value  of  Christianity 
and  the  Church.  When  visiting  the  young  man  his  earnestness  im- 
pressed me.  He  had  been  well  taught  and  had  often  felt  like 
acknowledging  Christ  publicly,  but  his  timidity  overmastered  him. 
In  due  time  he  was  baptized  and  welcomed  into  the  ranks  of  God's 
children.    Who  can  estimate  the  value  of  a  Christian  mother  r 

In  my  journeyings  1  have  met  many  good  and  bad  men.  I 
refer  now  to  one  that  was  literally  possessed  of  the  demon  jealousy. 
Never  before  had  I  met  one  completely  filling  my  idea  of  being 
possessed  of  the  devil!  He  had  applied  for  membership  in  my 
Church,  and  in  various  ways  my  energies  were  directed  toward 
saving  him.  At  one  time  I  hoped  he  was  making  an  honest  effort 
to  break  the  power  of  this  demon.  But  it  became  evident  he  did  not 
possess  the  will-force  to  marshal  the  elements  which  win  victories. 
His  cruelty  to  his  wife  was  fearful ;  beating,  and  half-starving  her. 
Her  existence  was  an  agony,  and  at  last  she  sought  refuge  in 
divorce.  Nothing  but  Divine  power  can  liberate  a  soul  thus  tor- 
tured by  the  evil  one.  How  my  heart  ached  for  both.  Sometimes 
my  sensibilities  were  so  heavily  taxed  that  every  faculty  of  my  nature 
felt  the  pain. 

A  young  and  crude  Englishman,  A.  E.  Clay,  came  to  New 
Orleans  while  I  was  pastor  at  Felicity  Street  Church.  He  brought 
"  class  tickets  "  of  recommendation  and  was  received  on  these  into 
that  charge.  Found  him  to  be  sprightly  and  strong  in  moral  quali- 
ties, but  totally  ignorant  of  our  methods  and  usages.  He  made 
mistakes,  but  was  full  of  energy  and  displayed  elements  which,  if 
rightly  guided,  would  make  him  a  very  useful  man.  He  was  suffi- 
ciently self-asserting  to  make  his  way  in  the  world.  He  called  to  see 
me  to  advise  with  me  as  to  his  going  to  Vanderbilt  University.  He 
was  not  prepared  to  enter  that  institution.  He  was  assured  that, 
with  his  energy  and  self-reliance  sanctified,  he  might  become  very 
useful.  His  life  was  one  of  fidelity  to  the  Master.  He  joined  the 
Louisiana  Conference  and  was  esteemed  by  his  brethren,  and  filled 
some  good  appointments.  He,  however,  felt  called  to  take  charge  of 
an  institution  of  a  reformatory  charater  and  devoted  his  energies  to 
this  work  until  death  laid  its  hand  upon  him. 

One  of  my  most  faithful  but  quiet  members  visited  me  seeking 
advice.  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  her  husband  fell  out  with  her 
because  she  would  not  attend  balls  and  Sunday  picnics.  He  told 
her  he  had  no  pleasure  since  she  joined  the  Church.  It  was  a 
delicate  position  I  occupied.  My  advise  was,  "  Do  not  violate  God's 
law,  but  be  gentle  and  tender,  letting  your  light  shine,  and  in  this  way 
seek  to  win  your  husband  to  Christ.  God  will  open  up  your  way." 
A  young  woman  in  this  city  proposed  to  join  my  Church.  Discuss- 
ing the  matter  at  the  breakfast  table,  her  mother  in  anger  threw  a 
biscuit  at  her !  After  a  time  the  mother  relented,  and  the  young  lady 
took  the  desired  step. 

In  mv  rounds  I  met  a  man  who  was  totally  transformed  in 


AUTOBIOGRAJ'tlY  OF  WHY.  JOSA   MATHEWS,  I).  I).  1I3 

purpose  and  life  by  the  Gospel.  He  had  been  made  insane  by  drink, 
and  was  confined  in  the  madhouse  for  a  season.  Through  Divine 
power  he  overmastered  his  appetite,  was  soundly  converted,  then 
joined  the  Church.  He  was  always  in  his  seat  in  the  house  of  God, 
and  a  swift  witness  of  Divine  mercy.  Being-  a  man  of  means  he 
dispensed  charity  with  a  free  hand. 

Through  almost  fervent  heat,  I  hunted  for  a  woman  who  had 
not  been  to  Church  for  five  months.  When  she  falls  out  with  a 
Church  member,  she  indicates  it  by  her  absence  from  all  the  services. 
My  motto  is,  never  abandon  such  ;  if  necessary,  keep  trying  to  lead 
them  to  something  higher.  Sometimes  I  sit  and  listen  to  a  tirade 
against  the  Church  until  the  party  is  almost  exhausted ;  then  soothe 
them  with  some  kindly  truth  until  now  and  then  an  apology  is 
offered  for  the  way  they  have  talked.  The  pastor  of  one  of  these 
kickers  often  has  to  suffer  in  silence.  To  interpose  while  the  mind 
is  inflamed  only  aggravates  the  passion. 

Was  it  not  Tennyson  who  said,  "  The  greatest  thing  in  life 
is  to  so  touch  other  lives  as  to  bless  them  "  ?  Thank  God,  it  has  been 
my  life-long  privilege  to  carry  cups  of  joy  to  many  lips.  Received 
a  card  to  call  on  a  sick  woman  dying  of  consumption.  She  was 
very  ill,  but  happy.  She  had  been  a  loyal  servant  of  Christ  for 
many  years,  and  as  she  drew  near,  a  window  opened  in  Heaven  to 
her  faith.  After  offering  words  of  consolation,  I  then  sang  for  her 
that  old  hymn,  upon  which  so  many  saints  have  pillowed  their 
heads : 

"  Oh,  happy  day  that  fixed  my  choice, 
On  Thee  my  Savior  and  my  God." 

Old  memories  came  trooping  back — memories  of  her  childhood, 
when  she  started  Heavenward.  My  own  heart  was  kindled  at  her 
fire,  and  with  glowing  spirit  I  left  the  place.  My  soul  was  toned  up 
for  a  time  to  a  delightful  key.  To  do  good,  who  can  compute  its 
value ! 

There  are  certain  pet  phrases  I  do  not  like,  and  one  of  them 
is.  "A  safe  man."  Some  friends  were  discussing  a  certain  college 
president,  when  it  was  remarked,  "  He  is  a  safe  man."  He  is  a 
gentleman  with  elegant  manners,  but  lacking  in  vim.  Every  gen- 
tleman can  not  run  a  college  any  more  than  can  every  one  paint  a 
portrait.  When  I  hear  this  expression,  "  He  is  a  safe  man,"  in- 
stantly there  leaps  into  my  mind  the  idea  of  a  dead  man !  A  man 
had  better  have  some  snap,  so  as  to  break  a  trace  once  in  a  while, 
or  tear  something,  than  be  a  nonentity !  The  world  and  Church 
need  men  of  verve. 

Mrs.  Susan  B.  Thomas  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable  women 
ever  known  by  me.  She  resided  in  the  city  in  late  years,  and  was 
a  tower  of  strength  to  the  pastor  in  whose  Church  she  worshiped. 
Her  cultured  intellect,  her  mighty  grasp  of  truths,  fitted  her  as  a 
witness"  of  the  power  of  grace  to  keep  and   sustain.     Her  public 


ii4 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


prayers  were  strengthening  and  sometimes  made  one  feel  the  very 
atmosphere  of  Heaven  had  fallen  upon  the  listeners.  She  enjoyed 
attending  the  seashore  camp-meeting.  Her  experience  was  pecu- 
liarly rich.  Her  last  testimony  was  given  at  a  morning  meeting. 
Many  on  the  camp-ground  had  never  heard  a  woman  speak  at  a 
divine  service.  She  arose  in  her  place,  and  while  with  one  hand 
she  held  to  a  post  to  steady  herself,  words  that  burn  poured  out  of 
her  heart!  Her  face  was  illumined  by  the  unchanging  smile  of 
the  Eternal  Friend.  She  was  in  her  eighty-sixth  year.  I  sat  in  a 
chair  in  front  of  the  audience  and  looked  over  the  multitude  to  note 
how  her  testimony  was  received,  given  in  such  calm  power !  When 
she  spoke  of  a  visit  to  the  Holy  City  in  the  Orient,  where  she  looked 
into  the  tomb  where  the  Savior  once  lay,  and  described  her  sensa- 
tions as  she  intently  gazed  upon  the  spot,  she  uttered  the  words 
of  the  angel,  "  He  is  not  here  but  risen."  The  entire  audience  was 
thrilled !  The  dear  old  lady  was  on  Nebo,  but  none  of  us  knew  it. 
She  was  within  three  days  of  Heaven !  Her  death  was  sudden  and 
tragic.  She  left  the  seashore  camp-ground  to  accompany  Rev. 
B.  B.  Ross  of  Alabama  to  visit  her  bosom  friend  in  Auburn,  Mrs. 
Crawford  Dowdell.  After  taking  her  to  her  place  in  the  sleeping- 
car,  Mr.  Ross  arose  to  go  into  the  forward  car  to  see  a  young  lady. 
Mrs.  Thomas  concluded  to  follow  him  and,  taking  his  arm,  just 
as  they  reached  the  platform,  the  car  gave  a  lurch,  and  the  old  saint 
fell  backward  and  dropped  between  the  cars,  and  in  three  seconds 
her  head  was  severed  from  her  body. 

For  several  years  I  was  a  regular  attendant  at  the  seashore 
camp-meeting.  At  this  annual  gathering,  the  minister  in  charge 
worked  me  unmercifully.  After  spending  a  week  there,  weary  and 
worn,  I  returned  to  the  city.  We  had  about  eighty  ministers  pres- 
ent ;  a  number  of  them  famous  men  of  the  Church.  Bishop  J.  C. 
Keener ;  Dr.  Edward  Wadsworth,  a  man  eminent  for  his  ability 
as  well  as  his  piety ;  Dr.  Linus  Parker,  afterwards  elected  a  Bishop, 
and  a  noble  and  true  spirit,  and  a  great  expounder  of  God's  Word ; 
Drs.  Munsey  and  Hopkins,  were  in  attendance,  the  former  con- 
sidered the  greatest  orator  of  the  Southern  Church,  the  latter  a 
polished  professor  of  the  Southern  University.  We  had  this  year 
Simon  Peter  Richardson,  a  remarkable  man  in  his  way,  and  that  a 
peculiar  way.  At  this  meeting  I  met  a  number  of  my  spiritual 
children  from  Alabama.  This  camp-meeting  taxed  both  my  physi- 
cal and  mental  ability.  Those  in  charge  appointed  me  to  tasks 
which  almost  proved  fatal.  I  was  considered  a  camp-meeting  man. 
The  sermons  I  heard  were  all  good,  but  the  sermon  of  Dr.  Edward 
Wadsworth  so  affected  me  that  I  dared  to  trust  God  with  my  whole 
heart.  It  was  the  same  sermon  he  preached  at  a  Conference  twenty- 
eight  years  before.  I  had  heard  it  several  times,  and  could  hear  it 
with  joy  again.  It  was  a  great  sermon,  preached  by  a  man  of  whom 
Bishop  Soule  once  said,  "  He  is  the  finest  specimen  of  a  Methodist 
preacher  since  the  days  of  Wesley."     The  thoughts  of  that   dis- 


AUTOBIOURAl'HY  OF  RH\  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.     ■         II5 

course  entered  every  nook  and  corner  of  my  being.  Every  faculty 
of  my  nature  opened  as  so  many  mouths  crying  after  God.  I  sat  in 
a  chair  in  the  altar  apparently  as  calm  as  serenity  itself,  but  my  soul 
.  was  moved  as  a  lake  is  sometimes  moved  when  swept  by  a  storm. 
Dr.  J.  B.  Walker,  who  was  in  charge  of  the  exercises,  requested 
me  to  rise  and  call  for  mourners.  My  reply  was,  "  I  'm  in  no  con- 
dition to  call  penitents.  Let  me  sit  still  and  feast  upon  what  has 
been  given  us !  "  I  sat  there  in  silent  awe  that  dared  not  move.  I 
forgot  everything  but  hunger  for  God.  Dr.  Munsey  was  in  attend- 
ance part  of  the  time.  He  was  given  an  important  hour  to  preach. 
Every  one  was  anxious  to  hear  him.  One  said  to  another,  "  He 
talks  low ;  get  near  the  stand,  or  you  can  not  hear  him."  To  the 
surprise  of  every  one  he  spoke  loud  enough  to  be  heard  at  the  outer 
tier  of  tents.  He  preached  about  the  wings  and  the  unclean  lips. 
He  was  not  at  his  best,  but  no  one  but  a  great  man  could  have  given 
us  that  discourse.  At  the  close  he  called  for  penitents.  No  one 
responded  for  a  few  minutes ;  then  two  or  three  came  to  the  altar. 
Somewhat  discouraged,  the  Doctor,  leaning  over  the  book-board, 
said  :  "  Mathews,  holler  at  them  !  "  I  made  this  reply :  "  Holler 
at  them !  Why,  everybody  knows  you  can  beat  me  hollering !  " 
Dr.  Walker,  in  charge,  requested  me  to  exhort  and  make  a  call. 
I  was  puzzled  as  to  how  to  proceed  after  such  a  sermon.  Finally, 
I  began  in  a  way  to  bring  the  thoughts  of  the  people  to  simpler 
truths ;  the  exhortation  was  lengthy,  but  quite  a  number  responded 
and  we  had  several  conversions. 

I  was  called  upon  by  that  charitable  and  noble  woman,  Mrs. 
R.  M.  Walmsley.  She  had,  by  her  influence,  secured  homes  in  St. 
Anna's  Asylum  for  two  dependent  and  friendless  women.  After 
securing  the  places  these  women  refused  to  go.  They  had  played  a 
double  part.  They  were  constantly  applying  for  pecuniary  assist- 
ance, and  said  they  were  willing  to  go  to  the  St.  Anna's  Home. 
Strange,  they  would  rather  beg  and  live  in  squalor,  than  go  to  this 
comfortable  institution  where  they  not  only  would  find  food  and 
shelter,  but  comforts  as  well ! 

Prayer  helps  me  to  carry  tilie  burden.  On  one  occasion  it  was 
necessary  to  call  upon  a  family  of  some  influence  who  took  offense 
at  something  another  did  but  blamed  me.  As  I  approached  the 
house  I  was  so  troubled,  I  halted  under  a  tree  to  wipe  the  perspira- 
tion from  my  face.  I  actually  shivered  with  apprehension.  I  prayed 
for  an  open  door,  as  I  thought  of  the  angel  going  before  the  servants 
of  Isaac  in  opening  their  way.  I  rang  the  door-bell  and  the  lady 
of  the  house  opened  the  door,  and  instead  of  insulting  me,  as  I  had 
feared,  greeted  me  with  great  cordiality.  The  Eternal  Friend  had 
answered  my  prayer ! 

An  August  Sunday  in  New  Orleans  sometimes  reminds  one 
of  the  torrid  zone.  Persons  who  are  able  to  leave  the  city  go  to  the 
up  country,  but  manv  are  unable  to  bear  the  expense.  As  it  is 
sometimes  said,  they  belong  to  the    "  Can't-get-away  Club!  "     As  a 


Il6  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

pastor,  my  convictions  would  not  allow  me  to  take  vacations.  One 
August  day,  as  always,  I  was  in  the  Sunday-School  and  urged  the 
children  to'  be  punctual.  In  the  audience-room  at  1 1  a.  m.  found  a 
good  congregation.  After  dinner,  a  woman  called  for  the  pastor 
to  go  and  see  an  elderly  lady  thought  to  be  entering  the  valley  of 
death.  On  my  way  called  on  a  brother  who  could  sing  to  accom- 
pany me.  It  "proved  to  be  only  the  valley  of  death's  shadow  she 
was  entering.  We  cheered  her  last  hours  with  some  triumphant 
hymns,  then  prayed,  committing  her  soul  into  God's  hands.  Her 
state  of  soul  was' like  the  old  Scotchman's.  When  the  minister  was 
sent  for  he  always  asked,  "  What  shall  I  pray  for?  "  In  this  case 
the  usual  question  was  propounded :  "  Sandy,  what  shall  I  pray 
for  ?  "  "  Ye  need  na  pray  at  all :  give  God  thanks !  "  This  woman's 
condition  called  for  praise.  This  dear  soul  clung  to  Christ  with 
a  grip  death. could  not  unloose.  She  was  a  friend  of  God's.  Al- 
though known  by  but  few  outside  of  her  humble  home,  yet  not 
unknown  to  the  angels  of  Heaven,  and  thither  she  was  going! 

A  letter  came  by  post  from  a  city  where  I  had  labored.  It 
described  the  fall  of  a  man  who  at  one  time  stood  very  high  in  the 
opinion  of  his  fellow-citizens  for  integrity,  honor  and  virtue.  I 
had  long  known  him  and  esteemed  him.  Men  dying  confided  their 
estates  into  his  hands.  Now  comes  the  news  of  his  fall,  fasci- 
nated by  a  woman  whose  husband  had  confided  his  interest  to  his 
care.  Now  he  is  drinking:  neglects  his  family,  his  business,  and 
has  turned  his  back  upon  all  that  is  ennobling.  He  has  brought 
blight  upon  the  Church,  upon  his  own  and  other  families,  and 
startled  the  entire  population.  Men  say,  "  If  such  a  man,  after 
vears  of  unblemished  living,  can  fall,  whom  can  we  trust?"  Well 
might  the  apostle  say,  "Let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take 
heed  lest  he  fall."  My  heart  is  stricken  over  this  man's  downfall. 
It  is  like  the  fall  of  Lucifer ! 

Very  little  has  been  written  about  my  studies,  which  have  been 
continued  day  by  day.  All  odd  hours  have  been  used  to  enlarge 
my  usefulness.  Doctor  Nicholson  loaned  me  a  valuable  work  which 
I  dared  <to  tackle  in  this  hot  time,  "  The  Physiology  of  the  Soul  and 
Instinct,  as  Distinguished  from  Materialism."  The  intelligence  of 
the  congregation  demanded  study  to  keep  abreast  of  the  time.  Part 
of  each  morning  has  found  me  investigating  some  principle  or  the 
meaning  of  words.  This  method  has  broadened  my  conceptions, 
and  has  strengthened  my  faculties.  Growth  has  been  my  aim  for 
two  reasons:  to  be  useful,  and  because  God  loves  to  see  His  crea- 
tures grow,  as  men  love  to  see  flowers  and  children  grow. 

One  principle  adopted  early  in  my  ministry  was.  to  know  no 
man  after  the  flesh.  That  is.  not  to  allow  social  or  financial  con- 
ditions to  control  my  actions — a  very  difficult  thing  to  do.  Perhaps 
no  temptation  assails  a  minister  with  greater  force  than  to  cater  to 
wealth.  In  some  of  the  homes  of  the  rich  I  have  been  treated  in  a 
princely  way.    Captain  McCann  and  wife  have  been  peculiarly  kind. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  1U-A  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  J>.  nj 

Mr.  R.  M.  Walmsley  and  wife;  Mrs.  Dr.  Moss,  whose  husband  was 
a  princely  man,  and  many  others  who  treated  me  with  consideration. 
I  was  called  to  the  residence  of  Judge  Whitecar,  to  unite  in  mar- 
riage his  daughter  to  Mr.  B.  C.  Bellsnyder.  The  daughter,  though 
an  Episcopalian,  desired  that  I  should  officiate.  It  was  an  occasion 
furnished  me  to  extend  my  acquaintance  and  influence.  It  was 
quite  a  famous  wedding.  All  but  one  couple  amongst  the  guests 
were  strangers  to  me.  There  were  toasts,  speeches,  and  much 
hilarious  talk.  I  drank  the  health  of  the  bride  and  groom,  using  a 
goblet  of  water.  Xot  another  at  the  table  refused  wine.  It  was 
on  a  line  with  all  such  occasions  in  "  high  society."  There  was  a 
Roman  Catholic  kinsman  to  the  bride  present,  editor  of  a  magazine, 
noted  for  his  rare  culture,  who  was  so  impressed  with  the  ceremony, 
he  inquired,  "Is  that  the  regular  Methodist  ceremony?"  .  Being 
assured  it  was,  he  indicated  great  surprise.  It  is  a  fact  that  many 
persons  of  culture  know  little  or  nothing  about  the  methods  and 
usages  of  other  and  stronger  organizations. 

Had  a  note  from  a  poor  girl  worried  in  mind  over  her  spiritual 
state.  She  belonged  to  another  denomination.  In  such  case  the 
response  is  as  prompt  as  possible.  To  furnish  comfort  is  one  of  the 
joys  of  my  life.  After  consoling  this  young  soul,  I  was  away  to 
see  a  poor  young  man  wasting  away  into  death — a  member  of  my 
Church,  who  clung  to  life  with  great  tenacity,  but  held  on  to 
Christ  as  the  hope  set  before  him.  In  visiting  such  cases — and  they 
occur  almost  daily — I  realize  it  is  better  to  go  to  the  house  of 
mourning  than  to  the  house  of  feasting.  Dr.  Angel  called  to  have 
me  call  to  see  a  woman  in  a  dreary  state  of  mind.  She  was  a  patient 
of  his,  on  whom  he  had  almost  exhausted  his  medical  resources. 
Accompanying  him,  I  desired  to  know  the  condition  of  the  woman's 
mind.  He'  stated  that  her  husband  alleged  that  she  had  been  drink- 
ing whiskey  and  eating  opium  until  her  nervous  system  was  about 
destroyed.  '  The  Doctor  had  spoken  to  her  of  me,  and  assured  her  it 
would  comfort  her  to  hear  me  pray.  We  reached  the  house.  He 
passed  into  her  chamber,  while  I  remained  in  the  parlor,  where  I 
could  distinctlv  hear  her  moans.  After  interviewing  her,  coaxing 
her  to  see  me,'  she  consented.  The  Doctor  returned  to  me,  saying, 
"  She  thinks  she  is  worse ;  can  not  talk ;  to  do  so  would  throw  her 
into  a  spasm.  Go  in  with  me  and  pray  with  her ;  nothing  more." 
I  entered  her  chamber  and  saw,  lying  on  the  bed,  a  woman  some- 
what advanced  in  years,  her  head  wrapped  up  in  a  woolen  scarf, 
bed  clothes  over  the  scarf,  and  looking  very  much  excited.  She 
eyed  me  closely  to  form  her  opinion.  Under  other  conditions  her 
appearance  would  have  created  merriment,  but  T  could  see  she  was 
almost  in  an  agony.  She  only  said,  "  I  want  you  to  pray."  I  had 
taken  a  seat  in  a  chair  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  and  as  I  started  to 
kneel,  reached  out  my  hand  and  touched  the  foot  of  the  bedstead, 
and  was  st?rtled  by  a  half-smothered  scream.  "Get  further!  Get 
further !  "    Even  touching  the  foot  of  the  bed  terrified  her.    I  prayed 


n8  PEEPS  lis  TO  LIFE. 

as  best  I  could,  for  my  sympathies  were  all  aroused  in  her  behalf. 
Going  from  the  house,  the  physician  intimated  it  was  a  case  of  hys- 
terics ;  I  added,  "  But  Doctor,  that  is  a  fearful  form  of  disease 
itself !  "  Very  soon,  to  the  surprise  of  husband  and  physician,  she 
died. 

Traveling  to  a  college  commencement,  high  water  made  further 
progress  impossible.  Stopping  at  a  certain  town,  a  friend  accompa- 
nied me  to  our  leading  Church  in  the  city,  to  the  mid-week  prayer- 
service.  Being  unobserved,  I  could  note  the  conduct  of  the  meeting. 
Perhaps  there  were  sixty  present.  The  singing  was  fairly  spirited. 
The  first  prayer  was  inaudible.  Of  late  years  our  people  who  lead 
in  prayer  keep  their  faces  down,  so  they  are  scarcely  heard.  In 
former  years,  our  people  prayed  with  faces  turned  upward  and  in  a 
loud  voice.  In  this  meeting  two  prayers  were  offered — one  at  the 
opening,  the  other  at  the  close.  The  minister  filled  up  the  hour  with 
a  lecture.  It  was  delivered  without  any  warmth ;  no  soul  could  be 
kindled  by  it.  It  was  sensible  and  logical,  but  was  tiresome.  No 
wonder  the  masses  avoid  the  prayer-service.  The  preachers  account 
for  non-attendance  on  the  ground  of  indifference  to  religion ;  where- 
as, men  stay  away  because,  as  some  have  said,  "  It  is  as  dry  as 
dust."  It  seems  to  me  the  time  must  Come  when  our  theological 
schools  will  have  a  chair  on,  "  How  to  conduct  a  prayer  and  other 
services  of  a  social  nature."  Said  a  Presbyterian  minister  to  me, 
who  had  graduated  from  a  college,  and  then  attended  Princeton 
Theological  School,  "  I  have  never  heard  a  word  on  the  subject  of 
how  best  to  conduct  a  meeting  or  develop  a  Church.  I  had  no 
knowledge  how  to  proceed !  " 

Spiritualism  has  invaded  some  of  the  families  of  the  Church. 
I  called  on  an  elderly  lady  of  my  charge,  and  while  in  this  home 
met  what  might  be  termed  one  of  the  strong-minded  women.  She 
was  ready  for  a  war  of  words.  She  professed  to  be  an  infidel  and 
a  spiritualist.  It  was  necessary  to  employ  tact  in  keeping  out  of  a 
controversy,  for  which  she  seemed  anxious.  Long  ago  I  learned 
that  to  argue  was  only  to  excite  passion  and  thus  generate  anger. 
Now  and  then  I  dropped  an  interrogation  which  was  difficult  to 
answer.  The  interview  closed  with  each  in  a  good  humor.  Had 
prayers  with  my  Church  member,  living  in  a  family  of  avowed 
infidel  views,  and  left  feeling  distressed  over  the  surroundings  of 
the  children  of  a  man  who  in  his  lifetime  was  preeminent  for  his 
piety,  and  who  on  his  death  bed  gave  much  thought  to  their  future. 
Perhaps  as  many  as  four  of  my  members  were  led  astray  by  spirit- 
ualists. One  woman,  advanced  in  years,  was  almost  violent  in  her 
assertions  of  what  she  saw  at  seances.  Not  long  before  she  had 
lost  a  son  who  was  wayward,  and  she  could  not  believe  he  was 
lost.  In  seances  she  was  assured  he  was  safe.  How  I  pitied  this 
woman  in  her  delusion.  It  was  not  my  province  to  decide  on  the 
state  of  her  son,  but  I  could  decide  on  the  condition  of  the  mother's 
mental  state.     A  scientific  professor  calls  it  "  unconscious  cerebra- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOllX  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  IXq 

tion."    Translated  into  the  language  of  the  people,  the  phrase  mearls 
a  "  diseased  state  of  the  brain." 

There  are  no-account  members  in  every  large  congregation. 
Some  of  them  have  to  be  coddled  and  petted.  They  take  up  a  con- 
siderable part  of  the  pastor's  time  running  after  them,  if  by  some 
means  he  may  save  them.  Some  have  wealth,  and  some  of  the 
Stewards  are  anxious  to  hold  them.  Sometimes  pastors  are  in- 
fluenced to  give  them  positions,  hoping  to  save  them.  One  of  the 
greatest  trials  on  this  line  I  ever  had,  was  when  the  time  for 
electing  Stewards  was  upon  us ;  three  of  the  most  influential  Officers 
took  me  aside,  urging  me  to  nominate  a  certain  man  for  Steward. 
While  firmly  declining,  it  was  a  trial  to  refuse  their  urgent  plea. 
In  employing  this  term,  "  no  account,"  it  is  not  meant  they  are 
immoral,  but  not  under  the  sway  of  a  regenerated  heart. 

New  Orleans  is  dominated  by  Romanism.  The  daily  journals 
never  let  an  occasion  pass  to  laud  the  action  of  Sisters  of  Charity 
in  their  care  of  yellow  fever  patients ;  nor  would  I  detract  from  their 
faithful  attention.  These  journals  rarely  even  notice  our  Protestant 
women  who,  without  the  force  of  vows,  voluntarily  go  forth  to 
nurse  those  stricken  with  this  dreaded  disease.  In  calling  to  see  a 
lady  member  of  my  Church,  a  sister  Vanhouten,  I  was  informed 
she  had  gone  to  Brunswick,  Ga.,  to  nurse  yellow  fever  patients.  A 
few  blocks  away  resided  another  member.  When  I  called,  found 
that  Sister  Brotherton  had  gone  to  the  same  point  on  the  same 
mission.  Others  responded  to  the  call,  but  not  a  mention  of  their 
fearless  action  was  in  any  of  the  city  papers. 

By  request  of  one  of  the  temperance  organizations  of  the  city, 
I  agreed  to  deliver  an  address  on  this  subject  at  the  Moreau  Street 
Methodist  Church.  My  consent  was  the  more  readily  given,  as  none 
of  the  pastors  of  any  denomination  would  deliver  addresses  on  this 
theme.  Public  sentiment  was  in  a  different  direction.  While  my 
other  duties  were  burdensome,  I  wanted  to  aid  in  creating  a  public 
sentiment  against  that  hydra-headed  monster,  the  liquor  traffic. 
My  address  was  one  hour  and  fifteen  minutes  in  the  delivery.  Cap- 
tain Robertson,  the  most  influential  Methodist  in  that  part  of  the 
city,  said  it  was  the  best  temperance  address  he  had  ever  heard. 
This  speech  encouraged  me,  for  I  felt  that  amongst  the  ministers  I 
stood  almost  alone.  A  few  young  men  were  coming  to  the  front, 
who  in  after  years  assailed  this  evil  fearlessly. 

For  some  time  gossip  had  been  busy  with  Dr.  Munsey's  name, 
as  all  public  men  are  discussed.  His  most  active  member  and 
Sunday-School  Superintendent,  J.  G.  Parham,  urged  me  to  visit  the 
Doctor,  stating,  "  You  can  do  more  with  him  than  any  one  else." 
As  soon  as  possible  I  walked  up  to  his  residence,  and  found  him 
sad  indeed.  He  stated,  "At  times  I  become  much  depressed  in 
mind."  He  seemed  a  very  picture  of  grief.  He  never  mingled 
with  our  ministers  or  people.  Rarely  went  anywhere.  He  needed 
sympathy,  and  instead  of  blaming,  I  coaxed  him  as  one  would  a 


!2o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

child,  and  i pressed  him  to  take  a  different  course,  stating  that  my 
philosophy,  under  depression,  was  to  seize  my  hat  and  away  I 
would  go  in  search  of  a  good  Christian  in  mental  or  physical  pain 
who  was  bearing  up  lovingly.  A  thirty-minutes'  interview  sent 
depression  to  the  winds  and  so  affected  me  that  new  and  better 
forces  ruled  me.  My  pity  for  this  man  of  gigantic  intellect,  but 
weak  will,  was  almost  harrowing.  On  another  visit  I  pleaded  with 
him  to  go  over  two  or  three  blocks  to  visit  Bro.  R.  W.  Rayne, 
thinking  an  interview  with  this  godly  man  would  help  to  lift  depres- 
sion from  his  mind.  He  had  concluded  Brother  Rayne  did  not  like 
him.  My  anxiety  to  relieve  him  was  so  urgent  that  I  pressed  him 
tenderly  until  he  was  on  his  feet,  then  I  gathered  him  with  both 
hands  and  tugged  to  get  him  through  the  door.  Then  he  placed 
his  feet  against  the  door  facings,  saying  in  tones  that  touched  me, 
"  I  can  not."  It  was  my  great  desire  to  help  him  out  of  gloom 
into  joy,  but  I  failed.  It  was  not  long  after  this  interview  that  he 
gave  up  his  Church  and  went  back  to  Tennessee.  After  a  time  the 
end  was  reached.  He  had  been  sick,  and  getting  out  of  his  bed, 
kneeled  at  the  side,  and  while  in  the  act  of  praying,  this  gifted  but 
broken-spirited  man  passed  up  to  meet  God ! 

One  Sunday,  in  October,  a  large  audience  gathered  for  wor- 
ship, a  number  of  new  faces  present.  Before  opening  the  service, 
Bishop  Keener  turned  to  me  and  said,  "Is  that  Judge  Howell? 
He  is  one  of  our  Supreme  Judges."  The  sermon  was  on  the  text, 
"  Therefore  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law."  I  do  not  remember 
ever  having  given  a  clearer  exegesis  of  a  text.  My  faculties  were 
in  working  order.  I  emphasized  the  place  and  value  of  law ;  also 
its  weakness,  and  because  of  its  weakness  God  sent  His  son  into  the 
world  to  do  what  law  could  not  do.  Love  is  better  than  law,  in  that 
it  goes  further.  One  who  loves  as  he  should  will  go  right  without 
law.     The  Bishop  closed  with  prayer. 

A  female  sent  a  note  requesting  a  loan  of  ten  dollars.  The 
bearer  of  the  note  was  assured  of  the  pastor's  inability  to  supply 
the  demands  for  money.  If  only  one  case,  or  now  and  then  an 
application  for  such  loans,  one  might  by  some  means  secure  the 
amount ;  but  the  stream  of  applicants  is  continuous.  During  a 
ministry  of  thirty  years,  no  one  ever  returned  money  borrowed ! 
Most  of  the  borrowers  intended  to  repay,  but  were  never  able.  A 
gentleman  of  means  said  he  loaned  small  sums  believing  they  would 
never  be  returned,  as  the  borrower  would  ever  after  shun  him. 

Brother  Hamp  Smith  gave  me  an  account  of  his  father's  peace- 
ful departure  into  the  spirit  land.  He  had  lived  in  the  city  and  sat 
under  my  ministry  for  some  time.  Business  interests  led  him  away 
to  a  new  section.  His  character  was  an  exalted  one.  Though  a 
business  man,  he  passed  the  ordeal  with  clean  hands.  His  love  for 
the  Church  was  marked,  and  his  contributions  were  on  a  line  with 
his 'love.  Brother  Smith  loved  his  pastors  and  cheered  their  hearts 
in  many  ways.     No  wonder  he  had  such  a  delightful  ending  to  his 


1/  TOBIOQRAPHY  OF  RI'A  ,  JOHN  MATIIi:\YS.  J).  J).  I2I 

long  earthly  career !  His  life  shed  a  hallowing  influence  upon  those 
within  the  circle  where  he  moved,  just  as  a  rose  steadily  bestows  its 
fragrance  on  the  air. 

That  eminent  minister  and  devoted  man  of  God,  Rev.  Edward 
W'adsworth,  pastor  of  one  of  our  Churches  in  Mobile,  Alabama,  ad- 
dressed a  letter  to  me,  stating  that  in  a  few  days  a  young  man  would 
visit  me,  and  would  open  his  life  history,  and  urged  me  to  take 
special  charge  of  him.  In  due  time  the  young  man  called  at  my 
office  in  the  church  and  handed  me  a  letter  from  Dr.  W.  His  name 
as  given  me  was  Charles  A.  Richmond.  The  letter  gave  a  concise 
statement  of  the  young  man's  status,  and  urged  me  to  aid  him  in  be- 
coming an  honorable  man.  I  became  interested  in  him  at  once,  and 
greeted  him  with  cordiality,  and  I  think  soon  had  his  confidence. 
Take  it  all  in  all,  I  never  met  a  more  remarkable  case.  His  history 
was  not  only  dark  but  crimsoned  with  blood.  He  was  sentenced  to 
be  hung  for  murder,  committed  as  he  alleged,  in  a  drunken  brawl. 
Through  the  combined  efforts  of  Dr.  Wadsworth  and  a  noted  lay- 
man of  Mobile,  Mr.  Otis,  he  was  pardoned  by  the  Governor.  These 
brethren  now  sent  him  to  me  to  reinforce  his  purpose  to  become  a 
good  man.  His  friends  urged  him  to  unbosom  himself  to  me.  In  a 
long  interview  he  did  so.  He  was  twenty-five  years  old,  and  in  looks 
unprepossessing.  His  manner  showed  clearly  that  he  was  laboring 
under  a  mental  strain.  His  frame  quivered,  and  his  sighs  were  deep 
and  heavy.  Despair  seemed  to  have  him  in  its  grasp.  He  remarked 
time  and  again  he  wished  he  had  no  conscience.  He  told  me  he  was 
a  very  bad  man,  worse  than  the  worst,  and  absolutely  frightened  me 
bv  the  details  of  his  career.  Twice  had  he  been  condemned  to  be 
hung.  Once  pardoned  by  President  Grant.  Also  that  he  had  been 
captain  of  a  band  of  thieves  in  Texas.  Said  I,  "  I-s  Richmond  your 
real  name?"  "No;  it  is  Charles  Allen  Lord."  He  went  on  with 
his  revelations,  in  that  back  office,  until  my  fear  for  a  time  got  the 
better  of  me.  What  if  he  should  conclude  I  had  money  and  spring 
upon  me  ?  Then  my  sympathy  asserted  itself  and  fear  passed  away. 
His  candor  was  evident,  and  I  proposed  to  do  what  I  could  to  save 
him  from  himself.  He  blamed  his  mother  for  his  downfall.  She 
failed  to  give  his  young  life  the  right  trend.  When  a  youth  he  fled 
from  home  and  never  communicated  with  his  family.  In  response  to 
a  question,  he  assured  me  that  he  once  had  a  powerful  will.  I 
urged  him  to  go  to  God  to  reinforce  his  will  that  he  might  success- 
fully carrv  out  his  purpose  to  lead  a  virtuous  life.  I  plied  him  with 
promise  upon  promise  and  assured  him  of  success  and  final  victory  if 
he  persevered.  My  advise  was,  "  Tell  no  one  else  your  story  ;  seek 
employment:  do  your  best^and  you  shall  be  aided."  As  the  inter- 
view was  closing.  T  inquired.  "Have  you  any  money?"  He  had 
never  alluded  to  money.  He  told  me  the  amount  given  him  in 
Mobile,  and  it  corresponded  with  the  amount  stated  in  the  letter  to 
me.  He  then  said.  "  I  have  one  dollar  left."  He  retired  to  seek 
employment  and   was  to   return   that  afternoon   at   a   certain   hour. 


122 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Being  anxious  to  aid  him,  I  took  a  business  street  and  went  from 
place  to  place  to  find  employment.  Everywhere,  the  answer  was, 
"  No  help  needed."  His  appearance  was  against  him.  It  indicated 
something  of  his  character.  His  hair  was  black  and  coarse,  some- 
what like  an  Indian's ;  his  skin  sallow ;  his  eyes  very  dark.  He  had 
a  stolid  expression.  I  would  not  have  believed  his  story  but  for  the 
letters  of  my  Mobile  friend.  At  the  appointed  hour  he  returned  and 
reported  no  employment  found.  I  gave  him  money  enough  to  carry 
him  through  a  few  days.  On  Sunday  morning  he  was  at  church, 
where  he  was  introduced  to  some  of  my  best  young  men.  During 
service  he  sat  with  young  Abner  Parker,  a  noble  character.  At  the 
close  when  the  invitation  was  given  he  stepped  forward  as  an  ap- 
plicant for  membership.  He  seemed  very  much  agitated,  weeping 
while  his  frame  shook.  I  let  no  one  into  his  secret.  My  soul  went 
out  in  prayer  to  God  to  save  him.  On  Monday  the  young  man  called 
as  I  had  requested.  His  talk  showed  he  was  discouraged;  no 
friends,  no  work.  Inquiring  as  to  his  funds,  found  he  had  rented  a 
room  at  four  dollars  per  month  and  paid  two  in  advance,  and  spent 
fifty  cents  for  food.  He  exclaimed  two  or  three  times,  "  If  I  had 
no  conscience !  If  I  could  forget !  "  I  did  not  doubt  his  sincerity 
but  I  feared  he  would  falter  under  the  pressure.  The  battle  was 
fierce.  Both  of  us  sought  employment  but  found  not  a  single 
opening.  I  assured  him  of  my  support  and  gave  him  more  money. 
At  the  young  men's  meeting,  to  my  delight  I  found  him  present.  At 
the  close,  nearly  every  one  of  the  sixty  was  introduced  to  him,  and 
gave  him  a  cheerful  greeting.  He  caught  the  glow  of  the  meeting 
and  carried  a  smile.  He  knew  the  world  well,  but  it  was  the  world 
of  sin,  shame  and  crime.  Feeling  unabated  interest  in  his  welfare, 
I  took  the  street  to  find  him  work,  but  never  found  the  least  en- 
couragement. Now  and  then  he  dropped  in  to  see  me ;  only  words 
of  hope  greeted  me.  On  Sunday  he  was  not  in  church ;  apprehen- 
sion at  once  seized  me.  Finally,  one  day  he  called  and  said,  "  I  can 
not  hold  out  here  amongst  strangers ;  the  struggle  is  too  intense.  I 
am  going  back  to  Mobile  to-night !  "  He  went.  After  a  few  weeks 
a  jeweler's  establishment  was  robbed  and  many  things  of  value 
carried  off.  The  police  kept  an  eye  on  Richmond,  and  one  night 
found  him  in  an  out-of-the-way  place,  melting  the  silverware  he 
had  stolen.  The  last  I  heard  of  him  he  was  serving  a  term  in  the 
Alabama  State  penitentiary.    I  tried,  but  failed  to  save  him. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RET.  JOHX  MATHEWS,  D.  J). 


123 


CHAPTER  XXV. 
Third  Year  at  Carondelet  Street. 

In  a  large  membership,  like  a  large  business,  there  is  much  to  be 
done  at  the  close  of  a  year.  There  are  so  many  things  to  be  looked 
after.  The  most  troublesome  work  is  looking  after  the  collections 
ordered  by  the  General  Conference.  It  is  go  there ;  run  yonder ;  go 
a  mile  and  a  half  to  collect  fifty  cents,  and  the  party  not  at  home. 
Go  the  second  time  only  to  be  disappointed.  Then  to  prepare  for  the 
elimination  by  the  Church  Conference,  those  lost  sight  of  for  a  year. 
The  running  to  and  fro  to  secure  additional  subscriptions  to  take  the 
place  of  those  who  subscribe  but  can  not  or  will  not  pay.  Once  this 
tramping  resulted  in  a  slight  fever  which  prevented  my  attendance 
upon  the  annual  Conference.  At  other  times  the  reports  have  been 
made  out,  when  in  rushes  a  man  to  pay  his  subscription  of  twenty- 
five  cents ;  or  a  woman  calls  with  a  bundle  to  carry  to  one  of  her 
friends  in  the  town  to  which  one  is  going.  In  most  of  the  large 
Churches  of  to-day  the  pastor  is  relieved  of  much  of  the  drudgery. 
Sometimes  even  with  grip-sack  in  hand  ready  to  start,  some  one 
hastens  to  your  door  with  a  report  of  a  sewing  society  which  raised 
three  dollars  and  ten  cents  it  may  be !  One's  righteous  soul  is 
vexed,  but,  repressing  the  feeling,  a  good-bye  is  said  and  the  start  is 
made. 

A  Louisiana  Conference  always  appealed  to  my  sensibilities. 
To  hear  the  rank  and  file  tell  of  their  trials,  their  scant  support,  and 
their  efforts  to  find  the  few  sheep  in  swamps  and  on  the  bayous  in 
that  State,  always  melted  me.  Talk  about  the  self-denial  of  mission- 
aries in  foreign  lands  (and  they  deserve  sympathy),  but  these 
brethren  have  no  assurance  of  any  compensation !  One  receives 
sixty  dollars  for  his  year's  toil,  another  a  little  more,  yet  no  com- 
plaint from  their  lips ;  and  they  stand  ready  to  take  another  field 
and  give  the  Gospel  to  the  scattered  sheep  in  the  wilderness.  Love 
is  the  constraining  power. 

I  was  reappointed  to  Carondelet  Street  Church  for  another  year. 
Went  to  this  responsible  charge  with  prayer  surging  through  my 
heart  as  waves  on  the  bosom  of  the  sea.  More  and  more  do  I  feel 
the  need  of  the  aid  of  the  Divine  Spirit.  My  reception  was  pleasing 
and  I  went  to  work  hopefully. 

My  prayer-meetings,  partaking  of  an  evangelistic  nature,  drew 
to  us  quite  a  number  of  persons  differing  in  quality  and  of  different 
denominations.  I  was  reminded  of  my  boyhood  experience  in  going 
with  a  company  on  a  fishing  excursion.  A  large  fishing-net  called  a 
seine  was  used.    When  the  seine  was  hauled  to  the  shore,  in  it  was 


\ 

I24  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

found  suckers,  eels,  frogs,  and  some  fine  fish.  Thus  in  our  sen  ices 
we  catch  suckers,  eels,  frogs,  and  some  fine  characters.  Amongst 
others  attracted,  was  a  brother  from  a  sister  denomination.  Beyond 
question  his  mind  was  unbalanced.  He  disturbed  us  with  a  wild 
talk.  He  said  the  Lord  appeared  to  him,  assuring  him  that  on  a 
certain  day  in  February,  a  wonderful  revival  would  break  out  in 
Brother  Mathews'  Church ;  then  spread  to  the  Coliseum  Baptist, 
then  to  Dr.  Palmer's,  and  the  world  would  come  to  an  end  this. year! 
Two  weeks  passed  and  he  again  appeared  in  our  prayer-meeting, 
creating  quite  a  sensation.  He  informed  us  he  had  a  message  from 
the  Lord.  What  it  was  I  did  not  catch.  Just  as  I  invited  Brother 
Huey  to  lead  in  prayer,  this  man  proposed  to  pray.  I  waved  my 
hand  to  this  fanatic  to  sit  down,  but  he  would  not.  Brother  Huey 
began  to  pray ;  so  did  this  man.  Dear  old  Brother  Huey  kept  on, 
and  for  a  time  it  was  nip  and  tuck  as  to  who  would  succumb. 
Finally  our  half-cracked  visitor  gathered  his  hat  and  left  the  church. 

Mrs.  Sinclair,  ninety-one  years  old,  who  died  in  the  Charity 
Hospital,  was  an  old  saint.  I  had  visited  her  there  as  well  as  at  the 
home  of  one  of  our  members,  who  in  Christ's  name,  though  poor 
herself,  cared  for  her.  She  had  long  lived  in  a  state  of  expectancy, 
desiring  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  Her  conversation  was  up- 
lifting. She  had  not  one  relative  in  the  world.  She  had  outlived 
her  generation,  but  God  raised  up  friends  and  gave  her  comfort  in 
inward  assurance,  that  she  might  exhibit  to  quite  a  circle  of  acquaint- 
ances what  He  could  do  for  a  trusting  heart.  The  Church  gave  her 
a  decent  funeral.  Heaven  was  the  richer  when'  she  entered  and 
grasped  one  of  Heaven's  harps,  to  praise  Him  who  had  redeemed 
her  and  cleansed  her  spirit  in  His  own  blood. 

Mr.  Hugh  Jameson  called  to  request  me  to  point  out  some 
special  Christian  work  for  him.  He  had  an  appetite  for  doing  good. 
Since  joining  the  Church  he  had  been  very  active  in  propagating  a 
knowledge  of  Christ's  love.  I  unfolded  to  him  my  idea  of  how  to  win 
voting  men  ;  to  go  after  them,  not  as  detectives,  or  policemen,  but 
lovingly ;  not  roughly  attacking  them  for  their  sins  but  go  in  a  win- 
some way,  putting  heart  into  the  appeals.  Our  young  men's  meet- 
ing had  assumed  such  proportions  that  we  needed  sub-shepherds  to 
cheer  the  despondent,  to  inspire  hope,  and  round  up  any  who  might 
thoughtlessly  stray. 

That  able  sheet.  The  Independent,  had  a  remarkable  article  on 
"The  Failure  of  Methodism  in  Cities."  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  met  me 
and  inquired  if  I  had  read  the  article.  "  Yes,"  was  my  reply.  He 
solicited  my  views.  It  is  difficult  to  locate  the  principle  cause. 
Thoughtful  minds  differ  widely.  One  reason  I  assigned  was,  the 
mistake  leading  city  Churches  made  in  demanding  a  "  sky-rocket  " 
style  of  preaching.  These  men  are  polished  and  entertaining,  but  no 
one  is  converted  under  such  a  ministry.  Such  preaching  lacks 
claws,  or  its  nails  are  are  so  pared  away  that  they  can  not  scratch ; 
teeth  it  mav  have,  but  so  worn  down  thev  can  not  bite.    Their  words 


ALTOBKXJKAl'UY  OF  UFA     .l()ll\     1/  A  Til  FAYS,,  It.  It. 


125 


are  like  a  sweet  tune  on  a  flute  flung  to  the  winds  and  forgotten. 
Under  such  preaching  the  Church  would  die  of  the  dry-rot  were  it 
not  for  accessions  by  letter.  The  selection  of  "  Stars  "  for  the  lead- 
ing pulpits  has  had  an  unfavorable  influence.  Young  ministers  who 
are  appointed  to  these  charges,  have  sought  to  imitate  them,  and 
our  Churches  have  declined  under  such  pastors.  Other  denomina- 
tions have  not  had  as  many  star  preachers  as  Methodism.  The 
Episcopalians  have  developed  men  who  have  sought  the  people  in 
"  personal  contact,"  as  Dr.  Tyng  names  it.  So  with  the  successful 
ministers  of  other  faiths  ;  they  were  in  touch  with,  not  merely  the 
wealthy  few,  but  with  the  congregation  at  large.  The  people  soon 
saw  they  had  something  inside.  We  have  read  of  the  old  Spartan  in 
his  effort  to  make  a  corpse  stand  upright,  but  who  failed,  and 
exclaimed,  "  It  wants  somthing  inside !  "  The  people  see  that  certain 
elegant  ministers  seem  to  lack  spirituality,  that  indefinable  some- 
thing that  moves  men  to  action. 

Visiting  the  home  of  a  lady  of  high  social  position,  a  servant 
answered  the  bell,  and  on  learning  who  I  was,  escorted  me  to  the 
room  of  the  mistress  of  the  house.  Her  young  daughter  lay  sick,  and 
she  feared  the  result.  The  danger  awakened  old  memories  of  times 
when  she  served  God  with  delight. »  In  her  reawakened  concern  she 
wanted  her  child  of  six  years  baptized.  Having  moved  in  extremely 
fashionable  society,  her  love  for  Christ  had  waned.  Amidst  the  glare 
and  seeming  happiness,  the  memory  of  childhood  and  Methodist 
teaching  haunted  her.  Now  sick,  and  her  child  sick,  she  sends  for 
the  minister  to  talk  over  the  interests  of  her  soul.  I  sat  there,  and 
after  hearing  her  story  preached  Christ's  love  as  exhibited  in  re- 
turning with  his  lost  sheep,  until  she  wept  like  a  child  sometimes 
weeps.  The  daughter  could  not  understand,  and  wondered  what 
made  her  mother  weep.  I  then  baptized  the  little  girl.  That  mother 
not-  only  resurrendered  to  her  Savior,  but  reconsecrated  herself  to 
His  service.  She  felt  she  had  been  going  down,  down  ;  drifting  into 
darkness,  then,  Spirit-touched,  she  uttered  a  wild  cry  for  help,  and 
it  was  given  her.  I  left  that  mansion,  pondering  upon  the  many 
phases  of  life  in  which  souls  starve. 

"  Straight  University "  was  a  colored  institution.  Notwith- 
standing the  prejudices  of  our  people,  I  accepted  an  invitation  to 
address  the  large  body  of  students  in  attendance,  believing  I  might 
accomplish  good.  My  address  of  forty  minutes  was  on  "  The  Neces- 
sity of  Application  :  Dig,  Dig,  Dig !  "  Gave  them  illustration  upon 
illustration  ;  made  them  laugh  and  made  them  cry.  These  colored 
students  and  their  white  teachers  were  shunned  and  ostracized.  One 
could  expect  nothing  else,  as  the  citizens  had  been  oppressed  by 
carpetbaggers  until  they  rose  up  and  overturned  the  existing  state  of 
things. 

Dr.  Munsey  having  retired  from  the  pastorate  of  the  St.  Charles 
Avenue  Church,  our  young  brother  Rev.  John  Hannon,  was  ap- 
pointed to  take  his  place.    I  had  been  his  pastor  in  Montgomery,  Ala- 


I26  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

bama,  where  he  was  reared.  I  found  him  there,  though  but  a  youth,, 
virtually  in  charge  of  a  small  banking  house.  His  standing  in  the 
community  was  high.  He  was  devoted  to  the  Church.  The  family 
was  first-class.  His  father  a  business  man  of  sterling  qualities,  and 
for  many  years  an  official  in- Court  Street  Church.  His  mother  was 
of  a  lovely  disposition,  and  might  be  named,  "  A  Comforter."  Being 
impressed  with  young  Hannon's  robust  character,  I  sought  to  de- 
velop him.  Soon  he  decided  to  go  to  college,  and  I  saw  him  no  more 
until  his  arrival  in  our  city.  Having  no  acquaintance  save  my 
family,  he  called  to  see  us  at  once,  and  was  given  a  hearty  welcome 
to  his  new  charge. 

A  Presbyterian  lady  visited  me  to  urge  me  to  go  and  see  a 
young  man  on  his  sick-bed.  She,  however,  feared  he  would  not  re- 
ceive a  visit  from  a  minister.  Friends  are  often  mistaken  as  to  the 
mood  of  sick  persons.  This  young  man's  manner  and  his  conversa- 
tion, indicated  a  welcome.  He  assured  me  he  had  often  heard  me 
preach  when  I  was  in  charge  of  Felicity  Street  Church.  His  lan- 
guage was,  "  Your  words  went  right  to  my  heart."  He  understood 
the  essential  elements  in  God's  plan  of  mercy — repentance  and  faith 
in  Christ.  He  talked  surprisingly  well  on  the  supreme  points.  He 
wanted  worship  in  his  room,  and  I  sang  that  old  hymn, 

"  Arise  my  soul,  arise,   • 
Shake  off  thy  guilty  fears." 

Ministers  are  sometimes  deterred  from  introducing  the  subject  of 
religion  through  misapprehension.  The  sick  want  to  hear  about 
Christ  but  fear  to  say  so.  On  my  final  visit,  this  young  man  was  ex- 
ultant in  Christ.  Desired  baptism  and  the  communion.  The  scene 
was  touching.  Dying  of  consumption  in  his  young  manhood,  there 
he  lay  leaning  on  the  Everlasting  Arm.  He  was  the  stay  and  sup- 
port of  his  old  blind  mother,  but  to  know  he  was  saved  gave  her  joy  I 

Not  quite  all  our  colored  members  forsook  us  during  the  civil 
strife.  A  note  came  requesting  the  pastor  to  visit  a  Mrs.  Morris  at 
a  certain  number  on  a  certain  street.  It  was  a  colored  member,  who 
up  to  last  winter  rarely  failed  to  attend  Church.  She  followed  me 
from  Felicity  Street  Church  to  Carondelet.  Now  she  is  dying  of 
consumption.  Found  her  weak  in  body  but  strong  in  faith.  It  was 
encouraging  to  hear  her  talk  of  her  confidence  in  God,  holding  on 
to  Him  who  bought  her  pardon  on  the  tree.  Talked  over  the  things 
of  God  and  prayed  with  her.  What  a  glorious  privilege  to  encourage 
the  faith  of  God's  hidden  ones !    Angels  might  envy  such  a  work. 

My  aim  has  been  not  only  to  win  converts,  but  also  to  induce  an 
upward  movement  amongst  the  members.  The  remark  of  a  famous 
Christian  woman  is  true ;  she  said,  "  When  I  was  a  child  I  learned 
that  the  duty  of  Christians  is  to  grow."  To  lead  the  membership 
closer  to  the  "  Great  Heart "  of  the  Universe  is  one  of  the  pastor's 
richest  rewards.  Thanks  to  our  Lord,  gratifying  evidences  appear 
on  all  sides.    Our  class-meetings  are  largely  attended,  and  we  hear 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  l2-j 

many  rich  experiences.  One  lady  said,  "  Not  quite  twelve  months 
ago  I  joined  this  Church;  oh!  how  far  I  have  traveled  toward 
Heaven  since  then !  "  We  have  a  member,  a  Mrs.  Mortimer,  a  holy 
woman,  whose  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  She  hadkattained  a 
condition  of  soul  which  resembles  the  sublime  tranquility  of  God. 
This  woman  is  unknown  to  a  large  majority  of  Church  people.  The 
world  knows  her  not,  because  the  world  is  ignorant  of  the  interior 
power  which  abides  in  her  soul.  Such  is  her  modesty,  the  pastor 
would  never  have  known  her  interior  life  but  for  the  class-meeting. 

While  Carondelet  Street  is  known  as  a  "  People's  Church,"  we 
not  onlv  gather  in  the  humble,  but  influential  persons  as  well.  Said 
an  excellent  woman  to  me,  "  That  lady  who  joined  last  Sunday  night 
is  of  the  celebrated  Blank  family  of  this  city."  The  family  are  Epis- 
copalians but  this  lady  is  attracted  by  the  spirituality  of  our  people. 
A  Church  that  does  not  reach  rich  and  poor  is  hardly  a  true  Church 
of  Christ.     The  Gospel  is  adapted  to  all  classes. 

At  our  regular  service  for  prayer  a  deep  sense  of  the  Divine 
presence  is  often  manifest.  We  had  been  singing  that  sweet  song, 
"  Wishing,  Hoping,  Knowing."  I  proposed  to  the  people,  or  as 
many  as  wished  they  were  Christ's,  to  stand  and  .tell  us.  Quite  a 
number  expressed  fervently  the  wish  of  the  soul.  Then,  I  proposed 
that  all  who  hoped  they  were  Christ's  to  rise  and-tell  us  of  their  hope. 
Many,  in  tender  terms  spoke  of  a  dominant  hope  which  anchored 
them  to  our  Lord.  Many  were  in  tears.  Then  the  proposition  was 
made,  "  As  many  as  know  they  are  Christ's  tell  us  of  your  experi- 
ence." Old  Sister  Bruce  fired  all  hearts  with  her  story.  All  at  once 
she  broke  forth  into  praises ;  her  very  tones  made  us  feel  she  was 
drinking  at  the  fountain.  She  had  a  right  to  shout,  as  one  saved  in 
advanced  life.  Then  bowing  before  our  Master,  on  our  knees  we 
sang,  "  I  Am  So  Glad  Jesus  Loves  Me !  Even  Me !  "  As  the  words 
rolled  from  many  lips  another  shout  was  heard.  These  shouts,  with 
others,  broke  from  lips  that  honored  Christ  in  their  lives. 

Captain  Robertson,  a  prince  among  our  laymen,  a  member  of 
Moreau  Street  Church,  solicited  me  to  visit  a  money-making  man  of 
the  world.  He  did  not  wish  to  see  a  minister,  but  the  captain  was 
so  deeply  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  his  friend  he  would  have  me 
accompany  him  to  the  St.  James  Hotel  tp  see  him.  The  captain  in- 
troduced me  to  Colonel  W.  as  the  minister  who  joined  his  son  in 
marriage  to  his  wife.  No  French  dancing-master  could  have  been 
more  polite.  He  was  a  moralist.  In  a  brief  conversation,  I  aimed 
to  fix  his  gaze  on  Christ.  His  polite  response  was,  "  I  put  myself  in 
the  hands  of  a  just  God."  But.  I  added,  "  Christ  is  the  Savior." 
With  exact  politeness  he  fell  back  on  his  morality,  entirely  ignoring 
our  Lord  and  Master  through  whom  the  soul  reaches  God.  He  had 
monev  ;  had  friends  ;  had  morality,  but  no  Christ ! 

Continuing  revival  exercises  night  after  night,  it  was  evident 
God  was  present.  The  very  atmosphere  seemed  charged  with  holi- 
ness.    Some  of  the  older  members  requested  permission  to  speak. 


128  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Old  Sister  Hoover  arose  and  said,  "  Last  night  I  stood  up  with 
those  who  said,  '  I  hope  Christ  is  mine.'  I  want  to  say  to-night,  I 
know  he  is  mine."  She  then  informed  the  people  how  she  had,  this 
day,  praygd  and  thrown  herself  on  God  in  Christ,  when  a  wave  of 
salvation  swept  across  her  soul.  She  moved  to  tears  that  large 
audience.  The  effect  was  electrical.  Brother  Wm.  R.  Stewart  fol- 
lowed in  a  prayer  fragrant  and  full  of  moving  power.  A  number 
arose  one  by  one  and  testified  to  the  blessing  shed  upon  them.  It 
was  a  glorious  hour  on  the  mount  of  God.  To  our  surprise  and  joy 
a  young  man  arose  and  said,  "  For  the  first  time  in  my  life  have  I 
felt  concern  for  my  soul."  Then  he  gave  a  touching  account  of  him- 
self and  urged  prayers  in  his  behalf.  His  words  intensified  the  in- 
terest, and  when  the  proposition  was  made  to  unite  with  the  Church 
that  young  man  was  first  to  present  himself. 

On  the  night  following  the  one  just  mentioned,  being  the  eve 
of  "  Good  Friday,"  my  topic  was  "  The  Agony  of  the  Son  of  God." 
In  all  my  ministry  I  never  saw  a  congregation  more  deeply  moved 
under  a  simple  view  of  the  scene  in  Gethsemane.  While  uttering  this 
sentence,  "  It  seems  to  me  that  every  one  present  would  desire  to 
place  his  hand  upon  the  Bible  and  swear  allegiance  afresh  to  such  a 
Savior!" — suddenly  and  simultaneously  seven  or  eight  sprang  to 
their  feet,  then  pressed  to  the  rostrum  and  placing  each  his  hand  on 
the  open  Bible  as  it  lay  on  the  pulpit,  thus  signified  their  purpose  to 
renew  their  allegiance !  The  audience  was  surprised  by  this  unex- 
pected action.  For  a  moment  I  scarcely  knew  what  course  to  take. 
Then,  as  by  a  flash  from  Heaven,  it  came  to  me  to  propose  that  all 
who  would  join  in  a  like  compact,  to  stand  up,  and  half  the  con- 
gregation were  on  their  feet !  On  the  night  of  "  Good  Friday  "  we 
had  a  crowded  church.  The  short  discourse  on,  "  Christ  Dead  for 
Us,"  enlisted  deepest  attention.  I  read  the  account  of  the  crucifixion, 
and  then  brought  out  as  impressively  as  I  could,  for  whom  He  died. 
The  Holy  Spirit  attended  the  word  and  we  had  an  evening  of  great 
power.  Brothers  Stewart  and  Huey  shouted  aloud ;  Captain  Davis, 
the  Scandinavian,  was  Spirit-filled.  Men  and  women,  and  even 
some  children,  caught  the  flying  joy!  Sixteen  penitents  came  for- 
ward for  prayer,  and  several  were  soundly  converted,  and  nine  joined 
the  Church. 

During  the  spring,  rumor  followed  rumor  of  the  presence  of 
yellow  fever  in  the  city.  This  has  been  the  case  every  season,  and  a 
number  died,  but  it  was  checked  year  by  year.  Every  effort  was 
made  to  suppress  the  fact  lest  a  panic  might  result.  There  was  one 
death  that  particularly  saddened  me,  in  spite  of  its  glorious  triumph. 
Rev.  John  Rudeen,  a  Swede,  and  a  man  of  untarnished  name.  He 
was  a  local  minister  of  singular  moral  worth.  I  had  the  honor  of 
being  President  of  the  Scandinavian  Bethel,  and  used  my  influence 
to  secure  him  the  Chaplaincy.  The  building  was  on  Esplanade 
Street.  One  busy  day  a  messenger  informed  me  that  Chaplain 
Rudeen  was  down  with  yellow  fever,  having  visited  quite  a  number 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I2g 

in  previous  years.  Hastening  to  his  side,  in  the  Bethel  where  he 
resided  with  his  family,  I  found  he  had  a  high  fever,  but  was  leaning 
on  God.  After  giving  thought  as  to  his  comfort,  and  committing 
him  to  God  in  prayer,  I  left  the  Bethel  fearing  the  worst.  The  next 
day  I  visited  him  again.  The  physician  assured  me  his  case  was 
hopeless.  His  hands  were  bandaged  to  retain  pieces  of  ice  in  his 
palms  to  abate,  if  possible,  the  fever.  This  fever  does  its  work 
quickly.  When  I  entered  his  room  he  smiled  a  welcome.  His  voice 
was  reduced  to  a  whisper.  He  beckoned  me  to  stoop  so  I  could  hear 
his  dying  message.  With  my  ear  close  to  his  lips,  raising  and  waving 
one  hand  as  it  pointed  Heavenward,  he  whispered  :  "  Almost  home ! 
Almost  home!  "  Soon  he  was  not,  for  God  took -him.  Sometimes 
I  go  back  in  memory  to  the  dying  chamber  of  that  man  of  God  to 
take  on  new  inspiration  and  anticipate  victory  in  the  final  day. 

On  a  day  when  notes  and  requests  came  thick  and  fast,  until  I 
was  almost  confused  as  to  which  way  to  turn,  I  decided  to  go  to 
Claiborne  Street  to  see  a  man  reported  as  very  ill.  That  man  of 
many  years,  as  discovered  in  the  interview,  had  but  a  slight  concep- 
tion of  Christ,  or  salvation  through  a  person.  His  claim  was,  that 
he  had  paid  his  debts,  wronged  no  one ;  would  not  that  do?  "  No," 
was  my  answer,  "  none  but  Christ  can  save!  "  I  was  surprised  to 
find  a  man  auite  intelligent,  and  so  advanced  in  age,  living  where  the 
Cross  is  seen  whichever  way  his  eye  might  turn,  without  even  a 
theoretical  view  of  the  Savior's  place  in  Aran's  redemption.  He  had 
lived  in  a  state  of  indifference  to  his  soul's  welfare.  During  the 
interview,  my  effort  was  to  put  into  his  conception  a  clear  view  of 
our  Lord's  work  in  behalf  of  sinners.  Well  might  the  hymn  say, 
"  Dark  !  dark  amidst  a  blaze  of  light !  " 

We  rarely  have  a  service  without  penitents  and  accessions.  For 
months  a  special  interest  has  developed,  and  a  large  number  have 
turned  to  God.  Some  one  says,  "  Prayer  is  a  life,  rather  than  a 
series  of  isolated  acts ;  an  attitude  of  soul,  a  temper  or  mood  which 
must  express  itself  in  words,  but  also,  time  and  again  is  best  heard 
when  it  is  silent.  It  is  communion,  and  for  communion  speech  is 
unnecessary;  it  is  often  deepest  and  most  precious  when  nothing  is 
said.  In  fact,  its  highest  preeminence  is  attained  when  such  perfect 
understanding  exists  between  God  and  the  soul  that  silence  is  most 
eloquent."  -If  this  be  true,  the  mood  of  prayer  has  possessed  my 
entire  being.  For  long  periods  my  heart  has  been  saturated  with 
longings  that  words  were  too  weak  to  express.  Answers  have  come, 
and  souls  have  been  saved.  I  have  been  very  careful  to  express  rny 
gratitude  to  the  Giver  of  such  answers,  keeping  in  mind  that  Scrip- 
ture, "  With  thanksgiving  make  known  your  requests  unto  God." 

Sometimes  my  attention  has  been  directed  to  a  group  of  Church 
members,  of  whom  critics  would  say,  "  What  imperfect  specimens 
of  workmanship !  "  This  is  often  true,  but  wait  until  the  final  out- 
come. If  these  critics  desired  to  purchase  a  piano,  they  would  not 
go  into  the  factory  where  the  parts  are  being  manufactured :  they 


I30  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

would  go  into  the  storeroom  and  inspect  the  completed  instrument. 
God  has  a  great  deal  of  trouble  in  fitting  men  for  holy  companion- 
ship in  Heaven.  He  takes  the  raw  material  and  carries  it  through 
different  processes;  sometimes  they  are  severe,  at  other  times  His 
methods  are  gentle.  What  matters  it  so  that  at  the  end  one  comes 
out  a  clean  and  holy  man?  The  first  Napoleon  said,  he  "Had  to 
make  his  marshals  out  of  mud."  But  what  great  commanders  they 
made !  God  takes  us  with  our  inherited  tempers,  our  ignorance  and 
warped  moral  nature,  and  transforms  us  into  creatures  of  moral 
beauty.  Take  the  history  of  Joseph,  who  was  a  very  bright  lad, 
and  vain  as  he  was  bright.  Often  persons  of  ability  are  wrecked  on 
the  shoals  of  vanity.  "  If  Joseph  is  saved/'  as  has  been  said,  "  his 
whole  life  must  be  violently  wrenched  out  of  present  surroundings. 
He  must  be  subjected  to  some  relentless  discipline  which  will  knock 
the  vanity  out  of  him.  Jacob  was  too  weak  a  man  to  handle  this 
bundle  of  self-inflation.  A  Providence  that  was  cruel  only  to  be  kind, 
flung  the  lad  out  ruthlessly  into  an  unmerciful'  world."  Trials  are 
not,  as  most  persons  suppose,  agencies  of  destruction,  but  impulses 
to  exertion,  and  are  intended  to  aid  in  maturing  the  soul.  Some  one 
tells  of  a  famous  Scotch  painter  who  said,  "  I  never  let  fools  or 
bairns  see  my  work  until  it  is  done."  God  did  not  let  the  world  see 
Joseph's  full-orbed  character  until  it  was  finished.  We,  however, 
are  permitted  to  see  unfinished  character,  and  often  form  wrong 
opinions  of  such. 

Monday  is  known  as  the  minister's  "  rest  day."  With  me  it  is 
generally  the  busiest  of  six.  After  family  worship  and  breakfast, 
Mr.  Bell,  president  of  the  New  Orleans  National  Bank,  called.  He 
wished  me  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Oldham.  Informed  me  of 
the  thorough  penitence  of  the  man,  and  how  he  begged  for  mercy! 
On  reaching  my  office,  a  gentleman  called  who  was  deeply  affected 
by  the  sermon  of  Sunday  morning.  He  was  a  backslider ;  now 
desires  to  return  to  the  Shepherd  of  Souls.  Took  time  to  give  him 
minute  instruction  on  the  way  to  pass  out  of  doubt  and  fogs.  In 
a  few  minutes  old  Brother  Huey  entered  and  began  his  standing 
tirade  against  the  preachers.  None  knew  how  to  preach.  Having 
heard  him  over  and  over  again  on  this  one  subject,  I  tried  to  treat 
him  with  marked  civility,  but  my  patience  became  threadbare.  Being 
somewhat  nervous  from  Sunday's  labors,  I  felt  a  plain  talk  was 
necessary,  and  in  a  Christian  spirit  I  gave  him,  what  the  ladies 
sometimes  say,  "  A  piece  of  my  mind !  "  I  assured  him  our  people 
recognized  him  as  a  good  man  but  he  injured  the  cause — not  inten- 
tionally, but  nevertheless  he  did  harm.  "  How  ?  "  he  answered. 
"  The  constant  assertion  that  most  of  the  preachers  are  ignorant  of 
the  plan  of  salvation,"  I  answered.  I  then  gave  him  an  illustration. 
An  unsaved  man  hears  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  preach ;  is  deeply  convicted. 
He  passes  out  resolved  to  seek  salvation ;  but  on  the  street  he  hears 
you  assert  that  Dr.  W.  does  not  understand  the  plan  of  salvation. 
He  is  stunned !    Here  is  a  much  loved  minister  of  high  standing  and 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I31 

wide  influence,  but  one  of  his  members  asserts  he  is  ignorant  of  the 
way  of  life !  That  man  turns  away,  saying,  "  Is  that  true  ?  "  The 
old  gentleman  heard  me  through ;  but  refused  to  hear  my  suggestion 
to  desist  from  such  tirades,  and  at  once  began  to  cry  that  he  was 
persecuted.  For  six  years  1  have  heard  him  attack  the  best » and 
strongest  men  of  God.  He  is  narrow  on  all  subjects.  My  only 
escape  from  this  man  was  by  the  arrival  of  the  carriage  to  take  me 
to  the  funeral  of  Captain  Oldham.  When  I  arrived  at  the  residence, 
his  niece  taxed  my  sensibilities  with  a  long  story  of  his  life. 
Estranged  from  his  family  by  an  unusual  life,  he  was  ignored  by  the 
members  of  his  household.  On  his  dying  bed,  facing  the  gates  of 
of  eternity,  he  earnestly  inquired  of  one  of  my  members,  "  Will  God 
forgive  ?  "  This  was  repeated  again  and  again.  What  a  sad  fact, 
that  men  put  aside  this  question  until  death  stares  them  in  the  face ! 

I  hastened  back  to  my  office  for  a  moment's  stay,  then  away 
toward  the  Old  Basin,  to  call  on  some  sick  members  and  look  after 
some  strays.  Found  one  member  convalescing.  The  next  was  a 
Sister  Bruce.  She  was  confined  to  her  bed,  and  wept  on  seeing  her 
pastor.  The  human  spirit  craves  sympathy,  i  talked  of  Christ, 
and  then  prayed.  A  young  lady  was  interviewed  on  the  conditions 
of  Church  membership.  One  block  further  on,  called  to  see  the  Metz 
family.  It  was  time  to  turn  homeward  for  our  four  o'clock  dinner. 
As  soon  as  I  had  dined,  I  was  away  to  see  old  Brother  Russ,  who 
expected  me  every  day.  Talked  and  prayed  with  him.  Then  turned 
in  a  new  direction,  to  call  on  a  Miss  Blackburn ;  learned  she  was  in 
Texas.  Sat  and  conversed  with  her  grandparents.  They  never 
attend  any  Church.  Gave  them  a  cordial,  invitation  to  attend  ours. 
It  was  now  7  p.  m.,  and  I  hastened  to  meet  the  Stewards.  Heard 
financial  conditions  discussed  until  I  was  weary.  At  8  o'clock  went 
into  the  young  men's  class,  and  was  cheered  by  the  large  attendance, 
and  at  the  spirituality  of  these  sons  of  God.  A  young  lawyer,  long 
a  member,  stated  that  not  until  recently  had  he  knowledge  of  his 
acceptance  with  God.  What  a  great  blessing  this  young  men's  class 
is !  Sometimes  more  than  seventy  present.  This  is  a  hurried  state- 
ment of  Monday — my  rest  day!  Dr.  Walker,  my  colleague  asked 
Mrs.  Mathews,  if  "  holding  nightly  meetings  and  going  as  your 
husband  does,  do  not  wear  him  out?"  "No,"  she  replied,  "he  is 
as  fresh  as  ever."  The  Doctor  then  added,  "  I  have  reached  the  con- 
clusion, that  work  is  his  normal  condition  ;  if  not  doing  Church  work, 
he  would  be  doing  something  else!"  Some  of  the  ministers  say, 
"  Mathews  has  a  natural  trend  for  visiting."  This  a  mistake.  Not 
a  man  or  woman  with  our  family  blood  in  their  veins  has  a  relish  for 
visiting.  But  having  learned  that  visiting  is  the  lefl  hand  of  a 
minister's  power,  then,  for  Christ's  sake.  I  go  at  it  with  joy! 

In  visiting  a  Presbyterian  lad\  I  was  given  information  of  a 
young  woman  belonging  to  a  Spanish  familv  who  joined  our  Church 
last  summer  a  year  ago,  from  the  Roman  Catholic  Church.  Having 
ceased  to  attend  our  services  T  could  not  divine  the  cause.     True,  T 


J32 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


had  been  notified  not  to  visit  her  again.  My  Presbyterian  friend  is 
familiar  with  the  family  and  let  me  into  the  secret  of  the  young 
.lady's  non-attendance.  She  is  an  only  child  of  bigoted  parents. 
When  she  joined  our  Church,  at  first  they  refused  to  speak  to  her. 
They  then  quarreled  with  her  until  she  told  them,  "  I  will  not  attend 
the  Methodist  Church,  but  will  never  attend  the  Catholic  Church !  " 
She  stands  firm  in  our  faith.  I  sent  her  encouraging  messages.  The 
parents  think  if  they  can  keep  her  away  from  my  influence  they  can 
win  her  back. 

The  President  of  the  United  States,  Mr.  Hayes,  ordered  the 
withdrawal  of  the  troops  which  had  upheld  the  bogus  government. 
In  a  recent  election,  Nichols  had  been  elected  Governor,  and  the 
citizens  determined  to  install  him  or  fight.  Thousands  organized 
into  companies  and  marched  down,  seized  the  Court-House,  and' 
drove  out  the  Judges  and  inaugurated  those  elected  by  the  people. 
A  civil  war  seemed  inevitable.  President  Grant  had  sent  soldiers  to 
uphold  the  bogus  government,  but  the  people  were  firm  and  the 
soldiers,  though  located  in  the  Custom  House,  were  ordered  not  to 
attack  the  people. ,  When  Mr.  Hayes  was  inaugurated  President,  in 
due  time  he  withdrew  the  troops.  The  very  government  they  were 
upholding  was  the  one  which  gave  the  office  to  Mr.  Hayes.  When 
he  withdrew  the  troops  that  ended  the  danger,  and  the  people's  rule 
was  recognized.  Aliens,  called  "  carpetbaggers,"  had  ruled,  and 
enriched  themselves,  and  entailed  a  debt  of  millions  upon  the  people. 

A  lady  said  to  be  demented  was  visited,  as  some  friends  had  re- 
quested. Her  mental  disorder  had  taken  the  form  of  despair.  The 
members  of  the  family  were  Episcopalians.  The  old  lady  greeted 
me  with  heartiness.  She  began  at  once  to  talk,  saying,  "  I  have  no 
God  and  no  Savior ;  there  is  no  hope  for  me."  With  quiet  earnest- 
ness I  plied  her  with  many  of  the  great  but  simple  promises  recorded 
in  the  Holy  Book.  Christ's  tender  regard  for  all  who  needed  Him 
was  pressed  upon  her  attention.  "  No,  He  is  not  for  me,"  she  would 
reply.  T  employed  all  the  tact  I  could  master  to  break  the  spell  of 
despair  which  had  settled  upon  her  soul,  but  it  was  of  no  avail. 
Promise  and  prayer  afforded  no  relief.  I  left  that  home  heavy  of 
heart  over  that  woman's  sad  plight.  One  thought  gave  me  comfort ; 
that  is,  Christ's  heart  is  in  deep  sympathy  with  her. 

I  was  called  in  to  perform  the  unpleasant  task  of  notifying  a 
dying  man  of  the  approach  of  death.  He  had  been  swearing  at  those 
who  dared  to  suggest  his  danger.  Dr.  Palmer,  the  noted  Presby- 
terian divine,  had  visited  him,  but  he  exhibited  no  spirit  of  repent- 
ance. His  landlady,  being  a  Christian,  was  greatly  exercised  over 
his  sad  state.  I  talked  with  him  and  prayed  earnestly  for  him.  He 
remarked  to  Mrs.  Ouinn  after  I  had  retired,  "  The  prayer  was  a 
good  one,  but  I  am  not  going  to  die !  "  Poor  human  nature !  How 
averse  to  asking  mercy  of  one's  Maker!  How  fearful  the  thought 
to  leap  into  the  presence  of  God  unexpectedly ;  to  awaken  in  eternity 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I33 

with  no  smile  of  God ;  no  welcome  by  Christ,  and  not  a  single  angel 
to  greet  one !    This  man  died  as  he  had  lived. 

The  Baptist  Southern  Convention  assembled  in  New  Orleans  in 
the  interest  of  the  empire  of  our  Christ.  A  large  number  of  miiv 
isters  and  laymen  attended.  Some  are  famous  for  learning;  others 
for  their  eloquence.  Amongst  them  I  found  several  of  my  former 
acquaintances.  One  of  them,  a  returned  missionary  from  China,  Mr. 
Nicholas  Williams,  introduced  me  to  several  Baptist  ministers  as  his 
spiritual  father.  His  health  failed  and  he  returned  to  recuperate. 
I  felt  thankful  to  God  that  through  this  missionary  I  was  able  to 
touch  China.  The  opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr.  McDonald. 
It  was  a  finished  discourse,  systematic,  clear  and  valuable.  My  soul 
was  warmed  by  his  fire! 

In  visiting  two  young  ladies  who  had  recently  joined  my 
Church,  I  had  to  pass  up-stairs  over  a  grocery  store.  The  young 
ladies  were  not  at  home;  the  Presbyterian  lady  with  whom  they 
lived  was  called  down.  The  grocery  was  run  by  some  Irish  Roman- 
ists who  overheard  this  lady  stating  to  me  why  the  girls  joined  our 
Church.  The  Irish  woman  became  very  much  excited.  A  scene  fol- 
lowed. She  was  almost  livid  with  rage,  and  poured  forth  a  tirade  of 
the  coarsest  billingsgate.  For  a  moment  my  indignation  got  the 
better  of  me,  and  forgetting  that  "  A  soft  answer  turneth  away 
wrath,"  I  asked,  "  What  business  is  it  of  yours,  when  a  lady  is  con- 
versing with  me,  to  put  in  your  tongue?  "  A  red  rag  shaken  before 
a  Texas  steer  could  not  have  created  greater  rage.  A  storm  of 
which  I  was  the  center  was  in  full  fury,  and  I  fled ! 

One  morning,  I  was  up  early  and  spent  two  hours  copying 
names  for  the  ladies  of  the  Pastor's  Aid  Society  to  visit.  This  was 
quite  a  task.  I  was  sent  for  to  visit  a  sick  woman  at  the  celebrated 
Charity  Hospital ;  to  see  a  Mrs.  Richmond,  claiming  to  be  a  Meth- 
odist. Her  condition  was  bad,  but  she  had  taxed  my  patience  and  the 
patience  of  others.  Took  this  long  ride  to  find  that  she  wanted  me  to 
get  her  a  can  of  peaches  and  a  little  whiskey  and  sugar !  This  Mrs. 
Richmond  had  annoyed  my  predecessor,  Dr.  Tudor,  very  much. 
Took  street  car  for  the  "  Garden  District "  to  call  on  that  excellent 
lady  Mrs.  R.  M.  Walmsley,  a  ready  helper  at  all  times.  She  is 
always  on  hand  at  the  Sunday-School,  at  prayer-meetings  and 
Church  services,  seconding  both  her  pastor  in  his  labors,  and  her 
husband  in  the  work  of  the  Sunday-School.  From  this  elegant  home 
I  turned  to  a  place  of  sorrow,  the  humble  home  of  the  old  lady 
whose  mind  is  disorded,  taking  the  form  of  despair.  When  I  pro- 
posed prayer,  she  refused,  saying,  "  I  am  afraid  of  words."  _  She 
often  sends  for  me ;  then  does  little  else"  but  weep.  Her  condition  is 
a  tax  on  my  sympathy,  but  I  go,  hoping  some  ray  of  hope  may  pene- 
trate her  darkened  mind.  Passed  up  a  few  squares  to  see  a  local 
preacher  who  is  ill.  What  a  stormy  life !  Yet,  he  has  been  true  to 
our  Lord.  So  far  as  business  has  been  involved,  disappointment  has 
met  him  at  every  turn.    They  allowed  me  to  see  him.    He  assured 


*34 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


me  he  was  trusting  in  Christ  all  the  time.  Then  visited  a  young 
man  who  fell  and  hurt  himself  last  week.  He  is  a  fine  specimen  of 
Christian  training  by  a  noble  mother.  From  this  residence  turned  to 
tjae  home  of  sorrow,  and  called  on  a  lady  who  has  been  passing 
through  fiery  trials.  Not  long  ago  her  husband  died ;  then  her 
mother,  then  a  child.  She  needs  comfort,  but  words  can  not  heal 
hearts  that  are  bleeding ;  but  pointing  upward,  we  can  truly  say, 
"  Earth  hath  no  sorrow  Heaven  can  not  heal !  "  Returning  home, 
I  found  Rev.  Little  John,  father  of  my  young  friend,  Angus  Little- 
john.  He  had  a  telegram  from  up  the  country,  stating  his  son's 
child  was  dead  and  desired  me  to  go  down  to  the  Morgan  Ferry, 
opposite  the  Cathedral,  as  the  funeral  procession  would  move  from 
there  directly  to  the  cemetery.  It  is  some  distance  out,  and  it  was 
7  o'clock,  when  I  reached  home  to  eat  my  cold  dinner.  Then  I  was 
away  to  the  Baptist  Convention  to  hear  a  celebrated  subject  dis- 
cussed.   At  10  p.  m.,  at  home  ready  for  a  weary  man's  couch. 

I  called  to  see  one  of  Christ's  little  ones.  I  was  often  at  her 
bedside  during  her  long  illness.  We  held  sweet  counsel  together 
and  were  fed  on  manna  from  Heaven.  Prayer  and  song  mingled 
with  our  conversations.  She  had  informed  me  her  physician  had 
assured  her  death  was  inevitable,  but  in  the  same  breath  uttered  a 
triumphant  note,  saying,  "  I  have  no  fear  of  death."  Unseen  hands 
had  brought  her  leaves  from  the  Tree  of  Life  for  her  cheer!  Now 
and  then  she  was  harrassed  over  a  feeling  of  impatience — a  condi- 
tion induced  by  unstrung  nerves.  She  had  put  her  soul  into  the 
hands  of  Christ  for  safe-keeping,  as  one  places  money  in  a  bank  for 
safe-keeping.  She  was  conscious  of  that  strange  something  de- 
signated by  an  apostle,  "  The  Power  of  God."  Notwithstanding  her 
pain,  there  was  a  repose  of  soul  imparted  by  the  Holy  Spirit — a 
peaceful  condition  flowing  like  a  river.  In  this  happy  state,  sister 
Snider  lay  awaiting  the  summons  to  leave  earth  and  enter  Heaven ! 

To  secure  a  condition  of  soul  where  God's  keeping-power  is 
realized,  one  must  have  the  baptism  of  fire.  Philips  Brooks  says, 
"  We  complain  that  life  is  short.  It  is  not  time  we  want,  but  fire. 
The  cloud  lies  on  the  mountain-top  all  day,  and  leaves  it  at  last  just 
as  it  found  it  in  the  morning — only  wet  and  cold.  The  lightning 
touches  the  mountain  for  an  instant,  and  the  very  rocks  are  melted, 
and  the  whole  shape  of  the  great  mass  is  changed.  Who  would  not 
cry  out  to  God,  '  Oh,  make  my  life,  how  short  I  care  not,  so  that  I 
can  have  the  fire  in  it  for  an  hour !  ' :  He  had  the  touch  of  a  Divine 
spark,  and  knew  the  meaning  of  that  Scripture  which  says.  "  He 
shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire."  Has  it  fallen 
upon  you,  child  of  the  Church  ?  If  not,  pray  until  it  is  felt  in  melting 
your  hardness  and  filling  your  soul  with  love !  Minister  of  Christ, 
have  you  tarried  at  any  spot  waiting  for  the  tongue  of  fire  to  fall? 
If  not,  yours  is  a  barren  life,  because  the  fire  has  not  consumed  your 
selfish  ambitions  and  aims !  Lay  aside  this  book,  and  go  to  some 
secret  place  and  implore  the  fire  to  descend ! 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RET.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  iy^ 

That  sprightly  young  man,  and  for  a  time  editor  of  the  Alabama 
Christian  Advocate,  tells  the  story  of  a  man  "  Whose  dog  would 
shake  a  rag  as  hard  as  he  would  a  coon."  A  certain  Dr.  Terry, 
not  of  our  Church,  was  a  crank  who  annoyed  me  no  little.  Some- 
times he  would  suddenly  appear  in  the  door  of  my  office,  and  with 
a  furious  look  and  solemn  tone  say,  "  John,  God  sends  you  a  message 
by  me !  "  Then  he  would  hold  up  an  incidental  fact  and  emphasize  it 
as  if  the  fate  of  the  universe  hung  upon  it,  and  would  dart  out  and 
away.  One  evening  during  a  meeting  of  our  Stewards,  he  surprised 
us  all,  as  he  stood  in  the  door,  and  addressing  me,  said,  "  John,  I 
have  a  message  from  Heaven  to  you,  the  city  will  soon  be  destroyed ; 
prepare !  "  Then  away  he  darted !  The  Stewards  seemed  dumb- 
founded, and  looked  at  one  another,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  What  does 
this  mean  ?  "  I  explained  the  case  to  them.  Another  man  visited 
me,  to  emphasize  the  failure  of  a  minister  to  stress  a  certain  fact ; 
simply  an  incidental  fact,  and  passed  on  to  abuse  the  ministry  in 
general,  shaking  the  rag  with  a  venomous  energy.  Another  time, 
a  crank  gets  hold  of  a  special  doctrine  and  looks  at  nothing  else.  He 
denounces  all  who  do  not  ride  his  hobby.  Such  men  are  incom- 
petent to  take  a  wide  view  of  truth.  They  are  mentally  in  a  state  of 
mind  like  the  occulist  finds  his  patient  physically,  with  a  diseased 
vision  called  "  myopia."  These  cranks  remind  me  of  the  man  with 
a  chronic  ailment.  No  matter  what  topic  is  introduced,  nor  how 
interesting  the  theme,  he  will  switch  one  off  into  his  disease !  You 
may  be  discussing  a  subject  of  great  breadth,  this  man  will  find  an 
opening  into  which  he  can  inject  his  hobby  of  a  diseased  liver.  We 
meet  with  one  now  and  then  who  will  mar  the  joy  of  a  pastor  over 
a  revival  by  introducing  a  "  But — is  the  revival  genuine !  " 

How  to  save  the  lambs,  is  a  perplexing  problem  to  which  I  have 
given  much  thought.  Here  is  one,  a  member  of,  my  flock :  She 
dropped  out  of  the  Sunday-School,  and  will  not  even  attend  Church 
services  of  any  kind.  An  active  and  tactful  worker  was  sent  to  look 
her  up,  but  she  refused  to  be  seen.  Now  the  pastor  calls,  she  de- 
clines an  interview.  She  has  lost  heart-interest.  In  discussing  the 
subject  with  her  mother,  I  said,  "  You  must  not  scold ;  it  will  not 
avail ;  try  coaxing,  and  that  not  too  often."  Some  say,  "  Do  not 
bother  about  these  careless  ones,  let  such  go."  My  answer  is, 
"  Never !  "  Jesus  left  the  ninety  and  nine ;  is  it  not  the  minister's 
duty  to  pursue  the  same  line  of  action  ?  Perhaps  no  single  question 
connected  with  Church  life,  is  more  difficult  to  handle,  than  how  to 
hold  and  interest  the  children  after  getting  them  into  the  Church. 
We  take  deep  interest  in  leading  them  into  the  Church,  then  some- 
times drop  them.  It  is  difficult  to  find  a  Sunday-School  teacher  who 
will  follow  the  converts  from  her  class.  Some  pastors  fail  to  look 
after  them,  and  in  a  year  or  two  they  lose  all  relish  for  Church  life. 
As  a  mother  coddles  her  children,  so  must  the  lambs  be  nursed! 

In  my  ministry  I  have  ever  aimed  to  reach  the  young.  A  lady 
recently  called  to  see  me  from  Memphis,  Tennessee,  a  Presbyterian. 


156  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

She  reminded  me  of  an  address  delivered  by  me  in  her  Church  dur- 
ing the  session  of  our  General  Conference,  to  which  I  was  a  delegate 
in  1870.  She  repeated  a  story  with  which  I  closed  my  address.  A 
discouraged  missionary  was  about  to  leave  his  field  because  of  little 
or  no  fruit.  His  one  convert  urged  him  not  to  leave ;  then  requested 
him  to  delay  his  final  decision  until  he  could  write  a  poem.  He  retired 
into  the  jungle  where  he  spent  the  day  in  composing  something 
that  would  induce  the  missionary  to  remain.  When  he  returned  he 
read  this  poem : 

"  Go  on,  go  on,  go  on,  go  on, 
Go  on,  go  on,  go  on, 
Go  on,  go  on,  go  on,  go  on, 
Go  on,  go  on,  go  on." 

I  sung  it  to  the  tune,  "  Days  of  Absence."  It  may  not  have  been 
artistic,  but  it  was  effective.  The  children  rallied  around  me  and 
enjoyed  it. 

One  of  my  members  was  wordly-minded ;  she  was  not  sinful  in 
action,  but  loved  the  pleasures  of  the  world.  In  the  parlance  of  the 
world,  she  had  "  a  good  time."  At  last  she  succumbed  to  a  chronic 
disease,  possibly  brought  on  by  imprudence  during  rounds  of  gaiety. 
She  never  fitted  herself  for  usefulness,  and  therefore  when  confined 
to  her  couch  had  no  pleasure  in  surveying  the  past.  On  her  sick- 
bed she  could  do  little  but  grumble.  She  met  ladies  who  found 
pleasure  in  lifting  up  and  encouraging  the  lowly.  She  had  grown 
narrow  in  her  views  and  selfish  in  her  action,  and  could  not  see  why 
her  life  was  not  as  joyous  as  these  women  who  had  won  theirs  by 
a  loving  service  and  a  lofty  faith.  They  met  the  conditions  through 
which  joy  flows  to  the  soul.  She  wondered  why  a  like  elevated  peace 
did  not  thrill  her  heart.  She  said  she  prayed  for  it;  but  she  was 
asking  the  impossible.  This  woman  died  in  an  adjoining  State  and 
no  information  came  to  me  as  to  how  her  days  ended.  Worldliness 
is  a  snare  to  the  many  who. seek  to  play  a  conspicuous  part  in  social 
life.  Some  of  them  are  talented  and  have  both  influence  and  money 
but,  alas !  do  nothing  for  the  good  of  their  kind ! 

I  sometimes  met  an  aged  colored  Baptist  preacher ;  his  age  no 
one  knew.  His  hair  was  white  and  his  frame  was  going  to  pieces 
little  by  little.  He  could  not  get  to  his  own  Church ;  it  was  too  dis- 
tant ;  ours  being  around  the  corner,  he  managed  to  get  into  the 
gallery  of  our  church  Sunday  by  Sunday.  Sometimes  he  responded 
audibly,  then  often  would  nod  his  head  by  way  of  assent  to  a  truth. 
I  loved  to  see  him  in  his  place.  One  Sunday  as  I  was  passing  out 
of  the  house  of  God,  I  heard  his  voice  as  he  poured  out  of  his  full 
heart  blessings  upon  me.  That  voice  was  tremulous  with  emotions, 
and  it  still  seems  to  linger  in  my  ear.  People  clamor  for  the  Pope's 
blessing,  but  I  would  rather  have  that  superannuated  man's  blessing 
than  any  Pope's! 

One  day  I  called  upon  a  sick  lady  who  had  complained  that  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I37 

pastor  had  not  been  to  see  her  during  her  illness.  Not  a  word 
dropped  from  my  lips  until  she  had  unfolded  her  grievance.  Then 
in  a  gentle  tone  I  inquired,  "  Sister,  did  you  have  a  doctor?  "  Sur- 
prised at  such  a  question,  she  replied  with  some  warmth,  "Certainly." 
"How  did  the  doctor  know  you  were  sick?"  "I  sent  for  him." 
"  Do  you  expect  the  pastor  to  know  more  than  the  physician?  "  That 
settled  her ! 

This  incident  reminds  me  of  a  member  whom  I  visited  who  had 
not  attended  Church  in  ten  years !  Instead  of  scolding,  the  case  was 
presented  in  this  form,  "  My  dear  sister,  what  would  become  of  the 
poor  pastor  if  all  the  members  acted  in  this  way  ?  "  The  question  set 
her  to  thinking.  She  had  complained  that  ministers  did  not  visit  her. 
She  was  not  an  invalid,  only  had  "  The  Sunday  sickness."  I  urged 
her  to  attend  for  the  sake  of  her  own  soul  which  needed  a  spiritual 
atmosphere  that  would  supply  her  moral  nature  with  ozone  from 
the  mountain  of  God.  Her  example  had  a  bad  effect  upon  her  sons. 
They  never  go  to  the  services  of  the  sanctuary.  She  had  complained 
until  they  believed  the  Church  was  an  enemy. 

Rev.  Mr.  Fisk  called  as  a  committeeman,  to  invite  me  to  deliver 
an  oration  on  the  4th  of  July  in  the  Academy  of  Music.  The  or- 
ganization is  known  as  "  The  Associated  Veterans  of  the  Mexican 
War."  The  purpose  was  to  raise  funds  for  their  needy  comrades. 
They  proposed  to  have  music,  and  tableaux  of  a  historic  character,  in 
this  theater.  He  assured  me  there  would  be  nothing  out  of  harmony 
with  my  principles.  My  assent  was  given  because  of  the  object  in 
view.  Many  times  have  I  been  called  on  to  deliver  lectures,  and 
addresses ;  generally  I  have  accepted,  hoping  thereby  to  widen  my 
influence  for  good.  I  am  thus  brought  in  contact  with  many  who 
never  darken  a  church  door. 

Having  spent  nearly  the  entire  day  in  visiting,  being  very  wear), 
I  turned  homeward,  anticipating  an  hour  or  two  of  rest.  As  soon  as 
I  was  inside  the  door,  Mrs.  Mathews  handed  me  a  note,  urging  me 
to  visit  a  dying  woman.  It  directed  me  to  go  to  a  house  down  near 
my  church  ;  there  I  would  learn  how  to  reach  this  woman.  Finally 
reaching  the  house  of  sorrow,  I  found  a  woman  rapidly  passing 
away  with  consumption.  She  was  anxious  to  see  me.  Then  with 
deliberation  told  me  her  history.  She  was  raised  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio ;  attended  Wesley  Chapel  until  married.  Raised  under  the 
droppings  of  the  sanctuary.  For  over  twenty  years  had  wandered 
from  place  to  place  following  a  man  whose  habits  were  sinful  and 
ruinous,  rarely  ever  finding  an  opportunity  of  meeting  God's  people 
in  His  house,  but,  she  added,  "  I  have  never  forgot  the  instructions 
of  the  Sunday-School."  Here  she  lay,  almost  panting  for  breath, 
nearly  gone,  yet  through  all  the  many  years  of  heartache,  of  dis- 
appointment and  sorrow,  clinging  to  the  Savior  of  whom  she  had 
heard  so  much  in  childhood !  In  a  strain  of  quiet  triumph  she  said 
to  me,  "  When  I  close  my  eyes  on  earth,  I  know  I  shall  open  them 
in  Heaven."    Casting  my  eyes  about  the  room  I  saw  the  evidences  of 


r38  PEEPS  INTO   LIFE. 

extreme  poverty.  She  had  found  a  place  to  die  in  a  family  of  negroes 
whose  hearts  God  had  opened.  They  did  what  they  could  to  aid  her. 
She  had  a  son,  a  lad  who  was  paid  a  pittance  for  his  labor,  and  who 
brought  it  to  his  dying  mother.  God  bless  that  lad !  I  was  glad  I 
had  taken  that  long  trip  to  see  a  woman  made  perfect  through 
suffering ! 

While  composing  my  oration  for  the  benefit  of  the  Mexican 
Veterans,  I  had  to  lay  it  aside  to  hold  a  class-meeting.  At  its  close 
I  gathered  my  unfinished  brief  and  studied  until  time  to  attend  a 
funeral  at  4  o'clock.  I  had  just  gone  over  half  my  address  when 
the  carriage  was  at  the  door  to  take  me  to  the  funeral.  Before 
starting  I  placed  my  brief  in  my  wife's  wardrobe  lest  some  of  the 
children  might  lay  hands  on  it.  Did  not  inform  Mrs.  Mathews  of 
the  fact.  After  returning  from  the  funeral,  judge  of  my  amazement 
when  I  found  wife  gone  and  her  wardrobe  locked!  I  waited  her 
return,  with  a  decided  tincture  of  impatience,  8  o'clock  arriving 
and  no  wife!  I  grew  nervous.  Another  half  hour  of  waiting;  car 
after  car  had  passed ;  not  one  stopped.  Rarely  ever  does  she  go  out 
in  the  evening.  About  9  o'clock  I  felt  almost  desperate,  then  she 
arrived.  Judge  of  my  added  misery,  when  it  was  announced  the 
key  had  been  mislaid!  After  a  long  search  the  key  was  found,  the 
brief  secured  and  sitting  down  in  our  little  back  room,  I  wrote  until 
midnight  when  the  last  stroke  was  given  to  the  address. 

The  5th  of  July  I  called  to  see  that  talented  man,  Judge  Merrick, 
and  his  equally  talented  wife.  His  reputation  for  ability  and  purity 
of  life  was  notable.  He  was  a  gentleman  of  culture,  and  his  wife  kept 
abreast  of  the  best  literature  of  the  day.  She  was  deeply  interested  in 
the  problems  connected  with  womanhood.  It  was  but  a  short,  time 
until  the  Judge  got  off  on  his  favorite  topic,  the  Science  of  As- 
tronomy. We  went  to  his  telescope,  and  he  focalized  it  so  I  could  get 
a  satisfactory  view  of  some  of  the  planets.  While  on  the  Supreme 
Bench  of  Louisiana  he  filled  the  position  with  satisfaction  and  honor. 

At  the  close  of  our  Steward's  meeting,  as  usual,  I  dropped  in  on 
the  young  men's  meeting.  It  was  marred  by  the  talk  of  a  stranger. 
His  speech  was  about  the  Cherokee  Indians !  He  was  well  dressed 
and  apparently  an  intelligent  man,but  evidently  wanting  in  judgment. 
He  told  how  well  the  Indians  lived  before  the  war  of  States ;  how 
Albert  Pike  decoyed  them  into  an  alliance  with  the  South,  and  how 
Kansas  people  treated  them.  The  talk  was  like  a  lump  of  ice  on  a 
human  heart ;  it  sent  a  chill  over  the  body.  A  thoughtful  young  man 
struck  up  a  stirring  hymn  which  was  sung  lustily,  and  the  man  sat 
down.  It  is  difficult  to  control  such  characters  without  being  rude. 
Sometimes  I  have  been  compelled  to  say,  "  Brother,  we  are  not  on 
that  subject,  ours  is  an  experience  meeting!  "  Not  long  since  a  man 
recently  converted  arose  and  in  enthusiastic  terms  told  us  how  he 
loved  Christ,  and  was  a  Democrat,  and  was  very  happy  that  his  man 
was  elected  !    Two-thirds  of  those  present  were  Republicans ! 

I  have  been  called  to  see  all  classes  of  people,  white,  black,  rich, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


*39 


and  poor,  bond  and  free ;  men  and  women  of  all  kinds  of  occupa- 
tions, and  of  no  occupation.  Now  appears  one  of  my  most  active 
workers,  requesting  me  to  visit  a  sick  Jew.  This  gentleman  had 
heard  me  preach  several  times  during  the  past  winter.  He  resided 
far  down  town.  Found  him  a  very  sick  man.  He  addressed  me  thus, 
"  You  know  I  belong  to  God's  favored  people,  Israel  ?  "  In  his 
anxiety  to  be  saved  he  expressed  anxiety  to  get  a  clear  view  of  the 
plan  of  mercy  in  Christ.  In  tenderness  and  with  delicacy,  I  ex- 
pounded the  plan.  Then  closed  the  interview  by  saying,  "  If  Christ 
was  an  imposter,  He,  as  a  Jew,  was  as  safe  as  any  other  Jew ;  but  if 
Christ  was  the  Messiah  and  you  reject  him,  the  result  must  prove 
fatal."  My  purpose  for  that  hour  was  to  indtfce  him  to  give  his  soul 
the  benefit  of  the  doubt.  When  at  his  bedside  praying  he  not  only 
responded  audibly  but  wept  freely.  He  assured  me  he  often  prayed. 
In  leaving,  hope  sprung  up  in  my  mind  that  he  was  resting  on  our 
Lord  and  Savior. 

According  to  the  register,  the  attendance  of  ministers  at  the 
seashore  camp-meeting,  this  year  was  large.  Half  of  them  were 
young  ministers.  Here  they  met  a  number  of  representative  men, 
heard  them  preach,  and  noted  their  method  of  conducting  revival 
exercises.  This  camp-meeting  is  a  "  unifier,"  as  some  one  called  it. 
The  demoralization  of  war  times  had  almost  eliminated  revival  work, 
and  a  few  of  our  better  educated  young  men  began  to  slur  revival- 
meetings.  Bishop  Keener  and  several  of  the  older  ministers  talked 
the  subject  over,  and  all  agreed  to  stand  by  the  old  way.  Bishop 
Keener  spent  much  time  in  the  altar,  exhorting,  leading  in  song  and 
prayer.  Dr.  Linus  Parker  was  down  amongst  the  penitents.  Dr. 
Edward  Wadsworth  set  an  example  to  the  younger  brethren.  Then 
experimental  religion  was  emphasised  with  power.  Many  of  the  dis- 
tinctive doctrines  of  our  Church  were  stressed.  The  younger 
preachers  took  in  much  by  absorption  and  returned  to  their  charges 
to  follow  the  old  paths.  Here  is  an  extract  from  the  official  report 
as  published  in  pamphlet  form.  "  The  Rev.  Dr.  Mathews,  of  New 
Orleans,  preached  Saturday  evening  at  7:30  o'clock.  He  painted 
sin  in  colors  that  were  hideous  in  the  extreme.  He  showed  how 
dangerous  it  is  for  man  with  the  '  black  seed  of  sin  in  his  heart '  to 
depend  upon  himself  in  his  efforts  to  avoid  the  effects  of  sin ;  that 
nothing  but  the  Savior's  blood  will  do.  Then,  how  can  I  escape  the 
clutches  of  the  monster  sin  ?  "  Many  penitents  responded  to  the 
appeals  from  the  pulpit. 

Growing  out  of  a  statement  I  made  in  a  sermon  at  that  camp- 
meeting,  T  was  subjected  to  a  criticism  which  tried  me  to  the  core. 
This  led  me  to  the  inquiry,  "Are  trials  necessary?"  Luther  said, 
"  In  truth  I  see  and  feel,  that  those  who  mention  me  to  my  disad- 
vantage do  me  most  good."  It  has  been  well  said  that  those  "  taking 
a  positive  stand  for  any  truth  or  principle  of  righteousness  must  arm 
themselves  with  a  mind  to  suffer."  There  is  truth  in  each  state- 
ment.    Before  this  principle  was  understood  by  me,  T  subjected  my- 


140 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


self  to  criticisms  which  caused  me  great  mental  anguish.  Craving 
to  do  good,  much  time  was  given  to  studying  the  language  of  the 
people  and  how  to  move  them.  To  my  surprise  I  was  called  by  some 
eccentric,  by  others,  a  violator  of  the  regular  order  of  ministerial 
style  and  action.  My  one  aim  was  to  try  to  do  great  things  for  God. 
The  critics  accounted  for  my  being  placed  in  charge  of  leading 
Churches  on  the  ground  that  I  was  a  "  pet "  of  the  Bishops !  In 
one  case  where  a  minister  was  severe  on  my  methods,  it  took  much 
prayer  not  to  desire  revenge.  My  true  state  of  mind  was  revealed  to 
me  when  a  Bishop  advised  with  me  as  to  that  man's  appointment. 
It  rejoiced  my  heart  when  I  commended  him. . 

In  Alabama  they  'tell  an  incident  in  which  Joseph  B.  Cottrell, 
that  bright  spirit,  characterized  my  preaching  thus :  "  A  man  sees  a 
dog  passing  by,  and  says,  quietly,  '  There  goes  a  dog  with  a  tail.' 
Mathews  sees  a  dog  and  wildly  gesticulating,  shouts,  '  My  brethren 
there  goes  a  dog  with  a  tail! '  "  A  famous  teacher,  popular  through- 
out Louisiana  and  Mississippi,  heard  me  commenting  on  that  sen- 
tence, "  Man — a  little  lower  than  an  angel."  I  said  it  meant  "  a 
little  lower  than  Deity."  This  view  I  had  seen  in  a  sermon  by  a 
celebrated  preacher.  It  seems  this  professor  had  never  heard  this 
translation,  and  went  over  the  camp-ground  saying,  "  Mathews  does 
not  know !  I  've  never  met  with  such  a  view !  "  This  passed  from 
lip  to  lip.  The  remark  soon  reached  my  ears,  and  I  felt  my  influence 
was  damaged.  We  met  and  talked  it  over,  and  I  remarked,  "  If  you 
will  call  at  my  office  on  your  return  home,  I  will  show  the  authority 
for  the  view  I  gave."  He  did  not  call,  but  on  reaching  home,  wrote 
to  a  learned  Jewish  Rabbi  in  Cincinnati  asking  his  opinion.  This 
Rabbi  in  an  elaborate  article  sustained  the  view  advanced  by  me. 
The  professor  met  me  and  reported  the  opinion  of  this  Hebrew 
scholar.  But  ninety-four  ministers  had  gone  home  believing 
Mathews  was  ignorant,  for  this  learned  professor  had  said  so ! 

My  church  stood  in  the  center  of  a  district  in  New  Orleans 
given  over  to  people  of  moderate  means  and  to  the  poor.  During 
this  season  we  have  had  great  business  depression,  thousands  are  out 
of  employment  and  suffering  is  great.  Yet  in  the  midst  of  destitu- 
tion, men  developed  saintliness  of  character.  Some  one  gives  an 
account  of  a  great  flower  show  held  in  London.  All  the  flowers  ex- 
hibited were  -grown  in  that  city.  The  writer  adds,  "  It  is  not  much 
to  grow  splendid  flowers  in  privileged  places  where  there  is  pure  air, 
sweet  light  and  silver  dew ;  but  think  of  growing  palms  and  myrtles, 
and  roses  in  dingy  courts,  in  murky  cellars,  in  mean  backyards,  on 
narrow  window  sills !  Think  of  growing  prize  blossoms  in  yellow 
fogs,  stifling  air,  amid  the  breath  of  the  million!"  A  splendid 
triumph  over  dark  and  terrible  conditions !  "  Think  of  raising  up 
out  of  the  humblest  surroundings,  where  the  moral  air  is  tainted  and 
the  surroundings  gloomv;  think  out  of  such  conditions,  of  women 
and  men  who  are  developed  into  qualities  which  entitle  them,  a 
moment   after   death,   to   seize   crowns   from   angel   hands,   crowns 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I/}, 

which  in  rapturous  glow  they  will  cast  at  the  Savior's  feet,  crying, 
'  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  the  riches, 
and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing! ' : 

Was  sent  for  to  visit  one  of  those  humble  women  out  of  whom 
saints  are  made.  I  hastened  to  respond,  as  the  messenger  feared  she 
would  not  survive  until  the  pastor  could  reach  the  dying  chamber. 
As  I  entered  the  scantily  furnished  apartment,  she  greeted  me  in 
these  words,  "  Almost  home ;  almost  home !  "  While  sitting  at  her 
bedside  singing  one  of  the  sweet  hymns  of  the  Church,  when  the 
chorus  was  reached,  she,  though  faint,  joined  in  singing, 

"  Home  above,  home  above, 
On  the  eternal  shore ; 
And,  oh,  'twill  fill  my  soul  with  joy, 
To  meet  my  friends  once  more." 

Her  soul  glowed  with  rapture  as  she  peered  down  into  death.  In  a 
little  time  she  joined  the  angels  in  their  high  praises  of  her  Lord. 

.Another  Christian  woman  was  visited  the  next  day,  a  Mrs. 
Davis.  For  six  years  she  had  not  been  out  of  a  little  room  called 
home.  A  tumor  grew  upon  her  person  which  the  celebrated  Dr. 
Stone  estimated  to  weigh  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds!  She 
suffered  no  pain,  but  could  not  walk  across  the  room.  Her  condi- 
tion at  one  time  terrorized  her,  but  faith  overpowered  fear.  Many 
times  have  I  visited  her  and  heard  her  words  of  hope.  Now  she  was 
sick  and  very  nervous,  being  indisposed  to  talk.  She  opened  her 
eyes  on  the  physician,  and  said,  "  Doctor,  I  have  not  talked,  but  never 
have  I  felt  Jesus  so  near  before."  In  a  day  or  two  her  purified  spirit 
sped  up  the  shining  way  and  joined  the  blood-washed  throng  in  the 
city  of  our  King ! 

Before  the  days  of  Epworth  Leagues,  the  young  men,  at  the 
instance  of  the  pastor,  organized  themselves  into  an  "  Aid  Society." 
Since  its  organization  it  had  been  a  power  amongst  young  men. 
They  met  every  Monday  night  and  held  an  experience  meeting. 
They  visited  one  another,  they  looked  up  the  absentees  and  greeted 
newcomers.  They  conducted  their  own  services,  alternating  in 
leadership.  The  pastor  was  generally  present  part  of  the  time 
at  least.  Sometimes  older  brethren  attended  and  felt  called  upon 
to  lecture  them ;  sometimes  undertook  to  solve  knotty  problems 
which  have  baffled  the  intellect  of  the  ages.  Once  in  a  while 
I  have  been  compelled  to  interfere,  and  in  kindliness  of  spirit 
say,  "  We  are  not  here  for  lectures,  or  exposition  of  Scriptures. 
I  am  paid  to  expound ;  give  us  a  scrap  of  your  experience."  Some- 
times elder  persons  have  taken  offense  and  retired,  but  the  meeting 
was  kept  to  its  legitimate  work.  Two  or  three  evenings  past,  a 
young  man  joined  the  class,  but  not  the  Church.  His  cousin,  a 
converted  Romanist,  induced  him  to  attend.  He  was  very  much 
pleased  and  had  his  name  enrolled.  On  a  following  Sunday  he 
started  to  take  a  ride  on  a  street  car.  and  fell ;  was  cut  in  two,  and 


I/J2 


PEEPS  JN'10  LIFE. 


hardly  knew  what  killed  him.  Without  a  moment's  warning  he 
passed  into  eternity! 

I  received  a  letter  from  a  minister  in  Mississippi  who  hereto- 
fore had  requested  me  to  join  him  in  prayer  for  a  revival  at  a  certain 
Church.  In  this  letter  he  informed  me  of  the  answer;  forty  con- 
verted in  his  little  meeting.  Now  he  urged  me  to  join  him  in  prayer 
that  God  would  put  it  into  the  heart  of  a  certain  man  who  had  the 
means,  to  erect  a  house  of  worship  at  a  needed  point.  One  could 
hardly  fail  to  join  such  an  earnest  minister.  Nothing  is  too  hard  for 
God.  This  humble  worker  honored  his  Master's  promise,  and  the 
Master  honored  his  faith. 

So  constantly  meeting  demands,  I  had  little  time  for  intro- 
spection. Sometimes  one  is  so  busy  he  may  overlook  his  own  spirit- 
ual needs.  In  the  midst  of  daily  cries  of  distress,  tales  of  poverty 
and  sorrow  one  may  be  diverted  from  personal  spiritual  necessities. 
I  have  guarded  against  this  danger.  Through  prayer  and  by  the 
promises,  my  own  soul  has  been  nourished.  There  have  been  times 
when  fear  arose,  or  a  doubt  harrassed  for  a  moment,  but  looking 
into  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ  these  vanish.  One's  imagination  may 
arouse  fear.  Like  the  story  of  the  man  hanging  on  the  edge  of  a 
precipice  through  the  dark  hours  of  the  night,  believing  that  if  his 
grasp  failed  him  he  would  be  instantly  dashed  into  a  thousand 
fragments.  At  length  his  strength  would  hold  out  no  longer,  and 
he  fell,  only  to  discover  that  his  feet  had  been  all  the  time,  but  tivo 
inches  from  the  ground !  The  precipice  had  been  the  creation  of  his 
own  imagination,  and  his  long  agony  was  needless. 

Dr.  Wheat  is  known  throughout  the  Church  for  his  ability  and 
modesty.  Some  claim  that  he  is  the  best  preacher  in  the  denomina- 
tion. He  has  been  a  professor  in  the  University  of  Mississippi  for 
twelve  years.  He  occupied  the  Carondelet  Street  pulpit  at  n  a.  m. 
one  Sunday.  It  was  not  only  a  delightful  sermon,  but  profitable.  It 
was  calculated  to  tighten  one's  grip  on  God.  His  text  was,  "  Be- 
loved, now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what 
we  shall  be,  but  we  know  when  He  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like 
Him."  It  was  reallv  a  great  discourse  because  of  its  uplifting  power. 
"  Being  sons,"  indicated  our  possibilities — they  are  amazing.  A 
child  in  the  house  is  not  developed ;  does  not  know  what  it  will  be. 
But  see  the  man  in  his  maturity.  Thus  he  passed  on  from  point  to 
point  using  facts  and  illustrations,  not  only  apt  but  beautifully  ex- 
pressed. That  sermon  was  worth  a  great  deal  to  the  soul.  Dr. 
Wheat  dined  with  us  that  day,  and  in  conversation  gave  me  his  views 
on  a  large  scale,  both  of  men  and  things.  He  was  unusually  en- 
tertaining when  drawn  out. 

I  would  like  to  pause  here  and  go  back  a  year  to  glance  at 
Crystal  Springs  camp-meeting.  A  pressing  invitation  had  been  ex- 
tended me  to  a  meeting  at  this  famous  spot  in  Mississippi.  On  the 
23d  of  July,  accompanying  Rev.  J.  B.  Walker  and  Rev.  J.  D.  Parker, 
a  local  minister  and  an  exceptionally  godly  man.  we  took  the  train  for 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  BE]     JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  ,4, 

Crystal  Springs.  Dr.  Johnson,  in  charge  of  the  Female  College  at 
Brookhaven,  in  Mississippi,  is  president  of  the  Camp-meeting  Asso- 
ciation. It  is  a  romantic  spot  for  a  camp-meeting.  Close  by  are  a 
number  of  springs  of  pure  water.  The  arbor  in  its  location  is  finely 
adapted  for  hearing  as  well  as  seeing.  The  pulpit  is  at  the  base  of 
the  hill,  and  the  seats  rise  one  above  another.  When  the  congrega- 
tion is  seated  the  scene  is  impressive.  The  minister  can  see  every 
face.  The  first  meeting  was  held  five  years  ago.  The  meeting  is 
held  in  a  thickly  settled  community,  and  thousands  attend  from  far 
and  near.  We  arrived  in  time  to  hear  the  afternoon  sermon  by 
Brother  Howell,  of  the  North  Mississippi  Conference.  After  he  had 
been  preaching  fifteen  minutes  his  voice  failed  and  he  sat  down  both 
discouraged  and  sad.  My  information  was,  that  last  camp-meeting 
he  was  the  man  of  power.  Brother  Nicolson,  of  Ocean  Springs 
exhorted,  and  happily.  At  night  Rev.  Kenneth  Jones,  of  North 
Mississippi  Conference  preached.  His  text  was,  "  The  wages  of 
sin  is  death  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord."  He  preached  effectively ;  seven  or  eight  mourners  were 
forward  for  prayer,  and  two  professed  conversion.  He  was  in  his 
prime,  and  of  fine  physique,  erect  and  manly  in  appearance,  blessed 
with  a  very  fine  voice.  The  following  morning  at  8  o'clock,  a  short 
discourse  was  followed  by  an  experience  meeting.  The  time  was  con- 
sumed by  five  brethren  going  into  uninteresting  details  of  experience, 
and  without  intending  it  they  spoiled  the  meeting.  At  n  a.  m.,  Dr. 
J.  B.  Walker  gave  us  a  fine  sermon,  employing  this  term  in  its  best 
sense.  His  text  was,  "  Behold  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock."  The 
three  elements  of  effectiveness  in  his  discourse  were,  clearness, 
pointedness  and  pathos.  His  voice  was  modulated  according  to  the 
best  rules  and  his  sentences  were  rounded  and  beautiful.  He  was 
amongst  a  people  who  held  him  in  high  esteem.  A  few  penitents  at 
the  altar.  A  sermon  of  too  high  polish  does  not  win  souls.  At  3 
p.  m.,  a  comparatively  young  minister  occupied  the  pulpit  and  gave 
us  an  interesting  discourse  on  David's  advice  to  Solomon :  "  My 
son,  know  thou  the  God  of  thy  fathers."  It  was  a  good  sermon, 
somewhat  ornate  and  finely  delivered.  He  is  the  pastor  of  our 
Church  in  Jackson,  Mississippi,  and  full  of  promise  to  the  Church. 
That  young  man  is  now  the  celeorated  Bishop,  C.  B.  Galloway,  of 
Mississippi,  famous  for  his  oratory  and  moving  power,  and  is 
universally  beloved.  At  8  p.  m.,  I  was  in  the  pulpit  and  gave  the 
people  a  discourse  on  "  The  sick  and  the  physician,"  from  the  text, 
"  They  that  be  whole,  need  not  a  physician,  but  they  that  are  sick." 
The  congregation  was  immense,  and  God  helped  me.  At  the  close 
penitents  were  invited  to  the  altar  and  a  large  number  responded ;  it 
was  estimated  that  there  were  at  least  one  hundred  mourners  in  and 
around  the  altar.  Dr.  Johnson,  before  dismissing  the  audience,  in- 
vited those  who  had  been  converted  to  come  forward  and  shake  me 
by  the  hand.  Seventy-two  responded.  Several  converts  had  gone 
home  as  it  was  very  late.    Old  and  young  caught  the  flying  joy,  and 


144  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

God  was  praised  in  song  and  shout.     On  Saturday  morning,  after 
the  8  o'clock  sermon,  the  prolific  writer,  Dr.  Abbey,  led  the  ex- 
perience meeting,  and  with  pure  motive,  urged  the  old  Christians  not 
to  talk,  and  consumed  forty  minutes  of  the  time,  directing  them  to  be 
still  and  let  the  younger  people  have  a  chance!     But  Southern 
young  people,  particularly  in  the  country,  have  not  learned  to  speak 
in  Church  services.     He  ordered  no  one  should  speak  over  five 
minutes.     He  is  a  great  man,  but  great  men  sometimes  make  mis- 
takes.   He  threw  such  a  damper  on  the  meeting  that  only  a  few  dared 
to  venture  to  talk.    At  1 1  a.  m.,  Dr.  Linfield,  of  Canton,  Mississippi, 
gave  a  very  strong  and  clear  discourse  on  the  saying  of  Jesus,  "  This 
is  your  hour,  and  the  power  of  darkness."     It  was  a  discourse  re- 
markable for  its  results.     Alienations  were  healed,  and  thus  much 
good  was  achieved.    The  Doctor  is  a  famous  pulpiteer.    At  3  p.  m., 
Rev.  Kenneth  Jones  again  took  the  pulpit.    A  great  audience  con- 
fronted him.    At  first  he  seemed  a  little  careless,  but  as  he  proceeded, 
his  fine  voice,  graceful  manner,  as  well  as  his  thought,  arrested  atten- 
tion and  won  the  crowd.     He  closed  with  marked  enthusiam  and 
quite  a  number  of  penitents  responded  to  his  appeals.     Professor 
Beardsly  led  the  singing.    Some  of  the  hymns  and  tunes  were  beauti- 
ful but  we  needed  better  songs,  and  in  conducting  the  altar  exercises 
I  several  times  asked  the  leaden  to  turn  to  some  of  the  songs  which 
inspire  faith  and  stir  the  soul.    At  8  p.  m.,  Rev.  Joshua  Heard  dis- 
coursed on,  "  Thou  God  seest  me."    A  great  throng  heard  him  and 
the  silence  was  profound.     He  is  a  very  useful  preacher,  a  fine 
singer,  and  one  of  the  best  men  in  the  ministry.    As  an  altar  worker 
he  possesses  that  tact  and  skill  which  carry  a  soul  at  once  to  Christ. 
On  Sunday  morning  I  was  up  and  out  early.     Dr.  Walker  and 
myself  strolled  outside  the  encampment,  and  on  every  side  were 
reminded  of  like  scenes  in  Tennessee,  in  boyhood.    The  people  were 
in  motion,  coming  from  every  point  of  the  compass.    The  hillsides 
were  already  covered  with  buggies,  carriages,  and  animals.     At  8 
a.  m.,  the  usual  service,  but  the  incoming  throngs  confused  the 
Christian  people.    When  the  blast  of  the  horn  summoned  the  people 
to  the  11  o'clock  sermon  the  amphitheater  was  filled  and  many  had 
to  stand.    The  committee  in  charge  appointed  me  to  preach  at  this 
hour.     I  resolved  to  give  the  people  a  simple  Gospel  sermon.    The 
text   selected   was  that   old  pregnant   question   with   the   answer: 
"  Sirs,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?    And  they  said,  Believe  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."    It  was  an  opportunity 
for  usefulness,  and  God  knows  I  tried  to  use  it  for  the  honor  of  His 
Kingdom.     My  heart  poured  into  God's  ear  earnest  prayers  for 
Divine  help.    The  congregation  was  vast,  estimated  at  five  thousand. 
Every  faculty  employed  by  me  was  in  full  play  and  worked  with  ease. 
For  one  hour  and  a  half  I  expounded  and  explained.    My  soul  was 
all  aglow  and  the  people  were  responsive.     Now  and  then  a  shout 
was  heard,  and  at  times,  it  seemed  as  if  every  one  said  amen !    God 
manifested  His  presence  and  power.     It  was  not  customary  to  call 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  III:  I     JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I45 

for  penitents  after  the  u  o'clock  sermon,  on  account  of  the  multi- 
tude. I  had  told  them  what  God  could  do  for  a  seeking  soul,  and 
now  I  proposed  to  give  them  an  opportunity.  A  large  number  came 
to  the  altar,  more  than  could  be  counted,  and  there  was  heard  the 
shout  of  a  King  in  the  camp !  The  songs  and  shouts  of  the  people 
rolled  out  in  volume,  reminding  me  of  the  "  Voice  of  many  waters 
and  mighty  thunderings."  If  ever  I  commended  my  Savior  and  His 
love  it  was  on  this  day !  At  3  p.  m.,  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  gave  the  great 
throng  a  sermon  on  "  Justification  fjy  Faith."  It  was  an  unpropitious 
hour,  but  the  Doctor  was  equal  to  the  occasion.  It  was  a  noble  dis- 
course, well  delivered  and  clear  as  crystal.  His  illustrations  were 
uplifting.  Some  of  the  ministers  who  sat  half-way  back  in  the 
audience  said  they  could  not  hear  him,  owing  to  the  weakness  of  his 
voice.  This  was  followed  by  the  administration  of  the  sacrament. 
Fifty  ministers  were  present.  At  night  we  all  repaired  to  the  arbor 
to  hear  Dr.  Linfield.  His  text  was,  "  For  the  great  day  of  His  wrath 
has  come,  and  who  shall  be  able  to  stand  ?  "  It  was  a  great  sermon. 
He  held  the  profound  attention  from  the  first  to  the  last  sentence. 
The  one  in  charge,  requested  me  to  follow  with  an  exhortation, 
which  was  the  plan  of  the  fathers.  I  exhorted  and  was  so  carried 
away  that  I  disabled  myself.  At  the  request  of  the  committee 
I  exhorted  after  nearly  every  sermon,  and  had  sung  and  prayed 
until  this  hour's  service  unfitted  me  for  further  service  during 
the  meeting.  We  had  ten  conversions  and  a  signal  victory  was  won. 
What  remarkable  leaders  God  has  in  Mississippi !  The  27th  of 
August  is  what  is  known  as  "  Association  Day."  It  is  set  apart  in 
the  interest  of  the  Association.  An  address  of  some  appropriate 
character  is  delivered  by  some  one  appointed  at  a  previous  meeting. 
Rev.  C.  B.  Galloway  was  elected  for  this  occasion.  His  theme  was, 
"  Methodism."  The  young  orator  was  at  his  best  and  gave  us  an 
address  well  conceived,  rich  in  language  and  well  delivered.  It  was 
highly  praised,  and  directed  the  public  attention  to  the  fact  that 
Mississippi  could  produce  Bishop  timber.  In  a  few  years  he  was 
elected  to  that  high  office  and  his  work  shows  he  stands  abreast  of 
his  brethren  in  that  exalted  station.  Being  very  hoarse  and  con- 
siderably exhausted,  I  declined  to  preach  again,  and  arranged  to 
return  to  New  Orleans.  The  meeting  went  on  with  success,  and 
many  converts  were  reported.  I  have  witnessed  no  such  meeting 
since  that  day. 

Dr.  J.  B.  Walker,  on  his  return,  told  some  friends,  "  Mathews 
is  killing  himself."  The  weather  is  excessively  warm  and  the  de- 
mands more  than  I  can  meet.  Went  to  see  a  washer-woman's  sick 
daughter  who  is  very  low  with  malarial  fever.  They  had  no  money 
to  purchase  necessities ;  supplied  them  with  funds,  and  induced  some 
friends  of  Christ  to  send  food  such  as  a  sick  child  could  eat.  When 
I  left  that  sick-room  I  ached  from  head  to  foot.  However,  walked 
several  blocks  to  call  on  several  members.  Went  on  and  called  on  a 
family  across  the  street  from  the  "  Hotel  Dieu."    From  there  passed 


146 


}>EL'1J>S  INTO  LIFE. 


on  to  visit  an  old  Christian  whose  mind  has  been  slightly  clouded 
ever  since  her  husband  was  killed  at  the  gas  works.  The  old  lady 
forgot  many  things  but  never  her  Savior.  She  resided  with  a 
daughter  whose  husband  deserted  her ;  spent  her  fortune,  then 
abandoned  his  family.  He  is  a  handsome  man  and  said  to  be 
capable  in  business  but  lacks  moral  stamina,  and  is  without  an 
ethical  conscience.  Took  two  car  lines  for  home  for  a  4  o'clock 
dinner.  I  felt  weary  and  sick  but  said  nothing  of  it  to  the  family. 
After  dinner,  though  depressed,  called  on  several  families.  Reached 
home  late,  aching  in  every  limb. 

On  the  evening  of  September  nth,  I  managed  to  reach  home, 
but  found  my  family  out  calling.  The  house  girl,  finding  me  ill, 
prepared  a  mustard  bath,  and  soon  I  was  too  sick  to  sit  up.  The 
next  morning  the  family  physician  announced  I  had  malarial  fever. 
The  pain  almost  set  me  wild.  I  was  confined  for  fourteen  days. 
Having  a  note  to  pay  in  bank  I  ventured  out  to  settle  it.  The  next 
day  I  relapsed  and  was  on  my  back  until  the  9th  of  October.  The 
Stewards  voted  me  a  month's  leave  of  absence  and  funds  to  go  on. 
Bishop  Keener,  Dr.  Parker,  and  other  friends  advised  me  to  go  to 
Ocean  Springs,  which  I  did.  Brother  Wm.  R.  Stewart,  that  warm- 
hearted layman,  met  me  at  the  depot  and  took  me  to  his  home,  and 
gave  me  princely  attention.  In  a  week  I  felt  such  an  improvement 
that  I  returned  to  the  city  and  led  my  mid-week  prayer-meeting. 
The  next  day  relapsed  into  fever.  My  imprudence  kept  me  out  of 
my  pulpit  for  eight  weeks.  Two  or  three  days  before  my  sickness,  I 
had  stated  publicly  that  during  my  administration  we  had  never  been 
so  prosperous.  Our  class-meetings,  prayer-meetings  and  Sunday- 
School  thoroughly  organized,  and  was  able  to  touch  every  member 
inside  of  twenty-four  hours.  I  could  but  wonder  why  this  affliction 
just  now?  Perhaps  God  wished  to  show  me  that  I  was  not  necessary 
to  his  Church.  I  had  time  for  reflection  as  I  lay  upon  my  sick- 
bed. Part  of  the  time  my  brain  was  5,0  tortured  I  could  not  pray. 
I  said  to  the  Doctor,  "  I  feel  as  Bishop  Janes  expressed  it  on  his 
dying  bed  ;  that  he  had  done  all  his  praying  beforehand."  Thank- 
God  there  was  no  alarm.  One  day  suffering  intensely,  and  feeling 
discouraged  over  my  physical  condition,  I  thought  T  had  shown 
some  impatience,  and  I  said  to  one  at  my  side :  "  It  is  confusion  on 
the  outside,  but  it  is  all  peace  in  my  heart.  I  am  hid  in  the  cleft  of 
the  Pock !  " 

During  my  illness  a  little  girl  whose  mother  took  in  washing  for 
a  living,  died.  She  joined  the  Church  over  a  year  ago.  A  seam- 
stress who  worked  all  day,  at  night  Avould  go  and  nurse  this  child  to 
give  the  mother  rest.  Mrs.  Tipton,  going  as  usual  to  look  after  this 
little  sick  Christian,  under  the  child's  direction  went  and  found  a  leaf 
of  a  prayer-book,  which  the  child  had  picked  up  in  the  street  and 
preserved  among  her  treasures ;  she  took  this  leaf,  at  the  request  of 
the  invalid,  and  pinned  it  to  the  mosquito  bar.  in  front  of  her  eves. 
She  had  grown  too  feeble  to  make  the  mental  effort  to  pray,  but 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOH2H  MATH i:\Vs.  It.  I).  ,47 

would  talk  with  God  as  her  eyes  ran  along  the  printed  lines.  This 
seamstress  closed  the  eyes  of  her  patient  in  death,  and  raised  money 
to  give  her  a  decent  burial. 

Walking  one  day  with  wife  to  Church,  I  suddenly  stopped,  as 
the  passage  leaped  through  my  soul,  "  Blessed  are  the  peacemakers, 
for  they  shall  be  called  the  children  of  God."  I  exclaimed :  "I 
have  a  right  to  that  blessedness,  for  much  of  my  time  has  been  given 
to  restoring  peace  in  families."  On  one  occasion  a  man  whom  I 
did  not  know  called  to  secure  my  influence  with  his  wife  to  return  to 
his  house.  He  was  a  plausible  talker  and  gave  me  a  pathetic  story, 
and  entreated  me  to  secure  her  consent  to  return.  My  sympathies 
were  aroused,  and  in  that  state  of  mind  I  called  on  the  lady,  and 
soon  explained  the  object  of  my  visit.  Then  her  side  of  the  story 
was  given,  which  placed  things  in  such  a  light  as  to  amaze  me.  This 
was  the  second  time  she  was  compelled  to  leave  him.  Night  after 
night  he  returned  home  drunk ;  cursed  her  again  and  again ; 
threatened  personal  violence,  then  kicked  her  and  put  a  knife  to  her 
throat.  He  was  rarely  ever  at  home  before  midnight.  The  many 
witnesses  she  had  surprised  me  for  their  intelligence  and  number. 
However,  I  informed  her  of  his  pleadings,  his  nice  speeches  and 
ardent  desire  for  a  reunion.  n  No,  no ;  never  will  I  go  back  to  him — 
never !  "  My  mission  failed.  Possibly  it  was  well.  Liquor  was  his 
master  and  it  made  him  a  half  fiend. 

In  these  days  getting  ready  for  Conference  is  not  only  a  tax 
but  a  trial,  sometimes  a  sore  one.  Time,  patience  and  physical 
endurance  are  involved.  No  matter  how  early  the  pastor  notifies  the 
congregation  there  are  always  laggards.  The  collections  are  behind. 
The  steamboat  was  advertised  to  leave  on  Saturday  afternoon,  but 
did  not  leave  the  city  until  Monday  afternoon.  We  got  under  way 
with  a  cheerful,  happy  company  on  board,  most  of  whom  were 
bound  for  the  seat  of  the  Conference.  This  has  been  one  of  the 
busiest  and  most  successful  years  of  my  ministry.  With  the  blessing 
of  God  the  term  has  ended  hopefully.  My  physical  vigor  has  been 
regained,  and  my  faith  is  relying  upon  the  Infinite  Arm.  nestling  in 
the  same  bosom  where  I  have  nestled  since  childhood,  and  moving  on 
paths  where  joys  have  sprung  up  on  every  side !  The  Leslie  Tavlor. 
was  the  name  of  our  boat.  Twenty-nine  preachers  were  on  board 
including  dear  old  Bishop  Paine.  The  ministers  had  left  their 
burdens  behind,  and  were  like  a  company  of  schoolboys  entering 
upon  vacation.  Bishop  Paine  seemed  to  renew  his  youth,  and  in- 
terested us  with  incidents  of  the  past.  John  Hannon,  always  brill- 
iant, amused  the  company  in  various  ways.  He  had  a  "  mind  read- 
ing," an  amusing  trick  to  take  off  a  class  of  pretenders.  We 
reached  the  town  of  Washington  on  Wednesdav  morning.  We  had 
six  miles  to  go  to  reach  Opelousas.  the  seat  of  Conference.  Hacks 
and  carriages  met  us  and  we  were  soon  domiciled  in  our  temporary 
homes.  I  found  a  congenial  home  with  Dr.  Foster,  a  noted  layman, 
a  gentleman  in  every  true  sense  of  the  term.    He  had  rented  a  large 


1 48  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

house  and  removed  into  the  town  to  aid  in  entertaining  the  body, 
and  enjoy  the  fellowship  of  his  brethren.  The  Conference  opened 
before  the  arrival  of  the  Bishop.  The  Rev.  John  Pipes  had  been 
elected  temporary  president.  He  is  a  veteran  in  the  service  and  a 
man  of  stainless  reputation.  At  night  we  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing 
Rev.  T.  K.  Fauntleroy  preach.  He  is  young  in  the  ministry,  and 
full  of  promise.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  Confederate  Army  and 
made  quite  a  reputation  as  a  fighter.  A  remarkable  fact  in  his  case 
is,  in  private  conversation  he  stutters,  at  times  painfully,  but  never  in 
the  pulpit.  At  the  close  of  his  discourse,  Rev.  H.  O.  White  sang  a 
solo,  then  exhorted,  and  some  persons  went  forward  for  prayers. 
When  the  second  day's  session  closed  the  Bishop  had  managed  to  get 
through  a  great  deal  of  routine  business.  He  has  been  noted  for  his 
ability  as  a  presiding  officer  and  a  pulpiteer,  as  well  as  a  born  gentle- 
man. The  old  soldier  is  broken  with  age,  but  his  heart  is  still  aflame 
with  holy  fire.  Taking  a  survey  of  the  body,  one  wonders  how  well 
dressed  they  are,  considering  the  smallness  of  the  salaries  received. 
No  Conference  in  the  connection  is  so  poorly  paid.  Leaving  out  New 
Orleans  preachers,  the  pay  is  meager.  What  heroic  men,  working 
steadily,  and  some  of  them  receiving  sixty  and  eighty  dollars  per 
annum !  Louisiana  is  the  hardest  field  we  have.  I  have  never  failed 
to  admire  these  men  ;  the  number  is  too  great  to  name  them,  but  their 
names  are  written  in  Heaven.  On  Fridav  night  I  was  appointed 
to  preach.  I  preached  for  souls,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  used  the  truth 
to  the  conviction  and  salvation  of  manv.  When  the  invitation  was 
given  men  and  women  pressed  forward.  They  filled  the  altar,  and 
the  aisles  as  well  as  the  front  pews.  Men  and  women,  old  and  young 
shouted  the  high  praises  of  God.  It  was  late,  many  had  gone  home, 
when  some  one  suggested,  "  Invite  the  converts  forward  to  shake 
hands."  Twenty-six  responded.  As  the  old  Methodists  phrased  it. 
we  had  a  time  of  power.  The  next  morning  when  the  meeting  was 
reported  in  Conference,  one  brother  moved  to  sing  the  long-metre 
doxology.  It  was  sung  with  great  vigor  and  spirit.  On  Saturday 
routine  business  was  rushed  through  with  due  care.  The  election  of 
delegates  to  the  General  Conference  elicited  deep  interest.  The 
ticket  was  cut  and  dried.  There  is  in  some  of  our  Conferences  a 
group  of  men  who  are  Church  politicians,  and  select  a  ticket  which 
is  generally  elected.  The  brethren  elected  are  worthv  and  true. 
After  the  election.  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  read  a  series  of  resolutions  on 
the  death  of  our  highly  esteemed  Bishop  Marvin.  The  service  which 
followed  was  full  of  heart  interest  and  pathos.  Dr.  Linus  Parker 
was  particularly  happy  in  his  address.  Bishop  Paine  closed  with  a 
matchless  address  in  honor  of  his  dead  colleague.  At  night  the 
Missionary  Anniversary  was  held.  Dr.  C.  W.  Carter,  famous  for 
three  things,  modesty,  ability  and  pulpit  eloquence,  made  the  prin- 
cipal address.  It  was  chaste  and  eloquent.  Rev.  A.  E.  Goodwyn, 
so  many  years  treasurer,  followed.  He  talked  too  long,  and  when  he 
discovered  the  fact,  sat  down  without  taking  the  collection  as  ap- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  149 

pointed !  By  request  I  lifted  the  collection  which  reached  over  three 
hundred  dollars.  At  9  a.  m.,  Sunday,  I  attended  Conference  Love 
Feast,  led  by  our  holy  servant  of  God,  Rev.  Lewis  A.  Reed,  who 
was  always  found  in  a  hallelujah  mood.  At  11  o'clock,  Bishop 
Paine  gave  us  a  well  constructed  and  forceful  discourse.  Now  and 
then,  the  old-time  fire  kindled  -his  soul,  flashed  out  of  his  eyes  and 
flamed  from  his  lips.  Noble  leader  of  the  host  of  our  Lord  has  he 
been !  At  night  I  preached  at  the  town  of  Washington.  The  pastor 
said  the  congregation  was  made  up  of  Jews  and  Roman  Catholics. 
We  had  eight  penitents.  I  magnified  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and 
challenged  them  to  try  it :  give  it  a  chance  and  see  what  it  would  do. 
On  Monday  morning  Conference  convened  to  wind  up  its  business, 
The  last  question  was  propounded,  "  Where  are  the  preachers 
stationed  this  year  ?  "  The  Bishop  sat  in  his  chair  while  announcing 
the  appointments.  "New  Orleans  District,  L.  Parker,  Presiding 
Elder;  Carondelet  Street  charge,  John  Mathews."  This  was  my 
fourth  year.  My  prayer  was,  that  God  would  so  bless  me  as  tornake 
it  my  best !  What  a  thrilling  occasion  such  a  moment  is  to  an  itiner- 
ant preacher.  There  he  sits  listening ;  not  knowing  whether  he  shall 
be  sent  east,  west,  north  or  south.  He  may  land  in  the  midst  of  hard- 
ships, dangers  and  toils  unprecedented  in  his  history !  At  Washing- 
ton ninety-eight  preachers  boarded  the  little  steamboat  "  Bertha." 
Half  the  passengers  had  to  sleep  on  cots  or  on  the  floor.  On  our 
homeward  journey  Bishop  Paine  complained  of  numbness  and  some- 
times staggered  as  he  walked.  He  was  not  conscious  of  his  con- 
dition, and  some  feared  he  might  not  live  to  reach  his  home  in 
Aberdeen,  Mississippi.  We  reached  New  Orleans  on  Wednesday  at 
8  p.  m.  Took  the  street  car  and  was  at  home  when  wife  returned 
from  prayer-meeting.    I  was  readv  for  a  new  campaign. 

While  absent  one  member  had  died,  and  two  persons  had  joined 
the  Church.  The  lady  who  died  was  a  fine  character.  Her  last  days 
were  spent  with  a  beclouded  brain  brought  on  by  fright.  _  She  was 
on  her  way  home  from  Shreveport,  where  she  had  been  visiting  her 
brother.  The  steamer  "  Lotus  "  had  caught  on  fire.  Mrs.  Massey 
and  daughter,  in  their  fright,  jumped  into  the  river ;  the  latter  caught 
hold  of  the  wheel  with  one  hand,  and  held  her  mother  with  the 
other  until  rescued  by  some -one  in  a  skiff.  The  shock  so  affected 
the  mother's  mind  she  concluded  she  was  forsaken  by  man  and  God. 
She  would  not  allow  prayer  offered  in  her  behalf,  nor  would  she  pray 
herself.  Poor  soul,  what  a  glorious  vision  opened  before  her  when 
death  lifted  the  cloud,  as  she  looked  upon  the  face  of  Christ  in  the 
Holv  Citv ! 


,50     ,  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Fourth  Year  at  Carondelet  Street. 

The  day  after  my  return  from  Conference,  a  lady  called  to  in- 
vite me  to  visit  a  middle-aged  lawyer,  one  of  prominence  and  literary 
culture,  and  a  leading  member  of  the  bar,  with  an  income  reputed 
from  twelve  to  sixteen  thousand  dollars  per  annum.  He  is  a  brother 
of  my  special  friend,  Judge  Cotton.  I  found  him  prostrated  with  a 
nervous  disorder.  He  informed  me  that  he  was  anxious  to  see  me, 
saying,  "  My  brother  assured  me  you  could  show  me  the  way  to  be 
saved."  On  any  subject  suggested,  they  say  this  man  is  remarkably 
intelligent,  save  the  subject  of  religion.  I  have  rarely  ever  met  a 
man  so  utterly  ignorant  of  Christ  and  his  system.  It  was  necessary 
to  begin  with  him  in  the  primer  of  Christianity  as  one  would  begin  a 
child  in  the  alphabet.  After  explaining  the  necessity  of  repentance, 
then  faith  in  Christ  as  a  person,  words  of  prayer  were  put  into  his 
mouth,  "  God"  have  mercy  on  me  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ."  Step  by  step  he  followed  me,  stepping  forward,  then  would 
step  back  as  one  walking  in  a  dark  place.  He  had  never  given  the 
Bible  or  its  principles  an  examination.  To  me,  it  was  a  marvel  to 
find  in  a  Christian  land  one  so  cultured  on  many  lines  totally  igno- 
rant of  the  simplest  elements  of  the  Gospel !  His  case  convinced  me 
more  deeply  than  ever,  that  indifference  is  one  of  the  curses  of  our 
age.  My  heart  yearning  to  help  this  man,  a*  second  call  was  made. 
He  assured  me  in  stately  words,  "  I  will  accept  your  propositions, 
and  receive  Christ  as  my  Savior !  "  Then  bowing  at  his  bedside, 
fervent  prayer  went  up  to  God  which  affected  him  visibly.  Then  I 
tried  to  so  simplify  truth  by  illustration  that  his  mind  might  grasp  it 
fully.  Knowing  by  experience  the  touching  power  of  song,  I  sang 
the  hymn  beginning, 

"  Arise  my  soul,  arise, 
Shake  off  thy  guilty  fears." 

He  wept  freely,  and  said,  "  How  encouraging !    How  clear !  " 

Often  the  most  highly  gifted  as  to  knowledge  and  strength  of 
will,  mav  through  defect  of  memory,  or  lack  of  self-possession,  do 
the  very  thing  resolved  to  avoid.  A  noted  teacher,  in  New  York, 
often  suspended  the  regular  school  exercises,  to  give  the  pupils  a 
five-minute  lecture  on  some  subject  pertaining  to  self-mastery.  One 
day  his  lecture  was  on  journeying  by  stage-coach,  as  people  did  fifty 
years  ago.  He  emphasized  trie  advice  that  in  case  of  a  runaway, 
to  keep  to  the  coach  as  long  as  possible,  and  to  beware  of  yielding  to 
the  temptation  to  jump  off.  "  Nevertheless,"  he  added,  "if  escape 
from  the  carriage  becomes  necessary,  always  jump  off  in  the  direc- 


1/  TOBJOOBAPHJ  OF  /.'/.'I  .  JOSH  MATHEWS,  D.  JJ.  151 

tion  in  which  the  carriage  is  moving."  Not  long  after,  the  professor 
was  traveling  on  the  outside  of  a  four-horse  coach,  when  a  fright 
suddenly  seized  the  animals,  and  they  all  bounded  away,  beyond  the 
control  of  the  driver.  In  the  moment  of  extreme  excitement,  the 
professor  failed  to  realize  his  own  precept,  that  had  seemed  so  simple, 
and  sprang  from  the  carriage  in  the  direction  opposite  to  that  in 
which  it  was  moving,  and  was  killed  instantly.  One  may  inculcate  a 
valuable  truth,  and  yet  fail  to  practise  what  he  preaches ;  not  through 
hypocrisy  or  sinful  intent,  but  through  the  weakness  of  nature. 

In  closing  the  year  1877,  as  far  as  possible  the  old  order  was 
observed.  At  9  p.  m.,  the  service  to  spend  the  closing  hours  of  the 
year,  began.  I  had  headache,  with  three  hours  of  active  work  ahead 
of  me.  The  meeting  was  held  in  our  large  lecture-room,  that  the 
congregation  might  form  a  compact  body.  There  was  a  large  at- 
tendance at  the  opening,  but  people  kept  crowding  in  until  1 1  o'clock, 
creating  confusion.  I  was  compelled  to  order  the  doors  locked.  The 
aisles  and  even  the  windows  were  crowded.  I  selected  a  hymn  which 
they  all  knew,  and  would  sing  with  spirit.  There  is  always  an 
advantage  gained  in  a  good  start.  A  boy  with  his  sled,  in  winter, 
at  the  top  of  a  hill,  only  needs  a  good  shove  to  start  him.  His  own 
momentum  will  do  the  rest.  The  next  step  was  to  call  on  a  warm- 
hearted brother  to  lead  in  prayer,  one  who  is  always  in  the  mood  of 
prayer.  Then  a  couple  of  lively  songs  were  sung,  after  which  the 
pastor  gave  a  three-minute  exhortation  to  repentance  in  the  form  of 
confession.  Then  two  prayers  followed,  short  and  crisp ;  called  on 
parties  who  could  not  offer  long  prayers.  After  this,  some  lusty 
singing.  Then  a  short  discourse  by  the  pastor  into  which  I  put  both 
my  head  and  heart,  feeling  the  imperiled  condition  of  many  who 
came  to  laugh,  and  hoping  they  might  remain  to  pray.  This  was 
followed  by  a  few  sweet  experiences.  Then  a  very  short  talk  by  the 
pastor,  urging  unsaved  to  repent  and  be  saved  before  the  old  year 
was  entirely  gone.  Eleven  came  to  the  altar  as  seekers  of  salvation. 
Only  a  few  minutes  of  the  old  year  remained.  A  hymn  was  sung, 
then  a  prayer  followed ;  after  which  the  call  to  consecration  was 
made :  "  All  who  are  willing  to  enter  into  a  new  covenant  with  God 
come  forward."  There  was  a  rush.  We  bowed  together  for  a 
moment  in  silence ;  then  I  began,  in  a  minor  key,  to  sing  the  hymn 
beginning, 

"  Show  pity,  Lord,  O  Lord,  forgive. 
Let  a  repenting  rebel  live." 

Many  voices  wailed  out  the  solemn  strain ;  then  the  "  Covenant 
Hymn  "  was  sung,  five  minutes  before  the  year  expired.  Then  on 
our  knees,  in  silence,  save  a  plea  for  pardon,  each  covenanter  spent 
the  last  moments  of  the  year  1877  in  holy  adoration.  The  scene 
was  such  as  would  gladden  an  angel's  heart !    When  the  New  Year 


152 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


rolled  in,  all  rose  from  our  knees,  the  organ  struck  the  chord,  and 
all  fairly  shouted  out,  as  we  grasped  each  others  hands : 

"  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow, 
Praise  him  all  creatures  here  below, 
Praise  him  above,  ye  heavenly  host, 
Praise  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost." 

My  years  are  speeding  away,  but  the  New  Year  finds  my  soul 
more  thoroughly  awake  for  the  salvation  of  men  and  the  betterment 
of  the  world.  As  I  look  over  my  shoulder  into  the  past,  there  are 
blotted  pages,  weaknesses  and  shortcomings.  During  the  past  year 
I  did  not  shirk  duty  or  spare  myself  while  seeking  to  build  up  the 
Kingdom  of  Righteousness.  But  there  has  been  so  much  of  self  in 
it  all ;  I  need  God's  mercy.  God  is  so  holy,  that  the  reflection  of  that 
holiness  sometimes  makes  me  shudder,  and  I  can  only  cast  myself 
at  His  feet  and  plead  that  one  word,  "  Mercy !  Mercy,  for  the 
sake  of  Thy  Son !  "  A  sentiment  that  fell  under  my  eye  fifty  years 
ago,  still  lingers  in  my  memory,  and  drives  me  to  the  Man  of  the 
Cross :  "  Wo,  to  a  good  life  if  God  should  lay  aside  His  mercy  when 
He  examines  into  it !  "  The  new  year  dawns  upon  me  with  this 
prayer  rising  within  me,  and  reaching  the  point  of  importunity: 
"  God  bless  me  in  body  and  soul ;  bless  my  wife  and  children ;  bless 
the  work  of  my  hands,  my  brain  and  my  heart ;  give  added  power  to 
my  ministry,  and  give  me  a  multitude  of  souls  for  1878!  Amen; 
and  amen !  " 

My  young  friend,  Rev.  Mr.  Nabors,  of  Houston,  Texas,  called 
to  see  me.  He  was  my  colleague  in  Montgomery,  Alabama.  He  is  a 
rising  young  man,  popular  and  petted.  He  gave  me  a  large  share  of 
gossip  from  the  Texas  point  of  view.  The  General  Conference 
is  to  meet  in  May  and  ministers  are  discussing  the  possible  Bishops. 
I  answered  him,  "  In  this  city  the  subject  is  not  mentioned." 
Rev.  John  A.  Ellis  dropped  in  on  us,  and  though  a  man  of  unusual 
prudence,  joined  in  the  gossip  and  said  certain  men  were  discussed; 
among  others,  Dr.  R.  A.  Young,  Dr.  D.  C.  Kelley,  Dr.  Linus  Parker, 
and  Dr.  Johnson,  of  Mississippi.  Young  Nabors  remained  to  talk 
over  the  best  method  of  drawing  congregations,  and  conducting 
prayer-meetings.  His  method  for  prayer-meeting  was  to  announce 
his  topic  beforehand ;  he  gave  as  an  instance,  "A  widow  mentioned 
in  the  Bible."  My  method  never  led  me  to  announce  a  topic.  My 
method  is  to  so  project  the  heart  into  truth  when  uttered,  that  men 
will  feel  its  charm  and  power.  To  such  an  one  the  human  spirit 
turns  for  sympathy;  give  the  heart  what  it  craves  and  people  will 
seek  your  ministry.  The  masses  do  not  care  a  straw  for  the  solution 
of  theological  theories.  They  want  facts.  They  desire  to  know  if 
God  will  lend  His  aid  to  human  necessities  ?  Will  He  supplement 
human  infirmities  and  save  a  soul  clinging  to  Christ? 

A  young  man  called  at  the  office,  a  recent  convert  from  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church.     His  purpose  was  to  let  me  know  his 


AUT08I0QRAPSY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I53 

happiness  in  his  newly-found  hope.  This  gave  me  pleasure.  Then, 
Dr.  J.  J.  Lyons  one  of  my  purest  and  best  members  stepped  in  to  have 
me  visit  a  family  in  distress.  Next  I  went  to  the  home  of  one  of 
my  Stewards  whose  wife  was  dying  with  consumption.  Mrs.  Moore 
elicited  my  most  prayerful  interest.  She  was  an  Episcopalian,  and 
a  lovely  woman.  She  knew  little  of  the  joy  of  a  conscious  salvation. 
Some  time  ago  her  physician  notified  her  that  death  was  inevitable. 
It  frightened  her  so  deeply,  it  was  painful  to  hear  her  words  of 
alarm.  I  instructed  her,  beginning  at  the  simplest  elements  of  God's 
way  of  saving  a  soul.  One  of  my  last  visits  gave  me  holy  joy.  She 
had  surmounted  fear.  She  desired  to  hear  song  and  prayer.  Her 
soul  drank  in  these  with  relish!  This  last  interview  abides  in  my 
memory.  It  was  mingled  with  tears  and  triumph.  After  giving 
assurances  of  her  reliance  upon  Christ  and  her  anticipation  of 
Heaven,  her  face  was  lighted  with  a  celestial  glow  as  she  said  to  me, 
"  Brother  Mathews,  have  you  any  messages  to  send  to  Heaven  ?  " 
Kneeling  at  the  side  of  her  couch,  I  whispered  into  her  ear  words 
such  as  welled  up  in  a  father's  heart,  "  Tell  my  children  their  father 
is  on  the  way ;  tell  my  other  loved  ones  I  am  pressing  on !  "  Then 
drawing  my  face  close  to  hers,  with  a  hand  on  each  cheek,  she  said, 
"  May  God  Almighty  bless  your  dear  soul !  What  a  blessing  you 
have  been  to  me !  " 

On  January  6th,  attended  Sunday-School  as  usual.  At  n 
o'clock  service  two  children  were  to  be  baptized.  Mr.  John  Shansy 
came  to  us,  a  convert  from  the  Roman  Church,  then  his  sister  fol- 
lowed;  now  the  two  younger  ones  are  to  be  baptized  and  received 
into  our  communion. 

On  the  first  Sunday  of  the  New  Year,  my  morning  discourse 
was  based  upon  Job,  17,  9.  "  The  righteous  shall  hold  on  his  way, 
and  he  that  hath  clean  hands  shall  be  stronger  and  stronger."  The 
theme  was,  "  Moral  Growth."  My  first  sentence  was  this,  "  If  a 
lump  of  clay  can  be  organized  into  a  bird,  what  wonderful  metamor- 
phosis may  occur  on  any  line  God  may  choose !  "  The  mind  begins 
with  one  and  one  make  two,  then  passes  up  until  it  can  measure  the 
distance  of  the  sun.  What  an  immense  growth  must  follow  the 
proper  culture  of  the  moral  nature !  Perfect  knowledge  is  not  pos- 
sible to  us  ;  truths  are  only  half  visible  to  us.  The  forces  latent  in 
the  soul  of  a  child,  who  can  measure?  Who  then  can  explain  the 
capabilities  of  maturity?  Upon  these  general  principles  was  based 
a  forty-five-minutes'  discourse,  after  which,  the  communion  was 
administered  to  a  large  number  of  disciples,  among  them  many 
young  men. 

Dr.  Tudor,  my  predecessor,  and  now  pastor  in  St.  Louis,  wrote 
to  me  requesting  New  Orleans  Methodism  to  aid  in  erecting  a  monu- 
ment to  our  great  Bishop  Marvin's  memory.  At  the  regular  meet- 
ing of  the  Stewards  the  subject  was  presented  and  readily  adopted. 
Philip  Phillips  proposed  to  give  one  of  his  sacred  concerts.  Half  of 
the  receipts  to  go  to  the  monument,  he  to  receive  the  other  half.    A 


I54  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE.  * 

packed  house  greeted  him  and  he  sang  with  rare  sweetness.     A 
handsome  sum  was  raised. 

Here  is  one  of  a  number  of  unsigned  letters  received  during  a 
pastorate :  "  Dear  Sir :  Having  listened  attentively,  of  late,  to 
several  of  your  discourses,  and  having  admired  the  argumentative 
force  of  them,  I  request  not  only  for  myself,  but  at  the  suggestion  of 
others,  who  will  be  delighted  to  listen,  that  you  will  preach  on  the 
following  subjects:  'The  difference  between  Trinitarianism  and 
Unitarianism,  in  the  ordinary  acceptation  of  the  terms ;  and  also  in 
regard  to  their  real  interpretation.'  '  The  immaculate  conception.' 
'  The  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  or  are  they  ever  forgiven  ?  Does  not  every 
sin  carry  its  own  punishment  in  this  life?  '  (Signed)  An  attentive 
listener  and  a  seeker  after  truth?"  Most  of  these  are  problems 
with  which  metaphysical  minds  love  to  wrestle.  To  discuss  these 
would  interest  a  few,  while  the  many  care  but  little  about  them  and 
would  go  away  unfed.  Being  unwilling  to  be  side-tracked  from 
seeking  to  save  the  many,  I  never  responded  to  these  requests. 

Pouting  members  are  like  pouting  children,  difficult  to  manage. 
To  meet  these  and  all  other  moods  requires  more  than  Solomon's 
wisdom.  Some  days  I  am  appalled  at  the  number  to  be  pacified  and 
humored.  An  excellent  kind  of  a  member  called,  who  was  in  an  ill- 
humor,  and  requested  a  Church  certificate.  His  name  unintentionally 
was  omitted  from  a  printed  list  of  a  committee  to  attend  to  some 
special  work.  I  declined  as  gently  as  possible  to  give  him  a  certifi- 
cate ;  will  wait  until  he  cools  off.  Some  tell  the  pastor  to  let  such  go. 
Does  the  father  let  the  pouting  child  go?  Then  a  man  and  his  wife 
sent  in  their  resignation.  They  felt  insulted  by  a  speech  made  by  a 
Steward  concerning  the  support  of  the  Church.  These  were  touchy 
people.  Let  them  go?  Never!  They  may  be  of  small  advantage 
to  the  Church,  but  the  Church  may  be  "highly  advantageous  to  them. 

Being  urged  by  a  friend  to  visit  a  lady  on  Josephine  Street,  I 
called  and  found  she  was  an  acquaintance.  Two  years  ago,  though 
a  Roman  Catholic,  she  attended,  a  protracted  meeting  in  the  lecture- 
room.  To  my  surprise  to-day  she  informed  me  she  had  given  up 
Romanism,  and  had  embraced  the  Jewish  faith !  She  told  me  she 
now  worshiped  one  God,  that  she  spent  much  time  in  prayer,  and 
enjoyed  peace.  My  endeavor  was  to  show  her  that  her  present 
state  of  mind  was  a  rebound  from  Romanism.  She  elicited  my  deep 
concern  on  account  of  her  novel  action  and  views.  Her  husband  is 
in  affluence  and  goes  in  for  fun  and  high  living.  This  woman  in 
early  life  became  interestedln  the  welfare  of  her  soul,  and  desired  to 
join  the  Methodists,  but  her  friends  objected;  this  Church  was  not 
fashionable  enough.  She  joined  the  Episcopal  Church.  ^  Was  not 
happv..  Romanists  assured  her  rest  would  be  found  in  their  Church, 
but  she  never  found  the  peace  she  sought.  Now  the  revulsion  of 
feeling  has,  like  a  great  wave,  carried  her  to  the  other  extreme.  God 
pity  this  poor  wanderer,  looking  for  rest  in  means  instead  of  resting 
on  Christ ! 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.,  I>.  J>.  155 

On  the  28th  day  of  January,  1878,  as  per  announcement  from 
my  pulpit,  thirty  ladies  met  to  organize  the  first  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  Society.  Mrs.  Bishop  Keener  called  to  consult  about 
officers ;  she  had  the  matter  on  her  heart.  At  the  appointed  hour,  the 
pastor  called  the  meeting  to  order.  After  devotional  exercises,  Mrs. 
Judge  Merrick,  a  lady  of  large  ability,  acted  as  temporary  secretary. 
A  committee  was  appointed  to  nominate  permanent  officers.  The 
following  were  nominated  and  elected:  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Mathews, 
president;  Mrs.  Dunica,  Mrs.  Dr.  Moss,  Mrs.  Perry  Nugent,  and 
Mrs.  Judge  Merrick,  vice-presidents;  Mrs.  Varin,  secretary;  Miss 
Phala  Mathews,  corresponding  secretary,  and  Mrs.  R.  M.  Walmsley, 
treasurer.  It  was  decided  to  furnish  small  blank  books  to  members, 
that  the  name  of  any  person  might  be  entered  who  would  pay  ten 
cents  per  month,  and  collect  the  same.  Fifteen  ladies  took  books. 
Thus  the  society  was  launched  forth  and  became  quite  a  factor  in 
helping  the  cause  of  Christ  in  Mexico.  A  special  meeting  was  called 
for  Thursday  night  to  greet  the  recently  appointed  missionary  to 
Mexico,  Rev.  Mr.  Patterson.  On  Thursday  night  Bishop  Keener 
was  called  to  preside  temporarily,  then  Dr.  Linus  Parker  was  ap- 
pointed chairman.  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  conducted  devotional  exercises. 
Dr.  Patterson  was  introduced  and  spoke  briefly.  A  young  Mexican 
who  had  been  three  years  in  college  spoke  well.  Bishop  Keener 
then  gave  us  an  able  address,  bristling  with  sharp  points  and  many 
facts.  He  then  lifted  a  collection  of  four  hundred  and  sixty-five 
dollars.  Mr.  R.  M.  Walmsley,  in  his  quiet  way,  arose  and  proposed 
to  give  three  thousand  dollars  as  his  contribution  in  the  name  of  the 
Carondelet  Street  Sunday-School.  Bishop  Keener  stated,  "  This 
Mexican  Mission  had  its  origin  in  this  room.  A  few  years  ago 
while  delivering  an  address  at  a  Conference,  the  movement  was  sug- 
gested by  Mr.  R.  M.  Walmsley,  who  pledged  funds  enough  to  send 
the  Bishop  out  to  inaugurate  the  enterprise.  The  Missionary  Board 
was  too  slow  in  acting ;  it  had  not  grown  up  to  the  movement." 

Some  Churches  are  organized  to  death.  So  much  red  tape,  that 
life  is  quenched  out.  We  have  three  societies  under  the  control  of 
the  pastor  and  at  least  two  independent  ones.  We  have  "  The  Young 
Men's  Brotherhood,"  "The  Friends  of  the  Friendless,"  and  the 
"Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society."  We  have  a  finely  or- 
ganized Sunday-School;  and  six  Methodist  class-meetings.  Each 
societv  fills  a  niche  of  importance. 

The  daily  press  has  been  allowing  the  assailants  of  the  doctrine 
of  "  Eternal  Punishment "  to  air  their  views  in  extenso.  At  the 
morning  service  I  announced  that  in  the  evening  I  would  preach  on 
this  subject.  The  audience  was  immense.  The  text,  Matt.,  25  -.4.6. 
My  appeal  was  to  the  intellect.  Having  given  much  thought  to  the 
question,  I  was  fortified  with  arguments.  On  the  nature  of  punish- 
ment I  was  brief  ;  on  the  duration  I  lingered,  dwelling  at  some  length. 
I  took  up  the  two  words  over  which  the  battle  is  waged,  and  pre- 
sented the  views  of  the  ripest  scholars.    The  crowd,  and  the  subject, 


156 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


created  the  necessary  mental  action  which  enabled  me  to  present 
the  subject  clearly.  For  one  hour  and  a  half  I  handled  the  question 
in  a  way  to  do  the  most  good.  At  the  close  five  persons  joined  the 
Church.     They  would  escape  eternal  ruin. 

The  financial  depression  was  fearful.  Hundreds  were  out  of 
employment ;  and  how  the  many  managed  to  live,  is  a  marvel.  Two 
brothers  called,  of  German  descent  and  name.  They  were  out  of 
work.  Came  not'  for  money,  but  for  advice  and  encouragement. 
One  lost  his  job  yesterday.  His  boss  had  a  friend  and  dismissed 
this  young  man  to  make  a  place  for  this  friend.  I  inquired,  "  What 
salary  were  you  getting?  "  Judge  of  my  surprise  when  he  replied, 
"  One  dollar  and  a  half  a  week !  "  Supporting  himself  and  wife  on 
that  amount !  These  brothers  were  more  than  ordinarily  intelligent, 
and  were  active  workers  in  a  German  Church.  They  came  to  secure 
a  recommendation  for  a  place  on  the  police  force.  These  are  samples 
of  persons  coming  to  me  continually.  What  a  strain  on  one's  sym- 
pathies ! 

A  female  lecturer  on  temperance  sought  my  indorsement.  She 
was  a  stranger  to  me.  In  as  sweet  a  way  as  possible  for  me,  not 
being  a  master  in  palaver,  I  informed  her  of  the  general  prejudice, 
in  our  Southland,  to  woman  lecturers.  We  could  not  violate  con- 
victions and  tastes  of  generations ;  people  must  be  educated  out  of 
these  prejudices  and  it  takes  time.  Lord  Bacon  says,  "  Prejudices 
are  idols,  and  people  abandon  everything  else  before  their  idols." 
In  a  bland  way  I  informed  her  I  could  not  let  her  have  my  name 
indorsing  her  as  a  lecturer,  adding,  "  Madam,  you  may  be  all  any 
one  could  desire  in  character  and  qualification,  but  you  are  a  total 
stranger  to  me." 

A  rainy  day  was  spent  in  study.  Read  several  authorities  on 
the  distinction  between  soul  and  spirit.  Followed  these  _  words 
through  a  number  of  books;  spent  five  hours  in  the  investigation. 
Was  still  at  sea,  so  much  vagueness.  Soul  and  spirit  are  used  inter- 
changeably by  writers  and  speakers  so  often  that  one  can  hardly 
reach  a  clear  conception  of  the  distinction.  After  dinner,  at  4  p.  m., 
called  to  see  two  ladies  who  were  very  ill.  One  of  these,  a  Miss 
Clavier,  had  been  sick  for  weeks,  but  very  hopeful  over  her  spiritual 
state.  Had  an  interview  on  religious  things,  then  a  hymn  and  prayer. 
From  that  bedside,  I  passed  to  another,  to  see  a  Mrs.  Perkins  who 
was  sick  unto  death.  Sat  at  her  side  opening  up  promises,  strength- 
ening her  faith  in  Christ ;  then  prayed  with  and  for  her.  My  pur- 
pose was  to  reinforce  her  for  the  inevitable  event  of  death.  She  was 
clinging  to  her  Savior  with  an  unyielding  grasp ! 

It  has  been  my  custom  to  give  special  attention  to  those  who 
are  partiallv  deaf  and  blind.  We  had  several  members  thus  afflicted. 
Called  to  see  one  of  these  whom  I  found  unusually  despondent.  She 
told  me  that  very  few  spoke  to  her,  because  of  the  difficulty  of  com- 
municating with  one  under  these  infirmities.  She  rather  nursed 
the  feeling  that  she  was  deserted.     I  put  my  vocal  powers  into  full 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  D.  D.  157 

play,  and  in  a  clear,  full  voice,  enunciated  every  vowel.  She  under- 
stood me  as  I  plied  her  with  some  of  the  rich,  ripe  promises  of  our 
Holy  Book.  I  then  pressed  it  upon  her  to  send  up  mental  prayers 
for  blessing ;  and  told  her  that  she  ought  to  sing  a  good  deal.  Then 
turning  from  the  grave  things,  to  rid  her  of  glumness  I  sought  to 
set  her  laughing  by  asking,  "  Do  you  remember  any  of  the  love  songs 
of  your  girlhood  ?  "  "  Oh,  yes,"  she  answered,  as  a  smile  lighted  up 
her  wrinkled  face.  Then  I  added,  "  Sing  them  ;  call  up  old  memories 
that  are  sweet."  "  Are  they  not  sinful  ?  "  she  asked.  "  No,  no,"  I 
replied,  u  they  are  only  sentimental ;  and  harmless  things  may  be  used 
to  banish  gloomy  moods."  Then  I  pressed  her  to  go  out  into  the 
sunshine — get  a  sun  bath,  and  thus  take  in  freshness  by  absorption. 
After  religious  devotions  I  turned  my  steps  in  a  new  direction,  feel- 
ing I  had  warmed  one  old  heart  at  God's  fire ! 

New  Orleans  is  known  over  the  civilized  nation  for  her  spec- 
tacular shows.  "  Mardi  Gras  "  is  the  climax  of  her  festivities  for 
the  year.  On  these  occasions  the  city  is  crowded  with  visitors  from 
all  sections  of  our  nation,  and  from  across  the  seas.  A  very  large 
sum  of  money  is  expended  by  the  citizens  to  make  it  a  notable  day. 
The  morning  opened  beautifully,  and  the  people  poured  down 
towards  the  common  center,  Canal  Street,  and  soon  it  was  swarm- 
ing with  humanity.  Taking  our  children,  from  Mrs.  Emerson's 
gallery  Ave  obtained  a  very  fine  view  of  the  remarkable  procession. 
At  night  the  spectacle  was  even  more  impressive.  It  was  from 
heathen  mythology,  "  Ovid's  Metamorphosis."  We  examined  our 
classical  dictionary  before  dusk  and  were  prepared  to  understand 
the  meaning.  It  was  pleasing  to  the  eye  as  well  as  educative.  Torch- 
bearers  walked  each  side  of  the  many  floats.  Band  after  band  dis- 
coursed classical,  fancy  and  comical  music.  Yet,  to  a  thoughtful 
mind  Solomon's  line  occurs,   "  Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is  vanity !  " 

Rev.  George  Miiller,  the  man  of  wonderful  faith,  visited  New 
Orleans  in  the  interest  of  the  work  of  God.  Dr.  Palmer  declined  to 
give  him  the  use  of  his  church  in  which  to  give  an  account  of  his 
work.  Word  was  sent  him  that  Carondelet  Street  Church  was  at  his 
command.  Here  is  a  man  whose  fame  reaches  the  utmost  bounds  of 
Christian  civilization.  For  over  fifty  years  he  has  moved  amongst 
men,  handling  millions  of  money,  with  never  a  blot  on  his  name, 
and  securing  these  millions  without  asking  a  human  being  for  a 
cent ;  only  asking  God !  He  accepted  our  offer  and  at  night  the 
church  was  thronged  from  one  end  to  the  other  to  hear  him.  At 
his  request  the  introductory  services  were  conducted  by  me.  In  the 
story  of  his  life  work,  he  began  at  his  bovhood.  He  told  how  he 
was  led  step  by  step ;  then  how  God  tested  the  quality  of  his  faith. 
When  he  began  his  work  for  orphans,  he  prayed  thirty-four  davs 
for  money,  then  only  a  shilling  was  given.  His  appearance,  his 
mien,  and  his  spirit,  all  combine  to  impress  his  simple  but  marvelous 
story.  The  value  of  his  experience  lies  partly  in  this :  Just  now, 
prayer  has  been  assailed  by  men  claiming  erudition,  stressing  laws 


I58  PEEPS' INTO  LIFE. 

and  second  causes,  as  against  God's  interposition ;  it  is  something 
valuable  to  have  a  man  stand  before  the  world  and,  out  of  an  ex- 
perience of  forty-seven  years  of  practical  test,  assure  men  that  God 
has  never  failed  him !  The  incidents  given  by  him  were  thrilling. 
Such  an  experience  is  worth  hundreds  of  sermons,  giving  a  flat  and 
positive  contradiction  to  the  semi-infidelity  permeating  our  popular 
literature.  My  heart  throbbed  over  the  mighty  things  our  God 
wrought  through  him !  The  next  Sunday  I  told  my  people  that  on 
a  small  scale  my  experience  corroborated  Mr.  Miiller's  teaching.  I 
gave  the  people  instances  of  answers  to  my  prayers  in  my  humble 
sphere. 

Being  in  a  prayerful  mood,  I  urged  God  to  use  our  people  and 
Church  in  the  salvation  of  souls.  I  announced  meeting  for  Monday 
night.  The  indications  were  more  than  favorable.  Having  gone 
down  to  church  full  of  hope,  for  a  moment  or  two  discourage- 
ment affected  me  as  I  cast  my  eyes  over  the  audience  and 
found  hardly  half  the  number  present  usually  attending  our  mid- 
week prayer-meeting.  A  reaction  soon  took  place  and  faith 
mastered  fear.  I  opened  by  saying  we  had  at  least  as  many  present 
as  in  that  upper  room  on  the  day  of  Pentecost  when  that  company 
was  baptized  with  holy  fire.  We  had  a  great  visitation  at  the  close ; 
fourteen  penitents  and  five  conversions !  The  Divine  Presence  was 
manifest,  and  joy  overflowed  our  hearts.  Of  those  who  applied  for 
membership,  one  was  a  remarkable  case,  a  gentleman  about  forty- 
five  years  old,  whom  I  did  not  remember.  A  lady  stepped  up  to  the 
platform  and  said,  "  Do  you  not  remember  that  man?  "  "  No,"  was 
my  reply.  "  Why,  you  buried  his  wife  two  or  three  years  ago." 
Then  added,  "  I  have  heard  that  man  curse  God !  Oh,  he  was  so 
wicked.  But  here  he  is  to-night,  a  marvel  of  God's  boundless 
mercy !  "  The  following  night,  though  it  rained  so  as  to  affect  the 
attendance,  we  had  sixteen  penitents.  After  a  brief  sermon  on, 
"  Preparation  for  Eternity,"  the  response  to  my  call  was  prompt. 
There  was  a  depth  of  conviction  not  common  in  late  years ;  some 
crying  out  in  anguish  over  their  sins.  One  lady,  in  her  agony  over 
sin,  cried  aloud,  "  Oh,  I  have  been  such  a  sinner."  The  following 
morning  a  gentleman  called  who  had  been  a  member  of  another 
denomination  for  forty  years.  His  visit  was  in  the  interest  of  his 
soul.  With  streaming  eyes,  he  said,  "  What  must  I  do — must  I  go 
forward  to  be  prayed  for?  "  When  the  exercises  opened  at  night  we 
had  a  large  attendance.  After  a  short  talk,  many  responded  to  the 
invitation.  The  gentleman  who  called  in  the  morning  was  at  the 
altar.  After  the  benediction  had  been  pronounced  he  would  not 
leave,  and  cried  out  aloud.  A  number  gathered  about  him  to  sing 
and  pray.  After  earnest  intercession,  the  Holy  Spirit  fell  upon  him, 
as  a  flash  from  Heaven  and  fired  every  faculty  with  glorious  joy! 
The  next  night  an  increased  attendance.  After  an  exhortation  by  the 
pastor,  eighteen  came  to  the  altar.  The  heinousness  of  sin  had  been 
emphasized.     One  lady  was  so  deeply  moved  she  cried  out,  "  I  have 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  -J0I1X  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I59 

been  such  a  sinner."    My  reply  was,  "  Christ  is  such  a  great  Savior  !  " 
In  a  little  while  her  soul  grasped  the  promise  and  she  was  saved. 
On  Sunday  night  we  had  one  of  those  heavy  rains  which  flooded  the 
streets,  and  by  count  we  had  only  seventy  persons  present.    I  hardly 
knew   how  to   conduct   the   meeting,   finally   concluded   to   ask   for 
penitents  and  twenty-three  responded !     It  was  after  all,  a  high  day 
in  Zion !     We  continued  on  Monday'  night.     An  address  of  twenty 
minutes  was  closed  with  an  appeal  to  seek  salvation.    Twenty-seven 
made  the  effort  to  find  spiritual  life.     Many  heart-rending  interces- 
sions went  to  the  throne  of  mercy.     A  young  man  had  been  con- 
verted ;  to-night  his  mother  was  on  her  knees  at  the  altar.    He  knelt 
at  her  side  as  she  uttered  strong  cries  and  tears.  It  was  not  long  until 
the  fire  fell  and  consumed  her  sins.    Her  face  told  the  story  as  well 
as  her  lips.    Five  bright  conversions  to-night.    A  few  lingered  at  the 
place  of  prayer  to  continue  their  suit.     Some  returned  rejoicing, 
others   exhorting  their   friends.      The   next  afternoon  met   Bishop 
Keener  and  Dr.  L.  Parker  at  1 12  Camp  Street,  our  book-room.    They 
discussed  with  me  the  themes  necessary  to  be  preached  on  revival 
occasions.     I  held  the  necessity  of  stressing  "  last  things."     "  What 
do  you  mean  by  last  things,". said  the  Bishop.     I  replied,  "  Personal 
accountability  at  the  judgment  day ;  the  second  coming  of  our  Lord, 
eternal  punishment,"  and  these  themes  were  pressed  home  upon  the 
people  by  the  preachers  of  my  boyhood.     A  very  intelligent  gentle- 
man called  to  tell  me  of  his  condition.     He  professed  religion  years 
before.     Had  been  a  Church  member,  became  careless,  drifted  into 
Darwinianism  and  lost  his  faith,  and  almost  forgot  God.     He  came 
to  New  Orleans  and  found  his  way  to  our  church.    The  Holy  Spirit 
used  the  truth  as  a  search-light  through  his  soul.     He  said,  "  I  was 
taken  with  a  pain  in  my  heart.    Though  not  a  drinking  man,  when  I 
reached  home  I  felt  I  must  take  a  stimulant  to  relieve  me,  but  I 
suffered  on.    Going  to  church  again,  when  you  urged  penitents  to  go 
forward  Twent,  and  while  praying  and  trusting,  God  took  the  pain 
out  of  my  heart !  "    At  night,  we  opened  with  a  hymn  of  penitence. 
The  second  one  was  preceded  by  the  remark,  "  Let  us  now  sing  our 
prayers."    The  attendance  was  gratifying,  and  solemnity_ rested  upon 
every  face.    We  had  not  only  our  own  people,  but  Baptists,  Presby- 
terians, Episcopalians,  and  Roman  Catholics.     The  people  seemed 
deeply  moved  under  the  word  of  exhortation,  and  twenty-three  came 
to  the  altar  for  prayers.    The  last  person  to  approach  the  altar  was  a 
lady  born  and  reared  a  Roman  Catholic.     She  had  attended  every 
service.     To-night  she  gave  herself  fully  to  God,  laying  hold  on 
Christ  as  the  hope  set  before  her,  and  a  flood  of  joy  flowed  into  her 
soul.     A  gentleman  of  forty-five  years  was  much  engaged  in  his 
soul's  welfare.     Dr.  J.  J.  Lyons  directed  my  attention  to  him.     He 
had  not  attended  Church  for  twenty-three  years  until  recently.    Now 
the  memory  of  a  mother's  lessons  swept  through  his  mind,  and  there 
he  was.  pleading  with  his  mother's  God  for  mercy.     God  heard  his 
plea,  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  our  Lord  blotted  out  his  sins,  and' now 


!6o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

he  has  a  new  name  and  a  new  song!  To  see  his  face  and  hear  his 
words  of  joy,  made  the  scene  one  of  thrilling  interest.  Then  a  lady 
dressed  in  deep  mourning  attracted  my  attention.  When  I  ap- 
proached her  I  found  her  weeping  over  her  sins.  Her  prayer  was 
for  the  peace  that  passeth  knowledge.  Soon  she  found  what  she 
sought  and  could  sing, 

"  Amazing  grace,  how  sweet  the  sound, 
That  saved  a  wretch  like  me." 

She,  too,  was  a  Romanist.  Ere  the  service  closed  an  opportunity 
was  given  to  any  who  wished  to  become  members.  Nine  gave  their 
names. 

The  next  day  I  was  busy  as  a  bee  in  pastoral  work.  I  was 
requested  to  visit  a  little  girl  in  St.  Anna's  Home.  This  Christian 
child  was  loved  by  all  the  inmates,  and  the  lady  managers  had  a 
special  interest  in  this  orphan.  Her  example,  her  spirit,  her  entire 
demeanor  have  a  happy  influence  upon  all  around  her.  Christianity 
gives  even  a  child  moral  power.  As  I  was  returning,  information 
reached  me  that  old  Mrs.  Balmer,  who  joined  Felicity  Street  Church 
during  my  pastorate  there,  expressed  a  desire  to  see  me.  The  matron 
of  the  Home  accompanied  me.  Mrs.  Balmer  greeted  me  joyously, 
and  said,  "  There  are  so  many  deaths — sudden  deaths — in  the  Home, 
I  do  not  know  but  it  may  be  my  turn  next."  She  then  uttered  praises 
to  God  for  a  home  in  this  Asylum,  and  blessed  old  Dr.  Mercer  for 
founding  it ;  blessed  the  lady  managers  for  their  kindness,  and  God, 
for  his  love.  She  was  born  and  reared  in  Ireland,  a  Roman  Catholic, 
but  was  converted  years  ago.  She  then  asked,  "  Will  you  come  to 
see  me  when  I  am  dying  if  I  send  for  you  ?  "  "  Certainly,"  was  my 
reply.    Her  heart  was  right  with  God. 

At  night,  we  had  a  very  large  attendance.  No  formal  sermon 
was  needed,  only  a  talk  on  personal  salvation.  The  very  atmosphere 
seemed  spiritual  and  it  was  evident  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  was  in 
His  temple.  Twenty-four  presented  themselves  as  penitents.  They 
wrestled  with  God  in  prayer.  The  Kingdom  of  God  suffered  vio- 
lence ;  the  violence  of  faith.  Seven  persons  professed  to  be  con- 
verted. The  incessant  talking,  constant  singing,  going  from  house 
to  house,  receiving  visitors,  affected  me  to  weariness.  My  throat 
was  becoming  sore ;  but  the  idea  of  working  for  God  is,  to  one's 
spirit,  what  a  breath  of  fresh  air  is  to  a  tired  body.  After  a  mght  of 
restful  sleep,  was  up  and  got  an  early  start  to  meet  my  obligations. 
Having  learned  that  Rev.  Tiff  Foster,  our  young  pastor  of  Moreau 
Street  Church,  was  sick,  I  took  the  car  and  soon  found  him.  He  was 
convalescing,  had  had  a  light  attack  of  sickness.  We  had  a  delight- 
ful interview  on  the  object  a  minister  ought  to  have  in  view.  He  was 
a  fine  specimen  of  physical  manhood,  devoted  to  his  work  and  full 
of  promise.  At  night  held  my  usual  evangelistic  service.  Great  in- 
terest in  the  meeting  and  a  large  attendance.  Evidently  a  good  deal 
of  prayer  had  reached  the  ear  of  God.    After  a  brief  presentation  of 


AUTOBWUh'Al'HY  OF  HEY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  I).  26i 

the  necessities  of  the  soul,  twenty-seven  penitents  responded  to  the 
appeal.  Their  cries  for  mercy  were  touching !  God  descended  as 
of  yore,  and  eleven  were  converted.  One  brother,  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  took  the  names  and  therefore  we  had  accurate  reports. 
The  next  night,  utterly  weary,  as  1  rode  down  to  the  place  of  wor- 
ship, I  kept  repeating,  "  O  Lord,  this  is  Thy  work ;  if  anything  is 
done,  You  must  do  it.  I  can  not !  "  Found  a  house  filled  with  people, 
but  my  weariness  troubled  me.  My  talk  was,  to  me,  rather  tame,  and 
God  showed  me  his  work  could  move  forward  without  any  one 
special  instrument.  When  invited,  thirty-seven  penitents  pressed 
to  the  altar.  We  remained  in  this  place  of  power  longer  than  usual.  • 
The  seekers  were,  so  intent  on  securing  forgiveness,  praying  and 
weeping,  we  could  not  send  them  away.  Then  one  after  another 
arose  with  songs  on  their  lips ;  others  exhibited  tearful  joy.  Finally, 
when  it  was  requested  that  those  who  had  been  converted  would 
stand  up,  twenty-five  Jiad  found  Christ  in  the  pardon  of  their  sins. 
All  formality  vanished  as  a  common  joy  enlivened  all  hearts.  As  I 
retired  from  the  church,  I  noticed  a  gentleman  whose  face  was  very 
bright,  and  said,  "  You  did  not  go  to  the  altar  to-night."  "  No," 
said  he.  "  I  found  Christ  in  my  shop  to-day.  I  got  the  blessing 
there."  We  had  an  extraordinary  congregation  on  Sunday  night. 
Before  the  sermon  I  baptized  eleven  adults ;  then  received  forty  into 
the  church  by  ritual.  The  sight  was  inspiring  and  God's  people  were 
aglow.  These  receptions  protracted  the  services.  I  preached  on  the 
7th  verse  of  the  51st  Psalm.  My  subject  was,  "The  Cleansing 
Process."  It  would  have  been  better  to  have  given  a  fifteen  minutes' 
exhortation.  Hindsight  is  always  good,  but  foresight  is  needed !  In 
dismissing  the  people,  I  remarked,  if  any  wish  to  remain,  desiring 
salvation,  come  forward  while  the  congregation  is  retiring.  Twelve 
persons  forced  their  way  through  the  crowd  to  the  altar.  At  the 
morning  service  Bishop  Keener  had  whispered  in  my  ear,  "  Carry  on 
this  meeting  the  way  you  are  doing,"  alluding  to  the  fact  that  no 
outside  help  had  been  called  in  to  preach.  I  had  been  severely 
criticised  for  not  inviting  brothers  to  preach.  In  former  meetings 
I  had  brothers  to  preach,  and  they  preached  ably  but  not  on  themes 
to  convict  sinners.  Sometimes,  meetings  are  spoiled  by  able  men 
who  are  not  in  full  harmony  with  the  revival  spirit.  I  let  them 
criticise,  referring  my  motives  to  God.  My  jaded  body  and  over- 
taxed nerves  were  calling  for  rest.  Such  a  lull  is  like  an  oasis. 
Having  attended  to  the  demands  of  Monday  sluggishly,  early  in  the 
evening  met  the  Stewards.  They  rejoiced  over  the  work  of  grace 
going  on  amongst  us.  Closed  on  time  for  the  meeting.  The  pros- 
pect for  rain  diminished  the  attendance.  We  had  eleven  penitents  at 
the  altar,  and  three  conversions.  Tuesday  met  a  number  of  obliga- 
tions. At  night,  with  a  sore  throat  and  tired  body,  went  to  church. 
The  continual  strain  upon  body  and  mind  for  three  weeks  was  telling 
upon  me.  The  meeting  would  have  to  close  to-morrow  night,  or  ruin 
my  voice,  having  used  it  without  stint  for  so  many  years.    At  night 


162  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

the  congregation  large  and  attentive.  We  had  fourteen  forward  for 
prayers  and  seven  conversions.  How  earnestly  some  of  the  penitents 
pressed  their  pleas !  I  was  reminded  of  Martin  Luther's  state  of 
mind  under  conviction,  how  he  cried  out,  "  O  Master  Staupitz, 
Master  Staupitz !'  my  sins,  my  sins !  "  All  day  Wednesday  was  in  a 
mental  struggle  as  to  what  course  to  pursue,  close  or  continue  the 
meeting.  A  large  audience  greeted  me  at  night.  The  heat  affected 
not  only  the  pastor  but  the  people,  they  looked  jaded.  Still  we  had 
a  spirited  service.  Sixteen  manifested  a  desire  for  salvation.  My 
vitality  was  about  exhausted  and  this  condition  compelled  me  to  close 
the  meeting.  The  regrets  expressed  were  many.  We  ended  with 
joy,  with  our  flag  flying  in  the  breeze!  The  young  converts  were 
urged  to  attend  the  means  of  grace  that  they  might  grow  up  into 
Christ  their  living  head.    Praise  the  Lord ! 

The  Rev.  T.  DeWitt  Talmage,  D.  D.,  was  announced  to  preach 
in  New  Orleans  on  Sunday,  at  night  in  Dr.  Palmer's  church,  and  to 
lecture  at  Dr.  Markham's  Presbyterian  Church  on  Monday  night, 
for  the  benefit  of  their  Bethel  work.  Perhaps  no  minister  in  America 
has  been  more  severely  criticised,  and  yet  his  sermons  are  more 
generally  read  than  those  of  any  other  man  in  the  world ;  not  ex- 
cepting Spurgeon's.  His  discourses  leveled  the  masses.  While  not 
following  logical  processes  his  sermons  contained  much  information, 
and  were  orthodox  to  the  core.  Tens  of  thousands  read  them  with 
profit  and  the  good  he  accomplished  can  not  be  computed.  Crowds 
gathered  to  hear  him  wherever  he  preached  or  lectured.  Many 
ministers,  in  viewing  his  drawing-power,  were  tempted  to  discour- 
agement. My  theory  has  been  to  do  the  thing  we  can,  and  not  pre- 
sume to  fret  because  it  is  little.  His  visit  to  our  city  attracted  all 
classes.  On  Sunday  night  he  had  a  great  audience  in  Dr.  Palmer's 
church.  On  Monday  night  Dr.  Markham's  church  was  packed  to 
hear  his  lecture  on  "  The  Bright  Side  of  Things."  I  was  more  than 
entertained  by  his  illustrations,  incidents,  and  facts.  His  most  con- 
vulsing story  was  one  illustrating  "  touchy  "  people.  His  father  had 
an  old  gray  mare  which  he  could  not  sell  or  give  away.  He  and  his 
brother  had  to  groom  her.  She  allowed  no  one  near  her  with  a 
"  curry-comb."  They  got  a  long  pole,  tied  the  comb  to  it,  and  then 
approaching  as  near  as  possible  to  be  out  of  reach  of  her  heels,  would 
give  a  swipe,  and  she  would  give  a  kick ;  thus  they  wrought,  and 
thus  she  kicked !  There  sat  in  the  gallery  a  man  who  was  so  touchy 
one  could  hardly  say  anything  that  was  not  followed  by  a  kick.  He 
did  not  laugh  with  the  great  throng!  I  feared  to  look  toward  him! 
We  laughed  and  laughed  for  two  hours,  and  the  influence  of  that 
lecture  did  me  good  for  years. 

An  old  saint  of  my  acquaintance  was  ninety-three  years  old, 
and  a  member  of  the  Church  for  more  than  sixty  years.  This  dear 
old  soul  was  cultured,  tasteful  and  entertaining  to  the  last.  She  did 
not  have  a  relative  on  earth ;  hence  we  do  not  know  just  when  or 
where  she  was  converted,  but  the  evidence  of  its  genuineness  was 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  163 

seen  in  her  spirit.  In  early  womanhood  she  laid  her  young  heart 
with  its  purest  affections  upon  God's  altar.  As  years  grew  apace  her 
qualities  increased  in  beauty.  There  was  no  sourness  in  her  spirit, 
nothing  indicating  moroseness ;  as  her  sun  of  life  declined  she 
passed  into  a  beautiful  mellowness  that  won  all  hearts.  Christ  was 
her  strength  and  joy.  Why  did  her  Divine  Lord  spare  her  through 
three  generations?  There  was  a  purpose  in  it.  He  wanted  to 
show  how  He  could  sweeten  life  under  circumstances  of  great  trial. 
Her  departure  was  as  gentle  and  as  beautiful  as  an  autumn  sunset. 
Her  name  ?  Well,  it  was  Jennette  Barrow.  What  of  her  new  name  ? 
We  will  know  that  by  and  by ! 

I  called  at  the  home  of  a  recent  convert,  a  man  whose  con- 
version was  so  marked  by  Divine  power  it  was  the  subject  of  very 
deep  interest.  He,  was  a  saloon  keeper,  but  as  soon  as  converted  he 
abandoned  the  saloon.  Now  starvation  stared  him  and  his  family  in 
the  face.  The  difficulty  was  to  get  work  of  any  kind.  He  had 
rolled  sugar  hogsheads  on  the  levee,  as  a  day  laborer,  to  get  bread. 
So  far  he  had  held  out,  but  the  tempter  was  at  work  holding  open 
the  old  way  of  making  an  easy  living.  He  was  making  a  desperate 
fight.  My  whole  heart  went  out  in  sympathy  for  him.  In  his  efforts 
to  reform,  he  was  in  a  pitiable  condition.  He  had  gone  out  of  both 
sides.  He  had  been  obliged  to  forego  his  old  associates,  while  the 
people  toward  whom  he  was  coming  gave  him  little  or  no  sympathy 
— no  social  life  or  help.  He  was  viewed  with  suspicion.  This  man 
having  abandoned  the  evil,  was  in  more  danger  than  before  because 
he  was  friendless. 

A  Baptist  lady,  a  Mrs.  Angel,  sent  her  daughter  to  request  me 
to  visit  an  old  man  at  her  house,  who  is  very  ill.  I  reached  the 
residence,  to  find  a  man  over  seventy  years  of  age,  sick  in  body  and 
in  mind,  and  hungering  after  a  knowledge  of  Christ  as  a  personal 
Savior.  As  I  sat  at  his  bedside,  in  as  clear  a  manner  as  possible  I 
unfolded  the  part  Christ  takes  in  saving  a  sinner.  He  wept  freely 
and  begged  me  to  intercede  in  his  behalf.  After  singing  and  prayer, 
I  retired,  thanking  God  that  in  this  humble  home  was  found  a  true 
representative  of  our  Savior.  This  woman,  who  took  this  old  and 
friendless  man  to  her  home,  kept  a  cake  stand  on  Canal  Street.  She 
gave  him  a  place  in  her  home  that  he  might  die  in  quietness. 

A  Rev.  Mr.  Brown  was  sent  to*me  with  a  letter,  by  the  Chaplain 
of  the  Sailor's  Bethel.  His  story  touched  my  finest  sensibilities.  He 
was  reaching  after  God,  but  failed  to  find  Him,  for  the  reason  he 
failed  to  go  to  the  right  source.  He  was  sent  to  me  that  I  might  aid 
him  through  his  tangles  of  mind.  He  was  no  doubt  honest  in  his 
actions,  but  he  spent  much  time  studying  Church  history  and  tradi- 
tions, and  was  bewildered.  His  condition  of  almost  despair  grew 
out  of  a  wrong  point  of  view.  It  is  said,  "  In  the  Yosemite  Valley 
there  is  a  platform  of  rock  so  commanding  the  whole  prospect  that 
it  has  been  practically  called,  '  Inspiration  point.'  "  So  there  is  in 
Christianity  an  inspiration  point  from  which  one  may  see  clearly  the 


r64  PEEP8  fXTO  LIFE. 

way  to  God.  Christ  is  that  point.  This  man  wanted  what  John 
Bunyan  called,  "  Heart's  ease."  He  was  a  minister  in  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  a  missionary  in  Africa  for  eight  years.  He  was  carried 
from  his  moorings  by  the  Ritualistic  excitement  which,  like  a  storm, 
swept  over  the  Church  of  England.  In  his  search  after  soul-rest,  he 
was  assured  it  could  only  be  found  in  the  bosom  of  what  some 
termed  "  the  Holy  Mother  Church."  It  never  occurred  to  him  to 
listen  to  Christ  who  says,  "  Come  unto  Me  all  ye  that  are  weary  and 
heavy  laden  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  He  went  into  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  and  was  sent  over  to  be  trained  in  the  Romish 
Seminary  in  New  Orleans.  Instead  of  rest,  he  only  plunged  into 
darkness  deeper  and  thicker.  He  uttered  no  unkind  word  against  the 
Roman  Church.  It  was  his  soul  anguish  of  which  he  talked ;  he 
was  heart-broken  over  his  mistake.  After  a  lejigthy  interview  I 
urged  him  to  do  as  did  Luther:  seek  justification  by  faith  and  thus 
secure  peace  with  God.  He  left  my  office,  but  at  my  request  was  to 
return  at  3  130  p.  m.  On  his  return  he  brought  letters  from  different 
sections  and  various  persons.  His  personal  appearance  was  at- 
tractive ;  his  demeanor  modest  and  subdued.  In  further  interviews, 
he  said  he  had  but  one  acquaintance  in  the  State,  an  English  gentle- 
man, in  or  near  Donaldsonville.  If  he  could  get  to  his  friend,  he 
would  remain  there  until  he  could  write  to  England  and  reveal  his 
action.  In  this  interview  he  turned  over  to  me  his  black  gown,  as 
he  had  no  further  use  for  it.  I  gave  him  money  to  pay  for  his 
lodging  and  fare  to  Donaldsonville.  He  wrote  to  me  from  his 
friend's  home,  and  on  his  return  to  Europe.  Many  of  the  teachers  of 
religion,  instead  of  relieving  the  mind,  becloud  it  with  theories  and 
traditions.     I  believe  it  was  Cowper  who  wrote, 

"  Oh,  how  unlike  the  complex  works  of  man. 
Heaven's  easy,  artless,  unincumbered  plan ! 
Inscribed  above  the  portals  from  afar, 
Conspicuous  as  the  brightness  of  a  star, 
Legible  only  by  the  light  they  give. 
Stand  the  soul-quickening  words — '  Believe  and  Live.'  " 

In  New  Orleans,  for  a  number  of  years,  it  has  been  customary 
to  celebrate  the  anniversary  of  the  formation  of  the  Sunday-School 
Union.  Hon.  Wra.  H.  Foster  inaugurated  the  Union  and  acted  as 
president  until  this  year.  Judge  Foster  was  in  the  front  of  Sunday- 
School  workers,  and  the  Felicity  School,  under  his  superintendence, 
became  famous  throughout  the  Southern  connection.  The  com- 
mittee, under  the  guidance  of  the  new  president,  S.  K.  Russ,  invited 
Rev.  F.  R.  Hill,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  St.  Francis  Street  Church,  Mobile, 
Alabama,  and  Hon.  Professor  Goodale  of  Baton  Rouge,  to  deliver 
the  addresses.  This  year  the  anniversary  was  held  on  Easter  Sunday, 
and  it  was  made  an  occasion  of  interest  and  profit.  Fourteen  Sun- 
day-Schools were  represented.  The  audience  packed  the  church, 
and  the  exercises  by  the  children  were  deeply  interesting.     Dr.  Hill 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  j65 

gave  us  a  delightful  and  instructive  address.  He  opened  by  alluding 
to  the  fact  that  I  was  his  spiritual  father ;  that  when  he  was  a  boy 
thirteen  years  old  I  received  him  into  the  Church,  in  Spring  Hill, 
Tennessee.  Dr.  Hill's  clear  and  lucid  address  delighted  our  people. 
Professor  Goodale  was  equally  happy  in  his  speech.  Dr.  Linus 
Parker  said  it  was  at  least  equal  to  any  anniversary  held  in  the  past. 

Rev.  Green  Andrews,  D.  D.,  of  Mississippi,  being  in  the  city, 
I  hunted  him  up,  and  invited  him  to  fill  our  pulpit  on  Sunday.  He 
was  already  engaged  for  both  services.  He  was  solicitous  to  know 
if  I  would  accept  the  editorship  of  the  New  Orleans  Christian  Ad- 
vocate in  connection  with  the  Presiding  Eldership  of  the  District, 
in  case  Dr.  L.  Parker  was  elected  Bishop.  That  was  a  subject  I  had 
not  considered.  One  thing  I  was  sure  of,  I  had  no  taste  for  either 
position. 

Several  of  the  delegates  are  in  the  city,  on  their  way  to  attend 
the  session  of  the  General  Conference ;  among  them,  Dr.  Johnson 
of  Whitworth  Female  College,  at  Brookhaven.  Some  of  his  friends 
speak  of  him  for  Bishop ;  others  for  Book  Agent.  He  is  a  fine 
business  man  and  would  make  a  first-class  officer  at  the  head  of  our 
Publishing  House.  Rev.  C.  W.  Carter,  D.  D.,  worshiped  with  us 
on  Sunday ;  he  is  on  his  way  to  General  Conference.  A  great  deal 
of  gossip  amongst  the  delegates ;  not  much  amongst  our  people. 
Sometimes  I  get  heart-sick  over  the  gossip  about  who  are  candidates 
for  office.  No  doubt  great  injustice  is  done  certain  leading  men 
whose  friends  name  them  for  certain  offices  in  the  Church.  Of  one 
thing  I  am  sure,  I  stand  by  my  covenant  with  God,  made  at  the  sea- 
shore camp-meeting  a  few  years  ago,  "  If  You  will  give  me  souls, 
You  may  give  the  honors  to  others." 

In  visiting  a  young  lady  on  her  death-bed,  found  her  mind  all 
aglow  with  love  for  Christ.  There  she  lay  talking  sweetly  of  her 
Savior  and  the  prospect  of  Heaven.  It  was  as  the  talk  of  one  an- 
ticipating reaching  home.  The  Savior  does  wonders  for  any  soul 
reposing  on  His  promises.  One  can  learn  a  lesson  from  so  young  a 
person,  of  faith  and  the  sweep  of  that  faith.  She  became  a  Christian 
when  seven  years  old ;  is  now  seventeen. 

A  number  of  the  ladies  of  the  Church  requested  Brother  Wm. 
R.  Stewart  to  learn  from  me,  if  they  would  build  a  Carondelet  Street 
Church  tent  would  I  occupy  it  this  year?  This  I  declined  to  do, 
for  the  reason  that  this  will  be  the  last  year  of  my  pastorate  at 
Carondelet  Street  charge,  and  to  furnish  such  a  tent,  now  that  I  am 
liable  to  be  removed  from  the  city,  would  not  compensate  for  the 
outlay.  I  reminded  Brother  Stewart  that  I  helped  to  raise  the  first 
twelve  hundred  dollars,  and  also  raised  in  Felicity  Street  Church 
five  hundred  dollars  to  pay  for  the  grounds.  More  than  that,  I  had 
done  a  large  share  of  the  preaching,  besides  conducting  the  altar 
exercises ;  rarely  ever  out  of  the  altar  until  the  services  closed.  T 
had  paid  mv  own  expenses,  save  entertainment  on  the  ground,  and 
not   an    individual   had   proposed   to   accommodate   my   family.      I 


l66  FKEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

labored  so  excessively  one  year  I  was  taken  with  a  congestive  chill 
and  had  to  be  taken  back  to  the  city  and  did  not  recover  for  some 
weeks. 

I  know  not  what  other  term  to  employ,  than  to  call  Brother 
Frank  Parker  my  "  Lay  Deacon."  He  is  a  young  man  of  admirable 
qualities  and  spirit,  perfectly  adapted  to  the  work  assigned  him.  His 
part  is  to  look  after  our  young  men.  He  keeps  a  record  of  their 
names  and  residences.  On  Sunday  the  members  of  the  committees 
appointed  to  aid  him,  take  seats  in  different  parts  of  the  church, 
and  note  the  absentees.  After  the  sermon  they  meet  Brother  Parker 
and  report  their  names,  and  at  once  these  names  are  divided  out  and 
handed  to  another  committee ;  the  members  go  at  once  in  search  of 
those  absentees;  some  may  be  sick,  others  may  be  losing  interest. 
These  visitations  have  a  fine  effect. 

Mr.  Gardiner,  Superintendent  of  Dr.  Palmer's  Sunday-School, 
and  Mr.  Lyman,  of  the  Presbvterian  Church,  called. to  secure  my 
services  for  an  address  at  a  Sunday-School  Anniversary  of  Workers. 
Mr.  Gardiner  is  a  lively  man  and  spoke  of  his  young  son  appearing 
before  the  session  of  Dr.  Palmer's  Church  to  be  examined  for  mem- 
bership. The  lad  was  asked  by  the  pastor,  "  My  son,  where  did  you 
form  your  purpose  to  become  a  Christian?  "  He  promptly  replied, 
"  Listening  to  Brother  Mathews  in  Carondelet  Street  Church."  It 
gratified  me  to  know  that  I  had  won  this  lad  for  my  Savior. 

Rev.  Tiff  Foster,  of  Moreau  Street,  wrote  me,  requesting  me  to 
preach  for  his  people  a  certain  night.  He  wished  me  to  give  them 
a  formulated  discourse.  My  reply  was,  "  I  did  not  come  down  to 
preach  a  set  discourse,  let  me  give  them  the  Gospel  in  my  own  way." 
This  Church  is  in  the  French  part  of  the  citv  and  has  had  a  struggle 
for  years.  Standing  in  the  chancel,  I  took  this  statement  for  a  text, 
"  Nothing  is  too  hard  for  God."  At  the  close,  twenty-five  came 
forward  to  find  a  salvation  of  conscious  acceptance  with  God.  The 
Holy  Spirit  wrought  with  power.  A  sense  of  awe  rested  upon  the 
audience.  We  fell  upon  our  knees,  and  a  few  uttered  sentence 
prayers,  then  a  solemn  hymn  on  our  knees,  all  joining. 

George  W.  Cable  was  Superintendent  of  a  colored  Sunday- 
School.  I  accompanied  him,  on  one  or  two  occasions  to  address  the 
children.  I  liked  the  little  man  for  his  daring  to  superintend  a 
colored  Sunday-School  in  face  of  public  opinion.  He  was  elected 
president  of  "  The  Open  Air  Reunion  of  the  New  Orleans  Sunday- 
School  Association."  This  organization  had  an  "outing"  for 
personal  improvement.  Dr.  Hugh  Miller  Tompson,  of  Trinity  Epis- 
copal Church,  and  Mr.  Gardiner,  of  Dr.  Palmer's  Presbyterian 
Church,  delivered  addresses  in  the  forenoon.  Then  followed  a 
basket  dinner,  and  two  hours  for  social  intercourse.  After  which, 
Dr.  J.  B.  Walker,  of  Felicity  Street  Methodist  Church,  gave  a  fifteen- 
minutes'  talk  on  "Teachers  at  Work."  The  closing  address  was 
delivered  by  myself.    It  was  a  delightful  day,  one  of  pleasure  as  well 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ^j 

as  profit.    Mr.  Cable  presided  with  ease  and  grace,  and  gave  quite  a 
cheerful  tone  to  the  occasion. 

In  the  life  of  a  rosebush  there  is  a  season  for  growth ;  it  at  first 
shoots  right  up  and  is  very  brittle ;  then  comes  a  season  for  texture, 
for  strengthening  and  toughening.  So  in  the  life  of  a  convert,  there 
is  a  season  for  growth,  then  a  season  for  texture ;  seasons  for  toning 
up  and  giving  added  power  to  conversion,  that  the  subjects  may 
become  men  of  power.  We  have  a  large  number  of  young  men  who 
need  the  tonic  of  truths,  whose  convictions  must  prove  stronger  than 
public  opinions.  Public  sentiment  in  New  Orleans  is  very  strong 
in  favor  of  certain  doubtful  expedients.  The  German  Churches  have 
Sunday  picnics,  and  beer  drinking  on  Sunday,  dancing  and  the  like 
subverting  pleasures.  The  Episcopalians  had  a  mule  race  to  raise 
money  to  advance  her  interests! 

June  13th,  1878.  This  is  my  birthday:  Fifty-two  years  of  age. 
Only  yesterday  a  lad ;  to-day  far  on  life's  journey.  My  time  is 
shortening.  "  O  my  Divine  Redeemer,  aid  me  in  improving  the 
remaining  days  allotted  me!  "  This  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  my 
heart.  I  am  admonished  of  the  inevitable.  Eternity  stretches  far 
on  in  front  of  me.  The  end  of  my  journey  may  be  near.  If  I  only 
realize  the  cleansing  power  of  Jesus'  blood,  all  will  be  well.  Jesus, 
Savior  of  sinners,  take  my  case ;  plead  my  cause,  intercede  for  my 
poor  soul !  When  I  fix  my  attention  on  God's  holiness,  its  unsullied 
beauty,  and  then  turn  to  look  upon  my  inherited  nature,  and  my 
defects,  more  and  more  I  feel  the  need  of  the  great  Intercessor! 
Jesus  plead  my  cause !  Thank  God  for  the  hope  and  faith  possessing 
my  heart!  I  rest  on  God's  own  promise  in  Christ  Jesus.  That 
promise  and  that  Savior  are  all  in  all  to  me.  I  have  the  regret  that 
I  have  not  been  more  useful.  Now,  in  the  maturity  of  my  powers, 
with  a  growing  ideal  of  holiness  and  exact  justice,  I  see  how  far 
short  of  the  highest  holiness  and  usefulness  I  have  fallen.  I  have 
nothing  personal  to  plead ;  no  good  works,  no  holiness,  can  only  cry, 
"  I  wash  my  garments  white, 
In  the  blood  of  Calvary's  Lamb." 
I  have  fought  evil ;  have  left  no  evil  unrebuked ;  I  have  protested 
against  sin ;  have  sought  to  thrust  it  out,  and  have  learned  that  only 
the  Divine  One  can  cleanse.  O  Lamb  of  God,  I  put  myself  in  Your 
hands.  You  are  to  do  the  savings  I  the  trusting!  I  gave  my  heart 
to  Thee  in  childhood  ;  is  it  now  Thine?  God  has  brought  me  through 
many  strange  scenes.  In  many  a  battle  I  have  followed  my  great 
Captain.  I  have  had  fightings  without  and  fears  within,  but  have 
kept  the  flag  waving.  I  might  have  been  more  useful ;  my  only 
refuge  is  to  plunge  into  the  purple  flood !  I  have  neglected  temporal 
interests  to  advance  Thy  Kingdom  ;  my  life  has  been  given  to  others ; 
but  if  saved,  O  Lamb  of  God,  You  must  save  me !  I  stand  on  Your 
merits ! 

"  In  my  hand  no  price  I  bring, 
Simply  to  Thy  cross  I  cling." 


X68  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

One  morning  a  gentleman  called  to  show  me  a  letter  and  a  large 
printed  bill,  publishing  one  Hays,  as  recommended  by  me.  It 
seemed,  from  the  story  given  me,  this  man  Hays  had  obtained  some 
patent  medicine  from  a  New  York  man  for  which  he  failed  to  pay. 
The  amoun]:  was  seven  dollars  and  sixty  cents.  The  threat  was  to 
force  me  to  pay  the  bill,  assuring  me  he  would  put  up  these  posters 
in  all  the  hotels,  with  my  name  in  full  as  recommending  him.  I  have 
been  too  often  called  upon  for  recommendations  to  be  caught  by  these 
impostors.  I  found  Hays'  name  on  the  Church  register,  but  had  no 
acquaintance  with  him,  he  having  left  before  I  became  pastor.  I 
simply  wrote,  stating  he  had  been  a  member  of  the  Church.  I  told 
this  agent  of  the  blackmailer  to  put  up  these  posters  ,on  every  lamp- 
post in  the  city  if  he  so  desired.    The  game  did  not  work. 

A  gentleman  called  to  interview  me  on  the  subject  of  going  to 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  as  a  pastor.  Three  years  ago,  a  Mr. 
Little,  on  business  in  New  Orleans,  proposed  the  same  thing ;  would 
insure  me  a  salary  of  four  thousand  dollars,  and  a  beautiful  parson- 
age, well  furnished.  My  answer  was  explicit :  "  I  can  not  change 
my  Church  relations."  Now  Brother  Bodely,  just  back  from  Wheel- 
ing, renewed  the  proposition,  as  my  term  at  Carondelet  Street 
Church  would  expire  in  December.  The  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  holds  a  camp-meeting  in  August  at  Moundsville ;  this  gen- 
tleman proposed  to  pay  me  one  hundred  dollars  for  expenses,  that 
the  officials  might  hear  me,  and  I  get  a  view  of  the  city  and  church. 
I  assured  him  I  would  be  more  than  pleased  to  attend  the  camp- 
meeting,  but  I  could  not  accept,  as  it  would  be  getting  money  under 
false  pretenses,  as  I  could  not  entertain  the  thought  of  changing 
Church  relations. 

For  five  or  six  weeks  rumors  had  been  thick  as  to  the  presence 
of  yellow  fever  in  the  city ;  the  truth  was,  we  had  had  more  or  less 
of  it  for  several  summers.  It  seemed  this  season  the  quarantine 
officials  had  not  been  as  vigilant  as  usual  and  there  was  some 
excitement.  Two  lads  called  at  my  office,  sent  by  Mrs.  Wilson, 
wife  of  the  Baptist  minister,  pastor  of  the  Coliseum  Place  Church. 
Dr.  Wilson  had  not  been  long  in  the  city,  and  was  alarmed  over  the 
presence  of  yellow  fever.  These  lads  came  to  request  me  to  visit 
a  gentleman  dying  of  the  fever.  He  was  a  member  of  Dr.  Wilson's 
Church.  I  promised  to  go,  though  had  never  myself  had  the  fever. 
On  my  way  I  called  on  Dr.  Linus  Parker,  who  disapproved  of  my 
going ;  thought  the  risk  too  great.  I  rode  up  and  called  at  the 
residence  of  Dr.  Wilson,  found  his  wife  at  home  and  very  much 
alarmed.  She  told  me  her  husband  did  not  know  she  had  sent  for 
me.  He  had  visited  the  patient,  and  said  it  was  unnecessary  for  me 
to  go.  In  this  neighborhood  several  cases  had  occurred.  Within  a 
day  or  two.  Dr.  J.  J.  Lyons,  one  of  my  Stewards,  called  and  informed 
me  the  fever  was  spreading ;  that  it  was  getting  beyond  the  control 
of  the  Board  of  Health.  Then  he  added :  "  If  you  are  going  to  send 
your  son  Willie  back  to  school  in  Tennessee,  get  him  away  at  once, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  J<>ll\    MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ^y 

as  to-morrow  the  fever  will  be  declared  epidemic."  1  hastened  up 
home  to  have  Willie  go  down  town  with  me  to  purchase  his  outfit. 
Dr.  Holt  was  on  the  car,  and  urged  me  to  get  him  out  of  town  at 
once.  While  down  town  found  the  people  greatly  excited.  Met  my 
family  physician,  who  urged  me  to  send  my  family  away.  After 
making  all  necessary  preparations,  accompanied  my  son  to  the 
Mobile  depot,  to  hasten  him  out  of  the  city.  I  found  several  of  my 
members  who  were  leaving,  several  of  our  prominent  members. 
Some  of  them  in  their  excitement  did  not  forget  the  pastor.  Mr. 
Perry  Nugent  gave  me  his  check  for  fifty  dollars.  Mr.  R.  M. 
Walmsley  assured  me  he  would  write  back  Slid  have  arrangements 
made,  so  that  I  could  draw  money  from  his  firm  to  live  upon  during 
the  epidemic.  I  proposed  to  my  wife  that  she  take  the  four  children 
and  go  up  the  country  for  safety.  She  absolutely  refused  to  go  and 
leave  me  here.  I  assured  her  in  these  words :  "  I  am  here  provi- 
dentially. It  is  His  work  in  which  I  am  engaged,  and  if  I  knew 
I  would  die  here  I  would  remain."  From  that  day  on  for  weeks,  I 
was  on  the  go,  attending  the  sick  and  burying  the  dead.  I  moved 
with  fleetness  of  foot ;  even  then  the  demands  could  not  be  met. 
Some  days  I  was  so  jaded  that  the  sense  of  fellowship  with  Christ 
had  vanished,  but  faith  was  mightier  than  feeling. 

August  ist.  The  fever  still  spreading,  and  I  am  kept  busy. 
Everywhere  I  go,  and  every  one  I  meet,  it  is  the  one  topic  of  conver- 
sation. The  Presiding  Elder,  who  is  an  immune,  urged  me  to  stay 
indoors.  How  could  I,  when  the  cry  came  from  all  quarters,  "  Call 
and  pray  for  us !  "  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  the  fever  breaks  out  at  a 
house  on  a  street,  it  goes  to  the  next,  and  on  to  the  next,  for  blocks, 
then  crosses  over  and  goes  down  the  other  side  of  the  street.  When 
the  plague  struck  St.  Charles  Avenue,  slowly  it  crept  on  until  it 
struck  the  family  next  door  to  us ;  we  expected  it,  but  to  our  sur- 
prise and  joy  it  skipped  our  house  and  struck  the  house  on  the  other 
side.  We  felt  safe  for  the  time  being.  The  city  authorities  were 
busy  trying  to  stamp  out  the  plague ;  yet  it  continued  to  spread. 
Yesterday  policemen  were  busy  on  our  street  pouring  carbolic  acid 
around  the  houses.  They  entered  our  yard  and  poured  the  acid 
everywhere.  We  carried  on  our  Church  work  as  if  there  were  no 
epidemic.  Held  our  Quarterly  Conference,  preaching  services,  and 
Love  Feast,  having  large  attendances  at  these  meetings.  A  request 
came,  not  to  allow  the  janitor  to  ring  the  church  bell,  as  it  disturbed 
the  sick.  The  fever  seems  to  shatter  the  nerves  so  that  everything 
startles.  It  is  remarkable  how  God  has  kept  my  family  group  in 
quietness  of  mind.  The  word  tranquillity  characterized  our  state. 
All  who  dropped  in  to  see  us,  all  I  visited,  and  every  one  I  met  had 
but  one  subject — "the  fever."  The  disease  was  still  spreading; 
new  cases  all  around — up  town,  clown  town,  in  the  center,  and  on 
cross  streets ;  still  there  were  sections  and  streets  almost  without  a 
case.  But  when  one  thinks  of  the  weeks  it  had  to  run,  through 
August,   September,   October,   and  possibly  November,   it    was  ap- 


170 


PEEPS  IXTO  LIFE. 


palling  to  some  minds ;  but  God  kept  us  in  a  sweet  repose  on  His 
bosom. 

A  colored  woman  called  to  have  me  visit  a  young  woman  dying 
with  the  plague.  It  was  a  long  distance  out.  Found  her  sinking, 
and  sought  to  help  her  as  she  passed  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death.  She  was  full  of  hope,  trusting  in  Christ.  On 
reaching  the  house  I  found  a  broken-hearted  father  whose  only 
daughter  died  of  fever,  wanting  me  to  attend  the  funeral ;  his  pastor 
was  sick.  Of  course  I  promised.  The  sexton  came  up  to  inform  me 
of  the  death  of  a  member,  Mr.  Cellos.  A  Mr.  Black's  three  daugh- 
ters all  stricken,  and  death  claimed  them.  And  to  human  eye  the 
disease  is  only  getting  full  headway.  On  Sunday  preached,  and  had 
one  accession.  At  the  close  a  Steward  stepped  up  to  inform  me  of 
the  death  of  Miss  Kate  Ober.  She  died  that  morning;  it  was  un- 
expected, as  all  reports  had  represented  her  as  doing  well.  She  was 
a  lovely  character.  This  Steward  informed  me  that  my  personal 
friend,  Dr.  Hale,  of  St.  Charles  Avenue  Church,  was  down  with  the 
dread  disease.  The  other  evening  I  visited  him  and  his  pastor,  Dr. 
Hannon.  Dr.  Hale  doubted  the  presence  of  yellow  fever  in  the 
city.  I  left  at  9  p.  m.  At  twelve  that  night  he  was  stricken.  In  a 
day  or  two  "Jerry  "  Parker  passed  our  house  early  and  informed  us 
that  Brother  Hannon  was  taken  with  the  fever  that  morning,  at 
3  o'clock.  Two  physicians  in  consultation  about  his  case.  Buried 
Miss  Ober  in  the  morning,  and  at  5  p.  m.,  buried  a  Miss  White ; 
in  the  interval  visited  Brother  Southern,  who  had  the  fever.  Reach- 
ing home,  I  found  Brother  Mullan ;  he  had  called  to  have  me  visit 
a  Miss  Hansel  who  was  dying.  The  father  was  greatly  excited  and 
desired  some  one  to  talk  with  her.  They  were  Episcopalians.  In 
the  morning,  went  up  town  to  call  on  Drs.  Hale  and  Hannon.  The 
physician,  Dr.  Holt,  urged  me  not  to  go  in,  as  I  might  take  on  a 
fresh  dose  of  the  poison.  Then  I  went  down  to  church  to  meet  my 
class.  We  had  a  meeting  of  interest.  Sister  Mortimer  talked  as 
one  on  the  mount  with  Christ.  As  I  was  undressing  to  retire  for  the 
night,  the  door-bell  rang.  A  lady  called  to  request  me  to  go  far  up 
town  to  see  that  eminent  educator  and  saint,  Mrs.  Page,  thought  to 
be  dying.  I  hurriedly  dressed  ;  when  I  arrived  I  found  she  had  fallen 
asleep.  She  was  a  member  of  Felicity  Street  Church,  with  a  history 
so  sad  words  fail  to  describe  it.  She  lost  her  husband  and  children 
in  the  burning  of  a  steamer  on  the  Mississippi  some  years  ago.  The 
next  morning  I  was  at  her  bedside  and  heard  her  words  of  triumph. 
How  her  face  lighted  up  when  I  told  her  the  dear  ones  were  await- 
ing her  coming! 

August  14th.  The  evening  paper  gave  the  new  cases  for 
twenty-four  hours  ending  at  12  m.,  as  134;  deaths  20.  The  plague 
was  now  touching  every  section  of  the  city.  At  our  mid-week 
prayer-meeting;  the  interest  was  deep.  The  talk  was  on  the  way  to 
reach  God.  Three  persons  joined  the  Church.  This  week,  opposite 
three  names  on  our  Church  Register,  that  significant  word  is  written 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHX  MATHEWS,  D.  I). 


171 


— dead.  At  the  close  of  our  meeting,  requests  for  prayers  and 
calls  came  pouring  in.  Early  next  morning  I  was  away  to  baptize 
two  children ;  the  mother  had  the  fever,  and  the  father  was  almost 
wild  with  grief.  Dr.  Logan  came  in  to  see  the  family,  and  said  in 
a  jocular  manner,  "  I  am  glad  you  are  putting  off  taking  the  fever; 
the  longer  you  wait  the  better  it  will  be."  This  was  irony.  On 
Sunday  morning  our  school  numbered  sixty-three,  all  told.  The 
mortality  amongst  children  and  youths  was  very  heavy.  The  con- 
gregation at  the  morning  service  smaller  than  usual,  though  several 
churches  were  closed.  Dr.  Palmer  was  away  on  vacation,  but 
returned  as  soon  as  he  learned  the  fever  was  epidemic.  All  our 
ministers  were  at  their  posts ;  two  or  three  of  our  German  ministers 
were  down  with  the  disease.  At  night,  notwithstanding  the  startling 
number  of  new  cases,  our  congregation  was  large.  Had  to  lower 
my  voice  and  close  the  side  window  of  the  church,  as  the  sick  were 
startled  at  the  sound  of  a  voice.  There  were  forty-seven  deaths 
yesterday.  Next  day  I  found  time  to  write  a  hurried  letter  to  Wm. 
R.  Stewart,  in  answer  to  one  of  sympathy.  Then  met  my  class ; 
only  eight  present,  but  we  had  an  hour  of  consolation.  Took  the 
street  car  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Rev.  W.  D.  Jones,  a  local  minister 
of  the  Northern  Methodist  Church,  a  member  of  Ames  Church. 
The  pastor  of  his  Church,  Dr.  McCarty,  left  the  city.  Dr.  Hartzell, 
editor  of  their  paper,  also  left,  and  the  paper  was  in  charge  of  this 
Brother  Jones.  This  was  a  sad  case.  He  had  secured  a  house  and 
was  preparing  to  receive  his  wife  and  child,  whom  he  had  not  seen 
for  a  long  time.  Just  before  he  breathed  his  last,  he  exclaimed : 
"  Yes,  he  knows  his  papa  ;  yes,  he  knows  his  papa !  Let  him  come !  " 
Then  added,  "  She  is  coming ;  she  is  coming  on  the  Governor 
Allen!"  (the  steamboat),  alluding  to  his  wife.  Four  whites  and 
three  colored  persons  stood  to  hear  the  service.  He  had  a  friend 
from  Jackson,  Mississippi,  who  attended  to  his  funeral.  This  gen- 
tleman was  taken  suddenly  ill  and  had  to  leave  the  cemetery  before 
the  service  ended.  Had  two  other  funerals  that  day.  There  was 
intense  excitement  ^amongst  the  old  citizens,  because  of  so  many 
"  Creoles  "  dying — -persons  considered  exempt.  I  was  wakened  the 
next  morning  at  4  o'clock,  by  my  wife  exclaiming,  "  The  door-bell 
is  ringing !  "  I  looked  out  and  saw  a  carriage  at  the  door ;  found 
my  family  physician ;  with  a  voice  choking  with  emotion,  he  said : 
"My  son,  the  Major  (thirty-seven  years  old),  has  just  died!" 
Poor  Dr.  Austin  asked  me  to  telegraph  to  his  mother,  at  Ocean 
Springs,  the  fact.  At  5  p.  m.,  while  services  were  being  held  over 
Major  Austin,  a  woman  entered  hurriedly,  wanting  me  to  go  and 
see  a  woman  dying  of  the  fever.  She  excitedly  interrupted  the  ser- 
vice at  the  church. 

We  were  having  intense  heat,  and  this  incessant  going  in  the 
hot  sun  was  very  trying,  but  grace  sustained.  Was  called  far  down 
town  to  see  a  dying  man.  Found  Dr.  Beech  there,  one  of  my  mem- 
bers, who  requested  me  to  call  and  see  his  son,  Horace,  who  was 


172 


PEEPS   INTO  LIFE. 


convalescing.     At  the  instance  of  an  unusually  tender  mother,   I 
visited  her  son — dying.      She   wished  me  to  administer   the   com- 
munion to  him,  though  so  far  gone  that  he  could  not  hear  or  speak, 
and  his  mind  clouded.    I  did  not  think  he  could  even  open  his  mouth. 
In  many  minds  there  is  a  latent  idea  that  there  is  in  the  bread  and 
wine  a  "divine  grace  imparted.     After  leaving  this  house  of  sorrow 
I  stopped  at  the  residence  of  a  German,  where  I  was  given  a  glass 
of  ice-water.     Oh,  how  it  refreshed  my  parched  mouth!     After  5 
p.  m.,  walked  out  to  see  Judge  Cooley,  my  neighbor,  whose  wife 
died  yesterday  of  fever.     At  night,  a  messenger  arrived,  informing 
me  of  the  death  of  a   Mr.  Reed,  whose  mother  belonged  to  my 
Church ;  wanted  me  to  raise  money  for  funeral  expenses.     I  said, 
"  My  dear  sir,  where  will  I  go  to  get  money  ?     Start  out  at  this 
time  of  night  to  raise  money  for  a  funeral !  "     I  added.    "  You  are 
working  with  the  Howard  Association,  the  members  of  which  ride 
around  in  cabs,  at  seven  dollars  a  day.    The  Sisters  of  Charity  ride 
on  the  street  cars  free,  and  I  go  all  over  the  city  paying  my  own 
way,  until  some  days  my  car  fare  amounts  to  as  much  as  my  mar- 
keting; then  go  sometimes  staggering  through  the  hot  sun  to  see 
the  sick  and  poor,  not  a  penny  put  into  my  hands  to  relieve  the 
needy!  "    This  man,  one  of  some  prominence,  left  my  house  some- 
what riled  at  my  talk.     I  was  indignant  at  his  asking  me  to  raise 
funds  when  I  hardly  had  time  to  eat  or  sleep !    This  man  had  hardly 
gone  a  block  when  another  rang  the  bell,  and  requested  me  to  go 
down  town  and  visit  a  young  man  dying  of  the  fever.     I  accompa- 
nied him.     The  young  man  had  been  in  the  city  only  six  weeks ; 
was  at  my  church  every  Sunday.     He  spoke  of  a  remark  I  made 
last  Sunday  night :    "  There  are  some  in  the  cemetery  to-night  who 
were  here  last  Sundav  night,  and  some  here  to-night  who  will  be 
in  the  cemetery  next  Sunday  night."     He  spoke  of  this  statement 
at  his  boarding-house. 

In  the  morning,  before  I  had  made  my  toilet,  a  lady  called  to 
have  me  visit  an  elderly  woman.  This  lady  had  hardly  gone  before 
another  called ;  then  a  gentleman  called,  proposing  to  take  any  poor 
person,  and  cure  the  fever.  He  and  his  partner  were  here  to  cure 
persons ;  they  were  risking  their  lives  on  their  faith  in  their  medi- 
cine. While  interviewing  "this  gentleman,  a  runner  appeared  to  have 
me  visit  a  Mr.  Todd,  said  to  be  dying.  The  heat  intense,  but  how 
could  I,  a  representative  of  the  Master,  decline  to  administer  comfort 
to  one  on  the  verge  of  eternity?  Walked  back,  called  on  a  Brother 
Mattox;  then  onto  Johnson  Armstrong's.  In  the  afternoon,  late, 
attended  the  'funeral  of  Mr.  Reed.  On  my  way  back  called  on  Dr. 
Beech's  son.  He  was  improving.  Went  up  town  and  visited  Rev. 
lohn  Hannon,  pastor. of  St.  Charles  Avenue  Church,  and  Dr.  Hale; 
they  were  rapidlv  recovering  from  the  fever.  On  returning  home, 
found  a  caller,  who  desired'me  to  attend  his  brother's  funeral  at  8 
a.  m.  to-morrow.  This  brother  seemed  heart-broken,  as  the  deceased 
had  onlv  been  in  the  citv  six  weeks ;  was  at  my  church  last  Sunday 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  Of  REV.  JO  IIS  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


*73 


night.  This  day's  work  will  furnish  an  idea  of  the  demands  upon 
me.  I  am  dwelling  amongst  the  dying  and  the  dead.  I  brace  up 
by  prayers  and  am  resting  on  the  promises  of  God. 

On  Sunday  morning,  August  25th,  with  grateful  hearts  my 
little  family  gathered  at  the  family  altar  and  worshiped  God  out 
of  full  hearts.  On  my  way  down  to  Sunday-School,  stopped  to 
visit  a  sick  man.  At  Sunday-School,  officers,  teachers,  and  scholars, 
fifty-nine  present.  At  11  a.  m.,  congregation  small.  Three  joined 
the  Church.  At  night  a  large  audience,  as  ours  was  the  only  Protest- 
ant church  open  down  town.  Some  were  of  the  opinion  that  our 
church  ought  to  be  closed.  Not  so.  I  said  in  the  pulpit,  "  If  I  am 
stricken  down,  keep  the  old  ship  going!  Some  poor  sinner  may 
find  salvation !  "  On  Monday  several  of  our  preachers  met  at  our 
depository.  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker  was  over  from  his  place  at  Ocean 
Springs.  He  wanted  to  know  what  I  was  doing  in  the  way  of 
preventives.  I  replied,  "  We  wear  Holman's  Liver  Pads,  so  highly 
recommended."  Dr.  Walker  and  family  had  the  fever  years  ago. 
So  had  Dr.  Linus  Parker  and  family,  and  Bishop  Keener  and 
family.  Brother  Ivy  had  had  it ;  so,  also,  the  Rev.  Lewis  A.  Reed. 
Rev.  S.  H.  Werlien  was  raised  in  the  city.  Brother  Beard,  of 
Algiers,  Tiff  Foster,  of  Moreau  Street,  and  myself,  were  yet  to 
have  the  disease.  On  another  day  Johnson  Armstrong  proposed 
to  accompany  me  to  call  on  the  Secretary  of  the  Howard  Association 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  a  small  amount  of  money  that  I  might 
relieve  some  of  the  cases  of  great  destitution  I  found  in  my  work. 
Mr.  Southmayed  gave  me  a  hearing  for  a  few  moments,  but  without 
waiting  to  hear  me  through,  sharply  said :  "  If  anybody  needs,  it  is 
published  where  to  go.  If  I  make  an  exception  in  your  case,  will 
have  to  do  so  in  all."  This  Association  aided  the  sick.  -What  I 
wanted  was  a  small  sum  of  money  to  use  to  aid  worthy  hungry 
persons  who  had  not  the  fever,  but  were  rendered  helpless  by  the 
fever,  and  out  of  employment.  This  Association  was  receiving 
multiplied  thousands  to  aid  sufferers  by  the  pestilence.  Quite  a 
number  of  the  men  running  the  Howard  Association  were  relatively 
obscure  men.  They  were  not  accustomed  to  managing  charities  on 
a  large  scale.  The  organization  had  done  and  was  doing  a  vast 
amount  of  good,  but  their  supplies  were  wonderful.  Cabs  and  hacks 
were  employed  at  five  and  seven  dollars  a  day  to  carrv  the  agents 
to  and  fro.  I  had  to  take  four  and  five  lines  of  cars  some  days  to 
respond  to  the  calls,  and  during  four  weeks  I  received  fifteen  dol- 
lars.   Of  course  I  could  do  but  little. 

Received  a  letter  from  Bishop  Keener,  full  of  sympathy,  caution 
and  wise  suggestions.  His  sympathy  was  refreshing,  and  I  felt 
grateful  for  it.  Late  in  the  afternoon,  attended  a  funeral  of  a  young 
man  whose  family  showed  great  excitement.  And  when  the  coffin 
was  being  closed  one  brother  cried  out  against  the  act  of  the  under- 
taker, who  was  complying  with  the  law.  We  had  quite  a  scene. 
On  our  way  we  passed  several   funerals ;  the  street  lamps  were 


j74  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

lighted  and  we  could  see  friends  carrying  coffins  out  of  houses. 
One  evening  as  we  were  returning  from  the  cemetery,  our  hack  was 
stopped,  as  a  funeral  procession  was  passing  out  to  bury  a  dead  man, 
and  the  inquiry  was  :  "  Is  Rev.  Mathews  here  ?  "  I  responded,  and 
was  requested  to  alight,  get  into  another  hack,  and  return  to  the 
cemetery,  which  I  did,  and  read  the  service  at  the  tomb.  Early  in 
the  morning,  before  I  was  dressed,  a  gentleman  called  to  request  me 
to  attend  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Hodge,  the  wife  of  a  popular  steam- 
boat captain.  This  family  were  great  friends  of  mine ;  the  Captain 
was  down  with  the  fever.  The  carriage  stopped  a  block  away,  and 
the  coffin  of  Mrs.  Hodge  was  carried  down  the  back  stairs  and  out 
into  the  back  alley,  lest  the  Captain  might  hear  the  noise  and  have 
his  suspicions  aroused.  For  the  past  twenty-four  hours  two  hundred 
and  twenty-five  new  cases  were  reported.  Notwithstanding  the 
fearful  inroads  of  the  disease,  and  witnessing  the  dying  of  many, 
and  the  funerals  attended,  and  hearing  nothing  but  the  subject  of  the 
pestilence  discussed,  I  was  grateful  for  the  quiet  repose  of  my  mind, 
being  kept  by  Divine  sustainments.  A  harrowing  death  was  that  of 
a  woman,  a  stranger.  As  I  returned  from  visiting  a  family  of  three, 
down  with  the  plague,  some  one  pointed  across  the  street,  where 
stood  the  undertaker's  wagon ;  he  had  just  brought  a  coffin  for  a 
woman  who  died  all  alone!  Not  a  human  being  with  her;  no 
friends — not  even  a  nurse !  No  one  to  moisten  her  parched  lips,  or 
close  her  eyes,  or  receive  a  message  for  the  far-away  dear  ones. 
She  was  somebody's  daughter.  What  a  terrible  tax  upon  one's 
sensibilities,  and  what  a  cause  for  excitement!  Yet  the  multitude 
seemed  calm,  but  I  sometimes  think  it  was  the  calmness  of  desper- 
ation. Some  were  calm,  resting  on  God ;  others  were  philosophical, 
and  with  will-power  controlled  themselves,  awaiting  the  issue.  Many 
of  them  had  lived  as  one  paddling  in  a  pool,  instead  of  sailing  on 
a  sea! 

To-day  learned  that  Mr.  Keith,  our  precentor,  was  down  with 
the  prevailing  disease.  Last  Sunday  he  seemed  to  have  a  presenti- 
ment of  his  sickness,  or  a  semi-consciousness  of  danger.  At  Sunday- 
School  he  wanted  to  sing  a  special  piece,  requesting  my  daughter 
to  accompany  him  on  the  organ  at  the  close  of  the  School. 
"  One  sweetly  solemn  thought  comes  to  me  o'er  and  o'er." 

He  was  a  gentleman  of  fine  character,  had  a  remarkably  sweet  voice, 
and  was  a  fine  leader.  On  the  morning  of  the  5th  of  September, 
before  I  had  finished  my  toilet,  a  messenger  called  to  notify  me  of 
his  death.  I  visited  him  again  yesterday  afternoon,  and  was  per- 
mitted to  see  him.  The  physician  told  me  he  would  live  only  so 
many  hours.  The  fever  gave  a  tinge  of  color  to  his  face  and  covered 
it  with  a  glow.  I  inquired  if  he  was  trusting  in  Christ?  His  re- 
sponse was :  "  I  have  always  done  that,  Mr.  Mathews."  He  signi- 
fied that  he  prayed  a  good  deal,  and  said,  "  I  have  not  been  able  to 
put  up  as  many  prayers  since  down  with  the  fever  as  heretofore." 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  175 

His  friends  had  urged  him  to  leave  at  the  appearance  of  the  fever, 
but  a  strange  fascination  held  him.  He  appreciated  the  messages 
of  sympathy  sent  by  my  wife  and  daughter.  He  said  he  would  be 
up  in  a  few  days.  "  True,"  he  said,  "  I  threw  up  the  coffee  they 
gave  me  this  morning !  "  Poor  fellow ;  he  did  not  know  he  had  the 
"black  vomit!"  He  was  buried  by  a  few  friends.  I  read  the 
service,  and  out  of  a  full  heart  prayed  for  the  dear  ones  in  his 
Boston  home. 

My  heart  was  touched  for  my  personal  friend,  Mr.  Ned  Fer- 
guson, whom  I  had  married  to  his  wife.  There  she  lay,  unable  to 
do  anything  for  her  sick  children,  hardly  knowing  which  would 
die  first.  On  the  31st  of  August  I  was  sent  for  to  attend  the  funeral 
of  the  little  girl,  to  be  held  at  St.  Charles  Avenue  Church  at  9  a.  m. 
Rode  up  to  the  church  and  learned  that  the  little  boy  was  dead. 
The  funeral  was  delayed  until  the  little  boy  was  prepared.  There 
were  the  two  coffins,  with  a  few  friends  weeping  with  the  heart- 
broken father,  while  the  mother  was  down  with  the  fell  destroyer. 
Only  the  mother  survived. 

My  wife  and  children  were  twice  on  the  borders  of  a  panic. 
My  niece,  Mrs.  Emma  Auze,  was  reported  down  with  the  disease. 
For  a  little  while  they  were  alarmed.  The  second  time  was  when 
they  learned  of  the  sickness  of  Mrs.  Laura  Bright,  a  dear  friend  of 
the  family,  and  a  woman  of  rare  sweetness  of  spirit,  who  faced  death 
with  a  sublime  faith.  Thoughtful  of  every  little  duty,  she  said  to 
her  husband  almost  with  the  last  breath :  "  Lewis,  don't  forget  to 
pay  my  Church  dues."  Then,  leaning  on  the  Divine  promise,  she 
passed  to  her  home  in  the  Holy  City.  Her  death  alarmed  for  a 
short  time  my  home  flock.  The  plague,  like  a  wave,  swept  right  on, 
the  death  rate  increasing  day  by  day.  I  called  to  see  as  many  as 
nineteen  in  one  day,  including  funerals.  A  sad  case  was  that  of  a 
Mrs.  Smith,  out  on  the  border  of  the  city.  A  gentleman  of  the 
Howard  Association  sent  me  to  visit  this  dying  woman.  It  was  a 
hot  September  •  day.  I  rode  on  the  street  car  as  far  as  I  could, 
then  trudged  on  under  a  blazing  sun.  Met  a  colored  woman,  and 
inquired  for  a  Mrs.  Smith.  "  I  'm  Mrs.  Smith,"  she  replied.  "  It 's 
a  white  woman  down  with  fever  I  am  looking  for."  "  I  never 
heard  of  her."  was  the  answer  given.  I  passed  on.  Finally,  a 
dilapidated  house  was  pointed  out,  in  which  a  woman  was  sick. 
I  was  covered  with  perspiration,  and  glad  to  find  a  shelter  from  the 
sun.  The  house  was  located  away  from  anywhere.  Doors  down  ; 
windows  without  glass.  A  youngish-looking,  barefooted  man  met 
me  and  said,  "  There  is  Mrs.  Smith."  She  was  in  a  back  room  on 
the  floor — no  bed.  She  was  covered  with  an  old  dirty-looking 
shawl.  At  her  side  lay  a  sweet-faced  looking  little  fellow.  He 
looked  up  wonderingly  at  this  stranger.  How  my  heart  pitied  that 
innocent  child,  unconscious  of  the  poverty  it  inherited.  Two  pieces 
of  old  chairs  ;  a  few  bottles  containing  medicine  at  her  side ;  a  can 
or  two  of  condensed  milk  for  that  child,  and  some  old  clothes  in  a 


1 76 


PEEPS  IS  TV  LIFE, 


bundle,  constituted  the  wealth  of  that  room.  The  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  had  left  some  medicine,  some  condensed  milk, 
and  gave  her  one  dollar  and  a  half  in  money. 

In  September  the  disease  took  on  its  most  violent  form.  The 
third  day,  the  published  report  was  three  hundred  and  twenty-four 
new  cases  and  eighty-three  deaths.  My  inward  cry  was,  "  How 
long,  O  Lord ;  how  long  until  these  calamities  be  overpast !  "  The 
disease  spread  out  into  the  towns  of  Mississippi.  The  tales  coming 
to  us  were  harrowing  in  their  details.  Poor  Memphis  is  visited 
again!  As  I  was  going  down  the  street,  I  noticed  a  very  large 
throng  around  the  office  of  the  Peabody  Association.  It  was  not 
only  immense,  but  motley.  Men,  women  and  children,  white  and 
black,  old  and  young,  lame  and  sound.  I  noticed  a  preacher  in  the 
crowd — a  good  man.  All  seeking  help.  The  demands  increased 
upon  me  day  by  day.  A  negro  girl  thrust  her  head  into  my  office 
window,  saying :  "  One  of  your  elders  is  sick."  She  saw  I  was 
puzzled  to  know  to  whom  she  referred,  when  she  added :  "  De  old 
man  who  fixes  clocks !  "  In  a  moment  I  knew  to  whom  she  referred. 
Yes,  yes ;  old  Brother  Ewell  the  little  Englishman.  "  Taken  sick 
one  hour  ago,"  I  was  told.  I  looked  after  him,  secured  a  nurse 
and  a  physician.  Then  went  on  other  missions.  Passed  on  to  learn 
the  condition  of  Dr.  Wilson,  the  pastor  of  the  Coliseum  Place  Bap- 
tist Church.  Several  called  for  written  certificates  as  to  their  stand- 
ing, as  supplies  were  only  issued  to  those  thus  recommended. 
Funerals,  funerals  is  the  cry !  Looking  after  the  sick  so  affected  me, 
I  felt  exhausted.  Friends  expressed  amazement  at  my  holding  out 
under  the  mental  and  physical  pressure.  God's  grace  was  equal  to 
my  condition.  Though  late,  I  called  upon  a  very  old,  and  bed-ridden 
saint,  Mrs.  Redwood.  When  I  entered  her  room  she  wept  for  joy 
and  said,  "  Come  near,  let  me  kiss  you !  "  and  threw  her  withered 
arms  around  my  neck  and  kissed  my  cheek.  She  wanted  to  hear 
prayer.  We  conversed  about  our  common  Lord  and  his  goodness. 
When  I  reached  home  it  was  after  dark.  A  note  awaited  me,  to  go 
to  the  west  side  of  the  city  to  baptize  a  child.  I  felt  unequal  to  the 
task,  and  declined  to  go,  as  I  would  have  a  long  walk  after  leaving 
the  car.  This  is  the  first  time  I  failed  to  respond.  The  spirit  was 
willing,  but  the  flesh  was  weak. 

i  On  September  6th,  I  was  up  early.  Notified  of  the  death  of  a 
good  woman  of  my  flock.  Soon  on  my  way  to  bury  her.  Nothing 
but  signs  of  poverty  all  around.  The  family  intelligent,  as  well  as 
good.  Found  two  ladies  of  the  Church  at  the  funeral ;  not  a  gentle- 
man there  to  carry  the  coffin  out  to  the  hearse.  The  drivers  had  to  do 
it.  A  lady  ran  in  to  request  me  to  see  her  husband,  who  was  dying. 
I  was  soon  at  his  bedside,  and  talked  to  him  about  his  soul.  Several 
called  after  I  had  returned  to  the  office.  Brother  Jameson  came  in, 
and  requested  me  to  go  and  see  a  Scotchman ;  he  and  his  children 
down  with  the  fever.  Found  the  man  very  low ;  one  child  doing 
well.    I  urged  the  nurse  not  to  regard  this  man's  notions,  but  follow 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RET    JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  1?; 

strictly  the  doctor's  directions.  This  I  said  at  his  bedside.  Scotch- 
manlike, he  had  a  theory  and  wanted  it  carried  out,  when  certain 
death  would  have  resulted.  Amongst  other  callers,  a  messenger 
informed  me  that  Dr.  Wilson,  the  Baptist  minister,  was  dying!  Only 
yesterday  his  son  informed  me  that  he  was  doing  well.  Treacherous 
disease !  Took  the  car  to  visit  him ;  in  reaching  the  house  was  in- 
formed, "  He  is  dead."  Strange  to  say,  not  a  member  of  his  Church 
had  died.  With  a  sad  heart  I  turned  my  steps  to  call  on  others. 
Been  under  high  pressure  all  day,  so  many  obligations  to  meet.  No 
wonder  when  night  approached  I  felt  nervously  restless.  But  the 
sustainments  of  God  are  precious. 

On  the  7th  of  October,  at  10  a.  m.,  rode  up  to  attend  the  funeral 
of  Dr.  Wilson.  Dr.  Palmer,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  requested 
me  to  represent  our  denomination.  Dr.  Markham,  a  Presbyterian, 
also  occupied  a  place  in  the  pulpit.  The  services  were  very  solemn 
and  touching.  The  choir  sang,  "  I  would  not  live  always."  Dr. 
Palmer  talked  beautifully  for  twenty-five  minutes ;  I  followed  in 
prayer.  Dr.  Markham  conducted  the  service  at  the  cemetery.  The 
congregation  was  large,  seeking  to  honor  a  man  of  great  worth  and 
fine  ability.  No  Baptist  minister  in  the  city.  From  the  Baptist 
Church  went  to  visit  a  dying  young  man,  a  stranger.  Directed  him 
to  look  to  the  Savior  and  live.  Soon  I  was  at  my  office,  when  a 
Cuban  called.  He  looked  like  he  was  a  half-starved  creature.  I  felt 
faint  just  before  he  entered,  and  sent  the  janitor  for  some  "  rusks." 
When  he  brought  them,  I  began  to  eat,  but  the  look  of  that  man  was 
enough,  and  I  gave  him  the  rusks  and  some  money.  Some  friends 
had  sent  me  funds  for  distribution. 

On  the  8th,  Sunday  morning,  I  was  down  at  Sunday-School  on 
time.  Forty-six  present — all  told.  The  sexton's  youngest  child  very 
ill.  Went  over  and  baptized  it,  then  back  to  the  church.  A  child 
was  brought  to  the  church  for  baptism.  A  very  heavy  rain  decided 
us  to  preach  in  the  lecture-room.  Had  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
in  attendance.  One  joined  the  Church  with  certificate,  a  Mrs.  Owen, 
from  Chicago.  She  came  to  offer  her  services  to  any  who  might 
need.  I  expressed  my  astonishment  that  she  would  venture  on  such 
a  mission  when  not  needed.  I  added,  "  It  will  only  result  in  another 
funeral."  I  urged  her  to  return,  as  nurses  were  abundant.  Her 
reply  was,  "  Now,  brother,  you  talk  that  way  after  such  a  sermon — 
which  God  put  into  your  heart  for  me."  Made  several  visits  to  the 
sick,  and  baptized  one  child  in  the  afternoon.  Just  before  night  the 
bell  rang,  and  a  lady,  a  Mrs.  Brown,  was  announced.  Trouble  was 
depicted  in  her  face,  and  she  was  evidently  weary  and  worn.  Wanted 
to  learn  where  Rev.  James  E.  Evans,  of  the  Georgia  Conference, 
was  stationed.  She  was  on  her  way  to  Texas,  and  was  quarantined 
here.  Had  been  here  five  weeks,  was  out  of  funds  and  about  to  be 
put  out  of  her  boarding-house.  She  produced  several  letters  of 
recommendation.  Help  was  given  her.  At  night,  as  we  passed 
down  to  the  church,  the  moon  shone  in  a  kind  of  splendor,  and  the 


i78  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

air  seemed  balmy.  It  deeply  affected  my  soul  to  think  that  amid  all 
this  beauty  in  sky  and  air,  in  tree  and  flower,  yet  a  plague  was 
covering  every  house !  I  was  prepared  by  my  meditations  to  present 
my  thoughts  on  the  12th  verse  of  the  90th  Psalm.  "  So  teach  us  to 
number  our  days  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom."  We 
had  an  audience  numbering  two  hundred  and  fifty.  I  tried  to  help 
those  present.  One  joined  the  Church — a  gentleman  named  Camp- 
bell, son  of  our  blessed  and  holy  Sister  Mortimer.  Her  cup  of  joy 
was  full  and  running  over.  She  had  long  prayed,  and  to-night  the 
answer  was  granted. 

,  On  Monday  the  9th,  in  looking  around,  we  see  business  sus- 
pended, thousands  out  of  employment,  stagnation  on  all  industrial 
lines.  How  the  masses  could  exist  without  help  from  abroad,  I  am 
at  a  loss  to  see.  Thank  God  for  human  sympathy !  Our  condition 
has  developed  a  benevolence  which  is  amazing.  North,  East,  West, 
and  South,  and  even  in  far-away  Europe,  funds  have  been  raised  to 
aid  the  stricken  ones.  The  wail  of  distress  has  found  a  noble 
response.  To-day  the  calls  were  numerous  and  were  of  such  a 
nature  as  to  stir  my  flagging  energies.  Mrs.  Owen,  the  lady  from 
Chicago,  offered  her  services  to  the  Howard  Association.  They 
would  not  take  the  responsibility  of  putting  her  on  duty,  though 
appreciating  her  motive.  The  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  on  the  same  ground, 
declined  to  employ  her.  Now  she  comes  to  me,  and  says  she  will 
watch  the  openings  of  Providence.  May  the  Arm  of  the  Lord 
shield  her !  I  urged  her  to  go  back  to  Chicago,  but  she  would  not. 
A  runner  came  in  haste  for  me  to  visit  a  young  man,  a  stranger, 
dying.  I  hurried  away  and  did  what  I  could  to  encourge  his  faith. 
He  was  a  Christian.  Eighty-seven  deaths  reported,  and  the  fever 
still  spreading.  Out  all  morning,  and  after  dinner  started  out  to  see 
other  sick  ones.  Visited  five,  some  doing  well,  some  dying.  I  am 
hardly  an  immune  but  have  escaped  thus  far.  Attended  Stewards' 
meeting;  five  present. 

September  10th,  a  gentleman  called  before  breakfast,  to  secure 
my  attendance  at  the  funeral  of  a  young  girl,  a  Baptist.  Went  down 
to  hold  class-meeting ;  five  present,  but  what  an  hour  of  spiritual 
refreshing!  Mrs.  Owen,  the  lady  from  Chicago,  gave  a  delightful 
experience.  It  was  both  intelligent  and  cheering.  We  needed  some- 
thing of  the  kind,  as  for  weeks  we  have  heard  of  little  but  suffering 
and  death.  From  there  I  went  to  the  funeral  of  Peter  Mitchell ;  only 
two  men  present,  one  his  brother.  He  was  from  Jersey  City.  Was 
called  to  see  a  Roman  Catholic  lady,  a  Mrs.  Doyle.  She  desired  to 
have  me  talk  of  Christ,  and  pray.  I  held  up  Christ  as  the  sinner's 
Friend.  Then  away  to  see  a  member  down  with  the  fever.  After 
dinner  away  again  to  the  funeral  of  a  child,  the  second  death  in  that 
household.  Visited  fourteen  persons  to-day.  Was  overjoyed  to  have 
one  quiet  evening  at  home.  Talked  with  my  family  about  the  situa- 
tion, getting  everything  into  shape  for  whatever  may  occur.  I  said, 
"  Mary,  it  is  inevitable ;  I  am  taking  in  the  poison  so  many  times 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RE\  .  JOHti  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I79 

each  day.  Even  on  my  knees  at  the  bedside  of  the  sick,  the  odor  is 
so  offensive  I  gag — am  choked  by  it.  God's  will  be  done."  Mr. 
B.  O.  L.  Raync,  informed  me  that  his  father  had  sent  fifty  dollars 
and  he  would  add  twenty-five  to  distribute  amongst  the  needy..  R. 
M.  Walmsley  gave  me  authority  to  draw  on  his  firm  for  fifty  dollars 
more. 

The  day  following,  made  a  number  of  visits,  gave  several  certif- 
icates to  honest  people  that  they  might  secure  help  from  the 
Howards.  Was  startled  to  learn  that  one  of  my  young  lady  members 
had  died;  had  not  learned  of  her  sickness.  Attended  her  funeral. 
When  1  reached  home  found  I  had  been  sent  for  to  attend  two  other 
funerals,  and  to  visit  an  old  parishioner.  Though  many  calls  to 
make  on  the  sick  and  dying,  learned  I  could  now  see  Mrs.  Fannie 
Ferguson.  All  three  of  her  children  died  of  the  plague.  What  a 
sad  woman.  As  I  entered,  she  melted  into  tears.  I  had  married  her 
to  her  husband,  received  him  into  the  Church,  had  formally  blessed 
her  children,  and  buried  these  lambs.  There  she  lay,  slowly  recover- 
ing, tears  streaming  down  her  sunken  cheeks.  I  could  not  talk  with 
her ;  my  emotions  were  overpowering.  I  said,  "  Fannie,  you  are  too 
weak  to  review  the  past.  When  you  get  stronger  we  will  talk  it  all 
over!  "  What  a  sad  place  that  home  is.  Our  next-door  neighbor  is 
recovering  from  the  fever.  So  another  trying  day  has  passed.  I 
commit  all  into  God's  hand. 

September  13th.  In  glancing  over  the  morning  paper,  1  saw 
that  Rev.  E.  C.  Slater,  D.  D.,  was  "dead.  In  a  former  epidemic  he 
passed  through  without  taking  the  fever,  though  going  night  and 
day.  Now,  he  has  succumbed  and  is  gone  to  his  long  home.  He  was 
a  prince  in  our  Israel !  He  was  the  most  eloquent  minister  in  the 
Memphis  Conference,  and  one  of  the  most  useful.  His  heroism  dur- 
ing this  and  a  former  epidemic  in  Memphis  was  wonderful.  Now 
he  dies,  a  martyr  for  his  flock.  Noble  Slater!  I  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  1845  under  his  pastorate  in  Shelby ville,  Tennessee.  The 
impressions  of  his  ministry  still  linger  in  my,  memory.  To  my  mind, 
he  was  the  most  eloquent  preacher  in  Tennessee.  His  teachings 
entered  largely  into  my  ministerial  life.  He  counted  not  his  life  dear 
unto  himself,  and  for  love  of  his  fellow  men,  gave  himself  a  sacrifice. 
I  cherish  his  memory  fondly  and  feel  I  shall  overtake  him  in  the 
Forever ! 

In  contemplating  God's  goodness,  my  heart  poured  out  its  song 
of  gratitude  this  day  that  the  plague  had  not  reached  my  little  house- 
hold. Thankful  that  I  have  been  able  through  all  these  weeks  of 
peril,  to  meet  my  obligations  to  my  people  with  a  blessed  sense  of 
God's  presence  and  support !  Had  several  callers  this  fornoon  that 
I  had  set  apart  to  prepare  a  brief  of  my  sermon  for  Sunday  morning. 
on'Elisha  and  the  Shunamite  mother.  My  aim  is  to  hold  up  those 
special  qualities  which  secure  God's  larger  blessings.  Found  the 
official  report  of  new  cases  to  be  two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  fifty- 
eight  deaths  for  the  last  twenty- four  hours.     1  have  not  the  space  to 


180  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

record  the  interviews  with  the  sick  and  dying ;  the  description  would 
produce  a  wail.  Was  out  all  the  afternoon.  It  was  late  when  I 
reached  home,  and  while  resting  the  door-bell  rang,  and  a  gentleman 
appeared,  requesting  me  to  accompany  him  on  Prytania  Street,  for 
the  purpose  of  baptizing  the  young  daughter  of  Mr.  John  I.  Adams, 
a  leading  wholesale  merchant  of  the  city.  Found  two  of  his  children 
down  with  the  fever,  the  eldest  dying.  While  praying  at  the  bedside, 
I  felt  decidedly  the  first  clear  symptom  that  the  poison  was  at  work 
in  my  system.  The  odor  stifled  me,  until  I  gagged.  Returning 
home,  I  committed  myself  into  the  hands  of  my  Divine  Lord  and 
laid  down  to  sleep. 

September  14th.  Awoke  early,  and  my  mind  at  once  considered 
the  work  for  the  day.  The  Sunday  morning  brief  to  finish  and  the 
second  one  to  make.  I  worked  steadily  until  time  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  one  of  my  flock.  On  my  return,  I  wrote  a  short  brief  of 
a  sermon  on  Matt.,  7,  29.  "  He  taught  as  one  having  authority,  and 
not  as  the  scribes."  Our  front  yard  was  a  flower-bed.  I  paid  a 
regular  gardener  five  dollars  per  month  to  keep  it.  He  had  a  number 
of  yards  to  care  for.  On  his  usual  day  he  did  not  appear.  Could 
secure  no  one  to  work  it,  and  went  out  myself  and  cleared  it  of 
weeds.  Was  careful  trying  not  to  get  heated,  as  a  cold  breeze  was 
blowing,  and  I  was  seeking  to  keep  from  taking  cold.  Learned  the 
gardener  was  down  with  the  fever,  and  that  most  of  his  family  had 
died.  A  neighbor,  an  elder  in  Dr.  Palmer's  Church,  was  to  be 
buried.  I  ran  over;  at  the  close  of  the  service  Dr.  Palmer  said, 
"  How  remarkable  that  you  have  not  succumbed  to  the  disease." 
Then,  added,  "  It  was  later  in  the  season  than  this  when  I  took  it." 
In  view  of  the  work  of  to-morrow,  I  did  not  go  out  at  night. 

September  15th.  Up  early;  after  worship  and  breakfast  was 
away  to  Sunday-School.  It  was  smaller  than  ever ;  the  epidemic  is 
at  its  worst.  We  went  through  the  usual  routine.  I  was  indisposed 
to  move  about,  but  gave  the  children  a  short  talk.  I  urged  them  to 
attend,  even  if  I  should  fall.  "  Keep  the  flag  floating,  if  only  a 
dozen  attend !  "  Tidings  came  from  all  sections,  of  the  sick  and  the 
dying.  A  pall  was  on  every  side.  Funeral  processions,  crape  on  the 
doors ;  the  hurry  and  rattle  of  carriages  and  hearses ;  the  faces  of 
our  brethren  wore  a  gloomy  aspect.  God  kept  my  mind  in  quietness. 
At  11  a.  m.,  had  an  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five. 
Those  who  can  leave  home,  turn  to  God's  house  for  comfort.  My 
theme  was,  "  The  Qualities  Which  Secure  The  Divine  Favor." 
After  service  invited  Mrs.  Owen,  the  lady  from  Chicago,  to  dine  with 
us.  On  our  way,  I  was  indisposed  to  talk,  yet  talked  a  little.  The 
air  seemed  chilly.  At  the  dinner  table,  while  helping  the  guest,  I  felt 
I  was  taking  a  chill,  and  so  remarked.  Consternation  was  depicted 
in  the  faces  of  wife  and  daughter.  It  soon  passed  off.  After  dinner 
asked  to  be  excused,  and  went  up  to  our  room  to  rest.  Just  before 
time  to  start  out  for  night  service,  Mr.  Sam  Henderson  called  with 
his  two  young  daughters.    Hearing  how  I  was  affected  at  the  table, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


181 


he  insisted  on  my  not  venturing  out  to  church,  saying,  "  You  are 
taking  the  fever !  "  I  said,  "  I  feel  well  enough,  only  I  have  taken  a 
slight  cold."  In  a  few  minutes  Mrs.  Owen,  Phala  and  myself  started 
down.  On  the  car,  I  only  spoke  once,  saying,  "  Daughter  I  feel 
queer."  On  reaching  church,  my  daughter  went  up  to  her  place  at 
the  organ.  When  she  began  to  play,  I  entered,  and  walking  up  the 
aisle,  the  sound  of  the  organ  hurt  my  head.  Before  announcing  my 
text  I  felt  it  necessary  to  say,  "  I  worked  a  little  in  my  yard  yesterday 
afternoon,  and  have  taken  cold.  Will  detain  you  thirty  minutes  by 
the  watch."  I  then  announced  my  text,  "  He  taught  them  as  one 
having  authority,"  etc.  I  proceeded  slowly,  but  in  a  short  time  my 
head  began  to  ache,  I  involuntarily  clasped  my  hand  to  my  head. 
Sat  down,  then  closed.  Two  of  my  Stewards,  in  a  moment,  were  in 
the  pulpit,  saying,  "  You  have  the  fever."  One  lady  joined  the 
Church,  a  Roman  Catholic.  Several  gathered  around  me,  saying, 
"  You  have  the  fever."  I  was  taken  to  the  street  car,  and  Brother 
Parker  went  for  my  family  physician,  Dr.  Wm.  G.  Austin.  On  the 
car  I  could  not  hold  up  my  head.  When  I  reached  the  house,  my  wife 
opened  the  door ;  she  saw  I  was  accompanied  home ;  all  I  said  was, 
"  Mary,  let  me  go  to  our  room  at  once ;  I  've  got  the  fever."  Hasty 
preparations  were  made ;  the  mustard  bath  given  by  the  time  the 
physician  reached  the  house.  The  usual  remedies  were  administered. 
"  Down  at  last,"  I  said.  I  had  taken  in  the  poison  until  my  entire 
system  was  saturated  with  it ;  hence  the  violence  of  the  attack.  After 
all  had  been  done  that  was  necessary,  the  physician  at  my  side,  and 
three  brethren,  besides  my  wife  and  daughter,  I  said,  "  Doctor,  I 
do  not  know  how  this  is  going  to  terminate,  I  want  to  say," — "  Hush, 
hush !  "  said  he,  "  you  must  not  talk ;  you  will  get  excited  by  talking 
and  praying."  I  replied,  "  No,  no,  my  praying  is  all  over ;  it  is  too 
late  now ;  I  do  not  expect  to  pray ;  but  I  want  to  say  I  have  not  an 
emotion  of  fear.  I  lie  down  here,  putting  my  soul  in  the  hands  of 
Christ,  as  I  put  my  body  in  your  hands ;  if  He  sees  my  work  is  done, 
all  is  well ;  if  not,  He  will  raise  me  up.  I  feel  I  am  nestling  in  His 
bosom  as  a  babe  nestles  in  its  mother's !  "  For  several  days  my  mind 
was  a  blank.  I  only  know  what  occurred  as  told  to  me.  The  fever 
increased  until  it  became  intense,  and  I  talked  and  tossed  all  night. 
The  fever  raged  for  seventy-two  hours,  then  I  grew  quiet ;  the  phy- 
sician said  it  was  the  quiet  of  exhaustion. 

October  21st.  As  I  look  back,  I  realize  the  violence  of  the 
attack.  I  was  so  completely  saturated  with  the  poison,  I  was 
frenzied.  My  nature  shrinks  appalled  at  what  I  endured.  However, 
nothing  was  left  undone  to  save  me.  Friends  met  to  pray.  Nurses 
employed,  the  best  medical  attention,  money,  solicitude,  all  that  was 
possible  by  rich  and  poor.  Dr.  Palmer,  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  called  twice  a  day ;  Dr.  Markham,  of  Lafayette  Presbyterian 
Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Waters,  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  came 
every  day.  When  I  learned  of  the  deep  sympathy  exhibited,  not  only 
by  these  but  my  own  brethren,  my  heart  overflowed  with  gratitude. 


!82  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Dr.  Palmer  said  to  Mrs.  Mathews,  "  It  will  convulse  the  city  if  he 
dies."  The  president  of  the  seashore  camp-ground  said  when  the 
people  there  heard  that  I  was  stricken  down,  it  created  consternation  ; 
service  was  held  to  pray  for  me.  When  the  crisis  was  passed,  and  I 
was  pronounced  as  improving,  it  gave  joy  to  many  hearts. 

On  the  seventh  day  I  relapsed.'  It  was  caused  by  the  night  nurse 
giving  me  too  much  crushed  ice.  I  was  chilled,  and  stupor  followed. 
Stimulants  were  resorted  to  as  far  as  known  to  the  medical  pro- 
fession. Dr.  Linus  Parker  heard  of  my  relapse,  and  hastened  to  the 
house ;  as  he  entered  the  door  he  met  the  physician  at  the  foot  of  the 
stairs.  Shaking  his  head  in  response  to  the  minister's  query,  the 
doctor  said,  "  He  is  almost  gone."  Dr.  Parker  then  said,  "  Doctor 
go  back,  and  stay  at  his  side  until  it  is  settled  one  way  or  the  other. 
I  will  go  into  the  parlor  and  pray."  In  that  silent  room  my  friend 
wrestled  with  God  to  save  me.  In  due  time  a  reaction  set  in  and  I 
began  to  rally.  A  group  of  men  stood  in  front  of  the  house  discuss- 
ing my  case,  when  Dr.  Palmer  said,  "  Gentlemen,  he  can  not  die ! 
God  has  use  for  that  man !  "  On  the  fifteenth  day,  my  clothing  was 
changed.  My  head  was  propped  up  as  I  lay  in  bed,  and  I  felt  I 
would  live.  Then  swept  through  my  soul  wave  upon  wave  of  grati- 
tude, as  I  repeated  over  and  over  that  remarkable  hymn  by  Joseph 
Addison. 

"  When  all  Thy  mercies,  O  my  God. 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost, 

In  wonder,  love  and  praise!  " 

That  memorable  day  I  was  lifted  up  and  placed  in  a  chair.  At  9 
o'clock  at  night  they  announced  that  my  eldest  daughter,  Phala,  was 
stricken.  Her  mother  came  into  the  room  to  talk  of  daughter's 
state.  She  was  flushed  and  excited.  Within  an  hour,  she  was  taken 
more  violently  than  our  daughter.  My  next  thought  was  of  our  baby 
boy,  Robert,  five  months  old.  What  is  to  become  of  him  ?  A  lady 
friend  a  few  days  before  had  said,  "  Mrs.  Mathews  if  you  take  the 
fever,  I  will  carry  the  babe  to  my  home  and  keep  him  for  you."  The 
next  day  she  was  sent  for ;  report  came  back  that  she  was  sick. 
Night  was  near,  and  the  little  fellow  had  been  wailing  out  his  cry  for 
his  mother  in  moans.  We  were  in  a  trying  state,  but  about  dark 
Mrs.  Blackman  appeared  to  take  the  child.  He  was  wrapped  in  a 
blanket,  and  as  they  reached  the  street  I  heard  his  cry.  The  other 
son,  John,  had  been  taken  to  my  niece's  home.  In  two  days,  Mr. 
Auze  came  to  let  us  know  that  John  was  sick  all  night.  The  phy- 
sician was  present  and  heard  it,  jumped  into  his  buggy  and  went 
after  him,  brought  him  home  and  sent  more  nurses.  In  a  few  days 
the  crisis  was  passed  in  the  case  of  Mrs.  Mathews,  and  little  Robert 
was  brought  home.  The  night  before  he  had  been  restless,  now  the 
physician  pronounced,  "  He  has  the  fever,  but  very  light."  Then 
our  youngest  daughter  Minnie  succumbed  to  fever.     Our  house  be- 


A.VT0BI0GRAPH7  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHFAVS,  D.  D.  ^3 

came  a  hospital.  1  in  one  room,  Phala  in  another,  John  in  another, 
the  baby  in  another,  the  mother  in  another,  and  Minnie  in  hers.  It 
required  seven  riurses  to  take  care  of  us.  In  the  daytime  they  had 
to  be  relieved,  and  ladies  of  the  Churches  came,  and  under  the 
guidance  of  Airs.  Sam  Henderson,  took  charge  of  our  home  and 
cared  for  us.  Mrs.  Henderson,  noble  woman,  a  very  ministering 
angel,  gave  herself  day  and  night,  leaving  her  own  family  to  help 
save  us.  For  love  of  Christ  she  served  us.  She  is  a  Christian 
heroine.  Her  good  judgment,  her  cheerful  spirit,  her  devotion,  is 
embalmed  in  our  hearts.  Others  we  can  never  thank  to  our  satisfac- 
tion. Mrs.  Ed.  Booth  came  and  spent  twenty-one  daysx  giving 
special  attention  to  my  eldest  daughter.  We  could  say  much  in 
praise  of  Mrs.  Caffree,  Mrs.  Seaton,  Mrs.  Ober,  Mrs.  Armstrong, 
and  a  number  of  others.  Quite  a  number  of  gentleman  looked  after 
our  wants,  and  several  young  men  came  to  stay  night  after  night,  to 
go  on  duty  if  necessary.  Their  names  are  in  the  Book  of  Life !  I 
had  felt  uneasy  about  our  little  lamb,  the  youngest  of  our  flock.  One 
morning,  I  was  starting  to  take  the  car  for  fresh  air ;  I  paused  to 
look  on  his  face  and  said,  "  There  is  something  wrong."  The  at- 
tendant replied,  "  Go  on,  your  fears  are  unnecessary."  It  was  the 
first  day  I  had  dared  to  get  out  of  the  house.  I  was  gone  two  hours. 
When  I  opened  the  door  a  lady  said,  "  We  sent  for  you,  and  for  the 
physician,  and  for  Rev.  Dr.  Parker;  the  baby  is  dying!  "  Dr.  Holt 
was  present  in  lieu  of  our  regular  physician.  This  physician  said, 
"  If  you  wish  the  child  baptized  do  it  now ;  no  time  to  lose ;  he  will 
go  off  in  a  few  moments."  I  replied,  "  How  can  I?  Everything  is  so 
unexpected ;  wait  until  Dr.  Parker  arrives !  "  But  a  bowl  of  water 
was  brought,  and  the  hardest  thing  of  my  life  was  done,  when  I 
baptized  that  dying  little  one.  In  a  few  moments  he  went  to  the 
bosom  of  Christ.  He  was  buried  at  10  a-  ni.,  October  15th. 
Strangers  followed  our  pet  to  the  tomb.  It  was  a  trial  to  see  them 
carry  him  out,  but  when  I  thought  of  those  who  lost  all  their 
children,  I  thanked  God  for  sparing  the  others. 

October  23d.  To-day  I  received  letters  of  congratulation  from 
various  sources ;  they  were  hearty  and  cheering.  Rode  down  to 
conduct  my  mid-week  prayer  service.  My  talk  developed  my  phys- 
ical weakness,  but  I  am  gaining  strength  daily.  Before  breakfast, 
the  next  day,  a  gentleman  called,  to  request  me  to  attend  a  funeral 
at  4  p.  m.  One  of  our  German  ministers  lost  his  wife ;  she  was  to 
be  buried  from  the  Dryad  Street  Church.  Brother  Weimer,  stood 
to  his  post,  and  died.  The  other  German  ministers  are  either  sick  or 
just  emerging  out  of  yellow  fever.  A  great  throng  attended  the 
funeral.  At  dusk  I  reached  home.  During  the  morning  I  rode  down 
with  Rev.  John  Hannon,  to  call  on  Rev.  Dr.  Ahrens,  of  our  German 
Church,  the  last  one  of  the  nine  unacclimated  ministers  of  our 
Church.  He  was  just  passing  into  the  disease.  While  there  Mrs. 
Ahrens  informed  us  that  Rev.  Tiff  Foster,  of  Moreau  Street  Church, 
way  dying  of  black  vomit,  near-by.    We  went  over  and  found  it  true. 


1 84  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

This  young  pastor  is  the  second  one  to  fall  in  the  work.  As  we 
entered,  it  was  evident  he  had  but  a  few  minutes  to  live.  Other 
brethren  came  in,  and  we  kneeled  at  his  bedside.  Dr.  J.  B.  Walker 
led  in  prayer  committing  his  soul  to  God.  How  solemn  as  we 
watched  the  struggle !  The  end  came  quietly.  He  was  twenty-eight 
years  old,  of  fine  physical  structure,  and  equally  strong  in  character. 
He  was  full  of  promise.  We  are  ignorant  of  the  secrets  of  God's 
love.  Work  crowds  me  again.  Finished  brief  of  a  sermon  on  the 
2d  verse  of  the  97  Psalm,  "  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about 
Him."  Fifty  dollars  were  sent  me  by  a  messenger.  Mr.  Raymond 
sent  me  a  check  for  one  hundred  dollars.  The  note  stated  he  was 
directed  to  send  it  to  me.  Some  one  from  abroad  sent  it.  Then  an 
unknown  person  in  New  York  sent  seventy-five  dollars  to  aid  in  de- 
fraying my  expenses.  Some  one  sent  a  one-hundred-dollar  bill  in  an 
envelope.  My  expenses  footed  up  a  fraction  over  twelve  hundred 
dollars  for  nurses,  medicines  and  other  things.  Funds  were  sent  me 
until  all  bills  were  paid,  leaving  a  surplus  of  ten  dollars ! 

Before  the  sermon,  on  Sunday,  baptized  a  child.  My  daughter 
was  able  to  preside  at  the  organ  again.  The  congregation  improv- 
ing. Discoursed  on  "  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  Him," 
etc.  I  found  the  mental  excitement  was  quite  trying,  but  no  injury 
resulted.  I  was  overwhelmingly  grateful  to  be  able  to  once  more 
hold  forth  the  Word  of  life.  At-  night  opened  church  for  evening 
services,  the  first  since  the  15th  of  September.  Dr.  J.  W.  Harmon 
preached  an  eloquent  discourse.  He  is  a  fine  preacher,  eloquent  and 
instructive,  and  his  style  is  very  entertaining.  It  is  a  matter  of 
deepest  gratitude  that  we  have  moved  off  once  more  in  our  great 
mission.  God  has  a  work  for  me  to  do,  and  my  prayer  is  that  I  may 
be  endued  with  power  from  oh  high !  On  Monday  morning  I  be- 
gan my  routine  duties,  visiting  the  sick,  burying  the  dead  and  com- 
forting the  living.  This  was  kept  up  until  the  disease  disappeared 
We  lost  by  this  plague  about  as  many  members  as  all  the  other  Eng- 
lish Protestant  Churches  together,  so  far  as  heard  from.  In  my 
rounds  found  great  destitution.  Some  families  without  enough  to 
eat,  the  children  out  of  shoes,  and  some  ragged.  Some  were  families 
of  culture,  and  once  wealthy.  Went  in  search  of  missing  members ; 
found  thev  had  sickened  and  died  during  my  illness.  "  All  Saints' 
Day,"  is  observed  by  tens  of  thousands.  They  go  to  the  cemeteries 
to  decorate  the  graves  of  their  dead.  I  saw  Dr.  Palmer  with  his 
wife  and  grandchild  going  out  to  decorate  the  tomb  where  his 
children  lie.  In  company  with  members  of  my  family  we  walked 
over  to  Washington  Cemetery,  where  the  body  of  our  little  Robert 
sleeps.  Minnie  had  taken  a  handsome  bouquet,  made  by  her  sister, 
to  place  at  the  tomb.  Some  friendly  hand  had  placed  a  garland 
there.  Learned  afterwards  it  was  our  friend,  Mr.  Samuel  Hender- 
son, a  man  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  the  love  of  humanity.  The 
fever  is  steadily  abating;  still  new  cases  occur,  and  I  was  sent  for 
time  and  again.     Our  prayer-meetings  are  growing  in   numbers ; 


AUTOBIOGIiAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  m5 

many  of  our  friends  returning  to  the  cjty.  Have  been  receiving 
letters  from  abroad ;  one  from  a  wife,  pleading  to  know  how  her 
husband  died.  I  wrote  a  detailed  account  of  his  last  illness ;  how  he 
talked  of  his  wife  and  dear  ones ;  and  how  he  died  in  the  home  of  an 
excellent  woman  and  had  every  attention,  and  trusted  in  Christ.  This 
wife's  appeal  for  information  was  calculated  to  bring  tears  into  the 
eyes.  Called  to  see  a  lady  just  over  the  fever.  A  sad  condition — all 
alone ;  her  husband  had  died  and  all  her  children,  and  she  is  left  here 
in  a  strange  land. 

During  the  week  I  was  kept  busy  securing  help  for  needy 
families.  While  helping  some  lads,  one  of  them  incidently  remarked, 
"  Mrs.  Owen  is  sick !  "  "  What  is  the  matter  with  her  ?  "  was  my 
inquiry.  "  She  is  thought  to  have  the  fever."  This  is  the  lady 
who  left  Chicago  to  nurse  the  sick.  I  did  all  I  could  to  influence  her 
to  go  back  to  her  home,  but  she  would  not.  Now,  when  the  fever  is 
nearly  gone,  she  is  taken  down.  When  I  saw  her,  it  was  evident  she 
was  under  the  sway  of  the  fever.  She  insisted  she  had  only  a  cold, 
and  would  not  send  for  a  physician.  I  insisted,  "  You  must  have  a 
doctor."  She  said,  "  No,  I  do  not  need  one."  My  reply  was,  "  I 
can  not  consult  you,  you  are  in  no  condition  to  decide  the  matter." 
I  hurried  away  Brother  Gottschalk  for  Dr.  Angel,  who  was  soon  at 
the  sick-bed.  He  made  all  necessary  arrangements  ;  securing  a  nurse 
and  whatever  was  needed.  The  nurse,  the  friends  and  physician,  all 
believed  she  was  improving  until  the  night  she  died.  She  was  asked 
as  to  her  condition.  "  I  am  fixed,"  she  said,  "  on  the  Rock  of  Ages." 
In  the  morning  before  breakfast  I  was  notified  of  her  death.  It  was 
a  surprise.  She  was  a  martyr ;  her  life  sacrificed  for  others.  Noble 
woman,  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost !  We  buried  her  in  Sister 
Mortimer's  tomb,  many  of  the  friends  attending  the  funeral,  for  a 
large  number  had  learned  to  love  her.  She  was  placed  in  a  handsome 
metallic  coffin.  A  silver  plate  bearing  this  inscription  was  on  the 
coffin,  "  Mrs.  M.  E.  Owen,  one  of  the  martvrs  of  the  epidemic  of 
1878." 

As  per  engagement  with  a  Mrs.  McClean,  I  accompanied  her  to 
visit  her  friend,  Mrs.  Highland,  confined  in  the  lunatic  asylum.  As 
we  entered  through  the  gate  into  the  enclosure,  I  confess  a  moment- 
ary feeling  of  fear  flashed  through  my  mind.  The  inmates  were 
roaming  at  will ;  some  were  laughing ;  some  weeping ;  others  were 
moping;  one  or  two  strutting;  another  capering;  one  singing,  an- 
other swaying  to  and  fro  keeping  time  with  the  music ;  two  or  three 
were  very  boisterous ;  one  sat  alone,  as  solemn  as  a  graveyard ;  one 
was  running  up  and  down  as  if  chasing  something!  After  looking 
on  for  a  few  seconds,  a  peculiar  sense  of  sadness  passed  over  my 
mind  as  a  cloud  over  the  face  of  the  sun.  We  were  shown  Mrs. 
Highland's  room,  or  cell.  She  had  asked  to  see  a  minister  and  I 
was  sent  for.  She  greeted  me  cordially.  She  was  placed  there  for 
the  reason  she  was  constantly  seeking  to  destroy  her  own  life.  She 
fancied  she  was  to  be  crucified,  and  she  sought  to  take  her  own  life 


1 86  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

rather  than  be  thus  put  to  death.  ,  At  another  time,  she  imagined 
she  would  be  burned  to  death.  She  talked  with  me  intelligently,  and 
begged  me  most  piteously  to  take  her  out.  I  prayed  with  her,  and 
as  1  was  leaving  her  cell,  she  entreated,  "  Take  me  out — now-!  "  As 
I  passed  around,  a  number  of  the  inmates  Wanted  to  converse  with 
me.  One  woman  talked  most  eloquently.  I  waited  to  see  them  at 
dinner.  As  1  looked,  I  noticed  a  young  woman  full  of  spirit  and 
vivacity,  leading  a  blind  woman  to  and  from  her  dinner.  With  great 
glee  she  assured  me  she  was  not  deranged  saying,  **  1  am  here  to 
show  kindness;  /  only  have  spasms!  "  She  led  this  blind  woman 
tenderly,  telling  her  when  to  step  up  and  when  to  turn  round.  Then 
she  ran  after  a  wo-begone  looking  woman  to  see  that  she  had  her 
dinner.  As  we  passed  into  the  dining-room  for  women,  a  strangely 
happy  looking  man,  clad  in  comical  style,  sat  at  a  kind  of  gate  or 
door,  in  a  chair,  pulling  away  at  a  piece  of  bread.  He  equalled  a 
French  dancing-master  in  politeness.  Seeing  us  .enter,  he  jumped  up, 
extended  his  hand,  greeting  me  with,  "  How  do  you  do,  papa!  I  am 
door-keeper !  Nice  times  we  have  here !  "  Mrs.  Highland  walked 
around  with  us.  When  w^e  reached  the  gate  leading  to  the  street,  it 
was  amusing  to  see  her  trying  to  slip  by  the  keeper  and  follow  us. 
I  saw  her  husband,  and  persuaded  him  to  take  her  home,  which  he 
did. 

Met  my  class;  some  new  faces  present.  A  Mrs.  Harris  was 
there.  She  had  been  a  Roman  Catholic ;  drifted  from  point  to  point. 
She  was  concerned  about  her  soul.  Heart-hunger  had  caused  her  to 
drift.  Her  expressed  desire  was  to  enter  into  the  peace  of  God.  She 
had  learned  in  trouble  what  no  one  learns  in  ease.  She  had  been 
in  Mississippi,  nursing  those  stricken  with  the  fever.  I  pitied  her. 
and  pointed  her  to  Christ.  He  gave  her  rest.  Xo  minister,  no 
priest,  no  Church  could  do  it.  None  but  Christ  who  says,  "  In  Me  ye 
shall  have  peace." 

A  woman  came  to  my  office  accompanied  by  her  husband.  She 
desired  to  sign  a  temperance  pledge.  It  was  a  sad  case.  In  July 
last,  her  sister  and  niece  came  from  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  to 
reside  with  her,  as  her  husband  was  prosperous.  The  niece  took  the 
yellow  fever  and  died  within  a  month  after  reaching  the  city.  I  had 
visited  and  baptized  her.  During  my  sickness,  the  mother  of  the 
young  woman  took  the  fever  and  died.  These  deaths  almost  broke 
this  sister's  heart ;  she  was  overcome  with  grief,  and  to  drown  her 
self-reproaches  for  bringing  her  relatives  here,  she  began  to  use 
stimulants.  Now  she  had  reached  the  point  either  to  abandon  liquor 
or  go  into  a  drunkard's  grave.  She  came  asking  me  to  administer 
the  pledge.  She  had  a  fierce  battle  with  appetite,  but  God  helping 
her,  she  can  win.  She  signed  two  papers,  one  to  keep  herself,  the 
other  for  me  to  hold.  I  gave  her  the  best  of  advice,  backed  by 
prayer.     Her  husband  was  very  anxious  and  ready  to  reinforce  her. 

Another  woman  called.  Her  errand  was  of  a  different  nature. 
She  was  dressed  in  deep  mourning,  and  I  did  not  recognize  her  until 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  70//.V  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  IlS- 

her  veil  was  pushed  aside.  I  remarked,  "  In  mourning  for  whom?  " 
"  My  husband,"  she  replied.  1  was  greatly  surprised.  I  had  not 
heard  of  his  death.  He  took  the  dread  disease  while  1  was  ill,  and 
died  the  fifth  day.  She  called  to  get  a  Church  certificate,  going  back 
to  Kentucky.  She  lived  in  style,  enjoying  prosperity,  like  many 
others,  living  up  to  her  husband's  income ;  they  made  no  provision 
for  possibilities,  now  friends  have  to  aid  her. 

The  prayer-meeting  is  now  back  to  its  normal  condition.  Our 
people  generally'  have  returned  to  the  city.  We  had  a  crowd  and  a 
joyful  service.  A  gentleman  named  White  remained  to  sign  the 
temperance  pledge.  A  competent  business  man,  and  intelligent,  he 
can  secure  a  fine  position  if  he  will  let  whiskey  alone.  He  signed  two 
cards.  He  took  one,  I  retained  the  other.  I  hope  he  will  be  equal 
to  the  test.  What  a  curse  to  New  Orleans  is  the  wine-bibbing  habit ! 
All  classes  drink — even  ministers  of  reputation.  All  the  teetotalers 
can  do  is  to  protest.  At  thi's  prayer-meeting  I  saw  the  woman 
present  who  recently  signed  the  pledge. 

Thanksgiving  Day  was  observed  by  our  members.  The  day 
was  bright  and  cool.  The  room  was  full.  We  had  six  ministers 
present.  Amongst  them,  Dr.  Linus  Parker,  Dr.  Watkins,  of  Missis- 
sippi, and  Rev.   Philo  Goodwyn.     My  text  was,  "  Bless  the  Lord, 

0  my  soul :  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  His  Holy  Name."  My 
subject  interested  me,  and  I  discussed  it  with  fervor.  Toward  the 
close  many  tears  were  shed  when  reference  was  made  to  our  recent 
epidemic,  and  the  sorrows  through  which  we  passed.  I  reviewed 
the  kindness  of  the  North,  and  of  Europe.  My  own  heart  was  full 
of  the  spirit  of  the  occasion. 

This  month  finds  us  winding  up  the  work  of  the  Conference 
year.  Our  last  quarterly  meeting  was  held  December  8th.  A  heavy 
rain  did  not  deter  a  large  number  from  the  house  of  worship.  Our 
Presiding  Elder,  Dr.  Linus  Parker,  preached  at  n  o'clock.  He  gave 
us  a  remarkably  fine  exposition  of  the  text,  "  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor 
ear  heard,"  etc.  After  the  sermon  Brother  Hamp  S.  Smith,  who 
recently  returned  to  the  city,  came  up  to  greet  me.  Thinks  I  should 
take  a  rest  for  a  week,  and  run  over  to  the  session  of  the  Alabama 
Conference,  to  meet  in  Mobile.  He  proposed  to  pay  all  expenses, 
which  he  did.    He  is  one  of  the  largest-hearted  men  I  have  ever  met. 

1  had  a  strong  desire  to  meet  the  Alabama  brethren  after  an  absence 
of  eight  years.  That  Conference  convened  in  Franklin  Street  Church 
on  the  nth.  While  the  Presiding  Elders  were  out  as  a  nominating 
committee,  Rev.  Josiah  Barker,  introduced  a  resolution  in  reference 
to  transfers  who  would  transfer  after  private  contract.  The  resolu- 
tion was  debated  for  two  hours.  Some  of  the  members  thought  that 
to  transfer  was  the  object  of  my  visit.  I  had  been  invited  to  one 
of  the  Churches  in  the  city  of  Mobile,  but  my  thoughts  did  not  run  in 
that  direction.  Amongst  other  ministers,  I  was  introduced  to  the 
Conference.  By  invitation  I  made  a  few  remarks,  saying,  "  I  came 
over  simply  to  see  you  ;  T  have  no  ax  to  gr^nd  ;  T  represent  no  college. 


l88  PEEttS  1NTU  LIFE. 

am  no  agent,  and  am  not  a  transfer!  "  And  turning  to  the  Chair, 
added,  "  A  newspaper  was  placed  in  my  hands  this  morning,  in 
which  it  is  stated,  '  Rev.  John  Mathews  is,  or  has  been,  or  will  be, 
transferred  to  this  Conference,  and  there  is  some  probability  of  his 
being  sent  by  the  Bishop  to  Court  Street  Church  of  this  city.'  "  This 
was  a  Montgomery  daily.  This  was  a  surprise  to  me.  But  some 
laymen  urged  me  to  transfer  for  that  appointment,  and  the  Rev. 
O.  R.  Blue,  the  most  influential  member  of  the  body  pressed  me  to 
transfer.  He  is  the  Presiding  Elder,  and  one  plea  was,  "  My  son, 
Dr.  Blue  will  be  lost  to  the  Church ;  he  does  not  attend  now,  but  will 
attend  if  you  will  go."  Dr.  Allen  S.  Andrews,  insisted,  asking,  "  If 
you  are  taken  per  force,  will  you  rebel  ?  "  I  never  was  so  urgently 
pressed  as  on  this  subject.  But  I  felt  that  some  one  must  stay  in 
New  Orleans.  This  thought  held  me.  Dr.  R.  A.  Young  was  to 
preach  at  night,  and  I  was  anxious  to  hear  him  after  so  many  years. 
He  had  a  great  audience,  and  gave  us  a  sermon  on  "  Pay  thy  vows 
to  the  Most  High."  It  was  a  very  interesting  discourse,  and  riveted 
the  attention  of  the  people.  Dr.  Young  is  not  a  profound  thinker, 
but  possesses  a  far  more  valuable  talent — the  gift  of  usefulness.  He 
is  magnetic  and  influential.  The  following  night  I  was  to  occupy 
the  pulpit.  A  large  concourse  was  out  to  hear.  My  theme  was, 
"  The  Last  Prayer  of  Moses."  I  described  this  man,  in  his  urgent 
plea  to  go  over  into  Canaan,  and  God's  response  in  refusing;  then 
described  the  glory  of  his  departure  from  earth.  There  was  deep 
feeling  exhibited,  and  some  of  the  brethren  could  not  contain  them- 
selves.   The  following  day  I  returned  home. 

The  last  Sunday  of  the  year,  my  pulpit  was  filled  by  others. 
Bishop  Keener  gave  us  one  of  his  great  sermons,  in  the  morning. 
His  son  John  O.,  preached  for  us  at  night.  He  is  a  young  man  of 
fine  character,  thoughtful  and  of  large  promise  to  the  Church. 

Our  Annual  Conference  convenes  in  my  church  in  a  few  days. 
Bishop  H.  N.  McTyeire  is  to  preside.  Bishop  Doggett,  of  Virginia, 
was  to  preside,  but  it  has  been  thought  prudent  to  secure  a  Bishop 
who  is  acclimated. 

These  were  busy  days.  In  winding  up  a  pastorate  there  are  so 
many  things  to  do,  especially  when  the  Conference  is  to  be  enter- 
tained. Homes  to  be  secured,  in  addition  to  finishing  up  the  collec- 
tions. My  last  Sunday  was  a  dismal  day.  Cold  and  sleet,  so  unusual 
for  this  section.  Had  several  preachers  in  town,  but  no  one  would 
aid  me.  Last  Friday  night  I  rode  down  to  Moreau  Street  Church, 
to  a  Sunday-School  entertainment.  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Schrc'eder  is  its 
present  pastor.  It  was  one  of  great  interest  and  he  enjoyed  it 
wonderfully,  and  said,  "  I  was  never  happier  in  my  life."  He  had 
charge  of  the  book  of  the  homes  for  the  preachers.  During  the 
session  of  the  Sunday-School,  Dr.  Parker  sent  this  book  to  our 
church.  I  could  not  understand  what  it  meant,  until  one  of  our 
ministers  came  in  and  said,  "  Sammy  Schroeder  died  this  morning!  " 
T  was  profoundly  surprised.     Dr.  Lyons  came  in  and  explained  all 


Al'TOmOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  D.  D.  jgq 

saying,  "  Yesterday  he  was  taken  with  a  congestive  chill  and  never 
rallied.  About  his  last  saying  was,  '  Jesus  was  never  so  precious 
as  during  the  last  few  months.'  "  A  noble  young  man  of  exceptional 
worth !  Had  a  fair  audience  this  Sunday,  in  spite  of  unusual 
weather.  At  night  we  had  about  two  hundred  in  attendance ;  seven 
came  forward  after  the  sermon  to  be  baptized ;  three  Others  were 
received,  also,  by  ritual.  Thus  the  year  wound  up  with  many  addi- 
tions. 

On  Monday  attended  Judge  Cotton's  funeral  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  afternoon  the  funeral  of  our  Moreau  Street  pastor.  At 
night  attended  Stewards'  meeting,  and  I  felt  sad  that  I  was  severing 
my  connection  with  a  people  whom  I  loved  and  had  served  through 
four  years.  We  had  just  emerged  out  of  the  saddest  of  all  our  sad 
years !  My  faith  stood  on  God's  nature  for  the  future.  I  realized 
the  value  of  what  has  been  said ;  that,  "  There  are  great  qualities  in 
God  which  fit  themselves  into  our  deepest  life,  and  make  Him  to  be 
the  one  satisfaction  of  the  human  heart." 


lg(J  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 
Pastorate  at  Rayne  Memorial. 

The  thirty-third  session  of  the  Louisiana  Conference,  met  Jan- 
uary 8th,  1879,  in  Carondelet  Street  Church,  Bishop  McTyeire 
presiding.  We  had  a  few  visiting  brethren.  Dr.  R.  A.  Young  was 
sent  to  secure  assistance  to  reestablish  the  Publishing  House  on  a 
safe  basis.  He  was  allowed  one  morning  to  explain  the  new  plan 
of  issuing  bonds.  I  subscribed  five  hundred  dollars ;  others  more 
and  some  less.  Dr.  A.  W.  Wilson,  Missionary  Secretary,  was 
present  to  advocate  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord.  He 
did  it  ably  and  well.  He  had  a  large  hearing.  With  the  aid  of 
Bishop  Keener  and  others,  five  hundred  dollars  were  subscribed. 
During  the  session  Bishop  McTyeire  took  occasion  to  speak  to  me 
about  my  appointment.  Nearly  all  the  members  anticipated  my  re- 
turn to  Felicity  Street  Church.  The  Bishop  remarked,  "  I  came  to 
the  city  intending  to  reappoint  you  to  Felicity  Street  Church,  but 
Brother  R.  W.  Rayne  asks  that  you  be  sent  to  St.  Charles  Avenue. 
He  built  the  church  and  his  wishes  ought  to  be  considered."  On 
Tuesday  afternoon,  Bishop  McTyeire  announced  the  appointments. 
Such  an  occasion  is  of  thrilling  interest  to  the  ministers.  As  usual, 
some  receive  their  appointments  gladly,  others  in  sorrow,  but  all 
went  forth  purposing  to  do  the  best  possible  under  unfavorable  con- 
ditions. When  my  name  was  announced  for  St.  Charles  Avenue, 
many  were  surprised  and  disappointed.  It  was  rumored  I  did  not 
wish  to  return  to  Felicity  Street  charge.  Some  of  the  St.  Charles 
people  were  surprised,  as  my  predecessor  was  generally  beloved.  In 
that  section  of  the  city,  population  is  sparse.  Most  all  the  up-town 
families  have  their  Church  relations  settled.  It  will  be  a  difficult 
field.  Dr.  Munsey  broke  down  there.  John  Hannon  was  young, 
and  it  was  considered  best  to  send  a  man  with  more  experience.  I 
accepted  the  appointment  as  providential ;  and  proposed  to  work  to 
please  God.     I  rarely  remember  to  have  been  so  cordially  received. 

January  19th,  1879.  To-day  passing  out  of  my  gate,  I  had  a 
peculiar  feeling.  I  had  always  turned  down,  now  I  turned  upward, 
and  soon  found  myself  at  the  house  of  God.  I  wanted  to  be  present 
at  the  opening  of  Sunday-School.  The  church  is  a  goodly  structure, 
without  basement  or  attachment.  There  is  an  end  gallery  in  which 
the  school  is  held.  We  had  an  attendance  of  sixty-five.  At  11  a.m., 
the  congregation  seemed  small  after  being  accustomed  for  eight 
years  to  preach  to  a  sea  of  upturned  faces.  At  the  close  the  mem- 
bers congratulated  me  on  the  size  of  the  audience.  Preached  on 
"  Worship,   Its  Uses   and   Results."     Quite   a   sprinkle  of  my  old 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  IgI 

parishioners  present.  -Four  persons  joined  the  Church.  At  night  the 
congregation  was  smaller  than  in  the  morning.  This  was  as  a 
matter  of  course,  as  we  have  very  few  facilities  for  getting  about  at 
night.  Two  joined  the  Church.  It  always  thrills  me  to  gather  in 
souls.  The  singing  was  absolutely  painful.  I  was  sent  for,  one 
evening,  to  meet  the  Stewards.  When  I  met  them  they  seemed  em- 
barrassed. Brother  R.  W.  Rayne  was  spokesman  and  said,  "We 
can  pay  only  so  much,  and  do  not  know  if  that  will  suit  you  ;  we  can 
pay  you  twenty-five  hundred  dollars."  I  instantly  replied,  "  That  is 
enough."  This  remark  gave  instant  relief.  The  report  circulated  in 
each  Church  was  that 'I  was  "  the  high-priced  preacher.'*  The  meet- 
ing closed  in  a  fine  state  of  feeling. 

On  Tuesday,  at  10  a.  m.,  went  to  class-meeting.  We  had  six 
persons  present.  I  had  announced  that  instead  of  a  Bible  Class  we 
would  hold  a  regular  old-style  class-meeting.  Had  a  very  precious 
and  spiritual  meeting.  At  night  we  held  our  weekly  prayer-meeting, 
with  eighty  present.  During  the  week  made  many  calls,  seeking  to 
create  additional  interest  in  our  Church.  A  lady,  very  ill,  sent  for 
me.  Found  her  more  dead  than  alive  with  heart  trouble.  She  was 
born  a  Romanist ;  through  some  agent  she  was  led  to  attend  Sunday- 
School  ;  finally  was  converted  and  became  an  active  Christian.  Her 
husband  is  a  Romanist.  "She  is  very  much  concerned  for  the  salva- 
tion of  her  children. 

On  the  following  Sunday,  Mrs.  Mathews  had  collected  eight 
young  ladies  to  organize  into  a  Bible  Class.  Brother  Paul  also  had 
a  new  class.  At  n  a.  m.,  had  a  good  audience.  After  the  sermon 
we  had  two  accessions — valuable  ones.  At  night  the  weather  unpro- 
pitious  ;  two  accessions,  Mr.  J.  W.  S.  Taylor  and  wife.  Noble  and  de- 
voted Christians  they  were !  The  members  are  quite  enthused  over 
the  prospect.  On  Monday  met  a  gentleman  who  heard  my  sermon 
yesterday ;  he  desired  an  interview  in  the  interest  of  his  soul.  This 
rejoiced 'me.  Met  the  Stewards  at  night.  That  tormenting  subject 
of  music  was  discussed  feelingly.  We  had  a  small  reed  organ  in  the 
loft,  and  three  persons  singing — not  one  a  member  of  the  Church.  I 
told  the  Board  that  a  change  was  necessary.  It  was  a  unanimous 
vote  to  have  a  change.  Have  more  time  for  study  than  last  year.  I 
love  information,  and  then  study  keeps  the  faculties  bright.  During 
the  week,  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Official  Board,  met  at  the 
church  to  remove  the  organ  from  the  gallery  down  to  the  right  hand 
of  the  pulpit.  The  organist  is  opposed  to  the  removal,  but  the  music 
is  so  poor  a  change  is  demanded.  My  position  is,  let  the  organist  go, 
if  the  removal  is  not  satisfactory.  The  next  day,  had  an  interview 
with  our  organist,  and  explained  the  desire  of  the  Official  Board, 
that  they  were  unanimous  for  congregational  singing.  She  at  once 
fired  up.  I  informed  her,  if  those  who  sang  with  her  wished  to  retire 
we  would  have  no  trouble  to  replace  them. 

Visited  several  families  and  was  weary  at  the  close  of  day.  A 
lady    speaking   on    this    subject    said.    "  You    ought   not    to    go    so 


I92  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

steadily."  My  reply  was  on  this  wise:  "  Your  husband  as  a  book- 
keeper gets  tired ;  is  paid  to  do  so.  So  I  am  paid  to  do  a  certain 
work ;  to  say  nothing  of  the  higher  obligation  to  work  for  love  of 
God."  In  my  movements  looking  after  the  sheep,  I  reached  what  is 
known  as  "  The  Fink  Home."  A  residence  for  the  better  class  of 
the  poor.  We  have  in  this  institution  one  of  the  most  spiritual 
Christians  in  our  Church.  Sister  Evans  is  advanced  in  years,  and 
lives  hard  by  the  Mercy-Seat.  She  bubbles  over  without  any  trou- 
ble. She  often  shouts  the  praises  of  God.  Some  of  the  more  fastid- 
ious members  do  not  like  it.  She  has  a  sweet  voice,  and  there  is  a 
peculiar  tone  to  it  when  crying  out,  "  Glory  to  God !  "  T  love  to  hear 
this  blessed  saint  praise  our  Lord! 

At  our  Sunday  service,  a  large  congregation  and  an  addition  of 
four  to  our  membership.  Thus  the  work  goes  on  and  our  people 
are  enthused.  For  the  benefit  of  our  business  men  a  class-meeting  is 
held  weekly  at  Brother  R.  W.  Rayne's  residence.  The  old  gentle- 
man is  blind  and  can  not  get  out  to  the  church.  He  is  the  father  of 
our  Church.  Rev.  J.  D.  Parker,  a  saintly  man,  is  leader.  At  our 
Stewards'  meeting,  there  were  expressions  of  delight  over  our  pro- 
gress on  every  line.  The  Superintendent  of  our  Sunday-School,  re- 
ported the  largest  attendance  in  the  history  of  the  Church. 

Went  down  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  to  attend  the  Sta^e 
Sunday-School  Convention.  Dr.  Palmer  made  the  opening  address 
It  was  very  good  but  not  equal  to  some  of  his  efforts.  Colonel 
Ogden,*  State's  Attorney,  responded  to  Dr.  Palmer's  address  of 
welcome.  It  meant  a  great  deal  to  this  organization,  to  have  a  gen- 
tleman of  his  position  ally  himself  with  it.  The  morning  session  was 
rather  stiff.  Some  of  the  actors  moved  on  stilts.  Several  of  the  most 
famous  workers  of  the  Christian  world  were  present ;  among  them, 
Rolf  Wells,  of  New  York  ;  Mr.  Jacobs,  of  Chicago  ;  George  A.  Peltz, 
of  New  Jersey,  and  C.  Peyton  Porter,  of  Illinois.  At  night,  a 
crowded  audience.  The  associate  editor  of  the  Sunday-School 
Times,  Dr.  Peltz,  answered  the  question,  "  Why  are  we  here  ?  "  The 
address  was  instructive  and  of  value.  C.  Peyton  Porter  was  to  have 
answered  the  question,  "  What  has  been  done  in  and  by  State  or- 
ganizations ?  "  He  was  not  present,  but  Mr.  Jacobs  took  his  place  in 
a  lengthy  speech,  instructive  to  workers.  I  was  on  the  program  for 
the  next  address,  and  spoke  for  twenty-five  minutes  with  much 
freedom  on  "  Consecration  to  the  work."  Made  a  distinction  be- 
tween "  lambs  "  and  "  kids."  We  had  a  lively  time,  when  I  said, 
"  There  is  much  talk  about  the  lambs,  but  nothing  said  about  going 
after  the  kids !  "  Address  after  address  was  delivered,  most  of  them 
bristling  with  valuable  information.  I  was  taken  with  several  of 
these  men  from  abroad,  particularly  was  I  impressed  by  Rolf  Wells, 
of  New  York.  Rishop  Keener,  gave  the  Convention  a  superb  ad- 
dress on,  "  Claims  of  Sunday-Schools  on  Christians."  He  was  pithy, 
clear  and  strong. 

On  the  street,  met  two  ladv  friends  of  Carondelet  Street  Church 


i/  T0BI0GRAPH1  OF  KEY.  JU1IX  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ly3 

who  were  greatly  excited  over  an  article  in  the  Sunday  Times; 
criticising  me  severely  for,  as  was  alleged,  ordering  two  young  men 
out  of  church.  The  entire  story  I  assured  them  was  a  fabrication. 
Such  stories  are  made  up  to  secure  a  sale  for  the  paper. 

During  March  I  pushed  the  work  zealously.  One  day  called  on 
seventeen  persons,  on  another  day  visited  twenty-three ;  thus  day  by 
day  I  seek  to  interest  my  people  in  their  pastor.  Studying  every 
spare  hour,  making  new  sermons  and  attending  all' the  regular 
meetings.  In  all  these  duties  prayer  and  faith  are  mingled.  God 
answers  our  heart's  hunger  in  many  ways.  Dr.  Hartzell,  editor  of 
the  Southwestern  Christian  Advocate  (now  Bishop  of  Africa),  gave 
me  the  story  of  a  cultured  lady,  born  to  wealth ;  left  an  orphan ; 
cheated  by  the  man  to  whom  her  dying  father  confided  his  property ; 
and  who,  turned  adrift,  supported  herself  by  teaching.  Married  un- 
fortunately, this  new  trouble  darkening  her  life.  In  this  agonizing 
state  of  mind,  seeking  sympathy,  she  divulged  her  sorrow  to  an  old 
black  woman,  one  of  the  old-time  kind,  who  told  her  to  go  and  hear 
Mr.  Mathews  at  Carondelet  Street  Church;  there  she  would  get 
comfort.  She  slipped  in,  the  message,  to  her  mind,  was  ordered  of 
God.  She  continued  to  attend  until  she  found  life  in  Christ.  Many 
other  touching  points  were  given  me.  This  lady  joined  us  at  my  new 
charge,  and  is  a  blessed  child  of  God. 

At  our  evening  services,  I  called  for  penitents.  One  night  an 
aged  person  was  forward  for  prayers;  another  forty  years  old. 
During  this  month,  organized  a  new  class-meeting  and  reorganized 
another.  It  requires  a  certain  kind  of  quiet  persistency,  in  a  lovable 
wav,  to  build  up  class-meetings.  In  this  charge  one  of  my  most 
valued  members  said  to  me,  "  If  you  will  not  say  anything  to  me  I 
will  attend  your  morning  class."  I  assured  her  no  questions  would 
be  addressed  to  her,  and  she  attended.  The  meeting  was  one  of 
holy  fellowship,  and  she  was  delighted.  She  was  in  her_  place 
regularly  after  that.  One  day  after  we  had  closed  a  meeting  of 
.  Christian  sweetness,  she  awaited  me  in  the  vestibule,  and  with  tears 
in  her  eyes,  said,  "  Why  do  you  not  give  me  an  opportunity  to  say 
something?  I  was  anxious  to  do  so  this  morning."  I  replied,  "Why, 
Alice,  vou  made  me  promise  not  to  ask  you  for  an  experience!" 
"  But,"'  she  replied,  "  I  want  to  say  something!  "  She  has  been  in 
Heaven,  now,  for  several  years.  _  , 

Prepared  to  go  to  Baton  Rouge  to  lecture,  to  aid  in  repairing 
our  church  in  that  city.  Rev.  J.  T.  Sawyer  met  me  at  the  landing, 
and  I  accompanied  him  to  his  residence,  where  a  most  cordial  recep- 
tion was  given  me  bv  his  wife,  who  before  her  marriage  was  a  pet  of 
Felicity  Street  Church.  Everybody  called  her  "  Lizzie."  The  pastor 
shows  energy  and  snap  in  securing  means  to  repair  his  church.^  Had 
a  full  house  to  *hear  the  lecture  on  "  Magic  and  Spiritualism."  On 
the  boat  homeward  bound  found  an  Episcopal  minister,  and  intro- 
duced mvself.  He  is  not  a  ritualist ;  I  was  surprised  at  the  favor  he 
showed  for  the  Cumming's  movement;  a  reformed  Church.     Also, 


194 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


saw  a  Roman  Catholic  priest,  and  remarked  to  the  Episcopal  minister, 
"  Let  us  go  and  make  his  acquaintance."  He  declined.  I  went  and 
introduced  myself.  We  had  quite  a  pleasant  interview.  One  thing 
I  desired  to  know  was,  what  he  understood  the  essence  of  religion 
to  be.  I  inquired,  if  he  knew  what  we  meant  by  being  converted? 
His  answer  was  vague.  He  was  belligerent,  but  there  was  no  fight 
in  me.  He  was  well  posted  in  points  of  defense  of  his  Church,  but 
knew  nothing  of  a  Christian  experience.  He  was  a  real  "  Paddy," — 
warm-hearted  and  free. 

Received  a  notice  from  the  express  office  of  a  package  to  me. 
Rode  down  and  secured  it.  Judge  of  my  surprise,  when  I  opened  it, 
to  find  it  was  a  bond  of  the  State  of  Alabama  for  five  hundred 
dollars,  a  gift  from  Mr.  Charles  Linn,  of  Birmingham,  Alabama.  I 
had  been  kind  to  his  son,  who  died  suddenly,  and  had  him  buried  in 
the  family  ground  in  Montgomery,  while  his  family  were  abroad  on 
their  vacation  in  California.  The  note  contained,  these  words,  "  All 
I  ask  is,  that  if  you  are  near  enough,  you  will  go  and  close  my  eyes 
in  death,  and  bury  me." 

Since  taking  charge  of  this  Church  I  have  urged,  privately  and 
publicly,  the  necessity  of  building  a  chapel  in  the  rear  of  the  church. 
Brother  R.  W.  Rayne  made  a  proposition  to  build  this  chapel  if  the 
trustees  of  the  old  Cadiz  Street  Church  will  turn  it  over  to  him. 
They,  or  some  of  them,  refuse  to  do  so  until  Brother  Rayne  gives  us 
a  title  to  the  new  church.    This  is  the  hitch. 

One  of  the  richest  and  most  desirable  gifts  Heaven  bestows 
upon  man  is  friendship,  that  mysterious  linking  of  spirit  with  spirit. 
It  is  a  treat  to  the  soul  to  secure  the  friendship  of  those  who  are 
crowned  with  years  and  mellowed  by  experience.  Among  those 
whose  friendship  I  appreciate,  are  those  of  other  communions.  My 
admiration  for  one  of  Dr.  Palmer's  elders  is  very  strong ;  Mr.  Black, 
a  man  of  such  integrity  that  the  courts  and  financial  organizations 
conferred  honor  upon  our  Christianity  in  the  confidence  placed  in  him 
by  appointing  him  in  charge  of  financial  interests.  In  a  conversation 
with  him,  I  spoke  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him.  His  reply  was, 
"Mr.  Mathews,  I  owe  all  to  the  grace  of  God.  If  I  possess  worthiness 
of  character  and  integrity,  it  is  of  grace."  He  attributed  everything 
to  Christianity.  Sometimes  he  attended  upon  my  ministry.  On  one 
occasion,  he  was  present  when  I  was  taking  a  collection.  I  an- 
nounced, "  I  must  have  a  certain  amount  or  I  will  not  dismiss  the 
audience."  It  was  at  night.  At  last,  friend  Black  responded  to  my 
five-dollar  proposition.  I  then  announced,  "  Brother  Black,  you  are 
dismissed !  ':     He  retired  ;  others  contributed  and  followed  suit. 

How  large  the  number  of  those  who,  as  Wheedon,  the  Com- 
mentator says,  "  Lapse  back  into  the  low  state  which  is  common  to 
most  believers."  This  is  a  subsidence  not  only  alarming,-  but  ruinous. 
They  are  genuinely  converted  and  run  well  for  a  season,  but  almost 
unconsciously  fall  back  into  the  old  state.  Is  it  not  true,  that  it 
always  excites  one's  sympathy  to  see  a  man  with  his  hand  in  a  sling? 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  I95 

So  it  melts  the  heart  to  see  men  and  women  who  once  enjoyed  fel- 
lowship with  our  Lord,  now  maimed  in  spirit,  having  lost  their  sense 
of  justification.  I  came  in  contact  with  one  of  these.  Was  once 
a  traveling  minister,  devoted  and  spiritual ;  has  now  grown  rich  in 
money,  but  poor  in  spirit.  Morally  he  is  all  right,  but  is  a  spiritual 
pauper. 

In  New  Orleans,  the  spectacular  is  prominent  on  Easter-day. 
Churches  seem  to  vie  with  each  other  in  appealing  to  men  through 
the  eye.  Our  congregations  are  not  as  full  on  these  days  as  on 
.others.  Many  of  our  people  desire  to  see,  and  plead  they  only  "  go 
to  hear  the  extra  music."  On  this  Easter  Sunday  on  the  table  in  the 
chancel  was  a  lone  but  exquisitely  lovely  white  lily.  Bishop  Keener 
pointed  to  it  at  the  close  of  service  and  said,  "  That  lily  diverts  the 
mind  from  the  worship  of  God!  "  The  more  spiritual  a  people  are, 
the  less  they  favor  the  spectacular,  and  in  proportion  as  the  spiritual 
declines,  do  men  desire  the  sensational  in  appeals  to  the  mind  through 
the  eye. 

For  some  time  the  press  has  given  publicity  to  the  assaults  of 
Ingersol  on  the  Bible.  I  called  on  a  family,  and  met  a  lady  who 
has  ceased  attending  Church,  so  tinctured  was  she  with  this  eloquent 
man's  statements.  In  the  interview,  she  acknowledged  reading  the 
assaults  upon  the  Bible.  I  propounded  this  question  to  her,  "  Have 
you  ever  read  a  single  work  in  defense  of  our  Christianity  ?  "  She 
was  compelled  to  answer :  "  No !  "  Forty-eight  out  of  every  fifty 
of  those  accepting  Ingersol's  theory,  when  pushed,  will  give  the 
same  answer.  One  point  I  urged,  is  the  falseness  of  many  of  his 
assertions.  He  charges  the  Bible  as  teaching  that  the  world  is  six 
thousand  years  old ;  yet  there  is  no  such  teaching  in  that  Holy  Book. 
The  Bible  is  dateless !  It  says,  "  In  the  beginning  God  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth."  That  is  all.  When  was  the  beginning? 
By  request  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  I  delivered  a 
lecture  on,  "  An  Evening  With  Ingersol."  Ingersol  is  dead,  but  the 
Old  Book  still  survives.  Its  assailants  now  are  in  the  house  of  its 
friends. 

One  night,  after  retiring,  I  was  awakened  by  the  loud  ringing 
of  our  door-bell.  A  messenger  was  at  the  door  to  summon  me  to 
the  bedside  of  a  man  who  had  been  bitten  by  a  venomous  snake. 
Instead  of  attending  Church  that  Sunday,  he  had  gone  blackberry- 
ing.  While  in  the  berry  patch  he  was  attacked.  Greatly  frightened 
he  recrossed  the  Mississippi  River  and  hastened  to  his  home.  When 
the  messenger  was  dispatched  for  the  minister,  his  leg  had  swollen 
to  a  great  size,  and  the  physician  had  exhausted  his  skill.  When  I 
reached  the  house,  over  a  mile  away,  I  found  the  place  crowded  with 
his  neighbors.  Entering  the  room  where  he  lay,  I  heard  loud  voices 
saying,  "  Poor  Joe ;  poor  Joe !  "  I  took  in  the  situation  at  a  glance. 
The  man  was  so  frightened  his  forehead  was  covered  with  perspira- 
tion, and  he  excitedly  exclaimed,  "Pray  for  me!  pray  for  me!" 
"  No."  said  I.  "  it  is  no  use  to  pray  with  such  a  crowd  in  the  room ; 


ig6 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


all  of  you  leave  at  once.  Put  me  in  this  bed  and  let  a  crowd  get 
around  me  and  cry,  '  Poor  John !  poor  John,'  I  would  die  without 
being  snake-bitten !  "  After  a  time  the  room  was  cleared,  and  when 
the  man  grew  quiet  I  said,  "  You  are  no  more  dying  than  I  am ;  I 
know  not  the  final  issue,  but  you  are  not  a  dying  man  now !  "  He 
grew  calm,  then  kneeling  at  his  side  I  prayed  for  him.  In  due  time  I 
returned  to  my  home,  assuring  him  that  he  would  not  die  yet.  The 
physician's  remedies  had  arrested  the  progress  of  the  poison,  and 
when  I  returned  the  next  day,  he  was  full  of  hope.  With  the  bless- 
ing of  God  on  the  medicine,  and  in  answer  to  prayer,  he  finally  re- 
covered. If  ever  there  was  a  happy  man  he  was  one.  He  faithfully 
attended  Church  after  that. 

Early  one  morning,  a  woman  called  to  solicit  my  cooperation  in 
securing  a  place  to  live.  She  said  she  was  willing  to  go  into  a  family 
and  help  a  little,— play  the  lady  for  wages !  Some  of  our  people  who 
are  penniless  retain  all  the  old-time  pride,  and  will  nearly  starve 
rather  than  take  the  place  of  servants.  They  are  to  be  pitied,  and  yet 
blamed.  One  said  to  me  when  I  suggested  such  a  position,  "  I  am 
as  good  as  any  one."  ",  Yes,"  was  my  reply,  "  you  may  be  superior 
in  intellect  and  education,  but  it  is  your  misfortune  to  be  utterly 
helpless.    It  is  no  crime  to  be  poor — only  a  misfortune." 

Received  a  note  from  a  Baptist  lady  to  visit  her  sick  son.  Found 
him  dying  of  consumption.  He  heard  me  preach,  the  other  summer, 
in  the  theater,  and  was  willing  to  have  me  visit  him.  During  my 
interview  I  discovered  that  he  was  the  grandson  of  an  old  couple 
with  whom  I  boarded  for  a  time  in  Decatur,  Alabama,  in  1849.  His 
grandmother  was  kind,  very,  to  the  young  preacher.  Old  memories 
gave  added  interest  to  the  occasion.  Young  Patterson,  was 
splendidly  educated  in  Scotland,  the  native  land  of  his  parents.  He 
returned  a  polished  gentleman  of  fine  manners  and  elegant  address. 
His  equipment  for  life-work  was  unusual ;  but,  alas,  while  educating 
one  part  of  his  nature  he  failed  just  where  many  fail — failed  to  learn 
how  to  use  his  acquisitions  to  the  best  interest  of  his  being.  He  was 
rich,  and  married  into  a  fine  family.  As  years  passed,  several 
children  were  given  them,  but  their  resources  dwindled  away,  until 
poverty  stared  them  in  the  face.  The  husband  and  father  died  by  the 
awful  scourge  of  liquor.  They  floated  into  this  city,  where  so  many, 
once  rich,  come  to  hide  from  the  gossip  and  criticisms  of  their  former 
associates.  Here  is  the  grandson  of  my  old  friends,  dying  in  ob- 
scurity !  I  instructed  him  as  one  instructs  a  child,  he  knew  so  little 
of  the  truth  of  God ;  yet  his.  ancestors  were  of  the  old  Scotch 
covenanters. 

Brother  Hamp  S.  Smith,  a  close  friend  and  devoted  Methodist, 
was  in  his  office  when  I  called.  This  visit  was  not  pastoral.  I  was 
specially  in  need  of  funds.  Having  explained  the  object  of  my  visit, 
to  borrow  money,  he  said,  "  How  much  do  you  need  ?  "  "  One 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,"  was  the  answer.  "  I  will  not  lend  it  to 
you,  but  will  let  you  have  it,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year,  when  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D. 


197 


finances  are  winding  up,  report  it  as  part  of  my  assessment."  He  had 
already  contributed  largely  to  our  Church.  I  wanted  to  give  him  my 
note — "No,  no!"  I  was  grateful  to  this  large-hearted  man.  He 
was  constantly  doing  things  of  this  kind.  His  attachment  to  me  was 
something  discussed  by  other  friends. 

Our  people  were  surprised  and  shocked,  on  July  8th,  to  learn  of 
the  sudden  death  of  that  noble  man,  Brother  R.  W.  Rayne.  He  was 
at  his  summer  residence  at  Ocean  Springs,  Mississippi.  He  was 
brought  to  New  Orleans  and  buried  from  the  house  of  worship 
which  he  had  erected  to  the  glory  of  God.  A  large  concourse  at- 
tended his  funeral,  which  was  conducted  by  Bishop  J.  C.  Keener 
and  others.  Our  brother  was  a  local  minister  of  many  years'  stand- 
ing, and  a  business  man  of  large  interests.  He  was  a  portly  and 
handsome  man,  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  Feeling  the 
necessity  of  a  house  of  worship  in  the  section  where  his  home  was 
located,  he  conceived  the  idea  of  erecting  such  a  structure  to  per- 
petuate the  memory  of  a  son  who  died  in  the  army.  The  structure 
now  known  as  "  The  Rayne  Memorial  Church,"  which  stands  on  the 
corner  of  General  Taylor  and  St.  Charles  Avenues,  was  named  by 
him  the  "  St.  Charles  Avenue  Church."  It  was  his  pet  conception, 
and  filled  his  mind  in  his  declining  days.  He  secured  about  seven- 
teen thousand  dollars  from  business  friends,  then  proceeded  to  build. 
Though  not  his  pastor  then,  he  confided  his  plan  to  me,  and  often 
consulted  me  as  to  the  beauty  and  utility  of  the  house.  The  building 
and  lot  cost  forty  thousand  dollars.  When  he  died  it  was  found  he 
had  made  no  provision  in  his  will  for  its  transfer  to  a  Board  of 
Trustees.  His  noble  widow,  within  a  short  time  after  his  demise,  sent 
for  Bishop  J.  C.  Keener  to  notify  him  she  intended  to  carry  out  the 
purpose  of  her  husband.  On  the  28th  of  July,  1879,  the  legal  steps 
were  begun,  and  on  January  1st,  1880,  the  papers  were  signed  and 
the  house  was  in  the  hands  of  trustees  for  the  use  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South. 

In  August,  I  went  to  the  Wheeling  camp-ground,  Mounclsville, 
West  Virginia.  Several  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  of  Wheeling  did  business  in  New  Orleans  every 
fall  and  winter.  They  attended  my  ministry,  and  gave  me  a  pressing 
invitation  to  attend  their  camp-meeting,  and  spend  a  Sunday  in 
Wheeling.  I  was  pleased  to  go,  not  having  attended  a  new  style 
camp-meeting  where  people  have  to  pay  to  enter  the  grounds.  I  was 
greeted  with  marked  cordiality,  and  was  made  to  feel  at  home.  I 
was  never  at  a  camp-meeting  where  such  throngs  attended.  They 
could  tell  the  number  present  each  day  by  the  tickets  taken  in.  Six 
thousand  were  present  on  Sunday.  Here  gathered  ministers,  presi- 
dents of  colleges  and  schools,  professors  and  teachers,  and  persons 
from  all  the  walks  of  life.  Being  the  only  minister  from  the  South- 
ern Church,  they  honored  the  Church  by  giving  me  the  appointment 
to  preach  at  m  o'clock  on  Sunday.  It  was  a  noisy  crowd ;  many 
were  greeting  old  friends  and  acquaintances.     The  Presiding  Elder 


198 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


said  to  me,  "  Brother,  I  am  sorry  for  you,  but  no  man  has  ever  been 
able  to  command  the  attention  of  the  audience  at  11  o'clock  on  Sun- 
day." I  made  no  reply,  but  felt  somewhat  excited ;  just  enough  so 
to  put  my  faculties  into  full  play.  When  I  had  announced  my  text, 
lifting  up  my  voice  (a  strong  one)  above  the  hum  in  the  audience,  I 
remarked,  "  I  am  told,  we  have  a  number  of  college  presidents,  pro- 
fessors, and  school  teachers  present :  Hear  me !  Can  any  of  you 
tell  me  why  A  is  A!"  No  answer.  I  played  upon  this  question, 
repeating  it  again  and  again.  The  attention  was  arrested  by  the 
strangeness  of  my  method  and  manner.  Rarely,  if  ever,  did  I  have 
more  profound  attention  than  on  that  occasion.  We  had  responses 
during  the  discourse — tears  and  shouts.  Many  penitents  came  for- 
ward. There  I  met  a  female  preacher,  Mrs.  Robinson.  She  im- 
pressed me  deeply.  Her  dress  was  becoming ;  nothing  about  it  to 
attract  attention.  Her  sermons  clear,  instructive  and  full  of  pathos. 
But  her  message  was  to  Christians.  After  one  of  her  discourses  of 
touching  sweetness,  she  invited  penitents,  but  no  response,  which 
seemed  to  greatly  distress  her.  We  dined  at  the  same  tent,  and  she 
propounded  this  question,  "  Why  is  it,  so  few  sinners  respond  to  the 
Gospel  ?  "  My  reply  was  about  this :  "  Christ  is  held  up  and  des- 
cribed in  glowing  terms  as  the  great  Physician.  People  weep  over 
His  tenderness  'and  love ;  but  people  are  not  made  to  feel  the  need  of 
a  physician.  They  are  not  made  sin-sick.  No  one  applies  to  a  phy- 
sician, no  matter  how  able  he  may  be,  unless  he  feels  sick.  The 
preaching  of  the  present  day  is  very  clear  and  instructive,  but  sin- 
ners are  not  led  to  feel  the  dangerous  nature  of  sin."  One  of  my 
sermons,  at  this  meeting,  was  on  "  The  Plague  of  the  Heart."  My 
discourses  aim  to  alarm  souls,  awaking  them  out  of  sleep.  The  camp- 
meeting  was  a  great  benefit'  to  my  own  soul.  On  Sunday,  August 
31st,  I  was  in  Wheeling,  and  by  invitation  of  the  pastor,  Dr.  George, 
I  preached  in  Fourth  Street  Church  to  a  very  large  audience. 
Everything  was  prepossessing ;  the  house,  the  pastor,  and  the  con- 
gregation. The  pastor's  term  was  about  to  expire,  but  nothing,  even 
the  tempting  salary  and  the  generous  equipment  could  induce  me  to 
leave  my  sunny  home.  Returned  to  New  Orleans  happy  over  my  trip, 
and  with  renewed  purpose  to  plod  on  in  my  work,  looking  to  God  for 
the  Holy  Spirit's  power,  to  supplement  my  toil. 

In  December,  1879,  our  Annual  Conference  convened  in  the  city 
of  Baton  Rouge,  Bishop  J.  C.  Keener  presiding.  I  was  returned 
for  the  second  year  as  pastor  of  St.  Charles  Avenue.  I  opened  my 
second  campaign  in  this  charge  with  a  sermon  on  Second  Corinth- 
ians, 12:  15;  the  theme,  "The  Price  of  Doing  Good."  My  labors 
were  as  steady  as  ever,  visiting  from  house  to  house,  looking  after 
the  sick  and  burying  the  dead.  I  had  considerable  time  for  study, 
and  improved  it.  Our  Church  grew  steadily,  prayer  and  class-meet- 
ings kept  in  full  blast,  and  often  in  a  glow.  Last  Conference  year, 
I  made  eighteen  hundred  calls ;  made  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
exhortations,  lectures  and  addresses. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  199 

In  April,  1  was  in  Montgomery,  Alabama,  to  deliver  a  lecture 
on  "  Magic  and  Spiritism."  1  had  been  pastor  in  this  city  for  four 
years  and  my  former  parishioners  poured  out  to  hear  me.  I  re- 
mained over  until  after  Sunday  and  preached  twice  in  Court  Street 
Church.  This  was  my  first  visit,  and  the  people  gave  me  an  ovation. 
It  did  my  soul  good  to  see  many  of  my  spiritual  children,  and  learn 
they  were  standing  fast  in  the  liberty  of  Christ !  I  returned  to  my 
work  in  New  Orleans,  reinforced  and  cheered. 

Dr.  Johnson,  the  president  of  Whitworth  College,  at  Brook- 
haven,  Mississippi,  joined  the  young  ladies'  societies  in  soliciting  me 
to  deliver  the  literary  address  on  commencement  day.  I  consented, 
and  my  address  was  on  "  The  Essential  Culture."  Great  crowds  at- 
tended commencement  occasions,  and,  as  usual,  I  had  the  opportunity 
of  speaking  to  an  immense  throng.  During  my  address  I  was  several 
times  interrupted  by  educators,  who  were  present,  disavowing  the 
neglect  of  the  chief  element  in  education.  My  theory  is,  there  are 
three  gymnasiums  in  which  to  be  trained,  the  physical,  the  mental, 
and  the  spiritual. 

In  July,  I  found  myself  at  Providence  camp-ground,  Copiah 
County,  Mississippi.  Bishop  McTyeire  had  long  ago  urged  me  to 
go  out  of  the  city  and  contribute  to  the  extension  of  Christ's  King- 
dom. More  than  that,  I  longed  to  get  to  a  regular  old-time  camp- 
meeting.  Here  I  found  it.  The  people  are  intelligent  and  spiritual, 
and  gather  here  year  by  year  for  edification  and  development.  I 
preached  four  times  and  exhorted  time  and  again.  Some  of  the 
ministers  gave  us  rare  treats  in  Gospel  food.  Dr.  Wheat  was  there, 
considered  by  some  as  the  best  preacher  in  our  denomination.  His 
sermon  fed  and  filled  us.  He  was  refined  through  suffering.  At 
this  meeting,  during  a  children's  service  which  I  led,  a  lad  was  con- 
verted all  over.  The  power  of  God  seemed  to  rest  upon  him.  As 
God  spoke  to  Samuel,  so  did  He  speak  to  this  boy.  At  a  subsequent 
meeting,  held  to  hear  experiences,  he  arose  with  a  radiant  face  and 
with  tears  on  his  cheeks  gave  us  one  of  the  most  touching  talks 
of  the  meeting ;  telling  in  simple  terms,  that,  "  Sitting  on  the  backer- 
most  seat,  God  moved  me  to  give  Him  my  heart,  and  I  was  saved ! ' 
He  turned,  saying,  "  You,  on  the  backermost  seat,  can  be  saved !  " 

During  the  Conference  year,  arrangements  were  made  to  erect 
the  long-desired  chapel.  The  members  were  delighted.  The  old 
Cadiz  Street  Church  had  been  sold  to  the  colored  people;  there 
was  a  handsome  sum  of  money  in  hand,  and  with  added  subscrip- 
tions by  friends  we  had  funds  enough  to  build  the  much-needed 
attachment.  However,  we  had  to  let  patience  have  her  prefect  work. 
There  was  a  good  deal  of  dilly-dallying.  The  Building  Committee 
and  architect  had  some  friction.  The  plans  of  the  latter  were  too 
expensive. 

While  singing  the  first  hymn  at  prayer-meeting,  a  note  was  sent 
from  the  vestibule,  requesting  me  to  go  at  once  to  see  Mrs.  Ober 
who  was  said  to  be  dying.    She  was  at  the  McAllister  House.    Took 


200  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

the  street  car  and  when  at  the  corner  of  Julia  and  Carondelet  Streets, 
found  the  street  flooded.  The  young  man  who  accompanied  me, 
finding  I  could  not  get  in  at  the  front  door,  picked  me  up  in  his  arms, 
waded  through  the  water,  putting  me  down  opposite  the  kitchen.  A 
window  was  opened ;  some  one  put  out  a  chair  on  which  I  stood,  and 
with  help  climbed  in  at  the  window.  When  I  entered  the  sick  cham- 
ber I  found  a  sad  group.  When  told  I  had  called  to  see  her,  she 
replied,  "  I  did  not  know  I  was  going  to  die."  She  added,  "  I  am  not 
afraid  to  die !  am  putting  my  trust  in  Christ."  I  prayed  and  com- 
mitted her  soul  into  God's  hands.  Within  fifteen  minutes  her  spirit 
passed  into  the  Beyond.  She  was  young  and  cultured,  with  a  lovely 
disposition,  and  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  benevolence.  Her 
death  was  keenly  felt  in  my  home.  During  the  late  epidemic,  she 
was  one  of  a  group  of  ladies  who  waited  upon  my  wife  and  children, 
nursing  them  day  by  day,  when  my  home  was  a  hospital.  Little  did 
we  dream  that  in  a  short  time  she  would  pass  into  the  Divine  Bosom ! 

That  holy  man,  J.  D.  Parker,  had  for  several  years  carried  on 
a  Mission  Sunday-School  in  a  needy  section  of  the  city.  He  never 
relaxed  his  effort.  Paying  rent  and  spending  for  current  expenses 
was  too  great  a  drain  on  him,  and  in  consultation,  we  concluded  to 
begin  a  campaign  of  education,  by  proposing  a  building  for  the  use 
of  his  school.  At  once,  objections  were  made,  that  it  would  inter- 
fere with  the  erection  of  our  chapel.  My  answer  was,  "  Not  at  all ! 
My  little  project  is  incidental.  No  one  need  contribute  to  the  Mis- 
sion Chapel  who  wishes  to  contribute  to  the  one  at  home !  "  By 
tact,  opposition  was  allayed,  and  quietly,  I  began  in  a  small  way, 
trying  to  gather  something  towards  Brother  Parker's  school  build- 
ing. The  Ladies'  Missionary  .Society  had  promised  to  raise  for  this 
mission  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  They  raised  at  once  seventy- 
five  dollars.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the  Parker  Memorial 
Church. 

Had  an  interview  with  a  Mr.  Jorgenson.  He  is  what  is  styled 
"  a  cure  medium."  He  seems  honest ;  does  not  affiliate  with  the 
ordinary  spiritualists ;  claims  to  possess  a  gift ;  he  keeps  a  candle 
burning  in  a  dark  room  where  he  prays,  and  by  use  of  hands  and  a 
ring  effects  cures,  if  the  person  will  pay.  I  hardly  know  what  to 
make  of  him. 

We  have  had  extra  congregational  singing  for  several  months, 
and  thought  we  were  fixed  for  a  long  time  to  come.  Mr.  Edgerly 
was  brought  to  our  city  by  Mr.  R.  W.  Rayne  as  a  valuable  man  in 
his  business.  The  death  of  Brother  Rayne  has  caused  a  change  in 
the  business,  and  Mr.  Edgerly  is  called  to  New  York  by  the  sur- 
viving partner.  We  can  but  grieve.  To-night,  April  ioth,  he  leads 
for  the  last  time.  How  I  dread  this  question  of  music.  It  has  given 
me  more  trouble  during  my  ministry  than  any  other  problem.  For 
years,  in  my  different  charges,  it  has  been  a  sore  subject :  "  A 
thorn  in  the  flesh,  the  messenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me." 

I  was  notified  to  call  at  the  Hall  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 


-AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  2OI 

Association  to  greet  the  now  famous  evangelist,  D.  L.  Moody,  with 
the  equally  celebrated  Mr.  Sankey,  whose  power  in  spiritual  song 
has  rarely  been  equalled  in  this  generation.  The  latter  sang  for  the 
crowd,  while  the  ministers  met  in  the  committee  room  to  decide 
where  Mr.  Moody  should  preach  to-morrow.  My  church  is  far  up 
town,  but  I  was  anxious  to  have  one  of  the  three  services  at  St. 
Charles  Avenue  Church.  '  I  made  a  special  plea  to  the  evangelist, 
saying,  "  Mr.  Moody,  you  owe  me  something ;  for,  as  you  know,  I 
am  the  only  minister  in  the  city  who  stood  by  you  when  visiting  our 
city  a  few  years  ago."  He  laughingly  replied,  "  Some  of  the  people 
told  me  they  would  rather  hear  you  preach ! "  However,  the 
ministers  decided  for  him.  They  fixed  it  so  the  people  could  attend 
from  all  sections  of  the  city.  The  presence  of  these  men  demoralized 
all  our  Churches  so  far  as  our  Sunday  congregations  are  concerned. 
I  went  up  to  Sunday-School ;  no  Superintendent ;  teachers  nearly  all 
went  down  to  hear  these  noted  men.  The  excitement  ran  high.  My 
church  was  half  emptied,  others  reported  equally  so.  In  the  after- 
noon, I  went  down  to  Ames  Church  to  hear  the  discourse  and  music. 
Mr.  Sankey  sung  with  a  distinct  enunciation  so  that  every  vowel 
sounded  out.  There  was  pathos  and  .sweetness  in  his  voice ;  but  my 
conviction  was,  his  singing  did  not  surpass  that  of  Philip  Phillips. 
At  night  Rev.  John  O.  Keener  occupied  my  pulpit.  We  had  an 
attendance  of  eighty-seven.  His  text  was,  "  Every  man  shall  give 
an  account  of  himself  to  God."  He  handled  his  subject  on  the  same 
line  of  exposition  with  the  Bishop,  his  father.  He  married  my  eldest 
daughter,  Phala,  and  is  visiting  us.  These  workers,  Moody  and 
Sankey,  reach  many  hearts  never  reached  by  the  regular  ministry. 
and  some  great  truths  are  impressed  upon  the  conscience. 

One  obstacle  in  the  way  of  Church  progress  is  injurious  gossip- 
ers.  Along  my  path  how  they  have  distressed  me.  Whisperers, 
going  from  house  to  house,  repeating  slanders.  One  such  can  get  an 
entire  Church  by  the  ears,  and  produce  a  muss,  and  thus  retard  the 
work  of  God.  Thev  have  given  me  the  heartache  many  times  in 
my  career.  Sir  Walter  Scott  characterises  calumny  as  "  The  vile 
habit,  into  which  baser  spirits  sink,  of  cutting  honest  throats  by 
whispers." 

April  25th,  Captain  George  Kountz  brought  his  little  daughter 
to  Church  to  be  baptized.  Little  "  Belle  "  is  a  sweet  child,  and  a  pet 
in  the  family.  Captain  Kountz  for  years  has  been  a  river  man. 
While  I  was  pastor  at  Felicity  Street  Church  ten  years  ago,  he  joined 
that  Church.  When  I  was  removed  to  Carondelet  Street  Church,  he 
brought  his  certificate  there ;  and  has  followed  me  to  St.  Charles 
Avenue.  He  acted  without  my  knowledge.  Of  course  I  appreciate 
the  love  he  bore  me. 

April  28th,  1880,  that  noble  Christian  woman,  Mrs.  R.  W. 
Rayne,  passed  up  to  join  her  husband  in  the  City  of  God.  She  had 
been  a  sufferer  with  internal  cancer.  Early  in  the  morning  I  had 
called,  but  she  was  too  ill  to  see  even  her  pastor.    Her  daughter  told 


202  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

me  she  prayed  all  morning.  I  was  requested  to  attend  her  funeral 
in  company  with  her  former  pastor  and  almost  life-long  friend, 
Dr.  Linus  Parker.  I  insisted  on  his  doing  the  talking,  as  he  had  so 
long  known  her.  A  very  large  number  assembled  to  express  sym- 
pathy for  the  bereaved  family.  She  was  universally  esteemed  and 
famous  for  her  kindness  to  the  poor.  On  all  lines  of  Christian 
action  she  did  good:  She  was  one  of  the  few  who  in  growing  rich 
found  her  benevolence  keeping  pace  with  her  wealth.  In  the  death 
of  Mrs.  Rayne,  our  Church  has  lost  one  our  chief  supporters.  She 
died  praying  for  herself  and  children.  Christianity  enriched  her 
nature.  In  conversation,  Mrs.  Rayne  was  a  model.  She  rose  above 
all  idle  gossip.  She  was  too  rich  in  love,  for  envies.  Her  religion 
eliminated  all  spleen  from  her  spirit  and  like  ripened  fruit  from  its 
tree,  so  she  dropped  into  Eternity. 

The  non-action  of  good  women  has  often  puzzled  me.  Perhaps 
this  accounts  for  the  way  preachers  acted  a  few  centuries  ago.  We 
are  told  that  a  certain  minister  spent  several  months  in  solving  the 
question,  "  Why  the  divil  doth  most  deal  with  ancient  weemon  ?  " 
This  problem  comes  to  mind  while  thinking  of  an  humble  woman 
who  appeared  at  our  altar  in  one  of  our  meetings.  She  was  attired 
in  plain  but  neat  clothes.  She  had  an  honest  face  and  exhibited  deep 
earnestness.  During  the  evening  she  professed  conversion,  and 
rising  to  her  feet  she  quietly  extended  her  hand  to  the  pastor.  Not 
another  person  moved  to  greet  her  in  her  new-found  joy.  Her  calico 
bonnet  was  in  the  way!  She  retired  from  the  church  as  noiselessly 
as  she  had  entered.  The  next  night,  seeing  she  was  not  present,  I 
spoke  of  the  non-action  of  the  ladies,  adding,  "  Not  a  soul  noticed 
her ;  not  even  the  wife  of  the  pastor,  or  the  wife  of  the  Presiding 
Elder !  "  Talk  about  "  caste  "  in  India !  "  Caste  "  in  American 
Churches  has  hindered  the  Gospel's  onward  march  as  much  as  any 
other  one  thing !  This  I  have  sought  publicly  and  privately  to  break 
down.  That  calico  bonnet  never  reappeared  in  that  church,  so  far  as 
I  know. 

Sometimes  there  is  generated  in  my  heart  such  a  longing  for 
souls  that  it  becomes  painful.  When  the  Holy  Spirit  illuminates  the 
mind,  until  it  sees  the  fearful  danger  to  souls  which  find  their  joy 
in  drinking  in  the  pleasures  of  earth,  the  realization  saddens  one  to 
mental  sickness !  This  suggests  an  account  of  a  spring  in  California 
known  as  the  "  Death  Spring."  Its  waters  are  clear,  sparkling  and 
cold,  but  instead  of  refreshing  they  kill.  The  water  is  passed 
through  a  formation  impregnated  with  arsenic.  '  When  I  gain  a 
reasonable  comprehension  of  the  result  of  living  in  sin,  I  am  im- 
pelled to  warn  the  unconverted.  "  Show  my  people  their  sins,"  is 
a  Divine  injunction.  During  a  protracted  meeting,  passing  among 
the  penitents  at  the  altar,  I  noticed  a  gentleman  who  seemed  deeply 
concerned.  In  speaking  to  him,  he  raised  his  face,  while  tears  filled 
his  eyes,  and  exclaimed,  "  O  Mr.  Mathews,  there  are  tears  in  my 
heart !  "     Deeply  stricken  by  the  Spirit,  his  penitence  was  thorough 


1/  TOBIOQRAPEH  OF  REV.  JolIX  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  203 

and  effective,  for  in  a  little  time  he  was  saved.  At  one  of  our  sum- 
mer prayer-meetings,  I  called  for  penitents.  Five  came  forward; 
two  men  and  one  lady  professed  conversion.  While  we  have  had 
no  sweeping  revival  we  have  conversions  from  time  to  time.  This 
work  sets  my  heart  in  a  glow. 

Closing  my  second  year,  in  an  interview  with  Dr.  Linus 
Parker,  our  Presiding  Elder,  the  question  of  my  appointment  for 
the  next  ecclesiastical  year  was  discussed.  He  thought  I  had  had 
an  interview  with  Bishop  Keener  in  reference  to  my  transfer  to  the 
Alabama  Conference,  for  St.  Francis  Street  Church,  Mobile.  "  The 
Bishop,"  added  Dr.  Parker,  "  is  half  inclined  to  send  you  there." 
He  protested  against  my  removal.  He  wants  me  to  go  back  to 
Carondelet  Street  Church.  Bishop  Keener  said,  "  St.  Charles  must 
not  suffer."  The  Presiding  Elder  added,  "  You  may  go  to  other 
parts  and  have  crowds,  and  take  many  persons  into  the  Church; 
but  you  could  not  do  more  than  you  have  done  and  can  still  do  at 
St.  Charles  Church."  The  prayer  of  my  heart  is  that  God  would 
guide  as  to  my  future  field  of  labor. 

Having  occasion  to  go  to  the  Mobile  depot,  while  awaiting  the 
train,  a  gentleman  connected  with  the  road  recognized  me.  He  was 
a  lad  when  I  was  stationed  at  Tuskegee,  Alabama,  1859.  He  re- 
called faces  and  facts  of  the  long  ago.  He  inquired  if  it  exhausted 
me  to  preach  now  as  it  did  then.  My  answer  was,  "  No ;  I  can 
preach  now  and  lie  down  to  sleep  as  quietly  as  an  infant."  In 
former  years,  if  I  got  to  sleep  by  2  o'clock  in  the  morning,  I  felt 
grateful.  Giving  up  tobacco,  and  being  reconstructed  by  the  yellow 
fever,  life  has  assumed  a  new  phase. 

By  appointment,  the  Thanksgiving  sermon  was  to  be  preached 
at  Felicity  Street  Church,  by  Brother  J.  M.  Beard,  of  Moreau 
Street  Church.  In  company  with  my  family,  I  attended  the  service. 
My  surprise  was  great  to  find  the  appointee  in  the  pulpit  and  ready 
to  begin.  Leaving  out  the  janitor,  the  organist  and  pastor,  only 
three  persons  there!  One  was  Rev.  Christian  Keener;  we  added 
four  to  the  congregation.  The  minister  proceeded  as  calmly  as  if 
he  had  an  audience  of  three  hundred!  Brother  Hannon  had 
neglected  to  announce  it ;  forgot  it.  Had  it  been  announced,  there 
would  not  have  been  a  full  house,  as  our  people  are  still  pouting 
over  the  result  of  the  civil  strife,  and  say  they  have  nothing  to  be 
thankful  for !  My  heart  has  never  indulged  in  pouting  because  of 
disappointment.  God  is  guiding  this  nation,  and  great  prosperity 
will  be  realized  by  us. 

I  visited  the  Alabama  Conference  at  Pensacola,  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  New  Orleans  Christian  Advocate.  Was  beset  by  a 
number  of  laymen  and  preachers  to  -transfer  to  that  Conference. 
Some  were  opposed  to  my  transfer.  Dr.  Felix  R.  Hill  was  sought 
after  for  Carondelet  Street  Church.  Bishop  McTyeire  sent  me 
this  notice  to  send  to  Bishop  Keener :  "  Give  me  Mathews  for 
Hill ;  Mathews  is  indispensable ;  he  is  willing."     The  message  was 


204 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


sent  to  Brenham,  Texas.  His  name  was  signed  to  the  telegram. 
I  had  not  requested  Bishop  McTyeire  to  transfer  me.  So  solicitous 
were  a  number  of  Alabama  friends,  they  urged  me  to  telegraph 
Bishop  Keener  to  give  me  a  transfer ;  which  I  finally  did.  In  two 
days  I  received  from  Bishop  Keener  this  dispatch :  "  At  your  and 
the  Bishop's  request,  will  transfer  you,  but  greatly  regret  it."  There 
had  been  so  much  said  about  preachers  remaining  in  towns  and 
cities  until  worn  out,  I  dreaded  reaching  that  point  and  was  willing 
to  be  transferred  to  a  new  field.  Had  sold  my  first  home  there, 
located  on  St.  Charles  Avenue,  to  show  the  authorities  I  was  un- 
trammeled.  I  was  so  sure  of  being  transferred,  that  I  did  not  attend 
the  session  of  the  Louisiana  Conference,  at  Shreveport.  When  the 
Conference  adjourned,  I  was  reappointed  to  St.  Charles  Avenue. 
At  the  close  of  my  first  sermon  eight  joined  the  Church.  A  hearty 
welcome  was  accorded  me. 

Much  to  my  regret  we  could  not  hold  a  watch-meeting  this 
year.  The  day  was  very  cold,  and  could  not  heat  the  audience-room. 
Spent  the  evening  at  home  in  solemn  reflection.  Reviewed  the  past, 
and  considered  the  future.  My  earnest  petition  at  the  throne  of 
God,  was  for  more  power,  and  I  sought  a  closer  alliance  with  the 
Infinite  One.  My  soul  craved  His  presence  with  me  as  an  in- 
dividual, and  as  a  minister.  Oh,  to  glorify  Christ !  I  consecrate 
myself  anew  and  promise  to  move  forward  with  energy  in  the  work 
of  doing  good. 

Meditations  on  the  possibilities  of  the  new  year  produce  moral 
emotions  too  great  for  attention  to  trifles.  These  moral  emotions 
create  a  passion  for  souls,  and  a  passion  for  immediateness !  One 
called  of  God  can  not  afford  to  waste  energies  on  the  rationale  of 
doctrines  while  souls  are  starving  for  the  Bread  of  Life.  In  the 
language  of  a  noted  divine  of  thirty  years  ago,  "  We  must  preach 
more  as  Edwards  preached  and  less  as  Edwards  philosophized !  " 
Our  Church  is  emphasizing  ministerial  education,  and  properly  so, 
but  is  there  not  danger  of  being  deceived  by  social  ratings  and 
badges  of  the  schools?  Thousands  of  doors  are  not  to  be  opened 
by  Phi  Beta  Kappa  keys.  A  coldly  intellectual  preacher  fails  to 
win  men.  Dr.  Wayland,  the  celebrated  Baptist  theologian,  once 
heard  a  visitor  praising  a  minister  for  his  eloquence  and  unusual 
intellectuality ;  he  waited  until  the  visitor  concluded  his  eulogy,  and 
then  replied  in  a  very  impressive  manner,  "  I  should  think  it  would 
take  several  geological  epochs  to  convert  a  soul  under  such  preach- 
ing !  "  The  man  of  dialectic  subtlety  is  not  a  soul  winner.  He  has 
his  place,  but  it  is  not  in  the  pulpit. 

A  Rev.  Mr.  Haskill  has  been  preaching  in  the  slum  part  of  the 
city  and  has  gathered  about  two  hundred  children  out  of  the  moral 
filth  of  a  section  of  the  city  without  Churches.  The  Presiding  Elder 
examined  his  papers  and  pronounced  them  all  right.  He  is  doing 
drudgery  for  Christ,  and  I  approve  his  work,  and  invited  him  to 


AUTOBIOUHAPHY  OF  RE\  .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  205 

occupy  my  pulpit  on  next  Sunday  night.  His  talk  was  entertaining 
and  profitable. 

The  title  of  "  saint  "  I  have  bestowed  upon  a  certain  dying 
woman.  She  has  been  a  fine  type  of  Christian  living.  A  saint  ac- 
cording to  the  definition  of  the  Psalmist,  is  "  One  who  has  made  a 
covenant  with  God  by  sacrifice."  She  is  a  saint  in  Renan's  sense : 
"  A  saint  is  one  who  consecrates  life  to  a  grand  conception,  and  who 
thinks  all  else  useless."  A  note  was  delivered,  requesting  a  visit  to 
see  Mrs.  Stockton  die.  On  my  way  I  recalled  the  fact,  that  she  was 
,the  first  sick  person  I  was  invited  to  visit  on  my  arrival  in  New 
Orleans  ten  years  ago.  I  found  her  very  ill ;  could  only  whisper, 
but  those  faint  whisperings  were  full  of  joy ;  full  of  sweet  repose  on 
the  Divine  Arm !  What  a  triumphant  close  to  a  life  spent  in 
poverty !  There  she  was,  looking  for  the  end  each  moment,  yet 
happy  as  an  angel! 

One  evening  by  special  invitation,  I  attended  the  Upper  Bethel 
to  deliver  a  temperance  address  to  sailors.  Spoke  for  twenty-seven 
minutes.  Was  followed  by  a  talking-machine  who  gave  us  a  "  hop, 
skip  and  a  jump  "  speech  of  over  one  hour.  The  house  was  full  of 
sailors ;  some  cried  out  to  the  brother,  "  Sit  down !  "  First  and  last, 
in  this  Bethel,  nineteen  hundred  have  signed  the  pledge  during 
eighteen  months. 

Dr.  Hartzell,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  called  to  in- 
vite my  wife  and  self  to  a  reception  given  Bishop  Foss,  at  the 
former's  home.  We  attended,  and  found  quite  a  company  present. 
Largely  white  teachers  in  charge  of  colored  schools.  A  few  citizens 
present.  Bishop  Foss  impressed  me  as  a  Christian  gentleman  of  the 
first  water.  His  spirit  was  Christ-like.  Socially,  our  ministers 
ignore  our  Northern  brethren.  My  course  was  clearly  defined.  I 
had  been  North,  and  everywhere  I  was  treated  with  the  kindest 
hospitality ;  after  accepting  their  kindness,  I  am  unwilling  to  ignore 
their  ministers  amongst  us.  Dr.  Ahrens,  at  the  preachers'  meeting, 
laughingly  said,  "  Dr.  Hartzell,  in  his  paper  says,  '  You  represent 
the  liberal  element  of  Southern  Methodism  in  this  city.' ':  I  am 
glad  I  do.  In  my  desire  to  build  up  our  Church,  I  called  on  every 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  coming  to  the  city,  of 
whom  I  heard,  and  showed  them  kindness :  and  also  called  on  all 
their  representative  ministers.  This  gave  me  prestige  amongst 
them,  and  the  result  is,  I  have  taken  into  our  Church  in  this  city 
enough  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to  have  made 
"  Ames  "  Church  a  strong  organization.  Some  of  our  largest  con- 
tributors were  won  by  kindness.  In  my  course  I  did  not  meet  the 
approval  of  my  brethren,  but  my  convictions  were  followed. 

The  chapel  at  last.  Having  secured  additional  funds  to  finish 
the  chapel,  the  contract  was  let,  and  the  building  completed  in  due 
time.  On  July  20th,  1881,  we  held  our  first  service  in  this  addition 
to  our  church.  It  was  well  lighted  and  satisfactorily  furnished. 
We  all  felt  grateful  for  a  special  place  for  prayer-meetings  and 


206  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Sunday- School.  We  were  over  two  years  in  reaching  this  happy 
result.  It  required  tact  and  push  combined.  Strange  as  it  may 
seem,  there  was  opposition  even  in  ruling  quarters. 

Women  helped  Paul  in  his  work,  and  the  pastor  of  St.  Charles 
Avenue  Church  was  greatly  reinforced  by  a  company  of  earnest  and 
noble  women.  Some  have  slipped  from  this  life  into  the  better  land. 
Others  still  live  to  bless  and  give  added  power  to  the  pastor.  There 
was  Mrs.  Alice  Hale,  wife  of  Dr.  Hale,  and  daughter  of  R.  W. 
Rayne.  She  went  forth  on  many  an  errand  of  mercy  with  a  fleet 
foot.  Like  a  fruitful  plant,  she  was  absorbent,  taking  in  light  and 
sustenance.  She  was  ever  ready  to  cheer  the  workers  when  weary 
and  tired.  There  too  was  Mrs.  Bishop  Parker,  quiet,  unobstrusive, 
contributing  her  influence  to  the  cause  she  loved  so  well.  She  re- 
minded me  of  a  happy  child  playing  in  the  sunshine.  She  was  con- 
stant in  her  attendance  on  the  means  of  grace,  keeping  before  her 
mind  a  high  ideal.  It  is  true,  as  has  been  said,  "  The  ideal  is  like 
the  description  of  a  beautiful  land,  but  oceans  lie  between.  But  it 
awakens  a  longing  and  leads  to  Him  who  can  bear  the  soul  over  the 
ocean."  She  still  lives  in  her  two  sons  who  are  controlled  by 
principles  she  implanted  in  their  minds.  They  are  honored  ministers 
in  the  Church  of  God.  We  had  another  Christian  woman  whose 
memory  I  cherish,  Mrs.  B.  D.  Wood.  She  belonged  to  that  group 
which  some  one  has  styled,  "  the  sisters  of  genius."  In  her  relation 
as  wife,  and  her  duty  as  a  Christian,  she  displayed  a  wisdom  and 
tact  which  only  a  genius  could  display.  Her  influence  over  her 
husband  was  simply  beautiful.  She  called  out  the  best  that  was  in 
him  as  the  sunshine  calls  forth  the  forces  from  the  heart  of  the 
beautiful  rosebush.  In  her  Christian  life  there  was  a  buoyancy  in 
her  faith  which  affected  the  family  circle  as  well  as  the  outer,  or 
Church  circle.  There  was  an  enthusiasm  in  her  method  of  action 
which  kindled  interest  in  despondent  hearts.  Her  motto  was 
"Trust." 

Among  those  who  survive,  is  one  to  whom  Phillips  Brooks' 
picture  would  apply,  when  he  says,  "  If  one  could  perfectly  describe 
v  how  the  poorest  person  in  town  came  to  do  the  simplest  of  duties ; 
if  one  could  show  how  every  wheel  of  motive  was  toothed  and  fitted 
into  its  task,  and  make  it  perfectly  clear  how  each  step  led  to  every 
next  one,  he  would  fascinate  any  audience  that  listened  to  him."  I 
refer  to  Mrs.  Sam  Henderson,  a  woman  possessing  a  number  of 
rare  qualities  which  fitted  her  for  the  noble  life  she  lived.  If  I  could 
trace  the  steps  which  led  to  these  qualities  which  -.adorned  her  life, 
these  steps  would  fascinate  the  coldest  heart.  A  more  unselfish 
lady  I  never  knew.  She  was  a  veritable  Good  Samaritan,  ever  ready 
to  lend  her  aid  to  the  necessities  of  others.  When  considering  her 
helpfulness,  my  soul  kindles  into  a  flame  over  a  Christianity  which 
can  produce  such  spirits.  How  deeply  she  loved  the  Church :  and 
out  of  that  love  emanated  her  uncommon  regard  for  her  pastors. 
She  never  looked  for  their  defects,  but  praised  their  best  and  en- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  I).  D.  20j 

couraged  them  in  their  labors.  This  pastor  is  deeply  indebted  to 
this  woman,  who  in  the  fearful  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1878, 
quitted  her  home  to  take  charge  of  his  family  when  that  house  was 
a  hospital.  She  took  charge  of  everything ;  and  when  our  youngest 
boy  under  the  power  of  this  disease  left  earth,  she  closed  his  little 
eyes  and  folded  his  hands,  and  with  the  assistance  of  other  women 
of  like  nature,  filled  his  little  coffin  with  flowers.  In  after  years, 
when  shadows  fell  upon  her  home,  she  passed  through  them  lean- 
ing on  the  Divine  promises.  Some  one  has  said,  "  When  one  can 
bear  chastening,  the  Lord  always  lays  chastening  on  that  one.  We 
know  that  it  is  not  every  herb  that  yields  sweet  fragrance  when  it 
is  crushed.  There  are  certain  herbs  that  do  it.  There  are  some 
lives  that  grow  more  beautiful  in  the  day  of  trial  and  anguish. 
Suffering  is  a  high  service  to  which  not  many  attain." 

Another  woman  of  that  group  was  Mrs.  Judge  Merrick.  On 
her  line  of  action  she  was  unsurpassed  in  the  city.  Her  circle  of 
thought  took  in  the  field  of  womanhood.  She  gave  her  influence  to 
the  uplifting  of  womankind ;  she  loved  the  cause  of  Christ  and 
longed  to  aid  in  the  exaltation  of  her  kind.  Mrs.  Merrick  was  a 
cultivated  woman  and  stood  amongst  the  foremost  socially.  Some 
one  says,  "  What  the  mind  knows  the  heart  loves."  Tennyson 
says,  "  According  to  God's  mind  in  a  man  rightly  constituted,  mind 
and  heart  accord."  In  the  development  of  her  mind  her  love  was 
abreast  of  her  knowledge.  She  seized  opportunities  to  aid  in  ex- 
tending the  needed  aid  demanded  by  her  sex.  She  presided  at  the 
organization  of  the  first  Woman's  Missionary  Society  formed  in 
this  city.  Her  mind  hopefully  beat  in  harmony  with  the  mind  of 
her  Lord.  His  truth  was  inwrought  into  her  life.  She  was  raised 
by  a  stepmother  famous  for  intellectual  attainments  and  for  Chris- 
tian power.  Mrs.  Merrick's  convictions  mastered  her,  and  in  the 
face  of  prejudice  she  had  the  courage  to  espouse  an  unpopular 
cause.  She  was  unobtrusive  but  firm.  Modest  almost  to  a  fault, 
yet  fearless  where  principle  was  involved.  When  last  I  met  her  she 
was  still  stepping  Heavenward. 

If  ever  a  woman  could  say  what  Browning  puts  into  the  mouth 
of  Prince  Hoenstiel,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Keener  was  that  character: 
"I  thank  God  for  making  me  a  little  lower  than 
The  Angels,  honor-clothed  and  glory-crowned; 
This  is  the  honor — that  nothing  I  know, 
Feel  or  conceive,  but  I  can  make  my  own 
Somehow,  by  the  use  of  hand,  head  or  heart ; 
This  is  the  glory — that  in  all  conceived, 
Or  felt  or  known,  I  recognize  a  mind 
Not  mine,  but  like  mine — for  the  double  joy — 
Making  all  things  for  me,  and  me  for  Him." 

We  sometimes  read  and  hear  of  the  coming  woman.     Has  she  not 
already  come?     We  hold  it  as  an  encouraging  fact,  that  the  most 


2o8  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

finished  life  is  that  which  begins  in  moral  beauty  and  ends  in  power. 
Thus  Mrs.  Keener's  life  began,  and  thus  it  ended.  Her  rare  and 
unostentatious  qualities  grew  out  of  convictions  generated  by  an 
education  grounded  in  high  principles.  In  early  life  she  allowed  her- 
self taken  hold  of  by  Christ's  influence.  His  moulding  power  shaped 
her  subsequent  life  and  fitted  her  to  fill  the  exalted  position,  in  the 
providence  of  God,  she  was  called  to  occupy,  as  the  wife  of  a  Bishop 
in  a  great  Church.  By  prayer  and  faith,  with  a  wide  culture  in  the 
teachings  of  Christ,  she  was  equipped  to  face  any  storm  of  life  and 
prepared  to  traverse  any  wilderness  that  might  lie  in  front  of  her. 
The  Bishop,  as  is  well  known,  is  a  man  of  strong  convictions  and 
immense  forces,  and  at  times  they  needed  softening,  and  it  was  her 
part  to  neutralise  their  severity.  As  Mazzini  said,  "  The  angel  of 
the  family  is  woman,  whether  as  wife,  mother,  or  sister."  Mrs. 
Keener  conscientiously  sought  to  make  her  home  a  haven  of  rest, 
and  found  more  there  than  many  a  woman  has  found  in  a  tour 
round  the  world.  In  that  home  she  helped  to  create  a  Christian 
atmosphere.  Her  children  inhaled  a  full  spiritual  breath,  and  grew 
up  under  the  stimulation  of  the  strongest  spiritual  ozone. '  The 
influence  of  her  religious  life  not  only  touched  her  family  but  a 
large  circle  of  friends.  She  was  one  of  the  most  unaffected  of 
women.  She  shunned  social  notoriety,  but  gave  her  influence  to 
every  good  work.  She  originated  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  She  not  only  reinforced  her 
husband,  but  the  pastors  under  whose  ministry  she  sat,  felt  her 
presence  and  the  quiet  approval  of  her  cheer.  Two  forces  entered 
into  her  spiritual  constitution,  faith  and  prayer.  She  realized  that 
faith  in  Christ  is  a  living  force.  She  had  her  trials  and  bereave- 
ments, but  there  is  such  a  thing  as  rising  above  these  things  and 
living  in  the  greatness  of  mind  which  stays  itself  on  God.  I  count 
that  soul  great  which  can  meet  the  calamities  of  life  and  feel  that  a 
Guide  will  lead  the  spirit  to  the  greatness  of  hope.  She  prayed  in- 
telligently, for  she  knew  prayer  is  meant  not  to  change  God's  pur- 
poses but  to  accomplish  them.  While  many  sought  new  ways  of 
doing  good,  not  so  this  godly  woman.  Her  thought  was  to  take 
hold  of  ordinary  souls  and  lift  them  up  and  illuminate  them  and 
aid  them  to  secure  the  transfiguring  touch  of  the  finger  of  God.  She 
could  not  tell  the  visitor  the  latest  tone  of  the  prima  donna's  song, 
but  she  could  tell  of  a  new  song  which  welled  up  in  her  own  heart. 
She  was  blessed  with  long  life  and  she  wrought  well  as  she 
journeyed. 

John  Milton,  when  in  his  sixteenth  year,  while  at  the  Uni- 
versity sent  a  sonnet  to*  his  mother  as  a  New  Year's  gift,  in  which 
he  dedicated  himself  to  God.  Subsequently  he  rededicated  himself 
employing  these  words, 

"  Wherefore  with  my  utmost  art, 
I  will  sing  Thee, 
And  the  cream  of  all  my  heart, 
I  will  bring  Thee." 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  /).  D.  2og 

History  has  nothing  liner  to  show  us,  nothing  more  inspiring  than 
the  spectacle  of  a  moral  hero.  If  ever  there  was  amongst  us  such 
a  hero,  J.  D.  Parker  was  one.  Consecrating  himself  in  early  life 
to  the  service  of  Christ,  he  pressed  right  on  like  the  sun  in  his  path 
through  the  heavens.  The  great  men  of  any  age,  are  those  who  try 
to  see  what  God  sees,  and  who  love  truth  and  right  for  their  own 
sake.  While  it  is  depressing  to  look  around  us,  to  find  how  many 
weak  men  there  are,  it  is  an  inspiring  sight  to  find  one  whose  life, 
to  human  eye,  is  fleckless.  Such  a  person  is  this  man  of  God.  In 
an  acquaintance  of  several  years,  studying  this  quiet  man,  I  had 
such  a  mental  view  of  Christ's  work  in  that  soul,  that  at  times  I 
felt  like  the  student  of  nature,  who  said ;  "  I  looked  into  the  heavens 
one  winter  night  through  a  telescope.  The  heavens  were  wonder- 
ful, and  when  I  was  through,  I  almost  wanted  to  worship  the  in- 
strument that  could  come  so  close  to  the  great  stars,  and  could  so 
easily  bring  into  my  eye  the  unspeakable  message  from  their  dis- 
tant glory!  "  When  viewing  this  saintly  man  sometimes  a  sense  of 
reverence  so  filled  me,  it  was  not  far  from  worship.  He  brought 
Christ  so  near  that  my  heart  thrilled  with  the  thought  of  human 
possibilities.  He  made  headway  in  the  face  of  storms  like  some 
great  ocean  steamer.  He  was  not  self-propelling ;  the  source  of  his 
power  was  invisible,  yet  indicated  its  presence  by  outward  results 
visible  to  all  men.  That  hidden  life  came  out  before  men  in  many 
ways.  In  Virginia,  where  as  a  young  man  in  business  he  failed,  he 
was  induced  to  go  to  New  Orleans  as  clerk  in  a  large  mercantile 
establishment,  on  an  average  salary.  Living  in  simple  style  with  his 
family,  year  by  year  he  managed  to  save  something,  which  went 
towards  liquidating  his  indebtedness.  Though  it  took  years  to  do 
so,  he  paid  dollar  for  dollar,  with  interest  added.  The  large  firm 
kept  him  until  he  was  superannuated.  He  was  a  local  preacher,  and 
honored  by  saint  and  sinner.  He  was,  in  all  his  spare  moments, 
doing  some  work  for  the  good  of  others.  The  citizens  had  such 
confidence  in  his  integrity,  he  drew  a  large  number  of  customers 
to  his  place  of  business.  He  knew  when  to  put  in  a  stroke  for  his 
Lord.  He  had  a  special  fondness  for  local  missionary  work.  He 
superintended  the  Parker  Mission  Sunday-School  for  years,  and 
the  church  was  named  in  his  honor.  He  was  great  in  faith,  great 
in  meekness,  and  great  in  holiness.  His  sons  followed  in  his  steps 
in  helping  to  lift  up  mankind. 


2io  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

A  New  Field  in  the  Far  West. 

"  Staking  out "  is  a  favorite  term  among  Methodist  ministers, 
applied  to  those  who  secure  homes  for  themselves,  and  desire  ap- 
pointments within  reach  of  their  homes.  I  had  sold  a  home  on  St. 
Charles  Avenue  to  let  the  appointing  powers  see  I  was  untram- 
meled.  They  declined  to  send  me  out  of  the  city.  Being,  later  on, 
solicited  by  one  Bishop  to  allow  my  transfer  to  Alabama,  I  gave 
my  consent,  but  the  Bishop  in  charge  failed  to  let  me  go,  but  re- 
appointed me  to  St.  Charles  Avenue.  Finding  it  difficult  to  rent  a 
suitable  house,  I  purchased  a  home,  and  moved  into  it  August  17th, 
1881.  I  had  a  delightful  study  and  felt  pleased  at  my 'condition.  In 
the  midst  of  my  happiness,  the  mail  carrier  appeared,  bringing  me 
a  letter  from  Kansas  City.  On  opening  it,  I  saw  Bishop  Pierce's 
name  at  the  bottom  of  the  page.  The  contents  rather  startled  me. 
He  appealed  to  me  to  consent  to  be  transferred  to  Kansas  City, 
appealing  to  my  love  for  Christ  and  my  fellow  men,  to  take  this 
action.  After  a  re-reading  of  the  letter,  I  passed  into  the  sitting- 
room,  laid  the  letter  in  my  wife's  lap,  saying  "Read  that;"  then 
passed  back  into  my  study,  to  think  and  pray.  Within  forty  minutes 
Mrs.  Mathews  came  into  my  study,  and  calmly  said,  "  The  request 
seems  providential."  Then  and  there  we  agreed  upon  an  answer. 
That  answer  to  Bishop  Pierce  ran  thus:  "  If  you  feel  it  to  be  im- 
peratively necessary  for  the  good  of  Christ's  cause,  you  may  take 
what  responsibility  you  may  feel  to  be  necessary."  The  Southwest 
Missouri  Conference  was  to  convene  in  a  short  time.  I  left  the 
matter  in  the  hands  of  God.  We  spoke  to  no  one  about  this  appeal 
by  the  Bishop.  I  knew  nothing  about  Kansas  City,  and  had  heard 
but  little.  No  answer  ever  came  in  the  form  of  a  letter.  When  that 
Conference  met  I  was  transferred.  The  first  notice  I  had  was 
seeing  my  name  in  the  list  of  appointments :  "  Kansas  City,  Walnut 
Street,  John  Mathews."  Letters  from  officials  of  the  Church  began 
to  arrive  urging  me  to  come  at  once.  My  people  were  greatly 
astonished,  not  having  even  a  remote  suspicion  of  such  a  thing. 
To  me  it  was  an  epoch  of  deeper  meaning  than  any  occasion  in  my 
history.  True  to  the  vows  of  my  early  ministerial  life,  I  stood  ready 
to  obey  the  mandate  of  the  "  Chief  Pastors."  I  had  formed  attach- 
ments in  New  Orleans  which  held  me  in  a  divine  fellowship.  It 
meant  a  great  deal  to  sunder  these  ties.  For  eleven  years  I  had  gone 
in  and  out  bearing  the  people  on  my  heart,  daily  working  for  their 
good ;  sympathizing  with  them  in  their  griefs,  their  joys  and  dis- 
appointments ;   burying  their   dead,    and   adding  what   influence   T 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  J).  D.  2li 

could  wield  to  make  humanity  better.  I  imitated  one  of  the  qualities 
of  Christ,  who  lived  to  serve.  I  have  many  spiritual  children  in 
the  city,  and  it  was  no  small  matter  to  separate  myself  from  all 
these.  It  took  some  time  to  dispose  of  my  home  and  wind  up  in- 
terests involved  in  the  life  I  had  lived.  When  the  time  arrived  to 
leave,  there  were  the  usual  resolutions  passed,  the  sad  farewells,  and 
leaving  my  family  behind,  in  the  latter  part  of  October,  I  sped  away 
to  my  new  field  of  labor. 

On  my  arrival  in  Kansas  City,  I  was  met  at  the  depot  by  several 
of  the  officers  of  the  Church,  and  was  soon  landed  in  the  palatial 
home  of  Mr.  L.  R.  Moore,  where  I  was  welcomed  by  a  number  of 
the  Stewards.  Of  these,  two  had  belonged  to  my  pastoral  charge 
in  Montgomery,  Alabama,  Mr.  L.  R.,  and  his  brother,  Mr.  L.  T. 
Moore.  On  Sunday  morning  October  30th,  1881,  I  delivered  my 
first  discourse.  The  text  was,  Psalm  91,  verse  1 :  "He  that 
dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High  shall  abide  under  the 
shadow  of  the  Almighty."  The  Kansas  City  Times  said,  in  its 
Monday  morning  issue,  among  other  things :  "  Dr.  John  Mathews, 
late  of' New  Orleans,  is  a  man  of  medium  height,  well  along  in 
years,  with  a  very  pleasing  delivery.  He  is  somewhat  on  the  en- 
thusiastic order,  and  held  the  audience  spellbound  at  times,  as  he 
delivered  his  first  sermon  on  yesterday  morning."  A  large  audience 
was  present;  but  above  all,  God  was  with  us,  as  was  evident  in 
several  ways. 

My  work  began  hopefully.  I  know  it  began  in  prayer.  A  holy 
and  burning  desire  surged  through  my  being  that  God  would  be 
with  me  and  prosper  the  work  committed  to  my  hands.  My  pre- 
decessor, Dr.  C.  C.  Woods,  left  the  charge  well  organized.  I  had 
only  to  take  up  the  work  and  move  forward.  After  an  interview 
with  the  officers  of  the  Church,  and  a  thorough  survey  of  the  field, 
I  adopted  my  plan  of  action.  Kansas  City  was  all  alive  and  full  of 
snap.  People  were  pouring  in  from  North,  East  andWest,  and 
very  few  from  the  South.  Our  Church  was  stigmatised  as  the 
"  Rebel  Church."  This  had  to  be  met,  as  the  prejudice  was  bitter. 
I  adopted  the  plan  of  one  of  England's  statesmen.  Some  one  in- 
quired of  him  how  he  managed  to  keep  in  favor  with  Queen 
Victoria?  His  reply  was,  "I  never  oppose  her."  I  determined  to 
meet  any  attack  with  Christian  love.  Erelong,  some  ugly  things 
were  said;  of  course  they  were  repeated  to  me.  My  reply  was  a 
smile,  or  a  kindly  speech.  All  sorts  of  prophesies  were  circulated. 
One  was,  "  He  will  soon  play  out !  "  Another.  "  He  is  sensational, 
and  will  come  to  grief !  "  Some  things  stung  me,  but  my  lips  were 
sealed,  except  to  God.  People  filled  the  church  and  some  joined  us. 
We  had  mourners  at  the  altar,  and  conversions.  As  we  had  few 
Southern  people  to  work  on,  our  accessions  came  mainly  from  the 
Eastern  element.  This  aroused  a  neighboring  pastor,  and  he  made 
the  fur  fly.  I  smiled,  and  shook  hands  with  every  one  about  me.  I 
was  too  far  beyond  my  teens  to  play  tit  for  tat!     Souls  were  too 


212  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

precious  to  neglect  their  welfare.  To  effect  good,  I  sometimes  said 
things  in  the  pulpit  that  were  not  in  the  hest  taste,  nor  on  a  line  with 
my  tastes,  but  I  was  after  souls.  The  noble  company  of  men  who 
were  my  supporters  stood  behind  me  approvingly.  I  found  a  well 
organized  Sunday-School,  superintended  by  Witten  McDonald,  a 
man  who  loved  system  and  order,  and  one  who  displayed  extra- 
ordinary interest  in  its  success.  He  called  to  his  aid  much  of  the 
best  talent  of  the  Church,  and  there  were  a  number  of  front  men  in 
Walnut  Street  Church. 

Rev.  M.  M.  Pughj.  D.  D.,  was  Presiding  Elder,  a  man  whose 
life  was  given  to  God  and  his  Church.  There  was  not  a  stain  upon 
his  character,  and  his  life  was  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  Dr.  Pugh 
was  known  in  the  Conference  as  "  a  safe  man,"  and  his  brethren 
both  lay  and  clerical  honored  him.  Dr.  C.  C.  Woods,  was 
pastor  at  what  was  then  known  as  Lydia  Avenue  Church ;  later 
named  Central.  The  Doctor  was  a  prominent  man ;  indeed,  the 
leading  spirit  of  the  Southwest  Missouri  Conference.  As  a  word- 
painter  he  has  had  few  equals,  and  was  a  gifted  preacher  and 
writer.  At  Washington  Street,  was  quite  a  j'oung  preacher,  Rev. 
C.  M.  Hawkins.  He  was  a  great  favorite  with  his  people  and  a 
thorough  student,  full  of  promise.  During  his  pastorate  there,  he 
married  my  youngest  daughter,  Minnie. 

My  faith  in  the  value  of  pastoral  visitation  was  increased  as  I 
noted  its  influence  upon  my  members.  I  had  some  trouble  to  find 
a  few  of  them.  I  was  told  to  go  and  see  Mrs.  Judge  Holmes, 
called  by  our  people  "  the  Bishop."  She  was  always  head  and  front 
in  every  good  work.  She  had,  with  the  Judge,  removed  her  mem- 
bership to  Washington  Street  Church  to  aid  in  building  it  up.  This 
godly  woman  really  mothered  the  Church.  The  Judge's  home  was 
literally  the  "  Minister's  Rest ;"  and  they  entertained  generously. 
Mrs.  Holmes  was  a  beautiful  type  of  the  Christian  matron.  She 
was  always  in  her  place  in  the  house  of  God.  She  lived  for  the 
Master  and  His  cause.  The  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  was  as  clear  to 
my  heart  as  the  cause  of  his  country  was  to  General  Armistead,  who 
fell  at  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  The  color-bearer  saw  him  fall,  and 
forgetting  his  duty  stooped  to  raise  the  General  up,  but  the  dying 
soldier  remembering  only  the  cause,  waving  him  off,  sternly  said, 
"  Carry  the  colors  forward !  Carry  the  colors  forward  !  "  My  soul 
virtually  heard  our  great  Captain,  with  almost  His  dying  breath 
say,  "  Go !  carry  the  colors  forward !  "  I  found  the  people  full  of 
energy,  pushing  business  with  a  zeal  that  allowed  little  time  to 
pause.  I  was  convinced  that  to  attract  attention  truth  must  be  pro- 
claimed, even  if  it  blistered ;  that  a  Gospel  "  frayed  at  the  edges  " 
would  not  secure  attention.  I  had  learned  that  arid  and  heavy 
propositions  did  not  interest  this  class  of  thinkers.  We  had  deep 
thinkers  in  the  ministry ;  so  deep  that  even  the  echo  of  the  little 
hammer  used  by  them  was  utterly  inaudible.  These  and  other  facts 
suggested  the  course  I  pursued,  a  course  which   subjected  me  to 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  213 

severe  criticisms,  but  won  the  ear  of  the  people.  Many  times  the 
discussion  was  heard,  "  How  are  we  to  fill  the  Churches!  "  After 
all  I  heard  and  read  on  the  subject,  my  theory  was  formulated  in  the 
form  of  a  question  and  answer:  "How  do  bees  fill  the  hives? 
They  go  to  the  fields !  " 

At  once  the  pastor  proposed  the  purchase  of  a  fine  pipe  organ. 
In  due  time  it  was  ordered  from  Boston,  costing  three  thousand 
dollars.  Then  the  interest  deepened,  and  quite  a  number  concluded 
a  parsonage  was  needed.  Two  officers  of  the  Church,  L.  R.  Moore 
and  VVitten  McDonald,  put  their  heads  together  and  concluded  they 
would  build  one,  and  if  the  Church  desired  to  take  it  off  their  hands 
it  could  do  so.  They  selected  a  lot  in  an  aristocratic  part  of  the  city 
and  it  was  almost  ready  for  occupancy  by  the  time  the  pastor's 
family  was  ready  to  remove  to  Kansas  City.  Sickness  delayed  my 
family  until  February.  The  parsonage  was  a  handsome  structure. 
I  had  not  been  accustomed  to  such  extreme  cold  and  blizzards  as  we 
had  during  the  winter,  but  my  friends  were  careful  in  their  sugges- 
tions as  to  preparation  against  climatic  conditions.  I  think  it  was 
months  during  the  winter  one  did  not  see  the  ground.  One  thing 
surprised  me,  and  that  was,  that  in  spite  of  snow  and  frozen  ground 
people  thronged  to  the  church,  and  the  work  of  God  progressed. 
My  health  and  vigor  increased,  until  from  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
eight  pounds,  I  reached  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  pounds,  by  the 
scales ! 

In  studying  this  community,  gathered  from  all  lands,  I  found  it 
necessary  to  adopt  some  new  methods,  as  some  of  our  old  ways, 
once  useful  and  beautiful,  had  met  with  an  autumn  and  died.  Some 
of  the  methods  of  my  youth  once  delighted  the  eye  and  mind,  like 
the  bouquet  of  last  season,  but  no  one  expects  it  to  decorate  the 
coming  spring.  In  my  effort  to  secure  results,  I  organized  a  corps 
of  young  men.  They  pledged  to  go  from  store  to  store,  and  from 
shop  to  shop  and  invite  persons  to  a  young  people's  meeting.  That 
organization  wrought  enthusiastically  and  kept  at  white  heat 
throughout  the  pastorate.  In  pushing  things,  some  of  our  staid  and 
solid  members  were  afraid  I  would  get  them  into  water  where  they 
could  not  wade. 

An  organization  named  "The  Woman's  Christian  Association," 
which  was  interdenominational  in  its  character,  was  doing  much 
good.  The  Association  had  occupied  rented  quarters  and  had  to 
move  time  and  again.  They  proposed  to  raise  funds  to  build  a 
home  of  their  own.  They  inaugurated  a  series  of  lectures,  and  I 
was  invited  to  deliver  the  first  lecture.  Colonel  Coates,  proprietor 
of  the  Opera  House  let  them  have  the  use  of  -his  building.  The 
following  notice  appeared  in  one  of  the  city  dailies :  "  A  large  and 
refined  audience  gathered  in  Coates'  Opera  House  last  evening  to 
hear  Rev.  Dr.  Mathews,  of  the  Walnut  Street  Methodist  Church, 
lecture  upon,  "  Science ;  its  Grandeur,  Jactitations,  and  Contra- 
dictions."    Colonel  Case  introduced  the  lecturer.     He  gave  a  brief 


214 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


history  of  the  organization,  complimenting  the  ladies,  and  then 
added :  "  You  will  now  be  addressed  by  a  gentleman  whose  fame  as 
an  eminent  divine  and  brilliant  orator  preceded  him  hither  from  his 
late  Southern  home ;  a  gentleman  of  whose  ability  and  eloquence  we 
have  all  frequently  heard,  and  by  whom  many  of  us  will  be  gratified 
and  instructed  for  the  first  time  to-night."  -Thus  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  raising  the  first  money  for  the  erection  of  their  long  desired  build- 
ing. In  course  of  time  they  raised  enough  funds  and  erected  their 
own  home. 

The  Ministers'  Alliance  had  weekly  discussions  on  subjects  of 
interest.  A  subject  was  given  me  which  gave  me  an  opportunity  to 
air  my  views  of  how  work  may  prove  successful.  The  theme  was 
"  Teaching  Power  For  Conversion."  The  morning  paper  made 
this  report :  "  The  speaker  began  by  saying,  that  material  and  tools 
do  not  always  bring  results.  One  cause  of  failure  is  found  in  the 
emphasis  given  to  mere  instruction.  Morality  does  not  come  from 
education,  as  seen  in  the  fact  that,  while  Tennessee  has  four  times 
as  many  illiterates  as  Massachusetts,  yet  the  latter  State  had  at  the 
same  time  over  twice  as  many  criminals.  The  comparison  between 
New  York  and  Georgia  is  even  larger.  The  moral  state  is  condi- 
tioned by  other  and  higher  agencies  than  mere  instruction.  No 
Christian  character  can  be  created  where  there  is  nothing  to  build 
on.  Teachers  may  study,  as  do  some  preachers,  until  the  juice  is 
all  squeezed  out  of  the  subject.  The  only  avenue  to  the  will  is 
through  the  heart."  In  a  day  or  two,  an  Argus-eyed  preacher,  who 
was  bristling  for  fight,  assailed  me  in  the  press,  charging  me  with 
political  animosity  in  comparing  Tennessee  with  Massachusetts.  I 
was  amazed,  but  remembered  the  old  saw  about  "  fighting,  and 
running  away,  and  thus  living  to  fight  another  day ;"  so  I  ran,  and 
saved  my  scalp. 

The  question  has  often  been  propounded,  "  Is  there  any  ade- 
quate provision  in  the  universe  for  getting  rid  of  sin  and  guilt  ?  " 
Let  the  story  of  Valentine  Burke,  the  converted  convict,  solve  the 
problem.  It  unfolds  the  fact  that  Christ  has  bridged  the  chasm  be- 
tween man  and  God.  This  man  was  introduced  to  me  by  a  Christian 
gentleman  who  boarded  in  a  hotel  where  this  man  was  clerking.  I 
invited  him  to  Church,  and  he  accepted  the  invitation.  Before  the 
prayer-meeting  he  gave  me  a  brief  history  of  himself.  While  sur- 
prised, I  assured  him  of  my  sympathy  and  assistance.  He  was  born 
in  Ireland,  left  an  orphan  at  an  early  age ;  an  Irish  family  brought 
him  to  America.  The  family  settled  on  a  farm  in  Missouri.  Young 
Burke  had  a  hard  life,  working  with  the  slaves  and  having  their 
fare.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  years,  he  ran  away  and  being  without 
funds  he  stole  what  he  ate.  From  ladhood  until  converted,  he 
followed  thieving.  He  was  arrested,  convicted  and  sent  to  the 
penitentiary  at  Jefferson  City.  In  the  State  of  New  York  he  was 
twice  sent  to  the  penitentiary.  At  the  time  Moody  and  Sankey  were 
at  their  best,  they  visited  St.  Louis,  and  stirred  the  entire  city.    The 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWB,  D.  D.  2is 

Globe-Democrat  published  Mr.  Moody's  sermons  every  morning. 
A  very  active  Christian  young  woman,  Miss  Julia  Ordes,  of  our 
First  Methodist  Church,  distributed  Mr.  Moody's  sermon  of  the 
night  before  in  the  jail.  The  theme  was  stated  in  large  headlines, 
"  The  Conversion  of  the  Philippian  Jailer."  Mr.  Burke  was  a 
prisoner ;  he  read  and  pondered  that  sermon  until  the  Divine  Spirit 
opened  his  heart,  and  as  by  a  flash  from  Heaven  his  soul  was  fired 
with  joy!  Contrary  to  his  anticipation,  when  brought  into  court, 
he  was  set  at  liberty  on  a  technicality.  He  sought  Christian  sym- 
pathy, and  found  Rev.  J.  E.  Godbey,  who  interested  himself  in  the 
man  and  interested  others  in  him.  His  advisers  differed  as  to  his 
best  course  to  pursue.  He  was  advised  to  go  to  the  far  West ;  there 
an  ex-convict  recognized  him,  and  he  returned.  Then  he  tried 
Kansas  City,  where  I  met  him  and  showed  him  attention,  such  as  he 
needed.  I  felt  great  sorrow  for  him  as  he  spoke  in  class-meeting  of 
his  trials.  Through  the  interposition  of  three  of  our  best  men,  Mr. 
Samuel  Cupples,  Richard  M.  Scruggs,  and  Sam  Kennard,  he  was 
appointed  a  deputy  sheriff  for  St.  Louis.  No  matter  who  became 
sheriff,  Burke  was  retained  in  office  until  he  died  in  1895.  He  was 
married  to  Miss  Julia  Ordes,  who  was  the  one  who  distributed 
Moody's  sermon  which  led  to  his  conversion.  They  lived  together 
in  quiet  happiness,  serving  God  in  an  unobtrusive  way,  honored  and 
esteemed  by  the  community.  I  was  twice  his  pastor.  Once  during 
his  short  residence  in  Kansas  City,  then  in  after  years  he  joined 
Centenary  Church.  No  one  ever  laid  aught  to  his  charge.  Though 
surrounded  by  many  kinds  of  people,  he  lived  and  died  a  miracle  of 
God's  amazing  power  to  save. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  gave  me  a  cordial  in- 
vitation to  deliver  the  second  lecture  in  their  winter  course.  I 
availed  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  extend  my  influence  over 
young  men  and  thus  accomplish  a  greater  good.  My  purpose  was 
to  inspire  young  hearts  to  covet  the  best  things.  I  pointed  out  the 
element  of  kingliness  manifested  in  the  bold  way  in  which  scientific 
investigation  assails  obstacles — looking  into  Nature,  grappling  with 
her  laws  and  finding  out  her  secrets.  This  is  man's  way  of  saying, 
"  This  is  a  big  world,  but  I  am  bigger."  My  discourse  went  to 
show  that  I  am  controlled  by  the  sentiment  of  the  Latin  author, 
who  said,  "  I  am  human,  and  no  human  interest  is  foreign  to  me." 
In  this  spirit  I  sought  to  make  them  see  that,  upon  the  young  fore- 
heads of  the  age  great  rays  of  light  fall,  and  great  obligations  rest 
upon  them.  Only  man  sleeps.  God  may  pass  by,  attended  by 
cohorts  of  angels,  but  men  are  too  heavy  in  moral  sleep  to  even 
know  that  the  armies  of  Heaven,  with  their  great  Captain  passed  by. 

Our  prayer-meetings  became  places  of  power.  Our  influential, 
as  well  as  our  plainer  people,  reinforced  the  pastor,  and  the  result 
was  development  on  spiritual  lines.  Now  and  then  a  crank  came 
to  the  front  and  cast  a  shadow  over  our  service.  Our  singing  in 
these  meetings  was  stirring  and  pleasing.     T  had  less  trouble  with 


2I6  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

our  music  than  ever  heretofore.  After  our  new  organ  was  built 
in  place,  a  very,  fine  quartet  was  employed,  led  by  Mr.  S.  S. 
McGibbons,  assisted  by  a  noted  soprano,  Miss  Julia  Smith.  As  in 
all  our  charges,  we  had  two  parties,  one  desiring  classical,  the  other 
heart  music.  I  stated  in  the  pulpit,  "  This  is  the  most  accommoda- 
ting Church  I  have  ever  served ;  if  you  want  a  high  order  of  music 
you  get  it  here  on  Sunday ;  if  you  want  the  '  shout-and-go-round 
kind,'  meet  us  down-stairs  in  the  lecture-room,  and  you  can  get  it!  " 
We  had  but  few  snarlers  in  our  Church.  There  was  very  little  of 
what  Bunyan  called,  "  picking  holes  in  the  sleeves  of  the  godly." 
The  Woman's  Missionary  Society  was  a  great  factor  in  developing 
the  true  aggressive  spirit.  This  Society  was  in  charge  of  a  few 
noble  spirits.  Amongst  them  was  Mrs.  Nathan  Scarritt,  Mrs.  L.  R. 
Moore,  Mrs.  Witten  McDonald,  and  others  equally  active,  whose 
names  I  can  not  recall.  Our  Church  officers  were  mostly  first-class 
business  men.  As  a  body,  I  discovered  they  were  not  versed  in 
Methodist  law.  When  on  occasions,  they  proposed  to  take  things 
into  their  hands  belonging  to  other  departments  of  the  Church,  in  a 
quiet  way,  I  read  to  them  the  Discipline.  There  was  no  friction.  A 
leading  man  said  to  me,  "  We  did  not  know ;  we  wanted  informa- 
tion." 

Soon  after  my  arrival  in  Kansas  City,  one  of  the  first  men  I 
measured  was  Daniel  Dofflemeyer.  He  was  a  decidedly  helpful  man' 
on  lines  of  usefulness.  How  he  could  pray!  His  public  prayers 
were  intercessions  which  stirred  one's  whole  being.  They  aug- 
mented one's  longings  and  led  the  soul  to  tighten  its  grip  on  God's 
promises.  He  was  not  only  powerful  in  prayer,  but  equally  as 
powerful  in  his  life.  He  was  with  us  not  quite  a  year,  but  long 
enough  to  see  answers  to  his  prayers  in  a  revival  of  religion.  Death 
claimed  him  and  his  loss  was  deeply  felt. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  year,  a  helper  was  employed — a 
Brother  Cox,  who  seemed  by  his  action  and  work,  fitted  for  the  posi- 
tion. He  was  employed  by  L.  R.  Moore  and  Witten  McDonald, 
.  each  subscribing  five  hundred  dollars ;  and  he  was  sent  forth,  em- 
ployed for  a  year.  His  work  was  mapped  out  for  him,  and  he  was 
required  to  give  a  written  report  of  his  labors,  day  by  day.  He 
was  required  to  visit  every  house,  inquire  as  to  the  religious  pre- 
ferences of  every  family,  and  to  find  out  if  the  children  attended 
Sunday-School.  Block  after  block  was  thus  visited.  If  a  family 
was  found,  not  having  deposited  their  Church  letters,  the  fact  was 
noted,  and  the  following  day  the  pastor  called,  and  by  a  little  at- 
tention secured  them  to  Walnut  Street  Church.  The  children  were 
secured  to  the  Sunday-School.  The  membership  was  thus  aug- 
mented and  our  Sunday-School  grew  apace.  This  Brother  Cox  was 
very  devout  and  tactful,  as  well  as  conscientious.  If  he  rested  at 
his  home  for  fifteen  minutes  that  fact  was  noted.  He  reported  for 
every  working  hour  of  the  day.  We  explained  our  position  as  a 
non-political   Church.     Of  all   who  joined  us  from  the  Methodist 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHtiWX,  D.  D.  2L7 

Episcopal  Church,  only  one,  so  far  as  I  ever  learned,  did  not  know 
she  was  joining  the  Southern  Church.  That  lady  attended  service 
and  handed  in  her  Church  letter.  At  the  door  the  Sunday-School 
Visitor  was  handed  to  each  one  going  out.  In  looking  at  it,  she 
said  to  her  husband,  "  I  have  joined  the  Rebel  Church !  "  One  who 
heard  it  reported  to  me,  and  on  Monday  morning  I  rode  out  to  her 
home  and  told  her  I  had  not  entered  her  name  on  the  Church 
register,  and  would  cheerfully  return  her  Church  certificate  if  she 
so  desired.  She  then  asked  as  to  our  relation  to  politics ;  and  was 
told  that  we  did  not  interfere  with  one's  politics,  or  even  discuss 
such  subjects  in  the  pulpit.  After  a  thorough  statement  of  our 
views,  she  said,  "  I  am  tired  of  hearing  politics  discussed  in  the 
pulpit !  "  She  would  not  take  her  letter  from  me,  but  lived  and 
died  one  of  us.  On  her  dying  pillow  she  charged  her  husband  to 
have  Dr.  Mathews  preach  her  funeral. 

Had  a  request  from  Dr.  E.  R.  Hendrix,  president  of  Central 
College,  at  Fayette,  to  preach  the  commencement  sermon.  Having 
consented,  I  was  on  the  ground  in  due  time.  I  was  taken  to  the 
president's  home  and  delightfully  entertained.  The  Doctor  and 
his  accomplished  wife  did  everything  to  make  my  visit  one  of 
pleasure.  On  this  occasion,  a  very  large  concourse  was  present,  and 
indeed,  through  all  the  exercises,  people  thronged  the  chapel. 
Twenty  years  ago  people  attended  college  commencements  from 
far  and  near. 

The  Annual  Conference  met  in  Nevada,  and  the  place  was  alive 
with  ministers  and  visitors.  This  was  one  of  the  few  times  in  a 
long  career,  that  Mrs.  Mathews  accompanied  me  to  an  Annual  Con- 
ference. The  Conference  was  largely  made  up  of  young  men  who 
seemed  full  of  hope  and  ready  for  marching  orders.  The  older  men 
had  planted  amid  strife  and  tears,  and  were  respected  and  honored. 
Here  I  heard  Palmore,  the  world-wide  tourist  and  now  long  the 
editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate,  one  of  the  most  popular 
periodicals  of  the  Church.  He  gave  the  Conference  a  speech  full  of 
brilliancy  strength  and  pathos.  There  was  C.  C.  Woods,  at  the 
Secretary's  desk,  ready  to  help  the  Bishop  and  any  others  who  de- 
sired light.  His  influence  was  very  great,  both  in  the  Conference 
room  and  pulpit.  There  among  the  elders,  was  Dr.  Prottsman, 
renowned  for  his  knowledge  of  parliamentary  law.  No  hawk  ever 
watched  its  prey  with  keener  relish  than  did  he  for  the  commission 
of  a  mistake.  He  would  not  have  feared  to  challenge  Saint  Paul, 
much  less  a  Bishop !  His  sermons  were  clear,  saturated  with 
thought  and  the  laws  of  rhetoric.  They  were  delivered  with  a  care 
that  sometimes  robbed  them  of  their  power.  There  was  a  young 
man  amongst  them,  like  myself  a  stranger.  He  created  quite  a 
sensation.  His  preaching  caught  the  public  ear.  He  was  appointed 
to  preach  at  the  Baptist  Church.  I  had  gone  to  worship  at  the 
Methodist  Church,  but  it  was  so  crowded  I  could  not  get  in ;  turning 
to  the  Baptist  Church,  found  it  was  full  almost  to  suffocation.     I 


2l8  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

found  a  seat  close  to  the  pulpit.  The  brother  was  dressed  elegantly, 
and  his  manner  was  faultless.  His  elocution  good;  but  his  whole 
demeanor  led  one  to  believe,  that  "  I  am  going  to  show  you  what 
preaching  is!"  He  announced  his  text,  then  began  to  flounder! 
Some  one  thought  as  I  did,  that  oxygen  was  needed,  for  every 
window  was  down;  that  person  tried  to  openv windows  but  failed. 
This  added  to  the  brother's  embarrassment,  and  he  plunged  for 
some  time,  then,  to  my  consternation,  called  on  me  to  close  with 
prayer.  I  was  not  in  a  praying  mood ;  was  thinking  of  oxygen ;  so, 
when  on  my  knees,  I  said,  "  Lord  we  need  oxygen  in  this  church !  " 
In  this  train  I  apologized  for  the  sermon  and  the  failure  of  the  ser- 
vice. That  brother  ran  rapidly,  but  for  a  short  time ;  then  fell  into 
sin  and  had  to  leave  the  Church. 

Having  finished  its  business,  the  body  met  to  receive  the  ap- 
pointments. I  was  sent  back  to  my  former  charge.  I  determined  to 
pursue  the  old  way  of  building  up  Christ's  Kingdom,  not  to  de- 
pend on  set  times  or  the  coming  of  evangelists.  Why  not  look  to 
God  to  send  his  Spirit  to  convict  men  under  the  regular  means  em- 
ployed ?  This  I  resolved  to  do.  Dr.  Bushnell's  view  greatly  affected 
me.  He  wrote  about  his  perplexity  about  revival  preachers, and  what 
may  be  called  the  machinery  system  of  revivals,  saying,  "  Things 
had  come  to  such  a  pitch  in  the  Church,  by  the  intensity  of  the  re- 
vival system,  that  the  permanent  was  sacrificed  to  the  casual ;  the  or- 
dinary'swallowed  up  and  lost  in  the  extraordinary,  and  Christian 
piety  itself  reduced  to  a  kind  of  campaigning  or  stage-effect  exercise. 
The  spirit  of  the  pastor  was  broken  and  his  powers  crippled  by  a 
lack  of  expectation ;  it  is  becoming  a  fixed  impression  that  effect  is 
to  be  looked  for  only  under  instrumentalities  that  are  extraordinary." 
Thoughts  like  these  determined  me  to  lead  my  people  to  expect 
God's  blessings  upon  the  ordinary  means.  The  result  was  that  week 
by  week  the  interest  grew,  and  our  social  services  were  greatly  re- 
inforced. 

From  the  day  of  my  return  to  Walnut  Street  Church,  I  moved 
onward  watching  every  open  door  and  entering  with  deep-set  pur- 
pose to  save  the  people.  Our  members,  as  a  rule,  were  on  the  alert, 
and  manifested  real  enthusiasm.  It  was  not  smooth  sailing.  We 
had  opposition  from  without;  that  was  to  be  expected;  but  within 
there  were  a  few  "bogs."  That  is,  some  of  our  people  only  ab- 
sorbed. They  gave  out  nothing.  To  explain  my  meaning,  take 
the  incident  given  by  a  London  preacher.  It  is  of  a  woman  who 
never  missed  a  revival  service.  She  was  a  very  attentive  listener. 
She  never  joined  even  in  the  singing.  She  was  so  complacent  she 
became  a  kind  of  fascination.  He  inquired  of  a  member  of  the 
choir,  "  Do  vou  know  that  lady?  "  "  Oh,  yes,  very  well,"  was  the 
reply.  "  Is  she  a  Christian  ?  "  "  No,"  was  the  answer ;  "  she  is  a 
bog !  "  "A  bog !  "  repeated  the  minister,  not  quite  understanding 
her  meaning.  "  Yes,"  was  the  short  reply,  "  a  bog."  Still  mystified, 
the  minister  repeated,  "A  bog!"     "Yes.  a  '  E-O-G.'  spelled  with 


AUTOIUOGRAPTJY  OF  REV.  JOHS  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  2\q 

capital  letters!  Don't  you  know  what  a  bog  is?  "  "  Yes,  I  think  I 
do:  it  is  a  bit  of  marshy  ground,  which  catches  the  surface  drainage 
of  the  surrounding  section,  but  which  has  no  outlet.  It  is  usually 
covered  with  a  green  slime,  and  is  the  home  of  offensive  things." 
"  Well,  that  is- what  she  is.  She  is  found  at  all  the  religious  meet- 
ings ;  she  is  a  marsh ;  she  has  an  unlimited  capacity  for  hearing 
sermons,  but  has  no  outlet ;  she  is  never  known  to  do  anything  for 
Christ.  She  never  speaks  to  a  soul ;  she  never  gives  to  any  cause, 
though  she  has  money;  she  never  does  anything  but  just  absorb, 
absorb !  She  is  a  bog!  "  We  had  bogs  in  Kansas  City,  and  in  every 
charge  I  have  served. 

While  looking  after  my  people,  I  met  quite  an  intelligent  gentle- 
man who  said  to  me,  "  We  have  a  chapel,  all  furnished,  on  Holmes 
Street,  near  Third.  We  have  tried  to  build  up  a  Sunday-School 
there  but  have  failed.  Another  denomination  tried  and  failed.  We 
will  let  you  use  the  house  if  you  will,  and  see  what  the  Southern 
Church  can  do."  I  replied,  "  There  is  only  one  thing  would  induce 
me  to  take  hold  of  that  enterprise ;  that  is,  if  you  will  deed  the 
property  over  to  our  trustees,  I  will  take  hold  of  it  and  push  it  to 
success."  There  I  thought  the  matter  would  end.  But  after  a  few 
weeks,  the  gentleman  called  and  said,  "  Were  you  in  earnest  in  pro- 
posing to  take  the  Holmes  Street  Chapel,  if  the  property  was  deeded 
to  your  Church?  "  I  answered,  "  Certainly."  "  Then,"  said  he,  "  it 
shall  be  done."  It  took  some  red  tape  to  accomplish  it,  but  in  a  few 
weeks  the  deed  was  turned  over  to  me.  All  the  furniture  went  with 
it.  On  the  following  Sunday  I  announced  the  fact,  and  advertised 
that  we  would  organize  a  Sunday-School  on  the  succeeding  Sun- 
day at  3  p.  m.  I  requested  any  who  could  spare  the  time,  to  aid 
Brother  Cox  in  canvassing  that  section  for  scholars.  Several  ladies 
volunteered.  Our  people  took  hold  with  a  determination  to  make 
it  a  success.  At  the  hour  appointed  the  next  Sunday,  the  house  was 
thronged  with  children  and  people ;  so  thronged  it  was  impossible 
to  organize.  Every  seat  was  occupied,  the  aisles  crowded,  and  the 
space  in  and  around  the  platform  packed.  The  pastor  talked,  after 
singing  and  prayer.  Announcements  were  made  for  the  following 
Sunday,  and  we  adjourned.  On  the  following  Sunday  afternoon, 
an  organization  was  effected  with  Witten  McDonald  Superintendent. 
We  had  teachers  enough,  and  everything  moved  off  hopefully.  The 
chapel  was  small,  seating  comfortably  two  hundred  and  fifty.  We 
had  over  three  hundred  present,  counting  the  visitors.  We  ap- 
pointed prayer  and  class-meetings,  and  a  preaching  service  every 
Sunday  night.  Brother  Cox,  though  a  layman,  was  put  in  charge 
At  class-meeting,  we  began  with  forty-nine ;  soon  went  beyond  one 
hundred.  The  prayer-meeting  congregation  filled  the  room.  We 
had  conversions  week  by  week.  The  pastor  was  present  at  class 
and  prayer-meetings,  and  often  preached  for  the  people.  We  or- 
ganized a  Church  which  soon  grew  to  over  one  hundred  members. 

We  had   a   local   preacher  by  the   name   of  Dr.    Anderson,   a 


220  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

dentist,  and  a  gentleman  of  culture.  He  had  a  spell  of  sickness.  I 
visited  him  often,  and  he  grew  quite  confidential.  One  day,  he 
remarked,  "  Doctor,  did  you  know  that  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  wait  upon  you  about  receiving  so  many  into  the  Church  ?  "  With 
marked  astonishment,  I  replied,  "  No,  sir !  "  That  committee  was 
composed  of  Judge  Holmes,  Dr.  Anderson,  and  one  other.  He  went 
on  to  say,  "  We  talked  it  over,  and  concluded  that  we  were  afraid  to 
approach  you.  When  we  saw  the  lives  the  new  members  were 
living,  we  finally  approved  your  plan."  If  an  evangelist  had  been 
invited,  and  had  led  one  hundred  and  fifty  into  the  Church,  it  would 
have  been  all  right ;  but  every  week  taking  in  five,  four  or  nine 
without  intense  t  revival  exercises,  they  could  not  understand.  I 
never  inquired  who  appointed  that  committee. 

Now  that  we  had  organized  this  mission  school  amongst  the 
humbler  people,  it  was  necessary  to  aid  the  poorer  children,  by 
furnishing  clothing  for  those  not  able  to  secure  the  needed  supplies 
at  home.  I  called  a  meeting  to  organize  a  "  Pastor's  Aid  Society." 
The  object  was  to  furnish  needed  articles  to  be  distributed,;  to  aid 
the  pastor  in  his  efforts  to  enlarge  our  work.  Our  first  meeting  was 
constituted  of  twelve  ladies.  One  remarked  pleasantly,  "  Doctor, 
you  will  kill  us,  giving  us  so  much  to  do.  Already  we  are  loaded 
down !  "  In  a  playful  way,  I  answered,  "  You  who  have  been  at  the 
front  of  everything  need  not  touch  it ;  we  have  one  hundred  ladies 
whose  souls  are  dying  for  something  to  do.  Elect  officers  out  of 
that  number !  "  The  first  gathering  was  rather  informal,  but  the 
discussion  showed  the  necessity  for  such  a  Society.  At  the  next 
meeting,  Mrs.  B.  Y.  Collins  was  elected  president  and  Mrs.  Andrew 
McDonald  secretary.  They  agreed  to  meet  every  Tuesday  after- 
noon. At  once  they  began  to  sew  and  provide  needed  materials, 
and  the  gathering  was  a  social  blessing.  This  Society  made  com- 
forts, patched  quilts,  made  sun-bonnets,  and  even  took  orders  for 
wearing  apparel  for  children,  and  in  this  way  raised  a  fund  which 
aided  the  pastor  in  pushing  some  other  enterprise. 

During  1883,  tne  Church  was  literally  at  work.  The  energies 
of  the  members  were  aroused  and  needed  outlets,  therefore  we 
were  ready  to  do  larger  work.  Our  Holmes  Chapel  work  grew 
until  it  became  necessary  to  consider  the  erection  of  a  larger  edifice 
in  a  more  eligible  location.  Our  business  men  did  not  jump  at  con- 
clusions, therefore  a  private  meeting  was  called  by  the  pastor,  to 
investigate  the  necessities  of  the  people.  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed, and  the  subject  examined  in  detail.  After  some  weeks, 
another  meeting  was  held,  and  received  the  report  of  the  committee. 
They  approved  the  pastor's  idea  for  a  new  and  larger  building 
Week  by  week  the  interest  deepened,  until  it  culminated  in  a  sub- 
scription. That  subscription  list,  with  every  one's  name  who  con- 
tributed toward  the  new  edifice  is  in  my  hands  now.  We  had  seven 
thousand,  four  hundred  and  thirty-four  dollars  subscribed,  and  the 
lot  and  chapel,  as  assets.     A  committee  was  appointed  to  secure  a 


AVTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  T).  D.  22l 

plan,  which  took  time ;  finally  the  Board  was  called  together  to 
decide.  A  worthy  brother  from  Ohio  had  a  pet  idea,  and  the  house 
was  planned  according  to  his  conception.  I  opposed  it,  saying, 
"  The  building  will  look  like  a  country  mill !  "  but  the  majority  out- 
voted me,  and  the  plan  was  adopted.  The  friends  had  given  a 
good  deal  of  time  and  money,  and  some  said,  "  It  is  this  plan  or 
nothing."  The  ground  and  building  cost  a  fraction  over  ten  thou- 
sand dollars.  When  it  was  finished  it  was  named  "  Campbell 
Street."  At  once  the  school  took  on  new  interest  and  the  Church 
prospered  and  in  due  time  a  pastor  was  sent. 

In  the  meantime  our  Young  Men's  Meeting  became  a  power. 
It  grew  rapidly,  until  the  room  was  packed,  and  we  had  to  go  into 
the  lecture:room.  It  was  an  old-style  class-meeting.  A  group  of 
splendid  young  men  gave  it  their  influence,  and  led  the  way. 
Amongst  them  were  C.  R.  Hunt,  Richard  Moore,  Harry  Eikel- 
berger,  R.  L.  Young,  George  Bacon,  and  W.  A.  Hoyt.  Another 
who  aided  in  making  that  service  so  valuable  was  Ben  Deering.  He 
ably  abetted  in  every  effort  to  secure  recruits  and  make  the  meeting 
a  social  power.  Now  and  then  some  visitor  would  create  friction, 
by  introducing  questions,  or  proposing  a  collection  for  some  pet 
scheme.  I  had  assured  them  no  collection  would  be  allowed.  Many 
of  them  were  on  salaries  that  hardly  paid  their  board.  Once  in  a 
while  drastic  measures  had  to  be  resorted  to,  for  the  purpose  of 
checking  intruders.  There  appeared  in  one  of  our  meetings,  quite 
a  talker  from  Chicago.  He  talked  glibly,  and  then  urged  the  young 
men  to  worship  a  Chicago  woman,  who  represented  the  woman  in 
Apocalypse.  He  surprised  us  all !  I  arose  and  said,  "  Stop  such 
stuff !  "  He  continued ;  I  then  said,  "  If  you  do  not  stop  I  will  have 
them  put  you  out !  How  dare  you  come  here  and  take  advantage  of 
their  kindness  in  letting  you  speak !  "  He  sat  down  muttering 
something ;  but  he  spoiled  that  service.  Another  visitor  proposed  a 
collection,  and  was  about  to  pass  the  hat  around,  when  I  stopped 
him.  Some  strange  and  erroneous  notions  were  advanced  by  visitors 
who  came  to  air  their  ideas.  Kansas  City  was  peopled  from  almost 
every  quarter  of  the  globe.  An  iron  hand  had  to  be  laid  on  some 
of  them.  This  organization  was  of  great  value  to  our  cause.  A 
number  took  hold  of  mission  work  in  what  was  called  "  The 
Bottoms  "  and  enterprised  work  there. 

I  found  quite  a  prosperous  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society.  No  wonder,  when  influenced  by  a  quartet  of  cultured 
women.  Mrs.  Nathan  Scarritt,  whose  parents  were  missionaries. 
loved  the  cause  and  exhibited  her  devotion  in  untiring  zeal.  She 
was  a  lady  of  large  information,  extensive  culture,  and  of  great 
puritv  of  purpose.  Another  lady  of  wide  influence  and  sweetness 
of  spirit,  was  Mrs.  L.  R.  Moore.  She.  was  as  timid  as  a  fawn,  yet 
kept  abreast  of  every  phase  of  missionary  work.  She  read  largely, 
and  was  unusually  intelligent  on  all  lines.  No  doubt,  to  her  in- 
fluence China  is  indebted  for  the  church  building  erected  in  Shang- 


222  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 

hai  by  her  husband.  A  lovelier  character  one  never  meets.  Mrs. 
Witten  McDonald  was  another  who  stood  with  the  foremost  in 
active  work  in  the  missionary  cause.  She  kept  posted,  and  was 
ever  ready  to  read  an  essay  or  otherwise  aid  in  planting  the  Cross 
in  foreign  lands.  Another  was  Mrs.  Kate  Horner,  president  of  the 
Society. 

The  Conference  of  1883,  came  and  passed  like  a  dream.  It 
met  in  Boonville,  Bishop  A.  W.  Wilson  presiding.  I  was"  reap- 
pointed to  Walnut  Street.  I  was  soon  on  my  field  of  action,  and  on 
Sunday  received  eight  into  the  Church. 

On  November  1st,  Dr.  Nathan  Scarritt,  requested  Church  cer- 
tificates for  himself  and  family,  to  aid  Lydia  Avenue  Church.  Of 
course,  our  people  reluctantly  heeded  the  request  to  break  the  tie 
which  bound  them  to  Walnut  Street  Church.  He  had  much  to  do 
with  the  erection  of  our  house  of  worship  and  all  its  interests.  Dr. 
Scarritt  and  family  held  a  high  place  in  the  minds  of  our  people. 
The  Doctor  was  a  man  of  great  moral  worth,  and  his  wife  was 
highly  esteemed  by  all  classes.  Both  were  conspicuous  figures  in 
Church  circles. 

James  Thornton,  from  San  Antonio,  Texas,  became  a  citizen 
of  Kansas  City,  and  deposited  the  Church  certificate  of  himself  and 
family.  He  is  a  man  of  high  principles  and  strong  character.  His 
influence  will  be  far-reaching.  He  is  a  Kentucky-raised  Methodist. 
He  came  to  establish  a  bank.  He  always  contributes  freely.  Has 
always  said  to  me,  "How  much  do  you  want?" 

Meeting  with  the  Aid  Society,  I  unfolded  my  plan,  or  desire,  to 
build  a  new  church  in  a  certain  part  of  the  city,  which  is  growing 
rapidly.  They  hardly  knew  what  to  say.  I  desired  to  build  as  a 
Centennial  thank  offering,  in  gratitude  to  God  for  our  prosperity 
in  the  city.  In  an  interview  with  an  intelligent  lady,  who  lived  in 
the  section  referred  to,  I  proposed  that  she  would  canvass  that  part 
of  the  city  and  see  if  some  one  would  not  give  us  a  lot.  She  rather 
made  light  of  the  suggestion,  but  after  consideration  she  said  she 
would  make  the  canvass.  She  did  so,  and  the  next  week  reported 
no  one  responded.  I  then  said,  "  I  have  been  praying  for  God  to 
open  somebody's  heart."  The  interview  was  lengthy  and  solemn. 
Then,  turning  to  her  I  remarked,  "  I  did  not  know  but  what  God 
would  put  it  into  your  and  your  husband's  heart."  It  had  not  oc- 
curred to  her.  She  concluded  to  at  least  present  the  subject  to 
Brother  Wilson.  Two  or  three  days  after  this  interview,  her  hus- 
band drove  her  up  to  our  house,  and  said,  "  After  considering  the 
matter  through  the  night,  and  praying  over  the  subject,  we  have 
concluded  to  give  a  lot  on  corner  of  Thirteenth  Street  and  Brooklyn 
Avenue."  Before  Brother  Wilson  would  sisrn  the  deed,  he  demanded 
a  three-thousand-dollar  structure.  I  feared  I  could  not  pledge  that 
amount,  but  L.  R.  Moore  and  his  brother,  told  me  to  pledge  it,  they 
would  stand  behind  it.  I  spoke  to  the  people  about  my  pet  project. 
"  T  would  be  grateful  for  anv  amount."    After  almost  every  service, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  223 

some  made  contributions.  1  had  been  lecturing  without  charge  in 
several  towns.  Now  I  consented  to  lecture  for  expenses  and  twenty- 
five  dollars.  These  fees  I  put  into  the  church  fund.  I  entered  into 
a  verbal  contract  with  an  English  brother  named  Dymock,  a  local 
preacher  of  fine  character.  No  contract  was  written.  His  bid  was 
thirty-two  hundred  dollars.  He  was  equal  to  his  word.  A  gentle- 
man who  knew  what  good  work  was,  visited  the  structure  from 
time  to  time  and  reported  everything  according  to  the  verbal  con- 
tract. When  the  house  was  ready  for  dedication,  it  was  about  lfalf 
paid  for.  All  our  churches  in  that  city  were  held  by  one  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  were  all  invited  to  the  dedication  and  placed  in  the 
front  row.  The  amount  necessary  was  figured  out  by  a  business 
man,  and  the  pastor  said  "  Each  one  will  pay  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  dollars,"  to  which  all  agreed  save  the  one  who  was 
absent,  and  some  one  pledged  for  him,  and  the  pastor  dedicated  the 
church,  which  at  the  time  was  considered  a  beauty.  I  then  can- 
vassed that  section  for  members  and  Sunday-School  scholars.  I 
went  through  the  heat  and  in  the  sun  until  my  neck  was  blistered. 
We  soon  had  a  nice  Sunday-School  and  a  Church  organized.  At 
the  next  Conference  session,  a  preacher  was  sent  them.  The  Con- 
ference of  1884  also  sent  a  pastor  to  Holmes  Street,  H.  T.  Harris ; 
and  a  pastor  to  Brooklyn  Avenue,  T.  W.  Watts.  The  latter  had 
thirty  members.    Holmes  Chapel,  sixty-one. 

Our  mid-week  service  has  been  occasions  of  large  spiritual 
profit.  We  have  some  very  godly  men  and  women.  Some  of  them 
are  mighty  in  petitioning  a  throne  of  grace.  We  had  one  lady 
whose  prayers  were  not  only  out  of  the  heart  but  were  seasoned 
with  deep  thought.  She  pressed  her  suit  as  did  Jacob,  with  a  pur- 
pose to  secure  blessings  for  us  all.  Mrs.  Parker  was  a  woman  of 
natural  mental  ability,  and  though  necessitated  to  aid  her  husband 
in  supporting  the  family,  she  rose  above  surroundings  and  exhibited 
the  spirit  of  Christ  so  sweetly,  her  influence  was  very  great.  There 
were  two  or  three  other  women  mighty  in  prayer;  their  names  are 
in  the  Book  of  Life.  We  had  a  few  gentlemen  who  prayed  with 
power.     We  trained  our  young  men  to  lead  in  prayer. 

Well  may  it  be  said,  "  Nothing  is  too  hard  for  God !  "  In  1884, 
TJyuJ'Cansas  City  Times  published  the  following  incident:  "Among 
those  attending  the  prayer-meeting  at  the  Walnut  Street  Methodist 
Church  last  evening,  was  '  Arizona  Jack,'  the  frontier  name  of  a 
wc?i-known  character  who  lived  in  West  Kansas  City,  where  he 
was  employed  in  a  packing  house.  He  was  one  of  General  Crook's 
favorite  scouts  in  the  Indian  campaigns  through  the  Southwest,, 
where  he  earned  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  bravest  and 
most  skilful  men  in  the  service.  His  name  is  Isaac  Kinzie,  and  he 
was  born  in  New  York.  Kansas  City  had  been  his  home  for  two 
years.  Some  months  ago  his  landlady  persuaded  him  to  attend  a 
service  at  Dr.  Mathews'  Church.  He  became  interested,  and  soon 
after  was  converted.     Since  then  he  has  taken  up  the  work  of  ex- 


224 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


tending  the  Church's  influence  among  his  acquaintances,  and  with 
great  success.  He  is  a  regular  attendent  on  all  the  services,  and 
labors  faithfully  to  bring  others  with  him.  Jack  is  a  good  talker, 
making  his  experiences,  whether  reminiscences  of  his  life  among 
the  Indian  fighters,  or  descriptions  of  his  Church  work,  agreeable  to 
the  listeners  who  gather  about  him.  He  recently  had  a  letter  from 
General  Crook,  expressing  surprise  at  his  conversion,  but  encourag- 
ing him  to  persist  in  doing  good.  He  was,  it  is  said,  an  awfully 
blasphemous  man  and  generally  fond  of  whiskey,  but  now  has  kept 
straight,  steadily  since  he  first  changed  his  ways." 

At  the  suggestion  of  our  Sunday-School  Superintendent, 
Witten  McDonald,  the  young  men  were  called  together  and  a  plan 
adopted  to  feed  twenty-five  hundred  on  Christmas  day.  It  was 
taken  hold  of  with  vim ;  committees  of  solicitation  were  appointed 
and  the  entire  plan  mapped  out.  The  proposition  to  feed  newsboys, 
bootblacks,  and  other  poor  children,  as  well  as  feed  the  grown  up 
poor,  met  with  general  favor,  and  large  supplies  were  promised.  It 
took  work,  but  young  men  and  ladies  took  hold  with  a  zest  that 
was  refreshing.  As  the  day  drew  near  the  excitement  intensified, 
and  strangers  to  us  sent  in  contributions  of  money  and  provisions. 
"  Bachelors  "  at  the  St.  James  Hotel  sent  twenty-five  turkeys.  The 
Ladies'  Aid  Society  had  been  at  work  for  weeks,  gathering  up 
clothing,  and  making  new  garments  for  distribution  amongst  the 
poor.  A  few  nights  before  Christmas  thieves  broke  into  the  meet- 
ing-room, and  stole  all  the  clothing ;  did  not  leave  a  garment !  This 
distressed  the  ladies,  but  did  not  delay  the  dinner.  When  Christmas 
day  arrived  everything  was  ready.  Turkeys,  chickens,  and  other 
things  had  been  cooked  by  the  bakers  in  the  city.  Tables  were 
arranged  in  our  basement  for  five  hundred  to  feast  at  once.  The 
man  at  the  head  was  a  disciplinarian,  and  without  friction  every- 
thing passed  off  to  the  joy  of  all.  Visitors  called  to  witness  the 
scene.  It  was  4  o'clock  when  the  last  five  hundred  went  out  from 
the  feast.  They  were  the  grown  people.  Much  was  left,  and  was 
distributed  amongst  needy  families. 

The  last  week  of  the  old  year  has  been  severely  cold,  with  a 
snow  storm  and  a  blizzard  the  last  night.  Notwithstanding  we 
began  our  watch-night  meeting  at  7:30.  Began  with  a  class-meet- 
ing. One  hundred  and  fifty  present — some  new  faces  and  voices. 
At  9  p.  m.,  we  had  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  present.  During 
the  service  mourners  were  called  for,  and  eleven  came  forward, 
and  before  we  closed  seven  professed  conversion.  Eleven  applied 
for  membership.  It  was  a  meeting  of  large  results  in  other  ways. 
We  spent  the  closing  minutes  of  the  old  year  upon  our  knees  re- 
affirming our  consecration.  The  new  year  was  hailed  with  song  and 
greetings,  with  hearty  hand-shaking. 

Brother  Cox  is  still  my  helper  and  is  kept  on  the  go  day  and 
night.  His  business  is  recruiting  for  both  schools  and  both 
Churches.     His  spirit  is  fine,  and  he  lives  hard  by  the  mercy-seat. 


AlTOBlOUKAl'Hl    OF  REV.  J011N  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  225 

Some  one  tried  to  find  a  fault  in  him,  and  came  to  me  complaining 
that  he  paid  a  boy  twenty-five  cents  to  go  to  our  mission  school. 
My  reply  was,  if  he  prefers  to  spend  his  money  that  way,  it  matters 
not  to  me.  The  Lord  has  promised  to  pay  me  in  a  crown  of  right- 
eousness, and  Jesus,  for  the  joy  set  before  Him,  endured  the  cross. 

I  had  the  support  and  influence  of  my  Presiding  Elder,  Dr. 
C.  C.  Woods.  He  seconded  every  effort  put  forth  to  enlarge  our 
cause.  He  was  in  his  place  always,  and  by  his  preaching  and  per- 
sonal influence  did  fine  service.  He  called  an  official  gathering  to 
settle  upon  a  plan  for  our  "  Centennial  celebration."  He  is  ever  on 
the  alert  as  leader  of  our  host. 

E.  K.  Thornton  was  an  active  business  man  and  a  very  decided 
Christian.  In  his  business  life  he  was  without  a  flaw,  but  was  in- 
debted to  his  religion  for  his  fixed  shape  of  character.  His  piety 
had  in  it  nothing  repellant,  but  was  attractive.  It  was  not  worn  as 
an  outside  garb ;  it  was  rather  a  web  woven  from  within ;  it  pen- 
etrated his  whole  being.  One  who  knew  him  in  his  youth  remarked, 
"  He  was  always  a  good  boy."  Our  friend,  whose  untimely  death 
we  now  mourn,  passed  away,  not  only  without  fear,  but  with  the 
air  and  tone  of  a  conqueror.  His  conscious  faith  in  Christ  lighted 
his  path  and  his  departure  was  as  a  babe  falls  on  sleep.  His  loss 
to  his  family,  the  Church  and  his  country  was  very  great.  It  has 
been  well  said,  "  Blessed  is  the  man  the  ring  of  whose  harness  is 
heard  when  he  falls !  " 

In  the  midst  of  the  duties,  and  success  of  Church  work,  sud- 
denly I  was  summoned  to  a  test  of  endurance  through  a  long,  siege 
of  afflictions.  First  my  brother,  who  had  been  to  me  also  a  father, 
died.  Mrs.  John  O.  Keener  was  brought  from  Mobile,  Alabama, 
in  what  was  supposed  to  be  a  dying  condition.  She  hovered  be- 
tween life  and  death  for  weeks.  Then  my  youngest  daughter,  Mrs. 
Hawkins,  wife  of  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  pastor  of  Washington 
Street  Church,  was  stricken  with  typhoid  fever.  For  weeks  we 
hardly  knew  whether  she  would  live  or  die.  Consultations  were 
held,  and  the  family  informed  there  was  little  hope  of  her  recovery ; 
but  through  the  careful  attention  of  her  husband  and  the  blessing 
of  God  she  was  raised  to  bless  others.  During  most  of  this  time 
my  mind  was  so  stunned  I  could  scarcely  pray  with  any  heart.  The 
house  was  a  hospital,  two  babes  part  of  the  time  wailing  for  their 
mothers.  The  ladies  of  the  Church  did  much  to  relieve  the  situa- 
tion, and  the  physicians  exhibited  a  devotion  rarely  if  ever  sur- 
passed. At  the  end  of  the  season  I  was  taken  down  with  fever.  No 
period  of  my  life  was  more  shadowed. 

One  rule  aided  me  in  saving  men.  That  has  been  not  only  to 
present  Christ  in  His  tenderness — I  held  Him  up  in  the  sternness 
of  His  character.  He  confirmed  His  demand  for  righteousness  with 
everlasting  penalties.  Paul  not  only  loved  Christ,  but  he  afiso  feared 
Him,  exclaiming:  "  Knowing,  therefore  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  we 
persuade  men.**     While  the  promises  of  our  Lord  exceed  all  prece- 


226  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

dent,  and  all  imitation,  and  all  expression,  the  words  of  exclusion 
must  be  emphasized,  "  There  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  anything 
that  defileth  " — the  Holy  City.  Perhaps  it  is  impossible  to  so  group 
words  in  the  English  language  to  exceed  the  terrific  sentences  which 
fall  from  the  lips  of  Christ  against  evil-doers.  These  facts  I  held 
up  and  reaffirmed,  hoping  to  induce  men  to  reach  after  and  lay  hold 
on  the  hope  set  before  them.  My  aim  was  to  speak  these  truths  in 
love.  Accepting  the*  utterance  of  Christ  when  he  said,  "These 
shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,"  I  longed,  and  prayed 
for  men  and  women  in  such  danger.  I  appealed  to  their  hearts  to 
accept  God's  plan  of  rescue.     I  stressed  the  awfulness  of  sin. 

The  neat  frame  church  known  as  Lydia  Avenue,  or  Centenary 
Church,  in  which  the  people  had  worshipped  having  been  destroyed 
by  fire,  the  leading  men  decided  to  rebuild  at  once.  Some  were 
anxious  for  a  larger  and  more  imposing  structure ;  others  felt  the 
congregation  could  not  afford  such.  Rev.  J.  W.  Lowrance,  the  in- 
fluential pastor,  was  anxious  for  a  handsome  building.  A  meeting 
was  held,  the  matter  discussed,  and  the  decision  about  reached  to 
build  on  the  old  plan.  The  pastor  called  to  see  me  to  invoke  my  aid. 
I  called  on  Brother  J.  S.  Chick  and  urged  them  to  build  for  the 
future.  Finally  the  proposition  was  made  to  me,  "  If  you  will  raise 
in  Walnut  Street  Church  five  thousand  dollars  we  will  build  a 
thirty-thousand-dollar  house."  I  consented  to  try.  The  first  men  I 
called  on  were  those  princely  givers,  L.  R.  Moore  and  Witten 
McDonald.  The  former  subscribed  one  thousand  on  condition  that 
a  thirty-thousand-dollar  building  would  be  erected.  Going  to  the 
office  of  McDonald,  the  plan  was  canvassed  with  him.  He  was 
solicited  to  contribute  a  thousand  dollars.  He  rather  hesitated, 
having  had  to  expend  extra  money  on  the  Sunday-School  and 
giving  a  large  sum  in  support  of  my  helper,  Cox.  I  would  accept  no 
denial,  saying,  I  will  stay  by  you  and  sing  "  Wrestling  Jacob  " : 

''With  Thee  all  night  I  mean  to  stay, 
And  wrestle  'till  the  break  of  day." 

He  took  the  pen  and  wrote  his  subscription  for  one  thousand  dollars. 
Brother  L.  T.  Moore,  of  Washington  Street  Church,  was  in  New 
York.  I  took  the  pen  and  wrote  down  his  name  for  one  thousand, 
knowing  my  man,  and  after  consulting  with  his  brother.  I  had 
three  thousand,  and  ere  long  I  had  a  subscription  of  five  thousand, 
and  they  built  the  handsome  house  now  named  "  Central  Church." 
Quite  a  number  of  young  men  of  Walnut  Street  desired  to  en- 
large our  borders  by  extra  work,  and  in  consultation  with  me,  they 
resolved  to  visit  what  was  called  "  The  Bottoms,"  and  find  a  loca- 
tion to  start  a  Sunday-School.  I  was  to  raise  the  money  for  rent 
and  supplies.  These  young  men  rented  a  saloon  in  East  Bottom, 
near  what  was  known  as  the  distillery.  They  soon  had  a  prosperous 
school. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  227 

Kansas  City,  for  three  or  four  years,  to  human  eyes  seemed 
fated.  Summer  after  summer  the  city  was  visited  by  severe  storms. 
One  Sunday  evening,  just  before  the  hour  for  preaching,  we  were 
visited  by  a  fearful  tornado.  As  I  sat  at  a  front  window  on  the 
second  floor,  studying  my  sermon,  the  heavens  turned  black,  and  a 
roar  frightful  to  hear  terrified  the  city.  In  a  few  moments  the  dam- 
age was  over,  and  a  runner  came  to  the  house  affrighted,  telling  of 
the  path  of  the  cyclone,  of  houses  blown  down  and  people  injured. 
I  was  grateful  our  home  was  not  in  the  path  of  the  tornado.  Many 
homes  were  damaged.  Notwithstanding  the  consternation,  we  had 
our  church  half  filled. 

The  pastor  has  to  consider  his  people  as  he  finds  them.  In  my 
long  pastorate  I  learned  that  no  two  /  Churches  could  be  dealt  with 
precisely  alike.  The  culture  of  some  and  the  non-culture  of  the 
people  must  be  understood.  Tastes  and  education  have  to  be  taken 
into  account.  The  public  sentiment  needs  to  be  known.  Some  of 
our  most  useful  members  were  brought  up  in  communities  adverse 
to  spirituality.  Others  breathed  the  blighting  air  of  doubt.  Others 
were  reared  in  communities  without  the  facilities  for  the  develop- 
ment of  public  speaking  or  praying.  Mr.  L.  R.  Moore  came  to  me 
saying,  "  I  can  not  pray  in  public ;  I  had  no  training  on  that  line. 
We  have  some  members  who  can  not  pay  but  can  pray  with  ease 
and  power.  Let  me  pay  for  them,  and  let  them  do  my  public  pray- 
ing." On  that  condition  he  was  constantly  at  the  prayer-meeting. 
Others  were  of  a  like  mind.  My  plan  was  to  push  them  up  on  lines 
congenial  to  their  views,  when  these  views  did  not  collide  with  any 
valuable  principle.  Many  of  our  young  men  were  educated,  and 
I  sought  to  train  them  to  pray  and  talk,  as  well  as  visit  and  search 
for  Sunday-School  scholars.  We  had  a  great  number  who  would 
pray  in  public.  Among  the  members  were  those  who  were  great 
helpers  in  directions  that  every  pastor  needs.  There  was  Major 
J.  F.  Mister,  a  lawyer  of  celebrity,  and  a  man  cast  in  a  large  mould. 
He  was  a  marked  man  in  the  community,  as  well  as  in  the  Church, 
and  stood  by  the  pastor  with  encouraging  words.  He  knew  that 
ministers  are  but  men,  and  liable  to  depressions  and  his  part  was 
played  with  tact  and  wisdom,  pointing  out  some  good  elements  in 
the  sermon  and  making  one  feel  that  his  work  is  appreciated.  He 
was  an  inspiring  listener,  and  even  when  he  found  a  flaw  he  pointed 
it  out  so  pleasantly  you  felt  there  was  nothing  captious  about  it, 
and  you  liked  his  delightful  manner  of  criticising.  Judge  Field 
was  another  lawyer  who  was  a  friend  of  his  minister.  There  too, 
was  another  lawyer,  Major  James  Waddell,  a  most  estimable 
gentleman.  What  a  pleasure  to  preach  to  such  listeners!  How 
Major  Waddell  could  pray!  With  what  unconscious  elegance  and 
yet  earnestness  and  spirituality! 

The  Annual  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  met 
in  Kansas  City,  and  assembled  in  the  Grand  Avenue  Church.  The 
personnel  about  that  of  an  ordinarv  Annual  Conference.     Three  of 


2 2g  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

their  Bishops  attended — Foss,  Bowman,  and  Hurst.  Bishop  Foss 
presided.  The  Southwest  Missouri  Conference  commissioned  me 
their  fraternal  delegate.  Some  one  writing  of  the  occasion  said, 
"  Dr.  Mathews'  speech  was  characteristically  unique.  They  laughed 
uproariously.  The  Doctor  assured  them  of  warmest  fraternal  feel- 
ing ;  but  that  there  was  room  enough  for  both  Churches  in  this  broad 
land  of  ours.  He  also  assured  them  that  the  Southern  Methodist 
Church  was  loyal  both  to  the  polity  and  doctrine  of  Wesleyanism. 
We  still  preach  with  emphasis,  depravity,  conversion,  hell  and 
Heaven."  To  me,  the  visit  was  pleasant,  and  the  members  cordially 
received  me. 

We  had  a  quiet,  motherly  woman  who  was  long  connected  with 
the  Church  of  God — Mrs.  Porter.  She  and  her  honored  husband 
had  traveled  the  path  of  life  together  for  many  years.  During  that 
period,  with  the  blessing  of  God  they  accumulated  a  property  that 
proved  to  be  of  large  value.  In  the  early  years,  many  of  the  farmers 
set  apart  a  portion  of  their  land  for  the  home  of  their  dead,  called 
sometimes,  "  God's  acre."  This  man  had  his  family  burying- 
ground  and  his  own  dust  lay  there.  When  Kansas  City  extended 
her  limits,  that  acre  was  included,  and  the  family  were  required  to 
remove  their  dead.  The  ground  was  sacred.  In  a  conversation 
with  this  Christian  lady,  she  informed  me  she  would  like  to  have 
that  plot  of  ground  held  sacred  always,  and  if  we  would  build  a 
Church  on  it  she  would  donate  the  ground.  This  offer  I  com- 
municated to  the  Trustees  of  our  Churches.  After  some  time  had 
elapsed,  the  Trustees  appointed  a  committee  to  call  upon  this  lady 
and  get  the  statement  authoritatively  from  her  lips.  Judge  Holmes 
and  myself  constituted  that  committee.  The  matter  was  discussed 
and  she  held  to  her  proposition.  In  the  course  of  time,  the  deed 
was  made,  and  the  Troost  Avenue  Church  was  afterward  erected 
there.  Brother  Porter  I  never  knew,  only  from  reputation ;  but 
learned  he  belonged  to  the  old  style  of  gentlemen  whose  influence 
was  thrown  on  the  side  of  virtue  and  Christianity.  Sister  Porter's 
life  was  given  to  her  family  and  good  deeds.  Their  bodies  rest  in 
peace  in  the  city  of  the  dead,  but  their  souls  have  gone  to  the  Para- 
dise of  God. 

At  a  District  Conference  in  Missiouri,  an  essay  was  read  by  a 
rather  young  minister,  appointed  by  our  Presiding  Elder,  in  which 
I  was  attacked  with  peculiar  vim  for  a  remark  made  at  the  previous 
Church  Conference.  "  That  the  old  way  of  the  fathers,  of  making  a 
square  issue  with  the  sinner,  was  the  true  plan ;  no  manipulations 
should  be  resorted  to."  The  position  was  not  attacked,  but  my 
person  was  ridiculed.  My  stove-pipe  hat,  my  kid  gloves  (which  I 
do  not  wear),  my  fine  apparel,  and  big  salary.  The  pen  picture  was 
graphic.  I  sat  in  my  place  and  smiled,  and  survived  the  assault. 
Notwithstanding  this  personal  attack,  I  am  of  the  opinion,  that  in 
order  to  salvation  it  is  necessary  to  "  see  sin  to  be  exceeding  sinful." 
The  cry  for  new  methods  in  inducting  a  soul  into  the  Kingdom  of 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  22g 

Christ  is  not  necessary.  The  ministers  who  preach  the  themes  the 
fathers  discussed,  are  as  successful  now  as  sixty  years  ago.  The 
men  who  slur  the  old  way,  and  demand  new  methods  are  the  men 
who  preach  little  else  but  ethics.  When  a  minister  spends  his  time 
searching  for  the  danger-line  he  is  wasting  his  energies.  The 
danger-line  and  the  North  Pole  are  two  great  magnets,  but  full  of 
danger.  People  seem  bent  on  discovering  both,  but  the  sea  is 
strewn  with  wrecks  from  shore  to  shore.  As  has  been  said,  "  Some- 
where between  the  smooth-flowing  water  in  the  Niagara  and  the 
precipice  is  a  danger-line ;  better  not  row  your  boat  toward  it !  " 
This  young  assailant  soon  dropped  out  of  sight,  on  the  ground  of 
dullness. 

Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  a  Presbyterian  minister  of  New 
Orleans,  and  a  devoted  friend  of  mine,  visited  Kansas  City.  Writ- 
ing to  his  home  paper,  soon  after  his  arrival,  tells  this  story:  "I 
have  not  seen  my  dear  friend,  Dr.  John  Mathews,  yet.  His  time 
at  Kansas  City  is  about  out.  There  is  talk  that  he  will  be  sent  to 
another  Church  in  the  same  city.  I  heaid  of  a  prayer  he  offered— 
prayed  the  Lord  to  send  his  people  a  true  man,  one  who  did  not 
preach  science  or  politics,  but  only  the  pure  Gospel.  And  he  further 
prayed  the  Lord  to  '  send  old  John  Mathews  anywhere ;  but  please 
send  him  to  a  good  place !  ' : 

On  the  last  Sunday  night  of  the  ecclesiastical  year,  I  preached  a 
farewell  sermon.  The  daily  Times  gave  a  synopsis  of  the  sermon, 
but  preceding  the  discourse  it  gave  a  general  view  of  the  work  of 
the  four  years.  Amongst  other  things,  it  said :  "  Dr.  Mathews  has 
enjoyed  as  great  a  degree  of  popularity  while  here  as  any  other 
minister  ever  in  Kansas  City.  His  popularity  was  not  confined  to 
his  own  congregation  alone,  but  his  Church  has  been  the  resort  of 
members  of  almost  every  denomination  in  the  city.  During  the  first 
few  months  of  his  pastoratejie  labored  under  the  disadvantage  at- 
tending the  name  of  the  Church  (South),  it  taking  him  a  year  to 
make  the  people  understand  he  was  not  a  politician.  From  the  first, 
however,  he  won  the  hearts  of  his  congregation,  and  when  he  came 
to  be  understood,  his  membership  increased  until  he  leaves  it  the 
largest  in  the  city.  *  *  *  *  His  sermons  are  as  entertaining 
to  his  hearers  as  when  they  first  heard  him  four  years  ago.  The 
effectiveness  of  his  work  is  evidenced  by  the  results  of  it.  During 
the  four  years  there  have  been  twelve  hundred  and  ten  accessions." 


230 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Pastorate  at  Washington  Street. 

I 

When  the  Annual  Conference  of  1885  adjourned,  I  found  I  had 
been  assigned  to  Washington  Street  charge,  Kansas  City.  My  pre- 
decessor, Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  had  been  in  charge  five  years,  less 
three  months.  The  Church  grew  and  developed  under  his  admin- 
istration. His  people  loved  him  and  boasted  of  his  ability  in  the 
pulpit.  He  did  a  fine  work  there.  I  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  step 
into  his  shoes  and  push  all  the  departments  of  Christian  work. 
The  appointment  was  accepted  gladly.  I  was  received  with  the 
greatest  kindness.  We  had  a  frame  house,  formerly  known  as 
"The  Tabernacle,"  erected  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
In  their  hands  it  failed.  A  few  wealthy  men  of  our  denomination 
purchased  it,  and  the  work  was  undertaken.  Our  cause  was  dam- 
aged by  the  selection  of  a  man  as  its  first  pastor  who  proved  un- 
worthy. But  my  predecessor,  brought  it  up  and  left  it  in  fine  order. 
I  entered  upon  my  new  charge  expecting  God's  aid  in  saving  men. 
Nor  was  I  disappointed1  On  my  first  Sunday  the  audience  room 
was  crowded.  At  night,  there  was  an  overflow.  The  second  Sun- 
day we  were  still  thronged.  Two  or  three  of  the  leading  brethren, 
decided  to  have  the  partitions  removed.  By  the  next  Sunday  the 
three  rooms  were  thrown  into  one,  and  yet  the  room  was  crowded. 
All  through  the  Conference  year,  without  bell  or  advertising,  people 
came  to  hear.  The  pastor  had  the  support  of  his  people.  We  had 
some  noble  specimens  of  manhood.  L.  T.  Moore  was  an  inspiring 
spirit.  Like  his  brother  of  Walnut  Street  Church,  his  liberality 
abounded.  It  was  difficult  to  find  his  superior.  With  his  high  posi- 
tion as  a  merchant,  he  gave  his  influence  to  Christian  work.  He 
was  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday-School,  a  Steward,  and  ever 
ready  to  do  as  the  pastor  suggested.  Another  man  of  great  value 
was  Judge  Wm.  Holmes,  a  local  preacher  and  lawyer.  He  rein- 
forced his  pastor  in  every  needed  form.  He  was  generous,  and 
devout.  He  loved  the  class-meeting  and  was  leader  for  many  years. 
I  can  see  him  now,  as  he  threw  up  his  head  and  struck  out  on  his 
favorite  hymn :  "  Savior,  more  than  life  to  me !  "  When  he  struck 
the  chorus,  how  his  tones  swelled  forth,  as  he  repeated, 
"  Every  day,  every  hour, 
Let  me  feel  Thy  cleansing  power, 
May  Thy  tender  love  to  me, 
Bind  me  closer,  closer,  Lord  to  Thee." 

We  had  some  fine  specimens  of  young  manhood.     Amongst  these 
was  Robert  L.  Hawkins,  brother  of  my  predecessor.     His  life  was 


Al  T0BI0GRAPH7  OF  BEY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  231 

unimpeachable,  and  he  took  an  active  part  in  Sunday-School  work, 
aiding  the  pastor  in  every  way.  We  had  a  band  of  devout  women 
ready  to  do  the  Master's  bidding.  There  was  Mrs.  Judge  Holmes, 
esteemed  for  her  good  works  by  saint  and  sinner.  She  was  a  bless- 
ing to  the  Church.  She  lived  to  comfort  others,  and  was  a  foster- 
mother  to  all. 

When  pastor  in  Montgomery,  Alabama,  years  ago,  a  lad — I 
can  hardly  say  a  young  man — joined  the  Court  Street  Church.  He 
attended  all  the  services,  and  was  ever  in  his  place  in  the  Sunday- 
School.  He  was  quite  handsome,  as  well  as  polished  in  manner. 
There  was  about  him  an  indefinable  something,  which  for  want  of 
a  better  word  we  call  magnetism.  We  all  liked  him.  The  ladies 
made  a  pet  of  him,  and  these  enviable  qualities  resulted  in  his  final 
ruin.  He  was  a  clerk,  and  in  my  rounds,  I  noticed  he  was  not  as 
attentive  to  his  business  as  necessary.  As  his  pastor,  I  privately 
advised  him,  and  said,  "  You  will  lose  your  position  unless  you 
change."  He  did  lose  it,  He  drifted  into  Shreveport,  Louisiana. 
Secured  a  fair  position  and  started  off  well.  He  married  a  lovely 
young  girl,  and  had  a  bright  prospect  for  the  future ;  but,  alas !  he 
fell  into  the  opium  habit.  Step  by  step  he  went  down,  until  he  saw 
the  vortex  into  which  he  would  soon  plunge.  He  proposed  to  re- 
form ;  friends  rallied  to  his  aid  and  he  made  desperate  efforts  to 
break  the  power  of  the  habit.  He  and  his  friends  were  hopeful. 
It  was  thought  best  that  he  go  to  a  new  home.  Money  was  given 
him.  Whither  could  he  go?  He  remarked,  as  I  was  informed  in 
a  letter,  "  Dr.  Mathews,  of  Kansas  City,  is  the  best  friend  I  have  in 
the  world."  They  advised  him  to  go  to  Kansas  City.  I  was 
notified  by  interested  parties  of  his  case,  and  awaited  his  coming. 
When  he  arrived  I  invited  him  to  my  home,  but  I  saw  at  once  that 
he  had  already  lapsed.  Weak  in  will,  he  yielded  to  temptation  and 
fell.  No  father  could  have  been  more  tender,  but  I  could  never  get 
him  back  to  my  table.  Shame  caused  him  to  avoid  me.  When  he 
would  get  out  of  money  he  would  come  to  my  office.  At  last,  I  said, 
"  Dick,  I  can  not  furnish  you  money  to  purchase  this  ruinous  drug." 
For  a  long  time  I  did  not  see  him,  nor  could  I  hear  of  him.  He  had 
gone  down,  and  associated  with  those  who  were  like  him.  I  yearned 
to  save  him.  A  friend  from  Alabama,  gave  him  kindly  attention. 
One  morning  I  opened  the  daily  paper,  and  saw  in  great  headlines, 

"  Dick fell  from  a  second  story  window,  or  was  thrown  out, 

and  was  fatally  injured."  He  was  taken  to  the  hospital,  and  that 
day  I  found  him ;  his  jaw  was  broken  and  internally  he  was  in- 
jured. When  I  approached  him,  he  clutched  my  hand  and  old 
memories  stirred  him.  Then  with  what  earnestness  he  urged  me  to 
pray  for  him !  There  at  that  bedside  I  kneeled,  and  begged  God 
to  save  him.  He  had  sinned — but  the  name  of  Christ  was  held  up. 
With  a  sad  heart  I  left  him,  and  that  night  his  soul  passed  into 
eternity.    A  few  friends  kindly  buried  him.    Thus  ended  the  career 


2 32  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

of  one  of  the  brightest  of  youths.     Had  he  never  touched  the  fatal 
pill,  he  might  have  been  a  blessing  to  the  world ! 

Some  of  our  active  workers  began  to  discuss  the  necessity  of  a 
new  house  of  worship  nearer  the  center  of  population.  This  was 
educative.  No  large  enterprise  springs  suddenly  into  existence. 
Even  the  location  was  considered.  During  this  time  a  most  tempt- 
ing proposition  was  made:  I  was  approached  and  sounded  on  the 
subject  of  an  independent  Methodist  Church.  It  was  said  certain 
parties  would  subscribe  ten  thousand  dollars  each.  An  English 
gentleman,  of  the  Fowler  Packing  House,  was  named  as  one.  My 
reply  was  courteous  but  decided.  I  gave  two  or  three  reasons. 
"  First,  if  I  am  anything,  the  Church  made  me  what  I  am ;  second, 
even  if  such  a  proposition  could  be  entertained  tentatively,  the  fact 
of  my  age  was  in  the  way;  third,  these  independent  enterprises,  as 
a  rule,  came  to  naught."  That  interview  ended  the  matter.  No 
appeal  to  personal  ambition  could  shake  my  conviction. 

A  Church  anywhere  should  be  a  blessing.  Some  Churches 
have  greater  opportunities  than  others.'  Walnut  Street  Church 
opened  avenues  of  usefulness  which  rtiy  new  charge  does  not;  but 
still  it  has  access  to  the  masses.  This  was  proven  by  the  crowded 
audiences  we  have.  Piety  may,  and  is  sometimes,  kept  on  ice  in  some 
of  the  up-town  Churches ;  but  it  must  be  served  warm  if  the  down- 
town people  are  reached.  That  side  of  the  brains  which  lead  to 
spiritual  things  in  city  people  is  often  allowed  to  rust  through  dis- 
ease. Business  absorbs  the  interest.  In  my  new  charge  my  purpose 
is  to  let  the  people  feel  the  Gospel  is  a  source  of  comfort  and  a  thing 
of  joy.  As  in  former  Churches,  I  sought  out  the  people  in  their 
homes  and  by  thus  coming  in  touch  with  them  exert  a  blessed  spell 
over  them.  The  poor  sought  me  in  their  distress,  and  the  rich  in 
their  trouble.  Said  a  lady  to  me  (one  of  social  standing  and  cul- 
ture), "  The  first  time  I  met  you  I  felt  I  could  open  my  heart  to  you 
without  reserve."    I  know  not  the  reason. 

Tuesday,  the  12th  day  of  May,  1886,  was  a  day  of  consterna- 
tion and  sorrow.  The  morning  was  murky,  and  I  concluded  to 
spend  it  in  my  study.  Sitting  in  my  dressing-gown  and  slippers, 
I  was  suddenly  startled  by  the  darkness  enshrouding  the  city. 
Rising  up  to  see  the  cause,  a  sudden  gust  of  wind  swept  down  upon 
our  house.  The  door  flew  open.  I  rushed  to  close  it,  and  while  hold- 
ing it  called  to  my  affrighted  wife  to  rush  into  the  cellar.  But,  no ; 
she  would  stand  at  my  side.  In  the  meantime  bricks  were  hurled 
through  the  air,  and  trees  on  the  street  were  being  uplifted.  In  a 
few  minutes  the  gloom  had  passed,  followed  by  a  tremendous  rain- 
fall. Looking  out  into  the  street  strewn  with  debris,  a  neighbor^  lad, 
all  covered  with  mud  passed  excitedly,  his  face  pallid  with  fright. 
I  called;  "  What  is  the  matter?  "  He  answered,  "  The  large  school- 
house  is  blown  down,  and  many  of  the  children  killed !  "  My  next 
question  was  "  Where  is  my  John  ?  "  He  was  in  the  building !  Put- 
ting on  my  shoes,  bii*  taking  no  time  to  lace  them,  I  sped  to  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  233 

public  school  building.  A  great  crowd  had  already  gathered,  and 
excited  parents  were  crying  out  for  their  children!.  JMen  were 
carrying  out  dead  children.  Some  one  who  knew  myself  and  boy, 
cried  out,  "  John  is  safe !  "  The  sense  of  relief  has  to  be  experi- 
enced to  realize  its  force !  As  the  rubbish  was  cleared,  another  dead 
child  was  brought  out — in  a  few  minutes,  another,  upon  whom  the 
pallor  of  death  was  evident.  He  was  the  son  of  Mr.  L.  T.  Moore, 
my  Sunday-School  Superintendent.  I  can  not  recall  the  number 
killed,  but  among  them  were  five  of  my  Sunday-School  children. 
One  of  these,  a  little  girl,  had  before  death  won  her  father  to  our 
Church.  For  years  he  had  not  attended  any  Church.  Her  influence 
so  affected  him,  he  approached  me  one  day  saying,  "  Dr.  Mathews, 
what  shall  I  do  to  become  a  Christian?  "  He  was  soon  at  the  altar, 
and  received  the  salvation  he  sought.  That  little  girl's  work  was 
done.  On  the  following  Sunday  we  had  a  memorial  service.  The 
daily  paper  reported  the  service  as  being  "  Very  impressive.  The 
audience  paid  the  closest  attention,  and  at  times  during  the  sermon 
the  whole  congregation  were  in  tears.  The  church  was  densely 
crowded ;  many  were  turned  from  the  doors." 

That  charming  man,  Rev.  J.  C.  Morris,  my  successor,  was 
holding  the  fort  at  Walnut  Street.  He  won  his  way  into  the  hearts 
of  his  people.  Surmises  were  afloat  that  I  would  be  sent  to  another 
city  at  the  end  of  the  Conference  year,  but  no  matter  what  I 
thought,  I  had  a  door  upon  my  lips  and  I  had  learned  to  keep  it 
shut  when  necessary.  My  heart  kept  up  its  longing  to  save  souls. 
I  had,  for  years,  in  my  earlier  ministry,  feared  I  might  lose  this 
mood,  and  my  duties  might  become  perfunctory.  My  prayer  went 
up  day  by  day  that  my  heart  interest  might  not  die  out.  God  an- 
swered that  prayer  of  years.  As  a  coworker  with  God  I  went  after 
the  people.  One  day,  a  gentleman  called  upon  one  of  our  leading 
Stewards  to  know  where  he  could  find  me.  The  answer  as  told  me 
was,  "  If  you  go  amongst  some  of  the  poor  families  you  will  be  apt 
to  find  him  there."  If  the  man  who  represents  Jesus  does  not  look 
after  His  hidden  one's  who  will  ?  One  of  my  chief  officers  had  a 
summer  home  on  Lake  Minnetonka,  and  proposed  to  entertain  me, 
but  I  felt  I  was  needed  in  my  work,  for  my  strength  and  vigor  were 
in  full  force. 


!34 


PEEPS  IXTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Appointment  to  Centenary,  St.  Louis. 

While  the  •  Southwest  Missouri  Conference  was  in  session  in 
Kansas  City  in  1886,  Bishop  McTyeire  transferred  me  to  Centenary 
Church,  St.  Louis,  and  advised  me  to  spend  the  first  Sunday  in 
October  in  the  pulpit  of  that  Church.  I  was  met  at  the  depot  by 
Mr.  John  P.  Boogher  and  others,  and  was  the  guest  of  the  former. 
Sunday  opened  beautifully,  and  a  good  congregation  greeted  me. 
The  Presiding  Elder,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  M.  Finney,  and  my  predecessor, 
Rev.  Dr.  W.  V.  Tudor,  were  in  the  pulpit  with  me.  In  a  prelude 
to  my  sermon  I  stated :  "  As  I  stand  here  you  are  to  decide  upon 
my  ability ;  whether  I  will  do,  whether  I  am  the  man  for  the  place, 
and  whether  my  family  will  do.  But  there  are  two  sides  to  this 
question ;  I  am  wondering  if  you  will  do ;  whether  you  will  suit  me, 
and  my  family !  "  I  then  proceeded  to  announce  my  text  and  my 
heart  felt  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God.  On  Monday  I  returned 
to  Kansas  City  to  wind  up  my  affairs  and  remove  my  family  to  our 
new  field  of  labor. 

Returning  with  my  family,  we  were  soon  domiciled  in  an 
elegant  but  crowded  boarding-house.  Then  began  that  dreaded  task 
of  house  hunting.  The  Rev.  J.  W.  Cunningham,  now  local  but  for 
many  years  a  traveling  preacher,  kindly  took  me  in  hand  and  aided 
me  in  finding  a  house,  for  which  I  was  more  than  thankful.  He 
has  ever  extended  his  hand  to  aid  his  pastor.  Noble  man  he  is! 
The  day  after  arriving  in  St.  Louis,  walking  down  the  street,  I  meet 
a  lady  on  her  way  to  call  to  see  us.  To  my  great  surprise  and 
pleasure  I  recognized  one  of  my  spiritual  children,  Mrs.  Jennie 
Urner,  once  a  resident  of  New  Orleans,  and  converted  in  old  Car- 
ondelet  Street  Church.  She  proposed  to  aid  us  in  every  possible 
way,  and  proved  a  coworker  of  a  value  difficult  to  be  estimated. 

At  our  first  official  meeting,  Brother  Isaac  Baker,  a  leader 
amongst  his  brethren,  in  his  quiet  and  gentlemanly  way,  turned  to 
me  and  inquired,  "What  changes  do  you  propose  to  make?"  For 
a  few  moments  I  was  surprised,  and  so  expressed  myself.  He  ex- 
plained by  saying,  "  The  officers  have  heard  that  you  change  every- 
thing where  you  go !  "  My  response  was,  "  My  dear  brethren,  my 
rule  is  to  find  out  the  plans  of  my  people  and  predecessors,  and  run 
on  like  lines.  It  is  not  new  plans  needed,  but  to  infuse  new  life  into 
those  already  in  motion."  I  added  that  if  changes  occurred,  ^  they 
would  be  so  gradual  as  not  to  be  noticed  at  once.  Then,  explaining 
my  theory,  I  added,  "  To  infuse  increased  vigor  into  Church  life,  I 
may  make  suggestions,  which  it  may  be  hoped  will  meet  your  ap- 


\l  TOBIOGRAPH?  OF  REV.  JOB2i  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  2^5 

proval,  but  if  you  do  not  take  hold  of  my  rope  and  pull,  I  will  step 
back  or  forward  and  pull  on  your  rope."  Soon  after  my  arrival,  Dr. 
Thomas  M.  Finney  said  to  me,  "If  I  can  live  to  see  Centenary 
Church  filled  on  an  ordinary  occasion,  like  old  Simeon,  I  will  say, 
'  Now  Lord,  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes 
have  seen  thy  salvation ! ' :  I  told  these  Stewards :  "  I  will  attempt 
to  fill  the  house,  but  in  doing  so  will  sometimes  violate  my  own  and 
your  tastes  ;  I  will  say  some  surprising  things ;  in  doing  so  I  ask 
your  support  until  you  see  the  outcome."  They  promised,  and  the 
meeting  adjourned,  each  one  in  a  pleasant  mood.  No  one  feared, 
after  this,  that  I  would  break  the  traces ! 

Dr.  Thomas  M.  Finney  was  the  Presiding  Elder  who  had  the 
work  of  God  on  his  heart.  He  understood  all  the  ins  and  outs  of 
Methodism  in  the  city,  and  labored  day  and  night  to  develop  its 
power.  He  was  born  in  the  city,  was  educated  in  New  England, 
and  gave  his  talents,  his  fortune  and  his  life  to  the  Church.  He  was 
not  an  orator,  but  was  a  thinker,  and  his  sermons,  as  delivered  in 
the  pulpit,  were  ready  for  the  printer.  His  influence  was  great. 
Dr.  W.  V.  Tudor,  my  immediate  predecessor  was  pastor  of  Cen- 
tenary, first  and  last,  eight  years.  Had  been  Presiding  Elder ;  then 
pastor  of  St.  John's.  The  Doctor  was  cast  in  a  fine  mold,  was  phys- 
ically handsome ;  added  to  this  was  the  gift  of  oratory.  His 
eloquence  was  fervid  and  genuine.  These  gifts,  which  had  been 
cultivated,  rendered  him  a  general  favorite.  Rev.  Dr.  B.  M.  Mes- 
sick,  my  colleague  at  St.  John's,  was  transferred  from  the  Louisville 
Conference.  His  fame  as  a  pulpiteer  had  preceded  him,  and  he 
was  received  with  great  enthusiasm.  His  people  rallied  around  him 
and  his  influence  was  immediate  and  great.  His  sermons  were 
prepared  with  great  exactness  and  were  artistic  in  structure  as  well 
as  productive  of  spiritual  development.  Some  one  said,  every  "  i " 
was  dotted,  and  "  t "  crossed.  At  one  time  his  name  was  promi- 
nently mentioned  in  connection  with  the  Bishopric.  Dr.  John  D. 
Hammond,  at  First  Church,  was  transferred  from  the  Georgia  Con- 
ference. The  Doctor  was  a  man  of  splendid  physique,  with  a  face 
indicating  benignity  and  gentleness.  His  intellectuality  marked  all 
he  did  and  said.  His  sermons  were  built  wisely  and  for  edification. 
His  education  was  thorough,  and  he  grappled  with  great  principles 
from  which  others  as  well  as  himself  drew  strength  and  power.  He 
was  a  fine  logician,  and  withal  a  deeply  pious  man.  He  was  soon 
in  demand  for  wider  fields  of  action. 

No  directory  was  at  my  command,  and  the  next  step  was  to 
find  one  well  acquainted  with  the  body  of  the  membership  and  will- 
ing to  give  some  time  to  the  work.  Mrs.  Jennie  Urner,  my  New 
Orleans  convert,  volunteered  to  aid  me.  Her  devotion  and  industry 
were  unusual ;  *she  took  pleasure  in  escorting  the  pastor  from  street 
to  street  and  from  house  to  house.  This  Christian  woman,  during 
my  entire  pastorate  at  Centenary,  did  not  relax  her  activities.  After 
several  years  of  voluntary  service,  her  changed  condition  was  such 


236 


PEEPH  INTO  LIFE. 


that  the  Board  paid  her  thirty  dollars  per  month,  and  she  was  on  the 
go  day  and  night  until  her  feet  gave  out,  when  she  was  compelled  to 
retire.  Mrs.  Urner  administered  to  both  body  and  soul,  carrying  a 
loaf  of  bread  in  one  hand  and  the  Gospel  of  Joy  in  the  other.  She 
was  sent  for  to  visit  the  sick  and  dying,  and  had  great  power  in 
prayer,  and  a  very  clear  view  of  the  plan  of  salvation.  God's  humble 
ones  blessed  her  for  the  sunshine  poured  into  their  hearts  and  homes. 
Her  superior  as  a  worker  I  have  never  known. 

On  December  12th,  1886,  the  great  Exposition  building  was 
crowded,  according  to  the  reports  in  the  press,  with  seven  thousand 
Sunday-School  children  from  all  parts  of  the  city.  There  were 
sixteen  hundred  in  the  chorus  on  the  stage,  in  tiers  running  from 
the  big  organ  to  the  footlights.  Mr.  D.  R.  Wolfe,  the  Presbyterian 
Elder,  and  a  noble  worker  in  God's  vineyard,  presided.  Besides  the 
speakers,  there  sat  on  the  platform  John  S.  Moffit,  Dr.  Williams,  of 
the  Central  Baptist,  and  Samuel  Cupples,  famous  for  his  benevo- 
lence. The  press  stated,  "  It  was  unquestionably  the  largest  number 
of  people  ever  assembled  in  the  Music  Hall."  The  singing  by  the 
children  was  inspiring.  Dr.  Holland,  a  cultured  and  renowned 
preacher  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  made  a  brief  address.  Ex- 
Governor  E.  O.  Stanard  spoke  well.  A  Chinese  quartet  sang  a 
hymn.  After  which,  the' paper  says,  "Rev.  Dr.  Mathews  was  in- 
troduced, and  his  subject  announced,"  and  added,  "  Dr.  Mathews 
has  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  most  original  speakers  in  the 
Church,  and  his  address  proved  it."  A  prominent  layman  followed, 
then  Hon.  Nathan  Cole,  a  leading  Baptist,  spoke,  and  his  ad- 
dress was  to  the  point.  I  accepted  the  invitation  to  speak,  hoping  to 
catch  the  ear  of  the  public,  and  thus  augment  my  influence,  and  in 
this  way  honor  my  Master.  It  was  published  as  "  The  largest  and 
most  successful  Sunday-School  celebration  ever  given  in  the  West." 

At  my  request,  the  Official  Board  had  five  thousand  cards 
printed,  inviting  persons  to  the  church.  In  our  section  of  the  city 
were  many  boarding-houses  full  of  young  men.  I  took  several 
hundred  of  these  cards,  and  on  the  back,  wrote,  "  The  pastor  would 
be  pleased  to  greet  you  in  the  church,  and  give  you  a  cordial  wel- 
come ;  "  to  which  I  attached  my  name.  Some  of  these  I  distributed 
amongst  members,  requesting  them  to  call  on  young  men  and  leave 
my  card.  Many  of  these  cards  I  carried  to  the  boarding-houses, 
seldom  finding  any  of  the  young  men  in  ;  the  landladies  would  say, 
"  You  don't  expect  to  find  the  boarders  at  home  this  time  of  day !  " 
"  No ;  but  place  these  cards  in  their  rooms ;  it  is  something  for  them 
to  feel  that  they  are  not  only  thought  of  but  cared  for."  This 
plan  worked  well,  and  many  new  faces  were  seen  in  the  house  of 
God.  To  hold  them  was  the  problem.  They  were  not  conversant 
with  theological  terms,  therefore  I  employed  language  and  terms  on 
a  level  with  their  thinking.  One  of  the  daily  papers  said,  "Dr. 
Mathews  is  surprising  the  staid  old  members  of  Centenary ;  "  and 
intimated   that   they   were    displeased ;    whereas,    I    never    received 


"AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  237 

heartier  support  from  any  Church  of  which  I  had  been  pastor.  Of 
course  I  subjected  myself  to  criticism,  especially  by  preachers. 
Quite  a  number  of  our  most  devoted  and  pious  members  were  ready 
to  cooperate  with  me.  The  energy  they  displayed  created  a  deepen- 
ing conviction  and  hope,  that  God  would  give  us  victory.  At  first 
such  a  hope  sounded  faintly  in  our  ears,  like  the  premature  song  of 
the  half-awakend  bird,  before  daylight.  Amongst  my  helpers  were 
a  number  of  women  of  influence  and  character.  There  was  that 
sweet-spirited  saint,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Carlisle,  so  long  a  member  of 
Centenary.  There,  too,  was  that  elect  lady,  Mrs.  C.  C.  Anderson, 
whose  love  for  her  Lord  and  Church  was  unsurpassed.  In  this 
group  was  Mrs.  George  A.  Baker ;  cultured,  devout  and  deeply  de- 
voted to  her  Divine  Master.  There  was  Mrs.  John  P.  Boogher, 
a  delightful  woman,  always  ready  to  reinforce  her  husband  in  his 
great  zeal  for  the  development  of  his  Church.  One  of  my  staunchest 
supporters  was  Mrs.  J.  W.  Cunningham,  wife  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Cun- 
ningham. She  knew  how  a  pastor  needed  sympathy  and  coopera- 
tion in  his  great  work,  and  generously  gave  hers.  For  many  years 
she  had  been  in  the  itinerant  ranks  and  has  nobly  for  her  Master 
stood.  Strong  in  intellect,  cheerful  in  spirit,  she  has  been  the  light, 
not  only  of  her  husband,  but  the  pride  of  her  children.  Centenary 
Church  never  had  a  better  friend  than  Mrs.  E.  R.  Gamble.  For 
many  years  she  was  the  president  of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  and 
never  relaxed  her  interest  in  its  work.  If  an  entertainment  was  to 
be  given,  all  eyes  turned  to  her,  and  she  prided  herself  in  her  ability 
to  make  it  as  perfect  as  human  hands  could  do.  For  years  she  was 
steadily  found  in  her  pew  and  always  ready  to  aid  her  pastor  on  use- 
ful lines.  Mrs.  J.  B.  Ralston  was  another  prominent  worker.  In 
her  place  at  the  head  of  the  infant  department  of  the  Sunday- 
School,  I  question  if  she  ever  had  her  superior.  The  daughter  of  a 
noted  Missouri  Conference  minister.  Dr.  W.  H.  Lewis,  she  was 
given  advantages  and  a  culture  which  resulted  in  the  development 
of  a  character  of  great  value  to  society.  Mrs.  Sallie  M.  Sharp  was 
another  lady  of  influence  amongst  us.  Her  constant  attendance  on 
the  worship  of  the  sanctuary  was  marked  and  refreshing.  Miss 
Nancy  Motley  for  years  had  been  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday-School, 
and  while  nearly  all  her  special  friends  belonged  to  St.  John's  Church, 
no  influence  had  been  able  to  take  her  away  from  Centenary.  x  She 
takes  light  and  sunshine  wherever  she  goes.  Her  spirit  chases 
gloom  from  other  minds,  and  she  is  welcomed  by  all.  On  the  line 
of  holy  living  was  that  dear  old  soul,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Southard,  loved 
and  honored,  by  all  who  knew  her.  Few  lives  on  earth  ever  had 
more  joy  poured  into  them.  Left  a  widow  with  a  number  of 
children  to  provide  for  she  brought  her  condition  to  God  in  prayer, 
and  He  honored  her  faith  as  He  honored  the  widow  of  Sarepta, 
multiplying  her  meal  and  oil.  As  she  advanced  in  years  her  life 
was  flooded  with  sunshine.  On  one  occasion,  after  the  sermon, 
she  approached  me,  saying,  "Brother  Mathews,  may  I  shout?"     I 


238 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


said,  "  Certainly ;  when  you  feel  like  it !  "  She  had  a  soft  voice,  and 
was  a  frail  woman  in  body,  so  not  long  after  this  she  had  her  cup 
of  joy  replenished  and  began  to  praise  God,  but  could  not  be  heard 
twenty  feet  away !  Her  life  was  an  exhibition  of  the  power  of  God 
to  keep  one  in  perfect  peace  when  the  mind  is  stayed  on*  Him.  An- 
other lady  of  spiritual  strength  was  Mrs.  Margaret  Skinner.  For 
years  she  had  lived  under  the  Wings  of  the  Almighty.  Her  life 
was  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  She  was  a  most  competent  worker,  and 
was  employed  at  the  famous  Bethel  down  town.  Her  presence  at 
prayer-meeting  was  a  benediction.  Her  public  prayers  at  times, 
seemed  to  shake  the  footstool  of  our  King.  She  had  a  grasp  on  the 
promises  which  made  one  feel  an  answer  must  be  given.  Another 
very  useful  woman  was  Mrs.  Joe  E.  Able.  She  was  for  a  long 
period  a  special  employe  at  the  Bethel,  but  her  influence  was  felt 
throughout  the  Church.  For  many  years  she  was  assistant  teacher  in 
our  infant  department.  She  was  untiring  in  her  work  and  did  much 
to  help  in  the  aggressive  work  of  the  Church.  She,  too,  was  gifted 
in  prayer,  and  could  sing  the  songs  of  Zion  with  fine  effect.  Add 
to  this  group  Mrs.  Carrie  Gray,  a  woman  of  mark  in  any  company, 
Her  devotion  to  Christ  and  His  cause  was  an  abiding  principle.  She 
let  her  light  shine  and  sought  to  honor  her  Lord  on  all  occasions. 
Her  consecration  was  thorough,  and  she  lived  among  some  of  the 
high  peaks  of  the  mountains  of  holiness.  Her  life  was  in  accord 
with  God's  will.  Another  lady  worthy  of  high  esteem  for  her  piety 
and  active  interest  in  the  Church  of  God,  was  Mrs.  W.  E.  Gray. 
With  unpausing  energy  she  gave  not  only  herself,  but  of  her  means, 
to  build  up  the  reign  of  righteousness.  Her  spirit  had  the  odor  of 
Christliness,  and  her  activity  in  the  higher  lines  of  service  im- 
pressed all  who  associated  with  her.  She,  too,  was  gifted  in  public 
prayer.  There  were  others  worthy  of  mention,  but  space  is  too 
limited  to  name  them.  We  had  a  large  bevy  of  younger  women 
whose  footsteps  tracked  the  path  of  their  Master. 

On  the  last  night  of  1886,  a  large  congregation  assembled  to 
spend  the  closing  hour  of  the  Old  Year  and  usher  in  the  New,  in 
the  holy  act  of  worship.  The  meeting  began  in  song  and  prayer, 
and  was  spirited  from  the  first  moment  until  the  last.  Men  and 
women  of  spiritual  forces  were  called  upon  to  lead  in  prayer,  and 
they  prayed  as  do  those  who  walk  with  God.  No  one  could  listen 
without  being  moved.  With  a  deep  interest  awakened,  a  short 
lesson  from  the  Word  of  God  was  read,  followed  by  an  exhortation 
by  the  pastor,  then  a  stirring  song,  after  which  came  experiences ; 
they  were  both  rich  and  rare ;  now  and  then  some  closed  with  a 
loud  "  Hallelujah !  "  Then  penitents  were  invited  forward,  and  a 
number  pressed  to  the  front.  After  singing  and  prayer,  recruits 
were  called,  and  several  presented  themselves  for  membership, 
among  them  young  men  whose  parents  had  long  prayed  for  them. 
Then  a  shout  went  up.  a  shout  of  praise  from  parental  lips.  It  was 
a  scene  long  to  be  remembered.     Half  the  audience  seemed  to  par- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  239 

take  of  the  flying  joy.  As  time  sped  by,  we  soon  reached  the  closing 
minutes  of  the  Old  Year.  Then  the  invitation  was  given  to  all  who 
would  join  in  the  covenant  to  try  to  live  closer  to  God  to  come 
forward.  Instantly  the  people  pressed  forward,  joining  in  songs, 
until  the  covenant  hymn  was  sung.  Then  upon  our  knees  we  joined 
in  silent  prayer,  and  in  this  act  of  worship  passed  out  of  the  Old 
into  the  New  Year.  Then  a  leader  struck  up  a  hymn  of  praise  and 
all  shook  hands,  wishing  each  other  a  happy  New  Year.  This  is  a 
meager  account  of  a  most  remarkable  service. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  in- 
vited me  to  deliver  a  lecture  on  "  The  Heroes  of  the  Olden  Times." 
There  was  a  large  attendance,  composed  mostly  of  young  men. 
"  Joseph,  the  Moral  Hero "  was  my  subject.  Generations  more 
than  sixty  deep  have  passed,  yet  history  hands  down  few  names  of 
greater  power  over  humanity  than  this  one.  Heroism  in  its  broadest 
sense  is  a  grand  word,  yet  is  difficult  to  define.  Words  are  often 
too  narrow  and  shallow  to  tell  exactly  what  the  soul  thinks.  Men 
are  compelled  often  to  use  words  of  which  they  can  not  give  a 
satisfactory  definition.  Men  generally  pass  into  the  realm  of  ideas 
as  people  would  into  the  concert-room  of  Rubinstein.  No  two  carry 
into  that  hall  the  same  structure  of  mind.  One  man's  education 
leads  him  to  listen  for  the  melody ;  another  listens  only  for  the 
harmony ;  only  a  few  have  power  to  grasp  all.  No  man  can 
measure  and  weigh  heroism.  On  this  line  my  address  traveled 
for  forty  minutes. 

We  had  a  young  member,  Charles  E.  Ford,  who  nine  years  ago 
conceived  the  idea  of  starting  a  Chinese  Sunday-School  in  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  rooms,  then  on  Olive  Street. 
That  school  has  continued  without  interruption  for  all  these  years. 
It  began  with  seven  pupils?  Three  of  the  daughters  of  the  late 
Bishop  Marvin  taught  in  the  school,  also  Miss  Daisy  Sharp.  The 
school  at  this  time  numbers  nearly  fifty.  Every  year  there  has  been 
an  annual  entertainment.  This  year,  1887,  the  house  was  packed 
with  pupils  and  visitors.  Having  been  invited  by  the  Superintend- 
ent, it  fell  to  my  lot  to  deliver  the  annual  address.  Thus  I  am 
lending  my  aid  to  help  on  every  good  cause. 

I  found  it  necessary  to  systematically  divide  my  time  to  ac- 
complish the  largest  results.  Men  of  results  have  found  this  to  be 
necessary.  Sir  William  Jones,  a  lawyer  and  a  Christian,  had  a 
broad  outlook  when  he  wisely  divided  his  hours  thus : 

"Seven  to  law,  to  soothing  slumber  seven. 
Ten  to  the  world  allot,  and  all  to  Heaven." 

We  had  no  deaconesses,  no  employed  helpers ;  what  assistance  I 
secured  was  the  voluntary  service  rendered  by  godly  women  and 
men.  In  visiting  I  would  take  the  street  car  to  the  highest  number ; 
then  walk  down  to  the  next  number.  After  turning  homeward  with 
weary  feet,  I  would  enjoy  the  thought  of  a  short   rest,   when   on 


240  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

reaching  home  I  would  find  a  note  or  a  caller  desiring  me  to  go  im- 
mediately to  see  a  sick  person,  and  without  sitting  down  was  away 
on  an  errand  of  mercy.  This  frequently  occurred.  I  cheered  my- 
self by  asking  what  would  the  Master  do? 

That  charming  young  lady  and  efficient  missionary  to  China, 
Miss  Dora  Rankin,  had  recently  died.  The  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  called  a  meeting  at  St.  John's  Church  to  pay 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  one  who  only  a  few  months  ago  stood  in 
this  church  and  talked  so  lovingly  of  her  interest  in  the  "  Yellow 
Race."  The  committee  requested  me  to  prepare  a  paper  to  be 
read  on  that  occasion.  I  felt  it  to  be  both  refreshing  and  inspiring 
in  these  days  of  feverish  culture  and  criticism,  when  the  world  is 
going  mad  in  its  patronage  of  the  so-called  high  art  and  largest 
pleasure,  to  find  one  whose  eyes  are  turned  toward  humanity,  and 
is  prodigal  of  a  love  which  lays  down  life  for  the  profit  of  others. 
The  meeting  was  well  attended  and  the  interest  profound.  Noble 
young  woman :  may  thy  devotion  inspire  others ! 

We  had  eighteen  Stewards,  men  upon  whom  I  felt  I  could 
rely  to  cooperate  with  me  in  any  good  work.  Their  names  were 
C.  C.  Anderson,  Wesley  Nichols,  I.  G.  Baker,  George  A.  Baker, 
John  P.  Boogher,  treasurer ;  F.  M.  Lockwood,  recording  secretary ; 
J.  B.  Austin,  Murray  Carleton,  W.  E.  Gray,  J.  B.  Legg,  G.  Hurt, 
P.  M.  Daniel,  W.  G.  Larimore,  A.  L.  Harrington,  W.  A.  Benjamin, 
T.  P.  Dement,  A.  C.  Badger,  D.  G.  Crofton.  We  had  seven  local 
preachers:  Rev.  John  Hogan,  J.  W.  Cunningham,  J.  Watts,  J.  J. 
Prather,  Louis  Dehls,  O.  H.  Duggins,  Claude  M.  Gray.  We  had 
three  exhorters :  O.  J.  Gary,  Herbert  C.  Hart,  and  David  V.  Lee. 
On  Sunday  we  had  seven  services.  On  Monday  evening  the  Official 
Board  meets.  Tuesday,  the  ladies'  prayer-meeting  at  3  p.  m.,  Mrs. 
M.  R.  Skinner,  leader.  Young  People*s  Union  at  8  p.  m.,  the  same 
day.  Wednesday  evening,  the  general  prayer-meeting,  7 :30  p.  m. 
Thursday  afternoon,  a  Bible  class  led  by  Mrs.  George  A.  Baker. 
Friday  evening,  the  ladies'  class,  I.  G.  Baker,  leader.  Men's  class 
the  same  evening,  George  A.  Baker,  leader.  Ladies'  Aid  Society, 
Mrs.  C.  C.  Rainwater,  president.  Women's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Mathews,  president.  Parsonage  Society, 
Mrs.  J.  B.  Legg,  president.  Saturday  afternoon,  Centenary  Jewels, 
3  p.  m.,  Miss  May  G.  De  Silva,  president.  Cottage  prayer-meetings, 
Thursday  afternoons,  Mrs.  Jennie  P.  Urner,  leader.  The  St.  Louis 
Open  Air  Mission,  O.  J.  Gary,  president,  H.  C.  Hart,  vice-president. 
Officers  of  the  Sunday-School :  George  A.  Baker,  Superintendent ; 
Murray  Carleton,  assistant.  Sunday-School  Missionary  Society, 
Rev.  John  Mathews,  president.  When  I  proposed  forming  the  Sun- 
day-School into  a  missionary  society,  the  idea  did  not  take  at  once 
with  the  officers,  but  by  using  tact  and  showing  it  would  take  but 
a  few  minutes  on  the  first  Sunday  of  each  month,  the  collection  on 
that  day  going  into  the  missionary  treasury,  before  my  pastorate 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF  REV.  JOHA    MATHEWS,  D.  D.  241 

closed  this  became  one  of  the  pet  societies  of  the  Church,  raising 
year  by  year  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 

In  the  Spectator  of   May    14th,    1887,   was   an  article  headed 
"  A  Popular  New  Preacher."    The  author  said :     "  On  Sunday  last 
I  dropped  in  at  Centenary  to  hear  Dr.    Mathews.     I   found  the 
church  crowded  to  the  doors,  and  the  galleries  well  filled,  a  notable 
feature  being  the  number  of  men,  chiefly  young  men,  in  the  audi- 
ence.   He  was  receiving  some  new  members  into  the  Church  when 
I  entered.     '  What  is  going  on  ?    A  revival  ?  '  I  asked  of  the  usher. 
'  Oh,  no  '  he  answered,   '  it  is  this  way  every  Sunday — crowded. 
He  has  been  here  only  six  months,  and  this  makes  two  hundred  and 
sixty-one  members  taken  into  the  Church.     Shall  I  show  you  a  seat 
further  down? '    '  This  will  do,'  I  answered,  indicating  a  back  seat. 
'  He  seems  to  have  a  good  strong  voice.'    '  You  will  think  so  when 
you  hear  him,'  was  the  answer.    By  this  time  the  Doctor  began  his 
sermon  and  I  sat  there  wondering  how  it  was  that  a  preacher  who 
could  draw  crowded  houses  twice  on  every  Sunday  and  take  in  two 
hundred  and  sixty  new  members  in  six  months,  had  not  been  heard 
from  through  the  papers.     I  turned  again  to  the  usher  to  ask  the 
question.     '  Well,  you  see,'  was  the  reply,  '  some  people  call  him 
a  gilt-edged  edition  of  Sam  Jones,  and  it  is  mighty  hard  for  him  to 
hold  himself  down ;  he  has  got  so  much  humor,  and  is  so  full  of 
anecdote ;  so    he    thinks  if    he  were  to  allow  the    subjects  of  his 
sermons  to  be  published,  people  would  think  he  was  sensational, 
and  there  is  not  a  bit  of  that  in  him ;  so  we  let  him  have  his  way. 
But,  Lord  bless  you,  the  people  are  finding  him  out!    This  is  noth- 
ing like  the  crowds  we  have  at  night.     He  generally  talks  to  the 
Church  members  in  the  morning;  but  he  talks  to  the  sinners  at 
night.'  "    Whoever  wrote  the  article  went  on  to  delineate  the  looks, 
the  manners,  and  qualities  of  the  pastor  in  words  of  commendation. 
Our  prayer-meetings  have  grown  until  we  need  more  room ; 
also  the  increase  in  the  Sunday-School  attendance  calls  for  enlarged 
quarters.    The  Official  Board,  after  consideration,  proposed  to  take 
out  the  partition  which  divided  the  room  and  throw  the  two  into 
one,  also  to  refit  and  repaint  the  enlarged  lecture-room.     Within  a 
month  the  work  was  completed  to  the  joy  of  superintendent  and 
pastor.    The  attendance  on  our  prayer-meetings  was  inspiring.   Our 
Presiding  Elder,  on  his  way  to  his  home,  slipped'  in  one  night  to 
see,  and  reported  every  seat  filled  and  people  stood  against  the  wall 
at  an  ordinary  mid-week  service.     These  meetings  were  of  large 
profit  to  waiting  souls.     Many  attended  to  get  a  crumb  of  comfort 
on  which  to  feed  during  the  remaining  days  of  the  week.     It  was 
about  this  time  I  began  to  receive  anonymous  letters  charging  me 
with    encouraging   people    too   much ;    yet   the    Holy  ^  Book    says : 
"  Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith  your  God."     The  sing- 
ing was  hearty  and  soul-stirring,  and  the  praying  fervent  and  up- 
lifting.   Now  and  then  we  had  a  conversion  at  these  services,  show- 
ing the  approval  of  Heaven  upon  the  work.    During  the  year  it  be- 


242 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE 


came  necessary  to  fit  up  the  gallery  for  occupancy.  Our  congrega- 
tion steadily  increased  until  people  began  to  seek  seats  there.  John 
P.  Boogher  was  appointed  to  see  that  pews  were  provided  and  the 
gallery  otherwise  made  comfortable. 

On  account  of  excessive  labors  I  failed  to  keep  a  diary,  as  when 
in  New  Orleans,  but  I  daily  perused  the  papers  which  noticed  and 
reported  our  work.  In  the  spring  of  1887  the  Republic  gave  a 
report  of  one  of  our  Preachers'  Meetings.  A  synopsis  is  here  given : 
"  Nearly  all  the  Southern  Methodist  pastors  were  in  attendance 
at  Centenary.  Dr.  Mathews  reported  that  Centenary  Church  was 
full  of  lively  and  earnest  workers,  and  it  was  becoming  a  serious 
question  with  him  just  where  to  utilize  this  superfluity  of  holiness, 
so  to  speak.  He  felt  as  if  the  pressure  was  running  a  little  too  high 
and  that  a  safety-valve  must  be  opened  somewhere.  Elder  Finney 
promised  to  take  the  matter  under  consideration,  and  in  company 
with  some  zealous  laymen,  who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  city, 
to  make  a  tour  of  examination  and  reconnoitering,  and  in  that  way 
find  a  suitable  locality  where  Dr.  Mathews  could  marshal  all  his 
recruits  to  the  very  best  advantage."  Not  a  great  while  after  this 
meeting,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  look  out  for  a  section  need- 
ing a  Methodist  Church.  In  due  time  the  committee  selected  the 
lot  on  which  was  erected  what  is  known  as  the  "  Lafayette  Park 
Church."  Mr.  Samuel  Cupples  subscribed  fifteen  thousand  dollars, 
St.  John's  as  a  Church  was  assessed,  as  I  remember,  eight  thousand ; 
Centenary,  eight  thousand ;  Cook  Avenue  and  First  Church  as- 
sessed, with  others,  until  forty-two  thousand  were  subscribed. 
However,  a  second  assessment  was  levied,  and  Centenary  was  as- 
sessed an  additional  three  thousand.  Mr.  George  A.  Baker  can- 
vassed the  membership  and  lacked  about  five  hundred  dollars  of  the 
amount.  At  an  official  meeting  it  was  urged  upon  me  to  deliver  a 
lecture  in  the  church.  I  consented  on  condition  that  the  individual 
members  would  be  responsible  for  a  certain  number  of  tickets ;  all 
consented  save  two  or  three.  My  subject  was,  "  The  Vagaries  of 
the  Age."  To  my  delight  the  house  was  full  and  the  receipts  were 
a  fraction  over  the  needed  amount.  The  beautiful  stone  chapel  on 
Lafayette  Avenue,  was  erected  on  the  rear  of  the  lot.  Then  Dr. 
S.  H.  Werlein  of  New  Orleans  was  transferred  to  take  charge. 
There  was  a  beautiful  house,  a  fine  preacher,  without  a  membership. 
Bishop  Hendrix  preached  .the  sermon  of  dedication.  Soon  a 
Church  was  organized  .  First  and  last  Centenary  contributed  about 
one  hundred  members.  At  the  following  Annual  Conference  the 
pastor  was  able  to  report  a  membership  of  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
three. 

The  life  of  Rev.  John  Hogan  was  full  of  noble  deeds,  each  one 
being  a  step  toward  God.  He  was  a  remarkable  man.  In  his  young 
manhood  he  was  a  traveling  preacher,  when  it  meant  a  great  deal 
of  self-denial,  trial  and  even  persecution.  At  twenty  years  of  age 
he  rode  over  the  mountains  from  Baltimore  to  Ohio,  in  company 


'AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  I).  D.  243 

with  Bishop  Soule.  His  first  circuit  was  among  the  prairies  of 
Indiana.  He  came  to  St.  Louis  as  a  pastor  when  it  was  in  a  circuit 
large  enough  for  a  Presiding  Elder's  District  of  to-day.  During 
his  pastorate  the  first  Methodist  brick  church  west  of  the  Mississippi 
was  erected.  This  handsome  and  talented  young  preacher  played 
an  important  part  in  the  history  of  the  city.  He  served  the  Church 
faithfully,  then  located,  but  such  were  his  qualities  he  soon  became 
prominent  in  city  affairs.  His  character  for  integrity  was  such,  he 
was  sent  to  the  United  States  Congress,  and  during  the  reconstruc- 
tion period  saved  our  city  churches  to  our  denomination,  securing 
an  order  from  the  President  that  they  be  not  given  over  to  Bishop 
Ames.  He  had  been  city  postmaster  and  filled  his  position  without 
a  stain  upon  his  good  name.  His  spirit  in  his  old  age  was  charm- 
ing ;  reminding  one  of  our  Lord  and  Master.  How  tenderly  he 
loved  Centenary.  His  funeral  was  largely  attended.  At  the  time 
of  his  death  I  was  pastor  at  St.  John's,  but  was  invited  to  take  part 
in  the  services.  The  hymns  selected  were  the  usual  solemn  ones. 
My  first  sentence  was  :  "  Had  I  charge  of  this  service,  I  would  sing, 
'  Palms  of  Victory,'  in  the  spirit  of  Mrs.  Wesley  who  said,  '  Children, 
when  I  am  gone,  sing  a  psalm  of  praise.' ': 

Another  notable  character  was  Rev.  J.  W.  Cunningham  who 
for  many  years  was  an  itinerant  preacher  in  Kentucky  and 
Missouri.  It  may  be  said  of  him  he  is  an  encyclopedia  of  statistics 
and  genealogies.  It  is  said,  that  he  is  the  first  man  who  gave  in  his 
adhesion  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  after  the  adop- 
tion of  the  plan  of  separation  by  the  Convention.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Kentuckv  Conference  at  the  time.  Brother  Cunningham's 
influence  has  always  been  helpful,  and  his  spirit  was  on  a  line  with 
his  Master's.  His  personal  interest  in  the  Church  is  deep,  and 
friendship  warm  toward  the  pastor.  He  is  always  ready  to  aid  in 
building  up  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  is  respected  by  all,  and  his 
popularity  is  shown  in  the  great  number  he  unites  in  the  sacred 
bonds  of  matrimony.  He  has  grown  old  gracefully.  He  is  noted 
for  his  extensive  knowledge  of  men  and  things  connected  with 
Methodist  history. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Prather  is  another  one  of  that  heroic  company,  who 
served  the  Church  of  God  in  times  when  it  tried  men's  souls.  He 
was  not  a  great  preacher,  but  as  true  as  steel.  His  appointments 
were  hard  fields  to  till,  but  he  went  forth  with  a  faith  that  secured 
joy  under  the  most  trying  conditions.  In  relating  his  experience 
on  one  occasion,  he  gave  the  people  an  incident  in  his  life  which 
banished  all  doubt  as  to  Divine  responses  to  prayer.  During  the 
Civil  War,  he  was  under  ban  as  a  "  Rebel,"  and  was  watched  and 
not  allowed  to  leave  hi?  house.  The  government",  troops  held  the 
section  where  he  resided.  His  means  of  living  became  exhausted ; 
provisions  all  gone  but  a  little  corn  meal.  Conversing  with  his  wife 
after  retiring  for  the  night,  and  praying  to  God  for  aid,  they  went 
to  sleep.     During  the  night  some  one.  raised  the  window  of  the 


244  Ph:i:i's  INTO  LIFE. 

room,  and  put  in  flour,  hams,  and  a  few  other  things.  Judge  of  his 
gratitude  in  the  morning,  when  he  found  God  had  not  left  His  ser- 
vants to  starve !  He  lived  in  repose  upon  God,  and  died  as  he  lived, 
a  holy  man  of  faith. 

Every  Friday  night  that  busy  bank  president,  George  A.  Baker, 
was  in  his  place  to  encourage  and  instruct  the  large  number  who 
crowded  the  class-room.  He  took  pleasure  in  his  charge,  and 
wielded  an  influence  for  good  that  no  one  can  fathom.  Here  were 
men — mostly  young,  who  had  been  battling  with  the  world's  pres- 
sure, with  temptation  and  disappointment ;  they  came  to  be  helped, 
and  what  a  delightful  helper  he  was.  For  years  it  was  his  delight 
to  greet  them  with  words  of  cheer,  ever  pointing  to  the  hills  whence 
help  cometh.  I  never  failed  to  be  present ;  the  personal  benefit  was 
.too  great  to  be  lost.  His  brother,  Isaac  Baker,  led  the  ladies'  class 
every  Friday  night  in  their  room.  It  was  well  attended  and  became 
a  Bethel  to  many  a  heart-sick  one.  His  influence  was  of  a  character 
ever  appreciated  by  the  believing  soul.  His  life  was  without  ap- 
parent blemish,  and  he  was  as  true  to  his  Lord  as  the  needle  to  the 
pole.  His  love  for  the  little  flock  never  wavered,  and  through  many 
years,  when  at  home,  filled  his  place  happily. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  245 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Second  Year  at  Centenary. 

The  Annual  Conference  met  at  Frederickstown,  September  14th, 
1887.  Bishop  E.  R.  Hendrix,  made  his  first  official  appearance  as 
Bishop  at  this  town.  His  fine  physique,  his  dignity  of  manner  and 
impartiality  impressed  the  Conference  that  he  would  prove  a  suc- 
cessful administrator.  His  presidency  was  delightful  in  every  way. 
On  Sunday  he  gave  us  a  fine  sermon,  uplifting  and  tasteful.  That 
Nestor  of  our  church  press,  Dr.  D.  R.  McAnally,  was  present, 
honored,  battle-scarred,  but  still  vigorous  in  intellect  and  ready 
for  any  foe.  Dr.  J.  E.  Godbey  was  there,  calm  as  a  May  morning, 
with  clearness  of  intellect  and  busy  as  a  bee.  Dr.  E.  M.  Bounds 
was  there,  sedate,  thoughtful  and  watchful.  Dr.  J.  W.  Lewis 
was  still  vigorous  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  proceedings.  The 
veteran,  Rev.  J.  C.  Berryman,  was  in  his  place,  though  feeble ;  still 
on  the  superannuated  list.  His  brethren  revered  him.  There  was 
a  flood  of  transfers  announced.  Centenary  Church  sent  up  for 
admission  on  trial  Oliver  H.  Duggans,  who  was  received  and  trans- 
ferred to  the  Los  Angeles  Conference.  I  was  returned  to  Centenary 
for  the  second  year. 

On  my  return  from  Conference  I  at  once  began  to  visit  my 
people.  It  was  a  pleasure  to  carry  cheer  to  the  "  shut-in,"  bed- 
ridden children  of  God.  Not  being  able  to  visit  them  often,  I 
selected  for  that  work  those  who  had  the  time  to  visit  and 
comfort  these  afflicted  ones  with  prayer  and  song.  Several  volun- 
teered to  carry  joy  into  stricken  and  shadowed  homes.  Mrs.  C.  A. 
Clinton  was  a  woman  of  strong  hope,  as  well  as  intelligent ;  to  her 
was  given  a  list  of  names  to  look  after.  Another  was  Mrs.  W.  E. 
Gray,  whose  zeal  was  at  a  white  heat  all  the  time.  We  had  an  old 
brother  and  his  wife  on  our  list.  The  old  gentleman  was  almost 
helpless ;  disease  had  disabled  him.  While  Mrs.  Gray  was  praying 
at  his  bedside,  he  was  so  deeply  moved  and  impressed,  he  managed 
to  scramble  out  of  his  bed  and  kneel  before  his  Lord.  She  was  a 
blessing  to  that  family  as  well  as  others.  Mrs.  Jennie  Urner  was 
another  to  take  a  list.  This  work  seemed  to  fill  her  with  sacred  joy. 
Rarely  a  day  passed  that  she  was  not  sent  for  by  some  sufferer. 
Her  presence  and  instruction  lightened  many  a  burdened  spirit. 
Among  the  younger  workers  was  Miss  May  G.  DeSilva,  who  was 
the  pet  of  Centenary  Church.  She  was  bright,  lovely  and  accom- 
lished,  ready  to  play  for  all  the  social  meetings,  or  do  other  work 
for  Christ.  She  married  a  talented  young  minister,  Rev.  J.  E. 
McGhee.  who  was  an  adornment  to  the  calling.  He  is  now  stationed 


246 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


in  one  of  the  important  charges  in  Virginia.  Another  of  the. 
younger  group  was  Mrs.  Nettie  Evans.  Her  history  was  one  of 
touching  interest.  She  was  devoted  to  her  religion;  too  much  so, 
in  the  mind  of  her  husband.  That  devotion  led  to  separation.  She 
came  to  St.  Louis  with  a  heart  overwhelmed  with  grief,  friendless 
and  broken-spirited.  On  Sunday  morning,  wandering  almost  aim- 
less, she  found  persons  crowding  into  Centenary  Church.  She  fol- 
lowed; the  congregation  joined  in  a  hymn,  then  the  pastor  said, 
"  Let  us  pray."  My  practise  in  prayer  before  a  congregation  was 
to  pray  about  the  theme  I  was  to  present  at  that  hour.  During  the 
prayer  I  asked  God  to  bless  that  broken-hearted  woman  who  had 
wandered  into  His  house  for  comfort.  She  was  completely  broken 
down  during  the  prayer,  feeling  there  was  sympathy  for  her  even 
amongst  strangers.  She  was  soon  a  member  of  our  Church,  and 
for  years  has  been  in  charge  of  the  famous  Seventh  Street  Mission. 
She  has  proved  a  blessing  to  thousands.  God  led  her  by  a  way 
she  did  not  know,  but  led  in  the  right  direction.  Another  lady 
whose  name  and  fame  is  known  as  a  Christian  worker  is  Mrs.  Leta 
Flint.  During  the  past  year,  she  was  brought  under  the  power  of 
the  Gospel  and  has  developed  into  one  of  the  city's  chief  workers. 
She  was  on  her  way  with  a  young  son  to  dancing  school  when  at- 
tracted by  a  song  floating  on  the  air  from  our  prayer-meeting.  That 
song  attracted  her,  and  she  turned  into  the  church.  Coming  under 
deep  conviction  ere  long  she  met  the  smile  of  God  and  passed  into 
His  Kingdom.  She  is  a  woman  of  peculiarities,  but  of  such  as  fitted 
her  for  the  work  she  has  accomplished  as  the  head  of  "  The  Emer- 
gency Home  and  Hospital"  which  she  has  conducted  success- 
fully for  nearly  nine  years  under  trials  which  would  have  led  an 
ordinary  woman  to  despair.  Her  faith  in  God  has  been  highly 
honored  by  Him  Whom  she  has  trusted.  Mrs.  J.  B.  Legg  was  a 
ready  helper  to  the  pastor  in  fields  of  usefulness,  and  apt  in  carrying 
forward  any  work  assigned  her.  There  was  Mrs.  M.  A.  McCaus- 
land,  ready  to  lend  her  aid  in  carrying  forward  any  good  work. 
Mrs.  C.  C.  Rainwater  was  a  valuable  promoter  of  Christian  work ; 
her  energies  were  directed  to  the  development  of  the  training 
school.  Mrs.  J.  B.  Ralston  was  always  deeply  interested  in  the 
prosperity  of  the  Church  and  for  years  was  in  charge  of  the  infant 
department  of  our  Sunday-School.  Mrs.  Otto  at  this  time  was  a 
member  of  Centenary.  She  has  led  in  a  most  valuable  work,  has 
had  charge  of  the  rescue  work.  With  quiet  persistence  she  has 
labored  on  in  confidence,  helping  the  fallen.  One  of  our  oldest  and 
most  devoted  members  was  Mrs.  M.  W.  Shelton.  Her  love  for  her 
Church  has  never  abated.  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Goodfellow  was  very 
active  in  the  past  history  of  our  Church.  After  the  erection  of  the 
Cook  Avenue  Church  she  transferred  her  membership  to  that  new 
organization.  Mrs.  W.  L.  Larimore  was  one  of  our  staunchest 
members.  Her  husband  had  died  just  before  my  appointment  to 
the  charge.     A  man  noted  for  his  superior  qualities  and  his  devo- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  247 

tion  to  his  Church.  Mrs.  P.  M.  Lockwood,  quiet  and  unostentatious, 
but  ever  alive  to  the  advancement  of  the  Master's  Kingdom.  Some 
of  these  belonged  to  the  old  guard. 

During  the  fall  a  few  young  men  having  the  ministry  in  view 
desired  instruction  in  the  rudiments  of  theology,  and  requested  me 
to  teach  them,  which  I  consented  to  do,  giving  every  Thursday 
night  to  the  instruction.  Binney's  Theological  Compend  was  the 
text-book;  a  treatise  containing  the  essence  of  all  Christian  doc- 
trine. It  was  taken  up  chapter  by  chapter,  analyzed  and  made 
familiar.  Some  of  these  young  men  studied  with  great  assiduity, 
and  added  other  studies,  to  whom  I  gave  a  hearing  day  by  day. 
Rev.  Wm.  Court,  now  a  missionary  in  Japan,  was  one  of  the  class. 
The  Rev.  Maple  of  Missouri  Conference  another,  both  very  fine 
characters,  who  became  fine  students,  passing  through  college,  and 
graduating  from  Vanderbilt  Theological  Department.  Rev.  Claude 
M.  Davenport  was  another  of  this  group,  and  a  thorough  student. 
It  might  have  been  asked  of  him,  as  Caesar  inquired  of  a  young 
man  who  attracted  his  attention :  "  Who  is  this  young  man  who 
intends  so  strongly?"  Young  Davenport  entered  the  Conference 
and  was  highly  esteemed  by  his  brethren.  He  transferred  to  Cali- 
fornia, being  appointed  to  some  of  the  leading  charges.  Then  he 
was  transferred. to  one  of  the  Texas  Conferences,  taking  a  front 
rank  appointment.  Another  one  of  my  students  was  Rev.  Willis 
Freer.  He  had  not  long  been  converted.  Had  graduated  from  the 
High  School  at  seventeen,  and  was  a  bright  youth.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  and  in  due  time  became  a  traveling  preacher,  and  was 
an  itinerant  for  several  years.  Like  the  others,  his  life  was  un- 
sullied. There  were  others,  as  Herbert  Hart,  who  afterwards  be- 
came a  successful  evangelist  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

We  had  our  usual  watch-night  service.  The  house  was  packed. 
People  came  from  all  directions  until  we  were  almost  crowded  out. 
For  a  time  during  the  evening  I  feared  the  object  of  the  meeting 
would  be  defeated.  A  company  of  a  peculiar  religious  band  at- 
tended, and  during  prayers,  experiences  and  exhortations  made  a 
peculiar  and  indescribable  noise  which  made  an  ugly  impression 
and  diverted  attention  from  the  object  of  the  gathering.  I  trembled 
with  anxiety,  not  knowing  what  course  to  pursue.  If  I  stopped 
them  it  would  create  a  sensation ;  but  a  gracious  Providence  inter- 
fered, I  know  not  how.  This  crowd,  feeling  there  was  something 
wrong,  quieted  down,  and  not  being  invited  to  participate  ceased 
their  almost  unearthly  moans  and  sounds.  A  reaction  followed,  and 
the  Lord  gave  us  the  victory.  We  had  penitents  and  conversions 
and  quite  a  number  of  accessions.  How  many,  many  times  has 
Satan  lifted  his  lofty  head  in  our  meetings  in  the  garb  of  an  angel 
of  light!  People  assuming  superior  piety  would  snatch  the  reins 
out  of  my  hands  and  ruin  as  well  as  defeat  the  conduct  of  the  ser- 
vice. Often  when  seeing  the  trend,  has  my  heart  cried  out.  "  Lord, 
interpose  and  so  direct  that  victory  may  be  ours !  " 


248 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Our  people  were  active  in  nearly  all  the  interdenominational 
enterprises,  as  well  as  the  enterprises  of  their  own  Church.  What 
is  known  as  the  "  Bethel,"  had  several  of  our  members  as  efficient 
workers.  Mr.  D.  G.  Crofton  for  years  had  oversight  of  the  do- 
mestic arrangements.  Mrs.  Margaret  Skinner,  who  has  been  its 
missionary  for  twelve  years,  and  Mrs.  Jos.  E.  Able  were  famous 
workers  in  different  departments.  Others  taught  in  the  Sunday- 
School  down  there.  Charles  J.  Lanham  taught  a  class  for  two 
years.  Mr.  C.  E.  Ford  superintended  the  Chinese  Sunday-School 
and  several  of  our  members  taught  under  him.  Mrs.  C.  C.  Rain- 
water was  at  the  head  of  the  Girls'  Training  School,  characterized 
by  an  energy  commendable  in  the  sight  of  all  classes.  Scarcely  an 
enterprise  of  value  to  society  in  which  you  could  not  find  workers 
from  Centenary  Church. 

"  A  Belief  in  the  Supernatural,"  was  the  caption  to  a  sermon 
preached  by  me  in  my  church.  The  reporter  did  not  get  my  name ; 
penned  me  as  "  Dr.  Walker."  He  wrote  thus :  "  The  general 
tenor  of  the  sermon  at  the  Centenary  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  last  evening  was  pure,  unquestioning  faith,  without  quali- 
fication or  doubt.  The  text  was  from  the  4th  Chapter  of  2d  Kings, 
in  which  Elisha,  by  a  miracle,  multiplied  the  widow's  oil.  He  be- 
gan by  saying,  two  hundred  feet  above  the  earth's  surface  all  sounds 
from  below — the  harmonious  and  discordant — when  reaching  the 
ear  blended  together  into  one  harmonious  note ;  believed  that  if  we 
could  climb  in  spirit  in  the  same  proportion,  all  discordant  views 
would  blend  together,  and  much  that  was  now  mysterious  would 
be  plain. 

We  had  a  member,  an  ex-Romanist  and  a  day  laborer,  who  was 
faithful  in  his  attendance  on  all  the  means  of  development.  So 
far  as  I  knew  he  was  a  true  believer.  He  enjoyed  the  house  of 
worship  and  was  ready  to  respond  to  every  point  urged  by  the 
pastor.  Some  persons  did  not  want  Brother  Grimm  to  say, 
"  A-men !  "  He  was  not  a  man  of  broad  thought,  but  his  heart  was 
in  his  responses  generally.  On  one  occasion  I  was  emphasizing  a 
fact  which  he  did  not  catch,  when  he  cried  out  "  A-men !  "  I  halted 
long  enough  to  say,  "  Brother  Grimm  you  said  amen  in  the  wrong 
place."  Some  of  our  people  are  very  inconsistent.  They  express 
admiration  for  responsive  reading  ending  with  the  loud  "  Ah-men." 
T  spoke  of  it  in  the  pulpit,  saying,  "  Persons  object  to  an  amen  out 
of  the  heart,  but  admire  it  when  read  out  of  a  book !  " 

That  once  noted  section  named  "  Kerry  Patch,"  adjoined  my 
parish.  It  contained  a  trying  element,  and  also  contained  a  very 
worthv  element,  mostly  poor  people.  The  latter  found  rents  cheap 
there,  and  circumstances  forced  them  to  rent  in  that  section.  Take 
the  case  of  a  widowed  member,  whose  son,  a  lad  of  fifteen,  was 
the  only  support  of  his  mother.  His  salary  was  small.  The  mother 
liad  been  well  raised,  well  educated  and  intelligent.  Having  found 
her  in  a  rickety  old  building,  and  seeing  the  neatness  of  her  apart- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  249 

ment,  I  requested  Mrs.  Mathews  to  accompany  me  to  this  place. 
We  entered  by  going  down  several  steps  through-  an  archway,  and 
emerged  in  a  back  yard.  Then  climbed  three  flights  of  steps  on  the 
outside.  The  steps  were  shaky.  We  knocked  on  the  door,  and  it 
was  opened  by  this  Christian  woman.  Everything  was  as  clean  and 
bright  as  it  could  be  made.  The  little  stove  and  its  simple  utensils 
were  polished  until  in  the  tin  vessels  one's  face  could  be  seen.  In 
that  room  lived  this  godly  woman  seeking  to  train  her  boy  into  lofty 
principles  and  a  true  manhood.  She  made  that  room  attractive,  and 
her  society  was  to  him  preferable  to  that  of  the  boisterous  element 
on  the  street  below.  How  it  delighted  wife  and  I  to  give  this 
couple  a  lift  on  the  way!  On  sundry  occasions  I  found  in  out-of- 
the-way  places  some  of  God's  chosen  ones,  seemingly  without  mur- 
muring, accepting  a  lot  of  privation,  remembering  it  had  been  writ- 
ten, "  All  things  work  together  for  good  to  those  who  love  God." 

One  of  our  most  highly  esteemed  characters  was  an  old  Ger- 
man brother  named  Henry  Platz,  an  ex-Romanist.  He  was  in- 
duced to  hear  the  "  Boy  Preacher,"  Thomas  Harrison,  who  was  at 
the  height  of  his  fame.  Dr.  Tudor,  my  immediate  predecessor, 
secured  the  services  of  Harrison.  The  city  was  all  agog  with  ex- 
citement ;  some  one  challenged  Henry  Platz,  offering  to  bet  that  he 
was  afraid  to  hear  the  "  Boy  Preacher."  He  accepted  the  challenge 
and  went.  He  had  never  heard  the  Gospel  set  forth  in  such  sim- 
plicity. The  Holy  Spirit  wrought  upon  him  and  he  went  again 
and  again,  finally  going  to  the  altar  for  prayers.  If  ever  there  was 
a  man  converted  through  and  through,  this  man  was  transformed. 
From  that  hour  on  until  his  death  he  never  wavered  in  faith  for  a 
moment.  He  was  always  in  place  in  the  house  of  God,  but  dearly 
loved  the  class-meeting.  He  touched  every  heart  by  the  experiences 
he  gave  us.  His  broken  speech,  yet  terse  statements,  commanded 
the  attention  of  all,  and  in  one  thing  he  was  especially  apt;  that 
was  the  quotation  of  appropriate  poetry.  He  was  very  poor  as  well 
as  advanced  in  years  when  death  came  to  his  humble  lodging.  He 
had  been  a  dear  lover  of  music,  but  was  never  able  to  purchase 
any  instrument  but  a  small-sized  hand-organ.  That  was  his  pet,  and 
on  his  dying  couch  he  willed  it  to  his  class-leader,  George  A.  Baker, 
as  an  evidence  of  affection.  They  have  struck  hands  on  the  heavenly 
shore ! 

In  June  of  this  year  a  sweet  little  girl  of  about  eight  summers 
was  stricken  with  diphtheria.  She  was  the  child  of  a  prominent 
lawyer.  The  little  daughter  had  never  been  baptized,  and  the 
mother's  pastor,  of  another  denomination,  was  sent  for,  but  he 
declined  to  go.  Just  at  daybreak  a  hack  was  driven  to  my  door, 
and  a  call  made  for  me.  Reaching  the  house,  I  proceeded  to 
baptize  the  lamb  of  that  fold.  Her  spirit  lingered  but  a  few  minutes 
after  the  ordinance  was  administered,  then  back  to  God  she  sped. 
Every  one  feared  to  go  near  lest  they  might  catch  the  contagion. 
They  were  required  to  bury  her  that  day.     Mrs.  Mathews  accom- 


250 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


panied  me  to  the  funeral ;  but  one  other  soul  present — his  law 
partner. 

The  Globe-Democrat,  about  this  time,  gave  interviews  with  the 
ministers  as  to  their  preparation  for  the  pulpit.  After  giving  Dr 
Holland's  methods,  and  Dr.  Green's,  of  the  Third  Baptist  Church, 
he  heads  my  interview  thus :  "  How  Dr.  Mathews  keeps  his  facul- 
ties bright."  "  The  Doctor  does  not  begin  his  sermon  until  Friday, 
and  nobody  can  see  him  on  Saturday  unless  it  is  very  important. 
In  early  life  he  took  two  weeks  to  a  sermon.  He  has  not  the  time 
now.  Centenary's  pastor  goes  into  his  study,  takes  the  coat  off  his 
intellectual  person,  and  lets  the  grey  matter  work  in  its  shirf  sleeves, 
as  it  were.  He  writes  his  sermon  '  in  brief  '  as  he  calls  it,  and  de- 
livers it  from  that  one  writing.  He  has  no  time  to  do  any  re- 
writing and  carry  on  his  house  to  house  visitation.  He  holds  that 
he  keeps  his  mind  bright  by  writing  new  sermons.  He  says  his  wife, 
after  hearing  the  day's  discourse,  exclaims,  '  Why,  you  have  five 
or  six  sermons  on  that  theme  in  your  file  of  papers ! '  'I  know  it,' 
is  the  Doctor's  quaint  reply ;  '  but,  Lord  bless  me,  my  old  head 
would  get  rusty  if  I  didn't  keep  using  it  right  along !  '  :  This  is 
only  a  part  of  the  interview,  but  it  gives  the  reader  an  idea  of  how  a 
reporter  reports.  Often  they  distort  my  meaning,  but  I  never  cor- 
rect any  wrong  views  they  may  present.  One  reporter  wrote  thus, 
"  Dr.  Mathews  never  slams  the  door  in  the  face  of  a  reporter." 

I  was  invited  to  Dr.  George  W.  D.  Price's  commencement.  Dur- 
ing the  spring  I  had  a  pressing  invitation  from  Nashville  College  for 
Young  Ladies,  to  deliver  the  Baccalaureate,  address,  June  4th, 
which  I  accepted.  The  Nashville  American  of  June  5th,  had  this 
to  say,  "  When  the  doors  of  the  Vendome  were  opened  last  night  a 
large  crowd  was  already  gathered  in  front  of  the  building.  The 
commencement  exercises  were  witnessed  by  one  of  the  finest  audi- 
ences that  has  ever  assembled  in  that  beautiful  house.  After  the 
introductory  services  came  the  Baccalaureate  address,  by  Rev.  John 
Mathews,  D.  D.,  to  the  graduating  class,  which  lasted  more  than 
an  hour,  to  the  high  entertainment  of  his  hearers.  His  theme  was, 
'  The  Essential  Education  for  the  New  Age.'  The  reverend  divine 
is  a  man  of  rugged  forces,  and  his  oratory  was  the  emanation  of  a 
powerful  and  cultured  mind.  The  speaker  made  a  complimentary 
allusion,  in  the  course  of  his  remarks,  to  Dr.  D.  C.  Kelley,  who  was 
seated  behind  him.  The  audience  at  once  seized  upon  the  incident 
as  an  opportunity  to  express  approval  of  the  compliment  by  two 
rounds  of  spontaneous  applause.  The  address  was  a  novelty  in  its 
delivery  and  exceptional  in  its  wealth  of  rich  thought." 

When  some  one  inquired,  "  Do  you  never  take  vacation  ?  "  my 
reply  was,  "  T  can  not  leave  the  *  can't-get-away  crowd.' ,:  While 
many  of  our  people  take  a  vacation,  persons  from  other  Churches 
whose  pastors  are  away,  fill  our  pews,  and  we  have  conversions  con- 
stantly. Therefore,  I  stand  to  my  post.  Satan  has  his  agents  at 
work,  hot  or  cold,  and  saloons  are  open  day  and  night  to  entrap  the 


A  V  TO  BIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  251 

unguarded.  Hundreds  of  saloons  are  open,  beer  gardens  are  made 
inviting  and  many  are  entrapped.  While  T  may,  my  voice  and 
presence  will  be  heard  and  felt. 

My  friend,  Mr.  Steward,  whose  grandparents  were  famous 
Christians  whom  I  knew  in  my  ladhood,  called  and  urged  me  to 
attend  what  they  called  their  encampment.  After  listening  to  his 
plea,  I  accepted  the  invitation.  "  Pertle  Springs,"  is  a  lovely  spot, 
and  great  pains  were  taken  to  make  all  visitors  have  an  enjoyable 
time.  I  made  a  number  of  new  and  valuable  acquaintances  amongst 
the  leaders  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  One  of  their 
writers  has  this  to  say,  "  It  is  impossible  to  be  a  member  of  Dr. 
Mathews'  audience,  when  he  is  speaking,  and  not  hear  what  he  has 
to  say.  His  style  is  indescribable,  and  peculiarly  his  own.  He  is 
gifted  with  a  chaste  and  penetrating,  yet  genuinely  goodhumored 
wit,  which  is  so  overwhelming  and  spontaneous  as  to  be  totally  ir- 
repressible, even  in  the  pulpit,  and  on  the  lecture  platform  spices 
profoundest  instruction  with  such  flavor  of  merriment  the  dryest 
themes  assume  absorbing  interest." 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 
Third  Year  at  Centenary. 

The  Conference  of  1888  was  held  at  Bonne  Terre,  Bishop  E.  R. 
Hendrix,  president.  This  was  a  quiet  session,  and  the  ministers 
officiating  gave  themselves  to  the  work  of  soul-saving.  There  were 
conversions  and  reclamations.  On  the  third  day  of  the  session, 
Bishop  Hendrix,  in  his  address  to  the  preachers  about  to  be  received 
into  full  membership,  was  strong,  lucid,  pathetic  and  powerful.  I 
was  delightfully  entertained  by  Dr.  Keith  and  his  elegant  family. 
St.  Louis  was  divided  into  two  Districts,  and  Centenary  fell  into 
South  St.  Louis  District.  The  report  of  our  membership,  at  this 
time,  was :  Four  local  preachers,  and  one  thousand  and  nine  mem- 
bers, a  net  increase  of  one  hundred. 

In  my  ministry,  all  along  the  years,  it  has  been  my  habit  to 
reconsecrate  myself  and  commit  my  ways  to  the  Lord.  This  is  the 
only  way  to  secure  success  and  make  life  a  blessing.  "  What  is  the 
secret  of  your  life  ?  "  asked  Mrs.  Browning  of  Charles  Kingsley ; 
"  tell  me,  that  I  may  make  mine  beautiful  too."  He  replied,  "  I 
had  a  friend."  If  an  earthly  friend  could  shape  this  man's  life, 
what  must  be  the  result  of  the  friendship  of  Jesus!  As  years 
thicken  upon  me,  I  desire  a  closer  alliance  with  my  Savior.  My 
love  for  Him  grows  and  deepens.  I  am  of  the  same  mind  of  the 
little  girl  who  defined  love  to  be  "  minding  and  doing."  I  propose 
to  let  Christ  possess  me  in  every  fiber  of  my  nature ! 

About  my  first  discourse  for  the  year  was  on  an  article  emana- 
ting from  the  press  styled,  "  Decadence  of  Religion."  The  decay 
was  attributed  to  the  spirit  of  falsehood  permeating  business,  politics 
and  social  and  religious  life.  The  author  is  a  bitter  opponent  of 
Christianity.  In  my  sermon  I  said :  "  The  new  and  delicate  in- 
struments of  science  have  revealed  the  fact  that  there  is  an  earth- 
quake every  minute  of  the  year.  If  we  read  our  great  dailies  aright 
there  are  moral  throes  and  earthquakes  occurring  every  second,  in- 
stead of  each  minute.  These  great  educators  of  the  masses  spread 
before  us,  for  our  delectation,  detailed  and  daily  accounts  of  bestial 
and  criminal  performances  which  sicken  the  moral  sense  of  the 
people:  Some  one  has  said  that  America  has  the  biggest  rivers, 
the  highest  cataracts  and  largest  swindles  in  the  world.  Yet  we 
are  hopeful  of  humanity.  We  believe  the  virtues  are  more  vigorous 
than  ever  before  in  the  history  of  the  world.  The  virtues  will 
survive.    They  are  not  dead." 

The  Post-Dispatch,  an  evening  paper  of  our  city,  has  an  article 
in  which  it  says.  "  St.  Louis  has  a  preacher  who  draws  like  Talmage. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D    D.  253 

The    late    departure    of    Dr.    Mathews,    of    Centenary    Methodist 
Church,  in  preaching  after  the  style  of  modern  evangelists,  has  re- 
sulted in  filling  that  large  church  to  overflowing  at  every  service. 
Last    night    every  seat    was    filled    before  the  hour.     When    Dr 
Mathews  was  reading  his  text,  hundreds  were  leaving  the  church, 
unable  to  find  room.    Chairs  were  placed  in  the  aisles,  and  some  of 
the  laymen    took    seats    on  the  platform    to  make  room    for  the 
strangers.    The  pastor  was  more  earnest  and  pointed  in  his  remarks 
than  ever.     The  subject  was  '  Moral  Liberty.'     He  said,  '  Sin  is 
a  tyrant.     It  enslaves  and  then  pollutes.     How  many  of  you  have 
shackles  on  you  now!     Not  on  your  wrists  or  on  your  ankles,  but 
on  your  souls!     It  is  a  strange  thing  that  men  and  women  can  be 
so  complacent  about  the  slavery  of  sin.    If  a  man  should  jump  up  in 
this  crowd  and  cry  out,  as  did  the  jailer,  for  mercy,  Brother  John 
Boogher,  or  Brother  George  Baker,  or  other  of  the  saints  here, 
would  want  to  put  him  out !    I  believe  in  excitement  about  sin,  and 
in  shouting,  but  I  don't  see  or  hear  much  of  it.    Sin  has  prostituted 
many  of  the  great  words  of  the  language  and  given  to  them  a  false 
meaning.    Since  I  have  been  in  St.  Louis  I  have  heard  such  a  word 
as  "liberty"  upon  the  lips  of  the  lowest  vagabonds.     You  foul- 
mouthed  people  have  used  it  wrongly  time  and  again!'     [Sensa- 
tion.]    Speaking  of  the  excitement  which  has  been  common  in  his 
church  on  Sunday  nights,  he  said,  '  Some  are  saying  that  we  are 
getting  as' bad  in  Centenary  as  the  Salvation  Army!'    [A  voice, 
'  Praise  the  Lord.']     '  You  make  fun  of  the  earnestness  and  emotion 
you  see  here.    You  are  too  nice  for  such  things.    Some  of  you  look 
nice,  dress  nice,  live  nice  and  will  die  nice,  and  will  go  to  perdition 
just  as  nice ! '    At  the  close,  the  altar  place  was  crowded  with  peni- 
tents, and  the  great  crowd  lingered  to  see  the  after  service." 

Rev.  Wellborn  Mooney  and  his  wife,  Mrs.  Sue  F.  Mooney, 
gave  me  a  pressing  invitation  to  Cape  Girardeau  to  lecture  in  our 
church  in  behalf  of  their  Parsonage  Society.  I  had  known  them  in 
Tennessee,  in  days  long  gone  by,  and  it  afforded  me  great  pleasure 
to  meet  them  once  more  in  their  own  home.  Brother  Mooney  took 
a  high  position  in  the  Tennessee  Conference  at  the-  beginning  of 
his  ministry.  He  was  polished  in  manner  and  elegant  in  appearance. 
He  was  considered  a  very  fine  preacher.  His  ability  and  eloquence 
won  the  heart  of  one  of  Tennessee's  most  lovely  girls,  Miss  Sue  F. 
Dromgool.  She  was  gifted  by  nature  and  her  qualities  were 
polished  by  a  superb  education.  Her  talents  were  not  allowed  to 
rust;  added  to  her  work  as  the  wife  of  a  pastor  filling  first-class 
appointments,  she  became  known  throughout  the  Church  as  a  most 
entertaining  and  fascinating  writer.  Her  articles  were  eagerly  read  : 
they  were  breezy,  fresh  and  instructive.  She  has  been  known  as  one 
of  the  foremost  women  of  our  denomination.  She  is  the  authoress 
of  a  book  of  reminiscences  called  "  My  Moving  Tent."  It  is  rich 
and  racy. 

A  writer  giving  an  account  of  a  Sundav-night  service  in  our 


254  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

church  wrote  thus,  "  Last  night  the  seats  in  both  the  auditorium 
and  gallery  were  filled  when  the  services  commenced.  At  the  close 
of  a  very  fervent  prayer,  Dr.  Mathews  startled  the  congregation  by 
exclaiming :  '  O  Lord,  if  that  man  who  stole  a  gentleman's  over- 
coat this  morning  while  he  was  at  the  communion  table,  is  here  to- 
night, please  discover  him!  Search  him^  out,  O'Lord!'  If  that 
thief  was  present  he  must  have  felt  alarmed.  The  text  was,  '  The 
healing  of  the  beggar  at  the  Beautiful  Gate.'  Dr.  Mathews  said  the 
victories  of  Christianity  have  been  won  by  distinctive  doctrinal 
theology ;  by  telling  men  clearly  of  Christ's  sacrifice  and  death. 
The  great  defects  of  all  other  religions  is  the  absence  of  a  Re- 
deemer ;  they  present  no  Savior  to  lost  men.  Other  religions  hold 
up  laws  which  condemn  the  sinner,  but  provide  no  Savior  from 
sin  and  hell.'  After  a  review  of  the  miracle  of  the  disciples  healing 
the  man,  he  said,  '  Every  man  feeds  upon  some  other  man,  not 
knowing  half  the  time  who  is  his  benefactor.  In  the  realm  of 
God  there  is  constant  action  of  one  mind  upon  another.  Nearly  all 
our  ideas  and  emotions  come  to  us  from  fountains  dripping  far 
away.  The  source  of  the  great  Mississippi  has  not  yet  been  decided. 
You  do  not  know  what  potency  has  been  outside  of  your  mind, 
shaping  it.  These  Bible  stories  have  shaped  many  minds.  God 
works  on  man  by  men — uses  men  to  reach  men.' ': 

Our  people  craving  to  do  work  for  Christ,  needed  an  enterprise 
which  would  involve  some  zeal  and  faith.  I  had  looked  over  some 
sections  of  the  city  to  find  a  good  location  for  a  mission  Sunday- 
School,  one  that  would  not  interfere  with  any  other  denominational 
enterprise.  After  careful  investigation,  the  conclusion  was  reached 
that  a  good  location  would  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  Taylor 
Avenue  and  North  Market  Street.  A  vacant  storeroom  was  found 
on  that  corner  and  my  conclusion  reached.  On  the  following  Sun- 
day evening  with  a  great  congregation  before  me  in  Centenary 
Church  I  stated,  "  I  want  this  congregation  to  give  me  one  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  to  use  in  advancing  the  Kingdom.  The  officers 
know  nothing  of  the  enterprise;  I  will  not  state  it  now.  Only  en- 
trust me  with  the  money.  I  do  not  wish  the  collectors  or  Stewards 
to  have  anything  to  do  with  the  collection.  You  in  the  gallery,  who 
visit  us  week  by  week,  give  us  this  money.  Throw  down  your 
dollars,  I  will  come  and  catch  them !  "  Instantly  one  dollar  bills  and 
silver  dollars  began  to  fall  until  I  had  about  the  sum  requested.  I 
then  rented  the  storeroom  and  let  it  be  known  I  would  organize  a 
Sunday-School  the  following  Sunday  afternoon.  A  number  en- 
tered upon  the  enterprise  enthusiastically.  The  reason  I  did  not 
make  known  my  purpose,  was,  as  soon  as  a  project  of  this  kind 
is  contemplated,  at  once  a  difference  arises;  one  arguing  for  one 
spot,  another  for  another.  The  location  was  not  exactly  what  I 
wanted,  but  it  was  the  best  to  be  secured  at  the  time.  During  the 
week  I  drove  out  several  afternoons  and  went  from  house  to  house, 
announcing  a   Sunday-School  would  be  organized  at  3  p.  m.,  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  KEV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  255 

next  Sunday.  Two  or  three  ladies  also  did  a  good  deal  of  visiting 
in  looking  up  scholars.  I  purchased  chairs,  lamps,  books,  and  what- 
ever was  needed,  and  Saturday  several  persons  were  on  hand  and 
worked  with  a  will,  until  everything  was  in  order,  not  only  for 
a  Sunday-School,  but  for  preaching  on  Sunday  night.  A  local 
preacher  was  engaged.  On  Sunday  afternoon  a  number  of  our 
workers  went  out,  and  the  school  was  organized  and  between  forty 
and  fifty  scholars  were  in  attendance.  At  night  the  room  was  well 
filled  to  hear  a  sermon.  This  was  the  origin  of  the  present  pros- 
perous and  handsome  Wagoner  Place  Church.  In  a  few  weeks  I 
organized  a  society.  We  nursed  it,  and  visited  the  people,  until  my 
term  expired  at  Centenary.  Then,  I  asked  the  Presiding  Elder  of 
the  District  to  let  me  still  retain  charge,  but  it  was  decided  other- 
wise.    Soon  they  had  a  preacher  appointed. 

The  messages  to  call  on  sick  and  needy  persons  multiply.  My 
purpose  is  to  meet  every  demand,  but  I  can  not  be  in  two  places  at 
one  time.  To  attend  funerals,  the  call  is  so  frequent,  sometimes  two 
are  to  occur  at  the  same  hour.  I  adopted  a  rule,  "  first  come,  first 
served,"  and  this  adhered  to.  My  people  presented  me  with  a  horse 
and  phaeton,  that  I  might  visit  with  less  fatigue.  I  hired  a  colored 
boy  to  drive,  and  at  1  p.  m.,  every  day  save  Saturday,  he  drove 
down  to  the  office,  and  by  2  p.  m.,  I  was  away  on  missions  of  use- 
fulness. I  did  not  go  home  for  lunch,  but  carried  two  or  three 
biscuits  in  mv  pocket:  sent  the  janitor  out  for  milk  and  took  my 
lunch  alone. 

I  invited  our  resident  Bishop.  J.  C.  Granbery,  to  preach  a 
Christmas  sermon.  The  invitation  was  accepted.  The  Bishop  was 
given  a  heartv  hearing.  His  text  was,  "  Thanks  be  to  God  for  his 
unspeakable  gift."  At  the  close  of  his  sermon  there  were  five  ad- 
ditions to  the  Church.  The  Bishop's  sermon  was  a  model  in  every 
sense.  No  redundancy,  no  false  rhetoric,  no  questionable  opinion 
to  create  doubt.  His  "logic  was  pure  and  the  language  choice  and 
rare.  The  Bishop's  spirit  is  of  a  nature  to  win  all  with  whom  he 
comes  in  contact.    He  is  universally  loved. 

Mv  text  at  night  was,  "  What  think  ye  of  Christ?  "  A  lengthy 
report  is  given  of  the  discourse  in  the  daily  papers,  partly  as  fol- 
lows :  "  Dr.  Mathews  said,  '  Every  manufacturer  has  his  trade- 
mark; one  has  a  lion,  one  an  eagle.  The  human  mind  has  its 
trade-mark.  It  is  an  interrogation  point.  Our  lives  begin  with  a 
'why?'  It  becomes  the  siphon,  or  tube,  through  which  the  mind 
gets  its  best  knowledge.  Scientific  methods  are  all  based  on  faith. 
Faith  is  the  direction  toward  that  which  has  not  been  seen  or  dis- 
covered. Out  of  one  bone  a  scientist  has  been  able  to  construct  the 
skeleton  of  an  extinct  animal.  He  had  faith;  so  a  Christian  be- 
lieves when  he  does  not  see,  but  anticipates.  When  Adam,  our 
progenitor,  was  created,  God  made  a  covenant  with  him,  of  works. 
Adam  broke  this  covenant,  therefore  Jehovah  never  entrusted  the 
vast  interests  of  the  race  to  a  mere  man  again,  but  committed  them 


256 


PEEPS   IX  TO   LIFE. 


into  the  hands  of  His  incarnate  Son — the  God-man.  He  is  capable 
to  save  all  who  turn  to  Him.  Young  man,  what  think  ye  of  Christ? 
You  young  man,  up  there  in  the  gallery!  That  young  woman! 
What  do  you  think  of  Christ?  You,  old,  grayhaired  man,  what  do 
you  think  of  Him  ?  He  only  can  overturn  evil  forces ! '  At  the  close 
several  joined  the  Church,  and  a  rousing  revival  scene  followed." 

We  faithfully  observed  the  old  Methodist  custom  of  closing  the 
calendar  year  with  a  "  Watch-Night "  service.  The  Republic  thus 
characterizes  it :  "  The  service  held  last  night  in  the  basement  of 
Centenary  Church  from  9  o'clock  until  after  mid-night,  was  im- 
pressive by  reason  of  its  simplicity  and  fervor.  In  the  utter  absence 
of  all  form,  and  the  trustful  boldness  of  prayer  and  exhortation, 
it  was  such  a  meeting  as  might  have  been  held  by  the  primitive 
Christians  before  creeds  or  Church  services  existed.  The  early  part 
of  the  meeting  was  devoted  solely  to  prayer,  the  singing  of  hymns 
and  the  telling  of  personal  Christian  experiences,  and  was  marked 
by  extreme  enthusiasm.  The  course  of  the  meeting  was  directed 
by  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews,  the  pastor,  who,  together  with  the 
officers  of  the  Church,  occupied  the  rostrum,  and  the  characteristic 
zeal  with  which  he  threw  himself  into  the  spirit  of  the  sacred  oc- 
casion, lent  vigor  and  force  to  his  followers.  As  time  passed,  and 
the  last  hour  of  the  Old  Year  was  almost  gone  the  scene  assumed  a 
most  solemn  nature.  The  last  thirty  minutes  were  spent  by  many 
present  on  their  knees  in  silent  prayer,  while  others  prayed  aloud  in 
earnest  and  unaffected  appeal,  interrupted  only  by  exclamations  of 
'  Hallelujah,'  and  '  Thank  God,'  arising  from  different  points  of 
the  room.  One  sister  led  in  a  most  touching  prayer,  which  greatly 
affected  the  congregation,  and  when  she  ended  in  a  supplication  for 
the  salvation  of  the  children  of  the  Church,  the  responses  were 
numerous  and  heart-felt.  Immediately  afterwards  the  hymn, 
'  Nothing  but  the  Blood  of  Jesus,'  was  taken  up,  and  led  by  a 
resonant  bass  voice  in  the  congregation,  its  music  rang  through 
the  church  like  a  very  shout  of  victory.  While  in  the  midst  of  his 
impassioned  discourse,  the  bells  began  ringing  in  the  New  Year,  and 
Dr.  Mathews  shouted  :  '  Thanks  be  to  God !  Brothers  and  sisters, 
shake  hands,  shake  hands ! '  and  singing  the  beautiful  hymn,  '  Oh, 
Beulah  Land,  Sweet  Beulah  Land,'  this  fraternal  ceremony  was  gone 
through  with  by  the  entire  congregation,  and  the  watch-meeting 
was  ended."  This  reporter  tells  what  interested  him  most.  The 
Christian  would  tell  of  the  large  number  of  seekers  after  Christ,  and 
the  number  of  converts. 

On  January  16th,  'the  Evening  Chronicle  put  me  in  an  odd 
light.  It  starts  out  by  quoting  as  my  first  sentence,  this  passage : 
"  There  's  only  one  thing  I  don't  want  my  brethren  to  know :  it  is  my 
age.  I  'm  as  modest  about  that  as  any  woman !"  The  reporter 
adds,  "  Thus  spoke  the  Rev.  John  Mathews,  the  mainspring  of 
Centenary  Methodist  Church.  His  hand  was  in  the  bosom  of  his 
Prince  Albert,  he  teetered  on  his  box-toes  as  though  his  shoe-soles 


A  I  T0BI0GRAPH1  OF  HEY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  257 

had  springs  in  them.  Every  motion  bespoke  energy.  He  may  be  a 
back  number,  but  no  one  can  see  him  and  hear  him  without  under- 
standing that,  if  he  is,  he  's  a  back  number  brought  down  to  date ! 
He  is  certainly  a  man  of  to-day.  Younger  ones  must  be  more 
lively  to  keep  abreast  of  him !  '  To  what  do  you  attribute  your  suc- 
cess as  a  preacher?'  Dr.  Mathews  was  asked  by  a  friend  not  long 
ago.  '  To  freshness  of  style,'  answered  the  Doctor  without  hesita- 
tion. '  I  always  use  any  little  anecdote  that  comes  to  my  mind  in 
illustrating  a  Scriptural  passage,  and  sometimes  draw  my  illustra- 
tions from  the  congregation.  For  instance,  when  I  was  preaching 
on  drunkenness,  I  said,  pointing  at  the  door,  to  a  man  going  out : 
"  There  goes  a  walking  demijohn !  "  But  I  am  always  careful  to 
say  nothing  that  will  offend.'  " 

One  Saturday,  a  committee,  headed  by  that  grand  man,  Isaac 
G.  Baker,  presented  to  me  a  horse  and  phaeton  to  enable  me  to  meet 
my  obligations  with  less  fatigue.  Certainly  the  gift  was  appreciated 
by  me. 

The  St.  Louis  Critic,  in  its  issue  of  March  23d,  under  the 
caption  of  "  A  Man  About  Town,"  said,  "  Last  Sunday  a  young  man 
planted  himself  upon  a  stoop  opposite  Rev.  John  Mathews'  church, 
and  proceeded  to  hand  out  dodgers  advertising  the  Olympic 
Theater.  It  is  probable  that  some  of  the  good  people  were  shocked, 
but  I  would  like  to  ask  if  that  young  man  was  wickeder  than  the 
good  old  deacons  of  our  city  who  advertise  in  the  Sunday  news- 
papers ?  The  bills  passed  out  by  that  young  man  contained  nothing 
about  prize  fights,  or  vulgar  anecdotes,  or  the  amours  which  give 
spice  to  our  Sabbath  literature.  *  *  *  *  By  the  way,  I  would 
like  to  hear  the  eloquent  Dr.  Mathews  preach  upon  the  subject  of 
Sunday  newspapers.  There  is  nothing  the  matter  with  Dr 
Mathews ;  pardon  the  expression,  he  is  all  right.  He  does  his 
preaching  without  gloves,  and  when  he  alludes  to  hell  he  puts  a 
big  H  to  it  wide  enough  for  everybody  to  understand." 

Reporting  a  discourse  delivered  by  me.  on  "  Why  sit  we  here 
until  we  die  ?  "  the  Republic  closed  by  saying.  "  The  Evangelical 
Alliance,  which  meets  this  morning,  got  a  little  of  the  Doctor's  at- 
tention, when  lje  said :  '  They  are  always  discussing  how  to  reach 
the  masses.  I  never  engage  in  that  discussion.  It  is  not  a  matter 
for  discussion.  Jesus  settled  that.  He  tells  how  to  reach  the  masses 
— go  to  them.  *  *  *  *  You  men  and  women  rise  up  and  go 
and  tell  the  people  that  you  have  tasted  the  good  things  of  God.'  " 
A  minister  remarked  to  me  the  other  day.  "  Well,  you  are  down 
there  amongst  the  boarding-houses!"  This  was  said  in  a  way  of 
implied  reflection.  I  replied,  "  I  am  glad  I  have  elbow-room.  T 
can  reach  out  and  help  people  who  need  help.  I  am  not  an  angel, 
I  have  often  told  you  that.  If  you  don't  believe,  me.  ask  my  wife. 
Defective  as  I  may  be,  it  gives  me  joy  to  impart  comfort  and  inspire 
hope  in  hearts  carrying  burdens." 

In  the  Southwestern  Methodist,  this  announcement  was  made: 


258  PEEPS  INTO   LIFE. 

"  Dr.  Mathews  has  rented  a  hall  for  mission  work  at  3826  South 
Broadway,  and  started  a  mission  for  Centenary  Church.  Last  Sun- 
day it  opened  with  forty-two  scholars  in  the  Sunday-School.  Rev. 
W.  H.  Blake,  a  local  preacher  in  the  charge,  supplies  the  pulpit. 
Now  and  then  Dr.  Mathews  puts  in  his  sermon  a  side  remark ;  and 
sometimes  it  is  a  reply  from  the  pulpit  to  letters  from  the  censors. 
Recently,  in  reply  to  one  letter  in  which  it  was  charged  that  as  an 
expounder  of  the  Scriptures,  the  doctor  was  capable  intellectually, 
but  lacked,  alas !  spiritual  discernment,  the  pastor  said  to  the  audi- 
ence, '  A  sister  wrote  me  a  letter,  telling  me  how  to  run  a  prayer- 
meeting.  I  have  had  enough  of  this !'  "  These  facts  give  one  a  peep 
into  the  inside  life  of  a  pastor  in  charge  of  a  Church  said  to  be  pros- 
perous ;  sometimes  I  feel  like  smiling,  other  times  like  frowning. 

"  The  Devil  at  Centenary,"  was  the  term  employed  by  the 
Evening  Post-Dispatch,  early  in  April.  The  reporter  went  on  to 
say :  "  Dr.  Mathews  warns  his  flock  against  a  personal  Satan. 
When  he  read  his  text  last  night,  he  put  such  emphasis  on  the  last 
line  that  everybody  knew  what  was  coming — a  talk  about  the  devil. 
As  usual  the  great  church  was  crowded,  and  the  vacant  spaces  were 
filled  with  chairs  for  late  comers.  The  text  was  to  be  found  in  the 
1 2th  Chapter  of  Matthew:  'The  last  state  of  that  man  is  worse 
than  the  first.'  The  doctor  said :  '  Satan  is  a  mighty  personality. 
He  goes  about  seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  When  he  fell,  he 
lost  none  of  his  power  or  ability.  In  intellect  he  is  an  arch- 
angel still.  It  is  his  disposition  that  makes  him  the  devil. ' '  On  this 
line  I  taught.  The  interest  was  deep  and  there  were  cries  of 
"  Amen !  "  from  every  quarter  of  the  church.  The  reporter  added, 
"  At  the  close  of  the  rather  novel  and  stirring  sermon,  several 
lively  songs  were  sung  by  Jesse  Cornelius  and  the  great  congrega- 
tion, while  Dr.  Mathews  paced  up  and  down  the. platform  with 
uplifted  hands  shouting  for  penitents  to  come  to  the  altar.  Many 
responded,  and  the  people  tarried  for  half  an  hour  singing,  praying, 
and  looking  on  at  the  oldfashioned  Methodist  revival." 

In  the  latter  part  of  April,  that  remarkable  layman  Richard  M. 
Scruggs  invited  the  ministers  and  official  laymen  of  our  city 
Churches  to  visit  Bishop  Hendrix,  at  his  elegant  residence,  in  the  in- 
terest of  our  denomination.  At  the  close  of  the  banquet,  there  were 
speeches  and  social  enjoyment.  This  eminent  layman  holds  the  es- 
teem and  love  of  the  good  people  of  St.  Louis,  and  deservedly  so,  for 
his  many  munificent  contributions  to  the  denomination  and  to  inter- 
denominational charities.  The  Lord  raised  him  up  for  such  a  time 
as  this.  Such  gatherings  tend  to  unify  our  Churches.  Mr.  Samuel 
Cupples  once  in  a  while  calls  together  our  leaders  in  his  palatial 
home.  These  brethren  have  done  much  for  the  cause  of  Christ  in 
our  city. 

Being  invited  to  visit  the  growing  city  of  Birmingham,  Ala- 
bama, to  rededicate  their  rehabilitated  St.  John's  Church,  I  accepted 
and  preached  on   Psalms    119,    130,   'The   entrance  of  thy   words 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHX  MATUEWS,  D.  D.  259 

giveth  light."  The  pastor  of  the  First  Church  kindly  adjourned  his 
meeting  to  join  with  the  St.  John's  people:  The  audience  crowded 
the  enlarged  edifice.  My  first  thought  suggests  the  trend  of  my  dis- 
course, which  was  published  in  full  in  the  Birmingham  Christian 
Advocate:  "Information  is  not  an  accomplishment  like  music;  it 
is  a  condition  of  successful  existence,  and  is  needed  just  as  the 
bodv  needs  bread."  A  writer  said,  "  Dr.  Mathews  raised  over 
thirteen  hundred  dollars  to  pay  off  all  indebtedness,  and  now  the 
laborers  and  happy  pastor,  Brother  Thompson,  start  off  with  an 
elegant  house  of  worship  and  the  debts  all  cleared." 

Sabbath  after  Sabbath,  and  prayer-meeting  week  by  week,  a 
gentleman  attended  who  attracted  my  attention  by  his  apparent 
interest.  After  a  time  I  was  introduced  to  him,  a  General  McKins- 
try,  ex-provost  marshal  of  St.  Louis  during  the  Civil  War.  He 
was  of  necessity  exacting  in  the  execution  of  law,  which  embittered 
Southern  people  against  him.  He  was  an  unusually  intelligent 
man;  he  was  said  to  be  impervious.  After  our  introduction  he 
sought  interviews  with  me  in  the  pastor's  office.  He  was  deeply 
concerned  about  his  spiritual  state,  but  hesitated  over  any  public 
manifestation  of  interest  owing  to  the  feeling  against  him  by  South- 
erners. He  explained  his  action  as  necessary,  and  claimed  he  al- 
lowed Dr.  McAnally  to  edit  his  paper,  until  complaints  were  made 
against  him  for  his  leniency.  I  did  not  encourage  the  prejudice 
against  him.  I  was  after  his  soul.  In  our  interview  he  displayed  a 
clear  comprehension  of  repentance  and  regeneration.  At  last  he 
arose,  in  one  of  our  mid-week  meetings,  and  claimed  an  interest  in 
Christ  his  risen  Lord.  He  never  faltered  in  his  claim.  He  did  not 
join  us,  but  united  with  the  Chufch  of  his  parents. 

To  educate  our  people  in  patriotism,  our  rulers  invited  the 
people  of  the  nation  to  celebrate  the  Centennial  of  Washington's 
inauguration.  We  were  called  upon  to  assemble  in  our  churches. 
Some  of  our  people  were  still  sullen  over  the  collapse  of  the  Con- 
federacy, and  I  doubted  the  attendance  of  the  people.  But  to  my 
gratification  and  surprise,  our  church  was  crowded  at  9  o'clock  in 
the  morning.  The  Globe-Democrat,  has  this  to  say  about  it :  "  A 
large  audience  completely  filled  the  Centenary  Methodist  Church  at 
9  a.  m.  Dr.  Mathews,  the  pastor,  than  whom  none  can  be  more 
electrifying  in  patriotic  speech,  delivered  an  address  on  the  day,  and 
made  everv  bosom  in  the  audience  swell  with  pride  for  our 
country."  The  Post-Dispatch  said,  "  He  fairly  enthused  his  big 
audience  with  his  patriotic  utterances.  The  venerable  John  Hogan 
and  half  a  hundred  other  gray-headed  saints  and  patriots  were 
fervent  in  their  '  aniens.'  " 

The  New  Orleans  Christian  Advocate  has  this  to  say:  "It  is 
evident  that  Mark  Guy  Pearse,  the  eminent  Wesleyan,  believes  as 
strongly  in  hand-shaking  as  our  own  Dr.  Mathews,  of  St.  Louis. 
Hear  him :  '  The  greatest  human  power  in  the  Church  is  hearty 
hand-shaking.     We  could  better  spare  a  little  Hebrew  or  Greek,  or 


26o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

some  of  the  mysteries  of  mental  philosophy  if  we  could  only  re- 
cover the  lost  art  of  hand-shaking.  Our  life  is  in  our  sociability. 
Hearty  hand-shaking  is  our  strength.'  " 

No  committee  can  substitute  the  pastor.  This  is  my  theory  and 
therefore  I  am  pressing  pastoral  visiting.  It  is  not  always  pleasant 
but  it  is  profitable.  A  writer  in  one  of  our  Church  papers,  who 
heard  my  report  of  work  at  a  Church  Conference,  seemed  sur- 
prised that  I  could  make  twenty-eight  hundred  calls.  I  keep  an 
account.  Every  morning  opposite  each  one  on  whom  I  called  is 
either  a  straight  mark  or  a  cipher.  One  signifies  at  home ;  the  other 
not  at  home.  Some  years  I  made  over  three  thousand  calls.  Not 
that  many  houses  visited,  but  that  many  individuals  called  on.  Of 
course  my  visits  were  short.  All  depended  upon  conditions,  as  to 
the  length  of  time  I  tarried,  and  whether  I  had  prayer  or  not. 
Sometimes  the  baby  was  fretful,  and  the  mother  embarrassed  over 
the  fact ;  sometimes  it  happened  to  be  wash-day ;  others  had  lady 
customers  of  another  faith  and  were  in  a  hurry  to  have  a  dress 
fitted !  I  relieved  them  by  a  little  common  sense.  I  shake  hands  and 
say,  "  I  see  you  are  busy,  you  know  my  will  is  good,  good-bye." 
She  was  glad  I  called,  and  glad  I  left ! 

Since  the  inauguration  of  Children's  Day,  Centenary  Church 
has  made  it  a  high  day.  One  of  our  daily  papers  had  a  lengthy  ac- 
count of  the  exercises.  A  synopsis  is  as  follows :  "  The  festival  at 
Centenary  was  the  greatest  social  event  of  the  year.  The  large 
edifice  was  crowded  to  the  doors  with  children.  .  The  pulpit  and 
altar  were  covered  with  flowers  and  plants.  The  galleries  and  walls 
were  crowded  with  adults.  The  programme  was  a  long  and  elab- 
orate one.  The  songs  and  hymns  were  beautifully  rendered.  A 
feature  of  the  festival  was  the  baptism  of  sixteen  babes,  and  the  ad- 
mission into  the  Church  of  sixteen  adults.  Dr.  Mathews  made  a 
characteristic  address.  It  was  a  model  of  brevity  and  especially 
suited  to  the  day.  The  service  closed'  by  the  entrance  of  a  bridal 
party,  consisting  of  the  high  contracting  parties,  Mr.  Edward 
Butler  and  Miss  Jennie  T.  Hogan.  The  ceremony  was  performed, 
and  the  congregation  dismissed  with  the  pastor's  blessing."  One 
of  our  young  scholars,  Miss  Ethel  Boogher,  wrote  to  the  Sunday- 
School  Visitor:  "  I  am  seven  years  old ;  have  been  a  member  of 
Centenary  Sunday-School  since  I  was  two  years  old.  The  school 
numbers  over  six  hundred.  '  Children's  Day  '  was  a  grand  event 
with  us.  Our  pastor,  Dr.  Mathews,  talked  to  us  so  that  we  all 
could  understand.  At  the  close  sixteen  babies  were  baptized  and 
eighteen  older  persons  baptized.     It  was  a  grand  day." 

With  pleasure  I  accepted  an  invitation  to  deliver  the  Bac- 
calaureate sermon  at  the  Missouri  State  University  on  the  first 
Sunday  in  June.  This  fine  institution  is  largely  patronized  and 
many  of  the  first  young  minds  of  the  State  are  found  in  the  Uni- 
versity. Some  of  the  young  men  of  mark  are  from  families  not 
familiar  with  Christian  teaching.     I  determined  to  °five  the  Bible 


\  I  TOBIOGRAPRY  OF  ItEY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  26i 

view  of  Christ  in  His  redeeming-  power,  in  simple  and  clear  terms, 
leaving  the  technics  of  theology  out.  A  great  crowd  attended  the 
commencement  exercises,  and  with  much  prayer  for  Divine  assist- 
ance, I  entered  upon  the  service.  I  felt  that  I  had  sought  to  honor 
my  Master,  and  hoped  that  new  conceptions  were  given  to  the 
young  minds  I  addressed. 

The  St.  Louis  Chronicle  had  a  very  lengthy  article  on  the  sub- 
ject, "  Stranded  Chorus  Girls."  It  began  thus :  "  Venerable  Dr. 
John  Mathews'  bright  eyes  roamed  over  a  congregation  of  wealth 
and  beauty,  in  magnificent  Centenary  Church  last  night,  when  he 
stood  in  the  finely  carved  pulpit  -to  deliver  his  lecture  on  "  Con- 
science." It  might  have  been  termed  a  sermon ;  but  it  was  a  specific 
and  well  defined  lecture,  toned  in  a  common-sense  key,  and  fraught 
with  lessons  of  morality  and  humanity,  that  can  not  but  do  good. 
Dr.  Mathews  said,  '  Last  night  a  gentleman  came  to  my  house  and 
called  my  attention  to  the  deplorable  condition  of  the  chorus  girls, 
who  are  stranded  in  this  city,  owing  to  the  failure  of  an  opera 
named  "  Faust,  Jr."  He  drew  a  picture  of  misery  that  can  be  met 
with  only  in  fiction.  He  told  me  these  girls  are  all  far  away  from 
home,  penniless  and  friendless,  and  surrounded  by  temptations  of 
every  description.  They  are  worthy  objects  of  charity.  They  ap- 
peal to  you  for  assistance.'  "  A  contribution  followed,  a  large  num- 
ber lending  a  helping  hand. 

I  was  a  constant  attendant  on  the  Alliance,  to  help  every  good 
cause  and  hold  up  our  Church  interests.  Some  one  introduced  a 
resolution  to  endorse  what  is  called  "  The  Central  Mission."  One 
of  our  city  papers  had  this  to  say :  "  A  dozen  crisp,  emphatic 
sentences  from  Rev.  John  Mathews,  pastor  of  Centenary  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  yesterday  morning,  caused  the  Evangelical  Al- 
liance to  lay  on  the  table  for  a  month  a  resolution  committing  the 
Churches  of  the  Alliance  to  an  almost  unqualified  endorsement  of 
the  new  '  Central  Mission  '  project.  The  vote  was  not  quite  unan- 
imous, to  be  sure,  but  the  sentiment  back  of  it  was  strong  enough 
to  prevent  any  compromise  legislation.  The  issue  raised  by  Dr. 
Mathews  was,"  whether  it  was  the  duty  of  Centenary  to  supply  all 
the  volunteer  missionaries  needed  for  the  work  of  evangelizing 
slums  under  the  plan  proposed.  Centenary  had  more  workers  than 
any  Church  he  had  ever  labored  in  as  pastor ;  but  he  was  unable  to 
get  any  work  out  of  them  because  of  the  persistent  calls  made  upon 
them  by  the  managers  of  these  side  interests."  At  that  time  my 
Church  had  many  engaged  in  helping  outside  organizations  until 
I  was  difficulted  to  get  workers  to  cultivate  my  field.  The  paper 
added,  "  Dr.  Mathews  has  discovered  recently  that  fifteen  or  six- 
teen religious  enterprises  of  respectable  proportions  have  been 
started,  and  are  maintained  by  subscriptions  circulated  in  the  name 
of  Centenary  Church." 

Culver  Park  Assembly  was  held  at  Lake  Maxinkuckee.  Indiana, 
July  19th  to  August  ist,  1889.     A  flaming  bulletin  was  issued  an- 


262  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

nouncing  Talmage,  Sam  Jones,  John  Mathews,  and  Irr  R.  Hicks. 
When  I  consented  to  accept  the  invitation  I  did  not  know  it  would 
be  conducted  on  such  an  immense  scale.  Moneyed  men  were  be- 
hind it.  Dr.  E.  M.  Bounds,  in  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate,  de- 
voted a  column  and  a  quarter  to  criticisms.  He  gives  part  of  the  pro- 
gramme, names  of  ministers  and  other  facts.  He  says,  "  This  is  the 
biggest  thing  in  the  way  of  a  sensation  we  have  seen  yet."  I  always 
honored  Dr.  Bounds  for  his  devotion  to  his  convictions,  but  did  not 
always  agree  with  his  convictions.  He  reminded  me  of  the  man 
who  was  said  to  be  "  fierce  for  both  worlds."  It  may  be  the  Doctor 
is  right.  My  view  of  the  possibilities  of  doing  good  led  me  to 
accept  the  urgent  invitation.  K  ever  I  preached  the  Gospel  in  its 
holiest  sense,  it  was  on  that  occasion.  Dr.  Talmage  had  to  leave  to 
meet  another  engagement.  When  he  reached  Chicago,  he  sat  down 
and  wrote  me  the  following  letter.  "  I  came  away  so  unexpectedly 
from  the  Culver  Assembly  that  I  had  no  time  to  say,  '  Good-bye ' 
to  you,  and  express  my  enjoyment  with  your  sermon.  You  flung 
pride  of  skepticism  flat,  and  made  infidelity  appear  imbecile.  Your 
sermon  was  grand  and  tremendous.  Hoping  that  you  will  soon  re- 
cover from  your  temporary  illness  and  live  many  years  to  proclaim 
the  Gospel,  and  hoping  to  meet  you  and  yours  in  the  great  Harvest 
Home,  I  am  affectionately  your  brother  in  Christ,  T.  De  Witt  Tal- 
mage." Before  I  left  for  St.  Louis  I  heard  Sam  Jones  twice,  and 
I  was  impressed ,  more  than  ever  with  the  wonderful  ability  of  the 
man.  His  sermons  are  heard  by  thousands  who  would  never  hear 
truth  from  the  average  preacher. 

Wrestling  with  the  momentous  problem  of  sin  and  eternal 
death,  I  am  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  dealing 
out  sledge-hammer  blows  against  evil.  Sociology  is  valuable,  but 
stops  short  of  the  disease.  It  tells  us  there  is  something  wrong  in 
our  social  structure ;  the  Bible  tells  us  the  wrong  is  in  the  heart  of 
man.  This  being  true,  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  I  have  emphasized 
the  necessity  of  a  new  birth.  The  result  of  this  teaching  leads  to 
repentance.  One  morning,  sitting  in  my  office,  a  gentleman  en- 
tered ;  his  facial  expression  indicated  a  troubled  mind.  Introducing 
himself,  he  was  requested  to  be  seated,  and  without  circumlocution, 
and  in  agonized  tones,  he  unfolded  his  wretched  state  of  soul.  He 
heard  God's  Word  and  the  Holy  Spirit  caused  it  to  sting  him. 
"  I  am  a  sinner.  I  have  been  stealing  in  driblets  from  the  corpora- 
tion employing  me !  "  and  in  this  strain  he  continued,  with  tears. 
He  wanted  mercy,  and  sought  to  be  instructed  how  to  secure  for- 
giveness. He  confessed  freely. '  The  way  of  possible  restitution  was 
pointed  out,  and  the  promise  of  God  held  before  his  mind.  He  left 
with  a  purpose  to  enter  the  Kingdom  of  God.  I  never  met  him 
afterwards. 

"  Preaching  to  a  Procession,"  was  a  term  frequently  employed 
by  me.  The  people  came  in  crowds  to  our  church  and  passed  out  in 
throngs.     They  are  converted  at  our  altar,  and  in  a  few  weeks  are 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  263 

away,  but  they  often  carry  their  power  with  them.  I  recall  the  case 
of  brothers,  who  were  raised  in  another  denomination,  but  received 
such  a  cordial  welcome  they  continued  to  attend  our  church  until 
they  were  saved.  They  returned  to  their  homes  but  carried  their 
religion  with  them,  letting  their  light  shine.  One  is  managing  a 
bank,  and  is  the  head  center  of  our  Church ;  the  other  an  honored 
physician  in  the  town  where  he  resides.  One  gentleman  wrote  me 
he  was  an  active  participant  in  Church  work.  The  procession  moves 
on,  and  many  carry  the  fire  with  them.  Instance  after  instance 
might  be  presented. 

Having  been  solicited  in  past  years  to  visit  Kavanaugh  camp- 
meeting,  I  consented  to  give  them  four  or  five  days'  service.  The 
camp  is  eighteen  miles  from  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  was  named 
in  honor  of  one  of  Kentucky's  greatest  preachers,  Bishop  Kavan- 
augh. On  August  9th,  I  was  on  the  ground,  ready  for  the  battle. 
This  was  the  fifteenth  session,  and  was  well  advertised.  The 
Courier-Journal  said,  "  Never  since  the  establishment  of  the  Kavan- 
augh camp-ground  has  there  such  interest  been  taken  in  the  work 
as  has  been  shown  so  far  this  year.  The  grounds  are  crowded  each 
day,  from  the  beginning  of  the  services  until  the  closing  prayers, 
and  a  great  many  more  associate  themselves  with  the  exercises  than 
ever  before."  The  Louisville  Post  writing  of  the  Sunday  services 
said,  "  Yesterday  the  very  elements  seemed  to  favor  the  camp- 
meeting.  People  flocked  to  the  grounds  from  early  morning  till  late 
in  the  afternoon ;  although  there  was  a  large  attendance,  better  be- 
havior was  never  witnessed.  At  11  a.  m.,  and  at  3  p.  m.,  Rev.  Dr. 
Mathews,  of  St.  Louis,  preached  and  held  the  audience  almost 
spellbound  for  nearly  an  hour  at  each  service.  There  were  fully 
six  thousand  people  on  the  ground." 

An  evening  paper  reported  an  account  of  the  service  the  Sun- 
day before,  saying,  "  In  his  morning  service,  Dr.  Mathews  said, 
'  The  papers  say  I  favor  dancing,  and  yet  you  have  heard  me  preach 
against  it.  I  am  frequently  misquoted.  I  heard  that  a  woman  down 
in  Alabama  represents  that  after  I  went  to  New  Orleans  from  that 
State  that  I  changed  my  views  about  many  social  matters  and 
favored  dancing,  and  said  she  heard  me  say  so.  She  is  very  much 
mistaken.  She  added,  "  We  have  a  little  Church  here  of  sixteen 
members  and  the  pastor  says,  he  can't  keep  them  straight,  because 
Drs.  Mathews  and  Lewis  favor  dancing."  ' : 


264 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 
Fourth  Year  at  Centenary. 

Our  Conference  convened  at  Salem,  September  18th,  1889. 
That  sterling  man  and  Bishop,  our  much  esteemed  Duncan,  pre- 
sided. He  makes  things  go.  Sometimes  he  is  sharp  of  speech  but 
mostly  to  the  point.  He  holds  a  steady  rein  and  instructs  and  guides 
with  fidelity,  yet  mingled  with  fatherly  affection.  He  makes  a 
valuable  Bishop,  and  preaches  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church.  His 
sermons  are  lucid,  strong  and  sometimes  powerful.  He  is  a  noble 
spirit.  Long  may  he  linger  with  the  Church !  Rev.  W.  R.  Mays 
was  the  Presiding  Elder  over  our  District  and  gave  a  cheering  report 
of  the  work.  Brother  Mays  is  a  man  of  sterling  character  and 
great  moral  worth,  almost  modest  to  a  fault,  but  faithful  in  his 
office  and  presiding  with  dignity  and  ability.  His  preaching  is  like 
crystal — clear ;  the  children  take  in  his  teaching  with  avidity. 

At  the  close  of  the  fifth  day's  session  Bishop  Duncan  arose  to 
answer  that  thirty-fifth  question,  so  momentous  to  preachers  and 
people.  Returned  to  St.  Louis  in  time  to  lead  my  mid-week 
prayer  service.  The  next  morning's  Republic  said,  "  The  exercises 
were  led  in  the  Doctor's  happiest  vein.  He  alluded  to  the  fact  that 
in  the  three  years  of  his  ministry  here,  nine  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  members  had  been  added  to  the  Church.  Dr.  Mathews  began 
his  exhortation  with  the  characteristic  remark,  '  You  may  not  feel 
happy  under  my  talk,  but  I  am  sure  you  will  be  matle  better  by  it.' 
At  the  close  of  the  meeting  instead  of  the  worshipers  rushing  to  the 
door  and  from  the  building,  the  congregation  crowded  around  their 
pastor,  and  for  full  half  an  hour  such  another  scene  of  hand-shaking, 
congratulations  and  earnest  expression  of  the  heartiest  good  feeling 
has  seldom  been  witnessed  in  St.  Louis." 

On  the  following  Sunday  morning  I  preached  on  "  The  Needed 
Presence,"  taking  for  a  text,  "And  he  said  unto  Him,  if  Thy  presence 
go  not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence."  The  closing  sentences  were 
thus  given  in  one  of  the  city  papers :  "  So  far  as  meeting  the 
purposes  of  life  is  concerned,  without  His  presence  and  power  it  is 
useless  to  proceed  in  the  work  of  the  Church.  You  have  sometimes 
seen  a  railway  engine  unable  to  start,  although  the  wheels  are  re- 
volving and  the  sparks  flying.  This  the  engineer  calls  '  slipping.' 
Unless  God  is  with  us  as  with  Moses,  there  may  be  the  whirring  of 
the  wheels  of  the  ecclesiastical  machinery,  much  show  and  noise, 
but  there  will  be  nothing  but  slipping." 

Another  of  the  papers  gives  an  account  of  my  sermon  Sunday 
night.     There  had  been   a   fatal  prize-fight  between  two  boys,   in 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  UEV.  JOHfl  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  265 

which  one  was  killed.  The  paper  said,  "  '  On  the  10th  day  of  this 
month  two  young  boys,  imitating  the  example  of  the  so-called  dis- 
ciples of  the  "  manly  art  of  self-defense,"  met  in  a  dive  of  this  city 
kept  by  a  pugilist,  and  fought  for  a  prize,  while  one  hundred  men 
stood  around  as  witnesses.  They  fought  till  one  fell  and  died  from 
the  blows  of  the  other.  This  occurred  here  in  this  city  of  which  we 
make  such  a  boast.  We  are  propagating  evil  until  the  youths  of  the 
land  have  very  little  respect  for  truth  or  reverence  for  God.  This 
occurred  in  the  place  we  vote  to  license !  I  know  it  is  considered  bad 
policy  to  mention  voting  in  the  pulpit,  and  some  sigh  when  they 
hear  it.  If  you  wish,  you  can  go  now ! '  This  was  said  with  great 
earnestness,  the  speaker  being  wrought  up  over  the  matter.  This 
remark,  in  connection  with  other  plain  deliverances  during  the 
sermon,  stirred  the  congregation."  In  a  few  days,  the  president  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  Thomas  McPheeters,  ap- 
peared in  print,  saying:  "Dr.  Mathews  made  a  great  mistake. 
With  all  due  respect  to  the  Doctor,  I  really  do  not  think  he  meant 
what  he  said.  He  must  know  there  are  two  classes  of  gymnasiums." 
He  then  proceeds  to  show  the  value  of  the  gymnasium.  Two  or 
three  days  later,  some  one  came  out  in  a  lengthy  article,  headed, 
"  Dr.  Mathews  was  right."  After  a  number  of  strong  points,  this 
man  said,  "  The  present  young  American  (and  admitted  they  are, 
in  many  cases,  the  fastest  colts  in  the  lot),  prefers  to  sit  and  watch 
performances  of  expert  juggling,  rather  than  accustom  his  mind 
to  a  companionship  with  the  discovereis  and  promotors  of  earth's 
knowledge.  He  would  rather  listen  to  the  antique  '  chestnut '  of  the 
Sunday  theater  than  to  cope  with  the  studied  discourses  of  Mathews 
and  Nichols,  and  the  scores  of  other  men  who  fill  our  pulpits  and 
lecture-rooms.  And,  speaking  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation athletics,  it  is  astonishing  to  note  the  wide  discrepancy  in  the 
attendance  at  evening  prayers  at  the  Association  rooms  and  the 
number  of  athletes  in  tights  in  the  gymnasium-room,  by  those  per- 
forming feats  of  agility  that  would  do  honor  to  a  circus  amphi- 
theater. Those  who  watch  the  baseball  scores  with  gaping  interest 
are  not  the  ones  whose  voices  are  potent  in  the  affairs  of  the  city, 
State  or  Nation ;  they  are  not  of  those  who  cut  thoroughfares 
through  mountains,  or  bind  shore  to  shore  with  artistic  complica- 
tions of  stone  and  steel.  Do  not  mistake ;  the  old  doctor  is  right, 
boys!  He  is  not  an  enfeebled  old  moralist  but  a  toughened  old 
knot  that  has  been  through  the  mill !  "  Another  one  of  our  dailies 
took  up  the  subject  and  said,  "  At  all  the  ministers'  meetings  to- 
day, the  topic  of  interest  was  the  attack  on  his  brother  ministers, 
our  public  officers,  and  society  in  general,  by  Dr.  Mathews,  of  the 
Centenary  Methodist  Church,  last  night,  for  neglect  of  duty,  and 
particularly  for  the  apathv  evinced  in  the  investigation  of  the  Jack- 
son-Shern  prize-fight.  '  His  blood  will  be  upon  you,  it  will  be  upon 
me,'  said  the  Doctor,  referring  to  young  Jackson.  '  There  has  been 
fifteen  hundred  dollars  raised  in  Pool  Alley  to  defend  the  parties 


266  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

arrested,  and  not  a  nickel  to  see  that  justice  is  done!  All  who  have 
been  arrested  have  been  liberated  on  one  pretext  and  another.  Gym- 
nasiums I  look  upon  as  detrimental  in  the  extreme.  There  is  a  class 
of  youths  growing  up  among  us  who  are  a  menace  to  society.  It 
is  dangerous  now  for  us  ministers  to  visit  our  flocks  at  night.  It 
was  the  result  of  a  blow  from  a  sand-bag  which  caused  the  death 
of  Dr.  Goodell  of  the  Congregational  Church." 

Being  greatly  exercised  over  the  deficient  moral  education  of 
the  rising  generation  I  had  inaugurated  a  Sunday  afternoon  Bible- 
School.  Instead  of  offering  prizes  in  books,  I  offered  money.  To 
the  boy  or  girl  who  would  commit  the  Ten  Commandments,  the 
Apostles'  Creed  and  the  Lord's  Prayer,  fifty  cents  was  the  prize,  and 
a  large  number  secured  the  money.  It  was  difficult  to  secure 
teachers,  and  I  superintended  it  in  addition  to  my  other  duties.  The 
school  prospered  under  the  faithful  labors  of  the  teachers  we  had. 
That  school  still  is  doing  a  fine  work,  as  I  write  this,  in  1904. 
"Where  did  you  get  the  money?"  some  one  asked.  In  the  great 
congregation  I  would  tell  of  our  work,  and  say,  "  If  any  one  would 
like  to  contribute,  stop  after  service  and  make  a  contribution."  I 
always  had  money  to  give  the  winners.  I  found  girls  and  boys  who 
would  work  harder  for  fifty  cents  in  silver  than  for  a  two-dollar 
book. 

The  Broadway  Mission  Sunday-School  went  into  the  hands  of 
Dr.  W.  W.  Todd,  a  devoted  member  of  Centenary,  a  noble  young 
man  who  sickened  and  died.  I  had  also  organized  a  Sunday-School 
in  Garfield  Place ;  G.  D.  Davis  was  superintendent.  This  had  to  be 
abandoned  by  me,  as  I  was  charged  with  interfering  with  the 
plans  of  the  Presiding  Elder. 

We  held  our  usual  Watch-night  service,  and  a  great  service  it 
was.  The  place  was  literally  packed.  The  conduct  of  the  meeting 
varied  as  necessity  demanded.  People  kept  crowding  in  until  I  had 
to  order  the  doors  locked  or  the  meeting  be  ruined  by  curiosity 
seekers.  We  had  a  number  of  mourners,  eighteen  or  twenty  acces- 
sions, a  dozen  children  baptized,  and  a  number  of  conversions.  God 
was  on  the  giving  hand.  The  covenant  was  made,  and  as  the  New 
Year  of  1890  was  ushered  in,  the  joy  was  great.  Satan  was  there 
too.  Old  Sister  Goodhue  had  her  pocket  picked.  She  had  her  rent 
money  on  hand  to  pay,  but  alas !  it  was  gone.  Mrs.  Mathews,  the 
pastor's  wife,  also  had  her  pocket  picked ;  lost  seventeen  dollars. 
People  crowded  together  shaking  hands,  and  evil  men  took  advan- 
tage of  the  press  to  put  in  their  trade. 

In  looking  over  our  Southwestern  Methodist  my  responsibility 
was  deeply  felt  at  what  a  writer  said :  "  The  writer  of  this  eagerly 
embraced  an  opportunity  to  attend  a  Sunday  night  service  at  Cen- 
tenary Church,  recently.  It  was  the  ordinary  service  and  the  usual 
congregation.  The  seating  capacity  of  the  house  was  taxed  to  the 
utmost;  the  main  floor  and  galleries  filled  and  all  available  space, 
around  the  chancel  and  in  the  aisles  occupied.    No  pulpit  in  the  city, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  267 

of  any  denomination,  has  such  an  audience,  and  it  is  without  paral- 
lel in  the  history  of  St.  Louis  Methodism.  It  could  not  but  occur 
among  many  reflections,  how  grand  the  opportunity  and  how  solemn 
the  responsibility  of  such  a  pulpit.  Both  views  had  illustration  on 
the  occasion :  on  the  one  hand  the  pulpit  dealing  with  its  vital  theme 
of  sin  and  salvation,  and  the  vast  assembly  giving  profound  atten- 
tion ;  the  service  closing  with  the  altar  surrounded  with  seekers  of 
religion  and  with  a  number  of  conversions." 

When  I  took  charge  of  Centenary  Church  I  -found  a  large 
group  of  members  who  professed  "  Sanctification."  They  met  in  a 
private  house  once  a  week.  Though  not  attending  their  gatherings 
I  kept  posted  on  their  doings.  Members  from  other  Churches  met 
with  them.  One  of  these  was  that  rare  Christian,  Mrs.  Dr.  Boyle, 
widow  of  a  once  noted  minister,  Dr.  Joseph  Boyle.  Mrs.  Margaret 
Skinner,  and  Mrs.  Jennie  Urner,  were  of  that  group ;  also  Mrs. 
Carrie  Gray,  and  other  valuable  members.  The  "lives  of  this  com- 
pany deeply  impressed  me  and  I  found  them  ready  to  aid  me  in  the 
responsible  tasks  put  upon  me.  A  number  of  my  most  useful 
workers  belonged  to  this  school.  There  was  nothing  unusual  in 
their  methods,  and  I  felt  no  one  could  be  too  Christ-like.  We 
moved  on  harmoniously. 

The  Eleventh  Quadrennial  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  opened  its  session  in  the  Centenary  Church, 
in  May,  1890.  The  occasion,  the  able  body  of  ministers  and  lay- 
men, together  with  the  attendance  of  all  our  Bishops,  made  the 
opening  one  of  solemn  import.  At  the  request  of  the  committee 
on  programme,  I  was  invited  to  the  platform  by  the  presiding 
Bishop  and  delivered  the  address  of  welcome.  Bishop  Keener  re- 
sponded in  one  of  his  spicy,  pointed  and  unctuous  addresses.  He 
said,  "  We  are,  sir,  more  than  happy  to  respond  to  you.  You  have 
very  ably  represented  the  magnificent  guild  of  Southern  Methodism 
in  St.  Louis.  I  do  not  know  that  any  place  in  the  entire  country 
could  be  taken  as  an  exponent  of  the  onward  movement  of  Meth- 
odism, that  would  more  certainly  establish  the  continuity,  the  steady 
development  of  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanying  the 
methods  of  our  Zion,  than  this  honorable  city."  The  city  press 
devoted  large  space  to  the  General  Conference,  publishing  the  pro- 
ceedings in  full.  The  Bishops'  pictures  were  given  the  public,  with 
short  sketches  of  their  lives.  There  was  the  senior  Bishop,  stalwart 
in  body  and  massive  in  mind ;  Bishop  Wilson,  self-poised  and  in- 
tellectual ;  Bishop  Hargrove,  elegant  in  manner,  thoughtful, 
talented  and  able  to  untangle  the  intricacies  of  Church  law ;  Bishop 
Granbery,  polished,  a  man  of  finished  scholarship,  the  St.  John 
of  the  college  of  Bishops;  Bishop  Key,' modest,  yet  equal  to  any 
demand  upon  him,  wise  in  counsel,  eloquent  in  speech,  a  light  shin- 
ing in  darkness ;  Bishop  Duncan,  strong  in  body  and  equally  strong 
in  intellect,  able  and  wise,  a  teacher  of  teachers,  full  of  common 
sense  and  a  glorious  preacher ;  Bishop  Hendrix,  scholarly,  eloquent 


268  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

and  equal  to  any  position  in  which  he  may  be  placed,  a  man  of  strong- 
feelings  and  command  over  them ;  Bishop  C.  B.  Galloway,  eloquent, 
standing  in  the  forefront,  considered  by  many,  the  best  platform 
speaker  in  the  land.  We  had  preaching  every  night,  some  of  it 
remarkably  refreshing,  but  some  of  the  best  of  them,  as  the  young 
preachers  phrased  it,  "  Flashed  in  the  pan."  Acting  as  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Worship,  in  making  out  a  list  of  preachers 
for  the  many  pulpits  offered  us,  two  Bishops,  one  at  a  time,  came  to 
me  urging  the  appointment  of  Dr.  W.  for  Sunday  night  in  Cen- 
tenary Church,  stating,  "  He  is  the  best  preacher  in  our  denomina- 
tion." I  knew  him  well  and  had  a  high  opinion  of  his  qualities.  He 
is  as  modest  as  a  maiden,  and  shrank  from  notoriety.  He  did  not 
wish  the  appointment ;  nevertheless,  he  was  announced.  A  great 
crowd  thronged  the  church.  Expectation  was  high,  but  the  Doctor's 
faculties  failed  to  work,  and  he  floundered  for  an  hour ;  then  sat 
down,  a  deeply  mortified  man.  Glorious  man  he  was,  now  long  in 
Heaven !  All  preachers  can  sympathize  with  that  condition  of  mind. 
I  have  been  there,  when  I  could  do  nothing  but  mark  time ;  no 
onward  movement !  We  had  in  the  body,  men  very  strong  in  debate, 
able  as  parliamentarians,  but  some  of  them  poor  preachers  relatively. 
Some  of  them  were  scholars  and  full  of  information,  but  did  not 
know  how  to  communicate  what  they  knew.  Exactly  what  is  the 
difficulty  no  one  can  state.  Sometimes  a  defective  enunciation ;  in 
others  a  lack  of  unction ;  with  large  sense,  but  lacking  in  certain 
almost  indefinable  elements  which  secure  success,  Churches  do  not 
want  them.  They  are  conscious  of  certain  abilities,  but  unconscious 
of  their  defects.  The  elections  always  awaken  interest.  As  the 
business  progressed,  much  was  said  of  men  for  the  high  office  of 
Bishop.  It  is  high,  in  that  more  power  centers  in  that  office  than  in 
the  office  of  a  Roman  Catholic  Bishop.  Dr.  O.  P.  Fitzgerald  was 
discussed ;  he  having  served  the  Church  on  the  Pacific  coast,  filling 
public  positions  there,  editing  our  organ  there,  and  editing  the 
General  Conference  organ  in  Nashville,  for  several  years,  a  promi- 
nent figure.  Then  Dr.  Haygood,  of  Georgia,  president  of  Emory 
College,  author,  and  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Peabody  fund, 
who  had  once  declined  the  office  of  Bishop,  found  favor  in  the  eyes 
of  the  brethren.  When  the  day  arrived  these  brethren  were  elected. 
The  latter  did  not  live  long,  and  the  former's  health  failed  after  a 
few  years  of  service.  Perhaps,  no  man  in  the  Church  was  more 
universally  beloved  than  Bishop  Fitzgerald.  A  spirit  anointed  of 
God  and  a  heart  full  of  the  milk  of  human  kindness,  he  is  a  splendid 
type  of  Christian  manhood.  Bishop  Haygood  was  a  man  of  strong 
convictions,  and  acted  upon  them.  His  sermon  preached  in  Cen- 
tenary on  the  Sunday  morning  after  his  election  was  one  of  marked 
individuality  and  won  all  hearts.  It  was  great  in  its  Christliness  and 
made  a  profound  impression.  The  session  did  not  last  long.  The 
night  of  its  adjournment  I  was  summoned  by  telegram  to  take  the 
night  train  for  Kansas  Citv. 


M  TOBIOGBAPEY  OF  BET.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  269 

I  anticipated  the  demand  for  my  presence.  My  son,  Wm.  T. 
Mathews,  engaged  there  in  the  mercantile  business,  was  compelled 
to  make  an  assignment  which  involved  me  as  well,  as  I  was  his  en- 
dorser. The  liabilities  were  placed  at  one  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
and  the  assets  at  double  that  amount.  We  failed  empty-handed. 
Everything  we  had  was  assigned.  That  night  I  returned  to  St. 
Louis  a  penniless  man,  but  with  a  triumphant  faith,  believing  that 
"  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God."  Re- 
porters and  friends  interrogated  me;  my  standing  statement  was, 
"  Coming  West,  physically  was  my  salvation ;  financially  it  was  my 
ruin."  We  had  the  sympathy  of  the  press  in  Kansas  City  and  St. 
Louis.  I  even  made  arrangements  for  part  of  my  salary  to  go  to  the 
liquidation  of  our  indebtedness;  this  continued  through  several 
years.    I  felt  poor,  but  was  trying  to  make  many  rich. 

A  periodical  was  issued  in  St.  Louis  styled,  The  City  For 
Christ.  The  request  was  made  that  I  furnish  a  sermon,  which  I  did, 
from  the  text,  "  The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  unto  the  merchant- 
man seeking  goodly  pearls,  who,  when  he  had  found -one  pearl  of 
great  price,  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had  and  bought  it."  The 
theme  was,  "  Spiritual  Investment."  I  thought  this  a  good  topic 
after  my  financial  collapse.  I  began  by  saying :  "  In  the  old  Cathe- 
dral at  Canterbury,  England,  you  can  still  see  a  tomb,  carved  about 
five  hundred  years  ago,  where  a  prince  was  buried  who  died  when 
only  forty-seven,  but  who  had  made  a  name  of  which  England  is 
proud  to-daV  It  is  the  tomb  of  Edward,  the  Black  Prince.  The 
most  valuable  of  all  his  great  qualities  was  that  he  did  not  know 
how  to  give  up  and  say  he  was  beaten;  no  matter  how  great  the 
odds.  Jesus  desired  to  show  men  that  the  one  most  valuable  quality 
in  securing  salvation  is  persistence  in  a  spirit  that  will  sacrifice  all 
other  values  to  this  one  essential  thing." 

On  the  31st  day  of  July,  in  company  with  Mrs.  Mathews,  Camp 
Marvin  was  visited.  That  afternoon'  the  Auditorium  was  sur- 
rendered to  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  St. 
Louis  Conference.  The  missionary  work  of  Centenary  Church  was 
presented  and  emphasized  by  Mrs.  Mathews ;  that  of  St.  John's  by 
Mrs.  Avis,  the  St.  Louis  apostle  of  women's  missionary  work. 
The  presiding  officer,  Mrs.  C.  L.  Smith,  called  on  me  for  a  speech. 
The  reporter  represented  me  as  saying :  "  Christianity  opens  great 
visions  to  man.  It  proposes  universal  empire.  The  missionary 
movement  of  this  age  has  for  its  deep  purpose  the  success  of  the 
vast  plan  of  Jesus  Christ  When  He  gave  His  last  command,  He 
bade  His  disciples  go  into  all  the  world  and  subdue  it  to  God.  The 
plan  of  human  life  is  mapped  out  for  us  in  the  life  of  the  great  Son 
of  Man.  Take  His  benevolence,  His  expenditure  of  love  in  behalf  of 
others.  God's  method  for  the  conquest  of  the  world  is  not  to  force, 
but  to  induce  men.  He  is  never  impatient.  He  can  afford  to  wait. 
By  taking  hold  of  the  moral  forces  of  God,  the  world  is  to  be  trans- 
formed.    Thz  work  thev  perform  is  not  because  they  are  forced  to 


270 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


do  it  by  statute.  Law  is  for  children,  grace  for  men ;  law  is  for 
those  who  can  not  be  trusted ;  grace  is  for  those  who  can.  What  we 
do  in  this  great  missionary  cause  must  be  prompted  by  the  heart." 
By  appointment  of  the  Presiding  Elder,  it  fell  to  my  lot  to  occupy 
the  pulpit  at  8  p.  m.  The  text  was,  "  Therefore  shall  ye  lay  up  these 
words  in  your  heart  and  in  your  soul."  I  began  thus :  "  God  em- 
phasizes the  culture  of  the  heart.  No  man  is  moved  to  action  only 
in  one  way.  Instruction  is  imparted ;  the  mind  takes  it  in ;  still,  the 
man  does  not  act.  The  intellect  sends  word  down  to  the  heart, 
knocking  and  saying,  '  I  have  truth ;  will  you  open  and  receive 
it  ?  '  If  the  heart  answers,  '  No,'  then  the  truth  does  no  good.  If 
it  says,  '  Yes,'  then  it  enters  and  assumes  control." 

I  never  preached  to  as  many  persons  on  leaving  a  pastorate  as 
thronged  to  hear  me  on  the  Sabbath  before  the  meeting  of  our  An- 
nual Conference  at  Poplar  Bluff.  The  night  audience  was  a  jam. 
Every  available  space  in  the  house  was  occupied.  Many  stood  in 
the  aisles,  both  men  and  women.  I  had  labored  faithfully  with 
them  for  four  years;  had  ministered  to  their  spiritual  wants;  saw 
many  converted  at  the  altar ;  had  married  a  large  number ;  buried 
their  dead  and  cheered  the  living  to  press  on  to  final  triumph.  The 
sermon  of  the  evening  was  appropriate  to  the  occasion.  When  the 
regular  exercises  closed,  one  of  the  officers  stepped  forward  and 
asked  the  privilege  to  speak  as  a  representative  of  the  Church.  After 
recapitulating  the  labors  of  the  past  four  years,  he  called  me  up  and 
in  the  name  of  Centenary  Church  presented  me  with%  handsome 
gold  watch.  I  was  very  much  surprised,  and,  of  course,  gratified. 
Then  calling  for  Mrs  Mathews,  as  she  stood  before  him,  he  recited 
the  great  interest  she  had  taken  in  the  work  of  the  Church,  her 
devotion,  her  inspiring  influence,  her  visits  to  the  homes  of  the 
people,  giving  special  emphasis  to  the  love  of  the  people,  and  es- 
pecially the  poor.  He  honored  her  part,  and  in  the  name  of  the 
Church  presented  to  her,  also,  as  token  of  the  love  of  the  people,  a 
handsome  gold  watch.  It  was  to  pastor  and  people  an  exciting 
night !  Many  pressed  to  the  front  to  give  a  parting  word  and  receive 
an  official  benediction.  I  was  overwhelmed  with  the  words  of  kind- 
ness poured  into  my  ear.  I  was  delighted  at  the  recognition  given 
to  the  work  of  my  wife,  whose  interest  never  flagged.  Not  often 
do  our  Churches  honor  the  work  performed  by  the  minister's  wife. 
No  woman  could  have  been  more  helpful ;  her  tact,  her  words  of 
counsel,  all  aided  me  in  leading  the  Church  on. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOUX  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  271 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
Appointed  to  St.  John's  Church. 

The  Annual  Conference  met  at  Poplar  Bluff,  September  17th, 
1890,  Bishop  J.  C.  Keener  presiding,  who  waved  his  wand  with 
vigor  and  dignity.  He  gave  us  wise  and  valuable  counsel.  He  did 
not  lecture  us  into  impatience.  Rev.  A.  P.  Parker  of  the  China 
Mission,  being  at  home  on  furlough,  was  present.  His  addresses 
were  instructive,  and  sometimes  thrilling.  No  man  is  more  fully 
imbued  with  the  missionary  spirit.  His  consecration  is  worthy  of 
imitation ;  China's  millions  lie  upon  his  heart.  He  is  a  high  ex- 
ample of  love  for  his  fellow  man.  We  had  of  our  own  number, 
Dr.  D.  R.  McAnally,  editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Advocate,  a  man  of 
breadth  and  depth.  For  many  years,  perhaps  the  most  influential 
minister  in  all  Missouri  Southern  Methodism.  Years  have  thick- 
ened upon  him,  but  he  labors  right  on  with  a  commendable  per- 
sistence. Amongst  preachers  and  laymen  there  was  a  considerable 
degree  of  gossip  as  to  some  of  the  leading  appointments  of  our 
Conference.  According  to  "  Madam  Rumor  "  the  Bishop  was  un- 
certain as  to  Centenary  charge  until  after  he  arose  to  read  the  ap- 
pointments. A  telegram  was  handed  him,  as  he  stood  there,  which 
decided  him,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  B.  Carradine  was  announced. 
When  the  St.  John's  Church  was  called,  my  name  was  given  as 
pastor. 

My  new  charge  was  accepted  as  providential.  The  member- 
ship of  this  Church  was  mostly  of  families  of  influence.  It  was 
thought  by  some  of  the  ministers  that  my  style  would  hardly  take 
with  this  people.  They  did  not  reflect  that  I  always  adapt  my  style 
to  the  conditions  and  people  to  whom  I  minister.  The  Board  gave 
me  a  cordial  greeting  and  proposed  to  reinforce  me  in  every  way. 
Mr.  Samuel  Cupples,  on  account  of  ill  health,  rarely  ventured  out  at 
night,  but  the  next  morning  he  drove  by  the  church,  and  called  at 
the  office  to  see  me,  and  assure  me  of  his  personal  cooperation, 
saying  to  me.  "  I  can  not,  on  account  of  my  poor  health,  get  out  at 
night;  but  anything  you  want,  let  me  know  and  I  will  cheerfully 
assist  in  your  plans." 

My  'first  service  was  the  mid-week  prayer-meeting.  About 
forty  persons  in  attendance.  One  of  the  most  active  ladies  could  not 
attend  that  service,  but  anxiously  inquired  the  next  day  about  the 
attendance  and  conduct  of  the  meeting,  saying,  "  I  am  sorry  for  the 
Doctor,  coming  from  a  Church  where  several  hundred  attended,  to 
one  with  onlv  a  handful  present."  Then  inquired,  "  Did  he  scold0  " 
"  Not  at  all.    He  talked  hopefully,  and  one  would  think  we  were  all 


2^2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

saints!  "  When  I  learned  of  this,  in  meeting  this  lady  afterwards, 
I  remarked,  "Scold  the  little  company?  never!  The  absent  ones, 
like  yourself,  ought  to  be  scolded !  " 

Sunday  services,  a  daily  paper  on  Monday  reported  as  follows : 
"  At  St.  John's  Church,  Dr.  Mathews  made  a  short  talk  to  the 
children  of  the  Sunday-School  in  response  to  the  request  of  Mr. 
Sam  Kennard,  the  superintendent.  He  captured  the  young  folks  in 
the  first  round.  Every  seat  in  the  church  was  occupied  when  he 
began  his  sermon.  Bishop  Hendrix,  Dr.  Vincil,  and  Dr.  J.  W. 
Lewis  were  on  the  platform  with  him ;  several  other  Methodist 
preachers  were  in  the  audience.  There  was  great  interest  in  the 
occasion,  as  everybody  was  anxious  to  know  how  he  would  begin 
his  pastorate  in  that  wealthy  and  fashionable  Church,  after  having 
such  full  sway,  and  pursuing  such  a  simple  course  at  Centenary 
Church,  which  is  regarded  as  the  Church  of  the  masses,  where  the 
Methodists  pay  very  little  attention  to  style.  His  sermon  was  on 
'  The  Rod  of  God  in  the  Hand  of  Moses.'  He  was  evidently  very 
much  embarrassed  by  the  occasion,  and  did  not  preach  with  the 
freedom  and  enthusiasm  which  usually  characterized  him.  Never- 
theless he  held  a  large  audience  in  rapt  attention,  and  evidently 
won  their  confidence  and  cooperation.  He  closed  by  saying,  '  Above 
everything,  I  ask  a  free  pulpit.  I  understand  you  have  had  phi- 
losophers, but  I  am  simply  a  matter-of-fact  Gospel  preacher.'  His 
remarks  about  philosophers,  and  his  demand  for  a  free  pulpit, 
seemed  to  strike  the  audience  with  great  force,  as  there  was  the 
rustling  of  sudden  interest  and  surprise  all  over  the  congregation." 
Four  persons  joined  the  Church.  The  daily  added,  "  The  church 
was  crowded  again  last  night,  something  unusual  at  St.  John's 
Church,  as  the  congregation  does  not  visually  attend  the  Sunday 
evening  service." 

The  members  of  Centenary  having  given  us  a  parting  testi- 
monial ere  we  left  the  charge,  much  to  my  surprise  I  received  a 
notice  to  be  present  at  the  Exposition  Hall  on  the  evening  of  Octo- 
ber 17th,  1890.  A  number  of  citizens,  not  of  our  Church,  desired 
to  show  their  appreciation  of  my  labors  in  aiding  the  executive 
department  of  the  city  in  contributing  my  influence  in  aid  of  good 
government.  The  next  day  the  following  appeared  in  one  of  the 
city  papers :  "  The  Mayor,  the  Judge  of  the  Criminal  and  Police 
Courts,  the  Prosecuting  Attorneys,  the  heads  of  Police  Departments, 
and  other  citizens,  have  joined  in  signing  a  testimonial  to  Rev. 
John  Mathews,  D.  D.,  lately  the  pastor  of  Centenary  Alethodist 
Church,  attesting  their  appreciation  of  his  work  at  that  great  Church 
in  behalf  of  public  and  private  morality.  The  testimonial  was 
presented  to  him  at  the  Exposition  Music  Hall  last  night,  by  the 
Mayor  in  a  neat  speech,  Gilmore's  band  furnishing  appropriate 
music.  Dr.  Mathews  certainly  merits  the  testimonial."  Then  fol- 
lowed the  official  document:  "St.  Louis.  Mo.,  October  17th,  1890. 
To  Rev.  Tohn  Mathews,  D.  D..  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir:     We,  the 


ALTUlilOGRAl'HY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  J).  D.  273 

undersigned,  hereby  testify  our  high  appreciation  of  the  valuable 
service  you  have  rendered  the  city  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel  dur- 
ing your  four  years'  pastorate  at  Centenary  Methodist  Church.  We 
believe  that  your  faithful  preaching  and  pastoral  work  have  been 
productive  of  great  good  to  the  community  in  general,  and  especi- 
ally to  the  eastern  portion  of  the  city.  Many  persons  who  have 
heard  your  eloquent  appeals  in  behalf  of  religion,  morality,  and 
good  character,  have  been  induced  to  abandon  vicious  habits  and 
surroundings,  and  have  thus  been  saved  from  the  condemnation  of 
the  law.  You  have  been  privileged  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  to 
labor  in  a  section  of  the  city  where  vice  and  crime  are  restrained  by 
but  few  evangelical  preachers.  We  hereby  certify  to  the  faithful- 
ness and  success  of  your  labors  in  that  field,  and  extend  to  you 
this  testimonial  as  officers  and  citizens  charged  with  the  enforce- 
ment of  law  and  prosecution  of  crime.  E.  A.  Noonan,  Mayor  of 
the  City  of  St.  Louis ;  J.  C.  Normile,  Judge  of  the  Criminal  Court ; 
R.  A.  Campbell,  Judge  of  the  Criminal  Correction;  Jas.  R.  Clai- 
borne, Prosecuting  Attorney,  Court  of  Criminal  Correction ;  B. 
Dierkes,  Assistant  Prosecuting  Attorney,  Court  of  Criminal  Cor- 
rection;  Charles  F.  Cady,  Police  Justice,  First  District;  James  J. 
Butler,  City  Prosecuting  Attorney ;  John  H.  Rohlman,  Sheriff ;  L. 
Harrington,  Chief  of  Police ;  John  Young,  Captain  of  Police ;  Eliza 
Harris,  Police  Matron."  I  was,  and  am  to  this  day,  ignorant  of  the 
promotors  of  this  honor.  I  prized  it  the  more,  when  I  learned  that 
nearly  all  the  signers  are  Roman  Catholics.  It  is  said  that  fully  six 
thousand  persons  were  witnesses  of  the  presentation  at  the  Exposi- 
tion Hall.    Affixed  to  the  document,  is  the  official  seal  of  the  city. 

My  predecessor,  Dr.  B.  M.  Messick,  was  not  only  a  fine 
preacher,  but  a  good  pastor.  Like  a  good  shepherd,  he  rounded  up 
his  flock  regularly.  I  at  once  began  to  look  after  my  people  in  their 
homes,  desiring  to  win  their  love,  that  my  influence  might  be  for 
the  best  interests  of  their  inner  lives.  Having  through  many  year9 
realized  the  benefit  of  the  class-meeting,  I  proposed  to  organize  one 
in  my  new  charge.  I  needed  it  in  keeping  my  own  heart  aflame. 
My  first  announcement  of  organization  brought  out  very  few.  One 
brother  and  his  wife  from  Union  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  stood 
by  me,  and  two  or  three  from  Centenary  aided  us  until  we  could 
stand  alone.  On  the  14th  of  November  we  had  all  told  seventeen 
present,  and  I  felt  encouraged.  Brother  Avery  and  his  wife  had 
rich  experiences  and  some  others  whose  talks  gave  tone  to  the  meet- 
ings. I  called  the  class  "  my  pet,"  irt  announcing  it  Sunday  by 
Sunday.     This  kept  it  before  our  people. 

Dr.  W.  B.  Palmore  dropped  in  on  Sunday  morning  as  a  visitor 
at  Sunday-School.  There  was  a  class  of  youths  whose  teacher  was 
absent,  and  the  Superintendent  invited  Dr.  Palmore  to  teach  the 
class.  He  so  taught  as  to  influence  two  members  to  decide  for 
Christ,  and  at  the  1  t  o'clock  service  they  applied  for  membership. 
The   Doctor   referred   to   this   in    the    Advocate,   and    added,    "  Dr. 


274  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Mathews  gave  his  flock  a  strong  sermon  on  the  Church  at  Rome  in 
its  original  purity  and  power.  Some  of  his  sentences  linger  with 
us  yet.  '  Life  is  existence  saturated  with  force.  Philosophy  thinks, 
science  analyzes,  law  restrains,  business  calculates,  but  religion  loves. 
This  edge  of  the  nineteenth  century  is  a  paradise  of  moral  possi- 
bilities.    Song-birds  and  bees  flee  before  a  pestilence.' ': 

The  Church  has  for  several  years  rented  the  pews,  and  has 
had  no  difficulty  in'meeting  expenses.  When  the  day  for  renting 
pews  arrived,  the  reporters  wrote  extensively  on  the  subject,  saying 
amongst  other  things,  "  When  Dr.  John  Mathews  was  transferred 
from  Centenary  to  St.  John's  Church,  the  Southern  Methodists  who 
knew  his  hold  upon  the  masses,  and  upon  non-church  going  people, 
began  at  once  to  speculate  about  what  he  would  do  as  to  the  renting 
custom,  which  had  obtained  in  that  Church  for  many  years.  The 
congregation  there  has  never  been  very  large,  a  fact  that  is  attrib- 
uted by  some  members  of  the  congregation  to  the  pew-renting 
system.  Since  Dr.  Mathews  took  charge,  the  congregation  has  been 
large  enough  at  each  service  to  completely  fill  the  church."  My 
views  are  against  the  pew  system ;  yet  I  believe  in  family  sittings. 
My  theory  has  been  in  going  to  a  new  charge  to  find  out  their 
methods,  then  fall  into  line  with  them  and  work  them  for  all  they 
are  worth,  thus  avoiding  friction.  My  announcement  in  the  con- 
gregation was,  "  Strangers  will  be  welcome  in  St.  John's  Church, 
all  rumors  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding;  and  they  will  be  com- 
fortably seated  whenever  they  come."  While  discussing  pew  rent- 
ing in  the  official  meeting,  some  of*  the  leading  members  of  the 
Church  said,  "  We  will  give  up  our  pews  and  sit  on  the  floor  or 
altar  rail  rather  than  see  any  strangers  who  come  to  the  church 
deprived  of  seats."*  Messrs.  Samuel  Cupples  and  Sam  Kennard, 
who  are  leading  members,  have  expressed  similar  sentiments. 

I  concluded  to  renew  the  Watch-Night  service,  emphasizing 
its  value  in  the  past  to  Methodism.'  I  felt  a  degree  of  doubt  as  to  the 
audience.  Though  the  weather  was  disagreeable,  by  count  we  had 
one  hundred  and  seventeen  present,  and  those  present  entered  upon 
the  service  with  enthusiasm.  It  was  a  profitable  night.  The  cove- 
nant was  entered  into  with  deep  solemnity  and  a  holy  purpose. 
Several  had  never  attended  a  like  service. 

The  new  calendar  year  opened  auspiciously.  Views  have 
changed  on  some  lines,-  the  superficial  for  the  deeper.  My  pur- 
poses root  themselves  more  satisfactorily  in  the  promises  of  God. 
In  one  of  my  sermons,  in  tender  tones,  I  urged,  "  Let  us  make  this 
a  thorough  Methodist  Church.  If  we  do  not  work  on  the  old 
lines,  there  is  no  use  for  us  as  a  Church.  To  use  a  figure  of  speech, 
within  a  stone's  throw  there  are  about  a  dozen  other  Churches ; 
therefore  ours  is  not  a  necessity."  I  proposed  altar  exercises,  and 
the  employment  of  some  of  our  Methodist  terms,  "  Let  us  call  for 
mourners."  This  term  has  dropped  out  of  use  in  most  of  our  city 
Churches.    On  Sundav  nisfht  after  an  earnest  discourse,  I  called  for 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  I).  275 

"  mourners,"  and  about  ten  persons  kneeled  at  the  altar ;  they  were 
requested  to  remain.  Only  one  member  came  forward  to  aid  me 
in  the  instruction  of  those  desiring  salvation.  That  member  was 
Mr.  Jesse  Boogher,  one  of  the  officials,  and  a  man  whose  life 
honored  the  doctrines  of  Jesus.  He  was  always  prompt  to  aid  the 
pastor  on  the  old  lines,  as  well  as  on  every  other.  At  the  close,  two 
professed  conversion.  After  the  benediction,  a  lady  who  belonged 
to  this  Church  from  its  organization,  as  she  passed  by  remarked, 
"  No  one  can  say  they  have  never  seen  a  mourner  at  St.  John's 
altar !  " 

The  young  ladies  of  our  Church  have  an  organization  for  the 
purpose  of  aiding  the  poor  of  the  city.  Year  by  year  they  raise 
handsome  amounts  by  annual  entertainments.  Not  dreaming  of  any 
trouble  this  year  they  proposed  to  have  a  "  Fantasmia  "  in  the  Sun- 
day-School room,  not  thinking  of  drawing  upon  themselves  or  their 
Church  a  storm  of  criticisms.  They  published  a  naming  poster,  not 
feeling  it  necessary  to  consult  the  pastor  or  the  Official  Board.  One 
of  these  fell  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Carradine,  of  Centenary  Church, 
who  took  that  poster  for  a  text  in  his  prayer-meeting  and  gave  St. 
John's  a  severe  castigation.  Some  parties  called  to  see  me  about  it. 
Amongst  others,  there  was  a  reporter  to  interview  me  on  the  speech 
of  Dr.  Carradine.  Said  he  had  just  come  from  the  latter 's  office,  and 
would  publish  the  interview.  My  reply  was.  "  I  have  nothing  to  say 
about  the  doctor's  criticism — we  belong  to  the  same  Church  ;  while 
I  have  strong  convictions,  it  is  not  always  necessary  to  state  them. 
He  has  a  perfect  right  to  his  opinions  and  is  at  liberty  to  criticise.  I 
can  not  afford  to  get  into  a  conflict  with  him."  In  company  with 
Dr.  Palmore  and  members  of  my  family  I  attended  what  the  critics 
called.  "  The  Show."  Tt  was  harmless."  They  presented  "  Rock  of 
Ages  "  in  three  forms,  changed  almost  instantly  from  one  form 
into  another.  As  these  presentations  were  made,  in  a  low,  sweet 
voice  some  one  sung  that  hymn.  First  the  Cross,  then  the  Cross  on 
the  rock,  then  the  woman  clinging  to  the  Cross.  Tt  was  simplv 
beautiful.  In  like  manner  the  "  Goddess  of  Libertv  "  was  presented. 
.The  next  day  Dr.  Carradine's  interview  was  published  ;  my  reply 
was  considered  just  enough — and  satisfied  our  people.  The  Doctor 
was  hasty.     Much  ado  over  a  Christian  tableau ! 

I  found  two  local  preachers  members  of  St.  John's.  One  of 
them,  was  Rev.  Abram  Slater,  a  native  of  England,  now  aged,  and 
was  hardlv  ever  able  to  get  to  the  house  of  worship.  It  was  a  rich 
treat,  not  only  to  hear  his  experience,  but  to  listen  to  his  public 
prayers.  All  felt  the  old  saint  was  talking  with  Cod.  His  life  deeply 
impressed  me,  for  T  saw  how  Cod  can  enrich  a  soul  open  to  His 
Spirit's  operations.  The  other  was  Rev.  T.  R.  Yickroy.  in  many 
respects  a  very  remarkable  man.  For  twenty-five  years  he  was  a 
principal  in  the  St.  Louis  public  schools.  Before  locating  in  St. 
Louis  he  was  president  of  the  Lebanon  Valley  College  in  Pennsyl- 
vania.   He  was  the  author  of  a  number  of  text-books  of  value.     He 


276  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

was  modest  and  unassuming,  and  a  man  who  was  true  to  the  teach- 
ings of  God's  Holy  Book.  As  a  preacher  he  was  thoughtful  and 
clear,  and  was  highly  esteemed  by  the  people  in  and  out  of  the 
Church. 

The  Official  Board  was  composed  of  fourteen  members.  W. 
H.  Avis,  a  man  of  quiet  but  ^sterling  qualities,  devoted  and  true, 
reliable  on  all  questions  involving  Christian  action.  Mr.  Jesse  L. 
Boogher,  a  man  of  unusual  devotion  to  Methodist  usages  and  doc- 
trine ;  every  one  knew  where  to  find  him  on  all  moral  questions ; 
a  princely  giver,  and  a  man  of  God.  T.  W.  Carter ;  a  man  more  de- 
voted to  his  Church  could  not  be  found  amongst  us ;  conservative, 
firm  and  loyal  on  all  lines ;  for  years  a  prominent  teacher  in  the 
Sunday-School  and  always  in  his  place ;  a  man  of  large  business 
ability,  and  true  as  steel ;  always  warmly  supporting  his  pastor ;  his 
value  to  the  Church  hardly  to  be  estimated ;  ready  to  contribute  to 
every  good  cause.  Samuel  Cupples,  known  throughout  our  com- 
munion as  a  princely  giver ;  his  love  for  his  fellow  men  is  seen  in  his 
very  large  gifts  to  the  Washington  University  of  St.  Louis ;  his 
gifts  in  other  directions  have  been  on  a  large  scale ;  his  love  for  his 
Church  has  never  abated  and  his  interest  in  other  institutions  attest 
the  depth  and  force  of  his  Christian  principles ;  he  erected  that 
splendid  home  for  orphans  in  our  city  in  memory  of  his  noble  wife — 
Martha  K.  Cupples ;  he  has  ever  sustained  his  pastors,  and  shown 
them  kindness ;  his  example  and  spirit  have  been  an  inspiration  to 
others.  James  H.  Gibson,  while  less  conspicuous  than  some  others, 
was  not  less  worthy  of  the  official  position  he  occupied ;  a  devoted 
Christian,  leading  a  life  of  quiet  trust  in  God,  his  example  was 
worth  a  great  deal  to  the  cause  he  loved  so  well ;  he  was  a  liberal 
contributor  to  every  good  cause,  and  was  a  warm  supporter  of  his 
pastor ;  loyalty  to  God  was  his  watchword.  B.  F.  Hammett  was 
another  member  highly  esteemed  for  large-heartedness ;  he  was  very 
quiet,  but  always  found  side  by  side  with  his  brethren  in  every 
good  cause.  A  man  deserving  a  high  tribute  was  S.  T.  Jamison ; 
perhaps  St.  John's  Church  never  had  a  more  loyal  member ;  his 
work  in  and  for  the  Church  was  invaluable ;  he  was  at  every  service, 
and  the  pastor  always  felt  assured  of  his  presence ;  he  was  a  free 
worker,  never  shirking  any  responsibility ;  he  was  like  the  symbol 
of  the  ox,  ready  for  work  or  sacrifice ;  not  noisy  in  his  profession, 
but  a  truer  man  in  action  I  have  rarely  ever  met ;  in  my  effort  to 
inaugurate  class-meeting  he  was  always  on  hand ;  wind  and  weather 
did  not  deter  him ;  noble  spirit  he  was !  Mr.  Sam  M.  Kennard  was 
another  member  of  the  Official  Board,  and  as  ready  to  help  in  every 
good  enterprise  as  any  man  I  have  ever  met  in  my  long  ministry. 
He  was  always  ready  to  second  every  legitimate  request  of  his 
pastor.  For  years  he  had  been  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
School,  which  reached  in  attendence  as  high  as  five  hundred.  He 
is  one  of  the  busiest  men  in  the  city,  and  a  leader  in  nearly  every 
public  enterprise ;  honored  in  many  ways  by  his  fellow  citizens,  yet 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JO  US   MATHEWS,  I).  D.  277 

never  neglecting  his  official  duties  in  the  Church  when  he  could  con- 
trol his  action.     Liberality  characterized  him  on  every  line.     He 
always  shrank  from  public  praying  but  never  shrank  from  paying. 
Another  member  of  the  Board  was  Edward  Nanstiel,  one  of  the 
most  spiritual  men  in  our  city.    How  deeply  he  loved  the  Church  is 
known  only  to  God.    He  was  a  favorite  of  the  pastors  and  people, 
and  his  influence  over  his  brethren  was  marked  and  valuable.     He 
lived  a  godly  life,  contributing  of  his  means  to  every  worthy  en- 
terprise.    Mr.  John  J.  O'Fallon  was  another  man  who  in  a  quiet 
way  wielded  his  influence  for  the  best  good  of  his  Church.     He 
belonged  to  the  class  who  wanted  some  one  else  to  do  the  public  pray- 
ing while  he  did  their  paying.    A  man  of  large  means,  he  aided  in 
the  advancement  of  Christ's  Kingdom.    He  was  ready  and  wise  in 
counsel;  rather  conservative  but  standing  up  for  the  great  enter- 
prises of  the  Church.     His  love  for  the  Church  has  never  faltered. 
He  is  social,  cheerful  and  useful.    No  wonder,  when  one  recalls  his 
good  old  mother  and  his  great-hearted  wife!     Another  member  of 
our  Board  was  that  bachelor,  C.  Otis  Scruggs,  .affable,  courteous 
and  accommodating.    He  soon  called  for  his  Church  certificate  to  go 
and  aid  the  Cook  Avenue  Church,  which  his  brother,  R.  M.  Scruggs, 
was  instrumental  in  erecting.    Otis  is  a  general  favorite.    The  next 
name  on  the  list  is  A.  A.  Wallace,  one  of  our  most  valuable  officials. 
He  was  one  of  our  reliables,  never  absent  from  our  meetings  when 
in  the  city.     He  was  a  careful,  shrewd  and  honored  business  man ; 
just  such  as  every  Church  needs.     He  always  evinced  the  greatest 
interest  in  St.  John's  prosperity,  and  constantly  looked  after  her 
financial  interests.     He  was  not  demonstrative  in  his  religious  life 
but  was  faithful  in  all  his  ways.     His  home  influences  were  ex- 
ceptional.   Next  follows  John  C.  Wilkinson,  a  man  of  fine  qualities. 
He  was  younger  than  most  of  the  Board,  but  was  considered  valu- 
able in  judgment  and  energetic  in  action.     He  worked  well  where- 
ever  you  placed  him.     His  presence  always  cheered  his  pastor,  be- 
cause he  was  in  sympathy  with  all  high  truths.     Last  on  the  list, 
though  not  least,  was  J.  H.  Wyeth,  a  Christian  gentleman.    He  was 
the  Secretary  of  the  Board,  and  his  book  was  a  model  of  neatness. 
Rarely  was  he  out  of  place  as  an  officer.     He  was  as  conservative 
as  any  one  of  his  fellow  officials.     He  watched  appropriations  with 
an  eagle's  eye,  and  desired  to  know  the  why's  and  wherefore's. 
These  were  the  officers  when  I  took  charge. 

I  was  vexed  over  the  statement  of  a  young  man  who  attended 
our  Church  for  four  weeks  in  succession,  and  saying,  he  did  not 
receive  a  single  look  of  recognition.  Another  disturbing  person  was 
constantly  annoying  the  women,  at  their  praying  circle,  by  com- 
plaining; she  said  at  this  week's  meeting,  "Her  friends  told  he'r 
if  she  staid  in  St.  John's  Church  she  would  backslide !  "  This  is  a 
good  woman  with  a  peculiar  moral  make-up ;  not  large  in  thought 
or  culture,  but  meaning  well.  In  an  after  interview,  I  told  her.  in 
talking  about  a  Church  certificate,  that  it  would  afford  me  a  great 


278  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

deal  of  pleasure  to  give  her  a  letter  of  dismissal.  Her  reply  was, 
"  I  thought  you  wanted  to  get  rid  of  me !  "  "  No,"  I  replied ; 
"  you  mistake  me.  I  have  faith  in  your  piety,  but  you  are  out  of 
harmony  with  us ;  you  had  better  go  where  you  can  harmonize  with 
others."     She  went,  and  we  were  relieved  of  one  complainant. 

On  March  16th,  I  took  the  car  for  Kirk  wood,  to  see  a  young 
man  named  Emil  Hoffman.  •  His  brother  came  to  the  church  to  in- 
form me  of  Emil's  condition  and  that  he  wanted  to  see  me.  During 
my  pastorate  in  Kansas  City,  a  bright  lad  came  to  our  services,  was 
converted,  and  joined  the  Church.  He  proved  a  model  youth,  and 
I  made  a  pet  of  him.  He  was  so  manly,  so  attentive  to  business, 
we  all  liked  him.  His  relations  were  clever,  but  cared  nothing  for 
religion.  I  had  in  a  measure  lost  track  of  him  until  he  came  to  St. 
Louis  with  his  young  wife;  but  living  in  Kirkwood  I  did  not  see 
him  often.  Now  he  lies  upon  his  dying  bed.  He  was  glad  to  see 
me,  and  as  the  past  flitted  before  his  mind,  he  said  to  me,  "  Three 
times  I  have  been  informed  I  must  die ;  I  do  not  worry  about  it ; 
Doctor  I  want  to  tell  you  about  it.  I  am  trusting  in  God.  You 
brought  me  where  I  am — resting  in  Him.  All  is  right."  How  my 
heart  quivered  to  look  upon  this  splendid  young  fellow  passing  into 
death !    But  the  end  found  him  harnessed  for  the  Eternal  Life. 

The  press  reporters  called  to  have  me  furnish  the  Easter  pro- 
gramme. I  was  somewhat  ashamed  to  acknowledge  I  had  no 
knowledge  of  it.  It  seems  it  has  not  been  the  custom  to  consult  the 
pastor  on  such  lines.  A  small  group  of  ladies  takes  these  things  in 
hand.  Easter  opened  cloudy,  then  a  light  rain.  As  per  special 
invitation,  Bishop  Hendrix  came  to  the  city  to  occupy  my  pulpit  and 
represent  the  new  "  Training  School."  The  church  was  decorated 
just  enough — simple,  but  in  fine  taste.  The  Bishop  had  a  good 
audience.  He  gave  us  a  sermon  on  "  The  Resurrection."  It  was 
good,  but  he  was  not  at  his  best.  The  Bishop's  face  and  manner 
help  him.  He  is  dignified,  but  easy.  He  did  not  emphasize  the 
collection  for  the  Training  School,  and  we  did  not  secure  what  was 
hoped  for.  The  Bishop  remained  over  to  preside  at  the  Union  meet- 
ing of  the  two  Districts,  the  purpose  of  which  is  to  consider  the 
enlargement  of  our  work  in  the  city.  All  the  pastors  and  official 
members  were  on  hand.  The  attendance  was  even  larger  than  the 
noted  gathering  which  met  to  consider  the  propriety  of  building  a 
house  of  worship  at  Lafayette  Park.  Bishop  Duncan  dropped  in  on 
his  way  home  from  some  District  Conference.  Bishop  Hendrix, 
after  the  banquet,  made  a  speech  of  value  and  impressiveness.  He 
was  followed  by  Dr.  Finney,  then  by  W.  R.  Mays,  in  whose  District 
Marvin  Chapel  is  located.  He  urged  the  demand  for  a  building. 
He  was  followed  by  Samuel  Cupples,  who  endorsed  the  speech  of 
W.  R.  Mays.  Then  Dr.  Carradine  spoke,  then  Judge  Valliant  took 
high  ground  in  favor  of  a  new  structure.  He  was  followed  bv  Dr. 
Werlein  ;  then  R.  M.  Scruggs,  who  was  followed  by  myself,  when  I 
pledged    St.    John's    Church    for   one-third   of   seventeen    thousand 


At  T0BI0QBAPH1    OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  l>.  D.  279 

dollars.  Mr.  Cupples  added,  "  Promise  eighty-five  hundred."  Dr. 
Werlein  pledged  Lafayette  Park  for  five  hundred.  I  then  urged 
Dr.  Carradine  to  pledge  for  Centenary.  He  said,  "  You  know  their 
ability."  My  reply  was,  "They  gave  nine  thousand  to  Lafayette 
Park."  He  finally  pledged  five  thousand.  Dr.  Messick  pledged 
Cook  Avenue  for  twenty-five  hundred.  Benton  promised  five  hun- 
dred. St.  Paul's  was  pledged  for  two  hundred  and  fifty.  Bishop 
Hendrix  gave  one  hundred.  All  told,  seventeen  thousand,  three 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  meeting  was  overflowing  with  en- 
thusiasm, cheering  and  hand-shaking.  Dr.  J.  D.  Vincil,  who  was 
preaching  at  Taylor  Avenue,  which  enterprise  I  started  and  main- 
tained while  at  Centenary,  spoke  of  the  wonderful  opportunity  at 
that  point.  That  was  my  pet;  I  organized  every  department  of 
work ;  yet  in  a  written  history  my  action  was  never  alluded  to.  The 
meeting  adjourned  at  a  white  heat. 

Dr.  Lambuth  called,  on  Saturday,  to  ask  me  to  suggest  to  our 
Sunday-School  to  pledge  to  support  Brother  Davis  as  our  mission- 
ary to  Tapan.  On  Sunday  morning  I  suggested  the  subject  to 
Superintendent  Kennard,  who  promptly  agreed  to  do  so.  Four 
hundred  and  sixteen  scholars  present.  I  had  organized  the  school 
into  a  Missionary  Society.  The  Society  undertook,  for  a  term  of 
years,  to  support  this  worthy  brother  in  Japan. 

On  Monday,  Mr.  Yost  of  the  Republic,  called  to  see  me  re- 
questing the  use  of  my  name  to  be  voted  for  to  secure  a  trip  to 
Europe.  I  positively  declined.  Then  he  urged  me  to  play  neutral ; 
that  is,  not  decline  publicly.  I  did  not  want  a  trip  to  Europe,  nor 
did  I  wish  to  place  my  people  in  a  position  where  they  would  feel 
obliged  to  support  me.  The  voting  went  on  day  by  day  and  week  by 
week.  The  .matter  was  kept  in  the  paper.  Many  were  voted  for. 
One  of  St.  Tohn's  officials  called  and  said,  "  If  you  wish  to  go 
to  Europe,  St.  John's  Church  will  send  you."  I  assured  him,  I 
never  expected  to  visit  Europe  unless  I  went  by  on  my  way  to 
Heaven  after  my  death.  A  business  man,  one  of  the  foremost  in 
the  city,  calculated  and  said,  the  Republic  made  about  eleven  thou- 
sand dollars.     In  the  face  of  my  declination,  I  was  third  on  the  list. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  Rev.  Josephus  Stephan,  the  pastor  at 
Marvin,  called  to  see  me.  He  is  all  aglow  over  the  proposal  to 
erect  a  new  church.  I  furnished  him  with  our  directory,  as  he 
wished  to  send  circulars  to  our  people.  His  zeal  is  admirable  and 
according  to  knowledge.  He  is  one  of  our  most  zealous  young 
pastors  and  is  rapidly  coming  to  the  front  as  a  worker.  All  love 
him. 

On  the  1 6th  of  April,  just  after  breakfast,  our  door-bell  rang 
and  we  found  our  friend,  Mrs.  Rainwater,  the  wife  of  one  of 
our  most  prominent  citizens.  She  came  to  bring  a  copy  of  a 
legal  document,  of  the  transfer  of  eighty  thousand  dollars  in  Ten- 
nessee bonds,  to  trustees,  forty  thousand  of  which  is  for  the  endow- 
ment  fund   of  our   Orphans'   Home,   and   forty   thousand    for   the 


28o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Women's  Christian  Home,  on  Washington  Avenue.  The  copy  was 
brought  by  Airs.  Rainwater  to  have  my  wife  present  it  to  the 
Board  of  Managers  on  Saturday.  Dr.  Bradford  is  the  donor.  The 
gift  was  made  through  the  influence  of  a  Miss  Johnson,  now  dead. 
Her  quiet  and  steady  zeal  in  behalf  of  the  Orphans'  Home,  so  im- 
pressed the  doctor  that  he  decided  to  make  the  donation.  I  went  up 
to  call  on  the  President  of  the  Women's  Board  of  Managers  of  our 
Orphans'  Home,  Mrs.  John  O 'Fallon,  and  inform  her  of  this  un- 
expected gift.  She  wept  tears  of  gratitude.  At  Mrs.  Rainwater's 
request,  the  name  of  the  donor  was  withheld  until  a  meeting  of  the 
Board  was  called.  One  afternoon  I  met  one  of  our  elect  ladies  and 
pleasantly  suggested  that  she  contribute  to  the  endowment  of  "  The 
Orphans'  Home."  In  making  her  will  some  time  after,  she  gave  five 
thousand  dollars  to  the  institution.  This  generous  donor  was  that 
devout  lady  Mrs.  Esther  Collins,  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  her. 
She  passed  through  death  to  find  a  home  in  the  palace  of  God. 

A  lady  called  one  morning,  and  sat  until  my  patience  nearly 
eked  out.  She  said  she  was  sent  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  see  me,  to 
influence  me  to  attend  Dr.  Carradine's  holiness  protracted  meeting 
now  in  progress  at  Centenary  Church.  She  is  a  good  woman,  but 
of  narrow  views ;  a  woman  not  able  to  distinguish  between  a  desire 
and  a  voice  from  God.  She  talked  long,  and  I  appreciated  her 
desire  for  my  sanctification,  and  treated  her  with  marked  politeness. 
I  assured  her  I  believed  in  a  higher  form  »f  holiness  than  they 
taught.  That  I  did  not  believe  in  the  way  they  were  teaching  holi- 
ness. I  informed  her  of  the  notes,  postals,  and  letters  written  me. 
I  told  her  of  a  lad  whom  I  had  taken  into  the  Church,  who  stated  I 
was  ignorant  of  these  higher  things.  I  showed  her  a  sample  of  the 
cards  and  notes  sent  me.  One  charging  me  with  threatening  the 
Davenport  boys,  if  they  did  not  go  with  me  to  St.  John's  Church. 
This  card  I  enclosed  in  an  envelope  to  Dr.  Carradine.  Told  her  of 
a  man  for  whom  I  paid  his  fine  to  take  him  off  the  workhouse  rock- 
pile.  These  are  the  sort  sending  me  notes,  doubting  my  religion. 
They  even,  in  a  kind  of  committee,  went  so  far  as  to  discuss  whether 
or  not  I  was  a  Christian,  but  gave  me  the  benefit  of  the  doubt !  That 
was  generous!  She  had  scarcely  retired  when  a  young  man  just 
sanctified  the  past  week  called,  and  I  was  in  for  another  sitting.  The 
prospect  made  me  nervous.  I  did  not  desire  to  discourage  him ;  told 
him  I  did  not  doubt  he  had  got  a  second  blessing,  hoped  he  would 
get  a  thousand !  The  morning  was  lost,  so  far  as  work  was  con- 
cerned.   These  persons  were  sent  out  to  do  a  certain  thing. 

I  wrote  a  note  to  that  remarkable  woman,  the  mother  of  John  J. 
O'Fallon,  soliciting  a  subscription  for  Marvin  Church.  She  sent  a 
check  for  one  thousand  dollars.  Mrs.  Caroline  O'Fallon  is  generous 
to  every  worthy  cause.  She  is  very  old,  and  unable  to  leave  her 
room.  Rarely  ever  sees  her  pastor,  but  expects  him  to  call.  She 
belongs  to  that  school,  the  social  power  of  which  was  of  the  highest 
type  of  womanhood.    She  loved  her  Lord  and  His  Church,  and  con- 


M  TOBIOGRAPRTt  OF  REV.  JOHX    MATHEWS,  D.  D.  28l 

tributed  to  every  Christian  enterprise.  She  is  waiting  for  her  trans- 
fer to  the  bosom  of  God ! 

St.  John's  people,  in  the  past,  used  almost  entirely  the  solid 
hymns  contained  in  our  hymnal.  They  seldom  attend  where  the 
popular  songs  were  used.  At  our  prayer-meetings  we  introduced 
some  of  them.  Several  of  our  lady  members  invited  their  influential 
lady  friends  to  attend  these  meetings,  and  then  sent  up  to  the 
platform  for  me  to  sing,  "  Palms  of  Victory."  Mrs.  Valliant, 
wife  of  our  Supreme  Judge,  was  the  first  to  send  request.  Other 
of  our  Christian  women  invited  persons  who  rarely  attended  where 
songs  of  a  like  character  were  sung.  Mrs.  John  J.  O'Fallon  often 
sent  word  to  the  platform,  that  certain  noted  women  were  in  attend- 
ance to  hear  certain  songs ;  sometimes  the  old  chorus  was  called  for, 
"Oh,  the  Lamb,  the  loving  Lamb!"  Then,  again,  "Is  my  name 
written  there  ?  "  These  requests  gave  added  interest  to  our  mid- 
week services.  Sometimes  I  took  advantage  of  the  presence  of  these 
visitors,  to  have  some  person  of  rich  experience  talk  of  that  ex- 
perience ;  some  of  these  visitors  had  no  knowledge  of  a  real  Christ- 
ian work  of  grace. 

On  Monday,  arranged  for  a  visit  to  Independence,  to  baptize 
my  little  granddaughter — Phala  Menefee  Hawkins.  Arrived  safely, 
and  lectured  for  a  missionary  society  at  8  p.  m.,  and  preached  the 
next  night.  My  visit  was  enjoyed.  Found  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins, 
the  pastor,  was  having  large  prosperity ;  has  had  many  conversions 
in  his  Church.  To-day  is  the  thirty-fourth  anniversary  of  our  mar- 
riage. They  have  been  eventful  years,  full  of  labor,  with  many  dis- 
appointments, some  drops  of  bitterness  in  the  cup  of  life ;  these  are 
allowed,  to  teach  us  to  lean  less  on  earth  and  more  on  Heaven.  Yet, 
God  has  graciously  guided  us,  He  has  led  us  up  and  on  until  we  are 
in  a  position  of  the  highest  possible  usefulness.  I  am  growing  old 
with  much  heart  happiness. 

Our  Superintendent  and  teachers  make  a  great  deal  of 
"  Children's  Day."  In  the  infant  school  I  found  some  chairs  draped 
in  mourning  for  members  of  the  class.  Mrs.  Wyeth  had  a  short 
memorial  service.  The  audience  room  of  the  main  school  was 
beautifully  decorated.  Bishop  Wilson  sent  a  letter  praising  the 
school  for  its  action  in  sending  and  supporting  a  missionary  to 
Japan.  After  the  reading  Brother  Davis  was  introduced  and  spoke 
fifteen  minutes ;  all  wanted  to  see  him  as  he  is  our  representative  in 
that  distant  land.  After  responsive  readings  and  a  few  recitations, 
I  gave  them  a  discourse  of  twenty  minutes,  on  "  All  thy  children 
shall  be  taught  of  the  Lord." 

Our  denomination  is  very  much  excited  on  the  subject  of  "  the 
second  blessing."  Dr.  Carradine  sent  out  invitations  to  the  preach- 
ers of  the  Conference  to  come  in  and  secure  the  blessing.  He  is 
conducting  an  exciting  meeting.  His  Church  has  divided  into  two 
parties,  one  for,  the  other  against  his  course.  Some  of  his  Stewards 
visited  me  to  secure  my  advice.     I  asked  them  not  to  involve  me, 


282  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

as  I  was  running  St.  John's  Church.  The  papers  teem  with  accounts 
of  the  meeting  and  rumors  rly  over  the  city.  One  statement  given 
was,  "The  Doctor  invited  all  his  Stewards  not  in  sympathy  with  him, 
to  resign  !  "  At  one  service,  breastpins,  finger-rings,  artifical  flowers 
and  jewelry  of  other  kinds,  were  given  up  amid  great  excitement. 
At  the  preacher's  meeting  Dr.  Carradine  claimed  that  seven 
preachers  had  received  the  second  blessing.  Brother  Stephan  in- 
troduced the  subject  into  the  preachers'  meeting.  He  talked  sweetly 
on  the  subject.  Brother  Henry  Hanesworth  took  a  positive  atti- 
tude against  the  doctrine  of  the  second  blessing,  asserting,  "  It  is 
not  taught  in  the  Bible."  One  thing  is  certain,  Centenary  Church 
is  committed.  A  number  of  the  most  influential  people  are  much 
grieved  over  the  methods  and  teachings  of  the  Doctor. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Cunningham  called  to  request  me  to  take  part  in  the 
funeral  service  of  Brother  Babcock,  who  for  thirty-four  years  has 
been  superannuated.  He  had  been  very  active,  filling  some  of  the 
best  appointments  in  the  denomination.  His  hearing  became  so 
defective  as  to  necessitate  his  retirement.  He  never  got  out  to 
Church  and  was  unintentionally  lost  sight  of  by  the  people.  The 
old  soldier  has  gone  at  last.  Brother  Cunningham  read  a  sketch  of 
his  life ;  Dr.  Carradine  read  the  lessons ;  I  led  in  prayer. 

On  the  3d  of  June,  took  the  train  for  Clarence,  to  attend  the 
closing  exercises  of  the  Macon  District  High  School,  Professor 
Shultz  in  charge.  They  have  an  excellent  building  and  a  pros- 
perous school.  At  night  a  very  heavy  storm  set  in  just  as  the  people 
were  gathering,  and  the  exercises  were  postponed  to  the  next  morn- 
ing. As  many  could  not  get  away  during  the  storm,  and  being 
near  by,  I  was  sent  for  to  go  over  and  give  the  people  a  speech, 
which  I  did,  talking  for  thirty  minutes.  In  the  morning,  delivered 
the  address  and  medals,  and  we  had  a  delightful  time  notwith- 
standing the  heavy  rain.  As  I  had  to  remain  over  night,  the  pastor 
called,  in  the  afternoon,  requesting  me  to  preach  at  night.  I  con- 
sented and  we  had  a  crowded  house.  Very  early  the  next  morning 
was  on  a  train  to  S.edalia,  reaching  there  at  5.30  p.  m.  Was  royally 
entertained  by  that  eminent  physician,  Dr.  Small.  At  the  appointed 
hour,  went  over  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  which  was 
loaned  us  for  the  occasion,  as  lights  had  not  been  put  into  our  new 
church.  A  large  audience  present.  Our  ladies  wrought  like  beavers 
and  sold  many  tickets.  The  next  morning  early  I  was  at  the  train 
for  Lexington.  I  hung  my  umbrella  on  a  hook,  then  purchased  a 
morning  paper.  A  man  entered,  took  a  seat  in  front  of  me,  asked 
a  question  or  two  while  I  was  reading,  then  toyed  with  my  umbrella 
while  I  read  on,  then  as  the  train  started  I  looked  up  in  time  to  see 
the  man  disappear  with  my  umbrella.  A  bold  thief!  Reaching 
Lexington  at  8:30  p.  m.,  President  Jones  met  me  at  the  depot,  and 
drove  me  over  to  Brother  Morrison's,  where  I  was  to  be  entertained. 
Brother  Morrison  is  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  one 
of  the  noted  Methodists  of  the  land.     This  is  a  town  of  colleges — 


AUT0BI0QRAPH1  OF  HEY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  283 

four  in  all.  Ours  is  a  large  and  prosperous  institution,  beautiful  for 
situation.  On  Sunday  morning  I  preached  for  one  hour  and  a  half. 
We  had  smiles,  tears  and  shouts.  On  Monday  met  the  Board  of 
Curators ;  they  did  a  good  deal  of  work.  On  Tuesday  Dr.  G.  C. 
Rankin  of  Kansas  City,  delivered  the  literary  address.  It  was  clear, 
bright,  instructive  and  opportune.  It  was  highly  appreciated  by 
young  and  old.  The  Doctor  is  a  many-sided  man,  and  bold  as  a  lion. 
Having  learned  that  Mrs.  Samuel  Cupples  was  ill,  I  called  to 
see  her.  To  my  surprise  learned  she  was  paralyzed  on  both  sides, 
and  quite  ill.  This  affliction  was  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  this 
remarkable  woman — remarkable  for  the  good  deeds  which  marked 
her  life.  Her  charities  constituted  a  flowing  stream.  It  was  indeed 
a  sad  household.  Passed  from  this  mansion  to  an  humble  home 
where  I  found  a  young  man  named  Watts  on  his  death-bed.  How 
delighted  he  was  to  see  me.  He  was  just  twenty-one  years  of  age 
and  wasting  away.  In  praying  with  him,  one  could  but  realize, 
"  what  a  privilege  to  carry  everything  to  God  in  prayer."  From 
this  quiet  but  humble  home,  I  passed  up  several  blocks  to  visit  Judge 
Valliant,  who  was  said  to  be  ill.  He  was  reported  better.  The 
Judge  is  a  character  to  be  admired — talented,  prudent  and  self- 
poised,  possessing  the  elements  which  render  a  man  popular. 

I  went  down  to  the  missionary  meeting  to  hear  Dr.  Carradine's 
address.  Not  many  of  the  delegates  in  attendance,  the  evening 
being  warm.  It  was  twenty  minutes  after  eight  when  the  doctor  ap- 
peared. After  the  opening  exercises  he  arose  and  remarked,  "  I 
will  talk  for  only  a  few  minutes,  as  our  first  licensed  Japanese 
preacher  is  present,  and  I  will  give  him  my  time."  The  Doctor, 
always  a  good  talker,  kept  on,  and  on,  for  fifty  minutes  by  the  clock. 
Then  he  introduced  the  Japanese,  giving  this  man  his  time!  The 
brother  talked  one  hour.  The  talks  were  good,  and  under  other 
circumstances  would  have  been  highly  appreciated.  On  the  street 
car,  going  home,  I  took  off  my  stove-pipe  hat  and  handed  it  to  Dr. 
Carradine.  In  surprise  he  said,  "  For  what?  "  "  For  long  winded- 
ness !  "  I  replied.  He  was  somewhat  teased,  but  in  his  happy  way, 
parried  it  off. 

It  is  not  all  sunshine  in  ministerial  life.  It  is  generally  known 
that  an  unkind  criticism  rarely  passes  my  lips.  A  preacher  of  one 
of  the  Conferences  treated  his  wife  so  badly  that  my  indignation 
knew  no  bounds,  and  I  said  to  Brother  Lowrance  that  such  a  man 
should  not  be  allowed  to  preach  in  our  Churches,  as  he  had  knocked 
bis  wife  down.  This  statement  was  communicated  to  this  preacher. 
Hence  an  insolent  letter  which  I  received.  This  man  has  attended 
Dr.  Carradine's  meetings  and  professed  to  have  received  the  second 
blessing.  I  had  objected  to  .his  being  put  forward  in  our  Churches 
in  the  citv.     He  soon  wound  up  his  career,  and  passed  out  of  sight. 

All  through  the  month  of  June  I  kept  up  my  usual  pace,  visit- 
ing from  house  to  house,  looking  after  several  sick  persons,  attend- 
ing several  funerals,  and  marrying  several  couples.    A  lady  attended 


284 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


our  Church,  and  after  the  sermon  passed  up  to  the  pulpit  and  in- 
quired, "  Are  you  the  Mathews  stationed  years  ago  in  Decatur, 
Alabama  ?  "  "  Yes,"  was  my  answer.  "  Well,  well !  "  she  ex- 
claimed, "  You  are  the  one  who  took  me  into  the  Church  forty  years 
ago !  "  Now  and  then  I  met  one  of  my  spiritual  children.  It  re- 
joices my  soul  to  feel  that  my  labors  have  not  been  in  vain. 

Being  invited  to  take  charge  of  the  Columbia  Assembly  for 
two  days  in  August,  when  the  day  arrived  I  was  on  hand.  They 
had  already  been  visited  by  able  speakers.  Dr.  J.  J.  Tigert  pre- 
ceded me.  I  arrived  the  evening  he  finished  his  engagement. 
Learning  where  I  was  domiciled,  he  came  over  to  spend  the  night 
with  me.  We  had  never  met  before,  though  I  had  known  him  from 
reputation  for  a  long  time.  He  was  now  pastor  in  Kansas  City, 
where  I  had  spent  five  years.  The  Doctor  played  the  Yankee  with 
me,  that  night,  by  plying  me  with  questions  about  my  methods  of 
work,  and  manner  of  reaching  the  people.  His  interrogations  were 
of  a  kindly  nature,  and  I  formed  a  liking  for  him  that  no  subsequent 
meetings  have  ever  changed.  In  after  times  he  impressed  me  as  a 
man  of  great  ability  and  fine  temperament:  a  very  cyclopedia  of 
knowledge.  Brave,  true  and  loyal,  he  has  been  a  blessing  to  our 
denomination. 

At  the  invitation  of  the  Board  of  Managers  I  ran  up  to  the 
Piasa  Bluffs  Assembly  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  to  deliver 
a  lecture.  I  could  go  and  return  the  same  day.  It  was  the  15th  of 
August.  The  large  audience  gave  me  undivided  attention,  and 
I  enjoyed  the  hour  very  much.  Ate  dinner  and  then  was  away  to 
the  train  to  return  to  the  city  to  be  on  hand  for  my  work.  When 
the  train  backed  up  there  was  a  rush  for  the  car  first  unlocked;  I 
was  in  the  rear.  That  car  was  soon  filled  and  the  crowd  turned 
with  a  rush  to  the  other  car  placing  me  in  front.  The  jam  was 
great,  and  as  I  reached  the  platform,  I  felt  some  one  pulling  at  my 
pocket  book  in  my  hip  pocket,  and  I  exclaimed,  "  Some  one  is  pick- 
ing my  pocket !  "  but  I  was  so  crowded  I  could  not  turn.  A  moment 
more  and  I  found  my  pocket  book  gone ;  it  contained  eighty-three 
dollars.     It  was  a  costly  trip  ! 

The  year  closed  well.  The  financial  condition  perfect.  The 
attendance  on  the  means  of  grace  encouraging,  and  many  souls 
saved  through  the  grace  of  God.  Attended  thirty-five  funerals,  only 
six  of  them  our  members.  Called  on  different  persons  at  different 
times,  two  thousand,  eight  hundred  and  fifty.  Raised  for  all  pur- 
poses $27,057.50. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  BEV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  285 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 
Second  Year  at  St.  John's. 

The  Annual  Conference  at  Sikeston,  met  September  23d,  1891, 
Bishop  A.  W.  Wilson  presiding.  On  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the 
Bishop  announced  the  thirty-fifth  question,  "  Where  are  the 
preachers  stationed  this  year?"  and  I  was  returned  to  St.  John's. 
Year  by  year,  as  I  enter  upon  a  new  pastorate,  my  conviction 
deepens  as  to  God's  purposes.  These  purposes  run  through  the 
ages,  and  as  time  passes  they  find  their  fulfilment.  As  open  the 
June  roses,  so  open  these  purposes.  Feeling  that  my  business  is  to 
help  in  the  plan  of  our  God,  I  adopt  what  some  one  says :  "  The 
verb  of  life  has  many  tenses,  and  he  who  has  but  one,  wrongs 
history."  Some  think  only  of  the  present,  and  disregard  both  the 
past  and  future.  The  urgent  plea  of  my  soul  is  for  more  power  to 
work  for  the  betterment  of  humanity ! 

Bishop  Wilson  removed  Dr.  Carradine  from  Centenary  and 
appointed  him  to  First  Church.  The  Doctor  made  a  hobby  of  the 
second  blessing.  The  Church  divided,  some  ardently  supporting 
him,  others  as  ardently  demanding  a  change.  The  Bishop  was 
deeply  concerned  over  the  case,  then  made  the  change.  Dr.  S.  H. 
Werlein  was  appointed  to  Centenary.  Dr.  Carradine's  supporters 
became  excited,  and  an  exodus  began ;  thirty  called  for  Church 
letters  to  follow  him,  and  many  others,  it  is  said,  will  follow.  The 
Doctor  went  to  his  new  work  at  once.  It  pained  me  to  learn  of  the 
division  in  my  old  charge.    I  kept  aloof,  not  wishing  to  be  involved. 

A  young  man  came  to  me  pleading  for  help  to  reach  Texas. 
He  showed  me  a  letter  from  a  firm  telling  him  a  position  was  await- 
ing him.  He  had  no  money  to  make  the  trip.  I  had  been  cheated 
so  often  I  hesitated,  but  finally  consented  to  furnish  the  funds.  At 
the  appointed  hour  he  was  on  hand.  He  seemed  very  much  elated 
when  handed  the  money,  and  started  to  prepare  to  leave  at  once. 
He  started  for  Texas,  but  stopped  at  a  town  on  the  route,  and  ran  off 
with  a  young  woman  whom  he  married !  That  closed  his  trip  to 
Texas!  Eight  times  out  of  every  ten  my  benevolence  has  been 
misplaced. 

On  Saturday  afternoon,  was  sent  for  to  see  a  dying  man,  whom 
I  had  frequently  visited.  He  was  speechless ;  but  brightened  up 
when  I  referred  to  his  trust  in  Christ,  nodding  assent  as  I  spoke. 
He  died  within  an  hour.  What  a  happy  soul !  He  passed  the  gate 
of  death  in  a  glorious  assurance  of  the  presence  of  our  Lord.  Alex- 
ander Watts,  farewell ! 

At  the  Educational  Convention,  which  met  in  Fayette,  the  three 


286  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Conferences  had  delegates  present.  Bishop  Hendrix  was  elected 
president ;  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  secretary.  At  the  opening,  Bishop 
Hendrix  gave  the  body  a  clear  and  succinct  statement  as  to  the  con- 
ventions held,  this  being  the  fourth.  His  address  was  instructive 
and  valuable.  At  the  second  session,  Dr.  C.  C.  Woods,  discoursed, 
in  his  happy  style  on  "  The  Articulation  of  Our  School  Work."  It 
was  a  suggestive  essay  and  worth  the  best  thought  of  the  Church. 
A  general  and  very  interesting  discussion  followed,  participated  in 
by  some  of  the  strongest  minds  in  the  State.  At  the  fourth  session 
held  Wednesday  evening  I  read  a  paper  on  "  How  to  Awaken  an  In- 
terest on  the  Part  of  the  Ministry  in  Christian  Education."  Dr. 
J.  J.  Tigert  followed,  in  a  valuable  address  on  "  How  the  Pastor 
May  Serve  the  Cause  of  Education." 

On  the  5th  of  November,  Bishop  Wilson  arrived,  and  accord- 
ing to  appointment  preached  for  my  people  in  behalf  of  our  schools 
in  China.  Such  is  the  financial  depression,  the  Board  of  Missions 
declined  to  appropriate  funds  for  their  continuance.  He  is  can- 
vassing the  strong  Churches,  seeking  aid.  Has  need  of  six  thousand 
dollars ;  has  already  raised  four  thousand.  Sunday  morning,  it  was 
raining;  still  we  had  a  fair  audience.  The  Bishop  gave  us  an  up- 
lifting sermon— one  to  stimulate  the  faith  of  the  believer.  At  the 
close,  he  made  only  a  few  remarks  about  China.  He  did  not  ask 
for  a  collection,  but  I  did ;  and  we  contributed  three  hundred  and 
thirty-six  dollars.     He  appeared  to  be  much  pleased. 

On  November  21st,  1891,  I  was  sent  for  to  administer  the 
communion  to  that  remarkable  woman,  Mrs.  Martha  Cupples,  sup- 
posed to.  be  dying.  The  physician,  being  a  Christian,  advised  this 
action.  At  the  appointed  hour.  I  was  in  the  quiet  chamber  where, 
in  the  triumph  of  a  living  faith,  lay  this  devout  woman,  who  in 
early  years  had  laid  her  young  heart,  with  its  beautiful  affections, 
on  the  altar  of  God.  She  was  surrounded  by  her  immediate  family. 
It  was  a  touching  scene.  An  angel  could  not  have  exhibited  a 
sweeter  repose  of  spirit  than  she  displayed.  The  dear  ones  gathered 
about  her  bed  as  the  pastor  repeated  the  service,  and  kneeling  there 
in  tearful  mood,  partook  with  her  of  the  emblems  of  the  broken 
body  and  shed  blood  of  her  Divine  Lord ;  after  which  each  one  took 
formal  leave  of  her  with  a  farewell  kiss.  It  was  a  hallowed  hour. 
From  that  paralytic  stroke  she  rallied,  and  lingered  with  her  loved 
ones  many  months.  Her  character  was  based  on  the  noblest  utter- 
ances of  the  Man  of  Galilee.  She  was  the  sun  of  her  husband's 
life,  and  her  companionship  had  cheered  his  soul  when  burdens 
rested  upon  brain  and  heart.  With  large  means  at  command,  when 
in  her  vigor  she  displayed  a  benevolence  for  others  worthy  of  a 
heart  imbued  with  the  teaching  of  Christ.  Her-  interest  in  others 
never  flagged,  and  as  a  memorial  of  the  depth  and  extent  of  that 
interest  is  that  noble  structure  to  her  memory,-  "  The  Methodist 
Orphans'  Home,"  costing  over  ninety  thousand  dollars. 

Edward  T.  Gav  died  in  New  Orleans,  November  22d.     A  mes- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  UFA.  -IOHS  MATHEWS,  >>■  !>■  287 

senger  called  to  arrange  for  his  funeral  from  Centenary  Church. 
In  1843  lie  joined  Centenary  Church,  and  though  living  South  for. 
several  years;  never  changed  his  membership.  He  was  possessed  of 
large  means  and  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  business  capacity. 
On  the  eve  of  my  leaving  New  Orleans,  when  building  the  chapel 
of  Rayne  Memorial  Church,  he  gave  me  not  only  advice  but  a  con- 
tribution. He  is  to  be  buried  on  Friday.  He  belonged  to  a  promi- 
nent family  in  this  city,  one  which  wielded  a  large  influence.  One 
by  one,  the  old  families  are  disintegrating,  and  new  ones  advance 
to  the  places  of  power. 

At  night  of  Thanksgiving  Day,  I  went  down  to  Centenary 
Church  to  hear  Dr.  A.  Coke  Smith,  the  invited  guest  of  the  Union 
Epworth  Leagues.  He  was  to  deliver  the  annual  address.  He  had 
a  vast  audience.  The  programme  was  lengthy,  but  lively.  Dr. 
Werlein  gave  the  address  of  welcome,  a  speech  worthy  of  the 
Doctor.  Mr.  A.  E.  Whitaker  gave  the  response  in  a  brief  talk  well 
conceived  and  appropriate.  After  fine  music,  Dr.  Smith  was  intro- 
duced, and  entertained  both  old  and  young  with  his  address,  which 
is  saying  much.  Sometimes  on  such  occasions,  the  intellectual  ele- 
ment merely  is  addressed;  the  crowd,  not  accustomed  to  processes 
of  thought,  tire  of  such.  Others  ignore  the  intellectual.,  and  give  an 
audience  a  good  deal  of  fun  without  any  instruction.  Dr.  Smith 
speaks  for  both  classes.  His  intellect,  spirit  and  character  elected 
him  Bishop,  in  later  years. 

Was  sent  for  the  next  day,  to  see  a  sick  young  man  who  wanted 
instruction  and  comfort.  His  father,  a  physician,  was  present,  and 
I  found  that  physicians  may  become  cranks.  This  man  began  and 
continued  to  pick  flaws  in  Churches  until  it  became  unpleasant,  not 
only  for  me,  but  for  the  sick  young  man,  who  insisted  not  to  discuss 
such  subjects  ;  but  the  doctor  kept  right  on.  It  was  a  very  un- 
satisfactory call.  Because  I  would  not  discuss  or  try  to  refute  his 
assertions,  he  felt  he  was  master  of  the  occasion,  and  pressed  his 
assaults.  No  one  was  in  a  mood  for  prayer,  or  for  conversation  on 
a  line  with  the  needs  of  the  young  man. 

A  lady  called  to  consult  the  pastor  about  a  divorce  from  the 
son  of  a  prominent  man.  I  urged  that  the  matter  be  deferred,  as 
they  were  both  young,  and  might  make  up  again.  The  divorce  laws 
are'  very  loose  in  Missouri.  It  is  alarming  to  know  the  number 
securing  divorces  on  trivial  grounds.  The  public  mind  is  educated 
bv  these  divorces  to  place  a  low  estimate  upon  the  marriage  vows. 
Went  into  my  private  study  on  Saturday  to  finish  preparation 
for  to-morrow.  The  standing  order  in  my  home  for  Saturday  is. 
"  Can  not  be  seen  unless  absolutely  necessary."  But  every  caller 
says  his  mission  is  imperative.  A  gentleman  called  to  give  me  his 
experience ;  was  once  a  backslider,  now  reclaimed ;  wanted  me  to 
aid  him  in  securing  work.  Another  called,  imploring  my  assistance 
in  securing  a  position.  And  still  another,  earnestly  urging  me  to 
get  employment  for  his  brother.     My  response,  was.  "  How  can  I 


288  PKt! PS  INTO  LIFE. 

recommend  a  person  whom  1  have  never  even  seen !  "  I  was  hardly 
down  at  my  desk,  when  before  my  nerves  were  quieted,  another 
called  to  engage  me  to  attend  a  funeral  to-morrow  afternoon.  One 
may  imagine  how  a  pastor  must  feel  under  such  interruptions. 
What  a  task  to  keep  sweet-spirited,  and  treat  the  visitors  tenderly! 

The  Ladies'  Aid  Society  have  their  all-day  meetings.  These 
gatherings  are  really  enjoyable.  The  ladies  do  a  good  deal  of  sew- 
ing, and  have  a  social  time.  The  pastor  is  expected  to  lunch  with 
them,  and  other  ministers  drop  in,  to  the  delight  of  the  members. 
The  ladies  had  secured  my  photograph,  and  secured  artist  McDon- 
nell to  give  them  a  large  picture.  Without  my  knowledge,  to-day 
.  it  was  to  be  hung  in  place,  in  their  parlor.  It  has  been  their  custom 
to  have  a  portrait  of  their  pastors  hung  on  the  parlor  walls.  There 
was  a  very  fine  attendance.  The  picture  was  unveiled,  to  my  sur- 
prise. A  number  of  pleasantries  passed  between  us.  I  told  them 
playfully,  that  St.  John's  Church  reminded  me  of  Swift's  dancing- 
master — "  Had  every  good  quality  but  one — he  was  lame."  "  You 
are  cheerful,  charitable,  kind  in  action,  helpful,"  I  continued  "  but 
in  spirituality  defective ;  "  'then  I  added,  "  there  is  only  one  person 
at  this  table  who  will  attend  Watch-Meeting!  " 

At  our  prayer-meeting  this  week,  we  had  ninety-five  present. 
I  urged  upon  them  personal  religion.  Amongst  other  things  in  my 
exhortation,  I  said,  "  My  fear  is  that  many  of  the  young  people  of 
our  Church  have  not  been  converted.  They  have  joined  the  Church, 
and  are  moral,  elegant,  and  cultured ;  but  these  qualities  do  not  con- 
stitute regeneration."  I  pressed  prayer  for  their  conversion.  Brother 
Vickroy,  principal  of  one  of  our  public  schools,  spoke  out  and  said, 
"  You  are  right !  "  My  talk  was  not  in  a  captious  spirit,  but  out  of 
a  full  heart,  desiring  they  pass  into  something  beyond  their  best. 

The  last  day  of  the  year,  at  9  p.  m.,  was  at  church  to  hold  our 
Watch-Meeting.  Some  already  on  hand,  and  they  continued  to 
come  until  we  had  more  than  four  hundred.  The  pastor  was  very 
much  encouraged  over  the  attendance.  A  remarkable  fact  was, 
that  after  counting,  we  had  only  eleven  present  who  belonged  to 
St.  John's  when  I  took  charge.  One  official  member,  Mr.  Jesse 
Boogher.  We  had  a  remarkable  meeting.  Five  forward  for 
prayers,  and  three  professed  conversion.  When  the  time  to  make  a 
new  covenant  arrived,  we  sang  the  covenant  hymn,  all  gathering 
as  near  the  platform  as  possible,  and  all  standing.  The  last  three 
minutes  of  the  year  were  spent  in  silent  prayer,  and  when  the  New 
Year  opened  we  arose  and  all  joined  in  singing,  while  shaking 
hands, 

"Oh,  happy  day  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee,  my*  Savior,  and  my  God." 

The  first  Sunday  in  January,  was  our  quarterly  meeting  oc- 
casion. Dr.  Thomas  M.  Finney,  our  Presiding  Elder,  occupied  the 
pulpit.     A  large  congregation  heard  his  strong  sermon  ;  and  as  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  UATBEWS,  D.  D.  289 

invitation  was  given  for  the  ministers  to  come  forward  to  the  com- 
munion, some  one  shouted  out,  "  The  house  is  on  fire!"  For  a 
few  moments  all  seemed  stunned.  The  smoke  rolled  up  through  the 
register  on  the  west  side  of  the  house.  The  Presiding  Elder  and 
myself  said,  "  There  is  no  danger ;  retire  quietly !  "  There  was  no 
panic,  no  screaming;  the  people  passed  out  with  remarkable  com- 
posure. In  the  meantime,  the  janitor  had  gone  to  the  cellar  and 
found  the  joists  of  the  floor  on  fire.  The  register  had  been  closed, 
and  the  tin  nailed  to  the  joists  had  become  red-hot;  the  wood  was 
just  beginning  to  burn.  Water  was  poured  on  the  fire  and  it  was 
'soon  extinguished.  When  the  fire  engines  arrived,  the  danger  was 
over.  At  night  service,  the  house  was  crowded,  and  I  made  one 
of  the  strongest  appeals  of  my  life.  When  I  called  for  penitents, 
nine  young  men,  and  four  young  ladies  come  forward.  It  was  an 
enthusing  sight,  and  created  quite  an  interest.  Possibly  we  had 
present,  at  this  service,  forty  of  the  members  turned  over  to  me; 
the  others  were  new  members  and  visitors. 

I  had  quite-an  experience  with  an  Italian  portrait-painter.  He 
had  annoyed  me  over  painting  my  portrait.  I  assured  him  I  did  not 
desire  a  painting  of  myself.  The  young  men  of  Kansas  City  had 
paid  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  one — and  the  portrait  was 
never  satisfactory.  This  so-called  artist  called  again.  I  insisted  it 
was  unnecessary  to  discuss  the  matter — that  my  means  would  not 
justify  the  outlay.  He  insisted  he  wanted  no  money — would  do  the 
work  simply  for  an  advertisement.  I  refused,  but  he  returned  again 
and  worried  me  for  a  photograph.  At  last  I  borrowed  one  from  a 
lady.  He  left,  and  next  day  returned  to  appoint  a  sitting,  but  re- 
quested me  to  advance  him  money  to  purchase  material — three 
dollars.  I  gave  him  five  dollars,  as  I  had  no  change.  He  came 
again  and  wanted  more  money.  I  positively  refused.  He  got  angry, 
and  placed  my  photograph  on  the  mantel,  and  left  and  I  have  never 
seen  him  since !  When  friends  called  me  "  green  "  to  be  duped,  I 
fell  back  upon  the  old  saying,  "  You  can  persuade  me,  but  can  not 
drive  me !  " 

A  very  worthy  young  minister  of  our  Conference  called.  With 
evident  embarrassment  he  disclosed  his  financial  condition ;  out  of 
shoes,  clothes  and  money.  He  is  pastor  on  a  very  hard  circuit.  To 
my  knowledge  he  had  resigned  a  paying  position  to  go  into  the 
ministry.  My  heart  was  touched  and  I  let  him  have  the  amount 
desired'  A  colored  preacher  called,  whom  I  knew,  who  said  he  had 
succeeded  in  raising  funds  to  finish  his  little  frame  church,  but  had 
no  income  to  purchase  clothes.  He  looked  seedy.  I  requested  him 
to  call  about  noon  at  my  home.  On  reaching  home  I  hunted  up  a 
good  suit  of  my  clothes,  coat,  pants  and  vest,  and  had  them  ready. 
He  was  on  time,  and  manifested  pleasure  over  my  gift.  Not  many 
days  pass  without  special  pleas  for  help. 

By  request  of  the  Preachers'  Meeting,  I  read  a  paper  on  "  The 
New  Theologv.  or  Higher  Criticism."    I  spent  several  weeks  in  its 


290 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


preparation.  The  ministers  gave  me  profound  attention,  and  as- 
sured me  light  had  been  thrown  on  the  subject.  Some  one  informed 
me  that  the  St.  Louis  Illustrated  Life  contained  an  article  about 
Archbishop  Kenrick  and  myself  meeting  on  the  street,  in  the  re- 
cent bad  weather,  and  my  wondering  how  the  aged  prelate  could  be 
out  at  such  a  season.  That  I  was  well  equipped  for  such  a  season, 
and  started  off  to  show  him ;  when  just  then  my  feet  flew  up,  and 
down  I  went!  The  aged  Archbishop  had  to  help  me  up!  When  I 
read  the  article  I  could  but  smile,  as  there  was  not  a  word  of  truth 
in  it ;  it  was  a  made-up  story. 

Mr.  John  Hogan  called  the  third  time  to  see  me  about  assist- 
ing at  the  funeral  of  his  father,  to-morrow  afternoon.  Rev.  John 
Hogan  was  eighty-seven  years  old.  A  man  of  rare  qualities  and 
fine  spirit.  Joyous  to  the  last.  I  was  his  pastor  four  years,  and 
knew  him  well.  At  the  oppointed  hour  I  was  there.  He  was  born 
in  Ireland.  Began  his  ministerial  career  in  Baltimore,  traveled  with 
Bishop  Roberts  for  a  time.  Became  a  famous  preacher  in  Illinois. 
On  one  occasion  I  met  an  elderly  deacon  of  the  Baptist  Church  who 
told  me  that  in  his  boyhood  more  persons  went  to  hear  young  John 
Hogan  than  any  other  minister.  Why  he  located,  I  never  learned. 
He  at  once  took  a  high  stand.  Was  elected  to  the  Illinois  Legis- 
lature. Removed  to  St.  Louis.  Was  city  postmaster,  and  was  at  one 
time  a  member  of  Congress.  He  was  commonly  called  "  Honest 
John  Hogan."  How  he  loved  Centenary  Church !  He  was  a  faith- 
ful attendant  until  enfeebled  by  age.  He  was  mighty  in  prayer. 
His  voice  was  rich  in  tones  which  were  very  effective  with  the 
listener.  There  was  a  large  attendance  at  the  funeral.  The  pastor 
was  in  charge.  Dr.  McAnnally,  senior  editor  of  the  Christian  Ad- 
vocate was  to  have  preached ;  he  started,  but  was  so  feeble  he  gave 
out.  He  had  known  Brother  Hogan  for  forty  years,  and  paid  a 
high  tribute  to  his  memory.  When  he  sat  down,  the  pastor  re- 
quested me  to  speak. 

Ingersol's  lectures  and  statements  being  published  throughout 
the  nation,  I  found  it  necessary  to  defend  the  Old  Book  before  my 
people.  Many  young  minds  were  poisoned  by  his  quibblings  and 
as  many  young  people  heard  me  on  Sunday  evenings,  I  prepared  a 
discourse  on  a  line  that  would  affect  those  not  accustomed  to  logical 
processes.  Ingersol  had  made  some  bold  assertions  in  the  Republic 
recently,  that  were  calculated  to  do  harm.  A  reporter  gave  a 
rather  poorer  representation  of  my  sermon  than  usual.  He  said  in 
part,  "  Dr.  Mathews  designated  the  attacks  on  the  Bible  and  re- 
ligion as  quibbling,  and  said,  '  It  was  in  this  quibbling  that  in- 
fidelity thrived.  The  great  principles  of  the  Bible  were  overlooked 
in  these  unseemly  wrangles  over  insignificant  things.  In  dissecting 
and  analyzing  the  story  of  Jonah  and  the  whale,  the  quibblers  forgot 
all  about  the  great  principles  of  love  and  truth  found  in  the  Bible, 
and  which  have  made  civilized  man  the  noble  creature  he  is,  and 
influenced  him   to  love  his  neighbor  as  himself.'  "      The   reporter 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  2gi 

adds,  "  The  sermon  was  delivered  in  the  style  peculiarly  Dr. 
Mathews'  own.  He  gave  many  facts  in  its  course  to  illustrate  the 
points  he  made.  He  said :  '  For  three  thousand  years  men  have 
been  writing  books,  but  scarcely  five  hundred  have  survived  the 
forgetfulness  of  man,  and  scarcely  fifty  of  the  five  hundred  are 
known  to  the  masses.  Here  is  the  Bible  handed  down  from  the 
ages  past  and  is  the  greatest  force  on  earth ;  on  it  is  founded  the 
laws  of  the  civilized  nations,  and  it  has  created  more  revolutions 
than  all  other  forces,  and  at  the  end  of  each,  has  left  the  nations  in- 
volved, freer.  It  has  corrected  more  errors,  and  better  inculcated 
the  ideal  of  liberty  than  any  other  known  agent,  and  yet  there  are 
men  who  deride  this  Book,  and  scoff  at  its  teachings !  Men  who 
prate  about  reason,  who  are  ignorant  of  the  term  reason.  Some 
people  are  ever  challenging  all  things  but  themselves.  Suppose  I 
challenge  such  an  one,  asking  "  Who  are  you?  "  You  reply,  "  I  am 
a  thinking  animal."  How  do  you  know  you  think?  Such  as  these 
stand  puttering  over  the  punctuation  marks  of  the  Old  Book.  They 
remind  me  of  the  story  of  the  man  who  stopped  the  plow,  and 
wasted  the  time  of  a  man,  a  boy,  and  four  horses — to  catch  a 
mouse!  There  are  pretentious  men  who  quibble  over  things  not 
as  important  as  a  mouse ! '  " 

A  sick  lady  who  knew  nothing  of  me,  only  as  she  read  reports 
of  my  sermons,  sent  for  me.  I  found  her  far  up  town,  surrounded 
with  comforts,  but  sick  not  only  in  body,  but  sick  at  heart.  She 
was  deeply  exercised  over  her  state  of  soul.  This  woman  was  a 
Roman  Catholic.  She  had  an  idea  that  to  be  baptized  was  one  of 
the  essential  things,  stressing  it  with  great  earnestness.  Seeing  her 
desire  to  meet  God's  demands,  I  opened  to  her  mind  the  plan  of 
salvation ;  that  Christ  is  the  Savior  and  not  baptism ;  that  repentance 
and  faith  were  conditions.  As  simply  as,  was  possible,  I  presented 
fact  upon  fact  that  her  mental  eyes  might  see  and  her  mind  might 
take  in  the  true  conception.  The  Holy  Spirit  took  the  Scriptural 
truths  and  so  impressed  them  that  she  accepted  Christ  as  her  Savior. 
She  wept  much.    I  then  baptized  her  and  took  her  into  the  Church. 

To-day  I  learned  of  the  death  of  one  of  the  finest  specimens 
of  Christian  manhood  ever  known  to  me:  The  Hon.  David  Clop- 
ton,  ex-Congressman,  and  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  his  State. 
He  was  a  prominent  Christian.  He  removed  to  Montgomery,  Ala- 
bama, during  my  pastorate  of  Court  Street  Church  in  that  city.  I 
nominated  him  as  Sundav-School  Superintendent,  and  for  more 
than  twenty  years  he  filled  that,  position.  He  was  a  representative 
of  our  Church  to  the  Cape  Mav  Commission  which  met  to  adjust 
difficulties  between  the  two  leading  Methodisms.  Quiet,  thought- 
ful, consecrated  and  true,  he  gave  forth  a  light  as  a  city  set  on  a 
hill.    Earth  is  poorer  for  his  loss. 

By  invitation,  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins  came  to  conduct  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  in  Lafayette  Park  Church,  Dr.  E.  B.  Chappell, 
pastor.     Brother  Hawkins  is  my  son-in-law,  and  a  remarkably  effi- 


292  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

cient  pastor.  I  accompanied  him  over  to  the  Lafayette  Park  Church, 
and  heard  a  strong  sermon.  It  proved  a  profitable  service ;  there 
were  several  forward  for  prayers,  and  some  professed  conversion. 
The  preacher  is  gifted  in  speech,  is  clear  in  his  statements,  enunci- 
ates with  distinctness,  and  holds  the  attention  of  the  people  from 
beginning  to  end.  The  meeting  starts  off  well.  He  has  the  art  of 
seizing  truths  which  affect  men,  and  understands  how  to  impress 
them  with  sledge-hammer  blows.  He  is  called  to  assist  pastors  all 
over  Missouri.  The  following  night  they  had  nine  conversions. 
The  preacher  knows  how  to  get  into  the  heart. 

On  Sunday  evening  our  regular  League  service  was  held.  Miss 
Mary  Lewis  led;  she  is  the  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Lewis,  former 
pastor  of  St.  John's.  Miss  Mary  had  taken  a  most  active  part  in 
this  organization,  as  well  as  a  decided  interest  in  the  "  Young 
Ladies'  Mission."  She  led  finely — a  little  frightened  for  a  moment, 
but  talked  well.  Her  growth  in  personal  piety  has  been  marked  by 
all  those  who  attended  our  meetings.  '  Her  realization  of  responsi- 
bility seems  intensified,  and  she  is  taking  hold  of  Church  work  with 
increased  zeal.  How  experience  has  ripened  and  she  is  not  ashamed 
to  show  it.  There  was  no  sudden  leap  into  action ;  it  was  almost 
imperceptible  at  the  time.    She  was  ripening  for  Heaven. 

We  all  know  that  water  may  be  dammed  up,  but  no  engineering 
skill  can  make  it  run  backward  in  its  own  channel.  It  takes  Divine 
power  to  turn  a  heart  to  God.  Received  a  letter  from  a  mother  im- 
ploring help  for  her  son  who  has  been  under  the  power  of  the 
liquor  habit;  he  sees  his  danger  and  is  trying  to  break  away  from 
the  demon,  but  can  not.  Vain  is  the  help  of  man.  God  alone  can 
furnish  _the  needed  aid.  The  same  day  in  March,  a  gentleman 
awakened  by  attending  revival  meetings  at  Union  MethodisJ  Epis- 
copal Church,  called  to  seek  advice  as  to  how  to  secure  God's  aid. 
In  as  clear  a  light  as  possible,  I  gave  him  what  I  conceived  to  be 
the  Scriptural  plan  of  reaching  God  through  Jesus  Christ.  What 
a  thrill  of  pleasure  stirs  one's  soul  in  portraying  God's  mercy  and 
forgiveness.  It  is  one  of  my  delights  in  life  to  be  able  to  help  a 
penitent  soul  into  the  life  of  goodness!  The  same  evening,  I  at- 
tended a  "  Social  "  at  a  church  of  another  denomination ;  and  was 
comforted  in  going.  A  lady  was  present  who  told  me  her  son  at- 
tended my  ministry  and  had  become  a  new  man.  I  felt  cheered  to 
think  one  may  do  good  and  not  know  it. 

On  March  nth,  as  stated  in  the  Epworth  Herald,  more  than 
two  thousand  eager  Methodists  crowded  the  auditorium  of  the 
Centenarv  Church.  It  was  a  gathering  of  the  Leagues  of  the  Meth- 
odisms  of  the  city.  A  more  blessed  Epworth  gathering  has  never 
been  held.  Miss' Bertha  Arnold  sang  the  stanzas  of  "What  shall 
the  Harvest  be?"  and  every  one  joined  in  the  chorus.  What  a 
chorus!  The  organ  thundered,  the  cornets  shouted;  the  choir  lifted 
up  voices  like  trumpets,  and  from  the  throats  of  two  thousand  young 
Methodists  there   went  out  a   stream   of  joyful   praise.      Then   fol- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  293 

lowed  the  address  of  Dr.  Berry,  of  Chicago.  Said  the  editor  of  the 
Methodist,  "  That  address  will  never  be  forgotten  by  many  of  us. 
It  fairly  bristled  with  good  points  and  held  the  closest  attention  of 
all  to  the  end.  The  Doctor  captured  not  only  the  young,  but  all 
ages  present."  Dr.  Berry  in  his  periodical  says :  '  Rev.  Dr. 
Mathews,  pastor  of  St.  John's  Church,  was  introduced.  He  made 
a  characteristic  speech,  clear-cut,  witty,  pungent,  and  overflowing 
with  practical  counsel  to  young  Christians.  Generous  applause 
greeted  every  paragraph  of  the  stirring  address." 

For  some  time,  as  pastor,  I  talked  up  an  interest  in  behalf  of  a 
revival  meeting.    In  my  visiting  I  found  my  people  generally  more 
than  willing  for  such  a  meeting.     One  lady  told  her  husband  about 
it,  and  at  family  prayers  he  asked  God  to  be  with  us.     It  was  a 
member  I  did  not  know  had  family  worship.  I  discussed  the  meeting 
at  all  our  services,  and  had  others  talk  it  up  until  the  interest  be- 
came encouraging.    Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins  wrote  he  could  be  with  us 
the  Monday  after  Easter.     I  was  somewhat  perplexed  over  who 
should  lead  the  singing.     In  my  perplexity  1  called  on  Mr.  Samuel 
Kennard  to  help  me  out.     Would  he  not  assume  responsibility? 
While  he  did  not  know  a  note  in  the  scale,  he  readily  consented. 
We  had  two  brethren  who  could  lead.     If  I  selected  either,  the 
other  might  decline  to  take  part.     Brother  Kennard  was  friend  to 
both  and  they  could  not  afford  to  charge  him  with  partiality.     I 
wrote  him  a  note  of  request.    He  read  it  in  the  prayer-meeting,  and 
told  the  people  that  the  pastor  had  so  much  to  do,  that  he^  would 
relieve  him  and  arrange  about  the  music,  and  called  a  meeting  for 
that  purpose.    In  due  time  Brother  Hawkins  arrived.    The  day  was 
raining  and  cold ;  he  had  a  chill,  but  met  his  first  appointment,  and 
captured  the  people  with  his  first  sermon.     Several   forward  for 
prayers,  and  two  professed  conversion.     The  meeting  moved  on 
with  accelerating  momentum.     The  second  night  God  was  with  us. 
The  third  night  ten  professed  conversion ;  the  chapel  was  crowded, 
and  the  people  mightily  moved  under  a  stirring  discourse.     The 
meeting  continued  for  ten  days  and  was  a  great  blessing  to  our 
people.    The  editor  of  the  Methodist,  wrote  thus  about  the  meeting : 
"  St.  John's  has  a  revival !    Yes !    A  truly  good  old-fashioned  Meth- 
odist one  at  that.    Dr.  Mathews  and  several  of  the  brethren,  having 
had  the  subject  of  a  revival  in  their  minds  for  several  months  past, 
decided  to  call  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  of  Independence,  to  assist  Dr. 
Mathews,  which  proved  to  be  a  very  wise  choice,  as  evidenced  by 
the  glorious  result  that  followed  each  succeeding  meeting.     Brother 
Hawkins  is  a  young  man,  and  an  earnest  worker;  although  not 
claiming  to  be  an  evangelist,  still  he  possesses  qualities  which  place 
him  in  the  front  rank  as  one  capable  of  presenting  truth  in  a  con- 
vincing manner  to  the  hearts  of  the  people.     We  are  gratified  to 
say  that  about  one  hundred  penitents  were  at  the  altar  during  the 
series  of  meetings."    Through  the  week  the  interest  deepened.     A 
local  preacher  said,  "T  have  not  heard  such  a  revival  sermon  in 


94 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


twenty  years !  "  This  was  said  of  the  Friday  night  sermon.  Fifteen 
were  at  the  altar.  One  lady  sixty-five  years  old  was  reclaimed ;  had 
not  been  to  Church  in  several  years.  Brother  R.  O.  Bolt  with  his 
chorus  choir  leads  the  singing  and  it  is  spiritedly  and  impressively 
done.  The  preaching  is  to  the  unsaved.  Thirty-two  professed  con- 
version during  the  week.  Sunday  was  the  crowning  day.  If  one 
accepts  the  statement  of -some  of  the  original  members, ,"  It  has  been 
the  most  remarkable  in  the  history  of  St.  John's  Church."  The 
Sunday-School  session  was  turned  into  an  evangelical  service. 
Brother  Hawkins  preached  to  the  young  people,  and  held  their  at- 
tention from  the  start,  and  for  twenty-five  minutes  led  them  on  to 
see  their  need  of  Christ.  When  he  called  for  penitents  over  fifty 
came  forward,  and  many  of  them  professed  conversion  and  applied 
for  membership.  It  was  a  glorious  hour!  At  n  o'clock,  the  con- 
gregation packed  the  main  audience  room.  The  preacher  was  at 
his  best,  preaching  with  great  clearness  and  power,  and  moved  the 
whole  audience.  Crowded  as  it  was,  nine  pressed  to  the  altar,  some 
praying  aloud,  and  there  were  four  who  professed  conversion. 
At  night  the  preacher  had  a  great  hearing;  and  his  appeals  were 
effective ;  twenty-five  penitents  at  the  altar  and  nine  were  converted. 
After  the  benediction  one  young  man  remained  on  his  knees.  We 
tried  to  have  him  rise,  but  he  would  not  leave  until  he  was  saved. 
On  Monday  night  another  crowd,  and  eighteen  forward  for  prayers, 
of  whom  twelve  professed  religion.  On  Tuesday  night  twelve  were 
at  the  altar  and  seven  were  converted.  The  Lord  was  in  His  holy 
temple.  The  service  closed  with  a  regular  hand-shaking.  It  was  a 
precious  hour.  The  meeting  lasted  through  Friday — each  night 
several  converts.  Victory  followed  the  work  of  God's  people,  and 
our  meeting  closed  with  a  farewell  hand-shaking. 

At  our  Steward's  meeting,  the  first  Monday  in  May,  we  were 
going  through  our  routine  duties  when  Mr.  Samuel  Kennard  came 
in.  He  stirred  things  up  by  proposing  to  have  the  church's  exterior 
repainted ;  he  suggested  a  committee,  which  was  to  secure  funds. 
Then  the  subject  of  removing  St.  John's  to  a  new  location  came  up. 
Owing  to  the  financial  depression  the  matter  had  been  held  in  abey- 
ance. We  have  about  two  men  on  the  board  who  throw  cold  water 
upon  every  proposition  that  takes  money.  Brother  Kennard  holds 
to  the  lot  he  selected  on  King's  Highway,  where  finally  they  erected 
a  fine  church. 

At  class-meeting  we  had  thirty-two  present,  though  inclement 
weather.  A  young  convert,  all  in  'tears,  said,  "  They  told  me  I  must 
go  to  First  Church  to  get  good  religion."  One  can  not  help  feeling 
indignant  over  insinuations  such  as  this,  that  the  religion  gotten  at 
St.  John's  is  not  good ! 

Civilization  has  been  defined  as  "  The  study  of  welfare."  There 
is  no  nobler  work  than  that  of  giving  a  soul  an  impulse  towards 
high  spiritual  things.  The  people  of  God  are  trying  to  solve  the 
problem:     What  can  be  made  of  the  seventy  million  human  souls 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  295 

on  our  soil  ?    The  present  generation  of  workers  has  done  well,  but 
we  have  not  yet  got  the  best  the  brain  and  heart  can  give.     There 
is  a  finer  wine  in  the  heart  than  has  yet  been  crushed  out.    Three- 
score and  ten  years  ago  our  fathers  longed  to  see  what  we  see,  but 
died  without  the  sight ;  nor  do  we  see  the  results  which  will  follow 
the  next  seventy  years.    Anticipating  mighty  things— great  victories 
in  the  future,  therefore  we  propose  to  organize  our  young  forces 
and  hie  them  on  to  the  conquest  of  the  world  for  Christ.     Bringing 
together  our  young  people  required  much  work,  but  the  committee 
felt  amply  repaid  in  the  result.    As  a  magnet  conveys  to  other  bits  of 
metal  the  peculiar  power  which  itself  possesses,  so  there  is  in  human 
lives  the  same  power  in  a  higher  sense.    It  was  a  scene  worthy  the 
pencil  of  the  painter  as  one  looked  into  the   faces  of  over  two 
hundred  and  fifty  young  men  and  women,  Tuesday  morning,  June 
21  st,  at  9  o'clock,  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  the 
State  Epworth' League  Convention.     Rev.  John  A.Munpower,  of 
the  Missouri  Conference,  led  in  the  devotional  exercises.    Then  fol- 
lowed the  address  of  welcome  and  the  response  by  the  chairman. 
A  committee  on  nominations  for  the  officers  of  the  Convention  was 
appointed,  who  brought  in  the  following  report,  which  was  unan- 
imously adopted:     President,  Dr.  John  Mathews;  vice-presidents, 
Rev.  W.  F.  McMurray,  Rev.  Charles  R.  McCluer,  and  Rev.  Ben.  V. 
Alton;  secretaries,  Rev.  E.  P.  Ryland,  A.  B.  Smith,  and  Howard 
Gambrill.     The  meeting  moved  on  enthusiastically.     The  conven- 
tion lasted  three  days,  closing  Thursday  night  with  a  "  Consecration 
Service  "  of  a  most  remarkable  character.     It  was  an  hour  of  sub- 
lime realizations.    A  long-time  resident  of  Jefferson  City  said  he  had 
seen  many  conventions  assembled  in  the  Capital  City,  but  had  never 
looked  upon  a  convention  so  full  of  interest  as  this.    "  There  was  " 
said  a  writer,  "just  a  sufficient  number  of  older  men  to  give  it 
dignity  and  force."    My  home  during  the  Convention,  was  with  my 
friend',  that  noble  Methodist  layman,  Hon.  Lon  V.  Stephens,  State 
Treasurer.     In  his  delightful  home,  presided  over  by  one  of  the 
most  charming  of  women,  was  everything  necessary  to  add  to  one's 
comfort.     The  pair  were  truly  loyal  to  the  Church.    He  was  after- 
wards elected  Governor,  and  through  his  influence  was  built  that 
beautiful   house   of  worship  named  in  honor   of  his  wife.      Mrs. 
Stephens  was  as  fair  of  face  as  an  apple  blossom — white  and  pink 
and  red  blended  from  cheek  to  brow. 

The  second  day  of  July,  who  should  pay  me  a  visit  but  mv 
long  ago  Alabama  friend,  now  a  pastor  in  Kentucky,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Cottrell,  D.  D.  He  had  a  great  big  heart  and  an  intellect  keen  as  a 
razor.  He  had  hobbies,  and  rode  them  in  the  pulpit.  One  was  that 
children  could  be  so  trained  as  not  to  need  conversion.  This  he 
pressed  on  all  occasions.  He  did  not  remain  in  his  charges  the  legal 
time.  He  chafed  under  his  removals,  never  saw  the  reason,  and 
friends  who  knew  feared  to  tell  him.  Like  a  number  of  our  intellec- 
tual but  unsuccessful  men  to-day.  his  preaching  was  objective.     He 


296 


PVEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


dwelt  almost  entirely  on  outward  things.  He  was  fierce  in  his  attacks 
on  the  liquor  traffic,  and  he  assailed  with  vim  everything  condemned 
by  the  Word  of  God,  but  there  he  halted.  He  was  right  as  far  as  he 
went.  The  successful  preacher  is  also  subjective.  If  I  understand 
the  adjective,  it  describes  a  preaching  which  has  much  to  do  with 
inner  experiences.  The  most  effective  preachers  are  those  who  deal 
with  the  experiences  of  human  souls.  One  delighted  to  hear  Dr. 
Cottrell  occasionally;  he  made  things  spin,  and  kept  the  hearer 
awake.  But  a  soul  hungry  for  food  was  not  fed.  The  Doctor 
preached  in  my  pulpit,  on  Sunday  night,  an  objective  discourse ;  it 
was  wise  and  witty.  The  next  day,  the  Fourth  of  July,  he  accom- 
panied me  to  Forest  Park,  where  picnics  abounded  and  to  one 
friend  I  said  privately,  "  Ask  him  for  a  speech."  He  gave  them 
a  delightful  talk.    Noble  spirit,  he  has  long  been  in  Heaven ! 

In  reviewing  the  year's  work,  I  have  not  reached  God's  best, 
but  faith  says,  "  My  great  prayer  shall  be  answered ; "  the  prayer 
that  forced  my  heart  into  passionate  entreaty  for  our  young  people. 
I  have  given  this  class  special  attention,  studying  how  to  develop 
in  them  the  life  of  God.  The  pastor  was  greatly  reinforced  by  the 
accession  of  a  number  of  young  persons,  amongst  them  was  A.  E. 
Whitaker,  that  indefatigable  worker  as  a  Leaguer,  and  a  Sunday- 
School  officer.  There,  too,  was  young  Mr.  A.  L.  Shalkop,  who  came 
from  Pennsylvania.  He  developed  into  a  spiritual  force  of  large 
moral  worth,  and  finally  decided  he  was  called  to  preach.  He  saved 
his  salary,  and  went  back  to  Pennsylvania,  entered  college,  and 
finally  was  put  in  charge  of  a  Church  in  that  State.  Two  other 
of  my  young  men  entered  the  ministry.  My  pity  has  often  gone 
out  toward  some  honest  young  people  who  adopt  some  error  and 
cling  to  it  feeling  it  is  vital.  They  remind  me  of  a  vine  that  in  the 
month  of  May  comes  up  and  winds  around  only  a  weed ;  the  vine 
desires  to  live  a  half  century,  whereas,  the  weed  will  die  by  the 
smiting  of  the  first  frost.  One  allies  himself  to  an  error  and  soon 
disappears. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OP  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  297 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Third  Year  at  St.  John's. 

On  the  28th  of  September,  1892,  the  session  of  the- St.  Louis 
Annual  Conference  was  opened  at  Kirkwood,  Bishop  Charles  B. 
Galloway  in  the  chair.    To  the  ministers  these  gatherings  are  seri- 
ous epochs  in  life.     Not  much  is  said,  but  feeling  runs  deep  like 
the  undertow  in  the  sea.    What  a  need  the  soul  feels  on  these  ocj 
casions.     We  all  know  there  comes  a  silent  power  upon  the  trees 
which  no  man  sees,  which  breathes  its  mighty  influence  on  the 
forests  till  they  bloom  and  brighten  along  our  hills.     So  a  power 
like  that,   as   silent,  as  irresistible,   is  needed  by  us;  that  power 
is  the  Holy  Spirit.     That  power  so  sustains  that  we  accept  our 
work,  not  knowing  but  we  are  going  to  our  death.     This  session 
was   noted   for   the   number   of   visitors   from   other   Conferences. 
Rev.  H.  C.  Morrison,  D.  D.,  Missionary  Secretary,  was  on  hand. 
He  was  touring  the  Conferences,  trying  to  raise  the  missionary 
debt.     After  a  powerful  and  eloquent  address  he  took  a  collection. 
He  pursued  this  course  day  and  night  until  the  burden  was  lifted — 
a  burden  that  depressed  the  Church  and  crippled  her  energies.    Dr. 
E.  E.  Hoss,  editor  of  the  Nashville  Christian  Advocate,  gave  one 
of  his  short  but  delightful  talks  in  regard  to  the  paper.     Dr.  Wm. 
M.    Leftwich    was  present,    representing    the    Church    Extension 
Society.    The  older  members  greeted  him  with  an  extra  cordiality, 
as  he  was  once  a  member  of  our  Conference  and  a  long  time  con- 
nected with  Missouri  Methodism.     He  has  been  a  wheel-horse  in 
the   Church;   fearless,   faithful,   and  finished   as   a  workman.     Dr. 
J.  E.  Godbey,  once  of  us,  now  of  Kansas  City,  and  editor  of  the 
Southwestern  Methodist,  quiet,  stern,  a  man  of  large  ability,  with- 
out passions.    Then  we  had  that  gifted  man,  Rev.  Dr.  Tigert,  able 
to  work  anywhere  from  a  circuit  pastor  on  to  the  place  of  a  Bishop. 
Dr.  Hammond  was  on  hand,  modest  as  a  maiden,  but  in  appearance 
an  intellectual  autocrat.     The  intrepid  and  giant-like  Dr.  Palmore 
was  oh  hand,  and  handed  over  to  the  Conference  two  hundred 
dollars  as  coming  from  the  profits  on  the  Christian  Advocate^    He 
is  conspicuous  for  his  physical  height,  for  his  travels,  for  his  in- 
tellect, and  as  one  of  the  editors  of  a  Christian  journal  famous  for 
its  religious  news.     Not  the  least  amongst  the  many  visitors  was 
the  President  of  the    Conference  Parsonage  and    Home   Mission 
Society,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Mathews.     She  was  sent  for  to  present  the 
interests  of  the  society  to  the  Conference.     Well  did  she  fill  the 
task  assigned  her,  the  Bishop  giving  her  ample  time  to  prod  the 
pastors  to  a  quickened  zeal  in  so  worthy  a  cause.     There  were  no 


298 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


disturbing  forces  at  work  during  the  session,  and  the  end  came 
when  the  last  question  is  to  be  answered.  How  that  question  sub- 
dues the  ministers !  "  Where  are  the  preachers  stationed  this 
year?"  A  brother  who  was  full  of  activity,  has  heard  a  rumor 
that  he  is  to  be  removed  this  year ;  his  people  ask  a  change ;  he  has 
slipped  to  a  back  seat  and  looks  sober  as  a  judge !  Another  preacher 
is  expecting  one  of  the  best  appointments  in  the  Conference.  Some 
old  sister  had  told  him  she  wanted  him  for  her  pastor.  He  is  on  the 
front  seat,  all  smiles !  Watch  him,  as  his  place  and  name  are 
called!  His  face  becomes  as  white  as  a  sheet,  then  turns  red  by 
turns !  Another  preacher,  never  expecting  much, '  is  equally  dis- 
appointed, when  he  hears  his  name  announced  for  one  of  the  strong- 
est Churches  in  Conference.  He  is  delighted  and  hurries  to  the 
telegraph  office  to  inform  his  anxious  wife  of  his  good  fortune, 
which  means  better  clothes,  better  food,  and  better  opportunities 
for  usefulness !  My  appointment  was  near  the  top  of  the  list,  and  I 
was  returned  as  pastor  of  St.  John's  Church.  The  Official  Board 
had  officially  requested  my  return,  having  learned  that  a  certain 
Church  had  put  forth  effort  to  secure  my  services. 

My  people,  generally,  were  kind  enough  to  give  me  a  warm 
welcome,  which  was  appreciated  by  me.  We  have  some  noble 
Christians  in  St.  John's  Church.  Amongst  them,  especially,  some 
women  of  extraordinary  spiritual  acquisitions :  "  saints,"  in  the 
true  sense  of  the  word.  "  What !  "  says  some  one,  "  saints  in  St. 
Louis  and  in  St.  John's?"  Yes  saints! — saints  of  the  purest 
type!  To  minds  governed  by  prejudice  this  is  a  new  place  to  look 
for  saints.  As  soon  as  certain  names  are  given,  the  older  mem- 
bers will  indorse  what  is  said  with  great  heartiness.  The  mention 
of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Avis,  so  long  a  leader  in  the  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  and  reinforcing  every' enterprise  for  the  good 
of  humanity,  is  one  of  these.  A  lovelier  spirit  could  not  be  found 
in  Missouri.  Whose  heart  does  not  respond,  "  Yes,  a  saint,"  as 
the  name  of  Mrs.  Emaline  Boyle  is  given?  She  was  a  woman  of 
the  rarest  spiritual  qualities  and  a  Christian  worker  of  the  purest 
type ;  a  woman  famous  for  her  power  to  lead  souls  into  the  deep 
things  of  God.  Another  noble  and  elect  lady  is  Mrs.  Caroline 
O'Fallon,  Sr.,  long  connected  with  St.  John's,  and  a  woman  of  great 
ability.  Her  heart  and  purse  were  large  and  open  to  every  ^worthy 
enterprise.  On  the  line  of  work  which  God  called  her  to  do,  she 
was  surpassed  by  none.  Those  who  knew  her  in  her  active  days 
delighted  to  recount  her  benevolence.  There  too,  was  that  devout 
woman,  mother  of  Mrs.  John  J.  O'Fallon,  a  life-long  Methodist 
and  a  woman  of  strong  intellectual  grasp,  and  of  social  power,  in 
her  prime.  Her  heart  was  always  longing  for  Heaven's  best 
spiritual  gifts.  Unassuming,  meek,  and  self-distrustful,  she  served 
her  Lord  in  quiet  hope,  ever,  as  I  knew  her,  hungering  after  right- 
eousness. The  very  name  of  Mrs.  Martin  suggests  purity  and 
goodness.      She  clung  to  Christ  with   a  marvelous  faith.     Among 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV..  .)<>ll\    tiATHBWS,   D.  D.  299 

the  less  conspicuous,  was  Mrs.  Abram  Slater,  a  woman  who  walks 
with  God.    Born  and  reared  in  England,  she  was  a  typical  Wesleyan 
Methodist,  gentle  as  a  fawn  in  spirit,  loving  her  Divine  Master  and 
caring  little  for  social  relations.    Her  presence  is  a  benediction.    At 
the  mention  of  the  name  of  Mrs.  Jane  Finney,  all  the  older  Meth- 
odists agree  as  to  her  sainthood.    She  was  amongst  the  few  original 
Methodists  of  St.  Louis,  and  no  one  surpassed  her  in  her  palmy 
days  in   devotion  or  active  service;  indeed  it  is  doubtful  if  any 
equalled  her  in  active   work.     She  is  the  mother  of  Dr.  T.   M. 
Finney,  Presiding  Elder,  and  a  leader  of  the  forces  of  Southern 
Methodism.     Her  life  was  a  Psalm.     I^ow  hardly  able  to  attend 
the  house  of  God,  she  loves  the  voices  of  prayer,  and  is  looking 
for  the  angels  to   take  her  home.      Mrs.   Caroline   O'Fallon,  Jr., 
possessed    certain    necessary    qualities    which    fitted    her  for    the 
responsible    position    she    held.      From    a    small    beginning,    the 
Orphans'  Home,  under  her .  presidency,  has  grown  to  large  pro- 
portions.   Her  life  has  been  marked  by  deeds  of  benevolence  which 
have  blessed  human  hearts  by  the  hundreds.    Instead  of  pouring  out 
her  means  on  social  functions,  she  gave  of  her  wealth  to  the  further- 
ance of  noble  enterprises,  and  the  benefit  of  those  in  need  not  only 
of  sympathy,  but  pecuniary  assistance.     The  name  of  Mrs.  Mary 
Dillon  suggests  gifts  which  have  been  largely  developed  by  culture, 
qualifying  her  for  the  position  so  ably  filled  as  principal  of  a  noted 
female  institution,  and  an  authoress  who  has  won  renown,  having 
written  that  entertaining  work,  "  The  Rose  of  Old  Saint  Louis." 
This  work  has  been  highly  commended  by  the  journals  of  the  land. 
Another  name  I  can  not  forbear  to  mention  because  of  her  help- 
fulness to  the  pastor,  is  that  of  Mrs.  Hill,  who  was  one  of  the  most 
efficient  helpers  belonging  to  the  Church.     She  did  not  belong  to 
"  the  four  hundred,"  but  did  belong  to  the  one  hundred  and  forty- 
four  thousand !    She  gave  a  large  share  of  her  time  to  looking  after 
those  who  needed  special  attention.    Her  tact  qualified  her  to  do  an 
indispensable  work.     She  filled  a  niche  which  no  one  else  occupied. 
She  mothered  a  number  of  the  new  recruits,  and  her  praises  flow 
from  the  pen  of  her  pastor. 

Mrs.  Mathews,  under  pressure,  agreed  to  act  as  president  of 
the  Protestant  Hospital  of  St.  Louis.  Having  been  elected  to  that 
position,  she  entered  upon  her  duties  with  enthusiasm,  and  much 
was  accomplished  in  behalf  of  the  hospital.  Part  of  its  work  was 
to  train  nurses.  At  the  period  of  graduation  of  several  young 
ladies,  the  officers  granted  the  use  of  our  church  parlors  for  this  ex- 
ercise. It  was  made  an  occasion  of  enjoyable  addresses,  and  brought 
the  institution  to  the  attention  of  a  wider  influence.  The  graduates 
were  furnished  diplomas,  and  refreshments  were  served,  adding  to 
the  pleasures  of  the  evening.  The  parlors  were  thronged.  Mrs. 
Mathews'  friends  furnished  "  Mercy  Cots."  or  free  beds,  for  some 
unable  to  pay  their  way. 

One   Snndav  in   December.   I   lifted   the   missionary   collection. 


3co  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

after  which  a  peculiar  scene  occurred.  Rev.  A.  T.  Osborne,  a  very 
young  preacher,  handsome  and  prudent,  had  visited  the  city  in  order 
to  secure  funds  to  finish  his  church  building.  He  was  in  the  con- 
gregation, and  when  I  had  finished  the  missionary  collection,  I  made 
a  short  talk,  saying,  "  We  have  a  young  brother  present  who  wants 
help  to  finish  a  church  in  his  charge.  He  is  modest  to  a  fault ; 
if  any  of  you  would  like  to  aid  him  it  would  gratify  the  pastor." 
Then  I  said  to  him,  "  Stand  up,  so  they  can  see  you."  How  he  did 
blush!  Then  I  added,  ''Come  up  here  by  my  side;"  but  he 
hesitated.  I  insisted  until  he  stood  on  the  platform  by  my  side, 
then  added,  "  Look  at  him ;  did  I  not  say  what  was  true !  "  By 
this  time  the  congregation  was  all  smiles.  "  Now,"  said  I,  "  if  any 
of  you  want  to  help  him,  come  up  after  the  benediction."  It  re- 
sulted in  his  securing  one  hundred  dollars  of  the  two  hundred  he 
needed. 

On  the  last  night  of  1892,  a  large  number  met  to  spend  the 
closing  hours  in  holy  worship.  Fully  half  of  the  audience  was  ircm 
other  Churches,  who  wished  to  reconsecrate  themselves  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Christ  in  a  new  covenant.  It  was  a  service  of  peculiar 
blessedness,  of  deep  heart-searchings,  confession  and  repentance ; 
men  and  women  seeking  to  enter  the  New  Year  baptized  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  with  new  power.  The  usual  routine  was  followed,  and 
when  we  closed  with  a  song  of  gratitude,  many  souls  went  home 
with  a  new  glow  in  their  hearts. 

There  is  an  unutterable  joy  in  saving  men.  As  in  the  past,  my 
heart  yearns  to  be  used  in  bringing  men  and  women  to  Christ.  Yet, 
good  and  talented  men  sometimes  fail  as  soul-winners.  Are  such 
workers  failures?  While  they  may  build  nothing  themselves,  as 
Phillips  Brooks  says,  "They  suggest  the  need  and  wish  of  building 
to  other  minds  greater  than  theirs.  Think  of  being  the  school 
teacher  of  Shakespere,  or  Milton,  or  Pascal !  "  Often  has  my  heart 
taken  on  new  courage  as  contemplating  possibilities;  that  I  could 
suggest  to  other  souls  lines  of  usefulness  upon  which  I  could  not 
enter  myself.  The  ministers  of  the  city  banded  together  in  some 
union  meetings  to  invoke  Heaven's  help.  The  interest  deepened 
until  it  culminated  in  an  all-night  gathering  at  Dr.  Brooks'  Presby- 
terian Church.  That  was  a  memorable  night.  What  earnest  suppli- 
cations, what  agonizing  for  power — the' Spirit's  power!  The  meet- 
ing was  taken  from  church  to  church.  Went  from  Centenary  to  the 
Second  Baptist,  then  to  Pilgrim  Congregational,  then  to  Dr.  Brooks' 
Church.  At  the  latter,  it  was  my  time  to  preach,  and  I  plead  with 
sinners  until  four  persons  came  forward  for  prayers. 

An  article  in  the  Republic,  of  January  30th,  I  am  free  to  say, 
comforted  me  no  little.  At  the  time,  burdens  were  pressing  me, 
and  my  labors  were  exhausting.  A  writer,  among  other  things, 
said :  "  Probably  you  have  never  noticed  it,  or  had  the  opportunity 
of  noticing  it,"  said  a  Boston  man  who  occupied  a  seat  in  the 
Southern    Hotel    rotunda    vesterdav   afternoon ;   but    until    recently 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHH   MATHEWS,  U.  D.  301 

there  were  three  men  in  this  country  whose  photographs  so  closeh 
resembled  each  other  as  to  be  indistinguishable.  These  were  Bishop 
Phillips  Brooks,  of  Boston,  Air.  Joseph  Jefferson,  the  actor,  and 
Rev.  John  Mathews,  of  St.  Louis.  Bishop  Brooks  and  your  Dr. 
Mathews  bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  each  other,  in  face  and 
head.  The  Bishop,  however,  was  tall  and  straight,  and  walked 
and  preached  with  his  head  thrown  back.  Mr.  Jefferson  and  Dr. 
Mathews,  on  the  contrary,  are  slightly  below  the  medium  height 
and  walk  with  a  stoop  forward,  and  a  thoughtful  bending  of  the 
head.  But  there  was  the  same  indescribable  look  of  child-like  in- 
nocence stamped  upon  the  faces  of  these  three  men— a  kindly, 
sympathetic  look  of  sublime  faith  and  confidence.  Ah,  me!  If 
I  were  to  name  my  three  loves,  they  would  be  Brooks,  Jefferson, 
and  Mathews,  and  I  sorrow  to-day  over  the  loss  of  one  of  them!  " 

On  the  29th  of  February,  Mrs.  Esther  Collins  was  buried.  Is 
that  all?  No!  Her  name  and  memory  have  been  embalmed  in 
many  a  heart.  She  was  not  only  a  Christian,  but  a  charming  woman 
and  a  'devoted  friend.  Her  children  not  only  loved  but  revered  her ; 
and  her  friends  were  linked  to  her  soul  as  with  hooks  of  steel.  She 
loved  the  Church  and  helped  on  the  cause  of  the  Master  in  many 
ways.  She  was  a  person  of  means  and  of  large  benevolences.  Her 
days  closed  in  sunshine.  She  left  in  her  will,  five  thousand  dollars 
to  the  Orphans'  Home.  Her  private  gifts  were  on  a  large  scale,  as 
her  pastor  can  personally  testify.  Her  hand  was  ever  open  to  the 
needy.  She  longed  to  be  in  spirit  like  her  Savior.  Her  qualities 
were  worthy  of  imitation. 

My  son-in-law,  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  being  in  charge  of  ray 
former  pastoral  work  at  Walnut  Street  Church,  Kansas  City,  in- 
sisted on  my  aiding  him  for  a  few  days  in  holding  a  protracted 
meeting.  Walnut  Street  Church  had  been  divided— a  new  house  of 
worship  having  been  erected  on  Troost  Avenue,  and  a  swarm  had 
gone  to  this  new  Church,  amongst  them  a  large  number  of  the 
strongest  supporters  of  our  cause ;  Dr.  J.  J.  Tigert  the  pastor.  Dr. 
Hawkins  was  placed  in  charge  of  Walnut  Street  to  rally  the  forces 
there.  To  aid  the  pastor  I  visited  Kansas  City  and  spent  six  days, 
preaching  every  night,  and  at  11  o'clock  on  Sunday.  The  Kansas 
City  Times,  had  this  to  say,  amongst  other  things,  "  It  is  safe  to  say, 
Kansas  City  never  had  a  more  popular  or  beloved  minister  than 
Dr.  Mathews.  He  was  brought  to  this  city  from  New  Orleans  in 
1881  and  stationed  at  Walnut  Street  Church.  Here  he  remained 
four  years  and  from  the  verv  first  the  house  was  too  small  to  hold 
the  congregations  that  nocked  to  hear  him.  During  his  four  years' 
pastorate  hundreds  were  converted  and  added  to  the  Church ;  several 
new  churches  were  built  in  different  parts  of  the  city,  and  the  cause 
generally  was  much  advanced  along  all  lines."  If  afforded  me  pleas- 
ure to  greet  so  many  of  my  old  friends,  amongst  whom  were  many 
of  my  spiritual  children.    A  large  attendance  from  the  first  indicated 


302  PITEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

the  interest  of  the  people  in  the  meeting.     A  great  blessing  rested 
upon  us  all,  and  souls  were  saved. 

At  home  and  studied  in  view  of  dedication  of  our  new  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  South,  in  Marion,  Illinois.  On  reaching 
Marion,  Illinois,  whither  I  went  to  dedicate  our  new  church,  I  found 
a  gem  of  a  house,  and  the  people  full  of  enthusiasm  over  their  suc- 
cess. Our  people  in  Illinois  wrought  against  fierce  head  winds,  but 
never  faltered.  A  lady,  writing  of  the  event  said :  "  Dr.  Mathews 
arrived  on  Saturday,  preceding  the  day  of  dedication.  When  told 
seven  hundred  dollars  had  to  be  raised  before  dedication,  the  Doctor 
said,  he  hoped  the  Avind  would  not  blow  from  the  East,  as  he  never 
took  a  collection,  if  he  could  help  it,  when  the  wind  came  from  that 
quarter !  We  do  not  think  the  Doctor  at  all  superstitious ;  but  when 
Sunday  morning  came  it  was  cloudy  and  misty,  and  the  wind 
came  from  the  East!  After  a  sermon  which  held  the  crowd,  the 
collection  was  taken,  and  in  a  few  minutes  enough  was  raised  to 
clear  the  indebtedness.  'Then  in  an  impressive  and  happy  way  came 
the  dedicatory  address.  With  thankful  and  happy  hearts,  was  sung, 
'  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow.'  " 

By  invitation  of  Professor  Lanius  I  was  honored  by  delivering 
the  Baccalaureate  address  of  St.  Charles  College.  My  subject  was, 
"  Physical  Religion."  The  attendance  was  large  and  the  interest 
all  that  a  speaker  could  desire.  Among  other  things,  I  said: 
"  Many  sermons  and  addresses  are  given  us  on  the  care  of  the  soul ; 
seldom  is  the  body  considered  in  its  influence  over  the  soul.  The 
more  vigorous  the  body  the  more  vigorous  the  soul  may  become. 
Delsarte  says,  '  The  mouth  has  two  thousand  one  hundred  and 
eighty-seven  phases  of  expression ; '  it  is  therefore  a  most  power- 
ful instrument  of  expression,  for  good  or  evil.  That  was  a  needed 
prayer  of  the  Psalmist.  '  Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth ; 
keep  the  door  of  my  lips.'  " 

One  reason  why  I  consent  to  attend  so  many  Commencement 
occasions,  and  League  meetings  and  Sunday-School  anniversaries, 
is,  there  is  access  to  the  young  heart.  It  is  said,  you  can  not  change 
a  man's  convictions  after  he  has  reached  forty-five  years ;  they  are 
then  crystallized.  But  the  young  mind  is  in  its  formative  state ; 
it  can  be  shaped  and  molded  as  clay  in  the  hand  of  the  potter. 
Some  one  has  said,  "  The  whole  world  is  waiting  to  start  into  far 
higher  action  than  anything  yet  attained,  if  one  could  only  touch 
its  springs."  In  touching  the  young  heart,  one  is  touching  the 
sources  of  action.  Said  another,  "  If  I  wished  to  raise  up  a  race  of 
statesmen,  higher  than  politicians,  animated  not  by  greed  or  selfish- 
ness, by  policy  or  party,  I  would  familiarize  the  boys  of  the  land 
with  the  characters  of  the  Bible !  "  Take  our  youths  between  six- 
teen and  twenty  and,  frivolous  as  they  seem,  they  do  more  deep 
thinking,  than  does  the  man  at  any  later  period  of  equal  duration. 
At  that  period  the  greatest  of  all  problems  confronts  them :  "  What 
are  we  to  do  with  our  life?  "    Take  von  lad ;  he  stands  face  to  face 


W  TOBIOQRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  303 

with  necessities  for  action.  He  can  not  evade  a  decision.  He  must 
go  up  or  go  down.  At  this  stage  of  existence  a  minister  has  few 
listeners  who  carry  away  more  of  the  sermon  than  these  young 
minds.  If  I  can  help  to  transform  them  into  moral  beauty,  I  am 
recruiting  for  Heaven. 

Rev.  W.  R.  Mays  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  St.  Louis  District 
at  our  last  Annual  Conference.  He  is,  in  the  parlance  of  Meth- 
odism, "  a  safe  man."  Not  brilliant,  as  some  express  it,  but  a  true 
and  safe  leader.  Preaches  a  fine  and  instructive  Gospel  sermon, 
and  looks  after  the  work  of  the  District  with  a  keen  eye.  He  is 
universally  esteemed  for  his  personal  worth  and  his  zeal  in  behalf  of 
the  Church.  His  value  grows  upon  one  as  he  becomes  known.  He 
is  rather  too  unassuming.  He  is  conservative ;  we  all  know  the 
advance  of  the  Church  needs  the  backward  grip  of  conservatism  as 
well  as  the  forward  impulse  of  progress.  A  locomotive  needs  a 
brake  as  well  as  a  driving-wheel. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Society  was 
largely  attended.  Delegates  are  alive,  and  all  honor  the  one  woman 
whose  zeal  had  never  fagged — Mrs.  Elizabeth  Avis.  Dr.  M.  B.  Chap- 
man delivered  the  special  address.  While  the  subject  has  been  dis- 
cussed and  threshed  over  and  over  again,  the  Doctor  presented  the 
cause  of  missions  in  a  new  garb  and  thrilling  with  new  facts.  His 
addresses  are  always  finished  productions.  The  reports  and  speeches 
of  the  ladies  were  of  such  a  nature  as  to  indicate  a  steady  advance. 

Many  of  St.  John's  people  spend  their  summers  on  the  lake 
sides,  or  in  Canada,  or  in  other  quiet  nooks.  Upon  information, 
my  people  carry  their  religion  with  them.  They  mostly  honor  them- 
selves by  honoring  their  Master.  There  are  Church  members  who 
pack  up  their  religion,  fon  the  hot  months,  in  camphor,  as  people 
pack  up  their  winter  clothes!  This  may  be  a  peculiar  statement; 
nevertheless,  it  is  true.  In  the  winter  they  rarely  miss  Church  on 
Sunday  morning.  It  is  something  remarkable  how  easily  they  slip 
out  of  the  old  habit  into  the  new.  At  the  watering-places,  to  go 
to  Church  is  a  tax,  and  their  light  is  hid  under  a  bushel.  No.  one 
dreams  they  were  prominent  Church  workers  in  winter ! 

I  attended  the  Pertle  Springs  Assembly,  this  year.  Great  en- 
thusiasm was  manifested  over  this  first  meeting.  The  committee 
projected  quite  a  programme,  assigning  special  subjects  for  each 
day.  We  met  July  nth  to  consider  the  subject  of  "Education." 
It  would  be  difficult  to  discriminate  in  the  able  discussions  on  this 
problem.  As  the  subject  unfolds,  one  is  almost  ready  to  say,  the 
Church  is  yet  in  her  "AB  C's  "  of  education.  The  next  day  was 
given  to  Missions,  home  and  foreign.  One  day  was  not  enough 
for  these  grave  subjects.  What  part  are  we  to  play  in  the  conver- 
sion of  the  nations?  Two  days  are  given  to  these  societies.  Some 
able  papers  were  read  and  discussed  with  much  vigor  and  ability. 
Two  days  were  given  to  the  Epworth  League.  The  young  people 
were  on  hand  from  all  over  Missouri. '  The  interest  displayed,  and 


304  '  Ptf&PS  INTO  LIFE. 

the  activity  of  these  young  minds  led  us  to  hope  great  things  for  the 
future  of  our  Church.  On  the  programme,  provision  was  made  for 
a  pay  lecture  to  aid  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Assembly,  and 
by  appointment  of  the  committee  I  was  to  deliver  the  lecture.  The 
Tabernacle  is  large  and  it  was  crowded.  I  went  alone  from  my 
room,  and  not  being  known  to  the  ticket  agent,  he  would  not  allow 
me  to  pass  in  until  I  paid!  I  had  to  pay  to  hear  myself  lecture  on 
"  Mental  Quackery."  I  began  by  saying,  "  Dr.  Tigert  is  a  micro- 
cosm !  "  From  that  sentence  I  dashed  into  my  theme  with  vim. 
Sunday  was  a  great  day.  As  I  was  too  busy  a  man  at  that  period  to 
keep  a  diary,  I  can  not  recall  the  chief  actors  throughout  that  meet- 
ing; only  I  remember  many  took  part.  At  3  p.  m.  on  Sunday  it 
fell  to  my  lot  to  preach  the  sermon.  At  night  was  held  the  most 
impressive  service  of  all,  a  consecration  meeting.  It  was  conducted 
by  A.  E.  Whitaker,  and  was  a  time  of  great  heart-searching  and 
deep  purpose  to  lay  all  upon  God's  altar.  Monday  was  given  to 
Sunday-Schools.  We  closed  at  1 1  a.  m.,  in  time  to  take  the  train  for 
home.  The  forces  of  the  Churches  scattered  to  all  points  of  the 
State,  conveying  the  holy  fire  with  them. 

A  timid  woman,  far  advanced  in  years,  sent  for  me.  She  had 
reached  the  point  to  openly  acknowledge  Christ  in  the  act  of 
baptism.  The  interview  was  one  deeply  touching.  A  fine  character, 
long  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  confessing  Christ,  now  feeling 
her  timidity  must  be  overcome,  opened  her  heart  to  the  conditions 
of  the  Master  and  throwing  herself  upon  His  mercy  could  say  from 
an  overflowing  penitence,  "  Take  my  poor  heart  and  let  it  be,  for- 
ever closed  to  all  but  Thee."  When  pastor  at  Centenary  Church,  a 
very  aged  man  applied  to  be  received  into  the  Church.  He  was  one 
hundred  and  nine  years  old.  His  reception  on  profession  created 
a  sensation,  and  the  press  took  up  the  case  and  discussed  it  with 
deep  and  sympathetic  interest.  The  old  gentleman  afterwards  be- 
came an  inmate  of  the  Old  People's  Home  on  Grand  Avenue.  He 
resided  there  for  several  years.  His  interest  in  Christ  increased 
with  his  years. 

Having  been  solicited  several  times  to  attend  Kavanaugh  camp- 
meeting  I  consented  to  do  so  this  summer.  My  soul  being  con- 
tinually stirred  in  behalf  of  others,  I  longed  to  lend  a  hand  to 
human  necessity.  The  process  of  perishing  is  going  on  day  by  day, 
but  men  do  not  see  it.  Sin,  like  a  cinder  in  the  eye,  inflames  it,  and 
shuts  out  the  vision.  Christ  was  sent  to  arrest  man's  perishing 
condition.  Believing  that  present  action  will  do  more  to  prevent 
decay  and  help  our  fellow  men  than,  tomes  of  speculation ;  knowing 
that  one's  duty  is  in  the  present  tense,  and  to  contribute  what  in- 
fluence I  may  possess  to  stay  the  process  of  decay,  I  journeyed  to 
this  camp-meeting.  From  a  Louisville  paper,  I  copy  part  of  an 
editorial :  "  At  the  camp-meeting  now  in  progress  at  the  ground, 
some  of  the  services  are  conducted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews, 
one  of  the  widest  known  and  most  beloved  Methodist  preachers  in 


M  TOBWURAl'UY  OF  KEY.  JOSH  MATHEWS,  L).  U. 


305 


the  South.  He  is  a  man  nearing  the  end  of  life,  but  is  one  of  the 
most  vigorous  and  effective  preachers  in  the  Alethodist  Church. 
Dr.  Mathews  is  doing  much  good  at  Kavanaugh,  and  at  the  services 
he  conducts  his  hearers  can  not  but  be  impressed  at  the  homeliness 
of  his  speech  and  the  great  earnestness  of  the  man.  He  is  making 
converts  all  the  time."  I  arrived  in  time  to  preach  at  the  morning 
hour  of  August  nth,  and  for  five  days  I  preached  the  Gospel  of 
the  Grace  of  God.  I  not  only  had  in  view  the  conversion  of  the 
unsaved,  but  the  building  up  of  believers.  This  noted  spot  is  well 
adapted  as  a  "  retreat,"  where  souls  may  replenish  wasted  energies, 
and  make  moral  ascents  toward  God.  There  are  three  classes  of 
believers.  The  first  class  live  by  faith ;  the  second  class  have  a 
Divine  afflatus  upon  them  and  they  speed  along  as  if  borne  on  in 
a  gale ;  the  third  class  are  those  whose  life  is  absolutely  one  of 
consecration  and  triumph.  In  the  nine  themes  discussed  by  me  the 
object  of  reenforcing  God's  people  was  ever  in  mind ;  step  by  step 
the  aim  was  to  carry  the  soul  into  higher  realms.  Many  a  soul  cried 
out, 

"Look  down  on  me,  for  I  am  weak, 

I  feel  the  toilsome  journey's  length. 
Thine  aid,  Omnipotent,  I  seek, 
Thou  art  my  strength!" 

On  the  30th  of  August,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  the  wife  of 
our  Presiding  Elder,  Mrs.  Mays.  It  was  a  sad  funeral.  She  was 
young,  and  left  two  children  to  be  cared  for  and  trained  by  others. 
Her  preeminence  as  a  Christian  I  had  heard  of  before  I  met  her.  A 
personal  acquaintance  confirmed  the  impression  as  to  her  special 
qualities  as  a  Christian,  willing  to  do  what  the  Master  wanted  her 
to  do.     She  has  passed  up  the  shining  way  into  glory ! 

That  great-brained  and  devout  man,  Dr.  Potts,  of  Canada,  oc- 
cupied St.  John's  pulpit,  September  3d.  The  Doctor's  sermon  made 
a  profound  impression  upon  the  large  audience  which  gathered  to 
hear.  There  was  but  one  opinion  expressed — that  we  had  a  great 
Gospel  sermon.  He  is  a  Methodist,  and  a  man  famous  on  several 
lines  of  Christian  work.  He  was  in  St.  Louis,  in  attendance  at 
the  International  Sunday-School  Convention.  Much  progress  has 
been  made  in  this  important  work.  The  Convention  is  preparing 
the  way  of  the  Lord.  This  arm  of  service  belongs  to  the  troops  of 
God.  Many  talented  men  and  women  took  part  in  this  great  Con- 
vention. A  life  devoted  to  doing  business  for  God,  is  the  great 
power  on  earth.  I  emphasize  that  word  "  power  "  because  it  carries 
such  a  tremendous  meaning.  The  word  "  influence "  is  usually 
emphasized,  but  it  is  not  a  Bible  word ;  it  is  never  found  in  the  New 
Testament,  and  but  once  in  the  Old.  Influence  is  an  icy  word 
What  is  needed  is,  to  be  endued  with  "  power."  These  men  are 
thus  endued,  and  go  forth  to  save  the  new  generation. 

Our  people  began  to  return  during  September,  and  religious 
societies  assumed  their  old  proportions  and  vitality.     The  last  col- 


3°6 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


lection  was  for  Conference  claimants — superannuated  preachers, 
widows  and  orphans.  It  is  comparatively  little  trouble  to  secure  the 
assessments  on  St.  John's  Church.  Our  last  Quarterly  Conference 
convened,  and  attended  to  routine  work ;  W.  W.  Harris  was  licensed 
to  preach,  and  recommended  to  the  Annual  Conference  to  be  taken 
on  trial.  At  one  of  our  Stewards'  meetings  the  question  was  pro- 
pounded to  me,  "  Will  it  be  necessary  for  us  to  pass  resolutions 
asking  your  return  ?  "  I  responded,  "  No,  it  is  not  necessary,  as  I 
have  heard  of  no  effort  being  made  to  have  me  appointed  else- 
where." At  the  closing  up  of  each  year  strenuous  and  open  action 
had  been  taken  to  have  me  appointed  elsewhere ;  this  year  I  had 
heard  of  no  movement  on  that  line.  So  I  assured  the  Board.  I 
wanted  to  fill  out  my  four  years  with  this  Church.  After  what 
finally  occurred,  I  learned  that  unusual  plans  were  secretly 
carried  out  to  influence  the  Bishops  to  return  me  to  a  former  charge. 
I  am  closing  one  of  the  most  useful  years  of  my  long  ministry.  God 
has  blessed  the  cooperative  labors  of  pastor  and  people.  We  had 
a  net  increase  of  fifty-three.  We  raised  all  assessments,  and  on 
foreign  missions  we  raised  seven  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  over 
our  assessment.  For  all  purpose  we  raised  just  about  twenty-three 
thousand  dollars.  This  in  a  time  of  financial  depression.  On  the  last 
Sunday  night  of  my  pastorate,  at  about  midnight,  I  was  awakened 
from  sleep  by  a  reporter,  who  informed  me  that  I  was  to  be  removed 
from  St.  John's,  and  Dr.  J.  W.  Lee,  of  Georgia,  was  to  take  my 
place.  I  was  surprised,  and  said,  "  I  reckon  not."  His  reply  was, 
"  We  have  received  a  telegram  from  our  confidential  correspondent 
in  Atlanta,  stating  that  Dr.  Lee,  on  that  morning,  in  his  pulpit,  had 
announced  his  transfer  to  St.  John's  Church."  I  said  very  little, 
but  thought  a  good  deal.  I  knew  it  meant  my  return  to  Centenary 
charge,  which  I  somewhat  dreaded.  Later  on,  the  entire  matter 
was  told  me  by  one  of  the  leading  Stewards  of  Centenary  Church. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  />.  307 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 
Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary. 

The  Conference  opened  at  West  Plains,  September  27th,  1893, 
Bishop  Duncan  presiding.  These  annual  gatherings  are  epochs  in 
the  life  of  the  preacher.  He  meets  his  brethren,  talks  over  his 
victories  and  his  defeats,  and  has  cheerful  association  with  kindred 
spirits.  He  listens  to  the  Gospel  from  lips  touched  by  the  finger  of 
God ;  his  heart  melts  like  wax  in  the  sun,  and  his  soul  is  reinvigor- 
ated  for  the  coming  campaign.  When  the  appointments  are  an- 
nounced what  a  picture  is  presented!  One  brother  with  eyes  filled 
with  tears  and  his  soul  wrung  with  anguish,  starts  to  his  work. 
Another  with  smiles  on  his  face  and  a  song  on  his  lips,  utters  his 
good-bye,  •  feeling  that  God  will  open  his  way.  Another  with  a 
white  face  from  surprise,  says  to  his  friend,  "  I  would  not  mind  it, 
but  for  Mary  and  the  children !  "  But  they  go,  and  eight  times  out 
of  ten  it  turns  out  better  than  was  expected.  Some  even  return 
brimming  with  joy.  Bishop  W.  W.  Duncan  not  only  preached  ably 
but  talked  wisely  on  various  topics.  His  sentences  are  sometimes 
crisp  and  sharp,  but  helpful.  He  presides  with  great  ease,  and  with- 
out seeming  to  be  in  haste,  yet  carries  through  the  business  on  time. 
In  my  judgment  his  administration  is  unsurpassed  in  its  value. 
At  the  close  of  the  Conference,  Bishop  Duncan  returned  me  to 
Centenary  Church,  after  an  absence  of  three  years.  I  received  the 
announcement  with  mingled  feelings  of  hope  and  fear.  Hope  for 
usefulness,  and  fear  that  the  changed  conditions  might  not  be 
handled  successfully.  My  predecessor,  Dr.  Werlein,  had  a  most 
difficult  task.  Dr.  Carradine  had  been  removed  at  the  close  of  one 
year.  He  had  won  many  friends  and  his  removal  stirred  up  a  kind 
of  Church  panic.  Dr.  Werlein  had  his  hands  and  heart  full.  Quite 
a  number  withdrew  to  follow  Dr.  Carradine  to  First  Church. 
Matters  were  settling  down,  when  I  was  appointed  to  Centenary. 

As  I  entered  upon  my  work  my  soul  went  out  to  God  in  prayer 
for  guidance,  help  and  success.  There  is  a  sense  in  which  everv  one 
has  what  he  wants.  If  the  heart  longs  for  Christ  there  is  provision 
for  that  hunger.  Some  one  says,  "In  the  woods,  birds  have  no 
hunger  for  food  not  to  be  had."  So  the  very  existence  of  this  thirst 
for  Christ  is  proof  of  a  supply.  My  feet  turned  toward  my  new 
field  where  it  is  white  unto  the  harvest,  and  where  I  hope  to  hear 
the  reaper's  sickle  ring  against  the  wheat.  On  October  4th,  I  was 
greeted  by  a  large  company  at  the  prayer-meeting.  The  reception 
was  enthusiastic.  The  cooperation  of  all  parties  was  implored,  and 
an  expression  sought.  A  large  number  pledged  to  lend  their  aid. 
The  work  of  God  lags  through  indolence.  The  forces  rallied  around 


308  TBEP8  INTO  LIFE. 

the  new  pastor  with  a  deep-set  purpose.  This  my  first  service  was 
a  "  Purpose  meeting."  Daniel  had  a  purpose  not  to  drink  wine ; 
Paul  to  go  to  Rome;  the  prodigal  son  to  return  home.  Christ's 
purpose  was  to  save  the  world.  When  the  meeting  was  thrown 
open,  after  a  moment's  pause,  Brother  John  P.  Boogher  arose 
and  told  of  his  purpose  to  do  more  than  ever  for  the  cause  of 
the  Christ.  Sister  Skinner,  in  her  sweet  way,,  assured  the  pastor 
of  her  purpose  to  do  what  she  could  to  help  on  the  Holy  Cause. 
Then  Mrs.  Jennie  Urner,  who  under  my  former  administration  re- 
inforced me,  told  of  her  purpose  to  continue  to  do  what  she  could 
to  advance  the  work  of  Salvation.  Brother  George  A.  Baker  as- 
sured us  of  an  active  part  in  trying  to  save  souls ;  Murray  Carleton 
arose  in  his  place  to  assure  the  pastor  that  his  heart  was  with  him. 
Then  Mrs.  Abel  followed,  and  others — men  and  women — talked 
until  the  pastor's  hopes  were  above  his  fears,  and  when  a  general 
hand-shaking  ended,  faith  sprang  up  and  Divine  assurance  thrilled 
the  pastor's  soul.  Dear  Brother  Lockwood  spoke  with  a  fervor 
which  started  a  wave  of  holy  feeling  that  swept  our  hearts  of  doubt. 
Being  anxious  to  unify  our  people,  my  first  sermon  was  on,  "  Christ- 
Life,  and  its  Development."  Text,  "  But  speaking  the  truth  in  love, 
may  grow  up  into  Him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  head,  even  Christ." 
At  night,  the  text,  Philemon  15-19,  "  Mercy  for  the  sinful."  Three 
joined  the  Church.  The  audiences  were  all  that  could  be  desired. 
Thus  my  flag  was  unfurled  to  wave  until  my  time  expired. 

During  the  week  conducted  four  funerals.  One  of  these  was  of 
a  child  who  died  of  diphtheria.  The  day  was  rather  cold,  and  there 
could  be  no  fire  kindled ;  and  for  some  cause  the  funeral  was  de- 
layed an  hour.  Went  to  Bellfontaine  Cemetery,  and  stood  on  the 
damp  ground ;  all  of  which  resulted  in  a  spell  of  sickness.  An 
abscess  formed  in  my  good  ear ;  the  other  ear  having  been  dead  for 
thirty-seven  years.  When  I  recovered,  my  hearing  was  very  de- 
fective from  that  on.  However,  I  was  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  as 
all  the  physical  infirmities  which  affect  me  were  the  outcome  of 
devotion  to  my  work,  no  murmur  has  escaped  my  lips. 

It  took  but  a  few  days  to  become  adjusted  to  my  new  harness. 
I  was  soon  in  full  action.  On  Sunday  morning  attended  Sunday- 
School,  preached  at  10:30,  and  received  fourteen  into  the  Church. 
Then  attended  the  afternoon  Sunday-School.  It  had  in  two  weeks 
leaped  from  forty-two  in  attendance  to  six  hundred  and  fifty-five. 
This  advance  was  due  to  the  action  of  Dr.  C.  F.  Simmons,  who  at' 
my  instance  took  charge  of  the  school.  He  not  onlv  sent  out 
workers,  but  advertised  in  the  papers  for  scholars.  His  method 
secured  the  attendance.  Many  stood  off  and  criticised,  and  others 
prophesied  evil,  but  the  work  went  on  until  the  attendance  reached 
twelve  hundred  and  sixty.  He  was  lavish  with  money,  but  it 
was  out  of  his  own  pocket.  All  aggressive  movements  excite  com- 
ment. On  the  following  Sunday  evening  our  Young  People's 
League  had  an  attendance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty.     Some  acces- 


1/  TOBIOQRAPHT  OF  BUY.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  309 

sions  to  the  Church,  and  large  audiences  attended  the  Word 
preached.  At  class  fifty-one  present.  For  ten  days  I  was  unable 
to  fill  my  pulpit.  With  my  duties  in  the  Church  and  the  effort  to 
find  and  visit  my  people,  I  overtaxed  my  physical  power  and  was 
compelled  to  take  to  my  bed.  Having  been  sick  during  the  first 
days  of  November,  on  the  12th  I  was  able  to  attend  Church  and 
listen  to  Dr.  Chapman  discourse  to  my  people.  He  is  always  clear, 
cogent  and  efficient  in  the  pulpit. 

Unwell  as  I  had  been,  yet  as  per  appointment,  on  the  25th  of 
November,  I  arrived  in  Fayetteville,  Arkansas,  to  preach  the  com- 
mencement sermon  before  the  State  University.  Sunday  morning 
opened  in  gloom,  and  rain  began  to  pour  down  in  sluices.  The 
carriage  sent  for  me  was  water-proof,  bpt  I  was  apprehensive  of  a 
return  of  fever.  The  University  buildings  were  in  the  suburbs,  and 
many  were  prevented  from  attending  on  account  of  the  storm. 
However,  there  was  quite  an  audience,  and  I  discoursed  on  "For 
God  who  caused  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shined 
in  our  hearts  to  give  the  light  of  the  glory  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 
My  purpose  was  to  tone  up  the  faith  in  young  hearts,  and  to  dispel 
doubts.  In  the  afternoon  the  rain  ceased,  and  at  night  I  preached 
in  the  Methodist  Church  to  a  packed  house.  The  topic  was,  "  God's 
Method  of  Salvation."  As  Spurgeon,  the  celebrated  London 
preacher  said,  so  say  I,  "  Men  may  preach  the  Gospel  better  than  I ; 
but  none  can  preach  a  better  Gospel."  So  many  people  allow  them- 
selves befogged.  The  brains  of  some  are  too  misty  to  perceive  the 
plain  truths  of  Christ. 

On  November  30th,  Thanksgiving  Services  were  held  in  Cen- 
tenary, with  a  sermon  by  Dr.  James  W.  Lee.  The  preacher  is 
talented,  always  fresh,  and  at  times  amusing.  It  is  difficult  to 
characterize  his  preaching.  At  the  end  of  some  of  his  best  points 
you  find  an  interrogation  mark.  He  is  a  fine  lecturer,  and  on  special 
occasions  is  often  unequaled.  For  years  the  Southern  Methodists 
have  held  a  union  Thanksgiving  service  in  response  to  a  Proclama- 
tion by  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  Nation.  Rarely  have  a  full 
house/  Some  tell  you  they  see  nothing  for  which  to  be  grateful. 
There  are  those  who  would  grumble  at  the  accommodations  in 
Heaven  if  fortunate  enough  to  get  there.  Others  take  their  daily 
blessings  so  much  as  a  matter  of  course,  that  an  annual  Thanks- 
giving is  more  than  they  feel  any  need  of.  There  are  persons  always 
so  despondent  thev  are  ever  fearing  for  the  worst.  Glumness  seems 
to  be  their  native  element.  What  a  joy  it  is  to  be  born  with  a  cheer- 
ful spirit ;  and  if  not  born  with  this  quality  what  a  triumph  of  grace 
to  be  made  grateful  through  a  renewed  heart !  In  my  experience, 
thankfulness"  has  been  generated  by  grace.  My  childhood  was  not 
a  season  of  delight,  but  grace  has  made  me  overflow  with  gratitude 
for  the  way  God  has  led  and  used  me. 

On  Thanksgiving  night  Dr.  Steel  was  present  by  invitation  to 
deliver  one  of  his  celebrated  lectures.     There  was  a  great  jam  to 


310  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

hear  this  gifted  orator.  His  subject  was  "  Book-Lore."  For 
an  hour,  we  were  entertained  and  instructed.  The  secret  of  his 
power  is  often  discussed.  His  language  is  always  chaste,  generally 
eloquent.  His  voice  is  not  of  a  superior  quality,  and  his  personality 
is  not  imposing.  What  gives  Steel  his  mastery  over  an  audience? 
No  one  can  sum  it  up  and  say,  "  It  is  here !  "  Yet  there  are 
qualities  which  give  him  the  ability  every  orator  possesses.  Take 
his  enunciation,  which  is  very  fine.  Every  vowel  comes  out  round' 
and  clear.  This,  coupled  with  a  certain  degree  of  lung  power,  and 
his  voice  keyed  to  a  certain  pitch,  commands  attention.  Then,  he 
has  studied  emphasis.  Sometimes  he  thrills  you  by  the  way  he 
uses  a  single  word.  Some  of  the  thinkers  fail  because  unheard. 
There  are  pulpit  men  who  consume  midnight  hours  and  oil  in  prep- 
aration for  the  pulpit,  who  in  the  public  reading,  appear  to  the 
weary  hearer  to  be  pouring  a  confidential  communication  into  the 
ear  of  the  white-haired  man  in  the  first  pew !  Dr.  Steel  never  talks 
as  if  half  asleep.  He  is  alive,  eloquent,  witty,  self-poised  and  a 
word-painter. 

We  held  our  first  Quarterly  Conference,  our  Presiding  Elder, 
Dr.  Werlein,  presiding.  We  started  off  well  for  the  year.  The 
Doctor  preached  on  Sunday  night  to  a  vast  congregation,  and  gave 
a  very  strong  sermon,  full  of  thought  and  delivered  with  vigor.  He 
is  an  accomplished  pulpiteer.  On  Thursday,  Dr.  Simmons  held  a 
"  Social  "  for  his  afternoon  Sunday-School,  furnishing  elaborate 
refreshments  at  his  own  expense.  The  following  Sunday  afternoon 
there  were  in  attendance  one  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixteen. 
Many  of  our  Churches  have  croakers  to  carry.  They  are  persons 
who  only  see  shadows  when  the  sun  shines.  Men  who  in  every 
mole-hill  see  a  mountain.  They  are  always  bemoaning  the  back- 
slidings  of  the  Church  and  "  picking  holes  in  the  sleeves  of  the 
godly."  The  aggressive  measures  of  Dr.  Simmons,  to  gather  in 
children  and  young  people  who  rarely  attend  Church,  were  severely 
censured  by  persons  who  never  lent  their  aid  to  rescue  perishing 
souls.  Dr.  Simmons  paid  his  own  money,  by  which  hundreds  were 
brought  under  the  teachings  of  Jesus.  The  pastor  stood  by  and 
defended  him,  because  it  was  a  great  work,  sowing  for  eternity. 

Soon  after  my  appointment  to  this  Church  some  one  competent 
to  the  task  furnished  an  account  of  the  origin  and  growth  of  Cen- 
tenary Church.  "  It  was  founded  in  1839,  in  commemoration  of 
the  Centenary  anniversary  of  the  founding  of  Methodism,  which 
was  celebrated  that  year.  On  November  9th,  1841,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  purchase  a  site.  They  selected  the  southwest 
corner  of  Broadway  and  Pine,  and  a  small  frame  chapel  was 
erected,  and  the  work  organized.  This  chapel  became  too  small, 
and  a  large  one  of  brick  was  built,  costing  ten  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  May  10th,  1842,  conducted  by 
Bishops  Roberts  and  Ames.  December  31st,  1843,  the  basement 
was  occupied,  a  Watch-Meeting  being  held.     The  following  spring 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  3u 

the  house  was  completed  and  dedicated.  In  1844,  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  divided,"  after  which  the  Church  flourished.  Just 
before  the  war  a  branch  Church  was  established  at  Sixteenth  and 
Walnut,  and  was  carried  on  until  the  location  of  the  main  Church 
was  moved  to  Sixteenth  and  Pine,  when  the  branch  was  absorbed. 
Very  little  was  done  during  the  civil  strife.  After  that  great 
struggle,  the  work  began  to  flourish.  In  1867,  under  the  Presiding 
Eldership  of  Dr.  Thomas  M.  Finney,  it  was  decided  to  move  west- 
ward. The  Board  of  Stewards  had  the  matter  in  hand  and  selected 
the  present  site.  The  old  church  was  sold  for  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  The  corner-stone  of  the  present 
building  was  laid  on  May  10th,  1868,  and  on  May  28th,  1871,  the 
Church  was  dedicated.  Bishop  Keener  preached  the  sermon,  Bishop 
Marvin,  Dr.  McAnnally,  Dr.  Finney,  and  the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  D.  N. 
Campbell,  taking  part  in  the  exercises.  The  building  cost  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  Twenty  thousand  dollars  was 
needed  to  clear  it  of  debt.  After  the  morning  sermon  by  Bishop 
Keener  he  raised  about  eleven  thousand  dollars.  At  night  Bishop 
Marvin  electrified  the  audience  with  his  fiery  oratory,  and  the 
balance  was  raised.  Late  at  night  the  dedication  took  place.  Since 
getting  into  the  new  church,  Centenary  has  grown  and  wielded  a 
powerful  influence  for  good  in  St.  Louis.  Her  membership  has 
grown  steadily,  and  some  years  ago  under  the  first  pastorate  of  Dr. 
John  Mathews,  it  reached  fourteen  hundred,  and  has  kept  up  to  and 
above  one  thousand  ever  since.  It  has  two  large  Sunday-Schools, 
Murray  Carleton  being  superintendent  of  the  morning  school;  the 
afternoon  school  superintended  by  Dr.  C.  F.  Simmons,  numbering 
over  sixteen  hundred  in  attendance.  Centenary's  pastors  include 
some  of  the  brightest  names  in  Southern  Methodism.  Those  pre- 
vious to  the  war  were  John  H.  Linn,  E.  M.  Marvin,  Dr.  Joseph 
Boyle,  T-  A.  Morris,  Wm.  A.  Smith,  C.  D.  N.  Campbell,  J.  H.  Linn, 
W.  V.  Tudor,  J.  W.  Lewis,  John  Mathews,  B.  Carradine,  and  S.  H. 
Werlein.  For  this  year,  Dr.  John  Mathews  has  been  returnedas 
pastor.  He  is  one  of  the  best  known  ministers  of  any  denomination 
in  the  city,  and  is  well  known  all  over  the  South,  having  preached 
in  several  cities  during  his  long  career.  He  has  a  style  peculiarly 
his  own,  which  attracts  people  to  his  Church  from  all  over  the  city. 
Dr.  Mathews'  face  is  familiar  on  the  streets  of  St.  Louis.  He  is 
said  to  resemble  both  the  late  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  and  the  late 
Bishop  Phillips  Brooks.  He  has  an  able  assistant  in  Mrs.  Mathews, 
who  takes  an  active  interest  in  all  Church  work." 

One  of  the  most  difficult  things  a  pastor  has  to  manage  is  the 
mid-week  prayer  service,  to  keep  out  of  ruts  and  to  keep  the  fire  of 
interest  aflame.  We  have  a  large  number  who  pray  in  public ;  some 
of  our  best  people,  like  Moses,  are  slow  of  speech,  and  very  dull  in 
prayer.  Yet  their  fidelity  demands  recognition,  and  they  like  to  be 
invited  to  lead.  A  good  many  get  to  the  church  fifteen  minutes 
ahead  of  time ;  often  I  call  the  people  to  prayer,  and  invite  one  or  two 


-I2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

of  our  poor  pleaders  to  lead  in  prayer.  Thus  I  accomplish  my  pur- 
pose without  offending  any  one.  These  godly  souls  are  heard  as 
readily  by  our  Lord  as  are  others,  but  they  often  throw  a  wet  blanket 
on  the  meeting.  We  have  three  or  four  classes  in  our  Churches,  and 
in  conducting  the  meeting  I  watch  that  each  class  is  fully  repre- 
sented. One  obstacle  is  the  length  of  some  prayers.  I  urge  them  to 
abbreviate,  that  many  may  lead  in  the  devotions. 

John  P.  Boogher  lay  sick  for  some  time,  and  I  visited  him 
frequently.  He  has  been  one  of  Centenary's  most  useful  men. 
Active,  ready  to  work  anywhere,  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday-School,  a 
Steward,  ready  to  cooperate  with  the  pastor,  no  member  exhibited 
a  deeper'  interest  in  our  Church  work.  For  some  time  he  lived  in  a 
suburb  of  the  city,  but,  far  as  it  was,  he  was  regular  at  our  mid- 
week services  and  delighted  in  leading  or  singing  in  these  social 
gatherings.  When  his  symptoms  indicated  that  they  might  termi- 
nate in  death,  pastor  and  people  were  alarmed.  We  felt  he  could 
not  well  be  spared.  When  his  pastor  witnessed  his  triumphant  state 
of  mind,  he  felt  he  could  be  reconciled  to  so  great  a  loss.  The  end 
came  at  last.  The  last  interview  I  had  with  him  was  at  the  very 
Gate  of  Heaven !  It  was  joy,  expressing  itself  in  exclamations  of 
triumph.  Then  he  drew  my  face  down  to  his  own,  and  with  arms 
enfolding  me,  he  whispered  "Peace,  peace!"  God  honored  his 
fidelity.  He  was  buried  on  the  28th  of  December,  1893.  I  felt  his 
death  to  be  a  personal  loss.  But  we  will  meet  again  at  the  ponder- 
ous Golden  Gate  of  Heaven. 

The  year  ended  on  Sunday,  and  I  closed  the  regular  service  in 
time  to  begin  our  Watch-Meeting.    There  was  hardly  standing  room 
for  those  who  attended.     The  meeting  was  varied;  singing,  pray- 
in^  and  experiences  were  glowing  with  interest.     Now  and  then  a 
"Hallelujah,"  or  an  "Amen,"   or  a   shout  of   "Glory!"     Thus, 
while  we  worshiped,  the  fire  burned!     At  the  opportune  moment 
penitents  were  called  and  many  responded.    It  was  a  night  of  power. 
Twelve  professed  conversion,  making  sixteen  during  the  day,  and 
thirty-nine  joined  the  Church.     On  our  knees  we  prayed  the  Old 
Year  out  and  the  New  Year  in,  and  closed  with  a  song  of  triumph ! 
On  the  threshhold  of  the  New  Year,  my  soul  glorified  God  for 
His  blessings  upon  my  own  heart,  and  His  goodness  to  our  Church. 
Some  one  has  said,  "  Jesus  was  the  most  ambitious  man  that  ever 
trod  the  earth.    He  proposed  to  revolutionize  the  human  race."  The 
ambition  which  rises  in  my  soul  is,  that  by  cooperating  with  Him, 
I  may  do  something  more  in  saving  mankind.     For  this  I  have 
studied,  prayed  and  wrought ;  and  now  I  propose  to  take  a  fresh 
start,  depending  upon  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  I  look  back 
over  the  year  just  closed.    Emerson's  advice  is  good,  "  Finish  every 
day  and  be  done  with  it ;  for  wise  living  it  is  a  vice  to  remember. 
Some  blunders  and  absurdities  no  doubt  have  crept  in  ;*f orget  them 
as  soon  as  you  can."    I  propose  to  forget  my  mistakes,  my  omissions 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  UFA  .  JOHJH  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  3,3 

and  blunders,  and  step  upward  in  my  work  and  bless  others  as  far 
as  1  may! 

By  appointment  I  went  to  the  home  of  a  great-grandmother, 
to  baptize  Caroline  O'Fallon  Miller,  in  the  presence  of  the  relatives, 
including  the  parents,  the  grandparents,  John  J.  O'Fallon  and  his 
wife,  and  this  great-grandmother,  one  of  the  Lord's  "  shut-ins ;  " 
through  physical  feebleness  unable  to  go  even  into  the  homes  of  her 
children. 

Our  City  Church  Extension  Society  met  in  March,  and  after 
examining  into  the  merits  of  the  case  voted  to  erect  the  present 
"  Waggoner  Place  Church."  A  very  wise  action  it  proved  in  the 
end.     We  have  a  handsome  house,  and  a  nourishing  organization. 

On  the  6th  of  April,  I  was  requested  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a 
Miss  Reynolds,  from  our  First  Church.  At  one  time  she  had  been 
a  member  of  Centenary  Church;  was  betrayed  and  turned  aside 
from  a  virtuous  life.  That  godly  woman,  Mrs.  Otto,  found  her  in 
a  hospital,  took  her  to  the  Rescue  Home  of  which  she  had  been  the 
successful  manager,  and  cared  for  her  as  any  mother  would.  Miss 
Reynolds  sickened  and  died.  The  attendance  on  the  funeral  was 
quite  large  under  the  circumstances.  A  Kansas  City  paper  had  this 
to  say,  under  these  head-lines  :  "  An  Impressive  Scene  at  the  Burial 
of  an  Abandoned  Woman.  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews,  former 
pastor  of  Walnut  Street  Church  of  this  city,  and  present  pastor  of 
Centenary  Church  of  St.  Louis,  figured  in  a  touching  conversion  in 
St.  Louis  Tuesday.  The  conversion  was  that  of  one  fallen  woman 
at  the  grave  of  another.  Ada  Rodonisky  was  the  dead  girl.  She 
had  been  an  inmate  of  a  house  kept  by  Miss  Minnie  Wells.  The 
former  being  seized  with  consumption,  she  was  taken  to  a  hospital 
for  treatment,  and  while  there  became  interested  in  religion  and 
decided  to  give  up  her  former  life.  On  recovering  a  measure  of 
strength,  Ada  became  an  inmate  of  the  '  Hepzibah  Rescue  Home.' 
She  was  visited  often  by  the  Wells  woman,  and  Sunday  night,. just 
before  she  died,  Ada  praved  for  her  friends,  Miss  Wells  included. 
The  funeral  was  held  Tuesday  at  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  The  services  were  conducted  by  Dr.  Mathews,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Gott.  Dr.  Mathews  preached  an  eloquent  sermon  and  the 
small  procession  moved  to  the  cemetery.  At  the  grave  the  Wells 
woman  broke  down  and  seemed  inconsolable.  She  expressed  a 
desire  to  be  saved,  and  then  followed  a  strange  scene.  All  present 
dropped  upon  their  knees  and  fervent  prayers  were  offered  up  for 
the  fallen  one.  The  day  after  the  funeral  Miss  Wells  summoned 
Mrs.  Otto,  manager  of  the  Rescue  Home,  to  her  house  and  the 
result  was  that  what  had  once  been  a  den  of  vice  and  sin  was  turned 
into  a  house  of  rescue." 

Notwithstanding  my  natural  disinclination  to  engage  in  con- 
troversy, sometimes  circumstances  have  forced  me  into  the  arena 
of  debate.  When  publicly  assailed,  it  seemed  necessary  to  defend 
my  statements.     On  the"  night  of  Easter  Sunday,  while  preaching 


,  i  ,  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

to  men,  some  of  whom  were  seeking  for  the  lost  highway  of  the 
soul,  I  referred  to  the  unrest  of  that  brilliant  but  vile  man's  career, 
the  great  Voltaire,  ending  his  career  in  a  recantation  of  his  infidelity. 
His  career  was  like  an  unmoored  vessel  tossed  by  the  winds  and 
waves  of  a  surging  sea.  Infidels  denied  his  recantation,  but  that 
celebrated  author,  James  Parton,  in  a  new  "  Life  of  Voltaire  "  gave 
Voltaire's  written  statement  ■  Dr.  Snyder,  pastor  of  the  leading  Uni- 
tarian Church  of  the  city,  in  an  article  published  in  the  Globe- 
Democrat,  assailed  me  as  not  informed,  and  wrote  of  my  mislead- 
ing others.  He  referred  to  Robert  Ingersol,  who  that  same  evening, 
in  our  city,  delivered  a  tirade  against  Christianity.  Dr.  Snyder  said 
he  did  not  know  which  discourse  did  most  harm,  Ingersol's  or  my 
published  brief.  It  was  evident  Dr.  Snyder  had  not  seen  Parton's 
work.  In  my  reply,  I  quoted  the  historian's  statement.  Here  is 
the  statement :  "  I,  the  undersigned,  declare  that,  having  been  at- 
tacked four  days  ago  by  a  vomiting  of  blood,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
four  years,  and  being  unable  to  get  to  Church,  the  Cure  of  St.  Sul- 
pice  having  been  willing  to  add  to  his  good  works  that  of  sending 
to  me  the  Abbe  Gauitier,  priest,  I  have  confessed  to  him;  and  de- 
clare further,  that  if  God  disposes  of  me,  I  die  in  the  Catholic  re- 
ligion, in  which  I  was  born,  hoping  from  the  Divine  mercy  that  He 
will  deign  to  pardon  all  my  faults,  and  if  ever  I  have  scandalized 
the  Church  I  ask  pardon  of  God  and  it.  Signed  the  2d,  1778,  in  the 
house  of  the  Marquis  Voltaire,  March  de  Villotte,  in  the  presence 
of  the  Abbe  Mignot,  my  nephew,  and  of  the  Marquis  de  Villevielle, 
my  friend."  Dr.  Snyder  had  not  seen  Parton's  new  life.  In  my 
reply,  I  handled  the  Doctor  as  a  self-appointed  critic  of  men  and 
things,  putting  his  Ipse  dixit  over  against  facts.  I  did  not  send  it 
to  the  editor  by  mail,  but  carried  it  by  hand.  After  reading  my 
article,  the  editor  declined  to  publish  it;  but  after  an  appeal  to  his 
sense  of  justice  he  agreed  to  let  it  go  into  the  next  issue.  The 
editor,  however,  came  to  the  Doctor's  rescue  with  an  editorial. 

Sent  for  my  son-in-law,  Rev.  Dr.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  of  Kansas 
City,  to  spend  a  few  days  in  preaching  in  my  church.  Things 
seemed  to  be  ripe  for  a  blessed  work.  He  is  peculiarly  fitted  for  this 
line  of  work.  He  preaches  to  the  needs  of  men,  and  Dr.  Palmore 
remarked  on  one  occasion,  "  Dr.  Hawkins  never  failed  to  secure 
responses."  On  Monday  night,  after  a  sermon  by  Dr.  Hawkins, 
we  had  two  conversions.  Thus  we  made  a  good  start.  The  follow- 
ing evening,  after  a  very  strong  and  impressive  sermon,  we  had  a 
number  of  penitents  at  the  altar,  and  eight  professions  and  six 
applicants  for  membership.  On  the  next  night,  after  a  forceful 
sermon,  there  were  twelve  professed  to  be  saved.  The  next  night, 
fourteen  were  converted.  The  interest  deepened  day  by  day,  with 
conversions  at  every  service.  On  Sunday  morning,  instead  of  the 
usual  routine  of  work,  the  school  was  turned  into  an  evangelistic 
meeting.  Dr.  Hawkins  preached  one  of  the  most  appropriate 
sermons  to  children  I  ever  heard;  he  talked  to  their  minds  first, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  BEY.  JOUH  MATHEWS,   D.  D.  5i5 

then  appealed  to  their  hearts,  and  at  the  close  there  were  twenty- 
three  applicants  for  membership.  After  a  very  clear  presentation 
of  the  Gospel  at  n  o'clock,  he  made  a  very  deep  impression  on  a 
vast  audience  by  an  appeal.  At  3  o'clock,  the  afternoon  Sunday- 
School  was  turned  over  to  Dr.  Hawkins  by  Dr.  Simmons,  the  un- 
equalled superintendent.  After  a  twenty-minutes'  discourse,  peni- 
tents were  called  and  there  were  so  many  we  could  not  number 
them,  and  when  applicants  for  membership  were  invited  we  had 
fifty-two.  At  night,  another  sermon  of  power,  and  at  its  close  seven- 
teen professed  to  be  regenerated.  What  a-  glorious  day  in  old  Cen- 
tenary !  We  had  showers  of  blessings,  and  many  believers'  faith  was 
toned  up,  and  others  ascended  to  higher  peaks  of  faith.  With  grate- 
ful hearts  we  closed  the  day.  On  Monday  night  there  were  nine 
professions.  The  next  night  a  fine  service  and  eleven  applicants  for 
membership.  On  the  18th  the  night  was  stormy,  people  could  not 
well  get  out.  We  had  only  two  conversions.  On  the  next  night  we 
had  twelve  converts  and  thirteen  applicants  for  membership,  and 
on  the  last  night  of  Dr.  Hawkins'  stay,  we  had  twelve  applicants 
and  thirteen  professions.  It  was  a  glorious  meeting  in  its  outcome, 
as  the  figures  show. 

What  a  great  responsibility  rests  upon  a  pastor  after  a  large 
ingathering.  The  truth  is  forced  upon  me,  that  often,  the  most 
painstaking  efforts  are  put  forth  to  get  the  people  converted  and  in 
the  Church,  and  then  they  are  dropped.  At  the  very  period  when 
they  need  nursing  they  are  left  to  themselves.  The  convert,  not 
aware  of  the  wiles  of  Satan,  needs  to  be  instructed.  He  needs  to  be 
shown  that  he  will  be  assailed  on  the  best  side  of  his  nature.  He 
will  guard  the  weak  points ;  what  he  thinks  the  strong  points  will 
be  left  unguarded,  and  there  is  where  the  danger  lies.  That  which 
he  considers  the  outspoken  and  confessed  bad  in  his  nature  is  not 
that  which  he  will  most  need  to  watch.  He  must  be  taught  to  guard 
against  what  he  considers  his  virtues.  With  views  like  these  and 
other  reflections,  I  began  a  campaign  of  instruction  for  the  develop- 
ment of  the  new  members. 

A  St.  Louis  correspondent  of  The  Kingdom,  says,  "  The  deter- 
mination of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  to  evacuate  its  down- 
town location  and  move  twenty-five  blocks  away  will  leave  but  two 
Protestant  Churches  of  strength  in  a  territory  extending  twenty 
blocks  each  way,  embracing  the  most  densely  populated  wards  of 
that  city,  and  within  which  are  all  the  colonized  strongholds  of  vice. 
Centenary  Methodist  Church,  at  Sixteenth  and  Pine,  seems  content 
with  feeding  the  throngs  of  young  and  old  who  attend  its  two 
Sunday-Schools,  and  listen  three  times  a  week  to  the  venerable  Dr. 
John  Mathews,  whose  powers,  instead  of  waning,  seem  to  grow 
greater  as  he  nears  the  inevitable  close  of  his  active  service.  The 
old  church  is  filled  to  the  doors  every  Sunday  night."  To  me  a 
sense  of  gratitude  springs  up  in  my  heart  that  I  have  the  privilege 


3i6 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


of  talking  Christ  to  such  crowds.     The  majority  of  persons  attend- 
ing our  services  are  men. 

A  call  for  a  Law  and  Order  League  was  issued,  to  put  down 
vice  and  for  the  suppression  of  crime.  Now  and  then  pur  best 
citizens  are  seized  with  an  impulse  to  help  on  the  triumph  of  good- 
ness. Several  hundred  of  our  best  people  assembled  in  Chatsworth 
Hall.  While  a  committee  was  in  session  formulating  a  constitution, 
speaking  was  in  order.  The  Hon.  Nathan  Cole  was  the  first 
speaker.  He  is  a  man  of  influence  and  of  high  character.  In  his 
strong  address,  he  said,  "  Every  good  man  ought  to  be  a  politician 
and  join  a  party,  and  vote  at  the  primaries."  This  he  emphasized 
in  eloquent  terms.  It  was  enthusiastically  cheered.  By  appoint- 
ment, I  followed  in  a  short  speech,  endorsing  his  plea  for  going  to 
the  primaries,  then  turning  to  Mr.  Cole,  said,  "  You  talked,  wisely 
as  to  the  citizens'  duty  to  vote  at  the  primaries,  and  nominate  worthy 
men  for  office.  Now,  sir,  do  you  go  to  the  primaries?  Honor 
bright !  "  Mr.  Cole  acknowledged  he  did  not.  Then  the  audience 
laughed  immoderately.  Mr.  Cole  is  a  prominent  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church  and  universally  esteemed,  and  his  course  is  a  sample 
of  the  very  good  men  who  let  the  hoodlum  element  run  the  primaries 
and  nominate  men  of  little  ability  and  less  moral  stamina. 

The  St.  Louis  Annual  Conference,  at  its  last  session  elected  me 
as  one  of  its  representatives  to  the  General  Conference  which  met 
in  Memphis,  Tennessee,  May  3d,'  1894.  Our  delegation  was 
domiciled  at  the  Peabody  Hotel,  where  we  were  delightfully  en- 
tertained. As  we  were  nearest  the  First  Methodist  Church,  a  com- 
pany of  us  heard  Bishop  A.  G.  Haygood,  a  prince  in  the  pulpit  and 
a  many-sided  man.  The  house  was  crowded.  His  text  was  taken 
from  Luke,  17th  chapter,  20th  verse.  His  aim  ran  through  his  dis- 
course like  a  thread  of  gold  through  a  piece  of  cloth.  He  sought 
to  impress  upon  his  audience  the  profoundness  of  the  truth  of 
Christ's  teaching.  It  was  full  of  thought  and  splendidly  illustrated. 
The  Bishop's  voice  is  strong  and  his  enunciation  distinct;  he  held 
the  attention  to  the  last  word.  At  times  during  his  sermon,  the 
congregation  was  aroused  to  a  high  pitch  of  enthusiasm.  The 
opening  exercises  of  the  Conference,  next  morning,  were  solemn 
and  impressive.  Dr.  Andrew  Hunter  of  Little  Rock  Conference, 
the  senior  member  of  the  body,  led  in  the  second  public  prayer.  Old 
and  somewhat  infirm  in  body,  his  soul  was  aglow  with  divine 
power  as  he  invoked  God's  blessings  upon  the  deliberations  of  the 
body.  He  is  over  eighty  years  of  age.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
General  Conference  of  1844,  and  was  a  participant  in  the  tremen- 
dous conflict  which  resulted  in  the  division  of  the  Church.  On  the 
evening  of«the  10th,  a  great  concourse  assembled  in  the  First  Meth- 
odist Church,  to  welcome  the  fraternal  delegates  from  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  It  was  an  occasion  of  deepest  interest.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  John  Goucher,  from  Baltimore,  and  Wade  H.  Rogers, 
LL.   D.,   president   of   the   Northwestern   University   of   Evanston, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN   MATHEWS,  D.  J).  3,7 

were  the  able  representatives  of  a  great  Church.  Dr.  Goucher, 
upon  presentation  to  the  body,  read  his  address.  One  of  the  city 
papers  thus  characterized  it :  "  The  address  was  a  masterful  and 
scholarly  treatise  upon,  and  resume  of,  Methodism,  and  covered 
the  subject  fully.  Applause  was  frequent  and  generous,  the  speaker 
being  obliged  to  suspend  the  reading  many  times  until  quietness 
was  restored.  At  the  close,  the  church  rang  with  the  most  vigorous 
applause,  and  as  the  speaker  sat  down  his  hand  was  warmly  shaken 
by  the  Bishops  and  others  on  the  platform."  It  was  an  address 
worthy  the  man  and  the  glorious  Church  he  represented.  After  the 
hearty  singing  of  a  hymn  by  the  congregation,  Dr.  Rogers  was  intro- 
duced to  the  audience.  The  same  daily  said,  "  Dr.  Rogers'  address 
was  another  masterpiece  of  oratory."  He  is  a  great  lawyer  and  has 
achieved  a  national  reputation.  The  same  rapturous  applause  which 
greeted  his  predecessor  was  manifested  at  the  termination  of  his  ad- 
dress, and  the  church  was  still  ringing  as  he  resumed  his  seat. 
Bishop  Wilson  responded  to  the  addresses.  The  response  was 
evidently  an  echo  of  the  feeling  of  the  audience,  as  hand-clapping 
punctuated  almost  every  sentence.  The  Bishop's  address  was  a  fine 
oratorical  masterpiece.  A  vast  assemblage  greeted  the  fraternal 
messages  from  Canada  and  Great  Britain.  In  a  few  fitting  words 
Bishop  Wilson  introduced  Dr.  Sutherland  as  fraternal  messenger 
from  the  Canadian  Methodist  Church.  This  gentleman  is  of  com- 
manding appearance,  dignified  and  graceful.  He  spoke  for  over  an 
hour,  and  captivated  the  grand  congregation  that  heard  his  noble 
address.  He  is  a  minister  of  large  influence  in  his  Church.  _  Dr. 
Sutherland  is  a  self-educated  man.  He  rose  step  by  step  until  he 
became  a  front  man,  and  a  preacher  of  very  great  ability.  The 
response  of  Bishop  Hendrix  was  a  model  and  scholarly  address.  It 
was  brief  but  superb.  We  have  no  more  graceful  and  accomplished 
speaker  in  the  college  of  Bishops  than  our  Missouri  leader.  After 
a  verse  of  a  hymn  Bishop  Wilson  introduced  ex-President  Steven- 
son of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Conference.  The  daily  Advocate 
said,  "  Mr.  Stevenson's  address  was  brief,  but  brim-full  of  humor, 
religion  and  sturdy  sense."  He  is  one  of  the  strong  men  of  Meth- 
odism in  England' and  worthv  the  high  position  he  occupies  in  his 
home-land.  It  was  a  treat  to  hear  him.  Bis-hop  Galloway  responded 
in  his  happiest  vein.  He  is  always  master  on  the  platform  and  in 
graceful  as  well  as  eloquent  terms  knows  what  to  sav  and  how  to 
say  it.  Several  fraternal  delegates  from  colored  Churches  were 
given  a  cordial  hearing  and  as  warm  a  greeting  as  any  given  to  the 
white  messengers.  Their  names  I  can  not  recall,  but  the  impression 
made  upon  me  at  the  time,  lingers  with  me  to  this  day.  Our  de- 
nomination did  a  great  work  in  behalf  of  the  colored  people.  We 
still  aid  and  encourage  their  development.  In  this  General  Con- 
ference we  had  a  large  number  of  very  able  men.  Some  of  the  finest 
pulpit  ability ;  men  who  had  little  to  say  on  the  floor  of  the  Confer- 
ence.    Others  talked  too  much:  some  injured  themselves  by  spring- 


3i8 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


ing  up  on  all  occasions.  Take  it  all  in  all,  a  more  orderly  body  can 
not  be  found.  There  were  in  that  Conference  men  who  were  rapidly 
moving  to  the  front,  destined  to  be  leaders  of  thought  and  action. 
Perhaps  the  most  exciting  debate  was  over  the  adoption  of  the  re- 
port of  the  Committee  on  Epworth  Leagues.  In  the  committee 
room  on  one  or  two  occasions,  there  were  exciting  debates,  and  the 
chairman  grew  so  confused  on  one  occasion,  he  called  on  another 
member  to  take  the  chair.  It  seemed  as  if  a  dozen  voices  were 
crying  out  at  once ;  but  the  chairman  rapped  and  rapped  and  kept 
rapping  until  order  was  restored.  It  seemed  as  if  every  one  of  the 
forty-seven  committeemen  had  a  pet  idea,  and  wanted  it  incor- 
porated in  the  report.  The  report  was  finally  agreed  upon  by  the 
committee,  but  it  had  yet  to  run  the  gauntlet  of  the  Conference. 
When  the  report  was  read,  and  a  special  session  appointed  to  con- 
sider it,  nearly  half  the  delegates  wanted  to  speak  for  or  against. 
The  young  people  of  the  Church  wanted  legislation,  and  needed  it. 
They  wanted  a  Board  of  Control,  a  paper,  an  editor  and  a  secretary. 
Amendment  after  amendment  was  proposed.  Some  were  carried; 
others  voted  down.  After  debate,  a  motion  to  adjourn  was  carried. 
When  the  report  was  up  for  further  consideration,  the  report  as 
amended  was  adopted.  A  Board  of  Control,  a  paper,  an  editor  and 
secretary  were  agreed  upon,  and  now  came  the  selection  of  a  sec- 
retary to  act  as  editor.  A  call  had  been  issued  for  an  "  Epworth 
League  Rally,"  at  the  First  Methodist  Church,  on  Sunday,  at  3  p.  m. 
A  fair  audience  was  present,  but  a  slight  misunderstanding  arose  as 
to  speakers.  Dr.  H.  M.  Du  Bose  made  one  of  his  characteristic 
speeches,  sparkling  with  beautiful  figures,  and  as  beautiful  as  a 
flowing  cascade.  Dr.  S.  A.  Steel  was  present  at  the  Conference  as 
a  visitor  and  was  called  to  the  platform ;  appeared,  declined  to  de- 
liver a  speech,  but  called  for  myself,  and  I  responded  in  a  short 
speech.  The  presence  of  Dr.  Steel  suggested  to  several  delegates  a 
proper  person  for  leadership  of  the  Leagues.  When  the  time  came 
to  elect  the  secretary  and  editor,  Dr.  Steel  had  departed,  but  his 
friends  urged  his  claims  privately,  and  he  was  elected  to  organize 
and  carry  forward  the  plans  of  the  General  Conference  in  behalf  of 
the  oncoming  throng  of  young  Methodists.  Dr.  Steel  went  to  work 
with  a  will  and  put  his  energies  into  full  play  and  wrought  up  a 
deepening  interest.  His  ability  and  eloquence  stood  him  in  hand 
in  formulating  and  bringing  the  young  people  into  perfect  accord 
with  all  the  other  organizations  of  our  Church.  He  deserved  high 
honor  for  his  work.  The  Committee  on  Episcopacy  reported  no 
need  of  additional  Bishops.  Doubtless  a  few  brethren  were  disap- 
pointed. They  had  a  right  to  feel  so,  as  friends  had  pressed  their 
claims  until  they  had  vreason  to  expect  their  elevation  to  this  high 
honor.  The  usual  officers  were  elected,  and  only  a  very  few  new 
men  were  selected  for  positions  of  trust  and  honor. 

The  term  "  tunneling  for  souls,"  may  be  employed  to  represent 
the  method   of   reaching  the  mind   and   heart  of  a  human  being: 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  3^ 

After  all,  to  get  back  to  my  loved  employment  gave  me  unusual 
delight.  I  can  go  out  into  the  cold  damp  places  of  earth  and  visit 
the  wretched,  and  sympathize  with  a  wife  broken-hearted  over  a 
fallen  husband  and  a  mother  over  a  ruined  son  or  daughter,  and 
thus  tunnel  into  the  hearts  of  the  stricken  ones.  Blessed  be  the 
matchless  name  of  Him  who  called  me  to  this  work !  When  I  have 
resolved  to  get  into  a  human  heart,  by  persistent  effort,  relying 
upon  the  grace  of  God,  I  seldom  fail.  Sometimes  Satan  asks, 
"  What  right  have  you  to  claim  to  do  God's  work,  you  are  not  per- 
fect !  "  When  I  look  at  myself  my  faith  in  perfection  expires  alto- 
gether, and  Satan  gives  me  trouble,  but  when  I  look  at  Christ  I  can 
believe  in  it  with  all  my  heart.  He  has  undertaken  to  do  this  work 
for  us ;  He  proposes  to  "  present  us  faultless  "  in  the  great  Day  of 
Judgment !  My  first  service  on  returning  was  the  mid-week  prayer- 
meeting,  which  was  very  large.  Two  joined  the  Church.  On  Sun- 
day, seven  united  with  the  Church.  A  variety  of  services  were  held 
through  the  following  week.  At  the  request  of  the  Salvation  Army 
officers,  we  gave  them  the  church  for  an  evening  service,  to  listen 
to  an  address  by  "  Lord  Ratna  Pola  of  Ceylon."  They  came  with 
drum  and  trombone  and  clanging  cymbal — with  almost  deafening 
noise,  and  with  enthusiastic  step.  The  speaker  is  evidently  a  man 
of  culture  and  rather  fluent.  His  experience  was  impressive  and 
edifying.  A  collection  was  taken  for  the  benefit  of  the  cause.  This 
is  the  third  time  they  were  given  our  church.  Twice  when  their 
General-in-Chief  was  here  to  drill  and  train  his  army. 

Mrs.  Jennie  Urner  and  some  other  Christian  workers  called  to 
see  a  young  man  dying,  named  Charles  Van  Worner.  He  was 
stirred  to  the  very  core  of  his  being  over  his  salvation.  I  was  sent 
for  to  instruct  him  in  the  way  of  life.  I  was  unaware  at  the  time 
of  the  presence  of  the  young  man's  father  in  the  house,  who  was 
in  a  state  of  excitement  over  the  presence  of  a  minister  in  his  house. 
The  father  was  an  infidel  and  threatened  to  pitch  me  out  of  the 
house.  But  such  was  the  solicitude  of  the  young  man  that  I  was 
allowed  to  converse  with  and  pray  for  him.  Why  the  father  should 
be  so  opposed  to  prayer  for  his  dying  son  could  only  be  accounted 
for  on  the  basis  of  a  Satanic  influence.  I  returned  and  received  the 
son  into  the  Church.  Erelong  death  claimed  him.  His  triumphant 
death  greatly  affected  the  father ;  the  Holy  Spirit  so  wrought  upon 
his  heart  that  he  began  attending  Church  and  was  converted  soon 
after.  In  the  love  feast,  in  relating  his  experience,  he  told  of  his 
anger  towards  me,  and  his  purpose  to  pitch  me  out  of  his  house. 
He  related  the  incident  with  tears  streaming  down  his  cheeks.  The 
old  gentleman  soon  joined  the  Church  and  lived  a  Christian  life,  and 
has  gone  to  the  Land  of  the  Blest. 

Dr.  Alonzo  Monk,  a  noted  preacher  and  pastor,  spent  a  Sunday 
in  our  city  and  kindly  consented  to  occupy  the  pulpit  of  Centenary 
Church  on  Sunday  morning.  During  the  first  ten  minutes  he 
captured  our  people  and  held  their  profound  interest  to  the  close. 


320 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


He  meets  the  people's  view  of  preaching.  He  is  instructive,  chaste 
and  impressive.  Nothing  stale  in  his  presentation.  He  furnishes 
fresh  bread  for  hungry  souls.    He  is  a  growing  power  in  the  pulpit. 

Our  third  Quarterly  Conference  was  one  of  interest,  owing  to 
the  work  wrought  by  the  active  men  and  women  of  the  Church. 
Reported  the  baptism  of  a  young  lady,  a  half  Indian.  She  was 
brought  from  the  West  by  a  family  of  influence,  and  through  their 
care  came  under  the  power  of  the  Gospel  and  desired  to  be  con- 
secrated to  holy  service  in  the  act  of  baptism.  She  had  learned 
enough  of  Christ  to  desire  His  aid  and  strength.  Truly  has  it  been 
said,  "  Without  Him  life  is  a  sad  eclipse  of  hope,  philosophy  a  vain 
search  into  darkness,  and  all  history  an  unsolved  enigma.  There  is 
no  Alpine  flower  blooming  on  summits  cold  and  lonely  that  is  not 
a  child  of  the  sun  as  truly  as  the  untarnished  water-lily  that 
sprinkles  our  western  ponds." 

I  have  many  callers,  some  on  one  errand,  some  on  another. 
A  young  man  called ;  seemed  faint ;  said  it  was  from  hunger ;  just 
from  Chicago  yesterday.  His  story  was  a  sad  one.  It  is  my  habit 
to  bring  my  lunch  to  the  church  as  I  come  down  every  morning. 
I  gave  it  to  the  young  man,  and  he  ate  with  a  relish,  and  did  not 
leave  a  scrap.  Gave  him  twenty-five  cents,  and  directed  him  to  my 
home.  I  told  him  to  water  my  yard,  and  that  he  might  occupy  the 
stable-boy's  room  until  he  could  find  work.  On  the  next  morning, 
on  my  arrival  at  my  office,  found  a  lady  in  waiting.  I  did  not  know 
her.  She  besought  me  to  give  her  a  letter  of  recommendation  to  the 
Webster  Orphans'  Home.  In  a  kind  spirit  I  replied,  "  Madam, 
what  can  I  say?  I  have  never  even  seen  you  before.  What  con- 
fidence would  you  have  in  my  word  were  I  to  recommend  you? 
Go  to  your  pastor  and  secure  his  aid."  Often  I  am  requested  to 
recommend  persons  of  whom  I  know  nothing!  The  next  day,  I 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Brownell,  president  of  the  Car  Company, 
thanking  me  for  information  of  a  woman  claiming  to  belong  to  my 
congregation,  who  was  collecting  money  in  the  name  of  a  poor  soul 
in  distress.  He  sent  me  a  check ;  I  returned  it  assuring  him  I  knew 
no  such  parties !  Some  elegant  looking  persons  ply  this  vocation. 
It  does  not  take  a  particle  of  meanness  out  of  a  man  or  woman  to 
polish  them ! 

A  certain  young  man  had  attended  Drury .  College,  at  Spring- 
field, Missouri.  He  was  displaying  a  commendable  degree  of 
energy  in  working  his  way  through  college.  Before  finishing  his 
education,  he  had  to  return  to  the  city  to  provide  for  his  mother. 
He  was  working  hard  to  meet  his  obligation  to  her.  My  interest  in 
him  was  aroused,  assistance  was  afforded  him,  and  in  due  time  he 
was  licensed  to  preach  and  received  on  trial  in  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence. He  was  appointed  to  a  nice  little  charge  in  September.  In  the 
next  month  he  slipoed  into  St.  Louis  and  married,  taking  his  girl- 
wife  to  his  circuit.  She  was  soon  homesick,  and  her  mother  persuad- 
ed her  to  return  to  the  citv,  as  she  could  not  live  without  her.     She 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  <)!■'  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  321 

yielded  to  the  plea  of  her  mother,  and  gave  up  her  husband. 
Through  his  pleading  she  returned  to  him  and  remained  a  while; 
then,  listening  to  her  mother,  she  determined  to  go  back  to  the  city ; 
but  wrote  a  letter  to  him,  stating  he  had  been  kind  in  his  treatment, 
but  she  had  ceased  to  love  him.  The  young  man  seemed  nearly 
crazy,  and  came  to  me  in  his  perplexity.  He  left  his  charge,  and 
damaged  his  reputation  so  as  to  be  unacceptable  to  his  people.  After 
studying  the  facts  in  the  case,  he  decided  to  settle  down  and  live  a 
quiet  Christian  life,  and  await  the  developments  of  Providence. 
Here  are  two  lives  blasted  by  a  premature  marriage.  Our  young 
preachers  sometimes  plunge  into  matrimony  without  judgment  and 
are  handicapped  all  through  life.    He  has  dropped  out  of  sight. 

In  making  calls,  I  often  carry  my  visiting-book  in  my  hand, 
which  gives  me  the  appearance  of  a  collector.  Visiting  several 
persons  on  the  southside,  I  called  at  a  rooming  house,  and  inquired 
for  a  certain  lady ;  the  landlady  eyed  me  and  my  book  for  a  moment, 
and  said,  "  She  does  not  reside  here."  From  her  manner  I  doubted 
her  statement,  and  remarked,  "  Madam,  I  am  pastor  of  Centenary 
Church;  this  lady  gave  me  this  number."  Judge  of  my  surprise 
when  she  said,  "  Well,  she  does  room  here,  but  has  gone  over  to-day 
to  the  female  prayer-meeting."  The  occupant  of  .her  room  had  not 
paid  up,  and  the  landlady  thought  I  was  a  collector,  and  that  I  might 
secure  the  money  due  her.  Human  nature,  unsanctified  by  Divine 
grace,  is  a  peculiar  thing. 

A  man  stepped  into  my  office,  asking  me  to  give  him  a  letter 
to  Brother  George  A.  Baker,  who  would  give  him  money  if  I  would 
endorse  him.  "  How  can  I  give  you  a  letter  when  you  are  a 
stranger  to  me!"  I  asked.  "  Why,  you  gave  me  two  dollars  last 
winter !  "  he  replied.  "  If  so,  I  did  it  on  your  statement ;  I  am  un- 
acquainted with  you !  "  The  next  day,  amongst  other  callers,  was 
a  colored  man  who  wanted  to  get  our  lecture-room  for  the  use  of 
"  Prince  Koh-loo-vo-mah,"  of  the  Mendi  tribe,  to  raise  money. 
Often  it  comes  to  me  to  exclaim,  "  What,  or  who,  next  ?  "  Bless 
you,  a  couple  came  in  to  get  married!  What  next?  A  physician 
dropped  in  "  for  a  few  minutes  " — and  talked  two  solid  hours,  about 
nothing ! 

In  my  pastoral  work,  I  often  meet  Roman  Catholics  who  are 
inquiring  into  our  view  of  God's  plan  of  saving  a  soul.  I  never 
assail  their  Church,  but  simply  explain  justification  by  faith  as  we 
hold  it,  and  thus  deposit  the  Word  in  their  hearts,  leaving  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  apply  it.  On  the  last  day  of  August,  I  met  a  lady  who 
was  in  a  mental  struggle  over  the  condition  of  her  soul.  Gave  her 
such  facts  as  I  conceived  would  lead  her  out  of  perplexity  into  a 
conscious  acceptance  with  God,  prayed  with  her  and  left,  hoping 
she  might  come  into  a  sense  of  acceptance  with  God  through  Christ. 
Attended  the  first  "Preachers'  Meeting"  after  the  summer 
recess.  Nearly  all  the  pastors  in  place.  The  Presiding  Elder  in- 
troduced a  proposition,  from  an  authorized  person,  to  give  us  a  piece 


322 


PEUPU  INTO  LIFE. 


of  ground  rent  free  for  ten  years,  on  the  edge  of  the  city,  on  con- 
dition that  we  hold  a  camp-meeting  every  year.  I  had  reason  to 
believe  that  a  street  car  company  made  the  offer.  The  proposition 
was  discussed.  I  felt  compelled  to  oppose  it.  My  plea  was  that 
such  a  meeting  would  demoralize  our  city  Churches  for  the  time 
being,  would  encourage  Sabbath  violation,  etc.  It  was  simply  a 
money-making  scheme.  Those  who  favored  the  plan,  pointed  to 
the  fact  that  such  a  meeting  had  been  held  for  a  month,  under  the 
auspices  of  a  local  preacher.  Sam  Jones  was  there ;  plantation 
singers,  and  other  attractions.  If  any  one  was  converted,  I  was  not 
informed  of  the  fact.  The  morning  papers  represented  me  as  the 
only  one  opposing  the  proposition.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
consider  and  report  at  the  next  meeting.  If  any  report  was  ever 
made,  it  has  escaped  me.  I  was  once  caught  in  one  enterprise  of  a 
money-making  nature,  and  a  "  burnt  child  dreads  the  fire.'* 

Our  fourth  Quarterly  Conference  was  on  hand.  The  Board 
was  behind  about  eight  hundred  dollars.  The  Stewards  met  at  7 :30 
p.  m.,  and  wrestled  with  this  problem  of  debt.  After  considerable 
discussion,  Dr.  C.  F.  Simmons  proposed  that  each  member  take  his 
share ;  it  was  carried,  and  the  debt  cancelled.  On  the  previous  Sun- 
day we  raised  the  balance  on  our  regular  Conference  assessments. 
The  Board  adjourned  to  go  into  Quarterly  Conference.  I  had 
fifteen  pages  of  a  report  for  the  body.  The  Presiding  Elder  was  in 
place,  and  opened  with  devotional  exercises.  My  report  was  made 
up  mostly  of  names  of  persons  erased,  or  received  by  baptism, 
letters  given  out,  and  deaths.  It  was  sad  to  read  out,  that  during 
the  year  we  had  to  erase  five  hundred  and  thirty-six  names.  We — 
the  pastor  and  committees — investigated  as  far  as  possible  every 
case.  If  there  was  doubt  we  gave  the  name  the  benefit  of  the  doubt. 
During  the  year  we  received  into  the  Church  three  hundred  and 
seven.  Infants  baptized,  forty-six ;  adults,  seventy-eight ;  marriages, 
fifty-six.  Received  for  all  purposes  nineteen  thousand  one  hundred 
and  fifty-one  dollars.  Made  two  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty- 
one  calls. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  323 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Second  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary. 

The  session  of  the  Annual  Conference  convened  in  Frederick- 
town,  September  26th,  1894,  Bishop  E.  R.  Hendrix  in  charge. 
These  yearly  gatherings  furnish  themes  of  deep  interest  to  men  of 
penetrating  thought.  Here  are  heroic  men  who  go  through  trials 
in  carrying  the  Gospel  to  remote  sections ;  some  of  them  bronzed, 
but  great-hearted.  The  very  difficulties  through  which  they  fought 
have  been  their  best  helpers,  by  evoking  their  powers  of  labor  and 
endurance,  and  stimulating  into  life  faculties  which  otherwise  might 
have  lain  dormant.  Some  are  from  colleges,  others  from  work- 
shops, from  farmhouses,  from  the  cabins  of  the  poor,  and  the  homes 
of  the  wealthy.  Some  of  the  men  from  the  poorest  homes  have 
taken  the  highest  places.  With  what  cheer  they  greet  each  other  as 
they  meet  and  clasp  hands  as  brethren  engaged  in  a  holy  war !  The 
opening  exercises  were  conducted  by  the  Bishop  in  his  simple  but 
impressive  style.  The  organization  being  completed,  work  began  at 
once.  At  this  session,  six  young  men  were  received  on  trial ;  one  of 
these,  Claude  M.  Davenport,  of  Centenary  Church,  a  young  man  of 
valuable  qualities,  and  full  of  promise.  He  was  a  member  of  my 
theological  class,  and  studied  energetically.  Another  young  man 
who  was  continued  on  trial  was  C.  M.  Gray,  raised  in  Centenary 
Church,  and  a  graduate  of  Central  College.  A  very  fine  and  pure 
character,  full  of  promise,  and  pluck.  Another  young  man  in  whom 
I  was  much  interested,  coming  from  Centenary,  was  W.  M.  Freer, 
a  young  man  who  resigned  a  lucrative  position  to  enter  the  itineracy. 
He  is  a  deacon  of  one  year,  and  is  very  intelligent,  and  of  stainless 
character.  And  still  another  young  man  from  Centenary  was  at 
this  Conference  elected  to  elder's  orders — James  E.  McGee.  Hav- 
ing attended  college  before  being  received  on  trial,  yet  he  greatly 
longed  for  a  broader  education  and  erelong  was  at  college,  work- 
ing with  a  zeal  deserving  commendation.  These  young  men  from 
Centenary  Church  in  St.  Louis,  are  worthy  of  honorable  positions  in 
the  Church  of  God.  At  this  session,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Lewis,  for 
many  years  a  member  of  the  body,  and  taking  a  prominent  part  in 
the  work  of  the  Church,  and  filling  the  principal  charges  in  the  city 
of  St.  Louis — a  man  widely  known  and  highly  honored — felt  that 
the  condition  of  his  health  demanded  retirement,  and  with  sadness 
the  Committee  on  Conference  Relations  recommended  _  that  he  be 
placed  on  the  superannuated  list,  which  was  granted.  His  work  was 
done.  With  very  little  ceremony,  our  old  and  once  most  efficient 
men  are  laid  on  the  shelf !  When  the  appointments  were  announced, 
I  was  returned  as  pastor  of  Centenary  Church. 


324 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Aspirations  for  future  good  grow  and  kindle  within  my  soul. 
I  am  convinced  that  man  needs  more  than  one  world  to  attain  his 
proper  self  and  fulfil  all  his  promise.  Everything  in  us  except  our 
pciishable  bodies  indicates  a  longer  term  than  seventy  years.  To 
perfect  what  I  have  dreamed  of  here,  I  must  have  more  space.  I 
long  to  see  the  land  where  my  soul  will  have  room !  Men  called 
to  fill  city  pulpits  need  to  feel  that  great  tasks  are  given  them. 
Cities  draw  to  themselves  men  of  the  most  vital  intelligence,  as  well 
as  the  worst  elements  of  society.  They  are  the  centers  of  vice.  City 
ministers  are  under  pressure,  but  a  pressure  which  should  stir  one's 
intellectual  activities.  In  this  way,  cities  become  great  stimuli  of 
life,  and  though  life  carries  evil  with  it,  the  remedy  for  the  evil  is 
not  death,  but  better  life,  higher  life.  The  occupants  of  these  pulpits 
must  create  a  "  moral  sense,"  or  a  true  conscience.  It  is  a  fearful 
truth  that  one's  conscience  is  just  as  capable  of  falling  into  bad 
hands  as  one's  reason.  Reflections  on  such  lines  lead  me  to  do  more 
than  ever  to  bring  on  the  triumphant  reign  of  Christ. 

During  October,  I  attended  seven  funerals.  Some  persons  look 
upon  addresses  on  such  occasions  as  almost  useless.  In  St.  Louis, 
in  attending  funerals  one  reaches  men  and  women  who  never  hear 
the  Gospel.  By  presenting  in  a  clear  form  Christ's  work  in  behalf  of 
sinners,  many  hear  the  story  for  the  first  time.  When  a  noted 
Christian  dies  it  funishes  an  opportunity  to  impress  the  attendants 
with  what  God  will  do  for  a  trusting  soul.  For  instance,  on  the  8th 
of  this  month,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  that  old  saint,  Mrs.  Jane 
Finney,  whose  life  was  a  walk  with  God.  Here  was  one  who,  even 
down  to  old  age  had  sustainments  which  gave  her  joy  under  phy- 
sical infirmities.  Then,  on  the  nth,  I  assisted  at  the  funeral  of 
Mrs.  Martha  Cupples,  who  led  a  life  of  active  Christian  service; 
loving  God,  the  Church,  and  orphans  in  a  special  sense,  yet  unosten- 
tatious in  her  charities.  After  many  weary  months,  lingering  on 
a  bed  of  affliction,  she  finally  went  to  sleep  in  Christ  as  sweetly  as  a 
babe  going  to  sleep  on  its  mother's  bosom.  A  large  concourse  of 
influential  people  could  hear  how  God  honors  the  rich  as  well  as  the 
poor  with  His  presence.  On  the  next  day,  a  funeral  occurred  which 
interested  me  as  few  ever  did.  It  was  of  a  man  whose  experience 
was  one  of  wonderful  vividness".  Seldom  does  one  ever  hear  an  ex- 
perience richer,  or  expressed  in  clearer  terms.  Brother  Monehan 
was  born  and  reared  in  Ireland  ;  reared  a  Romanist,  but  converted 
in  London.  His  conversion  attracted  wide-spread  attention  and 
created  a  tempest.  It  was  announced  that  he  was  to  relate  his  ex- 
perience, but  a  mob  interfered.  However,  he  kept  on,  never  falter- 
ing in  his  Christian  life.  All  kinds  of  rumors  were  set  in  motion 
against  him ;  he  was  assailed  and  ostracized,  but  he  prayed  on 
through  opposition  and  tears!  He  reminded  me  of  the  small  boy 
who,  barelv  old  enough  to  attend  school,  was  asked  if  he  ever  cried 
over  his  lessons.  "  Sometimes  "  was  his  answer.  "  Why  do  you 
cry'    Do  you  feel  it  helps  you?  "     "  No,"  he  replied,  "  but  it  brings 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWH,  D.  U.  335 

somebody  else  to  help  me."  Brother  Monehan  had  lessons  to  learn 
in  the  book  of  life.  Crying  did  not  help  him,  but  it  brought  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  help  him !  He  was  peculiar  in  some  of  his  incidental 
opinions,  but  in  great  Christian  principles  as  transparent  as  a 
crystal. 

We  keep  up  the  Methodist  "  Love  Feast."  During  the  pro- 
gress of  the  service,  an  ex-Roman  Catholic  gave  a  thrilling  account 
of  his  conversion.  This  was  not  surprising,  but  what  followed  was. 
One  after  another  arose,  and  stated  they  were  raised  Romanists  but 
had  found  Christ  to  the  joy  of  their  souls.  Two-thirds  of  those 
who  testified  had  belonged  to  that  Church,  some  of  whom  I  had 
never  heard  mention  the  fact.  The  statement  is  often  heard,  that 
Roman  Catholics  never  leave  that  Church.  There  never  was  a 
greater  misstatement.  In  my  long  ministry  many  of  these  have 
been  converted  and  entered  upon  the  new  life  as  we  hold  it. 

Quite  a  group  of  the  ladies  of  Centenary  Church  take  hold  of  , 
missionary  work  with  vigorous  hands.  Mrs.  Mathews,  with  others, 
have  this  work  on  their  hearts,  and  are  trying  to  widen  the  views 
of  others  as  to  the  duty  of  Christians  to  work  for  the  final  reign 
of  Jesus  our  Lord.  In  attending  missionary  meetings  of  the  Church, 
sometimes  a  feeling  of  sadness  creeps  over  the  heart.  People  meet 
and  talk  and  pray,  "  Thy  Kingdom  come ; "  instead  of  putting  their 
shoulders  to  the  wheel  and  coworking  with  God,  they  turn  the  entire 
business  over  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  with  a  spirit  of  pious 
resignation,  not  contributing  of  their  means,  or  offering  an  insignif- 
icant sum  as  their  share  towards  the  enterprise.  They  ask  the 
Master  to  do  the  work  committed  to  their  hands ;  to  do  what  they 
are  too  penurious  to  do. 

On  the  4th  and  5th  of  December,  our  church  was  turned  over 
to  General  Booth  and  his  officers.  In  the  lecture-room  was  held  his 
secret  drill.  The  night  of  the  4th,  the  meeting  was  held  in  Music 
Hall.  A  mighty  host  gathered  to  hear  the  General.  It  is  difficult 
to  characterize  him.  He  is  tall  and  rather  slender.  Modest  in  his 
appearing,  but  demands  the  most  ceremonious  obedience  '  from 
officers  and  other  followers.  He  is  inaccessible  during  the  intervals 
of  service,  owing  to  the  necessity  of  husbanding  his  vital  force. 
Though  he  occupied  the  room  next  to  my  office,  I  hardly  saw  him, 
receiving  a  very  formal  introduction.  His  public  addresses  merely 
recounted  the  achievements  of  the  Salvation  Army.  He  is  a  man 
of  talent,  and  of  remarkable  organizing  power,  or  he  could  never 
have  secured  such  a  following. 

Brother  P.  M.  Lockwood  was  buried  from  the  church  on  the 
24th  of  December.  For  fifty-two  years  he  had  been  an  official  mem- 
ber ;  all  these  years  having  a  character  unsullied  by  even  a  single 
stain.  He  grew  old  gracefully,  honored  and  respected  by  saint  and 
sinner.  He  was  truly  as  a  city  set  on  a  hill.  His  experience  was 
rich  and  ripe.  In  our  last  Love  Feast,  he  stepped  to  the  front,  and 
inquired.  "Doctor,  may  I  say  a  few  words?"    Assent  being  given, 


326 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


he  gave  us  a  testimony  of  remarkable  sweetness,  as  to  the  work 
of  Christ  in  his  soul.  The  audience  was  melted  into  tears,  and  all 
felt  that  the  Spirit  of  power  rested  upon  him.  His  devotion  to  the 
Master  and  Centenary  Church  was  worthy  of  imitation.  His  clos- 
ing scene  was  like  the  beaming  of  the  morning  star — 

"  Which  goes  not  down  behind  the  darkened  west, 
Nor  hides  obscured  among  the  tempests  of  the  sky, 
But  melts  away  into  the  light  of  heaven." 

The  business  man,  at  the  end  of  the  year,  wants  to  know  the 
outcome.  So  the  Christian  man.  We  take  up,  too  often,  all  kinds 
of  things  to  help  us  reach  a  conclusion,  and  get  a  grand  total.  There 
is  an  old  and  somewhat  amusing  story  of  a  blind  beggar  who  used 
to  stand  outside  of  a  church,  and  on  whose  breast  there  was  a  great 
placard  with  hieroglyphical  words  and  figures :  "  Battles,  6 ; 
wounds,  4;  children,  5;  total  15."  We  are  apt  to  reach  a  grand 
total  by  adding  up  things  which  are  not  legitimate.  Financial  re- 
sults are  valuable,  but  what  about  the  great  imperative  of  Christ — 
"  Ye  must  be  born  again !  "  We  dare  not  ignore  or  even  subordinate 
this  great  need.  As  usual,  we  closed  the  year  with  a  "  Watch- 
Night "  service.  This  service  draws  a  large  throng  to  our  church. 
Therefore,  my  aim  is  to  reach  men  and  women  by  pressing  the  great 
imperative  of  Christ.  We  rarely  ever  have  a  sermon.  We  have 
earnest  and  hearty  praying,  rich  experience,  lusty  singing,  and 
from  two  to  five  minutes'  exhortations  between  the  songs.  Then 
apply  the  truth  of  the  need  of  salvation.  On  this  occasion  the  in- 
terest grew  to  the  last  minute.  A  number  came  to  the  altar.  We 
had  six  conversions,  and  nine  joined  the  Church.  The  old  year  was 
nearly  gone,  when  the  covenant  was  about  to  be  made.  This  is 
always  an  exciting  moment.  It  never  fails  to  arrest  the  attention  of 
all  classes.  The  proposition  was  simple :  "  All  who  desire  to  lead 
better  lives  and  propose  to  do  so,  come  to  the  altar."  The  "  Covenant 
Hymn  "  is  sung  standing,  then  all  falling  upon  our  knees,  we  spend 
the  few  remaining  minutes  in  confession  to  God,  and  imploring 
Divine  aid  to  be  ever  faithful.  An  appropriate  stanza  is  sung; 
then  silence,  as  the  Old  Year  opens  into  the  New.  In  a  moment  we 
are  on  our  feet,  with  a  song  of  joy  upon  our  lips,  and  greeting  one 
another  with  "  Happy  New  Year,"  we  pass  to  our  homes.  Some- 
times, religiously-disposed  persons  criticise  us.  A  man  coming 
from  the  outside  world,  where  the  temperature  is  below  zero,  will 
always  be  struck  by  the  thermometer  standing  at  blood-heat  inside 
the  church.    That  man  is  apt  to  say.    "  This  people  is  fanatical !  " 

On  January  29th,  I  went  to  the  Exposition  Hall,  to  hear  that 
notable  evangelist,  Mr.  Moody.  In  these  later  days  the  people  still 
flock  to  hear  him.  He  now  gives  attention  to  the  development  of 
Christian  forces.  He  seems  to  have  lost  the  power  to  move  unsaved 
men  to  action,  but  retains  the  power  to  influence  Church  members  to 
secure  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     It  seems  the  great  evan- 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  327 

gelists  of  our  day,  as  in  the  case  of  Sam  Jones,  lose  the  power  to 
move  unconverted  men  to  action,  as  in  days  gone  by.  Both  mighty 
men  retain  wonderful  power  for  good,  but  not  on  the  forrner  lines. 
Both  still  do  great  things  for  God. 

Finding  time  for  an  occasional  letter  to  one  of  our  Church 
periodicals,  these  lines  among  others,  were  penned :  "  Our  city  is 
all  astir,  and  has  been  since  early  fall.  Talk  about  evolution — if 
that  means  out  of  one  thing  into  another,  we  are  evoluting  with  a 
momentum  which  almost  takes  one's  breath.  Even  ignoring  politics 
and  certain  social  questions,  the  air  is  filled  with  jangling  voices 
demanding  attention  as  the  voice  of  God.  So  great  is  the  furore 
the  ordinary  Christian  is  sometimes  bewildered.  The  other  day  I 
was  reading  about  fads.  Some  one  sent  me  a  copy  of  the  Ram's 
Horn.  That  unique  periodical  said,  'The  latest  theological  fad — 
the  evolution  of  Christianity,  has  taken  hold  of  the  scholarly  im- 
agination.' What  is  meant,  it  is  difficult  for  me  to  determine ;  but 
one  thing  is  certain — I  have  heard  so  much  about  structural  forms ; 
about  biogen  and  isogogic  researches,  that  when  I  hear  these  and 
like  terms  from  ministerial  lips,  I  feel  an  almost  irrepressible  impulse 
to  cry  out,  '  Oh,  for  a  draught  of  water  from  a  mountain  spring- 
in  a  gourd!' " 

The  ministers  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  at  their  last 
session,  discussed  the  propriety  of  inviting  the  ministers  of  our  de- 
nomination to  cooperate  with  them  in  their  weekly  meetings.  It  was 
considered  premature  at  this  ^time,  according  to  the  Globe-Dem- 
ocrat. In  an  interview  with  a  reporter  on  the  subject  of  "  Organic 
Union,"  my  views  were  solicited.  I  frankly  expressed  my  fears  of 
such  a  union.  The  two  bodies  are  millions  strong,  and  the  power 
conferred  upon  certain  officials  is  almost  too  great  for  human  nature 
to  exercise  without  damage.  These  great  positions  appeal  to  the  am- 
bitions of  men,  and  the  temptation  to  seek  this  power  is  manifest  in 
certain  directions.  My  view  is  to  make  every  office  in  the  Church 
correspond.  A  pastor  may  stay  four  years,  so  a  Presiding  Elder — 
why  not  a  Bishop's  term  be  made  the  same  ?  So  far,  pure  men  have 
filled  these  offices,  but  there  is  danger  ahead.  The  old  sectional 
feeling  is  dying  out,  but  the  possibility  of  securing  power  remains 
and  appeals  to  human  nature.  The  old  philosopher  expressed  a 
truth  when  he  said,  "  It  is  sweet  to  command,  though  it  be  but  a 
flock  of  sheep !  " 

Our  second  quarterly  meeting  passed  off  quietly.  Dr.  B.  M. 
Messick,  the  Presiding  Elder,  gave  us  one  of  his  best  discourses  on 
Sunday  morning.  His  mental  ability  all  recognized  and  admired. 
He  held  our  Lovo  Feast,  and  not  understanding  his  motive  in  dis- 
allowing singing,  he  intimidated  our  people ;  so  much  so,  com- 
paratively few  took  part.  At  the  close  of  an  unusually  tame  service, 
I  solicited  a  reason  for  his  course  in  eliminating  the  singing.  He  re- 
plied, that  on  his  round  of  meetings  he  found  a  disposition  to  sing 
prevalent,  but  found  it  difficult  to  get  the  people  to  speak,  and  he 


328 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


desired  to  train  our  people  to  do  more  talking.  My  reply  was, 
"  My  dear  brother,  the  trouble  at  Centenary  is  too  much  talk ;  no 
trouble  fo  get  members  to  relate  their  experiences." 

During  March,  I  attended  forty-seven  services,  besides  the 
Sabbath  sermons.  Visited  a  large  number  of  individuals,  comfort- 
ing the  bereaved,  seeking  to  inspire  laggards,  aiding  others  under 
various  trials,  assuring  them  we  all  have  what  the  Latins  call  our 
Crux;  urging  each  one  to  take  up  the  cross.  The  inquiry  is  made, 
"  What  is  a  cross?  "  In  the  language  of  one  capable  of  formulating 
an  answer,  "  It  is  one  set  of  ideas,  or  one  set  of  facts,  crossing  an- 
other." Here  is  a  man  with  his  meaner  self — his  passions — cross- 
ing with  his  high  moral  motives  and  principles.  He  has  a  cross.  A 
woman  has  desires  to  enjoy  fashionable  society ;  she  would  gladly 
go  out  and  join  its  whirl,  but  she  has -duties  to  perform  at  home  that 
cross  her  desires.  Within  each  breast  passion  says,  "  I  will ;  " 
principle  says,  "  I  will  not."  The  result  is  a  cross.  I  assure  my 
people  that  to  be  a  Christian  means  more  than  a  mumbling  of  moldy 
and  moth-eaten  shibboleths ;  and  that  one  must  not  turn  the  back 
upon  the  upward  path  because  far  up  the  slopes,  or  near  at  hand, 
the  dreadful  outline  of  a  cross  is  seen. 

That  wonderfully  attractive  man,  Sam  Jones,  opened  his  batter- 
ies on  sin  in  all  its  forms  at  the  Exposition  Hall.  Great  crowds  flock 
to  hear  him.  They  gather  from  every  section  of  the  city.  Many  hear 
him  who  never  enter  a  place  of  worship,  and  his  castigations  of 
their  sins  helps  in  the  formation  of  a  purpose  to  abandon  them. 
His  teachings  aid  the  spiritual  civilization  of  society.  He  held  forth 
day  by  day,  and  diminished  the  attendance  on  all  my  'services.  He 
was  only  two  blocks  from  my  church.  He,  no  doubt,  accomplished  a 
vast  amount  of  good.  His  sermons  are  like  grape  and  canister. 
His  tonic  way  of  stating  his  plan  of  attack  is,  to  "  shoot  in  the  hole !  " 

Mrs.  Amanda  Williams  did  not  belong  to  the  "upper  crust "  of 
society.  She  moved  as  an  old-style  woman.  Plain  in  her  attire, 
neat  in  appearance,  she  made  religion  the  chief  thing  in  her  life. 
She  did  not  flirt  with  religion,  but  was  out  and  out  for  Christ. 
She  passed  her  three-score  and  ten  years  living  for,  and  loving  God. 
Her  life  was  not  without  its  storms,  but  like  the  sailing  ship,  though 
carried  by  fierce  winds  far  to  one  side,  yet  heads  toward  the  port, 
so  she  never  retreated.  During  the  war  with  Mexico,  a  brother 
officer  urged  General  Taylor  to  retire,  as  the  enemy's  fire  was  fear- 
ful. "  No,"  was  his  answer,  "  we  won't  go  back ;  but  let  us  ride 
a  little  forward,  where  the  balls  will  fall  behind  us."  This  blessed 
woman  moved  up  closer  to  God  in  time  of  trial  and  took  shelter 
under  the  wings  of  the  Almighty.  Her  love  for  her  Master  was 
exhibited  in  her  devotion,  and  Centenary  was  her  chief  joy.  She 
lived  far  up  town,  but  wended  her  way  "to  the  house  of  God  even 
through  snow-storms,  and  against  the  protest  of  her  children. 
Death  found  her  watching  for  the  descending  angel  and  she  ex- 
claimed, "I  have  been  looking  for  you!"     One  of  the  remarkable 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV .  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ^2g 

things  about  our  religion  is  the  confidence  it  imparts,  as  the  soul 
passes  out  into  Eternity.    Yes,  "  our  people  die  well." 

The  Texas  State  League  Conference  was  held  in  Houston,  be- 
ginning, April  16th,  1895.  Three  thousand  delegates  were  present 
from  the  five  Texas  Conferences.  A  number  of  invited  guests,  my- 
self among  them,  were  present.  There  were  Dr.  S.  A.  Steel, 
bright,  sparkling,  eloquent  and  happy;  Dr.  H.  C.  Morrison  (after- 
ward Bishop),  elegant,  oratorical,  strong  and  powerful  in  speech; 
Bishop  C.  B.  Galloway,  full  of  wisdom  and  silver-tongued.  Per- 
haps there  never  was  held  a  State  League  that  made  as  profound 
and  lasting  an  impression.  Many  of  the  choice  young  men  of  that 
great  State  were  in  attendance.  The  versatile  editor  of  the  Texas 
Christian  Advocate,  Dr.  Rankin,  made  an  address  of  welcome  which 
was  an, admirable  production.  It  had  teeth  and  snap.  President 
Jackson,  young  and  vigorous,  responded  in  an  address  of  much 
beauty.  The  Epzvorth  Era  had  this  to  say  about  it :  "  It  was  the 
universal  testimony  that  Houston  never  had  such  a  gathering. 
There  was  a  triumphant  note  from  the  first.  The  great  events  of  the 
occasion  were  the  speeches  of  Bishop  Galloway  and  Dr.  John 
Mathews.  Bishop  Galloway  was  at  his  best.  His  address  on,  '  The 
Epworth  League  and  Missions,'  was  a  memorable  speech ;  broad, 
Scriptural  and  beautiful,  and  it  sprung  every  heart  in  the  great 
audience  who  heard  it  to  a  loftier  conception  of  our  mission.  Dr. 
Mathews — what  words  are  capable  of  expressing  to  one  who  never 
heard  him  the  indescribable  Mathews?  Comical,  intellectual, 
unique,  powerful,  magnetic,  electric,"  etc.,  etc.  A  jubilee  service 
was  held  the  last  night  of  the  Conference.  "  It  culminated,"  says 
the  Era,  "  in  such  a  Pentecostal  scene  as  is  seldom  witnessed  in  this 
world.  The  opera  house  was  jammed,  and  ninety  per  cent,  were 
young  people.  Glory  bursted  from  every  tongue.  They  shouted  on 
the  platform,  on  the  main  floor,  in  the  boxes,  in  the  galleries !  There 
was  a  shout  in  the  upper  gallery,  and  Bolton's  clear  voice  rang: 
'  We  are  in  the  third  Heaven  up  here.'  "  We  never  saw  anything 
comparable  to  it.  Bishop  Galloway  said  he  had  never  seen  anything 
equal  to  it.  There  were  no  excesses,  no  fanaticism,  no  wild  relig- 
ious extravagance ;  but  the  marvelous  power  of  the  Holv  Ghost. 
Who  can  ever  forget  the  wonderful  influence  of  that  song  from 
three  thousand  voices  when  the  pastor  of  Centenary  led  off,  "  Then 
palms  of  victory,  crowns  of  glory.  Palms  of  victory  I  shall  wear !  " 

Week  by  week  there  has  been  a  growing  interest  in  the  work  of 
soul  saving.  At  every  Sunday  gathering  we  find  persons  who  are 
seeking  to  rid  their  souls  of  sin.  Both  Sunday-Schools  are  pros- 
perous. The  morning  school  is  famous  for  the  large  number  of 
classes  of  young  men  and  women,  and  also  for  the  character  of  the 
teaching.  In  the  afternoon  school,  the  singing  is  stirring,  believing 
that  much'  truth  is  conveyed  in  song.  A  voting  girl  who  had  at- 
tended for  months  and  had  learned  some  of  the  hymns  used  by  Dr. 
Simmons,  was  taken  sick  unto  death.    The  family  was  godless.    As 


3  50  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

she  lay  upon  her  dying  pillow,  she  felt  too  feeble  to  sing,  and  turn- 
ing to  those  around  her  asked  for  a  special  hymn.  No  one  knew 
it ;  then  mustering  her  remaining  strength  she  struck  up, 

"I've  anchored  my  soul  in  the  haven  of  rest, 
I'll  sail  the  wide  seas  no  more." 

She  had  learned  enough  to  link  her  heart  to  Jesus  our  Lord,  and 
breathed  her  soul  into  His  bosom ! 

I  was  absent  from  my  charge  two  Sundays  during  the  month  of 
June.  The  faculty  of  the  Southern  University,  at  Greensboro,  Ala- 
bama, invited  me  to  attend  their  commencement  exercises,  and 
preach  the  sermon.  The  president  of  the  institution,  Dr.  John 
O.  Keener  was  my  son-in-law.  Spent  a  few  days  delightfully, 
mingling  with  some  friends  of  the  past,  for  I  was  a  member  of  the 
Alabama  Conference  for  about  thirteen  years.  It  was  happiness  to 
talk  of  the  old  days  of  battle  and  of  victory.  On  Sunday  morning, 
I  preached  the  Baccalaureate  sermon  to  a  magnificent  congregation 
gathered  from  all  directions.  At  night  I  preached  for  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association.  In  the  early  spring,  one  of  the  faculty 
of  Washington  and  Lee  University,  at  Lexington,  Virginia,  sent  me 
an  invitation  to  preach  the  commencement  sermon.  This  institution 
is  dear  to  the  Southern  heart,  owing  to  the  heroes  whose  names  are 
cherished  by  the  people  of  the  South.  Here  the  immortal  "  Stone- 
wall "  Jackson,  taught,  prayed  and  wrought.  Here  General  Robert 
E.  Lee  presided  over  its  destinies ;  and  here  lie  the  remains  of  all 
that  was  mortal  of  this  greatest  of  all  soldiers.  The  theme  of  my 
sermon  was,  "  The  Mystery  of  the  Gospel."  The  Lexington  News 
had  this  to  say  amongst  other  things :  "  Dr.  Mathews  said  that  his 
message  was  for  the  young.  The  professors,  and  the  mature,  are 
crystallized,  set  in  their  convictions.  The  young  were  in  the  forma- 
tive period.  With  an  irrepressible  fund  of  anecdote,  humor,  and 
argument  he  attacked  and  routed  those  who  could  not  believe  be- 
cause they  demanded  that  the  Gospel  be  demonstrated  by  human 
reason.  Neither  the  song  nor  the  singer  Sunday  morning  will  soon 
be  forgotten  by  those  who  heard.  It  was  a  novelty  among  Bac- 
calaureate sermons  in  Lexington." 

On  the  13th  of  July,  I  rode  out  to  Carondelet  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  that  Nestor  of  our  religious  press,  Rev.  D.  R.  McAnnally, 
D.  D.  No  public  man  in  Missouri  wielded  a  wider  influence  than 
he.  He  stood  by  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Church,  feeling  he 
was  set  as  a  watchman  to  sound  the  danger  signal,  and  to  lead  the 
men  of  God  in  building  up  our  Zion.  He  wielded  a  ready  pen  and 
stood  for  what  was  best,  in  all  the  long  years  of  his  connection  with 
the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate.  The  little  church  which  he  had 
fostered  for  so  many  years,  was  filled  with  admirers  to  pay  tribute 
to  his  memory.  He  passed  away  in  peace.  He  realized  what  a  poet 
said  in  dvingf.  "  God  has  love,  and  I  have  faith !  " 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN   MATHEWS,  D.   D  33,, 

On  the  1 6th  of  July,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  that  remarkable 
man,  Valentine  Burke.  On  a  previous  page,  I  have  told  the  story 
of  his  conversion.  Many  doubted  the  genuineness  of  his  conver- 
sion ;  but  a  few  took  interest  in  his  case,  and  encouraged  him  in  his 
efforts  to  be  a  man.  For  nearly  twenty  years  his  life  and  conduct 
honored  their  confidence.  After  his  transformation,  he  lived  such 
a  true  life  that  no  stain  ever  marred  his  career.  Thus  we  see,  the 
Gospel  knows  of  no  hopeless  or  irreconcilable  classes.  It  leads  us  to 
despair  of  no  one.  It  can  kindle  a  fire  under  the  very  ribs  of  death. 
None  are  beyond  its  power.  The  most  hopeless  case,  rotting  in  our 
back  slums,  can  be  saved. 

The  first  four  days  in  August,  spent  at  the  State  Epworth 
League  Assembly  held  at  the  famous  resort,  "  Pertle  Springs  "near . 
Warrensburg.  Why  should  I  follow  these  gatherings  in  the  interest 
of  our  young  people  ?  Long  years  ago  I  learned  that  every  human 
being  has  influence;  every  one  is  somebody's  hero,  influencing  his 
life.  Even  the  wooden  Indian  in  front  of  a  cigar  store  has  in- 
fluence ;  that  is  what  he  is  there  for !  I  participate  in  these  gatherings 
to  inspire  any  heart  confiding  in  me.  Having  spent  years  in  study- 
ing the  nature  of  many  of  the  temptations  to  which  the  young  are 
exposed,  have  found  that  for  want  of  some  wise  and  luminous 
utterance  they  are  driven  either  into  the  demoralizing  abysses  of 
superstition  or  into  the  seas  of  death  or  the  sunless  gulfs  of  doubt. 
Hence,  my  active  interest  in  the  young  of  our  communion.  This 
assembly  was  attended  by  many  young  men  and  women  of  culture 
and  influence ;  therefore  in  accepting  a  place  on  the  programme,  my 
purpose  is  to  help  them  climb  to  much  greater  heights.  I  prepared 
a  discourse  on  "  We  then  as  workers  together  with  him,  beseech  you 
also,  that  ye  receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain."  A  corres- 
pondent, in  a  lengthy  description  of  the  occasion  in  the  St.  Louis 
Advocate  says,  "  I  noticed  the  hand-shaking,  the  spontaneous  sing- 
ing, the  warm  greetings,  the  cheery  words  to  strangers,  the  ready 
tears  of  sympathy,  the  joy  in  the  eyes.  There  was  religion — old- 
fashioned  religion  there,  and  the  sight  of  it,  so  loving  and  fervent, 
was  as  the  water-brooks  to  the  thirsty  soul !  There  are  two  or  three 
pictures  that  shall  remain  with  me  many  a  day.  A  summer  night, 
with  moonlight  sifting  through  the  interlacing  branches  of  many 
great  trees,  the  soft  splash  of  falling  water  in  the  valley  below,  a 
height  on  which  clung  a  wide  hotel,  lit  by  electricity  and  alive  with 
the  moving  forms  of  many  hundred  young  people  engaged  in  social 
chat.  Ml  at  once  a  song  is  started  on  the  broad  veranda : 
'Oh,  happy  flay  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee  my  Savior  and  my  God." 

A  man  with  white  hair  stands  on  a  chair  in  order  that  the  surging 
mass  of  young  people  around  him  may  be  led  in  song.  As  the  sing- 
ing progresses  the  crowd  grows  larger,  a  multitude  of  beautiful 
girls,  in  light  summer  dresses,  and  of  earnest  youths,  with  always 


2$2  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

the  same  lovelight  of  Jesus  in  every  eye.  As  song  after  song  swells 
out  in  the  moonlight,  the  picture  becomes  more  thrilling.  I  shall 
never  forget  Dr.  Mathews  as  he  stood  there,  singing  with  eyes 
closed,  and  all  about  him,  beautiful,  innocent,  rapt,  young  girls, 
looking  up  at  him  in  veneration,  through  eyes  wet  with  tears,  yet 
smiling  in  exaltation  and  singing  hallelujahs !  Oh,  I  've  seen  the 
most  famous  paintings  of  the  world — saints  with  glowing  halos 
about  them ;  but  no  Raphael  or  Correggio  ever  painted  a  better  saint 
with  a  purer  halo  of  angels  about  him  than  Nature  grouped  in 
unstudied  grace  on  that  porch  at  Pertle  Springs  that  midsummer 
night !  "  A  number  of  these  young  men  have  become  front  men  in 
the  Church  of  God.  If  I  named  them  it  would  fill  a  chapter ;  God 
.and  the  Church  know  who  they  are. 

Being  profoundly  interested  in  the  friendless  and  forsaken,  I 
have  cooperated  most  heartily  with  Mrs.  Leta  Flint  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  Emergency  Home  and  Hospital.  Perhaps  in  search- 
ing through  the  city,  a  more  suitable  person  to  develop  this  charity, 
could  not  be  found  than  Sister  Flint.  Her  peculiar  characteristics 
fit  her  for  inaugurating  and  carrying  forward  this  enterprise.  Her 
faith  in  God,  her  love  for  humanity,  her  humility,  and  her  willing- 
ness to  perform  menial  service  when  necessary  (and  it  is  often 
necessary),  qualify  her  for  the  position.  In  this  home  may  be 
found  abandoned  children,  forsaken  wives,  and  some  elderly  women 
turned  out  of  other  institutions  because  of  no  self-control.  No 
salaries  are  paid  employes ;  they  only  get  their  board  and  lodging. 

Closing  up  the  year's  work  is  always  attended  with  much  labor 
and  anxiety.  To  describe  one's  work  would  be  but  a  repetition  of 
other  closing  scenes.  All  my  duties  were  conducted  with  zeal. 
Lectures  at  the  suburban  town  of  Ferguson,  to  aid  the  pastor-  in 
raising  his  assessments.  Attendance  on  class-meetings  from  fifty- 
six  to  seventy-four.  Took  collection  for  the  wornout  preachers, 
widows  and  orphans.  The  report  to  the  Annual  Conference  may  be 
summed  up  as  follows :  Accessions,  two  hundred  and  seventy-five ; 
financial  claims  all  met ;  raised  for  all  purposes,  fourteen  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  fifty-three  dollars  and  nineteen  cents.  Had  access 
to  more  people  than  ever.  God  sustained  me  through  the  increased 
demands  made  upon  me. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS.  D.  /).  333 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

Third  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary. 

1 

Our  Annual  Conference  was  held  at  Jackson,  September  25th, 
1895,  Bishop  Galloway  presiding.  Many  of  our  preachers  have 
difficult  fields  of  labor.  Some  of  them  do  not  receive  enough  to  meet 
family  expenses  and  purchase  sufficient  clothing  to  protect  them 
from  winter's  blasts.  One  of  our  Presiding  Elders  traveled  his 
District  without  an  overcoat ;  had  to  resort  to  two  frock  coats.  Now 
and  then  one  bewails  his  lack  of  fruit  in  numbering  converts,  but 
the  friends  of  such  can  recall  their  influence  on  lines  of  virtue ;  how 
they  stood  for  what  was  ennobling,  and  how  they  employed  their 
talents  for  the  best  interest  of  society;  these  men  of  toil  set  in 
motion  influences  which  are  passing  like  a  health-giving  breeze  over 
the  minds  they  reached.  They  aided  some  organizations  which  will 
transform  human  beings  into  the  likeness  of  their  Lord.  They  have 
ministered  largely  to  the  world's  progress. 

The  Conference  Minutes  has  a  notice  of  a  resolution  passed 
by  the  body,  as  follows :  "  Dr.  John  Mathews  having  announced  in 
his  report  this  year  the  completion  of  his  fiftieth  year  in  the  ministry, 
was  requested  by  the  Conference  to  preach  a  Semi-Centennial  Ser- 
mon at  our  next  Conference."  The  Arkansas  Methodist  says,  "  Is 
there  an  example  in  all  our  Church  history  of  one  who  has  com- 
pleted his  fiftieth  year  in  a  pastorate  so  prominent  and  responsible 
as  that  which  Dr.  Mathews  now  holds  ?  "  Dr.  Palmore,  in  his  per- 
sonal notes  of  the  Conference  has  this  pleasant  paragraph :  "  The 
Conference,  by  resolution,  requested  Dr.  John  Mathews  to  preach 
at  its  next  session  a  Semi-Centennial  Sermon.  We  would  like  to  live 
to  hear  that  sermon.  No  man  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles  has 
preached  through  a  more  important  half  century  of  the  world's 
historv,  and  few  American  ministers  have  preached  to  more  people 
with  such  acceptability  as  Dr.  Mathews.  He  permits  us  to  say  in 
this  notice,  that  if  he  lives  to  deliver  this  sermon,  he  will  at  that 
time  tell  exactly  how  old  ho  is !  This  will  be  news  to  many  of  his 
most  intimate  friends." 

Two  of  our  oldest  and  most  faithful  ministers  passed  down  into 
death,  during  the  past  year,  in  a  high  and  mighty  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Rev.  David  R.  McAnnallv,  D.  D.,  was  eighty-five  years  old 
Rev.  David  F.  Marquis  was  eightv-three.  Dr.  McAnnallv  was  a 
master  amongst  men,  a  born  leader,  capable  of  broad  and  deep 
planning,  and  possessing  energies  capable  of  moving  others  by  dint 
of  his  powers.  He  loved  the  Church  of  God  with  a  love  surpassing 
the  love  of  women,  and  expended  his  lordly  faculties  in  extending 


^34  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

her  influence.  Few  men  amongst  us  wielded  a  wider  influence  or 
was  esteemed  by  a  larger  circle.  David  J.  Marquis  in  his  narrow 
sphere  wrought  wisely  and  well. 

Bishop  Galloway  returned  me  for  the  third  year  to  Centenary 
Church.  In  reflecting  upon  my  past  and  gazing  into  the  future  I 
am  conscious  that  I  am  drawn  along  by  an  unknown  force  to  an 
unknown  destiny ;  that  an  incomprehensible  Power,  hidden  from  the 
view  of  man,  is  impelling  me  forward.  Such  a  fact  sometimes 
makes  the  heart  quiver!  It  remains  true  that  no  form  of  riches, 
therefore,  could  be  thrown  upon  the  world  that  would  equal  in  value 
just  two  ideas — that  we  are  the  children  of  a  Personal  God,  and  that 
He  has  provided  for  the  soul  as  it  nears  the  terminus  of  its  earthly 
journey!  Oh,  how  I  bless  Him  for  Christ  as  an  atoning  Savior! 
I  began  the  year's  work  in  meeting  four  hundred  and  fifty  at  our 
mid-week  prayer-meeting.  My  welcome  was  warm  and  cheering. 
How  delightful  the  sense  when  one  feels  he  is  wanted! 

The  Post-Dispatch  gave  an  entire  page  to  the  history  of  the 
Church  and  its  different  pastors  in  issue  of  October  15th;  presenting 
at  the  same  time  three  views  of  its  present  pastor  in  pulpit  attitudes. 
It  begins  thus :  "  Centenary  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South, 
located  at  Sixteenth  and  Pine,  is  known  and  regarded  with  affec- 
tionate interest  far  beyond  the  boundaries  of  its  immediate  work 
and  influence.  It  is  not  only  deemed  the  largest  and  finest  Methodist 
Church  in  Missouri,  with  the  largest  congregation  of  any  Protestant 
Church  in  the  city,  but  it  marks  an  epoch  in  Methodism.  Centenary 
Church  was  so  called  because  it  was  organized  in  commemoration 
of  the  first  centennial  of  Methodism.  Dr.  Mathews  is  now  filling 
the  third  year  of  his  second  term.  He  preaches  uniformly  to  large 
congregations ;  his  audience  numbering  from  twelve  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred. It  is  contrary  to  the  experience  of  most  other  Churches  that 
his  evening  congregations  are  even  larger  than  those  of  the  morn- 
ing. And,  while  in  most  congregations  the  ladies  predominate,  in 
Dr.  Mathews'  Church  two-thirds  of  the  audience  are  men." 

One  of  the  best  antidotes  to  suggestions  of  doubt  is  work.  One 
can  not  keep  suggestions  from  the  mind.  "  The  human  mind,"  as 
some  say,  "  is  always  haunted  by  thoughts  of  its  origin,  and  guesses 
at  its  destiny.  It  is  always  asking  to  know  what  is  its  relation  to 
the  mysterious  universe  in  which  it  finds  itself.  Above  all,  it  is 
ever  asking  for  the  solution  of  certain  contradictions  or  paradoxes 
in  its  own  existence..  It  seeks,  and  can  not  help  seeking,  for  the 
Being,  let  that  Being  be  what  it  will,  to  which  it  owes  its  ownex- 
istence.  Our  modern  science  has  reached  the  conclusion  that  it  is 
not  able  to  furnish  the  reply  to  these  questions  the  mind  of  man  is 
ever  asking."  But  how  consoling  when  one  can  turn  to  Revelation! 
It  aids  us  here ;  it  lifts  the  curtain  and  we  find  solid  ground  on  which 
to  plant  one's  feet. 

Being  invited  to  address  the  congregation  of  the  Central  Pres- 
bvterian  Church  at  the  memorial   service  of  their  former  pastor. 


"  AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  It.  D  335 

Dr.  Brank,  I  readily  consented,  as  he  was  not  only  a  brother 
minister,  but  my  personal  friend.  The  attendance  was  large,  and 
several  ministers  took  part  in  paying  tribute  to  one  who  had  long 
served  this  people.  He  was  not  only  religious,  but  a  very  godly 
man.  He  was  not  brilliant,  but  solid.  He  preached  a  pure  Gospel 
and  was  not  only  esteemed  by  his  people  and  friends,  but  loved  by 
them.  His  life  was  with  Christ  in  God.  It  was  a  solemn  occasion 
and  must  have  been  profitable  to  all. 

The  first  Sunday  in  December,  Dr.  Simmons,  Superintendent 
of  our  afternoon  Sunday-School,  was  very  anxious  for  me  to  have 
revival  effort  exercises  in  the  school.  Instead  of  teaching  the  les- 
sons, several  hymns  were  sung,  a  short  discourse  by  the  pastor,  an 
appeal  to  the  school  to  seek  Christ's  favor.  Many  scholars  came 
forward  for  prayers  and  many  of  these  were  converted.  At  the 
close  of  that  memorable  hour,  sixty-nine  applied  for  membership. 
The  Superintendent  was  stirred  to  the  core  of  his  being,  feeling 
that  the  large  expenditure  of  money  from  his  own  pocket  was  amply 
repaid.  My  own  heart  was  all  aglow  at  the  result,  and  a  sense  of 
gratitude  overflowed  every  acting  faculty  of  my  nature. 

The  Watch-Night  service,  this  year,  was  a  jam ;  every  available 
space  was  occupied,  and  people  stood  around  the  walls.  Our  people 
were  in  a  praying  mood,  and  the  pastor,  weary  from  excessive  labor, 
felt  the  need  of  supernatural  aid,  and  poured  out  his  plea  into  the 
ear  of  God.  From  the  very  first  prayer  the  interest  was  deep. 
When  penitents  were,  invited,  many  responded — so  many,  we  could 
not  count  them.  When  the  request  was  made  for  the  converts 
to  stand  up  twenty-six  responded.  Then  the  opportunity  was  given 
for  persons  to  join  the  Church— all  told  forty-six  were  received. 
This  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable  meetings  I  ever  attended. 
Many  joined  in  the  covenant,  and  as  the  New  Year  broke  in  upon 
us,  there  were  shoutings  and  hand-shakings,  to  the  delight  of  the 
children  of  the  King! 

The  burden  of  souls  I  have  carried  for  many,  many  years. 
Sometimes  it  has  almost  crushed  me  with  its  weight.  I  once  heard 
an  eminent  German  preacher  say  that  their  word  for  pastor. 
'  meant  "  One  who  sorrows  for  souls."  God  knows  how  much  I 
have  sorrowed  for  the  souls  of  my  people.  Over  and  over  has  our 
Lord  given  me  the  desire  of  my  heart.  Sometimes  the  burden  has 
been  so  great  I  dreaded  its  pressure,  but  relief  came.  The  people 
of  the  Church  still  desire  Church  expansion,  but  we  hear  little  of  the 
cry,  "  O  Lord,  give  me  souls !  "  I  joined  with  the  city  ministers  in 
their  prayer-meetings  for  a  revivial.  Every  year  these  meetings  are 
held.  To  mv  mind  they  are  too  formal  and  too  cold.  I  have  in- 
quired. "When  you  pray  do  you  stop  and  listen  for  an  answer?" 
Expectancv  honors  God.  Do  not  begin  to  question  as  to  how  God 
answers.  This  recalls  what  Sir  Isaac  Newton  said  of  gravitation  : 
"  We  onlv  know  results." 

During  January.   I  held   several   meetings   for   children.     The 


336 


PEEPli  INTO  LIFE. 


object  was  to  instruct  the  applicants  and  discover  the  Christian 
status  of  those  who  had  professed  conversion.  These  children  could 
not  be  reached  in  their  homes,  therefore,  I  gave  them  some  time 
each  week  after  school  hours.  They  were  catechised,  instructed, 
and  prayed  with.  The  ones  who  gave  satisfactory  evidence  as  to 
their  conversion  were  notified  they  could  be  received  into  the  Church 
only  with  the  consent  of  their  parents.  Feeling  that  the  future  de- 
fenders of  the  faith  are  now  children,  how  stupendous  the  respon- 
sibility of  the  pastors  and  parents ! 

Took  an  evening,  in  March,  from  my  own  work  to  make  a 
flying  trip  to  Lafayette  Park  Church  to  hear  Brother  J.  H.  Jackson, 
of  the  Missouri  Conference,  who  is  aiding  the  pastor  in  a  protracted 
meeting.  Brother  Jackson  is  a  pastor  who  "  does  things ; "  a 
preacher  of  ability  and  a  moving  force.  He  eats  no  idle  bread.  I 
was  pleased  and  profited  with  his  sermon,  which  bore  fruit.  During 
this  same  month,  Dr.  Carradine  filled  my  pulpit,  giving  us  a  dis- 
course of  much  interest,  advocating  with  great  vigor  the  "  second 
blessing "  theory.  A  number  who  believed  in  his  teaching  were 
present,  and  shouted  and  responded  as  the  preacher  warmed  to  his 
theme. 

A  young  minister,  visiting  in  our  city,  in  considering  the  work 
of  soul  saving,  remarked,  "  I  once  inquired  of  one  of  our  Bishops, 
'  What  is  the  secret  of  Dr.  Mathews'  success  ?  ' '  He  gave  me  the 
Bishop's  answer,  about  as  follows :  "  One  thing  that  largely  ex- 
plains Dr.  Mathews'  success,  is  this :  Nearly  all  preachers  will 
sacrifice  their  congregations  to  their  sermons ;  Dr.  Mathews,  more 
than  any  preacher  I  have  ever  known,  will  always  sacrifice  his  ser- 
mon to  his  congregation.  His  one  purpose,  every  time  he  preaches, 
is  to  reach  the  hearts  of  his  hearers ;  and  he  cares  not  what  becomes 
of  the  laws  of  sermon-building  and  literarv  finish,  when  he  can  do 
this." 

On  the  27th  of  May,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Miss  Mary 
Lewis,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Lewis,  long  a  resident  of  the 
city,  and  pastor  of  our  leading  Churches.  During  my  pastorate  at 
St.  John's.  Miss  Mary's  growth  in  Christian  life  attracted  my  special 
attention.  In  the  Young  People's  League  meetings  she  was  active, 
and  shrinking  as  she  was,  she  reached  the  point  where  she  would 
lead  in  their  devotions.  In  the  Young  Ladies'  Mission  of  St.  John's, 
she  was  one  of  the  most  active  workers,  and  gave  much  time  to 
looking  after  the  poor.  Her  growth  took  on  such  a  form  as  to  lead 
me  to  think  God  was  preparing  her  for  somthing  extra,  but  did  not 
think  it  was  for  death.  So  it  proved,  and  she  has  gone  to  meet  a 
mother  of  unusual  activity  in  Church  life,  and  a  father  who  led  the 
forces  of  Christ  against  evil  in  this  city.  My  tears  mingled  with 
those  of  her  family  over  her  loss. 

During  the  latter  part  of  May  occurred  the  devastating  cyclone 
which  visited  St.  Louis  this  year.  It  swept  across  the  eastern  part 
of  the  city  in  great  fury,  unroofing  houses,  blowing  others  down, 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  U.  D.  337 

until  one  could  hardly  recognize  the  former  points  of  interest.  Much 
damage  was  done  all  over  the  city.    Wires  all  down ;  cars  stopped ; 
lights  extinguished.     I  was  in  the  southern  part  of  the  city,  visiting 
a&dying  man ;  as  I  emerged  from  his  house,  I  saw  that  a  storm  was 
brewing,  and  I  leaped  into  my  surry  and  was  driven  rapidly  home, 
quite  a  distance.     Reached  home  just  as  the  storm  broke  out  in 
tremendous  sweep.    We  ran  from  room  to  room,  closing  windows. 
In  a  few  moments  a  great  crash  was  heard  overhead,  and  in  a 
second  more  the  window  was  broken  in  with  such  force  that  the 
glass  was  shattered  into  ten  thousand  particles.    Bricks  were  flying, 
trees  falling,  and  people  screaming !    It  was  soon  over,  and  we  were 
grateful  to  God  that  we  were  only  on  the  borders  of  the  tornado. 
When  messengers  came  from  down  town  we  learned  of  the  worst. 
I  had  three  marriages  for  that  night,at  different  hours  and  different 
places.    Had  my  surry  out  and  rode  down  in  the  darkness  and  rain 
until  the  police  stopped  me  within  two  squares  of  the  first  couple; 
then  I  waded  the  water  in  the  street,  reached  the  place  and  found 
all  in  confusion.    Hurried  up  the  marriage,  walked  back  to  where  I 
had  left  my  vehicle,  went  to  the  church  and  requested  the  janitor 
to  ask  Rev.  J.  W.  Cunningham  to  go  to  the  church  at  9  o'clock,  and 
marry  a  couple.     I  then  went  in  search  of  the  third  couple.     Had 
the  street  and  number  but  it  was  so  dark  I  could  not  see,  and 
groped  from  door  to  door.     At  last  some  one  called  my  name  and 
conveyed  me  to  the  right  house.     The  entire  population  was  in  a 
state  of  excitement  over  the  rumors  of  the  results  of  the  cyclone. 
Reports  of  ruined  houses  and  deaths  flew  fast  and  thick.     In  the 
morning  the  dailies  showed  the  awful  results,  and  that  the  worst 
was  in  East  St.  Louis.    I  buried  two  whose  death  was  caused  by  the 
storm.    One  of  these  was  a  quiet,  unostentatious  but  worthy  Stew- 
ard of  our  Church,  Mr.  P.  B.  De  Silva.     The  cyclone  overturned 
a  car  in  which  he  was  riding,  breaking  his  leg.    He  was  taken  tothe 
hospital,  but  medical  skill  proved  unavailing,  and  as  he  looked  into 
the  open  Gate  to  Eternity,  he  feared  no  evil,  for  he  rested  on  Christ 
his  Lord. 

In  the  Methodist  Protestant,  published  in  Baltimore,  in  its  issue 
of  June  10th,  was  a  brief  editorial  giving  an  account  of  a  visit  to 
St.  Louis  of  several  representative  men  on  their  way  home  from 
the  Protestant  Methodist  General  Conference.  The  writer  says, 
"  Eight  of  the  Marvland  delegation  spent  the  Sabbath  in  St.  Louis 
on  their  way  home."  They  went  in  a  bodv  to  the  Centenary  Meth- 
dist  Episcopal  Church,  South.  It  is  a  large  stately  building,  and 
the  tone  of  the  audience  room  is  of  that  grave,  subdued  character 
that  impresses  you  with  the  fact  that  you  are  in  God's  house  to 
engage  in  His  holy  worship.  We  went  early  and  the  sexton  seated 
us  together  in  two'pews.  When  the  pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews, 
came  in.  he  by  some  means  ascertained  who"  we  were,  and  insisted 
that  one  of  us  should  preach  for  him,  but  we  declined,  as  we 
desired  to  hear  him.     He  gave  us  a  splendid  sermon,  full  of  New 


,~o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

Testament  theology — the  clear-cut  Gospel!  One  of  his  members 
informed  us  that  he  had  taken  in  one  thousand  members  during  his 
present  pastorate."  In  this  and  other  quotations  I  realize  that  the 
ego  is  apparent.  Paul  and  others  used  it  freely.  If  biography  is, 
as  stated  by  a  thinker,  only  a  continuation  of  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles,  then  am  I  not  excusable?  Those  who  have  known  my 
manner  of  life  and  spirit  will  acquit  me  of  seeking  the  praise  of 
men.  What  I  have  written,  has  been  in  the  hope  of  leading  some 
young  ministers  to  see  how  God  can  use  an  humble  instrument  as 
he  used  the  rod  of  Moses!  Having  led  an  exceedingly  active  life 
from  youth  until  threescore  years  are  upon  me,  two  things  give 
me  a  sense  of  satisfaction.  First,  the  blessing  with  which  my 
ministry  has  been  crowned ;  and  second,  the  blamelessness  of  my 
fife  in  the  eyes  of  the  world ;  no  charge  has  ever  been  brought 
against  me.  While  I  attach  no  merit  to  these  two  things,  yet,  in 
retrospecting  the  past,  sometimes  a  feeling  of  satisfaction  rises  in 
my  heart.  But,  while  meditating  on  God  in  my  silent  moods,  I  had, 
what  might  be  named,  a  vision  of  God ;  of  His  dazzling  and  flawless 
purity,  that  so  flooded  my  soul  I  joined  with  Daniel,  who  when  he 
had  a  vision  of  the  Almighty,  exclaimed,  "  My  comeliness  is  turned 
to  corruption,  and  there  remaineth  in  me  no  strength !  "  His  self- 
satisfaction  melted  away.  And  thus,  in  supreme  moments,  mysoul 
has  felt  the  best  deeds  of  my  life  are  as  filthy  rags  in  God's  sight ! 
I  have  cried  out,  with  one  of  old,  "  Alas !  I  am  undone,  for  I  have 
seen  the  King  in  His  beauty."  I  dare  not  trust  the  sweetest  frame ! 
Christ  is  my  refuge,  as  I  sing,  "  Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee !  " 

By  invitation,  I  found  myself  in  Jackson,  Mississippi,  the  guest 
of  the  president  of  Millsaps  College,  'Dr.  Murrah.  On  Sunday 
morning,  June  14th,  I  preached  the  commencement  sermon.  The 
dailv  Clarion-Ledger,  printed  the  sermon  in  its  Monday  issue.  The 
editor  said :  "  For  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes  Dr.  Mathews  held 
the  undivided  attention  of  the  vast  audience  by  his  most  wonderful 
magnetism,  his  plain,  earnest,  original  manner."  This  institution 
is  doing  a  large  work,  and  is  destined  to  be  a  vast  force  in  the 
future.  Bishop  Galloway  resides  in  Jackson.  At  night  I  discoursed 
in  the  Methodist  Church  to  a  packed  house.  Brother  Watkins  is 
pastor,  and  is  a  coming  man  in  Mississippi,  a  worthy  son  of  a  noble 
sire. 

Our  Sunday-School  work  compensates  the  self-denying 
teachers.  A  lad  who  attended  the  afternoon  school  sickened  unto 
death.  The  Superintendent  visited  him  and  looked  after  his  physi- 
cal as  well  as  spiritual  comfort.  He  had  learned  one  of  the  favorite 
hymns  sung  often  by  the  school.  It  so  entwined  itself  around  his 
heart  that  when  the  death-damp  was  on  his  brow,  he  struck  out  in 
animated  tone,  "  I  am  the  Lily  of  the  Valley,"  etc.  Now  and  then 
one  reads  an  article  in  our  Advocate  assailing  the  use  of  what  the 
writers  call  doggerel,  and  yet  thousands  have  pillowed  their  heads 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  UEV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,   D.  D.  -,39 

on  these  ditties  as  smilingly  they  passed  the  gate  of  death.     Harry 
Brown  was  one  of  them. 

On  the  night  of  July  2d,  I  rode  over  to  St.  Paul's  Church,  on 
St.  Louis  Avenue,  to  deliver  a  lecture  to  help  raise  a  special  fund. 
The  audience  was  large  and  attentive.  After  the  lecture  refresh- 
ments were  served,  and  sociability  reigned.  From  time  to  time  I 
hesitate  to  enter  the  lecture  field,  but  when  the  brethren  plead  for 
help,  I  can  not  always  resist  their  importunity. 

While  the  warm  season  is  relaxing,  prayer  and  purpose  counter- 
worked this  tendency  and  twenty-eight  joined;  eighteen  of  this 
number  on  profession,  being  converted  in  our  after-meetings.  The 
attendance  even  the  hottest  night  on  class-meeting  reached  eighty- 
six.  During  the  month,  lifted  a  collection  for  the  benefit  of  La- 
fayette Park  Church,  thus  aiding  that  promising  organization  to 
start  alone.  The  only  outing  I  had  was  a  day  at  "  Montesano,"  with 
the  afternoon  Sunday-School  at  their  picnic.  The  boat  taking  us 
there  was  crowded  from  stem  to  stern,  with  the  scholars,  their 
parents  and  friends.  The  outlay  chiefly  from  the  pocket  of  the 
Superintendent. 

The  Nashville  Christian  Advocate  of  July  2d,  1896,  in  "  Tid- 
ings from  the  Field,"  has  this  to  say :  "  For  fifty  years  Dr.  John 
Mathews  has  been  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel  in  Tennessee,  Alabama, 
Louisiana,  and  Missouri.  He  has  spent  a  long,  useful,  and  em- 
inently successful  ministry.  Thousands  of  souls  have  been  con- 
verted under  his  ministry,  and  he  is  more  popular  to-day  than  ever 
before.  He  uses  manuscript  in  delivering  his  sermon,  but  does  it 
in  a  most  skilful  manner."  In  my  early  ministry  a  want  of  con- 
fidence in  myself  led  me  to  the  use  of  briefs,  and  the  habit  crystal- 
lized. 

Rummaging  amongst  some  old  daily  papers,  I  found  a  report 
of  one  of  my  discourses  on  "  An  Inspired  Warning,"  founded  upon 
the  text :  "  Now  all  these  things  happened  unto  them  for  ensamples  ; 
and  they  are  written  for  our  admonition,  upon  whom  the  ends  of 
the  world  are  come."  A  large  per  cent,  of  my  discourses  were  on 
themes  along  similar  lines.  While  I  magnified  God's  love,  until 
anonymous  letters  were  written  me,  charging  me  with  "  encourag- 
ing people  too  much ;  "  on  the  other  hand  I  magnified  law.  Per- 
haps one  cause  of  the  indifference  to  sacred  things  now  obtaining, 
grows  out  of  the  loose  notions  extant  about  "  forgiveness."  The 
trend  of  pulpit  teaching  is  to  magnify  love,  at  the  expense  of  be- 
littling law.  The  call  and  welcome  of  Christ  are  stressed  in  every 
pulpit  while  the  conditfons  of  salvation  are  hardly  more  than 
alluded  to.  Law  stands  in  front  of  the  sinner  and  must  be  vin- 
dicated ;  on  the  other  hand,  law  has  claims  which  must  vindicate  God. 
One  rarely  hears  a  sermon  on  repentance,  upon  the  awful  nature  of 
sin,  or  upon  future  punishment.  The  early  preacher  made  the 
people  quail  under  the  demands  of  law.  and  men  were  led  to  cry 
out.  "  Sirs,  what  must  T  do  to  be  saved?  " 


340  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

During  the  "  heated  term,"  sometimes  the  flesh  trembled  under 
the  iron  hand  of  obligation ;  but  grace  was  given,  until  like  the 
missionary  of  long  ago,  who  separating  from  her  children,  as  she 
held  a  hand  of  each  one,  raised  her  eyes  heavenward  and  said,  "  O 
Jesus,  I  do  this  for  Thee !  "  So  I  said,  "  O  Christ,  I  do  this  for 
Thee."  That  was  a  meaning  prayer,  "  Open  Thou  mine  eyes,  that 
I  may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  Thy  law."  The  Psalmist 
desired  perfection  of  sight.  There  is  a  word  not  often  employed 
which  means  "  two  eyes  employed  at  once,"  the  word  "  bin- 
ocular." In  the  spiritual  needs  we  have  two  faculties  to  be  used  in 
the  apprehension  of  truth — reason  and  faith.  One  is  intellectual, 
the  other  is  intuitive  and  springs  from  the  heart — it  comes  by  ac- 
cepting testimony.  With  open  eyes  I  see  that  away  beyond  the 
horizon  of  our  earthly  view,  there  stretches  a  broader  and  fuller 
life  towards  which  our  feet  are  moving  in  eager  haste.  Therefore 
my  strivings  are  to  make  my  life  worthy  of  immortality.  My  seek- 
ing is  not  merely  a  continuance  of  life  but  a  better  quality  of  life. 

My  fiftieth  anniversary  as  a  member  of  an  Annual  Conference 
is  made  the  occasion  of  an  interesting  retrospect.  Reporters  seized 
upon  a  rumor  that  I  am  to  preach  a  Semi-Centennial  Sermon  at  the 
next  session  of  our  Conference.  They  have  plied  me  with  all  sorts 
of  Questions.  On  March  25th,  1845,  I  was  sent  out  as  an  authorized 
minister ;  therefore  that  date  marks  the  beginning  of  my  career  in 
the  holy  and  responsible  calling  as  a  laborer  in  God's  vineyard.  I 
have  acted  a  part  in  the  most  wonderful  half  century  in  the  history 
of  the  world,  thus  far.  It  may  have  been  an  insignificant  part,  but 
like  the  grass  tuft  at  the  foot  of  the  giant  oak  I  have  filled  a 
providential  place  and  have  sought  the  good  of  my  fellow  creatures 
and  the  best  quality  of  life.  Men  have  applauded  me,  but  my  great 
interest  centers  in  the  thought,  what  does  God  think  of  me?  In 
anticipation  of  the  coming  celebration  of  what  they  call  my 
"  Golden  Jubilee,"  one  of  the  city  journals  had  this  to  say,  after 
quoting  a  sentence  which  a  reporter  caught  from  my  lips  as  fol- 
lows, "  The  one  controlling  purpose  of  my  life  has  been  to  help  my 
fellow  men."  "  Perhaps  it  was  the  benevolent  spirit  which  prompted 
this  utterance  that  has  made  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews,  the  be- 
loved pastor  of  the  Centenary  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  so  uni- 
versally respected  and  admired.  There  is,  perhaps,  no  finer  specimen 
of  hale,  hearty  old  manhood  in  St.  Louis  than  Dr.  Mathews.  Above 
all  things,  he  is  a  man  of  the  people.  He  preaches  the  doctrine  of 
Jesus  Christ  and  allows  no  outside  issue  to  interfere  with  his  earnest 
and  persistent  efforts  to  spread  the  tidings  of  salvation  as  embraced 
in  the  creed  of  his  Church." 

At  one  of  our  class-meetings  a  crank  gave  us  some  trouble.  He 
had  much  of  the  Bible  at  his  tongue's  end,  and  wanted  to  read  pas- 
sages altogether  out  of  harmony  with  the  experiences  of  the  mem- 
bers who  had  talked.  We  had  a  member,  very  poor  and  uneducated 
but  with  an  enviable  experience.     In  ecstatic  moments,  in  relating 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.   I).  34i 

her  hopes  and  aims,  she  sometimes  employed  wrong  words,  but  we 
knew  what  she  meant.  This  crank  would  get  up  and  contradict  the 
old  soul,  and  mortify  her.  I  first  tried  to  sing  him  down ;  that  did 
not  stop  him.  The  next  time  he  began  his  criticism,  I  ordered  him 
to  stop ;  but  he  kept  on  until  I  said,  "  Take  your  hat  and  instantly 
leave  the  room !  "  and  I  waited  until  at  last  he  obeyed.  He  left,  to 
the  relief  of  some  of  our  best  people.  Now  and  then  some  one 
introduced  things  out  of  harmony  with  the  service.  Sometimes 
severe  remedies  had  to  be  employed. 

During  this  month  there  gathered  in  the  "  Auditorium "  an 
immense  throng  to  hear  Mr.  Bryan,  one  of  the  Presidential  candi- 
dates.    The  land  was  full  of  rumors  as  to  his  wonderful  oratorical 
ability.     I  went  to  hear  him  and  found  his  mastery  of  a  crowd 
even   more   complete   than   stated.     His   enunciation   was   perfect. 
The  next  morning  was  Sunday,  and  a  gentleman  passing  through 
the  vestibule  overheard  some  one  in  a  group  of  Church  officers 
severely  criticising  me  for  going  to  hear  the  great  orator.     They 
were  opposed  to  his  election.    After  service,  I  was  informed  of  the 
criticisms,  and  my  indignation  was  stirred.    Nothing  was  said  to  any 
one  of  my  purpose,  but  during  the  sermon  at  night,  standing  in  my 
place  and  buttoning  my  coat  around  me,  with  some  feeling  I  said, 
"  Some  of  you  would  ostracize  me,  for  the  exercise  of  a  freeman's 
right!  "     One  of  the  daily  journals  had  this  description  of  the  oc- 
currence :    "  It  was  an  intensely  interesting  scene,  such  as  was  prob- 
ably never  witnessed  in  a  great  city  church.     Dr.  Mathews  spoke 
with  flashing  eyes,  of  criticisms  passed  upon  him  for  attending  with 
his  wife  the  Bryan  meeting  at  the  Auditorium.    After  declaring  his 
right  to  exercise  his  freedom  as  an  American  citizen,  and  referring 
to  the  great  popular  demonstration  of  Saturday  night,  the  grand 
old  patriarch  stepped  to  the  edge  of  the  platform,  folding  his  coat 
about  him,  white-crowned  with  fifty  years  of  labor  in  the  pulpit, 
looking   imperial    in   his   sturdy   though   aged   manhood,   and   ex- 
claimed, '  It  might  as  well  be  known  where  I  stand.     I  have  been 
criticised  for  going  to  hear  Mr.  Bryan.    I  will  not  be  misunderstood. 
I  am  with  the  people.     I  have  never  interfered  with  any  one  else[s 
opinions,  and  I  do  not  want  any  one  to  interfere  with  mine.    This  is 
my  right,  and  everybody  else's  right,  as  patriots  and  citizens  of 
America.     I  am  a  free-born  citizen  of  the  Union ! '     Eighteen  hun- 
dred people  witnessed  the  dramatic  incident.     During  his  address 
they  had  listened  spellbound.    Suddenly,  just  as  the  preacher  closed 
the  utterances  quoted,  the  great  congregation,  spontaneously  and 
impulsively  burst  into  applause.     Dr.  Mathews  lifted  his  hand  and 
shook  his' head,  but  it  was  several  moments  before  the  applause 
ceased.     It  was  general,  and  came  from  floor,  choir  and  galleries 
Both  men  and  women  joined  in  their  demonstration  of  the  minister's 
words."     Much  was  said,  pro  and  con,  by  the  party  press.     I  did 
not  announce  that  I  would  vote  for  Mr.  Bryan.     I  announced  my 
indignation   at  an  attempt  to  ostracize  for  opinion's   sake.     Tn   its 


342 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


issue  of  September  24th,  the  New  Orleans  Advocate,  in  its  first 
article  on  the  editorial  page,  had  this  heading.  "  Politics  in  the 
Pulpit."  Dr.  Black  said,  "  A  short  time  since,  a  prominent  St. 
Louis  divine  stated  from  the  pulpit  on  Sunday  that  he  was  going 
to  vote  for  so  and  so  for  President' of  the  United  States.  The  an- 
nouncement was  greeted  with  a  storm  of  applause  which  lasted 
several  minutes.  This  is  the  first  instance  of  this  sort  we  have 
known  in  Southern  Methodism."  Dr.  Black  indirectly  castigated 
the  guilty  man.  He  ought  to  have  been  sure  of  what  the  preacher 
did  say! 

My  service  as  a  minister  is  contemporaneous  with  the  existence 
of  the  Southern  Methodist  Church,  being  licensed  March  25th, 
1845.  The  Convention  met  in  May  of  that  year  and  organized  the 
Church.  In  closing  up  my  last  sermon  before  Conference,  the  Globe- 
Democrat  reports  me  as  adding  some  reminiscences :  "  Sometimes  I 
think  of  what  I  have  gone  through  in  these  fifty  years.  I  have 
gone  hungry  for  the  Master's  sake.  I  have  been  where  I  lived  on 
crackers,  sardines,  and  water  for  two  weeks  for  the  Savior's  sake. 
I  was  a  young  man  then,  preaching  out  in  California.  My  income 
was  small,  and  I  had  been  a  sufferer  in  His  service.  In  the  last 
twenty  or  thirty  years  I  have  never  taken  a  week's  vacation.  I  have 
been  true  to  my  people.  Many  a  time  I  have  prayed  alone,  and  no 
one  but  God  could  see  the  sorrow  and  anguish  of  my  heart.  No  one 
ever  knew  this,  for  I  have  always  carried  a  cheerful  face  and  made 
no  one  unhappy  by  my  sadness.  I  have  never  stopped  to  contradict 
any  falsehood  as  to  my  preaching.  I  have  not  been  a  philosophical 
preacher ;  I  never  felt  that  I  was  called  to  give  you  astronomy,  or 
biology,  or  physiology ;  I  was  called  to  propagate  the  story  of  Jesus 
and  His  love.  I  have  told  it  on  the  Atlantic  and  on  the  Pacific  coasts, 
and  in  many  States  which  lie  between ;  and  let  me  say,  I  will  have 
a  great  throng  to  greet  me  on  the  farther  shore.  [Several  voices 
cry  'Amen!']  'But  what  are  my  sorrows  and  clouds,'  he  con- 
tinued :  '  Why,  they  are  nothing !  I  have  had  seasons  of  happiness, 
twenty  to  one  to  my  sorrows.  There  are  clouds  in  the  sky,  but  the 
blue  of  heaven  is  larger  than  the  cloud ;  there  are  nettles  everywhere 
but  the  smooth  green  grasses  are  more  common  still.'  The  Doctor 
spoke  in  touching  words  of  a  trunk  full  of  letters  and  little  tokens 
of  affection  which  he  had  received  in  his  life  from  persons  who  felt 
they  were  led  into  a  religious  life  by  him.  Some  of  these  messages 
had  been  the  last  words  of  those  who  sent  them,  and  were  the  record 
of  the  peaceful  deaths  of  those  converted  under  his  ministry.  The 
remembrance  filled  the  venerable  pastor  with  emotion,  and  he  said, 
brokenly,  '  I  have  always  studied  the  happiness  of  my  people — 
always ! '  His  congregation  was  much  affected,  and  many  sobbed 
aloud."  Thus  closed  the  third  year  of  my  second  pastorate.  The 
report  of  the  year's  work  is  as  follows :  Additions,  three  hundred 
and  fifty-six ;  assessments  in  full.  Amount  raised  for  all  purposes 
over  seventeen  thousand  dollars. 


.1/  TOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOEN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  34- 


CHAPTER  XL. 

Fourth  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary, 

The  Annual  Conference  met  September  30th,  1896,  in  Charles- 
ton. Bishop  Wilson  presiding.  Mrs.  Mathews  accompanied  me  to 
this  session,  and  we  were  entertained  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  in 
royal  style.  We  remember  their  kindness  with  delight.  As  chair- 
man of  a  special  committee,  I  presented  a  report  on  behalf  of  the 
commission  appointed  by  the  Conference,  to  consider  a  proposition 
from  the  citizens  of  Fredericktown,  offering  to  deed  to  the  Confer- 
ence, on  certain  specified  conditions,  school  property,  known  as 
"  Marvin  Collegiate  Institute,"  and  located  at  Fredericktown.  The 
report  declared  the  conditions  fulfilled  and  recommended  that  the 
property  be  accepted.  The  recommendation  was  adopted.  On 
motion,  Friday  evening  was  set  apart  for  my  Semi-Centennial  Ser- 
mon, according  to  the  previous  invitation  of  the  Conference.  The 
discourse  was  delivered,  and  the  next  day,  the  following  resolutions, 
signed  by  John  A.  Beagle,  James  W.  Lee,  and  B.  M.  Messick,  were 
adopted  by  the  Conference :  "  Resolved,  That  the  St.  Louis  Confer- 
ence has  heard  with  great  pleasure  the  Semi-Centennial  Sermon  of 
Rev.  John  Mathews,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  Centenary  Church  St.  Louis, 
delivered  in  the  Methodist  Church  in  Charleston,  before  the  Con- 
ference and  a  vast  audience  that  filled  the  great  building  from  pulpit 
to  gallery;  that  we  thank  God  for  having  called  him  into  our  min- 
istry, preserved  him  so  long  and  blessing  his  labors  to  the  salvation 
of  thousands ;  and  that  the  Conference  earnestly  requests  its  pub- 
lication." When  the  41st  Question  was  answered,  "  Where  are  the 
preachers  stationed  this  vear  ?  "  I  was  reappointed  for  the  fourth 
time  pastor  of  Centenary  Church. 

My  appointment  was  accepted  as  Providential.  Must  one's  faith 
accept  F.  B.  Myer's  theory?  He  says,  "  God  seeks  to  mold  us  by 
circumstances,  and  you  must  believe  that  God  has  put  you  down  just 
where  you  are  because  your  present  position  is  the  very  best  place  in 
the  universe  to  make  you  what  He  wants  you  to  become."  Hurry- 
ing back  to  the  city,  I  was  on  time  to  attend  our  prayer-meeting,  a 
place  that  has  been  to  me  and  many  others  as  precious  a  spot  as 
where  Jacob  pillowed  his  head.  My  greeting  was  all  any  pastor 
could  wish.  That  prayer-meeting  was  an  evening  spent  with  Jesus. 
A  great  thinker  has  laid  it  down  as  law,  "  That  a  great  friendship 
is  a  great  happiness."  The  best  and  richest  definition  of  God  that 
has  ever  passed  under  my  eye  is,  "  God  is  a  mighty  friendship." 
The  ministers'  meeting  of  our  Church  in  Nashville,  Tennessee, 
gave  me  a  formal  invitation  to  attend'their  Annual  Conference  in 


-  , ,  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

o44 

that  city,  and  repeat  my  Semi-Centennial  address,  as  I  was  received 
on  trial  in  1846  in  the  old  McKendree  Church.  This  is  one  of  the 
oldest  Conferences  in  the  denomination ;  by  way  of  pre-eminence  it 
is  called  the  "  Jerusalem  Conference."  This  body  furnished  a 
quartet  of  the  greatest  preachers  of  American  Methodism :  Bishop 
Robert  Paine,  noble  and  learned,  famous  for  pulpit  ability ;  Dr.  John 
W.  Hanner,  in  the  estimation  of  many,  a  man  Without  a  peer  in  the 
pulpit;  Dr.  A.  L.  P.  Green,  an  Apollo  in  appearance,  a  very  wise 
man  and  as  prudent  as  wise,  a  master  of  men  in  the  pulpit  and  out 
of  it ;  Dr.  John  B.  McFerrin,  unsurpassed  in  executive  ability,  on 
the  platform,  or  in  the  power  to  move  men ;  he  was  the  pride  of  his 
Conference.  The  Conference  gave  an  afternoon  and  night  to  the 
veterans  who  had  served  for  half  a  century.  In  the  evening  the 
building  was  packed.  Dr.  Wm.  C.  Johnson  delivered  an  address 
which  delighted  the  audience.  The  Memphis  Christian  Advocate 
said :  "  Dr.  John  Mathews,  of  St.  Louis,  lifted  his  auditors  to  a 
very  high  pitch  of  excitement,  and  even  enthusiasm."  The  writer 
characterized  the  speaker  thus :  "  Dr.  Mathews  is  unique,  fugitive, 
versatile,  humorous,  witty,  hilarious,  pathetic,  fertile,  attractive,  im- 
pressive, eloquent,  powerful,  successful,  and  so  forth !  "  My  in- 
tercourse with  the  brethren  was  refreshing  and  uplifting.  The  next 
afternoon  I  delivered  another  discourse  and  many  of  the  preachers 
were  shouting  happy,  praising  God  aloud!  It  was  evident  the  fire 
had  not  died  out  in  the  old  "Jerusalem  Conference." 

The  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  held  a  great  con- 
vention in  Exposition  Hall  in  St.  Louis.  Many  women  of  influence 
and  culture  were  present;  indeed  some  whose  fame  has  spread 
throughout  civilization.  These  ladies  show  wonderful  persistence 
in  the  face  of  the  fearful  whisky  power  of  the  nation.  Now  and 
then  one  may  be  disposed  to  show  the  white  feather,  but  they  are 
pressing  the  battle  against  the  mightiest  force  in  the  world — the  rum 
power.  I  do  what  I  can  to  encourage  this  cause.  Sometimes 
workers  forget  that  it  takes  more  than  five  hundred  years  to  guide 
some  principles  into  the  life  of  the  times.  The  leaven  is  working, 
and  the  watchman  on  the  summit  of  the  mountain  announces,  "  The 
morning  cometh." 

On  November  23d,  I  was  called  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Mrs. 
Leonidas  Polk,  who  in  late  years  spent  most  of  her  time  with  her 
daughter  in  Florida.  Her  husband  was  once  Governor  of  Missouri, 
and  for  many  years  United  States  Senator.  Husband  and  wife 
were  devoted  Methodists.  When  the  p'resent  Centenary  building  was 
being  erected,  it  is  said  that  Governor  Polk  saw  every  stone  put  in 
place.  Mrs.  Polk  never  removed  her  membership,  and  died  deeply 
attached  to  the  organization  she  loved  when  in  the  hey-day  of  her 
influence.  Her  spirit  was  Christ-like,  and  molded  by  His  teachings. 
Her  influence  was  on  the  side  of  a  spiritual  religion.  She  passed 
into  Heaven  quietly,  to  human  eyes,  but  no  doubt  was  heartily 
greeted  bv  friends  and  loved  ones  who  had  preceded  her. 


1/  T0B10QRAPE1  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  345 

"  A  Laudable  Ambition,"  was  the  heading  of  an  article  in  a 
journal  called  The  Democrat,  published  in  King  City.  The  writer 
quoted  this  sentiment  which  dropped  from  my  lips:  "  I  have  tried," 
said  Dr.  John  Mathews  of  St.  Louis,  "  never  to  add  a  drop  of  bitter- 
ness to  any  one's  cup."  The  writer  continued,  "  There  are  homes 
all  over  our  land  where  sorrow  sits  with  darkened  brow  upon  the 
chimneypiece.  The  glad  sound  of  laughter  is  never  heard  and  a 
pleasant  word  is  never  spoken.  Why?  Because  the  inmates  do 
not  withhold  the  drop  of  bitterness  from  each  .other's  cup."  Says 
another  writer,  "  Make  the  place  where  God  has  put  you  beautiful.  . 
If  it  be  but  a  tent  in  the  desert,  or  only  a  cottage  in  a  lonely  street, 
or  an  attic-room  or  a  bench  in  a  workshop,  the  darker  the  place,  be 
the  more  eager  to  make  it  beautiful !  " 

The  Jews  of  the  city  give  considerable  attention  to  the  education 
of  the  children  of  their  humblest  members.  At  their  new  Jefferson 
School  they  make  it  as  interesting  as  possible  for  the  children.  On 
the  night  of  the  15th  of  December,  by  invitation  I  went  down  to 
Ninth  and  Washington  to  deliver  an  address.  The  Republic  said: 
"  Rev.  Dr.  John  Mathews  was  given  an  ovation  last  night  at  the 
new  Jefferson  School,  where  he  made  one  of  his  characteristic  ad- 
dresses before  the  evening  classes  of  the  Jewish  Alliance."  The 
occasion  was  enjoyable  by  me,  and  I  sought  by  the  embodiment  of 
certain  principles  to  create  aspirations  after  the  best  qualities  of  life. 
The  next  Sunday  night  Rabbi  Harrison,  with  the  president  of  the 
Alliance,  attended  Centenary  Church,  and  after  service  thanked  me 
for  my  address  to  their  school.  The  Rabbi  frequently  attended  my 
ministry  when  I  was  pastor  at  St.  John's. 

The  Ep worth  League  Union  of  St.  Louis,  through  a  committee, 
invited  me  to  repeat  my  Semi-Centennial  address,  that  the  Leagues 
and  friends  in  the  city  might  hear  it.  The  leading  journals  of  the 
city  published. full  accounts  of  the  meeting.  One  said,  "A  great 
concourse  gathered  to  do  Dr.  Mathews  honor  for  his  fifty  years  of 
labor  in  the  Southern  Methodist  ministry.  Rich  and  poor,  young 
and  old,  -ministers  and  laymen,  came  from  the  four  corners  of  the 
city,  and  put  standing  room  at  a  premium.  The  body  of  the  audi- 
torium, the  galleries,  and  the  platform  were  crowded,  and  chairs 
were  placed  in  the  aisles  for  ladies  who  could  not  find  seats.  The 
services  were  under  the  auspices  of  the  St.  Louis  Epworth  League 
Union.  The  decorations  of  the  church  were  appropriate.  Resting 
against  the  organ  was  a  floral,  decoration  with  '  1846- 1896.'  Mr 
A.  E.  Whitaker  paid  a  high  tribute  to  the  pastor  of  Centenary.  He 
said,  '  When  the  League  was  struggling  for  recognition  and  stand- 
ing, Dr.  Mathews  encouraged  the  members  and  became  their  first 
State  President.'  "  A  reporter  writes :  "  Dr.  Mathews  spoke  for  an 
hour  and  a  quarter,  and  toward  the  close,  when  he  apologized  for 
'  taking  so  much  time,  he  was  answered  by  requests  to  '  go  on.'  The 
Doctor's  address  was  a  studied  and  serious  effort,  interspersed  with 
anecdotes  that  threw  the  audience  into  convulsions  of  laughter.    At 


346 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


the  close  of  his  address,  Dr.  Mathews  paid  a  splendid  tribute  to  his 
wife.  After  telling  in  a  humorous  way  how  he  wooed  and  won  her, 
he  spoke  of  her  devotion  during  epidemics  and  afflictions.  '  I  owe 
much  to  my  wife,'  he  said  in  conclusion,  '  for  she  has  been  a  great 
help  to  me.  I  believe  if  I  receive  any  Heavenly  reward  for  my 
labors  she  will  share  it.' ':  A  vase  of  fifty  roses  was  presented  to 
Mrs.  Mathews  by  Air.  Whitaker  on  behalf  of  the  Union.  The 
editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Advocate  said,  "  The  celebration  of  Dr.,  John 
Mathews'  service  of  fifty  years  in  the  itinerant  ministry  of  the  Meth- 
\  odist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  at  Centenary,  on  December  ioth, 
was  a  wonderful  demonstration  of  the  love  which  St.  Louis  bears 
toward  this  honored  pastor.  An  address,  expressing  the  good-will 
of  the  Methodist  young  people  of  St.  Louis  was  presented  to  the 
Doctor  by  F.L.  Bronaugh,  who,  while  so  doing,  paid  him  an  elegant 
tribute.  The  address  was  handsomely  mounted  and  framed."  Much 
was  written  and  said  in  reference  to  my  work,  which  is  largely 
over-estimated.  Some  one  said,  on  one  occasion,  "  Doctor,  you  are 
receiving  your  flowers  before  you  die."  "  Yes,  yes,"  was  my  reply ; 
"but  what  does  it  all  amount  to?"  When  Henry  Kirk  White  re- 
ceived certain  honors,  he  wrote,  "  What  are  ye  now  but  thorns  about 
my  bleeding  brow  ? "  What  my  soul  absolutely  pines  for  is  the 
approval  of  Heaven.  This  desire  sweeps  through  my  soul,  almost 
daily,  like  a  tidal-wave.  As  I  near  the  border  of  that  Great  Sea  I 
soon  must  sail,  will  I  be  recognized  as  a  sinner  saved  by  grace?  I 
am  comforted  as  I  think  that  a  child  crying  for  his  father  has  a  pecu- 
liar tone  by  which  it  is  recognized ;  I  wonder  if  God  ever  says  of  me, 
"  That  is  the  cry  of  my  child?  "  He  knows  what  I  crave.  All  my 
anticipations  center  in  Jesus  Christ. 

The  year  is  winding  to  a  close  and  will  soon  bear  its  report  to 
God !  It  has  been  a  yeai*  of  toil,  of  burden-bearing,  not  so  much  for 
myself  as  for  others.  As  Cowper  says,  "  What  is  a  friend  good  for,  ' 
if  he  sees  one  carrying  a  sack  of  sand,  if  he  does  not  take  hold  and 
help  him  carry  it?"  A  crowded  house  greeted  me  at  Watch-Night 
service.  The  meeting  was  on  a  line  with  my  conception  of  the  needs 
of  the  congregation.  God  was  with  us.  Nineteen  were  forward 
to  be  prayed  for  and  twelve  professed  to  find  the  mighty  pearl  of 
matchless  price.  We  closed  by  singing  the  "  Covenant  Hymn,"  and 
upon  our  knees  reconsecrated  ourselves  to  God.  We  had  made  gen- 
eral confession,  and  in  doing  so  found  a  comfort  surpassing  knowl- 
edge. There  was  great  joy  as  we  entered  upon  a  New  Year  in  holy 
worship. 

A  number  of  active  Methodists  concluded  to  honor  me  with  a 
banquet,  as  a  compliment  to  my  fifty  years  of  service  in  the  Meth- 
odist ministry.  It  was  appointed  for  January  19th.  The  gentlemen 
in  charge  were  Mr.  Murray  Carleton,  Mr.  Samuel  Kennard,  city 
postmaster  James  Carlisle,  and  Judge  Woods.  The  other  names  I 
can  not  recall.  Every  one  of  our  Churches  in  the  city  was  repre- 
sented and  the  great  dining-hall  of  the  Planter's  Hotel  was  filled. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  347 

Mr.  Samuel  Kennard  presided;  Bishop  Hendrix  was  present  and 
delivered  the  first  address.  He  was  very  entertaining  and  compli- 
mented the  guest  of  honor.  I  was  seated  upon  the  right  of  the 
chairman.  He,  as  master  of  ceremonies,  gave  tone  to  the  events  and 
speeches  of  the  evening.  Several  gentlemen  responded  eloquently; 
my  response  was  brief  and  I  stated  I  was  greatly  surprised  at  the 
statements  of  the  work  accomplished  by  me  as  spoken  of  in  the  ad- 
dresses. The  time  passed  rapidly  and  the  pleasure  was  contagious. 
It  was  a  representative  body,  and  the  occasion  was  highly  appre- 
ciated by  me. 

Mrs.  Marie  Gray,  reached  her  seventy-fourth  year  ere  she  sick- 
ened and  died.  She  was  a  woman  of  clear  intellect  and  deep  expe- 
rience. Her  conversation  always  turned  to  the  best  and  highest 
forms  of  Christian  living.  In  her  earlier  Christian  experience  she 
was  an  active  worker  in  behalf  of  others.  She  was  the  mother  of 
W.  E.  Gray,  so  many  years  Treasurer  of  Centenary  Church. 

During  the  month  of  March,  I  gave  myself  faithfully  to  the  usual 
routine  of  commonplace  duties.  These  duties  are*  the  ones  which 
tell  for  good  in  a  minister's  life.  The  little  constant  sunbeam,  not 
the  lightning,  is  the  true  .symbol  of  a  useful  life.  By  husbanding 
every  spare  minute,  one  can  accomplish  much.  During  this  month, 
had 'the  pleasure  of  hearing  that  saintly  man,  Bishop  Key,  preach 
at  Cook  Avenue  Church;  he  is  aiding  the  pastor  in  a  protracted 
meeting.  The  Bishop  is  a  soul-feeder,  and  one  who  knows  how  to 
handle  the  Word  of  God  for  the  development  of  the  spiritual  facul- 
ties.   It  is  a  treat  to  hear  him. 

Some  of  the  most  active  workers  of  the  various  city  Churches 
proposed  a  great  public  evangelical  meeting  in  the  Century  Theater, 
on  Sunday  nights  during  the  warm  season,  hoping  to  reach  the 
masses.  I  was  opposed  to  the  meeting  as  the  theater  is  only  a  few 
blocks  down  from  Centenary,  our  church  being  filled  night  after 
night.  I  believed  my  work  would,  in  a  measure,  be  estopped.  I  was 
waited  on  by  a  committee,  and  requested  to  give  the  opening  sermon. 
After  reflection  and  consultation  I  reluctantly  consented  to  preach 
the  first  sermon,  which  I  did  on  May  2d.  The  house  was  filled  with 
representatives  from  all  the  Churches.  I  aimed  to  do  good  to  those 
who  heard.  A  brother  filled  my  pulpit,  having  about  half  the  usual 
audience. 

Wishing  to  add  my  testimony  to  the  great  value  of  Mrs.  Martha 
K.  Cupples'  work  in  behalf  of  our  Orphans'  Home,  by  request  of 
Dr.  Thomas  M.  Finney,  I  prepared  an  address  and  delivered  it  at 
the  memorial  service.  This  beautiful  structure  is  due  to  her  love  for 
the  orphan,  and  will  speak  her  praise  when  our  heads  will  lie  under 
the  sod. 

On  June  25th,  Dr.  J.  W.  Lewis  was  buried  from  St.  John's 
Church,  which  he  served  for  several  years.  He  also  served  Cen- 
tenary, and  held  other  positions  in  our  Church  in  connection  with  our 
citv  work.     For  a  few  years  past  he  gave  evident  signs  of  decline. 


348 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Steadily  the  tabernacle  was  being  taken  down,  until  the  last  eventful 
day  dawned,  when  his  soul  passed  out  to  be  with  God.  In  his  prime 
he  wielded  a  great  influence  over  his  brethren ;  few,  if  any,  exerted 
a  greater.  Many  friends  gathered  to  attend  his  funeral  and  the  oc- 
casion was  deeply  impressive.  One  by  one  the  workmen  fall,  but 
the  work  goes  on. 

Our  efforts  to  save  men  did  not  abate  even  through  a  blazing 
August.  Dr.  C.  M.  Hawkins  gave  a  short  but  remarkably  appro- 
priate sermon  to  the  children  of  the  afternoon  Sunday-School  the 
first  Sunday  of  this  month.  We  had  a  large  number  forward  for 
prayers,  and  at  the  close  seventeen  gave  their  names  as  applicants 
for  membership.  Thus  we  continue  to  reach  down  amongst  the 
youths  hoping  to  start  them  on  a  career  of  right  living.  At  night 
Bishop  Hargrove  gave  our  people  a  clear  and  strong  discourse,  edi- 
fying as  well  as  instructive.  The  Bishop  was  delighted  to  ,see  such 
an  audience  on  an  August  Sunday  night.  Three  were  received  into 
the  Church.  Bishop  Hargrove  is  not  demonstrative,  in  the  pulpit 
or  out  of  it,  butMs  a  man  amongst  men,  and  of  great  will-power. 
He  has  a  judicial  mind  and  can  not  be  swerved  from  his  convic- 
tions. He  is  every  inch  a  gentleman  in  manner,  and  courtly  in 
bearing.  He  was  on  his  way  West  to  hold  some  Conferences,  and 
was  accompanied  by  his  talented  wife,  a  lady  noted  for  her  zeal  in 
propagating  the  Gospel.  During  this  month  my  son-in-law,  Dr. 
John  O.  Keener,  made  us  a  visit  and  gave  us  a  very  fine  discourse, 
after  the  vigorous  style  of  his  father,  the  Bishop.  Dr.  Keener  is 
president  of  the  Southern  University,  Greensboro,  Alabama.  He  is 
highly  esteemed  by  his  Alabama  brethren.    He  is  a  charming  spirit. 

This  week  the  State  Sunday-School  Convention  convened  at  the 
Pilgrim  Congregational  Church.  Delegates  were  in  attendance  from 
all  over  the  State  and  much  enthusiasm  was  evinced.  This  organiza- 
tion is  doing  a  thorough  work  in  out-of-the-way  places.  Here  I 
heard  for  the  first  time  the  celebrated  Sunday-School  worker,  Dr. 
H.  M.  Hamill,  of  whom  I  had  read  much,  and  I  wondered  if  he  was 
the  son  of  my  old  Alabama  friend,  Rev.  E.  J.  Hamill.  In  his  address 
he  spoke  of  my  presence ;  stated  that,  when  he  was  a  lad,  I  had  re- 
ceived him  into  the  Church  in  the  town  of  Auburn,  Alabama.  I  was 
pastor  there  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War.  One  may  imagine 
what  a  thrill  of  joy  swept  over  my  soul,  as  he  referred  to  my  being 
an  instrument  in  his  salvation.  My  eyes  filled  with  tears  and  my 
gratitude  to  God  was  great.  Dr.  Hamill's  fame  is  as  wide  as  our 
Christian  civilization.  I  had  not  met  him,  as  he  lived  in  what  was 
called  the  East.  From  the  very  beginning  of  my  ministry  I  made  it 
an  object  to  get  hold  of  youths  and  young  men.  Having  made  a 
persistent  effort  to  win  against  the  temptations  of  young  manhood, 
I  studied  the  vital  questions  facing  the  young,  and  in  every  charge 
the  young  men  rallied  around  me.  As  a  rule  more  men  attended 
my  ministry  than  females.  On  one  occasion  Bishop  Key  was  preach- 
ing in  Centenary,  when  turning  to  me  he  asked,  "  Is  it  not  true, 


AL  TOMOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  34g 

Doctor,  that  more  females  attend  Church  than  males  ?  "  I  answered 
instantly,  "  No,  sir !  "  In  some  of  my  charges,  I  have,  in  closing, 
directed  attention  to  the  presence  of  three  "  black  heads  " — men — 
to  one  woman.  In  a  pleasant  way,  in  a  notable  Church,  just  before 
the  benediction,  I  called  the  name  of  a  Steward,  saying,  "  Look 
around,  brother,  and  see  four  to  one !  "  Young  people  want  a  mes- 
sage from  the  heart.  All  along,  with  a  considerable  class  of  min- 
isters, I  have  been  discounted  for  the  use  of  the  very  means  which 
won  so  many  young  hearts  to  Christ's  cause. 

A  Church  Conference  was  held  and  name  by  name  gone  over 
until  we  reached  the  end  of  the  list,  and  a  number  erased  by  order 
of  the  Conference.  Another  perplexity  confronted  the  pastor :  how 
to  secure  reports  from  the  different  societies  that  a  right  report 
might  be  made  up  to  answer  disciplinary  questions.  To  do  so,  eight 
reports  were  necessary.  The  last  day  arrived  and  one  or  two  re- 
ports not  in !  One  hour  before  starting  for  the  annual  gathering  a 
messenger  appeared  with  a  report.  As  I  was  about  to  step  into  the 
car  I  laid  down  my  burden  of  responsibility,  feeling  "  What  next?  " 
This  closed  my  fourth  year  of  my  second  pastorate  at  Centenary — 
years  of  wear  and  tear ;  years  of  some  trials,  but  rich  in  joy !  As 
usual,  gossip  abounded  as  to  the  pastor  for  the  next  year.  The 
city  papers  caught  on  to  rumors  and  made  a  number  of  glaring 
guesses. 

This  month  attended  thirty-eight  services.  Delivered  three 
lectures  to  aid  brethren  to  secure  collections.  In  reflections  on  the 
work  of  the  year  one  had  a  right  to  recall  the  fifth  verse  of  the  24th 
Psalm.  The  Revised  Version  is  meaningful :  "  They  looked  unto 
Him,  and  were  radiant."  My  soul  was  radiant  to  think  I  had  passed 
beyond,  my  threescore  and  ten  years,  and  was  closing  one  of  the  most 
successful  pastorates  of  my  long  career,  and  my  bow  still  abiding  in 
strength. 


35o 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 
Fifth  Year  of  Second  Pastorate  at  Centenary. 

This  year,  the  body  met  at  the  thriving  town  of  Doniphan, 
Bishop  Wilson  presiding.  Mrs.  Mathews,  as  representative  of  mis- 
sionary work,  accompanied  me.  We  were  domiciled  near  the  church 
with  an  elegant  family.  Rev.  W.  S.  Woodard  of  the  Southwest 
Missouri  Conference  was  a  visitor.  He  is  a  veteran  and  honored  by 
his  brethren.  His  devotion  to  the  Church  is  as  earnest  as  in  his  prime 
he  stood  shoulded  to  shoulder  with  the  brave  warriors  in  Christ's 
army.  As  the  session  neared  the  close,  report  No.  2  of  the  Sunday- 
School  Board  recommended  the  appointment  of  John  Mathews  as 
Sunday-School  agent,  and  the  report  was  adopted.  When  the  Bishop 
arose  in  his  place  to  announce  the  appointments,  everything  was  as 
still  as  death.  It  is  a  supreme  moment  to  each  minister.  His  destiny 
may  hinge  upon  the  utterance  of  a  single  individual.  When  Cen- 
tenary Church  was  called,  Bishop  Wilson  announced  "To  be  sup- 
plied by  Abram  E.  Nelson !  "  Thus  the  Minutes  read.  This  young 
man  had  agreed,  through  the  Official  Board  of  that  Church,  to  accept 
the  position  as  supply,  with  the  understanding  that  I  was  to  hold  the 
reins  and  fill  the  pulpit.    I  was  announced  as  Sunday-School  Agent. 

In  accepting  this  work,  God  knows  but  one  motive  actuated  me 
— to  do  His  providential  will.  The  congregation  received  me  back 
joyfully.  I  had  acted  upon  Dr.  Chalmers'  idea,  who  said,  "The  only 
popularity  worth  aspiring  after,  is  the  popularity  won  in  the  bosom 
of  families  and  at  the  side  of  death-beds."  In  the  homes  of  both 
rich  and  poor  I  had  gone  around  seeking  to  scatter  sunshine,  as 
children  scatter  flowers  they  have  gathered  in  the  fields.  In  preach- 
ing, my  aim  was  to  have  men  accept  Christ's  view  of  what  human 
life  should  be.  The  world  has  accepted  many  of  His  views  but  not 
this  one.  In  my  teaching,  the  purpose  was  to  show  that  the  Divine 
One  deals  with  personality,  deals  with  each  soul  as  if  the  only  in- 
dividual on  earth.  Goethe  believed  this,  and  in  one  of  his  touching 
lines  says,  "  The  universe  is  simply  God  and  I." 

During  this  month,  I  buried  one  of  our  oldest  Stewards,  and 
for  many  years  a  class-leader.  He  was  aged  seventy-six  years, 
and  lived  from  youth  on  up  to  his  death  wearing  God's  harness.  A 
good  man,  strong  in  faith,  and  glorifying  God  until  the  end  came, 
Wesley  Nichols  held  the  esteem  of  all.  He  was  a  Christian  in  every 
sense  of  the  term.  One  by  one  the  older  brethren  are  dropping  out 
of  the  ranks.  Few  remain ;  of  these  we  name  Anderson,  Dr.  Scott, 
and  Deems.    Nobly  have  they  stood  by  old  Centenary ! 

Made  a  flying  trip  to  Kansas  City,  at  the  urgent  solicitation  of 


W  TOMOGRAPHY  OF  REV,  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  35I 

my  son-in-law,  Rev.  Dr.  Hawkins,  pastor  of  Troost  Avenue.  I  de- 
livered five  sermons  to  the  people.  Many  of  my  old  parishioners 
attended  the  meeting.    We  had  a  profitable  time. 

On  the  25th,  was  held  our  annual  Thanksgiving  service.  All 
our  Churches  gathered  at  Centenary  to  hear  the  preacher  for  the 
day,  Rev.  J.  M.  Moore,  pastor  of  Marvin  Church.  He  gave  us  an 
excellent  sermon,  bristling  with  good  thoughts.  The  demands  upon 
me,  for  this  month,  were  many  and  heavy ;  but  Grace  enabled  me  to 
meet  them  all.  Inward  support  was  given,  and  I  might  add,  un- 
seen hands  brought  leaves  from  the  Tree  of  Life  for  my  nourishment. 
Matthew  Arnold  said,  "  The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  Christian 
religion  is  its  inwardness."  Hence,  I  emphasize  experimental  re- 
ligion. 

December  came  in  with  its  gusts,  rain  and  snow,  but  our  people 
do  not  fear  to  face  the  elements  to  obtain  special  blessings.  Each 
first  Sunday  is  our  communion  service.  All  seem  anxious  to  be 
present.  It 'has  been  remarked  over  and  over  again  the  large  number 
of  communicants,  particularly  young  men.  We  are  training  an 
army  for  future  battles  with  sin.  Now  and  then  some  saint  bubbles 
over  and  in  suppressed  breath,  "  Glory  to  God  "  is  heard !  These 
peeps  into  our  Church  life  may  show  that  spiritual  religion  is  not 
extinct.  At  the  after-meeting  on  the  next  Sunday,  seven  were  re- 
ceived into  the  Church.  Have  we  not  a  right  to  sing  praises  to  our 
Lord  and  Savior  for  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit !  Man  possesses 
power  to  make  a  spark  of  electricity  obey  him ;  why  not  God  a 
bolt  of  electricity?  In  other  words  God  can  control  spiritual  forces 
and  help  men  into  His  Kingdom. 

On  the  last  night  of  the  year  we  met  in  class  at  7:30,  and  at 
9  o'clock  met  to  hold  our  Watch-Meeting.  The  leading  evening 
journal  gave  the  public  a  full  account  of  the  meeting.  Here  are 
some  extracts :  "  A  thousand  city  people  sat  in  solemn  silence  in  the 
great  auditorium  of  Centenary  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South, 
New  Year's  eve.  Rev.  Dr.  Mathews,  the  venerable  pastor,  looked 
smilingly  over  his  congregation  as  his  mind  went  back  nearly  half 
a  century  to  the  time  when  '  Watch-Meetings,'  were  the  sword  and 
buckler  of  Methodism,  the  glory  of  a  fast-disappearing  custom.  In 
the  left-hand  corner  of  the  church  were  a  bunch  of  brethren  who  had 
attended  Watch-Meetings  when  most  men  now  in  active  life  were 
small  boys,  and  who  knew  well  how  the  fervent  '  Amens  '  and  the 
unctions  '  Lord,  bless  us,'  had  turned  many  hearts  to  God  with  fear 
and  trembling.  In  the  right-hand  corner  were  famous  bankers. 
business  men  and  .lawyers — notable  men  of  a  big  city,  humble,  de- 
vout and  observant.  It  was  just  9  o'clock  when  Dr.  Mathews  arose 
and  stood  for  a  moment  under  the  electric  light,  the  white  flame  re- 
flecting.upon  his  bald  head  and  snow-white  hair.  'There  has  been 
some  misunderstanding  to-night, '  he  said,  '  our  organist  is  not  here 
and  our  music — .'  An  old  brother  in  the  corner  could  not  wait  for 
the  remainder  of  the  announcement.     Tn  a  high  tremulous  key  he 


352  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

broke  forth :  '  Come,  Thou  Fount  of  every  blessing.'  Before  the 
first  line  was  finished  the  congregation  joined  in,  and  in  a  few 
moments  an  immense  volume  of  song  poured  from  the  audience. 
Brother  Charles  Lanham  acted  as  chorister.  With  loud  and  well- 
rounded  voice,  he  led  the  people's  voices  into  swelling  notes  of 
praise,  and  at  the  close  of  every  verse  Dr.  Mathews  started  the  next 
verse  without  giving  anybody  a  chance  to  renew  their  breath.  Then 
was  sung,  '  Jesus,  Lover  of  my  soul.'  This  was  followed  by  a  tender 
and  heartfelt  prayer  by  a  young  brother.  There  were  those  in  the 
audience  who  felt  themselves  receding  into  the  misty  past,  and  saying 
to  themselves  :  '  Glorious  old  days,  weren't  they ! '  It  seemed  odd 
to  see  the  time-honored  '  Amen  corner  '  occupied  by  such  modern 
people  as  President  Baker  of  the  Continental  National  Bank, 
Murray  Carleton,  wholesale  merchant,  and  ex-Insurance  Com- 
missioner Waddill.  At  the  close  of  this  young  brother's  prayer,  up 
jumped  Dr.  Mathews,  and  with  that  soul-stirring  voice  of  his,  he 
began  to  sing,  '  Lord  I  care  not  for  riches,  neither  silver  nor  gold ! ' 
And  how  they  did  sing!  Everybody  warmed  up,  and  those  who 
had  forgotten  the  words  '  la-la-d '  and  hummed  through  it,  as 
though  they  couldn't  keep  still.  Then  when  they  came  to  the  chorus 
a  great  shout  went  up : 

'Is  my  name  written  there?  on  the  page  white  and  fair, 
In  the  book  of. Thy  kingdom,  is  my  name  written  there?' 

A  few  words  from  the  pastor,  then  he  requested  Brother  Smith, 
pastor  of  Kirkwood  Church,  to  lead  in  prayer.  It  was  a  remarkable 
prayer  and  when  the  amen  was  uttered,  '  Nothing  but  the  blood  of 
Jesus,'  shouted  Dr.  Mathews  as  he  rose  from  his  knees,  '  Everybody 
sing.'  You  never  heard  such  music  since  you  were  a  boy.  It  fairly 
got  under  your  sin-scarred  soul  and  made  the  blood  tingle  like  an 
electric  shock!  It  was  catching.  Even  the  policeman  who  had 
dropped  in  to  warm  his  feet,  hummed  away  at  the  beautiful  refrain 
and  forgot  to  return  at  once  to  his  cheerless  and  desolate  round. 
'  Blessed  words ! — sing  them  again !  '  said  the  pastor,  as  he  walked 
up  and  down  the  main  aisle,  clapping  his  hands  and  singing  like  the 
very  spirit  of  music  inspired.  Then  City  Chaplain  Hagerty  talked. 
It  was  a  very  useful  talk.  After  another  spirited  song,  Brother 
Smith  talked  appropriately  and  impressively.  Then  the  Doctor 
struck  up  his  favorite  hymn, 

'Oh,  do  not  be  discouraged,  for  Jesus  is  your  freind, 
And  if  you  lack  for  knowledge,  He'll  not  refuse  to  lead.' 

How  the  congregation  did  shout  when  the  chorus  came  on  '  Then 
palms  of  victory,  crowns  of  glory,  I  shall  wear ! '  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  another  prayer  by  Chaplain  Hagerty.  It  was  a  touching 
and  eloquent  prayer,  perhaps  the  best  of  the  evening,  and  when  it 
ended  the  congregation  sang,  '  Come,  ye  that  love  the  Lord,  and  let 
your  joys  be  known ! '  When  they  reached  the  chorus,  '  Marching 
to  Zion,'  the  walls  reechoed  with  the  fervent  sounds.     Dr.  Mathews 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  UFA'.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  353 

made  a  short  talk  in  his  characteristic  way.  It  was  a  fervent  appeal 
and  produced  thrilling  effects.  A  call  was  made,  as  the  hrethren 
broke  out  in  the  ancient  hymn, 

'I  hear  Thy  welcome  voice,  that  calls  me  Lord  to  Thee. 

For  cleansing  in  Thy  precious  blood,  that  flowed  on  Calvary.' 

What  a  rousing  time  it  was !    Several  approached  to  join  the  Church. 

The  occasion  was  becoming  dramatic.    Once  more  the  congregation 

sang ;  this  time,  a  weird  and  fascinating  melody  that  had  come  down 

to  them  from  tradition.    This  is  the  way  it  ran : 

•Oh,  the  Lamb,  the  loving  Lamb,  the  Lamb  of  Calvary, 

The  Lamb  that  was  slain,  but  lives  again  to  intercede  for  me.' 

Over  and  over  again  they  sang  it,  amid  shouts  of  joy  and  a  religious 
fervor  that  seemed  to  chain  them  to  the  tune,  and  it  was  with  ap- 
parent regret  that  they  finally  paused.  It  was  now  past  1 1  o'clock. 
By  and  bv  a  hush  fell  upon  the  great  congregation.  Dr.  Mathews 
looked  at  'the  clock.  There  were  only  five  minutes  more  of  the  pass- 
ing year,  and  they  spent  it  in  profound  silence,  as  though  an  Angel 
of  the  Lord  were  passing  over  the  city  and  marking  the  lintels. 
When  midnight  came,  they  arose  and  sang,  with  glad  and  joyous 
hearts,  the  oldest  and  best  song  of  them  all, 

'Come,  let  us  anew,  our  journey  pursue. 

Roll  'round  with  the  year, 

And  never  stand  still  'till  the  Master  appear! 

His  adorable  will,  let  us  gladly  fulfill. 

And  our  talents  improve, 

By  the  patience  of  hope  and  the  labor  of  love.'  " 

Such,  in  part,  is  a  reporter's  view  of  the  closing  exercises  of  the 
year  1897. 

First  of  January,  1898.  The  new  calendar  year  opened  en- 
couragingly. Our  Sunday  service  was  delightful.  A  very^  large 
communion,  then  received  five  into  the  Church.  At  night,  in  our 
after-meeting,  five  professed  conversion  and  five  others  united  with 
the  Church.  At  the  following  prayer-meeting  we  had  one  conver- 
sion. These  facts  reveal  a  working  force  behind  the  preacher.  If  a 
Church  sits  down,  it  is  lost.  Some  Churches  are  like  certain  in-" 
dividuals,  who  sit  behind  the  window  pane  and  ruminate,  and  coddle 
their  disappointments.  ■  Others  love  repose  and  serenity,  and  are 
self-inspectors ;  they  fail  to  cooperate  with  the  pastor,  and  little  is 
accomplished.  The  editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate 
visited  our  prayer-meeting,  and  wrote  an  article  headed,  "  A  Thril- 
ling Conversion."  In  the  article,  he  said:  "It  was  9  o'clock  last 
Wednesday  night  when  the  venerable  pastor  was  about  to  dismiss 
the  several  hundred  who  had  braved  the  rain,  the  mud  and  melting 
ice  to  attend  the  mid-week  prayer-meeting  of  old  Centenary.  The 
usual  invitation  was  given:  'If  any  one  wishes  the  prayers  of  the 
Church,  or  to  apply  for  membership,  by  letter,  or  on  profession,  let 
them  now  come  forward  while  we  sing.'    A  tastily  dressed,  modest, 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 
354 

earnest-looking  lady  walked  quietly  forward  and  knelt  at  a  chair. 
Several  prayers  were  offered  in  her  behalf.  The  pastor  dismissed 
the  audience,  but  at  least  one  hundred  were  so  intensely  interested 
in  the  penitent  woman  whose  partially  suppressed  sobs  and  groans 
indicated  a  depth  of  conviction  and  earnestness  so  extraordinary, 
that  they  had  no  inclination  to  leave.  Possibly  there  were  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  of  one  accord,  one  desire,  and  of  one  faith,  and  all 
evidently  feeling  that  they  were  nigh  unto  a  sudden  rejoicing  in  the 
presence  of  the  angels.  The  scene  is  doubtless  indelibly  impressed 
on  the  memories  of  many  who  witnessed  it.  It  was  nigh  unto  10 
o'clock.  The  president  of  a  great  metropolitan  bank,  an  extensive 
manufacturer,  and  the  president  of  a  wholesale  dry-goods  company, 
were  all  on  their  knees  around  the  penitent.  All,  with  tears  in  their 
eyes  and  voices,  had  offered  prayers,  childlike  in  tenderness  and 
faith.  Two  ladies  from  humbler  spheres  in  life,  poor  in  gold,  but 
rich  in  faith,  powerful  in  prayer  and  living  very  near  to  the  Lord, 
were  also  kneeling  near  to  the  penitent,  who  was  a  stranger  to  all. 
The  young  man  leading  the  music,  who  was  raised  a  Presbyterian, 
and  somewhat  dazed  by  such  an  environment,  was  at  a  loss  to  select 
hymns  exactly  suited  to  the  occasion.  After  many  of  the  modern 
hymns,  there  was  a  sudden  silence,  which  was  broken  by  some  one 
starting  without  book  or  organ  accompaniment : 

'Oh,  happy  day,  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee,  my  Savior  and  my  God.' 
The  entire  audience  chimed  in  with  a  soft,  sweet  unity  in  time  and 
tone  and  heart.    When  we  reached  the  third  stanza, 
'  'Tis  done,  the  great  transaction  's  done! 
I  am  my  Lord's  and  He  is  mine' — 

The  penitent,  still  on  her  knees,  threw  up  her  hands,  and  with  a  fact 
as  radiant  as  if  an  electric  search-light  had  been  turned  on  from  the 
throne  of  God,  began  to  shout  in  such  a  way  as  to  overwhelm  her- 
self with  astonishment.  The  face  of  Dr.  Mathews  was  as  radiant 
as  a  full  moon,  and  the  audience  was  instantly  on  foot,  praising  the 
Lord!  Such  a  sight  was  worth  all  the  books  ever  written  on  the 
"evidences  of  Christianity!" 

That  man,  famous  on  account  of  his  peculiar  view  of  holiness 
and  his  consecrated  life,  Rev.  F.  B.  Myer,  of  London,  visited  St. 
Louis,  and  preached  at  the  Pilgrim  Congregational  Church  several 
times  early  in  February.  One  of  the  daily  journals  thus  character- 
izes this  man :  "  Dr.  Myer  is  preeminently  a  man  of  God.  Like 
Tohn,  the  beloved  disciple,  he  seems  to  stand  within  the  inner  circle 
,  of  his  Divine  Master.  He  deals  more  with  the  subjective  than  the 
objective ;  more  with  the  fountain  of  spiritual  life,  than  the  stream 
that  flows  therefrom.  He  is  therefore,  preeminently  adapted  to  be 
a  'teacher  of  teachers.'  He  is  a  veritable  spiritual  dynamo,  com- 
municating power  to  all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact.  The  ser- 
mon on  Sundav  afternoon,  on  '  The  Work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,'  was 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  355 

an  awe-inspiring  discourse  ;  a  solemn  hush  rested  upon  the  multitude, 
and  one  could  but  realize  God  was  in  the  place  in  impressive  power." 
He  is  the  leader  of  that  school  of  theology  which  urges  holiness, 
not  in  the  sense  that  sin  is  eradicated,  but  suppressed.  Dr.  'Chap- 
man, the  evangelist,  accepts  this  view,  and  many  of  the  most  eminent 
workers  in  England  and  America. 

One  of  our  most  faithful  attendants  on  our  class-meetmgs,  is 
John  Langhauser,  a  man  gifted  in  speech  and  full  of  faith  and  the 
Holy  Ghost.  The  Jewish  Synagogue  on  the  corner  of  Seventeenth 
and  Pine  Streets,  in  the  rear  of  Centenary,  was  sold,  and  to  our 
amazement  reconstructed  and  turned  into  a  second-class  theater. 
We  were  helpless.  The  owners  built  their  engine-house  against  our 
church.  We  consulted  lawyers,  but  met  with  no  encouragement. 
Are  we  to  be  run  out  of  our  nest?  In  our  extremity  all  hands  were 
urged  to  pray  God  to  make  the  theater  a  failure.  The  daily  papers 
wrote  much  about  Dr.  Mathews  "  praying  down  the  theater."  This 
Brother  Langhauser,  at  every  meeting,  would  talk  to  God  about  this 
nuisance,  and  pray  with  an  ardor  sometimes  startling.  He  pressed, 
as  did  others,  the  matter  before  God,  and  never  ceased  until  the 
theater  closed  for  want  of  patronage.  In  a  short  time  the  house  was 
torn  down  and  the  materials  carted  away.  Who  dare  say,  God  does 
not  answer  true  prayer !  That  corner  is  vacant  to  this  day.  There 
was  a  high  time  in  that  meeeting  when  the  Lord  stopped  our 
enemies ! 

The  work  was  extending,  week  by  week  people  were  being  con- 
verted. This  fact  only  whetted  the  appetite  of  the  best  of  our  mem- 
bers and  they  proposed  a  special  revival  service.  For  weeks  the 
Stewards'  prayer-meeting  had  been  going  on  with  cheering  results. 
A  messenger  was  sent  to  Chicago  to  hear  an  East  Indian  evangelist 
who  was  creating  quite  a  furore  there.  This  man  was  a  specialist 
in  religion.  I  did  not  want  him,  but  was  willing  for  the  laymen  to 
have  their  desire.  Providence  did  not  favor  his  coming  to  St.  Louis. 
Some  were  sorely  disappointed  when  the  messenger  reported  un- 
favorably. At  one  of  our  prayer-meetings,  a  Brother  Connelly 
dropped  in  upon  us  and  gave  us  a  stirring  talk.  Two  or  three  of  our 
leaders  said  to  me,  "  Let  us  try  him."  I  assented,  and  we  began  a 
meeting  which  lasted  through  many  nights.  This  brother  preached 
in  the  old  way,  making  war  upon  sin  and  urging  repentance  upon  all. 
Sometimes  his  words  were  like  thunder,  and  every  night  for  some- 
time we  had  from  four  to  eight  conversions.  For  over  two  weeks 
the  meeting  went  on,  and  God  blessed  many  souls.  Fully  fifty  pro- 
fessed conversion.  Brother  Connelly  did  a  fine  work,  and  went  into 
the  field  fullv  endorsed  by  our  Church  as  an  evangelist. 

Near  the  close  of  March,  Rev.  C.  P.  Masden,  D.  D.,  after  an 
absence  of  four  years,  returned  on  a  visit.  For  three  years  he  was 
the  energetic  pastor  of  Union  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In  the 
St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate  he  gives  an  account  of  how  he  spent 
the  Sabbath.     Tn  the  morning  he  attended  the  Unitarian  Church  to 


356  PEEPiS  INTO  LIFE. 

hear  a  noted  man,  a  sociologist,  George  B.  Herron.  He  then  adds : 
"  In  the  evening  I  went  to  the  Centenary  Methodist  Church,  South, 
Rev.  John  Mathews,  pastor.  Here  I  found  a  down  town  church,  yet 
filled  with  more  than  one  thousand  five  hundred  people,  every  avail- 
able seat  being  occupied  with  earnest  listeners  to  the  simple  Gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Dr.  Mathews  is  the  only  Methodist  pastor  who  has 
remained  longer  than  myself.  We  were  neighbors  and  friends  for 
eight  years.  I  was  delighted  to  see  his  growing  influence  in  this 
great  city.  No  pastor  has  preached  to  so  many  people  and  for  so 
long  a  time  here  as  Dr.  Mathews.  He  is  a  practical  example  of  how 
to  reach  the  masses  in  a  great  city.  He  is  a  study  for  evangelical 
Churches,  as  to  methods,  preaching,  personal  influence  and  organi- 
zation. Age  does  not  diminish  his  power,  nor  time  weaken  his  in- 
fluence. He  is  stronger  in  the  public  esteem  of  the  city  and  has  a 
firmer  hold  on  the  hearts  of  the  people  than  ever  before.'' 

During  the  month  of  April,  "  A  Layman's  Club,"  was  organ- 
ized, for  augmenting  the  social  life  of  our  Methodism.  The  Globe- 
Democrat  said :  "  A  celebration  unique  in  its  design,  will  take  place 
next  Thursday  evening  at  the  Planters'  Hotel.  This  club,  which  was 
first  thought  of  about  a  year  ago,  and  which  is  now  well  organized, 
with  one  hundred  members,  will  be  a  sort  of  monument  to  the  vener- 
able Dr.  John  Mathews,  for  it  was  the  good  cheer  incident  to  the 
Semi-Centennial  Banquet  given  Dr.  Mathews  in  January,  1897, 
that  led  the  laymen  to  think  about  forming  a  club." 

The  organization  known  as  the  "  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive 
Engineers,"  held  their  annual  meeting  in  our  city.  By  request,  I 
delivered  the  annual  sermon  in  Centenary  Church  on  the  15th  of 
May.  A  Monday  morning  journal  had  a  lengthy  synopsis  of  the 
discourse.  The  reporter  said,  "  There  was  something  impressive 
about  the  services  at  the  Centenary  Methodist  Church,  yesterday 
morning,  in  honor  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers. 
The  preacher  said  in  part :  '  It  has  been  taught  as  a  principle  that  all 
upward  movements  have  been  and  still  are  more  or  less  insurrec- 
tionary. What  a  wonderful  disturbance  did  the  setting  up  of 
Christ's  new  Kingdom  create !  Christianity  brought  this  great  truth 
of  the  brotherhood  of  men  into  the  world  and  set  it  in  the  heart  of 
society,  where  it  will  remain,  working  out  the  unification  of 
humanity.  The  very  keystone  of  Christianity  is,  God  is  no  respecter 
of  persons.  Will  East  and  West,  Latin,  English  and  Oriental  fuse  ? 
How  exhilarating  the  sensation  produced  by  such  a  prospect !  What 
rapture  it  gives  to  man?  Life  thrives  on  expenditure.  Pour  your- 
self abroad  upon  humanity  in  the  spirit  of  Christ !  The  best  is  not 
obtained  bv  self-suppression,  but  by  letting  loose  passion  on  noble 
ends.' " 

In  an  article  published  in  the  Alabama  Christian  Advocate,  Dr. 
Jesse  Wood  gave  a  glowing  account  of  a  District  Conference  held  in 
the  Montgomery  District,  Alabama,  in  t866.  He  named  eight  men, 
everv  one  of  whom  has  passed  into  Heaven  but  myself,  and  T  stand 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  357 

on  the  margin  of  the  river  listening  for  the  splash  of  the  oarsman — 
Death.    Joseph  B.  Cottrell,  the  metaphysician,  and  bright  as  a  sun- 
beam ;  B.  B.  Ross,  the  saintly ;  O.  R.  Blue,  clear  and  cold  as  a  moon-  . 
beam,  but  true  as  steel ;  George  VV.  F.  Price,  gifted  with  a  flow  of 
language  never  surpassed;  and  Dr.  A.  L.  P.  Green,  of  Nashville, 
Tennessee,  a  man  amongst  men.    Dr.  Wood  says,  "  Friday  evening 
we  had  arranged  to  have  a  good  Sunday-School  rally.    The  speakers 
on  this  special  occasion  were  J.  B.  Cottrell,  John  Mathews,  G.  W.  F. 
Price,  and  A.  L.  P.  Green.     I  doubt  if  such  a  galaxy  of  talent  has 
ever  been  surpassed  on  any  similar  occasion.     During  the  opening 
exercises,  Brother  Price  whispered  to  me,  '  Please  let  me  speak  be- 
fore Mathews ;  I  want  to  say  some  funny  things,  and  I  am  afraid  to 
come  after  Mathews.'    The'request  was  granted.     First,  came  J.  B. 
Cottrell,  noted  then,  as  afterwards,  for  his  philosophical,  or  rather 
metaphysical  turn  of  mind;  but  on  this  occasion  a  funny  streak, 
which  often  asserted  itself,  took  possession  of  his  mind,  and  his 
speech  ran  entirely  to  the  humorous.     The  children  and  their  par- 
ents were  delighted,  and  thought  they  surely  were  getting  the  best 
first.      Price    and    Mathews    were    the    sober-looking    individuals 
present.    Then  came  George  W.  F.  Price.    I  verily  expected  that  he 
would  change  his  avowed  purpose  to  make  a  humorous  speech  and 
give  us  the  philosophy  we  had  expected  from  Cottrell,  or  else  the 
eloquent  literary  and  elocutionary  exhibit  which  was  as  natural  to 
Price  as  common  talk  to  other  people.    But  no ;  Price  ran  direct  into 
the  humorous,  though  he  made  it  exceedingly  literary  by  the  marvel- 
ous number  of  quotations  from  '  Mother  Goose's  Melodies,'  which 
he  wove  in.     I  was  sitting  by  Mathews,  and  in  the  midst  of  the 
hilarity  which  Price's  speech  produced,  he  whispered  to  me,  '  He  is 
taking  all  the  wind  out  of  my  sails,'  and  I  verily  thought  it  was  so. 
After  some  singing,  John  Mathews  was  announced.     Instead  of  the 
two  preceding  speeches  taking  the  wind  out  of  his  sails  they  seemed 
to  have  produced  a  gale,  a  tornado,  a  cyclone  in  his  mind,  and  such 
a  speech  as  he  made  I  have  never  heard  before  nor  since.     Cottrell 
and  Price  had  all  the  balance  of  us  laughing  and  applauding.    Only 
Dr.  Green  remained  sober.    He  sat  as  thoughtful  as  if  he  were  med- 
itating a  removal  of  the  Publishing  House  from  Nashville.    Finally, 
when  it  seemed  that  every  good  thing,  and  especially  every  funny 
thing  possible  on  such  an  occasion  had  been  said,  and  the  audience 
had  rejoiced  and  laughed  until  exhausted,  it  came  Dr.  Green's  turn 
to  speak.     O.  R.  Blue  must  have  read  my  thoughts,  for  he  said  to 
me,  '  You  need  not  be  uneasy ;  he  never  misses  fire.'     There  was 
onlv  one  of  his  kind.    To  describe  his  speech  would  be  impossible ; 
but  after  more  than  thirty  years  the  memory  of  it  remains  with  me 
as  beautiful,  pathetic,  humorous,  philosophical  and  spiritual.    It  was 
a  masterpiece.    I  have  been  hungry  to  hear  four  such  speeches ;  but 
I  have  not,  nor  shall  I,  because  those  four  men  can  not  again  be 
brought  together  on  a  like  occasion." 

On  the  night  of  the  3d  of  July,  Dr.  Tillet,  dean  of  the  Theo- 


35g  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

logical  Department,  of  Vanderbilt  University,  by  invitation  occupied 
Centenary's  pulpit.  His  discourse  was  on  "  Hymnology."  It  was 
a  valuable  and  enlightening  sermon.  He  is  master  of  his  theme. 
This  was  my  first  acquaintance  with  this  genial  and  learned  theo- 
logian. 

My  life  has  not  been  without  storms.  I  have  sailed  against 
many  a  head  wind;  sometimes,  almost  swamped  in  the  storm  and 
had  to  cry  out,  "  Master,  carest  thou  not  that  I  perish !  "  In  the 
earlier  years  the  small  critics  nearly  ruined  me,  but  Grace  was  given 
and  I  passed  through  the  anguish  with  tears  dripping  down  my 
cheeks ;  but  when  my  latitude  was  taken  I  was  heading  in  the  right 
direction.  Owing  to  my  peculiar  relation  to  Centenary,  this  year, 
mueh  has  been  said  pro  and  con ;  while  I  did  not  wish  to  hear,  and 
though  I  thrust  my  fingers  into  my  ears,  sometimes  the  words  would 
creep  in  under  my  fingers.  Now  as  the  year  is  winding  to  a  close, 
it  can  be  said  this  has  been  the  most  prosperous  of  the  nine  years 
at  Centenary  Church. 

Mrs.  E.  M.  Eckert  was  one  of  the  most  religious  women  I  ever 
met ;  withal  she  was  peculiar,  but  under  her  peculiarities  ran  a  faith 
and  a  love  which  held  her  close  to  the  very  heart  of  God.  Her  life 
was  hid  with  Christ  in  God,  and  her  soul  was  absorbed  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  her  Divine  Master.  The  needle  was  not  truer  to  its  pole  than 
she  to  whom  she  gave  her  heart  when  life  was  in  its  spring-time. 
Death  found  her  with  oil  in  her  vessel  ready  to  enter  the  marriage 
feast.  She  cared  nothing  for  what  the  fashionable  highly  prize,  but 
seized  great  principles  and  incorporated  them  into  her  life.  She 
deeply  impressed  my  heart,  both  in  her  living  and  dying. 

On  the  14th  of  August.  Bishop  Candler  was  in  the  city  and  at 
night  preached  for  our  people.  This  is  his  first  Episcopal  tour,  and 
he  seems  fresh  and  vigorous.  He  reminds  one  of  a  pine-knot,  so 
strongly  is  he  welded  together.  He  is  short,  heavy-set,  and  con- 
structed for  endurance.  A  vast  audience  greeted  him.  While  the 
congregation  was  singing  an  old-time  hymn,  as  he  looked  over  the 
sea  of  faces,  he  turned  to  me  saying,  "  Mathews,  where  do  all  these 
people  come  from  ? "  I  replied,  "  From  all  over  the  city."  He 
preached  well.  Was  jaded  and  tired,  having  been  interviewed  by 
many  in  connection  with  Church  work  in  this  his  District.  I  did  not 
speak  to  him  about  my  reappointment ;  but,  using  his  hands  to  illus- 
trate, he  said,  "  I  have  received  a  stack  of  letters  so  high,  from  many 
sources,  asking  your  return  to  Centenary  Church."  He  gave  me 
reasons  for  his  refusal,  and  I  had  nothing  to  say.  The  daily  papers 
were  full  of  gossip  as  to  Centenary,  and  my  future.  I  could  have 
been  returned  without  a  violation  of  law.  My  conviction  was  that 
I  had  better  leave  the  city,  as  in  going  to  another  Church  in  the  city 
some  would  follow  me,  and  thus  bad  feeling  would  be  created. 

During  the  summer,  Judge  Laws,  of  Arkansas,  whose  business 
led  him  over  the  country,  called  at  my  office,  and  laid  before  me  a 
plan  for  what  lie  termed,  a  "  Bible  School."  assuring  me  he  had  the 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ^g 

promise,  made  by  a  millionaire  lady  of  California,  to  aid  him  in  his 
object  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  with  which 
to  erect  what  he  called  a  "  Temple,"  and  in  it  develop  his  enterprise. 
He  visited  me  time  and  again,  but  I  declined  to  take  charge  of  any 
outside  work.  Even  after  I  had  been  settled  in  my  new  charge,  in 
Nashville,  Tennessee,  he  wrote  pressing  me  to  return  to  St.  Louis, 
and  take  charge  of  a  work  dear  to  his  heart — to  teach  poor  children 
the  Word  of  God.  I  did  not  even  entertain  his  proposition  as  feasible. 
When  it  became  known  that  my  pastorate  at  Centenary  would  close 
in  September,  another  proposition  was  made  to  me  by  Mr.  D.  R. 
Wolf,  a  very  active  Christian  worker,  and  an  elder  in  Dr.  Nichols' 
Church,  to  take  charge  of  a  large  missionary  enterprise  down  in 
town,  in  a  section  of  the  city  needing  Christian  influence.  The  plan 
was,  to  secure  a  certain  spacious  building  in  which  the  great  daily, 
The  Republic,  was  published.  He  even  brought  a  drawing  by  an 
architect,  a  view  of  how  the  transformed  building  would  look.  He 
believed  he  could  raise  the  funds  necessary  to  put  it  in  operation — 
about  sixty  thousand  dollars.  He  had  broad  views  of  such  an  en- 
terprise, and  did  not  question  success  if  I  would  take  charge.  I 
appreciated  his  proposition,  but  urged  my  age  as  in  the  way.  He 
replied  that  all  necessary  help  would  be  secured.  Another  objection 
I  urged  was,  "  It  would  necessitate  a  severance  from  my  Church  re- 
lations to  undertake  an  independent  enterprise."  He  then  replied, 
that  I  might  make  it  a  Methodist  Church — so  the  work  would  be 
accomplished.  It  was  a  tempting  offer,  because  a  wide  field  opened 
before  an  earnest  worker ;  but  I  preferred  ending  my  career  in  the 
itineracy,  where  from  boyhood  I  had  served  my  Divine  Lord.  Mr. 
Wolf  is  large-hearted,  and  an  honor  to  the  great  Church  of  which  he 
is  a  member. 

On  Sunday  the  18th  of  September,  I  occupied  Centenary  pulpit, 
as  pastor,  for  the  last  time.  I  appreciated  the  coming  of  the  many 
to  hear  me  after  serving  them  for  nine  years.  I  would  have  been 
more  than  human  not  to  feel  the  separation  from  so  many  of  my 
spiritual  children;  from  families  where  I  had  ministered  to  their 
sick  and  dying.  It  was  no  small  trial  to  sunder  ties  which  had  bound 
our  hearts  together.  My  parting  text  was  taken  from  the  73d 
Psalm,  and  24th  verse :  "  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  Thy  counsel, 
and  afterward  receive  me  to  glorv."  A  great  audience  heard  my 
suggestions  and  parting  advice.  Thus  ended  my  work  in  St.  Louis. 
The  report  has  passed  up  to  God.  What  He  will  say,  I  know  not. 
I  have  often  felt  a  fear  in  my  heart,  when  I  think  of  one  sentence, 
"  Wo;  to  a  good  life,  if  God  should  lay  aside  His  mercy  when  He 
examines  into  it !  " 


360 


PEEPS  INTO  LIKE. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 
First  Year  at  McKendree,  Nashville. 

1  attended  the  session  of  the  Conference  at  De  Soto,  and  ap- 
preciated the  many  kindly  regrets  expressed  in  anticipation  of 
my  transfer  to  another  Conference.  This  was  Bishop  Candler's  first 
appearance  at  a  St.  Louis  Conference.  He  presided  with  ease  and 
guided  the  helm  with  care.  He  was  full  of  wise  counsel,  and  how  he 
did  preach  on  Sunday !  His  sermon  made  a  profound  impression ; 
besides  its  intellectuality,  truth  came  red-hot  out  of  his  heart.  Be- 
ing appointed  to  preach  to  my  brethren,  we  had  a  hallelujah  time. 
There  was  shouting,  singing,  and  rejoicing.  God  was  with  us  in 
power.  At  the  close  of  the  announcement  of  the  appointments, 
Bishop  Candler  announced  my  transfer. 

A  Monday  evening  paper  said,  "  There  was  an  affecting  scene 
Sunday  morning  at  Centenary  Methodist  Church,  when  Dr.  John 
Mathews,  the  beloved  former  pastor  transferred  his  charge  into  the 
hands  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Young,  recently  of  Baltimore.  The  old 
pastor  said  little  about  himself,  but  urged  his  hearers  to  take  the  new 
pastor  to  their  hearts  and  help  him  in  his  work.  There  were  few 
dry  eyes  in  the  congregation  when  Dr.  Mathews  finished  his  ad- 
dress." Dr.  Young  then  replied  briefly,  and  announced  his  text, 
"  They  took  knowledge  that  they  had  been  with  Jesus."  This  ser- 
mon was  an  outline  of  the  ideal  life  of  the  Christian. 

The  Tennessee  Annual  Conference  assembled  in  Clarksville, 
October  19th,  1898.  Bishop  J.  S.  Key  being  in  charge,  transferred 
me  back  to  this  body  which  I  joined  in  1846.  I  did  not  attend  the 
session,  and  was  notified  by  telegram  of  my  appointment  to  that 
noble  and  long  famous  church — McKendree,  in  Nashville.  Nash- 
ville Methodism  had  just  passed  through  a  time  of  trial,  and  I  feared 
I  might  become  involved  in  it.  The  best  of  men  and  committees 
often  disagree  as  to  the  best  course  to  pursue.  In  considering  the 
situation,  I  knew  the  profoundest  truth  in  the  human  constitution  is 
a  longing  of  the  soul  after  One  to  lay  the  hand  upon  that  shall  re- 
turn the  grasp.  As  years  thicken  upon  me  more  than  ever  do  I  feel 
the  need  of  a  Person,  not  things.  Throwing  myself  upon  the  friend- 
ship of  Christ  I  felt  that  the  supplies  of  God  were  inexhaustible.  I 
remind  myself  of  the  Eastern  story  of  a  King  who  annually  would 
get  on  the  scales,  while  on  the  other  end  were  placed  gold,  silver, 
and  gems,  enough  to  balance  the  King;  then  all  these  treasures 
were  thrown  amongst  the  people.  Christ  places  himself  on  one  side 
the  scales,  and  on  the  other  are  all  the  treasures  of  the  world,  and 
says.   "  All  are  yours."     With   a  hopeful  heart  T  turned  my   face 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  $(n 


toward  my  new  field  of  labor  and  reached  Nashville,  October  27th. 
A  bevy  of  Stewards,  in  company  with  my  nephew,  Mr.  Andrew  F. 
Mathews,  and  his  daughter,  Miss  Ethel,  met  me  at  the  train.  The 
company  were  more  than  cordial.  In  a  few  minutes  we  were 
wheeled  away  to  the  residence  of  my  nephew. 

On  Friday  morning  I  took  possession  of  the  pastor's  office.  Not 
anticipating  my  presence  no  fire  had  been  lighted  by  the  janitor.  I 
was  chilled  to  the  core ;  the  result  was  a  severe  cold  which  affected 
me  so  as  to  almost  unfit  me  for  the  pulpit  on  the  coming  Sabbath. 
Information  was  given  me  to  call  upon  Mr.  J.  U.  Rust,  Superintend- 
ent of  the  Sunday-School,  who  could  give  me  full  information  about 
the  Church.  We  met,  and  at  once  I  took  him  to  my  heart,  and  ever 
after  found  him  a  coworker  of  extraordinary  value.  Stepped  over 
to  the  Methodist  Publishing  House,  and  was  introduced  to  the  heads 
of  departments.  The  greeting  was  warm  and  encouraging.  Before 
leaving  St.  Louis  I  had  decided  to  open  my  new  work  with  a  dis- 
course to  which  I  had  given  much  thought  and  with  which  I  was 
familiar.  To  my  surprise  I  found  I  had  left  my  brief  in  St.  Louis. 
Circumstances  seemed  against  me.  While  at  Guthrie  for  supper 
some  one  entered  the  car  and  stole  my  umbrella,  then  I  lost  a  box 
out  of  my  pocket,  perhaps  my  pocket  was  picked,  and  now  my  "  pet  " 
sermon  was  missing!  The  technical  name  for  such  a  discourse 
amongst  preachers,  is  "  Sugar  Stick ! "  Sunday,  October  30th, 
opened  bright  and  inspiring,  but  the  cold  I  had  taken  so  affected  me 
I  was  hardly  myself.  On  reaching  the  lecture-room  to  attend  Sun- 
day-School I  found  a  large  audience  present ;  flowers  and  evergreen 
plants  abounded.  The  Superintendent  had  an  impromptu  reception, 
and  short  talks  were  made  by  representatives  of  the  different  arms 
of  Church  service.  These  talks  were  informal — words  of  welcome 
to  the  new  pastor.  It  was  a  delightful  surprise,  and  very  gratifying. 
At  11  a.  m.,  preached  forty  minutes  on  "The  Necessity  of  Trans- 
forming Power."  The  congregation  crowded  the  church,  quite  a 
number  were  turned  away.  I  did  not  have  my  usual  freedom,  but 
the  congregation  was  none  the  wiser  for  that.  True  to  my  custom, 
persons  were  given  an  opportunity  to  unite  with  the  Church,  and  two 
did  so.  At  8  p.  m.,  the  congregation  not  large.  My  subject  was 
"  Disappointment " — Elijah  under  the  Juniper  tree.  Had  two  pen- 
itents at  the  altar.  This  Church  had  a  choir  of  fine  singers.  With 
two  mourners  at  the  altar,  and  while  Dr.  Denny  was  offering  up  a 
very  earnest  prayer,  I  concluded  artistic  music  would  not  prove  ap- 
propriate to  the  condition  of  penitents,  so  I  hurriedly  concluded  to 
sing  a  solo  ;  and  the  Doctor  had  hardly  said  "  Amen  "  when  I  struck 
up  my  favorite  chorus : 

"Oh,  the  Lamb,  the  loving  Lamb,  the  Lamb  of  Calvary, 
The  Lamb  that  was  slain,  but  lives  again  to  intercede  for  me." 
Choir  and  audience  were  surprised,  but  before  the  hymn  was  finished 
many  were  in  tears. 

"Recalling  my  past  earnestness  in  my  line  of  life,  I  resolved  to 


362 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


put  forth  my  best  energies  into  my  new  field.  First,  1  sought  to 
make  friends ;  believing  with  Drummond,  who  says,  "  Friendship  is 
the  nearest  thing  we  know  to  what  religion  is,"  my  plan  of  the  past 
was  emphasized  by  seeking  to  form  new  friendships.  Second,  I  de- 
termined to  press  the  Gospel  with  unfaltering  earnestness.  Emerson 
said,  "  Every  great  and  commanding  movement  in  the  annals  of  the 
world  is  the  product  of  enthusiasm."  When  a  man  has  lost  his 
earnestness  in  any  particular  line  of  work,  he  might  as  well  abandon 
the  enterprise,  for  he  will  not  be  successful.  Long  years  ago  I 
learned,  that  an  impassioned  heart  draws  the  whole  man,  body,  will, 
and  intelligence,  after  it.  It  is  locomotive  engineering;  it  is  tide, 
and  it  is  wind.  The  reason  some  ministers  fail,  is  not  for  the  want 
of  "  culture,"  but  for  want  of  earnestness.  They  may  be  orthodox 
but  never  take  fire  in  the  pulpit.  "  Their  sermons  are  full  of  brains, 
but  no  blood.  The  dinner  they  serve  on  Sunday  is  elaborately  pre- 
pared, but  cold."  I  had  learned  from  a  long  acquaintance  that  the 
reason  others  fail  is,  they  preach  on  crotchety  subjects  while  souls  are 
perishing.  They  are  "  sending,  like  Nero,  to  Alexandria,  for  sand 
for  the  arena,  while  Rome  is  needing  bread." 

On  Monday  morning,  with  a  deeply  embedded  purpose,  I  began 
my  daily  task.  Turning  my  steps  towards  the  Publishing  House  I 
found  myself  at  the  Preachers'  Meeting.  The  ministers  gave  me  a 
most  cordial  welcome,  and  much  to  my  surprise  they  elected  me 
president.  In  St.  Louis,  the  Presiding  Elder  took  the  chair  by  virtue 
of  his  office.  At  night  met  the  Board  of  Stewards,  to  arrange  for 
the  year.  Financial  plan  adopted,  ushers  appointed,  and  committees 
for  the  year.  On  Tuesday  I  had  such  a  cold  I  was  compelled  to  keep 
my  bed.  At  night  dined  with  the  Manier  family,  to  which  I  be- 
came devotedly  attached  on  account  of  their  devotion  to  the  best  in- 
terests of  the  Church.  Being  anxious  to  keep  house,  with  the  kindly 
assistance  of  Mrs.  McHenry  I  found  a  furnished  house  on  South 
Spruce  Street.  After  arranging  for  its  occupancy,  Mrs.  Claiborne, 
one  of  our  most  pious  members,  called  to  accompany  me  to  see  Mrs. 
J.  Horton  Fall,  a  dear  lover  of  McKendree  Church.  On  Wednesday 
night  attended  the  mid-week  meeting.  Not  an  encouraging  outlook  ; 
had  a  short  service,  as  I  was  unwell. 

One  of  the  earnest  workers  of  the  Church,  Mrs.  Harwell,  whom 
I  had  known  in  years  gone  by,  called  to  accompany  me  to  see  a 
cripple  member,  a  Brother  Hard,  who  had  attended  my  Sunday- 
School  in  Old  Andrew  charge,  when  I  was  pastor  there  in  185 1.  He 
resides  in  East  Nashville.  The  visit  was  pleasant,  and  I  hope  not 
without  profit.    A  review  of  the  past  was  full  of  interest  to  us  both. 

The  next  day  began  a  regular  tour  of  visitation.  Learning  of 
the  illness  of  Brother  Frith,  one  of  our  Stewards,  called  at  once, 
found  him  better,  and  we  joined  in  prayer  for  his  speedy  restoration. 
Found  him  to  be  the  salt  of  the  earth,  and  one  who  was  always  at 
his  post. 

At  our  mid-week  meeting  had  what  some  of  the  leaders  called 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RE\ .  JOHH   MATHEWS,  D.  D.  35-, 

a  good  attendance.  Seemed  small  to  me.  A  young  preacher  who 
had  belonged  to  Centenary  Church  in  St.  Louis,  at  the  close  of  the 
meeting  said  to  me,  "  Doctor,  why  don't  you  do  here  as  in  St. 
Louis?  "  My  reply  was,  "  If  you  have  only  four  yards  of  cloth  you 
can  not  make  a  longtailed  coat  out  of  it !  "  He  referred  to  the  en- 
thusiasm of  that  people  and  the  spirited  conduct  of  the  meeting.  We 
had  few  to  lead  in  prayer,  and  while  their  prayers  were  sensible,  they 
were  not  red-hot.  In  aiming  to  make  these  services  a  greater  bless- 
ing, I  propounded  a  few  questions  to  some  of  the  more  active  mem- 
bers. One  lady,  famous  for  her  zeal  on  many  lines,  in  response  to 
a  very  simple  question,  answered  in  such  a  low  voice  that  scarcely 
any  one  heard  her.  I  said,  "  Sister,  why  did  you  not  answer  in  as 
loud  a  tone  as  when  we  spoke  on  the  street  yesterday  ?  "  This  most 
excellent  lady  was  famous  for  her  courage,  or  I  had  not  dared  to 
speak  as  I  did.  This  was  magnified,  and  a  number  of  friends  teased 
her  no  little! 

On  this  Friday  night  the  ladies  of  the  Church  tendered  Mrs. 
Mathews  and  myself  a  public  reception  in  the  lecture-room.  It  was 
a  brilliant  affair.  People  poured  in  until  9  o'clock,  when  refresh- 
ments wore  served.  We  made  the  acquaintance  of  many  persons, 
and  those  of  different  denominations.  Everything  was  on  an  elab- 
orate scale.  On  the  next  day  met  the  ladies  of  the  Woman's 
Foreign  Missionary  Society.  This  organization,  under  the  pres- 
idency of  Mrs.  Cunningham,  has  never  been  surpassed  in  its  regular 
and  ordinary  contributions.  Mrs.  Cunningham,  with  her  husband, 
spent  several  years  as  missionary  in  China.  This  remarkable  woman 
has  never  relaxed  her  zeal.  The  result  is  one  of  the  most  active 
societies  in  the  denomination. 

Early  in  December,  I  organized  a  regular  Methodist  class- 
meeting.  When  Bishop  Fitzgerald  was  editor  of  the  Nashville 
Christian  Advocate,  he  held  class-meetings  in  this  church  which 
were  greatly  enjoyed  by  many.  We  organized  with  an  attendance 
of  twenty.  This  meeting  was  kept  up  through  my  quadrennium  of 
service,  sometimes  going  as  high  as  sixty ;  never,  the  most  stormy 
night,  going  below  ten.  Something  remarkable  that  the  second 
blessing  people  reinforced  us  and  aided  in  making  the  occasion  in- 
teresting. A  few — very  few — of  the  theologues  attended.  Those 
who  did  helped  us  very  much. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  my  son-in-law,  Rev.  John  O.  Keener, 
D.  D.,  passed  from  earth  to  Heaven.  He  had  not  yet  reached  the 
noon  of  manhood.  He  was,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  president  of 
the  Southern  University,  Greensboro,  Alabama.  A  few  days  before 
he  had  dropped  in  upon  us  unexpectedly,  in  Nashville,  running  up 
from  Huntsville,  the  seat  of  the  North  Alabama  Conference.  He 
had  preached  on  Sunday  morning  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  that 
city;  the  furnace  was  out  of  fix,  and  the  weather  being  cold  he 
sickened,  and  never  fully  recovered.  He  was  making  his  mark  in 
the  Church.   The  Rev.  Sam  Jones,  stated  in  a  speech  in  Birmingham. 


6  PEEPS,  INTO  LIFE. 

Alabama,  had  Dr.  Keener  lived  until  the  next  General  Conference, 
he  would  have  been  elected  a  Bishop.  Like  his  father,  Bishop  J.  C. 
Keener,  he  had  marked  intellectuality.  He  was  a  fine  preacher,  a 
manly  man,  a  devoted  husband  and  a  tender  father.  He  was  buried 
January  i,  1899,  in  Greensboro.  About  his  last  utterance  was  to 
repeat  that  grand  paragraph,  "  For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will 
one  die;  yet  peradventure,  for  a  good  man  some  would  even  dare  to 
die.  But  God  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  the  great  love  wherewith 
he  loved  us — commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in  that,  while  we  were 
vet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us." 

As  heretofore  for  years,  appointed  Watch  Night  service,  to  be- 
gin at  9  p.  m.  It  snowed  all  day,  and  stormed  at  night.  A  good 
number  had  promised  to  attend  but  the  storm  prevented  their  at- 
tendance. By  count,  we  had  even  fifty  in  attendance.  The  meeting, 
however,  was  a  blessing  to  all  who  were  present.  The  consecration 
service  was  deeply  impressive,  our  people  pledging  to  seek  a  closer 
union  with  our  Lord. 

This  New  Year's  day  brings  unquiet  moods.  Temptations  assail 
me,  as  I  think  of  a  providence  that  allows  the  removal  from  earth 
of  such  a  man  as  Dr.  J.  O.  Keener.  Such  a  meditation  disquiets  the 
soul,  and  yet  the  most  unquiet  moods  are  often  the  most  promising. 
My  past  experience  assured  me  that  these  assaults  are  often  aids  to 
higher  success.  We  call  them  pressures.  Stanley  tells  us  in  his 
"  Dark  Continent,"  that  "  When  crossing  a  rapid  stream,  the  natives 
put  heavy  stones  on  their  heads  to  keep  them  from  being  carried 
away  by  the  force  of  the  current,  and  thus  pass  safely  over."  So 
when  we  come  to  these  dangerous  rapids  in  our  lives,  we  are  steadied 
by  the  pressure  which  hold  us  down.  Reflections  on  this  line  led 
me  to  say,  "  Thv  will  be  done."  In  a  day  or  two  I  hastened  to 
Greensboro,  Alabama,  to  visit  my  daughter,  Mrs.  Keener,  and  ar- 
ranged for  her  future  residence  with  us  in  Nashville.  I  spent  Sun- 
day in  that  town,  and  preached  in  the  Methodist  Church  in  the  morn- 
ing. On  my  return,  found  the  "  Union  Chapman  Meeting  "  under 
way.  The  Ministers'  Alliance  invited  this  celebrated  evangelist  to 
hold  a  series  of  meetings  in  our  city.  The  meeting  was  conducted 
in  the  great  Tabernacle ;  Rev.  Sam  Jones  said  on  one  occasion  that 
this  is  the  most  suitable  building  for  revival  meetings  he  ever  saw. 
Mr.  Chapman,  as  I  heard  him,  is  a  delightful  minister ;  holds  to  the 
Keswick  theory  of  holiness — sin  suppressed,  not  eradicated.  The 
citizens  poured  out  to  hear  him.  He  presented  the  tender  truths  of 
the  Gospel,  and  pressed  them  with  great  earnestness.  After  many 
days'  work,  the  results  were  not  satisfactory ;  very  few  converts. 

On  January  226.,  we  had  quite  an  impressive  scene.  After  a 
few  songs,  prayers,  and  a  brief  talk  by  the  pastor,  an  invitation  was 
given  to  all  who  desired  to  be  converted.  Twenty-five  of  the  schol- 
ars responded,  cheering  pastor,  Superintendent  Rust,  and  his  corps 
of  teachers.     Society  has  great  force  in  Nashville,  and  unless  we 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.   I>  36^ 

secure  the  young  ere  controlled  by  fashionable  follies,  they  are  swept 
into  a  course  of  life  damaging  to  the  soul. 

At  one  of  our  Epworth  League  services,  I  tested  the  matter  by 
asking  all  present  who  were  members  of  McKendree  to  stand  up. 
Nine  responded.  We  had,  however,  a  good  representation  of  theo- 
logues.  One  young  theologue,  W.  A.  Farmer,  of  Georgia,  who  for 
one  so  young  was  deeply  versed  in  the  things  of  God,  gave  an  ex- 
perience rich  and  rare,  melting  all  hearts.  He  was  a  great  help  on 
spiritual  lines.  He  remained  with  us  through  the  year.  Much  to 
my  regret,  he  joined  the  "  Pentecostal  Mission,"  a  movement  of  the 
second  blessing  people,  as  more  congenial  to  him.  His  zeal  was 
refreshing.  That  organization  sent  him  to  China,  where  he  is  work- 
ing to  help  Christianize  that  empire.  A  few  other  theologues  had 
joined  us:  J.  Mark  Jenkins,  M.  E.  Holderness,  M.  C.  Quilian. 
A.  S.  Singleton.  These  reinforced  us,  and  T  praised  their  fidelity 
and  assistance. 

Dr.  D.  C.  Kelly,  our  Presiding  Elder,  at  our  second  Quarterly 
Meeting,  preached  to  us  a  remarkable  discourse — remarkable  be- 
cause out  of  the  ordinary  way.  He  took  no  Scriptural  text,  but 
read  some  cutting  from  newspapers,  and  highly  entertained  the 
audience.  Of  course  there  were  criticisms.  I  sometimes  conclude 
the  Doctor  courts  criticisms.  He  certainly  entertains  and  has  a  host 
of  friends. 

Was  invited  to  take  part  in  the  funeral  service  of  Mrs.  Hard, 
having  been  her  pastor  in  1851.  Her  membership  was  in  Elm  St. 
Church,  into  which  the  old  Andrew  charge  had  been  merged.  She 
was  one  of  a  very  small  group  who  remembered  me  as  pastor  of  that 
Church.  Mrs.  Hard  was  a  good  and  devoted  Christian,  and  passed 
into  eternity  in  fullness  of  faith. 

Some  time  during  March,  a  committee  from  Franklin,  Ten- 
nessee, waited  upon  me,  and  urged  me  to  give  them  a  few  days'  ser- 
vice. After  much  persuasion,  I  consented,  and  went  on  the  day  after 
Easter.  T  preached  eight  sermons.  The  weather  was  unfavorable — 
rain  was  incessant,  and  circumstances  seemed  against  us.  We 
trusted  good  was  accomplished.  I  was  pastor  there  about  forty-five 
years  ago,  but  no  one  appeared  to  remember  me.  I  visited  the  old 
church,  now  in  the  hands  of  the  colored  people,  and  felt  strangely 
sad  to  think  that  every  one  who  once  crowded  that  home  of  prayer 
had  passed  into  the  beyond.  T  was  delightfully  entertained  by  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Winstead. 

Dr.  G.  YY.  F.  Price,  a  mighty  man  of  culture  was  buried  on  the 
9th  day  of  April,  t8o,q.  His  funeral  took  place  from  the  college  on 
Sunday  afternoon.  Several  ministers  were  present ;  Bishop  Fitz- 
gerald, the  Chief  Pastor,  led  the  exercises.  T  had  known  Dr.  Price 
personally  since  1859 — longer  than  any  one  present.  On  his  line  for 
beauty  of  diction,  I  never  knew  his  equal.  He  was  a  master  of 
language.  As  he  lay  upon  his  dying  pillow,  hearing  I  had  called,  he 
would  see  me  though  visitors  were  forbidden.     When  T  entered,  old 


366 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


memories  of  the  time  when  we  were  both  young  men  flooded  his 
soul,  and  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks.  Reaching  out  his  arms,  he 
drew  me  down  to  his  bosom,  and  whispered  hcly  words  into  my  ear 
— words  of  hope  and  of  Heaven. 

On  the  first  day  of  May,  our  pulpit  was  ably  filled  by  Bishop 
Wilson.  The  gathering  of  so  many  representative  men  comprising 
the  bench  of  Bishops  and  different  Boards  are  of  vast  importance. 
The  Board  of  Missions  did  a  good  deal  of  work,  but  it  was  deter- 
mined to  make  a  good  rally  in  the  interest  of  the  educational  work 
of  the  Church.  A  special  service  held  in  McKendree  Church  and 
Bishops  Wilson  and  Candler  were  the  chief  speakers.  I  was  called 
for,  but  hesitated  to  respond  until  Bishop  Wilson,  in  the  chair,  re- 
quested me  to  say  something.  My  talk  was  twenty-five  minutes  in 
length.  It  was  rather  a  breezy  talk,  taking  off  a  pessimistic  brother 
whose  views  were  discouraging.  For  a  private  citizen  Colonel  Cole's 
was  the  largest  funeral  I  remember  to  have  witnessed.  Not  only 
was  the  church  packed,  but  the  street  crowded,  by  rich  and  poor. 
Why  this  demonstration  ?  It  was  a  testimonial  to  Christian  integrity. 
Coming  to  Nashville  in  his  youth,  he  rose  to  be  its  first  citizen  in 
private  life.  Bishop  Hendrix  preached  the  sermon.  It  was  worthy 
the  man  and  the  occasion. 

Early  in  the  season  I  received  ah  invitation  to  preach  the  com- 
mencement sermon  at  that  great  school,  Woman's  College,  of  Lynch- 
burg, Virginia.  On  Sunday  morning  the  college  chapel  was  filled 
with  an  elegant  Virginia  audience.  No  one  could  desire  a  more  at- 
tentive hearing  than  was  given  me.  President  W.  W.  Smith  de- 
serves much  of  Methodism  for  projecting  such  an  institution  and 
carrying  it  to  such  a  high  grade  in  so  short  a  period.  His  energy  is 
displayed  on  every  hand.  Early  on  Monday,  I  was  on  my  way  to 
Blackstone,  the  site  of  another  very  prosperous  female  college,  under 
the  presidency  of  Rev.  James  Cannon.  It  has  attained  a  large  pros- 
perity. Reaching  the  town  early  in  the  evening,  I  was  conveyed  to 
the  college,  where  I  refreshed  the  inner  man,  and  was  soon  ready  to 
enter  upon  the  address.  This  college  was  crowded  with  pupils,  and 
the  audience  that  gathered  in  the  chapel  was  inspiring.  Being  within 
reach  of  Baltimore,  I  left  Blackstone  on  an  early  train,  to  visit  my 
son-in-law  and  family,  Rev.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  Trinity 
Church.  My  visit  was  short ;  only  a  couple  of  days  spent  with  my 
children.  I  attended  prayer-meeting  at  Trinity  and  was  pleased  to 
see  so  many  persons  in  attendance.  I  was  too  weary  to  preach,  but 
talked  for  eight  or  ten  minutes.  Having  attended  so  many  com- 
mencements, I  became  anxious  to  reach  home  and  settle  into  routine 
work  for  the  benefit  of  my  own  people. 

During  the  month  of  July,  McKendree  lost  two  prominent 
characters.  Judge  Whitworth's  funeral  occurred  on  the  7th,  and 
was  attended  by  a  large  concourse  of  citizens.  He  wielded  a  strong 
influence  in  both  civil  and  religious  circles.  For  years  he  was  a 
Steward,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  affairs  of  McKendree.    He 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  KFV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  ^1 

loved  the  Church,  and  was  ever  in  attendance  on  her  services.  Dur- 
ing the  ten  months  I  was  his  pastor,  he  was  at  every  prayer-meeting. 
He  died  expressing  strong  faith  in  Christ.  On  the  30th  we  buried 
a  man  who  filled  the  public  eye  fifty  years  ago  more  than  any  other 
man  in  public  life.  Rev.  C.  D.  Elliot,  D.  D.,  the  far-famed  president 
of  what  was  known  throughout  the  South  as  "  The  Nashville  Aca- 
demy." Perhaps  no  man  in  the  Southern  States  educated  more 
wealthy  and  influential  young  ladies  than  this  cultured  man.  In 
Church  circles  he  created  a  great  sensation  by  allowing  dancing 
among  his  pupils.  He  was  arraigned  and  tried,  Dr.  John  B.  Mc- 
Ferrin  as  prosecutor.  The  trial  filled  the  journals  of  the  day  and 
gossip  wss  busy  on  every  side.  He  was  suspended  for  a  time.  He 
left  the  Church,  and  after  things  quieted  down  returned  to  her 
bosom.  He  was  eighty-nine  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Having  been 
an  invalid,  and  confined  to  his  home  for  years,  he  gradually  dropped 
out  of  mind  save  by  a  few  who  knew  of  his  splendid  career,  and  a 
few  whom  he  had  educated. 

At  our  first  prayer-meeting  in  August,  had  two  accessions.  One 
of  the  city  papers  said  I  was  making  a  specialty  of  prayer-meetings. 
This  was  needed.  As  I  concluded  the  opening  prayer,  after  a  stir- 
ring hymn,  I  sat  still  in  my  chair,  looking  all  around,  then  remarked, 
"  I  am  wondering  who  will  lead  in  prayer ! "  Then  called  on  my 
wife.  When  we  arose  from  our  knees,  I  said,  "  I  owe  you  an 
apology:  this  is  the  first  time  since  coming  to  this  Church  I  have 
called  upon  Mrs.  Mathews!  Please  excuse  me!  I  did  nqt  know 
any  one  else  to  call  on !  "  By  and  by  we  had  a  number  to  lead  in 
prayer. 

At  the  age  of  ninety-nine,  Miss  Jane  Thomas  died.  We  buried 
her  on  the  22d  of  August.  She  was  an  active  member  of  Mc- 
Kendree  from  her  young  womanhood.  She  took  part  in  every  effort 
to  accomplish  good.  She  knew  the  history  of  her  Church  and  every 
old  family  in  the  city.  She  was  not  only  honored  by  our  people  but 
loved  for  her  spirit  and  good  works.  Old  as  she  was,  she  delighted 
to  attend,  on  the  sanctuary  and  was  in  her  place  only  a  short  time 
before  she  passed  the  pearly  gates. 

Our  fourth  Quarterly  Conference  was  held  October  9th  by  Dr. 
D.  C.  Kelly,  who  made  it  interesting  by  probing  to  the  core  and 
calling  out  a  true  view  of  the  condition  of  the  Church.  He  hadgiven 
us  a  stirring  sermon  on  Sunday  morning,  and  now  was  seeking  to 
learn  our  exact  status.    He  expressed  satisfaction  at  the  outcome. 


368  HEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

Second  Year  at  McKendree. 

On  October  18th,  Conference  convened  in  the  beautiful  Meth- 
odist Church,  in  Columbia,  Bishop  Charles  B.  Galloway,  president. 
Fifty  years  ago,  Methodism  was  as  strong  in  influence  as  to-day. 
Columbia  is  one  of  our  best  appointments.  The  Bishop  wns  in  the 
chair  to  open  at  the  appointed  hour.  He  appeared  in  fine  health  and 
spirit,  and  filled  the  description  of  one  in  his  position  as  described 
by  an  author :  "  The  outside  world  looks  for  Bishops  who  will  im- 
press the  public  mind  by  their  writings,  or  their  eloquence,  or  by 
that  indescribable  combination  of  gifts  that  constitutes  popularity ; " 
but  those  who  are  concerned  for  the  carrying  forward  of  the 
Church's  proper  work  will  look  for  other  things.  Bishop  Galloway 
is  a  writer  and  orator,  and  presents  that  indescribable  combination  of 
gifts  that  constitutes  popularity,  and  the  "  other  things  "  which  are 
looked  for  by  those  concerned  for  the  best  good  of  the  Church. 
Quite  a  number  of  official  visitors  were  introduced  and  welcomed. 
Dr.  E.  E.  Hoss,  editor  of  the  Christian  Advocate,  was  on  hand.  His 
ability,  and  his  genial  nature  secure  to  him  the  hearts  of  ministers. 
The  Doctor's  influence  is  of  an  enviable  character.  There  too  was 
Dr.  John  J.  Tigert,  book  editor.  His  knowledge  seems  to  be  uni- 
versal. Added  to  this  fact  is  his  beaming  face  and  cheerful  manner. 
He,  too,  is  a  favorite  in  the  Tennessee  Conference.  We  had  with 
us,  also,  the  much  admired  Sunday-School  editor,  Dr.  James  Atkins, 
who  has  become  famous  in  keeping  his  department  abreast  of  the 
times.  Dr.  Atkins  is  a  thinker  and  a  scholar.  To  know  him  is  to 
admire.  We  had  with  us  at  this  session,  the  eloquent  Secretary  of 
the  Epworth  League,  Dr.  H.  M.  DuBose.  His  is  a  kindly  nature 
and  wins  young  hearts  on  all  sides.  His  energy  is  untiring  and  he 
is  ready  to  lend  a  hand  to  any  interest  of  value.  He  will  succeed. 
At  this  Conference  I  met  a  few  who  knew  me  in  1847,  while  on  the 
circuit  which  lies  alongside  of  Columbia.  Here  too,  after  many 
years,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Rev.  Wm.  G.  Dorris,  now  super- 
annuated. He  started  on  his  first  circuit  in  1849,  when  I  was  pastor 
in  Decatur,  Alabama.  That  was  his  home.  He  went  to  his  circuit, 
preached  two  or  three  times ;  being  discouraged,  he  returned  to  De- 
catur. Spent  a  month  with  me  in  my  office,  and  took  a  fresh  start, 
and  for  fifty  years  went  forth  a  herald  of  Life,  filling  many  of  the  first 
appointments  in  the  Conference.  He  was  a  handsome  man,  and  ami- 
able in  his  nature.  At  this  session  the  old  fire  was  rekindled  on  the 
altar  of  his  heart,  and  he  longed  to  reenter  the  active  ranks.  By 
resolution  he  was  invited  to  preach  a  Semi-Centennial   Sermon  at 


1/  T0BI0GRAPH7  OF  REV.  JOHS  MATHEWS,  D.  !>■  369 

this  session,  and  gave  us  a  very  entertaining  review  of  the  past. 
The  Committee  on  Public  Worship  announced  my  name  as  the 
preacher  for  Friday  night.  The  people  gave  me  a  very  large  hear- 
ing. As  much  as  in  me  lay,  I  gave  them  my  view  of  the  work  of 
God  in  saving  a  sinner.  I  was  one  hour  in  its  delivery.  On  Sunday 
morning  I  preached  at  the  Presbyterian  Church,  to  a  large  con- 
gregation. The  Conference  having  finished  all  its  disciplinary  and 
special  work,  attended  with  bated  breath  the  answer  to  the  forty- 
sixth  question,  "  Where  are  the  preachers  stationed  this  year?  "  Mc- 
Kendree,  being  the  first  Church  named,  my  name  was  announced  in 
charge.  According  to  an  arrangement  with  the  Official  Board,  H.  L. 
Munger  was  given  as  an  assistant.  A  young  man  of  fine  character, 
and  full  of  promise.  He  led  our  music,  and  did  a  great  deal  of  other 
work. 

The  Ministers'  Alliance  for  weeks  has  been  concerned  over  Rev. 
Sam  Jones  holding  evangelistic  services  in  the  city.  He  has  been 
invited,  and  they  are  anxious  to  facilitate  his  work  by  every  possible 
means.  Both  these  eminent  evangelists,  Jones  and  Stuart,  are  to  be 
in  attendance  and  open  the  campaign  on  Sunday  afternoon,  March 
4th,  in  the  Tabernacle.  It  was  a  novel  sight  to  witness  the  rush  of 
the  multitude  to  hear  these  celebrities,  and  it  was  evident  that  Jones' 
popularity  has  in  no  wise  waned.  Both  these  men  are  a  great  power 
in  assailing  sin.  The  large  Tabernacle  was  crowded  to  hear  this 
master  evangelist,  who  was  at  his  best.  He  was  in  great  earnestness 
of  spirit  for  a  sweeping  revival.  These  brethren  alternated  in 
preaching.  Toward  the  close  of  the  meeting  Rev.  Sam  Small  ap- 
peared. For  seventeen  days  these  great  workers  battled  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  their  fellow  men.  The  conversions 
were  not  numerous,  but  hundreds  were  educated  into  the  truth,  who 
never  go  to  the  ordinary  service  of  the  Churches.  Much  good  was 
accomplished. 

On  April  4th,  I  was  called  to  assist  at  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Dr. 
W.  G.  E.  Cunningham.  For  several  years  he  was  a  missionary  in 
China ;  then  elected  Sunday-School  Secretary,  and  for  years  edited 
our  Sunday-School  periodicals.  He  was  a  man  of  ability,  and  gave 
his  life  to  bless  others.  He  was  also  prominent  for  his  deep  piety. 
He  was  loved  wherever  known,  and  his  sweet  spirit  exhibited  the 
power  of  Grace  in  a  human  life.  He  was  buried  from  McKendree 
Church,  many  of  his  ministerial  brethren  attending.  He  died  as  he 
lived,  trusting  in  Christ  our  Lord.  He  was  a  saintly  man.  On  the 
TOth  of  April,  attended  the  funeral  of  my  old  friend,  Rev.  W.  G. 
Dorris.  a  superannuated  minister  of  the  Tennessee  Conference.  At 
our  last  session  he  preached  at  Columbia,  a  Semi-Centennial  Sermon. 
He  was  a  true  man,  and  filled  many  of  the  leading  charges  in  our 
Conference.  On  the  12th,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Brother  J.  H. 
Frith,  a  Steward  of  McKendree  for  years,  and  one  of  our  most  pious 
members.  He  was  highly  esteemed  for  his  Christian  qualities.  He 
was  always  in  his  place  in  the  prayer-meetings.     He  is  a  great  loss 


37o  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

to  us,  as  he  was  a  worker.  On  the  next  day,  attended  the  funeral 
of  Mrs.  Frances  Furman,  a  woman  of  large  wealth ;  hers  was  a  life, 
toward  its  close,  crowded  with  anguish.  In  visiting  her  one  was 
saddened  to  hear  her  sorrows.  How  she  prayed,  and  sought  an  in- 
terest in  the  prayers  of  others !  The  bulk  of  her  fortune  she  willed 
to  Vanderbilt  University.  Some  relatives  contested  the  will,  but  it 
was  decided  in  favor  of  the  University ;  an  appeal  was  taken  to  the 
Supreme  Court  which  reversed  the  decision  of  the  lower  court. 
Afterwards  the  case  was  compromised ;  how,  I  never  learned.  Her 
estate  was  estimated  to  be  worth  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars. 

We  observed  Easter  with  a  sermon  on  "  Our  Risen  Lord."  As 
usual,  a  great  concourse  was  present  to  see  the  decorations  and  hear 
the  special  music.  In  the  afternoon  attended  at  Vanderbilt  Uni- 
versity to  hear  Bishop  Granbery's  first  lecture  of  the  Cole  series. 
It  was  all  his  friends  expected.  Polished,  elegant,  clear  and  strong, 
on  Christian  experience.  He  is  the  St.  John  of  our  bench  of  Bishops 
and  worthy  of  the  love  awarded  him. 

On  the  20th,  went  to  our  South  Street  Church  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  Rev.  J.  G.  Rice,  the  pastor.  Many  of  our  preachers  and 
members  attended,  and  touching  tributes  were  paid  him.  Humble, 
God-loving,  faithful  servant  of  our  Lord,  his  life  was  as  a  city  set 
on  a  hill.  He  wrought  well  and  passed  to  the  other  side  of  death  in 
hope. 

The  month  of  May  has  many  claims,  but  brings  to  us  waves  of 
sweetened  air,  and  when  one  turns  to  God's  promises  he  finds  that 
all  the  gates  to  Christian  triumph  open  to  all  who  knock.  The  soul 
can  drink  of  the  water  of  life  freely.  There  is  an  old  legend  of  a 
miraculous  pitcher,  that  bubbled  as  fast  as  Baucis  and  Philemon 
drank.  The  Grace  of  God  ever  bubbles  for  that  soul  which  seeks  it. 
The  State  Christian  Endeavor  Union  appointed  a  Love  Feast  at  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  committee  invited  me  to  lead  it. 
It  was  an  evening  of  blessedness.  The  denominations  are  coming 
closer  together  year  by  year.  The  Methodists  shout  forth — "  None 
but  Christ ! "  And  ,the  Presbyterians  answer  in  ringing  notes 
"  None  but  Christ !  "  And  our  Baptist  brethren  shout  back,  "  None 
but  Christ !  " 

On  the  ioth  of  May,  attended  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Board 
of  Missions,  at  the  Publishing  House.  The  attendance  was  large  and 
the  interest  deep.  Dr.  W.  R.  Lambiith,  the  Secretary,  had  every- 
thing waiting  for  investigation,  and  ready  for  adoption  or  rejection. 
Missionaries  from  various  fields  were  present,  clamoring  for  larger 
appropriations  to  their  fields  of  labor.  Alas !  the  funds  were  insuffi- 
cient for  the  demands.  Dr.  J.  H.  Prichett,  Assistant  Secretary,  was 
on  hand  to  furnish  information  on  his  line,  and  J.  D.  Hamilton,  the 
Treasurer,  had  his  reports  all  in  order.  The  growing  interest  in  the 
conversion  of  the  world  calls  for  larger  contributions. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  has  a  flourishing  institution 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  37  1 

located  in  Nashville  for  the  education  of  the  colored  people.  It  is 
called  Central  College,  or  Walden  University.  The  Baptists  and 
Congregationalists  also  have  flourishing  institutions  for  a  like  pur- 
pose. They  are  helping  the  race,  inspiring  hope,  and  seeking  to 
elevate  their  youths.  The  faculty  of  the  Methodist  institution  invited 
me  to  preach  the  commencement  sermon  on  the  27th  of  May.  I  gave 
them  as  a  theme,  "  Colaborers  With  God."  I  was  somewhat  sur- 
prised at  their  solemn  and  staid  demeanor.  In  years  gone  by  I  had 
charge  of  fifteen  or  more  colored  Churches,  in  connection  with  the 
white  Churches.  I  know  their  excitable  nature ;  but  on  this  occasion 
they  sang  as  solemnly  as  the  old  convenanters  sang  Psalms  of  David. 
They  followed  the  steps  of  the  whites  with  marked  precision.  They 
listened  with  great  attention,  but  not  an  "  Amen!  "  The  president, 
Dr.  Hamilton,  is  very  active,  and  has  his  work  on  his  heart. 

By  previous  engagement  I  was  booked  for  the  commencement 
exercises  of  the  Memphis  Conference  Female  College,  an  old  and 
famous  institution.  Jackson  is  a  prosperous  little  city  of  which  I  had 
often  read.  President  Jones  received  me  and  conveyed  me  to  the 
delightful  home  of  his  brother.  It  rained  heavily  on  Sunday  morn- 
ing, but  we  had  a  full  house  to  which  I  discoursed  on  "  The  Value  of 
Truth;  an  Enlightening  Force."  'Preached  again  at  night  and  de- 
livered an  address  in  the  college  on  Monday.  Had  to  hasten  away 
to  meet  an  engagement  to  attend  another  commencement. 

In  the  fall  of  1847,  now  fifty-three  years  ago,  I  was  sent  as 
Junior  Preacher  to  what  was  called  the  Spring  Hill  Circuit.  I  am 
now  on  the  programme  for  the  address  before  the  Spring  Hill  High 
School  on  the  closing  day.  As  usual  on  such  occasions,  there  was 
hardly  seating  room  for  the  people.  My  address  was  on  "  The 
Essential  Culture."  When  I  was  about  to  close,  old  memories 
poured  in  upon  my  heart,  and  I  inquired,  "  Is  there  any  one  present 
who  remembers  me  when  on  this  circuit  fifty-three  years  ago?  If 
so  hold  up  a  hand  ?  "  Two  hands  went  up,  but  upon  inquiry  I  found 
they  remembered  me  when  I  was  the  stationed  preacher  there  in 
1855.    Truly  life  is  a  shadow ! 

That  afternoon  was  at  home  in  time  to  attend  my  prayer-meet- 
ing, which  was  of  interest  to  a  goodly  company.  Our  singing,  led 
by  my  assistant,  Brother  Munger,  was  stirring.  I  walked  down  the 
aisle  shaking  hands  with  the  people.  At  the  close  of  the  hymn,  I 
turned  to  a  voung  man  and  propounded  the  question,  "  Are  you 
sorry  you  joined  the  Church  ?  "  An  emphatic,  "  No."  Turning  to  a 
lady  whom  I  knew,  I  inquired.  "  Sister,  do  you  really  want  to  be 
saved?  "  Thus  I  went  on, 'embarrassing  no  one  by  questions  which 
they  feared  to  answer.  Sometimes  ministers  propound  questions  that 
put  one's  veracity  to  the  test :  as,  "  Are  you  sure  you  have  the 
witness  of  the  Spirit?  "  or  questions  of  a  like  nature. 

At  class-meeting  we  had  a  delightful  hour  encouraging  one 
another  in  the  Lord.  We  had  eighteen  present,  and  some  delightful 
experiences.  Now  and  then  a  crank  drops  in.  We  had  such  an  one 
present   (not  a  member),  who  had  committed  a  poem  to  memory, 


~~2  PEEP8  INTO  LIFE. 

and  as  I  turned  to  him,  he  began  to  repeat  the  poem ;  on  and  on  he 
went,  and  I  could  not  stop  him.  He  finished  with  an  air  of  satis- 
faction, as  much  as  to  say,  "  There,  now !  beat  it  if  you  can!  "  At 
once  I  started  a  spirited  song,  and  by  tact  managed  to  end  the  meet- 
ing in  a  most  helpful  way. 

Bishop  Morrison  was  invited  to  dedicate  the  new  church  at  that 
famous  point  of  Methodism  "Bethlehem,"  near  Clarksville.  Both 
the  Presiding  Elder  and  pastor  entreated  me  to  attend.  I  did  so. 
Bishop  Morrison  was  amongst  his  old  friends  and  a  very  great  con- 
course was  out  to  hear  him.  He  gave  us  one  of  his  best  sermons, 
full  of  beauty,  strength  and  spirituality.  He  is  a  gifted,  man,  and 
has  made  a  fine  impression  on  the  people  in  his  new  office  of  Bishop. 
The  sermon  was  followed  by  an  old-fashioned  basket  dinner.  At 
2  p.  m.,  the  people  again  filled  the  church,  and  in  my  way,  I  opened 
to  them  God's  way  of  saving  man. 

The  Ministers'  Institute  met  on  21st  of  June,  and  began  its 
educational  work  at  once.  There  was  quite  an  attendance  of  young 
ministers  who  are  seeking  a  deeper  insight  into  truth.  Every  morn- 
ing and  evening  there  were  lectures  on  important  themes.  I  heard 
Bishops  Duncan  and  Morrison,  whose  choice  instruction  will  do 
great  good.  Dr.  Tillett  selected  the  subjects  for  discussion.  He 
selected  for  my  lecture,  "  The  Old  and  the  New  in  Methodism."  I 
spent  much  time  in  the  investigation  of  Methodism  in  its  beginnings, 
and  its  status  now.  The  same  complaints  heard  seventy  years  ago 
as  we  hear  now — coldness,  indifference,  and  backslidings.  The 
Methodist  Magazine  tells  the  story.  At  the  close  of  my  address, 
Bishop  Fitzgerald  moved  a  resolution  of  thanks  with  a  request  for 
its  publication,  which  was  passed. 

August  found  me  in  a  rather  low  state  of  health.  My  Official 
Board  saw  it  and  insisted  on  my  resting  for  a  month.  I  had  been  for 
a  long  period  under  a  mental  strain,  preparing  addresses  and  ser- 
mons, and  going  from  point  to  point  adding  my  contribution  of 
work  to  the  furtherance  of  Christ's  Kingdom,  and  was  weary  and 
worn.  I  had  never,  in  my  long  ministry,  taken  a  vacation,  (I  had 
once  or  twice  taken  a  sick  wife  to  a  higher  latitude),  and  it  was  now 
difficult  to  get  my  consent  to  rest.  The  Officials,  in  spite  of  my 
protest,  sent  the  funds  to  meet  our  expenses  to  Beersheba  Springs,  a 
famous  resort  in  days  gone  by.  Providence  indicated  that  to  go 
would  prove  a  blessing  to  me.  We  went,  after  arranging  a  pulpit 
supply.  It  was  a  real  rest  and  a  delightful  retreat.  I  ate,  slept ; 
awoke  to  eat;  then  drank  the  water  and  went  to  sleep  again,  day  by 
day. 

Before  going  to  the  springs,  I  was  called  upon  to  bury  one  of 
the  oldest  and  purest  members  of  McKendree,  Mrs.  Matilda  Hall, 
of  East  Nashville.  She  was  one  of  "  God's  shut-ins."  Her  physical 
condition  prevented  her  attending  the  House  of  God,  but  frequently 
a  company  of  pious  women,  joined  by  the  pastor,  would  hold  a 
prayer   service  at  her  home.     Those  were  hours  of  comfort,  and 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  KEY.  JOU.\     MATHEWS,   I).   1).  ^^ 

special  benedictions.  It  was  a  treat  to  witness  her  submission  to  the 
Divine  Will.  We  saw  in  her  spirit  that  God  can  take  any  condition 
and  so  reinforce  the  sufferer  as  to  make  the  sick  chamber  a  hallowed 
place. 

I  had  to  be  at  Fulton,  Missouri,  to  lecture,  the  first  night  of  the 
Annual  Conference,  September  12th.  Brother  Jackson,  the  pastor, 
had  erected  a  handsome  new  edifice ;  then  purchased  an  organ.  The 
lecture  was  to  help  raise  funds  to  clear  the  debt.  The  house  was 
thronged,  and  the  people  in  fine  mood,  so  that  I  dared  to  ask  for  con- 
tributions, though  admission  was  by  paid  ticket.  I  proposed  to  add 
to  the  fund,  and  asked  any  who  would  send  up  a  dollar  to  do  so. 
In  this  way  the  organ  fund  was  augmented.  My  theme  was,  "  Fads 
In  Religion."  The  Missouri  Conference  preachers  warmly  greeted 
me — particularly  when  they  found  I  had  no  intention  of  seeking  one 
of  their  best  Churches ! 

Our  Fourth  Quarterly  Conference,  on  October  8th,  was  full  of 
interest.  In  my  somewhat  lengthy  report,  I  gave  the  number  of 
calls  as  pastor,  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventeen ;  this  sur- 
prised the  officers.  I  attended  three  hundred  and  sixty-eight  services 
during  the  year  besides  the  Sunday  preaching.  Two  hundred  and 
three  accessions  to  the  Church  and  a  deepening  interest  in  the 
various  means  of  Grace. 


3-4  PEEPB  INTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 
Third  Year  at  McKendree. 

On  October  24th,  1900,  I  was  at  the  opening  of  the  Conference 
at  McMinnville,  Bishop  Galloway  present  and  in  the  chair.  This 
Conference  was  unusually  harmonious.  Rev.  W.  D.  Bradfield,  of 
Galveston,  Texas,  addressed  the  Conference,  giving  a  very  graphic 
description  of  the  Galveston  flood,  and  raised  a  collection  reaching 
the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-one  dollars,  mostly  contributed  by 
the  preachers.  When  Bishop  Galloway  announced  the  appoint- 
ments, I  was  returned  for  the  third  year  as  pastor  of  McKendree 
Church.  My  appointment  was  received  thoughtfully,  in  a  special 
sense ;  having  passed  beyond  my  threescore  and  ten  I  knew  my  work 
must  soon  end.  As  my  mind  turned  to  my  people,  I  could  join 
Romaine's  wish  for  his  people,  "  God  grant  this  may  be  a  year 
famous  for  believing !  " 

On  the  31st  of  October,  I  was  in  my  place  in  our  mid-week 
service.  On  Friday  night  met  twenty-three  in  class-meeting.  The 
noted  lawyer,  Judge  East,  and  his  wife  encouraged  us  by  their 
presence,  and  the  recital  of  their  experiences.  Our  Superintendent 
of  Sunday-School  stood  by  this  meeting.  Miss  Lavinia  Taylor  was 
rarely  absent  during  the  year,  Jesse  H.  Thomas  had  often  met  with 
us.  Some  of  our  new  members  never  failed  us.  Mrs.  N.  M.  Sharp, 
though  advanced  in  years,  loved  to  meet  with  us  and  talk  of  the 
things  of  God.  Mrs.  Nat  Baxter  accompanied  her — a  lady  of  fine 
spiritual  acquisitions.  Brother  J.  H.  Yarborough  was  there,  in  spite 
of  wind  and  weather.  Among  our  faithful  attendants,  were  also 
J.  T.  Webb,  a  man  of  the  old  style;  Mrs.  S.  E.  Trueheart,  the  ed- 
ucated and  talented  Missionary  Secretary  of  the  Woman's  Board ; 
Mrs.  Virginia  Sawrie,  widow  of  one  of  Tennessee's  most  prominent 
ministers ;  Mrs.  J.  R.  Harwell,  one  of  our  most  active  and  devoted 
workers ;  Professor  Loggins  and  wife ;  Mrs.  W.  I.  Edwards,  and 
Mrs.  Keeling;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Outwine,  full  of  faith  and  praying 
power;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clara  Grosheider,  who  never  failed. 

A  sad  funeral  was  that  of  one  of  our  oldest  members,  Mrs. 
A.  J.  Cherry.  She  dearly  loved  her  Church,  and  when- in  full  health 
took  an  active  part  in  carrying  forward  her  enterprises.  She  honored 
her  Lord  and  Master  after  an  intelligent  manner,  and  kept  her  heart 
warm  with  affection  for  Him.  Her  Christian  experience  was  a 
new  life.  It  was  a  seed  planted  in  the  soil,  from  which  there  springs, 
germinant,  a  flower  and  fruit.  She  was  anchored  to  God.  An 
anchored  craft  always  faces  the  tide ;  she  faced  the  tide  of  world- 
liness,  and  now  is  at  rest.  Her  funeral  was  largely  attended,  as  she 
was  highly  esteemed  for  her  many  estimable  qualities. 


AUrOBIOGliAPBY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  375 

With  a  strong  Board  of  Stewards,  men  of  worth  and  weight, 
the  pastor  witnesses  the  growing  desire  for  the  best  good  of  all,  and 
is  stirred  to  increased  activity.  McKendree  Church  has  an  unusual 
number  of  first-class  laymen,  worthy  of  mention  in  the  history  of  the 
organization.  Want  of  space  does  not  allow  me  to  enter  them  here. 
But  there  are  one  or  two  names  I  must  mention.  Major  E.  B.  Stahl- 
man  is  by  many  considered  the  leading  spirit  of  the  city,  in  all 
philanthropic  as  well  as  other  enterprises.  He  is  noted  as  a  friend 
to  the  preacher,  always  aiding  in  time  of  need.  He  has  many 
friends  and  Nashville  is  honored  in  having  him  as  one  of  her  first 
citizens.  Another  member  of  great  value  to  our  cause  is  Mr.  J.  U. 
Rust,  a  gentleman  ever  studying  the  best  interests  of  humanity.  He 
is  Steward,  Sunday-School  Superintendent,  and  ready  to  throw  his 
force  into  every  plan  which  will  help  the  improvement  of  all  classes. 
He  is  a  wise  counselor,  and  ever  ready  to  cooperate  with  his  pastor. 
His  influence  reaches  a  wide  circle.  Perhaps  few  Churches  in  our 
Southern  Zion  have  a  nobler  class  of  Christian  women.  Some  of 
these  will  live  in  Church  history.  Take  Mrs.  W.  G.  E.  Cunningham, 
widow  of  our  former  Sunday-School  editor.  Her  active  work  for 
missions  was  the  admiration  of  all  who  knew  her.  Once  a  mission- 
ary in  China  she  knows  the  needs  of  the  heathen  world.  Take  her 
fellow  workers,  Mrs.  L.  T.  Claiborne;  their  hearts  are  a  unit  in 
carrying  out  the  commission  of  our  Lord.  They  help  the  pastor  on 
a  number  of  lines.  It  is  said,  a  sick  man  was  asked  if  some  one 
should  be  sent  for  to  pray  for  him  ?  "  Yes,  but  send  for  Paul  and 
Silas  " — speaking  of  these  godly  women.  That  term  has  been  ap- 
plied to  them  ever  since.  They  visit  together,  and  keep  an  eye  on 
any  faltering  one.  Mrs.  Benjamin  Allen  in  her  line  of  action  is  un- 
excelled;  she  is  as  energetic  as  Martha  in  caring  for  the  honor  of 
the  Church.  There  was  the  wife  of  our  book-agent,  Mrs.  Margaret 
Barbee,  "enduring  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible."  No  one  loved  the 
Church  more  fervently  than  Mrs.  Nat  Baxter,  no  one  more  con- 
cerned for  her  purity  and  success.  Mrs.  Carrie  Briggs'  face  is  often 
seen  in  the  prayer-meeting.  One  of  the  most  faithful  in  filling  her 
pew  was  Mrs.  J.  O.  Buckner.  always  lending  her  aid  to  the  advance- 
ment of  the  Kingdom.  There  was  Mrs.  E.  L.  Cantrell,  whose  face 
beamed  with  a  spiritual  light  as  she  sat  in  the  prayer-meeting  re- 
posing on  Christ  her  Lord.  One  of  our  truest  members  was  Mrs. 
Margaret  Conally,  daughter  of  Rev.  Thomas  Maddin,  once  a  prince 
in  our  Israel.  She  trusted  in  her  father's  God.  Mrs.  Sallie  T. 
Pedan  and  her  daughter  devotedly  loved  the  place  of  worship 
and  helped  much  in  needed  work.  Mrs.  E.  H.  East,  one  of  the  most 
devout  members,  working  in  her  own  peculiar  way  where  she  felt 
she  was  needed.  Another  who  loved  the  Church  and  labored  dili* 
gently  for  years  in  the  Sunday-School  and  in  other  directions,  loving 
to  aid  in  lifting  up  humanity,  was  Mrs.  J.  Horton  Fall.  Her  light 
was  never  under  a  bushel.  Her  spirituality  was  marked.  She  was 
one  of  the  most  helpful  hearers  I  ever  had.     Mrs.  Annie  L.  Har- 


376 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


well  took  an  active  part  in  Christian  work  and  gave  her  influence 
to  every  worthy  cause.    Her  interest  never  abated.    Her  name  must 
be  in  the  Book  of  Life.     Mrs.  E.  E.  French  gave  large  attention  to 
certain  work.     She  was  active  in  Epworth  League  work  and  in  the 
Sunday-School.     One  of  our  most  devoted  workers  in  the  infant 
department    of    our    Sunday-School  was    Miss    Clara    Jungerman. 
Prompt  and    capable,  she    filled  a  niche  of    importance,  and  took 
pleasure  in  her  work.     Miss  Louise  McHenry  for  a  long  period  led 
the  infant  department,  afterwards  turned  it  over  to  Mrs.  Stevens,  a 
very  active  worker.     Mrs.  Mary  C.  Keeling  is  active  in -the  Pastor's 
Aid  Society,  also  in  the  missionary  societies  and  in  the  Sunday- 
School.    She  wrought  quietly  and  steadily  in  helping  on  the  triumph 
of  Christ's  Kingdom.    Another  member  who  headed,  and  helped  to 
promote  many  good  institutions,- was  Mrs.  Samuel  J.  Keith.     Her 
social  position  gives  her  influence,  and  that  influence  is  not  thrown 
away  on  the  frivolities  of  fashionable  life.     She  seeks  to  do  good, 
and  cheer  many  a  human  heart.   Much  might  be  written  in  her  praise. 
She  stands  at  the  forefront  of  some  of  our  most  worthy  charities, 
and  is  president  of  the  Old  Ladies'  Home.     One  of  the  ladies  con- 
nected with    McKendree   Church   for   many   years   is    Mrs.   J.   W. 
Manier,  Sr.,  for  years  an  active  participant  in  all  the  best  enter- 
prises.   This  Christian  woman  is  as  earnestly  in  love  with  the  spirit- 
ual things  of  Christ  as  ever,  and  the  prosperity  of  Zion  gives  her 
great  joy.     The  ladies  of  the  Morgan  family  take  no  small  part  in 
sustaining  McKendree's  name  for  good  works.     They  give  time  to 
the  great  interests  of  society  on  its  best  side.     Mrs.  Henry  W.  and 
Mrs.  Garnett  N.  Morgan  were  always  ready  to  cheer  the  pastor  by 
their  cooperation.    To  Mrs.  Louise  H.  McHenry  the  pastor  feels  in- 
debted for  the  trouble  she  saved  him  in  getting  settled  down  to  his 
work.     A  pastor  knows  how  to  appreciate  such  kindness.     She,  in 
the  past,  gave  time  and  means  to  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel. 
Another  Christian  woman  who  cheered  the  pastor's  heart  by  her 
attendance  on  the  social  meetings  of  the  Church,  is  Mrs.  J.  K.  Hemp- 
hill.   Her  seat  was  not  often  vacant  in  the  prayer-meeting.    She  was 
ready  to  lend  her  aid  in  looking  after  the  timid  or  neglected.     One 
of  the  active  group   forming  the   Pastor's  Aid   Society  was   Mrs. 
Laura  Reed.     Quiet  in  her  ways,  but  always  in  place  and  ready  to 
cooperate  with  the  workers  who  are  aiming  to  advance  the  interests 
of  humanity.     Her  presence  at  all  the  services  helped  the  pastor  to 
preach  and  exhort.     Such  members  are  a  blessing  to  any  Church. 
Mrs.  L.  D.  Palmer,  wife  of  a  former  book-agent  in  charge  of  our 
Publishing  House — it  was  always  a  pleasure  to  see  her  at  the  house 
of  worship.     She  was  a  helpful  listener,  and  a  woman  of  wit  and 
*wisdom.     One  to  be  honored  for  her  zeal  in  behalf  of  her  Church 
was  Mrs.  Thomas  Parks.     She  cooperated  with  the  great  mission- 
ary enterprises  and  was  always  interested  in  the  work  of  Christ.   For 
almost  a  life-time  she  has  been  a  member  of  McKendree.     Another 
name  to  be  in  a  specially  honored  list  is  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Redford, 


.1/  TOBIOGBAPRl  OF  REV.  JOFIX  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  377 

widow  of  Rev.  A.  H.  Redford  once  in  charge  of  our  Publishing 
House.    For  many  years  she  was  President  of  the  Crittenton  Rescue 
Home.    Amidst  the  cares  and  sorrows  of  life  she  found  time  to  de- 
vote to  the  work  of  rescuing  fallen  women.     We  remember  the  de- 
votion of  Mrs.  John  R.  Richardson.     How  devoted  she  was  to  the 
interest  of  Christ's  Kingdom.     When  circumstances  permitted,  she 
filled  her  place  in  the  house  of  God,  and  in  missionary  work  stood 
shoulder  to  shoulder  with  the  veteran  workers.     One  of  our  quiet 
"workers  was  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Shearon,  ready  to  fill  any  part  assigned 
her.      McKendree   was  greatly  blessed  in   having  such   an  active 
worker  as  Mrs.  Joseph  Stones,  the  wife  of  one  of  our  Stewards. 
She  hardly  let  a  day  pass  without  looking  after  some  one,  or  doing 
something  to  help   on  the  advancing  empire   of  our   Lord.      One 
rarely  finds  her  equal  in  any  Church.    The  poor,  the  sick,  the  dying 
were  looked  after.     Indeed,  she  was  useful  on  almost  every  line  of 
Christian  work.     She  was  ever  in  place  in  the  prayer-meeting  and 
class-room.     Mrs.  Kate  E.  Thompson  was  another  one  of  our  loyal 
workers,  especially  in  the  missionary  department.     She  was  treas- 
urer of  one  of  the  societies — the  Woman's  Foreign  Organization — 
and  kept  everything  in  perfect  shape.     A  face  always  seen  in  the 
prayer-meeting  was  that  of  Mrs.  Jesse  H.  Thomas.     There  is  a 
remarkable  group  of  younger  ladies,  daughters  of  Andrew  M.  Tra- 
wick,    M.    D.,   who   greatly   aided   the   pastor   in   many   ways.      In 
Epworth  League  work  they  stood  in  the  front  rank ;  in  the  Sunday- 
School  work,  in  the  mid-week  meetings  rarely  absent.     They  were 
modest,  yea,  even  almost  timid,  but,  as  fixed  in  their  purpose  as  trees 
grown  in  rifted  rocks.    One  of  them  married  one  of  our  missionaries 
to  Japan  and  is  at  work  in  that  field ;  she  is  now  Mrs.  Cora  Court. 
Mrs.  S.  C.  Truehart,  mentioned  elsewhere,  though  General  Sec- 
Treas.  of  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  was  never  too 
busy  to  neglect  her  attendance  upon  the  means  of  Grace  and  by  her 
presence  and  public  prayers  aid  in  the  work  of  soul  saving.     Cul- 
tured, devout,  and  spiritual,  her  influence  is  felt  on  all  sides.     A 
highly  appreciated  and  devoted  worker  was  Mrs.  J.  L.  Watkins, 
granddaughter  of  one  of  Tennessee's  ablest  preachers  of  fifty  years 
ago,  Dr.  Thomas  Madden.     Her  kindly  attention  to  the  pastor,  and 
her  readiness  to  do  work  for  Christ,  was  in  almost  daily  evidence. 
She  is  one  of  the  most  faithful  teachers  in  our  Sunday-School,  and 
a  recognized  factor  in  all  church  work.     A  Christian  woman  to  be 
considered  as  amongst  the  oldest  and  most  devout  of  all  our  people 
is  Mrs.  Martha  K.  Whitworth.  widow  of  the  late  Judge  Whitworth. 
Her  ,seat  is  rarely  vacant  in  the  house  of  God.     Her  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  our  Church  never  has  abated,  and  she  is  as  true  to  Christ 
as  the  needle  to  the  pole.     Joining  McKendree  at  a  recent  period, 
we  find  Mrs.  J.  S.  Yarbrough.  daughter  of  the  famous  Dr.  J.  B. 
McFerrin.     She  possesses  some  rare  traits  which  place  her  as  a 
front  woman  amongst  us.     She  is  a  worker  of  energy  in  behalf  of 
Home  Missions  ;  is  a  speaker  of  taste,  wit  and  instruction.     Another 


378 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


worker  of  ability  and  uncommon  zeal  is  Mrs.  Clay  G.  Stephens. 
Very  few  surpass  her  in  interesting  the  young.  Her  working 
qualities  are  recognized  and  appreciated.  There  is  a  large  number 
of  young  women  who  might  be  praised  for  their  activity,  but  the 
want  of  space  forbids  their  mention.  A  noted  Christian  character, 
the  oldest  member  of  McKendree,  is  Mrs.  Emma  Hamilton,  mother 
of  J.  D.  Hamilton,  who  for  years  has  been  the  Treasurer  of  our 
Foreign  Missionary  Society.  On  the  old  records,  her  name  stands 
at  the  head  of  the  lists.  She  still  lives,  but  is  as  lively  in  faith  as 
ever,  and  enjoys  comparatively  good  health.  She  resides  in  the 
country.  A  noble  soul  she  is.  Much  could  be  said  of  her  sainted 
life.1 

We  closed  the  calendar  year  with  an  old-style  Methodist  Watch- 
Meeting.  Having  heard  of  the  last  year's  meeting  resulting  in  great 
profit  to  those  who  attended,  the  lecture-room  was  crowded  on  this 
occasion.  Many  strangers  were  present,  and  taking  advantage  of 
the  large  presence  I  stressed  personal  responsibility  and  sought  to 
quicken  the  convictions  of  the  people.  On  this  night  reconsecration 
was  urged,  and  when  the  hour  for  action  arrived  I  was  somewhat 
surprised  at  the  number  who  entered  into  covenant  with  God  to  lead 
new  lives.  No  service  held  by  this  pastor  was  ever  more  impressive. 
The  Divine  Spirit  was  evidently  present,  and  the.  meeting  was 
counted  the  best  of  the  year. 

Rev.  Thomas  Aldred  was  a  local  preacher  whose  presence  I 
valued.  He  was  helpful  to  the  pastor.  He  was  warm-hearted  and 
bubbled  over  with  joy,  and  often  exclaimed,  "  A-men,"  to  the 
annoyance  of  some  but  the  joy  of  others.  His  "  a-men  "  pleased  the 
pastor.    He  was  useful  and  he  aided  the  brethren  in  the  pulpit  work. 

One  can  not  tell  what  handful  of  grain  sown  will  produce  a 
harvest.  A  letter  from  a  lady  in  a  distant  city,  written  in  glowing 
language,  told  of  the  conversion  of  her  husband,  and  that  he  had 
joined  the  Church  and  gone  to  work  at  once.  He  had  dropped  into 
McKendree,  heard  my  discourse,  and  was  converted  and  went  home 
rejoicing.  The  Gospel  has  not  lost  its  renovating  power.  Human 
systems  can  not  save  men.  A  philosopher  of  the  olden  time  was 
accosted  by  his  pupil  thus,  "  Your  philosophy  offers  but  a  tiny  cup, 
to  be  drained  at  a  single  draught !  " 

There  is  evidently  an  indisposition  upon  the  part  of  a  number 
of  our  orthodox  ministers  to  wrestle  with  the  themes  which  our 
fathers  discussed,  such  as  human  depravity,  the  Judgment  Day  and 
eternal  punishment.  A  change  has  occurred  within  the  last  few 
years.  In  the  past  quarter  of  a  century  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
hearing  leading  ministers  in  various  pulpits.  I  can  not  recall  a  ser- 
mon on  future  and  eternal  punishment.  Professor  Knight  of  Tuft's 
College,  names  our  condition  as  one  of  "  backboneless  theology." 
This  gentleman,  in  the  July  number  of  the  North  American  Review, 
in  an  article  headed,  "  The  New  Hell,"  attributes  the  change  to  the 
growth  of  tenderness.    For  years,  in  our  chief  pulpits,  we  have  heard 


M  TOMOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  379 

many  great  discourses,  but  they  are  on  the  softer  truths  of  the  Bible. 
This  professor  asserts  that,  A  concurrent  modification  has  hap- 
pened in  the  general  view  regarding  the  nature  of  the  punishment  to 
be  anticipated  in  hell."  "  It  is  to  be  questioned,"  he  adds,  "  whether 
modern  thought  on  this  subject  is  capable  of  furnishing  food  ade- 
quate to  sustain  a  vigorous  religious  life."  An  added  suggestion 
he  makes  is,  "  There  is  danger  that  hell  may  become  like  some  of 
our  '  reform  prisons  '  which  are  made  so  comfortable  as  to  fail 
of  the  purpose  of  prisons."  No  marvel  we  have  so  few  great  re- 
vivals;  the  masses  no  longer  fear  that  punishment  is  to  be  visited 
upon  them. 

Hoping  to  at  least  deepen  the  spirituality  of  a  number  of  our 
people,  it  was  thought  best  to  hold  a  ten-days'  meeting.  Rev.  Lewis 
Powell,  one  of  our  city  preachers  and  quite  an  evangelistic  worker, 
was  engaged  to  do  the  preaching.  His  sermons  were  in  the  proper 
direction  to  lead  men  to  repentance  and  on  to  Christ.  The  difficulty 
was  not  in  the  preaching,  but  was  owing  to  the  non-attendance  of 
the  unconverted.  The  members  were  present  in  force,  and  the  meet- 
ing stirred  their  hearts.  Brother  Powell  gave  us  a  dozen  strong  and 
able  sermons.  Our  people  enjoyed  his  work.  We  had  a  few  con- 
versions and  eight  accessions.  The  work  of  the  most  famous  evan- 
gelists of  the  land  have  failed  to  win  souls  to  Christ  here  in  Nash- 
ville; men  of  known  power,  Chapman,  Jones,  and  Stuart.  It  is 
possible  that  some  spiritual  non-conductor  has  arrested  the  Divine 
current ! 

The  highly  esteemed  and  lovable  Bishop  Fitzgerald  had 
promised  to  give  our  people  a  sermon  but  sickness  prevented  until 
the  middle  of*April,  when  he  expounded  the  Word  to  a  large  and 
appreciative  audience.  He  has  been  a  sufferer,  but  is  as  sweet- 
spirited  as  one  can  be.  Few  public  men  have  ever  been  loved  by 
more  people  than  this  man  of  God.  His  brightness  brings  gladness 
to  every  company  in  which  he  appears. 

Bishop  Morrison  having  preached  in  the  morning  at  Waverly, 
by  my  earnest  request  gave  McKendree  people  a  very  clear  and 
encouraging  sermon  on  "  Prayer."  One  would  think  that  on  so 
common  a  theme  interest  could  not  be  sustained ;  but  he  gave  added 
interest  to  the  subject.  He  brings  beaten  oil  to  the  sanctuary.  To 
me  quite  a  coincident  transpired.  Not  long  before,  Dr.  Hoss,  editor 
of  the  Christian  Advocate,  gave  a  sermon  on  the  same  theme,  but 
equally  as  entertaining,  but  from  a  widely  different  standpoint.  By 
request,  Dr.  J.  J.  Tigert  occupied  my  pulpit,  and  his  theme  was 
"  Prayer."  His  standpoint  was  different  from  the  others  but  equally 
as  interesting  and  instructive.  Some  one  wanted  to  know  if  Mc- 
Kendree people  had  abandoned  prayer ! 

Having  been  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  remarkable  missionary 
gathering  held  in  New  Orleans,  I  attended  for  a  double  reason  ;  first 
to  encourage  the  enterprise,  and  second,  to  meet  my  old  parishioners 
where  I  spent  eleven  of  the  best  years  of  my  ministry,  serving  the 


38o 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


three  leading  Churches.  Quite  an  army  of  preachers  and  laymen 
were  in  attendance.  It  was  a  gathering  gotten  up  by  our  Missionary 
Secretaries  and  Bishops,  and  was  a  season  of  profound  interest  to 
thousands.  The  enthusiasm  culminated  on  Sunday  night  under  the 
address  of  Bishop  C.  B.  Galloway.  Men  subscribed  thousands  to 
help  on  the  aggressive  work  of  the  Church,  and  one  brother  pledged 
ten  thousand  dollars.  The  description  of  the  enthusiasm  as  given 
in  the  New  Orleans  dailies  was  of  an  enthusiasm  never  witnessed 
by  any  like  body  of  religious  workers.  The  Bishop,  it  is  said,  can 
never  surpass  the  effort  of  that  Sunday  night  the  28th  of  April,  1901, 
in  that  great  hall.  I  was  a  quiet  spectator  of  the  daily  workings  of 
the  convention,  and  had  the  pleasure  of  greeting  a  large  number  of 
old  friends.  Brother  Adkinson,  of  Parker  Memorial  Church,  de- 
termined to  have  me  occupy  his  pulpit.  I  had  secured  the  first 
money  towards  the  erection  of  their  church  before  I  left  New 
Orleans  for  the  West.  On  Sunday  morning,  in  company  with  my 
host,  Mr.  John  Blackman,  I  wended  my  way  to  the  place  of  worship. 
One  may  judge  of  my  surprise  to  see  many  persons  on  the  street 
around  the  doors,  not  able  to  get  in.  Every  available  spot  was 
occupied,  and  the  windows  were  filled  with  faces.  Two-thirds  of 
them  were  men  and  women  to  whom  I  had  preached  in  years  gone 
by ;  some  I  had  received  into  the  Church,  others  I  had  united  in 
marriage ;  to  others  I  was  endeared  in  burying  some  of  their  loved 
ones.  That  audience  lifted  me  out  of  myself,  and  I  preached  as 
seldom,  if  ever,  before.  One  of  the  papers  of  the  city  gave  a  full 
description  of  the  welcome  accorded  me  by  persons  from  all  over  the 
city.  It  was  said,  no  man  attending  the  convention  had  served  as 
long  in  the  active  itineracy  as  myself. 

May  came  in  bearing  balmy  odors,  but  full  of  demands  for 
work  in  soul  saving.  Much  has  to  be  done  in  the  way  of  leading  the 
people  out  of  erroneous  views  into  clear  views  of  God's  way  of 
leading  and  guiding  His  children.  What  tact  it  requires  to  over- 
turn mistaken  views !  Not  only  in  Nashville,  but  in  St.  Louis,  and 
indeed  in  all  my  charges,  have  I  found  upon  the  part  of  some  of  the 
best  people,  the  habit  of  misapplying  God's  Word.  They  treat  the 
Holy  Book  as  if  it  was  a  dice-box.  They  sometimes  are  heard  to 
say,  in  times  of  perplexity,  "  I  was  in  a  quandary,  not  knowing  what 
to  do,  so  I  asked  God  for  a  verse,  and  He  gave  me  so  and  so." 
They  open  the  Bible,  and  a  verse  strikes  them ;  they  claim  it  to  be 
God-given,  and  applv  it  personally,  whereas  God  did  not  intend 
such  application.  They  thus  wrench  God's  Word  from  its  true 
meaning;  often  twisting  the  truth  to  fit  the  case.  Yes,  the  Spirit 
will  speak  to  us,  not  through  isolated  texts,  but  He  gives  us  definite 
instruction  concerning  our  condition  in  the  histories  of  men  in  the 
Divine  Record. 

Dr.  Wm.  H.  Morgan  was  one  of  the  "  Old  Guard  "  belonging 
to  McKendree.  His  biography  would  be  full  of  interest.  As  a 
dentist,  he  stood  in  the  forefront  of  his  profession  and  was  born  to 


Al  TOUJOUR Al'HY  OF  REV.  JOHX  MATHEW&,  D.  D.  381 

lead.  As  a  citizen,  he  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  affairs  .of  Nash- 
ville. As  a  Christian  he  was  as  pronounced  as  on  other  fields  of 
action.  He  was  Sunday-School  Superintendent,  Steward,  and  a 
leader  in  all  the  interests  of  McKendree  Church.  He  was  one  of  the 
Book  Committee  of  the  Publishing  House.  When  the  wheels  mired, 
and  our  chief  men  were  dazed  over  the  situation,  he  helped  to  ex- 
tricate and  start  our  House  on  its  present  prosperous  career.  He 
was  a  very  godly  man  and  held  to  Christ  with  a  vise-like  grip.  His 
view  of  the  atonement  satisfied  his  great  intellect.  His  last  days 
were  full  of  pain. 

I  did  not  visit  the  General  Conference  officers  often.  They  had 
so  many  callers,  interruptions  must  have  tested  their  patience.  Out 
of  a  feeling  of  mercy  I  did  not  give  them  occasion  for  complaint. 
Whenever  I  called  upon  Dr.  J.  D.  Barbee  he  received  me  with  a 
warmth  which  was  refreshing.  What  a  noble  nature  he  possessed ! 
His  influence  in  Nashville  and  throughout  Tennessee  was  far-reach- 
ing. Few,  if  any,  surpassed  him  as  a  pulpiteer.  '  One  of  the  Bishops 
told  me  he  considered  Dr.  Barbee  the  best  preacher  in  the  Church. 
He  had  only  kind  words  for  those  who  opposed  him.  We  were 
class-friends  in  our  young  manhood.  Another  of  the  General  Con- 
ference officers,  was  our  whole-souled  editor  of  the  Christian  Advo- 
cate, Dr.  E.  E.  Hoss.  There  was  a  peculiar  ring  to  his  "  Come  in," 
in  response  to  a  knock  at  his  door.  What  a  great  editor  he  made ! 
No  wonder  the  Church  elected  him  to  the  high  place  of  Bishop.  He 
is  worthv  of  the  confidence  of  his  Church.  What  a  good  preacher 
he  is !  He  not  only  puts  brains  into  his  discourses,  but  large  heart- 
power.    His  platform  addresses  place  him  in  the  front  rank. 

The  pastor  of  Carroll  Street  Church  had  secured  the  services  of 
a  noted  evangelist,  known  as  "  Wild  Bill."  in  a  protracted  meeting. 
I  had  heard  and  read  much  of  this  man.  who  rather  liked  the  name 
of  Wild  Bill.  I  was  curious  to  look  into  his  methods,  if  he  had  any. 
One  hearing  can  afford  little  opportunity  of  forming  a  just  estimate 
of  any  man.  Of  one  thing  I  was  impressed — that  he  was  a  gen- 
uinely converted  man.  He  nad  little  to  say  about  science,  but  much 
about  the  Lamb  of  God.  He  called  sin  by  its  right  name,  and  with 
his  honest  earnestness,  one  could  see  why  God  so  abundantly  blessed 
the  labors  of  this  consecrated  soul.    He  has  led  many  to  Christ. 

Having  often  heard  of  Emory  College.  Georgia,  and  now  and 
then  met  some  of  her  noted  presidents  and  professors,  upon  invita- 
tion to  deliver  the  commencement  sermon,  T  readily  consented.  .  I 
was  disappointed  in  Oxford,  but  not  in  the  College.  The  broad- 
minded  president  entertained  me.  and  burdened  as  he  was  with  many 
obligations,  found  time  to  make  his  guests  feel  at  home.  T  was  there 
three  days.  Heard  the  classes  in  declamation,  and  was  impressed 
with  their  natural  and  acquired  ability.  There  was  much  to  give 
interest  to  my  visit.  T  had  the  very  great  pleasure  of  hearing  the' 
address  of  Dr.  Young  J.  Allen,  so  many  years  in  China  as  a  mission- 
ary.    Tt  was  a  great  address,  by  one' of  the  leading  minds  of  the 


382 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Church.  Emory  College  has  given  the  country  and  the  Church  some 
of  the  most  influential  characters.  On  Sunday  there  was  a  regular 
Georgia  commencement  audience.  Every  spot  available  was  oc- 
cupied. My  theme  was,  "  But  now  in  Christ  Jesus  ye  who  some- 
times were  far  off  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ."  At  the 
close  of  the  sermon,  Brother  Palmer,  one  of  my  Nashville  Stewards 
on  the  platform,  whispered  in  my  ear,  "  Sing  your  song  and  invite 
the  congregation  to  come  forward  and  shake  hands."  I  did  so, 
singing  the  old  chorus,  "  Oh,  the  Lamb,  the  loving  Lamb,  the  Lamb 
of  Calvary !  "  It  was  a  wonderful  sight — young  and  old  marching 
down  the  aisle  singing,  then  shaking  hands  with  the  preacher.  It 
was  good  to  be  there ! 

A  few  days  after  my  return  from  Emory  College  the  closing  ex- 
ercises of  Vanderbilt  were  held.  I  heard  Dr.  Van  Dyke's  address. 
One  wishes  to  hear  a  person  whose  reputation  is  so  widespread.  The 
trustees  and  faculty  of  Vanderbilt  do  not  stress  the  spectacular  on 
these  extra  occasions.  The  proceedings  are  generally  quite  simple. 
In  all  departments  there  have  been  men  graduated  whose  influence 
is  being  felt  in  Church  and  State.  The  students  as  a  rule  admire 
their  professors  and  sing  their  praises.  Living  in  Nashville  about 
three  years,  I  am  acquainted  with  comparatively  few  of  the  pro- 
fessors. My  acquaintance  is  mainly  with  the  theological  professors. 
They  are  eminent  men  in  their  departments.  The  criticisms  gen- 
erally heard  are  by  small  critics.  Dean  Tillett  is  a  most  estimable 
gentleman,  a  devout  Christian,  eminently  fitted  for  his  high  position. 
He  is  an  able  expounder  of  the  Word  of  God.  I  have  never  heard 
him  preach  or  speak  without  being  refreshed.  Professor  Denny  is 
as  highly  esteemed  for  his  ability  as  any  one  of  his  colleagues.  As 
a  preacher  he  has  few  superiors.  He  is  genial  and  laborious.  Pro- 
fessor Kern  I  have  never  heard  preach,  but  his  name  is  sounded 
abroad  as  being  very  able  in  his  special  department.  The  younger 
professors  were  selected  for  their  scholarship  and  learning.  Dr. 
Brown  is  highly  esteemed,  and  Dr.  Stevenson  is  reputed  great  in  his 
position.  President  Kirkland  is  a  recognized  power  in  the  educa- 
tional world.  The  graduates  of  our  University,  so  far  as  I  have 
learned,  are  making  their  mark  in  the  various  walks  of  life.  Bis- 
marck's statement  about  German  University  students  is  not  a  rule 
to  give  us  an  opinion  as  to  the  graduates  from  Vanderbilt.  He  is 
quoted  as  saying,  "  One-third  of  the  German  University  students 
went  to  dissipation  and  ruin ;  one-third  were  insignificant,  the  other 
third  ruled  Germany."  In  Church  circles  the  graduates  of  our  theo- 
logical school  are  taking  high  positions,  and  are  in  demand  as 
preachers. 

Two  of  our  best  lady  workers  called  to  have  me  visit  a  sick 
woman,  expressing  great  sympathy  for  her.  She  resided  far  out, 
but  hot  as  it  was  I  hastened  to  see  her.  Her  condition  was  deplor- 
able. I  gave  her,  out  of  our  charity  fund,  some  money.  In  a  couple 
of  days,  she  sent  for  more  money.     I  saw  her  again.     Our  ladies 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHN  M  ITHEWS,  D.  D.  3S3 

were  attentive  to  her.  This  went  on  until  we  were  informed  her 
husband  made  fine  wages.  The  money  she  secured  from  us  was 
used  to  purchase  opium.  Her  face  was  battered  up  from  falls  when 
under  the  influence  of  the  drug.  When  a  thorough  investigation 
was  made,  we  found  she  was  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  was  also  using  the  ladies  of  that  organization  to  secure  funds 
to  purchase  the  drug.  How  many  times  a  like  deception  has  been 
practised  upon  me  in  the  past  years ! 

On  the  1  oth  of  August,  I  took  the  railroad  train  for  Mont- 
eagle  Assembly  where  I  was  to  preach  the  following  morning.  At 
the  appointed  hour  the  congregation  was  in  place,  listening  to  the 
opening  exercises,  when  a  storm  seemed  to  gather  over  and  around 
the  mountain.  I  had  not  talked  three  minutes  before  the  storm  broke 
forth  in  fury.  Lightnings  flashed  and  leaped,  thunder  rolled  forth, 
until  many  in  the  auditorium  were  frightened  into  pallor.  In  the 
meantime  I  had  taken  my  seat  until  the  storm  had  spent  itself. 
When  I  arose  to  continue  my  discourse  I  saw  the  people  were  de- 
moralized, and  after  a  few  minutes  I  closed  the  service,  no  doubt  to 
the  gratification  of  many.  I  spent  a  few  days  on  the  mountain,  being 
entertained  by  Dr.  Morgan  and  family  who  made  our  visit  a  delight 
to  myself  and  Mrs.  Mathews. 

Dr.  W.  M.  Leftwich,  a  well  known  and  able  minister,  died  in 
Los  Angeles,  California.  He  quietly  slipped  away  from  earth  into 
Heaven.  My  first  meeting  with  him  was  in  the  summer  of  1848. 
He  was  just  home  from  college,  as  a  prospective  lawyer.  Many 
years  passed  before  we  met  again.  He  had  played  an  important 
part  in  Church  work  in  Missouri,  and  held  a  high  position  in  the 
ministry.  He  visited  Kansas  City  during  my  pastorate  there  and 
old  memories  were  revived.  In  his  later  years  he  engaged  largely 
in  evangelistic  work,  holding  meetings  in  many  sections  of  our 
country.  As  he  grew  in  years,  he  grew  in  favor  both  with  God  and 
men.  He  was  pastor  of  our  leading  Church  in  Los  Angeles  when 
he  died.  He  was  buried  from  West  End  Church,  Nashville.  A  great 
concourse  attended  his  funeral.  A  noble  specimen  of  Christian  man- 
hood he  was. 

At  our  official  meeting  it  was  found  we  needed  for  all  claims 
six  hundred  and  eighty  dollars.  On  the  second  Sunday  this  debt  was 
wiped  out.  At  the  next  meeting,  Colonel  Thomas  D.  Fite  stated 
after  the  financial  report  was  concluded,  he  had  been  a  Steward  in 
"this  Church  for  fifty  years,*  and  had  never  known  such  a  satisfactory 
closing  of  the  Conference  year.  The  doxology  was  sung.  Our 
fourth  Quarterly  Conference  closed  with  each  official  in  a  cheerful 
mood  over  the  condition  of  our  affairs.  According  to  my  visiting 
book  I  made  three  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixtv-four  calls. 


384 


PEEPS  IXTO  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  XLV. 
Fourth  Year  at  McKendree. 

Little  did  I  dream  when  I  went  down  to  Pulaski,  Tennessee, 
that  this  would  prove  my  last  attendance  on  an  Annual  Conference 
as  a  regular  itinerant !  It  was  well  that  I  did  not  anticipate  closing 
my  active  career  at  the  end  of  another  twelve  months ;  it  would,  pos- 
sibly, have  unfitted  me  for  earnest  work  during  the  year.  Mozart 
had  a  deep  presentiment  that  his  end  was  not  far  off  and  at  once  went 
to  work  and  composed  his  famous  requiem  for  himself.  When  the 
end  of  his  journey  was  reached,  he  sent  for  the  score,  and  musing 
over  it,  said :  "  Did  I  not  tell  you  that  it  was  for  myself  I  com- 
posed this  death  chant?"  As  long  as  strength  will  permit  one  should 
follow  Wesley's  plan,  work  the  last  day  as  on  other  days. 

The  Conference  was^  in  charge  of  the  lovable  and  sweet  spirited 
Bishop,  O.  P.  Fitzgerald.  He  led  the  devotional  exercises,  and  then 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  The  hour  and  the  man  gave  it 
additional  interest.  The  Bishop  was  somewhat  feeble,  but  quietly 
followed  the  order  and  conducted  the  business  to  a  successful  close. 
On  'Sunday,  Bishop  Fitzgerald  was  able  to  occupy  the  pulpit  of  our 
Church,  though  feeble.  He  gave  the  people  one  of  his  best  sermons. 
His  theme  was,  "  The  One  and  Only  Gospel  of  God."  By  appoint- 
ment of  the  Committee  on  Public  Worship  I  was  assigned  to  preach 
at  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  n  o'clock.  The  audience  occupied 
literally  every  available  space.  My  theme  was  "  Salvation."  I 
pleaded  with  the  many  preachers  present  to  stand  by  the  Gospel  as 
preached  by  the  fathers.  My  heart  was  full  and  out  of  that  swelling 
tide  of  emotion,  I  held  up  Jesus  as  the  only  Savior  of  men.  At  the 
close  of  the  sixth  day's  session,  the  Bishop  announced  the  appoint- 
ments for  the  ensuing  year.  I  was  reappointed  to  McKendree 
Church  for  the  fourth  year.  As  one  possessed  of  a  sensitive  Chris- 
tian spirit,  from  the  beginning  of  my  ministry  I  desired  some  certain 
test  by  which  to  decide  whether  God  had  appointed  work  for  me. 
No  vision  came  to  me  in  my  sleep,  nor  did  I  ever  hear  the  articula- 
ting voice  of  the  Spirit.  I  finally  adopted  as  a  rule,  to  accept  as 
Providential  the  work  assigned  me  as  part  of  God's  plan  which  I 
am  to  accomplish.  With  this  view  controlling  my  life  I  entered  upon 
my  work  from  year  to  year  with  ardor,  believing  in  spiritual  rein- 
forcements, and  therefore  success. 

My  work  opened  on  October  30th,  in  prayer-meeting,  the  at- 
tendance good,  and  my  reception  pleasing.  As  usual,  the  first  Stew- 
ards' Meeting  is  one  of  deep  interest  and  largely  attended.  The 
committees  for  the  yoar  are  appointed  which  means  a  great  deal. 


Al  T0BI0GRAPH7  OF  REV.  JOBTH  MATHEWS.  I).  D.  385 

Success  on  many  lines  depends  upon  men  of  the  right  stamp.  On 
this  occasion  the  committees  were  satisfactory  to  the  pastor.  Then 
a  committee  was  appointed  to  consult  with  the  pastor  as  to  his  salary. 
It  took  but  a  moment  to  settle  the  question,  as  I  assured  them  the 
past  year's  arrangement  would  be  perfectly  satisfactory.  Three 
thousand  dollars  was  allowed  me,  with  telephone  service  and  the 
board  of  my  horse.  This  Board  is  not  narrow.  Some  of  them  are 
very  prosperous  men  and  desire  the  pastor's  best  interest. 

Rev.  Lewis  Cannon  Bryan  was  converted  at  I  a.  m.,  in  Mc- 
Kendree  Church,  one  morning  in  August,  1839.  He  was  for  fifty- 
three  years  an  active  itinerant,  and  for  sixty-one  years  a  member  of 
the  Tennessee  Conference.  In  1894,  he  was  superannuated.  He 
was  at  one  time  pastor  of  McKendree  Church.  He  had  a  fine  voice 
and  lovely  temperament  and  was  highly  esteemed  for  his  efficient 
qualities.  He  was  a  model  preacher  and  an  unusually  devout  Chris- 
tian. His  bearing  attracted  me  in  my  youthful  ministry.  He  spent 
his  last  years  in  his  quiet  country  home  a  few  miles  from  Nashville. 
When  I  was  appointed  to  McKendree  he  sent  for  me,  and  I  drove 
out  to  see  him.  He  remembered  me,  though  years  had  passed  since 
we  met.  He  was  trustingly  awaiting  the  summons  to  go  Home. 
His  death  occurred  December  21st,  1901.  He  shouted  the  praises  of 
God  all  the  morning  before  he  died.  In  company  with  several 
ministers  I  attended  his  funeral  service  at  Arlington  Church,  near 
his  home.    The  blessed  saint  entered  upon  death  with  joy ! 

One  of  the  most  impressive  services  held  by  me  in  McKendree 
Church  was  the  Watch-Meeting  of  this  year.  We  had  an  attendance 
of  three  hundred  persons,  some  of  whom  had  never  attended  a  like 
service,  and  others  had  not  attended  a  like  meeting  in  a  number  of 
years.  It  was  a  representative  audience.-  Only  recently,  the  wife 
of  a  prominent  dentist  in  one  of  our  Churches,  remarked,  "  That 
Watch-Meeting  was  the  only  old-fashioned  Methodist  meeting  she 
had  been  in  for  several  years."  It  was  an  evening  of  heartsearching, 
of  earnest  supplication,  as  well  as  hearty  consecration.  It  was 
evident  the  Holy  Spirit  came  upon  the  people.  How  touching  the 
scene  when  nearly  every  one  entered  into  a  new  covenant  for  God 
to  live  and  die.  '  Since"  my  retirement  to  St.  Louis,  a  prominent 
Christian  woman  in  a  letter  to  us  referred  to  our  meetings  and 
especially  to  this  Watch-Night  service,  as  an  occasion  of  blessedness. 

It  is  said  that  Judson,  one  of  the  apostles  of  missions  to  India, 
wrote  to  a  friend  from  Burmah :  "  Let  me  beg  you  not  to  rest 
contented  with  the  commonplace  religion  that  is  prevalent."  If  my 
convictions  do  not  deceive  me  my  soul  aspires  for  a  more  intimate 
union  with  Christ.  I  certainly  am  "  mortgaged  "  to  Him.  This 
transaction  occurred  in  my  young  life.  The  word  comes  from  two 
words,  meaning  "  death-grip."  The  Master  has  had  such  a  grip  on 
me ;  therefore  I  sometimes  wonder  over  my  inability  to  understand 
the  variableness  of  my  spiritual  life.  I.  have  even  longed  for  that 
spiritual  consciousness  claimed  by  many.     As  I  pass  into  the  New 


386 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Year,  I  do  so  conscious  of  its  responsibilities.  I  am  getting  hoary, 
and  oftentimes  weary.  It  is  the  time  for  searching  thoughts  and 
needed  readjustments ;  these  thoughts  lead  me  to  plead  for  an  uplift 
that  will  quiet  all  fear,  and  fit  me  for  the  inspection  of  the  blazing 
eye  of  the  Judge  in  the  Judgment  Day !  My  cry  is,  "  Holy  Spirit, 
impassion  my  soul  that  I  may  tread  the  narrow  way  as  conqueror !  " 

Brother  B.  F.  Champe  had  been  a  soldier  during  the  Civil  War, 
and  was  a  soldier  in  the  army  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  was 
honored  amongst  those  who  knew  him  for  his  genuine  qualities  and 
Christian  spirit.  He  was  highly  esteemed  in  the  circle  in  which  he 
moved.  He  was  unostentatious,  yet  a  gentleman  of  high  purpose 
and  devout  spirit.  He  met  the  true  purpose  of  life  in  equipping 
himself  for  the  future  estate,  and  died  looking  to  the  Savior  of  men ! 

One  Sunday  night  in  January,  we  had  a  service  for  men  only. 
The  house  was  filled  and  I  preached  on  "  God's  Pathetic  Plaint." 
Text,  Isaiah  ist,  and  2d  verse.  "  I  have  nourished  and  brought  up 
children,  and  they  have  rebelled  against  me."  At  the  close  the  scene 
was  impressive ;  some  came  to  the  altar ;  fifteen  stood  up  asking 
prayers,  and  twenty  held  up  hands  desiring  salvation.  These  meet- 
ings indicated  the  earnestness  of  our  people  in  behalf  of  young  men. 
In  the  several  medical  and  dental  colleges  are  many  young  men  who 
will  lead  in  thought  and  action,  and  we  feel  the  importance  of  sha- 
ping their  convictions  and  views. 

On  the  9th  day  of  February,  occurred  the  funeral  of  that  re- 
markable man,  Dr.  Robert  A.  Young.  Remarkable  in  that  he  filled 
a  greater  variety  of  responsible  positions  than  any  minister  of  the 
Gospel  I  can  recall.  He  stepped  into  prominence  at  once.  His  per- 
sonal appearance,  his  gentlemanly  manner,  impressed  me  from  the 
first.  In  1846,  he  came  to  the  Tennessee  Conference,  from  the  Hols- 
ton,  where  he  was  one  year  in  service.  We  both  were  received  on 
trial  in  1846,  at  the  Conference  held  in  Nashville.  He  stood  with 
the  front  men,  and  filled  some  of  the  best  appointments  in  the  Con- 
ference. Then  was  transferred  to  the  St.  Louis  Conference  where 
he  remained  seven  years,  filling  chief  charges  to  the  profit  and 
delight  of  the  Church.  He  was  then  transferred  back  to  the  Ten- 
nessee Conference.  He  was  an  entertaining  as  well  as  a  drawing 
preacher.  He  never  rose  to  great  height  in  the  pulpit,  but  possessed 
the  rare  ability  of  holding  the  people  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath — 
an  enviable  ability.  He  was  always  in  demand.  He  was  chosen 
Financial  Secretary  of  Vanderbilt  University  in  1874,  holding  that 
position  for  eight  years.  The  General  Conference  then  elected  him 
Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Missions.  He  was  a  fine  business  man- 
ager and  everything  prospered  during  his  administration.  He  was 
superannuated  in  1896,  and  resided  in  Nashville,  where,  until  his 
death,  he  was  Regent  of  Belmont  College.  His  long  and  active 
career  was  a  blessing  to  the  Church  of  God.  He  died  anticipating  an 
abundant  entrance  into  Heaven. 

It  had  been  discovered  that  the  Bishop  was  mistaken  as  to  the 


LI  TOBIOQRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHS  MATHEWS,  D.  J).  387 

time  of  service  of  Dr.  D.  C.  Kelly  on  the  Nashville  District,  and  it 
became  necessary  to  make  a  change.  Rev.  W.  R.  Peebles  was  placed 
over  that  District,  and  Dr.  Kelly  was  changed  to  the  Columbia  Dis- 
trict. Our  new  Presiding  Elder  was  given  a  formal  reception  by  his 
special  friend,  Mr.  Shelton.  He  is  quite  popular  as  a  man.  A  good, 
orthodox  preacher  and  useful  in  his  charges.  He  has  made  a  useful 
official  on  other  Districts.  His  preaching  is  of  a  clear  type,  and 
Weslevan  to  the  core. 

Our  earnest  Superintendent  J.  U.  Rust,  being  deeply  concerned 
for  the  conversion  of  the  pupils  of  the  Sunday-School,  arranged  to 
have  a  "  Decision  Day ; "  or,  rather,  a  revival  service  in  the  school. 
This  day  had  been  referred  to  again  and  again,  leading  the  pupils 
to  consider  the  subject  of  their  salvation.  On  March  2d,  the 
teachers  and  scholars  were  out  in  force.  The  classes  were  located 
in  front  of  the  platform.  Prayers  went  up,  songs  appropriate  were 
sung  with  spirit,  after  which  the  pastor  made  a  talk,  seeking  to 
win  the  young  hearts  to  decide  for  Christ.  During  the  scene  which 
followed,  twenty-eight  confessed  Christ  as  their  Savior.  For  four 
Sundays  the  interest  was  such  as  to  cheer  all  the  servants  of  our 
Lord.  On  the  second  Sunday,  eight  men  applied  for  membership. 
On  the  third  Sunday  twenty-two  professed  to  be  accepted  by  Christ. 
An  afternoon  during  the  week  was  appointed  for  the  children  to  meet 
the  pastor  for  prayer  and  special  instruction,  and  many  attended. 
On  the  next  Sunday,,  eleven  were  baptized  and  twenty-one  received 
into  the  Church  bv  ritual.  Our  teachers  teach  to  save  their  scholars. 
Thank  God  for  these  results ! 

That  famous  and  useful  man,  Rev.  Sam  Jones,  returned  to 
Nashville,  earnestly  desiring  to  see  what  he  called  "  an  old-fashioned 
revival."  His  heart  was  full  of  hope,  and  he  entered  upon  the  work 
with  an  ardor  I  had  never  known  him  to  exercise  heretofore.  He 
opened  up  in  the  great  Tabernacle  before  fully  five  thousand  per- 
sons. I  never  heard  him  preach  with  the  interest,  vigor  and  clear- 
ness as  on  that  occasion.  His  peculiarities  were  held  in  abeyance, 
and  truth  fell  from  his  lips  with  sledge-hammer  strokes.  The  im- 
pression was  profound.  He  did  not  feel  equal  to  occupying  the 
Tabernacle  twice  a  day,  therefore  requested  the  use  of  McKendree 
Church  for  morning  service.  It  was  jammed  everv  morning.  Night 
after  night  the  preacher's  soul  seemed  ablaze  with  a  divine  energy. 
After  his  sermon  at  night  a  large  number  signified  their  purpose  to 
serve  God.  On  the  night  of  the  31st  he  assaulted  the  citadel  of  sin 
with  great  zeal  and  made  one  of  the  main  efforts  of  his  life.  In  his 
desire  to  save  men,  he  appointed  me  to  go  to  the  center  of  the  great 
gallery  and  "  all  up  there  who  wanted  to  be  saved  give  Dr.  Mathews 
the  hand  ;  all  in  the  body  of  the  house  give  me  the  hand."  When 
the  hymn  started  there  was  a  rush  both  down-stairs  and  in  the 
gallerv.  T  counted  those  who  came  to  me — over  one  hundred — and 
a  greater  number  in  the  body  of  the  house.  The  crowd  was  too 
large :  there  was  small  opportunity  to  talk  with  any  one.     The  fol- 


3g8  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

lowing  night  fifty-five  came  forward  in  the  gallery  and  many  on  the 
lower  floor.  The  vigor  of  the  evangelist  seemed  to  be  exhausted ; 
very  few  professed  more  than  conviction,  and  I  thought  the 
preacher  somewhat  disheartened.  The  meeting  may  not  have  re- 
sulted as  he  hoped,  but  such  telling  sermons  can  not  fail  to  affect  the 
lives  of  the  multitude  who  heard  them. 

Mr.  Crittenton,  the  philanthropist,  being  on  a  visit  to  the 
"  Crittenton  Home,"  a  rescue  home,  we  gave  him  the  use  of  Mc- 
Kendree  Church  in  which  to  tell  the  people  of  the  advancement  of 
the  work.  Mr.  Crittenton  is  a  plain  man,  unostentatious,  but  full  of 
Christian  zeal.  His  address  bristled  with  facts  of  a  most  encourag- 
ing character.  He  has  been  sucessful  in  business,  and  has  given 
large  sums  to  the  rescue  work. 

I  was  taken  with  "  la  grippe,"  in  May,  which  estopped  my  work 
for  a  few  days.  Though  unconscious  of  the  fact,  it  was  the  begin- 
ning of  the  break-down  of  my  physical  system  which  in  a  short  time 
ended  in  my  superannuation,  though  none  of  the  family  anticipated 
such  a  collapse. 

The  little  son  of  one  of  our  Stewards  died  of  lockjaw,  aged 
eight  years.  He  was  a  manlv  little  fellow ;  always  waited  to  shake 
my  hand  after  preaching,  and  the  last  Sunday  he  attended,  he  said, 
"  I  enjoyed  your  sermon  very  much."  I  suppose  he  had  caught  the 
sentence  from  other  lips.  Dr.  Chappell  and  myself  conducted  the 
funeral  services.  On  the  following  day  I  was  called  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Nat  Baxter,  Sr.  She  was  a  noble  woman — one  of 
the  older  type  that  raised  honorable  and  worthy  children.  She  was 
a  thoroughly  consecrated  Christian,  and  through  her  long-continued 
illness  clung  to  Christ  as  the  mighty  Soul-Saver.  How  her  sons 
loved  her,  seeking  her  advice  long  after  their  maturity.  Another 
funeral  on  the  dav  following,  was  that  of  John  Richardson.  This 
devout  man  was  known  in  business  circles  as  a  man  of  lofty  in- 
tegrity. What  a  good  thing  to  carry  a  good  name  down  to  the 
grave !  Ere  the  final  stroke  that  laid  him  low,  he  loved  to  attend  our 
class-meetings.  He  enjoyed  the  communion  of-saints.  He  was  never 
very  demonstrative.  There  are  davs  in  almost  every  life  that  begin 
in  gloom,  that  have  only  slight  gleams  of  light  at  midday,  but  in 
the  evening  the  great  clouds  are  driving  eastward,  and  shot  through 
with  glory,  and  you  see  the  pathwav  to  Eternitv  through  the  Gates 
of  the  West !    Such  was  the  close  of  this  man's  life. 

Being  honored  with  an  invitation  to  preach  the  commencement 
sermon  at  Martha  Washington  College,  at  Abingdon,  Virginia,  and 
also  to  address  the  societies,  I  accepted,  desiring  to  get  a  taste  of 
Virginia  air,  and  lend  a  hand  to  others.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
efficient  colleges  in  our  connection,  and  is  of  long  standing  with  a 
rich  history  on  educational  lines.  Mv  visit  was  pleasing  to  me,  but 
still  feeling  the  results  of  the  grip,  the  labors  of  the  occasion  tired 
me.  Being  within  visiting  distance  of  Roanoke,  where  my  son-in- 
law,  Dr.  C.  M.  Hawkins,  is  pastor  of  Greene-Memorial  Church,  and 


AUTOBIoaU'Al'UY  OF  HEY.  J  OTIS  MATHEWS,  D.  D.  389 

desiring  to  see  my  daughter,  I  took  the  train  for  that  city.  It  was  a 
great  pleasure  to  meet  loved  ones  again  in  their  home.  On  Wed- 
nesday night  I  attended  prayer-meeting  and  led  it  in  my  own  pecu- 
liar way,  Dr.  Hawkins  saying  that  I  frightened  some  of  his  members 
half  to  death  by  walking  down  the  aisles,  and  asking  them  questions ! 
This  is  a  strong  and  prosperous  Church.  On  Sunday  morning  I 
occupied  the  pulpit  with  comfort  to  myself  and  I  trust  not  without 
profit  to  others.  / 

Commencement  days  are  interesting  occasions  at  our  Van- 
derbilt  University.  Chancellor  Kirkland  aims  to  secure  ministers 
and  orators  of  prominence  to  give  added  interest  to  the  exercises. 
On  this  day  Dr.  M.  R.  Vincent,  a  Northern  man  of  repute,  delivered 
an  address  of  breadth  and  depth.  The  young  gentlemen  graduates 
are  all  in  a  quiet  glee  over  their  success  in  winning  diplomas.  They 
receive  them  in  hope,  and  go  forth,  some  to  win  fame,  others  to 
drink  the  bitter  cup  of  disappointment.  Their  future  depends  upon 
themselves.  Some  make  a  great  noise  at  the  start.  A  man  beating 
a  big  drum  makes  more  noise  than  a  hundred  men  planting  corn. 
The  sound  of  the  drum  soon  dies  away,  while  the  ripening  grain 
waves  in  the  harvest  fields. 

The  day  following  commencement,  the  Ministers'  Institute 
opened  in  Wesley  Hall.  Dr.  John  J.  Tigert,  gave  the  body  a  lecture 
on  "  John."  The  exegesis  gave  one  an  insight  to  his  learning  and 
ability  to  master  any  subject.  To  many  of  us  he  is  a  marvelous  man  ; 
he  brightens  every  problem  he  handles.  The  young  ministers  can 
learn  much  from  lectures  delivered  by  these  men  of  ability.  The 
gentlemen  leading  the  different  lines  of  study,  unintentionally  some- 
times made  mistakes  in  the  character  of  their  investigations.  Some 
of  the  young  ministers  never  heard  of  many  of  the  objections  to 
certain  Christian  teachings,  and  have  been  confused  and  somewhat 
alarmed,  and  have  started  rumors  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  In- 
stitute. Dean  Tillett  generally  selected  the  subjects.  In  my  invita- 
tion, he  suggested  as  a  theme,  "  Some  Recollections  of  Fifty  Years, 
With  Suggestions  to  Young  Ministers."  We  had  a  full  attendance, 
and  I  took  pleasure  in  reviewing  some  of  the  battles  of  the  past.  I 
was  not  always  victorious,  particularly  in  the  contest  with  self.  It 
has  been  a  long  struggle ;  and  often  new  tactics  had  to  be  employed. 
In  conducting  the  battle  I  finally  adopted  Shakespeare's  idea  when 
he  says, 

"What  thou  wilt 
Thou  shalt  rather  erTorcc  't  with  a  smile, 
Than  hew  to  't  with  thy  sword!" 

I  have  through  Christ  won  in  many  a  conflict,  and  I  praise  Him  for 
His  aid.  The  bird  praises  God  by  singing.  The  flower  pays  its 
tribute  in  fragrant  incense  as  its  censer  swings  in  the  breeze.  So 
my  heart  pours  forth  its  gratitude  for  God's  ennobling  power! 

During  July  the  heat  greatly  oppressed  me,  but  all  my  duties 


^90  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

were  performed  as  steadily  as  in  my  younger  days.  During  this 
month  and  August,  at  night  our  five  central  churches  held  union 
services.  These  meetings  were  crowded  and  quite  profitable.  Not 
until  the  last  of  July  did  it  creep  into  my  heart  that  I  was  be- 
ginning to  break  down !  The  thought  alarmed  me !  Such  was  my 
physical  depletion;  I  longed  for  a  vacation,  and  arrangements  were 
made  by  which  I  was  to  spend  August  at  a  hamlet,  called  "  Que- 
beck  "  in  Tennessee.  I  was  not  sick,  but  feeble.  So  on  August  the 
first,  I  was  away  in  company  with  Mrs.  Mathews,  stopping  on  the 
way  to  visit  my  only  surviving  sister,  Mrs.  Eliza  Harrison,  of 
Summitville,  Tennessee.  The  two  of  us  are  left  of  a  family  of  ten 
children.  The  meeting  was  a  happy  one  as  we  talked  over  the  past. 
We  reached  our  destination  and  found  a  quiet  retreat  in  a  nice  home 
in  the  village.  They  had  a  Methodist  house  of  worship  but  without 
members.  It  was  a  neat  house,  in  which  I  preached  several  times. 
For  some  days  I  improved,  but  near  the  close  of  the  month  my  feeble- 
ness was  apparent. 

We  returned  to  Nashville  on  the  ist  of  September  in  time  to 
conduct  our  mid-week  prayer-meeting.  Preached,  visited  and  went 
forward,  but  not  with  the  usual  vigor.  As  Conference  was  ap- 
proaching Mrs.  Mathews  urged  me  to  decline  an  appointment  for 
the  next  year.  The  very  thought  was  repulsive  to  me !  My  family 
insisted  that  I  would  not  be  able  to  take  charge  of  a  Church  for 
another  year.  My  eldest  son  visited  us,  and  after  a  painful  con- 
ference— painful  because  I  was  conscious  my  life-work  was  about 
ended — the  decision  was  for  me  to  decline  to  take  a  pastorate,  and  to 
return  to  my  son's  home  in  St.  Louis  to  spend  the  remnant  of  my 
days.  This  conclusion  was  at  a  great  cost — the  greatest  mental 
trial  of  years,  if  not  of  my  life.  My  decision  was  announced.  The 
St.  Louis  Conference  met  in  September,  and  a  committee  had  been 
appointed  to  \isit  the  Bishop  and  ask  my  appointment  to  my  old 
charge — Centenary  Church.  This  committee  was  at  the  seat  of  the 
Conference,  when  they  were  notified  of  my  purposed  retirement.  In 
carrying  out  my  purpose,  I  endured  mental  throes  which  shook  me 
to  the  core  of  my  being !  This  action  was  necessary,  and  I  set  about 
closing  my  pastorate  and  my  life-work. 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOHS   MATHEWS,  D.  D.  39 1 


CHAPTER  XLVI. 
On  The  Superannuated  List. 

My  pastorate,  as  well  as  my  active  ministry,  closed  at  McKen- 
Jree  Church,  Nashville,  October  19th,  1902.  On  the  same  spot,  in 
the  year  1846,  I  joined  the  Tennessee  Conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South.  Living  in  a  period  of  the  world's  history 
of  extraordinary  development — a  period  into  the  lap  of  which  the 
wisdom  of  sixty  centuries  had  been  poured — my  young  heart  formed 
one  purpose ;  that  was,  to  move  on  the  track  worn  by  the  thought 
of  God  in  reference  to  man.  To  the  extent  of  my  ability,  I  selected 
the  best  of  our  Lord's  thoughts  and  proclaimed  these.  True, 
many  of  His  lessons  were  too  big  for  my  mental  grasp,  and 
therefore  had  to  be  broken  up  into  sections  before  their  force  and 
beauty  could  be  seen.  In  examining  some  of  the  thoughts  which 
referred  to  the  possibilities  of  man,  it  seemed  strange  that  a  creature 
who  evoked  the  interest  of  all  Heaven,  a  being  so  august,  in  a  world 
so  affluent  and  with  powers  so  transcendent,  should  live  on  a  scale 
so  low !  I  at  once  consecrated  my  life  to  the  work  of  lifting  up  to 
a  higher  form  of  life  those  with  whom  I  associated.  I  had  learned 
that  those  faculties  which  were  intended  to  ally  man  to  God  were 
locked  in  sleep.  There  were  sedatives  on  every  hand.  The  great 
Engksh  writer,  Foster,  said,  "  There  is  plenty  of  morphine ;  the 
atmosphere  is  full  of  it."  The  masses  being  under  the  spell  of 
sedatives,  young  as  I  was,  I  could  but  see  what  poor  choices  the 
multitude  made. 

Virtually  adopting  Emerson's  idea  when  he  says,  "  What  the 
world  needs  is  not  negatives  but  positives ;  not  denials  but  affirma- 
tions," I  can  say  as  I  look  over  my  shoulder  into  the  sixty  years  of 
my  public  life,  that  I  have  voiced  the  emotions  of  my  heart  in  stress- 
ing the  affirmations  of  Divine  truth.  This  action  had  a  reflex  influ- 
ence ;  it  not  only  aided  me  in  awakening  others,  but  strengthened  my 
own  faith.  Our  religious  beliefs  are  sometimes  irresolute,  because 
we  do  not  know  with  precision  what  they  are,  nor  why  they  are.  In 
1852,  sailing  up  the  Pacific  Ocean  on  my  wav  to  California,  a  fellow 
passenger  directed  my  attention  to  the  phosphorescence  in  the  track 
of  the  ship.  Light  was  produced  in  the  darkness.  This  set  me  to 
wondering.  The  fact  that  impressed  me  with  great  force  was,  that 
one  of  the  phosphri,  though  a  creature  smaller  than  the  point  of  a 
sharp  pin,  could  give  forth  light.  Like  that  tiny  creature,  I  deter- 
mined to  spend  my  earthly  existence  in  illuminating  the  great  sea 
of  human  wretchedness.  Believing  I  had  a  mission,  I  have  tried  to 
put  some  drops  of  Heaven  into  the  lives  of  those  to  whom  I  was 


392  PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 

sent.  The  results  are  known  only  to  God  into  whose  presence  I 
must  soon  pass.    As  one  wrote  of  himself,  I  am 

" A  poor  old  man, 

Whose  hours  have  dwindled  to  the  shortest  span." 

What  the  Master  thinks  of  my  work  I  can  not  now  know.  I  stake 
nothing  on  an  active  life.  The  basis  of  my  expectation  is  Jesus' 
blood  and  righteousness.  What  my  people  thought  of  my  labors 
may  be  known  in  part  by  quotations  from  the  daily  press.  The 
Nashville  Banner  of  October  20th,  giving  an  account  of  my  last 
Sunday,  says,  "  After  over  fifty-seven  years  of  faithful  service  in. his 
Master's  vineyard,  Dr.  John  Mathews  laid  down,  yesterday,  the 
active  work  of  the  ministry  and  bade  farewell  to  McKendree  Church. 
In  the  morning  he  preached  his  last  sermon — preached  with  that 
same  simple  eloquence  that  has  made  his  ministry  a  mighty  power 
for  good  and  has  won  many  a  wayward  soul  from  sin  and  brought 
it  back  to  Jesus.  There  was  a  touch  of  pathos  in  that  service,  but 
more  than  pathos  was  the  triumph  of  it — it  was  the  last-flung  spear 
of  a  warrior  who  had  known  many  battles,  many  scars,  but  who 
knew  not  the  taste  of  the  bitter  cup  of  defeat ;  it  was  the  last  arrow 
sent  from  well-drawn  bow  with  keen  precision  into  the  heart  of  the 
body  of  iniquity ;  it  was  the  last  shout  of  command  and  encourage- 
ment from  a  general  who  must  now  resign  to  others  the  task  of 
leading  in  the  battle,  but  who  leaves  to  his  successors  an  illustrious 
example,  which  if  well  followed  will  mean  more  and  greater  victories. 
At  night  the  congregation  said  farewell  to  its  beloved  pastor.  The 
great  church  was  rilled  completely,  and  many  who  sought  entrance 
were  turned  away.  Dr.  Collins  Denny  spoke  of  the  great  work 
which  had  been  done  at  McKendree  during  the  pastorate  of  Dr. 
Mathews,  and  sounded  a  note  of  encouragement  in  looking  towards 
its  future.  '  McKendree,'  he  argued,  '  is  the  large  central  Meth- 
odist Church,  and  by  virtue  of  its  prestige  and  location  has  a  great 
field  and  an  unlimited  opportunity  before  it.'  Major  E.  B.  Stahlman 
followed.  He  spoke  for  the  congregation,  addressing  himself  to  Dr. 
Mathews.  The  speaker  said,  '  In  the  days  when  the  Savior  was  on 
earth,  He  had  a  faithful  and  loyal  disciple  in  Matthew,  but  he  was 
no  stronger  in  his  faith  nor  more  unswerving  in  his  loyalty  than 
John  Mathews,  who  fifty-seven  years  ago  had  taken  up  the  cause  of 
Christ  in  America  and  who  had  lived  his  whole  life  on  the  battle- 
ground.' He  spoke  of  Dr.  Mathews'  methods — the  simple  preach- 
ing of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  in  its  purity,  the  taking  of  the  message 
of  comfort  and  love  to  aching  and  lonely  hearts.  He  had  always 
eschewed  the  methods  to  which  some  men  have  stooped  even  in  so 
holy  a  cause,  and  the  dignity  of  the  Church  and  the  Gospel  had  never 
suffered  at  his  hands.  Directly  addressing  the  venerable  divine,  the 
speaker  expressed  to  him,  on  behalf  of  the  membership,  its  apprecia- 
tion of  the  great  work  he  had  performed  during  the  past  four  years, 
and  its  thanks  for  the  messages  he  had  given  them.     '  And  now,' 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  RBV.  JOHN  M  \THEW8,  D.  D.  393 

lie  said,  '  if  you  should  pass  over  into  the  Great  Beyond  before  we 
do,  we  ask  that  you  pray  and  plead  for  us  as  you  have  prayed  and 
plead  with  us.  And  if  we  should  go  on  before,  we  will  know  there 
is  no  need  of  prayers  for  you — you  will  come!  May  we  all  meet 
again  together  in  that  Better  Land.' ': 

According  to  the  programme,  I  followed  in  a  brief  address,  in 
substance  as  follows :  "  On  this  occasion  and  at  this  hour  I  come 
to  the  close  not  only  of  my  pastorate  at  McKendree  Church,  but  my 
active  ministry  also.  I  do  so  with  regret  and  sadness.  It  is  no 
small  thing  to  retire  from  active  service !  It  might  be  well  to  glance 
over  one's  shoulder  and  take  a  glimpse  at  the  past.  During  my 
pastorate  at  McKendree,  six  hundred  and  seventy-five  members  have 
been  taken  into  the  Church.  Some  of  these  are  among  the  most 
active  workers  of  the  Church.  Every  department  is  well  organized 
and  prosperous.  As  you  are  aware,  in  my  congregations  there  have 
been  a  preponderance  of  men,  often  three  to  one.  Believing  every 
man  to  be  lovable,  it  has  been  one  great  aim  of  my  life  to  lead  those 
under  my  influence  to  see  that  God  had  some  gigantic  intention  for 
the  race.  On  my  banner  this  inscription  has  been  painted:  ' Plus 
ultra  ' — '  more  beyond !  '  Methodism  has  had  more  gifted  sons,  men 
of  greater  talents,  but  none  more  loyal.  I  now  pass  into  oblivion,  a 
dependent  man — a  silent  spectator  of  the  battle  in  which  I  can  no 
longer  engage.  I  had  hoped  to  die  with  the  ring  of  my  harness 
heard  when  I  should  fall.    This  is  denied  me.    Farewell!  "■ 

The  following  note  was  sent  to  the  Annual  Conference  which 
assembled  in  Fayetteville.  Tennessee,  October  22d,  1902: 

To  the  Bishop  and  the  Members  of  the  Tennessee  Conference. 

Dear  Brethren: — Circumstances  and  conditions  over  which  I  have  no 
control,  impel  me  to  ask  at  your  hands  a  Supernumerary  relation.  After 
a  service  of  over  fifty-seven  years,  it  seems  best  to  retire  from  active 
service.  To  reach  this  conclusion  was  the  severest  trial  of  my  life.  I  submit 
to  what  I  cannot  help.  I  have  been  loyal  to  the  Church,  and  retire  with 
the  consciousness  that  I  wrought  faithfully  for  the  extension  of  the  empire 
of  our  Lord.  Southern  Methodism  has  had  stronger,  brighter,  and  more 
useful  men,  but  none  more  loyal.  I  began  in  my  teens  and  end  as  I  near 
four-score  years.  My  joy  now  is  that  I  have  always  labored  in  the  ranks 
as  a  common  soldier.     In  hope  of  Heaven,  I  am  your  servant, 

John  Mathews. 

In  response,  the  Conference  granted  me  a  superannuated  rela- 
tion. A  lengthy  and  highly  appreciated  resolution  was  introduced 
by  Dr.  Tillett,  dean  of  the  theological  department  of  Vanderbilt 
University,  and  adopted  by  the  body.  On  the  20th  of  October,  I 
boarded  the  train  for  the  city  of  St.  Louis.  I  would  have  been  less 
than  human  had  I  not  felt  keenly  the  act  that  relegated  me  to  an 
inactive  life.     La  grippe  had  wrecked  my  physical  constitution. 

Not  long  after  returning  to  St.  Louis,  the  lady  manager  of  the 


394 


PEEPS  INTO  LIFE. 


Emergency  Home  and  Hospital,  Mrs.-  Flint,  gave  Mrs.  Mathews 
and  myself  a  reception,  where  we  were  welcomed  by  many  of  our 
former  friends.  One  other  social  event  occurred  to  which  I  will 
refer — a  banquet  given  by  the  ladies  of  the  Union  Methodist  Church, 
in  honor  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Buckley,  editor  of  the  New  York 
Christian  Advocate.  A  large  number  of  the  ministers  of  the  city 
were  present.  There  were  feasting  and  addresses.  Notwithstand- 
ing my  physical  disabilities,  I  attended.  Unexpectedly  I  was  called 
on  for  a  speech.  Dr.  Buckley,  writing  of  the  occasion,  gave  des- 
criptions of  the  different  addresses.  In  referring  to  my  talk  he  used 
this  language :  "  I  will  confess  to  being  somewhat  embarrassed, 
and  for  this  reason.  Just  before  my  toast  was  announced,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  John  Mathews,  known  for  thirty-five  years  and  more  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  as  a  man  who,  when  touched 
by  the  Holy  Spirit,  is  unsurpassed  in  pathetic  and  persuasive  elo- 
quence, was  invited  to  say  a  few  words.  He  attempted  to  rise  and 
was  obliged  to  ask  for  help.  He  began  by  saying  that  he  was  slightly 
paralyzed,  and  then  for  ten  minutes  he  delivered  the  most  touching 
of  possible  spontaneous  addresses.  It  is  a  common  habit  to  say  of 
something  that  has  made  a  deep  impression,  that  it  was  rarely  sur- 
passed, or  was  unequalled.  I  will  not  say  either  of  these  things ; 
but  it  reminded  me  of  Wm.  Wirt's  account  of  the  blind  preacher. 
It  also  recalled  Bishop  Simpson's  farewell  address  to  the  General 
Conference  of  1884,  and  (as  it  proved  to  be  in  a  few  days)  to  the 
world.  Besides  pathos  and  wit,  there  were  gleams  and  flashes  of 
old-time  eloquence  in  the  speech  of  Dr.  Mathews.  It  could  be  said 
of  his  address  as  Henry  Crabb  Robinson  said  of  Wesley's  sermons 
when  hearing  him  as  an  old  man,  '  If  it  was  not  a  masterly  sermon 
none  but  a  master  could  have  preached  it.'  There  has  been  in  the 
United  States  no  more  faithful  or  honored  ministry  than  his,  in  St. 
Louis,  Kansas  City,  Nashville,  and  New  Orleans.  To  rise  when  on 
an  entirelv  different  theme,  when  one's  eyes  are  in  an  unusual  con- 
dition and  one's  voice  is  likely  to  tremble,  is  not  easy ;  but  by  slow 
degrees  I  descended  to  the  level  of  my  own  speech." 

Thus  have  I  given  many  "  peeps  "  into  not  only  my  own,  but 
into  the  lives  of  others.     Let  the  curtain  drop ! 


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