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'■ • ■ 1 2 • 3 -■ ■ . ' ■,-■'» ^- :;: ■■'■',■:':;■:■ ''A' ■ :., ' 5 ; 6 ■-:, . ■ ■ ■ - . ■ ' A ' 1.0 ^1^ 1^ 'S L& '12.0 l.ff 1.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) ■i A ^Af^wyii op f4 ^ «>!&*(. Sj^-t*" "^^■"s^r^"" ■ 1 /„'" ' -''^.t^y / >s/ c " J' SL oo RIFTED CLOUDi. J'!.' *■ ''^1 * • .4- i 1 » ' ,..;■,.*■,. i • ■ , V J 1 Ji^i: " '\^~:-\ :|: :.:.:> ■iL--'i'?;>A.^-''!.^ .-!': ,-.,j.^Sr'.'. , '< _i .'%f >-^t',„ -^-^ V. :-^~ '-»-'■■- Ifc ':X kii ri'i) ci.oi Ds! 01, THE LIFE STOR|^ OF BELLA COOKE. v^ ^''<\({ \'i' 0f^Ainl'|lllll,Hl^nl . ,;,l^ t'■|U^lr ''Mini;-,,. 4i ->, "l* s^ WRITTEN BY HERSELF. > 1 ' •♦,;v TORONTO WILLARD TRACT DEPOSITORY AND HIBLE DEPdT, CORNER OF YONGE AND TEMPERANCE STREETS. MUCCLXXXXVl. ^■^Tl ^^-r^^^^rm^-!-- - -^ ..y^j ■ . ¥\\M nuoL ^»S^Jt^'^;-vr' 'c i ;^.;.-;^-" 'r::ri'^:.;:f- 5 • ^ V^M«i -f— ^-w-it' ■■naH \ TIIK8B MKMOUIES OF MY KAWIER'S LOyTJ. WBITTEN IN PBATEB AND JAIN, ARB ■v. DEDICATED V TO MY DEAU CHILDREN AND GRANDCIULPUEN A8 A MEMENTO Of • . . THE LOVE TIUT NEVER CEASED TO CHERISH THEM. BELLA COOKE. y' ' I' ^ t ■ I,: m 0. 'jTIHilWiMirililliWti i*ilii III A lii im :,j^. PEEFACE. In introducing "Rifted^^ds" to the EngUsh reader, I would say that when the ^ork was about to be published in New York it was a gre^t trial to me to be thus brought out before the public. / The great favour with which the book has been received (the Third Edition haying been issued the first year), both ^ by the general read/t and by the press, has been very 9 gratifying to me, and it is with pleasure I offer it ta ^he women of England,/and a^k them to give the Ufe story of one of their feebV sisters a prayerful and kindly redaing, not forgettinf that it was written on a bed of great weariness and p/in, where she has lain for thirty years. I love the laid of my birtt. It is very dear to me, and in its sacred, ^il many loved ones rest. I have greatly missed the beautiful hills and dales of my Derbyshire home, where, near Chatswoi;th, I spent the first eight years of my happy wedded life. The memories of my early years are sunshine and joy, and often during the long years that this feeble body has been imprisoned in the little room, have I been back again among the meadows of my native land, or worshipping in her sanctuaries. "They fliwh upon that iiiMrard eye Which is the blias of solitude." My sympathies have been strangely drawn out for her * ■: viii Preface. Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria. Of our beloved queen, we English people In every comer of the world are proud, and for her we do not forget to pray. Like myself, she was early left with little children, and now, hafing given* her last one in marriage, she is left, as it were, alone. In July last I sent Her Majesty a copy of my book, thinking she might, in some lonely moments, find something in its pages to interest her, and* it was with special pleasure that I received a speedy notice of its reception, with an expression of her thanks, through Sir Henry Ponsonby. ' , . j, x I would say in regard to the friends who kindly wrote the prefatory notes, that Mr. Dickinson is an EngUsh gentleman, well known here for many years, who has known me from a little child in my English home in Sheffield, and Mr. John Stephenson is a gentleman of high standing in the religious and business worlds, whose tram-way cars have made his name familiar in many parts of the civilised world. I claim no literary merits for "Rifted Clouds," but send it forth with many prayers to proclaim the gracious providences and tender mercies of a faithful God, Who has said, "iLeave thy fatherless children; I will preserve them alive, and let thy widows trust in Me." Bella Cooke. 492, 2kd Avenue, New YoBK. The edition of "Rifted Clouds" pubUshed by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton has my exclusive sanction for Great Britain and Ireland. Bella Cocke. MwmJ^ 18f^ '^ inS^d CTww amarveUoos Me of physical d«»bU.ty »^d indeed n*".™ / , ^^ feT and usefulness, seemingly suffering mingled: with pewse, joy, m™^ • combining the extremes of human possibOities. PhvsicUns and friends (among whom it has been my for by any known laws of natural causes. _ , „ . ZXtrollerl of the ravens Who fed ^Jjah jn H„ ^.'^A « f« t«VA icare of this helpless one, not tor torty are peace and everlasting joy. jomr STirHiirsoir. 47 E 27TH St., New YoBK, 18^. #: •'" ^*iw» 1 J^tmt M.-\^ K f^J i ^'wfm'T'^ ^ "-■r TI-^5^"y '^■Jl— it r -\ ■Vs ■ A:-, PKEFATOE'S^ NOTE In my early life in Sheffield, England, I well knew Bella Cooke. She was a neat, attractive ^hild, and eyideaced the careful training of her godly parents, Methodists of the old time, who endeavoured to lead their children in early life to Christ. Bella Cooke's narrative tells how m early womanhood in the providence of God she was led io give her hand and heart td one in every way worthy ; how she removed from Sheffield to Dgrbyshire, one of England's\ most lovely counties, rich in minerals, in which I believe her husband had some inter- est, and how, moved by visions of the New World, they bade adieu toVtheir native land, and settled in tne United States. But "man proposes and God disposes." v Their bright hopes were not realised. The Divine thoughts were not their thoughts. In His owm way God works out His own plans. What « coarse of discipline followed the steps of this young wife and mother ! Her t)wn account will tell of the sickness and death on\the, voyage, the interinent of the loved one in the stormy sea^ the sorrowful landing, the illness and death her earthly support. In tha midst of these , failed, and the weakness so much mor^ t life began to appear. Then every hope uctantly surrendered. " Every door seemed closed but one, bui that was mercy<8 door." I well remember the last time she visited my fandily, probably in 1854. From that time to the present, though her afflictions have been extreme and continuous, she has experienced the upholding of the Divine power, while the faith which honoured God has been marvellously answered by the Divine provision. ., The Christian reader who follows this providential^ story to its close will find new proofig that the Go'd and Fathe Lord Jesus Christ is a living and unchangeable God. » HBiniT Die Bbooeltn, New YoBKi of him who wi trials her heal manifested in ■of self-help was of our BON. i>' *-Ti|i^i(P»|W'^*!>«|-^^>r""fy^in-»Jf*»!n5^ •**""'™'1f' J«. . .^ 'm CONTENTS. Dedication. Preface. Pbefatory Notes : By John Stephenson . • By Henry Dickinson . . • OHAPTSB I. Eaely Years . . • • • ^ II. The YotJNG Disciple . . • in. The Shadows of the Sea . IV. Thp Rugged Way . . • V. The Victory of Faith • • >YI «! .' ix . - X 13 19 25 31 38 44 . 61 . 58 . 75 » . 83 . 92 . 97 . 107 . 126 r:r.rim:-^^- \ ' .^ " -1^ -; . *- '?" '^^^i'^y-'?^ •V •,f»->f •"■■<"f?n-ff - ■ ■■i-tw^-. F»*"« Xll Contends. XV. GooDNEM AND Mercy . XVI. Grace, Mercy, and Peace . XVII. The Shadow op His Wings XVIII. Friends Flittinq away XIX. Words OF Friends XX. With Winos as Eagles XXI. Lead Tiiou me on XXII. The Kino's Work XXIII The Resting Place XXrV. Faint yet Pursuing XXV. Faith, Hope, Charity . . ' XXVI. Clouds^ Rain, and Sunshine XXVn. The Fiery Furnace . . XXVIII. Rich, not Poor XXIX. Joys op FRfENDsnip XXX. The Onward March . XXXI. The Flood op Years XXXII. Tender Mercies . XXXin. Great AND Precious Promises XXXIV. At Evening Time, Light »Aea . 139 . 160 . 156 , 167 . 180 . 189 . 214 . 223 . 233 . 241 . 246 . 254 . 262 . 272 . 286 . 301 . 313 ♦. . 324 . 337* .348 ll^ ■O ^.> ^ A CHAPTER I. EiLBLT \TEA^8. ■;F|-- I " I romcmber the days of old ; I mMitato on all Thy works ; I mase on the work of Thy hands.— PsALM cxlili. 6. ' ' ' ( « The living, the living, he shall prAise Thee, as I do this day. ; the father to the children shall make knowi^ Thy truth."— ISA. xxxviii. 19. I WAS born July 18th, 1821, in\ Hull, England. Of my parents I would speak with reverence, for I can say with CJowper — " My boast is not that I deriVe my birth , From loins enthroned or rulers- of the earth, ^ \ But higher far my proud pretensions rise. The child of parents passed iiito the skies." \ They were devoted followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. My father, John Beeton, was bom August 1772, in Norfolk, « England ; my mother, Elizabeth Smawfield, was born Bofember 2nd, 1776, in Epworth, the birthplace of the "Wesleys. My grandfather was in the shoe business, and^the Wesley family traded with him; my grandmother Smawfield was a devoted follower of Christ, and died when my mother was about twenty-one years of age, " I have often heard my mother speak of the death-bed scene. She, being tlie eldest daughter, felt the responsibility for tjie younger children rest heavily upon her, and when friends were praying at the bedside of her mother, " Not our will, but Thine be done," she would not say it, but felt in her heart to say: "A little of my will. Lord ; oh, spare my mother ! " When ther mother saw her weeping, she said; "My daughter, weep not; as I am only •1' fc^ 'i5^,.» W.^-^%^S?g^.~> " ^1^%,.,.£\ ^^44 I -rf^j^ *"" ► -59™*/ ' *^ i', f *X^^*« .^v -i""^ ' J*-#' H Rifted Clouds, -t .tepping out of mjr Father', kitchen into Hi. pi^rlour." Thu. .totioned ,„ her (own. .nd . young .oldier. toll „d"f iZ JH-ingSgure n.«leher«quiint.nce Soon rfter hnrono^d oecause she loved hira they were married Thi« «— - - ]. men i L^": '.v' r ''^■'^''<' '"» •- --"«"h5 t J^LT" "'7J"'PPJ' '" *•>«■• ■wrried life, yet „„. „,„ ^e^oM r/ £!*"; *'"'■' """' ""' "-ild wa, .'Luf S Th ? Jl ^f^''*^^ '^''^^°«^- I ^'W about nine yeara^d' i da not remember the time when I heard of tf,A aIJiTc or ^L^ M 1 1!, r M **"■" *^*'' *'"'' "^ oight »ind it Sit L te.it "onr",; ""* "L' '^■"""^ «^edifSrX%t:r.^-?:.\r-t:^^^^ that we should meet li**r i..,* c , ' ^ thinking menf.th^l:rnit ^is^'lrrv^/l;" 7 'here. I,ut .other „„ not the™." Father I:!?-'^;''^*:.' . jut,aMk^jtd.iiAM.j^\iisitihtsiai mu . .d^m«. ••'-;-^r Early Years. N »5 go?" Siater replied: "Bella said you wished us to do so." Dear old man; he talked with me, and of course, punished me severely, yet that was but little to what I felt in my mind. ^ I hardly dared to go to sleep lest I should be lost. Thus- things went on till I was about t«n years old. Father had a prayei^meeting at our house every Sunday evening after service. During one of these meetings my sister Hannah, who was home on a visit, became anxious about her soul. At nine o'clock the meeting was closed. A few remained to pray with her, and I was sent to bed ; but I crept down and sat on the stairs, and, oh ! how I wished I could go in and be prayed for, but dared not do so. I waited until I heard my dear mother singing, " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," after which I ran upstairs to bed. My iister Hannah was very gay, and wore ^»er hair in long curls. In the morning I thought, " Now I will see if my sister is con- verted.'* The curl-papers were lying on the dreying-table, so I took them downstairs, and said : " Sister, here are your curl-papers." She said: "No, my dear, they are the devil's curl-papers. I do not want them now; I do not intend to serve him any more," Then I was satisfied that she \^ converted. That dear sister lived a most earnest and devoted Christian life, Mid was for many years an acceptable teacher. She died in 1852 in New Tork, after years of great suffering. About that time I heard that they were having service at Norfolk Street Chapel every morning at five o'clock. I got father to let me go with a Mr. and Mrs. Wright^he was a local preacher. I went with them for some weeks, and felt I was saved, and that my sins were forgiveij; but being of a diffident nature, I did not like to tell any one, although I often tried to do so. By this I lost my peace of mind, and then it seemed that I was worse than ever I had been befof©, and might as well give up trying to be good. I was sorely tempted, and yielded to maSy wrong ^bigs, and when I would hear ^ dear father pray at family wMhip, pleading%r his children that they all might be the saved^of the Lord, T would often k "J^' W' i6 Rifted Clouds, turn and look at that old grey hoad bowed in earnest sup- plication, and would weep, I felt so bad, and think, ** Shall I erer be sared ? " " Oan I erer be forgiven, or shall I be lost ?" I had heard the paHsago discussed bj friends at mj mother's, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there renmineth no moi^ sacrifice for sins." The opinion of some was that it was doubtful if any could be saved who had .thus done, repeating the words, **£phraim is joined to idols, let him alone." How careful older Christians should be in conversing before children of these thing* ! ,< Shortly after this I had several serious attacks of illness, and, oh ! what sorrow I would feel, yet dared not tell my mother or sisters, fbr fMr they would question me, tod tell me there wafi no merqr for me because I had been so naughty after having promised to serve the Lord. These lines were often in jny thoughts^ — ^ " What after death for me remains, Celestial joys or hellish pains To all eternity ? " Thus I was until the spring of 1834, when I heard. a sermon from, " The Spirit and the bride say, Come ; and let him that heareth say, Gsme, and let him that is athirst come, and who- soever will, let him take the wat^r of life freely.** ^ The btter clause was .dwelt upon, and I saw some light but little comfort. When our Sunaky School anniversary sermons were preached I was on^^ a number chosen to sing on a plijt- form in the chapel, mit it ^e me no picture, I was so unhappy. One of the hymns was — " Daughter of Zion, awake from thy sadness, ^ Awake, for thy foes shall oppress thee no mote." These words^ fastened in my mind, and I tho^ht, « My sins are my foes, uid if they are pardoned they will oppress me no inore,** and then, about nine o'clock, after the sermon, I was c # ■*. -^ -y ;itr:" ■ ■. f; Early Vgars, 17 enftblod to cant my burdon at the le«t of Joiuii, and felt Ua did forgive mo all mj •ina. That wan fifty yMuni ago, and tfaua far the Lord hath led me on. I did not heaitate to tell my dear mother, my beat friend, and thia waa a groat h(«lp to me. I became a Umchor ahortly aft«ir, and did what I could for Jeaua. My aiaterH wore married, one in January, the other in February 1835, and thua 1 waa left at home alone with my )i&r parent*. I become acquainted with, and was much in the company of a lovely family, Mr. and Mra. Goodwin, membera of the Society of Frienda. I loved them and their children very much, and watched their ChriHtian life. A younger aiator of Mrs. O. waa often there, Misa Grace Davy, now Mra. Henry Dickinson, of Brooklyn, with whom 1 began at that time a life-long friendahip. I waa present at her marriage, and felt that I would like to join their Society, for their plaiuneaa suited me. I could never think it right for me to wear a bow of ribbon or a breast-pin or ring, though I had nothing to aay about others domg so, I went to Mr. Brown, my Class leader, and told him how I felt about the Friends. He said, "Sister Bella, I teir you what we will do; we will meet at seven o'clock each morning for ten minutes in special prayer for three months. Speak to your parents, and if at that time you still feel drawn to leave us for the Friends, I will get you your transfer." I did so, hnd although \ve met every week in Class we never spoke of it again until the end of the three months. I kept the contract to the letter ; when I told my parents they sMd, »♦ Follow your leader's advice, and if at.tjiat time you still wish to go you shall have our consent." At the end of the three months I went to him and told him I should remain a Methodist. Yet I always loved the Friends, and had great respect for any one who belonged to their Society. When about six years old, in Hull, the Sunday School belonging to the Wesleyan chapel was so far away from our .2 V i If^ * ^ • ' V" tn i8 ^i//#•/■ :*..^,. V « i.-^-<.'.:. ..v.t"^t.- ... t-fjiifted Clouds. Sheffield, like the JSTeS^ York Fire Points in former years. The next week I gained access to one house; from another a dog was set at me (and I was terribly afraid of dogs), but this one did, not seem to frighten me. One of the men called the dog off, saying in his strong Irish brogue, " What are you about there ? Sure what harm is she doing ? " Next week I got into three houses, and bad permission to read and offer a short prayer. In a few weeks I had access to all but two or three houses. Thus I had beei^ getting along when one day I wasajnet by a woman who said, " It is yourself ; we were watching for you, honey." I asked her what was the matter, and she took me to a room where was a young woman apparently dying with her dead babe beside her. She said, *^It was yourself I wanted to see." I asked her what I could do for her. "I want to hear more of the dear Jesus ye were speaking to me about." I read to her the Saviour's invitation, " Come unto Me afl ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," also about "the new heaven and the new earth ; " but I tried to tell her how it was only those who came4;o Jesus and believed in Him that could reach that happy place and find that rest. I prayed with her, and asked her if she did not want to see her priest j she said, "Ko, I only Wflflt to see you or one of your ministers." .Then I was in a di}emma, and needed my mother's advice. I went home and asked mother to go upstairs with me, I had something to tell her; she did so, and first I asked her not to be displeased with me. I told her my story ; she looked amazed. "To the • Isle,' child ! " I said, " Yes, no one else would take it." She said, " Well, dear, our preachers live so far away you had better go up to the vicarage and get the curate to go with you.'* We lived near the parish church and vicarage. I went and saw the old vicar— a grand old man. He called the curate. " To the Isle ! " he said in surp^se ; "yes, I will go with you, but it is only money they want." I said, "No, indeed, it is not." We found the poor thing delighted- to see us. He talked and prayed with her ; and there, in that miserable, dirty mmm The Voung Disciple. 21 place, in the comer of a room, with many people in it, on a pallet of straw, a precious soul was redeemed, saved by grace Divine. She lived a few days. The curate, a true man of God, visited her every day, and told me he never saw a ^ brighter conversion. Is anything too hard for the Lord of hosts ? I continued my work in Sheffield until I became too feeble, and had to be seat to Hull to my native air, where I stayed with my brother's family six months. During that time I became acquainted with a young man who was preparing to go as a missionary to New Zealand. I had always wanted to be a missionary, and now thought that I • would have an oppor- tunity to do so, and' was pleased with the idea that I might some day go to work fer the Master. But my brother thought I was both too young and too feeble to receive the attention of any one; Jie also knew the young man better than I did, and requested me not to revive any more attention from him. He wrote to father, and I was sent for to return home. Soon after I went to call on my first Ohiss leader, Mr. Benjamin Wood. I found that his wife had died, that he had broken up his home, had become intemperate, and was boarding. I felt very sad, and could hardly believe it. They were holding extra meetings in Norfolk Street Chapel. I prayed much about Mr. Wood, and felt impressed to go and seek him out. I went to where they told me he boarded; it was a long way from where we lived, but I went and waited for him to come from work to his tea. He was surprised to see me. I told him what I had heard. He said, yes, he was at first innocent of the charge, but afterward gave way to temptation, and then gave up going tp chapel altogether. I told him I had come to take hun to chapel. He asked if I would walk with him through the streets. He wanted me to leave him, and he would come some other night. I replied that! had come for him, and I did not wish to go without him. We went to God's house together. He 8a| in the back seat, and refused to go farther in. He promised to be there the next night, and not only kept his ''<^%: ,?'' ■'1. -»*r- -#.- 22 Rifted Clouds. -}t promise, but went forward as a penitent, and was restored to the joys of salvation. "What a happy man he was ! and as long as I remained in SheflSeld he kept in t|^ good old way. " I will heal their backslidings, and love tfem freely." ' My health was very poor for some time. I was taken with great pain in my knee, which seemed to baffle the skill of the physicians for a long time. Very severe treatment was used, but to no purpose, when it seemed to one of the physicians that it might proceed from the spine. The day had been fixed to have the limb taken off, but my doctor said he coulcf^^S not bear the idea of this. He studied much about it. Tlil '^^'^^' spine was examined, and there was found the cause of all the trouble. Again very severe treatment of issues, and leeches, and blisters was used, but in a few months I was^ able to walk again. In about a year I was taken very ill with inflammation of the brain. I lay in spasms for a long time; my head was shaved, and again severe treatment was used; but in answer to the earnest pleadings of my parents the Lord blessed the means and I was restored, quite against the expectations of the physicians. When better I was sent to my oldest sister in Derbyshire. I became ill again. Her physician. Dr. Gregory, was a sincere Christian. The trouble was inflammation of the brain again. He bled me nine times in th& arm in three weeks. The last time he thought % was dead, and he pleaded with God most powerfully to spare me to my parents. He .said that I must have had a glimpse into the spirit world during this illness. The curate of the church visited me often. I enjoyed his visits and teachings very much, and was cheered and^elped by them. It was at my sister's that I first met Mr. Cooke, who was a frequent visitor there. He was ^ devoted Christian man, a Class leader in the Church, also Sunday School superintendent, steward, and chorister; he was in very comfdrtable circum- stances, owned two lead mines, and had shares in a third. Mr. Cooke was several years older than myself, but from the '' 0. The Young Disciple. n first day of my second visit at my, sister's ho began to pay attention to me. He said to my sister, Mrs. Lees, '* That young woman will be my wife; don't yon remember a dream I told you I had some time ago ? Well, it is she I saw in my dream ; ^ he had not seen me at the time of the dream. He dreamed thdft a young womtin came to the village, that he asked her in marriage, but she would not consent to be married except from her father'^ house and the parish church in Sheffield ; and, said he, " This is she, but do not tell her my dream ; " nOr did I hear of it until after we were married. My father heard that some one was keeping company with me, and came to see the young man and inquire into the matter. He found Mr.. Cooke all he eould desire, and gave the consent which was asked the first opportunity after my father came. Mr. Cooke said to me, " I have one request to make." I asked what it was. "Are you willing that our house should be the preachers' home when they come to preach?" I answered that it would be a pleasure to have it so. He said when his father was living his house was their home, but since his death they had been greatly in need of -a steady stopping-place ; so as soon as we could we furnished a little upper room and called it the " prophet's chamber." They preached for us every other Sabbath and every Wednesday, and stayed all night, and when they had tarried awhile they left a blessing behind; especially did I feel it so after our financial losses fell upon us, but never did I permit them to seie our straits and difficulties. We were very nicely settled. I went to work in the Sabbath School, distributed tracts, collected missionary money, and also from the local church subscribers, from a penny to one shilling per week. - Thus time sped on until our first baby eame^ when my life was despaired of, and for two weeks the babe was taken away to be cared for by others ; but the Lord in mercy spared my life and raised me up again. Our next babe, Mary Elizabeth seemed to bring sorrows with her. Up to that time our X t i if. -.# i .f ^ .5 \' '^%' i 24 Rifted Clouds. married life had been bright and prosperouii, for our only trial was the parting with sisters and their families who left England for the United States. I seemed to b<) left alone. But 'when our dear <^hild Mary was a few days old, mis- fortunes, as they are cabled, began to fall upon us. By disr honesty and rQbbery my husband lost' much of his property. IVe were greatly depresi^ed^ but even in this affliction may I not^t^ce the hand of |E*rovidence ? for had things gone on prosperously we should never have com6 to this country, nor is it likely that I shoula have been so peculiarly led to live in Him a life of faith, ajid learn by experience the riches of His lovingkindness. j During this summer the celebrated Bev. Robert Newton came to preach our Sunday School anniversary sermons. We always tried to have some | noted preachers for the^occiasion, at which times the children appeared in white on the platform and sang the hymns. Mr. Newton made his home at our house; Mary was in the cradle; he took her up and kissed her, and earnestly prayed that she might be spared to be a useful woman in the Lord's vineyard. ^ ^^^ \. In August 1845 another little one was given to us, Agnes Ann, a lovely babe, who seemed to be more of heaven thai^ of earth. In 1846 my >ister Lees came to visit us from ^ New York, but only 'stayed two days. The next month I was going to buy some fruit from a dealer at the door ; I rffn up- stairs for a basket ; the little one crept to the door ; just then a waggon load of hay on the street came in contact with the fruiterer's cart and turned it over upon my darling. We picked her up for dead after the horse and waggon were raised. Oh, the anguish it caused me ! All thought her dead, but she partially recovered", and was with us until April 1847, when God took her. *■■»,« -■■■vjl CHAPTEE HI. THE BHAJDOWS OP THE SEA. " I aW bringing my child to the heavenly land, I am leading her day by day, And aim asking her now, whilst I hold her hand, To come home by a rugged way. " By a way t^at she never herself would choose, For its beetles she doth not see ; And she know^not yet what her soul would lose If she trod not this path with me." In January 1847, my dear hugband, on account of repeated losses in business, which reduced us greatly, decided to come to New T(Jrk, and accordingly, after many severe trials and heart-rendings in bidding adieu to parents and friends, we embarked on board the ship Cambridge, Captain Peabody, at Liverpool, on the 4th April, 1847, and after lying in the Mersey six days, we bade a final farewell to our native land, where we had been taught to bow the knee in prayer, and lisp Our Father, and the sweet name of Jesus. Every stranger Imows it is not a small trial to set out for a strange land. Mine had been a favoured lot, as I was blessed with parents who walked with God— and I felt assured that it was a final farew^ i but in this trying hour the Lprd stood by me, and although I was Lving far below my privilegeft^^n Ghrbt, He did not cast me off, but was still whispering in my^^eart, " Come closer, this is the way, walk thou in it."* But my- i^beUious heart wyuld say, "Nay, Lord, but in this way." bh* the wonderful longsuffering of an offended aod; He cast me ^ ? ■"a '.V 4' '^t*, .4'* ^^"v^W^';'-^: iV / mf*^ k I \ Rifted Clouds, ofE in my lutewarmness, but in answer to the prayer of Him Who ever liveth to intercede for me, He cut me not down aa a cumberer o|rtlie ground, but pruned the unfruitful branch that it might bring forth more fruit. '* Tears of joy my eyes o'erflpw, f That I have any hope of Heaven ; Muct^of love I o'ught to know, For I've had much forgiven." *_ ' In the ship the Lord raised up friends for us. The captain and his wife were very kind, also the other officers of the ship. There were 350 Bomai^ists in the eteertfge, most of them of the lowest class, and among them was our lot cast ; but the goodness of the Lord gave us favour in the sight of the captain. The' fare of the first-class state room was more than we felt able to pay, as there vere five of us. But how to live in that place we knew not ; for two nights I could not undress,^and in our trduble we cri«i to the Lord, and unworthy as I was He answered, and on the third day Captain Peabody called for me and asked how. I was getting along. I told ^ him 1 did not Jcnow how we^could live there for five or six weeks, that we had no idea of being put in isuch, a place and company, but if I could not ha^e my circumstances to my mind, I would try to bring my mind to my circumstances. He replied, " That is a very good way; but," saW he, "I never intended you to be down there ; ydia would never live to get to New York." Nor do* I think we ccKild ; for to say nothing of the dirt, it waer a constant uproar oKfiddling an,d dancing, cursing and swearing, tod sometimes figl^ing. The captain called two of his men and bade them' tak^ up our baggage and put it in the house on the deck, and th^n ^k me by the baiid, and le4 me into the cabin., saying, ^^*H^, Mrs. Cooke, is your place." I replied, "We could Wt pay the difference in the fare;" he answered, "-You hav€^ nothing i^iore to pay ; I have an interest in the vessel, and it is\my wish for you to be here." Then he went and sent my dear;^ husbfOMd and children to me. Express our gratitude to him iip coiu^ not; all this from a stranger, ■\ 7v^ Shadows of the Sea. 27 we could scarcely believe it. Mr. Cooke obflerved, " If this is the way Americans treat strangers (for the officers of the ship were Americans) we have not much to fear." That night was the first time since being on board that we could have our little ones around us and read undisturbed the word of God. And, oh I how earnestly did my dear husband plead with the Lord to guide us safely to our destined port, and thank Him for His lovingkindi ess. Our companions were very kind, and so were the captain and his lady in their notice of our - children, and their pleasure in hearing them sing. On the 14th of the month our dear little Agnes was taken with ship- dysentery ; the captain did all he could to save her, also the first mate; but the Great Captain ordered ik otherwise. He saw fit to take her from the voyage of life, and land her where no rude blast should trouble her more. She lingered on in great suffering until the 22nd, and at two a.m. the precious Saviour called her to. Himself, and sheltered the tender lamb in His bosom. But, oh ! how my heart rebelled, and would ;^not be submissive; would not give her up. I could not say " Thy will be done." I entreated the Lord, in agony of soul, to sJMire her. How could I give her beautiful body to the deep ? She was my idol ; my dear husband entreated me to give her up, but no, I could not. Yet the Lord took her. Mr. Taylor,* the first mate, was with us, and when all was bver he desired me to lie down, but I replied that as long as I could keep her I would not leave her for a monjient. At five o'clock the captain came and found me clinging! to that loved form ; he with his wife and Mr. Taylor wept^ — the strong men wept. It was a solemn time. Though, so rebellious this passage was given wiih great force to my mind : " The sea shall give up its dead.]* The Holy Spirit strove with me, showing me how wrong it was for me to feel and act in this way. As I was the onlyj professor of religion amon^ the women, I should have set aii example of resignation and patience. But how could I when I did not feel it ? The captain called Mr. Cooke aside and asked if he i «.'; 4 I. n- ■^fY'^^^'"'?^''. -" M! 'J- "^^ nj^ 28 Rifted Clouds. o ter^: knew the mode of burial at sea. He answered that he did, after which the captain said : *' I will encase that little body, and put ballast to it myself, and also give you back her passage money; you have lost enoiigh by losing her." He returned and told me, and we were completely overcome with the goodness of God in putting it into the heart of the captain to treat us with such unexpected kindness. But, oh! my hard heart, I could not take comfort in any of these things — only looked at the dark side, thinking how hardly I was dealt with by Providence — away from parents and friends in my affliction, upon the trackless deep, and my idol about to be consigned to a watery grave. I was almost wild with grief; how many times since then have I been lost in wonder at the longsufFdring of my heavenly Father, that He did not strip me of all my children or husband, dnd leave me to the hardness of my heart ! Yet amid all thia I would occasionally plead fo^ perfect resignation, and feel as if I was about to e;iter that "rest'* promised to the children of God ; but soon again I would %xA myself in the waste, howling wilderness of unbelief. ■/ ' ■■ ■ . > ** In darkness willingly I strayed ; ./■'■"' I sought Thee, yet from Thee I roved, / ^ And wide my wandering thoughts were spread ; Thy creatures more than. Thee I loved ; . / And now if more at length I see, 'Tis through Thy light, and comes from Thee. " ' Yes, blessed Lord, it was because Thy mercies fail not that I was not consumed. After I had with my own hands washed and dressed my precious babe, at ten in the morning it was taken* out to the side of the ship for burial. >- The boatswain piped "all hands to bury the dead," the ship was hove .to, and the officers and many passengers gathered around the gangway witl^ncovered heads. The good (iaptain read the Burial Service, but three times during the reading he~^ turned aside and wept, and then " The heavy-shotted hammock shroud Dropped in its vast and wandering grave." ^1 a,>""^. %C'^i;sii-?^.;"i. *|-^*5d*4*i .f^- ^1 The Shadows of tfu Sea, 29 My heart sank dow^n beneath the waters with my darling, but a voice ptill whispered : *' The sea shall give up its dead." In the afteraoon we perceived that Mary was sick, and for twelve days we watched her, expecting her to follow Agnes, for three of our fellow-passengers passed away in the mean- time. But the Lord spared our child. Before we reached Quarantine the captain came to me and said : " When your trunks have been examined you will have to pass the doctor, and for your children's sake look as cheerful as possible, lest you have to go to the hospital. Although you have no fever, you look dreadfully bad." While waiting on deck for my turn to pass to the boat, a poor womtfh stood near me with her babe in her arms closely covered. I asked if it was sick. She looked around, and then said: "Ain't you tlie bdy that lost the beautiful child?" 1 said, " Yes." " Och, then," she said, "it isn't yourself would betray the likes o'. me if I w:ere after telling you it's dead my child is, after losing one of your own and having it buried in the great sea. Sure, then, I'd jump in after it, for I could not myself bear the like of it." No, it was not I that could betray the poor creature. She got to the city with the dead Mlby, and I trust met with friends jvho could i^iympathise witkher. While watching to see if there was any one looking for us, a fine young man came on board and asked for his father and mother. The names were looked ov6r; they were among those we bad left behind" in the deep; he was shown their baggage, but took no notice of it, and his cries were beyond anything I have ^ver heard. While thinking of his distress a hand was laid upon my shoulder. It was my brother-in-law, John Evans. The first word was, " Where is the baby ? " My brother-in-law, George Lees, was with him, and took us to his home. My sister, holding out her arms, exclq^med : ** Where is the baby ? " The wound was probed again. I said, "Agnes is no more." "Well, dear, let us thank God that you and Joseph are spared." I was thankful it was so, but could not praise the Lord for all that was past or trust Him for the future, but had --"f. ■'■C^ft^:: -. ."*:v ■♦•<•• . *"■ i, . ■*-'■*■• *i*#^' ' i :X *» 36 "** Riftid Clouds. settled down into a sort of melancholy, and i^y thoughts were, " It is very easy for them to talk ; they have not lost a child." Oh, the longsuffering of the Lord to me ! . ' • " Thou thinkst it iweet when friend to friend. . Beneath one roof in prayer may bond ; ^ Then doth the «tranger'g eye grow dim- Far, far are tbusu who prayed with him." Sal^th, the 16th May, 1847, was our first day of rest vi>^, the New World, and in the evening Mr. John Pullman ani J Miss Wilson came to see the strangers. They received us very kindly, and Brother Pullman said, "Well, friends, would you like to go to church ?** I sftid we would, and he took as to Bose Hill church. . " " ' • \ They were singing these words as we entered — .|^' " Ho in the days of feeble flesh • • • . Poured oilt-«tfong cries and tears, \ And in His measure feels afresh What every member bears." . • C^-^'^ I was very much impressed, and they seemed as a balm to my wounded spirit. The place, the preacher, and his sermon had a soothing influence on my tempest-tossed soul. I sought to be quiet and to trust in the lovingkindness of God. -rp^ . * T ■'^*r OHAPTBB IV. TBE BUOOKD WAT. " The Lord pfeienreth the atrangers.' — PsALM cxlri. 9. " Oh I it is hard to work for God, ° To rise and take His part * Upon this battlefiold of earth, And nof^Bomotimes lose heart." i On Monday Be7. Mr. Perry called upon us and advised us to join the Church. We had our certific&te of membership, but by some means it was mislaid; but we showed our last /Quarter's tickets, and Mr. Cooke's Class book, with which he was perfectly satisfied. Besides, his acquaintance with my sister assured him that there was no deception on our part. On Tuesday evening I joined Class, and my husband did the same on Thursday evening. Oh 1 how thankful I am that my feet were ever led to that little church, and that He gave me a place in the hearts of His people, for they have indeed cared for us with a fatherly care, and watched over us in all our affliction, and it is my earnest prayer that the Lord even our Gk>d will stand by them one and all, and give them an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom. The next question was, Where shall my husband find employment? for our means were limited. My sister Evans- took Mary B. with her to.Me^den, Ct., for the summer. My sister Longdon took Hannah with^ her to Wdliiefsddd for some months. For all this I was- very thankful, yet it was a trial to me and the children, as they had never been separated from me before Mr. Cooke traversed the city daily m ■./:■' f ^■-. ».-^l ~ ^-'^^'W ■^, " k .t^wy ■ft pt'-^ \* 33 /?!///54^ Rugged Way, 35 unhappy ? Cannot you trust the Lord when He hath done aa much for us ? We shall never want ; something will turn up by-and-by." He thought all my sorrow was oBraeoount ot* outward trials. We were very ford of singing, but I could not get up the ladder any higher than duch hymns as — " Depth of mercy, can there be Mercy still reserved for me ? " " My Saviour doth not yet appear, . ^ He hides the brightness of His face; " Sometimes I would get on as far as — v' " God is love, I know, I feel --r. ". ■ ,/ Jesus weeps and loves me still."" When in church or anywhere else the people sang hymns of praise and triumph I would stop. I dared not sing what I did not feel, as I considered it would be mocking Q-od ; for although! I did not serve with filial love, but with a servile fear, I would not knowingly displease Hifn. And still I was displeasing Him all the time by not making a full surrender of all I was and had to Him. The Comforter continued to stay near ,me, and I wQXider He did not say, '* Ephraim is joined to idols ; let him alone.'* But no, the prayer had gone forth, "Father, I will that these whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory." And although so unworthy and so unfaithful I was still one of His little ones, and often did I hear- the gentle voice : *' Come unto Me that ye may have life ; yea, come that ye may have it more abundantly." One afternoon in the following March it seemed as if I had almost become desperate, and ^ving the babe to Mr. Cooke, I- said : " I mmt go to the prayer-meeting^would you not like to take care of baby?" He answered "Yes." I went. There was quite on assembly, and Mrs. Sarah Lankford led the meeting. I had seen her before, but not to speak to her. She gave out the beautiful hymn— , '' Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness P My beauty are, my glorious dxesa.^ il > '- , H \ ' ■ -^v l lyj "4«- - .-r. *? A •» •| : *<■' '* 36 Rifted Clouds, I could pot sing, only wept; Sister Lankford remarked that " the strange sister who appears very much depressed we should like to hear from." I tried to speak, but utterance was" choked. Sister L. spoke of my feeling so badly ; a sister replied that any of them would feel badly if they were in a strange land, with little children, and husband without work. Then Mr?. Lankford came forward, and laying her hand upon my shoulder said: "Darling, cannot you trust the Lord?'* I replied that I was trying to trust Him, but it seemed of no usff. She then asked me what Mr. Cooke could do ; I told her he was willing to do anything to earn an honest living for his family. She replied: "He may come down to Dr. Palmer's to-morrow morning, and I think Mr. Lankford will engage him," and looking at Mary asked if that was one of my little ones, with so much affection that it won my heart and the child's heart also. With what joy did I go home, and as soon as I entered the door, said : " Father, there is hope of work." It was so un'Scpected that he said, " Not for me ? " I said, " Yes, for you." The tears started into his eyes while he asked me about it. Oh! how anxiously did he wait for the morning, which at last came, and he went to meet Mr. L., who thought Mr. C. was not strong enough for hjs work ; he said : " If you *lvill only try me I will endeavour to please you;" but Mrs. Lankford said, "1 want you, to engage him, for I want his wife and children with us up at Caldwells." Mr. L. replied that he could try, but it was evident he had not been used to such hard Work as was needed. It was agreed that he should go up the following Tuesday and try for a month, and then take up his family if he succeeded. He came home like a new man ; as he entered the door lie clapped Ijis hands, saying ':: "lam going,— the gentleman has engaged me." Oh, what rejoicings were in that little home ! My sister said : " I am so glad the Lord has openld your way to go there ; you will be well cared for." This dear sister had always had a mother's care over me. Surely here was the hand of the Lord directing % >f,Tr -"m^.l^i^ f ' 'r*^ ^* *-\f ^ * t,^ t^^ V ■• ^W' ■ The Rugged Way. 37 my steps to the prayer-meeting, and also the steps of Sister- Lankford ; for she but seldom attended that meeting ; and for - this I will praise the Lord through all eternity. The coming week he left us, earnestly praying that the Lord would open- his way before him, and give him favour in the sight of his people. After two weeks Sister L. came down and told me to get ready, for;they could not part with Mr. Cooke, and he would be down for us in two weeks. My joy was almost unbounded ; what to say I knew not. Mr. L. was trying to have a little cottage prepared for us, and if he could not succeed, would let us have two rooms and make us comfortable. How happy I was ! Constant tvorJc, our own bread, and a home ! The foUowitig Monday my husband came, but Mary was sick with ssarlet fever; my things were all packed, and he could not be away from his work another day ; but my way was opened, for sister wished to l^eep Mary and take care of her. April 9th, 1848, we reached Caldwellsj a beautiful place (m the Hudson, above Haverstraw. Happy time, happy change ! Mrs. L. came down to the boat to meet us and gave us a hearty welcome.. We went with her to dinner, after which Mrs. Lankford said, " I have to go to the city for a few days. The cottage is not ready for you yet ; you had better remain here until my return." After she left I told Mr. Lankford I preferred to go to the cottage ; he said it was n,ot ready ; still I wished to go, and did so. I said I could clean it, and we could sleep on the floor. I longed to be in our own home, besides, I feared the children would be trotiblesome. With what joy did we close the door of our^ cottage ! for it was the first time we had had a house to our- selves since we broke up our home in Derbyshire. Often did I think of Mother Cooke's words : " Bella, you will never have another home like this ; " and my brother, as we were parting at the railway station, said : "Bella, this is a wild goose chase ; you have broken up^a lovely home ; will you ever have another like it?" .rJ^'-inKkt •■( .'H^v '»'^ <*• 'Pi^'' ti^'l'ti'}' \ ■'-^: ."'i "■.^.••vr-i.T'J '. d ?i;f^j i ■ y f r. CHAPTER V. (*• ' i - • if ' THE VICTOET OP FAITH. . * " What hast thou done in all these years, Since Christ in love dispelled thy fe&rs,' » And in their place gave peace of mind, - And access to His throne to find ? Tell me, my soul I Oh, glorious liberty ! freedom indeed, ^ Deliverance, full and complete ; \, ' Since He gives me 80 freely the |^»ce that 1 need, s I- willingly follow where'er He doth lead, And I'll ever keep low at His feet." I TBLT thdiikful to have a home once more. Tet even here, with everything done that was reasonably possible for our comfort, i was not happy; the thought came that we were having more than we earned, and. thereby we were more dependent than it suited me. Oh, my poor unsubdued spirit, what a training thou hadst to go through before finding thy resting-place ! A few days after Mrs. Lankford returned from , the city ; I was glad to see her, but when a little more than a week had passed, and she asked me how I liked my new home, she was disappointed in not finding me as happy as she had hoped. Mrs. Jjankford said she would like me to spend a little time every afternoon, with her in reading, oonvei^ation, and prayer. I was very thankful forjihe privilege. • . On the second day shc^ said : "How do ^ou get on? Po you think yon will like it up here with us?" ^ sjiid I liked the place'^^ery well, but could not stay, for, my hiisband was not .1 / 'S^, rfJiiid'. ^^Vft, mi mtmm '*r. ''?.1*s;vw!^''-'"':li ^^m^'i.- M . 1 ' •asuiS^B - 7"/4^ Viciory of \ Faith, 39 earning all we received ; neither he nor I was satisfied on that point. , She smiled, ai),d said she did not think that I especially had anything to do with that; Mr.. Lankford was perfectly saiisfied w,ith Mr. Cooke, hut she added, "I think I know what is the matter ; ybu need a little more religion, do you not think. 80?" i said "No." She then said: "Well, whit do you need^ " I said, " I need much more, but I pannot- stay here ; " the swells from the steamboats almost drown my heart every time they pass up the river, and I bury my little one over again ; and besides, 1 cannot be dependent." Mrs. Lankford said, "Tou will get uiSed to the swells, and that high, proud English spirit will have to come down ; do you eujoy the , bless- ing of uninterrupted communion with God?" I answered that I did noF, and there was no use for me to seek it, as I had heard a sister say she did not think a mother could keep it. Mrs. Lankford replied : " My dear child, .what you want is for the Lord to keep you, instead of you keeping yourself ; do you not believe the Bible ?" I was astonished at the question, *^for had I not loved it from my childhood ? but I had been so ' upfaithfuL Mrs. Lankford replied : " * If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse ub from all unrighteousneHS,' is He not ?^ Do you not believe that His grace is free ? " " Oh yes." "Then why not for you ? Now let us kneel right down and ask the Lord just pom for ,. that cleansing." And taking the Bible, blessed Book ! she retti s part of the thirty nsixth chapter of Ezekiel, beginning at tl^e twenty-fifth verse, and then earnestly entreated the Lord for , Christ's sake to receive me ind cleanse me from all sin, aftef which we arose and sang— r " How do Thy mercies close me round," repeating the li^ yerse — \' / *' Me for Thine own Thou lov'st.to take." "^^ again knelt. I tried to pray, and Mrs. Lankford said, "I ^ant you to pray. It is you who are seeking the tiord's ble^ing, and. remember, you are committing suicide to dtu'ry v^f^-i tr A' r ^ ■:.% '^ "'^ ^^ .li^lc.- i."J?rtifc-S*'-i 1- ■ » f* ' '^; ^-, ■ ^^^,^^ f:' it- J'%. ■\ '-■'■1 \- ^t:. 40 ^ Eified Clouds, Buch a burden with that poor frwl body; the Saviour askn you to cast it all at His feet ; He vki carry it for yoii. ' The faith shall bring" the power." She said, •* The Lord is waiting ta be gracious wyw ; " and then she led in prayer again ; and there, just when this passage came to my mind : ^' Them that honour Me, I will honour,? and "Whosoever shall be |ish'amed of Me, of him will I be ashamed before „My Father and His holy angels." With this before me, I resolved by His grace to . ; ' " tell to all around . J ^ , ' What a dear Saviour I have found ;" ^ "1. i^ J*?; f. y 4 o4 1 v^ft -'H •<*iflA'' ■r?f ^ " _• y. 1 •■*"■ 42 -^^/^^ Clouds, and whenever opportunit> offered, or I was ^led upon, I would^ tell the wond^ful dealing, of the Lord with me. Accordingly I wont to the meeting, and spoke freely in the ' strength of the Lord. And, oh ! the power that came down ; it almost overcame me. I hardly knew whether I was in or out of the body. I then felt a strong desire for my dear h'usband to enter into this rest, and that my dej^r little ones should be flayed. Shortly aft^r the Lord gave me the assurance that my children should be saved ; yet 1 dared not claim it for them during my life. I knew it would be done. I felt that Jehovah " had promised them to me, but the time and the manner I knew nothing about; and thus I continued to keep them before the Lord, for they were His. Thus passed the summer of 1848 very pleasantly; but the next winter 1 was the subject of very sore temptationj.. Sometimes it seemed aa if Satan were let loose upon me for a season, and once or twice I yielded in a measure, bat, praise my heavenly Father, He enabled me to go right to the blood of sprinkling, and know that the sin was put away. .. During the winter we had no opportunity of attending public worship, as there was no preajhing-place in the vicinity. Mrs. L. was away in New York, the river was frozen, and there was no intercourse between the city and us ;■ but we held church and Sabbath School in our own room My dear husband would read, and explain what he read in the Btessed Book. We wpuld sing and pray togather, and hear thft children recite the Scripture which" they had learned during the week; and, though we were alone, our Sabbaths were a delight. We welcomed them as a day of rest and refreshing from the Lord. We invited our neighbours to join us, but they were so busy on that holy day drawing wood or mending vi^eu- barns, that they thought they had no time to worship Him^ho gave them life and all itjj comforts. ' in the spring of 1849 I had a sore trouble A reproachful charge was made against me, of which I was pekectly innocent This was a painful woundr but I felt that I had a sur^ ^id^ ■■/■- u .'•^■ •vj" '*"-»V r •»t »• •■« - no-r !•-»« ' ^ %ir-d M3 re8|(ing-pIaoe, and, "though an host should «noamp against tne^"'Qne thing I would seek after, that I might dwell in His 'pre$enj^ for ever, and be approved of Him. Oh I with what joy/ 1 hailed Mrs.' L. back in April, that I might again be profited by her counsel and prayer. W^&if-^f^^'M;--^ / y%^ , . • • 'H - • ■\- ''« /^ ' * , * ' . .>Vv \ \ ' km ' . '» t ' - \ ft * 1 ■ \ 1 ^9^^| ■ .•*• . ^ ■ V ~ ' ^^M ■ * . ■■ ■ - \ . ■■ •■ ,M i X '■ " , A ; • « ." '■ \; 11 « & '1 ■'..V 11 * \ *' *9| . ■ '\ ' \_ " ■ , - ., - 1 \ '* 9l ■ . «l"- / 1 ■■ -'■ -' ■■•■.■ •■ ■ ■ . . - . ■N, ■ ■ ' ■ '■■ ■ ■ /'■ " .■■". - ■ ' ^'^ V, ^\ \ ■ ' / ■■ ^ "-.^eM ■* ^\. • \ '-^ «- - '-# \ \. ■■, \ * ' X ' '\ ■ ' \ \ _ • /: . •■ ^ : * m 7 ■ h - ; ^-\- ' •. ■ ^- - ' --' ---- - ■ 1 /. «, ^ «.» ,, -* #• ;-; /«. % '^r V ('•.'■-^^ CHAPTER VI. "Tilt MAK£B IS TIIINB IIUSDAUD." \ "Thy Maker is tWno husband; tho Lord of Hosts is His namo."- ISA. liv. C. " Give me the ctjp, my Mftster ! 8co me clasp With wiUing hands Uiis remedy from Thine. Forgive the mortal shudder, mortal gasp That proves me human, proves me not Divine. Slowly eachdrop I'll taste, and one by one, For Thep^l'^riulc, Lord ; let Thy will be doue." It seems as if my cup of blessing was full. The summer came, and with it many dear friends from the city with whom I was permitted to take sweet counsel, and we often met for social . conversation and prayer. In July 1840 Mr. and^Mrs. JCellogg and Mr. and Mrs. Hall were with us. The cholera was raging at a fearful rate in the city, and this was the theme of conversation. Mr. Hall said that he knew the Lord would preserve him and his family from it, for the Lord had said: " Ther& shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling," I replied that I could not say so, for if my husband or children should be taken with it, I could not look upon it as an evil. It would certainly be a great trial, but not an evil, and I believed the Jjprd would sustain me through it. He said I was welcome to , my views, and he would keep his. • Four weej^s from that day ' I was called to ky the remains of my deir husband in the cold, cold grave, there to rest in sure and certain hope of a glorious* resurrection ; for " the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall \/ I "fj^"y*\ '%? "r» ■ .'T ■ ^' . m ,, , 1 , 'I •5,'4-" •* Thy Maker is thim ^Husbandr 47 Ood to NUfltAin in the trying hour of death. Th«r« wo stood when, at twenty minutos to «ight p.m., I was airentod by Mm. L. iiaying i " Happy fouI, thy dayii are endod." I looked at her and waid : " I« it so?" "Yea," whe replied, "our brother in with the blciwed ; " but lo calm, so much like falling asleep, I could scarcely btdieve it; truly he slept in Jesus, blessed sleep. All I could think of was, " It is my Father, and He is too good to be unkind. M\j Father! Mi/ Fathfr t Thus parsed away a good and kind hu.iband, an affectionote father, and a devoted Christian ; one whom the Master made ready as a shock of corn to be gathered into the garner of the Lord. W«5 remained silent for some time, when Mrs. h. saiU to me, " Come, dear, you must go with me ; Mr. L. will car© for the poor body ; you can trust it with him, can you not ? " So after getting the tWngs necessary for them, I went with Mrs. L. to her hfiMM, where I found the little ones had been taken, with the baby in the cradilo. She led me to her roocp, where my slwepiag little ones were unconscious of the loss they had sustained. We knelt, a,nd Mrs. L. poured forth her soul in prayer and supplication to our dear Father in heaven, that He would be the Father of the fatherless and the widow's God, and pleaded the promise and assurance in Isaiah : " Thy Maker is thy husband and thy Eedeem«r, the Holy One of Israel, the Lord of Hosts is His name." I had read those words many times, but never before did I see the force of them ; it •eemed as if I did take the Lord at His word and cleave to Hinv «s my husband. After some |imQ we rose fnnn our knees, and Mrs. L. gave me a little rooiff ^adjoining hers, the maid having Jbeen told to prepare jfc for me. I entered, but not to sleep. I went over the past day, trying to realise it, for it seemed as a dream. My eyes i^ted on the illowd of thi bed; (certain passages of Scripture were on the pillow case, and I read : " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, but lo, I am with thee alway, even unto the end of the world." Also, "He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." No one can t e ll th e cpmfort I d e riv e d from those Scriptures; I seemed v| •■'■4 ,.1 \ { /'' ty tv "•P" ^■tii^^Ai.:^ ■ ■ ■"' 1 >.*' 48 Rifted Clouds, ^t .'■< fixed to the chair ; I read and re-read ; oh, how 8we§t were the blessed words ! I knew it was not done intentionally by any one, for the girl was not a Christian. At Ikst I laid down, but not to sleep ; I felt perfectly secure in the arms of Israel's G<^. At early dawn my little ones awoke and asked why they were there, and was papa better ? The baby could not be pacified, she wanted papa ; all her 017 was, "My papa." It ^emed^ as if my heart and brain would burst. I could not Weep; tears refused td flow. Eyen before breakfast Mr. L. came to ask what commands I had, and what I woiild like to hate done. I had nothing to say, but would like, if possible, to haye the remains laid in a Methodist burial ground. He sa^^it should be done if possible. A sppt was obtained in i^eekskill, and he had already sent to New Tork.to my friends, sisters and brother-in-law. The dear remains he had brought to his own house, where he had the services. I have often Wondered at this love in comparative strangers, that they should take pains and care for us in such a manner at a time when some might have fear of infection. I was perfectly astonished, and have often thought it might have appeared strange to them that I had so little to say in the way of thanks. Mr. L. had ail things ready, and went to Peekskill again for the Eev. Mr. Young to speak at the funeral, as the regular minister was absent. The house was full, and the minister spoke from these words : "Then shall the dust return to the' earth as it was, and the' spirit shall return unto Ood Who gave it." The hynm was sung — " And must this body die ? This well- wrought frame decay 2 " A procession of seven boats took us across the beautiful Hudson, and as we passed ovet I thought of another glorious river— a pure river of water of life, cleau: as crystal, proceeding put of the throne of God and of the Lamb, where there shall 0-'* * « ■ I '• Thy Maker is thine Husband'' 49 't% \ be no more curse, and there sh&U be no night there, and they shall reign for ever and ever. On the other /iside a hearse and cairiages were waiting to take us to my dear partner's final resting-place. Amid all this my mind was kept sweetly stayed upon God, no distracting thoughts were permitted to distress or agitate' my soul, but Psahn xxiii. was given me by the Comforter. This sus- tiuned and cheered my poor, crushed, yet trusting, heart, for I felt that it was the: Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good. There were myi little ones, the eldest just eight years old, the baby one year and eight months old. My health was feeble, and with nothing of .worldly goods beforehand, yet I felt secure in the han^ of my heavenly Father, assured that He Who had^ken away my earthly prop would not leave me to suffer. ^Q, "The |iord is my Shepherd" was with me constantly,/ I bad nothing to fear, but much to praise Him for, inasmuch as He had raised up for me such friends in a strange lahd. After laying the precious relics in the silent tomb wfe returned to Mr. L.*s, where my three little fatherless ones met me at the dfbor and the baby crying for her papa. A silent solemnity pervaded the house; we were not permitted to return to our home that night^^^ In the evening Mr. L. said : " Well, I have had many men to work for me in my life, but I never had one like Mr. Cooke, nor do I ever expect to have another so truly conscientious and good." This' was a great comfort to me. Mrs. L. told me the next morning that they would fit up a room in their house until I should be over my approaching illness. I was very thankful for this new token of love, but my sister in New York wanted me with her. "Well, then,*^ she said, " leave me one of your little ones, and I will keep her until then." She took Mary, and instead of a few months, provided for her eleven years, even until the child was fitted to teach. " Pause, my soul, adore and wonder. Ask, oh ! why such love to thee ? " - ^ It needed all that my husband had earned 1» pay the funeral 4 * ** ^^}- t■,.■^ > f'^j. - '■ ' •A 7w,-: •J , .r • ^^- . ^^ ''..'x€^^ I ./ ,.^>, ,%. I fii V. Vf 50 Rifttd Clouds. expenses, and when I returned' to the city to rest a little Mrs. L. gaye me twelve dollars. I also sold some things that I did not need. I told my sister I could help her through the winter, and my sister Longdon took Hannah, so I had but one child with me. On the following 20th of March, 1850, another child was given me, Josephine Lankford, a lovely child, .but, oh I who but those who have passed through such circumstances can tell the feelings of a mother to the child? My physician, a kind Ghristiaii gentleman, waited until it was dressed, when he brought it to me and said : " The Lord has given you a lovely babe ; nurse and care for it for Him." I said, " Oh, Dr. Fitch, but her father ! " He replied, " Yes, my dear, Ood will be her Father," and before he would go down to eat some breakfast saids "Let i}8 kneel and thank the Lord for sparing the life of our dear sister," and with great fervour he approached the throne of grace in my behalf and for my little ones. After this my life was de^pured of,^ but I was raised up in answer, toprayer. -^ " \ . 1 \ y;: ■ ", ' ^' ■ \ ■ ^^^E ^ V \. , ■ ' ■■•< ' ' ■ ' / •i . ■ > V j , .'^^-S;-..... T ? - \ ■ \ ■ .. I V ■ ■■ - ■ . ; ■• ■ r' * - '7 ■■;■ 1 .A- m *- t"!- " -i^^ ,-1 . < • I i^/irr '\-S* 'j^.;Syffi5( i ^'. CHAPTEE VJLI. , THE widow's GOD, "ffor, He shall delivol- the needy when he crieth ; the poor al«), and hinyh|| hath no helper,*'— Psalm Ixxil 12. ^HH^ thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let tllpvpirvVs fxoBt in Me."— jEa xlix. 11. lir April Mrs. Lankford came to ask me what were my wishes for the future. I said if I could I should like a little home of my own ; I would be very thankful She said it should be^ so. Two little rooms were hired, where I removed on the 6th of May. Few can tell what were my feelings when I for the ^rst time locked the door r ^^■ * V '• w r ;:-,\ ♦-■.■■-■ ■•'S , .-. :5' Rifted Clouds, Methodist ^GhutSh ; that he would jiend the coal, and would take lany ^y, and when I \vanted more I must not hesitate to go and tell him. Ten days rolled roundv It was Saturday evening. I was somewhat perplexed; I needed co^J, and did not like to gp to'lhe yard; it seemed like begging it. I did not' like to go apywhe/e else; that would appear ungrateful. L sat down '.with my head on my hand, and was asking my heavenly Father to guide me when a man called out : ** Mra. Cooke, herp is some coal." I knew that it Was from the same gentleman; I nev^r learned his name. For two or three, weeks I got, aloiig verjr well, but then my strength began io , fail, and the doctor said the child must be put out to nurse, and I muist get to the country by short and easy stages,- by which my life might i>e prolonged tjirougli the summer, or in a few weeks, to all huhiui appearances, I shpuld be done with allthe:caresoflife. V i ! « jlccordingly my kind friends gathered around and got li nurse for the baby, and made me up a pur8.e. Mrs. Stephenson and Mrs. Howe wei^ ever ready to help me. They sent me to Miss Busteed^s, at Tarrytown, until I was able to'go to Mrs. Lankford's. >' /.After about two months I was much better, and was able to take the baby and Hanniah, and go. to iny sister Evans, who had sent for me, and wL. N ► -' .«£♦ m" N I H* ^ '% :*"}, >t TAe tVidow's God, 53 Thou skiyme yet will I trust in Thee." It Waa a bitter cold night, apd I^urried home and found mj Hannah had tea ready.. I had butpart^of a small loaf, of bread, nothipg to« cook, and * no milk for my baby. 1 gave the childreh theil^ supper, tookf a oupnof tea, and gave baby some ^eetened waters^ I knew if I could get along until Saturday I should haVe a dollar. Wd went to bed and slept tfou^dly; 'in the mornmg, we had very little, and dear Hannah wanted to, go and get, a loaf of bread so that I could have some." I- said* "No, not this' morning." Mary said, "Mamma, I am j^ure I could eat more ;" I replied, "Tou shdfl have all the breaA you want for dinner;" then Ha^ah spoke Vp atid said: " But, mamma, you s&y that we ought n5t to teat fi^h bread, that it is ftjtravagant ; " again I said/' **Tou shall have all . you. want for dinnBr'; mamma does^not wist any'now." . At family worship, wh^n'pleading the promises, there .was .such a holy caljn with th^.full bieiief. t^hat d6liveran((%f iiras at hatid, that my little room* s^med^ filled wij:h' the' presence. o£< Qt)d.:^I sat do;^- toVmy, ^w^ti^k am!^ -jSjong, and nev^ wair " happier/' About ele^t^^; o'clock I' thought I v^ould go to my sister's, and Mk her to liiid me twenty ^fiv^ bents. ,' I went' through the hea\i^ storm, and Icoindiher sowing. *I^«at down a Uttle while, but (^u)d not tell her what I wanted ; ' I rose to go, when she went into, the backroom, singing: " Gome, Thou fouiit'of every blessing." . I sjtood for a;moment spef||dng to my brotheir^in-law^ when she called to me, " Coma heriB, BeUa; ^duld yoii not like >a loaf of hoine-made'' bread? I have bei^n baking thijs momiiig." She mei me with/a loaf. ^ took it, and went home and laid it on the table, and went to my little room to tetum thanks to my k^ad,- good Father Who pitied me as. a father pitieth his children. . I had my breakfast, or, rather my dinner, and it tasted so gbbd., The children asked, " Matnma, where did you get this new bread ? " I told them the Lord gave it to. me; fori wished to impress on their' minds His great care over us. . ' ^ V. < Never have I se^n the, lightedus forsaken,' nor his/ seed ^ : * I. "%». ^i*f 3£ ' Faint TKT PuEsuiNG. ^ ■■*■■' *■'■""■''.■■■ Straits and poor health continued until late in Februa^ 1851. One day, while I was sitting sewing, Mrs. Thompson , called. I had just sent Hannah to our coaJ-house to pick up what she could. Mrs. Thompson asked me if I had plenty of coal, and how I had got through the winter thus far. I merely said I had some coal. Just then Hannah came in and said, "There, ma, is every bit I can find." I shook my head at her, but Mrs. Thompson asked: "What is it, Hannah?" I begged her to excuse her, but she pressed the question, and Hannah said it was all the coal she could find. Mrs. Thompson said, " I thought you said that you had coal.*^ I replied, yes, I had, and before that was burnt I would either have coal or money. She stood at the door to leave, when a knock led her to opten it, and there stood a man with a whip in his hand and asked if Mrs. BeUa Cooke lived there. " Here isa ton of coal for her." I said : " It must be a mistake, I had\ not ordered any." He said, " If that is your name, and you 4re a wido^, it is for you." Mrs. Thompson said that I was as bad as they \ J ( ■■ I The Wid(yws God. 55 were when praying for Peter's rolease from Herod> prison, when he stood at the gate and they would not belieye it. " You said you would either have coal or money, and* now it is jult here." My heart went up in praise to God for all His good- ness to me. " He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust." In March I, was taken very sick, not able 'to sit up. Through the winter I had been working till twelve and one o'clock at night, and up again at five in the morning, for I knfw that my children would want new clothes in the spring •^four little ones atby feet,.thfe oldest but nine years. Then i was laid up 'for a month. Dear Mrs. Lankford went to WQjrk and clothed Hannah and Mary, and my sister Evans ;»• .'-"At' A 1^- .56 Rifted Clouds, mine, and that He did aU tilings well. V^ter she passed away fnends laid her beside her father. - \ ' \, Nbw YOMC, >lt(-^*M8M, 1861. MX Da^B SiSTBBS,— I just write to say that my dear baby still lives. Dear lamb, we have been watohinja: ever since Wednes- day for every breath to be her last. Sh^has had convulsion^ with very little intermission, after which sKet would lie in a state of stupor. She has lost the use of heV left side. I have been looking for letters from you. Mrs. Lankford came from camp-meeting,-as Dr. Palmer flent he^word baby was so sick ; and what a comfort she is to me. How kind they aU are l' May our dear Father in heaven reward them for their kindness to the widow and the fatherless. Give my love to the chUdren. and tell then* dear little Josey is near home— wiU soon be with that dear Jesus Who said, " Suffer little children to come unto Me;" and with her dear father who would have loved her Jo-much if he had lived to see her. This morning at three 6dock she. raised her right hand as high as she could, and .pomting upward said three times: "See there! There! There! Papa! Papa! "-the only thing she has said for eight da^s, except on Thursday, about midnight, when nusing ttie same hand arid opening her eyes she swl: "See there! ^Papa, papa!" Who canteU but that she saw into that land of spiritsto which she is hastening? , % Pray for me, your stricken sister. . « Bulla. Cooke. ' To THB SaICB. 1^ - August 1^th,\9>h\. Dbab Sisters,--! repeived your h'nd notes on my return tram Peekskill, where we had beei laying the remains of my precious babe. Truly, I- found it a great trial, but blessed be the Lord, He sweetly enabled me to say, "It is yell with me^ it IS well_ with my husbaBjd, it is well with the chUd." Yes, it is well with them j they are " far from a world of grief and sin with God etemaUy shut in," and by-and-by, if fwthful, I, too* W.' <■ ■'•« V 1- •■41 ^ # ifUent^ %\ ■ ■ --I .''3' V .*lv . , til*'*' .'-'**( y- ■' ;-■ f< ■ ».' TA€ Widow's God, 57 shall be peraiitted to enter those pearly gates, where-^ ihall neter in the anguish of mj soul cry out, " My ehn^, iby , child ! " but there every tear shall be for ever wiped from our eyes, and we shall no more say, "I am sick." On TujBsday Mr. 'and Mrs. Lankford and Mrs! Shipnian came up and made arrangements how to 'proceed. Mr» Lankford went to Peeks- kill, and had the same ground opened .for father- ai|4 babe to lie together, carriages to mee^ us at ten o'jclock on Thursday morning, and 6n his return called ^and l^rought Mary with him. The minister h,ere, Mr. Perry, preached frOfla the words, " Is it well with thee ? Is it well with thyjiusband? Is it well with the child ? And she answered. It is well." Yes, praise thi» Lord*, it is well. This service was on 'Vfednesday afternoon, and the next morning Mr. and Mrs. Lankford ffid Mrs. Ship- man went up with me to Peekskill with Miss Cannon ' and th^ "^mldren. '^Mrs. Shipman repealed over the grave these words—. , ?; " Unveil thy boBona, faithful tqmb, - ^ • Take this new treasure to thy tnut, , . , And give these sacre/d relics rot)m ^o slumber in thy silent dust." • Mr. Lankford paid, for the ^ve openihgn^arriages, and rail- road .&re,- and told Mr. Lees to. keep an accoiuit ^f anything else and he would pay it. " Praise the Lord, my soul, for .He hath done great thJhgs for tSS&f* > . -• What a friend He has given me in. dear Mrs, Lankford, who stands by ine in all my ti;oubie. Help me, dear sisters, to praise the Lord. V . V " • Tour sister, ■ ' ■■, ^ BellaT Cooks. ' •V . J ■I' ... . •- "w* • • wL » ■ f . •, - ' . / .■ t 'n3I ' I- i * '^W^ ■f,-. ■ "' V- ' t ; . ■-' V f •'■ ■.'• '■ , " > i -1 » "% . V f f , lb ' . i '"■■' /■ ^v 1 9 •JMi ; -v . 9 ' jjt^^p' . ■ ■* '■ ■"'.-■ , > : ■ ■■i^\ ^ ■. • - r ■'.■■■ t m 1« ' ■ . 1 p * ■.■i ■ ' ' ■ ''-, »r t « " ■cr- W*"l«il «^ 7»^.-»- ,*4 *^^ ' ••". > •* ■ ♦^^Sn.'.*-^ {'> ■ O.yt j ifi aj^- ft '1 *». i -■1^ "»-• ?H CJ^APTEB Viqi # ♦ JOT IN THU WILL OF GOD. , new'^-H^M !^' '^^"'^"^ *' f*^^'*®'*' '^® peaceable fruit of right^u.- " What shall thine • afterwaid' be, O Lord, . ' For thia dark and suffering night ? Father, wA■' ■-■''''. y - ■ .;-'.■ _ " -m^ tefe • .,\ . _ *!?■.■ :-:*-"' "He npoke, ftnd my poor name Tie named, - ^ Of Me thou bast not boon uhamod." • more than he had k\ in honven show labour of hiH hau what he hail given Father knoweth iha •^ ■«■ \ But this little labour was not to The poor body gave way, and af^ll^uch struggling with pain and nervousness I was induced by Mrs. S. G. Smith and Mrs. Mason, in September 18.55, to go to th^ 5* Women's Hospital." I felt I must consult Mrs. Lank ford and Doctor Palmer. Mrs. Lankford objected. The other two ladies wished her to visit the hospital and see Doctor Sims. They met at my house, and we all prayed over the matter. Then they went round, and the doctor told them that without help and treat- ment there I could not live three months, as my spine, lungs, and liver were much diseased, and neither did he know if he could help me at all ; but I should have the best of care, and should go in immediately. Dear Mrs. Lankford returned with the decision that I should go at once. Then she took Mary, and Mrs. Oooper took Hannah, and on the VJih. my pastor and Miss Mary StephensoiT took me to the hospital. I was on the second floor, where were nine beds, aU occupied but m f1 Q ■S-M / m m "*l(^"^»' 62 lifted Clouds. 'i ^J'' i' t a:- 1 ■«. bow the knee in prayer or read the Word of God. to 1 t^l*' 7' ?*"' ^T^ *""■"*• '*'»' Stephenson. e«ne to Me how^I got along. I told her it seemed « if 1 Should .torre to death. "Why,-' «id ,he. "do they not gi,rTou enough to eat?" "Oh yes, but we have no spirituS iLJ" BiHj"T"^.\'^f' *^'" ™"' ■»»« ™- She t^k out her Bible read and knelt in prayer. On Monday Mr, Bod« .or God here, I suppose?" I told her how I had felt and ™ W^ri'" «^^'?«•.'<'- Christian friend!:!lSj^t . M, and that^I missed family prayer so much, uid wished we - ~::^*w V"" "•"""S- -"d that if she wou^dllrrwoJ^^ ' "ad. but jhe ^id, " No ; you must pray and I wm raallor you je a Methodbt and I am a PresUrian." CwTdeteJ wned to put itto vote with the ladies and have tLTeJstn thTm^!.^ ff "* '^^ ""■" •" *• -ny bed. and hud the matter before them, and thev aU said "Tesf »nj .„ 1-nent^ with teara that they hJ been":! Jled'^f'jZ: «^d h«l not honoured Him by taking u|l their cross. The next thmg wa. to sped, with the matron and managera W Mr.. _Doremu. .«d she wa. so glad. «.d they we™ ^ «u|t m their mjxiety for other thing, the/had o^riJS pension for the .oul. With much trambl-i we c^mm^c^ July worriupi and on the Sabbath Mr. 8tephen«,„. X^ of Uort. w«, with ue. Mid we felt that the Ood of J«x)b^ o«r rrfuge Pra»e the Lord ! He i. the same. I^^Z.^ y«tord^, toHlay. «.d for ever. Brother Stephinson «W rf h» fuaUy came every Sabbath whUe I was there T weather deterred them or the friend, who caTe ^tMh^"' Thiog. went 6a pretty smoothly, .nd «.«l. were Tr,«d up' \ . ..ng.v^^. . f* -*- '^-m • -^nr^ V ^ \ I Joy in the Will of God, 63 and blessed through the prayers of the brethren. But Satan does not like to see his kingdom in' danger. He arous^^^p^^ who had the power to put a stop to our services, who told me that the doctor said I must quit praying. I said, " I could not." Then she said the doctor glid it was an injury for me to rise so early and to kneel, I usually rose about seven, and would sit up for breakfast and family worship. I said, very well, I would stay in bed till after breakfast, and then we eould have prayers aftet the chambermaids were through and the doctor had been his rounds. She was quite displeased, and spoke harshly. I answered, **I thought you loved me more than any one in the hospital." She said, "Well, I do." Then I said, "Will you take from me the greatest comfort I have?" At this she had nothing to say, but that I could pray as much as I liked and kill myself. I said that we would not only continue them in the morning, but we meant to commence in the ei|ening, as it had been % great blessing to all of us, but if the managers disapproved that would alter the case, and that I was wilUng to sit in my chair and not kneel, if the doctor would ndt qllow me to do so. We rejoiced when we were alone, as some of the patients were afraid I would yield the point, and yet they dared not say a word. The next day, when the doctor caoui^ me, I asked him if it would hurt me to sing and pray. iBe said, "No, if it. is done in moderation ; but why do you ask me ? " " Well, Birs. H. thought it did, and that we had better give up morning worship." " Oh," said he, " don't give that up. I often come in at the back door and listen ) it does me good ; but I would rjither you would not kiieel." i Then there was an attempt to hinder our Sabbath evening meetings, and I spoke to Mrs. Doremus and Mrs. Mason, and they stood by me and said they would not permit any inter- ference with our worship, and Mrs. Doremus came several evenings to be with ua, and went through the house inviting ■*«* *3", m 4 •. ^^•v; l^^^^f f Wif. 1^ ■*-/ 64 ; Rifted Clouds: o^M^to come and join us, as they had been forbidden by I suffered much from this source, but the winter rolled away. «id in the spring I was not able to walk out at all. I asked Doctor Sims if he thought I should ever be any better, and what his opinion was of my Base ; I could bear ttf know it. " Can you? " Oh yes, teU me just what you think." "Well, you wm never be any Better." « Will I not be able to sit up a little at a time and sew awhile ? » " No, you wiU not." Po> a moment I looked up to my Father, and then victory came. I had to exchum: "Thanks be unto God, Who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." The doctor turned and wept, but ray poor heart was kept in peace. In the evening our kind friends came to sing and pray with lis. and I t^d them what the doctor had said. Brother Stephenson said, -Sister Cooke, if you have anything jm^oyA^ like me to attend to. with regard to your children or%ilr8elf let me know, and it shaU be done." I could only thimk him and say, " Another token of my Father's love ; " " Leave thy fatherless chUdren, I will preserve them aKve, and let thy widows trust in Me." ^Oh, how His promises have been venneai "^^ ■ -^ A Few Mbmoeies of Foembb Laboubs. In 1864 1 was sent fo^«ee a lady who was Ul and wanted iK>me fine sewing dbne for her Uttle girls. It was JVIrs. Tieman. % sister of John Stephenson. The word was that Mrs T was mnch pleased with my work. 1 did not see her, but her sister. The next , we .could give her up. I went home and I pleaded earnestly with the Lord that He would arouse her, at she still would tfbt believe she must die, but I got the answer and felt prayer was heard. I told her mother and sisters that I knew she would leave a bright testimony when she should be called, that she had i^one to be with Jesus. ^^ On the next Sabbath, while we prayed together, she waa seized with deep conviction of sin. I soothed her as far as I could ; her friends were distressed for her, one sister coming ^ to my house to talk witfi me about her. I told them I had" the answer, and I knew she would be saved. I asked her W Bee Bev. Dr. Floy or Mrs. I^ftnkford; slie said, "No, I only' want you." I continned my visits aU tjie Week, and on the following Sabbath she'^found peace to her hungry soul. Her^. joy was very great ; she ^it up in bed rejoicing in the God of her salvation ; her husband came in and tried to quiet her, but sTie turned to him, sayijig, " Wdrfld you have m§ hide my joy and praise ? Let the doctors tell me now thiit I must die, and I shaU say Amen." He stood there in amazement, and there also stood the aged mother, a mother in Israel, also her sister, weeping for joy. J asked, " Wjll you allow me to. bring Mrs. Lankfordup now,,and Mr. Floy?" "Yes, anybody." She lived on for a few weeks. I went aU I could, but, being feeble, could not be there as muct^as she wished, but left word, whould It appear that she was about to pass away, to send lor me She had several of her dear chUdren dedicated to God in baptjsnL ^ > • .. ' ' •J- 'A % .1- ; / ' 'T 1 ^k] V ' *^wl \ 'Ml ,!i.\ k^.% '7.- .■■.«■ .I* tti ■■Ti!«.- 66 w 'V Rifted Clouds. at her bedside. On a Friday evening I was sent for, and stajed nearly all night; went-early the next morning, and as I sat holding her hand, her husband brought a cup of coffee* to see if , she would not take a drink with him ; she looked up sweetly at him and said, *'No, dear, nothing more till I drink the new. wine in my Father's kingdom." At noon she sweetly weHtJ^ meet her risen Lord. . '» , ■ , - A Stbanob C^sb. ' ■^IP' In this year, 1864, I was deceived hj a |fcor family ili a strange way. Having heard of a case of great distress in Thirty-first Stre^ I vi»ited the house and found a sick man laid on the floor on straw, several children in rags, ancian untidy mother. Moved by their distress I went to Mrs. A, Qt. Phelps and Mrs. James Stokes and secured flannels, ch>thing, and a new bed;, from others I obtained food aild money. Misff Maty Stephenson visited the family with me, and we made therf comfortable. After some days the wife came to say her husband was dead, that she had nothing to bilry him. I told her to get what she could and I would do the rest. She got $5 but needed $30. At the time I was very feeble, but , feltfilhat I must bury the poor man, so I went forth and got *20 ; I took it to the woman. I found the, corpse stretched out with a cloth over the face, and the woman weeping an|[ lamenting. I tried to comfort her and left. Haying reached the street I turned back to talk of some phus for the children, but on opening the door what was my surprise to find the map sitting upland his wife standing beside him as they counted the money. I was startled, and said: "You have deceived me," The woman was not at all abashed, and replied, ** Sure, then^ if s dying he is; and isn't the praist after giving him holy unction ; an' it's dead he'll be soon." I said a few words on the wickedness of doing so and left, wdll knowing he could not live long. He lived about two weeks, then die^, and I saw him reaUy dead. Those who visit the very poor must be prepared for anything. Most of the^^oney was goii©. I got > 'm V '.- m.' \4j. % . t \.v •»• *** PA-- t\ A^^ ^\^ • * I. ■>'. ■■ 'i^-*- ^r*.. >j/ zVM^r Will of God. her ft ooffin from the ©%» *«'l could not beg any morer money. I hftve had frequent applicatipna for inonjy to bury the deadi but never gave anything untU I fpiind out if the story was- true. This is a plan often pursued by ;the lower classes, as they think ladies wiU not go to se^, but their sympathies wUl be Wrought upq^. But I have only been deceived once in this way. *f Lab6|7B Am) S0EE0W.'» »: >m At 6ne time an old coloured woman came to me and «ud, " Mrs. Cooke, there is a poor woman in great distress on First Avenue, near Thirtieth Street; will you go and see her ?•» \ I went, and found the poor woman had, two months before, buried her husband, and^now she had three children sick, one of wHojtt lay dying. I went out and got herlome food and raiment/ for them, Her rooms were wretched, stripped of every comfort— no hei no stove, a few old chairs, and a bit of straw in a corner, and an old lounge completed her store of household goods. The children were almost naked. I tried tp point her ta the Saviour. Iif two days the balw died ; I went out and" begged money Ito burv it. In a week the other died ; I repeated my work» beggdt^he money from fnend%.and bu^ it; then the thirjl was^en sick:- I sat ^ith It night and day a large part of the tinje amid great dirt and filth ; but the po<# mother was S9 crushed she cairfd do nothing. In a few day^is one died also. * I did not know where io go for funds to bury this on^ ; got in^canMfeo down torn to some of the buliness pEces of genllemwf' knew. While in the car it occurred to me to speak to anTld gentleman who sat beside me. I asked him if he were a father; he,,8aid yes, he was a giiwdfather.^ I told'him my story. Others listejied, and the result was S5 from' those good people. Then I went to the office of the Evening Post to^see Mr. Timothy A. Howe, to Liberty Street to sw Mr .PuUman.^al89 toMr. James Stokes, and got what I needed to bury the bttle one, and ahoes were bought anTnthpr t hings 4f r'f' ■^w f- ^,:fu, V •' ■■■ ..V.' ■% . Jl couW go each day atod,g©^ for tj^e little sicjt ones, but it Was pjry her, man wi rtheDt pari|.of the .fu^^ >li "i^i WeKi||j|ione ^ ^t0 Wtiielbignatidil of tbc^e poor stricken pave^t8,^d ,vpi|^^nkthiine?tbat no moi«!»<)l t^ eight^ittle ppes^ii^ ; lii^^^ie^ them. I alwi^p <)|^^ ^ clothing before^ ||||4 ^"^€>i}t, aolwj not tocarrj^iilfetaontb my own dear little ane9*'<>r,MierB. By God's, blessing^ '^ough often ^xposed to mtiigidi^ diseaeifNs, I never contf^«rted any of them or carped I't^l^ ^p^oth^n. * ^ ^'f : t V;. ' « i' j!., \ Fco^ give n^my similar casaB, blit these will suffice. ,,j i , :■■■ ■':' •, ;>^4i '•',''' ", . MAMsoN^'AvftNUE Hospitab, i i' V • ' , %'edneaday, December 19th, 1855. > IpU day threie moBthn ago I came to this ^house/ and have ^' been'^rtakei^ of u^numbeKJd blessings. The Lord haa been >?; my support and' strength^ Three tij^pTl have been " ; to the verge t>f the grave, yet the Loi|l has spared me >^ Ibiiger. *Ii9t me sh6w hi|K7 ^*^® ***** ^ ^^® * • unreservklly to Thee— mKouI, eind all my po^ been favour^ to-day wiWa visit from Sifter ' Doctor Bang^ / Deeefnber ^m. — ^Mrs. Stephenson came to see me, i that all my furniture should be carefully stored, swayil ^ahall I thank my heavenly Father for the kindness of " ' ^ ■^Kr , > V »^,v; * i.;-.;- '^ ' -; >., w '^•i Joy in the Will of God. 4 69^ •A' ' n n ■^Kr i % friends ! Truly I find it a privation to give up my home, the ' place where together my little ones and I have spent so many iiappy hours ; and we may never meet in one home again on . earth. Yet, my soul, why shouldst thou for one moment dwell' •on these things, although thou knovvest not why these things are so? Thy heavenly Father hath told thee thou shalt know ' ^hereafter, and He hath also said, " I will never Iteave thee nor , forsake thee." Enough that He hath given me a place in the hearts of so Jnany Christian friends. December 24lh. — Have suffered much since last I< wrote, but the everlasting arms are round about me. Was again able to lead in family worship. my Father, grai^t that these precious seasons may be as bread cast upon the waters, and found after many days, * * v December 25th. — Conside^ the Savioitt*s birthday. A precious thought that He came down and took upon Him our nature, was tempted as we are^ yet without sin, and even suffered in our stead. O my Father, help me to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things. Feel very poorly, but the Lord is my Shepherd. Jamtaif 4«<, 1856.— Full of pain, but it is the Lord ;. let Him do as Beemeth Him good, Another year has flown, and in 1^ manner lam laid aside. Yet I am Thine ; save me. Wednes- ,day was led to see it my duty to commence family worship in v the evening, and have been^ much blessed in the attempt. ^^^'%^'^'''^^tf3^!^^^^°*'^"^'^ ^^^ ^^ ^^* ^^^ tbe battle is the !^prel^l!^|j|slao^ ^.'strong, but those that endure to the end, .'tlSt shall be,sAed.T truly I feel that I am unworthy and in- competeiitv.to take, the leadLk 1 ^nq;wmy weakness on this point, but shall ^, for fear oS mble man, t.tW?^pirit*s course in me restraiA *"t «Them t^at honour Me I wiU honour;" . Can I for one moment bearjhe thou^f of forsaking n^ Havioi^r? ■ A " Ashamed (^^Hema I i^t^d&a Friend .^ . pB whom my hopes of Hea«ei^;^dcpend 7 No 1 wheh^ bl^l^^'j|^l)|f my shAoiMi^^J?' That I no more VeveiW ae.' ^''^ie««j . *fij< 'V' -^ t 1 f '-■t I I » A"« I 'm^ Via >'i>* '■■% ■AA\ V-'' 'V ■y'' . (»»• - *• ' i-t "W» . il*f-JC2tI.*1 '1'' "■■■ " ' " 70 Rifted Clouds, ' May 8(kA. — After a month of extreme weakness, early in May I was taken with inflammation in the stomach, and was ftupposed to be dying. Sister Laokford was sent for, and remained with me one or two days. Sister Mason also came. The doctor would come in through the night to see if I was still aliye. The sisters prayed with me, and ai one of their visits I could not forbear, although so weak. I had to say, " What 'have I to fear ? He has promised to be with me to the end ; " .and then J repeated the lines — " With Him I on Zion sliall stand. For Jesus bath spoken th^word ; . . The breadth of Emmanuel's land I survey by the light of my Lord." My soul seemed just to bask in the presence of God, in the full light of His countenance. But not^et was I to sit down with Him in glory. T^is sickness was to bind Christian hearts to mine, to raise up friends to care for me and mine. How wonderfully the Lord works to carry out His designs ! Chain after chain is filled out, link by link made into one. Her^ was a confirmed invalid with no means, yet did my soul dwell in peace, for I felt the word of the Lord had gone fofth, and heaven and earth should pass, away, but not one of lUl His promises should fail in being fulfilled. The gold and the' silver were His, and the cattle upon a thousand hills, and all hearts lie held in His hands. ^ June* — The doctor said I must be takdn to the countryV Ati nothmg was left for me but a change of air. And the next quest^n was, "How could I be taken there?" Brother Btephenson, with others, decided that a carriage could brought with a mattress, on which I was laid, and so carried the can. There eveiything was in rejadiness for all my wan and ease as much as possible. Mrs. Lankford, Mrs. Mulhollani and Mr. th Lamater went with me td Meriden, where m; Sister Evans did all in her power to restore me to a measuiei of health. I stood the 'journey better than was expected^lts the doctor had said he would not be surprised if I died before they \ . it «• '- '■■'■■■ ;■ •.■.:.■ ■■*■•■'. •,\ ■ : [ Joy in the WUl of God. \ 71 there. Ten days before I left the hoapital Mrs. Ack, one of the managers, War saying they were sorry I had to leave them. I answered, "Had I known* that 1 could lieVer Be better, I would not have stayed to be a burdea" She said, " You have not beeh a burden, dear Mrs. Cooke. We wished you here at the first meeting of the ladies after you came; the doctor tdld us he could do nothing for you ; your case was incurable, but we must keep you, and not tell you that it wss so, or you would not stay. But we were delighted to keep you and do all we could for you." ' Here was kindness ! Oh, what level nothing but loviogkindness strews my path. I stayed with my Sister Evans until August, then was taken to East Hartford to my Sister Longdon's, where I remained until ^e middle of September. ' 1^ ■ . .f - • ,. ■ , ^^- A Lettbb to mt Eldest Dauohteb ^bom ths A/^^tfkl'fl Hospital. *' .- '^^. Madison Avi^Kub, June W*, 1866. Mt Deab HAJmAH,~Through the mercy of an all-wise God, I am permitted once more to write to>you, although I am very feeble, not able to be out of bed. I have had my bed made but once in nearly four weeks, but hope ere long to be able to sit up, and go and see you. Since T last wrote to y Qg mys elf, t was giveii up to die. The doctor and all oth^ffiflSf^ht I could not live. But the Lord's ways ace not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts. In His mercy He has spared me to you a little longer. Oh, my dear child, I want you to help me praise Him for His goodness and tender mercies to™d us ! Yet the doctor says it is not likely I will be long iypP)u. I may rally through the summer, and I may not ; buf iny dear child, whichever way all will be well. I know you will feel it to be a very severe stroke, but in every time of need cast your care upon your heavenly Father, and He Who proved Himself your Pather so long, will not leave you. S^my dear. He will nevefforsake ypu. He is the (iod of thv 4 »■■ ' .;'■ \ ,' ^1 ■ » ''liP lb ^ . • , "."*'< ■ ■ % ■ , *,, t fathers, and will not j;hee, bftt will bless and y v-*,-'-- -, -■^m "ip '■ w >;'s ■■■%*-. I- ".#'%■ ■MM .Si^BiV^ - ^ ■uitain thee. WhaSltould I hive done in all'my licknen and . bereavement without the precious proraisea ? They are indeed "aiovereign balm for every wound,jy|y|^|^for our fear." But if I am spared, it must be for i#e"[ gui^erlHI, and no one but my heavenly Father knows how.inuch. Yet if it is His will I idwuld live threescore years, and by so doing I could bring any gjjir to His name, I would gUdly do it. Yet, the ** rest from — *° — j - . ■• .... truly say ,..;^- ^and temptation to sin looks very sweet. I can im " OIvo jf^ or f?Tief, jflvo eoM or pain, TSHcc life or friends away ; Bu| let me find them all afia^in, In that eternal day." 4 ^^ ^®^ *°* «^ ^ *»«»' ^ro™ yo" «* «11 times i it does ♦me good^«^ hear^of thju^welfve of my children, and you all were never dearer tc^ me thijn now. It would have been a great comfort to have had you^with,^e when I was so ill, but "4 that could not be, and I am tWfu%pu are wijth your uncle and aunt, and have so gc^a hob«. I l»pe you strive to do * .. aU you can, and the best JH caiff In aff things, my dear, ask your heavenly Father to guide you, even in little, things, ]u4ifr»as you would ask an Mj^lj parent^nd He -fiill do it. " * ^My love t# your dear Uttle^ster. Marf^s ^^11, «^ h^y * at SQho^. She came to see me a week f^wt^^xe has a gooA*^ home. Mrs. Smith sends love to yqg^nHther friends alsoT %hppe ydu will never forget the i poor mothw; an^jou all for^theae mt^ y( V ^ r^ *^" ^^^^^ yesterday, and received yours this morning, but I «iBt to say to you, do not fret,, dear child, for whatever you mly have said o\ done before for want of thought I most freely forgive, and love you most deariy, and if spawd, want you to be a companipn and comfort to me, which I know you will strive to be, will you not? | " ' '^ • ' Yoiir affectionate and loving mother. . Bblla Cootkb. %' ^ hu.^^ i£^. ('^\/;** a J^„p3^t^;.«y 4 '% -# V »' I <» if»:r, Joy in the Will of Cod. f 73 Praise in tiub Fibb. ■s To AlBi. EVANi. Madibon AvEMrir, June lO^A, 1M3(J. ' My Deah Precious Sisteb, I roceived your very kind litter, and was so glad to hear from you ; but, dear sisU'r, 1 cannot bear to have you {i3§ ho sad alwut my being so fwblo. He- member, dear, that He Who sits as a ««finer will not let the precious metal perish: but when His image is reflected lU will say, " It is enough." And, no matter how fierc*dy the fire may bum. Ho hath said: "/ will never Lave thee nw fortake thee:* He is ever saying unto me : " Fear thou not, for I aoi with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee, yea, 1 will uphold thee wiWi the right hand of my righteousn^jSH." And surelj this is enough, and how can we fear ? Dearest sister, if I should \» fl to rest a little before you, do not fear. There is indeed > t% help in every time of need. Oh yes. Ho is our God Guide, even unto the end. Praise the Lord ! We will trust Him where we cannot trace Him. I know my loss would be a great trial to you, but ere loi never more to part. Dear sister, the rest*, looks very sweet, but to be there? Let us ever stand on the , whether He shall come at the early dawn or eveoiiig shade all will be well. I am so tired. Believe me still ' ^ Your affectionate sister, ' ^i '^BiLLA Cooke. With many forebodings I left my little home in the fall of last year for The Women's Hospital, and tow I)octQr Simf orders me to the country as his last hope, that t change of air may do me good. ^ *r ?^ Never can I forget the great kindness received while here from the managers and patrons of the hospital, as well as from my old friend s who s till call e d upon me. — Among these Me will meet must it be tower, that ' ''safe / ' *■ i ■ . 'tM M' ',f-! i -\ ■'/" 74 Ri/Ud Clauds. friends, the wi«e and good Mrs. 'T. 0. Doremut donerros Bpocial mention, both for her devotion to the inititution and for her interest in all ite inmates. She ia untiring in her effort* to promote our comfort, and her cheerful " Oood morning, ladie« —what can I ^o for you to-day?" at morning after morning she visits uh, is a cordial betU)r than medicine, and can never be forgotten by any of us. In the early morning she visita Waahington Market in order to secure provisions for the house, and from that hour till ©veaing most of her time is devoted to our welfare. _ _ Afflicted women wUl ever owe a large debt to Mrs. Doremua for the support she gave to our physician in establishing this hospital, for at the first he met with opposition and dis- couragement on aU sides. But at hist he made the acquaint^ ance of this elect lady, and her great motherly heart was at onoe enlisted in his plans, while her social position and high character won new* friends and brought success to the enter- prise. Hundreds of poor suffering women who have been relieved or cured bless God for auch spirits as Mrs. Doremua and Doctor Marion Sims. ■ ■ ' ■ • .' ■ ,^ 'P t . ♦ ' . ■ * /■ -■— -^^r-■ 1 -. t ■' • " ," - J • * - •'■ ■■ 1 It ■ ■••■ ' . 1 i ■■■ f 1 -- , ■■'■ ■■■ ■ ' ■%' . o . \ 1 1 H J . . ^ /;,;'#-'^^; , ■ -■ / • #. ' T H'» t '^.J^^ik^bff'il^ ' V CHAPTER IX. r WAlTDfO AKD BlRTINa. "We mmotimcH wonder why our Lord dotb place u» Within II sphere ho narrow, ho obicuro, ' "^ That nothing wo call work nan find an entrance ; « \ Thcre'M only room to Huflcr, to emluro. ^K-- • Well, Qod lovcN fifttience ; houIh that dwell in itillncMi, Doing the littU^ thingH or ruKtinff quite, May jiiHt aH^p HIh jirecijiw bloiiU to plciMl." . Keep me close to Thy bleeding side, however vapioiis nutj be the current of my life, that my ♦' loins may be continually girt about/: to bo ready when Thou shalt call me. July 15th, Thut'iday, —0{i, this weakness, this extreme pro- stration of body— strengthen me, my Father, 1 beseech Thee, that I may endure Thy righteous will, not only patiently, but rejoicing in Thy salvation; that I may in all things, and at all times, give thanks, for truly Thy lovingkiijdness is Abetter th4n life. ^* Cuuni(?«, my soul, on OM Tfiy, ' *:'' lielivuraiiocHOoii wiU cuiiie, - \ W A tli!! » ---•S . ^-^W^^x J-^ ^ - ■ «-- . ^■^■'S . Waiting and Serving. n # #1 *» !_-».; -.-^~ t waa- not able. Sihoe you saw me I have been very feeble, •ometimes scarcely able to lift my hmid to my head, and' am now luflFering a g^t deal. I am glud you and the dear little onea are quite well, and have a dumfortable hunie; it i|iu8t be^ ^v .pleasant, so near the beautiful ocean. 1 wputd like to Hit with / you on the rocks and tflk over the dealing of our Ifi^her in Hii lovingkindness and longsufferiug to me, "so weak und so unworthy a child. Will you not, dear friend, help me to praise<^ llun ? Truly " not more than others I deserve, yet God hath' ^ven me more." 1 am very gUd to hear you^have such ple^ant / ) company; how sweet to converse with the children «of God« r with those ;who are travelling to the same city. - . ■\'\ *' And if our fcUnWHliiii ImiIow '; In JcituM Ik! *» Hwoct, > .^ :j|. What hei)y endure patiently all my Father's righteous will, t have beeif very much blessed in readiog the Ucvelat^ion, especially part of the twenty-t|rst chapter, where We are told that *' God shall wipe %way all tears from their eyes.^ No more sorrow, crying, paiiiy or death, ^h! is it .nut worth while to suffer a few triuht and privations, to be partaker of dl this? I can truly say this, no cty>.is, no suffering I decline. ** Lo^ I am with 'you,\' ii» my qonstiint comfort. I am glad to hear you wilji be in New York in September, and hope, j£ s|)an^, to meet you again. I do nut know where my lot may be caat, but the Scriptures assure me *^ The Lard will provide.*' Althou^^h mf 'earthly path may appear mysterious, or even dark to some, I know that my hettvent| Father knows I have need of these earthly comforts, aild lie doeth all things welL It is very pleasant here to see the green and beautiful grassjaU so -fresh and cheering. Yejj I have not he«n abfti to wiilk b(it since I came, but if able, will go to East ilartford the thirteenth ^f Una month, and be in nW Y^rk early iu*Si>ptember. ■»■■..■ ■ . V. ."' ■ ^ ■■■ * .■• ■- , \ .■.,-<-■.. '-«*■-, « / ', - ' " vt.,,^ • -•*! j <• •v;^;-:.a-i''' '0 •.■'-'7'i«f:i- >'S bout to send Mary to Charlotteville to school, but her mother, Mrs. Worrall, said she thought I would rather have Mary at home ; «he had been with her a yei^r, and when Mrs. X. spoke to me about it, I replied I would much ^ther have her at home, and let her go to the public school ; and^his was for several reasons : one, 1 longed to have my children with me, and I thought the education at one of these schools more thorough. Soahe came home, and I began my housekeeping, by faith, in tfce "Second Avenue." In Ootobei: I was confined to ray bed. A friend sent for Doctor Barker, who said* nothing more could be done for me; then my ever kind friend. Doctor M.W. Palmer, came again to see me, and did, and does still all in his powe^for my improve- ment* . * ". .■.:.»-. ' ' - - ; ' c -k ■ '■ ^ '^Thus f»r the Lord hath led nie on, . ' Thus far His power prolongs my days, - V l_i -^"d every cyiBning shall make known • ■' ; .' -^ T~~ ■ T— Sonae ft^sh memorial of His grace." - -^^ . ■- -■^ ' ■¥ ■ *.■ * « ••■.,v V, .-^. ■■ -T" 1 :-■ '^^-^isf ^^f^p^r^^ 't Watting and Serving, n - /* '■.■« i ll ;t;-., .. t I : 8 B '.-' ■' Un ► ■ '■' .J DiVINB BUFPOIIT. January 13^^ me, also ^4% ^prrall, who told meanythiog I want^. to let ^r Inflow, and shis would get it for me. ; i*^ - ^ ^ January '30th.— 'Very feeble, but the Lord is very near, and I feel that "glorious hope of perfect love ; it biears me up ofa eagle's wings." Glory, glory! How thin t|e veil be- tween the golden city and me ! When He hath tried- me I- shall come forth as gold. He willj. qome and" sfi^, *» Child, come home,** anii then I thall gfo to>be for ever with the Lord. .".-■'. : ' • 'C-';'. - "-" ^- '' jr '," ■:-\' ''■■;':- -L':"' ys'' , f«6f wary. lli^J— The iiord waaf very Hear while Sisters' Shipman, Worn^i^d Xankford were with' me. They think "^-. », >' .J*'. y \\ % V . fmmmY^^pmmihm ' f^-,ar3 "a^K • 80 •,M-, Rifted Clouds, my race is almost run. Well, the Lord is a stronghold, beneath and round about mo are the everlasting arms. .: Such love, such care call for songs of loudest praise. Very, very ^i^ble ; hard work to guide iliy pen, but I must praise Hipii'fpr He dotitb all things well. ^hile the sifters were at prayer such a blessing came down thac it seemed as if the windows of heaven were opened. Enlarge our faith's capacity, and our souls for ever fill. . February 14 ,<-. ^■■S -v!' Watting and Sfrvtng,^^ 8 1. ?> *• I^rcl, I believe Thy tfvery word, Thy ^vcry pnnijiw true ; ■A "* t 1^ March 113<*.— Brother Hall called again .; he came to hear what great things the Lord had done fur me^ Be Thou to me a mouth and wisdom, that I may with the Spirit tell of Thy , goodness, ndt only in word but in do^d, that I^ may in all things adorn the doctrine of Christ my tJaviour, that others inay see that I have bfeen with Jesus, and that I live and dwell in Hun. To think He calls a worm His friend ! , March 22nd.— Have ifelt to-day very iiiuch oppressed, but why I know not. Surely by-and-by Ho that shall come will come and will not tarry ; mould and fiwliion me as Thou wilt, only as I have borne the image of the earthly so may 1 bear the ~^4mage of the heavenly ; make me alUike The©. — ^— ^^ ^ April l*<.-^Have this day seen Brother Hall for the last time on earth, as he leaves for home. But I trust to me«»t him with ,^ the redeemed in our Father's house, and worship around the throne Vithput alloy. His blo|ld avails for me. Ajtril 17 «T 'f 'WJ ->%, , Wy ,.* t„!^' "A -fllyr 8a 4i'' \^i><^ CA»ii/r. free, — to think it ever found Out 'me. While they were singing HM ^; * "I sbnll bchftld Hi» fnce, ' ^" "^ I shall JHh iMjwtT adore ; Ami tell tbu'AViindurs of ilifl grace . , ' ,/ ■ For ever, ever more," ; X ' •■■■ . . . •■ ' ^-^ ' ■ it seemed as if I vrere translated .to His right hand. But again the -Master bade me wait. Give me patience to suffer all Thy righteous wilt I want » trumpet voice to tell of His goodness. Praise the Loi4 ! '• II «uch a woimi as t canf sitread The comDU^ 8am>ur'8 uame ;' . ■ Let Him wtio iljul^HrThtM! (rura the dead M" . - Quieken oiy lubitorframo.*' * '( "-. -V \ '. " .' ■'■ 'i'^'''^ ' « ■' ;•':. il "M^- '^^■:%e .:*; ■'.<^f:--l,-: 'iM A;:?- K- -:% :4*~aia6 iSS^* ? If?- f;.'i" ■%•«» f..^' \f%'- '0 .A. ■V-l'»» r • I' / . r4-' "f ** 4 .( > ' ClIAPTBE X AlTBWBRk]) FBATEB; UAPPT DEATHS. I *' Hie Lord 8b«ll preBetrs thy groing out and thy coming iu from thk lime forth, and oven for evermore. "—Pa ALU cxxi. 8. " Thou, Lord, hast Llent my going out, ;^ " Oh, bless my cuming in ; CompaMH my vvoak|nie8» round about, - . < And keep me h^u from Htn. " ^ ' May tdiA, 1857 — On the ^rd I was brought here in % chair. Ifc wm a painful ordeal, and I $uffered to that it leemed an if it would prove too much for the frail body, but I am in His hands. I earnestly pray that He wiU bless my coming in, and open my way. My dear girls had everything nicely arranged, and Mrs. cJtepheoson sent a very nice and good carpet, as she thought mine was too much worn to put do'^ again. Oh, how kind that dear fiunily is a»d has been ; may the Lord reward them. - ,v yttn«*4<*.—Snrely goodness and mercy hiive followed me H^ my days. . ' '*,Nanc is like Jesburun'« God, - - ' 8« great, ro Btrong, so high j < Lo I He sprt'iidH His wings around, • He rides upon the rfty. Israel i« His flrst^bom Son, God, the Almighty God, is thine ; "'See Him to Thy help come down, ' * * ' The Exi^llence Divine." ./hm 28(A.— Hav« joat bew oa the.teige of the O^leatiid 1 4' .-A ■% — iS. - -vTr^T ■♦';.,<^- < '■ ....■^*, w^ *i ' I ^"f * " !E1 /""^i ^ * ftHf^^ j^;»r»}W 84 ^//W Obi«i!r. Xi City, jet all is well. Prawe the Lord ! I am hastening on to wh ( I r ■ t •i Rifted Clouds, not. be ftfraid. if the veU must soofi house of clay and my Father, why is it that ffcou «rt so mindful orer me? " It was such a comfort, dear Mrs. Butler, to hear from you, for I have missed your visits so much ; but* I try to put this among the "all things." And. What a blessing to know and feel that our blessed Lord Jesus never leaves us, but in the dark and silent night, when tossed about with pain and sore distress of body„then He is saying : " Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, ym, I wUl help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." And when we know that the "Great I Am" hath said this, and that not one jot or tittle of His word shall fall to the ground till all be fulfilled, may we^not say^,,|^Praise the Lord"? We. will trust and lory, glory ! It seems, dear friend, as and the Father's face is very thin, and twain, to Jet this happy spirit quit this ip the Saviour in the skies. I find it as you say, " Any place with Jesus is very sweet," but it takes more to say with the poet — "" I'll glsfliy linger on my threescore years, Till my Deliverer comeii," than to toy : " Come, Lprd Je«u| come quickly." Still, if by enduring even fourscore years, I could, by the grace of God, encourage one poor soul, or in any way glorify my Father, I would gladly stay. I WJis g^d to hear the children are well, and if it please our Father to strengthen your poor, feeble body, I Would be vciry happy; but this we must ask in submission to His will 1 was ■prry to hear the preaching was such as y^u could not enjoy. I know you cann6t feel as eilsy as in your own Christian circle, and under the instructions df your own pastor ; but does it not draw you nearer to the side of our precious Saviour? When you were teUing me about the way you were situated, it took me, in spirit, to the mifi^riage supper of the Lamb, and to the city of our God, the New Jerusalem.\ ./.:••.-■■,:■■ ". tm Answered ^^^)tttt[^PPy Dea^^u, 87 I know you wish to much to contend with doal now, but I could no can hold a p^t.; so uxcuso The weather has been \ oor body. It has had 11. ind^ is suffering a good ;e to you, as King as I ..,^—-^ deed ; but how much better o^I am than many of tS poor in Iktllevue Hospital. In comparing myself with them, well may 1 say, " What am I, or ray father's house, that Thou art so mindful of me?" I opened the note you left for me on the first of the month and found two dolhirs. Oh, my dear friend, how can I thank yoii for your unceasing love and ChriHtian kindness ! I never c»n, but God bless and reward you, and may all your dear family be gathered on high. There we will never be tirwl or sick. Praying that you may be filled with all the fulness of God, Believe me to be Your affectionate sister in Christ, Bklla CooKi. Auguit 19<*.— The anniversary of the transplanting of my dear husband and child. Looking back over tljese years of widowhood I have to say the promises have been more than fulfilled. The Lord, the Lord mighty in battle, has stood by me all the way through. He has hroui^Kt me by a way that I knew not. " He has led me through green pnstiires ; " •• He anoints my head with oil, and my cup runneth over." I praise Him that we see some little gleaming of I'^ht with regard to Mr. Enever. The fallow ground is breaking up. I have pre- vailed on them to see Sister Lunkford and my pastor, and may the Lord soften his heart. This morning my dear pastor. Brother Osborne, came in, and asked how faith stood ? Leaning his head on his hattd> he said : " Oh, Sister Cooke, pray, if faith is strong, pray ; the doctors say my poor wife cannot live, and she does not posseM such full assurance as she would like.'' ^ ^ I sent down for Sister Lankford to come up and see her, fend cheer her heart. It is no small trial to leave her little -I I- -i .f ■ i ■ '>- 1.0 I.I 1.25 Li Itt 1.4 128 136 1 2.5 ll 2.0 1.8 1.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ^ NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS *' ' STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No 2) - ,^ ■. 'ift^-f^W tl-frnft •^■',y^^'.*> J" 1^ >88 Rifted Clouds, children and husband. Lord, grant that this painful dispen- sation may be blessed to him, and make him more than ever alive in Thy cause, and that the Church may be aroused to a closer walk witj||, God— that holiness to the Lord ^may be written on all their hearts, and may our aim be one, to bring -sinners to Christ: ""^ August 21st. — Sent for a few sisters to come in and join me in prayer for that dear sufferer, on the promise that where two or three unite in anything that they shall ask it shall be done. The Lord was very near, the little room was fiUed with His presence ; the answer is given, it shall be done. A glorious testimony shall be left. Satan in his last attempt shall be foiled. The struggle is great, but the victory is greater. Oh, Thou gloriouw Conqueror, the honour, the glory is Thine, and soon she will be with Theejn Thy kingdom. August 23rd, Sabbath.— Dear Sister Osborne still lingers on the shores of time. If it be possible, ease her sufferings"; grant her an easy passage unto eternal life. Praise the Lord* her sky is clear; nothing intervenes between her and her Saviour. She leaves husband and children all with the Lord. Bear old Sister Stephenson is also on the verge of eternity. Go with her, our Father, and light up the valley ; let Thy staff support her. Whisper in her ear, "It is I; be not afraid." Forbid that a clbud should for a moment arise to hide her Lord from her eyes. She has long been Thy servant, and now she leans upon the arm of her Beloved. I will praise Him. " Where shall my wondering soul begin ? " Lord, help me to put away all fear of man, and be ever wi^ng to sow beside all waters. Jesus, that precious name, it charms away our fears, and makes our sorrows cease. August 25th.— This morning our dear Sister Osborne left us, . to be for ever with her Saviour, God ; to see Him as He is. Oh, may this be the means of doing us all good, that we may, as a Church, rest not in present attainments. * '•■ August 28 V*" , .1, •I?'- -^-*^- y-A^ >4-- ^jsz*', c , ;7i "y" *' :,- • t CHAPTER XL NEW FRIENDS. " Blc8;?ed ie he that considcrcth the poor. The TiOrd will preserve him and keep him alive ; and he shall be blessed upon the earth."— Psalm, xli. 1,2. ' . " I will speak of the glorious honour df Thy majesty, and oi Thy wondtous works."— Psalm cxlv. 5. „ Nmemler 21«<, 1857.— To-day have had a call from a new physician, Doctor Sabine. I was very nervous when h& intro- duced himself, and said I thanked him for coming, but I did notVish his services. He said, "Why do you not? Toil are very feeble." I replied, " In the first plape, I have no money to pay' a physician, and I made a vow when iny husband died .never to go in debt; if I had not money to pay for what I wanted, to go without. In the second place, I have been nnder so many 4octor8, and all have said nothing more could be done for^riie." Besides, it would not be right f<^r me to take his time and attention. He looked at me and said : " Are you not am of the Lord's children?" I replied that I felt r could' say "Yes." Then said he: "So am 1; and if He haifgi^en me a Uttle more money or knowledge than you, ought you not to be wiUing to allow me, as His steward, to share it with you ? '* I had nothing to say. He said he would be in on Tuesday, and I must be kept very quiet. Doctor Sabjne is a. good, pious man, but I have no idea any one but the Great i^^jsician can do anything for me. I am in Thy hand, O my I'afeher, do with me as Thou wilt, life or -1 i' -** "%»; w <;. 1 \-W' New Friends, 93 >^ Glory, glory! Help death, sickness or health. All is well, me to show fprth Thy praise. November 'I^ih. — Doctor Subino was here to-day and talked with me about my circumstances ; asked what I had to support me. I told him my dear Hannah could earn about one dollar a week, besides doinj? the work and taking care of me, and that for the remainder I was supplied as my Father saw best. He asked me i|J had got in my winter's coal. I replied I had some coal. He said that did not answer his question, " Had 1 my winter's coal laid in ?" A person, Mrs. Marshall, sitting in the. room, said: "Well, indeed, I don't think she has much in the cellar at all." He talked with me some time about my pains and aches, and then said he thought he could help me a little; he could not tell, but there was a new preparation of iron he would like me to try. He wrote the prescription, and said I must try and have the best of food, and then left me. I looked into the paper,- and, to rny great surprise, found not only the prescription for medicine to be charged to his account, but also an order for a ton of coal to Messrs. Popham, and to be charged to him. I lay and looked at them ; could I be in my right mind ? I was amazed at this kindness from a stranger. November 2Qth. — Doctor Palmer wai^ heriB; he is willing for me to try Doctor Sabine, but thinks I should be careful about using strong medicine. How strange, not till Doctor Sabine left me the other dq,y, did I remember that, about three weeks ago, I dreamed of the doctor coming, and it has turned out just as I dreamed ; the very same words were spoken in our conversar tion that 1 had heard in my dream. I am very poorly. Decwi^er 4th. — Doctor Sabine has been here, but declined doing anything ; says I am too weak, and nothing can be done ; directed me to the Great Physician for strength and comfprt. December 24th. — Doctor Sabine sent me a turkey and other things. Lord, bless and reward him a hundredfold. He called and sympathised with me. What a man of God he is ! He Hinks it would be well to put in an issue to relieve the m /■■'.:/fJ -M «j^^^»^^*.^A ^ •V .HI ""i. ' jT"*,**'' . *'"*■ * — jxn; •»»- t ^—, ;»t-r— |^^-,^^|,#-r- 94 Rifted Clouds, ■ \t cough and spasms. I said he might do anything he thought best, as I knew he only wanted to do me good. Demnber 28m..iJ/£mL.^^-j rj?.<- --i" ' ■■ .-..-oz" "fiWi V- New Friends. I 95 To Rev, T. G. Osuornb. March 1858. -A My Dkar Pastor,— You will f my Father have far, very/far, outstripped the pain. I can truly say the past four yeafrs have been the happiest of my life, for the £ord has revealed Himself to me in a wonderful manner. Ye4, He has iiabled me to cry out, "Although the fig tree shall nofc blossom, /neither shall fruit be in the vine, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ; I will joy in theOod of ray salvation." Yes, when flook at the way He has led me, I am lost in wonder, love, and praise, for 'VHe calls a worm his friend. He calls Himself m^jgod, and He will save me to the end through Jesus' bloodTf ' Yes, for me the Saviour died. I praise Him that His blood is still efficacious, that it is sprinkled on the mercy-seat. I can confidently look up and say, " Abba, Father." And although so unworthy, He is ever saying, "Fear not, I am with thee; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My rightecflisness.'^^ Praise Him, because my feet are fixed upon the rock, Christ Jesus, and although the winds may blow and the rains descend and beat against the feeble bark, they cannot harm me, for my Father is at the helm. Sometimes it seems as if I were just in sight of port and about to enter the gate of the celestial c%, when again 1 am sent back*into the world. ^ Still 1 hear a voice saying, "I will be with thee, I will never leave nor forsake thee^, but, lo, I am with you always." Yes, I will praise my Ijfaker while He lends me breath. I know that He to whom I beiong is able to keep that which t ! have committed to Him^^ and by grace assisting me, I am more -.< ; • .S ■ w0mmm iPMSPIiSCi "»■' V 7'V\-^w^ r %#■■? i .•?• ^ 96 y?i/w c/_D /)■•• .< V ' •fw f-'-'i .'m -•.-■•?■■■■•••»*» if ' ' CHAPTER Xll. HBAVBNLY PLA.0B8. " When oil Thy raorclos, O my Ood, Bfy rising houI surveyn, Tranflportcd with tho view, I'm lost '^ In wonder, love, And praise. Through nil eternity to Thco A grateful song I'll raise ; But oh, eternity's too short * To utter all Thy praise." ^ ^ 4.- Januari/ 1st, 1869.-The Lord is so good to me, unworthy .,ana unprofitable as I am. Surely it is because His mercies fail not that I am still spared, cared for, and blessed with every temporal blessing. Glorj, honour, and praise be to His holy name for His goodness and lovingkindnesses. Through the past yearlhis poor body has been tossed about with disease, an^ I seemed to be at times near home ; but again the Lord has sent me back. Best, in prospect, looks very sweet, but the Master has said: "Eeturn to thine house, and teU how great things the Lord hath done for thee," ©an I oheerfullv, joyfully reftiim ? Tea, Lord, only Thou be with me j and 'if 'tis Thy will, though it be threescore years and >n, I will, with'*^by servant of old, say : " All the days of my appointed time will ' I wait till my change come." Yes, it will be but as a moment when compared with eternity ; and I feel that it does work for me «i eternal weight of glory, while I look notr at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Cant for a moment stagger in my faith, when I have proved Him to " ~ ^ ^ ^ " ^^ T ^ r' 'J A '1 r. W&.it^a all ' j ,fri :*-'^ 'i"? 98 RifUd Clouas. vV be faithful ami true to Iliii prom lie*, no long and in ao many instance* ? No, I will truHt Him, ami not Ih? afniid. My dear pantor and wife were here to-day, and we had a profitable time while np«?ttlrd wan indeed in our midnt. BIomm and Q||;,viard them for their work and labour of love to Thy unworthy Hervant. Dear SisterH Ijankford and Pe Ijama'ter HympathiNed and comforted me. " Not more than nthcM T (U'w^rrc, Yet Go«l hu(h Kivmi mc more." January 4 My hope is full, oh, glorious hope 1 Of immortality.*' , ,. . Yes, my hope is full, praise the Lord ! Ere long Thoii wilt take me to that promised land. There shall be no night, and the Lafnb Himself shall lead »a beside the fountain of living waters. While I am writing, " My "soul is leaping to go ; this moment for heaven I would leave all bejow." Yesterday had a visit from dear Doctor Bangs. It seemed while speaking of the goodness and lovingkindness of our Father God, that this spirit "would burst the bonds of clay and soar to realms of bliss." Sister Platts was also here from 1: «f.. yiiJSj*,y ■■»'■■• ■ - / t*' ' Riftiih" , fc*- ' m. ■ ■ I02 Rifted Clouds. Glen Cove, and it rejoiced my heart to hear how the Lord is leading His dear people there. Eide on, Thou mighty Con^ queror, till all shall be subdued unto Thee, from the least to the greatest. March 11th. — " Jesus, Thy boundless love to mo No thought can reach, no tongue declare." The past few days my soul has been, as it were, in an ocean of love. Infinite condescension of the Lord to me, in view of extreme feebleness and inability to do anything for my precious Jesus. I should often be borne down, and nature would say, '' How long, O Lord, how long ? " But, praise the Lord, " He giveth songs in the night," apd is still saying, "I will never leave nor forsake thee." " Yet a little while, and He that Bhall come Svill come, and will not tarry." The Great I Am, Jehovah, is our strength. He also is become our Salvation. March 15th. — ^Yesterday had a very precious melting season. My dear pastor and wife, and Sisters Lankford, Annesley, and E. D. Smith, with Brother J. P., were with me when we partook of the Lord's Supper, and told of some of His dealings with us. My cup was indeed full. In view <^f what He had done for me I was led to ask — -^ * ,'^ ♦' Where shall my wondering soul begin ? A soul redeemed from death and sin— A brand plucked from the eternal fire ; How shall I equal triumphs raise, Or sing my great Redeemer's praise ? " This is probably the last time Brother Osborne will meet with us, but, by-and-by, if faithful, we will be together above. Hallelujah! We will praise Him. April 4« 'korti "n. Glo,y, glo4 Th?^^"/ r ^''' f """^'^ '«»» »" ing for the poor feeble fZe^ "' ""' "'•''"»" "^'PO""- haa^^rHrtth^^Tr "-^^ - ^ '-^^^ »<> consecrate myself with mv nn ^ ! mV ^"""^ ""^"^ **° ^ »§«« "*/»wr witn my ppwers to Thee, O Lord. \ .»X .^A. t ^ J ■ # * * 1 / -, ^ • / ■ ■ ■ ' ' "t, - • . *- > -'jl : '* ■ /' , ■ ^ . ' :■'- . .' ■ -^ ■ " ' " ' . t A ' ' :■ : • -, ■■■■■■;■■ ■■■: • f\ \ A . » \ ■^■ wm: a^sfF^riTr '• ^ -f^r 'V' '^ ■< — • r^ 'ihrw" ■ ' --wf^- '-'".i-i^' %. ''V. :j^ '«k Pt Is^siic'-' i. CHAPTER XIII. CIIANOINO B0KKS8. " I know not the way I am going, Hilt well do I know my guide ; With a chihl-liko truHt I give my haml To the mighty Friend at my sldo. * The only thing that I wvy to Him Ah He takes it, is ' Hold it fast; Suflfgr me not to loee my way, A.nd bring me home at last.' " 1860.^Thi8 year Mrs. Cooke's oldest daughter, Hannah, decided upon her marriage,^ in the full determination to make a comfortable home for her niother with her, and thus, with^the entire approbation of all pirties, their domestic matters bid fair for much happiness. For this purpose they removed to larger apartments, but the unavoidable increase of excitement in a large family was too much for Mrs. Cooke's weak nerves and suffering body, and she remained with her daughter a little more than a year, and was glad to return to her own quiet little room again; and her most loving friends thought it necessary for her to make the change. By a singular providence the same apartments she had left were again ready for her, and within the same walls that had so long witnessed her joyous, though suffering, life, she renewed her Ebenezer.— En. m May 5th, ^^0. — Here I am in a new habitation ; I trust for the best. \^know this, that I am in the Lord's hands, and I have sought to learn His will in this thing, and to be guided by Him. Friends have been very kind,^especially Brother .1 .-H* ! -tsi I A--I ■■,■..,/■ '^•>tiP' io8 Rifted Clouds, r Stephenson, in Handing men to move my thingH and carry mo ; and last evening they came to (lee how 1 boro the moving, and we uang tho hymn— - « " Thou, lionl, hiiHt hlcHt my going out. Oh, bluHit my coming in I " After 'which we prayed that nothing sjjould mar our pence, but that, like the family of })t)thany, wo might have the presence of the Mttstor. And my licort fervently rtjspondod " Amen ! " It is not in roan to choose his way. In Thee do I put my trust. Thou art my hiding-place. Under Thy pavilion will I rest. May 31«<. — Testerday my dear Hannah pledged her vowi to become the partner for life in the joys and sorrows of the young man of her choice, Joha«^ Paisley. Aa Thou hast bSen the Guide of my youth and riper years, so guide them. My dear friends have been very kind in sending Hannuh things for her comfort. Truly it is of the Lord, and to Him be all the glory. June 5th. — Had a visit from Mrs. Underbill, with a relative. They are attending the yearly meeting. Miss Folwell, from Philadelphia, seems to be very desirous to serve the Lord fully, but is afraid of running before she is sent. Open Thou her understanding, and she will learn Thy will. ' June 30i^ — Doctor Bangs was again to see me. What a soldier of the criea he is! It always cheers me to have a visit from hmu^ I think, if He has kept his servant so many years. He "can also keep me. Brother Joseph Plillman was here at the same time, and it was food for much thought as they sat side by side — the one just on the steps of the celestial city, having borne the burden and heat of the day, and the oth(^, in the morning of life, setting out for the battlerfield to fight for the kingdom of our Lord. Make him very Jnlmble and faithful ; and when Thou hast done with Thine aged servant here, grant that he may depart in peace. Doctor Bangs thinks he will not be able to go to camp-meeting this year, and it will be the first he has missed in fifty-seven years. .;What a lesson to others ! > _J S'^v^m'u '* '^ y Changing Scenes, 109 AIno ha y . A »' * > fu ■ J ^' T. ^w 'I .•■'. Jla;^ tfO Riftid Chuas, I ofUm think of jour Tiait, anil thank my hiwvenljr j?^t|^«^r for tho privilego of converiiinf^ with IIU diwr childn»au|t Hhall my fouI In^gin to praiio Him ? 4p '^15,'^ Oh, how I ru juice, dear fritmd, that you ev»l flC .^|l in tf way, cant up for the ranaoiiutd of tho liord ti(j^im^7tiur«ly it Ui a highway, a gloriouN way, for nulhtuglipPb unck^ati can walk th»rt)in. PraiMt) tho Lord ! «JI^ rejoico w|tl»> tific«t>ding groat joy that you havu Ixxm onab^d to lay hold on Christ aa your Bodnomor from all flin — to trtint in Uim, believing that He isikblo to koop that which, you have comnuttud to His car* until the day of Kin coming. .In answer to your inquiry, I think junt as soon a.s we take Christ M .£"'• Saviour frotn th0 power of tin, and trust ^nd be- lieve thtdjfmiti is not only able, but wilting, to receive us ana cleanse us ^rom niu by His own prooiouM blood, that then we. enter into the way of hulinesM. Nor do I think it is left optional with us, for I think we disobey Him if we do not accept His proffered grace, for He hoM said, '* Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may bj full," and how can joy be full unless we have His smile? Abd surely He Will not smile updn us if we are doubting His word. I think many of us err in not coming out, if need be,^^ opnfess Christ as our Deliverer' from sin^fore the whole^pM|ttU||Ut are ^ver' 8ayii||[ by our^ acts, if nl^by word^, thatJMttpHls for uMlratteidift to live this ChriHt-Iife, as we counF^^maintain it. It is just what we need to keep u$. We have, dear friend, a faithful God, Who will do far more abundantly for us than we ask or think, and all that He requires is that we make a full suitreiukr^ and trust Him implicitly at all times. May you ever kble to say, ♦' Take my body, spirit, soul, only Thou possess '^whole." And may yours be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord ; and if at any time you should fall into temptation for a moment, do not parley with this or that, but iQok away to the blood of sprinkling, and by faith in the blood you shall be made clean, every whit, in a shorter time than it takes me to \^rite it, for remember, clear, that we have '% 'M „t^^ ^^If' t t W&^nging Scenes, III not » hftrcl Bf»«it@F, hut " lik« on m father piii«% hii flliiklreo, so theiLord pttbth th«m ttiat f«or lliw,*!*^ |j 4 Though wo do many timoa err thraU|ttk ieeip^ijp^, want of knowlwlge, or wofUcnest at hody, we havw m^ AdPocat* \lritl the Father, Jesus Chriit, the righteous ; to ISh, Umni« let go, and so live that lie wfll not bo ashaltied tJkill \m mtt for Ho declarttd that v*ho8o«ver dottth tne will If HMy^'alhorf the same in His mother, and sister, and brother. Whm a high calling! May we in tM things walk worthy; of H^ju^ adorn it in all things and tn-oll places. With regard Uy this powr frail lM)dy, I have not itjeems as if I was almest home, juHt in sight g^tes^ a^d then my Muster sends me back for a sei fc Ever yours in .Tesus, BBLIiA^lfcoOKE. to say; pearly September lOfA, 1800. — Since writing I have, been in befor e her, and enable her to take Thee at Thy word. /I ' '.i- . ,»„% ",' t'v <' .liy ^■:i)k m ■ 1'' t " f • * V - ■ V « • 1, ■ ■''^ ^H'. ' 6 \ i \ - '/ • . - A i ■' ■ t« * tt ' t "■»■ ■ ■ » • ■ «». fl ¥ • ' b ^ \ ' . . - ■ ^^f-' ( ' Ci -■--^- _'.^-- -. :. . „ .. ^. :r--^-ff-. t •-. •■ -',' /> ■ - # ^ . ■• . •*■ - A . .,i ^^ IT. 1' t ruil «ltft (ivfuni I luhT« (UiiM fur T^| ^4 V ti«i«|pfr«i tblw fiitiN n|t«9i nte^ Umi ni»| imm» I liAini hiMNNl «f Mm •tiur»M, And mditi hi^ w»7 plain bnforo h«r, muI itnahio b«r to tdkit Hmm tl Tby word. ' ' ■»] H^ yr «ft'* ',.; »''fT% /f* t 1 ' ; '^ -"^' ., 6 ■►' ■■ •■ ■ \r.^ . ■^• j: . ♦ V 'r vs. 4v- ■#•; ij'^-fi"- Rifted Clouds, Also, a visit from Mrs. E. D. Smith ; how kind to come and see me so soon after she came home. To Miss Fglwell. lHviW YoBK, November 20th, 1860. My Vbbt Dear Feiend,— Through the inGnite mercy of an all-wise God I am still spared, and was made very glad by your welcome letter so soon after your return home ; but, before it came, your kind aunt called with the beautiful book you had left for me. I am much pleased with it, and beg you to accept my thanks. I greatly rejoice that you have entered into the rest of those who believe ; it is a glorious rest. Our Jesus, as you say, is a precious Saviour ; One in whom we can -find a refuge from everything that would disturb or annoy. «* I do thank my blessed Master that He ever enabled me to • lay hold on Him by faith, and taste of His goodness. He is preeiou8j.more than meat and drink — for it takes but little of these to satisfy the poor body, but I find that momentarily I need and have His aid — His Spirit to feed and satisfy my spirit. Praise the Lord ! You ask, my dear sister, if I think it possible to always live resting on Jesus' bosom,' or whether it is necessary to have clouds an4 mists to make us cling to Him by naked faith. I think that it is our Father's will for us ever to live under His smile, or why would our precious Jesus have said, "That My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full"? and I cannot see if our joy be full, how we can be in the mist. Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ, Who strength- eneth me." Of ourselves, truly we can do nothing ; bjut it is written, " I will put My Spirit upon you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, that ye may keep my judgments and do them ; " and again f " He led him about. He instructed him. He kept him as the apple of His eye." We may give way to temptation, and thus bring mists over our spirits, but I cannot think this is necessary, or in any way i -4« 1'; I' Changing Scenes. its m pleasing to our Father. It is our privilege to rejoice evermore; not that we are sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. Give my* love to your dear mother. That peace, joy, love may ever rest upon you and abide with you, is the prayer of yours truly in Christ, . V Bella CooKBjf'^l ■ * October 7^pi|f»lP^gMiii^ ■ -■■^: :':'*,' -'f., .■ Rifted Clouds. 114 with Je8U8 Chriat. How many would be glad to be called a friend of the young prince, yet they neglect Him Who is above Ifcll principalities and powers. ^ JV^mfter \m, 1860.-Faint, yet pursuing, is my present motto. Hitherto the Ix>rd hath helped me on my eventful iourney. In looking back, there are some things to mourn over, but so much to be grateful for. Every step of the way the Lord has gentiy led me and tenderly cared for me. At w six years this month since He permitte#me to bow at the sacramental board in His house and wi^B people yet He hath never forsaken me. thirteen ^prlfeo He told me He would never leave nor forsake me, and wfen He hath tned me, I shall come forth as gold. , . o Decmher 30th, I860.— This is the last Sabbath in the year— a solemn thought, that another year is gone ; to others it may not appear so, yet I am weaker than this time last year. "One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er, I am nearer home to-day Than' I have ever been before." What changes have been in my little home during the year, and we know not what may be in the future ; but this I know, my Father has promised never to forsake me. His promise cannot fa^. / , r January 2nd, 1861.— The past year has been one of many and great changes, yet Thou hast been our guide, and we know not what is in the future. We received news from our fnends in England which troubled us, but the Lord is our Counsellor. I had a few friends to see me, among whom was Mr. I. Douglass, whom I had not seen for seven years, and if seeing our friends gives us so much pleasure, what will it be to meet all around our Father's throne? May we have an abundant entrance. My room was filM-with the power of the living God. I do thank my heavenly Father for giving me so m"any dear ones among the Society of Friends. Miss Shotwell has indeed been as a ministering angel, oftentimes sent with some gift when pf*" s»-j%.. ' /* T / Changing Scenes. US none but God knew how much I was in need. I have told Him, for although He knows what wo need before we ask, yet He hath said : " For all these things will I be inquired of by thd house of Israel." It is very sweet to go right to Him, as a "child toHts earthly parent, and tell Him all our wants, and . watch Him open the way for us to take our daily food, as it were, from His own hand, just sent by one of our family, for are we not all of the family of Christ, bound together by one of the strongest ties ; was not the precious blood shed fOr us all ; and is it not declared by Him that we are His sons and daughters? ^ , January 29>^fc^ii-i,-»^ j^.y ;■.;■> Vf s V'/ ff" '^. Changing Sceftes, 117 And while they stand a moment half ajar, Gleams from the inner glory \ Stream brightly through the azure vault afar, And half reveal the story." ^ " land unknown I O land of love divinq I " I have been looking through the opened gates. Some friends I would like to have seen, but thej were far away, among whom was my dear Sister Lankford, more than a sister to me. But the Lord has spared me a little longer, and afresh on the morning of a new /month, I consecrate myself to Thee, body, soul, and spirit j seal me Thine to do or suffer all Thy will. October \2th. — Had a viiiit from two friends who are in the town from Philadelphia— -mother and daughter — Mrs. and Miss Whitall; both are full of love and good works. I think I never met with a young lady like Miss Whitall, so loving to her mother. She seems ripening for heaven. While ker&on earth may they win souls for Uim. October Ibth, — To-day had a visit from Doctor Stephen IL- Tyng — the first time I have seen him. The almond tree is flourishing, and those that look out of the windows are becoming dim. A great and good man. I found it a time of refreshing. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and we found it gpod to approach the mercy-seat. J^t matters not by what name we are called if we belong to ' Christ. I always find Jesus is so precious while conversing with His children of every name. All one in Christ. Doctor Tyng presented me with his likeness, which I highly priise. The past week I have found my God to be a stronghold and a present help, while some things' which try men's souls have been hurled at me. I rejoice in God ; and though an host should encamp against me, in this will I be confident ;— one thing have I desired of the Lord^ that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. November 1861.— My heart was made glad and my spirit was greatly revived to hear of the opening of the Mission School up in Second Avenue by the Society of Friends. The ■ \ .V. ■ \ A, /"■'■ri 1> t * ' ' • 't >, ■' V . /r Ii8 Rifted Clouds. first Sabbath they numbered fifty-seven. All the children are „ of the poorest, picked out of the streets and brought together to mingle with a few of God's dear children. Mrs. Euth Murray and Mrs. A. Tatum were the, chief ones to commence this good work. They keep me acquainted with its progress. What shall I render unto Thee, O my Father, for these kind friends ? They are jio mindful of me. They often send to me just when the oil and meal are exhausted. I daily ask of Him •^ to send to me by whom He will ; and shall I not take all these blessings from JELis hand ? Althou^ He knows what we have • need of Before we ask Him, yet He has said by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are to make our requests known ; and I know that He hears me ; and the sceptic would stand amazed could he know how the Lord has indulged me — how He has had. compaasion on me. It is very wonderful how I have been cared for anil fed all these years, how friend after friend has been raised up ; and although in the body I have very much to suffer, yet I rejoice in the Lord and joy in the Qod of my salvation ; for He maketK me to mount up as on eagle's wings. Hef anointeth my hea^ with oil, my cup runneth over. Oh, that men would praise the Lord ! K November , 24th. — John says : " I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." May we not also say so when the Father, Son, ^■and IJoly Ghost manifest their presence in our hearts ? When with two or three of His dear children we meet in this little room and sing and pray, is it not filled with the glory of God ? Such was the case to-day. Among the rest was Mr. M. Shipley from: Cincinnati. Bl^ss them all, and me also, that I ^ may show forth Thy praide. \; , sJ December Ath^ 1861. — " jTAe deaire of the righleoia shall be granted." I must here record a little circumstance to show that the desires of the heart are given to us. On Saturday my dear Mary said, "Now, mother, wrhat shall I get for" dinner to- • morrow?" I said I did not know, but I would like a little > piece of roast duck. She went out and inquired the price and \ came back. , I said I could not get one ; they smelled too much .». •te, „*— ^1 A : *.wn0.' ••»T >♦' •"'t-*,'.' Changing Seems. 119 of silver, but if it was best I should have some soon. Very early on Monday morning, Mr^. A^ TKi;um and Mrs. Dickinson called in, and Mrs. I^atum had a plate covered with a napkin. She said : '* Bella, we l^ad roast duck for dinner yesterday, and I did wiint thee to havi^ some while it was warm, but had no one to bring it, so I broWht thee some to-day, and hope thee will like it." \ December 27th. — I have been almost overwhelmed with the kindness of my dear friends during the past month. They have seemed to be determine^ I should partake of their share of earthly blessings. We have 6el§brated another of our Saviour's birthdays. "■ \ "°He laid His gloiy by, He wrapped Ijira in our clay 5 Unmarkcr Changing Scenes. Iff, 121 (mr little home. Much love to each of your family, and with many prayers for your welfare. Ever yours in Christ, Balla CooKi. AuguH nth, 1862. Mt Veet Dkab Fbiend Miis. Shipley,^ Yours of July 12th came, for which please receive my sincere thanks. I can- not tell you how much good your dear letter did me. 1 was so glad to hear that you were living so sweetly under the smile of your heajcenly Father. Oh, 'tis sweet to thus dwell under the shadow of His wing ! I was glad thut you enjoyed yourself so much in our city. The Lord is good, His tender mercies are over all His works. 1 enjoy very much the visits of our dear band of Christian sisters in Thirtieth Street ; they are very, very kind to me, their spirits are so pure. I like to have them sit by my bedside and breathe in that spirit of love which they possess. Have you heard Mrs. B. is out of town ? Mrs. Murray has another little girl. Mrs. Tatum was here the other day ; she is very much engaged with the sick and wounded soldiers. I believe she spends two whole days every week with them, and as much more of her time as she can. I had a visit from Mrs. Whitall on her return from St. John's. She left dear Misi^ Alice there. I rejoice to hear that she is longing after the mind which was ia Christ. They are pronounced blessed wha thus long, for they shall be filled ; this the dear Saviour said, and not one jot or tittle of His word can fall to the ground till all shall be fulfilled. Go on, my dear sister, yours is a glorious path you have begun to walk in. No half-way work can satisfy you. Blessed be our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He saveth to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. It is His will, dear one, that you should go in and be a full possessor of all the promised inheritance. Satan may try to tell you that you cannot live thus, but you kno^i^ his character ; we don't pretend to believe himT^And while nothing short of '"S: n-*^' |22 Rifted Clouds, a full confonnily to tho Divine will can Hatiiify us, nothing short of thiff will Ha^infy .Him whose we are and whom we flerve. My poor feeble prayers go up* liiuly for you and dear Miss Abby that all the will of God may be dotib in and by you. I have been rather poorly tho^a^t wtwk, fainted twice in- getting my bed made. And now, my dear, I commend you to God and to the word of Hie grace. * \> Yourt^Wly jn Christ, ** ^ Bella Cookb. '*-'■■ To M»p. A. SHipjasY. Notemher Uh, 1862. I fear you-will, my dear Mrs. Shipley, think n^u very tardy in not having before thfts answered your very kind note by our friend Mrs. Dickinsw- '^i was truly refreshing to me, a few lines from you,*aiid to hear of the Lord's dealings with you. I rejoice that He is leading you step Jby step into ihe promised land— -that land of corn apdovine, Uhat rest oT uninterrupted communion which every true believer™ pants to s^. /-^ Go on, dear friend, turn not to the right nor to the left, but steer a steady course and faint not by the way. He is waiting to strengthen you with His 6pirit's might in the inner man. But we must not forget what He has told us, that although Ih is tlie One to blot out all our sins and iniquities, yet He says, *^ Put me in remembrance ; " and again, "I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel." Oh, then, let us come with that living faith which laughs at impossibilities, and cries, It shall be done ! 'Tis sweet to rest in His embrace, and know no will but His. I have so often seen and felt that He knows so much better than I what is best for me, that I dare not take my little affairs out of His hands. I ha(^a sweet and profitable surprise last evening. Mrs. Dickinson, Miss Shotwell, and Mrs. Shipley all came to see me. It seemed like heaven below; Jesus, even our Jesus, talked with us by the way ; our hearts were refreshed, we were strengthened, at least I was, and could but praise and adore #»■{ 7 *■ ■• ': ' v*j,-' Chat^ng Scenes, 123 % Him Who is «o kind. Well might the pmilmiKt cry out : " Oh ! that men would praise the fjord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men." And our hearts echo the same — yes, with our whole hearts will we praise* our Goil. The ladies were all well, and would Send their love if they knew I waa writing. I am happy to say Jenny Dickinson is better. Much love to Miss FolwoU. And now, (Jear friend, may He Who is able to keep you from falling present you faultless at the coming of Ilia glory with exceeding joy, is the earnest prayer of yours, with much affection, in the best of bonds. Bella Cooke. The Riot in 1863. " No evil «hall como nigh thee." • To M188 Whitall. Second Avknub, Avgunt Htk, 1863. Mr Pbeoious Friend, — I was so glad to get a letter from you, you are so kind to me, and I so unworthy ; but it is all of the Lord, and to Him shall be all the glory. How can I thank you: and your dear mother for your continued kindness to me. I was well aware that my dear friend would not forget me in the time of trial which our city was pasaing through in the late riots. We were very mercifully and wonderfully preserved through' it all, although the whole block on which we live was threatened to be burned; yet, not a hair of our heads was injure4. • Although the cannon roared and shook our dwelling, it did not come nigh us; we ^ere hid under the shadow of His wing; only with our eyes dijl we behold it. Many Wfere ftilled in sight and Bound^fTJ^r house. 1 The people around here attribute our 8afrfty4» the fact that there were some rebels in the corner liquor 4itore, but I to another cause. • ■»* t .=* v^"*' * "" ■■■*l.- 124 RtfUd Clouds. Xkwc Mary acted vory nobly until it waaall over ; pordidsho faltur for % moinunt in hor effort« to keep all calm for me ; but whon tbe quiet came, the sank, and could Mcareely rite from her bed for one or two days. Dear Miu Alice, I have sent you a card — they wj a picture of myNolf ; how do you like it ? I wan mo tirud and nervoua in getting ready, and the very effort to throw it off makes me, < I think, look silly; but all auy it is like me, so it must be right. Tours truly in Jesus, ■^: Bella. Cooki. \ To Tiia Samk. Second Ayenvb, Aj^l 9, ♦ '^\ I remain, yours truly, ~ ' Bklla Cooke. 1^ :.^j%:^., 122 ^^ Rifted Clouds. a fuU conformity to tho Divine will can Hatiafy \x\ nothing short of thi« will Mtftisfy Ifini whone we are and whory we nerve. My poor feeble prayers go up daily fur you and dear Miss Aofhe fact that there were some rebels in the corner liquor titore, but I to another cause. XT M mS^j.'. .''J' % i ' "^ fV* 'Y^ ,"'**^''T> '^ .•Hi'' ■ m It'- ■ CHAPTER XIV. THE LIGHTED PATHWAY. '■■«■' " For the promise is unto you and to your children."— Acts ii. 39. '• I long to praise Thee more, and yet ^ This is ;ao care to me, If Thou shalt fill my mouth with songs \ Then 1 will sing to Thee ; • And if my silence praise Thee best Then silent I will be." January 9th, 1864.— Three days ago my dear Mary was married to the Rev. Joseph Pullman; a young man of deep ,piety and full of promise, glad to labour in the Master's vjneyard; and God grant they may both be faithful. Oh! how lonely my home seems to me without that dear girl ; much as if I had had a funeral. But I believe it is in the order of Providence that she should be with that young" man to iivork for souls. Many friends have contributed to their comfort in excellent and pretty presents, and I can only say when I look at all the goodness of th^ Lord in caring for my dear children one after another, "What hath God wrought?" -They are blessed with everything to make them comfortable and happy. His promises have been yea and amen, and here I will set up another Ebenezer. ■' Our dear friend, Rev. Thomas G. Osborne, came to perform the ceremony at the church; he took dinner with us, which was prepared and sent by d^^ar Mrs. Taber, so that I might not be worried with it. After dinner Mrs. Lankford and Brother Lankfoird, with other precious friends, came in, among whom t . T/te Lighted Pathway, 127 was, of course, Brother Stephenson. They sang the hymn, '^* All hail the po\ver of Jesu'sname." Yes, I did feel that I wanted them to crown Him Lord of all, for He had done everything for me and mine. After this they went round to * the church and were united in one, and left far their new ' home and field of labour. 12 '^j^A^l ^■ 128 Rifted Clouds. saved, and told my dear Annie that the Lord would tUe care of us, and she must try and keep perfectly calm. She\ put up our cbthing, in which I placed my Bible, hymn-bobk and album, then girded the bed-spread about me and waited the result, which was, that only with my eyes I should behold it, for He gave His angels charge over me. Brother John Pullman worked very hard, coming in often to see how I was getting along. Many brethren were at the door, but were told it was best not to come in as Brother Stephenson was with me, and the less commotion there was about me the better. Even the firemen, when asked where the sick woman was, replied, «' Oh, we will take care of her, if it takes the whole of us." I had no fear, this verse was running through my mind all the time — «• Calm on tumult's wheel I sit, . • 'Midst busy multitudes alone, - Sweetly waiting at Thy feet, Till all Thy wiU be done." The 9l8t Psalm was a great comfort to me : " Thou wil4r keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." O Lord, give me a word in season for all who turn in to see me. Let all our conversation be seasoned with grace, and may we ever be enabled to strengthen each othe^ on our way. Yes, my rather|ffhou hast preserved my fatherles^ children alive, Thou hast deffl; bountifully with me and mine. March. 1865.— I thank Thee, my Father, that Thou hast granted me my request, and permitted me to get for the four past months one dollar per week for Mary Story, a poor afflicted child of Thine, also many articles of clothing to make her comfortable for the winter. And Thou hast also privileged me to get three dollars per month for poor old coloured Orin Franks and help her throug'h the past winter. But a little while, and no matter from what clime or colour. We will all meet in our Father's house, where there will be no chilling winds or fears of rent-day. We will all be safely housed in glory, l^y dear Joseph wrote to know if it would be well for ''**.■-?»%».; "*■• The Lighted Pathway. 129 3ed la bU for ■-:.■#. 4 n him to write a note to Mrs. Jaffray and obtain a little help for poor blind Hannah of Middletown, Ot. She is in great need. I sent his note and wrote one also, and received ten dollars for pre lent use, and Mrs. J, will give her five dollars per month for one year. Praise the Lord ! I also made it a subject for pi-ayer, aud resolved to usk every one who came in *for a month, except those I had tired out, and those not able to give. My good Djctor Sabine gave m© twenty dollars from a friend, Mr. St«phenson five, Mrs. Murray five, and Mrs. W. E. Dodge five. A number of others gave me smaller sums, which raises the amount to about seventy dollars. Praise the Lord ! He is good, and will provide ; yes. His word is truth. ' Thank^(fivintj />«»/, 18G5. — Poor blind Hannah is agjain made glad. Mrs. Jaffray continues her kind gift mon1?hly, and, .through the goodness of my heavenly Father, I have sent her forty dollars. How blessed to be permitted to do a little for others. October 1866.— We were about to gather a little sum for poor blind Hannah for Thanksgiving, but she has escaped to bliss, is now' set down in her Father's house,* seeing and knowing as she is known. Her cares are all fled, her doubts are all slain, and the hour of her triumph is come. And, by- ,and-by. Thou wilt take all Thy waiting ones home. Till then we would Thy pi'aise proclaim. Germaxtown, 1,1, 18(56. D£AB Bella Cooke, — On this day,. the first of the new year, this day of so many new resolves, and turning over of the new leaf, I determined no longer to have to reproach myself with neglect of so dear, patient, and forgiving a friend as thyself. I was especially glad to see thy handwriting again, as but the day or two before I had heard a mysterious report, that thy last year on earth had been spent, and thou hadst changed the cross for a crown. How this arose I cannot say, but Mrs. Shipley heard it from a neighbour of hers. I do not know whether to be glad for thy sake that it is not true, except 9 f'S ■y I ■ The Lighted Pathway. ' 131 hekkh and tone of mind and epirifc. But I would not dwell on myself, unless it were to praise God afresh for every turn of His hand upon me, entreating Him to teach me by His Spirit a^rthe jessons He would h(^e me learn in the school <)r suffering.^ Thy last letter to A. S. Folwell (December 27th) was most unexpected to me. Iliad feared I should never see thy handwriting again, ^for, strange to say, there was a rumour here that Jesus had called thee to His everlasting rest; and when I was reproaching myself that I had so long been silent, thinking I should never have another opportunity of telling thee of my loving interest and Christian fellowship in this world, behold thy letter came! Not yet, not yet! A little while iQnger to glorify Godwin suffering, then to reign with Jesus for ever! Knowing the blessed .truth that " Whether we live, we live unto the Lord, or whether, we die, we die unto thaLord ; whether we' live therefore or die, we are the Lord's," how little matters it when He calls us home ! One thing is certain r Christjans are told to "comfort one another with these word* "— word^ of blessed hope and expectation, of looking for and -hasting^o the^day of the Lord's coming witli great joy for we loo£ for new heavens and a new earth, wherein Jwelleth - righteoiisness. I was truly rejoiced to hear that thy dear children have been made instrumental in reviving the work of the Lord. Are not prosperity and adversity set one against th^ other ? On the bne.hand, thou hast, the blessedness of seeing thy children not only w;alking in the truth themselves, but turning many to righteousness; on the other hand, thy faith is sorely tried by the workings of the enemy. Let patience have its perfect work, and it may be that even yet thou shalt be able to praise Him for a wonderful salvation whtre.it might jbe least expected. I need not wish thee "A happy New Tear," knowing that as thy times are in His ha^dd Who doeth all things well, His wUl is thy happiness, and the year mmt be happy. Abby Folwell is the/ stay of her aged parents in their de- clining, years, and fr^li^ntly sho vs her welcome face with us " ^;; ■A' M' ■■» .\ ■^ I30 Rifted Clouds. that I must congratulate thee that thfe will of the Lord is beicg done and fulliUed in and by thy continuance on tWs side Jordan. For thou art one who can eay, " I worship Thee, Bweet will of God, and all Thy ways adore." What bi;ing8 ^ quietude and rest to the believing child 4ike this loving of ' QoiVs will? I cannot boast of loving much, or doing much, but of having been forgiven much I ma]^,^and join with thee I do in the song '^Goodness and merc^ have folfbwed me all the days of my life," and "I will dwell in ^he house of the Lord for ever."' ... May this year prove a fruit-bearing year, dear friend, not void pf suffering to thee or to me probably, but may honour and ptaise be brought unto Him, whose we are, and Who gave Himself for us, and has now given Himself «o uj». ■ ■ \ ■■'•■■.■■■ I could leish -thou couldsjt share in some of the good meetings where Mrs. Shipley aiid I often meet. ... I must close my letter and remain thy friend.' Mother> affectionate remem* brance is to\thee. ' \ . A. S. F. ^ vA ■ ■■ . '■- ' PHXLADELPH14, 1623, FitBEBa: Street, ' ; ' '■ :. V -: ■ t, \^^im^' ' '. ' . Mt Bear FyuBND Bella Cooke,— The'first time that I write ° the date, of the new year is to ihee.> How my heart reproaches me for mfy long Apparent neglectVmany times have my thoughts turned to thee aW dwelt upon the times of refreshing at thy . bedside; but there it, rested, arid' I, did not write.; Indeed, I was so- paralysed With the stunning^ blow of my father'i and mother's .death, ot\ which, perhaps, mir friend G. Dickinflon may have told thee\ that I had, no energy to write or do any*^ thing but exist frcAi day to day. 1 have found at last that working for Jesus m the best cure. Although ^vhen we first returned to the ■W^' U2 Rifted Clouds. i' ^ ■ T. We always love to s^e her come in and hear her words, filled with ^ holy zeal, for the;Lord. I have enjoyed very much this winter the, meetings for Jioli- ness at Mrs. Loftgacre's — similar to Mrs. ' Lankford's. Theyj' refresh and fe^d my soul many a time. Last night we went to watch-meeting at Mr. Longacre's church, and had a Solemn season. I trust it lias strengthened our covenant. Hoping soon to receive ofie of thy welcome letters, I bid adieu, commending thee afresh to Him Who is the delight and beloved of thy soul. ' Thy friend aAd sister inr Christ, . Anna Shiplet. To Mas. A. StiiPLBt: '492, Second Avenue, Van«ary22nflf, 186i8. Mr Dbab Mrs. Shipley,— ^y ours was received, and often I have thought of you in your deep afiliction, but felt insufficient, to offer you any comfort, but I did earnestly pray the Father to comfort you in the bereavement, and believed you had learned to " go and tell Jesus," and He hath said : " I am the resurrection and the life "^hlesfeed assurance, that if we live in Him here we shall reigHwith Him in glory, w^en all tears shall be wiped from our eyes, for v " No lingering look, no parting sigh, ', \ Our future meeting icnows ; - , . . f .- There glory beams from every eye, "■ "* And hope immortal grows." I was surprised to hear that a rumour was abroad- that I had been called " to the land of the living ; " not yet hath the Master calle4 me away, but is still saying : " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.*' Is it not worth a little more suffering toil, a few more' ^per- plexities and cares ? Ot yes, fpr we do know that the furnace will never be heated too hot, for the Master sits by and watches the preciouJs metal, and when His image is clearly seien, He f'~* '"' ■• iv"*"'., ■"'■'''■ '-■■"!'-'i>';"'5f r' <-''^;* *• ' «>-"-,jf-» '-jT^y, \ The Lighted Pathway, ^ 133 will say : Tis enough, come up highar. ' Oh ! I do thank Him for m that is past, and am perfectly willing to trust Him for all that is to come, for " when He hath tried me I shall come fprth as gold." Oh, the transporting, rapturous scene that rises to my sight ! " ^ , What a countless cwnpany stand before yon dazzling throne ! Palms they carry in their hands and/ crowns of glory on their heads. And, if faithful, I, too, shall' stand with them who are all in white robes arrayed, and ding the new song unto Him Who hath loved us and Ivashed us from our sins in His own blood. To Him be gl^fty and dominion for ever. Hallelujah! We will praise Him, for He is worthy. It seems day by day the Lord is erilargiqg and filling this poor heart, and I cannot praise Him as I would. I want every breath to praise Him. li seems as if everything becomes more beautiful, and my cry is, " Let all that hath breath praise the Lord.'^ . I had a very interesting visit from tjie gentleman who brought your letter. He seems a very fine man. How kind of you to write such a good, long letter! I do pri'ze^ letters so much ; they are a great comfort to me. And now, dear friend, 1 am tired, and commit you to Him Who is able to keep that which is committed to His care to the day of His coming. Kjnd regards to your husband and children. Yours in Christ, BMiLA. Cooke. ' '' - <♦ Philadelphia, 1623, Filbert Steebt, - . ^ 12,24,06. My Dear Friend BblU Cookb,— Throughout this long silence thou hast not been forgotten, bs thou wilt understand, ' when I explain the gift enclosed. Last summer, when Sister Catherines Shipley came on from 'Newport, she came to our country home straight from thy sick room, where she told us she had been Refreshed in ,soul and body. She then found ua engaged in work for thee, which we intended for the beginning of a children's Christmas fair for thy benefit. A kind friehd, '■'K . v:. ' ^\ ■•»: .n ^ *.■ y^F^% :»•.*■ 134 Rifted Clouds. who had formerly been a boarding-Hchool teacher, haAjJtatted " our work by giving U8 a quantity of material left ff^in her school ; and the children were busily engaged making it up. From that time to this we have been devoting our t(ppir§ time to this, and many sweet and refreshing thoughts of thee and of thy patient endurance of suffering have been mingled with th^ work. Our and thy dear friend, Alice Whitall, arid family, haye also been devoting themselves to helping on the work, and their contributions were so beautiful, I long for thee to ^ee some specimens of theii* work. Other friends, hearing of it, eent in their contributions ; some from Burlingtonj through Bebecca W. Allison. And little by little the rills flowed together, forming in time quite too large a collection for our small rooms to display to advantage. Oa Seventh day last Catherine Shipley kindly lent us her beautiful schoolrooms, and we arranged our fanciful and useful departments ; toy table, doll table, art table, etc., for the children. Our friends, who had been informed of it, poured in, andi> before noon the prayer I had had in my^ heart for months was answered, and we had taken in one hundred dollars. How earnestly I gave thanks ! Before night the remainder came id, and with joy I send it to thee for a Christmas present, as a joilut gift from muiy friends to whom the name of Bella Cobl^ has become a Household word ; and (through the photograph^) her face a memory for life. Take it directly from thy loving Father's hand ; I know thou wilt ; He. sends it to His faithful servant. OurvWatchword for the children (about ten were engaged in it) was : " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have doiie it unto Me." And it was beautiful to see how the memory of that text would spur them on to their work when their little hands were weary, or their feet eager to run and play. Is it. not sweet to be helped from the Lord through the children ? Iifliaste I send Christian love, And am thy sister in Christ, Anna Shiplet. j^f-h. *^ 1 ■•' ^ ■»*( f; ' *%-*B*«s^ ■ .iifn, but the Lord's, soul and body. All are His, ' and if it is righj;, and will add one tittle to His glory that thesp things should 1^ known when I shall have gontt home, I have nothing more t(i say about it ; or if He should ^how me that it is now my diity to have it done I know He will guidp me aright. \ His goodness is still the same, boundless and tree. Daily He shows me more and more of His love. Of teiitimes I am so weak that I cannot form a prayer, but I just leave myself resting ob» His bosom ; while His left arm is under me His right hand is over me, and thus I rest. Praise the Lord! Leaning on His bosom as a babe in its mother's arms. And, do you know, when anything turns up that might harass or distress, I look to Him and my heart goes out : Fj^ther, I am Thine ; save me ! and it seems everything, every sharp edge, is' taken off, and I can sweetly rest. His will is mine, and my soul waits for that will ; and when ■ sometimes things of a very trying nature are thrust at me they cannot touch me for the armour of my God. . And, my dear friend, those who visit me, and tp whom/ often tell His goodness, cannot but magnify the Lord, as; llis ^ lovingkindness is so strongly manifested in my case. /They praise and adore, and it leads them to greater trui^. As regards this poor body, it has gone through much buffering, I The Lighted Pathway. U7 -y # and tho frail bark ha«t often tromblod in the Htorai, so that it fteemod an if it would founder, but "My falUriK flonh IIIh hmI Hhiill timiikfiilly lulons ; My hoiirt Hhall viiidicftto my flod •- Kor evtjftnoro." / I know not how to priiiHo Miui. It seems nometiinoe whrth, some from the Book Concern and many of , the Ashworth tracts. This, of course,^ takes some care and thought, as I alvi^^ys wish to give a correct^Ceojint of all money , entrusted to my care. X I cannot tell you, my d^ar friend, how thankful I aK to my heavenly Father that He puts it into the heartis of some of His dear children to let me be the bearer of sonjie of the ^lad tidings of a. Saviour's l o ve. Tt is so kind i n tfem, and I do r '•'id'' ■ /.■ it y^^ ' w • ,( *,-* w' 'iW ■"■ "'• " y 138 m/^ecl Clouds. praino II Im for it. I do indeed find that tho way WomM brighter and brighter. M^ dayn neotn too »»hort to pniim) Him as I would, and nioro and nioru I f(M)l that " His ifooclnoM over nl^h, II iH m«'r<7 «vor free, HImll while 1 live, Shall when I Uie Still follow me." Tee, f Of'— j» ♦♦ IIo CftH« a worm IIU friondj |Io callH flim»dfmij Hod, And lie will Huvc me to tho end. Through .Ichuh' blood." Then shall we who are thus cared for, children of a King, ever travel with soiled garments and a wailing cry ? Oh no I we will come before Him with songs of praise j we will api)ear before our Father with garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb — that Lamb ilain for us. Yes, glory to the Lamb t We will with singing to Zion return, for we have a goodly heritage, and we are well able to go up and possess it^ for— ♦ ^ 1^ •• Cftumge, your Captain cries, Who all your toils foreknew — , ' -'^m Toils ye shall have, yet all despise ; . ^ " * , I have overcome for you,'* • But I did not intend to tire you with so much about myself, ■but pardon me, my pen luts run on, for my heart U glad, and ' -ha$' I^» thousand tongues I would try and sound my great Bedeemer's praise; but, by-and-by, this stammering tongue will be released, and then— ^i .^. " In a nobler, sweeter strain I'll sing His power to save. Give mutfh love to Annie and Susie ; tell them I often pray and think of them, desiring they may be all the Lorc^s. f . Yours truly in Jesus, Bella Cooke. ^eS^^^i-^m •"*- 1* ,* / ' . '" CHAPTER XV. ■ ■ '■ ■ 00<)I)NE88 AND MRROT. " Pure religion and andoflled, hufore Qml ninl the Fiithor, li this : W ▼ifit the fAtherltsRH and widow in thoir afHiutiun, aitd to keep hiuiiiulf unipottod from the world."— Jam kb L 27. " A^k Gotl to give thoe BklU In cowfort'H art, That thou mayost consecrated be ,. And W5t apart ' Unto a life of H^nipathy » For hcayy Is the weight of ill ' In every heart, And Comforters are needed much , Of Christ-like fonch."' January 1868. — Glory, honour, and praise be given unto Thee, O Lord of Hosts, that through another year Thou hast spared me. Here we are, the living to praise The^e. Goodness and mercy »re written upon all our pathway. Jehovah Jireh, He has provided, and will; for Hij^, promises are all yea and amen to them that believe — not may be — but, blessed be God, are now yea and amen. And we will prairie Him with the whole heart. Many loved ones have been to see me. My returning wants have been supplied, and my Father assures me they shall be, not only this world's need, but He feeds my soul with marrow and fatness— He giveth me songs in the night season, and maketh all my bed, and causeth mo to rejoice in His name. Here will I raise my Ebenezer ! ForTiitherto the Lord hath helped me, ' FfhrtuiTy. — Glory be to Thee, my Father, that in Thy good- ■ /I » Ki %. ■ \: •''C^^ ;'?'J5»J. 140 Rifted Clouds, ness Thou hast condescended to use my dear children to bring sinners to Jesus. My dear Joseph sends me vord that fifty souls have found peace, thirty of them being heads of families, and have ^-aised their family altars. Praise the Lerd^ Oh, for more souls ! We ask not for wealth, or even freedom from pain, but to be useful in Thy vineyard — stars for our crowns. Have just been trying to help a poor old lady, seventy-five ]^ears old, a widow, whose son followed the seaapd was drowned a year ago. For twenty-six years he was a sailor. His daughter lives with her grandmother, and earns only fifty cents per day. The old lady has no use .of her hand, having broken her wrist by a fall. Have written a> note to Miss Busteed to get some help from the ladies' " Seaman's Society " for her, also a note to Mrs. Clarkson. Mrs. Hunting sent me in some provisions for them. Yes, dear children, while I have breath I will pray for the prosperity of Zion. They say, " Pray on, dear mother we see the answers to your prayers. You could hardly do more than you are doing if you were up here." Lord, I thank Thee for this. May my children have mighty faith. Brethren Mackey and Russell were here to-day full of zeal in their Master's cause. Brother Irwin is still with my son at Seymour, and souls are conjiing to Christ. My Lord, I thank Thee that, notwithstanding the severity of the winter, Thou hast supplied all my wants. Thou art my " Jehovah Jireh.'* All my springs are in Thee. Thou art the life of my delights ; the glory of my brightest days and comfort of my nigBts. Yes, when no eye can see and no ear can hear. Thou givest songs in the night. Thou art my husband, brother, and friend, my King and my God. March 5th^ 1868.-^1 am thankful for the mercies of another week. Dear Doctor Sabine was here. His visits always do me good — he is so spiritual. We had a good talk about his con- version, his missions, etc., etc. His heart warms on the subject. He is all alive to saving souls — its great in^portance. Money seems to be no object with him so that good is done. He gave me five> dollars to give to poor Brother Bussell, a dear child of God, aa: old sailor, who lent five dollars to a fallen brother. o xl^'*",' ■w li-f' fl ■<*"»:;./.?' «^^" i , Goodness and Mercy. 141 V and the doctor thinks he will never get it. On leaving he turned back to say : " Don't tell him I gave it." Had a visit from Mrs. Oaatavia and Miss Elliott. They are mein.bers of Doctor Tjng's church, and are true wcJmen of God — all ttlive to spread the truths of the Gospel. Again I must say the Lord has dealt bountifully with me; by enabling me to do something for the poor old woman with the lame wrist, although it is not out of my own pocket. I felt so deeply touched with her case in having lost her son who was all her support. On Monday I sent Miss Elliott to see her, and she gave her one dollar and fifty cents, and laid the .case before a friend of hers who sent five dollars. On Tuesday I sent Brother W. L., and he left her three dollars, and sent her a ton of coal. In answer to my note to Mrs. Glarkson, I eceived a ticket for one dollar's worth of food per month, poor woman is an American and a humble follower of I. Although it is the way of tribulation. Thou wilt bring people through, and wilt not leave them in their distresses. rch 20th. — Brother McCreagh was here, and brought a bed-q^ilt belonging to a poor girl in Guildford, Ct., who has lain on her bed for five years with a spinal complaint. She pieces them together and her mother quilts them, and he thought that perhaps I could get more for it here than they c^ld. I will try. Praise the Lord, I have sold poor Emily's quilt for eighteen dollars, value ten, b|^t I told the circum- stances and said I wanted eighteen. April lOth. — Beceived an answer from Mrs. Jaffray with regard to a note requesting some help for poor old Mrs. Cleveland and E. Kelsey. She will send me five dollars per month for each for one year. Noble woman, great is thy reward ! How these poor hearts will rejoice ; what a help it will be for them. Must try and get Eliza Cleveland something to do to earn her bread. Heavenly Father, difeect us. Thou hast said, that not; a sparrow faUeth to the ground without Thy notice, and that " the very hairs of our head are all numbered,'' ai^ we believe it. m. :M 'P^. r^^fM?^^ gfr h^ . ■■ \. \ 1^2 Rifted Clouds. ^|)n7 14«A.— Have just parted with my dear Mary and Joseph. They have returned to Seymour, Ct. Am glad of that, as they a^ill be able to nourish the young converta, and may they be more, abundantly useful. ^_ . April ia•?» My ./ , r- Vy '\ Rifted Clouds. *> 144 , July 6«A.—Te8terday Brother Stephensoa brought an Itahaii brother to rfee me, who has been conv^ted from RomaAism, anH te i.s now studying for the ministiv, to returti to Italy and preach Jesus. He seems to be quite \ in earnest for a liffe fully devoted to God. Many, very maAy-W my dear friends have left the pity fox the country, but I iii|i Idft behind^but Jesus goes not from ,me, but is ever present! near my bed aad in my heart. I do not feeh^ I once did whWdear ones leave me— no isadnpss comes over me now. He guides every step of the way, and though it maj^ be up the steej* mountain sjde, Me is ever saying J :" Feat, pot, I am thy syength." This excessive hot weather pulls, me down, but eveti such a little thing asthis, is noticed byHim Whofiljs the heavWs and earth ; mi worjfs, "Be of good cheer,'* ha^ often comfoj^ted me. July 1511 entanglement's beneath, * - ^- ^ Call off their peaceful heart." The enemy has been trying to disturb my peace. How triie' Mtis; "Ye are not of the world ;^ if ye were of thfe Vond, the world would love its own." But, glory to the Lami)'i He, brings us -off victorious. ' / ' . • , " No cross, no suffering I decline, ■ Only let my whole soul be THiiie." " Give to him that asketh of thee, and from hini^ that woii^d bon-ow of thee turn not thou away." To-day that text wf most, powerfully impressed 'Sn my mind, when one of the Lord's poor children came in, and sittiiig^ down begau to weep.\ " What is the matter ? " I said. She replied,^". Qh', tell me no more* of rich Christians ; I have been to three people this morning to borrow; a little money, and they say they don't lend to any one. I don't want to beg, but I have^ no money. *?* \' . -. " 0- • ■ ' ;■'., ■*;:' -f: ■% _V.,-.- * ""■'v V ■ ■ ■-"-^■^~- ..._^!-:-'"^^ / -■■ '^ - ^ ■^% ■■ - -* '■ .* . '■»'' • ■ ' -W ■ « •' -» ;'*.,'■ ^ ■ ' ■ '.■*■ *■ ■ ■' :!rte';; -■■',- m- oMain ■ lism, ^ I • Italy ■ "^ t liffe . 1., ends \ ■■ 1 ^but I oad 1 leave 1 step I 8jde, ^ I This . I little ■ urth; 1 ting, 1 aihst ■; W ' ' Goodness and Merty. ^45 and my board must be paid. I cannot get work, and what am I to do?" "Give to him that asketh thee," etc., rang in my . ears. . " Wljat do you want me tp do, and how much d(f you want?" " Well," she replied, " I cftu gk books to seil, but "I have no momey to takerine out of the city, or to get anything to eat." I had ten .dollars, foisee me through the ,njonth,'and I gave her five. >IS1^ wept aloud, "I caoi^ot take it; y^U cannot spare it. >^, Your diught^r Is sick,, and not able to^work; I know you cannot spare it-.'' "Takei iC I 8ai4, "I know I shall get on, and- don't say a )VQi*d agai^sCribh Christians ; you donH; know what they have to try Uiemvj * Judge not, that ye be not Judged.' *^ •*.' ' .\ V " , ' ." A^» thejudgment tieat was not for thee, " ' ■^ The, sen»ants were not tBinc ; ' '.. i And the byes which fix the praise and Marae "„ .' . Sec farther than thine or mine." ,, • • ' \j* WeJJ," ahe said,' ^* t do not know tvhen I can[ payryou, perhaps , pever." , "• |W^ well, I vVill leave that with my heavenly Father." ,Lord, help us to do all Thy will here, that we may reign with Thtee in glory., ' ' '.' ' ,. ' * ' . » July 27 V.' ■J^'l N ^ */ 1 ^ ... r '^t** ' 146 / Rifted Clokds. \i, that does not give me some relief I cannot be long kept from my home in heaven. No dfte can ever realise what this poop frail body suffers, noi;. can they knqw how my Father cures for m6. Yes, His lovingkindneas is ever" toward me ; " His left hand is under my head, and His right hand doth embrace me;" When reading, " Cast thy burden on the'Lord,** 1 found by the Reference it means in the .original " roll " thy burden, ainduso, when too feeble to lift and c«5^ it, I can roZHt along at the feet of my beloved Master. This is my wedding-day: twenty-eight ^;]^ears ago „I was ' married to my dear husband to walk life's pathwajr "together, but he has outstripped me and left me behind : then the Lord told me that my Maker was my husband, and truly I|p hath proved Himself so ; for nineteen years He has kept me swe^etly leaning upon;Him. As He has been husband, father, king, and God to me, I will praise Him. My dear children have been to Greenwood, the beautiful city of the dead, to visit tte resting- place of their dear father and little sister, and they tell me it is a beautiful spot. Brother Mackay, who gave me fhe new tomb, also has it kept in ord^r. How iqdulgent is my heavenly Father ; it is not enough that H^ shou^i^ae for my returning wants in life, but permits me to l^ow where this poor piece of clay shall rest until the last trump shall sound. Brother and Sister Mackey, with my dear children, took tea with ine, and the Master was with us and blessed us. October 16<^.— My dear children, Joseph and Mary, have gone back to their home; Lord, make them useful in Thy vineyard — let Thy work revive and precious souls' be saved— give th^m a single ey^to work for Thee. t "Jesus, all the day long, Is my joy and my song." - p.. Praise, my soul, adore and wonder ! Ask, oh, why such love ', vtoThee?-'; ;-; -■..;,:',/■_ ,.>;^ ,..-..'-". ' November 6t7i. — Am expecting daily to hear of my precious sister's departure. When last she wrote, she told me how , .J r Goodness and Mercy. 147 s« much she enjoyed, when^here last iTune, the yearly meeting time, and when the Frienda visited me ehe was in the little room, and could hedr them pour out their souls at the mercy seat; she said: "It was good to be there, my dear, for they "were live prayers, and did me good." It grieves me to hear of so many poor people ,who are suffering, as the cold weather creeps on, and how comfortable my Father in heaven has made me, and so unworthy, How often the hymns of my childhood come before me. "Not more than others I deserve, -^ ^ ^v;; Yet God hath given me more, For I have bread while othei-s starve, And beg from door to door. " ' »Lik6 ifiy sister, wHo writes, "1 feel that much of my time has run' to waste, an4 I am perhaps near my home ;" I hi*ve ^ lived too much for self, while- there is so much to be done for the Master that I feel it would be just to say to me, " Slothful servant;" but I know the sinner's plea, "Mercy!*' I take this in m^ hand and go pleading; it suits my case, for if the" Lord should be strict to mark iniquity^ who should stand ? November 23rd -^My dear sister has passed the trial; the operation )ias not succeeded to save her. The tumour is so attached the^dpetors, say they have no hope for her. While they were getting rieady she took her pen and wrote this to Die-:- :; ■,,,.;,.. ■...■•'.. ^. ^- .. . ■; .' . . ,^ " Darling Sistee,— Fear 'i;iot, only believe the Lord reigns ; He keeps me in peace ; I will not fear; blessed be. His holy ' name. The Loki bless y6u, dear little one. I thank Thee, my Father, that she could, through grace, triumpli in view of what she was to undergo." Thy word is true, Thou dost give Thy children grace for eVery time of need. Lord, bless her this night, and^ giye her sweet rest through believing, and, if it ife possible, mak^ her short journey ea|y by |fe ' ii' .# ^ . /" ^'^'i«" ;-T .■ ^' t ■ ■ ?'■ - K' w. • ♦;»<■, ; ,.* >-ipt f f '-70^"' '-' "^^M^-ir' * r-Wf" »• 148 Ftifted Clouds, ' her head leaning on Thy bpsom, hearing Thee say, "Be not afraid, it is /." I being the youngest and smallest, was generally called little sister or little Bella, and my darling sister in her last effort- on earth addressed me by the family pet name. Novemher 2r)-7.ie I buried in the garden. It wai a solid mass, almost like a ham, only more round, no fluid in or about it, and weighed thirty pounds. Th^seven doctors who attended her, and those at the post-mortemjoxanvi- nation; never saw its equal." But she is safely beyond- its Buj^erings.-. ' " ,. Dicember 25 ■ ■■•■* f ^ ,-» . ' ■'r'.^l'RS^i'i;* •fi.*." 4 . ry . or ht 88, he V ed r '• ■ -t: le. '%:/ kre ice ie ist ■ee .^f^ ■ '11 ve -^ (^^^. - "^ in ed ■.^ >S8 „ I L" : - -^""r at id Gracet Mercy^ and Peace. IS' no fears. The next verse was my experience, •* Although the vine it« fruits deny." He said, »' Yes," and he felt the last verse was very good, and so it is ; I feel every word — ' / , " Iiu^ope bclioving aRaiiiMt ho{>c, Joius, my Lord, my Ooti; I dulm." ffi)w sweet to trust Uim at all times and in all circumstance* ; He does all things well. Purge and cleanse me, precious Saviour, if need Iw, only stand by me. I have heard of the death of my brother's wife in England. Hh'e died^ as all the rest have done, in the faith, and with a hope full of immortality, clinging to the Kock of Ages. February 6■■■ ■< , ^l >*-s 11 ■^ ^ '^■''ff-\''^r„ *V''' 152 it. Rifted Clouds. ^^ with anothwr, and the blood t)f Jeaui Christ Bis Son oleanaoth I UM from all tin. Frhniimj 14■ May 12M.— " I will instruct thee, and teach thee, in the way that thou shalt go." Bles-sed promise ! How kindly does our heavenly Father encourage His children to come unto Him. How tnily this has been vei-ified to me the past week. On Sabbath, Brother Stephenson brought Brother Pearsall to see me. " Why," said he, " I thought you had got home long •go." I said, " The Master has left me yet." I had not seen him for some years. May IQth, 1869.— Twenty- two years this day since I set my feet on these shores, in this city, and what hath not the Lord brought me through? Goodness and mercy have been my portion. A pathway of love and mercy in green pastures and beside living waters. ** Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Here I am, a monument of grade, abounding grace. How many have been taken from the housed hold band since then: father, mother, husband, children, and sisters ? These all died in the Lord. Even my little child of seventeen months, with beaming eye, said, as her last words : *• See there, my papa, my papa ! " One sister said : " I shall be satisfied when I awake in His likeness." Thus star by star declines till all have passed away. And here I am, the most feeble of the flock and almost the last of the family left. " God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to p erform." He hath / J:,. & .^v f * /:^ 153 I "X'. , t7mr^ Afiky. and Peace, • 1u>fM tmA brouRht up my fathcrl?»« chihinfn, and not ono of/ ,HiM proiniHtw to me bin fuiltKl. Yes, with m^ whdW he*rt will /;. I praiiio Him. * • -"wl(l May nth. — Tw«^Jty-two ycaw to-day nitico I flrtt met with the church in Tw«Mity-Mt'v«'iilh Htroet. Prtjciouiduyl Fritmdu* yearly moeting htw b«*ui hold ninco I hwt wrote ; many have .been to nee me^ and our mingltid petitiouH have ^une up to the fmercy-Heat. How preciouHlyfte Saviour broatht'd upon uh and Raid : *' Iteceive ye the IIo||^huMt," and our he«rta were tilled to ovei^owing while wa had to exclaii^ " ]^t U good to be horet^ He is ever Haying: "What is n I MhuU do for thee?*? Ask and receive, that your j )y may Ikj full. Ye«, we realifle it here, a fulnoHS of joy. " Sin, earth, and hell I now defy, I lean upon my Saviour's breast.** I have Inicn expecting to hear that my dear Hannah has gone to be for over withQhe Lord. She has laid for some days on the brink, but the Lord, a His infinite mercy, has spared her a little longer to us, ;- her husband, and children^,; and to His name he all the glory. He will not lay npon us any more than He will give us strength^Jto Spar. How can I fear? -Let the storm jj^eat ever 8(*|j»hly, He is there; His kingly hand is 8tret(i1iw4)(v forth, and with majestic voice He speaks : " Peace, be still." t^ June I7th. — The Lord has given my dear Jo«eph and Mary -' another darling child to nurse for Him. May they, while- rejoicing over this their third baby, bo more in earnest thaji tver to live near to God, and thus be enabled to) train those precious souls for His glory. ^^♦"^ d • * Augutt 3rd. — Have had a busy and somewhat anxious time the past two weeks. On the 2^th my dear Annie, my'youngett, wa^) given in marriage to William H. Hillier, a young, man I: think every vray worthy of her. To h ay it is no trial would be wrong. It is a great trial, but I have a strong support; ray M God is able, and doerf support me in a wonderful manner, and ; in Him is my trust. ' But for twenty-eight years I have always -had one child to whom to give the good-night and good^moqi- ing kig s , and have had th e ch ee ry voices around the room ; but — til #< ■*■ ■€■ ■*W' ^ ■=!** ■> .♦*• sr^ •y -^ r p. ■ 154 Rifted Clouds, now all are gone, and I am left alone. No, not alone, for . better than daM|;hters or sons He has proved Himself to me for the lasftwi^ly years. He told me He would be my .husband, brotjber, friind, whep He said to that dying saint, *' Leave thy fatherlesfi child re|(;!t will preserve them alive i, let thy widows trust in Me." Was it an idle tale ? No, no^ it was said by a faithful JG^bd, Who makes no mistakes, one Who never mocks His children, and now I look to'Him, and in His embrace I rest. We had a very pleasant time ; a few choice friends met before- going to church. Brother Seaman and wife, and Henry t ,^t: , '!^and Ghrace Dickinson, who had just arrived from England, and * ' -^ll^l %|iny others. Brother Stephenson chose the beautiful hymn — f'r" Love divine, all love excelling." Wk .^ ^-■m ■^: ^ im'- sajr but little. My thoughts went afar off to the marriage supper of the Lamb, as I looked on all my dear children, and prayed that as I had them here I migl)|: be able to i present them faultless^ before my Lord, and with hiifl who is' gone before stand and say, " Here we are, Lord, and the children Thou hast given us." He has promised the blessing to our children and to all who are afar off, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call. And well do I remember the prayer offered by the venerable servant of God, my father, for these littlar ones when he said, *' Yes, for the generations to come." To-day I praise my God for such parents. I make Tiot my boast of wealthy parents, as the world calls rich, but of parents passed into the skies. After the hymn was eung Brother Stephenson led in prayer, and such a prayer is seldom heard. He went back to the time when, as strangers, we came to our new home, and brought us all along: up to the present time, and I had to exclaim^ "Here I will raise my Ebenezer, for hitherto the Lord hath helped ys." The room was filled with the power of God. Jesus was as surely here as at the marriage feast of Cana. After this they all went to the church, the same to which I went with my dear husband twentyrtwo years ago, when we were strangers in a V) '^Cl^ttars. -v"S':y.^.--v.^.ji ■ ■iifl-'^-" .■•■; \'r >• Grace, Mercy , and Pecke. 155 Btronge land. My dear Josepli marrieil them, and Brother Stephenson gave her away to another to love and cherish. God grant they may be happy .!g|,^^lj.^ will soonnleave me, but .the Master of the feast will stay, for He hath said, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee;" In eight months I have had in my family Ipo births, three deaths, and one marriage. An^en. '%■ / ■ ;. ■ .. ' ■ ■ y " '*"■' / ' '.■ ■. ^^ , .„ ., ♦ , .^ - . ^ ' ■ -* "■ .*■■■ . s '•. ^ ■ *. ■ ■ ' * ■ t-. ' ■ ■ • £ .;. ' , r* _ '': ■ ■ ■ ■.;' • ';■ '' \ •1 i. . -• '.-. ..-.-. ■ .a^iv-.-'.» . ■ . r. . '- ' ' ^ZZlIg^^ZZ^- :.^:;, » ■-,1 " ■'.''■■■ ..''■:■ ,i t''.' .?.- •-. V "-'v^g*- , ;,-... ■^«-V'.^;, -,, ■ Ti- -T-.^ s- i.Jf> '. . -^ ■..■ ■' ; t CHAPTEE XVII. THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS. :>•-' # •, ^' !,■' ■» • \<> I" * ^ .1 *' Yea, in the shadow of His wings will I make my refuge until these calamities be overpast." — Psalm Ivii. 1. **^ " I do not ask that God shall always make My pathway light :■ I only pray that He will hold my hand , ' Throughout the night : I do not ho'^0^have the thorns removed Thall l^Ci'ce my feet ;. I only ask to find His blessed arms My.safe retreat."^ January 20t7i^ 1870. — Goodness and meray, dear Lord, havG' followed me aj^ mj days, and still are manifested towards me, ' The past month has been one of severe suffering, such as I never felt, and never thought could be felt and borne by human being, buf in the midst of the hottest fire my Lord was at my right hand, saying, " Fear not, I am .with thee ; I will be with thee to the end." Praise the Lord, there are no ifs or Jbuts ; it is all " I tvill f" Oh I how the soul rests on this *' / will f " as I told Doctor Sabine, I had not power to eling^ all I could do wad to ttjst on this " / will ! " I could only lie and rest on t|ie everlasting arms which are placed underneath me and round about me ; yeS, for His left hand is under my head, wl|^e,His right hap,d doth effibrace me. Glory be to His holy :DamQ; I will trust and not be afraid. When Doctor Sabine came, whom I# last sent for at the earnest desire of Doctor J^'aUnei^ and Others, he was very soriy that I had not sent .« '..'■■ «•)* *,v.t ■t; o ■.t;\.!>y |M-1^ » • The Shadow of His Wii^gs. \ before. He said he must bring a surgeon and have help. An operation must be performed, - and' I must take ether or I wQuld sureljr die. Yet he knew not how I would stand the ether, but they must try. I said he must do just as he thouglit best. t)n the 31st of December they came. "When I saw the instruments and the bottle of ether my soul was kept in peace, and the borderlands were calm, and still, and solemn i*s the silent shades ; not a ripple of * wave passed over my .pSacoful soul, but these beautiful lines were fixed on my mind — " Faith lends its realising-light, The clouds dis{)e^e, the shadows flee ; The invisible appears in sight, '.. . And God is seen by mortal eye." , ' _ Tea, God is seen by mortal eye — seen in my k^iicl friends ever standing ready to do all that could be done, among whom was dear Mrs. ^e Lamater, who came every day for nearly two weeks, Miss Elliott, who tried to prepare something tempt- ** ing for me to eat, and many other tried friendB. a God is seen, too, in my kind physicians, who for years have t> been ready, by night and day, to givpi^^ ease. But above all is He seen in thtf^gift of His Son'^t^^^pfop us in our h fo^, that He might know what sore temptations mean, w - hunger, thirsty and fatigue are— rthat He might sympathise wi' us, and be a more glorious Saviour. Yes, God is seen by * mortal eyes. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. On Monday, when niy good Doctor Sabine came, he was overjoyed ,to see me so comfortoble, and said, "Your work is not yet done, dear Mrs. Cooke; it is very wonderful. how- the Lord leaves you with us, and through how much He brings you. . It ■ is all of Him. Now, you must try and eat a little-^ whatever you like. I know you cannot eat turkey, or I would have brought you "one, and here are five dollars to get anything you please, which will strengthen the poor body." Beloved man, * thy reward will be great He has been a friend to me nearly fourteen years.,^ All I can dd is \o pray *for my friends. ■n ■■ -'-N. ■#y ^ ■•*■''' ^- \ •r,^*"* ;f»^.. ' 4. t'^' ■■-/ ' ki ' V ''^'' ■ \ # 158 Rifted Clouds, *^-... Would that I could show fcbem what I feel, but my God knows all about it. He has told m'e-that He is not unmmdful to forget their labour of love to His little.ones. .#> ■. February IM.— Have had to send hr Doctor Sabine again, as Doctor Palmer is worried about me,l have so much suffering and weakness. I have had to^ise a strong lotion for my issues, which have become very tl-oablesome, the 'discharge being black and^offensive— never so befom, although I have had thew-for twelve years. Doctor Palmer is grieved about it, a* he fears the woAtresults.^and Doctor Sabine agrees with him that it aU goes" to prove the systeaj is Very low ind«ed and in a dreadVul state. ' Well, the great Master Builder knows best when to take down the tabernacle and set the, spirit free, and wfll, in His own" time, do that which wilFbe for His own glory.^-ThJy have ordered stimulants, beef-tea, and eggs, t object to the win6 ^ and bPandy, but they say it must be taken. And here I musr" record some of the Lord's care over me. Dear Mrs. Barney " sent me the wine, not having heard that it wks ordered,' Mrs. . Jaffray^fresh eggs; so I am well supplied, and never before from the same friends. So the Lord, through Hiq^^children, has supplied my increased wants. I am so unworthy. Such love m friends of every denomination. Praise the Lord ! It 18 sweet to trust Him. And while ^e gives me^the privilege of doing a little for others of His dear children. He does not"*^' suffer me to lack. I have l*en much impressed with this of hite. On the 6th of the month I had a letter from m Sister Evans, saying she had heard from Englknd of an old friend ^ one with whom we had lived as neighbours when'girb, wer^ at Sabbath School, and church together. She has lost^ the u^e " of her arm from cancer in the breast; her husband is dead, and all she had to live upon was half-a-crown a week; and here I am surrounded with every comfort and stofeh kind friends. •• The good .voice said, « Send Sarah a sovereign." At first T ' was a little surprised, not that I feared to want, but I feel the money is not exactly mijie to give away, unless I can so far * curtail my expenses that I can save it, andhaving giv^n a good .^P"- ■■ ■"",-" - ^ ■■ i . ; ■: ^'■v'- ■ '\'- y ,:■»,' '"' -V-: '■'..■ V" 1- J- ' .-: -■*, t-'. . -''■ •1 ■•-';-•" " •"' / -•'• b . ■„^ > ' '."-/> .-.''. -..1. ■ .■ ■ J-'. ■■■■/ ■■ • . . ■ .- . ->- ■ * . ■ - ■t - 1 .•:' ' "* ", .*-- - . r- .'■■ • ■ ,-- ' , • W ¥ .« ;. fl "-■ ' f U ' «■■■- ' \ ;o-.'-i" Kk. '- /''■.,-■ '"'■ ■,-* :p-it: /■ ■•;.. V^' '' - ■ ■r V ;v J 'JL L :.::-.;; f '■ kM ^ ■ lite ■' ■ ^- ^-- ■" --•rwr ■*— M W ;"';^i ■ — M , JS ». V r-<^iffM#' ^ «* g ''T/ie Shadow of His Wings. ^59 . j d|B$l away this winter, for T hjive many poor coming to me, . it\ seemed; a good deal. This was Saturday. I thought and 'prayed much o^er it and thought of the passage^ " Whoso ^ . "^e^h his brother have need fnd shutteth up his bowels of com- pass Jbn from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? " So ihe first thing on Monday morning I wrote and sent my ' ipevek dollars to poor Sarah, and I wds very happy. "There ' . is^hAt scattereth and yet increaseth." That afternoon Brother )^es% Lyon, a police oflScer, called to see me and brought with him a gentleman, . Mr. G., a Presbyterian, who gave me a book of hymns he had aided to .compile. "We had a pleasant and profitable time in speaking of the love of God. ^ After prayer, Mr. G. said while dt prayer he was impressed to leave\me something, and left a five-dollar bill, for which I * was than^ul, but not a thought of having sent Sarah's. Next ' day my friend Murray Shipley called, and after talking awhile said, ♦• Bella, does thee remember a young lady coming with me to see thee jin the fall ?" I said " Yes." He said, " WeM, she desired me to leave thee this "—a five-dollar bill. Still I did not think of the'seven dollai-s |intil evening, when recount- - irig the m^cies of the day, and thanking my Lord for Jlis goodness, the thic>a|^t flashed through my mind, you have got your money' bac3^ Yes, there, is was, three dollars 'ifiterest * for twenty-four hours. Bl^ss the Lord! Here He had sent i. by two, neither of whom" I had seen more than 04ce, nor had .gl^ said a word to either of thej|S of my circumstances. M^J^ Is thy c^usQ^of ^: Rise andlli^r ino iTt wasting ? ith anoth^ And thrbugh all ttre yeatt of n ^ ' It shall serve tl^e a nj^jj^ brother. Love divine shall fill thy^Ptehouse • . P' *^*y hahdful still renew, 4. _. Scanty fare for one will often ^^ • - Make a joyful feast for two." \ - ° ' *' This I' have oftdn proved when dividing my Bit 'poor widow ; and 1^ vi still the same. When ... ^ ■I .,.■■' .W' M. ■ r *4 "' MiSphi some lipley X • i.'^wBBt,, y^ •V ^, b-t' we jlifiihi askHhe Jbllossittg lUfijft week or best to cqn^e oiir heavenly hn ni^mWr^:^^^^ ""^*^ afler.WKti we a|re 7 A m;^ prayer V i^«rl^U not Ue dis&p .frBless the I^r swei*." T?o4ay! Mrs ^n janiin' Franklin, p A pn» of king8 can do,, te^fi^ij^ingl^ two w^eks at' m^'^'t^lllQly Spirit, and I ''■.ifarv"'" ■ t; ¥* ■ •.-.-tit -■ ■ ■ "■Vi \^ while-they are yet calling, t will Jatum brought a friend to see me— >r talking a little while I said I was Spectitig to hearlrom ^^iray Shipley of his success, as 1 felt , there; must be some* scft converted. Mrs. TAtuni replied, "Pei-haps Benjamin ^ ■%■' ■//'■' ^rs since I wasm mycla%rooin: ■called t» see hoyv I was;.! said IS benl on that, if iji was the last She Was here this Ttlesday evening, khem how long it was since I met te way grosws l)righter and br^htet, fchf mansion prepared for Him whom my soul loveth ; He Who i$^ ever near me, by n <:#*' 'l■^ :. .. ? ^ .: .#: %:^^. .- V ^ '• •mm:. .t M «*' T/i€ Shadow of Htk Wings, and by day, and careth for me even as a tender mother^ one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. Yesterday many dear friends were in, among them Mrs. B. Haxton. What a happy and pleasant time together ! Also Mr. Massey and wife, who brought three new converts and one seeker ; they isang and prayed, and God heard us. He is a man of mighty fait^ and deep love, just the one to lead sinners to Christ. 2tf precious soul I,am^oing to visit? She cannot •ild^ .ChriArt4 We taSea with our Father, Who has _?L . ^ ^ 11 J, » ' *« ■ i6i "As •A.. »' t »**0» % . r'^ '" \\ m .1 '*,v- -/•^'■f •;', «^^ -^fflfc*" .™ <^ .,^ T^iyjr ;.-.'• ■V T'^i'\' ■'^ \ ' 1^2 %; Rifted Clouds, promised that what we ask in the name of Jesus it shall be done. I feel our preciouu sister will see the arm of the Lo¥d made bare in the full surrender of this dear one to the Saviour. Had a visit from Mrs. De Lainater and Miss McCauley, two precious souls who cling to me as to a mother. Dear Jesus, give me all the grace needed to set an example worthy of. imitation, wisdom, and power to lead these precious souls aright • Fehmary 28r tiwred I would die before morning, he went to the- doctor to-aj^if anythi|g could be done. He replied, '* Nothing i'' he WWd not J[)e ■urprised to hear of my passing aw«y any hourjfc Friends ^ere exceedingly kind in offering, their services aKI^!%»at#ver Vthffitlbught I mi^ht need. The lloctor said 1 must s .% ^ m ¥ but the t^o niirses ; and in seven days a change took p ■f:i-y ^' Hheh^iay dearMoctor was perfectly delighted, but would not allow me to be moved in the least. I could not move hand ir foot, and many tinierf during those seven days my children, jister, aod^iilirs^ waflhed me, as they thought, for the last time; dear Mra. ©e LamatQgi4iard^ ev'er left my side, as also ^Mrs.HaxttjIr Why 'such lov^'to me? Oh, how good the "^ Lor^HD i^ ; truly goodnesis and mercy have followed me; I will pRr tl(| cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the JjordiXFor ttiree weeks I, ate nothing ; took a little champagiie* etc., or a white grape. When my dear Doctor Sabine found me witli a better pulse on the seventh day, he was perfectly delighted, and ftaid : " Dear Mrs. Cooke, you have hard work to get these i)oor feet o^er Jordan, bu't, oh, how sweet will that rest be when. you do get there I " I said : " Yes, but you do all you can to keep -me here." "Indeed we will; I don't want you to go before me." ' ^ , . For three weeks I was not able to take ariy^solid food ; then ,i«^» V .iM, %!.Jff,iiJi .<> •WW . "^W tip^.. ~A^'- § 7 \ 'Ww 1* TAe Shadow of His Wings. •65 my good Doctor Sabine boaght lome pigeona, had them cooked, and brought me some, and naid 1 must try and eat a little bit. Oh, how kind, how indulgent ! What am I, that so many should Mtand waiting to do Honiething for my comfort ? I June 0lv«" ■:a /" ^^ "CHAPTBE XVni. FBliiI •' He giveth HU l)clovoil uleep."— rsALM cxxvli. 2. «« l^th is the kin ot Ood." | > :[.■ ■'■'■■.' . ■'*/ - • ." Yen, thou mayftt we^p, fdrJcuad Hhod * ) ^ Such tcarM RH thoMs thou Hhedt lout now ; ,^, When for the living or the dead, ■ Borrow lay heavy on His brow. Jmob Himself will comfort thAs, In His own time, In HIh own way ; And haply more than 'two or throe ' ,} - . Unite in prayer for thee to-day/' TiiB refereace to grief at the dose of the last chapter is to the sudden death of her beloved, affectionate friend, Mrs. De Lamater, whose care and devotion in Mrs. Cooke's recent extreme iUuess seemed more like angeUo ministration than earthljr friendship. — En. Aw^t 27th, 1870.— The first time 1 could trust myself to write of my darling little friend, who, one month ago to-day, left us for the maniiion prepared for her from the foundation of the world. What I suffered from the shock no tdngue can tell, and every visit from any member of the family since would almost dep|five me of reason for two or three days after. 1 never had anything affect my nervous system ^so before. Dear child, how little she thought when she came in the Friday night before, and I chid her for coming, fearing it might tire bor top much, that it would he the last time I ghould see her. /~ ^ t .j :> ■ «« ■.-.■■ T'-^'f " *^ ^ Xlif> t6S Rifted Clouds. She said : "I must have another good-night kiss.** So, often after church" service, she would run in and say : " I will sleep better if I get a kisn. Father- ^ays I ought not to come so late, it makes you too tired ; but you are not too tired to see me, are _ .' you, Mamma Cooke?" But her race is ruij; she has gained "' the victory. At seven p.m. her husband sent me a note saying, "Our dear Mary was safety delivered of a fine girl 5'40 ; both doing well." .; At nine. Miss McCauley came to say, for me to go to sleep, as Mrs. De Lamater and babe were ■ • - doing finely. I slept a little while, but then sleep was over, \./ ' and I lay thinking of "the «fear one and her benevolont plans ;^ for the coming winter, and how I would enjoy hey visits again, , . ' . , when lo ! at 3 a°.^., the Bridegpoom came and took' her as His J~^^~ ready bride adorned fo? her Lorft ! — gone tor her beautiful v^ home; — our darling is gone bef9re. ■' " Go to shine before the throne, Depk- the Mediat9r',s CKown, Go His triumphs to adorn ; - Made for God, tc God return /^ ^" * ' " '..»':"■':..". '^ At five in the morning I felt so anxious | aei^i^^abe) to see how sl^ewas. In a little while she returned witjlfphe messiage, " They are both dead." I felt a pain inexpressibly «evere dart through my whole system, and knew nothing for some time', and when I came to myself, I remembered the words of the Psalmist: "I was dumb, . I opened not my mouth, because. Thou didst it." I felt indeed "it was thesLord, let Him do what seeimeth "Him g6od." What a blow to her dear pareiits and husbfilid, and her poor sister, ^ho is in a critical state : she does not know it yet.- I f ometitnes tlj^nk pay head will ( never be right again ; God only knows what I suffer with it, but I am in His hands, still His, in all the afilictions of time, and He has" promised I^hall reign with Him in glory, that I may befcold His brig^tu^sii^Ki) ■ tgU, no grief, po pain can reach my happy ho \ ■■ .. ti^rfSfi^S^tat::^ I !» 1^ fi' %f r, •^' 'ifW,'. '-:&^i&S^' (V it Friends Flitting Away. 169 !»• # Three of my dear grandchildren were dedicated to God in baptism—two of Hannah's aftd Annie's little one, Harry B, Prank E, and Annie E. My dear^Joseph officiated, and we had a happy time. The L6*rd is im tfjis little upper room, and here we hold si^eet converse with Him/ ^^ , '%'\ m " We^ bring tb^hi, Lonl, in thankful hands, - And yield tl»ep;i up to Thee, ' ^ Joyful that wc ourseltes^rc Thine ; Thine let our ojfsprhig bo." Oeilher %fd^ 1870.— I ,haVe ro^ maid Fanny bick wi§i me. I trust it is of th? Lord. .How myj^terious are His ways ; they are past finding out. I thoujght whfen I sent for Isabel I was guided by Him, but it has proved a failuip. We wer»^ much in prayer about it, ^nd so must lea;^e it ; but I am glad to get, this dear child to be with me agai|l; I need some one kind, and who will not be out at night even if the work 4p done. She is mbre,fike one of my own than a strangdt-. Oh, "how I fiiiss the ^eiitle touch and kind words <§. my own ^%v girls, but it is all right ; they are in their corner ^nd I, am in mine. October 8' was here again, and , ■*** ■ . . ' • ti .t '*/. ■' P ■ s^ ' i ~ — '- ' - J e' ; '' ^J^?- '■-^''/'(vA # ■^ i * > ■ \ [' * '« « 170. Rifted Clouds, brought me vl% vei*j[ pretty nightgown^ which Mrs. OnktaTiaK brought me from Paris. They were the first to e8cape( from the blockaded city. Three ckf.thQ seven families have returned. iPrai^e H^im for all His goodness. - We introduce a page from a journal of Miss M. Annesley ' which !|yiU preface a letter from Mrs. Cooke under the severe bereayeinents of i ^ i)^7:»i«*v il870.*-Dear 18^ the loss of her '^'jroung fiaend Mrs. De iTaiQaater, and JC dp not vironder at it; there is a v6id no one else' con fill, for sh^ grew into woman- hood under her pai^ilits' frietid'ihip for Mrs. Cooker and was as a child to her Wt^eti-a speciaL m^ be taken or 8om^thing;>a daughter prily could perform, she was ready with her (iheerftd, loving heart to ease or .help in every way their • int;alid frfend ; she \vas feet and hands in time of need. The shQckof her death wat terriblev and in Mrs. Cooke's nervous, feeble state we think she, was remarkably sustained. She wept and felt her loss, and Jesus wept. IJe also was comforted by the sympathy of the disciples, and said, "Ye are they that have continued with Me in my temptations." And now she is anticipating daily the death of her bosom friend and counsellor, Mrs. Doremus Smith, who for fourteen years has been the confiding Companion of her htiiart, aiding her in the settlement of her three daughters, matters of great concern to an invalid mother. She would come in and sit close to the bed and take her hand and draw out the little questionings about comforts and cares, and listen to everything in which buman counsel and control Was needed, and thus the little burdens of that household and family were shared Ijiy one who knew the pain of -sore trials and ca>e of childreli; .' As long^^ as Mrs. D., Smith was able to write notes, she expressed her loving inter^st'in her dear friend, and the other^dajf she wrote, ** Do the , ends meet ? " 'to which IVfrs.. Cooke was to send a verbal message.' It came by Mrs. Smith's daiig^ter: "iTes, tell mother the ends meet." - That was cQjpfortinjg to the dear t •. :,,^ - (*^:l '•'".,:■* '■ 4\W *■ ■■■'■■ (-■■ Friends MiUing Away. 171 ^ ■ ( ^. friend whb was about to enter the faeavenlT home first, who bad pledged herself to bo miiidful of her trust, Mrs. Cooke's daughters, when it had often been expected that Mrs. Cooke was within immediate reach of the.. blissful mansion. But God's ways are not. OUT ways, and the sufferer, of years out* \ lives the sufferer of months. * |" I took up an elegant leatRer;.needle-bbok, partly mwle, ancl said, "What is this for?" Mra, Cooke replied, "Oh, that is for the /air at ^le • Old Indies' Hc^ and I mustg^t a hundred dollars for the old ladies this year. I think I shadl if my heavenly Father pleases." . ' 492, Second Avenub, JOeflmi»r2TMt,l%70. Dear Sister Annesley,— Jesus has called my precious friend home, He came for her yesterday morning about one o'clock. Precious saint, it is just three weeks siUce the physicians said nothipg more could be done for %r. The day before she wrote ihe a little note and said, "Do, not feel badly, darling; He Who|lo ves us both will ^ot leave you. Try to think of me as fre^from all sin and pain, at rest with my -Saviour," And last Sfllifeath, j#hen her sister was writing me a. little notip, she sent her lov^and said Jesus -was very near to her; she was worn<„liid tiled. "Ask Jesus to com^' and fake 'me home, I ; *am, so^lirtid." What^a loss to many, to me a severe one. The it three' weeks^J^nust say, have been full of anxiety ; not tiuK tliat 4^ebelled ; tJM w'^not it, dear^ for I feel and know my JF'atheF.iioelK all things well, and this is surely among the^a/^ ihmgy^wiA though full of mystery to mortils it is welL But these two, of all others, were very deay to me. Mfs. De Lamater was as a dear, tender j loving, affectionate daughter, and Mrs. Smith a bosopll companion. A strong, very strong, love bound us togethern^nd' it was anguish to rend* it; but it; is for a Ititf^ while ; it will -soon be reunited- again never to be difiturbed. When the word camf that my dkrling was gone it (Seemed as if my. brain would burst, ^but on looking up my eyes met the text, " He giveth power to the faint, and to them that ^ . v» Ki' ,'iS P IT V . •>' '♦ t - i< V j?ft*. .'-f/- V Rifted Clouds, 172 have no might He increaseth strength ; " and so my heart, all trembling and bleeding, went up to llim that He would shelter me from the st^rra and hide me under His pavilion. Th^ |)Mt week has been a solemn time, aniafriage company waiting till the bride was fully exjuipped for her Itord. It seemed aa if I could almost hear the Saviour and His attendants approaching to claim His bride. i '-k'. . ^ How sweet the thought: friends may'fwait, angels beckoii, but it is Jesus Who comes to take us home. He did not say I will send for you, but ♦' I wiU cpme ^ain and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye- may. be also." How strange it seems to mortals as we look b^cl? up6n the past months, over my apparent near!i#8 to the gi4kV0» How many times'has Mrs. Smith kissed me, as we thought, a final farewell, and would whisper in my ear, "Do not haom««ie anxious thought, darling, for your dear girls; as long as I bvie they shail be cared for." Dear Mrs. De Lamater said last spring, when Annie was about to remove, " Don't worry aboutj it, dear Mrs. Cooke ; when I get up again I will come every d'a^ to-see you, and do all I can for you ; you know I am your oldest child." But the Master has'^talled them, and left me. a ]ittle longer to be a care to His dear children. .,, Dear Mrs. Haxton\wa8 in yesterday, and her sister, Mrs, Gale, to-day, to sympatliise with me. " \ . How wonderful ace thy ways^ O WdV they are past finding out. Mrs. G. hardly expected to come home this fall, but circiim'^tances called her back, iiid here she is, and asked to be allowed to take, as far as possible, our friend Mrs. Smith's place; that is, to confer atout liiy little plans, etc., and help me in my little cares. Oh, what loye, what tender sympathy, dear Miss A! I do not know hoV«r \q praise Him for all" His wondrous works to me, t feej ,so unworthy of such love ; but it is all of the Lord, and weJ|||| praise Him.- Mrs. G. says she knows^Pone can ever fill their place'to me. No, I do not think they can, but they can fill t^eir own place. We do not want tbem to root out the love we have for those J ' ' f d /^ ■J* *" ♦^ ' t ' v ■■ /I «1 •' ^ #■ f m ' <( s '' t " \ « ^ * ' \ ■*.^ \ '■ . •J. % , ,*J \<" 1 •> \- . s <;' f .'*"i. I- \K'^ !>' ' y „1 ' / FHi^ds FliiHng Away, 173 U ir ■> It " 11 X « ' V It ^ * \ la \ 56. V «e * \ * s'f." ". '^ who are only gonci home a little while before. When a child diM we ma^ liave ot%eri, but thej do not. fill the spot that one held in oUr bcwoms, and .90 no one has been to me the past fourteen years what Mrs. Smith was. Our minds and hearts eee^ed blended in one; no oae can 611 her place. Do not th'lAk 1 wish her back,. No, n.6 ; I wo^illd not bring: her to auffejfc" a^aiu on this earth ; but the human heart feels its woe, ^tMih'Woe as caUsed our precious Saviour to' weep; the heart tf^rabJes with its mortal anguish. But we will try to overcome, and not only sing in the /tempest and stomt^ but alsojn the* darkness of night. " ' , And* yet a^in has ther angel of death been with us. Brother William Bjwr, one of oi|r Church officials, with whom I have been intimate the past tWenty4hree years, has gone hoine. ite was fdl ready, witli \ki lamp trimmed and burning, waiting the Master'fipfeall. He was ready for church last Sabbath, but not feeding well stayed at home ; on Monday was worse, and to-day >yent home. Thus three of our most prominent m^mbeiis left' us in five ^onthi. . - \r. . ' Lppbgly yours, \ B1&U.A. CddKr. • . • ,>■•.•„ ^ i * , ' J I * The Came take tub Pebt. — A Scrap pbom a Jouai^AL. yovetnJjer 1870,^;-I called on Tuesday to see dear Sister Cooke. She is as cheerful and happy as ever, living her pilgrim days of suffering in close industry for others. :Kovv she has the fair for the Old Ladies' Home on hand^nd she showed me some ofJ.her beautiful things ready to g'ejj^a She has made about sixty dollars with her own h'ands. jHw^ellous! And' the elegant sewing, too. There she' has stijtj/hed, stitched on her bed until all were.finished, and she satisfied herself imCmig the best she could. And besides this she collected froti^ftiends, enough with her own work to make a sum of one hund^d lyid thirty^8ollars for this institution. The expenses jpf ifer own wofk weye paid out of her personal self-denial. ,« ^he secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." I thouglrf ^ those 'i.t. ■) A' ^ f 1 : ' V ■,t' 1/4 Rifted Clouds. words after I left Sistt^r Cooke yesti^y. She had related^to me HO many things she had not spoken of to her own children, and one thing she said ; they did not know her extreme neces- flity after lier husband^, began to meet with his severe losses. A4 oftt'n is the case in trouble, one calamity succeeds another. At length she was oblige4<^^ leave her pretty, comfortable English home for a venture in a foreign land.* Her husband was too confiding in his integrity, an^H^ell into the hands of the crafty and Resigning, men, who iwilffled him out of one of his lead mines, anr out of shaps vk others, which would have yielded him an abundant cori^wtep^ for his family and the time of old a^e. In thinking over all the very peculiar discipline of Mrs. Cooke's life, with her delicate health and early widowhood in a stnit\ge land, and then an effort of a few years to support her' children, and in the etid become a confirmed invalid for life, one 'might regard heJ as one deserted of Providence; but & fuller knowledge sho^^s that she is a chosen vessel to display the grace and power bf God to sustain in holy cheerfulness the human soul. She is/ indeed, an illustration of tbe promises of God in the path of 6bedience. TiiE Reward of Obediencb. Mt *Bear Siwia Anneslby,— I want to send a few frag- ments from memory's portfolio, which come to me when dwelling upon ii/y heavenly Futhera providential care over me ' a*& miQe, when/ in 1850, I, with my dear little children, began to ieep house again. -Many thoughts revolved in my mind; not so much how we should get bread, but how I might glorify X>'od, how to g(!t to His house, and telf the wondrous story of His fatherly caj^ and love. I i*esolved, by grace assisting me, that as He and I had covenanted to walk together (for He told me many times to put my right hand in His, and He would gently lead m0), if He woiild preserve my fatherless children, that whether iiiy days were many or few,. they should aQ be^ devoted to Him. So I determined that nothing should hinder i"?' ■■■■W:'.. /■\ Friends Flitting Away. 1 75 ■4 •me going to Clans-meeting — that is, nos. work or company, or anythiq^ but absolute sickness. Every Tuesday evening I used to take my little ones to spend one half hour at twilight in giving them Bible lessons; or singing with them their l^rtnday School songs, and then committing thepi to Q^od in prayer I put them to bed, locked my door„ and^ ran up to the meeting. Oh, the strength I then obtained ! aipd I never felt an anxious thought about them ; but to no other place did I ever go and leave them at night sa\^e to God> house. I had the promise all would go well, and I believed. One night, in January 1851, I went as usual, and coming home, as I opened the door I found a strong smell of fire ; immediately I got a light, my babies were all asleep,, but the fire-board, which was coyered with canvas and paper, had fallen against Uie stove, the half of it had burnt to a char, and had fallen down and gone out. I stood and looked at it in amazement. I went to the person on the same floor, and asked if she had been in my room ; she said "No, how could she, when I had the key?"- I said, "Come here," and she looked, and was surprised, and said, "Mrs. Cooke, how could that ever gc out?" I said, "Mrs. Murray, none ever trusted -and was confounded. My Master told me He would take care of my, little ohels, and not a hair of their heads should be injured." I awoke Hannah^^nd asked ^her if she knew anything of it ; she said} " No, mamma, we t^ent right to sleep when you went out" Mrs. Murray said, " Will you go again ? " I answered, " Certainly I will : surely I can trust Him wheii He has shown such care; the angel of the Lord eucatnpeth round about them that fear Him," • Lovingly yburs, BiliLi. Cooke. \ - ' - Willow BbTook, IiiviNGTON, Jtfwe 4a, 1870. Mt' Dear Mrs. Cooke,— I was very .glad to receive your letter of May 28th, but I ^m sorry to think that you have fatigued yourself in writing to me. You must, I khow, be exceedingly weak, and indeed I think your being alive is little &^ ■ g • » * {¥ . (f " '• ,. ' " -^1 * t 1 f J .' , * 'WK "w ■*;"*''" ^'i'" A 4!Tr"'^'''' /it//ed Clouds. ./■ 176 ihort of a miracle. ... 1^4 L mus? not trouble you, my sufforiuK friend ; you have i^uough to bear ; and it ib wonder- ful tiJ Bee how you are BupporttHl a"nd kept in perfect, peace. You see, you preach by your life, and Buch preaching accomplishes more good than mahy Bermons falling from the iip; of God'i miniBterB. When we of " little f^'^h" Bee you calm and resigned under all your trials, we reflect that He Who- does this for you ia .able aUo to keep U8 if we will only truBt in Him. He h&B seen ftt to pour out upon me and mine every f^mpornr good and great prOBi^rity, and now I wjint you t* ask Him, as I do, to give m ^piriimil blassingB in {icoj^ortion. Oh, that mii chiidrm might live before Him ! I Wish I could; give you one peep olthi^ lovely place this morning, with . its flowering shrubs, its sparkltn^, fountains, its graceful willovv trees, and let you hear the sweet rural noises, the smg^g of the birds. One dear little Birdie has built a nest upon our . piiim, and although we all »it there the little creature never iB^ frightened away. Theo the beds of geraniums and roBes of many varieties are such lovely objects; and beyond all roll* the beautiful Hudson, dotted with pretty white sails. In England the sails are tanned, which spoils their beauty. Do not° be tired of my long letter dear, good friend. I lojve to write to you, because 1 know 1 have your sympathy. Bemember ihat if you need anything I am sent to give it to you. lanij the fortunate channel through which the gifts are to fl^w. ^Vith love Ka your daughters^ I iMji^aurs, lovingly, -/' " • V v ■ ' " ' / •' ■' ' "-' ■' ' ■ y. Januarif 3X»<, 1^71.— Spent the afternoon with dear Sister Cooke, and as it was raining we had but few interruptions. Even then 8)ie had three calU. A little girl who came on her^ way from school with a message ; she had received from Mrs. ,. Cooke i nice bundle of clothing the day before. A poor woirian with a sick, irrecoverable husband ; she received a nice /■ .. '• --'^ . ■ ■■■■ \: • ■ ' ■ ■ . ' .■..■ /■■. . ■ : ■. •■ ■ ■ ' ••■■ - - ' - • ■ . -^ ^^M- t.'^ ^ aa r j Srf ^-. !/^ Friends Flitting Away. ^77 tumbler of jelly and some flannel, etc., for her hilsband. Poor woman, she liaa to sit up at night and sew to make out hei^ necessities \ but Mrs. Oopke cheered her, and bid her trust in the Lord and^want for nothing, but come and tell her if hen she needed. Good Mr. Stephenson came in with some errand of kindness, and read us a letter from 8iQg Mi, wha< has arrived in San Francisco to labou" there among the Chinese. How- ever they may talk about her *^ little corner," it is impossible for her to be shut up in it. That -bed of hers is a wonderfully busy spot, with, its movabld de,sk8 and drawers, and hiding- places for letters and valuables ; and from it goes out far and wide bleHsed influence. I tell her it is her pulpit, but she does so n(Klch more than pray and preach that it must also be called her workshop." f do not wonder that the troubled and distressed ' like to get sittiig down in that quiet, sacred spot, and pour out their sorrows looking into her swoet, sympathising face, and for every case she has a balm and some way to help out of diffi(" 7'.«S|. ' 492, Second Avenue, January X2th, 1871. M!t Dbae Sister Anneslby, — I have been wanting some little time to -write to you, but I have been very .poorly, suffering keenly. Well, the holidays are over, and my dear* Mar/, .with her little family, are gone home again. Much as I love tliem, it is more than my feeble nerves can bear. Bear child, what a comfort she is to me, beloved by all, and zealous and anxious in the Master^s work. Her husband says all the pebplelbl^Ye hef . It seemed when » she came to me nearly twenty-eight years ago, that sorrow and trouble came with her. Up to that time, April 1843, our married life had been very prosperous aiid bright. The only cloud had been the parting , ;my sisters, who came to New York, low, in the commencement of another year, 1871, renew 78 to Him Who hath done so great things for us. Did I^l^jffyon about the beautiful crown I had from the funeral o^m^LdjUng; friend ? Before she passed away she said : ** I ^ 1, I * - mmm ilti^t%im mmtmi S333BBp ? *■ s::. . rwj^ .„!_ .f;*>- },• .4 r^ want you to nend the hand«om«iit pioc« of (lowoilf after my funeraL to Mm. Gtoko ; if a crown, place it at the head of my coffin, and send it as soon an my po.ir body in- laid away ; tell her Jesus was with me all the way through." Precious soul, •he now wears a crown, incorruptible, undeHled, and that fadeth not away ; she is with her risen liord, and sees Him as He is. The crown came ; it is full of b«niutiful flowers, And a small crosH on the top, fit emblem of tlu^ Christian life ; for how small the crosiies and trials of this life compared with the glory that awaits the finally faithful. Then let us ever keep the blessed end in view. How very kind my friends have been since her death, for they know how we loved each other, and what a trial it was to part with her. I know nnd' feel He cannot err, and I look to the better land where I soon will be, if faithful, for— - . , " Whntc'cr my 0(m1 onlainH is ritfht, \ Here wilt I tftkn fny HtJiiul— Thoufjh Borrow, ncc»l, or ileath make earth For mc a desert land ; My Father's carfi is ronnd mc there, fle hold* me that I nhall not fall, ' And 80 to Hira I leave it all." ■ iiiad a visit from her sister. Miss Lottie Doremus, who told me all about the sickness and death of our precious one. They tried to plan some way to have me taken down to see her, but found it impossible, as the dear one said it would kill me, and it will not be long before we meet, and then I can tell her all. Come and see me, dear, as ^on as you can. My Shepherd has been -very kind indeed to me these holidays. He has sent by many of His dear ones to'supply my need. He gives me very mijch more than water and bread ; He feeds me with the dainties of the land, and I will praise Him while He lends me breath. Do you know I am surprised at the tender love of some of the Lord's children; they seem to forget that I am a poor, dependent creature, in circumstances so far different from theirs ; they Ibye me so tenderly, and get for me every- ■.~3.^'--'T'W1^..V" V^=w^"T' ■/ ' irwi ft i"'r0t t^ Friends Flitting Away, 179 llntl out that I ne*^!. Oh, how much havo I to m- " Not moro than others I lOiN)." Tho Lord blosa you, Tours lovin yet OoU jplKLLA COOKI. " Shut in I " (lid you i«y, my ilitcn ? Oh n<> I Only led awny Out of thu duHt and turmoil — Tho bun Ion and heat of tho day — Into tho cool, (?reen paNturcN, By tho waUti-H calm and Ntill, JVhoro / may lip dow.i in quiet, And yield to my Father's will. Earth's miniRtcring ones como round mo With faccH kind and Bwe^t, And we sit aiitl ioarn together At the lovin(? Baviour'ii feet ; And wt! talk of life's holy dutico, Of the crosHCH that lie in tho way. And they niunt ^o out and do them, While / lie Btill and pray. I am not shut in, my HistcrH, For the four walls fade away, Atjd my soul f^oes out in |;^indues8, To bask in the glorious day. This waHting, sufTering body, With its weight of weary pain, Can never dim my vision, My spirit cannot restrain. I wait the rapturous ending— Or, rather, the entering in Thrbu^ tlic gates that stand wide open. But admit'no pain or sin. I afnOnly waiting, sisters, ' Till the Father calls, " Come home 1 " Waiting with my hmp all buruiug, Till the blessed Bridegroom como. •^'fifi / '^.'- ■ "*•, ;#,. ■- , - 1 ■ ' 1 ■*'■■■ ^ -■ ■ .Si* 'v '3 .»■ ■ \^^, ■ ;, .' ' .•■, ' • .V ■;.'' »' i' \ x. • '> ■i t. : ' 1 J ■V, ■ '■ \ t V i'^ J *V« , m , •^^ '«-.-, ■■ /.^^ ., ; '.' » ^' % ■ ; ■ . •' * ■f " ■ ■-* ■ -\, . ♦■ - ■ *• • • ./ ■' ^ >■ ■%•■' Vr. 1- ; ^ .•;■■»■■'. r ' ■ ^ ' 1 ■'■0',-, ■■'■ „ .' J ■ ' , '•'■■■! ■ ft,' ,. fk 1' . ;«;.iv>' ... ■ N . \ • . • ' . \ '' ' ■ ".' . ' • J A^ ' ' ^* ,/'"''■• • 4'\ \ ,^ . . ' # : ,v. ■ ■ . ■ . ,;.;.■ V ) \--v'- "...;■■•■ -^ \ ■■'.■.',■■'■'■■ , ■ ■ _ . 1 ^ , * ■ 1^1 I^HH ^■'". "' , ' . ■ < ft '' ■ « • , . ■* « ■ ■ ■ ^,^-.-- _ . ■ • • . -.'.''■ ' .' ■■ ". '■ ■''.'... **", X ,. _ - . * - » _ •■ ■■',■■% "^ ■ * . ■ ' \ ^ ' ; « 's* k . ■ # ---^--■V-^'V----" 1 ■ ' ^"i • * ■ ■ ■ ' - ■ ' 1 • ' ,.. .: ;;;,.^.., ^jj il»^ '- "■• ;»».s . ■» ; ^ ll4 ^SiT. .- ■■> • 1.0 I.I 1.25 1^ 1 2.8 Hi lu u 1.4 1^ M 14 1.6 > ■ ) MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ii NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS -. STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a ' • . (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) /^ ' CHAPTER XIX. WOED8 OF FRIENDS. " A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour ratKer than silver and gold." — PBOV. xxii. 1. Bi HEE Pastoe, W. W. Claek, D.D. Man handles the diamond roughly that he may shape it into *'a thing of beauty," and clothe it with brightness; so God often subjects His children to painful and protracted discipline j;hat He may fashion them after His will, and make them shine in His likeness. Such, it seems to me, has been the method pursued by the Divine Providence with my dear and cherished friend, Mrs. Bella Cooke. The Master has, indeed, chosen her " in the furnace of affliction." Like lier gr6at Exemplar and Lord, she is to be made perfect through suffering. The gem is . now in the moral laboratory ; the Divine Lapidary is cutting ? and polisTiing it ; but soon it will ornament the region and reflect the light and glory of immortality. I first became acquainted with Sister Cooke in the spring of 1875, when I became her pastor, and from that time to the present I have enjoyed the high honour of an uninterrupted friendship. I cannot undertake in the limited space assigned me to give anything like a complete analysis of her wonderful character, but must content myself with a few points in outline. Let me call the -reader's attention to the following charac- teristics- — viz., Her resignation^ usefulness^ thankfulness y and cheerfulness. I. Mer resignation. — Sistel* Cooke was converted to God over fifty years ago. It pleased the Lord, however, early to with- m':^!?fff'mams:^^'i^r '-^■^ Words of Friends. i8i draw hep from personal activities in the Church, and to place her permanently in circumstances which demanded the cultiva- tion and exercise of the passive graces of the Christian character. Eor over thirty, years her physical condition has been that of a confirmed invalid. It is not in language to describe the sufEerings through whiph she has passed- during this lengthened period. That " beloved physician/' Doctor Miles W. Palmer, .has been constant and unwearied in his attendance upon her lioqp over thirty-four years, ever esteeming it a privilege to minister daily to the necessities of this suffering saint. His rewardwill certainly follow. To say^^that under all her afflictions Sister Cooke has been resigned aitd patient, would be, to present but a small part of the truth. IJ^ressing as her manifold infirmities have been, and severely trying as she has felt it to be debarred from thB activities of the Cmirch and the enjoyment of>its pr^leges, she not only has not "ch^ged God foolishly," or indulged in a spirit of fretfulness and raining, but, on the contrary, she has ever exhibited, even in timesNof the utmostphysical prostration, a serene and holy resignationNmch as words cannot worthily picture. Again and again she liks been brought down to the gates of death by acute attacks of her complicated disease, and her family and friends have waited in tearful silence for the coming of the chariot and horsemen ; but they came not. On one of these occasions the writer stood by n^ bedside and asked for her last testimony- before going henc^K^ After a moment's pause she repeated the following stanza — < ^ " Pain's furnace heat within me quivers, ^ God's breath upon the flames (loth blow, And all my heart in anguish shivers And trembles at the fiefy glow ; But ^et I whisper, * As God will !' And in His hottest fire lie still." Was not that Christ-like ? Was it not imitating the spirit of Him Who in Qethsejnane said, " Not als I will, but as Thou wUt"? ^ •#' ff'i^^^^i. 'ST- -..J^%' l82 Rifted Clouds, \'H^" II. Her Uaef Illness. — She 18 nevelr unemployed. Many churched and benevolent institutions have profited by the skilful work of her fingers. Her hours and days of pain are spent in earnest work for the Master. She is ever ready to instruct the ignorant, to comfort the sorrowing, and to relieve the needy. I have frequently sent earnest seekers of salvation to her room to be taught the way , more perfectly. Her heavenly Father has endowed her, not only with a rich pi^rsonal experience in Divine things, but with strong common sense and a marvellous insight into character, thus qualifying her to lead others from darkness into light. Her trials and sorrows have prepared her, as nothing else could,^tq^nter into the feelings of all who are sufEering and sad, and to truly sympathise with them. And then, the money placed at her disposal from month to month by those who have chosen to make her, in part, their almoner, has enabled her £o supply the necessities* of life to a little colony qf needy ones. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving Day witness busy scenes in hoP little room. I have seen turkeys, chickens, and vegetables piled: up in one corn6r sufficient to provide dinners for more than one hundred families of th^ poor ! How they will miss her when her Father calls her home ! ^ .54 IIL Her Thankfulness. — Doctor McDuff says: "Thankfulnesi^ has been spoken of as the lovely shadow cast by our sorrows. And it is an undoubted truth that it is found most frequently side by side with sorrow. Sorrow is the Jbest builds of these shrines an ful hearts, I would go, not to circles of unbroken prosperity — * i).ot to those dandled on the lap of luxury— not to the man of style and equipage, of state, and fashion, and fame ; but I would go to some child of sickness^ for years chained down to a couch of distress, shut out from the light and sunshine of a busy world, the dim midnight lamp burning in the silent chamber ; a solitary bird with broken wing, from whom, as we see it pining in its lonely cage, we might expect nothing but the !{'▼•»?, .f "-"ift^yT;. • -„i,- f* Words of Friends. >83 wailing no]be of sadness. There is everything, one would suppose, to lead to repining, yet there is ofttimes nothing but sweet resignation — nothing but recounted mercies ; the bright spots are alone seen and the dreary are forgotten." How these words have beeh verified in Mrs. Cooke's experi- ence, those who are intimate with her are able to judge. She was early left a widow, with a little family and a shattered constitution, and compelled to struggle alone with her early sorrow and with poverty. Still she has been contented and cheerful, and the goodness of God has been her song in the house of her pilgrimage. Many a storm has swept athwart her sky, but yet the sunshine of heaven rests on her heart. Her stores are scanty, „but yet she has not wanted. She has . been fed from the Divine table and clothed from the Divine wardrobe. In all her afflictions her. grateful heart has responded to the sentiment of thie.iinost sorrowing j yet the most ihanlcful, One: "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaten and earth; even so. Father, for so It seemed good in Thy sight." Such a heart is like the aromatic plant which sends fortB its richest odours when broken tord crushed, ' r ' " Its fragrance from -the woilnd^d part, Breathes sweetness out of woe." Thlis it is, dear reader, that the grandest attributes of our ' natur\ are ^nly brought out in affliction; the highest elements of our being, like the stars, are seen only in the night. When the sun of prosperity goes down and the night of adversity comes on, then the brightest orbs of virtue come out and light up the moral firmament. The sweetest songs of the nightin- gale are warbled only in the darkness ; and so the clearest notes of thankfulness and joy are heard only in the midnight of affliction. It is " God, our Maker, Who giveth songs m the night." IV. Her Cheerfulness. — One would naturally suppose that after so many years of constant pain and suffering there would be a tinge of sadness and' gloom in her conversation and ■.A-. ■ ' .' :4'y .im^. V^ '^^-^-r. •, nt.««' * V--** ■^t»,v ,v . 184 Rifted Clouds. deportment. How many suffering saints seetn J;o regard it as ,a necessary part of their religion to be melaDchoIy and sad. They carry a face as long as Lent and aa gloomy as Ash Wednesday. But nothing of this kind mar^ the spirit of this imprisoned child of God. She is ever cheerful, and when free from paroxysms of pain can enjoy sanctified wit and humour with a zest truly refreshing. And why not? "Why should the children of a King Go mourning all their days ? " Blessed Jbe God, there is such i thing as " jo^ in tHbulation" and *^ pieasul^i in infirmities.^ Sister Cooke's cheerful disposition h'as-^veif made her a great attraction to childhood, and none are morej welcome to her little room than the children of her friendsi To them she is always " at home." I remember when I first pecame her pastor she was very anxioiSs to see "the parsonalge boys," a^ she called my little sons ; but they hesitated to Accept the iiivita-^ tion, for they thought that a lady who had been so many years confined to her bed must be very gloomy and sad. But after their first visit the difficulty was to keep them Iway. It was " dear see always a great treat to them to get permission to V^uiitie Cooke." 1 To her little room I frequently turned my footsteps on " Blae Moiad^y," that her bright spirit and cheerful converse might "fillister to a mind" jaded and exhausted. Thatjittle room is a stranger to " Biue Monday." Like the sun-diaJ iiipar Venice which bears on its face the care-dispelling inscription, " I count only the hours that shine^" so this cheerful heart takes - note only of the bright hours of life, and buries in oblivion the cloudy on°es. Sister Cooke's cheerful disposition, viewed in the light of her surroundings, has often bro^ght to my mine Madame Guyon's little hymn, written while she was a prisone^ in the dungeons of France — . *|*A little bird I am, * Shut in from fields of air, / :'■*> / . #■«* iS" TWW. n W. r- Words of Friends, , 185 And in my cage I Bit ftnd Hinpr To Him Who placai mo tiiore ; Well plcaswl a priftoncr to bo, Because, my God, it pleaseth Tlieo. Nought have I else to do ; r sing the whole day long ; And He wliom most I love to plcnso Doth listen to my song : He caught and bound my wandering wing, But still He bends to hear me sing." Dear reader, let us learn from Sister Cooke's experience the wisdom of trusting God at all times and under all circumstances. " Let those who suffer according to His will commit the keep- ing of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator," " Afflictions from His sovereign hand," if received in the right spi/it, " are blessings in disguise." "Trust Him, my brother ! Trust Him, my sister ! " What I do thou knowest not now ; but thou shalt know hereafter" " Trust in the Lord in days of sorrow, . ; And meekly tread the thorny way ; It may be thou shalt see to-morr6w The love that chastens thcg to-day," ' Br MuBEAY Shipley, OF Cincinnati, O., Minister in THE Society of Feibnds. One seldom findiS, even •among/ sincere Christians, that symmetry of life, that even balance of character, which the promise of Scripture holds out to /our expectation, and which makes the life of our Lord the ideal life. Where we find great amiaMlity there is apt to be a /want of steadfast manliness. Wh^ greats force of character exists, we are apt to be disappointed ;ln the lack of the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Where great f^th has^ enabled a soul to step beyond the ordinary reliance of most Christians, we are so of teiv dis- appointed to find the fulnesja/of a complete faith marred by the divergencies of fanaticism, aild superstition taking tl)6 place of reliance on truth. / : ■•■■■■ .:^-". :,«:,■:• ,■ ^ *i_. 3^«?^-i^. „ ^ V w %M^ if")^ ■ 1 86 Rifted Clouds. About the year 1858 I visited, for the first time, my friend Bella Cooke, and from that time she has 'ever been to me a witness of the power of th« IIoljf^^Mrjwft make manifest the Divine life in the quiet retirement of a eonfirmeving8 to bear me on the errands of my Lord and King; wings as eagles that I might carry the savour of His grace to the homes of sadn6^s and the abodes of sin; but " stand still " was the Divine command to Moses, " and see the salvation of the Lord." • ■ '■■'.■' " They also serve who only stand and wait." January 28pIo from tlVoir iiins. Yoh, horo in thin 8«clu(i(»d upot Jmhum ipokt) pi»ac« to that w«ary houI and ba y V i V 192 ^ Rifted Clouds. '4 Bussmos AND Teials op Faith. February 27th, 1871.— Last Sabbath was our annual mis- sionary meeting, and the usual amount was raised, over two ^thousand dollars. God grant much good may be done with it, and may the people,^while' they give of their means, not forget to send their prayers with it, that^ those who are sent may indeed be blessed of the Lord. Have received a letter from my dear Joseph announcing the gift of a little son, for which we return thanks to our God. He says, " What our baby boy's history may be is hid from us; we will do with him as with the r«8t, train him up for God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like him to be a minister of the New Testament, a strong man in Israel. He is the Lord's as • long as he lives. What will our boy be twenty years from now? What our girls? What their parents? I have no misgivings but that their future will be good and in the faith of their dear grandmother. Our wish is that they grow up ^ good, kind, and pious, helpful, industrious, self-respectful, and useful. They are God's children, bearing in then! many prayers of believing ancestors." True", although they boast " i^ot of forefathers of high estate, they may of men ajid women of exemplary piety for some generations past. M£ prayer is ' that they grow up in the Church of Christ, not a hoof left 4j» behind in the march to Canaan. ^ > ■ March Sth, 1871,— Be still, poor fluttering heart, thy God ;«ign8, and His promises are still the same, yea and amen ; "therefore will I trust and not fear. Yesterday Willie brought me his baby, and told me that my precious Annie is very low with small-pox. Poor child, she is unconsdous of anything that is passing, And so we must keep the baby. Well, I trust in Him, She is Thine, do with her as Thou wilt . The word to-day is, " Very low, but little hope." Some friends fear to come and see me, fearing infection, but will do all in their power, it is all right, aU right ; not as I will, but as- Thou wilt. I know Thou wilt never leave nor forsake a helpless •■yiii^i^:^idi taf^'f^ y^yf^"t^^'^'-'w^ ■' ■ r ^,tp ' JVM Wings as" Eagles, 193 worm that trustw in Thee. Hannah's two children are sick and Mary is siclc. *' Like M08C8' bush, I'll mount the higher, And flourish unconsumed in firo." March lOth. — Dear DoctorSabine wants me to be vaccinated, and Mrs. Haxton and Gale are afraid I will take it. Willie sent me word they had a fearful night with Annie, but the Doctor thinks if she can be kept over Sunday or Monday she may rally. Father, she is in Thy hands, and j^hou seest fit to take her now from the evil to come, I meekly submit. Do as seemeth Thee good. Joseph, writes that he "and Mary sympathise with you, and pray the dear baby may not take the loathsome disease, for then would your Cup be full indeed." He has promised that H% will lay no more on me than He will give me strength to bear. On His word I, depend, and should He make earth to me as a desert I will trust Him. Do as seemeth Thee good. March 12 With Wings as. Eagles. 195 a beautiful -basket of AowerH' from*^ Mr. Sabine'H uhurcli, three mottoe« on it — " Prayinij I " " Warhinrj ! " ** Oiviwj ! " How kind to remember me m I lie in my little corner, ^st Sabbath the Bev. S. H. Tyng sent me a handsome cross of white flowers from his Sunday School anniversary. He, has sent one yearly, not only memoirs, but flowers to beautify my little room. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. May lit, 1871. — Oh ! how good apd indulgent the Lord is to those who call upon Him and trust in His word. Heard poor Mrs. Leverich was likply 1!o lose her four dollars a month, and did not know where to get more. I wrote to Mrs. Jaffray to see if she would allow me to transfer three she was giving me for a person who is now able to do without it. Mrs. Jaffray sent me word to do just as I pleased. *! wrote to Mrs. Haxton and Mrs. Barney. They immediately responded with two dollars each a mouth; and so with these and one from another I shall have eight dollars for her every month, which • will be a great help, and I shall feel easier, for I know she will not be in want. I am suffering very much with pain and utter prostration. It seems as if I can hardly breathe. Pain in my hands and arms, and can hardly hold my pen. They are much swollen, but it is among the all things, and we will trust in the name of the L6rd. Teabs of Faith. May 16to His holy name. And now I am likely to lose my long-tried friend, Mr. Lankford, who is poorly. One after another are called' to lay their burdens down and Vs^ well for ever at home. I, too, will hear the call. - ' \ ■ Jesus, the EvEB-Loviifo B^som Fhiend. ' . June 28rnd trusting to the end hold' still." My soul rests in God, and finds a sure hiding-place. I have such a nearness to my Saviour as cannot be expressed; it seems like talking to a familiar friend, as if 1 had been closeted vnth Him asking questions, advice, and guidance, then going forth and carrying out just what He thought best. 1 do not doubt some of my friends think my actions strange, but I cannot help it ; He si«(& : " Ye are not of the world, even as M&t ?w With Wings as Eagles. 197 1 am not of the world/* yet He 4id not pray that we should be taken out of the world, but kept from the evil, and being kept from the evil, we are commanded to walk with Him and be perfect. Lord, help us. Jum. — Another dear friend leaving me for the present; thus the circle becomes very .small, but Jesus has promised to be with me to the end — in much pain and weakness, He is my All in all. Satan tries to come in various ways to disturb my peace, but I have the one remedy " It is written," and oh, how m»fly things are written to help us to put him to flight ! One grand thing he thinks he will do in trying to get me to worry about such and such a thing, or that such a dear friend will be taken from me ; or if any pew weakness has come upon me, and medicines fail. What ! doubt Him Who for all these years has stood by me ? No, never, never ! His word is gone forth, and I trust in that word. He never will forsake the helpless worm that hangs on Him. \ .-'- ^v^ A BiiiTHDAT Gift. ^ i92, SecondXa VENUE, J/% Uh, 1871. - i- ToMbs. Ha'ston, — Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you '^* from our Lord and Saviour Jesus, Chri8t,\my dear; dear friend, and that you may be filled with His Spirit is my constant prayer. Tears of joy, gratitude, and love nlled my eyes after your little daughter and maid left me yestei;^day as I looked .^pon your beautiful gift of fruit and flowers JMy mind travelled back over the -past fifty Vears from my ^ earliest recollection. Always when at home t had some token of love on the 13th ; it was made a happy day, as, being the youngest of a large family, and not being stisong, I was very much petted. When married I was idolised ^by a fond husband, and the day must be kept. My children usually have some little token for me ; but, dear Mrs. Haxton, youVare the first and only one,'8ave those, from whom any gift has cc^me on thatxlay. t^^.^^ki frii. ^^*i >„ , -^ '^ \ 198 Rifted Clouds. t,' T«renty-ono of those birthdays I hftr ^i^s^rx^M w:m^mj : - "1 ♦ 't,'^ •'' f I*" y ■#■>■ •»■■ ■ : \/-,{ ■? / .■ f ;^\ ♦>:•;, v-p-'-n^.^^ ^ WUh IVings as Eagles. 199 ,1. * Faith Chiks, " It biia;.l ub done." July 20«A, 1871.— Teach me Thy way, O Lord; lead me ia a plain path. " \ will t«aoh thee, I will instruct thet^ in the way thou Blialt go." When we 'a«k from a full heart to l)e taught, and watch for the Spirit's teaching, we shall see clearly what He would have us do, and 1 have Ixjen specially brought to see this the past few weeks. A poor old woman, Mrs. Smith, seventy-six years old, for whom I was permitted to get some \ help last winter, fell and broke her arm and two ribs; she is \ very poor, but has her two little rooms, which are a home to her, Wid for which Mrs. Jaffray and her Church pay the rent ; but ' she was taken to Bellevue Hospitt^. When 1 heard of her accident 1 felt sad, and wanted to send pome one to see if she ^e^ed anything. I asked in prayer that Mr. Cardner, the person by whom Mrs. Jaffray sends her help to the poor, might come ; on the third day he called ; I a8ke4 him why he had come, seeing he never came but the first of the month. He said he did not know, only he felt the past few days that he must come. " WelK" I replied, " the Master sent you. I want /you to go to Bellevue Hospital and see Mrs. Smith." He was ". I greatly surprised, and had not heard that she was hurt ; he went and returned. I told him if he would do what he could, I would do the same, as the old lady was going to her home and must b© cared for. He said he would ; this was Thursday. I laid the case before Him Who says, " Let your requests be made known unto God." I asked Him to direct me to whom \ should make application to help her; I did not seem to be directed to take any steps, but to be still and see the salvation ' of God. On Friday evening Mrs. Haxton called, and before, leaving said, " I have brought you the monthly money for that poor woman, Mrs. Leverich, and here are six dollars 1 brought you to use as you please ; I felt I must bring it; I did not ' know whether you needed it yourself." I smiled and said I did not need it, but 1 had a special case, and told her of ^rs. Smith. She answered, "It is strange, I felt 1 must bring it. A' ■■ % •->>' ■^ ^ ^ j^iir^TE:^SS».=3i^^Ei^ 'i^mi 200 Rifted Clouds, am satisfled." ■o I am 'satisfied." J'saw my Fathor's hand in all this, as it was just what His poor crippled, af?ed child noedtwl. Yes, we will trust and not fear. ITe leadeth us by a way that we know not. July 26//», 1871.— Three dayn ago \ had a noble gift from an old and tried friend, J. 8., and when alone, turning it over and ove^.-tears of joy and gratitude to him and my heavenly Pather filled my eyes, and I could not but ask, " How shall I thank Thee and praise Thee, O my Father? Why is it Thou art so mindful of me ? " Then I was led aloud to exclaim : " Give to him that asketh thee, ami from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." I thought for a moment : well, I will heed Thee. To-day I received a letter from England, saying that poor Sarah Partridge had been sent from the hospital and was just alive, from cancer, which was eating away her life ; no money and no home, ai)d a poor working woman, acting the part of the good Samaritan, oi)ened her door for her, and is doing all she can to ease the poor body. The case was plain, " Give to him that asketh thee, and turn not away ; " nor did I wish to, but heeded the admonition, and sent my poor friend, suffering for want of many things, whil^ I have and to spare, one pound («5.50). May the dear Lord J;ive HirWessing to it. Jxihj 27th. — A year ago to-day since my precious friend went to join her risen Lord, and how often it has seemed to me as if the port was just gained when another turn is given to my frail bark, and I am out to sea again. Well, my Father is at the helm ; but to the human eye it seems strange so many are taken ahd I left. " Himself halh done it, He Who looks me through, Sees how I cleave to earth's ensnaring tics, Anti 80 He breaks each reed on which my soul Too much for happiness and joy relies. Himself hath done it. He would have mc see What broken cisterns human friends must prove, I That I may turn and (luench my burning thirst At His own fount of everlasting love. 's J s^iki ^&(Jl.*!>2J It »-T«<* t< ' IVM Wings as Eagles. . 201 And whun in IIIh e'tcrnnl )>romncfl hlcit I at if In totti my crown imniortnl ("ant, IMI j?laiity own wifh fttl flin niiiHointMl nnlntd Ilini8«lf hnth done It nil from llmt to Inrt." •'Not Wkauy in Wbm, DoHro." TIh puinfitl thiiN to hour tho cronH, Til feel the lontf,»tlie MiifferlnK hour j Hut hiippy ho wlfiJ1lnd« hin Iohm Made up in gi-cjitc'r truth and power." Augmt 2Hth, 1871. — In foebleneHs oxtrorne would I once more record His lovingkindness, although impossibU! to inako any one understand what Ho has done for me. When not able to speak my heart was saying — " AIkwo tlie rcHt thiH note Hhall Hwcll, My Jesus hath done all things well." Had a sweet visit from my dear pastor ; he is so kind and .? good— ever ready to do ail he can for me— my dear Doctor Palmer also. My friends do not weary over their long care of me. Lord, bless them all. How wonderful that I can again hold II pencil and try to write, which no one twenty days ago eveiT dreamed I would do again. - " September 6th, 1871.— What a month the past has been, crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies, gdodness and mercy ever following all I do. 1 am full of weakness and pain, but I am, as it were, lifted up far above all earthly things, and while pain and weakness are my lot, my soul " sees the King of kings and freely talks with God." Though my speech is yet very thick, my sight very dim and feeble, hand trembling as it holds the pen, yet I feel strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Oh, how glad I am that I can still speak for Jesus, my all-sufficient Friend. Last Sabbath had communion service here with several dear fritnds and fl» dear children Joseph and Mary. It was a glorious time ; flUittle room w»^^ filled with the power of the Most High. " Blesp the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." ■'.*•. ■k t .^jtQ^^^ii&d^ jlAci^ ''J^M^^L^ ti 3oa Riftid Clouds. StpUmtm' 14M. -lUvo hww «mi»1)NkI io wuid Emily K«In«y tho l»8t forty-mx dolUtw for ik>iih» tiwilU. PrftUiw tht- Lord 1 Hho wriU« iiMJ in roturii that iiho Iim Uid in ht'rf cc«l for tho winttir, unci paid for it, ti)o, and iihy r«joic«d to hi kv« it m. Oh, what 0, loving Father wm have, «v«r o|)«niii« «om« tloor whorwby Hin m^idy childnin may l)»> providod |or, and Who enabUw ui toi triumph in that which hoouih in th« night of th«j world diuappointimmtH, fu«!ling, an wn do, that Ilo hidtiu uh under th« nhadow of \\\h hand. Thero in a chum unity Iwtwoon UM— Christ and tho soul. Surely ao evil can befall while sweetly bleHsed. %)t«»nW 18(r |K>wi*ni. My mUaII nif'cr l>o imimmnI Whllti llfo, or ttioutrht, wr Utlng Itutt, Or immortnl^ty tndurw." (jlr OfUiher 2<) ■11 fTiM WgjTj as Bagiis. ^w will b« with m« to ¥iail lltMiiud n« ^^Iktmii. The) Chunh ha« impgi^ Miif h to ¥iait Mill itfMMjbapio to •tUiud ohurcti. (livii Irnr «U ^ 4^ |||M)¥ltlO!ir rOB TBI NlBDT. , 'MiPP* l'^7C— " Thb poor miin .criiMl und thrt Uml Urnnl 4iim, mid HaviMi l|iiii out ut N|11 J)i« Iroubloi." " lie it laitUful ^j. that prumijMd.** ^ ^ Sold for Mary PiMmon Um niid ono-»inil doxtmi of little bruahtM, tt)n dolJAm and fifty coiit«. •* Hill (;>hmIii(>^ tivor n\uK 41 in mwrcjr «vor fwo, HliRll whilu I Uv«-, Nhnll when I dlo, HUH foirpw wo." Thou* wordrcame no iiwmitly to-dny whilo thiiikirij( of U'ih groat love to m«, HO boundhwa, so frtw : Koodn<»Mii and mercy all tho way through. Had a vii.it from MrH. I»h(«h» Palmer to nee if I had all my wunta Bupplitjd, an Nh« lm^, -U- ' IVM Wings as Eagles, 209 come to the blood of sprinkling, and thus He cleansed me and washed me from all sin. Nor did I like to say that I was holy, but I could and did say that I knew, that Jesus saved me to t^e uttermost, and that here was a perfect rest to my long tossed and anxious heart. Yes, I was a new creature in Christ Jesus, and still do I rest in His embrace, calmly leaning my head on His bosom. Yes, He is my Eedeeraer from all sin, and I must praise Him. But if through weakness or ^i^orance I err, He knoweth my frame, He remembereth I am dust, and sweetly bears'i^^ His feeble child. Oh ! 'tis sweet to trust a faithful Goi4^A||P He so honours my simple faith that I cannot, dare nd^fis^abt Him. I delight to watch Him each day unfold leal aner leaf of His great Book, and teach me of the hidden things of God J for you know, dear friend, I cannot get out to leani or be taught in the house of prayer, so He and I hold sweet communion when all is hushed and still. Yes, "Sees my soul the King of kings, and freely talks with God," and here I, obtain strength to speak a word for Him Who has done such great things for me. Pardon me in taking so much of your time, and believe me Yours truly, in the bonds of Jesus, Bella Cooke. Living Faith. 492, Second Avenue, Jvne 23rd, 1871. Dear Sister Anneslbt, — I was so glad to get your kind note, and at the same time sorry to learn that your dear sister is suffering ; but by-and-by our suffering time will all be o*er, and then we shall reign with our Saviour King. I have been outstripped by aUother of my fellow-travellers. Brother Brewer has found the rest we wait to find. He was of gentle spirit and sterling integrity. I had a new lady physician come to me the other day, Doctor Lozier, accompanied by Doctor Barnett. She sat and talked with me a long time, and finally concluded that about all had been done that human skill could devise, and said I must have the 14 •^^■ ', '"#; 2IO Rifted' Clouds. %. \ best food I could get, etc., etc. She thought I had two or three tumours ia addition to everything else. She does not know how I live. It matters not if I have fifty. I have an arm on which to lean sufficiently strong to bear all my infirmities, and He will lay no more upon me than He will give me strength to bear. Yes, He Who has been ^ " My Saviour ij distresses past, %. Will not now His servant leave, . * But bring me throf»|;h at last." I had Brother and Sister Lankford to see me on Wednesday. Brother L. is very feeble, but I was so glad to see them ; also my good Doctor Sabine : he would be very unwilling to allow any one to try experiments upon me. I think if he, who has been coming over fourteen years, and Doctor Palmer over twenty, cannot help me, not speaking of others who have come at times, no stranger can aid me. The girls are well. Yes, dear, it is a great comfort to have my dear Joseph and Mary so near that they can drop in any time. . '' ^ Yours lovingly in Jesus, ' Bella Cooke. The Hand has lost its Cunitino. JvlyimX. Dear Sister Annbslet, — I was glad to get your* kind letter, aiid know you are well. I am still holding on by faith. As I write this I can hardly see. The night before last, about eleven, I was seized with a slight stroke of paralysis up my face and neck; it drew my right cheek down to my shoulder, and for'' some time was very painful ; it has afEected njy left eye and my mouth, drawing the lips so that I e»n with difficulty take anything out of either a spoon or cup ; it also affects my speech a little. But, dear, it does not at- present affect my reason, for which I am very thankful. I feel, dear, as if it may be th6 f arroff noise of the chariot coming for the weary traveller, for soon the bridegroom will ^^. '^{•fA-r- r ' 1" 1 ■ ,i-, l-^T- WM Wings as Eagles. 211 come to meet His bride. I desire to have my garments all pure and clean, without spot or wrinkle. ' If it has been necessary for the Master to take so many years to polish the rough stone to prepare it for its place in the temple, it behoves me to be obedient and submissive, that the Divine work be not marred, for though He tarry yet He will come. Dear Mary, and Joseph, and Annie, and Willie came to scq me yesterday, and we had tea and worship. Then I had a long talk, and told them about publishing my book, how I had prayed over it and been exercised about it, its having been such a trial to hiave it brought out before the public, but that at each time I was brought to the borders of £he grave, it stood out before me that I had not done my duty, and each time I promised the Lord if spared I would try. I have done so, and many, many prayers have gone up with it, and the Lord has helped me woiiderfuUi/, and I must send it forth to tell the generations to come what He hath done for me. " It has seemed at times while writing as if I was almost lifted up to the third heaven, and then I had to stop and weep with joy at the dealings of my Father, and exclaim, ** Glory ! glory I to Thee, Thou Who art my Husband, Brother, Friend." [Here ends this beautiful experience of God's dealings with a faithful soul whom He trained in the ways of faith and obedience; and as the hand forgot its cunning which had so long been agiji^ustomed to trace out the goodness of God, her daughter Mary, at her request j> finished the letter.] Mother was taken so much worse that she was not able to finish, but she is al^tle easier this morning, and sketched down the last sentence on the slate for me to add to her letter. Her speech was so affected yesterday afternoon that it was with great dilHculty we could understand her, and her sufferings were intense. This morning she seems a little rimpoved, and can say a word or two with great effort. . One >4 212 ,V ^\.; V Rifted Clouds, eye is closed, and the other is, we fear, failing too ; she has a great deal of pain in it, and the sight is very dim. The doctor said yesterday he could tell nothing till to-day, as he must see how the medicine operated. Mother sends much love. - , Yours afEectionately, ' . Maby E. Pullman. -^ ' Not YET BEOKOiTBD Home. 192, Second Avenue, «5e/;^^»t7>"fcv 12//<, 1871. My Deab Miss Annbsley, — Five weeks ago I wrote a fi5w lines to you, which, before they were finished, all thought would be my last. • But the Lord has sent me back again to mingle with the things- of this life, and may He grant that it jpay add to His glory.. I could not tell you what I have suffered ; neither could T tell the holy calm that pervaded ray ' soul, as one after another bade me, as they thought, a last farewell ; the strong man wept, and many have told me since it seemed a holy place. I was unable to speak, sight almost gone, alij^ost in an agony , of pain a great part of the time ; yet I lay encircled ipi the arms of my Beloved, and was safe. Oh, how I have proved that " A thousand promises declare His constancy of love." Tes ! 'tis a Bock that^nnot move, and on that Bopk I stand. We know not, dear sister, why the Master senf me baick when so near the rest and ho^e prepared, nor do I wish to seek it out; it is enough He wills me to stay a little longer, and T. can * truly with Faber, say^ — - ■(v " I worship Thee, sweet will of God, And all Thy ways adore, And every d»y I live, I seem To love Tiiee more and more." Friends were very kind, -they gaVe me so much love and 'tender sympathy — everybody seems to love mo, and I feel so unworthy of it all. Yet, I know it is all of the Lord's good- ness, imd that He influences their hearts to His poor feeble f|V- ^ fT' lVt//i Wings as Eagles. 213 child ; the honour and glory are His. Oh, wondrous grace ! Oh, boundle8s love ! I have much to tell you, dear, but am not able now, as my sight is still very dim, and at times I have hard work to got out many words, my tongue still beipg somewhat stiff. I have begged my kind jind faithful Doctor Palmer not to come every day, but he will not leave me more than twenty- four hours. I can only bring him with many others to the mercy-seat. . Yours lovingly, Bella Oookb; .r« \l^ I - 1.-- .iS:k-^^- y ,*■ «. „ o CllAFTEH XXI. "LEAD TJIOU ME ON. \ " Thou hoHt dealt well with Thy HOrvant, O Lord, nccordiuK unto Thy word."- rsALM *tt'p cnniijrh for me. j So long Thy power liatli blcsMed mc, sure it still Will had Mie on ^- . O'er moor and fen, oVr crHj? imd torrent, till The ni^dit iH {?one, ^ : ■ ' And with the morn those an^^el faces Hmilc Which I iiavc loved long since and lost awhile." January 2nd, 1872.— Another, year has fled.-^toother year is come. The past has been one of many blessings. How many during the year have been (tailed to exchange worlds, but we are spared ;T-how near we have seemed to be to the better land, still we are left, a wonder to many, but none can know in h«w much ilervousuess and pain ; but the Apostle says, " those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary." So I will ti^y aud fill the place the Master has given me, and faithfully toil in converting barren into fruitful soil. ' • Januaiy 26th, 1S72. My Dbae Sister AwNEsiiEY,— It is a long time since I wrote to you, and a long time since I heard from you, and my heart goes out after you every day, and wonders how you are and what the ti^gs of the day. Ypur heart all alive to the Master, your h^ds^^mployed, and thus your life glides away, / «» vrr 3 ~w^ .\ ' ♦ XT: ■ \ ' W^ .» ; -^i' i..w'^ iW^^'^'^^"^€ '* Lead Thou me on'' 215. / civlin UH u Hiuiiiner evening. I huvu longed ho iiiueli to mn) you, (knd yet I know thai you kcv^ no doubt in the place where your heavenly Father wiahew you to be. I am journeying on, dear, to tho New Jerunalem, the city of our God. I feel as if I hud passed (juite a number of mile- j stones, and by-iiud-by I will reach tlie city whose Builder and Maker is God. I 'nave l)een very poorly, dear, and Huffered much more since my illness in Aiigust last, and still at times am threatened with a relapse, Uilt it is all well, woU, well I I rejoice in the will of my God because that will, is siveet. 1 am not able to sleep at all without chloral every night. 1 kept from it just as long as 1 could, but the fearful nervousnesi) that follows paralysis is beyond description, and without this medicine I pass very painful, sleepless nights. The Lord has been very gracious and merciful to me, dear— He supplies all my need, and keeps mo in a wealthy place. I do joy in the God of my salvation, for He hath dealt bountifidly with me. Hannah's baby passed away after a few hours* illness ; he was a lovely child, sixteen months old ; but his mother will never fear or care for him ; another safely hous«d. Joseph and Mary are well, jind having a gracious time in their little , Church; meetings almost every night; some have found the pearl of great price. Oh, it is joyful news, a soul saved from sin, washed in the blood of the Lamb. Joseph had ar, fast-day last week in order that the members may feel the full importance of the work, and we are all praying that many; many precious souls may be born of God. We are not having any stir in our Church ; we have a good visitor now who works very faithfully among all classes. She goes front house to house^ and is doing a great deal of good, I have been able to do very little writing since^ August except to some friends, and some notes about my poor.\ Now, dear, I must say good-bye, and may the blessing of a l^riune God ever rest upon you is the prayer of > Tour loving sister in Christ, Bella Cooke. '^1 * r '^~' 2l6 Rifted Clouds. '"' To MiSh a. Annbmmsy. ^ Mtu'ck 1872. Woll, (Imr, wo hiivo just beori HurpriHing my doar^ t'aitlifiil Doctor Miles Palmer. On the 10th of this month it will be twenty-one years that he haH^ lM;en attending me and my children until they left my homo for their own. In the summer u lady, Mrn. Haxton, was with me a great deal during my sevei^ftlnoss, and hearing that it would this spring bo that length of time, and seeing the doctor'ei increasing attention to me^ suid that if I lived until spring some memento must be got for him. So last month they decided to get a mantel set, and an elegant clock with ornaments was purcbaoed, costing $280. The clock is surmounted by a bronze statue of an eminent Italian chair is inscribed- surgeon, and on the back of the bronze MiLE!? W. Palmkr, M.D; From Friends and Children of Bella Cooke. A tribute to kindness and voluntary professional attendance ' during twenty-one years. 4pril IGth, 1872. I invited to be present at the presentation -Brdther Stephen- son, Mrs. Haxton, and Mrs. Gale, Joseph and the three girls, the doctor, his wife, and Mrs. Adams. Brother S. made the presen-i ' tation, after which we had a little ioe cream and cake and some pleasant conversation, when we sang that beautiful hymn — " Thou God of trulih and love." Jo/90ph led in prayer, and the dear friends left. It was a gralid and joyous time. Every one was happy, and those who received were surprised and delighted. "Was it not noble in friends ? Mrs! Jaffray, Mrs. Haxton, and Mrs. Barney were the principal ladies in it, with Brother Stephenson, my children, and a few others. Dear Doctor ralmer has a largo heart, and deserves far more than that. As ever, ^ ^ Bella Cooke. "I ■^ .% ■ "/ r»t{s ■ '* Lead Thou me on. '%i 217 n « t Tkstimont. ^ \\)'l, Mkconi) Avknuk, Ortohtr atli, 1872. Dear Uukthiikn and Sihtkiih, — UttVinf; hoard (hat you were to have a tostimoay moeiing, I longed to bo with you that I, "100, might Hpoak for Jomuh. But as I cannot go to you, it occurred to niu [ might write a few lineH and have them n^ad, if it was thought heut. To many of you 1 am a Mtranger, to some known only at) an invalid at home, to others 1 was known in more active life, but these are becoming very few. But you are all very dear to me as members of Christ's body and -co-labourers in 111^ vineyard, and it is this which prompts .mis, althou^i in much pain, to join with you on this glad day in the reopening of our church, and afresh dedication of ourselves to God and His cause. It is almost eighteen years since I knelt with you in the hou.se of pra^yer, but I have not been left to perish. My Father and your Father has been ^ very gracious to me and has done great things for me, whore- fore my soul rejoices in Him, and my heart is made glad at tbe mention of His name. Yes, it is a name high over all, it is dear to m above every name, it charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease. I feel I am not the less one of you because I cannot be with you, but am interest^^d in everything which relates to the welfare of our Zion. Her very walls are dear to me. I meet you in spirit at every session, at Sabbath School, preaching oi the word, and at pruyer-meeting, and at my Class meeting my thoughts follow you. " You sing His deeds, us I have sung III sweet and solemn lays ; ' Were I among you my glad tongue ' .Might learn new theincs of praise." But my Master has seen fit to place, me in a corr.er, a||^ 1 praiie Him for His ways toward me. They have beenLlhive and! mercy all the way through. Yes, hero I'll raise/my Ebenezer. God has been very gracious to me, and His tender >-,, .» 3l8 Rifted Clouds, m»rcieM arw ntmntr in « be wan going or who he wan going to stje. When they ent^^riHl tbt» room 1 could not Mit noticti what - a Mild, solemn fac»5 Mr. B. had. lie anlu'd nie a^few questions, which 1 answered, and t«ld of thti lovingkindne^s of my Ood. , • He was sileiit for a while, and at liuit said, " Well, Htilla, wo must bo careful that we do not tak»» the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of [>raine for the spirit of bcaviniiss." 1 replied, *' Mr. Hettle, I cannot. hel[) rejoicing, I baviil had so much done for me by my heavenly Father that I niliust and will praiHo Him." Mr. Bottle saitl, " Sarah, 1 would be going." Mrs. Underbill said, " ISamuel, it is too soon for nieeting." • , " Well," be rtjpHed, '* T would see the clerk of the ineeiing;'* td i. which she replied that he would not beft^iere. 1 mW deejil;jL. moved, and felt therfe was something 'inpre to be done, an^jW , I «aid, "Mr. Bottle, shall we not have prayer before you gof ' -^here i« time, is ther^ot ? " He {)ut down his hut tj^d stooi ' / . leaning agafnst the bedpost. The Master greatly helped m^/ i and I fervently prayed for our brother, and f(|| (^od's i)re8eni>^* r-. : i. '<> la^ JTm ■'d: ''^'4* f 'y- . ■:»W«' 1'- ,''''-*^''i*f' ►■■, t, ■ ■ ■■ ■'■ aj::V^'^e^- •■'■' ■'^~ 220 Rifted Clouds. thy supplijeation." The tears ran down his cheeks, while his countenanlee was very bright. Hcl was in no hurry to be gone ; it seemed a8*though he could not leave. At last Mrs. Under- bill, who j had been a silent listener, said, "Samuel, we must go. I had feared that I was going to be disappointed in thy visit here but I am not," so they Jeft. J was afterwards told that his friends who had breakfasted with him said, " Where has Samiiel Bettle been to?" and the answer was, ^*' He has beento Sella Cooke's." An article in the New York Evening/ Post of the next day, in giving an account of the meeting, said ihat an aged minister, ISamuel Bettle, spoke with great fervour and power, and his' face seemed to shine. On Tuesday Mr. B. cdme again and told me how wonderfully the Lord had bl&ssed him on Sunday morning^^ here, and he was glad I had dealt so faithfully with him. He wanted a. copy of the words of my prayer, but that was impossible. In after years he always loved to speak of that time, and said how differently he had seen things of a spiritual nature since then. He has been a kind friend in things epiritual and temporal, aiding me to procure things needful for the comfort of this poor body. Many of Ihe Society o£ Friends will remember with plepflure these facts. A New Tomb. To Miss A.,— "And the field and the cave that is therein were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying- place by the sons of Heth." And now I must tell you another piece of indulgence from my Husband, Brother, Friend. It was not enough that this body should be fed and clothed and my little ones brought up, but still farther does He go, and periiiits me to know where this poor clay shall lie. In the summer of 1866 I was very ill and lay a long time in spasms, and it seemed as if I would not be long on this earth. Sister Lankford was here,, and, asked me where I* would like to be laid when the Master should call me home. I said I would X husband ai^d baby, remains my :m ** ,*. :W " Lead Thou me on'' 221 «* but it was so far away that the children could not visit the place as often as they would like ; but any place would do. C She replied, " Well, dear, I have thought much about it, and I have decided to have you laid in my lot in Greenwood by my side. I do not know of any one I would rather have laid there than you." I was very weak, and could say but little, my heart was too full for utterance ; I could only wonder and adore. I related it to some friends who came in, not that the subject had troubled me at all, but now that my kind Master had gone before me in my expectations, I must thank Him and tell it to His praise. In a few days Brother Mackey came xv^ and I told it to him. He said it did not seem to him just the thing. I thought it beautiful, but could not make .him- think so. In a few days more he came in and said^ "Sister Cooke, I believe the Lord wants me to buy you a lot in Greenwood." I replied, " I do not know about that. You had better b« sure befot-e you do anything about it; besides, I would not like to4iiplease Sister Lankford, and it would be like throwing ^ray^M? kindness." "I will make it all right;" so off ho went to see Sister L., and said he understoQd-that she had said she would like Sister Cooke to be laid in her lot; she said, "Yes." "]; believe the Lord means that I should buy her one." "Eraise the Lord, Brother Mackey, I will be very glad to have you do so, but Vhile she had no lot, I wished her to be laid in mine." Then away he went, bought a mce little lot, had it fenced in, a gate put up with liy name upon it, and brought me the deed and bills receipted. Was it not a noble deed? Thus the Lord indulges His children. But all was not yet complete; dear Sister Lankford could hot rest; she must have something to do with it, so in October she went to Peekskill and had the remains of my dear husband and babe takeh up and brought down to the city and left in an under- taker's for him to bury them in my new tomb; and, strange to say, it was Saturday when they were brought here, and had to remain untU Monday, and the Sabbath day that intervened was the twenty-sixth anniversary of our wedding-day 7^1 i'^. i^ ;- ' (i»- • 222 Rifted Clouds. knew that at some time she intended to do this. I had by trifles savk ^bout fifty dolUrs to pay my funeral expenses, and I gave it to her to pay their expenses, but she brought it back to me, and said, " My dear, I want ybu to spend this in things you need for your comfort ; I will bear all this myself, it is my part. I wanted Brother Cooke and baby to be laid here, then you can be all together." Goodness and mercy are all the time about my path. Well might the Psalmist say he had "never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." ^' Oh, for a thousaml seraph- tongues To bless the incarnate word ! Oh, for a thousand thankful songs In honour of my Loi-d I Come, tunc afresh jrour golden lyres. Ye angels round the throne ; Ye. saints in all your sacred choirs. Adore the Eternal Son." M w .#. #■ 'ii^^ki ,*^#if A -i CHAPTEE XXII. THE kino's work. " " They that feared the Lord spake often one to another."— Mal- iii. 16. " We were talking about the King - And our elder Brother, As we were used of ten to speak One to another. The Lord standing quietly l^y ^ In the shadows dim, Smiling, perhaps, in the dark to hear Our sweet, sweet talk of Him." March I2th, 18T3. My Dea.b Sistee A., — For some days I have been trying to get nerve enough to write to you that I might acknowledge the kindness of your delightfi4 letter. A Our precious friend Thomas Lankford has gone to the bosom of his God. He sweetly slept in Jesus after lying with closed eyes for two weeks. Oiice only did he open them, and looking at Mrs. L., he put up his poor hands, and, drawing down her head, he kissed her many times, and told her over and over how he loved her ; then his work was done. " When he had said this he fell asleep." Oh, the mystery and strength of human affections! He was very patient all the way through, and finished his course with joy, one of the kindest and best men I have ever known. Mrs. L. is very much broken. I feel for her very much ; but as yoii say it brings heaven very near us, 1 love to think of it. _ » .: *'^he leaflet is beautiful. When 1 lay so low with paralysis ■m^ H- ■ S' '.■ 224 Rifted Clouds. that all thought I was going, the Saviour's words were my comfort; I felt He would say," "She hath done what she could," I have thought frequently that I. have indped done all I cauld, and many have told me I have done jar more than the Lord wanted me to do; I must tell you how signally the Lord blessed one of our little enterprises. On the 18th of last month Mrs. Jaffray wrote me a note^ saying that a few ladies of the Christian Union were trying to op^n a sort of temporary home, just to give a night's lodging to the homeless.. She wrote : ^' We ate trying to get as many one-dollar subscribets as possible, t^hat many may be Interested ; pray for us, dear, that our treasury may be filled." I prayed to the Master about it, and He led me to resolve to ask all who^ might come to see me for the nej^t two weeks. I did so, and He sent many who had not been for months, and the result was fifty dollars," for which I thank my heavenly Father. I sent it with great joy to Mrs. J.^, she was very glad, and said she had been praying so earnestly that the Lord would give it favour in the sight of the people, and here was an answer. ^ Some gave me one dollar for themselves, and one for each member of their families. ' \ . Weft, iesar, ndW I have, opened a second subscription list for our new Home, a^d hope to get a little more ; for when I think of my cosy home and good bed I am grieved for the homeless wanderers and children of sorrow. It is done as ubto the Lord, a thankoffering to Him for His great love and care over me. Not more than others I deserve, yet God hath given me more. ' \Wi.—\ have had a sweet visit from dear Sister Lankford. She tries to bear up nobly, and is supported by Him Who says, "Fear not, I will hold thee by thy right hand," and she is indeed letting Himhold her up. Praise the Lord ! We both wept freely, but our Saviour did not^ chide us; th^y were not tears of rebellion, but of tender, loving submission. • r , Tours very lovingly, ' . ' «5^ ' Bella. CookA. . ^ ■'-.,■ ■'.'■' ■ * ~t ' ~ ~ ^"^ ' '- >.. ^' -H- zy .*i --t j«>«v-^ .' '' i\ '•>: Tfie .Kings Work, 225 '>.i 'fiir>, Fifth Avenue, N.Y., J/a/cA 1873. My Deabest Mrs. Cooke, — How much pleasure you have given me I cannot express ! It is wonderful that lying on a bed of suifering you are enabled' to do so much for the good of others. I thank you, and love you more than ever. I have prayed Our Lord wil^ incline the hearts of many to think well of this " Temporary Home," and this is an answer to my . prayer. I am so delighted. Just think, so much money from you, my dear Mrs. Gooke. Why, it is just lovely.' You say, "Mrs. Barney regrets that we do not receive larger subscriptio^is." We c?o, when we can get them,^ but we think it a good plan to obtain as many dollar subscribers as possible. This plan gives us so many friends^ and every one can give one dollar, when many could not give more. Don't you see, dear? Many thatiks for the "tracts,'-' * which I Jbope soon to read. ' . . . . Yours, \Yith much love, * ^ '^ • " . Anna F* Jaffrat. .■*'''•,-■■ 492, Second Avenue, June nth, 1873. Dear Sister A., — It is a long time since I have written to you, but, darling sister, I have no strength, and have tried Again and again, but am so tired. , I have lately had -a very direct answer to prayer, which I \ must teU you. .The 2nd of May I wrote to my precious Mrs, Jaffray to see if she could give me some steady help for a poor Scotch woma^n, seventy-eight years old. Her father, grand- father, atid brother were preachers, and she supported herself ui^til now by teaching. On the 8«li Mrs. J. sent her maid to say -she Would give me five dollars per month, Ibut did not send it for May. The girl tpld nie that Mrs. J. said she knew I would keep praying for it till I got an answer. Three or four* weeks before this Mr. Cardner, a. person who is engaged by several^ rich ladies to dd' errands of mercy, called and said he l: :■*''■■ -c M \ t'r'' ■jip n^ ■#• f*'"'^ ' /> ■ ^:- I' ' 226 Rifted Clouds. had met with ^ very poor family, sick, and coi^ld I get anything ■ for them? I said, "No! We were just having to pay the funeral expenses of a poor man whom we had been caringfor all winter." Then It came to me with groat force to pray for , • help for that poor family. Meanwhile I had been asking my Father to send me .the five dollars from Mrs. J. for poor Miss MacFarland. -Thus those cases passed on till the 2l8t, when Mr. Cardner came and brought me the five dollars I wanted. I said, "What about the C. family "?" "Oh," he-replied, " they are very needy. Cannot you ask some of your ladies for help ? " I said, " No, 1 cannot. The Lord shows me no ^ light on the subject at all. We must- pray and wait. When it* is right it will come ; but I' can ask no more." About four hours after two ladies called. One said, " Sister Cooke, are / you praying for anybody?" 1 said, "Yes: a %ood many I bodies." " Well; but any* particular one ? " I asked, " Tem- porally or spiritually?" "Temporally," she said. I replied, "I am, but get no light." "Well, I have brought it. A gentleman belonging to Bedford Street Church has seen you ojic^, and yesterday he said: * Sister Lovejoy, I am impressed ••. ' that Sister Cooke needs some money, and I want to send her tweiity-five (JoUars. Tell her to use it just as she pleases.'" I could only exclaim, '* Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." My soul was bo joyful in God in that He had deigned t^ hear my prayer and answer so speedily. And so I sent for Mr. Cardner, and we rejoiced tjjgether at "the goodness of God, and the poor family was relieved. - From [certain of my friends who deligl\t to "lend to the "Lord " through His poor, I had heard nothing, and was almost repdy ttf 'think I would not have all I wanted, but I have had twenty dollars more given me by a lovely lady, so I thank God and take courage. You know, dear, a,t this^ season the people of jpeans nearly all leave tfie city, so the poor suffer in the summer as wejl as in the .winter. "Blessed is he that con- ' sidereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble." ^ 4v *%'*\-^;' ^'-^-V H' ^ The King's Work. Sam|. ,327 To THE June 19M, 1873. Were J^ou hei») I could slaWly and quiwtly tell you much of iiiterei^t^ but it is so .di^icult to put anything on paper ; some little notes I write mUst be written over by another, which is never satisfactory. My precious friend Mrs. Jaffray has had her daughter, Miss^ Ada, married. ^ The week before the ceremony, the dear child came to see'me ; she is a lovely Christian. I had an invitation, and after^the wedding, cake and the bride's bouquet were sent to. me — was il not very kind ? And s^tbe^dear Lord mixes me in with the rich and the poor, and He is the Maker of us all. Oh I how many link^ there are to His, great chain of Providences ; how one and another are brought to me till my clusters of friends seem lik^ Tove-bunches of flowters culled from the gardens of paradise ; and, so wonderful, my humble circumstances never seem to give them a thought It is all of the Lord, and I will praise Him. * . The God of all grace be with and bless you. f Tour I6ving sister in Jesus, Bella Cookb. ' . . ^ ■ ■ -, " ■ » ■ ' ' ■ '. ■ A New Fbiend. V ^ ^ July IS79. " In the latter part, of tlfe winter of 1873, deq,r Mrs. Bodstein 'had often talked to me about a^oung married lady, one of her pupils in singing : she had also brought me grape's several ^ times from this friend, and a little book, *' Thoughts for Weary Hours." , On one of her calls Mrs. B. showed me a photograph of her friend. It was a lovely face, and I said, " It is beautiful, but I suppose I shall never- gee her." A few months passed, and I heard this friend had been called to part with a beloved sister very suddenly, shorty after which Mrs. B. brought hpr to see me; her name is Virginia Field. I was much pleased with her ; we h^d a long talk about Divine things and the ■■v'. -.va ^f- M^^ tff^Wi '*fri f-j '^^'" I'^^-jji-'VY M 228 \y Rifted Clouds. >■'•; • '•^ -'**, strange provldenoes of my life, b^t nothing was said of my circurttBtances. When thoy wont downstairs, Mrs. F. said to Mrs. B. : " Do you think Mrs. Cooke would feel displeased if I sent her this ? " ^handing Mrs. B. a ten-dollar bill. Mrs. B. brought it up to me, and in that unexpected kindness I saw the'hand of God. I had saved ten dollars for the summer's ice, but knew it was no use beginning to take ice until I had a new box. I spoke to my daughter Mary about it, and she said, "Mother, you had better get the box and the ice will come." I had done so and had the boxTbut no ice ; the ice - dealer had called twice to know when I would begin to take ice, and was asked to call on the next Monday for an answer. It was Saturday when the ladies called, and here was the ten dollars sent by this new friend for the ice for the summer. " Th^silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts." From that time Mrs. F. and her sister, Miss Helen . E. Hamersley, h^ve visited me steadily; their brother also has called to see me. Thus 1 am blessed. - \^ . Dear Mrs. B. she is so kind; one day she brought me a beautiful vase containing a iwax cross, with fine vines and flowers twining all about it. ' I said, "Why did you bring me this elegant thing ? " She answered, " Because, dear, I thought you would enjoy it, and I can get out to see the^pretty things." ;^ She has a lovely family, so tender and kind. »*By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." And'surely these things are more than "a cup of cold water," which we are told shall not lose it reward. 492, Second Avenue, SeptemUr ^ird, 1873. Mt t>EAa SiSTBB,— I have so much to say tp you that 1 don't knovir where to begin. It has been a busy summer with me, you know. I have had brought to me a dear j;|dy, Mrs Field, who was very tender from having lost a sister^a few weeks before. Mrs. F. is wealthy in the world's sense of the word, but bi m hflyfltofore known chiefly the theory of the plan *^~"^ TTi S,i*, ,1'^ iC'lOC'*"''' • F' ', ?•.'" f ^'flA'f • *.* r «^^ ^ The King's Work, 229 of salvation. She^ watched mo and liMtoned attentively, tfnd very prayerfully d^' I, counsel her, as stop by step I tried to lead her to the feet of her preciouH Saviodr. I^he Master was with us, and sbw aow rejoices in the God of .her salvation. She has composed some verses of which 1 send you a copy. She does not know what to do or to get for' me. SiMter Lank- ford has met her twice. • ■> - Now let me tell you that my dear children, Jodeph and Mary, have resolvtid to be all the Lord's, and have been blessed with a fresh baptism of His grace ; itnd such a change !* When I got the enclosed letter from them I wept and praised 0od. Joseph is giving no uncertain* sound to his people: now the Scriptures are all life, and light, and power through the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord ! It is goodness and mercy all the way through. I have been poiorly, dear, having had an attack of pneumonia which weakened me very much, and my new friend so kindly came evA'y day and cared for me. She has bought material for six new gowns, also lipen for sheets and pillow-cases • then she bought me an eider-down silk quilt for winter, with many other little things. Why, dear, I am just amazed at it all, and almost tremble at the goodness of God to me, through that dear child. Mrs^ F. also bought me a little machine to stand on my table and fan me ; it is called, " Indian Zephyrion." Joseph said, " Why, mother, are thgy going to send you to heaven on flowery beds of ease ? " They cannot do that, but they are certainly making my pathway as easy as they can. " A thousand promises declare His constancy of love." ■" . Another dear friend,, Mrs. Haxton, on my last birthday sent Boe a dollar for every year of my life, fifty- two dollars, and a beautiful lamp. For all these things I can only say, " ^less the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Now I have to tell you a sad story. My dear Mrs. Jaffray ;j /■ 230 Rifted Clouds, has lost ht'T i)l(lo8t tlttUf^Htur, Mrw. lIurHt. Slui liiul hur fourth child, and they were all ho joyouH and happy, when a fever Het in, and the dear one wum tjiken from friends on earth, to friends in heaven. Without doubt she is with her Lord. Pray, dear, that my dear Mrs. J. may be comforted and sustained amid it all. And now, my dear, I must leave you. I send you some of the little books I have been distributing of late. Tours lovingly in Jesus, Bella Cooke.\ To Mjis. IIaxton. yoremhvt' 2^ My Deab Mr . Cooke, — j'have (^uite recently opened a bank, which I havp called "THie Bella Cooke Bank," be cause % \> 'A-. T«r-'f*" > Upv .■^ ^:*'^'?^!l raiment, a work to do, friends to love and return my love ; He ' has given me my dear children aad grandchildren, and my own dear little home. Besides all these^He has put into my heart the *^ peace that passeth all understanding," and, despite trials and constant pain, "ye which have believed do enter into redt; " with. the devout Paber I can say — V "I know not what it is to doubt ; My heart is over gay." Joseph is having good meetings four evenings in the week in his church, and souls^are being saved. 1 stay by the stuff, and every little while send up a little ammunition in the form of cards and little tracts, which are distributed in the congregation and in the neighbourhood. I also keep our own little church supplied. Praise the Lord for the privilege^ You ask me, " What about the Christmas dinner for the poor people ? '* Well, I did what I could 5 I sent turkeys or- chi($kens to twenty-one families, one or two chickens as the case demanded, and to the sick ones chickens. For New Year's da;^ I have spent already for food and coal thirty dollars. One poor sick woman had four sheets and four pillow-cas^s, another '9, bed quilt ; half were supplied from my own stock ; the others I begged. I sent a woman to whitewash and clean the rooms for^ne poor soul, so I know she is clean and comfortable, with plenty of food and fire. ' ; ll?hiis, dear, I try to fill out my days in doing what I can for iitim Who hath done so much for me. *■ '■'1 long to hear the words "Come home," but although in so much suffering and (f bedding, and I have written to Mrs. JafFray for blankets. Doctor Palmer is kindly attending her. 27 %-\r^^'\ fjv -•- • *' • ,. ., »i** 236 J* Rifted Clouds. March ^thy 1874. D£AB SiSTBB AnnBslbt, — I wft8 very glad to receive yours, and thank you for aH the -words of comfort. ' Pain and weariless have pressed hard upon me for some time, and. to such ^n extent as I could not describe, but it seems as if the glory pf the Only Begotten of the Father also beamed upon me, and with His left' Ijand under my head and His right hand encircling me, what matter ? My Beloved, is mine, and I am His, and we are one— praise the Lord ! \ -. I have had a very busyi- wintejr, and it has borlie heavily upon me, but I love to work for liim, either by talking\by the hour to loved ones or strangers, ijelling of the rich thin^"^of Jesus, as revealed to me by His gi^eat love, or in helping the poor to coal, clothing, or food. I • By the way,, I have given about thirty tons of coal this winter — twenty-two by money, and the rest by orders from Assistant Sick Society, through Mrs. Hunting. I have dis- tributed nearly one hundred new garments, besides many old ones ; many of thede f rom dear Mrs, Field. / The Lord has greatly indulged me, and I praise Him. Often and often come the lines to me — ' * " One more day's w»rk for Jesus, • One less of life for me ; But heaven is nearer, And Christ is dearer Than yesterday to me. His love and light v - .["-'■ Fill all my soul to-night." ° " *■■■ "( ■' Oh y^s, 'tis joy, not duty, to tell of His wonderful grace and glory, love and care. Eternity will only ,be sufficient for all His praise. The Lord fill you full of His love. Tours, Bella Cooke. ^ May 7th, 1874. Deab Sistee Ankeslet, — I was glad to receive yoiirs. Tes, dear one, I am joyous in. hope, feeling that ere long I (^^.■-■"'.■jtjit^ The Resting'Place. 237 L shall escape to my home, where there will i&e no more pain or nervousness. I cannot tell you how very weary this pon- derous, cumbrous clay is, but they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. . . We have had a trying month ; on the 7th, Joseph Olden, Mary's youngest boy, was taken to rest with his Saviour ; he died after seven days' struggling with membranoua croup. Poor Mary and Joseph felt this,, their first great sorrow, very keenly ; but a friend said to me : "I only wish some people who do not know the help of grace could step in and see those two watching thO' struggles of that lovely boy, and the sustaining grace voujMHtfed to them," Yes, dear, the promise is still the same,