LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. GIFT OF THE FAMILY OF REV. DR. GEORGE MOOAR a f IEW P RQSB BY MINNIE HANNAH PECK I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys." Sol. Song it: /. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me." -Ps. l:2 3 - SAN FRANCISCO : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1893. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1893, by MINNIE HANNAH PECK, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington . PREFACE. My main object in publishing this little work is to leave a testi- mony to what God has manifested to me of his free and precious grace. It is not expected that the masses will even take it up to carelessly lay it aside again. But it is written for the one or two, here and there, who are "poor in spirit," who are "meek and lowly," and who may, in answer to my prayer, find some word of solace, hope or encouragement to urge them onward in their pilgrim journey. A desire to put myself in a true position has given me an autobiographical impulse, and caused me also to mention some facts which otherwise would have been left out. I have also mentioned the names of many with whom I have been connected or associated. This also arose from a desire to be real with them, and because my heart reached out after them, desiring something as permanent for them as for myself, and that we altogether might add something to the present need of real personages in abiding truths. I now commit this little volume, with all I have and am, to our precious Jesus, praying God to overrule all for His glory. M. H. P. 123158 CONTENTS. PART I. PAGE Early Recollections i Story of Her Salvation 3 A Sacred Poem 5 Early Training 5 Ed ucati on 6 Pride 7 Gold 8 The Colleges 9 My Two Requests 10 Our Wedding 12 Scenes in School 14 Another Scene of Death 15 Sorrow's Gleanings 16 "Home Again" 17 He Was Not a Christian 20 Another Wedding -. 20 The Dark Clouds Were Gathering 25 It Was the Prayer of Faith 28 A Presentiment 30 A Glorious Fulfillment 31 Seeking Opportunity To Do Good 32 Atonement 32 Pneumonia 33 Financial Trouble 34 Coming Events 36 Another Startling Event 37 Murder of Our Dear Brother Samuel 38 Effie's Recovery 40 CONTENTS. PAGE Sorrowing and Rejoicing 4 1 Praying without Ceasing 43 "The Property is Yours" 45 Interview with My Attorney 45 Wedlock 46 The View of Roses 47 Holiness Unto the Lord 48 Battles for Eternal Life 49 Joining the Church 50 Sunday School 5o The Revival 5i Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness 52 Departure for the East 53 Seeking Jesus 55 Two Incidents 57 Holiness 58 Come Believing 59 Revelations of the Spirit 62 The Holy Ghost Teaching Me 64 The First Lesson 65 The Second Blessing 68 Baptism of the Holy Ghost 69 The Fire 72 Gethsemane 72 A "Word" Lesson 73 Psalm CXXI 73 Isaiah LIV 74 The Fast 76 Temptations 76 Imtnanuel 79 CONTENTS. Vll PART II. PAGE Work for Jesus 81 Street Work 83 Visiting Slums 84 Saloons Visited 85 Visiting from House to House 86 Church Services 87 Correspondence 88 Persecution 88 Explanation 89 Revival in the Pastor's Absence 90 Testi mony 91 At Work 93 Down at the Cross 94 Another Holiness Revival 95 The Work Spreading 97 Cries for Help 99 Missionaries in Nevada 100 ;< Come Unto Me" 101 Fifty Miles by Stage After Night 102 Battl e Song 1 04 Visiting All Denominations 105 Public Morals 106 Reno and All Nevada 107 In San Francisco 108 Cottage Meetings in Reno 109 The Jail in Reno 109 Hospital for the Poor no Tract Boxes no Definite Meetings for Holiness in Children's Meetings in Reno 112 The Children 114 The Warfare Against Sin 115 Visiting the Sick 116 Another Case.... .. 118 CONTENTS. PAGE One More Visited "9 Hospitality 121 Separation 123 Seeking Salvation for Relatives 124 A Seven Months' Tour 126 Holiness 129 The Vanguard 129 Camp Meetings 133 Sanctification i.lS Class Meetings 136 "Go Ye" 137 At My Mother-in-law's 137 Across the Continent 139 More Notes on the Way 141 Testimony 144 A Call from Missionaries 145 Holiness Literature 146 "The Guide to Holiness" 147 Eternity 147 God's Word 147 Strength of Muscle 148 Salvation Army 149 ''Captain of the Hosts of the L,ord " 149 Robed and Resting 151 Jesus Calls , 152 The Two Blessings 153 PART EARLY RECOLLECTIONS. Y FIRST recollections are concerning divine things, the hallowed associations which cluster around the worship of the living God, whom I learned even in my childhood to reverence and fear. Those scenes which impressed me most were the atten- dance of meetings for worship by my father and mother and myself with a few country people, who met in a log meeting-house near my father's farm. The distance to be walked was over a mile, through fields and woods, over a swollen stream, crossed on a foot-bridge of some long rails. The ministers who conducted these meet- ings were the early Methodist pioneers, the name of 2 THE VIEW OF ROSES. Raper being, perhaps, the most prominent. Some United Brethren, also of great zeal, preached at this point. In going to and coming from this little log house, with its board seats and high box pulpit, my steps often grew weary, and my father's strong hand held mine more firmly, and sometimes he took me in his loving arms and made me feel a security and rest which I remember well ; and the sweet old choruses, " Only let me die happy," and " Canaan, sweet Canaan, I am bound for the land of Canaan," would soothe me to sleep oftimes before we reached our home, a large two-story frame house in the center of a lovely lawn studded with shrubs and flowers, beside a lovely garden, the fragrant herbs of which I e'en yet breathe in. O, those glory days of sweet, sweet child- hood nourished by Christian parents under the wing of the Heavenly Dove. My mother, O, my precious mother, how hallowed her memory now, though more than fifty years have fled since then, and for sixteen years she has lain under the beautiful green sward of an Ohio cemetery. Her two first children preceded her in infancy to the better world, and then a brother older than I, my con- stant companion and protector in play in our tender years. We were the objects of her tender solicitude to train up for God. While young she was wont to tell us THE VIE W OF ROSES. 3 sweet stories for our good ; but the one I remember best is the STORY OF HER SALVATION. Her father died when she was very young, and her mother, said to be most beautiful, but not a Christian, married a profane man. There were three sisters of them. My mother's name was Priscilla, a dear old Gospel name. When she neared womanhood the Methodists began holding meetings in their neighborhood at the residence of Mr. Christman, a man of great piety ; and mother and her sisters, Mary and Matilda, attended ; and mother and Matilda gave their hearts to God, my mother saying that she took the step for life, to be a permanent espousal to Christ. The next morning after she joined the Church her stepfather in a rage came to where she was baking buck- wheat cakes for breakfast, by an old-fashioned fireplace, and raising his foot kicked the pan of batter over, and then running to the other sister, who was spinning wool, snatched the distaff from its place and threw it down from the high hill upon which the house stood. The sister, being the unsaved one, told him that if he wanted the distaff he could go and get it ; she would not ; and then my mother, having adjusted the pan of batter, went with joyful heart to the bottom of the hill and procured the distaff and brought it to its place. So much for Christian grace. 4 THE VIEW OF ROSES. This ended the scene of anger for that time. He tried in every way to get Priscilla, his favorite stepdaughter, to give up the meetings and dear old father Raper's preaching, and at one time came to her after one of the grand old meetings had just ended and threw a cup of water in her face, saying, "I baptize you," etc., using a profane sentence. None of these things moved the saved young girl. She knew Him whom she believed. As mother grew to womanhood her stepfather longed to mate her with one of his own sons, Mordecai Crockett, but mother had seen and loved at first sight a young man, a neighbor, by the name of Daniel Oakes, and to him she soon pledged her loving heart. Now these were trying times, for he was not a Chris- tian, yet she determined he soon should be ; and her prayers were speedily answered, and they wended their way heavenward together, and were married, though not at home, as that was refused them, and a sister then married made them a merry wedding ; and from there they went to my mother's farm, given by her grand- father Freeman, where soon my father erected a com- modious house, which was at once opened for the recep- tion of ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A hal- lowed home it was to little Samuel and Hannah, with their love of the meetings, and the preacher's visits, with the singing and praying and kind words and pleasant stories, where thrift and neatness and plenty prevailed, with all hands joining in honest toil. THE VIE W OF ROSES. 5 SACRED POEM. " Salvation, O, thou joyful sound, What pleasure to our ears, A sovereign balm for every wound, A cordial for our fears. Salvation, let the echo fly, The spacious earth around ; While all the armies of the sky Conspire to raise the sound. Salvation, O, Thou bleeding Lamb, To Thee the praise belongs ; Salvation shall inspire our hearts, And dwell upon our tongues." EARLY TRAINING. My brother and I were sent to the common school near home until we quite finished the common branches of study. How merrily our school days passed under sunny skies or over snowy paths as we wended our way with books and dinner-pail. Early and late, year in and year out, the lessons were learned and said ; and then our tasks at home performed his, the chopping of the wood and bringing up the cows and other chores ; and mine, the sewing and knitting and the washing of the dishes, with the cheery little mother in the lead. One by one three more dear ones came into the family, Effie and Isadora and Willie, and these in turn joined hands in the 6 THE VIEW OF ROSES. happy home circle of willing and useful workers, trained in hand and head and heart. EDUCATION. Younger and less spiritual preachers took the place of the older itinerants, and with them new ideas sprang up voicing the spirit of the more prosperous times of the United States of America. Then the cry of "Educate, educate," ringing all along the line of the homesteads in the Miami Valley, chimed in with the merry din and rush of the farmer's toil ; and the two caused the morn- ing and evening prayers at the home altar, with the sacred melody of happy songs, to come irregularly. Alas ! Alas ! to my mother's sorrow. She took up afresh what she had planned for us, an education. Added to this, the making of money, to my already prosperous father, proved a snare ; and now the shadows were thrown across the family hearth. Yet there was one, the patient, loving mother, who stood firm to the principles of truth and purity. My brother was sent to College Hill, Cin- cinnati, and I to Springfield Female College. Here vain wisdom began to fill our minds. My brother had made no profession of religion, but at nine years I became a member of the Methodist Church and carried my letter of probation to High Street M.-E. Church, next door to the college, and soon was admitted and baptized by sprinkling, by Brother John Marlay of the Cincinnati THE VIEW OF ROSES. 7 Conference. By this time I was so cold, spiritually, that the dressing of my hair for the occasion seemed to quite fill my mind. O ! Those were dangerous days. How- ever, the habits formed could not be quite lost sight of, and so I prayed nightly and in the morning, and read the word of God, and believed, intellectually at least, that I was a child of God attending class and prayer meet- ings regularly, and speaking of truth but living it in works, and that very poorly I fear. PRIDE crept in. Soon I was longing to gratify my love of self and selfish adornments. More and more the worldly wisdom came in, and more and more the once simple and child-like faith went out. The music was delightful and improved in ; but the songs were not of the kind which could be sung in the name of the lyord, or the kind which thrilled my young heart ; yet I went on sing- ing them all the same. And then when vacations came, and the piano and my brother's return with the violin in hand, and he a skillful player, O, then, with him, dear boy, it was the dance and society not in keeping with that of our dear parents' teaching. With me, though that was forbidden, yet other things as evil crept in ; and I was a cold and wandering girl, formal and superficial, proud of my face and attainments. In time the younger ones were sent off to grand schools, and all 8 THE VIEW OF ROSES. in a whirl we as a family were going back from God, as far as a real vital life was concerned ; and dress and culture took the place of the dear simple faith of child- hood's days. My heart aches as I write these things, and my memory falls upon other evils not to be writ- ten, as they are canceled by the precious blood of Christ. Hallelujah ! GOLD. In the midst of this backsliding my father, with a company of worldly men, traveled overland to California in search of health and gold. These were trying days to my mother and her little ones. A house was built in the village near by, and there we lived until father's return. Happily for us he was only away for one year ; his speedy return being an experiment for life, as his physi- cians bade him return by water at once, as a remedy, the last and only one they thought. By this time the lodge had claimed my father as a member, this the first thing, perhaps, which made a way for him to be absent from his family at night. It led to sorer tempta- tions, and the only redeeming feature of his membership in the Masonic order was reached as he left the wharf and entered the vessel which bore him down the Pacific and up the Atlantic to New York ; his brother Masons filled his pockets with gold. Reports of his death often filled mother's heart with sorrow and her eyes with tears, but she took them with THE VIE W OF ROSES. 9 her little ones to God in prayer ; and in a dream one night, thrice repeated, she was made certain of his return, which came to pass the following day, producing great joy to the reunited family. To our mother's memory be it said, that, whatever our waverings may have been, her trust in God never seemed to lag, and she ever pro- fessed her faith in Him both at home and in the meet- ings, yet often feeling and owning our disobedience and unfaithfulness. THE COLLEGES. Were they not Christian ? O, yes ! at least so-called ; but the real sins and the unreal service, where could it end but in spiritual failure and certain success to Satan's kingdom, at least for the time being ? To tell of the flirting of the presidents and the jealousy of their wives, which we at first doubted and afterward knew of, I would blush as much now to relate as I then feared to, and we children looking to them as our guides in spiritual things. Their preaching and reading at chapel service sadly lacked the sweet, sweet charm of the pure Gospel as heard and realized in the old log church. Where are you drifting ? Answer the ques- tion in the light of God's blessed word and by the power of the Holy Ghost. Christian parents, be careful how you send your children away from home. Mrs. Booth, in 4< Practical Religion," writes : " The training God requires is a moral training : io THE VIE W OF ROSES. the inspiring of the child with the love of goodness, truth and righteousness, and leading him to its practice and exercise in all the duties and emergencies of life. Now any parent can do this if only she has the grace of God in her heart and will take the trouble. Training a child in the way he shall go does not necessarily imply a scholastic training." To my notion there is more necessity of getting the home righted than any other place in the world. There is more hope of succeeding in moral and spiritual life according as parents obtain God's grace, and then lead their children by their own responsi- ble positions directly to God, they themselves making the best use of the supreme influence' God has given them over their children. In modern schools there is, to be sure, much truth, but it is so closely woven in with error that scarcely one in a thousand can escape the delusion, and prevent being engulfed sooner or later in the most deathly moral corruption. Our college days ended by my brother's craze for the golden land and my utter repugnance of a wolf in sheep's clothing, the president of the Springfield Female College. MY Two REQUESTS. While a child I felt a desire to teach school when I grew up ; and if I ever married he should be a minister of the gospel. These desires were realized. The first vacation after I left the Springfield Female College I THE VIEW OF ROSES. n returned one evening from the postoffice and found a strange gentleman in the parlor. Mother introduced him to me, " Sylvanus Hover of the M.-E. Church, just graduated from Delaware University, to be teacher in our school the coming year. ' ' At first I was not pre- possessed in his favor, but strange to say, during the fol- lowing winter, by an unusual Providence which had united us in friendship, we were fully launched on the sea of an all-absorbing love. He boarded at my father's house, and proved to be the most spiritual-minded man we had formed the acquaintance of for years. His in- fluence was felt in our home, and the family altar was once more set up. He was then preparing for the min- istry, and was soon after admitted in the North Indiana Conference, where he remained till sickness gave him a superannuated relation to that body. At or near the close of his school year with us we were walking in a lovely grove near by, and there we plighted our love, and knelt while he prayed God's blessing upon our engage- ment. Another year of teaching in the South, just at the beginning of the Civil war, brought to us our first sorrow. Our letters were intercepted. His politics were demanded, and he was commanded peremptorily to leave Kentucky, which he did in defense of his life. Another term of teaching and preparation and he was admitted ; and still two years passed by ere our vows were con- summated by marriage. These were times of fidelity testing. I teaching in Ohio, Civil war raging, and the 12 THE VIE W OF ROSES. long separation from one whom I have since learned to know I loved more than I did the God to whom I daily prayed, and of whom I constantly testified in the class meetings. I desired and was seeking my Saviour, but had allowed an idol to come between. The sin of this I little dreamed of at the time, so absorbed was I with thoughts of the absent loved one. In the mean time I was working up a reputation as teacher in the common schools, and in the Sunday school, and seemed to be growing in grace, so thought of by others. OUR WEDDING. On the 1 5th of April, 1862, a beautiful evening in- deed, with all the loveliness of early spring-time, our father's house was adorned and well supplied with wed- ding guests and wedding festivities. A loaded table in the dining hall. Two happy pair stepped from an ad- joining room into the center of a spacious parlor, and Brother Robinson of the Cincinnati Conference pro- nounced Sylvanus Hover and Minnie H. Oakes man and wife, all reverently kneeling in prayer. Congratulations over, supper ended, and music preluded by ' ' The Star Spangled Banner" floated out on the ears of a merry throng of loving friends. But alas ! The look of death was there, and an old friend of our's, an aged lady, saw it in the eyes and in the sunken chest of the young husband, in whose lungs lay that latent dread disease, THE VIEW OF ROSES. 13 consumption. The happy party took their loving fare- wells, and the bridal party their tour to the new field of labor, and soon were busy workers in the various churches of New Paris circuit. These services on my part were so heartless and formal as in these after years to cause me to shudder on account of the spiritual danger I passed so unconsciously at the time. During the first year the fell typhoid laid my dear idol very low, and ten long weeks of watching him with bated breath brought me down also with the same malady. We were praying, and God was answering by the only means chastisement which could awaken or prepare us to know and live with Him. We both slowly recovered, and the following summer our home was brightened by the coming of a dear little son, Kddie, who proved another idol for a few short months, when the Father took him. In these later years I understand that scene of death, as he lay in his little crib at the midnight hour, after six weeks of painful sickness, and just before he breathed his last looked with bright and peaceful look of holy light round about upon us all, each at a time, a long look of loving fare- well. It seemed strange and unaccountable to us at the time for such seeming holy intelligence to take posses- sion of a child ; but some of that little circle have since learned that it was the revelation to him dear babe of the Holy Jesus, and a kingdom made pure within his baby breast. Glory to God ! i 4 THE VIEW OF ROSES. SCENES IN SCHOOL. Soon after Eddie's death husband and I repaired to Rochester, Ind. He took the principalship of the Union School, being still in a superannuated relation to the conference, and I assisted. This was a hard field for weak and weary ones just out of such scenes of trial. The bad discipline of the school and the unruliness of some of the pupils can be illustrated by a scene. of horror which neither of us had ever witnessed in our previous experience as teachers. My husband undertook to re- prove Scott Reynolds, who was a terror in the com- munity, and the latter at once threw a rock and struck him on the temple, causing the blood to stream over his face. He was barely able to step to my door adjoining, and we had to retire to our room across the way, having dismissed for the time. The affair was soon settled by the expulsion of the young man. Such scenes were more than one breaking down in health could endure, and soon my dear husband was lain down with a com- plication of diseases. By his wish I took his place as principal, and conducted the school, putting an advanced pupil in my place. This however, with attending him in the intervals of teaching, was too much for me, and before four months of the school year had passed I, too, had resigned. From this time through the winter the tolling of the church bell near by was about the only music which greeted our ears, as typhoid carried away one or more out of many families. However, we escaped. THE VIE W OF ROSES. 15 In the following June our dear mother came and took us home with her to Troy, Ohio, where ANOTHER SCENE OF DEATH ensued. In three weeks more of pain and sorrow he, too, my dear husband, left us to join little Eddie in Glory. He clung to life almost to the last, desiring to preach the Gospel he so much loved. Many had been the number " turned to righteousness" even in his short term of Christian labor, his first breaking down being in the midst of a blessed revival on New Paris circuit. The Saturday before he died he called me to him where he sat in a rocker on the veranda in our dear old, father's home, and said : "I have been unwilling to give you up till now ; sing " The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee." With trembling voice and tearful eyes I complied ; and then he testified to me that all was surrendered, and he was resigned to go. The next Wednesday, being July 1 3th, he repeated with great difficulty part of the 23d Psalm, a dear friend finishing it for him. About 3 P. M. of that day, as friends were gathered about his bed, he motioned me to lean near him. He whispered : " Love the Lord ; trust in Jesus ; ' ' and peacefully departed. 16 THE VIE W OF ROSES. Oh ! the agony of that hour as I wrung my hands and wept. But soon, even that very night, I took hold of God by faith as never before. A sweet consolation came as I consecrated myself afresh to be the Lord's. As he lay prepared for burial the next evening I took a long look at his peaceful face, and said aloud, "We will meet again." This was my faith, praise God ! as my loved one was swept from my sight and lain in Rosehill Cemetery, Troy, Ohio. Our brother, Cornelius Hover, then of the same conference with us, but now of the Iowa Conference, joined us next day after the funeral, in time, at least, to share my sorrow and comfort my aching heart. SORROW'S GLEANINGS. To draw us to Him in closer embrace, The showers of sorrow fall, "The light of his countenance" on our face, The storm cloud darkens for all. But then we read on the sacred page, " He hath borne our sorrows" away ; And now, while His words my thoughts engage, The darkness recedes, 'tis day. There's light on ahead, I'll never turn back, But "believe to the saving of my soul ;" Our Saviour leads on in this narrow track, And like Him I'll soon reach the goal. O, Jesus, dear Jesus, pour the floods of glory down ; For I'll walk in the light, through sorrow's dark night, And receive my starry crown. THE VIEW OF ROSES. 17 HOME AGAIN. My parents now for a time had removed from the farm and were living in Troy. I felt out of place, strange to say, and soon began arrangements to begin my chosen profession, teaching. In the mean time working in the church, especially in prayer and Sunday school, the lat- ter as teacher. My class of young ladies dear to me though only four in number, vying with the largest classes of older persons in giving missionary money, often getting in ahead at the last moment, after hearing reports from their classes. These were days of sore mourning for the two dear ones ; and I failed of comfort in the various church socials. At this time my heart longed for more solid comfort. Indeed, I cannot remem- ber the time when I did not possess a longing for some- thing satisfying in the. far-off distance. In a short time I repaired with a dear young friend, Nellie M. Gaylord, afterward Mrs. Forbes, missionary to Africa, to Pittsburg Female College to review and prepare for more advanced teaching. Never can I forget the keen sorrow which filled my heart as I once more found myself in school as a pupil with ladies mostly younger than myself. Oh! the agony as the reality of hopes so suddenly blighted took hold upon me. It was too deep for tears ; and a sadness too palpable to deny stole over every feature of my countenance, which at times wrought for me a deep sympathy from the most careless and uncon- cerned. We two, Nellie and I, were seeking spiritual i8 THE VIEW OF ROSES. blessings as well as the fading wisdom of this world, and together we sought the Saviour in prayer, the study of the word, attending all the means of grace at Christ M.-E. Church. Soon we were requested to take classes at Prospect Mission Sunday School, which we did, having in our classes children living in ' ' dug-outs.' ' They seemed wild and unruly ; but soon the sweet salvation songs quelled them into calmness, as a dear little converted Jew brought melody from the organ. A flourishing school we had, and all seemed so happy sitting in the pretty camp stools in the lovely little mission church on Prospect Hill every Sunday afternoon, with Florence Cramer, a wealthy banker of Pittsburg, acting as superin- tendent. I can yet almost hear his commanding tones calling out to "Sue," a member of my class, to bring her to order, when she was bent on removing my furs that 'she might the better examine them. However, our many " works of righteousness " were destitute of a charm, I have since found. Hallelujah ! I often wondered, as I read the joy depicted in the Bible, the joy of God's children, what could be the matter with us all ; and a deep sadness sunk my heart lower and lower in disap- pointment. Our order for the week was very systematic, of course. On Sunday, chapel service in college first thing ; prayers in dining hall next, class at Christ Church following; preaching at u A. M. O, such grand ser- mons, with artistic singing and pipe organ. Afternoon Sunday school at the mission ; then S. S. at Christ THE VIEW OF ROSES. 19 Church ; then prayer meeting in chapel, and preaching at the church at night. O, what weary bodies and minds we had on Monday morning. ' ' The way of the transgressor is hard." On Wednesday night prayer meeting in the college, and the whole week the weary routine of studies and recitations. My life was somewhat varied, as I was often appointed monitor, or teacher, to fill some one's place, or to escort young ladies out in the city, etc. The Holy Spirit evidently led dear Nellie and I in one heart and in one way. We were daily learning to " Cease to do evil and learn to do well." We were in harmony always, and held together in love, aiding each other. When evil reports came to us of the undue familiarity of Pres. P , we would not believe it until we saw for ourselves, and then our hearts were pained beyond measure, as we had raised a very high standard of character for one in so responsible a place. From that time we avoided him, which he seemed to feel keenly. As the old scenes of evil " flirtations " presented them- selves as before at Springfield College, my very heart revolted ; but, as before, I neither had power nor courage to either report the offender or to speak directly to him of his sin. These things soon discouraged me from remain- ing, especially as a dear teacher resigned on account of these things, and some young ladies were taken away from the institution. Having stayed some two years I was requested to take the position of preceptress of New 20 THE VIEW OF ROSES. Carlisle Academy in Indiana, while my dear room- male Nellie taught in a school in Pennsylvania. At this time I was in constant reception of some very devoted letters from an M. D. in Indiana, who stood high in medical circles and was very wealthy. I could not accept him for two reasons : I did not love him, and HE WAS NOT A CHRISTIAN. Furthermore, I had made up my mind not to marry, as my memory clung to the dear one so ruthlessly torn from me ; thus I continued ever to brood over the sorrow of my young life. But, at this writing, will you please listen to the song of my happy heart ? It is this, dear reader : t " I'm satisfied with Jesus here. He's everything to me ; His dying love has won my heart, And now He sets me free." I am so glad of the privilege of singing this little testi- mony right here. Hallelujah ! A part of the year I taught in the school named with success, but as the attendance was small, and it was sup- ported by tuition fund alone, I was obliged to resign, having been using my own means to support me. ANOTHER WEDDING called me to Troy, where my dear sister now, I trust, in Heaven was married to Lieutenant Ashworth. From THE VIEW OF ROSES. 21 there I visited sister Isadora, then in Xenia College, for a few months, as a parlor boarder, taking a course of music. Here I found my sorrow, at least outwardly, wearing away, and an undercurrent of vanity and selfish love stealing down deep within me ; and I soon left the fashionable society into which I was brought and took the principalship of Union School, in Addison, Ohio, where I remained as teacher for one year ; and so on I continued to teach for a space of time running about twenty years in all, ever having a ' ' profession' ' of religion, and, as it were, a ' ' hope' ' only of Heaven beyond this world. The forms were strictly adhered to : the strict life, carrying my Church certificate from place to place, as my pastor said it would help me in many ways tem- porally to do so. I can now look back and see the decep- tion which to me then seemed right enough. Satan will " Deceive the very elect" if possible. Beware of this ' ' deceiving and being de- ceived." It is too dangerous to be tampered with. These are now the ' ' perilous times' ' spoken of by the apostle. O, take warning, my dear reader, and "flee the wrath to come." The history of my blessed release and escape will come later on. Be patient. About this time a latent hereditary foe, fanned into flame by many errors of life, dress and neglect, made its appearance in the form of deafness, which unfitted me for duty as a teacher. Thank God ! this was a blessing 22 THE VIEW OF ROSES. in disguise, which led me to my dear mother and the dear old homestead where my parents at the time were liv- ing, with one colored servant It was evident that dear mother's health was declining, and I was detailed as mistress of the house. Financial troubles, which family pride and gratification had brought on, injured dear father's business capacity, and involved the estate in danger if not overthrow. My brother Samuel, who had made frequent visits from his California home, had once more returned. At this time a brother-in-law became involved, and, as father's business failures were not gen- erally known, his name on a note was gladly accepted by a party to whom brother-in-law was indebted. At this time the remaining property had been transferred to my brother. This led to great trial, especially to dear mother and I, whose conscience revolted at such meas- ures. We heartily expostulated with father and brother to no avail. The whole family seemed wrecked finan- cially, and honesty held in jeopardy, with the usual train of misery in such cases. O, how sad mother and I were. We had lived ahead of our means, and unhappiness was the result. For two long, lonely years the farm-work slowly proceeded with little income. Mother's health, through sorrow, still declining, and my nerves, with the cares and disappointments, fairly shattered. The old piano held its place in the large, old-fashioned parlor, hardly ever opened by me. The loud " Burdett " organ took its place in the worship, and in this way many a THE VIEW OF ROSES. 23 sorrow took its flight for the time, as with self-abandon- ment I poured out my soul to God in holy song, longing for the power of those words of praise to God ; while my dear old parents, loving the solemn strains, gathered near me in the eventide and sang with heavy hearts as the loneliness of old age crept over them : " Behold the record, Lord and see, If I have lived this day for Thee, And where I fail, O, pardon me ! O, pardon me ! O, pardon me !". Thinking dear mother would be benefited by a jour- ney she was prepared and took a trip to Indiana, accom- panied by myself a part of the way. She spent some weeks very delightfully with her sister Matilda, near where dear sister Isadora was at her life-work music teaching since her graduation from Xenia Female Col- lege. At the close of the visit dear sister returned home with mother, and spent most of the time of the remaining year of dear mother's life with us at home. This bright- ened up the old home some, as company came, and sister was more happy in the world, and spent much time driving her own horse, given by father, in which pastime she took delight, sometimes getting dear mother and I to share her favorite recreation, often to our fears, as "Bessie," the little black mare, took spells of jumping to one side very suddenly, my sister only enjoying such freaks, priding herself in horsemanship. A party of 24 THE VIEW OF ROSES. friends surprised us occasionally, or we were invited out to similar places of social resort, and in this way the time dragged on. We attended worship on Sundays in the village near by. O, the formality of the worship ! Did every one feel it as we did, I wonder ! I doubt it. My dear mother and I were dying out, and held some sweet consultations, and she assured me my seeking our Saviour was becoming more real and apparent to all. Our Bibles were well worn, and the prayers morning, noon and night, and all along in between, became our chief delight and comfort, as at the throne of grace, in the large old wardrobe on the second floor, we poured out our souls to God. Dear father was tried, quiet and weak, but often drove out, and sometimes worked a little on the farm, of which brother had charge. The pastimes of the latter were chiefly the violin (with which he had kept time for many a dance party on the Pacific Coast), accompanied by sister Isadora on piano, or dear brother Willie, who had married a sweet singer, and was some- times found visiting at the old farm ; and he, Willie, would bring up his part on cornet, or bass-viol, while a neighbor boy fond of the art brought up some pleasant part on another instrument. Sometimes when we re- turned from church the instruments were all going in regular orchestral style ; and many were the chidings dear brother received from us, as we contended for the sanctity of the Sabbath, all in vain. The influence of his Western life of freedom seemed to harden his heart to THE VIEW OF ROSES. 25 all those tender associations which clustered around his early life at home. THE DARK CLOUDS WERE GATHERING. One Saturday night, just after dear brother had left us for California, with only father, mother, sister Isadora and I at home, dear mother fell sick at once danger- ously ill. And without the doctor's aid, I, who was her constant attendant (Isadora and father doing the work), diagnosed that awful malady, typhoid, and knew my mother could not rally in her weak state. I was driven almost to distraction. The conflict with me was short and sharp. I went to God and had a little talk with Him. I besought Him to reconcile me, and prepare me with strength, which, praise His dear name, He did at once ; so that with steady, firm and unflinching move- ment I went forward ministering to her in this time of pain and anguish. A dear Christian doctor, our friend, did all in his power by prayer and by medicine. All possible attention was given, even to the muffling of the door-bell, that she might be kept quiet. The fever raged, and at times she begged to be taken to the cool spring at the foot of the hill upon which the house stood ; or, perhaps, for a time her mind wandered. O, what days of painful sick-room scenes were these ! But Jesus, dear Jesus, was there, and some hearts by naked faith took in that rich blessing of His presence, and built upon the 26 THE VIEW OF ROSES. rock. The following Sabbath, dear mother feeling better, father and sister left us long enough to attend morning service ; and during this time the Angel of the Lord en- compassed dear mother and I as I read to her just where she had left off in her Bible, " The wise woman buildeth her house ; ' ' and we felt sweetly assured that the Lord had builded for her, and we were comforted. The next night, during severe pain, I repeated to her these words, ' ' Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." She from that time took a firmer hold upon God, and thus we prayed and trusted together. On the same evening she said to sister and I, ' ' Sing. ' ' Isadora seated herself at the organ in sight of dear mother from the adjoining room where she lay, and we opened on the dear hymn, " I am trusting Lord in Thee," and sang it through ; and at the closing verse, "Jesus comes; He fills my soul; Perfected in love I am; I am every whit made whole; Glory, Glory to the Lamb." we looked toward her to see her raised up in bed, and smiling the most peaceful smile of victory and joy we had ever seen upon the face of a trusting child of God. She lay back upon her pillow and rested, and at midnight her holy joy had increased until her face shown with holy light too deep for our understanding at the time; but as we looked wonderingly upon her, and then at each other, THE VIEW OF ROSES. 27 we knew it was the blessing of God, and felt a precious sympathy of love to Him and to our dear, departing mother. On and on we ministered night and day, until one evening the doctor bade me go to my room and rest for the night, or ' ' I would not be able to attend mother any more. I obeyed, taking a dose of "nervine" which he ordered, and thus was enabled to be with her to the last. The day before she died, dear sister Effie, with her sweet little girl Pearlie, came from a distant State just in time to spend a day and night with mother. She looked her recognition with pleasant and restful smiles, unable to say anything. During her sickness she called at times, Oh! so longingly, for " father," and was satisfied when he came to her bedside, but sometimes said sorrowfully, ' ' Why did you do so ? " We thought she referred to financial interests, and was grieved to leave things so, as the estate came by her. Dear father felt it keenly, no doubt ; but the bitter cup he too soon was also to drink. The last evening friends were gathered and sang sweet notes of salvation, and I comforted her till the last, reminding her of what our dear Saviour had borne for her, and exhorted her to the patient endurance unto the end. Slowly and shortly came the breath until Sun- day morning about day-dawn, and the freed soul plumed its wings and soared away to dwell with God. This was September 17, 1876. This was the last I remembered, and friends bore me from a sofa where I sank down, rag- ing with typhoid fever, to my room above. Only one 28 THE VIE W OF ROSES. scene do I remember till the crisis was passed. A friend raised me up in bed, put a shawl around me, and I looked at my side and saw for the last time my beautiful mother in a robe of white in her casket. The tuberoses filled the room with their perfume, and the pall-bearers with the white crape stood at my feet. This lasted but a moment, but stamped a never to be forgotten memory. It seemed a forerunner of a pure and never-ending meet- ing for dear mother and I in the realm beyond. My life hung on a thread. All friends had despaired, and my dear Doctor Hartman prayed, and owned at last IT WAS THE PRAYER OF FAITH that saved me. How kind he was to me ; and how they cheered my heart, the doctor, my sister Isadora and dear Anna Ripley, as they stood by my bedside the hour I came to consciousness and sang: " Ring the bells of Heaven; there is joy to-day, For a soul returning from the wild. See, the Father meets her out upon the way, Welcoming His own beloved child. Glory! Glory! how the angels sing ; Glory! Glory! how the old harps ring. 'Tis the ransomed army, like a mighty sea, Pealing forth the anthem of the free." This was a prelude to the dear life coming, and a result and answer to prayer, my prayer and promise to God as UNIVERSITY OF THE VIEWfS. 29 I lay there that I would work for Him if He restored me, and I shouted aloud the praises of God. As the sickness had been short and dreadful, so the convalescence was slow and painful. Dear brother, who came the day of mother's death, remained with us ; and, when they thought a change of scene would do me good, he, though himself weak from sickness and sorrow at the loss of dear mother, took me in his arms and carried me to a room on the first floor. And there, where I could see all, but the one dearest of all, my heart broke. I had always thought this would be the greatest trial of my life, and it was up to that time. Here, for the first time, I realized fully my mother's absence, and a sadness too deep for tears took hold of my heart. It seemed my heart was expandi ng and pressing out of the membrane which surrounded it, and my loud groans brought every one within hearing to my bed. They saw what it was. And first one and then another tried to comfort me, and failed, until I thought I, too, should die. Then dear Willie took me in his arms, and with tears and words of solace touched my heart. My tears streamed down, bringing the needed relief. Thank God ! They were all very kind to me, and a young friend, Preston Miller, came in often and sang and played on my favorite instrument, the organ, which they had rolled into my room for this purpose. Often I joined him, as my faith took hold, and though not seeing, 30 THE VIE W OF ROSES. yet believing, I poured out my soul in praise to God, singing: " Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee ; Sweetly the light hath dawned upon me ; Once I was blind, but now I can see. The light of the world is Jesus." Still my sorrow seemed unabated, only when the doctor came in and spoke so sweetly of the way of faith in Jesus. My faith for my own personal salvation seemed to be prospective rather than a present reality. I know now that this was my greatest lack ; but I know, too, that at the time I little realized the truth of the matter. A PRESENTIMENT. One afternoon, being left alone, I thought I would try to drag my weak limbs to the parlor, where my organ then stood. It was difficult work. By taking hold of a chair or door-knob or table, or anything, in fact, along the way, I helped myself to the seat, sat down and leaned my head on the music-board till I rested ; then I opened on a new piece in the Gospel Hymns, "Not now, my child," and read it over with the music, and felt that God gave it to me, and that it was to be fulfilled in my life in answer to my promise to work for God with entire THE VIE W OF ROSES. 31 consecration if he healed me. That song which I then sang for the first time has been fulfilled in me with A GLORIOUS FULFILMENT, and for that reason I give a copy of it below : " Not now, my child, a little more rough tossing, A little longer on the billows' foam ; A few more journeyings in the desert darkness, And then the sunshine of thy Father's home. Not now, for I have wanderers in the distance, And thou must call them in with patient love ; Not now, for I have sheep upon the mountains, And thou must follow them where'er they rove. Not now, for I have loved ones, sad and weary ; Wilt thou not cheer them with a kindly smile ? Sick ones who need thee in their lonely sorrow, Wilt thou not tend them yet a little while ? Not now, for wounded hearts are sorely bleeding, And thou must teach those widowed hearts to sing ; Not now, for orphans' tears are quickly falling, They must be gathered 'neath some sheltering wing. Go with the name of Jesus to the dying, And speak that name in all its living power ; Why should thy fainting heart grow chill and weary ? Canst thou not watch with Him one little hour ? One little hour, and then the glorious crowning, The golden harp-strings and the victor's palm ; One little hour, and then the hallelujah ! Eternity's long, deep thanksgiving psalm." 32 THE VIE W OF ROSES. SEEKING OPPORTUNITY TO Do GOOD. As my strength came back again I sought and found many ways to speak or act or look for God and humanity . This was my chief thought, how I might accomplish this one absorbing desire. At this time I formed the acquaintance of a spiritually minded family by the name of Little, and with them attended the meetings, seeking to win souls to Christ. With them many an hour was spent in singing praise to God. How I loved these associations. Some of these have since sought and testi- fied to the finding of pure hearts through faith in the ATONEMENT of our dear Saviour. My desire to do something often manifested itself in feeding a tramp, or singing a song of salvation to him or to some weary Jew peddler. The dear songs so touched my own heart that I longed to reach other sad, lonely and afflicted ones, and especially the poor, in this way. I cannot remember a time in my childhood when I did not have an innate sympathy and deep pity for the down-trodden. Brother Samuel and I, when the anti-slavery question was at its height, often discussed with great enthusiasm the joy that it would give us to have enough money to buy up every slave south of Mason and Dixon's line and then set them free. My convalescence was so slow that I could do but little rugged toil for some months. In the mean time dear THE VIEW OF ROSES. 33 father, who had so kindly attended me during my sick- ness, fell a prey to PNEUMONIA. At first it assumed so mild a form we were not alarmed, but suddenly it assumed a fatal form, and he, too, was taken away from us in the most extreme winter weather. How earnestly I besought the Lord to prepare him for what so surely seemed to await him. My faith rested peacefully in Jesus for the answer, as our dear father sunk into the cold embrace of death. Until the last he requested us to sing the sweet hymns of praise. Once, when we were both well, I had requested him to sing for me if I went first ; but now it proved to be my work to ask them to sing for him when dying. Oh ! how sorrow- ful were the group of children present, all but Samuel, who was then in the far West. We all knelt around his bed, and some friends sang, "The angels are hovering 'round ; " and our dear father signaled to us that all was well with his soul, and, as we breathed amen to a prayer offered up for him by Brother Little his spirit took its flight to God. He was prepared for burial, so sweetly, as was dear mother, the cross and anchor of pure flowers, with his name and age on a silver plate on the casket ; and he too was lain in our lot in Rosehill cemetery. Brother Willie and I each had presentiments of more sorrow soon to come, as we rode in the carriage together to dear father's funeral. Was any family ever 34 THE VIEW OF ROSES. so oppressed ? Let the suffering, sorrowing families of fallen humanity answer truly, and each will answer yes! FINANCIAL TROUBLE. Soon after father's death brother Samuel returned from California, desiring to settle up the estate ; and for this purpose he advertised extensively the sale of real estate, and a large list of stock, household goods, etc. This brought together on the day appointed a vast number of people. But no . sooner had the auctioneer taken his stand than the sheriff called him down, and all was attached for the note referred to before. The holder of it knew at the time that he could do nothing, as the law sustained our brother ; but he was rich and wanted to take revenge, and was willing to pay for it. When the sheriff came into the house and spoke to sisters and I about it, our feelings of embarrassment were simply crushing, and the open disgrace fearful. The sheriff, what did he care ? Where was his sympathy, as with cool and amused indifference he made his state- ments? The crowd in the mean time was swiftly dis- persing, no one a word of sympathy. All seemed sur- prised, too much so to speak. " Earth knows no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure ; " and strange as it seemed to all, even to dear Dr. Hart- man, who was standing near the front entrance, I seated myself at the organ, and with an intense longing r lHE VIEW OF ROSES. 35 to help some poor soul to a better life began singing an all-victorious salvation melody. So unusual was this that soon the word rang round, " She has been sick, and her mind is wandering." " Is she right?" I think the dear angel of the covenant, our dear Jesus, would have said : " Yes ; my child's mind is wandering up to me ; and by my blood, shed for her, she will soon be right." My happiness even then at times, though transient, of course, was grand, as my heart's hope took hold of God by faith ; and my blessed anticipation of a better time coming brought sweet relief from the outward strife of that hour. My dear brother, after this scene, remarked to us privately that it was well for the man who stopped that sale that he did not see him, or, indeed, know that he was on the ground, as he was armed in California fashion. But God, who is so merciful to his poor, dis- obedient people, spared us such a scene of horror as might have ensued. My health at this time was only recover- ing ; but soon after I began work by teaching music, and sewing some, feeling very weary when night came. When daily, from my window, I saw the minister, my pastor, and his family taking seats in their lovely phaeton for their accustomed ride, I would think, " Oh, how I long for them to call upon me and offer sympathy in my lonely sorrow and sickness and toil ! " I won- dered why they did not, and a feeling of condemnation would rise up within me. / know now why they did not, and O, so freely, forgive them. 36 THE VIEW OF ROSES. COMING EVENTS were speedily revealed as their dark shadows had been cast about our hearts. Every effort to sell failed, and my brother returned to the Coast. Soon after, to my astonishment, there came to me from him a warranty deed to the entire estate, made by law so strong that noth- ing could take away my title. This was law, and in the sight of men legal ; but to me it seemed simply dreadful, and that night I lay awake and wept. And after tam- pering with the convictions I left the deed at the Recorder's office to be recorded, and employed a real estate agent, and soon a buyer came to me, after my dear old Aunt Rachael had told him that "What I said I would do, he might depend upon it." The transfer was made, and the proper share of each heir was promptly set out as my brother and the family had agreed upon during my sickness. Once more we were at rest. My brother, subsequent to the attempted sale, had filed a bill for the quieting of the title, which was granted him at a great expense of money and mind. In the mean time he had married, and in due time a little girl was given him ; and her little heart, the heart of Minnie Rose, and her papa, were knit together in a strange, deep love for an mfant and a man past the prime of life. The mother failed of an abiding affection and that tender solicitude which mostly characterizes, or should characterize, the affections of one in such a relation. My brother felt this THE VIEW OF ROSES. 37 sorely, and at once made known his desires to me to come and have the care of the little one so precious to his heart. Time and again he wrote to this effect. I saw many impediments in the way, but most of all dreaded to leave the society of my staid old State, Ohio, and come upon the fast and reckless scenes of the Western coast. My previous kindness to him, myself preparing his wed- ding feast and entertainment, and presiding over the home when he had it in charge, and in adjusting his busi- ness so satisfactorily to him, added to the fact of loaning him a nice sum of several hundred, all of which involved much care, labor and trouble of mind, seemed to bind me to him; and he depended upon me instead of his Saviour; and soon following upon the former events there came to me one day, where I was visiting a friend, ANOTHER STARTLING EVENT. Taking out my mail from the postoffice I observed an official document. It was another warranty deed from my brother made as solid as the rock of law could make it, to a valuable piece of real estate in Nevada. I was shocked, surprised and sad, knowing full well by past experience where such measures would end. A few more days and nights of weeping for me were speedily followed by still more awful deep and heartrending sor- row. This last document I received was followed by a dispatch in a few days announcing the 3 8 THE VIEW OF ROSES. MURDER OF OUR DEAR BROTHER SAMUEL. My brother-in-law read the news to dear sister Effie and I. She was in the act of cutting out a garment, and I sat at leisure near her. When the shock rolled over our hearts, each of us instinctively clasped our hands about them as if to stop their bounding, breaking power. Oh! such grief. Sister was in a delicate state of health. Premature sickness was the result. For six weeks I watched with her, determining as soon as her recovery to go to the scene of sorrow, and comply with my brother's long-cherished desire for me to care for and educate his child, and, if possible, also to comfort the widow. Every night we wept ourselves to sleep. This, to our remaining family, seemed the hardest of all the very hard blows endured, When nearly a week had passed, a long, sad and extremely grievous letter, on Thanksgiving day, explaining the case, reached us, and was read with breathless interest. A good deal of mystery then and yet hangs about the affair, but this was the statement received: On Saturday night brother was away from his home at his accustomed work, orchestral playing, and returning home found the little one sick, as was often the case. On Sunday evening he watched with her, and growing restless started for a doctor, saying, ' ' I will be back in half an hour." Not finding the doctor in his office he started for his residence. His knocks at the door not bringing any one to him he called out for the doctor. THE VIEW OF ROSES. 39 The doctor's wife being alone was frightened and fired a revolver through the door. He was hard of hearing, and she stated that she had requested him to go away. This to some seemed plausible, but not those who had seen his worst known enemy follow him in the direction of Dr. S 's. However, I leave these sorrowful and sinful scenes for eternity to reveal, if the Lord in His goodness does not reveal them sooner. What bore me up as with a mighty power was this: Just at that fatal hour I was in my room two thousand miles away pour- ing out my soul to God in prayer for that brother, and by a neighbor near the scene he was heard in his dying throes to be calling upon God. This to me this hope of a saved brother calling upon the Lord for himself and his dear little one gave me a blessed relief which took away the sting. My dear brother was found by a night watch- man a few rods from where the deed was supposed to have been done, found having been in a kneeling position. He was borne to the morgue, and from there to his home, and the next day the funeral, through dear brother Willie's plan, took place from the M.-E. Church. Near Laurel Avenue a hand upon his tombstone points toward heaven, where sometime soon I hope to see dear brother ; and, as sure as our Father through Jesus' name hears and answers the prayer of faith, my hope is well grounded. Praise the Lord ! To our dear brother Willie living in the place this was an awful blow. He was declining in health, and his wife an invalid ; but our 40 THE VIEW OF ROSES. merciful Saviour whom he sought in childhood was very kind to him and sent him means and comfort. EFFIE'S RECOVERY once effected, I was soon in readiness for my journey to the town of Reno, where these recent scenes had taken place. Bidding dear Effie, who stood in the door with tearful eye, a loving farewell, some dear friends met me at the train, and my brother-in-law accompanied me to the nearest city. Passing through Indianapolis, near where sister Isadora was teaching, I took a lay-over check and visited her for a day and night. This gave each one of us a sweet pleasure. In Council Bluffs I stopped once more till the west-bound train made up, and visited briefly a nephew and family of my dear Syl- vanus. This, too, afforded great relief on such a mission. They bade me God speed, loading me down with good things, when dear Sanford took me again to my train. Cold and dreary was the journey over the desert and plains and table land against high head winds. But every comfort and available blessing was mine. The blessed Word of God which I read daily, and hope through him, gave a new zest to this strange work of Providence. At times I was quite contented. A family of gold- miners from California returning from Europe were very kind to me, and all the more so as my nephew had THE VIEW OF ROSES. 41 related to them my recent affliction and the occasion of my tour. Very pleasant was our intercourse. They were not Christians, but seemed sober, moral and refined. We were constant companions, the lady and I, and formed a sweet friendship which led to a promise to cor- respond. They attended me to the last, till Reno was reached, when they escorted me to a waiting-room in the depot, and bidding me good-by boarded their train. How fearful was this waiting in a sitting-room adjoin- ing a saloon full of drunken men, asleep or awake. At 2 A. M. my brother Willie, to whom I had wired, came for me. O, the mingled joy and sadness of that meeting, my joy through the hope in Jesus, and meeting him, and his joy at seeing me, and the recent arrival of a dear little boy, Paul, a few days previous, and our mutual sorrow in the loss of our brother in that terrible manner. SORROWING AND REJOICING is not only given to the saints in all the fullness of God, but in all the forms of life the sweet and the bitter seem to go together, either alternating or blending in one. I arrived just in time for a lovely Christmas dinner and reception given us by a cousin living in the place. There I met my sister-in-law for the third time, having seen her for a few hours at a time twice before. It was then I saw my dear little niece, my brother's only child, 42 THE VIEW OF ROSES. Minnie, for the first time. My sister-in-law and I at once took rented rooms, for she had sold her home my brother had just before his death deeded to her. "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers," was a command I soon found myself to be disobeying. Each day brought fresh trials from this cause. My zeal for the sister and the child continued until it seemed alto- gether impracticable for me to remain with them. For nine months they were my constant care to do them good, bearing many burdens of toil. My brother being indebted to me in some ways I made up my mind to accept the property, as it was his purpose to see me paid, and he had made the transfer of his own free will without my knowledge. I allowed her as ad- ministratrix to offer it for sale, intending to deal honestly, paying off all his debts if possible, and using the rest for sister and Minnie's good as well as for my own. I did not dream but this could be done easily enough. But soon, alas ! I found her associations so different from those I desired that we daily grew apart instead of together. Her course of conduct toward me in various dealings caused me in discouragement to give up morn- ing and evening worship with her. Thenceforward my prayers were in secret. Daily, however, I poured out my soul in holy song, and the music of the sweet- toned instrument I had rented made our home pleasanter by far. Reports of advantage taken, and the unmistakable truth of these tales, filled me with sorrowful apprehension THE VIEW OF ROSES. 43 of where these things would end, but with a zeal born of heaven I endured, PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING. One day sister wanted to go out and take the child in the cab. The little one, who always loved the very sight of her little carriage, cried and seemed sick. It was a very bad day. I begged her not to take her out, to which she complied. I then went off to my work, and soon observed that she had taken her out in the wind- storm, returning with a very sick child. The doctor next door was consulted, and thought nothing much ailed her. I treated her as he directed, and the next day when the doctor called again little Minnie was in a comatose state. The doctor trembled as he bent over the little crib. I asked him if I could sponge her off. He said, " Do anything you want to." I took the dear little thing to God ; and without further consultation with the doctor or any one else she was soon out of danger, and returning to a comfortable state of health, her mother looking on afar off during these scenes of watching and ministering. In ten short months there seemed every indication that she was planning to marry. This surprised and grieved me beyond measure on account of the person in view. He had just come upon the scene from the capital, where he had been confined for some time previous for wife-slaughter. This seemed 44 THE VIEW OF ROSES. the affinity. Friends came a-nd advised, begging for little Minnie's sake if for no other, but to no avail. About the time of these revelations, my deed, the primary having been relinquished to the lawyer acting for the administratrix and for me also. I found that I was being deceived in the whole scheme, both by the lawyer and his client. This was very aggravating, as I had since my arrival paid off with my last money over eleven hundred dollars, taking off a mortgage on the estate, thus relieving it of all embarrassment. My defect in hearing gave cause for anxiety also, this blocking up my way for teaching. About this time I remembered the invitation of my California friends to come and visit them.. I wrote to them accordingly, though the estate was far from being settled. Before starting I procured the services of another lawyer, contracting for a certain price with him to see that my right was obtained. Just before the day appointed for the sale of the property I received a telegram from my lawyer stating that he was not well, and could not attend the sale the next day at one o'clock. All this time I was leaving the matter to God, to decide for me according to His will, yet feeling justified in making an effort to at least save something for my own needs. During a conversation with my lawyer just before leaving for California, when I asked how I should be sure that she would pay me the money due me at the sale of the property, he frankly replied, "You could appoint some one to go and bid it v&for you THE VIEW OF ROSES. 45 if you wanted to." At once I spoke to the dear friend I was visiting, and told her I was in trouble. She sent for a neighbor attorney. Briefly, but definitely, I stated the facts to him. He advised me to at once wire to some friend, if I had such in the place, to buy it in for me at the exact value, not more or less. I did so, and the next day my cousin dispatched to me saying, "THE PROPERTY is YOURS." At the moment the operator came to my door to deliver this message I was on my knees begging God to with- hold it or give it freely as was His will, feeling sure He was able and willing to provide for me. Kven in those days I could not but submit everything to Him, beseech- Him to make me submit and fully trust Him. In a few days I received a letter full of wrath, but still I desired to do them good with all the means available. For this purpose I returned at once to Reno One thing remained to be done. The public administrator had to give his signature to the transaction, as her marriage, which had already taken place, cut off her power to act further in the case. INTERVIEW WITH MY ATTORNEY. He knew not what to do ; but, with a firm blow of his fist upon the desk, he said, "I know who is doing this now, and if this is not settled for you it will be because 46 THE VIE W OF ROSES. it can't be done." And it was, in a few days more. My trial during these scenes was extreme. At times, while trying to pray, as I never once gave up this form of worship, it seemed I should despair instead of trust. To get to see my brother's child was denied me. Various threats came instead. I suffered much. What- ever had been my sins 1 had hitherto been untrammeled by such relationships and such transactions. Being out- wardly honest from habitual training, and by honest toil loving my chosen life-work, and faithfully following it up, each day committing myself to the L,ord for guidance and blessing, my journals written even in my school days bearing me witness. WEDLOCK. During my stay in California, which far transcended anything I had ever witnessed before in majesty of scenery, beauties of travel and hospitality of entertain- ment, I formed the acquaintance of one who proved a friend in need. This friend was Francis M. Peck, of Yuba County. His life had been the opposite of mine in opposite forms. He had been devoted to the dance and other worldly influences which I had escaped. When he made the proposition of marriage I was much sur- prised, not being accustomed to California style. I told him frankly I could not marry one not a Christian. He then stated his weariness of the life he led, and had long THE VIEW OF ROSES. 47 desired to be a Christian, which he fully intended to do. This changed the matter, and with his promise to join the people of God we plighted our faith to unite our fortunes for life. A ring was placed upon my finger, and as soon as my business in Reno was completed I journeyed to Nevada City, California, where I rested at the International Hotel for one week. He then joined me there, and on that very day, February 21, 1881, at the Methodist parsonage, Brother Jonathan L. Mann, of the California Conference, performed the ceremony which made us man and wife. THE VIEW OF ROSES. Once before leaving my native State for the Pacific Coast I had a dream which I related next day to our pastor's wife. I saw in the sky millions of roses. The sky was everywhere full of them, roses in full bloom. All at once they took the form of wreaths, until the whole expanse above was literally filled with wreaths of blooming beauty. My California and Nevada experience seemed a real fulfillment of this dream, constantly intensifying as the days passed by. The power was from above, from our Father in heaven. He went before His child who earnestly sought Him, never giving it up in discouragement. Our wedding tour lay over the Sierra and down the ravines, along the vines and flowers which even then 48 THE VIE W OF ROSES. were springing up in lovely forms of beauty, and under the sunny skies which shed a halo of glowing light, indicative of future good. Our span of horses, used to mountain journeys, made the time in haste. After rest- ing over the first evening at San Juan, we reached the village of Camptonville, which was to be our home for the time being. After dinner at the hotel, once owned as a partner by my husband, we walked around the square to his home in the suburbs, being a pretty ranch, with flowers and fields and gardens and fruits of lovely variety, hue and flavor. An order from the grocery, the neat and clean pantry was supplied ; and, after a cozy little supper was over, we merely looked in upon a com- pany of friends who were at Army Hall making merry on Washington's birthday. This was our last in such scenes. My husband vowed it could not be the world and the Lord too. We started out for life to seek HOLINESS UNTO THK LORD. The dear old Bible was taken up by my new friend, and one of Isaiah's beautiful pen pictures presented to our minds, as with charming voice he read ; and then we knelt for the first time in such relations, and fervently besought the Saviour to bless us together and make us of one heart and mind. We were deeply in earnest, hence Satan was roused from his lair and made the con- flict a hot one ; but, thank God, at this writing victory THE VIEW OF ROSES. 49 perches upon our banners, and we are running up the shining way. BATTLES FOR ETERNAL LIFE. The merry mountaineers sadly missed their comrade and my pleasant comminglings in their social ways, and some of them fought us. We took a firm stand for temperance, refusing the wine cup so often proffered in this land of the lovely grape. My husband's ambition was to be a temperance lecturer and a Christian of the highest type. This desire was partially realized when he delivered in our village some original lectures on the sub- ject, which made them open their eyes, and which brought to me one day a saloon-keeper's wife with threats. " It was my fault," she said, and "we were ruining her husband's business, and he was old and unable to work." Well for her that she made her exit just before my hus- band's return. I fear he would have fallen from grace long enough to give her trouble. We were members of the I. O. G. T. The loose manner in which it was con- ducted brought forth our severe criticism, and all the more when some favorite of society was permitted to hold his membership and still go on drinking. They heeded not our entreaties for reverence when the chaplain performed her service, and after waiting patiently for awhile we quietly withdrew. 5 o THE VIE IV OF ROSES. JOINING THK CHURCH. Brother Hazen, of the California Conference, made occasional visits to the village to preach. Upon one of these occasions he admitted my husband into the Metho- dist ranks. Seeing his zeal and earnest search after a good life, felt that he should preach. To this end he gave him a copy of Wesley's sermons, requesting him to read one on Sunday. He complied, taking the text, " Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Reverently he conducted the meeting while some of his former friends sat on the back seat making fun. From this time he was brought into service on funeral and other occasions when no minister was at hand. SUNDAY SCHOOL. My delight ran high with every promotion of my hus- band in good works. So when he was called to the superintendency of the Camptonville Sunday School, and myself to the organist's seat, we two plied all our united zeal in preparation and in carrying out this blessed work of love. Week after week meeting in the hall to practice music, and fitting ourselves as we should for the respon- sible place. Prejudice gradually gave way as they saw we meant to go through. In a short time we had many young friends on our list, and the school was pronounced a success. As for us, we rejoiced ; and whether it rained or snowed or shone we were always blessed with strength THE VIEW OF ROSES. 51 and purpose to be present. One snowstorm was so terri- ble that only the janitor and we were there ; but we went through the service all the same. One thing in my hus- band's character, he had the " hold-on " feature, which characterized his work now in this blessed field as it did when, proprietor of the hotel, he persisted in making money behind the bar. This latter fact I never knew till after our marriage. A little incident right here I will relate to show how sweetly the Saviour shielded us from going back into old habits of intemperance. One day my husband brought home some baker's beer, which he said was ' ' innocent. ' ' I looked at the white bottles for a moment, and then said firmly, "That may be, but I shall not taste one drop of it. ' ' He replied, ' ' Very well, I shall not drink anything which my wife will not, "'and he forthwith took the beer back to the baker. When the day came for us to leave Camptonville, and we held the last session of Sunday school, many eyes wept, and we felt the power of the sweet, Christian friendship formed therein, and also the keen sorrow of leaving those tender little ones to other hands. THE REVIVAL. Brother Hazen once appointed a time for conducting revival services. As we entertained him and the elder also we were all in readiness, and felt within us a strong desire for a holy life. We longed for something spiritual 52 THE VIE W OF ROSES. which was deeper and more satisfying, though at times the spirit melted us to tears at our family altar, and some friends who visited us were convicted also and blessed. We looked for a blessing which would be real and abiding: To this effect we attended the prayer meetings in the Welch church (there was no Methodist church in the place), just around the corner from us, until the brother who had charge closed the house. I remember yet the last night we went, not knowing but there would be a meeting. We sat a long time upon the steps, and then went reluctantly home. These and many others were the preparations for the promised revival, as we felt ourselves HUNGERING AND THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS. The brother came at the time appointed, and put up at our house and opened the meeting at the Temperance Hall, where nearly all the religious services were held. The next day the pastor, Brother Hazen, while visiting some worldly people, was requested to attend a May day picnic, which invitation he accepted. When he stated to us his intention of stopping the meeting one day for that purpose we were incensed, feeling sure it would greatly interfere with the meetings in view. We plainly stated this to him, but he was incorrigible and would not be put off. As he was at our house we knew it wbuld give occasion against us if we did not go ; hence THE VIEW Ob ROSES. 53 I baked a lovely cake, being determined in whatever I did not to be behind. We all went. The dear brother felt assured that " now we had them," and that in the evening they would all come and get saved. We all played the agreeable that day, and feasted upon good things and had a pleasant, worldly time. That night we all the villagers went, but not to the meeting. The greater part saved up the best part of the refreshments and had a dance party. Being disappointed, husband and I let these things hinder our getting the blessing. After all, the meetings were not in vain. Some good in answer to prayer was accomplished. One dear sister turned unto the Lord, others were revived, and we resolved to persevere in believing. Now we can look back and see that if we could only have believed for the blessing in the present tense, and not set a time in the future, and that depending on circumstances, we might have obtained it then. " Thus far the Lord hath led us on ; Thus far His power prolongs our days ; And every evening shall make known Some fresh memorial of His grace." DEPARTURE FOR THE EAST. For two reasons was the change made, namely, in behalf of my husband's two children in New York, at mother Peck's there, by request of their mother in her 54 THE VIEW OF ROSES. last moments, and an interest in the property, previously mentioned, which, in the mean time, had again been lost to me in this way. The party opposing me attached it by charging me an enormous board bill as a last resort of revenge. I had been duly apprised of this by a sum- rhons to appear in a suit at law, which, after deliberation, prayer and consultation with my husband, I concluded not to do. However, to offset this, rather to show the unfairness of the proceeding, I sent in a bill for service rendered during the time, which was greater than the amount I was attached for. I remembered the Scripture, which says : "Ye go to law with unbelievers. Why do ye not rather suffer wrong ? ' ' And I concluded it should go by default rather than to appear. It did. We were satisfied, and were willing to work and to trust. It was sold, and my previous lawyer bought it for a mere trifle, as real estate had greatly depreciated in value. Going East, we stopped in the place to visit brother Willie and his family. Here some parties who knew of these mat- ters came to us and informed us that there was a clause in the law in the case in point where, if we chose to do so, my husband could pay off the costs up to that time, which were considerable, and hold the property in his name. We carefully considered it, and finally determined that it would be right to do so, and especially in view of the fact that at the first sale it had by strategy been divided and offered in two separate lots, the one being taken up by the child's mother and her husband. We THE VIEW OF ROSES. 55 supposed this would end the business without further litigation. My husband paid off all, and I made him a deed, and the rents, which had been accruing in the attorney's term of holding it, were now paid over to my husband. About or soon after this time we received word from Mother Peck that ' ' she did not know how she could do without the children, as they were so much company for her in her recent widowhood." My hus- band said in reply that, ' ' as she had cared for them when babes, now, as they were able to help her some, it should be as she said." Hence we located in the town of Reno, and this proved to be one of the best Provi- dences yet experienced. SEEKING JESUS amidst such scenes of holding on to the things of the world, in a wavering way, is slow work indeed ; but as we were both really in earnest, desiring Christ, His mercy was very great to us. " Behold, how great is the goodness which the L,ord hath lain up for those who love Him, for those who trust in Him before the sons of men." In a manner I had done this from my earliest days. This fact, with all my double- mindedness, often manifested itself, and even in my earlier stages of grace sometimes made me the subject of ridicule. Take some incidents in question, though it be a disgression. While taking a course at a normal institute I was appointed 56 THE VIEW OF ROSES. to select a piece from the reader and read on the plat- form at a stated time. I practiced a very pretty little prayer, and reverently offered it up, looking heavenward, as the case demanded, to the extreme amusement of some pupils of very good taste in some things. Also, when we as children, with our cousins and playmates, held our prayer meetings, I would not allow anything other than a solemn and reverent form of worship upon the part of any of the younger children. I can hardly re- member of hearing profanity, or anything rude or wicked, without reproving it. Always seeking the exact right in everything, yet not knowing how, by a present faith for a present purpose, to always appropriate the power of God, but seeking to exert my own pow r er, not realizing that my "righteousness was as filthy rags." O, how wily is Satan toward one going on in an out- ward form of good works. However, the Lord suffers us, and "we account His long suffering salvation." However our cases may have appeared to others, we were ' ' preparing the way of the Lord" by adopting His precepts, and seeking to follow them wholly. This precious Friend we ever sought in His word, and in daily prayer, " morning, noon and night." The regular means of grace, the preaching, class meetings, Sun- day school and prayer meetings, were regularly attended, and taken part in with no small interest. Denouncing sin wherever seen, and seeing it in others oftener than in ourselves of course. The Saviour lets us out in that THE VIEW OF ROSES. 57 way. We can stand it better ; and at last in His mercy He gives us an inner view of ourselves, and a willingness to denounce and crucify self. Two INCIDENTS will show our firmness in resisting some evils upon which God was letting down light. The silver wedding of our pastor and wife in the church was made known by expensive cards sent out by mail. We, my husband and I, even dared to get the ill will of those interested in this worldly movement by declining the invitation in the favor of some charity on the same night. Another time, when a festival was held in the church on a Saturday night, and my husband, who acted at the time as janitor, cleaned up for several hours the next morning, picking the popcorn out of the thick woolen carpet, and upon coming home found that he would not have time to dress and attend church, deliberately declined that work any longer, plainly and forcibly stating his reasons. This aroused a good deal of feeling on the part of some who were in power. As previously stated, our residence in Reno was leading us to the very best of Providences. We slowly yielded, yet we were yielding to His blessed will! After joining the lodge (I. O. G. T.) again in a fit of temperance enthusiasm in Reno, the very same difficulties arose as those which characterized the work in Camptonville lightness, lack of thoroughness and 5 8 THE VIEW OF ROSES. aggressiveness. Again we retired from it. This time I led out, and, while dear husband continued awhile longer, I spent the long evenings in my room at our boarding- house alone. Thank God ! It drove me to Him with more intense longing than ever before, as I clearly saw that I could look to no earthly good for permanent hap- piness. The Lord was drawing us and "fashioning our hearts alike," and soon my husband withdrew, after making some stirring speeches in favor of a more aggres- sive warfare than the dry forms of the regalia and the initiation and light society trifling. HOLINESS. There came at this time, after we had lived one year in the town of Reno, a family from Oakland who took up their residence in Reno. The x lady, Sister Augustine, came to the meetings, and husband and I recognized at once in her testimonies and in her looks a victory and a triumph of faith which we were not used to seeing, and which we did not possess. We called upon her. She professed the blessing of holiness of heart. She also in- structed us on the subject, and our privilege and duty of, at once, "entering in" by faith. This was Saturday night. On leaving her house she placed in my hands Hannah Whithall Smith's little book, "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life. ' ' I took it with me, and by the next day had read enough in it to get much light as to THE VIEW OF ROSES. 59 the way, the simple way, of claiming the blessing ' ' now " by faith. These were all the Lord's helps, and not man's after all. And so sweetly He was leading when He saw our readiness, and the yielding up of our wills. After church the next day husband came to me and said, " I am not satisfied with my Christian experience." Said I in answer : ' ' Neither am I satisfied with mine. Let us go at once to God and get the blessing of holi- ness." We went, and the blessing came. Jesus came. We approached Him in this way. First we knelt and sang a faith hymn, the following : COME BELIEVING. " Once again the gospel message From the Saviour you have heard. Will you heed the invitation ? Will you turn and seek the Lord ? Chorus. Come believing, come believing ; Come to Jesus, look and live ! Come believing, Come believing ; Come to Jesus, look and live ! Many summers you have wasted ; Ripened harvests you have seen ; Winter snows by spring have melted ; Yet you linger in your sin. Jesus for your choice is waiting ; Tarry not, at once decide ; While His spirit now is striving, Build and seek the Saviour's side. 60 THE VIEW OF ROSES. Cease of fitness to be thinking ; Do not longer try to feel; It is trusting and not feeling That will give the Spirit* s seal. Let your will to God be given; Trust in Christ's atoning blood. Look to Jesus, now in heaven ; Rest on His unchanging word." After singing these precious words and reading the first chapter of Philippians, we, each in turn, poured out our souls to God in earnest prayer. The witness of faith was given me, and I do not think I would ever again have asked for the blessing so sure was I of receiving. I remember of believing that the word in this chapter was ours from God to us then and there for us in the blessed fulfillment, and that was rest the rest which faith brings. Hallelujah! We arose sweetly refreshed, and, for the present, satisfied. The apostle in this chapter, by the Spirit, had promised "peace" and "grace." Thanks were given for our ' ' fellowship ' ' from the first day until now. ' ' Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." The apostle assured us that we were "partakers of His grace," and "that He longed after us ; " and he prayed ' ' that our love might abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment ; " that we "might approve things that are excellent;" that we ' ' might be sincere and without offense till the THE VIEW OF ROSES. 61 day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ' ' Upon these good things we stepped by faith and soon felt the rock beneath our feet. Just analyze these good words and look at them one by one : i. Gift of: " Grace" and "peace." 2. " Thanksgiving for us." 3. " Faith in His work in us." 4. "Assurance that we are (now) partakers of His grace. ' ' 5. " longing after us." (Think of it! even longing after us.) 6. "That our love might abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." 7. "That we might approve things which are excellent." 8. "That we might be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." 9. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ. ' ' 10. " To the glory and praise of God." Could anything be more replete, more solid, more secure, more satisfactory, more full of hope and comfort ? I remem- ber what a sweet and restful and quiet state of feeling possessed us. At the time we said nothing more, as if a real contract had been closed in with, and we had no further apprehension as to the results. As for myself, I 62 THE VIEW GF ROSES. remember of continuing my faith in this way by occas- ionally repeating the words of St. Paul : " I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live ; yet, not I, but Christ liveth in me.' ' REVELATIONS OF THE SPIRIT. The next morning, having adjusted all my work, my boarder and my husband being away from the house, and I alone, just after making my toilet, and while in the act of passing through the parlor, a glorious guest presented himself to me. He was Jesus, our Saviour. Quicker than I can write one word the light which filled and surrounded me revealed thousands of marvelous, wonderful and precious truths in Christ Jesus. His matchless beauty and grace shone down upon me, as He seemed to be standing at my right hand. In an instant His word with mighty power flowed through my heart, and witnessed to me the pardon of all my many sins. The peace and joy of this knowledge cannot be told. O, His love ! I stood in adoring silence, in speechless adoration. In a moment I saw and knew that the Bible, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelations, was truth, God's mighty truth. While these revelations were all within there seemed to come, also, a clearness of external vision ; the very grass on the lawn seemed to shine. A heavenly beauty indwelt and enshrouded me. He lifted upon me ' ' the light of His THE VIE W OF ROSES. 63 countenance." O, the love Divine ! it seemed to break my very heart with its sweet and tender meltings. A measure of all the graces of the Spirit was bequeathed me, and, as far as feeling went, I was as pure as an angel. Our dear Jesus stayed at my side, manifesting to my soul's consciousness His glorious presence, giving "life" for the first time. It was then I knew the mean- ing of that vital word, "Eternal life," "power" for the first time. I realized what the strength of Jehovah meant. " Wisdom," my finite mind seemed for once to know "wisdom," even Jesus, "who is made unto us wisdom." "Beauty and grace!" Did I ever dream that He, "the fairest among ten thousand," could be half so lovely and gracious ? Indeed, I did not. Meek- ness ! He, the mighty, grand and blessed God, seemed to meet me, to come right down on a level with me. This knowledge seemed too great for me, the weight of it and the intensity of joy in my newly found treas- ure. The wonder is that I retained my consciousness through all the heavenly ceremonies of this royal intro- duction. Selah ! the psalmist was wont to write. He failed to express the full meaning and delight of the holy union. Would that I could tell the hallowed, heavenly, tranquil serenity which pervaded my entire being during this scene of my Saviour standing there at my side in that humble cottage. I saw nothing with the outer eye ; but feeling was now added to faith. I knew Him whom my soul loved. 64 THE VIE W OF ROSES. And thus it was, dear reader, that I became "a new creature, " as " old things passed away' ' under the power of the Holy Spirit's revealings of my loving, living, risen Saviour. I do not remember of speaking to any one but once for three days. "I pondered these things in my heart. ' ' All this time the glorious guest was ever with me. I had come to ' ' the waters of Shiloh, which flow softly, ' ' and I walked "softly," as if afraid my gentle, tender, precious One would withdraw His shining presence. Now this was the beginning of what I believed for. This was incipient sanctification, the "new birth," the "living in the spirit," "forgiveness of sins," "justifi- cation by faith." Cleared indeed was I of all my com- mitted sins ; and / knew it, hallelujah ! with a sense of continual joy. Sprinkled from an evil conscience, blessed regeneration, blessed quickening, blessed Sa- viour ! Abba, Father, O, how dearly wert Thou revealed unto me in Jesus ! Blessed Father, blessed Sanctifier ! Glory to God. Thrice glory to God and the Father for- evermore, amen ! My feeling was that of rest concerning my salvation, and perfect satisfaction concerning every- thing. It seemed that my spirit was caught up into heaven, and the beatitudes of the eternal realm pos- sessed me, filled me. Glory to God ! THE HOLY GHOST TEACHING ME. Previously, I remember of thinking that such a sweet blessing as this would be the end a kind of finish to THE VIE W OF ROSES. 65 the Christian life. But, behold ! it was only the begin- ning. I was now a babe, a child of the kingdom. The Holy Spirit now in His tender love began to feed me, to protect me, to provide for and to teach and to guide me. I seemed enfolded in the arms of Almighty Love, resting and getting strength after this transition from darkness to light, just as the new born babe in its mother's arms lies softly, quietly sleeping, and drawing nourishment from her loving breast ; not realizing or knowing how, or thinking anything about it. Too safe and contented to speculate on these relations, and altogether unable to discuss them. But later on, as the little child is taught to beware of danger by running into danger, so was I of the spirit taught. At the end of the third day, it being May 30, 1883, my husband and I went to the opera house, where decoration services were being held. In taking this step I was all the while moved not to go. I really did not desire anything of the kind. Yet I went my happiness all the while flowing on within. While there my face was so radiant with Heavenly joy as to attract the attention of even little children, and I longed to put my arms around them all, as my love flowed so abundantly. THE FIRST LESSON. As I before stated I really felt led not to go ; but once there I began, by my inward monitor, to know that even 6 66 THE VIE W OF ROSES. with the show of goodness in such services it was no place for me ; that I belonged to a kingdom not of this world. As the band poured out their loud strains of national melodies ; and a certain lady, in all the possible beauty of worldly attire, stood upon the stage reciting a national poem. I knew that such honors were not in glory to His dear name whose I now was. I resolved that I would henceforth absent myself from all such worldly associations in the future. The services over, on our way home my husband stepped into his store, and I walked on alone. Passing a millinery store, and hap- pening to look at the show window, I thought of a wreath which I had sometime previously made up my mind to purchase, and [impulsively started into the store. In an instant the Spirit impressed me not to buy the flowers. As for me I felt instantly an aversion to anything of the kind. Having so precious a Saviour satisfied me, and I knew that I did not now love wordly adornments. But my heart was so light and gay, and the saleslady seemed so sweet, that just to please her I bought a wreath of flowers for seventy-five cents, getting the cheapest one possible. But, alas ! as I passed the threshold of that door Jesus passed the threshold of my heart ; and, instead of ' ' Christ within, ' ' that little straw-colored wreath was hung up within for my soul to look upon. O, what in- describable sorrow passed through me ; and Jesus, my one loved treasure, had fled from my view, and an object of loathing hung up in my spiritual sky insinuating itself THE VIE W OF ROSES. 67 to my utter grief. I thought I should die to have Him thus absent Himself. My misery was utterly indescrib- able. I walked home and out into the yard, and as by the force of habit went about my evening duties, more mechanically than interestedly. And now the Devil set in with his temptations trying to cheat me with his voice, which I would not follow ; for the Holy Spirit held His child still, though "for a small moment He hid His face from me." I trusted. My faith held as an anchor. Having seen and known my Saviour, how could I but trust Him. I felt that my feet were on the everlasting rock, and thus I was taught to grow up into Him, deny- ing worldly pleasures. My faith was once more re- warded. As I walked into the parlor where Jesus first met me, and reflected upon these wonderful dealings, and sitting down upon a sofa, behold ! my dear Jesus once more appeared to me as before in all His loving nature and beauty ; and then it was that I wanted to fall at His blessed feet, and to ask nothing more henceforth and forever but to lie there prostrate before Him, and worship His blessed name through all the eternal ages to come. But something besides enjoyment must come to the spiritual as well as * to the natural child. There must be teaching ; there must be work. In spite of this renewed presence to me* the matter of the wreath of flowers was not yet adjusted, and the next day it still clung to my mind, until this thought came to me : "I know what I can do. I can take my scissors and clip it 68 THE VIEW OF ROSES. off of the hat. " I did so, and quick as thought it left my mind and never troubled me again. It paid so well the sweet relief that I went a step farther and cut off a long crimson plume from another hat. Thus one lesson was dearly learned, and wisdom gained therefrom concerning the vanity of worldly attire, and that our adorning should be ' ' the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible ; even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, -which is in the sight of God of great price' ' (i Peter, iii 14). THE SECOND BLESSING. Notwithstanding these marvelous workings more was to follow quickly. Hallelujah ! The fourth night of this walk in the Spirit I lay down upon a sofa, and, as far as feeling went, was perfectly incompetent to go to prayer meeting, as I was wont to do ; but, with my new guest to draw strength from moment by moment, I resolved to go and go I did. My husband and I went together, as usual. Praise God for this beloved companionship. There, in that little meeting, I testified to pastor and brethren and sisters that my former Christian life had been a failure ; and that I had never known peace or pardon, or my precious Saviour, until the previous Monday morning. This was Thursday night. I then told them of my Sav- iour's manifesting Himself to me, and the blessed and gracious presence of the ' ' peace which passeth under- standing." Feeling at the time that this blessing was THE VIE W OF ROSES. 69 entire sanctification, the Spirit's movings upon my heart seemed unaccountable, for I was thrown into a state of deep conviction right then and there, a painful longing for something more, I knew not what. All I could pray for was for " all the fullness of God." This I did repeatedly. Then after testifying in that meeting, as conviction deep- ened within me, I consecrated again fully in these words of the hymn : "Lord, lam Thine,entirely Thine, Purchased and saved by blood divine ; With full consent Thine I would be, And own Thy perfect right in me." And so left all with Him. The next morning about the same time our Saviour appeared to me as at first, and in the same room, no one else being in the house, all at once / was filled with the Spirit. A holy sensation as of tiny wings moved in my breast with an indescrib- ably precious experience, proving in blessed illustration the Scripture in Malachi iv: 2 : " But unto you that fear My name shall the Son of Righteousness arise, with heal- ing in His wings." BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. Looking up to Heaven as if for an explanation of this new revelation there came a voice to me, accom- panied by a shower of praise expressed in the words : u Glory to God! Glory to God!! Glory to God!!!" How oft I repeated these words I know not ; but many, 7 o THE VIEW OF ROSES. many times I said them over and over as I walked through the rooms and clapped my hands, rejoicing with " unspeakable joy." I realized that this was what our Saviour meant when He said to the woman at the well : " But the hour cometh, and now is when the true wor- shipers shall worship the Father in spirit and. in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John iv : 23, 24). My joy was full. Like the blessing of pardon, this blessing of heart purity was instantaneous, and it proved the death-blow to self. Having received a new nature old things passed away. The Divine Guest came in and spake to me in thunder tones and with the quickness of electricity : ' ' I in thee and thou in Me ; " " Ask what ye will in My name and ye shall have it ; " " Faith without works is dead." This was in the voice of God and was heard within. "They shall hear My voice," saith Jesus. Would that I could describe the sweetness of that voice, and the Heavenly effect as it fell upon the ear of my soul. The Spirit fed me with many blessed words, among which were these in Heb. xii : ' ' See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh, for if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape if we turn away from Him that speaketh from Heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also Heaven. And this word, Yet THE VIEW OF ROSES. 71 once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with rever- ence and Godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire." These words made me tremble. You know, dear Bible student, God speaks of those who ' ' tremble at his words, ' ' and He saith also : ' ' Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do, of his good pleasure." As I retired to rest under the influence of the Spirit's blessed teaching, a terrible trembling passed all through me, and I even laid my hands on my body to see if it- were trembling ; but the shaking was within my heart, in the old ruined paradise ; that evil was moving out as God took complete possession ; and blessed be His name, He gave me a view of my carnal mind, and the sight would have been appalling but for His all-comforting presence. The death was painful indeed ; but the grand new life sustained by His power rose up in a living " tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord." And the foul mass of corruption which lay dead could not contaminate or defile it ; but instead it was nourished and beautified with the water of the Euphrates river, which flowed once more in streams of ' ' perfect love ' ' through its channels from the ' ' hills of God," and I drank freely of its delicious fountain and was satisfied. This, too, was a conscious fact. 72 THE VIEW OF ROSES. THE FIRE. This came too, at first as a pure and healing burning, which I felt throughout my entire being in a conscious way. All these realities came in a much shorter time than it were possible to write them. And this, the baptism of fire, proved to be a very fitting prelude to the "fiery" ordeal of spiritual suffering in my union with the suffer- ings of our Saviour. GETHSEMANE. During these operations of "the Spirit that I might benefit withal, ' ' once in the midnight hour I was led by the Spirit out of my room into an adjoining one unoc- pied, and there in a most mysterious way I was pros- trated upon my face, and drank in with our dear Jesus of the agonies of the dark hour of His passion. There I tasted of His sufferings for a lost world. But, won- drous truth, this weight of unutterable pain was so light- ened by His conscious presence as to make it throughout the very dearest of all the blessings yet experienced, the blessing of sharing His sufferings. O, the blessed- ness of that midnight hour ! How long I lay there on the carpet in the cold room with only my night-robe over me I cannot tell. But this, be it said most reverently, was only another of the precious love-lessons of our dear Jesus. And I rejoiced with "exceeding joy" that one so unworthy should be counted worthy to receive THE VIEW OF ROSES. 73 such honor. "He that honoreth me I will honor/' saith the Lord. It was this part of my experience which proved the motive power to my soul-saving zeal. I saw the awful scene of a world sinking into hell, and the Saviour's loving arms outstretched to save. O, He made it so real to my very heart. Glory to God ! A "WORD" LESSON. On Sunday morning, after the baptism with its scenes of death to self and life in Christ, I was led by the Spirit to an east window in my room. Realizing "the fullness of God," and lifting up my hands inclosing my Bible, prayed for His word to be given me, and quick as thought opened on the i2ist Psalm. It seemed that the Spirit did it, guiding my hands. With what sweet spiritual joy I read this comforting word and promise. I give it below ; read it, please : PSALM cxxi. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. "2. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. U 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. "4. Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. " 5. The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 74 THE VIE W OF ROSES. "6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. "7. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : He shall pre- serve thy soul. "8. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even foreverniore. " How precious this living water of the Word tasted to my thirsty soul. I drank it in and besought the lyord for more, when quick as thought the Spirit gave me ISAIAH LIV. "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear: break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child : for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. " 2. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations ; spare not, lengthen th}^ cords, and strengthen thy stakes ; "3. For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the des- olate cities to be inhabited. Amen ! CLASS MEETINGS. In various cities these blessed retreats, where ' ' they that feared the L,ord, spake often one to another," were found out, visited and used as a rare privilege of doing good by "spreading holiness over these lands." Once and again, over and over, the work of Jesus in cleansing from all sin was reminded them, some of whom under- stood it and welcomed the testimonies with hearty praises. Others thanked us for our visits, begging us to sojourn with them. In one village a revival broke out in this way, and the entire class desired and sought the blessing and believed with great joy. A dear young man in the Piqua class, as also others, told us of the good our words had done them. As for us we were greatly blessed in the midst of these endearing scenes, and the childhood days with dear father and mother at our side in their sheltering retreats came vividly to our mind with sweetest contem- plation ; and our very first testimony " I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications" came up to mind once more, and again we thanked God for the training He had vouchsafed unto us in our early THE VIEW OF ROSES. 137 years by these dear, dear parents, now gone on before. Our old class in Troy, Ohio, was visited after a lapse of many years, and our dear friends in Jesus greeted our good news of ' ' the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ" with much warmth of love. In all these min- istrations, though in much bodily weakness, we realized the fulfillment of the promise to those who obey the word, "Go YE." And I think that sanctified people should, as much as possible, do this, for we have always found that we were not without honor, except in our own house and in our own country. But one sweet thought about home and home work comes to mind. It is this : our work at home may and is more opposed and less honored, but it also is God's work, and He will take care of it and see to the results. AT MY MOTHKR-IN-LAW'S. In September I reached the home of my husband's mother, where my two stepsons awaited my arrival. The meeting was a pleasant one, entered into with greatest kindness by mother, sons, daughters and grand- children. This was highly appreciated after our brief stay in New York City, where, as in other places, we scattered some more "seeds of kindness," with the promising results of hope for fruit in eternity. One case 138 THE VIE W OF ROSES. was that of a boy on his way up the Hudson to attend school at Kingston. I believe he had never been per- sonally dealt with about his soul. As he and I braved the wind-storm outside in the boat, he listened atten- tively and accepted my tracts and promised to lay the matter to heart. He seemed so willing to hear the word, and was so gentle and courteous assisting us, that we longed after him, and thought of the one of whom it was written, that Jesus " beholding him loved him." And as we two were spared in that storm on North River that caused so much loss to others, so I hope we will be found sheltered together in the Rock of Ages on the day of judgment. The surpassing scenery on that day's journey up to the Catskills, and the sweet, sweet work for Jesus, harmonized well as various parties of travelers accepted with kind appreciation our loving words and little printed sermons on Jesus' dying love. After a six weeks' visit and touring in this lovely region, visiting meetings and speaking in testimony and in exhortation on the themes which lay nearest to our heart, reminding all who heard of the importance of preparing to meet their God, we bade good-by to dear ones, and my hus- band's sons Arthur, Ken and I started for Nevada. Stopping the first evening in Albany, we had another op- portunity of scattering the truth as it is in Jesus, and of receiving more kindness from Him through dear friends. Praise the L,ord ! It is hoped that some who heard us in that city will be saved. THE VIEW OF ROSES. 139 ACROSS THE CONTINENT and home again. On October 15, 1889, leaving Albany we took a section in the Phillips' excursion train west bound. We started in the midst of a cold rainstorm, but as usual we left the storm behind, and the main trip was excellent as to weather, and withal very pleasant to me. The dear boys had made up their minds secretly not to be recon- ciled to me, but, on the other hand, to test my powers of grace to the utmost extent. To this end they would let me set up the heavy table at meal time and do all the service. When night came and they went to their berth above, instead of walking up the stepladder in an orderly manner they would step on the lower bed and then reach up and take hold of the curtain pole and swing off and land all in a tumble in thei* berth, and so on. While they had no word of conversation for me they were very affable to all others, making the distinction at times very painful to behold. Bach of them was seen at the card tables to my trial. Neither of them had ever as yet sought the Lord. The former was thirteen and the latter sixteen years of age. They knew of my manner of life. The adversary seemed determined to make a gulf between me and them, and under his influence they seemed to forget or to distort the motives which led to years of prayer for them, accompanied by labors, messages and constant tokens of disinterested love for the little orphans in the distance. Strange to say all these things seemed i 4 o THE VIEW OF ROSES. regarded with hatred instead of love. When these things were revealed to me I would go off into the dressing- room and kneel and pray and praise and supplicate for them, and get a good reward of tenderest blessing. One day a lady in the train came into our car where we were taking dinner. It was on Sunday. She seemed to under- stand the "salvation look," and, though a stranger to me, she assured me that she knew and had heard me, and desired me to come into her car and hold a meeting, promising voluntary financial aid for the 'mission work. The dear boys poorly covered the scorn which would show upon their lips at such times. I explained to her that I would come and have a talk with her after dinner, which I did, and found her to be one who loved the truth and those who held it forth. Praise services were held at different times that day in the train, and ended up at nightfall by a loud volley from a little company of Salvationists who halted in their march while the train stopped in one of the Western cities. This was a good day to us. O, how eagerly the people reach out the hand of faith to accept God's blessed gospel when it is offered to them fresh and hot from the Spirit's burning power. How they gather around, so hungry and so earnestly looking for something long lost to satisfy the longings of their souls. These indeed seem like little things, and so they THE VIEW OF ROSES. 141 are, but who can compute them in the aggregate. They are like the verse : " Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean And the pleasant land." Little streamlets of love run through the green pastures of the soul almost silently, and their low and sweet music strikes the ear of faith and sets it to heaven's sweetest melodies : " I love to tell the story, 'Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love." MORE NOTES ON THE WAY. The boys were so averse to Christian work by me that I often did my distributing when they were not present, thus becoming all things unto them, " that by all means they might be saved." No weariness to me, but peace, joy, love, bringing to mind the stanza of the Army song: "Joy, joy, wonderful joy ; Peace, peace, naught can destroy ; Love, love, so boundless and free,- - All this the Lord is to me." 142 THE VIEW OF ROSES. Day by day my prayers for all with us and elsewhere ascended to the throne, and my nights were spent in restful and refreshing slumber, under the wings of the protecting spirit. Praise the Lord ! How I love to pour out my soul in adoration to Him who alone is worthy of all honor, dominion, blessing and glory. Many were the conversations held with the travelers to the land whence no traveler returns. The narrow way became brighter and more beloved, though at times the attitude of the dear children to me commingled some real sorrow with all. As A. B. Simpson says in " Walking in the Spirit:" " The path of sorrow, and that path alone, Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown ; No traveler ever reached that blessed abode, Who found not thorns and briars in the road. But all these are occasions to prove the love and faithfulness of God. The storm-cloud is but the background for the rainbow, and the falling teat but an occasion for the comforter to wipe it away. The comfort is in proportion to the sorrow ; There is an equilibrium of joy and sorrow. As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds in Christ. As far as the pendulum swings backward, so far it swings forward. Every trial is therefore a prophecy of bless- ing to the heart that walks with Jesus." THE VIEW OF ROSES. 143 These thoughts, like many others of that blessed man, have been realized oftimes by us with sweetest draughts of delight in our inmost depths. Hallelujah ! Thus the week of travel across the continent afforded varied experiences to us all, and all were made to par- ticipate in the mercies of a prosperous journey, free from accident or alarm. On Monday evening, October 22d, we reached Reno. I had wired to husband informing him of our near approach. About this time the boys came to me, and taking seats, looked quite thoughtful. I suggested for them to go to the toilet-room and brush their clothes and refresh themselves. Arthur, always the first to speak, remarked, "I washed this morning." This intelligence was hastily followed up by Ken, who said, "I'm not going to clean up till I get home." I understood them, and answered by silence. They soon departed, and came back prepared to meet their papa, whom they had not seen since babyhood. The train stopped. The porter handed us out, and a happy meeting soon took place, whence we went to the hotel, awaiting our home, which had been in the mean time rented, to be vacated. Now began a fight of faith on a new line, and a severe conflict it proved to be. God was with us, and victory came. Soon the boys were starting for heaven, at least in an outward way. Slow was the work, but to-day we look back over the three years just past and see work which we believe will stand in eternity and prove the 144 THE VIE W OF ROSES. grace of our dear Lord. The profession which was made at first was not as real and deep as at this writing, and we are asking for, working for, and trusting for, better things on before. A testimony from the Vanguard, published in St. Louis, bearing date April 30, 1891, will show something of Arthur's spiritual status, and it is believed he is still trusting in God. TESTIMONY. I am fourteen years old. I have given myself to God and His work. I was taken into the M.-E. Church in full connection and baptized, but it did me no good. Then I was taken sick with the typhoid fever, and I promised God if He would restore me to health I would serve Him. Then I got well and went along in my old rut. Every little while my promise came to my mind. It came to me, also, that " He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy" (Prov. xxviii : 13), Then I confessed my sins and forsook them, and I believe Jesus saves me from all my sins. Mother and I go out in mission work together, visiting the sick and the poor, and dis- tributing tracts to the passengers on the trains. We are sweetly blessed. Praise the L,ord ! Pray for me that I may prove faithful. Yours, in Jesus' name, C. ARTHUR PECK. From Ken, the eldest son, we have just received a letter full of contrition and a hungering after God. Now we are claiming these dear children for Him who loves them and gave Himself for them. Dear Jesus, let us not THE VTEW OF ROSES. 145 be disappointed in that day ' ' when Thou makest up Thy jewels," but "spare them as a father doth a son who serveth him." Amen ! A CAI