LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. Division Section. "SOI « .^. :*->^'.r'v'."^ « ^ '^-^ -. ■.■>^J" I'l'^' LIFE AND SERMONS^^- OF \y^ MAi.£.o & Elder James ^Quinter, LATE EDITOR OF GOSPEL MESSENGER, PRESIDENT OF BRETHREN'S NORMAL COLLEGE, AND AUTHOR OF "TRINE IMMERSION." BY HIS DAUGHTER, MARY N. 'QUINTER. MT. MORRIS, ILL. : BRETHREN'S PUBLISHING CO. Copyrighted, 1891, By Ma»y N. Quinter, Huntingdon, Pa. DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, PRINTERS AND BINDERS, CHICAGO. TO THE BLESSED MEMORY OF HIM WHOSE LIFE WAS A CONSTANT BENEDICTION AND WHO HAS LEFT AS A SACKED LEGACY AN INSPIRATION TO A HIGHER, HOLIER LIFE, THIS WORK IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED AS THE LOVING TRIBUTE OF A DAUGHTER TO HER father's LIFE. PREFACE. The kind indulgence of the reader is asked for the work herewith presented. The writer is a novice in work of this kind, and has undertaken it with great reluctance, and only at the earnest solicitation of the friends who so much desired that the storj'- of this " Life " might be preserved to the church and the people whose welfare was so dear to his heart. "We have hesitated, because we felt entirely unable to perform the work as it should be done, and because much that we might desire to say might be criticised as too eulogistic. That some little good may be accomplished is our only motive. It is scarcely expected that the work will find many readers outside of those in some way acquainted and in sympathy with the life portrayed. It is believed that such will accept it simply as a loving attempt to truthfully and faithfully delineate the scenes and incidents in a life filled with arduous toil in varied fields of Christian labor. No diary or journal recorded the facts of his life, and death came to him so suddenly, that, though it did not find him unprepared, yet there had been so little decline in his powers that no specific preparation for a work of this kind had been made. Had it been otherwise, though he would scarcely have made any preparation himself, yet his friends might have gathered from his lips a more complete account of his life. From his published work, and from the memory of those who knew him best, have been drawn the facts and incidents here imperfectly sketched. Whenever it has been possible his own account of the scenes and incidents of his life has been 7 8 PKEFACE. used. Much worthy of record has no doubt passed beyond recall, but of this life it can be truthfully said, " To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." His truest life is written in the hearts of those who have been strengthened and quickened anew to spiritual life and to higher desires for holiness by contact with his consecrated life. To all who have in any way contributed to the inter- est of the work and without whose aid and assistance it could not have been published, the warmest thanks and deepest gratitude are hereby tendered. Especially are thanks due to Brother H. B. Brumbaugh, whose interest and encouragement so kindly manifested have proved so helpful. What has been written of his life may seem to his friends to be but a shadowy outline through which they may catch glimpses of the man they knew. But if the glimpses of so pure a life may prove an encouragement and help to any one, the purpose for which it was written shall have been accomplished. In the sermons those who knew and loved him and whose hearts have been " touched for good and for God " by him, may again come into close contact with a heart warm with the love of Christ and zeal for His cause. They are the true expression of the life of the man. May they prove messages of peace and comfort to many hearts. That our Father in Heaven may graciously bless the work; that His children who read it may be strengthened anew in their spiritual life and built up in their most holy faith ; that some one, yet a stranger to the Master's love^ may be led to the acceptance of His truth by a word or sen. tence here read is the earnest desire and sincere prayer of the author and compiler. H. N. Q. Huntingdon, Pa., February, 1891, INTRODUCTION. The book herewith presented to the Brotherhood and the public is one of no ordinary character, as we have none like it in the literature of the Brethren Church. But it will be none the less appreciated on this account, as for several years there has been a continued and pressing demand for its appearance. At the Annual Meeting held at Harrison- burg, Ya., in the year 1889, we presented the propriety of its publication before the Standing Committee of that Meet- ino-, and it was voted a unanimous approval. Since then a laro-e number of inquiries have been received, and the demand for its publication has become so urgent that his daughter, the author and compiler, finally decided to under- take the work, which she has now completed in a very satis- factory manner. On account of our intimate acquaintance with him for the last twelve years of his eventful life, we have been solicited to write this Introduction. We do it with a consid- erable degree of reluctance, knowing our inability to do it as we feel it should be done. And yet it affords us great pleas- ure to be able to introduce to the Church and to the public the author of a ministry that has proved so great a bless- ing; to the world. In trying to bear an humble testimony to a life that was so noble, so grand and yet so gentle and unpretending, we are made to feel as we felt when standing in the presence of the Niagara Falls, amidst the roar and plunging of the dash- ing water, the uprising clouds of mist and the circling rain- bows that spanned the awe-inspiring scene. There are times when we have feelings which are beyond our power of expression; ideals that we can neither paint nor 9 10 INTKODUCTION. describe. Such an one we have before us now, and most gladly would we set it before you, could we do so. A life- long servant of Jesus, a Bible student, a defender of the Church in her practices and doctrines, and in character God's nobleman ; yet, in practical experience, as humble as a lov- ing child. Our acquaintance with Elder Quinter, prior to his removal to Huntingdon, was from his reputation rather than from personal knowledge, outside of that which we had learned from his writings and editorial labors. His reputation as a successful minister and his known sympathy with the edu- cational movements of the Church led to the consolidation of the two weekly church papers then being published at Myersdale, Pa., and at this place. And on his removal here, in the fall of 1876, he at once became identified with us in both Church and School. From this time on to the close of his life his relations with us as a church were most pleasant, and his fatherly counsels and ministerial labors greatly appre- ciated by all. He was a man who commanded the respect and esteem of all, and no one could associate with him without feeling that their lives were made better by coming in contact with his life, and hundreds, in giving him the parting hand, were made to thank God that such a man as Elder Quinter lived. But while he was great and good in his home associations, as a neighbor and citizen, and in his relations to the College as its president, he was especially great in the pulpit and in his ministry. His sermons were accompanied with an inspi- ration that could be felt only by hearing them. And, often, as we sat weeping under his ministrations, we were made sad to feel that only so few could enjoy that which afforded us so much joy and peace. But we are now made to rejoice in the thought that, though the tongue and the lips that voiced forth with so much eloquence and zeal the riches INTKODUCTION. 11 of the Gospel of Christ have been silenced in death, the messages that were thus given we still have, and now send them forth in this volume to spiritually energize and glad- den the hearts of thousands of others who, though they can not hear him speak, can receive his words as they flowed from lips inspired and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. The object in publishing this volume is three-fold. First, to place before the church and the public a short sketch of the life of a man who has made the world better by his living in it. It is said that bad men are dead while they live, but good men live after they die. This may be truthfully said of Elder Quinter. Though be is dead yet he liveth and will continue to live until all the golden sheaves are gathered. Second. That a part of his sermons that were prepared with so much care and hard study, and at the dictation of the Spirit, may be preserved for the benefit and instruction of the ministry. They are examples of sermonizing worthy of careful study by our ministers, as from them they can not fail to get form and matter that will greatly aid in the prep- aration of sermons. And a third object in publishing this book is that it may prove a home ministry in thousands of Christian families, at times when no other opportunity can be had, to have the Gospel preached. For the infirm, the aged, and the isolated ones, this book may prove a great comfort. When it is made necessary for the family, or part of it, to remain at home on Sunday, or confined in the sick-chamber, have one of these sermons read and it will prove a good substitute for the regular preach- ing services. It may prove a household service as did the singing and praying of Paul and Silas in the prison. In the book will be found sermons especially adapted to the family, the afiiicted and to the isolated ones. And we are sure that 12 INTRODUCTION. there are hundreds of homes in which this ministry will be gladly welcomed and appreciated. And unto every Christian home it will prove a power for good. In the brief biography will be found the history of a life that has made the world better — one that ought to give zeal, earnestness and inspiration to the young; to church workers, determination and perseverance in the good cause, and to the aged a solid rock which will make sure the faltering step until the end comes. The sermons will be adapted to every loving child of Jesus, and to the sinner as well. In them will be found the Bread of Heaven, the Holy Manna, the unsearchable riches of Christ. My prayer is that this volume, freighted, as it is, with messages of peace and salvation from a loving heart, may, everywhere, find an open door. Take it into your homes and, like the Ark in the house of Obed £dom, it will prove a blessing to the household. Every book, like every person, goes forth into the world on a special mission. So goes forth this unpretentious vol- ume with its special aim which we, in part, at least, have attempted to set forth in this brief Introduction. It gives the writer pleasure to join in offering to the Brotherhood, and to the Christian world, a work which is intended to be helpful to others, in scattering the seeds of the Grospel of the Son of God to all nations. Go forth on thy mission of love, attended with the prayers of all Vho love Jesus, and may " this life " and " these words " prove a blessing to generations yet unborn. H. B. Brumbaugh. Huntingdon, Pa., February, 1891. :p.iL.ieT I- A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ELDER JAMES QUINTER, TOGETHER WITH MEMORIAL SKETCHES. A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ELDER JAMES QUINTER. "James, son of John and Mary Quinter, born February 1, A. D. 1816." This record from the old family Bible tells of the beg^in- ning of a life which, measured by its written chronicles, may be briefly told. Of those associated Avith him in his boy- hood and early manhood, few, if any, are left to recall the incidents of those years. A few reminiscences scattered through his editorials or his notes of travel are all that remain to guide us in sketching his life's story. His mother was a native of New Jersey. Her maiden name was Mary Smith. His father was a native of Phila- delphia. In this city they made their first home. Here two of their children were born — Ann Eliza, July 4, 1809, and James, in 1816. The family were poor, dependent on the father's daily labor for their support. In 1824 they removed to Phoenixville, a manufacturing town on the Schuylkill , about twenty-five miles from Philadelphia. The father found work at the iron mills. His work con- sisted in hauling the finished nails and iron to Philadelphia. There was at this time no railroad and no bridge across the river. The boy James, in the intervals between the short school terms, also was employed; he drove a donkey attached to a cart between the long rows of machinery, gathering the work as it was finished. In 1829 the father died, the result of his exposure during his trips to and from the city. His little family — a wife, son, and two daughters — were now left with little means 15 16 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF for support. Though but a boy of thirteen, the duty of helping to care for his mother and sisters now rested upon this son. The educational advantages of the time were rare, par- ticularly for the poor. The opportunities, though small, were improved, and the children were sent to school when- ever it was possible. The schools of those times are in marked contrast with those of the present. Yet with the lessons of the school book were inculcated lessons of truth, purity and nobility. The Bible was in daily use in many of the schools and the influence of its lessons is ever toward that which is highest. The reading books of the time con- tained selections from the best writings of the standard authors. In the sketches of biography and history, in essays and poems, the pupils came into constant contact with the pure, the noble, and the good. In the old " English Reader" and its " Sequel " may be found choice selections from Milton, Addison, Young, Gray, Montgomery, Dr. Johnson, Goldsmith, Philip Doddridge, Dr. Hugh Blair, the Scotch divine, and many others. Could such selections as " The Importance of a Good Education," " Happiness Founded in Rectitude of Conduct," "Virtue, Man's Highest Influence," "The Value of Religious Retirement," "The Man of Integ- rity," and others of a similar character, have else than a salu- tary influence ? The love of books and the desire for an education were fostered, if not awakened, by such lessons. This fact is mentioned as no doubt it had an important influence in forming and developing those noble purposes and high ideals which ever characterized the subject of this sketch. In his boyhood he manifested a desire and a determi- nation to obtain an education. His mother shared his desire and did all she could to help him. She obtained a situation ELDER JAMES QUINTER. 17 for him in the family of Philip Rosenberger, at the Perkio- men Stone Bridge, near to which Freeland College — now Ursinus — was located. After leaving school, he first obtained a situation in the store of Brother Isaac Price, of Corner Stores, near Phoenix- ville. Brother Price said : " I soon found he was too reserved to make a good storekeeper and asked Brother Fitzwater to take him on the farm." The request was granted and we next find him in the family of Brother Abel Fitzwater. To the influence of this kind Christian family he attributed his early conversion and they were ever kindly and gratefully remembered. In the surrounding community were the homes of breth- ren John Umstad, George Price, Samuel Supplee ; and. although not in the immediate neighborhood, the home of Brother Isaac Price was not far away. These brethren, with Brother Fitzwater, were among those who came into the Church during a religious revival in the community in 1831. As there was no Church of the Brethren in the neighborhood, they were baptized in the Coventry Church, near Pottstown, Through the efforts of these brethren meetings for public worship were held in the school-houses, and prayer meet- ings were held at their homes, During a meeting held in the old Green Tree school-house, he was convicted and his mind aroused upon the subject of his salvation. It engaged his thoughts deeply for a time, and one day as •he was working at the barn he suddenly stopped, exclaim- ing, "Pve got— Pve got it," and ran to the house. " Pve got it— peace with God !" He was baptized in the Coventry Church. He was at this time in his seventeenth year. Later, through the efforts of the brethren, a little church was organized in the village of Lumberville, now Port Provi- dence. The first love-feast was held in Brother Umstad's barn. By the blessing of God and the zeal of the members the 18 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF little church grew and increased in numbers and power. It was in this church that prayer meetings and protracted meetings were first held among the brethren. In an edito- rial, written in February, 1888, in which he gives an account of a visit to the Green Tree church, he refers to a number of incidents connected with the early history of the church. In referring to the prayer meetings, he says : '' Our prayer meetings that we held in the beginning of the church here afforded us verj'- good opportunities for exercising our gifts. While those meetings were excellent promoters of our spiritual life, they were good schools for our improvement in many ways. In these meetings we exercised somewhat freely as did the brethren and sisters generally." From the beginning of his Christian experience his life was characterized by deep piety. His exemplary character, his earnestness and his sincerity won for him the love and cogfidence of all that knew him. Though he had been obliged to leave school he had not given up study. His determination to obtain an education strengthened with his years. By his diligence and earnest- ness in improving his few opportunities he accomplished much in the way of self-improvement. His friends, noting his zeal and his manifest disposition to learn, were interested in him, and by their assistance he was enabled to prepare himself for teaching. He attended for a time a private boarding-school at West Bradford, Chester count}''. Pa. The school was kept by Jonathan Gause, a Friend. He began teaching in Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pa., in what was called Hobson's school-house, situated about one mile from Royer's Ford. While teaching here he found a pleasant home in the family of Francis Hobson. About the time the first love-feast of the Lumberville ELDER JAMES QUINTKR. 19 church was held the project of building a union meeting- house in Lumberville was started. In a short time a two- story structure was erected; the lower story was furnished for church services, the second as a school-room. In the spring of 1834 he came to Lumberville and began teaching in this room. He continued to teach here for seven years, from 1834 to 1841. To his work in the school-room he devoted all his energies, and not only labored to impress upon the minds of his pupils the temporal truths of their daily lessons, but also by precept and example endeavored to lead them to the higher truths of the spiritual life. While teaching in Lumberville he made his home for a time in Brother Fitzwater's famil3% and in the family of Joseph Pennypacker. Later he moved his mother and sis- ters to the village. His elder sister, Ann, had married, and had been left with three little boys. She came with her children to find again a home with her mother, brother and sister. She found love and sympathy among the home hearts, and remained with them till her death, in October, 1842. Shortly after his conversion he was impressed with a call to follow his Master in the work of the ministry. His con- viction of this duty grew stronger, yet in this, as in all things else, he was willing to submit the time to the Lord's will. In 1838, in a council meeting, held at the home of Brother George Price, he was called by the Church to the ministry. The following letter, written to Sister Sarah Price, is interesting as referring to the scenes and incidents of his early life : Columbiana, O., March 31, 1865. Dear Sister Sarah: I am happy to know there are those among my Christian friends who still retain the friend- ship and kind feelings toward me that were formed many years ago. And still happier am I to believe that the Chris- 20 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP tian friendships and acquaintances formed hei*e on earth will continue to exist, and be a source of enjoyment to us in another and higher state of being ; and that friends separated here will rejoin one another there, where our friendship and union will be perfected. I assure you, dear sister, I reciprocate the kind regard" you have manifested to me, and I deeply sympathize with you in your bereavement, and in all your afflictions, though I may seem to have been some- what unmindful of you by not writing to you before this. I will not now occupy time or space in making explanations as an apology for my delay. I am sure if you knew my engagements and how often I have thought of you, with other dear friends who are engraven so deeply upon my heart that I can not forget them, your censure would not be severe. Your letter, dear sister, brought many things connected with the childhood of my Christian life to mind. It is a peculiarity of the human mind to retain in the memory with remarkable freshness those occurrences which happened in childhood. These are remembered Avhile things which occurred later in life are forgotten. It is very much so in being born again, or in our new life. How vividly do many things appear, which are connected with their conversion or their espousal to the Lord, to the minds of believers. How dis- tinctly do I remember the meeting in the old school-house not far from your residence where the bow, though "drawn at a venture," sent arrows of conviction into my poor heart, which produced pain and sorrow from which I could find no relief, until I found it in the healing virtues contained in the stream which flowed from the pierced side of the dying Saviour. That same night, after the meeting alluded to, we stopped, as I well remember, at the Pilgrim's Rest, the homestead of Brother Umstad. Here we had further devotional services, for more besides myself felt very miserable on account of our ELDER JAMES QUINTEK. 21 sins, and the kind and zealous Christian friends knew it, and were wiUing to labor at a late hour of the night for our comfort and salvation. How solemn was that night to me, when journeying homeward along the romantic Schuylkill, alone, '' without Christ . . . having no hope and without God in the world." Lonely and lost I indeed felt. And I regard it as a fortunate circumstance for me, and much to my advantage, that m}^ home was in a Christian family, that of Brother Fitzwater. This was another Bethel — a place that was often felt to be the " house of God and the gate of Heaven." In relation to this place it may, with propriety, I think, be said: "The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." Here we found, I humbly trust, peace in believing, and experienced the power of God unto salvation. And what blessed meetings we had in those days of the planting of the church at "Green Tree! " How simple and child-like were our exercises! How warm our zeal ! How ardent our Christian love to one another! How closely were our hearts drawn together in Christian fellowship ! And we loved God because he first loved us. Those were happy times, oases, or green and watered spots in the land of our pilgrimage. Our sky was bright, and our sea, with the exception of some little breezes that would rulHe the surface occasionally, smooth. But within the thirty years that have come and gone since those halcyon days, many changes have taken place. Many of those who then worshiped with us, and encour- aged us with their praryers, their exhortations, and their exemplary lives, have left us — have gone away. " They are not lost but have gone before." They are yet remembered — they are yet loved, and will be loved still more, when the value of the soul is seen in the light of Heaven, and when the fullness of salvation is enjoyed in the glorified state, for 22 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF not until then shall we fully realize what Christ and his Church have done for us. The crown of rejoicing of Chris- tian laborers will be the souls saved through their humble instrumentality. And the Church," without spot or wrinkle," presented as a " chaste virgin to Christ," will be the brightest jewel in King Messiah's crown, and will manifest before the great congregation of universal intelligences the glory of the great work of redemption. And others who have survived their departure have passed through many trials, conflicts and afflictions, for these are unavoidable in a world that lies in wickedness as ours does. But as our Lord and Master was made " perfect through suffering" before us, we should not object to walk in the way which he himself walked in, since there are still rays of glory reflected from his holy footsteps. And the way of conflict, and trial, and suffering, is further recom- mended to us by a consideration of the glorious state to which it leads. Of our divine Master it is beautifully and encouragingly said, " he humbled himself, and became obedi- ent unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name." In his case was fulfilled the promise, " he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." And it shall likewise be fulfilled to all his followers who humble them- selves and take up their cross. " We are encompassed about Avith a great cloud of witnesses," and among them perhaps are those to whom we have already referred as having once worshiped with us in our assemblies on earth, " with whom we took sweet counsel together and with whom we walked unto the house of God in company." They are looking down upon us with indescribable interest, watching us with emotions peculiar to the redeemed inhabitants of Heaven, and beckoning us on, and pointing us to the prize of immor- tality, and waiting to welcome us to everlasting habitations, ELDER JAMES QD INTER. 23 and to receive us to their number, that we may share in their joys. O, my sister, can any of us be so unfaithful to those sainted ones whom we have loved and who have loved us, as to forsake those holy principles of theirs in which they lived and died, and thus forego a renewal of those tender connections with them which once afforded us so much pleasure, and which will hereafter afford us infinitely more pleasure, when we shall have been brought into that heavenl v state so congenial to our immor- tal natures in developing all the hidden powers of the soul, and thus increase its susceptibilities for the enjoyment of all the blessings of the " purchased possession ? " This con- sideration, the consideration of losing the society of the saints, and especially of those whom we have looked upon as the safest, the purest, and the best of all companions, whose friendship we have tested, and whose society we have enjoyed, should in itself be a strong incentive to urge us to perseverance. But alas! This and all the other numerous considerations which are presented to us to lead us to a "' patient continuance in well doing," seem insuflBcient to keep some in the narrow path, and they break over all the barriers that kind Heaven has thrown in their way to prevent their destruction, and make shipwreck of their faith, and madly pursue their own ruin. Eliphas, the friend of Job, describes the character of such, thus : " He stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty. He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers." I am also reminded that it was at your house, and in that room where we often gathered together for religious services, that I was called by the Church to the ministrv. The call was unexpected to me at that time. Soon after my conversion I thought I had indications that the Lord would have me at some time to preach the Gospel, and 24 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF although I had reason to believe the Church had quite as much confidence in me, and indeed much more than I was deserving of, still I did not think that the time had yet come for the Churcli. to confirm what I had thought were the impressions of the spirit of God in regard to my duty to labor in the ministry. I believed that if the impressions I felt were produced by the spirit of the Lord, and if I would continue faithful, the time would come when the Church, in furthering the purposes of the Lord, would set me apart to the ministry. But I felt it was my duty to wait until that time should come, not, however, in idle- ness, but in such exercises and labors in the service of the Lord as circumstances required and as prudence warranted. And never have I felt my insufiiciency for the work to which I was then called, more sensibly than I did at the time in which I Avas called. And although I then felt that the responsibility connected with the Christian ministry was very great, I appreciate that responsibility, I think, at this time much more correctly, and feel it to be proportionately greater. We can not properly estimate the responsibility of the Christian ministry without forming at least an approximate value of the immortal souls that the ministry was designed to save and purify for heaven. And as we can not fully or properly estimate the value of a soul, neither can we fully estimate the great responsibility that rests on those who are called to perform the work of the ministry of the Gospel. But we know the value of the soul is great, or it would not have justified the price of redemption which was paid for it, which was not " silver and gold " but " the precious blood of Christ." The responsibility, therefore, must be indeed great. You call my attention to some beautiful hymns. I thank you for your suggestions as I know your taste is good. I believe all 3^ou have named I approve of. and had them all ELDER JAMES QUINTER. 25 marked for insertion in a new collection of hymns. ■ Espe- cially do 1 love the hymn you have alluded to — " Nearer My God to Thee" — and which is sometimes called "Upward." I am pleased that it has commended itself to your mind as a beautiful hymn. It shows you want to rise higher and higher in holiness, and thus approach nearer and nearer to God. This is well. I would to heaven that this was the ardent desire of every member of the Church. The senti- ments of the hymn are so evangelical and in such perfect harmony with the genuine spirit of Christianity. I wonder if you are familiar with another hymn somewhat similar to the one you have expressed some partiality for'^ I admire it. It expresses the hope of the Christian and is called "Nearer Home" — " One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er, I'm nearer home to-day Than 1 have been before," etc. When we are approaching nearer to God in holiness of character, and in sameness of feeling, as it is our glorious privilege to do, since a growth in grace is a gospel doctrine, or rather a gospel duty; and when by the course of nature, and by the effect of the numerous diseases to which we are all liable, and by some of which many are affected we are borne forward to death, and through death to our Father's house of many mansions, "Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet. Their Saviour and brethren, transported to greet," how glorious is our hope ! It is indeed a " lively hope," and it is as " an anchor to the soul." "Oh, what a blessed hope is ours ! While here on earth we stay, We more than taste the heavenly powers, And antedate that day. " You allude to your bereavement and still seem to feel it sorely. Time and the balm of Gilead we trust will heal 26 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF the wound, though a sensitiveness will remain, and when reminiscences of your dear son occur to the mind, the waters of your spirit may still be troubled. But remember that our holy Christianity teaches us to look forward rather than backward. And this lesson, with all others which it incul- cates, is founded in wisdom, and adapted to our wants, since the joys awaiting us in the future are superior to what we have experienced in the past. In the apostle's beautiful development of Christian life, hope occupies a higher place than experience. He says, " We glory in trib- ulations also ; knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; and patience, experience ; and experience, hope." Then let us not sorrow over friends that we have lost, over joys that have fled, and over wrecked and shattered constitutions, but "forgetting the past, press forward," "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." " We glory in tribulations," says the apostle. This is a great thing to do. But Christians can do great things, for "Christ strengthening me," says Paul, "I can do all things. " We do not glory in tribulations because they are pleas- ant, but because they are useful. "Tribulation worketh patience." Among the reminiscences of those happy meetings to which I have alluded, held in your congregation, is the singing of the " Garden Hymn." I am reminded of a verse of it in this connection — in connection with the idea of trib- ulation: "Our troubles and our trials here Will only make us richer there, When we arrive at home." Do you sing this expressive hymn yet ? You no doubt often think of the sentiments it contains. It always affects ELDER JAMES QUINTER. ii7 my mind pleasantly. We used to sing the closing verse upon the admission of persons into the Church, you wiU remember : " Now here's my heart, and here's my liand, To meet you ia that heavenly land, Where we shall part no more." You allude in your letter to some meetings that were being held in your church for the benefit of the members and the good of the community. And you seemed to think the members were edified and profited by them. If this was the case, then the labors were not in vain. In these times of temptation and trial, Christians need all the means of grace with which the Church has been intrusted. " Feed my sheep," " Feed my lambs," was the charge of the Saviour to Peter, and through him to the Church. And though the minister, with all believers, ' ' Longs to see the season come When sinners shall come flocking home," yet, if denied this desirable sight, how pleasant it is for them to see "the brethren dwell together in unity," the Church alive, active, humble and joyful. And while it is a pleasant sight for those to see that are ministering in the Gospel to the Church, it is very pleasant for the Church itself to experience those heavenly emotions of joy, which it does experience when it is in a heathly state and when there is a healthy circulation of the Holy Spirit through all its members. And if there is joy in Heaven when a sinner repents, there is joy there when pardoned sinners are faith- ful to the Lord that redeemed them, and faithful to the Church that adopted them. And if the Church is alive and active, the work of the Lord will be very likely to prosper. The mission of the " Green Tree " branch of the Church is an important one, and I hope the members all Avill appreciate it, and labor with fidelity in the cause of Christ for the 28 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF redemption of the world. " He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," Please remember me kindly to Brother George, and all your dear children, and to all the dear Christian friends. May God bless you and keep you faithful unto death. Farewell. Yours in Faith and Hope, James Quinter. The following extract from a letter from Sister Susan Sidle, late of the Coventry Church, also contains some inter- esting reminiscences of his early ministry. " Brother Quinter was broutrht here to Lawrenceville bv a dear sister, Sarah Reinwalt, about fifty years ago. She engaged the old school-house and had the brethren come and preach. We lived only a few rods from the school-house at that time, and Brother Quinter often stopped with us under our roof and gave us encouraging and cheering words. How glad we were of his company, and his earnest prayers did us so much good. In connection with his prayers he kept the fast. No wonder he was enabled to show forth such a good example, and such a bright and shining light that he was beloved by the brotherhood. Through the efforts of Sister Sarah Reinwalt, and the labors mostly of Brother Quinter, the first protracted meeting was held in this church. He had never relinquished his habit of private study, and now with a determined purpose he set himself more earnestly to the task of thoroughly preparing his mind and heart for the sacred work. It became the inspiration of his life. Henceforth the duties of his holy office held the first place in his heart. A deep sense of the great responsi- bility he had accepted was ever present with him. It Avas about this time that he adopted the custom of setting apart certain days for fasting and prayer. This habit was con- tinued throughout his life. The days so set apart were passed, as far as possible, in solitude. From them he always came with renewed strength and zeal for his work. ELDER JAMES QUINTEK, 29 At the annual meeting held in the A ugh wick church in 1839, Brother John Umstad arranged to visit a number of the churches in the valleys of Pennsylvania during the fall of the same year. On this journey he was accompanied by Brother Quinter. This was his first preaching tour after entering the ministry. They traveled on horseback and, as the journey extended to the western part of the State, much of it was laborious. The churches were scattered. Many of them were long distances apart, yet as the labor was under- taken with a desire to strengthen and build up the churches and to promote the cause of Christ it proved to be both pleasant and profitable. The visit to the George's Creek church led to his removal there a few years later. All his visits among the brethren w^ere marked by a devo- tional spirit, and many have testified to the encouragement they received from his words of Christian counsel and his earnest prayers. An incident which occurred on this first tour among the churches illustrates the prayerful spirit of his life. While the brethren w^ere in the Hopewell Church, Bedford county, they were called one night to visit a home in which the daughter w^as afflicted with epileptic fits. As they stood looking upon her suff"ering, he said: " Brethren, let us pray ;" and, kneeling, he prayed fervently in her behalf. She was relieved at tlie time, and her afflic- tion never returned. This incident and the spirit manifested did much to dispel the prejudice which many were disposed to feel against him on account of his youthful appearance. Every opportunity to promote the cause of Christ and to present the theme of salvation was gladly improved. Though the calls of duty ofttimes involved personal sacri- fice, he was none the less ready to heed them. At one time, while teaching in Lumberville, he was called to visit and pray with a young woman who was suffering with smallpox. As he could not bring upon his pupils the dan- 30 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ger of infection, he closed his school and responded to the request. He felt it to be a call of duty, and, though fully aware of the danger incurred, he trusted that the Lord would protect hira. He escaped, and when all danger of infection was past he reopened his school. In the spring of 1842, in response to the request of the George's Creek Church, Fayette county, Pa., he came thither from his home in Montgomery county, Pa. In the late fall of the same year he brought his mother, sister and nephews to his new home. The Church gave him as a home a small farm, on which, with much labor and economy, with the assistance of his nephews, he was able to earn a very moder- ate livelihood. Here also for some years he taught during the winter months. As there was no school-house in the dis- trict, the school was kept in the Mennonite meeting-house. He was also selected by the board of directors of Nicholson township to examine the teachers of that township with reference to their qualifications for teaching. In addition to his ministerial work at home, he accepted calls from the surrounding churches, and often traveled many miles on horseback over the mountains to fill distant appointments. The following extract from a letter from Brother John Wise refers to his ministry in the Ten-mile Church : "In the spring of 1842 he came to western Pennsylva- nia. An arrangement was made by which he was to devote a part of his time to the Ten-mile congregation. June 14, 1842, I and ray sister were baptized, and between that date and October 18th, there were fifty-two persons baptized in that congregation under his ministry. He was also present when I was chosen to the ministry and gave much encour- agement by his kindly talk. To his fatherly care for me I owe much of my success in the ministry. We traveled together and I labored with him as a son with a father in ELDER JAMES QCINTER. 31 the Gospel. Many excellent lessons were learned from his example. So pious, so meek, he impressed all with his piety." On September 17, 1850, he was married to Mary Ann daughter of Brother Daniel Moser. A daughter, Lydia Isabella, was born to them April 15, 1854. She was married September 20, 1877, in the Pilgrim chapel, Huntingdon, Pa., by her father, to Elder J. T. Meyers, of the Green Tree Church, Montgomery county, Pa. A son, named for his grandfather James Quinter, was born to them January 23, 1882, and a daughter, Grace Quinter, July 6, 1885. In 1851 Elder Henry Kurtz began to publish the Gospel Visitor in Poland, Mahoning county, Ohio. It was designed as a religious monthly, "devoted to the exhibition and defense of Gospel-principles and Gospel-practice in their primi- tive purity and simplicity in order to promote Christian union, brotherly love, and universal charity." So meager were the mechanical facilities for its publication that it was said, and with a good deal of truth, that " The Gospel Visitor is published in the loft of a milk-house in the backwoods of Ohio, and three miles from the post-office." This was the beginning of periodical literature in the Church of the Brethren. While it was bitterly opposed by some, by many it was gladly welcomed as affording wider opportunities for spreading the truths of the Gospel. Among the earliest contributors was Brother Quinter. Under the name Clement he contributed a series of articles on " The Elements of the Christian Character." The Visitor increased in size and circulation until the burden of its publication became too great for one editor, and Brother Kurtz desired an assistant. In his editorial, in January, 1856, he says : " The constant increase of labor became exceedingly burdensome and grievous to us, and long already we looked around for assistance. We durst not 32 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF make our own choice. We waited patiently for some token of Providence. The Lord graciously granted such a token at the last Yearly Meeting. There our dear Brother James Quinter was nominated as our assistant in the clerk- ship, and performed the duties thereof acceptably, as we have reason to believe, to the whole meeting. From this we took courage to call him to our assistance in the editorship, as being pointed out by the finger of God, and we rejoice to say that he has accepted the call, and will shortly enter upon the duties of the same." " To this arrangement we were led not merely by a desire of being somewhat relieved of a burden. The reflec- tion that our work should depend on such a frail, poor, unworthy being as we are, and would have to stop in case of our sickness, and to cease if we should be called off this stage of action, distressed us. This desire that our Master's work should go on as long as it pleases Him has been our main motive for the arrangement." In response to Brother Kurtz's request he removed from Fayette county, Pa., to Poland, Mahoning county, Ohio, in the spring of 1856. His removal from the church in which he had labored for so many years, and among whose mem- bers he had formed many warm attachments, was attended with no small degree of pain. He says of it : " We felt the grief of separation to bear with weight upon our spirit, but we had counted the cost and weighed the matter maturely, and acted not from an impulse of hasty excitement, but from an impression of duty. Consequently, our sorrow was mino-led with joy, for an honest discharge of duty is ever attended with joyful feelings. But, although we took com- fort ourselves from the promises of God, and endeavored to administer comfort to those Avith whom we parted, still we felt, when standing before the congregation before which we had often stood, and at times with trembling anxiety for ELDER JAMES QUINTER, 33 their good, and for the good of the cause we were pleading, emotions which we had not fully anticipated. We neven experienced anything exactly similar. It is true we had on a former occasion removed from friends and scenes endeared to us by the happiest associations, but our minis- terial labors there were performed in the childhood of our ministr}^, and we did not feel the same amount of responsi- bility rest upon us as we did in our late charge. Here our labors had been many, and our concern for the salvation of souls at times deep. The thought of our relation as pastor and flock ceasing, and the thought that our separation may be a final one on earth, produced feelings of tender and peculiar solemnity. We had asked for our dismission, and received but a silent consent. We knew the minds of many of our dear brethren and sisters, and a knowledge of their grief made ours the greater. But we greatly rejoiced that, although we had taken the preparatory ste]:)s to separate ourselves in person from the brethren among whom we had long dwelt, yet they had not withdrawn their affections from us." His first editorial was published in June, 1856. In this editorial he says: " The Church of Christ should avail her- self of every lawful means at her disposal for the promotion of knowledge, purity, union and edification among her mem- bers, and for the enlargement of her dominions by the con- version of sinners. These she is under obligation to do both from fidelity to her Lord and Master and from a proper regard to her own prosperity and success. Regarding, then, as I do, the press as an instrumentality which may advan- tageously be used by the Church for the accomplishment of those noble ends which her own organization in the world was designed to accomplish, I rejoiced at the appearance of the Gospel Visitor among us, and hailed its birth as a favor- able sign of progress." 34 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF "A variety of qualifications is necessary for those whose Hausiness it is to provide for the pubhc. The editor of a Christian journal, as well as a minister of tlie Gospel, should not shun to declare the ' whole counsel of God.' But with Paul, he should endeavor to ' give no offense neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.' And in performing his duty as a public reformer, whether he refutes an error, or reproves the errorist, or instructs the ignorant, or wakes up the sleepy, or rebukes the guilty, or encourages the weary, his words should be baptized with the spirit of ardent love, that they may brand their mean- ing on the minds addressed It has been with con- siderable reluctance that I have consented to become assist- ant editor, but the hope that the relation which I shall sus- tain to the brotherhood, through the Gospel Visitor, may afford me increased facilities for rendering service to the Church, and through the Church to the Lord, has induced me to assume the responsibilities which I have." In the autumn of 1856, with his wife and little daughter, he made an extended visit to the churches in eastern Pennsylvania. The churches of Green Tree and Cov- entry, as they were associated with his early life, his first Christian experience, and his first work in tlie minis- try, were always regarded with feelings of deep, prayer- ful interest and tender affection. A visit to these scenes of his early life was always a source of pleasure. Of this visit he says: "The brethren at Green Tree had made arrangements for meeting some days. It })leased the Lord to hear and answer prayer, and to own and bless his preached word. Christians were built up " on their most holy faith " and made to " rejoice in God their Saviour." Sinners were distressed upon discovering that they were lost, but by exercising repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and by taking up their cross and con- ELDER JAMES QUINTEE. 165 fessing Christ, they were made to rejoice in the hope of eternal life. A more solemn meeting throughout we never witnessed. The meeting continued about two weeks ; dur- ing which time, thirty-two were added to the Church by baptism. And at the close of the meeting there were others who offered themselves as candidates for baptism. While angels in beaven rejoiced, fathers and mothers rejoiced at witnessing the pleasing sight they were permitted to see, when their children said by their profession and actions, we will go to heaven with you. And it was pleas- ant to see what the occasion afforded an opportunity of seeing, a considerable number of men with their bosom companions, entering the gate to walk the way of eternal life together, and thus showing a happy union of feeling and practice in relation to their eternal interests. And it was no less pleasant to see interesting young men and women take up their cross to follow Christ. He will lead them, if they follow him, from the corrupting ways of sin into the pleasant paths of virtue while on earth, and, when they are on earth no more, he will lead them to ' fountains of living waters ' in heaven. " " The recollection that several of the converts had in former years been our pupils, and that they had often bowed with us in our school-room, while we endeavored to implore heaven's blessing upon them, gave us increased pleasure at witnessing their 'good confession.' " " As it was among these brethren that we sought and found the Lord, and among them we commenced our min- istry, we felt much at home among them. It was truly refreshing to our hearts to see them, and greet them, and to have communion of spirit with them. Sweet and pleasant was the time we spent among them, and painful was it to part, and much more so would it have been but for the 36 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF hope that ' we shall meet again ' in our Father's house. Foi; this hope let us bless God : for it let us live^, and in it may we all die." In June, 1857, the office of the VWdor was removed from Poland to Columbiana. This Avas done in order to afford better publishing and mailing facilities. Shortly after this, Elder Kurtz retired from the business and his son Henry took his place. Through the summer and autumn of 1857 his wife was afflicted with consumption. On September 2d, she was anointed, and as slie greatly desired to see her parents again he accompanied her shortly afterward to her old home in Fayette county, where she died, October 9th. His mother and sister, who had remained in Faj^ette county when he removed to Ohio, now came to care for his home and his motherless little daughter. April 11, 18G1, he was married to Fanny, daughter of Elder John Studebaker. To them two daughters were born — Mary IST., January 21, 1863, and Grace, June 10, 1870. These daughters, with their mother, reside in Huntingdon, Pa. His own desire for an education and his struggles to obtain it developed a deep interest in education. A school under the control and influence of the Brethren, where the youth of the Church might be educated 'surrounded by the influences of Gospel Christianity was a dream of his youth and a plan of his manhood. Others shared this feeling and in the early years of the Visitor va^y be found references to a high school to be established in the Brotherhood. In a letter written to the Visitor in March, 1856, he men- tions the need of suitable teachers — those in the church suffi- ciently qualified — and suggests a plan by which worthy young brethren might be educated to fill the positions. In an article m September of the same year, in answering some objections to the proposed school, he sa3's: ELDER JAMES QUINTEK. 37 "If our youth now desire anything more than a com- mon-school education, they are compelled to resort to institutions not under that pure Christian influence which we, as parents, should want our youth placed under, and thus, by failing to afford them the helps desirable for pursu- ing their studies, we may in some degree endanger their spiritual welfare. And not only so, but we are in danger of losing the influence and talents of many of our 3'outh, as they will not be likely to feel the same respect for, and attachment to, our denomination, should they not find in us an inclination to sympathize with them in their desires for mental culture and a readiness to afford them suitable opportunities for obtaining that culture, that they would if they found the Church ready to encourage them, and to take them under her sheltering wing, and to feed them with use- ful knowledge Knowing that a number of our young people are from home, pursuing their studies in other institutions of learning, and feeling a deep concern for the welfare of our youth, and a growing attachment to the holy doctrines and practices of Christianity as held by our beloved brethren, we confess we feel no little desire to see the Church affording her youth every opportunity necessary for the promotion of their happiness and usefulness. We think that it is not only right that the Church should encourage institutions in which our youth may acquire useful knowl- edge, but we think it is her duty — a duty she owes to her God, to herself, and to the rising generation — to encourage and build up such institutions." Toward the close of the same article he describes his ideal of an institution such as he desired to see established : " We would expect such an institution to be under the influence of spiritually-minded Brethren. We would want religious teachers — teachers who would have a regard to the relig- ious as well as to the intellectual improvements of the 38 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF students, — consequently the students would have religious counsel administered to them. We would have the Bible daily used in the institution. We would have the students to board in a religious family and have them led daily to a throne of grace and Heaven's blessing invoked upon them. In short, we would have the school to resemble a pious family, under such rules as would discountenance whatever is evil, and encourage whatever is good." At the time of the removal of the Visitor to Columbiana, a plan to establish the proposed school in that locality was under consideration. However, after residing here for a time, Brother Kurtz and Brother Quinter concluded that it was not a desirable locality and began to look about for a better one. A good brick building erected for an academy in New Yienna, Clinton county, Ohio, being offered for sale, and the prospects of a school there being thought favorable, the brethren of the Fall Creek congregation, in the vicinity of New Vienna, proposed to purchase the academy building provided it should be occupied by the Brethren as a school. They examined the location and surroundings, and, being rather pleased with the place, gave the Brethren there some encouragement. The building was purchased, but, as it was impossible to remove the Visitor at the time, on account of the depressed state of business, it was decided that Brother Quinter should remove to Vienna and open the school. He was, however, still to work for the Gospel Visitor. The school was accordingly opened on October 14, 1861, and continued for three years with a reasonable degree of success, though begun under unfavorable circumstances and meeting with much opposition. It was closed June 27, 1864, on account of the disturbed condition of the country during the War of the Kebellion. In this enterprise — which was the beginning of educational work in the church — he was ELDER JAMES QUINTER. 39 assisted by Brother O. W. Miller, who was principal, Sister C. A. Haas and daughter Hattie, and Sisters Mary Craig and Lettie and Rachel Day. The following notice, which may be found in the Gospel Visiter during 1861-2-3, shows the plan and nature of the work : EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE. New Vienna, Clinton Co , O. This institution for young ladies and young men, situated on the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, has been in successful operation for some time. Competent teachers are employed, and it will be the aim of these and all connected with the institution to merit a liberal share of patronage. SESSIONS OP STUDY. The year will be divided into three sessions of four- teen weeks each. The first session will commence on the first Monday of September. TERMS. * Primary Department per session $3.75 Secondary .< .. ^ 5 00 Grammar " " 6.50 Higher " " 8.00 Boarding can be obtained at $3.25 per week, includ- ing room rent, fuel and lights. For farther information address the undersigned at the above place. J. QuiNTER, Sup't. After the close of the school at Vienna he returned to Columbiana, and in the fall of 1866 the office of the Visitor was removed to Covington, Miami county, Ohio. Of this removal he thus writes : " We have spread our tent and raised our altar among the brethren and friends in this vicinity. And we hope our residence among them, and our associations with them, may be both pleasant and useful 40 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF to them and to us. This is our wish and our prayer. The change we have made was not made without much reflection and prayer. And when the time came for us to leave those with whom we had associated, and with whom we had worshiped as Christians, we felt the separation to be very painful. How true it is that we do not appreciate the strength of attachments until the chords that bind loving hearts together are sundered. But the future of Christians promises them a happy reunion where the pleasures of friend- ship, with all other pleasures, will be complete and lasting. "We felt reluctant to leave the Mahoning Church, and shall not cease to feel an interest in its welfare and prosperity, and to pray that the great Head of the Church may bless it with His presence, and make it what every branch of the Church and every individual member of the Church should be, a blessing to the world." " In coming to this place we met with a very kind and Christian reception, and think we shall feel much at home in this community. The town of Covington is pleasantly sit- uated in the midst of a fertile and well-improved country, and possesses many advantages as a place of residence. There are severa] flourishing congregations of the Brethren in the neighborhood, and one in and around the town. The opportunities for attending public worship are very good." The Visitor was published in Covington until May, 1869, when the office of publication was removed to Dayton, Ohio. The editorial office remained in Covington. In 1873 the editor purchased, from H. J. Kurtz, the publishing interest of the Visitor, and at the same time purchased of H. R. Holsinger The Christian Family Companion, a church weekly, published at Meyersdale, Somerset county, Pa. The two papers were united under the name The Christian Family Companion and Gospel Visitor and the weekly pub- lication continued at Meyersdale. In January, 1876, the ELDER JAMES QUINTER. 41 name was changed to The Primitive Christian. In October, 1876, this paper was united with The Pilgrim^ also a weekly, published by H. B. and J. B. Brumbaugh at Huntingdon, Pa. A plan to unite the three church periodicals had been proposed in 1870, but as it did not seem to be expedient at the time the union was deferred. The publication of the united papers under the name The Primitive Christian and Pilgrim, was continued at ^^untingdon by the firm of Quinter & Brumbaugh Bros. Upon his removal to Huntingdon he thus writes : " Trusting it has been the providence of God that has so directed events as to bring us here, we shall try to adapt our- selves to our new position and new associations, and hope in the promises of God wherein he has said : ' I am with thee in all places whither thou goest ; ' 'as thy days, so shall thy strength be ; ' ' and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.' " We find a little company of brethren and sisters here who are not only endeavoring to be faithful, but who seem to be laboring to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. We trust this little church, the members of which frequently come together, in a room in our office prepared for the purpose, to do as the faithful of old did — to speak ' often one to another,' about the Lord and the ' things which concern salvation,' will form a nucleus around which many will be drawn, and from the body thus formed a Christian influence go out that may be widely felt. " But while our thoughts are much engrossed with our pressing and numerous duties, and with our new surround- ings and associations, we find our mind frequently reverting to the dear friends from whom we lately separated with much sorrow. It has been our lot to live in different locali- ties, and in all these to form' pleasant acquaintances and to add to our list of friends. And whenever circumstances called for a separation from those friends, the separation has 42 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF been painful to our feelings. But never did we feel more sorrow at any such separation than when we left the friends of Meyers- dale. When the time came for leaving them we felt much worse than we had anticipated. While our connection with the large congregation of the Elk Lick brethren was marked apparently by a reciprocal feeling of kindness between them and ourselves, there v^^as a number of the members of the congregation that lived in and about the town, with whom we often met at our Sunday night meetings, and in the Bible class and in the Sabbath-school, and on other occasions, between whom and ourselves a very tender and warm feeling of broth- erly love existed. These dear friends were much grieved and were very reluctant to see us go when the time for leaving came. And their sorrow increased ours, and we confess our separa- tion was to us a cause of much tender grief. The little social gathering in Brother Beachly's parlor the night before we left, and the gathering at the depot of many Christian friends to show their Christian love and to bid us the affec- tionate farewell, are scenes so fresh in our memory that a reference to them starts the tears from the tender feelings that come over us when we think of those occasions charac- terized by so much love and tenderness. But such tears are not altogether tears of sorrow. There is joy mixed with them. They show the presence of love and union. Oh, we do not know how much we love one another until by death or removal we are called upon to separate ! " 'Hail, sweetest, dearest tie, that binds Our glowing hearts in one ; Hail, sacred hope, that tunes our minds To harmony divine.' " We cherish a kind regard for the brethren and sisters and friends of Meyersdale, and must now regret in being separated from them, that our sojourn among them was not more to their profit, and that we did not labor more dili- ELDEK JAMES QUINTER. 43 gently and faithfully to do them good. And though circum- stances seem to require us to leave them, we hope the Lord will be with them, and richly supply the ministering breth- ren with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, that they may feed the flock, and nurse the lambs, and so preach and labor that they may both save themselves and them that hear them. Oh ! let us all so live, that we may enjoy the sweet hope of a blessed reunion of all we have loved in Christ, and worshiped with on earth." In June, 1883, The Primitive Christian was consolidated with The Brethren at Work^ and, as The Gospel Messenger^ con- tinued to be published by The Brethren's Publishing Com- pany, at Mt. Morris, 111., and at Huntingdon, Pa. On this paper as on the Primitive Christian Brother Quinter held the position of Editor-in-Chief. The Normal school which had been opened by Brother J. M. Zuck in the Pilgrim building was a strong inducement to Brother Quinter to make his home in Huntingdon. His interest in educational work had grown stronger and he rejoiced to find an educational project again under way among the Brethren and was ready to lend all his influence in its favor. Though the Normal had a small beginning, yet the fervent prayers and earnest zeal of the brave, true hearts interested in her welfare soon had their reward in her growth and prosperity. Opened at first in a room in the Pilgrim building, larger quarters were soon demanded and a house was rented. This also proved too small and an effort was made to secure funds to erect a suitable building. iiThis resulted in 1878 in the erection of a building pleasantly: sit- uated on an elevation overlooking the borough of Hunting- don and the surrounding country. The school was chartered the same year under the name of The Brethren's Normal College. The new building was first occupied in April, 18T9. Shortly after the school had been so pleasantly opened in 44 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF its new home, the death of its founder and honored princi- pal, in May, 1879, cast a gloom over its bright prospects. The work Avas not suffered to decline, however, and at a meeting of the trustees, in June, Brother J. H. Brumbaugh was elected Principal. At the same time Brother Quinter was elected President, which position he held until his death. His interest in the work was deep and in all his associations with the school his influence was a power for good. To see the students ready to follow the Master and accept His teachings as the guide of their lives was to him a cause of deepest joy — for then he felt that the work of the school had accomplished its highest purpose. In his disposition, ever kind and gentle, he was^particularly so with the " lambs of the flock." He was patient, forgiving, ready to teach and to lead them in the way of life. He held a number of debates upon the doctrines of the Church. Although he did not greatly enjoy this work, yet when urged to defend the truth as he believed it to be taught in the Gospel, he was always ready to do so. He had made a careful and thorough study of all the phases of Christian doctrine, and once having settled his convictions no man held them more firmly or was more ready to give a reason for the hope that was in him. Of a discussion held in Somerset count}', Pa., the only account to be found is the following, written in November, 1881, on the occasion of a visit to the Summit congregation : ''To some of us this large meeting-house possessed an inter- estf as )^being the place in which we held a debate about tweci€y-