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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 Chap Copyiight No 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
REV. CHARLES S. SCHAEEKER 
 
The Story 
 
 of 
 
 A Consecrated Life 
 
 Commemorative of 
 Rev, Charles S, Schaeffer 
 
 Brevet- Captain U. S. F. 
 
 By , 
 Charles H. Harrison 
 
 " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my 
 brethren, ye have done it unto me" 
 
 IPrinteD for tbc Butbor 
 
 By J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia 
 1900 
 
 *\ 
 
2(>Go() 
 
 
 73834 
 
 Library of Conares^ 
 
 "^wu Copies REcen'fo 
 JUL 30 1900 
 
 Copyright entry 
 
 SECOND copy. 
 
 Delivered to 
 
 ORDER DIVISION, 
 AIJG81900 
 
 Copyright, 1900 
 
 BY 
 
 Charles H. Harrison 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer Frontispiece 
 
 Mural Tablet, Memorial Baptist Church .... Page 56 
 The First Freedmen's School- House, Christians- 
 burg, Va " 118 
 
 First Church and School-House, Zion's Hill, 
 
 Christiansburg, Va " 134 
 
 Christiansburg Industrial Institute " 146 
 
 Memorial Baptist Church, Zion's Hill, Chris- 
 tiansburg, Va " 266 
 
A FOREWORD 
 
 BY REV. A. J. ROWLAND, D.D. 
 
 Secretary of the American Baptist Publication Society 
 
 ¥¥ 
 
 Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer was one of the 
 noblest and purest men I have ever known. His 
 singleness of purpose was extraordinary. At the 
 beginning of his Christian life he gave himself 
 without reserve to his Divine Master, and from 
 that time until he closed his eyes in death his de- 
 votion to the service of God and humanity knew no 
 bounds. In his work for the colored people he 
 identified himself with that race as few have done. 
 Like his Lord, he bore their weaknesses and bur- 
 dens on his own shoulders and carried them in his 
 heart. Nothing that could be helpful to their prog- 
 ress was disdained by him; nothing that involved 
 self-denial and toil was refused. His whole life 
 was a sacrifice. 
 
 The results of his work were wonderful. Since 
 the days of the Apostles, few men have been per- 
 mitted to see so great a hg-rvest from the seed they 
 have sown. Scores of churches owe their exist- 
 ence to his ministry. He was the means, directly 
 and indirectly, of bringing large numbers into the 
 
A FOREWORD 
 
 Kingdom. His work in education was wise and 
 fruitful. The large influence which he had ac- 
 quired was exerted for the highest welfare of the 
 people amongst whom he ministered, and was not 
 only felt by thousands during his lifetime, but will 
 continue to be an active force for good for many 
 years to come. 
 
 The story of such a life deserves to be told and 
 read. I am glad that it has been written and put 
 into book form. Those who knew Mr. Schaeffer 
 will welcome and treasure it. There are many who 
 did not know him personally who by reading the 
 book should be brought in contact with his spirit 
 and work. I sincerely trust that this story of a 
 singularly modest and consecrated character and 
 of a devoted and successful career will have a wide 
 circulation and will be an inspiration to many a 
 heart. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 iAPTER PAGE 
 
 A Foreword I 
 
 I. Ancestry — Birth — Religious training — Tendencies to 
 wrong-doing — Interest in games — Education — Busi- 
 ness career 5 
 
 II. Conviction of sin — Conversion — Church-fellowship — 
 Union with the Tenth Baptist Church — Church life 
 and work — Keeping a " Diary" — Gift of song. . . 17 
 
 III. Wider Christian work — Communion with God — Intense 
 religious activity — Night-long prayer — A sea-side 
 prayer-meeting — Interesting incident 31 
 
 IV. Burdened for souls- — Interest in the young — Great re- 
 vival of 1857-58 — Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tions — Noon-day meetings — Missionary work among 
 the poor 57 
 
 V. Exercised concerning the ministry — Final decision. . . 76 
 
 VI. Abounding zeal — The Civil War — Mustered into the 
 United States Service — At Camp Hamilton — Battles 
 of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Portsmouth — Merrimac and 
 Monitor — Wounded at Antietam — Fredricksburg — 
 Wounded at Gettysburg — Home-coming — Provisional 
 Battalion — Lost in the Wilderness — Resigns from 
 the Army — Veteran Reserve Corps 85 
 
 VII. Conditions after the war — Freedman's Bureau — 
 Ordered to report to Marion and Christiansburg — 
 Tour of duty — Crowded with work — Difficulties and 
 reponsibilities 107 
 
 VIII. The negro and education — Work of Freedman's Bureau 
 — Extracts from reports — Assistant Superintendent of 
 Education — Work of benevolent societies, etc. — 
 Specimen tour of inspection 119 
 
 IX. Christiansburg— School established — Opposition — First 
 church and school building — Deed of trust — Better 
 facilities needed — Virginia Singers — New building 
 erected — Character of the Institution and graduates 
 — New Institute building — Characteristic letter — 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 Friends' Freedmen' s Association — Struggle — Success 
 — Differences — Withdrawal from Superintendency — 
 Present condition 132 
 
 X. Religious condition of Afro-American — Specimen of 
 religious service — Aptitude for work — Constitution of 
 Christiansburg church — Persecution — Social ostracism 
 — The parsonage — Letter to friend — Excerpts from 
 " Diary" — Uncle Richard Taylor — Return to Phila- 
 delphia 148 
 
 XI. Eschewing politics — Temperance — Local option — Anti- 
 tobacco — Correspondence — Assistant Superintendent 
 of Schools — Excerpts from "Diary" — Ordination — 
 Preaching and organizing churches 179 
 
 XIL Correspondence — Missionary Tenth Baptist Church — 
 Independent action — Alertness to duty — Con-espon- 
 dence 208 
 
 XIII. Object lessons — Aid to churches — Matrimony — Death 
 
 of Bessie — Excerpts from "Diary." 223 
 
 XIV. Valley African Baptist Association — Self-effacement — 
 
 Churches organized — Wayside work 230 
 
 XV. Use of Bible — Knew men and God — Preacher and 
 
 evangelist — Excerpts from " Diary. " 240 
 
 XVI. Called to pastorate — Correspondence — New meeting- 
 house — Beneficent gift — Out of debt — Dedication . 254 
 
 XVII. Recalled to pastorate at Christiansburg — Big Springs 
 church — Blacksburg church — Last report to Tenth 
 Baptist Church — Statement of account 269 
 
 XVIII. Work in Sunday-school — Class in theology — Social 
 relations in church — Easter — Thanksgiving — Christ- 
 mas — Singing — Rewards — -Old Folks' Home — Gar- 
 den work — Little children — Children's burials — In- 
 cidents 280 
 
 XIX. A busy life — Severe affliction — Excerpts from " Diary" 
 — Lengthening shadows — Close of third volume of 
 "Diary" — Indisposed — Excerpts from "Diary" — 
 Goes to Philadelphia for treatment — Surgical operation 
 — Beautiful resignation — Another surgical operation 
 — Death — Burial 294 
 
 Appendix 315 
 
THE 
 STORY OF A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 When Dr. Lyman Beecher once was asked 
 what was the greatest thing in the ministry, he 
 replied, " Not theology, or philosophy, or con- 
 troversy, it is saving souls." Charles S. Schaef- 
 fer, whose memoir is contained in these pages, 
 was not without distinction as a patriot and 
 Christian, yet his highest excellence was shown in 
 his passion for saving souls. He was born No- 
 vember 1 6, 1830, in Germantown, Philadelphia, 
 Pa., an important suburb of that city. The family 
 traces its ancestry on the father's side to an immi- 
 grant from Holland, and on the mother's side it 
 is of German descent. 
 
 Charles' father, John Schaeffer, was born De- 
 cember 2, 1 79 1, and his mother, Sarah Stoever 
 Schaeffer, February 8, 1791. They were joined 
 in marriage December 12, 181 2, and their union 
 was blessed with six sons and the same number 
 of daughters, Charles being the eighth child. 
 
 John Schaeffer was a man of considerable in- 
 telligence, in good circumstances, highly respected 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 in the community, and himself and wife members 
 of the First Presbyterian Church, Germantown. 
 He was interested in all the activities of that 
 church, and a faithful and successful Sunday- 
 school teacher. His family, trained alike by pre- 
 cept and example, was regular in attendance on 
 the ministration of the Lord's house and the ser- 
 vices of the Sunday-school. 
 
 It was the custom of these pious parents to ac- 
 company their large family to church, and as they 
 passed up the aisle and took their seats in the old- 
 fashioned high-backed pew it was an incident 
 quite inspiring to behold, which, sad to say, in 
 these late years is seldom witnessed. The habit 
 of church-going thus established was found in 
 after life by Charles to be a source of strength, 
 when amid the temptations of a great city the 
 young man sought and found a congenial church 
 home. 
 
 The home atmosphere, though truly pious, was 
 sunny and sweet. Family worship was strictly 
 observed, and the children were brought up in 
 " the nurture and admonition of the Lord." No 
 constraint was put upon conscience in matters of 
 religious opinion, and the effect of this was seen 
 in maturer years, when the children united with 
 the denominations of their choice, representatives 
 of the family joining the Methodist Episcopal. 
 Episcopal, Presbyterian, and, Charles, the Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 6 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Referring to these childish days Charles writes : 
 
 " During my infant days I was taught to lisp 
 the name of Heavenly Father, to pray to Him on 
 retiring for the night and on rising in the morn- 
 ing. I was also at a very early age led to the 
 Sabbath-school, where lasting impressions were 
 made upon my youthful mind. I took particular 
 pleasure in being present, and often felt the force 
 of truth presented by faithful teachers. To the 
 week-day infant-school I was sent at a very early 
 age, where, in connection with mental culture, re- 
 ligious instruction was given." 
 
 Charles was a thoughtful, affectionate, tender- 
 hearted, conscientious child, somewhat reticent, 
 and possessed of a certain tenacity of purpose, 
 prophetic of that resolution which determined 
 him, with true Pauline spirit, among the people to 
 whom he gave his life, " not to know anything 
 among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." 
 
 There characterized him a certain gentleness 
 and winsomeness that made him a general favorite ; 
 yet he was brimful of mischief and boyish faults, 
 and often disobedient, so much so that in the 
 " Diary" he deplores the folly and sinfulness of his 
 early life. 
 
 It is the fortunate experience of some persons, 
 either because of hereditary tendencies or favor- 
 able surroundings in the formative period of life, 
 to enter upon the activities of youth and early 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 manhood with a trend towards truth and right- 
 eousness. This was true of our subject. If for a 
 moment he stepped aside into the gayeties of the 
 world, and engaged in the dance or the amusement 
 of the theatre, or in the coarser indulgences of 
 worldly companionship, it was not without pain- 
 ful scruples of conscience, whose strenuous guid- 
 ing hand soon turned him into the right way. 
 Concerning this period he records in his "Diary :" 
 
 " But notwithstanding all the outward good, 
 and surrounded in the providence of God by every 
 restraint, yet within was an evil heart which con- 
 tinually led me into sin, and, indeed, into open 
 transgression. 
 
 " I remember particularly the sin of Sabbath- 
 breaking; first associating with wicked compan- 
 ions, then absence from the Sabbath-school, and, 
 finally, riding out on the Sabbath, and in an un- 
 guarded moment partaking with those in my com- 
 pany of the intoxicating bowl. But I bless God 
 that in this last act He brought such conviction 
 of guilt to my soul that I was obliged to relinquish 
 ever again riding out with associates for pleasure 
 on the Sabbath. 
 
 " I also connected myself with a dancing-school, 
 and went several times into the pleasures of the 
 ball-room ; but in all I had a reproving conscience, 
 and felt that I was doing wrong. What particu- 
 larly affected my mind on these occasions was my 
 consciousness of the fact that my mother with 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 aching heart was praying that her son might not 
 
 be led into temptation Games at cards, 
 
 checkers, dominoes, etc., were peculiarly attractive 
 to me, although I may say not to the neglect of 
 my lessons, but had an exceedingly bad tendency, 
 bringing me into evil companionship." 
 
 An interesting incident apropos in this connec- 
 tion survives in the family. The barn back of the 
 tree-embowered old homestead was the scene of 
 many a joyous romp and childish escapade. On 
 one occasion, as his sister tells the story, Charles, 
 with a group of merry companions, had hidden 
 away in an inner recess of this building, where 
 they felt secure from unwelcome intrusion, to en- 
 gage in a game of cards, an amusement positively 
 prohibited. The game was progressing to their 
 satisfaction, when Charles, having turned up a 
 card that suited his purpose, in great glee ex- 
 claimed, " Boys, clubs are trumps !" Just then, 
 from the depths below, — they were in the hay- 
 mow, — there smote upon their startled ears an 
 awful voice — " Clubs are trumps ? I'll club you" 
 — that brought consternation into the hearts of 
 the little company, and broke up that source of 
 amusement in that place for all time. 
 
 It was the voice of the dear old father, who, 
 coming suddenly into the barn, had surprised the 
 culprits, and had been surprised himself by sounds 
 to which his ears were quite unused. 
 
 In the accepted meaning of the term Mr. 
 9 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Schaeffer was not an educated man. It had not 
 been his privilege to enjoy the advantages of a 
 liberal training. Having in view a business ca- 
 reer, it was thought sufficient, alike by his parents 
 and himself, that he should receive a good English 
 education. He was accordingly early sent to the 
 public schools, where he passed through the sev- 
 eral grades with credit, pursuing his studies with 
 the thoroughness which characterized him in all 
 that he undertook. Among his papers after his 
 death was found a certificate from the principal of 
 the grammar-school which he last attended com- 
 mending him for faithfulness in study and excel- 
 lent scholarship. He subsequently took a busi- 
 ness course in Crittenden's Commercial College, 
 where he graduated with distinction and received 
 a diploma. 
 
 It was not, however, until after his conversion 
 that he awoke to a realization of the importance of 
 a thorough mental training; and, as not infre- 
 quently happens when mind and heart are touched 
 by the Holy Spirit, a new impulse was given 
 thereby to all his faculties. He became painfully 
 conscious of his lack of intellectual culture, and 
 sought by private study and careful reading to 
 remedy the defects of his early education and 
 qualify himself for larger usefulness. He gave 
 much attention at this time to the study of lan- 
 guages, and, possessing a superior voice, he also 
 became proficient in vocal music. Mr. Schaeffer 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 was in an eminent degree what so many successful 
 men have been — a self-made man. He was as 
 truly educated, in the real sense of the term, by the 
 use of circumstances, by experience and observa- 
 tion, by the study of books and of men, as if he 
 had taken a college course. 
 
 It is evident that the training he received was 
 the best possible for the successful performance 
 of the work to which in the providence of God he 
 was afterwards called. It was not the astute 
 scholar and skilful exegete who could best mould 
 the masses of rude and uncultured people to whom 
 his services were so freely given. Thrown by 
 the fortune of war and the Emancipation Procla- 
 mation upon the sympathies and benefactions of 
 the country, these freed people required special 
 treatment, educational and otherwise. Poor, de- 
 pendent, improvident, ignorant, the degraded vic- 
 tims of a gigantic national crime, they could not 
 be reached and helped by ordinary methods. To 
 lift them up one must stoop to their low level. 
 For its successful accomplishment this work 
 claimed the man of practical ideas and broad sym- 
 pathies, one in touch with the needs and woes of 
 men, and not only imbued with the missionary 
 spirit, but possessing the missionary education as 
 well. It required also the capable and experienced 
 administrator, one who could plan and execute, — 
 in a word, a specialist. Under God, all this Mr. 
 Schaeffer was. If so fortunate as to be able to 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 bring him before the reader as he really was, we 
 shall see that his religious experiences, his train- 
 ing in church and mission work in his native city, 
 and his contact with men and life in the army 
 qualified him in an eminent degree not only for 
 " labors more abundant," but also for the extraor- 
 dinary success which crowned his ministry among 
 the colored people of Southwestern Virginia. 
 
 Moreover, it seems probable that Mr. Schaef- 
 fer's deep interest in educational work among the 
 freedmen had its inception and found its stimulus 
 in his personal experiences of the disadvantages 
 resulting from a lack of early study, and the dif- 
 ficulty of acquiring knowledge after the active 
 work of life had begun. 
 
 At the age of seventeen, having a desire to 
 enter upon a business career, he relinquished his 
 studies and entered the employment of Mr. Lehr. 
 a dry-goods merchant, whom he faithfully served 
 for nine years. At the expiration of this period 
 his employer, desiring to retire from active busi- 
 ness, arranged with his clerk to succeed him. 
 Concerning this important step the following 
 record is found : 
 
 June J, 18^6. — " Making arrangements for en- 
 tering business as successor to my employer. 
 .... Have made it a subject of prayer, and 
 committed it all into the hands of my precious 
 Lord. I feel, if it be His will, He will prosper me 
 in the undertaking; if for my good, He will 
 
 12 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 check my prosperity. If I acknowledge Him in 
 all my ways, He will direct my steps. Lord, give 
 me grace and strength to do my part in the con- 
 tract." 
 
 He had been consumed for years by an earnest 
 longing to preach the gospel. And that he felt the 
 grave responsibility of the new undertaking is 
 clearly shown by the following record : 
 
 July I, 1856. — " A new era in my history, not 
 opening as I could humbly desire were I qualified 
 to become a minister of the gospel ; but as it ap- 
 pears the will of the Lord, after years of earnest, 
 unremitting prayer I commend all my in- 
 terests into His hands. Whatever may be my fu- 
 ture, prosperity or adversity, or changes of any 
 kind, Thy will, O Lord, may it be wrought in me 
 and through me, to the praise of Thy holy name." 
 
 As one reads between the lines, it is seen that it 
 was not without serious misgivings that he sub- 
 mitted to what seemed to be the will of God; yet 
 he engaged in this enterprise with a determina- 
 tion to succeed, and was controlled by a profound 
 sense of the obligations he assumed as a business 
 man. Again his " Diary" records : 
 
 July 4, 18^6. — " Feel the responsibility that 
 rests upon me to prove faithful to my trust. First 
 to my Lord and Master, and then to those who 
 have committed their property to my care. I 
 
 13 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 realize my position is only that of a steward, and 
 as far as the Lord enables me, I am to act faith- 
 fully in this capacity." 
 
 The new business began prosperously, the first 
 year's profits paying for " the amount of stock on 
 hand at the commencement of the venture." This 
 period of progress was followed by the " financial 
 panic of 1857," during which credit was almost 
 destroyed, great mercantile houses and banking 
 institutions failed, specie payments were sus- 
 pended, and business generally became paralyzed. 
 The new concern did not escape the eft'ects of this 
 overwhelming depression. The sales fell off in 
 a large amount, and a considerable deficit was 
 discovered in " stock takings," which could only 
 be explained on the ground that goods had been 
 surreptitiously removed. The volume of sales in- 
 creased somewhat as time went on; but a year 
 later a larger deficit was found in the stock ac- 
 count, and although every effort was made to find 
 the " leak," it was without avail. 
 
 In May, 1859, in the hope of improving the 
 business, a removal was made to a new location, 
 but in the following April the " Diary" records : 
 
 " Have found for a certainty that for a long 
 time influences have been working against my 
 business. At the old stand, although I knew of 
 goods having been stolen from the door by ' shop- 
 lifters' and from the counters, yet I did not know 
 
 14 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the extent to which it had been carried on, not- 
 withstanding every precaution was taken against 
 it. Also, behind the counters, one or more in 
 whom I had placed the greatest confidence proved 
 recreant to their trust. I almost despair of success 
 under the circumstances, notwithstanding my new 
 and successful opening with a new force of 
 hands." 
 
 The difficulties increasing in the course of the 
 ensuing twelve months, and finding it impossible 
 to make headway in the maze of embarrassment 
 which involved him, Mr. Schaeffer determined to 
 close up the business. 
 
 Under date of February 7, i860, he writes: 
 
 " The waves of trouble are passing over me. 
 My feet sink in deep waters Find tem- 
 porary relief in the closet of prayer O 
 
 God! my God! forsake me not, yet Thy will be 
 
 done Lord, be near Thy servant; above 
 
 all, take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." 
 
 During these days of trial he was taken seri- 
 ously ill, concerning which he writes : " Felt very 
 near the eternal world. The Lord's arms of love 
 beneath me." 
 
 As soon as he became convalescent a meeting 
 of creditors was called at his bedside at which he 
 was urged to continue the business, but, being un- 
 willing to assume further risk in the use of bor- 
 rowed capital, he positively declined to do so. In 
 
 IS 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 a few days, at the request of his creditors, an 
 assignment was made to his father. As soon as 
 possible thereafter the business was discontinued 
 and distribution made of the proceeds. Concern- 
 ing this trying episode in Mr. Schaeffer's experi- 
 ence he says : " All that I received during the en- 
 tire years of my business has been my regular 
 weekly wages, such as I could have commanded in 
 any retail house in the city." And with regard to 
 paying his creditors the balance due them he 
 writes : " With the Lord's help my heart and 
 hand will cheerfully be given to the task." 
 
 This pledge to himself he subsequently faith- 
 fully kept. 
 
 it 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 The most extraordinary phenomenon, perhaps, 
 in human experience is the change wrought in 
 man by the Holy Spirit — that revokition in con- 
 sciousness and Hfe which we denominate inter- 
 changeably conversion and regeneration. It was 
 a marvel to the " Master in Israel" ages ago, and 
 it is no less a marvel to-day. He found it difficult 
 to accept it as truth, even on the authority of our 
 Lord Himself. But it has since come to countless 
 multitudes not only authenticated by Jesus Christ, 
 but as a fact scientifically, that is to say, experi- 
 mentally, demonstrable. Men know that they have 
 " passed from death unto life" and " been born 
 from above" because of certain radical and clearly 
 defined spiritual experiences and exercises, which 
 have their legitimate consequences in a thorough 
 change of heart and life. But the Holy Spirit's 
 method of operation is as difficult of explanation 
 now as then. Nicodemus did not understand it. 
 Jesus did not attempt to make it plain. His suffi- 
 cient word to him and to us, who even do not 
 understand " earthly things," is, " The wind 
 bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the 
 sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh 
 nor whither it goeth : so is every one that is born 
 of the Spirit." Since, then, in the lower realm of 
 2 17 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 nature we do not know the law of the wind, is it 
 to be expected that in the realm of the spiritual — 
 that higher realm of nature, the supernatural — 
 we should be able to understand the law of the 
 Spirit? He insists that we shall, alike in the 
 natural and in the spiritual, reason from the effect 
 to the cause. 
 
 Sometimes, like the wind, the Holy Spirit, in 
 His regenerating office as a gentle zephyr, woos 
 the heart, and sometimes, as the blast of a tor- 
 nado, shakes the soul to its very centre; but in 
 each case it is a different operation of the same 
 Spirit, and the effect upon life and character is 
 the same. 
 
 It was the latter experience which marked this 
 epoch in Mr. Schaeffer's life, and the conse- 
 quences, as seen in his immediate and subsequent 
 career, were as pronounced as is the change from 
 darkness to light. At a very tender age the Holy 
 Spirit began His benignant work of grace in the 
 heart and conscience of this impressible child. He 
 speaks of having been deeply moved when seven 
 years old by the death of two younger brothers. 
 But the struggle which ended in his conversion he 
 describes as follows : 
 
 " At the close of the last quarter of a dancing- 
 school to which I was attached it was proposed 
 that it terminate with a ball. Accordingly, ar- 
 rangements were made and managers appointed. 
 
 i8 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 About this time a revival of religion was in prog- 
 ress in the Methodist Church, and as it advanced 
 the interest increased among the unconverted. In 
 the providence of God, one of our managers was 
 led to attend the meetings. His soul became con- 
 cerned on the subject of religion, and through the 
 grace of God he was made the recipient of its 
 saving influence. About the time the ball came off 
 he gave in his testimony for Christ and united 
 with His people. This incident became a source 
 of much uneasiness to my mind, and although I 
 engaged in that night of revelry, yet it was with 
 a stinging conscience, particularly on its close, and 
 resulted in its being the last time of my entering 
 a place of that kind 
 
 " During another revival in the same church 
 I felt deeply the Spirit's operations, but thought 
 that I could serve the Lord in secret, and thus at- 
 tempted to satisfy my mind. The hay-mow be- 
 came my place of prayer, and often with many 
 tears did I entreat God to have mercy upon me; 
 but having a divided heart, my prayers were not 
 answered. This too became my place of resort 
 when I had been committing sin or felt in peculiar 
 danger, previous to a thunder-shower or some 
 phenomenon in nature which aroused my fears 
 and made me feel something of the ' powers of the 
 world to come.' 
 
 " Thus I continued sporting on the brink of ruin 
 until God by His Spirit opened my eyes to my 
 
 19 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 danger, and forced such conviction of sin upon my 
 mind that I was led to hate the pleasures in which 
 I once delighted. The house of God now hecame 
 the choice of my heart and constant place of resort, 
 but in the midst of the greatest trouble of mind. 
 Having but a vague conception of the plan of sal- 
 vation, and being without a spiritual adviser, and 
 unwilling to communicate my feelings to any one, 
 I continued long in this condition, seeking rest and 
 finding none. 
 
 " I now began to attend the meetings of the 
 Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa., often 
 accompanied for encouragement by my friend 
 E , to whom by degrees I unfolded my feelings. 
 
 " Several times I was on the eve of speaking to 
 the pastor in regard to my soul's troubles, but 
 failed to approach the subject. This state of mind 
 continued several months, when one Sabbath af- 
 ternoon I providentially heard a sermon from the 
 words, ' Who then is willing to consecrate his ser- 
 vices this day unto the Lord?' and although the 
 sermon was particularly addressed to the people in 
 behalf of a worthy benevolent object for which the 
 minister pleaded, yet at that time and in that place 
 the truth was forced upon my mind that if I would 
 find peace of soul, I must be willing to make a full 
 and entire surrender of myself to the Lord. In 
 that hour began the final conflict. Every prop on 
 which I had leaned, one by one, gave way. The 
 good resolutions I had formed, and my own efforts 
 
 20 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 to consecrate myself to the service of Christ, both 
 failed me, and I stood on the verge of despair. 
 Some few weeks after hearing this sermon I re- 
 tired rather earlier than had been my custom to my 
 room and rest for the night. I felt on that occa- 
 sion that the last struggle had come, that either 
 hell must receive me as its victim, or an almighty 
 hand be outstretched for my salvation. With 
 these feelings I prayed, and, surely, as I had never 
 prayed before. My life, my eternal interests, ap- 
 peared all to depend upon the result of that hour 
 of holy besieging of the throne of grace. I cast 
 myself upon my bed in a state of hopeless despair. 
 Thus I fell asleep, and became unconscious of the 
 awful agony of soul which I had endured in my 
 waking hours." 
 
 " About midnight I awoke. A consciousness 
 of all that had transpired came vividly to my re- 
 membrance; my entire past life seemed to rise 
 before me; death, judgment, and eternity were in 
 view. The stillness of the hour also added to its 
 solemnity, and as I lay almost motionless, — 
 
 " ' I saw one hanging on a tree 
 In agony and blood ; 
 He fixed His languid eyes on me, 
 As near His cross I stood. 
 
 " ' O, never till my latest breath 
 Shall I forget that look ; 
 It seemed to charge me with His death, 
 Though not a word He spoke. 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " ' My conscience felt and owned the guilt, 
 It plunged me in despair ; 
 I saw my sins His blood had spilt 
 And helped to nail Him there. 
 
 " ' A second look He gave which said, 
 I freely all forgive ; 
 This blood is for thy ransom paid ; 
 I die that thou may'st live.' 
 
 " I felt it all ; the eyes of my understanding 
 were enlightened; the burden which had pressed 
 upon me was cut loose ; my soul was at liberty : I 
 had ' songs in the night.' Thus I fell into a gen- 
 tle, peaceful sleep, from which I awoke on the 
 morrow as upon an entirely new state of existence. 
 From that memorable night a sweet calm took pos- 
 session of my soul, and the precious volume of 
 inspiration, which previously had appeared with- 
 out consolation, now become as honey to my 
 taste." 
 
 The new-born child of God, according to a law 
 of spiritual affinity, must needs seek the fellowship 
 of his brethren and make public confession of alle- 
 giance to Jesus Christ. These became objects of 
 chief concern to Mr. Schaeffer. After " careful 
 investigation" he reached the conclusion that " im- 
 mersion" is the only scriptural baptism. Wander- 
 ing from place to place in search of a church home, 
 he was invited by a friend to attend a service of the 
 Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia. Concerning 
 this to him providential event he records : 
 
 22 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " I consented, and shortly found myself enter- 
 ing those sacred walls. The service was held ill 
 the lecture-room, and the place being crowded, one 
 of the deacons stood near the door in order to seat 
 those coming in. As I advanced his hand was 
 extended and a welcome given to the stranger. It 
 went like magic to my heart. I felt the kindness, 
 and immediately decided that I had found my 
 home. The service throughout charmed me, the 
 singing, the experiences of six candidates for bap- 
 tism, the petitions for God's blessing upon all pres- 
 ent, and, very particularly, the seasonable remarks 
 of the pastor, brought me to the conclusion that 
 this people should be my people, as I felt in my 
 very soul that their God was my God." 
 
 The subject of union with the church being set- 
 tled, he sought his first interview with the pastor, 
 Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, D.D., that eminent man 
 of God, acquaintance with whom had subsequently 
 so marked an influence in developing his Christian 
 character and stimulating his spiritual life. He 
 thus writes under date of April 26, 1850: 
 
 "With Joshua, let others do as they may; 
 as for me, I will serve the Lord. At noon, after 
 a season of earnest prayer, in which my soul was 
 much comforted, my steps were directed in my 
 first visit to my pastor. I felt to be under the 
 influence of th^ divine Spirit, inasmuch as my 
 mind was entirely absorbed with eternal things 
 
 23 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and unconscious of what was transpiring in the 
 natural world. On reaching his residence, I was 
 received by him very kindly, unfolded my heart's 
 experiences and exercises, and informed him of 
 my determination to serve the Lord. He expressed 
 his joy that I had come to such a decision, and 
 after words of counsel arranged for me to relate 
 
 my experience before the church I left 
 
 him with a lightened heart." 
 
 As illustrating the beautiful spirit of loving con- 
 fidence existing between father and son and in the 
 home circle, note the following : 
 
 April 20, 1850. — " This morning, on leaving 
 for the city, I made known to the home circle my 
 peculiar relations to Christ and my determination 
 to serve Him. At my request, father attempted to 
 read the first psalm, but his emotions choked his 
 utterance. He then presented me to the throne of 
 grace for God's blessing to rest upon me. There 
 not only was liberty given him, but my own soul 
 received strength, being filled with joy and peace 
 in believing." 
 
 On May 3, 1850, he made a public confession of 
 Christ, " with much trembling, yet distinct and 
 clear, so that all present (the place being very 
 much crowded) might hear from my own lips 
 what great things the Lord had done for me." 
 
 24 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 On May 5, 1850, he was baptized into the fel- 
 lowship of the Tenth Baptist Church, and thus 
 makes note of the event : 
 
 " A memorable day — the day of my espousals 
 
 to the Church of Christ My soul sweetly 
 
 strengthened and comforted at the mercy-seat. 
 .... Here my pen fails to describe the heaven- 
 created experiences of my soul. ' My cup ran 
 over.' I had joy in the Holy Ghost. Again in 
 the afternoon, at the table of my Lord, with what 
 solemnity of mind I viewed the dying Jesus — His 
 broken body and shed blood." 
 
 Very soon the young Christian's life begins to 
 assume form and color and to crystallize into char- 
 acter. Moreover, its general trend will in the 
 main be determined by its early surroundings. 
 As its environment is healthful or hurtful, stimu- 
 lating or depressing, so will it be fruitful or bar- 
 ren, Christlike or worldly. 
 
 The church into whose fellowship Mr. Schaef- 
 fer was thus happily baptized was a centre of in- 
 tense religious activity. Its membership was 
 large, devoted, and well-organized. Under the 
 benignant administration of its saintly pastor, it 
 either took the initiative or was in the forefront 
 of almost every denominational movement at 
 home and abroad. In perpetual revival, its prayer 
 and preaching services were crowded, impressive, 
 and spiritual. Its large and noble band of conse- 
 
 25 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 crated young men and women was alert for any 
 call for service or duty. The pastor's mere sug- 
 gestion usually carried with it the force of a com- 
 mand, and his loving smile of approval was a suf- 
 ficient reward for work faithfully done. Young 
 and old alike profited by his wise counsels and 
 fatherly regard. Few could resist the contagion 
 of influences so charged with spiritual power. 
 
 Forth from this church, and from under this 
 training, ministers and laymen in large numbers 
 have gone into all parts of this land, and into for- 
 eign lands, to live and work for Jesus Christ. 
 Catching its impulse, young Mr. Schaeffer was 
 gradually but resistlessly swept forward as upon 
 a tide of ever-advancing and widening Christian 
 service. 
 
 About this time he began inditing a record of 
 his life. " My object," he says, " in keeping a 
 diary is simply for self-profiting, by which upon 
 the close of each day I may be brought into solemn 
 consideration of the past; also, as an aid to devo- 
 tion and a record of events." 
 
 In nothing more than in the writing of this 
 record is his earnestness of purpose and stability 
 of character shown. For almost uninterruptedly, 
 during a period of forty-nine years, in sickness 
 and in health, in camp and field, amid exhausting 
 travel and the fatigue of a life crowded with work, 
 in the poor cabin of the liberated slave and in the 
 quiet retirement of his own home, the daily record 
 
 26 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ceased not to be regarded as a solemn duty and 
 was almost invariably made. If circumstances ab- 
 solutely forbade, a memorandum was jotted down 
 and afterwards transferred to a larger volume. 
 Several such volumes have thus accumulated, and 
 are esteemed a precious legacy. Their pages tell 
 a remarkable story of a consecrated life, and some- 
 times furnish glimpses of experiences almost too 
 sacred to reveal. 
 
 Three days after his baptism he attended what 
 was known in the Tenth Baptist Church as the 
 " Youths' Prayer-Meeting," in which the young 
 members and their friends met once a w^eek for 
 prayer and conference. They were led by one of 
 their own number, were participated in almost 
 exclusively by the young people, and were con- 
 ducted very much on the plan of the Young Peo- 
 ple's Society of Christian Endeavor of the present 
 day. They were greatly blessed in training up an 
 efficient band of Christian workers. He thus 
 notes his first meeting with them : 
 
 May i8, 1850. — " Attended for the first time 
 the ' Youths' Prayer-Meeting,' and found it good 
 to be there. The brethren encouraged me by their 
 kind attentions, and urged me to take up my cross 
 and become an active Christian. Said they would 
 expect to hear from me on the next occasion of 
 the meeting. I felt some misgivings, but resolved, 
 in the fear of God, never to stay away from a 
 
 27 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 meeting for fear of being called upon to engage in 
 its exercises, and when called upon never to refuse 
 — the which the Lord help me to keep." 
 
 May 2^, 18^0 — a week later : " Was present 
 again at the ' Youths' Prayer-Meeting.' With 
 much trembling presented my first supplication 
 in the presence of a public assembly. Felt the 
 precious promises of the Lord to sustain me 
 in attempting to do my duty. Returned to my 
 home blessing and praising the name of the 
 Lord." 
 
 May 2g, 1850. — "Attended the * Youths' 
 Prayer-Meeting.' For the first time endeavored 
 to speak to the honor of my Master. Felt that I 
 must gird on my armor and stand out for the 
 truth, but found that I was very weak, yet was 
 supported by a stronger than L" 
 
 June 2, 18^0. — " One month in the Church of 
 Christ. Happy days ! happy hours ! Entered this 
 morning upon the duties of a Sunday-school 
 teacher at the Mission School, Commissioners' 
 Hall, Spring Garden. Took charge of a class of 
 boys, and felt interested in the work. In the after- 
 noon was again present at the Sunday-school, 
 which was conducted as a prayer-meeting." 
 
 Mr. Schaeffer gave himself most heartily to this 
 service. He had a " fixed time for devotional ex- 
 ercises and the study of the Bible lessons." He 
 was deeply solicitous for the conversion of his 
 
 28 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 scholars, studied their personal traits of character, 
 and by his earnestness and tact won their respect 
 and confidence. He visited them frequently at 
 their homes, prayed with and for them, and suc- 
 ceeded in leading not a few of them to trust in the 
 Lord Jesus. A number of them attributed their 
 conversion to his faithful labors years after they 
 had passed from under his care. 
 
 Concerning his introduction to church life and 
 work, a life-long friend writes in substance as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 " Urged by his pastor and members of the 
 church to identify himself with its various work- 
 ing departments and to exercise his gifts as op- 
 portunity offered, being of a quiet and modest dis- 
 position it was to him a severe trial to stand before 
 an assembly and publicly engage in the services. 
 He felt very inefficient, and naturally shrank 
 from it. But he spent much time in communion 
 with God, and the Lord imparted wisdom and 
 knowledge; grace was given to him, so that in a 
 very brief time he became one of the foremost 
 workers in the church, and was wonderfully 
 blessed in all his endeavors. His first effort was 
 with a class of boys in the Sunday-school. They 
 were attracted to him by his personal qualities and 
 method of teaching. He soon gathered a large 
 class about him, and succeeded in leading some of 
 them to the Saviour." 
 
 29 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 About this time he became interested in the 
 study of vocal music. He possessed a tenor voice 
 of rare sweetness and power. Recognizing it as 
 a gift, for the proper use of which he was respon- 
 sible, he assiduously cultivated it, cheerfully de- 
 voting it to the Lord's service. With " a soul as 
 full of melody as his taste was accurate," he was 
 governed by a fine sense of the " eternal fitness of 
 things," and as a leader of song always caught the 
 spirit of the social meetings, selecting, by a sort 
 of intuition, hymns whose sentiment and tune 
 were in thorough accord with it. 
 
 Fresh from the closet of prayer, his face beam- 
 ing with spiritual light, the sweet strains of his 
 voice touched many hearts, and seemed almost ir- 
 resistible. None who participated in those spirit- 
 ual feasts will be likely to experience anything 
 more satisfying this side the celestial world. This 
 consecrated talent was afterwards greatly blessed 
 in the army and among the freedmen. 
 
 30 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Our young Christian is making daily advances 
 in the divine Hfe, and feels an impulse to wider 
 usefulness. Six months after union with the 
 church he writes : 
 
 October ip, 1850. — " ' Whatever thy hand 
 findeth to do, do it with thy might.' Took charge 
 of the superintendency of a tract district, under 
 the Philadelphia Tract Society, in the District of 
 Spring Garden." 
 
 This involved not only the personal distribution 
 of tracts, but the charge of a company of workers 
 who looked to him for supplies and general direc- 
 tions in conducting the work. This he did faith- 
 fully for several years. 
 
 October 2^, 1850. — " Distributed for the first 
 time my bundle of tracts. The more I am engaged 
 in the service of the Master, and the closer I live 
 to Him in all my engagements, the greater my 
 pleasure in religion, and the more I feel to grow 
 in grace." 
 
 With his conversion began a life of almost un- 
 interrupted communion with God. To him private 
 prayer was a source of spiritual strength and an 
 inspiration for every duty. He held no fine-spun 
 
 31 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 theories concerning the " philosophy of prayer," 
 but with the simpHcity and trust of a little child he 
 made known his requests unto the Lord, believing 
 that if he called upon God, He would assuredly hear 
 him. Moreover, his relation to his divine Saviour 
 was so vital and personal that prayer became to 
 him a sort of atmosphere in which he lived and 
 breathed — " his native air." And so he sought 
 God, morning, noon, and night, and sometimes for 
 hours together would wait before Him. It is not 
 strange, then, that he seemed to dwell a little 
 nearer the skies than most men ; and, being " risen 
 with Christ," sought " those things which are 
 above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of 
 God." Neither need we be surprised that he re- 
 cords instances, too numerous to quote, of light 
 given in darkness, of strength supplied in weak- 
 ness, of direct answers to specific petitions, of a 
 nearness of approach to God so sacred, that he 
 could not but feel that he knelt on holy ground, 
 and at times a fulness of blessing so overwhelm- 
 ing that the human vessel could hardly contain it. 
 Nor was it only in the enthusiasm of youth and in 
 the first flush of Christian love that his soul thus 
 found companionship with God. 
 
 Space will not admit of large quotations from his 
 diary, but the following touching this point show 
 the steady trend of a life in closest fellowship with 
 the Lord, that through the years of a long religious 
 experience never varied in all its walk : 
 
 33 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Friday, September /j_, 1850. — " Enjoyed a sea- 
 son of refreshing in closest devotions. Although 
 always precious, yet exceedingly so to-day. Felt 
 to exclaim, Can it be possible that God could come 
 so near to one of the most unworthy of His chil- 
 dren? Oh, the height, the depth, the length, the 
 breadth of the love of God !" 
 
 Friday, November i, 1850. — " Was present at 
 the evening meeting. My soul filled with holy 
 pleasure. Some anxious inquirers among us. On 
 my return home felt burdened for my associates 
 and friends — those having no interest in the 
 Saviour. Presented them in the arms of faith 
 before my Father's throne, and for Christ's sake 
 sought mercy for them. Also, that my own soul 
 might be stirred to holy diligence and active ef- 
 forts in the service of my blessed Lord." 
 
 Sunday, November j, 1850. — " .... Ex- 
 pected to dine with some friends, but on the close 
 of the meeting received a note from a dear friend 
 stating that she was in trouble on account of her 
 condition in the sight of God, and requesting a 
 remembrance in prayer. I immediately returned 
 to my home and closet of prayer, and with a full 
 heart made known my request at the mercy-seat. 
 When I arose from my knees it was past school 
 time, to which I immediately hastened, and more 
 than ever, I believe, felt to labor for the eternal 
 good of those under my charge." 
 
 Friday, November 8, 18^0. — " Another dear 
 3 2i 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 friend under exercise of mind. Made the two the 
 objects of special prayer this evening. Spent the 
 evening reading the life of Harriet Newell, fol- 
 lowed by intercourse at the mercy-seat." 
 
 Saturday, November i6, 18^0. — " My twen- 
 tieth birthday anniversary. What wonderful kind- 
 ness the Lord has manifested towards His un- 
 worthy servant in sparing life and giving length of 
 days, and especially is His grace manifested when I 
 remember how long I continued His enemy. Oh, 
 what wonderful condescension, forbearance, and 
 love!" 
 
 Thursday, November 21, 1850. — " Singing- 
 class this evening. Always find it to my profit to 
 enter the closet of prayer before going forth upon 
 any engagement." 
 
 Friday, November 22, 18^0. — " My friend 
 E gave in his name as a candidate for bap- 
 tism. Oh, * My cup runneth over.' Also, my 
 friend for whom my earnest petitions had ascended 
 to the throne of grace has obtained hope in the 
 Saviour." 
 
 Sunday, December i, 1850. — " A most precious 
 day to my soul. Seven months since I openly put 
 on Christ by following Him in baptism, in obedi- 
 ence to His requirement. To-day my two friends 
 
 are also found in the path of duty Arose 
 
 early. Had sweet communion with my Lord and 
 Saviour; felt strengthened and prepared for the 
 duties of the day." 
 
 34 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Sunday, February 16, 1851. — Spent the clos- 
 ing- portion of the day in my closet in fasting and 
 prayer. Enjoyed one of the richest blessings my 
 soul ever experienced. Oh, how sweet with Christ 
 within the door! A sweet preparation for the 
 evening prayer-meeting; felt an outgushing of 
 heart at the mercy-seat as I led the brethren in 
 prayer." 
 
 Sunday, March p, 1851. — " Late in the even- 
 ing. Have just returned from the chamber of a 
 dying woman, one that I have been visiting for 
 
 some weeks past, in company with E . Fear 
 
 that she has been deceiving herself with the vain 
 hope of recovery, without a proper anxiety for a 
 sure trust in the atoning blood of Jesus. And now 
 that she is in the embrace of death, her poor soul is 
 in torture and her agony of mind most distressing. 
 Oh, those shrieks ! methinks I still distinctly hear 
 them; surely they will not soon be forgotten. 
 Prayed with her till midnight, when, commending 
 her to the compassionate and loving Jesus, we left 
 for our home." 
 
 Tuesday, March 21, 1854. — " Wonderful 
 friendship and love of the Saviour! Wonderful 
 visions of glory doth He present His servant in 
 astonishment to behold! I cannot cease praising 
 His adorable name." 
 
 Thursday, October 5, 18^4. — " Enjoyed a sa- 
 cred feast in my closet devotions. Oh, the sight! 
 the blissful sight! Pen cannot describe. I sat at 
 
 35 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Jesus' feet, I ate and was satisfied, I drank of His 
 fulness, and thirsted not." 
 
 Thursday, January i8, 1855. — " To enjoy the 
 meetings of prayer and other services in God's 
 house is to retire to the closet, obtain the company 
 of the Saviour, commune with Him by the way, 
 entertain Him while among His people, and cause 
 Him by affectionate entreaties to take up His 
 abode with you on your return. This has besn 
 the secret of my own soul enjoyment ; and not only 
 in these, but in every engagement I have endeav- 
 ored to seek first a blessing upon it, and, on its 
 accomplishment, to return thanksgiving and 
 praise." 
 
 Tuesday, April i^, 1855. — " Awoke this morn- 
 ing with an oppressed soul ; not with guilt and 
 sin, but with the responsibilities of my position as 
 a disciple of Jesus. In my closet devotions, felt 
 to draw near the court of heaven and to have 
 friendly intercourse with the Judge. Made known 
 to Him my humble desires, and received assur- 
 ances that I had in Him a sure and tried friend." 
 
 Friday, April 2y, 1855. — " One by one, each 
 day in the week, of the many who rest on my heart 
 as a burden, do I present individually at the 
 mercy-seat. Oh, for God's converting grace to 
 rest upon them !" 
 
 Thursday, February IQ, 1856. — " Religion my 
 first and chief concern and highest pursuit. May 
 it continue as long as I have existence on earth. 
 
 36 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Have been reading ' Harlan Page.' Crave to be a 
 meek, lowly, and humble follower of the Lord 
 Jesus." 
 
 Saturday, February 14, 183/. — " My closet of 
 prayer a constant resort. Through the day feel 
 that I must go and pray for some precious souls, 
 resting as a burden upon me. Feel surrounded 
 and guarded and overshadowed by the Spirit of 
 God. Oh, how sweet the experience of a soul 
 abiding in the love of Jesus. Oh, for a constant, 
 unceasing indwelling of the Holy Spirit." 
 
 Friday, March ij, iS^/. — " Daily my joy in 
 
 Christ increases My closet a continual 
 
 Bethel; no cessation of intercourse with heaven's 
 throne. Yet, can it be possible? In view of it, I 
 fall low at my Saviour's feet, in love, wonder, and 
 adoration. In the midst of my joy I feel greatly 
 burdened for others." 
 
 Saturday, December ly, 185Q. — " How pre- 
 cious to my soul is Jesus. Daily I have close fel- 
 lowship with Him. He communes with me by the 
 way, and encourages my soul in its progress 
 heavenward. Precious Jesus ! Precious Lord !" 
 
 Thursday, October 24, 1878. — " .... On re- 
 tiring to my rest had experiences before my eyes 
 closed in sleep that I cannot find words to tell; 
 deep, fathomless, unbounded, soul-confiding trust 
 in God, my Saviour, took possession of my. whole 
 being, while a poor, trembling sinner, I lay in the 
 bosom of God's love. The news from Holcombe 
 
 2,7 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Rock, received to-day, of numbers I left there for 
 whom my soul was in great trouble having pro- 
 fessed faith in Christ, the work deepening (at 
 Salem) and all God's wonderful dealings with me, 
 have led to the experiences of the hour. Hence- 
 forth may God use me even more fully in His ser- 
 vice." 
 
 It has already been intimated that Mr. Schaef- 
 fer's church home was truly a training-school for 
 Christian workers. The week evenings were fully 
 occupied by the stated social meetings of the 
 church, by gatherings for prayer at mission sta- 
 tions, or in cottage prayer-meetings, or by the 
 bedside of the sick and dying, or among the poor 
 and neglected. A choice band of devoted workers 
 held themselves in readiness to assume the re- 
 sponsibility of religious work in these several 
 ways, and to enter any door of opportunity which 
 providentially opened. The Lord's Day was a 
 veritable field-day. From early morning till late 
 at night its hours were consecrated to whatever 
 would tend to the glory of God or advance the 
 spiritual welfare of men. Nor were these efforts 
 spasmodic or of short duration, but continued for 
 years and developed a type of Christian character 
 somewhat unusual in these days, when the line of 
 cleavage between the church and the world is not 
 so clearly defined as could be wished. Mr. Schaef- 
 fer was foremost in all these movements, and 
 
 38 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 seemed impelled by an unquenchable zeal and 
 fired by a holy enthusiasm, which became the pas- 
 sion of his life, and knew no cessation this side of 
 the eternal world. A few selections from the 
 " Diary" are appended : 
 
 Sunday, June i, 1851. — " Was present at the 
 early six o'clock prayer-meeting — found it exceed- 
 ingly precious — a sweet commencement for the 
 day. Sabbath-school duties pleasant. Pastor's 
 morning sermon followed by the baptism of four 
 happy converts. In the afternoon communicated 
 at the Lord's table — a season of humiliation and 
 love. At the close distributed my tracts, and re- 
 turned to the evening meetings. Pastor's text, 
 Gal. iii. 24," 
 
 The " early six o'clock meeting" referred to 
 above was not, of course, a stated service of the 
 church, but was quite regularly held on Sunday 
 mornings in one of the parlors of the meeting- 
 house by such brethren and sisters as were spe- 
 cially interested, as a preparation for the duties of 
 the day and for united prayer for the accompani- 
 ment of the Holy Spirit in the various exercises 
 of the sanctuary. It was always regarded by Mr. 
 Schaeffer as of great importance, and it was 
 mainly through his efforts that continued interest 
 in it was sustained. He relieved the sexton from 
 the responsibility of opening the house, in the win- 
 
 39 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ter himself attended to the heating of the room, 
 and was seldom absent. 
 
 Sunday, January ^o, i8^j. — " Had a precious 
 day. Started out early to serve the Lord. Met 
 three of my brethren in a little prayer-meeting, for 
 God's blessing to attend us throughout the day. 
 Instead of occupying our places at morning ser- 
 vice, went forth in missionary labor, distributing 
 tracts, reading the Bible, and talking to the people 
 as we had opportunity, among the poor, destitute, 
 and neglected. Found some unable to attend the 
 house of God for want of clothing; others at 
 work on the Lord's Day to help sustain themselves 
 in their poverty; many young men on the corners 
 of the streets engaged in profaning the Sabbath. 
 To all we tried to do good, and on our return felt 
 that our labor, put forth in faith, had not been in 
 vain in the Lord. 
 
 " In my individual visits entered the house of 
 a poor colored family; read to them from the 
 precious volume; tried to encourage those who 
 were Christians, and to entreat those who were 
 not to become the subjects of the grace of God by 
 .surrendering their hearts to the blessed Jesus. 
 The little season one not soon to be forgotten ; its 
 influence on my heart indelibly stamped. After 
 Sabbath-school in the afternoon attended the meet- 
 ing at our little Bethel in Apple Street. Enjoyed 
 a sweet season of nearness to the Lord. In the 
 
 40 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 evening preaching, followed by a second meeting 
 in the lecture-room, in which inquirers were in- 
 vited forward and directed to a dying, risen Jesus. 
 Returned home much fatigued, but greatly re- 
 freshed in soul." 
 
 Sunday, June ij, 1858. — " A day of precious 
 remembrance; had much soul enjoyment. Com- 
 menced anew early Sabbath morning prayer-meet- 
 ing. Again, at eight o'clock, teachers' meeting for 
 prayer. Had an interesting meeting with my class 
 in the Sabbath-school; the Lord helped me in my 
 endeavors to do them good. My soul humbled, 
 and the fountain of my heart broken up during 
 the sermon. Pastor appeared weighed down — ^bur- 
 dened with the word of the Lord. Could not re- 
 frain from weeping tears of deep contrition for 
 sin and unprofitableness in His service. Returned 
 home and entered into my closet, and there begged 
 the Lord to make me such as He would have me — 
 a whole-hearted, labor-loving, faithful, all-con- 
 quering Christian. Oh, that sermon ! Oh, that 
 hour of prayer ! My soul ! My soul ! At the 
 close of the afternoon session of the Sabbath- 
 school, after usual library duties, started off on 
 our mission of love among the poor, wretched, and 
 afflicted in the lower part of the city. Visited the 
 aged colored sister in the loft. Found it to be the 
 gate of heaven with open communication with the 
 throne. From there visited a very poor, afflicted 
 disciple of Jesus, and endeavored to comfort her 
 
 41 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 in the assurance of a precious Saviour's love. Also 
 visited another white female, one by appearance 
 of the lowest grade of society, and a most pitiable 
 object to look upon. Held a meeting with her, 
 and tried to arouse her to a sense of her true in- 
 terests, realizing that in that sin-deformed creature 
 there was a precious soul which would live 
 throughout the cycles of eternity — either in 
 heaven or hell. Before we left she appeared 
 moved to tenderness. Commended her specially 
 to the Lord, who remembered the case of that 
 wretched woman, with whom He held converse, 
 spoken of in the gospel. From thence visited our 
 aged white sister in Bedford Court, whose face 
 continually reflects the brightness of her Saviour's 
 image. Oh, how calm and submissive she is to 
 the will of her Heavenly Father. God has taken 
 one dear friend from her within a short time, — a 
 faithful disciple who visited her, — but has raised 
 up a number of young pilgrims to visit and cheer 
 her in her lonely home. She is not lonely, how- 
 ever, for the Master abides at her house. Re- 
 turned very much fatigued to the church, in time 
 for the early evening prayer-meeting, where body 
 and soul were both refreshed while waiting upon 
 God. Oh, how sweet the repast which Jesus pro- 
 vides. It is better to deny oneself temporal bless- 
 ings, to feast on the bread of life. The Lord with 
 us during the preaching, and many of His people 
 present to receive the blessing. Pastor's soul en- 
 
 42 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 larged. Oh, what joyful news ! Mercy proffered 
 through a crucified Redeemer. A second meeting 
 followed; quite a number presented themselves 
 for prayer. Returned home strengthened, enjoy- 
 ing the sweet companionship of my precious 
 Lord." 
 
 Judging from the quotations which follow, the 
 unreflecting reader might be inclined to the opin- 
 ion that Mr. Schaeffer — and a few of his com- 
 panions — was tinged with religious fanaticism, 
 that his experiences were not governed by the dic- 
 tates of reason or common-sense, and that he in- 
 dulged himself in what some would call religious 
 dissipation and regard as rather morbid than 
 healthful in its tendency. But enough has been 
 written to render it quite clear that he was not 
 only thoroughly conscientious, but also thoroughly 
 practical in what he undertook for the Lord ; that 
 he lived upon a higher level than the average re- 
 ligious professor; and that, in a word, he was 
 controlled, not by a power, but by the power which 
 " makes for righteousness" — even the Holy Spirit. 
 
 It is not usual, and generally, perhaps, it is not 
 necessary, for God's people to wrestle the night 
 long in prayer; but Jacob of old did it, and be- 
 came in consequence a " Prince with God" and 
 prevailed. And the Master Himself did it, which 
 will doubtless be a sufficient reason why His fol- 
 lowers on occasion should do the same. 
 
 43 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Friday, December i^, 1850. — " Just half-past 
 four in the morning as I sit down to write. Have 
 been engaged in a prayer-meeeting with some 
 brethren up till this hour. Friday evening was 
 present at the meeting; but few present, but most 
 refreshing." 
 
 Wednesday, January 28, 18^2. — " Youths' 
 Prayer-Meeting, followed by an entire night of 
 prayer for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Some 
 eleven brethren tarried to the meeting. My own 
 soul refreshed by its influence." 
 
 Wednesday, December 15, 1852. — " My mind 
 greatly agitated throughout the day. In the even- 
 ing was present at the Youths' Prayer-Meeting, at 
 the close of which, in company with four brethren, 
 spent the night in prayer. The night's experiences 
 inexpressible." 
 
 Wednesday, February 2, i8^p. — " Another 
 blessed occasion in God's house. Had personal 
 conversation with a young friend about his soul's 
 salvation. Went home to pray." 
 
 Thursday, February j, 18 jp. — " Was again 
 present at the meeting. From night to night com- 
 mencing and leading the exercises at seven o'clock. 
 Pastor present at half-past seven. The meeting 
 this evening, though but few present on account 
 of the storm, was one of powerful influence and 
 blessing. At the close a number of young breth- 
 ren tarried to an after meeting for prayer — to pray 
 for an outpouring of the Spirit, and particularly 
 
 44 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 in reference to the young man alluded to last even- 
 ing, he being present with us. And oh, what 
 melting of heart at the mercy-seat! How earn- 
 estly the soul was poured out to God in prayer! 
 The place was truly sacred. This meeting closed 
 about ten o'clock. The brethren retired to their 
 homes, all except a dear brother and myself, with 
 my young friend. He felt as if he could not leave 
 the place without a blessing. And oh, what hours 
 of wrestling followed! My soul is moved at the 
 remembrance. A little after midnight light broke 
 in upon his darkened understanding, and the wave 
 of trouble rolled from his oppressed soul ; his face 
 became radiant with hope and joy, while with him 
 we broke forth in praise and thanksgiving to the 
 
 Redeemer Returned home blessing and 
 
 magnifying the name of the Lord." 
 
 It was an ideal Christian life which Mr. Schaef- 
 fer proposed for himself, and, seeking divine aid, 
 he constantly tried to live it. He would allow 
 himself no dalliance with sin. It was axiomatic 
 with him that there could be no middle-ground in 
 questions of right and wrong, questions of " I 
 ought" and " I ought not." He believed that 
 Christ's command required the most heroic sur- 
 gery, and, relentlessly using the knife of refusal, 
 he " cut off" the right hand of evil habit, and un- 
 flinchingly " plucked out the right eye" that 
 looked on sinful courses with delight. According 
 
 45 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 to His Lord's prescription, he felt that it was bet- 
 ter to be maimed than to be damned ; to enter into 
 life not having experienced the " pleasures of sin" 
 — blind and maimed as to them — than to possess 
 and enjoy them here, with the alternative of being 
 cast into the everlasting fires of remorse hereafter. 
 And so we find him concerned as to the use of his 
 time, observing rules for the government of his con- 
 duct, and particularly interested in reading helpful 
 books and in the study of the Word of God. 
 
 Thursday, February 20, 18^1. — " Gave to a 
 young convert * Rules for Holy Living.' Having 
 found this little volume of so much benefit to my- 
 self, I cannot forbear distributing it among dear 
 Christian friends and companions. This evening 
 enjoyed one of the most delightful meetings I ever 
 had the privilege of attending. Some thirty 
 anxious inquirers came together for religious con- 
 versation at the request of the pastor. A sight for 
 angels — great joy in their presence." 
 
 Friday, February 21, 18 51. — " Received soul 
 profit in reading a portion of the ' Memoir of Ed- 
 ward Payson.' Feel that I can adopt his views, 
 particularly in regard to his notes on worldly com- 
 pany. O Lord, draw off my heart entirely from 
 the earth, and fix it upon Thee and heaven." 
 
 Saturday, February 22, 18^1. — " Payson's 
 rules for deciding difficult cases — I trust I may 
 accept them with sincerity of heart, and carrv them 
 
 46 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 with me through my entire earthly existence: 
 * First, to do nothing of which I doubt in any de- 
 gree the lawfulness; second, to consider every- 
 thing as unlawful which indisposes me for prayer 
 and interrupts intercourse with God; third, never 
 to go into any business, company, or situation in 
 which I cannot conscientiously ask and expect the 
 divine presence." 
 
 Tuesday, February 2^, 18^1. — " With my heart 
 uplifted for God's blessing, I spend my leisure mo- 
 ments in studying the Bible ; also in searching out 
 His will in regard to my own particular case. 
 Grant, dear Lord, to enlighten my mind by Thy 
 Holy Spirit" 
 
 Sunday, May 2, 18^2. — " Second anniversary 
 of my espousals to the Church of Christ. What 
 gratitude is due my Heavenly Father for His 
 loving kindness towards me through the two years 
 of my Christian profession! Surely I have been 
 kept by His power alone in uninterrupted com- 
 munion and fellowship with the Spirit. Yet in 
 looking from Him to myself, it grieves me when 
 I remember how imperfectly I have fulfilled my 
 obligations to Him ; how far short I have come 
 of glorifying Him; and the many times I have 
 ofifended in heart the Saviour I love and adore. 
 Yet my desires are for entire redemption from sin, 
 to be saved from all unrighteousness, and to be 
 cleansed and purified by the precious blood of the 
 Son of God." 
 
 47 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Friday, January i, 1858. — " Spent the exchange 
 of years in humble prostration before the mercy- 
 seat. After kindly greetings, a number of the 
 brethren retired to one of the small rooms and 
 spent a season of earnest, wrestling prayer. Re- 
 turned to my home about two o'clock, with my 
 soul revived and quickened, having reconsecrated 
 all my powers of mind and body to the service of 
 the Master. Through the day enjoyed nearness 
 to the mercy-seat, and sweet meditations while 
 reading God's Word." 
 
 Saturday, January i, 18 jp. — " Have had sol- 
 emn reflections in looking over all the way in 
 which the Lord has led me. Have been blessed 
 in every way, — in my business, in my health and 
 strength of bodily endurance, in my labors of love, 
 in self-denial, in fastings oft, in bearing the cross, 
 in afflictions and losses, in bereavements and 
 crosses, and in many ways. I acknowledge them 
 all, realizing the fulness of the scripture which 
 reads, * All things work together for good to them 
 that love God, to them who are called according 
 to His purpose.' " 
 
 There seems to have been no means of grace 
 which Mr. Schaeffer did not employ. While in- 
 tensely active in all sorts of ministries of mercy 
 and love, and abiding, as we have seen, in an at- 
 mosphere of prayer, he was often occupied as well 
 in seasons of self-examination and fasting. He 
 would not infrequently spend many hours in par- 
 
 48 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tial, and sometimes in entire, abstinence from food. 
 The impression should not be received, however, 
 that he was in any sense an ascetic, or that his ex- 
 periences were morbid or unnatural. On the con- 
 trary, those who saw his beaming countenance, 
 and heard the sweet tones of his voice, and ex- 
 perienced his brotherly sympathy, could not but 
 feel that he was a man who sincerely lived his re- 
 ligion and thoroughly enjoyed it. But to him, 
 somehow, fasting was a source of strength and 
 comfort which he could not forego. It brought 
 him into closer communion with his Saviour ; and 
 in the absence of the Bridegroom he esteemed it a 
 duty and privilege to fast. His own words will 
 best explain these exercises, which, as the dates 
 show, are taken at random, and include a con- 
 siderable lapse of time : 
 
 Sunday, January 2p, 1S54. — " .... Spent the 
 twilight hour of the Sabbath evening, as is re- 
 peatedly my custom, alone with God in His house 
 of prayer, there to be the better prepared by fast- 
 ing and prayer for the evening meetings." 
 
 Sunday, February 11, 1855. — " .... Closing 
 hours of day spent alone with God in His house, 
 thus enjoying a much more enduring repast than 
 I could possibly obtain for the body were I to re- 
 turn home. ' Deny thyself, take up thy cross,' is 
 the Redeemer's blest command. Upon such He 
 confers His blessing." 
 4 49 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Sunday, March g, 1856. — " .... Spent the 
 twilight of evening, as is repeatedly my custom, 
 alone with my Saviour in His holy sanctuary. 
 Upon this occasion experienced a baptism of the 
 Holy Spirit. The influences upon my heart in- 
 describable." 
 
 Sunday, January 2^, 18^8. — " .... From 
 thence returned and spent the twilight hour with 
 my Saviour in His house of prayer. Received 
 great comfort and blessing of soul. My soul in 
 sweet preparation for the evening prayer-meeting 
 and services which followed." 
 
 Monday, November ip, 1888. — " .... The 
 entire day one of fasting and prayer, in which my 
 soul drew near to the Lord, and was permitted to 
 commit the interests of this place (his particular 
 work at Christiansburg, Va. ) into His hands. 
 Not my will, but Thine, O Lord, be done. Retired 
 to rest with much comfort of mind, trusting in a 
 faithful, covenant-keeping God." 
 
 Tuesday, November 20, 1888. — " My fast yes- 
 terday excluded both water and food. The Lord 
 took away all desire for it. In its place my soul 
 fed upon the Bread of Life, and I drank refresh- 
 ingly of the water of salvation. This morning on 
 breaking fast had no cravings of hunger. My 
 heart full of divine blessing, which comes from 
 humble reliance upon the Lord, self-denial, watch- 
 fulness, and prayer. Proceeded to Seneca; felt 
 as if the Lord kept me company in the way." 
 
 so 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 An incident is mentioned in the " Diary" which 
 thrilled the writer at the time of its occurrence and 
 has never been forgotten since. It illustrates Mr. 
 Schaeffer's readiness to avail himself of every op- 
 portunity for united prayer, and indicates the spirit 
 which characterized the young men with whom he 
 consorted and who were largely influenced by his 
 leadership. 
 
 In the summer of 1858 Mr. Schaeffer and three 
 companions were spending their vacation at Cape 
 May, N. J. It was long before the days when the 
 multitude crowded this now popular seaside resort. 
 No stretch of " board walk" thronged by a gayly- 
 dressed company, merely on " pleasure bent," 
 marred the natural grandeur of the scene. One 
 saw a broad expanse of beach, pounded into hard- 
 ness by the unceasing surge, with here and there 
 groups of saunterers, or only a solitary pedestrian ; 
 beyond, the wide-reaching sea; above, the soft 
 summer sky and the pulsating stars; pervading 
 all, a sense of the august, the mysterious, the un- 
 speakable, suggesting to the Christian the imma- 
 nence of God ; and the moon, rising out of the sea, 
 gilding the waters in an ever-widening pathway, 
 which seemed like the path of the just, " that 
 shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Our 
 little company, lured by the scene, had wandered 
 beyond the farthest traveller. We were alone 
 with God. What more reasonable and fitting, for 
 souls in communion with their Creator, than con- 
 Si 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 verse with Him amid such surroundings? A sea- 
 son of prayer was proposed, and on that lonely 
 shore by the sounding sea we called upon our 
 Maker. The incident is thus recorded : 
 
 Thursday, July 8, 1858. — " Last evening at the 
 hour of ' Youths' Meeting' we wended our way 
 along the beach as far as the inlet, where we had a 
 little meeting of prayer. Oh, how sweet, how ex- 
 ceedingly precious, the place ! The noise of the 
 mighty waters at our feet, the sand our cushion 
 to kneel upon, and the broad heaven, with its star- 
 dazzling brightness, the canopy over us ! Though 
 sundered far from our brethren, by faith we met 
 around one common mercy-seat. The season one 
 never to be forgotten; our souls overawed by the 
 wonderful presence of the Lord. Sang from a full 
 heart the chorus, — 
 
 " ' The Lord is here, the Lord is all around us ; 
 Jesus Christ is my best friend.' 
 
 " Returned to our rooms blessing and praising 
 the Lord. Attended morning worship in one of 
 the large rooms at the hotel — a most delightful 
 season : Christians of all denominations praising 
 the Saviour's name. In the evening met by faith 
 with our brethren at the * Horse Market Mis- 
 sion.' " 
 
 As has been intimated, the spiritual experiences 
 of this consecrated man were natural and health - 
 
 52 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 fill. Coming in contact with him, one could not 
 but feel that he was in habitual fellowship " with 
 Jesus." A devout colored man, who had for many 
 years enjoyed much of his society, remarked, after 
 his death, that " he was more like our blessed Lord 
 than any man he had ever known." Yet there was 
 nothing in his speech and actions suggestive of the 
 recluse. While in a sense he lived above most of 
 his friends, he did not live apart from them. Nor 
 did he lower the tone or temper of his spiritual 
 state to suit his companionships ; but, on the con- 
 trary, somehow those with whom he consorted 
 were lifted by association with him into a nobler 
 religious life. Always genial and companionable, 
 and fond of athletic exercises and rational recrea- 
 tion, there gathered about him a company of choice 
 young men, who were devout Christians and earn- 
 est workers in the church. 
 
 Two or three summers immediately preceding 
 the late Civil War, these young men organized 
 themselves into a barge club for boating on the 
 romantic and picturesque Schuylkill River. With 
 numerous other organizations of a similar kind 
 they had their boat-house on the river's bank, and 
 soon became well known to the habitues of the 
 stream for the swiftness of their boat and the 
 sweetness of their singing. Some of these young- 
 men long ago " crossed the river," some achieved 
 distinction in the Civil War, some are still promi- 
 nent in business and church circles, and all of 
 
 S3 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 them, so far as the writer is aware, proved faith- 
 ful to their trust as Christians. 
 
 The following narrative, which is quoted sub- 
 stantially as given, is from the pen of one of the 
 survivors, who is still actively employed in the 
 service of the Master : 
 
 " Some time prior to the late Civil War a num- 
 ber of brethren of the Tenth Baptist Church, 
 Philadelphia, formed a boating club for exercise 
 on the Schuylkill River, and among them was Mr. 
 Schaeffer. For several seasons we heartily en- 
 joyed our oar and boat, and became distinguished 
 among the barges on the river for the excellence 
 of our drill, the speed of our craft, and particu- 
 larly for our trio of sweet singers ( Schaeffer, Mul- 
 ford, and Shaw, all three of whom are now sing- 
 ing the songs of the redeemed on high), whose 
 beautiful rendering of hymns and songs added so 
 much to the pleasure of our outings, and gave to 
 our boat and crew the appellation of the ' floating 
 chapel.' At the breaking out of the Rebellion, 
 the enlistment of some of our crew, who joined the 
 same regiment, with others, led to the disbanding 
 of the club and the sale of the property. I refer to 
 this club association in order to introduce the in- 
 cident which follows, in which Mr. Schaeffer bore 
 no inconsiderable part. 
 
 " We moored, one summer evening after a ' pull 
 up the river,' at the Falls of Schuylkill. Clad, 
 
 54 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 as usual, in full uniform, on landing we marched 
 up the hill from the river's brink, passing by the 
 hotel bar without stopping for refreshments, and 
 took seats on the veranda, where many others were 
 gathered enjoying the evening breeze. After a 
 few moments' rest, our trio joined in one of their 
 beautiful hymns — those fine lines of Spafford, to 
 the exquisite music of Bliss, then but lately writ- 
 ten, I think : 
 
 " ' When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 
 When sorrows, like sea billows, roll ; 
 Whatever my lot. Thou hast taught me to say, 
 It is well, it is well with my soul. 
 
 It is well with my soul. 
 It is well, it is well with my soul.' * 
 
 " At the conclusion of the hymn some applause 
 followed; another selection was sung, and then 
 * Home, Sweet Home.' 
 
 " During the singing we noticed that a table was 
 brought and placed in the centre of the veranda, 
 on which were set decanters and other indications 
 of refreshments of an intoxicating kind. 
 
 " Presently a gentleman arose and said : ' My 
 friends, these ladies and gentlemen are from the 
 South, — we are all Southerners, — and wish to 
 show you hospitality and thank you for your sweet 
 
 * An unfortunate lapsus ntemorice. Some other selection 
 was used on this occasion. The music referred to was not 
 copyrighted until 1876. 
 
 55 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 music, which you have repeated at our request. 
 Please accept our compHments, and join us in par- 
 taking of these refreshments.' Now, what could 
 we do? Incivility to these ladies and gentlemen 
 was out of the question. A moment of hesitation, 
 while a quiet consultation was in progress. In an 
 instant it was decided. * Be true to your colors' 
 — ' Stand by your principles,' and say, ' Thanks, 
 but we are opposed to the use of intoxicating 
 drinks; we cannot partake; substitute, please, 
 something instead thereof, and we shall be glad 
 to accept your kindness.' Instantly, a loud clap- 
 ping of the hands by the ladies followed our frank 
 statement ; and one of them remarked : ' This is 
 the first time I have ever found gentlemen refusing 
 liquor. I am glad to know that you refuse.' 
 During the applause which ensued the decanters 
 were removed and lemonade and icewater were 
 substituted, and after partaking of the same and 
 engaging in more singing and pleasant conversa- 
 tion, we adjourned to our boat." 
 
 56 
 
BornNov16.1830*DieD HaY 5. 1899 
 
 POUNDER OF 
 
 THE Khorial Baptist Church 
 
 CHRISTIANSBURC, V\. 
 AND ITS PASTOR FOR TWENTY YEARS 
 
 Our Leader. Teacher. Brother. Friend. 
 
 in whom the christian virtues so blended 
 
 that he inspired our confidence 
 
 WON OUR AFFECTION. 
 
 AND. BY INSTRUCTION AND EXAMPLE. 
 
 ENNOBLED OUR LIVES. 
 
 In RECOGNITinN OF HIS S.'MNTLY C.HAR.\CTER 
 
 HIS SELF-DENYING LABORS 
 HIS OITREACHING S^MRATin' WITH OUR R.ACE 
 .AND HIS CKRISTLY L0\ E FOR ALL MANKIND ' 
 
 THIS TABLET IS ERECTED 
 
 BY A GRATEFUL PEOPLE : 
 
 MURAL TABI.KT, MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHLRCH 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 In proportion as one is imbued with the Spirit 
 of Christ, in exact proportion will his sympathy 
 and service run in channels which appeal to the 
 heart of the Master Himself. This principle finds 
 its highest illustration, perhaps, in the experience 
 of the Apostle Paul. His perishing kindred lay 
 so great a burden on his heart that, had it been 
 possible, like his Lord, he would have died for 
 them. Those who have lived closest to Jesus, in 
 all the ages since His day, have felt and been 
 moved by this divine impulse. The subject of this 
 memoir in no ordinary way attests this truth. 
 Seeking for himself continually the " best gifts," 
 enjoying almost uninterrupted communion with 
 his Saviour, striving day by day to " know Him 
 and the power of His resurrection," he also ex- 
 perienced something of the " fellowship of His 
 sufferings," being constantly deeply concerned for 
 the unsaved around him. 
 
 In his estimation an unregenerate person was a 
 lost soul, whom Jesus came to " seek and to save." 
 He therefore felt a profound sense of responsibility 
 whenever the impenitent unbeliever was brought 
 within the range of his influence. Standing in 
 Christ's stead, he must beseech men to be recon- 
 ciled to God. If he might win a soul for his Lord, 
 
 57 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 it rendered labor a delight and transmuted service 
 into joy. Nor did he wait for men to come to the 
 gospel feast; he went out into the highways and 
 hedges, that he might, were it possible, constrain 
 them to partake. Whether it were in the inquiry- 
 room or among the degraded in the city slums; 
 whether with the scholars in the Sunday-school 
 class or at the bedside of the sick and dying; 
 whether in the poor home of his colored brother in 
 the North or in the squalid cabin of his negro 
 brother of the South; whether in the society of 
 the refined and cultured, without a hope in Christ, 
 or in personal endeavor to redeem the abandoned 
 in their hopelessness, he yearned over and sought 
 to save them all. By personal invitation, by let- 
 ters, by persuasion in private, by warnings in pub- 
 lic speech, by every rational and available method, 
 he pressed upon the unconverted the " need of re- 
 pentance towards God, and faith towards the Lord 
 Jesus Christ." During a period of nearly fifty 
 years this was the dominating motive of his life, 
 and it may be safely said that scores upon scores 
 of trophies of divine grace were won through his 
 private ministrations, to say nothing of his public 
 work as a minister of the gospel. Space will per- 
 mit but a few excerpts to show this characteristic. 
 
 Friday, October ip, 1855. — " In my closet de- 
 votions felt to encompass the mercy-seat and to 
 
 lay hold by faith on the promises Received 
 
 58 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 an answer to a letter written to a friend on the 
 subject of religion, with a request for an interest 
 in prayer." 
 
 Saturday, October 20, 18 j^. — " My soul op- 
 pressed with the weight of the eternal interests of 
 others. The Lord use me as an instrument in His 
 hand for accomplishing good to perishing sinners." 
 
 Tuesday, October 2j, 1855. — " Engaged my 
 heart and pen in correspondence with friends on 
 the subject of religion. Feel more and more op- 
 pressed for the unconverted." 
 
 Saturday, October 2y, 18 j^. — " An entire week 
 of earnest prayer and holy effort, though put forth 
 in great weakness. The results of my labors, as 
 far as my selfish heart will permit, are left for the 
 great day of the Lord to unfold. After I have 
 done all, I am, nevertheless, an unprofitable ser- 
 vant My anxiety increases in behalf of 
 
 the perishing around me, and I believe in answer 
 to prayer God has in a measure rolled upon me 
 the burden of souls, inasmuch as I can feel in 
 some degree the force of the expression of the 
 Apostle Paul when he declared, ' I could wish that 
 myself were accursed from Christ for my breth- 
 ren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.' But what 
 are my kindred more than others? Every man is 
 my brother; every woman my sister; they each 
 possess immortal souls of infinite value, and must 
 either be saved by Christ or sink into hell forever. 
 O my God, why should I remain with a contented 
 
 59 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 mind and at ease when souls are perishing? Oh, 
 cause Thy servant from this hour to labor faith- 
 fully and earnestly, and not grow weary nor falter, 
 until death shall terminate my earthly existence." 
 
 Sunday, January lO, 1858. — " .... My soul 
 crushed under the weight of responsibility. I 
 tremble for myself, my brethren, and the uncon- 
 verted. O Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! exclaimed the 
 blessed Saviour, as He beheld her indifference to 
 her true interests and wept over her desolation ! O 
 Zion ! O Zion ! I feel to exclaim, when wilt thou 
 shake off thy slothfulness and awake to duty? 
 When thou dost travail in soul, then wilt thou 
 bring forth children. When called upon to sing, I 
 could not with my accustomed freedom. How 
 shall I sing when Zion lies desolate and souls 
 are in captivity? Could not keep my seat (in 
 the prayer-meeting) without sounding the alarm. 
 .... Went immediately on the close of the 
 meeting to the house of a beloved brother to 
 hold a season of prayer with one who had wan- 
 dered from the Saviour, and, like Peter, had been 
 made to weep bitterly on account of his departure 
 from God." 
 
 Thursday, March 25, 1858. — " In my closet to- 
 day rolled my burden of soul in regard to the poor 
 colored woman right at the foot of the cross, and 
 felt to give over her case into my Saviour's hands. 
 On meeting her at her humble abode this evening, 
 was not disappointed at the greeting. ' Old things 
 
 60 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 had passed away; behold, all things had become 
 new.' Her soul joyful in her Saviour. * A new 
 song in her mouth, even praise unto the Lord.' 
 Found her aged mother in trouble of soul ; poured 
 out our heart before God in her behalf. A num- 
 ber of the neighbors came in. We had a little 
 prayer-meeting with them, and experienced the in- 
 fluence and power of the Holy Spirit in the midst. 
 I feel that we have been specially sent of God to 
 this place. The meeting at the church just closed 
 on our return; the occasion one of power in 
 prayer. From thence, in company with a dear 
 brother, visited a Sabbath-school boy just entering 
 the valley of the shadow of death. Spoke words 
 of comfort to him, and found him clinging to 
 Christ as his only refuge. He had given up all 
 into His hands. We had a solemn season of 
 prayer in that chamber of death." 
 
 Sunday, June 5, i8^p. — " Arose early. Di- 
 rected my steps to the morning meeting among 
 my colored friends. Another soul found Jesus 
 precious, — a young colored girl, for whom we 
 have been in prayer for several months. God has 
 eventually answered prayer and given converting 
 grace Also received news of the conver- 
 sion of a dear young man whose case has been an 
 oppressive one upon my heart. God has answered, 
 blessed be His name ! Had a few moments in the 
 Teachers' Meeting — found it a sweet preparation 
 for the duties which followed in the class. At 
 
 61 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the close of the school, in company with Brother 
 
 N , visited a young man in the last stage of 
 
 consumption who had formerly been connected 
 with the Sabbath-school. His soul without hope, 
 and, sadder still, he appears careless and indif- 
 ferent about it. O my God, wake up his drowsy 
 powers, ere he sleep the sleep of death ! My soul 
 in trouble for him. We endeavored to urge upon 
 him the importance of making preparation to meet 
 God. In the afternoon the Lord helped me in 
 speaking to the Sabbath-school children about the 
 importance of a new heart and early consecration 
 to the Saviour. At the close of Sabbath-school, in 
 company with two brethren, visited another young 
 man similarly afflicted to the one visited in the 
 morning. The season was one that will not soon 
 be forgotten. His heart's exercises were freely 
 opened to us and, we believe, to God. His peculiar 
 feeling of last evening was that of the sixth 
 psalm. Throughout the night his bed was made 
 to swim by reason of the overflow of his tears. 
 How humbly he craved pardon, and a saving trust 
 in the blessed Saviour. My own soul in travail 
 for him, and I cannot doubt but that in Christ he 
 has found a friend. I felt loath to leave him, but 
 found it necessary, so as to be present at the Com- 
 munion. Arrived after the opening exercises, and 
 felt during the hour to get low at the foot of the 
 cross. My soul melted within me. At the close, 
 Young Men's Experience Meeting. Spoke out of 
 
 62 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the fulness of my recent experience, and begged 
 my brethren to make intercession at the mercy-seat 
 in behalf of those young men. From thence 
 visited a brother of the church sick with consump- 
 tion ; spent some precious moments at his bedside. 
 Also had a season of prayer with my brother-in- 
 law, and joined with him in blessing the Lord for 
 the experience of pardon to his soul and sweet 
 peace in believing, which he realized to-day. 
 Surely, Lord, ' my cup runneth over.' This is 
 more than my heart can contain. I fall at Thy feet 
 and ascribe all praise to Thee. Was present at 
 the evening meeting, although greatly fatigued in 
 body. Returned home with my heart burdened 
 with the work of the Lord. In looking over my 
 experience as recorded in the past, I find that I 
 have failed entirely in portraying that through 
 which I have passed." 
 
 Monday, June 6, i8^p. — " Received tidings to- 
 day that the young man visited yesterday after- 
 noon, and at that time able to be about the house, 
 had during the night exchanged time for eternity. 
 .... What precious satisfaction his remem- 
 brance in death of our little meeting with him, 
 stating, as he did to his friends, that it had been 
 a blessing to him, and telling his sister on her re- 
 turn from a meeting how he had felt during those 
 solemn moments. * Oh,' said he, ' I wish you could 
 have been present, that you too might have been 
 blessed.' " 
 
 63 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 These citations might be almost indefinitely 
 multiplied, but enough have been adduced to indi- 
 cate the spirit which actuated the man, and to 
 illustrate how marked is God's power in the use 
 of the instrument who humbly trusts His prom- 
 ises and spares not himself in the service of the 
 Lord. 
 
 Mr. Schaeffer was profoundly interested in the 
 young, particularly in that hitherto neglected class 
 of young men who, coming from the quiet and se- 
 clusion of the country to engage in business, are 
 especially liable, released from the restraints of 
 home, amid the perils and allurements of a great 
 city, to fall into temptation and sin. Himself 
 living in a boarding-house, and separated from the 
 ties and helpful influences of family life, he felt 
 to enter into sympathy with them in their loneli- 
 ness, and hailed with satisfaction any movement 
 which had in view their temporal and spiritual im- 
 provement. The Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tion, about this time organizing all over the 
 United States, appealed to his judgment as a 
 most important auxiliary to the Church of Christ. 
 Its various departments, social, recreative, educa- 
 tional, spiritual, seemed to him well adapted to 
 bring under the ascendency of religion a large 
 class whom it would otherwise be difficult to reach. 
 Hence we find him, on June 9, 1854, becoming 
 a constituent member of this organization in Phila- 
 delphia. He attended its meetings and, as far as 
 
 64 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 other duties would permit, entered upon its work 
 with enthusiasm. 
 
 The winter and spring of 1857 and 1858 were 
 remarkable for the great wave of revival influence 
 which spread like a veritable river of life all over 
 the United States. The dreadful financial panic 
 of 1857, with its accompanying poverty and dis- 
 tress, had its compensations in an outpouring of 
 the Holy Spirit, more blessed, perhaps, in its re- 
 sults, alike to the churches and the unconverted, 
 than any which had preceded it. The great com- 
 mercial centres, the large cities and towns in the in- 
 terior, and even the villages and hamlets, from 
 Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Atlan- 
 tic to the Pacific Oceans, were humbled under the 
 mighty hand of God, and brought to their knees in 
 sincere repentance. In New York, Philadelphia, 
 and elsewhere multitudes of business men, leaving 
 office, factory, and store, gathered on week-days at 
 the noon hour for confession, praise, and prayer. 
 The churches soon caught the divine impulse; 
 Christians rededicated themselves to God; back- 
 sliders were restored to the fellowship of the 
 churches ; and conversions were numbered by thou- 
 sands. The churches of Philadelphia felt the full 
 force of this spiritual tide, and among the foremost 
 to engage in the work of evangelism was the Tenth 
 Baptist Church. Mr. Schaeffer entered upon it 
 with his accustomed zeal and enthusiasm, attend- 
 ing the Noon-Day Prayer-Meetings and the almost 
 5 65 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 continuous services in his own church. He re- 
 joiced in the numerous conversions and additions 
 to the membership. Many of these were young* 
 men in whom he became especially interested. At 
 the beginning of his Christian career he had 
 adopted the practice of contributing, as the Lord 
 prospered him, regularly and systematically to His 
 cause. He was encouraged in the hope that his 
 young brethren might be induced to unite with 
 him in this custom, which he had found to be not 
 only practicable, but spiritually profitable. Grad- 
 ually the subject assumed larger proportions in his 
 mind. Beneficence was but one phase of the work. 
 Why not organize an association for Christian 
 effort along all lines? Why not take this body of 
 young men, many of whom were intelligent and 
 capable, and form them into committees, who, un- 
 der efficient chairmen, would not only receive ad- 
 vantageous religious training, but accomplish 
 much good? After consultation with the pastor, 
 a society known as the Young Men's Christian 
 Association of the Tenth Baptist Church was or- 
 ganized, with its several committees on benefi- 
 cence, visitation, prayer-meetings, missions, etc. 
 Under God this society became a vital spiritual 
 force in the church life, trained a large body of 
 efficient workers, and under the leadership of Mr. 
 Schaeffer its " Mission Committee" did a work of 
 which we shall have occasion to speak hereafter. 
 Extracts from the " Diary" are continued : 
 
 66 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Monday, March 8, 1858. — " This morning at- 
 tended the early morning meeting. Pastor pres- 
 ent, with some eight brethren and sisters. En- 
 joyed the hour of prayer; with one heart besieged 
 the throne of grace. At noon-day attended the 
 Union Meeting at Jayne's HalL Had a precious 
 season together. My heart uphfted to God for 
 His blessing. Come, Lord Jesus ! Wake every 
 Christian heart to pray — every disciple to holy 
 diligence. Arouse Thy people to righteousness, 
 and cause Thy name to be glorified throughout 
 this wicked city, throughout the country, and 
 throughout the world." 
 
 Tuesday, March g, 1858. — " Was again present 
 at the Noon-Day Prayer-Meeting. Has changed 
 to a larger room in the building. Have a desire 
 to encourage it all I can. The interest increases." 
 
 Thursday, March 11, 1858. — " But very few 
 present at the early meeting for prayer this morn- 
 ing, it being difficult to reach the place, the streets 
 and pavements being covered with ice. Met the 
 blessed Saviour, and had sweet communion with 
 Him. At noon-day was again present at the 
 Business Men's Prayer-Meeting. The great hall 
 with its galleries crowded in every part ; estimated 
 to have been five thousand present. Oh, wonder- 
 ful the power of God upon the hearts of men !" 
 
 Friday, March 26, 1858. — " In the early morn- 
 ing meeting felt to praise the Lord with my whole 
 heart for the sweet experience and blessing of the 
 
 67 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 past day. At noon attended the meeting at Jayne's 
 Hall. Found it good to my soul, and feel to bless 
 God for what He has done in that place." 
 
 Monday, May j, 18^8. — " Have special seasons 
 of nearness to God in prayer; seeking grace and 
 strength to do my Heavenly Father's will, and in- 
 quiring how I may glorify Him best. Feel a de- 
 sire of soul to have my brethren more closely 
 united in a union to carry forward the work of the 
 Lord — the thought being the carrying out of sys- 
 tematic beneficence in the operations of the church. 
 Have proved it to be practicable throughout the 
 entire years of my personal experience in relation 
 to my contributions for the cause of my blessed 
 Master. My prayer is for direction and the coun- 
 selling of the Lord." 
 
 Friday, June 4, 1858. — " Spent the evening 
 with my pastor in consultation in reference to what 
 has been on my mind and made the subject of 
 prayer, — a union of effort for the cause of Christ. 
 At first it was simply suggested to my mind to 
 organize a Systematic Beneficence Society in the 
 church, and through this channel to be the means 
 of effecting more good; but since my heart has 
 become so deeply interested in direct personal ef- 
 forts for the salvation of the perishing, and of 
 upholding a precious Saviour to the people who 
 through peculiar circumstances have not the gos- 
 pel preached to them, I realize that an organization 
 combining the two objects so intimately connected 
 
 68 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 would effect great results and meet with special 
 favor from my blessed Lord. My pastor fully 
 concurs in the movement, and gave me encourage- 
 ment to put the ship afloat. Returned home to 
 pray for guidance." 
 
 Saturday, June ip, 1858. — " Another meeting 
 this evening in reference to the new organization. 
 Constitution and by-laws presented by the com- 
 mittee and adopted by the meeting. The organi- 
 zation to be styled the * Young Men's Christian 
 Association of the Tenth Baptist Church.' Feel 
 to bless God for the encouragement His unworthy 
 servant has received in this new project for the 
 furtherance of the Redeemer's kingdom. Re- 
 turned home to pray anew for success." 
 
 We have seen with what earnestness of desire 
 Mr. Schaeffer sought to grow in grace and ad- 
 vance in personal holiness, and also how he 
 yearned for the salvation of sinners; but in 
 nothing did he more clearly reveal the true mis- 
 sionary spirit — the spirit which brought the Lord 
 of glory from the skies — than in his work among 
 the poor. While he refused no open door of use- 
 fulness, in approaching those in the better walks 
 of life he was hindered by a natural timidity, 
 which interfered somewhat with the spontaneous 
 gentleness and courtesy which characterized his 
 intercourse with the less favored of his fellows; 
 but brought into touch with these lowly ones, his 
 
 69 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 heart went out to them in pity and love — in a 
 practical sympathy, which had regard alike to 
 physical and spiritual needs. He tried to imitate 
 the example of his Lord, and '' went about doing- 
 good." He did not wait for them to come to him ; 
 he went to them. Into the most neglected streets 
 and alleys, into the most degraded and squalid 
 homes, where poverty, intemperance, and crime 
 held sway, he rejoiced to take the gospel. Bed- 
 ford Street, St. Mary's Street, the Horse Market, 
 the Hay Market, at that time the synonyms of 
 squalor and degeneracy, were the scenes of this 
 self-sacrificing efforts. In this connection the 
 " Diary" notes many instances in which souls were 
 made happy in Jesus and houses were filled with 
 sweetness and light ; but we must wait the revela- 
 tions of the last day for the sum total of it all. 
 
 There is, however, a phase of this personal mis- 
 sionary service which merits special mention, not 
 only because of its intrinsic importance, but also 
 for its educational and experimental value to Mr, 
 Schaeffer himself. By what would seem a particu- 
 lar providence, in view of his successful mission to 
 the negroes of the South, he became, soon after 
 his conversion, interested in religious work among 
 the colored people at Philadelphia. Possessing a 
 manner at once dignified and gracious which evi- 
 denced his purpose to serve them with absolute 
 disinterestedness ; an emotional temper which en- 
 tered into full sympathy with the ebb and flow of 
 
 70 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 their religious feelings; a voice whose sympa- 
 thetic quality touched their hearts in the leader- 
 ship of song; and, above all, a soul aglow with 
 the love of Christ, and a zeal quickened and made 
 bold by the Holy Spirit, we need not be surprised 
 at his influence over the people or the measure of 
 his success. 
 
 Sunday, November y, 1852. — " .... From 
 thence attended the meeting among my colored 
 friends. I bless the Lord for directing me to this 
 humble place. Surely it was ' none other than the 
 house of God, and the gate of heaven' to my soul." 
 
 Sunday, November 21, 18^2. — " .... In the 
 afternoon another precious gathering at our col- 
 ored sister's." 
 
 Sunday, May 2, 18^8. — " A blessed day of rest 
 to my soul. Sabbath-school duties pleasant. The 
 closet of prayer revealed the gate of heaven. At- 
 tended morning service with my colored brethren. 
 After the sermon our sister, so recently converted 
 through our humble labors, with a number of 
 other converts, was buried with Christ in bap- 
 tism." 
 
 Thursday, May 6, 1858. — " Held a meeting at 
 our colored sister's ; the neighbors invited in ; felt 
 the burden of souls upon us. The Lord poured 
 upon us the grace of fervent supplication. The 
 meeting one of solemn influence." 
 
 Sunday, May ij, 1858. — " .... Afternoon, 
 71 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 at the close of meeting, visited the colored people 
 at the Hay Market. In years gone by have en- 
 joyed precious seasons in visiting these humble 
 servants of the Lord Jesus ; had a blessed meeting 
 with them to-day." 
 
 Thursday, May 20, 1858. — " Meeting with the 
 colored sister at Francisville; neighbors and 
 friends anxious to be present. A most powerful 
 meeting ; another soul converted : a colored 
 woman feels ready to take up the cross and put on 
 Christ by a public profession. The blessing ex- 
 perienced by my own soul unspeakable." 
 
 Saturday, May 22, 18^8. — " Sweet moments in 
 my closet. A wrestling of soul for a more earnest 
 piety. The more I labor in my Master's service, 
 the more precious it is. Feel it so good to stand 
 up among those poor people at Francisville to 
 recommend to them my blessed Saviour. O 
 Lord, open the way for further and greater useful- 
 ness." 
 
 Thursday, May 2y, 1858. — " Meeting again at 
 my colored sister's. A gracious outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit; immediate answers to prayer. The 
 aged mother, for whom we have unceasingly 
 prayed, found Jesus precious. O my soul ! bless 
 and praise the Lord. Other cases of distress of 
 soul on account of sin. Lord, carry forward Thy 
 work, and enable Thy young servants to prove 
 faithful to the trust Thou hast committed to them, 
 to labor for these poor wretched ones, for whom 
 
 72 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 no one seemed to care. My whole heart enlisted 
 in humble efforts to present my precious Jesus to 
 these neglected children of sin." 
 
 Tuesday, October 5, 1858. — " At noon held a 
 little prayer-meeting at the Horse Market Mission 
 with the aged ones of the place. Also visited the 
 Fairmount Station; obliged to remove our meet- 
 ings to another place. In the evening, met for 
 the last time in the old place and had a most power- 
 ful meeting. In conducting the exercises, found 
 my blessed Saviour at my side and His Holy Spirit 
 filling my heart. The occasion I doubt not blest 
 to all present. On returning called at the house 
 of our aged colored sister, not, however, to con- 
 verse and pray with her, but to witness her lifeless 
 corpse. During the evening, about half-past eight, 
 she passed through the ' swellings of Jordan,' 
 leaning on the arm of her beloved. Had a season 
 of prayer with the bereaved daughter. Returned 
 home with peculiarly solemn feelings." 
 
 Tuesday, October y, 1858. — " Buried our aged 
 sister to-day, most of the young brethren being 
 present. Four of us attended the funeral and car- 
 ried the body to its last resting-place. In the even- 
 ing attended the meeting at Mrs. Bitting's. The 
 work in this place progressing. Endeavored to 
 persuade sinners to come to Christ." 
 
 Sunday, October jo, 1858. — " Visited an af- 
 flicted colored family bereft of a dear child, — one 
 that we endeavored to direct to the Saviour a short 
 
 72, 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 time since. Her soul had found peace in believing 
 before she slept in death. The case connected with 
 our Francisville Mission labors. Had a season of 
 prayer with the father and mother, who were once 
 members of a Christian church, having backslidden 
 from the Saviour. They expressed a desire to re- 
 turn again to the ' Shepherd and Bishop of souls,' 
 and entreated us to pray for them." 
 
 Sunday, October ji, 18^8. — " Morning meeting 
 at the Horse Market; afterwards the Teachers' 
 Prayer-Meeting and the usual session of the Sab- 
 bath-school, follov\^ed by preaching service. At 
 the close of the school in the afternoon visited the 
 house of mourning, also the little colored girl — 
 tendered our assistance to the family. From 
 thence to the mission meeting at Francisville. The 
 place continues crowded, and the interest undi- 
 minishing. Returned to the evening prayer-meet- 
 ing and preaching service. An after meeting of 
 much interest." 
 
 Sunday, May i, i8^p. — " A blessed day of rest 
 — my anniversary. Nine years since I was buried 
 
 with Christ in baptism One year since our 
 
 first convert of the Francisville Mission was bap- 
 tized; to-day we number some forty-one subjects 
 of God's grace. I note a brief extract from my 
 report to our Young Men's Christian Association 
 in reference to this mission : ' Seven to ten back- 
 sliders have been reclaimed ; some fifty have testi- 
 fied to having been revived in religion; ninety to 
 
 74 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 one hundred requests for prayer have been made; 
 there are ten awakenings at the present time. Hun- 
 dreds have been brought under the influence of re- 
 hgion who did not previously attend the house of 
 God. The mission has been of incalculable benefit 
 to the brethren and sisters of the church, who have 
 labored to advance the cause of Christ in that 
 vicinity. The moral influence of the mission upon 
 the neighborhood has been seen and felt by those 
 who did not profess godliness. The drunkard has 
 been reclaimed; the swearer brought to his right 
 mind; houses which have been the scene of tu- 
 mult now resound in praise of the Redeemer. 
 During the year one hundred and fifty-six stated 
 meetings for prayer and about the same number 
 of occasional meetings have been held. Two have 
 died in the faith. In reference to the forty-one 
 converts, ten have become Baptists, all but one 
 connecting themselves with the First African 
 Church, she being called to the church on high. 
 Four have united with the colored Presbyterian 
 Church. The remainder, white converts, have be- 
 come Baptists. In view of it all, we fall at the 
 Saviour's feet, and exclaim with adoring gratitude, 
 ' Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be 
 all the glory.' Amen." 
 
 75 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 While thus aflame with enthusiasm and 
 " abounding- in the work of the Lord," Mr, 
 Schaeffer's mind was not at rest. He had not long- 
 been a Christian when he became profoundly ex- 
 ercised concerning his duty as to the gospel minis- 
 try. He humbly and patiently sought the guidance 
 of the Holy Spirit, at times with " strong crying 
 and tears," yet his way seemed hedged about with 
 difficulties, which to him appeared insurmountable. 
 He counselled with his pastor and other judicious 
 friends, all of whom were clear in their conviction 
 of his duty. So evident to his pastor was his call 
 to the ministry, that he predicted failure in his 
 business career if he refused obedience, which pre- 
 diction, as we have seen, was ultimately fulfilled. 
 This subject continued to agitate his mind most 
 painfully for several years, and was only settled at 
 last by evidences of the leadings of Providence so 
 unmistakable that to have disregarded them would 
 have been an act of flagrant rebellion against God. 
 
 The difficulties confronting him in the decision 
 of this question were very great, and, to one of 
 his introspective habit of mind, not unnatural. 
 The office itself assumed in his view a dignity and 
 glory which in the mere contemplation of it awed 
 him. He had conceived so exalted an ideal of the 
 
 76 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 overwhelming importance and solemnity of the 
 duties of the Christian minister in his relation to 
 men as God's ambassador that he hesitated to take 
 upon himself responsibilities so appalling. More- 
 over, he was further restrained by what he es- 
 teemed a lack of natural endowment and special 
 training, and also by a shrinking diffidence and 
 self-consciousness, which embarrassed him in the 
 presence of a large audience. At the same time he 
 was engaged in business concerns, to escape which 
 was neither convenient nor easy of accomplish- 
 ment. Thus hindered, he held himself, as to- 
 wards the Lord and duty, in an attitude of expec- 
 tancy, having learned " to labor and to wait." 
 
 It is not singular, therefore, that during the 
 progress of these experiences there was evermore 
 uppermost in Mr. Schaefifer's mind an earnest de- 
 sire to preach the gospel, and an ever-present con- 
 viction that, though not now, the Lord had a spe- 
 cial service for him to perform which He would, 
 in His own time and way, make plain. We have 
 recourse once more to the " Diary :" 
 
 Monday, February j, i8^i. — " Have been op- 
 pressed with the thought, ' Lord, what wilt Thou 
 have me to do ?' I feel that I have given up every- 
 thing to His disposal, that I desire not to withhold 
 even the least service I can render; and yet my 
 way appears to my own mind without an opening, 
 without light, particularly in regard to preaching 
 
 77 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the gospel. In honesty of heart I can say, ' The 
 spirit indeed is wihing, but the flesh is weak.' I 
 cannot see that I am quaHfied for so great and re- 
 sponsible a position. My capacity of intellect does 
 not appear sufficient for so great an undertaking; 
 and yet could I feel that the Lord calls me to it, 
 and see His hand distinctly pointing in the way, 
 with joyful steps my feet would tread the path 
 marked out. My whole soul is engrossed in this 
 solemn question. I look to the Lord for guidance, 
 and will trust Him for direction." 
 
 Sunday, February 2j, 1851. — " .... In the 
 afternoon felt the want of my regular Sabbath - 
 afternoon engagements — feel at loss when not en- 
 gaged in working for my Master, Jesus. This fact 
 brings with overpowering weight my former ex- 
 ercises in reference to preaching the gospel. In 
 regard to this world and its delights, I can truly 
 say they are not in my affections. The cross of 
 Christ and the doctrines of the cross are all-ab- 
 sorbing, and to do my Lord's will is my highest 
 and greatest desire. Yet how to perform it I know 
 not; and although it has been my constant prayer 
 for direction, yet to this hour my way appears 
 dark and hedged up, as it were, without divine en- 
 lightenment. O Lord, as thou didst relieve my 
 soul of its burden of sin, when in wretchedness 
 and anguish of spirit I came to the mercy-seat, so 
 now lift upon me the light of Thy countenance. 
 Take me, O blessed Jesus ! may the struggle in my 
 
 78 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 soul terminate in my being found in the path of 
 duty, an humble, obedient servant of Thine." 
 
 Monday, February 24., 1851. — " My mind deeply 
 exercised throughout the day. It is not that I can- 
 not give up this world's occupations — the hope of 
 the riches and comforts accruing therefrom — for 
 the humble walk of a minister of the gospel. It 
 is not from want of a cherished desire to be thus 
 engaged. Methinks I would be the happiest man 
 on earth to tread, in this direction, in the foot- 
 steps of my Saviour. But the lack of the necessary 
 qualifications for so responsible a position has 
 brought me to a stand, and I find myself incapable 
 of making the decision whether to continue in my 
 present vocation, or at once to attempt, at least, 
 preparation for the ministry." 
 
 Thursday, March 24, 18 ji. — " In the way that 
 I may honor Jesus most is the path that I desire 
 to tread. Oh, to be led by the Spirit !" 
 
 Friday, April 25, 1851. — " Brother M 's 
 
 second effort in view of the ministry. My own 
 soul deeply wrought upon in regard to duty. O 
 Lord, decide the doubtful case." 
 
 Thursday, January 6, 185^- — " Visited the sick, 
 
 after which attended meeting at Brother T 's. 
 
 The Lord very near our hearts. My mind still in 
 trouble and doubt, humbly desiring to do duty 
 whenever it shall be made plain. May the pur- 
 poses of the Lord be fulfilled concerning me." 
 
 Friday, January y, 18 jj. — " Visited another 
 79 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 sick family this evening. The interview blessed 
 to my spiritual profit. After which attended con- 
 ference and prayer-meeting. Felt much oppressed 
 in soul ; desire to do my whole duty, yet know not 
 whether I am treading in that path. My mind con- 
 tinually burdened in reference to this matter. It 
 is with me night and day." 
 
 Saturday, January 8, i8^^. — " I sink in deep 
 waters ; my cry is unto the Lord ; send help from 
 Thy holy hill. I have endeavored to analyze my 
 motives for desiring the work of the ministry. 
 Find them the same for which I desire the con- 
 tinuance of my life — the glory of God. But I can- 
 not decide what duty is. Have set apart Thurs- 
 day next as a day of fasting, humiliation, and 
 prayer in reference to this matter." 
 
 Thursday, January ij, iS^S- — " Disengaged 
 myself entirely from my worldly employment in 
 order to spend the day in endeavoring to decide 
 the question which has so long been weighing upon 
 my mind, feeling that in the fear of the Lord I 
 must come to some conclusion. Endeavored to 
 contrast my case with that of Moses and Jeremiah, 
 who, when called upon to take the responsible posi- 
 tions they afterwards occupied, pleaded their in- 
 capacity for the work, excusing themselves on ac- 
 count of being ' slow of tongue' and ' slow of 
 speech.' Also, the cases of Gideon and others 
 were presented as subjects of thought, that from 
 them I might peradventure receive some light in 
 
 80 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the path of duty. But after weighing the subject 
 in all its aspects, with much prayer for divine 
 direction and counsel, I concluded in a moment of 
 sober thought that, notwithstanding all the en- 
 couragement given for my entering upon the work 
 of the ministry, and its great desirableness to my 
 own feeling and wishes, that it was not for me, 
 and I must henceforth relinquish the thought of 
 ever engaging in its sacred duties, and endeavor 
 to the best of my ability to glorify my Master in 
 my present vocation. Concluding the doubtful 
 case to be decided, my mind became easier, yet 
 not satisfied. It was not, however, of long con- 
 tinuance. Like the breathless calm before the 
 raging tempest, so my experience on this occasion. 
 Soon I felt the withdrawment of the Spirit's in- 
 fluence upon my heart; and I was led, almost in 
 a state of despair, to mourn the absence of my 
 precious Lord. While under this crushing state 
 of mind, I opened the inspired volume, and to my 
 astonished gaze were presented these words, ' Re- 
 pv°nt therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray 
 God if the thought of thine heart may be forgiven 
 thee.' With a crushed spirit I fell at the feet of 
 my Sovereign Lord and sought forgiveness if I 
 had done wrong in not leaving the decision with 
 Him. Henceforth I desire that it might be an 
 open question, for Him only to direct therein." 
 
 Five years have elapsed since the foregoing ex- 
 6 8i 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 cerpt was written, during which time repeated al- 
 Kisions are made in the " Diary" touching this 
 subject, which up to this time Mr. Schaeffer had 
 found it impossible to decide. After describing 
 a season of ecstasy in prayer, in which there were 
 " indescribable manifestations of love and favor" 
 and " outward objects were entirely lost to view," 
 and in which " he felt as if he were in another 
 world," he thus records the remarkable decision 
 to which he finally came : 
 
 Tuesday, January 5, 1858. — " .... During 
 this season a momentous question was settled, one 
 which has oppressed me and weighed down my 
 heart almost ever since my conversion — in refer- 
 ence to my preaching the gospel, I remember at 
 one time this matter pressing so heavily upon me 
 that I was led to pray for a removal of the anxiety 
 of soul, even without a satisfying settlement of it. 
 The Lord took me at my word, the rough ocean of 
 my disquiet was calmed, and before I was aware 
 the Holy Spirit's influence was taken from me. 
 But with strong crying and bitter tears, I cast my 
 soul at His feet. In His great loving-kindness He 
 returned to comfort and bless, and with it gave 
 me to feel that I was in His hands to do with me 
 
 as pleased Him best In my season of 
 
 prayer, as I drew near by faith to the mercy-seat, 
 my position was fully and clearly presented to my 
 view, and the path of duty to my own mind for the 
 
 82 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 future made plain. In regard to the years of 
 anxiety on this subject, I can reaHze that it has all 
 been right; that it has been a course of discipline 
 and preparation for a very important sphere of 
 usefulness, and with the help of the Lord I shall 
 discharge my duty in regard to it. In reference to 
 the matter itself, I feel that * woe is me if I preach 
 not the gospel;' and, although I cannot realize 
 my position to be that of a public messenger of the 
 truth, and as ' one sent' to be a proclaimer of the 
 gospel, yet with all the powers which in me lie I 
 am to use every faculty of soul and body for the 
 glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom, 
 and very particularly in ' visiting the fatherless 
 and widow in their affliction.' I am to preach the 
 gospel among the poor, distressed, comfortless, 
 and forsaken; in the hovels of poverty, disease, 
 and death ; in meetings for prayer among the des- 
 titute; in efforts for the salvation of those who 
 through their humble position in life have not the 
 gospel preached unto them. I am to use my ef- 
 forts for the furtherance of the gospel, though in 
 the humblest capacity. I am to discharge my duty 
 in business as the Lord may give me ability, sub- 
 mitting to His control and the monitions and di- 
 rections of the Holy Spirit. I am to serve the 
 Church of Christ with all faithfulness, and use 
 every energy for her advancement; to have the 
 cause of my Master nearest my heart, and, in a 
 word, henceforth to live ' not unto myself, but unto 
 
 83 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Him which died for me and rose again.' And may 
 the Lord, in whose hands my breath is, accept the 
 offering I this day make — that of a broken and 
 contrite heart — and sanctify and purify me unto 
 Himself. And unto Thy great and adorable name 
 shall be the praise forever. Amen !" 
 
 84 
 
CHAPTER VL 
 
 Mr. Schaeffer's unfortunate business experi- 
 ence left him without present or prospective em- 
 ployment, and in doubt as to what the develop- 
 ments of Providence might be concerning his 
 future. But with characteristic promptness he 
 sought occupation, and two days after the com- 
 position with his creditors he writes : " I feel to 
 bless God for a home among dear kindred. I have 
 determined to give my labors for my beloved 
 church, in correcting the Register of Member- 
 ship." 
 
 Having complete command of his time, he now 
 entered upon the service of the Lord and of the 
 church with even greater energy, if possible, than 
 before; although at first, he confesses, with a 
 tinge of sadness, " with my vigor of spirit some- 
 what crushed, and feeling it [his business failure]' 
 more than when passing through my extremity." 
 
 His home was now with his father in German- 
 town. Controlled by conscientious scruples con- 
 cerning the use of a public conveyance on the 
 Lord's Day, it was his custom to walk to and from 
 his home to church and mission work in the city, 
 a distance of more than five miles each way. The 
 amount of religious service he was enabled to per- 
 form appears almost incredible; yet he seemed 
 
 8s 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 never to be satisfied, and nothing could quench his 
 zeal. In the absence of any special leadings of 
 Providence, he continued thus employed for 
 several months, until the first indistinct mutter- 
 ings of the coming storm of civil war began to be 
 heard with foreboding throughout the land. His 
 sympathy with the poor and distressed, and his 
 particular interest in the colored race, caused him 
 to regard human slavery with abhorrence, and the 
 avowed purpose of the leading men of the South 
 to destroy our political institutions fired his pa- 
 triotism. He witnessed, on that memorable morn- 
 ing in February, 1861, the raising of the national 
 flag over Independence Hall by Abraham Lincoln, 
 President-elect, as he passed through Philadelphia 
 on his way to the inauguration at Washington. It 
 was to him, as it was to thousands, " A most glori- 
 ous sight. I felt it to nerve my whole soul to 
 prayer for my country." He observed too with 
 keen interest the rapid march of events, and was 
 caught in the swelling tide of popular excitement 
 and patriotic fervor. Concerning the " first blow" 
 struck, which precipitated the conflict and sealed 
 the doom of slavery, he thus writes : 
 
 Thursday, April 18, 1861. — " The excitement 
 in reference to our beloved country seems to arouse 
 every nerve and faculty of body and mind. The 
 crisis has at length come. The first blow struck in 
 firing on Fort Sumter." 
 
 86 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 That " first blow" at once, as if by some hellish 
 magic, called into existence two great armies, filled 
 our peaceful land with bristling muskets and 
 death-dealing cannon, transfigured loving brethren 
 into deadly foes, and drenched the fair hills and 
 valleys of our country in blood. And what com- 
 monly occurs, when great moral questions lay grip 
 on heart and conscience, the Civil War brought 
 into the conflict the best and noblest of both sec- 
 tions. From North and South alike, men of 
 honor, morality, and religion, following what they 
 regarded the dictate of duty, sprang to arms and 
 rushed into the awful arbitrament of battle, will- 
 ing to do and, if need be, to die for " cause" and 
 " country." 
 
 With the increasing excitement and the inevita- 
 ble approach of war came the necessity for action. 
 Pent-up feelings found relief in private devotions 
 and in special services of fasting and prayer for 
 the country, and also in religious meetings in 
 camps and armories, where the soldiers were mus- 
 tering, perfecting their organization, or awaiting 
 orders for transference to the front. In these re- 
 ligious exercises among the troops Mr. Schaeffer's 
 gift of song and his aptitude for spiritual work 
 found a congenial field, and were especially help- 
 ful and greatly appreciated. Towards the latter 
 part of April, 1861, he organized a company of 
 young men of the church for drill in military tac- 
 tics, "to be ready for an emergency, should we be 
 
 87 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 called upon to battle for our country and the 
 right." One month later he is profoundly stirred 
 as to his personal duty in the crisis, and writes : 
 " My prayer is for direction in every step I take. 
 As my future appears to be entirely hedged up and 
 obscured from view, I therefore more than ever 
 feel the need of divine guidance. My mind is 
 particularly exercised as to the course I should 
 pursue with reference to preparing for active ser- 
 vice for my country." . . . . " Enrolled myself 
 among the ' Gray Reserves.' " This regiment 
 composed of the flower of the young men of Phila- 
 delphia, was organized for home defence, but sent 
 from its ranks to the front as the war progressed 
 many brave and efficient soldiers. 
 
 On the 24th of June, 1861, he was " sworn in," 
 and thereafter regularly engaged in company and 
 regimental drills, meanwhile attending to church 
 and missionary work as heretofore. Continually 
 seeking light as to duty, as time went on, the con- 
 clusion was at length reached that the imperative 
 call lay in the direction of the defence of the coun- 
 try. In the following September an appointment 
 was offered him as sergeant in the First Delaware 
 Regiment, then forming. This appointment, after 
 much prayer and reflection, he decided to accept, 
 " the hand of Providence seeming to lead to the 
 choice," The parting was a bitter one from home 
 and church and beloved Christian work, " yet I 
 feel," he says, " called upon to make the sacrifice." 
 
 88 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Saturday, September 28, 1861, the "Diary" 
 records : " Early this morning I was mustered into 
 the service of the United States for three years or 
 the war. Previously I earnestly prayed that such a 
 step might be prevented if it did not accord en- 
 tirely with the will of my Heavenly Father, to 
 whom I have been earnestly looking for direction. 
 But having been thus led, I now commit my entire 
 interest for time and eternity renewedly into His 
 hands, and sincerely pray for grace, strength, and 
 assistance in every duty and in all my temptations, 
 trials, and afflictions, and that in this new sphere 
 of labor I may be abundantly useful in doing good, 
 honoring my Master, and glorifying God. And 
 while my dear country is next upon my heart, and 
 for which, if it be the Lord's will, I freely give my 
 life, yet Christ must be first and above all else, for 
 I am redeemed by His precious blood. He who 
 can make all grace abound, may He seal me anew 
 unto Himself." 
 
 On the 2 1 St of October, 1861, the regiment td 
 which he was attached arrived at its destination 
 and pitched tents at Camp Hamilton, about half 
 a mile outside Fort Monroe, Mr. Schaeffer mean- 
 while having been appointed regimental commis- 
 sary sergeant. He served during the winter of 
 1861-62 with great satisfaction to his superior offi- 
 cers, in the intervals of duty employing his leisure 
 time with much assiduity in studying the " School 
 of the Soldier" and military tactics, in which he 
 
 89 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 became so proficient before the movement of the 
 army in the spring that, on a vacancy occurring, 
 he was appointed by the Colonel sergeant-major. 
 
 At Camp Hamilton that winter he was an in- 
 tensely interested witness of the attack on and de- 
 struction of the Congress and Cumberland by the 
 Confederate iron-clad Merrimac, and her subse- 
 quent fight with and defeat by the Monitor. He 
 took part in the battle of Norfolk on the loth of 
 May, 1862, when the city was formally surren- 
 dered, and by permission, in company with the Ad- 
 jutant of his regiment, " paid a visit to the city in 
 the evening, passing through the principal streets 
 and returning without molestation." 
 
 In the position of sergeant-major of his regi- 
 ment, which was for some three months Provost 
 Guard of the city, he rendered very efficient ser- 
 vice, and on the 28th of the following June was 
 promoted to a second lieutenancy and stationed 
 at Norfolk and Craney Island on guard duty. 
 Later on he took part in the battles of Suffolk and 
 Portsmouth, and at Antietam received a wound in 
 the head which temporarily incapacitated him for 
 duty. A short time previous to this latter battle, 
 in which his regiment lost nearly one-half its offi- 
 cers and men, it joined the Army of the Potomac. 
 The following is his record of this event: 
 
 Monday, September 15, 1862. — " This morning 
 at an early hour moved forward, passing many 
 
 90 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 dead bodies of the Confederates, and saw unmis- 
 takable signs of a terrible conflict. Crossed the 
 South Mountains and came up with the Army of 
 the Potomac, where the brigade was attached to 
 the command under General Sumner, and latei' 
 was assigned by that brave officer to General 
 French's division." 
 
 Tuesday, September i6, 1862. — " Artillery fire 
 continued without intermission throughout the 
 day." . ..." In the evening was placed on tem- 
 porary duty as acting brigade ordnance officer." 
 
 Wednesday, September ly, 1862. — " Worked 
 without rest or sleep throughout the entire night. 
 At one time came very near the Confederate lines 
 in following directions given me in seeking Gen- 
 eral McClellan's head-quarters. Very late in the 
 night I found his head-quarters in an orchard, 
 in the vicinity of South Mountains. Early this 
 morning we moved forward upon the enemy, and 
 having forded the little stream Antietam, came up 
 with the Confederates, and received their first fire 
 just as they were emerging from a corn-field. 
 From that time the conflict raged in fury, and 
 many of my comrades and friends on right and 
 left were laid low in death. For myself, I con- 
 tinued at my post of duty until just before the 
 order was given to charge the enemy, when I re- 
 ceived a wound over my left ear which severed a 
 small artery and covered my face with blood. 
 From the battle-field I was taken to the hospital, 
 
 91 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 where I received stimulants to revive me, and had 
 my wound attended to." 
 
 Friday, September ip, 1862. — " Felt so much 
 better to-day that I left the hospital and reported 
 to my regiment. My Colonel, being in command 
 of the brigade, hearing of my presence, gave me 
 the appointment of acting assistant adjutant-gen- 
 eral." 
 
 On the 13th and 14th of December following 
 he participated with his regiment in the bloody 
 battle of Fredericksburg, being on staff duty as as- 
 sistant regimental quartermaster; and a few days 
 later was promoted first lieutenant and appointed 
 aide-de-camp on the staff of the brigade comman- 
 der. On the 25th of January, 1863, a telegram 
 advised him of the fatal illness of his revered 
 mother. 
 
 Obtaining five days' leave of absence, he went 
 home to bid her a last farewell. After performing 
 this filial duty, he returned to camp to hear of her 
 departure a few days thereafter, " almost dis- 
 tracted," he says, " by the news, notwithstanding 
 my confidence in God, that whatsoever He doeth 
 is all right." Early in March, stricken down with 
 typhoid pneumonia, he was removed to the regi- 
 mental hospital, where he remained until the 23d 
 of the same month, receiving on a surgeon's cer- 
 tificate leave of absence for twenty-days. Con- 
 tinuing with his people for the period allotted him. 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 he returned to the army the 27th of April, " feel- 
 ing greatly benefited by my sojourn home, but not 
 entirely well." 
 
 He was with his regiment as aide-de-camp in 
 the exciting and varied movements of the Army 
 of the Potomac which culminated in the battle of 
 Gettysburg. His own part in that historic and 
 bloody engagement he thus graphically describes : 
 
 July J, 1864. — " No rest throughout the entire 
 night. The troops were repeatedly aroused, and 
 measures were taken to prevent a surprise on our 
 lines. At daylight the fighting on the skirmish 
 line commenced with renewed vigor. A barn on 
 our front was taken and retaken; at one time we 
 captured a large number of prisoners who had 
 taken shelter in it. It was finally consigned to the 
 
 flames At noon the battle commenced in 
 
 all its fury by the fire of the opposing batteries of 
 the two armies. At one time the rain of lead and 
 iron around our head-quarters was terrific, caus- 
 ing a regiment in a brigade to our left, being panic 
 stricken, to break to the rear ; but with this excep- 
 tion the troops in our division remained firm, lying 
 low, and waiting the approach of the enemy, who 
 had massed on our centre and seemed determined 
 to crush and, if possible, annihilate us under their 
 powerful advance. During the efforts of the offi- 
 cers, headed by General Hayes, to drive the panic- 
 stricken regiment into line, Colonel Smyth, my 
 
 93 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 commander, received a wound on the side of the 
 nose, cutting the flesh open and covering his face 
 with blood, also a shell wound on the back of the 
 head, which stunned him and obliged him tempo- 
 rarily to leave the command. Shortly after, while 
 lying under a little shelter from the sun, composed 
 of three rails projecting against a stone wall and 
 covered with a blanket, this being our head-quar- 
 ters, I was shocked by the explosion of a shell im- 
 mediately over me, which shivered to atoms a rail 
 within a few inches of my spine, buried a piece in 
 the earth at my left side, and killed my horse, tied 
 to a twig, immediately to my right. I received 
 severe internal injuries, and, although retaining 
 my senses, was unable for some time to help my- 
 self, being affected somewhat as if striken with 
 paralysis. About this time it was evident from 
 the peculiar yell of the enemy that he was coming 
 up on the double-quick to charge our lines. Re- 
 gaining a little strength, I succeeded in dragging 
 myself a few yards along the road-side to the rear, 
 where, late in the afternoon, I received assistance, 
 and succeeded in reaching the field hospital. How- 
 ever, before this the fate of the day had been de- 
 cided and our forces were victorious. That night 
 I was in great misery, but had every attention pos- 
 sible." 
 
 His injury proving severe, he received a sur- 
 geon's certificate of disability — " a shell wound re- 
 
 94 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ceived in action" — with leave of absence to pro- 
 ceed to his home at Germantown, where he was at- 
 tended by the surgeon in charge at that place. 
 
 Having recovered, on the 23d of September he 
 reported for duty, meanwhile having been elected 
 and appointed adjutant of his regiment. After his 
 return he took part in the battles of Bristow Sta- 
 tion, Cedar Grove, and Mine Run; but being se- 
 verely ill with a chronic complaint, which had con- 
 tinued to afflict him since reporting for duty, and 
 become greatly aggravated by exposure in the 
 field, he was again granted twenty days' leave of 
 absence on surgeon's certificate, and proceeded to 
 his home. 
 
 Perhaps it was in connection with his return 
 home on this occasion that this interesting inci- 
 dent occurred as related by his sister, and as it 
 is quite characteristic of his playful thoughtful- 
 ness, it is inserted here: 
 
 Close to the house, in the grounds of the old 
 homestead, stood a large pear-tree, behind which 
 one could easily hide from eyes too inquisitive. 
 Early one morning the sisters were gradually 
 aroused from the profound slumber which pre- 
 cedes the dawn, as from pleasant dreams, by 
 strains of music, whose origin they could not im- 
 agine. The voice seemed familiar, but whence it 
 came or whose it was they did not know. Fully 
 aroused at last, they looked out of the window, 
 but no one was in sight, nor did they receive any 
 
 95 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 answer to their call, save the tender notes of the 
 singer : 
 
 " Home again, home again. 
 From a foreign shore ; 
 But oh, it fills my heart with joy- 
 To greet my friends once more." 
 
 The voice, however, was too well-known long 
 to defy detection. It suddenly flashed upon their 
 minds that their brother had returned unexpect- 
 edly from the seat of war, and meant this " song 
 in the night" as a pleasant surprise ; when, forcing 
 him from his hiding place by their pleadings, he 
 was soon the recipient of their loving caresses and 
 cordial welcome home, 
 
 On the expiration of his leave of absence, Mr. 
 Schaeffer reported for duty at Wilmington, Del., 
 whither his regiment had gone for reorganization, 
 their term of service having expired. On the 9th 
 of February, 1864, in pursuance of orders, the 
 regiment "started for the front, and on the 13th 
 went into camp at Stony Mount." On the morn- 
 ing of the 3d of May they again struck tents, and 
 just as night set in started on the march, " the 
 army being in splendid condition under the par- 
 ticular supervision of Lieutenant General Grant." 
 Marching all night, and crossing the Rapidan at 
 Ely's Ford, about noon of the 4th they encamped 
 on the old battle-field of Chancellorsville. 
 
 Friday, May 6, 1864. — " I was on duty all night, 
 96 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 notwithstanding being quite ill from exposure on 
 the march and a severe attack of chills and fever. 
 Early in the morning orders were given to charge 
 and surprise the enemy. At 4 a.m. the entire line 
 moved forward, and with such alacrity that the 
 enemy were completely driven out of their first 
 line of works, leaving their morning meal strown 
 along the ground. From this time on the battle 
 raged in all its fury, as we continued to press them. 
 At one time, however, the Confederates succeeded 
 in getting on our right flank, and were about turn- 
 ing the tide of victory, when by a counter move- 
 ment we were enabled to unite our broken line. 
 During the excitement of the battle I continued 
 unfalteringly at my post, and seemed to have un- 
 natural strength for the occasion, but finally, from 
 sheer exhaustion, during a lull in the engagement 
 fell out, entirely overcome. I was immediately 
 taken in charge by one of our surgeons on the 
 field, and in the evening taken to the field-hos- 
 pital." 
 
 Saturday, May y, 1864. — " Fighting through- 
 out the day, the enemy, however, retiring. During 
 the night was quite ill with chills and fever." 
 
 Being very anxious to rejoin his command, on 
 the evening of the following day, in company with 
 a fellow-ofiicer, Mr. Schaeffer started out to find 
 his regiment, expecting to come up with it in the 
 front line of battle, but as it had been ordered to 
 7 97 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 another position, as he afterwards learned, the 
 search was, of course, in vain. 
 
 During this night of horror he became lost in 
 the intricacies of the Wilderness, and barely es- 
 caped falling into the hands of the Confederates. 
 The excitement and fatigue aggravated his dis- 
 ease, and growing worse and being unable to go 
 farther, he was forwarded by ambulance and boat 
 to Washington, D. C, and on his own application 
 was afterwards sent to the Officers' Hospital at 
 Annapolis, Md. 
 
 Improving under treatment, on the 4th of June 
 he was examined before the Medical Board, and 
 being thought fit for service, was appointed acting 
 adjutant of a provisional battalion, just then or- 
 ganizing at Baltimore, Md. Starting for the front 
 on the 7th of June, via Alexandria, Va., by Govern- 
 ment boats, he passed down the Chesapeake and 
 up the Pamunky, arriving at the White House on 
 the morning of the loth. He performed the ser- 
 vice required of him in distributmg the soldiers 
 of the provisional battalion to their several com- 
 mands, and afterwards took part in the battles of 
 Cold Harbor and Petersburg. While thus en- 
 gaged he was again attacked with chills and fever, 
 and on the 21st was placed under treatment in the 
 hospital. On this date he writes : " My condition 
 physically becoming alarming, and despairing of 
 recovering sufficiently to endure the exposure of 
 field service, on the advice of medical and other 
 
 98 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 friends I have fully determined to forward to 
 head-quarters my resignation." This resolution 
 he put into effect on the 23d, and on the 28th he 
 received an honorable discharge from the service 
 of the United States on surgeon's certificate of dis- 
 ability. 
 
 Reaching home on Sunday, July 3, 1864, he 
 makes this record of his experiences : 
 
 " After thirty-three months of field service, nine 
 months as an enlisted soldier, and two years as a 
 commissioned officer, I have been permitted by the 
 mercy of God to return in safety to my home. 
 When I reflect on the dangers through which I 
 have passed, the hardships, the exposure, the want 
 and fatigue, the wounds received and the narrow 
 escapes from the enemy; when I remember the 
 terrible scenes of battle, when shot and shell fairly 
 rained death and destruction around me, and 
 friends and comrades fell wounded and dead at 
 my side; when I consider the severe attacks of 
 disease, and the casualties of battle, which re- 
 peatedly brought me very near the eternal world, 
 yet in God's providence my days were prolonged, 
 I cannot but ask, ' What shall I render unto the 
 Lord for all His benefits towards me?' May I 
 be found living to His praise." 
 
 That Mr. Schaeffer was the same trustful, cheer- 
 ful, consistent Christian in the midst of this en- 
 vironment of strife and carnage as in the peaceful 
 
 99 
 
 l.dfC 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 pursuits of life we have previously described is 
 shown not only in his own writings, but is con- 
 firmed by the testimony of many friends, which it 
 would be interesting to adduce did space permit. 
 He says concerning his life in camp: 
 
 " God granted me His presence and blessing in 
 my darkest hours. Oh, how many sweet seasons 
 have I had with my Saviour ! how good to my soul 
 the religious exercises of the camp! Although at 
 times my heart became cold, yet I never lost my 
 trust in God nor a relish for His holy services. In 
 the time of battle I sought Him for courage and 
 strength to enable me to stand firm in the hour of 
 danger, or if wounded or shot dead by the enemy, 
 that I might fall at the post of duty. My thoughts 
 have often reverted to the loved ones of my dear 
 church and the beloved home circle who were pray- 
 ing for me, and with it my heart took courage. 
 During the last winter the precious season of re- 
 vival among the soldiers of my brigade was a time 
 of great blessing to my soul, and resulted in great 
 good to many who now lie in a soldier's grave." 
 
 But Mr. Schaeffer's connection with the army 
 was not thus summarily to cease. God had other 
 and larger work for him to perform to the praise 
 of His holy name. The step which he now took 
 opened wide the door of opportunity, for which 
 his entire previous life appears to have been a 
 preparation, and in its outcome furnished the key 
 
 100 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 which explains the peculiar experiences which had 
 hindered his entrance into the ministry. He 
 might, indeed, have become a useful minister of 
 Jesus Christ, in accordance with his intense desire, 
 had not his way been hedged by circumstances 
 which to him seemed insurmountable; but it is 
 certain had he merely followed the inclinations of 
 his heart, the unique work put into his hands 
 would have remained unaccomplished. 
 
 Amid the comforts and gracious attentions of 
 the home circle, in the three months elapsing since 
 his resignation from the army Mr. Schaeffer found 
 himself with health improved and ready for such 
 service as he might be able to perform. His heart 
 was still in the struggle, and the moral aspect of 
 the war stirred his deepest feelings. Under date 
 of July 4, 1864, a few days after his retirement 
 from the service, he writes : 
 
 " The anniversary of our national independence 
 still finds us engaged in a terrible struggle to save 
 our beloved country. May the Lord hasten the 
 time when this wicked Rebellion, which has 
 brought so much desolation and distress upon us, 
 shall be effectually crushed, and the nation riseJ 
 again to glory and strength, renovated and re- 
 deemed, and with the dark spot of slavery entirely 
 blotted out." 
 
 Thus led, and prompted by motives so praise- 
 worthy, he again offered himself to the Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 101 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Friday, September 23, 1864. — " My health 
 having improved sufficiently to warrant an offer- 
 ing of my service to the Government for post or 
 garrison duty, I made on this date application for 
 a commission in the ' Veteran Reserve Corps.' " 
 
 On the 29th of September he received a letter 
 from the Provost Marshal General, with instruc- 
 tions to report to the Board of Examination at 
 Washington, D. C, for examination, which he took 
 the next day, but left for home without knowledge 
 of the result. Pending information from the 
 Board of Examination, he makes the following 
 entry : 
 
 " I have committed my way unto the Lord, and 
 wait the developments of His will. If it shall 
 please Thee, O God, that I shall again enter the 
 army of my country, so direct every movement, 
 appointment, and assignment, etc., as shall best 
 conduce to my present, future, and eternal good. 
 
 " * Only Thou my leader be, 
 And I still will follow Thee.' " 
 
 In due course he received an appointment as 
 second lieutenant in the Veteran Reserve Corps, 
 and was assigned to duty with the Fourteenth 
 Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, stationed at 
 Rendezvous of Distribution in Fairfax County, 
 Va., near Washington, D. C. His duties now 
 
 102 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 consisted mainly in conducting detachments of 
 soldiers, drafted men, and prisoners-of-war to 
 localities and camps in various parts of the coun- 
 try. That he was not idle in a religious way ap- 
 pears from the citation below. 
 
 January, i, 1865. — " I have found my station at 
 Rendezvous of Distribution one of precious interest 
 to my soul. At the regimental camp, a most de- 
 lightful nightly meeting was participated in and 
 greatly enjoyed, while the larger meetings at the 
 Christian Commission Chapel were not only the 
 means of growth in grace to many Christians, but 
 resulted in the conversion of hundreds to the cause 
 of the Redeemer. My soul can bless the Lord for 
 His assistance in the path of duty, for enabling me 
 to stand up frequently for Him, and for keeping 
 me safe from the many snares that were laid iot 
 my feet by wicked companions and enemies of my 
 soul." 
 
 He was stationed at the Capitol Barracks at the 
 period of General Lee's surrender, and on the 
 night of President Lincoln's assassination he had 
 his company under arms from midnight until early 
 morning. On the 27th of May he received a com- 
 mission as first lieutenant in the Veteran Reserve 
 Corps, and was relieved from duty with the Four- 
 teenth Regiment and assigned to duty with the 
 Seventh Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 
 On the 23d of July he was the principal in an 
 103 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 incident somewhat unique in army life, being the 
 recipient of a copy of the Bible, presented by hi^ 
 company as a token of their esteem, many of the 
 donors having just received an honorable dis- 
 charge from the service. About this time he was 
 taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to his home, 
 where he lay at the point of death for many days. 
 Recovering, he returned to his regiment on the 
 1st of November, and on the 27th of the same 
 month was relieved from duty in that department 
 and ordered to proceed to his home and report by 
 letter to the Adjutant General of the Army. On 
 his arrival home he transmitted the letter as or- 
 dered, and also forwarded to Hon. Russel Thayer, 
 member of Congress from his district, several 
 recommendations received by him for honorable 
 service. 
 
 For about three months, while awaiting orders 
 at home, Mr. Schaeffer rejoiced to avail him- 
 self of the church privileges he had formerly en- 
 joyed, and engaged with old-time interest and fer- 
 vor in religious work. 
 
 On the 1st of January, 1866, he writes : " Spent 
 the closing hours of the past year in holy services 
 with the people of God, the last moments, as usual, 
 upon the bended knee, in consecrating renewedly 
 soul and body to the service of the Master." 
 
 January ^i, 1866. — " The month one of special 
 blessing and comfort to my soul. I have found 
 
 104 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the Union Prayer-Meetings exceedingly precious, 
 also the meetings of my own beloved church, 
 where God's Spirit has been so graciously poured 
 out, bringing quite a number to the feet of Jesus. 
 My soul baptized afresh — inundated by a Saviour's 
 love. Oh, how sweet have been my meditations 
 during the night watches ! For hours my soul 
 has been in a sacred flame." 
 
 February 4, 1866. — " A precious Sabbath to my 
 soul. Early in the morning met the old colored 
 people at the Horse Market in their prayer-meet- 
 ing, and, as on all former occasions, found it the 
 gate of heaven in its soul-reviving influences and 
 nearness to the mercy-seat. At the church wit- 
 nessed the baptism of twenty happy converts, 
 twelve of them young men in the flower of youth. 
 Found the Communion service exceedingly pre- 
 cious, as also the meeting for prayer which fol- 
 lowed. Returned home after evening service with 
 a full heart of thankfulness." 
 
 February 28, 1866. — " Occasionally it is my 
 happy privilege to receive the glad tidings of the 
 conversion of those who were formerly under my 
 charge in the Sabbath-school. Since my return 
 home I have given my hand to no less than four 
 of this class, who have rejoiced my heart with the 
 good news that they had found the Saviour. 
 Blessed be God, my petitions have been answered 
 in behalf of these and others whom I have labored 
 to lead to Christ." 
 
 105 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 March ^i, 1866. — " .... During the month 
 another of my Sabbath-school scholars has been 
 brought to experience hope in Christ. May the 
 Lord keep him faithful unto death, and give him 
 a crown of life." 
 
 Reporting from time to time to the Adjutant 
 General of the Army as required, but in ignorance 
 of the service to which he might be called, " my 
 future," he writes, " I leave to the kind directing 
 hand which has led me hitherto." 
 
 106 
 
CHAPTER VI I. 
 
 It would be difficult in this era of general pros- 
 perity and good-will throughout the country to 
 form a true conception of the conditions which 
 obtained in the South on the surrender of General 
 Lee at Appomattox, on the collapse of the Con- 
 federate Government. 
 
 The South, after a heroic struggle in a " cause" 
 which many of her best citizens regarded as 
 righteous, humiliated and defeated, lay prostrate 
 at the feet of the North, who had fought for the 
 maintenance of the Government and the glory of 
 the flag. The whole Southland was shrouded in 
 mourning. There was scarcely a household which 
 had not been rudely broken in upon by the ruthless 
 hand of war, and all hearts were overwhelmed with 
 sorrow for the wounded and the dead. 
 
 Social and economic conditions were completely 
 revolutionized. Credit was utterly destroyed, and 
 the people were without a medium of exchange. 
 The Confederate currency, which had greatly de- 
 preciated in value before hostilities ceased, had now 
 become absolutely worthless. Over wide sections 
 of country the masses of society, in conducting the 
 affairs of daily life, were compelled to resort 
 to the primitive practice of barter. Labor was 
 given in exchange for food. and shelter, one food 
 
 107 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 commodity was bartered for another, and in this 
 inadequate way business was carried on and the 
 community managed to subsist. 
 
 The negro, who as a slave had been the pro- 
 ductive source of wealth, and by loyalty to his 
 master had rendered possible the prolongation of 
 the Rebellion, was now a freeman, impoverishing 
 by his emancipation thousands whose wealth con- 
 sisted in human chattels. The latter, with lax 
 moral views of slavery, the result of many years 
 of custom and education, resented the action of 
 the Government in freeing their slaves as an out- 
 rage upon their rights and a practical confiscation 
 of their property. They distrusted the freedmen 
 in their new relations to society and the state, and 
 found adjustment with prevailing conditions not 
 only difficult but naturally irksome. 
 
 The slave, for generations the victim of illiter- 
 acy, and rendered dependent by his servile life, 
 had neither the intelligence nor disposition at first 
 to avail himself of the advantages his changed 
 circumstances afforded him. It was inevitable 
 that there should be a clash of classes and general 
 confusion, growing out of the disorganized state 
 of society. 
 
 Indeed, in not a few cases the entire machinery 
 of the civil law was deranged, not infrequently the 
 civil authorities were powerless to execute the 
 laws, and occasionally the partial administration 
 
 1 08 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 of justice, as was to be expected, led to bitterness 
 and strife. 
 
 Mutual suspicion prevailed. The blacks, with a 
 view to self-protection and for political purposes, 
 were organized into secret societies, known as 
 Union Leagues. The whites, fearing the conse- 
 quences of such combinations, whose objects they 
 could neither influence nor understand, were dis- 
 posed to proscribe those who were known or sus- 
 pected to be in affiliation with them. Many of the 
 negroes, ejected from their quarters and deprived 
 of the supplies upon which they had been accus- 
 tomed to depend, were in the extreme of poverty, 
 lacking both food and suitable shelter. 
 
 Taxed to the utmost by the insatiable demands 
 of the Confederate Government, but little had been 
 done by the people during the Civil War for free 
 education. In the abnormal condition of affairs 
 and the pressing financial distress, more could not 
 be hoped for now. Moreover, God Almighty, as 
 in the days of old by Moses to Pharaoh, had said 
 to this nation, in a voice as emphatic and by provi- 
 dences as unmistakable, " Let my people go;" and 
 in response a vast horde of liberated slaves, illiter- 
 ate, superstitious, improvident, without ability to 
 govern themselves wisely, or participate in the 
 government of others, were thrown into the midst 
 of our national life. What could be done with 
 them ? Would the States assume the responsibility 
 of their education? What was the Nation's duty 
 
 109 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 concerning them? These were urgent questions 
 that would not be thrust aside. Apart from the 
 conviction, held at that time by the great majority 
 of the Southern people, that it was not only im- 
 politic, but dangerous, to impart the rudiments 
 of an education to the negro, remained the fact 
 that no adequate provision could possibly be made 
 for the whites. What the States would do in the 
 future was uncertain. It would at least require 
 time to eradicate old prejudices and develop a more 
 conservative sentiment. A wholly anomalous or- 
 der of things existed, which would take time, 
 thought, and wise statesmanship to direct and sys- 
 tematize. Fortunately, the negro himself, feeling 
 the impulse of his new free life, was eager to avail 
 himself of every opportunity for self -improvement 
 and material advancement. 
 
 At this juncture our beneficent Government 
 came to the rescue. It was not enough for the 
 Nation to know that past injuries inflicted devolved 
 upon the people special obligations. The public 
 conscience was stirred. From all parts of the 
 North voluntary associations, religious and secu- 
 lar, entered upon the work of education among 
 the negroes with enthusiasm and success, while 
 the United States Government, by special act of 
 Congress, organized under the control of the War 
 Department a " Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, 
 and Abandoned Lands" expressly to provide for 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the exigencies we have tried in a few words to de- 
 scribe. 
 
 Mr. Schaeffer was not left long in suspense. 
 On the 6th of April, 1866, after awaiting orders 
 for some three weeks, he was instructed to report 
 to Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner 
 of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 
 for assignment to duty in that Bureau, and re- 
 ported on the same date. Subsequent instructions 
 directed him to proceed to Richmond, Va., and 
 from that point he was sent to Wytheville, Va., 
 as Assistant Superintendent, in the counties of 
 Smyth and Tazewell, with head-quarters at Ma- 
 rion, Va. Here, under orders, he relieved Lieu- 
 tenant B. E. Hess, V. R. C. The following day, 
 May 23d, he indorsed a petition, signed by numer- 
 ous citizens, " that if not incompatible with the 
 interests of the service, Lieutenant Hess be al- 
 lowed to resume the duties of Assistant Superin- 
 tendent of that portion of the district." On the 
 24th of May the order relieving Lieutenant Hess 
 was revoked, and Mr. Schaeffer was assigned to 
 duty in the counties of Montgomery and Giles, 
 with head-quarters at Christiansburg, Va. 
 
 These uninteresting and apparently unimportant 
 orders and assignments are mentioned here because 
 they constitute a series of providential steps which 
 brought Mr. Schaeffer in direct relations with the 
 field of his future life-work. It is by such seem- 
 ingly insignificant events as these that our lives 
 
 III 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 are modified, and sometimes the whole current of 
 them changed. 
 
 On the 13th of July he received information 
 of his appointment and confirmation by the Senate 
 of the United States to the rank of Brevet Cap- 
 tain U. S. V. " for gallant and meritorious ser- 
 vices during the war," the commission to date from 
 the 13th of March, 1865. 
 
 Delayed by a serious illness, it was not until the 
 13th of August that he was permitted to enter 
 upon his duties. In the meantime another county 
 had been added to his sub-district, which now em- 
 braced the counties of Montgomery, Giles, and 
 Pulaski. On his recovery he immediately began 
 a " tour of duty" through this section of South- 
 western Virginia, visiting the towns and villages 
 for the reception of the freed people, who came 
 in large numbers to the several places of rendez- 
 vous. Their condition can be better imagined than 
 described. They comprised a grotesque and mot- 
 ley company. Many of them were clad in rags, 
 and most of them were ill-fed. They were of all 
 ages and conditions, from the white-haired pa- 
 triarch of the plantation to the infant in arms. 
 The sick, the blind, the lame, the widow, and the 
 orphan composed part of these groups. From their 
 filth and poverty and squalor they came, trooping 
 by hundreds to the Government officials for help 
 in their extremity. They were, in truth, " as sheep 
 having no shepherd." They needed everything — 
 
 112 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 food, clothing, employment, education, religion. 
 Illiterate to the last degree, ignorant of the ways 
 of the world, hampered by a sense of dependence, 
 their religion a tissue of superstition, their idea 
 of freedom deliverance from restraint and license 
 to come and go and do as they pleased, thrown 
 upon their own resources, is it not one of the mar- 
 vels of history that they were kept under control 
 at all? Their conduct immediately following 
 emancipation is a credit to their race and a signal 
 instance of the overruling hand of God in the af- 
 fairs of men. 
 
 It is true that in the several months which had 
 elapsed since the suppression of the Rebellion the 
 mutual necessities of the whites and blacks had 
 somewhat relieved the tension of feeling existing 
 between them, which was the immediate conse- 
 quence of emancipation, yet the distress was severe, 
 the demand for action on the part of the Govern- 
 ment urgent, and the officials were brought face 
 to face with problems new to our institutions, the 
 solution of which required the utmost tact, for 
 bearance, and skill. 
 
 Captain Schaefifer returned to his head-quarters 
 at Christiansburg from this first tour profoundly 
 impressed with the seriousness of his charge, " but 
 with the consciousness that my [his] labors for 
 the good of the freed people were fully appre- 
 ciated." How solemnly he viewed his responsi- 
 
 "3 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 bilities in this connection the following citation 
 will explain, 
 
 December jj, 1866. — " .... My soul has 
 been blessed with the refreshings of God's presence 
 and with fellowship and communion with my 
 Saviour. In my duties as Assistant Superinten- 
 dent of the Bureau I have endeavored to labor 
 faithfully for the interests of the freed people, and 
 to deal justly and impartially with all classes. 
 They now honor me for my integrity and esteem 
 me as their friend. Feeling deeply interested in 
 behalf of the freed people, I do humbly beg for 
 Christ's sake that I may be a blessing among 
 them, both temporally and spiritually, and prove; 
 myself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed 
 — honoring God, hating sin, fearing to do evil, 
 whatever my hands find to do, to do it with my 
 might, to serve God with all my heart, soul, mind, 
 and strength, and to so live as to have nothing to 
 regret when I come to die. I beg this for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 " As during the past year I have prayed to be 
 led by the Holy Spirit, and to know no will but 
 His, so during the coming year may every step be 
 marked out by the great ' I Am,' and my course 
 be that of * the just,' which shineth more and more 
 unto the perfect day,' I pray for Jesus' sake. 
 Amen. Renewedly I consecrate myself to the 
 service of the Living God. May my past sins be 
 
 114 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 forgiven, and grace and strength be vouchsafed 
 to me, so that I may live * not unto myself, but 
 unto him who died for me and rose again.' " 
 
 Captain Schaeffer was now crowded with work. 
 In addition to the general duties of Assistant 
 Superintendent of the Bureau, on the i8th of April, 
 1867, he was appointed, under Act of Congress, 
 Registering Officer and President of the Board 
 of Registration for Montgomery County, Va., and 
 on the 7th of June following Military Commis- 
 sioner for the counties under his jurisdiction, 
 which now consisted of Montgomery, Giles, Roa- 
 noke, Craig, and Floyd. His orders made neces- 
 sary monthly visits to their several county-seats. 
 With head-quarters at Christiansburg, Va., he 
 was required to make long and fatiguing journeys, 
 by railroad where practicable, but often on foot 
 or on horseback, over rough mountain roads, at 
 the expense of much labor and inconvenience, and 
 where accommodations for the traveller were of 
 the most primitive kind. 
 
 As Registering Officer he was responsible for 
 the taking of a careful census of the white and 
 colored voters and a general supervision of the 
 elections; as Military Commissioner under the 
 Department, he was clothed with authority in 
 cases where the civil courts were either unable 
 or indisposed to mete out justice; as Assistant 
 Superintendent of the Bureau of R., F., and A. 
 
 "5 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 L., the needs of the freedmen, their relations to 
 employers and labor, the general question of edu- 
 cation, their social conditions, etc., received atten- 
 tion. That these duties were onerous the pre- 
 ceding statement will make clear; that they were 
 performed to the satisfaction of his superiors ap- 
 pears from the following modest line : 
 
 July ^, i86y. — " Received a complimentary let- 
 ter from the Assistant Commissioner." 
 
 Many of the cases coming before Captain 
 Schaeffer as Military Commissioner required nice 
 tact and discrimination in their adjudication. 
 They included a wide range of subjects, from the 
 disposition to be made of an old army mule or 
 wagon found unlawfully in the possession of some 
 white person or ex-slave, to the investigation of an 
 alleged plot on the part of the negroes for the 
 destruction of their former masters. A large ma- 
 jority of these cases were of a trivial and vexa- 
 tious character, consisting in disputes growing out 
 of the failure of employers to fulfil the terms 
 of their contracts with employees. This contract 
 system prevailed extensively, — as it still does in 
 some parts of the South, — and seemed to be the 
 only feasible method of conducting business in the 
 rural districts in the economic conditions of the 
 times. 
 
 Captain Schaeffer brought to this duty thor- 
 ii6 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ough conscientiousness and a desire for absolute 
 impartiality. Wherever he could be assured that 
 justice would be dispensed, the disputants were im- 
 mediately handed over to the civil authorities. A 
 copy is appended of a summing up in Captain 
 Schaeffer's official report of an alleged plot to mur- 
 der the whites in his district. It was made after 
 a thorough investigation of the facts, and pays a 
 high tribute to the behavior of the negroes. 
 
 "Head-Quarters Military Commissioner, 
 " Counties of Pulaski, Montgomery, and Giles, 
 " Christiansburg, Va., December 13, 1867. 
 "Lieutenant Charles P. Robe, U. S. A., A. A. A. General. 
 
 " Lieutenant : — I have the honor to make the following 
 statement of facts relative to the enclosed petition of citi- 
 zens of Central Depot, Montgomery County, Va. [Here 
 follows a minute and exhaustive report of the testimony in 
 the case.] 
 
 " The whites, I believe, are fully armed and ready for 
 
 any emergency. I heard Mr. W tell a number of persons 
 
 that the General commanding had instructed him to tell 
 the whites that they had all better arm themselves, or words 
 to that effect. It is my candid opinion that this whole affair 
 was gotten up to injure the colored man, and as a ruse to 
 obtain an armed organization of the whites. Throughout 
 the counties under my jurisdiction the freed people are be- 
 having themselves nobly, attending to their own business 
 and giving no cause of offense to their white neighbors: 
 while, on the other hand, the whites are greatly embittered 
 against them and annoy them with petty persecutions. 
 
 " The charges made that they threatened certain parties 
 of their own color for uttering conservative sentiments could 
 not be substantiated, although every facility was afforded 
 the petitioners to do so. Before leaving Central Depot, in 
 conversation with prominent citizens, they made the bold 
 
 117 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 assertion that they believed the whole affair to be a farce, 
 and that, so far as they could judge, the colored people were 
 behaving themselves admirably under the present conditions 
 
 and circumstances. Mr. did not object to any of the 
 
 testimony of the witnesses, and finally acknowledged that he 
 was the first to report among the colored men the news- 
 paper articles referring to the arming of the blacks and their 
 intention to destroy the women and children. Having made 
 a thorough sifting of this matter as far as in my power, 
 " I remain, very respectfully, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER, 
 
 "Brevet Captain and Military Commissioner." 
 
 ii8 
 
CHAPTER VII L 
 
 The most remarkable fact in connection with 
 emancipation, perhaps, was the avidity shown by 
 the freedmen for knowledge and mental training. 
 And considering the further fact of the interest 
 taken by the General Government, by secular and 
 religious organizations, and by individuals in sup- 
 plying this demand, there is presented for our re- 
 flection a most unique chapter in human history. 
 
 The attitude of the negro towards education at 
 the outset of his career as a freedman furnishes an 
 eloquent prophecy of his possible future, and the 
 helping hand extended by his white brother, a 
 splendid tribute to the influence of Christian civili- 
 zation in allaying caste prejudice and in affording 
 the weaker brother a chance. It had its origin in 
 a broad statesmanship and Christly charity, which 
 reaching out at a critical juncture, preserved a peo- 
 ple from a bondage more bitter than that of the 
 flesh, and probably from the unspeakable horrors 
 of a race war. Nor would it be possible to estimate 
 at its true value the work accomplished by the 
 agencies named in the few years next succeeding 
 the war, the formative and crucial period of the 
 negro as a free citizen; for it must not be for- 
 gotten that alongside the school-house was reared 
 the house of worship, and with the training of 
 the mind came also the culture of the heart. 
 
 119 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 The late General C. S. Armstrong, principal of 
 Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, 
 says : " General Howard and the Freedmen's Bu- 
 reau did for the ex-slaves, from 1865 to 1870, a 
 marvellous work, for which due credit has not 
 been given; among other things, giving to their 
 education an impulse and a foundation by grant- 
 ing three and a half millions of dollars for school- 
 houses, salaries, etc., promoting the education of 
 about a million of colored children. The princi- 
 pal negro educational institutions of to-day, then 
 starting, were liberally aided in a time of vital 
 need." 
 
 It is not within the scope of this work to discuss 
 the details of this extraordinary educational move- 
 ment excepting as they refer to the subject of this 
 memoir, but we cannot refrain from quoting the 
 following, as indicating the breadth and success 
 that attended it. 
 
 Extract from the Fourth Semi-Annual Report 
 on Schools for Freedmen, July i, 1867, by J. V. 
 Alvord, General Superintendent of Schools, Bu- 
 reau R., F., and A. L. : 
 
 " We are now reaching, with efficient influence, not only 
 the cities, but the remotest counties of each State lately in 
 rebellion. The voluntary associations are working har- 
 moniously with us in sentiment and methods of action, and 
 in harmony among themselves. The reports of State Super- 
 intendents indicate fidelity and increasing thoroughness, 
 showing more perfect knowledge of the work and deeper 
 commitment to its great results ; and the nearly two thou- 
 
 120 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 sand teachers at present employed give, with rare exceptions, 
 gratifying proof that these four millions may in future be 
 
 safely left with such instructors Still we look back 
 
 with astonishment at the amount accomplished. Such prog- 
 ress as is seen under auspices admitted to be unfavor- 
 able; the permanency of the schools, scarcely one failing 
 when once commenced ; the rapid increase of intelligence 
 among the whole colored population, are matters of con- 
 stant remark by every observer. Thus far this educational 
 efifort, considered as a whole, has been eminently successful. 
 The country and the world are surprised to behold a de- 
 pressed race, so lately and long in bondage, springing to their 
 feet, and entering the lists in hopeful competition of every 
 rival. 
 
 " We urge all friends of the freedmen to increasing con- 
 fidence and to look forward with assured expectation to 
 greater things than these. This people are to be prepared 
 for what is preparing for them. They are to become ' a 
 people which in time past were not a people ;' and there is 
 increasing evidence that ' God hath made of one blood all 
 the nations of men.' Equal endowments substantially with 
 equal culture, will produce that equality common to all man- 
 kind." 
 
 A few extracts from one of Captain Schaeffer's 
 reports to the Bureau will, perhaps, best explain 
 his several relations to the same : 
 
 " Head-Quarters of Bureau of R., F., and A. L., 
 " Christiansburg, Va., January 31, 1868. 
 " General : — I have the honor to make the following re- 
 port of Bureau affairs in the counties under my jurisdiction. 
 .... I have, however, been fully engaged in looking after 
 the interests of the freed people in the Third Division, 
 visiting many of them at their homes, and endeavoring to 
 acquaint myself with their condition and circumstances. 
 Some I found in deep poverty and distress, but was enabled 
 to relieve in a great measure their necessities by kind as- 
 
 121 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 sistance furnished me by friends in Philadelphia, Ohio, and 
 other places, especially in the distribution of women's and 
 children's clothing, which was received with true-hearted 
 gratitude and praise to God. The men's clothing sent me 
 by the Bureau will prove a great comfort and blessing to 
 the aged and infirm. 
 
 " The cold weather in these mountains has been unusually 
 severe, and those not well provided for, through inability 
 to lay by supplies, have in many instances suffered severely, 
 but have received relief as far as we were able to supply 
 their necessities. 
 
 " There seems to be a disposition on the part of the whites 
 not to enter into written contracts with these people until 
 after the election, hoping thereby to influence their votes 
 for the parties whom they select, or against the adoption 
 of the constitution framed by the convention now in session. 
 They also in many instances hire them by the day, while 
 others are employed by the month, without any special ar- 
 rangement being made to continue them in service. They 
 are fearful, however, to turn them off altogether, as they 
 certainly need their labor; notwithstanding many of them 
 are advocating the introduction of white labor to the ex- 
 clusion of the colored man. This, however, will not suc- 
 ceed, and I have assured the freed people of its improba- 
 bility. 
 
 " Public sentiment among the ' unreconstructed' is bitter 
 against these people. Their schools are denounced, and 
 every effort for their advancement is looked upon with 
 distrust. No sympathy or co-operation can be expected 
 from this source. And even those persons who are favor- 
 able to the education and elevation of the colored race are 
 so fearful of public opinion that they are unwilling to take 
 a bold stand for the right. 
 
 " The poor whites are in a sad condition, and their chil- 
 dren are growing up in ignorance and vice. They are will- 
 ing to mingle with the negroes in their homes, but when 
 asked to avail themselves of their school advantages can- 
 not be induced to enroll themselves among them. Through- 
 out all the counties under my jurisdiction as Bureau Officer 
 
 122 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 I do not know of a single school for poor whites, and I have 
 taken considerable trouble to ascertain the facts in the case. 
 
 " In regard to freedmen's schools, only two at present 
 are in successful operation, and these are supported by 
 Northern benevolent associations, the one at Christiansburg 
 numbering two teachers and two hundred and thirty-two 
 scholars, including one hundred and forty-five day and 
 eighty-five night scholars. A large class of colored young 
 men receive writing-lessons four nights in the week from 
 your officer in charge. 
 
 " The Sunday-school at this place numbers one superin- 
 tendent, twenty-eight teachers, and two hundred and nine 
 scholars. At Newbern, Pulaski County, the school num- 
 bers ninety-seven day and twenty-eight night scholars. A 
 large Bible class is taught by the day-school teacher. Both 
 these interests are in a very flourishing condition, and the 
 scholars are making very rapid progress in their studies. 
 At Salem I found a school with one teacher and sixty-eight 
 scholars, but which needs looking after to make it suc- 
 cessful. The county schools have all been closed during 
 the past month, owing to the severe weather. As far as I 
 have been able to visit among them, I have found the chil- 
 dren studying at their homes, but, of course, making very 
 slow progress. 
 
 " The Lincoln Temperance Association at Christiansburg 
 now numbers two hundred members and is exerting a 
 powerful influence for good throughout the community. At 
 Newbern the membership numbers ninety, and is as true 
 as steel to the cause. We purpose as soon as we are able 
 to organize divisions in other localities. 
 
 " Difficulties growing out of the marriage relation have 
 been adjusted without recourse to the civil law, as well as 
 a number of cases of improper conduct, which have been 
 disposed of in a manner which will, we trust, prevent their 
 
 recurrence and have a salutary influence upon others 
 
 The orphan children, as far as I can learn, have been 
 properly cared for, and where an opportunity is afforded 
 attend our schools. 
 
 " Notwithstanding the malice and hatred of the whites to- 
 123 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 wards the freed people and those engaged in laboring for 
 their welfare, yet there are some who would bid them God- 
 speed, and would give assistance if they could, and the 
 freedmen themselves are steadily advancing in intelligence, 
 sobriety, and good deportment, desiring to live in peace with 
 all men, and endeavoring to secure by their labor an honest 
 livelihood. 
 
 " I am, General, very respectfully, 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER, 
 
 " Brevet Captain, etc., etc." 
 
 The notable interest manifested by Captain 
 Schaeffer in this educational work, and his evident 
 adaptation for its prosecution, called forth from 
 the Superintendent of Education the following 
 communication : 
 
 " Bureau of R., F., and A. L., 
 " Office of Superintendent of Education, 
 " Richmond, Va., June 17, 1869. 
 " Brevet Captain C. S. Schaeffer. 
 
 " Dear Sir : — I should be glad if I can arrange the matter 
 with yourself and General Howard to have you appointed 
 Assistant Superintendent of Schools, so that you can con- 
 tinue the work you have in hand for the Friends' Society, 
 and at the same time enlarge the sphere of your operations 
 beyond what you otherwise would do, and at least get your 
 travelling expenses and subsistence while travelling from 
 the Government. Perhaps I can get more than that for 
 you. This would relieve the Society of all charge for your 
 travelling expenses, and give you larger freedom in useful- 
 ness. Please write me what you think of this. 
 " Yours truly, 
 
 " R. M. Manly, 
 " Superintendent of Education." 
 
 Concerning this communication the " Diary" re- 
 cords the following: 
 
 124 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Friday, July 2^, i86g. — " Yesterday busy as 
 usual. To-day I received enclosed in communica- 
 tion from Rev. R. M. Manly, Superintendent of 
 Education, State of Virginia, Bureau of R., F., and 
 A. L., a letter of appointment from the War De- 
 partment, Head-Quarters, Bureau of R., F., and 
 A. L., Washington, D. C, assigning me to duty as 
 Assistant Superintendent of Education, State of 
 Virginia. Mailed a letter of acceptance and en- 
 tered upon duties." 
 
 Thursday, August 12, i86g. — " Visited Rev. 
 R. M. Manly, Superintendent of Education, etc., 
 arranged in regard to future work, and received 
 instructions to make certain tours of inspection 
 throughout the western counties of the State." 
 
 Friday, August jj, i86p. — " I returned to 
 Christiansburg. When six miles west of Salem, 
 was providentially preserved from a railroad ac- 
 cident by reason of a burned bridge." 
 
 The appended order indicates the largely in- 
 creased labor and responsibility involved in the 
 assumption of this new official relationship to the 
 Government : 
 
 " Bureau of R., R, and A. L., 
 " Office of Superintendent of Education, 
 "Richmond, Va., August 11, 1869. 
 "Mr. C. S. Schaeffer, Assistant Superintendent of Educa- 
 tion, State of Virginia. 
 " Sir : — You will proceed to the principal points in the 
 counties of Washington, Russell, Tazewell, Smyth, Giles, 
 
 125 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Floyd, Roanoke, Pulaski, and Botetourt, Va., for the purpose 
 of providing for the schools heretofore held, and the es- 
 tablishment of others where practicable. On completion of 
 this duty, you will make a detailed report with recommenda- 
 tions. 
 
 " Respectfully, 
 
 "R. M. Manly, 
 " Superintendent of Education." 
 
 The Freedman's Bureau was in thorough accord 
 with the various charitable associations interested 
 in this great educational movement. In many 
 cases it assumed the rent of private buildings used 
 for schools ; in some cases arrangement was made 
 by means of which a portion of the appropriation 
 for rent could be diverted to the payment of salary. 
 This, however, was only permissible in extraordi- 
 nary cases. The rule was for the Bureau not di- 
 rectly to employ teachers. The Bureau appropri- 
 ated ten dollars per capita monthly to the organiza- 
 tions having this work in hand for each person 
 commissioned by them. In this indirect way the 
 Government bore a large portion of the expense of 
 the work. 
 
 Captain Schaeffer found it quite easy, therefore, 
 to sustain simultaneously relations to the Bureau 
 and to the Friends' Freedmen's Association, re- 
 ceiving from the former travelling expenses and 
 subsistence while travelling, and from the latter 
 a small salary of which he made no personal use, 
 but expended in the work. 
 
 Aid was also extended by the Pennsylvania Abo- 
 126 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 lition Society, the American Tract Society, the 
 American Baptist Publication Society, and such 
 men as Dr. James E. Rhoads, late president of 
 Bryn Mawr College, — between whom and Captain 
 Schaeffer subsisted a warm personal friendship, — 
 Benjamin Coates, H. M. Laing, W. H. Horn, and 
 Richard Wood, of Philadelphia, and other re- 
 spected and influential ladies and gentlemen in 
 various parts of the country, who at this time and 
 for years used Captain Schaeffer as a channel for 
 their benefactions. 
 
 Regard was had not only nor chiefly to the de- 
 mand for education. Spiritual and physical relief 
 was abundantly provided to supply the prevalent 
 destitution. In addition to the regular supply of 
 school-books and materials, large quantities of 
 Bibles, Testaments, religious books, and tracts 
 were furnished and distributed. Germane to the 
 interest felt in the spiritual welfare of these 
 people, the subjoined extract from a letter of Dr. 
 Tames E. Rhoads to Captain Schaeffer deserves 
 attention : 
 
 " New Hope, Pa., 8th mo. 20th, 1869. 
 " To C. S. Schaeffer. 
 
 " Dear Friend : — .... We feel, if anything, an increas- 
 ing interest in the pupils being taught a knowledge of the 
 Scriptures. Please inform me of thy plans for the fall, 
 when they shall be prepared, and also of opportunities to 
 supply books, tracts. Bibles, etc., to both white and colored. 
 Oh, that the poor whites could be brought under the power 
 of Gospel truth. If openings occur for this, I hope thou 
 
 127 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 wilt take occasion to improve them by whatever means wis- 
 dom may direct With Christian friendship, and 
 
 desires that thou ' may abide in Christ,' and He in thee, 
 being unto thee ' wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and 
 redemption,' 
 
 " I am truly thy friend, 
 
 "James E. Rhoads." 
 
 Nor were these Christian friends content with 
 efforts for the mental and spiritual elevation of 
 these people. In the matter of physical relief no 
 little liberality was exercised. From time to time, 
 continuing for a number of years, of which there 
 will be occasion to speak later, large consignments 
 of clothing, bedding, surgical appliances, and medi- 
 cines of a simple sort were forwarded to Captain 
 Schaeffer for free distribution among the poor of 
 his district. 
 
 The considerable group of counties committed 
 to his supervision under the order quoted above 
 extended from the Tennessee border on the south- 
 west, continuing along the boundary line of West 
 Virginia, and including Botetourt County on the 
 northeast, embracing a tract of territory two hun- 
 dred miles long by sixty miles wide, through which 
 passed but a single railway. 
 
 The school district also included Montgomery 
 County, which had been previously assigned to 
 him, and other sections which need not be specifi- 
 cally mentioned. 
 
 It is evident that these several responsible du- 
 ties taxed time and strength to the utmost. Using 
 
 128 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the railway, which as a sort of vertebra ran cen- 
 trally through this territory, often on freight 
 trains, he branched off to the right and left, some- 
 times on horseback, more often on foot, visiting 
 where schools were established, or journeying into 
 the more sparsely settled districts, where indiffer- 
 ence prevailed as to school advantages, encourag- 
 ing teachers and pupils, and by holding ' educa- 
 tional meetings' stimulating interest among the 
 people. But the carelessness and ignorance of 
 some of these communities as to their spiritual 
 needs concerned him even more than their intel- 
 lectual progress. And while not neglecting the 
 latter, wherever he went religious meetings were 
 held, Sunday-schools organized. Bibles and Chris- 
 tian literature scattered, and the foundations laid 
 for numerous churches that to-day flourish in that 
 once benighted region of Virginia. 
 
 The extent of this service may be inferred from 
 the fact that at one period, as Assistant Superin- 
 tendent of Education, he had as many as twenty 
 thousand pupils under supervision. 
 
 We subjoin a few notes from the " Diary :" 
 
 September 24, i86p. — " Started to-night for 
 Giles Court-House via Dublin." 
 
 September 25, 1869. — "Arrived at Pearisburg 
 this P.M. Meeting this evening." 
 
 September 26, i86p. — " A good time in the 
 Sabbath-school, followed by preaching service, 
 9 129 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 baptism, hand of fellowship, and Lord's Supper. 
 Ten received, six by baptism — a good time day 
 and evening." 
 
 September 2^, i86g. — " After attending to 
 school matters returned to Christiansburg." 
 
 September 28, i86q. — " This evening went to 
 Salem and held an educational meeting." 
 
 September 2p, i86p. — " From Salem visited 
 Lynchburg and proceeded to Charlotte Court- 
 House." 
 
 September ^0, 1869. — " Visited the Charlotte 
 and Scott's Farm Schools, and to-night held an 
 educational meeting at Charlotte Court-House." 
 
 October i, i86p. — " Visited among the people 
 until 4 P.M., when I started for Wolf Trap Station 
 and stopped for the night." 
 
 October 2, i86p. — " Took conveyance to Clarks- 
 ville, where in the evening I held an educational 
 meeting, at the same time visiting the school and 
 people of the place." 
 
 October j, i86p. — " Met the Sabbath-school 
 this morning. A heavy freshet and storm, how- 
 ever, prevented a large attendance at the religious 
 services." 
 
 October 4, i86p. — " Visited and made a thor- 
 ough inspection of the school. At night held 
 another large and interesting meeting." 
 
 October 3, 1869.—" Started for Wolf's Trap 
 Station, but could not reach it by reason of the 
 freshet." 
 
 130 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 October 6, i86p. — " Succeeded in reaching the 
 station, and from thence took the train to Clover 
 Depot, where at night I held an educational meet- 
 ing." 
 
 October j, i86p. — " From Clover took train for 
 Richmond, and reported at R. M. Manly's office." 
 
 October 8, i86g. — " Returned to Christians- 
 burg via Lynchburg." 
 
 The above are mere memoranda of a single tour 
 of inspection. They give no hint of the fatigue, 
 hardship, and self-denial involved in their prose- 
 cution. They might be greatly multiplied, but 
 space will not permit further details of this impor- 
 tant work. It was carried on with unabated vigor, 
 until the discontinuance of the entire operations of 
 the Educational Department of the Bureau, June 
 30, 1870, when his services were dispensed with. 
 Meanwhile he had accepted reappointment as 
 Superintendent of certain of its schools under the 
 Friends' Freedmen's Association of Philadelphia. 
 
 131 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 On the summit of a mountain near Christians- 
 burg, Va., in the heart of the Alleghany range, 
 known as Zion's Hill, — a name given it by Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer, — overlooking a wide extent of 
 mountains and valleys that fade away in delicate 
 purples and blues in the misty distance, composing 
 a landscape of exquisite beauty, stand the spacious 
 buildings of the Christiansburg Industrial Insti- 
 tute and the Memorial Baptist Church. In this 
 chapter the history of the former is narrated. 
 
 On establishing his head-quarters at Christians- 
 burg as an officer of the Freedman's Bureau, the 
 prevailing destitution here, as elsewhere, appealed 
 to Captain Schaeffer's sympathies. The county- 
 seat of Montgomery County, it was at once a place 
 of importance in itself, and a strategic centre from 
 which the surrounding country might be reached 
 in an educational and religious campaign. Soon 
 after his arrival, in May, 1866, while on detached 
 duty, a room was rented, and, starting with a few 
 pupils, a school was organized whose history has 
 been one of uninterrupted prosperity. Of course, 
 the instruction imparted at this period was of the 
 most elementary kind, and continued so for some 
 time; the promise, however, from the beginning 
 gave good grounds for encouragement as to the 
 
 132 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 capacity of these children of slavery for receiving 
 knowledge. 
 
 At first a single white teacher from the North 
 was employed and the school grew apace, so that 
 the restricted limits of the rented log cabin soon 
 became inadequate to accommodate the eager 
 learners. 
 
 It must be confessed that this work was not car- 
 ried on without opposition. The white people were 
 greatly embittered against him, and persistently 
 misunderstood his motives and intentions. On one 
 occasion, not long after the opening of head-quar- 
 ters, as he was leaving his office and had just 
 turned the corner of the street, a shot was fired 
 at him barely escaping his head, coming so close, 
 indeed, that the motion of the bullet was distinctly 
 felt as it passed through his hat. His office was 
 then moved to the hotel where he boarded. This 
 attempt at assassination was followed by threats 
 of the mob to burn the hotel to the ground if he 
 did not leave. The proprietor was friendly, but 
 said he must go, as he feared to risk his property. 
 Captain Schaeffer had found it impossible to pur- 
 chase land and building materials. Self-interest 
 was ignored in political and personal antipathy, 
 in dislike of the man and his supposed aims. He 
 
 intimated to his host, Mr. W , that if he would 
 
 buy a tract of land for him, as no one would sell 
 to him personally, he would erect a building him- 
 self. This Mr. W consented to do, and thus 
 
 133 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Zion's Hill was bought. Here Captain Schaeffer 
 erected a small but good stone building, known as 
 the " Parsonage," and the church and school build- 
 ing referred to below, with materials purchased 
 for him by two or three colored friends. This 
 church and school building was put up in 1867, 
 chiefly at his expense. It was jointly used by the 
 colored Baptists for a meeting-house and for 
 school purposes. It was a substantial frame struc- 
 ture and cost fourteen hundred dollars. In 1869 
 an addition was built to it which cost one thousand 
 dollars. 
 
 At this period the interest in the freedmen 
 throughout the North was general, and but little 
 difficulty was experienced in securing funds to 
 ameliorate their condition. From various sources 
 aid was freely contributed for the support of this 
 school. Much care also was exercised in the choice 
 of teachers, so that its standing in the community 
 was high. In addition to the general supervision 
 he gave it, and the not infrequent assistance ren- 
 dered as instructor. Captain Schaeffer's concern 
 for the cause and his unselfish liberality found ex- 
 pression in the execution of a deed of trust, con- 
 veying the building described above and the 
 ground on which it stood, including a large plot 
 for a cemetery, to a Board of Trustees for the use 
 of the church and school forever. 
 
 Of this transaction the following is recorded in 
 the " Diary :" 
 
 134 
 
i 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 October 26, 1868. — "Deeded to a Board of 
 Trustees as follows, — Minnis Headen, Norville 
 Curtis, Jacob Seldom, Samuel Hayden, William 
 Curtis, Henry Brown, Carrington Vaughn, and 
 Gabriel Farron, — the school and church property, 
 to be held by them in trust for the purposes therein 
 stated and specified, and to their successors for- 
 ever." 
 
 These were all colored men, ex-slaves, in whose 
 integrity he had implicit confidence. He was of 
 the opinion that the true method of teaching the 
 colored man self-reliance and self-respect, where 
 there was a basis of character for honesty and in- 
 tegrity to recommend him, was to place him in po- 
 sitions where ability and enterprise would be put 
 to the test, and he rarely had reason to repent this 
 course. 
 
 As time went on the scope of the institution was 
 widened and more advanced studies were intro- 
 duced. Students attended from long distances, 
 supporting themselves as they best could, either 
 supplying their own board or obtaining such ac- 
 commodations as might be had in the poor cabins 
 in the neighborhood. In cases not a few they 
 availed themselves gratuitously of the bounty of 
 Captain Schaeffer's own table. So eager, indeed, 
 were pupils to obtain the advantages offered that 
 the building became inconveniently crowded. It 
 was also lacking in appliances for the most effective 
 
 135 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 teaching. Profoundly concerned for the progress 
 of the school, and to obviate the difficulties sug- 
 gested, he decided to build a larger and more suit- 
 able structure. 
 
 To raise funds for this object, which lay so near 
 his heart, a project was engaged in which involved 
 much time, labor, and anxiety, and which, unfor- 
 tunately, failed to meet his expectations. 
 
 Organizing a chorus of singers, which he named 
 the " Virginia Singers," after the manner of the 
 " Fiske Singers," who had made a successful tour 
 of the country and raised large sums for the 
 Fiske University, concerts were given in Washing- 
 ton, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other places. 
 Unlike them, however, — cultivated musicians, who 
 rendered their music decked out in all the niceties 
 of toilet and costume in vogue in polite society, — 
 they appeared before their audiences in the ordi- 
 nary dress of the cabin and plantation, the women 
 scrupulously neat, indeed, but clad in calico gowns, 
 white aprons, and gay turbans, and the men in the 
 dress of every-day life. They sang their peculiar 
 melodies with marked pathos and effect, and with 
 characteristic naturalness and abandon that pleased 
 their hearers. But while they were well received 
 and excited no little interest, the undertaking was 
 not financially successful, and at its conclusion left 
 its originator a loser by a considerable sum. 
 
 In no wise daunted, however, in 1873-74, with- 
 out assistance from any source, and entirely at his 
 
 136 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 own expense, a large two-story structure was 
 erected at a cost of two thousand dollars, fully 
 equipped with all the necessary appliances, the use 
 of which was given to the school free of rent, in- 
 terest, or charges of any kind until the completion 
 of the brick school-house in 1885, when it was 
 vacated. 
 
 The school was now in a flourishing condition. 
 Besides the hundreds who had been and were re- 
 ceiving primary instruction, numbers of pupils 
 were making preparation for entrance into higher 
 institutions of learning. The average attendance 
 at this time and for many years was in excess of 
 two hundred and fifty pupils annually of all grades. 
 Captain Schaeffer was particular in his choice of 
 men for advanced training, not only as to mental 
 capacity, but likewise as to moral character. 
 Sound moral principles were strenuously incul- 
 cated, and the religious bearing of the students 
 received careful attention. Entirely non-sectarian 
 in its management, no constraint whatever was put 
 upon conscience, yet many who came to the school 
 quite unconcerned in regard to spiritual things 
 were led to trust in Jesus Christ, and were baptized 
 into the fellowship of the church, whose meeting- 
 house stood on the hill hard by. Graduating from 
 an environment so conducive to the elevation of 
 character, it is not strange that those entering 
 higher institutions of learning from the Christians- 
 burg Institute were favorably received. More- 
 
 137 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 over, Captain Schaeffer so impressed his person- 
 ality upon the graduates as in many instances to 
 produce a marked effect for good upon their sub- 
 sequent lives and work. 
 
 Entering from this school Wayland Seminary, 
 Howard University, Richmond Institute, Shaw 
 University, etc., and graduating therefrom, many 
 of them are filling posts of trust, influence, and 
 honor and living useful lives all over the United 
 States, as ministers of the gospel, physicians, 
 teachers, private citizens, and as missionaries to 
 their own race in Africa. 
 
 The subjoined extract from the pen of Mrs. 
 Mimber, correspondent of the Freedman's Friend, 
 the organ of the Friends' Freedmen's Association, 
 is worthy attention : 
 
 " The Christiansburg Mission. 
 
 " nth mo. 19, 1874. — Riding up from Tennessee on the 
 train through the passes of the Alleghanies, by mountain 
 scenery in beautiful and ever-changing vistas and past sta- 
 tions whose names were familiar as connected with the 
 work of the Association, Wytheville, Vicar's Switch, and 
 beyond. Big Springs, Alleghany Springs, etc., we arrived at 
 Christiansburg at nightfall. 
 
 " ' Beautiful for situation' are the mission-house and 
 school building, set on a hill commanding extensive views, 
 the horizon bounded on all sides by mountains, and nearer, 
 fair large fields of wheat and corn, the railroad winding at 
 the foot of the hills, the white houses and spires of Chris- 
 tiansburg about a mile distant. 
 
 " When the lamps in the neat little meeting-house are lit 
 they shine like beacon lights, visible for two or three miles, 
 
 138 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 seeming to invite the colored people to assemble together 
 there, and to the signal they respond, coming over the rough, 
 muddy roads cheerfully to attend the meetings. 
 
 " Christiansburg, lying oflf the usual route, has only once 
 been visited, like the other schools, by members of the 
 Committee, and v^^e were warmly welcomed. 
 
 " The surroundings and interior of the Mission-House are 
 as neat and attractive as if it were a home in Germantown. 
 Tanned walks, a yard laid out with flower-beds and well- 
 kept turf, greeted our unaccustomed eyes. But better than 
 the cordial reception or the pleasing indications of taste and 
 refinement was the assurance which we felt on entering, 
 and were strengthened in during our stay, that in this 
 household, as in that at Danville, the Lord was loved and 
 honored, and that the band of workers so intimately asso- 
 ciated here looked to Him for the daily strength and wis- 
 dom essential in their work. 
 
 " nth mo. 20th. — The Primary Department in two divi- 
 sions occupies the meeting-house. In the first we found 
 eighty little folks assembled. Their concert exercises on 
 the charts were wondrous to listen to. The teacher's quick- 
 pointing stick seemed hardly able to keep pace with their 
 tongues as they spelled out the words and sentences. With 
 everything she has in the shape of a chart they have be- 
 come familiar, and she too needs a new set of them for 
 her bright little company. 
 
 " In the next room thirty more-advanced scholars were 
 assembled. This teacher has an excellent system, patiently 
 insisting upon thoroughness. Her classes in geography 
 and mental arithmetic recited admirably. 
 
 " Afterwards we walked through a lane back of the house 
 to the new Normal School house, suitable and comfortable. 
 Here also are two divisions of the department. In the 
 first room we listened to recitations in natural philosophy; 
 the students give the reasons of things in their own words, 
 evincing a clear understanding of them. 
 
 " In the next and highest room we were struck with the 
 serious, earnest deportment of the pupils, not children at 
 school, but young men and women studying with a purpose. 
 
 139 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Most of them have to work hard to pay their board while 
 attending school, and they value the privilege accordingly. 
 We were told that fifty more would gladly come if they 
 could be accommodated." 
 
 The colored population in the section of Vir- 
 ginia under consideration had been gradually ad- 
 vancing in intelligence and material prosperity and 
 in a more elevated Christian manhood and woman- 
 hood. Moreover, they esteemed their educational 
 privileges beyond all price and used them to the 
 best advantage. A demand existed for better 
 school facilities and more liberal grades of teach- 
 ing. Always in the advance, Captain Schaeffer 
 was in full sympathy with this felt want. With 
 his accustomed energy and enthusiasm, he at once 
 set about interesting friends in the North in the 
 project and in securing the necessary funds. He 
 appreciated the difficulties of the undertaking, as 
 he had but recently carried to completion an ex- 
 tensive building operation for the church, and in 
 the lapse of years zeal for the welfare of the freed- 
 men had somewhat flagged; but relying on the 
 Lord, who he declared in all the past had never 
 forsaken him, he believed it possible to press the 
 enterprise to a successful issue. Donating a tract 
 of ground consisting of a few acres, which, with 
 the building to be erected thereon, was deeded to a 
 Board of Trustees and their successors forever, 
 building operations were begun. Fortified with a 
 few hundred dollars in hand, the promise of aid 
 
 140 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 from the Friends' Freedmen's Association, and 
 above all, as has been said, in firm reliance on God, 
 but not seldom at the cost of bitter heart-ache and 
 hard struggle, the work progressed. 
 
 The subjoined letter to the secretary of the 
 Friends' Freedmen's Association is characteristic. 
 The italics are Captain Schaefifer's : 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., February 13, 1885. 
 
 " Dear Friend, E. M. Wistar : — Your favor received. 
 Our kind Heavenly Father knows how much we need our 
 school building, and I am sure He will open the way for 
 us. I have been in many straits and under sore pressure, 
 but He has always brought me through, and with the ex- 
 perience of the past how can I distrust Him in this? True, 
 sometimes it has been dark as midnight, but when light came 
 it chased the darkness all away. The prospect does not 
 seem so bright as we could wish if we had the choosing, 
 yet it is well in our Father's care, for if we did not ' sow 
 in tears we should not reap in joy.' If it were a matter of 
 individual gratification or personal aggrandizement, I might 
 hesitate in pushing it forward, but when it is to honor my 
 great Head in lifting up this low-down people, there is no 
 other course to pursue. 
 
 " We have waited too long already — the Lord forgive us. 
 Please tell the Board to aid us all they can, and we will 
 struggle through. In one way or other the Lord will pro- 
 vide. But oh, what an avenue is open to some of the Lord's 
 servants who have the means to gain a large percentage 
 with no losses ! For ' inasmuch as ye have done it unto 
 one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it 
 unto me.' For where can you find a people lower down 
 than these thousands whom I serve, or who are more trust- 
 ingly looking to the Lord for help? 
 
 " Further, we have gone too far to even hesitate in the 
 matter. A large portion of the material is on the ground, 
 and the entire quantity of brick needed is either here, on the 
 
 141 
 
 I 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 way, or being loaded. Contracts have been made for dig- 
 ging out the cellar and putting in the foundation walls and 
 for framing timbers, etc. I feel confident you could not say 
 to us reverse all this ; but within the heart of hearts there 
 must be satisfaction that so much has been attained. True, 
 there is only the amount, or a little over, as you state, in my 
 hands for the purpose, nine hundred and twenty-four dollars 
 and ninety-seven cents, of which a goodly portion has been 
 paid out necessarily already; but adding the amount you 
 can aid us with by 4 mo., '85, will leave only a small balance 
 comparatively to put the building in a state of protection 
 from the weather. This can be met, if in no other way, 
 by a loan in an amount sufficient to cover it ; but we hope 
 the Lord will open some heart to give it. 
 
 " I have tried to give you a full, clear statement right 
 from my heart, and trusting it may meet approval, 
 " I am truly thy friend, 
 
 " Charles S. Schaeffer." 
 
 At the risk of trespassing upon the reader's 
 
 patience, we note the following- extracts from a 
 
 circular letter issued by the Friends' Freedmen's 
 
 Association : 
 
 " The Christiansburg Building. 
 
 " The school at Christiansburg is a very interesting in- 
 stitution, and is under the care of Charles S. Schaeffer, who 
 was an officer in the volunteer army, but in 1865 was trans- 
 ferred to the Freedmen's Bureau, ordered to Christiansburg, 
 and has since been devoted to the education and evangeliza- 
 tion of the colored people. He has had oversight of schools 
 for the Association, and has been the means (directly and 
 indirectly) of the organization of one hundred and twenty- 
 three Christian congregations, with over eleven thousand 
 members. He has taught the people industry, thrift, up- 
 rightness, abstinence from alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and 
 every virtue The school has most favorable rela- 
 tions with these one hundred and twenty-three congrega- 
 
 142 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tions, is situated in the midst of a beautiful country, which 
 is becoming the seat of business and manufacturing ac- 
 tivity, and it will be a model for the whole region. 
 
 " The school is a graded one and will also train teachers, 
 the most important work in which the Association can en- 
 gage, as thereby knowledge and Christianity are widely dif- 
 fused. 
 
 " C. S. Schaeffer took care to use great economy in his 
 buildings, and has pledged his own property for the excess 
 of cost over the first estimates Of the forty-five hun- 
 dred dollars due twenty-five hundred dollars should be 
 raised within a few months, and the remainder next year. 
 " On behalf of the Executive Committee, 
 
 " James E. Rhoads, 
 " Henry Harts horne, 
 " Francis Cope Haines. 
 " Philadelphia, First mo. 20, 1886." 
 
 Through Captain Schaeffer's consecrated effort 
 and abiding faith in God, the building was at last 
 finished at a cost of eight thousand seven hundred 
 and forty-seven dollars and fifty-one cents, of 
 which amount he had personally gathered or 
 given four thousand four hundred and thirty-four 
 dollars and twenty-seven cents, in addition to the 
 gratuity of the land. To him also belongs the 
 credit of having furnished it free of cost. That 
 he might bring this cherished object to pass, he 
 had not only undergone much labor and anxiety, 
 but also advanced large sums of money without 
 interest, superintended the entire work without 
 pay, and stood responsible for the last cent in the 
 whole transaction. It was, therefore, with a 
 sense of relief that he rejoiced in its completion. 
 
 143 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Up to this time the school had been carried on 
 at the exceedingly small average annual cost of 
 nine hundred and fifty dollars, with school privi- 
 leges ranging from seven to ten months. There 
 was no charge for tuition. 
 
 For a number of years the contributions from 
 the sources named for the support of the school 
 had been supplemented by an annual appropriation 
 from the county funds, and on two occasions help 
 was received from the Peabody Fund. To conduct 
 the work at so small an outlay was rendered pos- 
 sible by the fact that Mrs. Schaeffer served as 
 teacher without salary, and Captain Schaeffer gave 
 without remuneration his personal superinten- 
 dence, the free use of his hired help and team in 
 caring for the grounds and buildings, in hauling 
 coal from the mines, and in ways too numerous to 
 mention saved the school fund from expense. 
 
 The institution was now well equipped and was 
 regarded as a model. Its beneficent work went on 
 with unabated vigor. Later on attempts were 
 made in a tentative way to take up industrial train- 
 ing. Cookery, dress-making, carpentry, and agri- 
 culture received some attention, but without 
 marked success. While not averse to the introduc- 
 tion of the industrial arts into the curriculum, he 
 regarded the movement as conducted a practical 
 failure, — " merely a name, and not a fact." The 
 principal placed in charge by the Friends' Freed- 
 
 men's Association he believed incompetent, if not 
 
 144 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 worse. He refused to prefer specific charges 
 against him for reasons which to himself seemed 
 satisfactory. He felt that his known interest in 
 the cause and the personal and pecuniary sacrifices 
 he had made for it entitled his opinion to more 
 than ordinary consideration. That he did not con- 
 ceal his alarm or fail to express his views the fol- 
 lowing shows : 
 
 " As regards the school, where is its boasted 
 prosperity? Where are the signs of advancement, 
 either in the General Department or in the Indus- 
 trial School? What has been achieved? Your 
 servant has looked hopefully and waited patiently 
 for even signs of improvement, but sees nothing 
 but a retrograde movement. Where are the board- 
 ing scholars of other years, and the bright scholar- 
 ship which has gone forth to elevate the people ?" 
 
 At this crisis Captain SchaefFer was so pro- 
 foundly concerned for the welfare of that which 
 had constituted no small portion of his life work, 
 that he endeavored to obtain for a money consider- 
 ation a transfer of the property to the Trustees of 
 the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia. He 
 well knew its value as an adjunct to the cause of 
 Christ, and desired if possible to retain it to that 
 end, but his offer was declined. The strained re- 
 lationship, however, finally culminated in his with- 
 drawal from the superintendency, though he re- 
 tained his seat as a trustee. 
 
 The school now became known as The Chris- 
 
 10 145 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tiansburg Industrial Institute. Matters going 
 from bad to worse, in 1895 Mr. Booker T. Wash- 
 ington was requested to take the supervision of the 
 work, especially with a view to organizing an In- 
 dustrial Department. That Captain Schaeffer's 
 views were correct as to the character of the prin- 
 cipal, and that his expressions of alarm were jus- 
 tified, the subjoined statement, taken from the col- 
 umns of the Helper, the organ of the Christians- 
 burg Industrial Institute, under date of April 19, 
 1898, distinctly declares: 
 
 " When the present facuhy took charge of the work three 
 years ago (1895) this school was an Industrial Institute 
 only in name. A record of the school was misplaced and 
 has not been found even to this day. The industrial depart- 
 ments then were carpentry, agriculture, sewing, and cook- 
 ing. An inventory taken then shows that the property of 
 the carpenter-shop was four hand-saws, and a number of 
 bits, planes, chisels, and the like of the poorest materials. 
 
 " For agriculture, there were no tools of any kmd, neither 
 hoe, rake, spade, nor shovel. For sewing, there were a 
 dozen work-bags, several thimbles, and a few needles. For 
 cooking, there were many needed and useful utensils, and 
 all that would be necessary to give a class of girls their 
 first lesson in cooking. The valuation of all the shops did 
 not exceed seventy-five dollars. 
 
 " To-day we are successfully operating seven industries, 
 — namely, cooking, sewing, carpentry, wheelwrighting, black- 
 smithing, agriculture, and printing. All of these depart- 
 ments are in active operation every day from 1.40 to 4.30 
 P.M. One thousand dollars will not more than cover the 
 valuation of tools and materials belonging to the several 
 shops. As to what is being done in these shops day after 
 day, one has but to visit our school on Industrial Day in 
 April of each year and see for himself. 
 
 146 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " It is to be hoped that the influence of the school may be 
 found helpful to all who come in contact with it. Here 
 special emphasis is placed upon industrial work. We aim 
 to teach what our people are going to need for a livelihood 
 in the world. We are yet simple bread-winners, and in no 
 respect can we afford to have our schooling touch any- 
 thing which is not substantial in character." 
 
 Within a few months a farm consisting of about 
 one hundred acres has been purchased, where it 
 is intended that agriculture shall be taught prac- 
 tically. If the arts enumerated above, and others, 
 in this and similar schools are taught in a thor- 
 oughly practical way, so as to render the graduates 
 masters of their crafts, and not mere smatterers of 
 them, it will prove of incalculable benefit. This, 
 with such scholastic training as can be had in ad- 
 dition, will solve the race problem to the advan- 
 tage of the colored man and of the country at 
 large. It is to be feared, however, that much of 
 the so-called industrial training is a misnomer. 
 
 If the future success of the Christiansburg In- 
 dustrial Institute along the lines of this new de- 
 parture is in anywise commensurate with its great 
 usefulness in other directions in former years, it 
 will but perpetuate the memory and work of one 
 whose labor and self-sacrifice made such result 
 possible. 
 
 147 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 A MITIGATING circumstance in connection with 
 African slavery was the bringing of the negro 
 from absolute savagery in contact with Christi- 
 anity. It rendered his enslavement tolerable, and 
 fitted him in some degree for freedom when it 
 came. It enabled him, too, to bear his sorrows 
 with fortitude if not with cheerfulness, and taught 
 him patience under burdens sometimes almost too 
 heavy to be borne. In the night of his narrow 
 life of servitude, his vivid but uncultured imagina- 
 tion was filled with visions of the glorious dawn- 
 ing of a better day. With a pathos which cannot 
 be described, he sang in a minor key those songs 
 of hope and promise which cheered him by the 
 way. Robbed of his liberty, his rights, and his 
 manhood, much could not be expected of him. 
 His moral sense was necessarily low. Unable to 
 read, his knowledge of the Word of God, as of 
 everything else excepting the mere routine of his 
 daily toil, was exceedingly limited. What little 
 he knew of religion was distorted and out of re- 
 lation with high moral purpose or a pure spiritual 
 life. With the marriage bond, also, almost utterly 
 disregarded, and the ties of kinship likely at any 
 time to be rudely ruptured, it was hardly to be ex- 
 pected that in him natural affection should find its 
 highest exemplification. Furnished only with 
 
 148 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 coarse food, rough clothing, and the shelter of a 
 poor cabin in exchange for a life of compulsory 
 labor, debarred all hope of advancement or personal 
 acquisitions, it is not strange that at times he 
 found it difificult to observe fine distinctions be- 
 tween " mine and thine." 
 
 In certain districts of the South at the close of 
 the Civil War, especially on the great cotton and 
 sugar plantations of the Southwest, the religion of 
 the negroes was little better than the fetich worship 
 of the Congo or the Guinea coast, with scarcely 
 a trace of Christianity. In many other places, 
 where they had been brought under the influence 
 of the white ministry, or where some plantation 
 preacher called of God and taught by His Spirit 
 led the people, there were numbers of simple- 
 minded, earnest-hearted followers of Jesus, whose 
 knowledge, indeed, was scanty, but who knew God 
 and loved the Saviour, and whose lives were an 
 example and a benediction. 
 
 It is true that their religious meetings at the 
 time of which we write, even in the most enlight- 
 ened sections, were a singular medley of the devo- 
 tional and the grotesque. They were literally, for 
 the most part, religious orgies, if the term may 
 be used with propriety, in which prayers and 
 praises, leapings and contortions, songs and shout- 
 ings, groans and tears, and bodily exercises sur- 
 prising to witness, were indulged in to the full, 
 yet withal there was much vital religion in them. 
 
 149 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Beginning gradually and continuing with increas- 
 ing fervor and confusion, the exercises went on 
 growing in intensity and excitement, until from 
 sheer exhaustion the " happy" participants were 
 compelled to desist. It was not infrequent for at 
 sister or two to become hysterical or to fall in a 
 faint, the effect of which is better imagined than 
 described, as they were being " brought to." These 
 scenes usually occurred when some one had " got 
 religion;" sometimes they were mere exhibitions 
 of overpowering religious frenzy. Commonly the 
 meetings were conducted in this fashion. We 
 write of a period a short time subsequent to the 
 Civil War. 
 
 Our meeting-house is a rude log-cabin. On 
 either side the white-washed interior, whose unin- 
 viting walls are without ornament, stand rows of 
 benches divided by a narrow passage, separating 
 the men from the women. At one end a table and 
 chair, or possibly, if the place be more pretentious, 
 a raised platform and desk. The small room is 
 crowded to the limit of its capacity. An interest- 
 ing group, from the babe in arms to the gray- 
 haired sire and aged " mother in Israel," is there, 
 the women clad in calico gowns and the inevitable 
 turban or sun-bonnet, and those particularly neat 
 of habit in aprons white as snow. The house-ser- 
 vants, by their better dress and " smart" appear- 
 ance, are easily distinguishable from the rougher- 
 dressed and less polished field-hands, showing that 
 
 150 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 even among ex-slaves nice social distinctions ob- 
 tain. 
 
 The leader, most likely a venerable white-haired 
 patriarch, whom the people love and revere, is 
 about to open the meeting. He begins by " lining 
 out" a familiar hymn. There is no need of books, 
 for not one of them can read. A brother in the 
 congregation, in strong, commanding tones, and 
 with modulations of voice indescribable, sings 
 through the solo part, the whole company joining 
 in the chorus till the room rings with the melody : 
 
 " Ride on, Jesus. 
 Solo. 
 " God sets high, but He looks down low, 
 Ride on, Jesus, ride on ; 
 He sees what His people have to undergo, 
 Ride on, Jesus, ride on. 
 
 Chorus. 
 " You can't fool God, but you can fool me, 
 Ride on, Jesus, ride on; 
 The things I miss God Almighty can see, 
 Ride on, Jesus, ride on, my Lord. 
 Ride on, Jesus, ride on. 
 
 Solo. 
 
 " The Jews and Romans in one band. 
 They crucified the Son of Man ; 
 Pilate said when he washed his hands, 
 I find no fault with this just man. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 " You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc. 
 
 151 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Solo. 
 
 " Go away, Satan, don't come any more, 
 I never mean to serve you as I did before. 
 I wish that Satan would keep still, 
 And let me do my Master's will. 
 
 Chorus. 
 " You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc. 
 
 Solo. 
 " I draw my rations from on high 
 And I know they'll last me till I die. 
 Farewell, vain world, I'm going home. 
 My Jesus smiles and bids me come. 
 
 Chorus. 
 " You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc." 
 
 By this time the meeting has warmed to its 
 work. With their superb natural voices, unac- 
 companied by instruments of any kind, the music 
 is inspiring and all catch the contagion. There is 
 a harmonious blending of parts ; here a deep bass 
 whose tones steady the singers; there a tenor 
 whose notes soar like a lark's, and lift you into 
 sympathy with their tender pathos ; meanwhile the 
 feet are marking time to the rhythm of the melody. 
 There is about it all a weirdness, a modulation of 
 tone, a minor key, suggestive of the songs Judah 
 voiced as they sat themselves down in exile by the 
 rivers of Babylon. It is the soul-language of the 
 slave. Two or three songs more are produced in 
 this way, and then some old saint will fall on his 
 
 152 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 knees, and with a tenderness and humility of ut- 
 terance inexpressible, excepting by one who knows 
 the " secret of the Lord," talk with God in a 
 wealth of crude imagery and picturesqueness of 
 expression that causes one to wonder, and to feel 
 sure that this old pilgrim, if indeed ignorant of 
 books, possesses a spiritual knowledge that any 
 one might well covet. Or a woman, whose face 
 has not escaped the deep lines furrowed by many 
 a bitter experience, tells her Saviour her story in 
 the simple, childlike language of a trust, which 
 puts to the blush the faith of many of her more 
 favored sisters. Prayer and singing continue. At 
 this stage of the meeting, perhaps, experiences are 
 in order. Now we may expect the most startling 
 and extraordinary things to be said, — revelations, 
 visions, dreams, wonderful manifestations wit- 
 nessed and experienced when under conviction of 
 sin or at the time of conversion. One rises whose 
 husband, a notoriously wicked man, has just died. 
 She tells the meeting that she has had a dreadful 
 dream. In her dream, she says, " she saw the 
 door of hell wide open, and within, clad in a linen 
 duster, she could see her husband with a palm-leaf 
 fan in his hand fanning himself vigorously, and 
 all the time exclaiming, as if overcome with the 
 fervent heat, ' Whew ! Whew ! Whew !' " That 
 dream, for her and many of her hearers, settled 
 the husband's destiny forever. It was a revelation 
 from the Lord. To those untutored and supersti- 
 
 153 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tious minds such grotesque stories were sometimes 
 very real. 
 
 In the midst of these testimonies another chorus 
 is sung, and as it proceeds from all parts of the 
 room, sometimes in the deep tones of the men, 
 sometimes in the high-keyed voices of the women, 
 exclamations of gratitude and praise sound out 
 strong and clear above the general volume of 
 sound: " Glory to God !" " Praise the Lord !" 
 " Hallelujah !" " Hallelujah !" " Blessed Jesus !" 
 
 " O my soul !" " M !" representing a guttural 
 
 sound, as if the ecstasy of bliss were unutterable. 
 And now the spiritual temperature has risen to 
 the boiling-point. 
 
 The excitement having temporarily subsided, 
 the leader announces his text. There is likely very 
 little relation between the text and the subject- 
 matter of the discourse. It is not a sermon, judged 
 by any technical standard, but it is full of sound 
 advice and wholesome instruction for believers 
 concerning the practical duties of daily life, and 
 bristles with motives to sinners to " turn to the 
 Lord." Hell and judgment, the certainty of death, 
 are urged as reasons why the hearer should repent 
 and believe in Jesus. " Mourners" are now invited 
 to the " anxious bench." Amid singing and words 
 of encouragement, one and another and another 
 come forward and take seats with those who are 
 " seeking religion." 
 
 154 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 And now the tense feeling and suppressed ex- 
 citement again break out in song : 
 
 " The Old-Time Religion. 
 
 I. — " It is good for the mourner, 
 It is good for the mourner, 
 It is good for the mourner. 
 And it's good enough for me. 
 
 This old-time religion, 
 
 This old-time religion. 
 
 This old-time religion. 
 
 -" It's good when in trouble. 
 — " It's good to make you happy. 
 
 " It makes you love the brethren. 
 — " 'Twill be good when I'm dying. 
 — " Good when the world's on fire. 
 — " Oh, ain't you glad you've got it," etc., etc. 
 
 There are mighty wrestlings, groanings, shout- 
 ings, and ejaculatory prayers as in the noise and 
 confusion one and another profess to have become 
 " happy in the Lord." 
 
 The hour is late, — these people have a habit of 
 forgetting the passage of time and of abandoning 
 themselves to the interests of the hour, — the ex- 
 citement begins to abate; in a little while the 
 meeting is dismissed, and they proceed to such 
 rude cabins as they call home, not seldom two or 
 three miles away. 
 
 155 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 In the midst of such conditions as we have just 
 tried to describe Captain Schaeffer found himself. 
 Profoundly stirred by the appalling ignorance and 
 superstition, and actuated by the same motives that 
 had prompted his endeavors for the obscure and 
 neglected poor when at home, he immediately be- 
 gan, in connection with other duties, the holding 
 of services for prayer and religious instruction in 
 the cabins of the freed people in the vicinity of 
 Christiansburg. 
 
 The special aptitude for this work, acquired by 
 years of experience among the colored people of 
 Philadelphia, stood him in good stead. He was 
 now entering on the mission for which the Lord 
 by a series of special providences had been pre- 
 paring him. His relations to the General Govern- 
 ment, as an officer commissioned for their particu- 
 lar benefit, immediately gave him standing among 
 the freed people. To reveal the unselfishness of 
 his purpose, establish himself in their confidence, 
 and win their affection was not difficult. The 
 simple fact of stooping to their lowliness and 
 caring for their needs lent power to his ministry. 
 
 As Military Commissioner and Officer of Regis- 
 tration he had discovered, in taking the census, 
 thirty persons who professed to hold the views of 
 Baptists. They were of several shades of opinion 
 as to doctrines, but were at one as to the main 
 question. They had all been immersed, and at one 
 period members of some branch of the Baptist de- 
 
 156 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 nomination. Scattered abroad by the exigencies 
 of the war in places more or less remote from 
 Christiansburg, they were without organization 
 or any form of church life, and what to do with 
 them became to him a question of much concern. 
 After seeking advice from his pastor, Rev. J. Spen- 
 cer Kennard, and others, it was deemed wise to 
 proceed with the constitution of a Baptist church. 
 Two brethren, missionaries of the American Bap- 
 tist Home Mission Society, assisted in the organi- 
 zation. Their help was of value, as Captain 
 Schaeffer was not even a licensed preacher. The 
 following letter to the Rev. J. Spencer Kennard, 
 pastor of the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
 is of interest as minutely describing the constitu- 
 tion of this church and the beginning of a work 
 so fraught with blessing to thousands : 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., October 14, 1867. 
 "Rev. J. Spencer Kennard. 
 
 " Dear Pastor : — Your very welcome letter of the 25th 
 ultimo came direct to hand. Also the hymn-books, Com- 
 munion service, etc. In return I cannot express to you my 
 gratitude. My heart is too full. I can only say, God bless 
 you all ! 
 
 " The Christiansburg African Baptist Church sends greet- 
 ings to the young men of the Tenth Church, yourself, and 
 all interested in their welfare, with many thanks for those 
 tokens of kind remembrance. 
 
 " On Friday morning, October 4th, my little band of disci- 
 ples, thirty in number, were constituted into a regular Baptist 
 church by the following brethren as council : Brethren Cor- 
 ron and Davis, missionaries of the American Baptist Home 
 Mission Society ; Brethren Jones and Rose, colored preachers, 
 
 157 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and three colored deacons from the Fincastle African Bap- 
 tist Church, with your brother from the Tenth Baptist 
 Church, who was appointed clerk. It would have done 
 your soul good to join with us in those impressive services. 
 At the close thanksgiving and praise were offered to God 
 for His wonderful goodness and mercy in permitting this 
 little band of disciples to rear a standard for Jesus. On 
 Saturday we had preaching by Brother Davis in the morn- 
 ing, experience or conference meeting in the afternoon, 
 followed by a sermon in the evening by Brother Jones. 
 You may know the character of these exercises when I 
 inform you that great grace rested upon us, and the re- 
 freshing influence of the Holy Spirit pervaded all hearts. 
 At the close of the evening service nine happy converts of- 
 fered themselves for baptism and membership with the 
 church, while many, as on the day of Pentecost, being 
 ' pricked in the heart,' cried out ' Men and brethren, what 
 must we do?' Seven brethren and sisters were also added 
 to our little band, who for a long time have been ' scattered 
 as sheep having no shepherd.' 
 
 " Sunday was a great day, when we experienced showers 
 of heavenly blessing. In the morning, as superintendent, 
 I organized a Sabbath-school of one hundred and fifty 
 scholars. I felt the Lord to be with me, and found the chil- 
 dren deeply interested in the work about to be inaugurated 
 among them. 
 
 " At the close of the school a large congregation as- 
 sembled to join in the services of dedicating our house of 
 worship. 
 
 " After these services a procession was formed, headed 
 by the ministry and followed by the church, her happy con- 
 verts. Christians of other denominations, and non-profes- 
 sors. The column was formed four abreast, and numbered 
 from five to six hundred men, women, and children. As 
 they marched down to the water, a distance of about half 
 a mile, they all united in singing the precious songs of Zion. 
 And sweet melody mingled with praise and thanksgiving 
 ascended to the Lord. On coming out of the water, we 
 found a large collection of white citizens attracted thither 
 
 158 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 to witness the baptism of those who had formerly been their 
 slaves. On account of the desirable location of the pool 
 (a small body of water nearly surrounded by a gradual 
 ascent of rocks, forming seats like an amphitheatre) there 
 was no difficulty in accommodating all the people. Our 
 missionary, Brother Corron, then preached to a large as- 
 sembly, giving them our views of the ordinance of baptism, 
 and urging upon them the importance of repentance to- 
 wards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience 
 to His holy requirements. At the close Brother Jones, one 
 of the colored preachers, buried in baptism the nine happy 
 converts, raising them again to walk, we trust, in newness 
 of life. This was a beautiful scene, and to our joy nothing 
 occurred to mar the sacred pleasure of the hour. On the 
 conclusion of the service the colored people returned to 
 the grove surrounding the meeting-house, where there was 
 a general breaking of bread and distribution among those 
 who had come from a distance. Later in the afternoon the 
 right hand of fellowship was extended to the candidates, 
 the church following the missionary in giving the hand and 
 singing as they passed from one to another a precious hymn 
 of welcome. This was followed by the Holy Communion. 
 How rich and full with blessing the hour! In the evening 
 the house was crowded to its utmost capacity, which has 
 been the case every night since. Brother Jones preached a 
 short sermon, followed by an invitation to come forward 
 for prayer, when thirty complied, manifesting great con- 
 cern for their souls' salvation. In answer to prayer, the 
 Lord wrought among the people by His Holy Spirit, com- 
 pelling hardened sinners to bow at the footstool of mercy. 
 .... On Monday evening eight professed faith in Christ ; 
 Tuesday evening, three ; Wednesday, three ; Thursday, nine ; 
 Friday, thirteen ; Saturday, twelve ; Sunday morning, 
 
 eight ; making a total of fifty-six 
 
 " Sunday morning we felt encouraged in our Sunday- 
 school work, the Lord being with us. At the hour of public 
 worship the house was crowded in every part, with large 
 numbers outside who could not obtain admission. At the 
 conclusion of the services a procession was again formed 
 
 159 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and proceeded to the water, where a large congregation of 
 the citizens of the town and county had already assembled. 
 After a few words by our missionary, the ordinance of bap- 
 tism was administered to fifty-six persons, ' both men and 
 women.' I am glad to state that no disturbance or any- 
 thing to mar the sacred solemnity of the occasion was ex- 
 perienced. At four o'clock the right hand of fellowship 
 was extended to the candidates of the morning and to 
 four persons received from other churches. In the evening 
 we had a farewell meeting, the brethren and sisters who 
 came to assist in the organization of the church not being 
 able to longer tarry with us. On the invitation being given 
 to those who had made up their minds to go with us and 
 had experienced hope in Christ during the day to come for- 
 ward, eighteen complied. Seventy others are on the way, 
 besides a number who deeply feel the need of salvation but 
 are resisting the Spirit. When the invitation was given for 
 inquirers to come forward, it seemed as if half the con- 
 gregation were pressing their way to the seats prepared for 
 them. 
 
 " As for myself, my heart is too full to give expression 
 to what I have felt of the goodness and mercy of God to His 
 unworthy servant. I can only sit at His feet and weep 
 tears of gratitude and praise for His wonderful grace to 
 perishing sinners 
 
 " During the present week we complete plastering and 
 painting our house of worship, expecting to have it ready to 
 resume our meetings on Saturday. In the interval prayer- 
 meetings will be held from cabin to cabin. On the first 
 Sunday in November Brother Corron expects to return for 
 the purpose of baptizing the converts and administering the 
 Lord's Supper. 
 
 " I should be much pleased if we could get soon a good 
 colored pastor to take charge of this interest — one who is 
 educated, and possessing the necessary qualifications to make 
 a good servant of Jesus Christ. Until then we will use our 
 unlettered talent. We also have some strong deacons, with 
 some old ' mothers in Israel' who are * full of faith and of 
 the Holy Ghost.' 
 
 i6o 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " My three counties are open to the gospel, and many 
 who have long followed the Saviour under the leadership 
 of those who do not fully obey His teachings are now 
 inquiring for the more perfect way. A great work is before 
 us. May the Lord send us help in this our time of need. 
 In conclusion, my prayer is that you may experience like 
 blessings and see the work of the Lord prospering in your 
 hands. With love to the church, 
 
 " I remain yours in Christian fellowship, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 Thus in about two weeks the little church had 
 increased its membership to one hundred and nine, 
 sixty-five of whom had been received by baptism 
 and fourteen by letter from other churches, eigh- 
 teen were awaiting baptism, and there were seventy 
 anxious inquirers. 
 
 The dedication of the house of worship referred 
 to in the foregoing letter was of the building men- 
 tioned in the previous chapter as having been 
 erected for church and school purposes jointly. At 
 the dedication it was not quite finished. It was 
 occupied by the church for a number of years, 
 where they were greatly multiplied and in a stale 
 of continuous revival. 
 
 A letter written at this time to his sister is 
 worthy of insertion here, as showing how full his 
 hands were of work, and how humbly he exulted 
 in God in being made the instrument of His grace 
 to others : 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., October 15, 1867. 
 " Dear Sister Lizzie : — I enclose herewith a copy of a 
 letter sent to my pastor detailing an account of what the 
 II 161 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Lord has been doing among the people of my charge. You 
 will doubtless rejoice with me in the gracious work of 
 grace which has followed my labors, as will all my friends 
 who feel an interest in the advancement of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. 
 
 " I have sent a copy in order to save time, as it would 
 take me longer to compose a letter than to copy it, and 
 I am obliged under the pressure of my duties to be careful 
 even of moments. I am busy day and night, and scarcely 
 have time to eat or sleep. But it is in a good cause, and 
 I could not spend and be spent in a better service. 
 
 "I know you will rejoice with me notwithstanding your 
 home sorrows, which I feel as keenly as yourself. But 
 God rules above ; He will make everything right in the 
 end if we will only trust Him. 
 
 " My little band of disciples will join with me in praying 
 God's blessing upon the loved ones at home. 
 
 " I should like to write to many of my friends of the 
 great things God has done for us ; but my heart and hands 
 are more than full, and I must therefore forego the pleas- 
 ure. 
 
 " The tidings still continue to come to me of other souls 
 born into the kingdom. At a prayer-meeting last night a 
 number were converted, and throughout the past day the 
 work has been going on. 
 
 " Oh, praise the Lord with me and let us magnify His 
 name together, for He has hearkened unto the voice of my 
 prayers and made me an instrument of good among His 
 people ; and yet not unto us, but unto Thy name, O Lord, 
 we will give all the glory. 
 
 " With much love, I remain, as ever, 
 
 " Brother Charlie." 
 
 This gracious work did not proceed unhindered. 
 Allusion has been made to Captain Schaeffer's 
 escape from the bullet of the assassin. And al- 
 though nothing occurred at the scene of the bap- 
 tisms " to mar the solemnity of the occasion," as 
 
 162 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 he significantly observes, he was well aware of the 
 latent opposition which existed, and was filled with 
 apprehension lest some violent outbreak should 
 take place. In the prevailing bitterness of feeling 
 the whites seemed unable to appreciate the sin- 
 cerity of his purpose and subjected his actions to 
 the closest scrutiny. The better classes treated 
 him with silent contempt and regarded him as a 
 social outcast, while the ruder elements openly de- 
 nounced him, reviled him with opprobrious epi- 
 thets, and even warned him to leave the country, 
 under penalty of being treated to a coat of tar and 
 feathers. But he was not to be intimidated by 
 threats of violence, and went steadfastly and cour- 
 ageously forward in the mission God had com- 
 mitted to his charge. 
 
 Nor was the opposition merely personal. It ex- 
 tended also to the little company of Christians 
 under his leadership. As they came together for 
 worship, a mob of whites, '' rude fellows of the 
 baser sort," coming up from the town, would sur- 
 round the meeting-house, and by shouts, ridicule, 
 and threats to burn the building seek to disperse 
 the assembly. The opposition finally became so 
 alarming that the brethren, as a precautionary 
 measure, brought their fire-arms to the place of 
 worship and stacked them in a corner of the meet- 
 ing-house during the service. It was not long, 
 however, before Captain Schaeffer's manly courage 
 and Christian bearing began to command the at- 
 
 163 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tention, if not the respect, of the community. A 
 number of the leading white men, lawyers and 
 others, came several times to the meetings and 
 stood outside listening to the proceedings. Find- 
 ing that their suspicions were without foundation, 
 that instead of embittering the colored people 
 against them, as they supposed, he was only trying 
 to do them good, they were satisfied, and would 
 not allow any further disturbance. 
 
 For several years persecutions of this sort, to 
 a greater or less degree, attended Captain Schaef- 
 fer throughout his wide mission field. The feeling 
 against him originated largely in the fact that he 
 had wholly given himself to the welfare of the 
 negro. 
 
 As an officer of the Freedman's Bureau it would 
 have been easy had he deemed it in accord with 
 duty, to assume pleasant social relations with the 
 whites. He would thus have been relieved of much 
 that was unpleasant and trying in his situation. 
 But he believed that close affiliation with those who 
 had been the dominant race, however desirable in 
 itself, might destroy the confidence which the 
 blacks reposed in him and stand in the way of the 
 largest usefulness towards those whom above all 
 things he desired to help. 
 
 At the risk, therefore, of being suspected and 
 misrepresented, he associated almost exclusively 
 with the colored people. Nor did he make any 
 effort to pass the social barriers which his own acts 
 
 164 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and a hard conventionalism placed round him. He 
 bore insult and ill-usage with complacency; "be- 
 ing reviled, he reviled not again," and made him- 
 self the servant of the ex-slave for Jesus' sake. 
 And when it became evident, as in the lapse of 
 years it did, that his motives were purely disin- 
 terested, that he gave time and substance for others 
 wholly without thought of self or of earthly re- 
 wards, it is not surprising to find that this man 
 who humbled himself for others was now exalted, 
 so that at the time of his death, both among the 
 blacks and the whites, in the field of his labors and 
 sacrifices no man held a higher place in the public 
 esteem. 
 
 To a man of his refined personal habits and nice 
 taste in dress — accustomed as he had been to the 
 comforts, not to say the elegancies, of life — close 
 association with the negro at this period was not 
 always pleasant. Making it a rule in his mission- 
 ary tours to place himself on complete social 
 equality with the colored people, he sought enter- 
 tainment in their homes. It must not be forgotten 
 that at the time of which we write they were very 
 poor. Their log-cabins were mere shelters from 
 the weather, sometimes having only one and rarely 
 more than two rooms, and a rough, unplastered 
 loft overhead ; adornment there was none ; furni- 
 ture and bedding were of the scantiest, and often 
 alive with vermin. A large fireplace at one end 
 of the room built of rough stones supplied heat 
 
 165 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and facilities for cooking; and if there was but 
 one apartment, in it and the loft above the whole 
 family lived, ate, and slept. There was neither 
 privacy nor comfort. Not seldom the vermin were 
 so aggressive that, driven from the bed, many a 
 half-sleepless night was spent rolled up in his shawl 
 on the floor, or reclining as best he could in a 
 chair. As he came to know these places, — being 
 forewarned, he was forearmed, — he carried a case 
 of insect-powder, with which the bed was well 
 dusted, or failing in this way to obtain relief when 
 the attack was in great force and more than usu- 
 ally vigorous, he drew a line of circumvallation 
 with insect-powder on the floor, within which he 
 encamped to the discomfiture of the enemy. He 
 had reason to conclude, however, at times, that one 
 or more of the attacking force, more sagacious or 
 sanguinary than the rest, had outflanked him by 
 crawling to the ceiling and dropping on the un- 
 suspecting victim as he lay sleeping below. 
 
 It was in the use of such witticisms that he was 
 wont to make light of these experience; but none 
 knew better than he how hard they were to bear. 
 
 On the completion of the " parsonage" in the 
 summer of 1868, to which building reference was 
 had in a previous chapter. Captain Schaeffer re- 
 moved thereto from his boarding-place, installing 
 his sister. Miss Elizabeth Schaeffer, as house- 
 keeper, who came from their home in German- 
 town, Philadelphia, for that express purpose, he 
 
 166 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 at that time being unmarried. As has been re- 
 marked, the edifice, though small, was built in a 
 very substantial manner of stone — one of the very 
 few buildings at that time constructed of stone in 
 that locality — as a precaution against incendiarism, 
 — an action not improbable in view of the numer- 
 ous threats made against him and the well-known 
 hostility to his work. 
 
 It was the writer's privilege to visit this beauti- 
 ful spot a few years later. It then had attached to 
 it a kitchen garden of some three acres, sloping 
 gently to the south, in which the choicest vege- 
 tables of all sorts were grown, a large part of 
 which were distributed among the helpless poor 
 for miles around. This garden was an object- 
 lesson and an incentive to thrift to the colored 
 people, many of whom obtained from him seeds 
 for planting, which were sent to him in large quan- 
 tities by friends in Philadelphia for gratuitous dis- 
 pensation. Fruit-trees of choice varieties, apples, 
 peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, etc., and an abun- 
 dance of grapes and small fruits in full bearing, 
 and a flower garden, fragrant and lovely, with 
 rare plants not a few, attracted many visitors, for 
 so fine a garden in those days was not common 
 in that neighborhood. 
 
 This house was occupied by Captain Schaeffer 
 till within a few years of his death, and became a 
 centre of spiritual and physical blessing to a wide 
 region of country. 
 
 167 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 At this point of the narrative the annexed letter 
 to his Hfe-long friend, Mr. Elias L. Nicholas, who 
 at this writing, at an advanced age, still lives to 
 rejoice in his successful life and triumphant death, 
 is of interest : 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., July I, 1868. 
 
 " My dear Brother Nicholas : — I received your welcome 
 letter of the 19th ultimo without delay of mail, but have been 
 so very busy during the last few weeks that it has been im- 
 possible to answer until the present. On Monday the closing 
 examination of our school took place, and early this morning 
 the teachers and friends from abroad started for their 
 homes. My regret is that some of you could not have been 
 present to see for yourselves what great things have been 
 done during the last six months. 
 
 " You and Brother S will please excuse M for call- 
 ing on you for assistance to furnish the parsonage. She 
 did not know that I had released my friends of the Tenth 
 Church and Sunday-school from further efforts in my be- 
 half or the work in which I am engaged. I now feel that 
 the Lord has placed the burden on my own shoulders, and 
 that I am called upon to take and bear it, notwithstanding 
 how weighty it may appear. My heart is in it, however, 
 and I shall go forward to spend and be spent in the service 
 of my Lord and in behalf of this dear people. I am further 
 resolved that should the Lord's hand direct me to remain 
 and labor among the freedmen after the Bureau officers are 
 withdrawn, that I am ready to follow His direction, though 
 I be supplied only shelter and food. Should it appear that 
 my work is accomplished among them, and God shall indi- 
 cate for me to return home, I shall then do so. 
 
 " While in the midst of care and unremitting labor, with 
 persecutions on the one hand and the sneers and jeers of 
 those who do not appreciate my work on the other, yet I 
 have full confidence in my God, and can bless and praise 
 
 168 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 His name forever that I am permitted to labor in behalf 
 of a poor, oppressed, and despised people. 
 
 " Only two weeks since fourteen more happy souls were 
 added to the church at this place, while quite a number 
 of converts are awaiting baptism. We also expect shortly 
 to send a colony from the mother church to form a little 
 interest of their own; the only thing in the way is ob- 
 taining for them a place to worship in; but we are praying 
 to the Lord to make the necessary provisions. As I have 
 told you before, the fields are white already for the harvest, 
 but the laborers are so few. Oh, do help us pray the Lord 
 to send laborers into this harvest-field ! 
 
 " I have it in my heart to say many things to you, but 
 my time is so precious that I must leave off writing and go 
 to work. I have just received a summons to go about two 
 miles into the country to see a poor old colored woman in 
 affliction and want. 
 
 " Oh, I never had a greater desire to be rich than I have 
 now, and yet I do not crave it, for if the Lord had seen 
 fit to give it to me I should have had it; but I do feel that 
 although I am a poor, miserable sinner, and nothing at all, 
 yet I have a little true riches stored up in heaven, and God 
 being my helper, I expect the remainder of my days on 
 earth to spend and be spent in His service. 
 
 " Please give my love to dear brethren and friends, and 
 may you prosper in every good word and work, and be the 
 means in the hands of God of leading many precious souls 
 to the cross 
 
 " Oh, how good the Lord is ! Blessing, and honor, and 
 praise, and dominion, and power be unto His name forever 
 and ever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. 
 Amen and amen ! 
 
 " Tell the dear old colored people at the Horse Market 
 Mission not to cease praying for us, as we need their inter- 
 cessions in our behalf at the throne of grace more than ever 
 that we may be humble, that we may be true and faithful, 
 that we may be strengthened to take up the cross daily and 
 live in the spirit of true religion, which is to bless them that 
 
 169 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 curse us, do good to them that hate us, and to pray for 
 those who despitefully use us and persecute us. 
 
 " Hoping that I have not wearied you, and with prayers 
 for your success and for God's blessing to be continued upon 
 the dear old Tenth Church, I remain, 
 " Affectionately, 
 
 " Brother Charlie." 
 
 The Christiansburg African Baptist Church had 
 not yet settled a pastor, but under the consecrated 
 labors and leadership of Captain Schaeffer it con- 
 tinued to prosper. In the nine months of its ex- 
 istence the membership had increased to two hun- 
 dred and six persons, of whom one hundred and 
 fifty-four had been received by baptism. Of this 
 number eighty-six were from the Sunday-school, 
 
 On the 7th of August, 1868, the church was re- 
 ceived into the fellowship of the Valley African 
 Baptist Association of Virginia, which convened 
 in its second annual session at Lexington, Va. Of 
 Captain Schaeffer's connection with this Associa- 
 tion mention will be made in another chapter. 
 
 The following are additional excerpts from his 
 "Diary:" 
 
 December ^i, 1868. — " The Bureau discontin- 
 ued. Order revoked by direction of the Secretary 
 of War which placed me on duty as an officer of 
 the Bureau. The year fraught with blessings; a 
 wide path of usefulness opened by the Lord. Ex- 
 perienced richly of the divine favor ; and although 
 persecuted, threatened, and tried by wicked men, 
 
 170 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 yet the Lord brought me safely through them all. 
 Among the freed people my work has been ex- 
 tended and thousands blessed in many ways. To 
 my Heavenly Father's name be all the glory. 
 * Watch'-meeting to-night one of special blessing. 
 My soul magnifies the name of the Lord ; and may 
 the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen 
 and amen." 
 
 January i, i86p. — " To-day celebrated the An- 
 niversary of Emancipation, the church, Sunday- 
 school, week-day school, and Temperance Associa- 
 tion all uniting with many of the colored people 
 from far and near. The occasion long to be re- 
 membered and of great interest to the freed people. 
 I have decided to remain some weeks to give spe- 
 cial attention to the claims and wants of the freed- 
 men before my return home, and to aid the church 
 and other interests as far as in my power." 
 
 January 20, 1869. — " On this date a little colony 
 of twenty-one members from the Christiansburg 
 African Baptist Church were organized into an 
 independent Baptist church at Alleghany Springs; 
 five members of other churches united with them. 
 It was a day of special blessing to my own soul 
 and of encouragement in the great work in which 
 I am engaged. Oh, how good the Lord has been 
 to me to make me the instrument in His hands of 
 building up His kingdom in another locality! 
 Praise be to His name!" 
 
 The foregoing citation is noteworthy, as it 
 171 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 makes allusion to the first of a numerous progeny 
 to which this church became mother. 
 
 January 2^, i86p. — " During the past year, as 
 was the case during the former year, my whole 
 soul was in the great work of laboring for the 
 blessed Saviour among the poor, afflicted, troubled 
 children of Africa. Amidst threatenings, perse- 
 cutions, perplexities, and trials of various kinds, 
 — and the burden of souls oppressing me, — I have 
 counted not my life dear unto me, but gone for- 
 ward cheerfully in the path which the Lord opened 
 for my footsteps. And now I cannot do less than 
 reconsecrate myself to the work which He has 
 committed to my hands, — to labor for this poor 
 and despised people, and engage in all other duties 
 He may require at my hands. The good Lord open 
 my way in the future and bless me even more abun- 
 dantly than Thou hast in the past. Keep me hum- 
 ble at Thy feet, and at the foot of the cross may 
 I receive strength." 
 
 January ^i, i86p. — " The entire month one of 
 much labor among the sick and afflicted, in the 
 church and Sabbath-school, and in giving parting 
 words to the people in the several counties over 
 which I had charge. The meetings held at differ- 
 ent places were very large and deep feeling was 
 manifested. I endeavored to counsel them for the 
 future, and commended them all to the grace of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 As he was about to go North, uncertain of the 
 172 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 time and circumstances of his return, but steadfast 
 in the conviction that he still had a mission to per- 
 form in behalf of the freed people, he was per- 
 mitted to rejoice that the Lord was at last, in an- 
 swer to many prayers, sending His people a pastor, 
 the man of his choice. He thus makes record of 
 the fact: 
 
 February 75, i86p. — " A day of special interest 
 in the church and one of great blessing to my soul. 
 The Lord hath heard my prayer to send a pastor 
 to my people, and in His own way and in good time 
 hath granted my request. Among those baptized 
 to-day at the close of the morning service was our 
 aged brother, Richard Taylor,* who for thirty 
 
 * Rev. Richard Taylor was one of a class of unlettered 
 preachers raised up by God in the old slave days to guide 
 and comfort His people. He was a remarkable illustration 
 of that scripture which declares that the " secret of the 
 Lord is with them that fear Him." A man of humble piety 
 and constant prayer, he knew God and the human heart, and 
 though he could hardly read, he had picked much knowledge 
 of the Bible. " Endued with power from on high," he was 
 able to touch the consciences and influence the lives of many 
 of his fellows. Captain Schaeffer found him a " true yoke- 
 fellow in the gospel," open to advice and instruction. A 
 sincere affection sprang up between them, " Brother Rich- 
 ard," as he was wont to call him, following his guidance in 
 the pastorate of the church and often accompanying him 
 in his missionary tours. 
 
 The following quotation is from the Christiansburg Mes- 
 senger, the local newspaper, published on the occasion of 
 his death : 
 
 " Rev. Richard Taylor, the oldest minister in the Valley 
 173 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 years has been standing up for Jesus as a licensed 
 preacher of the Methodist Church, but during the 
 past year has been much exercised in his mind on 
 the subject of baptism. His coming among us has 
 
 Association, and for ten years the pastor of the First Church 
 of this place, died February 2, 1879, aged seventy-six years. 
 
 " In the palmy days of Montgomery County before the 
 war every one knew and respected him. A true colored 
 gentleman of the olden times, he was truly pious from early 
 manhood. He became a preacher of the gospel about fifty 
 years ago, and was permitted by his master to preach where- 
 ever he felt called to go, and was listened to with profit by 
 white and black alike. 
 
 " He was especially eloquent in prayer, and many a visi- 
 tor to the Montgomery Springs in olden times yet remem- 
 bers his eloquence — some of them gratefully for the good 
 he did them. He was followed to the grave by one of the 
 largest processions ever seen in this place, composed of 
 both colors, prominent among whom was his former mas- 
 ter, Mr. Earheart, over eighty-six years of age, who rode 
 many miles to attend the burial. The bells of the white 
 churches tolled as the procession moved. He was visited 
 by hundreds during his sickness, and for every one he had 
 a word, especially for the unconverted. During his last 
 Sabbath on earth he took by the hand each Sabbath-school 
 scholar as they passed around his bed, blessing and praising 
 God for the privilege. His last hours were full of ' Jesus !' 
 ' Jesus !' ' Hallelujah !' a sentence he often closed his prayers 
 with, had scarce died on his lips ere his happy spirit was 
 borne home. His one great idea was to serve the Master, 
 and he never let an opportunity pass to speak for Him, in 
 the fields or by the wayside. 
 
 " As we followed his remains to the cemetery, with a 
 great crowd, all places of business closed, we could but 
 feel the respect even the world has for virtue and goodness, 
 despite color and lack of education." 
 
 174 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 led to his ordination on the afternoon of this day, 
 and the choice of the church as her pastor." 
 
 With the discontinuance of the Freedman's Bu- 
 reau and the severance of official connection with 
 the Government Captain Schaeffer's salary, of 
 course, ceased. This loss of income, which had 
 been freely used in the cause (his personal gifts 
 from 1866 to 1869 had aggregated nearly three 
 thousand dollars, or, to be exact, two thousand 
 nine hundred and sixty-one dollars and nine 
 cents), would necessarily restrict his mission. He 
 had no anxiety as to personal support: his re- 
 sources were sufficient for that. But the question 
 of the larger work greatly interested him, and 
 with this in view he decided to visit his home 
 church and friends in Philadelphia. We again 
 recur to the diary : 
 
 February i^, i86p. — " The house crowded in 
 every part at the meeting called this evening. On 
 Sunday I took my leave of the Sabbath-school, 
 and gave my parting counsel amidst the tears and 
 sobs of my dear scholars. This evening the peo- 
 ple came from every quarter to give the parting 
 hand and to receive words of counsel and encour-* 
 agement. My heart was almost overwhelmed 
 within me, and I almost felt that I could not leave 
 them, not even for a season." 
 
 February 16, i86p. — " Another meeting this 
 evening, when the people again crowded to the 
 
 175 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 place, bringing little tokens of remembrance for 
 us to carry home. As we took the parting hand, 
 big tears would roll down their cheeks, while the 
 only audible words were, ' God bless you !' I made 
 them a short address, with the assurance that, the 
 Lord permitting, I would soon be with them again 
 to labor for their temporal improvement and eter- 
 nal interests. Some of the country people, during 
 the last few days, have come a whole day's journey 
 on foot simply to bid us good-by. May the Lord 
 keep them as in the hollow of His hand, bless 
 them abundantly during my absence, and open the 
 way for my speedy return, and unto Thy name 
 shall be all the praise forever. Amen." 
 
 February ly, i86p. — " At an early hour this 
 morning started for home, after having seen the 
 new pastor located at the parsonage, the teachers 
 well provided for, and all business matters prop- 
 erly settled up." 
 
 February 28, i86g. — " Glad to be with the loved 
 home circle, but troubled in regard to my duty. 
 The Macedonian cry continuously sounds in my 
 ears, * Come over and help us.' The Lord prepare 
 all my way before me. As Thou wilt lead, so will 
 I follow. The news from my old field is fraught 
 with interest, and many are praying the Lord for 
 
 my return May the Lord grant me the 
 
 desire of my heart, to be an humble servant of His 
 all the days of my life." 
 
 March j/^ i86p. — " ' Lord, what wilt Thou 
 176 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 have me to do?' Oh, how this question has re- 
 volved itself in my mind ! And I now simply trust 
 God to direct every step that I may take. I have 
 committed my way unto Him. Enjoyed precious 
 seasons among white and colored during the 
 month, and although sick in body, feel it good to 
 cling to the cross of a loving Saviour." 
 
 April 4, i86p. — " A soul-refreshing meeting 
 among our aged colored friends early this morn- 
 ing. Afternoon taught class and addressed the 
 Sabbath-school connected with the Cherry-Street 
 African Baptist Church. Felt my heart warm in 
 their midst. Also enjoyed the communion season 
 at my own dear church and gave myself anew unto 
 the Lord. Have now decided to return to my 
 former field of effort at a very early day, looking 
 to the Lord to sustain me as a servant of His 
 among that dear people. And may the Lord of 
 all grace make me to abound in every good word 
 and work. I have recently been offered positions 
 of honor, profit, and trust of a worldly character, 
 but feel it my duty to decline them in view of what 
 I believe to be a call from my precious Lord to 
 go and labor among the freed people." 
 
 April 8, i86p. — " I have received encourage- 
 ment from many friends, who have promised to 
 co-operate with me in my work and bid me God- 
 speed. The Lord make me faithful to my trust." 
 
 May Q, i86c). — " Another momentous day in my 
 life. By a solemn act of the church I was this 
 12 177 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 day set apart for the gospel ministry, and licensed 
 to preach the glad tidings of salvation to the dying 
 sons and daughters of earth. And now may the 
 Lord accept the offering I make of myself, re- 
 newedly consecrating all my powers of soul, body, 
 and spirit to His service, and praying for His 
 divine assistance in my feeble efforts to glorify 
 Him and advance His kingdom on earth. Oh, 
 how weak I am, and shrink from the task before 
 me, yet I rely implicitly on Him, who hath all 
 power and wisdom at command, and who hath 
 promised, ' Lo, I am with you alway.' Truly the 
 Lord hath led me by a way I knew not, and after 
 many years of anxiety and trouble of mind in 
 regard to my duty. His providence has directed 
 that henceforth I shall preach the glad tidings of 
 salvation to the poor and destitute, and although 
 it will not be by man's wisdom, yet I trust in its 
 great simplicity it will meet the divine approba- 
 tion, and be attended by the power and demon- 
 stration of the Holy Ghost." 
 
 May II, i86p. — " I start to-night to my former 
 field of labor among the freedmen. May the Lord 
 go with me, bless the loved ones I leave behind 
 me with every spiritual good, and crown us all 
 with everlasting salvation at last, through Jesus 
 Christ my Lord. Amen!" 
 
 178 
 
CHAPTER XL 
 
 Enough has been written to indicate that Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer was actuated alone by pure and un- 
 selfish considerations. If he could elevate the ne- 
 gro, and glorify his Saviour in the doing of it, 
 he was content. With this in view, he held aloof 
 from all political affiliations. As an official of the 
 Government he dealt with the whites and blacks 
 alike in a spirit of absolute impartiality. When his 
 relations with the Freedman's Bureau ceased he 
 remained among the negroes, not to influence their 
 political opinions, but, as a missionary of the cross, 
 to aid them physically, intellectually, morally, and 
 spiritually. Whatever his views might have been 
 on the various questions of policy springing out 
 of the war, he was careful not to express them 
 publicly. It is doubtful whether he gave much 
 thought to the subject, so profoundly absorbed was 
 he in trying to do the people good. So completely, 
 indeed, did he dissociate himself from the party 
 divisions of the day, that in the thirty-three years 
 of his ministry in the South he neither cast a ballot 
 nor took part in a canvass where State or National 
 policies were directly at issue. Had he been at all 
 open to mercenary motives, or disposed to use his 
 great influence to obtain political preferment, there 
 was perhaps no position within the gift of the 
 
 179 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 people which he might not have had for the 
 asking. 
 
 The natural effect of a course so disinterested 
 was to endear him all the more to the colored peo- 
 ple, who reposed in him implicit confidence; while 
 the whites, as time went on, came to respect the 
 man who had no personal ends to subserve. But 
 where the habits and morals of the people were 
 affected, none held more pronounced convictions 
 than he did. 
 
 Mention has been made of his attitude towards 
 the subject of temperance. He was a strenuous 
 advocate of total abstinence. He likewise took 
 strong ground against indulgence in tobacco. On 
 the day of his return from Philadelphia, after ap- 
 pointment to the " licentiate," the " Diary" re- 
 cords this significant fact : 
 
 May 12, i86p. — " I gave up the use of tobacco 
 in all forms ; have been accustomed to smoke, but 
 feel the duty to give it up at once and forever. 
 The Lord help me to keep my pledge. Arrived 
 safely in Christiansburg this evening." 
 
 Believing that the greatest enemy of the school 
 and the church is the drinking-saloon, and believ- 
 ing that the most degrading vices to which men 
 are addicted is the drink and kindred habits, at the 
 very beginning of his missionary career he set 
 himself earnestly against the sale and use of alco- 
 
 180 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 holic liquors. Wherever it was possible through- 
 out the extensive field of his efforts, he organized 
 temperance societies, whose members were pledged 
 not to make, sell, or use intoxicants of any kind. 
 And where such societies could not be formed, in- 
 dividuals and families were induced to sign the 
 pledge. They were established under a constitu- 
 tion and by-laws, with a regular order of exer- 
 cises, including, besides stated business, recitations, 
 discussions, and such matters as would be helpful 
 in instilling temperance principles and training the 
 members in habits of sobriety. Any person over 
 twelve years of age was eligible to membership. 
 The good these organizations accomplished in 
 those formative days cannot now be estimated. 
 Thousands were brought under the influence of 
 total abstinence doctrines, and a strong temperance 
 sentiment was developed and has prevailed ever 
 since in those localities which is mainly attributed 
 to this pioneer work. 
 
 The Valley Baptist Association of Virginia has 
 always taken high ground on the subject of tem- 
 perance. Many of the churches composing this 
 body, directly or indirectly, were organized by 
 Captain Schaeffer. The effect of his teaching and 
 example is seen in their stanch opposition to all 
 forms of this evil and in the orderly walk and gen- 
 eral sobriety of their members. They have some- 
 times held the balance of power when " local op- 
 tion" was the issue at the polls, and by their adher- 
 
 i8i 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ence to principle have often won the day for local 
 prohibition. 
 
 When in 1886 the question of "Local Option" 
 came before the people of Montgomery County for 
 decision at the polls, Captain Schaeffer felt called 
 upon for the first time to participate in an election 
 canvass. It has been stated how particular he had 
 been to stand aloof from the political issues of the 
 day. But " local option" he regarded as in a class 
 by itself. From his point of view, it was not in 
 the category of politics, but of ethics. It had to 
 do with the morals of the people, their thrift and 
 industry, their social relations, and their habits 
 of life. Temperance ran parallel with the general 
 trend of his mission ; it touched his heart and con- 
 science ; he became greatly interested in the move- 
 ment, and esteemed it a duty to vote and work 
 for its success. 
 
 The measures adopted were unique. Some 
 weeks before the election he organized in the 
 church a "Blue Ribbon Club." It was composed 
 of male and female members. The men were 
 pledged to vote for " local option ;" the women 
 promised to exert their influence in behalf of the 
 cause. The badge of membership was a piece of 
 blue ribbon worn in a conspicuous place on the 
 dress, to indicate the strength of the movement 
 and " intimidate" the enemy. On election morning 
 the club gathered at the meeting-house for a sea- 
 son of prayer preparatory to the march in a body 
 
 182 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 to the voting place. Just before starting, each 
 woman pinned to the coat of the man of her choice 
 a button-hole bouquet tied with blue ribbon, and 
 with banners flying and singing suitable hymns 
 they reached the polls. Captain Schaeffer polled 
 his first vote in the South on this occasion, the 
 members of the club following him in regular or- 
 der until all had voted, the strains of music ceasing 
 only when the last ballot had been deposited. The 
 county " went dry," as was to be expected under 
 such religious electioneering, by a large majority. 
 At an election two years later the same result en- 
 sued, and to this day the county stands stanchly 
 for prohibition. The following extract from a 
 letter to the Union Signal of September 2, 1886, 
 descriptive of this scene, with some remarks by 
 the editor, is of interest : 
 
 " A Philadelphia friend who was in Virginia during the 
 local option election sends the following account of the 
 way the colored voters were ' intimidated' into voting for 
 prohibition. It is so apropos to this time that we take the 
 liberty of giving the letter to our readers. The same spirit 
 prevailed and similar methods were used in Mississippi, 
 from whence come the charges of intimidation of black 
 voters : 
 
 " ' While summering on Zion's Hill, Christiansburg, Va., 
 I was greatly interested in the advanced position the colored 
 people are taking in the prohibition movement, which has 
 made such astonishing progress in the South. At the Val- 
 ley Association held at this place August 4 to 7, numbering 
 more than one hundred churches, the most pronounced tem- 
 perance resolutions (including the recommendation of the 
 use of unfermented wine at the Lord's table) were en- 
 
 183 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 thusiastically adopted. Many earnest words followed from 
 the pastors, showing their work in the recent uprising for 
 a prohibition law in their various counties and towns. How 
 their faces beamed with pleasure as they announced, " My 
 county went dry at the last election." 
 
 " ' The pastor of the church at this place, Rev. Charles 
 S. Schaeffer, is the only white brother in the Association. 
 He is the shepherd who for twenty years has looked after 
 the flock gathered in a score of folds on these beautiful 
 hills. Several weeks before the election he called the men 
 of the church together and organized them into a Temper- 
 ance Club, so when the eventful day arrived he had but to 
 summon them to the church, where, placing them in line, 
 he put into each hand the prohibition ticket, decorating them 
 with a blue ribbon and button-hole bouquets. The resi- 
 dents made for them six banners with inspiring mottoes. 
 Thus equipped, with Mr. Schaeffer at the head of the col- 
 umn, they marched down the hill, one hundred and fifty 
 voters with as many prospective voters in their train, sing- 
 ing,— 
 
 " Yield not to temptation. 
 For yielding is sin ; 
 Each victory will help you. 
 
 Some other to win. 
 Fight manfully onward. 
 
 Dark passions subdue ; 
 Look ever to Jesus, 
 He will carry you through." 
 
 " ' As they entered the town their hymn merged into the 
 encouraging words : 
 
 " Hold the fort, for I am coming, 
 Jesus signals still ; 
 Wave the answer back to heaven. 
 By Thy grace we will." 
 
 Then as they reached the polls, keeping in line, each 
 deposited his vote till all were through, when the hills rang 
 
 184 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 with a shout from the white voters, " Hurrah for Captain 
 Schaeffer and his Club." Next day gave them the glad in- 
 telligence that victory was theirs — the county free from the 
 curse of the saloon.' " 
 
 Captain Schaeffer's appointment to the "licen- 
 tiate" by his home church and his discontinuance 
 of the tobacco habit, previously noticed, was not a 
 mere coincidence. His recognition as a minister 
 of the gospel imposed new responsibilities and ob- 
 ligations, which he well understood, but had no 
 desire to evade. He would allow himself no grati- 
 fication that might prove to be an obstacle to ut- 
 most usefulness. He must aim to be an example 
 in all things. 
 
 There seems to be no ground for the conclusion 
 that he placed indulgence in spirituous liquors and 
 tobacco in the same class. In his view they were 
 both evils ; but the use of the former as a beverage 
 he regarded a sin; and he would not indulge in 
 the latter on the Apostle Paul's noble principle, 
 that it might cause his " brother to offend." He, 
 therefore, earnestly advised the giving up of to- 
 bacco as an unclean and unnecessary habit, and 
 in the great penury of the colored people an un- 
 warranted, if not a sinful, expense. Making com- 
 mon cause, then, against these twin evils, he con- 
 stantly practised and preached total abstinence 
 with respect to both. The temperance pledge and 
 the anti-tobacco pledge were urged upon all, and 
 were not infrequently signed at the same time. 
 
 i8s 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Large success accompanied this movement. More- 
 over, it was accomplished on gospel lines, the sign- 
 ing of the pledge often being preceded by a " gos- 
 pel temperance sermon," in which the moral and 
 Christian principles involved were plainly taught. 
 The people consequently were intelligent in their 
 action; they were generally true to their pledges; 
 and throughout the counties in which he labored, 
 a strong temperance sentiment prevails. 
 
 Early in 1869, anticipating the withdrawal of 
 Government aid to the freedmen, and in the hope 
 that the friends interested in the cause might con- 
 tinue their assistance, Captain Schaeffer engaged 
 in a correspondence of which the appended letter 
 is a characteristic example. It not only shows 
 how the work appealed to his own heart, but also 
 his abiding confidence in an omnipotent helper: 
 
 " Christiansburg, Montgomery County, V.\., 
 
 " February 17, 1869. 
 " Henry M. Laing, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 " My dear Friend : — I write by way of encouragement in 
 the great work in which you are engaged for the salvation 
 of the freed people. Truly our Heavenly Father has opened 
 a wide sphere for the kind, disinterested co-operation on the 
 part of the friends of this hitherto despised and oppressed 
 race, and has committed into their hands the fearful re- 
 sponsibility of deciding whether the future shall find the 
 freedmen among the ignorant, superstitious, and debased 
 portions of the community in which they live, or, through 
 the blessings of education and every good and kindly in- 
 fluence thrown around them, raised to positions of honor, 
 intellectual refinement, and power for good in the land. 
 
 " It is then a question among the friends of the cause, 
 186 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 not as to how soon the work shall cease, or when it will 
 be proper to withdraw the hitherto liberal support given it, 
 but how to make it more effective ; and the enlistment of 
 even larger numbers, including those who have not done 
 their whole duty, in giving a new impetus to the work and 
 a greater sacrifice of whatever may be demanded for its 
 successful accomplishment. 
 
 " With an experience of more than two years of direct 
 effort in the field, I can assure you that the work seems 
 more than ever important, and weighs upon my heart with 
 greater force and magnitude than I can readily express to 
 you. Indeed, it seems as if we had just begun to gather the 
 rich fruit of our labor, while on every hand the seed is 
 taking root, germinating, and expanding, and bids fair for 
 an abundant harvest. God be praised for this ; but while 
 we see these indications of His willingness to bless our 
 feeble instrumentality in accomplishing the great purposes of 
 His providence, shall we then be satisfied? or should we not 
 arouse us to greater diligence, and the consecration of even 
 more of life, talent, property, or whatever may be claimed 
 from us, in one united, honest, and continued effort for the 
 accomplishment of that which is fraught with both the in- 
 terests of time and eternity? 
 
 " With the freedmen it is a time of oppressive anxiety, in 
 view of the anticipated withdrawal of both Government and 
 benevolent support and encouragement, and their cry is, 
 ' Do not leave us,' ' Do not withdraw from us the necessary 
 help in our time of need.' And although it was my inten- 
 tion, on being discharged from duty as an officer of the 
 Bureau (the time for its limitation by Congress having ex- 
 pired), to return to my home and enjoy quiet and rest, 
 yet duty now seems to demand my return at the earliest 
 opportunity, and I feel, God willing, to give myself anew 
 to the work. 
 
 " The only trouble is the want of means to successfully 
 prosecute it ; but, depending upon the never-failing resources 
 of God's treasury, I will go forth trusting. 
 
 " I am glad to inform you that the assistance rendered me 
 during the past year, through your kind co-operation and 
 
 187 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 that of other dear friends, has been productive of great 
 good, and your kindness is heartily appreciated by the peo- 
 ple under my charge. Besides the many comforts for the 
 poor, afflicted, and distressed, and the distribution of seeds, 
 from which they were supplied with vegetables during the 
 past summer and winter, there was special and substantial 
 encouragement given in the work of education, and particu- 
 larly in country places, where our colored friends would 
 have remained in the darkness of ignorance had you not 
 supplied them with the necessary books and other means 
 of self-education. 
 
 " Expecting to spend one or two months in Philadelphia, 
 when I shall have the pleasure of conversing with you more 
 fully in reference to these matters, I remain, truly, 
 " Your friend, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 When Captain Schaeffer returned to Virginia 
 from his visit to Philadelphia, May 12, 1869, it 
 was without thought of further connection with 
 the Government as an official. The Freedman's 
 Bureau, except the Educational and Claims De- 
 partment, had been discontinued by Act of Con- 
 gress, and he had been relieved from duty. Satis- 
 fied, however, that it was the Lord's cause in which 
 he was engaged, and that He would supply the 
 means for carrying it forward, he had determined 
 to " go forth trusting." Much to his surprise, 
 therefore, soon after his return, June 10, 1869, as 
 has been detailed in another chapter, unsolicited 
 by him, he received an appointment from the War 
 Department as Assistant Superintendent of Schools 
 for the State of Virginia. The office carried with 
 
 i88 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 it all travelling expenses and a salary while in 
 actual service. It was continued for nearly a year, 
 and providentially opened the way for the con- 
 tinuance and enlargement of the work. 
 
 Although licensed to preach the gospel by the 
 sanction and authority of the church, and rejoicing 
 to speak for the Master on all occasions, Captain 
 Schaeffer found himself hindered as a leader by 
 reason of the fact that he was not authorized to 
 administer the ordinances and perform such other 
 functions as belong to an ordained minister. This 
 subject gave him much concern, and he began to 
 be exercised in mind as to his duty with respect to 
 ordination. About this time (July o.'j, 1869), pre- 
 sumably in answer to a query, the " Diary" re- 
 cords : " Received a special communication from 
 my pastor, stating that my church sympathized in 
 my work among the freed people, and suggesting 
 that I should prosecute it as I would if ordained to 
 the full work of the ministry." He did not hesi- 
 tate to act on this advice, as the following citations 
 show: 
 
 July 2iO, i860. — " Started for Dublin this even- 
 ing to go to Pearisburg. A Council called for the 
 organization of Baptist Church at the latter place." 
 
 July ji, i86p. — " Rode over to Pearisburg to- 
 day, and at night held a preliminary meeting." 
 
 August I, i86q. — " I gathered the children to- 
 gether at nine o'clock for special Sabbath-school 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 exercises. At ten o'clock proceeded to the organi- 
 zation of the Pearisbiirg colored Baptist Church. 
 Fourteen persons also were baptized in New River 
 and added to the church as constituted. A great 
 day at that place, and we trust much good was 
 accomplished. Deacons and other officers elected. 
 Charge to the church was delivered in the evening 
 and was listened to by a large number of white and 
 colored." 
 
 August 2, i86p. — " Endeavor to meet from day 
 to day all the duties enjoined upon me, of what- 
 ever character they may be. The protracted meet- 
 ing continued; a good time to-night." 
 
 August 6, i86p. — " This morning left on train 
 for Liberty, Bedford County. Was present at the 
 opening of the Valley African Baptist Association 
 of Virginia. Acted for the clerk. Carried two 
 churches into the Association — Alleghany Springs 
 and Pearisburg." 
 
 August 8, i86p. — " Held a mass Sabbath-school 
 gathering at eight a.m. Felt the Lord with me. 
 At the close scattered a large quantity of reading 
 matter, to interest from little children to old age." 
 
 August 10, i86q. — " Spent the day in preparing 
 the minutes of the Association for the printer until 
 late in the evening." 
 
 August 2<), i86p. — " Brother Richard Taylor 
 and myself visited the Brush Creek settlement to- 
 day. Met a large congregation of colored and 
 white in a little grove. The occasion one of much 
 
 190 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 encouragement, and bids us hope in God for the 
 future. Returned in time for the evening meet- 
 ing." 
 
 August ^0, i86p. — " Head, heart, and hands 
 full. The Lord help His servant. An adjourned 
 meeting of the Christian Union to-night." 
 
 October ^i, i86p. — " Hands continue full of 
 work. With the Lord's assistance may I press 
 matters. From day to day I receive the necessary 
 strength for the task before me." 
 
 November 4, i86p. — " Met this evening with 
 the Lovely Mount people. A good time enjoyed. 
 Fore part of the day visited the sick, etc." 
 
 November 8, i86p. — " Commenced painting the 
 school-house. Organized a temperance and anti- 
 tobacco meeting. Nineteen signed the latter 
 pledge." 
 
 November i^, i86p. — " Painting between-times 
 (of other duties) all the week." 
 
 November Jj, i86p. — " To-day organized the 
 Lovely Mount Baptist Church of this county 
 (Montgomery), composed of twenty-seven mem- 
 bers, — sixteen of the number baptized to-day. 
 The occasion one of much interest, and the ser- 
 vices blessed to many souls. Returned home 
 greatly rejoicing in God my Saviour." 
 
 November 28, i86p. — " A precious day to my 
 soul. Conducted all the services to-day. Inquirers 
 in the evening meeting." 
 
 December 11, i86p. — " Visited the Danville 
 191 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 school. In the afternoon started on stage for Pitt- 
 sylvania Court-House." 
 
 December 12, i86p. — " Held an educational and 
 religious meeting this p.m. Also met a number of 
 colored friends to talk over their best interests." 
 
 December i^, i86p. — " A meeting of the most 
 prominent colored men of the place. Made ar- 
 rangements for the organization of a school. 
 Started for Danville at two p.m., arrived at six, 
 and visited the night-school, etc., etc." 
 
 These extracts are taken at random from a large 
 number of such entries, and are adduced to show 
 how laborious and varied were the duties devolv- 
 ing upon this consecrated man. 
 
 The evident leadings of Providence, and the un- 
 mistakable answer to the question, " How shall I 
 render the most efficient service for the Master in 
 aiding these needy ones to whom He has sent me?" 
 had gradually forced him to the conclusion that 
 duty demanded ordination to the gospel ministry. 
 With this in view, he determined to return to 
 Philadelphia, to lay the subject before the home 
 church. On December 19, 1869, the Tenth Baptist 
 Church took action in the case, and voted to call 
 a Council to consider the propriety of ordaining 
 him. The Council convened on December 27th, 
 and concerning which this record is found in the 
 "Diary:" 
 
 " Another memorable day in my history. I ap- 
 192 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 peared before a large Council convened by my 
 church and, after prayer and other services, 
 proceeded with the examination, upon the con- 
 clusion of which, by a unanimous vote, it was 
 resolved to proceed with the ordination in the 
 evening." 
 
 From the Shepherd's Crook, the organ of the 
 Tenth Baptist Church, under date of January, 
 1870, we quote the subjoined reference to this in- 
 teresting event: 
 
 " One of the most gratifying events that has occurred 
 among us for a good while is the setting apart of our be- 
 loved brother, Charles S. Schaefifer, to the work of the 
 ministry. * 
 
 " We had fondly hoped that our brother would return to us 
 to settle in Philadelphia and again become one of the leaders 
 of evangelical work in the Tenth Church. But God has or- 
 dered otherwise, and we cannot allow any disappointment 
 of our personal desires to hinder our gratitude that so 
 , wide and important a field as Brother Schaeffer is to occupy 
 in Virginia has been chosen as the scene of his labors. He 
 has already been greatly blessed in his labors for the freed- 
 men, to whom he has given time, talents, toil, and treasure 
 for five years past. Many have been through his exhorta- 
 tions brought to the Saviour's feet, and three churches have 
 had their origin under his supervision. He is devotedly at- 
 tached to his work, and the colored people are enthusiastic 
 in their love of him. He passed through many trials and 
 not a little danger in the years immediately following the 
 war from the jealousy of the white population, but God 
 has brought him safely through all, and at length even these 
 have learned to appreciate his Christian spirit and benevo- 
 lent labors. 
 
 " The Council of the churches met in our church, on 
 13 193 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Monday, December 27, to examine Brother Schaeffer as to 
 Christian experience, call to the ministry, and doctrinal 
 views. The Council organized by electing Rev. Charles 
 Keyser as moderator and Rev. J. Peters as clerk. 
 
 " Brother Schaeffer then narrated his Christian experi- 
 ence, which was deeply affecting and highly satisfactory to 
 those who heard it, not a few being moved to tears. 
 
 " His statement of the causes which led to his entering 
 the ministry was clear, and strongly indicative of the move- 
 ments of the Divine Spirit; and his statement of doctrinal 
 views was so clear and comprehensive that the usual ques- 
 tioning was not thought necessary. The remarks made by 
 the brethren were unanimously commendatory." 
 
 The Council was a very large one, nearly fifty 
 churches being represented. The writer was a 
 privileged participant, and remembers with dis- 
 tinctness the profound impression made upon the 
 delegates by the clearness and earnestness of the 
 candidate's statements. 
 
 Three days after the ordination, December 31, 
 1869, Captain Schaeffer is again found at Chris- 
 tiansburg, joining with the people in mutual con- 
 gratulations, and preparing for the celebration of 
 Emancipation Day on the morrow. He returned 
 to devote himself — if possible, more completely 
 than ever before — to the temporal and spiritual 
 interests of his people. 
 
 The language employed in the narrative of this 
 consecrated life may be thought by some to savor 
 of exaggeration, but the extracts taken from the 
 " Diary" and those to follow will confirm all that 
 has been said. It is to be regretted that space will 
 
 194 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 not permit the publication of this remarkable docu- 
 ment in its entirety. 
 
 If the Apostle Paul in the Epistle to the 
 Romans, chapter xii. 9-21, has given, as some as- 
 sert, a pen-portrait of the ideal Christian, it is not 
 saying too much to affirm that the subject of this 
 memoir did not come very far short of its realiza- 
 tion. 
 
 January i, iSyo. — " Entered upon the new year 
 with holy covenant to live unreservedly to the 
 Lord. The day celebrated appropriately by the 
 colored people. Old and young participated in 
 religious services. The seventh anniversary of 
 Emancipation. Also scattered books, papers, con- 
 fections, etc., among them, and sent some to the 
 absent sick. Also distributed clothing and medi- 
 cines among the exceedingly poor and destitute. 
 At night a precious experience meeting, and ex- 
 perienced large blessing in my soul." 
 
 January 2, i8yo. — " This morning Sabbath- 
 school exercises turned into a prayer-meeting. 
 There was deep seriousness among all present. In 
 the morning public service I took for a lesson the 
 * Seven Churches of Asia,' and experienced much 
 freedom in presenting the truth. All day long my 
 soul was filled with a sense of my Saviour's love. 
 At night the meeting one of deep interest." 
 
 January j, iSyo. — " Visited among the sick, 
 etc., and at night conducted the meeting and en- 
 
 19s 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 deavored to give the people food from God's 
 Word. One was hopefully converted and made 
 happy in the Saviour." 
 
 January 4, iSyo. — " Visited some sixteen cases 
 of measles and other cases of sickness, clothed the 
 naked, and attended to other cases of distress. To- 
 night the Lord with me in the pulpit and His 
 presence felt among the people. Labored until a 
 late hour for the unconverted." 
 
 January y, 18/0. — " The past two days busy day 
 and night with special duties. To-night attended 
 
 a meeting at Brother W Mc , where it 
 
 was my privilege to rejoice with eight young con- 
 verts gathered by a little band of brethren during 
 the past week (meetings held from house to 
 house). The meeting to-night one of blessed in- 
 fluence, others being concerned in the great matter 
 of personal interest in Jesus." 
 
 January 8, 18 /O. — " Walked quite a long dis- 
 tance to-day, visiting among the sick and the poor, 
 scattering comforts and blessings." 
 
 Here follow memoranda of another " tour of 
 inspection," — for two days through a drenching 
 rain, and being at one place threatened with per- 
 sonal violence by some drunken white men, — in 
 which school matters received attention, and edu- 
 cational, religious, temperance, and anti-tobacco 
 meetings were held : 
 
 ig6 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 January 28, 1870. — " Brother Richard and my- 
 self paid another visit to-day among the Brush 
 Creek people. A large Sabbath-school gathering, 
 and much interest manifested by both white and 
 colored. At the close of special and interesting 
 services, Brother Richard returned to Christians- 
 burg, and I held services at Sister Taliaferro's in 
 the evening, the house being crowded. Here I 
 took a text, John xiv. 27, ' My peace I give unto 
 you,' and for the first time attempted to sermonize. 
 In it I experienced a clear head and a full heart 
 and great peace in my soul. And while speaking 
 the fire burned, and my soul was moved to earnest 
 entreaty towards sinners to be reconciled to God. 
 Two colored brethren also joined in words of ex- 
 hortation. The congregation, composed almost 
 entirely of unconverted persons, yielded to the 
 sacred influences of the hour, and many prostrated 
 themselves with us at the mercy-seat, crying aloud 
 for mercy. The occasion one of lasting remem- 
 brance." 
 
 January ji, 18/0. — " I spent the day in ex- 
 amining and inspecting the school. At night held 
 another meeting at Sister Taliaferro's. The house 
 again crowded. Preached from Matt. xxv. 10, 
 * And the door was shut,' and experienced the 
 power of the Holy Spirit. About half of all pres- 
 ent presented themselves as anxious inquirers, and 
 great grace rested upon the meeting." 
 
 February i, 18'jo. — " This morning I went to 
 197 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Longtown, Floyd County, and visited a school. 
 Entered as usual into the work before me and felt 
 deeply interested, and much interest was mani- 
 fested by all present. At night held a meeting at 
 the house of a colored friend which filled two large 
 rooms. Preached from Mark xv. 25, ' And they 
 crucified him.' While speaking experienced clear 
 conceptions of truth and of the plan of salvation, 
 and found my heart drawn out towards those pres- 
 ent. All with but one exception were unconverted, 
 and during the meeting many cried for mercy. 
 Retired to rest with a full heart." 
 
 February 2, iSjo. — " After the usual attention 
 to the poor and sick in the community and giving 
 instruction to the people, I returned to Christians- 
 burg, a distance of twenty-one miles, on foot. 
 Found good times among the brethren, and, 
 though wearied by travel, preached in the evening 
 from Isaiah li. 11, 'Therefore the redeemed of 
 the Lord, etc' Experienced sweet consolation in 
 my own soul, and quite a number manifested con- 
 cern for their eternal interests." 
 
 February j, 18/0. — " To-day sent a teacher to 
 Pearisburg and visited the school at Newbern, 
 where I spent the entire day. Among other mat- 
 ters organized a Young People's Temperance and 
 Anti-Tobacco Society. At night held a large 
 mass-meeting, and spoke for about two hours to a 
 crowded assembly on miscellaneous subjects, — 
 temperance, tobacco, education, moral and re- 
 
 198 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ligious training, etc. Felt the Lord's presence 
 with me, and all seemed to feel it good to be there. 
 After the meeting proceeded to Dublin." 
 
 February 4, i8yo. — " Returned home this morn- 
 ing. Took some rest, and then attended to calls 
 for help among the sick and others. At night con- 
 ducted the experience meeting, which was one of 
 precious influences, with a number of inquirers 
 seeking Jesus." 
 
 February 5, i8yo. — " After another full day, 
 met in mass experience meeting to-night. Church 
 business attended to. One backslider and two 
 young converts offered themselves for church fel- 
 lowship." 
 
 February 6, 18 yo. — " The Sabbath-school taken 
 up for special prayer in behalf of the scholars and 
 teachers. At the close of public worship three 
 happy converts were baptized, and four in all re- 
 ceived into church fellowship. Afterwards par- 
 took of the Lord's Supper. To-night preached 
 from the text, Matt. xxv. 37, ' They crucified him.' 
 Felt the presence, power, and blessing of my Lord. 
 About thirty persons, among them some of our 
 Sabbath-school scholars, came forward for prayer. 
 The meeting one of great interest." 
 
 February J, 18 'jo. — " A heavy snow-storm pre- 
 vented a large gathering to-night. Labored with 
 one special case until a late hour — the occasion one 
 of deep pressure of soul." 
 
 February 8, i8yo. — " On account of the great 
 199 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 storm there were only seven persons present at the 
 meeting to-night — five Christians and two uncon- 
 verted. Both of our unconverted friends were 
 hopefully converted." 
 
 February g, iSyo. — " We had great joy at the 
 close of our little meeting last night. Felt my own 
 cup to run over. To-night had another powerful 
 meeting, in which one professed hope in Christ." 
 
 February lo, 18/0. — " Preaching services to- 
 night. A good time." 
 
 February 11, 18 yo. — " Daily engaged with 
 pressing calls and duties. Giving myself up fully 
 at night to the meetings. To-night Brother Henry 
 Jameson with us, also Brother Adams, of New- 
 bern, who left in the night train. Over thirty in- 
 quirers forward and a good time enjoyed." 
 
 February 12, i8yo. — " Brother Jameson 
 preached to-night to a full house. Inquirers mul- 
 tiplying and the influence of God's Spirit poured 
 upon the people." 
 
 February i^, 18 yo. — " A great and blessed day 
 in Zion. Sabbath-school, interesting services, fol- 
 lowed by public services and attention to inquirers. 
 Brother Jameson preached. A large number for- 
 ward for prayer, among them A W (who 
 
 has long been a burden on our hearts), who, in 
 the midst of the meeting, deliberately rose up and 
 shook off all unbelief, which has been keeping him 
 back from the Saviour, when there was great joy 
 among the disciples. At night there were over 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 sixty inquirers and a number of conversions. 
 Eight made a public profession of faith in Christ." 
 
 February 14, i8yo. — " The interest increasing." 
 
 February 15, 1870. — " The meeting to-night 
 filled with the presence of the Lord. Besides back- 
 sliders returning to the fold, twelve happy converts 
 made an open profession of faith in Christ." 
 
 February 16, 18/0. — " Some twenty young per- 
 sons came forward in the day-school meeting, and 
 eight dear friends were hopefully converted iii the 
 meeting to-night. Through excess of labors and 
 overtaxing my strength in the meeting to-night 
 felt a giving away of my physical powers at the 
 close of the meeting, and was carried to my home." 
 
 February ly, i8jo. — " Recovered from my in- 
 disposition and was again present at the meeting 
 to-night. Three more happy converts and five 
 names for baptism and church fellowship. My 
 soul full of praise to the Lord." 
 
 February 18, 1810. — " Dined with Brother 
 
 C . The weather cold and stormy. Meeting 
 
 not so large to-night, but especially interesting 
 and crowned with the best of consequences. Two 
 more converts, and three others offered themselves 
 for baptism and church fellowship." 
 
 February ip, 18 yo. — " A full week ; day and 
 night employed for Jesus, and receiving overflow- 
 ing cups of salvation." 
 
 February 20, 18'jo. — " A heavy snow-storm to- 
 day, notwithstanding many in attendance at the 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Sabbath-school and pubHc services. Twelve happy 
 converts were baptized, and eighteen in all re- 
 ceived the right hand of fellowship. All the ser- 
 vices of the day attended with special blessings, 
 and at night there were several new converts and 
 two candidates for baptism." 
 
 And so, day after day, the work of grace pro- 
 gressed, and many were converted and baptized 
 into the fellowship of the church. 
 
 March i, iSyo. — " Continued visiting among 
 the sick during the day. At night preached from 
 Matt. XXV. lo, ' And the door was shut.' Every 
 unconverted person in the house came forward for 
 prayer, and several were hopefully converted, to 
 the praise of the great Head of the Church." 
 
 Citations like the above indicate the largeness 
 of the work and show how fraught it was with 
 blessings to these needy folk. 
 
 In connection with other pressing duties, Cap- 
 tain Schaefifer now began regularly to preach the 
 gospel, and crowds attended his ministry. At 
 these meetings many awakenings occurred and 
 conversions were numerous. The sermons, as a 
 rule, were simple statements of gospel truth, spoken 
 in language easily understood by the people, but 
 presented with an earnestness and modesty that 
 won attention and convinced the hearers that the 
 
 202 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 speaker was a man of God " endued with power 
 from on high." 
 
 The spiritual vitality of the Christiansburg 
 Church was evidenced in its vigorous growth. 
 From its organization it had been in a continuous 
 state of revival, and two thrifty branches had al- 
 ready shot forth from its sturdy stock. The parish 
 included a considerable tract of territory, and 
 some of the members, compelled to come long dis- 
 tances to attend worship, were ready to engage in 
 any movement which would bring the gospel to 
 their own locality. 
 
 Brush Creek, a little hamlet in Montgomery 
 County a few miles from Christiansburg, was one 
 of these. Captain Schaeffer had established a day- 
 and Sabbath-school there, and had held meetings 
 in the house of a sister of the church from time to 
 time which had increased in interest and where 
 several conversions had occurred. 
 
 The new interest soon became so flourishing 
 that it was decided to organize a church. On the 
 24th of April, 1870, by a Council called for the 
 purpose by the Christiansburg Church, the or- 
 ganization was effected. The following is Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer's statement of the event: 
 
 " The weather fine. Meeting held in the grove. 
 A large number of white and colored present. 
 Brother Taylor opened the service. I followed in 
 explaining our position as Baptists and the plat- 
 
 203 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 form on which we stand. Afterwards formed in 
 procession (as usual) and proceeded to the water, 
 where for the first time I administered the ordi- 
 nance of baptism, immersing three white and 
 seven colored converts. On returning to the 
 church [the school-house is probably meant], pro- 
 ceeded with the organization, completing the con- 
 stitution of the Brush Creek Colored Baptist 
 Church of Montgomery County, Va. The occa- 
 sion one of great interest and blessing. Brethren 
 Taylor and Green preached in the evening, when 
 a number of inquirers were still found seeking 
 Jesus. Returned to stopping-place weary in body, 
 but the soul enjoying sweet rest." 
 
 Another preaching station established by Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer was on " Crab Creek," about six 
 miles west of Christiansburg. He speaks of walk- 
 ing there and preaching in the morning and after- 
 noon to a large congregation of white and colored 
 persons in a grove, where his own " heart was en- 
 larged and refreshed," and on the conclusion of the 
 services ten converts desired baptism, and, in con- 
 nection with a number of brethren and sisters from 
 the Lovely Mount Baptist Church, proposed the 
 organization of a church at that place. The work 
 progressed rapidly, and on the 19th of June, 1870, 
 he records : 
 
 " Proceeded to the ' Crab Creek Station' early 
 204 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 this morning in company with delegates from the 
 Christiansburg Church, where we organized the 
 New Hope Baptist Church of Montgomery 
 County, Va. Met in the grove, near the railroad, 
 where, after Sabbath-school exercises, I preached 
 from I Tim. iii. i6, ' Great is the mystery of god- 
 liness, etc.,' followed by the constitution of the 
 church and the baptism of twelve converts, who 
 were received into their fellowship. The services 
 attended by a large number of white and colored 
 friends. Twenty-five members compose the new 
 church." 
 
 In October of this year, in filling a preaching 
 appointment at Lovely Mount, Captain Schaeffer 
 was subjected to an amusing but very annoying 
 experience. Whether the action had its origin in 
 a mere spirit of mischief, or whether it were an 
 expression of vindictive spite, it is impossible to 
 determine. Its victim, who was well aware of the 
 opposition his work aroused in certain quarters, 
 was inclined to the latter view. During the 
 preaching service in the evening, when " a pre- 
 cious season was enjoyed, and one professed hope 
 in Christ, and asked for baptism and church fel- 
 lowship, some evil-disposed person or persons" 
 took advantage of the opportunity and removed 
 and carried ofif one of the wheels of his buggy. 
 After a vain search for the missing wheel. Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer and his companion, at one o'clock 
 
 205 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 in the morning, started on their way home, taking 
 turns in riding the horse, and arrived at Chris- 
 tiansburg after a tiresome ride of four hours. The 
 wheel was never found, and was supposed to have 
 been hidden in the mountains or dropped into the 
 river. Noting this incident in the " Diary," he 
 remarks, " May the Lord forgive these men for 
 this wickedness, and may the very act itself lead 
 to that repentance which needeth not to be re- 
 pented of." 
 
 October 23, 1870, at Big Springs, now called 
 Elliston, about thirteen miles from Christiansburg, 
 another church was constituted by Captain Schaef- 
 fer. Here he encouraged the organization of a 
 Sunday-school, and supplied it with books, papers, 
 etc. 
 
 The nucleus of this body of believers was a com- 
 pany of brethren and sisters from the Alleghany 
 Springs Baptist Church, the first colony sent out 
 by the Christiansburg Baptist Church. There 
 were twenty-eight constituent members, seven of 
 whom were baptized just previous to the organiza- 
 tion. At a preaching service which followed in 
 the evening thirty-two inquirers came forward for 
 prayer and seven converts requested baptism. The 
 next day was spent " in the Master's service, read- 
 ing, meditating, and visiting," and in the evening 
 the " Lord gave special power to the truth," there 
 being thirty-five inquirers, and three more con- 
 verts offered themselves for baptism. Preaching 
 
 206 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 services were continued for some time, and many 
 additions made to the church. 
 
 It subsequently became quite a strong church, 
 and for a number of years Captain Schaeffer 
 served as its pastor. 
 
 It will thus be observed that in the nine months 
 following his ordination he had been instrumental 
 in gathering and organizing three new churches ; 
 to these, and the three previously organized, there 
 had been added by baptism considerably over two 
 hundred members. 
 
 207 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The brethren of the Tenth Baptist Church had 
 observed with interest the earnest zeal and re- 
 markable success of Captain Schaeffer's efforts in 
 behalf of the educational and religious welfare of 
 the freedmen. He had been in correspondence 
 with a number of them from the beginning, and 
 they had freely extended to him their sympathy 
 and prayers. Their interest, however, was inten- 
 sified by the fact that the work was in danger of 
 curtailment by the withdrawal of Governmental 
 aid, by the fact of his ordination to the ministry, 
 and by the fact that he was determined to prose- 
 cute it, " trusting in the Lord" for the necessary 
 help. 
 
 The action of the church in extending financial 
 assistance seems to have been entirely unsolicited, 
 — a voluntary act of Christian beneficence which 
 brought its reward in a heightened spirituality and 
 in a participation in a work for God the real extent 
 of which eternity alone will reveal. The first aid 
 given appears to have been bestowed in a tentative 
 way, and originated in a disinterested suggestion 
 that he should be recognized as a missionary ser- 
 vant of the church. The subjoined letters in con- 
 nection with this subject are of interest : 
 
 208 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., February 17, 1870. 
 " Reverend J. Spencer Kennard. 
 
 " My dear Brother : — I have been troubled about writing 
 to you, but, indeed, the pressure has been so great upon my 
 time since my return from tour-of-inspection work that 
 could not be laid over or postponed, that I was obliged 
 to defer this, with other equally pressing correspondence, 
 until, at least, I could have sufficient leisure to think over 
 the past. 
 
 " My January tour of inspection embraced six counties, 
 and everywhere I went God's blessing seemed to follow 
 me 
 
 " In reference to the work of education, they are like 
 hungry children, craving the bread of knowledge, and our 
 efforts in this direction have been productive of the best 
 results. Among the sick, afflicted, and destitute, and preach- 
 ing the gospel to the poor, my time has been specially given. 
 Indeed, my brother, it is wonderful what great things the 
 Lord hath done for us. Some of the simplest remedies, in 
 cases of almost life-long complaints, have, under the bless- 
 ing of God, been productive of amazing results. In truth, 
 I may say ' the blind have been restored to sight,' the 
 ' lame to leap as an hart,' and the ' deaf to hear.' Cancerous 
 affections have been cured, scrofula and scores of other 
 complaints have been successfully treated. I must, and 
 cannot believe otherwise, but that it is the Lord's doings, 
 in order to advance His interests and bring sinners to His 
 cross. Wherever I have gone the people have flocked to 
 the meetings and crowded the school-houses and cabins, 
 bringing with them the sick and the poor in their necessi- 
 ties. At one place, while preaching Jesus in a crowded 
 cabin containing about fifty persons, more than one-half 
 fell upon their knees and cried to God for mercy. At 
 another place the entire congregation, composed very nearly 
 all of unconverted persons, were moved by the story of 
 the cross, and their hearts melted to tenderness by the 
 power of the Holy Spirit 
 
 " On my return I found a good feeling among the people, 
 14 209 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and the religious interest gradually spreading, Christians 
 awaking to duty, backsliders mourning over their sins, and 
 every indication of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From 
 night to night after the 3d instant the waters of God's 
 grace have gradually risen 
 
 " To-night the house was crowded again and the place 
 filled with the Holy Ghost. Some who had resisted His 
 power up to this time were compelled to yield and cried 
 to God for mercy. At this meeting alone eight were hope- 
 fully converted, and others left the place with light dawn- 
 ing on their souls. It is said that gamblers on their way 
 home from the meeting on Sunday night tore their cards to 
 fragments and scattered them to the wind. 
 
 " With the constant use of my voice day and night for 
 more than a month, and having taken a heavy cold on my 
 breast, it is with difficulty I can speak at this writing, but 
 a heavy dose of medicine which I am about to take will 
 doubtless bring me all right by morning, with the blessing 
 of God upon it. 
 
 " In regard to my preaching, it is without preparation, 
 because I have had no time for either study or composition 
 of sermons. All I can do is to carefully and prayerfully 
 read over God's Word, and from the sacred truths declare 
 the unsearchable riches of the gospel as the Lord may 
 give me ability. My whole soul, however, is full of the love 
 of Jesus, which makes it an easy task to invite sinners to 
 come to His cross 
 
 " Your disinterested kindness and that of the church in 
 regard to the New-Year offering is fully appreciated. When 
 I wrote you, however, relative to my appearing on your 
 records as your missionary to the freedmen I did not mean 
 that you should raise me a salary, but simply give a recog- 
 nition of my services as an humble servant of the church 
 and missionary of the cross ; — notwithstanding, if I may 
 be allowed to use the amount so cheerfully donated for the 
 purpose of building up Christ's kingdom among the people 
 for whom I am specially laboring, and among the destitute 
 of my own race, I shall be happy to do so, and as opportunity 
 may be afforded render a faithful account of the trust im- 
 
 210 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 posed upon me. I do feel that I am the Lord's, soul, body, 
 and spirit, and the servant of the people for Jesus' sake. 
 In regard to mj' support, etc., I will write you in a separate 
 communication. May God bless you and your loved circle, 
 and the brethren and sisters of the church, for their kind 
 co-operation. 
 
 " I remain yours in love, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., February 17, 1870. 
 
 " My dear Brother : — In compliance with your special 
 request, I enclose herewith my cash statement for the year 
 1869. From January ist to February 17th I remained at 
 my post without any outside personal assistance. From 
 February i8th until May nth was spent in Philadelphia. 
 Friends' appropriation commenced to include May ist, at 
 twenty-five dollars per month. Appointment, Assistant 
 Superintendent of Education, Va., Bureau of R., F., and A. 
 L., to date July loth, to be paid at the rate of one hundred 
 dollars per month when employed under special instruc- 
 tions or orders, and to be furnished with actual cost of 
 travelling-expenses and subsistence while travelling and 
 cost of stationery and postage. By reference to the within 
 account, the actual time employed can readily be determined. 
 
 "This year (if possible) I want my own funds (interest 
 on bonds and salary from the Government) to go towards 
 special private purposes, which can only be effected by suffi- 
 cient funds coming from other sources to meet the de- 
 mands of my field. 
 
 " If under these circumstances the brethren feel it in 
 their hearts to aid me in my work, I shall feel grateful, and 
 endeavor carefully to distribute all funds committed to my 
 trust. 
 
 " Your friend and brother, 
 
 " C. S. Schaeffer. 
 " To Reverend J. Spencer Kennard, Philadelphia, Pa." 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " Cash Account C. S. Schaeffer, 1869. 
 Dr. — Receipts. 
 Pay Assistant Superintendent Education, Virginia, 
 
 Bureau of R., F., and A. L $235 50 
 
 Special appropriation Friends' Freedmen's Associa- 
 tion 200 00 
 
 Interest on 5-20 Government bonds 270 00 
 
 Premium on gold coupons 81 00 
 
 Deacon W.'s Bible Class 10 00 
 
 Brother W. W. W 10 00 
 
 Brother J. S 10 00 
 
 Brother T. Y. E 5 00 
 
 Miscellaneous donations 78 50 
 
 $900 00 
 
 Cr. — Expenditures. 
 
 Board $80 00 
 
 Clothing 100. 00 
 
 Improvements Christiansburg meeting- 
 house 300 00 
 
 Taxes and insurance Christiansburg 
 
 property 15 50 
 
 Travelling expenses — special 15500 
 
 Postage and stationery account — special . . 40 50 
 
 Aid to weak churches and schools 100 00 
 
 Special benevolence, poor, afflicted, etc... 85 00 
 
 Sundry personal supplies 24 00 
 
 $900 00 
 
 " Besides, I have had Government transportation, sub- 
 sistence, postage, and stationery. Supplies of clothing, medi- 
 cines, Bibles, school-books, papers, tracts, medical appli- 
 ances, etc., etc., from the Friends' Freedmen's Association, 
 Pennsylvania Abolition Society, Ladies' Union of Tenth 
 Church, Young Men's Christian Association of Tenth 
 Church, Friends in Ohio, and numerous individual friends 
 of the freedmen, amounting, I presume, to two thousand 
 
 212 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 dollars. Other societies besides those named above have 
 contributed more or less of needed supplies.* 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., November 25, 1870. 
 "Reverend J. Spencer Kennard. 
 
 " My dear Brother : — Your kind favor enclosing ordina- 
 tion certificate came duly to hand, for which please accept 
 my grateful acknowledgments. I am truly glad you suc- 
 ceeded with Brother P , and am encouraged to hope 
 
 that he will be more prompt in other duties. We will ex- 
 cuse his delay. 
 
 " My heart and hands are still heavily crowded with the 
 labors incumbent upon me, and in every direction the 
 'cords are being lengthened and stakes strengthened' with 
 a growing interest throughout my entire field. 
 
 " Recently I organized a new church at Big Springs in 
 this county, fourteen miles from Christiansburg, which has 
 all the elements of strength and healthful vigor. Fifteen 
 young converts have already been baptized into their fel- 
 lowship, while others are awaiting baptism the coming Lord's 
 Day. All my special charges, eight in number, including the 
 mother church at this place, are now enjoying revival bless- 
 ings and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 " During the past month seventy souls have been hope- 
 fully converted, while a number of backsliders have been 
 reclaimed. The converts further embrace some of the first 
 class among the colored communities in which they live, 
 whose influence will be to strengthen and build up the 
 cause. Some of them are men of good moral training, whose 
 hearts are already interested on the subject of the ministry. 
 
 [* Note by the Editor. — A glance at the foregoing " cash 
 statement" reveals the fact that Captain Schaeffer's personal 
 expenses were considerably less than the income from his 
 private investments, amounting to two hundred and nine- 
 teen dollars and fifty cents, the remainder of this, and 
 of all other receipts, having been applied to the work.] 
 
 213 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 These we have taken under special instruction, and hope 
 soon to get one or more of them ready for admission to 
 the Theological School at Richmond. 
 
 " By day and by night my own soul enjoys uninterrupted 
 communion with the dear Saviour. 
 
 " I am so thankful to my brethren for sustaining me here 
 among this people, and in the future I will be more depen- 
 dent upon them, as the special appropriation from the 
 Friends' Association will cease with this month for want of 
 funds. ' The Lord will provide,' however, and may He 
 return into your bosoms an hundred fold for all the bless- 
 ings secured to those for whom my heart is so deeply in- 
 terested and for whose welfare I am laboring. For myself, 
 I give all, ' and cotmt not even my own life dear unto me, 
 so that I may win Christ.' 
 
 " My report for the six months ending December 31st I 
 will try to forward you prior to New Year's Day, and would 
 love to be present with you at the time, but must forego the 
 pleasure, as I cannot spend a moment unnecessarily from my 
 work : and, indeed, I feel that only a real necessity would 
 meet the approval of my Heavenly Father to grant a leave 
 of absence. 
 
 " May the Lord bless you in your labors, revive His work 
 in the dear old Tenth Church, and gather many precious 
 souls into His fold, who shall hear the Shepherd's voice 
 and go in and out and find pasture. I am glad for your as- 
 sistance in selecting the lantern. 
 
 " Blessed be the name of the Lord ! I see His hand in 
 everything working together for good. I remain your 
 brother in Christ, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., December 31, 1870. 
 " To the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 " Dear Brethren and Sisters : — The flight of another six 
 months brings with it not only a retrospection of the past, 
 but a summary of those labors and duties which were in- 
 cumbent upon me, both as Christ's minister and your ser- 
 vant for His sake; and to recount the goodness of God in 
 
 214 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the rich returns and precious ingatherings of His favor, 
 love, and mercy. 
 
 " As during former months, my time has been crowded, 
 and every possible diligence given to perform the whole 
 of the work committed to my charge. Both day and night, 
 through heat and cold, at home and abroad, I have not 
 failed to be ready, at the Lord's bidding, to shoulder the 
 cross, deny myself, and stand up in His name. 
 
 " My duties have been similar to those referred to in 
 former reports, — pressing the matter of education, aiding 
 in the school work, the care of the poor, the maimed, the 
 halt and the blind, and all in distress, the visitation and 
 strengthening of the churches, and building up Christ's 
 kingdom where light had not dawned, and telling to all 
 the one true story of Jesus and His love. 
 
 "'In journeyings often,' in perils by the way; life threat- 
 ened ; made to flee for friendly shelter in the midnight 
 darkness ; property destroyed ; but God, who is rich in 
 mercy, hath brought me safely through all danger, and 
 crowned my life with His loving kindness and tender 
 mercy. To His holy name be all the praise ! My motto 
 has been, ' Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I 
 follow where He goes ;' yet not in my own strength, but 
 in His only. 
 
 " In regard to education among the freed people, the 
 withdrawment of the National Government aid is sadly felt, 
 and were it not for the friendly assistance of benevolent 
 associations very many who now have school advantages 
 would be deprived of them, notwithstanding a great deal 
 is said about the free-school system going into operation 
 in this State. In some of the large cities and towns the 
 work has been commenced ; but whether it will reach the 
 masses or not cannot yet be determined, or how long it will 
 be continued is not known. It is certain a long time will 
 elapse before general and permanent benefits will result 
 therefrom. 
 
 " I still have a number of schools under my charge, 
 which I help in many ways and supply with the necessary 
 books and other material to keep them in successful opera- 
 
 215 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 tion, and by constant visitations encourage in the good 
 work. 
 
 " The First-Day schools particularly have received a 
 great deal of my time and attention, and been furnished 
 with all the necessary books, papers, and other supplies. 
 Far and near they have received valuable aid, and great good 
 has been accomplished in this direction of effort and a num- 
 ber added to the visible church through the humble means 
 employed, with God's blessing upon them. 
 
 " The churches that I have been specially instrumental 
 in gathering (a new one added since last report) are still 
 in a prosperous condition and constantly receive tokens of 
 God's favor and grace. 
 
 " The following represents the baptisms into these 
 churches since July i, 1870 : 
 
 Original Present 
 
 Membership. Membership. 
 
 Christiansburg 19 264 
 
 Pearisburg 7 57 
 
 Alleghany Springs 6 43 
 
 Lovely Mount 27 71 
 
 Brush Creek 20 35 
 
 New Hope 16 40 
 
 Big Springs 19 43 
 
 114 553 
 
 " Some of my personal labors have been as follows : At- 
 tended five funerals, preached forty-two times, lectured fre- 
 quently, administered the ordinances, gave instruction to 
 the ministry, deacons, and hundreds of young and old 
 coming to consult on matters of religion. Have travelled 
 through portions of eight counties, scattering in every direc- 
 tion the good work of the Lord, and giving comfort in all 
 cases of distress. I might go on and add to this report ; 
 but enough, as time is precious and other pressing matters 
 claim attention. Wishing you all a happy new year, and 
 one of great prosperity in the cause of the Master, 
 " I remain, affectionately, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 21:6 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., January ii, 1871. 
 
 " My dear Brother Edward Bains : — Your kind favor of 
 the 4th instant is at hand on my return from an absence of 
 several days filling an appointment at Lovely Mount, in this 
 county, where the Lord has crowned my labors with His 
 blessing. On every hand the good work is going on, with 
 almost constant additions to the churches under my 
 charge 
 
 " In reference to the special matter of your letter, I am 
 perplexed to know what to reply, as I would much prefer 
 my brethren answering that question without consulting me 
 at all. The matter of fact is this, I can do with little or I 
 can do with much, just as the Lord gives it. I believe 
 during the past I have had nothing more nor less than 
 was needed. My motto is, ' the Lord will provide,' and 
 when I seem to be in want, I go to Him with my petition. 
 If there is a surplus in your treasury over what is really 
 needed to carry forward your home and foreign interests, 
 whether it be little or much, I might possibly come in for 
 a share after all others have been supplied. Indeed, I would 
 prefer it in this way, as the crumbs might be more accept- 
 able to the Master than the loaf. I would, therefore, sim- 
 ply suggest that you decide the question among yourselves, 
 or else leave the matter open to see what pressure is made 
 upon me for means to carry out the objects of my mission. 
 If I succeed without the help of the church, you will have 
 so much the more for other benevolent objects, and should I 
 get pressed for funds, I can then tell you what the Lord 
 wants. 
 
 " In my last to my pastor, I stated that the Friends' As- 
 sociation had withdrawn their help pecuniarily, but not- 
 withstanding the action of their board, during the past 
 month, instead of receiving twenty-five dollars special ap- 
 propriation, they sent me thirty-five dollars ; and from other 
 sources one hundred dollars in cash has come in for dis- 
 tribution among the poor, with an invitation to call for 
 more when that shall have been expended. Besides, from 
 several sources (distant parts of New York and Ohio, and 
 Philadelphia) supplies of clothing, etc., have been sent, 
 
 217 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 only requesting an acknowledgment of their arrival. I, 
 therefore, commend the whole matter to your good judg- 
 ment, and as the Lord may direct you to decide 
 
 " Your friend and brother in Christ, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER. 
 
 " I will send the following cash statement of the past 
 year of all moneys received and expended. It will enable 
 you to judge of my necessities. 
 
 " Cash Account of C. S. Schaeffer, 1870. 
 Dr. — Receipts. 
 
 Government salary to July, 1870 $383 41 
 
 Interest on personal property 270 00 
 
 Premium on gold 35 95 
 
 Tenth Baptist Church of Philadelphia 600 00 
 
 Friends' Association of Philadelphia 31000 
 
 Friends' physical relief 225 00 
 
 Proceeds of magic lantern 100 00 
 
 $1924 36 
 Cr. — Disbursements. 
 
 Physical relief, special $225 00 
 
 Aid to churches 455 00 
 
 Aid to schools 75 00 
 
 Special benevolence 45 00 
 
 Special travelling expenses 135 00 
 
 Purchase of horse 150 00 
 
 Purchase of buggy and harness 70 00 
 
 Purchase of magic lantern 17500 
 
 Special postage 10 00 
 
 Clothing 130 00 
 
 Sundry supplies and expenses 46 00 
 
 Paid old indebtedness 174 32 
 
 Loaned,* see Luke vi. 35 234 04 
 
 1924 36" 
 
 * It is curious to observe the literal view taken of loans 
 made to individuals in need, as per the passage named, 
 
 218 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 The foregoing cash statement does not include 
 various appropriations for school purposes which 
 he disbursed, or such items of physical relief, etc., 
 as are mentioned on page 277, doubtless equalling 
 in amount the sum there named. 
 
 It was with more than ordinary satisfaction that 
 Captain Schaeffer accepted recognition from the 
 Tenth Baptist Church as her missionary. While 
 it has been shown how indefatigable he was in the 
 cause of education and temperance, and how it 
 cheered him to minister to the physical necessi- 
 ties of the poor and sick, it was, after all, the re- 
 ligious phase of his mission that burdened his heart 
 and appealed most strongly to his sympathy and 
 efforts. To possess the prayerful support and pe- 
 cuniary assistance of the " dear old Tenth Church," 
 as he was wont to designate her, was, next to the 
 consciousness of the divine approval, a source of 
 profound joy. His pastors, Rev. J. Spencer Ken- 
 nard, D.D., under whose pastorate this recognition 
 occurred, and Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., his suc- 
 cessor, were sincerely interested in him personally, 
 and fully appreciated, with the entire church, the 
 nature and extent of his operations. His semi- 
 annual reports to the church, replete with interest- 
 ing details, which it was his custom to render, 
 
 Luke vi. 35, " But love ye your enemies, and do good, and 
 lend, hoping for nothing again : and 3'e shall be the children 
 of the highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to 
 the evil." 
 
 219 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 always commanded attention, and served the dou- 
 ble purpose of communicating his successes and 
 cementing more closely the bond of sympathy be- 
 tween them. The relation on the part of the 
 church was one of confidence and afifection, which 
 he fully reciprocated. It carried with it no re- 
 strictive rules, but allowed the widest liberty of 
 action. His efforts, therefore, were in the main 
 spontaneous and personal. 
 
 Where duty called he went, what wisdom ap- 
 peared to dictate he strove to accomplish, and by 
 persistent prayer and uninterrupted communion 
 with God he sought to place himself under the 
 guidance of the Holy Spirit. He probably could 
 not have wrought so satisfactorily to himself, nor 
 so successfully for the cause of Christ, had he 
 been forced to proceed along specific lines laid 
 down by another or by an organization not on the 
 field. For him the method followed was the best. 
 
 In his actions he was cautious and hesitant, and 
 indisposed to take any important step, actuated by 
 mere impulse. The long years of struggle and 
 waiting concerning the ministry, and the careful 
 deliberation characterizing every important move- 
 ment of his life, is evidence of the truth of this 
 statement. But once having reached a conclusion 
 which he believed to be in accord with the Word of 
 God and the dictum of conscience, neither fatigue 
 nor opposition nor peril could quench the intensity 
 of his zeal. 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 The keeping of a daily record of his actions and 
 experiences had caused him, perhaps uncon- 
 sciously, to cultivate a habit of introspection, 
 which had its natural consequence in the develop- 
 ment of a sensitiveness of conscience that rendered 
 him alert to every right claim. Moreover, the 
 injunctions and warnings of Scripture, to " watch 
 and pray," to " wait," to " be ready," and the like, 
 were tremendous motives, urging to unremitting 
 service and sacrifice. He was conscious too of 
 impulses that he dared not gainsay nor resist. He 
 recognized them as " monitions of the Holy 
 Spirit," which if not heeded would " grieve" Him, 
 " quench" His divine light, destroy his own spir- 
 itual power, and imperil his soul. 
 
 The extract below, from a letter to his pastor, 
 illustrates this characteristic: 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., January i, 1877. 
 
 " Dear Brother Rowland : — Your very kind and wel- 
 come letter of the 12th ult. came duly to hand, and would 
 have been answered sooner but for the pressure of duties 
 which claimed my time day and night. 
 
 "I have just hastily written off my report, and enclose it 
 in this, in order that you may have it as soon as possible, 
 although from present indications — a fierce storm raging 
 to-night and a heavy fall of snow through the day — rail- 
 road travel may be impeded and the mails delayed. 
 
 " For a few weeks during the coldest weather I shall re- 
 main at home and give attention to home interests, and 
 prepare myself to fill several appointments to hold series 
 of meetings as soon as the weather moderates, — at Fin- 
 castle, where the church is very anxious for me to spend 
 a little season again with them, and at other places that I 
 
 221 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 could not reach during the fall by reason of the large num- 
 ber of calls for help. 
 
 " I will also, as far as possible, give the body necessary 
 rest, as you have so kindly advised ; but this is a difficult 
 task in itself, as there is so much to do, so many calls; 
 and the weight of precious immortal souls, dying without 
 Christ, acts as a heavy lever to force me into service. And 
 then the words of the Master Himself as regards working 
 while it is called to-day — ' the night cometh, when no man 
 can work ;' what we have to do, to do it quickly and with 
 our might, etc. And, more than this, the positive necessity 
 of complying with the monitions of the Holy Spirit, who 
 urges to duty, whispering at the same time to the soul, 
 ' trust in God and take courage.' Oh, with these impulses, 
 come what may, it is better to suffer the loss of all things 
 
 than to ofifend or grieve the Holy Spirit The Lord 
 
 bless you abundantly in your own soul, and crown your 
 labors with glorious results ! 
 
 " Affectionately your brother in Christ, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER. 
 
 " To Reverend A. J. Rowland, D.D." 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 While the children and youth were making 
 rapid progress in study, there yet remained a large 
 number of persons, especially among the aged and 
 those in middle life, to whom, by reason of their 
 inability to read, the Word of God was a sealed 
 book. This needy class appealed strongly to Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer's sympathies. It occurred to him 
 sometime in 1870 that they might be effectually 
 reached by means of object-lessons, and that such 
 a method of teaching would be of advantage to all 
 classes. With this object in view he purchased a 
 sciopticon lantern and a large outfit of picture 
 slides illustrating Bible scenes and incidents and a 
 variety of religious subjects. 
 
 Using this apparatus, he gave illustrated lectures 
 throughout a wide section of country, extending 
 even into North Carolina, Tennessee, and West 
 Virginia. They were not undertaken as mere en- 
 tertainments for the amusement of the people, bat 
 were strictly religious services, employed for the 
 definite purpose of teaching the truth and preach- 
 ing the gospel through the medium of the eye as 
 well as the ear. The lecture accompanying the 
 exhibition was both explanatory and practical, and 
 gave opportunity not only for the impartation of 
 the truth in a way easily understood, but also for 
 
 323 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 a pointed application of the same. The views as 
 thrown on the screen were interspersed with ap- 
 propriate singing, in which all the congregation 
 joined. Their popularity was remarkable, and 
 they awakened much interest wherever shown. 
 Many persons were convicted and some conver- 
 sions occurred at these meetings, and in some 
 communities they were found to be the first step 
 in an extended work of grace. 
 
 But they also subserved another important pur- 
 pose. Scattered here and there among these moun- 
 tains and valleys were many little churches which 
 in their poverty maintained a precarious existence. 
 Some of them were struggling to build meeting- 
 houses, and most of them were under severe finan- 
 cial pressure. Assistance outside their own 
 parishes was not to be expected, and such aid as 
 they might hope for must be obtained at home. If 
 the communities where they were located could 
 be brought under the influence of a pure gospel, 
 and at the same time be induced to participate in 
 its support, it would provide a source of self-help 
 advantageous to both. Instead, therefore, of 
 making these exhibitions gratuitous, a small ad- 
 mission-fee was charged, and as the people flocked 
 from all the country-side to attend them, consider- 
 able sums of money were raised for the benefit of 
 the churches. In this, as in other departments of 
 work. Captain Schaeffer was entirely disinterested 
 in his aims. Although the service was hard, the 
 
 224 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 travel extensive, requiring frequent absence from 
 home, often amid trying circumstances, in no case 
 was any part of the proceeds appHed to his per- 
 sonal use. Careful records show that after de- 
 fraying the expense of travel and subsistence the 
 balance went as a free gift to the church in whose 
 behalf the exhibition was given. In not a few 
 cases where, owing to stormy weather, the attend- 
 ance was small and the expenses in excess of the 
 receipts the whole amount was donated. 
 
 It might be well to add, lest it should be inferred 
 that too much stress has been laid on this part of 
 the narrative, that, to say nothing of the " un- 
 known quantity," the spiritual results, which, of 
 course, it is beyond human power to tabulate, but 
 which Captain Schaeffer estimated highly, the net 
 cash contributed to these needy followers of Jesus 
 Christ totalled seven thousand two hundred and 
 six dollars and thirteen cents, about five thousand 
 dollars of which sum was received between and 
 including the years 1872 and 1878. Coming at 
 a period of " beginnings," and at a time of such 
 urgent need, the benefit of this providential aid 
 in helping to establish these churches on solid 
 foundations and in giving an impetus to the cause 
 of Christ over all this large field can hardly be 
 overestimated. 
 
 Captain Schaeffer's devoted life previous to en- 
 tering the army, and his separation from home and 
 friends during and after the war, permitted but 
 IS ' 225 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 little opportunity for social intercourse or thoughts 
 of matrimony. His willingness at this period to 
 sever social relations with the whites lest his col- 
 ored friends should misunderstand his motives and 
 his usefulness be thereby impaired, to which allu- 
 sion has been made, was an act of painful self- 
 denial. He felt the loneliness of his situation and 
 longed for congenial fellowship. Now that in the 
 providence of God it seemed probable that he 
 should remain on the field, the desire for the com- 
 panionship of one who could enter into sympathy 
 with him and make one with him in the work 
 and in all the walks of life became intensified. It 
 is not, therefore, surprising to find, under date of 
 June 14, 1872, the following somewhat unique en- 
 try in his " Diary :" To-day entered into a mar- 
 riage proposal by letter with Miss Ada A., daugh- 
 ter of John and Elizabeth Smart, of Philadelphia, 
 committing and commending all into the hands of 
 the Lord." On June 22, 1872, this record appears : 
 " Received a reply to my letter of the 14th instant. 
 My offer accepted. May the Lord give unto us 
 blessings unspeakable in this life, and in the world 
 to come eternal felicity." 
 
 Miss Smart and Captain Schaeffer were inti- 
 mately acquainted, and in former days their mu- 
 tual interest in religious duties had brought them 
 together. Well-educated, experienced in church 
 work, for years principal of the Primary Depart- 
 ment of the Tenth Baptist Church Sunday-school. 
 
 226 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 she was qualified for a life-partnership in a service 
 of love for Jesus' sake such as he was seeking to 
 promote. She was not unaware of the hardships 
 and privations to be accepted as the wife of a 
 missionary; but she resigned without regret com- 
 parative ease and the elegancies of a home of 
 wealth in order that she might unite with him in 
 this trying and unselfish work. The marriage oc- 
 curred November 28, 1872, and is thus noted: 
 " Another memorable day in my life. United in 
 holy wedlock with the one I love ; ceremony at the 
 Tenth Baptist Church; reception at Mr. Smart's; 
 started on wedding-trip late last night." 
 
 This union was blessed in the birth of a son and 
 daughter, the latter of whom passed away in the 
 bloom of early womanhood. 
 
 On her fifteenth birthday this dear child, Bessie, 
 publicly professed faith in Christ in baptism, and a 
 few months later, at the call of her Lord, entered 
 into the " prepared mansions," her last words be- 
 ing, " Going away." A sweet, amiable child, pos- 
 sessing many beautiful traits of character, her 
 death cast the first deep shadow across the thresh- 
 old of this Christian home. But through it all 
 was the exquisite comfort of trust in infinite love. 
 
 There is no originality in sorrow, and so to this 
 stricken man came those words of Job which 
 through the centuries have voiced the mingled 
 sorrow and resignation of an innumerable com- 
 pany of the saints of God, " The Lord gave, and 
 
 227 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the 
 name of the Lord." The following from the 
 "Diary:" 
 
 August 14, 1892. — " Arrived in Philadelphia 
 early this morning, where we brought our precious 
 burden among the loved circle that had cared so 
 largely for her through her earthly life. Found 
 very sad times throughout the day, not, however, 
 over the providence which removed our loved one 
 from earth to heaven, but because of the tender 
 feelings produced by the severing of the earthly tie 
 and our irreparable loss." 
 
 August 16, i8p2. — " Sadness reigns in our 
 bosoms ; but God's grace is all-sufficient. On Him 
 we cast all our care. Dr. Kennard and Dr. Row- 
 land both with us to-day and lovingly attended the 
 funeral services of our daughter. With many 
 sympathizing friends we laid her body to rest in 
 Ivy Hill Cemetery. And may angels guard her 
 sleeping bed." 
 
 The subjoined verses are extracts from lines 
 written by him while the loved form awaited 
 burial ; they v/ere the outgush of pent-up feeling 
 that could no longer brook repression : 
 
 " ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
 Gone to the mansions of light; 
 Where no sin ever intrudeth, 
 But all is fair and bright. 
 228 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
 At Jesus' feet sat down, 
 With the host of the ransomed. 
 And those who wear the crown. . 
 
 " ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
 Where other loved ones have gone; 
 Among the white-winged angels 
 Forever surrounding the throne. 
 
 " ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
 Where the sun of eternal love 
 Lights up the glorious city, 
 Sparkling in brightness above. 
 
 " * Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
 Will cheer us while here we stay; 
 It will prove to be sweet and not bitter. 
 As we haste towards eternal day. 
 
 " And when for us ' Gone away' is spoken, 
 And we meet in the mansions of bliss ; 
 The tie nevermore shall be broken 
 That makes us eternally His, 
 
 " Who died on the cross to redeem us, 
 To save us from death and from sin ; 
 To us brought a perfect salvation. 
 
 And to all who are trusting in Him." 
 
 229 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 This memoir would be incomplete if mention 
 were not made of the relations sustained by Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer to the Valley Baptist Association 
 of Virginia. This body was constituted in August, 
 1866, by delegates representing four newly organ- 
 ized churches, with a membership of less than five 
 hundred, which had been brought together mainly 
 through the efforts of Rev. J. P. Corron, mission- 
 ary of the American Baptist Home Mission So- 
 ciety. He was instrumental in its organization 
 and its first moderator. From this apparently 
 small beginning it has increased in influence and 
 numbers, until at the annual gathering in 1899 its 
 constituency included twelve thousand eight hun- 
 dred and eighteen members. 
 
 Captain Schaeffer's first meeting with this body 
 was, by invitation, at its session of 1868, while 
 still a lay member of the Tenth Baptist Church of 
 Philadelphia, on the occasion of the reception of 
 the First Baptist Church of Christiansburg into its 
 fellowship, which latter he had recently organized. 
 The only white member, he soon became greatly 
 beloved throughout its bounds for his disinter- 
 estedness and good works. His modest unobtru- 
 sivenecs, his knowledge of Baptist usage, and his 
 administrative ability gave his opinions and sug- 
 
 230 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 gestions great weight in those early days in ex- 
 pediting business and in forwarding the general 
 interests of the denomination. Home and foreign 
 missions, ministerial education, a high standard 
 of ministerial morality, the orderly conduct of re- 
 ligious services, and every movement looking to 
 the elevation of the brethren and the Baptist cause 
 received an impulse from his presence and counsel. 
 
 His first official position in the body was his 
 unanimous election in 1871 as corresponding sec- 
 retary, an office created at that time, in which he 
 faithfully served until 1876. For a number of 
 years he assisted in the preparation of the minutes 
 for the printer, and in 1881 he was elected clerk, 
 and continued in that capacity until his death, a 
 period of eighteen years. 
 
 A feature at some of these associational gather- 
 ings, in which he took a prominent part and of 
 which record is made in the minutes, was the Sun- 
 day-school mass-meeting. These occasions were 
 memorable not only for the immediate pleasure 
 they afforded, but because of the knowledge they 
 imparted of improved and efficient methods of con- 
 ducting and teaching Sunday-school, and because 
 of the large quantities of Sunday-school and other 
 literature which he in one way or another managed 
 to procure and freely distribute. 
 
 For example (1878): "Lord's Day, at 8.30 
 A.M., the Association participated in the general 
 Sabbath-school gathering of the teachers and 
 
 231 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 scholars of the school connected with the First Bap- 
 tist Church at Christiansburg, and with the repre- 
 sentatives and delegates connected with sister 
 churches. The exercises consisted of Bible les- 
 sons, recitations, singing, Infant-Class exercises, 
 addresses, etc., all under the superintendency of 
 Elder C. S. Schaeffer, superintendent of the Chris- 
 tiansburg school. Papers, books, and tracts were 
 also distributed, including fifty Sabbath-school 
 libraries, thirty small libraries for licentiates and 
 Sabbath-school workers, and twenty pulpit Bibles, 
 — all gifts from the Friends' Freedmen's Associa- 
 tion and Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa." 
 On the twentieth anniversary of his connection 
 with the Association, the session being held with 
 the Memorial (First) Baptist Church, Christians- 
 burg, in their meeting-house, recently finished, the 
 subjoined is recorded in the minutes: 
 
 " Friday, August 6, 1886. 
 
 " The following was submitted, and on motion it was re- 
 solved that it be embodied in our Minutes: 
 
 " This Association expresses its high appreciation of the 
 twenty years' labor of our beloved Elder, C. S. Schaeffer, 
 in building up the cause of Christ in our .midst, and for 
 providing educational advantages for so many of our people. 
 
 " For the first time we gather in the pleasant and com- 
 modious house of worship, erected at this place at a cost of 
 twelve thousand dollars, the church home of the Memorial 
 Baptist Church, to whom the entire property has been 
 deeded; also, adjoining the church grounds, school prop- 
 erty to the value of ten thousand dollars has been deeded 
 to the trustees of the Christiansburg Institute. 
 
 " The remarkable purity and healthfulness of the atmos- 
 232 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 phere, its accessibility by Norfolk and Western Railroad, 
 the beauty of the surrounding scenery, commanding a view 
 of over sixty miles of country, renders the location pecu- 
 liarly eligible for a seat of learning for the Christian educa- 
 tion of our race." 
 
 But it was not in his official capacity, nor yet in 
 its deliberations, that he exerted the most potent 
 influence upon this body of Christians, but rather 
 in his immediate relations with the churches com- 
 posing it. He was directly instrumental in the 
 constitution of a large proportion of them, and in 
 close touch with nearly all, especially in the earlier 
 years of his ministry. He assisted and encouraged 
 the pastors, counselled and instructed the deacons 
 and officials, helped and advised in conducting 
 business meetings, aided the churches financially, 
 as has been intimated, held from time to time in 
 many places evangelistic meetings, preaching for 
 days together and bringing hundreds of souls to 
 the feet of Jesus; in a word, without authority, 
 save a profound sense of duty and a passion for 
 the salvation of men, doing a work for God which 
 none questioned, and loved by all for his personal 
 godliness and the work's sake. He could truth- 
 fully say with the Apostle Paul, in the prosecution 
 of his labors, that it was in " journeyings" and 
 " perils" often, and in " painfulness and weari- 
 ness." " Besides those things that are without, 
 that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all 
 the churches." 
 
 233 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 If it be true, as the Scriptures and observation 
 appear to indicate, that churches, like individuals, 
 take on a type of character which clings to them 
 though the personnel changes with time, it seems 
 also to be true that at least some of the churches 
 with which he was in closest communication still 
 exhibit the impress of his work and character. 
 
 It would be interesting at this point in the nar- 
 rative to follow the cases already noted with ad- 
 ditional citations from the diary, and relate cir- 
 cumstantially the facts concerning the organiza- 
 tion of others of the churches called into existence 
 through Captain Schaeffer's instrumentality. Most 
 of them were established in localities where utter 
 religious destitution prevailed; a few here and 
 there where there were feeble bodies holding 
 Pedobaptist sentiments. 
 
 He mentions in a report to the Tenth Baptist 
 Church, Philadelphia, under date of July i, 1872, 
 this singular fact : " I gathered an entire flock, 
 with the pastor, of over two hundred of what are 
 termed Primitive Baptists, into our fellowship." 
 So far as can be ascertained, not a single church 
 of all those organized by him in those early days 
 has gone out of existence ; most of them are flour- 
 ishing, several are strong and influential, and 
 throughout his entire field of labor, among the 
 colored people, Baptistic sentiments largely obtain. 
 Whatever may be said in the public prints and else- 
 where — and there is not a little discussion, even 
 
 234 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 at this late day — with respect to the influence of 
 education, intellectual and spiritual, upon the 
 Afro-American generally, it can be positively af- 
 firmed that in the section of Virginia in which 
 Captain Schaeffer labored the great mass of the 
 colored people are intelligent, law-abiding, indus- 
 trious, and thrifty, and show to the unprejudiced 
 observer the gratifying fruits of his seed-sowing 
 in the cause of education and Christianity. 
 
 With regard to the Memorial (First) Baptist 
 Church of Christiansburg, his first organization, 
 and of which he was pastor during the last twenty 
 years of his life, its register shows the addition of 
 sixteen hundred and twenty-nine members, mostly 
 by baptism. The following is an incomplete list 
 of the churches organized by him, most of which 
 are associated with the Valley Baptist Association 
 of Virginia. Two associations have gone out from 
 this body, with which four or five named in this 
 list are members. From reliable information, it 
 appears that Captain Schaeffer also organized a 
 few churches in East Tennessee and some others in 
 Virginia, but in the absence of names and dates, 
 which cannot now with certainty be obtained, one 
 cannot speak with authority. As no mention is 
 made of these in the diary, it is probable that he 
 was not directly instrumental in bringing them 
 together, although doubtless assisting in their es- 
 tablishment, as he did in numerous cases of which 
 he gives no hint. 
 
 235 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 That he was exceedingly careful not to ascribe 
 to himself credit will be seen when it is stated 
 that in the records of the Memorial Baptist Church 
 of Christiansburg, which were kept by him from 
 the beginning, he has so thoroughly effaced him- 
 self, that were it not for the fact that much of 
 his life-work is recorded in the diary and enshrined 
 in the hearts of the people, there would be record 
 of it only in heaven. 
 
 List of Churches. 
 
 Memorial, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, Va., Oc- 
 tober 4, 1867. 
 
 Alleghany Springs, Montgomery County, Va., January 
 17, 1869. 
 
 Pearisburg, Giles County, Va., July 3, 1869. 
 
 Lovely Mount, Montgomery County, Va., November 6, 
 1869. 
 
 Brush Creek, Montgomery County, Va., April 24, 1870. 
 
 New Hope, Montgomery County, Va., June 18, 1870. 
 
 Big Springs (Elliston), Montgomery County, Va., Octo- 
 ber 23, 1870. 
 
 Castle Craig, Campbell County, Va., April i, 1871. 
 
 Chapel Grove, Campbell County, Va., April i, 1871. 
 
 Callans, Pittsylvania County, Va., April 16, 1871. 
 
 Chatham, Pittsylvania County, Va., July 18, 1871. 
 
 Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Va., July 18, 1871. 
 
 Cave Field, Montgomery County, Va., July 23, 1871. 
 
 Little River, Floyd County, Va., July 27, 1871. 
 
 Gravel Hill, Botetourt County, Va., April 21, 1872. 
 
 Mount Pleasant, Campbell County, Va., June 30, 1872. 
 
 New Bethel, Pittsylvania County, Va., July 2, 1872. 
 
 Wytheville, Wythe County, Va., 1873. 
 
 New River Bridge, Pulaski County, Va., November i, 
 1873- 
 
 High Rock, Montgomery County, Va., 1873. 
 236 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Wake Forest, Montgomery County, Va., December 5, 1874. 
 
 Jacksonville, Floyd County, Va., 1877. 
 
 Newport, Giles County, Va., September 30, 1877. 
 
 First Dublin, Pulaski County, Va., 1878. 
 
 Bell Springs, Pulaski County, Va., July 27, 1888. 
 
 First Pulaski, Pulaski County, Va., 1889. 
 
 First Radford, Montgomery County, Va., 1891. 
 
 High Point, Wythe County, Va., 1897. 
 
 Rich Hill, Pulaski County, Va., 1898. 
 
 Though not perhaps the actual founder of the 
 Buchanan and Fincastle churches of Botetourt 
 County, he was interested in them almost from the 
 beginning of their history, and had much to do 
 with their subsequent growth and efficiency. 
 
 Of his work in the organization of Sunday- 
 schools, Captain Schaeffer does not appear to have 
 kept a systematic record. Wherever possible, as 
 has been stated, they were organized in connection 
 with the week-day schools, and in the aggregate 
 the number was quite large. 
 
 What may with propriety be termed Captain 
 Schaeffer's " wayside" work deserves special men- 
 tion. There are not a few Christians, and per- 
 haps some preachers of the gospel, who are par- 
 ticularly interested in men in the mass, and whose 
 prayers and individual efforts are exerted mainly 
 in behalf of mankind. If they can sway large 
 bodies of men by their eloquence or set in operation 
 methods which will move the multitude, they rest 
 content. They appear to feel that they are under 
 no obligation to single out men and seek to save 
 
 237 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the lost one by one. They lose sight of the fact 
 that this was Jesus' way, and that some of His 
 most vital discourses were delivered to single 
 hearers, as to Nicodemus and the woman at Jacob's 
 well. In this respect Captain Schaeffer followed 
 his divine Master. He loved the " audience of 
 one," the hand-to-hand and face-to- face work. In- 
 deed, from the beginning of his Christian experi- 
 ence he realized his personal responsibility to any 
 unsaved sinner with whom he was brought in con- 
 tact. It has already been stated how he agonized 
 in prayer for sinners and sought to bring them to 
 the feet of Jesus. This practice soon became a 
 habit, and with the passing years the passion of 
 his soul. 
 
 In his work among the humble and poor he 
 seems never to have had the fear of man before his 
 eyes. What he accomplished in this direction ap- 
 pears almost incredible; it is difficult to couch it 
 in language which might not be regarded as exag- 
 gerated. 
 
 His " Diary" is replete with instances of this 
 " wayside" personal work and its successes. It 
 was his wont to stop the wayfarer as he met 
 him by the roadside, and with beaming face and 
 words of persuasion and warning urge the claims 
 of a Saviour. At the bedside of the sick and dying 
 he sought to solace and to save; he tarried with 
 little groups in their cabins as he passed by, and 
 talked of the great salvation; he rejoiced in the 
 
 238 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 privilege of supplying medicines and physical re- 
 lief for the opportunity it afforded of holding up 
 the cross; he sought out those under conviction 
 of sin that he might point them to the " Lamb of 
 God, which taketh away the sin of the world;" 
 the unconverted were always the objects of chief 
 concern in the houses where he was entertained, 
 and were earnestly prayed for at the family altar, 
 and besought to give themselves to Christ; he 
 walked many a weary mile to counsel in their 
 homes those who in his meetings were under ex- 
 ercise of mind and had been unable to find light; 
 the children loved him, and his benignant smile 
 and cheery word never failed to win their hearts; 
 in a word, he literally '' went about doing good." 
 No estimate in figures can be formed of the good 
 he wrought in this simple. Scriptural way; and 
 it is doubtless true that in the last great day, in 
 comparison with the more ostentatious methods of 
 spreading the gospel, his unpretentious work will 
 by some be contemplated with astonishment and 
 shame. 
 
 239 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Amid his varied and laborious duties Captain 
 Schaeffer found little time for general reading and 
 study. He made no effort to keep abreast of cur- 
 rent literature, and beyond an occasional book, to 
 which his attention had been called, read but little 
 in that direction. Though it could hardly be said 
 that he was a " man of one book," yet it was mainly 
 the Bible and books which would aid in its investi- 
 gation to which he gave attention. The Bible was 
 to him the Word of God, and its dictum was the 
 end of all discussion. He entertained no sympathy 
 with the so-called " higher criticism" which has 
 befogged so many professed Christians in the mists 
 of doubt and skepticism, but held, with Glad- 
 stone and Moody and many another successful 
 champion of the Cross, great and small, that the 
 book of books is, in spite of all the assaults which 
 have been hurled against it, " The Invulnerable 
 Rock of Holy Scripture." He believed that 
 " every scripture is inspired of God, and profitable 
 for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for in- 
 struction which is in righteousness." He laid un- 
 relaxing grip on its truths; mind and heart were 
 saturated with its teachings ; and as a preacher of 
 the gospel, it armed him with authority and fired 
 him with holy enthusiasm. To him sin, the judg- 
 
 240 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ment, the second death, were awful realities; an 
 atoning Saviour, the forgiveness of sin, eternal 
 felicity, precious certainties. When he stood be- 
 fore the people as a preacher, it was as God's am- 
 bassador. As a " dying man to dying men," — a 
 phrase which he uses again and again, — " he ceased 
 not to warn every one day and night with tears." 
 
 It was this appreciation of eternal verities and 
 sense of responsibility that filled him with earnest- 
 ness and power. 
 
 He also knew men. His life-long introspection 
 of his own heart; his acquaintance with men in 
 all the walks of life — in revivals of religion in his 
 home church, in the army amid the clash of bat- 
 tle, in the hospital among the sick and wounded, 
 at the clinic prayer-meeting, and especially with 
 the class for whose welfare he was laboring — had 
 given him a clear insight into the springs of action 
 and emotion by which the souls of men are moved 
 in the crises of their destiny. And thus it was 
 that he could enter into sympathy with the penitent 
 sinner. He knew how to allay doubt, to stimulate 
 faith, to quicken the uncertain spark into a flame 
 of love, — in a word, to " bring" men to Jesus. 
 
 He also knew God. The Spirit of God dwelt 
 in him richly, and he continually sought to know 
 the " mind of the Spirit." To the Holy Spirit he 
 looked for strength and guidance, and for that 
 subtle " power" with men which comes only to 
 those who have " power" with God, and which it 
 i6 241 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 were better not to attempt to explain upon psycho- 
 logical grounds, as some try to do, as if men could 
 be hypnotized into the kingdom of God. It was a 
 pivotal part of his belief that it is the office work of 
 the Holy Spirit to " convict the zvorld with respect 
 of sin and of righteousness and of judgment." 
 He therefore distrusted self, and waited humbly 
 before God, often in agonizing prayer, assured that 
 the " increase" must be given by Him. 
 
 As a preacher of the gospel, he wasted no 
 thought on special methods or the " machinery" of 
 revivals, but in apostolic fashion preached " Christ 
 and Him crucified," repentance towards God and 
 faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, " Jesus and the 
 resurrection" and the fundamental doctrines of 
 Christianity. As a rule, his sermons received care- 
 ful preparation, though the exigencies of the occa- 
 sion often demanded purely extemporaneous dis- 
 course. They were always simple in arrangement 
 and without attempt at rhetorical effect, spoken in 
 language understood by all the people, — forceful, 
 pointed, practical, and directed to the heart rather 
 than to the intellect. They were, in truth, God- 
 given messages to a messenger called of God, and 
 he made them to many an unconverted soul the 
 " power of God unto salvation." 
 
 In the pulpit his manner was dignified and sol- 
 emn, as became one bearing a message from God, 
 and discouraged the boisterous expression of feel- 
 ing which sometimes swayed these emotional peo- 
 
 242 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 pie. Moreover, his tender pleadings and warning 
 exhortations were often mingled with tears, and at 
 times his soul seemed to be on fire with consuming 
 desire for the salvation of his hearers. 
 
 Not seldom for days together, during the prog- 
 ress of a series of evangelistic meetings, he so 
 travailed in soul for sinners as to feel almost 
 crushed under the burden of responsibility. It was 
 perhaps in this evangelistic work that he accom- 
 plished the largest service for the Master. For 
 more than ten years, in the intervals of other work, 
 he was incessantly engaged in filling appointments 
 among the churches throughout his field in con- 
 ducting revival meetings. God used him in this 
 way in the conversion of many hundreds. Full 
 records of his experiences on these occasions are 
 preserved in his " Diary." A single instance is 
 subjoined, at the risk of being tedious, in order to 
 confirm what has been written, and that the inter- 
 ested reader may further study his character: 
 
 September 6, i8y8. — " Proceeded via Lynch- 
 burg to Hoi combe Rock Church." 
 
 yth. — " To-day participated in a Sabbath-school 
 woods gathering. Exercises interesting and en- 
 tertaining." 
 
 8th. — " Participated in the Sabbath-school ex- 
 ercises. Much interest manifested. Afterwards 
 the pastor conducted a funeral service. In the 
 afternoon I preached to a crowded congregation 
 
 243 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 from Hosea x. 12, ' Sow to yourselves in right- 
 eousness, etc.,' the instruction specially directed 
 to the church. At night preached from Luke xiv. 
 18, * And they all with one consent, etc' At the 
 close nine anxious inquirers came forward for 
 prayers, while twenty bowed in the congregation. 
 A very solemn and impressive meeting, with indi- 
 cations of the Lord's presence and blessing. Re- 
 turned to my rest with my heart burdened for 
 souls." 
 
 pth. — " Spent the day in reading, etc. At night 
 found a great change in the prayer-meeting, with 
 indications of the breaking up of the fallow 
 ground. Preached from Gen. iii. 9, ' Where art 
 thou?' with my heart brimful of anxiety for the 
 perishing in my congregation. On the invitation 
 being given, fourteen came forward for prayer, 
 while many bowed in their seats, wrought upon, as 
 we trust, by the Spirit, and anxious for the salva- 
 tion of their souls. Before the meeting closed one 
 young woman professed faith in Christ and others 
 seemed near the kingdom. Returned to my rest 
 with thankfulness to God, but with a heavy burden 
 for lost souls." 
 
 loth. — " Spent the day in writing, talking about 
 the great salvation, etc. At night met a crowded 
 congregation and preached from Matt. xxii. 42, 
 ' What think ye of Christ ?' My whole soul in a 
 glow, and deep seriousness prevailed throughout 
 the assembly. The number of inquirers increased, 
 
 244 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 but no converts. Returned to my rest with my 
 heart warm and burdened for the souls of my fel- 
 low-men." 
 
 nth. — " My heart troubled ; the Lord help us. 
 Please come to-day into the hearts of the people; 
 dispel the clouds of unbelief from their eyes, and 
 continue to convince the impenitent ' of sin, of 
 righteousness, and of judgment to come.' Spent 
 the day in reading, etc., and at night, notwith- 
 standing the rain, met a good congregation, with 
 about forty anxious inquirers. Preached from 
 Luke xvii. 26, ' As it was in the days of Noe, etc' 
 The Lord with His servant and in the midst of the 
 people. A solemn and impressive season. And 
 although the work seemed deepened in the hearts 
 of inquirers, yet none came to the full liberty to 
 witness for Christ and His great salvation. Re- 
 turned to my rest more deeply bowed in soul and 
 craving God's special mercy in behalf of dying sin- 
 ners." 
 
 I2th. — " Feel to carry the weight of souls upon 
 me. May the Lord help us, and that speedily. 
 Send forth light and salvation among the people. 
 Very rainy and stormy weather, particularly at 
 night, so that we did not even attempt to go to 
 meeting." 
 
 13th. — " Brother Lowry left me to-day to fill 
 his appointment at Pine Grove Church. The Lord 
 look in great mercy upon us, and fill the pastor's 
 vacant place with His own sacred presence, power, 
 
 245 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and blessing. Have just spent an hour with a 
 young brother who called to talk with me, in whom 
 there seem to be indications of usefulness in the 
 Master's service. My heart warm and drawn to- 
 wards him while we talked of matters pertaining 
 to the great salvation. May the Lord bless him 
 abundantly. At night a crowded congregation. 
 Preached from Judges xvi. 3, ' And Samson, 
 etc' The occasion one that perplexes me. Some- 
 times there seemed to be waves of blessing roll 
 over us and then a deadening calm. A large 
 number of anxious souls forward, with new 
 cases, but at times the singing and praying did 
 not seem to go right. One, however, professed 
 hope in the Saviour; and although truly thank- 
 ful for this, yet left the place weighed down 
 and in trouble for the salvation of the people, and 
 that the brethren and myself may fully realize the 
 condition of affairs and entreat God to come to our 
 help. Returned to my rest deeply troubled in mind." 
 14th. — " Arose this morning with my trouble. 
 Spent the morning in writing, etc. Afternoon at- 
 tended inquirers' meeting. Only four of that class 
 present and a few brethren and sisters. Had a 
 solemn and interesting season. Tried with God's 
 help to clear up their way to confiding trust in the 
 Saviour. Two of them gave evidence of having 
 been blessed of the Lord, but a dark shadow over 
 their minds prevented them from publicly owning 
 Him. At night visited a sick young woman, quite 
 
 246 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ill and without a hope. The mother a Christian, 
 but most of the family outside the kingdom. 
 Preached a little sermon to them, or at least talked 
 in their midst, sang a hymn of encouragement, and 
 commended them to God. Returned to my rest 
 with heart burdened, but, casting my burden upon 
 the Lord, soon was sleeping peacefully." 
 
 i^th. — " A beautiful, clear Sabbath morning. 
 Arose with weighty responsibilities as God's ser- 
 vant resting upon me. Proceeded to the Sabbath- 
 school and gave special instruction to the teachers 
 and scholars. A solemn as well as interesting sea- 
 son. Afterwards preached to a large congregation 
 from Luke ii. lo, ' Behold, I bring you, etc' When 
 I went into the pulpit I had another subject on my 
 mind, one that I intended to present particularly 
 to Christians, but one of the inquirers of yesterday 
 coming in — a prominent man in the community, 
 head of a large family, and only the wife and one 
 daughter on the Lord's side — and openly confess- 
 ing faith in Christ, it seemed to make so great an 
 impression on the congregation that I was at once 
 led to change my subject and present a full and 
 free gospel to all my hearers. The Lord helped 
 me wonderfully, and while there were no further 
 professions of faith in Jesus, yet the work seemed 
 deepened in the hearts of both Christians and in- 
 quirers, and among those entirely outside of grace 
 and salvation. In the afternoon I preached again 
 from Rev. xxi. lo, 'And he carried me away, etc.,' 
 
 247 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and another solemn season followed, the Lord 
 working mightily in His unworthy servant and 
 among the people. Oh, my heart was so full of 
 divine grace and love that I could not express it. 
 The number of inquirers increased and the work 
 deepened among them. At night met an overflow- 
 ing congregation and a wonderful time was ex- 
 perienced. Preached from Mark xvi. 15, ' Preach 
 the gospel to every creature.' My soul on fire with 
 God's love and love for souls. My Lord's Spirit 
 seemed to have full control of my tongue as well 
 as my heart while I testified to a rich and plenteous 
 gospel. A glorious season followed and very many 
 were added to the number of inquirers, and the 
 Sabbath-school for the first time began to be repre- 
 sented, the work having begun with the older per- 
 sons. During the meeting, amidst glad exclama- 
 tions, six happy souls professed faith in a loving 
 Saviour. A time of great blessing, and may God's 
 name be praised. Returned to my rest with glad- 
 ness of heart on the one hand and weighed down 
 with the heavy burden of souls on the other. 
 Some of them seemed on the very point of yield- 
 ing, but suffered themselves through lack of con- 
 fidence in God to be cheated of the blessing 
 
 With all the labors of the day felt strong in lying 
 down for rest." 
 
 idth. — " Arose this morning with a very sweet 
 and precious influence over my mind, but with the 
 heavy weight of precious souls upon me. May 
 
 248 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the Lord grant large desires in prayer to-day and 
 may many souls be blest. Preached again to a 
 large congregation from Isa. xlix. 24-25, * Shall 
 the prey be taken, etc' The Lord with His ser- 
 vant, giving great strength of mind and heart with 
 clear conceptions of truth. A most precious time 
 experienced and eight happy souls professed faith 
 in Christ, among whom were some that my heart 
 had been in great sympathy with. Could not get 
 from the meeting-house until quite a late hour, 
 as the people seemed to be unwilling to leave the 
 place without a blessing. Returned to my rest with 
 heart overflowing with thankfulness, but with the 
 burden still upon me for those in trouble about 
 their souls and those who up to this time have re- 
 jected the offers of the gospel. There were new 
 cases, however, to-night, and a filling up of the 
 places occupied by those who have found Christ." 
 
 i/th. — " Rested delightfully, peace filling my 
 soul. Feel again the deep anxiety this morning. 
 The Lord come to our help to-day and bless many 
 precious souls. This morning attended the burial 
 of a little child. At night a large congregation 
 present. Preached from 2 Kings vii. 19, ' And 
 that the Lord, etc.,' subject. Unbelief. The Lord 
 wonderfully helped His servant — new cases for- 
 ward and four professed faith in Christ. Stopped 
 for the night quite a distance from the meeting- 
 house." 
 
 i8th. — " Engaged as usual through the day 
 249 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 talking on the great subject of salvation. Stop 
 almost every night at a different place, and thus 
 come in contact with different persons through the 
 day to whom I preach Jesus. The woman who 
 buried her child yesterday buried another this 
 afternoon. At night another large meeting. 
 Preached from 2 Kings v. i, ' But he was a leper.' 
 Experienced usual freedom and blessing to my 
 own soul. Subject, ' God's ways not ours.' Two 
 professed faith in Christ and the usual interest 
 manifested. At the close sixteen happy converts 
 testified to what the Lord had done for their souls 
 and gave themselves for baptism and church fel- 
 lowship. A precious season enjoyed. Had several 
 miles to walk before resting." 
 
 ipth. — " Spent the day in the usual way, teach- 
 ing in the neighborhood where we were stopping. 
 While alone experienced an overwhelming sense of 
 divine love. At night met the usual congregation 
 with the same large gathering of inquirers. 
 Preached from Psl. vii. 12, 'If he turn not, etc' 
 Experienced great enlargement of heart and won- 
 derful liberty in preaching. Two more professed 
 faith in Christ, while the number of inquirers filled 
 up the entire room around the pulpit. Seven happy 
 converts gave their experience before the church 
 and were received as candidates for baptism and 
 church fellowship. Had some five miles' distance 
 to walk before lying down to rest." 
 
 20th. — " Spent the day rejoicing with young 
 250 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 converts, talking to inquirers, and urging sinners 
 to seek their souls' salvation. Enjoyed a precious 
 season at night. Commenced my sermon from 
 Mark i. 41, 'And Jesus, moved with compassion, 
 etc.,' but did not get along far before some young 
 converts came forward rejoicing in God's unspeak- 
 able love. Turned the meeting into one of prayer, 
 praise, and instruction to inquirers. Three pro- 
 fessed faith in Christ, and four in all gave them- 
 selves to the church for baptism and fellowship. 
 Returned to my rest truly thankful to the Lord 
 for the blessed work on our hands and with my 
 heart going out after the troubled ones." 
 
 2ist. — " Made all my arrangements to go home 
 to-day, but could not feel satisfied to leave. Spent 
 the day in preparation for the morrow, and at 
 night attended the church's business meeting, when 
 a number of excluded members were restored to 
 fellowship." 
 
 22d. — " Arose soon, feeling the Lord's special 
 presence with me. Experienced a delightful time 
 in the Sabbath-school, from which a number of the 
 young converts have been gathered. Afterwards 
 preached in the grove to a very large congregation 
 of the people; text. Acts ii. 41, 'Then they that 
 gladly, etc' The Lord gave me His divine Spirit 
 in an enlarged measure and His truth burned in 
 my lips. Afterwards the pastor baptized twenty- 
 seven happy converts — a scene long to be remem- 
 bered by those who witnessed it. My own heart 
 
 251 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 filled to overflowing with sacred joy and humble 
 gratefulness to God. After refreshments gave the 
 hand of fellowship amidst general rejoicing and 
 praise to the Lord. Following this the church as- 
 sembled around the table of the Lord, when I in- 
 structed the people from i Cor. xi. 21-23, par- 
 ticularly as regards the Lord's Supper. Had a 
 blessed season, with reviving and soul-strength- 
 ening influences among the people. At night re- 
 assembled. A large gathering. My heart moved 
 on entering the meeting-house. The young con- 
 verts on one hand and many inquiring souls 
 on the other. Another one who had found hope 
 came and gave us her hand. Gave special in- 
 struction to-night to those received into fellowship 
 to-day; text, John xxi. 15, ' Feed my lambs.' The 
 Lord's presence and strong help experienced all 
 through the services. After giving attention to 
 anxious ones, the young convert referred to testi- 
 fied to what the Lord had done for her soul and 
 was received as a candidate for baptism. Several, 
 we understand, expressed themselves as fully con- 
 vinced by the truth presented in their hearing to- 
 day, and say they must go with us. Left the place 
 with my heart yearning for the conversion of the 
 troubled ones and full of joy with the saved. Set 
 apart to-morrow as a day of special prayer for the 
 conversion of souls. Returned to my rest with 
 some weariness of body but with wonderful 
 strengthening influences of God blessing my soul." 
 
 252 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 2^6. — " Received refreshment in sleep. I ex- 
 perienced this morning a strange influence of min- 
 gled sadness and peace, with joy in the Holy 
 Ghost. The Lord give us the same spirit and soul- 
 trust that all have had who prevail in prayer, and 
 grant Thy special blessing this day upon many 
 souls. Towards evening a heavy rain set in and 
 very few gathered for meeting. Experienced, 
 however, a blessed season — one of precious influ- 
 ences and God's grace. Returned to our resting- 
 place through the rain, thanking the Lord for the 
 refreshing showers of His grace." 
 
 24th. — " Arose with the burden of souls. Vis- 
 ited old and sick and gave encouragement and 
 medicines. At night met a large gathering of the 
 people. Preached my farewell sermon from Acts 
 XX. 32, * And now, etc' Two professed faith in 
 Christ and three related their experiences before 
 the church. Experienced a sad time on parting 
 from the many inquirers, brethren and sisters and 
 others, but commended them all to God and the 
 word of His grace. The result of the meetings so 
 far as known is thirty-five conversions, twenty- 
 seven converts baptized, six restored, fifty to one 
 hundred inquirers, and many in the background 
 revived and the church strengthened. To God be 
 all the praise. Returned to my rest full of sadness 
 but with grateful thanksgiving to God." 
 
 25th. — " Returned to Christiansburg to-day." 
 
 253 
 
CHAPTER XV.L 
 
 Uncle Richard Taylor, the venerable and 
 pious pastor of the First Baptist Church of Chris- 
 tiansburg, died February 2, 1879. Although for 
 ten years he had been the nominal pastor, officiating 
 at the celebration of the ordinances, supplying the 
 pulpit, performing most of the functions pertaining 
 to that office, and was beloved by all the people for 
 his saintly character and the work's sake, yet Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer had been in fact from its organiza- 
 tion the real administrator of its affairs. The 
 superintendent of the Sunday-school, the origi- 
 nator and prime leader in all movements, he 
 was deeply interested in everything affecting its 
 prosperity. The peculiar relations sustained by 
 him to the church rendered it no easy matter 
 to unite upon a successor to Mr. Taylor. The 
 difficulty lay in finding a man who, though nomi- 
 nally pastor, would work harmoniously under 
 the unassuming yet no less firm leadership of Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer. In this crisis, after very urgent 
 solicitation, he yielded consent to temporarily ac- 
 cept the pastorate. A unanimous call was, there- 
 fore, extended to him, which action he notes as 
 follows : " May 2, 1879, was elected by the Chris- 
 tiansburg Church as pastor until a permanent pas- 
 tor shall be elected. The Lord bless us with a re- 
 vival of His work in our midst." The reasons 
 
 254 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 which constrained him to accept this call in this 
 tentative way were twofold. He was by no means 
 certain, in view of the existing race prejudice, that 
 he could accomplish the largest results for the 
 church and the cause as its recognized pastor. The 
 relation was anomalous, and it demanded the test 
 of actual experiment to prove its advantage. More- 
 over, of the utmost importance was the undeter- 
 mined question of the effect it might have upon his 
 wider ministry. He, therefore, wisely adopted a 
 middle course which provided for the present exi- 
 gency and left him free for future action. He was 
 exceedingly happy in this closer relation with the 
 church. The connection thus formed was broken 
 only by his death, twenty years later. During the 
 whole period a beautiful spirit prevailed among the 
 members, their mutual work was greatly blessed, 
 and that which was undertaken simply as an ex- 
 periment, in the light of subsequent events was 
 seen to have been of God. 
 
 This new office brought with it an increase of 
 labor and responsibility to hands and head and 
 heart already overburdened. The scope of his use- 
 fulness was constantly increasing, and he was, per- 
 haps, in the midst of the most active period of his 
 missionary career. His " Diary" and semi-annual 
 reports to the Tenth Baptist Church about this time 
 are particularly noteworthy, and show alike his 
 abounding zeal and remarkable success. The 
 churches were prospering financially and spiritu- 
 
 255 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ally. The distribution of Bibles, books, and 
 various literature was continued as formerly, and 
 the articles for physical relief, especially medi- 
 cines, came to him in large quantities and accom- 
 plished untold good. The schools at Christians- 
 burg were increasing the sphere of their influence 
 and power, and larger buildings and better facili- 
 ties were urgently called for. The Holy Spirit 
 was moving with mighty power in the churches 
 and among the people, and hundreds were being 
 brought to accept the Saviour. 
 
 Under date of January i, 1878, he writes to the 
 Tenth Baptist Church : ". . . . I am just in re- 
 ceipt of a letter from one of the teachers of the last 
 session, who prior to leaving professed faith in 
 Christ, and since returning to her home has been 
 added to the Baptist Church. This makes the 
 fourth teacher who has obeyed Christ and been 
 added to us by impressions received during their 
 sojourn in our midst. Our household further has 
 been wonderfully blessed in the conversion of all 
 who have sojourned among us, even to the errand- 
 boy and cook In regard to the revival 
 
 spirit in the churches and numbers converted, I 
 have never been able to furnish you with numerical 
 results. For instance, a meeting held in one lo- 
 cality, where crowds gather, will draw to it people 
 from a distance; these, returning to their own 
 locality, — some revived Christians, some happy 
 converts, some convicted sinners, — will cause an 
 
 256 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 interest to be started in their several neighbor- 
 hoods. I have known of six neighboring churches 
 to be awakened to life and energy in this manner. 
 Then, again, I have found it best to leave the bap- 
 tism of candidates, except where especially re- 
 quested, or where no other administrator was at 
 hand, to my colored brethren in the ministry, as I 
 believe Paul did, thus fulfilling the work of a mis- 
 sionary of the Lord Jesus. I have given myself as 
 much as possible to teaching and the care of the 
 churches. Very generally in the section where I 
 am laboring the freed people are gathering 
 strength, and the marked progress and improve- 
 ment is acknowledged by all. The Valley Baptist 
 Association has grown to over one hundred 
 churches and nine thousand members." 
 
 Again he writes to the Tenth Baptist Church, 
 under date of January i, 1879: "During the 
 month of July our labors were confined to the 
 churches close about us, and in preparation to en- 
 tertain the Valley Baptist Association, which con- 
 vened with us in the early part of August, at which 
 time our (my) pastor (Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D.) 
 favored and strengthened us by his presence. 
 Since the meetings of the Association we have had 
 a continuous series of revival blessings reaching 
 a circuit of about two hundred miles, in which the 
 churches we have been instrumental in organizing, 
 besides others visited, have received large acces- 
 sions to their membership, numbering hundreds in 
 17 257 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the aggregate; and not a superficial work by any 
 means, but one of great strength, that will have its 
 influence for good in all time to come." 
 
 Another extract from a report to Tenth Baptist 
 Church, under date of July i, 1880: ". . . . Our 
 schools closed a very successful term on May ist, 
 with many of the students not only advanced in 
 their studies, but, becoming Christians, have con- 
 secrated their talents to the service of the Master. 
 .... The Sabbath-school work has also received 
 our special attention, and many schools have been 
 furnished with Bibles, Testaments, and other nec- 
 essary supplies. Large number of converts have 
 been added to the churches from these schools, 
 many of whom in the future will be shining lights 
 among this people. There is no cessation of the 
 general interest wherever I go. All seem hungry 
 for the gospel, and many feed upon it with a relish, 
 which is evidenced by their growth in grace and 
 knowledge of the Saviour. There is much im- 
 provement in the manner of living: the marriage 
 relationship is held more sacred ; the proper bring- 
 ing up of children is receiving more care; the 
 people have better accommodations and are gather- 
 ing comforts about them ; and the increase in real 
 estate and the general prosperity show us the re- 
 sults of the Lord's workings in their midst." 
 
 The old frame meeting-house on Zion's Hill, 
 erected by Captain Schaeffer when he began his 
 mission in 1867, within whose sacred walls scores 
 
 258 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 on scores of souls had been converted, and scenes 
 enacted which thrilled the angels with rejoicing-, 
 had long been inadequate to the uses of the church 
 and its increasing membership. He had for 
 months had in contemplation the erection of a sub- 
 stantial building, capacious and convenient, suited 
 to the requirements of the church, and which 
 would be a credit to the denomination and an 
 incentive to all the churches. The obstacles to be 
 confronted in view of this enterprise were numer- 
 ous and not easily overcome. Though the com- 
 munity had improved in material resources, and 
 generally were in much better circumstances, the 
 people were still comparatively poor and unable to 
 assume large financial obligations. The liberality 
 of the Northern friends of the negro, upon whom 
 large drafts had been made in the past, had lost 
 something of its fulness and spontaneity. The 
 Friends, to whose Christian beneficence he was so 
 greatly indebted in his general work, in this purely 
 sectarian effort, as they would regard it, could not 
 be expected to contribute anything. His only 
 ground of hope lay in what might be secured from 
 the sacrifices of the people, his influence with per- 
 sonal friends in Philadelphia, and the encourage- 
 ment he had in the promises and unfailing re- 
 sources of God. Writing to the Tenth Baptist 
 Church, under date of January i, 1881, he says: 
 " In connection with my general oversight of the 
 Valley Baptist Association, I have had under spe- 
 
 259 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 cial charge the Christiansburg Baptist Church, 
 which has received considerable attention. As you 
 are aware, we have been trying to build a new 
 house of worship of sufficient dimensions to hold 
 our congregations. This we were hopeful to have 
 accomplished during the past year, but did not suc- 
 ceed, although we have raised a considerable 
 amount towards it. We shall want assistance in 
 this work, and hopefully look for it during the 
 early part of the present year. The house we need 
 and ought to have will cost five thousand dollars. 
 .... In some of the other churches we have had 
 precious revival seasons with a goodly number 
 added to the membership. Several have dedicated 
 new houses of worship, taking the places of the old 
 log buildings with ground [earth] floors, well ven- 
 tilated and conveniently seated." Again he writes 
 to the Tenth Baptist Church, a year later, January 
 I, 1882 : " I present this, my semi-annual report for 
 the six months ending December 31, 1881, and call 
 upon you to rejoice with me, and give our precious 
 Lord praise and honor for the work of grace 
 vouchsafed to us at Head-Quarters, as well as for 
 the good seasons of revival in a number of the 
 churches throughout our field of missionary effort. 
 At this point eighty-one professed faith in Christ 
 during our special meetings, and at the present time 
 there are still those among us anxious about their 
 souls. Although the extra meetings have ceased, 
 yet the spirit of them prevails, and I have never 
 
 260 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 known the church here to be so full of the power of 
 
 a living Christianity During Christmas 
 
 week we made special effort to raise funds for our 
 new meeting-house. What was raised I know in 
 many cases to have been the result of great self- 
 denial. You are already aware that we want to 
 build the present year, and that efforts will be made 
 early in the spring to increase the fund to the 
 amount needed for the work." 
 
 It was Captain Schaeffer's desire to proceed with 
 the erection of the church edifice and school build- 
 ing simultaneously, but funds were received so 
 slowly that another year elapsed before he felt war- 
 ranted in going on even with the former. He 
 found it necessary in the winter of 1882 and 1883 
 in the interests of this enterprise to visit friends in 
 Philadelphia. He met with substantial encourage- 
 ment. Under date of January i, 1883, in his re- 
 port to the Tenth Baptist Church, he says : " . . . I 
 am hopeful during my present visit, although it 
 will be but for a few weeks, to secure sufficient 
 (funds) to meet all demands, and thus put to rest 
 a matter which has troubled us so long. In direct 
 missionary efforts among the freed people we have 
 been, as usual, successful, and large numbers have 
 turned to the Lord. We esteem it the most blessed 
 year of nearly seventeen of our labor among them. 
 The same co-operation has been extended to us as 
 in the past, and the money and supplies contributed 
 have met all demands." 
 
 261 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Having in view the erection of these buildings, 
 he purchased ten and seven-eighths acres of land 
 adjoining his property at a cost of fifteen hundred 
 dollars; two acres of this plot he added to his 
 private grounds, and the remaining eight and 
 seven-eighths acres were divided as sites for the 
 proposed buildings as his contribution to the cause, 
 and transferred under a deed to a board of trustees 
 to be used for church and school purposes forever. 
 
 The building which they proposed for them- 
 selves was to be forty by sixty feet, with vestibule 
 and lecture-room on the first floor, and main audi- 
 ence room with end gallery and baptistery on the 
 second floor. It was to be built of brick, with 
 neat stained-glass windows and belfry; and though 
 plain and unpretentious, it was superior to most 
 of the houses of worship in that section of coun- 
 try, even among the whites. 
 
 After five years of patient waiting and ener- 
 getic work, having accumulated sufficient funds, 
 as was thought, to make certain the completion of 
 the undertaking without going in debt, on the 23d 
 of April, 1883, ground was broken for the foun- 
 dations with appropriate religious exercises. 
 Meanwhile the church was making self-denying 
 efforts to contribute to the cause and gifts were 
 coming from outside sources, so that the building 
 was pushed rapidly forward and placed under 
 roof. But being at the end of their resources, 
 work was discontinued for a time and the win- 
 
 262 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 dows boarded up as a protection from the weather. 
 Work was resumed in the spring, and on the 24th 
 of November, 1884, the lecture-room was dedi- 
 cated to the worship of Almighty God. 
 
 Concerning this glad event the " Diary" records : 
 " A wonderful day for us — entered the lecture- 
 room of our new meeting-house. The Sabbath- 
 school after partial exercises formed in procession 
 at the old meeting-house, the ministry first, then 
 the ' Banner Classes,' followed by the students of 
 our schools and the older people, singing as we 
 entered the new building, ' Beautiful Zion, city 
 of God.' " 
 
 But they had reached a crisis. They were in 
 their new house, indeed, but with no means to 
 complete it and considerably in debt besides. 
 Owing to the expense of bringing workmen and 
 much of the material from a distance, it was 
 found that the cost when finished would exceed 
 double the original estimate given them by the 
 architect. Though discouraged. Captain Schaef- 
 fer was not dismayed. In this exigency he first 
 laid his case before the Lord, then acquainted his 
 friends with his necessities, and trustingly awaited 
 the issue. It was not long till the skies began to 
 brighten. Little by little contributions were re- 
 ceived. On the loth of January, 1885, he was over- 
 joyed, but not greatly surprised, at the receipt 
 of a letter, which he thus notes in his " Diary :" 
 
 " Received a letter this morning from , trans- 
 
 263 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 mitting check, amount two thousand five hundred 
 dollars, towards our church-building fund as a 
 memorial to her deceased son, who was once a 
 scholar in the Tenth Baptist Church Infant-school 
 under charge of my wife. The Lord be praised 
 for this manifestation of great kindness to His 
 servant. Felt that I must renewedly consecrate 
 my life to His service." 
 
 In writing to this lady, whose liberality is only 
 exceeded by her great modesty, in acknowledg- 
 ment of her gift, among other things he says : 
 " Oh, I do not know how to express my thank- 
 fulness to you for your generous help. Ever 
 since the receipt of your letter I have been lifting 
 up my heart to our kind Heavenly Father in grati- 
 tude to Him for remembering His servant in the 
 great pressure that rested upon him, and for the 
 relief granted in this time of sore need. For a 
 time I could do nothing but weep tears of joy and 
 gratitude as the Lord's faithfulness passed before 
 me, and I felt that I must over and over again re- 
 consecrate the remainder of my life to His ser- 
 vice. My wife joins me in receiving your kind 
 offering as a memorial of the dear one referred to, 
 whose young life it was once her care to instruct 
 
 in the way to God and heaven As far as 
 
 possible I will comply with your wishes to give 
 as little publicity to your kind act as our obliga- 
 tion to the building-fund demands, and will with- 
 hold your name from the published statement." 
 
 264 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 These opportune contributions, coming, as Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer believed, in direct answer to prayer, 
 though relieving him from present embarrass- 
 ment, still left a considerable deficit. The build- 
 ing, which he confidently expected could be com- 
 pleted for five thousand dollars, had really cost the 
 considerable sum, for that time and place, of 
 eleven thousand two hundred and eighty-two dol- 
 lars and twenty-nine cents. It was a pretty struc- 
 ture and a conspicuous object in the landscape. 
 Of it he says : " A temple built unto the Lord 
 upon the mountain top, attracting the notice of the 
 people in all directions from hill-top to hill-top. 
 It is the first object that attracts the eye of the 
 traveller passing along this great railway." 
 
 On October 4, 1885, the house, being finished 
 and furnished, was solemnly set apart for the ser- 
 vice of God. The event is thus recorded in Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer's " Diary :" " The day opened with 
 heavy rain-clouds. At eight o'clock I pulled the 
 bell-rope for the first time, when sweet, mellow 
 peals rang out from the belfry, calling the people 
 to the dedication services already announced. The 
 children with their parents and friends gathered 
 in the lecture-room for their service. The dedi- 
 cation services followed in the main audience- 
 room, and just as they commenced the heavy rain- 
 clouds scattered and the bright sunlight illumined 
 the place. The occasion was one of great interest. 
 Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., pastor of the Tenth 
 
 265 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Baptist Church, Philadelphia, preached the ser- 
 mon from Psalm cxxii. i, * I was glad when they 
 said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.' 
 .... At this service I presented a deed of the 
 property to the trustees of the church. My soul 
 praises the Lord that He has permitted me to see 
 this day, so long looked for. And now may I 
 also have this one more favor from the Lord, to 
 be helped out of the final indebtedness, which I 
 have assumed in His name. O Lord, bring Thy 
 servant safely through." 
 
 Though relieved of the immediate strain, the 
 deficit and the cost of furnishing the audience- 
 room had yet to be provided for, and the way 
 seemed hedged. His, however, was an operative 
 faith, and while he called mightily upon the Lord, 
 he failed not to use every possible avenue that 
 might avail to bring to pass the desires of his 
 heart. There was a period of several months 
 during which his faith was severely tried, and 
 the burden almost overwhelmed him. These lines 
 are found in his " Diary" under date of November 
 27, 1885 : "Arose this morning with my heart bur- 
 dened for the salvation of souls, and with other 
 burdens pressing upon me of meeting our obliga- 
 tions on account of our building operations. I 
 could only find ease of mind by pouring out my 
 soul unto the Lord and committing all into His 
 hands. Attended to writing through the day, and 
 at night had another deeply interesting meeting. 
 
 266 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Still an increase among the inquirers. Returned 
 to my rest burdened in soul." 
 
 The Lord is faithful, nor does He try His ser- 
 vants beyond that which they are able to bear. 
 And, therefore, while his burdened heart is 
 " committing all into His hands," as a covenant- 
 keeping God, by one of his stewards whose heart 
 he has touched — accordantly with His promise, 
 " before they call, I will answer" — God had al- 
 ready sent His answer speeding on its way as fast 
 as the United States mail could carry it. 
 
 The following day, November 28, 1885, this 
 remarkable record is made : " The pressure of lost 
 souls resting upon me. O Lord, come to our help 
 and do not tarry. Turn the hearts of the children 
 of men unto Thyself. Spent the day in writing 
 letters and preparation for the pulpit. In the 
 evening mail received tidings of help in my build- 
 ing embarrassments — another thousand dollars 
 
 from my dear Sister [the same generous 
 
 hand which had been opened to relieve his former 
 need]. The fountain of my heart broken up. 
 Was obliged to retire to the secret place and pour 
 out my thanksgiving before the Lord and to ask 
 His divine blessing upon our benefactor. O Lord ! 
 O Lord ! my soul doth bless Thee from the depths 
 of my being for Thy unfailing goodness." 
 
 Previous to the receipt of this timely help in 
 the hour of his extremity. Captain Schaeffer had 
 invited Mr. Edward Kimball, known as " the 
 
 267 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 great debt-raiser," — whose remarkable success in 
 aiding churches to reHeve themselves of indebted- 
 ness in Philadelphia and elsewhere had been 
 brought to his attention, — to visit Christiansburg 
 and assist them in lifting their burden of debt. 
 Accepting the invitation of the church, Mr. Kim- 
 ball arrived on Saturday, December 5, 1885, and 
 at once making his plans, the following Sunday 
 pledges for the whole amount were obtained, and 
 subsequently all paid. Thus their new meeting- 
 house was freed from debt, and on January i, 
 1886, in commemoration of this event, the name 
 was changed to the Memorial Baptist Church of 
 Christiansburg, Va. In noting this fact he says, 
 " And may it stand as a memorial of a covenant- 
 keeping God." 
 
 268 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 More than nine eventful years had passed since 
 Captain Schaeffer, in comphance with the strong 
 desire of the Memorial Baptist Church of Chris- 
 tiansburg, Va., had assumed the pastoral office. 
 In those years great things had been accomplished, 
 not only in erecting a house of worship, but in 
 building the spiritual temple as well. Living in 
 the fellowship of the Spirit and in love, the church 
 had acquired much power, her services were dig- 
 nified and deeply religious, and her influence was 
 felt far and wide. But Captain Schaeffer was 
 under the impression that perhaps the time to 
 sever the pastoral relationship had come, and that 
 he ought to submit the subject to the church and 
 to the Lord for a decision. He therefore, on the 
 7th of October, 1888, the twenty-first anniversary 
 of the church, " Spoke (at the Lord's Day ser- 
 vice) of the expected annulling of the pastoral re- 
 lationship, and stated that the engagement was 
 only for a time, to aid in building a house unto 
 the Lord, etc. Afterwards the Lord's Supper — 
 a most impressive occasion. Much tenderness of 
 heart." On October 20, 1888, he writes: " I was 
 to-night waited on by the clerk of the church, who 
 notified me that on Wednesday evening of last 
 week, at a large church meeting, it was voted to 
 
 269 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 recall their former servant at a salary of five hun- 
 dred dollars per annum. The clerk stated that 
 the vote was unanimous. The Lord direct His 
 servant what He would have him to do." 
 
 It was only after a number of days of serious 
 consideration, and with much fasting and prayer, 
 that he at length reached the conclusion that duty 
 required him to continue his ministry with this 
 people to whom he had given so many evidences 
 of his love. The succeeding ten years of this 
 faithful service were rich with the fruitage of 
 saved souls, hardly a year passing unblessed by 
 reviving grace. 
 
 The Big Springs Church, Elliston, Montgomery 
 County, Va., organized October 3, 1870, by Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer, had grown in influence and power. 
 The membership were anxious to build a new 
 meeting-house, and he was impressed that it was 
 his duty to aid them in this enterprise by adding 
 to his cares and burdens the pastorate, which they 
 strenuously pressed him to do. He therefore, on 
 the 1st of November, 1882, " accepted their unani- 
 mous call to act as pastor until the new meeting- 
 house shall be completed." This house of wor- 
 ship was finished and dedicated to the worship of 
 Almighty God October 8, 1888. The dedicatory 
 services were conducted in a way, customary with 
 him, that would interest and make lasting impres- 
 sions upon the people. " At the appropriate time 
 the procession formed with the children in front, 
 
 270 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 following the elders and deacons, then the church 
 members and friends moving forward, singing 
 
 * Let us walk in the light.' When the head of the 
 column reached the foot of the hill on which the 
 new building stood this chorus was struck up, 
 
 * Marching up Zion's hill,' as they passed en- 
 tirely round and into the meeting-house." 
 
 A considerable debt remained on this building, 
 for which he made himself responsible, and which 
 was not fully liquidated until 1890. On the 29th 
 of December of that year the subjoined memoran- 
 dum is found in his " Diary :" " The entire balance 
 on the Big Springs property, which I assumed 
 prior to the dedication of the building, is now set- 
 tled, and a service of praise and thanksgiving was 
 held (to-day) of most precious character. Re- 
 turned to Christiansburg with my heart full of 
 gratitude to God." Here also abundant harvests 
 of " such as were being saved" were gathered, 
 and the church lovingly followed his leadership 
 until his death. His custom for some years was 
 to spend two Lord's Days monthly with this de- 
 voted people. 
 
 The little Blacksburg Church, Montgomery 
 County, Va., about eight miles from Christians- 
 burg, had a mortgage indebtedness upon its prop- 
 erty, due a lawyer who was pressing for payment 
 and threatening to foreclose. In their extremity 
 they appealed to Captain Schaeffer for relief. 
 After carefully considering the matter, he agreed 
 
 271 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 to become responsible for the debt and temporarily 
 to act as pastor until they could extricate them- 
 selves from their difficulties. A formal call was 
 extended to him January 8, 1888, with the un- 
 derstanding that he was to officiate once a month. 
 The small salary he proposed to apply to reducing 
 the indebtedness. Concerning this new charge he 
 says : " The Lord be pleased to make my engage- 
 ment with the Blacksburg Church one fraught 
 with blessing. As Thou hast blest me in other 
 charges, so abundantly in this. I lean on Thee." 
 
 So successful were his efforts in raising funds, 
 that by December 31, 1890, the entire amount of 
 the debt had been paid. But as the meeting-house 
 was in bad repair, needing a new roof, and the 
 stone foundations were giving way, he consented 
 to remain as acting pastor until this work also was 
 done and the cost provided for. This was not ac- 
 complished till August, 1892. Under his training 
 the church had learned to manage its finances 
 wisely, and had increased in general efficiency. 
 
 The following is an extract from what appears 
 to be the last missionary report of Captain Schaef- 
 fer to the Tenth Baptist Church of Philadelphia, 
 Pa. It is under date of January i, 1889, and has 
 particular reference to the disposition made of the 
 salaries received from the churches with whom 
 he sustained the relation of pastor : " . . . . The 
 special churches which I have served during the 
 year as acting pastor have paid me salaries as 
 
 272 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 follows : Christiansburg, three hundred and eigh- 
 teen dollars and seventy-seven cents; Big Springs, 
 five hundred and fifty-seven dollars and eighty- 
 three cents, and Blacksburg, one hundred and 
 eighteen dollars and eighty-one cents, all of which 
 has been used in meeting their obligations of 
 building and other indebtedness. Not a cent has 
 been appropriated to my own use. I have con- 
 sidered it incumbent upon me to teach them their 
 obligation to the pastoral office, at the same time 
 using the money for their own benefit and as my 
 donation to the objects involved. The work on 
 my hands, instead of decreasing, is enlarging, un- 
 til I scarcely have breathing-room, and how to 
 meet it I do not know, save by humble reliance 
 on the Lord, etc., etc." 
 
 The Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, had 
 done a noble work in the support given to Cap- 
 tain Schaeffer. It was, perhaps, the most memor- 
 able of its many achievements, if measured by the 
 results. Its pastors. Rev, J. Spencer Kennard, 
 D.D., and his successor. Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., 
 with his many warm admirers and friends in that 
 body, had not only been enthusiastic in their sym- 
 pathy, but had contributed fully twenty thousand 
 dollars from time to time for disbursement on his 
 field. But from various causes the circumstances 
 of the church had changed, chiefly because the 
 house of worship was in a locality from which its 
 membership was rapidly drifting into the newer 
 i8 273 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 portions of the city. Its newly elected pastor and 
 the financial managers found themselves under 
 burdens which only under considerable difficulty 
 they were able to carry. As early as 1887 they 
 were, with much regret, compelled to reduce the 
 annual appropriation to him, and finally to aban- 
 don it altogether. The subjoined extract from a 
 letter to the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
 is inserted here because it explains his relation to 
 this fund, and is characteristic of his self-denying 
 methods : 
 
 " Christiansburg, Va., November 28, 1887. 
 " Dear Brother Wm. M. Bains : — Your kind letter of 
 the 16th inst, in which you inform me of the action of the 
 Tenth Baptist Church in reducing the appropriation to the 
 work in which I am engaged for the year 1888 from six 
 hundred dollars, as heretofore, to four hundred dollars, on 
 account of benevolent funds falling short, reached me safely. 
 As regards the matter, we have been very grateful for the 
 help afforded, and although during all these years the funds 
 received have not been spent towards our own support, but 
 used entirely in the work among the freed people, yet with- 
 out it we could not have continued on the field, for I could 
 not have been a witness to the necessities of the people with- 
 out being able to assist in giving relief. My own support 
 and that of my family has alone been secured by hard work 
 on our part and making the very best of our circumstances, 
 with some help from personal friends, so that we have 
 succeeded up to this time in meeting all the demands upon 
 us, but without one cent of surplus. The funds coming to 
 us from the ' Smart estate' are being used, first, towards 
 the education of our children, and as thank-offerings in help- 
 ing on the Lord's work at this place, and in building a house 
 of worship at Big Springs ; second, we have been sadly in 
 need of further home improvements and sufficient land to 
 
 274 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 make it unnecessary to rent. Now, my dear brother, I 
 have made this statement because a good many people think 
 that we receive our personal support from the church. In- 
 deed, it was recently so inferred in a printed communica- 
 tion which I read in a Baptist paper published in this State. 
 But we have done as Paul did, labored with our own hands 
 to supply our necessities, and yet at the same time have been 
 full of work for the Master. 
 
 " Therefore let us say, that whatever the Tenth Church 
 is unable to do for us is so much benevolent work on this 
 field unaccomplished ; and you must decide that matter, 
 and not we. As for ourselves, we are ' spending and being 
 spent' in this service. A little further as regards the funds 
 the church has sent us. They have helped here and there; 
 been used and re-used and used again in so many different 
 ways, — helping churches, schools, communities, families and 
 individuals, and occasionally ourselves under pressing cir- 
 cumstances for the time being, preventing families from 
 being turned out of house and home. On one occasion 
 eleven homes were sold over so many families' heads with- 
 out their ability to save themselves. With your aid, I 
 bought this property in and gave them back their homes. 
 I just give you a sample of one direction of your beneficence. 
 
 But it would take volumes for me to write it all out 
 
 " I remain your brother in Christ, 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 It will thus be seen how careful Captain Schaef- 
 fer was in the application of benevolent funds 
 received from various sources. They were not 
 employed for the benefit of himself and family, 
 but were scrupulously spent in the service to 
 which he felt the Lord had specially called him. 
 The demands of his field were so exacting that 
 he could not rest content to appropriate any part 
 to himself, although certain funds he could have 
 
 275 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 used at discretion with the utmost propriety. He 
 preferred, however, to obtain support from the 
 products of his farms, which he in part owned and 
 in part rented. This, with special aid from per- 
 sonal friends, afforded a comfortable living, which 
 in later years was augmented by sources of in- 
 come which it is not necessary to mention here. 
 
 The appropriation from the Tenth Baptist 
 Church ceased in 1890, although a few personal 
 friends continued regularly to send their contri- 
 butions till his death. About this time, also, the 
 " Friends" began gradually to withdraw their sup- 
 plies of medicines, clothing, and various other 
 articles for physical relief. They naturally felt 
 that the freedmen had enjoyed the benefits of their 
 new conditions of life long enough to be fully 
 able to help themselves. And, generally speaking, 
 this was true. The people in this section had 
 profited in a marked degree by their educational 
 and religious privileges, and were thrifty, indus- 
 trious, and moral; but there was, as there always 
 will be in every community, a class of the de- 
 serving poor who were unable to obtain relief, 
 and Captain Schaeffer at his own cost made it a 
 rule to supply them as far as possible with medi- 
 cines. He always went provided, at the large 
 gatherings of the Valley Baptist Association of 
 Virginia, with such simple remedies as were in 
 constant demand for gratuitous distribution, which 
 proved a boon in many cases and saved doctors' 
 
 276 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 bills, which the people could ill afford to pay. And 
 from his home the needy poor were never turned 
 away. 
 
 He was very methodical in business matters, 
 and kept accurate accounts of all moneys passing 
 through his hands. As far back as 1880 the fol- 
 lowing condensed statement of account was fur- 
 nished by him to his friend, Dr. James E. Rhoads, 
 late president of Bryn Mawr College, who was 
 profoundly interested in his work. 
 
 Extract from statement to Dr. James E. 
 Rhoads, September 8, 1880: 
 
 " Receipts. 
 Amount of cash on hand (personal) May, 1866. . $2,400 00 
 Receipts from salary (Government service) and 
 all other personal sources, including sciop- 
 
 ticon exhibitions 24,359 60 
 
 Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa 8,37533 
 
 Other benevolent sources, including the Friends' 
 
 Freedmen's Association, etc., etc 9,080 84 
 
 State and county authorities for school purposes. 1,050 00 
 
 "Disbursements. $45,265 77 
 
 Aid to churches $7,206 13 
 
 Educational work 8,380 86 
 
 Physical relief 2,891 29 
 
 Travelling expenses, including ex- 
 penses of Virginia Singers, and 
 
 sciopticon exhibitions 7,574 57 
 
 All other expenses, including pur- 
 chase of burial-lot 13,944 92 
 
 Purchase of real estate 5,ooo 00 
 
 Postage 268 00 
 
 $45,265 77 
 
 277 
 
 I 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 " Besides medicines, clothing, and supplies of all kinds, 
 estimated at over one hundred thousand dollars. The above 
 does not include the support of the Christiansburg schools 
 and numerous other schools prior to October i, 1872, nor 
 means received from the Freedman's Bureau and other 
 indirect aid to various special objects claiming attention, 
 amounting probably to ten thousand dollars more. 
 
 " C. S. SCHAEFFER." 
 
 Since the foregoing statement was made, up to 
 and including the year 1898, Captain Schaeffer's 
 books show that he received and expended thirty- 
 seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-three dol- 
 lars and sixty-eight cents. Of this amount about 
 seven thousand five hundred dollars, or less than 
 four hundred and fifty dollars per annum, — con- 
 siderably less than he actually received, — was ap- 
 plied to his own use. These beneficent funds came 
 largely from the Friends' Freedmen's Association 
 for building and school purposes, from the Tenth 
 Baptist Church and other organizations and indi- 
 viduals whose aid had been given him from the 
 beginning of the work. In addition to the sums 
 in cash contributed, the supplies for physical relief, 
 which came for years liberally after 1880, aggre- 
 gated large figures, but in the absence of any 
 authorized estimate there appears to be no way of 
 arriving at their value. The cost also of building 
 the meeting-houses at Christiansburg, Big Springs, 
 and Blacksburg, a large part of which he actually 
 donated, and the successful completion of these 
 houses of worship, rendered possible only by his 
 
 278 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 indefatigable efforts, with the substantial assist- 
 ance given in building the meeting-house at 
 Wytheville, aggregates twenty thousand dollars 
 more. Well may it be said, in view of what he 
 was successful under God in accomplishing, alike 
 on the spiritual and material side of his ministry, 
 " What hath God wrought !" 
 
 279 
 
CHAPTER XVII I. 
 
 It was a matter of much concern with Captain 
 Schaeffer that his people should be well-grounded 
 in the principles of Christianity. In the churches 
 which he directly served, candidates for baptism 
 were carefully examined and instructed by the pas- 
 tor and deacons before admission to membership. 
 The memorizing of the Bible was an important 
 feature in the exercises of the Sunday-school, in 
 which old and young alike were encouraged to 
 engage. Many thousands of Scripture verses were 
 thus committed to memory annually and made a 
 part of the mental furniture of the pupils. This, 
 in connection with the study of the International 
 Sunday-school Lessons, bore abundant fruit in a 
 church rooted and grounded in the Word of God. 
 But in addition to this thorough work in the Sun- 
 day-school, as early as 1877 ^^^ organized a class 
 in theology, which met at intervals not only to 
 study the Bible, but for the special investigation 
 systematically of the great fundamental doctrines 
 of Christianity. These classes were attended by 
 licentiates, deacons, officers of the church, the 
 older students in the Institute, and others, and 
 were blessed of God in developing the spiritual 
 life of the church and fitting the members for 
 larger usefulness. It was in part through such 
 
 280 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 measures as these that the wide influence for good 
 exercised by this church is to be accounted for. 
 
 Captain Schaeffer was endowed with a special 
 aptitude for interesting the minds and winning 
 the affections of children. There was something 
 in his manner and voice which appealed to their 
 childish sympathies, and his face shone with a 
 kindliness of expression which they could not re- 
 sist. A favorite sacred plantation melody of his, 
 which he sang about the house and when at work 
 in the garden, the chorus of which ran, — 
 
 " Let us shine, shine, shine like an angel, 
 Around the throne of God," 
 
 seemed to express a personal desire. And some- 
 how — perhaps to our too partial eyes it seemed so 
 — his face did appear to shine with a kind of su- 
 pernal light, as if at times he approached very near 
 to the " throne," and brought away with him some 
 slight reflection of the heavenly glory. Whether 
 that be true or not, there can be no question that 
 habits of thought Godward and constant com- 
 munion with the Lord Jesus — and such was his 
 habit — will make their impress on the physical 
 countenance, and this was particularly noticeable 
 in this man of God. 
 
 And so he won old and young, but especially the 
 children. Giving his personal superintendence to 
 the Sunday-schools, he was always solicitous for 
 their spiritual welfare, encouraged them in the 
 
 281 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 path of duty, and rewarded them for faithful ser- 
 vice. But at the same time he was not unmind- 
 ful of their enjoyments, and was wise enough to 
 indulge them in innocent pleasures that he might 
 hold them to the church and win them for God. 
 
 In this way the Sunday-schools belonging to 
 his several pastorates were brought to their high 
 degree of efficiency, and in the sum-total of spir- 
 itual results made to compare favorably with much 
 larger and better equipped schools among the 
 whites. He also sought by various suitable and 
 proper entertainments to make the meeting-houses 
 social as well as religious centres for their respec- 
 tive communities, the wisdom of which was justi- 
 fied by the general disposition of the people to at- 
 tend the house of God. 
 
 It is to data supplied by Mrs. Schaeffer that the 
 writer is indebted for the materials from which the 
 following facts and incidents are compiled : 
 
 Thanksgiving Day was a great occasion. It 
 was his custom to have all the children present at 
 the service. After the sermon and just before 
 closing, stationing himself at the end of one aisle 
 loaded with nuts and apples, the little children 
 were first formed in line, and marching past him 
 each one took from the basket as many nuts as 
 could be grasped in one hand, and with the other 
 hand an apple, and so passed out through another 
 aisle. Following the children were the mothers 
 with babies in their arms, then the older folk, and 
 
 282 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 last of all any one who wished to partake. He 
 would gather the chestnuts from a little grove on 
 the place with his own hands, and in seasons of 
 scarcity was so grudging of them that he would 
 refuse to eat a single one, lest there should not be 
 enough to go around at Thanksgiving. When 
 gathering apples from his own trees a certain 
 quantity was regularly set apart for this Thanks- 
 giving observance, and in case of a failure of the 
 crop he bought a supply, rather than disappoint 
 the children. 
 
 Christmas was another gala-day for himself and 
 the young people. At first there was a great 
 Christmas-tree every year, but at last the schools 
 became so large, and the tax was so heavy on 
 him personally, that he was obliged to omit this 
 feature every other year. He seemed unwilling 
 to ask the church or others to help him, preferring 
 to do it all himself. He used to say that it was the 
 only pleasure many of these poor children had on 
 Christmas Day, and that he could not deny them 
 nor himself the enjoyment. The immense tree was 
 brought from the woods and placed on the plat- 
 form, loaded with bags of candies and pop-corn, 
 which he specially grew in his garden for this pur- 
 pose. To each child whose name was on the roll, 
 even though present but once during the year, a 
 bag of candy and pop-corn and an orange were 
 given. The festivities were interspersed with ex- 
 ercises in which the children participated. This 
 
 283 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 was done not only at Christiansburg, but at Big 
 Springs and Blacksburg, and also at a little branch 
 school at Seneca, which he was particularly 
 anxious to reach, as it was in the mountains some 
 distance from Big Springs, where the children saw 
 nothing of the outside world. 
 
 January i, the anniversary of Emancipation, 
 was a day of jubilee. On these celebrations the 
 church at Christiansburg was the centre of attrac- 
 tion. The people came from all the region round. 
 The Emancipation Proclamation was read, and 
 there were fireworks, balloon ascensions, and gen- 
 eral rejoicing. Sometimes a festival was held, at 
 which ice-cream and cake were supplied at a small 
 charge. In all these events Captain Schaeffer was 
 the central and inspiring personality. One with 
 the people in everything that tended to their good, 
 for the old he had a kindly word of encouragement 
 or greeting, and for the young, the smile, the jest, 
 or, if need were, the helpful admonition. 
 
 At Easter every Sunday-school scholar must be 
 presented with a dyed egg as an Easter gift, and 
 it used to fall to Mrs. Schaeffer's lot to see that 
 the many dozens of eggs required were ready for 
 the occasion. 
 
 In August for years, in the height of the water- 
 melon season, the Primary Department of the 
 Sunday-school was given a " watermelon feast." 
 The " Captain," as everybody called him, provided 
 a great wagon-load of the luscious fruit, and issued 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 particular instructions that every child should have 
 all that he could eat. It was the writer's good for- 
 tune to witness one of these innocent " orgies." 
 How the children's eyes did sparkle! How they 
 gorged themselves! How they "fulfilled" their 
 opportunity, and smeared their little faces with the 
 juicy pulp up to the very roots of their hair. And 
 not the least noticeable feature of the scene, as the 
 feast went on in the beautiful grove surrounding 
 the meeting-house, was the evident zest with which 
 they enjoyed it, the " Captain" most of all. 
 
 Mrs. Schaeffer writes, " He never met a child but 
 he had a pleasant word for it, and I never knew 
 one afraid of him." He speaks in his " Diary" 
 of meeting " little Joseph" by the wayside, with 
 whom he entered into conversation, and found 
 that " little Joseph" was a Christian and desired 
 to be baptized. The baptism occurred soon after, 
 " little Joseph" in the mean time having been fitted 
 out in a new suit of clothes. 
 
 Singing seemed to be a sort of second nature to 
 him, and he voiced his moods in music. If he 
 were in doubt, or felt the need of special direction, 
 " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," or 
 some similar hymn, would express his feelings. 
 If he came in tired, it could be readily inferred as 
 he sang, — 
 
 " There is rest for the weary, 
 There is rest for the weary, 
 There is rest for you." 
 285 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Sometimes the servants, catching the strains, 
 would join in the melody till the whole house rang 
 again. Thus he lightened labor and kept the 
 household in good-humor. 
 
 The plan he adopted for the study of Scripture 
 verses — introduced by Mrs. Schaeffer soon after she 
 joined him in the work — was somewhat peculiar. 
 A key-word was selected, usually from the "golden 
 texts" of the " International Sunday-School Les- 
 sons," the pupils memorizing such verses contain- 
 ing the key- word as they could search out, and on 
 the following Lord's Day reciting them, naming 
 the book, chapter, and verse where found. As has 
 been said, thousands of verses were learned in this 
 way every year. The rewards were suited to the 
 age and condition of the recipient. Since the 
 schools have been using colored lesson-plates they 
 have been much appreciated as rewards, the schol- 
 ars making choice of them as they were hung 
 around the school-room in the order of the num- 
 ber of verses recited by each one. With his own 
 hands Captain Schaeffer mounted these plates on 
 rollers, with a piece of bright-colored cord attached 
 to hold them. One can hardly go into a house now 
 where will not be seen one or more of these bril- 
 liant pictures as conspicuous objects on the walls. 
 A number of persons so value those given on the 
 last Christmas of his life, that they have had them 
 framed as treasured mementoes. 
 
 Again, to quote Mrs. Schaeffer : " His whole 
 286 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 being seemed to be wrapped up in helping these 
 people to a higher and holier life, and he was 
 always planning for their good. Of the many 
 things he wanted to do for them, there was but 
 one he did not accomplish of all he had in his 
 heart. He had for years desired to provide for 
 the maintenance of an Old Folks' Home in one 
 of the buildings which had been erected by him 
 for the Institute. He had in bank at the time of 
 his death nearly four hundred dollars collected for 
 this purpose. As all other objects which he had 
 specially worked for were out of the way, his pur- 
 pose was to throw all his efforts in this one direc- 
 tion; and he would doubtless have accomplished 
 it, as he did everything else he had imdertaken, 
 had he lived a few years longer." 
 
 He really enjoyed garden work; it was to him 
 both pleasure and recreation. He planned a good 
 deal of his church work and made many a ser- 
 mon while he worked among the vegetables. He 
 bore the reputation of having the finest kitchen 
 garden in all the country round, and his crops were 
 usually the largest and most forward to be found. 
 Often when there would be almost total failure 
 elsewhere his place would yield most abundantly. 
 People used to say the Lord blessed and favored 
 him because he trusted in Him. He would say, 
 " Yes, but my works go with my faith. The Lord 
 blesses me because united with my faith in Him 
 is my labor of watering and constant attention, 
 
 287 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 which others do not give." The neighbors all 
 said that he had more patience in planting sys- 
 tematically and in weeding than any other man in 
 the county, and people would often remark, when 
 they saw him busy in the garden, that now they 
 understood the secret of his success. And yet there 
 was never a call for help from the poorest, or 
 some demand upon his time to listen to private 
 troubles, but he would stop in his work and give 
 them all the help and attention they desired. He 
 seemed never to lose patience, or regard as a 
 trouble anything, however trivial the cause, which 
 called him from his work, and these occasions were 
 not infrequent, especially during the years in 
 which he was distributing medicines, trusses, 
 clothing, etc. 
 
 In attending the funerals of little children he 
 was always particularly tender and impressive. 
 As the sorrowing ones gathered about the open 
 grave and stood while it was being filled — the cus- 
 tom in that locality — he would sing, very often 
 alone, such lines as the following: 
 
 " I think when I read that sweet story of old, 
 When Jesus was here among men, 
 How He called little children as lambs to His fold, 
 I should like to have been with them then," etc. 
 
 Or those lines of Anne Shepherd: 
 
 " Around the throne of God in heaven 
 Thousands of children stand ; 
 288 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 Children whose sins are all forgiven, 
 A holy, happy band, 
 Singing, ' Glory, glory be to God on high,' " etc. 
 
 Or these imaginative words : 
 
 " My latest sun is sinking fast ; 
 
 My race is almost run; 
 My strongest trials now are past; 
 
 My crossing has begun. 
 Oh, come, angel band, come and around me stand : 
 
 Oh, bear me away on your snowy wings. 
 
 To my immortal home," etc. 
 
 It sometimes seemed on these sad occasions to the 
 stricken company as if the very gates of heaven 
 opened and revealed a ghmpse of the glory be- 
 yond. 
 
 If tender and sympathetic, weeping with them 
 that weep, he could on occasion enjoy a hearty 
 laugh, and " rejoice with them that do rejoice." 
 In his early missionary experience the " coin of 
 the realm," and paper money too, for that matter, 
 were very scarce articles. Oftener than not the 
 wedding ceremony was performed in the absence 
 of any fee ; but sometimes the " fee" was both 
 large and cumulative in value. He used to tell 
 this story, and enjoy the telling very much. A 
 couple from the " back country" once came to be 
 married. After the ceremony had been performed 
 the newly made husband desired to know " what 
 was the charge?" The Captain told him that he 
 19 289 
 
 I 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 made no charge, but left it with the happy parties 
 to bestow such fee as their HberaHty prompted. 
 " They had no money," they said, and left. In a 
 few weeks the groom reappeared bearing a young 
 pig under his arm, which he presented to Captain 
 Schaeffer with the remark, " I've brought you 
 the wedding fee." This proved to be, as he said 
 in telling the incident, " the largest fee, both in 
 value and size, of any it had ever been his good 
 fortune to receive." 
 
 Here is another incident the telling of which 
 gave him much enjoyment, and which illustrates 
 the fact that sometimes there is only a step be- 
 tween the pathetic . and amusing : 
 
 In a box of clothing sent by the " Friends" for 
 distribution among the needy there was found a 
 regulation-cut " Quaker" suit — brown swallow- 
 tail coat with straight collar, vest and trousers to 
 match, and a great broad-brimmed black silk hat 
 (in a big box). An old, white-haired, venerable- 
 looking colored man came along, very ragged and 
 very poor, wanting some clothing. Captain 
 Schaeffer dressed him up in this " Friendly suit," 
 to his great delight and complete transformation. 
 The next Sunday the old gentleman, to show his 
 gratitude and appreciation, though not accustomed 
 to attending church, was observed by the " Cap- 
 tain," gravely and with great show of respecta- 
 bility, proceeding up the aisle of the meeting-house 
 towards the pulpit. It was not long after this 
 
 290 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 until he was called to his reward, and Captain 
 Schaeffer was asked to " preach his funeral." 
 When he entered the room where the dead man 
 lay, to his surprise he found him " laid out" in 
 this " Quaker garb," all but the broad-brimmed 
 hat, and that lay in a conspicuous place beside the 
 coffin, looking very much as if the relatives felt 
 that the old man would need his head-covering 
 on the other shore. 
 
 Some of his experiences, though extremely dis- 
 agreeable, had likewise their amusing side. This 
 
 story of an adventure he once had in C 
 
 County meets both these particulars : 
 
 A " feeble folk" were needing a stove to make 
 their meeting-house comfortable during the ap- 
 proaching winter, and begged the " Captain" to 
 come and give them a sciopticon exhibition to pro- 
 vide the needed funds. It was some miles from 
 the nearest railroad station to the settlement, and 
 on his arrival at the station an ox-cart was found 
 in waiting to take him with the lantern outfit to 
 the journey's end. The patient, slow-going oxen, 
 with their rumbling, ramshackle conveyance, 
 shook him till his bones were sore as they made 
 their weary way over the roughest conceivable 
 mountain road. When within some distance of 
 the place the cart broke down, and a delay oc- 
 curred in making temporary repairs. When at last 
 the settlement was reached night had already shut 
 down upon the scene, and he was compelled at 
 
 291 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 once to begin the service. It was nearly midnight 
 when the exhibition was over and he arrived at the 
 place of entertainment. On going to the bedroom 
 he was pleased to notice that the bed and general 
 appearance of things were much more inviting than 
 often fell to his lot in such out-of-the-way locali- 
 ties. The sheets were clean and sweet, and a little 
 table and chair and a lamp placed beside the bed 
 were suggestive of comfort, and he felt happy in 
 anticipation of much-needed rest. 
 
 Before retiring, however, he took from his 
 pocket some refreshments which Mrs. Schaeffer 
 had thoughtfully provided, and after satisfying 
 the cravings of hunger left the remains of the 
 luncheon on the table, blew out the light, and went 
 to bed. He had just fallen into the semi-conscious 
 state which precedes sound slumber when he was 
 aroused by the gambols of some hungry rats, 
 which, attracted by the remains of the repast, were 
 making a play-ground of the bed and pillows. In 
 the sudden and frantic efforts made to drive them 
 off, the bottom of the bed fell through and dropped 
 him to the floor, where he lay for a little while in 
 helpless confusion. Meanwhile the vermin, as 
 badly scared as himself, had escaped to their holes. 
 Finally extricating himself from the wreck, a light 
 was struck, and he prepared to make the best of 
 a bad situation. But his troubles had only begun. 
 Investigation showed that the bed was wrecked 
 beyond his ability to repair it. Dressing himself 
 
 292 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and taking a chair, with grim determination and 
 what patience he could command he resolved to 
 make a night of it. Now he was attacked by 
 fleas, whose name seemed legion ; they came in such 
 numbers that his hands were quite unequal to the 
 task of catching them or driving them off. The 
 lighted lamp, also, which he was afraid to extin- 
 guish lest the rats should return, drew swarms of 
 pestiferous gnats that added their annoyance to 
 this night of misery. Morning at last dawned, 
 finding him sick and exhausted, and with the 
 rough journey of yesterday in the ox-cart still be- 
 fore him. Such incidents as this were " funny" 
 in the retrospect, but it required some little hero- 
 ism to endure them. 
 
 293 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 In the late years of his Hfe Captain Schaeffer 
 was able to give much less attention to general 
 missionary effort than formerly. He still kept in 
 touch with the Valley Baptist Association of Vir- 
 ginia, by reason of his connection with that body 
 as clerk, and bore a conspicuous part in councils 
 and denominational gatherings, but the claims of 
 his pastorates upon his time and strength rendered 
 possible only occasional outside protracted evan- 
 gelistic effort. Indeed, the demand for such labors 
 through his wider field had decreased largely under 
 God through his instrumentality. A new genera- 
 tion had appeared, and many houses of worship 
 dotted the landscape, frequented by thousands of 
 orderly and attentive worshippers. A class of 
 preachers had arisen, better qualified by superior 
 training to lead in spiritual things. Moreover, he 
 was advancing in years, and was no longer physi- 
 cally able to prosecute the labor and bear the ex- 
 posure to which he had been so long accustomed. 
 But he was not idle. With utmost assiduity he 
 wrought in the narrower sphere to which he was 
 now confined. Whatever his hands found to do, he 
 truly did it with his might. His " Diary" at this 
 period and until within a few months of his death 
 is an unbroken record of unceasing toil. Except 
 
 294 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 for a season when absolutely laid aside by serious 
 illness he allowed himself no recreation, and, often 
 against the protests of friends and the advice of 
 the physician, he pressed on that he might finish 
 the work which he felt God had given him to do. 
 Did space permit, it would be interesting to fol- 
 low him in the detail of his occupations as we find 
 them recorded. This summary, however, must 
 sufiice: He preached two or three times every 
 Lord's Day, and frequently through the week. 
 When filling appointments with his churches, in 
 addition to preaching he superintended the Sun- 
 day-school. He took charge of the week-night 
 prayer-meetings and of the meetings of the various 
 organizations connected with the churches; he 
 visited faithfully the sick and dying of his congre- 
 gations, and attended many funerals, on which 
 occasions a sermon was expected. He personally 
 kept the accounts and records of three churches, 
 and while he was the promoter and mainspring of 
 every movement, yet so thoroughly did he efface 
 his own personality that a stranger examining 
 these records would hardly discover that he had 
 been identified with any of them. He superin- 
 tended the operations of the Christiansburg In- 
 stitute, maintained a large correspondence, per- 
 sonal and otherwise, gave himself faithfully to the 
 considerable work connected with the clerkship 
 of the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia, and 
 the only recreation he allowed himself amidst all 
 
 295 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 this toil was in itself fatiguing work in his beloved 
 garden among his plants and flowers. Thus the 
 last eight or ten years of his happy and useful life 
 were spent. 
 
 In the order of divine Providence it is not un- 
 usual to find the Lord's most loving and faithful 
 servants put to the severest tests of faith and en- 
 durance. And sometimes when in the fires of 
 affliction He seems to hold them up, as He did the 
 patriarch Job, that He may display in them to 
 saints and angels the marvellous possibilities of 
 His refining grace. Through such an experience of 
 severe bodily suffering Captain Schaeffer was now 
 called to pass. He had long been troubled at in- 
 tervals with an acute physical disability, which had 
 at last become so aggravated and exquisitely tor- 
 turing as to render necessary the frequent use of 
 opiates, and the only hope of permanent relief, it 
 was thought, lay in the use of the surgeon's 
 knife. 
 
 The operation was skilfully performed on the 
 1st of June, 1893, and gave great relief, but was 
 followed by consequences which entailed much in- 
 convenience and suffering until his death. The 
 spirit of patience, resignation, and faith manifested 
 during this painful experience is worthy of note. 
 
 June 6th, six days after the operation, he writes : 
 " I do not know how to thank the Lord enough 
 for His tender mercies to me. My soul, praise 
 His name. Oh, that my life may be more fully 
 
 296 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 consecrated to His service than ever before! My 
 thoughts are concentrated upward, homeward — 
 and yet to stay below if thus I may honor my Re- 
 deemer." 
 
 Again, on the 9th of June : " The Lord is my 
 strength and my song. Oh, how mercifully I have 
 been dealt with in this affliction !" 
 
 Again, on the i8th of June: " Rested without 
 the morphine last night, and felt much better 
 throughout the day. ' What shall I render unto 
 the Lord for all His benefits towards me; I will 
 take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name 
 of the Lord.' I am still looking unto Thee, O 
 Lord, for healing. Help Thou Thy servant, for 
 in Thee is never-failing strength." 
 
 Again, on the 19th: "Rested last night under 
 the influence of an opiate. The Lord graciously 
 deal with Thy servant throughout this day, and 
 may it please Thee to give healing power — not that 
 I am worthy to receive so gracious a boon, but 
 for the honor of Thy name and to the praise of 
 Thy sovereign grace. Thy will, however, not 
 mine, be done." 
 
 June 2ist. — " My whole being is in the hands of 
 the Lord. He is the Fountain Head. Whatsoever 
 He doeth is right. My heart drawn out towards 
 Him, with humble confession of my unworthiness, 
 this morning, and craving His divine compassion 
 and help. O Thou infinite One ! give strength 
 
 297 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 unto Thy servant, and grant divine healing, in the 
 name of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour," 
 
 June 2 2d. — " O my kind Heavenly Father, 
 Thou mayest expect Thy child to cling to Thee 
 in these times of unrest of body. Waiting, wait- 
 ing, speak the word only. The healing power is 
 Thine, and I am Thine and Thou art mine, in an 
 indissoluble bond never to be broken." 
 
 June 2yth. — " Rested during the night. Oh, 
 how good to rest from weariness. Jesus says, 
 ' Come unto me, and I will give you rest.' And 
 I bring soul, body, and spirit to Him for rest." 
 
 June 28th. — " Not so easy during the night. 
 But the Lord made it bearable, for which I am 
 grateful. May the Lord grant me patience to en- 
 dure whatever is in the front ; and should it please 
 Thee, kind Heavenly Father, specially direct as 
 to the means to be used for my recovery; or 
 * speak the word only,' and Thy ' servant shall be 
 healed.' I want it Thy way; my sight is too dim 
 in looking into the future. And the furnace is 
 necessary, that when I am tried I may come forth 
 as gold. The Lord of Hosts be with us. The 
 God of Jacob be our refuge. Shield me till all 
 these calamities are past," etc., etc., etc. 
 
 These last years of Captain Schaeffer's life, as 
 has been said, were full of earnest work and very 
 fruitful in winning souls. But the shadows were 
 beginning to lengthen, as when the sunset ap- 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 proaches, and his thoughts were often of heaven. 
 He never murmured, but it could be plainly seen 
 that he suffered much, and was ready to lay his 
 burden down at the Master's call. Thus he writes : 
 
 January i, i8pj. — " Thanks be to God that an- 
 other year of time has dawned upon us. May 
 blessings crown every step we take and our lives 
 be fully devoted to His service. Shield on every 
 side; prepare for every emergency. Shine away 
 the dark clouds of sorrow, and fit Thou us for our 
 great change from the low-grounds of earth, 
 should this year close our earthly career. Grant 
 us the cravings of our soul (should it please Thee 
 to do so) in the saving conversion of our beloved 
 son, and leave not any of our loved ones for whom 
 we are praying in any uncertainty in regard to 
 their eternal estate." 
 
 January ij, i8pj. — " Received a telegram in- 
 forming us of sister Lizzie's death at six o'clock 
 last evening. Another visit of the death angel to 
 our family circle. She is safely crossed over, how- 
 ever, and at Jesus' feet sat down." 
 
 And again, on the day of his sister's funeral : 
 
 January 17, i8pj. — " One more safely housed. 
 ('In my Father's house are many mansions.') 
 Lord, help Thy servant to press towards the heav- 
 enly country, and to stop not short of the throne 
 of God and the Lamb." 
 
 299 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 November i6, i8p6. — " My sixty-sixth birth- 
 day. The Lord still continues my life on the earth 
 to His praise and honor. The day gathering one 
 of great blessing. One old man professed faith 
 in the Lord Jesus, and one child. At night the 
 meeting deeply solemn, and new cases forward 
 for prayer." 
 
 November i8, i8p6. — " Returned home this af- 
 ternoon, when forty children came forward for 
 prayer and a number owned Jesus. At night six 
 professed faith in Christ. A wonderful time day 
 and night." 
 
 November 22, i8p6. — "Attended Big Springs 
 Church Sabbath-school and took my usual part. 
 Afterwards preached specially to young converts 
 from Matt. xvi. 17, ' Flesh and blood, etc' In the 
 afternoon the Lord's Supper. Then returned to 
 Christiansburg and attended the night's service, 
 in which a number professed faith in Christ. Re- 
 ceived during the day and night for baptism and 
 church fellowship sixty-four converts, etc., etc." 
 
 And thus, until he was laid aside, he continued 
 to display the same earnestness of purpose in 
 saving souls, and the same consecration of heart 
 in the service of his divine Lord. 
 
 During the autumn of 1898 that he was failing 
 was evident to his friends and especially to the 
 home circle. He spoke occasionally of his loss of 
 appetite, seemed afflicted with much thirst, and 
 
 300 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 went about his work in a quiet, thoughtful way 
 which was very significant. But he rarely com- 
 plained, and there appeared to be no ground for 
 immediate alarm. 
 
 With his usual determination to push to com- 
 pletion anything he undertook, against the re- 
 monstrances of his wife he made preparations for 
 the Christmas festival both at Christiansburg and 
 Big Springs, trimming the trees with his own 
 hands, and, ever thoughtful of others, refusing to 
 curtail the exercises lest the scholars should be dis- 
 appointed. After the four days of labor involved 
 in these preparations, it is not strange that he 
 writes : 
 
 December ^o, i8p8. — " Returned home this 
 A.M., and was sick and overworked." 
 
 On the following evening he attended his last 
 " Watch Meeting." 
 
 Saturday, December ji, i8g8. — " Better and 
 somewhat rested. Gave attention to settlement of 
 unsettled accounts for the year, and prepared for 
 to-night and to-morrow. At night annual watch^ 
 meeting with its usual services, which were full 
 of interest and blessing. My text. Psalm xc. 9, 
 ' We spend our years as a tale that is told.' As 
 our church-bell tolled out the year, we passed the 
 moments on our knees, trustingly committing our- 
 selves to the guidance of the Lord, and asking for 
 
 301 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 help to live faithful to our vows. To myself the 
 year has been one of great blessing and yet one of 
 severe suffering — sometimes almost unendurable, 
 making it necessary to seek constant help, strength, 
 and patience from the Lord to bear up under it. 
 But my kind Heavenly Father has carried me 
 safely along to this midnight hour. And with my 
 heart filled with gratitude and love to Him I can 
 say, ' My cup runneth over.' Goodness and mercy 
 have followed me, and my way has been prepared 
 before me." 
 
 On this closing night of the year he also notes 
 the completion of the third volume of his " Diary." 
 The large book is written full to the last line, and 
 at the foot of the last fly-leaf this record is found : 
 
 " As regards this third record-book of my life, 
 I have given too many of its pages to the outward 
 and very little, comparatively, to the inward ex- 
 periences through which I have passed, which have 
 been rich in blessings and abundant in the mercies 
 of God. My tongue could not tell it, much less 
 my pen write it : the course through which the 
 Lord has led me; the fire-burning processes of 
 divine grace, by which I have been brought on 
 my way; the heavenly passages of God's over- 
 whelming love to my soul ; the sparkling joys from 
 God's overpowering presence; the still, calm, 
 quiet, inundating, and never-to-be-forgotten mo- 
 
 302 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ments of the pervading influence of the blessed 
 Holy Spirit, with all His light, joy, peace, and 
 sanctifying power ; with all that has been revealed 
 to me in my meditations on God's infallible Truth, 
 which has been a lamp to my feet and a light to 
 my path ; the help I have had in preaching, in pas- 
 toral duties, and in contact with all classes of the 
 people. To the God of Israel belong all the praises. 
 My soul doth magnify the Lord, my maker, bene- 
 factor, friend, my all and in all. I close up this 
 volume with my whole heart broken up, in con- 
 trition, humility, and unfeigned repentance to- 
 wards God and faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, to 
 whom be glory both now and forever. Amen, 
 and Amen." 
 
 On the following Lord's Day he delivered the 
 annual sermon to the church, according to his cus- 
 tom, from I Kings xviii. 36, " Let it be known that 
 I have done all these things at thy word." The 
 text and discourse were singularly appropriate in 
 view of the fact that with the close of the day in 
 the providence of God his public ministrations were 
 to cease. " In the afternoon," he says, " I rested 
 my weary body, and at night preached my an- 
 nual sermon to young men from Job xxviii. 12, 
 'But where shall wisdom be found? And where 
 is the place of understanding?' " How little he 
 thought this was to be his last public discourse ! 
 
 He now began to realize that he was ill, and 
 303 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 became at last willing to yield to the importunities 
 of his family, and consented, for a time at least, 
 to take much needed rest. There seemed to come 
 over him, too, a beautiful submissiveness and resig- 
 nation, and he was ready to do or have done for 
 him all that loving hearts could suggest. He made 
 no plans for what he should do when he had re- 
 covered, either as to church work or home affairs. 
 The church work he committed to the deacons, and 
 personal matters he left in the hands of his farmer, 
 and peacefully rested, giving himself no further 
 trouble, even so much as expressing a wish con- 
 cerning them. He suffered considerably, and the 
 disease made rapid inroads on his strength; but 
 he was patient and cheerful, and his faith never 
 wavered, 
 
 A few passages from the " Diary :" 
 
 January 5, i8pp. — " Quite indisposed all day. 
 May the Lord graciously regard His servant in 
 his afflictions; give relief should it be His good 
 pleasure, or strength and patience to bear whatever 
 the circumstances of his case may require. I am 
 Thine, O Lord, in suffering, or when the hand of 
 affliction is lifted. Oh, for grace for every emer- 
 
 gency 
 
 January y, i8gp. — " Indisposed all day ; could 
 not go to Elliston to meet my appointment there. 
 May the Lord ffll His appointment with them. 
 ' Lo, I am with you always.' " 
 
 304 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 January 8, iSpp. — " Still under ajffliction of 
 body, but my soul is like a bird on the wing. I 
 mount ! I fly ! ' O grave, where is thy victory ? 
 O death, where is thy sting?' The body caged, 
 but my soul mounting upwards." 
 
 January i6. — " My soul cleaveth to Thee, O 
 Lord, my strength and my redeemer.' I am look- 
 ing to Thee in my afflictions; graciously remem- 
 ber the one whom ' Thou lovest,' for he is sick, 
 and all help must come from Thee." 
 
 As Captain Schaeffer steadily grew worse, and 
 his affliction refused to yield to the remedies, the 
 local physician advised that he be immediately 
 taken to Philadelphia for examination by a spe- 
 cialist. He arrived at his home at Germantown, 
 near Philadelphia, on January 31, greatly ex- 
 hausted by the journey, and the following day was 
 received into Jefferson Hospital, and was directly 
 placed under preparatory treatment. On February 
 7tli he underwent a serious surgical operation at 
 the hands of two eminent surgeons. The opera- 
 tion was successful, and he began at once to im- 
 prove, and was able to leave the Hospital on the 
 4th of March following. The operation, however, 
 was only preliminary, and gave but temporary re- 
 lief, but it was necessary to preserve his life, which 
 was threatened from uraemia. To effect a cure it 
 was found requisite to resort to another and much 
 more critical use of the knife. On March 7th he 
 20 305 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 was able to write a pastoral letter to the church at 
 Christiansburg, and on the i6th of the same 
 month, with Mrs. Schaeffer, he visited Atlantic 
 City, N. J., where he enjoyed the tonic of the sea- 
 air and the hot salt baths, in which he always de- 
 lighted, and had previously found beneficial. On 
 the morning of April 3d he writes in his " Diary :" 
 " I am looking to the Lord for directions what to 
 do in my case. I only know the will of my 
 Heavenly Father, and depend on the blessed Holy 
 Spirit to unfold it, all through my Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ." The next day he again 
 writes : " I went to the city this morning and 
 had a consultation with Dr. Loux. It appears 
 that no permanent relief can be obtained ex- 
 cept through another operation. This is severe, 
 but my life is in the Lord's hands; and if He has 
 further work for me to do in His service I am 
 sure to weather it; and if I am needed for the 
 more silent ministry of cheering the earthly loved 
 ones, the Lord will see to it that this shall be ac- 
 complished. At all events, whether I live or die 
 I am the Lord's, and whatever He wills I acquiesce 
 therein, and trust that the dear ones of my heart 
 may be of the same mind." 
 
 Again the following morning, April 5, he 
 writes : " I went again this morning to consult 
 Dr. Loux, and gave him directions to proceed, 
 still feeling that it is the Lord's will for me to un- 
 dergo this operation. The Lord now give me 
 
 306 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 strength, patience, and succoring mercy in my 
 case." 
 
 Returning from this consultation, he said to 
 Mrs. Schaeffer, " Well, Mama, I've decided to do 
 as the Doctor thinks best, even if necessary to sub- 
 mit to another operation." Mrs. Schaeffer replied, 
 as her eyes overflowed with tears, " O Papa, sup- 
 pose you shouldn't get over it, what should I do 
 without you?" " Just the very best you can. We 
 will commit all our interests into His hands." 
 Then he remarked : "I have written in my memo- 
 randum book my wishes and directions in case I 
 do not survive;" and that was the only time the 
 future was mentioned between them. 
 
 On the 7th of April he writes : " The Lord is 
 my joy and my song in the house of my pilgrim- 
 age. My hand is in His, what can I fear? I will 
 trust and not be afraid. Wrote to my churches 
 to-day." 
 
 There being no room vacant at the Hospital, it 
 was not until the 13th that he arrived there. On 
 that day he wrote : " I received tidings this a.m. 
 that my room is ready at the Hospital, where I 
 proceeded at noon. The Lord sustain the home 
 folks, who seem solicitous about me, and grant to 
 bear them up with all sustaining grace. And 
 should I not meet them again on earth, may they 
 meet me in heaven." 
 
 He was immediately placed under preparatory 
 treatment, and it was not until the 19th that the 
 
 307 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 surgeons were ready to operate. Meanwhile he 
 was cheered by daily visits from his wife and 
 friends, displaying throughout these days of wait- 
 ing a marvellous serenity and trustfulness beauti- 
 ful to witness, and filling up the tedious hours in 
 reading Dr. Lorimer's " Evidences of Christi- 
 anity." On the day above named the operation, 
 a very serious one, was successfully performed, 
 and three days later the crisis had passed and the 
 patient was " pronounced out of danger, and the 
 case considered by all most wonderful." 
 
 His bearing under the severe suffering incident 
 to the days which followed made a marked impres- 
 sion upon all who saw him. His patient endur- 
 ance, the evident appreciation of the attentions 
 shown him, the shining forth of a Christlike char- 
 acter in act and speech, and an unfailing trust in 
 his God and Saviour, called forth an unwonted in- 
 terest on the part of the resident surgeon and 
 nurses, which was more an expression of personal 
 esteem than of a mere professional or perfunctory 
 service. 
 
 About noon on the morning of May 4th he was 
 in a cheerful mood and feeling well, when Dr. 
 Loux, the surgeon-in-chief, paid the usual visit. 
 The Doctor was pleased to find him in good spirits 
 and so far on the way to recovery, and among 
 other encouraging words said, " Do not be dis- 
 couraged, you are getting on finely." In the after- 
 noon, while enjoying a visit from his sister-in- 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 law, he began to tell her of the hopeful things the 
 
 Doctor had spoken, and during the recital he began 
 
 to sing a hymn which he was wont to use to hearten 
 
 himself or others when things did not go just 
 
 right : 
 
 " Oh, do not be discouraged, 
 For Jesus is your friend ; 
 He'll give you grace to conquer, 
 And keep you to the end." 
 
 The next day he saw and conversed freely with 
 several friends, and appeared cheerful and strong. 
 At six P.M. Mrs. Schaeffer, rejoicing in the thought 
 of a speedy recovery and removal to their home, 
 bade him good-by for the night. At eight p.m. 
 he seemed disposed to sleep, and his special nurse, 
 who had been very faithful, made him as com- 
 fortable as possible and sat down to read. As she 
 sat reading, he called to her, and in response she 
 went immediately to the bedside. Observing that 
 the covering was disarranged, she attempted to put 
 it in place, when he remarked, — the death-chill 
 had already struck him, — " Don't, I'll take cold." 
 Seeing at a glance that an alarming change had 
 occurred, she immediately summoned the resident 
 surgeon, who was in an adjoining room, but before 
 he could reach the bedside Captain Schaeffer had 
 passed into the presence of his Lord amid the 
 eternal glory. 
 
 Thus expired on the evening of May 5, 1899, 
 at about half-past eight, this noble Christian man 
 
 309 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 and true servant of God, the immediate cause of 
 death being " heart-clot." 
 
 The funeral services were held on Wednesday 
 afternoon, May lo, 1899, at the family residence, 
 Germantown, Philadelphia. Rev. A. J. Rowland, 
 D.D., secretary of the American Baptist Publica- 
 tion Society, his former pastor, officiated, assisted 
 by Rev. T. S. Rumney, D.D., a valued friend, rec- 
 tor of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 Germantown. Among the many persons present 
 was Mr. William Poindexter, a deacon of Me- 
 morial Baptist Church, Christiansburg, Va., who 
 was sent by that body to represent them officially 
 on this occasion. The remains were laid away in 
 the family burial-lot in the beautiful Ivy Hill 
 Cemetery, Germantown. 
 
 Funeral obsequies were also simultaneously ob- 
 served by the Memorial Baptist Church, Chris- 
 tiansburg, Va., and by the Big Springs Baptist 
 Church, Elliston, Va. 
 
 At the former place in the early morning the 
 flag on the Institute building was raised at half- 
 mast, and at half-past one o'clock a signal from the 
 belfry of the Memorial Baptist Church, on Zion's 
 Hill, set every bell in the towns of Christiansburg 
 and Cambria tolling. Long before the hour ap- 
 pointed for the services the house was filled to its 
 utmost capacity with white and colored citizens of 
 the adjacent towns and country-side, who came to 
 do honor to his memory. The church was draped 
 
 310 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 in black, and a wealth of flowers testified to the 
 alffection of the people. The desk and Bible and 
 the large centre pulpit chair were coverd with the 
 symbols of mourning and not used again for three 
 months, those who served the church speaking 
 from a table placed at one side of the pulpit plat- 
 form. 
 
 Seated in the pulpit were Rev. Felix Johnson, 
 Rev. Elkanah Scott, Rev. T. W. Hooper, D.D., 
 and Rev. Lewis Holmes. In the rear of the pulpit 
 sat the choir. The space in front of the pulpit was 
 occupied by Rev. K. R. Richardson, Rev. George 
 Brown, Rev. C. H. Frazier, Rev. Floyd Meadows, 
 Rev. B. King, Rev. N. C. Burnett, Rev. T. E. 
 Morton, and Rev. T. W. Cooper. 
 
 The choir broke the solemn silence with " Num- 
 bered with the dead." Appropriate Scripture 
 readings and prayer followed by Rev. Elkanah 
 Scott. The choir sang " Asleep in Jesus." Rev. 
 T. W. Hooper, D.D., pastor of the (white) 
 Presbyterian Church, Christiansburg, spoke from 
 the words, " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
 Lord." He made very touching remarks concern- 
 ing the " vacant chair," and closed by saying, 
 " Captain Schaeffer lived in the Lord, and there- 
 fore we can be sure that he died in the Lord." 
 The choir then sang very affectingly, " Sweet rest 
 in heaven." Rev. N. C. Burnett, pastor of the 
 (white) Baptist Church, Cambria, also partici- 
 pated, speaking very appreciatively and affection- 
 
 311 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 ately of Captain Schaeffer's work among this peo- 
 ple. The funeral-sermon was preached by Rev. 
 Lewis Holmes, pastor of the New River (colored) 
 Baptist Church, from the text, " A great man is 
 fallen this day in Israel." Many reasons were 
 given why the deceased should be regarded as 
 great. He was great in his ability to organize 
 churches and Sunday-schools; great in helping 
 the needy; great in his personal work of saving 
 souls; great in his administrative power; great 
 as an educator; great in godliness and in the 
 purity of his life, etc. " Zion's Hill, and, in fact, 
 the State of Virginia, speak of his greatness." 
 
 Remarks were also made by several other minis- 
 ters, and a pastoral letter, written by Captain 
 Schaeffer a few days before his death, was read 
 as his parting word to his dear people. 
 
 The Big Springs Baptist Church, Elliston, was 
 also draped and a service similar to that previously 
 described was held. The people throughout the 
 wide field of his labors and influence were deeply 
 affected by his death, and his memory is loved 
 and revered by multitudes who are the better for 
 this life and the eternal future because he lived 
 and wrought among them. 
 
 As a tribute to the memory of this servant of 
 God, and to testify to future generations their ap- 
 preciation of his life-work in behalf of the Afro- 
 American, the Memorial Baptist Church caused 
 to be placed in their meeting-house to the right of 
 
 312 
 
A CONSECRATED LIFE 
 
 the pulpit a mural tablet in brass. This memorial 
 was unveiled to a great gathering of the people, 
 with appropriate religious exercises, on Lord's 
 Day, October i, 1899, the thirty-second anniver- 
 sary of the founding of the church : 
 
 " In Memory of 
 
 REV. CHARLES S. SCHAEFFER, 
 
 Born November 16, 1830 — Died May 5, 1899, 
 
 Founder of 
 
 THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH, 
 
 Christiansburg, Va., 
 
 and its pastor for twenty years. 
 
 Our Leader, Teacher, Brother, Friend; 
 IN WHOM the Christian virtues so blended 
 
 THAT he inspired OUR CONFIDENCE, 
 
 won our AFFECTION, 
 
 AND BY INSTRUCTION AND EXAMPLE 
 
 ENNOBLED OUR LIVES. 
 
 In RECOGNITION OF HIS SAINTLY CHARACTER, 
 
 HIS SELF-DENYING LABORS, 
 
 HIS OUTREACHING SYMPATHY WITH OUR RACE, 
 
 AND HIS ChRISTLY LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND, 
 
 THIS TABLET IS ERECTED 
 
 BY A GRATEFUL PEOPLE." 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 The following letter, written from Atlantic City, N. J., 
 where Captain Schaeffer was endeavoring to regain strength 
 after the first surgical operation, is of interest as containing 
 his last written words to the Memorial Baptist Church of 
 Christiansburg, Va. : 
 
 "March 23, 1899. 
 " Mrs. P. T. Grimes. 
 
 " Dear Sister in Christ : — Your very kind and welcome 
 letter of the 20th instant, informing me of the reception of 
 my recent letter to the church, and the expressions of loving 
 interest in my behalf by those whom I esteem so highly in 
 the Lord, and in whose lives my life has been bound up in 
 bands never to be broken, is received. 
 
 " I am grateful for the kind remembrance in prayer, and 
 for the heavenly succor which has been vouchsafed to me 
 in answer thereto, and for the merciful dealings of the 
 Lord with you all. To God over all, and blessed forever- 
 more, be all the praise, world without end ! Oh, there is 
 so much for me to be grateful for, far beyond what I am 
 able to express. 
 
 " My dear wife and I are spending two weeks at Atlantic 
 City, where I am taking the salt hot baths whenever the 
 outside weather will permit, hoping that our stay here may 
 
 result in permanent improvement My Philadelphia 
 
 physician has gone on a pleasure-trip to the West Indies, 
 and does not return until sometime during the first days 
 of April, so that I cannot tell you just when we shall re- 
 turn, as we wish to consult him before leaving for home. 
 
 " I am still a sufferer, and in some ways may be for the 
 remainder of my life ; but I am gaining in general health ; 
 the lost strength and flesh have been in great measure re- 
 stored, and I have considerably more endurance, with ability 
 to walk farther every day. 
 
 " We have been writing in the ' letter room,' where people 
 have been talking and just outside the band has been play- 
 ing, so that it has been a difficult matter to collect my 
 thoughts and write. 
 
 " Again expressing my gratefulness to you, and tendering 
 my heart-felt love to the church and kind remembrances 
 to all dear friends, I remain, 
 
 " Your brother in Christ, 
 
 " C. S. Schaeffer." 
 315 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 A fortnight later, his physician having returned, and 
 further surgical treatment having been decided upon, the 
 subjoined letter was sent to the Big Springs Baptist Church: 
 
 " No. 94 Haines Street, 
 " Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., April 7, 1899. 
 
 " To the Big Springs Baptist Church of Elliston, Va. 
 
 " Beloved in the Lord : — It vi^as my expectation soon to 
 be with you all, but the providences of the Lord seem to 
 direct differently, as the first operation does not now indi- 
 cate that it has reached the necessities of my case, and I 
 am about to undergo another equally severe. I am ex- 
 pecting to go back to the hospital within a very few days, — 
 as soon as preparations can be made for me, — and may have 
 to remain there two or three weeks or more, unless my 
 happy spirit should take its flight to the mansions of bliss 
 prior to the time of my expected recovery. I have com- 
 mitted the whole matter to the Lord, and it seems that He 
 would have me do just as I am about doing, and therefore 
 my entire confidence is in Him. May the dear church at 
 Elliston bear me up at this time in the arms of her faith, 
 that I may have the necessary strength, patience, trust, and 
 succor to carry me safely through. God bless you all. The 
 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 
 " Your loving pastor, 
 
 " C. S. SCIIAEFFER." 
 
 The following were the proceedings of the Valley Baptist 
 Association of Virginia, in its thirty-third annual session, 
 held with the First Baptist Church of East Radford, Mont- 
 gomery County, Va., August 9-1 1, 1899, commemorating 
 the death of its late clerk and fellow-servant of Christ, Rev. 
 C. S. Schaeffer : 
 
 The memorial services were introduced by singing 
 "Asleep in Jesus, oh, how sweet, etc." Portions of the fif- 
 teenth chapter of First Corinthians were then read by Rev. 
 W. F. Graham, D.D. Prayer was offered by Rev. C. D. 
 Patterson, followed by singing. Rev. W. T. Johnson, B.D., 
 who was appointed to preach the funeral sermon, then de- 
 livered an able discourse from Jer. ix. 21, " For death has 
 come up into our windows, and entered into our palaces." 
 The opening portion of this excellent presentation of the 
 truth was a careful analysis of and deserved tribute to the 
 
 316 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 character and work of Elder Schaeffer, which deeply moved 
 his audience. At intervals during the delivery the last 
 message of the departed brother to the Association — " The 
 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" — was re- 
 peated in such way as to touch all hearts. It was a most 
 solemn and interesting occasion. At the conclusion of the 
 sermon, after an appropriate hymn, remarks were made by 
 Elder B. F. Fox, D.D., moderator of the Association, and 
 Elder K. R. Richardson. A carefully prepared obituary re- 
 port was unanimously adopted, concluding with the follow- 
 ing: 
 
 "IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 "As the soldiers of Christ gather together once more to 
 tell of the conflicts of the past, how the battle is going, the 
 plans of campaign for the future, as they come trooping 
 over the mountains of Virginia, we notice with sorrow that 
 a noted general is missing and his place in the ranks is un- 
 filled. 
 
 " We speak of the veteran soldier of Christ, the Rev. C. 
 S. Schaeffer. 
 
 "When a man's journey through life is complete, when 
 his footprints are lost sight of in the Jordan of death, it 
 is the custom of his fellow-men to retrace his path, ex- 
 amine his trail inch by inch, hoping to learn from the 
 general direction what is the probable fate of the traveller 
 in the great beyond. 
 
 " When that is determined, we turn to moralizing, with 
 the hope of learning lessons with a view to being aided in 
 our journey, as all our paths lead to a common goal. 
 
 " A large portion of the pathway of the life of Rev. C. S. 
 Schaeffer lies through our midst, and all the world must 
 learn of its nature from us, from what we say of it and 
 from what we show forth in our individual and associational 
 life as to the influence of his character. 
 
 "As A Man. 
 
 " As a man, Rev. C. S. Schaeffer was above reproach and 
 a fountain of purity that sent its refreshing streams down 
 every mountain side and through every valley in our region. 
 All of us have felt the inspiration coming from a pure man. 
 
 " As A Preacher. 
 
 " The exalted position of a minister of God is one calling 
 for a high degree of consecration, of knowledge ; calling for 
 
 317 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 a keen appreciation of all that God wills of man and His 
 minister. 
 
 " On all these questions Rev. C. S. Schaeffer's life was a 
 flood of light, being a preacher of the Gospel after the man- 
 ner of the heralds of the cross in New Testament times. 
 
 " As A Pastor. 
 
 " It is not enough to merely preach the Gospel to a peo- 
 ple. After telling a man what to do, we must get down and 
 show him how to do it. The latter work is the task of the 
 pastor. 
 
 " Rev. C. S. Schaeffer was both a preacher and a pastor. 
 After telling his people what to do, he exemplified his 
 teachings in his life. By his personal conduct as much as 
 by his spoken word he called men to a higher life in Christ. 
 
 "In Our Association. 
 
 " There was, perhaps, nothing in our Association so much 
 a fixture as our beloved Brother Schaeffer. 
 
 " His place in our hearts was fixed, unvarying, and un- 
 changeable. When selected to a post of duty, his work was 
 always so well performed, his personal bearing so full of 
 grace, that a change was never thought of. 
 
 " Our respect, esteem, and love for Brother Schaeffer were 
 simply unbounded. 
 
 " The Extent of his Influence. 
 
 " It is said that if a pebble be dropped into the ocean it 
 will set in motion wave after wave that travels on and on 
 unto the remotest bounds of the sea. 
 
 " In the sea of human life it is the same. But Rev. C. S. 
 Schaeffer was a mountain range dropped down into the 
 sea of our lives, and the healthy stirring of the waters 
 outstretched in extent the scope of our vision or our im- 
 agination. Students upon whom he implanted the impress 
 of his grand soul have gone throughout Virginia, West Vir- 
 ginia, and other States. 
 
 " The extent of the good done by this heroic man will 
 never be known until it is told in judgment by the God 
 that robs the grave and forces the sea to give up its dead, 
 that He may have all the works of all His creatures before 
 Him. 
 
 " Our Highest Tribute. 
 
 " We feel that the highest tribute we can pay to the life 
 and labors of Rev. C. S. Schaeffer, is to commend him to 
 all men as worthy of their emulation 
 
 318 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 " We pray God to send more such men into the world 
 and into our midst, and incline our hearts to fully appre- 
 ciate and appropriate their goodness and greatness. 
 
 Elder B. F. Fox, D.D., 
 
 " Felix Johnson, 
 Deacon Wm. H. Poindexter, 
 Elder W. W. Brown, 
 
 W. T. Johnson, B.D. 
 " Elkanah Scott, 
 " Moses E. Johnson, 
 Prof. G. W. Hayes, A.M." 
 
 The following testimonial records the action of the Ex- 
 ecutive Board of the Friends' Freedmen's Association: 
 
 " 239 Market Street, Philadelphia. 6 mo. 12, 1899. 
 
 " Mrs. Charles S. Schaeffer. 
 
 " Esteemed Friend : — At the last meeting of the Execu- 
 tive Board of the Friends' Freedmen's Association, held 
 5 mo. 16, 1899, it was ordered that the following minute be 
 prepared and a copy be sent to the family of Captain Charles 
 S. Schaeffer as a token of our sympathy and of our esteem 
 for him. The minute is as follows : 
 
 " ' It has pleased our Heav nly Father to call to Himself 
 our much loved friend, Captain Charles S. Schaeffer. 
 
 " ' Impressed in early manhood by the gospel message, 
 he in turn sought to deliver it to others. Moved by the 
 wrongs of the negroes, he enlisted in the war which gave 
 them freedom. 
 
 " ' This service completed, he entered the Freedmen's Bu- 
 reau, and having been detailed to Southwestern Virginia, 
 established himself at Christiansburg. As an officer of the 
 Bureau he gave legal sanctity to the relations of many 
 thousand liberated slaves by recording them as married. 
 
 " ' He spent his life in preaching among them and caring 
 for these people and became their leader and revered au- 
 thority. His affections were towards them, his home and 
 family not far from them. They made him Secretary of the 
 Negro Baptist Conference of csouthwestern Virginia, con- 
 taining over six score congregations. 
 
 " ' To the Friends' Freedmen's Association he has been 
 a constant support and ally. He gave it the ground on 
 which the Christiansburg school-house stands. The school 
 has always enjoyed his deep interest, and we have often 
 relied on his judgment regarding it. 
 
 " ' His work when he began was a lonely one. Men 
 
 319 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 looked at it askance and avoided him. But so devoted was 
 he, so sweetly patient, that all came to admire both him and 
 his doings. He walked in all kindly ways, and so closely 
 walked that he grew in the knowledge of the power of 
 gentleness, and is known to have said that he could not 
 again put his hand to war. 
 
 " ' Such was the friend whom we afifectionately record to 
 have been a brave and wise gentleman, who loved his fel- 
 low-men and humbly served his God. 
 
 " ' Captain Charles S. Schaeffer was born November i6, 
 1830 ; entered the volunteer service of the United States 
 September 28, 1861 ; entered the Veteran Reserve Corps 
 October 4, 1864; was appointed to the Freedmen's Bureau 
 April 12, 1866 ; was married November 28, 1872 ; died 
 May 5, 1899. 
 
 " ' Resolved, That a copy of this minute be sent to his 
 family, and also to the Helper, the American Friend, and 
 the Commomvealth, with a request that it be published in 
 these journals.' 
 
 " Very respectfully, 
 
 " Joseph Rhodes, 
 
 " Secretary." 
 
 From among the many letters of condolence received by 
 Mrs. Schaeffer on the death of her husband, a few extracts 
 are subjoined. These selections represent white and colored 
 friends, both North and South : 
 
 " What a life has been lived ! What a work has been 
 done ! " Mrs. A. S. Coaxes." 
 
 " One of the most noble men that ever lived. My father, 
 who loved him above all earthly friends, when I first saw 
 the light of day named me after him, hoping I might grow 
 to be as noble and honorable as this great man was. I 
 treasure his name. " Charles S. Curtis." 
 
 "How he will be missed! Who can fill his place? He 
 will be mourned. Our people hardly know what a loss they 
 have sustained in his death. He has done more for this 
 community than any man who ever lived here. The in- 
 fluence for good that Captain Schaeffer exercised will never 
 cease, but will extend through the coming years into 
 eternity. " Mrs. M. M. Figgatt." 
 
 " If your dear husband had been only an ordinary man it 
 would be sad, but to part with one so far above even the 
 best of many we meet is hard indeed. What a record is 
 
 320 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 written above ! And what an abundant entrance truly is 
 his ! As I looked upon his face to-day, I could hear his 
 voice as I had so many times in the old (Tenth) church, 
 so well do I remember that voice leading in sacred song. 
 
 " Mrs. E. G. Harley." 
 
 " Many will mourn with you for his loss. He was a 
 good man and a lovely Christian. All who knew him 
 loved him. " Lizzie Simpson." 
 
 " He has done a great work. Faithfully and lovingly he 
 performed, and his Father in heaven has called him from 
 work to reward. He is forever at rest — in the rest that re- 
 maineth and the glory that excelleth. 
 
 " Mrs. C. K. Inglis." 
 
 " You have lost a devoted companion and we our best 
 friend. " Charles S. Marshall." 
 
 " I was greatly shocked at the news of the Captain's 
 death, and a feeling of sadness came over me that I cannot 
 describe. He was truly a man of God. I can never forget 
 the instruction I received from him in my youth, nor the 
 Christian example set by him in his dealings with every 
 one. " Ollie Page Stigall." 
 
 " I was pained and surprised to hear of your great loss. 
 I knew and loved the Captain, to whom I mainly owe my 
 success in this life and my hope in the world to come. God 
 has taken to Himself one of the best of men earth ever 
 knew. Not only Christiansburg, but the whole State of 
 Virginia and other States wherein he labored and was well 
 known will miss him for his many good works. 
 
 " Maggie Washington Thompson." 
 
 The letter which follows was received from President 
 King, late of Wayland Seminary, Washington, D. C, to 
 whom Captain Schaefifer sent many pupils, in response to 
 a request for copies of any correspondence in his possession 
 which might be suitable for use in this volume : 
 
 " Oakland, Md., September 19, 1899. 
 " Dear Brother Harrison : — For years I was in corre- 
 spondence with Rev. C. S. Schaefifer, who did a grand work 
 in and around Christiansburg, Va., but his letters have not 
 been preserved. 
 
 " Few men ever found more pleasure in living to minis- 
 ter, and he was always happiest when he could be the most 
 21 321 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 self-forgetful. Some of the men and women for whose 
 education he lived and sacrificed are filling responsible posi- 
 tions in the States where they have settled. 
 
 " He lived in a formative period : the work he did was as 
 difficult as it was important. He feared the Lord, and 
 great secrets were his. The world can never know the 
 hardest and the greatest part of such foundation work, 
 but this was no care to Brother Schaeffer. I am sure you 
 can number him among those of whom John was thinking 
 when he wrote, ' I heard a voice from heaven saying unto 
 me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
 henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
 their labors; and their works do follow them.' 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 "G. M. P. King. 
 " To Mr. Charles H. Harrison." 
 
 " Epiphany Rectory, Lynchburg, Va., 
 
 " December 14, 1899. 
 "Mrs. Charles S. Schaeffer, Christiansburg, Va. 
 
 " My dear Mrs. Schaeffer : — Although it has been a very 
 long time, please now let me say that it has been in my 
 mind and heart to write you ever since hearing of your be- 
 loved husband's Translation — for surely it was a Transla- 
 tion with him. Such a life as his is a benediction to all 
 who knew him, and to the times in which he lived. 
 
 " It is to me a real blessed memory to have known him, 
 and to have had him pray for me, and to have prayed for 
 him as a ' friend and brother beloved.' 
 
 " May God our Father fill your heart and the hearts of 
 all those whom He loves with the sweet consolations which 
 so abound, as you well know, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 May He who only can heal your wounded and broken 
 hearts fill your loneliness with the sweetness of His abiding 
 Presence. 
 
 " Looking down from the glory-land, he would say to 
 those he loved, ' Weep not for me.' Sweet and precious 
 as the Pilgrim life was, filled with the mercies and sustain- 
 ing grace of our God, yet the life in our ' Father's House' 
 is sweeter far. We may go to him, he cannot come to us. 
 
 " Please give my love to your family, whom it was my 
 privilege to meet. God bless them even as yourself. 
 
 " Nearer draws the Blessed Day of Christ our Saviour. 
 Onward comes the march of victory ! The day of His 
 appearing draweth apace ! We shall see Him as He is, and 
 be like Him. Pray for me. 
 
 " Faithfully your friend and fellow-servant in Christ, 
 
 "T. H. Lacey." 
 322 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 The subjoined letter from Rev. E. W. Stiles, a minister 
 (white) of the Methodist Episcopal Church, accompanied 
 the following report of the action of the citizens of Seneca, 
 Montgomery County, Va., concerning the death of Captain 
 Schaeffer : 
 
 " Seneca, Va., May 8, 1899, 8 p.m. 
 " Dear Mrs. Schaeffer : — I am an utter stranger to you, 
 though I was well acquainted with your late husband. It 
 is hardly respectful to send a paper of this sort without 
 some signature. I could have obtained hundreds, but time 
 would not admit. If, therefore, there seems any intrusion 
 in thus addressing you, I beg you will pardon me, accepting 
 my deep sympathy with you in your affliction as my excuse. 
 I remain, 
 
 " Very respectfully yours, 
 
 "(Rev.) E. W. Stiles. 
 "Mrs. Ada A. Schaeffer." 
 
 " Memorial Services at Seneca School-House. 
 
 " At a meeting held in Seneca school-house, Montgomery 
 County, Va., May 8, the following preamble and resolu- 
 tions were read and adopted by a hearty unanimous, rising 
 vote. 
 
 " Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance 
 was not altogether what we had hoped, so the sense of 
 every family in Seneca and of the surrounding white fami- 
 lies was taken, and a fervent and earnest indorsement re- 
 ceived in every case. 
 
 " Captain C. S. Schaeffer came to Montgomery County 
 just after the war as an agent of the Freedmen's Bureau. 
 This organization and its workings were very distasteful 
 to the white people of the South at this time, especially as 
 our feelings were very bitter against the Northern people 
 as the result of the war. But the Captain went to work in 
 a modest and gentlemanly manner, with his whole soul ab- 
 sorbed in the noble object of the elevation of the colored 
 race. He took a position '.hat very few people would have 
 been willing to assume under the existing circumstances and 
 state of feeling, not only between North and South, but 
 between black and white. He was considered by a vast num- 
 ber of the whites as lowering himself in a degree utterly 
 contemptible. As such, he was viLfied, slandered, and abused 
 in an outrageous manner by some, and utterly shunned and 
 avoided by many others who had too much self-respect to 
 be abusive. But gradually the Captain's work became more 
 
 323 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 and more spiritual, and his character and the object of his 
 life better understood by the people. Looking still in the 
 most unselfish and devoted manner to the temporal as well 
 as spiritual interests of those whose cause he had espoused, 
 he spent his money freely in relieving their embarrass- 
 ments, often buying whole tracts of land, which they could 
 not pay for, and giving them their own time to pay him. 
 As a minister of the gospel his life, health, and strength were 
 worn out in constant and laborious service in helping to 
 build churches, etc. His efforts and labors were unceasing. 
 
 " Under these circumstances, now that our Father in 
 heaven has removed him from our midst to join the host 
 of the redeemed spirits around the throne, we think it 
 becoming in us, who have been so greatly profited by his 
 faithful and untiring ministrations, to offer the following 
 resolutions : 
 
 "Resolved, ist. That we consider that the Rev. C. S. 
 Schaeffer in all his life and labors in our midst offered one 
 of the most perfect examples of the sincere, humble, and 
 genuine follower of Christ that it was ever our. privilege 
 to know or to hear of. 
 
 " 2d, That we never heard of a greater or more glorious 
 work being accomplished by the agency and ministrations 
 of any one servant of God. 
 
 "3d, That his efforts were marked not only by wonderful 
 executive ability, but by the most fervent, humble, and de- 
 voted piety. His sermons were powerful in reasoning, yet 
 simple and clear in language. He was always unobtrusive, 
 courteous, humble, and polite at all times to all persons. 
 
 " 4th, That as white people, we gladly acknowledge that to 
 him more than to anyone else, and, more than all other 
 agencies, to the gentle yet powerful influence of his sweet, 
 quiet, and able life, we owe the fact that we have over- 
 come our prejudices and now accept the will of God, and 
 love our colored and Northern brethren as we do one 
 another. 
 
 "5th, That as colored people, we feel as if we had lost a 
 father. We cannot express our gratitude to him who by 
 personal sacrifice saved us our lands, waiting on us indefi- 
 nitely until we could pay him. As a brother, too, he stood 
 up for us in every way in the time of our need. As a 
 father and a pastor he counselled, cheered, and ministered 
 to us in our needs, and the place of the friend we have lost 
 can never be filled in this world. 
 
 " 6th, That both as white and colored, we offer to the be- 
 reaved family our most heartfelt sympathy and the grati- 
 tude of our sad and overflowing hearts in this irreparable 
 bereavement both to us and to them. 
 
 " May God, in His mercy, ever bless and comfort his 
 
 324 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 family, and enable us all to remember his counsels and to 
 follow up his Christian work, so that, whilst his body lies 
 in the dust, his spirit may still be leading us on towards 
 that heavenly land where he now reigns with Christ, in 
 glory that shall last forever and forever more. 
 
 " A Member." 
 
 Exercises in connection with the unveiling of a Brass 
 Mural Tablet erected in memory of Rev. Charles S. Schaef- 
 fer, in the meeting-house at Christiansburg, Va., October i, 
 1899: 
 
 " The thirty-second anniversary of the organization of 
 the Memorial Baptist Church of Christiansburg was cele- 
 brated in the church building on Sunday, October ist, at 
 which time the tablet erected by the members of the church 
 in memory of their late pastor, Rev. C. S. Schaefifer, was un- 
 veiled. The church was filled to its utmost capacity, and 
 many were unable to gain admittance. There were visitors 
 present from Elliston, Vicar's, Blacksburg, Shawsville, Sen- 
 eca, Pulaski, and other places. 
 
 " The invocation was offered by Professor C. L. Marshall. 
 The opening Scripture was read by Orvil McNorton, a 
 member of the church and at present a student at Richmond 
 Theological Seminary. This was followed by prayer by 
 Rev. Lewis Holmes, an ordained minister of the church. 
 It was expected that Professor G. W. Hayes, president of 
 Lynchburg Seminary, would deliver an address, but early 
 on Sunday morning a telegram was received froiji his 
 physician, stating that he was confined to his bed and would 
 be unable to be present. 
 
 " The Rev. Elkanah Scott then introduced Rev. E. W. 
 Stiles, of Seneca, Va., who in a few well-chosen remarks paid 
 a high tribute to the Christ-like character and sanctity of 
 Mr. Schaeffer. After the address the choir sang one of the 
 favorite hymns of the late pastor, entitled ' Christ is all 
 the World to Me.' Following the hymn, the covering of the 
 tablet was removed, showing to those assembled a large brass 
 tablet mounted on a polished oak slab. 
 
 " The unveiling was followed by a duet and chorus by 
 Misses Jones and Tolliver and Messrs. Long and Trotter, 
 entitled ' Sometime We'll Understand,' the words of which 
 were particularly appropriate to the occasion. Following 
 the duet. Mr. McNorton read a paper eulogizing the late 
 pastor and calling attention to the fact that even if no tablet 
 had been erected there was still engraved on the hearts of 
 all tne people the deepest love for their departed leader. 
 
 32s 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 " After singing by the choir, Rev. Lewis Holmes preached, 
 taking as his text Exodus xxxiii. 14, ' And he said, My 
 presence will go with thee and I will give thee rest.' He 
 drew a comparison between Moses and Mr. Schaeffer as 
 leaders of the people — as Moses was called to lead the 
 Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt to the prom- 
 ised land, so Mr. Schaeffer was called by God to lead the 
 colored people of this section from the bondage of ignorance 
 and darkness into the glorious light of the truth. He dwelt 
 at considerable length on the various things the pastor had 
 accomplished for this race and paid the highest tribute to 
 his worth. 
 
 " Following the sermon, the quartette sang ' Saved by 
 Grace,' after which there was a reading by Mrs. P. T. 
 Grimes, entitled ' A Letter from the Departed,' which was 
 of a character to prove very helpful to those who are be- 
 reaved, quoting as it did in the form of a letter as coming 
 from the departed the various comforting and helpful prom- 
 ises of the Scriptures concerning the dead who die in the 
 Lord. The choir then sang an anthem, ' Just as I am, with- 
 out one plea,' and this interesting service closed." 
 
 This tribute from the pen of Rev. Willis W. Brown, 
 pastor of the High Street Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va., 
 where he preaches to more than one thousand persons 
 weekly, is quoted here because it furnishes a typical in- 
 stance of Captain Schaeffer's happy method of dealing with 
 a worthy class of men, who amid hindering circumstance 
 of every sort needed the encouraging word and helping 
 hand in the heroic struggle to qualify themselves for wider 
 usefulness : 
 
 " His place in the affections of the thousands of colored 
 people who have been helped by him never can be filled by 
 another. I, having been especially favored, feel a desire to 
 make a public acknowledgment of the benefits derived from 
 this man of God. I have more than once acknowledged in 
 my pulpit that much of my success in life as a Christian 
 and humble minister of the gospel is directly attributable to 
 the influence of that great lover of God's poor. 
 
 " It was in 1883, at Staunton River, Va., at the session of 
 the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia, that I first met 
 Rev. C. S. Schaeffer, a tall, saintly looking Christian gen- 
 tleman, the only white man in the body. He was the 
 secretary of the Association, and the respect that all were 
 
 326 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 paying to him, and the deep interest he was taking in the 
 brethren, won me the first day. I watched him as I did 
 no other during the entire session, because I came from the 
 backwoods, and this was the first time in all my life that 
 I had seen a white man interested in colored people and 
 actually at work with them and for them. This picture 
 made an indelible impression on my heart, and I never have 
 forgotten him nor this interest, and never will. Although 
 I have met many white men who were interested in the 
 elevation of the colored people since that meeting, yet in 
 all my experience I have not met one so devoted to this 
 work, and this is why I have said his place in the affec- 
 tions of thousands he has helped can never be filled. 
 
 " A year passed, and we were brought face to face with 
 this man of God in the next session of the Association at 
 Big Lick, now Roanoke City. Here our relation was made 
 dearer. I was appointed to preach on Sunday at ii a.m. 
 After the service he grasped my hand lovingly, in a way 
 that told me that there was a heart back of the act which 
 beat with a desire to help me render better service for 
 my Master. He invited me to come to Christiansburg that 
 fall and conduct his revival meetings. I went, and while 
 there I saw, as I had not a chance to see before, his love 
 for my people. 
 
 " He took me into his affections while there, and in- 
 quired into my opportunities and condition. I unbosomed 
 all to him, and it was not in vain. At the close of three 
 weeks' meetings, he gave me more money than the church 
 of which I was pastor paid me for a year's service, be- 
 sides an overcoat, the first I had ever owned, and many 
 useful articles for my wife and two little boys in a humble 
 log-cabin one hundred and fifty miles away in the moun- 
 tains. And, last and best of all, finding I had no books, 
 he took my address and assured me that I should have a 
 library. I had not long been home before a library of thir- 
 teen books was shipped to me from the American Baptist 
 Publication Society, all of which have been read, and some 
 of them read many times. Upon the instruction and inspira- 
 tion of those books I started my humble ministerial career. 
 I thank God that I can look back over a period of over 
 sixteen years of humble service that have been owned and 
 blessed of the Lord, the honor of which belongs first to 
 God, and secondly to Brother Charles S. Schaeffer. All 
 along through the years of my acquaintance and associa- 
 tion with him he has been the same friend and brother 
 to me. 
 
 " I have met him every year since that first meeting at 
 Staunton River, and some years I have had the pleasure of 
 meeting him several times. He was quite a help to me in 
 
 327 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 building my church, and came down with his lantern and 
 raised goodly sums of money for me and my people. 
 
 " When the sad intelligence was flashed over the wires 
 that a mortal arrow had pierced his frame in Philadelphia, 
 I received it on Saturday night, and before announcing my 
 text on Sunday morning communicated it to the people, 
 when a stillness swept over the audience that told of the 
 emotion that filled their hearts, and many wept. That mes- 
 sage told of the ending of a noble life, but ' his work still 
 lives to bless the children of a grateful people.' 
 
 " W. W. Brown." 
 
 The following is from the Montgomery Messenger of 
 May 12, 1899: 
 
 " Captain Charles S. Schaefifer died on Friday, May 5, 
 1899, at Jefferson Hospital, in Philadelphia, from the effects 
 of a severe surgical operation performed on him about three 
 weeks ago. He left his home in January to go to Phila- 
 delphia for treatment, and soon after arriving there a slight 
 surgical operation was performed with the expectation of 
 relieving him ; but this was not accomplished, and he had 
 to undergo a second and very critical one. He rallied so 
 well that his friends were led to believe his recovery was 
 assured, and the news of his death was not only a surprise, 
 but a great shock to his many friends here. 
 
 " He was a native of Philadelphia and commanded a 
 company in the Federal army in the war of 1861-65. At its 
 close he was sent to this place to take charge of the Freed- 
 men's Bureau, and when this was abolished he remained to 
 work among the negroes as a minister. He was as truly a 
 missionary as one who goes to the Congo. 
 
 " At a time when the war passions were intense, he cut 
 himself off from all associations with the whites and was 
 despised and contemned by them, but he firmly believed he 
 was called of God to work among the negroes and to de- 
 vote his life to bettering their condition morally and finan- 
 cially, and instructing them in true religion. He never fal- 
 tered in his purpose and suffered patiently all the reproach 
 that was heaped upon him. It came by degrees to be no- 
 ticed that he was thoroughly honest in his purposes and 
 gentlemanly in his bearing. Truly ' those who live godly 
 lives must suffer persecution.' As his business intercourse 
 brought him in contact with the people, they were struck 
 with his honesty, integrity, and fair-dealing, and as it be- 
 came evident that his earnest piety had induced him to 
 take up this work, and as he eschewed politics, respect be- 
 
 328 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 gan to ripen into admiration, and as the years went on, 
 he made fast friends of the best people in the community. 
 
 " He never cast a vote until the question of local option 
 came before the people, and then he for the first time regis- 
 tered as a voter and took a very active part in the elections 
 under that law, and it is very probable that through his 
 influence the saloon was abolished in this town, for he car- 
 ried the colored vote almost solid for the ' dry' ticket. 
 Who can estimate the benefit that that alone has been to 
 this community? The six thousand dollars that were an- 
 nually spent in the saloons now go to the mechants and 
 farmers for necessaries and luxuries for the wives and 
 children of those who formerly deposited that large amount 
 in the bar-rooms of this town. 
 
 " Captain Schaeffer's influence with his Northern friends 
 enabled him to raise large sums of money, with which he 
 built a brick college and church on the hill near the depot. 
 The school is in a flourishing condition and stands as a 
 monument to his fidelity and self-sacrifice for the negro 
 race. His character for years has been much admired and 
 respected and his loss will be seriously felt, as his influence 
 was all for good and there is no one to take his place. He 
 leaves a widow and one son, Mr. C. Harry Schaeffer. 
 
 " He was buried on Wednesday of this week in Philadel- 
 phia, and funeral services were held at his church on the 
 hill at the same hour as in Philadelphia." 
 
 329 
 
JUL 30 1900