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 THE PASTOR'S WIFE; 
 
 OR, 
 
 MEMOIRS OF E. M. 8.4... t 
 
 1 1 
 
 -,^«^,^xh^. 
 
 "a prudent wife is from the lord."— P?'o^;. xviii. 22. 
 
 
 imi 
 
 of y/asKit^^ j 
 
 
 ,o* 
 
 ct NEW YORK 
 
 .(^ 
 
 LITTLE, RENNIE & CO., 
 
 430 BROOME STREET. 
 
 1867. 
 
 V 
 

 Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1867, 
 
 By LITTLE, EENNIE & CO., 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the- Southern District of 
 New York. 
 
TO THE BELOVED 
 
 COIGREGATION OF TEOITY CHURCH, 
 
 APALAGHICOLA, FLOKIDA^ 
 
 WHO HAYE SYMPATHIZED WITH HEM IN AI^MCTION;, 
 
 THIS IxtTTIiE YDLmiE IS DEDICATED, 
 
 m THE SEVENTEENTH YEAE ©P HIS EECTOESHn% 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR 
 
\ 
 
PEEFAOE. 
 
 The object of this little volume is to effect 
 tlie dying wish of a tender mother — to be ke- 
 
 MEMBEBED BY HER CHILDREN. 
 
 It is written especially for them, — ^to rescue 
 from oblivion many incidents connected with 
 her memory, and calculated to impress their 
 minds. Hence its style and peculiarities. It 
 has been thought that something in print, in 
 the form of a book, would make an impression 
 and be preserved ; whereas a manuscript would 
 be apt to be lost and forgotten. 
 
 1* 
 
OOE'TEE'TS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Parentage— Birth— Incidents of Childhood— Early In- 
 struction—Death of Father— Eemoval to Philadel- 
 phia—Early Eeligious Influences— Completion of 
 Education— St. Philip's Church— Its Acceptable 
 Pastor— Miss Claxton B.'s Class— E.'s Baptism- 
 Large Confirmation, when she Ratifies her Yow— 
 Her Devoted Spirit— Teaches in Sunday-school- 
 Death of Mother IS 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Eeturn to New York— St. Thomas' Church— Teaches 
 in Sunday-school— Removal to the South— Yiolet 
 Home— Society— Energetic Disposition— Amusmg 
 Incident "^"^ 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 Marriage— New Residence— Change of Life— Sickness 
 of her Brother— His Baptism— Summer spent in 
 
O CONTENTS. 
 
 PAG» 
 
 Columbus — Death of John Morton — Return to Ap- 
 alachicola — Her Usefulness — The First-born — 
 Years 1855 and 1856 — Visitation of Bishop — Bap-, 
 tism of little John — Confinnation 83 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Climate — Travel to New York — Reception by Rela- 
 tives — Little John — Retum to Columbus — Birth of 
 William Lawrence — Reach home — 1857, Enlarge- 
 ment of Parsonage — ^Yisit of Aunt S 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Business of Apalachicola — ^Desertion of Place in Sum- 
 mer — Domestic Happiness — Gale of 1857 50 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1858 — Walter Burns bom — Scotch Character — Bishop's 
 Visitation — Hospitalities of Parsonage — House- 
 wifery — Benevolence of Disposition — Quiet Sum- 
 mer 57 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1859 — Prosperous Times — Bishop's Visitation — Con- 
 finnation — Walter Burns Baptized — Plans for En- 
 largement of Church — Travel and Sojourn at 
 
CONTENTS. y 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Abingdon, Virginia — Illness of Mrs. S Re- 
 
 ' covery and return Home 64 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A Grood "Wife from the Lord — Visit of Bishop — Con- 
 firmation — Summer of 1860 — Birth of Robert Dun- 
 can — The Believer's Family 72 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A Missionary Spirit cultivated — Mrs. S 's Tact — 
 
 Robert Duncan Baptized — Beautiful Behavior — 
 Measles among Children — Robert Duncan Sick — 
 Death — Funeral — Parsonage in Mom-ning 78 
 
 CH'APTER X. 
 
 Leave Appalachicola and reach Marietta — Comfortable 
 Quarters — Description of Place — Exercise and fine 
 
 Air — Improvement in Health — Mr. S , leaving 
 
 his Family at Marietta, goes down to Florida, and 
 returns next Summer — Birth of Jenny — ^Baptism — 
 Leave for and arrive in Columbus 86 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 Uncertainty about Disease — ^Mrs. S has a trouble- 
 some Affection — Mr. S leaves for Marianna — 
 
 Mrs. S 's Letters — Skill in Writing — Teaches 
 
 the Childi-en — Extracts from her Letters 93 
 
10 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Further Extracts — Suspicious Silence about her own 
 Health — Uneasiness — Painful Discovery — Hasty 
 return to Columbus 102 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Mrs. S 's Condition — ^Homoeopathic Physician called 
 
 in — Housekeeping— Well Situated — ^Daily Habits 
 — Company — Attention of Friends — Gradual De- 
 clme 108 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Fondness for Beading — Wishes about Children — En- 
 ergy of Will — ^Kides — Books read to her — Indus- 
 try — Favorite Beading 119 
 
 • 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Weakness — Wish to be remembered by Children — Af- 
 fecting Incidents — ^Fallacious Improvement — Ten- 
 derness of Conscience — Fluctuations of Feeling. . 126 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Makes Gifts to Children — Private Communion — Excel- 
 lence of the Office — Comfort from it 133 
 
CONTENTS. 11 
 
 CHAPTER XVIL 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Our Despondency— Daily Condition and Incidents — 
 Regular Service on Sunday, and her great Com- 
 fort 139 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Worse — Inquiiies about the Sick — Much Inflamma- 
 tion — Suffering — Sad closing Scene 152 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 Fimeral — Sermon at Chm-ch — Epitaph 160 
 
 CHAPTER XX, 
 
 Description of Person and Character — Soon followed 
 by many Friends — Glorious Thought 164 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Address to her Childi*en 173 
 
APPEITDIX. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 My Darlin' Jean 179 
 
 Violet Home '. 181 
 
 Bridal Annivei-sary 183 
 
 Song on John 186 
 
 Account of the Martyr, Lawrence Saunders 189 
 
 "Why am I Sick?" 192 
 
 On Friendship 196 
 
 To Eliza M 197 
 
 To the Same 198 
 
THE PASTOR'S WIFE; 
 
 OK, 
 
 MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 
 
 Qj] 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 HE subject of these memoirs was of 
 Scotch descent by both parents. Her 
 father, "Walter Morton, born in the an- 
 cient borough of Ayr, was educated by an 
 uncle, who taught an academy of high reputa- 
 tion, where the sons of the neighboring gentry 
 were prepared for the University. In this in- 
 stitution he acquired that mercantile training 
 which was so useful to him in after-life. His 
 family was highly respectable, and the associa- 
 tions under which he was brought up of the 
 best description. 
 
 3 
 
14 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 
 
 Among the companions of his yonth was 
 Robert Burns, who subsequently acquired so 
 great fame as a writer. Nearly related, and of 
 a like genial temperament, they often wandered 
 together over those scenes which have since 
 been immortalized by the genius of the poet. 
 It is in truth a lovely spot, and its inhabitants 
 merit the encomium given in Tam O'Shanter : 
 
 " Auld Ayr, wham ne'er a town surpasses 
 For honest men and bonny lasses." 
 
 But Morton, when quite a young man, deter- 
 mined to seek his fortune in America, and so 
 parted from his literary friend and relative, 
 whose early pieces were often submitted in 
 manuscript to his criticisms, and in whose 
 rising reputation he felt a deep interest and 
 pride. 
 
 The city of New York was at that time the 
 centre of attraction for enterprise and talent, 
 
 and "Walter Morton arrived there in , and 
 
 soon secured a situation in a commercial firm. 
 With a pleasing address and popular manners, 
 he gradually collected around him a circle of 
 friends and admirers, and had he possessed 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 15 
 
 sufficient capital, could have established him- 
 seM in business with fair prospects of success. 
 At length he was appointed an officer in the 
 customs, and subsequently chosen cashier of a 
 banking institution on "Wall-street. 
 
 Mr. Morton was now something over forty 
 years of age, and began to realize how dreary 
 and uncomfortable the life of an old bachelor 
 is, assenting to the scriptural truth, that it is 
 "not good for man to be alone." He hence 
 entered the arena in good earnest in quest of a 
 help-meet, and, influenced in his judgment by 
 his early sympathies, :H^ooed, and was so for- 
 tunate as to secure the affections of a Caledo- 
 nian lassie of like sentiments with himself, but 
 many years his junior. On November 23d, 
 1808, he married Miss Jane Stayley, who was 
 born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to Ameri- 
 ca with her family in . This lady is said, 
 
 by those who have seen her, to have been pos- 
 sessed of remarkably classical features; and 
 her portrait, by Jarvis, preserved in the family, 
 attests the correctness of the description. It 
 has a true Scotch countenance, fair complexion, 
 with Grecian nose and auburn hair. 
 
16 THE pastoe's wife; or, 
 
 From this union sprung ten children, of 
 whom six lived to maturity. Eliza, the subject 
 of these memoirs, was born January 27th, 1824, 
 being next to the youngest. Her parents lived 
 at the time on GreeuAvich-street, but soon re- 
 moved to No. 108 Waverley Place, where they 
 resided for nearly ten years. 
 
 She was a very sprightly a3:id good-tempered 
 little creature, and, when quite young, was sent 
 to an elementary school near by, kept by a 
 lady of high respectability, in reduced circum- 
 stances, where she showed much aptness in 
 mastering the rudiments, learning to read at 
 a very early age. "We do not know that there 
 is • any advantage in this precocity, but, as an 
 incident in her life, it is not amiss to mention 
 it. She next attended Mrs. Thomas's school 
 for a year or two, when she was enrolled at 
 the Seminary conducted by the Miss McClen- 
 ninghans, Bleecker-street, which had a high 
 reputation. Here the accomplishments were 
 added to the solid branches of learning, and 
 our subject availed herself of the advantages 
 to the utmost. Her attainments in English 
 literature and the French language were highly 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 17 
 
 respectable, but she failed in making much 
 progress in vocal and instrumental music, and 
 could not, after more than a year's trial, be in- 
 duced to pursue their study any longer. 
 
 Eliza's father,"^ who had many excellent quali- 
 ties and was much respected and beloved, died 
 when she was about five years old, leaving his 
 family in rather narrow circumstances ; which 
 made it necessary that the boys, the oldest of 
 whom was now in business, should aid in the 
 support of the household. 
 
 In a few years the bereaved widow's health 
 became dehcate, and a visit to Philadelphia 
 impressed her with the idea that a removal 
 thither would be of advantage ; which was ac- 
 cordingly done in the year 1840. 
 
 EUza was now quite a young lady, and pro- 
 gressing rapidly in her education; which was 
 continued and completed at the institution of 
 the Miss Smiths, well and favorably known 
 throughout the United States. 
 
 We have hitherto spoken solely of her mental, 
 but her moral culture had not been neglected. 
 
 * Appendix A. 
 
18 THE pastob's wife ; OE, 
 
 In the high-schools she attended the morning 
 exercises were opened with prayer, and, although 
 the Bible was not introduced as a text-book, 
 a moral influence was exercised. It was ex- 
 pected that the pupils would attend service 
 somewhere on Sunday ; and, on each Monday 
 morning, questions were asked about the texts 
 of the respective sermons heard. 
 
 This is a becoming practice in every seminary 
 of learning, and has a salutary effect in regula- 
 ting the behavior and preserving the discipKne 
 of the school. "Where God and the claims of 
 eternity are never introduced in any shape, 
 a presumption will arise in the mind of the 
 pupil, that her preceptress is indifferent, at the 
 least, to religion, and so far will there be ex- 
 erted an influence against it, and the sanctions 
 of its salutary restraints be weakened. 
 
 Eliza's parents were exemplary in all the 
 relations of life, but neither made any external 
 profession of rehgion. She was taught by her 
 mother to read the word of God, and to respect 
 the ordinances of Christianity ; but their saving 
 power she had never felt. The hereditary faith 
 of the family was Presbyterianism, and in New 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 19 
 
 York, Eliza often attended Dr. Skinner's churcli 
 with a pious aunt. "We think what she heard 
 there, combined with the impressions received 
 at school, first arrested her thoughts and awak- 
 ened serious reflection on eternity. Good seeds 
 were sown in the virgin soil of her heart by 
 these faithful teachings. Residing in the vicinity 
 of St. Clement's Church, she would also fre- 
 quently form one of its congregation. As yet, 
 governed by circumstances as to what place she 
 went, there was no denominational preference. 
 Soon, however, she was constrained to give that 
 matter some attention; for there was also a 
 Roman Cathohc influence which bore with some 
 power upon her. A branch of the family occu- 
 pying a high intellectual and social position, 
 and zealous for what they regarded as the right 
 way, were of that faith, which they illustrated 
 and adorned by every good work. The young 
 maiden loved her relatives, who thus presented 
 for her contemplation the severities of Puritan- 
 ism on the one hand, and the gaudy ritual of 
 Catholicity on the other. "While she respected 
 their judgments, she could not follow hotli ; and 
 so, we think, she took a direction which was 
 
20 THE pastoe's wife; or, 
 
 pretty mnch. the resultant of tlie two forces which 
 impelled her. Adopting a happy mean, she 
 concluded to seek her salvation in the bosom of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church. In this pref- 
 erence she was joined by her sister, and it was 
 promoted by securing a pew in St. Bartholo- 
 mew's Church, which was at a convenient dis- 
 tance. 
 
 The family, removing to Philadelphia, at- 
 tended the services at St. Luke's, until the new 
 church of St. Philip was erected in the neigh- 
 borhood, when they took a pew there. The 
 pastor. Dr. Neville, was highly efficient and ac- 
 ceptable in his ministrations, and the truth, as 
 set forth by him, made a deep impression upon 
 the subject of these memoirs, and others of the 
 household. They remembered well his intro- 
 ductory sermon, " "Who is sufficient for these 
 things?" and their hearts were prepared, as 
 fallow ground, for the good seed of the Word. 
 
 Eliza became a pupil in the Bible-class con- 
 ducted by Miss Claxton. This excellent lady 
 was often spoken of in after-life with affec- 
 tionate remembrance, as one who by her faith- 
 ful instructions had, as an auxiliary of tlie 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 21 
 
 pulpit, prepared the way of many who were 
 seeking their salvation. It was evidently thus 
 with our subject, whose feelings had for some 
 time been moved, so that she could say with 
 the Psalmist, " My heart is ready, my heart is 
 ready : I will give praise with the best member 
 that I have ;" but who required further know- 
 ledge, praying that her "mind might be opened 
 to understand the Scriptures." The pastor was 
 diligent in training the young, and yet there 
 was need of the aid of such an instrumentahty 
 as the Bible-class. The way now seemed plain 
 before her, and she determined, with the grace 
 of God, to walk in it, striving to " work out her 
 salvation with fear and trembling." Such was 
 the spirit of her mind. Having not yet been 
 baptized, she received the sacrament of Bap- 
 tism with a solemn reahzation of its importance. 
 We find this entry in her memorandum-book : 
 " Thursday Evening, February 17th, 1842 — Sis- 
 ter Jane and I were baptized by the Eev. Ed- 
 mund Neville, at St. Philip's Church, Phila. 
 ' O Lord, henceforth and forever I desire to be 
 wholly thine ! O Holy Spirit, grant unto me the 
 influences of thy grace to fulfil faithfully this 
 
22 THE pastoe's wipe; oe, 
 
 solemn, weighty vow and resolution I have 
 taken upon myself, trusting in thy gracious 
 help.' " 
 
 A few months after she was confirmed. The 
 occasion was a remarkable one, as the first in- 
 gathering of members into the new parish, and 
 also on account of the large number who par- 
 took of it. As the venerable ' Bishop Onder- 
 donk laid his hands on the head of each one 
 of the seventy candidates, saying, " Defend, O 
 Lord, this thy servant with thy heavenly grace, 
 that she may continue thine forever, and daily 
 increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, 
 until she come unto thy everlasting kingdom," 
 the scene was one of intense interest, and many 
 a prayer was silently breathed unto Heaven 
 that these persons might prove faithful, and 
 receive at last the heavenly inheritance. 
 
 The entry which she makes of it — written 
 off-hand — discloses the state of her mind and 
 heart. "April 17th. Renewed the vow made 
 at Baptism in the rite of Confirmation. Bishop 
 Onderdonk presiding, seventy persons confessed 
 Christ before men. Eternal and ever-blessed 
 God, this day do I, with the utmost solemnity, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 23 
 
 surrender myseK to Thee. I renounce all for- 
 ever, Lord, that have had dominion over me, 
 and I consecrate to Thee all that I have, all 
 that I am, the faculties of my mind, the mem- 
 bers of my body, my time and influence over 
 others, to be used entirely for Thy glory, and 
 resolutely employed in obedience to Thy com- 
 mands, so long as Thou continuest me in life, — • 
 with an ardent desire to continue Thine through- 
 out the endless ages of eternity ; ever holding 
 myself in an attentive posture to observe the 
 first intimation of Thy will, and ready to spring 
 forward with zeal and ^oy to the immediate ex- 
 ecution of it. To Thee I leave the management 
 of all events, and say, without reserve, ' Not my 
 will, but Thine be done.' Use me, O Lord, I 
 beseech Thee, as an instrument of Thy service ; 
 number me among Thy pecuUar people ; let me 
 be washed in the blood of Thy dear Son ; let 
 me be clothed with His righteousness ; let me 
 be sanctified by His Spirit ; transform me more 
 and more into His image ; impart to me, through 
 Him, all needful influences of Thy purifying, 
 cheering, comforting Spirit, and let, I beseech 
 Thee, my life be spent under those influences, 
 
24 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 
 
 and in the light of Thy gracious countenance as 
 my Father and my God." 
 
 We find she embraced the first opportunity 
 to commune, of which she makes this entry : 
 " April 27th. We sealed our vows by celebrating 
 the dying love of our Blessed Redeemer, in par- 
 taking of the emblems of His broken body and 
 poured-out blood. ' I am not worthy, O Lord, 
 to approach Thy table, but I thank Thee that, 
 through the merits of Thy dear Son, I have, 
 although an imperfect, unworthy, miserable sin- 
 ner, been made a partaker of this means of 
 grace. O may it have indeed been humbly re- 
 ceived by faith to my soul's health and comfort, 
 and indeed preserve my body and soul unto 
 everlasting hfe.' " 
 
 The inquiry with her now was that of the 
 Apostle, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" 
 and continued to be during her whole life. This 
 excellent self-dedication was not made in vain, 
 for she redeemed it faithfully. At once, she 
 entered the Sunday-school as a teacher, and as 
 long as she was connected with the parish, " she 
 did what she could" for its benefit. 
 
 A few more years passed over, and a sad 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 25 
 
 event occurred, wliich had a material influence 
 in deciding the future lot of our subject — her 
 beloved and excellent mother died suddenly of 
 apoplexy, January 23d, 1843. Mrs. Morton 
 was a superior woman, well educated, and pos- 
 sessed of every domestic virtue. She was bap- 
 tized in infancy in the Presbyterian Church, and 
 was a candidate for Confirmation at the time of 
 her death. She was devoted to her children, 
 and had passed her life in retirement, absorbed 
 in the cares of her numerous family. Possessed 
 of considerable poetical genius, she would often 
 indulge in little impromptu effusions, some of 
 which her children have retained in memory, 
 and which are excellent. She was utterly des- 
 titute of ambition, but a few short pieces^ from 
 her pen have survived her. Eliza, in recording 
 her death, says : " The holy influence and ex- 
 ample of such a blessed parent is still felt by 
 the offspring, who treasure the remembrance 
 of one so inestimable, so heavenly, pure, and 
 worthily and incalculably beloved by her own 
 kindred, and the object of universal esteem 
 
 '^' Appendix, G. 
 3 
 
26 THE pastor's wife ; aKy 
 
 and affection." Her remains were interred in 
 Laurel Hill Cemetery, with this inscription on 
 the headstone :^ 
 
 JANE, 
 
 DAUGHTER OF WM. STAYLET,, 
 AND RELICT OF WALTER MORTON^ 
 
 April eth, 1790, 
 
 DIED AT PHILADELPHIA^ 
 
 Jan. 2dd, 1843„ 
 
 * The grave is in Section L^. No. 172^ near the monument 
 ©f Romulus Eiggs. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 27 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 "^^^I^HE family was broken up, by the death 
 ZJ^s) of Mrs. Morton, in the course of the 
 Q}m^^ year. EUza returned to New York, 
 where her oldest brother was in business, and, 
 together with her only sister Jane, boarded at 
 the northeast corner of University Place and 
 Eighth-street, for nearly two years. They rent- 
 ed a pew in St. Thomas' Church, of which Dr. 
 Whitehouse was rector, and she became a 
 teacher in its extensive Sunday-school. 
 
 Two of her brothers had, for several years, 
 been in the Southern States, and at length 
 the sisters decided to make that section of 
 country their home, and accompanied their 
 brother John to Columbus, Georgia, in Novem- 
 ber, 1845. 
 
 This removal was an important era in their 
 lives, breaking up old associations and intro- 
 ducing them to a nev/ theatre of action ; but 
 they had no cause for regret in trusting them- 
 
28 THE pastob's wife; oe, 
 
 selves to tte guidance of a good Providence. 
 Those wlio preceded them had been success- 
 ful in procuring engagement, either in mer- 
 chandising or in the steamboat business ; and 
 the sisters were courteously received, and soon 
 made their way into society. At length, estab- 
 lished in their own plain but comfortable 
 residence, " Yiolet Home"^ became known as 
 the abode of contentment and the seat of 
 hospitality. They formed a delightful circle of 
 acquaintances,t and were privileged to number 
 among their friends the most inteUigent, vir- 
 tuous, and refined of the community. 
 
 Eliza's energetic disposition found engage- 
 ment in various benevolent enterprises, in the 
 several instrumentalities of usefulness in the 
 parish, and she was ever found ready to sub- 
 mit to the godly admonitions, and to assist in 
 sustaining the wise measures of her pastor. 
 During her residence here she formed many 
 dear associations, and enjoyed a large share of 
 earthly happiness, so that the eight years and 
 a few months spent in Columbus was a portion 
 
 * Appendix, B. f Appendix, H and I. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 29 
 
 of her life to whicli she looked back with very 
 pleasant reminiscences. 
 
 The Wynnton was a favorite boat on the 
 Chattahoochee Eiver, commanded by the cour- 
 teous Captain M . The people of the upper 
 
 country were accustomed to visit the Gulf region 
 for pleasure about the close of winter, as then 
 the peculiarities of climate were most observable, 
 and the Peninsular State appeared to most ad- 
 vantage as the land of flowers. Select parties 
 were formed for the Bay, to see its novelties ; 
 which embraced an excursion of about five 
 hundred miles and back. 
 
 It was in the month of March, 1852, that the 
 subject of these memoirs and her sister were in 
 the number of such a company of young people. 
 They passed down the river to Apalachicola ; 
 were hospitably entertained ; went to church 
 on Sunday ; had a sail on the placid bosom of 
 the Bay, with its numerous shipping at anchor ; 
 saw the Gulf with its marine wonders, and 
 wandered on the islands collecting curious and 
 beautiful sea-sheUs. At length, the boat having 
 discharged its cotton and received its return 
 freight, was under way for home again. 
 
 3^ 
 
30 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 A reyerend gentleman of venerable appear- 
 ance was among the passengers, whose ac- 
 quaintance they had formed, but of whose 
 history little was then known in that section of 
 country, which he had seldom visited. He 
 courteously approached the ladies, preferring 
 their society in the cabin, and accompanying 
 them when they walked on the forward-deck. 
 His urbanity of manners and interesting con- 
 versation, together with the concessions made 
 to his profession, secured him a gracious recep- 
 tion. Some, too, were members of his church 
 at one time. 
 
 Taking a parcel from his pocket, he said : 
 
 " Ladies, I have a valuable present here from 
 my friend, Mrs. C ." 
 
 "What is it, Bishop?" 
 
 " Yeast-cakes, Miss ; and I hope to have some 
 fine bread, than which nothing is more impor- 
 tant to the housekeeper." All were attentive. 
 " Only think how a little leaven will leaven the 
 whole lump ! So, dear ladies, it is with the Word 
 of God, fitly spoken. Divine truth, with the aid 
 of the Holy Spirit, is even like this humble yeast- 
 cake. A serious impression or sober thought, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Bl 
 
 if cultivated, will result in our salvation. ' The 
 kingdom of heaven cometh not by observation/ 
 but is gradual in its progress : attention, medita- 
 tion, prayer, conviction, and holy desires suc- 
 ceed esuGh other, as the sacred leaven spreads 
 from particle to particle, until the whole heart 
 is gained and given up to the Lord. So may it 
 be with you." 
 
 All were delighted at the appropriate simile, 
 and each felt acquainted with the paternal 
 spokesman, enjoyed his company, and admitted 
 him to full confidence. 
 
 The time passed pleasantly, as the evening 
 and morning succeeded each other. At length, 
 the shrill whistle blows, '''"What is that? is 
 asked, as the clerk of the boat politely advances 
 to inform the Bishop that they are approach- 
 ing his landing; and he rises to bid his fair 
 friends adieu, as the porter precedes him with 
 his baggage. 
 
 "Good-bye, Bishop," says Miss E , in 
 
 return to his warm grasp of the hand — " good 
 bye. I hope you will find your family all ivell at 
 homey 
 
 *' My family, Mss ?" — as he bows in retiring. 
 
32 TiiE pastok's wife; ok, 
 
 placing Ms hand to Ms heart — "the Church, 
 permit me to inform you, Miss, is my only 
 family'' Here was an astounding discovery! 
 They had, under a delusion, been cultivating 
 intimate relations with the hachelor bishop of the 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 "When he was gone, the laugh went around, 
 and no little merriment w^as' created at the 
 innocent blunder they had made. " How free 
 he must have thought me !" said one. " How in- 
 timate I became with him !" said another ; "but 
 who would have thought any other than a 
 married man would carry yeast-cakes in his 
 pocket?" All, however, were assured that he 
 meant nothing more than to be social and 
 agreeable, and they admitted freely that fJiey 
 loved the unsophisticated Bishop, and would 
 ever remember the incident of the yeast-cakes, 
 with the moral lesson of which he made them 
 the theme. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 33 
 
 CHAPTEE III. 
 
 ^N tlie 17th of February, 1854, Eliza was 
 united in holy wedlock to the Rector of 
 Trinity Church, Apalachicola, Florida. 
 The ceremony took place early in the morning, 
 in the Episcopal church, and was performed 
 by Eev. Benjamin S. Huntington. Carriages 
 were in waiting at the door, and the bridal 
 party passed down to the landing and embarked 
 on board the steamboat Osweechee for the Bay. 
 Henceforth we must regard her as assuming 
 a more important position, as she enters upon 
 those sober duties of life for which she was so 
 well fitted. She became the matron of a family, 
 and the efficient help-meet of one who was 
 laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. In the 
 retirement of private hfe there is nothing of a 
 striking nature to engage the attention, and we 
 can only represent our subject in the exercise 
 of those quiet domestic virtues which truly set 
 forth the character of a Christian woman in 
 
34 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 her appropriate sphere. With buoyant feelings 
 she took possession of her future home, and we 
 find this memorandum in her diary : " February 
 25th, Saturday : Entered our own home, and 
 took tea — the first meal." 
 
 The writer of these memoirs has always 
 thought that it is an evidence in the gentler 
 sex of an adventurous and self-denying spirit 
 to be willing to share the lot of a minister of 
 the Gospel, under any circumstances ; for even 
 should the situation be eligible, there are trials 
 and responsibilities connected with the posi- 
 tion which cannot commend it to the ordinary 
 mind. 
 
 Our subject, however, from the time she took 
 up her cross, had been " in the world without 
 being of it ;" and, although of a lively and 
 social disposition, was decidedly a sober-minded 
 person, impressed with the conviction that she 
 had a stewardship to fulfil, of which she must 
 render an account to her Lord at His coming. 
 She had a true missionary spirit, and, at one 
 time, even contemplated offering her services 
 to the Church for the foreign field, which noth- 
 ing prevented but the opposition of her rela- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 35 
 
 tiyes. Hence slie felt, no doubt, she was par- 
 tially fulfiUing lier original design in becoming 
 the partner of a parochial clergyman, and 
 looked forward to a field of subordinate use- 
 fuhiess. 
 
 The first year of married life is naturally 
 entered upon with bright schemes of happiness. 
 The mutual troth is plighted and given "for 
 better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness 
 and in health ;" but the buoyant anticipation of 
 the hour is always in favor of prosperity and a 
 lengthy union. It is proper that it should be 
 so ; and yet it is the mere hallucination of hope. 
 But life must be chequered — composed of shade 
 as well as sunshine — to fit us for our immortal 
 state, of which it is the probation. There is, 
 too, more actual enjoyment from this diversity, 
 while it improves the heart, by turning the 
 thoughts to heavenly things. 
 
 And the chastening hand of our heavenly 
 Father was early felt by Ehza. A beloved 
 brother, who was in declining health, arrived 
 from New Orleans ; and she embraced the op- 
 portunity to minister to his wants with deep 
 but sad satisfaction, for she had often mourned 
 
36 THE pastor's wife; OB, 
 
 over lier inability to do anything for him where 
 he was. It is true he was more immediately 
 under the care of her faithful and devoted 
 sister, but she testified in every way her affec- 
 tion. He had not been baptized; and, after 
 due preparation, the rite was performed at the 
 parsonage^ in the presence of chosen witnesses, 
 on a Sunday afternoon. 
 
 It was decided to spend the summer in Co- 
 lumbus, where it pleased God to remove the 
 invalid to a better world. The death of this 
 excellent and beloved brother cast a gloom over 
 the family ; and his memory was cherished with 
 much tenderness. How often would the sisters 
 dwell on his virtues! How much pleasure 
 would they take in relating the evidences of his 
 love ! It was the first death in the family, and 
 admonished its members of their mortality. 
 When the writer thinks of the intensity of their 
 grief, he realizes what a deep fountain of ten- 
 derness rests in a woman's heart, which seems 
 to discharge in a gushing stream when God is 
 pleased to take away the idol of her affection. 
 
 About the last of October, the parsonage at 
 Apalachicola was again occupied. The congre- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 37 
 
 gation at Trinity was gradually filling up, as the 
 inhabitants returned to their homes, and the 
 pastor gladly welcomed again his people as he 
 resumed his labors. In the towns far south, the 
 population is much diminished in the summer, 
 as many regularly seek a higher latitude, either 
 for health or enjoyment. This was especially 
 the case in the scene of our narrative ; but, 
 while there are advantages connected with a 
 change of climate to suit the season, it affects 
 disastrously the churches, by making their 
 attendance uncertain and fluctuating. "When 
 not much more than half the year is passed in 
 the parish by many, the minister loses, in a 
 measure, the oversight of his flock, and the 
 impressions which, by the grace of God, may 
 have been made on the hopeful hearer, fade 
 away by his lengthy absence from his seat in 
 the house of worship where only he is known 
 and recognized. 
 
 These were drawbacks to his ministry, of 
 which the rector of Trinity was painfully sen- 
 sible, although he saw they were unavoidable ; 
 but, we suppose, there is no field of labor which 
 has not its peculiar difiiculties. At the same 
 
 4 
 
38 THE pastoe's wife ; OE, 
 
 time he acknowledged, witli gratitude to God, 
 the aid his faithful help-meet brought him, in a 
 place where the business of a whole year is 
 
 crowded into some seven months. Mrs. S 
 
 had many quahties which fitted her for useful- 
 ness, which were gradually developed as occa- 
 sions arose for their exercise. Without any 
 pretension in her manner, the good influence 
 of her intercourse was quietly felt in the parish. 
 The incidents of private life are seldom inter- 
 esting to the general reader, and yet nothing 
 sets forth in so clear a light the character of 
 the subject of a memoir, as a description of 
 the most homely scenes in which she bore a 
 part. The writer has an affectionate remem- 
 brance of the zeal of the young wife, visiting 
 his parishioners, assisting in every good work, 
 and regretting, as she was accustomed to do, 
 that she was of so little use. There was evi- 
 dently an improvement going on, which re- 
 sulted, by and by, in the conversion of many 
 souls to the Redeemer. So closed the year 
 1854. 
 
 On the 13th of February, 1855, the inmates 
 of the parsonage had cause to thank God for 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 39 
 
 the safe arrival among them of a little stranger, 
 wlio was named John Morton, from his deceased 
 uncle. The joy which this event creates in every 
 household admits of no description, while it 
 changes the aspect of affairs and opens new 
 fountains of enjoyment. Affections, and a sense 
 of responsibility, arise in the parents' bosoms 
 which were never experienced before. The 
 infant son is an heir of immortahty, and prom- 
 ises to transmit the paternal name to the next 
 generation. It is the centre of attraction, and 
 every smile it gives goes to the heart of those 
 who bend in admiration over its cradle. But 
 while the yearnings of affection are indulged, 
 the thought that it has to be educated for 
 eternity, as well as time, should create sober 
 reflections with the Christian parent. In this 
 
 respect Mrs. S was an exemplary mother, 
 
 for she faithfully trained her family. So soon 
 as a child could lisp the words, it was taught a 
 little formulary of prayer of the simplest kind, 
 and next the catechism. Nowhere else so well 
 as on the mother's lap can these early lessons 
 be instilled as its faculties expand. 
 
 The years 1855 and 1856 were memorable in 
 
40 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 the history of the parish ; the congregation was 
 full, occupying every pew, and a Confirmation, 
 larger than in any previous year, was held. 
 There was an unusual number of adult bap- 
 tisms, and the minister's labors were made more 
 efficient from the comforts of a well-regulated 
 home, and the assistance of his faithful part- 
 ner. Mrs. 8 was not only quahfied to in- 
 struct the uninformed^ — to drop the word in 
 season — ^to exhort the careless and to encour- 
 age the timid — ^but she was fond of her pen, 
 and used it for the same purpose. Her visits 
 to the sick were characterized by much ten- 
 derness, and often her suggestions were useful. 
 These unobtrusive and secondary labors were 
 productive of more good than will ever be 
 known, until that day when the secrets of all 
 hearts shall be disclosed. 
 
 The goodly bishop visited the city in 1856, 
 and the congregation enjoyed^ the benefit of his 
 instructions and godly counsel. He officiated 
 on Sunday, April 15th, in Trinity Church, and 
 expressed himself well pleased at the condition 
 of the parish. It was an occasion to be remem- 
 bered, for the solemnity of the services, and the 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 41 
 
 unusual interest which they excited. In the 
 morning he baptized several children, — among 
 *whom was the Hector's son, — and at night con- 
 firmed a large class of candidates. The in- 
 crease which the Lord of the harvest was 
 pleased to bestow on his humble labors was 
 received with a grateful heart, and the year 
 recorded as one of the happiest of his life. 
 
 As hinted before, there is nothing attractive 
 in a clergyman's life to the weaker sex; but 
 true happiness, it should be remembered, is to be 
 sought in doing the duty to which God, in his 
 providence, has called us, whatever it may be. 
 And so, observing the spirit of the subject of 
 these memoirs, we could not doubt that, so far, 
 she had had superior enjoyment in this life of 
 comparative toil, to which she had devoted her- 
 self. Her cheerfulness and contentment were 
 the best evidences. Ah! how little is known 
 by the laity of the share of official burden 
 which is necessarily borne indirectly by the 
 clergyman's wife ! She fights half the battles, 
 by keeping off the anxieties of this world, and 
 enabling his attention to be given the more to 
 spiritual things. The stranger may often de- 
 
42 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 tecfc this individual without other information 
 than her appearance: the deep traces of care 
 in the countenance point out her who silently 
 endures and toils on in hope, with no other 
 reward than the gratification of that love which 
 induced her to devote her life to this goodly 
 work. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 43 
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 ^HE climate of tlie towns situated on the 
 GiiK of Mexico is surely fine, especially 
 during tlie fall and winter months. In- 
 deed, it is thought by many to equal the boasted 
 salubrity of Southern Italy. But the summer 
 has a parching heat — reheved by the sea- 
 breeze — which has an injurious effect upon the 
 health ; and it is beneficial and strengthening 
 to the constitution to have the bracing air of 
 the North, at least every other season. It was, 
 therefore, decided at the parsonage to fall in 
 with the general custom ; and the family left in 
 June, 1856, and, passing through Columbus, 
 arrived in the city of New York. At first, they 
 took rooms at a hotel on upper Broadway, but 
 su sequently secured piivate accommodations 
 at No. — Twenty-third street, not far from 
 
 Madison Square. . Mrs. S had relatives in 
 
 the city, especially an aged aunt, whom she 
 loved dearly. The old friends of her parents 
 
44 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 and her associates received her cordially, and 
 but for the number in family, she would have 
 accepted an invitation to spend the summer at 
 the house of a relative. The change of clime, 
 with the associations connected with early life, 
 had its effect upon her health and spirits, and 
 made the time pass away with much enjoy- 
 ment. Of a social disposition, she was fond of 
 visiting and intellectual amusements, and de- 
 lighted to take little John about with her in 
 the carriage to show him the wonders of the 
 metropolis. He was now at the interesting age 
 when he was learning to talk, and tried his best 
 to express in words his emotions at the marvel- 
 lous sights before him. We remember well — 
 standing with him in our arms, in the balcony 
 of the hotel on Broadway, where that beautiful 
 street was presented, as far as the eye could 
 reach, with its animated scenes of men and 
 vehicles, rushing along — how he bounded with 
 excitement, as he exclaimed : " Papa, horses ! 
 horses ! many horses — ^hundred horses !" He 
 had a strange habit of scraping the toe of his 
 shoe as he walked; which he would do with 
 much dexterity, but it gave him many a fall, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 45 
 
 and lie was broken of it with difficulty. As he 
 mingled, in the afternoon, with the children on 
 Madison Square, in the broad avenues under 
 the trees, he attracted much attention for his 
 precocity as the Florida boy. It was with some 
 trouble that his daguerreotype was taken at a 
 room on Broadway. 
 
 The time passed rapidly and pleasantly, and, 
 on the 1st of October, the party, which had 
 been increased by the arrival of a brother from 
 the South, were on their way to Philadelphia ; 
 whence, after remaining awhile to visit their 
 mother's grave and see some friends, they pro- 
 ceeded by rail to Columbus, Georgia, and took 
 quarters at the Broad-street House. Here 
 they were among old acquaintances, and felt at 
 home. The house, owned and kept by an aged 
 widow, has since given place to a capacious 
 warehouse, and is memorable as the spot where, 
 on the 1st of November, it pleased God to bless 
 the family with the gift of a little one, whom a 
 kind brother in the ministry, calling on the day 
 and learning the interesting event, facetiously 
 called " all saints." What its true designation 
 should be, was a matter of long debate : at 
 
46 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 length it was decided that it should be William 
 Lawrence, — the Christian name from its father, 
 and the middle from the martyr Lawrence 
 Sannders,^ who suffered in the reign of Queen 
 Mary. It was thought that he might be an 
 ancestor ; and, at all events, it was hoped that 
 the association might, in after-life, benefit the 
 boy, by exciting him to emulation and endur- 
 ance in the cause of virtue and religion. At 
 the least, having been born on a sacred day, it 
 was not amiss to call him after a veritable 
 saint. 
 
 As soon as Mrs. S could proceed, the 
 
 party renewed their journey, and were soon 
 again right glad to . breathe the balmy air of 
 the far South, and to gaze upon the bosom of 
 the great Gulf. The return home was quite as 
 much enjoyed as the journey was in anticipa- 
 tion before entered upon ; and now, with some 
 additions to the wardrobe, a little new furniture 
 for the rectory, and, especially, improved health, 
 all entered upon their duties with alacrity and 
 cheerfulness. There had been a longer vaca- 
 
 * Appendix, E. 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 47 
 
 tion than usual, and much was to be done. 
 Life in the parsonage is so closely connected 
 with the affairs of the Church, that it should 
 create no surprise if these memoirs seem to 
 some extent identical with the annals of the 
 parish. 
 
 The year 1857, comparatively speaking, was 
 a dull one, both as to business and the exten- 
 sion of the influences of Christianity; there 
 was, however, unusual activity among me- 
 chanics, created by the conflagration of last 
 year, and the general spirit of improvement 
 which was awakened. The parsonage, also, 
 was enlarged by the addition of a new building 
 connected with the old one, making it very 
 comfortable and spacious, reminding one, as a 
 wit remarked, of " the house with seven gables." 
 
 Although humble in its architecture, Mrs. 8^= 
 
 had always pronounced it "cozy," a term of 
 pecuhar expressiveness. The congregation had 
 rather diminished, and several pews presented 
 new occupants. The rector had from the be- 
 ginning been accustomed, as he entered the 
 chancel, to see certain faces, and their disap- 
 pearance reminded him of the mutabihty of 
 
48 THE pastob's wife; or, 
 
 human affairs. The senior warden especially, 
 his counsellor in trouble, no longer greeted him, 
 having removed with his family to the distant 
 land of his nativity. Alas ! how these changes 
 sadden the minister's heart ! He has, on such 
 occasions, to comfort himself with St. Paul's 
 anticipation, as he said: "But what is our 
 hope, our joy, and crown of rejoicing ? are not 
 ?/e, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at 
 His coming ?" God grant that there may be 
 a joyful meeting in our Father's kingdom of all 
 who have knelt at a common altar! But the 
 Church militant must change : thank God, the 
 Church triumphant cannot. 
 
 There being need of a teacher for the colored 
 
 class in the Sunday-school, Mra. S insisted 
 
 on taking it, and kept it up as long as she could 
 attend. Her instructions were efficient, and the 
 class became very large, evincing much attach- 
 ment to her. The pupils were taught the Creed 
 and Commandments, and could repeat hymns, 
 and quote Scripture, which was acquired by 
 oral instruction. The South has always taken 
 an interest in the religious culture of the African 
 race, but their peculiar character and love of 
 
MEMOmS OF E. M. S. 49 
 
 excitement have inclined tliem to prefer other 
 instructions than those of the Episcopal Church. 
 The servants at the parsonage, who had been 
 bred in the family, had been taught to read the 
 Bible. • 
 
 During this year the inmates of the parsonage 
 had the gratification of a visit from an aged 
 aunt, who came via New Orleans. A mother's 
 sister should always possess the affection of a 
 true heart, and be looked to with veneration as 
 the representative of her who is gone. It was 
 so in this instance ; and there was sadness in 
 
 the parting, when Mrs. S gave her the last 
 
 kiss, and viewed the boat receding from the 
 wharf with her whom she was to see no more 
 on earth. 
 
 On the 22d of March, "William Lawrence, 
 second son of the Rector, was baptized by his 
 father^-Eobert Myers and Ann E. Taylor being 
 sponsors. 
 
50 THE PAS!rOiR'^S WIFE; ©E^ 
 
 CHAPTEE V- 
 
 8 soon as the great staple of the country 
 and chief article of commerce has been 
 sold, or reduced materi^ly in the ware- 
 houseSj a considerable decrease takes place in 
 the population, and the hum of business sen- 
 sibly subsides. Apalachicola is the third cotton 
 port on the Gulf, and, in its best days, ranked 
 as the fifth in the Union — ^being really a New 
 York in miniature for a few months of the year, 
 A number of fine steamboats were constantly 
 arriving from the upper country, heavily laden 
 with cotton; the Passes were crowded with 
 shipping, and a forest of small vessels for load- 
 ing them filled the harbor. 
 
 By June, as usual, the business was over, and 
 a general breaking up took place ; the factors 
 departed, leaving what little remained to their 
 clerks or agents ; and, as a consequence, the 
 congregation of Trinity was much reduced in 
 numbers. The public promenade on the beach 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 51 
 
 was nearly deserted, so that where formerly in 
 the eyening you would meet almost every friend, 
 scarcely haK a dozen were to be seen. But the 
 circle, thus contracted, embraced such as seemed 
 more interested in each other, having leisure to 
 devote to social intercourse. When the ware- 
 houses are closed, the levee deserted, and the 
 sun descends with perpendicular ardor, then 
 the summer has set in in earnest, and a tedious 
 lonehness is realized. It is the time for each 
 family to retire within itself and enjoy domestic 
 happiness. There are then more moments for 
 reflection, reading, ^nd composition, and the 
 varied resources of home may be drawn upon. 
 
 Happily, the Kector of Trinity was blessed 
 with a- partner in w^hose society there could be 
 no languor, as she was ever ready to aid, prompt, 
 and encourage him. Sometimes she would pro- 
 pose texts for future sermons, and make sugges- 
 tions as to the ideas and arrangements, which 
 were useful. Often the evening, to a late hour, 
 would be spent on the piazza, when the glim- 
 mering light of the parsonage would be almost 
 the only one in the neighborhood which illumi- 
 nated the darkness. Amid the desertion, gloom, 
 
52 THE pastob's wife; OB, 
 
 and stillness of the scene, the Eector would, 
 with his faithful one, walk arm in arm back- 
 ward and forward for exercise, and then seated, 
 sing, in his plain way, a little song ^ he had 
 composed on the birth of his first-born. 
 
 The GuK ports are so near the tropical region, 
 that they are subject to pecuhar vicissitudes. 
 There are frequent storms, which sometimes 
 culminate in a gale, destroying life and prop- 
 erty ; and the time when they usually occur is 
 looked to with painful apprehension. In 1852 
 and 1853 the city was so visited, w^hen much 
 damage was done to the stores and churches. 
 Both storms took place on the 23d of August, 
 which hence was regarded as an ominous day 
 in the calendar. * 
 
 Those who have been in a gale, will never 
 forget the scene of confusion and consternation. 
 The wind increases in violence, until it blows 
 a hurricane ; the sea rolls in upon the land, and 
 the atmosphere is filled apparently with a driz- 
 zling rain, being the spray of the violently 
 agitated waves, carried through the air ; while 
 
 ^ Appendix, D. 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 53 
 
 persons are often blown down wlio expose 
 themselves to its power, and endangered by the 
 fragments of every sort which are flying around. 
 
 The summer of 1857 was drawing its tedious 
 length along ; and as there had been little rain, 
 the air had acquired an uncomfortable dryness, 
 which is regarded as a prognostic of a storm. 
 The sea-breeze was delightful, blowing often 
 hard, and, as August advanced, fears were en- 
 tertained of the calamity ; but the ominous day 
 passed, and the equinox also, and hope was in- 
 dulged that the danger was over. True, the 
 weather was rough, with high water in the har- 
 bor ; but that was nothing alarming. No period 
 is so dreary as the last of September, for then 
 the tediousness of the isolation seems to be 
 realized in the longing desire for the return of 
 the absentees, which the approach of the busi- 
 ness season awakens. 
 
 But the deep apathy into which all had 
 relapsed, was destined to be dispelled by what 
 would arouse them. The wind, which for many 
 days had been blowing hard from the east, 
 gradually veering around more to the south, 
 became violent, and, at high tide, the wharves 
 
 5^ . 
 
54 THE pastor's wife; oe, 
 
 were submerged. There was evident danger, 
 and the goods in the warehouses on Water- 
 street were removed to the upper stories, while 
 the steamboats and small vessels in harbor were 
 •run up the river for safety. Persons were fast- 
 ening up their windows and preparing for the 
 worst. 
 
 The little company at the parsonage partici- 
 pated in these fears, relying truly on a good 
 Providence as they used every precaution to 
 
 meet the crisis. Mrs. S was timid, and we 
 
 did not know how she could endure the agita- 
 tion. The house being of the cottage order, 
 one story with attic, did not present much 
 surface in proportion to its length to the wind, 
 and there was a fine circular barometer with 
 thermometer attached in the hall, for making 
 observations. 
 
 At daybreak, on October, the scene on 
 
 the beach was sublime — the Bay boihng with 
 agitation, like an immense cauldron, while the 
 water was encroaching rapidly on the land. 
 The mercury in the barometer was slowly sink- 
 ing, showing that the town was coming within 
 the vortex of the wind. The church shook so 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. B. 55 
 
 Tiolently, declining from a perpendicular, tliat 
 it was deemed unsafe to be in the yestry-room ; 
 no domestic duty could be attended to or food 
 prepared; and it was perilous to go witliout- 
 doors, where the vision was obscured by the 
 vast moving masses of sand, with sea-spray, 
 which filled the air. 
 
 It was necessary to pass through the storm 
 by a skilful use of the means of safety, or to 
 be carried away by it ; and so we were Tigilant 
 at our posts, as the wind howled with terrific 
 fury, apparently about to burst through all 
 opposition. While to the windward the win- 
 dows and doors were strongly barricaded, to 
 the leeward they were opened, and the vacilla- 
 tion of the wind watched with the indications 
 of the barometer, lest it should (as it does 
 sometimes) change suddenly to the opposite 
 quarter, when it would do great damage, if 
 a corresponding change were not made in the 
 defences. It was truly, a trying time of anxiety 
 for add but a little to the fury of the elements, 
 and no object, the most massive, could rest on 
 its base. 
 
 After being kept thus in suspense for hours. 
 
56 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 on duty as mucli as seamen in a storm, thank 
 God ! a good symptom was observable in the 
 barometer, as the mercury first rested, and 
 then rose gradually in the tube. It was hailed 
 with much joy; and soon there was a decline 
 in the wind, which ended in a perfect calm, the 
 atmosphere becoming cool and refreshing. As 
 the thermometer indicated a reduced tempera- 
 ture, we now had leisure to look about us, and 
 estimate the damage, which was much less 
 
 than on former occasions. Mrs. S had 
 
 remained quiet and self-possessed during the 
 confusion, and we all felt that sort of relief 
 which is experienced when a great danger has 
 been happily passed through — ^like the mariner 
 who escapes a watery grave. 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 57 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 ^HE year 1858 was ushered in with an 
 auspicious event ; on the 10th of Jan- 
 uary a son was born, who was named 
 Walter Burns, — the Christian name from his 
 grandfather, and the middle from his relative, 
 the Scottish bard. Some disapprove of middle 
 names as cumbersome, but they are surely use- 
 ful for purposes of discrimination ; and having 
 begun with assigning such to the children, it 
 was continued through a disposition to dispense 
 to all aUke, lest some should, in after-time, cast 
 reproach upon their parents for partiality in 
 the matter. The trouble, however, in each in- 
 stance is, to agree upon one ; which, amid the 
 conflicts of opinion in a family, is not easy. 
 Care should be taken to make the cognomen 
 answer some useful purpose to the one upon 
 whom it is bestowed, in the associations con- 
 nected with it. 
 
 The writer, in his admiration of Scotch char- 
 
68 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 acter, would call the attention of his children 
 to the noble characteristics of a people who 
 may boast of some names which history will 
 transmit to the latest posterity. Bruce, Wal- 
 lace, and others may be presented to the youth- 
 ful mind as models of patriotism and true 
 greatness. But while either of these would 
 have answered the purpose of edification bet- 
 ter, there would have been a seeming affecta- 
 tion in its adoption; which could not, under 
 the circumstances, apply to the one selected. 
 
 Burns' poetry is marked by a vein of origin- 
 ahty, and he was, what he professed to be, the 
 rustic bard, so true are his delineations of the 
 manners and sentiments of the Scottish peas- 
 antry. His amatory songs have an inimitable 
 tenderness, and his comic pieces possess a humor 
 which almost convulses the reader with laugh- 
 ter. The objection to his effusions is, that 
 they too often are stained with loose and pro- 
 fane expressions, which offend against good 
 taste, while they corrupt the morals. Had he 
 written oftener such pieces as the " Cotter's 
 Saturday Night," his works could be more 
 safely recommended to the juvenile reader. 
 
MEMOIHS OF E. M. S. 59 
 
 There was now unusual activity in the parish, 
 and the attendance increased, so that it became 
 necessary to provide more seats; which was 
 done by the subdivision of the double pews. 
 In March, the Bishop came, to the joy of all, 
 confirming a small class. It is always a nota- 
 ble time when the chief pastor makes his ap- 
 pearance, especially where the congregation of 
 a parish, from its location, seldom see or hear 
 any other than their own pastor. The parson- 
 age, of course, has its share of privileges on the 
 occasion. The friendly counsel and pleasant 
 interchange of thought on every topic, gave a 
 holiday to the poor Hector, whose heart is made 
 glad and his hand^ strengthened by this sym- 
 pathetic communication with his superior. 
 
 Some visits also were received this season 
 from the Rev. Mr. Hawks, of Columbus,* whose 
 dehghtful discourses refreshed us all. There 
 is, with one separated from his brethren, a 
 yearning for clerical intercourse ; and this ex- 
 cellent brother combined in his character rare 
 social quahties. The hospitalities of the par- 
 sonage, too, were dispensed by a goodly matron 
 who could commend its humble entertainment 
 
60 THE pastoe's wife ; OE, 
 
 by her cordial greeting, clieerful attentions, and 
 lively conversation. No one could feel other- 
 wise than at home where she moved, gracing 
 each kindly office by her pleasing manners. A 
 woman's theatre of glory is truly her own house, 
 in which, if she superintend and govern well, 
 she will show her superiority and adorn her 
 station. 
 
 The domestic qualities of Mrs. S were of 
 
 a high order. She was a paragon of industry, 
 economy, and good taste, in the arrangement 
 of her household affairs. The table which she 
 spread had abundance without display, and she 
 understood the art of " gathering up the frag- 
 ments, so that nothing should be lost" by sinful 
 w^aste. In this her skill as a good housewife 
 was shown, and her expansive benevolence. It 
 was surprising how much she could effect with 
 limited means, and how tidy and comfortable 
 she could make her family on a moderate in- 
 come, and yet have something to dispense in 
 charity. 
 
 She was an adept in making pastry, cakes, 
 and compounding rare dishes, for which she 
 had gathered receipts from all quarters, tran- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 61 
 
 scribing them from old books and verbal state- 
 misnts in a manuscript. Her study, too, was to 
 make a superior article in the cheapest way; 
 which surely is the test of housewifery. We 
 remember an occasion on which she made a 
 cake of extraordinary deUcacy from some sim- 
 ple materials, and sent round samples of it to 
 her neighbors, who had asked instructions in 
 the art. The cake was of goodly size, in the 
 form of a heart; and one lady, in returning 
 thanks, was pleased to perpetrate a pun, wri- 
 ting, that " the cake sent showed the goodness of 
 her hearty'' — a merited compliment. 
 
 There was certainly nothing that she de- 
 lighted so much in as conferring happiness 
 upon others, and especially in aiding the de- 
 serving poor, or encouraging those of humble 
 station. Many incidents might be given, illus- 
 trating her benevolence of disposition. If she 
 had nothing more, she was ready with a kind 
 word or sympathetic look, and always paid 
 especial respect to the feelings ot all, without 
 distinction. Did a mendicant apply for char- 
 ity — a stranger — she would not let her depart 
 empty handed, but would even ransack the 
 
4 
 
 imE: I 
 
 HE^ 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 63 
 
 tained as to healtli, but, through the mercy of 
 God, they were groundless. The family were 
 blessed with a quiet and delightful time. Dur- 
 ing the day, there was a fine sea-breeze blowing 
 to mitigate the heat, and occasional showers 
 to correct the dryness of the air and prevent 
 storms ; while the clear nights possessed a 
 pleasant temperature, through the condensa- 
 tion which covered the earth with a copious 
 dew, and the gaudious firmament invited to 
 adoration the most irreverent mind, by its 
 splendid display of " the glory of God." 
 
64 THE pastor's wife ; OE, 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. 
 
 |N 1859 there was a large supply of cotton, 
 and the effect was seen in the general 
 prosperity. Every branch of business was 
 active, and there were more strangers than 
 usual in the city. The attendance at Trinity 
 quite fiUed up the seats ; and when the Bishop 
 came in April, on his round of visitations, he 
 found a considerable class ready to receive the 
 apostolic rite at his hands. He also baptized 
 on the 17th, at the request of the minister, four 
 children ; among whom was Walter Burns, the 
 Rector's third son. The happiness of the occa- 
 sion was somewhat marred by a narrow escape 
 from accident. The Bishop, it seems, was la- 
 boring under weakness of the left arm, which 
 had been injured in a fall, yet thought, as the 
 children were young, he could perform the rite ; 
 but when he received Walter, he had become 
 fatigued (especially as one presented unexpect- 
 edly was quite heavy), and his arm relaxed as 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 65 
 
 the last words were uttered, so that the child 
 would have fallen against the marble font, but 
 that its father (who stood outside, in his sur- 
 plice, as sponsor) caught him in his arms at 
 the critical moment. 
 
 The pews being all taken, and, for the first 
 time in the history of the parish, a demand for 
 others existing, various plans of enlarging the 
 church were canvassed. Should the future cor- 
 respond with the present prospects, it was seen 
 that more room would be necessary, and some 
 spoke of side-galleries, while others favored 
 an extension from tie chancel. The fact is 
 thought worthy of mention in this place : alas ! 
 those bright anticipations have not yet been 
 realized. But we trust the civil commotions 
 which by and by scattered the congregation, 
 have merely postponed to a later day the en- 
 largement of the Lord's House. 
 
 As the summer approached, it was decided 
 to travel, and our thoughts were directed to 
 Eastern Tennessee, which is an elevated and 
 
 healthy region. Mrs. S had, for some time, 
 
 been suffering from an affection of which it was 
 necessary she should be reheved, and a change 
 
66 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 of climate and water was recommended by her 
 physician. The household now consisted of 
 
 seven persons, including Miss M- and the 
 
 colored nurse, and formed quite a party of 
 themselves. 
 
 "We left the latter part of June for Columbus, 
 where we remained a month, on account of 
 William's sickness, who had an attack of bil- 
 ious fever ; when, passing on by rail, we stop- 
 ped a few weeks at Greenville, Tennessee, a 
 pleasant village to which our attention had 
 been directed. We would have remained here, 
 but the writer, having been invited to officiate 
 in a parish not far off, thought it better to so- 
 journ where he could be usefully employed. 
 So we went on to Abingdon, Virginia, where 
 we took rooms in Mr. Eodifer's new hotel. 
 
 Abingdon is beautifully situated in a rich roll- 
 ing country, within sight of the Alleghany Moun- 
 tains, in Southwestern Virginia. The scenery 
 is fine, and the society of the best description, 
 there being much intelligence and refinement. 
 The change of clime and the prospect before 
 the eye, had an exhilarating effect upon Mrs. 
 S , who was an ardent admirer of nature, 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 07 
 
 and deliglited to take short walks through the 
 country with the children, witnessing their gam- 
 bols on the green sward, and gathering wild- 
 flowers. It is true, she could not at first do this 
 here, from the state of her health ; at the most, 
 she could only enjoy the landscape from the 
 balcony of the hotel, or in occasional rides. 
 
 She was unwell when she arrived from Green- 
 ville, which she left too soon, and, when apparent- 
 ly better, relapsed again under strange symp- 
 toms, which required medical advice. Her former 
 physician was skilful in his profession, and the 
 one called in here no less so, understanding 
 well the peculiar diseases of this section of 
 country. As the case developed itself, he pro- 
 nounced it typhus fever, to our great alarm. 
 
 For weeks Mrs. S was in bed, and at times 
 
 in a critical condition, requiring constant nur- 
 sing. She suffered much pain, and the fea- 
 tures of the disease were truly distressing, the 
 tongue being very much swollen, and the pa- 
 tient troubled with a parching thirst, while 
 drinking water only aggravated the symptoms. 
 
 Dr. Barr was assiduous in his attentions, 
 coming generally three times a day. We cai: 
 
68 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 never forget liim ; — so pleasant in the sick-room, 
 and sympathetic in his manner — so gifted in 
 his knowledge, and withal firm in his treat- 
 ment — ^he inspired all with the conviction that 
 he could be confided in, as capable of doing- 
 whatever human skill could accomplish. Alas ! 
 we were almost in despair, for the strong medi- 
 cines given did not have the usual effect upon 
 her system, and some were so distasteful that 
 her prejudices led her to refuse positively to 
 take them more. The doctor had, among other 
 things, prescribed spirits of turpentine, and 
 when w6 told him of the difficulty in contin- 
 uing it, he directed that it should, witlioid fail, 
 be given regularly, as it was absolutely neces- 
 sary, since without it the case was hopeless. 
 
 We remember well our trouble, when sitting 
 up with her on the eventful night, to adminis- 
 ter by the watch the hateful prescription. At 
 the hour, we took down the vial and commenced 
 dropping it on a lump of sugar. " Oh ! I will 
 not take it any more— no — do not bring it 
 here," she cried frantically ; " I had rather 
 die — my vitals are parched up, and it sends a 
 fire through my bones — don't bring it here — I 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. G9 
 
 will not take it any longer." We stated the 
 doctor's positiye order, its importance, remon- 
 strated, and at length begged her not to give 
 up hope, but go on one day longer ; and then, 
 if it did no good, promised to listen to its dis- 
 continuance. She was moved, and acquiesced 
 at length in the extension of the trial of the 
 medicine only so long, and passively swallowed 
 it at intervals during the night. Towards morn- 
 ing she fell into a sweet sleep, and oh, what was 
 our surprise and joy to hear her say, when she 
 awoke, "I feel so refreshed, and and there is 
 moisture on my tongue^'' We now had hope, 
 knowing that the hated prescription had pro- 
 duced the important change, and that the power 
 of the disease was being relaxed. 
 
 When she was out of danger, the doctor let 
 us know how critical her condition had been, 
 saying he had had a large number of such cases 
 this season, and had lost several whose symp- 
 toms were much less aggravated than hers. 
 
 Mrs. S often afterwards referred to this 
 
 period, expressing her gratitude to her Heaven- 
 ly Father for having spared her life, and for 
 blessing the means used to restore her ; and, at 
 
70 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 tlie same time, speaking in the most affection- 
 ate terms of her physician, who so faithfully 
 and disinterestedly attended her. "We were 
 willing and ready to remunerate him for his 
 valuable services, but he refused to receive any 
 thing. 
 
 By degrees Mrs. S gained strength, and 
 
 then she had the satisfaction of some social 
 intercourse, and was enabled to see the beau- 
 tiful country around. 
 
 John and "William were now growing apace, 
 and made no little noise, in despite of our 
 efforts to control them, in the hall of the hotel. 
 Will, especially, curiously pried into every thing, 
 going up to strangers and asking them ques- 
 tions. The kind-hearted doctor, on his arrival, 
 was usually greeted with some boisterous dem- 
 onstration, and, as he took notice of the boys, 
 they soon became more familiar than they 
 ought. He rode a noble horse, which was the 
 object of the children's admiration and our so- 
 licitude, lest in their criticisms approaching too 
 near, they should receive an unlucky kick ; and 
 when, after mounting himself, he hoisted them 
 up, one before and the other behind him, and 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 71 
 
 gave tliem a ride, they were frantic with de- 
 light, as it was their first- equestrian experience. 
 One day, when, after his visit, he was passing 
 out to mount his horse, he saw, to his astonish- 
 ment, the animal loose Jrom the fastening, and 
 "Will by his side, whip in hand, giving him an 
 occasional cut, as he cried, "Gee — ^whoa !" 
 
 "What are you doing there?" said the doc- 
 tor, somewhat angrily. 
 
 " I want to make the liorsee go," replied the 
 precocious youngster, two and a half years old. 
 
 In October the writer attended the General 
 Convention, at Richmond, and visited some 
 
 relatives : on his return, Mrs. S was much 
 
 improved in health, and the party, bidding 
 farewell to their kind friends in Abingdon, pro- 
 ceeded toward home, where they arrived in 
 November, thanking God for all His mercies. 
 
72 THE pastor's wtfe; OB, 
 
 CHAPTEE VIII. 
 
 * 
 
 ^HEEE is a charm in the word home, 
 where we were glad to be again. It may- 
 be truly said of the humblest abode, 
 that "contentment with godliness is great gain." 
 The domestic virtues, which adorn the female 
 character, make that home happy, and are thus 
 of inestimable value. In this spirit the sacred 
 writer says, " Who findeth a wife findeth a good 
 thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Un- 
 doubtedly, there is no greater blessing than 
 a faithful partner, who may be said to be a gift 
 from Heaven. Alas ! not every one who marries 
 a woman gets a wife in this just sense. Some- 
 times the bond becomes odious and a source 
 of misery. And yet it is wrong for those who 
 are unequally yoked to despair, since either 
 may be won by the Christian forbearance and 
 exemplary conduct of the other. 
 
 He who has gained the love of a virtuous 
 woman, is surely favored of the Lord, and 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 73 
 
 shoiild prize and nourisli her as a divinity, 
 who presides over his fortunes. She will en- 
 courage him in every noble aim, will sustain 
 him in adversity, and help him to enjoy pros- 
 perity, — since by her the cares of Ufe will be 
 divided and its joys doubled. Such was the 
 experience of the writer. Mrs. S pos- 
 sessed, as the foundation of her many good 
 qualities, " contentment with godliness," and ex- 
 perienced their advantages : they were, indeed, 
 to her household " great gain." The dispo- 
 sition to acquiesce in the allotments of Provi- 
 dence, which proceeds from a belief in Chris- 
 tianity, and which makes us put a due estimate 
 on the «vorld, is invaluable, because, in its 
 possession, we feel we have a permanent in- 
 heritance in prospective, which trials below 
 only prepare us for, since "the things which 
 are seen are temporal, but those not seen, 
 eternal." And so, too, there is more solid 
 satisfaction from what is given us. when used 
 with temperance and a grateful heart: "the 
 meek shall possess the earth." 
 
 Mrs. S did not crave the riches or go 
 
 after the fashions of the world, since they had 
 
 7 
 
74 THE pastor's wife; OEy 
 
 no charms for her. She valued nothing so 
 much as her children^ which were her jewels, 
 upon whom her heart was set^. and to whose 
 care and training much of her time was de- 
 Yoted. As to herself, she practised a laudable 
 self-denial, dressing plainly^ but neatly, and 
 avoiding the vanity of display in everything,, on 
 principle. It might with the utmost propriety 
 be said, that her chief " ornament was a meek 
 and quiet spirit." 
 
 And, while true and consistent in her daily 
 walk and conversation, she could never be ac- 
 cused of any affectation of sanctity. Every 
 action testified to the sincerity of her profession, 
 so that she was an epistle that could b^ read of 
 all, that she had been with Jesus. It was this 
 pious disposition, leading to contentment and 
 trust in an overruling Providence, which, while 
 it profited her in securing her salvation, made 
 home happy, and endeared her to all who came 
 within her circle. 
 
 Her religion sat easy upon her, beautifying 
 her character ; and while her consistency made 
 her respected, her enlarged charity gained her 
 the love of aU. Devoid of both cant and aus- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 75 
 
 terity, she kept the fasts, and made much of 
 the festivals of the Church. The Prayer-Book 
 was revered next to the Bible, and well under- 
 stood in every part. Any irregularity or ru- 
 brical departure was at once detected by her. 
 At the same time, her spirit was eminently 
 catholic, for she could not bear to hear any 
 talk of High or Low Church, saying, she was 
 simply a churchwoman ; and that was designa- 
 tion enough. 
 
 But while she was thus decided and consist- 
 ent, she was slow in commenting with severity 
 upon the characters of others, possessing emi- 
 nently that " charity which thinketh no evil." 
 Indeed, it might be said of her, that there was 
 an abuse of this Christian grace, for it rendered 
 her too trustful of others, laying her open to 
 unpleasant disappointments in her estimate of 
 mankind. She was thus blinded too much to 
 their obvious faults. Its correct tendency, 
 however, was most happy, for it led to a rare 
 freedom from evil-speaking. She never coun- 
 tenanced a slander, and it has been remarked 
 that she always defended the absent, in the 
 goodness of her heart acting as their advocate, 
 
76 THE pastor's wife; OB, 
 
 by bringing forward whatever could be told in. 
 extenuation of their faults. 
 
 These amiable propensities made her beloved 
 in her circle, and gained her the respect and 
 confidence of every rank. We refer succinctly 
 to them here, as naturally suggested when 
 mention is made of what makes home attractive 
 and happy. A gossip or busybody, an evil- 
 minded person, who is always prying into her 
 neighbors' affairs, and neglecting her own, 
 brings much foreign trouble into a family, to 
 add 'to the cares which are inseparably con- 
 nected with its responsibihties. 
 
 Our beloved chief pastor arrived in the 
 spring, to relieve the monotony of so secluded 
 a parish, inspiring us with more animation, and 
 reviving our zeal in every good ^^^ork. A small 
 number were confirmed. He preached with 
 much fervor, in his excellent, practical style, 
 and aided the minister, by visiting with him 
 from house to house. There was much to 
 edify in the Bishop's discourses, which were of 
 the plain, solid order, never condescending to 
 use ornament, but aiming directly at the judg- 
 ment and heart. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 77 
 
 The STimmer of 1860 was rendered memorable 
 by tlie birth, on the 3d of August, of a son, who 
 was called Eobert Duncan, — the Christian name 
 from a beloved uncle of his father, and the 
 middle from Duncan Kennedy, Esq., of New 
 York city. A more beautiful little creature 
 Was never seen, and he soon became the idol of 
 our hearts. Each successive child has a larger 
 number to greet it, and this one had a Uttle 
 circle of brothers to admire and caress him. 
 
 There were now four little boys, whom their 
 affectionate mother compared to ^* steps and 
 stairs," so regular was the gradation from one 
 to another ; and yet each was unlike his fellows, 
 having peculiarities of his own. They were 
 mementos, truly, of the flight of time, and 
 objects of hopeful anticipation and constant 
 prayer. When we beheld them seated at meals 
 (with Eobbie, by-and-by, occasionally placed 
 on a high chair), we reahzed the beauty and 
 justness of the Psalmist's description of the 
 believer's ' family — " Thy children, like oUve- 
 plants, round about thy table." 
 
 7* 
 
78 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 
 
 CHAPTEE IX. 
 
 ^HE nurture of a missionary spirit in the 
 young, is of great importance to the 
 vitality and perpetuation of the Gospel. 
 The lambs of the flock should not only be bred 
 up in the fold of the Church, and be made to 
 love it, but they should also be trained to seek 
 its extension. On this principle, the children 
 of the parsonage were early " told what a solemn 
 vow, promise, and profession they had made" 
 by their sponsors, when placed in the Holy 
 Catholic Church, were instructed in their duty 
 to extend its limits, and encouraged to give 
 any little money they might have to missions, 
 rather than to use it for toys and dehcacies. 
 And to lead their minds to the subject, a do- 
 nation was annually made to missions under 
 each name, and their attention called to its 
 acknowledgment in the "spirit of missions." 
 When they could severally read, they were 
 delighted to look at it in print, felt interested 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. B. 79 
 
 in the subject, and talked of it among tliem- 
 selves. Tkeir mother possessed an admirable 
 tact in gaining their attention, and communi- 
 cating with them in terms suited to their ex- 
 panding faculties ; and she imparted much in- 
 struction by the habitual inculcation of moral 
 lessons from the cradle. She would show them 
 any sacred picture about the house, and explain 
 the parts ; for instance, to that of the Holy 
 Family, where she would point out Jesus in the 
 Virgin's lap, with little John the Baptist, only 
 six months older, standing by her side, and 
 playing with Him. This dehghted them, an i 
 they soon acquired some knowledge of Scrip- 
 tural characters and incidents. This year, 
 1861, there were four httle contributors to 
 missions — John, William, Walter, and Robert. 
 
 The weather now was pleasant, and it was 
 decided to have Hobert Duncan baptized, which 
 rite had been postponed in the hope that the 
 Bishop would come. It being understood that 
 he could not, the rite had to be performed by 
 the father, and due preparations were made. 
 So on Sunday, i^pril 14th, he was presented, 
 and attracted unusual attention by his fine ap- 
 
83 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 pearance and angelic behavior. "WTien placed 
 in the minister's arms, lie was so buoyant with 
 life, playing with his bands, that it was some- 
 what difficult to hold him, and at the applica- 
 tion of the consecrated water and signing him 
 with the cross, his little features beamed with 
 animation and an inquisitiye look, as if asking 
 what it all meant. The sacred rite performed, 
 he was taken away by the colored nurse, in an 
 ecstasy at the music and the novel surround- 
 ings. Dear, blessed child ! then placed in the 
 kingdom on earth, but fitter by far for that in 
 heaven, whither it pleased God so soon to 
 remove him ! 
 
 There had been little sickness at the rectory ; 
 and the children had been treated with so much 
 care by their devoted mother, and so much 
 attention had been given to their diet and 
 habits, that they were among the heartiest 
 about town. An affectionate sister, too, aided 
 in these interesting duties. The many diseases 
 common to children had thus far been escaped ; 
 but now John showed symptoms of the mea- 
 sles, and soon WiUiam and Walter took the dis- 
 ease successively. The infant was kept away 
 
MEMOIKS OF E. M. «. 81 
 
 until they were convalescent, when all played, 
 together as nsnal. Soon "Walter relapsed, and 
 Eobert had a fever, with his bowels much af- 
 fected, which was, at first, supposed to arise 
 
 from teething. Dr. C came in, and next 
 
 Dr. S , the family physician, attended. Both 
 
 children were quite sick, but Eobert in some 
 danger. We were much alarmed when he had 
 a convulsion, but he seemed again much better, 
 and we vacillated between hope and fear for 
 several days. On the night of the 3d of May, a 
 kind parishioner sat up with the child, insisting 
 that the family should retire and take their 
 much-needed rest ; which they did about one 
 o'clock, not supposing there was any immediate 
 
 danger. At about 3 o'clock A. m., Mr. S 
 
 was aroused by its laborious breathing, and go- 
 ing in, saw it was evidently dying. Its mother 
 and aunt were called, and in a short time, as 
 we surrounded it in prayer, its pure spirit 
 quietly passed away. 
 
 The distress occasioned by this sad event 
 can be appreciated only by those who have lost 
 a child for the first time. The yearnings of our 
 hearts towards the little creature were intense, 
 
82 THE pastoe's wife; or, 
 
 and we were for a time inconsolable. Well 
 do we remember tlie burst of grief from its 
 poor mother, and how it was necessary to con- 
 sole her. She was so distressed that it seemed 
 advisable to have the funeral late in the even- 
 ing, instead of waiting to the next day — so that 
 the house might be quiet. The body when laid 
 out, surrounded with flowers, and having a small 
 Prayer-Book placed in its hand by its mother, 
 seemed to be instinct with life, so natural and 
 beautiful was its appearance. Alas ! what 
 had this innocent done that it should feel the 
 blight of the Destroyer ? We must believe that 
 it was snatched in mercy by a good God from 
 a world of sin and misery, that it might inhabit 
 a clime more suited to its innocence and love- 
 liness. 
 
 At length, a sympathizing community filled 
 the rooms of the parsonage. How appropriate 
 and touching were the words of the hymn sung 
 on the occasion : 
 
 " As the sweet flower that scents the mom, 
 But withers m the rising day, 
 So lovely was this infant's dawn — 
 Thus swiftly fled its life away. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 83 
 
 ^* It died ere its expanding soul 
 
 Had ever burnt with wrong desires, 
 Had ever spurned at Heaven's control. 
 Or ever quenched its sacred fires, 
 
 " It died to sin, it died to cares, 
 But for a moment felt the rod : 
 O mourner, such, the Lord declares. 
 Such are the children of our God." 
 
 Tlie coffin was covered with white, edged with 
 black, and had a cross of evergreens. It was 
 borne by yonng men of the parish, and in the 
 commitment to the ground, it was said : " For- 
 asmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in 
 his wise providence, to take out of this world 
 the soul of our deceased brother [and son], we 
 commit his body to the ground," &c., &c. From 
 necessity, the father had to perform the funeral 
 rites, which required aU his fortitude. 
 
 This melancholy scene took place on Satur- 
 day evening. May 4:th, which was a day of 
 mourning never to be forgotten. Our most be- 
 loved and promising child was carried to the 
 tomb, and we wept as we had never done be- 
 fore. We strove, indeed, to acquire a feeling 
 of resignation to the Divine will, so as to say, 
 
84 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 " The Lord gave and tlie Lord hath, taken away ; 
 blessed be the name of the Lord;" but time 
 alone, in such cases, can make us acquiesce in 
 the Divine will. 
 
 Never was there a more lovely disposition, if 
 we can judge from the behavior at so early a 
 period. The dear one was just beginning to 
 call a few words, as mamma, auntie, and papa, 
 and was of a most lively temperament, entering 
 into the sports of its brothers around, who al- 
 most adored it. So amiable, that it rarely 
 cried or was angry, it was interesting to notice 
 its calmness when a toy was snatched from 
 its hands: it would usually look wishfully for 
 its restoration, but without a sign of ill-feeling. 
 And so it had gained our love as no other child 
 ever did. 
 
 The doctor pronounced the disease cholera 
 infantum, but there was some uncertainty about 
 it. We thought it probable that it was the 
 measles, undeveloped, which had fallen on its 
 vitals. Its age was nine months and three 
 hours — a span, indeed, and yet a happy one 
 while it lasted ; and our consolation was, that 
 it became a cherub in heaven. 'Its remains rest 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 85 
 
 in tlie old cemetery, enclosed with a neat rail- 
 ing, with simple head and foot pieces, inscribed 
 " W. D. S/' Two water-oaks shade the spot, 
 and flowers bloom beside its verdant grave. 
 
 On Sunday, May 5th, there were no services 
 at Trinity Church, — a very unusual circum- 
 stance : the Eector's heart was too sad, and his 
 family were in mourning. 
 
 8 
 
86 THE pastoe's wife ; OR, 
 
 CHAPTEE X. 
 
 ^HE liealth. of the family seemed now to 
 require a change of dimate, and the 
 unsettled political state of the country 
 created alarm. It was thought better to seek 
 a residence in the interior, during the troubles, 
 as we could not tell what might befall the sea- 
 port towns. The city had just been evacuated 
 by the military, and many deemed it prudent 
 to remove temporarily. So we passed up the 
 river on the steamboat Jackson, heavily laden 
 with goods and furniture, in company with 
 many of our parishioners. From Columbus we 
 went on to Marietta, Georgia ; and, on July 
 24th, secured eligible quarters at a boarding- 
 house on the Square. 
 
 In this movement we had made an entire 
 change of climate, air, water, and, we may add, 
 food, which we hoped would be beneficial to 
 
 Mrs. S , who was thus placed in a position 
 
 where she would be free from the cares of 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 87 
 
 housekeeping, have leisure for recreation, and 
 could give more attention to herself. 
 
 Marietta is a pretty town, situated in a roll- 
 ing elevated region, and, with its many advan- 
 tages of salubrity, accessibihty, moderate rates 
 of living, and good hotels, had become a place 
 of summer resort to the people of the lower 
 country. Many private families, also, opened 
 their doors to genteel strangers; and the in- 
 ducements as to accommodations, places of 
 worship, schools, and so forth, were of no ordi- 
 nary description. We should suppose, religious 
 privileges, combined with superior facilities for 
 education, in a healthy location like this, would 
 attract the attention of sober-minded parents, 
 and induce them to give it the preference to 
 places more extensively known and fashionable, 
 but without these advantages. There was here 
 a flourishing Episcopal church, under an excel- 
 lent pastor, and the general society was good ; 
 
 so that Mrs. S seemed well satisfied, making 
 
 arrangements for a lengthy sojourn. 
 
 The happy effect of the entire change of cir- 
 cumstances soon began to be realized ; her 
 appetite increased, and there was a visible im- 
 
88 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 provement going on in her condition. The 
 sanative diet and fine fruit, with daily exercise 
 in the open air and cheerful company, had a 
 genial influence, and, with the blessing of God, 
 tended to restore her tone of mind and physi- 
 cal energies. She was fond of walking out with 
 the children, and many a stroll did we take 
 in the evening through the beautiful groves 
 around. Sometimes the boys would have gone, 
 in charge of a servant, in advance to the Mili- 
 tary College, to witness the parade of the 
 cadets; and then, again, we would have to 
 look them up in the Park, where, under the 
 venerable elms, crow^ds of visitors enjoyed the 
 balmy breeze. Nay, she delighted so much in 
 rural scenery, and felt at length so strong, that 
 when she had company to beguile the time, her 
 excursions were of a surprising nature ; and 
 once she actually accompanied a party of ladies 
 and gentlemen, on foot, to the top of Mount 
 Kenesaw ! — ^rather a feat for a delicate lady. 
 Thus the sumraer passed pleasantly and 
 
 profitably ; and late in the fall, Mr. S felt 
 
 it his duty to go down again to his parish in 
 Florida, where a considerable number of mem- 
 
MEMOIKS OF E. M. S. 89 
 
 bers remained. The separation from his family 
 
 was, indeed, painful ; but Mrs. S was so 
 
 good a correspondent that he was kept informed 
 of eyery thing of interest which transpired, by 
 the regular arrival of letters each mail. 
 
 The succeeding winter was a severe one, and 
 the children had an opportunity of witnessing 
 the phenomena of snow and ice, which they 
 had never before seen. John wrote an amusing 
 letter, in Eoman characters, describing the 
 novel scene in his simple language. He said 
 the water had turned hard, so that he could 
 not wash his hands, and the rain almost broke 
 the window-panes, and made the ground and 
 grass look white; and that mamma let him 
 gather the drops for marbles, but that they 
 were always wet, and, at last, there was none 
 of them to be found. 
 
 The cold temperature, however, was of bene- 
 fit to Mrs. S , and strengthened the children ; 
 
 so that when the writer returned in the spring 
 of 1862, he could notice an evident improvement. 
 The boys were more robust, and had acquired 
 ruddy countenances in place of the sallow hue 
 which they bore. They were advanced, too, in 
 
90 THE pastob's wife ; OR, 
 
 their studies, surprising their father by the ready 
 manner in which they said the Catechism, and 
 
 repeated divers hymns and songs. Mrs. S 
 
 had been diHgent in her instructions. John 
 readily found the Psalms at pubUc worship, read- 
 ing them off with fluency. 
 
 A return home, after a long absence from 
 beloved ones, may become an occasion of pecu- 
 liar enjoyment. It was so at this time ; for, to 
 witness the glow of health which crimsoned the 
 cheek, and the joyfulness which beamed in the 
 countenance, as a tender mother gave her nar- 
 rative of what had transpired, relating every 
 interesting incident about the children, as also 
 their queer doings and sayings, imparted an 
 inexpressible degree of amusement and hap- 
 piness. It is a sort of luxury, indeed, rarely to 
 be had, being rather the result of peculiar 
 circumstances. When we anticipate evil, what 
 a pleasant surprise it is to meet with good ! It 
 is one of those disappointments in this life 
 
 which give us joy. Mrs. S , contrary to our 
 
 fears, was in improved health and spirits, hav- 
 ing spent the winter most comfortably, in the 
 full enjoyment of the privileges of her com- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 91 
 
 miinion. Slie liked the style of preacliing, and 
 felt attached to the amiable Kector of the 
 parish, whose labors had been much blessed by 
 the Lord. She had the satisfaction, too, of 
 noting the salutary effects of his teaching upon 
 one"^ in whose spiritual welfare she felt a deep 
 interest, and of whose assumption of the sacred 
 vow at God's altar she was the chosen witness. 
 
 It was with unspeakable joy that a female 
 child was born on July 20th, and named Jane 
 Morton, after its beloved aunt. "Welcomed 
 with extra honor on account of its sex, — since 
 we were becoming dissatisfied at the increase 
 running altogether in the male line, — its mother 
 declared she received it with gratitude as a gift 
 from the Lord, in place of her lamented little 
 Eobert who had been taken away. It was 
 baptized in St. James- Church, on Sunday, the 
 19th of October, by Eev. Samuel Benedict, 
 and behaved well. 
 
 It is deemed proper here to record the fact, 
 that about this time, the small-pox prevailing in 
 town, the children, including the baby, were 
 
 * Mrs. Watson. 
 
92 THE pastoe's wife; or, 
 
 vaccinated. It did not, however, take upon 
 her, and some years after it was renewed with 
 success. 
 At length we bade adieu to Marietta and its 
 
 pleasant associations; on the October 
 
 proceeding by rail to Columbus, Georgia, where 
 we arrived safely on the 24th of November, and 
 went to the residence of a beloved brother. 
 Laus Deo ! 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 93 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 MT is satisfactory to know plainly the kind 
 of disease with which the sick is affected, 
 and to be able to trace it to its origin. 
 But, alas! too often do doubts rest upon the 
 mind, both as to the correct classification of 
 the sad visitation which threatens the Ufe of 
 a beloved one, and, also, in regard to the way 
 in which it was contracted ; and those whose 
 study it has been to fathom the mysteries of 
 medical science, however learned and skilful, 
 sometimes, unfortunately, differ among them- 
 selves about it, so that our minds are aban- 
 doned to a painful state of uncertainty. 
 
 The subject of these memoirs was, before 
 marriage, in blooming health, but began after- 
 ward to suffer much from dysentery, which 
 assumed, finally, a chronic form. Of this, dur- 
 ing her sojourn at Marietta, she was happily 
 reheved; for which great mercy we heartily 
 thanked God. But being unwell after the birth 
 
94 ^ THE pastor's wife; ok, 
 
 of her last child, she was attended by a practi- 
 tioner of high reputation, who detected the 
 symptoms, as he feared, of a new disease. Yet 
 we did not realize her condition ; for the evil 
 effects of the journey having been removed by 
 a due season of repose, she seemed to be her- 
 self again, only suffering from a troublesome 
 affection, which was not regarded as of a serious 
 nature. Dr. Wingfield was called in to attend 
 to her case ; and when Mr. S left, in Jan- 
 uary, 1863, for Marianna, he did not regard her 
 health as seriously affected. 
 
 It was with much reluctance that he departed, 
 but there were many considerations which made 
 it proper : not only was it better to be engaged 
 in his sacred calling, but the times were serious, 
 and there was unprecedented difficulty in pro- 
 curing subsistence. He sought a place of 
 refuge to which he might remove his family, 
 until the storm of civil war had passed over, 
 and hoped to find the quiet inland village of 
 Marianna just such a retreat. With these views 
 he bade adieu, with a sad heart, and began an 
 energetic effort to revive the parish, which had 
 been vacant for some years. The good people 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 95 
 
 received liim kindly, and his labors were 
 blessed. 
 
 The absence of dear ones was happily re- 
 heved by the long circumstantial letters which 
 each mail brought, and upon which he hved in 
 his loneliness. One similarly situated only can 
 reahze the blessed instrumentaUty of the pen, 
 wielded skilfully by the hand of affection. 
 Tlie graphic hues presented to his mental eye 
 a picture more true than that of the painter's 
 brush, so vividly did it keep before him the 
 forms and scenery of home. Thus the writer's 
 spirits were sustaiued, and his hands held up 
 in his work, by the tender words and wise 
 counsel of his distant wife. 
 
 She composed ^yit]l much grace and facihty. 
 Her letters were thrown off with the prompti- 
 tude, correctness of style and penmanship of an 
 accomplished clerk ; while she took pleasure in 
 the exercise. This is not the case with the sex 
 generally, most of whom, even if they write 
 well, are not fond of it ; so that it is seldom 
 that this ability and taste are combined in the 
 same person. 
 
 It is rather a gift of nature to possess the 
 
96 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 correct, epistolary style wliicli commends itself 
 by a chaste simplicity. In accordance with 
 her character, she made in writing no attempt 
 at display; there was no fine diction or 
 pompous terms, while her words were smooth 
 and appropriate, and the mode of expressing 
 her ideas classical. From an essay down to a 
 plain note of civility, she knew how to write in 
 accordance with fitness, saying common things 
 often in a manner which gave them attraction. 
 Her letters were thns models, both in sentiment 
 and execution. Now, we mean no eulogy in 
 speaking so much on this score, but to present 
 her as a pattern to her children. What gift is 
 there more useful, nay, ornamental to a lady, 
 than this readiness in using her pen ? It is to 
 be preferred to any one of the lauded accom- 
 plishments. Mrs. S , from having failed 
 
 in her attempt at music through lack of a cor- 
 rect ear, it is likely was led to love and cul- 
 tivate more sedulously the epistolary art. And 
 so, when both talents cannot, imfortunately, be 
 acquired, if we had a choice, we would far 
 prefer the art of communicating ideas to that 
 of creating emotion by sound, however attract- 
 
MEMOIRS OP E. M. S. 97 
 
 ive and valuable.. It is the telegraph of the 
 mind, wli€reby thought responds to thought, 
 and space, if not time, is overcome. 
 
 Mrs. S would wiite, surrounded by her 
 
 little childi'en, pulling at her dress, shaking the 
 table, or asking questions, without a blot, mis- 
 take, or interlineation. Unfortunately, few of her 
 letters were saved. They had accumulated in 
 bundles, and the times were such that nothing 
 could well be kept by those who were moving 
 about ; and so, not anticipating the calamity of 
 losing her, these letters were burned with other 
 loose papers. Our pungent regret could not 
 recall them when we were made sensible of her 
 danger, from which date we kept every line she 
 wrote, even to a simple direction on a label, or 
 remark in a book. The feAv that 'remain will 
 ever be precious to us. 
 
 Her letters were full of the children ; and, 
 although an invalid, she gave the two oldest 
 daily instructions. William was especially her 
 pupil, whom she wished to advance by the time 
 of his father's retiu^n. He was a little fellow, 
 and passed through Sanders' First Reader, and 
 learned the Multiplication Table, under her 
 
 9 
 
98 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 charge. The latter, a difficult task for one of 
 his age, she was anxious that he should effect, 
 and took much pains in fixing it in his memory. 
 Accustomed to exercise in her room, which was 
 unusually large, she would repeat the numbers 
 again and again to him, as she passed over the 
 carpet with her broom. She made John read 
 the Psalms for each morning, aiid sometimes 
 evening, as also portions of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, which practice was of lasting benefit to 
 him. 
 
 The perusal of the letters which remain, 
 written about this time, will give much insight 
 into her character. They are full of devout 
 resignation to the Divine will, dependence on 
 Providence, affection for her friends, and grati- 
 tude for every favor and attention she received. 
 Truly expressive of the very thoughts of her 
 heart, they are creditable to her Christian pro- 
 fession. Especially are the yearnings of a 
 mother for her children naturally developed. 
 Some extracts will be of interest. 
 
 Under date of March 1st, 1863, she writes : 
 " There has been much sickness among children 
 here. Our little ones have been blessed, and. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 99 
 
 . with a grateful heart, I record that they have 
 been free even from colds. William and Walter 
 are fattening like pigs ; and all, thanks to God ! 
 seem hearty. No doubt (under Providence) 
 their health is owing to our good fortmie in 
 having for them thick shoes and warm flannel 
 garments. Many are compelled to go without, 
 as noiu they can't be had at any price." Of the 
 youngest child, Jenny, she says : " I long for 
 you to see how our jewel has developed since 
 you left. She is so sweet and cunning — every 
 one remarks how bright and wise she seems. 
 She is a precious darling, if she is ^petite 
 demoiselle,' and the very joy and light of our 
 life. We often take her to ride when the 
 weather is pleasant, and the afr has given her 
 quite a ruddy color. She is your own child in 
 taste as well as features, for she is greedy 
 already after corn-bread (don't hke wheat), and 
 devours, twice a day, a piece with great relish." 
 
 Mrs. S was suflfering fr^om an affection of 
 
 the bladder of some sort, for which it had been 
 necessary to cauterize t'le parts, which she 
 endured with gTeat firmness. The effect was 
 salutary ; she was much reUeved, and a hope 
 
100 THE pastoe's wife; 02, 
 
 indulged by the physicians of a radical cure. 
 By-and-by the evil symptoms returning, it was 
 deemed proper to renew the process ; and she 
 gives an account of it in a letter, dated April 
 10th. " On Thursday last the doctors came 
 and performed the second operation. Dr. W. 
 thinks that this will perhaps be the last time 
 he need use the caustic. The pain, far two 
 days after, is terrible. This time, having had 
 it so long on my mind, the feelings it produced 
 so upset my nervous system, that I was com- 
 pletely prostrated, and forced to keep my bed 
 till two days since." 
 
 She then refers to the proposed plan of keep- 
 ing house in Columbus, and adds : '' I am scrib- 
 bHng, after tea, rather tired — as we went out 
 again to ride this afternoon. While it is pleas- 
 ant weather it is best to get all the air pos- 
 sible, which surpasses medicine for health. 
 Jenny always goes, and is so happy ! A better 
 baby no one was ever blessed with. Jane is 
 devoted to her, and, on account of my weak- 
 ness, has more to do for her than I. Surely, 
 she must think it is her own motlier truly, 
 though she does call her ^ Attic." If you 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 101 
 
 could behold her seated on the floor while the 
 boys are playing ear, eagerly following with 
 her large orbs every movement, — ^when near, 
 reaching out her tiny fingers, and scattering 
 
 the blocks, to theii' great glee " 
 
 9* 
 
102 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 j^N the first Sunday after Easter a letter 
 was received, in wHcli slie thus expresses 
 herself : 
 
 " Absent as usual these days from the sanc- 
 tuary, after reading the services my heart 
 yearns to communicate with you. May a bless- 
 ing be with your labors to-day, and your flock 
 prove * doers as well as hearers of the word' 
 
 preached unto them I am much better, 
 
 and gradually gaining strength. The operation 
 has had an effect upon all the symptoms, and I 
 pray God may prove a cure. But whether or 
 not, it seems now to me as if I never could 
 tmdergo it again. You must hear of Will's 
 shrewdness. He was in the room when the 
 doctor made the last appointment, saying, 
 ' Once more, and I think we will cure you.' 
 "Will caught at it, went all round the lot telhng, 
 * When the doctor comes once more, mamma will 
 be all right. Ain't you glad ? I am so glad !' 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 103 
 
 After the visit, beliolding me in bed groaning 
 with pain was a poser. ' Well/ he said, * that's 
 a funny doctor to make mamma luell by making 
 her icosserJ The same boy said, on another 
 occasion, ^ Ma, I would not die, but get another 
 doctor/ 
 
 " Our Jenny is really growing fat at last ; she 
 has ceased to call forth sympathy." 
 
 Under date of May 10th, she gives an account 
 of the inflated prices of food, saying, "Tou 
 must make up your mind to hve on the most 
 frugal plan 
 
 "Jenny's ivory, No. 4, came through last 
 night; which was quite a relief. She is such 
 a good, sweet, blessed baby, that it actually 
 makes me mad to have my forfeited health laid 
 
 at her door. It is not fair Besides, she 
 
 is even worth all the suffering ...... "What a 
 
 gloom is spread over the country by the annun- 
 ciation, in the evening papers, of the death of 
 that noble, brave, beloved General Stonewall 
 Jackson, in such a sad way !" 
 
 May 18th, she writes : " Since receiving your 
 letter, which despaired of the Bishop, I rejoice 
 to hear, through Mr. M , he met him on his 
 
W4 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 way, and I hope lie was witli yon yesterday. I 
 was witli yon in spirit, and fe:Fvently prayed for 
 those who were to renew their baptismal vows. 
 God grant that their names may be written in 
 the Lamb's book of life !" 
 
 Letters under dates of May 30th and June 
 8d, have been preserved ; in which she speaks 
 of our arrangements for house-keeping, advises 
 to purchase what food could be had where I 
 was, urges a search for all the bismuth (a 
 medicine which had been of benefit to her) 
 that could be had, and shows the goodness 
 of her heart and her constant thoughtfulness 
 about others, by requesting me to get, by all 
 means, if possible, a certain article of diet, much 
 needed for a sick friend, and which could not 
 be found in Columbus, and send it as quickly 
 as I could. 
 
 It is pleasant to quote her words, as thereby 
 they will be preserved for her children : " I feel 
 so anxious about your cold. It is a blessing you 
 were not in an open buggy in the rain. Now 
 your Confirmation is over, and your visit to 
 Bainbridge given up, surely you will be with 
 us before the last of June." And in a later 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 105 
 
 letter : " Yesterday your letter with the bismuth 
 was received : to-day, your unusually precious 
 one with the joyful tidings that you hoped to 
 be soon homeward-bound. God grant we may 
 ALL be spared to meet each other. On telling 
 your dear sons, they flew about exulting, and 
 cutting up all kinds of capers, ' because they 
 were so glad papa was coming.' Jenny caught 
 the infection, crowing, clapping her hands, and 
 laughing aloud, without reahzing the cause of 
 the ' arousement' going on." There was, alas ! 
 a meaning in the underscoring of the word all 
 above, which was^beginning to be understood. . 
 At the close, she says, "We have great cause 
 for cheerfulness, and gratitude to God for all his 
 benefits to us : we ought to have faith in his 
 providence for the future, since we are now and 
 have been in past times so blessed." 
 
 For two months past, the writer had been 
 much engaged in preparing a large class for 
 Confirmation, and in frequent religious services ; 
 the Bishop had arrived at length ; the church 
 had been consecrated; and the apostohc rite 
 had been administered : yet, he had never 
 failed to correspond frequently and fully with 
 
106 THE pastor's wife; OB, 
 
 his family. They were ever in his thoughts 
 and in his prayers to a throne of grace and 
 mercy. There can be, in reality, no want of 
 time for communication with a familiar and dear 
 friend, where no studied epistle is thought of ; 
 much less with a beloved, absent wife. Mrs. 
 S 's letters were as frequent, copious, and in- 
 teresting as ever, but by-and-by it was notice- 
 able and felt that she made no reference to her 
 health. Reminded of this omission, and direct 
 inquiry being made, she still made no response, 
 until the suspicion arose that this course was 
 mere reticence, to avoid painful disclosures. 
 At length came an acknow^ledgment that the 
 doctors seemed in despair at the features of 
 the case, which disincHned them to repeat the 
 operation ; that in reply to a letter to Dr. 
 B . . . . n, urging the matter, he had candidly 
 said that he would be most happy if he could 
 do any thing for her, but that he knew of noth- 
 ing, only advising the use of a certain mixture 
 as a sedative ; and that she had not thought it 
 proper to disturb my mind, and so disqualify 
 me from duty, by telling about these discour- 
 agements, which, after all, might be imaginary, 
 
MEMOmS OF E. M. S. 107 
 
 as we could not tell how it might please God 
 to dispose of the case. This created great un- 
 easiness, and almost simultaneously came a 
 letter from her brother, giving full information 
 (which he had gotten from a private consulta- 
 tion with her physician) as to the critical con- 
 dition of Mrs, S . 
 
 Alas ! how painful was this communication ! 
 and yet hope kept off its full realization. We 
 could not think of remaining longer, and recall- 
 ing an appointment which had been made at 
 Bainbridge, we hastened to Columbus a month 
 sooner than had been proposed. 
 
108 THE pastoe's wife; oe. 
 
 CHAPTEE XIII. 
 
 ^HE writer of these memoirs reached 
 Columbus on the 10th of June, in the 
 
 evening, and found Mrs. S better 
 
 than he expected. She was reduced in flesh, 
 but had a good appetite, took exercise daily in 
 a carriage, was cheerful, and apparently hopeful. 
 His return, doubtless, benefited her by reviving 
 her spirits, so that a favorable change was 
 observable by her friends. The will, too, has 
 something to do with the health, as despond- 
 ency and languor tend to invite disease, and no 
 doubt she made an effort to appear as well as 
 possible on the occasion, lest we should be 
 pained at her condition. She had always this 
 peculiarity, that she was averse to being thought 
 sick, and never gave way to indisposition, nor 
 sought her ease, unless really obliged to suc- 
 cumb; Lence, it was necessary to notice and 
 take care of her. So we had arrived in good 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 109 
 
 time to afford the assistance and comfort which 
 were needed. 
 
 The attention which had been given to the 
 children was gratifying. John had improved 
 in reading ; WiUiam could say well his multi- 
 plication table ; Walter, deart3hild, knew some- 
 thing ; and Jenny, a puny thing, whose condition 
 had created anxiety, was fat and buoyant. 
 Each one had something to tell, and there was 
 a happy family reunion once more. 
 
 Mrs. S 's sympathies, always lively, were 
 
 exercised much about the sick, whom she was 
 sure, if possible, to visit in her rides. Not far 
 off, on the next street, was an aged lady whom 
 she had known from her first recollection of the 
 South, and who was confined to her bed by an 
 indisposition, which her physician pronounced 
 
 of a fatal character. Mrs. S went to see, 
 
 and held a pleasant and edifying conversation 
 with her, who incidentally spoke of her physi- 
 cian in terms of high commendation. He was 
 
 of the homoeopathic school, and Mrs. S 's 
 
 attention being thus turned to him, she was 
 soon induced to confide her own case to his 
 care; for her original medical adviser now 
 
110 THE pastor's wife; ok, 
 
 rarely called, and in truth liad expressed his 
 inability to render any other than partial relief. 
 
 Mrs. S had always had a preference for 
 
 that mode of treatment, and, although of a dif- 
 ferent opinion, we yielded willingly to any 
 change which afforded hope; for we believed 
 there was safety in either school, when the 
 practitioners were educated and regularly in- 
 structed, with a due degree of experience. Dr. 
 MurriU had a high reputation and an extensive 
 practice, and, beginning at once to apply his 
 medicines, was assiduous in his attention. We 
 were now enabled to carry out our plan of bouse- 
 keepirig, having been so fortunate as to secure 
 the mansion on Front-street, belonging to H. B. 
 Meigs, Esq., who had gone to Upper Georgia. 
 It was eligibly situated, with spacious rooms, 
 and we moved in early in July. A change even 
 of fecenery has a salutary effect upon an invaUd, 
 and Mrs. S had looked forward with pleas- 
 ant anticipations to the advantages of her new 
 situation. The absorbing purpose with us was 
 the restoration of her health, by carrying out 
 the new treatment of her disease to a successful 
 issue, with the Divine blessing. Having at 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Ill 
 
 command every means which science has sup- 
 pKed, and trusting to Him in whose hands are 
 the issues of Ufe and death, we could not yield 
 to despair. 
 
 The aspect of things was cheerful, and not 
 without promise. We had much confidence in 
 the physician, whose directions were observed 
 in every respect. The course to be pursued was 
 to keep her mind free from care, and to supply 
 proper nourishment and exercise to aid the 
 remedial agents which ^^ere administered. She 
 was so active and industrious in her nature, 
 that it was diflficultto keep her still. She took 
 her seat usually at the head of the table, gener- 
 ally gave directions, and sometimes superin- 
 tended the household affairs. But her good 
 sister relieved her in every respect, as far as she 
 would permit her; yet, only toward the last, 
 when her strength utterly failed, would she 
 relinquish every duty, and then — no longer able 
 to move about the house — she kept, in pencil, 
 her diary and expense-account. 
 
 Her habits were regular for some length of 
 time. She would rise in the morning, take 
 a cup of coffee, be present at family prayers in 
 
112 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 the parlor, glance over tlie morning newspaper, 
 breakfast, perhaps give some attention to house- 
 hold matters, ride for an hour and a half, re- 
 cline on the sofa with a book or teach the 
 children, sew or write a little, dine, take some 
 repose, see friends, perhaps ride late in the 
 afternoon, take tea, and retire early. There 
 was strict attention to the medical prescriptions, 
 and her diet and exercise were regulated with 
 prudence. We were fortunate in procuring such 
 food as was suitable for her dehcate digestive 
 powers, and there was a plentiful supply of fruit. 
 She would relish the breast of a bird, and, be- 
 tween meals, ripe peaches seemed especially- 
 grateful to her stomach. The water on the lot 
 was of superior quality, just suited to her con- 
 dition, being from a cistern beneath the surface 
 of the ground, and so cool, that it tasted as if 
 it had been moderately iced. 
 
 Her friends, too, took occasion to show their 
 attachment by numerous little gifts for the 
 table, which were valuable in themselves on 
 account of their rarity and scarceness, and, as 
 tokens of affection, gratefully appreciated. In 
 fact, these evidences of esteem were almost of 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 113 
 
 daily occurrence, and it was affecting to notice 
 how feelingly she received them : nay, the small- 
 est attention was not overlooked, nor did the 
 least gift pass without especial acknowledg- 
 ment, and we have been moved by instances in 
 which, when she received a nice dish, she would 
 think immediately of some sick person, a fellow- 
 sufferer, and, dividing it, send part of it pri- 
 vately away. 
 
 There was, it is pleasant to reflect, some en- 
 joyment connected with her situation : the dis- 
 ease was evidently mitigated, losing some of its 
 uncomfortable features, and thus enabling her 
 to sleep well at night. She became, it is true, 
 more emaciated as her strength gradually de- 
 clined; yet, our hopes led us to reason that 
 when the disease had been subdued, the body 
 could be built up again. We would talk over 
 our future plans about removing to Florida at 
 the close of the year, and count upon the happy 
 effect of the change upon her health. 
 
 Thus affairs went on, and, for some three 
 months or more, we were encouraged and 
 hopeful. Then we observed, with apprehen- 
 sion, that she did not seem able to get ready 
 
 10^- 
 
114 THE pastob's wife; oe, 
 
 for breakfast, and yentnred to suggest the pro- 
 priety of indulging in the morning, and taking 
 the meal in bed. Nor could she, at length, 
 keep up her system of riding regularly. It was 
 perceived that she was much weaker than she 
 appeared, sustaining herself by great effort; 
 and she also became more despondent, so that, 
 while our fears were awakened, it was seen to 
 be necessary to do every thing to cheer her. 
 We looked anxiously each day for some change 
 for the better, awaiting the visits of the kind 
 doctor, who was always encouraging in his 
 manner. 
 
 When company came, they would be received 
 or not into her room, according to her wishes. 
 Sometimes these visits were enjoyed by Mrs. 
 
 S , and were really beneficial, so that we 
 
 encouraged them. We remember occasions on 
 which she appeared to forget her own ills, and 
 her spirits flowed with a degree of buoyancy 
 which reminded us of early days. Indeed, such 
 were her recuperative powers, that no one who 
 conversed with her would ever suppose she was 
 sick, unless she chose to divulge it. For in- 
 stance, Miss Lavinia L., with her mamed sis- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 115 
 
 ter, called about the middle of September. 
 They were old friends, between whom and Mrs. 
 
 S there was perfect confidence, and both 
 
 were of lively disposition. After the usual 
 inquiries, the conversation flowed freely, and 
 
 Mrs. S soon became interested, and took 
 
 her part. She was possessed of superior collo- 
 quial powers, and when animated, showed to 
 the best advantage, being very fluent. It took 
 a wide range, embracing the present, past, and 
 future. Doubtless it does the heart good to 
 unbosom itseK to a sympathizing friend, and 
 talk over old scores. Such, we are told, was 
 this lengthy interview, embracing the whole 
 morning. Miss L. was soon to be married 
 to Judge E., and f eel)^ talked over the matter, 
 
 while Mrs. S , with equal candor, expressed 
 
 her opinion, told some interesting incidents, and 
 laughed over the turn of events, so unexpected 
 to both parties. 
 
 Wlien the visitors left, she reclined on the 
 bed, rather fatigued with the effort, but we think 
 it did her no harm in the end. She was, how- 
 ever, fluctuating in her mood, and sometimes 
 talked dejectedly about the future — although 
 
116 THE PAS or's wife; oe, 
 
 always with a true Cliristian spirit — when the 
 company introduced serious and melancholy 
 topics. Conscious she had time enough for 
 meditation and sober thought, we were glad 
 when her mind could be diverted by other 
 associations, so as not to brood over her con- 
 dition. It was necessary to counteract the 
 tendency to depression, which surrounding cir- 
 cumstances fearfully encouraged. The public 
 disorder and general distress, the changed 
 aspect of things, with the gloomy state of feel- 
 ing in the community, had an unfortunate effect 
 on an invalid. It was prudent to shut out such 
 influences as much as possible ; and hence the 
 free conversation of a discreet friend, who could 
 divert the attention from the present and carry 
 the thoughts back to a happier period, was 
 a balm to both soul and body. 
 
 Her affectionate sister possessed the faculty 
 of doing this, and would often be successful : 
 sometimes, however, there would be a sad re- 
 action. When, eschewing the troubles of the 
 day, the conversation would be about our ar- 
 rangements when we should have removed to 
 Florida, she would listen with interest, make 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 117 
 
 suggestions, and talk on with us, until, alas! 
 seeming suddenly to realize her condition, she 
 would make our hearts sink within us with 
 a sensation of indescribable pain by exclaiming : 
 " O Jane, I shall be dead and buried at that 
 time !" And when the dear baby would be 
 creeping playfully about the floor, she would 
 sometimes fix her eyes, filled with tears, upon 
 her, saying, '' To think I shall not live to see 
 you walk !" 
 
 These were melancholy scenes, and we tried 
 to assuage their bitterness by letting them pass 
 without notice, that the emotion might be as 
 transient as possible ; and yet they were honor- 
 able to humanity, for surely to realize our mor- 
 tahty is proper, and we sympathize with the 
 deep afi*ection which dwells in a mother's bosom 
 — only we would gladly have foregone their 
 manifestation under the pecuhar cbcumstances. 
 The Christian, under God's visitation, should 
 cultivate cheerfulness, and have a ^^.ra.eful heart 
 when possessed of sufficient buoyancy of spirit 
 to enjoy the brief time granted here below. 
 The tendency of one's faith is surely to produce 
 serenity, even amid calamity and danger ; but 
 
118 THE pastor's wife; oe, 
 
 much depends on our physical state, which may 
 be such as to interfere adversely with the in- 
 fluence of every moral motive in the character. 
 She surely sustained herself with admirable 
 fortitude. 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 119 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 was fond of reading, and you 
 
 would generally find in her room a 
 book spread open and a leaf turned 
 down, the perusal of which she resumed at 
 leisure moments. While she gave pre-eminence 
 to the Scriptures, perusing them morning and 
 evening systematically, when there was oppor- 
 tunity she indulged in miscellaneous reading, 
 being fond of periodical literature, as well as 
 the old English classics, which she quoted with 
 readiness. This was not solely for amusement, 
 but edification, proceeding from a love of 
 knowledge and new acquirements, and she was 
 accustomed to make notes in the margin. Not 
 at all mclined to se -indul ence or indolence, 
 she cultivated the moral and intellectual facul- 
 ties, devising the best way of training her 
 children, and instructing them in every good 
 and useful thing. She took especial care to 
 nurtui'e the conscience of her little ones from 
 
120 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 the earliest development of their faculties, 
 teaching truthfulness, brotherly love, and the 
 various obligations of God's holy word. 
 
 John's first impressions were from her faith- 
 ful lessons. She disliked very much dissimu- 
 lation and equivocation, and tried to stamp 
 upon their minds the convictiou that they were 
 sinful and offensive in the sight of GoA She 
 was in this respect a model parent. And when 
 she used discipline, it was with much tenderness, 
 always first explaining carefully the nature of 
 their fault, and admonishing them about it, 
 before the punishment. She understood well, 
 and carried out judiciously, the apostohc ad- 
 monition — " And, ye fathers, provoke not your 
 children to wrath ; but bring them up in the 
 nurture and admonition of the Lord." 
 
 As to their learning, she was anxious that 
 they should lay a good foundation in spelling, 
 reading, and writing, remarking how many per- 
 sons of fine education, as to the popular accom- 
 plishments of the day, were defective m these 
 respects. And she wished them to acquire 
 a fondness for the pen, especially her httle 
 daughter, whose every look and motion she 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S, 121 
 
 watched, being as dear to lier as the apple of 
 her eye. 
 
 It was a sore affliction to be unable to read 
 and write as usual — the exercise affected her 
 sight; and she had to forgo the pleasant en- 
 gagement of instructing the boys. We contrived 
 gradually to relieve her of every duty, ^\dthout 
 making her feel her decline, and to supply her 
 mental necessities by reading to her at favor- 
 able times. When the hour came for her ride, 
 and the carriage was announced as waiting, she 
 would make an effort to move to it with that 
 quick motion and elastic step which were once 
 peculiar to her, and although an arm was ex- 
 tended to aid her, would often decline, as if con- 
 scious of her abihty to get along, when she 
 would be almost tottering with weakness. Such 
 was the energy of her will and resolution to 
 resist the power of the disease which was, alas ! 
 gradually drying up the fountain-springs of life. 
 
 The direction of the drive was often to the 
 beautiful plateau on the Chattahoochee Eiver, 
 once used as a race-course ; and, as the car- 
 riage swept round and round many times the 
 field, the ah inhaled would be delightful, and, 
 
 11 
 
122 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 combined with tlie beauty of the scenery, had a 
 
 happy effect upon Mrs. S , whose spirits 
 
 would be raised, so that she would converse 
 cheerfully with those who accompanied her. 
 Little Jenny was generally one of the party, 
 and gave many demonstrations of her gratifica- 
 tion. Often Mrs. S would stop at the doors 
 
 of friends to make inquiries, without being able 
 to alight. As the noise of the returning vehicle 
 was. heard approaching the house, John would 
 hasten out with the stool, to facihtate the de- 
 scent of his dear mamma from the carriage. 
 
 When Mrs. S ceased to rise in time for 
 
 early prayers, we held our devotions in her 
 chamber, after breakfast ; which exercises were 
 preceded by reading a chapter in the Bible, 
 and, at other times, in a favorite book. She 
 would unite with fervor in these services. We 
 read thus by her bedside a large portion of 
 "The Morning and Evening Watches," a little 
 manual of which she was very fond, having 
 gone through it repeatedly. She had often 
 read it, in her visits of mercy, at the bedside 
 of the sick, and was familiar, not only with its 
 ideas, but could repeat its language. It might 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 123 
 
 thus be said, she had " read, marked, and in- 
 wardly digested" it to her soul's health. "We 
 read to her also at different times, " James on 
 the Collects," and parts of " Sickness — its Trials 
 and Blessings." 
 
 As she could not take an active part in house- 
 keeping, and, by the advice of the doctor, had 
 to refrain from reading much, she was at a loss 
 how to employ her time, lamenting her idle- 
 ness, although she contrived to be always ^do- 
 ing something useful. She took to hiitting, 
 which is light work, requiring little use of 
 the sight. In this way she furnished some val- 
 uable small articles. She did not seem to un- 
 derstand how to make hosiery, but would man- 
 ufacture, with much ease, purses, mats, tidies, 
 and various fancy things for the house, and as 
 presents to her friends. Seated in her rockmg- 
 chair, her fingers would be in motion, while her 
 active mind exercised itself in exchanging ideas 
 with those around her. A beloved . sister was 
 present more constantly than any one else, and 
 to her she communicated her secret thoughts, 
 and gave many evidences of affection. " O, 
 Jane," she one day said, " I did think I should 
 
124 THE pastoe's wife; OEj 
 
 outlive you, but now I have changed my mind." 
 She would call for her account-book, and make 
 entries of the expenses of the house : the last 
 one was on the 22d of October. 
 
 Occasionally she would look in a book for a 
 few moments, and then seem to be meditating 
 upon what she had read. When she met with 
 any article which she liked, she would peruse 
 it more than once. She had " Night Watches" 
 in poetry, and selected the piece, " Why am I 
 sick?""^ as a favorite. Its plaintive strain and 
 congenial sentiments, doubtless, commended it 
 to her notice. She talked little about experi- 
 mental religion, dweUing rather on its practical 
 features. Her conscience was tender and her 
 heart full of benevolence, seeming to adopt the 
 sacred truth : " This is the love of God, that we 
 keep his commandments." 
 
 We have often regretted that she was so 
 reserved on this score, but it arose from a pecu- 
 liar feature in her character, which made her 
 distrust too much her own judgment, and fear 
 exaggeration. 
 
 * Appendix, F. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 125 
 
 Sometimes, to beguile the hour, she would 
 compose in a little book, in pencil; and the 
 following is transcribed as most precious : 
 
 A Wife's Prayer. 
 
 "Lord, bless and preserve that dear person 
 whom Thou hast chosen to be my husband; 
 let his life be long and blessed, happy and 
 comfortable; and let me also become a great 
 blessing and comfort unto him, and sharer in 
 all his sorrows ; a meet helper in all the acci- 
 dents and changes in the world. Make me 
 amiahle forever in his sight, and forever dear to 
 him ; unite Ms heart to me in the dearest love 
 and holiness, and mine to him in all sweetness 
 and charity and compliance. Keep me fi'om 
 ungentleness, all discontentedness, unreason- 
 ableness of passion and humor, and make me 
 humble and obedient, useful and observant, 
 that we may dehght in each other ^ according to 
 Thy blessed "Word, and both of us may rejoice 
 in Thee, having one portion in the love and 
 service of God forever. Amen." 
 
 11* 
 
126 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 ^BS. 8 would now recline a good 
 
 portion of tlie day, and , sometimes be 
 unable to leave her bed. The morn- 
 ings and evenings were cool, and we hoped the 
 change of season would be beneficial. Her 
 appetite was good; she would feed on birds 
 and drink a little blackberry wine ; while a cup 
 of coffee in the morning continued to be rehshed. 
 The doctor's advice was, to take as much nutri- 
 ment as possible, so as to keep up strength and 
 supply the loss from the disease, which seemed 
 uncontrollable, depleting the veins and wasting 
 away the body. Still, he went on with his 
 system, encouraging us as best he could, and 
 hoping almost against hope for final success. 
 
 Her comfort seemed to be, to see her dear 
 children about her, and to devise means of 
 benefiting them when she was gone. It was 
 evident that her mind was engaged in adjustmg 
 her temporal affairs, and, although she spoke 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. < 127 
 
 little, that she was preparing for eternity. The 
 subject of her dissolution was too painful for 
 mention, or rather, was kept out of view as 
 much as possible ; but it would sometimes be 
 forced upon our notice. This silence is always 
 afterward regretted, and is perhaps wrong in 
 itseK ; yet, how much Christian grace and forti- 
 tude are required to talk calmly on such a topic 
 — to approach nearly so sad a consummation, 
 making a personal apphcation, to one dearly 
 beloved, of the solemn truth, "Dust thou art, 
 and unto dust thou shalt return !" Where espe- 
 cially there are many ties of nature to be sev- 
 ered, it will be felt as inhumane to extinguish 
 the last ray of hope, and to expect a parent to 
 reach entire resignation, except by the tardiest 
 process ; while the fear will arise that we may 
 be hastening the sad result by the depressing 
 influence of our communication. These con- 
 siderations constrain often even the Christian to 
 a silence which he scarcely approves. 
 
 It was her ardent wish to be remembered by 
 her children. This sohcitude was of no ordinary 
 strength, and was evinced oftentimes in a very 
 affecting manner. Little Walter was winning 
 
128 . THE fastoe's wife; OB, 
 
 in his ways, and much about her bed. "When 
 others had left the room, he would often volun- 
 tarily remain to keep her company, in prefer- 
 ence to going out to play. She would talk 
 gently, giving advice, and telling him he must 
 not forget his mother. "When she ate she 
 would often call him, that he might take some- 
 thing with her — those parts of birds that she 
 could not so well digest. One day, he lingered 
 by her bedside, as we were sitting down to table 
 in the dining-room, after he had been called. 
 When she kissed him, and told him to go, he 
 would reluctantly leave. At length he came, 
 with his large eyes filled with tears, and said, as 
 if not understanding it : " Mamma says she is 
 going to die, and Auntie is now my mother ; that 
 I must be a good boy and mind her." Oh, how 
 this affecting incident distressed us! We sent 
 him back to say, that she was a good mamma, 
 and he did not want any other. 
 
 John would read to her something she had 
 selected ; at which she would express her satis- 
 faction and comfort, as well as pride that she 
 had so large and useful a son. As she looked 
 steadily at him, she would tell him in an affec- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. VA'J 
 
 tionate tone, "Jie must not forget his mother ;" 
 that he must learn his book, be a good boy, and 
 mind his father and Auntie. She would say 
 the same thing to WiUiam, as he stood at her 
 bedside. 
 
 At times she would by some act show the 
 strength of her feeUngs. On one occasion, 
 when her infant child chanced not to be in the 
 room, she called for it, and after fondling it in 
 her peculiar manner, raised her hands, as they 
 were removing it, and said : " God bless my 
 dear baby ! God bless my dear baby !" She 
 was used to say, that it was better she had 
 boys rather than girls, as they could sustain 
 themselves ; that she wished Jenny to learn the 
 useful as well as the ornamental branches of 
 education — to know how to use her needle, and 
 to make pastry. She would regret that she 
 herself had not learned more perfectly the hum- 
 bler arts of sewing and knitting, as she was 
 taught by the hard times to appreciate their 
 value. 
 
 There was greater suffering now, and her rest 
 was more disturbed. " I have been lymg awake 
 almost all night," said she one morning; "for 
 
130 THE pastor's wife; ok, 
 
 I could not sleep — ^thinking over, ail the hymns 
 I ever learned." At this period she preferred 
 being alone at night, not thinking it necessary 
 to have any one in her chamber, since it was 
 connected with the two adjoining rooms, in 
 which members of the family and a servant 
 slept; and the gas was always left faintly 
 burning. The writer, too, kept a sort of vigil, 
 waking often during the night, when he would 
 pass with light step through her apartment, 
 that he might see that all was right. Some- 
 times she would be slumbering sweetly, and 
 then again, alas ! in a restless, excited condi- 
 tion ; when he would soothe her, give her drink, 
 and perhaps medicine. 
 
 One morning, awaking quite late, she said 
 she had slept all night long very soundly, and 
 felt great relief in some way, for which she 
 heartily thanked God. Her countenance and 
 manner were indicative of a remarkable change, 
 and we were taken by surprise, rejoicing greatly. 
 Her gratitude seemed, too, to awaken her con- 
 science to her real and imaginary faults, as she 
 exclaimed : " May God forgive me ! May God 
 forgive me for bearing my sickness — His chas- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 131 
 
 tisement for my sins — so badly ! Oh, if I never 
 recover, I still do feel most grateful for tliis 
 blessed respite. I am almost well, for I can 
 turn and lie on my left side, which I have not 
 been able V) do for a long time." 
 
 She was assumed that we thought she acted 
 well under the circumstances, and that she 
 ought not to reproach herself. 
 
 There are allowances surely to be made for 
 the sick, especially for irregularities of temper, 
 which is a pardonable frailty in the physical 
 disorder of the system. 
 
 Mrs. S really took her sickness patiently, 
 
 and with a rare degree of Christian fortitude. 
 That she should repine at moments, e\dncing 
 an unwillingness to break the tender ties which 
 bound her to sublunary scenes, was natural. 
 The yearnings of maternal love could not be 
 repressed, even while her ransomed soul was 
 pluming its wings to fly away to celestial man- 
 sions. She was evidently quietly preparing for 
 the crisis, setting her house in order, and yet 
 she received her friends with Christian cheer- 
 fulness. How nobly would she endure pain, 
 even of the most agonizing kind! striving to 
 
132 THE pastor's wife; oe, 
 
 conceal it, and rarely mnrmnring, — sometimes, 
 indeed, with a pious ejaculation, "O my Sa- 
 viour !" 
 
 In private, with her beloved sister, she was 
 more apt to give way to depressior^ and even 
 to weep at the sad thought, tljat perhaps her 
 children, so young, would forget, or remember 
 her only in connection with her sickaess. 
 
 And, too, her conscience was so tender that 
 she seemed to be seeking opportunities to atone 
 for the least supposable wrong she could have 
 done ; even saying to her faithful sister, whose 
 life had been spent with her, " O Jane, I am 
 afraid I have sometimes hurt your feelings, — 
 not now, but in former days." When assured 
 there was no remembrance of any thing of the 
 sort, she seemed satisfied. But she would soon 
 recover her tone of mind, listen to the news of 
 the day, converse in her usual prompt and in- 
 telligent manner, and even sometimes indulge 
 in facetiousness. 
 
MEMOIBS OF E. M. S. 133 
 
 CHAPTEE XVI. 
 
 §UT we had been deluded about her re- 
 covery, for the old symptoms returned in 
 a few days with greater violence. We 
 had been so much encouraged, that we had 
 returned thanks publicly in the sanctuary. She 
 had formerly asked the prayers of the congre- 
 gation in her behalf, but postponed taking pri- 
 vate communion, from the hope that she would 
 be able to get to the church ; but influenced 
 also, we think, by some misconception or un- 
 fortunate association which awakened painful 
 anticipations. This being perceived, its accept- 
 ance was not urged, but she was left to the 
 operation of her own feelings. She ingenuously 
 said, she felt private communion was for those 
 who would die soon, and she could not take it 
 in a proper frame of mind. We exposed her 
 error ; that it was not so to be understood ; as 
 we did not abandon hope in seeking God's 
 grace in His appointed sacrament, which we 
 
 12 
 
134 THE pastok's wipe; OB, 
 
 ought never to forego wlien it can be had. "We 
 were rather led to think her mind had not been 
 brought to a perfect acquiescence in the Divine 
 will ; which time only, through His grace, could 
 do. Although she had said " the medicines did 
 her no good, and she had better make up her 
 mind to die," she could not take a near view of 
 eternity without shrinking from it ; for she had 
 not reached a perfect state of resignation. And 
 so several opportunities passed by when the 
 communion was solemnized at the church, and 
 she said nothing. 
 
 On the first of November, however, to our 
 great satisfaction, she called me to her bed just 
 before I went out, and said she wished to par- 
 take that afternoon in her chamber, and I must 
 bring the consecrated elements from the church. 
 "We rejoiced at the removal of her difficulties, 
 and knew she would now have both benefit and 
 comfort in the Holy Sacrament. She had told 
 her sister that she was trying to prepare her- 
 self ; of which there were many evidences : and, 
 in our devotions in her room, especially those 
 held at night with her alone, we had faithfully 
 presented her case at a throne of mercy, and 
 
liLEMOIliS OF E. M. 8. 135 
 
 wrestled in prayer for a blessing upon her. 
 We cannot tliink it was withheld ; nay, we 
 remember those occasions now with sweet con- 
 solation. 
 
 November came in on Sunday, a clear beau- 
 tiful day. It was the anniversary of William's 
 birth. Mrs. S thought proper to distin- 
 guish it by some memorials of her affection for 
 the children. So, after the usual devotions, she 
 told John to open her bureau-drawer, and bring 
 her some books, of which she wished him to 
 take his choice. She then gave John and 
 WilUam each a copy of the Oxford edition of 
 the Holy Bible (pearl, 24mo), with elastic cover ; 
 and to Wilham, a favorite httle Prayer-Book. 
 She had a short time before signified her wish 
 that Jenny should have her superb Prayer-Book 
 with plates. To William she also gave a plain 
 Prayer-Book. Each gift was accompanied with 
 her blessing, and the promise to write their 
 names in them respectively some other time. 
 The children each kissed her, and went off in 
 a happy mood to dress for worship. 
 
 A large congregation convened at the church, 
 and the Lord's Supper was administered : at the 
 
136 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 close the remaining elements were taken away 
 carefully in a silver vessel, to be used in our pri- 
 vate commemoration. 
 
 Mrs. S , when left at home, used to go 
 
 over the service devoutly to herself; and so, 
 having been with us in spirit all along, she 
 was prepared for the solemn rite. Late in the 
 afternoon she had arisen, and was' ready, seated 
 in her armchair; a small table, covered with 
 a linen cloth, had been placed conveniently, 
 and all things were disposed in order. 
 
 The service which the Church has set forth 
 for the occasion is very appropriate and affect- 
 ing. The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel are just 
 what are needed by the sick, who is about to 
 feed on Christ by "faith with thanksgiving," 
 and whose languishing soul in its extremity 
 yearns to receive the grand seal of the forgive- 
 ness of sins through the blood of a precious 
 Saviour. Susceptible, under the circumstances, 
 to peculiar emotions and infirmities, it must be 
 dealt with judiciously and tenderly. A quick- 
 ened sense of the odiousness of sin, and a nat- 
 ural fear of God's displeasure, may so disturb 
 the mind as to hinder a proper joy and comfort 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 137 
 
 in tlie lioly ordinance ; and so the spiritual 
 necessities of the sick are provided for in the 
 appointments of the service, by so clearing the 
 vision that the Great Sacrifice may be contem- 
 plated as extracting the sting of deaths which is 
 sin, and, at the same time, the paternal hand of 
 God may be recognized, preparing by His prov- 
 idence the commnnicant's heart for a right par- 
 ticipation and comfort. 
 
 The invalid may esteem too lightly the chas- 
 tening of the Lord, and hence reahze no peace 
 from a sense of His paternal care, or she may 
 relapse into a state of despondency, as if doomed, 
 from the severity of her affiction — so as "to 
 faint," as it were, "when rebuked of Him." 
 Jnster views are then needed — something to 
 soothe and strengthen ; and the solemn afl&rma- 
 tion of Jesus Christ, setting forth a brief and cer- 
 tain experience, enlightens the mind and glad- 
 dens the heart, being just suited to the spiritual 
 necessities of the case — "Verily, verily, I say 
 unto you, he that heareth My words, and be- 
 lieveth in Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, 
 and shall not come into condemnation, but is 
 passed from death unto life." From this she 
 
 12^ 
 
138 THE pastor's wipe; oe, 
 
 learns, to her comfort, the office and value of 
 genuine faith, which is a voucher aUke of the 
 professor's conversion, justification, redemption, 
 and glorification. 
 
 When the children had been disposed of, so 
 that the house was quiet, the solemn services 
 began. Mrs. S united in them intelligent- 
 ly and audibly, evincing a mellow sensibility, 
 and partaking of the memorials of her Saviour's 
 love with tears. It was a hallowed moment, 
 and we think she was happy and resigned to 
 the will of her Heavenly Father. We cannot 
 doubt for a moment that she had received the 
 seal of forgiveness and acceptance. Whenever 
 we use the latter part of the prayer for Christ's 
 Church militant, we think of her : " And we 
 also bless Thy holy Name for all Thy servants 
 departed this life in Thy faith and fear ; be- 
 seeching Thee to give us grace so to follow their 
 good examples, that with them we may be par- 
 takers of Thy heavenly kingdom." 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 139 
 
 CHAPTEE XVII. 
 
 >OPE is a blessed affection of the human 
 bosom, but how strangely it blinds us in 
 our estimate of the condition of the sick ! 
 It is difficult to believe that one whom we love 
 dearly will be removed from our midst ; for a 
 faithful view of the case cannot be had, where 
 our feelings are so deeply interested. By the 
 slowest process possible, are we brought to 
 realize the sad truth : and it is well it is so, as 
 we are thereby being prepared for the affliction 
 which awaits us. 
 
 Strange as it may seem, until about this time 
 
 we clung to the hope that Mrs. S would 
 
 recover her health. Now, however, we could 
 no longer close our eyes to the many evidences 
 that she was fast declining, and that no human 
 aid could arrest the sad consummation. Her 
 digestive powers were becoming much disor- 
 dered, so that she could -not take enough nour- 
 ishment, and there was more internal pain, with 
 
140 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 incr^easing weakness. The doctor — excellent 
 man — evinced an interest which secured our 
 confidence and affection, but the case was be- 
 yond medical skill. It is wise to prepare our 
 minds to submit to those misfortunes which we 
 cannot avoid ; for they are, however mysterious 
 to us, in accordance with the will of God, which 
 
 is supreme. Mrs. S , too, was cultivating 
 
 more and more a spirit of resignation, as she 
 felt the tide of life fast ebbing away. 
 
 There was the usual reluctance to approach 
 the painful subject, but it was oftener than 
 formerly incidentally introduced ; when the con- 
 versation — although brief, and, as it were, un- 
 finished — disclosed sufficiently her views and 
 wishes. Many circumstances, too, showed plain- 
 ly her thoughts, while some affecting incidents 
 occurred. Every effort was made to sustain 
 her mind as her body declined, and we are 
 thankful for our degree of success. Her spir- 
 itual necessities were supplied by daily dis- 
 courses at the bedside, as she was able to bear 
 them; and she would now and then express 
 her sentiments in a few words. In these exer- 
 cises, while we wished to instruct, if necessary, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Ill 
 
 and above all, comfort her, we tried to avoid 
 any personal application which might depress 
 her spirits. We rejoiced always at her benign 
 smile, when she seemed interested and pleased 
 at things about her : so we endeavored to rid 
 her chamber of the air of melancholy. But, 
 alas! those days were very sad, although not 
 without something occasionally which cast a 
 ray of sunshine upon our sad hearts. "We 
 may arrange the prominent incidents as in a 
 Diary. 
 
 Monday^ 2d. She suffered much from exhaus- 
 tion, brought on, possibly, by too much exer- 
 tion yesterday. In broken conversation, she 
 advised that I should go to Marietta, now, since 
 she was better, and prepare things. She in- 
 dulged the hope that she might be well enough 
 to be taken down with us, and had said to her 
 sister, that she would be reconciled to die the 
 day after, if she could only see how we would 
 be fixed in our future home, — so constantly were 
 her thoughts given to the welfare of her family. 
 We rephed, that I was not expected so early, 
 and it was unnecessary to be in haste, since the 
 good peoj)le would excuse me ; and that I could 
 
142 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 f 
 
 not think of leaving her, until, if it pleased God, 
 she was convalescent. She was satisfied. 
 
 She distressed herself by thinking she " mere- 
 ly gave trouble." We could not account for 
 this, otherwise than by regarding it as a morbid 
 propensity ; and yet it gave us pain. We learn 
 it is sometimes a frailty with the sick, produced 
 by extreme bodily weakness, combined with un- 
 due humility of disposition. We even reasoned 
 with her about it, saying, she could not but be 
 sensible of our love and assiduity, and that we 
 felt it unkind in her to encourage the thought 
 that we would take anything as a trouble ; 
 moreover, even if our affection did not govern 
 us in the matter, she had rights which demand- 
 ed attention. 
 
 Then again, in her languor, she would occa- 
 sionally utter a phrase, nearly akin to the last, 
 and which fell on our ears most disagreeably, 
 while we misinterpreted, for a long time, its 
 meaning — "You will not miss me." Could it 
 be possible that she thought for a moment that 
 we would not lament her loss, when it pleased 
 God to remove her ? No ; dear creature ! it 
 was a mere outburst of humility. She meant, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 143 
 
 that all she had been able to do for her family 
 would be still done when she was gone, by one 
 who took a mother's interest in them. Her 
 services, she thought, would not be missed, 
 while she must have known her memory would 
 be embalmed in our hearts as long as they 
 pulsated with hfe. Trae, it was correct enough 
 as to the person meant, if possible ; but even 
 from this opinion we must beg leave to dissent, 
 for no one can, in reahty, take fully the place 
 of a parent. The child may love and obey 
 another, but it cannot feel toward her as for 
 the author of its existence. 
 
 Tuesday, 3d. Eather better : sat up some 
 time in bed, and, we think, used her knitting- 
 needles a httle. The children were about, and 
 she enjoyed their company. We handed her 
 one of the books given the children, with a pen- 
 cil, and asked her to write the name on the 
 fly-leaf; but she declined taking it, seemed 
 annoyed, and said : " By no means ; for I wish 
 to write it with ink, so as to be permanent, 
 when stronger." We said nothing more on the 
 subject, and she never seemed able afterward 
 to do so, to our regret. 
 
 j^ 
 
144 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 In the afternoon, when she was composed, 
 and no one else was present, we took a chair 
 by the side of the bed, and talked over calmly 
 our affairs, that she might be in possession of 
 all the information she could desire. Much 
 of a private nature was communicated. It 
 seemed to give her satisfaction, and she ex- 
 pressed her views briefly on various subjects, 
 saying : 
 
 "We expected so much enjoyment together 
 in Marietta, but now^ — " and her voice failed 
 from emotion. The meaning was understood, 
 and we took occasion to say : 
 
 " O Eliza, gladly would I spend my whole life 
 with you ! Have I not made you a good hus- 
 band ?" to which she replied with readiness : 
 
 " Tou have been exemplary in all the relations 
 of life : I am sorry to leave you !" 
 
 Some one came in, and here the conversation 
 was brought to a close. 
 
 With the advice of the doctor, tonics w^ere 
 administered, and milk-punch was used as an 
 occasional drink, to advantage. I induced her 
 to permit me to sleep in the room at night on 
 a sofa. 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 145 
 
 • Wednesday, 4:tlu She seemed pretty comfort- 
 able to-day, and received a friend in her room, 
 with whom she conversed, sajdng she had aban- 
 doned the hope now of getting to Marietta. 
 Seated by her bedside, I talked slowly and 
 calmly, trying to cheer her, for she was de- 
 pressed. I spoke chiefly of spiritual things, 
 referring to the comforting belief in the recog- 
 nition of friends in the next world, where we 
 might expect to meet many dear ones — her 
 mother, mine, our little cherub Robert Duncan, 
 and others ; that the nature of our departure 
 was much Uke a journey to a better clime ; that 
 all the family of Jesus were gradually gathered 
 into His Father's kingdom, only some, for wise 
 purposes, had to linger a httle longer than 
 others on the earth. She assented, and said 
 she " did not wish her sister Jane to be sepa- 
 rated from the children," The assurance was 
 given, although it was unnecessary, since, so 
 strong was our attachment to her, that under 
 no circumstances would we vohmtarily ever 
 think of giving her up. 
 
 Thursday, 5th. Not so well to-day, com- 
 plahiing of the wearisomeness of lying in bed. 
 
146 THE pastor's wife; oe. 
 
 Sister advised her to get up after dinner, and 
 sit in her rocking-chair. She rephed " she was 
 too weak." Toward mid-day she had a spell 
 of exhaustion, which alarmed those in the room. 
 She bid me to be called, and said : 
 
 " You must tell me — am I dying, for I never 
 felt so before ? If I am, let me know, for I have 
 something to say." 
 
 I soothed her by saying, that although she 
 was quite sick, I did not believe she was in 
 imminent danger. She was quieted, and soon 
 recovered. The evacuations from her body 
 were sometimes of such a nature and so co- 
 pious, that we were in dread of a crisis when- 
 ever they occurred. 
 
 In the afternoon, feeling pretty well, it was 
 decided to make the effort to get up. Being- 
 aided, she was at length seated as usual in her 
 rocking-chair. The change exhilarated her, 
 and we were at hand to minister to her wants. 
 Toward night, being cool, a fire was made in 
 the hearth. But unfortunately she remained up 
 too long, and became so fatigued, that when 
 night came, she was indisposed to move, and it 
 was with much difficulty she was taken to bed, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. 8. 117 
 
 almost fainting, and saying despairingly, "I 
 shall never rise from this bed again." Her 
 body had fallen away to a mere skeleton, but 
 her face was not so much affected. Some 
 strength was imparted by sponging her whole 
 person with rum-water, and we were gladdened 
 by hearing her tell how it refreshed her, and 
 helped her sleep. 
 
 Friday, 6th, Had much pain to-day : in the 
 midst of one paroxysm she said, as I held her 
 hand : " Oh, what shaU I do ? what shaU I do ?" 
 looking to me for_ advice. How distressing it 
 is to be unable to meet such an appeal ! but, 
 doubtless, sympathy assuages pain to some ex- 
 tent. All I could say was, " Oh, my dear Eliza, 
 gladly would I suffer for you ;" to which she 
 responded, " Tou would sink under it, for you 
 have not as good a constitution as mine." In a 
 few moments the pain was over. I also added, 
 "It is, my dear, nothing in comparison with 
 what your Saviour endured for you on the 
 cross." 
 
 To-day I held some brief conversation about 
 her spiritual state. Among other things, I 
 said : " My dear Eliza, we pray that you may 
 
148 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 yet be spared to us, for in God's liands are the 
 issues of life and death ; but should it please 
 your Heavenly Father to call you out of this 
 world, would you, my dear, be willing to go ?" 
 She replied calmly : '' I hope so." 
 
 Saturday, 1th, We had become now much 
 alarmed at the symptoms, and feared a sudden 
 dissolution. We did not wish her to have such 
 apprehensions, and it is thought she did not, 
 but supposed she would last some months 
 longer, and have warning. Lest it should be 
 so, we hoped she would communicate her wishes 
 as to the future, and waited for it, but there was 
 no doubt a mutual repugnance to approach so 
 painful a matter. At length I took occasion to 
 ask her, in as gentle and unexciting a manner 
 as possible, " My dear, have you any requests 
 to make?" when she answered, mournfully: "I 
 am too sick to talk now ; wait until I am bet- 
 ter." I then added, that she might feel at rest 
 thereafter on such matters : " We think, my 
 dear, that we know your wishes, and they shall 
 faithfully be complied with." She was now 
 disinclined to take nourishment, having an ac- 
 tual repugnance to food. We prepared every 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 149 
 
 • tiling we could think of to invite lier taste, and 
 kind friends aided us in every way. 
 
 Sunday, W\. A fine, mild day, and Mrs. S 
 
 pretty comfortable ; took her tea and toast, and 
 had the window-blind, towards the foot of her 
 bed opened, that she might look out, as she 
 lay on her pillow, at the trees and sky. The 
 sashes, arranged at top and bottom, gave a 
 pleasant ckculation of the southwest breeze 
 through the room. 
 
 When the fii^st bell rang she said, in surprise 
 at my not having made the usual preparations, 
 "Are you not going to church, Mr. S ?" 
 
 " No, my dear ; I wish to stay with you this 
 morning." 
 
 " But, Mr. 8 , you must go — I am well 
 
 enough — Jane is with me. Oh go, for think 
 what a bad effect your example has on others." 
 
 This was said in an imploring tone, and with 
 a strength of voice that sui-prised me. She 
 seemed aroused, dear creature, for my sake. I 
 could not reveal my apprehensions, and for a 
 moment was perplexed. To leave her was out 
 of the question, for I had the presentiment that 
 it would be her last Sabbath on earth, and so I 
 
 13^ 
 
150 THE pastob's wife; or, 
 
 had to plead gently to remove lier objections. 
 " O Eliza, we can have the service at home : 
 grant me, my dear, the privilege of officiating 
 here to-day." She acquiesced. I sent a note, 
 by the children when they went to Sabbath- 
 school, to brother Hawks, stating my reasons 
 for not being with him, and asking the prayets 
 of the congregation. 
 
 The house being quiet, nearly simultaneously 
 with the worship in the church, we, literally two 
 or three, held a private service, regular as far 
 as practicable, with a brief lecture and conclu- 
 ding prayer. It was a delightful occasion, very 
 solemn and touching. Mrs. S united au- 
 dibly in portions of the service, repeating the 
 Confession and the Lord's Prayer with marked 
 sincerity, in a low plaintive voice. She seemed 
 to have peace and spiritual joy, and we, who 
 loved her, were comforted in our grief. 
 
 I think it was providential that we held this 
 service, which was blessed to us all. It was 
 
 what Mrs. S had longed for, saying to her 
 
 sister, as I was told afterward, that she so 
 much desired, once more, to join in the service 
 of her beloved church. At the close, she said 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 151 
 
 she was so glad and thankful ; and I, to impress 
 lier the more, added : " Eemember, dear Eliza, 
 I am a priest of God ;" to which she responded : 
 ^a know it." 
 
152 THE paotob's wife; OB, 
 
 CHAPTEE XYIII. 
 
 ^E can best express onr thonglits and 
 impart an idea of the sad closing 
 scenes, by the continuation of onr 
 Diary. 
 
 Monday y 9th. Slept little last night, with la- 
 borious breathing, which the doctor said was 
 caused by the collapse of the diaphragm, where- 
 by it became necessary for the muscles of the 
 chest to be used for respiration, which gave 
 fatigue. Said he hoped to be able to correct it. 
 Received a letter from a relative, which I read, 
 but found it difficult to gain her attention, as 
 her mind seemed wandering, from pain and ex- 
 haustion. "When I took up a book as usual, she 
 said she was so unwell that she could not listen 
 intelligently. Many friends called, but none 
 could see her ; yet she inquired anxiously about 
 some sick persons. Having occasion to do for 
 her some menial office, when no one else was in 
 the room, she wept at the thought, saying, " You 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 153 
 
 are a minister;" "but, nevertheless, your hus- 
 band, I continued, who, you will remember, my 
 dear, promised, when we were married, that he 
 would nurse you." *' O yes," she rephed, ten- 
 derly, "but I have no opportunity to do the 
 same for you." She called me to her in the 
 afternoon and requested that I would lie down 
 by her side that night ; which I did, watching 
 her nearly until day. She slept pretty well, to 
 my joy, and was refreshed in the morning. 
 Once awaking, and looking at me, she said, 
 " My husband," a term by which, I think, she 
 never addressed me but once before. 
 
 Tuesday, 10th. A good night's rest is a bless- 
 ing to the invahd ; and it had mercifully been 
 granted. The sympathetic doctor came at the 
 usual hour : said there was much inflammation. 
 She took her usual beverage, but her repug- 
 nance to food was so gi^eat, that only by much 
 persuasion could she be induced to take a 
 few spoonfuls of arrowroot. We always held 
 morning prayers at her bedside, but a few daj^s 
 past had omitted the reading, as it seemed to 
 fatigue her. Yet I would sit by her, and converse 
 at appropriate moments when she seemed able 
 
154 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 to bear it. As she expressed, in a feeble voice, 
 anxiety about something, I took occasion to 
 remark, that we ought not to distrust the good 
 providence of God, so far shown towards us ; 
 that she must not think so much about tem- 
 poral things, but meditate on the love of her 
 dear Saviour ; and that it would be only a little 
 while, and I would be with her, ' During these 
 remarks, some one may have been passing about 
 the room. "We would do all we could to reUeve 
 the sameness of things. Finding a little picture 
 of The Crucifixion by Eubens, I held it up be- 
 fore her eyes to look at, but she turned away, 
 saying it distressed her. 
 
 During the day the boys came in, in great 
 glee, showing their new caps, made by Mrs. 
 Cairns, to their mother. She took each one in 
 her hand, seemed pleased, and said, " I hope 
 you thanked good Mrs. Cairns." 
 
 Our sympathies were now more and more 
 excited by her painful breathing ; she was be- 
 coming exhausted with the labor, and in a state 
 of distress would cry out, in a tone which went 
 to our heart : " Oh, I am so tired — I am so 
 tired — I wish I could sleep." We consulted 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 155 
 
 with tlie doctor, who did for her what he 
 could. 
 
 A brother, whom she loved dearly, with his 
 family, was with us, and proposed to watch. 
 
 We thought Mrs. S very sick, but did not 
 
 anticipate any thing serious, and administered 
 the prescribed opiate. We all then united in 
 devotion around her bed, and as the Lord's 
 Prayer was said, she distinctly and devoutly 
 repeated it in a very low weak voice. The 
 children, as was their custom, affectionately 
 kissed her as they left the chamber. She urged 
 her sister and myself to take our rest, as her 
 brother and wife would be in her room ; but we 
 lingered until about eleven, when, much worn 
 with anxiety, I retired. After a disturbed nap 
 of about an hour, I was called up on account of 
 some alarming symptoms in Mrs. S 's con- 
 dition. 
 
 She was in a state of great suffering, unable 
 to speak. We tried in vain to ascertain her 
 wishes, moistening her lips with water, of which 
 she swallowed a teaspoonful with diffiiculty. 
 Her brother William was sent for; and as in 
 appearance she w^as sinking rapidly, we Ut up 
 
156% THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 the gas fully, and read the service for the sick, 
 with the Commendatory Prayer at the point of 
 departure, which we knew she valued much, as 
 she had often enjoined me not to forget to 
 impart its final comfort at the right moment to 
 the dying. Thank God! she had herself that 
 consolation. 
 
 Becoming at length more arolised, she, as if 
 excited by intense agony, threw off the cover- 
 ing, and turned herself to and fro in the bed, 
 exclaiming : " Walter ! Walter !" which we mis- 
 took for a long time for " water." But as she 
 persistently refused it when offered, we at length 
 understood the word, and ordered the children 
 to be brought, which was done tardily, as it was 
 difficult to awake them. At length, the little 
 creatures, partially dressed, and half asleep, 
 were introduced into the room, in a state of 
 great wonderment. John first approached the 
 side of the bed. She at once recognized him 
 with a smile, and before he could get near 
 enough to kiss her, she extended her left arm 
 to reach his hand, which she squeezed. Next 
 came William and Walter, whom she severally 
 embraced, but could not speak. William wept 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 157 
 
 aloud. And so at last she folded her dear boy 
 of promise in her arms, and her heart beat next 
 his, when it had pleased God to seal her lips ! 
 It was a tender and distressing scene. 
 
 While we all were around the bed, she was 
 observed to be making a great effort to speak, 
 and, by close attention, we made out her 
 words : " Who has the baby ?" Jane answered : 
 " Sis, the baby is with Augusta, up stairs ;" 
 and her countenance bespoke the relief of her 
 mind. This was a touching incident, showing 
 that in the midst of her agony, she thought of 
 the safety of her ijhild ! By-and-by Jenny was 
 brought and placed beside her mother, who 
 must have recognized her. We scarcely knew 
 what length of time she suffered, rolling on the 
 bed, while we held her hand, and did all we 
 could to alleviate her distress. Alas! next to 
 nothing could be done. There seemed to be 
 a tenacity of life, which the disease was de- 
 stroying by the gradual process of exhaustion ; 
 and our sympathies were intensely exercised. 
 At length she was seen to be looking for some 
 one, as she turned to and fro, while I stood 
 a little removed in the room. Hastening to the 
 
158 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 foot of the bed, for every nearer place was 
 occupied, my eye met tlie full gaze of lier coun- 
 tenance, beaming with animation and affection 
 upon me. "We were entranced, expecting her 
 to speak, and every eye was suffused; but it 
 was only for a few moments. It was her last 
 look. She had thrown all the energy of her 
 vitality into the effort, and her features were 
 filled out with the compactness and glow of 
 health. She looked as she used to do in her 
 happiest days. She may have wished to say 
 something, but could not, and thus bade me 
 farewell! The reaction was as remarkable; 
 she shrunk away wit£. exhaustion into perfect 
 emaciation. 
 
 Her sight, we think, was now failing, but as 
 long as it remained, we had some evidences. 
 As she turned her eyes, on one side she saw her 
 sister — that dear, trusty sister whom she loved 
 so well— bending with grief over her bed, and 
 said, in words which came with hollow intona- 
 tion, and as if the organs of speech were stiffen- 
 ing in the utterance : " Oh ! Jane ; oh ! Jane," 
 — her last words. 
 
 It was now daybreak, and the violence of 
 
MEMOIllS OF E. M. S. 159 
 
 the symptoms — and we trust their pam — had 
 subsided, as she lay on her i ; ck, bj eathing 
 laboriously. Doubtless, her only communica- 
 tion now with the external world was through 
 the sense of hearing, which was fast decaying. 
 "We still stood around, as we had for many 
 hours. Suddenly, her features were convulsed, 
 and she uttered a loud deep groan ; when 
 I cried out impulsively, " O Lord Jesus, receive 
 her spirit !" In a moment the horril^le spasm 
 was over, ard she breathed freely again. 
 
 From this juncture there was a gradual de- 
 cline ; and when the doctor came in, he called 
 her twice loudly, but she was unconscious. 
 
 Good Mrs. was sent for, and with her on 
 
 the other side, the writer sat by the sinking 
 form of his beloved, and wiped the cold dew 
 from her brow, until the clock struck eleven, 
 when her left hand which he had held, moved 
 mechanically toward the pillow, and simulta- 
 neously she ceased to breathe : " The silver 
 cord was loosed — the golden bowl was broken," 
 and her pure sjoirit ascended unto God who 
 gave it. 
 
160 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 ^HE funeral took place on Thnrsday, 
 a bright, serene day, iii the forenoon. 
 A goodly number of friends and ac- 
 quaintances had met at the house to express 
 their sympathy for the family, and to have 
 a view of the deceased, before they accom- 
 panied the body to the church. The features 
 had, as was to be expected, greatly changed, so 
 that the original purpose of taking a photo- 
 graph was abandoned. 
 
 What passes on so sad an occasion needs 
 scarcely to be told. "When the hour had come, 
 the last tardy look and kiss were given; the 
 baby was hoisted up over the side of the coflSn, 
 that it might impress its warm little lips upon 
 the icy cheek of its mother for the last time ; 
 and Walter, WiUiam, and John successively 
 gave the same final token of affection for their 
 beloved parent. The children were moved, 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 161 
 
 but tliey were too young to be expected to 
 realize the loss they had sustained. 
 
 The coffin was of mahogany, finely finished, 
 and the pall-bearers Avere mostly gentlemen who 
 once belonged to Appalachicola, and had known 
 her well. Conveyed to the Episcopal church, it 
 was met at the door by the Rector, with the 
 sentence : " I am the resurrection and the hfe, 
 saith the Lord : he that beheveth in Me, 
 though he were dead, yet shall he live : and 
 whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall 
 never die." When placed upon trestles before 
 the chancel,, the anthem was read, and the 
 Epistle enunciated ; when the Eev. Wm. N. 
 Hawks deUvered a brief discourse from the 
 text : " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
 Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their 
 works do follow them." After describing Hfe 
 as a toilsome and sorrowful pilgrimage, whose 
 route is strewn with the fruits of sincerity, 
 furnished by professors in their exemplary lives 
 and good works, he referred to the reward 
 which would meet them in their heavenly 
 Father's kingdom, when they had passed accept- 
 ably through this probation ; adding that among 
 
162 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 
 
 this happy number, she whose mortal remains 
 lay before them must be placed, and that, 
 doubtless, her ransomed spirit was then enjoy- 
 ing the results of a virtuous and pious life on 
 earth. The 124th hymn was sung : 
 
 " Hear what the voice from Heaven declares 
 To those in Christ who die ;- 
 Released from all their earthly cares, 
 They'll reign with Him on high. 
 
 " Then why lament departed friends, 
 Or shake at Death's alarms ? 
 Death's but the servant Jesus sends 
 To call us to his arms. 
 
 " If sin be pardon'd we're secure, 
 Death hath no sting beside : 
 The law gave sin its strength and power ; 
 But Chiist, our ransom, died, 
 
 " The graves of all His saints be bless'd, 
 When in the grave He lay ; 
 And, rising thence, their hopes He raised 
 To everlasting day. 
 
 " Then, joyfully, while life we have, 
 To Christ, our life we'll sing, 
 * Where is thy victory, O grave ? 
 And where, O death, thy sting ?' " 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 103 
 
 The procession tlien formed, and proceeded 
 to the cemetery, where the corpse was com- 
 mitted to the groimd, with the closing solemn 
 rites. The three boys, their father, aunt, two 
 uncles, and many sorrowful fiiends stood at 
 the grave, as "dust to dust and ashes to 
 ashes" was pronounced. The servants were 
 also there, with little Jenny in their charge. 
 The coffin was placed in a vault of brickwork, 
 beneath the surface, just by the tomb of her 
 brother John, in the family burial-lot. Over 
 the sacred spot there is a white marble slab, 
 with this inscription : 
 
 THE PASTOR S WIFE, 
 
 ELIZA M. SAUNDERS, 
 
 FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS. 
 Nov. 11, 1863. 
 
164 THE pastor's wife; oe, 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 ^E have now reached the end of these 
 plain memoirs, intended for those dear 
 children who, by this sad event, were 
 made orphans. They would not be complete 
 
 without describing the person of Mrs. S , 
 
 and noting more particularly than has been 
 done her peculiarities of character. 
 
 Mrs. S- was of medium stature, about five 
 
 feet three or four inches in height, with full 
 chest, of very fair complexion, but inclined to 
 freckle, hazel eyes, Grecian nose, chestnut brown 
 hair, rather large hands, and small feet. The 
 frontispiece represents her before marriage. 
 Her movements were very quick but graceful, 
 and nature had bestowed upon her a fair share of 
 comeliness. In repose, she did not show to the 
 same advantage as when animated ; and to do 
 her justice, it was necessary to see her when 
 her features were lit up, and her rather large 
 eyes were beaming with feeling and intelligence. 
 
MEMOIBS OF E. M. S. 1G5 
 
 A phrenological chart of her was once taken, 
 which proved truthful in many of its traits. In 
 her temperament the nervous element predom- 
 inated, and she possessed such uncommon viva- 
 city of disposition (derived, perhaps, from her 
 Scotch origin), that it was necessary to restrain 
 it. Her social qualities, combined with good 
 colloquial powers, secured her general popu- 
 larity, while her expansive charity and freedom 
 from evil speaking gained her the love and 
 confidence of all who were willing to trust their 
 reputation in her hands. 
 
 Her mind was rather superior. She evinced 
 decided intellectual abihty when she chose to 
 make an effort, but such was the modesty of her 
 nature, that much of her talent lay hid. We 
 have listened with surprise and admiration to 
 her criticisms, when she chose to comment on 
 a sermon. There was depth and justness in 
 her strictiu^es, both as to style and matter. 
 Gifted with a retentive memory, she could not 
 only give the main and subordinate divisions, 
 but often repeat whole sentences verbatim. Of 
 her epistolary ability, there could be no doubt ; 
 she possessed the approved style of correspond- 
 
166 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 ence, being instructive, interesting, graceful, 
 and, at times, elegant. 
 
 But her excellence lay rather in the quahties 
 of her heart. Lest time should, alas! efface 
 the brief experience of her children, bereaved 
 at so tender an age, we would record it for 
 their benefit, that they sprang . from a mother 
 who was distinguished for her virtues and piety ; 
 and they may indulge in an allowable pride on 
 that account : she has left them, in her survi- 
 ving reputation, a valuable inheritance. 
 
 "Where there was so much to commend, we 
 cannot deal in particulars. Suffice it to say, as 
 a wife, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor, she 
 was a model ; and to term her the Pastor's com- 
 panion is nothing more than her due, since she 
 was eminently fitted for its responsibilities, and 
 did most faithfully fulfil them. And all these 
 fine traits of character were combined with a 
 remarkable humility, for she under-estimated 
 herself in every respect. Indeed, this may be 
 regarded as a frailty, since her too little self- 
 esteem must, to some extent, have impeded her 
 usefulness. Nor can we here omit to notice 
 that other Idndred virtue for which she was 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 167 
 
 cUstinguished, lier rare disinterestedness of dis- 
 position, wliicli was equally conspicuous with 
 her modesty and humility. She was one of the 
 most unselfish of mortals, disposed to forego at 
 any time her own interest or pleasure to serve 
 another, apparently forgetting seK in the grati- 
 fication which the sacrifice afforded. Her ac- 
 cessibility, popular manners, and private chari- 
 ties had secured her a general attachment where 
 known, and had she moved in a wider circle, 
 she would have acquired a reputation for phi- 
 lanthropy. As it was, she died lamented by 
 unseen numbers, especially in the lower orders 
 of society. The poor and humble found in her a 
 friend who disdained not to listen to their wants 
 and pecuhar grievances, which she was ever 
 ready to alleviate by her counsel, aid, or sympa- 
 thy. Since her death, many touching evidences 
 of this have come to the author's notice, impart- 
 ing a peculiar comfort. To have the assurance 
 that a dear one was beloved by others also, is 
 a sweet consolation in our grief. 
 
 After the funeral, several laboring persons 
 came in testifying with tears to her worth ; and 
 in travelling, a young man made himself known 
 
168 THE pastob's wife; oe, 
 
 for the purpose of acknowledging, with grati- 
 tude, that " good Mrs. S — — had taught him 
 arithmetic." These are isolated instances of 
 what has every now and then come to our 
 knowledge. 
 
 One may be extensively respected and ad- 
 mired, but to he beloved falls to , the share, com- 
 paratively, of few ; since it is a spontaneous 
 tribute of the heart paid, not to talent or posi- 
 tion, but genuine merit. 
 
 And so Mrs. S was generally lamented : 
 
 when it pleased God to remove her from this 
 world of cares and infirmities, a vacancy was 
 made which was felt by every one who en- 
 joyed her acquaintance, and most keenly by 
 her surviving family. 
 
 "We began, the morning after her death, to 
 conform our social worship to the sad event, by 
 praying unto God for " patience, especially un- 
 der the great affliction of losing the mother 
 of these children, and to grant, that when we 
 are taken hence, our spirits and hers may be 
 reunited in eternity ;" and in their private de- 
 votions each evening, the children (Jenny ex- 
 cepted) were taught, in repeating their obliga- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 1G9 
 
 tions, to use the phrase, " as dear mother told 
 me." She can never be forgotten. 
 
 Mrs. S died of an uncertain disease, and 
 
 apparently a painful death. We should like to 
 be assured of the kind of disease, but the phy- 
 sicians differed in opinion, and we are left in 
 doubt : all we know is, that it was an affection 
 of the bladder. It has pleased God to take her 
 away — a mysterious providence, — and we mourn 
 for her, not in sombre garments, of which she 
 disapproved, but, " as those not without hope," 
 looking to a reunion in the land of spirits. 
 
 After a useful life, she has passed through 
 the " cold flood" in advance of many who ex- 
 pected to precede her. But it is not a solitude 
 on the other shore. A remarkable fatality has 
 attended her friends and associates, for many 
 of her juniors, as well as seniors, have since 
 bathed in the same icy stream ; and we hum- 
 bly believe that the love and congeniality which 
 prevailed here, will not be interrupted in the 
 land of promise. What a blessed doctrine is 
 the recognition of friends in the next world ! 
 
 Not to mention her own dear relatives who 
 preceded her, — a mother, brother, and child, — 
 
170 THE pastok's wife; ok, 
 
 a host of friends now hold sweet intercourse, 
 we fondly trust, in the blessed abodes of the 
 righteous. There are those amiable young 
 creatures— whom she trained in the principles 
 of the Christian religion, her spiritual chil- 
 dren — the Miss Davises, who survived her only 
 a few weeks ; there is her fellow-sufferer, Mrs. 
 Spencer, who followed quite soon through the 
 dark valley ; there are those youthful matrons, 
 Hall and Boydkin, each taken mysteriously 
 away from her tender charge ; there is the 
 sainted Mrs. Cairns, her adopted model, with 
 whom she has often sat by the bedside of . the 
 sick and visited the hovels of wretchedness; 
 there is the accomplished Mrs. Echols, her ex- 
 cellent companion, whose society was a balm 
 for every woe ; there is the good, talented, yet 
 sorrowful Mrs. McClaren, her early, sympathet- 
 ic friend ; there is her own venerated relative, 
 Mrs. Kennedy, fallen as a shock of corn fully 
 ripe into the garner : and oh, the blow that rent 
 the heart of him w^ho ministered so assiduously 
 to her physical ills ! Truty, the arrows, of death 
 have flown thickly around, and sought many an 
 excellent mark. Those are scarcely a moiety of 
 
MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 171 
 
 her friends who have since passed away. 'Tis 
 too painful to fill out the number, and yet a few 
 names more demand oiu' notice. Alas! who 
 else have gone down to the dark chambers? 
 "Wliat solemn dirge is heard throughout the 
 Church ? Incredible ! — the man of God who 
 consigned her remains to the tomb ! — ah, my 
 brother has finished his labors ; nay, the pall of 
 a universal mourning envelops Zion for her 
 Eutledge, her Elliott, and her Scott, names 
 destined for immortality. O glorious thought ! — 
 some consolation for our grief — all these her 
 spirit has been privileged to greet on the other 
 side of Jordan — to welcome to the land of rest 
 and eternal felicity ! 
 
 " There is a land of pure delight, 
 Where. saints immortal reign; 
 Eternal day excludes the night, 
 And pleasures banish pain. 
 
 " There, everlasting spring abides, 
 And never-fading flowers : 
 Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
 This heavenly land from ours. 
 
 " Bright fields, beyond the swelling flood, * 
 Stand dress'd in living green : 
 
172 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 
 
 So to the Jews fair Canaan stood, 
 While Jordan roU'd between. 
 
 " But timorous mortals start, and shrink 
 To cross the narrow sea ; 
 And linger, trembling on the brink, 
 And fear to launch away. 
 
 " Oh, could we make our doubts remove, 
 Those gloomy doubts that rise. 
 And see the Canaan that we love. 
 With faith's illumined eyes ; 
 
 " Could we but climb where Moses stood, 
 And view the landscape o'er. 
 Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood, 
 Should fright us from the shore." 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 173 
 
 im 
 
 CHAPTEE XXI. 
 
 FEW words to you, my dear children, will 
 form an appropriate close to this little 
 volume, which has been written for your 
 sakes. It contains memoirs of your sainted 
 mother; which means, accounts written in an 
 easy, familiar style, without any strict regard to 
 method. 
 
 I have collected what I could of her ancestry, 
 parentage, early and married life, with such 
 incidents especially as are calculated to impress 
 your minds, so as to keep up the remembrance 
 of her. You were old enough (Jenny excepted), 
 at her death, to preserve her words, actions, 
 and personal appearance, by a little culture. 
 Walter was then five years and ten months old. 
 
 She was a good and affectionate mother, who 
 did everything for you while her hf e was spared ; 
 and when called away, by the will of God, left 
 you her blessing, with the tender request that 
 you would never forget her. Doubtless, your 
 
174 THE pastor's wife; or, 
 
 filial attacliment would not let you do this; 
 but time effaces tlie impressions of cliildliood, 
 and hence this book is written, as an aid for 
 the memory. That you loye her now^ I doubt 
 not ; but I wish you to think of her so much, 
 and so often, that the affection will never die 
 out in your hearts, but be, lil^e a vestal flame, 
 ever burning, until it is the will of God that 
 you shall be reunited to her in heaven. 
 
 Think, dear children, of her who was the au- 
 thor of your existence, who nursed you in her 
 arms, and who taught you the Catechism, con- 
 taining the Commandments of God, one of which 
 is, " Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy 
 days may be long in the land which the Lord 
 thy God giveth thee." 
 
 Her death was an irreparable loss; but it 
 was the will of our heavenly Father that she 
 should be taken away, and we must submit 
 with resignation. Her spirit has gone, where 
 yours also will go, if you wisely regard the pre- 
 cepts she taught you, and follow her example. 
 Then, you should adopt her as a model, and 
 call to mind everything she ever taught you, 
 and obey it. Thus you will be doing as Solo- 
 
MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 175 
 
 mon aclyised : " My son, hear the instruction of 
 thy father, and forsake not the lata of thy mother ; 
 for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy 
 head, and chains about thy neck." Her spirit 
 may be able to look down upon you, and behold 
 your conduct here below. Think of that ! So 
 try to merit her approbation while you live on 
 the earth, that you may be reunited to her, 
 when it pleases God to take you also away. 
 Some of the precepts she taught you must be 
 fresh now in your memory : in a word, she 
 wished you to gTOw up, performing faithfully 
 your duty to God and man. Often would she 
 tell you to " do no wicked action, to speak no 
 naughty words, and to love and be kind to each 
 other." 
 
 All men who have prospered in the world 
 have followed, as they grew up, their mother's 
 advice. Think of "Washington. He was a model 
 of fihal affection ; and how truly great and happy 
 he became ! God blessed him for it. 
 
 Then, dear children, in everything you do 
 and say, reflect beforehand, whether it Avould 
 have the approbation of your mother, if alive ; 
 and let your conduct correspond with what you 
 
176 THE PASTOB^S WIFE, Era 
 
 conclnde wonld be lier wishes. So will yon 
 show your respect for her memory, ha¥e an 
 approving conscience, and merit and receive 
 the benediction of yonr heavenly Father. She 
 will then have her dying wish — to he remembered. 
 And may God bless you, my dear children^ so 
 that, after leading pious, useful, and honorable 
 lives on earth, you may obtain the inheritance 
 of eternal glory, and be reunited to your 
 sainted mother in heaven ! 
 
APPEITDIX. 
 
APPElN^DIX. 
 
 [A] 
 " MY DARLIN' JEAN !" 
 
 From "The Flowers op Melody." 
 Words by W. Morton.— Music by A. Taylor. 
 
 ^ET kindly breezes softly blaw, 
 
 And buddin' flow'rs in verdure spring, 
 And purlin' streamlets dimplin' fa', 
 
 And tunefu' warblers SAveetly sing ; 
 Gi'e me the lasting joys of life 
 
 That bud at morn, and bloom at e'en ; 
 Joys far removed frae care and strife — 
 
 My children dear, my darlin' Jean. 
 
 Wi' these I taste the sweets o' spring. 
 The glowin' charms o' summer bright, 
 
 The flowin' joys that autumn brings, . 
 The dreary winter's social night. 
 
180 APPENDIX« 
 
 ^Mang rantlin' weeds in life's wild path, 
 Oh ! spare these twigs of evergreen ! 
 
 That I may bless, wi' latest breath, 
 My children dear, my darlin' Jean ! 
 
APPENDIX. 181 
 
 [B] 
 TO THE "VIOLET HOME," 
 
 THE RESIDENCE OF THE MISS MORTONS, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. 
 BY CAROLINE LEE HENTZ. 
 
 ^WEET Violet Home, the fragrant air 
 That round thee breathes, proclaims 
 The flowers that orwn thy guardian care, 
 And the white cottage names. 
 
 Rich is the violet's breath of balm, 
 
 And fair its purple bloom ; 
 But there's another, dearer charm, 
 
 In this sweet "Violet Home." 
 
 I love thy graceful winding chain 
 Of mingling flowers and shells, 
 
 But more I love the gentle twain 
 That in thy bosom dwells. 
 
 Dear sisters ! in your hearts there lives 
 A sweeter, fairer bloom, 
 16 
 
182 APPENDIX. 
 
 Than decks the violet's velvet leaves, 
 Or gives its deep perfume. 
 
 What though the willow's* bough no more 
 
 Weeps o'er the violet's bed, 
 May this loved blossom ne'er deplore 
 
 Its lowly honors shed. 
 
 Ne'er may the blighting wind and storm 
 
 The Violet Home impair. 
 But may the richest sunbeams warm. 
 
 And beam in blessings there. 
 
 * A beautiful weeping-willow waved in front of the cottage, but was 
 destroyed by a gale of wind. 
 
APPENDIX. 183 
 
 [C] 
 
 THE BRIDAL ANNIVERSARY, 
 
 FEBRUARY I 7, 1 85 5. 
 
 ! T length the circle of the sun 
 
 Has brought around the bridal hour, 
 When two glad hearts were fused in one, 
 Subdued by love's controlling power. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, 
 And let no care intrude ; 
 'Tis festal day, 
 Let each one say — 
 Put on a cheerful mood. 
 
 Just twelve months past, in sacred fane, 
 
 By stoled priest in surplice fair. 
 The mystic words united twain, 
 With benediction after prayer. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, &c. 
 
 'Twas on a Friday's early morn. 
 With plighted troth and holy vow, 
 
184 APPENDIX. 
 
 Aloof from superstition borne, 
 Before the Lord in faith they bow. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, &c. 
 
 Around them stood a friendly band, 
 As one, whose spirit's now above, 
 Did give away the virgin's hand. 
 And seal the compact with his love. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, &c. 
 
 Hail, blessed epoch ! welcome ever ! 
 Oft may you gladden every heart, 
 Ere God the sacred tie shall sever. 
 And bid us for a while to part. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, &c. 
 
 As life's eventful tide doth flow, 
 
 A ray of sunshine thou shalt bring. 
 To cheer the sorrows here below, 
 
 And clothe its field with verdant spring. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ, &c. 
 
APPENDIX. 185 
 
 Around the social hearth we meet, 
 
 A " wee" one swells our stream of bliss — 
 The wife, the child, the sister greet, 
 With annual, grateful, holy kiss. 
 In sober joy 
 The time employ. 
 And let no care intrude ; 
 'Tis festal day. 
 Let each one say — 
 Put on a cheerful mood, 
 16* 
 
186 APPENDIX. 
 
 [D] 
 A SONG ON LITTLE JOHNNY. 
 
 BLESSING I craved from the Giver of good, 
 And vowed I'd repay it the best way I could ; 
 For wealth or distinction I breathed not my 
 
 prayer, 
 But simply the mercy of having an heir. 
 
 The darling boy 
 
 Brings endless joy ; 
 
 Kind Heaven's gift 
 
 Aloft I'll lift; 
 
 Little Johnny is so bonny — 
 
 Little Johnny is so bonny — 
 
 Fol de rol dol, fol de rol da. 
 
 Kind Providence smiled on my humble petition. 
 Bestowing the boon which I fastened my wish on ; 
 My gratitude forth to the Lord I did pour, 
 And vowed I would train him as Samuel of yore. 
 
 The darling'boy 
 
 Brings endless joy, &c. 
 
APPENDIX. 187 
 
 . I do not indulge the extravagant hope 
 That he will be President, General, or Pope ; 
 But this I declare is my earnest desire, 
 To be a good Christian he'll early aspire. 
 
 The darling boy 
 
 Brings endless joy, &c. 
 
 With lessons of wisdom Til store well his mind, 
 With love to his God and his fellows inclined ; 
 Nor teach him to care to be wealthy or great, 
 But virtue to follow, and vice aye to hate. 
 
 The darling boy 
 
 Brings endless joy, &c. 
 
 Thus may he be noble, thus may he be strong. 
 Thus unto the rich and the glorious belong ! 
 To seek to do good may his single aim be, 
 Aloof from ambition, from odious pride free. 
 
 The darling boy 
 
 Brings endless joy, &c. 
 
 This casket within with a jewel is graced, 
 A soul there immortal its Maker has placed ; 
 Then let my endeavors be faithfully given. 
 This infant to train for its future home. Heaven. 
 
188 APPENDIX. 
 
 The darling boy 
 Brings endless joy ; 
 Kind Heaven's gift 
 Aloft ril lift; 
 
 Little Johnny is so bonny- 
 Little Johnny is so bonny — 
 Fol de rol dol, fol de rol da. 
 
APPENDIX. 189 
 
 [E] 
 LAWRENCE SAUNDERS. 
 
 LAWRENCE SAUNDERS, the martyr, suffer- 
 ed at Coventry, February 8th, 1555, during 
 the reign of Queen Mary. His name appears 
 in the various ecclesiastical histories, but the 
 fullest account of him, to our knowledge, is to be 
 found in " The Acts and Monuments, of the Church," 
 by John Foxe, a contemporary. Of "honorable 
 parentage," he was brought up in the school at 
 Eton, from whence he was transferred to King's 
 College, Cambridge, where he remained for three 
 years. 
 
 When Rector of All-hallows, Broad-street, Lon- 
 don, he preached his famous sermon on 2 Cor. xi. 2, 
 3, which caused his imprisonment for a whole year 
 and three months ; at the expiration of which, after 
 a mock trial, he was condemned to be burned at 
 the stake. 
 
 Foxe says : " On the 4th of February, the Bishop 
 of London (Bonner) came to the prison where he 
 was, to degrade him : which, when he had done, 
 
190 APPENDIX. 
 
 Saunders said . to him, ' I thank God I am not of 
 your Church.' On the following morning, the 
 sheriff of London delivered him to the Queen's 
 guard, who were appointed to carry him to the city 
 of Coventry to be burned. 
 
 " After they came to Coventry, a poor shoema- 
 ker came to him, and said, 'O my good master, 
 God strengthen and comfort you!' ' Good shoe- 
 maker,' cried master Saunders, ' pray for me , for 
 I am the unmeetest man for this high office that 
 ever was appointed to it; but my gracious God 
 and dear Father is able to make me strong enough.' 
 That same night he was put into the common jail 
 among the prisoners, where he slept little, but spent 
 the night in prayer, and instructing others. Gn 
 the next day, which was the 8th of February, he 
 was led to the place of execution in the Park with- 
 out the city. He went in an old gown and shirt, 
 and barefooted, and he often fell flat on the ground, 
 and prayed. When he was come nigh to the place, 
 the officer who was appointed to see the execution 
 done, said that he was one of those who marred 
 the Queen's realm with false doctrine and heresy, 
 ' wherefore thou hast deserved death,' said he, ' but 
 yet, if thou wilt revoke thine heresies, the Queen 
 hnth ])ar(l()ned thee; if not, yonder fire is prepared 
 
APPENDIX. 191 
 
 for thee.' To whom Saunders answered : ' It is not 
 I nor my fellow-preachers of God's truth, that have 
 Iiurt the Queen's realm, but such as you are : it is 
 yourself and such as you are, who have always re- 
 sisted God's holy word ; it is you who have and do 
 mar the Queen's realm. I do hold no heresies, but 
 the doctrine of God, the blessed Gospel of Christ ; 
 that I hold, that I believe, that I have taught, and 
 that I will never revoke.' With that, this tor- 
 mentor cried, 'Away with him !' And away from 
 him went master Saunders with courage towards 
 the fire. He fell to the ground, and prayed ; and 
 when he rose up again, he took the stake to which 
 he was to be chained, in his arms, and kissed it, 
 saying, 'Welcome the cross of Christ, welcome- 
 everlasting life ;' and being fastened to the stake, 
 and the fire put to him, he sweetly slept in the 
 Lord." The account goes on to state that they 
 burned him with "green wood" to increase his 
 torment, "but that the grace and most plentiful 
 consolation of Christ, who never forsakes his ser- 
 vants, gave patience above all that his tormentors 
 could work." 
 
192 APPENDIX. 
 
 [F] 
 WHY AM I SICK? 
 
 " Then shall the king say, Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did 
 it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me." 
 
 St. Matt. xxv. 40. 
 
 ^HY am I sick ? Why does this weary feeling 
 Of restless languor on my spirit lie ? 
 Or, in a keener sense of pain revealing, 
 Why this quick throb of sudden agony ? 
 Oh ! for some change the dull succession breaking,— 
 
 The day monotonous — th' unwelcome night ; — 
 Each morning to the same routine awaking, 
 Each eve, to woo of sickness slumbers light. 
 
 The youth of others is a varied season ; 
 
 A time when passing days bring pleasures new ; 
 Or, if not actual joy, at least from changes 
 
 They may receive amusement bright and true : 
 But I may not ; the view is sad and weary, 
 
 And tedious in its sameness, whether I 
 
APPENDIX. 193 
 
 Look back or forward ; and my heart is weary, 
 Unsoothed — uncheered, in hopeless apathy. 
 
 No — not unsoothed, while "the beloved physician," 
 
 With patience in his heart, love in his smile, 
 Comes frequent to fulfil his healing mission. 
 
 And Tvdth great kindness half my cares beguile. 
 No — not uncheered, while voices true are telling 
 
 Of humble trust, and waiting hope in God ; 
 On promises divine so earnest divelling. 
 
 That light illumines e'en my darkened road. 
 
 Oh ! not uncared for while dear hearts are beating 
 
 With interest kind ; accepting all from me 
 That I can give ; — my poor affection meeting 
 
 With sweet returns of gentle sympathy. 
 Perchance I'm sick, because my God is hearing 
 
 My prayer that their eternal recompense 
 May be increased a hundred-fold in glory. 
 
 When they have passed in peace and safety henca 
 
 I may be suffering, that their kind attendance 
 Upon the lowest of the flock may be 
 
 Repaid by Him, who in the least disciple 
 Lives, suffers, weeps, and mourneth bitterly. 
 
 U ■ • 
 
194 APPENDIX. 
 
 When Christ the Judge shall come in clouds of 
 glory, 
 
 With His true followers placed at His right hand, 
 To hear the final sentence of their Master, 
 
 There shall I see my friends beloved stand ! 
 
 Then will I joyous hear that gla4 announcing, 
 
 Addressed to them — " Ye Messed children, come, 
 Receive the Kingdom long ago made ready 
 
 For you : inherit now your Father's home ! 
 For I was hungry — thirsty — and ye gave Me 
 
 The food and drink Z asked for: Zwas sad 
 And sorrowful, and ye imparted gladly 
 
 The richest consolation that ye had. 
 
 " Yea, and I suffered sickness : Me ye tended 
 
 With patient toil untiringly endured ; 
 My bitter pain removed : — My sore, keen anguish. 
 
 By your kind care and skilful touch was cured. 
 Perchance ye saw Me not, when ye were summoned 
 
 To soothe a sufferer, or disease to heal, 
 But I was there ; for when the meanest member 
 
 Is pained, the living Head must ever feel." 
 
 "Yes, Zwas lying on that bed of sickness, 
 When my disciple's sorrow ye relieved ; 
 
APPENDIX, 195 
 
 Ye came to Me ; and jT will now repay you 
 The rich reward ye earned, but ne'er received. 
 
 In time, I suffered in My people's trials, 
 Ye came to Me in all their trpubles sore, — 
 
 Now, for the toil, a glorious crown awaits you, 
 Eternal Joy and Peace for evermore !" 
 
196 APPENDIX. 
 
 [G] 
 ON FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 BY MRS. J. MORTON, OF PHILA. 
 
 RURAL life is my delight, 
 Diffusing joys from mom to night, 
 
 With social friends sincere : 
 Hail, friendship ! sweet'ner of our life, 
 That cheers us through this world of strife, 
 
 And leaves impressions dear ! 
 
 But, oh ! how rare to meet the friend 
 On whom we may with truth depend 
 
 In ev'ry changing scene ; 
 And who will strive unto the end. 
 His love and kindness to extend 
 
 Through crosses unforeseen ! 
 
APPENDIX. 197 
 
 [H] 
 TO ELIZA M. 
 
 BY C. L. HENTZ. 
 
 fHE traces made on sandy shore 
 By roving zephyr fanned, 
 Will vanish, and betray no more 
 ^ The passing stranger's hand. 
 
 But those engraven on the rock. 
 
 Indelibly remain ; 
 To efface them, vain the tempest's shock — 
 
 The dashing billows, vain. 
 
 Let friendship on a granite shrine 
 Engrave my name : the task be thine, 
 17* 
 
,198 APPENDIX. 
 
 [I] 
 TO ELIZA M. 
 
 IMPROMPTU LINES TRACED ON A MAGNOLIA LEAP. 
 
 BY MRS. HENTZ. 
 
 ONNY, guileless, smiling maiden, 
 With life's fairest blossoms laden, 
 I scarce can dream of thee possessing 
 One added charm, or choicer blessing. 
 
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