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SKETCHES

HISTORY, CHARACTER,

AND DYING TESTIMONY,

OF

BENEFICIARIES

THE COLORED HOME, IN THE CITY

OF NEW-YORK.

PREPARED BY

MARY

W. THOMPSON,

AND PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INSTITUTION.

NEW-YORK:
JOHN
F.

TROW, PRINTER,
1851,

49, 51

&

63

ANN-ST-

Darkness, which might be

felt,

Hung o'er that dreary land, Where Afric's sable children dwelt
Amidst
its

glittering sand.

Those shadows

there,

might

still

Have

direful influence shed,

hill.

O'er grove, and glen, and towering

Deepening

in

awful dread,

Had

not Almighty Power,

light Divine,
in

With beams of

Broke through the gloom,

Mercy's hour,

In radiance there to shine.

CONTENTS.
Preface,

.....
.
: .

PAGE.

Introductory Remarks,
Biographical Sketches

Hercules Schureman,
Jonathan Skinner,

16
.

Tommy

Warner,

.<....
.
. . .

19

20
.

Blind Sopha,

.';'..''".

21

Amy

Jordan,

22
.

Judy Richards,

Abigail Dobson,

Edward,
Phillis

Douglas,

Betsey Johnson,

Phebe Spalding,

.... .... .... ....

8

25 28
.

30
31

33

35
.

Old Sarah Henry,

Eliza Didymus,

36

37
.

Poor Johnny,
Catherine Queen,

39

40

CONTENTS.

Biographical Sketches

Katy Schenck,

....
:

41

Margaret Simpson,
Diana,
.

48
.

48
50

Minutes of Chaplain, Serena Johnson,

.

52 52

Diana Rayner,
Sarah Robinson,
Blind Diana,
Incidents,
. .

53

...
&c,

53 54
to

56 64

Sketches from Mrs. R.'s Report,

Peter Bense,
.

67 73 75

Concluding Remarks,

Condensed Statement of the Colored Home,

Managers' Names,
.

77

PREFACE.

The

design of this

little

book

is

to

make known more

extensively the character of the Institution on whose behalf these pages speak,

to

prove

its

usefulness in carryit

ing out the plan of benevolence in pursuance of which

was originally established, and which,

thus
far,

in its operations

has fully proved

itself

its

utility

and advantages,

showing

worthy the patronage and support of a

benevolent and Christian public.

The
peaceful

Institution not only provides protection and a

home

for the respectable, worn-out colored sercity,

vants of both sexes of our

by sheltering and

sustainlife,

ing them during the lingering days of declining

furnishes
religion.

but

them

in their last

moments the

consolations of

b
It also relieves the

PREFACE,
Aims-House and the community

of another portion of colored persons, who, being sick or

diseased, hopeless
for themselves,

and

helpless, have

no means

to provide

and who would

society.

necessarily, otherwise, belatter,

come a burden upon

These

by an arrange-

ment entered
into this

into with the commissioners, are received

for a season, or until they are healed of

Home

their sicknesses

and able

to

resume employment,
suffering

thus

they are rescued from

much

and

destitution,

being cared

for,

instructed in the right way, lifted up

from degradation and wretchedness, and encouraged to

habits of industry and propriety.

The Managers contemplate,

will

so soon as their

means

justify

them, erecting

chapel,

or

a building

with chapel accommodations, and school-room, for the

instruction
of

the inmates

who choose
to

to avail

themwrite.

selves of the privilege

of learning

read and
for

They have

also

accommodation rooms

workshops,
ill-

where the inmates of the Home, not incapacitated by

ness or infirmities,

may

be taught some handicraft which

may

be a source of profit to them after leaving the Insti-

tution, enabling

them

to support

themselves by their

industry.

'

PKEFACE.

7
;

We

have commenced this work in faith

trusting that

the public will contribute to our aid to enable us to carry-

out our plans of operation.

The

enterprise

certainly

commends

itself to the

judgment and

liberality

of our

humane

citizens, to

whom we

look for encouragement,

sincerely trusting

we

shall not be disappointed.

M. W.
New- York,
1851.

T.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The
woe?

original cause of all suffering

is sin.

It is this

that has " brought death into the world, with all our

The

fact is established

by

the experience of

every age.

To

the Christian, the sufferings of this

life,

how-

ever painful and severe, are not worthy to be com-

pared with the glory that shall be revealed.

ing passed through
deprivations,
all
its

Havand
its

sorrows,

its toils,

he
The

rejoices

when

"

soft

peace-march beats
!

Home

brothers,

Home

!"

Notwithstanding the suffering which

all

are call-

ed

to endure,

while passing through this vale of

tears

some
1

more, some less

it is

yet pleasant to

10

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
this

know, that much of

the exercise of

anguish and misery can

be alleviated, soothed, and

made more

endurable,

by
to

sympathy and kindness.

For the

true illustration of these Christian virtues,

and

confirm us in our devotion,

we have a
who

perfect pat-

tern for our imitation in Christ,

bore our sins in

His own body on

was, that
are
"

the tree.

Thus, having the em-

bodied testimony of Him, whose earthly pilgrimage

He
to

went about doing good" Christians

carry out the Divine intention be-

bound

queathed by

Him whose

mission was mercy and

,

whose precepts and example

are obligatory on all

who

profess to be His followers.

left

Jesus

no duty unfulfilled

nor

may His

chil-

dren leave undone the work that

to do.

He hath

given them

They
;

are to imitate
'tis

Him

in all His imitable

perfections

not that

possible that their devotion

can ever equal His, nor that they can thereby make
themselves meritorious in the sight of God
but because
foot-prints,
:

nay

He hath commanded we
bear

us to tread in His

and taught, that

" herein is
is

His Father

glorified, that

much fruit,"
by
no
its

the heart that

from love

to

Him

desires His glory, impelled to pray,

and

toil,

and

struggle, that

obedience Christ
blest.

may
ciple

be

glorified,

and wretched men be

is

Christian
;

sympathy
"

dull, inoperative prin-

no bidding

Be ye warmed and

clothed," the

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
while
it

11
;

shutteth up

its

bowels of compassion
its

it

is

not satisfied with a mere knowledge of

duty

but awakened at the cross, where

it

is

made imminister to
as-

measurably a debtor. As Jesus

did,
it

it

seeks the poor,

the destitute^ the suffering, that

their necessities

may
if

and sorrows, and,

possible,

suage their woes.

Jesus sought the wretched and lost
;

His mercy

was extended

to all

ranks and conditions of

for

men

none were too humble

His presence, though

His eye of kingly love

for

none too depraved and fallen

His compassion.

He was

the

King of

kings,

won

to

His healing
poor.

lip

and hand the sorrow-stricken

and the

The

worst of sinners, despairing of

relief,

every other source of

knew

so well from

His

own lips

His heavenly mercy; that despite the crim-

son guilt that would have driven them from His

spotless purity, they
tle

had no power
forgiveness.

to resist the genfeet,

kindness that drew them to His

but came

and sought and found

believing in

Whoever came,
and none

Him, received the

blessing,

were ever sent unblessed away.

fering

The
;

sick

and

suf-

were healed of
together

their maladies
spirit

the suppliant,

bowed

by the
lips

of infirmity
loosed,

by a word
she stood

from His merciful

erect before

became

till

Him.

The

captive

He

set free;

He

made

the lame

man

leap as an hart,

and the tongue

12
of the

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

dumb

to sing.

The

accused,

condemned

by-

men, was forgiven, freed from condemnation by His

tender word of pity, " Neither do go,

I condemn

thee

and sin no moreP

The

blind,

who heard
balls,

of

His approach,

lifted their piercing

cry at His coming

He

touched with His finger their sightless

fell

and

forthwith there
scales
;

from

their eyes as

it

had been

and

in the breaking of the glory of the light

of heaven on their unprisoned senses, they ran, and

leaped,

and followed Jesus.

friend,

The

sorrowing mo-

ther, sister,

mourning

in bitterness of grief

the departed, received again to their embrace the

loved ones

lain in, the grave

who had been enshrouded for, or had " Maid, arise P* " Young man,

I say unto
glory.

thee, arise PI

Lazarus, come forth

/"J

and the dead

lived again to manifest His praise

and

How
Africa
?

is

this spirit of Jesus Christ to be

developed

toward the wretched and impoverished children of

We
man
or

do not deem

it

necessary to discuss the point,

that the formation of the head

and brain make the

;

woman what they are we leave this for But we do the philosopher and man of science. believe, that much depends upon the arrangement
*

Luke

viii.

54.

Luke

vii.

14.

John

xi.

43.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
and strength of the physical system
occupations,
;

13

its

immediate
;

connection with circumstances and advantages

its

means, and disposition

is

for

improve-

ment.
tion

This

evident amongst the white popula-

which

flock to our shores.

miserable outcasts from their

Many of them are own country, where

they
,

knew

little

else

than poverty and woe; and

who, seeking

relief

from the burdens that oppressed

them, have come to the land of light, liberty, and

enterprise.

Here, they are taken by the

hand,

treated as

human

beings, placed

upon the same

level with ourselves,

and made

fellow-citizens,

and

cheered with the hope, not only of rising to notice

and

consideration, but, sharing every civil blessing

enjoy, are, in

we

due time, even suffered

to

be com-

petitors to exalted place

It is this

and honor.

that constitutes us a noble

and mag-

nanimous

nation, the result of the principles of that

glorious Constitution, that causes us to stand out in

bright and' bold relief

upon the

list

of the nations of

the world

a free,
;

generous, sympathizing, inde-

pendent and happy people.

shores are turned
;

None who come

to

our

away we open our hearts and we open our hands and relieve the suffering and wretched exile, and give him a home, and bestow upon him blessings, who never knew till now what blessings were.'
bid

them welcome

14

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The
.

foregoing remarks are not to be considered

as irrelevant to our purpose, nor do

we

ask

to

have the same broad principles carried out toward

those for

whom

these pages do especially plead, to

wit 7 the infirm and poor of our colored population.

The

providence of God, as also the usages and order

of society,, seems to have placed these in a different

sphere from those

who

are

made

of fairer dust,

and

who
them
them
cere

are born

and placed under

beings, possessing

ha>ppier auspices

they are of a different caste ; but

as

we would
God
;

speak of
spirits?

human

immortal

sensible of their accountability to

to

we

believe

be endowed with minds capable of

intellec-

tual culture,

and of giving glory

to

God, by a sin;

and humble profession of faith in Christ and by an unpretending and Christian deportment. Of their seeming inferiority, incapabilities, and
other humiliating considerations,
said in vindication

much might be
position in

and defence, from the

communities

which they have ever been

duction
the

held, since their intro;

among

civilized
to

taught from

beginning

view themselves as constituted

This being ingrafted
start,

by nature
and

of an inferior order, subject to the will 7

to labor for their superiors.

upon
with

their
it

minds from the very

a truth
to
;

they come to
to yield

believe
all

which they
and

are

bound

submission

until they are brought to

INTKODUCTOKY EEMARKS.
colonize themselves in a region separate

15

and

distinct

from those

who

cannot, and will not consider

them

as equals, nor admit

them
and

to

the participation of

constitutional privileges

rights,

they must for

ever remain in a state of vassalage, or

tance from us.

marked

dis-

Time, and judicious

bring a change
;

legislation will eventually

when

the colored of our race will

be elevated

to

their proper position

this, in

and standard.

Liberia
of
its

is

a witness of

the growing success

efforts,

and

in the judicious

management of
working these

her rulers.
But, while time

and

effort

are

changes,

much can

be done

to

improve and advance

the moral culture and physicial condition of those

to

whom we

allude,
;

whom

Providence has thrown

cir-

upon our

charities

and who, from imperative

cumstances, must remain in our midst.

We

can

show them
fort

that

we

care for them,

and

for their

com-

and welfare, and make them happier in their

depressed situation.

The

following facts will confirm this opinion.

M. W. T.

SKETCHES.
HERCULES SCHUREMAN
Was
Home
one of the
;

earliest

inmates of the Colored

size,

he was a

man

of unusual

about six

feet four inches

large

muscular frame, indicating

great physical strength.

He was

over 100 years of

for some time was confined to his bed by sickness and inYet he was happy and cheerful, in findfirmities.

age

when he

entered the

Home, and

after

ing, as
for the

he remarked, " such a resting-place as

remainder of his pilgrimage."

this,
still

And

more happy did he seem

in the anticipation that

when

his

days on earth should be ended, he should

be permitted to glorify in heaven the Saviour

whom
and
re-

he loved

to serve.

In his person, old Hercules

his

was
as to

dignified,

manner and language such,

and
attention.

command

spect

He was

once a slave, but in

1*

18
early
life,

HERCULES SCHUREMAN.
by
his industry

and good conduct, purand

for

chased his freedom, became a minister of the Gospel in the Methodist connection,

more than
to

fifty years he preached Christ,

and proclaimed

his dying fellow-men, the grace of

God which

bring-

eth salvation,

and "that
free"

liberty

wherewith Christ
well instructed
in

maketh his

"people
;

He was

in the Scriptures

and although unskilled

human

learning, nature
tal abilities,

had endowed him with great menretentive

combined with a most

memory,

which being enriched and

Spirit,

sanctified

by the Divine
man.

made him

truly a remarkable

" I
fact,"

have never been more impressed with the

A.,

remarks Mrs.

one of the Managers, " than

when,

at the social meetings at the

Home,

this

aged
forth

disciple of

more than a century would pour

language

the desires of his soul in a strain of fervent prayer,

which
lived

for strong figurative

never heard

equalled."
;

He

died in the faith in which he had

and, " like a shock of corn fully ripe" has,

we

trust,

been gathered into the heavenly garner.

His age was 105.

JONATHAN SKINNER.

19

JONATHAN SKINNER
Was
cold

another disciple of Christ to

whom

it

has been

the privilege of this Institution to "give a cup of

waterP

His age 87.

He also was a Methodist minister. He was amongst the earliest of the

Home.
It is to

beneficiaries of the

be regretted that

something of his early history was not obtained

but enough of his pious labors were witnessed to

rank him among the most useful servants of God.

As long

as his strength
to

would

permit, he
for,

went

from one sick bed

another, praying
to

and en-

couraging the penitent

hope and

trust in

Him

who

sent His Gospel to the poor.

To

none could the language of the poet be more

justly applied

" Prayer

is

the Christian's vital breath,

;

The

Christian's native air

Hi# watchword

at the gate of death,

He

enters heaven with prayer."

20

TOMMY WABNER.

TOMMY WARNER
Was
a native of Western Africa, and

when he had
was taken West Indies
to the

nearly reached the period of manhood,

from his native land, and brought

as a slave
;

to the

from thence he was transported

South, where he remained for

many

years.

He

af~

afterwards

came

to the city of

New- York, and

pre-

vious to his entering the Colored

for sixteen years

Home

(1844)

was

an inmate of the City Alms-House,

He

died in January, 1847, aged about one hundred

years.

He was

a most exemplary person in his general

character, exceedingly amiable in disposition, of retiring habits,

having but

little

intercourse with those

to

about him.
to

The

only person

whom

he appears
CL

have formed any particular attachment, was

7

Old

Henry/ who two years was

died about six

his room-mate.

months before
little,

Tommy
to

after

Henry which

Thomas

said but

nor took

much

notice of

passing events.

When

spoken

on the subject of

Henry's death, his general remark was, U I think he

gone home

think the Lord help him up

his

;"

at the

same time making a motion with both

pressive of his views.

hands ex-

He wished

to

be buried near

BLIND SOFHA.
his friend Henry,

21

his side for this

It

was on

the

left by was gratified* purpose, his desire Sabbath that Thomas was buried.

and as a space had been

At 12

o'clock, the inmates,

male and female, assem-

bled in the hall, filling that large space almost to

overflowing, while a deep seriousness pervaded the

assembly.
lected

" Jerusalem,

my
:

by one of

the inmates as a

he was particularly fond

ral service

happy home !" was sehymn of which it was sung. The funeby appropriate
eulogy, for all

was then

read, followed

remarks.

Thomas needed no
Followed by
all

knew

and loved him.

he was conveyed

five of the oldest fe-

male inmates, and

the old

men who The

could walk,

to his final resting-place,

and

laid

by

the side of his friend Henry,

all his

reflection is

pleasant one, that

plied

wants on earth were suputmost

gratified.

all his

wishes

to the

BLIND SGPHA.
She was
lated

brought from Africa

when about
life

seventeen

years of age.

After passing a long

of accumu-

sufferings,

she was eventually sent to our

alms-house, where she lingered four years.

Of

the

22

AMY JORDAN.
of her master

name

.often spoke

with

we are uninformed much affection of him.

but she

more emaciated frame was seldom seen

diet in

hav-

ing been previously accustomed to the best food, the

change of

advanced age was trying

to

her
dis-

system, and she wasted

ease.

away without

apparent

Yet she never complained

or asked for

any

thing.

While

at the alms-house,

on receiving her

weekly allowance, her broken thanks were mostly

accompanied with
tears.*

One
ment
Sopha
said, "

of the committee giving her

some

refreshin hers.

before her death, she placed her

raised
it

hand

to

her

lips,

kissed

it

many times, and

God bless you, Missy. Sopha never eat more. Oh, God will bless you, dear Missy." Soon after,
she calmly departed.

AMY JORDAN
Was
a slave by birth, born in the State of Virginia.
for

She twice worked

for her

and paid the amount required

to

freedom

once

her mistress,
Home,"

who

died be-

* Previous to establishing " the

the managers prothe Aims-House,

cured accommodations for their pensioners

at

where they were

visited

and attended to*by them.

AMY
fore

JORDAN.

23

making out her

free papers,

and then again she

to the children

worked and paid the same amount

or,

as she termed
to

it,

"

once

to

her old mistress^ and

once
son,

her

who

in his early

young master" She had one child, a life was taken from her and
and carried
into a distant part of

sold into bondage,

the country, since

which time she had never heard

a free

of him.
cles,

After overcoming a succession of obstacity,

she at length found herself in

lived, supporting herself

where she

by honest

in-

dustry, until

her health and strength failed;

she
After

then sought admission into the Aims-House.

the purchase of the building occupied as the " Colored

Home," she was one of the

first

inmates,

where she continued

in infirm health until she en-

tered into her final rest.

Amy

was baptized by immersion

Her views

at Norfolk, Va.,

twenty-two years before her death.

She was an ex-

emplary Christian.

of the Gospel plan

were clear and

Scriptural.

Her sickness was long

and protracted
yet she

she suffered
to

much

in consequence,

was never heard

complain, or manifest

impatience, though her views of the "better land"

were of such a happy

cast, that

she often longed to

be gone, looking to her Heavenly

creased delight as her end

Home

with

in-

drew

near.

During her lingering days, she frequently spoke

24
of her son, and
it

AMY

JOKDAN.
feelings of deep

awakened

sym-

pathy

to

hear her relate the circumstances of this

painful separation, for he

was her
her

" only child

f
of

and

she often spoke of

him with maternal

all trials

tenderness
spirit

ever manifesting under

for-

giveness to those
of her
that
life,

who had

deprived her of this joy

disposition
situation.

and exhibiting a temper and

in
bitter or

would adorn human nature

any

She never spoke with

revengeful feelings
spirit

but displayed, as far as she was able, the

of

her Divine Master, by her gentleness, humility, and

forgiveness.

As death approached, and she appeared

fast sinking, her
to take
let

to

be

kind physician, Dr.

F.,

urged her
no, doctor,

some medicine.
be gone,
I

She

said,

"

Oh

me

long to be at Home,
to

I will

do as

you

say, but I

want

be away,

my

blessed Master
!"

waits for

me

oh precious, glorious Master

talk, until

And
bright,

such were her longings and

the scene.

death closed

Her

faith

seemed remarkably

and her confidence

ing, sure, " the

in her Lord's promises

unwaver-

and

steadfast. "

How

unlike," says Dr. F.,

dying words of the skeptical, yet intellectual

'

and accomplished Charles Lamb,

to part

leave this beautiful spot called earth, I

am unwilling to am unwilling
land that

from

its

green

fields,

its

refreshing shades,

and verdant lawns,

for that

unknown

men

JUDY RICHARDS.
call heaven,' "

25

&c.

What
near

a contrast with the faith

!

of this

humble
76.

child of Africa
is

Her

last

words

were: " Christ

me ; I want

nothing more"

Her age was

JUDY RICHARDS
Was
year,

another of the most worthy pensioners of the

Colored Home.

She was an inmate of but one

when

she

was

called to take possession of her

promised inheritance.

During the short period she

was an
gratitude

inmate, she rendered herself an object of

the
strength of her

peculiar interest to all from

and

affection

toward those from

whom

she

received favors,

as well as from the high attain-

ments which she had made in Christian knowledge

and experience.

She was an enlightened

Christian,

and her whole walk was consistent with her high

and holy
calling.

Her time was mostly spent

in

reading the Scriptures, or in religious conversation

with the sick and dying.

Humility was a pro;

minent feature in her Christian character

and many
it

who
their

sought interviews with her,

felt

that

was

to

own

edification in spiritual things, rather than

that of " imparting

any

spiritual gift

f and

those of

26
the managers

JUDY KICHAEDS.

who were

in the habit of visiting her

for this purpose, will not

soon forget the aifectionate

cordiality

with which she welcomed them, and the

fervor with
to rest

which she implored the Divine blessing

upon them.
It

The

writer of the Sixth

Annual

Report says, "

was always

refreshing to enter into

;

religious conversation

with her

and gladly would

we have
it

sat at her feet to hear her discourse in sim-

ple eloquence of the preciousness of her Jesus, as

always pleased her

her
life

to call

Him."

Toward

the

latter period of

her mind became somewhat

harassed with doubts in reference to her personal

acceptance with Christ
to
;

and she seemed

for

a time

be enveloped in thick darkness.

"

On

one occasion

she said to a young friend,

to comfort

Can't you say something

me?

Something about Christ?"

I feel as if I

The
come

reply was, "

to

Aunt Judy,

ought

to

you
is

for instruction."

She

said,

"Oh, but

my
me,

Jesus

not nigh

me

and

want you to help Her soul was burdened

I

He is a great way from me find Him."

for several

weeks, during

which time she observed many seasons of fasting and

special prayer.

She repeatedly gave

directions to

those

who

prepared her food, to

;

make no

provision

for her breakfast

nor was the cause of her absti-

nence

known

until

some time afterwards.

Thus

evincing that her fasting

was not

that of " the Pha-

JUDY RICHARDS.
risee,

27
Finding no

who
from

appears unto

men

to fast."

relief

this occasional abstinence, she at length

devoted three days to special humbling of her soul

before God, during

which time she took scarcely

At
last

food enough to sustain her animal frame.

the powers of nature yielded under this excessive

mortification,
her.

and the physician was

called in to see

He rebuked

her imprudence, reminding her

that at her

advanced age she could not endure so

long abstinence.

Her reply showed the power with

plied his temptations, as
to resist to

which the adversary had

well as her
the
last.

own

determined resolution
said,

"

This kind," she

" goeth

not out,

but by prayer and fasting."

She
seeking

at
;

length found the peace she

to the last

had been
life

and enjoyed
,soul

hour of her

holy serenity of

and an unfaltering reliance

could not recover, and she
decline
till

on her Saviour.

But her aged frame had received

it

a shock from which

continued gradually
September, 1845,

to

the second

of

when

death came as an angel of

infirmities.

mercy

to deliver her

from her
life

During
look-

the last

week

of her

there

was a constant

ing forward to her joyful reward.

Often in the

night her companions were awakened from their

sleep

by her exclamations, such

wish
to lie
!

as,

"

Only

at the

feet of Jesus I

I feel to lay

very close

28*
at his feet

ABIGAIL DOBSON.

!" and by her singing hymns

heavenly
" Praise

descrip-

tive of the happiness of the

last

state.

Her

words were,
!"

the

Lord

am

on

my
age,

journey home

Aunt Judy was 90 years of

years.

and had been a professing Christian 60

ABIGAIL DOBSON
Was
a native of the West Indies.
to

Came

to this

country in her early years, and

the city of

New-

York, about the year 1806.

family of Captain Conger.

She had

lived in the

was a

Her mother, she stated, Abby was quite aged, but cannot exactly say how old, but she " rememservant in the family.

bered Mr. Washington's wars."

In 1812 she be-

came afflicted with an inflammation of her eyes, which in the following year resulted in the total loss of her sight and from that time until the day of her death she was never able to distinguish between the light of day and midnight darkness. She entered the N. Y. Aims-House in 1813, from whence she
;

was
the

transferred

to

the

Colored
after

Home

in

1844;

where she closed her

life,

much

suffering,

on

3d of February, 1847, leaving the

clearest evi-

ABIGAIL DOBSON.
dence that the change was
of sorrow.
to

29

her one of joy and not

She had been

for

some time a

consistent

member of the Amity Street Baptist Church, and was exemplary as a Christian, mild and amiable in
her intercourse with those around her, patient under suffering, with a constant looking forward to the
" rest

which remaineth

for the people of

;

God."

She
child.

had no
to give

particular disease

nature seemed gradually

to sleep as

way, and she sunk

little

The

chaplain, in one of his reports, speaking of an

interview he

had with

her,

says

"

On

inquiring

the state of her mind, she expressed herself as

in the

happy

midst of her

afflictions.

Sometimes
<

distressI,

ing doubts obscured her prospects.

l

But,' said

you can

trust in the

Lord Jesus
<
;

Christ,
I

can you can say

not

Yes,'
"

with Job,

was her answer Though He slay me,

do

yet will I trust in

Him."

The

Saviour comforts me, and the hope of

being with Christ revives me, rejoices

my

soul.'

In

regard to the probable result of her sickness she

said,
is
i

have no will of

mine.

The Lord

is

my ownmy Master's will my shepherd, I shall not

proposed, she said,
for
i

want.'

When

prayer

was
end

I
I

greatly desire

you should pray

to the
;

me

pray that
I

may

be faithful

pray that

clearer evidence of

my

interest in Christ,

may have and that He

would strengthen me to do and

to suffer to the end.'

"

80

EDWARB.

To
Her
feel

this the physician

adds

"

She was unconlast.

scious for
last

some hours before she breathed her

words
to

me

were,

'

thank

my

Master, I

no
All

pain.'

who approached

her she welcomed with a

in prayer, she

cheerful smile.

Devout and constant

bore in remembrance before her Father's throne all

she held dear on earth.

of the Managers,
ually to
it

During the sickness of any

to
to

seemed

be her comfort continher covenant-keeping

commend them

God.

EDWARD.
The
Chaplain remarks of
this

young lad
J.

"

My

attention

was drawn

to

one

sitting in the corner of

the room,

reading the Memoir of

B. Taylor.

Near him lay a Bible and a hymn-book, which

gave
rise to the

following conversation

l :

Well, Edi

ward, what do you think of the Bible V

ble?
It is
its

The

Bi-

my
!

main
I feel

guide.

'And what do you

think of

author, Jesus Christ

V
so.'

'

He
<

is

a preaf-

cious Saviour
flicts

him
'

to

be
;

But he

you, does he not V

Yes

but no matter for

PHILLIS DOUGLAS.
that;

31
for

these light afflictions,

for

which are but

moment, are working

nal weight of glory.'

me an

exceeding and

eter-

'And how, Edward, do you

and what
i

expect to get to heaven?

will
to

you do
heaven

when you

get

there
;

shall

get

through Jesus Christ

all the glory,

and

I shall there give

God

and continually

praise

Him.

"

PHILLIS DOUGLAS
Had
been a slave in the State of

New

Jersey,

and

at the early

age of twelve years chose God as the

guide of her youth,

her in her old age.

who

she said had not forsaken

She was very aged when she

a paralytic and deprived of

came

to the

Home was
;

the use of her hands.

desire to be useful.

Yet she manifested a great

In the days of her youth, and

when

in bondage, she

used

to

pray that she might

be free and become a missionary.

her prayer

The

first
;

part of

was answered some years ago

and her
to

second request was answered

beneficiary of the Colored
read,

when

she became a

Home.

Being able

and
to

fully appreciating the privilege, she deter-

mined

impart her knowledge to the young

who

32

PHILLIS DOUGLAS.
to others of

were inmates, and

her aged companions

who were

disposed to learn.

She took great

plea-

sure in this employment, teaching

them

their cate-

chism, and learning them to sing hymns.

derful

Wonthis

was her

success,

and

rich her

reward in

labor of love.

One

of the aged

women, who had

let-

passed her threescore years without learning a

ter,

became her

pupil,

and

in the course of a

month,

with a stammering but exulting tongue, she read

the pages of God's

Word.

And

there

is

much

rea-

son

to believe, also, that the

prayers and counsels of

truth,
It

Phillis,

accompanied by the power of Divine

have resulted

in salvation to this precious soul.

may

truly be said of her, "

She has done what she

Old
I
Phillis,

could."

A few hours
remarked
from head
the love of
fer
it
:

before the death of

tell
it

she

"I

cannot
but

how much
is

have suffered

to foot,

nothing compared with

I

God

in

my

soul.

would willingly

suf-

all

over again, to enjoy the peace of

God which

comforts me."
rest in

She

rejoiced in the prospect of the

heaven.

BETSEY JOHNSON.

33

BETSEY JOHNSON.
This remarkable woman
attained the patriarchal

age of one hundred and fourteen years, and although

her eye became dim and her physical force abated,
yet the eye of her soul gazed with increasing clear-

ness upon the realities of the eternal world, and her

spiritual energies

waxed

stronger

and

stronger, as

the

number of her days diminished.

Although she was unable
to read, yet so reten-

tive

was her memory,

that she could repeat exten-

sively from the Scriptures

and from Dr. Watts's

Hymns.
to

She appears

to

have lived

about ninety-four years

old, before
it

was was brought she

until she

a knowledge of the truth as

is

in Jesus,

when

she illustrated the sincerity of her profession by a

consistent
all

walk and

conversation.

In the midst of
all

her infirmities and sufferings, she exhibited to

around her indubitable marks of a Christian temper

and when the messenger of death approached (who

had long

lost his terrors to her),

she called for the

inmates of the Home, and with her dying breath

solemnly charged them

to

meet her in Heaven

then in the triumph of faith she breathed out her

soul in the arms of her Redeemer.

84

BETSEY JOHNSON".
Betsey was a pure native of Africa, and in her

earliest life

was brought

to

one of the West India

islands.

From

thence she was taken to Virginia,

to call the "

about the period she used

before the Revolution.

Old

War"

During the

War

of our In-

dependence she remained in the Southern States,

frequently changing owners.

She often spoke of

one of her young mistresses,

loved
;

whom

she tenderly
first

and probably from her she learned the

lessons of religious truth.

She remembered well

most of the incidents of the Revolution, and the

names

of

many

of the most prominent characters of

those days were familiar to her.

During that period

thirty-five),

she married (being probably about

and

had several children. Her piety was of a most

She seemed
pass,

interesting character.

to feel, that all the various trying cir-

cumstances through which she had been called

to

were intended

for

her eternal good.

Her mind,
and her

at times, appeared to rise above this earth,

spiritual contemplations

were of a most delightful

for

character.

She had been

a number of years a

member

of the Spring-street Presbyterian Church,

under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Dr. Patten,

and was highly esteemed

for

her consistency by the

members

of that congregation.

PHEBE SPALDIKG.

85

PHEBE SPALDING.
She was an aged
cholera,
after

pilgrim.

She died suddenly of

But although

three hours' illness.

suddenly came the messenger, he found her not unprepared, nor unsupported in that period of bodily

agony.
to tell

She

called her

companions around her bed

said her " Saviour
to

them of her happiness,

and the angels around

was

near,

carry her home."

:

After a

paroxysm of

pain, she said

"

Precious Sa-

viour, stand

by me

!"

and thus passed quietly away.

The evening

before her death, she

came

into the

room, clapping her hands, and joyfully exclaiming,

"Glory! Glory!"
of such dismay

"What
(for

is

the matter?" inquired

the physician, surprised at so

;

much

noise in a time

they were falling around on

"

every

side, the

worst days of the cholera.)

she replied, "

I think

Thomas L

has expressed a hope

a few hours."
;

Why,"
:

he will only

live

Thomas,

however, recovered and lived

but before morning,

Phebe had entered the

She was anxious
the Scriptures;

eternal world.
in
life to

be useful, and occu-

pied her time in teaching her old companions to read

and her patience and

zeal in this

; :

86

OLD SAKAH HENEY.

interesting.

duty were most

She never expressed

herself weary, but only laid aside her book

when

her pupils became fatigued*

OLD SAEAH HENRY

Was
had
she

born in

New

Rochelle, Wescthester

County
;

lived in the family of Mr.

William Post

said

the city?

"was married on the day that the Asia fired on She was in the Home several years, and
She always received

died at the age of 90 years.

the visits of the managers with a smile of

"I

welcome
one oc-

am

always so glad

to

see

my

people" (as she

termed the ladies of the

casion of these
bless the
visits,
!

Institution).

On
I

she said:

"Here

am

yet,

Lord

waiting patiently for

;

my precious
lay here

Saviour
I feel

to call

no will

me home of my own
;

He knows
when
I

the best time,

I feel satisfied to

upon
think,

my
is
;

sick bed

and

try,

am

in pain, to

Oh how
but
I

glorious will be that

home, where
; I

there
for
fit
it

no more pain no suffering

no sin
my

long

am
is

willing to wait

till

Saviour sees
;

to call

me.

Here there
like

is

no

rest

no peace

all

in this world

a cobweb, the least wind breaks

ELIZA DIDYMUS.
it,

37
it,

and

if

any thing
is

strikes against

it

goes to

pieces;

so

the peace of this world broken:

is,

but

where

my

Saviour

there

is

rest

and peace." Thus

was

this

aged saint always

gentle, submissive,

and
to

apparently contented and happy.

She has gone

her heavenly

rest.

ELIZA DIDYMUS
Was,
for

two years previous

to

her decease, an inInstitution,

mate of the Female Hospital of the

consumption.
peculiar,

with

Her case was

in

many

respects

sometimes greatly improving, so that she

was

able to

walk about, and then relapsing

several
all

into

delirium, from excessive debility.

She would thus

she was

remain

for

days

but her wanderings of

;

mind were

of a pleasant character

straying amidst delightful

gardens, or where the

;

sounds of sweet music could be heard

or she

was

among

early friends,

and

pleasing

associations.

Ever thankful

for favors,

she remembered them

with the warmest gratitude.

During the few

last

months of her

life

she

much

exercised on religious subjects, and, for

was some

38

ELIZA DIDYMUS.
;

weeks before her death, seemed happy

fully longing to be gone.

at times joy-

To

the managers she

was

strongly

attached,

and each week longed

for the

visiting day, that she

might once more see them,

and thank them

for all their kindness.

Of one

of

them, in particular,

who

frequently visited her, read

and conversed with

was very fond. " My dear Mrs. N.," she would say, " I mast see her once more, she has been so kind to me." One morning
her, she

she thought herself drawing near her end, but expressed a wish to live to see the physician
o'clock he arrived,
;

at 11

and shortly

after seeing her, find-

ing her very low, he told her that she

rently about to depart. "

was appa-

And

is it

so?" she exclaim?"

ed

" Is the

time at length arrived

;

Joy beamed

in her countenance
in farewell to
all.

and she reached out her hand

in religious exer-

At her request Mr. B. engaged

cise,
all

and such was the solemnity of the scene that

to
;

were affected

tears.

"

Let

again," she said

so departed.

" Farewell, farewell, all /"

me meet you all And

POOR JOHNNY.

39

"POOR JOHNNY,"
As he was
familiarly called,
to the

was a

little

colored boy,

who came

Home

in 1846.

He was

about 13
life

years of age, and

had been from

his earliest

a
it
it

victim of scrofulous disease.

About

this period

had

settled in his right hip-joint,

for

which rendered

difficult

crutches.

him to walk even with the help of He was a great favorite of the entire
all his

household, and a pet with

as long as he could walk,

physicians

and

was in

the habit of

coming
set

to the doctor's table to receive

whatever had been

of a

aside for his dinner.

spirit,

and

grateful

shown him,
kindness.

so that
last

The

meek and gentle for every mark of attention it was a pleasure to do him year of his life he was almost
and
for

He was

entirely confined

to his bed,

months

his

body was racked with pain

to describe
;

too distressing for

words

even the changing of his clothing was

torture to his emaciated limbs,

which -were covered

with sores

but he was a pattern of patience.

That

dark skin covered one of the most amiable and engaging

spirits

ever witnessed. Not a

murmur escaped
though young,

him

quiet,

and bearing

his afflictions with a sub;

mission that astonished the beholder

40
he seemed at
impressions,

CATHAEINE QUEEN.
this early
to

age

to

have deep

religious

and

be sustained by grace, and to

look forward with joyful prospect to death, as a gain

to the child

of God.

His love and affection

;

for all

around him was extremely affecting

sharing with

them
to

the

little

dainties that

were occasionally brought

his suffer-

him by friends. At length, worn out by

ings

in the morning
fell

of his

life

one day, at early

dawn, he calmly
groan.

asleep without a sigh or a

His end was peace.

His death,

we

think^

was

gain.

CATHARINE ClUEEN.
We
97.
less.

are unable to give her early history.

at the

But she

had been some years

Home.

Her age was

For a long time she was very infirm and helpShe died in May, 1850. Some of the mana-

gers spent

much

time by the side of her bed, read-

ing the Scriptures and conversing with her.

This
with

she greatly enjoyed, and always received

great thankfulness.

it

Catharine was of a thoughtful

turn,

and contemplative
state of

and always
it

in so

happy a
her

mind, as

made

a pleasure

to visit

KATY SCHENCK.
room,

41
indicative

Her remarks were of a character

observing, that

of deep humility and entire submission to the will of her Heavenly Father
;

He knew
more

what was
than
for

for

her good

and

"

although at times,"

said she, " I suffer greatly from pain, yet never

my good."
was not

Occasionally she seemed impaherself,

to

tient to

say

"

be gone, yet again would check

right
;

and

" It

it is

my

duty

wait the

will of God."

Aunt Queen," and

"

Aunt Katy Schenck,"

to

as

they were familiarly termed, were room-mates, their beds were contiguous, and they appeared

have a

kind regard
latter

for

each other.

Intimate friends in the

days of

their pilgrimage,
;

by death they were

not long divided

ful, instructive,

their society

was

pleasant, cheer-

and shed a

lustre

on the holy

reli-

gion they so

humbly

professed.

KATY SCHENCK.
" I

would

like

to tell

you many

things,"

said

she one day to one of the reading committee (Mrs.

T.), " but I will

do

it

some other

time."

She was

requested to relate what she had to say, now, " Well, 2*

42
I will give

&ATY SCHENCK.
you a
little

of

my

history.

was born
old.

in

Monmouth,

New

Jersey, in the family of Gerrit

Vandeveer, where

I lived until I

was thirty years

He was
to eat,

a kind and good master, gave

treated

me

plenty

and

me

well

our house was within

was fought, and I might have seen it if I had been a mind to. I was very wicked in my early life, but I was industhree miles
the great battle
trious
"

where

and worked hard."

I

When

was about twelve years

sin,

old,

had

strong convictions of
strove to get rid of

but resisted them, and

carelessness,

them by
from

and en;

deavored

to drive religion
I

my

thoughts

but

could not, although

gave myself

to loose

and

wicked company.
left
til

After a while

my

convictions

me, and

continued on in
;

my

wicked ways un-

was seventeen then the Lord took hold of me again, but I was determined to resist, and I fought
I

against

Him
I

with

all

my
my
;" I

might

and how long do

you think

fought against the Lord

face, "

said
till

she,

looking earnestly in

why,

I was
devil

twenty-eight years old

and even then the

seemed determined that

the Lord.
tried to serve

should serve him, and not

in

But

worked on
all

my

duties,

and

God with

my
tell

might.
you, but

Oh how my
it is

mind

did strive, I cannot

fresh in

my

memory."

KATY SCHENCK.
"

43

One

day,
I
I

distressed,

wretched,
hell

when my mind was thus dreadfully was going a milking, but I felt so did not know what to do it seemed that
;

was ready to receive me it was evening fell upon my knees I prayed, Lord, have mercy upon me and help me ! All at once, I looked up, and I thought I saw heaven open, and it appeared to me the Lord was stooping down and lifted me up and these words came to me Thy people

shall be willing in the

day of Thy power?

!

stood

still I
I

felt

such a change
I

hardly
I

knew what
telling

was doing

but rejoice
all

could not milk, could do nothing shouted aloud, and ran home,
I

my

folks
to

how happy
think
;

was.

They
if I

did not
crazy.

know what
I

they asked

me

was

went

to bed,
I felt

but

could not sleep for

my

happi-

ness.

now

that the
I

Lord had

fast

hold of me,

and

was

safe.

was now
went on

willing

and desirous
old

to serve

God, and
in

my way

rejoicing."
this

"Thus
Christian

this graphic

language did

woman

describe the struggles connected

with her conversion.

to

And

could have lingered

history, but

have heard more of her subsequent

duties directed
"

my

me

onward.

Not long

after the above, I again," continues

Mrs. T.,

"visited this old servant;

I

she

was

sick

and* in bed.

found her very

feeble,

and remarked,

44
I

KATY SCHEKCK.
if

had come to read to her, would like to hear me. She

to

she

was

able,
4

and

replied, she

would be

very glad
l
<

hear me.'

read one of Burder's sermons to the aged, eni

titled,

Peace in Death?

During

my

reading,

she frequently interrupted

forcible

me

with remarks both

and
c

strong.

After I

had concluded read-

ing, I said,

You
I

are very sick, and very old.

We
we

are all liable to sickness,

all

and

it is

appointed that

must
life
;

die

The young sometimes

it
;

depart in

early

but aged persons cannot expect to live

matters not, so long as they die

much
to

longer, but

peaceful and happy

and now

have been reading

you about a good old man, of

whom
7

you have

doubtless often read in the Bible, good old Simeon.

You remember his history, do you not? She quickWhat ? old Simeon and Anna ? Yes ly replied,
i

indeed

!'

and

raising herself

upon her bed she com?

menced such a
astonished me.

strain of eloquence as completely

I

was
to

silent,

and waited

to listen to
;

her

had gone

be her instructor and consoler

but she was

her
side, for

my
it

teacher,

and
to

I felt I

could linger at

was good

be there.
l

She had
she,

raised herself
6

upon her bed

Simeon/ said

was a good man, he was waiting

for the salva-

tion of God,

and when he took the blessed Jesus

in

his arms, he

was convinced

that

it

was

the Saviour

KATY SCHENCK.
he held
there,

45
lettest

and he

said,

"

Now

thou thy

servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy

salvation"

Now

feel just as

Simeon did
fit.

ready
poor,

to depart

when God
I

shall see

am am a

helpless
is

sinner,

can

do nothing indeed

there

nothing for
;

me

to do, for

my

Saviour has
to call

done

all

and

am

just waiting for

Him
I

me
and

home.
think
did
I
;

lay here upon

I don't

my
but

bed,

and

think,

say nothing, but

I

I feel
it

as

Mary

I don't tell all I feel,

keep

in

my heart
in the
I

am

an ignorant woman, and cannot express my;

self

very well

but

I trust I

have been taught

school of Christ,
to

and have learned of Him.

;

used

go

to

I bless "I

Sunday school I learned much there, and God I ever went.' was fearful she would fatigue herself, and re;

minded her of her weakness

like to tell
I

she replied,

1
:

would
'

you many
have

things,'

and proceeded

Well^

would say
and
I

that the

Lord has taught

;

things,

tried to teach others

it
is,

me many I may say

(and

would speak

without pride),
I

I have preachspeak for God,

tell

ed the Gospel, that

have

tried to
I

when
story
:

I I

had a good chance.

must

you a

little

was

at
j

one time travelling in a vessel on

I

the Ohio river

had

said something to

some one

about religion;

the captain

of the

boat and his

;

wife began to ridicule and abuse

me

there were

46
also several

KATY SCHEKCK.
young men on board who were going
to

some

college,

and they likewise joined with the

captain and his wife, and tried to

make

sport of me,

taunting

me for my complexion, making many foolish

as

speeches, such
feelings.
I

they thought would hurt

my

said nothing for a while, but waited

until they
said,
f

had ceased

then I turned to them and

Gentlemen, have you got through with your

c f

They replied, Yes.' Well,' I said, now it is my turn.' Go on,' said they. Well, you are on your way to College, aint you ?' Well, you Yes.'
speeches?'
'
l

'

<

need schooling, but you'll never complete your education

if
till

you

get
it

it

in the school of Christ

and,

you^ don't get

there,
!

and

die in

your

sins,

you

will perish for ever

You have

tried to

make

sport

of

me, and you think you

I tell

are

fine

gentlemen,
;

but

you, you aint hurt

my
you

feelings

I feel

sorry for you, because I think

don't

know any
when
I

thing you ought to know, and are not " wise unto
salvation."
'

talked on,' said she, 'and

to

was
said,

done, a

young Englishman turned

you
?'

me and
you
it

'Mother, where did you get your learning,

told
all

and who
it

these things? did

I

get
in

from the

priest

said

<

No
if

learned

the school of Christ,

the Bible;

and from His blessed word

you,

and

tell

you

don't

go to

that school, but die in your sins

and ignorance.

KATY SCHENCK.
you
will never get to heaven.

47

Whether what

said did

them any good,

don't
rest of

or

made an

impression on

them,

know, but they teased

the

me

no more,
civil

and on the
polite
said,
;

way were
to

very

and
I

thought they seemed

I

have

felt

what

and

prayed God they might.'

disciple

This old

was a

lively Bible Christian,

and generally speaking, was

temper.
built,

of a good

and cheerful
then being
it

In conversing of the

new Home

to

one of the Managers, she remarked, "

it

will be very nice, but

must not make us

the building

forget

the

home

in the heavens,

not

made
;

with hands, built upon a

this

sure

foundation

for

new Home we
finally

are to

have
to

built for us here,

must

crumble and

fall

the ground

but

that in the heavens will last as long as

self."

God himinterest-

So

rich

was her
;

experience,

so

ing her conversation

her, so

something so attractive about

cheerful,
all

and she had so many pleasant

savoring of Christian piety,
to sinners,

things to say,

of

God's goodness and mercy

sion
it

His condescenherself; that

and kindness, especially towards

to linger

was pleasant

by her

side.

DIAHA.

MARGARET SIMPSON
Was
land
;

born in North Hampton, eastern shore of Mary-

came

to

New- York

in

her childhood, and

lived in the family of the

widow Townsend many

all

years

says she has worked hard

her

life,

and

has

fairly

worn out

in service.

She came

to the

Home

in 1844.

And
to

although very

feeble, tried to

do what she could

make
so

herself useful,
affairs.

by

assist-

ing in some of the household

" thankful that she

She was
last

had

good a home in her

days."

DIANA,
PROM MRS.
T.'S

REPORT.
I

In one of the wards of the Hospital, where

gone
(a
to

had

read and converse with the sick, lay Diana,

young woman,) very low

scarcely able

to give

utterance to her words.

Her mind was dark and

ignorant; she
(I

use her
able

"knew her heart was unchanged" own words), " but believed that Christ
save her, and hoped he would."
I

was

to

DIANA.

49

read to her the 51st Psalm, and a suitable tract.

She
eyes.

listened attentively,

and
Alas

saw

the tears

fill

her

On my

leaving her, she thanked

!

me

for the

interest I felt for her.

visit

what

Christian can

such scenes

witness

the darkness of ignor-

ance,

and hear the

simple, earnest expressions of

lips,

hope, coming from untaught

interest in the objects

and not
it
;

feel

a deep
strive

which

excite

and

faithfully to discharge a Christian's

less

duty

to the help-

and ignorant around him ?

In the same room was Catharine
,

also

a young
greeted

woman me with
;

of pleasing countenance.

She

a smile.

some words
and
feeble

to her, I

she replied, " I

On my am

addressing

very

weak
I
still

do not expect
to

to get well
;

indeed,
I

have no wish
young, but
I

stay in this world

to

am

have seen enough

know

that

it is

world of

sin

and

trial

and

if it

should please

my
I

Heavenly Father

to
;

take

me away

from

it,

why

am

willing to go
I
it

yet I

would be
that I

patient

and wait
to

His time.
this place,

thank
is

Him

was ever brought

I

a good Home, and

;

have a great
I

many

mercies and comforts

can read, and

take

great satisfaction in reading the Bible

and other
in her

good books
"I

I bless

God

I ever

came

here."

have always derived," remarks Mrs. T.,

Report, " great satisfaction from visiting this

young

50
person
;

MINUTES OF THE CHAPLAIN".

she
is

so mild, humble, pleasant

and cheerful
afflic-

amid her
tions."

pains,
rests

and unmurmuring under her

She

now from

all

these

and we

trust,

"sleeps in Jesus."

FROM THE MINUTES OF THE CHAPLAIN.

The
Chaplain remarks

"

Among those of the

;

bene-

ficiaries

was Phebe Green

for

she has recently been

called to her heavenly home.

Her exemplary de-

portment
that her

a long time gave satisfactory evidence

name had been written in the book of life. moments she was not alone, for the Saviour on whom she relied was with her, and the
" In her last

arms of everlasting love carried her safely through

the trying conflict.

She died with the name of

<

Jesus on her

lips,

exclaiming,

Come, Lord Jesus,

come quickly?
to

The

27th Psalm, which was read

her sweet and refreshing

her,

seemed

to afford

views of the Redeemer, in

confidence,

whom

she reposed her

and through whose merits alone she

hoped
"

for salvation."
I

As

approached the couch of a dying youth,

calling

me by name,

he earnestly requested that

prayer might be offered in his behalf, remarking

MINUTES OF THE CHAPLAIN.

that his
<

51

time

was

short.'

Prayer was
to

offered,

and

his immortal spirit

commended

Him who
;

hears

the feeblest breathings of the penitent

and who

can save even

at the eleventh

hour those

fide in the merits of the

Lord Jesus.

who conHe died in

far ad-

about two hours

"

after."

Another individual. Carter,

in
life,.

who was
;

vanced

and while

in health

attendant on the public service

was a constant of God her seat

Previous to

was seldom
her last

vacant, and her whole soul seemed ab-

sorbed in the truths which were uttered.

illness,

she would occasionally repair to the

for the

room of a pious female

conversation,

purpose of religious
reading of the

and

to listen to the

sacred Scriptures.

When

assailed

by the

disease

which

closed her earthly pilgrimage, her

mind was
exclaimed

peaceful,

and her heart

Oh,

filled

with universal love.

On

the

day preceding her

<

disolution, she
to

with emphasis,
being asked
plied,
c

I want to go
is there.'

Heaven P
?

On
re-

why

she wished for heaven

she

Because God

She was habitually

to those

prayerful,

and her consistent Christian deportment

has furnished ample testimony

who knew

her best, that she was truly a ransomed soul, and,

we
sin

trust,

has reached that world of purity, where

and

suffering are

unknown."

52

DIANA EAYNER.

SERENA JOHNSON
Had
and
long been confined to her room oy infirmity
disease.

On
',

inquiring of her

what was the

;i

present state of her mind, she replied,

the feet of Jesus every

/ am

still

at

think

shall be

day begging for mercy ; I ready, through Jesus Christ, when

death comes ;

lean on

Him, I depend on Him, I

can do nothing without Him.

one in the hollow of

I hope He

will keep

His hand, and

close

by His

The prayers of Go$s people lift make my heart warm? " She loves the one up society and conversation of Christians, and feels neglected, if in her solitude a few moments are not spent with her in prayer. Such was the simple testimony which this poor and ignorant
bleeding side.

colored

woman

gave of the power of religion on her

own

heart."

DIANA RAYNER.
"I

well remember

her as

my

guide in months past

sick, infirm,

to the various

apartments of the

and

BLIND DIANA.
anxious.

58

She always evinced that sympathy and

love for others

volence.
hereafter

which characterized Christian benetrust she sleeps in Jesus

We

-and

will

awake

in His likeness."

SARAH ROBINSON.
As she gradually declined
ed
to

in health,

no cloud seem-

obstruct her spiritual vision.

for
to

She patiently
foretaste of

and submissively waited

and
suffering,

her release from sin

and appeared
soul.

have a

heaven in her

BLIND DIANA.
"On
dially,

approaching

the bed of

Blind Diana, she

immediately recognized

my

voice, greeted

me

cor-

and spoke of the inward peace she experifelt

enced, and the implicit confidence she

in the
I

Saviour
still

<

His

will,'

said she,

<

is

my

will,

and

am

waiting for Him.'

This poor blind one seems

to take

hold on Christ by intelligent faith and hope,

54

INCIDENTS.
is

and the consciousness that He

anticipate the

her friend, seems to

mitigate her sufferings, and enable her joyfully to

change which

is

approaching.

Such

examples of patient, Christian submission, are cheering to the pious heart, and eminently worthy of imitation.
"

Few

of the pensioners interest

;

me more

than

Blind Diana

never have

seen any thing like

impatience or dissatisfaction with the dispensations

of Divine Providence towards her; on the contrary,

sweet

submission

to
'

the

Divine will marks

not the days seem

her whole deportment.

long,' said
c

Do

I,

'

as

you can neither read nor work V

reply, 'for

Oh no

!'

was her prompt

though

blind,

can think of

my
I

precious
in

Saviour,

and con-

verse with Him.

upon, and no one

in
to

Him something to lean knows how much comfort I have

have
whatever

my

Saviour.

It is all well,

He

is

pleased

lay upon
is

me /

shall be at

Such
ful,
'

the uniform state of her

home by and by V mind calm, peace;

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of

her

faith.'

She now, we

trust,

beholds with un-

sealed eyes,

and unobstructed

vision, the refulgent

glory of heaven."
" In the

Female Department

was addressed by
cor-

one

who

lay sick and low.

I

She greeted me

dially.

had scarcely commenced conversation,

INCIDENTS.

55

when
ed
:

the tears started in her eyes,

I feel that I

and she exclaim-

and good
Him.'
"

to

am a poor sinner, but God is kind me in my afflictions, and I can trust in

affords
is

Every successive month

encouragement

to believe that the Divine Spirit

graciously operat-

ing on some of the objects of this Christian charity.

Our

religious services are

attention,

marked by seriousness

and devout

and by many we are cordially

greeted as messengers of good tidings to the poor

and the
" I

perishing.

have repeatedly conversed and prayed with

are confined

those

who

by

sickness

and

infirmity to
pleasure, as
to

their rooms,

and

listened with

much

they

testified

from their

own
their

experience

the

faithfulness

and love of

Redeemer, and witwill.

nessed their sweet submission to the Divine

"

A beautiful and affecting illustration of the powfaith

er

and influence of Evangelical

was

recently
life,

presented, in the case of one far advanced in

and an

invalid.

It

appears, that at a very early

age religious impressions were made on her mind

by a

*'

relative of her mistress, who sang the Ten Commandments in verse, and who told her that He who gave us those Commandments -would be
if

her friend,
ple truth

she would trust in Him.'

received into a good

This sim-

was

and honest heart

56
she believed, and
ness.
i

ItfCtDEISrTB.

it

was counted
I

to

her for righteous*

time,' said she^

<I

have always, since that

trusted in

Him, and
<

will still trust.'

She

re-

quested prayer,
as

that

He

pleased;'

God would do with her just she was willing to suffer all He
<

could lay upon

her.'

Her simple and unaffected

for

manner, accompanied with tears of gratitude

what God had done

hibited in one

for her,

was most

affecting,

and

well calculated to magnify the grace of God, as ex-

more than fourscore years of age, and

near her Heavenly Home.

"Another aged

woman always greets me cordially

;

and with

childlike simplicity

speaks feelingly of

her dependence on God, and of the preciousness of

the Saviour to her soul,

and

is

never willing

to

have

me leave much of

her without offering prayer.

She thinks

Jesus Christ, and appears to rest her hope

of salvation confidently on His merits alone.

"Passing by another of these aged and

servants of God,

afflicted

who
is

for

successive months has

to

been an invalid and confined

she said
i :

her bed and room,

!

Jesus

near and precious

offered
is

If the

whole of New- York were

me

for Christ, I
;

would not accept

flicts, it is all

it

His will

my

will

if

He

af-

right,

.'

"

One, sick and blind, oh recognizing

to

my

voice,

extended her emaciated hand

welcome me.

INCIDENTS.
"

57

Here was presented an impressive instance of

patient submission,

which might have shamed many

She
is

of the professed followers of the Saviour.

cheerfully anticipating the change

which must

ere

long take place.

terrors, as

Death

to

her seems divested of his

she reclines sweetly on the

arm

of

In-finite

Benevolence.

She
;'

is

indeed 'a living

epistle,

known

and read of

all

and her Christian example comand admiration of even the im-

mands

the respect

penitent around her.

"Another case has interested

is

me much.
is

She,

too,

one of God's

afflicted people,

But happy

in the

consciousness that her peace

made with God.

she says, 'are

She longs
of Heaven.

to

be gone, but
'

is

submissive to the will

Glorious prospects P

opening

to

my

view
5

and

why

one so poor, ignois

rant, useless,

and unworthy, should be continued,

I
it

incomprehensible.

endeavored

to

explain the
to

mystery, that perhaps

was

that she

might show

those around her the efficacy of the blessedness of that religion

which gives peace and consolation

trials.

amidst the sharpest

This seemed a new

reflection
;

idea,
re-

and one that afforded pleasant

i

and she

iterated the sentiment, All the

days of my appointcolored

ed time will

I wait

till

my

change come?

"My

attention

was

called

by a

man, who

conducted
3

me

to the sick-bed of

one in the male de-

58
partment.

INCIDENTS.

He was very ill, though

own

able to converse
It

and seemed deeply concerned

peared, from his

for his soul.

ap-

voluntary confession, that he

Profane, ran-

had been notorious

religion,

for his impiety.

corous in his opposition to religion and the friends of

he had carefully sought

to

shun

their influIt

ence,

and

to close his ear against the truth.

was

apparent that the Holy Spirit

for

was
him.

striving with him,

he hesitated not

to express his penitence for sin,

and requested

me

to

pray

for

"Ona
posed
;

subsequent
light

visit, I

found him more cominto his benighted

and

seemed breaking
to his

mind.
tians,

Alluding

former antipathy to Chris-

he said he

now

felt

very different
to

he loved

to

have them near him, and

hear their conversato

tion

and

prayers.

He

felt

he could give himself

that,

the

Lord Jesus

Christ,

and believed

though a

great sinner,

God could forgive him for Christ's sake. When asked what I should pray for, he said, That
c

my

associates
Christ.'

may

seek their salvation and come to

Jesus

This unexpected and ingenuous

to furnish

concern for others seemed

evidence that,
saw.'
\

some cheering
blind,

though he was once

he

now

short time before his death, he said to one

who had
when
I

formerly in vain attempted to converse

to his soul,
f

with him in reference

The

time

was

hated you and your religious conversation,

INCIDENTS.
but

59
His end was

now

love

you as a
i

Christian.'

full of

comfort and hope, and

we

feel

encouraged

to

believe
fire?
"

he was indeed a brand plucked out of the

one of our religious services, an aged
in-

" After

valid approached

me

with

tears.

On

asking the
<

cause of her solicitude, she replied, that

though

a professor of
prayer,

religion,

she had been neglectful of

duties,

and other Christian

endeavored

and consequently

had

lost that

sweet sense of forgiveness she once

to

enjoyed.'

impress her mind with

the sinfulness
soul
;

and ingratitude of neglecting hei

to look to

and urged her

to return

Him who

invites the

wanderer
"

and obtain
I

forgiveness."
interested

On

one occasion

was much

by the
un-

conversation of two individuals,

who had been

avoidably prevented from attending service.

of

One

them remarked, with an expression of counteI

nance and an emphasis which indicated truth and

honesty Though not always with you,

?

can

and do pray

for you.'

In another apartment, one

to the

remarked, that before he came

Home,

he

knew not

that he

had an immortal

soul,

but sup-

posed that at death he should be like the beasts

that perish, but since he

had heard the Gospel,

his

views had been entirely changed.'

He now

con-

"

60

INCIDENTS.

verses intelligently in regard to the plan of salvation."

"

A poor inmate
to the

severely afflicted with cancer has

recently deceased.

Her

coffined remains

were con-

veyed

chapel on the Lord's Day, and from

thence by her relations to the place of interment.

She continued

to the last

hour of her

life

steadfast

in the faith of the Gospel,

and has

left to

surviving

friends the cheering hope, that her

end was peace.

to

This event furnished an opportunity

speak

to the

assembled inmates of the necessity and importance

of habitual
preparation for death and judgment,
to

which we endeavored
"

improve."

On

inquiring of a sick
if

man

with

whom

had

been conversing,

he desired prayer should be

offered in his behalf; with tears starting in his eyes

he emphatically exclaimed,
to

'

Oh

yes

want

faith

throw myself right on the Lord Jesus

" Another,

Christ.'

who was

a poor victim of consump-

tion,

expressed himself as being happy in the pros-

pect of death, and desired that prayer should be

offered,

"

might get safe home? " In the male department is a man about 30
i

that he

years old.

About one month

lost

since he
sin,

was
like

led to see

himself as

and ruined by

and

to look to

Christ as his only refuge.

He seems
to

one new-

born into the kingdom of grace, and

have adopted

INCIDENTS.
the resolution of Joshua the Lord.'
"

61
for

'As
to

me,

will serve

"A

female,

whose

attention

has recently been

to tell

arrested, voluntarily

came

me,

me what
humin-

God had done

ble, penitent,

for her soul.

She

also appears

and much impressed with the love of

Speaking of her
unconverted, she

Christ in dying for sinners.

terest in the spiritual welfare of the

remarked, 'she

now

loved them better than ever,

their eyes to see

and prayed that God would open

their lost condition.'

Her simple and unaffected

feeling, carried conviction to

manner, and her deep

the

mind

that the blessed Spirit

had indeed begun

a good work which

turity.

He would

carry onward to ma-

"Two
concern
feel

aged

women have

also expressed deep

for

their spiritual welfare,

and appear

to

that they have too long neglected

it is

salvation,

and that
"
I

high time

to give the subject

immedi-

ate attention."

At the

close of one of our religious services,

was informed

that

an aged inmate, very

ill,

was
and

desirous to see me.

for

She was 87 years of

age,

70 of that number had professed

religion.

As

approached her bedside, extending her

had,

withered
!

she exclaimed,
to

'

Oh,

I am happy

I am

ready

go

to

my

heavenly home at any time

62

INCIDENTS.
;

the Saviour is precious

I would

not give

up

the

hope 1 have of an interest in

worlds !
I Jiave

Him for
Him
'

millions of

always found
I get

faithful to

His

word

but

when
<

yonder

(raising her eyes toall.'

wards heaven),

that will be best of

This old
at-

person has always been one of the most regular

tendants upon religious worship, and her exemplary

deportment has uniformly evinced the sincerity of

her profession and her ripeness for heaven."

"A

few days

since, I

was requested

to visit

one

in the hospital,

on

whom

a surgical operation was

about to be performed. Seating myself by his bedside,

I

had scarcely commenced conversing with him,

I

when

discovered that his

mind was awake

to the
for in-

subject of religion,
struction
:

and that he was anxious

his sins appeared before

all

him

in fearful
to

magnitude, and
fled.

hope of pardon seemed

have

He imagined he had

sinned beyond the pos-

sibility of forgiveness.

He, however, listened with

evident interest, as I endeavored to preach to

the blessed Gospel of the
fulness
Jesus.

him

Son of God, and unfold the

and praying with him,
I

and

freeness

of salvation through Christ

After conversing

took

my
On

leave of him, promising to see

him again

shortly.
a

the following

Thursday

I repaired to his

bedside,

and found him extremely

feeble,

in conse-

INCIDENTS.

63

quence of the operation

to

which he had submitted,

little.

and

that he could converse but

On

this oc-

casion, I soon perceived that a gf^at

change had

taken place in his experience

persed,

the clouds had dis-

and he now joyfully received the good news

that Jesus Christ

came

to

seek and to save the lost

and that whoever believeth on Him, should not

perish,
c

but have everlasting

life.

He

remarked,
to the

that he thought he

had given himself

Sav-

iour,
tion.

and that he could now rely on

Yesterday/ said he,
<

Him for

salva-

lieve

was impressed upon my on Christ, He would save

happy,
I

was a sweet day, for it mind, that if I would be-

my
am

soul.
to

He makes
soul.
I

me

He

is

indeed precious

my

wish

was

able to talk, but I

too weak.'

His

view of the plan of salvation appears

Scriptural,

and
"

cannot but hope he has

made

his peace with

God."

The triumphs

of Divine grace," concludes the

Chaplain, in one of his Reports to the Managers,

"which we

are permitted to witness

among

these

poor ignorant subjects of your charity, seem often

to consecrate the place,

and

call forth

involuntarily

the exclamation of the poet

'

The chamber where

Is privileged

the good

man meets

his fate,
life,

beyond the common walks of

quite

on the verge of heaven.'

"

64

MRS.

R.'S

STATEMENT.

And we
effort in

are constrained to feel that the self-denying

which

this Society is engaged, is

eminently

approved of

Go& And may we not

hope that some

bright gems, that will adorn the Saviour's crown,

will

be gathered from those

who have been

bounty ?
'

the

humble pensioners of your

bread upon the waters
;

Cast thy
it

for

thou shalt find

after

many

days.'

MRS.

R.'S

STATEMENT.
which the inmates
:

Mrs. R., of the Reading Committee, in speaking

of the readiness with
listened to

religious instruction, states

" It

is

a delightful occupation, and not unworthy

sit

the follower of Jesus, to

as

in the society of such

when He was on
to dispense,

earth

He

delighted to meet and

to bless

the poor, the

sick, the

lame, and' the blind;

and

not indeed like

;

Him

the words

which gave the body healing

comfort and hope.

but those of spiritual

gratifying to find so

It is truly

many among
salvation.

those

whom
'

the world overlooks as

poor and ignorant,

rich in faith,'

and wise unto

They

cannot, in

some

instances, read

nor can they in words of burning eloquence explain

MRS.

R.'S

STATEMENT.
operated to

65

how

the love of

God has

work

in

them
'The

a return of that love

within.

but

they have the witness

'Jesus is precious, very precious.''

Lord has taken

sin

from

the soul] are expressions

testifying their experimental

knowledge of the

justi-

fying and sanctifying grace of God.

"One on her death-bed said to me: Jesus is with me all the time when I awake in the night, it
i

seems as

if

His arms were around me, and

me.'

all

the

day He continues near

These expressions
the tenor of the daily

prove nothing in themselves, except, as in the case

of these persons, supported
life

by

but they come with a power

It is certainly

which no human
to the hearts of

eloquence can give."

very encouraging

the Reading Committee to receive so kind a

welcome

from those poor creatures,

who know

that

we come

to minister to their spiritual rather

than their bodily

sensible of the

wants.

Many among them seem to be

importance of being able to read the Scriptures, and

are diligent scholars at the feet of those of their

number

who were more

this

fortunate in early

life,

and obtained
of perhaps 70

accomplishment.

One woman,

ysars,

began

to learn

her alphabet, and in about one

zeal, that,

month, such was her application and

with

the aid of occasional prompting, she learned to read

several chapters in St. John's Gospel.
"

One aged

3*

6Q

MKS.

K.'S

STATEMENT.

woman

(continues Mrs. R.) excited

spirit.

my

interest

by

her contentment of

ventured to ask her the

l

cause of her cheerfulness.

in hope of a better place

Oh,' said she,

I

I live
;

when

leave this one

I

take comfort in thinking of Heaven.

kind Master,
towards
it,

who has

carried

will not desert

me so far me in my old
girl, to

know my on my way
age.

His

grace has been, and I trust ever will be,

on the way.'
tion

Again

<

my support whom my attento the

was

directed,

had been brought

last stage

home a

few weeks since in the

of consumption.

Although her bodily health was hopelessly gone,

she had recourse to the Physician of souls, and found
recovering grace at the last hour

grief
A

for sin,

and

anxiety for pardon, for

many days overcame and

sufferings.

swallowed up her bodily

before her death she

short time

seemed

to find spiritual comfort,

and she

finally breathed her last,

lips.

with her song of

triumph on her

These and other instances

show
care."

the incalculable benefit of this Institution to

the souls of that neglected class

who come under

its

PETER BENSE.

67

PETER BENSE,
Or
the
"

Peter Polite" as he was familiarly called at

respectful

Home, on account of his suavity of manner and demeanor toward every one. To his superiors he always observed a marked
and
familiars

deference, while to his associates

he

was courteous and

pleasant.

His address and man-

ner appeared to belong to the school of Louis

XIV.
but,

We

do not

feel

authorized to

make any

special
;

record of

him

as a decided Christian character

from his general conduct and moral deportment

while an inmate of the Home,

we have

reason to
in-

hope that he was not unmindful of his eternal

terests
;

and

trust that

he found mercy of the Lord

in the

day of his extremity.

lar events of his changeful

life,

passing notice in this brief

The varied and singumake him worthy a history: we therefore

him by
to

give a short sketch of him, as obtained from verbal

conversation occasionally had with

the resi-

dent physician, Dr.

J.

D. Fitch,

whom

he ap-

peared pleased to communicate some of the past

scenes and circumstances connected with his early
life.

His statement was, that he was born in one of

68
the

PETER BENSE.

West India islands, and that at a very early age he was taken by a gentleman to England, with whom he lived in the city of London until he was probably twenty years old. He then accompanied some public

functionary (name not recollected) as valet to the

:

Court of
until
there,

St.

Petersburgh.

In that city he remained

he was probably

thirty-five years old.

While
to court,

he frequently accompanied his master

where, from his complexion, he was viewed some-

what

as a curiosity,

and was

the royal family with

by members of marked kindness and favor.

treated
affection,

He

spoke of the Empress Catharine with strong ex-

pressions of respect

and esteem, and even of

on account of her great kindness and attention to him.

On
him
to

one occasion,
to

when

his master's duties required

St.

be absent for some weeks from

Petersburgh,

at the special request of the

Empress he was permitted

c

remain

at the

Palace Royal until his return;

valet
-

where he served not only as

employed
he
in that capacity

but. having
frequently

considerable taste as a coiffeur, he

was

by

the Royal Household.

Among

other reminiscences mentioned

by

Peter,

stated, that

he was

either in or near the palace

at the time of the assassination of the in 1801.

Emperor Paul

He seemed

quite familiar with the princi-

pal occurrences of that eventful period

relating

and
and

while

them manifested deep

feeling

interest.

PETER BENSE.During his residence

ried a young native had two sons. About
in St. Petersburgh,

69

he mar-

Russian woman, by whom he

this time,

(probably about
After bidding

1810,) his master

was

recalled

home.

adieu

to his

wife and children, he entered with his

master on board of an English vessel then awaiting

them

at

one of the Russian seaport towns.

it

He

re-

marked
family

was a
he

severe trial for

left

him

to part

with his

but
him

them with the determination of

returning to

them whenever circumstances would

their

permit

so to do.

While on

way

to

England, and on the

coast of France, their vessel

cruiser,

was taken by a French

;

and carried

into Brest

from thence he, with

to Paris.

his master,

were conveyed prisoners

He

stated that his

master, although held a prisoner,

was, by the order of Napoleon, treated with great

attention,

and allowed

to visit

and receive

visits

from

many distinguished individuals residing in Paris. Among these were Marshals Ney and Soult. On one occasion his master was invited to dine
with the
latter
;

Peter accompanied, and waited on

him

at table, this being customary.

There were

many

prominent characters present,

who

flourished

during the career of the Emperor Napoleon.

He

re-

mained

in Paris until after peace,

and

after the en-

70

PETER BENSE
;

trance of the allied armies

leaving

it

just after

Na-

poleon had departed for Elba.

During his stay

years,

in Paris,

which was
at the

three or four

he had frequent opportunities of seeing the

at

Emperor both
Soult and Ney.

Reviews and

Palace Royal,

as attendant on persons connected with the families of

He was

in

London

at the visit of the

to

Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia

Regent, and appeared familiar with
of that period.
all

the Prince

the

gay scenes

He saw

the Prince Regent on horse-

back

ride

around Hyde Park, accompanied by Royal

;

personages

and he was

at

London during

the cor-

onation of George IVth, assisting as coiffeur to his

master,

who

attended on that august occasion.

He
life,

frequently, in his relation of the events of his

mentioned

many

of the circumstances attending the

all-exciting subjects of that day.

He
of

related

many

things connected with the

consort of George IV.
;

trial

Queen

Caroline,

had frequent

opportunities of

seeing her;
behalf.

and
all

his sympathies

were great on her

Amidst
dering
life,

the changing vicissitudes of his

wan-

Peter remarked that he never forgot his

wife and children, but constantly looked forward to

the time

when he should
London

again return

to

them.

When
tion in

in

the last time, he received informathat his family

some way,

had gone

to the

PETER BENSE.

71

United States and had landed in New- York, expecting to meet

him

there.

On

this intelligence,

he ob-

tained permission of his master to go

and join them.

to

He immediately
America,
full

left

England and proceeded

of hope and anticipated happiness of

to his

again clasping

and

his children.
!

bosom the wife of But ah how sad was

!

his youth,

his disap-

pointment

On

arriving in

New- York,

all his inqui-

ries respecting

them were unsuccessful, and he could

His
little

gain no information whatever respecting them.

continued

efforts

incurred expenses, and his

fund becoming exhausted,

poor

and

dispirited

he

sought the situation of a waiter,

still

determined, so
St.

soon as he could raise the means, to go back to

Petersburgh, and seek his family.

The accomplishment
ized.

of this hope he never realinfirmities of age broke

failed

Anxieties,
his health

and the

down
and
to the

his

means of sustenance

in this

day of

his emergencies (1841), he

its

came
walls

Colored Home, seeking there within

a refuge and a resting-place.

until

Here he remained
in

his

decease,

which occurred

June 1848,

being as was supposed about ninety-three years old.

Peter Bense
expression,

was remarkable

for his fluency of

he spoke with
;

the French accent.

;

His
there

memory was remarkably

retentive

in

which

seemed but one defect there appeared

to

be a perfect

72

PETER BENSE.
in his

vacuum

mind

as to the

time which had

elapsed since he separated from his wife and children; and

when

within a few days of his death his

spirits revived,

and he spoke cheerfully of the hope

of again meeting

them

associating always the idea

as youthful

that he should find

them

and juvenile

as

when he

parted from

them

although nearly half

great

a century had passed away.

Among
value,

the articles

which he considered of

were notes of recommendation from

particularly, a large parchment,

many dison which

tinguished personages both in England and France

and most

was

written his passport in the Russian language.

His appearance
nified
;

when walking

in the street

was

dig-

carrying in his

hand a

large brass-headed

cane, the

companion of
full

many
hair,

years.

His head was

covered with

bushy

which, being whitened

by

age,

had much the appearance of a wig.

!

Alas

poor Bense.

Heaven had decreed

that

you should never meet again on earth the loved ones

of your earlier days.
that land of joy

May

the hope be realized in

disap-

and gladness, where sorrow,

pointment, and parting are never known.

CONCLUDING BEMARKS.

73

CONCLUDING REMARKS.
It would extend the limits of these pages too
far,

and time would

found the

fail us, to tell

of all those

who have

Home
this

but a pleasant stage in their jour-

ney through
place
;

weary world

to their final resting-

and who have died

in faith in a certain

hope

of finding a "better country, even

a heavenly;

wherefore

God

is

not

ashamed

to

be called their

God, for

He hath

prepared for them a city."

In the foregoing instances

we

see that the

minds

of these sable ones were as susceptible of those feelings

which dignify and

;

elevate

human
to

nature as

those of others

and the humble,

grateful expres-

sion of their sense of God's

Christ, as sincere

mercy

them through

and

lively as ever

emanated from

those

who may have been

highly cultivated, or

placed in more enlightened society under greater

advantages.

The
same
pride,

influence of grace

upon the heart

;

is

the

in its effects

upon

all classes
is
;

as far as changIt

ing the will and temper

concerned.
it

humbles

and subdues the will

to

changes the heart of

in his true

man, and brings him

character;

view himself
sinner,

a poor, wretched

exposed

to

74

CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Holy God
this,

the just displeasure of a

offended.

whom
he
is

he has

When
to

he becomes sensible of

willing

be saved on God's terms.

And

this is the

same,

whether in the son of a

prince, or untutored, unlet-

tered child of obscurity, whatever be his complexion

or
all

circumstances.

He who "made

of one blood
all.

nations of men," careth alike for

The

Sa-

viour died for sinners that whoever believeth on

Him, should not

perish, but

have everlasting

life.

The redemption of the soul is precious. Can we, then, be too earnest in seeking it both in ourselves and others? can we do too much to cause

" the
to

abundant grace by the thanksgiving of many,

to

redound with glory

;

God V

Led

of His Spirit
in this

and His Providence and blessed as we have

effort

been of
for

Him
?

is it

possible that

we

can do too

much

Jesus

for Jesus,

who

for

us endured the

cross, despising the

shame

M. W. T.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF THE COLORED HOMEITS ORIGIN, &c.

The
Colored

Home

of the city of

New-York

originated

in the liberality of one Christian lady

ter of the late distinguished

Miss Jay, daugh-

and venerable John Jay, of

New- York.
The sum
of

One Thousand

Dollars was paid over by

Miss Jay, to a few ladies who convened at the residence

of her sister, Mrs. Maria Bauyer, in the

autumn

of 1839.

The sum appropriated was

relief of the sick

especially designed for the

and

respectable Colored

Aged.

This was the origin of the Colored Home.

In the

year 1845, the Society was incorporated by the State Legislature,

under the

title of "

The Society for

was

the

Support

of the Colored

Home."

petition

also presented to

the Legislature for the repeal of certain acts passed

March

11th, 1839,

and

May

26th,

1841 (which appro-

76

CONDENSED STATEMENT.
Newto

priated $10,000 for a State Hospital in the city of

York), asking a transfer of the

the Colored

money

therein

named

Home.

These acts were repealed, a new act framed, and the

money

aforesaid was transferred to the

Managers

of the

Colored Home, to be applied to the erection of a perma-

nent building on the real estate belonging to the said

Home

in the city of

New-York,

for the relief

and sup-

port of disabled

Colored Sailors, and other infirm and

destitute colored people.

With

a view to more extensive usefulness, the Society

the Commissioners of the Aimsrate,

made arrangements with

House, to receive into the Institution, at a very low

all

colored paupers of the city, reserving the

right

to

reject such applicants as the resident physician should

medically

pronounce unfit patients for

the

Colored

Home.
In 1848, the Society purchased 44
lying on Sixty-Fifth-street, between
lots

of

ground

Avenue

and First

Avenue

upon which the Managers have recently erected

It consists of two distinct divisions

a suitable building.

or wings, for the accommodation of the male and female

departments, each 100 by 26

feet,

separated by a ground

plot of 100 feet, the whole forming an open square.

At

the

first

meeting, in 1839, after the adoption of

OFFICEKS.
the constitution, twelve individuals

77
were proposed and

received as 'objects worthy of

relief.

During the year 1847, the

statistics

show that the

Institution had, during that period, under its care nearly

one thousand persons

a large proportion of

whom

were

from the Alms-House.

The Colored Home

dicious manner.

is

conducted in a careful and ju-

The

following persons at present constitute

its

Board

of Officers

and Managers

OFFICERS
Mrs.
Mrs.

Mary Ann Wells,

Samuel
J.

First Directress.
Directress.

Beebee, Second

Mrs. William

W.

Chester, Recording

Secretary.

Mrs. N. E. Russell, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. John Harper, Treasurer.

MANAGERS
Mrs. P. G. Arcularius,
Mrs.
J.

D. Fitch,

Mrs. C. B. Noon,
Mrs. Thomas D. Moore, Mrs. Harvey Peet,

Mrs. E. D. Willis,

Mrs. John A. Livingston,

Mrs. F. S. Winston,

Mrs. Edward Stone,

Mrs. Col. Thompson,

Mrs.

J.

W.

Smyth,

Miss Sarah Bunce, Miss M. Beebee, Miss M. C.

Mrs. B. B. Atterbury, Mrs. E. M.

De

Peyster,

De

Peyster,

Mrs. Washington Roosevelt,

Miss Elizabeth Clarkson Jay, Miss A. Hamilton,

Mrs. E. B. Goddard,

Miss C, Murray.

78

OFFICEES.

ADVISERS
W. W.
Chester, Esq.,

James D. Fitch, M.
John Harper, Esq.,

D.,

John Jay, Esq.,

W.

G. Bull, Esq.,

Stephen Cambrelling, Esq.,

John A. Bunting, Esq.

Chaplain

Steward

Rev. Charles C. Darling. James Beatty.

Matron

Teacher

Ann M. Beatty. Sarah Beatty.

James D. Fitch, M. D. Dr. H. K. Olmsted.
Thomas Cock, M. D.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Resident Physician
Assistant Physician

MEDICAL COUNCIL
HONORARY MEMBERS.
J.

C. Cheeseman,

M. D.

PHYSICIANS:
J.

W.

Francis,

M. D.

T. M. Markoe, M. D.

George Wilkes, M. D.

SURGEONS
Willard Parker,
J.

M. D.

G. A. Sabine, M. D.

K. Rodgers, M. D.

Ti^Doq.o^Li.oe