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diff --git a/38818.txt b/38818.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..07c2e42 --- /dev/null +++ b/38818.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5585 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Miss Ellis's Mission, by Mary P. Wells Smith + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Miss Ellis's Mission + +Author: Mary P. Wells Smith + +Release Date: February 10, 2012 [EBook #38818] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MISS ELLIS'S MISSION *** + + + + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Mary Meehan and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +book was produced from scanned images of public domain +material from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +MISS ELLIS'S MISSION. + +BY MARY P. W. SMITH. + +BOSTON: + +AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. + +1886. + + _Copyright, 1886_, + BY AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. + + University Press: + JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE. + + + TO + POST-OFFICE MISSION WORKERS, + WEST AND EAST, + AND TO EARNEST PEOPLE + EVERYWHERE. + + + + + "_It was a very contemptible barley-loaf she had to offer, compared + with your fine, white, wheaten cake of youth and riches and strength + and learning; but remember she offered her best freely, willingly, + faithfully; and when once a thing is offered, it is no longer the + little barley-loaf in the lad's hand, but the miraculous satisfying + Bread of Heaven in the hand of the Lord of the Harvest, more than + sufficient for the hungry multitude._" + + * * * * * + + "_'And so there is an end of poor Miss Toosey and her Mission!'... + Wait a bit! There is no waste in nature, science teaches us; neither + is there any in grace, says faith. We cannot always see the results, + but they are there as surely in grace as in nature._" + + MISS TOOSEY'S MISSION. + + + + +MISS ELLIS'S MISSION. + + +This little sketch of Miss Ellis's life and work owes its first +suggestion to Rev. J. Ll. Jones, of Chicago, who soon after her death +wrote: "Why not try for a little memorial of her, to be accompanied with +some of the most touching and searching extracts from the letters both +received and written by her, and make it into a little booklet for the +instruction of Post Office Mission Workers?... Can you not make it +something as touching as 'Miss Toosey,' and far more practical,--that +is, for our own little household of faith?... We do not want it +primarily as a missionary tool, but as a wee fragment of the spiritual +history of the world,--something that will lift and touch the soul of +everybody.... In short, give us an enlightened Miss Toosey; her mission +being as much stronger as Sallie Ellis was more rational and mature than +the original 'Miss Toosey'!" + +No one knowing Miss Ellis could read the touching little story of "Miss +Toosey's Mission" without being struck by a resemblance in the +characters, though a resemblance with a marked difference. As one said, +"I never saw her going up the church aisle Sundays, with her audiphone, +her little satchel, her bundle of books and papers, and her hymn-book, +without thinking of Miss Toosey." In both lives a seemingly powerless +and insignificant personality, through the force of a great yearning to +do a bit of God's work in the world, achieved its longing far beyond its +fondest dreams. As I read the many letters from all over the country +that have come since Miss Ellis's death, as I realize how the spiritual +force that burned in the soul of this small, feeble, seemingly helpless +woman reached out afar and touched many lives for their enduring +ennoblement, her life, so meagre and cramped in its outward aspect, so +vivid and intense within and on paper, seems to me not without a touch +of romance. To perpetuate a little longer the influence of that life is +the object of this sketch. + + * * * * * + +SALLIE ELLIS was born in Cincinnati, March 13, 1835. The old-fashioned +name Sallie, at that time popular in the South and West, was given her +in honor of an aunt. She disliked sailing under the false colors of +"Sarah." In letters she usually signed herself "S. Ellis," because, as +she explained to one correspondent, "I do not know myself as _Sarah_, +and Sallie is not dignified enough in writing to strangers; so I usually +prefer plain S." Late in life, however, for reasons of dignity, she +sometimes felt forced to adopt Sarah as what she called her "official +signature." + +Her father, Mr. Rowland Ellis, was born in Boston, but while yet young +removed to Cincinnati, where he still lives in a vigorous and honored +old age. Although his mother, in all her later years at least, was a +devoted attendant upon Theodore Parker's services, Mr. Ellis in early +life was a Baptist. But when the Unitarian Church was founded at +Cincinnati, in 1830, his name appears among the organizers, of whom he +is almost the sole survivor. Of that church he has always been a devoted +supporter and constant attendant. He was a leading banker of the West, +and Sallie was born into one of the most elegant and luxurious homes in +Cincinnati. The Ellises kept open house, exercised the most generous +hospitality, and made, as one says who knew them well then, "such a +beautiful use of their money. The Ellises were just the people who +_ought_ to have money." Mrs. Ellis is described as a woman of unusual +loveliness of character. Out of the eight children, Sallie was thought +to be the mother's favorite, because, it was supposed, she was always +puny, shy, and delicate. "Sallie shall always have what she wants," said +the mother, "because she wants so little." But mothers _know_, and +undoubtedly the mother saw deeper than others into the rare spiritual +quality concealed from the world under her delicate child's quiet, +reserved exterior. Her older sister remembers of Sallie's childhood: "As +a very young child she exhibited strongly marked peculiarities of +character. Her affection, conscientiousness, piety, and love of duty +made her different from the rest of us as children. I remember well that +at home or at school there were never any rebukes for Sallie. Though +very social by nature, as young as at five and six years of age she +loved to be alone, and would sit in the corner of her mother's room, +with face turned to the corner, musing, and talking in a low tone to her +doll. When our father and mother would take the children to +entertainments of various descriptions, such as children enjoy, Sallie +would invariably express her preference to remain at home. If she +thought her parents wanted her to go, she went." + +For some years Sallie attended the private school of Mrs. Anne Ryland, +an English Unitarian (a former parishioner, I think, of Rev. Laut +Carpenter, and connected by marriage with Rev. Brooke Herford), a lady +of noble character, and a teacher whose culture and methods were in +advance of her age. In a volume of poetry presented Sallie by this +teacher, is this inscription, whose old-fashioned quaintness of phrase +pictures for us the Sallie Ellis of thirteen, then, as always, faithful +to duty. + + "Mrs. Ryland has been much gratified by the general deportment of + Miss Sallie Ellis since she has been under her charge. Miss Ellis + has evinced an evident desire to please, by a strict observance of + the rules of the school, and by assiduous and persevering attention + to all her studies. She has made improvement in them all fully + commensurate with her laudable endeavors, in Grammar, Geography, + and Orthography particularly. It is with unfeigned regret that Mrs. + Ryland has to add, to the foregoing expression of her approval of + her dear pupil's conduct, the last word,--Farewell." + +Later, she attended the private school of Rev. William Silsbee, who says +of her, "She was always studious and well-behaved, one of the most +faithful of all my pupils." Mr. M. Hazen White, for so many years +superintendent of the Unitarian Sunday school, was also one of her +teachers. When seventeen, she was sent to Mrs. Charles Sedgwick's +school, in Lenox, Mass. A schoolmate describes her then as a quite +pretty, black-eyed girl, of delicate physique, a good and studious but +not brilliant scholar, very quiet and retiring, and almost morbidly +reserved. The few friends she made here, however, were life-long, and +she corresponded with some of the Lenox schoolmates until her death. +"She was a perfect dancer," says the schoolmate. + +Treasured among Miss Ellis's papers were found some pages of a +schoolgirl's album, marked, "At Mrs. Sedgwick's School, Lenox, Mass., +March, 1852." It contains verses descriptive of each pupil, written +apparently by Mrs. Sedgwick. The little pen-picture of the schoolgirl +paints well the woman of later years. + + + SALLIE ELLIS. + + If device for an old Latin motto were asked, + No invention would need to be very much tasked; + For the "multum in parvo" _you_ safely might stand, + With book, needle, or pen, ever found in your hand. + A little, wee body with strong, earnest will, + That steadily works with the force of a mill; + A mind quite untiring, whatever it do, + Its manifold ends with good heed to pursue: + Hands busy and strong play deftly their part, + And these all controlled by a good, honest heart. + +Bright indeed looked Sallie's future in those days. A year or two more +at school, then a return to the loved mother and the beautiful home, and +a "coming out" into the brilliant world with all the advantages +attending wealth and position. But the clouds were already gathering +which in coming years were to darken for her in quick succession the +sunshine of earthly prosperity. She was called home from school by the +illness of her mother. The mother died, leaving Sallie the oldest +daughter at home, to fill her place as best she might to five little +brothers and sisters. + +Her sister says: "Our dear mother's death was the turning-point in +Sallie's life. She was so shrinking, sensitive, and tender by nature, no +one could fully understand her but a mother who had watched the hidden +beauties of her character expand from infancy to girlhood." + +The mother's memory was fondly cherished, her loss deeply mourned, all +Miss Ellis's life. Over the dying bed of the worn and weary woman of +fifty smiled down the radiant face of the mother, painted when a young, +blooming girl. Among Miss Ellis's papers was found a manuscript volume +of eighty-one pages of selections, copied in her clear, firm +handwriting, index of the spirit's strength. It is headed, "Crumbs of +Comfort for the Afflicted." The selections are from the Bible, sermons, +hymns, and poems,--all breathing of religious trust and help in +grief,--a beautiful and touching collection. The first page reads,-- + + "Begun in Nov. 1870. + + "These selections are made in memory of my dear mother, who was + called away many years since, and through whose death I was led to + think of a higher life,--the _true_ life of the soul. + + "'Oh, I believe there is no _away_; that no love, no life, goes + ever from us; it goes as He went, that it may come again, deeper + and closer and surer, and be with us always, even unto the end of + the world' (_Patience Strong's Outings_)." + +One of the selections is an anonymous poem, "The Strength of the +Lonely." On one page Miss Ellis had written (signed "S. E."), "I can but +believe that God allows a mother still to watch over and care for her +family when he takes her from this world, and in our affliction that he +draws us to himself, and to Jesus as our guide to him, through her +spiritual influence, just as, while upon earth, he permitted her to be +his instrument to lead and guide us in all that is good. All children +too, even the youngest, are God's instruments for good, and their +ministries cease not with their earthly life. The departed are with us +everywhere, through our daily duties,-- + + "In the loneliest hour, in the crowd, they are nigh us." + +A year or two after the mother's death Sallie joined the Unitarian +Church, being baptized by Rev. A. A. Livermore, of whom she writes in a +letter: "Rev. A. A. Livermore was settled here from the time I was +fourteen to twenty-one, and he formed my religious character." Fitting +indeed was it that he who has trained so many young men for the ministry +should dedicate to God's service this young woman, also destined to be +his minister to many souls. An old lady in the church remembers seeing +Sallie go up to be baptized, leading a little brother by each hand, all +the little children being baptized at the same time. To one of her +nature, the vows then taken were a most sacred, real consecration of her +whole self to God,--vows to be nobly fulfilled in the life. + +Mr. Livermore writes of her:-- + + "During my pastorate of the Unitarian Church in Cincinnati, Mr. and + Mrs. Rowland Ellis were valued parishioners of mine, and their + children were all baptized by me. It was a lovely group of little + folks, and the spirit of that consecration has gone largely through + all their lives, and given them, I believe, the Christian flavor. + They have, too, been very warmly united as a family, and in health + and sickness, in life and death, they have borne strong testimony + to the blessed anchorage of a positive religious faith. + + "They were also diligent attendants on the Sunday school in the + basement of the old church. Sallie's bright face and upright + attitude was to be seen in her place as sure as the Sunday came. + + "After I left Cincinnati I saw her but seldom, but on those + occasions she always spoke of the earlier times in the church and + the Sunday school with a warmth and glow of memory that showed that + they had been real points of life to her mind and character. And + especially after her deafness became a chastening hand laid upon + her character, and family sorrows and bereavements followed in the + train, it was plain that she found her religious trust the one + thing needful." + +Within another year business reverses swept away Mr. Ellis's entire +fortune. As he had meantime married a lady who proved a most capable and +devoted mother to the younger children, Sallie, released from domestic +cares, felt that she ought to do something to assist her father. "She +was so modest," says a friend, "I don't think it ever occurred to her +that she could teach school. But she said there was one thing she knew +she could do, and do well, and that was, to dance." So Miss Sallie +became a dancing-teacher, having classes of children in their mothers' +parlors. + +Another friend (whose boys, now stalwart men in the church, were among +Miss Ellis's pupils) says of her: "She was a lovely dancing-teacher. She +not only taught the children to dance well, but she taught them such +gentle, lovely manners. Indeed, the significant thing in Miss Ellis's +life, to me, was her faithfulness. Whatever her hand found to do, she +did, and did well. Because she had been so faithful at dancing-school, +she was able to be so successful a teacher. Because, when taught sewing, +she tried so hard to do her best, she became such a beautiful sewer, and +was able to teach sewing;" for a sewing-class was another expedient of +those days. + +Her father moved to Chicago in 1851, where he resided three years. There +Miss Ellis attended Mr. Shippen's church, taught a Sunday-school class, +and had a class of newsboys evenings. After the return to Cincinnati, +while Miss Ellis was at the sea-shore, she began to experience a painful +roaring in the ears. Hearing, never quite perfect, was soon almost +totally gone. The following years are little, to outward sight, but a +record of invalidism, of trying this or that doctor, but still ever +decreasing health and strength. Many dyspeptics, from Carlyle to lesser +folk, have felt their disease, like charity, a cover for a multitude of +sins. Miss Ellis suffered from chronic dyspepsia of aggravated type, +from catarrhal and other troubles which finally wore away the always +frail thread of life in consumptive decline.[1] + +[Footnote 1: The death of two brothers, of a dear little niece, and of a +fondly loved sister,--a woman beloved by all who knew her, who died only +about a year before Miss Ellis, leaving five motherless girls--were +among the trials of her maturer years.] + +But through all these hard years Miss Ellis was doing what she could, +and longing to do more. Until deafness prevented, she always taught in +Sunday school. She was a devoted attendant on all church services, and +worker in all church causes. The perfection of her handiwork made it in +great demand. Knowing now Miss Ellis's possibilities, one almost grudges +the Unitarian children, and the innumerable but beloved little nephews +and nieces, the years of "Aunt Sallie's" life that went into dainty +embroidery and perfect mittens for their wearing. The church fairs were +always liberally aided by her willing hands. Indeed, it is difficult, +without seeming exaggeration, to express her passion of devotion to her +church. It was literally her life. Outside her family, to which she was +warmly attached, everything centred for her there, and for many years +one of her heaviest crosses was her inability to render the service she +desired to her church and denomination. + +The portrait prefacing this book was taken in 1871, when Miss Ellis was +thirty-six years old,--perhaps the saddest period in her life. Youth, +health, fortune, hearing, dear friends, had gone one after another. The +future looked dark indeed. She felt within herself capacities for which +there seemed no earthly opportunity. The face wears a sadder expression +than that characterizing it in later life, when at last she had found +her real work.[2] + +[Footnote 2: The kindness of Mr. Frank R. Ellis, of Cincinnati, Miss +Ellis's youngest brother, enables us to place the portrait in this +book.] + +Rev. Charles Noyes was settled as Unitarian pastor in Cincinnati in +1872. To him Miss Ellis always attributed her first missionary impulse. + +In a letter to Rev. W. C. Gannett, July 28, 1885, she said:-- + + "Yes, it is a _great_ source of comfort to have started the 'good + seed,' and now to see so many stronger people taking up the work + and doing so much better than I. A great deal is due to dear Mr. + Charles Noyes. He won me by his kind heart while here, and was so + kind in lending me his manuscripts always, and books, that he kept + me along with the religion of the day. Then Mr. Weudte furthered + the matter by putting me on the Missionary Committee, and finally + started me out with the 'Pamphlet Mission.' You know the rest." + +In her diary was a copy of a letter written Mr. Noyes on his departure +from Cincinnati, dated June 23, 1875, a portion of which is here given. + + "I cannot say 'so be it' to your departure without returning thanks + for the many pleasant hours you have afforded me through your + manuscripts, the books and papers you have so kindly lent me from + time to time. You have given me something to think about for a long + time, so I can do without any sermons for a while. I do not expect + to find so kind a pastor very soon. + + "From your first text, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Take + heed, therefore, how ye hear,' I accepted you as a teacher learning + more from God than from man. I have followed you from beginning to + the end, and I have worked _with_ you and _for_ you to the best of + my ability, my strength, and my means. Would I had been a more + efficient worker! I have taken heed as to how I have heard. You + have not changed my views so much as brought out more clearly what + was already in my own mind. The best lesson I have learned from you + is a firmer trust in God. You have brought me to the 'Source of all + Truth, whence Jesus drew his life.' Here you leave me. An essential + point to have reached, in my view; a firm rock on which to rest, + and one that can never be taken from me. Some people are not + satisfied with a faith so simple. They need more to rest on; as if + there could be a stronger, better support than the 'voice in the + soul.' From loss of hearing, the 'voice within' has spoken more + clearly to me perhaps.... It is a very great disappointment to me + to part with you and your family, for I have become very much + attached to you all; for even little G---- has learned to look upon + me as a friend. It is not every one who wins me; and when one does, + it is all the harder to separate from him. Still, we are often + compelled to give up our preferences, as I have learned before + now.... The benediction I ask is the one you have so often asked + for us (Mary----ears to me, and a reliable authority): 'May the + Heavenly Father bless, preserve, and guide you all. May he give you + wisdom to know and strength to do his holy will forevermore.'" + +Mr. Noyes, being asked for his recollections of Miss Ellis, writes:-- + + "Sallie had a very true, deep, strong religious nature, and a + leaning to religious, not to say theological, studies. Alone in + Cincinnati when I first went there, I was often a guest at Mr. + Ellis's Sunday table. Sallie borrowed my sermons. She liked to talk + over the subject of the sermon, and this led to my recommending to + her many books for her reading, and loaning to her what I had in my + library. She became familiar with the writings of most of our + Unitarian writers,--with Channing, Clarke, Hedge, Dewey, Norton, + Furness, and many others. She was no careless reader, but a student + of the writer's thought.... She had great breadth of mental + outlook, and a great heart of charity and love for all. She admired + the diversity of opinion in our body, and had faith in the unity of + the Spirit that would fuse us into one.... If Sallie ever expressed + wonder and surprise, it was that Unitarianism did not grow as fast + as it ought, and that those who accepted its teachings did not + identify themselves with it. We had our Mission School of about + three hundred pupils, and our Sewing School.... The time had not + come for the Pamphlet Mission or the Post Office; yet Miss Ellis + was making the best preparation possible for her after-work, and in + due time the door of best usefulness stood wide open. You know, as + we all know, how well she filled her office.... Her letters were + sermons,--tracts in themselves, best adapted to her correspondents, + and, I am persuaded, did a grand work of their own. She heard with + difficulty, she was not an easy talker, but she wrote with great + clearness.... More than the books she sent out, she was to many a + one the blessed missionary of our faith.... In her early studies + the miracle question was a stumbling-block to Sallie. The old-time + interpretation of miracle she could not accept; neither could she + take up with the mythical theory of Strauss. Miracle must be in + harmony with law. Jesus must be to her the natural flower of + _human_ nature, the perfect blossom of _human_ development. Nature + and the supernatural must be in harmony. Hence the delight she took + in Dr. Furness's works. His works helped her, as they have so many + others, out of her difficulties about the supernatural. And more + than that, they fed her religious life, pure and simple, and let + her into the heart of Christ. She often alluded to her debt to Dr. + Furness, whom she admired and loved." + +Miss Ellis little expected or would have desired to figure as a +Unitarian saint. Her estimate of herself was lowly. Whatever her faults +and limitations, however, they were only those natural to a strong +nature driven in upon itself, beating in vain against the stern walls +that everywhere surrounded it. Bravely did she strive to resist what she +clearly perceived to be the natural tendencies of her peculiar troubles, +and bravely did she succeed. The prayers, the tears, the struggles of +those lonely, baffled years are known only to God, and are only hinted +at here and there in the diary kept during a large part of her life. An +unique diary it is, showing, as nothing else could, the passion of +religious devotion which burned in her soul. Each day's record, no +matter how brief, ends with passages of Scripture, or sometimes a hymn, +appropriate to the day's mood or experience. In reading it, one realizes +afresh the richness of the Bible in comfort and strength. The diary +furnishes a complete history of the Unitarian Church of Cincinnati for +many years. All the individual joys and sorrows of its members, their +birthdays and their death-days, are here recorded with loving sympathy. +Also, a complete record of every Sunday's service for many years is +given, with always a full abstract of the sermon, sometimes filling +several pages of fine, close writing. Occasionally it happened that the +minister failed to hand Miss Sallie his sermon after delivery,--a +grievous disappointment, almost too great to bear, as the diary +testifies. Each year the personal matter grows less, the religious +meditations and quotations consume more and more space, until of the +journal in the last years her sister writes: "It seems to have been kept +mainly to give vent to her pure, spiritual nature, which was ever +longing for some expression of itself." A very few extracts are here +given from the diary,--a glimpse only of the struggles and longings that +unconsciously to herself were all fitting her for her work. + + + + +DIARY. + + + 1873. I have been too indolent for a few years. Now I must be up + and doing, with a heart for anything, and remember that these + clouds that overshadow us all are meant to make us look beyond for + the sunshine. "No cross, no crown." I have a project in my head + that I wish very much to carry out. I am tired of my selfish life; + and all that reconciles me to it is, that I accept it as a + necessary discipline for my restless spirit, to teach me + submission, and help me to say, "Thy will, not mine, be done." My + idea of a _true_ Christian is to be working for others always, and + not thinking of self. My desire is, to start a sewing-class from + the Mission School, to be kept up during the summer, if I can only + get the means of carrying out my plan, and find some one who is + willing to take charge of it in case I am not able to be there. I + would _gladly_ make the sacrifice of personal comfort. + +The sewing-class was started, and Miss Ellis became one of its most +devoted teachers, though working often in great feebleness and pain. + + Feel bluer, but I believe my deafness is bringing me truer faith, + and resignation.... Another very warm day, but I have managed to + get through the day cheerfully, thinking of heavenly things.... I + cannot understand what makes me so ugly sometimes. I pray that my + evil spirit may be subdued some day.... Do not know of anything I + have done to benefit others to-day, only I have been cheerful.... I + have felt pretty well, and this day went rightly with me, though I + do not know as I have advanced the cause of life very much.... How + I do long to live a perfectly unselfish life, and to be a blessing + to those around me, as my life was intended for!... Am reading "Old + Kensington," by Miss Thackeray,--a real love-story; and it makes me + sad, as usual.... Still in the house, and feel poorly. Feel a + little dull this evening, and on thinking over my life, think that + I have had more than most people of my age to endure, and wonder + that I keep up my spirits as well as I have; and it is only that I + feel that all is the necessary discipline for me. "Let us but be + genuine, honest, and true in everything, even in the smallest + thing, and we have in that the sign and the pledge of entire + consecration of heart and life to God" (J. F. Clarke). "Be faithful + unto death, and I will give you a crown of life" (Rev. ii. 10).... + Gave up to a _terrible_ fit of the "blues" this afternoon and + evening. Am _so_ tired of suffering all the time, that I gave way + under my cross to-day. It seems as if I can't struggle to live + longer. + + _Sunday._ A bright day; I was not able to go out, but felt that it + was good to remain at home to think over my blessings.... Attended + Bible-class this evening. I came home in rather a despondent mood. + I find my cross hard to bear, but must pray for more strength. + + 1874. Sent my old Bible to be bound to-day, which I have used + twenty-three years.... I have felt extremely favored to-day, in + that I was able to attend the Sewing School, which I feared all the + week I might be disappointed in. We closed the school to-day, after + twenty-four weeks' work. It has been time well spent, and I feel + particularly thankful to my heavenly Father in having heard my + prayer for health, strength, and good weather. One strong desire of + my life has been vouchsafed me, and I feel overpowered with joy + to-night.... I have felt to-day how much I need the assistance of + Christ, and may his religion help me to be victorious in the end. + +Quoting an extract from Miss Sedgwick's diary on the unmarried life, +which ends, "Though not _first_ to any, I am, like Themistocles, +_second_ to a great many: my sisters are all kind and affectionate to +me, my brothers generous and invariably kind; their children all love +me," Miss Ellis adds: "These _very words_ I can repeat as my +experience.... If I can only add a few _drops_ of happiness to his life +[a brother's], I shall be too happy." + + 1875. Mr. Noyes called Monday to bring me his sermon, and it made + me very resigned. The text was from 2 Cor. xii. 10,--"When I am + weak, then am I strong." + +Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was the topic of the discourse, and several +pages of extracts are copied in the journal. + + It is one of the trials of my life not to assist in the church as I + desire to. I presume it must be because I neglect other duties, and + see but one thing before me, and that is, to give up the _idol_ of + my life, and do the duty that is nearest to me; but it is a sore + trial to me.... This has been an eventful week to me, for last + Sunday Mr. Noyes closed his ministry with us.... Now they have + really gone, it makes me feel rather despondent, though I know they + have left many blessings to me behind them. + + I am beginning some fancy work, in hopes of brightening my life + somewhat. I am not reconciled to the hardships of life.... Am + anxious to learn wood-carving.... I try to have the faith _of_ + Jesus more than that about him. + + ... Went to see about trumpets yesterday, and came home greatly + disheartened, and shall have to submit with a good grace to the + cross.... Mr. Wendte lectures on the New Testament this evening. I + should be glad to hear him, but believe all is best as it is. + + 1877. We had a beautiful sermon to-day, which I took especially to + myself, on "The Lonely Hours of Life." ... Am feeling better + to-day, and the sermon (on "Be Strong, and of a Good Courage") + roused my better nature, ready to go on courageously.... Lecture + this evening on "Funeral Customs." I did not attend, for the sermon + to-day (on "Prayer") so exalted me that I didn't feel like + listening to things of the world.... Wakened feeling disconsolate + this morning, but resolved to bear the cross of life as trustfully + and cheerfully as possible, and lay up treasures during the summer + ready to "give out" when all return in the winter. Impressed two + little pieces on my mind,--one by Spitta, in "Day unto Day,"-- + + "Glad with thy light and glowing with thy love, + So let me ever think and speak and move." + + The other by Whittier,-- + + "Lord, help me strive 'gainst each besetting sin." + + Went to Madame Wendte's. Brought home, "Ten Great Religions," + "Reason in Religion," and "Evolution in Religion." + +Thus did Miss Ellis fortify herself for the summer vacation of the +church. Emerson's "Society and Solitude" was another book read this +vacation. + + Have not lived up to my ideal the past week, and particularly + to-day. However, may the good Father pardon my shortcomings and aid + me to do better.... I feel that I have added something to my life + for the benefit of others by the rest and reading of this summer. I + hope to study up German a little, among my busy hours this winter. + I can retain so little in my head, it is discouraging to read. I + must work the harder, and believe "all is for the best," and pray, + in faith, for patience.... Mr. Wendte's first sermon--subject, + "After Vacation"--made me feel somewhat depressed, for I feel so + anxious to do for _every one_, and have not the means or strength. + [She resolves to] do my little part and not discourage [the + minister],--do my part more by showing an interest than by the + amount of work I do.... I am miserable, dyspeptic, and + disappointed.... I have felt heartily discouraged this week in + every way, but the church did me good this morning. + +Mr. Noyes was succeeded as pastor at Cincinnati by Rev. Charles W. +Wendte in the fall of 1875. The idea of preaching, of carrying to others +the blessed Unitarian faith which had been her joy and strength, now +filled Miss Ellis's soul. She discussed various schemes to this end with +friends who respected her and her earnestness too much to laugh at the +(in worldly eyes) utter absurdity of her hopes, as futile as Miss +Toosey's desire to go as a missionary to Nawaub. Could she not go out +into Ohio villages and hold lay services, reading the printed prayers +and sermons of our Unitarian ministers? Great must have been the +yearning for the ministry consuming her soul, to tempt the reserved, +feeble little woman, with her deafness and dyspepsia, her incessant +cough, her love of her own room and things, her exactness and exquisite +nicety of habit, seriously to contemplate such a career. Yet, but for +absolute physical incapacity, and the dissuasions (on that account) of +her family, she would certainly have made the experiment. Or might she +not open a reading-room in the church, to be kept open all the week, +where the treasures of Unitarian literature could be dispensed? Even in +her last years she seriously meditated going to the church every Sunday +morning during the vacation to open her library and meet those who might +want books, papers, or advice. The summer vacation was always a grief to +her. She wished the church might be open every day. + +Nov. 9, 1876, a rough draft of the following letter to Mr. Wendte +appears in her diary:-- + + "I cannot resist returning special thanks for your sermon of last + Sunday, 'To what end is your life?' I do not know when a sermon has + so fully aroused the will of my youth.... At twenty years of age, + 'the object of my toil' was to live for the earthly comfort of the + family, for the good of society in general, so far as in my power, + at the same time keeping an eye to the higher interests of life by + working in and for the church.... 'The goal of my ambition' in + middle life is to labor for the spiritual welfare of those about + me; but I find myself without means to assist others.... My + preference is decidedly to labor for the higher natures of others + as well as for myself; therefore, remembering your kind offer in + your letter to me during the summer, I ask, can you suggest + anything for me to engage in, in the spreading of Christianity? + [She wishes] to devote the remainder of my life to the highest and + best I know. If you can put me in the way of assisting others as + well as myself in the highest and holiest way, I shall be ever + indebted to you. I shall be glad to so live that when I lay down my + life I shall in some measure have returned the many kindnesses of + parents, sisters, brothers, and friends, repaid the efforts of + teachers and pastors in my behalf, and proved myself a worthy child + to Him who gave me being." + +At the end, however, she writes: "Didn't send it. Concluded it was +better to talk with him." + +The same ideas in another form appear again in the diary as a letter to +Mr. Wendte. One of the burdens on Mr. Wendte's heart in those days was +"to find something for Miss Ellis to do." Partly to this end he devised +Sunday-school lessons in manuscript, which Miss Ellis copied each week +for all the teachers. In 1877 he appointed a Missionary Society with a +formidable list of names, the significant one among whom events proved +to be Miss Sallie Ellis, Treasurer,--she being, indeed, the "society." +The little programme says:-- + + "The object of the Missionary Society is to spread the knowledge + and increase the influence of Liberal religious ideas throughout + the city and State by publications, correspondence, and such other + means as may seem to it suitable and best." + +During the winter of 1877-78 Miss Ellis, aided by Mr. Wendte, +distributed 1,846 tracts and 211 "Pamphlet Missions" (as baby "Unity" +was called) in twenty-six States. Miss Ellis was always scrupulously +systematic, methodical, and exact in all she did, and a huge pile of +closely written blank books gives every minutia connected with the +business details of her work. In her diary was a copy of this letter to +Mr. Wendte, dated Feb. 21, 1878:-- + + "Why not have a 'Mission Sunday' sometime soon? Do not announce it + previously, however; for some might feel inclined to remain at + home; but catch as many together as possible, and make them listen + to a rousing address from you,--a report of what you have done and + the letters you have received. It might not be as social or + interesting as a concert or something else; but it would not hurt + the people to listen to it, and would make the missionary work more + a reality to them, and I believe in the end an appeal from you + would bring in more money than anything else. + + "I have one request to make of you, however; and that is, that you + do not bring my name out in the pulpit, unless you have occasion to + mention the names of the Missionary Society. It is merely necessary + to mention you have been assisted by one of the 'Missionary + Committee,' not saying 'Treasurer,' man or woman. I have no + objection if any one asks you privately who has done the work, to + have you tell them. I love to do good work, but wish no other + praise than to know that the recipient of the act has been + benefited thereby. I act from the mere pleasure of doing good to + others and believing it to be right, therefore deserve no + credit.... The winter's work has brought out the desire of younger + days, when a Presbyterian friend used to tell me, 'You ought to go + as a missionary to China.' I then had five little brothers and + sisters to help care for, and considered that 'mission' enough. + Since they are grown my health has been too poor to undertake + anything, but now I should like a work in life. If I have a 'taste' + or 'talent' for anything, it is for the study and the spread of + religion.... All the family are only too kind to me, which only + makes me the more anxious to use my one talent to the utmost + extent. If you know of any work I could assist in, in our + denomination, East or West, I would be much obliged to you if you + would let me know." + +The first mentions in the journal of missionary work are Nov. 25, 1877, +"Mr. Wendte came to me with missionary work to do,--five hundred tracts +to distribute;" and Dec. 9, 1877, "Feel that I am doing good in lending +books and papers and distributing tracts." + +Sept. 5, 1880, while visiting her sister in Philadelphia she opens a +new volume of the journal as follows:-- + + Too warm to venture to church. The church in Cincinnati opens + to-day. Would I might be one of the congregation! I _am_, in + spirit! In opening this book on Sunday I would dedicate it to a + high use, and open it with ascription of praise to the Giver of all + good. "Pray for us unto the Lord thy God, ... that the Lord thy God + may show us the way wherein we may walk" (Jer. xlii. 2, 3). + "Quicken thou me in thy way" (Psalms cxix. 37). + +The following prayers are then copied:-- + + "My Father, may I ever humbly follow in thy way; may I ever trust, + with the full assurance of faith, that it does lead to thy heavenly + kingdom. It is often narrow and perplexed, and I cannot see where + it is leading me; yet, though the guiding light of thy holy word + may be half obscured by the mists of the valley, if I fix my eyes + steadily upon it, it will become brighter and brighter; I shall see + my way clearly in this seemingly intricate road, and discern, even + at the end of it, the entrance to thy heavenly mansion." + + "O God, may our souls be full of life. Save us from an inanimate + and sluggish life.... Inspire our sensibility to good; may we see + more and more its loveliness and beauty. And may all the varied + experience of life draw us nearer to thee" (Channing). + +Then follows "an abstract from Channing's Memoirs, showing how, by +self-scrutiny, his character was formed, by many trials and denials." +She then copies eighteen pages from Channing's "Rules for +Self-Discipline," at the end writing, "All these pages from Channing are +written from memory, not copied." + +The second rule copied is, "Let me not _talk_ of pains, sicknesses, +complaints," etc. + +Following the rules is a poem copied from the "Christian Register" of +Sept. 4, 1880. + + + WHAT OF THAT? + + "Tired?" Well, what of that? + Didst fancy life was spent on beds of ease, + Fluttering the rose-leaves scattered by the breeze? + Come, rouse thee! work while it is called day! + Coward, arise! Go forth upon thy way. + + "Lonely?" And what of that? + Some must be lonely; 'tis not given to all + To feel a heart responsive rise and fall, + To blend another life into its own. + Work may be done in loneliness. Work on! + + "Dark?" Well, what of that? + Didst fondly dream the sun would never set? + Dost fear to lose thy way? Take courage yet! + Learn thou to walk by faith, and not by sight; + Thy steps will guided be, and guided right. + + "Hard?" Well, what of that? + Didst fancy life one summer holiday, + With lessons none to learn, and nought but play? + Go, get thee to thy task! Conquer or die! + It must be learned! Learn it, then, patiently. + + "No help?" Nay, 'tis not so! + Though human help is far, thy God is nigh; + Who feeds the ravens, hears his children's cry. + He's near thee wheresoe'er thy footsteps roam, + And he will guide thee, light thee, help thee home. + +Then follows a selection from Emerson:-- + + "The scholar must be a solitary, laborious, modest, and charitable + soul. He must embrace solitude as a bride. He must have his glees + and his glooms alone. Go, scholar, cherish your soul; expel + companions; set your habits to a life of solitude; then will the + faculties rise fair and full within, like forest trees, field + flowers; you will have results, which, when you meet your fellow + men, you can communicate and they will gladly receive. It is the + noble, manly, just thought which is the superiority demanded of + you; and not crowds, but solitude, confers this elevation." + +Next follows a page of "Paragraphs for Preachers." Evidently this year +sees the dying of the first hope to be a preacher, and the gradual dawn +of her life's real mission. Seven pages follow of "Prayers altered and +rearranged for my own use, from 'Dairy Praise and Prayer.'" Three or +four appropriate prayers are united in one, headed, "First evening," +"First Morning," "Second Evening," etc. These were apparently prepared +for the lay services she had dreamed of holding. A page or two more, and +this entry, October 17, marks the dawning of the new hope: "Last week +received a very kind letter from Mr. Wendte, in which he stated, 'We +have made you chairman of a Book and Tract Table in the church; +'therefore I feel bound to return to attend to it." Further extracts +from the diary are:-- + + Saturday evening, J---- accidentally broke my audiphone. I felt + _lost_ then, but wouldn't let them know how badly I felt about it, + and even went to church without it, for fear they would feel hurt + about it. It came home mended, this evening. + + _October 31._ Finished G----'s afghan, also completed the + embroidery of fourth skirt for Mrs. ----, and first of baby C----'s + mittens. Was quite interested in a letter of Mrs. ---- in + "Register" of last week on "The Woman's Auxiliary Conference." Hope + she _will_ succeed in establishing a Woman's Club for discussion + and debate in Cincinnati. + +Miss F. Le Baron, whose friendship with Miss Ellis dates back to the +latter's residence in Chicago, writes that she has several letters from +Miss Ellis setting forth her desire to preach, but unfortunately they +are in a totally inaccessible place. This allusion, in the diary, +evidently points to the final renunciation of Miss Ellis's first +missionary impulse:-- + + _November 7._ A letter from Miss Le Baron, of Chicago, in regard to + my engaging in missionary work in the West. She finally closed with + the idea that I had come to myself. In a letter from A---- this + week she says to me, "_Our_ lot in life appears to be that of + patience and submission," which brings to my mind quite a sermon, + in other's words, which I hope to write out to-day. It is time to + prepare for church.... The thought suggested by A----'s letter with + regard to submission to our lot called to mind the passage William + Ellery Channing wrote to his friend Francis. "You seem to go upon + the supposition that our circumstances are determined by + Providence. I believe they are determined by ourselves. Man is the + artificer of his own fortunes. By exertion he can enlarge his + sphere of usefulness. By activity he can 'multiply himself.' It is + mind that gives him the ascendency in society; it is mind that + gives him power and ability. It depends upon himself to call forth + the energies of mind, to strengthen the intellect, to form + benevolence into a habit of the soul. The consequence I draw from + these principles is that Heaven, by placing me in particular + circumstances, has not assigned me a determinate sphere of + usefulness (as you seem to think), but that it is in my power, and + of course my duty, to spread the 'beams of my light' wider into the + 'night of adversity.'" + +Miss Ellis continues, apparently partly in her own words:-- + + With this idea, then, that we largely fashion our own lives, that, + "working with God, and for him, our lives can know no true failure, + but all things shall contribute to our soul's true success," let us + take up our cross, and then we shall find + + "The burden light, + The path made straight, the way all bright, + Our warfare cease; + So shall we win the crown, + At last our life lay down + In perfect peace." + +Two pages more on the same topic, of original and selected matter +skilfully blended (perhaps the whole a bit of one of the sermons never +to be preached), end with the hymn, copied in full,-- + + "I ask not wealth, but power to take + And use the things I have aright;" + +and Miss Ellis finally sums all up, "True submission, then, consists in +_working_ out our own salvation, looking to God for strength wherewith +to work." The only entry for the next day is part of the hymn,-- + + "But God, through ways they have not known, + Will lead his own." + +November 11 she returned home. + + _November 14._ Attended fair, and met many friends. Mr. Wendte + kindly set me to work at a Book and Tract Table, and I sold two + books and distributed a quantity of free matter. + + _December 5._ Am thoroughly on the road to the Book and Tract Table + in the church. Hope it may prove a good thing, and that I shall do + it _faithfully_. + + _December 12._ Have been miserable all the week, and quite sick two + and a half hours Thursday. Couldn't raise my head, and had to + pretty much give up all day. Had sociable this week, and I was on + hand to urge the book trade, and hoped to have a supply to-day, but + was disappointed in it. It was one of the unsatisfactory days to + me, for I have had such a tremendous noise in my head that I + couldn't hear at all. + + _December 19._ Held a meeting at Mrs. ----'s on Friday, with regard + to the Woman's Auxiliary Missionary work. It has been decided that + I am to take charge of distribution of Liberal publications, also + to canvass for the "Register." Had Mr. Mayo to preach for us + to-day. I was astonished to hear how well I heard him, and how + _natural_ it seemed. It made my cross all the heavier in contrast. + [The sonnet, "Strength for the Day," by Rachel G. Alsop, is copied + to close this day's record.] + + _Feb. 10, 1881._ Began committing "A Statement of Unitarian Belief + in Bible Language." + + _February 13._ I have felt rather depressed this week, and _needed_ + the church to-day, which did do me good, as I heard more of the + sermon than I have heard for thirteen years. + + _February 20._ Sermon to-day on "Are ye good Hearers?" I think my + remark to Mr. Wendte last Sunday must have called it forth.... Mr. + Wendte made the following beautiful tribute to the deaf.... I heard + just enough to overcome me, and thought two or three times that I + should break down. Have cried and laughed over the sermon. + +A long extract is copied into the journal, of which this is a portion:-- + + "Blindness only separates a man from Nature, but the loss of + hearing also isolates him, more or less, from human companionship. + As a natural consequence, the deaf are apt to lose interest in the + social life around them, and to grow discontented, suspicious, and + morose. You and I know beautiful examples to the contrary,--persons + so patient, brave, and uncomplaining amidst their heavy + tribulation, so sunny of temper and full of human kindness, that + they are a constant inspiration and joy to us. Yet theirs is a hard + struggle, to remain true and sweet and Christian with such fearful + odds against them in the journey of life." + + _February 27._ Am becoming quite interested in missionary work in + Ravenna, Ohio. + + "We scatter seeds with careless hand, + And dream we ne'er shall see them more; + But for a thousand years + Their fruit appears, + In weeds that mar the land, + Or healthful store." + + _March 13._ To-day is my forty-sixth birthday, and I am about + ready, or rather have resolved, to open a Circulating Library in + the church, as quite a number are in favor of it. We organized our + Women's Auxiliary Conference last Tuesday, of a rainy day: Mrs. + Fayette Smith, President; Mrs. Alice Williams Brotherton, + Vice-president; Fannie Field, Treasurer and Recording Secretary; + Miss Ellis, Corresponding Secretary; Executive Committee (with the + above), Mrs. Davies Wilson, Miss Elizabeth D. Allen. + +The foundation of the Circulating Library was Miss Ellis's own +collection of religious books. Book lovers know what this sacrifice +would have been to a less generous nature, one less intent on helping +others. Additions were made by gifts from individuals and authors, and +by Miss Ellis's occasional purchase of some book whose need she felt, +until the library now numbers over one hundred and thirty volumes. These +books were loaned at church, and by mail all over the country. + +A letter to Rev. A. A. Livermore reveals the brisk, happy, and +business-like Miss Ellis of the later years, with her hands at last full +of work for her denomination. It also records the advent of her first +correspondent, Mr. Julius Woodruff. + + MARCH 10, 1881. + + I have been better in health this winter than for many years,--for + a severe winter is all the better for me,--and have been able to + keep _very_ busy. Mr. Wendte has made me chairman of a Book and + Tract Table in the church, which has kept me very busy; and in + addition, the Unity Club made me Corresponding Secretary of their + Sunday Afternoon Lecture Committee, which involved distributing the + tickets (one thousand) and then collecting the money on them.... In + the mean time, too, I was agent here for the "Register," had that + to attend to, besides attending to sale of books, paying for them, + and sending new orders, also "Unity" subscribers coming in, and + hunting up members for the Women's Auxiliary Conference, and + receiving their money. Now, do you not think for one who has always + been more spiritually inclined, that I have taken quite _too_ much + to money matters? + + Well, in distributing "Registers" through the State I have come + across a very interesting, appreciative young man of twenty-one, in + Ravenna, Ohio, and I have reason to think we have created quite a + stir in the little town. Mr. Woodruff, my correspondent, writes a + very good letter, and is quite enthusiastic on the subject of + Unitarianism, and is willing to do missionary work, distributing + widely the documents I send him, and has recommended a young man, + formerly a student of theology, an intelligent, thinking man, who + is much interested in our views. He now works on a farm and teaches + school, in order to gain an education. On Wednesday last we + organized our Women's Auxiliary Conference, at which I read Mr. + Woodruff's letters, and the ladies at once moved that we should + propose Meadville to our young friend, whose name is ----. I am to + write and ask whether he would like to go to the college at + Meadville, and in the mean time am to find out through you the + conditions on which he could be admitted. I should be only too + happy if I prove the means of assisting one young man to the + ministry, and shall feel that all these many years of interest in + the church have not been lost, if we only succeed in doing this + much good. Besides all this other work, I find the ladies are much + in favor of a Circulating Library in the church, so I am going to + found my library soon. + +The journal, March 20, shows the indomitable will that ruled the feeble +body:-- + + Yesterday [Saturday] I was at the church all day to get the library + in order. Was taken with vertigo, and for over an hour and a half + couldn't walk straight. J---- S---- happened to be at the church at + choir-meeting, and brought me home. By bedtime could walk alone, + and to-day have been attending to duties at church. Succeeded in + getting the Library settled to my satisfaction, and was glad there + was no one there. Opened my library March 19. Mr. W----announced me + "Miss Sarah Ellis" in the papers. + + _March 28._ Have felt quite encouraged this week by applications + for documents. Have just mailed to Rev. ----, "Statement of + Unitarian Belief in Bible Language." [This applicant is now in a + Unitarian pulpit.] + + _April 3._ A beautiful sermon in "Register" to-day--"Life's + Shadows"--by Rev. J. Ll. Jones. [She copies two pages.] + + _May 1._ Feel deeply interested in a correspondent we have in + Springfield, ... who confesses himself something of an atheist, and + I am hunting up all the convincing articles upon the subject of God + and Immortality that I can find, and came across a "Unitarian + Review," of June, 1876, which seems to have been written for his + very case.... Hope these will be convincing to the Springfield + Club, which was formed last Sunday, with ten members to begin with. + + _June 2._ Am now quite interested in trying to manage it so as to + keep the church open two hours Sundays during the vacation, for + persons to come and read and take home books. Hope I may succeed. + + _June 12._ Have felt tired to-day, but enjoyed the day, for Mr. + Wendte and mother dined here. He tells me I may "run the church" + during the vacation, which will make me very happy. + + _June 29._ The hottest day of the month for ten years, and the + hottest of the season so far. Intense. One hundred in the shade at + noon. Have been reading W. R. Alger's "School of Life," from which + the following abstract.... + +Then follow three pages of the "abstract," in a close, minute +handwriting, ending this volume of the journal,--the last submitted to +the writer's inspection, because, as has been previously said, there +was almost no personal matter in the diaries of the remaining years. + +Miss Ellis's ardent desire to keep the church open during the summer +vacation had to be abandoned, owing to the reluctance of her family to +have one so feeble at the church alone; and she went Saturday afternoons +instead, when the sexton was there. + +The Cincinnati branch of the Women's Auxiliary Conference, on its +organization in March, 1881, looking about for work to do, remembered +occasional letters received by Mr. Wendte in response to the documents +sent out by him and Miss Ellis. These letters seemed to hint at a +possible opportunity awaiting this Unitarian church, standing so +isolated in the heart of the great rich West, where the multitude of +Ingersoll and Liberal clubs, and of intelligent people outside all +churches, seemed to indicate a want that the evangelical denominations +did not meet. It was therefore resolved to attempt extending the work +begun by Mr. Wendte, by advertising in the daily papers Unitarian +literature for free distribution,--an experiment never before tried. +Miss Ellis entered upon her duties as Corresponding Secretary "without +money and without price" (though later a small annual salary of one +hundred dollars was raised for her), but with an immense zeal. The +advertisement's line or two of fine print, almost lost, apparently, on +the broad side of the daily paper, inserted only once a week, +nevertheless soon began to bring Miss Ellis letters that equally +surprised and delighted us, showing that we had not over-estimated the +demand for Unitarian literature in the West. + +Rev. J. Ll. Jones being in Cincinnati, the first bundle of letters was +read to him, and his opinion, as an experienced Western missionary, +anxiously awaited. It was given in these words:-- + + "I think you Cincinnati women have got hold of the _little end_ of + a _big thing_, and if Miss Ellis's health and your enthusiasm hold + out, something is bound to come of it. Go on, by all means." He + added, "I wish I knew that Miss Ellis had ten years more to live." + +Four years and a half, however, was the short term of service allowed +her in her mission, found at last after years of longing and groping +towards it vainly. But now it was seen that all these years of suffering +had not been in vain. She who had endured so much was quick to +sympathize with others. The religious studies undertaken for her own +consolation enabled her wisely to direct the reading of her +correspondents. Even her deafness seemed specially to fit her for her +work. Shut apart from the din and bustle of modern life in a quiet world +of her own, from its peaceful communings she sent out light and strength +to others. The poor, denied life, like a plant severely pruned by the +careful gardener to insure a late, full bloom, now reached out and +touched many lives with a wonderful uplifting power. + +Her records of this four and a half years' work show that she received +1,672 letters and postals, wrote 2,541, distributed at church and by +mail 22,042 tracts, papers, etc.; sold 286 books, loaned 258 books, and +obtained about sixty subscribers to religious papers.[3] Mere figures, +however, but poorly tell the story. Several young men have entered or +will enter the ministry, as one result of her efforts. Many souls +wrestling in utter loneliness with doubts they dared not confide to +their nearest friends, received, from her wise sympathy and counsel, +restoration to religious faith, and strength to bear heavy burdens with +renewed courage, animated by trust in a loving Father hitherto concealed +from them behind the outgrown phraseology of antiquated creeds,--creeds +which their reason rejected. Many, indeed most of these correspondents, +overjoyed with their new faith, hastened to share it with friends, and +many a little missionary centre began to grow in localities far from any +Unitarian church, fostered by people who had never heard a Unitarian +sermon. So the ground was being prepared for the State missionary. Her +work, too, opened the eyes of her denomination to its opportunities, and +did much to promote that missionary activity in which lies our brightest +hope for the future. She is the acknowledged pioneer of the Post Office +Mission. + +[Footnote 3: Besides this, much reading matter was sent to the City +Workhouse, to the Old Men and Women's Home, and other institutions.] + +As her work began to attract attention, many letters came from those +desiring to undertake like work, both East and West, asking advice, full +and explicit accounts of her methods, etc.; and many long letters were +written in reply. A Unitarian Club formed among the soldiers in the +Columbus barracks was one of her interests, until its dissolution by the +ordering of its members to other posts. She supplied much reading matter +to, and corresponded occasionally with, soldiers at the Dayton Soldiers' +Home. A soldier in Wyoming Territory was for a long time a most grateful +recipient of reading from her, which he shared with his company. Small +clubs in several localities were supplied by her with matter for +discussion and study during their existence. Wherever she had two or +three correspondents, she always urged the formation of reading or Unity +clubs. For some months she had an interesting correspondence with a +young man of more than usual intelligence in our City Workhouse, loaning +him such books as Channing's "Life and Works," Dewey's "Human Nature," +and Merriam's "Way of Life." She never heard from him after he left the +workhouse, but always had faith that he was somewhere living up to, or +towards, the good resolves so often expressed to her. Through him, and +Mr. Beach, of Joliet, Ill., our attention was called to the need of +supplying prisoners with good reading matter, both religious and +secular. Correspondence was opened with the warden and chaplain at the +State Penitentiary, Frankfort, Ky., which led to the sending of their +"Registers" there regularly by two Boston ladies, and eventually to the +sending of many barrels of reading matter both to Joliet and Kentucky by +the Women's Auxiliary Conference of Boston. + +A great pleasure of her last years was attending the Western Conference +at Chicago in May, 1883. Published accounts of her work had made her +well known in the denomination; so that, as the Cincinnati party +reported on their return home, "Miss Ellis was decidedly the belle of +the Conference." Every one wanted to see and talk with her, ask her +advice, etc. It was an immense satisfaction to her to meet personally, +to see and hear (for she almost seemed to hear through the eager eyes), +men and women whose fame and writings were so familiar to her. Every +session of the Conference saw Miss Ellis seated in the front pew, +audiphone in hand, eagerly intent on the exercises. Social beguilements +might make other people late at the morning devotions, but never Miss +Ellis, who took her conferences, like all else, conscientiously. + +In May, 1885, she again attended the Western Conference at St. Louis, +though in great feebleness of body. Rev. W. C. Gannett, in "Unity," thus +speaks of her:-- + + "A last summer's letter from the little mother of the Post Office + Mission, who has just died in Cincinnati, will be of interest now. + Some who were present at the last May Conference in St. Louis may + remember the pathos of the quiet figure sitting in the front pews + and trying on her echo-fan to catch the patter of the words said + round her. The wee, sick, deafened body in which she did her work + so strong-heartedly makes that work all the more an example and an + inspiration. Strange enough should it prove that this bit of a + lady, almost caged from the world by cripplings, had opened the + most effective channel yet made for carrying our liberal faith to + the world. Perhaps it _takes_ a thorn in the flesh to make a + missionary. She certainly has done more than many a stout _son_ of + the Gospel to keep her name remembered in our Western churches. + This letter hints her pluck and her joy in the work, and the + struggle of it. She had been urged to go into the country for a + short rest, but replied:-- + + The country is not the place for me to stay in any time. The + morning and evening air keep my head roaring so, and increase + catarrh. I have learned that to stay home during the summer, make + no special effort, and work on slowly, is the better plan. If I go + away, there is constantly an effort over something. I return tired, + work has accumulated. I have to work doubly hard, and soon use up + the little gained. I am too weak in summer to wish to come in + contact with people to whom I have to be agreeable. Another + difficulty,--the country is too _quiet_ for me. I am inclined to be + a "hermit," and when I do go out, which I do daily, even now I am + so sick, I need the stir, bustle, commotion, and the stores to + change the thoughts. I loved the country before I was so deaf,--now + city life is better for me; but I love to refresh myself by a ride + into the country in the street cars, where I can study _human_ + nature on the way.... I work on principle, and for the real love of + working. I am not happy unless at work, and can't bear to tear + myself away from my little congregation, my papers, books, etc. + _They_ suffer for it. The family do not wish me to keep so busy, + but I am better for it, and my physician is on my side. "Keep up!" + [The next few sentences have already been given, in reference to + Mr. Noyes.] Don't give me undue credit for my appearance at the St. + Louis Conference. I tried to kill three birds with one stone (I + don't wear bird's wings in my hat, however),--to attend the + Conference, visit a brother, and gain strength. The last I failed + in.... I have written this long letter in two sittings. I have + improved decidedly within the past few days, and with pleasant + rides and good food and care shall soon be better. Most sincerely + and cordially your friend, SALLIE ELLIS. + + CINCINNATI, July 28,1885." + +Strangely enough, one's first thought of Miss Ellis was never as an +invalid. She so ignored the poor, weak body that she made you forget it +too. She was always so _alive_, so full of interest and joy in her work. +With what delight would she say, "This new tract is exactly the thing to +send ----," or announce, "such a good letter from ----." Even during the +last months, when the ravages of disease could no longer be concealed, +she _would_ not be sick. She set aside your sympathy. She was always +"better," "only my limbs are so weak to-day," or "my breath is so +short," or "it always makes me cough to walk," as if these were mere +casual incidents quite unworthy of notice. + +The last of her life, it was pitiful to see her still clinging to her +work, still persisting in caring for her own room, declining all offers +of help. She often rose at five o'clock Sundays, because obliged by +weakness to work slowly, that she might reach church early, to prepare +her Tract Table before the congregation arrived. When no longer able to +remain to the services, she still came and ministered to her own special +congregation at the Tract Table, though obliged by weakness to sit. When +she no longer had strength to arrange her hair, she quietly cut it off. +But she went on with her work. To one offering help she said, "When I +cannot do my work, I don't want to live." Again, she said, "There are +many who need me, and they keep me alive." To the last she declined +being considered an invalid,--did not wish any one to walk out with her, +although the family were very uneasy to have one so weak and so deaf on +the street alone. She walked out every day, until the last time she was +forced to lean against the door-post and gain breath and strength to +take the final step up into the house. + +All this time she was writing letters of cheer and strength, seldom +intimating that all was not well with her. When finally obliged to keep +her bed, she faded away rapidly, only living about two weeks. The last +postal card to a correspondent was begun in bed, in a trembling hand, +ending abruptly, "Too sick to write," and it was finished for her. +Although at times she had a little of the consumptive's feeling that she +might possibly rally, and even recover strength to work again, yet she +perceived, as she said to her mother, that "the sands are running out +fast," and made all her preparations for death in the quiet spirit of +one merely going on a journey into a familiar country. One who watched +with her one of the last nights spoke of a beautiful prayer she offered +in the middle of the night. She was unable to turn herself in bed, and +said to this friend with a smile, "This body wants turning so." Poor +body! not much longer had she to endure its weaknesses. Her religion was +too habitual, too much a part of her very soul, for many outward words +or professions. It was her life, her self. Why should she talk about it? + +Mr. Thayer had always given her a list of the hymns and the full order +of service, and the sermon to read. The Sunday before her death the +sermon was returned, with the message that Miss Ellis was unable to read +it, but had asked her mother to copy the text for her. A week before +her death a friend, finding that in her excessive conscientiousness she +was letting business details of the Women's Auxiliary Conference trouble +her lest she should forget some item, went over all the books, wrote +business letters, and settled accounts, at her dictation. Speaking of +her work, she expressed faith that "God will raise up some one to do +it." She said earnestly, "I have always wanted to do something for my +denomination." It had evidently been a little of a struggle for her to +leave the work she loved, just as it began to be so successful in many +places, to die and be forgotten. In her modesty, she had no foregleam of +the afterglow of praise and public testimony to her worth that was to +follow the setting of her sun. Speaking once, near the end, with great +pleasure, of Mrs. Paine's successful work in Newport and New York, she +added, sadly, "They must increase, but I must decrease." But at last she +was "ready not to do," able to give all up and repose in perfect peace +upon the Father. + +She had always thought much of Christmas, always remembered her friends' +birthdays. Her skilful fingers and untiring industry made the slender +means go a long way in devising innumerable tasteful presents on these +days for a large circle of friends. She loved children, and loved to +make them happy, and her little friends were always remembered. This +year, a day or two before Christmas, when so weak that only by the +closest attention could the feeble, broken utterance be understood, she +directed Christmas gifts, prepared long before, sent to all her friends. +To one whom she knew needed it, went "Daily Strength for Daily Needs;" +to one, a teacher, the little "Seed Thoughts from Browning." "I thought +it might help her in her work, tell her." Even her washerwoman and her +little girl, and the postman,--"he has brought me a great many letters," +she said,--were not forgotten. + +A friend took her a Christmas card sent by a little girl. Her feeble +vision could barely discern the design. "Birds and flowers," she said; +"what could be more beautiful? It cheers me so. Yet I hardly need that. +I am very happy and cheerful. I feel that everything is right." +Afterwards she spoke of the "Happy, happy Christmas-tide," saying, "We +must try to make it bright for the young." To the last, her thoughts +were of others. + +Having closed all her earthly affairs, she lay awaiting the end in great +peace. Sunday, Dec. 27, 1885, in the evening of the peaceful day she +always loved, just as her little clock was striking seven, she passed +gently away in sleep. Well may we believe that hers was a joyful +wakening into a bright New Year. + +Her funeral was attended in the Unitarian Church, December 30,--a +service of rare beauty and appropriateness. A thoughtful friend had +covered the Tract Table in the vestibule with moss, ferns, and flowers, +among which were placed a few tracts. In the church, wreathed with +Christmas evergreens, a large concourse of friends assembled. To the +strains of the Beethoven Funeral March, the coffin, nearly concealed +beneath emblematic palm branches and lilies, was borne by the brothers +whose loving-kindness had brightened all the life now ended, to its +resting-place beneath the pulpit, close to the front seat where, for so +many years, Miss Ellis's familiar form had never been missing. The +choir, composed of young friends of hers in the church, sang the first +three verses of "Nearer, my God, to Thee," and Whittier's appropriate +hymn, "Another hand is beckoning us." + +From the text, "She is not dead, but sleepeth," Rev. George A. Thayer +paid a just and beautiful tribute to the spirit passed from our midst. +To few, he said, could these words of Jesus be so fittingly applied. +Though seemingly dead, she would live in ever-increasing power in the +influence she had exerted over other lives. If, from cities and villages +far away, from lonely farm-houses, all could to-day be assembled within +these walls who had received help and strength from her, large indeed +would be the concourse. More truly of her than of most might it be said +that she had + + "joined the choir invisible + Of those immortal dead who live again + In minds made better by their presence." + +It would be well could we all imitate her example in cultivating a love +of religious reading, and that habit of religious meditation and +communion which was the source of her strength. Her leading +characteristic was conscience, an all-dominating power of conscience. +Whatever she felt it her duty to do, that she did, at all costs. He +closed by reading Bryant's + + + THE CONQUEROR'S GRAVE. + + Within this lowly grave a Conqueror lies, + And yet the monument proclaims it not, + Nor round the sleeper's name hath chisel wrought + The emblems of a fame that never dies,-- + Ivy and amaranth, in a graceful sheaf, + Twined with the laurel's fair, imperial leaf. + A simple name alone, + To the great world unknown, + Is graven here, and wild-flowers, rising round, + Meek meadow-sweet and violets of the ground, + Lean lovingly against the humble stone. + + Here, in the quiet earth, they laid apart + No man of iron mould and bloody hands, + Who sought to wreak upon the cowering lands + The passions that consumed his restless heart; + But one of tender spirit and delicate frame, + Gentlest in mien and mind, + Of gentle womankind + Timidly shrinking from the breath of blame: + One in whose eyes the smile of kindness made + Its haunt, like flowers by sunny brooks in May, + Yet, at the thought of others' pain, a shade + Of sweeter sadness chased the smile away. + + Nor deem that when the hand that moulders here + Was raised in menace, realms were chilled with fear + And armies mustered at the sign, as when + Clouds rise on clouds before the rainy East-- + Gray captains leading bands of veteran men + And fiery youths to be the vulture's feast. + Not thus were waged the mighty wars that gave + The victory to her who fills this grave. + Alone her task was wrought, + Alone the battle fought; + Through that long strife her constant hope was stayed + On God alone, nor looked for other aid. + + She met the hosts of sorrow with a look + That altered not beneath the frown they wore, + And soon the lowering brood were tamed, and took, + Meekly, her gentle rule, and frowned no more. + Her soft hand put aside the assaults of wrath, + And calmly broke in twain + The fiery shafts of pain, + And rent the nets of passion from her path. + By that victorious hand despair was slain; + With love she vanquished hate, and overcame + Evil with good, in her Great Master's name. + + Her glory is not of this shadowy state, + Glory that with the fleeting season dies; + But when she entered at the sapphire gate, + What joy was radiant in celestial eyes! + How Heaven's bright depths with sounding welcomes rung, + And flowers of Heaven by shining hands were flung! + And He who, long before, + Pain, scorn, and sorrow bore, + The Mighty Sufferer, with aspect sweet, + Smiled on the timid stranger from his seat; + He who returning, glorious, from the grave, + Dragged Death, disarmed, in chains, a crouching slave. + + See, as I linger here, the sun grows low; + Cool airs are murmuring that the night is near. + O gentle sleeper, from thy grave I go + Consoled though sad, in hope and yet in fear. + Brief is the time, I know, + The warfare scarce begun,-- + Yet all may win the triumphs thou hast won. + Still flows the fount whose waters strengthened thee, + The victors' names are yet too few to fill + Heaven's mighty roll; the glorious armory, + That ministered to thee, is open still. + +On the pleasant slope of a lovely hillside in Spring Grove, where +everything around breathes of Nature's peace and repose, among graves +very dear to her, the worn body was laid to rest, while the gentle +winter rain fell not unkindly into the open grave. Much seemed to have +gone out of the world when the echoing clods covered that which was +"Miss Ellis." + +The Sunday after her death, as some of her friends were sadly trying to +replace the tracts in the table drawer just as she would have liked them +arranged, a white dove flew down and rested on the window-sill outside. +Only a coincidence, but one that touched us, nevertheless. If the +spirits of the departed ever revisit earth, surely Miss Ellis would +return to the church she loved so much; and possibly it is not wholly +fancy that still feels her in her old-time seat under the pulpit. + +As soon as possible after Miss Ellis's death the Women's Auxiliary +Conference of Cincinnati prepared a four-page leaflet, containing a +brief sketch of her life and death, and sent it to all her +correspondents, many of whom were ignorant that she was even in ill +health. The little memorial's first page reads:-- + + In Memoriam. + SALLIE ELLIS. + DECEMBER 27, 1885. + + So many worlds, so much to do, + So little done, such things to be, + How know I what had need of thee, + For thou wert strong as thou wert true. + TENNYSON. + +It reprinted from "Unity," Jan. 9, 1886, this tender tribute from a +personal friend and a member of the Women's Auxiliary:-- + + + SALLIE ELLIS. + + She only did what lay at hand,-- + Work that her own hand found to do: + With no thought of a "mission" grand, + Yet, bit by bit, her mission grew. + + She did--what others left undone; + She gleaned behind the harvesters: + The scattered ears of grain let stand + By careless ones,--all these were hers. + + Patient, unresting, still she wrought, + Though life beat fainter and more faint: + And only as her soul took flight, + We saw--the aureole of the Saint. + + ALICE WILLIAMS BROTHERTON. + + CINCINNATI, OHIO. + +The memorial closed as follows:-- + + "At the regular monthly meeting of the Women's Auxiliary Conference + of Cincinnati, Jan. 12, 1886, the programme for this meeting was + omitted, and the afternoon devoted to tender recollection of the + dear friend and valued secretary so recently taken from us, to the + reading of many letters from East and West containing loving + tribute to her worth and sympathy for our loss, and to devising + such plans for continuing our work in future as should be our + friend's best commemoration, the tribute she would chiefly have + desired. Mrs. George A. Thayer offered the following expression of + the feeling of our Society, for entry on our records:-- + + "'It is fitting that we should place upon the records of this + Association some words of grateful remembrance of our late + fellow-worker and Secretary, Sallie Ellis, who went up higher on + Sunday, Dec. 27, 1885. + + "'She was called to her office four years and a half ago, and took + up its work from the beginning as one who felt its consecration, + and saw the opportunity it offered of being a ministry of the + highest things to many souls yearning for a word of religion both + reasonable and spiritual. + + "'Her long and loving study of Unitarian principles gave her a rare + fitness for teaching others the _thought_ of our church. Her + personal faith in the deep things of God enabled her to speak ever + the needed word to inquirers of the _religion_ of our church. And + her sacred sense of duty, not only illustrated in every act of her + life, but shining always through her written words, made her an + admirable exemplar of the _moral quality_ of our church. So she was + all that we could ask as our missionary leader, for she not only + taught the stranger from afar of the surpassing beauty and + greatness of our Liberal Christianity, but she quickened in us at + home new love for its truths, and a deeper sense of our privilege + and obligations in being of its disciples. + + "'In her life she guided and inspired us, and being dead she abides + with us, ever a constant presence, to make us humble that we do so + little for our great work, and to stir in us desire to be more + faithful to our task in the Master's vineyard.' + +"The following extract from a letter of directions left by Miss Ellis in +the event of her death was then read:-- + + "'All the books in the loan library I bequeath to the use of the + church, and when not so used, my family shall have the disposal of + them.' + + "This library comprises over one hundred and thirty religious books, + chiefly by Unitarian authors. It was voted that this library 'shall + always be known as The Sallie Ellis Loan Library.' + + "Mrs. M. E. Hunert, 177 Betts Street, Cincinnati, was appointed + Corresponding Secretary. All communications may hereafter be + addressed to her. She will continue the free distribution of + Unitarian papers, tracts, and sermons, to any names furnished her of + persons desiring them. She will also receive subscriptions for + Unitarian publications and sell books, when desired, and will loan + the books of the Sallie Ellis Loan Library, the borrower paying the + postage only. It is earnestly wished to continue Miss Ellis's work + in her spirit, and it is hoped correspondents and friends will + co-operate with us in this effort. + + "Though saddened and greatly bereft, the Cincinnati Auxiliary would + still strive to 'look forward and not back,' working on in the + spirit of Whittier's poem, + + + OUR SAINTS. + + From the eternal silence rounding + All unsure and starlight here, + Voices of our lost ones sounding, + Bid us be of heart and cheer, + Through the silence, down the spaces, + Falling on the inward ear. + + Let us draw their mantles o'er us, + Which have fallen in our way: + Let us do the work before us + Calmly, bravely, while we may, + Ere the long night-silence cometh, + And with us it is not day!" + + +The "In Memoriam" called out letters of deep regret--the regret of those +who mourn a personal friend--from every correspondent. A few of these +letters appear in the correspondence, selected from many of similar +tenor. + + + + +CORRESPONDENCE. + + * * * * * + +The letters of Miss Ellis's correspondents here given are selected from +an immense number of like purport and interest. She had kept all the +significant letters neatly filed in bundles, each correspondent by +himself. It has been a disappointment to receive so few, comparatively, +of her own letters. Our busy age is not given to saving its letters. It +is therefore all the more touching to know that so many of her +correspondents have treasured even every postal card from her hand. Her +letters given here, however, well illustrate her spirit and ideas on +many topics, also her method of work, and reveal something of the secret +of her success. + +Literary style and fine effects were the last things aimed at in her +letters. Their characteristics are plainness, directness, intense +earnestness to convince and impress, and a warm sympathy with people of +all kinds and degrees. Strongly conservative in her own theology, she +yet did not set up her views as a fixed standard for others, or assume +to hold all truth. Some of her warmest friends were among our younger, +more radical ministers, whose purity and sincerity of life and faith +quite offset in her eyes their theological vagaries. + +The letters first given are to fellow-workers who had asked about her +methods, materials, etc. In an article which Mr. Gannett had asked her +to write, and which appeared in "Unity," March 1, 1884, she wrote:-- + + "We keep a standing weekly advertisement in two of our chief daily + papers,--those which have the widest circulation, one Saturday + morning, and the other Sunday, under the head of 'Religious + Notices.' One of these papers advertises free for us.[4] + + [Footnote 4: The advertisement read thus: "Unitarian papers, + tracts, etc., sent free to any one addressing Miss Sallie Ellis, + Auburn Ave."] + + "On receiving an application we respond, being guided somewhat by + the style and character of the application, by sending one or two + tracts, with a copy of the 'Christian Register' or 'Unity.' [Many + people of the church, after reading their religious papers, handed + them to Miss Ellis for distribution.] After sending the papers and + various tracts for several weeks, we write a postal of inquiry as + to whether Unitarian literature is satisfactory; and if the person + cares to subscribe to either of the papers, _which_ he or she + prefers; which tracts have given the most satisfaction; and whether + they care to borrow any books by mail, paying the postage on them. + Frequently we receive no reply [in which case the name was + dropped], but mostly the answer is gratifying. If the person cannot + subscribe for the papers, but enjoys them, we continue to send + them.... In sending tracts, we begin with 'Unitarian Principles and + Doctrines,' by Rev. C. A. Brigham, the 'New Hampshire Statement of + Belief,' and 'What Do Unitarians Believe?' by Rev. C. W. + Wendte,--because we wish to show what our faith has grown from, and + what it is now. These we think fairly represent the denomination; + and we have found that they all give general satisfaction. Next, + 'Why Am I a Unitarian?' by James F. Clarke, D.D., which is also + well liked, and 'Discourse on Distinguishing Opinions of + Unitarians,' by William E. Channing, D.D., as creating a thirst for + his 'Works.' Then we branch off from this into whatever we think + best.... _Promptness_ in replying and _regularity_ in sending + papers, etc., will do more towards showing our deep interest in the + work, and bring the individual seeking into vital connection with + the church sending the literature. A _little_ at a time frequently, + to insure _careful_ and _thorough_ reading. Recommend books + extensively.... We believe in loaning the books of the early + ministers of our denomination as a good stepping-stone to the + Unitarianism now taught in our pulpits." + +In a letter to Miss F. L. Roberts, of Chicago, then Secretary of Western +Women's Unitarian Conference, March 14, 1884, she wrote:-- + + "I agree with you that no _one_ tract or sermon will satisfy the + questions of inquirers. They have to 'grow into the light,' as we + all have done and still are doing. Did any one thing settle our + doubts or questionings? I think not. + + "'What is our _aim_ in the Post Office Mission Work?' It occurs to + me it should be to give inquirers the fairest statement of our + teachings, from Channing up to the present time. Not the thought of + any one man or woman, but that of the greatest number of our best + minds in the several eras of our denomination. In many cases ... + people have not the _slightest_ idea what Unitarianism is, farther + than that we do not believe Christ was God. They not only do not + know what we believe, but think us a kind of 'outcasts.' It almost + seems like being in the Dark Ages of the world to hear of such + ignorance as we _know_ exists with regard to our doctrines. + Therefore we are talking, as it were, to children. Let us then + begin at first principles, and send fair, clear statements." + +After alluding to several of her correspondents who were thinking of +entering the Unitarian ministry, she adds:-- + + "It seems to me the A. U. A. tracts, and the books, papers, etc., + sent with them, have produced good results; have made deep, + earnest thinkers. It is through these very things our own ministers + have been made to think, and they have gone beyond these same + things; and so will our correspondents in time. But at present few + of them have access to books, or come in contact with people who + can converse on all these points with them; therefore it is well to + intersperse with our tracts on doctrines, good _practical_ sermons, + and the newer tracts occasionally, leading them up gradually to + Unitarian ideas, and showing them especially that while we _have_ + doctrines in our church, character is the most important to us. + There is no one book that has done more effective work than Rev. J. + F. Clarke's 'Orthodoxy,' etc., which proves that we need good, + _clear_, strong doctrine. [The Post Office Mission, she adds] is + only a larger church, and we want to bring these people into vital + connection with us,--making not Unitarians of them, or merely + intellectual men and women, but practical Christians working with + us and for humanity. Rev. ---- is the prophet of his age. We shall + all _grow_ up to his ideal some day, and bring our Post Office + Mission members with us. Hope he will be willing to wait. 'It is + good that a man should both hope and quietly wait' (Lam. iii. 26)." + +A bit from another letter to Miss Roberts is interesting as showing the +untiring industry which enabled Miss Ellis to accomplish so much:-- + + ... "Next week we hold our fair, and I shall be very busy all the + week. Have had so many orders for mittens, that I am a perfect + knitting machine. I can knit and read, however, and therefore have + looked over many sermons for distribution in the mean time. Am + tired, and thankful for the blessed Saturday night followed by the + quiet of Sunday." + +In answer to a letter of inquiry from Miss F. Le Baron when that lady +first entered on her work as Secretary of the Western Women's Unitarian +Conference at Chicago, Dec. 2, 1884, Miss Ellis wrote:-- + + "'How much time do you give to all this work?' Doing it at home, I + cannot calculate exactly, for there are many moments thrown in that + I cannot well count; but this much I _can_ say. I begin about 9 A.M. + Monday to collect my materials about me, and usually by + dinner-time (1 P. M.) I have put away all papers, etc., and have + ready my week's papers, etc., for the postman to take. Nearly every + evening I write an hour or more, excepting Sunday, when I won't + write business letters. This is all the work I can _calculate_; but + there are many moments spent reading my letters, assorting papers, + tying up books, setting down items, making purchases, etc., besides + the time spent Sunday and on Wednesday at the church, over the + library, etc. However, I am very systematic in everything, and + accomplish more in that way.... Of course, new applicants I reply + to at once; but every new applicant is then added to my Monday + list. Being at an office, you have more interruptions; and then + deafness has its reward, and one can pursue her work in peace many + times, whereas another would be disturbed." + +In answer to another letter from Miss Le Baron, full of warm +congratulations on her success, she writes, Dec. 11, 1884:-- + + "I am very much obliged for your high opinion of me. I read it to a + dear friend, who always sends me to the Conference at Chicago, and + she said, 'It's all true, but I hope you won't get so far above me + in the next world.' I never have stopped to 'understand' what I am + doing, or the 'name' I am making. To do the good comes from my + heart, and I leave the results to the Good Father, and know if I + merit a reward it will be given me. It is a pleasure in _this_ + world, to feel I am giving satisfaction to so many in the + denomination. I am a thorough Unitarian, and have read our + denominational works more than anything else, which has prepared me + for this very work. I am an ignoramus in literature outside of + Unitarianism, only that you cannot be a Unitarian and not come, + more or less, in contact with general literature.... By the way, I + always read tracts, and M. J. Savage's and Chadwick's and Clarke's + weekly sermons, going to and from the city [Miss Ellis was living + at this time in Avondale, three miles from the city], and carry + _big_ packages of papers home on Sunday. Think the conductors must + know I am a missionary." + +Rev. Joseph May, Rev. Charles Allen, and Rev. F. L. Hosmer sent Miss +Ellis many of their printed sermons for distribution, which did good +service. Rev. William C. Gannett early saw the possibilities of this +work, and has done much to systematize and further it in many ways. He +christened it the "Post Office Mission," and, seeing the need of more +fresh material for distribution, devised and edited the "Church Door +Pulpit" series of sermons, and has also been the chief promoter of the +"Unity Mission" series of tracts. The following extracts are from Miss +Ellis's letters to him. + + SEPTEMBER 12, 1882. + + Received to-day, from ----, your letter of September 5, asking + about our "Missionary Work by Letter." ... I will very gladly + afford you my assistance in that respect. However, I am rather more + conservative than yourself,--rather of the E. S. Gannett + type,--still have visited Omaha, where I have had brothers settled, + and know some little of the style of religion which is requisite in + the Northwest.... Will give you a list of the tracts I have used + most profitably. Most people state, when they ask for literature, + "Want something that teaches the _doctrines_ of the Unitarian + Church." Thereupon I have forwarded, from time to time, "Unitarian + Doctrines and Principles" (Brigham); "Word of God" and "The Rising + Star of the Liberal Faith" (W. P. Tilden); "New Hampshire + Statement of Belief;" "Unitarian Belief in Bible Language;" "Why Am + I a Unitarian?" "Inspiration of New Testament," "Revivals" + (Clarke); "Our Common Christianity" (A. P. Stanley); "Mission of + Unitarianism" (Heber Newton); "Spiritual Christianity." (Starr + King); and "What Do Unitarians Believe?" (C. W. Wendte).... The + serial sermons of Chadwick, Clarke, Hale, and Savage always gladly + received.... But do not be afraid of a little doctrine, Mr. + Gannett, for there are some people in Orthodox churches who are + hungering and thirsting for just our doctrines. They cannot do + without doctrine just yet, but want something better than they have + known, and think it a great blessing to find it. I try my + congregation to see what each requires, and lead them on and up. My + church is composed of a very mixed set.... I am deeply interested + in this work, and know we have done much good.... We keep books to + loan, and also recommend books from time to time, and ask our + correspondents to subscribe to the periodicals.... Dr. Dewey's + sermons on "Human Nature" and "Human Life," and his "Two Great + Commandments" benefit some people very much. + + * * * * * + + March 11, 1883. + + I never omit the "Pulpit" column [of the Register], and read + "Wrestling and Blessing" with much interest.... I set each + difficulty down as just suited for some one, or two, or three of my + correspondents. Of course, I _don't apply sermons to myself any + more_. It is a beautiful sermon; and this brings me to the point + we are all so interested in,--the wider circulation of the fresh + thoughts of all the pulpits. I surely think, with you, that it will + help the work to "give it name." Am glad you are stirring them all + up. I do not, as you say, feel the need of it so much, but + occasionally do.... A new case in Tennessee, who never knew + _anything_ of the Liberal Church, till we sent him papers. Is much + pleased, and wants to read till he knows still more about us. He + writes, "Not one per cent of the people here know there is such a + church. Tell me, do the majority of Unitarian ministers believe in + the resurrection of Jesus; that he healed the leper, cast out + devils, and raised Lazarus? I ask for information, and hope you + will reply at some future time." He is evidently in a benighted + region. Says he has "heard nothing outside the Cumberland + Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist Churches, and am none of + these;" and I presume is very little of anything yet, and is + longing for a nobler life than he has known, or sees about him. The + longer I go on, the more need I see of getting this work fully and + well organized. It will be brought about ere long. Even reading + over papers is beneficial. The publication of our hymns, the most + inspiring, will do a great deal of good. In several cases I have + copied them, and to good purpose. + +Jan. 20, 1885, in answer to the question, what twenty names she would +prefer in the "Church Door Pulpit" series the coming year, she wrote:-- + + "Revs. Grindall Reynolds, Rush R. Shippen, J. F. Clarke, E. E. + Hale, Joseph May, Dr. William Furness, H. W. Bellows, T. Starr + King, J. Ll. Jones, J. T. Sunderland, George Bachelor, William C. + Gannett, F. L. Hosmer, David Utter, George A. Thayer, C. W. Wendte, + S. J. Barrows, Albert Walkley, J. C. Learned, James Martineau. Am + afraid I haven't left any room for those who do not bear the + 'Unitarian' name, but feel that Unitarianism is so little known, + that I would first make our own best writers known, and then branch + out and take in others. All of the above names I should like to see + in 'Church Door Pulpit' for 1885-1886.... I think generally people + wish to become acquainted with the Unitarian pulpit. 'What do + Unitarians preach?' is the cry. 'I want to hear a Unitarian;' + 'those who have been educated in that denomination.'" + + * * * * * + + February 20, 1885. + + Your article in "Unity," February 16, on "A Blessing on the Day," + pleased me very much.... We haven't quite the right book yet, and + with you I say, "about twelve verses from the Bible well knitted + around some central thought," as we principally want to become + acquainted with the Bible as the "Book of man." Think something + more like "Daily Praise and Prayer," with different Scripture + selections, perhaps, and omitting most of the prayers. I would only + have a prayer to lead to a prayer of one's own,--that is, to + inspire one to pray in their own words. Have often thought I should + like to compile a book of "Daily Worship" from the Scriptures, our + Hymn Books, "Daily Praise and Prayer," "Day unto Day," "Helps to + Devout Living," and the "Responsive Service," and now, from "Daily + Strength for Daily Needs," "Aspirations of the World," and + "Spiritual Life" in the "Register," but principally Scripture + selections.... "Daily Praise and Prayer" is doing much good in a + very troublesome family of one of my correspondents. I remembered + to have sent the lady "Wrestling and Blessing," and wrote a short + time since to call her attention to the "Inherited Burden," asking + if she still had the tract. This morning received a reply, in which + she wrote, "Yes! I still have 'Wrestling and Blessing,' for it did + me so much good when I first read it that I felt as if I could not + part with it." Many, many homes need "A Blessing on the Day" to + create the true feeling. + +To Miss Holmes, of the Davenport, Iowa, Post Office Mission, Miss Ellis +wrote:-- + + August 20, 1884. + + ... Yes, I do use the A. U. A. tracts freely, and more than any + others, those marked on our list herein enclosed, and also "Word of + God," "The Doctrine of Prayer," and "Wrestling and Blessing,"--the + latter to those who need encouragement particularly. I find + generally that people want to get at the first principles,--the A + B C of Unitarianism. We do not use Higginson's "Sympathy of + Religion" at all. Our aim is to make practical Unitarians, and let + doctrines and theory gradually fall into the secondary place. + Therefore I object to Mr. ----'s list of books, because they are + more historical and theoretical. They do well where one wants to + study religion; but where one wants a Christianity to live by, I + think something that comes down to practical life, or that is more + simple, better adapted to the generality of people. As knowledge of + Unitarianism spreads, they will naturally seek deeper works. But at + present, something as clear and concise as possible, with the + "Christian Register," "Unity," and the "Dayspring," which further + illustrate our principles, we find very popular. The difficulty is + to get a large enough supply and variety enough. The A. U. A. + tracts only answer as an explanation, and we must have the sermons, + and papers, and books enough in addition. As I have been at the + work for three years, it is hard work to find sufficient supplies + for between thirty and forty every week, and these extending the + papers and tracts elsewhere. + + I cannot think, with Mr. Judy, that it is the best method to divide + the work. It seems to me that causes confusion. It seems a much + better way that the person who sends the tracts and papers should + distribute the books too, as being better able to advise the books + to read; for he or she learns the "bent of mind" of the seeker. So + many different persons at work causes confusion and mistakes. I + mail papers, tracts, etc., attend to all the correspondence, to + loaning and mailing the books, to all printed matter received, to + all the advertising orders of every kind, to money received and + expended,--consulting the President frequently, and the details are + brought up before our monthly meetings. I do not believe the work + can be so well done as by one person; but of course no one could + devote so much time to it unless they have some compensation for + it. I took up the work at first voluntarily, but soon found there + was a great deal in it, and therefore wished to give it earnest + attention, and the ladies felt me particularly fitted for it, and + preferred to give me a small salary. It never is "irksome" to me, + but a work of real love to me. I have always been a + missionary,--distributing all the papers and tracts which contained + anything of a practical nature or of a pure Christianity. + + * * * * * + + _To Miss Holmes._ + + AUGUST 29, 1884. + + Have just been re-reading "A Little Pilgrim." To tell you the plain + truth, the ideas are beautiful, but I do not like prying into the + next world. No one really knows anything concerning it. I am + willing to rest where Jesus left us. He told us little of it, but + enough for the "health of our souls." "In our Father's house are + many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you;" and I believe when + our friends leave us they go to another division of God's kingdom + and "prepare a place for us," in that through their deaths we are + naturally drawn heavenward, and our lives are different from ever + before. I am not so much interested as to what the future world is. + It is enough to me, to know that it is, and that I am doing the + best I can while I am living here. The future world will be made + plain to me when my time comes to go there; and if I have only + lived rightly here, there will be nothing to fear. + + I can trust in God. Still such books seem to be necessary to some + persons, but I do not consider them healthy reading. When you have + finished such a book the query comes, "Is it fact?" Who can say it + is? I feel that my friends are in the hands of a loving Father as + they were while on earth, and that he will still do for them what + is best, and their spirit and affection remain with us to comfort + and guide us. I never lose them. They are only "gone before." + + * * * * * + + _Miss Ellis to Rev. A. A. Livermore._ + + JUNE 2, 1880. + + MY DEAR FRIEND,--Many thanks for your kind letter of Mar. 29th, + though I never saw the "P. S."--which, as usual with all + postscripts, contained the best part of the letter--till a month + afterwards, when in house-cleaning I was assorting letters + received, I noticed the last page of your letter, which was like + receiving a new letter, and came in very opportune; for we have + had so much to depress us of late, that I was glad to have my + attention called to Philippians, which contains so much that is + cheering. There has been a good deal to occupy my time and thoughts + since your very kind letter reached me; but I will not allow your + college term to close without sending you my kind word, though I + cannot be personally present at the Ohio Conference and Meadville + exercises. May you have charming weather, and a satisfactory + gathering, is my sincere wish. Rev. William H. Channing's visit + here was highly appreciated by his old friends and the early + members of the church, and we all particularly enjoyed the + Communion. It was truly a communion with the departed, and very + beautiful to us. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. + Channing excepting a few moments at Mrs. Ryland's, which I + regretted exceedingly; but it was a disappointment I could not + alter. + + ---- and wife moved to Mt. Auburn to-day, there to make a bright, + beautiful home for themselves, which is as it should be; but we who + are left at home feel rather sad. The last of my dear mother's five + little children has gone from me, and it is not so easy to enter + into their homes and have my brothers and sisters what they were to + me in our own family circle. Still all is right and best as it is; + and though clouds gather over our heads, the sunshine will at + length make itself seen, for "all things work together for good." I + am going to be gay and spend the summer with ---- in Philadelphia; + and as we have not met for eight years, we shall enjoy a quiet + summer together. + + * * * * * + + OCTOBER 1, 1884. + + ... Thanks for your kind sympathy for us in our sorrow. Thanks to + you for the solid foundation you laid when our dear mother died, + which has given me a firm faith in the hour of trial. I firmly + believe that "all things work together for good," and that dear + C----'s long sickness prepared her family, herself, and all of us + for her death. There was much in her sickness and death that was + beautiful and comforting. It was pleasant after so many days of + suffering to see her at rest; and we feel it must have been a happy + release to her too, for her face in death bore no trace of the pain + she had endured, of which we were glad, for she looked so natural + and sweetly that we could allow her two youngest children to look + at "mamma asleep, to wake up an angel in heaven." C---- never + wanted her children to have a horror of death, and her desire has + been granted. They have no other idea than that the Good Father + released their dear mother from pain and she is an angel in heaven. + An Episcopalian minister officiated at the funeral, as C---- always + preferred that service. He was a personal friend of hers and my + brother E----'s. My brother's widow came from ----to attend the + funeral, and she requested that I select a piece to be read in case + they found no one to lead in a hymn. I selected your hymn,--"A holy + air is breathing round." It was read in the middle of the service, + very impressively, and was particularly comforting to N----'s widow + and myself, as you had officiated at our mother's funeral and had + baptized C---- and N----. (Do you remember the day you baptized me + and my three brothers and C---- at the Masonic Hall?) The children + scattered flowers over the graves; A----, ten years old, said on + returning from the cemetery, "Papa, it was all beautiful, no dread + or gloom about it. It was just as mamma would have had it." And so + it was. The children will always feel the life hereafter a reality. + "More homelike is the vast unknown," since their mamma is there. + The piece "At noontide," in last week's "Register," applies to dear + C----'s death as well as if written for her. It is beautiful. I + want it in a leaflet to distribute, as I have opportunity + frequently for just such words. Yes! I help on "Unity," the + "Register," and "Our Best Words."... Hope I am making Christians, + and not merely Liberals or merely Unitarians. Think we are gaining + ground with many; but the literature must be distributed with great + care, I feel with you.... We are glad to have the Thayers home + again, and will probably begin to work earnestly next week. + + * * * * * + + JANUARY 4, 1885. + + ... Thanksgiving and Christmas were rather sad days to us this + year, without our dear C----, who always did so much to make the + days bright for all about her. Pa, mother, and myself dined both + days with C----'s family. Christmas was made a happy day for the + children by all our kind friends, and we could but feel their + mother was looking upon them, with a bright and happy face, in + gratitude to all those who had endeavored to make her dear ones so + happy. I have been very busy this winter, for the correspondents + still claim my time. Young ---- still appears interested, and I + hope he may be able to enter college this year, for he appears to + feel his isolation there much. No sympathetic person about him + nearer than Mr. Barnes of Montreal.... Unity Club flourishes, so + does the Day Nursery and Women's Auxiliary Conference. The fair was + a pleasant occasion, and now we are all feeling cheered in having + Mrs. T---- better again. I always see A---- at the window as I pass + there on my way to church. He is a lovely little boy. He looks as + if he _wanted_ to know "Miss Ellis;" but I doubt if he does, + without his mother to call attention to her. Hope you all passed + pleasant holidays at Meadville. I must close to write to Aunt ----, + who always looks for a Sunday letter from me. [This was an aged + blind aunt.] + +Miss Ellis's first Post Office Mission correspondent was a young man in +Ravenna, Ohio, Mr. Julius Woodruff. His first letter to her said: + + "Thank you for your kindness in sending me the 'Christian + Register.' I am much pleased with the paper, and may become a + subscriber at no distant day. I received copies of Mr. Wendte's + sermon, 'What do Unitarians Believe?' I have distributed them where + I thought they would do the most good, and have reason to think + that good was accomplished. Before long I will send to you for + more books; and if I can help you in obtaining subscribers to the + 'Register' I will gladly do so. I am not a member of any church, + and stand almost alone in the church I attend [Methodist], in my + views. Our people seem to be almost entirely divided into three + classes; namely, the strictly Orthodox, the wholly indifferent or + non-thinking class, and the ultra Liberal. I am in sympathy with + neither; and I know of only a few, all young boys like myself, who + occupy middle ground. I can almost _fully_ indorse the views + expressed by Rev. C. W. Wendte in the sermon to which I have + referred; and believing his views to be right, I take pleasure in + giving them as wide a circulation as I can. In many respects I + admire Ingersoll; but I have no sympathy with the so-called + 'Liberal League' with which he is connected, and which has an + auxiliary league in this county. + + "... If I understand the theory and purpose of your church, I shall + be glad to render the cause any service in my power; and if I can + be of any service as an auxiliary to your Missionary Society, I + have only to be instructed in the ways thereof." + +As such auxiliary he acted, distributing tracts, papers, etc., with a +zeal that might well shame some life-long Unitarians. In later letters +he wrote:-- + + "Outside of all churches there is quite a number of men, mostly + young, intelligent men, who have cultivated an intense hatred of + certain doctrines and religious observances, and who have + gradually come to denounce and seek the overthrow of our whole + religious system. These are banded together as an auxiliary to the + 'Liberal League' of America. In addition to these are a number of + young men, sons of Orthodox parents, who dissent from the religious + views and peculiar creeds which have satisfied their elders, and + yet have no definite faith of their own. I think that with these + two classes, as well as with those who have so far been indifferent + to the claim of religion, we have an excellent prospect of success + in introducing our views and extending the influence of Liberal + Christianity. I am very friendly to the Orthodox Church, + recognizing the noble purpose that animates them all, and the + invaluable services that they have rendered to mankind; and I have + less desire to draw upon their strength than I have to see the + Unitarian Church built up from material that has formerly been + identified with _no_ church organization. I was a Unitarian in + theory long before I knew anything of the Unitarian Church.... As a + rule, the young men of my acquaintance who are, either in theory or + practice, liberal Christians, are of the most intelligent order, + ambitious, progressive young men; and of _them_ what may we not + hope?" + +He went into business in Leadville, Colorado, and from there wrote Miss +Ellis (in 1881):-- + + "Sunday is almost entirely ignored in the business portion of the + city, very few men closing their places of business. Every saloon + and theatre is open on Sunday, and brass bands fill the air with + their inspiring music. I attended the Methodist Episcopal Church + Sabbath School last Sunday, and found quite a respectable crowd in + attendance. I thoroughly enjoyed that afternoon; and when I saw + rough-bearded, grimy, slouchy-looking men and boys from the mines + and workshops taking part in the exercises of the school, I thanked + God for the influence his church and school had had upon the + largest, hardest mining-camp in the world.... If you have any more + of the documents referred to, I wish you would send me a dozen or + more, and a few of the pamphlets on 'What Do Unitarians Believe?' + It seems to me this would be a most fruitful field in which to + plant Unitarian ideas and principles. It seems to me no other + church would be so popular here. Of the party of ten young men who + board with me, I do not think that any one of them has been in a + church three times since he came to Leadville. In most respects, + all of them are fine young men; but Orthodox doctrines would never + gain any ground with them, while Liberal ideas might win the field + if the boys could be made to consider them." + +Miss Ellis, and all the ladies, indeed, of the Cincinnati Auxiliary, +were greatly interested in Leadville, and hoped to do a good work there, +aided by our enthusiastic young friend; but the above was destined to be +our last letter from him. In September, 1881, came a postal card from a +hotel clerk, saying, "Mr. Woodruff wishes me to inform you that he has +been unable to answer your letter on account of sickness, but will write +you as soon as able." A few days later came intelligence of his death. +Tributes to his character in the Ravenna newspapers, and his photograph +sent Miss Ellis by his sister, only confirmed our opinion of this young +man's noble character, and our sincere grief at his loss. Miss Ellis at +once wrote to his mother this letter:-- + + OCTOBER 17, 1881. + + I shall be compelled to address the envelope containing this note + to your daughter, not knowing your husband's name. I presume you + are aware that Miss ---- informed me of your son's death, and she, + I presume, sent me so kindly the paper last week containing the + obituary on him which I read with much interest, as it was such an + opinion as I and all of us had formed of your son, Julius, from his + interesting letters. I assure you that our love and sympathy are + with you in the affliction, and would that we could soften the + severe loss to you; but that alone the good Father in time can + render less bitter. True resignation consists in enduring it as + God's will. + + The ladies of our Missionary Society wish me to tell you how much + all were interested in Julius's letters, and how deeply they feel + with you, and at my request send you a book of consolation, "Light + on the Cloud," as an expression of our real interest in your son. + It seemed to me that nothing could be so appropriate as the + literature he so learned to love. "He being dead yet speaketh" + (Heb. xi. 4); and such we deem would be his words to those who were + so dear to him. The President of our society marked one piece,--"He + giveth his beloved sleep," and I have marked passages through the + book, particularly under the head "Death a Blessing," and the last + poem in the book. If words can cheer you, it is our hope that this + little gift may serve the purpose. At least may it be a testimonial + to you of our deep interest in your dear boy.... Our ladies are to + hold the first meeting this season a week from to-morrow, when the + obituary notice of Julius R. Woodruff's death will be read, and + listened to with interest. He was my first correspondent, and his + letter from Colorado was particularly enjoyable. It grieves me to + think it was the last.... Hoping to hear farther from you, dear + friend, through your daughter or Miss----, and to have the pleasure + of becoming personally acquainted with you at some future day, with + a God's blessing on you one and all, far and near, + + Yours in common sorrow, S. ELLIS. + +The correspondence was continued with Mr. Woodruff's sister as +follows:-- + + NOVEMBER 11, 1881. + + ... Yes, you may call me your "friend," for I truly feel that I + have lost a dear and true friend in your brother, and consequently + feel interested in all of his family, and do not wonder that your + mother and the whole family are heart-broken to be called to give + him up. Am sincerely glad that you felt free to express all your + feelings to me, for now I can sympathize more deeply with you. You + are just the age I was when my first sorrow came upon me,--the + death of my dear mother. As you say, I felt that I must keep up, to + cheer my father, who has ever been a domestic man, and the loss of + my mother was very hard for him to bear, and the five little + children to be cared for, I the oldest daughter at home, and had + been my mother's "right-hand man" in the care of the children. But + all our sorrows and trials are good for us to bear, and we need the + crosses as well as the joys of life to fit us for the life here and + for that which is to come. + + It was hard to be reconciled to the death of one so young and so + good and true as Julius; but we must not be selfish, but think what + is our loss is the gain of those taken, many times. He may, through + his spiritual influence, still care for and lead you all nearer to + God. These "dark hours of life" bring us to know ourselves better; + they call out our sympathy for our fellow-men; and, what is more + than all, they bring us nearer to God, and thus they are not a mere + cross of agony; therefore let us not murmur at our affliction, but + still believe that God is good, and will so make our trials serve + us that they may become _good_ to us.... We must trust God, who + doeth all things for the best, and pray for strength and light to + be given us. Our prayers may not always be answered as we ask, but + they are answered in another way. + + "Pray, though the gift you ask for + May never comfort your fears, + May never repay your pleading; + Yet pray, and with hopeful tears. + An answer--not that you sought for, + But diviner--will come one day: + Your eyes are too dim to see it; + Yet strive, and wait, and pray.[5] + + "How shalt thou bear the cross which now + So dread a weight appears? + Keep quietly to God, and think + Upon the Eternal Years. + + "Bear gently, suffer like a child, + Nor be ashamed of tears; + Kiss the sweet cross, and in thy heart + Sing of the Eternal Years."[6] + + [Footnote 5: A. A. Procter.] + + [Footnote 6: Faber.] + +The whole of Whittier's "Angels of Grief" and a poem by Ellerton are +copied in addition. + +The correspondence was continued, occasionally, during Miss Ellis's +life. Aug. 11, 1882, she wrote:-- + + "Young women, Miss----, have great influence over young men, and I + hope you struggle to improve all those whom you know. Have you + ever come across Frances Power Cobbe's 'Duties of Women'? It is a + remarkably sensible book, and I feel as if every young girl ought + to read it. I think you would do your young friends a service by + owning it and passing it around among them. You can get it in paper + for twenty-five cents. It is not a doctrinal work at all. She + delivered the lectures in London, to women. Neither is it a Woman's + Rights book altogether, but what any girl or young man, come to + that, ought to do and practise. Are you going to resume school + after vacation again, or what do you intend to turn your attention + to? + + "I have not been very strong since I was sick last August, + therefore have not done much this year. I go into the city every + two weeks on Saturday A.M., to be at the church to loan books to + any one who desires them. Was there last Saturday, and two strange + ladies came in who proved very pleasant; one a young girl. She came + after 'Helps to Devout Living,' for a sister who has gone out to + Nebraska for her health, and is miles away from any church and has + no companionable people about her. This young sister also selected + for herself 'Day unto Day,' as a book of daily study in an upward + path. It is such pleasant work to have it within my power to loan + and to recommend so many good books to those who have not read + them. They always enjoy them. Julius would have been so happy in it + out at Leadville." + +Mr. Woodruff's sister wrote, Feb. 15, 1886: + + "Some one very kindly sent us the obituary of our dear friend Miss + Ellis. We were surprised and deeply grieved to hear of her death, + as we did not know that her health was poor even. She said so + little about herself, that we never thought of her as otherwise + than well and strong.... I enjoyed Miss Ellis's letters so much, + and we appreciated her kindness in writing to us after my dear + brother's death. He thought so much of Miss Ellis, and I know if he + had lived you would not have been disappointed in him. I cannot + thank you sufficiently for the little book you sent mother after + J----'s death. Truly it was a 'Light on the Cloud,' and it + comforted mother more than I can tell you. It is so full of + comforting words. + + "Though Miss Ellis is gone from us, she has left behind the + influence of a life so pure, so noble, and so grand, that we will + all be the better for having known her. As my brother once wrote in + a friend's album, 'God wisely wills that we may not know the number + of our years, and in view of the uncertainty which enshrouds each + to-morrow, let us so live that be our lives long or short, the + little home-world that surrounds us will be the better for our + having lived in it.' Can we not say that these two did not live in + vain? My brother had a great influence over young people and also + over some who were much older than he, and had he been spared, I + feel sure that he would have done a grand work for the cause of + Christianity. But their life work is ended only too soon; and why + they should be taken when they were doing so much good, and others + who are a burden to themselves and others are left, I suppose we + shall know sometime; and until that time we must believe that 'He + doeth all things well.'" + +Miss Ellis's letters frequently express her joy in a young man who had +become a Unitarian minister through her efforts. He was a Methodist +minister in Ohio, but had grown unable longer to accept the creed of his +church. Unhappy, unsettled, and adrift, not knowing where to turn for +help, by the merest "chance" he picked up on a railroad car a Cincinnati +paper, and his eye fell on the Women's Auxiliary Conference +advertisement. He wrote Miss Ellis a postal card, saying:-- + + "I have seen your notice in the 'Commercial,' offering Unitarian + papers and tracts free to persons who may desire to read them. I + must confess to more ignorance in regard to Unitarian doctrines + than is seemly in a minister of the gospel, and will be thankful + indeed if you will kindly favor me with such papers and tracts as + may enlighten me ever so little." + +Later he wrote:-- + + "You have helped me not a little in my search for truth. Before I + first wrote you for tracts, etc., I knew absolutely nothing of + Unitarianism beyond the term, and the fact that Unitarians did not + believe Christ to have been God." + +Miss Ellis corresponded with him from that time on, loaning many books, +etc. It was never her wish or aim to unsettle persons of a fixed faith. +She sought rather to reach and help those who, by reading and thinking, +had become dissatisfied with the only forms of religious faith known to +them, and were consequently drifting into scepticism. Mr. ----'s own +letters best tell the story. After Miss Ellis's death, he wrote Feb. +3,1886: + + "I had long been wondering why I did not hear from her, but + supposed that she found her time so engrossed with her chosen work + that she must defer writing until some more convenient season. She + had, it is true, hinted at her failing health, but I never dreamed + it was so bad. My first intimation of the real state of affairs was + the notice of her death. I need not say that I was startled, that I + regret our common loss; these are but feeble expressions. + + "Through all my life here at Cambridge I have been anticipating the + day when, returning West, I should meet her, and in some degree + thank her for the help and comfort she brought me in life. This has + become such a fixed idea with me, that it is hard to believe, as I + write this, that it can never be in this world. It seems very + strange that the one friend who did me such a supreme kindness in + life I shall never meet. + + "She was the very messenger of God to me, and is inseparably + associated with the most trying period of my life. The only + conceptions of religion I had ever had were proving unreal and + worthless, and no one offered anything as a substitute. As I look + back, the peril of my situation seems much greater than it did at + the time. I fear I should have become insincere, or, what is + perhaps almost as bad, should have fallen into a sort of despairing + scepticism. Heaven in mercy saved me from it; but I shall not + forget that even Heaven might not have found a way to do this, had + there been no Miss Ellis. It was but a little thing, a trifle, a + brief notice in a daily paper, that in some way caught a careless + reader's eye. But my whole life is changed in consequence. + + "And so, while you miss her in her place and in your work, in your + church and social life, I, too, here in New England miss her. I + feel as if something is gone out of my life and I have really one + less reason for returning West when my school work is done. But I + have if possible an additional incentive to a good life. I trust I + shall hear that your work is still going on successfully. I assure + you I shall never lose interest in your Mission, and shall never + cease to regard it as in some sense a home into which I was + adopted. I sincerely hope I shall never do it any discredit." + +In a letter to Mrs. Hunert, Miss Ellis's successor, he says:-- + + "Accept, please, my hearty congratulations, and my best wishes for + your very abundant success. It is a great work indeed, one that + cannot be easily over-estimated, and in which it seems to me you + can accomplish a minister's work even, and a very successful + minister's work at that. I wonder how large your congregation is + now; that is, how many persons are in communication with you and + your Mission. + + "Of Miss Ellis I shall always think as one of my greatest earthly + benefactors, and it will be a life-long regret that I never met + her.... I wish you would say to Mrs. Smith that I have by me here + in New England only the letters received from Miss Ellis since + coming to Harvard, and these I fear contain nothing she would like + to make use of. The really helpful letters, those that were of most + vital interest to me, were written while I was a Methodist preacher + in Ohio, and these are back there still, packed up among odds and + ends, and practically might almost as well be in the moon.... Again + accept my best wishes for your success in the new calling,--a + divine one in the truest sense of the word. I assure you I shall + always be glad to hear of the growth and success of your Mission, + all the more, perhaps, because I hold to it a sort of filial + relation. You know that in the Methodist Church each young convert + or young minister speaks of the minister under whose preaching he + was converted, as a spiritual father. So I think of myself now as + the spiritual child of your Women's Missionary Society in + Cincinnati. Would that Heaven might help me to be worthy of the + home, and justify in some sense their loving-kindness and help in + time of need." + +A gentleman in Kentucky, long a correspondent of Miss Ellis, who had +taken papers, bought many books, etc., through her, and who has recently +died, wrote of her, Jan. 22, 1886:-- + + "Many souls will miss the modest, unassuming, faithful secretary, + but her silent labors will be followed by a rich reward. Her + memorial is in the hearts and minds of those who were led through + her efforts to freedom, fellowship, and character, in religion." + +This correspondent was a farmer's wife in Ohio, who, after Miss Ellis's +death, wrote:-- + + "I have had much trouble in the last two years, and would have + given up to utter despair many times, if it had not been for her + kind letters and sermons. I made a confidential friend of her; so, + knowing my situation, she knew what sermons would serve most to + strengthen me, and sometimes she would come across sermons in + papers that she would cut out and send me. I have them yet, and + intend to paste them in a scrapbook. I thought of calling upon her + father to see if he had a picture that he would allow me to have a + copy from, so I am very glad her portrait will be in the book.... I + learned to _love_ Miss Ellis, and shall _never_ forget her." + +There was a little family of step-children living on a remote Ohio farm, +in whom Miss Ellis took a warm personal interest, advising as to their +religious training, sending them children's papers and books. "Miss +Ellis" came to be regarded as a dear friend by these children who never +saw her. March 16, 1885, she wrote to the mother:-- + + "Your letter was received a week since, but I have been sick three + weeks with a very severe cough and cold. Have been up and about, + but could not accomplish much of anything, and especially writing, + and still had much of it to do.... Wanted to advise you about the + Sunday-school lessons. Order the lessons of 'Home Life' from + Chicago at present, and then next, if you can, 'Corner-Stones of + Character;' but do not get the 'Old Testament Chart,' for I have + some very good lessons on the Old Testament that you will like and + can have immediately.... Am so sorry you have so much sadness to + contend against. However, you must feel that all your sacrifices + are known by the good Father in heaven; so to him turn in your hour + of need. There is a hymn Mr. Thayer often selects for our opening + on Sunday. We sang it last Sunday,--'Daily Consecration,' by + Caroline Mason. + + 'Oh God! I thank thee for each sight + Of beauty that thy hand doth give; + For sunny skies, and air, and light,-- + Oh God, I thank thee that I live! + + 'That life I consecrate to thee; + And ever, as the day is born, + On wings of joy my soul would flee + To thank thee for another morn: + + 'Another day in which to cast + Some silent deed of love abroad, + Which, greatening as it journeys past, + May do some earnest work for God. + + 'Another day to do, to dare; + To use anew my growing strength; + To arm my soul with faith and prayer, + And so win life and thee, at length.' + + "Let your first thoughts be turned to God in the morning, and in + the day's struggles believe that you are in his presence; and even + if your earthly life is not such as you may wish, you may rest + assured that your tears are counted above.... My own life is much + brighter than it was. My brother ---- has an only child, three and + a half years old, who is very cunning, and much company for us all. + On Friday I passed my semi-centennial birthday, which a number of + my friends kindly remembered.... I was not strong enough to enjoy + the occasion fully; but still on the whole it was a bright day to + me, and on Sunday I was glad Mr. Thayer selected the beautiful + hymn, 'Daily Consecration.' I am too weak to write longer.... May + God bless and strengthen you for your daily toils." + +On the envelopes of all these letters was written, "From my friend Miss +Ellis." To the oldest child, who was difficult to influence, Miss Ellis +addressed this letter:-- + + MY DEAR M----: I wonder if you ever had any one write a letter to + you, and whether you can read a letter yourself. If not, your + mamma will read it to you. She has told me that you are having a + little Sunday-school of your own at home, and I feel quite + interested in it, and am going to have two of the lessons sent to + your mamma from Chicago, hoping you three children will feel + interested in them. One is a very simple thing to learn,--"Rules to + make Home Pleasant;" and I hope you will all try to learn them, and + try to keep them in your daily life.... If children do not learn to + keep such rules, they never can have happy homes, for they will + grow up into ill-natured, lazy men and women. The other lesson is + called "Corner-Stones of Character," because it gives us true ideas + of what all children should learn in order to grow up into good, + truthful men and women.... Now I know you are studying together + Brown's "Life of Jesus," and these lessons I am to send you will + help you to understand better what Jesus did to make himself, with + God's help, become so good a man. I know, too, that you, M----, + have a copy of "Daily Praise and Prayer," which is a very good + book. It is pleasant to me as I read in mine to think that Mrs. + ---- and M---- are reading their lesson to-day, and I wonder if + they are thinking how beautiful it is, and that "Miss Ellis" and + many others are reading and asking God for the same goodness + to-day. It is so pleasant,--do you not think so?--to feel that our + good Father in heaven and all good, kind people are thinking of us + each day. It helps _us_ to be good, to know that others are trying + in the same way,--do you not think so? You are the oldest of the + three children, and I want to hear from you, that by studying our + Sunday-school lessons, and reading in sensible books, and playing + with well-behaved children, you are all becoming wiser and better, + and helping mamma and each other. I will also send you some verses + all the children in our Sunday-school learned one winter.... There + are many things I could talk to you about, but I must leave the + rest till another day. It will be sufficient for you to know that + some one on earth feels interested in your life at home, with a + kind mother to lead you so well.... I will say good-by now, and + hope you will learn to write to me. With love to all of you, very + kindly your friend. + +Miss Ellis corresponded frequently with a young man in Canada (living in +a city where, so far as known, he is the only Unitarian), beginning in +1882, and loaning him many books. He, too, was in a state of religious +doubt and despair, when chance threw the little advertisement in his +way. He intends to enter the Unitarian ministry, as is shown by the +following extracts from the correspondence. Miss Ellis wrote him Oct. +21, 1882:-- + + Monday afternoon I mailed "Religion in Evolution" to you, and I + have imagined you eagerly poring over the book this week in high + ecstasies.... To me James F. Clarke's views and Dr. Furness's seem + more just and reliable. But Dr. Clarke says, "What commends itself + best to our reason, must be the truth;" therefore Mr. Savage may + benefit you more. If he rouses you to a deep faith and makes you + truly Christian, that is the point to be gained. Should like to + have you compare James F. Clarke with Mr. Savage, on the Humanity + of Jesus and the Miracles and the Resurrection, particularly. + "Bible for Learners," Vol. III., takes the same view, about, of the + Miracles and Resurrection,--"myths and legends," "not an external + fact of history, but simply a form of belief assumed by the faith + of his friends and earliest disciples." James F. Clarke, in "Truths + and Errors of Orthodoxy," in the chapter Miracles, says, "The + resurrection may have been an example of a universal law." Dr. + Furness says: "Till men know all the laws of God it is rather + presumptuous in them to set the resurrection aside as an + impossibility." These are not his exact words; but the purport I + have quoted from memory. To return to Dr. Clarke.... [Then follows + a long extract from Clarke, which is omitted here.] Dr. Clarke's + view is the most likely and rational to me; but all the more + radical men take the view of the German critics, and look upon it + rather as "myths and legends" arising from a simple faith of the + disciples. The only way is to read for yourself and compare, + forming an opinion of your own, while remembering that Christianity + does not rest on a certain belief, but on the life. "What doth the + Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy, and + walk humbly with thy God," are the words of the prophet Micah. + James F. Clarke believes firmly in the simple, pure humanity of + Jesus, best shown in "Steps of Belief," under the "Historical + Christ." I have "Steps of Belief," "Truths and Errors of + Orthodoxy," also "Bible for Learners" and "Talks about Jesus" (M. + J. Savage), to loan you. You have only to say which you wish + first.... I am tired, and must rise early to be in the city in time + for Sunday-school, so I will tear off the paper here, or I shall go + on writing all night. Have more good sermons to send you. Wish you + could go to Boston, join the Young Men's Christian Union + (Unitarian), and be helped into what God means you and all to be, + by putting our faculties to the highest use we are capable of. + Hoping to hear further from you, + + Truly your friend, SARAH ELLIS. + + _Sunday Evening._ Our sermon to-day was on the "Effects of Modern + Scientific Thought upon the Essentials of Religion." If it is + published, will send you a copy of it.... I think the hymn will + meet your views, therefore copy it. Do you know it? + +The hymn referred to is the one, "God Ever Near," by T. H. Gill, +beginning:-- + + "What secret place, what distant star, + O Lord of all, is thine abode?" + +Miss Ellis copies it in full. In 1883 the young man wrote Miss Ellis:-- + + "A year ago I was in the dreariest stage of agnosticism. I was in + despair at times, and sometimes my very soul seemed to be in agony. + Through reading scientific literature I had been convinced that + most of the religious teaching I had learned was false. The + flippancy and shallowness of Ingersoll and his school disgusted me. + I could not find rest in materialism; I considered it as far astray + from the truth as Orthodoxy. I was nineteen years old, and found + myself facing the most tremendous problems of existence. I tried to + tell myself to wait for maturer years to solve them, and to a great + extent that satisfied me. But I still yearned for + _something_,--simply this: 'My soul cried out for the living God!' + Alas! I could not find him. I looked around me for a little + sympathy or a kind word even, but I looked in vain. Every Sunday I + heard denunciations of such views as mine. I heard a great deal of + 'blatant atheists,' 'infidel scientists,' etc., but no sympathy for + a despairing agnostic,--only scorn and ridicule. It pained me + intensely to be misunderstood by even those dearest to me on earth, + but I determined to stand firm for what I took to be the truth. Oh + for some men to preach a little charity for the views of others, + and to consider a man as not being necessarily worse than a + criminal because he cannot accept their own views! I owe you a + large debt of gratitude for being the means of lifting me out of a + state of misery and despair, in which I had no pleasure in life, + into a state of cheerfulness, happiness, hope, and peace; not + intellectual peace,--for I do not expect that,--but real 'soul + peace,' a calm trust and a real faith in a living God. I have been + surprised to see how largely Unitarian theology is based on + science. I owe it to science that my life is something more than + daily drudgery. The foundation of my scepticism was laid when I + learned the rudiments of natural philosophy in school. I was + astonished at what I read of Nature's wonders. Since leaving school + I have been an ardent reader of all kinds of scientific literature. + By means of the Mechanics' Institute I have the use of all the + magazines, reviews, etc., besides a splendid library. I have read a + great deal that I did not understand,--books which are beyond my + years; but I have a good idea of what is occupying the minds of the + world's thinkers in this nineteenth century. One of the best + lessons I have learned from the literature you have sent me is + faith,--a very different kind of faith from the mere credulity I + once knew by that name. At times I am dazed and confounded when I + think of the great mysteries surrounding us, especially of the + mysteries of death; but I feel that a good God is over all, and the + main thing is to do right, and all will be well. I cannot express + how much I owe you for the great good you have done me. You have my + heartfelt thanks." + +In another letter he wrote:-- + + "To say that I am delighted with 'The Religion of Evolution' is but + a poor way of expressing myself. You could not have sent me a more + timely book. I would like to get all of Mr. Savage's books. You + 'wish I could go to Boston,' etc. Ah! you do not know how I + sometimes yearn for some such thing myself. I find my great + pleasure and recreation in intellectual pursuits; and of course I + have not nearly so great advantages in a small city as I would have + in a large one. But for meditation and communion with the Infinite, + communion with Nature and the incomprehensible God, I must have + solitude. It was a favorite dream of my childhood that I would be a + minister. But I have to work in another way. My father died when I + was six years of age, and my mother therefore had a struggle to + give us an education,--that inestimable blessing of a common-school + education. I feel that the highest work for me is to support her to + the best of my ability.... I value highly the sermons you send me. + Most of our churches here offer one 'dry bones' instead of the + living truth. Do you know of any low-priced publication which would + give me a fair sketch of Theodore Parker's life and thought? I + would like to know something of him. I am greatly pleased with the + 'Register.' Mr. Savage's sermons are also a feast to me. The + sermons of J. F. Clarke you sent me in June have a ring about them + and a spirit in them that I find in few others." + +Miss Ellis wrote him, Dec. 29, 1883:-- + + Am glad to hear you have gained _something_ in the past year. Do + not be discouraged if you are not perfection at once. It takes + _years_ of struggle to become so. Read the lessons on "Patience," + in "Day unto Day," particularly "Jan. 9--Parsons." You are quite + young, remember, and there are many years for you to improve in, + "and room for improvement," as people always say.... I will not + allow _your_ want of time to keep me from writing you. It is my own + lack of time, and troublesome eyes. Have been very busy this + winter. Have a gentleman in Alabama who is becoming much interested + in Unitarian theology, and also one in Kentucky. It keeps my mind + at work to send just the right thing to each one. My eyes are + troubling me much this evening. Must close, to make some last + preparations for Sunday, as I have to start early in the morning to + be in time, and must also write a postal to a young nephew in + Philadelphia, who is very fond of me and remembered me Christmas + and always. Wishing you a bright, happy, and successful New Year, + in which all the ladies join me, with kind regards to your mother, + + Truly your friend, S. ELLIS. + + * * * * * + + APRIL 15, 1883. + + I must answer your question, "Why no denunciation of sin (by + Unitarians)?" In the New Hampshire "Statement of Belief" I first + sent you, if you still have it, you will find: "(4) In Human + Nature, as not ruined, but incomplete. Man is not fallen from a + primitive state of holiness, but is imperfectly developed. Being + imperfect, he is liable to sin.... _The essence of sin is the + failure of the higher nature of man to rule his lower nature._ + Human nature is made sacred by the indwelling presence of God. + Humanity is not tending downward, but is divinely guided from lower + to higher forms of moral and spiritual life." + + Starting from such a high ideal of man's nature,--that he is + created in the "image of God," and as found in the first chapter of + Genesis, I think, and in Psalms viii.: "Thou hast made him a little + lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with honor and + glory,"--we feel him capable of so much, that our ministers are too + busy talking concerning _being_ and _doing_ good to have any time + left for denunciation of sin. Our great concern is to raise man in + _every_ way. Teach him to be cheerful, looking _forward_ all the + time, moving onward and upward, and to find no opportunity to spend + in vain regrets,--only looking at his sins long enough to learn + lessons from the past, that he may avoid them in the future. Our + sins leave a deep stain that will affect us during our lifetime, + but the only way to overcome them is to be so engaged in right + doing that we rise above them. Now, do you not think this a far + higher way of converting men than by dwelling on their weaknesses? + Give the world something higher to do all the time, and they will + naturally rise to that level. We start from a higher standpoint + than the Orthodox, therefore our methods are very different. We + denounce sin by avoiding it whenever we come in contact with it, or + evil of any kind, and there is no more effectual way of overcoming + it. Do you not see why it is we have ceased to speak of it in + sermons? We are too busy with the good, the true, the beautiful, to + pay attention to the wickedness. Dr. Dewey wrote some stirring + sermons, on "Human Nature." The topic of one is, "On the Wrong + which Sin does to Human Nature;"--text from Prov. viii. 36: "He + that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own soul." That was the + former way of dealing with and denouncing sin; but the later way + is, to take care always to place the better in people's way, and + the sins will fall behind. Think you not so? + + * * * * * + + JANUARY 6, 1883. + + ... We sometimes strain at _words_ when in reality we agree with + others. If we would only remember to strive to discover wherein we + agree, and not always be looking for divergence of opinion, there + would be more of practical piety in the world. Let us open our eyes + to the fact that _all_ denominations endeavor to make men better, + though they differ in methods; and see to it that we ourselves are + true to the highest and best as far as we know it, and the kingdom + of God will be hastened in everywhere. Do right for its own sake, + and not from fear or hope of punishment or reward. Let me give you + a hymn we sang after the sermon last Sunday. The subject was, "This + life: why we are in it, and what we have a right to expect of it." + The hymn is one of Rev. Samuel Longfellow's, "Life's Mission:"-- + + "Go forth to life, O child of earth! + Still mindful of thy heavenly birth." + + [The whole hymn is copied] ... Methinks if one lives up to such a + mission he will be none the less Christian than if he can accept + the dogmas of churches. + +He had consulted her about the propriety of his contributing to the +support of the Methodist church when he no longer accepted its +doctrines. She wrote in reply, Oct. 6, 1884:-- + + ... "There are two precepts which come to my mind when I am + perplexed as to what to do, which I will mention: 'What doth the + Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk + humbly with thy God?' (Micah vi. 8). The other: 'If ye have not the + spirit of Christ, ye are none of his,'-- from the epistles, but + can't recall it just now. If you conclude to contribute to the + Methodist church, you could tell Mr. B---- what your intention had + been, and how I reasoned upon the subject. However, act just as you + come to the conclusion. The thing is to do as you believe to be + just. I should think the church I attended had the first claim upon + me. 'Duty before pleasure' is true in any church. Am glad you think + so well of Unitarianism, and hope you may be able to work heartily + with us some day. Only be patient." + + * * * * * + + JUNE 7, 1884. + + You speak of the "loneliness" of the position you are taking, and I + felt glad to find you so firm in the step you are taking.... It + will be a position full of self-denial many times, but on the + other hand will bring its own rich rewards, known only to the true + minister of God. To encourage you in the many hours of + discouragement, I advise Dr. Furness's sermon on the "Solitude of + Christ," in "Register" of May 8,1884, I think, which I believe has + been sent you, but if not, will hunt it up and send it to you; and + besides that, the words of Jesus: "He that hath put his hand to the + plough and looketh back, is not worthy of me;" therefore have + firmly fixed in your mind the glorious hymn by Rev. Samuel Johnson, + "The Conflict of Life." + +The whole five verses of this hymn are then copied, followed by the +whole of Watts's + + "Awake, our souls; away, our fears,-- + Let every trembling thought be gone;" + +and Doddridge's + + "Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, + And press with vigor on!" + +Miss Ellis saying, at the end, "I have copied these, for they have more +weight when written by those we know." + + JULY 5, 1884. + + ... I will permit you to "unburden yourself" with as many pages as + you see fit, at any time you feel disposed to do so, and promise + not to be "bored." I, in my deafness, understand what it is to feel + so utterly alone, though surrounded by dear, old, and tried + friends. This lack of one congenial person or thing no one can + appreciate but those who have experienced.... Remember, _opinions_ + separate us, but kindly deeds and affection draw us close to one + another; and so pursue your studies patiently, striving to make + yourself the kind of man you think one ought to be, and in + attending church do it in the spirit of Jesus,--with the feeling of + worshipping God, and cast aside all other feeling, knowing that + those around you are doing what they feel to be best. Leave it to + the Good Father to judge them, and in time to help them to see + differently. We are judged by living up to the highest and best we + know, and if others have not been so far enlightened as we, or have + not been moved by the Spirit to seek higher light and truth, we + must work in patience and leave them in the hands of God.... Only + be true to your own convictions, and you will lead them by example + rather than precept, unconsciously to them. Work on patiently, and + God's promises will not fail you. It is a slow process to overcome + one's many failures; but we shall come out conquerors at the last + if we only will, and are earnest in our endeavors.... After two + weeks our churches will close for the summer, but _my_ congregation + will still be ministered to. I go to the church during vacation + every two weeks to lend books to any who desire them. + + * * * * * + + NOVEMBER 16, 1884. + + I feel for you greatly in your isolation; but comfort yourself in + the thought that the generality of Unitarian ministers are cut off + from all companionship with ministers of other denominations where + they are settled, and are seldom permitted to enter into charities, + where they are, with other ministers. It has been the case ever + since the days of Jesus, that those who really hold his views are + separated from others in the community. But as you say, and many + more say, "if we have God alone, that is enough." I cannot consider + myself a "theist" entirely, but might call myself a "Christian + theist." I have come to know God as manifested through Jesus, but + have as much respect for those who do as Jesus did, and who have as + firm a trust in the Father as Jesus had. Think that is what Jesus + taught, and labored to have no man worship him. "There is none good + but One," he said; "why callest thou me good?" Though I value + Jesus, I do not worship him, or feel that he is my support in life. + I only look to him in difficulties and trials to show me the way to + the Father. I ask to worship and to live in his spirit and so gain + strength from the Father wherewith to do. You and others look more + to men of later date, who have learned from others nearer to them; + but if we trace it all back to the beginning, we will find it is + Jesus' spirit working through them. So one and all, whoever they + are, wherever found, who have the spirit of Christ, are the sons of + God, whether they call themselves merely theists, or Christian + theists, it seems to me. George Eliot was truly religious, though + perhaps not a Christian in the common acceptation. + + * * * * * + + DECEMBER 27, 1884. + + I do not know as I "have ever realized the depths of absolute + negations," but I have realized the depths of absolute solitude, + and can sympathize with you in your loneliness, and "think it a + good thing to keep the Eternal and Infinite always in view, and so + love quiet, solitude, and meditation. They strengthen me to do my + work in life." Do not despair, then, if you are despondent at + times. Every one is, and it is good for us to some extent to be + disgusted with ourselves; it makes us know ourselves. "The dark + hours of life bring us nearer to our fellow-men, help us to know + ourselves and bring us nearer to God." God has put these + questionings into you for some wise purpose. Be true to your + highest and best self, and work them out by degrees. But remember + you are young yet, and there is time for you to solve all these + mysteries in. Do not try to solve all the great questions of life + at once. Be patient, and do not brood too much. Meditation and + solitude are good, but try to mingle somewhat with those around + you. See God in the world about you, as well as in the stars. I + would like to dwell longer upon your letter, but perhaps I shall + bring you out of doubt by giving you something to do. [She then + proposes a bit of work for him to undertake.] ... Our doubts and + mysteries are solved sometimes by setting to work on things we are + pondering over. + +He wrote Miss Ellis, Aug. 24, 1885:-- + + "A shadow has come across my way of late,--a great disappointment. + I think I mentioned it to you before. A doctor, an acquaintance of + mine, has often told me that I studied and read too much.... It is + hard for me to realize this, but he insists on a year's rest from + study. This will postpone my entrance to Meadville for two years, I + fear. I confess to great disappointment over this. I will be past + twenty-five when I get to Meadville; and yet there is another side. + I have often questioned my fitness for this great work. I wish to + be cautious. I do believe that I have a noble gospel to preach. 'To + preach,'--but first to live it. And, in shame I confess it, I have + not lived it. It will therefore be a good thing if in these two + years I give myself to growth in manhood. But enough of this. These + matters must be dealt with in the closet,--the soul's closet.... + After my taste of Montreal fellowship I am sick with loneliness + here. It is fearful, at times, this longing for one friend even, + and finding none. But it must be borne without grumbling. And now I + must stop. The doctor would object to even this light piece of + writing. Thank you kindly for sending me the 'Register' and + 'Unity.' It is very good of you to look after me so much. Be + assured that your kindness is giving great encouragement to a + lonely one who, amid much opposition and misunderstanding from his + dearest ones, is making at least a _little_ honest effort to be + true to himself and God. I would that I were fully faithful; but it + is not so. Still I think your seed will yet bear fruit, and spring + up in a life devoted to the uplifting of mankind. My deepest + prayer is for this. I trust your health will improve. Still more do + I trust that you may continue to grow nearer God, and help others + to do so, as you have helped me." + +Miss Ellis replied, Aug. 30, 1885:-- + + "... I have neglected you of late, thinking you were soon to go to + Meadville, and that you were busy. We are sorry to hear of your + great disappointment. It is a disappointment to us as well, + particularly to me. However, we need the reverses and crosses of + life as much as the air we breathe, to strengthen our characters. + You have pushed yourself so hard with business and studies the past + two years, that you have not taken time to view the life around you + in the right light. Let the next two years be given principally to + building up your character individually and socially, and to + improving your health, as one of the first requisites of a minister + is a sound mind and a healthy body. Be social; take life + cheerfully; make those about you better for your company; and + mingle freely with your family and best friends, showing them you + are practising Unitarianism. Yes; make these two coming years tell + as a preparation for college in another way, and let them prove a + blessing to you, though a disappointment at first. Did you read + Rev. E. E. Hale's 'Methods,' in 'Register' a few weeks since? This + week's 'Register' contains an excellent sermon by Rev. John + Clifford on 'Spiritual Building.' Have a home worship of your own + sometimes. During the vacation, every Sunday I have had a regular + worship. For instance, to-day I read for sermon, 'Spiritual + Building;' opening hymn, 'Come, Thou Almighty, help us to praise;' + 'Scriptures Old and New' (a compilation by Mr. Forbush and Mr. + Hosmer, from all religions, and an excellent thing to have), Lesson + 27,--'The Kingdom within us;' prayer, followed by Scripture lesson, + Galatians iii., from which is taken text; then Wesley's hymn, 'The + whole armor of God;' sermon; closing hymn, Doddridge's 'Awake, my + soul, stretch every nerve,' etc. Have been interested during the + vacation in looking over Gannett's 'Childhood of Jesus' and + Carpenter's 'Palestine when Jesus lived.' Also bought 'Selections + from the Apocrypha,' compiled by Mrs. Tileston, who compiled 'Daily + Strength.' Readings from the Apocrypha are so common in Unitarian + pulpits now, that it is well to be familiar with the best portions. + Am not able to do much reading now. Am physically too weak. Never + was able to use my brain to its full extent,--feeble and nervous + all my life, but active otherwise." + +Miss Ellis's last letter to him was written but little more than a month +before her death, when in the utmost weakness herself; but to this she +makes no allusion. It was a letter of consolation in bereavement, from +which this is an extract:-- + + NOVEMBER 18, 1885. + + ... The only way to reconcile ourselves to our sorrows is to think + of those who are worse off than ourselves. It makes us less + inclined to murmur in our own sadness. It is good for us to bear + the cross. If things were always as we would have them, many + virtues would never be developed. There are so many comforting + pieces in "Sunshine in the Soul." Some I marked for a former + correspondent. Mr. Thayer read for his Scripture lesson last + Sunday, Job. iv. 5; and v. 6-11; 17 to end. I have no doubt your + sister knows many comforting passages; but the real comfort is + found in keeping ourselves busy for others, while at the same time + we lean and trust in God to give us peace of soul. We find it in + time as we go on patiently doing the duty just before us, and + loving the blessings which remain to us. + +One of Miss Ellis's last thoughts was for this correspondent. When +hardly able to speak, she requested a special "Register" sent to him. It +was sent, and a postal card informing him of her condition. He +replied:-- + + DECEMBER 25, 1885. + + Your card came to me this morning. I am shocked at its sad message. + I was not in the least prepared for it. It seems to hold out no + hope. Though I have never seen Miss Ellis, she has been to me for + over three years a close friend. And now I must lose her + friendship, and her kind encouraging letters! But I am not + intending to complain of loss, but rather to be thankful for the + help I have received from her. I shall now have another motive to + work on, to be more faithful in life. That motive shall be the + memory of Miss Ellis's self-sacrificing life. I have a large + package of her letters which will be more valued now than ever + before. I do trust her work will go on; it ought to certainly. If I + can help I will gladly do so. + +Later, he wrote in reply to a letter announcing her death:-- + + JANUARY 1, 1886. + + I was very glad to hear a little of our dear friend who spends this + happy New Year's Day freed from all ills of the body. I can hardly + realize that she is gone. She never gave me a hint that she was + seriously ill, but always spoke cheerfully. It is such a short time + ago that I wrote to her as usual, not having the remotest thought + that she would never answer my letter. Her last letters to me are + dated Nov. 6 and 18, and, singularly enough, are almost entirely + taken up with remarks upon death and affliction. Not a word of + herself, however.... + + Miss Ellis wrote me two letters full of kindness and sympathy, and + sending cheering words to my sister; for she wrote, "Though I don't + know her, I feel deeply for her." It really is hardly possible to + estimate the influence, both direct and indirect, which Miss Ellis + has had upon my life. It is a very long story, this of my inquiries + in religious matters. I have always looked forward to the day when + I should see our friend and speak to her of it, and make some + expression of my gratitude to her. But it is not to be,--not in + this life, at least. Hereafter her letters shall be a source of + constant encouragement to me. I have them all, and glad I am of it, + for through them she will yet speak to me. I often wished to have a + photograph of her, and I am very sorry now that I too long + hesitated to take the first step in making a mutual exchange. Often + when weary through the day's work I have been cheered by her kind + letters. But this is only one limited instance of her influence. + For years I went to my daily work sad and heavy of heart because + life was aimless, almost dead. By the printed page Miss Ellis + showed me God,--God living, working, right here now, daily + surrounding me and all men. And lo! life has an aim, is full of + beauty and goodness and joy.... All this I owe to her. + +In response to a request for letters, he wrote: + + FEBRUARY 14, 1886. + + In your card you speak of a book. I hope the pamphlet will grow + into a book. I was delighted to hear that it will contain a + portrait, for that will be just what I wish for. The letters I + sent, I had to just pick out hurriedly, as I had very little time. + If I had had more time, I might have made a better selection. I + will vouch for their quality, however. I have post cards + innumerable from her. Then again, once, when I was having a sore + mental struggle over the philosophy of prayer, in answer to my + inquiries Miss Ellis wrote out for me the greater part of Mr. + Chadwick's sermon on "Prayer," in his "Faith of Reason." This I + mention as one out of many instances of such work. She never tired + of trying to aid me. I sent you the last letter I received from + her, never having a thought, at the time I received it, of its + being the _last_ one. Perhaps Miss Ellis is aware of all this + afterglow, as you so well call it. I hope so. I believe so. How it + must gratify her to know what she accomplished! + + In looking over these letters I am very forcibly reminded of the + last few years.... As you may suppose, Miss Ellis is much in my + thoughts. I looked forward to meeting her some day, and making + grateful acknowledgment of her influence for good on me. I would + not hide from you that I often regret that it is not to be so. But + every other thought is swallowed up in gratitude for her life and + for our meeting together. + +The following is Miss Ellis's first letter from a farmer's wife a dozen +miles out of Cincinnati, who has this winter become a member of the +Women's Auxiliary Conference, and wishes, with her daughter, to join the +church:-- + + "I have frequently seen the item in the Sunday's paper offering + Unitarian reading to those who wish it, and have as often + determined to avail myself of the opportunity, but have so far + neglected it. I will say that I have been for a long time somewhat + of a Unitarian, without being sufficiently informed in the belief + openly to declare myself one. I would ask you to teach me from the + beginning the doctrines, so that I can understand and feel a safety + in embracing them. I have a daughter who will avail herself with me + of your kind offer. You are to be our teacher in the matter of + selecting the reading, and I will gladly pay postage on all books + sent." + +As such teacher Miss Ellis acted ever after. She wrote in reply, Jan. 1, +1884:-- + + Was very glad to receive your letter to-day, and hope I may prove a + successful "teacher." Have always been a Unitarian, as my father + was among the first subscribers to the church, when it was + established in 1830.... Have sent you by this same mail three + tracts pertaining to our doctrines. Shall be glad to give you and + your daughter a weekly Sunday-school lesson for several weeks. + Began with statements of doctrine and Channing's famous Discourse. + On the list sent have numbered other tracts in the order in which I + shall send them,--leading you from Channing to Brigham and J. F. + Clarke, showing an advance in thought up to Mr. Wendte's tract, + "What Do Unitarians Believe?" which represents Unitarianism as held + by the _young_ men of the present time; and after you read these + tracts, if you wish more doctrine, will mention some books we can + loan you by mail. With the tracts will also send the "Christian + Register," where you will see our principles carried out. It is a + very interesting, able paper. Perhaps after you have examined a + few copies you may like to become a subscriber to it. I usually + spend Mondays mailing papers to our correspondents, though they do + not all get off till about Wednesday. They will be in time for a + Sunday lesson, however, and I hope you may find some neighbors to + join you in your study. Hoping this is a beginning of another good + work for us, and to hear from you further, + + Respectfully yours, SARAH ELLIS. + + * * * * * + + JANUARY 26, 1884. + + This leads me to your question, "What do you do with the Immaculate + Conception? Why was that way employed to compel people to accept + the divinity of Christ?" Ask as many questions as you please, and I + will answer them in letter, or send some sermon or tract to throw + light on the subject to you. Monday, will mail to you "The + Incarnation," by Rev. J. W. Chadwick, wherein you will see that + many of the doctrines of the early times were invented by the men + of the day to suit some purpose of their own. Will shortly send you + a lesson paper by Rev. William C. Gannett, of St. Paul, Minn., on + "The Christmas Story and the Christmas Fact." These stories or + "legends" concerning Jesus were written some time after his death. + "Bible for Learners" says--[Here is copied a long extract.] I have + said enough to let you know that we do not accept these "legends" + as literal truth; and you will understand, from "The Incarnation," + that Jesus was not miraculously born any more than we all are. + Jesus never claimed it for himself, as you will find as you read + what I send you from time to time. It was a doctrine created by the + Church to suit later days. I was glad to have you speak freely of + yourself, and hope that we may make religion, the Bible, and Jesus, + natural, simple, true, and beautiful to you and your + daughter,--something that you can take hold of and live out in your + daily lives, and be thankful that you _live_. Hoping that you may + have further questions to ask, and wish to borrow books on subjects + of interest to you, + + Very truly your friend, S. ELLIS. + + There is a book that will throw much light on your question + concerning the early view of Christ, "Orthodoxy and Heresy," by + Rev. E. H. Hall. We have it to loan. + + * * * * * + + MARCH 13, 1884. + + It is with pleasure I sit down to reply to your last letter, and it + has only been from total inability that you have had to wait so + long. I wanted to sit down immediately to send you a few + sympathetic words, for your life must have been very similar to my + own. The best comfort for us is, to say to ourselves, Are not many, + _many_ others carrying the same burdens, disappointments, and toils + as we? How do they bear them, and where do they get their patience + and strength from? Only from studying the words and lives of those + who have had similar trials to bear; and no one bore the cross + better than He to whom the whole world has looked as a guide. + Therefore though you fall and fail often, be not in despair. All + you need is some one to speak with you who sympathizes with you; + and though they may not lighten your burden or change your + circumstances, they will lighten your heart and make the whole + world seem different to you, and full of work to be done, that will + take your thoughts out from beyond your own home, and yet at the + same time only make that all the more precious to you and just the + place you ought to be in. Am not fond of the country myself. Have + always lived in the city, and prefer to be surrounded by people and + life rather than trees and quiet of the country; still, I love to + visit in the country for a short time.... You ask how you can best + prepare yourself to become a member of our church. I sent you the + church programme, and Mr. Thayer says there, "Those who present + themselves in an earnest spirit,"--an earnest spirit to do all the + good you can, in every way, at home and to the world. It is + _character_, and _not_ belief, which makes the true Christian. And + if our conscience is right before God, let man say what he will; if + we are only sure ourselves we are doing our best according to our + circumstances and our health; if our motives are pure and our + conscience clear,--we shall feel a pleasure in joining in a + Communion service, though one can be a member of our church if not + a communicant. There are several books I wish to recommend to you. + The first is a great help to inward strength, and is a gem of a + book, "Day unto Day," which consists of a passage or two from the + Scriptures, a selection from poetry, and one from writers, for + every day in the year.... The whole book is full of selections + which fit the needs of every day. I have two copies, and will loan + you one copy with passages I have marked as read, and which has + benefited several of my correspondents.... Another great help to a + good life is Merriam's "Way of Life." "Theodore Parker's Prayers" I + can loan you too. Since I wrote you, have had presented to our + library Sunderland's "What is the Bible?" shorter than "Bible for + Learners," and on the whole better to read first. I subscribed for + the Sunday-school lessons on "The Life of Jesus," so any time you + are welcome to it. You will understand from what I have written, + that to strengthen the inner man is a good preparation for anything + and anywhere; and you will find a great deal among our books, and + in our papers, and in our religion, to help you and make life a + blessing, though under unfavorable circumstances, and enable you to + have the spirit and faith _of_ Jesus, if not so much _in_ Jesus, + which the Orthodox make most emphatic. + +The following letter was written June 27, 1885. The unusual allusions to +her own health are evidently in sympathy with the correspondent, who had +written of ill health and heavy burdens to bear. + + "I have been most useless since the middle of February; but, weak + as I am, I have insisted on staying out of bed, waiting on myself, + and keeping my room in order, even to sweeping it, and keeping up + my missionary work slowly. I do dislike to be nursed and a care to + people. Sometimes it seems impossible for me to get dressed for my + breakfast, and it takes me about one hour and a quarter, I am so + weak. Last Sunday I could not get to church; but I spent the day in + resting,--spiritual rest. I had a service at home,--the responsive + service, the three hymns, the Scripture lesson, and read one of J. + F. Clarke's sermons, which I sent to another who needed consoling. + There is a favorite hymn of mine, which I will write out for you. + We often sing it for an opening hymn. [The hymn "Daily + Consecration," by Caroline Mason, is here copied in full.] Excuse + the mistakes, for I have written it from memory. Work on, dear + friend, just where you are, and feel that there you are casting + silent deeds of love which no one knows but the good Father above, + but that they are none the less earnest work in his service.... + Every other Saturday A. M. I go to the church to do up papers for + the Workhouse. Was there _this_ morning. Take heart, good friend, + and feel that nothing you do is lost, and that sometime your labor + will be appreciated. I must not write longer, for I want to attend + church to-morrow. They miss me when I am not at my post." + +Another letter of this summer reads:-- + + MY DEAR FRIEND,--Your letter was duly received, and I wanted to + answer it immediately, but have been too weak to write _comforting_ + letters. + + Am so sorry to hear you are still sick, and wish I could help you. + Am still more sorry to hear you are "dreading" the summer; but I do + not wonder at it, for on a farm the labor required by the women in + the house must be incessant.... I cannot take the burden off your + shoulders; but perhaps a word of sympathy from another, and + something from her experience, may enable you to face the + difficulties.... My experience has been that when anticipating a + hard time, if I only accept it, and make up my mind that it _has_ to + be my part, half the burden is taken off, if I determine to go + through with it all, giving myself up to that work and thinking of + nothing beyond in the mean time. Take all the rest I can get, + instead of trying to do something else too. Rest will do you more + good than company or books, when you are so used up with real hard + work. Women all try to attend to too much outside of their + households, for the sake of company and variety; do you not think + so? Now, just take things as quietly as you can this summer, and + feel that in your home duties you have more than you can do, and + look forward to the time when summer will be over and you will have + less care. + +After her death, the lady wrote:-- + + "I sent my letter to her home by a messenger who reported that he + understood at the door, as he handed it to the person who answered + the bell, that Miss Ellis was dead. I hoped that he was mistaken, + but your letter confirmed it. I knew she was very feeble. She + wrote me some two weeks before Christmas, saying she was very weak; + but I did not think for one moment that she was in danger, or I + would have hurried to see her. I shall miss her greatly, and her + dear letters to me, which I prized so highly; and you, who saw more + of her than I could possibly, will feel her loss greatly. I believe + there are few persons capable of entering so entirely into sympathy + with others who needed it as she was, and of giving such + consolation; at least, it has not been my good fortune to meet many + such. I will be glad to receive the memorial of which you speak. I + shall be very glad if your minister would write me on the subject + of joining the church, as I was depending on Miss Ellis to guide me + in the matter, which she was ready to do one year or more ago." + +In 1884 Miss Ellis received the following letter from a young man, Mr. +A. J. Beach, who had been one of her discouragements, because, after +some correspondence, she had ceased to hear from him. Mr. Beach was +usher in the State Penitentiary at Joliet, Ill. + + "More than a year ago I wrote to thank you for papers which you had + kindly sent me. In answer, you sent me a very kind letter, and + named several books which I might read with profit. I procured a + number of Rev. James Freeman Clarke's works, which I read + carefully, and from which I gathered much of great value. I also + subscribed to two of the papers you named, to which I have become + so much attached that I could not possibly do without them.... Your + letter led me to a course of reading and investigation that has + proved a sun-burst to me. I have been in darkness. I am out of it + now. I am connected with the State Prison (as usher), not the + pleasantest position in the world; but I have tried to show many of + the poor convicts the better way of life, and to cheer them by kind + words and a showing of real interest in their unfortunate + condition, and I believe I have succeeded in making lighter many a + poor friendless fellow's load...." + +The following extracts are from others of his letters:-- + + "I have read the sermons, and have handed them to a very + intelligent prisoner, who has become greatly interested in + Unitarian teachings, and requested him to pass the documents to + others, after reading them. He will do so, and will see that they + are kept moving. I am glad you are taking so much interest in our + prison. There is much need of genuine kindness here, and it cannot + be better shown than in a true and apparent desire to raise the + unfortunates to a higher plane of thought and action. These men and + women are in a sense left to themselves. They are not permitted to + talk to each other. They pass long hours in their cells either + reading or thinking. Is it not the very time to get them started + thinking in the right direction? You say, We shall write to the + Secretary of the Women's Auxiliary Conference in Boston, ... and + interest them in the Joliet prison. This is good news. The Post + Office Mission is truly a grand mission, and is doing more good + than you may think of." + +The next letter says:-- + + "The papers and tracts you have been kind enough to send me have + been given to prisoners, and they have been passed from hand to + hand until literally worn out. There are a great many very + intelligent men among the fifteen hundred and fifty convicts now in + our prison, and they (or many of them, at least) are very glad to + get such papers and tracts as you have sent me; and I am only too + glad to place such reading matter in their hands. You asked if old + 'Registers' and 'Unities' would do any good. They would be + thankfully received by many of the unfortunate men, and would be + carefully read by them. Reading is one of the very few privileges + granted convicts.... I to-day received from Mrs. Thacher, of + Boston, a bill of lading for two barrels of papers and magazines + shipped for distribution among prisoners; also a kind and very + interesting letter from Mrs. Thacher,--for all of which I am + indebted to you. I am glad, indeed, Unitarian people understand + that convicts want and appreciate something more in reading matter + than chilling tracts. We are constantly receiving for distribution + the strongest kind of Orthodoxy, but the prisoners do not seem to + take kindly to it.... An old colored man, who was sent here eleven + years ago under life sentence, said to me yesterday, 'I tell yo', + sah, it seems mighty ha'd to sarve in hell all yo' life in dis + place, an' den have to take it for sartin' su'ah in de nex' worl'.' + He seemed to think that a sentence to the penitentiary was merely + carrying out a part of the divine plan; in other words, he was + foreordained to eternal suffering, and has got eleven years on his + way.... We found the books and papers to be all that could be + desired, and have taken great pleasure in distributing them.... + Could you have heard the genuine thankfulness expressed by the + unfortunate prisoners as I passed along the galleries distributing + the reading matter, you surely would have felt amply repaid for + interesting yourself in them.... Many said, 'God bless the ladies + who thought of us!' with an earnestness and sincerity which + indicated clearly to me that they felt and appreciated the kindness + and the motives of the donors. My experience among convicts has + convinced me that kindness shown toward them is never wasted. There + are in this prison several noted criminals,--men who have the + reputation of being brutal desperadoes,--with whom I have + frequently talked, and have invariably found to be easily touched + by a kind word and act." + +Last June Mr. Beach dropped dead in a Chicago depot while on his way +home. It seems proper to copy here portions of a letter written to his +family by the chaplain of the prison. + + JUNE 30, 1885. + + ... As we roomed together, I was with him more than any one else; + and when not otherwise engaged, we read and talked together.... We + were very frank with each other, and last Sabbath eve we had a long + talk on religion. The reaction from a Calvinistic faith had + evidently left him somewhat adrift. We talked of the cramping of + creeds on the one hand, and the tendency on the other hand of + (so-called) Liberal views to produce loose morals, etc. He dwelt on + the fact that the perceptions of the mind were so much in advance + of the inclinations of the heart, that men knew better than they + did; adding, "Oh, I have often come so near to the wonderful + process by which bad men are made good!" I reminded him that Paul + said, "It is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy + heart,"--dwelling at length on the whole argument in Romans x. 6 to + 13 inclusive. I remarked that my habit of urging these views + earnestly for forty-four years might have become obtrusive; but he + answered: "No; if these things are worth anything, they are worth + everything. If duty here affects destiny there, these are matters + of primary and not secondary consideration." Little did I think + then that in twelve brief hours he would know their reality better + than I possibly could. In saying good-by [the chaplain adds], he + said he would write soon, was glad he had ever known me, but feared + he _would not see me again_; then walked off feebly but cheerfully + with ----, who carried his satchel, and to whom he was much + attached--though a colored convict, yet much of a man. At 7:30 A. + M. he went with Mr. L----, our purchasing agent, with whom he + talked freely _en route_ to Chicago, who carried his satchel, + helped him up the stairs in the depot, and at whose feet he + suddenly dropped dead. A physician was called at once, but + paralysis of the heart had stopped the wheel of life.... The boys + here loved him _much_. B----, a special friend, gave him a pretty + onyx cross for his little niece. I think he put it in his pocket. + Some Boston ladies sent him several boxes of pamphlets and books + for the library, advising him to keep certain volumes himself, and + I hoped he had written his name in them or set them aside; yet + C---- (colored) and T. J. D----, who aided him in the library (and + mourn him as a brother) think he read the volumes they recommended, + but made no further claim on them. Some prison employees, like some + physicians, find their sympathies decrease by constant use. _He_ + was not so; for there was not a drop of tyranny or despotism in his + blood, and any one who used power simply to oppress another was + beneath his contempt. He could consistently say to the Recording + Angel, "Mark me as one who loves my fellow-men." Oh! had I known + all he probably meant when he said so tenderly at parting, "I fear + we will not meet again," I would have followed out the impulse of + my heart, clasped him in my arms, and then have said (as I did), + "Yes, we will meet in heaven!" + +The following extracts are from Miss Ellis's letters to Beach:-- + + DECEMBER 23, 1884. + + Your letter was received last Saturday afternoon, and was quite + encouraging to us, for we may do some good work in the prison with + one who feels interested with us. Your letter was particularly + welcome, as the same morning came a letter from Mrs. J. I. W. + Thacher, Secretary of the Women's Auxiliary Conference of Boston, + who responded promptly and satisfactorily to my letter, though she + was sick in bed. After the hurry of Christmas is over, they will + send you two barrels of literature,--"Registers," "Harpers," + "Centuries," "Atlantics," and some few other materials. I feel as + if this will be "good news" to you. Yes; it is a good time to turn + the minds of the men, women, and boys in the right direction. "A + little kindness" and good advice may help some of the poor + creatures to a better life. Think Orthodoxy takes a wrong + starting-point in teaching one that he is "totally depraved," and + that he must wait for a sudden conversion in order to become good. + I feel as if Unitarianism is the better way, upholding that we are + "not totally depraved, but incompletely developed," and that our + salvation depends greatly upon individual responsibility. That we + have it within ourselves to become what God intended we should be, + and what was possible with Jesus is with us,--that we may become + "sons of God" as he was. We are not to "shift the responsibility + off on to some one else," as M. J. Savage says. These poor + creatures must be taught that the sin is greatly on their own + shoulders, and they are capable of overcoming if they only will. + Mr. Savage's closing sentence is fine,--"Not to do wrong, one must + develop in himself the ability of magnificent self-control!" That + is the starting-point of many of life's failures,--lack of + self-control. Teach these poor creatures that lesson, and some + trade by which they can support themselves when they leave the + prison. You wrote us word you subscribed to two of our papers. I + take it for granted they are the "Register" and "Unity." If so, + will call your attention to a review of a book on "Prison Reform," + in "Unity," Dec. 16, 1884. I sent you yesterday a tract, "Unitarian + Belief in Bible Language," marking several passages which I thought + might rouse some of the poor men and women and _boys_ (it is the + _young_ we must work on, and see to it that we are making better + men and women for the future) to a truer view of what sin is; also, + "Wrestling and Blessing," by Rev. William C. Gannett. His first + section, on "Inherited Burden," is capital, showing that in spite + of it we may come off "conquerors." The whole of the tract is + good.... Hoping we may continue to aid you in the prison work, and + with the good wishes of the season from the Women's Auxiliary + Conference to you and all prison-workers and inmates, + + Cordially yours, S. ELLIS. + + * * * * * + + FEBRUARY 5, 1885. + + If we can only make men feel their bodies are temples of the Holy + Spirit, which they have of God, and that they are not their own, + and that in sinning they disgrace this holy temple, it seems to me + that there would be less crime in the world. It is the divine in + their own souls they defile. There has been a tract of Unitarian + hymns published. I will send you a copy next week, hoping that some + of our beautiful hymns may cheer the poor benighted prisoners.... I + have had people say to me, "The Unitarian faith does very well to + live by daily; but when you are in trouble, or your friends die, if + you do not believe in the Trinity, what have you to comfort you?" + My reply is, "We have God, from whom Jesus received _his_ strength. + We have the faith _of_ Jesus, and not so much faith _in_ Jesus. We + can trust _God_ to help us in our hour of need; and if we have + sinned we know _He_ is ready and willing to pardon us. We know that + to live truly in this life will secure us happiness in the world to + come; and that while we are here there is time to repent and do + good, and we would not wish to feel that it was necessary for a + perfect being to die to spare us from our sins. We had rather + suffer on, if we have done the wrong, than see some one else suffer + for us." + +On receiving the news of Mr. Beach's sudden death in July, 1885, Miss +Ellis wrote to his sister: + + "... I was much shocked and very sorry to hear the news your + letter, which was received this morning, contained, but was much + obliged to you for speaking so plainly of your dear brother, for I + was much interested in him. Not only I, but _all_ of our little + Women's Auxiliary Conference, and also the ladies of the Auxiliary + Conference in Boston. He was a noble fellow, and doing much good + there in the Joliet prison. I hope to transfer my esteem and + respect for him to his family in remembrance of him. How little it + ever occurred to me, when I wrote the letter to him on the 20th, + that the dear fellow was safe in his heavenly home. I am sure he + deserved a high place with the dear ones above, in whatever faith + he died. He used to write us such good, interesting letters, both + here and to Boston. We were always glad to get them.... I never + have known to what church he and his family belong, but have + imagined the Presbyterian.... What church do you attend, and how + old was Andrew? I am old enough to be his mother, I suspect, and + looked upon him and some few other of my correspondents as 'my + boys,' as one of my converts styles himself. My hope was that + Andrew would study for the ministry some day.... I know what sorrow + is, but must say yours is one of the most trying ordeals to pass + through,--an only son, and such a noble one, to die among + strangers. My heart aches sorely for you, and I do not wonder it + seems like a 'dream' to you. We do not know and cannot tell why our + dear ones are taken. We can only trust in God's love to lighten the + burden for us after a time, and accept our present trial. The + spirit of the dear ones will help us to be kinder and more loving + to those who are left with us; and gradually a change comes over + us, and as days roll on we find our lives are very different from + what they were before,--purer and holier, and we have been drawn + nearer heaven and been with our dear one all the time. I will copy + a beautiful poem of Whittier's, 'The Angel of Patience,' at the + close of this letter. 'Our earthly loss is our heavenly gain.' ... + Bear as bravely as you can, and the good Father will send peace to + your souls as the years roll on. 'We must through much tribulation + enter the kingdom of heaven.' We shall be glad to send papers to + _you_ now. I think in the 'Register' you will find many things to + comfort you often; and from time to time I will select something + especial for you. Let me know, please, by postal, if you prefer not + to have them. Shall be very glad to hear from you any time." + +This letter led to a correspondence continued until Miss Ellis's death, +and to the sending of much literature to the family. Further extracts +from this correspondence follow:-- + + AUGUST 16, 1885. + + ... I do not wonder you miss the dear brother, and feel grieved that + you may not see him again. I do not believe the good Father in + heaven is angry if we murmur some. He cannot be so harsh as to have + us cultivate family affections and friendships on earth and not have + any loving feelings left. No! It is right to mourn, but yet "not + without hope." One of the most beautiful sermons I ever heard, and + the most comforting, was one from our pastor, Rev. C. W. Wendte, on + "The Dark Hours of Life, and what they bring us." + +Here she copies the closing passages of the sermon, and also four pages +of poems,--"The Heart Prayer," by J. N. Spriggs; "I am so Weak," Jennie +E. McCaine, both from "Unity Songs Resung;" "My Dead," by Rev. F. L. +Hosmer; and selections from "Scriptures Old and New." So little did she +spare the feeble remains of her strength in these last months. Sept. 27, +1885, she wrote:-- + + "... Not that I have so much to do, but this changeable weather has + unfitted me for work, and I have a good deal of extra work lately, + that has exercised my brain considerably and required _long_ + letters. I was put on a committee of three at the St. Louis + Conference last May, for drawing up systematic Post Office Mission + methods. Rev. Arthur Judy, of Davenport, Iowa, is the chairman. He + has planned a circular letter and a book of records. It has taken + much of my time to read the long letters and give my opinion of + them.... We have to work very differently in this region.... + However, in time we shall have more than one enlightened family in + a place. The way to overcome is to lend our papers, tracts, books, + etc., that the people may see we are Christians after all. We do + not want to convert them so much, but to make more sincere + Christians of them, and happier people in this world; and by + degrees they throw aside their old dogmas without knowing it. We do + have so many comforting books; so many good Sunday-school lessons + adapted to grown people even; devotional books, too, with + selections which fit each day; and also so many books containing a + true account of Unitarianism and of the Bible, that I feel every + one ought to read them, and own many; but of course they cannot.... + I want to lend you a little daily book I have,--'Day unto Day.' It + is in rather a dilapidated state, because I have sent it by mail to + a number of persons. I have two copies, but both birthday presents, + and I do not like to part with either. The pencil-marks in it are + mine, as they have impressed me day by day. You may retain it three + or four months if you wish." + +The sister wrote in reply:-- + + OCTOBER 27,1886. + + I wish to thank you especially for the loan of your book, "Day unto + Day." It was very kind in you, and I have found it to be a perfect + mine of beautiful gems of truth and wisdom, and "day unto day" it + can furnish comforting thought for all occasions. + + I was very much interested in your statement of your work as a + member of the committee you mentioned. Certainly, such an amount of + such elevating literature distributed so extensively must result in + much good. The literature that I receive from you we endeavor to + make the very best use of,--by first "thoroly" reading in our own + family, and then lending to those among our neighbors and friends + who will be most likely to give their attention to it. On one or + two occasions we have invited in, on Sunday afternoons, some of our + neighbors, and made them occasions for reading to them an especially + good sermon or article, hoping to awaken sufficient interest to + perhaps have frequent readings and talks. In our village there are + two churches only,--the Disciples and Presbyterian. + +The date of Miss Ellis's last letter to this correspondent shows it to +have been written less than a month before her death:-- + + November 30, 1885. + + Your letter was very welcome, and I intended replying sooner; but + for the last three weeks have been very miserable, though up, out, + and at work all the time, accomplishing little, however. We were so + glad to hear you were occasionally having Sunday readings and doing + the good you can. To-day I have mailed to you "Songs of Faith, Hope, + and Charity," and the last Church Door Pulpit "Channing," selected + by Mr. Gannett, whose father, Ezra S. Gannett, was Dr. Channing's + colleague for many years. It is an admirable compilation, and I wish + it were in small book form, for it would make a very beautiful + little Christmas gift. Even in this form I shall use it for such a + purpose. There are three books I would call your and your friends' + attention to as little gifts of value at this season; namely, "Daily + Strength for Daily Needs;" "The Thought of God in Hymns and Poems," + by Rev. F. L. Hosmer and Rev. William C. Gannett, just published; + then there is a pleasant story-book for boys or girls published last + year, "The Browns." ... All this may be quite contrary to your + feelings this year, and I presume you cannot enter into Thanksgiving + and Christmas with the real spirit of former days. But not as you + see the "golden lining" to all things can you give way to gloom. + There is always _something_ to be grateful for. How much worse + _might_ have happened to us. Then, too, we can feel thankful that we + had our treasures so long, and that they were such a pleasure to us. + Thanksgiving naturally makes us ask, "What have I to be thankful + for?" and makes us somewhat sad; but at Christmas we lay aside all + thought of self, and think of Him who was all unselfishness; and in + this thought we try to forget our sorrows in order to send gladness + thrilling through some other human soul, and thus forget our loss + for that day at least, though tears may come involuntarily. Hope the + Thanksgiving was as pleasant as it could be; that there was a + reunion of those of you who are still living, and that the spirit of + the dear one only drew you all together in stronger bonds of love. + We--father, mother, and myself--were invited to dine with my + brother----, there to meet my dear sister's husband and five + motherless children. It is the one pleasure to us to pass these + anniversaries together, and to feel all our dear ones are with us in + spirit, bidding us to be of "good cheer," for they are not dead, but + with their love for us would guide us on to better things than + _they_ ever knew or could accomplish. All is well with them now, and + they look down smilingly upon our feeblest efforts to do the right + and be cheery. + +The sister wrote, Feb. 7, 1886:-- + + "... We were very much shocked when we heard of the death of Miss + Ellis. We had known that she was an invalid, yet, judging from her + letters, we had no idea of the great weakness she must have endured + physically in writing to her correspondents up to so recent a date. + Her letters to us in our great bereavement were so full of tender + sympathy with us, and were so comforting, we feel that we have + sustained a great loss, even though we had never seen her.... It + will be a pleasure to us to forward to you any letters of Miss + Ellis either to my brother or myself that will aid you in the + publication of a book ... that will extend and perpetuate the + influence of so useful and good a life." + +Mrs. J. I. W. Thacher wrote:-- + + FEBRUARY 17, 1886. + + You will be glad to know that we have had very grateful letters from + the several stations in Kentucky to which we have sent barrels of + magazines and papers. To Eddyville and Greenwood we have sent twice; + and Dr. R----(at the latter place) still says, "Send more whenever + it is convenient;" so that we feel that the very miscellaneous + collections have been really appreciated and enjoyed. In each barrel + we sent large numbers of "Registers" and some good tracts, and then + filled in with miscellaneous magazines,--chiefly the illustrated + ones. This is hardly Post Office Mission work, but I don't doubt it + accomplishes much good, and I am always grateful to you and Miss + Ellis for suggesting it to us.... Do you continue to be in + communication with the Joliet Penitentiary, and is any one keeping + on with Mr. Beach's work for the prisoners? It is a constant help + and inspiration,--the thought of Miss Ellis's devotion to her work + and her faithfulness to the end! + +A young Englishman in Frankfort, Ky., wrote Mrs. Hunert, in answer to +her card of inquiry: + + "I do take the 'Register,' 'Unity,' and 'Unitarian;' I am almost + entirely dependent upon what I read here, as I can hear no Liberal + preaching, and meet with very few who have sympathy with Liberal + religious views. I did get the memorial of Miss Ellis, and will + prize it much, as I was better acquainted with her than any one + connected with the church at Cincinnati, and looked upon her as one + of my best friends, and a very noble lady. The day on which I + received your postal, I met the chaplain of the penitentiary here, + and he told me how much the Unitarian literature that was sent from + the East was liked by him; that it was all distributed, and enjoyed + very much by the inmates of the prison. If I had another copy or + two of Miss Ellis's memorial, I would give one to the chaplain, and + another gentleman,--about the only Unitarian I know here." + +The following correspondence is with a workingman in Northern Ohio,--a +young Englishman, whose letters tell his story. He once rose at four +o'clock to write Miss Ellis before going to his daily work. One of his +first letters to her said:-- + + MARCH 16, 1885. + + Now, that you may know in what walk of life I move, I must tell you + that I am a laborer. When working by the month, my wages never + exceeded twelve dollars a month. From such small wages I have built + up a small library of 155 volumes; have also 156 pamphlets. I take + unceasing delight in reading, and now that I have others dependent + on me, am not able to procure all the books I need. By some I have + been encouraged to prepare for the ministry. Such also is my + aspiration. It may be years before I shall become a minister, + because my preparation is not to be accomplished very quickly. Oh, + how I wish that some one from their abundance would forward me some + of the books and pamphlets they have cast aside, having no further + use for! They would be of great use to me. What are the + qualifications necessary for the Unitarian ministry? Will you please + tell me? If possible for you to do so, please send me a few more + sermons by Rev. G. A. Thayer, and I shall be greatly obliged. + +Miss Ellis forwarded this letter to Miss M. O. Rogers, Secretary of the +King's Chapel branch of the Women's Auxiliary Conference, Boston, +Mass., who had written, offering aid in her work. As a result, the +King's Chapel Women's Auxiliary Conference sent this young man many +Unitarian books of value, and the "Unitarian Review" regularly, for +which his gratitude was great. He loans and distributes all matter sent +him, and has procured many tracts from the American Unitarian +Association for distribution. A portion of Miss Ellis's reply to the +letter given above is as follows:-- + + MARCH 18,1885. + + Your letter was read with much interest, and we are glad to know our + "little society has done good work."... Don't be discouraged if you + cannot convert the world at once, but wait quietly till your time + comes to do more. You are young yet. Think I can spare a few more of + Mr. Thayer's sermons. He has only had four sermons on "Reasonable + Religion" published.... Will send you the Meadville catalogue next + week, and you can see for yourself, and afterwards write to + President A. A. Livermore, telling him I sent you the catalogue. He + can give you all further information. He was the pastor in + Cincinnati from the time I was fourteen to twenty-one, and knows us + well.... Hope to hear further from you occasionally. Work on + quietly, knowing the discipline will the better fit you for + ministerial labors. We can't jump into the highest calling on earth + in a moment, and now-a-days a man must be something of more than + ordinary ability to enter a Unitarian pulpit. It is not an easy + place to fill. + +He wrote to her, June 14, 1885:-- + + "Believe me, I am sorry to hear that you were 'too sick to more + than keep up' with your work. I know you must be busy at all times, + from the report of your work in the Conference 'Unity' you sent me. + That number of 'Unity' is very valuable to me, and will be kept for + future reference. The four sermons on 'Reasonable Religion,' by + Rev. George A. Thayer, have also been kept. I hope soon to see them + in a neat binding. They are worthy of the expense. Of the books + received from Boston, four have been read by me. Two of them were + mostly read as I walked to my work mornings. In the same manner + 'Meditations on the Essence of Christianity' was read. This book is + very beautiful, its author, Robert Laird Collier. 'Channing's + Works' and 'Genuineness of the Gospels' cannot be carried about as + readily, so they are to be read and studied on lost days, when I + cannot work. The 'Reviews' received are very valuable; I would not + part with them for anything. The 'Register' is received regularly + from Philadelphia. The last one is very interesting, containing as + it does an account of the Festival. It must have been good to be + there. To you, and all who have aided you in your generosity to me, + I return my heartfelt thanks." + +After Miss Ellis's death, he wrote, Feb. 13, 1886:-- + + "... With this I send you the whole of her correspondence to me, + hoping that you may find something that will be of use to you. I + cheerfully send you the letter and postals, knowing that my + treasures will be in safe keeping. Since Miss Ellis's death they + are doubly precious to me; I prize them very highly, because she + who wrote them proved herself to be a very dear friend to me,--a + laborer longing for more light. Whilst I live I shall never forget + how much I owe to her who labored so much in my behalf. It was the + one wish of my heart to have met Miss Ellis, and to have thanked + her for all that she had done for me; but it was to be otherwise. + When I meet her in the country of 'many mansions,' I shall have the + opportunity to do so. I believe I shall meet and know her there. + Your offer of help is very kind; my greatest drawback is lack of + books by Unitarian writers. I buy when I can, but being out of + work--that is, steady work--since last September makes it very hard + work to get a book very often. If you can help me in this way I + shall be very thankful, and if you cannot, I shall be just the + same, because I feel that you would if you could. I have much + opposition to overcome, standing alone in my belief in the truth of + Unitarianism. I have great need of more books. My preparation for + the ministry must necessarily be slow, because I can never attend + Meadville Theological College. But I am reminded that your time is + precious, and so I will close. Mrs. ----, will you at the next + meeting of the Women's Auxiliary Conference thank all the dear + friends who have done so much for me? If I ever amount to much in + life I shall owe it all to the Cincinnati branch of the Women's + Auxiliary Conference. Hoping that you will not forget me when + sending out literature, I remain, etc." + +In another letter he wrote:-- + + "My object in fitting myself for the ministry is to be able to + carry the message of Unitarianism to my brother-laborers, because I + believe it will make better men--and women too--of them.... I began + to work when I was but a little more than eleven years old, and + since that time I have been my own teacher." + +A lady in Ohio sends her "Register" regularly (the arrangement being +made through Miss Ellis) to the correspondent who wrote her this letter +of thanks:-- + + "I have long postponed the note of thanks I have meant to send you. + But when I tell you that I am a dressmaker, you will pardon me, I + am sure. This is my harvest season, and I am extremely busy. Being + one of the class of work-women who put _themselves_ into what they + do, I am exhausted at night, and forced to make Sunday a day of + rest indeed. + + "The papers do come regularly, to my great joy. I assure you that + the pleasure and spiritual strength I get from them, if you could + realize it, would compensate you for the trouble an hundred-fold. My + business, showing me so plainly the small foibles and weaknesses of + human nature, and necessarily binding one's thoughts in large + measure to 'band, gusset, and seam, seam, gusset, and band,' or + their equivalents of flounces and gores, tends to a wearisome + narrowing of the mind; a half-hour spent after work is done, with + the 'Register,' opens a window, as it were, into heaven. + + "I live alone. At times my isolation is hard to bear; but having + seen better days, as the saying goes, to me my deprivations are but + part of the discipline that God saw was needful for me. I am shut + off, by reason of serving the public, from the society of my equals + in education and breeding, and for that of my equals in station I + have no taste. _Pardonnez-moi_ these personal details; I give them + that you may know how much good you are doing. Long may you be + spared the power and the will to do such kindness to those who need. + We may never meet on earth, but I trust we shall in heaven." + +To Miss Ellis, Aug. 20, 1885, she wrote:-- + + "I receive the papers, and not only read and enjoy them, but give + and send them to others. I am surprised to find 'unconscious' + Unitarians wherever I go. I hope you may be well by this time. Do + not tire yourself to write. Others need you more than I." + +After Miss Ellis's death, she wrote acknowledging the memorial:-- + + "Many thanks. I was so glad to receive it, and prize it as one of + my treasures; also for the welcome tracts and papers. They are like + the shadow of a great rock in a weary land to me, and are given + away to others." + +A woman in a small Indiana village wrote Miss Ellis:-- + + "I understand you have Liberal literature that you send gratis to + hungry people who are not able to gratify their appetite in that + direction. It would be greatly appreciated by me, and after reading + I would put it where I thought it would do the most good." + +Later, she wrote:-- + + "I have received a paper and often something else every other week. + These I have accepted as a kind of trust; and when there has been a + favorable opportunity, given them away to friends and + acquaintances. I do not press them on any one, nor talk about it + much. I have not the courage of a reformer. When I speak to friends + (that are kind every other way) of a broader religious belief, they + meet me with coldness and distrust. It chills me, and I am silent. + Yet I believe, with Helen Williams, if any one is brought to face a + great truth, if they accept it, yet do not speak or act upon it, + there is retribution, barrenness, for them,--a plunging in the + whale's belly, as Jonah was,--a figure so many have laughed at, yet + significant for all that. I wonder now at my struggles in former + years; am happier since the tangled skein is partially + straightened. Still I am not fully in accord with the Unitarians. + Miss ---- [another correspondent in the same village] spoke to me + some time ago of your desiring us to form a reading circle. I do + not know what she said to you. I will give you the situation. I + live in a small village of about one hundred inhabitants, and Miss + ---- lives about two miles away. I cannot call to mind a woman that + would take any interest. They would go to sleep over their + knitting, or want to use the time for social chat, as they do not + meet day after day at the village store, as the men do (I speak of + winter). True, there are a few that would enjoy the reading, yet + are so severely Orthodox they could not comprehend a new truth + outside of _their_ church. That is the dark side. Now I have often + thought if we had a place of meeting, where we could seat a small + audience (which we have not), and a good reader (ditto), we could + call them together Sunday afternoons and read some of the beautiful + sermons you have sent. + + "Your work is grand,--the elevation of the human race. The ones that + _will_ read, will become better, kindlier, more patient with + ignorance; and while they yearn to give every soul a chance, will + naturally throw out a better influence and teach a broader religion. + As to your paper, not now. It is midwinter; husband, carpenter, out + of employment. Intend to take one of your publications after a + while." + +About two weeks after Miss Ellis's death she addressed this letter to +her:-- + + MY DEAR FRIEND,--I received a "Register" yesterday, directed in a + different hand. Are you sick? I hope not. I should grieve indeed if + I knew that physical pain had stopped your work. These lines come + to my mind:-- + + "Only a woman, and I could not find + The quiet household life that women know; + So too, my part where there were sheaves to bind, + Not much, perhaps, but more than I could do. + My tired feet failed me in the harvest lands, + My ripened grain but half-way reaped across; + And, where it dropped from over-wearied hands, + My best sheaf lies half bound for winds to toss." + + Instead, may you continue your work till eventide. + + Who can tell, when a mind gives up its beliefs, where it will stop? + I seem to believe nothing, unless it is in the Supreme Good, + whatever that is,--and my religion, to live the best life I know. + The Orthodox preachers say if one strays from the "path," or + "back-slides," they are always uneasy and unhappy. How different my + experience is! How glad I am to have escaped the little enclosure of + dogma, and to stand "far indeed from being wise, but free to learn"! + + Hoping this will find you in good health and spirits, I remain + + Your friend A---- C---- + +After hearing of Miss Ellis's death, she wrote: + + "Received your postal. Have also received Unitarian papers, and + Miss Ellis's memorial, which last I will store among my treasured + mementos. How beautiful her life was! Though never having seen her, + she will be treasured in my memory as a dear friend. She has sent + me almost all the pamphlets, I suppose, that have been written for + the purpose of distributing. Having a large family, they have been + read and reread, and handed to neighbors and friends. One has no + idea how many they will reach, or how much they influence; and yet + there is so much prejudice against Unitarians among Orthodox + Christians, some would take it as an insult to offer them one of + the pamphlets. In our little village the 'United Brethren' have + been holding meetings day and night for three weeks, and oh! how + they do preach hell, and pray publicly for 'that lady that is + leading her daughters down to hell,' simply because she does not + believe as they do. I have more tolerance for them than they have + for me. I think there are some people they will reach and do good, + as I presume the Rev. Sam Jones is doing in Cincinnati." + +The following letter to Miss Ellis from a poor old woman to whom she +wrote, sent papers and other aid, for several years, is given +_verbatim_, to illustrate the range of her sympathies. This letter was +also written after Miss Ellis's death:-- + + "I wish I could come and see you, but I cannot afford to go up and + down on the Trains. I have to send by someone, now Miss Ellis you + have been a sending me good Papers to read and now you must not + think I mean to beg but you sent me a New years Card it was a Rose + now I would not take anything for it I am as Foolish as Littel + Children is about Pictures the Rose I have is in my Album and if + you got any one by you to part With Will you send it to me for this + New year I feel more than thankful for the Papers you have sent + me.... Well I will close Write to me soon I am alone day and night + So goodbye from a Dear Friend to one I Love." + +A young man in a State Normal School in Indiana long corresponded with +Miss Ellis. He has been an enthusiastic distributor of our literature, +and instrumental in procuring Unitarian preaching in his city. Extracts +from his letters are here given. + + "The papers received are read by myself and others. There are few + here who know anything of what Unitarians believe." + +A second letter says:-- + + "The matter sent to me is read by several persons. I think of one + young man now who asked me to send you his name. He said he would + like to read literature made by persons who are independent of + creeds. I gave him Wendte's 'Statement' and Chadwick's 'Art of + Life.' + + "I am grateful to you for your kindness, and shall be glad to + receive what you may send. I read the sermons by Savage with + interest. They were the only ones of his I ever saw. I have given + and shall continue to give the matter sent me wider circulation. + [Mentioning a rebuff recently received, he continues:] This little + experience, while not pleasant, is valuable to me. I see that the + spirit of the Middle Ages is not entirely dead yet, and that one + better not be too hasty. My convictions are just as strong as + before." + +Another letter says:-- + + "I know something of what it costs to break away from old + associations. I was brought up in the Baptist Church. All my family + were of that faith.... My relatives all look upon me as one lost to + all true belief, because I cannot see my way clear to go with them + in the traditions of the fathers. Still, I feel that to be true to + the light I have is better than to have the sanction of those who + are simply following what their creed teaches, asking no questions. + I do not care to argue with them, and so follow that life that + gives me the greatest comfort and satisfaction." + +Feb. 11, 1886, he wrote Mrs. Hunert:-- + + "Miss Ellis was a very dear friend (although I never saw her), and + it was a great shock to learn of her decease. The first intimation + I had of her death was the article in the 'Register' headed 'A + Candle of the Lord.' Whatever literature you may send me shall be + given circulation after I have read it. I now supply some + half-dozen persons by mail with the tracts sent me. As I know the + personal peculiarities of all these parties, I can adapt the matter + to each. You will see, therefore, that I am a sort of branch + 'mission.' In addition to this, I occasionally write a short + article to a local paper in Wayne County upon subjects of + interest." + +He encloses one of these articles,--subject, "Future or Everlasting +Punishment: Which?" + + "... Mrs. Smith wrote to me in regard to Miss Ellis's letters. I am + very sorry not to have any of them. During the last three years I + have moved so frequently, being sometimes in this State and + sometimes in W. Virginia, that they were lost, and I am unable to + find them. Some of them I carried for a long time in my pocket + until they became so worn as to be scarcely recognizable. The form + of them has vanished, but the kindness and sympathy they breathed + is with me still. The spirit of that sainted woman cannot wax old. + I humbly trust that I may be imbued with something of the calm and + trust and purity which her letters always suggested. There was, + too, an enthusiasm which was untiring, and withal a modesty that + never was absent from her utterances. There was ever the absence of + anything like dictation in her advice. It was the gentle monition + of a friend, never the pompous dictation of conscious superiority. + Rev. J. T. Sunderland, of Chicago, is to preach in our city March + 21. I have never heard him, and am looking to his coming with + expectation." + +A young woman who is working out a Homestead and Timber Claim in +Nebraska, and has been for several years supplied with much reading +matter by Miss Ellis, which she has circulated so zealously as to have +become one of the "branch missions," writes:-- + + "When I was about seventeen years old I joined the Baptist Church + in Newport, Ky. (where at the time I was residing, and teaching in + the public school in that city); and I was sincere in what I did, + only I had so many doubts about many things that they taught, and + hesitated from the beginning of the revival until the close before + I could decide. Then my decision was made on this, that there were + older persons belonging to the church that said they believed the + teachings and doctrine, and I thought when I grew older and had + more experience that I would understand, and I had a delicate fear + to converse with the older members about my doubts for fear of + their opinions of me; so I quietly stayed with them for a number of + years, when an old friend, a good woman, now gone from among us, + induced me to attend your church, Mr. Wendte then being the pastor. + The subject he was to speak about was 'the Christ we know.' I + remember my thoughts then were about these,--'Christ they know? I + don't believe they know any,' and thought I should like to hear + what he would say, any way. I well remember that sermon; not one + sentence he uttered jarred me in the least; and, strange to say, + they were my own thoughts on the subject; but I dared not, even if + I could, have expressed myself. I thought over that sermon the + whole week every spare moment I had, and even took some that did + not justly belong to me. I shall never forget that week. The next + Sunday his text was, 'the God we love.' For all I enjoyed the + previous sermon, I still thought, 'They love God? Impossible!' and + as my friends invited me to go over with them again, I accepted the + invitation. I never had God represented to me before as now,--more + like a kind father than an austere judge; yes, kind, compassionate, + and loving us all alike, condemning only our evil actions. This + suited me exactly; so another week was spent in thought. I would + think, 'How can I conscientiously be a Baptist and believe this + way?' Yet how I disliked leaving the church where many things were + endeared to me. It seemed as if I was in a sea of trouble and + doubt, not knowing whether to go on or halt and turn back. The next + Sunday the subject was, 'the Bible we revere.' I was more than + anxious to hear this one, for it seemed to me that on this I would + have to decide. I went, and decided. I broke off gradually from my + old associations, and attended the services in the Unitarian church + from that time until I came West. I never joined the church, but it + suited my views best of all churches, and to-day I cannot go in any + of the Orthodox churches and feel at home. Now as regards this + mission work that you wish me to engage in, I could devote half an + hour each day, and am willing to do all I can for the advancement + of the cause. My health became very poor, and I went West thinking + it would be beneficial. I must say I succeeded, for I am not + compelled to stay now for my health, but business keeps me here.... + My homestead is three miles from the town, and I go out quite often + and stay over Sunday. My house is a very small dug-out. I raised + about ten bushels of potatoes, some beans, and a few squashes; have + done work I never thought of doing,--that is, planting vegetables, + made my own bedstead, put a floor in the house, and lined it with + sacking. Some of my lady friends assisted me when they came to see + me, and gave me ideas about my new kind of work. Now last, but not + least, in regard to Miss Ellis. I wrote to her directly after + coming West, and told her I felt isolated from church attendance, + but was pleased to find so many people with whom I could converse + on Liberal thought. Since that time she had kindly furnished me + with reading matter which I have again sent on its errand of peace + and joy. I looked over a bundle of letters and can only find this + postal card from her.... This card I send you is one she sent me in + reference to Mr. Copeland. I wrote her for his address, which she + gave me, and I requested him to come to our town and speak to the + people here. He kindly consented to come, and spoke on 'Into the + Light.' The majority of the people that heard him were well + pleased, and he promised me that whenever he passed our town on his + way to or from Denver he would stop over and speak. Would like to + have the card returned, as I want it for a remembrance." + +In her first letter written after Miss Ellis's death she said:-- + + "Imagine how I felt when I came to your letter, and read the sad + news of Miss Ellis's death. I feared the worst when I did not hear + from her, for a friend had written me of her decline; but Miss + Ellis herself never referred to her illness but once to me. She + certainly must have been a patient and uncomplaining invalid, and + I, with many others no doubt, feel as if I had lost a dear friend, + and would be pleased to receive one of the memorials as a + keepsake.... I can assure you that I do all I can towards building + up a religion that all could conscientiously embrace. ... All the + reading matter sent to me I distribute to the best of my ability, + and hope that as it goes on its mission good seed will be sown. + There are numbers of Liberal people here who do not belong to any + church; and then I find a number of Liberals belonging to Orthodox + churches. I will subscribe for Mr. Savage's sermons, for I like his + sermons best of all." + +Miss Ellis numbered several physicians among her correspondents. One +living in Alabama writes:-- + + "Your Conference speaks truly when it says, 'Many of Miss Ellis's + correspondents had come to regard her as a dear friend, though + never having seen her face.' I feel that I too may have the + privilege and the honor of being enrolled among the number of her + unseen friends. I hope some of the good seed she sowed has fallen + in good ground, even at this distance from the kind hand that + scattered them, and that their fruit may not + + 'Appear in weeds that mar the land, + But in a healthful store.' + + I am a regular subscriber to the 'Christian Register' and the + 'Unitarian,' all through the influence of Miss Ellis." + +A man on a remote plantation in Georgia, who has been most zealous in +spreading the new light around him, writes:-- + + "Please accept thanks for papers and memorial of Miss Sallie Ellis. + She has been a good and a kind friend to me, has supplied me for + over two years with the best of literature, something new, so + different from what we are used to, something that lifts me above + myself and gives me new views of heaven and immortality, makes me a + better man to wife, family, neighbors, stock, and fills my heart + with that new love, the divine brotherhood of all mankind. I deeply + lament her loss. I do wish she could have lived a little while + longer, for my sake. I do feel so thankful for the papers, and + Channing, from Mrs. ----, God bless her!... Any books or papers + sent me will be used to the good of the community. The Post Office + Mission is doing a good work." + +A young German in Tennessee to whom she sent much reading matter wrote +her:-- + + "I am a German by birth, and received my education at German + universities. I devoted many years to the study of the chief + philosophical systems, and had in consequence of the results + derived from the latter for a long time little or no connection + with any church whatever. But during the last four or five years I + became more and more convinced that no school of thought possesses + so glorious a light as is emanating from the life and lessons of + Jesus Christ. So when I became acquainted with Channing's Works, + seeing that it is possible to reconcile with every scientific + discovery and with every logical conclusion all that is special in + Christianity, I knew I had found what I want and wherein to rest. + From my own standpoint, and remembering the religious + indifferentism which is now general in my native country and in + France, I regard Unitarianism as the principle which is to save the + Christian Church from ruin, and which will be an indestructible + bulwark against Nihilism and materialism. I still believe there is + a great future before the Unitarian Church." + +From a lady in Alabama to Miss Ellis:-- + + DEAR FRIEND,--For such you have been to me, and it is to you I am + indebted for the papers, tracts, and sermons that I have received + and enjoyed so much. I have derived genuine comfort from them, and + sincerely thank you for thinking of one so unhappy and so tossed + about for a haven of rest. Truly yours is a heavenly mission, + answering the needs of many like myself afflicted beyond human aid. + The sermons of James Freeman Clarke are peculiarly comforting; and + indeed I have read all you sent me with the deepest interest and + benefit. How I wish I might in some way recompense your Society as + it deserves! And you individually have my deepest gratitude, which + is so little for such thoughtfulness as yours. + +A second letter says:-- + + "Your papers, sermons, etc., are regularly received, and I wish I + could make you understand the great comfort they are to me, + particularly the sermons. Anything pertaining to the future life + holds me spell-bound till the last word is read. The Unitarian + ideas and beliefs, so far as I know, find echo in my heart; and I + always feel comforted and soothed, as it were, with all I have read + and understood. I attend the Presbyterian Church here, because I + think it is better to attend some church regularly; and I am very + fond of this minister socially. There has been for ten days or more + an evangelist holding a union meeting in our church, and a night or + two ago I went to hear him. The only feeling excited in my heart + was one of pity that all persons could not be taught the love of + God instead of being frightened into a nervous fear. I assure you, + I feel it a privilege to correspond with you, and find myself + wishing in my heart that you knew me thoroughly, what I have been, + and what I am by nature, education, and social standing. I feel + that we women of the South are to be seen at home and known to be + understood by our Northern sisters." + +The following are some of Miss Ellis's letters to a radical of the +radicals, an old gentleman in Boston, one of Theodore Parker's old +congregation, who sent much literature out under her direction, and +contributed Theodore Parker's "Prayers," and his new volume of sermons, +to her loan library. + + JULY 2, 1883. + + Your letter was received on Thursday, and, contrary to your + expectation, was read with a great deal of interest, for I always + admire to have every one speak with perfect freedom, and I am very + glad you wrote as you did, and feel honored by having so old a man + for a correspondent.... You and I won't quarrel on the Bible + question. Rather think I should come up to your expectations on + _that_ point.... I do not consider Mr. C---- or Mr. S---- authority + any more than I consider the Bible so; I read for myself and settle + the question as best I can. Am I not right? I have not read Colenso + on the Pentateuch, nor Davidson's "Introduction to the New + Testament," but _have_ read "Canon of the Bible," Knappert's + "Religion of Israel," Stanley's "Eastern Church," Higginson's + "Spirit of the Bible," Dr. Noyes's Translation of Prophets, + Psalms, Job, and Canticles, and lastly, "Bible for Learners." I + merely mention these to let you see I have been a student of the + Bible. Will also add Alger's "Future Life," J. F. Clarke's "Ten + Great Religions" and "Thomas Didymus," Savage's "Talks about + Jesus," and his sermons this winter on the Bible.... I think of + heaven and hell as you do; but having always been fed on Unitarian + teachings, am not so "bitter" in my feelings as those who have had + the "Assembly's Shorter Catechism" to overcome. In short, if people + only _live_ truly from day to day, I will excuse their view of the + Bible, and of God, and Christ, as long as they do not wish me to + think the same as they do, for I decidedly think they are wrong.... + I shall be very much pleased to have a copy of Theodore Parker's + "Prayers," and shall gladly accept a copy for my circulating + library; for, but with the exception of a few donations, the books + loaned have been those I put in it. + +After receiving the book, she wrote:-- + + "First, I must tell you how much I am enjoying Theodore Parker's + 'Prayers.' They are suitable in most instances to the present day, + and for all ages and times, and one rises from reading them with + kindlier, broader thoughts, and renewed in strength. Am very glad + to have the book. Shall endeavor to sell copies of it this + winter.... I cannot _exactly_ agree with all you said in your + letter, for I think it is not necessary yet to give up all + theology, though it should not be the main thing in religion. The + chief thing is to _do_ right, and people arrive at that by + different methods. They will inquire and discuss theology, and + therefore it is necessary as yet that ministers should preach it, + and I do not believe that Orthodox ministers have arrived at Mr. + Savage's or Mr. Chadwick's views exactly, or they would come out + and say so. As for myself, I still enjoy the Communion service, + partaking of the bread and wine, and cannot agree to casting aside + Jesus as a helper to a better life, though I neither worship him + nor think that he redeems us in any other way than as by following + his example we become one with him and God. He 'died for us' in no + other sense than as a soldier dies for his country. Then let + theology continue, for the world is fast becoming better and better + in spite of it, and the time _may_ come when we shall need it no + longer. We are gradually coming to the point. I do not regret the + time 'lost' I have spent on theology, for it has fitted me for just + the work I am engaged in, and many are the questions I am called + upon to answer, either by letter or printed matter; therefore I am + glad to know where to send perplexed minds. As a friend wrote me + from the South, 'Your papers are a great help to me. You are doing + more good than the women did in the days of our Saviour. They + clothed the body and you are feeding the souls.' Both acts are + needed, but in different directions, and some people can better do + the one, and others the other. I am cut off from active benevolence + from want of health for it, and am glad to know there are souls + needing nourishment. Do you not take this view too?" + + * * * * * + + DECEMBER 20, 1883. + + Your kind letter awaited my return from the city last evening, when + I returned at ten. It grieved me to think that possibly I had + wounded your feelings, for your "heresies" have not been "too + tough" for me, as you fear. One's religious belief never troubles + me as long as they do not force me into the same belief. Should be + sorry if I had not "charity" enough to see the good in one, and not + look at the outside merely. Your last letter reached me September + 28, and I replied by postal October 19, as there did not appear to + be anything especial to require a letter; and as my eyes were + troubling me much at the time, I was compelled to desist from all + but necessary letters. Am still as much interested in the good + cause as ever, and we still have new applications constantly. We + are gaining ground in the South. One gentleman in Alabama is much + interested in Unitarianism, and wrote, asking me for Mr. Savage's + address, whereupon he wrote to Mr. Savage himself, who is sending + him "Unity Pulpit" present series. I am subscriber to it myself, + and never can keep a sermon. I subscribed for the benefit of + others. In Independence, Ky., a gentleman lately wrote, asking for + Unitarian papers, etc. He is highly satisfied. Has been groping in + the dark a long time, and wrote me, "When I read the pamphlet, + 'What Do Unitarians Believe?' by C. W. Wendte, I shouted 'Eureka!' + Like it so well that I shall not part with it." So it goes on all + the time. Some one finds just what they have been in search of for + some time. + + * * * * * + + FEBRUARY 19, 1885. + + Am much obliged to you for sending matter to Mr. ----. He is + extremely radical, a farmer, with a large family to educate, and + cannot get such religious matter as he needs. You might, if you + choose, send the Chadwick sermons to him too, or, if you prefer + they should go elsewhere, address them to me, and I will send them + where they are needed. + +Her last postal card to this correspondent, dated about a month before +her death, says: + + "Thanks for the six 'Unity Pulpits' received. I have been too busy + to reply before, and my health still feeble, though not confined to + the house or bed at all. I'm not one of that kind until necessary." + +Since her death, the farmer referred to above has written:-- + + "I want to pay my humble tribute to the departed Miss Ellis. I + never met her; but she was my friend, because she was the friend to + all struggling humanity. She sent me sermons, etc., but above all, + _kind words_. I had pictured her in my mind as a strong, robust + person, and hoped at some future time to meet her. I now fear that + I may have wounded her refined soul by some things I wrote to her. + I am somewhat 'agnostic;' but I love to think of heaven if such as + Miss Ellis preside there and give tone to the surroundings." + +The old gentleman in Boston wrote:-- + + "With this please receive eight letters and seventeen full postals + from our dear departed friend, Miss Sarah Ellis, of your city, + whose face I never saw, but whose correspondence was to me a great + pleasure. Her personal friendship must have been a real blessing to + you and her immediate friends. She was able to be a very active + worker for the cause which lay so near her heart, and was at the + same time so perfectly willing to let others believe what they can. + I will send all I have of hers and let you select what you desire. + There is not even a postal card among them on which there is not + some small or large trace of her noble, generous, kindly nature." + +A young man in Ohio, writing Miss Ellis about some revival scenes in his +town, makes this comment, which is good and true enough to settle the +"leaven" idea once for all. + + "If you had seen all this as I have, you would hardly think it time + for a civilized organization like the Unitarians to cease fighting + the great evil and wait for the leaven to work. + + "_The Unitarians are themselves a portion of the leaven, and unless + they work there is so much of the leaven idle._" + +A Christian minister with whom Miss Ellis has corresponded two years or +more, and who expects to enter Harvard Divinity School, in sending her +letters writes:-- + + "... I send such as I can get at, preferring to let you make any + suitable selections or extracts they may offer. I shall be pleased + to have them returned, as you mention, when you have used them. I + may add that my correspondence with Miss Ellis on all matters + connected with religion, Unitarianism, etc., was in all respects + most pleasant, satisfactory, and profitable to me. The careful + skill with which she divined the exact want of a correspondent and + sent the appropriate word by tract or letter to supply it, bespoke + a wisdom and experience deeper than casual letters may reveal. And + continued correspondence served thus to inspire a greater esteem + and confidence in the judgment expressed." + +The following extracts are from her letters to this minister:-- + + NOVEMBER 12, 1883. + + Your letter was received a week since, and read with interest. What + you said of our teachings, of course, was light and just. We do not + expect ministers of other denominations to accept our views + altogether, for if so they would _be_ Unitarians. Your view + concerning studying the Bible agrees with mine. Still, it is well + to know the latest view of the Bible, although we cannot accept the + teaching at first. In time the way is made clear to us. Have + mailed to you to-day two more good tracts and our church programme + for this year. After Wednesday will mail to you "Positive Aspects + of Religion," by English leaders. We will agree to let you have any + book at just what it costs us, you paying postage on it.... + Theodore Parker's "Discourses Pertaining to Religion" is a good + book for you to read,--usual price, $1.00. But first, "Orthodoxy; + Its Truths and Errors," J. F. Clarke; and a new book just out, + "Orthodoxy and Heresy." ... "Bible for Learners" is by three German + divines, translated by an Englishman, and gives the latest German + views concerning the Bible. + + * * * * * + + DECEMBER 23, 1883. + + ... At the time your letter reached me we were holding our annual + fair, and since then I have been much occupied with preparing for + Christmas. To-day am home-bound by the snow,--it being knee-deep + between our front door and the gate, and as I have to walk half a + mile to take the street cars to the city, and as it is raining on + top of the deep snow, concluded it was really too bad for me to + venture. Have read myself out, and being very much occupied during + the week, will take advantage of the holy-day to speak on a holy + topic. You suggested that we send "papers representing Unitarian + ideas rather than tracts;" but papers do not contain our doctrines + so explicitly. Since your last letter, have mailed to you two + tracts on "Inspiration" and "Incarnation" which I thought well + answered the thoughts expressed in your letter. + + You will see from them that Unitarians are little troubled about + Inspiration and the Divinity, or the Deity of Christ as we prefer + to state it. We do believe in his divinity, for we hold that all + men are divine, while we deny his being Deity. We lay greater + stress on the divinity of human nature, and therefore we do not + feel that Jesus is degraded by calling him man, for we exalt man. + If we considered man totally depraved, then to call Jesus a mere + man might seem to lower him; but when we think of the possibilities + of man, and that he has it within himself to reach up to the + highest manhood, and to become in a measure a saviour of the world, + then to compare him with Jesus--the most glorious of men--is not + lessening the divinity of the Christ, it seems to me. Or, if we + held Jesus to be God, a being different from man, and so far + superior to us that we never could attain to his goodness, then we + never could compare the two. Jesus is an example to us because we + also are divine as he is; for he prays "that they all may be one, + as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in + us." If man had not been of the same nature as himself, would he + have thus spoken? I advise you to send to the Western Unitarian + Sunday School Society for Rev. William C. Gannett's Sunday School + Lesson, "The Christmas Poem and the Christmas Fact," if you wish to + understand how Unitarians of the present day understand Christ. + Though you may not accept, you will have our idea of the birth + legends in our Gospels. + + * * * * * + + DECEMBER 24, 1884. + + My reply to your letter, by postal, was written before talking with + ----. She tells me that Harvard will be decidedly the better place + if not too expensive. Meadville has the advantage in that + respect,--less expensive; but being near Boston, Cambridge offers + better opportunities for students to engage in work by which they + can support themselves in the mean time. A correspondent of ours + went to Harvard a year ago last September. Had a scholarship + promised him. He found a set of books to keep, and studied.... I + tell you of this case, as it may help you in your decision. + Meadville is very thorough, but think the younger men all give + preference to Harvard; I presume as much as anything on account of + the opportunities which being near Boston affords them. I have + written to Professor C. C. Everett of Harvard to please send you a + catalogue and answer your inquiries. We shall be very glad if our + little Cincinnati branch of the Women's Auxiliary Conference is the + means of securing them another Divinity student. With many good + wishes of the season from the Women's Auxiliary Conference, + + Very truly yours, S. ELLIS. + + * * * * * + + JANUARY 14, 1885. + + Have been obliged to change my residence, and, temporarily, am with + another brother. Just came here to-day, and, not having my things + about me, have not your last letter to refer to, but having + received a letter from our Harvard Divinity Student this past week, + wish to tell you what he says of his surroundings, and his + impression of Professor Everett. He writes as follows: "I enjoy the + work of the Divinity School more than I had ever hoped. We have a + noble corps of professors eminently fitted for their special + departments, and personally most eminent examples of Nature's + noblemen. In the light of what I am now learning, I consider my + former ignorance phenomenal. Thanks to Professor Everett, my faith + in God is clearer and stronger than ever before. He has enabled me + to reduce my chaotic philosophy to something of a system, and has + helped to furnish a steadfast basis for faith. His lectures are + simply invaluable. To my mind he is not only the greatest man in + the Divinity School, but the greatest man in Harvard University; + and not only the profoundest thinker in the Unitarian Church in our + country, but the profoundest thinker to be found in any American + church." ... I feel that this will be of interest to you, who are + contemplating going to the Divinity School. There is another thing + I wish to speak of; that is, we have quite a valuable book, "The + Origin of the Doctrine of the Trinity," by Hugh H. Stannus, of + England, showing how much greater cause there is for believing in + the Unity of God than in the Trinity. You can have the book any + time you wish, though I have just mailed it to a lady in this + State. By the way, the daughter of James F. Clarke, with others, + has planned a course of "Unitarian Studies at Home." The first + year's course includes: 1. "The Unitarian Doctrine of Prayer," by + J. F. Clarke; 2. "The Origin of the Doctrine of the Trinity," by + Stannus; 3. "Jesus and His Biographers," by Dr. W. H. Furness; 4. + "Christ the Revealer," by Thom; 5. "Religious Duties," by Frances + Power Cobbe. We have first, second, and fourth,--at least, are to + have the latter. "Jesus and His Biographers" is out of print; but + we are to have that loaned to us for two months, as three ladies + here, with myself, are pursuing the course, and I have also induced + a lady in this county to join us. We have received quite a number + of encouraging letters from our correspondents lately, and have + every reason to believe the Post Office Mission work is doing good. + I mailed to you this week some arguments against the Trinity. Rev. + C. W. Wendte's sermon, "Encouragement for Unitarians," in + "Register," January 8, I read with much interest. We have such an + interesting young convert, a Methodist, in Canada. His intention is + to study for the Unitarian ministry, we having brought him out into + the light. I thought with how much interest he would read that + sermon of Mr. Wendte's. + + * * * * * + + APRIL 19, 1885. + + Was glad to hear from you again, and find you are in a larger + field. [He had gone to a Pennsylvania city.] Perhaps you may draw + into your church--take it for granted you have gone there to + preach--Universalists and Unitarians.... We shall be glad to loan + you books again as soon as you are ready for them. Have had added + to the library lately "The Origin of the Doctrine of the Trinity," + by Hugh H. Stannus; "Christ the Revealer," by Thom (both English + works), "The Power of the Spirit of Jesus of Nazareth" and "The + Story of the Resurrection," both by Dr. W. H. Furness, of + Philadelphia,--the latter just published, and he presented the two + to us. Am not quite ready to loan the latter, as I've not read it + myself. If you know or meet with any Germans in your vicinity, we + are soon to have some Unitarian tracts in the German language.... + Hope you read with enthusiasm the earnest appeal for ministers at + the East, and also at Meadville, in the "Register" of April 9. We + hope to have two of our correspondents go to Meadville in + September, and hope you may succeed in your desire to get to + Harvard. We had a very pleasant letter from one of our "boys," as + he styled himself, a week since. He is still enjoying his + privileges there.... Hoping to hear from you again, and wishing you + success in your new position, whatever it may be, in which the + Women's Auxiliary Conference join, + + Yours truly, SARAH ELLIS. + +A gentleman in Mississippi, superintendent of schools in his county, +writes of Miss Ellis as + + "... One whose memorial I read with a saddened heart. A single + request to her consequent upon an advertisement which I saw in a + paper commenced a correspondence which continued uninterruptedly + till the time of her death. Though just from the side of a dear + sister whom she had left destined to a glorious immortality, she + found time to write to us a letter of condolence on the great loss + that we had sustained in the death of our son,--a young man just of + age,--in which she blended submission to Him 'who doeth all things + right,' with such words of comfort as could emanate only from a + good, earnest, self-sacrificing instrument of our Heavenly Father. + Than in her life of trials and troubles there has never been a + greater instance of the victory of mind over matter. I am afraid + that I do little good with the sermons, etc., among the people + here, who, although they use the beautiful hymn, 'Nearer, my God, + to Thee,' at their funerals, still look upon Unitarians as cultured + heathens." + +A lady in Ohio, who became a regular correspondent and bought many +books, wrote Miss Ellis:-- + + "The lectures and papers you have sent have been, and are, the + source of much pleasure to me; and I have given them to some of my + friends, who also seemed pleased with them. I had thought for a + long time that the Unitarian faith would be my idea of true + religion, and now I feel _sure_ of it. I knew nothing about its + creed, or whether it had one, but had had a desire for several + years to know something of it. All my friends and acquaintances + were as ignorant as myself, and the most definite idea I had been + able to gain concerning it was through James Freeman Clarke's + 'Self-Culture.' When I found your little notice in the newspaper, + it was just what I most desired. I have always wished to be + religious; but there are things in the Bible which my reason + repels, and the Orthodox way of teaching them became at last so + abhorrent to me that at one time I just gave it all up and ceased + to try to believe any of it; though I am sure I always felt the + beauty of Christianity as taught by Christ, and would be glad now + to be a Christian, if not compelled to believe him the miraculous + Son of God.... We like the 'Register' better and better all the + time, and I have no doubt shall subscribe for it regularly. I + consider it exceedingly high-toned as a moral and religious + teacher, and also in a literary point of view. The sermons and + lectures supply for us a long-felt need. I intend sending a list of + names of friends and acquaintances to the publishers soon. My + sister-in-law has become a convert to the Unitarian faith through + the medium of the 'Register' and the tracts you have sent me from + time to time. She is quite an enthusiast, and feels that + Unitarianism is a great boon and comfort to her now in the midst of + her troubles. [The sister had recently lost her husband.] She, like + myself, could not conscientiously subscribe to the old Orthodox + creeds and requirements, and so remained outside the Church; but + now she feels that she may be a Christian without stultifying her + sense of reason. When she returns home, she expects to subscribe + for the 'Register.'" + +After Miss Ellis's death she wrote:-- + + "I received the memorial of Miss Ellis. I thank you sincerely for + sending it. It is very touching and beautiful, and delineates just + such a character as I conceived hers to be. I had received the sad + intelligence of her death through the 'Christian Register' before + the memorial reached me, and it was like the shock of learning of + the death of a personal friend. I have great reason to be grateful + to her and to cherish her memory; for through her I have been led + to embrace and to love the broad and charitable Unitarian belief. + My reason had struggled for years against the great--to + me--stumbling-blocks of Orthodoxy, and had finally abandoned the + conflict and settled down into a kind of unthinking unbelief, + feeling that it was no use to try to subscribe to any Orthodox + creed, and not knowing where to look for any more hopeful, helpful, + or reasonable spiritual aid. About four years ago, I think it was, + I saw the notice in the paper which is referred to in the memorial, + and Then ensued a very pleasant correspondence ... wrote Miss Ellis + asking for Unitarian papers, etc. much like that with a dear + familiar friend, and she grew to be like one to me, or rather was + that almost from the first. She put so much of her real self into + her letters that they were like a living presence. So full she was + of true Christian love and feeling, so ever ready to forget her + own sorrows and sufferings in her sympathy with the sorrows of + others, that thus unconsciously truth and love and + self-forgetfulness were stamped upon every line that came from her + mind and hand. Truly she was 'A Little Pilgrim,' bearing good + tidings to the fainting and weary, and lifting them up with her own + heavenly strength. Sacred be her memory! Through her I became a + subscriber to the 'Christian Register,' which is to me a standard + of excellence in a religious, moral, and intellectual point of + view. I do not want to be sectarian, as that is not my ideal of a + good Unitarian,--I mean in an 'offensive' light; but it really + seems to me that even Unitarian wit and fun have a refinement and + exquisite touch of humor which cannot be equalled among Orthodox + publications. The 'Register,' however, is the only Unitarian paper + that I am well acquainted with. A widowed sister-in-law who is with + me also became a Unitarian through Miss Ellis. She is a subscriber + to 'The Unitarian.' We also have Channing's Works and the 'Oriental + Christ,' which I bought through Miss Ellis, and some of Freeman + Clarke's books; so that we have the companionship of much of the + best Unitarian thought, although we are denied the privilege of a + personal ministry." + +From Springfield, Ohio:-- + + "I have been greatly benefited by the papers, sermons, etc., you + have so kindly sent me. Hope to have them continued. Will try to + have some Unitarian volumes put in our public library. After + reading the papers I loan them out to others. Some sermons thus + pass into six or eight homes. They set people to thinking. I thank + you, and your good Society, for the broad Christian education you + are giving me. Will do all I can as your missionary here." + +Rev. Samuel May, Leicester, Mass., having offered to send his "Register" +to some one, Miss Ellis arranged that it should go to the writer of the +above, who acknowledged it as follows:-- + + "Your postal received. I am very grateful for this kindness, and, + as I read the 'Register' this morning, I resolved to use it for + others also.... Can't your Association give the ball a push at this + place?" + +The following extract is from the first letter of a new correspondent, +dated Dec. 8, 1885. To him was begun the last postal card, which she was +unable to finish. She was so eager about it, dictating faster than one +could write. "Tell him I think he will like us when he knows us better," +she said. + + "Your postal came all right, also copies of several tracts, and + specimens of 'Register' and 'Unity.' They are mainly in lines of + thought which I have been working on for some years. I am at one + with the authors in main points, but not prepared to accept all of + the so-called advanced or radical expressions. My own experience, + observation, and reflection seem to show that they have swung too + far from Orthodoxy, and the truth lies between; but I am not fit to + decide yet. From the pamphlet of selections of Channing's writings, + with which I am particularly pleased, I have derived some ideas + which inspire me for a greater activity, and I hope a more + effective activity, in my work of teaching.... I have a friend who + also feels dissatisfied with current Orthodoxy. If you see fit, I + wish you to send him some of those tracts. I wish to use my copies + here, or I would send them." + +The estimation in which Miss Ellis was held by some of her +fellow-workers appears in the following extracts from letters and +papers. + +At the conclusion of a letter, a part of which is given elsewhere, Rev. +A. A. Livermore, President of Meadville Theological School, says:-- + + "But though disinterested and devoted to family interests and + helpful to the growing households of her brothers and sisters, the + crowning interest that came to absorb and inspire her advanced + Christian life was the propagation of her own Unitarian faith, + early learned, later disciplined, and mellowed and sanctified by + trial and years. What had been a stay and staff to her own mind and + heart she was anxious to communicate to others. Hence she sought + the instrumentalities of the pen and press, and the Post Office + Mission sprang into being,--the invention of a Christian woman's + heart, bent on doing good spiritually. The zeal, fidelity, + sympathy, and adaptation with which she developed and pursued this + work have been told elsewhere. It is another lesson to teach us + that ever new means will arise, as time and opportunity serve, for + the faithful in heart and life to hasten the coming of the Master's + kingdom of righteousness and love. Miss Ellis infused a sweetness + and sympathy all her own into her mission. To her it was no task, + but a delight, as her letters show,--her meat and drink to help + struggling souls to light and Christian faith. Peace to her + beautiful and saintly memory!" + + * * * * * + + (From Rev. S. J. Barrows, editor "Christian Register.") + + A CANDLE OF THE LORD. + + It was a feeble socket that held it. It was a constant surprise + that so small a candle could give forth so much light. But its + special mission was not so much to illumine the world with its own + light as it was to ignite other minds and hearts from its own + flame. "Behold how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!" says + the apostle. Nothing is small, it has been said, which is great in + its consequences. It does not need a stroke of lightning from + heaven to raze Chicago to the ground: a little lamp-flame near a + pile of hay is sufficient. We forget sometimes the power of a + single humble life to extend and duplicate its influence. We have + never learned yet how far the little candle can throw its beams, + when its waves of light and heat come in contact with minds and + hearts that are prepared for the illumination it may give. The wire + and the battery have not entirely superseded the torch-bearer. The + lamps in the house may have been filled, the gas may be ready to + turn on; what is needed is for some one to go about with match or + torch or candle, and tip the burner with its flame. + + So, as we have said, it was the mission of this candle of the Lord + to ignite other minds and hearts. She had discovered that the vast + system of intercommunication established by the post-office might + be used for moral as well as for commercial means. In connection + with a faithful co-worker, she devoted herself to the dissemination + of kindling literature. Set like a luminous panel amid a great wall + of advertisements was a brief notice, in some of the large Western + dailies, that those who wished Liberal religious literature might + have it for the asking, and by sending to the Cincinnati Post + Office Mission. In the columns of this paper, from time to time, we + have shown what a wide-spread influence these little notices had. + They opened avenues of communication to many hungry souls. The + confidence of many in doubt and perplexity was secured. The lady + who was called to this special work had a keen intuition as to what + was needed in each special case. It was not only that she sent the + right tracts and the right books, and thus set up guide-posts for + groping men and women; not less prized by many of her + correspondents was the simple, earnest faith and cordial sympathy + which she expressed in her own letters. Many are grateful to her + for pointing out the way and giving the right impulse at the right + time. Prevented by deafness from taking an active part in social + intercourse, she yet found an opportunity to unstop the deaf ears + of others and to open their blind eyes. In this Post Office Mission + work was a channel for her faithful and consecrated endeavors. + + We cannot estimate the radiating influence of such a life. Its + quickening flame has gone from heart to heart, and it is destined + to go still further. Her devoted example has given an impulse to + many other women in the Unitarian body, who are sowing in the same + field the seed for an abundant harvest. It is now seen that this + diffusion of our literature is one of the mightiest means for + propagating our faith. If such a devoted woman, working + independently, could accomplish so much, how much more might be + effected by thorough organizations and wide co-operation for the + same purpose! + + Her best monument will be the prosecution and extension of the work + to which she gave her life. It was but a pair of lines in the + "Deaths" of the last week's "Register" which told that the candle + had gone out, but its flame is still propagated in the lives it has + served to kindle. The great work of her life was done far beyond + the circle of her immediate influence; and there are many who have + never seen her in the flesh, who will still feel that the name of + Sarah Ellis represents an abiding spiritual reality. + + * * * * * + + (From Rev. George A. Thayer in "Unity," Jan. 23, 1886.) + + SARAH ELLIS. + + Sarah Ellis, the faithful organizer of the Cincinnati Post Office + Mission, and the pioneer in that admirable form of the ministry of + Unitarian doctrine through the writing of letters and the + circulation of religious literature, "went up higher" from her + sick-bed, on Sunday evening, December 27. There are many, East and + West, to whom her wise guidance in spiritual perplexities has been + as a strong hand lifting them from confusion and doubt concerning + all religion, into tranquil joy, who will read that she is dead, + with the shock which comes with an unforewarned calamity. For + almost up to her last hour she was carrying on her correspondence + with the wide circle of men and women to whom she periodically sent + glad tidings of a reasonable faith, and never giving intimation to + the most regular of these correspondents that she was any less + vigorous of health than usual. For many months her friends had seen + the end approaching, and very likely she herself had understood + that "the task was great, the day short, and it was not incumbent + upon her to complete the work." But her inexorable conscience, + blended with her delight in having found at last, within this + recent five years, a work needing to be done, and calling into use + her store of admirable wisdom for such business, kept her at her + duty until the body ceased to obey the will. + + Only the people who knew Miss Ellis well could understand her rare + fitness for her office, through long and ripe study of Unitarian + religious literature, and through her genius for apprehending at + once what special reading and counsel her various applicants for + light upon their darkened ways of the spirit needed to + receive,--only those to whom she spoke the word in season, or those + nearer home to whom she was a quiet exemplar in holy things, can + appreciate the quality of virtue enclosed in that fragile and + infirm body, which shines on earth only "in minds made better by + its presence," but shines with renewed honor elsewhere in the house + of many mansions. + + * * * * * + + It was not my good fortune to know Miss Ellis personally, but her + works have praised her East as well as West. Her death is a great + calamity to the cause, as well as a great sorrow to her friends; + but she has put life and power into a good instrument of influence, + and it will live. + + REV. GRINDALL REYNOLDS, + + _Secretary American Unitarian Association, Boston, Mass._ + + * * * * * + + LEICESTER, Mass, April 10, 1886. + + ... Her communications made no mention of her infirmities or + illness; and her death was a great surprise. I had become quite + interested in her manner of doing her work; the perfect + intelligence, good sense, and self-reliance she manifested.-----of + Springfield, Ohio, has written to me in the highest appreciation of + her helpfulness to him.... I enclose three of her postal cards, + which, if quite convenient, may come back to me. [On one of these + postal cards Mr. May has indorsed, "Miss Ellis lived but about a + month after this was written. Her death was a great and immediate + loss to the cause of a wise and large Christian faith in the + West."] She was eminently worthy of a special commemoration and + canonization. + + Respectfully yours, Samuel J. May. + + * * * * * + + I have thought of you often since the "Christian Register" brought + the news of Miss Ellis's death, and am moved to express my sympathy + for the loss you have met,--a loss which all of us share indeed. I + suppose it was very good to _her_ to be summoned from a state of + feebleness; but it will not be easy, I believe, to fill the vacant + place. Perhaps her own inspiration will rest upon her successor, + and so she will indeed help to carry on the work which she has done + so beautifully. + + I suppose the time will come, some day, when the loss of a good + worker in our Conference will not be felt so seriously as now; but + we are far too few as yet. + + MISS ABBY W. MAY, + + _President Women's Auxiliary Conference, Boston, Mass._ + + * * * * * + + Though I had had but comparatively little correspondence with Miss + Ellis, that little had made me regard her as a personal friend, and + I felt especially drawn towards her after I learned about her + deafness, for that was my own mother's trial for many years. It is + a comfort to think that all suffering and weakness are over for + her; and so we can but rejoice that she has entered upon the + blessed life, although the feeling of loss must be very great. I + have thought often of Mr. Beach's sudden death last summer, during + the last few weeks, and I was glad to tell our friends, at the + meeting the other day, of Miss Ellis's tender, helping sympathy for + his mother and sisters at that time. I think one can hardly help + feeling that perhaps Miss Ellis and the young friend whom she had + led to a bright and happy faith may already have met and rejoiced + together in the heavenly life. Much sympathy has been expressed + here for Miss Ellis's father. I hope that the thought of all that + she has gained is a constant comfort and help to him. + + MRS. J. I. W. THACHER, + + _Secretary Women's Auxiliary Conference, Boston, Mass._ + + * * * * * + + The news of Miss Ellis's departure from among us filled us all with + grief and regret; and yet we feel she is so sure to continue her + good work there, that we ought not to _regret_. What a delightful + awakening for her when, with no feeling of weakness or pain, she + opens her eyes to find herself surrounded by those who have gone + before, whose lives she had gladdened here, and to learn that part + of her mission there is to meet and welcome her host of friends, + personal and parochial, as they follow her over there! How many + people will miss her here! Ten times one is ten. Their number + cannot be estimated. + + MISS F. LE BARON, + + _Sec. Western Women's Unitarian Conf., Chicago, Ill._ + + * * * * * + + I want to express my great sympathy for you and your Society in the + loss of your friend Miss Ellis. + + Although I knew she had been an invalid for a long time, the news + of her death was a great shock to me. She has been so kind in + helping me to get started in the Post Office Mission, and made me + feel so truly that she stood ready to help always, that I cannot + but feel that I have in her death lost a good friend, which must be + the case with many others all over the country. She has left us all + the memory of a brave example, which ought to fill us with the + desire to carry on the good work by her begun, more faithfully than + ever. + + MISS ELLEN M. GOULD, + + _Sec. Post Office Mission Committee, Davenport, Ia._ + + * * * * * + + I have just heard of the death of Miss Ellis. How great a loss it + is to all of us, but how great a _gain_ to all of us that she has + lived, and illustrated the possibilities of a life lived under even + so many limitations as hedged her about! Will you not send me a + sketch of her life and work for the next number of the "Unitarian"? + + MISS ELIZA R. SUNDERLAND, + + _Assistant Editor "Unitarian," Chicago, Ill._ + + * * * * * + + I had heard from time to time that she was feeble, but her fragile + frame held so strong a spirit, that I hoped she would triumph over + bodily weakness for many years to come. The world can ill spare + such as she. Each time I saw her I was impressed more and more with + the strength of her character and the clearness and directness of + her mind. Upon meeting a stranger of whom one has heard much there + is almost always a little period of bewilderment before the ideal + and real can be harmonized, even where there is not disappointment; + and at first I was at a loss how to reconcile the strong, + well-balanced mind, with its keen insight,--as revealed in her + letters,--with the delicate, dainty, sweet-looking little woman, + shut out from her kind to so great a degree by her affliction. Yet + when her tiny hand grasped mine so firmly at our first meeting, + there was that in the clasp that reconciled and united my ideal + with the actual; they were only two sides of the same nature. She + was so strong, too, in being so genuine and so full of faith. In + these halting, doubting times, a faith in the eternal verities so + strong and unwavering as hers is like a rock to many a tossed and + uncertain soul. Such people do not know their own power of helping. + I can never refrain from questioning _why_ those who are so needed + in the world must be taken, when the useless and worthless are + left, unless it is that they go that they may leave the _spirit_ of + their service to do a larger work as a heritage to all who will + accept it. Though dead, they speak with many tongues. + + MISS FRANCES L. ROBERTS, + + _Ex-Sec. Western Women's Unitarian Conf., Chicago, Ill._ + + * * * * * + + A Union Meeting of the Women's Auxiliary Conference for Suffolk + County, which includes all the branches of the Conference in the + Unitarian churches of Boston, was held at Arlington Street Church + on Thursday, Jan. 21, 1886. + + At this meeting was officially announced, with the most profound + regret, the death of Miss Ellis, of Cincinnati. A brief account of + her life in connection with the work of the Conference was given by + Mrs. J. I. W. Thacher, Mrs. Kate Gannett Wells, and Miss Abby W. + May, and it was unanimously agreed that there should be entered on + the records of the meeting, and transmitted to the friends of Miss + Ellis, an expression of our fullest appreciation of her beautiful + and self-sacrificing character, our high estimation of the work in + which she had already accomplished so much, and our deep and + earnest sympathy for those who have suffered an irreparable loss. + Our sorrow is not without the hope that the tender memory of a life + so pure and unselfish, and such earnest devotion to all the + principles of our religious faith, may influence for good the lives + of each and all of us, and prove an incentive to every member of + our Conference to further activity in the work we are trying to do. + + EMILY A. FIFIELD, _Director_. + + _For the Suffolk County Branches of the Women's Auxiliary Conference._ + + * * * * * + + PORTLAND, ME., Jan. 17, 1886. + + MRS. FAYETTE SMITH, Director of Women's Conference: + + At a recent meeting of the Portland branch of the Women's Auxiliary + Conference, an article in the "Christian Register," entitled "A + Candle of the Lord," was read; and on motion of Mrs. Dr. J. T. + Gilman, the Secretary was requested to express to your Conference + the sympathy of our little band in the death of Miss Sarah Ellis. + While we cannot have the sense of personal loss that you feel in + the extinguishment of that light, we have the highest admiration + for the work she accomplished under such limitations, and trust + that her example will be an incentive to every Unitarian woman to + do something to continue it, till the flame she kindled may become + a glorious light, glowing in every hamlet of our common country. + + Very truly, MARY R. MCINTIRE. + + TO THE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE, CINCINNATI, OHIO.. + + * * * * * + + 57 HAWLEY ST., SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 7, 1886. + + DEAR MRS. SMITH,--As I have had the pleasure of a little + correspondence with dear Miss Ellis, our Society have asked me to + express to you our deep sympathy in your loss. She must have been a + remarkable woman to have accomplished so much when so feeble. Her + warm heart spoke plainly in her letters, and we shall regret more + and more, as time passes, that we shall receive them no more. Let + us believe that her freed spirit is not far off, but is still + interested, and far more able to help in the work she loved so + well. Her sphere is only larger. Our branch of the Woman's + Auxiliary Conference resolved to incorporate in its minutes a + resolution of regret at her death, and sympathy with you, and to + preserve the "In Memoriam" you so kindly sent, among its papers. + Please accept our warmest sympathy and expression of interest. + + Yours sincerely, FRANCES J. MYERS. + + _For the Syracuse Branch of the Women's Auxiliary Conference._ + +The Post Office Mission Committee at Davenport, Iowa, at their meeting +Feb. 10, also took formal action upon the death of Miss Ellis, and sent +expressions of "heartfelt regrets and sympathy" to the Cincinnati +Society. + + CHICAGO, March 29, 1886. + + A part of Thursday afternoon, May 13, will be given to the Women's + Conference, and occupied with election of officers and report of + Post Office Mission work. It seems very appropriate that something + should be said at that time in memory of Miss Ellis; and Miss Le + Baron and I request that you prepare the paper or remarks and + present them.... We leave the form of the memorial entirely to your + judgment. + + MRS. E. A. WEST, + + _Pres. Western Women's Unitarian Conf., Chicago, Ill._ + + In accordance with this request, Mrs. George Thornton, of + Cincinnati, read the following memorial before the Western Women's + Unitarian Conference, May 13, 1886:-- + + Such an occasion as this, full of words of good counsel and + cheer,--a reunion of the little band of women workers in the cause + of Liberal Christianity,--will be incomplete if we do not mention + one name, held in loving remembrance in the hearts of many here + present, and of a still greater number scattered far and wide, + whose lives have been touched to higher issues by the active + ministrations of our beloved co-worker, Miss Sallie Ellis, who has + laid down her work on earth and passed on to the great Hereafter. + + When we recall the fragile form, so full of the Spirit's life, + which, rising above the many disabilities of physical suffering, + accomplished so much in the brief years allotted her, we take + courage, and thank God that we have had such spirits with us. + Nothing doubting that their work continues here and elsewhere, + though we know neither the manner nor conditions of its progress. + + We who are cheered in moments of sorrow by the great faith that the + future of those who have passed behind "the veil which hath no + outward swing" will be but a continuance of the _best_, under + nobler conditions, rejoice, even in the midst of personal + bereavement, that Miss Ellis has entered into that rest, so nobly + won by her patient endurance of the heavy burdens laid upon + her,--burdens which yet never seemed to close her sympathy for + others, but only served to quicken her eagerness to work for the + extension of that vital faith she found so satisfying. + + It is to her warm heart, and earnest desire to help others in the + midst of spiritual difficulties, that we owe the unique but most + efficacious method of reaching such through the medium of postal + communication. + + Scientists tell us that each wavelet of sound, produced by the + tiniest cause, goes on in ever-widening circles of ether, to the + uttermost limits of creation. Had we but senses acute enough to + receive the sensation, how full of pulsing sound would all Nature + become! It seems to me that this keener sense, enabling her to + catch the questionings of troubled souls, became one of the great + compensations of Miss Ellis's later years. As the outer organs of + hearing became dulled to what was passing around her, the inner or + spiritual became more observant; and as we listened to the + correspondence which came to her from North and South, East and + West, from the home and the camp, from the teacher and the taught, + we seemed to stand in some great whispering-gallery, echoing with + the sighs and anxious inquiries of seekers after truth who sought + aid in solving the great problems of the soul's life. As from time + to time came back acknowledgments of gratitude for aid rendered, + either by her sympathizing letters or the Liberal literature which + she widely disseminated, we realized what a great lever had been + applied in this simple way to the spiritual needs of many. + + It is in this phase of Miss Ellis's work that she has become better + known to the members of the Women's Auxiliary Conference; and it is + of this especially I have spoken to-day. + + But the roots of this activity lie deeper, and this work was but + the fruitage of a life which drew its strength to suffer and + endure, as well as to labor and to wait, from those fountains of a + rational faith for whose extension we have met here this week. + + To her it was the manna of life, and it was fitting that her last + years should have been spent in unselfish endeavor to extend its + influence. + + Knowing how heartily she would have entered into the spirit of our + meetings during this Conference, we cannot leave unsaid the word of + tender remembrance which links her memory indissolubly with the + work of our Women's Auxiliary Conference. The little band who are + engaged in spreading the light of a higher faith, in lifting the + load of crude ideas in regard to our relations to God and humanity, + may surely feel that though our friend "has joined the choir + invisible," yet her work "lives on in lives made better by her + presence," still keeping alive the union with us who remain + behind,--a help and incentive to continued progress. + + No better key-note of Miss Ellis's life can be given than in the + words of a poem copied by her into her diary, January, 1881. It + was taken from the "Woman's Journal," and was entitled:-- + + + ACHIEVEMENT. + + Nothing noble, nothing great + The world has ever known, + But began a seed of thought + In some generous nature sown. + + Any soul may rise to be + A new saviour to its race; + Every man and woman fills, + Well or ill, a prophet's place. + + In our Now the Then lies folded, + All its wealth, and all its power; + From the promise of to-day + Bursts to-morrow's perfect flower. + + Every deed of solid worth + Helps the world to find its place; + Every life of homely truth + Raises higher all the race. + + "Ye are gods," the Scriptures saith; + "Yea," our spirits make reply; + Let us claim our birthright, then,-- + Prove our high divinity. + + We too may be, if we will, + Athlete winners every one, + Conquerors of fate and chance, + Lords of all beneath the sun. + + Let us thitherward aspire, + Take whate'er we find to do, + Making life what life was meant-- + Something liberal, earnest, true! + + * * * * * + +University Press: John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Miss Ellis's Mission, by Mary P. 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