CHAPTER XX.

GRACE CHURCH, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. THE NATIONAL AND OTHER CAMP-MEETINGS.-MISSIONARY JUBILEE.

WITH the spring of 1868 the pastorate of Spring Garden charge closed-three years of arduous labor and much suffering, but of as decided success and joy as any ministerial term Mr. Cookman had yet spent. Long before the session of Conference the question of his next appointment was agitated. Committees from various churches, within and without his own Conference, waited on him with urgent demands for his services -among them one from the new St. John's Church, Brooklyn, New York. As we have seen from his correspondence, he did not wish to leave the Philadelphia Conference, but desired to regard it as home. He was, however, induced to consent to go to Brooklyn if the bishops thought it advisable; and for some time his transfer to the St. John's charge was regarded as a settled arrangement.

Meanwhile another claim sprang up in a call from the new Grace Church, Wilmington, Delaware. Both churches were as substantial, capacious, and beautiful as any yet erected by the Methodist Episcopal Church; the claims seemed equally balanced, and both invitations were to him certainly highly complimentary. The opinions of the bishops decided for Grace Church. As this Church was in his own Conference, no transfer was necessary, and hence the appointment was the more easily effected. Many of Mr. Cookman's friends in New York and Brooklyn were sorely disappointed in the result, and no one felt more sincerely grieved than himself that what appeared to be the wisest judgment was against the removal to

Brooklyn. While the matter was pending he would often exclaim, "Oh, for a voice from heaven!"

Again was his lot cast with a people who had shown great zeal for the cause of God in the erection of a superb and commodious structure for divine worship at a cost of $200,000. It is doubtful if a more beautiful pile can be found, or one more admirably adapted in all its appointments for the services of religion. The exterior of the building, the tout ensemble, is very imposing, while the interior arrangements are both tasteful and convenient, with every possible facility for public worship, for Sunday-school work, and the equally important social meetings. Grace Church is really the ornament of Wilmington City. In building such a house a heavy debt was incurred, and there consequently devolved upon the newly appointed pastor a corresponding care; but as was his custom, he went cheerfully to work, seeking to affect the financial condition of the charge through its spiritual life. Wilmington, with a population of thirty thousand, and a Methodist population of twenty-four hundred, offered a delightful field for the preaching and social talents of the new pastor. His ministry began immediately to impress the community, and very soon a large congregation filled the Church. Persons of all classes and professions, of every religious denomination, became either regular or occasional attendants upon the preaching and the social services. The Sunday-school, with its large rooms and efficient control, grew to great proportions, and in all the elements of strength and self-propagating power. It soon projected a mission-school, known as the Epworth Chapel.

The customary meeting for the promotion of holiness was established. Such a meeting was now with him a necessity, not only of his ministry, but of his personal religious life. He must gather some of his flock and of the Christian community, however few, into the closest fellowship, for the distinct purpose of conference and prayer upon the great object which he believed

GRACE M. E. CHURCH, WILMINGTON.

347 to lie at the very foundation of individual and Church growth. When a little dissent from his opinions and plans was expressed-though feeling sometimes that he was misunderstood-he would simply reply to the suggestion of friends that he should explain himself, "Oh! the Lord Jesus has my reputation in his keeping; I have committed it all to him, and he will take care of it." There were those in the charge who were not prepared to accept his teachings on Christian purity; but who as time wore on espoused them, and became the strongest supporters of his ministry and his warmest personal friends. The Wednesday-afternoon meeting was soon an institution of the Church and of the city, and comprised among its habitual attendants members of all the orthodox churches, of whom none were more constant and prominent than many of the Society of Friends.

Mr. Cookman's ministry had always had a charm for these godly, thoughtful people—probably on account of its exceeding simplicity and spirituality-but never before did he obtain among them such marked influence as in Wilmington. They feasted on his words with as much regularity and zest as his own members. They took him to their hearts and homes-a partaker of their quiet, unostentatious hospitality, breathing the pure atmosphere of their simple piety, he returned their kindness and confidence with the benefactions of a spiritual prince.

The pleasant impressions received by Mr. Cookman on his first appearance in his new charge, as told in letters to his wife, were more than confirmed by succeeding results.

To his wife :

"WILMINGTON, Saturday afternoon, 1868. "Here I am, sitting in Mr. H.'s store, corner of Market and Third Streets, using his desk and implements in redeeming my promise of a letter to-day. A pleasant journey yesterday brought me to Philadelphia about one P.M., and at four o'clock I started in the steam-boat for Wilmington. Brother R— was a fellow-passenger, with whom I had a great deal of pleasant conversation. At half-past six Brother S——— and lady gave me a cordial welcome.

The prayer-meeting in the evening was largely attended, and a most solemn and profitable season. Rev. Brother Lightbourn was there. The friends seemed to enjoy it wonderfully. The people are as kind as they can be, and express great interest to see us comfortably established in our new home. This morning I called at the parsonage. Every thing is very neat and comfortable. The carpets are all down, except the parlor carpet, which is on the floor, and will be tacked on Monday. The furniture used in the parlor of their previous parsonage, hair-cloth sofa and chairs, has been placed in the sitting-room, and green velvet furniture purchased for the present parlor. I think you will like and enjoy your new home. This morning I had a long walk with Brother S. Wilmington, especially in its environs, is a beautiful city. Providence permitting, we will have some delightful strolls together along the far-famed Brandywine,” etc.

To his wife :

"GRACE PARSONAGE, WILMINGTON, DEL., April 9, 1868. "At my study table again! in one of the nicest, coziest studies I have had for many years. You will want a detail of proceedings, and, as I am a systematic man, it will be better to commence with Sunday. Preached twice; in the morning on 'Old paths,' in the evening on the 'One thing needful;' administered the Sacrament and made an address. It was a glorious day; congregation magnificent; Sacrament the most blessed service of that kind I have enjoyed for years. Friends seemed in highest spirits, and my soul praised God. Monday our goods were delivered at the parsonage. I unwrapped the furniture, unpacked the piano, my pictures, and a part of my books. Monday night and Tuesday it rained like a young deluge, and as some of the goods were getting wet, and I was almost alone, I concluded it was better for me to unpack a little more. The house began to look like home when I started on Tuesday in the rain for Philadelphia.

"At half-past one or a quarter to two R and the children arrived. I intended to have taken them in the steam-boat at four P.M., but they had ordered their carriage to the dépôt, and so, after lunching in the city, we left again in the half-past-three train. The friends had carriages, expecting us by the steam-boat, but we anticipated them. Proceeding to the parsonage, we took the ladies a little by surprise. It did not, however, make the slightest difference. The children are delighted with their new home. Frank says it is delightful, and thinks his ma will enjoy it very much, and indeed, every thing is very pretty and very comfortable. It suits me. The trustees and their wives gave us a most affectionate welcome. Supper was provided and served-fried oysters, chicken salad, ham, rolls, Maryland biscuits,

GETTING SETTLED.-SUNDAY AT MANHEIM.

349 sliced oranges, cakes, tea, coffee, etc. The evening was spent most delightfully. About half-past ten, when they would leave, I proposed some singing, and then knelt down and offered our new home to God. It was a season of interest and comfort.

"This morning I have been arranging my books, while Rebecca is here, there, and every where-the best sister-in-law that the Lord ever made. The boys behaved beautifully last evening. I was proud of them. This morning they have been helping me with my books, but now they are out in the field enjoying a game of ball. This evening they are all invited to a birthday-party at Brother B.'s. If the weather is favorable I think Rebecca and the children will make a little excursion to Philadelphia to-morrow in the steam-boat. Going at seven A.M., they can have nearly seven hours in the city. Rebecca says I must tell you there are mattresses on every bed, blankets on every bed, pillows for every bed, sheets for every bed, etc. Providence permitting, I wish to start for Columbia on Monday, and bring you to the city on Tuesday. Then you must decide where you will stay, for all want you. Wednesday, after interring our dear boy, we will leave for Columbia."

The summer of 1868 opened auspiciously, and Mr. Cookman entered, about the middle of July, upon the customary religious campaign. The first camp-meeting was that of the National Association, held at Manheim, Lancaster County, Pa. The location had been selected by himself. The attendance from North, East, West, and South exceeded all expectations—the friends of the cause came together from the remotest parts of the country. A correspondent of The Daily Spy, of Columbia, in writing under date of July 20th, spoke of the Sunday and its services as follows:

"MANHEIM, July 20, 1868.

“MR. EDITOR,—We have been permitted to spend a Sabbath at campmeeting, and truly it was a day long to be remembered for the crowds of people and clouds of dust. The atmosphere was like Egyptian darkness— an atmosphere that might be felt.' The streams of dusty humanity which flowed along, from early morn till late in the evening, seemed to have but one object in view-to see what was to be seen, and raise, or keep up, the already thick clouds of choking dust that pervaded tents, eyes, ears, hair, and clothes of all. I would not, after all, have been absent for a valua