Revisits England
A RESIDENCE of nearly five years in a new, and, to an European constitution, somewhat trying climate, had greatly impaired her health, and rendered essential to its recovery a sea voyage and a season of entire repose. Accordingly, in 1820, accompanied by one of her sons, she recrossed the Atlantic, and spent four or five months with the elder branches of her family. Her first return to England since her sore bereavement, it were not difficult to imas-ine what would be the intensity of her thoughts and feelings on revisiting once more the scenes of former prosperity and happiness. Landing at Deal, she travelled all night, and arrived in London in the grey light of morning, while yet the vast metropolis was wrapped in profound stillness, presenting all the appearance of a great city of the dead. But the sombre and grave-like aspect of the town harmonized with the feelings of her lone and saddened heart. Her course from the place where she alighted brought her in view of endeared and sacred spots — the pleasant home which had been the scene of so many years of domestic happiness — the hallowed sanctuary, within whose walls she had first heard the gospel of Christ, and beneath whose shadow reposed the beloved remains of the husband of her youth. “Overpowered by my feelings,” she writes, “I allowed but a glance at scenes so painfully dear, and was soon welcomed by the affectionate greetings of my children. Blessed be God, the God of all my comforts, for His goodness and mercy to the most unworthy of all His creatures. Assist me to bless and praise His Holy name.” Soothed by social intercourse with the family of her eldest son, whose generous and affectionate consideration left nothing to desire that could contribute to her comfort, and renovated in health by travel through different parts of England and Scotland, after above four months’ pleasant sojourn she recrossed the Atlantic, and arrived at New York under happier and brighter auspices than those with which she first landed a saddened stranger upon its shores.
On her return to the United States she retired to a small estate, which she rented, on the banks of the majestic Hudson. Here, with an evangelical ministry, and in the enjoyment of the communion of saints, she spent four years of congenial repose, revelling amidst the rich beauties of nature, for which she possessed so exquisite a taste, and indulging in those rural pursuits in which she always took particular delight. Of the many interesting letters dated from this romantic spct, we can afford space but for one, as indicating the supreme ascendancy which spiritual concerns still maintained in her heart; and as containing ‘pleasant words’ for those who are sincerely and honestly inquiring for the truth as it is in Jesus.
“My dearest Mamma, — Mount Pleasant, 1823.
“... Glad was I to get dear ’s letter; and
though I grieve he is not rejoicing in the Lord, I am far from being discouraged. He has life. A dead sinner never feels that he is ungrateful to the best of Beings, that he is in the ‘gall of bitterness,’ or is afraid of being a hypocrite. The Lord himself has commenced the work in his soul, and He will carry it on; not, perhaps, in our way, but in His own wisdom, until He accomplishes the thing He has put His hand to. I would rather see him diving to the bottom of truth, for the truth, than to take it up, as many do, on the ijise dixit of their fellow-men; and fancy they believe the gospel because others do whose opinions they respect, and in consequence of which they are harassed with doubts and misgivings, and their usefulness impaired, all their journey through. If our gracious
Lord designs that should be called to labour in the dear
Redeemer’s kingdom (a real, not 2i feather-hed soldier). He will bring him to plough deep for the truth, and perhaps bring him through painful exercises too. Blessed be His adored name, for the hope he causes my heart to feel on this subject ^’^ have had to prav, ‘Anvthins:, or anv wav, dearest ^’ “that thou wilt convert his soul and brine: him into service.’ Thomas thought it was all ima.^ination the resurrection of Jesus, although hi’^; f”:;,-^ a revival even had seen Him, till compelled by a v-^^ew of ^““”^^ months
exclaim, My Lord and my God! IPau] -^^^^g of Jesus, and thought it a made up >^torv ‘““^^ ‘”^ heavmess, and met him in the wav. And I hav(4 ofr ^’^^^^ ^^^^- “^^ “of the most eminently useful ministers of the cross have been extricated, by the all-powerful arm of the Redeemer, from the very hotbed of unbelief. I do not expect that this work in his soul will be done in a few days, or weeks, or perhaps years; but that it will be done, I have little doubt, and bless the Lord for his abundant goodness to him and to me. If you see Mr., inquire how the revival at New Haven proceeds, and how Mr. Bethune’s son holds out.”
The return of Mrs. Winslow to America, and her removal from the banks of the Hudson to a permanent residence in New York, formed one of the most interesting epochs in the history of her sojourn in that land. We refer to an especial and remarkable season of Divine grace with which God visited her domestic circle, imparting a quickened impulse to her own spiritual feelings, and resulting in the accession of three of her children to the ranks and service of Christ. The existence of that striking peculiarity in the history of the transatlantic churches, — Religious Revival, — is now a fact generally well known. There are few intelligent Christians of any clime, who have not heard, and, perhaps, it might be added, to whom in some desrree the influence has not extended, of those especial and remarkable baptisms of the Spirit with which the Great Head of the church from time to time visits the churches in America. It comes not within the scope of the present volume to explain the theory of this wonderful phenomenon; all that we can allow ourselves to do is to bear a lowly testimony to the fact of its existence. The ecclesiastical historian, as he traces at some future period — when their nature is better understood, and their influence better known — the origin, progress, and results of these extraordinary seasons of religious excitement, will probably date their commencement from the first settlement of the Pilgrim Fathers on those western shores. It was not, therefore, remarkable, that New fj* r’nnd should have been the birthplace and the cradle of the
-1 “vious awakeninsr on that vast continent. The most considerate ,., r ^- i
comfort fi displays or Divme power, however, appeared m
New York under l ^^’^^ P^”^^’ embracing the labours
rso! to present time, America has been
-e most signal displays of the presence
THE mothers’ meeting. — HAPPY RESULTS. 83
and power of the Holj Ghost the church of God has ever witnessed. TVe pause not to ask why it should be so. This would lead us into too wide a range of inquiry — but so it is. We may, however, venture upon the remark, that the social principle in America — though this may not elucidate the origin of these sovereign manifestations of Divine grace — has been found peculiarly favourable to the promotion of religious revivals. Commencing with an individual, the sacred influence has extended to a familv, from thence to an entire cono-regation; the impulse thus given to religious feeling has widened until a village, a town, and even a city, has been moved to its centre on the stupendous concerns of eternity. Such have often been the progress and the happy results of American revivals. We turn our attention now to an illustration of these interesting phenomena, more circumscribed, but not less marked.
The domestic revival to which the following extracts refer was preceded by the devotional meetings of an association of Christian mothers, representing different branches of the church of Christ, who convened weekly for the purpose of especial and united prayer for the Divine blessing upon their families. Mrs. Winslow has often described those seasons as hallowed by an extraordinary degree of the presence and anointing of the Holy Ghost. Frequently has she been seen to return from them with tearful eyes and a glowing countenance, to diffuse around her home-circle the influence of her own solemn and heavenly communings. The wrestling intercessions of this band of holy women, of praying mothers — mighty in their weakness — soon brought the blessing for which they pleaded. Over one family, especially, the mercy-cloud gathered, unveiling its heaven-sent treasure. Commencino- with herself, the blessino; extended to one and another, and yet another of her circle, until there was not a room in her dwelling that resounded not with the voice of prayer and praise. In the following extracts from her family correspondence, written from New York, and at different intervals in the progress of the revival, she thus narrates this good and wondrous work: —
“In the commencement of this year, before a revival even was thouo;ht of, the Lord met with mv soul, after some months of comparative darkness and desertion, during which time I felt like wrestling Israel; for my spirit was in heaviness, and I earnestly sought and felt after my absent Lord. At last He appeared, and filled my heart with unspeakable joy. Like Mary-, I arose from the sepulchre, and hastened to tell the disciples that the Lord had risen upon me as the San of Righteousness. My heart was enlarged, and my mouth was open to speak good of His holy name; not only in my own family, but to others, exhorting them to ask and to expect great things, for the Lord was at hand. I entreated them to arise out of the spiritual lethargy they appeared to be in, and Jesus would
bless them as He had blessed me.”
* * * *
“In what language can I express my gratitude to God for all His abundant goodness to me and mine? I am at a loss. My cup, at times, overflows. Praise Him on my behalf, my dear children, who know the value of this great salvation. My children here are walking in the narrow road, and are sweetly united in the tenderest bonds of Christian love. Not one unconverted soul is under my roof All, all love the
Saviour. My house is a house of prayer.”
* * * *
“The good work is still progressing. During this revival my soul has felt its refreshing influence, and still continues to experience a most precious unfolding of Christ’s love. For manv years I have not felt anything like it. I see a fulness in Jesus I hardly ever saw before. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul! Several churches have partaken of this heavenly shower, and I trust it will increase more and more. Many who love the Lord are upon their watch-tower looking out for His approach. Oh, it is a refreshing season! My own soul can testify that Jesus is among us of a truth. It seems as if new strength had been imparted to gird up the loins of my mind, and to set out afresh to run the heavenly race. I can look
back and see with concern how I have loitered on my way.”
* * * *
“This precious revival is still advancing. The Lord is
pouring out His Spirit in a way I never before saw or felt.
And what I now see and feel has tended to confirm my soul
more than ever in the reality of the rclisrion of Jesus, and of
that eternal world to which we are fast approaching. There
is nothing like enthusiasm, I am quite inadequate to give you
any just idea of this most solemn and gracious work of God.
It is tp me something like the day of Pentecost.”
“Everything under my roof seems to wear another aspect. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new. I can say of my children, ‘Behold, Lord, they pray! ‘The things of God open upon them with deep interest. The ways of wisdom are pleasant, and everything not connected therewith, tasteless. Oh, what has God, my God, wrought for His unworthy handmaid! Had He given me an earthly crown it had been dross in comparison. It appears to me that the Lord is about to do great things for our wicked world. He will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, as He has promised. Oh, that you may feel that he is drawing nigh in your part of the world! Ask, and expect great things from Him. You cannot ask too much when you ask in Jesus’ name, and God cannot give too much when He gives for Jesus’ sake. How near He has been to us! You will hardly think I can speak too much on this interesting subject, when it is said, the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner that repenteth. And here are three to whom Jesus has given repentance and life under my roof. If the angels rejoice in heaven, well may I rejoice on
earth.”
* * * *
“And now mv heart is sroinsr out after you all. The Lord’s arm of grace is not shortened but that it can extend across the Atlantic. Who can tell but at this moment it has commenced among you all? I must pray on. Elisha was wroth against the king of Israel because he smote on the ground thrice, and stayed; declarinsr that if he had smitten five or six times, his enemies should have fallen before him. May I be enabled to carry my unconverted children in the arms of faith to Jesus, until He put His hand upon them and bless them. The revival is still going on, not only here (New York), but also in every part of America. In Philadelphia, and in many other places, numbers, I am told, are inquiring their way to -Zion. It appears almost like the millennial day, Unitarianism, like a pernicious weed, is spreading in Boston; but lately they have had a more extensive revival than we have had here. This has been a year of wonders; thousands have been born into the kinordom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. These are glorious manifestations that Jesus lives, and is accomplishing all His gracious purposes, and will bring His people into a wealthy place at last. How has my faith been strengthened, and my soul established in the truth, from what
I have seen of His power and grace beneath my own roof, and from what I have experienced in my own soul! Oh, may He extend His arm of mercy to you all! ’ 1 do look for it, and am ready to say, * I cannot let Thee go until Thou bless me in the conversion of all, alV As it respects myself, my joy is settled down into a stable peace, and increasing confidence in the dear Redeemer. I feel a throne of grace very precious, and the name of the Lord a tower of strength. It appears to me that I was to have travail of soul for these children, and a deeper work in my own. I am still utter weakness in myself, but am enabled to keep a more steadfast eye upon Jesus.”
Such is the prevailing power with God of a praying and believing mother. Let the Christian parent, anxious and earnest for the spiritual and eternal wellbeing of her children, take encouragement from the preceding narrative, and give herself to prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit upon her family. Taking hold of His word, let her remind God of His promise, — “I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring;” and thus travailing in birth a second time in the energy of faith, and in the wrestling of praver, it will be the joy of her heart to behold Christ formed within them the hope of glory.
And why are not Revivals of religion more frequent in this land? Why have we not those special baptisms of the Spirit, for which the churches in America are so distinguished? That we are not entirely without manifest tokens of the Spirit’s presence, we thankfully acknowledge. In the absence of the showers we have the continual deiu of the Spirit. But are we not justified in expecting more than this — even the outpouring of the Spirit? Is not the Spirit the property of the universal church? Is not the present emphatically the dispensation of the Spirit? Have we not the prediction and the promise of His large bestowment in these last days? And is not Christ enthroned in heaven, having received the promise of the Father, prepared to rain down righteousness upon His church? Why, then, have we not the blessing? Some observations of Mrs!^ Winslow, on the power of prayer and faith, gleaned from “Thoughts” recorded in her Journal, may probably supply an answer: —
“0 Lord, revive us in the midst of the years! How is it that we have no precious revivals here, and that the all-important subject lies with so little weight upon our hearts? It is because we do not believe the matter-of-fact, althous-li God has promised, and declared the truth. “When Christ had risen, and some were eye-witnesses of the fact, yet when they declared the blessed truth to the rest, they were as those that mocked. TVe testify that these thinojs are so, for we have seen and felt them ourselves. Our hearts have burned within us, and our souls have been refreshed as with new wine from the kingdom. The doors have been shut about us, and Jesus has been in our midst within, blessinsr, revivinsr, and refreshins: us — o-ivinsr life to the dead, and speakins; comforting: words to His saints. It has been the mighty work of an Almighty God, manifesting His power, and displaying His love.
“Oh, the mighty power of prayer! Even the best of Christians know but little what it really is. The apostle felt the truth, when he exhorted the saints to pray icithout ceasing. Christian, are you in trouble? — call upon the name of the Lord, and He will deliver. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. His ear is ever open to the cry of His people, and His arm outstretched on their behalf His aim is ever to make you happy in Himself, and happy throughout eternity. Make Him your confidant; entrust Him with all vour secrets. Let Christ be vour friend, and you need no other. All hearts are at his disposal; and if a mail’s ways please the Lord He ‘maketh even his enemies to be at ^jpeace vjith him. Are you poor and needy? Go to Christ for all you need. Satan mav suesrest that these are carnal thinsrs. But did not the Lord send His servant to the widow, to be fed for many days? and did the barrel of meal waste, or the cruse of oil fail? Did He not send a celestial messenger to prepare Elijah’s breakfast while he slept? And is He not the same now? Go, then, to Christ for all you need.
“Faith is the gift of God, and it is a working agent in the soul of the believer. It has to do with God, and with Him only. It takes hold of His faithfulness, who cannot deny Himself. Simple faith honours God, and God honours simple faith. True faith works in the dark as in the light. It cannot fail, but will always come off triumphant. And what is faith? It is simply believing what God has said — taking Him at His word. Faith tries God, and God tries the faith He gives. Little faith brings home but little. Be it unto you according to your faith. Seek much for this Divine grace. It is for you treasured up in Christ. Look not for it in yourself. It grows in its native soil. It is in Christ Jesus’ rich treasure-house. It is of heavenly origin, and leads the soul to the source from whence it came. Only believe. Trust Him, ye tried and empty saints, and you shall rejoice in the goodness and tender mercies of your faithful and unchanging God. I may also remark, that nothing tests or strengthens faith so much as the trying dispensations of God towards His people. The furnace destroys everything but the pure gold. Nothing but real faith can endure the heat of the fiery crucible, and, what is strange, it grows in the fire.”
Coupling, then, these cognate graces, — prayer and faith, — let the churches of Christ prove God now herewith, if He will not open the windows of Heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enous-li to receive it.
The following touching reminiscences, from her own pen, of a period in her history, thus rapidly traversed, may form a befitting close to this chapter of the work. As a personal communication, and unveiling thoughts and feelings most sacred to a mother’s heart, some hesitation has been felt in introducing it; but the conviction that it beautifully illustrates her character as a Christian parent, while it bears a noble testimony to the faithfulness of a prayer-hearing God, has pleaded against private feelings. It is addressed to one of her sons: —
“Before I rose this morning, I was led to take a review of the Lord’s dealings with you and me. I could not but see and feel that you have been a child of many prayers, and that God has turned a listening ear to the voice of my supplications for you. A few months before your birth, the Lord met with my soul, and most blessedly drew me to Himself, making Himself known to me as my Saviour and my God. I bore you during this sweet season of my espousal to Christ. It was the time of my first love.’’ The first spark of divine life I then received. After your birth, I was brought to the verge of eternity; for nearly twenty-four hours there was hardly a hair’s-breadth betvreen me and death. The physicians concealed my danger; but God did for me what no human skill could do, and I was spared, — snatched as from the grave. When you were about five years old, I took you into the country for your health; and there, through the mistake of the nurse, who brought me a wrong medicine, I administered to you a powder, ‘sufficient,’ the doctors said, ‘to have killed ten men.’ At the moment of the dreadful discovery, these words of a beautiful hymn were brought to my mind —
‘In all thy troubles sharp and strong,
My soul, to Jesus fly.’
I did so. He heard my prayer. The physicians said that you must die. The Lord said, ‘He shall not die, but live.’ He answered prayer, and gave you back to me. They afterwards said it was a miracle. During the time of that gracious revival, how did I pray that He would meet with your soul. He did so. He knows, and He only, how I wrestled for your full conversion. I wanted a clear proof of a new birth in Christ. He answered my prayer, and gave you once more to me as from the dead, — a living child, born again of the Spirit.... Oh, it is good to look back, and trace His dealings and His wondrous works to the children of men! Taking thus a review of these gracious things, under the teaching of the Eternal Spirit, so far from being puffed up, they will lay us low in the dust under a sense of our base ing’ratitude towards Him, and the wretched returns we have made for such distinguishing mercies. Oh, that He might keep you humble, and give you such views of your own heart as will cause you to feel as well as confess, that you are less than the least of all saints. This is my prayer for you, and myself too. A mother’s prayers have been your swaddling-clothes from your birth. Do you pray for me? I am sure you do.”