Sixty years in a school-room: an autobiography of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis ..

Front matter

<&H Sutofeiogtfipliy

OF

MRS.JULIA A.TEVIS,

Preface

Two considerations have prompted the preparation of the following Autobiography: First, the earnest and oft-repeated request of my dear husband that I should do so ; second, the hope of doing good, by furnishing information and encouragement to those who are engaged, or are about to engage, in the responsible and laborious duties of teaching, especially to those who have charge of female boarding-schools. An experience of fifty years in any pursuit .can not fail to bring some knowledge which a novice may find valuable. I propose no dogmatic theories ; but simply state facts, and -give my opinion as suggested by the thread of my narrative. As to the value of the information thus given, those will judge who take the trouble to read what I have written.

Although accustomed to use the pen all my life, this is my first attempt at authorship. I have dressed my narrative, as I do my person, according to my own notions of good taste. I no more affect a fine style than a fashionable dress. If my language is intelligible I am satisfied. The period is past when the flippant criticisms of vanity or the idle remarks of ignorance could give me real pain. I do not despise the opinions of the wise and

2 Preface.

good, nor do I covet the applause of the frivolous or hypercritical.

My numerous pupils will doubtless recognize many scenes and circumstances here recorded. I have not intentionally written one word which could wound the feelings of the most sensitive. My heart glows with the warmest affection for them all, many of whom I have known and loved in other relations. Amid the weary toils and perplexities incident to the management of a large boarding-school I have had much to cheer and comfort me, and nothing more than the grateful affection of my pupils.

It seemed to me right and proper that the biography of my sainted husband should precede my own, not only because he has entered the better land before me, but because he was my leader in all things good and useful for thirty-seven years. The light of his pure and manly character shone like a lamp in my pathway, cheering with its bright and steady beam the darkest seasons of our pilgrimage. His foot-prints are still luminous, lighting me onward to our long-sought home in heaven. Our lives were one in common hopes and labors, in common joys and sorrows, bound together in the blessings of one home of love ; and now the memorials of these lives, bound in one volume — he still leading the way — will go forth to the world.

JULIA A. TEVIS.

Science Hill, March, 1865.

Introduction

The following Autobiography furnishes a brief, but characteristic, sketch of Mr. Tevis. His friends will see the same simple honesty, strong moral sense, and earnest piety, which marked his energetic life running through every paragraph. To him, "Life was earnest, life was real," and he lived and labored in accordance with his convictions. His creed was in his heart, and formed the basis of his character. Duty, in his vocabulary, was not a conventional term, used for the sake of euphony or embellishment, but a word of solemn signification, implying relations of obligation and responsibility to God and his fellow-men. It was his guide in all things. Theories and adventitious circumstances had little influence upon his decisions; and, when a question was once decided, action promptly followed. With an ardent and impulsive temperament, which many make an apology for impetuosity and irregularity, he maintained a consistency and uniformity of Christian conduct seldom seen in ordinary life. Over mind and heart, over reason and passion, his conscience ruled supreme. This I take to have been the prominent feature of his strongly marked character.

As a business man, but few surpassed him in those qualities essential to success in the pursuit or the use of wealth. Clear and far-seeing in his perceptions, he was never tempted to uncertain speculations, but confined his plans to the simple methods of legitimate increase. Strictly honest, to the value of a cent, he measured the commercial obligations of others by the same standard. He paid his debts with punctuality, and collected his dues from others with the same exactness.

io Introduction.

His success in managing his extensive and complicated business affairs is the best proof of his qualifications in this respect

Just and upright in all his business transactions, he was equally conscientious and discreet in his charities. The poor always found him a friend ; not in word merely, giving good advice, and unwilling to give any thing more substantial, but a friend indeed, seeking them out, and relieving their necessities with a liberal, but provident, hand. Real want never appealed to him in vain; indolence and vice seldom deceived him. The blessings of the poor followed him to the grave, and the benedictions of the widow and orphan descend on his memory. He was, by common consent, the guardian of the poor in the village where he lived; and many a humble home mourned sincerely his death. Could the grateful tears of poverty avert the desolations of Winter, perpetual Spring would bloom round his tomb.

Mr. Tevis's religious character was strongly marked. His religion was not a sentiment, not a creed "fenced round with holy texts," but the life of his soul.' He lived "by faith in the Son of God." This spiritual life was supported by constant intercourse with the mercy-seat. He loved the silent communion of the closet; and there, with his "Father in secret," daily "renewed his strength." The regular and prayerful reading and study of the Holy Scriptures was a daily habit. The devotional parts of the Scriptures were especially his delight. Here his spirit gathered strength for the conflicts and labors of life. "Prayer was his native air," his "vital breath." The family altar was not a mere "household ornament," but the shrine where, as priest of the family, he offered up morning and evening sacrifices. Like Abraham, he "commanded his children and his household after him;" and while he observed himself "the law of the Lord," he required all under his authority to do the same. Family worship, observance of the Sabbath, and attendance upon the public worship of the sanctuary were, in his view, matters of the first importance, not to

be neglected for business, pleasure, or any other consideratton. Especially was his respect for the ' ' Sabbath of the Lord " worthy of all praise. The servants knew it as a day of rest. Cooking was not allowed, except what was absolutely necessary. Feasting on Sunday, that vice of Christian households, was never known under his roof while he was master.

As a preacher, Mr. Tevis belonged to the old school. Thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Wesleyan Methodism, he was not only evangelical in his creed, but in his matter and manner as a preacher. He believed the Articles of Faith, as held by the Methodist Church, to be Scriptural; and he was prepared to defend them against all opposers ; not by quotations from the Fathers, but by the Word of God. Yet, with all this, he was very catholic in his feelings, and fraternized heartily with all the orthodox denominations, and often filled their pulpits with acceptability. He loved all who love the Lord Jesus Christ. His personal ministry was greatly blessed. His imagination never led him astray from the simplicity of the Gospel. He was made presiding elder at a time when only the best preachers were appointed to that office.

He sleeps in Jesus. His grave is situated in one of the most lovely spots in Grove Hill Cemetery, near the beautiful and quiet village of Shelbyville, Ky.

Science Hill, 1865.

An Autobiographical Sketch.

Chapter I

I was born January 6, 1792, in Baltimore County, Maryland. My parents were descended from a reputable English ancestry, and were themselves regular and worthy communicants in the English Church, previous to the American Revolution. One of the earliest recollections of my life was family worship on Sabbath, and the regular catechetical instruction, not only of the white children, but also of all the younger servants in my father's family. It is to be regretted that family worship and systematic religious instruction of children and servants in the families of professed Christians should be so much neglected. By faithfully discharging these primary duties we fulfill the injunction to "train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and may reasonably expect an early development of virtuous and pious principles in them.

My father, with several brothers of my mother, served in the Colonial army, in defense of their country. They were attached to what was known as the "Maryland line." One of my uncles died in the army at White Plains. There were many traditional incidents of the Revolution treasured in our family. Some of these possessed more than a mere personal interest, involving as they did historical facts connected with the leading events of the times. But they are gone, with the thousand unwritten stories of suffering and heroism ; gone, with the actors, to the darkness and silence of the forgotten past.

My early education was limited to the elementary instruction imparted in a "common school" at that day. This would by no means compare with the improved system of common-school instruction of the present, but extended to little beyond the rudiments of a plain English education. It was sufficient, however, for ordinary purposes, and furnished an active and enterprising mind with the knowledge necessary to guide it in all the practical duties of life. Education can not create mind, or supply energy, but must be chiefly valued as an instrument for doing good. The degree requisite for this purpose will depend upon the general intelligence of the community, and the nature of the pursuit in which one is engaged. No person values a good education more than I do, or rejoices more in the improved state of our common schools.

My childhood and youth passed rapidly and pleasantly away, surrounded by the endearments of a virtuous and happy home. From a very early day, serious thoughts of my responsibilities as an immortal being deeply impressed my mind, and many earnest resolutions of amendment were formed. Under the influence of a sound moral training, and the restraints of a well-regulated household, I maintained the reputation of a moral young man ; and this reputation was not undeserved. When about twenty-one years of age, my religious convictions became so strong as to render me at times very unhappy. I read the Holy Scriptures with care; also some of Dr. Scott's and Dr. Witherspoon's theological writings, but never embraced the peculiar views of these good men. I could not reconcile the narrowness of the Calvinistic creed with the liberal provisions of the Gospel. I turned away from the barren theological dogmas of the schools to the Word of God, and sought, by prayer and study of the Scriptures, to find the path of duty. I did not seek in vain; for He who has said, "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given him," brought me to the "knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus."

I began, about this time, seriously to consider the duty of uniting myself with the Church. While thinking on the subject, and disposed perhaps to defer the step, an aged and esteemed friend urged me to immediate action. His counsel, seconded by my own convictions of duty, led me to join the Methodist Episcopal Church on Sabbath, May 9, 18 13. I was not satisfied, at the time, that my sins had been forgiven ; but I was sincerely seeking that blessing, and believed it to be my duty to identify myself with the people of God. I could not reasonably ask God to bless me while living in the neglect of a plain duty. It was a cross thus publicly to pledge myself to follow Christ in the communion of a people "every-where spoken against," and with whom my family had not united. I saw then, as clearly as I do now, perhaps, the great responsibilities assumed in this act; and I was not ignorant of my own weakness, and the consequent danger of "failing of the grace of God." But God, I trust, accepted the imperfect offering of myself thus made, and, in about four months after, made me rejoice in a sense of his pardoning mercy. This happy event took place while listening to a plain, but forcible, sermon by Rev. Charles Holliday, from Hebrews vi, i: "Let us go on to perfection." As he described the blessed change wrought by the Holy Ghost in the heart of the penitent believer, he asserted that the child of God may know it ; as he repeated with peculiar emphasis the declaration, "He knows it through grace,"

I felt

"That which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy."

I felt that God had, for Christ's sake, forgiven my sins — had saved me. This was not a transient feeling, but an abiding sense of the blessed Comforter's indwelling presence, which has cheered me through all the way of my forty years' pilgrimage, and is now the solace of my declining days.

According to the custom of Methodists in their social meetings at that day, I was called upon to lead in prayer. This was a severe trial to most young converts ; but, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and a fixed determination to do all my duty so far as I could, "the yoke was easy, and the burden light." The family altar had long been erected in my father's house, and I was now required to assist in domestic worship. This, though at first embarrassing, was a great blessing to me, and, I hope, profitable to the family. I was thus early introduced into the way in which it was God's will I should travel the remainder of my life. The thought, however, of becoming a minister did not seriously enter my mind for the first year after my conversion. I did not choose it as a profession ; I entered it from a sense of duty.

In April, 1814, my religion was brought to the test by a severe illness, which reduced me to the verge of the grave. At one time my recovery was despaired of, and

A UTOBIO GRAPH Y. 1 -j

I prepared to meet death ; and such was my faith and hope in God that I ardently desired to depart and be with Christ. Death had lost its terrors, and the joys of heaven so entranced my heart that I had no wish to remain where I might prove unfaithful to the grace already given. I was mercifully restored to health again, and with it increased convictions of duty possessed my mind. I felt willing to do whatever God in his providence might appoint as my work. An opportunity to try the sincerity of this purpose was soon afforded. Without my knowledge, I was appointed to take a list of the taxable property in one of the districts of Shelby County.* This of course enlarged the circle of my acquaintance, and presented frequent opportunities to converse on the subject of religion, and pray with the families where I spent the nights while canvassing the district. I thank God he gave me grace to acknowledge him under these new and peculiar circumstances. I prayed in families where such a thing had perhaps never been seen before. My own soul was refreshed and strengthened, and I trust some good done to others. It was, as I now see, a providential preparation for the work in which I was about to engage. About the time I finished my labor on the district as assessor, Rev. Wm. Adams appointed me leader of a class which met some four miles from Shelbyville. I entered upon the delicate duties of this responsible office with fear and much self-distrust; but found in this, as in all other instances of severe trial, strength and comfort imparted. I soon learned that to be happy I must strive to be useful.

* Mr. Tevis's family moved from Maryland to Kentucky, in 1808. They settled at first in Bullitt County, but subsequently removed to Shelby County, where he died. — w. G. E. c.

Near the close of this year the Shelbyville class, of which I was a member, recommended me for license to exhort. I accepted, with the belief that if it were God's will to use me in this way he would make it known in the humble attempt to do my duty. I asked the presiding elder what evidence I might expect as proof that I was in the path of duty in this matter. He replied : " Go forward cheerfully; accept every invitation to hold meetings; and, if you are in the right path, your own soul will be blessed and the cause of God advanced by your labors." This I take to be wise counsel. One of the first questions asked by Mr. Wesley of those who professed to be called to preach was, "Have you fruits?" This he explained by another question, "Are any converted under your preaching?" This is God's seal to his own ministry. After receiving license as an exhorter, I was strongly solicited to assist Rev. W. Adams on the Salt River Circuit. But the time had not fully come for me to enter upon this important work. My mind was thus gradually being prepared to leave all for the cause of Christ in the blessed ministry of the Gospel. Often, in seasons of spiritual elevation, when my heart was filled with a tender desire for the salvation of souls, I felt it was clearly my duty to preach; but again, in seasons of mental depression, a fear would interpose lest this should all be only the heat of my own imagination, "sparks of my own kindling." I, however, committed myself to the "fiery and cloudy pillar;" that is, tried to follow the indications of God's providence with a cheerful and submissive spirit. My time was spent in studying the Holy Scriptures, prayer, and visiting for the purpose of religious conversation ; seeking, by discharging present duties, to prepare myself for whatever future labors God might appoint me. My beloved spiritual adviser, Rev. W. Adams, urged me to commence immediately the itinerant ministry, by joining him on his circuit. His influence, supported by the growing convictions of my own mind, induced me to yield, so far as to consent to make the trial. It now became necessary to consult my father, who had designed to make me the farmer of the family, my brothers all having engaged in other pursuits. I knew it would be a severe trial to him to see me enter upon the work of a Methodist traveling preacher; but I also knew that his circumstances rendered my presence and labor at home comparatively unimportant, and that he was too good a man to seriously oppose me in what I sincerely believed to be my duty. He thought some previous literary and theological training necessary before entering the ministry. This I did not possess, at least in the degree which he deemed requisite. My convictions, however, would not suffer me to give up the work in which my heart was now enlisted. My father reluctantly gave his consent, fearing, no doubt, as I did, the possibility of a failure.

Rev. John Tevis.

Chapter II

Having settled the question in my own mind, that I ought to give myself wholly to the work of an itinerant preacher, and having obtained the consent of my father, I now began to make preparation to join the preacher- in -charge on the Salt River Circuit. On the ioth day of March, 1815, all was ready, and the next day I was on the circuit. I remained but a few days on this work, when I was transferred to Shelby and Jefferson Circuits. Here the life of a traveling preacher began properly with me, and from this I date my itinerant career.

On leaving home, my father gave me his purse, from which I took three dollars. With this small sum, a good horse, saddle, saddle-bags, and a supply of clothing, a Bible, hymn-book, Discipline, Wesley's Notes, and the portraiture of St. Paul, as my entire "outfit," I began life. The Shelby and Jefferson Circuits had been united, and preaching at each appointment once in three weeks was changed to preaching every two weeks.

Revs. Thomas D. Porter and William M'Mahon had been the preachers on this work — both very popular with the people. They were excellent preachers — but few better. My first effort in this work was made under unfavorable circumstances. A large congregation had assembled to hear brother M'Mahon. I did the best I could, however. My youth and inexperience appealed strongly to the sympathies of the people, and, I doubt not, they bore the disappointment with as much patience

A UTOBIC GRAPH Y. 2 r

as could be reasonably expected. I preached with much greater liberty a few weeks afterward to a small congregation at the same place. I spent the remainder of the year on this circuit, sometimes greatly comforted, and often much depressed in spirit; but, I can say, that from the beginning of my ministerial life to this present time my victories over self and circumstances have all been obtained through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Conference met this year at Lebanon, Ohio. I was received on trial into the "traveling connection" at this session, and appointed to the Lexington (Kentucky) Circuit, with the Rev. Thomas D. Porter as preacher - in -charge. I received this, my first regular appointment, from that apostle of American Methodism, Bishop Asbury. But little apparent success attended our labors this year. God only knows what good was done.

I was comforted by an affectionate letter from my father during the year, stating, he no longer objected to my course, but expressed the hope that I would persevere and do much good. He offered me any pecuniary assistance I might need.

At the next session of the Conference, which was held in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, I was sent to the Salt Creek Circuit, Ohio. This was a large circuit lying east of the Scioto River, embracing Portsmouth, Piketon, New Richmond, and the Scioto Salt Works. There were some twenty appointments, which I visited every three weeks. The largest congregation on the circuit was at the old Scioto Salt Works, where were many worthy Christians, whom I hope to meet in a better world. Rev. David Young was my presiding elder. He took me to his quarterly -meeting in Chillicothe, and, to my surprise, put me up to preach at eleven o'clock on Sabbath.

Several preachers were present, some of them men of reputation — such as Beauchamp, Scott, Hinde, Dr. Tiffin, and others. Unexpected and strange as it was to be thus put forward, it pleased God to aid me, so that I have seldom preached with more comfort to myself or visible effect on the congregation than on this occasion.

While on this circuit I learned something of the hardships which the early settlers in the West had to endure. Many of them were poor families from Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with but little education or skill in the art of living. The forests were dense, and the labor necessary to open a farm was so great, that few did more than clear away a small "patch," on which they managed to raise a scanty subsistence. Among them were many sincere Christians, whose liberality in opening their houses for preaching, that their neighbors might hear the Gospel, was worthy of all praise.

About ninety persons were added to the Church this year, one or two of whom have since filled his mission as a minister of the Gospel. The year was altogether a pleasant and, I trust, profitable one. It was full enough of trial and full of mercy — many happy seasons which I shall never forget.

Having closed the year's labors, I visited my father and friends in Kentucky, and then attended the Annual Conference, which met in Zanesville, Ohio. Here I was ordained deacon by Bishop R. R. Roberts, and received into "full connection" as a traveling preacher. This year, 1817,* I was appointed to Zanesville Circuit, with

«This must refer to the end of 1817, when the Conference met in the Autumn or Winter, for, according to the law of the Church, he could not be ordained deacon until he had traveled two years. He joined on probation at the end of 1815. — W. G. E. C.

Rev. Samuel Glades as my assistant. Brother Glades was a deeply pious young man, of good mind and studious habits. His course was soon finished; he laid down the cross for a crown only a few years after this, when with me on the Zanesville Circuit.

This period was one of labor and trial. We toiled to cultivate an apparently barren soil. Our presiding elder was the good, the venerable Jacob Young, much beloved and honored in the Church. The infirmities of age, blindness, and feebleness are now rapidly carrying him to his last home. His sun, though shaded by a cloud, shines brightly, and promises a glorious setting.

The Annual Conference met for the year 18 18 in Steubenville, Ohio. Here I saw, for the first time, that extraordinary man, Asa Shinn, and heard him preach an able sermon on the text, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ," etc. He was a strong man in argument and apt in illustration, more impressive usually than reasoning with the multitude. He lived long enough, as he said to an old friend, to be "heartily tired of reform, both in Church and State." This was saying a good deal for one who had spent his life trying to "reform" what he could not improve. I have read few books with more pleasure than his "Plan of Salvation;" but his second work, on "The Divine Being," was a failure; he promised more than he performed. He was, in some respects, a great man.

I was sent this year to Columbus, one of the best circuits in the Conference. My colleague this year was Rev. Leroy Swormstedt, a man whom I loved and still love for his goodness. We labored harmoniously together, and under the divine blessing with much success, especially in the city of Columbus. Some sixty persons were added to the city society. In this place were some of God's most precious children. Here lived old brother M'Cormack, a pillar and an ornament to the Church; and Mother Rathbone, whose son we this year received into the Church, and who has been, for many years, a traveling preacher in the Kentucky Conference. On one occasion this excellent woman said to me: "I know not why my Heavenly Father continues my life, for I have lived as long as I desired; I have seen all my children brought into the Church." But she waited patiently for the salvation of God, and finally attained her crown. This circuit included the town of Delaware, at that time a small place. I think it probable that brother Swormstedt and myself were the first preachers who ever called the sinners of this place to repentance. I would like to visit it now to see what the Lord has done for it since our day there.

In 1 8 19,* the Annual Conference met in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bishop George presided. This beloved shepherd was held in great veneration by the whole Church. He died at Staunton, Virginia, in 1828. I was ordained elder this year, and returned to Columbus Circuit, with a young man as my assistant. Rev. J. Collins was my presiding elder. He was a good man, a father in the Church, and one of my best friends. He was well qualified for the office, one of the most influential in the whole economy of Methodism. Wise in counsel, kind in manner, and energetic in action, he was always a favorite with the preachers under him. As a preacher he had but few superiors — not many equals.

*The date of the year 1818 is entirely omitted. He was ordained elder at this Conference in due course, having traveled four years. — vv. g. E. c.

A UTOBIOGRAPHY.

I was present at the General Conference of 1820, which met in the city of Baltimore, though not a delegate. I saw the working of the "radical" element, which resulted after the Pittsburg Conference, in 1828, in the separation of the "Methodist Protestant" from the Methodist Episcopal Church. At this General Conference it was determined to create a Kentucky Annual Conference out of parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Conferences. After attending the Ohio Conference at Chillicothe, I returned to Kentucky, intending to join this new Conference, I attended the session of the Tennessee Conference, which met shortly after my return, at Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Bishop Roberts, who was expected to preside, did not arrive, and Rev. Marcus Lindsay was elected chairman. I was solicited to take charge of the Holston District, in the Tennessee Conference. This was, by no means, according to my plans or wishes. I had been traveling but five years, and distrusted my qualifications for such a position, I earnestly asked to be excused if any other arrangement could be made. But Father Holliday came to me the second time to urge my compliance, which resulted in my saying, ' ' I can go anywhere the Conference may please to send me." I had spent four years in the North-west; I was now sent to the South-east. But it is little matter to a Methodist preacher where the path of duty may lead him, comforted by the promise, "Lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world."