Memoir of Ellen May Woodward

Front matter

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MEMOIR

ELLEN MAY WOODWAED.

Introduction

On Saturday morning, January 19 th, 1850, an accident occurred in the vicinity of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, which filled the whole community with the deepest sorrow, and awakened an extensive sympathy wherever it became known. Three young ladies starting out with others from the house of Hon. George W. Woodward, fell through the ice formed over the flats near the Susquehanna River, and were drowned. One of these, Ellen May Woodward, aged thirteen years and five months, the subject of the following narrative, was Judge Woodward^ s eldest daughter. The others were Miss Mary R. Benner, aged seventeen, from Bellefonte, Centre County, a visiter

4 X INTRODUCTION.

at his house^ and Miss Ann 0. Butler^ aged twenty-one^ a member of his family. The peculiar position of Ellen Woodward as a member of the church of Christ at so early an age^ and the manifestations of deep piety which marked her, will account for the appearance of this little volume. She was one of Christ's lambs, committed to the care of the pastor of the flock, and her story is told to lead others into the same fold.

Wilkes-barre, July 1st, 1850.

Contents

PAGE

Chapter I. Early Childhood, . .13

II. The Awakening, . . 21

III. Ellen in the Sunday School, . 28

IV. Earnest Struggles, . . 38 V. Ellen's Plan for spending the

Sabbath, ... 68

YI. The Confirmation, . . 72

VII. Christian Efforts, . . 82

VIII. The Communion, . . .90

IX. Ellen's Journal, . . 98

X. Thu Sudden Calamity, . . 113

XI. The Funeral, ... 120

XII. Ellen as a Scholar, . . 140

XIII. Letters of Condolence, . 155

MEMO in.

CHAPTER I.

EARLY CHILDHOOD.

Ellen May Woodward, the daughter of the Hon. George W. and Sarah Elizabeth Woodward, was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of June^ 1836, and was baptized by the Rev. Dr. May, in St. Stephen's Church, on Sunday, December 22d, of the same year. During her earliest childhood she was never considered as peculiarly amiable in her disposition, or more disposed than children in general towards religious impressions ; on the contrary, there were instances where the reverse of this might be observed, and where, 2 without being regarded as a had child, in the common acceptation of the term, she yet exhibited much of that self-will so early observed in the natural heart. She was familiar, however, with the constant exercises of religion from her earliest youth, and as she grew up, her disposition becoming modified by the surrounding influences, she manifested a better spirit, and showed a more than ordinary interest in religious exercises. These traits of character, and the change which was observable in her, have been more and more a matter of reflection to those who had any part to perform in the work of her moral culture. She was early noticed by her teacher in the infant school, and by her pastor as she grew into childhood, as one whom it was always pleasant to see, and with whom was associated little of that faultiness which so often gives the teacher and the pastor pain. In her countenance there could always be seen the earnest desire to learn the truths appropriate to the day and place; a counte- 'nance which even then might seem indicative of the work of grace, which was so soon to be

EARLY CHILDHOOD. 15

manifested. In saying this, there is no desire on the part of any who are interested in her brief history, to represent her as a precocious child. In all that is to follow, it is our only aim to present her truly as she was, with no attempt to hold her up as a model child^ for such she was not ; and nothing could have more distressed her heart, so sensitively alive to her own defects, than the idea of being made an example for the imitation of others. It is the work of God's grace in her heart which we truly wish to honour, and our desire is to present her to her young companions, and all who may read this simple narrative, just as she appeared to her living friends, only with this natural diiSference, — that we look upon every blessing when it has departed, in another light, and reason more truly in regard to it, than we do when we have its full enjoyment. " How blessings brighten as they take their flight!" Could her young companions enjoy her society now, just as she was when with them before her death, how differently would they appreciate her. They would mark those traits which then were hardly noticed, but which, while unnoticed, led all who became intimate with her to love her. There was a charm of which all seemed to feel the influence, yet of which none were fully aware.

The qualities which seemed most to strike the minds of her teachers were her great modesty and perfect transparency of character, her unexampled truthfulness and sincerity. She seemed hardly to realize what deception is. Her teachers were often restrained from bestowing upon her the meed of praise which they thought justly her due, from the positive annoyance which it seemed to give her, in her total unconsciousness of its desert. With this trait in her character was joined that self-possession which is always the accompaniment of true modesty. In her perfect simplicity and unaffectedness, she would freely converse with any of the many visiters at her father's house; while they, in turn, would be regarding her with an admiration at which she would have been not a little surprised. While always of a serious turn, none seemed to enjoy life more than she did, None would enter more

EARLY CHILDHOOD. 17

heartily into the innocent sports of childhood with her young companions, and, with the exception of the few weeks in which her heart was all absorbed in the settlement of the great question of her soul's safety, no child appeared to have a more uniformly happy life. All her outward circumstances were favourable to this result, and her own inward spirit would have moulded a less favourable w^orldly lot into a condition of contentment.

It is difficult to tell the precise time when she first began to feel an interest in the subject of religion; and more difficult still to fix the hour, the day, or the month, w^hen that great change, the new birth, took place. But on this point we have no trouble. It is of far less consequence to know the time^ than to know the fact that it did take place. That there are persons who can fix that time with some good degree of assurance, we do not doubt, but it seems not the manner in which God's spirit generally operates. The soul is more often led by a way which it knows not, by steps which it cannot see, until, from the native condition of midnight darkness, it is 2^

18 ELLEN MAY WOOBWAKD.

brought out into the clear sunlight of Christian truth, and, looking back upon his former condition with a full realization of the great change through which he has passed, the new man in Christ Jesus can say, '' Whereas I was hlind^ now I see.'' This is in full accordance with what our Saviour said to Nicodemus: ''The wind bloweth w^here it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and w^hither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Holding this to be the general mode in which conversion takes place, we do not look for any precise moment in w^hich the subject of this memoir passed through that great change: nor do we have less confidence in the reality of her conversion, because we cannot point to the time. The time of it is with God: the fact alone are we concerned with, and that fact we are to judge of by the life and fruits.

We have already said, that in her earliest childhood, Ellen did not manifest a remarkably amiable disposition, but rather the reverse. There was one trait, how^ever, which

EARLY CHILDHOOD. 19

was conspicuous from the beginning, — and that was her great love for her mother, a love which amounted to an entire devotedness, an affection accompanied with such strong yearnings, that she could hardly tolerate even a short separation. Whether parting from her mother at night, or to go on an errand, or to school, a kiss and adieu, multiplied and affectionate, were her established habits ; and her first care on returning was to assure herself of the welfare of her mother. With the sincerest affection for every member of the family, her love for her mother seemed from very early childhood to the day of her death to be the absorbing passion of her nature. Nor was she wanting in love and obedience to her aged maternal grandmother, who had always been a member of the family. This revered relative was often ill, and many, many times has Ellen foregone the recreations in which the other children were engaged, to sit for hours by her bedside, reading to her in the Bible or some other good book.

Early in life instances were noticed where

Ellen took great interest in the study of the Bible, and it could be seen by her questions, that she was generally far in advance of children of her age, in the knowledge of God's truth. Since her death many conversations on this subject have recurred to her parents of a deeply interesting character, some of which must have taken place when she was not more than eight or nine years of age. She, however, in her own religious experience, does not seem to have referred to any of this early instruction, or their early impressions, as having anything to do with her Christian character as afterwards developed. But notwithstanding her own unconsciousness of it, the way had been prepared by steps which she did not recognise. There still seemed to be needed some striking event, or some definite presentation of truth, to draw forth her affection, and bring her mind to an intelligent decision ; and such an occasion or event was not long wanting, but was furnished in God's own good time.

Chapter II. The Awakening

On the last Sunday in July, 1848, after catechising the children of the Sunday school in St. Stephen's Church, the rector read to them the narrative of '^Little Elizabeth." This story proved very deeply interesting to Ellen, and made an impression upon her heart, more definite than any one thing before known in her religious history. The narrative was brief, and gave the few and simple incidents in the life of a little child who died before she was four years of age. In that life, however, short as it was, there was witnessed as clear evidence of a work of grace, as is witnessed in the case of any person of maturer years. Penitence for sin, faith in Christ, and gratitude to God for all his goodness, were distinctly developed. Her natural temper, though hasty and unruly, as early exhibited, was clearly conquered by divine grace, and the missionary spirit, the true spirit of Christ's disciples, was seen to such an extent, that she wished to sell the trinkets and jewels which were presented by her friends, and devote the money to the heathen. This narrative was sent in manuscript from England to the Rev. Dr. Cutler, Eector of St. Ann's Church, Brooklyn, who had it printed and distributed to all the children of the Sunday school connected with that church. The present writer well remembers the day, while assistant minister in that church, when the distribution of these little books took place. He then reserved a copy, which he read at the time before mentioned, in the parish to which he had removed. Having heard this story, Ellen returned home, and gave a most particular account of it to her mother and to her younger sister, who was not at school. Her heart seemed, deeply moved, she shed many tears over its recital ; her whole soul was agi-

THE AWAKENING. 23

tated with the great question of her own salvation, and with characteristic affection and earnestness, asked her mother to pray for her.

If we could have looked into the workings of Ellen's heart at this time, it would have probably appeared, that a new and deeper conviction of the truth had fastened upon her mind that early piety was possible. There can be no doubt that the many lessons which she had received at home, and in the Sunday school, and at church, had produced their wonted impression in some degree. We have already said that it will be difficult to designate the moment when she became a Christian. The ground had been preparing through her infancy and childhood. That same depravity which is the inheritance of all by nature, belonged to her, and the same great work of the Spirit was needed, before she could enter heaven. The work was most gradually developed according to our Saviour's analogy in the parable of the sower. The ground must first be prepared or made good. It was not so originally, or by nature. And when the ground was prepared, the seed must be sown. This would not spring up and come to maturity at once. The full ear of ripened grain would be as unnatural a sight when immediately produced, as would be the full-grown and experienced Christian starting up from the death of sin and worldliness. The seed must begin to grow, after it had been planted 'in the prepared ground. It Avould then start and grow before its first beginnings could be seen; before it appeared above the surface. Then would come the blade, the first faint signs of life, and returning spring-time. In this early tenderness it might be easily crushed and destroyed, but if guarded with care, as the husbandman watches his growing vegetation, it would increase, and, under the blessing of God's sun and rain, under the refreshing influence of the sun of righteousness, and the dews of God's Spirit, the tender blade would soon expand into the forming ear.

Such seems to have been the time in Ellen's moral history, when this little narrative was read. It presented religion to her in a new and more defined aspect. It coincided with

THE AWAKENING. 25

all the Instruction she had previously received, and went beyond it in this, — that it furnished a tangible case, in which the possible was developed into the actual ; the theory became practice. Nor will it be sufficient to speak of this as a natural result. It was more than this. It seemed to be one of the means among the many which the Holy Spirit uses to lead the heart of a child to the Saviour. It was something that she could understand and appreciate. She saw a little child of less than four years giving evident marks of piety, and dying happy. Why might not the same thing be true in her case? If so young a child should feel so strong a sense of sin, why should not she? If an infant could feel love to Jesus Christ for saving her soul, why should not her heart be touched with the same love ? And thus God made use of one of those means, so small as to be despised by worldly wisdom, to bring another child to her heavenly Father, Christ himself had said while on earth, " Suf» fer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven:'' and he also said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.'' Thus did God's work seem to be accomplishing in Ellen's heart, by those apparently humble means which the Spirit would more readily bless.

It was not long after the reading of the narrative of Little Elizabeth, and the impression as above supposed proceeding from it, that Ellen's mother informed her pastor of her interest in serious things. She had even mentioned to her mother her desire to speak with me upon the subject. The particular trains of conversation on that and other subsequent occasions, are not distinctly remembered; but they left an abiding impression upon my own mind that a work of grace had been commenced, and had even then proceeded so far, that I should have had no hesitation in admitting her as a candidate for the rite of confirmation, and thereupon to full communion with the church. The matter was hinted to her then, as a thing to be considered carefully and solemnly, as the Bishop was expected to visit the parish the last of that same

THE AWAKENINa. 27

month. It was left, however, to her own feelings ; and she, with that humility and diffidence so often discoverable, soon expressed the opinion that she was too young, and that it would be better to postpone it for the present. She was now about twelve years of age, and though she gave an evidence far superior to that upon which many a Christian has asked and been allowed the privileges of the full covenant, it was well, as far as we can now see, that she should wait for a further development of Christian character. The coming year was to witness a far deeper experience, and a more active struggle to complete the begun work. Lovely and tender in spirit as she was, the great adversary of our race, who goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, would not relinquish his claim upon the lam.b of the flock, till he had exerted his utmost power. That contest we shall soon be called to witness.

Chapter III. Ellen In The Sunday School

We may as well speak here of Ellen's character and conduct in the Sunday school, as in any other place, though we may have to anticipate some things in that connexion, which happened later in her history. From the infant school to the Bible class, of which she was a member at the time of her death, she had always shown a similar, though increasing interest. Each teacher to whom she had at different times recited, speaks of her in the warmest terms, as a most exemplary scholar; and they all felt that they had one, at least, who would pay good attention and reward the labour bestowed upon the lesson. She came desiring to learn, was always prompt in answering, and always understood her lesson. If a difficult question occurred which required more than usual thought and study, the teacher felt all confidence that it would meet with an answer from Ellen ; and the readiness with which it was answered, was only equalled by the delicacy and modesty with which that answer was given. Nor was it alone the lesson of the school that occupied her attention. This was by no means the limit of her biblical study. There were times, indeed, when the family circle at home would be formed into a Bible class of a Sabbath afternoon, and when all the members would join in the delightful study of the sacred volume. Doubtless many a good impression was treasured up from this exercise. It was a sacred influence coming from the sanctuary of a happy home, where the father was the priest of his own household; and should the holy day be thus occupied, and the influence of home thus directed by every Christian family, there would be less complaint on the part of children that the day was dull and tedious, and less regrets on the part of parents, that the chil- 3* dren had departed from the path of virtue. " Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'' It may be useful here to explain in a few words the manner in which this exercise had been conducted. It had long been the custom in her father's family, when he was at home and circumstances permitted, to gather the whole family together in this manner on Sunday afternoon, each one that was old enough to read being provided with a Bible, and the younger children seated to listen. Several chapters would then be read, parents and children reading successively two verses each, after which a familiar and general conversation would ensue on some striking passage or impressive truth that had been met with in the lesson. The main object in these exercises was to bring home the truth to the hearts and consciences of all present ; and the articles and liturgy of the church, and the sermon of the morning were convenient illustrations, which were freely used for this purpose. In this exercise Ellen always manifested a lively and intelligent interest. Her questions and observations indicated a degree of thoughtfulness far beyond her years.

But in addition to all the foregoing, there is evidence that she had her own plan for pursuing the study of the Bible, after her mind and heart had become so deeply interested in the personal application of its truths. Among her papers there was found a manuscript question book which she had written at times upon different portions of scripture, in addition to the lesson which she prepared for the Sunday school. These questions are such as would be most easily and naturally suggested to her mind, and sometimes are accompanied with reflections which were awakened by their study. The following are quoted as a specimen. It may be well to make a remark here, which will be applicable alike to these and other extracts from her papers. She wrote for no eye but her own. She seems to have poured out her heart on paper, the better to systematize her thoughts, and enable her to analyze them, and with no view whatever to the inspection of others.

This will account in some measure for the more broken and disjointed style of those of her papers that were peculiarly private, as compared with the letters which were desimed for the perusal of others.

" QUESTIONS ON THE BIBLE, WRITTEN WHEN I WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD.

Questions on the second chapter of Matthew.

^' When Herod was dead, who appeared to Joseph? (v. 19.)

''What did the angel of the Lord say this time?

''Joseph was warned by an angel of the Lord in the first place in a dream, to flee into Egypt, and afterwards, when Herod was dead, the angel of the Lord appeared a second time in a dream, and told Joseph to flee into the land of Israel. I think that this shows the protecting power of God in enabling them to avoid Herod.

" Did Joseph obey the command?

^' We see that Joseph did obey the command of the angel of the Lord; and we ought to obey all the commands of the Bible as the revealed word of God.

"Who reigned after Herod?

" It seems that after the death of Herod Joseph was still afraid to go into Judea, as Archelaus his son reigned in his father Herod's place, and ' very likely Joseph was afraid that he had the same cruel disposition as his father.' He was further admonished of God to turn into the ^ parts of Galilee.' "

It will be seen by the quotation marks here and elsewhere, how particularly scrupulous Ellen was to take nothing from others without an acknowledgment, though this little book was to be seen by no one but herself. Such was her character, manifested in everything.

LuJce, 8th chapter^ from the 22d to the 26th

verse.

" It happened once that Jesus ' went into a ship with his disciples,' and he desired to go to the other side of the lake they were upon, so they 'launched forth.' But presently 'he fell asleep,' and while he slept a great storm arose, and the ship filled with water. His disciples were very much frightened and went to him ' and awoke him saying, Master, Master, we perish.' But he rebuked the winds and the waves ' and there was a calm.' And he said, ^ Where is your faith?' At this those that were with him were afraid and ^wondered' saying, ^What manner of man is this? for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.' "

*^ Sunday, July 29t}i, '49.

^' Jesus once ^went into a city called Nain,' and he was followed by his disciples and a great multitude of people. When he came 'to the gate of the city,' he met a funeral.

There was a young man of the city to be buried, who was the only son of a widow. He 'touched the bier' with his hand, and those that carried it 'stood still.' Then he told the young man to arise. He who was lifeless but a moment before 'sat up' in his coffin, and Jesus 'delivered him to his mother.' Then all those that were about were seized with fear, and 'glorified God/ They declared that ^ there was a great prophet risen up among them, and God had visited his people/ 'The disciples of John/ told him all the things that had happened."

This is a specimen of the manner in which Ellen made the study of the Bible interesting to herself; seizing hold of incidents in the scripture narrative, and clothing them in her own language; sometimes transferring her own ideas of present customs, to that distant land, and that different scene. An instance of this is observed in the last extract, where the word " coflSn" is introduced, a word not in the original, because that custom of burying was not common, but it would easily and naturally occur to the mind of a child who was thus writing, when she knew its use in her own country. The same may be observed in regard to the word "funeral." Should such an exercise as this be pursued generally in our Sunday schools, under the direction of ministers, superintendents, and teachers, it would greatly enhance the interest of the lessons, and familiarize the youthful

36 ELLEX MAY WOODWARD.

mind with the word of God. Where scripture scenes or truths are stated by the children themselves in language which they can comprehend, they must produce a greater effect, than the same things though often and carelessly read over in the ordinary course of instruction. Reflection is stimulated, and the habit of thoughtfully weighing the teaching of the Bible is confirmed. There is no doubt that Ellen gained great benefit from this exercise. She assumed it herself, and it was not a task but a delightful duty.

That she was truly conscientious in her attendance upon every duty has already been remarked. The following note is an instance. It was directed to her Sunday school teacher.

"Please excuse me for not being at your house in time to study over the lesson with you. It was very kind in you to go over with it for our sakes, and I was very thoughtless not to come down sooner."

She once spoke to me in church as I was passing through the aisle, after catechising the children, and asked my forgiveness for whispering during the exercise. I had perceived nothing of the kind, but it made no difference with her ; she knew it herself and was not easy until she had confessed it. Many a similar instance has occurred where she has asked the forgiveness of her teachers or parents for something which she had done in a thoughtless moment, when they were not at all aware of it. Things which were never noticed by others, were condemned by herself, so sensitively alive was she to the most trifling fault. On retiring for the night she always parted from her parents with a kiss, and generally with some expression of desire for their forgiveness of faults, which were so minute that they had not observed them, or had forgotten them, insomuch that they could not suspect to what she referred unless she explained. The most refined casuistry is not so severe as was her jealousy of herself.

CHAPTER IV. EARNEST STRUaGLES

DuRiNa the winter and spring of 1849, but little change was observable in her religious character. There was the same attention to all her duties, at home, at the seminary, in the Sunday school, and at church. She seemed never to lose the interest which had been awakened during the preceding summer. But there yet appeared to be needed some deeper movings of the Holy Spirit to develope her religious affections and complete the work already begun. And this influence was not long absent. There was no outwardly exciting circumstance to impress her already awakened mind, but the still, small voice of God's Spirit bade her go forward in the path of duty. Her true character was yet to be manifested under circumstances of strong spiritual conflict with the enemy. Her own native depravity was to be more deeply realized, and the preciousness of the Saviour experienced as it had not been before.

Some time in the latter part of May, or about the first of June, it was discoverable that her mind had become most deeply exercised. It was then that she seemed to enter more freely into conversation with her parents and her pastor. As the work went on it began to assume to her an agonizing interest. Satan was exerting his strongest influence to defeat the work of God, and the tender child was thrown almost into despair. Under the Spirit's promptings she searched her own heart very thoroughly, and watched its changing phases most narrowly. She took every pains to be informed. She opened her heart fully, and concealed nothing from her spiritual advisers. The progress of the work may be judged better by some of her own statements in her own simple language, than by a mere description. In conversation with her I noticed that her impressions of her condition varied much from time to time ; some days buoyed up with hope,— on others depressed with many fears. I then suggested to her the exercise of setting down her thoughts on paper, — writing in one column the encouraging thoughts, — in another, the discouraging thoughts. By this exercise she could keep in view the various changes of her mind, and, perhaps be led to judge more correctly after a little delay. This exercise her mind seized upon, and she pursued it very faithfully. The following is the first paper which I received from her, and it gives an idea of the thoroughness of the work which was going on in her heart.