Grace filling an earthen vessel with glory

Front matter

J LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.]

GRACE

<f illiug an ®ar%« Wmtl WITH GLORY:

Introduction

The Bible contains many precious, and wonderful records of Grod's dealings witli His people. Their sins and infirmities, their doubts and fears, are there set forth as so many warnings ; their trials and difficulties, and the wonderful manner in which, they were sustained under, or delivered out of them, are recorded for the encouragement of all Christians. All this was designed to testify to tlie Covenant faithfulness of the Lord our God.

The value of such memorials to those who are still in the wilderness is very great.

It is with a like design that the following letters are published. The only object aimed at, is that Grod may be glorified, and His Church edified. I am sure that no Christian can read this memorial of a de- 1*

VI INTRODUCTIO]S".

parted saint, without receiving instruction, encouragement, and support. Its perusal will tend not only to '' strengthen those who stand, and comfort the weak-hearted," but will also demonstrate what abundant and ready help there is in Jesus^ for all those who may be in tribulation or distress. When we consider that the following letters were written by a poor sewing-girl, totally devoid of education, and then mark the extraordinary depth of Christian experience, the exalted piety and unswerving faith, which they exhibit; we cannot but admire, and bless God for the grace by which she was taught. These letters run through a period of ten years, and though some are incomplete; sufficient has been preserved to reveal a character of no ordinary strength. We are led to think, as we read, what might have been, had God in his sovereign disposal of all things, seen lit to bestow upon his child, those earthly advantages of society, and education, which serve to train the mind. And yet, '' Just as in jewelry, men reject the massive mounting, and cumbrous ornamentation, which hide and disfigure the Gem, and choose

INTEOBUCTION. Vll

rather the most simple, and plain setting •which gives prominency to the diamond rather than to that which encloses it : — so in setting the jewel of his grace, God leads us ever to look away from the form, and fashion of the earthen vessel to the treasure it is privileged to contain."

In the case of this poor girl, the plainness of the casket, only renders brighter the brilliant enshrined there. And we are ready to exclaim at the close of each letter, *^Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"

No material alteration has been made in these letters in preparing them for the press. The/r5^ two are given without any correction whatever, for the purpose of showing how little Eachel Green was indebted to educational training. The remaining letters have been corrected in the spelling, and a few sentences which were mere repetitions have been omitted. This is all that has been done in the way of alteration.

A few notes have been added calling at-

Vm INTEODUCTIOJSr.

tention to the force and accuracy of lier expressions of faith and hope.

When these letters were first received, the beauty and force of expression, the dejDth of Christian experience which they exhibited, combined with the orthographical errors, and the known condition of the writer ; raised doubts as to their being the original productions of Eachel Green. And lest the same feeling should arise in the mind of any who may read them, we herewith publish an extract from a letter of a well-known and worthy fellow-citizen, attesting their authenticity, to which the reader's attention is called. He ever remained a firm friend of the poor sufferer, and she often alludes to him in her letters.

We are sorry that we are not at liberty to publish in full the name of this gentleman.

These letters wou.ld have been published nine months ago, but for an intimation then given that the author of the extract just alluded to, was in possession of a number of letters, &c., and designed publishing them for the benefit of Eachel's family. However, on mature consideration, and now with

INTRODUCTION. IX

the approbation of that gentleman, it is judged best to publish, these fragments, in all their simplicity, just as they came from Eachel's pen. They may become in the hand of our God productive of much comfort and consolation to his people. We know they need all the consolation and encouragement they can get. We feel sure they cannot interfere with any larger and more elaborate history which may hereafter appear.

It is to be regretted that so few particulars of her early life and history have been preserved. The biographical sketch is necessarily very brief. And yet we feel that if she could now bend down from her happy home, she would say, *'Let no praise of man be carved upon my tomb ; let the only record of me be, ^This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ; of whom I am chief? "

I believe this little book may be read with profit by ministers, Sunday-school teachers, the more advanced scholars, and all private Christians, especially those in affliction ; and considering, as I do, these letters to be a

X INTRODUCTION.

most valuable, and precious testimony to the grace, love and faithfulness of Jesus ; I cannot but thank God, who has, by means of Christian charity, (love,) on the one hand; and gratitude on the other, brought to light this glorious example of the triumph of our common faith. And I do believe that if there were more of this i^actical communion of saints ; the Church at large would be permitted to see more of the glory of God than it now enjoys.

Praying the Lord to use these letters for the purpose of glorifying the name of his Son Jesus ; let us all heartily join in these beautiful and appropriate words, '^ We also bless Thy holy name for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith, and fear; beseeching Thee to give us grace, so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of Thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this. Oh Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen ! W. E. C.

INTRODUCTION. XI

Extracts from Mr. 's Letter.

Philadelphia, May 29, 1850.

Dear Madam:

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ When I took the liberty of calling on you last summer in relation to the case of Rachel the daughter of Catherine Cope, it was with the view of obtaining some information about her.

The circumstances of her case were so strange that I felt a little apprehension that all might not be as it seemed from her letters, and what I heard from a person who knew her in Baltimore. I have taken every means to search out the particulars, regarding her character and condition. I find to my entire satisfaction that every thing is true, while my heart is pained to think that so much as relates to her sufferings and penury is true. A medical gentleman has been attending her for the past six months with great kindness and liberality ; and letters which I receive from him as well as from a gentleman who has visited Eachel at my request, lead me to understand, that while there is every thing estimable in the

Xll INTRODUCTIO]S".

character of the woman, her condition is one of great suffering and extreme want, and that her sufferings, and the disease under Ayhich she is manifesting a wonderful spirit of resignation, are much aggravated, by the necessity under which she lies of working both by day and night.

% ^ ^ ^ ^ J have no hesitation in saying that her letters contain the most extraordinary exhibitions of humility, and elevated piety, of elegance of expression, and powerful thought, that I have met with during a period of more than twenty-five years' reading as one of the Committee of Publication of the Sunday- School Union. In fact, I do not know, where they are to be equaled, but in the writings of the most distinguished authors of the last century ; and such is the opinion of gentlemen of the highest literary character in this city

To permit such a person to suffer from

the want of what is essential to life cannot

be, and I have only waited to be satisfied

that there was no deception in the case. ^ *

Your ob't servant.

Pago Introduction, v

Extract from Mr. 's letter, xi

Biographical Sketch of Rachel W. Green, - - 15 Letters, -- 25

BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH.

The design of this sketch, is to present the following letters in an intelligible aspect to the general reader. It is of necessity very brief, but it is just as well that it should be so ; for we do not care to make '^the vessel" too prominent. Our desire is rather, to call attention to Jesus ^ and his grace, of which it was privileged to receive so abundantly.

Some thirty years ago, or thereabouts, when the subject of this sketch was a mere child, she lived in Philadelphia with her mother Catherine Cope, who was employed in one or two respectable families as a kind of under servant. It is interesting to know, that during this time Eachel received some Sunday-school instruction, although we cannot point to any truth imparted there, as being instrumental in her subse quent conversion. It appears from what

(lb)

16 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

we can learn of her at this period, that there was nothing remarkable about her as a child. She seemed on the contrary to be rather uninteresting, and of a peevish disposition. Her mother removed to Baltimore while Eachel was yet quite young, and followed the business of a huckster in the market of that city. Poor, ignorant, and uneducated herself, she permitted her child to grow up totally uncared for in this respect, and having no thought for God: Eachel was, as might be expected, left in total darkness with regard to the knowledge of Him, and his ways. But, the Shepherd was watching over this ^^lost sheep," and it is very interesting to note how she was ^'returned" or brought back to Him who is the Bishop, and Shepherd of souls.

At a suitable age, she seems to have helped to support herself, and her mother, by sewing in some Eoman Catholic families in Baltimore. In a letter giving a brief account of her conversion, she says, ^^From a child I had a desire to be a member of some Church, not for the benefit I expected to derive from its services, but because I thought it respectable to be a church mem-

BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH. 17

ber. At an early age^ I became acquainted with some Eoman Catholic families. These seemed to suit my proud heart, for among them I could mix in, conform to, and partake of the world as much as I chose. I soon became a full member of that Church, and a dupe to all the idolatry connected with it. I grew one of the most bigoted, superstititious, persecuting creatures. As for charity, I had none, nor did I want any except for Catholics."

So deyoted did she become, and obedient to the commands of the Priest, that she was distinguished by being "anointed" in the Cathedral of Baltimore, and was placed under the patronage and protection of St. Eebecca !

Somewhere about this time she was married to a man named Green. Here also she was destined to taste the cup of sorrow, for her husband proved worthless, and soon deserted her. But, the time was approaching when her Maker was to be her husband, and her Eedeemer, her patron, and her friend. She was emphatically chosen in the furnace of affliction, yet, even when the fire was hottest, and the billows most boisterous, 2*

18 BIOGEAPHICAL SLETCH.

she ever found that He had a hand ^^ mighty to save,'' as her letters abundantly testify.

It was New Year's Eve^ 1843, when she and some young Eoman Catholic friends entered a Methodist prayer-meeting in Baltimore, for the purpose, as she says, of ''making game," and endeavouring to induce young people to join the Eoman Church. She saw these Christians kneel in prayer, and whilst upon her knees with them, the following thoughts passed through her mind. '' These people pray to God himself, pleading the merits of ^ Jesus only!' Why do they not first address the Virgin Mary, through her Christ, and through him God ? They seem to believe God will hear them. Perhaps they are right. If so, then I am wrong." She left that prayer-meeting, restless and disturbed in soul, for God's Spirit had laid his hand upon her ; and for one long month suffered much and sore anguish of mind. Towards the end of that time she found peace and joy in believing, having counted the cost, and determined to suffer persecution, if need be, for her Saviour. Speaking of the Bible at this period of her history she says, ^'Like all

BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH. 19

other CatholicS; I knew nothing of its blessed contents. Had I any one to direct me to the Book of all books, I would soon have learned the cause of my distress."

Eight months after her conversion she became unable to walk, and was bedridden. From this point commences her long and hard, but profitable course of study in the school of Christ. Her sickness extended through a period of fifteen years. She was laid on her bed eight months after her conversion, and for five years suffered more or less, according as her diseases became more and more complicated, before her condition and wants were made known to her friends.

She was aflicted with cancer of the stomach, enlargement of the heart, and paralysis of the lower extremities, and must have suffered most intense and excruciating pain.

It was at the end of these first five or six years of suffering, and about the opening of the year 1850, that her case came to the knowledge of her own and her mother's early friends and benefactors in Philadelphia, and that she commenced to write these letters. As soon as it was ascertained that there was no deception in the case, and

20 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH.

that all was just as had been represented, she received constant and regular assistance.

How sweet to such, even to all who were permitted to have even the least part in alleviating the sufferings, and supplying the wants of this child of God, must the assurance be, ^^ Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto Ife."

God is a sovereign. He acts, orders, and permits, and gives no account of his matters; but he does all things well. The minds and gifts of his children are very various, in order doubtless that his manifold wisdom thus exhibited, may be seen as light is when decomposed by passing through a transparent medium, in something of its varied and wondrous beauty. We know that God ^^ created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known hy the Church the manifold wisdom of God.'^

He saw fit to give to this poor girl a mind of no common order, but withheld the education necessary to develope it in this stage of being. Doubtless it will be luis-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 21

troTis with glory hereafter. In proof that Rachel's was a fine mind, I need but refer to her letters. And here it is worth while to mention this fact : it was after she had been on a sick bed that she learned to write. Pen, ink, and paper, with a dictionary, were furnished by one of her kind Christian visitors, and it was thus she learned to spell out^ with many mistakes, her eloquent letters. But, "it is written, they shall be all taught of God^

She continued writing to her kind friend in Philadelphia for ten long years, and when she had passed away, having laid aside the pen, and sorrow, and suffering, for the harp, and the golden crown, and the joy of her Lord, it was thought well to publish these letters. It will be seen from them, how gradually her disease, or rather complication of diseases, destroyed her mortal body; and also how wonderfully she was sustained.

The letters Nos. vii., x., and xiv*, are very remarkable, and deserve attention; indeed all are worthy of it. It is very seldom that we meet with such an exhibition of faith and resignation to the will of God.

22 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH.

She died early in the year 1859. Her last letter is dated January 1st of that year. Enclosed in it was a slip of paper, on which was written, ^' Good-hye ; I am going homeP Doubtless they were words of joy to her ; for she hnew in whom she had believed, and had tested his faithfulness in many a dark and stormy hour. Going home! Aye, blessed thought ! — going to enjoy the covenant ordered in all things, and sure — going to take possession of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away — going to a kingdom, and places prepared from the foundation of the world — going to sit down at the marriage-supper of the Lamb — going to meet brethren and sisters, and make up one of God's gY%2X family — going to hear, " Come, ye blessed children T — going to see Jesus, as he is — going to be ever with the Lord!

Yes, this is to go home !

** Lord, I would be near thee — with thee where thou art. Thine own word hath said it, * It is better to depart ;' There to serve thee better, there to love thee more, With thj ransomed people to worship and adore. Ever to thy presence thou dost call thine own — Here thou art with them alwavs— they are never left alone,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 23

But there to see thy glory ! — thy wondrous love to

know; Loose, Lord, the cords that chain me — loose, and let

me go 1"

Oh God! we pray thee *' shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom." And grant that we, and all thy people, may live and die in the '^blessed hope," and prospect of ^^ going home." Grant it. Lord, for Jesus' sake! Amen ! W. E. 0.

[uncorrected.]

Letter I

Baltimore^ January 2d^ 1849. Dear Madam The phywsician begins this day to put me under a regular corse of physick. I can and do but trust in God, he will order all right mye mother is very ancious to hear from you. she thinks you must be sick, if it is not too much truble and you are able^ a few lines would bee verye thankfully Eeceived bye us. since began to write this 2 lardge absesses has bursted. one near mye heart the other in mye side, I thought mye Eeleas had come,"^

* It win be seen from the next letter, that at this time she had been suffering for five years. Her release, as she calls it, was t^n long years before her. And although she had to wait midst very uncommon suffering her Lord's time, still she found it to be good to wait. It may be set down as an axiom in tht> Christian's experience, that waiting time, although ifc may be a hard time, is always a profitable time.

but it is gods will for me to suffer longer. Amen, not mye will but thine bee done, maye mye sufferings bee sanctified to mye good and tbe glory of God.

Dr Metcalf is tending me tbrongb the

grate kindness of Mr. . lie says tie

never saw one person afflicted with so many different deseases at once, he sayes it is the most distressing case he ever seen, with mye bad spells he gives more speedye Eeleaf than anye physician that I ever had, though as yet he has no hope that he can do anye thing for me more than tempoarye Eeleaf he seems fearful to do scarselye anye thing, for he sayes what would do good in one deseas might kill me with the other. I seem to think he will do me more good than he antisapates though he tells me he cannot give the smallest hope. Is not

Mr. very kind to interest himself in

behalf of so poor a girl, god will Eeward him. I can but pray for mye kind benefactores, and this will I do while life or Eeison last. Dear lady I fear you will not like mye saying so much, if I had more knowledge and better education I could then convaye my meaning without saying half so mucli, but as it is I must saye a gratdeal to convaye little meaning, you will I hope excuse mye freedom of speach. I love to speak of things consearning mye souls wellfare and foreget that I am not writeing to mye equels in station, please make alowance for mye ignarance. to speake truth I am most ashaimed to write, for I have no learning whilst you have much and cannot help but see errars that another would not, but what the lord gives me to saye that I write in all sincerity and simplisitye of heart. I send this by Mr. H. we sincearlye hope that you are in good helth. my love to you and yourse I am dear Maddam

your humble servent Eachel. W. Geeen.

Lette E II.

[UNCOKEECTED.]

Baltimore, June 28, 1849 Dear Madam I fear you think me verye ungrateful for not acknowleging your most jenerous guift at an earlier time, but the causes are as follows, hearing from motlier that one of the yonng ladys laye yerje ill I thought it best to wait until the famlye became setled. the next since I have been so verye ill myself, for some length of time I did not know even my Mother, and I now offer yon the thankful acknowledgments of a grateful he^rt for your kind favor bestowed on me. it has pleased the grate head of the church to afflict me deeplye ; and why dose he do so. because he delights in suffering, no. oh no. because it is beest for me to suffer, he alone knows what is good for us. the will of the lord be done in me is all I. desire, he deals most kindly to wards me. indeed his love and tendirness to wards me very far exceeds mye suffering. I desirve a much harder fate, truly if I had but my own Eightousness to Eecommend me to the favour of god I might well dispare of ever entering that rest wich Eemains for the peple of god. but thanks be to him who gave his only begoten son that whosoever belie veth in him should not perish but have everlasting iifC; I have an divine intersessor who ever pleads for me at gods Eight hand, he alone is my worthyness my Eightonsness my all and in All. I can but cast myself at the foot of the cross and there plead his merits, thank god I have this privleg. some saye to me, yon trye to love and sirve god, whye dose he cause you to suffer so much, dose he not saye whome I love I chesen and scurgeth everye son (or daughter) whome he Eeciveth, and what are these light afflictions compared to the glory wich shall bee Eeveled in us. and others again saye to me (and I am sorrye to saye those who profess to be christians) if he see good to afflict your bodye, why cause you to suffer so much more bye warking. whye dose he not provide for you in some other waye. I tremble when thye speak thus, who are we that we should Eeason with the almighty, is he not the grate I Am, I thank my heavenlye father that he has not taken away the use of my hands, with that of my feet, though at times at short itervals mye Eight hand seems to be quite dead. I have now been confined to the bed near five years. 4 years I have not stood on my feet, this is the lords doings and to manye it is marvalous in their eyes, thaye do not seem 3* so LETTERS OF

to Eemembir that god is to wise to err and to good to be unkind.'^ I thank him that I am willing to suffer all his Eightons will, grace has done much for me. thank god he ceeps from me a spirit of Eepineing. it is all the lord ; bless his name I can look foward in the full assurance of faith to that rest wich is Eeserved for the children of god. I am but a pilgrim I seek a citye whose bilder and maker is god. all that I desire is that these sufferings maye be sanctified to the good of my soul^ the glory of god and the benefitt of his saints, of whose number, by his grace I hope to be, and finely through the merits of Christ be admited into his kingdom of everlasting Eest. for many weeks I have not been able to wark. this goes hard with me and my heavenly father only knows when I will be able to do anye thing, do something I must trye when I possably can, for my Dear Mother is not able to suport me. if at any leasure time you will honnor me with a few lines I would be very thankful.

* It is evident that Rachel had learned hy hearty Phil. i. 29.

please excuse my bad writings as I tave to write king dwon. I hope you will make everye alowance for mye verye limited education, with mye thanks I subscribe myeself your thankful and humble survent

Eachel. W. GtKeek.