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early in the war, had been killed in battle during the past summer. He was a generous, valiant man, and much loved by his brethren. The President of the United States had issued the proclamation of emancipation, the justice and policy of which were yet much debated, and the unanimity which at the outbreak of the rebellion universally prevailed had become much disturbed by factious opposition. Mr. Cookman felt it was no time for Methodist preachers to mince words, to stickle over questions of constitutional nicety, but that the trumpet from them, as leaders of public opinion, must give a certain sound. He drew up the report. Its reading excited the deepest emotion; thrilling speeches were made by leading members of the Conference, and with but slight opposition it was adopted amid great applause. I give the resolutions:

"Resolved. -I. That as members and ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church within the bounds of the New York Annual Conference, we cheerfully renew our vows of uncompromising and unconditional loyalty to the United States of America-a nationality we are proud to acknowledge, and resolved, with the blessing of Heaven, to maintain.

"2. That it is our duty, enforced alike by the Word of God and our Book of Discipline, to submit to and to co-operate with the regularly constituted civil authorities, and to enjoin the same upon our people.

"3. That while we do not deny, but rather recognize and defend, the right of our people to discuss the measures and policy of the Government, at the same time we would counsel that, in the present critical condition of public affairs, this right is to be exercised with great forbearance, caution, and prudence.

"4. That the conduct of those who, influenced by political affinities or Southern sympathies, and under the pretext of discriminating between the Administration and the Government, throw themselves in the path of almost every warlike measure, is in our view covert treason, which has the malignity without the manliness of those who have arrayed themselves in open hostility to our liberties, and is deserving of our sternest denunciation and our most determined opposition.

"5. That slavery is an evil, incompatible in its spirit and practice with the principles of Christianity, with republican institutions, with the peace and prosperity of our country, and with the traditions, doctrines, and disci

pline of our Church; and that our long and anxious inquiry, 'What shall be done for its extirpation?' has been singularly answered by divine Providence, which has given to Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, the power and the disposition to issue a proclamation guaranteeing the boon of freedom to millions of Southern bondmen.

"6. That we heartily concur in this proclamation as indicating the righteousness of our cause, securing the sympathies of the liberty-loving the world over, and, above all, insuring the approbation of the universal Father, who is invariably on the side of justice and freedom.

"7. That we find abundant reason for gratitude and encouragement in the recent revival of the nation's patriotism; in the maintenance of our public credit; in the change of public opinion abroad, especially in England; and in the gradual but, we trust, sure progress of our arms.

"8. That we cordially accept the President's recommendation to observe the thirtieth day of the present month as a season of solemn fasting and prayer; and that, assembling in our various places of worship, we will humble ourselves, and earnestly supplicate the great Ruler of nations to forgive our national offenses; to guide, sustain, and bless our public rulers; to look upon our army and navy mercifully, giving success to our arms, so that this infamous rebellion may be speedily crushed, and peace, at once righteous and permanent, may return to and smile upon our American heritage.

"9. That our interest in and sympathy for those who represent us in the field continues unabated, and that to all those who are suffering in consequence of the havoc or desolations of this terrible war, we offer our sincerest sympathies and Christian condolence.

"10. That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the President of the United States, and that they be published in the Christian Advocate and Journal."

It was such action as this on the part of the Methodist ministers, sustained by the laymen for whom and to whom they spoke, both at the ballot-box and on the battle-field, that led Mr. Lincoln to say that no Church had done so much to support the Government in its efforts to maintain the Union as the Methodist ministers and people. It was not a little due to Mr. Cookman that the declaration of the New York Conference, representing a large popular sentiment in the commercial heart of the nation, assumed a shape so positive and incisive. It was but the emanation of his own convictions.

THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD.

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The pastorate of Mr. Cookman closed at the Central Church with the universal regret of its members. The young people had become ardently attached to him. He had taken especial pains to draw together and render efficient the young men of the congregation, and for this purpose had organized among them a society called the "Christian Brotherhood," which held regular meetings for business, religious, social, and literary exercises, and also took general supervision of the young men who attended the Church services. This society was pleased to express their appreciation of their retiring pastor by passing resolutions which are valuable as a tribute to him and as a hint to other ministers :

"Whereas, Rev. Alfred Cookman, our late pastor, has, in the economy of our Church, been transferred to another field of labor

"Resolved, That we remember with great pleasure our relations during the term of his pastorate, and that we deem his unusual interest in our Association, and continued efforts to promote its prosperity, as worthy of particular mention and record.

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"Resolved, That to his regular attendance upon our meetings, his courteous yet earnest participation in our discussions, his evident anxiety that our organization should prove of the highest benefit to the Church, and his constant endeavor for this result, is due much of its prosperity and useful

ness.

"Resolved, That upon retrospect of the term of Brother Cookman's service, we are led to believe that the pastors of our churches would add greatly to the effectiveness of their labors by more fully interesting themselves in the established meetings and organizations of their charges; as an active sympathy in concerns already enlisting the sympathies of their people must afford opportunity not otherwise enjoyed of learning their dispositions and peculiarities, of securing a place in their affections, and of gaining confidence, respect, and influence, as also, by counsel and co-operation, of promoting wiser action and developing wider results.

"Resolved, That the name of Rev. Alfred Cookman be placed upon the list of honorary members of this Brotherhood."

CHAPTER XV.

TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NEW YORK.— -THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC AND THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.

MR. COOKMAN was next appointed, in the spring of 1863, to the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church on West Thirty-fourth Street. Here his ministry proved highly acceptable and useful. The congregations were never larger than while he was pastor, and there were many valuable accessions to the Church. There are some persons still connected with Trinity, and some belonging to other churches in the city, who were the fruits of his fidelity at this time, and who are among the most useful and active Christians in New York. The savor of his piety diffused itself rapidly through all the departments of the station. He established a service on Friday afternoons, under his personal control, for the advancement of Christian purity, and succeeded in gathering to it many of the earnest lovers of holiness within his own charge, and some beyond it. These meetings were very helpful to the piety of the Church, and were instrumental in bringing not a few into the clearer light of perfect love. In their use his personal religious experience was also greatly enriched, and his ministry correspondingly nourished.

The most marked event of this pastoral term was Mr. Cookman's visit to the Army of the Potomac on special service under the direction of the Christian Commission. He showed himself ready not only to talk sacrifice, but to go to the front, that he might cheer, in the capacity of minister and brother, the hearts of the valiant and exposed soldiers. The best epit

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ome of his thoughts and doings while thus engaged is furnished in his letters written to friends at home. The Sanitary and Christian Commissions, organized for the relief of the soldiers of the United States, in addition to what was done for them directly by the Government, were sustained wholly by the voluntary offerings of the people, and constituted in their work one of the brightest features of the war. Never before was stern suffering so alleviated by the tenderer aspects of Christian and humane sentiment. The benevolence of the country rose in a majesty and beauty which signally contrasted with the dark clouds of fratricidal conflict. The Christian Commission aimed not only to extend to the fainting warrior the delicacies which the body and mind so much needed, but also, and chiefly, the Word of Life—in the shape of Bibles, good books, tracts, preaching, and pastoral visitation. It drafted for its occasional services ministers and laymen of the first talents; and the good it accomplished, while abundantly attested in the records of its history, can not be fully known until all earthly accounts are written up.

To his wife :

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“WASHINGTON, Saturday night, 1864.

"Not for a single moment have I faltered in my faith that this path in which I am walking has been appointed by my faithful Heavenly Father. Oh! how unspeakably precious He has been since we parted yesterday morning. I am leaning on His almighty arm, and feel assured that all will be well. Every thing is transpiring just as I could desire. In the New York train I found Dr. Stryker, my neighbor; Mr. McAllister, Sr., of Harrisburg; and Mr. Chidlaw, who has been in the employ of the Christian Commission. The time passed quickly.

"Reaching Philadelphia, I dined with Mr. George H. Stuart, who was enthusiastically affectionate and attentive; purchased many needful articles, etc. Proceeding to George's, I rather surprised them with my visit and mission, and spent a most delightful evening in their society. This morning left Philadelphia at eight o'clock; found friends in the car; traveled without interruption; had about two hours in Baltimore, but owing to a chafed foot, which was quite painful, could not visit friends. Left about half-past three;