"Such unanimity, earnestness, and divine power have scarcely been paralleled at any of our previous meetings. Yesterday was one of the best days I ever spent in a consecrated forest. An influence seemed to pervade the encampment that got hold of every body-the best men both of the ministry and laity. Last night it was very cold, cold enough for October; during the night it began to rain, and to-day the rain continues, driving us all to the tabernacle. We are most pleasantly situated in our forest cottage, and our boarding arrangements are most excellent-first-rate table and most attentive waiters. God is very good to me. He fills my soul and graciously helps me in my humble efforts to do His holy will. To-morrow, Sabbath, Brother Inskip preaches in the morning and Brother Boole in the afternoon. General meeting for night. God bless you, Annie, and my dear children. Love to the boys and all friends."

To his wife:

"DESPLAINES, August 15, 1870.

"I have the opportunity of sending a letter direct to Philadelphia by the hand of Brother Wallace. My last, I believe, was written on Saturday evening. That was a damp, cold day. All the services were in the tabernacle. Sabbath opened with a cool atmosphere but a cloudless sky. It devolved upon me to lead the five o'clock prayer-meeting in the morning. It was blessed indeed. At eight we had the love-feast, one of my very best. At halfpast ten Brother Inskip preached well-unusually well. At half-past two P.M. Dr. Reed, editor of The Northwestern Christian Advocate, preached. At the close of the sermon believers were rallied, and a general charge made on the unconverted. The altar was crowded with penitents, and some thirtyfive were converted in less than an hour. In the evening, as usual, Brother Alfred had to head the column. God helped me as much, perhaps, as ever in my life, and I trust great good was done. The whole ground seemed to be a great altar, sinners and unbelievers both down before God. We all think it was the best Sabbath of any of our National camp-meetings. Glory to the Lamb! The weather is very cool. My shawl is a decided necessity. I begin to realize a sense of great weakness, and will have to be careful lest I contract the chills and fever. Willing to work, and obliged to remain till the last moment, still I will be glad to turn my face homeward, and sit down again amid the quiet comforts of No. 813 West Street. "To-day there seems to be a little reaction from yesterday-nevertheless, the meetings have been very profitable. To-night God is present in great power. The great West answers to the East, and shouts, Holiness to the Lord. But I must close. The people are very kind-some of them think

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they must have me in the Northwest.

Give my love to the dear boys-let this take the form of a sweet kiss from their dear ma. The baby boy, of course, will not be forgotten. I received to-day your second letter. It was a hundred thousand times welcome. Take good care of yourself."

To Mrs. Bishop Hamline:

"DESPLAINES, August 19, 1870.

"We have been wonderfully favored at Desplaines-the weather, the congregations, the presence of a large number of ministers, the sustained and increasing interest, the loving spirit of the people, and especially the presence and power of the Divinity-all, all call for songs of loudest praise. Your prayers have been signally answered. This is beyond all question the best of our series of National camp-meetings. Your friends, of course, will supply all the details. My own soul has been wonderfully strengthened and helped.

"God bless you abundantly, my precious sister. I have written this in the midst of camp-meeting duties and excitements. It is not a thousandth part of what is in my heart to say. Pray for me, and believe me your devotedly attached son in the Gospel."

Some estimate of Mr. Cookman's ministrations at this meeting may be formed from one or two facts communicated by John Emory Voak, M.D., of Bloomington, Ill., who was present at the time:

"While attending the meeting, having known Brother Cookman, I took particular pains to attend all his ministrations and every meeting that he led, and oh, how my soul fed and feasted on the bread of life as dispensed by him!

"I never shall forget his sermon on the theme, 'Entire sanctification.' Surely the Holy Spirit spoke through him to many hearts, and won them to Christ as a Saviour to the uttermost.

"I wish I could describe one of the most glorious meetings I ever attended, led by him. After answering the objection often urged against laboring for the promotion of holiness (instead of the conversion of sinners) most beautifully, he gave a sketch of his experience. He said that 'on these hands, these feet, these lips I have written, Sacred to Jesus.' After his enlarging on that beautiful motto, I am sure many in that meeting of preachers saw entire sanctification as a more comprehensive and sacred work than they had been wont to view it, and that they were then set apart as never before.

"One other incident which can not be described occurred at the last service of that meeting. The time had come when we must part; all Christian hearts were solemn-some were sad-at the thought of leaving that hallowed ground. The leader felt he could not close without giving one more opportunity for sinners to come to Jesus, and for Christians to plunge anew into the fountain. To the surprise of perhaps every one, nearly two hundred arose for prayers. That scene seemed to inspire Brother Cookman, and he offered a prayer such as I never expect to hear equaled. The Holy Ghost made intercession in his soul with groanings that could not be uttered. He was in audience with Deity-aye, more, he had hold on God, and it literally raised him from his knees. I never heard such a fervent, effectual prayer, and it prevailed, as many will testify in the day of judgment."

This communication, together with Mr. Cookman's own account of the meeting, affords ample evidence that he never sought the entire sanctification of believers to the neglect of calling sinners to repentance."

Besides attending the National camp-meetings, Mr. Cookman was present at the usual number of local camp-meetings through the summer, and performed at every one the same almost superhuman work. He could allow himself no respite, but flew like a herald of light from place to place. Ennall's Springs, Talbot County, Brandywine Summit, Camden Union, Ocean Grove, and possibly others, shared his ministrations. He wrote from Ennall's Springs to Mrs. Cookman :

"ENNALL'S, Monday, 1870.

"Sabbath is over; it was a bright, beautiful, blessed day-the atmosphere cool, pure, invigorating. We had good congregations. I preached both morning and evening, superintended the love-feast and two prayer-meetings, and at half-past ten went to bed pretty well worn out. This is vacation! Our services have all been very profitable, the prayer-meeting last night and this morning especially. There are a good many hungry souls here, and I have great joy in inviting and leading them to the blessed provisions of the Gospel. There are many tender, loving inquiries respecting your welfare. You would have met a most affectionate welcome at the hands of these Dorchester County people. Annie T- is rather sad, occasioned by the change in her circumstances and the absence of her dear husband.

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Their tent, however, is just as attractive in its social circles and its bountifully spread table as ever.

"This afternoon we leave for Easton. Willie* seems to be very happy. The tables suit him. He has a wonderful weakness for the feathered creation-wings, legs, breast, and side-bones quickly disappear before his vigorous assaults. Thus far he behaves himself beautifully-keeps his clothes clean, and acts like a little gentleman. I feel proud of him. My own soul is strong in the Lord. I feel that in leading up the Church I am doing God's will, and am wonderfully blessed. The blessed Spirit shines upon my mind and seems to give efficiency to my feeble words. Pray for me. I do not forget you. Your unwavering love has not failed to make the deepest impression on my heart. May God have you ever in His special care and keeping."

To his wife:

"MCNEILL'S WOODS.

"On another battle-field! Arrived here last night about eight o'clock, after a four hours' ride from Ennall's. Will enjoyed the journey, especially the driving. This is a delightful spot-a larger meeting decidedly than the one in Dorchester. Our reception was most enthusiastic. This morning I led the eight o'clock meeting. It was really one of the most precious and powerful services that I ever enjoyed. Brother Quigg, the presiding elder, preached this morning, and Brother John Field this afternoon. The meetings are increasing in interest, and presage victory. President Wilson and wife are here-arrived last evening. Will finds pleasant companions, and receives a great deal of attention. The friends here insist upon my staying until Friday morning. They think that the interests of souls and the Church are involved. I shall be better able to judge to-morrow."

* The fourth son, William Wilberforce.

CHAPTER XXII.

GRACE CHURCH.-THE PENINSULA CONVENTION.

THE Wilmington Conference, at its last session (1870), had adopted the following resolution:

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Resolved,* That a committee of eight-four ministers and four laymen -be appointed by this Conference to arrange for a Peninsula Methodist Convention, to consider and promote our denominational interests, said Convention to be held at such time and place as the committee may deem advisable."

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Mr. Cookman was appointed chairman of this committee. Indeed, "the conception of the Convention," in the language of one, was his. He was the presiding genius as well as the moving spirit." At the call of the committee the Convention assembled at Smyrna, Delaware, on November 15, 1870, and continued for three days. "It was composed of the resident Bishop, Levi Scott, D.D., the superannuated, supernumerary, and traveling preachers of the Wilmington Annual Conference, with two lay delegates from each circuit and station within the limits of said Conference." Its object was "to consolidate, instruct, and inspire one Methodism on the Peninsula.” Mr. Cookman called the Convention to order, and the Hon. D. M. Bates, Chancellor of the State, was elected president, with eight vice-presidents.

The topics discussed were: The Methodist Episcopal Church -its active and relative growth, and its present position on the Peninsula; Education-its claims upon the Church; Working

* Proceedings of the Peninsula Convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held at Smyrna, Delaware, November 15, 1870. S. W. Thomas, 1018 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.