USA > Virginia > Virginia Baptist ministers. 5th series, 1902-1914, with supplement > Part 2
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
of missions was ablaze. I was corresponding secretary of the Society of Inquiry, which tended to strengthen my resolve to give myself to the work of preaching Jesus to the nations. I received from the University the degrees of A. B., A. M., and D. D.
"In 1837 Dr. Fuller preached in our church from the words : 'My son, give me thy heart.' I wept until I was ashamed. Until I became a professor of religion I was constantly afraid, on going to church, that I would be convicted and expose myself to the people. This fear often made me seek the gallery, though contrary to the rule of the family. Dr. Fuller, with Mr. Craw- ford, the pastor of the First Church, and Mr. Wyer, was conducting a protracted meeting. I went to the door, but was afraid to enter. Next morning before breakfast I went and took my seat by the door. Mr. Crawford came to me. The devil took possession of me and I began with my skeptical arguments. He sent Mr. Wyer to me. Though very tender and affectionate, he finally arose and said : 'Young man, your infidelity will damn you.' I was greatly offended. Instead of going home to breakfast, I walked out of town full of anger and with the words ringing in my heart-'Will damn you.' I concluded that I would be damned. I went again to the meet- ing. Dr. Fuller spoke to me. Sent Mr. Wyer to me, who said: 'You are not far from the Kingdom,' but I knew that I would be damned talked wildly to mother about my sins and ruin. Went to father's office, paced up and down the back store praying for deliverance. Tut (my brother Tristram) came in dancing and singing. I burst into tears and told him: 'I will be damned, but you must not!' I made him kneel down and prayed for him. Then I hid myself in the hayloft and poured out my distressed spirit to God. Going home, I found that Dr. Fuller had left for me Jaines' Anxious Inquirer.
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The devil again entered me. I vowed I would not go again to hear Dr. Fuller and I would resist salvation even if it were forced upon me. Mother chided me kindly but wisely. My conscience pricked me. My sins seemed like a mountain crushing me to perdition. I read The Anxious Inquirer almost all night. I was relieved and alarmed. The idea of a false hope terrified me. In the morning I went to the Inquiry Meeting. In reply to my fears Dr. Fuller said: 'If you go to hell I will go with you and we shall preach Jesus there until they turn us out, and then where will we go?' For several weeks I was bowed down because I could not feel my sins. On Sunday night I went to hear Mr. Francis Johnson. He preached on 'The Law of God.' I was overwhelmed and fell down on my knees in the pew and burst into tears. Next morning I went to see Mr. John-
son. He said I was converted as much as he. I pro- tested. He bade me go to my closet and plead before God the fulfilment of his promise in the 9th verse of Romans X. I did so. I believed and rejoiced in the word: 'Thou shalt be saved.' The whole world was changed. It was a delight to live. I could have encom- passed the universe in my love. · At the church
door next day I saw I offered him my hand. In an hour or so he rode up and handed me a note, asking if my hand was offered as a retraction of the insult of cutting his acquaintance. I drew him upstairs and implored him to repent and believe. I carried him to see Dr. Fuller. We prayed together and were baptized together by Dr. Fuller on the evening of the 17th of April, 1846. The night I was baptized Dr. Ful- ler said to the congregation: 'This young man wants to
go to Africa, but we need him at home.' Dr. Fuller preached nightly for six weeks. Some 500 con- verts. Two hundred joined Baptist churches. Our daily
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
sunrise prayer-meetings continued for two years, until all of us who led went away to study for the ministry. "
After his conversion Mr. Tupper passed through a period of doubt and anguish. He questioned his con- version and refused to hear a voice that called him to the gospel ministry. At last, however, he came out into a large place where there was peace and joy. His journal continues :
"When I was a little boy I used to play 'preaching' in the attic story, the children being the congregation and I the preacher. I often told my friends that I intended being a lawyer until I was thirty years old and then I would enter the ministry, as Dr. Fuller did.
Long before I had any notions of religion I used to prac- tice my gifts as a preacher in my room. I was deeply interested in the saving of souls, and felt no stronger desire than to see the world brought to Jesus. I thought seriously on the matter and determined to give myself to the work. Finally, through the influ- ence of Brother Kendrick, it was concluded that Boyce and I go to Madison University, Hamilton, New York. Of all the preachers who made deep impressions at Hamilton, Dr. Fuller was the greatest. I doubt if there was his equal in the pulpit since the days of the Apostle Paul. But my head is swallowed up by my heart whenever I think or speak of this, my father in the Lord. My course was in the midst of the fierce struggle which resulted in the founding of Rochester University. God overruled the storm and Hamilton was saved while Rochester was gained.
"On November 1, 1849, I was married at Kalmia, S. C., the summer residence of Hon. Kerr Boyce, to his pious and intelligent daughter, Nannie Johnstone. I had known her from early childhood. We were reared in the
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same Sabbath school. Our parents' pews in the church were almost opposite to each other. Fre- quently she dressed in white. I often thought that the garb was a fit and beautiful emblem of her simple and pure character. The plainness of her dressing was always to be noted in view of the fact that she was literally doted on by her father, who was probably the wealthiest man in the city, and known by all to be devoted to his children. She was really 'the pious, con- sistent little member of the church.' She visited the poor, sought children for the Sabbath school, and was ready for every good word and work. I was called to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Graniteville, S. C.
Was ordained pastor of the church, by Rev. Wm. Hard and Rev. Mr. Brooks, on the first Sabbath of the year 1850. My work at Graniteville was partly missionary and entirely gratuitous and this greatly delighted me. It was a first love indeed. Fresh from the University, my habits of study were continued and I gave much time to the study of the Scriptures. In the afternoon I usually preached an expository sermon, and in this way took the church through most of the epistles of the New Testament. On Saturday night I met with as many as would attend and examined them on the Scripture expounded the Sabbath before.
My health seemed to fail. I had to spend the winter of 1852 in Florida. Dr. Geddings, of Charleston, said I must never preach again.
"Entered upon the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Washington, Ga., in the spring of 1853. There we had the loveliest of homes. There a devoted church, in which I never noticed a ripple of discontent, loved us, and a whole town called me Bishop.
Washington is one of the oldest towns in Georgia. It was named when Washington was a colonel. The streets
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were made narrower to give better defence against the Indians. . Between the denominations the ut- most cordiality prevailed. The whole com-
munity became a spiritual family. No man could be more perfectly identified with a place than I was with 'dear old Washington.' For many years I preached three times on the Sabbath. For some fourteen years I preached on Sunday afternoon to the children. Phi Upsilon became an institution of Washing-
ton. It was, as the mystic name signifies, a Literary Temperance Society. The meetings were held in a cot- tage in my grove. Grove extensive
some three hundred cedars that I had planted
flowers. 'Labyrinth' modeled after that of ancient Crete.
garden
Grounds thrown open to
the public. Before the War I preached every Sunday and Tuesday night to the colored people and had appointments on the plantations in the vicinity. This was service in which my heart rejoiced. I had
a large colored membership and many of them devoted Christians. My morning sermons were pre-
pared with care. Friend B- -, an elder in the Pres- byterian Church, would criticize them as too abstract. But I could not or did not reform. Revivals of
the most blessed kind were enjoyed. The
monthly Concert of Prayer for the salvation of the world was regularly kept up.
The church was thoroughly indoctrinated on the subject of missions, as their large contributions indicated. But frankness re- quires me to say that in the report of those donations were included my support of a missionary among the Indians and another in Africa, or amounts equivalent to such support. I felt myself greatly indebted for a criticism on my early preaching at W - -- , viz. : that I talked to sinners as if I were mad. Our
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house, an imposing building, was a square edifice on a very high foundation approached by winding steps in front and surrounded by a colonnade on all four sides that reached from the lower floor to the balustrade which rose above the roof of the house. . Grounds extensive, some fifteen acres in pleasure grounds and use- ful meadow. Children trained at home or in
private schools. A trip to Europe made a
momentary break in our Washington life. . My
. library was of good quality, some 1,500 volumes; the children fond of reading. There were few things that we cared for or coveted beyond our constant reach, save more knowledge of Jesus, more experience of his love, and more perfect assurance of our election and calling. But, happy as I was, I felt that I might be more usefully employed. The subject of missions haunted me. As chairman of the Executive Committee on Mis- sions, formed by the Georgia Association, I had some- thing to do to supply missionaries and sustain them, but I wanted more. Finally I formed the plan of a self-sustaining colony to Japan. I paid two visits to Dr. Taylor (Cor. Sec. F. M. Bd.) at Richmond, Va. I corresponded with the United States Ministers in the East. Some $250,000 would be invested for the benefit of the mission. But the way was not clear ; the War came on, and the cherished plan, like my others for missionary work, was unrealized.
"In the principles on which the War was fought I was a South Carolinian thoroughly imbued. I went down to Sullivan's Island in the boat which bore the orders of General Beaureguard to open fire on Fort Sumter and stayed behind the battery and along the beach until Major Anderson's garrison, who fought like heroes, mounted the battlement and threw up their hands in surrender. I received from President Davis a com-
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
mission as chaplain of the North Georgia Regiment, but declined any compensation.
"To breakfast at ten o'clock is not very usual in camp, yet the 9th Georgia has been so fashionable to-day. As ordered, we left late encampment yesterday morning and pitched tents here between Centerville and Fairfax. Rain on way, but pleasant meditation on Psalm XXXIV, 7. Great comfort and sublimity in the things of Almighty power and love stretched over the universe, and under whose shadow the children of men are allowed to trust. After wet time in getting up tent, I had just got snugly ensconced between my blankets when horse- men rode rapidly up to staff tents, and soon I heard from guard: 'We are ordered off.' About nine, the regiment started with rapid march. Whither, none knew; but enough for the soldier, 'A fight on hand.' No water, no provisions taken, in excessive haste. Chap- lain stopped at door and filled canteen and brought a partly eaten pone of stale corn bread. The night black and stormy. Rain came down in a flood. Couldn't see 'hand before the face.' Separated from regiment, let horse pilot way, though started and jumped and whirled round ever and anon, at what I knew not, and she prob- ably as wise. Road to Fairfax C. H. the left, to Fairfax Junction right, at intersection; but which the regiment would take I had no idea, and had no idea that would see road when got to crossing. Fortunately halted there by picket, who directed to the right. Soon ran into rear of column and all together we tumbled along. I know no more expressive word. The road like slime. The rain unabated, the darkness above, the same because it could not be blacker. Men tumble down and walked upon; shoes drawn off by mud; several pistols and one sword lost. Still the line crowds on to Fairfax Junction, where arrive about 1 A. M. after such a march as even
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the severely taxed 'Ninth' has never had and will prob- ably never have again. No one has ever experienced the like-seen such a night, had such a march, and, on the whole, been in such a press of circumstances. And when we arrived the announcement is issued from head- quarters : 'No need of regiments. Fight over and enemy repulsed.' Next order: 'Take the woods and return in morning to camp.' With great difficulty fires are kindled. And there we stood all night in rain- drenched and searching and looking for the day. Never did the light look so beautiful, but the most beautiful of sights was our 'camp' again after the remarch, which was made in quick time, and the half dry and hungry 9th made first for their mess chests, at which they got about 10 A. M. . My thoughts, in that horrible dark- ness and storm, were above this world, I hope. The glorious wings seemed stretched over me. No thought of evil to myself entered my mind. Applica- tion to War Department for release from Commission and permit to preach to the Confederate Troops in South Carolina and Georgia. Answer next day. Another start for old Charleston, where arrived the 15th. Began work at Trapman Hospital.
Sick at home those weeks. Hearing that the Morris Street Baptist Church sold for a silver factory- think of it! I purchased it from the purchaser in the name of my Master and opened the
'Soldiers' Chapel.' Had the happiness of preaching to my old regiment, the 9th Georgia. Sta- tioned at James Island. The meeting with those war- worn men was delightful. Their religious condition is most gratifying. Fifty have been converted. Some waiting now for baptism.
"In January, 1872, the news came to me like a flash in a cloudless sky that I had been elected Corresponding
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Southern Baptist Convention. My mind seemed fixed that I would never quit my church for any other or for any professorship or even any secretaryship. Surely I had been well tested in the near twenty years of my pastorate. But here was something different; here was perhaps the realizing of all my missionary hopes and preparations. But, per contra, the breaking up of our home, the quitting of the church, the tearing away from the delightful associations. The thought was appalling. But I resolved that I would do God's will and rejoice in the sacrifice. I preached to the united churches from Phil. 4:1. Then the Lord's Supper was celebrated, then the heart-rending scene. I was made ill. The doctor said I must go to bed, but instead I took the train for Richmond as the only hope of redeeming my promised acceptance.
"I went to Richmond in February (1872). The family did not come on until June. Two things I always thought were needed by a family-a house of their own for the living and a 'long home' for the dead. I secured a beautiful lot at Hollywood, and not long after the purchase we laid to rest there our little Kate.
I asked God to give me the house on Capitol Street (1002) which I frequently passed. It seemed so sub- stantial, so quiet, so respectable, so homelike. It was bought. Before the family arrived it was
thoroughly renovated and furnished. Nannie and the children were delighted. The people were abundantly kind, and now Richmond seems truly 'our home.' The 'Old First' is a grand church. I love my work there, lecturing weekly on the Sabbath- school lesson. I feel much interest in our Edu- cational affairs as a trustee of Hollins Institute, Rich- mond College, and the Richmond Female Institute. The
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University of Virginia has been a standard and a stimu- lant which should immortalize Jefferson in the grateful memory of the state and country. On the four Boards to which I belong there are not a few fine spirits. In quitting Charleston and Washington I could have found no more delightful and profitable home for my family than the beautiful city of seven hills on the bank of the romantic and historic James. All, beyond necessary and comfortable living, I have given away. I believe the money accounts of the Mission Rooms are kept with absolute precision. My rule and direction is that, should death overtake me any day, there would be nothing in my affairs as Correspond- ing Secretary which would require the least explanation. First meeting of the Board. In reply to the president's address I merely said : 'I have come because you called me, and I shall do all I can for the cause of missions.' At the public 'designation,' at the Second Church, I presented my views more fully. Dr. Jeter had said: 'We have called you to think for us.' Office in back rooms of the First Baptist Church. Later No. 1112 Main Street. Scarcely had I entered upon my work before some $6,000 had to be raised to get off to China a missionary company of eleven or twelve persons. Appeals were made and money came, which made me bless God. . On
the heels of this another extra work had to be done. The Rome Church must have a chapel. At the Convention at Raleigh, N. C., the $20,000 asked for was readily secured. In my position many things must come and die in my breast. I feel called of God to con- duct some things between a second part and Him alone. Women's Missionary Societies have been organized over the country. The Mite Box impressed me when I was a little child in the Sabbath school. Dr. Burrows
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
said to me when I took charge of this work: 'How can every member of every Baptist Church of the South be induced to give something regularly to the cause of Foreign Missions?' This I have kept constantly in mind.
The editing of the Journal saves expense and gives me a better opportunity of communicating directly with the churches. My sketches of missionaries and their work I hoped would quicken the interest of the churches, as they did, I believe. My tours among the churches are delightful in some respects but great crosses in others. The long absence from my family and the Mission Rooms is a serious trial.
I try to make the missionaries feel that I am one of them. They certainly seem like my family-my family in the Lord. Their sorrows are my sorrows. Their joys are my joys. When I retire from my desk I do not retire from my thoughts and longings in reference to this great enterprise.
"Last night two nights' sleep seem to have packed themselves into one-so sound and sweet it was. It was not dead sleep, but deep slumber full of pleasant visions. I told the girls that a complete drama passed through my mind during the night which was so vivid that I could repeat it. They said playfully : 'That was naughty, papa, for Sunday night.' I retorted: 'Perhaps the scene opened at five minutes after twelve.' To amuse the children I have written out my dramatic dream in five scenes of some 650 lines. . . Several attacks of hay fever. Severer the fever, more active the brain. Ordinarily I could not have written the drama in one day. Laws of society: (1) Courtesy to men; (2) Chivalry to women; (3) Tenderness to chil- dren; (4) Truth to all. This afternoon and evening were seasons of rare enjoyment. About 3 o'clock we went on Cecilian Hill [near Mountain Lake], and
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while we were enveloped in mist the valleys below were flooded with light. This view was soon changed into a landscape of most exquisite beauty, as mountains and val- leys were painted with the most varied azure hues. Bowing the head to the ground the prospect was almost heavenly ; we were bound to it as if by enchantment, and wished the whole world could witness it. About sunset we ascended Bald Knob. On the west we had the rare view of the valley filled with sun-white mist, which seemed a picture of the Arctic regions, in the midst of which and far below us was a distinct and perfect rainbow. When we reached the Knob a dark cloud, fringed with gold, covered the sun. Gradually the splendid light poured through until suddenly the barrier gave way and the God of Day in superlative grandeur burst upon our vision and glorified all around with ineffable magnificence. There was dead silence. Tears flowed down our cheeks. Instinctively we knelt upon this sublime altar, and our overflowing hearts were poured out to the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Attended Sabbath school and spoke to the children. I tried to preach the sermon to the children to my own soul. It is impossible to record my experience of the last twenty-four hours-coldness in prayer, indifference in reading God's word, deceptions of the devil.
Yet I cling to Jesus. Away from Him, lost forever. My last play day at Mountain Lake. · I thank God for what Mountain Lake has done for me. .
"Resumed my study of Italian. Resolved that by God's grace I shall pursue a more thorough and more systematic study of the Scriptures. Janu- ary 6. Motto for the year: 'Looking Unto Jesus.'
Left home on 4th of February and returned the 12th of April. I presume I traveled some 4,000 miles
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HENRY ALLEN TUPPER
and preached some 50 times. Tuesday I go to the S. B. C. I know not the future, which seems some- times quite shadowy. I go 'looking unto Jesus.' Over $10,000 returned. April 30. Some $4,000 during my absence. The amount I labored and prayed for was $14,000. Bless God. I told Treasurer to tell Convention that I had put down my salary to $2,000. Received check for $10,000 from a friend for missions as a loan with only my name as security. My book is finished-the result of the hay-fever seasons. Sent to Publication Society 'Truth in Romance.' Before I die I hope to give a very different kind of book to the world. It is boiling in my heart. I have begun to work with carpenters' tools with my little boy, and am reading the New Testament through every 26 days, 10 chapters a day. .
I shall not begin to write until I can see the whole book through at a glance. The remaining days of the month, viz. : the Sundays, I propose to read the Old Testament- 17 chapters each Sunday. In looking over my books I find that from 1854 to 1883 I received of the Lord on account of income. $279,500.98 and
donated in the time 124,541.39 and
used for other purposes. $154,959.59
After two months of delight [at Marquette, Lake Superior] we turn our faces homeward. Have done little study. Have read several works : Agassiz's two series of Geological Sketches, St. Giles' Lecture on The Faiths of the World, Mathews on Use and Abuse of Words, Alcott's Emerson, Thomas à Kempis' Imitation, etc., and prepared address for 200th anniversary of the First Church, Charleston, S. C.
8
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"The Board has appointed mne their Commissioner to go to Mexico to investigate the propositions in regard to the $150,000 for school purposes. After our long and severe struggle we close our books to-day out of debt and $144.61 on hand Laus Deo. Have preached four times to the hotel company. Hope that good has been done. I thank God for the tears I saw last Sunday. I begin to-morrow my Spanish
studies with more energy. Have written ap-
peals for 14 papers.
Heavy obligations press
the Board. It is well not to have committed to paper the bitter experiences of the past six months.
On Monday the 5th, T. P. Bell, of South Caro- lina, was appointed my assistant. His coming promises broader work for the Board. In seventy days have visited thirty-five cities and done what I could by day and by night in the states belonging to the S. B. Con- vention. To-day I finished 'The Carpenter's Son,' the fourth book I have prepared for the press in my vacations. After writing 'Finis' to the book, I ascended Mt. Agassiz, the second time this season, by way of recreation. The view there as a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Came here [New York] by request, as member of a committee representing some 70 Foreign Missionary Boards and Societies in England and America, to prepare programme for a World's Mission- ary Meeting to be held next June in London.
L has given me a copy of Thomas à Kempis.
Oh, that I had continued to read this sacred wis- dom since the days I first became acquainted with the work-in the childhood of my religious life.
February 29, 1888. Fifteenth birthday and beautiful presents. Shall I see sweet sixteen? I have started a 'Decade of Missions from 1880 to 1890' as a supplement to my 'History of Foreign Missions.'
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