JOURNAL
OF THE
LIFE AND RELIGIOUS LABOURS
OF
ELIAS HICKS.
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
NEW-YORK;
PUBLISHED BY ISAAC T. HOPPER.
1832.
“Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by Valentine Hicks, and Robert Seaman, in the Office of the Clerk of the Southern District of New-York.”
PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS.
NEW-YORK:
STEREOTYPED BY REES & REDFIELD.
No 216 William-street.
Ludwig & Tolefree, Printers, Corner of Greenwich & Vesey sts. N. Y.
PREFACE.
Among the papers which were left by Elias Hicks, there were several manuscripts, written by himself, containing many particulars respecting his life and religious engagements. His connexions have collected these Memoirs, and now present them to the notice of the public. In performing this office, they believe that they will be rendering an acceptable and useful service to his survivors. To those who were personally acquainted with him, it will be interesting to review this brief record of his long and useful life; and to all, it may be animating and instructive to contemplate the feelings and experience of an individual, who, it will be seen, was, in his retired moments, as fervent in his aspirations for purity and humility of heart, as he was faithful and diligent in his public labours for the promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth.
CONTENTS.
Birth, 1748. Early visitations of Divine grace. Apprenticeship. Trials and temptations. Marriage, 1771. Renewed visitations of Divine love. Appearance in the Ministry. Situation of Friends during the war. Journey to Philadelphia, 1779. Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781. Illness, 1781. Visit on Long Island, 1782. Visit to the meetings on the Main, 1782.
Visit to Nine Partners, 1783. Visit on Long Island, 1784. Visit to New-York and Staten Island, 1790. Visit to Vermont, 1790. Visit on Long Island, 1791. General visit to Friends of New-York yearly meeting, 1791. Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1792. Visit to Friends in New-England and Vermont, 1793.
Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795. Visit to Friends in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 1798.
Visit to Connecticut, 1799. Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners. 1800. Visit on Long Island, 1800. Visit to Friends in New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, 1801.
Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1803. Visit on Long Island, Staten Island, and New-York, 1806. Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, and some adjacent parts, 1806. Visit to Nine Partners, 1807. Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, 1808. Visit to the subordinate meetings, 1808. Visit to Purchase, 1809. Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813. Visit to Purchase in 1813.
Engagements at and about home, 1813. Visit to Friends in the middle and southern States, 1813.
Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814.
Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814.
Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and about home, 1815.
Engagements at and about home, 1815. Visit to the monthly meetings within the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting, 1815.
General visit to Friends in New England, 1816.
Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly meeting, 1816 and 1817.
Engagements at and near home, 1817. Visit to some parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817.
Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury quarterly meeting. Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1818.
General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819.
Journey to Ohio in 1819. Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in 1819. Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in 1820. Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in 1822. Visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823.
Visit to Baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in 1824. Visit to the inhabitants of the eastern part of Long Island in 1825. Visit to Scipio quarterly meeting in 1825. Visit to Southern and Concord quarterly meetings in Pennsylvania in 1826. Visit to the families of Friends in Jericho and Westbury monthly meetings in 1827. Visit to Friends in some parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio in 1828.
Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828. Decease of his wife in 1829. Visit to Friends in the yearly meeting of New-York in 1829.
Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830.
His decease in 1830. Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho in 1830.
JOURNAL OF ELIAS HICKS.
CHAPTER I.
Birth, 1748.—Early visitations of Divine grace.—Apprenticeship.—Trials and temptations.—Marriage, 1771.—Renewed visitations of Divine love.—Appearance in the Ministry.—Situation of Friends during the war.—Journey to Philadelphia, 1779.—Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781.—Illness, 1781.—Visit on Long Island, 1782.—Visit to the Meetings on the Main, 1782.
Having experienced many mercies and preservations, both spiritual and temporal, in passing through this probationary state, I am induced to record some little account of them, under a sense of humble gratitude to my gracious and merciful Creator and Preserver.
I was born on the 19th day of the third month, 1748, in the township of Hempstead, in Queens county, on Long Island. My parents, John and Martha Hicks, were descended from reputable families, and sustained a good character among their friends and those who knew them. My father was a grandson of Thomas Hicks, of whom our worthy friend Samuel Bownas makes honourable mention in his journal, and by whom he was much comforted and strengthened, when imprisoned through the envy of George Keith, at Jamaica, on Long Island. Neither of my parents were members in strict fellowship with any religious society, until some little time before my birth. My father was at that period united in membership with Friends; but as his residence was mostly at some distance from meetings and in a neighbourhood where very few Friends lived, my associates, when young, were chiefly among those of other religious persuasions, or, what was still worse for me, among those who made no profession of religion at all. This exposed me to much temptation; and though I early felt the operation of divine grace, checking and reproving me for my lightness and vanity, yet being of a lively active spirit, and ambitious of excelling in my play and diversions, I sometimes exceeded the bounds of true moderation, for which I often felt close conviction and fears on my pillow in the night season.
When I was about eight years old, my father removed his habitation and settled on a farm which his father had left him, on the south side of the island, near the sea shore. This introduced a new scene of diversion to my active mind, which was prone to pleasure and self-gratification. The shore abounded with fish and wild fowl, and I soon began to occupy myself with angling for the former, and shooting the latter. These amusements gained an ascendency in my mind, and although they were diversions for which I felt condemnation at later periods, yet I am led to believe that they were, at this time, profitable to me in my exposed condition, as they had a tendency to keep me more at and about home, and often prevented my joining with loose company, which I had frequent opportunities of doing without my father’s knowledge. My mother was removed by death when I was about eleven years of age, and my father was left with the care of six children, three older, and two younger, than myself; and although he endeavoured to keep his children within the limits of truth, yet opportunities sometimes occurred to join with vain companions. But the Lord was graciously near to my poor soul in my tender years; and he followed me with his reproofs, and his dread made me afraid.
When I was about thirteen years of age, I was placed with one of my elder brothers who was married, and lived at some distance from my father’s residence. I was here without any parental restraint; and mixing with gay associates, I lost much of my youthful innocence, and was led wide from the salutary path of true religion, learning to sing vain songs, and to take delight in running horses. Yet I did not give way to any thing which was commonly accounted disreputable, having always a regard to strict honesty, and to such a line of conduct as comported with politeness and good breeding. Nevertheless, I became considerably hardened in vanity, and on several occasions in riding races was exposed to great danger; and had it not been for the providential care of my heavenly father, my life would have fallen a sacrifice to my folly and indiscretion. O my soul, what wilt, or canst thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits, for his mercies are new every morning!
About the seventeenth year of my age, I was put an apprentice to learn the trade of a house carpenter and joiner, and this by no means placed me in a more favourable situation than before; for my master, although considered an orderly man, and one who frequently attended Friends’ meetings, was yet in an eager pursuit after temporal riches, and was of but little use to me in my religious improvement. We had to go from place to place, as our business called, to attend to our work, and I was thereby introduced into hurtful company, and learned to dance and to pursue other frivolous and vain amusements. During my apprenticeship I passed through many trials and much exposure; and I have often thought, that had it not been for the interposition of divine mercy and goodness, I should have fallen a prey to the varied temptations which surrounded me; for although I was overtaken in many faults, in which my poor soul was deeply wounded, and for which I afterwards felt the just indignation of an offended God, yet when I have looked back on this scene of my life, and recounted the many snares that I escaped, all that is truly sensible within me has been bowed in humble admiration of the Lord’s mercies and deliverance; and in reverent gratitude, I was made to praise and magnify his great and adorable name, “who is over all. God blessed for ever.” In the midst of my vanity and exposure, the Lord, as a gracious father, was often near; and when I was alone, he inclined my mind to solid meditations.—Some of my leisure hours were occupied in reading the Scriptures, in which I took considerable delight, and it tended to my real profit and religious improvement.
My youthful companions would often endeavour to persuade me and each other, that the amusements, in which we spent much of our precious time, were innocent; yet being very early convinced by the divine light that its teachings were truth, it had, in my calmer moments, an ascendency in my mind over all the reasonings and persuasions of men. Nevertheless, I had such a proneness to levity and self-gratification, that I often ran counter to clear conviction, and went on for a considerable time, sinning and repenting; for the Lord in great mercy had regard to me in my tried condition, and often opened a door of reconciliation to my poor soul. But I was too weak to keep my covenants in the midst of so many temptations, until by his righteous judgments, mixed with adorable mercy, he opened to my mind, in a very clear manner, the danger I was in of falling into eternal ruin.
Under the weight of this impression, my heart, in the midst of merriment, was often made very sad; and while engaged in the dance my soul was deeply sensible of its evil and folly: even my reasoning powers, when thus enlightened by the clear evidence of divine light, were made to loathe it as a senseless and insipid pursuit, and utterly unworthy of a rational being. But although I formed resolutions to refrain from this evil and others of a like nature, yet it was difficult to resist the importunities of my companions; and I found by experience, that if I would altogether cease from them, I must wholly withdraw from the company of those who were inclined to such pursuits. On the last occasion that I was present at a dance, and in which I was pressed to take a part, I was brought under great concern of mind, and was struck with a belief, that if I now gave way after forming so many resolutions, and should again rebel against the light, I might be left in an obdurate situation, and never have another offer of pardon. I also clearly saw that this would be just, and that my blood would be upon my own head; and feeling the dread of the Almighty to cover me, and a cry raised in my soul towards him, when I was called to participate in the dance, it seemed as though all my limbs were fettered, and I sat down and informed the company that I was now resolved to go no further. I was deeply tried, but the Lord was graciously near; and as my cry was secretly to him for strength, he enabled me to covenant with him, that if he would be pleased in mercy to empower me, I would for ever cease from this vain and sinful amusement: and he instructed me, that if I would escape the danger of another trial, I must keep myself separate from such companions; and blessed for ever be his right worthy name, in that he hath enabled me to keep this my covenant with him from that time inviolate.
In looking back to this season of deep probation, my soul has been deeply humbled; for I had cause to believe that if I had withstood at this time the merciful interposition of divine love, and had rebelled against this clear manifestation of the Lord’s will, he would have withdrawn his light from me, and my portion would have been among the wicked, cast out for ever from the favourable presence of my judge. I should also for ever have been obliged to acknowledge his mercy and justice, and acquit the Lord my redeemer, who had done so much for me; for with longsuffering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently for my return, and would have gathered me before that time, as I well knew, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but I would not. Therefore it is the earnest desire of my spirit, that the youth, and others whom it may concern, may wisely ponder their ways, and not think that the frivolous excuses which those make, who endeavour to justify themselves in such vain and wicked diversions, by saying that their parents judge it innocent, or their teachers have instructed them so to believe, or that under the law it was deemed admissible, will stand them in any stead in the day of solemn inquisition: for what are all these carnal reasonings worth, when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, against one single conviction of the divine light in the secret of the heart. The last is clear and self-evident; the others are mere evasive excuses: and I often reflect with surprise on the conduct of those parents, who are spending their substance in hiring idle dancingmasters to teach their children this unnatural and unchristian practice, and who plead for excuse the example of righteous David. But how unlike is their dancing to his, who did it only in worship and honour to his God, and in conformity with the outward dispensation under which he lived. We have, however, a better and higher example than David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a better covenant; this covenant is inward, even the law written upon the heart, which no outward example of others can ever abrogate or disannul; nor do his doctrines or self-denying example in any wise approbate or justify this foolish and idle practice, but, in all parts thereof, condemn and disapprove it: for if none can be his disciples, except those who deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, as assuredly no others can, how can those be acceptable to him who are living in the daily gratification of their own licentious wills, and spending their precious time and talents in such fruitless and vain sports.
His self-denying apostles also have left us neither example nor precept in justification of such wanton and evil amusements; but we are exhorted by them to redeem the time, because the days are evil, and to use diligence to make our calling and election sure, and to follow them as they followed Christ: there is not a word of learning to dance, or of dancingmasters, but an exhortation to abstain from all idle and vain sports, and foolish talking and jesting, which are contrary to Christian gravity, and to the self-denying example of the blessed Jesus, who, when personally on earth, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and, therefore, the house of mourning is recommended to all who are wise in heart, for it is the fool’s heart only that is captivated in the house of mirth.
My apprenticeship being now expired, I gradually withdrew from the company of my former associates, became more acquainted with Friends, and was more frequent in my attendance of meetings; and although this was in some degree profitable to me, yet I made but slow progress in my religious improvement, until several years after I had entered into a married state. The occupation of part of my time in fishing and fowling had frequently tended to preserve me from falling into hurtful associations; but through the rising intimations and reproofs of divine grace in my heart, I now began to feel that the manner in which I sometimes amused myself with my gun was not without sin; for although I mostly preferred going alone, and while waiting in stillness for the coming of the fowl, my mind was at times so taken up in divine meditations, that the opportunities were seasons of instruction and comfort to me; yet, on other occasions, when accompanied by some of my acquaintances, and when no fowls appeared which would be useful to us after being obtained, we sometimes, from wantonness or for mere diversion, would destroy the small birds which could be of no service to us. This cruel procedure affects my heart while penning these lines; but my gracious Redeemer was drawing my mind from such low amusements, and I was led to consider conduct like this to be a great breach of trust, and an infringement of the divine prerogative. It therefore became a settled principle with me, not to take the life of any creature, except it was really useful and necessary when dead, or very noxious and hurtful when living. And, in exercising this privilege, we ought to be careful to do it in the most mild and tender manner in our power; for I think every candid mind must be convinced, that the liberty we have for taking the lives of other creatures, and using their bodies to support our own, is certainly an unmerited favour, and ought to be received by us as the bounty of our great benefactor, and be acknowledged with great humility and gratitude.
I have likewise from reflection, founded on observation, and from the nature and reason of things, been led to believe, that we frequently err by the liberty we take in destroying what we esteem noxious creatures; and not only abuse the power given us over them by our great Creator, but likewise act very contrary to our own true interest. For, as all in the beginning was pronounced good that the good God had made, we ought not to destroy any thing that has life, for mere gratification. It is our indispensable duty, as reasonable accountable beings, wisely to ponder our ways, and consider the consequent effect of all our conduct; for if we are to give an account of every idle word, how much more so of every presumptuous act.
In the twenty-second year of my age, apprehending it right to change my situation from a single to a married state, and having gained an intimate acquaintance with Jemima Seaman, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, and my affection being drawn towards her in that relation, I communicated my views to her, and received from her a corresponding expression of affection; and having the full unity and concurrence of our parents and friends, we, after some time, accomplished our marriage at a solemn meeting of Friends, at Westbury, on the 2d of 1st month, 1771. On this important occasion, we felt the clear and consoling evidence of divine truth, and it remained with us as a seal upon our spirits, strengthening us mutually to bear, with becoming fortitude, the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our lot, and of which we had a large share in passing through this probationary state. My wife, although not of a very strong constitution, lived to be the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Our second daughter, a very lovely promising child, died when young with the small pox, and the youngest was not living at its birth. The rest all arrived to years of discretion, and afforded us considerable comfort, as they proved to be in a good degree dutiful children. All our sons, however, were of weak constitutions, and were not able to take care of themselves, being so enfeebled as not to be able to walk after the ninth or tenth year of their age. The two eldest died in the fifteenth year of their age, the third in his seventeenth year, and the youngest was nearly nineteen when he died. But, although thus helpless, the innocency of their lives, and the resigned cheerfulness of their dispositions to their allotments, made the labour and toil of taking care of them agreeable and pleasant; and I trust we were preserved from murmuring or repining, believing the dispensation to be in wisdom, and according to the will and gracious disposing of an all-wise providence, for purposes best known to himself. And when I have observed the great anxiety and affliction, which many parents have with undutiful children who are favoured with health, especially their sons, I could perceive very few whose troubles and exercises, on that account, did not far exceed ours. The weakness and bodily infirmity of our sons tended to keep them much out of the way of the troubles and temptations of the world; and we believed that in their death they were happy, and admitted into the realms of peace and joy: a reflection, the most comfortable and joyous that parents can have in regard to their tender offspring.
In the spring after our marriage, my wife’s relations gave me an invitation to come and live with them, and carry on the business of their farm, they having no other child than her. I accepted this proposal, and continued with them during their lives, and the place afterwards became my settled residence. My advantages, in a religious point of view, were greater than before; as I had the benefit of the company of several worthy Friends, who were my neighbours, and by whose example I was frequently incited to seriousness and piety; yet, having entered pretty closely into business, I was thereby much diverted from my religious improvement for several years. But, about the twenty-sixth year of my age, I was again brought, by the operative influence of divine grace, under deep concern of mind; and was led, through adorable mercy, to see, that although I had ceased from many sins and vanities of my youth, yet there were many remaining that I was still guilty of, which were not yet atoned for, and for which I now felt the judgments of God to rest upon me. This caused me to cry earnestly to the Most High for pardon and redemption, and he graciously condescended to hear my cry, and to open a way before me, wherein I must walk, in order to experience reconciliation with him; and as I abode in watchfulness and deep humiliation before him, light broke forth out of obscurity, and my darkness became as the noonday. I had many deep openings in the visions of light, greatly strengthening and establishing to my exercised mind. My spirit was brought under a close and weighty labour in meetings for discipline, and my understanding much enlarged therein; and I felt a concern to speak to some of the subjects engaging the meeting’s attention, which often brought unspeakable comfort to my mind. About this time, I began to have openings leading to the ministry, which brought me under close exercise and deep travail of spirit; for although I had for some time spoken on subjects of business in monthly and preparative meetings, yet the prospect of opening my mouth in public meetings was a close trial; but I endeavoured to keep my mind quiet and resigned to the heavenly call, if it should be made clear to me to be my duty. Nevertheless, as I was, soon after, sitting in a meeting, in much weightiness of spirit, a secret, though clear, intimation accompanied me to speak a few words, which were then given to me to utter, yet fear so prevailed, that I did not yield to the intimation. For this omission, I felt close rebuke, and judgment seemed, for some time, to cover my mind; but as I humbled myself under the Lord’s mighty hand, he again lifted up the light of his countenance upon me, and enabled me to renew covenant with him, that if he would pass by this my offence, I would, in future, be faithful, if he should again require such a service of me. And it was not long before I felt an impressive concern to utter a few words, which I yielded to in great fear and dread; but O the joy and sweet consolation that my soul experienced, as a reward for this act of faithfulness; and as I continued persevering in duty and watchfulness, I witnessed an increase in divine knowledge, and an enlargement in my gift. I was also deeply engaged for the right administration of discipline and order in the Church, and that all might be kept sweet and clean, consistent with the nature and purity of the holy profession we were making; so that all stumbling blocks might be removed out of the way of honest inquirers, and that truth’s testimony might be exalted, and the Lord’s name magnified, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
A war, with all its cruel and destructive effects, having raged for several years between the British Colonies in North America and the mother country, Friends, as well as others, were exposed to many severe trials and sufferings; yet, in the colony of New-York, Friends, who stood faithful to their principles, and did not meddle in the controversy, had, after a short period at first, considerable favour allowed them. The yearly meeting was held steadily, during the war, on Long Island, where the king’s party had the rule; yet Friends from the Main, where the American army ruled, had free passage through both armies to attend it, and any other meetings they were desirous of attending, except in a few instances. This was a favour which the parties would not grant to their best friends, who were of a warlike disposition; which shows what great advantages would redound to mankind, were they all of this pacific spirit. I passed myself through the lines of both armies six times during the war, without molestation, both parties generally receiving me with openness and civility; and although I had to pass over a tract of country, between the two armies, sometimes more than thirty miles in extent, and which was much frequented by robbers, a set, in general, of cruel unprincipled banditti, issuing out from both parties, yet, excepting once, I met with no interruption even from them. But although Friends in general experienced many favours and deliverances, yet those scenes of war and confusion occasioned many trials and provings in various ways to the faithful. One circumstance I am willing to mention, as it caused me considerable exercise and concern. There was a large cellar under the new meeting-house belonging to Friends in New-York, which was generally let as a store. When the king’s troops entered the city, they took possession of it for the purpose of depositing their warlike stores; and ascertaining what Friends had the care of letting it, their commissary came forward and offered to pay the rent; and those Friends, for want of due consideration, accepted it. This caused great uneasiness to the concerned part of the Society, who apprehended it not consistent with our peaceable principles to receive payment for the depositing of military stores in our houses. The subject was brought before the yearly meeting in 1779, and engaged its careful attention; but those Friends, who had been active in the reception of the money, and some few others, were not willing to acknowledge their proceedings to be inconsistent, nor to return the money to those from whom it was received; and in order to justify themselves therein, they referred to the conduct of Friends in Philadelphia in similar cases. Matters thus appearing very difficult and embarrassing, it was unitedly concluded to refer the final determination thereof to the yearly meeting of Pennsylvania; and several Friends were appointed to attend that meeting in relation thereto, among whom I was one of the number. We accordingly set out on the 9th day of the 9th month, 1779, and I was accompanied from home by my beloved friend John Willis, who was likewise on the appointment. We took a solemn leave of our families, they feeling much anxiety at parting with us, on account of the dangers we were exposed to, having to pass not only the lines of the two armies, but the deserted and almost uninhabited country that lay between them, in many places the grass being grown up in the streets, and many houses desolate and empty. Believing it, however, my duty to proceed in the service, my mind was so settled and trust-fixed in the divine arm of power, that faith seemed to banish all fear, and cheerfulness and quiet resignation were, I believe, my constant companions during the journey. We got permission, with but little difficulty, to pass the outguards of the king’s army at Kingsbridge, and proceeded to Westchester. We afterwards attended meetings at Harrison’s Purchase, and Oblong, having the concurrence of our monthly meeting to take some meetings in our way, a concern leading thereto having for some time previously attended my mind. We passed from thence to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting, and then turned our faces towards Philadelphia, being joined by several others of the Committee. We attended New Marlborough, Hardwick, and Kingwood meetings on our journey, and arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th day of the week, and 25th of 9th month, on which day we attended the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which began at the eleventh hour. I also attended all the sittings of the yearly meeting until the 4th day of the next week, and was then so indisposed with a fever, which had been increasing on me for several days, that I was not able to attend after that time. I was therefore not present when the subject was discussed, which came from our yearly meeting; but I was informed by my companion, that it was a very solemn opportunity, and the matter was resulted in advising that the money should be returned into the office from whence it was received, accompanied with our reasons for so doing: and this was accordingly done by the direction of our yearly meeting the next year.
The yearly meeting closed on the 2d day of the following week; and feeling my health a little restored, though still very weak, I left the city, and was taken by my kind friend John Shoemaker to his house. The next morning being rainy, and being still unwell, I rested here during the day, but my companion proceeded to attend the monthly meeting at the Falls. The next day I went to Byberry meeting, after which I rode with our valuable friend James Thornton to John Watson’s, at Middletown, where I was again joined by my companion. We attended their monthly meeting, and found things in but poor order, and discipline at a low ebb, for want of faithful standard bearers. We then attended meetings, to some satisfaction, at Wright’s Town, Plumbstead, and Buckingham. From thence we proceeded to the monthly meeting at Hardwick, where things appeared very low as to the right exercise of discipline; but feeling our minds engaged, we laboured, in the ability received, for their assistance and encouragement. After this we passed on to the Drowned Lands, and attended a meeting with the few Friends of that place, and some others who came in; but things, pertaining to religion, seemed at a very low ebb with them, which makes hard work for the poor traveller. From thence we went pretty directly to Nine Partners, and after having two meetings there, we proceeded to Oswego and Apoquague, and then to the monthly meeting at Oblong, in all which meetings truth was exalted, and I left them with peace of mind. We then turned our faces homeward, and after going a few miles on our way, we were overtaken by a constable, with a warrant from a magistrate to bring my companion before him, who, after examination, committed him to a board of commissioners, as a dangerous person to travel at such a time. We were led to believe, on inquiry, that this interruption was merely the fruit of envy, and occasioned by two acquaintances of my companion, who had fled from the Island for refuge. However, after a short detention, which gave me an opportunity of visiting a few families of my relations, and of attending a small meeting which I had passed from in some heaviness before, he was set at liberty, and we attended the quarterly meeting at Oblong. After this we passed on, taking meetings at Peachpond, Amawalk, and the monthly meeting at Purchase, and from thence proceeded home. I found my family well, which, together with the preservations and favours experienced in our journey, impressed my mind with thankfulness and gratitude to the great and blessed author of all our mercies. I was from home in this journey about nine weeks, and rode about eight hundred and sixty miles.
After the close of the aforesaid journey, I felt my mind engaged to make a general visit to Friends on the Main belonging to our yearly meeting; and with the concurrence of Friends, and in company with William Valentine, who, under a like concern, had agreed to be my companion, I left home on the 1st of the week, and 4th of 3d month, 1781, in order to accomplish the same. We sat with Friends in our own meeting, and then proceeded to Flushing; and the next day, the commanding officer of the king’s troops at this place permitting us, we crossed the Sound to Frog’s Neck, and lodged with our friend Joseph Caustin. On the following day we attended an appointed meeting at Westchester, and then went forward, taking meetings as they came in course for fifteen days successively, the last at Little Nine Partners: and although in many places meetings appeared in a low state, as to the life of religion, yet, through divine favour, help was afforded, insomuch that I generally left them with the satisfactory evidence, that my way had been rightly directed among them.
After the last mentioned meeting we set forward towards Saratoga, and lodged that night at an inn. The innkeeper’s wife, in the course of some conversation, discovered that my companion and I were from Long Island, where the king’s party bore rule; and she, being a friend to their cause, seemed to wonder much, that we should leave them, and come out among the Americans, signifying that if she was there, she should not be willing to come away; and when I informed her that I expected we should shortly return thither again, her admiration was still more excited, and she was surprised how we should dare to act so: whereupon I took occasion to acquaint her how we stood in regard to the contending parties; informing her that as we took no part in the controversy, but were friends to them and to all mankind, and were principled against all wars and fightings, the contending powers had such confidence in us, and favour towards us, that they let us pass freely on religious accounts, through both their armies without interruption; a privilege, which they would not grant to their own people. This account made her marvel greatly, having never heard of the like before. She acknowledged it was very good, and wished for herself that she could come into the same situation, but said she could not, unless she first had retaliation for the wrongs she had received, after which, she said she should be willing to forgive them; not considering, that there was nothing to be forgiven, where full pay or satisfaction had been received. Nevertheless, this is the natural condition and disposition of all worldly-minded men and women, who have not known, through the powerful influence of the gospel of Christ, the work of regeneration and the new birth, whereby they might experience redemption from such a malicious and revengeful spirit.
On the next day we proceeded to Coeman’s Patent, on the west side of Hudson river, which we crossed at a place called Claverack landing. We reached there on 7th day evening, and the following day had a meeting with the few Friends, who had lately settled at that place, and some of their neighbours, who were mostly Baptists. It was the first Friends’ meeting ever held there, and was a satisfactory season. We then rode that afternoon about twelve miles towards Albany, and lodged at an inn; and the next day we reached Saratoga, since called Easton, and lodged with our friend Daniel Cornell. It was late in the night before we arrived, and the evening snowy; and the country being newly settled, Friends’ houses were generally but poor, so that several times, while in these parts, I felt the snow fall on my face when in bed. This affected me with a heavy cold when I first came here, but afterwards I was much favoured during the journey, having in good measure become inured to the hardships we had to go through. We attended the meetings belonging to this monthly meeting, being four in number; viz. Saratoga alias Easton, Danby about forty miles further to the north east, White Creek, and Hoosack. The monthly meeting was held alternately at this latter place and Saratoga. We also visited nearly all the families belonging to this monthly meeting, and had good satisfaction, and a peaceful reward of our labours. From thence we went to New Britain, and visited three families, in each of which there was but one member of our Society. We then returned to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting, also several other meetings in that neighbourhood which we were not at in our way up. After this we attended Oblong quarterly meeting, and next the monthly meeting of Shapaqua; and then taking meetings at Purchase, Mamaroneck and Westchester, we passed the Sound again, and got safe home the 15th day of 5th month. I was gladly received by my family and friends, having been absent on this journey about ten weeks, and rode about eight hundred and fifty miles. We attended thirty-two meetings, six of which were monthly meetings, and one quarterly meeting, and visited about ninety families.
It was in the latter part of this journey, between Mamaroneck and Westchester, that we met with the interruption, which I before alluded to, from some of those robbers, who frequented the country between the two armies. I was a little ahead of my companion and some other Friends, and was met, and accosted by two of those persons in a very rough manner. I did not see them until they spoke, and one of them demanded very rudely to know where we were going. I looked calmly upon him, and informed him, without the least interruption of mind, where we were intending to go. He then interrogated me further, as to where we had been, what our business was, and where we were from, to all of which I gave true and suitable answers in a mild and pleasant tone. They seemed thereby to be entirely disarmed of their rage and violence, although they had just before robbed and beat a man; and the one, who had hitherto stood silent, being the most overcome, said to his fellow, “Come, let us go, the Quakers go where they please;” and, then turning away, they left us to pursue our journey without further interruption. I considered this as a merciful preservation through the interference of divine providence, who, by his power, not only sets bounds to the sea, and saith, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed,” but also limits the rage and will of wicked men, and turns them from their purpose; and thereby delivers, from their power and cruelty, those that put their trust in him.
In the fall of the year 1781, I was taken sick with a fever, which lasted for several months, in the course of which my strength became very much exhausted, and some of my friends were ready to conclude, that I should not continue long with them; yet, through the whole of my indisposition, I had to believe that I should recover. But through the exercise and distress both of body and mind which I experienced, it proved a very humbling dispensation to me. One circumstance in particular made it peculiarly exercising to my mind, although it was that on which I principally grounded my belief of recovery. When I was reduced nearly to the lowest state of bodily weakness, a prospect opened on my mind to pay a religious visit to some parts of our island where no Friends lived, and among a people, who, from the acquaintance I had with them, were more likely to mock, than to receive me, seeing that I considered myself but a child in such a service. But when the prospect first presented, it was very impressive on my mind, and an injunction seemed to attend requiring my assent thereto; and although I pleaded as an excuse my weakness and inability of body, as well as my unfitness, even if I was well, for such a service, yet with all my reasonings and pleadings I could feel no excuse granted me, and the requisition lay heavy upon me both day and night. By my thus standing out, I was brought very low both in body and mind; and finding that I could get no peace in this state of refusal, and that if I did not yield, my life must be taken for my stubbornness without any prospect of peace hereafter, I at length yielded to the heavenly call, which brought immediate peace and comfort to my afflicted soul; and the Lord was very gracious, opening many things for my encouragement. In the forepart of the next summer, having fully recovered my health, and apprehending the right time had arrived to perform this service, I opened it to the monthly meeting, and obtained its unity and concurrence, and two Friends agreed to bear me company. We set out about the middle of the 8th month, 1782, and had a very favoured meeting at Jamaica, with a considerable number of the inhabitants. After this we had a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, on the south side of the island, and then passed on to a Dutch settlement called Flatlands, where we had some difficulty to obtain a meeting, in consequence of the priest of the place being opposed thereto. The people seemed generally afraid to offend him, but said that if he would consent, they should be very willing to attend. However his assent could not be obtained, for he appeared very jealous lest his interest in the people should be affected. But there was one man, who seemed so much master of his own house, that he said we were welcome to have a meeting in it, let others say what they might. A meeting was accordingly appointed, which, although small, was a satisfactory opportunity. The master of the house and his wife, in an especial manner, seemed much affected therewith, and pressed us to come and see them again. From thence we passed on, and had meetings at Gravesend, New-Utrecht, and Springfield, all to good satisfaction. From the latter we proceeded home, feeling the comfortable reward of peace for this service, and very thankful to the Lord, my gracious helper, for his countenance and support therein. May his name be praised for ever.
In the latter part of 1782, I attended, with a committee of the yearly meeting, the quarterly meeting on the Main, and the monthly meetings thereunto belonging, on a proposition from the said quarterly meeting for a division thereof. We were absent about seven weeks, and rode about six hundred and sixty miles.
CHAPTER II.
Visit to Nine Partners, 1783.—Visit on Long Island, 1784.—Visit to New-York and Staten Island, 1790.—Visit to Vermont, 1790.—Visit on Long Island, 1791.—General visit to Friends of New-York yearly Meeting, 1791.—Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1792.—Visit to Friends in New-England and Vermont, 1793.
In the fall of the year 1783, I attended the quarterly meeting at Nine Partners, also the meeting for sufferings, which was held there at this time; and, on my return, I was at the meetings held at Oswego and Perquage. I was from home about eleven days, and rode about one hundred and seventy miles. The reward of peace which I felt for this little service, and finding my family well on my return, excited gratitude and thankfulness of heart to the author of all our mercies and blessings; who richly rewardeth every labour of his dependent and devoted children.
A concern having for some time impressed my mind to pay a religious visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, who were not in profession with us, and having obtained the unity and concurrence of my friends therein, I left home on the 1st day of the week, and 13th of 6th month, 1784, in order to perform that service. I attended our own meeting in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, one appointed at Hempstead Harbour, to good satisfaction. Our next appointment was on 2d day, at a village called Herricks, where there was but little profession as to religion; nevertheless, we had a refreshing season among them. The power and presence of the Lord were witnessed to preside amongst us in an eminent manner. Many hearts were tendered; and the peaceable kingdom and government of the Messiah was exalted: to Zion’s king may all the praise be ascribed, who only is worthy for ever.
From thence we went to the widow Cornell’s at Success, where we lodged, and had a satisfactory meeting there the next day; many present were affected by the power of truth, which ran freely over all, to the comfort and refreshment of the sincere-hearted. After this we rode to Benjamin Doughty’s and lodged; and the next day we had a meeting at the Little Plains, about a mile from our lodgings, among a loose airy people. The Lord’s power was manifest for our help, bringing things close home to their several conditions. The day following, we attended two meetings, one at Jamaica, and the other at a place called the Fresh Meadows, near Flushing. Although the people were too generally at ease, and in an unconcerned state, with regard to their religious improvement, yet, through the interposition of divine goodness and mercy, some hearts were tendered by the convicting power of truth, and ourselves comforted in the faithful discharge of duty. After these opportunities, we rode to our friend Isaac Underhill’s at Flushing, and lodged; and the next day attended a meeting appointed in Friends’ meeting-house in that town, wherein the Master’s presence was witnessed, to the comfort and satisfaction of the upright in heart.
From thence we went to Newtown, and lodged with a man not in profession with us. We had a meeting at his house the following day, wherein the spirit of truth favoured with gospel communication, suited to the states of those present, and relieving to my own mind. The four following days we attended meetings at the Kilns in Newtown, Bushwick, Brooklyn, Flatbush, Flatlands, and Gravesend. After the last, we turned our faces homeward, having a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, and another at a wigwam, among the black people and Indians; both satisfactory seasons. The next meeting was at Springfield, among a people, who appeared to be in a state of great darkness; but the Lord was pleased, by his own power, to command the light to shine in many hearts; insomuch that the meeting ended under divine favour. To Him alone may all the praise be ascribed, who is worthy for ever. The day following, attended two meetings; one at Foster’s Meadow, the other at the widow Keziah Mott’s.
After this we rode to my father’s at Rockaway, on the south side of the Island; and the next day attended a meeting there. The day following attended two meetings at Hempstead South, the latter at the house of our friend John Smith; all I trust, in a good degree, profitable and instructive seasons. Our next and last appointment, at this time, was in the town of Hempstead, the following day. It was a large satisfactory opportunity; wherein divine help was afforded to minister suitably to the states of those present, and to the comfort and edification of many minds. To the Master of our assemblies, be the praise. Nothing is due to man. From hence I returned home, and found my family well; having rode, whilst out, about one hundred miles.
A few weeks after my return from the aforesaid visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, not feeling my mind relieved from the service, I again left home on the 4th of the 8th month following, in order to finish the visit. The first meeting I attended was again at Hempstead; and from thence proceeded along the south side of the island, having meetings at Thomas Seaman’s near Jerusalem, and Thomas Sands’ at Huntington South. The next was at Islip, on 7th day; but not feeling clear, I appointed another the following day, being the 1st of the week. This proved a satisfactory season. The same afternoon, I attended another meeting about thirteen miles farther east, at a place called Blue Point. Thence passing on along the south side of the island, I attended meetings at Patchogue, the Fire Place, South Hampton, North Sea, Amaganset and Montauk at the east end of the island, among the Indian natives. In all of them, strength was afforded to preach the gospel in a good degree of divine authority, and to the general satisfaction of those assembled, and the solid peace of my own mind.
After the meeting at Montauk among the natives, we returned that afternoon to a meeting at East Hampton, which we had appointed in our way down, and was held at the fifth hour. The priest of the town, and a considerable number of his hearers, attended, and all passed away quiet. We went from thence to the north part of the island, having meetings at Sagharbour, Shelter Island, South Hold, Oyster Pond Point, and Stephen Vail’s, a little back from the Point; thence back by Riverhead to St. George’s Manor, where we had a meeting, and all satisfactory seasons. We passed from thence by Wading River to Setauket, and Stonybrook, holding meetings at the two last places to good satisfaction. The meeting at Setauket, especially, was a solemn time; the Lord’s presence was witnessed, to the tendering many hearts. After this we took meetings at Jonah Wood’s, and James Oakley’s, and from thence returned home, and found my family well; for which favour, with the peace and satisfaction I felt in the performance of this tour of duty, my mind was inspired with gratitude and humble acknowledgments to the Lord, my gracious helper.
In the 12th month following, feeling my mind drawn to a few places eastward, on the north part of the island, I again left home on the 2d of said month, and took meetings at Huntington, Cowharbour, Crab Meadow, Smithtown, Setauket, Wading River, Quoram, Joshua Smith’s near the branch; and from thence home. In all those meetings, truth favoured me with ability to discharge myself faithfully, to the peace of my own mind; and, I trust, to the edification and instruction of the honest-minded in the several meetings.
Having felt drawings on my mind to pay a religious visit to some, not in profession with us, on the western part of our island, New-York, and Staten Island, and obtaining the concurrence of our monthly meeting, I proceeded therein, the 28th of 3d month, 1790, Fry Willis kindly bearing me company. Our first appointment was at Newtown, at the widow Smith’s, who received us, and opened her house for a meeting, which was held to good satisfaction. The next day we had two meetings; the first, at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns, the other, in the evening, at a neighbouring village, called Juniper Swamp; both favoured seasons, many hearts being tendered by the prevalence of the spirit of truth, which, through heavenly help, was exalted over all. The day following, way opening therefor, we had a meeting at Hurlgate in the afternoon, to the general satisfaction of those present, and to my own comfort; having been enabled to discharge myself faithfully, in a plain way among them. After this we proceeded to New-York, and the evening of the next day, we had a large, and, I trust, profitable meeting, in a public building called the City Tavern. Our next appointment was in Friends’ meeting-house, the evening following; it was a very large collection, and, through the gracious extendings of divine mercy, the power of truth was exalted over all, to the comfort and strength of my own mind, and the solid satisfaction and rejoicing of many present.
The day following we passed to Staten Island, and the next day, being the 1st of the week, we had two meetings: the first, at the house of Peter Prawl, who was favourably inclined towards Friends. It was a favoured season, wherein the Master’s presence was witnessed eminently to preside, and in the precious influence thereof, the gospel was preached in demonstration of the Spirit, and with power, to the awakening and tendering the hearts of many present: to the Lord only wise, be the praise and glory of his own work; for he only is worthy for ever. The meeting in the afternoon, held at the house of the widow of our friend Thomas Ridgway, proved a trying season, but I trust ended well. We had two more meetings on the island the next day, and the solemnity attending gave encouragement to hope, that they were of some use to those assembled. After this we returned to New-York with peace of mind, accompanied with the good wishes of many of those we had visited.
The day after our arrival in the city, Friends’ monthly meeting was held, which we attended; and the evening of the next day, we had a large satisfactory meeting in the suburbs of the town, in a large building called the Hospital. The next day, at the tenth hour, visited the poor in the poor house. The visit was comfortable and satisfactory. At the third hour we had a pretty full meeting, in a house belonging to the Methodists, which they offered us for that purpose; and in the evening we had another large meeting in Friends’ meeting house; both satisfactory seasons, and, I trust, comfortable and edifying to many who attended. The next day we visited a few families of Friends, as way opened, which closed our visit for this time to the city. The day after, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 4th month, we had a satisfactory meeting at Brooklyn. The two following days we attended two meetings on our way home, the first at Samuel Doughty’s, at Jamaica South, the latter in Jamaica town; both favoured seasons, although many who attended were light and airy; yet the power of truth rising into dominion, a comfortable solemnity was spread over the assemblies. I left them in the enjoyment of true peace of mind, and returned to my family the evening following, and found all well; which, with other unmerited favours, witnessed in the course of this little engagement, filled my mind with thankful acknowledgments to the Shepherd of Israel, who is over all, worthy for ever.
In the latter part of the summer of this year, I performed a visit, in company with James Parsons of New-York, to some people favourably disposed towards Friends, who resided in the towns of Strafford and Sharon, in the State of Vermont, about fifteen miles west of Connecticut river. I left home the 28th of 7th month, and attended Purchase quarterly meeting, and a meeting on first day, at Cornwall in Connecticut, on our way, and then passed on to Northampton on Connecticut river; from thence up the east side of the river, through Massachusetts and part of New Hampshire, as far as Hanover; then crossing the river, we rode about fifteen miles westerly, to the town of Strafford, to the house of Timothy Blake, who was principally instrumental in collecting those people. Their first meeting was at his house. He appeared convinced of the principle of the inward light, as held by us; and had gathered a number into the same belief, in a good degree. They held two meetings when we came among them, one at his house, and the other at the adjacent town of Sharon; but, for want of keeping inward enough to the principle of divine light and grace, they became weak; and those, who apprehended it their duty to teach, had got too much out into words and speculative preaching and doctrine, which soon produced discord and a schism among them. They appeared to have been at times much favoured, and several of them had their understandings considerably illumined; insomuch that they were joined, at their request, in membership with Friends, and their meetings came under Friends’ notice; but being far distant from any other meeting of the society, and not keeping low and little enough, they mostly became bewildered and scattered, and their meetings dropped. Yet a few kept, or regained, their first love; several of whom afterwards removed nearer to Friends. We passed several days among them; and then, taking leave, returned homeward by Danby, Saratoga alias Easton, and Hudson, to Nine Partners, attending meetings as they fell in our way, and reached Nine Partners in time for their quarterly meeting. After this we passed pretty directly home, attending a meeting at Shapaqua on first day. I was from home, on this journey, about three weeks and five days, attended two quarterly meetings, and seven particular meetings, and travelled about five hundred and ninety-one miles.
In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the ensuing year, in the drawings of gospel love, and with the unity of my friends, I performed a visit to a number of the adjacent towns and villages on our island, among those not in profession with us. I was from home about two weeks, and attended fifteen meetings, and rode about one hundred and fifteen miles.
A prospect having for some time impressed my mind to make a general visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, and to have some meetings among those not in profession with us, in parts adjacent, with the concurrence of my brethren at home, I set out on this service, the 23d of 10th month, 1791, and had meetings at Flushing, Newtown and Brooklyn, on my way to New-York. Our quarterly meeting was held there at this time; it ended on the sixth day of the week, and was a solemn season, and graciously owned by the Master’s presence; many weighty subjects were opened through well qualified instruments, to the satisfaction and encouragement of the living. We were favoured with the company of our beloved friend Mary Ridgway, and her companion, from Ireland. The 29th, I proceeded on my journey, with Andrew Underhill, who had kindly given up to bear me company. We went by water to Staten Island, and the next day, being the first of the week, we attended two appointed meetings, the first at the house of a man inclined to Friends, whose wife was convinced of our principles; the latter at the house of a professor among the Methodists. Both were favoured seasons, many hearts being tendered through gospel communication, which flowed freely to the people. The 31st, we had another meeting on the island, at the house of the widow Ridgway; after this, in the evening, we had a favoured and instructive season with the widow’s family. The next day we passed over to Rahway, in East Jersey. And on fourth day, the 2d of 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting at Plainfield, and an appointed meeting in the evening at Elijah Pound’s, near Brunswick; both, I trust, profitable seasons to some present.—We returned next morning to Rahway, and attended Friends’ meeting in that place; and one in the evening at Woodbridge, and returned to Rahway to lodge. The next day we passed over again to Staten Island, and had two meetings in the south-western part, wherein help was afforded to discharge myself faithfully, in a plain way, suited, as I believe, to the states of those who attended; they were of different professions, being Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. We returned again on seventh day evening to our lodgings at Rahway, to the house of our kind friend Joseph Shotwell; and the next day, being the first of the week, and 6th of the 11th month, we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings; both, I trust, instructive edifying seasons, worthy of remembrance. To the Lord only wise, be the praise and glory of his own work, for to him it is due.
The following day we attended an appointed meeting at the eleventh hour in Elizabethtown, at the house of our friend Joseph Stackhouse; and, although small, yet it proved a satisfactory season; and in the evening, one at Newark, held in their court-house, which was large and much crowded. I was drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony, I believe to general satisfaction, and greatly to the peace and relief of my own mind. Our next appointment was on the evening following, at a place called the English Neighbourhood, on the east side of Hackensack river, at the house of Thomas Frost, a physician. Although it was the first meeting appointed by Friends, ever held at that place, and the people mostly unacquainted with us and our principles, yet they came freely together, and generally behaved in an orderly and commendable manner. The meeting was much favoured, being evidently owned by the Head of the Church; and ability was received to communicate divers things, relative to the true ground of real religion and spiritual worship, which appeared to obtain the general assent of those present. The next day, in the evening, we had a meeting at the house of our friend Daniel Lawrence, at Tappan, which, although small, was in the main a satisfactory season. On the three following days, we had two meetings, by appointment, on our way to Cornwall; one at Kakiat, at the house of the widow Seaman, the other at William Thorne’s, at Smith’s Clove. In going to the latter place, we rode over the western part of the mountains, called the Highlands. We got to the house of our friend William Titus, at Cornwall, on seventh day evening. The next day attended Friends’ meeting there, and one, by appointment, in the evening at New Windsor; and lodged with our friend James Thorne. The next day crossed the Hudson river, and had a meeting at Fishkill, in our way to Nine Partners; where we arrived on 3d day, and attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the eleventh hour. The two following days, the meeting for discipline and a parting meeting for public worship, were held. They were all favoured seasons, in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the Lord, for his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength and help of his people and servants; in a sense whereof, we parted from each other with mutual rejoicing.
On sixth day, we rode to Sharon in Connecticut, and the day following held a meeting for the town’s people in a large upper room in their school-house. A considerable number attended: and, through heavenly goodness, it proved a memorable time; the testimony of truth went freely forth among them, powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts. To the Lord alone, be the praise.
After this meeting, we rode to the house of Simeon Prague, about three miles north of the town, and attended a meeting there that evening. Next day, being the first of the week, we rode to Goshen, and attended the meeting held there, at the house of Charles Richards; notice having gone before of our coming, it was a pretty full meeting, and ended to satisfaction. We passed from thence to Tyringham, in the state of Massachusetts; and, on third day, attended a meeting in that neighbourhood. Then travelling on that afternoon and the next day, we got to Westfield, and lodged at an inn; and the following day, held a meeting at our lodgings, for the neighbourhood. After this we rode to Norwich, and attended a meeting that evening at the house of Phineas Mixer, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable edifying season, although the general part of those who attended were strangers to us and our principles. The three following days, we passed on through the towns of Northampton, Hadley, Sunderland, Montague, Northfield and Walpole, to John Cook’s, in Claremont, where we appointed a meeting to be held the next day. Our landlord undertook to give the notice to his neighbours; and having heard that Friends sometimes sit their meetings in silence, he was afraid, as he afterwards informed me, to notify any of the meeting, except two or three of his particular friends; lest, if it should prove silent, they might laugh him to scorn. In consequence thereof, the meeting was very small. But such was the kindness of divine Providence, that he did not fail to manifest his presence powerfully among, as it were, the two or three, to the conviction and reproof of our unfaithful landlord; insomuch that he informed me, when I came that way again, that his folly and blindness had given him much trouble and distress; and he was now very pressing and desirous I would appoint another meeting, that he might give all the neighbourhood general notice. But we let him know, that we were not at our own disposal; and, as no way appeared open in our minds for such an appointment at present, we could not comply with his desire.
After the last mentioned meeting, we passed the next day to Windsor, the most south-easterly town in the state of Vermont, on the west side of Connecticut river. Here we had a meeting in their court-house, which was very commodiously fitted up for the purpose, and proved a solid satisfactory opportunity. After this we rode to James Willard’s, in the town of Hartland; who, although brought up without any particular knowledge of Friends, was yet so far one in principle with us, that he had maintained, by himself alone, a testimony against a hireling ministry, against fighting, and oaths, and the superstitious observance of days; and had, by sound reasoning, so far defeated all his opponents, that he was permitted to remain quiet; although his residence had mostly been among those rigid in the Presbyterian profession. We had a meeting in his house, which appeared always to be open to Friends, after his gaining an acquaintance with them; but it being on the day set apart by those in authority as a day of thanksgiving, the meeting was small.
We took leave of our kind landlord, and journeyed forward; and got to the town of Sharon the next day, to the house of Jared Bassett, who, with some of his neighbours, who were likewise measurably convinced of our principles, held meetings together, after our manner. Here we continued some days, visiting those people, and attended their meeting on first day, the 4th of 12th month; which, through favour, was, I trust, a profitable, edifying season.
On third day we rode over to Hanover, a town on the east side of Connecticut river. And the day following had a meeting in the east part of said town, among a people mostly of the Baptist profession; it was, I trust, an instructive season; things, relating to true religion and spiritual worship, being largely opened. And after the meeting, we had some free conversation on several material points; viz. election, falling from grace, water baptism and the right use of the scriptures, all of which were opened apparently to the satisfaction of most present. The evening of the next day, we had an appointed meeting near Dartmouth College, which proved a very disturbed opportunity, by reason of the attendance of the young students, whose behaviour was very rude and unbecoming; nevertheless, I hope the season was profitable to some present.
We returned the next day to Jared Bassett’s, at Sharon, and the following day attended two meetings, one at Strafford, and the other in the evening at a place called the Hollow. After this we returned again to Jared Bassett’s, and the next day, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 12th month, we attended the meeting at his house; which, with the two last, were, to myself at least, satisfactory seasons; feeling conscious of having discharged my duty faithfully among them, and having the answer of peace therein. The next day we set out for Danby, the nearest meeting of Friends to this place; but by reason of a great fall of snow, and the way being mountainous, we did not arrive there until the third day after we set out. The next day after our arrival, their monthly meeting began, which continued two days. It was a low time, wherein I felt my mind much oppressed with the apparent careless indifferent way in which Friends there conducted the weighty affairs of the Church; many of them appearing to act in their own will, in as light a manner, as they would in their own trivial outward business. Much labour was bestowed in a plain way, in order to impress their minds with the necessity of being more weighty in their spirits, when they presumed to be active in the affairs of truth; and, I hope, to the encouragement of the honest hearted. We stayed their first day meeting, which was large, and proved a trying season; but I was favoured to relieve my mind among them, although they appeared too generally insensible of the operation of truth.
After meeting, we rode that afternoon, on our way towards Lake Champlain, about twelve miles, and attended a meeting at the house of our friend Joseph Button, that evening, among a people mostly of the Baptist profession. It was a favoured season, and ability was received to open many things, in a plain way, relating to the Christian religion. The strange doctrine of absolute personal election and reprobation was exposed, also that of the impossibility of falling from grace; and the true baptism explained, in opposition to that of water. The next day we pursued our journey towards Lake Champlain, where we arrived on second day, and were in the neighbourhood of the lake, in different towns, for about fifteen days, and attended eleven meetings among Friends and others, to general satisfaction, and the peace of my mind.
After this we returned to Danby, and from thence we passed on, through Queensborough, to Saratoga and Easton; in which neighbourhood we had divers comfortable and edifying meetings, among Friends and others. Then we went on through Pittstown, Williamstown, East Hoosack, New Britain, Kline-Kiln, Coeman’s Patent, crossing the Hudson river on the ice to the last mentioned place, and from thence to Hudson; most of the way upon the ice on the river. We had a meeting at each of those places to good satisfaction, also one at Hudson the next day after our arrival there. After this we passed on, attending meetings at Little Nine Partners, and one at the house of our friend Tideman Hull; thence to the Creek, where we had a precious opportunity on the first day of the week, in a large meeting of Friends and others. Then having meetings at Crum-elbow and Oswego, we got in time to Nine Partners, to attend their preparative meeting the fifth day following, which proved a comfortable season; and the next day attended a profitable meeting, appointed at a place called Chesnut Ridge. The two following days we attended two meetings, one at the Branch, and the other on the hill at Oblong; and the day after, their monthly meeting; and returned to Nine Partners to attend the quarterly meeting, which began the next day.
The quiet and comfort of this meeting seemed much interrupted by the forwardness and inexperience of some in the ministry, which was cause of much affliction to my mind. Oh what great need there is for those, who apprehend themselves called to that great and solemn office, to know self wholly reduced; for, otherwise, there is danger of their endeavouring to clothe themselves with the Lord’s jewels, which, nevertheless, will turn to their own shame and confusion. I had some close exercise in the meeting of Ministers and Elders on that account. On sixth day we were at the monthly meeting at the Creek, which was attended with a degree of divine power, but not without suffering some hurt, by the forward unskilful workmen before mentioned.
From this meeting we crossed the Hudson again, and had meetings at Little Esopus, Marlborough, and Newburgh Valley; and then returned to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting. After this, taking leave of Friends there, we turned our faces homewards, having meetings at Amawalk, Joseph Weeks’ near Salem, Purchase, Apoquague, Mamaroneck, and Westchester; all favoured seasons, especially the last, which was mostly composed of those not in membership with Friends. I was enabled, through divine aid, to open much doctrine to them, suitable to the occasion, and to the states of those present, to their general satisfaction; and I felt great peace in my labour, not only for the service of this meeting, but for all my past labour in this journey; wherein I had been graciously favoured, to my humbling admiration. To the Lord only wise, be all the glory.
The next day we rode to New-York, where I lodged with my kind companion, and was cordially received by his beloved wife, and many other near and dear friends. We had been from the city four months and three days. The next day being the first of the week, I attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings, which were large; and the day following rode to my own home, and, with a mind full of peace and solid satisfaction, the sure reward of obedience, found my dear wife and children all well: for which favour, also for the manifold unmerited mercies and preservations I have from time to time received, my spirit bows in humble adoration before thee, O Lord God of our health and salvation, and desires to ascribe unto thee greatness, with glory, thanksgiving, and high renown; for thou art worthy to receive it, throughout all ages and generations, world without end. Amen.
I was from home on this journey four months and eleven days; rode about one thousand five hundred miles, and attended forty-nine particular meetings among Friends, three quarterly meetings, six monthly meetings, and forty meetings among other people.
In the latter end of the 7th month, 1792, I left home, in company with some other Friends, by appointment from the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, to visit the subordinate meetings throughout the yearly meeting. I was from home nearly a month, in which time we visited most of the meetings of Ministers and Elders, and attended many other meetings; and, I believe, the visit was truly useful. We had many seasonable and comfortable opportunities among Friends, and, I trust, the labour was blessed to some, and I felt peace of mind for this little service.
A concern having for some time rested on my mind, in the feelings of gospel love, to pay a religious visit to Friends in New England, in the spring of 1793, I opened it to my friends, and obtained their certificate for that purpose. But I did not proceed therein till after our yearly meeting. I left home the 2d of 6th month, being the first of the week, and after attending our own meeting, I crossed the Sound that afternoon, and got to the house of our friends Daniel and Samuel Titus at Horseneck, that evening. Here I met my companion James Mott from Mamaroneck, who had kindly given up to be my companion in this journey. We set forward next morning through the state of Connecticut, which took near three days, and arrived on fourth day evening at the house of our friend Amos Collins in Stonington, and the next day attended Friends’ meeting at Hopkinton, in the state of Rhode Island. From thence we proceeded on towards Newport, attending meetings in our way, at Westerly, Richmond, South Kingston, Upper and Lower House, and Canonnicut Island; all satisfactory opportunities. After this we crossed the ferry to Newport, and lodged at the house of our kind and very hospitable friend, the widow Mary Rodman, who, with her two worthy daughters, Sarah and Hannah, treated us with great kindness and affection; and where we continued to lodge, during our stay in that town. The meeting of Ministers and Elders opened the next day at Portsmouth. After this we lodged that night at our friend Jacob Mott’s, and the next day attended a meeting for worship at that place, which was very large; although things appeared very low, as to the life and virtue of truth, both among Friends and others, and lukewarmness and indifference seemed to prevail, which made it a laborious time for the honest travellers, yet ability was afforded to discharge myself among them to a good degree of satisfaction, and peace to my own mind; and we returned that evening to Newport.
The yearly meeting closed on the third day following; and although strength was afforded me to discharge myself in the several sittings thereof, both for worship and discipline, in a manner productive of that true peace, which is the sure reward of a faithful discharge of duty, yet it was, for the most part, a dull time, and the spring of life seemed very low; occasioned, in part, as I apprehended, by a very small number taking upon them the whole management of the business, and thereby shutting up the way to others, and preventing the free circulation and spreading of the concern, in a proper manner, on the minds of Friends; which I have often found to be of very hurtful tendency.
On fourth day morning we left Newport, and rode to Portsmouth, and attended their preparative meeting. The forepart of the meeting for worship was a heavy season, in which it was my lot to be baptized for the dead; but, as I patiently abode under suffering with the pure seed, the Lord was pleased to arise, and give ability to come forth, and sound an alarm to the lifeless; whereby his power and presence were experienced, in good measure, to cover the meeting, to the comfort and encouragement of the living travellers; to the Lord alone be the praise, who is worthy for ever.
The next day we passed the ferry, and rode to Tiverton, on the Main, and attended a meeting, by appointment, which was chiefly made up of people not of our society. Through the prevalence of divine love, after a season of close labour, strength was afforded me, largely to open the truths of the gospel, in a clear manner, greatly to my own satisfaction, and apparently so to most or all present; for which my spirit was truly thankful. The next day we attended a meeting at Little Compton, which was large, and mostly composed of people of other persuasions. It was a comfortable edifying season; the Lord was graciously pleased to be near, and to afford wisdom and utterance; many things were opened in a doctrinal way, suitable to the states of those present, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power; in a sense whereof, the living were made to rejoice, and return thankful acknowledgments for such unmerited mercy.
The day after, we attended the monthly meeting of Friends of Acoakset, held at Westport; the meeting for worship was very large, and like the former, mostly composed of people of other persuasions. Ability was afforded me largely to open the nature of true worship, and to show the fruitlessness of mere outward performances in religion, without the animating, quickening virtue of the word of eternal life, influencing and assisting the soul in that solemn act. The meeting for discipline was small, and very few of those present appeared to be under right qualifications to be active in the affairs of the Church; consequently their business was conducted in great weakness, and in a way far short of maintaining the proper dignity of a monthly meeting. No way seemed to open to afford relief; as the disorder and weakness appeared to be much in those, who assumed the place of leaders and heads in the meeting, and great and uncommon rawness in most of the youth. Under the consideration thereof, my mind was deeply affected with concern for their own, and the testimony’s, sake.
Our next appointment was at Centre, on first day; and previous notice having been given of our coming, the meeting was very large; there were many more than the house could hold, and it was a precious edifying season. We then rode to Newtown, taking some refreshment on our way; and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, which was large, and proved a satisfactory opportunity, and I felt sweet peace in this day’s labour.
The next day we attended the monthly meeting of Aponegansett, alias Dartmouth, which proved a hard, painful season, things being much out of order with Friends there. Most of the young people, and some of those that were older, were very raw and ungoverned; insomuch that the meeting was much interrupted by an almost continual going in and out, although frequently reproved for it. It rendered the prospect very afflicting, to see the professors of truth so regardless of their own reputation and real good, as well as of the good and reputation of society. I left this place with a degree of sadness, on account of the prevailing darkness and ignorance; yet I felt peace to attend my mind, having faithfully discharged myself among them.
We rode after meeting to New Bedford, in company with our beloved friend Thomas Rotch, who met us at this place; and we lodged at his house, where we found a cordial reception, and kind entertainment from him and his beloved wife, who appeared to be hopeful young Friends. The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a very comfortable, edifying season. This monthly meeting was but newly settled, and Friends appeared desirous of improvement. There were a number of promising young Friends in this place, to whom my spirit was nearly united, and a sympathetic travail experienced for their growth and preservation. My mind was covered with much sweetness in the course of this meeting, and it proved a time of revival to my spirit; having experienced much depression and discouragement in the two foregoing monthly meetings.
The next day we rode to Long Plain, and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable, edifying season. After this we rode back to Accushnet, and attended a meeting at the fourth hour that afternoon, in which I found it my business to set the people an example of silence; and returned that evening to our lodgings at New Bedford. The next day we embarked for Nantucket, and arrived there before night, having sailed about sixty miles in our way thither. We took our lodgings at the house of our kind friend Samuel Rodman, and stayed on the island several days, in which time we attended their monthly meeting, and a meeting of Ministers and Elders belonging thereto; and two meetings on the first day of the week. After this, on second and third day, their quarterly meeting was held, and on fourth day I was at their meeting held in the middle of the week, in the north meeting-house. Although things in general were much out of order with many of the professors of truth in this island, and the pure seed of the kingdom much oppressed, and gloominess seemed to spread over the camp, yet the Lord Almighty, in the riches of his love, was pleased to furnish ability to sound an alarm to the dead, and to press upon the lukewarm and careless professors, the necessity of using all diligence to make their calling and election sure, while time and opportunity were yet graciously afforded; and also to administer Gilead’s balm, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to encourage the faithful labourers in the family, to a perseverance in faith and patience. To a remnant of these, my spirit was nearly united in the real bond of Christian fellowship, and our hearts were filled with gratitude to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, that he was graciously pleased to distil the heavenly dew for refreshing the weary travellers, and crowning the several meetings with the glorious diadem of his holy presence; to him alone be the praise, for he is worthy for ever.
On fifth day, the 4th of 7th month, we left the island, and crossed over to Falmouth, about forty miles, by water; after landing, we travelled about four miles to the house of our friend Richard Lake, and lodged. The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a time of deep exercise to my spirit; occasioned, as I believed, by the dead and lifeless state of the professors of truth in that meeting. I sat through the meeting for worship in silence, under a great weight of death and suffering, and saw no way of relief until near the close of the meeting for discipline, when a prospect opened in my mind, with a degree of light, to propose to Friends, that the men and women should sit together again at the close of their business. This proposition was agreed to by Friends, and way was made to clear my mind, in a good degree, amongst them, of the burden I had sat under, in a close searching communication of my prospect respecting their state, as it opened in the view of my mind. This appeared to have considerable effect on the minds of some, yet some others appeared too much in that state, of all others the most to be dreaded, of self-justification, and of being righteous in their own eyes, which rendered them indisposed to improvement.
I left that place the day following, with some weight on my spirit, under a sense of the low state of things among them, and rode to Yarmouth, and attended a meeting there the next day, which proved a satisfactory season. The three following days we passed on through Sandwich, Pembroke, and Boston, to Salem; having meetings at Sandwich and Pembroke, both, I trust, profitable edifying seasons to some present. We reached Salem on fifth day, the 11th of 7th month, just in time to attend their monthly meeting, having rode diligently the morning and afternoon before to accomplish it; and had a pretty satisfactory time with Friends at this meeting. After this we rode back to Lynn, and the next day attended an appointed meeting there, which proved a large, favoured, and I trust, profitable meeting to many, not soon to be forgotten; there were a considerable number of hopeful young people in this place. In the afternoon, we had a precious opportunity at a Friend’s house, where there were a number of young people and others collected; it was a heart-tendering season. For this, with other favours conferred from time to time, my heart was made truly thankful to the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who is over all, blessed for ever.
We proceeded the next day to Almsbury, and lodged with our friend Ezekiel Jones, and the next morning rode back to Newbury, and attended Friends’ meeting at the eleventh hour. Although the meeting was small, Friends being much reduced there, yet some of the neighbouring people coming in we had a precious opportunity together, to our mutual comfort; the way of life and salvation being clearly opened to them, in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; for which my spirit was reverently thankful. We rode back and attended a meeting at Almsbury that afternoon, at the fourth hour; a large number of those, who were not members of our society, assembled with the few Friends of that place, insomuch that the house could not contain them. It proved a painful season, by reason of the prevailing death and darkness that seemed to spread, not only over Friends, but the assembly in general. My spirit was brought into a state of deep suffering and baptism, but as I patiently endured the conflict, way was made, and ability afforded, to open to them their states and conditions, with the necessity of being redeemed therefrom, and the way whereby it must be effected. The people were generally solid, and I trust it was a profitable season to many minds present.
We returned that evening to the house of our friend Ezekiel Jones, and the next day proceeded to Newtown, where we had a meeting, which proved, I trust, an instructive edifying season to some present; although the life of religion appeared very low in that place. We lodged here, and the day following we went to Halestown alias Wear, and took our lodgings at the house of our friend Ebenezer Breed. We attended their monthly meeting next day; things in general appeared in a low state with Friends here, much of which weakness I apprehended arose from these two causes. First, from a forward spirit, which appeared very predominant in some members, who were not under a right qualification to be active in meetings for discipline, not having their spirits sanctified: and their unseasoned offerings and forward activity were a great burden to the living concerned members, being often opposed to the right exercise of discipline, which caused divisions and parties in the meeting: Secondly, those Friends who seemed to have the cause of truth at heart, for want of dwelling enough in the root, and in that perfect love that casts out all fear, were led from an apprehension of necessity, in order to keep down those forward spirits, to make use of some undue methods in the exercise of discipline. This, originating in fear, and being the result of human contrivance, instead of subjecting, had a tendency to strengthen them, in their opposition: for nothing can promote the Lord’s work but his own peaceable spirit and wisdom, and this stands out of all human consultation and contrivance, which, when given way to, although ever so well intended, always mar his work. I was much exercised, both in the meeting for worship, and that for discipline; and I was helped to administer much counsel and advice for Friends’ improvement in general, and particularly that those before mentioned difficulties might be removed; and felt much peace in my labour.
The next day, being the 5th of the week, and 19th of 7th month, we rode to Epping, about forty-two miles, and lodged with our friend Joshua Fulsome, an approved minister, and attended Friends’ meeting there the following day. In the forepart of this meeting, my mind was reduced into such a state of great weakness and depression, that my faith was almost ready to fail, which produced great searchings of heart, so that I was led to call in question all that I had ever before experienced. In this state of doubting, I was ready to wish myself at home, from an apprehension that I should only expose myself to reproach, and wound the cause I was embarked in; for the heavens seemed like brass, and the earth as iron; such coldness and hardness, I thought could scarcely have ever been experienced before by any creature, so great was the depth of my baptism at this time; nevertheless, as I endeavoured to quiet my mind, in this conflicting dispensation, and be resigned to my allotment, however distressing, towards the latter part of the meeting a ray of light broke through the surrounding darkness, in which the Shepherd of Israel was pleased to arise, and by the light of his glorious countenance, to scatter those clouds of opposition. Then ability was received, and utterance given, to speak of his marvellous works in the redemption of souls, and to open the way of life and salvation, and the mysteries of his glorious kingdom, which are hid from the wise and prudent of this world, and revealed only unto those, who are reduced into the state of little children and babes in Christ. It proved a time of renewed strength and consolation to myself, and I trust it was so to many present. Renowned for ever be the name of the Lord, who hath his way in the cloud, and in the thick darkness, and who can cause the light to shine out of obscurity, when he pleaseth, for the comfort and help of his devoted children, and cause their darkness to become as the noonday.
We passed on from thence through Dover to Berwick, where the monthly meeting for Dover was held the next day. It proved a very exercising season, great weakness attending the meeting, on account of the same rending, dividing spirit getting in among Friends there, mentioned at the foregoing monthly meeting at Wear. It had made great havoc among them; a great number of members had been separated, and others were about to be separated, by minutes of denial from the monthly meeting. I had some close labour with them, not only by endeavouring to stir up and warn the careless and refractory members; but I also found it necessary to caution and warn those, who had the chief management of discipline. I believed they had too much departed from the meek spirit of Jesus, in ordering the affairs of truth; and instead of giving the right portion of meat in due season to their fellow members, had given way to a spirit of impatience, and therefore did not stand wholly clear of beating and abusing their fellow servants. O how necessary it is for all those, who think themselves called to be active in the discipline of the Church, to know their own spirits fully subjected, that nothing of the unmortified will of the creature may be found acting in the work of the Lord; or mixing its own forward unsanctified zeal, with that true and holy fervour of soul, which animates, quickens, and constrains, by the mere force and influence of the pure love of Christ, our holy head, and heavenly high priest, from whence it derives all its power and authority, in putting right discipline in practice, and laying true judgment on the head of transgressors, and refractory members. We tarried here the next day, it being the first of the week. The meeting was pretty large, and was composed of Friends and others, and favoured with the reachings forth of heavenly regard, consoling many hearts, and refreshing the weary travellers; of these, there appeared to be a small remnant preserved in almost every place. The meeting ended with humble supplication, and praise to the great Author of every blessing, who is over all, worthy for ever.
The next day, the 22d of 7th month, we proceeded on towards Falmouth, at Casco Bay, attending a meeting at Portland, in our way thither. On fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of Falmouth, and, on sixth day, the monthly meeting of Durham; they were in general satisfactory seasons. The next day we rode to Georgetown, and attended a meeting appointed there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded on to the widow Gardner’s, in a town called Bordingham; in getting to this place, we had to cross the great river Kennebeck twice. The next day, being the first of the week, and the 28th of 7th month, a large meeting was held there by our appointment, there being no meeting in that place. It was a time of hard labour for a season, by reason of the indifference and ignorance of many present; nevertheless, ability was afforded to discharge myself among them, to pretty good satisfaction, and, I believe, generally so to those present; and, I trust, by some, the season will not soon be forgotten.
We went by water that afternoon up the aforesaid river, about seven miles, to the house of our friend George Ramsdale, having sent our horses there the night before. The next day we passed on to Vassalborough, and the day following rode up the river to Fairfield, and attended a meeting, and returned to Vassalborough that afternoon. The next day we attended Friends’ meeting there, which proved a heavy dull season, till near the close, when ability was afforded me to clear myself among them, in a close searching communication, which appeared to have a good effect, and the meeting ended well.
We passed on that afternoon twenty miles to Winthrop, and the next day had a meeting there. After this we rode to Greene, and from thence to Lewistown, having a meeting at each place; both precious heart-tendering seasons, especially the latter, which was attended by a large number of young people, many of whom were greatly affected by the power of truth. We left them in a tender loving frame of mind, and rode that afternoon to Durham. The next day, being the first of the week, and 4th of 8th month, we attended Friends’ meeting there, in which I was favoured to open many things in a doctrinal way, there being many present, who were not in membership with Friends. I was likewise led to speak largely of the good effects of pure love.
We passed on from thence through Falmouth to Portland, where we had a meeting appointed for the town’s people; it was held in their court-house, and was, through heavenly help, an instructive season. Many doctrines of the gospel were clearly opened; and the unsound doctrines of original sin and predestination, also the schemes of the Universalists, Atheists, and Deists, were confuted from scripture and reason. And a pressing exhortation was extended to all present, to attend to the leadings of the spirit of Christ in their own hearts, so as to be sensible of their fallen condition, and to become acquainted with the necessity, means, and manner of their salvation. Truth was over all, and I had great peace in my labour.
We returned that evening to Falmouth, and the next day went to Windham, and attended a meeting, wherein I was led to be an example of silence. After this we rode to the house of our friend John Robinson, and lodged; and a prospect opening for paying another visit to Friends at Wear, we accordingly proceeded, attending meetings in our way, at Gorham, Lymington, New Sandwich, and Gilmantown, all satisfactory seasons; and reached Wear in time to attend their monthly meeting. Although the same dividing spirit was still discernible among them, which produced much weakness, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in our visit. We proceeded from thence through Pittsfield, and Lee, in our way to Dover, having a meeting at each place, and reached Dover in time to attend their monthly meeting, held on seventh day, the 17th of 8th month. Although discipline is at a low ebb with Friends here, yet, through divine condescension, I hope the season was profitable and instructive to many present. We were at their first day meeting in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, had a satisfactory meeting at Kittery; and, on second day, we attended meetings at Madersborough, and Rochester, both, I trust, profitable seasons. On third day we rode to Hampton, and the next day had a comfortable meeting with Friends of that place; and from thence we returned to Salem, and attended a meeting. Then we proceeded to Lynn, and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day. On second day we rode to Boston, and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour; although the meeting was but small, there being but very few Friends in that place, and only a small number of the town’s people came in, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in giving them this opportunity, and way opened to clear ourselves among them. After this we passed on, having a meeting at Taunton, and then attended Providence monthly meeting, held at Smithfield; things appeared but low with Friends of this monthly meeting, their attention being too much turned to worldly concerns. We next attended the monthly meeting held in the upper part of Smithfield, being about nine miles from the latter; this was in general a satisfactory season; and the following day we attended Uxbridge monthly meeting, to good satisfaction.
Our next appointment was at Freetown, the first of the week, and the 1st of 9th month, and was a satisfactory opportunity; and, on second day, we attended the monthly meeting at Swansey; here things appeared much out of order, and in a low state; but, through divine favour, ability was given me, to clear my mind among them, in a way, that I hope, will tend to their profit. From thence we passed on to Providence, where we had a satisfactory meeting. The four following days we had meetings at Cranston, Greenwich, Foster and Scituate; all satisfactory meetings, particularly the last; it was an open edifying season, many hearts being comforted by the power of truth, which prevailed over all, and was cause of deep thankfulness to my mind. Our next meeting was at Wankeg, on first day, the 8th of 9th month; it was a profitable edifying season. Then passing on, we had meetings as they were laid out for us, on second day at Gloucester, on third day at Douglass, and on fourth day at Smithfield. The last was a large meeting, and many things were opened in a clear manner; confuting that dark belief in election and reprobation, and the impossibility of falling from grace. Also showing the necessity of regeneration, through the operation of the one essential baptism of the Holy Ghost; and that all were the objects of universal, and saving grace, and how all might be saved by it, if they did not reject it to their own destruction.
The next day we attended a meeting at Mendham; it was a comfortable season to myself, and I believe, to most or all present, and was cause of thankful remembrance. From thence we passed on, having meetings at Northbridge, Bolton and Leicester; at this place we also attended a burial, and had a favoured opportunity with the people. Then we went to Richmond, and attended their monthly meeting, where things were much out of order, and the meeting was small, and in a weak situation. I cleared my mind in a plain way among them, and found peace therein.
This was the last meeting we attended in the compass of Rhode Island yearly meeting. Then we passed on into the state of Vermont, in order to visit Friends of our own yearly meeting, who resided in that state. We reached Sharon, in time to attend their meeting on first day, the 22d of 9th month; and the next day attended a meeting at Strafford, which was a dull heavy time, in which I found it my place to be silent. The next day we crossed Connecticut river to the town of Hanover, and attended a meeting in a school-house, no Friends living in those parts. It was a satisfactory season. We lodged with a man attached to Friends, of the name of John Williams, who with his wife, were convinced of the principles of truth; yet found it a great trial, faithfully to take up the cross, as they lived among a people much opposed to them in that respect. We left them the next day in a tender frame of mind, and I have a hope they will improve. We returned over the river and attended a meeting in the town of Norwich, at the fourth hour of the afternoon, which was a small, but favoured meeting. We lodged that night with a person who had requested to be joined to Friends, of the name of Zebulon Huntington. The next morning we returned to Sharon, and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour, it being their usual meeting day, which was a favoured season. The next day we attended a meeting in the northeast part of the town of Strafford, among those not of our society. After this we set forward for Lake Champlain, and got to Ferrisburgh just in time to attend their meeting on first day, the 29th of 9th month, which I sat in silence; and returned after meeting to the house of our friend Nicholas Holmes and lodged. The next day we rode to our friend Cornelius Halbert’s, and attended a meeting at the fourth hour, which proved a comfortable season: it was mostly composed of those not in membership with us.
From thence we proceeded to Grand Isle, which is situated nearly in the middle of Lake Champlain, having a meeting at Wiltston, in our way thither. We had a comfortable meeting at our lodgings at this place, and then crossed over by water to the west side of the lake, to the river Sable. We walked on foot about six miles near this river, to the house of our friend Richard Keese, where we had a satisfactory opportunity, in a meeting appointed in his house. It was a newly settled place, and no meeting of Friends within forty miles. We returned then to Grand Isle, and the next day, the first of the week, and the 6th of 10th month, we attended another meeting there, and then returned to Monkton, to the house of our kind friend Nicholas Holmes, who had accompanied us in this little tour to the northward. We rested the next day, and the day following had an appointed meeting at the house of my kinsman Stephen Haight. On fifth day we had a comfortable opportunity with Friends here, at their preparative meeting. After this we took leave of our friends of this place, and rode to Vergennes, and lodged at our friend Thomas Robinson’s; and the next day proceeded on our way to Queensbury, where we arrived on seventh day evening. The day after, the first of the week, and the 13th of 10th month, we attended two meetings; the first, at Friends’ meeting-house, at the usual time; and the latter, at a Friend’s house, where a considerable number of people, who were not in profession with us, assembled.
On second day we rode to Easton, and lodged at our friend William Coffin’s; on third day, it being rainy weather, we rested; and on fourth day, we attended the preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders for Easton monthly meeting. On fifth day their monthly meeting began, which held three days, and, in general, was conducted to good satisfaction. I felt near sympathy with Friends of this place, as their monthly meeting was bordering on an extensive newly settled country, to which Friends were moving from various parts. It made the bounds of their meeting very wide, and the members much scattered from one another; and caused much labour and exercise to the concerned part of the meeting, in attending to, and conducting the affairs of truth. It likewise occasioned them to have, almost continually, a great load of business before the monthly meeting. The day after, being the first of the week, we attended a meeting at Saratoga. It was a large comfortable edifying meeting, and very refreshing to my spirit, which had been much exhausted by the exercise and labour of the three foregoing days.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at Greenfield, Ballstown, Troy, Albany, and Coeman’s Patent; and reached Hudson on seventh day evening. The next day, the first of the week, and 27th of 10th month, we attended their morning meeting, and then proceeded on, being desirous of reaching the quarterly meeting at Oblong, which began on third day. We arrived there on second day evening, where we met with several beloved friends from near our own homes, to our mutual comfort. After the close of this meeting, we proceeded directly home; where I arrived the 2d of 11th month, and found my dear wife and family in a pretty good state of health, to our mutual rejoicing. I had renewed cause to bless the name of the Lord for his preserving providence and mercy, who is over all, worthy for ever.
I was from home in this journey about five months, and travelled by land and water about two thousand two hundred and eighty-three miles; having visited all the meetings of Friends in the New England states, and many meetings amongst those of other professions; and also visited many meetings, among Friends and others, in the upper part of our own yearly meeting; and found real peace in my labours.
CHAPTER III.
Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795.—Visit to Friends in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 1798.
On the 26th of 7th month, 1795, I left home in order to join a committee of Friends, appointed by the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders this year, to visit the quarterly and preparative meetings, and Friends individually, in those stations, throughout the yearly meeting. A concern having arisen in that meeting, occasioned by the many obvious deficiencies and departures amongst us as a people, from the purity and simplicity of our holy profession, a minute was issued and recommended to the inferior meetings, setting forth the ground of this concern, and for the purpose of stirring up and encouraging Friends to a diligent search and labour, that the many hurtful disorders might be removed, and a right reformation, from those prevailing weaknesses, effectually take place.
This being the first day of the week, I sat with Friends in their meeting at Westbury; and although it was a dull time in the forepart, yet, through the comforting assistance of heavenly help, it was made, I believe, an edifying season to many minds. I crossed the Sound that afternoon to New Rochelle, and the next morning met some of the committee at the house of our friend Hugh Judge. We had an opportunity with his family, which proved a refreshing season, it being evident that he, and his wife, joined heartily with the concern. We visited several other families that day, and had the satisfaction to believe, that the concern and labour were owned by the Head of the Church, and, we believe, will be blessed to many.
The next day the quarterly meeting at Purchase began, and through the several sittings was made, I trust, a profitable season; it ended on fifth day. The next day we had opportunities with two families, which, through the fresh extendings of holy help, proved very instructive and encouraging. After this we set out for Nine Partners, their quarterly meeting coming in the ensuing week. I reached there on first day morning, the 2d of 8th month, and attended their meeting, which proved a heart searching season, it being too manifest that many professors had suffered their minds to be captivated by a worldly spirit, which had introduced great death and darkness into our meetings, to the grief and trouble of the honest-hearted. But help was graciously afforded me to set forth, in a plain manner, the danger attending such a departure from the life and power of religion; and to stir up also the lukewarm from their supineness and ease, and enforce the necessity of a more full dedication of their hearts, and their all, to the Lord’s service.
The next day we attended the preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders at the Creek, in which much weakness was apparent. The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at Nine Partners; on the last of which, I was favoured to relieve my mind among them, in a season of close searching labour, by way of communication. After this we proceeded towards Easton, to attend the quarterly meeting there, and to visit the families of Ministers and Elders within the compass of that meeting, which we performed in about a week. Although weakness seemed to abound with Friends there, yet we were comforted in believing, that the visit had a profitable effect, and afforded encouragement, and a renewal of strength, to the sincere-hearted.
On seventh day, the 15th of 8th month, we rode to East Hoosac, and the next day attended Friends’ meeting there, which was large, many people of other societies attending. It proved an open satisfactory time, and ended under a renewed sense of the merciful extendings of holy condescending love; for which, I trust, many minds were made humbly thankful. The afternoon and next morning were passed in visiting the families of Ministers and Elders; and although things were not all well among them, yet we had satisfaction and peace in our own minds, by a faithful discharge of the trust committed to us. The next day we rode to New Britain, and visited a Friend in the ministry there, he being the only select member in that meeting. From thence we passed on to Kline-Kiln, where there was likewise but one member of the select meeting, an Elder, whom we visited. We then went to Coeman’s Patent, where there were three select members, to whom we paid a satisfactory visit, and then proceeded to the city of Hudson. The evening after our arrival, and the next day, we had opportunities with the Ministers and Elders of that place. They proved seasons of heart-searching labour, things appearing much out of order with some of them; and, among these, there was a disposition apparent, to lay waste good order in the Church. O the great want of honest, faithful labourers in the vineyard.
After our services were finished here, we left them with the answer of peace, and rode that afternoon to Nine Partners. The next day we attended Friends’ meeting at Stanford, which proved a season of hard labour. There was a great want of solid weight, and a living travail, in order to experience the renewals of strength; the power of truth went forth freely, for the stirring up, and arousing the careless and supine from their beds of ease. After this we visited two families of Friends, and, the two following days, finished our visit to the rest of the families of Ministers and Elders in Creek monthly meeting. The rest of the week was taken up in visiting those under the notice of our appointment, in the monthly meeting of Nine Partners; and I may truly say, it was, in general, a sorrowful affecting time, in beholding the great departure of many of the Ministers and Elders, in their families, from that faithful discharge of duty, which their stations require; for want of this, their children had almost all gone out from plainness. We endeavoured to lay before them, in sincerity and simplicity of heart, the great danger attending such a conduct, and the necessity of a reform in those things; and felt peace of mind in our labour.
On seventh day afternoon we rode to Marlborough, and attended Friends’ meeting there the next day; it was an exercising season, on account of the great rawness and inexperience of the members of the meeting too generally, and the great lightness manifest, in most of those of other societies, a number of whom were present. My mind, after a time of hard labour, and suffering with the seed, was engaged in some service addressed to the latter class. Afterwards way opened to have Friends select, to whom my mind was led to communicate some things in a plain way, with the view of stirring them up to more diligence and circumspection in their families, the better ordering and disciplining of their children and household, and keeping things sweet and clean, agreeably to the simplicity of our holy profession; and I had peace in my labour. That afternoon, and the two following days, we visited all the families of Ministers and Elders in that monthly meeting, except one. After this I returned home, and found my family as well as usual; which I esteemed as a favour from my great and good Master. For this, with all his other mercies and preservations dispensed from time to time, I felt a return of thankfulness and grateful acknowledgment to Him, who is the author and giver of every good and perfect gift, and “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
Having for several years felt my mind drawn, at times, in gospel love, to visit Friends of the yearly meetings of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and some parts of Virginia, in the fall of the year 1797, apprehending the time to be nigh for the performance of the visit, I laid my concern before Friends of the monthly and quarterly meetings of which I was a member; and received certificates of their unity and concurrence. I left home the 12th of 12th month, accompanied by Joseph Cooper, a member of our meeting, in the station of an Elder; taking leave of my family and friends, we rode to New-York, and the meeting for sufferings sitting there the next day, I attended it; and the day following being the meeting day for Friends of that city, I felt most easy to stay and attend it, which proved a comfortable strengthening season. After this I took leave of my friends there, parting from them in near unity and brotherly affection, and passed the next morning by water to Staten Island. The day following we had two meetings there, and though small by reason of rain, were, nevertheless, both attended with a comfortable degree of divine favour. The next day we left the island and rode to Shrewsbury; and the day after, being first day, we sat with Friends there, and, I trust, it was a profitable season to some present, and relieving to my own mind; strength and utterance being furnished to open divers truths of the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with a good degree of the divine power; to God only wise be the praise, who is over all, worthy for ever.
On second day we attended a meeting at a Friend’s house about seven miles from Shrewsbury, on our way to Squan. On third and fourth days we were at Squan and Squancum, both small meetings, as there are but few of our society in those parts; yet they were, for the most part, satisfactory seasons. We also sat with Friends in their preparative meeting in the latter place, which appeared in a state of great weakness; but as way opened, I was led to make some remarks, in order to stir Friends up to more diligence and circumspection; and to show the necessity of an inward travail for the arising of truth, which can only qualify for the right ordering of the affairs of society. The next day we rode to Barnegat, and after an opportunity with Friends there the following day, we passed on to Little Eggharbour, where we remained till first day, the 24th of the month. Notice being spread of our intention of attending Friends’ meeting there, many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in, and sat with Friends, and were very attentive; divers truths of the gospel were opened in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and I was helped to leave them with a peaceful mind. On the 25th we rode to Great Eggharbour, and the three following days attended meetings at the upper and lower meeting-houses of Friends there, also an appointed meeting near the head of Great Eggharbour river, at a place called Stephens’ Creek; they were generally small, yet attended with a good degree of favour; for which my spirit was made humbly thankful. On sixth day we attended a meeting at Cape May, which, through the gracious condescension of the Shepherd of Israel, was made a truly comfortable season, and His great name magnified and praised, who is worthy for ever.
From thence we rode to Morris’ river, and attended a meeting appointed at the house of Isaac Buzby, a man inclining to Friends. The spirit of truth favoured me with wisdom and utterance, to divide the word suitably to the states of those present; and apparently to their and to my own satisfaction and comfort. We rode that afternoon to the house of a Friend of the name of Henry Rulon, where we had an appointed meeting the next day. After this we passed on to Greenwich, and the two following days attended a meeting there, and one at the head of Cohansy Creek. Then we rode to the house of our kind friend Mark Miller, at Salem, and rested the next day. The day following, being the first of the week, and 7th of 1st month, we attended the meeting there, which was very large, many coming in that were not members; the power of truth was exalted over all, to the comfort of many hearts, and to the praise and glory of Him, who is the strength and help of his dependent children. On second day we attended a meeting at Woodstown; I was closely engaged among them in a searching testimony, pointing out the great danger, and hurtful tendency of the want of unity, and joining in with the spirit of the world, and neglecting a right conformity to the wholesome order, established among us, as a religious society; whereby many disorders had crept in, wounding to many: strength was afforded me, and utterance given, and truth exalted over all opposition and disorderly spirits. The four following days we attended meetings at Penn’s Neck, Mullica Hill, Upper Greenwich, and Woodbury; they were all seasons of favour, especially the last, where truth was eminently exalted, and the doctrines of the gospel held forth in the demonstration of the spirit; and the hearts of the faithful were made to rejoice in a sense of the Lord’s goodness, to whom belongs the praise of his own work for ever.
On seventh day we rested with our esteemed friend Joshua Evens; and on first day attended Newtown meeting, and the day following, that at Haddonfield, both of which were profitable edifying meetings. In the afternoon, after the latter meeting, we crossed the river Delaware to Philadelphia, and the three following days attended the three meetings in that city; they were all opportunities of favour, and I had much satisfaction in this short visit to Friends of this place. I was comforted in the experience of an open door among them, both in meetings and in families where my lot was cast; and I felt my spirit nearly united to a living remnant, especially a number of the beloved youth, who are under the forming hand, preparing for service; some of whom, I trust and believe, will be as valiants in their day, for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. May the Lord bless, and keep them faithful to himself, and cover their heads in the day of battle.
On sixth day, the 19th of 1st month, we left the city in order to attend a meeting at Darby, notice having gone before of our intention; it proved an open time, but the meeting was hurt by an indiscreet appearance towards the end, which clothed my spirit with sorrow, not only on the Friends’ account, but especially on account of the people, for whose information and religious instruction, my mind had been closely engaged. We rode that afternoon to Chester, and the next day attended a meeting there, which was owned with manifestations of divine favour; and I was instructed to hand out doctrine, suitable to the states of the people present. After this we rode to Wilmington; and the next day, being the first of the week, and the 21st of 1st month, we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings. I was silent in the first; but, through the merciful assistance of the Shepherd of Israel, the latter proved a comfortable strengthening season; after a time of close exercise in silent labour, and deep baptism into death and suffering with the seed, the power of truth went forth with authority against many things that opened to view, as the cause of that deep oppression of the seed of life among them; the meeting ended under a sense of the Lord’s goodness, and many hearts were made to rejoice.
The six following days we attended meetings at Whiteclay Creek, Appoquinamink, Duck Creek, Little Creek, Motherkill, and Camden, which is a village where no meeting of Friends is held; things appeared low in most of them, as to the life of religion. But, through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, I had an open door among them, and many gospel truths were held forth, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power; the last, especially, was a time thankfully to be remembered by me, and, I believe, by many others present; thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, that he is not leaving himself without a witness in the hearts of the people. The next day, first of the week, we attended Millford meeting; things appeared very low, and but few of our society in that part, and those appeared very indifferent, and several of them were absent. On second day we attended a meeting at Cool Spring, and the next day attended an appointed meeting on our way towards Third Haven; it was held in a Friend’s house, who had lately been received a member, and who before was a professor with the people called Nicholites; he appeared to be a pretty solid man. The meeting was in a good degree favoured; the way of preparation, as held forth in John’s dispensation, for the more full manifestation of the gospel state, was set forth, with the nature of true Christian or spiritual baptism; and that John’s baptism was only a figure thereof, and, therefore, was no part of Christ’s baptism, and, consequently, had no place in, nor could be of any use under, the dispensation of the gospel. The people appeared generally satisfied, and I parted with them in peace of mind.
The six following days we attended meetings at North West Fork, Marshy Creek, Centre, Greensborough, Tuckahoe Neck, and Tuckahoe; and, although these meetings were attended by but few of those who were joined in fellowship with us, yet they were mostly crowded full meetings, many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in, divers of whom were holders of slaves, and others very raw and ignorant. My spirit was much exercised in travail among them, being baptized into their low and uncultivated states; nevertheless, through the merciful interference of the Shepherd of Israel, their lost and undone condition, without a Saviour, was clearly laid open before them; also the way of return, reconciliation, and salvation. Many present were aroused and reached by the power of truth, which was graciously prevalent in most of these meetings; their spirits greatly tendered, and the few faithful among them were made to rejoice; and my spirit was humbly thankful, in a sense of the Lord’s goodness; to him alone be the praise; nothing due to man.
Three of the above meetings were held in meeting-houses belonging to a people under the denomination of Nicholites; many of them were led into great self-denial, particularly in regard to dress and household furniture. They appeared one in principle with us, their faith and doctrine being founded on the manifestation and influence of the divine light, inwardly revealed. Most of them, of late, have requested to be joined in membership with Friends, and have been received. Many of them appear to be a worthy people; yet, I fear, some were a little hurt by being too tenacious in their dress, particularly in making it a point to have all parts of their clothing white. Yet, in general, they appeared to be a plain innocent upright-hearted people; and I felt a concern lest they should be hurt by the great and prevailing deficiencies manifest amongst us, by many turning away from the purity and simplicity of our holy self-denying profession. This, I believe, is a subject worthy of the deep consideration of those delinquent brethren. For if it be a truth, as most certainly it is, that whosoever offendeth one of the least of those who believe in Christ, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea; what will become of those, who live in the daily practice of those things, which give continual offence to their brethren, and are stumbling blocks in the way of honest inquirers.
After attending the aforesaid meetings, we passed on, having meetings at Choptank, Third Haven and Bayside, on the eastern shore of Maryland. The two first were attended by many of other societies, a number of whom were Methodists, and at each was one of their ministers; both of whom were very solid, and paid great attention; one of them was much affected, and wept freely for a considerable time; and, with divers others, manifested their full satisfaction. My spirit was much humbled, and made to rejoice in the Lord, that he was graciously near, and made bare his arm for our help, and carried us through the exercise of those meetings, to the honour of his own name, who is over all, worthy for ever.
After leaving Bayside, we attended a meeting which we had appointed the day before, on our way thither, at a village called St. Michael’s, among the Methodists; the people were nearly all of that profession in this place. It was held in their meeting-house, and was the first meeting appointed by any Friend in that place, except a small one by some women Friends some years before. There was, at this time, a general collection; and, considering their unacquaintance with us, and our manner of sitting in silence, they behaved pretty well. A comfortable degree of the divine presence was witnessed, and many minds tendered and comforted, and divers gospel truths clearly opened to the apparent satisfaction of most present.
We left them with peace of mind, and the next day attended a meeting at Easton, alias Third Haven, among the black people, which we had appointed some days before. It proved a favoured opportunity, and to the edification, comfort, and encouragement of this poor, injured, and too much despised people; many of whom, I believe, have good desires begotten in their minds after the knowledge of the truth.
The next day, the first of the week, and the 11th of 2d month, we attended Friends’ meeting at this place, and information of our intention of being here having been given before, the neighbouring inhabitants generally came in, so that the house was much crowded. The gospel was largely and freely preached among them, to the apparent satisfaction of all present. How marvellous is thy loving kindness, O Lord, to the workmanship of thy holy hand; how art thou graciously holding out, from season to season, offers of reconciliation to thy revolting and rebellious children, and art calling to them, by thy servants, now, as formerly, return, return, repent and live; for why will ye die, O house of Israel, saith your God. We continued here and attended their meeting of Ministers and Elders; and, on fifth day, their monthly meeting, which was in some degree favoured; divers things were opened for the improvement and encouragement of Friends in well ordering the affairs of truth.
The day following we rode to Chester, and the next day attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Cecil, which was small; but truth favoured me with ability to labour, to stir up Friends to more vigilance, and careful waiting for the arising of the spring of life; as nothing short of the divine power, and renewed quickenings of the holy spirit, can qualify for the promotion of good order and discipline in the Church. The next day, the first of the week, we attended the meeting here. Notice having been given to the neighbouring inhabitants, many came in, most of whom appeared very raw and light; nevertheless, as Friends kept down to their exercise, towards the close of the meeting, truth came into dominion; and all that opposed it was made to bow and acknowledge its power; for which my spirit was made thankful to the Author of every blessing. On second and third days following, we attended two meetings; the first, in Friends’ meeting-house at Chester, and the latter at Chestertown in their court-house; both pretty large meetings, and overshadowed with the wing of divine power; although, in the latter meeting, we had to arrive at it through deep baptism, and suffering with the seed; for those that reign with Christ, must be willing likewise to suffer. The people, in the forepart, were very light, often whispering one to the other; a spirit of licentiousness appeared to be prevalent with many of them; but as truth arose, they were gradually subjected, until a becoming solemnity appeared in almost every countenance. I trust some good was effected in some minds; but we must leave the event to the Lord, to whom alone belongs all the praise; nothing due to man, but blushing and confusion of face.
The next day we attended a meeting at the head of Chester; it was somewhat hurt, in the forepart, for want of room. The house was not sufficient to contain all who came, and the weather too cold to stand without; yet, as it settled into quiet, it proved a precious baptizing season, and many hearts were melted into deep contrition. I had cause to hope that if the few Friends in that place show forth a good example, there will be some gathered. The day following we attended the meeting at Sassafras, to pretty good satisfaction. The next day we rode to East Nottingham, and attended their monthly meeting the day after; it proved a very exercising meeting, things being much out of order among them. I was led forth in a line of close searching labour, both in testimony in the first part of the meeting, and likewise in that for discipline; but I got little relief, except from a consciousness, in myself, of having discharged my duty faithfully among them. The next day, the first of the week, and 25th of 2d month, we attended their particular meeting; in which I had to expose, in a close, arousing testimony, that spirit among Friends, which pleads for joining with those active in civil government, and taking part therein, and adopting the maxims and spirit of the world. Truth reigned triumphantly in this meeting over all opposition and disorderly spirits. The 26th we rested. The 27th we attended West Nottingham meeting to good satisfaction, and were made to rejoice in truth’s victory over death and darkness, for which the honest-hearted were made thankful. The 28th we attended a meeting, lately established, about five miles distant from the former, which I sat mostly in silence, feeling no clear commission for preaching the gospel among them.
The 1st of 3d month, we attended Little Britain meeting, wherein I was opened and led into a large doctrinal communication, suited to the states of many present. The meeting was large and solid, and, I trust, edifying and instructive to a number present. But too many, who have ears to hear, and are led to acknowledge the truth of testimonies delivered, neglect the practical part, which is the most essential; and are, therefore, in a situation like those, who, seeing their natural faces in a glass, turn away, and forget what manner of persons they are. The 2d, we passed over the river Susquehannah, and lodged at Richard Webb’s, at Fawn, and attended their meeting next day. It was a solid, and, I believe to many, a profitable season. The 4th, and first of the week, we attended Deer Creek meeting, which was large, and favoured with the overshadowing wing of heavenly regard. The condescending goodness and mercy of a gracious God to his sinful creatures were marvellously displayed. The meeting was composed, in part, of a number of dark undisciplined spirits, many of whom, it was thought, had not been at any meeting for several years, and some of them never at any of ours before. The meeting appeared to be generally brought under a becoming solemnity, and concluded to our solid comfort. The 5th, we attended Bush River meeting, and although it was composed generally of a loose careless-minded people, yet truth favoured me; and, through divine help, the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power. Many present were made sensible of its baptizing influence; and all contrary spirits appeared subjected, and brought down, and truth reigned triumphant.
The 6th and 7th of 3d month, we attended the meetings at Little Falls, and Gunpowder, both seasons of favour. The 8th we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Baltimore. It was, I trust, a profitable season, both in the meeting for worship, and that for the discipline of the Church. In the meeting for worship, I was led, in a close searching testimony, to set forth the great danger, and hurtful effects, of Friends joining in with the spirit of the world, and taking any part in the fluctuating governments, customs, and manners thereof. Things opened clearly to show, that, in days past, the apostacy took place through that medium, both among the primitive Christians, and also in our own society; and that the only way, for us as a people to regain the primitive state, was to return back into ancient simplicity, to separate from the world, its spirit, governments, manners, and maxims; and to make no league with those actuated thereby. Truth rose into dominion, and the faithful among them were strengthened. May praises for ever be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, who is indeed a God near at hand, and a present helper in every needful time.
The 9th we rested, and I wrote to my family and friends at home. The 10th, we visited several families in the morning, and in the afternoon, at the third hour, attended a meeting among the poor, at the alms-house belonging to this city. It proved a comfortable season, and I was glad I gave up to the service. The 11th being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting in the forenoon, and some notice being given among the town’s people of our being there, it was large; and after sitting a considerable time in silent labour, wherein my mind was baptized into the states of those present, I stood up with a prospect of the hurtful tendency of pride, both in religious and civil society. Truth opened the way, and gradually rose into a good degree of dominion, and, I trust, it was a profitable season to many present. In the afternoon, at the third hour, we had a meeting with the black people; and, except the hurt received by their long and untimely gathering, I think it was, in general, a comfortable season; and many among them appeared to be brought into a becoming solemnity, and we parted under the savour of truth.
On the 12th, we attended a meeting at Elk Ridge; it proved, in general, a heavy season, yet, I trust, a time of profit and favour to some. We rode that afternoon thirteen miles towards Indian Spring meeting, which we attended the next day. In this meeting, I was led, in a plain and full manner, to expose the enormous sin of oppression, and of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, with the pernicious fruits and effects of it, to those who are guilty thereof, especially to their children; who, being supported by the labour and toil of those held in slavery, and thereby brought up in idleness, were led into pride, and a very false, and dark idea respecting God, and his superintending providence, and into many other evils, fatal to their present and eternal well being, and tending to disqualify them from being useful in almost any respect, either to themselves or society, and thereby rendering them unworthy of the respect of wise and good men. Truth rose into dominion, and some present, who were slave holders, were made sensible of their conditions, and were much affected. I felt a hope to arise that the opportunity would prove profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind. Since then, I have been informed, that a woman, present at that season, who possessed a number of slaves, was so fully convinced, as to set them free, and, not long after, joined in membership with Friends: which is indeed cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart, to the great and blessed Author of every mercy vouchsafed to the children of men.
On the 14th we were at Sandy Spring meeting, to satisfaction. The 15th, we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Alexandria. It was a small weak meeting, very few manifesting any real concern for the support of our Christian testimonies. They gathered there from different parts of the country, mostly for the advancement of their temporal interest; and this being uppermost with them, they were disqualified for improvement in religious experience. O that we, as a people, were more weaned from the world and its fading enjoyments, and our affections placed on celestial treasure; then would the light of the Church break forth out of obscurity, and her darkness become as the noonday; thousands would then be gathered from the highways and hedges, and flock to the brightness of her arising, with everlasting joy upon their heads.
The 16th we rode to Fairfax, about forty-six miles. The 17th we attended their select quarterly meeting. The 18th, the first of the week, we attended the meeting at this place, which was large, composed of Friends and others. I was led to open the great advantages attendant on a life of righteousness, from that scripture passage, “Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people;” and showing the difference between a righteousness, founded on the laws, maxims, and precepts of men, and the righteousness that is witnessed by faith in the Son of God, as revealed to the hearts and souls of the children of men through the holy spirit. Although there were many raw, and uncultivated persons present, yet truth came into a good degree of dominion and victory, and, I trust, it was a profitable season to some.
The 19th we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, in which I had some service, in opening the nature and end of discipline, and encouraging Friends to an improvement therein, to the solid satisfaction of the honest in heart. The next day was the youth’s meeting for the last time; the quarterly meeting, the day before, having concluded to discontinue the same thereafter, from a belief that its usefulness was over; and that it had become more hurtful than beneficial. A great concourse of idle people came together at that time, not so much for the sake of the meeting, as to see and be seen, and to make it a place of diversion. I had considerable to say among them, but got but little relief; by reason, as I apprehended, of a spirit of infidelity and licentiousness, too generally prevailing among the people. I was satisfied the quarterly meeting had done right in discontinuing that meeting; believing, if continued, it would have been very prejudicial to the youth, for whose good, in the first institution thereof, it was intended.
The 21st we attended the preparative meeting of South Fork, which is a branch of Goose Creek monthly meeting. I was silent in the meeting for worship, but had some close labour with Friends in their preparative meeting. I felt my spirit much oppressed with a sense of the great lukewarmness, and love of the world, which appeared to prevail in such a manner, that the business of the preparative meeting was conducted in a very weak vague manner, and void of a right sense of the dignity of such a meeting, or a due concern for the preservation of right order. I felt peace of mind in a faithful discharge of my duty among them.
The 22d we were at Goose Creek preparative meeting, which was large in the first sitting, many of other societies coming in. After a considerable time of silent labour, in deep baptism with the suffering seed, my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony, directed to the states of those present. And many were brought under the influence of that power which “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon.” Truth came into dominion, and a good degree of victory over all was witnessed. Nevertheless, such is the deadness and indifference of some who go under our name, that, at the close of this very solemn meeting for worship, they withdrew with those who were not members, and continued out until the preparative meeting had proceeded considerably in its business; and then came in one after another, in a very careless unthinking manner. My heart was grieved, and I have often been affected with similar conduct in many places in those parts, as also in some others; a conduct, which appears to me to carry in it great indignity to our high and holy profession; and, I believe, is greatly offensive to the great Head of the Church, for the promotion of whose righteous cause, these meetings for discipline are established. I believe one great cause of this sorrowful weakness and declension is owing to a want of due administration of discipline, by those who are called thereto. By overlooking one little thing after another, custom establishes those bad habits; and great loss is sustained by the Church in general, and by some of its members in particular. It is very observable that meetings, where those things are apparent, are generally in a declining state. I was exercised in a plain way of dealing with those delinquents, showing them the hurtful tendency of such conduct. Truth prevailed, and many hearts were much tendered, and the hands of the faithful strengthened; to the Lord only wise be the praise of his own work, who is over all, worthy for ever.
The 23d we attended a meeting at a place called the Gap, where there was a small meeting of Friends. It was, however, a large collection, many of other societies attending, more than the house could hold. Many of them appeared to be a raw insensible people, void of any right idea or knowledge of true religion, which made the meeting very trying and painful; yet not without some degree of favour towards the conclusion, by truth’s obtaining the victory over death and darkness.
Whilst in this neighbourhood, my mind was brought into a state of deep exercise and travail, from a sense of the great turning away of many among us, from the law and the testimony, and the prevailing of a spirit of great infidelity and deism among the people, and darkness spreading over the minds of many as a thick veil. It was a time in which Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason (falsely so called) was much attended to in those parts; and some, who were members in our society, as I was informed, were captivated by his dark insinuating address, and were ready almost to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. Under a sense thereof, my spirit was deeply humbled before the majesty of heaven, and in the anguish of my soul, I said, “spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach,” and suffer not thy truth to fall in the streets.
The 24th we attended the monthly meeting at Fairfax, which was an exercising season, things being much out of order, for want of more faithfulness among the members, and a due attention to discipline. I laboured among them in the ability received, for their encouragement, and incitement to their respective duties; but alas for us, most men mind their own things, and not the things that are Jesus Christ’s. A worldly spirit too much prevails among the professors of truth, to their great hurt, and to the great grief of the honest-hearted, who are in travail for Zion’s prosperity, and Jerusalem’s peace.
The 25th, we attended their first day meeting, which was large, and in it strength was graciously afforded to minister to the people in truth’s authority, which came into dominion over all. This afternoon we passed over the great river Potomac, in our way to Bush Creek, in Maryland; this, by reason of rains, was very full, and difficult to pass. After we had passed over the river Potomac, we had much difficulty in crossing a creek not far from it. There was a floating bridge over it; but the water was so high, that we could not approach the bridge by the road commonly used; and we only succeeded in reaching it, by proceeding ourselves on the top of a high fence, and leading our horses by our sides. Mine fell into a deep part of the creek; but he soon rose, and swam to the shore. A Friend was in company with us, with a one horse carriage; and there appeared to be no way of getting his conveyance over, but by the horse swimming with it over the creek. This we knew would be attended with considerable risk, as the creek was deep in the middle, and the carriage a heavy one. But as there were no inhabitants on this neck of land, nor near to it, and as night was coming on, we pursued that course, and led the horse with the carriage into the creek; and after violent exertions, being at one time drawn under water by the weight of the carriage, he took it safe over. We were thus favoured to surmount this great difficulty, without any hurt to ourselves, or our horses; which was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the great Author of every mercy and blessing.
We proceeded to a Friend’s house by the name of Richard Richardson, where we had a meeting the next day, with his family, and a number of the neighbouring people, who were not Friends. It proved a favoured season, and I trust will not soon be forgotten by some present; may it fasten as a nail in a sure place; and to some I have a hope it may be as bread cast upon the waters, to return after many days.
The day following we attended Bush Creek meeting, notice having gone forward some days before, of our intention of being there at this time; it was large, and greatly favoured with the prevalence of truth, by way of testimony. Many things, relative to true gospel worship, were clearly opened, and the fallacy and fruitlessness of all-will worship, and mere bodily exercise, in matters of religion, manifested to the view of all present, who had eyes to see, and hearts to understand, what the spirit saith to the Churches. It was a very solemn time, worthy of grateful remembrance.
The 28th we attended Pipe Creek meeting, wherein I was greatly afflicted with evil thoughts, which would keep arising in my mind, that I was almost at times taken off from my proper exercise. This very much grieved my spirit; but, as I endeavoured to keep up the warfare, I was led to believe it was the case with too many present; and that by giving way to such thoughts, some had become captivated by their own lusts, wounding one another; and divers disorders, and a want of unity, had got in among them, and many hurt thereby. I was led into the necessity of bearing testimony against these things, as way opened, and calling the attention of all present, to the light, spirit, grace, and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our holy pattern, as the only place of refuge and preservation from these, and all other hurtful things. After this meeting, the Friend, where we lodged, informed me the next morning, that himself and his wife were uneasy that no Friends had come in to see us after the meeting, and were afraid they would judge them of having informed me of their condition, the states of many had been so exactly described in the meeting; but I told him they need not be troubled, as they knew themselves to be clear.
The two following days we attended meetings at Menallen and Huntington; they were both exercising seasons; nevertheless, truth favoured me with ability and understanding to communicate in a close searching manner, suited to the states of those present; and a crumb of consolation was handed forth to the few honest-hearted, who were in travail for Zion’s arising, and who went mourning on their way, and bowed in spirit, from a sense of the great turning away from the law and testimony, and the prevalence of a spirit of ease and great indifference, whereby many wrong things had entered.
From thence we passed on to Warrington and Newberry, in each of which meetings truth favoured with victory; and the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, which are earthly, were brought to light, searched out, detected, and condemned. The manner and way in which the new or second birth, which is spiritual, and which has the promise, is brought forth and effected, was clearly shown and pointed out; with the blessing attendant thereon, to the comfort of the faithful, and the few willing minded among them, and to the stirring up and arousing the lukewarm, careless, and indifferent professors, from their beds of ease and carnal security. The latter meeting especially was a time to be remembered; many hearts were greatly affected, and, I trust, the season will not soon be forgotten by some. I was very thankful for the relief I felt to my own mind, after many days of deep baptism with the suffering seed. Religion appeared to be at a very low ebb in those parts, by the prevalence of a worldly spirit, which makes hard work for the poor travellers, who have to go up and down among them, as with their hands upon their loins for very pain. Did those lukewarm careless professors rightly consider the great distress and exercise they bring upon their concerned brethren, who are in travail for their redemption and salvation; and who are going up and down as with their lives in their hands, through difficulties and dangers, in jeopardy by sea and by land, and among false brethren, we might reasonably suppose it would be a means to stir them up to more diligence and circumspection, that they might thereby comfort them in their exercises, and relieve them in their tribulations; then they that sow, and they that reap, might rejoice together, and joy in the God of their salvation.
Our next meeting was at Yorktown, where we tarried two days, and were at their monthly meeting, wherein things appeared distressingly low, as to the right conducting of discipline in truth’s authority: indeed the meeting seemed sunk so below any proper sight and sense of right order, that no way opened to administer much or any help; and we left them without obtaining much relief of mind. We passed on, having a meeting near Wright’s ferry; and then crossed the great river Susquehannah, and had meetings at Lancaster and Lampeter. On first day, the 8th of 4th month, we attended a meeting at Sadsbury, which, through hard labour, proved a season of enlargement, in a line of close doctrine, suited to the varied states of those present; some minds appeared to be much humbled; may it not be in vain, but as seed sown on good ground.
The 10th of 4th month we attended West Caln meeting, the 11th Fallowfield, both favoured meetings. The 12th we attended London Grove meeting, wherein I was led to open the duty and obligation incumbent on ministers, elders, overseers, and heads of families. I began with this query of the prophet Isaiah, “Watchman, what of the night;” showing that for want of keeping up a strict watch, with an eye single to that inward holy monitor, or spirit of pure unerring wisdom, many hurtful and destructive things had got in among us. Especially for want of a godly care in parents and heads of families, over their children and those under their charge, many pollutions had got in, and spread among them; particularly the youth, not only in regard to a departure from the simplicity and purity of our holy, self-denying profession, in dress and address, but also in many other unseemly and reproachful practices; which is but the natural consequence of parents indulging undue liberties in their children. It was a solemn time, worthy of grateful remembrance. The 13th we were at West Grove meeting, in which I had to go through a similar exercise; from a sense of the great want of faithfulness among the members, whereby many deficiencies were apparent, wounding the faithful. Truth favoured me with ability to clear myself among them, with plainness of speech; which was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted.
The 14th we attended New Garden meeting, mostly in silence, in which I had peace. The 15th, and first of the week, we attended Hockesson meeting; and, at the fourth hour in the afternoon were at Center; the 16th at Kennet; these were, for the most part, suffering seasons. Although there is a small remnant preserved, who are in travail for truth’s arising, yet the greater part are too much captivated by a worldly spirit; which leads into a neglect of attending meetings, and great carelessness in respect to the right ordering their families; by reason whereof, many undue liberties have got in among them, wounding the faithful and honest-hearted.
The 17th we attended Chichester meeting; it was a time thankfully to be remembered; the everlasting gospel of peace and salvation was preached in truth’s authority; and all contrary spirits were subjected and brought down. Truth reigned triumphantly over all; magnified for ever be the name of the Lord, who made bare his arm for our help, and the strengthening and refreshing of my poor soul. I had been at times, for days and nights past, ready to sink into discouragement and dismay, by reason of the deep baptisms I had to pass through, unknown to man, but in fellowship with the suffering seed, which lies smothered and pressed down in the hearts of many careless and lukewarm professors, as a cart under sheaves. Oh how does darkness and death spread itself, as a curtain, in this once highly favoured land! Alas for the people, for the professors of truth; what will become of them, unless they repent and turn to the Lord. Parents and children, in some places, are so estranged from the law and testimony, that many seem plunged into the condition of Jerusalem formerly, when this pathetic lamentation was taken up by the dear Master; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold your house is left unto you desolate.” Oh how is this verified; what great desolations, in a religious sense, are apparent with many professors; and how are the poor servants, that are sent forth among them for their recovery, as with their lives in their hands, as it were stoned, and often so plunged into death and sufferings, as almost to despair of life! Oh the pangs that my poor soul has endured of late, in many places; so that I had often to say in secret, with the holy apostle; “why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” No tongue can tell, nor is it in the power of language to communicate, the distress and anguish, which is sometimes endured by the poor travellers, in filling up their measure of the afflictions of Christ, for his body’s sake, the Church. But, in this also, we are sometimes strengthened to rejoice, that we are accounted worthy to suffer with Him, that when he is pleased to arise in his own strength, as the light of the morning, we may be permitted to reign with Him; and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
The three following days, we were at Concord, Birmingham, and Bradford, all favoured meetings, through fervent labour, and the prevalence of truth; may the Lord make it effectual, and fasten it as a nail in a sure place. The 21st we were at East Caln, mostly silent. The 22d, and first of the week, we were at Uwchlan; the meeting was large, wherein I had to expose the danger of self-righteousness, or a trust in natural religion, or mere morality; showing that it was no more than the religion of Atheists, and was generally the product of pride and self-will; and, however good it may appear to the natural unregenerate man, is as offensive in the divine sight, as those more open evils, which appear so very reproachful to the eyes of men. I was favoured by the spirit of truth, in a large searching testimony, to the convicting and humbling many hearts, and comfort of the faithful.
The 23d we attended the meeting at Nantmill, mostly in silence. The three following days, we were at Pikeland, Valley, and Willistown meetings; all in a good degree favoured. The 27th we were at Goshen; the meeting was large. I had to caution Friends against mixing with the people in their human policies, and outward forms of government; showing that, in all ages, those, who were called to be the Lord’s people, had been ruined, or suffered great loss, by such associations; and manifesting clearly by scripture testimony, and other records, that our strength and preservation consisted in standing alone, and not to be counted among the people or nations; who were setting up party, and partial interests, one against another, which is the ground of war and bloodshed: these are actuated by the spirit of pride, and wrath, which is always opposed to the true Christian spirit, which breathes “peace on earth, and goodwill to all men.” Those, therefore, who are in the true Christian spirit, cannot use any coercive force or compulsion by any means whatever; not being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good. Although there were many opposing spirits present, who, in their creaturely wisdom and human policy, are pleading for those kinds of associations, and taking part in those political governments, yet truth favoured, and came into a good degree of dominion over all, strengthening and encouraging the true travellers for Zion’s prosperity.
The 29th, and first of the week, we attended Middletown meeting; and at the fourth hour in the afternoon, were at Providence; both large crowded meetings, more than the houses could contain. I was favoured by the power of truth, in an eminent manner, especially in the former meeting; where many hearts were deeply bowed, from the sensible evidence of the prevalence of divine power, which was in dominion over all, tendering the hearts of most present. It was a precious season, worthy of thankful remembrance, and humble gratitude to the blessed Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
The 30th we attended the monthly meeting at Providence, consisting of the particular meetings of Providence, Middletown, Springfield, and Chester. Things in this meeting appeared in a low state, as to the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. Numerous, and great, were the apparent deviations among them; many of their youth were gone out into the foolish fashions and vain customs of the world to such a degree, as not to retain any marks of true primitive plainness. “O how is the gold become dim; how is the most fine gold changed!” Many parents, who retain a good degree of outward plainness themselves, for want of dwelling enough in the pure spring of divine life, have suffered the eye of their minds to be so far blinded by the god of this world, as not only to suffer these improper indulgences in their families, and among their children, but, in some instances, are ready to plead for them. The sense of this much affected my mind, and under this exercise I was led forth in a line of close searching labour among them, to stir up Friends to more diligence, and honest care in those respects; which, I trust, afforded a degree of comfort and strength to the honest-hearted, and procured peace to my own mind, which is a treasure I prefer to all this world’s glory and honour.
The 1st of 5th month we attended the meetings of Springfield, and Haverford; both favoured, profitable seasons. The 2d we were at Newtown, where, in a line of close searching labour, I was led to show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls to any thing short of a full surrender of our wills, and an entire dedication of our hearts to the Lord, in an humble circumspect walking before Him; and separating ourselves from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, governments, honours and customs; all of which are polluted, and arising from the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye and the pride of life. Truth rose into victory, softening many hearts, and comforting and strengthening the faithful. Surely God is good to Israel, although in a state of great revolting; yet he delighteth in showing himself merciful; praised and magnified be his great and adorable name, over all for ever.
The 3d and 4th we attended meetings at Radnor and Merion; and then passed on to Philadelphia, to attend their quarterly meeting, which opened on the 5th, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders, and closed on third day the 8th of the month, with a meeting for the youth, and one for the black people, in the afternoon. I think, in general, it was a time of favour, through much hard labour in the several sittings. Indeed we have no reason to expect to come at the spring any other way, than by faithfully digging, as with our staves, while there remains so much rubbish on the well’s mouth.
The 9th we attended the select quarterly meeting at Abington; and the day following the quarterly meeting for discipline. I was engaged among them, in each meeting, and the favour extended was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted. The 11th we returned to Philadelphia; and, in the afternoon, passed over the river Delaware to Haddonfield in West Jersey. The 12th we attended a monthly meeting at Upper Evesham; it was a low time, with not much of that divine life and power, which only can qualify for the right conducting of discipline, to be felt among them; and left them without much relief of mind.
The 13th of the month, and first of the week, we attended meetings at Evesham, and Cropwell; in the former, I was helped to labour pretty largely in testimony, to the comfort of a few honest-hearted, and a number of youth with tender minds; but the greater part of the meeting appeared to be in a state of great insensibility and ease; a situation which is generally callous to all the tender invitations, and entreaty of their friends, who are in travail for their redemption and salvation; and too much like the deaf adder, which will not listen to the voice of the charmer, although he charm ever so wisely. In the latter meeting, I was silent as to ministry.
The 14th we attended the monthly meeting at Haddonfield, in which I laboured, in the ability received, for their help and improvement. But alas, some meetings are so lost to the life of true religion, and so many, who go under our profession, are sunk into such a state of indifference and lukewarmness, that the affairs of the Church are too much conducted in a kind of rotation, and creaturely wisdom, void of that true weight, and feeling sensibility, which only gives right qualification for service in the Church; hence great weakness ensues, and the way of right reformation is closed, and truth prevented from arising in its primitive splendour and beauty.
The 15th we were at Moore’s Town and Rancocas; in the former meeting, the power that “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon,” manifestly prevailed to the tendering many hearts. Truth came into victory over all; praised for ever be the right worthy name of Israel’s King, who, in holy condescending love, was pleased to make bare his arm for our help; and once more redeemed my poor soul out of adversity, and the deep depressing baptisms, which for some days past it had been plunged into, by suffering with the seed, which lies pressed down in the hearts of many lukewarm worldly minded professors, as a cart with sheaves. From thence we passed on, having meetings at Mansfield Neck, Burlington, Mansfield, and Bordentown; which were all favoured meetings, truth being near for our help.
The 20th, and first of the week, we were at Trenton; the meeting was large, many of the town’s people, of other professions, came in. Strength was made manifest in the midst of weakness, and, as truth arose, the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit; many hearts were tendered and comforted, and the few faithful made to rejoice, in a grateful sense of the Lord’s mercies.
The 22d we were at Stony Brook meeting, wherein my heart was made glad through holy help, and I was enabled to labour among them in truth’s authority, to the comfort of the willing-hearted, and the solid peace of my own mind. The two following days we were at Plainfield, and Rahway; in the latter meeting I was wholly silent; but the former was a time of close labour, in a clear plain way, to stir up the minds of the people to more diligence, and an inward humble walking with the Lord; which appeared to be too much wanting among them.
The 25th we attended an appointed meeting at Newark, a town wherein no Friends reside. The meeting was small, and those gathered appeared mostly in a loose uncultivated state of mind; yet, I believe, there were some thoughtful persons present; and, I trust, the meeting was in some degree profitable. I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded that evening to New-York to attend the yearly meeting, which was to be opened there on the next day, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders. After the first sitting of the meeting, I rode home, not only to see my dear wife and family, from whom I had been absent more than five months, but also to assist them in getting out to the yearly meeting. Our rejoicing was precious, and mutual, in and under a sense of the Lord’s mercy and goodness, for whose gracious preservation and help, in this arduous journey, my spirit was made to bow in humble adoration and praise, beyond the expression of language. Oh my soul, what canst thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits! Nothing can be more acceptable, than an entire surrender of thine all to his holy disposing; and to endeavour, as at the present time, to continue humbly to worship at the footstool of his holy throne of grace. Amen.
I was absent from home in this journey about five months and two weeks, and rode about sixteen hundred miles, and attended about one hundred and forty-three meetings.
CHAPTER IV.
Visit to Connecticut, 1799.—Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners, 1800.—Visit on Long Island, 1800.—Visit to Friends in New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania, 1801.
Having felt a concern, for some time, to pay a religious visit to some towns and places in Connecticut, and, in my way, to be with the few Friends at West Hartford, I laid my prospect before my friends in the fall of the year 1799, and received a minute of concurrence and unity from our monthly meeting. I left home the 26th of 10th month, and proceeded to Oblong, in order to meet a committee of our yearly meeting, appointed this year, to visit the quarterly meetings of Nine Partners and Oblong, and the monthly meetings belonging thereto; a proposition having been made for a new arrangement of those meetings, so as to establish another quarterly meeting. I accompanied the committee in the attendance of both quarterly meetings.
After this, we proceeded into Connecticut, attending meetings in our way to West Hartford, in the following manner, viz: three in the town of Sharon, one at Cornwall, one at Goshen, and one at Litchfield. They were all favoured meetings. Four of them were held in meeting-houses belonging to the Presbyterians. The latter meeting was but small, considering the largeness of the town, and the great openness manifested by their leading members; there were three of their ministers, and some other leading men present. Truth was prevalently manifest in this meeting, tendering and comforting the honest-hearted, a number of whom, I believe, were at the meeting, whose words and conduct clearly manifested a hearty thankfulness for, and satisfaction with, the opportunity. Although the great opposition those meet with, in coming out of their old traditions, may prevent any open and manifest effects for the present, yet, I believe, it will be as bread cast upon the waters, which will return after many days; so that his word which goeth forth, may not return void, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent, to the praise and glory of his own worthy name, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
After this meeting, we passed directly to West Hartford, and lodged with our friend Ebenezer Crosby, whose daughter Abigail had come in company with us from Nine Partners. She was a discreet religious young woman, whose mind, I apprehended, was under the operation of the forming hand, for her good; may she be preserved in faith and patience, under the varied turnings thereof upon her; and then, I have no doubt, she will become a useful member in the Church.
The next day we rode to Springfield, about twenty-six miles north of this place; and attended a meeting there the following day. Although the people appeared generally raw and ignorant, as to the internal work of true religion on the heart, being mostly of those persuasions, whose doctrines lead them to place too much trust and dependence on the external works of a Saviour without them, and an imputative righteousness; and not experiencing the internal work of sanctification, wrought by the spirit and power of a Saviour within them; which is a very dangerous errour; nevertheless, I was favoured by the Lord’s power to relieve my mind, and divers appeared to be tenderly affected, and manifested much satisfaction with the opportunity, as did the auditory in general.
We rode back that afternoon to West Hartford, and the day following, the first of the week, and 17th of 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting; and another at the house of our friend Ebenezer Crosby, in the evening. They were full meetings, many of other societies attending, mostly Presbyterians. Truth favoured, in an eminent degree, in both opportunities, but especially in the latter, wherein it rose into great dominion, breaking down, and apparently reducing every contrary spirit. A remarkable calm, and general solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly, to the solid rejoicing and comfort of many hearts, and the exaltation of the cause and testimony of our God; who, for this, and his multiplied favours and blessings, vouchsafed from time to time, is worthy of all honour, dominion and glory, both now and for ever.
The next day, feeling my mind drawn to some of the adjacent towns, we rode about ten miles, to a place called Perquanock, a thickly settled village in the west part of the township of West Windsor. We had a precious opportunity there that evening, in a large school-house. Although the notice was very short, it being late in the afternoon when we came there, yet, when we reached the meeting, which began at the sixth hour, the house was nearly full, and soon after taking our seats was crowded with as many as it could well contain. A commendable stillness was maintained during the silent part of the meeting, which we thought a little uncommon, as the people were generally strangers to us, and our ways. After a time of solemn waiting, my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony; wherein the doctrines of the gospel were largely and plainly held forth, in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power, tendering many hearts, and to the apparent satisfaction of the people in general; many expressing their thankfulness for the favour. We left them with the answer of peace in our own minds, and in a full persuasion, that the Lord is secretly at work in the minds of many of the people in these parts, in order to deliver them from the power of their dark and blind leaders, who, for a long time, by their carnal and lifeless teachings and doctrines, and many vain traditions, have formed almost a total eclipse between God and their souls. May the Lord hasten this good work in his own time, that those merchants of Babylon, who are trafficking in the souls of the people, those blind guides may be so discovered, that no man may buy their merchandize any more.
The day after, we attended a meeting in Windsor town; the people here seemed to be more under the dark power of their teachers, being much blinded with the prejudice of education, so that the meeting was but small. Nevertheless, truth favoured me with ability to preach the gospel, with a good degree of divine authority, to the comfort and edification of some seeking minds present. The two following days we attended Friends’ meeting at Hartford, the latter of which was appointed by our friend Jervis Johnson, from Ireland. Both were comfortable seasons.
The sixth of the week, and 22d of the month, we rode to the city of Hartford; and way opening for an opportunity with the people, a meeting was accordingly appointed at the sixth hour in the evening, to be held in a large meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians. A great number of the citizens assembled, supposed to be near a thousand, among whom were most of the principal inhabitants. The Lord, in whom was our trust, was graciously near, and furnished us with ability to conduct the meeting to the satisfaction and peace of our own minds; and to the edification of many present, and general satisfaction of the assembly.
We rested on seventh day, and, on first day, we were again at Friends’ meeting at West Hartford; and notice that we were to be there having spread, a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants and some from the city came in. It was a season of high favour; many weighty truths of the gospel were clearly opened, and the way of life and salvation placed before the minds of the people; and a general solemnity appeared to reign, which was manifest in almost every countenance, silencing every opposite spirit. The hearts of Friends, with my own spirit, were bowed in humble acknowledgment and gratitude to the Lord our helper, for granting us so great a mercy; and under a solemn sense thereof we parted, and took leave of each other in great nearness of spirit.
On second day we turned our faces homeward, attending meetings in our way at Cambridge and Woodbury; at the latter place we had two meetings; we also had meetings at Middlesex, and Stamford, and again at Middlesex on first day; these were generally seasons of divine favour, edifying and instructive. After this we passed on into the state of New-York, and had meetings the six following days, at Rye, White Plains, North Castle, Shapaqua, Amawalk, and Croton. As my mind was led, in faith and patience, to close in with the baptismal influence of the spirit of truth, it was reduced into a state of suffering with the precious seed in the hearts of the people, and their divers states were felt, and way made to divide the word aright to those assembled; who were a mixed number of Friends and others. Truth was exalted, and set over every contrary spirit, and the honest-hearted comforted and encouraged to persevere in the “work of righteousness,” which “shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.”
The following first day we attended Friends’ meeting at West Chester; and in the afternoon we had an appointed meeting at East Chester, principally among those not of our society. We had cause, in both these meetings, to magnify and adore the name of the Lord, who deigned to be near with his saving help, and furnished with ability to preach the gospel of life and salvation, in the clear demonstration of the spirit; the power attending, convicting and tendering many hearts. The few Friends, who dwell in that place, were strengthened and encouraged, and my spirit refreshed and made to rejoice, in those closing opportunities. After this I returned home, and found my dear wife and tender children all well, to our mutual rejoicing. I was out about six weeks, and attended about thirty meetings, and two quarterly meetings.
On my return from my late visit in Connecticut, I felt my mind not fully clear of a prospect I then had of a few other places; and the way opening with greater clearness, and feeling a motion of love to draw towards again attending the ensuing quarterly meetings of Oblong and Nine Partners, after attending our quarterly meeting at Westbury, in 1st month, 1800, I set out with Amos Whitson as my companion. We attended Purchase meeting on first day, which I sat in silence, and passed from thence to Oblong, and attended their quarterly meeting. After this we had a meeting at Kent, in our way to Nine Partners. The people of this place are mostly of the Presbyterian society, and a considerable number assembled, and behaved in an orderly manner. I trust the opportunity was a season of profit, and that the labour bestowed may be, to some of those present, as bread cast upon the waters. After attending the quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, we had two meetings in our way to Cornwall and Goshen, among those not of our society, though nothing very remarkable occurred in either. We had a comfortable meeting at Cornwall, and visited Charles Richards and some others, who appeared to be going into a separation from Friends, having already set up a separate meeting, for which they were not long after disowned. They had given way to some very inconsistent notions, in which they became so hardened as not to take the tender counsel and advice of their friends, who laboured much with them for their recovery. From thence we returned home, having a few meetings in our way, mostly among people of other persuasions. We got well home on first day evening, the 16th of 2d month, after attending the morning meeting at New-York. As I took this little journey in part to fill up what seemed lacking in the other, I now felt clear, and my mind was accompanied with true peace, which raised in me humble acknowledgments and gratitude to the great and blessed Author of all our mercies.
Soon after my return from the above little journey, I felt my mind drawn, in the renewed feelings of gospel love, to pay a religious visit to some of the inhabitants of our island, not of our profession. After having opened my prospect to Friends and obtained the unity and concurrence of our monthly meeting, I performed that service, in the latter part of the fall, and beginning of the winter following. I was out from home twenty-seven days, rode about one hundred and ninety miles, and attended thirty-five meetings; only two of which were held in our meeting-houses. They were generally seasons of great favour, in which my mind was deeply bowed, under a humiliating sense of the Lord’s mercy, extended from day to day, not only in opening the hearts of the people to receive us and our testimony with manifestation of much love and good will; but also in furnishing matter suitably adapted to the states of those assembled. Truth was raised into victory, in a remarkable manner, in almost every meeting; and in several, to a very eminent degree, even beyond, as I thought, what I had ever before experienced. It ran over like oil. All appeared broken down by its precious and embalming influence, in which the Lord was worshipped, and his great and glorious name praised and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever.
In the spring of 1801, feeling my mind engaged, in the love of the gospel, to proceed in a visit to Friends, in some parts of Jersey and Pennsylvania, and some places adjacent thereto, I left home the 11th of 4th month, with the concurrence and unity of my friends; and with Edmund Willis as a companion. We rode to New-York, and attended Friends’ forenoon and afternoon meetings there, on first day. Although the life of religion appeared at a low ebb with Friends of that city, in too general a manner; yet a number of the younger class, and some more advanced in life, gave some hope of improvement. My mind was deeply engaged among them. And, through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, strength was witnessed to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; insomuch that a fresh visitation was extended to many present. May it rest, and be fastened by the Master of assemblies, as a nail in a sure place, to the honour of his great and glorious name, who is the blessed Author and finisher of every good word and work.
On second day we left the city, and passed to Elizabethtown Point, Woodbridge and upper Freehold. And on fourth day, we attended a meeting in the neighbourhood, called Robbins’ meeting, at the usual time; and in the afternoon attended Upper Freehold meeting. The former was usually a small, weak meeting; but information of our intention to be there, being generally spread, many came in who were not members; and it proved a profitable edifying season, worthy of grateful remembrance. The latter was rather a season of suffering with the seed. I was mostly shut up as to any ministerial communication. The next day we attended the meetings of Crosswicks, and Upper Springfield; at both of which strength was afforded to communicate what opened in the line of duty, in such a manner as to find relief of mind, which I account a great favour.
We rode to Philadelphia on sixth day, and the next day the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened; and on the ensuing second day, the yearly meeting for discipline, which was very large, and continued, by adjournments, through the week, and closed on seventh day. Many weighty subjects were opened for deliberation. But through the prevalence and mixture of unsubjected spirits, who were too forward and active in their own unmortified wills, much weakness was apparent. This greatly increased the burden of the living, and truly baptized members, of which class there were a very considerable number, who were deeply engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth, and that the family at large might be kept in decent and commendable order, consistent with the gospel of Christ; and become established on the ancient foundation of our holy profession. These were nearly united in spirit and in travail for Zion’s arising, and the Lord was graciously pleased to water them together, at seasons, with the descendings of heavenly dew; by which, encouragement was witnessed, to persevere in patience, and in thankful acknowledgment, for his continued mercy; and they were favoured to return from their annual solemnity with rejoicing, for all the good the Lord had been pleased to favour them with.
We remained in the city over first day, and attended the forenoon meeting at Market-street, which was very large. My spirit was set at liberty, and ability afforded to divide the word among them, according to their varied conditions, in a large searching and effectual testimony; whereby a holy solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting, to the great rejoicing of the honest-hearted. But alas, how oft are those seasons of comfort interrupted and hurt, by the indiscreet forwardness of some who have been called to publish the gospel; but, for want of dwelling enough in the root, have branched out in the fertility of their own natural abilities, and become too active in their own spirits; and are thereby not only in danger of losing their gifts, and falling into a bewildered state, but often hurt the service, and take off the savour of many of our most favoured solemnities. This was affectingly the case at this time, by the addition of a long, but very lifeless testimony; and although delivered in sound words, yet being destitute of the life and power, tended greatly to burden the living, and grieve the upright in heart. Great advantage would redound to the Church in general, and to this class of its members in particular, if those, who stand in the station of Elders, were more deeply centered in their minds to the well-spring of eternal life; waiting for, and feeling after a spirit of right discernment, that so they might be enabled to judge righteous judgment, and distinguish rightly between the living and the dead. Then would the hand be seasonably laid upon the head of this transforming spirit, and those, in danger of being deceived thereby, witness preservation.
On second day, the 27th of 4th month, we left the city, and passed over into West Jersey, in order to take some meetings which I had not been at. We were at five in the course of the week; and although the life and virtue of true religion appeared to be at a low ebb, among those professing with us, in too general a manner, in those meetings; yet as public notice was given of our attendance, many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in. There were, I believe, some seeking minds among them, and these generally add life to meetings, and draw down the compassion, and tender regard of the heavenly parent, who, in his condescending goodness, made way for the gospel to be preached among them, in those several meetings, in a good degree of divine authority. Many minds were tenderly affected, and the assemblies solemnized; the lukewarm aroused, and the hypocritical, worldly-minded professors forewarned of the danger their situations exposed them to. My spirit was made thankful for the relief I obtained, although through a line of deep inward travail and baptism with the oppressed seed; but the Lord’s power rose in victory over all, to the honour of his right worthy name, who will be glorified in his saints, and sanctified in all those who come near him.
We returned to the city on seventh day, and attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders; in which I was led, in a short, but relieving testimony, to call Friends’ attention back to primitive simplicity and integrity; the great need there is of being more separated from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, and customs; and to live daily under an exercise and travail, for the arising of that life and power, which only can enable us to separate from those things, that have a tendency to hurt and defile; and through which life and power, Ministers and Elders can only be rightly qualified to lead and feed the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, consistent with divine appointment. For want of this fervent labour and travail, great weakness is apparent amongst us as a people, in many places; and the great and worthy name by which we are called, ofttimes dishonoured, to the grief of the upright in heart, who are exercised for Israel’s prosperity, and Jerusalem’s peace; and who go almost daily, as with their hands on their loins for very pain.
On first day, we attended the north meeting, in the morning, and that in Market-street in the afternoon. They were both instructive edifying seasons; wherein I had full opportunity to relieve my mind, being, through gracious assistance, led in the clear openings of the divine light, to set forth the great danger of mixing in with the spirit of the world, which leads to strife and contention, and the promotion of parties and party animosities in civil governments: all of which have a direct tendency to engender war and bloodshed, and are therefore inconsistent for us, as a people, to touch or take part with, or to suffer our minds to be agitated thereby; as it always has led, and always will lead those, who are leavened therewith, out of the meek spirit of the gospel, which breathes “peace on earth, and good will to all men.” This was the Lord’s doing and marvellous in our eyes. Friends were much comforted and united in this day’s exercise, and my spirit made joyful in the saving help, and continued mercy of Israel’s true Shepherd, who is over all, worthy, and blessed for ever.
The quarterly meeting was held on second day, which was likewise a time of favour. Divers communications were made, tending to unite Friends in an exercise for the advancement of the testimony, that the numerous causes of weakness, which brought pain, and many deep baptisms on the living part of the body, might be done away, and the camp cleansed.
I left the city on third day morning, with a peaceful mind, and rode to Frankford; and attended a meeting there in the forenoon, and one at Germantown in the afternoon, in both of which I laboured in the ability received. The first was a very searching season; things were laid open in such a manner, that the dead, in some instances, seemed to be raised, and that power felt, which opened the graves formerly; and some of those, who were settled down in their polluted rests, had their heavens shaken, and their rocks made to melt, by the fervent heat of the divine word, which was as a fire and a hammer. Truth prevailed, and was eminently in dominion over all.
On fourth and fifth days, we attended the quarterly meeting of Abington; in which I was exercised in a line of close fervent labour, both in the meeting for Ministers and Elders, and the quarterly meeting at large. It was a season which gave hope of some improvement in many, but others appeared too much in a state of self-sufficiency, a most deplorable condition, sickly and wounded, and which refuses to be healed. For these, my mind felt pained. O, that they might, ere the day of their visitation pass over, witness their eyes anointed with the eyesalve of the gospel, that so they might be brought to see the precipice on which they stand, and be thereby reduced into the valley of humiliation; where alone true honour and right exaltation are known, and where they might experience a being washed from all their pollutions, and healed of all their wounds.
We attended a meeting at Byberry on sixth day, and, through the Lord’s presiding presence, it proved a day of signal favour. The doctrines of full and complete redemption from sin and death were clearly opened, and truth exalted over all the dark tenets, and carnal reasonings of men, which lead to unbelief and infidelity.
On seventh day we returned to Abington, where we had another large favoured meeting, wherein many things were opened in a plain way, tending to gather the minds of the people out of the spirit of the world, which leads to strife and contention, from whence party animosities arise, often a prelude to war; and calling their attention home to the great gospel privilege, the holy unction and anointing within: so that they need not that any man teach them, but as the same anointing teacheth; which, as they come to believe in and obey, would qualify them to judge of all ministry, and from whence it had its rise and spring; and thereby be delivered from all false glosses and mixtures in religion, and become established in that which never fell, the immoveable rock Christ Jesus, against which the gates of hell will never be able to prevail.
On first day, the 10th of 5th month, we attended Horsham meeting, and in the afternoon, the meeting at North Wales. It was a day of high favour, the Lord’s arm was graciously made bare for our help; and the meetings were very large, many not of our society attended. The gospel was freely preached among them, in the clear demonstration of the spirit. They were truly humbling seasons, especially the former, wherein a great number were much contrited, and wept freely. The rocks seemed to melt at the presence of the mighty God of Jacob, whose power was prevalently witnessed in that large assembly, to the praise and exaltation of his great and glorious name.
We attended the meeting at Plymouth on second day. Although there was an evident want, affectingly manifest, of that primitive zeal and integrity which distinguished our worthy predecessors, with too many of those, who fill up their places in outward profession; yet it was comforting to find, that the Shepherd of Israel was still graciously pleased to continue his merciful visitations, and renew his gracious calls to these, to return, and renew covenant with him. This was the substance of this day’s testimony and labour; may the Master of assemblies make it effectual, to all that were present of this description, is my sincere prayer. On third day we were at Providence meeting, which was small; nevertheless, through gracious regard, it proved an edifying, heart-tendering season. The states of the people were opened and spoken to, in the authority of truth, to their great humiliation; many hearts were much broken and reduced, and the Lord’s power exalted over all.
After this meeting, my mind was turned towards the quarterly meeting of Caln, to be held this time at Sadsbury, a newly established quarterly meeting, in the county of Chester. Finding it necessary to comply with the motion, believing my peace consisted in it, we set out immediately after dinner, having thirty miles, or upwards, to ride to it. The journey proved very wearisome to my infirm body, being much troubled at this time with a painful complaint, with which I was greatly afflicted during the time of this quarterly meeting, especially in the forepart of the public meeting, preceding the meeting for discipline. I was ready to conclude that I should be obliged to leave the meeting, my distress of body was so great; but feeling my mind drawn to the people, there being a large congregation present, I continued, and way opening, I was enlarged in clear, pertinent doctrine. Truth rose into dominion, in an eminent manner, and ran over all as oil, comforting and breaking many hearts, and reducing, and silencing every opposite spirit. A very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting, rejoicing the upright in heart, relieving to my own mind, and alleviating my bodily affliction. These are high favours; may an humbling and grateful sense thereof rest continually upon thee, O my soul, and mayest thou never forget how much thou owest to thy Lord, how deep and solemn are thy obligations to the God of thy salvation; how hath he often taken thee out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set thee upon a rock, and put a new song into thy mouth, even praises, high praises to him.
From this meeting we returned to Caln, and attended their monthly meeting, held the sixth of the week. I was enabled to labour among them in much plainness, both in the meeting for worship, and for discipline; and left them with a peaceful mind. The three following days we attended meetings at Robinson, Exeter, and Reading. The number of members which constituted these meetings was small, but a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended. Ability was graciously afforded to preach the gospel freely in each, and the power attending broke and tendered many hearts, and an excellent savour and solemnity was felt to spread over the meetings, in an eminent manner; for which I was made humbly thankful to the bountiful Author of all our blessings. These favours were more than an adequate reward for all my toil and exercise; although I had been, for some days past, under the pressure of much bodily infirmity, accompanied with seasons of great uneasiness and pain; but the Lord’s power was over all, and kept my mind in patience, and sweet peace from day to day; blessed for ever, be his right worthy name.
The fourth of the week, and the 20th of 5th month, we attended the meeting at Maiden Creek. The same afternoon, and the next day, we crossed the Blue Mountains to Roaring Creek; and the day after, attended a meeting there. Both of these meetings were crowned with the Lord’s presence, and were edifying and instructive seasons. The morning following we rode to Catawissa, and attended their monthly meeting; and continued there until after their first day meeting. I was enabled, through the Lord’s good presence attending, to labour among them, both in the meeting for discipline, and those for worship, in much plainness; divers matters relative to the well-ordering of the affairs of truth were opened, which proved instructive and edifying.
After the latter meeting, we passed on that afternoon fifteen miles to Berwick, crossing the river Susquehannah in our way. The day following, the 25th of 5th month, although my bodily indisposition still continued, we had a meeting there, among the town’s people, and the few Friends of that place. It was a comfortable season, edifying and strengthening to Friends; and confirming to a number who were looking towards us with desires for further information. After this meeting, we rode to Fishing Creek, about eighteen miles; and the day following had a very satisfactory meeting at that place. Although in this journey, for a considerable time past, I have experienced much bodily infirmity; yet the Lord, in his abundant mercy, hath been graciously pleased to keep my mind stayed upon him. My trust and confidence have not at any time failed, not even when I have been reduced into a state of great distress and suffering; and my poor soul plunged into the mighty abyss of surrounding darkness, and sunk, as it were, to the bottom of the mountains: for as I patiently abode under those trying baptisms, and was made willing to endure my portion thereof, my spirit was raised out of this horrible pit; wherein I had been a partaker with the suffering seed in the hearts of those, who, through supineness, ease, forgetfulness, unbelief and a worldly spirit, had become like a bottomless abyss of corruption, darkness and errour: and I was enabled, through a real feeling of their deplorable states, to administer to their several wants, and open to them their condition. Many were reached in heart, and convinced of the errour of their ways, and were led to give God the glory of his own work. And, O, saith my soul, may all those who are sent out on this solemn embassy and most important service, dwell low in their minds, and keep a single eye to the Lord’s honour, that so self may be thoroughly abased: otherwise, there is great danger, in those trying and most afflictive dispensations, of the mind getting into a state of impatience, and therein be led to judge the people of hardness, and a spirit of opposition. This will not fail, if given way to, of centering the minds of such, either into a state of silent sadness and discouragement, that, like the disciples formerly, they will be for sending the people away fasting, and empty; or else raise in them a hot fiery zeal, in which they will throw out some hard censures, or harsh reproof, untempered with that charity, requisite and necessary always to attend every gospel communication: for want of which, both speaker and hearers will be wounded, much hurt done, and many opportunities, I believe, have been entirely lost by these means, which might have been crowned with the Lord’s presence, and his truth exalted. Nay I have no doubt, but some meetings have been held to the dishonour of truth, and wounding many tender minds. And I have sometimes been afraid, that some, who are rightly called, and sent on this greatest of errands, have so far missed their way, while under some of those excruciating baptisms, which they have been led into, in order to qualify them rightly to administer to the states of the people, as to suffer an impatient spirit to rise up; and have thus brought a gloom of darkness over their minds, which has continued with them from day to day, greatly to their distress. Although they have continued to attend meetings, they have been so shut up in total darkness, as not to see any way of relief, except in uttering their complaints, similar to the murmurings of Israel in the wilderness. Where I have found such things left on record, I have thought they always tended to discouragement and dismay, when coming from the leaders of the people. Although the Lord was graciously pleased to condescend to the weakness of Israel, and deliver them out of the distress which their impatience had brought upon them; yet he very clearly manifested his displeasure thereat. And if only one instance of impatience and improper zeal in Moses drew upon him such severe censure, as we read it did, how ought all those, who are now called forth as leaders of the people, to stand always on their guard against every motion of impatience, and impure zeal, lest they also fall under the displeasure of the Captain of their salvation.
Although, after those gloomy dispensations, we may be again favoured, in renewed mercy, and helped out of this horrible pit, and witness the lifting up of the light of the Lord’s glorious countenance upon us; yet this is no proof of the rectitude of our conduct, any more than his showing mercy to Israel, after their murmurings, was a justification thereof. Yet I have been afraid, that some have considered those renewed favours, as a consequence of their own sufferings; which, to me, carries too much of selfishness, and savours of a desire of clothing ourselves with the Lord’s jewels, instead of rendering to him, with heart-felt gratitude, the glory of all his works; and receiving this act of unmerited redemption from the gloom, our own impatience, and the want of a thorough reduction of self, had cast us into, as flowing purely from his forbearing mercy, condescending goodness and free love.
After the aforesaid meeting, we rode to Muncy, and lodged with our kind friend William Ellis. The next day, the fourth of the week, and the 27th of 5th month, their meeting was held; and notice being spread that we were there, it was large. Although I had to sit some time in the forepart of the meeting, in much weakness and depression, both of body and mind; yet as I abode in patience and resignation to my allotment, willing to be any thing, or nothing, and to do, or to suffer, according to the Master’s will; after a time of solemn waiting, a little opening presented, attended with some glimmering of light; and as my eye was kept steadily to it, I felt a necessity to stand up; and as I proceeded in guarded care, it opened to a large field of doctrine, suitably adapted, I believe, to the states of those present. A very comfortable solemnity was felt to spread over the meeting, rejoicing the hearts of the faithful.
We rested for a day or two after this meeting, with our aforesaid friend, in order to recruit, feeling myself very unwell with a cold, which had attended me for some time; and being much worn down by constant travelling under such bodily infirmities. The 30th of the month, and seventh day of the week, we attended a meeting at a place called Pine Grove; a small meeting of Friends being held there. On first day we had a large meeting, by appointment, at a town called Williamsport, which was held in their court-house; but the room was not large enough to contain the people, and although very much crowded, and many standing, they behaved soberly, and a blessed meeting we had. I was led forth among them, in a large affecting testimony, wherein the truths of the gospel were clearly opened and explained to the weakest capacities, and the Lord’s power was in dominion, in a very eminent manner. It was a season thankfully to be remembered, and greatly refreshing to my drooping spirit, making up every deficiency for the want of bodily health. I could with heart-felt gratitude cheerfully acknowledge, it was the Lord’s doing.
After this meeting we set forward on our journey towards Redstone, having meetings in our way, at Job Packers, Milesburgh, Half-moon Valley, and Downing’s Creek. Then we passed directly over the Alleghany mountains, into the compass of Redstone quarterly meeting. On fourth day, the 10th of 6th month, we attended a meeting at Sewickly, on the western side of the mountains, a branch of Redstone monthly meeting. After this, we were at Providence on fifth day, Center on sixth, and Fallowfield on seventh day. Although these were seasons of close exercise, accompanied with some painful labour, and deep baptisms, in suffering with the seed; yet my mind was favoured in the openings of gospel light, so to discharge myself in those meetings, as to leave them with solid peace of mind. I believe they were seasons of renewed visitation to many who attended, that will not soon be forgotten by them.
On first day we attended the meeting at Pike Run, and the two following days were at Westland, and Redstone meetings. My mind was under a very great pressure of distress, in passing along through those six last mentioned meetings; both from an inward sense, and an outward discovery, of great weakness prevailing among them; occasioned by an unwarrantable credulity, and letting out their minds to listen to, and believe in, the vulgar, and shamefully ridiculous notion of witchcraft. Some of their leading members openly acknowledged, they believed that a family of their near kindred, several of whom were troubled with a kind of periodical fits, were actually thus affected by one of their neighbours. My spirit was exceedingly grieved by their asserting their belief in those abominable reports, and by discovering how their minds were led away thereby; and my grief was also much increased by their confidence in a certain boy in the neighbourhood, who pretended to tell secrets, saying, that he could see persons whom any should inquire after, although in a very distant part of the world, and would tell those who came to see him, notwithstanding they lived on the other side of the Atlantic, that he could see the very place of their residence, and of what materials their houses were made, as if he was present at the place; and would pretend to tell the conditions and dispositions of persons, whom he had never before seen, and what they were guilty of, as to their private sins, and who was a witch, and who not; and he had so far got the ascendency in the minds of those who had given way to the absurd notion of witchcraft, that whatever he said, in these respects, obtained their implicit belief. And if he impeached the most unblemished character of being a witch, or charged such with being guilty of any baneful sin, they were ready to believe it; by which means great hurt was done. I was exceedingly burthened therewith, and had conversation with divers on the subject; but they were so carried away with these notions, that reasoning seemed to have no weight with them. While any man or woman can give way to believe in such things, and go to dark, undisciplined, and irreligious men, to be healed of those infirmities, which they are told are the effect of witchcraft, it is certainly denying the God that made them, who only hath all power in heaven and in earth, and can wound and heal, kill and make alive at his pleasure. God forbid, saith my soul, that any, professing the name of a Friend, should ever thus desert the God of his salvation; for if he doth, it will no doubt tend to his confusion, and in which state, he will be given over to strange delusions, even to believe a lie; a most wretched state for any poor soul to be in. I was enabled, through condescending goodness, to clear my mind among them, by divers large full testimonies to the truth, and the excellency of its power, to deliver from every thing that tends to hurt or defile.
I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded to Connelstown, where we had a very comfortable heart-tendering season, among a few Friends, and the town’s people. Next we attended Sandy Hill meeting; and the day following were at Sandy Creek Glades, both comfortable seasons. These closed our visit to Redstone quarterly meeting. We then returned across the Alleghany mountains, with a view to attend the meetings belonging to Hopewell, in the compass of Fairfax Quarterly meeting. We reached Bear Garden particular meeting on first day, having rode diligently the day before, for that purpose; not having much prospect thereof when we left Sandy Creek. The distance between the two places was about ninety-two miles, and the way very mountainous, and having had but little more than a day and a half to ride it. This meeting, in the forepart, was heavy, but ended well; and we left them with solid satisfaction, and passed on to Back Creek meeting that afternoon; held near a small town, or village, called Penn’s Town. Many of the neighbouring people came in, so that the meeting was pretty large, and I had considerable to communicate among them, but without obtaining much relief of mind.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at the Ridge, Centre, Crooked Run, Mount Pleasant, Hopewell, and Lower Ridge; and on the first and second days, of the following week, we were at Middle Creek, and Berkly meetings. These were, most of them, favoured seasons, particularly that at Middle Creek, wherein the Lord’s presence was powerfully manifest. Truth rose into great dominion, preciously uniting and edifying the honest-hearted, and breaking down all opposition, affecting and mollifying the hearts of, almost, the whole assembly. It was indeed a precious solemnity, not soon to be forgotten, but to be held in grateful remembrance.
After those meetings, we turned our faces homewards, attending meetings in our way, at Little York, Columbia, Pottstown, and the Great Swamp, alias Richland; these were through divine favour, instructive seasons. The next meeting was at Plumbstead, in the compass of Buck’s quarterly meeting, which we attended on third day, the 7th of 7th month: and on the two following days, we were at Buckingham, and Wright’s Town meetings. My mind, in those meetings, was brought under a close exercise, from a prospect of Friends being too much leavened into the spirit of the world, its customs and maxims; by which, many appeared to be greatly wounded, and had become as dwarfs in our Israel. And I believe, nothing contributed more to this, than their becoming parties in the civil government, and taking offices therein; for here, the spirit of contention gets in, and a striving to be uppermost, and fill the principal seats: then party animosities take place, from whence are derived envy and jealousy, one against another; and then reviling, and neighbours speaking evil of each other; hence wars and fightings arise, as from their natural ground. As any give way to these things, it leavens their minds into the spirit of the world, which is a spirit of darkness, that blinds the understanding and hardens the heart, and draws into many hurtful and pernicious practices, such as dealing in ardent spirits, drinking strong drink, and handing it out in their fields to their workmen, to stimulate them to an excess of labour; hence an excess of drinking strong drink is gradually introduced among the poor labourers, by means of which many families are ruined.
My spirit was deeply exercised on those accounts, but as I patiently endured the baptisms I had to go through, and submitted to communicate what appeared clearly to open; I was enlarged in setting forth the dangerous and hurtful tendency of such conduct, and its great inconsistency with our holy profession, and to exhort Friends to a more frequent recurrence to the first principle of our profession, the light within; whereby deliverance and preservation could only be experienced. The Lord was graciously with us in those meetings, and the faithful were encouraged and edified, and many hearts greatly tendered, under a sense of the Lord’s mercy and goodness extended to us in these seasons.
On sixth day we attended a meeting at Makefield, and in the afternoon, had a large meeting at Newtown. It was held in their court-house, and mostly composed of those not professing with us. I felt in this meeting, the pressure and prevalence of a spirit of darkness and unbelief; and was led to open the ground thereof, and to show its inconsistency with the self-evident experience of every rational mind. For although men in the ignorance and darkness of their own hearts, may strive to settle themselves in unbelief, in order to live quietly in the gratification of their own wills and creaturely appetites, without any controul; yet, they never can fully come to this; for that just witness, placed in every bosom as a reprover for sin, will continue to disturb all those false rests, and shake every heaven of man’s making. For although men, through the hardness of their hearts, may not submit to the guidance of this just principle, so as to have a saving belief therein; yet they will thereby be compelled into a belief, similar to that of the devils, and which they will never be able fully to divest themselves of by all their carnal reasonings and fleshly wisdom; but it will continue, at times, to make them fear and tremble, and by its tremendous power will cause the very top of their Sinai to shake, and blast all their false hopes. For it is the determinate counsel of unerring wisdom, that the hope of the hypocrite shall perish: therefore let all prize the day of their visitation, while the Lord is graciously striving with them, by the clear, self-evident touches of his light in their hearts; in order that the wicked may turn from his wicked way, and the unrighteous from his unrighteous thoughts, and turn unto the Lord who will have mercy upon him, and unto our God, who will abundantly pardon.
The meeting at Makefield was likewise a precious opportunity. The Lord being mightily with us in our passing along, from season to season, to our humbling admiration, furnishing with strength for every service; so that we indeed found him to be strength in weakness, and riches in poverty. For I never felt greater weakness and nothingness, as to self, than in this journey; and could truly say, that our sufficiency was not of ourselves, but of God; and that the Lord was our strength from day to day, who is over all, blessed for ever.
The three following days we attended meetings at Middletown, Bristol, and the Falls. I was led forth in these meetings to show wherein real Christianity consists; and although the people of christendom had the name of Christians, yet, so long as they lived in the gratification of their own wills and carnal lusts, from whence discord, animosities, envyings, strife and every evil work originated, they were only heathens in disguise. For true Christianity is nothing else than a real and complete mortification of our own wills, and a full and final annihilation of all self-exaltation: and the contrary is the true antichrist, that sitteth in the seat of God, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Therefore, none are any further Christians, than as they come to experience the self-denial, meekness, humility and gentleness of Christ, ruling and reigning in them, so as to become their real life; and in, and by which, they become partakers of the divine nature, and know the life of God raised up in the immortal soul; which is the new birth, or Christ formed in us, and without which, as our Lord told Nicodemus, no man can see the kingdom of God.
After these meetings we crossed the river Delaware into New Jersey, attending meetings on our way, at Kingwood, Hardwick, Mendham, and one near Paulingskiln. From thence we passed to Cornwall, in the state of New-York. We reached there seventh day evening, the 18th of 7th month, and the next day were at their first day meeting. I was much worn down by constant travelling and hard labour, and felt much fatigue when we came here; and in going to this meeting, I felt a desire to rise in my mind, that I might have a good silent meeting. The prayer of my spirit was answered, for I had not sat long before a perfect, sweet calm ensued, wherein my whole man was swallowed up in divine seraphic enjoyment; so that not only my mind, but also my wearied body forgot all its toil; and my soul was so inflamed with gratitude, to the all-bountiful Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, that praises and thanksgiving ascended as incense from the altar of my heart to his great and glorious name, who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever, world without end. Amen.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at Newburgh Valley, the Paltz, Marlborough, and on fifth day were at Cornwall monthly meeting. The meeting for worship which preceded the business, was large. I was led among them in a line of close searching labour, which, for some time, seemed to have but little entrance among them; mankind being too generally disposed, while in a state of unsoundness, to shut themselves against that, which they know, if they are open to receive, would find out all their secret lurking places, where self-love and self-will lie shrouded under a mask of doing good, while it is gratified in the full enjoyment of all its beloveds, and with whom it is daily committing adultery and fornication: but as I continued to persevere in faithfulness to the opening, although the prospect for a time seemed discouraging, truth began to make way by its own power, and gradually spread over the meeting, breaking down all opposition, and tendering and mollifying many hearts. The meeting for discipline appeared to be pretty well conducted, there being, I believe, a remnant honestly engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth; and these the Lord delights to favour, and furnish with strength to carry on his own work of truth and righteousness in the earth; and he will continue to reward these with the real enjoyment of his life-giving presence; while those who sit as mere idle spectators, will be sent empty away.
On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at the house of our friend Thomas Jones at Walkiln; on seventh day, one at Goshen, and on first day, we were at Smith’s Clove. All satisfactory seasons, especially the last, wherein truth was powerfully manifest, tendering the hearts of the people in a remarkable manner; so that a very precious solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting. After these meetings we turned homewards, attending meetings in our way at Kakiat, Tappan and New-York. We reached home on fourth day evening, the 29th of 7th month. I found my family in usual health, which, together with an endeared and cordial reception in the feelings of mutual love, and flowings of that peace of mind attendant on a faithful discharge of manifested duty, filled my heart with thankful acknowledgments to the great and bountiful Author of every blessing.
I was from home in this journey three months and eighteen days, and travelled about sixteen hundred and thirty miles.
CHAPTER V.
Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1803.—Visit on Long Island, Staten Island, and New-York, 1806.—Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, and some adjacent parts, 1806.—Visit to Nine Partners, 1807.—Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, 1808.—Visit to the subordinate meetings, 1808.—Visit to Purchase, 1809.—Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813.—Visit to Purchase in 1813.
In the fall of the year 1803, I performed a visit to Friends of Upper Canada, and some other of the northwestern parts of our yearly meeting. Daniel Titus was my companion in this journey. We left home the 20th of 9th month, and proceeded directly to Canada, in company with two other Friends, who, with us, were appointed to attend the monthly meeting of Adolphustown on a particular concern relative to that meeting. We were at but three meetings in our way thither, two at Hudson on first day, and one at Black River. We got well to Adolphustown on third day evening, the 3d of 10th month, having rode about four hundred and ten miles, and crossed the great river St. Lawrence, which appeared to be a dangerous passage. We crossed its two branches, an island lying in the middle. Each branch was nearly five miles over. We passed the latter in the middle of the night, by the light of the moon, in two small flat-bottomed boats, one of them so small as to carry only one horse. This latter passage lay open to Lake Ontario, and the wind being from that quarter, caused the swell frequently to wash into our boats, so that we had considerable labour to throw out the water as fast as it came in; but my confidence was in Him, who hath the winds and the waves at his command. This kept out fear, and we got safe over about one o’clock in the morning.
On fourth day we attended Friends’ meeting at Adolphustown, as it came in course, which proved an instructive favoured season. On fifth day we rode to Green Point, in the township of Sophiasburgh, to the house of our friend Daniel Way; and had an appointed meeting there that afternoon, at the third hour. In this meeting I was favoured; and by the prevalence of the power of truth, attending the communication, many minds were much bowed, and their hearts tendered by its secret mollifying influence. Our next appointment was in the neighbourhood of our friend Robert Hubbs, on seventh day, composed mostly of people not of our society, which was a comfortable, edifying season. After this we proceeded to the township of Hallowell, to the house of our friend Thomas Boorman near West Lake; and on first day attended Friends’ meeting there. On second day, we had an opportunity with the people at the east end of the lake, which was held at the house of a professor among the Methodists. These two last meetings were eminently favoured; truth rose into dominion, and ran as oil over all opposition, to the instruction and comfort of many minds; and the Lord was praised for his goodness, and for his merciful, loving kindness to the children of men. We returned that evening to the west end of said lake, to the house of our friend Jacob Cronk, and lodged.
On third day the 11th of 10th month, we returned to the house of Cornelius Blount, where the meeting for Friends of West Lake was held. It was the time of their preparative meeting, and many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in, and sat with Friends, during the time of worship; the forepart of which, was rather low and depressing; but as patience was abode in, and right attention given to a small opening which presented, and as I moved therein with care, truth gradually rose into dominion, powerfully breaking down all that stood in its way. Many hearts were comforted and refreshed, and a general solemnity spread over the meeting, so that we could truly say, hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
After the preparative meeting was over, which was held in an orderly manner, we returned that evening to the house of our friend John Dorland, in Adolphustown, he having kindly accompanied us since we left that place. On fourth day we attended the preparative meeting there. The meeting for worship was large, many of those who were not members came in, and manifested great willingness to hear the truths of the gospel declared; yet too many appeared careless and unconcerned, with regard to the practical part, so that in them was fulfilled the saying of the apostle: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” And this, it is to be feared, is too much the case with many amongst us, as a people, who are pleasing themselves with hearing the truth declared, and rejoice in the privilege of sitting under a free, living, gospel ministry, through the labour and exercise of the faithful; but suffer the cumbering cares and pleasures of this life, so to divert them from a right improvement of their own gifts, that they, in a religious sense, may justly be compared to idle drones, who live on the labour of the industrious bee, and are contenting themselves in a situation like the foolish virgins, who, although they have lamps, yet, are without oil in their vessels; but alas, what will these do, when the awful midnight cry is heard, “behold the bridegroom cometh;” then fear and dismay, with an utter exclusion from the marriage chamber, will be the woful doom of all careless, and lifeless professors. O that all might lay these things to heart, and endeavour, in awful fear, to have their day’s work done in the day time; for behold the night cometh, wherein none can work.
On sixth day we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Kingston; and on seventh day, we had a meeting in the town of Kingston, in the court-house, the first Friends’ meeting ever held in that place. The people appeared much unacquainted with the order of our meetings, and some of the principal men seemed at a loss how to behave themselves in the time of silence; but during the communication, they were generally quiet and solemn, and truth rose into victory, furnishing doctrine, clothed with divine power, and carrying conviction to the minds of most present.
The next day, the first of the week, we again attended Friends’ meeting held at the house of the widow Brewer; they not having any meeting-house in this place. In the afternoon we had an appointed meeting in the west part of this township, on the bay, which was held at the house of John Everit, a man not in strict profession with any religious society. These were both seasons of heavenly refreshment; the life ran as oil over all; many hearts were much broken and contrited, under the precious mollifying influence thereof; praised and magnified for ever, be the name of the Lord, for his mercy and loving kindness to the children of men.
The 17th we returned towards Adolphustown, and attended a meeting appointed at an inn on our way, in the town of Earnest. This also proved, through the condescending mercy and goodness of the Lord our gracious helper, a blessed season; and through the efficacious power attending the word preached, many hearts were pierced, and the whole assembly solemnized. We parted from each other with thankful hearts, and rode to Adolphustown, and lodged with our friend Daniel Haight. The day following we had an appointed meeting at his house, for the neighbouring inhabitants, who were, many of them, professors among the Methodists. This, through divine goodness, was to me a season of great refreshment, and the assembly were generally broken and contrited by the convicting power of divine love, which was mercifully vouchsafed to us at this season.
We then proceeded again to our friend John Dorland’s, and rested the next day, as I was somewhat unwell, and considerably wearied by such constant travelling.
On fifth day, the 20th of the month, we attended Friends’ monthly meeting for the lower part of the Province of Upper Canada, held at Adolphustown. This closed our visit in these parts; and we took leave of our friends in much brotherly affection; their hearts were contrited, and their cheeks bedewed with tears, when we closed our farewell addresses. After this we rode directly to Kingston about thirty-five miles, and there took boat immediately, and crossed one branch of the river St. Lawrence that evening. We likewise crossed the island, which lies between, before dark, it being about five miles over; but as the wind was unfavourable, we did not cross the other branch till next morning. We lodged in a small house, being the only one on that side of the island. Our accommodations were very poor, having to lie on the floor, and on benches; but having the best of company, peace of mind, and a firm trust in the divine blessing, it kept us comfortable and pleasant.