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.
PREFACE. 3
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. 7
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.
25
CHAPTER III.
Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795. Visit to
Friends in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and
Virginia, 1798. 54
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. 82
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.
106
CHAPTER VI.
Engagements at and about home, 1813. Visit to Friends in the
middle and southern States, 1813. 132
CHAPTER VII.
Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814. 159
CHAPTER VIII.
Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814. 184
CHAPTER IX.
Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and
about home, 1815. 206
CHAPTER X.
Engagements at and about home, 1815. Visit to the monthly
meetings within the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting,
1815. 229
CHAPTER XI.
General visit to Friends in New England, 1816. 253
CHAPTER XII.
Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly
meeting, 1816 and 1817. 273
CHAPTER XIII.
Engagements at and near home, 1817. Visit to some parts of the
yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817. 294
CHAPTER XIV.
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. 322
CHAPTER XV.
General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819.
355
CHAPTER XVI.
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. 373
CHAPTER XVII.
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. 396
CHAPTER XVIII.
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. 411
APPENDIX.
Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830. 439
His decease in 1830. Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho
in 1830. 444
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE.
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.