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.