Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the
yearly meeting of New-York, 1803.--Visit on Long Island, Staten
Island, and New-York, 1806.--Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners,
and Stanford, and some adjacent parts, 1806.--Visit to Nine
Partners, 1807.--Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford,
1808.--Visit to the subordinate meetings, 1808.--Visit to Purchase,
1809.--Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813.--Visit to Purchase in
1813.
In the fall of the year 1803, I performed a visit to Friends of Upper
Canada, and some other of the northwestern parts of our yearly meeting.
Daniel Titus was my companion in this journey. We left home the 20th of
9th month, and proceeded directly to Canada, in company with two other
Friends, who, with us, were appointed to attend the monthly meeting
of Adolphustown on a particular concern relative to that meeting. We
were at but three meetings in our way thither, two at Hudson on first
day, and one at Black River. We got well to Adolphustown on third day
evening, the 3d of 10th month, having rode about four hundred and ten
miles, and crossed the great river St. Lawrence, which appeared to
be a dangerous passage. We crossed its two branches, an island lying
in the middle. Each branch was nearly five miles over. We passed the
latter in the middle of the night, by the light of the moon, in two
small flat-bottomed boats, one of them so small as to carry only one
horse. This latter passage lay open to Lake Ontario, and the wind being
from that quarter, caused the swell frequently to wash into our boats,
so that we had considerable labour to throw out the water as fast as
it came in; but my confidence was in Him, who hath the winds and the
waves at his command. This kept out fear, and we got safe over about
one o’clock in the morning.
On fourth day we attended Friends’ meeting at Adolphustown, as it came
in course, which proved an instructive favoured season. On fifth day
we rode to Green Point, in the township of Sophiasburgh, to the house
of our friend Daniel Way; and had an appointed meeting there that
afternoon, at the third hour. In this meeting I was favoured; and by
the prevalence of the power of truth, attending the communication,
many minds were much bowed, and their hearts tendered by its secret
mollifying influence. Our next appointment was in the neighbourhood of
our friend Robert Hubbs, on seventh day, composed mostly of people not
of our society, which was a comfortable, edifying season. After this
we proceeded to the township of Hallowell, to the house of our friend
Thomas Boorman near West Lake; and on first day attended Friends’
meeting there. On second day, we had an opportunity with the people at
the east end of the lake, which was held at the house of a professor
among the Methodists. These two last meetings were eminently favoured;
truth rose into dominion, and ran as oil over all opposition, to the
instruction and comfort of many minds; and the Lord was praised for his
goodness, and for his merciful, loving kindness to the children of men.
We returned that evening to the west end of said lake, to the house of
our friend Jacob Cronk, and lodged.
On third day the 11th of 10th month, we returned to the house of
Cornelius Blount, where the meeting for Friends of West Lake was
held. It was the time of their preparative meeting, and many of the
neighbouring inhabitants came in, and sat with Friends, during the time
of worship; the forepart of which, was rather low and depressing; but
as patience was abode in, and right attention given to a small opening
which presented, and as I moved therein with care, truth gradually rose
into dominion, powerfully breaking down all that stood in its way. Many
hearts were comforted and refreshed, and a general solemnity spread
over the meeting, so that we could truly say, hitherto hath the Lord
helped us.
After the preparative meeting was over, which was held in an orderly
manner, we returned that evening to the house of our friend John
Dorland, in Adolphustown, he having kindly accompanied us since we left
that place. On fourth day we attended the preparative meeting there.
The meeting for worship was large, many of those who were not members
came in, and manifested great willingness to hear the truths of the
gospel declared; yet too many appeared careless and unconcerned, with
regard to the practical part, so that in them was fulfilled the saying
of the apostle: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he
beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what
manner of man he was.” And this, it is to be feared, is too much the
case with many amongst us, as a people, who are pleasing themselves
with hearing the truth declared, and rejoice in the privilege of
sitting under a free, living, gospel ministry, through the labour and
exercise of the faithful; but suffer the cumbering cares and pleasures
of this life, so to divert them from a right improvement of their own
gifts, that they, in a religious sense, may justly be compared to
idle drones, who live on the labour of the industrious bee, and are
contenting themselves in a situation like the foolish virgins, who,
although they have lamps, yet, are without oil in their vessels; but
alas, what will these do, when the awful midnight cry is heard, “behold
the bridegroom cometh;” then fear and dismay, with an utter exclusion
from the marriage chamber, will be the woful doom of all careless, and
lifeless professors. O that all might lay these things to heart, and
endeavour, in awful fear, to have their day’s work done in the day
time; for behold the night cometh, wherein none can work.
On sixth day we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Kingston;
and on seventh day, we had a meeting in the town of Kingston, in the
court-house, the first Friends’ meeting ever held in that place. The
people appeared much unacquainted with the order of our meetings, and
some of the principal men seemed at a loss how to behave themselves in
the time of silence; but during the communication, they were generally
quiet and solemn, and truth rose into victory, furnishing doctrine,
clothed with divine power, and carrying conviction to the minds of most
present.
The next day, the first of the week, we again attended Friends’
meeting held at the house of the widow Brewer; they not having any
meeting-house in this place. In the afternoon we had an appointed
meeting in the west part of this township, on the bay, which was held
at the house of John Everit, a man not in strict profession with any
religious society. These were both seasons of heavenly refreshment; the
life ran as oil over all; many hearts were much broken and contrited,
under the precious mollifying influence thereof; praised and magnified
for ever, be the name of the Lord, for his mercy and loving kindness to
the children of men.
The 17th we returned towards Adolphustown, and attended a meeting
appointed at an inn on our way, in the town of Earnest. This also
proved, through the condescending mercy and goodness of the Lord our
gracious helper, a blessed season; and through the efficacious power
attending the word preached, many hearts were pierced, and the whole
assembly solemnized. We parted from each other with thankful hearts,
and rode to Adolphustown, and lodged with our friend Daniel Haight.
The day following we had an appointed meeting at his house, for the
neighbouring inhabitants, who were, many of them, professors among the
Methodists. This, through divine goodness, was to me a season of great
refreshment, and the assembly were generally broken and contrited by
the convicting power of divine love, which was mercifully vouchsafed to
us at this season.
We then proceeded again to our friend John Dorland’s, and rested the
next day, as I was somewhat unwell, and considerably wearied by such
constant travelling.
On fifth day, the 20th of the month, we attended Friends’ monthly
meeting for the lower part of the Province of Upper Canada, held
at Adolphustown. This closed our visit in these parts; and we took
leave of our friends in much brotherly affection; their hearts were
contrited, and their cheeks bedewed with tears, when we closed our
farewell addresses. After this we rode directly to Kingston about
thirty-five miles, and there took boat immediately, and crossed one
branch of the river St. Lawrence that evening. We likewise crossed the
island, which lies between, before dark, it being about five miles
over; but as the wind was unfavourable, we did not cross the other
branch till next morning. We lodged in a small house, being the only
one on that side of the island. Our accommodations were very poor,
having to lie on the floor, and on benches; but having the best of
company, peace of mind, and a firm trust in the divine blessing, it
kept us comfortable and pleasant.
The next day, the 22d of the month, we crossed early in the morning,
and rode that day, to our friend Samuel Brown’s, at Black River. The
day after, being the first of the week, we tarried there, and had two
meetings with his family, and the neighbours; divers of whom were sober
religious Baptists. They were both favoured seasons; may the Lord
bless his own work, and seal it to the lasting advantage of those who
attended.
The 24th and 25th, we rode eighty-five miles to Utica, on the upper
part of the Mohawk river. The 26th, 27th and 28th, we rode about one
hundred and eighteen miles to Palmyra, in Ontario county, to the house
of our friend Abraham Lapham. The 29th we rested. The 30th, being the
first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting in that neighbourhood,
and one in the evening, appointed at a man’s house whose wife was
a member, about six miles distant from the former. They were both,
I believe, profitable and edifying seasons. The 31st we attended a
meeting in the town of Palmyra, appointed principally for those not of
our society. It was a large solemn meeting, wherein the truths of the
gospel were largely opened, affecting, solemnizing and comforting many
hearts.
On the 1st of the 11th month, we rode to Bristol about eighteen miles,
and attended a meeting at the third hour in the afternoon. It was held
in a Baptist meeting-house, and was a hard exercising season. Those who
attended appeared to be mostly, very insensible of any right religious
concern and exercise; nevertheless, through ability received, after a
considerable time of hard silent labour, the power of truth was exalted
among them, and some hearts were reached and tendered thereby, and I
left them with peace of mind.
We then rode back thirty-seven miles to Cayuga Lake, and lodged at an
inn. On the 3d, we rode to a town called Scipio, where a few Friends
resided, who were indulged with holding a meeting under the care of the
monthly meeting of Farmington. Here we had a meeting at the eleventh
hour, it being their usual meeting day. It was very small and low in
the silent part, but as a right exercise in waiting, was patiently
maintained, truth gradually rose into dominion, in a very instructive
manner, refreshing and comforting our minds, in the sweet enjoyment of
the divine presence, who manifested himself to be graciously near for
our help in the needful time.
After dining with our friends we took leave, and turned our faces
homeward; and in four days got to Galloway, to the house of our friend
Philip Macomber. The next day we rested. The three following days
we attended the meetings of Galloway, Ballstown, and Newtown; which
were all comfortable edifying seasons. The 12th we rode to Troy. The
13th, and first of the week, we attended two meetings, the first, at
the eleventh hour, at the house of Zachariah Garnrick, about four
miles from Troy, where the few Friends of that place and the adjacent
neighbourhood, hold a little meeting. It was enlarged at this time by
others coming in, who were not of our society; and the Lord rewarded us
bountifully, and gave us a heavenly season together, wherein his name
was gloriously exalted over all; and we parted with thankful hearts.
The latter meeting was held at Troy, in their court-house. It was a
large gathering, but hard and heavy.
The 14th we rode to Pittstown, and attended a meeting at the second
hour, which was a satisfactory season, and, I hope, profitable to
some; although others appeared to be too much at ease. The 15th we
rode to Easton, and attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and
Elders; and the two following days we attended the quarterly meeting
for discipline, and the parting meeting for worship. The latter was
a heavenly baptizing season, wherein truth was raised into dominion
in a very eminent manner, the hearts of many were much broken and
contrited, and a general solemnity spread over the meeting; and the
Lord’s name praised, and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever.
After this, we rode that afternoon to Saratoga, crossing the river
Hudson in our way; and the next day went to South Greenfield, and
attended a meeting at the second hour in the afternoon. The 19th we
rode to Providence, and after a meeting there, went back again that
afternoon to North Greenfield. The day following, being the first of
the week, we attended a meeting there, which was large and favoured, as
were the two former. The 21st, we had an appointed meeting at Saratoga
Springs, amongst a people not very unlike those, whom the scribes,
among the Jews, called publicans and sinners. It was a profitable
edifying season, most of those present appearing to receive the word
with readiness, and apparent good will; so that it might have been said
of some of them, as our Lord said concerning some of this description
in his day, that they were more likely to enter the kingdom, than many
of the high professors of religion, who make a great outward show of
godliness, but are void of the power.
The 23d and 24th, we attended the monthly meetings of Saratoga and
Easton; and the day following had an appointed meeting at White Creek,
and the next day we rode to East Hoosack. The 27th, and first of the
week, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was a very comfortable
season; the Lord was with us, and by his power made way in the hearts
of the people, for the reception of the testimony given us to bear
among them. We left them with thankful hearts, and rode that evening to
our friend David Lapham’s, in the township of Hancock; and the next day
had a meeting at his house, at the second hour, for the neighbouring
inhabitants, who were mostly professors among the Baptists, and who
behaved very orderly; and the Lord, in his never failing mercy,
favoured us together with a solemn instructive season.
The next day we passed on to New Britain, and rested the following
day. The fifth of the week, and the 1st of 12th month, we attended the
meeting there, at its usual time; which was very large, occasioned,
in part, by our being there; and there was likewise a marriage
accomplished thereat. I think, for the most part, it was a favoured,
comfortable season. On sixth day we attended a meeting at Kline Kiln;
and on first day were at Hudson, where we had, with Friends and others,
at their meeting, a refreshing opportunity; the Lord was graciously
near, furnishing with strength and utterance, and an evidence of the
divine power attending, rejoicing the faithful, confirming the weak and
wavering, and convicting the indolent, the disobedient, and gainsayers.
On second day we rode to Little Nine Partners; and the four following
days, we attended meetings at that place, Pine Plains, Stanford, and
Creek; these were comfortable meetings, wherein, through the prevalence
of truth, many were convicted, their hearts tendered, and the faithful
few encouraged, and made to rejoice; and the Lord’s name praised and
exalted over all. On seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting
at the house of Thomas Wilbur, about four miles from the latter; and
although hard and low, yet I trust in a good degree profitable and
instructive.
On first day we went to Crum-elbow meeting, which was very much
crowded, and the house not sufficient to hold the people. The season
appeared somewhat to represent the time, when the miracle of the loaves
and fishes was performed. For the people’s attention appeared to be
generally outward, many having come together out of curiosity, to see
and hear with their outward senses; which makes hard work for the
travellers, who are faithfully engaged in Zion’s cause. I sat long in
silence in great poverty and want, for the people appeared to be void
of any spiritual food, and no offering prepared; but as I abode in
patience, and in the faith, the query ran through my mind, is there not
a lad present, who may have a few barley loaves and fishes. A young man
soon after stood up, who, I believed, had for some time, something on
his mind to offer; and by a short but pertinent communication opened
my way. Soon after he sat down I stood up, and the Lord made way among
the people, while I was led to open, in a very enlarged manner, what
the young Friend had dropped; and the Lord’s power was extended in a
marvellous manner over the whole assembly, so that it might be said
indeed, that all did eat and were filled, and many fragments remained
to be gathered up. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes.
Our two next appointments were at Pleasant Valley, and the Branch, on
second and third days. These were comfortable, and I trust, profitable
seasons. The four successive days we attended the monthly meetings
of Oswego, Nine Partners, Creek, and Stanford. They were all seasons
of great favour, wherein I was largely opened in the line of gospel
ministry, in four several searching testimonies, greatly to the comfort
of the honest faithful travellers, and to the rebuke and warning of
the careless, hypocritical, and worldly-minded professors. On first
day we attended the meeting at Nine Partners, and notice having been
previously given of our intention of being there, the meeting was
very large; and the Lord’s power was present with us, enabling me to
discharge myself faithfully among them, and instructingly to divide the
word, suited to their several conditions. The season concluded with
prayer and thanksgiving, to his great and adorable name, who is over
all, God blessed for ever.
After this, apprehending I felt liberty to turn my face homeward, and
having for the two successive days meetings, appointed at Chesnut
Ridge, and Poughquague, we proceeded accordingly. Although I was under
considerable infirmity of body, and travelled in much pain, yet through
gracious aid, furnished from the adorable fountain of all wisdom and
strength, I was enabled to attend them to my own satisfaction, and
the comfort and encouragement of my friends. I was led forth in both
of these meetings in large affecting testimonies; the minds of many
present were baptized and humbled, and the faithful few refreshed, whom
the Lord delights to honour.
On fourth day we crossed the Highlands, and rode down to the mouth of
Croton River, about forty-two miles. It was wearisome to my afflicted
body, but believing it right for us so to proceed, and having faith
in the divine sufficiency, I was sustained even beyond rational
expectation. The day following being Friends’ meeting day in that
place, we had a comfortable opportunity with them, together with some
of their neighbours; and it was, I believe, an instructive edifying
season to many. May it fasten as a nail in a sure place.
After this we passed on to New-York, where we tarried over first day,
and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings; also an appointed
meeting in the evening, at their new meeting-house. They were large
and very exercising, yet, I trust, in the main, profitable meetings.
On second day the 26th of 12th month, we rode home, and I found my
family well, which, together with the Lord’s mercies and preservations,
vouchsafed to me in this arduous journey, caused my heart to be filled
with gratitude and thanksgiving to His great and worthy name, to whom
belongs all praise, adoration and worship, from the rising of the sun
to the going down of the same, throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen.
I was out in this journey about three months, and rode about fifteen
hundred and seventy-five miles.
In the spring of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn in gospel
love, to pay a religious visit to some of the neighbouring towns and
villages on our island, Staten Island and New-York, among those not in
profession with us; and opening my concern to our monthly meeting, I
received the concurrence and unity of my friends therein. I was from
home in this service about twenty days, and had about thirty meetings
among those not of our society, generally to good satisfaction, and
to the peace of my own mind. Many, in most places, appeared convinced
of the truth and propriety of our doctrine and principles, as they
were communicated, and divers feelingly expressed their satisfaction
therewith, and the heart-felt comfort they witnessed in those
opportunities; and I had cause to hope that light was breaking forth
in some places, which had long been under the power of great darkness,
through the undue force of wrong customs, and a false education,
principally propagated by a mercenary, anti-christian ministry. My
mind was often affected, in considering the emptiness and fruitless
state of many of those professors under different names, who had a
form of godliness, and were very zealous in attending to the outside
ceremonials, of what they called religion and worship; but in their
lives and conduct denied the power thereof, being persuaded by their
blind guides, to believe they might be saints, while they were sinners,
and stand in a state of justification, without sanctification. But
this is a false and very dangerous doctrine. O, saith my spirit, may
the light of Israel arise and come forth, and by the brightness of its
arising, dispel all those mists and fogs, those works of darkness,
which those blind guides have raised up between God and the souls of
the people; and deliver the nations out of the hands of all oppressors,
that so none, at the awful closing period, may witness verified in
themselves, that solemn truth, that “if the blind lead the blind, both
shall fall into the ditch.”
In the fall of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn to visit some parts
of the quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford,
with some adjacent places, not among Friends, and obtaining the unity
and concurrence of our monthly meeting therein, I set forward the
8th of 12th month; Thomas Willis kindly joining me as a companion in
this journey. On third day we attended the meeting for sufferings in
New-York, and in the evening we had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn,
which was a solemn, comfortable season. Fourth day, being the day on
which Friends’ meeting was held in the city, notice was given of our
intention of being there. It was a pretty large meeting, and in a good
degree favoured with the spreading of the divine canopy, and strength
was afforded to communicate to the various situations of those present;
to the honest-hearted and truly exercised travellers, comfort and
encouragement, and of this number, I trust, there are a few preserved
in this city of great stir and commotion; and to the careless, the
unguarded and refractory, caution and rebuke.
After this we passed on to Mamaroneck, and lodged with our kind friend
Richard Mott. The three following days of this week, we attended the
monthly meetings of Purchase, Shapaqua and Amawalk. We stayed over
their first day meeting at Amawalk, which was large, many of other
societies coming in; and had an appointed meeting in the evening at
Peekskill. These were all seasons of favour, comforting and refreshing
to my mind.
On second day, the 15th of the month, we proceeded on our journey, and
reached, seasonably in the evening, the house of our kind friend Enoch
Dorland, at or near Oswego. On third day we rode to Nine Partners. On
fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of Oswego; both the meeting
for worship, and that for discipline, were well conducted, and truth
reigned; which made them comfortable and instructive. On fifth, sixth
and seventh days, we attended the monthly meetings of Nine Partners,
Creek, and Stanford. Nothing transpired in either of these unusual.
We attended Friends’ meeting at Northeast, on first day, and also a
meeting in the evening at Little Nine Partners; both seasons of favour.
On second day we rode to Hudson, and the next day attended their
monthly meeting, and likewise had a large public meeting in the evening
with Friends and others. I have cause to acknowledge the goodness and
mercy of the Shepherd of Israel, who has been pleased graciously to
manifest his presence and power for our help and encouragement, from
season to season, enabling us to labour, to the comfort and refreshment
of the honest-hearted and faithful among the brethren and sisters, and
to impart counsel and caution to the varied states of those amongst
whom our lots were cast, and stirring up the pure mind in many. So that
in many places it appeared to be a renewed visitation of divine love to
the people, for which many hearts with our own were made thankful.
On fourth and fifth days we had meetings with Friends at Kline Kiln,
and New Britain; and on sixth day we had an opportunity with those
not in profession with us, at a place called Philipstown. The meeting
was held in a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, and a
precious season it proved, tendering the hearts of most present; truth
prevailing over all, to the praise and glory of His grace, who hath
called us to labour in his vineyard.
We went from this place to Troy and attended Friends’ meeting on first
day; and had a large public meeting in the evening with the inhabitants
of the town. On second and third day evenings, we had meetings in
the towns of Waterford and Lansingburgh; the former was held in a
meeting-house belonging to the Methodist society; and the latter,
by their voluntary permission, in the Episcopal meeting-house. These
were all seasons of favour, especially the last, in which truth was
powerfully manifest, solemnizing the assembly, tendering and melting
many hearts into contrition, and raising an acknowledgment to its
divine power.
On fourth day we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Troy, and
also an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in the
evening. The next morning previous to our leaving there, we had a
precious opportunity with three or four families of Friends, the heads
of which were all brethren and sisters of each other, by blood, or
marriage. It was a season wherein the Lord was pleased to magnify his
power, and cause every heart to bow and acknowledge to its blessed and
mollifying influence, which prevailed over all to our mutual rejoicing.
The visit being over we took leave of our friends, and rode that
afternoon to Albany, and attended a pretty large meeting, held that
evening in their court-house. It was, I believe, to many, a profitable
edifying season. On sixth day morning feeling my mind drawn to have
a select opportunity, with the few members of our society resident
in this city, they were notified thereof, and came together early in
the forenoon. We had a satisfactory season with them, in which I was
favoured to clear myself of a burden I felt on their account, in a
plain tender manner, comforting the sincere-hearted, and stirring up
the careless and lukewarm. After this we took our leave in brotherly
affection, with quiet and peaceful minds, and with an evidence of
having faithfully discharged our duty, which made our journeying
forward pleasant, as we passed on to Duanesburgh, where we arrived that
evening. On seventh day we rested. On first day the 4th of 1st month,
1807, we attended the meeting there, and notice being given of our
attendance, it was a very large meeting, wherein truth reigned. Many
doctrinal truths were opened to the people, and the gospel preached in
the clear demonstration of the spirit; to the Lord only wise, gracious
and merciful, be the praise, who is the blessed author thereof; nothing
due to man.
The next day we had a meeting in our way to Otego, near a village
called Charlestown, at the house of a man inclining to Friends, in
which I was enabled to communicate, in gospel authority, to the
tendering and contriting of many hearts.
We reached Otego on fourth day, a little before meeting time, it being
Friends’ usual meeting day, which, therefore, afforded but little
opportunity of notifying their neighbours; but some hearing thereof,
attended. It was a glorious meeting, which richly paid us for all our
toil in getting there, yea an hundred fold; magnified for ever be the
name of the Lord, who graciously manifested his power for our help,
comforting many hearts, and causing the faithful to rejoice together,
in the sweet incomes of his love and life. On fifth day, we attended
Friends’ meeting held at Burlington in the middle of the week. The
neighbouring inhabitants having notice of our coming, generally
attended, and although the life did not appear to rise so high as in
the foregoing meeting, yet, for the most part, I believe, it was a
profitable edifying season. We rode to Deruyter on sixth day, and on
seventh day rested, and mended our carriage, which was much injured and
broken by our journey to this place. On first day, we attended Friends’
meeting there, which was much crowded, the house being but small. The
Lord was with us, and magnified his power, reaching and tendering many
hearts; the gospel was freely preached, and appeared to be freely
received by the auditory in general.
On second day, we had a meeting at a town called Woodstock, at the
eleventh hour, and one in the evening at Cazenovia. There were no
Friends living in either of these places, and the people in general
appeared dark and ignorant, yet, they were attentive to what was
communicated; and many of them appeared thankful for the opportunities,
and desired our longer continuance among them; but we took our leave,
and left them with our minds clothed with peace. We then turned our
faces homeward, being desirous of getting back in time to attend the
ensuing quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, to be held in the forepart
of 2d month. We felt our minds drawn to return by Burlington, and had
meetings in our way there, at Hamilton, Brookfield, Bridgewater,
and one in the evening between Bridgewater and Burlington, held in a
school-house, at a village in the township of Brookfield. These were
all favoured meetings, comfortable and instructive, many hearts were
reached and affected with the power of truth, which was prevalently
manifest for our help.
We were at Burlington on first day, and notice being generally spread
that we were there, it proved the largest meeting ever held in that
place; and through the Lord’s goodness and mercy to us, it was made a
season gratefully to be remembered, by, I believe, the greater part of
the meeting.
This being over, we had another meeting in the evening, in a
neighbouring town called Pittsfield, which was held in a large
school-house, there being no member of our society there; this was
likewise an edifying opportunity. The next day we proceeded to Otego,
and attended a meeting there at the eleventh hour, appointed previously
by our request. It was a large meeting, and graciously favoured with
the overshadowing wing of divine kindness. On third day we had an
appointed meeting in the township of Heartwick.
From this place we returned to Duanesburgh, and attended their monthly
meeting held on sixth day. This meeting was composed of the preparative
meetings of Duanesburgh, Otego, Burlington, and Deruyter. The latter
meeting was near ninety miles from the place where the monthly meeting
was held at this time. Friends are much scattered in this new country,
by reason of which, but few, in some meetings, have much opportunity
of attending their monthly meetings; this is a great loss to many
families, especially the children, many of whom are thus deprived of
the improving company of experienced Friends in meetings for discipline
or otherwise. I have often thought it a very weighty matter for a
Friend to move with a family of children so far from meetings, and
especially meetings for discipline, which, I have often considered as
schools of very profitable instruction to well-minded youth. This is
a new monthly meeting, made up of Friends of but small experience,
many of them newly received members. The business of the meeting
was of course but weakly conducted. We laboured among them in the
ability received, for their instruction and help, and there appeared
a readiness in some to receive, who, I trust, will become useful
members, as they abide in humility, and are faithful to the measure of
grace received. On seventh day we rode to Oakhill, and on first day
attended Friends’ meeting there; it was a very full meeting, and proved
satisfactory and instructive.
The four following days we were at meetings at Scott’s Patent, Bern,
Rensselaerville, one in a Friend’s house between the last mentioned
place and Coeman’s Patent, and one at Coeman’s Patent. They were
seasons of general satisfaction, especially the last, which was a very
large precious meeting, in which the truths of the gospel were largely
declared, in the demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts were tendered
and contrited, and the Lord’s name praised and magnified, who is over
all, worthy for ever.
The sixth, we rode to Hudson, and passed most of the way upon the ice,
on the river, the weather having been, for some days past, extremely
cold. On seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting at Lunenburgh,
which lies on the west side of the river Hudson, and opposite to that
city. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting at Hudson. Both these
meetings were held, I believe, to general satisfaction, and I trust,
were profitable and instructive to many who attended.
From hence we passed on to Nine Partners, and reached there
seasonably to meet with the committee who have the oversight of the
boarding-school, held there by the direction of our yearly meeting,
we being members of that committee. By the accounts now rendered, the
school appears in a prosperous state; but a considerable difficulty
attends procuring suitable tutors and caretakers in the family. On
third day, the select quarterly meeting of this place was held, and
on fourth day, that for discipline; and although there was a degree
of favour experienced, yet, in general, it was a trying exercising
season. This is a large quarterly meeting; and many who attend are
mere birthright members, and having never known the baptizing power of
truth, to sanctify and prepare for right and useful membership, are but
as dead weights in our religious meetings; and some others, who have
joined the society by convincement, for want of faithfully attending
to that which first convinced them, have lost their first love, and
suffered their minds too much to centre back again into the world, and
the love of it; and have thereby become stumbling blocks in the way of
others. These bring much exercise and concern to the living, who are
daily engaged for Zion’s cause, and that truth may prosper and prevail
in the earth.
On fifth day, we had an appointed meeting at Pleasant Valley, which was
a comfortable instructive season; and another seasonable opportunity in
the evening at Poughkeepsie, composed mostly of those not in membership
with us. On sixth day, we were at West Branch meeting, which was pretty
full, wherein I had to go down into deep baptism with the dead, being
plunged into the feeling of a state of great ignorance and unbelief;
but as I patiently sat under the burden, light sprang up, and life
came into dominion; and I was led, in a clear manner, to show the
ground from whence all this darkness and unbelief proceeded; that it
was from a want of due attention to, and right belief in, the _inward
manifestation of divine light_, which reveals itself in the heart of
man against sin and uncleanness; and at the same time shows what is
right, and justifies for right doing. Therefore while men disregard
this inward divine principle, of grace and truth, and do not believe in
it, as _essential_ and _sufficient to salvation_; they are in danger
of becoming either Atheists, or Deists--these are also in danger of
becoming so blinded as not to believe in that necessary and very
essential doctrine of perfection, as contained in that clear, rational,
and positive injunction of our dear Lord: “Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” And we cannot
rationally suppose they can ever be otherwise, while they continue in
this situation; as _nothing but this light_ is sufficient to produce
the knowledge, on which this belief is founded. My mind was likewise
largely opened to communicate, how we all might, by faithful attention
and adherence to the aforesaid divine principle, _the light within_,
come to know and believe the certainty of those excellent scripture
doctrines; of the coming, life, righteous works, sufferings, death,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our blessed pattern: and that _it
is by obedience to this inward light only_, that we are prepared for
an admittance into the heavenly kingdom. It was a day of high favour,
wherein the Lord’s arm was made bare for our help, and the exaltation
of his own glorious and holy name, who is over all, blessed for ever.
This favoured opportunity being over, we rode that afternoon to Samuel
Dorland’s, and attended a meeting there appointed for us that evening:
and lodged with our worthy friend Enoch Dorland. On seventh day we
crossed the mountains called the Highlands, in our way homeward,
and got well to our friend Abraham Underhill’s, at Croton River,
that evening. The next day, being the first of the week, we attended
Friends’ meeting there, and notice being given of our attendance,
the meeting was pretty full, and graciously attended with the divine
presence, in which strength was received to preach the gospel in
the demonstration of the spirit. It was a season thankfully to be
remembered.
On second day, the 9th of 2d month, 1807, we rode to New-York, where
I was gladly received by my beloved daughter Abigail, and her kind
companion; we being mutually glad to see each other. The next day we
attended our meeting for sufferings. I then rode home, that evening,
and found my dear wife and children well, to our mutual rejoicing; and
we greeted each other with thankful hearts.
I was from home in this journey about two months, and attended
forty-five particular meetings, nine monthly meetings, one quarterly,
and our meeting for sufferings twice; and travelled upwards of seven
hundred miles.
After returning from the aforesaid journey, I continued mostly at
and about home, for several months, attending our several meetings
as they came in course; and also at different times, some appointed
meetings among those not in profession with us, in some adjacent
neighbourhoods, to which I could go and return in a few days. In all
these seasons, I have thankfully to acknowledge the Lord was near, and
graciously manifested himself to be a present helper in every needful
time, furnishing with ability to labour in the work of the gospel,
convincing, and comforting many hearts; and to the solid relief and
peace of my own mind.
In the ensuing fall, having felt my mind renewedly engaged in gospel
love to visit a few of the meetings of Friends, in the three lower
quarterly meetings belonging to our yearly meeting; and to have
some meetings in divers places in those parts, among those of other
professions, I left home, with the unity of my friends, the 31st
of 10th month, 1807, and the seventh day of the week, and went to
New-York, having my beloved wife with me; who proposed to be my
companion in part of this journey. We also took our two youngest
daughters with us, in order to place them in the boarding-school at
Nine Partners. We remained in New-York over first day, and attended
Friends’ meetings there; that at Pearl-street in the morning, and at
Liberty-street in the afternoon. They were both, I trust, profitable
meetings, more especially the former; in which truth prevailed, and
came into dominion, solemnizing and comforting many hearts; and was
very strengthening to my mind, in the prospect before me.
On second day we set out for Nine Partners, and reached there
seasonably to attend the quarterly meeting for discipline, the ensuing
fourth day; and the latter part of the week, we spent in attending
the quarterly meeting of Stanford. After this we returned to the
boarding-school and placed our daughters there; and, as I was one of
the committee, who have the superintendence of the institution, I
remained there about ten days. Then way opening to proceed, I went as
far as Hartford in Connecticut; accompanied by two Friends who reside
at Nine Partners. As the weather was cold and unsettled, my wife
remained at the school, assisting the managers, until I returned. We
had several meetings in our way thither, and one as we returned; and
were at several in and about Hartford, mostly among those of other
professions. And the Lord, magnified for ever be his right worthy
name, was graciously pleased to be with us, and manifested his power
for our help; giving wisdom and strength, tongue and utterance, and
teaching to divide the word aright, to the states of the people;
whereby his righteous cause was exalted in many minds, and his glorious
holy truth raised into dominion over all, in divers of those favoured
opportunities; to the praise of his grace, “who is over all, God
blessed for ever.”
On my return to the school, I again spent some days with the family,
assisting them in the management thereof; and then, my wife and myself
took leave of our children and friends, in much mutual affection;
and turned our faces homeward. We attended Oswego monthly meeting in
our way, on fourth day, the 16th of 12th month; and the next day had
an appointed meeting at Apoquague. On sixth day we rode through the
mountains to Peekskill, and lodged with our kind friend Nathaniel
Brown. We attended their meeting on first day, and on second day, we
had an appointed meeting at a place called Crompond; which was held in
a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, by their proposal. On
fourth day we were at Amawalk, on fifth day at Shapaqua, and on sixth
day we had an appointed meeting at Mount Pleasant; this was likewise
held in a place of worship belonging to the Presbyterians. We rode to
New-York on seventh day, and on first day attended Friends’ meeting
there. The third day following we left the city on our way home, but a
storm came on soon after we left, and increased to that degree, that
when we came to the ferry at Hurlgate, where we intended to cross, we
found it impassable. We then turned our course and rode to our friend
Joseph Byrd’s at Harlem, and lodged. I felt my mind drawn towards
having a meeting at that place when passing down to the city, but
admitting some doubts to arise, as to the clearness of the prospect,
I omitted it; but now, way opening with more clearness, we had one
appointed the next day, which proved a favoured season. After this we
crossed the ferry that afternoon, and rode to Flushing, and the next
day being the fifth of the week, and 31st of 12th month, we attended
Friends’ meeting there; and then rode home that afternoon, and were
gladly received by our friends. My spirit was made humbly joyful, in
believing that the Lord Almighty had graciously condescended to be with
us, to lead us in the way, manifesting his loving kindness and mercy,
in a greater or lesser degree, in all those opportunities, convicting,
convincing, edifying and comforting many hearts; and encouraging the
honest travellers Zion-ward. May his right worthy name be praised and
exalted above all for ever.
As our return home at this time was hastened by the inclemency of
the season, we being out with a carriage, and likely to be prevented
from travelling by the snow, my mind was not relieved of the prospect
before me. Therefore, after remaining at and about home a few weeks, I
again set out, with the unity of my friends, in order to finish what
was left behind of my former concern. Charles Willets a friend and
neighbour accompanied me. We set out the 24th of 1st month, 1808, and
attended the three quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, and
Stanford, as they came in course: and likewise five particular meetings
in the intermediate space, between Purchase and Nine Partners. We were
from home at this time about five weeks; and attended three quarterly
meetings, one monthly, and twenty-three particular meetings. And I have
abundant cause, with humble gratitude, to admire the adorable loving
kindness, and condescending goodness, of a gracious God to me a poor
creature; in enabling me to surrender all up to his heavenly disposal,
to be any thing or nothing, as he would have me to be; leading me from
place to place, as a weaned child, by the guiding of his power, and
the influence of his precious love: and teaching me, not only how to
suffer want, but likewise, how to abound; and in every situation and
dispensation which he is pleased to lead into, to be therewith content.
Under a renewed sense whereof, my spirit is led to acknowledge, that
“great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true
are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Even so. Amen.
In the spring of the year 1808, our yearly meeting, from an exercise
in observing the many deficiencies, brought up in the reports from the
several quarterly meetings, issued an epistle, or minute of advice
and caution, to its subordinate meetings. And in order to strengthen
and enforce the same, and to make it the more effectual to promote a
reformation, appointed a committee to attend therewith. And I, being
one appointed with divers other brethren and sisters, willingly engaged
therein; as a concern, of a similar nature, had for some time previous
thereto attended my mind.
Accordingly, at the close of the yearly meeting, we agreed to enter
upon the service at the succeeding quarterly meeting at Nine Partners;
and to attend in succession the quarterly meetings of Stanford and
Easton, as they came in course. Two men, and three women Friends,
joined me in this northern tour; and several others of the committee
attended at the quarterly meetings. After those meetings, we proceeded
to attend with the minute, all the monthly meetings constituting them;
except the three distant ones, of Adolphustown in Upper Canada, and
Farmington and Scipio, in the western part of the state of New-York:
also a considerable number of the preparative meetings, as way opened
therefor. Although great and many were the apparent deviations and
departures of many of our members, in the varied classes of society,
from that ancient simplicity and integrity, which marked the conduct
of our worthy predecessors, in the dawn of this latter gospel day;
and by this declension, those noble testimonies given us to bear,
for the prince of peace, and the promotion of the cause of truth and
righteousness in the earth, were by many, but weakly supported; and by
others, almost wholly neglected; grieving and wounding the hearts of
the faithful, and reproaching our Christian profession: nevertheless,
we had abundant cause gratefully to acknowledge the condescending
goodness and mercy of the great Head of the Church, in uniting us
together in the work, and in owning the concern from place to place;
giving full evidence thereto in a general manner, by the manifestations
of his love and power; and thereby enabling and qualifying his weak
and unworthy though devoted servants, who were very sensible they had
no might nor ability of their own, to perform the service they were
engaged in, to his honour, or the promotion of his righteous cause;
and to communicate counsel and encouragement, reproof and caution, as
occasion required, and opportunity offered; by which the faithful were
strengthened, and made at times to rejoice together, the hearts of
Friends being in a very general manner, opened cordially to receive us
and the concern, with much unanimity.
We had many precious opportunities as we passed along, in public
meetings, (many of which were much crowded, by those coming in who
were not in membership with us,) and also in meetings for discipline;
truth being often raised powerfully into dominion over all. So that
in many of those favoured seasons, we were strengthened to set up our
Ebenezer, and to say, in the heart-felt language of filial and grateful
acknowledgments, “hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” And, I believe, it
was a season of renewed powerful visitation, and manifestation of the
Lord’s mercy to many; not only to the members of our society, but also,
to others that are without, who were favoured with the privilege of
attending the public meetings.
After getting through this part of the service, which took us
between nine and ten weeks, in which time we travelled upwards of
one thousand miles, and attended three quarterly meetings, seventeen
monthly meetings, sixteen preparative meetings, and forty public
meetings for worship, including those that preceded the monthly and
preparative meetings, we returned home, and remained until the time
of the next quarterly meetings’ coming on when I again joined some
of the committee, and attended the quarterly meetings of Westbury
and Purchase, and all the monthly meetings constituting them; except
Purchase monthly meeting. And I may say with gratitude of heart, that
the same divine power that attended in the foregoing part of the visit,
was again manifested for our help, in going through, and finishing the
service, to the humble admiration and solid peace of my own mind, and
the praise of his own right worthy name, “who is over all, God blessed
for ever.” How great and wonderful is his goodness and loving kindness
to the children of men; his mercies are present every moment; and as
saith the prophet, “they are new every morning:” therefore saith my
soul let all praise and exalt him above all, for his mercy endureth for
ever.
In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the year 1809, with
the concurrence of our monthly meeting, I made a pretty general visit
to the meetings of Friends, within the quarterly meeting of Purchase;
and attended some meetings belonging to Nine Partners quarterly
meeting; and also appointed a considerable number among others, in the
adjacent parts. I found great openness generally among the people, to
hear the truths of the gospel; and a number, I believe, received them
with sincerity of heart; and I was made glad in believing, that the
Lord was graciously near, and accompanied the word preached, with his
heart-tendering power, comforting and refreshing the broken hearted,
reviving the spirit of the contrite ones, and stopping the mouths of
gainsayers. For these favours my soul was often bowed, in deep humility
and contrition of spirit, accompanied with grateful acknowledgments and
thanksgiving, for his wonderful works to the children of men.
The year 1810, I spent mostly at home, except performing a visit to
some of the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with us. I
was from home in this service a few weeks in the spring; and in the
summer I performed a visit to the half year’s meeting at Canada, by
appointment from our yearly meeting.
I passed the year 1811 at and near home, in attending our own and some
adjacent meetings; also some meetings in divers neighbourhoods among
other societies. I had frequent cause to rejoice in a living hope, that
truth was gradually rising, and the true light shining more and more
in the hearts of the people; and that in the Lord’s time, it would be
exalted and become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth.
In the winter and spring of the year 1812, with the concurrence of
my friends, I passed about four weeks in visiting the neighbouring
inhabitants, not of our society. I had twenty-eight meetings, all
held in private houses; many of them were very large and crowded,
and the Lord was graciously near, comforting and refreshing the
sincere-hearted, and opening counsel to those who wanted information,
and sealing his testimony on the minds of the people, to the exaltation
of his own righteous cause, and to the glory of his excellent name,
“who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
In the forepart of the winter of 1813, feeling a renewed concern toward
the neighbouring inhabitants of our island, and New-York, not in
profession with us; many of whom are as sheep without a shepherd, and
appeared to be under exercise and concern, to be rightly instructed in
the way of peace and salvation, in gospel love, and with the unity of
my friends, I paid them a visit. I had upwards of twenty meetings in
the different parts, much to my own satisfaction, and, I trust, to the
edification and comfort of many who attended. The Lord, our gracious
helper, was near, and covered the assemblies with his solemnizing
presence and power; and instructed to divide the word to the several
states, in the demonstration of the spirit. For these unmerited
favours, I was made at seasons to rejoice, and in deep humiliation and
thankfulness of heart, to joy in the God of my salvation, who does
wondrous things in mercy, for the children of men, in order to hide
pride from man, and turn him from his unrighteous purposes, and save
his soul from the pit, that so he may know, and seek after God.
Before I had got fully through this little tour of duty, a further
prospect opened, toward a visit to Friends and others in the compass of
Purchase quarterly meeting, and some of the neighbouring parts of the
state of Connecticut, where none of our society reside: and under the
impression of duty I laid the concern before our monthly meeting held
in 1st month, 1813, and received its concurrence, in a short minute
for that purpose. I left home the 6th of 2d month following, my kind
friend Gideon Seaman, an Elder, and member of Westbury monthly meeting,
accompanied me in this visit.
We passed to New-York on our way, and on first day attended the
forenoon meeting at Pearl-street, and the afternoon meeting at
Liberty-street; and had an appointed meeting on second day evening in
the northeast part of the town, in a large room in a public house.
It was a favoured season, and largely attended; many more came than
the room could contain. The two foregoing meetings were also favoured
strengthening opportunities, affording encouragement in my first
setting out in the weighty and solemn service before me, which I always
esteem that of appointing meetings to be, more especially those among
strangers; many of whom know but little of us, or of the manner in
which we hold our meetings, and therefore are apt to get restless,
and sometimes much disquieted at our sitting so long in silence, as
we often have to do; that it requires, in Friends, at such seasons, a
very deep indwelling with the seed of life, to prevent being jostled,
or interrupted in our inward travail and waiting, for the pure motion
of life; lest, by their eagerness to hear words, Friends on those
occasions, might be led to venture on too small an intimation and
without sufficiently turning the fleece again and again, and to feel
clearly, that, “wo is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” For want of
this care, there is danger sometimes of our running in vain, and so not
profit the people at all, nor procure peace to our own minds.
I was from home in this journey about four weeks, and rode upwards of
three hundred miles; and attended twenty-five meetings, and our meeting
for sufferings twice. Twelve of these meetings were among people not of
our society; and where there are no meetings of Friends. Among these I
found great openness to receive us, and our testimony; many expressed
their satisfaction with the opportunities, and manifested a desire
in most places, that we would stay longer with them, and have more
meetings. Indeed truth was so prevalent in those meetings, as not only
to silence, at least for the present, all opposition, but in many of
them to reign triumphantly over all; whereby many minds were comforted
and instructed, and the power of truth exalted; and our hearts made
glad in believing, that the Shepherd of Israel is still availingly
stretching forth the crook of his love, and will gather many from
the highways and hedges; whom, as they attend to his call, and abide
faithful to the end, he will clothe with the wedding garment, and admit
into the marriage chamber of the Lamb; while many of those, who have
been long and often invited, but are nevertheless making excuses, in
order to attend to their farms, their merchandize, their oxen, &c.,
will not be able to enter.