Engagements at and about home, 1813.--Visit to Friends in the middle
and southern states, 1813.
Sixth day, 26th of 3d month, 1813. My worldly concerns engrossed much
of my time to-day. How true is that saying, “No man can serve two
masters.” O, how hard a master the world is; and from whose servitude I
often feel strong desires to be fully redeemed; so that all my time may
be more fully dedicated to the service of my heavenly master, whom, I
often feel, I sincerely love.
Seventh day. Part of this day I spent in repairing a vehicle, in which
I have travelled several thousand miles, in my religious engagements.
Most of the evening was occupied in reading the excellent doctrine
of our Lord relative to the Comforter, and the union and communion
between himself and his faithful followers, as recorded by John the
Evangelist. If it is sweet and pleasant to read, how much more precious
and excellent is it to know and witness it in our own experience.
First day. Our meeting this day passed in silent labour. The cloud
rested on the tabernacle: and, although it was a day of much rain
outwardly, yet very little of the dew of Hermon appeared to distil
among us. Nevertheless, a comfortable calm was witnessed towards the
close; which we must render to the account of unmerited mercy and love.
Second day. Most of this day was occupied in a visit to a sick friend,
who appeared comforted therewith. Spent part of the evening in reading
part of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
Third day. I was busied most of this day in my common vocations.
Spent the evening principally in reading Paul. Found considerable
satisfaction in his first epistle to the Corinthians; in which he
shows the danger of some in setting too high a value on those who were
instrumental in bringing them to the knowledge of the truth, without
looking through and beyond the instrument, to the great first cause and
Author of every blessing, to whom all the praise and honour are due.
Fifth day, 1st of 4th month. At our meeting to-day found it, as usual,
a very close steady exercise to keep the mind centered where it ought
to be. What a multitude of intruding thoughts imperceptibly, as it
were, steal into the mind, and turn it from its proper object, whenever
it relaxes its vigilance in watching against them. Felt a little
strength, just at the close, to remind Friends of the necessity of a
steady perseverance, by a recapitulation of the parable of the unjust
judge, showing how men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
Sixth day. Nothing material occurred, but a fear lest the cares of the
world should engross too much of my time.
Seventh day. Had an agreeable visit from two ancient friends, whom
I have long loved. The rest of the day I employed in manual labour,
mostly in gardening.
First day. Felt my mind drawn to attend to-day a meeting, a few
miles from home, held, for the present, by indulgence of Friends. I
was led forth in a line of encouragement and caution to a seeking
travailing remnant; and in warning to the indolent and self-righteous,
endeavouring to show them the danger of resting in such a polluted
state; many hearts were contrited, and a comfortable solemnity clothed
the meeting, for which we were made thankful to the gracious Author of
all our blessings.
Second day. This day spent in manual labour, a less proportion of which
would suffice for me, if every other man was disposed to do his part:
but the poor and the indolent must and will be helped.
Third and fourth days. Mostly occupied in my temporal concerns, with
attendant poverty of spirit, and a longing after spiritual food, free
from condemnation.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which our queries were
read, and answers prepared to be sent to the yearly meeting; but too
much, I fear, in a formal way, and may, if not well guarded against,
become a snare to us, as the brazen serpent was to Israel.
Sixth day. I can say little more than that I wearied myself with hard
labour in assisting my workmen to build stone fences. In the evening
read Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, in which I think he has fully
shown the final end and abolishment of all outward ordinances and
observations in matters of religion.
Seventh day. This day I spent mostly in manual labour. Some little
interruption of mind by the improper conduct of one of my labourers.
How hard a thing it is to find, in such persons, honesty, industry, and
a suitable deportment, united in the same individual; and yet it is no
more than ought to be in every man, and it is always their duty and
interest to be so.
First day. At our meeting to-day the fire seemed very low on the altar.
Dulness, and a spirit of heaviness were too predominant with many;
occasioned, no doubt, by a too near attachment to the world, and the
things of it, with some, and by too much lightness and vanity with
others. Alas, how much good seed is lost by the wayside, in stony
places, and on thorny ground. Just at the close, I was engaged to call
the attention of the people to the necessity of having always a proper
point, or object to aim at, a right centre to all their hopes and
desires; and that God was the only proper object for man to set his
heart upon, as the doing his will is the whole sum and substance of all
true religion and worship.
Second, third and fourth days. Spent in usual labour, with a peaceful
mind.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting to-day at which I received a
certificate of their unity and concurrence with a prospect, which I had
previously opened to them, of performing a religious visit to Friends
and others, in some parts of the yearly meetings of Pennsylvania and
Baltimore, and the adjacent parts of Virginia. How humbling it is to
the natural man to be called to the performance of those duties, for
which he feels himself destitute of every right means and capacity: he
is therefore brought under the necessity of trusting in, and depending
upon, that invisible arm of power, which is beyond the reach of all
mortals to command or controul.
Sixth day. Felt much poverty of spirit at our preparative meeting
of Ministers and Elders. How necessary it is for such as fill those
stations in society, to dig faithfully with their staves, like the
princes and nobles of Israel formerly, by the direction of the
lawgiver, saying, “spring up, O well, sing ye unto it;” that so
they may be favoured both with the upper and the nether spring: for
how otherwise can they be good waymarks and ensamples to the flock,
over whom the Holy Ghost has made all the rightly qualified of this
description overseers, and who will have to give an account of the
flock under their charge.
Seventh day. Spent in my usual vocation as a farmer or husbandman, in
which I need incessantly to watch against the intrusions of worldly
cares.
First day. Had close exercise, through the greatest part of our meeting
to-day in opposing a dull drowsy spirit, which, through unmerited
mercy and help, I vanquished towards the close: soon after which, I
was unexpectedly called upon to sound an alarm to the youth, and to
show them the danger of suffering the intruding vanities and follies of
the world to steal away their affections from their supreme good, and
blessed Author of their being and well-being, in and on whom they ought
to fix their only best hope and trust, who is the true and only source
of all felicity and blessedness in time and in eternity.
Second day. My temporal concerns necessarily engaged my attention
to-day; in pursuing of which, nothing transpired to interrupt or turn
the mind from its proper centre.
The four following days were principally occupied in attending our
quarterly meeting, held, at this time, in New-York. I think it was, on
the whole, a favoured season. The canopy of the heavenly Father’s care
was sensibly felt to overshadow the meeting in its several sittings.
I spread before the meeting for discipline my prospect of a religious
visit to Friends and others in some of the southern states, with the
certificate of concurrence from our last monthly meeting. The meeting
fully united therewith, and I was left at liberty to pursue the journey
as way should open therefor. What deep obligations devolve upon us,
when thus liberated by our friends, and separated to travel in the
service of the gospel, that we are careful, in no case, to make the
gospel chargeable to any, nor abuse our power in it; but that, in deep
humility and reverential fear, we wait for the putting forth of the
Shepherd of Israel, and know him to go before: then will the Lord’s
cause prosper in our hands, and his people be edified and instructed,
and we comforted in our labours of love, to the glory and praise of his
right excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Seventh day. Was busied to-day in my farming business, endeavouring
to get all my temporal concerns properly arranged, expecting soon to
proceed on the visit already mentioned; as I consider it my especial
duty, as much as in me lies, to leave all in a state of order and
quiet, so that nothing may remain on the mind that would tend to
interrupt or disturb it, while travelling in this weighty service, nor
that any should have cause to complain, whom I leave behind.
First day. Having felt my mind inclined to see Friends in their meeting
at Bethpage before I left home, I went there to day, accompanied by
my wife, our two youngest daughters, and a sober young woman of our
neighbourhood. Their company was pleasant, and, after a time of deep
inward travail and suffering, I trust the season was profitable and
edifying to a number present. How often are the living baptized for
the dead, in order for their arising; for if the dead are not raised,
preaching is vain.
Second and third days. Spent in preparing my business, looking for the
time of setting out on my intended journey. May I be ready and willing
when the time comes, without murmuring or complaining; for, as I trust
and believe a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me, wo is unto
me if I preach not the gospel.
Fourth day. Alas, how the cares of the world intrude on the mind and
engross its attention, if they are not carefully watched against with
fervent prayer!
Fifth day. Attended our usual meeting. Found it necessary to engage
against a dull heavy spirit, that seemed very prevalent in the meeting:
but, as I maintained the struggle, I was favoured with a good degree of
victory towards the close, when a ray of light broke forth, attended
with peace and quietude of mind, an ample reward for all my toil.
Sixth day. I endeavoured to spend this day as I ought to do. Met
with some interruption from a careless neighbour, by the trespass
of his unruly cattle. How much more comfort and satisfaction would
neighbourhoods enjoy, if all honestly endeavoured to walk uprightly,
agreeably to that excellent rule left us by Jesus Christ: “all things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;
for this is the law and the prophets.”
Seventh day, 1st of 5th month. Still pressing after a more full release
from the world and its cares, endeavouring to redeem the time, because
the days are still evil, or attended in many respects, with much evil.
The alarm of war is heard in the land, and much contention is among the
people. Flee, O my soul, to thy rock, the name of the Lord; for, in it
is safety, and a sure refuge from all the storms and tempests, that
assail poor mortals in passing through this vale of tears, and state of
trial and probation.
First day. Had to suffer through the meeting to-day. Alas, how oft have
the poor ministers to be baptized for, and with, the dead!
Second day. Still pressing after a release from my worldly cares; as
the time is near at hand, when I shall proceed on my proposed journey
to the south and west on my good Master’s business, I hope, in the way
he is pleased to lead.
Third day. Felt much poverty of spirit to-day, although nothing
particular has occurred either on the right hand or the left;
therefore I feel, in a good degree, a peaceful mind which is worthy of
thanksgiving.
Fourth day. Still pressing after a full settlement of my temporal
concerns that I may be in a state of readiness to pursue my journey, as
soon as the way opens.
Fifth day. Was favoured, towards the close of our meeting to-day, to
discharge another debt of love and care to my friends, as it was likely
to be the last opportunity I should have with them before I proceeded
on my intended journey; and, through the prevalence of gospel love, it
was made a tendering baptizing season to some, and we parted under a
degree of the uniting influence of it.
Sixth day. Still aiming at the same mark of readiness and preparation
for my journey, expecting to leave home to-morrow, and proceed therein,
if the cloud is removed from the tabernacle, and the light should lead
the way.
Seventh day, 8th of 5th month, 1813. I commenced the journey on this
day, after a precious solemn season with my family, in which I was
favoured, in fervent supplication, to recommend them to the divine
protection and preserving care of the Shepherd of Israel. Under a
thankful sense of his loving kindness we took leave of each other in
much affectionate sympathy and brokenness of spirit, I rode to New-York
with a peaceful and quiet mind. My kinsman Isaac Hicks, of Westbury,
kindly accompanied me in this journey.
First day. Attended Friends’ meetings there, in the morning at
Pearl-street, and in the afternoon at Liberty-street. They were both
exercising seasons, and I hope profitable to some, as in all right
exercise we are encouraged to believe there is profit. After these
opportunities, and a favoured season in a family of Friends, the heads
of which were Elders, I felt a pretty full release from the city at
present.
Second day. Proceeded on our journey to Newark, where we attended a
meeting appointed for us at the third hour. It was on the whole, I
think, a favoured season; many truths of the gospel were opened to the
people, and appeared to have a good degree of entrance to the minds of
some present; although others appeared to be too much fettered by the
prejudice of education to be profited by them. The meeting closed in
solemn quiet; and I left them with a peaceful mind. We then rode to
Rahway and lodged.
Third day. This afternoon at the third hour we attended a meeting
previously appointed at Elizabethtown. Many of the most respectable
inhabitants attended, among whom were the governour of the state of
New-Jersey and his wife; and a very considerable number of young
people. The Lord, who is a never-failing helper to those that trust in
him, was near, furnishing with ability to preach the gospel of life and
salvation to the people, in the clear demonstration of the spirit; and
with a power attending, that produced great brokenness of heart and
contrition of spirit among them; and the power of his divine love was
felt to spread over the meeting as a precious canopy. We parted with
them in humiliation and deep thankfulness of heart, rejoicing that his
loving kindness was still extended to his backsliding and offending
creature man.
Fourth and fifth days. We attended Friends’ meetings at Plainfield and
Rahway.
Sixth day. We had a favoured meeting at New Brunswick among the
inhabitants of the town. Many truths of the gospel were opened to their
consideration; and a comfortable solemnity was witnessed to spread over
the meeting.
Seventh day. We rode to Upper Freehold, intending to be at Friends’
meeting at East Branch in that township on first day. We lodged at
the house of our friend George Frost, where I had lodged before in my
way through these parts, about twelve years prior to this time. We
met a very kind reception from our said friend and his family; and it
seemed like a fresh renewal of friendship and affection between us. How
consoling it is for the weary traveller to meet with kind friends! it
is as a brook by the way in a time of drought.
First day. We attended East Branch meeting as proposed. The forepart
was exercising, for want of a lively travail among the members; too
many of whom seemed in a dead, lifeless state, as to a right religious
concern. This makes hard labour for the living exercised members, and
is very trying to those who visit them in the service of truth; yet as
we kept up the travail for truth’s arising, and patiently abode under
suffering, a degree of light broke forth, and led to a seasonable, and
I trust, instructive communication; in which I found relief and peace
in the labour, which I consider a great favour.
Second day. Were at Upper Freehold meeting. It was a season of deep
suffering in the forepart, in which my spirit was deeply baptized
with, and for the dead; but as I patiently submitted to the crucifying
operation of the present dispensation, a degree of light sprang up,
and in it I was led to view the declaration of the apostle Paul, that
“death reigned from Adam to Moses,” and to show to the people, that all
the unregenerate were under the influence and power of the same death.
For in Adam, that is, in the transgressing state, all die. And that it
is only by and through our attention being turned to the inward divine
law, which the apostle calls, “the law of the spirit of life in Christ
Jesus,” and our yielding full obedience thereunto, that we can be set
free and delivered from this law of sin and death, which was typified
by Israel’s deliverance, from the bondage of Pharaoh, by a full and
implicit obedience to the outward commands of God, through his servant
Moses. As I attended carefully to the opening, truth rose into victory,
and administered cause of thanksgiving, under a grateful sense of the
continued mercy and loving kindness of our gracious Creator to his
backsliding creature man.
The three following days we attended meetings at Crosswicks, alias
Chesterfield, Upper Springfield, and a meeting called the Mount.
These were all favoured meetings, wherein the Lord’s presence and
power were manifested, tendering and contriting many hearts, giving
tongue and utterance; and through which the gospel was preached in
the demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending, which
carried sharp reproof to the disobedient and unfaithful, strength
to the weak and feeble minded, confirmation and encouragement to
the honest-hearted, humble traveller; and mutually rejoicing the
sincere-hearted. For all these favours my spirit was made humbly
thankful to the Shepherd of Israel, to whom all the glory and praise is
due, for his mercy endureth for ever.
Sixth day. Attended Friends’ meeting at Old Springfield. It was a
precious baptizing season, the Lord’s presence and power were felt to
spread over the meeting, affecting and contriting many present; and
comforting and encouraging the honest travellers Zion-ward. The meeting
closed under a thankful sense of divine favour, with prayer and praise.
Seventh day. We were at Mansfield. On first day were at Bordentown in
the morning, and at Lower Mansfield in the afternoon. These meetings
were well attended and very solemn. The two last, Friends informed
me were unusually large. Oh how good is the Lord, and greatly to be
praised for his marvellous works, and his never failing loving kindness
to the children of men.
Second day. We were at Burlington. In this meeting my mind was opened
largely to set forth the nature and design of the gospel dispensation;
and to show, that as none had ever been perfect in it, but the man
Jesus Christ, we had not a right, as his professed followers, to take
the example of any but his own, for our real perfect rule of life. For
all who have gone before us have in a greater or less degree, through
the undue force and prejudice of education, fallen short of the perfect
rule left us in his example and precepts.
I also showed them that the Christian professors in the varied ages of
the Church had very much marred and obstructed the work of reformation,
by suffering themselves to be too closely attached to their several
particular leaders; and have therefore justly thrown themselves
open to the censure of the apostle; wherein he blames some of the
primitive Christians for setting themselves one against another, by the
partiality each had for the minister, by whom he had been brought over
to the Christian faith, one crying, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos,
and I of Cephas, and some more wise, I of Christ; to whose example all
ought to have looked, and not turned their attention so much to the
instruments, by whom they were brought to believe in him. Although
many of our worthy predecessors according to their measure of light
endeavoured faithfully to do the work of their day, yet few, if any
of them, had been so entirely emancipated from the undue force of
education, as to see clearly through the cloud of prejudice produced
thereby; and therefore were in the practice of divers things, not
consistent with that perfect justice which the example and precepts
of our Lord call for, and which are in full unison with the perfect
righteousness of the gospel. The word was preached in a large searching
testimony, I trust through divine assistance, in the demonstration of
the spirit, to the comfort and encouragement of the sincere in heart,
and the peace of my own mind.
Third day. Were at Rancocas. The meeting was solemn, and the Lord’s
presence was felt to preside, humbling many minds; and many truths of
the gospel were in an instructive manner spread before the people.
Fourth and fifth days. We attended meetings at Mount Holly, Upper
Evesham, and were at Easton on fifth day afternoon; these were all
favoured meetings. In the two former, my mind was largely opened in two
doctrinal testimonies, wherein the design and end of all the shadows
of the law were clearly opened; and the necessity of their entire
abolishment at the death and resurrection of Christ clearly shown. I
also opened to them, that, by the primitive Christians retaining many
of the shadows of the law, the apostacy broke in upon the Church, and
that by the retention of some of the same shadows, the reformation had
been, and is still greatly retarded: and will never advance on its
right foundation, until those shadows are all discarded and done away.
My mind was deeply humbled, under a sense of the Lord’s mercy.
The three following days we were at Lower Evesham, Cropwell, Chester,
Westfield, Haddonfield, and at Newtown, attending two meetings each
day. After the latter meeting, on first day evening, we crossed the
river Delaware to Philadelphia. In those meetings my mind was deeply
humbled, under a grateful sense of the Lord’s continued mercy to
an unworthy people; rendered so by the continued disobedience and
revolting of great numbers, who go under our name, not only among
the youth, but with many of riper age, whose experience and daily
observation we might reasonably suppose, had they endeavoured to
improve by it, would, ere now, have taught them better. But how true is
that saying of the great Master: “If therefore the light that is in
thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” This has fallen to the
lot of those, by turning their backs upon the true light, and adhering
to their own carnal reasonings and fleshly consultations, whereby
they have been left like Balaam, through his covetousness, to justify
themselves in many things, which the true light in them, had they been
obedient to its manifestations, would not have approved. Therefore
these are left as a reward of their disobedience to believe a lie to
their own confusion.
My mind was largely opened in these meetings, not only to commemorate
the Lord’s gracious dealings with the children of men; but likewise
to set forth and open to the several auditories the subtle workings
and varied transformations of that diabolical spirit, which lies in
wait to deceive and counteract the gracious designs of heaven among
the children of men. And under a renewed sense of the Lord’s continued
mercy, my spirit was led to exclaim, as did one formerly: “Great and
marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are all thy
ways, thou King of saints.”
The following week we spent in the city, except on seventh day we rode
out and attended two meetings; one in the morning at Frankford, and the
other at Germantown, at five in the afternoon. These were both favoured
seasons. We then returned in the evening to Philadelphia; and the
next day being the first of the week, and the 6th of 6th month, were
at Friends’ meeting at Arch-street in the morning, and at the North
meeting in the afternoon. Some previous notice having been given of my
intention of attending them, they were unusually large; and many had
to go away for want of room. It was supposed there were three thousand
people at the beginning of the meeting, and toward the close many more
than the rooms could contain. Through the marvellous condescension
and loving kindness of our gracious God, my mind was strengthened and
qualified to preach the gospel of peace and salvation to the people,
in the demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending, that
brought home the doctrine, to the humbling conviction of many minds. In
the first I was engaged to bear testimony to the excellency of a life
of strict and impartial justice and righteousness, as the only right
foundation of every real religious and moral virtue; and without which
no true virtue could possibly exist. The communication comprehended
much salutary caution, reproof and encouragement, suited to the varied
states present; under a sense of which my mind was deeply humbled,
and had gratefully to acknowledge, “this is the Lord’s doings, and
marvellous in mine eyes.” The latter was likewise a favoured season,
wherein many truths of the gospel were opened to the people, tending
to lead their minds off from all dependence on traditional religion
and worship; and to gather them home to the eternal substance in
themselves, Christ, the hope of glory and light of the world; by the
influence of whose light and spirit, we only can be enabled to obtain
victory over the world and its spirit, and become qualified to worship
the Father in spirit and in truth.
The 7th we left Philadelphia. In the course of this week and the
next first day, we attended eleven meetings in the following order,
previous notice having gone forward. On second day at Darby; third
day at Haverford in the morning, and at Merion at the fifth hour in
the afternoon; fourth day at the Valley; fifth day at Radnor, which
was their monthly meeting; sixth day at Newtown in the morning, and
at Springfield in the afternoon; seventh day at Middletown in the
morning, and at Providence in the afternoon; first day at Chester in
the morning, and at Chichester in the afternoon. And although I was
taken very unwell on third day afternoon, before the third meeting
as above arranged, and continued so through the week, and until the
last meeting; insomuch that for several days I could take scarcely
any nourishment, my stomach loathing all food; yet to my humbling
admiration, I was strengthened to go through the service of these
meetings, which in each was arduous and extensive. At the close of
some of them my strength was so exhausted, being wet from head to foot
with extreme sweating, that it seemed to me after divers of those
exercising seasons, almost impossible for me to reach the next; but
that which is impossible to man, we often find easy to the great Helper
of his people. As my care was wholly cast upon Him, he graciously
accompanied, by his holy presence, from meeting to meeting. When I
first sat down in many of those meetings, the force of my complaint
seemed to absorb all my strength both of body and mind; yet as I
endeavoured to centre in quiet, I seldom sat long before the light
sprang up, and dispelled all the darkness, and opened doctrine new and
old; and strengthened to communicate in a way of clear demonstration.
The honest-hearted were strengthened and instructed, and conviction and
reproof brought home to the delinquent, and a visitation of entreaty
and love extended to the beloved young people, whose minds were not yet
hardened in vice; showing them, what great and everlasting benefits and
blessings would redound to them, by an early dedication of their hearts
to the Lord. My mind at the close of these large solemn meetings,
(for many were very large, more than the houses could contain,) was
generally centered in perfect peace, wherein I was led to contemplate
the Lord’s marvellous loving kindness to me a poor unworthy creature,
and his wonderful works in mercy to the children of men; waiting in
long forbearance for their return, and continuing his call to them by
his spirit, through his servants and messengers, rising up early and
sending them, that no means should be left untried for their recovery
and reconciliation. O, what shall we render to the Lord for all his
benefits!
Having been very unwell, as before observed, most of the last week, I
found it necessary to lay by a day or two, which we did at the house of
our friend John Talbot. With a little rest I soon found myself better,
and being desirous to improve the time, we again proceeded. On fourth
day, the 16th of the month, we were at Concord meeting, at Wilmington
on fifth day, Centre on sixth day, Hockesson on seventh day, and at
Kennet on first day. I was helped to get through the service of these
meetings to my own satisfaction and peace of mind; although some of
them were very trying and exercising, by the unfaithfulness and great
want of a right concern and zeal, for the support and maintenance
of our Christian testimonies, which in some families were very much
neglected and let fall. I was led forth generally in those meetings,
in close searching testimonies, tending to arouse friends from their
bed of ease and carnal security; brought upon them by an inordinate
love of the world, and an increase of temporal blessings; in which
their principal enjoyments were too much centered, loving the gifts
and forgetting the Giver. I laboured fervently among them, especially
in the last meeting, wherein my mind was largely opened to unfold to
the audience many of the deep mysteries of the gospel state, making
them plain and easy to be understood by the most ignorant, whose
minds were in any degree turned to inquire the way to Zion. It was a
season in which the Lord’s power was manifested in an eminent degree,
breaking down and contriting many hearts, and truth appeared to reign
triumphantly over all, to the praise of _his_ grace who is God, blessed
for ever.
The following week we attended meetings at Birmingham, Willistown,
Goshen, Westchester, Bradford and Marlborough. These were mostly
pretty full meetings, and generally favoured and satisfactory. In some
of them, as in many foregoing opportunities, the Lord’s power was
eminently exalted, and set above, and over, all errour and untruth.
On first day, the 27th of the month, we attended two very large
meetings. One in the morning at London Grove, and the other in the
afternoon at New Garden. In both of these meetings, my mind, I trust,
was opened by that divine key, which, when it opens, none can shut, and
when it shuts, none can open. I was strengthened to declare largely of
the things of God, and the way to eternal life; to the satisfaction and
peace of my own mind; and I trust to the edification and instruction,
as well as conviction and reproof, of many present; the spirit
assisting to divide the word severally to every one, according to the
necessity of their different states. It was a day thankfully to be
remembered.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at West Grove, East
and West Nottingham, Eastland, and Little Britain. These were all
satisfactory seasons; that at East Nottingham particularly, was a
heart-searching opportunity, wherein truth was raised powerfully
into dominion over all. Many were broken and contrited, and a number
wept freely for a considerable time: surely it was the Lord’s doing,
and marvellous in our eyes. On seventh day we crossed the river
Susquehannah, and rode into the neighbourhood of Deer Creek; and
attended the meeting there on first day. This also proved a very
precious meeting, wherein the Lord’s power was eminently manifested;
and every mind appeared to be humbled by its blessed influence. The
meeting ended with solemn supplication. The two following days, we
attended meetings at Little Falls and Gunpowder. After the latter
meeting, we rode to Baltimore; and the two following days, attended
Friends’ meetings there for the Western and Eastern Districts, as they
came in course. At the close of each, their monthly meetings were held,
which were exercising seasons, but ended to pretty good satisfaction.
There appeared to be a concerned remnant in each meeting, through whose
care the discipline appeared to be pretty well supported. After the
latter, we left the city and rode to Elk Ridge, to attend a meeting
appointed for us there the next day, the sixth of the week; which was
a satisfactory opportunity. The day after, we attended Indian Spring
meeting. It was a solemn, and I trust profitable season to some: may it
remain with them as bread cast upon the waters, that may be found after
many days.
After this meeting, we rode to the city of Washington; and the next
day, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 7th month, we
attended a meeting there in the morning; and in the afternoon one at
Alexandria. These were both very hard trying meetings; the people
appeared very destitute of real religious engagement, their minds being
so swallowed up in their political controversies, and other worldly
concerns, that there seemed to be very little room in their thoughts
for any thing else. I felt but little satisfaction in these meetings,
except a consciousness of having done my duty, in laying before them,
in a plain manner, divers truths necessary for them to be in the
practice of, and without which they could not be real Christians, nor
obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.
The three following days we attended meetings at Georgetown, Sandy
Spring, and Elk Ridge. We had been at the latter place the week before
on sixth day. These were seasons of favour: many truths of the gospel
were, I trust, clearly opened to the people, accompanied with right
authority, humbling many minds, and truth reigned over all. After the
last meeting, we rode to Baltimore that afternoon, and attended a
meeting previously appointed for us at the fifth hour; and the next
day Friends’ meeting in the Eastern District was held, and public
notice was given of our intention of attending it. These were both full
meetings, in which I was led forth in two large doctrinal testimonies,
I trust, to the edification and comfort of many minds.
After this I felt easy and clear to leave the city. We proceeded that
afternoon about fourteen miles on our way towards Little York, in
Pennsylvania; where we arrived the next day a little before evening.
On seventh day we had a comfortable instructive meeting there. We then
rode to Columbia, crossing the river Susquehannah in our way. The
next day being first day, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was
large for that place, more came than the house could contain; and was
a favoured season; the Lord’s power was manifest, and truth reigned
over all; and I was made to rejoice, under an humbling sense of his
continued mercy and gracious assistance from day to day; wherein we had
cause often to set up our Ebenezer, and say, in the language of one
formerly, “hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
The three following days, we attended meetings at Lampeter, Sadsbury,
and Doe Run. In these, our gracious helper, whom we waited upon, and
trusted in, manifested himself to be a God near at hand, and a present
helper in every needful time; and was not only mouth and wisdom,
tongue and utterance; but likewise sealed the truths communicated by
the attendant evidence of his own power, humbling and contriting many
hearts and bringing all under subjection to the authority of truth; so
that I had often in deep thankfulness of heart, to query like David:
“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me.”
We then proceeded, attending meetings at Fallowfield, East Caln,
Downingstown; and on first day, the 25th of 7th month, were at Uwchlan
meeting. It was, I trust, a profitable instructive season, as were
also the three foregoing; and I found peace in my labours, which I
esteem above all.
On second day we crossed the river Schuylkill, in our way to Plymouth;
where, by previous notice, we had a meeting appointed at the fourth
hour in the afternoon, which we accordingly attended. The next day we
had an appointed meeting at Abington. These were both large meetings,
in which the Lord’s power was felt to preside. The latter especially
was a very comfortable satisfactory meeting, wherein many truths of the
gospel were opened to the people’s consideration, and they pressed to
an engagement of mind to realize them in their own experience; and were
shown the great and singular advantage and benefits, that would most
certainly result to them and to society, in their so doing. The Lord’s
power was manifest, and truth reigned over all opposition.
The four following days we were at Byberry, Middletown, Bristol,
and the Falls. These were large meetings, wherein, through gracious
assistance, my mind was strengthened to labour largely in the gospel;
endeavouring, by plain and conclusive arguments, drawn from scripture
testimony and their own experience, to gather the minds and attention
of the people, from every non-essential and false trust, home to the
sure foundation, the elect precious corner stone, which is Christ
in them, the hope of glory. These were solemn seasons, wherein the
people’s minds were generally humbled, the honest-hearted comforted,
the youth encouraged and instructed, and the lukewarm and refractory
cautioned and reproved. The Lord’s power was exalted over all,
rejoicing the sincere-hearted, and giving peace to my own mind.
The next day being first day, and 1st of 8th month, we attended
Trenton meeting in the morning, and were at Stony Brook at five in the
afternoon. The meeting at Trenton was considered to be the largest that
had ever been held in that place. It was a favoured precious meeting,
wherein the Lord’s power was eminently manifest; and my spirit was
made to rejoice and joy in the God of my salvation, who had made bare
his arm of divine sufficiency; and as I trusted in him, carried me
through, and over, every trial and tribulation, that attended in the
course of this journey; enabling me to labour faithfully in the work of
the gospel, I trust to the exaltation of his own righteous cause, and
to the peace and comfort of my own mind.
These meetings closed my visit in those parts. We then proceeded
directly to New-York, where we arrived on third day; and as Friends’
monthly meeting there was to be held the next day, we concluded to
stay and attend it. I then rode home and found my family well, for
which favour, together with the Lord’s other multiplied mercies and
blessings, conferred in the course of my pilgrimage through this vale
of tears, inspire my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great
and blessed Author of my being and well-being, “who is over all, God
blessed for ever.”
Fifth day, 5th of 8th month, 1813. On this, and the two following days,
I made preparations for again entering into the necessary cares of my
family.
First day. After a pretty close exercise in silence in our meeting
to-day, I was led to call Friends’ attention to more strict
watchfulness and circumspection, and to show the necessity of advancing
in the work of righteousness, and not to continue any longer at ease
in a formal customary way, which is sure to produce dwarfishness
and death, not only to individuals, but also languor and dulness in
meetings, greatly distressing to the living exercised members.
The following week was spent in my common vocation as a farmer; except
that on seventh day, I went to Setauket, about thirty miles, to visit
a sick Friend, who had lately been received a member. We had a meeting
with her and some of her neighbours on first day, after which I
returned home that evening.
Second, third, and fourth days, passed, as usual, in a peaceful
attention to my ordinary vocations.
Fifth day. At meeting to-day my mind was solemnly humbled in a fresh
commemoration of the gracious dealings of our heavenly Father towards
the workmanship of his holy hand, especially to his revolting and
backsliding creature man; whom, in great mercy, he is visiting and
revisiting in the midst of his iniquities, inviting him in loving
kindness to repent and return, that he may bring back his soul from the
pit, and be enlightened with the light of the living.
Sixth and seventh days. Was occupied with my temporal concerns, which
were trying, through indisposition of body, and much poverty of mind.
First day. I attended our meeting to-day, not so much with an
expectation of comfort, as from a sense of real duty, as my bodily
indisposition and poverty of spirit still continued; nevertheless, my
mind, soon after I took my seat, was opened into a view of the great
hurt man has sustained by suffering himself to be led and governed by
his external senses. It is through these avenues that he is principally
exposed to temptation in this probationary state. And had he watchfully
attended to the internal sense and voice of God to his soul, which his
dependent state justly required of him, the tempter would have found no
more place in him, than he did in the blessed Jesus. Hence the way of
our return lies open before us, through the grace of God or Comforter,
by which the internal sense of the soul is again arrested, and strict
obedience to its dictates required; and if yielded to in uprightness
and faithful submission, the external senses are thereby subjected and
regulated, and every undue desire and passion subdued, and the creature
returns a willing subject to the Creator, and primitive harmony is
restored. I had largely to communicate on this subject, and to show to
the auditory how wonderfully gracious and merciful the Lord is, who
in longsuffering and loving kindness is dispensing to every state,
according to its necessities, not suffering even a sparrow to fall
without his heavenly notice.
The rest of this week was spent in my ordinary vocations. My farming
business was very pressing, and it being difficult to procure suitable
assistance, my mind was over-burdened with care, which seldom fails of
producing leanness of spirit in a lesser or greater degree.
First day, the 29th of 8th month. Attended our meeting in silence. Oh!
what a precious enjoyment to know both soul and body in humble silence,
prostrated at the throne of grace.
Second day. Had invitations to attend the funerals of two deceased
women Friends on the day following. One of them had been lately, at
her request, received into membership by our monthly meeting, but was
never able to attend, she living in the town of Setauket, far distant
from Friends. We had a meeting at her funeral agreeably to her request.
It was a large solemn one. A number of the inhabitants of the town
attended, and many, although generally strangers to us, were glad of
the opportunity, and appeared well affected therewith. The rest of this
week was spent about home in my usual avocations.
First day, the 5th of 9th month. Attended the indulged meeting at
Jerusalem, which, in the main, I think was a favoured season, although
somewhat hurt in the forepart by an unsavoury appearance in the
ministry.
Second, third, and fourth days. Was occupied in attending to my farming
business, which, for want of suitable, faithful labourers, is often
attended with much care, and too much bodily labour for my time of
life, but which cannot well be avoided without my business suffering.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which our overseers
brought forward information of one of our members having through
unwatchfulness and want of faithful attention to the witness of truth
in his own mind, given way repeatedly to use strong drink to excess.
This information affected my mind in degree, both with joy and sorrow.
I was glad, because from my knowledge of the case, I fully believed
it had been too long procrastinated, not only to the hurt and loss of
the individual; but also, had brought reproach upon the society, and
wounded the noble cause we are engaged to espouse. And it was cause of
real sorrow, when I was brought to reflect on the distressed state of
the individual, and the great affliction it must necessarily produce to
his wife and children, and near connexions. O how necessary to keep up
a steady watch and warfare, against this sore evil which destroys so
many tens of thousands of the children of men, both in soul and body.
A few following days were spent in much bodily pain from a supposed
rheumatic complaint in one of my limbs. O how needful a virtue
is patience in seasons of affliction, to keep us from ungrateful
murmurings: by which men and women often greatly offend their gracious
and beneficent Creator, who designs nothing but good to his creature
man in all the varied dispensations of his divine providence.
First day. At our meeting to-day, I was led to show to the people
the great harm and loss neighbourhoods, as well as the community at
large, sustain for want of a careful submission to the laws, in all
points where they do not interfere with conscience; and that those who
from their licentious and immoral pursuits, were often transgressing
against the moral precepts of the law, were not worthy of living in
a free country, while violating the civil policy thereof merely to
gratify their own creaturely and selfish inclinations. An honest and
faithful attention to the moral law of the country we live in, will,
in a certain degree, (as the apostle expressed in allusion to the law
of Moses,) be as a schoolmaster to lead to Christ. He only who is
faithful in the unrighteous mammon, is likely to make any proficiency
in obtaining the true riches.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting; at the first sitting of which,
my mind was opened into a clear view of the necessity of our coming to
experience a resurrection from a state of spiritual death, to a renewal
of spiritual life, through the resurrection of Christ, by his life and
power in us; as nothing short of that can give full and satisfactory
evidence of his, and our resurrection, from the dead. On this internal
testimony our whole salvation depends; and we know and feel, that
because he lives we live also; and the life that we now live, is by
faith in the Son of God, hence we come to know in our own experience
what Paul meant when he thus expressed himself: “my little children, of
whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” _Christ
formed in us_ is the sum and substance of the gospel state.
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in manual labour, a reasonable portion of
which I consider my duty and delight; and the more my delight, because
I esteem it my reasonable and Christian service: and as I also abhor
idleness and sloth.
First day. Sat our meeting in silence under a pretty long testimony of
a ministering Friend on a visit to us, who introduced his communication
with the following saying of Christ: “Except ye eat my flesh and drink
my blood, ye have no life in you; for my flesh is meat indeed, and
my blood is drink indeed:” and to show that it was to be spiritually
understood and internally received, he further added: “The words that I
say unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” An excellent subject
indeed, and while he kept to his text and the subject, it seemed
lively; but he after a time departed from it, and the life, I thought,
very much departed with it. How very necessary it is for ministers
to keep a steady eye to the openings of truth, and not suffer any
premature birth to rise up and get in and scatter their attention. For
want of this care, I have often thought many good openings have been
much lost, and the work thereby marred.
First day, the 10th of 10th month. Alas! how fleeting is time: three
weeks have elapsed since my last note; in the course of which I have
attended two funerals. Take care, oh my soul! and do not grow careless
and forgetful when drawing near to the eve of life; lest the world
and its cares get in and choke the bubblings of the celestial spring,
through the abundant cumber that seems necessarily attendant on my
present state in striving to help and comfort others.
First day, the 17th of 10th month. Passed the last week principally in
attending to my outward avocations, except attending the funeral of a
young man, where we had a solemn opportunity. I was exercised publicly
to set forth the necessity and great propriety of an early and timely
preparation for death; and to show to the people the way and means
by which it only can be effected; founded on the declaration of the
apostle Paul, where he asserts that, “not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by
the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” The
opportunity closed with comfort and peace of mind, which is the true
crown of all.
I sat our meeting to-day in silence, feeling nothing to exercise my
mind in a communicative way.
Seventh day. Spent this week mostly in the busy round of outward cares,
in my temporal concerns; except attending our monthly meeting on fifth
day, and our select meeting for Ministers and Elders on sixth day. In
both of these my mind was exercised on account of the apparent languor
respecting the right management and want of firmness in the execution
of our discipline, even in Ministers and Elders; by which reason the
society were very much enveloped in a state of weakness.
First day. Felt my mind clothed with great weakness, and a feeling
sense of my own insufficiency, while sitting in our meeting to-day;
nevertheless, I was led to view in prospect and contemplation, the
great and essential advantages which result to individuals, and society
in general, by a strict and steady attendance of religious meetings,
from a real sense of duty; as there is scarcely any thing in the
outward conduct of men and women, which more fully denotes a mind fixed
on God its maker for support and countenance, while passing through
the changes and vicissitudes of this mortal life. The subject spread
and led to communication, and opened to a large field of doctrine, in
which the gospel was preached in the authority of truth, and a very
comfortable solemnity covered the meeting.
Third day. Attended the funeral of an acquaintance, a convinced person;
it being his request on his death-bed; and also that a meeting might
be held at his funeral. It was accordingly so ordered, and proved a
very solemn affecting season, particularly so to the near connexions
of the deceased. The Lord was graciously near, furnishing ability to
bear ample testimony to many truths of the gospel. The people were very
attentive, and many hearts were broken and contrited, and the Lord’s
name and power exalted over all.
Seventh day. The three preceding days I attended our quarterly meeting,
which was held at this time at Flushing. The meeting of Ministers and
Elders, and the meeting for discipline were very trying heart-searching
seasons. The meeting for worship was a quiet favoured meeting. We had
great cause to acknowledge the goodness and continued mercy of Israel’s
Shepherd, who not only furnished wisdom and ability to search out the
hidden things of Esau, or the first nature; and to set judgment upon
the head of the transgressing nature, in those meetings set apart for
the well-ordering of the affairs of the church: but also graciously
condescended in the closing meeting held for worship, to gladden
our hearts by the effusions of his love, causing the light of his
countenance to shine upon us. The minds of the faithful were influenced
to return thanksgiving and praise to his ever adorable name, who
remains to be “God over all, blessed for ever.”
First day. Sat our meeting in silence, and was much interrupted by the
intrusion of unprofitable thoughts, against which I had to struggle
through most part of the meeting.
Second and third days. Spent in my necessary avocations; but not
without considerable fear attending, lest my temporal concerns too
much intrude and indispose my mind for heavenly meditations. Nothing
material occurred the rest of the week.
First day. Silence as to words sealed my lips through the meeting again
to-day; and may they remain shut in all our solemn meetings, unless
opened by the key of David.
In the course of this week I attended the funerals of two Friends; at
both of which meetings were held. In the first, my mind was largely
opened on the subject of religion; wherein I was led to show to the
auditory, that a right consideration and frequent remembrance of our
latter end, tended to lead into the realities thereof; which consist
in nothing but acts of real obedience and humble submission to the
manifested will of our heavenly Father, through the inspiration of his
grace and light in our own hearts. As we are careful to have this in
our daily experience, it qualifies to answer the great end for which
we were created, to glorify God and enjoy him; and be thereby prepared
to meet death with an even and tranquil mind, having known its sting,
which is sin, taken away by the death of the cross. I was also led to
expose the doctrine of personal and unconditional predestination and
election; and to show the fallacy and inconsistency thereof with the
divine character.
In the latter meeting I was concerned to show the dangerous and hurtful
tendency of our submitting to be led and governed by the customs and
manners of others, without a strict and careful examination thereof;
and bringing them to the test of the light in our own conscience. For
although the frequency of a thing, and an habitual conformity to that
which is not right, often blunts the edge of conviction, and reconciles
us to that which is contrary to truth, and derogatory to our true
interest; yet the custom of sinning will not lessen its guilt. For
in the awful day of final decision, all our fig-leaf coverings will
be torn off, and things will then appear as they really are; and we
shall all stand in need of that substantial covering, represented by
the coats of skins, which the Lord made for our first parents, and
gave them in lieu of their fig-leaves; that is, something of their own
inventing, that so their nakedness might no longer be exposed.
My mind was also opened to set forth the design and end of the shadowy
or law dispensation; and that by its consistency and harmony in all its
parts, it was a just figure and representation of the gospel state and
dispensation. Many of its precepts were not good, nor consistent with
the justice and mercy of the all-beneficent and gracious Jehovah; but
were only so, as they stood in relation to the very low, degraded and
wicked state of mankind at that time; and were therefore justly suited
to Israel’s state, and the states and conditions of the surrounding
nations concerned therein, as saith Ezekiel: “Wherefore I gave them
also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not
live.”
First day, the 14th of 11th month. Attended Cow Neck meeting to
satisfaction.
The rest of this week I spent at home, being closely engaged in
business, and in making preparation for the more comfortable
accommodation of my stock through the inclemency of the approaching
winter; considering that a merciful man is merciful to his beast; and
as I consider it not right to keep in my possession, and under my
immediate notice, any more of the animal creation than I can render
reasonably comfortable.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which my mind was engaged
to show the great benefit that would result to society, and to its
members as individuals, by a right exercise and faithful execution
of our discipline, without fear or favour; and that some cases of
disorder in an individual might turn up, which, with its attendant
circumstances, might render it not only necessary to disown the person,
but would also prove more to his true interest, and the advancement
of the cause and testimonies that we as a people are engaged in, than
the reception of any untimely or unseasonable acknowledgment could
possibly be. For I have always considered it required, not only deep
and solid consideration, but suitable time of waiting, in order rightly
to qualify a person to make an acknowledgment for an offence committed
against a religious society.
First day. My mind was closely engaged, and largely opened, to show
the inconsistency and unrighteousness of a conformity to the vain
and foolish customs of the world; demonstrating from the scriptures,
that in all ages since the fall of our first parents, the customs of
men and women in their natural estate, were vain, and that there was
a certain degree of wickedness attached to every vanity; hence the
necessity of our carefully guarding against the conformity to any
custom or tradition, until we have first brought it to the test of the
light in our own consciences, and the reason of things; and also to its
consistency with the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ: and
if relating to our duty towards our fellow creatures, examine whether
it comports with that most excellent rule given by him as a criterion
of conduct: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
Second, third, and fourth days. Nothing particular occurred. On fifth
day I was invited to the funeral of a friend who was a member of
Bethpage particular meeting, which I attended. After the interment
a solemn meeting was held, in which my mind was largely opened to
set forth to the people, the great necessity, as well as wisdom and
propriety, of an early preparation for death; and showing them the way
whereby it could only be rightly effected. It was a season of renewed
visitation to a remnant, and many hearts were broken and contrited.