Journey to Ohio in 1819.--Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in
1819.--Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in
1820.--Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in
1822. Visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823.
Having, as before noted, had it on my mind to attend the next yearly
meeting of Friends in the state of Ohio, and some other meetings in
going there and returning home; and having obtained a minute of unity
and concurrence from our monthly and quarterly meeting, I left home
in order to accomplish the service, the 17th of 8th month, 1819, and
proceeded to New-York. The next day, being first day, I attended
Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street in the morning, which proved a
favoured season, in which I witnessed a renewal of strength, and a
satisfactory evidence that my procedure was under right direction;
for which my mind was reduced into a state of humble gratitude for
the unmerited mercy; having left my home in weakness and poverty of
spirit, and nothing to lean on in crossing this Jordan, but my slender
staff of faith. I attended the meeting at Liberty-street in the
afternoon, which, although small, was in a good degree comfortable, and
encouraging to my much exercised mind. As our meeting for sufferings
was the succeeding third day, I staid in town and attended that meeting.
After this I proceeded on my journey, accompanied by my kind friend
and neighbour Willet Robbins, who had joined me as a companion in this
journey. We attended the quarterly meeting at Rahway on our way, which
opened the next day with the meeting of Ministers and Elders. The
meeting for discipline was held the day after; and a meeting for public
worship, as a parting meeting, the succeeding day. In these several
opportunities, way opened to discharge myself faithfully in the
exercise of gospel communication to my friends and others who attended,
fully to the relief of my own mind, and, I trust, to the instruction
and encouragement of many who attended; the Lord having been graciously
pleased to manifest his presence and power for our help, to the glory
and praise of his own excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for
ever.
After these solemn opportunities were closed, we took leave of our
friends, and proceeded on our journey; and arrived at Easton on seventh
day evening. This is a town on the west side of the river Delaware,
in the state of Pennsylvania. Having felt my mind led to pass through
this town, attended with a concern to have a religious opportunity with
the inhabitants, we tarried with them the next day, and had a meeting
appointed, which was held in their school-house, at the fourth hour in
the afternoon. It proved, through heavenly help, a favoured, and, I
trust, an instructive season to many; several of their ministers and
most of the principal people attended, and appeared all to go away
satisfied; and many apparently with thankful hearts for the present
favour; and I parted with them in true peace of mind.
The next morning we proceeded on our journey, and rode to Maiden Creek,
and lodged with our kind friend Isaac Penrose. The day following being
third day, we had an appointed meeting at Reading, about eight miles
farther on our way. It was held in their court-house. Many of the
inhabitants of the town attended, and behaved soberly; and the gospel
was preached among them in the plain demonstration of truth, and, I
trust, was as a sword or hammer to some present, who were not prepared
to meet sound doctrine; but was comfortable and instructive to others,
such as were tender in spirit, and were honestly seeking the way to
peace. It was a solemn, and, I trust, profitable opportunity.
After the meeting I made a short visit to a sick woman, who appeared
to be drawing fast toward her close. She was comforted in the visit,
and when I parted with her, appeared in a quiet resigned state of mind.
Her bodily affliction, which had attended her for a considerable time,
had, I believe, wrought a good work in her. After this opportunity
we proceeded immediately on our journey, which we continued the four
following days, through a number of towns and villages, where no
Friends live.
We arrived on seventh day evening at Dunning’s Creek, where there is a
monthly meeting of Friends. They lie very much detached from the body
of society; the nearest meeting to them is about sixty miles distant.
We attended their meeting on first day, which proved, through heavenly
help, a comfortable, strengthening opportunity. We lodged with our kind
friend Thomas Penrose.
The next morning we proceeded on our journey, having the Alleghany,
and several other mountains and high and rough ridges of land to pass
over, in our way to the settlements of Friends in the Redstone country.
The roads were excessively bad, and in some places almost impassable;
but with two days hard travelling we got safe to Connelsville, on the
west side of the mountains, on third day evening. We put up with a man
by the name of John Gibson, who had once a right of membership in our
society, but by some means had lost it; yet he appeared to retain his
love to Friends, and was very kind and benevolent, and appeared very
glad of the opportunity of entertaining Friends. His family likewise
appeared very kind and friendly, and signified it as a matter of
considerable regret, that they were so far distant from Friends, as not
to have the privilege of attending their meetings. There was one family
of Friends in the town; and one of their children, an infant of about
eight months old, had died a little before our arrival; and the funeral
being the next day, we attended it. It was a very solemn opportunity,
in which many hearts were contrited by the tendering power of truth,
which was felt to cover the assembly in a very general manner. Such
seasons are as a brook by the way, to the poor exercised travellers,
who often go mourning on their way, from a sense of the prevalence of
sin and iniquity in the land.
After this solemn opportunity we proceeded on our journey, and the
next day attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Westland, in Redstone
quarterly meeting. I had some service, both in the meeting for worship,
and that for discipline; but things appeared rather low as to the right
order of the gospel, in both meetings. It being a day of ease and
outward tranquillity; and this hath a tendency to produce lukewarmness,
if not watchfully and diligently guarded against.
From this place we proceeded directly to Mount Pleasant, in Ohio,
where the yearly meeting is held; where we arrived on seventh day, the
28th of 8th month. On first day, the 29th, attended Friends’ meeting
at Short Creek in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Mount
Pleasant in the afternoon. They were both largely attended, and proved
very instructive satisfactory meetings, in which I had good service;
and found sweet peace as the result of my labours of love amongst them.
The five following days, meetings were appointed for us at Concord, St.
Clairsville, Plainfield, Flushing, and Harrisville. These were all full
meetings; generally more collected than the houses could contain; but
Friends were industrious, and provided seats out of doors, about the
house, by which the people were generally accommodated.
On seventh day the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened;
and continued by adjournments until fifth day. I think they were
generally favoured opportunities. The Head of the Church graciously
condescending to manifest his presence for the help of his devoted,
dedicated children; and this is the crown and diadem of all our
religious assemblies. On first day public meetings for worship were
held, both forenoon and afternoon, in both Friends’ meeting-houses in
the neighbourhood; that in the town of Mount Pleasant, held in their
new meeting-house, which is one of the largest I ever saw belonging
to Friends, was very large. I attended that meeting both forenoon and
afternoon, in which I had much service by way of testimony; which
appeared to be much to the comfort and general edification of the
assemblies, and resulted in the solid peace of my own mind.
On second day, the yearly meeting for discipline opened, and continued
by adjournments until seventh day toward evening. It was a season of
much travail and exercise to the rightly concerned active members;
having before them, in addition to their usual business, the revisal of
their discipline. I was led under close exercise on the account, and a
very considerable portion of active service fell to my lot, with other
Friends. It was thought, I believe, by Friends generally, to have been
the most favoured yearly meeting they had had since its institution,
and was worthy of grateful remembrance.
I tarried here over first day, and attended their meeting at the old
meeting-house. It was a season of deep travail in the forepart of the
meeting, in which my spirit was led into deep baptism with, and for,
the dead; and I was brought into sympathy and fellowship with the
suffering seed, which appeared to me to be pressed down in the hearts
of the formal professors, as a cart under sheaves. This, I believed,
was too much the situation of a considerable number in that assembly;
but as I continued patiently to endure the exercise, and kept up the
inward travail, light sprang up and dispelled the darkness, accompanied
with a motion of life to stand up; and my mouth was opened in a large
searching and effective testimony, whereby the dead were raised, the
lukewarm stirred up, the honest seekers encouraged, and the rightly
exercised minds comforted and edified. It was the Lord’s doing, and
marvellous in mine eyes.
The six succeeding days, meetings were appointed at the following
places, which we attended. On second day, at a little village called
York, where a few Friends were privileged with an indulged meeting; a
meeting not being established. On third day at Smithfield; on fourth
day at Cross Creek; on fifth day at Franklin, where was also only a
small indulged meeting. On sixth day, at Augusta, at the tenth hour in
the morning, and at Sandy Spring, at the third hour in the afternoon;
on seventh day at New Garden. These were all seasons of favour, wherein
I was strengthened to labour in the work of the gospel, and to declare
largely to these several assemblies, of the things concerning the
kingdom of God; endeavouring, by persuasive arguments, founded in the
clear demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with a lively evidence
of divine power to gather the minds of the people to the _light
of Christ_, or _Christ the light, in their own hearts; as the only
sure guide to blessedness_, and _foundation rock on which to build
all our hopes of redemption and salvation_. A precious solemnity was
felt to prevail in those several meetings, most of which were crowded
gatherings, many more often collecting than their meeting-houses could
contain; and truth was exalted over all, to the praise of Him who is
over all, God blessed for ever.
After the latter meeting we proceeded to Salem, intending to be at
Friends’ meeting there the next day, which was first day, the 19th of
9th month. We attended the meeting in the forenoon, but not feeling
myself clear, I was led to appoint an afternoon meeting; which was
accordingly held at the third hour, and was largely attended by Friends
and others; among whom way opened fully to discharge and clear myself,
and I found peace in my labour of love among them.
On second and third days, I attended meetings by appointment at
Springfield and Goshen, two neighbouring villages. These were likewise
very solemn instructive seasons, wherein I was largely led forth in
ministerial labour, apparently to the comfort and edification of most
present. From Goshen we returned back to Salem, intending to be at
their monthly meeting to be held the next day, which we accordingly
attended. I had good service among my Friends, both in the meeting for
worship and that for discipline.
After this we took a final leave of them, in the fresh feelings of
mutual love and Christian fellowship, and proceeded on our journey that
afternoon to Fairfield, where we had a meeting the next day. On sixth
day, was at Columbiana. On seventh day, at Middleton. And on first
day, the 26th, had two meetings; one in the morning at Elk Run, and
the other at the third hour in the afternoon at Carmel. These meetings
were all well attended; wherein I was led forth largely in testimony,
apparently to the general satisfaction and edification of the people,
and to the comfort and peace of my own mind.
On second day we proceeded to New Lisbon, and attended a meeting in
their court-house at the eleventh hour. It was a large collection,
mostly made up of other societies, there being but few Friends residing
in that place. I was led to open several doctrinal points of our
profession, and to show the great difference between profession and
possession; and that no profession of religion was worth esteeming as
any thing, unless it was the effect of the real possession of the thing
professed; as no profession of a thing, could of itself give any a
possession thereof; but a real possession, will manifest itself by its
fruits. It was a day of great favour, in which truth reigned over all.
On third day, we proceeded to Beaver Falls. Had a meeting there the
next day to good satisfaction. After this we travelled on our way
to Pittsburg, where we arrived the next day about noon, and had an
appointed meeting there in the evening in their court-house. It was
a large spacious building, but more collected than the house could
contain. I had much service among them, and the Lord’s power was felt
to preside, quieting and solemnizing the assembly; and many hearts were
humbled and contrited, and truth raised into dominion over all.
On sixth day afternoon, we left Pittsburg on our way to Brownsville,
where we arrived in the afternoon of the next day. On first day we
attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice being spread among the
people at large that we were there, it was a very crowded assembly,
more than the house could well contain. Through the condescending
goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, I was helped to discharge myself
faithfully among them, in an effective testimony to the truths of
the gospel; proving from clear scripture testimony, accompanied with
the demonstration of the spirit, in harmony with right reason, that
nothing short of a full belief in, and obedience to, the revelation of
the spirit of truth, (a manifestation of which is given to every man
and woman to profit withal,) as the only rule of faith and practice,
can make a real Christian, and produce redemption and salvation to
an immortal soul. It was a very solemn instructive season, worthy of
grateful remembrance.
On second day we had an appointed meeting at Sandy Hill, at the
tenth hour; and another in the evening at Uniontown, held in their
court-house. These were both seasons of favour, producing solid peace
to my own mind, and, I trust, instructive and edifying to the people in
general who attended. These meetings closed my labours among Friends
and others, in the compass of the yearly meeting of Ohio.
On third day we set out on our journey over the mountains, towards
Winchester in Virginia; in order to attend the meetings of Friends
in that neighbourhood, on our way to Baltimore. The distance was
about one hundred and sixteen miles. It took three days to accomplish
the journey, with hard travelling; a considerable part of the way
being very rocky, as well as mountainous. We arrived among Friends
at Pughtown, on fifth day evening; and had a meeting appointed there
the next day, at two o’clock in the afternoon, which we attended
accordingly. On seventh day had a meeting at the Ridge. On first day
at Centre, near Winchester; and the two following days had meetings at
Hopewell and Berkley. I was largely led forth in these meetings, to
show to the people the inconsistency and unrighteousness of holding
our fellow creatures in bondage, and the evil tendency of bringing
up our children and families on the fruits of their labour, wrested
from them by violence, without paying them an adequate reward for the
same. I likewise opened to them the folly and deception of all their
profession of worshipping that Being, who is perfect in justice, purity
and holiness, while their hands are full of violence and oppression,
and they living in luxury and idleness on their unrighteous gain. The
Lord’s power was exalted in these meetings, and truth reigned.
After the latter meeting we proceeded on our way towards Baltimore,
where we arrived on seventh day evening; attending meetings at
Fredericktown and New Market, on our way thither. On first day, the
17th of 10th month, I attended Friends’ meetings in that city; the
Western District in the morning, and the Eastern District in the
afternoon. I was silent in the former, but in the latter, I was largely
led forth in gospel communication. As notice had been spread among the
citizens of other professions, the meeting was large, and the divine
power was felt to preside, which brought a precious solemnity over the
meeting, and truth was raised into dominion.
Here we met with our friend Elizabeth Coggeshall from New-York, with
her companion Judith Coffin, from Nantucket; also our ancient friend
William Rickman, from England. We were mutually glad in seeing each
other. Elizabeth felt a concern to see the members of our society,
select from those of other societies in each meeting, accordingly a
Friend, at her request, in the morning meeting when the service of the
first meeting was over, proposed the same to the assembly; when those
who were not members quietly withdrew, and our dear friend had good
service among them. This also opened an opportunity for me to throw
in my mite, and set a seal to the service. A similar opportunity was
likewise had with Friends at the close of the afternoon meeting in the
Eastern District, which was also a favoured time.
And as I had felt my mind somewhat similarly engaged in coming into the
city, it opened the way to spread my exercise before Friends; which
was that of the more select service of seeing the active members and
heads of families of both sexes together. I had an opportunity with
those of this description in the Western District, and afterwards with
those of the Eastern; and was glad in believing that divine love was
near, favouring with His enlivening, reconciling presence; which raised
a hope, that through the divine blessing, the opportunities would not
prove altogether unfruitful, for some disunity and jealousies had
prevailed among the members of society in this city.
The next day being Friends’ meeting day, I felt most easy to stay and
attend it. I also found my mind led to some further service among the
citizens at large: for although I had had a public opportunity on
first day evening, which seemed for the present to ease my mind, yet a
renewed exercise on that account induced a belief it would be right to
give the citizens generally another invitation; which Friends readily
agreed to, and spread the notice accordingly. It was a very large
meeting, and through gracious condescension a highly favoured season;
the Lord’s power was felt to preside, and a precious solemnity spread
over the assembly, and I took my leave of them in much peace of mind.
This closed my service among them. The two following days we rode
to Wilmington, where we arrived on sixth day evening. On seventh
day evening we had a large meeting by appointment, with Friends and
the inhabitants of the town. This was a solemn instructive season,
worthy of grateful remembrance. We also attended the morning meeting
of Friends the next day, and then proceeded to Chester, parting with
my Friends in much sweet peace and unity. Here we had a large solemn
meeting in the evening, among the few Friends of that place and the
inhabitants of the town. I trust, through heavenly goodness, it proved
an instructive edifying season to many.
The two following days, I attended the monthly meetings of Providence
and Darby. On fourth day morning we proceeded to Philadelphia. We
staid in the city until the following third day, and attended all the
meetings of Friends there; some by appointment, and the others as they
came in course. We were at two of their monthly meetings, and their
quarterly meeting. The meetings were generally crowded, and at several
many of the people were obliged to stand outside of the doors, for want
of room. Through unmerited mercy the Lord’s power was felt to preside,
producing a precious solemnity over those large promiscuous gatherings,
and by which truth was raised into dominion. Surely it was the Lord’s
doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. It was, I trust, a time of renewed
visitation to many, especially to the beloved youth.
We left the city on third day morning, and proceeded to Germantown,
where by previous appointment we had a large meeting at the eleventh
hour. The two following days we attended Friends’ quarterly meeting at
Horsham; and on sixth day, had a large public meeting at Byberry. These
were all favoured instructive seasons, in which the Lord’s presence was
manifested for our help, and were worthy of grateful remembrance.
On seventh day we attended a meeting at Bristol; and at evening crossed
the river Delaware to Burlington, and attended Friends’ forenoon and
afternoon meetings on first day. These were large favoured meetings, in
which truth reigned.
On second day, the 8th of 11th month we proceeded to Trenton and had a
large meeting there in the evening, with the few Friends of that place,
and the inhabitants of the town, in which divers essential doctrines
of the gospel were opened to the consideration of the assembly. It was
a solemn meeting, and I parted with them in true peace of mind, which
is the certain and consolatory result of disinterested obedience, and
faithfulness to manifested duty.
We proceeded on third day, on our way to New-York, where we arrived the
next day in season to attend Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street; it being
their usual meeting day. The meeting was generally gathered when I got
in, having had some distance to travel to reach there, which occasioned
my being a few minutes after the time. My mind, soon after taking my
seat, was brought under a renewed exercise, on account of the members
of our society mixing in with the associations of other people, in
their governments and politics, their Bible and Missionary societies,
and pretended charity associations; which had a very hurtful tendency,
by leavening the minds of Friends, and leading them to assimilate with
the spirit of the world; and turning them away from the simplicity,
of our profession, thereby neglecting to support our Christian
testimonies, as it regards plainness of speech, deportment, and
apparel. Such conduct is particularly wounding to some of the beloved
youth, for they seeing their elder brethren, and especially some who
were sometimes active in our meetings for discipline, join with such
associations, it leads them into a free familiarity and friendship
with such as are light and vain in their conversation and deportment,
by which their tender minds are greatly wounded; and they led off from
the cross, and a strict regard to that sobriety of conduct, which truth
requires of all its professors. I was led to communicate largely on
those subjects, in a close searching testimony; and the Lord’s power
was felt to prevail, and the meeting generally brought under a solemn
covering. It proved a season of favour, and the right-minded were made
to rejoice.
Feeling my mind impressed with a concern to appoint a meeting for
the citizens at large, the appointment was accordingly made at seven
o’clock the ensuing evening. It was a very large collection, more than
the house could contain; and was a highly favoured season. A very
precious solemnity was spread over the assembly in general; and when
I sat down, after standing nearly two hours, I turned my eyes over
the congregation, and all was quiet and still, and every countenance
seemed expressive of the solemnity felt, which united us together and
clothed us as with a mantle of love. Surely it was the Lord’s doing,
and marvellous in our eyes.
The next day I attended Friends’ meeting near the Bowery, as it came in
course; and some notice being given of my intending to be there, we had
the company of a number of their neighbours of other societies. This
was also a very instructive favoured season.
The ensuing evening I had another appointed meeting for the citizens at
large, in Friends’ meeting-house at Liberty-street. This was rather a
trying meeting; as many who attended were such as had settled down in
a form, and were difficult to reach, which makes hard labour for the
truly exercised ministers. However I had a hope the season would prove
profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind.
This meeting closed my labours in this journey, and the next morning
we rode home, the 12th of the 11th month, 1819. I found my family and
friends in usual health, and glad to see me, which rendered it a cause
of mutual joy, and filled my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving
to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, who had led about,
instructed and preserved me, through all, to the praise of his great
and excellent name.
I was from home in this journey about three months, and travelled
nearly twelve hundred miles, and attended eighty-seven meetings.
First day, 14th. I sat with my Friends in our own meeting, in which I
was largely led forth in ministry, setting forth, as it opened on my
mind, the cause why so little progress was made in reformation, and
the true spiritual or real Christian life; and showing that it was
principally, as it then appeared in the openings of truth, occasioned
by the visited children of our heavenly Father, not keeping close to
that which first visited them, and opened their understanding; but
letting their minds out to worldly things, and that by opening the
way to a free and familiar converse with the people of the world,
many were led and induced thereby to join with them in their manners,
maxims, interests and worldly policies, by which means they were so
yoked together in a free and open friendship, as thereby to become
weakened and brought into bondage to them; so as to be ashamed and
afraid to stand upright, and bear a faithful testimony against this
worldly spirit and its fruits; by which the testimonies of truth
were in a great measure let fall, for fear of offending these their
worldly-minded associates, by which the promotion of the cause of truth
was greatly obstructed, and its faithful testimony-bearers grieved, and
made to go mourning on their way.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I also had some close
searching labour to stir up Friends to more diligence and faithfulness
in the support of our Christian testimonies; and cautioning them
against a worldly spirit, which would lead to extortion and grinding
the faces of the poor; for this is very reproachful for any Christian
professor, and more so for us, who are making a more exalted profession
than any others who go under the Christian name.
First day, the 21st. My mind to-day was led into a near feeling
sympathy with such as had been visited with the day-spring from on
high, but who had not so fully given up to the pointing of truth, in
what are generally termed little things, as they ought; the natural
tendency of which is to lead the mind into a doubting state. For
when the creature, in his own will, takes the liberty of judging for
himself, of what is little, or what is great, he departs from the true
standard, and has no certain evidence to walk by; for if he has a
right to judge for himself in one case, why not in every other. Here
doubting will arise in his mind, of what is, or is not, agreeable to
the divine will; as nothing can give the mind certain evidence, but
faithfully complying with the evident sensations which the light of
truth opens upon it, let them be what the creature may judge to be
small or great; for we have no more reason or right to refuse complying
with a small requisition, than we have a great one, if the requisition
proceeds from the same source. The subject was so opened as to affect
many minds with tenderness and contrition; and had an humbling,
solemnizing effect on the meeting in general, and was, I believe,
gladdening to many minds.
Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, which was very acceptable
to me.
First day, the 28th. Mostly silent in meeting to-day.
On my return home from my late journey, I felt my mind drawn in
sympathy, attended with a concern to pay a religious visit to the
neighbouring inhabitants in the compass of our quarterly meeting.
This concern I opened to my friends the first monthly meeting after
my return, and received their full unity therein; but taking a severe
cold soon after I came home, I continued indisposed for some weeks,
which with some necessary concerns, prevented my entering on the visit,
until after our succeeding monthly meeting. The fourth day following,
the 22d of 12th month, I proceeded therein, accompanied by my wife and
my kinsman, Isaac Hicks, of Westbury. We were from home five days, and
attended six meetings, mostly among those of other societies. It was a
time of deep exercise to me, being led in the line of searching labour,
pointing to a reform in manners and conduct; and showing the fallacy of
all ceremonial religion in the observation of days, and complying with
outward ordinances; which do not in the least tend to make the comers
thereunto a whit the better, as it respects the conscience, but lead
the observers thereof into a form, without the power.
We returned home the following second day. I tarried at home until
the beginning of the next week, when feeling my mind drawn to attend
the monthly meeting of Friends in New-York, I again left home,
accompanied by the aforesaid friend. We were at the monthly meeting
on fourth day, in which I had some close exercise, the meeting having
much business before it, and one case in particular was very trying, in
which Friends were divided, and two or three unqualified individuals
seemed determined, for a considerable time, to compel the meeting to
comply with their unsanctified wills; but as Friends who were rightly
exercised, patiently kept up the travail, and withstood them, truth was
raised into dominion, and by its power silenced all their cavilling,
and united the meeting in a right conclusion. The meeting for worship
and that for discipline continued upwards of six hours.
We left the city soon after the close of this long meeting, and
passed over the river to Brooklyn, where by previous appointment we
had a meeting that evening, composed of the different professions of
the inhabitants of that place, very few Friends residing there. The
meeting was pretty large, and in the main satisfactory. The next day
we proceeded to Flushing, and attended their monthly meeting. I was
silent in the meeting for worship, but had some good service in that
for discipline. We also had an appointed meeting in the evening for the
inhabitants of the town, which was large and solemn. The next day we
returned to Newtown, and had a meeting at Friends’ meeting-house at the
Kilns in that place, at the eleventh hour; and another in the evening
at the sixth hour, in the village. They were both favoured meetings.
We returned to Flushing after the latter meeting, and lodged with our
kind friend Walter Farrington, and the next day rode home and found my
family well.
First day, the 9th of 1st month, 1820. I sat with my friends at home in
our own meeting to-day, which I considered as no small privilege.
On second day morning I was early informed, that my kinsman and kind
fellow traveller Isaac Hicks, was taken with a severe illness, about
ten o’clock the preceding evening, and lay at the point of death. I
hastened to see him, and found him nearly breathing his last, being
past noticing any thing by his external senses. It was a sudden and
unexpected trial to me, to be thus almost instantaneously separated
from such a kind and valued friend, who had for a number of years
devoted himself in divers ways, to promote the cause of truth and
righteousness in the earth; and in particular, by encouraging and
accompanying Friends in the ministry, when travelling in truth’s
service, especially myself, having been with me in several long
journeys, as well as divers short ones. I parted with him at the close
of one of the latter, on the seventh day afternoon before his death,
at his own house, and apparently in usual health: although he had been
for a considerable time previous thereto, much afflicted, at times,
with severe pain in his breast and shortness of breath, which created
great suffering during their continuance. He had a return thereof the
evening before I last parted with him, which occasioned him to observe
to me, that he thought he should ere long be taken off in one of those
attacks; but I then thought quite otherwise, as in other respects he
appeared to be in very good health, and had a very healthy countenance.
Such sudden attacks prove with indubitable evidence, that mortality is
so closely interwoven in the very constitution of these animal bodies,
that the present moment is the only time we can call our own; and which
continually announce the impressive language: “Be ye therefore ready.”
Such sudden and unexpected separations from our endeared friends make
the loss seem greater, not only to their families and near connexions,
but to their friends in general, and particularly so to those who knew
their real worth. But it ever affords a soothing consolation, and
induces to acquiesce in the divine will, when we have evident cause to
hope that our loss, which is but for a short time, is their eternal
gain.
I attended the funeral of my beloved friend, which was large and
solemn; and I was led forth in an impressive testimony to the truths
of the gospel; inviting the people to inquire, and see, and taste for
themselves, that the Lord is good.
I continued at home until the following seventh day, when I again
proceeded on my visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. I
was from home about thirteen days and attended fifteen meetings,
returning home on sixth day, the 11th of 2d month, 1820. My service
in many of those opportunities was very arduous; the lukewarmness and
insensibility of the people, as to any right religious concern, make
hard work for the honest labourers, in this day of ease and carnal
security. But true peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness,
crowns the attempts at doing good, as it makes hard things easy and
bitter things sweet.
I tarried at home until the latter end of the next week, in the course
of which I had a very severe attack of bodily indisposition, occasioned
by the gravel, with which I have been afflicted at times, for near
twenty years. These warnings are designed to spur us on to our duty,
as they continually announce to the enlightened mind this very useful
memento: “Remember to die.”
In the latter end of the week, there came to my house my much esteemed
friend and kinsman Edward Hicks, from Newtown, in Bucks county,
Pennsylvania, on a religious visit to our parts, with his companion
James Walton, an elder. I accompanied them the next day to a meeting
they had appointed at Westbury. It was very large, in which Edward had
very good service, being largely led forth to open to the people many
important doctrines of the Christian religion. I accompanied him to
all the meetings he had among us except one; and in some of them had
a portion of the service laid upon me, particularly in the meeting at
Bethpage.
I accompanied my friend to four meetings after this, in which he was
generally favoured to open things suitable to the states of the people;
his gift being searching and lively. After his service was over in the
meeting at Cowneck, on first day, I was led forth in a short testimony;
and the meeting closed under an evident sense that truth reigned. Our
next meeting was the day following at Rockaway, on second day, the 28th
of 2d month. It was in the main a favoured opportunity. My part was to
sit in silence. After this meeting I parted with my beloved friend and
his companion, in the fellowship of the gospel; they proceeded towards
New-York, and I returned home that evening, and found my family well.
First day, the 5th of 3d month. I attended our own meeting, which
through heavenly help proved a very precious instructive season. It was
larger than usual, many coming in who did not often attend, to whom the
gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, through which
truth was raised into dominion, causing the hearts of many to be warmed
within them by the influence of its power, and manifesting itself by
much brokenness and contrition of spirit.
Second day, the 13th. Attended the funeral of our friend Charles Frost,
at which there was a large collection of friends and neighbours. A
meeting was held on the occasion, which was a favoured one, and, I
trust, a profitable opportunity to some present, and worthy of grateful
remembrance.
In the fall of 1820, being, with several other friends, on an
appointment from the yearly meeting, requiring our care and attention
in the northern quarters, and having for some time previously felt
my mind drawn to visit some of the meetings of Friends, within the
compass of Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings, I obtained
the unity and concurrence of my Friends at home to attend thereto,
after accomplishing the service of the yearly meeting. I accordingly
set out in the 9th month, and was favoured to go through the visit
with peace to my own mind; for He, who is the alone sure helper of
all his dependant children, graciously manifested himself to be near,
for my help and encouragement in the travail and exercise that I
was engaged in, for the promotion of his noble cause of truth and
righteousness in the earth; and in a way, that was often marvellous in
mine eyes, tending to inspire my soul with deep and humble gratitude
and thanksgiving, for the unmerited favour.
In the summer of 1822, I opened to my Friends a prospect, which for
a considerable time had been impressive on my mind, to make a visit
in the love of the gospel, to Friends and others in some parts of the
yearly meeting of Philadelphia; and, if way should open for it, to
visit some of the families of Friends in that city, and also to attend
the yearly meeting at Baltimore. They united with me in the concern,
and left me at liberty to proceed therein. I set out in the 7th month,
with David Seaman as my companion. We had a large favoured meeting at
Flushing, which was strengthening and comforting to my mind, in first
setting out in this arduous engagement, and excited gratitude for the
unmerited mercy. After leaving Flushing on our way to New-York, my
prospect of a meeting at Hester-street, which I had a view of several
weeks before I left home, revived with renewed weight; and although
from the consternation and interrupted state of the citizens, owing
to the prevalence of fever in the city, I had given up the prospect
on leaving home, yet I now saw that I could not depart from the city
with a quiet mind, unless I had a meeting agreeably to my former view.
Accordingly, when I got into town I opened my concern to some of my
friends there, who readily united therewith, and notice was given;
and one of the Friends who attended about the door at the gathering
of the meeting, said there were more people collected than had ever
been at any former time in that place; several hundreds, he said, went
away, who could not get into the house for want of room. I had a full
opportunity to clear my mind among the people, most of whom were very
solid and attentive. Thus we have great cause of gratitude to the
gracious Care-taker of his faithfully devoted children, who opens a way
for them, when some are ready to conclude there is no way. But he opens
a way for those, which none but himself can shut, to the praise of his
own great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed for ever.
We then proceeded to Newark, and had a meeting in the court-house.
There was a pretty large collection of the inhabitants, among whom
I had strength and utterance given to open many important doctrines
of the Christian religion, in a clear and impressive manner, which
appeared sensibly to affect and impress the minds of the sober and well
inclined; but many appeared very ignorant and inexperienced as to the
real truths of the gospel. But having fully cleared my mind among them,
I left them with the answer of peace, and proceeded to Plainfield. We
attended the meeting there, which was large for the place; and it was
favoured in an eminent manner, to our mutual comfort. We then rode to
Kingwood, and had a full and comfortable meeting there; after which we
went to Solebury, in Pennsylvania, and had a meeting at the sixth hour
in the evening. It was a large meeting, in which I was led to discharge
myself faithfully in a close searching testimony. It was a very solemn
quiet opportunity, and I parted with them in peace of mind.
We afterwards attended meetings at Buckingham, Plumbstead, Wrightstown,
Makefield, and Newtown: and we have abundant cause to bless the name
of Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd, who hath graciously condescended to
manifest his presence and power for our help and support, opening my
way in a marvellous manner in all the meetings I have attended since
I left home, uniting my friends in a joint travail for the promotion
of his blessed cause; truth prevailing in every meeting, and running
as precious ointment over the assemblies, bearing down all opposition,
and spreading, by its power, a sweet and precious solemnity over all.
Surely it is the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes: and what
is the greatest cause of gratitude and thanksgiving to the benevolent
Author of all our richest blessings, is, that he causes all these
favours to bow my spirit in deep humiliation and fear before him, as
unworthy of the least of his mercies. To the sufficiency of his grace,
may all the praise and glory be ascribed, nothing due to man.
We then attended meetings at Horsham, Upper Dublin, North Wales,
Plymouth, Providence, Pikeland, Westchester, London Grove, and Deer
Creek; and my spirit is humbled in a deep feeling sense of the Lord’s
goodness vouchsafed for our help, opening a way in the minds of my
friends generally to receive the testimonies given me to bear, for
the promotion of his righteous cause, with marks of apparent joy and
satisfaction, and to our mutual comfort. We reached Baltimore on the
25th of 10th month; and the meeting of Ministers and Elders was opened
on the next day at the tenth hour. The yearly meeting continued till
sixth day evening, and was acknowledged to be the largest and the most
favoured meeting they had known for several years past. The unity of
Friends with my exercises in the public meetings, and in those for
discipline, was truly grateful, and tended to humble and inspire my
mind with gratitude and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father.
I did not feel myself at liberty to leave the city at the close of
the yearly meeting, believing that some more public service among the
people was required of me. I had accordingly a public meeting in the
Eastern District, on seventh day evening. It was very large; and among
the various subjects that opened for communication to those assembled,
I was led to expose the iniquity and deformity of the cruel practice
of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, and the injustice and
inconsistency of Friends doing any act where the right of slavery
was acknowledged and supported; and, I think, I was enabled to do it
in a more full and impressive manner than ever before. We had a very
interesting and solemn meeting; truth appeared to gain the victory, and
reigned over all. On first day I attended Friends’ meetings for the
Western District, both in the forenoon and afternoon. They were very
large; and I had a full opportunity in the morning of clearing myself
among them. We had a precious, powerful meeting; and among the divers
states addressed, the slave-holders were peculiarly the objects of my
exercise and concern. The afternoon meeting I sat in silence, except
the expression of a few words just at the close, in taking leave of
them, and bidding all farewell.
In the evening I had a precious interesting opportunity with the
coloured people, in Friends’ meeting-house in the Western District.
It was said by Friends to be much the largest known in that place. It
was a very quiet, solemn meeting; and the minds of all, both white
and coloured, seemed animated with gladness and joy for the favour
dispensed, and gave manifestations of their thankfulness and gratitude
for the opportunity.
We then proceeded towards Philadelphia, attending several meetings
on our way, which were greatly favoured, and crowned with the divine
presence and power, in such a manner as to be marvellous in our eyes.
We arrived in Philadelphia in the early part of 12th month; and I
immediately entered on the arduous concern which I had had in prospect,
and which I was favoured soon comfortably to accomplish. We visited
the families composing Green-street monthly meeting, being in number
about one hundred and forty; and we also attended that monthly meeting,
and the monthly meeting for the Northern District. This closed my
visit there, and set me at liberty to turn my face homeward. We left
Philadelphia on the 25th of 12th month, and attended several meetings
in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, on our way home, which were large and
solemn opportunities. We were favoured to reach our homes with feelings
of thanksgiving to our gracious Preserver, and with the enjoyment of
that precious peace, which is experienced by those whose minds are
stayed on God; as the prophet declared in his appeal to Jehovah: “Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because
he trusteth in thee.” And he subjoins, for our encouragement: “Trust in
the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
May we all dwell here; then nothing can hurt or harm us; for the Lord
our Preserver will turn all the designs and cunning devices of those
that rise up against us upon their own heads, and cause them to fall
into their own pit.
In the latter part of 1823, I felt myself engaged to make a religious
visit to Friends and others in several of the lower quarterly meetings;
and having obtained the unity of my friends, I set out in the 10th
month, with Samuel Willis as my companion. After having meetings at
Westchester and Mamaroneck, we attended the select quarterly meeting
at Purchase, which was small, many of the members being absent. They
appeared to be clothed with much weakness: I was led into a feeling
sympathy with them, and way was opened to communicate to their states,
in a way that was comforting and encouraging to the honest-hearted. The
next day was the quarterly meeting of discipline. It was large; and,
I think, in the main it was a favoured instructive season, although
considerably hurt by a long tedious communication from a Friend, not
sufficiently clothed with life to make it useful. But the society is in
such a mixed and unstable state, and many who presume to be teachers
in it are so far from keeping on the original foundation, _the light
and spirit of truth_, and are so built up in mere tradition, that I
fear a great portion of the ministry amongst us is doing more harm than
good, and is leading back to the weak and beggarly elements to which
some seem desirous to be again in bondage.
After leaving Purchase, we had a pretty large and favoured meeting
at North Castle; and next day we went to Oblong, and attended their
meeting on first day. It was large, and I had an open time among them,
through the prevalence of that power which opens and none can shut, and
when he shuts none can open. Truth reigned, and the people generally,
I believe, were instructed, comforted, and edified. I parted with them
in true peace of mind, which leads my heart into deep humility, and
inspires it with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed
Author of all our mercies. We had a meeting at the Branch, and then
proceeded to Nine Partners, and attended the select quarterly meeting.
It was much like some other meetings of this kind, hard and not very
fruitful. The members of those meetings are too generally falling
more short of coming up faithfully, according to their stations,
than most of the other departments of our society. We attended the
quarterly meeting for discipline, also that at Stanford, and soon
after turned our faces homeward; where we arrived, accompanied with
the fresh feelings of that love that many waters cannot quench; even
that powerful love that is stronger than death, and binds together
in an indissoluble bond, all the new-born children of the heavenly
Father. May we all seek for it, and dwell in it. It will cast out all
fear, and clothe with that innocent boldness, which will enable us to
withstand all the dark powers of antichrist and his agents, and all
their deceivableness of unrighteousness; and will raise above the fear
of death, with all his mis-shapen and ugly forms, and clothe with the
joys of God’s salvation here and for ever, as we continue steadfast in
the faith that overcomes the world.