Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio,
Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828.--Decease
of his wife in 1829.--Visit to Friends in the yearly meeting of
New-York in 1829.--Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830.--His decease in
1830.--Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho in 1830.
On the 27th of 8th month, 1828, we proceeded on our journey to Mount
Pleasant, and attended on that day, their meeting in the middle of
the week; it was large, by the attendance of many of the inhabitants
who were not members of our society, and was, in the forepart, a
solemn, quiet meeting; but the latter part of it was disturbed and its
usefulness marred, by a long, tedious communication from a minister
among those called Orthodox, who, after I sat down, publicly opposed
and endeavoured to lay waste what I had said.
The next day we attended Short Creek meeting. Here also the meeting
in the forepart, was truly a solemn season, in which I was favoured
to open and declare many important truths of the gospel to the
people, which brought a precious solemnity over the assembly, and
many minds were contrited; but an opposition from the same person who
caused the disturbance the day before, again took place, much to the
dissatisfaction of the principal part of those assembled.
The next day being the sixth of the week, we attended an appointed
meeting at Harrisville. Here we met with no interruption. This was a
large crowded meeting, and very solemn and quiet. I had an open time
among the people to declare many things, both old and new; setting
forth the great declension of the professed Christian Churches, from
the simplicity and integrity of the primitive disciples; and showing
that it was all brought about by a departure from the only sure
foundation of true and real Christianity, the _light within_, or
_spirit of truth_, _the immediate revelation of the spirit of God_, in
the immortal souls of men and women; the only and alone true teacher
of the things of God under the gospel. And as a departure from this
only sure guide, and turning back to the letter and external evidence,
and building up, from these outward materials, many diverse systems of
religion, in their own creaturely wisdom, brought confusion and anarchy
into the Church, which enveloped it in a state of midnight darkness
and death, as to the life and spirit of real Christianity; by which
the worst of persecution, and the most cruel and sanguinary wars were
introduced among Christians: so nothing short of a full and entire
return to this only sure foundation and first principle, and placing an
entire dependance thereon for our salvation, can ever produce a real
restoration from the apostate state in which Christendom is at present
involved. I was also led to lay before the people the inconsistency
and hurtful tendency of Bible and Missionary societies; as believing
them all to be set up and associated together in the will and wisdom of
man, which never did, nor ever can, produce the righteousness of God,
but tend to lead the mind down to a state of darkness and death, as a
dependance on the letter and external evidence ever has, and ever will
kill, as to the real spiritual life, agreeably to Paul’s doctrine: “The
letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”
The next day we had an appointed meeting at Westgrove. The day
following being the first of the week, and 31st of 8th month, we
attended Concord meeting; and the three following days attended
meetings at St. Clairsville, Plainfield, and Wrightstown. These were
all large satisfactory meetings, in which the gospel was preached to
the people, and by the power attending, many hearts were broken and
contrited; and a precious sense of the divine presence was felt to
preside, to the comfort and encouragement of the honest-hearted; a
sense of which inspired my mind with thanksgiving and gratitude, to the
blessed Author of all our sure mercies.
On fifth day, the 4th of 9th month, we had an appointed meeting at
a place called Stillwater. It was a very large comfortable meeting,
and I had a full opportunity in an effective testimony, to ease my
exercised mind among them, to the comfort and apparent satisfaction of
the people, both Friends and others. The next day we rode back to Mount
Pleasant, and the day following being the seventh day of the week, and
6th of 9th month, the yearly meeting opened with a meeting of Ministers
and Elders. When the time came for meeting, Friends gathered to the
gate which led into the yard where the meeting-house stood, and found
it guarded by a number of men of the opposing party, who refused to let
us in; and Friends had to hold their meeting in the open air, outside
of the yard; but after the first sitting, adjourned to a school-house
near by, and afterwards held the remaining sittings in a private room,
in Israel French’s house.
The next day and first of the week, we attended Mount Pleasant meeting
in the morning, and that held at Short Creek in the afternoon. In
the morning meeting Elisha Bates and Anna Braithwaite made great
opposition, endeavouring by long and tedious communications to lay
waste what I had previously communicated, which very much disturbed
many present. But the afternoon meeting was not interrupted, as none of
those opposers attended.
On second day morning, the yearly meeting for discipline opened at the
tenth hour. Not being present at this sitting, I was informed that
great confusion and disorder took place; both Friends and those called
Orthodox wished to retain possession of the meeting-house, and both
parties went on with their business with separate clerks, for some
little time, when the Orthodox adjourned their meeting to ten o’clock
the next day, and left the house in the possession of Friends, who then
proceeded quietly on with the business of the meeting until some time
in the afternoon, and then adjourned to nine o’clock the next day; when
they again met, and near the tenth hour a deputation from our opposing
Friends came and demanded the use of the house, in the name of the
yearly meeting of Ohio. Friends informed them that the yearly meeting
was now sitting, and the doors were open, and they might come in; and
after some further requisition for Friends to withdraw, and give them
the entire use of the house, which Friends could not think right to
do, as being entirely unreasonable, they then went away and did not
give Friends any more interruption in that way. But they had recourse
to the law and prosecuted a number of Friends, some in an action for a
pretended trespass, for going into their own meeting-house, and some
as rioters; and compelled them to leave their meeting and go before
the magistrates, to answer for crimes they, without a just cause, had
accused them of having committed. And a considerable number, it was
said about thirty of their own principal members, such as Ministers and
Elders, and other active members, left the sittings of their yearly
meeting, and went to a town twenty miles distant, where they had
compelled a number of Friends to attend, to be tried by the court then
sitting, and were two days absent from the sittings of their meeting.
After this they interrupted Friends no further, and Friends quietly
proceeded with their business, and closed on sixth day.
We proceeded on our journey next day to Flushing, and the day after
being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting there; and
as notice had been given of our intention to be there, the meeting
was very large, more than the house could contain. At this meeting
those styled Orthodox made great opposition; for as soon as I came
near the meeting-house several of them met me, and desired I would not
interrupt the meeting: and soon after the meeting was gathered, before
it became fully settled, Charles Osborn, an Orthodox minister, kneeled
in supplication and continued on his knees, I believe, more than an
hour. It was truly a distressing scene, and it greatly disturbed the
meeting; and very soon after he took his seat, he rose and began to
preach, and continued for more than an hour. However, when he sat
down, although the meeting was much wearied with his long and tedious
communications, I felt the necessity of standing up and addressing
the people, which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting; but
as soon as I sat down, he rose again to contradict, and tried to lay
waste my communication, by asserting that I had not the unity of my
friends at home; which being untrue, I therefore informed the meeting
that I had certificates with me to prove the incorrectness of his
assertions, which I then produced, but he and his party would not stay
to hear them, but in a disorderly manner arose and left the meeting;
but the people generally stayed and heard them read, to their general
satisfaction.
The next day we went to Cambridge, about thirty-seven miles; and
the day following rode to Zanesville, twenty-four miles, and had an
appointed meeting there in the evening, held in their court-house, a
large room, but not sufficient to contain all the people who assembled.
It was a very solemn instructive opportunity, and I parted with them
under a thankful sense of the favour, and with peace of mind. The two
following days we rode to Wilmington, and put up with our friend Warren
Sabin, where we lodged the two next nights.
On seventh day the 20th of 9th month, we rode to Centre, and attended
Friends’ monthly meeting, composed of the preparative meetings of
Centre and Wilmington. It was the first monthly meeting they had held
since the separation; and notice being given of our attendance, the
meeting for worship was very large, more than the house could contain;
and the Lord, our never-failing helper manifested his presence,
solemnizing the assembly and opening the minds of the people to
receive the word preached; breaking down all opposition, and humbling
and contriting the assembly in a very general manner; and we parted
from each other with grateful hearts, from an humbling sense of the
unmerited favour.
We returned that evening to Wilmington, and the next day attended
Friends’ meeting in that town; and as their meeting-house was small,
Friends procured the court-house in that place to hold the meeting in.
The meeting was very large, and we had a very favoured opportunity to
declare the truth among them, to their general satisfaction; and the
honest-hearted were comforted and edified, and Friends were made to
rejoice for the unmerited favour. At the fourth hour in the afternoon,
we had an appointed meeting at a place called Lital’s Creek, a short
distance from Wilmington. Here we had a favoured opportunity with the
people, greatly to their satisfaction.
The next day being the second of the week, and 22d of the month, we
proceeded on to Springfield. Here those called Orthodox shut the
meeting-house and set guards at the doors to keep us out, and we held
our meeting under some trees near by. It was a precious season, wherein
the Lord’s power and love were exalted over all opposition, and many
minds were humbled and contrited; and thanksgiving and praise were
ascribed to His great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed for
ever.
We had a favoured meeting the day after, at a place called the Grove.
Friends’ meeting-house there being small, we had to hold the meeting
out of doors to accommodate the people. It was a very satisfactory
opportunity. The following day we had an appointed meeting at Lebanon,
a pretty large country town, where there were no members of our
society, but many sober people. It was held in the court-house, but it
was not sufficient to contain the people; about one third of those who
assembled had to stand out of doors. It was an instructive opportunity;
many gospel truths were opened to the people, and they appeared to go
away well satisfied; and I parted from them with true peace of mind.
On seventh day, the 27th of the month, we attended the opening of
Indiana yearly meeting, with the first sitting of the meeting of
Ministers and Elders; and although small, it was a favoured encouraging
opportunity to the few who assembled. The next day, being first day,
a large concourse assembled with Friends. A great number had to stand
without, although the house was very large. And he that openeth and
none can shut, and when he shutteth none can open, opened my mouth
among them in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel;
in which, through adorable condescension, I was enabled to bring
forth, out of the Lord’s treasury, things new and old; and truth was
raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and rejoicing of the
honest-hearted, and to the apparent satisfaction and edification of
the people in general. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and it was
marvellous in our eyes. The next day the meeting for discipline opened,
and continued by adjournments until sixth day evening; and Friends were
favoured, through the several sittings, to conduct the business in much
harmony and brotherly condescension.
The day after, we proceeded on our journey towards Richmond, in
Indiana; attending meetings on our way, at Springborough, Elk,
Westfield, and Eaton. All these were seasons of favour, the Lord
graciously manifesting his presence for our help. Blessed be his great
and excellent name, for his mercy endureth for ever.
From Eaton we rode home with our kind friends John and Elizabeth
Barnes, and lodged. The next day, being the fourth of the week, and 8th
of 10th month, we rode to Richmond, where those called Orthodox were
holding their yearly meeting; and as this day was the time for holding
a meeting for worship, notice was given of our intention of being
there. It was very large, and proved, through adorable condescension, a
solemn heart-tendering season, in which truth reigned over all.
The three following days we attended meetings by our appointment, at
Centreville, West Union and Milford. After this we returned again to
Richmond, in order, agreeably to appointment, to attend their first day
meeting. It was large like the former; a multitude of people assembled;
and was a precious meeting, in which truth was triumphant, and ran as
oil over the assembly, breaking down all opposition, and melting a
great portion of the assembly into tears of contrition. Surely it was
the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes; and to him belongeth all
the praise, who is over all, blessed for ever.
We parted from them with solid satisfaction, and peace of mind; and
after dinner took a solemn and very affectionate leave of our friends,
and rode on our journey about four miles, and spent the evening at the
house of our esteemed friend Benjamin Stokes. We returned and lodged
with our kind friend John Barnes; and the following day attended a
meeting, by our appointment, at a place called the Ridge; it was a
comfortable opportunity. The next day we attended a meeting at Orange.
Here those called Orthodox made great disturbance, and hurt the meeting
very considerably. The day after, we had a meeting at a place called
Silver Creek. This was a precious meeting, in which truth reigned over
all.
We then proceeded on our journey towards Cincinnati, and arrived there
on seventh day, the 18th of 10th month. The next day being first day,
we attended Friends’ meeting at that place, at the usual time, which
was very large, many more attending than the house could contain: and
at three o’clock in the afternoon, we appointed a meeting to be held in
the court-house. Both these meetings were highly favoured seasons, in
which truth was raised into dominion over all opposition, to the praise
of Him, who is calling us to glory and to virtue.
On second day morning we proceeded on our journey, towards home; and
attending meetings in our way, in the course of the week, at Salt
Creek, Salem, alias Rochester, Newberry, and Clear Creek. All these
meetings were composed of people of varied professions, to whom the
gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, attended with
a power which silenced all opposition, humbling and contriting many
hearts, without respect of persons or sects; and Friends were comforted
together, and made to rejoice for the unmerited favour; and we parted
from them under a thankful sense of the Lord’s mercy, and with peace of
mind.
The next day being first day, and 26th of 10th month, we attended
Fairfield meeting; and notice being given of our intention of attending
it, the meeting was very large. Here those called Orthodox made public
opposition in the early part of the meeting; one of them informing the
assembly that I was travelling without having the unity of my Friends,
and other incorrect declarations, which I passed over without notice
at the time. The meeting was soon gathered into a solemn quiet, and
I had a favoured opportunity to declare the truth among them, which
was raised into dominion, and many hearts were humbled and contrited.
Before, however, I had concluded my communication, those called
Orthodox, to manifest further disunity, rose and left the meeting; but
Friends and others kept their seats, and we had a very solemn close,
and great brokenness and contrition were manifest among the people;
and to do away the false reports spread by the Orthodox, I had my
certificates read, which gave full satisfaction to the assembly; and we
took an affectionate farewell of our friends and others present.
We then proceeded on our journey to Wheeling in Virginia, a town
situated on the east side of Ohio river. We arrived here on sixth day,
the 31st, a little before noon, and had an appointed meeting in the
evening. As Friends have no meeting-house in this place, it was held
in the Methodist meeting-house, which they kindly offered of their own
accord. It was a pretty large collection of people, mostly made up of
other societies, the number of Friends there being very small, insomuch
that they have no steady meeting in the place. It was a comfortable,
favoured opportunity.
We left them with peace of mind, and proceeded on our journey to
Westland, in the limits of Redstone quarterly meeting, where we arrived
on first day, the 2d of 11th month, in time to attend their meeting. It
was a very solemn edifying opportunity, in which the power of truth was
exalted over all opposition. After this we proceeded on to Redstone,
about seven miles, crossing the Monongahela river in the way; and the
next day had an appointed meeting in that town, at two o’clock in the
afternoon.
The day after we passed on towards Waterford, alias Fairfax, in
Virginia, where we arrived on first day the 9th of 11th month, and
attended their meeting at the usual hour. At two o’clock in the
afternoon, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the
town in general; and the two following days attended meetings, by
appointment, at Goose Creek and Southwest Fork. These were all large
favoured meetings, particularly the two last, wherein I was led to
expose the great evil of oppression, especially that enormous sin of
holding our fellow creatures in slavery. Although in my communication
I was led to lay judgment to the line, and justice to the plumb line;
yet the slave-holders, divers of whom were present, were so brought
down and humbled with the force and correctness of the testimony,
that they frankly acknowledged the truth and propriety of it; and we
parted from them with true peace of mind, and the honest-hearted were
made to rejoice for the favour dispensed from the hand of the gracious
Benefactor of every blessing.
The next day we rode to Alexandria, forty-three miles, and lodged
with our kind friend Phineas Janney, and the day after attended their
meeting as it came in course, and in the evening had another meeting
for the inhabitants of the town in general. These were opportunities
of favour: many truths of the gospel were set forth before the people,
in the demonstration of the spirit, which brought a solemnity over the
assembly, to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart. The
next day we rode to Washington, and attended a meeting there in the
evening. This was rather a trying season in the forepart, but, I trust,
it ended well.
We then proceeded to Sandy Spring, in Maryland, and on first day,
the 16th of 11th month, attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice
being given of our expectation of attending it, the meeting was large;
and through condescending goodness, it proved to be a very favoured
instructive season, and I parted with them with a thankful heart, and
true peace of mind. The next day we proceeded on our journey to Elk
Ridge, and lodged with our kind friend George Ellicot; and the day
following being third day, we had, by appointment, a very comfortable,
favoured meeting with Friends: many of the neighbouring inhabitants
likewise attended, and appeared well satisfied with the opportunity.
Many minds were humbled and contrited, and a precious solemnity
prevailed over the meeting.
After this meeting we dined at our lodgings, and that afternoon
proceeded in company with our kind friend John Marsh, who met us at
this meeting, six miles on our way to Baltimore, and lodged at his
house. In the morning we rode into the city, and on that and the
following day attended Friends’ meetings held in the middle of the
week, at the upper and lower houses; and not feeling fully clear, on
sixth day evening, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants
of the town in general, at the upper house. This was a very large
meeting, made up of almost every class of the people, among whom, as
to religious profession, were Romanists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians,
Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians, and others of divers descriptions,
and some slave-holders. These meetings were seasons of favour,
particularly the last, in which truth in a very extraordinary manner
was raised into victory over all, bowing and breaking down all under
its baptizing influence, so that it appeared as though the whole
assembly were baptized into one body; and when the meeting closed, all
seemed desirous to take me by the hand. Surely it was the Lord’s doing,
and marvellous in mine eyes; and I parted with them with gratitude and
thankfulness of heart.
The day following we rode to Gunpowder Falls; and the next day being
first day, and 23d of the 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting
there; and information being given of our intention of attending it,
the meeting was large, and through the condescending goodness of
Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd, whose mercy is over all his works,
it proved a precious favoured opportunity, in which many hearts were
humbled and contrited, and truth was raised into dominion. The day
following we went to the Little Falls, and on third day, the 25th,
attended Friends’ meeting in that place, and the day after attended
Deer Creek meeting. These were very large favoured opportunities. After
this we proceeded on our journey, crossing the river Susquehannah on
our way to Little Britain; and on the three following days we attended
meetings at Little Britain, West and East Nottingham. These were
seasons to be remembered, in which the Lord’s power was eminently
manifested by its solemnizing influence. Surely it was the Lord’s doing.
On second day, the 1st of 12th month, we proceeded to West Grove, in
Chester county. Here our opposing brethren shut the meeting-house
against us, and the care-taker of it refused to open it. However,
when the people assembled, which they did in great numbers, many
more than the house could contain, it was opened; and we had a very
favoured, solemn opportunity with them, in which truth reigned over
all. The three following days we attended the monthly meetings of
London Grove, New Garden, and Fallowfield, as they came in their
usual course; and notice being given, of our attending them, to the
neighbouring inhabitants, great numbers of the varied classes of the
people assembled with Friends; insomuch that none of the houses were
large enough to contain the multitude, and in some instances there were
nearly as many standing without as the houses contained. These were
all highly favoured seasons, the Lord’s power evidently presiding over
these large assemblies, solemnizing and humbling with its overshadowing
influence, and causing a profound silence to prevail over all, to the
praise of him who is over all, God blessed for ever.
On the two following days we attended meetings at Marlborough and West
Chester. The first was by our appointment, the latter on first day.
These meetings were like the former; great numbers attended more than
the houses could contain: nevertheless, order and stillness prevailed
in a remarkable manner in and without the houses, in every place,
to the comfort and rejoicing of Friends, and to the instruction and
edification, I trust, of the assembled multitudes. We took leave of
them under an humbling sense of the unmerited favour, and with true
peace of mind.
On second day, the 8th of the month, we attended Kennet meeting, and
on third and fourth days we had meetings at Kennet Square and Centre.
These were all crowded meetings, and in them all the divine presence
was felt to preside, solemnizing the assemblies, and comforting and
rejoicing the honest-hearted.
On fifth and sixth days we attended meetings at Hockesson and Stanton.
Both were crowded, solemn meetings, and, I trust, instructive and
profitable to many who were present. After the latter, we rode that
afternoon to Wilmington, and rested on seventh day with our friend
William Poole, who was in a weak state from bodily indisposition, but
was so far recovered as to walk about. On first day, the 14th, we
attended Friends’ meetings in Wilmington, both forenoon and afternoon.
They were both very large. In the forenoon meeting I had good service,
but in the afternoon I was mostly silent, as the people appeared to
be too much hungering for words, and too indifferent and careless in
putting in practice what they had already heard and knew to be their
duty. Hence I was led to set them an example of silence.
We left Wilmington on second day morning, and proceeded to Concord, and
attended a meeting there by previous appointment. The four following
days we attended meetings at Middletown, Providence, Chester, and
Darby. These were all very large favoured opportunities, in which the
Lord’s power was felt to preside, causing a precious solemnity to
spread over the assemblies, and humbling and contriting many minds. To
the Lord be the praise and glory of his own work; nothing due to man.
Leaving Darby, we proceeded on to Philadelphia; and on first day, the
21st of 12th month, we attended Friends’ meetings in the city, that at
Cherry-street in the morning, and at Green-street in the afternoon.
At both these meetings hundreds more assembled than the houses could
contain. On second day we left the city, and attended meetings, in the
course of the week, at Haverford, Radnor, Newtown, Willistown, and
the Valley. All these meetings were unusually large; the houses were
generally too small to contain the people; many had to stand out of
doors for want of room; nevertheless, the people behaved orderly, and
the Lord’s presence was felt to preside, solemnizing those crowded
assemblies, in all of which my mind was opened, and ability afforded,
to preach the gospel to the people in the demonstration of the spirit
and with power, and many hearts were broken and contrited, and went
away rejoicing, under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour.
After this we returned to the city, and on first day, the 28th of the
month, we again attended Friends’ meetings there, in the same order as
before. On second day we attended Frankfort meeting by appointment.
These were all large favoured meetings; many had to leave those in
the city for want of room. My opposing brethren had, by their public
opposition and erroneous reports, created such excitement in the minds
of the people generally of every profession, that it induced multitudes
to assemble to hear for themselves; and they generally went away
satisfied and comforted.
On third day we took leave of our friends in Philadelphia, and passed
over into New Jersey; and the four following days attended meetings at
Mullica Hill, Piles Grove, Salem, and Woodbury. These were very large
favoured meetings; and I felt true peace of mind as a rich reward for
my labour and exercise among them.
We attended Haddonfield meeting on first day, the 4th of 1st month,
1829. Here Friends, and those who styled themselves Orthodox, met
together in the same house. As notice was given of my attendance, the
people assembled in great numbers; and as soon as the meeting was fully
gathered, a precious solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly;
and the Lord, our gracious helper, was near for our support and
strength, and the truth was raised triumphantly over all opposition.
The four following days we attended meetings at Moore’s Town, Evesham,
Cropwell, Mount Holly, and Upper Evesham. These were very large
meetings, in which the Lord our gracious helper made bare his arm for
our support, enabling to hand forth out of the treasury things new and
old, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, and solid
peace of my own mind; to Him be all the praise, nothing due to man.
On first day the 11th, we attended Friends’ meeting at Rancocas. This
was said to be the largest meeting ever known in that place; in which
the Lord’s presence was felt to preside, humbling and contriting many
minds, and baptizing the whole assembly into a very precious solemnity;
and causing the upright in heart to rejoice, under a thankful sense of
the unmerited favour.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at Old Springfield on
second day, Mansfield on third day, Upper Springfield on fourth day,
Arney’s Town on fifth day, Crosswicks, alias Chesterfield on sixth day,
Bordentown on seventh day, and Trenton on first day. All these were
favoured opportunities, and in them all, although under considerable
indisposition of body, I was favoured with strength, and way opened
to labour in the Lord’s cause in which I was engaged, and which
produced that true peace of mind, that the world with all its perishing
enjoyments cannot give, nor all its frowns and opposition take away.
On second day we proceeded on our journey towards New-York, being
desirous of reaching our quarterly meeting to be held there on the
following fifth day. We arrived in the city on third day afternoon,
where I met my beloved wife and daughter Elizabeth, and several other
branches of my family, and a number more of my near and intimate
friends. It was truly a season of mutual rejoicing, and my spirit was
deeply humbled under a thankful sense of the Lord’s preserving power
and adorable mercy, in carrying me through and over all opposition,
both within and without. He caused all to work together for good, and
the promotion of his own glorious cause of truth and righteousness
in the earth, and landed me safe in the bosom of my dear family and
friends at home, and clothed my spirit with the reward of sweet peace
for all my labour and travail. Praises, everlasting high praises, be
ascribed unto our God, for his mercy endureth for ever.
On seventh day, after the quarterly meeting we returned home, having
been out on this journey seven months and ten days, and travelled
nearly twenty-four hundred miles.
Soon after my return from the aforesaid journey, I had to experience a
very severe trial and affliction in the removal of my dearly beloved
wife. She was taken down with a cold, and although, for a number of
days, we had no anticipation of danger from her complaint, yet about
five days after she was taken, the disorder appeared to settle on
her lungs, and it brought on an inflammation which terminated in a
dissolution of her precious life, on the ninth day from the time she
was taken ill. She had but little bodily pain, yet as she became
weaker, she suffered from shortness of breathing; but before her close,
she became perfectly tranquil and easy, and passed away like a lamb,
as though entering into a sweet sleep, without sigh or groan, or the
least bodily pain, on the 17th of 3d month, 1829: And her precious
spirit, I trust and believe, has landed safely on the angelic shore,
“where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” To
myself, to whom she was a truly affectionate wife, and to our children,
whom she endeavoured, by precept and example, to train up in the paths
of virtue, and to guard and keep out of harm’s way, her removal is a
great and irreparable loss: and nothing is left to us in that behalf,
but a confident belief, and an unshaken hope, that our great loss is
her still greater gain; and although the loss and trial as to all my
external blessings, are the greatest I have ever met with, or ever
expect to have to endure, yet I have a hope, that, though separated,
I may be preserved from mourning or complaining; and that I may
continually keep in view the unmerited favour dispensed to us, by being
preserved together fifty-eight years in one unbroken bond of endeared
affection, which seemed if possible to increase with time to the last
moment of her life; and which neither time nor distance can lessen or
dissolve; but in the spiritual relation I trust it will endure for
ever, where all the Lord’s redeemed children are one in him, who is God
over all, in all, and through all, blessed for ever. She was buried
on the 19th, and on this solemn occasion, the Lord, who is strength
in weakness, enabled me to bear a public, and I trust a profitable
testimony, to the virtues and excellences of her long and consistent
life.
On the 24th of 6th month, 1829, I again left home with Cornwell Willis
for my companion, to complete the visit to Friends and others in the
compass of our yearly meeting, agreeably to a certificate I received
from our monthly and quarterly meetings, expressive of their unity
with me therein. This certificate I received in the spring of the year
1828, expressive of my concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and
others, in parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and New-York. I accomplished my visit to the
first four last season; that is, I visited parts of them, but found my
mind released without going into the yearly meeting of Virginia.
Since I left home, we have attended meetings at Flushing, Newtown,
Brooklyn, and two at New-York last first day. These were favoured
comforting opportunities, affording encouragement to persevere in the
path of duty.
We left New-York on second day the 29th, after taking an affectionate
farewell of our friends there, and proceeded to West Chester, and
attended a meeting at that place at the eleventh hour; and on the two
following days, attended meetings at Mamaroneck and Purchase. On fifth
day we attended Friends’ meeting at Middlesex; and on sixth and seventh
days, had meetings appointed for us at a place called the Saw Pits,
and at Friends’ meeting-house at North Castle. All these meetings were
seasons of favour, in which the divine presence was felt to preside,
solemnizing the assemblies, and affording ability to minister to the
people in gospel authority, and tendering and contriting many hearts.
To the Lord be all the praise, nothing due to man.
On first day, the 5th of 7th month, we attended Shapaqua meeting in
the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Croton Valley, at the
fourth hour in the afternoon. The three following days we attended
meetings by appointment at Amawalk, Salem, and at the Valley, called
Haviland’s Hollow. These were all unusually large meetings, in which
truth reigned over all, to the praise of His great name, who giveth us
the victory. From the latter meeting we proceeded to Oblong, and put up
with our kind friend Daniel Merritt, and the next day attended their
meeting. The two following days we had meetings by our appointment at
the Branch, and Poughquague; and on first day attended Nine Partners
meeting. Those four meetings were unusually large, and very solemn
opportunities; in which truth’s testimony went forth freely, tendering
and contriting many hearts, and rejoicing the faithful travellers
Zion-ward.
The two following days, we had meetings at Chestnut Ridge and Oswego.
These were likewise large satisfactory meetings. We then proceeded by
the way of Poughkeepsie, to Marlborough, in order to attend Cornwall
quarterly meeting, held at Marlborough at this time. It opened on
fourth day, the 15th of 7th month, with a meeting of Ministers and
Elders. The next day the meeting for discipline was held. Both were
very favoured seasons. As I did not feel easy to leave the place
without having a public opportunity with the people at large in that
neighbourhood, a meeting was appointed the next day. This was likewise
a large favoured opportunity. The following day being seventh day, we
returned to Poughkeepsie, in order to attend Friends’ meeting on first
day; and having also appointed a meeting to be held there, at the fifth
hour in the afternoon, for the inhabitants of the town at large. These
meetings were largely attended, in which the power of truth was exalted
over all.
The four following days we attended meetings at West Branch, Pleasant
Valley, Creek, and Crum-elbow. Although it was in the midst of harvest,
such was the excitement produced amongst the people by the opposition
made by those of our members who had gone off from us, and set up
separate meetings, that the people at large of other societies flocked
to those meetings in such numbers, that our meeting-houses were seldom
large enough to contain the assembled multitude; and we had abundant
cause for thanksgiving and gratitude to the blessed Author of all our
mercies, in condescending to manifest his holy presence, and causing
it so to preside as to produce a general solemnity, tendering and
contriting many minds, and comforting and rejoicing the upright in
heart.
After the last mentioned meeting we proceeded on our journey, attending
meetings at Stanford, Milan, and on first day the 26th of 7th month,
the forenoon and afternoon meetings at Hudson. On second day we rested,
on third day attended a meeting at Athens, on fourth day at Ghent,
on fifth day at Chatham, on sixth day at Nassau, and on seventh day
evening we had a large meeting in Albany, held in their state-house,
generally composed of people of other professions and inhabitants of
the town, who behaved themselves very soberly, becoming the occasion.
It was a solemn, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity, in which truth
was raised into dominion; and which in like manner was witnessed in all
the foregoing meetings, the people coming together very freely and in
great numbers, and a general solemnity prevailed over the assemblies
from meeting to meeting. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and it was
marvellous in our eyes; witnessing that he had not left himself without
an evidence of the truth in each mind, by which their understandings
were opened to receive, and many of them to bear testimony to the
doctrines delivered in those large solemn meetings.
From Albany we proceeded on first day morning, the 2d of 8th month, to
Troy, and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings. These were
very large meetings. The first was held in Friends’ meeting-house, but
great numbers collected more than the house could contain: this induced
Friends to accept the offer of a house belonging to the Episcopalians,
which was not occupied, for the accommodation of the afternoon
meeting. They gave the citizens an invitation to attend; and although
it was a very large building, yet it did not contain the people who
assembled, many had to go away for want of room. This was likewise a
highly favoured opportunity, in which truth reigned to the comfort and
edification of the upright in heart, and to the general satisfaction
of the assembled multitude. It was, in the estimation of Friends, the
largest meeting which had ever been assembled on any occasion before in
that city.
On second day we had an appointed meeting at Greenbush, a village on
the east side of the river, opposite Albany. After this we proceeded on
our journey about eleven miles to the town of Bethlehem, southwesterly
from Albany. Here we lodged with our kind friend Thomas Rushmore, and
attended a meeting in his house by appointment, on third day; the
few Friends of that place were privileged with holding a meeting for
worship in this Friend’s house. On fourth day we attended Friends’
meeting at Stanton Hill; and the three following days attended meetings
at New Baltimore, Rensselaerville, and Oak Hill. These were all large
satisfactory meetings.
On first day we were at Bern meeting in the morning; and at the fourth
hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at a village called
Rensselaerville City, which was held in a large meeting-house belonging
to the Methodist society. These were very large favoured meetings,
in which the truths of the gospel went forth freely to the people,
and appeared to be gladly and satisfactorily received by them; and I
took leave of them with true peace of mind. On second day we had an
appointed meeting at Middleburgh, much to our satisfaction. It was a
very solemn instructive opportunity, and the people appeared to receive
the word preached with much readiness of mind, and we left them with
thankful hearts.
We proceeded on third day to Duanesburgh, in order to attend their
quarterly meeting, which opened there the next day with a meeting of
Ministers and Elders, and was a favoured opportunity. The meeting for
discipline was large, and the business conducted in much harmony and
condescension; and the public meeting the next day was very large;
hundreds had to stand out of doors for want of room; and it was a
highly favoured season, worthy of grateful remembrance.
From thence we proceeded to Charleston, and attended Friends’ meeting
there on first day, the 16th of 8th month. This was likewise a very
large meeting, the largest, Friends said, that had ever been known
there before. It was judged, that as many stood without for want of
room, as the house contained; and it was a very solemn time, both
within and without the doors. The divine canopy was felt to spread over
the whole assembly, and we took leave of them with true peace of mind
and thankfulness of heart, under a grateful sense of the unmerited
favour.
On second day we rode to Utica; and the next day had an appointed
meeting there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded to
Bridgewater, and attended their fourth day meeting. These were not so
large as in some other places, neither was there as much openness to
receive our testimony as had generally been the case elsewhere. Our
opposing Friends had filled their heads with so many strange reports,
to which they had given credit without examination, by which their
minds were so strongly prejudiced against me, that many in the compass
of these two last meetings, were not willing to see me, nor hear any
reasons given to show them their mistakes, and that the reports they
had heard were altogether unfounded: however, I was favoured to
communicate the truth to those who attended, so that they generally
went away fully satisfied, and I left them with peace of mind.
From this place we proceeded to Deruyter, having a meeting at Smyrna,
on sixth day, in our way. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting at
Deruyter in the morning, and at the fifth hour in the afternoon had an
appointed meeting in Deruyter village for the inhabitants generally,
which was held in the Baptist meeting-house. These two meetings were
very large, and they were highly favoured opportunities, in which truth
was raised into dominion over all opposition; and we parted from them
with true peace of mind, a rich reward for a faithful discharge of duty.
The next day, the 24th of 8th month, we proceeded to Sempronius, having
a meeting by previous appointment on our way, in the town of Homer, at
the eleventh hour. It was held in a large meeting-house belonging to
the Methodist society, which they freely offered for the accommodation
of the people, there being no Friends in the place. A very considerable
number of the inhabitants attended, and behaved soberly, giving good
attention to what was communicated, and went away apparently satisfied;
and we parted with them under an humbling sense that the appointment,
and our labour and service in this meeting, were owned by the Head of
the Church. We arrived at Sempronius about sunset, and had an appointed
meeting there the next day, held in Friends’ meeting-house at the third
hour in the afternoon. This was likewise a favoured opportunity, in
which the power of truth went forth freely, humbling and contriting
many minds.
After this we proceeded to Skeneateles, and put up with our kind friend
William Willets, and rested here the next day. On fifth day we attended
Friends’ meeting at this place, as it came in course; and notice
being given of our intention of attending it, the meeting was large.
This was a very comforting satisfactory opportunity, apparently so to
all present, although composed of many of the members of the varied
societies of professed Christians common in our land, and divers of
their ministers.
On sixth day we had an appointed meeting in the town of Auburn, at the
third hour in the afternoon; and on seventh day, an appointed meeting
at North-street, in Scipio. These meetings were largely attended, and,
I trust, instructive profitable opportunities to many who were there.
After the latter meeting, we visited several families of Friends, and
took lodgings with our kind friend John Merritt.
The next day being the first of the week, and 30th of 8th month, we
attended the meeting at South-street. The three following days we had
meetings, by appointment, at Salmon Creek, Aurora, and Union Springs.
These were all very large favoured meetings, in which the power of
truth went forth freely, and appeared to have a ready entrance into
the minds of the people in a very general manner, bringing a very
comfortable solemnity over these large assemblies; and we took leave of
them with thankful hearts and in true peace of mind.
We then proceeded on our journey to Junius, crossing Cayuga lake on the
way. Here we had a meeting the next day, the fifth of the week, and 3d
of 9th month; and the day following had an appointed meeting at Galen.
These were highly favoured opportunities, in which the Lord’s presence
was felt to preside, reducing the assemblies into a very solemn state,
and truth was raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and
establishment of Friends on the ancient foundation, _the light within_;
by the power and efficacy of which, our primitive worthies were
gathered to be a people, from among the varied societies of professed
Christians. For they were settled on that unshaken rock, which Jesus
told his disciples he would build his Church upon, viz: the revelation
of his heavenly Father, against which the gates of hell should never be
able to prevail; and although the powers of the earth rose up against
them, and used all their power and policy, both priests and people,
to overthrow them, yet they were never permitted to prevail; for the
Lord Jehovah, on whose almighty arm they had placed their entire trust
and confidence for support and defence, delivered them from all their
tribulations, and set them above their persecutors, and caused them to
rejoice on the banks of deliverance. And he is the same God of power
that he ever was, and a present helper in every needful time; and
although many in the present day, who have left their first love, are
rising up, and charging their fellow-professors with holding unsound
doctrines, and are endeavouring, by unfounded and reproachful epithets,
to destroy and undermine their religious and moral character among men,
and have separated from their brethren, and set up separate meetings,
giving them the names of the meetings of Friends; and in their usurped
authority undertake to disown their fellow-members, who could not
submit to their usurpation: yet all their formal disownments being
altogether out of the order of the gospel, our meetings consider them
of no effect.
From Galen we proceeded to South Farmington, and attended a meeting
there on seventh day, at the third hour in the afternoon; and the next
day being first day, we attended North Farmington meeting. The three
following days we had meetings at Macedon, Palmyra, and Williamson.
These were likewise large favoured meetings, in which truth was exalted
over all, and we parted with them in true peace of mind, and proceeded
on our journey to Rochester, and had a meeting on sixth day, by
appointment: we also staid and attended their meeting on first day.
After this we proceeded to Wheatland, and had an appointed meeting
there on second day, the 14th of 9th month; on third day we were
at Henrietta, and on fourth day at Mendon. These were all favoured
opportunities; the people’s minds seemed to be open to receive us and
our testimony with gladness. From this place we turned back through
Farmington and Scipio, to Skeneateles, and attended a meeting by
our appointment at a village about five miles from the village of
Skeneateles, on the east side of the lake. On first day we attended
Friends’ meeting at Skeneateles; on second day we proceeded to Verona;
and the next day had a meeting there, held in a meeting-house occupied
by the Baptists, Friends’ meeting-house being too small to contain the
people who assembled.
The next day being fourth day, we proceeded to Utica, and had an
appointed meeting in the evening. Here we remained over the next day,
and attended Friends’ meeting as it came in course. From this place
we proceeded to Charleston, and attended their meeting on first day.
These meetings, in like manner, were all solemn seasons; and, I trust,
profitable and comfortable to many; and I left them with peace of mind.
After the last meeting, we rode about thirteen miles, and lodged with
our kind friend Zacheus Mead. The following day we proceeded on our
journey to Newtown; and the next day attended Friends’ meeting there.
After this we proceeded to Saratoga, and attended Friends’ preparative
meeting at that place; and not feeling clear to leave it, we had an
appointed meeting there the day after, of which public notice was
given. It was very large; and it proved a highly favoured season; the
Lord’s presence was manifested for our help, and truth was raised into
dominion, and ran like oil over the assembly. Many hearts were broken
and contrited, and the upright in heart were made to rejoice for the
unmerited favour.
The following day we had an appointed meeting at Milton. After this
we proceeded to Galway, and lodged with our ancient friend Philip
Macomber, who was in the ninety-first year of his age. Here we had
a meeting on seventh day. The next day, the 4th of 10th month, we
attended Providence meeting, which was very large. On second day we had
an appointed meeting at Mayfield. These were all seasons of favour,
particularly that at Providence, in which truth was exalted over all
opposition, and many hearts were contrited; from a sense of which, our
minds were bowed in reverence and humiliation before Him, who is the
author of all our sure mercies.
We proceeded from Mayfield to Greenfield, and on fourth day attended
Friends’ monthly meeting at that place, which was composed of that and
Milton preparative meetings. We had good satisfaction in sitting with
our Friends, and in observing their commendable order, and the harmony
and condescension manifest in conducting the affairs of the Church.
From thence we proceeded to Easton, and had an appointed meeting there
on sixth day. On seventh day we were at Cambridge, on first day at
White Creek, and on second day we rode to Danby, and the next day had
a meeting there. These were all large and very solemn seasons, in
which the great Head of the Church manifested his gracious presence,
convicting and contriting many minds, and the upright in heart were
edified. From Danby we proceeded to Granville, and had an appointed
meeting there the next day, which was a large solemn opportunity. The
day after we proceeded on our journey to Shoram, a town on the eastern
shore of Lake Champlain. Here we had a meeting the next day with the
few Friends of that place, and some of the neighbouring inhabitants.
It was a comfortable opportunity, and we left them with peace of mind.
We then rode to Ferrisburgh, and on first day, the 18th of 10th month,
had a very large favoured meeting at that place. On second day we had
an appointed meeting at Monkton. This was likewise a large favoured
opportunity, in which truth reigned over all opposition, to the praise
of his own excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for ever.
As I was somewhat unwell, we rested on third day with our kind friends
Thomas and Rowland T. Robinson; and feeling my mind now clear from
any further service in these parts, on fourth day we turned our faces
homewards, and proceeded back to Shoram. On fifth day we had an
appointed meeting in that village, principally for those not members of
our society. Although the people came together in a negligent manner
as respected the appointed time, yet they generally behaved orderly,
and appeared to give good attention to what they heard; and my mouth
was opened by Him who opens and none can shut, in a large effective
testimony to the truths of the gospel; which brought a precious
solemnity over the assembly, and they appeared to go away satisfied,
and we left them with the answer of peace in our own minds.
The next day we proceeded on our journey to Granville, and from thence
the following day to Queensbury. On first day, the 25th of 10th month,
we attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice being given to the
neighbouring inhabitants of our attendance, they came in until the
house was filled, and a number had to stand without for want of room;
and a blessed meeting we had, in which the power of truth ran as oil
over the assembly, tendering and contriting many minds, and to the
comfort and rejoicing of the upright in heart.
We had an appointed meeting on the following day at Moreau, which was
a large favoured meeting. From thence we proceeded to Saratoga, and
lodged with our kind friend Thomas Wilbur, and the next day Thomas
accompanied us to Pittstown, where we had an appointed meeting on
fourth day. This was truly an humbling season, in which truth was
exalted over all; great brokenness and contrition of spirit were
manifested among the people, and we were edified together in love,
which inspired our minds with thanksgiving and gratitude for the
unmerited favour.
From this place we proceeded to Troy, and as I was somewhat unwell, we
rested the following day with our kind friend Isaac Merritt. On sixth
day we proceeded on our journey to the neighbourhood of Hudson, and put
up with our kind friend Thomas Wright; and seventh day being very rainy
and inclement we continued here, and attended Hudson meeting on first
day, which was a large satisfactory meeting.
On second day we proceeded on our journey to Stanford, and lodged with
our kind friend John Hull. The two following days we attended the
quarterly meeting at Nine Partners. At this place there is a very large
body of Friends united together in gospel fellowship, and they were
favoured to conduct the business of the quarterly meeting in harmony
and condescension. The public meeting was very large. It was attended
by a great number who were not in membership with us, and who behaved
orderly, and it was indeed a very solemn edifying season.
After the close of this meeting, we returned that evening to Stanford,
in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place, which opened
the next day with a meeting of Ministers and Elders. I attended
this, and the following day, the meeting for discipline. A large
number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended this meeting, and
sat with Friends, until the partition between the men and women was
closed. They behaved very orderly, and a precious solemnity spread
over the assembly, and many essential doctrines of the gospel were
opened to the people in the demonstration of the spirit, truth was
raised into victory over all, and the upright in heart were edified
and comforted. The meeting of Ministers and Elders was likewise a
precious opportunity, in which comfort and encouragement were freely
administered to them.
From Stanford we proceeded on our journey to Cornwall, crossing the
Hudson river on our way. We arrived here on seventh day evening, and
attended their meeting on first day, the 8th of 11th month. This
meeting was large, and a truly baptizing season, in which many hearts
were humbled and contrited, and truth reigned over all; thanks be to
God, who giveth us the victory, nothing due to man.
The two following days we had meetings appointed at the Lower and Upper
Clove. These were well attended, and, I trust, profitable edifying
seasons to many present. They were composed of people of various
professions, conditions, and states; yet all appeared to be brought
down and subjected by the solemnizing influence and power of truth,
that reigned victoriously over all. Surely it was the Lord’s doing,
and it was marvellous in our eyes. These meetings closed my labour and
exercise in the gospel, to Friends and others in the yearly meetings of
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana, and New-York, as expressed in a
certificate of unity and concurrence, given me by the monthly meeting
of Jericho, and quarterly meeting of Westbury.
From the latter meeting we proceeded the next day directly to New-York,
where we arrived on fourth day evening. The day after we attended
Friends’ meeting at Hester-street, it being their usual meeting day;
and a marriage being accomplished at the close of it, it was larger
than usual, as many of the neighbouring inhabitants attended. Way
opened for me to declare the truth among them, to the peace of my own
mind, and to the mutual comfort and encouragement of the upright in
heart. I rested here until first day, and attended Friends’ meeting
at Rose-street in the morning, and that held at Hester-street in the
afternoon. They were both very large solemn meetings. On second day
evening I had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn, likewise a large and
very favoured season. In all of these meetings the word preached had
free course, and I had, in the openings of truth, to declare to these
large mixed assemblages many things concerning the kingdom of God; and
the only sure way by which an admittance into his kingdom of peace and
joy may be obtained by the children of men.
The foregoing meetings were times of favour, and as a seal from the
hand of our gracious and never-failing Helper, to the labour and
travail which he has led me into, and enabled me to perform, for the
promotion of his great and noble cause of truth and righteousness in
the earth, as set forth in the foregoing account, and not suffering
any weapon formed against me to prosper. “This is the heritage of the
servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the
Lord.” For all these unmerited favours and mercies, in deep humiliation
my soul doth magnify the Lord, and return thanksgiving and glory to his
great and excellent name; for his mercy endureth for ever.
On third day we proceeded homeward, and attended Westbury monthly
meeting on fourth day, on our way. After this I rode home, and found my
family well, to our mutual rejoicing; and we greeted each other with
thankful hearts for the unmerited favour.
We travelled in this journey nearly fifteen hundred miles.
ELIAS HICKS.
* * * * *
E. H. here closed his Journal, and signed his name; after which he
lived a little more than two months.
APPENDIX.
LETTER TO HUGH JUDGE, OF OHIO.
_Jericho, 2d mo. 14th, 1830._
Dear Hugh,
Thy very acceptable letter of the 21st ultimo, was duly received, and
read with interest, tending to excite renewed sympathetic, and mutual
fellow-feeling; and brought to my remembrance the cheering salutation
of the blessed Jesus, our holy and perfect pattern and example, to
his disciples, viz: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” By
which he assured his disciples that, by walking in the same pathway of
self-denial and the cross which he trod to blessedness, they might also
overcome the world; as nothing has ever enabled any rational being, in
any age of the world, to overcome the spirit of the world, which lieth
in wickedness, but the cross of Christ.
Some may query, what is the cross of Christ? To these I answer, it is
the perfect law of God written on the tablet of the heart, and in the
heart of every rational creature, in such indelible characters that
all the power of mortals cannot erase nor obliterate. Neither is there
any power or means given or dispensed to the children of men, but this
inward law and light by which the true and saving knowledge of God
can be obtained. And by this inward law and light, all will be either
justified or condemned, and all be made to know God for themselves, and
be left without excuse, agreeably to the prophecy of Jeremiah, and the
corroborating testimony of Jesus in his last counsel and command to his
disciples, not to depart from Jerusalem until they should receive power
from on high; assuring them that they should receive power, when they
had received the pouring forth of the spirit upon them, which would
qualify them to bear witness of him in Judea, Jerusalem, Samaria, and
to the uttermost parts of the earth; which was verified in a marvellous
manner on the day of Pentecost, when thousands were converted to the
Christian faith in one day. By which it is evident, that nothing but
this inward light and law, as it is heeded and obeyed, ever did, or
ever can make a true and real Christian and child of God. And until the
professors of Christianity agree to lay aside all their non-essentials
in religion, and rally to this unchangeable foundation and standard
of truth, wars and fightings, confusion and error will prevail, and
the angelic song cannot be heard in our land, that of “glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men.” But when all
nations are made willing to make this inward law and light, the rule
and standard of all their faith and works, then we shall be brought
to know and believe alike, that there is but one Lord, one faith, and
but one baptism; one God and Father, that is above all, through all,
and in all; and then will all those glorious and consoling prophecies,
recorded in the scriptures of truth be fulfilled. Isaiah ii. 4, “He,”
the Lord, “shall judge among the nations, and rebuke many people: and
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into
pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither
shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah xi. “The wolf also shall dwell
with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the
calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child
shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones
shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And
the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned
child put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. They shall not hurt nor
destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth,” that is our earthly
tabernacles, “shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters
cover the sea.”
These scripture testimonies give a true and correct description of the
gospel state, and no rational being can be a real Christian and true
disciple of Christ, until he comes to know all these things verified
in his own experience, as every man and woman has more or less of all
those different animal propensities and passions in their nature; and
they predominate and bear rule, and are the source and fountain from
whence all wars, and every evil work proceed, and will continue as
long as man remains in his first nature, and is governed by his animal
spirit and propensities, which constitute the natural man, which Paul
tells us “receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they
are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.” This corroborates the declaration of Jesus to
Nicodemus, “that, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God;” for “that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which
is born of the spirit is spirit.” Here Jesus assures us, beyond all
doubt, that nothing but spirit can either see or enter into the kingdom
of God; and this confirms Paul’s doctrine, that “as many as are led by
the spirit of God are the sons of God,” and “joint heirs with Christ.”
And Jesus assures us, by his declaration to his disciples, John xiv.
16, 17, “If ye love me, keep my commandments; and I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with
you for ever, even the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive;”
that is, men and women in their natural state, who have not given up to
be led by this spirit of truth, that leads and guides into all truth;
“because they see him not, neither do they know him, but ye know him,
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” And as these give up
to be wholly led and guided by him, the new birth is brought forth
in them, and they witness the truth of another testimony of Paul’s,
even that of being created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God had foreordained that all his new-born children should walk in
them, and thereby show forth by their fruits and good works, that
they were truly the children of God, born of his spirit, and taught
of him; agreeably to the testimony of the prophet, that “the children
of the Lord are all taught of the Lord, and in righteousness they are
established, and great is the peace of his children.” And nothing can
make them afraid that man can do unto them; as saith the prophet in his
appeal to Jehovah, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is
staid on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” Therefore, let every one
that loves the truth, for God is truth, “trust in the Lord for ever,
for in the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength.”
I write these things to thee, not as though thou didst not know them,
but as a witness to thy experience, as “two are better than one, and a
threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
I will now draw to a close, with just adding, for thy encouragement,
be of good cheer, for no new thing has happened to us; for it has
ever been the lot of the righteous to pass through many trials and
tribulations, in their passage to that glorious, everlasting, peaceful,
and happy abode, where all sorrow and sighing come to an end--the
value of which is above all price; for when we have given all that we
have and can give, and suffered all that we can suffer, it is still
infinitely below its real value. And if we are favoured to gain an
inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode, “where the wicked
cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest,” we must ascribe it
all to the unmerited mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly Father,
who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever.
I will now conclude; and in the fulness of brotherly love to thee and
thine, in which my family unite, subscribe thy affectionate friend,
ELIAS HICKS.
To Hugh Judge.
Please present my love to all my friends, as way opens.
* * * * *
The writing of the preceding letter was the last act in the life of
this eminent individual, and the attentive reader will not fail to
regard it as an act of peculiar interest. It was as a seal to the
labours of a long life, and evinced the abiding and lively efficacy
of that internal principle which he had uniformly sought as his
director and preserver. But the work of this faithful servant was now
accomplished; “the silver cord was loosed,” and that spirit which had
been so diligently active in the service of its Divine Master, was
now to rest from its labours, and to reap its reward. Just when he
had finished the letter alluded to, he was attacked with a paralytic
affection, under the effects of which he became gradually weaker; but
his mind remained established in great peace and serenity, and on the
27th of 2d month, 1830, he calmly expired, aged nearly eighty-two years.
Of the character of this extraordinary man, it is not necessary now
to speak. The preceding pages describe the nature of his engagements;
and an estimate may thence be formed, of the fervency of his spirit,
and the brightness of his example. In his general deportment, and
in the expression of his countenance, there was a remarkable union
of gentleness and dignity, indicating the habitual benevolence
and solemnity of his feelings; and his public communications were
accompanied with a power and an authority which demonstrated the purity
of the source from whence they were derived. The promotion of spiritual
holiness and practical righteousness in the earth, were the objects of
his constant solicitude; and he endeavoured, through divine assistance,
to exemplify in his own daily experience, the comprehensive command of
the prophet, “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy
God.”
THE MEMORIAL OF JERICHO MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS CONCERNING OUR
ANCIENT FRIEND ELIAS HICKS.
We believe the example exhibited in the life and religious exercise
of this our beloved Friend, is eminently calculated to set forth the
efficacy and sufficiency of that divine grace, which, when believed in
and obeyed, bringeth salvation.
He was born in the town of Hempstead, Queens county, Long Island, state
of New-York, the 19th day of the 3d month, 1748. His parents’ names
were John and Martha Hicks. At the age of seventeen he was placed as an
apprentice to learn the trade of a carpenter; on the expiration of his
term, he returned to his father, with whom he lived until the time of
his marriage, which took place about the twenty-third year of his age,
to Jemima, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, in
said county, where he resided the remainder of his life.
From his own account we learn, that when very young, he was favoured
with clear and powerful impressions of divine grace operating on his
mind as a reprover for evil, which not duly regarding, and being
naturally of a lively and active disposition, he associated with those
who indulged in the vanities and amusements too common in the world,
though mostly in things deemed innocent by the generality of mankind.
But the gift of divine grace, which was so early manifested, did not
forsake him, though he often strove to stifle its convictions, but
followed him in judgment and in mercy, until a willingness was wrought
in him to give up all to follow Christ, in the regeneration. On one
occasion, when preparing to join in the dance, and surrounded by his
jovial companions, the pure witness rose so powerfully in his mind,
and so clearly set before him the evil tendency of the course he was
pursuing, that he reasoned not with flesh and blood, but gave up to
the heavenly vision, and in deep contrition and prostration of soul,
entered into covenant with the God of his life, that if he would be
pleased to furnish him with strength, he would endeavour not to be
again found in the like disobedience; which covenant, through mercy,
he was favoured to keep inviolate. Thus, submitting to the purifying
operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, he was, in due time, qualified
and called to declare to others what God had done for his soul; under
the divine anointing, he was enabled to unfold the truths of the
gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit and with power. And, through
a faithful obedience to that which had begun the good work in him, he
became an eminent instrument in the Lord’s hand, for the promotion of
truth and righteousness in the earth.
He first appeared in the ministry, about the twenty-seventh year of his
age, and from this period, his time and talents were devoted to the
cause of his Divine Master, labouring diligently for its advancement,
not only at home, and in his own neighbourhood, but in most parts of
this continent where there are settlements of Friends, and also, in
many places amongst those not of our society. In declaring what he
believed to be the counsel of God, he was bold and fearless, and his
ministry, though unadorned with the embellishments of human learning,
was clear and powerful. In argument he was strong and convincing,
and his appeals to the experience and convictions of his hearers,
were striking and appropriate. He saw, and deeply lamented the great
departure of many in the society of Friends, from that plainness and
simplicity, and that godly sincerity, which characterized it in the
beginning. Hence he felt himself called upon, under the influence
of the love of the gospel, to admonish his brethren in religious
profession, to rally to the ancient standard, the light of truth
manifested in the heart, and to follow no man any further, than he
should be found a follower of Christ. He assailed the strong holds
of superstition and bigotry with great boldness, which sometimes
alarmed the timid, and roused the prejudices of others. Yet to the
candid inquirer and sincere seeker after truth, he breathed the
language of encouragement, of consolation and of comfort. His great
and primary concern was to draw the minds of the people to practical
righteousness--from all outward dependance to the sure foundation,
the rock of ages, the spirit of truth, the comforter, “Christ within,
the hope of glory.” He generally corroborated the doctrines which he
preached, by appropriate references to the testimonies and experience
of those who have gone before us, as recorded in the scriptures of
truth. Through the efficacy of that power which enabled him to say, “By
the grace of God, I am what I am,” many were convinced of the truth,
through his ministry.
So full and pointed was his testimony against a hireling ministry,
which he held to be, not only in direct violation of the great gospel
precept “Freely ye have received, freely give,” but fraught with
incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind, that he sometimes
gave offence to those, whose minds were strongly biased in its favour.
Yet such was the general kindness and benevolence of his character,
that he did not willingly give offence to any. While he condemned
the practice, he was kind and charitable to those, who, through the
influence of education and early prejudice, differed from him on this
subject. Such was his concern that his examples should comport with his
testimony, that he was scrupulously careful to defray his own expenses
when travelling as a minister.
When his meetings were attended by a large concourse of persons of
various denominations, the solemnity and stillness that prevailed,
were often very remarkable, reminding us of the testimony of
primitive Friends, that the power accompanying their gospel labours
so overshadowed the assemblies, that truth reigned over all. Being
deeply sensible of his own inability to promote the cause of truth and
righteousness, without divine aid, he was engaged to dwell near the
fountain of light and life, and to minister as this opened and gave
ability. He was indeed an example of Christian humility, and eminently
preserved from being elated by the applause of men, or depressed by
their censure. Many were the exercises which he felt on account of
the evils which abound in the world, and the oppressed condition of
the African race excited his tenderest sympathy. Their cause engaged
his earnest solicitude for the greater part of his life, and he was
often led feelingly and powerfully to advocate it. We believe that many
were convinced, through his labours, of the cruelty and injustice of
holding them in bondage. He bore for many years a faithful testimony
against slavery, by carefully abstaining from the use of articles which
he believed to be produced by the labour of slaves. When at home, and
not engaged in services more strictly of a religious character, he
laboured diligently with his own hands, believing it the duty of all
to be usefully employed in obtaining the necessaries of life; and when
acquired, he acted as a steward under the direction of the bountiful
Giver, being restrained from using them for selfish gratification.
In the various relations of life he was a bright example, worthy
of imitation: he was an affectionate husband; and as a father and
guardian, his concern for the religious and moral education of his
children, and those placed under his care, was very great, that they
might be brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. For these
ends he exercised the authority of a parent with firmness, but in
much tenderness and love. His tender sympathy was excited for the
poor, to whom he was a kind and liberal friend, often supplying their
necessities. It may be truly said of him, that he was a man fearing God
and hating covetousness. He was a peace-maker, endeavouring, both by
precept and example, to promote harmony in his neighbourhood; and in
this respect he was very useful, his Christian deportment having gained
the confidence and affection of his neighbours. He was very diligent
in the attendance of religious meetings, and often led to encourage
others, assuring them, from his own experience, that none could expect
to increase in the divine life, until they considered that important
duty paramount to temporal concerns: he was also conspicuously useful
in supporting the discipline of the society.
At a very advanced age he continued to labour in the Lord’s vineyard,
with the same fervent zeal, the same dedication of heart, for which he
had been so eminently distinguished in the earlier stages of his life;
and in the exercise of his gift in the ministry, he was as lively,
clear, and cogent, as at any former period. Having been long taught in
the school of Christ, and being deeply experienced in the things which
concern our eternal well-being, he was well qualified to administer
counsel and encouragement to others; and was frequently led, feelingly
and forcibly, to impress upon the minds of the rising generation, the
importance and necessity of early attention to the inward discoveries
of divine light; cautioning them not to rest in the tradition of their
fathers, but to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing,
which has led the righteous in all ages safely through time; nor to
depend upon the teachings of men, for that knowledge which brings life
and immortality to light in the soul; declaring that faithfulness and
obedience to the influence of divine grace in their own hearts, could
only qualify them to advance the standard of truth and righteousness
in the earth. His dedication to the law of the spirit of life in
Christ Jesus, his firmness in the support of those testimonies
which he felt himself called upon to maintain, and his plainness in
reproving unfaithfulness in others, and bearing testimony against every
appearance of evil, gave offence to some; yet none of these things
moved him, neither counted he his life dear to himself, so that he
might finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had received,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God; and we are persuaded that
his feet were established upon that rock, against which the powers of
darkness shall never be able to prevail. He was favoured, in times
of the greatest trial, to experience the truth of the prophetic
declaration, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed
on thee, because he trusteth in thee.”
He was favoured with a good constitution, and in the decline of
life, was still actively engaged in the concerns of society, and
industriously employed in his temporal avocations.
His mental powers continued strong and vigorous to the end of his
labours. His comprehensive and energetic mind was apparently but very
little impaired by the revolution of more than fourscore years. Within
the last two years of his life, he travelled extensively in the work of
the ministry.
When he was eighty years of age, he opened in this monthly meeting a
concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and others in some parts of
the yearly meetings of New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Virginia,
Ohio, and Indiana. He obtained a certificate of unity and concurrence
from this monthly meeting, endorsed by Westbury quarterly meeting.
In this visit he experienced many deep probations on account of the
unsettled state of society. “For the divisions of Reuben, there were
great searchings of heart.” Yet he was enabled to accomplish his visit
to the southern and western yearly meetings, agreeably to his prospect.
Shortly after his return from this journey, he met with a severe
affliction in the loss of his beloved companion, with whom he had lived
in near union and affection for fifty-eight years.
In the summer of 1829, in pursuance of his prospect as before
mentioned, he visited most of the meetings of Friends in the northern
and western parts of our yearly meeting. His gospel labours, during
these arduous and extensive visits, were productive of satisfaction and
peace to his own mind, and were peculiarly seasonable and acceptable
to his friends, as appears by numerous certificates of near unity,
which he produced to this meeting on his return home; after which, he
attended all the meetings of Friends in the city of New-York, and on
this island, very much to their satisfaction. In these last visits,
as heretofore, his gospel labours were remarkably clear and powerful,
and we trust are profitably remembered by many. He seemed renewedly
concerned on account of the deviations from that plainness and
simplicity into which the truth would lead; and expressed the comfort
it would be to him to see a reformation in these respects.
On first day morning, the 14th of 2d month last, he was engaged in
his room, writing to a friend, until a little after ten o’clock, when
he returned to that occupied by the family, apparently just attacked
by a paralytic affection, which nearly deprived him of the use of his
right side, and of the power of speech. Being assisted to a chair near
the fire, he manifested by signs, that the letter which he had just
finished, and which had been dropped by the way, should be taken care
of; and on its being brought to him, appeared satisfied, and manifested
a desire that all should sit down and be still, seemingly sensible
that his labours were brought to a close, and only desirous of quietly
waiting the final change. The solemn composure at this time manifest in
his countenance, was very impressive, indicating that he was sensible
the time of his departure was at hand, and that the prospect of death
brought no terrors with it. During his last illness, his mental
faculties were occasionally obscured, yet he was at times enabled to
give satisfactory evidence to those around him, that all was well, and
that he felt nothing in his way.
His dependance had long been upon that arm of power alone, which
supported him under every probation, and near the conclusion of the
letter above alluded to, he thus expressed himself: “And if we are
favoured to gain an inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode,
where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest, we
must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and loving kindness of our
heavenly Father, who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever.” He
continued gradually to decline until the evening of the 27th, when he
quietly passed from the trials of time, we doubt not, to receive the
reward of the righteous.
His funeral took place on fourth day, the 3d of 3d month. It was
attended by a large concourse of Friends and others, and a solid
meeting was held on the occasion; after which, his remains were
interred in Friends’ burial ground at this place.
Signed by direction and on behalf of Jericho Monthly Meeting, held 4th
month, 15th, 1830.
WILLET ROBBINS, } _Clerks_.
ABIGAIL HICKS, }
At Westbury Quarterly Meeting held at Westbury, the 22d of 4th month,
1830.
A memorial of Jericho Monthly Meeting, concerning our late beloved
friend Elias Hicks, was produced and read, and being satisfactory to
the meeting, was approved, directed to be endorsed, and forwarded to
the Meeting for Sufferings.
Signed on behalf of the meeting by
STEPHEN UNDERHILL, } _Clerks_.
SARAH COCK, }
At a Meeting for Sufferings held in New-York, 5th month, 26th, 1830,
The memorial from Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by the Quarterly
Meeting of Westbury, concerning our beloved friend Elias Hicks,
deceased, being deliberately attended to, was approved and directed to
the Yearly Meeting.
Extract from minutes of said meeting.
JOHN BARROW, _Clerk_.
At the Yearly Meeting of New-York, held by adjournments, from the 24th
of the 5th month, to the 28th of the same inclusive, 1830,
A testimony of Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by Westbury Quarterly
Meeting, and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, concerning our
ancient beloved friend Elias Hicks, was read and approved. Much
solicitude was felt and expressed that it may, with the remembrance of
his exemplary life, encourage us to walk by the same rule, and to mind
the same thing, which enabled him to become so eminently useful in his
day and generation.
SAMUEL MOTT, } _Clerks_.
ANN M. COMSTOCK, }
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE.
Archaic and obsolete spellings and usage were left as originally
printed, however obvious typos were fixed. Place names are often
misspelled by current standards, but are easily recognizable.
Details of the changes are below, the correction being inside square
braces.
Page 019 proceeded to Oswego and Appoquague[Apoquague], and then to
Page 037 at Little Esopus, Marlborough, and Newburg[Newburgh] Valley;
Page 038 near Salem, Purchase, Apoquage[Apoquague], Mamaroneck, and
Page 051 Champlain, and got to Ferrisburg[Ferrisburgh] just in time
Page 054 occasioned by the many obvious deficiences[deficiencies] and
Page 061 travail among them, being baptised[baptized] into their low
Page 072 following days we attended meetings at Monallen[Menallen]
Page 079 15th we were at Moore’s Town and Rancocus[Rancocas]; in the
Page 114 at Chesnut Ridge, and Poquague[Poughquague], we proceeded
Page 210 manner, the way and means of man’s salvavation[salvation];
Page 217 own experience, those works of righeousness[righteousness]
Page 220 it made his heart glad, and he took Micha’s[Micah’s] ephod,
Page 223 attend Friend’s[Friends’] meetings: and towards his close,
Page 232 business, not feeeling[feeling] any particular religious
Page 275 the excellency of the gospel dispenpensation[dispensation],
Page 290 covering over the meeeting[meeting].
Page 301 to-day, to morrow[to-morrow] is dead. This subject very
Page 301 funeral, and led to an awkening[awakening] communication,
Page 301 our aproaching[approaching] yearly meeting. Left home early
Page 306 more faithfulnes[faithfulness] and attention to the inward
Page 311 attended Friend’s[Friends’] meeting at Plainfield. Notice
Page 315 Huntington and Monallin[Menallen]. In these opportunities my
Page 315 From Monallin[Menallen] we rode to Baltimore, in order to
Page 320 seven following days we attended meetings at Mulica[Mullica]
Page 352 the Saw Pitts[Pits]. Here we had a meeting the next day at
Page 359 Creek, and attended Friend’s[Friends’] meeting as it came in
Page 360 day we proceeded towards Ferrisburg[Ferrisburgh], where we
Page 369 return from the service he he[duplicate] had sent them out
Page 373 that my proceedure[procedure] was under right direction; for
Page 376 Concord, St. Clairville[Clairsville], Plainfield, Flushing,
Page 402 Huntington and Monallin[Menallen]. These were all favoured
Page 424 11th, we attended Friends’ meeting at Rancocus[Rancocas].
Page 429 in this Friends’[Friend’s] house. On fourth day we attended