It was now eight years since I had made application to be permitted to
preach the gospel, during which time I had only been allowed to exhort,
and even this privilege but seldom. This subject now was renewed afresh
in my mind; it was as a fire shut up in my bones. About thirteen months
passed on, while under this renewed impression. During this time, I had
solicited of the Rev. Bishop, Richard Allen, who at this time had become
Bishop of the African Episcopal Methodists in America, to be permitted
the liberty of holding prayer meetings in my own hired house, and of
exhorting as I found liberty, which was granted me. By this means, my
mind was relieved, as the house soon filled when the hour appointed for
prayer had arrived.
I cannot but relate in this place, before I proceed further with the
above subject, the singular conversion of a very wicked young man. He was
a colored man, who had generally attended our meetings, but not for any
good purpose; but rather to disturb and to ridicule our denomination. He
openly and uniformly declared that he neither believed in religion, nor
wanted any thing to do with it. He was of a Gallio disposition, and took
the lead among the young people of color. But after a while he fell sick,
and lay about three months in a state of ill health; his disease was a
consumption. Toward the close of his days, his sister who was a member of
the society, came and desired me to go and see her brother, as she had no
hopes of his recovery, perhaps the Lord might break into his mind. I went
alone, and found him very low. I soon commenced to inquire respecting his
state of feeling, and how he found his mind. His answer was, “O tolerable
well,” with an air of great indifference. I asked him if I should pray
for him. He answered in a sluggish and careless manner, “O yes, if you
have time.” I then sung a hymn, kneeled down and prayed for him, and then
went my way.
Three days after this, I went again to visit the young man. At this time
there went with me two of the sisters in Christ. We found the Rev. Mr.
Cornish, of our denomination, laboring with him. But he said he received
but little satisfaction from him. Pretty soon, however, brother Cornish
took his leave; when myself, with the other two sisters, one of which was
an elderly woman named Jane Hutt, the other was younger, both colored,
commenced conversing with him, respecting his eternal interest, and of
his hopes of a happy eternity, if any he had. He said but little; we
then kneeled down together and besought the Lord in his behalf, praying
that if mercy were not clear gone for ever, to shed a ray of softening
grace upon the hardness of his heart. He appeared now to be somewhat more
tender, and we thought we could perceive some tokens of conviction, as he
wished us to visit him again, in a tone of voice not quite as indifferent
as he had hitherto manifested.
But two days had elapsed after this visit, when his sister came to me in
haste, saying, that she believed her brother was then dying, and that
he had _sent_ for me. I immediately called on Jane Hutt, who was still
among us as a mother in Israel, to go with me. When we arrived there,
we found him sitting up in bed, very restless and uneasy, but he soon
laid down again. He now wished me to come to him, by the side of his
bed. I asked him how he was. He said, Very ill; and added, “Pray for me,
quick?” We now perceived his time in this world to be short. I took up
the hymn-book, and opened to a hymn suitable to his case, and commenced
to sing, but there seemed to be a _horror_ in the room—a darkness of a
mental kind, which was felt by us all; there being five persons, except
the sick young man and his nurse. We had sung but one verse, when they
all gave over singing, on account of this unearthly sensation, but
myself. I continued to sing on alone, but in a dull and heavy manner,
though looking up to God all the while for help. Suddenly I felt a spring
of energy awake in my heart, when darkness gave way in some degree.
It was but a glimmer from above. When the hymn was finished, we all
kneeled down to pray for him. While calling on the name of the Lord, to
have mercy on his soul, and to grant him repentance unto life, it came
suddenly into my mind never to rise from my knees until God should hear
prayer in his behalf, until he should convert and save his soul.
Now, while I thus continued importuning heaven, as I felt I was led, a
ray of light, more abundant, broke forth among us. There appeared to my
view, though my eyes were closed, the Saviour in full stature, nailed
to the cross, just over the head of the young man, against the ceiling
of the room. I cried out, brother look up, the Saviour is come, he
will pardon you, your sins he will forgive. My sorrow for the soul of
the young man was gone; I could no longer pray—joy and rapture made it
impossible. We rose up from our knees, when lo, his eyes were gazing
with ecstacy upwards; over his face there was an expression of joy; his
lips were clothed in a sweet and holy smile; but no sound came from
his tongue; it was heard in its stillness of bliss; full of hope and
immortality. Thus, as I held him by the hand, his happy and purified soul
soared away, without a sigh or a groan, to its eternal rest.
I now closed his eyes, straightened out his limbs, and left him to be
dressed for the grave. But as for me, I was filled with the power of the
Holy Ghost—the very room seemed filled with glory. His sister and all
that were in the room rejoiced, nothing doubting but he had entered into
Paradise; and I believe I shall see him at the last and great day, safe
on the shores of salvation.
But to return to the subject of my call to preach. Soon after this, as
above related, the Rev. Richard Williams was to preach at Bethel Church,
where I with others were assembled. He entered the pulpit, gave out the
hymn, which was sung, and then addressed the throne of grace; took his
text, passed through the exordium, and commenced to expound it. The text
he took is in Jonah, 2d chap. 9th verse,—“Salvation is of the Lord.” But
as he proceeded to explain, he seemed to have lost the spirit; when in
the same instant, I sprang, as by altogether supernatural impulse, to my
feet, when I was aided from above to give an exhortation on the very text
which my brother Williams had taken.
I told them I was like Jonah; for it had been then nearly eight years
since the Lord had called me to preach his gospel to the fallen sons and
daughters of Adam’s race, but that I had lingered like him, and delayed
to go at the bidding of the Lord, and warn those who are as deeply guilty
as were the people of Nineveh.
During the exhortation, God made manifest his power in a manner
sufficient to show the world that I was called to labor according to
my ability, and the grace given unto me, in the vineyard of the good
husbandman.
I now sat down, scarcely knowing what I had done, being frightened. I
imagined, that for this indecorum, as I feared it might be called, I
should be expelled from the church. But instead of this, the Bishop rose
up in the assembly, and related that I had called upon him eight years
before, asking to be permitted to preach, and that he had put me off; but
that he now as much believed that I was called to that work, as any of
the preachers present. These remarks greatly strengthened me, so that my
fears of having given an offence, and made myself liable as an offender,
subsided, giving place to a sweet serenity, a holy joy of a peculiar
kind, untasted in my bosom until then.
The next Sabbath day, while sitting under the word of the gospel, I felt
moved to attempt to speak to the people in a public manner, but I could
not bring my mind to attempt it in the church. I said, Lord, anywhere
but here. Accordingly, there was a house not far off which was pointed
out to me; to this I went. It was the house of a sister belonging to the
same society with myself. Her name was Anderson. I told her I had come
to hold a meeting in her house, if she would call in her neighbors. With
this request she immediately complied. My congregation consisted of but
five persons. I commenced by reading and singing a hymn; when I arose I
found my hand resting on the Bible, which I had not noticed till that
moment. It now occurred to me to take a text. I opened the Scripture,
as it happened, at the 141st Psalm, fixing my eye on the third verse,
which reads: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my
lips.” My sermon, such as it was, applied wholly to myself, and added
an exhortation. Two of my congregation wept much, as the fruit of my
labor this time. In closing, I said to the few, that if any one would
open a door, I would hold a meeting the next sixth-day evening: when one
answered that her house was at my service. Accordingly I went, and God
made manifest his power among the people. Some wept, while others shouted
for joy. One whole seat of females, by the power of God, as the rushing
of a wind, were all bowed to the floor, at once, and screamed out. Also a
sick man and woman in one house, the Lord convicted them both; one lived,
and the other died. God wrought a judgment—some were well at night, and
died in the morning. At this place I continued to hold meetings about
six months. During that time I kept house with my little son, who was
very sickly. About this time I had a call to preach at a place about
thirty miles distant, among the Methodists, with whom I remained one
week, and during the whole time, not a thought of my little son came into
my mind; it was hid from me, lest I should have been diverted from the
work I had to do, to look after my son. Here by the instrumentality of a
poor coloured woman, the Lord poured forth his spirit among the people.
Though, as I was told, there were lawyers, doctors, and magistrates
present, to hear me speak, yet there was mourning and crying among
sinners, for the Lord scattered fire among them of his own kindling.
The Lord gave his hand-maiden power to speak for his great name, for
he arrested the hearts of the people, and caused a shaking amongst the
multitude, for God was in the midst.
I now returned home, found all well; no harm had come to my child,
although I left it very sick. Friends had taken care of it which was of
the Lord. I now began to think seriously of breaking up housekeeping, and
forsaking all to preach the everlasting Gospel. I felt a strong desire
to return to the place of my nativity, at Cape May, after an absence of
about fourteen years. To this place, where the heaviest cross was to be
met with, the Lord sent me, as Saul of Tarsus was sent to Jerusalem, to
preach the same gospel which he had neglected and despised before his
conversion. I went by water, and on my passage was much distressed by
sea sickness, so much so that I expected to have died, but such was not
the will of the Lord respecting me. After I had disembarked, I proceeded
on as opportunities offered, toward where my mother lived. When within
ten miles of that place, I appointed an evening meeting. There were a
goodly number came out to hear. The Lord was pleased to give me light
and liberty among the people. After meeting, there came an elderly lady
to me and said, she believed the Lord had sent me among them; she then
appointed me another meeting there two weeks from that night. The next
day I hastened forward to the place of my mother, who was happy to see
me, and the happiness was mutual between us. With her I left my poor
sickly boy, while I departed to do my Master’s will. In this neighborhood
I had an uncle, who was a Methodist, and who gladly threw open his door
for meetings to be held there. At the first meeting which I held at my
uncle’s house, there was, with others who had come from curiosity to hear
the woman preacher, an old man, who was a Deist, and who said he did not
believe the coloured people had any souls—he was sure they had none. He
took a seat very near where I was standing, and boldly tried to look me
out of countenance. But as I labored on in the best manner I was able,
looking to God all the while, though it seemed to me I had but little
liberty, yet there went an arrow from the bent bow of the gospel, and
fastened in his till then obdurate heart. After I had done speaking, he
went out, and called the people around him, said that my preaching might
seem a small thing, yet he believed I had the worth of souls at heart.
This language was different from what it was a little time before, as he
now seemed to admit that coloured people had souls, as it was to these
I was chiefly speaking; and unless they had souls, whose good I had in
view, his remark must have been without meaning. He now came into the
house, and in the most friendly manner shook hands with me, saying, he
hoped God had spared him to some good purpose. This man was a great slave
holder, and had been very cruel; thinking nothing of knocking down a
slave with a fence stake, or whatever might come to hand. From this time
it was said of him that he became greatly altered in his ways for the
better. At that time he was about seventy years old, his head as white as
snow; but whether he became a converted man or not, I never heard.
The week following, I had an invitation to hold a meeting at the Court
House of the County, when I spoke from the 53d chap. of Isaiah, 3d verse.
It was a solemn time, and the Lord attended the word; I had life and
liberty, though there were people there of various denominations. Here
again I saw the aged slaveholder, who notwithstanding his age, walked
about three miles to hear me. This day I spoke twice, and walked six
miles to the place appointed. There was a magistrate present, who showed
his friendship, by saying in a friendly manner, that he had heard of
me: he handed me a hymn-book, pointing to a hymn which he had selected.
When the meeting was over, he invited me to preach in a schoolhouse
in his neighborhood, about three miles distant from where I then was.
During this meeting one backslider was reclaimed. This day I walked six
miles, and preached twice to large congregations, both in the morning and
evening. The Lord was with me, glory be to his holy name. I next went
six miles and held a meeting in a coloured friend’s house, at eleven
o’clock in the morning, and preached to a well behaved congregation of
both coloured and white. After service I again walked back, which was in
all twelve miles in the same day. This was on Sabbath, or as I sometimes
call it, seventh day; for after my conversion I preferred the plain
language of the Friends. On the fourth day, after this, in compliance
with an invitation received by note, from the same magistrate who had
heard me at the above place I preached to a large congregation, where we
had a precious time: much weeping was heard among the people. The same
gentleman, now at the close of the meeting, gave out another appointment
at the same place, that day week. Here again I had liberty, there was a
move among the people. Ten years from that time, in the neighborhood of
Cape May, I held a prayer meeting in a school house, which was then the
regular place of preaching for the Episcopal Methodists, after service,
there came a white lady, of great distinction, a member of the Methodist
Society, and told me that at the same school house ten years before,
under my preaching, the Lord first awakened her. She rejoiced much to see
me, and invited me home with her, where I staid till the next day. This
was bread cast upon the water, seen after many days.
From this place I next went to Dennis Creek meeting house, where at the
invitation of an elder, I spoke to a large congregation of various and
conflicting sentiments, when a wonderful shock of God’s power was felt,
shown everywhere by groans, by sighs, and loud and happy amens. I felt as
if aided from above. My tongue was cut loose, the stammerer spoke freely;
the love of God, and of his service, burned with a vehement flame within
me—his name was glorified among the people.
I had my little son with me, and was very much straitened for money—and
not having means to procure my passage home, I opened a School, and
taught eleven scholars, for the purpose of raising a small sum. For
many weeks I knew not what to do about returning home, when the Lord
came to my assistance as I was rambling in the fields meditating upon
his goodness, and made known to me that I might go to the city of
Philadelphia, for which place I soon embarked with a very kind captain.
We had a perilous passage—a dreadful storm arose, and before leaving the
Delaware bay, we had a narrow escape from being run down by a large ship.
But the good Lord held us in the hollow of his hand, and in the afternoon
of Nov. 12, 1821, we arrived at the city.
Here I held meetings in the dwelling house of sister Lydia Anderson,
and for about three months had as many appointments as I could attend.
We had many precious seasons together, and the Lord was with his little
praying band, convincing and converting sinners to the truth. I continued
in the city until spring, when I felt it impressed upon my mind to
travel, and walked fourteen miles in company with a sister to meet with
some ministers, there to assemble, from Philadelphia. Satan tempted me
while on the way, telling me that I was a fool for walking so far, as
I would not be permitted to preach. But I pursued my journey, with the
determination to set down and worship with them. When I arrived, a goodly
number of people had assembled, and no preacher. They waited the time to
commence the exercises, and then called upon me. I took the 3d chapter
John, 14th verse for my text. I had life and liberty, and the Lord was
in the camp with a shout. Another meeting was appointed three miles from
there, when I spoke from Psalms cxxxvii, 1, 2, 3, 4. My master was with
me, and made manifest his power. In the County House, also, we held a
meeting, and had a sweet waiting upon the Lord. I spoke from Hebrews ii,
3, when the Lord gave me peculiar liberty. At a dwelling house one night
I spoke from John vii, 46, when six souls fell to the floor crying for
mercy. We had a blessed outpouring of the spirit among us—the God of
Jacob was in our midst—and the shout of heaven-born souls was like music
to our ears.
About the month of February my little son James, then in his sixth
year, gave evidence of having religious inclinations. Once he got up
in a chair, with a hymn book in his hand, and with quite a ministerial
gesture, gave out a hymn. I felt the spirit move me to sing with him. A
worthy sister was in the room, who I asked to pray for him. I invoked
the Lord to answer and seal this prayer in the courts of heaven. I
believed He would and did, and while yet on our knees I was filled with
the fulness of God, and the answer came. I cried out in the joy of my
heart—“The dead is alive”—and ran down stairs to inform a neighbor. Tears
ran down the cheeks of my now happy boy, and great was our rejoicing
together. He had been the subject of many prayers, and often had I
thought I would rather follow him to his grave than to see him grow up
an open and profane sinner like many children I had seen. And here let
me say, the promise of the Lord is, “ask and ye shall receive.” Dear
parents; pray for your children in childhood—carry them in the arms of
faith to the mercy seat, and there present them an offering to the
Lord. I can say from my own experience, the Lord will hear prayer. I
had given James the Bible as Haman gave Samuel to God in his youth, and
by his gracious favor he was received. For the further encouragement of
fathers and mothers to engage in this blessed work, let me refer them
to Ecclesiastes xi, 6: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening
withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either
this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
“Sow it in the youthful mind,
Can you have a fairer field?
Be it but in faith consigned,
Harvest, doubtless, it shall yield,
Fruits of early piety,
All that God delights to see.”
In November I journeyed for Trenton, N. J. At Burlington I spoke to the
people on the Sabbath, and had a good time among them, and on Monday the
12th, in a School house. Sister Mary Owan, who had laid aside all the
cares of the world, went with me. We had no means of travelling but on
foot, but the Lord regarded us, and by some means put it into the heart
of a stranger, to convey us to the Trenton bridge. We fell in with the
elder of the circuit, who spoke to me in a cold and formal manner, and
as though he thought my capacity was not equal to his. We went into the
sister’s house, where we expected to stay, and waited a long while with
our hats and cloaks on, before the invitation to lodge there was given.
In the morning I had thought to visit Newhope, but remained to discharge
my duty in visiting the sick and afflicted three or four days in the
neighborhood. I was invited to a prayer meeting, and was called upon by a
brother to speak. I improved the offer, and made some remarks from Kings
xviii, 21. One of the preachers invited me to preach for them on sixth
day evening, which I complied with before an attentive congregation, when
God followed the word with much power, and great was our joy. On the 17th
I spoke in the morning at 11 o’clock. I felt my weakness and deficiency
for the work, and thought “who is able for these things,” and desired to
get away from the task. My text was Timothy vi, 2-7. The Lord again cut
loose the stammering tongue, and opened the Scriptures to my mind, so
that, glory to God’s dear name, we had a most melting, sin-killing, and
soul-reviving time. In the afternoon I assisted in leading a class, when
we found the Lord faithful and true—and on the same evening I spoke from
Hebrews ii, 3.
The next day, sister Mary Owan and myself set out for Newhope, where
we arrived, after walking sixteen miles, at about six o’clock in the
evening. Though tedious, it was a pleasant walk to view the high mountain
and towering hills, and the beauty and variety of nature around us,
which powerfully impressed my mind with the greatness and wisdom of my
Maker. At this place I stopt at the house of the gentleman with whose
wife’s mother I was brought up, and by whom we were agreeably received.
The next evening we called upon brother Butler, where I addressed a small
company, and God, through his words, quickened some. The next night I
spoke in an Academy to a goodly number of people, from John iii, 14. Here
I found some very ill-behaved persons, who talked roughly, and said among
other things, “I was not a woman, but a man dressed in female clothes.”
I labored one week among them, and went next to Lambertsville, where we
experienced kindness from the people, and had a happy time and parted in
tears.
I now returned to Philadelphia, where I stayed a short time, and went to
Salem, West Jersey. I met with many troubles on my journey, especially
from the elder, who like many others, was averse to a woman’s preaching.
And here let me tell that elder, if he has not gone to heaven, that I
have heard that as far back as Adam Clarke’s time, his objections to
female preaching were met by the answer—“If an ass reproved Balaam, and
a barn-door fowl reproved Peter, why should not a woman reprove sin?” I
do not introduce this for its complimentary classification of women with
donkeys and fowls, but to give the reply of a poor woman, who had once
been a slave. To the first companion she said—“May be a speaking woman
is like an ass—but I can tell you one thing, the ass seen the angel when
Balaam didn’t.”
Notwithstanding the opposition, we had a prosperous time at Salem. I
had some good congregations, and sinners were cut to the heart. After
speaking in the meeting house, two women came up into the pulpit, and
falling upon my neck cried out “What shall I do to be saved?” One said
she had disobeyed God, and he had taken her children from her—he had
called often after her, but she did not hearken. I pointed her to the
all-atoning blood of Christ, which is sufficient to cleanse from all
sin, and left her, after prayer, to his mercy. From this place I walked
twenty-one miles, and preached with difficulty to a stiff-necked and
rebellious people, who I soon left without any animosity for their
treatment. They might have respected my message, if not the poor weak
servant who brought it to them with so much labor.
“If they persecute you in one city, flee into another,” was the advice I
had resolved to take, and I hastened to Greenwich, where I had a lively
congregation, had unusual life and liberty in speaking, and the power of
God was there. We also had a solemn time in the meeting house on Sabbath
day morning, and in a dwelling house in the evening; a large company
assembled, when the spirit was with us, and we had a mighty shaking among
the dry bones.
On second day morning, I took stage and rode seven miles to Woodstown,
and there I spoke to a respectable congregation of white and colored,
in a school house. I was desired to speak in the colored meeting house,
but the minister could not reconcile his mind to a woman preacher—he
could not unite in fellowship with me even to shaking hands as christians
ought. I had visited that place before, when God made manifest his
power “through the foolishness of preaching,” and owned the poor old
woman. One of the brothers appointed a meeting in his own house, and
after much persuasion this minister came also. I did not feel much like
preaching, but spoke from Acts viii, 35. I felt my inability, and was led
to complain of weakness—but God directed the arrow to the hearts of the
guilty—and my friend the minister got happy, and often shouted “Amen,”
and “as it is, sister.” We had a wonderful display of the spirit of God
among us, and we found it good to be there. There is nothing too hard
for the Lord to do. I committed the meeting into the hands of the elder,
who afterwards invited me to preach in the meeting house. He had said he
did not believe that ever a soul was converted under the preaching of a
woman—but while I was laboring in his place, conviction seized a woman,
who fell to the floor crying for mercy. This meeting held till 12 or 1
o’clock. O how precious is the sound of Jesus’ name! I never felt a doubt
at this time of my acceptance with God, but rested my soul on his every
promise. The elder shook hands, and we parted.
Nov. 22, 1822, I returned to Philadelphia, and attended meetings in and
out of the city. God was still my help, and I preached and formed a
class, and tried to be useful. The oppositions I met with, however, were
numerous—so much so, that I was tempted to withdraw from the Methodist
Church, lest some might go into ruin by their persecutions of me—but this
was allowed only to try my faithfulness to God. At times I was pressed
down like a cart beneath its shafts—my life seemed as at the point of the
sword—my heart was sore and pained me in my body. But the Lord knows how
to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust till
the day of judgment to be punished. While relating the feelings of my
mind to a sister who called to see me, joy sprang up in my bosom that I
was not overcome by the adversary, and I was overwhelmed with the love
of God and souls. I embraced the sister in my arms, and we had a melting
time together. Oh how comforting it is to have the spirit of God bearing
witness with our spirits that we are his children in such dark hours!
When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, (tho’ oft he has tried,)
The soul cheering promise the Lord will provide.
He tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions our graces have tried,
This answers all questions, the Lord will provide.
I felt a greater love for the people than ever. It appeared to me that
they erred through ignorance of my desire to do them good; and my prayer
was that nothing but love might appear in my ways, and actuate my heart.
Religion is love—God is love. But it was nothing less than the Divine
power that brought me through, for it appeared that the hosts of darkness
were arrayed against me to destroy my peace and lead me away from the
throne of love.
June 24, I left the city of Philadelphia to travel in Delaware State. I
went with captain Ryal, a kind gentleman, who took me to his house in
Wilmington, and himself and lady both treated me well. The first night
of my arrival; I preached in the stone Methodist meeting house. I tried,
in my weak way, to interest the assembly from the 2d chapter of Hebrews,
3d verse—“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” God
was there, as we had the most delightful evidence—and many had their
eyes opened to see there was no escape from the second death while out
of Christ, and cried unto God for his saving grave. I would that all who
have not embraced the salvation offered in the gospel, might examine the
question candidly and seriously, ere the realities of the other world
break up their fancied security.
In July I spoke in a School house to a large congregation, from Numbers
xxix, 17. Here we had a sweet foretaste of heaven—full measure, and
running over—shouting and rejoicing—while the poor errand-bearer of a
free gospel was assisted from on high. I wish my reader had been there to
share with us the joyous heavenly feast. On the 15th of July I gave an
exhortation in the meeting house again to a listening multitude—deep and
solemn were the convictions of many, and good, I trust, was done.
The next place I visited was Newcastle. The meeting house could not be
obtained, and two young gentleman interested themselves to get the Court
house, but the Trustees objected, wishing to know why the Methodists did
not open their Church. The reason was “I was not licensed,” they said. My
two friends waited on me to speak in the Market house, where I attended
at early candlelight, and had the pleasure of addressing a few plain
truths to a crowded but respectful congregation, from John vii, 46—“Never
man spake like this man.” On Sunday the same young gentlemen invited me
to give another discourse, to which I consented, before a large gathering
of all descriptions.
From here I proceeded to Christine, where we worshipped in a dwelling
house, and I must say was well treated by some of my colored friends.
I then returned to Wilmington, where in a few days I had a message to
return again to C. My friends said I should have the Meeting house, for
which Squire Luden interested himself, and the appointment was published.
When the people met at the proper time, the doors remained locked. Amid
cries of “shame” we left the Church steps—but a private house was opened
a short distance up the road, and though disappointed in obtaining egress
to a Church, the Lord did not disappoint his people, for we were fed
with the bread of life, and had a happy time. Mr. and Mrs. Lewelen took
me to their house, and treated me, not as one of their hired servants,
but as a companion, for which I shall ever feel grateful. Mr. Smith, a
doctor, also invited me to call upon them—he was a Presbyterian, but
we prayed and conversed together about Jesus and his love, and parted
without meddling with each others creeds. Oh, I long to see the day when
Christians will meet on one common platform—Jesus of Nazareth—and cease
their bickerings and contentions about non-essentials—when “our Church”
shall be less debated, but “our Jesus” shall be all in all.
Another family gave me the invitation to attend a prayer meeting. It was
like a “little heaven below.” From here I walked about four miles that
evening, accompanied by the house maid of Mrs. Ford, a Presbyterian,
who said she knew her mistress would be glad to see me. Mrs. F. gave
me a welcome—said she felt interested in my speaking, and sent a note
to a Methodist lady, who replied that my labor would be acceptable, no
doubt, in her Church that afternoon. When I came in, the elder was in the
pulpit. He gave us a good sermon. After preaching, this lady spoke of me
to the elder; in consequence, he invited me to his pulpit, saying “he was
willing that every one should do good.” My text was Hebrews ii, 3. Though
weak in body, the good Master filled my mouth and gave me liberty among
strangers, and seldom have I spent so happy a Sabbath. Mrs. F. had a
colored woman in her family one hundred and ten years of age, with whom I
conversed about religion—how Christ had died to redeem us and the way of
salvation, and the poor old lady said “she wished she could hear me every
day.” I also called upon another, one hundred and sixteen years old, who
was blind. We talked together about Jesus—she had a strong and abiding
evidence of her new birth, and in a few weeks went home to heaven. Here
she was long deprived of the light of the sun, and the privilege of
reading God’s blessed word; but there her eyes are unsealed, and the Sun
of righteousness has risen with healing in his wings.
There glory beams on all the plains,
Which sight to her is given—
There music rolls in sweetest strains,
And spotless beauty ever reigns,
And all is love in heaven.
I left Mrs. Ford’s and walked about three miles to St. George, with a
recommend to a Mrs. Sutton, a noble-minded lady of the Presbyterian
order, where I was generously treated. Here I preached in the School
house to a respectable company—had considerable weeping and a profitable
waiting upon the Lord. I accepted an invitation from a gentleman to
preach in a Methodist Church three miles distant—found there a loving
people, and was highly gratified at the order and decorum manifested
while I addressed them. Mrs. Smith took me home with her, who I found to
be a christian both in sentiment and action. By invitation, I went next
to Port Penn, and spoke with freedom, being assisted of the Lord, to a
full house, and had a glorious feast of the Spirit. The next night found
me at Canton Bride, to which place I had walked—spoke in a School house,
from Math. xxii, 41—“What think ye of Christ?” The presence of the Lord
overshadowed us—believers rejoiced—some were awakened to believe well of
my Master, and I trust are on their way to glory. In Fieldsborough, also,
we had gracious meetings.
At Smyrna I met brother C. W. Cannon, who made application for the
Friend’s Meeting house for me, where the Lord blessed us abundantly. We
attended a Camp-meeting of the old connexion, and got greatly refreshed
for the King’s service. I rode ten miles and delivered a message from the
Lord to a waiting audience—the Master assisted, and seven individuals,
white and colored, prostrated themselves for prayer. Next day I rode
to Middletown—spoke in a School house to a white congregation from
Isaiah lxiii, 1, and a good time it was. In the morning at 11 o’clock, I
addressed a Methodist Society, and in the afternoon at 3 o’clock, spoke
under a tree in the grave yard, by the road side, to a large audience.
Squire Maxwell’s lady, who was present, invited me home to tea with
herself and nieces, and a Quaker lady showed her benevolence by putting
into my hand enough to help me on my journey. The Lord is good—what
shall I do to make it known? I rode seven miles that night, and gave an
exhortation after the minister had preached, and felt happier than a King.
I now travelled to Cecil county, Md., and the first evening spoke to a
large congregation. The pastor afterwards baptized some adult persons—and
we all experienced the cleansing and purifying power. We had a baptism
within and without. I was next sent for by the servant of a white
gentleman, to hold a meeting in his house in the evening. He invited
the neighbors, colored and white, when I spoke according to the ability
God gave me. It was pleasant to my poor soul to be there—Jesus was in
our midst—and we gave glory to God. Yes, glory—glory be to God in the
highest. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” I boast not myself. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but
God giveth the increase. I tried also to preach three times at a place
14 miles from here—had good meetings—backsliders were reclaimed and
sinners convicted of sin, who I left in the hands of God, with the hope
of meeting and recognizing again “when we arrive at home.”
* * * * *
Returned back to Middletown. The next day the preacher of the circuit
conveyed me to his place of appointment at Elkton. We had a wonderful
outpouring of the spirit. At Frenchtown I spoke at 11 o’clock, where I
realized my nothingness, but, God’s name be praised, he helped me in
the duty. Went again to Middletown, and from there to Canton’s Bridge,
and talked to the people as best I could. Seven miles from this place
I found, by the direction of a kind Providence, my own sister, who had
been separated from me some thirty-three years. We were young when last
we met, with less of the cares of life than now. Each heart then was
buoyant with mildly hopes and pleasures—and little did we expect at
parting that thirty-three years would pass over us, with its changes and
vicissitudes, ere we should see each other’s face. Both were much altered
in appearance, but we knew each other, and talked over the dealings of
the Lord with us, retracing our wanderings in the world and “the days
when life was young.”
“Our days of childhood quickly pass,
And soon our happiest years are run—
As the pure dew that gems the grass
Is dried beneath the summer sun.
There’s such deceit—such guile in men,
Who would not be a child again?”
During this visit I had three meetings in different directions in
gentlemen’s houses, and a prayer meeting at my brother’s, who did not
enjoy religion. My good old friend Mr. Lorton happened to be there, who
told the people that he had been to my house—that he knew Mr. Lee (my
husband) intimately, and that he had often preached for him while pastor
of the Church at Snow Hill, N. J.
I next attended and preached several times at a camp meeting, which
continued five days. We had pentecostal showers—sinners were pricked to
the heart, and cried mightily to God for succor from impending judgment,
and I verily believe the Lord was well pleased at our weak endeavors to
serve him in the tented grove. The elder in charge, on the last day of
the camp, appointed a meeting for me in a dwelling house. Spoke from
Acts ii, 41. The truth fastened in the hearts of two young women, who,
after I was seated, came and fell down at my side, and cried for God to
have mercy on them—we prayed and wrestled with the Lord, and both were
made happy in believing, and are alive in the faith of the gospel. The
next morning a brother preacher took me to St. Georgetown. From there I
took stage to Wilmington, and called on my friend Captain Rial, in whose
family I spent two days and nights. Went to Philadelphia to attend a
camp-meeting. Returned again to W⸺, where I was taken sick with typhus
fever, and was in the doctor’s hands for some days—but the Lord rebuked
the disease, gave me my usual health again, and I returned back to
Philadelphia.
The Bishop gave me an invitation to speak in Bethel Church; but here my
heart fluttered with fear at the commencement, in a manner known but to
those who feel their unworthiness in addressing new and large assemblies.
My text was in Isaiah x. 10, 11. Previous to dismission, the Bishop gave
me another appointment in Wesley Church for first day morning, where I
labored to encourage believers, from Ephesians ii, 19. The comforter
was with us—we were sprinkled as with clear water from above—the hands
of those that were hanging down were lifted up, and we truly had a
refreshing season. Glory to God for the manifestation of His Spirit. “Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God.”
On the ensuing Thursday night, in Union Church, I had the opportunity of
speaking a word for my Saviour again, and recommenced the impenitent to
see to it that they took the advice of my text, in Rev. iii, 18. The Lord
searched the heart as he did Jerusalem with a lighted candle, and there
was a moving of the Spirit among the people.
From Philadelphia I travelled on foot thirty miles to Downingtown, and
gave ten sermons while there; and remember the cold day in December I
walked sixteen miles from the above place to brother Wells’, where I
staid one week, and labored both among colored and white. They had one
class there. Three miles further, I talked on Lord’s day to an apparently
hardened people, and next night preached in a School-house, after a ride
of ten miles. The call of the Lord was for me now to go to West Chester,
N. Y., where I remained a little period with brother Thomas Henry and
brother Miller; preached in a School-house and in the Wesleyan Methodist
Meeting-house. When prepared to go home, a request was sent me to
preach in the Court-house of the county, to which I rode ten miles, and
addressed the citizens on two evenings. The Lord strengthened his feeble
instrument in the effort to win souls to Christ, for which my heart at
this time was heavily burthened. Next morning I left for Westhaven, where
I visited a School of boys and girls, and was much pleased to see them
engaged and improving in their studies. How great the difference now,
thought I, for the mental and moral culture of the young than when I was
a child!
In the month of June, 1823, I went on from Philadelphia to New York with
Bishop Allen and several Elders, (including our present Rev. Bishop
Brown,) to attend the New York Annual Conference of our denomination,
where I spent three months of my time. We arrived about nine o’clock
in the evening. As we left the boat, a person fell into the dock, and
notwithstanding the effort made to save and find him, he was seen no
more. ‘In the midst of life we are in death.’ On the 4th of June I spoke
in the Asbury Church, from Psalms c, 33. I think I never witnessed such
a shouting and rejoicing time. The Church had then but recently adopted
the African M. E. discipline. On the 5th I brought my master’s message to
the Bethel Church—Text Isaiah lviii, 1. “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up
thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and
the house of Jacob their sins.” The spirit of God came upon me; I spoke
without fear of man, and seemed willing even there to be offered up; the
preachers shouted and prayed, and it was a time long to be remembered.
June 6. Spoke in the Church in High Street, Brooklyn, from Jer. ix, 1—“Oh
that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might
weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” In these
days I felt it my duty to travel up and down in the world, and promulgate
the gospel of Christ, especially among my own people, though I often
desired to be released from the great task. The Lord had promised to be
with me, and my trust was in his strong arm.
Renouncing every worldly thing,
Safe ’neath the shadow of thy wing,
My sweetest thought henceforth shall be
That all I want I find in thee,
In thee, my God, in Thee.
I left my friend in Brooklyn, and went to Flushing, L. I. Here we had
quite a revival feeling, and two joined society. Visited Jamaica and
Jericho; spoke in brother B’s dwelling, in the church, and under a tree.
Went to White Plains to the camp-meeting; the Lord was with us indeed;
believers were revived, backsliders reclaimed, and sinners converted.
Returned and spent a little time in Brooklyn, where I addressed the
people from Rev. iii, 18, and John iii, 15.
July 22. Spoke in Asbury Church from Acts xiii, 41—“Behold ye despisers,
and wonder and perish.” I pointed out the portion of the hypocrite, the
liar, the Sabbath-breaker, and all who do wickedly and die in their sins;
they shall be to the judgment bar of Jehovah, and before an assembled
universe hear their awful sentence, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,” while the
righteous shall be received “into life eternal.” On the 28th I went to
Dutch Hill, L. I., and spoke before a congregation of white and colored,
in a barn, as there was no other suitable place. I felt happy when I
thought of my dear Redeemer, who was born in a stable and cradled in a
manger, and we had a precious season. Brother Croker, of Brooklyn, and
father Thompson were with me, at whose feet I desired rather to sit and
learn, they being experienced “workmen that needed not to be ashamed.”
But the Lord sends by whom he will.
The next Sabbath I weakly attempted to address my friends in New York
again. Took the words in Math. xxviii, 13, for my text—“Say ye, his
disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” The place
was greatly crowded, and many came who could not get in. A class met
here, to which the preacher invited all who desired to remain, and
thirty persons tarried. He called upon me to lead, but He who led Israel
over the Red Sea assisted, and it was a gracious time with us. Some who
remained from curiosity were made, like Belshazzar, to tremble and weep,
while the spirit strove powerfully with them. One experienced religion
and joined society. I expect in the resurrection morning to meet many who
were in that little company, in my Father’s house, where we shall strike
hands no more to part; where our song of redemption shall be raised to
God and the Lamb forever. Dear reader, if you have not, I charge you to
make your peace with God while time and opportunity is given, and be one
of that number who shall take part and lot in the first resurrection.
Though I may never see you in the flesh, I leave on this page my solemn
entreaty that you delay not to obtain the pardoning favor of God; that
you leave not the momentous subject of religion to a sick bed or dying
hour, but now, even now, seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, and he
will be found of thee. “If any man sin, he has advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous.”
“Oh that the world might taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me,
Would all mankind embrace.”
I visited a woman who was laying sick upon her death-bed. She told me
“she had once enjoyed religion, but the enemy had cheated her out of
it.” She knew that she must die in a very little while, and could not
get well, and her agony of soul, in view of its unprepared state for a
judgment to come, awoke every feeling of sympathy within me. Oh! how
loud such a scene calls upon us to be “faithful unto death”—then shall
we “receive a crown of life.” Also visited Mrs. Miller, who once “tasted
that the Lord was good,” but had ceased now to follow him. She had been a
Methodist for many years—got her feelings injured through some untoward
circumstance—had fallen from grace, and now was sick. A good sister
accompanied me; we conversed with Mrs. M., sung an appropriate hymn,
and my friend supplicated the throne of grace in her behalf. She had
frequently felt the need of a returning Saviour, and during prayer her
heart became melted into tenderness. She cried aloud for mercy, wrestled
like Jacob for the witness, and the Lord, faithful and true, “healed her
backslidings,” and we left her happy in his father. Praise the Lord for
his matchless grace. I entertained no doubt of her well-grounded hope;
and on seeing such a display of God’s power, I was lost in wonder, love
and praise. Let the backslider hear and take courage. Let all who are
out of Christ hear the invitation—“Repent ye and be converted, for God
hath called all men everywhere to repent.”
“Without reserve give Christ your heart,
Let him his righteousness impart—
Then all things else he’ll freely give,
With him you all things shall receive.”
With a serene and tranquil mind I now returned to Philadelphia. The
Bishop was pleased to give me an appointment at Bethel Church, but
a spirit of opposition arose among the people against the propriety
of female preaching. My faith was tried—yet I felt my call to labor
for souls none the less. “Shall the servant be above his Master?” The
ministers of Jesus must expect persecution, if they would be faithful
witnesses against sin and sinners—but shall they, “awed by a mortal’s
form, conceal the word of God?” Thou God knowest my heart, and that thy
glory is all I have in view. Shall I cease from sounding the alarm to
an ungodly world, when the vengeance of offended heaven is about to be
poured out, because my way is sometimes beset with scoffers, or those
who lose sight of the great Object, and stop on the road to glory to
contend about non-essentials? Rather let the messengers of God go on—let
them not be hindered by the fashions and customs of a gainsaying and
mis-loving generation, but with the crown in view, which shall deck the
brow of those only who are “faithful unto death”—let them “cry aloud
and spare not.” Who regarded the warnings of Noah? who believed in his
report? Who among the antediluvians, that witnessed the preparations of
this righteous man to save himself and family from a deluge of waters,
believed him any thing else than a fanatic, deluded, and beside himself?
Let the servants of Christ gird on the armor, and listen to the Captain’s
voice: “Lo I am with you always, even unto the end.” With the promise
of my Lord impressed upon my mind, I remained at home only a week, and
walked twenty-one miles to Lumbertown, and preached in the Old Methodist
Church and our African Church. Brother Joshua Edely was then a deacon
there, and held a quarterly meeting soon after my reaching the place.
He also appointed a love-feast in the morning, when the love that true
believers enjoy at such scenes made the place akin to heaven. While here
I spoke as the Spirit taught me from Solomon’s Songs. It was a happy
meeting—refreshing to the thirsty soul—and we had a shout of the king in
the camp. I shall never forget the kindness I received here from dear
sister G. B. May the blessings of heaven be hers in this and the world to
come.
I travelled seven miles from the above place to Snow Hill on Sabbath
morning, where I was to preach in the Church of which I was a member;
and although much afflicted in body, I strove, by the grace of God,
to perform the duty. This was once the charge of JOSEPH LEE. In this
desk my lamented husband had often stood up before me, proclaiming the
“acceptable year of the Lord”—here he labored with zeal and spent his
strength to induce sinners to be “reconciled to God”—here his toils
ended. And could it be, that a poor unworthy being like myself should
be called to address his former congregation, and should stand in the
same pulpit! The thought made me tremble. My heart sighed when memory
brought back the image, and the reminiscences of other days crowded upon
me. But why, my heart, dost thou sigh? He has ceased from his labor, and
I here see his works do follow. It will be enough, if these, the people
of his care, press on and gain the kingdom. It will be enough, if, on
the final day, “for which all other days were made,” we pass through the
gates into the city, and live again together where death cannot enter,
and separations are unknown. Cease then, my tears—a little while, my
fluttering heart! and the turf that covers my companion, perchance, may
cover thee—a little while, my soul! if faithful, and the widow’s God will
call thee from this valley of tears and sorrows to rest in the mansions
the Saviour has gone to prepare for his people. “Good what God gives—just
what he takes away.”
My mind was next exercised to visited Trenton, N. J. I spoke for the
people there, but soon had felt the cross so heavy. Perhaps it was
occasioned through grieving over the past, and my feelings of loneliness
in the world. A sister wished me to go with her to Bridgeport—where
I found brother Orwin, then elder over that church. He gave me an
appointment. We had a full house, and God’s power was manifest among the
people, and I returned to the elder’s house rejoicing. The following day
I walked fourteen miles to a meeting, where also we were greatly favored
with the presence of God. Soon after this, I thought of going home to
Philadelphia. I got about three miles on foot, when an apparent voice
said “If thou goest home thou wilt die.” I paused for a moment, and not
comprehending what it meant, pursued my journey. Again I was startled
by something like a tapping on my shoulder, but, on turning round, I
found myself alone, which two circumstances created a singular feeling I
could not understand. I thought of Balaam when met by the angel in the
way. I was taken sick and it seemed I should die in the road. I said I
will go back, and walked about four miles to Bridgeport. Told a good
sister my exercise, who was moved with sympathy, and got brandy and
bathed me. On Wednesday night I spoke to the people at Trenton Bridge,
and notwithstanding the opposition I had met with from brother Samuel
R⸺, then on the circuit, the Lord supported the “woman preacher” and my
soul was cheered. On Thursday I walked fourteen miles, when the friends
applied to the elder to let me talk for them, but his prejudices also,
against women preaching were very strong, and tried hard to disaffect the
minds of the people. The dear man has since gone to stand before that
God who knows the secrets of all hearts—and where, I earnestly pray, he
may find some who have been saved by grace through the instrumentality of
female preaching.
“Then here, O God, thy work fulfil;
And from thy mercy’s throne
O grant me strength to do thy will,
And to resist my own.”
Norristown, Bucks county, January 6, 1824. Brother Morris conveyed me
here at his own expense, and made application for places for me to speak.
Addressed a large congregation on the fourth day after my introduction
into the place, in the court-house, from Isaiah liiii. 1,—“Who hath
believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” I
felt embarrassed in the commencement, but the Spirit came, and “helped
our infirmities”—good attention, and some weeping. On the 18th I spoke
in the academy—it was a solemn time, and the people came out in numbers
to hear. I then walked four miles to brother Morris’s—spoke twice in the
school-house, and once in a dwelling house.
On the 14th April, I went with Bishop Allen and several elders to
Baltimore, on their way to attend Conference; at the end of which the
Bishop gave me permission to express a few thoughts for my Lord. On
leaving the city of B., I travelled about 100 miles to Eastern Shore,
Maryland. Brother Bailey was then laboring on that circuit, who received
and treated me very kindly. We had several good meetings, and twice I
spoke in Bethel Church, when the outpouring of the Spirit was truly
great. In company with a good sister, who took a gig and horse, I
travelled about three hundred miles, and labored in different places.
Went to Denton African Church, and on the first Sabbath gave two sermons.
The Church was in a thriving, prosperous condition, and the Lord blessed
the word to our comfort. During the week I labored in the court-house
before a large concourse of hearers. The Lord was unspeakably good, and
one fell to the floor under the power.
By request, I also spoke in the Old Methodist Church in Denton, which
was full to overflowing. It was a happy meeting. My tongue was loosened,
and my heart warm with the love of God and souls—a season yet sweet to
my memory. From there I went to Greensboro’—the elder gave a sermon,
after which I exhorted the poor sinner to prepare to meet the Lord in
peace, before mercy was clear gone forever. The Old Methodist connexion
gave an invitation for me to speak in their house, which I embraced,
feeling thankful that the middle wall of partition had, thus far, been
broken down. “He that feareth God and worketh righteousness shall be
accepted of him”—not he who hath a different skin—not he who belongs to
this denomination, or, to that—but “he that feareth God.” My Master is
no respecter of persons. May the partition walls that divide His sincere
followers be broken down by the spirit of love.
In Whitehall Chapel I spoke to a respectable congregation, from Isaiah
liii. 1. Though in a slave country, I found the Omnipresent One was with
us. Dr. Clarke took us home to dine with his family—for which uncommon
attention I felt highly gratified. I believe him a Christian in heart,
and one, no doubt, who has read the words of the Saviour: “Whosoever
shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water
only, shall in no wise lose his reward.” And, notwithstanding the doctor
was a Presbyterian, Mr. Buly had the privilege of baptizing two of their
colored children.
* * * * *
I stopped next at Concord, and in the Old Methodist connexion tried to
encourage the Lord’s people to persevere. God displayed His power by a
general outpouring of the Spirit—sinners cried for mercy, while others
shouted for joy. Spoke also to a congregation of colored and white at
Stanton Mills; and arrived again at Eastern Shore, where I spoke in
Bethel Church during Quarterly Meeting. Attended their love-feast, where
several joined society, and many encouraging testimonies were given by
young converts that “God hath power on earth to forgive sins.” May they
be faithful stewards of the manifold gifts of God—and never be ashamed
to confess what the Lord had done for them. Many lose the witness out of
the heart by withholding their testimony from their friends and neighbors
of the power of God to save. They run well for a season, but the tempter
whispers “not now”—and by and by the soul becomes barren and unfruitful.
May God help the young converts to “watch,” and tell around what a dear
Saviour they have found.
“Ashamed of Jesus!—yes, I may,
When I’ve no guilt to wash away—
No tears to wipe—no good to crave—
No fears to quell—no soul to save.”
June 10th, 1824. Left Eastern Shore for a journey to Bath, and went
around the circuit with brother J. B., the elder. In the Old Methodist
Church, at Fory’s Neck, I had the privilege of speaking to a large
congregation, which was made the power of God unto salvation. Visited
Lewistown, and had a blessed meeting in the Methodist Church. The tears
of the penitent flowed sweetly, which always encourages me to persevere
in proclaiming the glad tidings of a risen Saviour to my fellow beings.
When the heart is thus melted into tenderness, I feel assured the Lord
sanctions the feeble effort of His poor servant—it is a good omen to my
mind that the mourner is not forsaken of God, and that he yet stands
knocking at the door for admittance. Oh! that those who weep for an
absent Jesus may be comforted by hearing Him say—“Thy sins, which were
many, are all forgiven thee: go in peace and sin no more.”
Elder J. B. preached in Greensboro’, where I attended, and had a
quickening time. Some enmity had existed among the brethren, but the
spirit of love got the ascendancy, and the lion became as the lamb. The
gospel is the best remedy to subdue the evil passions of men that has
ever been discovered. Dear Master, let Thy gospel spread to earth’s
remotest bounds.
I have travelled, in four years, sixteen hundred miles and of that I
walked two hundred and eleven miles, and preached the kingdom of God
to the falling sons and daughters of Adam, counting it all joy for the
sake of Jesus. Many times cast down but not forsaken; willing to suffer
as well as love. I spoke at Harris’s Mills, in a dwelling house, to a
large concourse of people, from Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, xviii.
19-20. I felt much drawn out, in the Spirit of God, meanwhile from my
feelings. I observed there were some present that never would meet me
again. Mr. J. B., the elder, then requested me to lead the class. Much
mourning, weeping and rejoicing. Four days afterwards, a man that sat
under this sermon, (a shoemaker by occupation) fell dead from his bench
without having any testimony of a hope in Christ. How dreadful to relate
the wicked shall not live out half their days. In Easton I spoke from
the Evan. John, 1 chap. 45 ver., the Lord’s time. Then proceeded to
Dagsberry, 25 miles, preached in Bethel Church to a multitude of people,
it being to them a new thing, but only the old made more manifest. Bless
God for what my heart feels, for a good conscience is better than a
sacrifice. Two sermons preached in said Church, I spoke from Acts 13
chap., 41 ver.,—the power of God filled the place—some shouted, others
mourned, some testified God for Christ’s sake had forgiven sin, whilst
others were felled to the floor. From thence we went to Sinapuxom, spoke
on Sabbath day to a large congregation from Num. 24 chap., 17 ver,—the
Lord gave light, life and liberty on that portion of Scripture. Great
time. The elder closed the meeting, the memory of which will be sweet
in eternity. I intended to take an appointment, but being taken sick
the elder filled the appointment, and while preaching, there were 10
or 11 white men came and said they wanted to see the preacher; he sent
for them to come into the house, but they seemed afraid or refused;
after he had finished, they came to the door to know by what authority
he was preaching—but it was me they were after, but I was fortified,
for their laws, by my credentials, having the United States seal upon
them,—they tried to get him out of the house, they said, on business. But
he told them he would meet them at 9 o’clock in the morning before the
magistrate, seven miles distant. Brother J. B. then took my credentials
and also showed his own, and, upon examination, the magistrate said, she
is highly recommended and I am bound to protect her. An under-officer,
anxious to get hold of my papers, very much opposed to our being in
the State, tried hard to frighten us out of it, and went to lay his
hands on it, but was rebuked by the magistrate; and two days after
the magistrate sent word to me to go on and preach, he did not care
if I preached till I died. I never met them but told the friends that
God would make an example of them before one year. My mind led me to
Solsbury and to Snow Hill—the brother, through persuasion, did not go,
for fear of some difficulty, under which consideration I declined going
for that time, I then returned to Easton, but my mind still led me to
pay that religious visit, which was still accomplished by a sister and
myself. I called on brother Massey, a preacher, who conducted us to Snow
Hill and Solsbury. In the afternoon, the elder and one of the Trustees
of the white Methodist Church, called on me to know of my faith and
doctrine, and, while conversing, the spirit of the Lord breathed upon
us—we had groans and shedding of tears—that evening the Elder gave me an
appointment in the colored church to a large congregation, and we had
a powerful time, sinners awakened and backsliders reclaimed. So great
was the time that the meeting lasted until three or four o’clock in the
morning. It was like a Camp meeting, they came seven miles distance from
only three or four hours’ notice. Next morning we left for Snow Hill, the
Elder sent down for the friends to take care of us all, and our board,
with the horses, should be paid for, consequently we were treated with
great hospitality. I preached in the Old Methodist Church to an immense
congregation of both the slaves and the holders, and felt great liberty
in word and doctrine; the power of God seemed without intermission. We
left there and rode 16 miles, spoke to a small company of people. In
the afternoon to a large congregation, chiefly Presbyterians, and at
many other places too tedious for me to mention, I preached twenty-seven
sermons and then returned to Easton again, where I was informed that the
constable who was so enraged against me before was then dying; the other
white man who came and set at the end of the table twice while I was
laboring, thinking I would say something to implicate myself and wanted
me arrested so bad, had been sold and his family broke up; it is thus the
Lord fights for Israel.
I then made an appointment at a place called the Hole in the Wall, it was
a little settlement of coloured people, but we had no Church, but used a
dwelling house, and had a large congregation. I had no help but an old
man, one hundred and odd years of age; he prayed, and his prayers made us
feel awful, he died in the year 1825, and has gone to reap the reward of
his labor; freed from the toils and cares of life, no more to labor under
a hard task master, but to rest where the slave is freed from his master.
I strove then to fill the appointment at 11 o’clock in the morning,
from Daniel 5 chap. 27 ver., the declaration was, there is no other way
under heaven that men can be saved only through Jesus Christ; the Lord
gave me great light on this subject. At 3 o’clock, in the afternoon,
we stood in the open air in the woods, and I spoke from 12 chap. 2-3
ver. I felt greater liberty on this subject than the other; the Lord was
with me; of a truth I felt the force of it now. Glory to God. Who can
constrain against the power of God? We had people of all descriptions,
from the true Christian to the Devil, and from slave-holder to slave. We
visited Georgetown Jail, saw four men there sentenced to be hung, two
white men and two colored; one of the white men, by the name of Sharp
had killed all his family, except his oldest daughter; she was the most
hardened wretch I ever saw; I read a chapter and conversed with them.
Sharp treated it with contempt, but the other answered with a degree of
humility; but they were hung according to the laws of their state.
But O, their end,
Their dreadful end!
I was invited by one of the Trustees of the Old Methodist Church to pay
them a visit on the ensuing Sabbath morning. I made the appointment for
said day. I left Georgetown on the morning early, half past ten o’clock
we arrived in Milford; Church bell was ringing. We were conducted into
the Church; a local preacher was in the pulpit and had prayed, but was
asked to come down by another who invited me there. I spoke for them and
afterwards they gave out for another appointment at night, but it caused
a controversy among themselves, and they threw it on him to come and
see if I would fill it. Previous to this the coloured preachers told me
there was controversy about woman preaching. But he came and asked me how
long I had been preaching the Gospel. I answered, rising, 5 or 6 years.
He said it was something new. I told him it seemed to be supposed so. I
referred him to Mrs. Fletcher, of England, an able preacher and wife of
Mr. Fletcher, a great and worthy minister of the Parish. He asked why I
did not go to the Quakers. I told him I was sent to the Methodists. I
asked if he had a sister in the Church, and she witnessed a Christian
life, and was called and qualified to preach, do you think you would be
justified before God, to stop her? He has not answered me yet. I found
it was prejudice in his mind. He talked as if he had not known what the
operation of the Spirit of God was. We may say, with propriety, he had
not tarried at Jerusalem long enough. When about to part, he asked me if
I would come, but I could not then promise. At night, the people came in
their carriages from the country, but were disappointed, for I spoke in
a colored Church. The doors and windows were opened on account of the
heat, but were crowded with people; pride and prejudice were buried. We
had a powerful time. I was quite taken out of myself—the meeting held
till day-break; but I returned to my home. They told me that sinners
were converted, backsliders reclaimed, mourners comforted, and believers
built up in the most holy faith. Then they wished us to stay until next
night to preach again; but I thought it best to leave them hungry.
Previous to this I was sent for by a slave-holder to come to his house
to preach three funeral sermons, all at one time, two grown persons
and one child; they had been dead about a year, but their graves were
only filled up even with the earth. I spoke standing in the door of his
dwelling to a great congregation, from the 2 Book of Samuel, 12 chap. 23
ver.—dwelling much on the certainty of the child’s happiness, through the
redemption of Christ—shewing how men might be saved living in accordance
with the truth. When finished we fell in procession and moved to the
graves of the departed. Brother Massey rehearsed the funeral ceremony,
then the graves were raised and made oval, as usual, a most affecting
scene, one of the deceased being the mother of two little girls there
present. They were so affected, it seemed they would go in fits; several
persons tried to pacify them, but in vain. It was a solemn time; many
were deeply affected that day at the graves, and mourning of the whites
in the house, but they treated us kindly, and we left them, visiting
many places too tedious to mention. I met a Camp meeting of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church at Denton. The Elder was much encouraged in
commencing the Camp. Although in a slave State, we had every thing in
order, good preaching, a solemn time, and long to be remembered. Some
of the poor slaves came happy in the Lord; walked from 20 to 30, and
from that to seventy miles, to worship God. Although through hardships
they counted it all joy for the excellency of Christ; and, before day,
they, or a number of them, had to be at home, ready for work; but some
said they came as sinners before God, but went away as new creatures in
Christ; and they could not be disputed. My heart glows with joy while I
write; truly God is inscrutable. The Elder, J. B. then appointed a Camp
meeting within five miles of Easton, too near the town, but it was done
to glorify God. Yet it seemed there was not that general good done like
the previous time. He gave me an appointment on Sunday afternoon; to
myself I appeared lost; thought I was doing nothing, but the south wind
from the hill of the Lord began to blow upon the spices of his garden.
The power of God arrested a person who started to run, but fell in the
flight, and begged God for mercy and obtained it. After the sermon,
which was the first of my being apprized of it, but no merit to me,
but all glory to God, for the good done at Camp meetings, though much
persecuted, but they are a glorious meeting to me. I pray God to protect
the camp-meetings while I thank him for the invention. Various are the
operations of the Spirit of God on the human family. We must believe in
the truth of God, and then we can behold the mysteries and enjoy the
truth of them with joy and thanksgiving. I went to speak about 10 miles
from Centreville at early candle light—warm weather—in a dwelling house,
the largest congregation being out-of-doors. I felt an open mind, the
power of God fell upon the assembly in open air, and I heard an awful
cry. A woman had started, jumped over the fence and run, but fell and
rose again; that woman contended until she found redemption in Jesus
Christ. I went to a place called Beaver Dams and spoke there; left there
for Hillsborough, and spoke there to a large congregation; from there
to Greensborough, and preached in white Methodist Church. The visit not
so prosperous; from there to Boomsborough. We were much favoured and
approbated by the people, and blessed with the presence of the Lord in
power. I then preached at Cecil Cross roads in an old meeting house,
almost down, to a large congregation, and it was warm. I was informed a
gentleman rode fourteen miles to attend that meeting. Previous to this
the Methodists had almost died away, a very few excepted at that place,
but from that time they took a rise as I was informed by two young ladies
from there. In about 5 years after I left they built a large Church on
that same spot where the old one stood, and had a fine congregation; from
there brother J. B. appointed a Quarterly Meeting on Mr. John Peaker’s
Island, for a society of 60 members, which was composed altogether of the
said gentleman’s slaves. We were entertained in the best of style, had
a powerful meeting, and a great manifestation of the power of God. From
there we returned to Easton a second time, and were entertained by the
overseer very highly at Mr. John Peakey’s Island. Went to Baltimore, from
there I visited Hales’ Mills, and preached three sermons, much favored of
the Lord by his presence, after which I returned to Baltimore. The elder
gave me an appointment and collection, and I returned to Philadelphia.
And on Sunday morning Bishop Allen gave me an appointment in Bethel
Church, and we had a shout in the Camp of Israel.
I had spent six months in Maryland and I only remained in this city three
or four weeks, during which time the Lord was with me, and opened my way
through opposition, but I felt willing to suffer cheerfully.
Through tribulations deep
The way to glory is.
I also preached in the Union Church, the Lord verified his promise
according to what he told Mary, to go, he would meet her, whomsoever I
will put forth I will go before, so there was a shaking among the dry
bones. My mind soon became oppressed and craved to travel. In 1825 I left
Philadelphia for a journey through Pennsylvania. I spoke first at Weston;
we had an elder on West Chester Circuit, named Jacob Richardson. We had
buried a young Christian before preaching the sermon, and gave me the
sacrament sermon in the afternoon. I spoke from Matt. 26 chap. 26-27 ver.
I felt as solemn as death; much weeping in the Church, tears stole down
the faces of the people.
Jacob Richardson was a spiritual preacher. God attended the word with
power, and blessed his labors much on his circuit. From there a friend
carried me to Downingtown, where I took stage and went on to Lancaster;
but prospect not so good there; they had a new Church but not paid
for; the proprietor took the key in possession and deprived them of
worshipping God in it. But I spoke in a dwelling house, and I felt a
great zeal for the cause of God to soften that man’s heart, or kill him
out of the way; one had better die than many. Brother Israel Williams, a
few days, called to converse with him on the subject, and he gave him the
key; he was then on his death-bed, and died in a short time afterwards,
and we must leave him in the hands of God, for he can open and no man
can shut. I went on to Columbia and spoke in the Church, and my tongue
fails to describe the encouragement I met with. The Lord converted poor
mourners, convicted sinners, and strengthened believers in the most holy
faith. God’s name be glorified for the display of his saving power. I led
class, held prayer meetings, and left with a good conscience for little
York. The first sermon I preached was in the Church at 10 o’clock in the
morning, from Mat. xxvi, 26, 27, to a large congregation. My faith it
seemed almost failed me, for when I got in the stand, so hard was the
task that I trembled, and my heart beat heavy, but in giving out the
hymn I felt strength of mind, and before I got through, I felt so much
of life and liberty in the word, I could but wonder, and in the doctrine
of Christ it was a sacramental sermon indeed to my soul. I spent some
weeks there, and we enjoyed good meetings and powerful outpourings of
the Spirit. I truly met with both good and bad; my scenes were many and
my feelings various. I bless the Lord that the prayers of the righteous
availeth much. After freeing my mind, I passed on to York Haven, and
preached in a School-house to a white congregation; I was not left alone,
but was treated very well by a white Methodist lady. I took lodgings at
her house all night; next afternoon took stage for Harrisburg, and when I
stopped at the Hotel a gentleman introduced me to the Steward, who took
charge of me and escorted me to Mr. Williams, where I took supper. It was
on a New Year’s evening; the colored congregation had expected me and
made a fire in our Church, but being late when I arrived, they had gone
to hear a sermon in a white Methodist Church, and I had retired to rest
a while in the evening. When they returned they came after me, taking
no excuse, and I had to come down stairs, go to the Church, and preach
a sermon for them, then 10 o’clock at night. The text from Acts xv, 36.
Hymn 250th, as follows:
And now my soul another year
Of thy short life is past,
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be the last.
The effects of the gospel of Christ was no less than at other
great seasons, but was wonderful—backsliders reclaimed and sinners
converted—there was mourning, weeping, shouting and praising of God for
what he had done. I preached several sermons, and was well treated by all
circles of people. We had large congregations of well-behaved people; and
feeling my work done in this part, I proceeded to Carlisle, Pa. There
was a small body of members; I spoke and led class for them during the
time I was there, which was ten days; felt my discharge of God, and took
stage to Shippensburg. There was great success at this place; fifteen
joined the Church; some of the most hardened sinners became serious and
reformed. I was astonished at the wonderful operations of the Spirit, and
the immense congregations. At the first sermon the house was crowded,
and I had the good attention of the people. A man came into the house
intoxicated, and offered to interrupt by speaking, but a gentleman
put him out so quietly that it had no effect upon the meeting. When I
contemplate the goodness of God to the human family, in putting them in a
proper capacity of choosing the way of salvation, I feel sometimes almost
lost, to think that God has called such a worm as I to spread the common
Saviour’s name. But said the Lord, “I will send by whom I will”—praise
the Lord who willeth not the death of sinners—“as I live, saith the Lord,
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they turn and
live.”
I then proceeded on to Chambersburg by stage, and met with one Rev.
Winton, who displayed much of a christian disposition, and conversed
freely with me on the most particular points of the God-Head, for my
instruction, showing his benevolence. He knew I was a stranger—he had
friends to go to at that place, but he offered to pay my bill for a room
at the Inn. I never have forgot the goodness of that gentleman, who, I
believe, to be a great gospel minister. I stopt at brother Snowden’s,
who were very kind to me. The Lord continued to pour out His Spirit
and clear the way for me, and also continued to convict, convert, and
reclaim the backsliders in heart. There were very large congregations,
both in and out of doors, and great revivals throughout the circuit. The
elders generally treated me well, for which may the Lord bless them and
their labors in his vineyard, and add to the Church such as shall be
forever saved from the power of sin—may I take heed lest I fall, while
I teach others. Saith the Apostle: “Paul may plant and Apollos water,
but God must give the increase,” for which I feel thankful. I remained
in this place for some weeks, but being debilitated in body, I left for
Philadelphia about the middle of April. On my return, I met with such a
severe trial of opposition, that I thought I never would preach again,
but the Apostle says, “ye are not your own but are bought with a price.”
I feel glad that God is able to keep all that put their trust in him,
though the mis-steps of others often interrupt our own way—I always
found friends on different parts of Globe. I preached and led classes
on my return. Praise God for his delivering grace—“Oh the depth of the
riches” of the glory of God, how unsearchable are his ways; they are past
finding out—a sea without bottom or shore. One thing is encouraging,
“When he who is my life shall appear, I shall be like him.” “I know my
Redeemer liveth, and shall stand on the latter day upon the earth, and
though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” Lord
help me to keep this confidence. Rev. Richard Williams, a gentle and
christian-minded man, treated me well. God would not suffer me to be
destroyed. It is not by might or by power, but by the Spirit, saith the
Lord of hosts. Dear reader, give ear to the truth, for the mouth of the
Lord has spoken it.
If such a worm as I can spread
The common Saviour’s name,
Let him who raised thee from the dead,
Quicken my mortal frame.
On my return I stopped at Lancaster; the Church was opened, and I
preached to large congregations, and with powerful success; the dead were
brought to life by the preaching of the cross of Christ. From there I
left for Philadelphia.
In July, 1824, I felt an exercise of mind to take a journey to Reading,
Pa., to speak to the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. I left the city
and stopped at Norristown on my way to Reading. I spoke in the Academy
to a respectable congregation, the same evening I arrived there. I felt
a degree of liberty in speaking, though it was a quiet meeting, and I
also felt thankful that the Lord would manifest himself through such a
worm as me. Next morning I walked four miles and stopped at Littleton
Morris’s, and preached two sermons on the Sabbath day, and God struck
a woman, and she had liked to have fallen to the floor; I spoke in the
Dunkard’s meeting house. This ended my visit with them at this time. On
Tuesday I walked three miles to Schuylkill, to take the Canal boat on
Wednesday morning. I met in company with a Presbyterian minister and lady
on the boat; they treated me very kindly indeed. We arrived in Reading
about 7 o’clock in the evening. I was recommended to a family in that
place, the man of which had once confessed religion, but had fallen from
grace, and they were very kind to me. The next morning I enquired for
other respectable families of color, and an elderly lady of color that
belonged to the white connexion, and the only colored Methodist in the
place at that time, conveyed me to Mrs. Murray’s, where I remained a
while; then the elderly lady, just mentioned, feeling interested for me,
went to the proprietors of the Court-house with me, to see if we could
get it to preach in, and like Esther the Queen, who fasted and prayed,
and commanded the men of Jerusalem and the women of Zion to pray; as she
approached the King the sceptre was bowed to her, and her request was
answered to the saving of Mordecai, and all the Jewish nation. When we
approached this gentleman, who was the head Trustee of the Protestant
Church, I showed him my recommendation, and he answered me, “Madam, you
can have it,” and I felt humble to God for the answer. I felt it my
duty to preach to the citizens, and accordingly made an appointment for
Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Rev. James Ward, a colored Presbyterian,
assembled with us, although he was so prejudiced he would not let me in
his pulpit to speak; but the Lord made a way where there was no way to be
seen; there was no person to intercede until this sister tried to open
the way; the men of color, with no spirit of christianity, remained idle
in the enterprize, but we got possession and we had a large concourse
of people. I spoke with the ability God gave me. I met with a family of
color, but very respectable, that formerly had belonged to our Church
in Baltimore; they invited me to their house, and it was a home to me,
praise God. I held a meeting in their house previous to holding meetings
in the Court-house; the white brethren and sisters assembled with us. We
called on a minister’s lady, and she treated me very kindly, while he,
like a Christian, united and helped to go through with the meetings. I
visited the Quaker friends (amounting to four only) then in the place,
and very pleasant visits they were. A great number of christian friends
called on me, among the rest this minister’s lady, who left a donation
in my hand, consequently the way was made where there was no way, but I
left in friendship. Praise God I feel the approbation now. It is to be
lamented, that James Ward, colored, with his over-ruling prejudice, which
he manifested by saying no woman should stand in his pulpit, and with all
the advantages of a liberal education, was in a few weeks after I left
there, turned out of the Church.
On returning to Philadelphia, I stopped at Pottsgrove and found a Society
of colored persons, christians I believe. We had solemn meetings there;
I felt strength of mind. I met kind friends there, and visited a Church
about six miles off; preached in the morning; the Lord was with us; of
this truth my soul is a witness; in the afternoon I preached to a large
congregation. Next morning I left for Philadelphia. I continued to
preach, paid some short visits about, and was welcomed home again.
I left Philadelphia again for Lewistown, Del., to attend a camp meeting
of the African Methodist Episcopal connexion, of which I was a member, to
be held in Gov. Paynter’s Woods. There was immense large congregations,
and a greater display of God’s power I never saw. The people came from
all parts, without distinction of sex, size, or color, and the display
of God’s power commenced from singing; I recollect a brother Camell
standing under a tree singing, and the people drew nigh to hear him, and
a large number were struck to the ground before preaching began, and
signs and wonders followed. There appeared to be a great union with the
white friends. James Towson was the Elder holding the camp; he was in the
bloom of the gospel of Christ. But poor brother, may the Lord give him a
Peter’s look by the way of mercy. Right Rev. Bishop Allen was present.
The ministry were all for me, and the Elder gave me an appointment, and
the Governor with a great concourse came to hear the weak female. My
heart beat, my limbs trembled, and my voice was faint, but I spoke from
Eccles. xi, 9, 10. After I took my text, it appeared to me as if I had
nothing to do but open my mouth, and the Lord filled it, consequently I
was much encouraged: it was an immense assembly of people.
Content with beholding his face,
I all to his pleasure resigned.
After the camp-meeting was over, the Elder visited another camp-meeting,
and left me in liberty to preach around the circuit, which I did,
and afterwards returned to Lewistown, and spoke in the old Methodist
meeting-house; I had a great time among my colored brethren. I feel
thankful to my friends for their kindness to me, especially to brother
Peter Lewis, whose house was a home to me. I had much happiness in
leading class and prayer meetings; preaching the gospel seemed to be
the great task. Brother Lewis conveyed me to Georgetown; I spoke in our
colored people’s Church, and we enjoyed ourselves very much; the Lord
drew people from all quarters; a wonderful outpouring of the Spirit
indeed; weeping in all directions. It is a good sign to see tears of
contrition stealing down the cheeks of the hearers; it makes me believe
the word is sanctioned. The last place was at the head of the river; I
then returned to Lewistown, and in a few days I left for Philadelphia.
I had a very uncomfortable passage; very sea-sick indeed—the vessel
could not come out of the mouth of the creek for a couple of days, in
consequence of a severe storm, after which we arrived in the city on
Tuesday morning. After a short stay in the city, I took a visit to
Trenton, Dec. 25. I spoke as usual, for there we had lively meetings,
after which I had no home, but the Lord provides, for sister Roberts and
family were my friends and took me in, and we often had sweet counsel
together. From there I went to Princeton. The Elder, Joseph Harper, of
our connexion, was a friend to me, but I had to withstand a beast at
Princeton, in opposition, like the one I had to front on Bucks county
circuit; the former named Thomas Voris, a local preacher, and using the
language of the Psalmist prophesying in reference to the Saviour, “mine
equal, my guide hath lifted up his heel against me.” We had preached—he
invited me to come to his house to hold meetings the next week, but I was
taken sick for a few days, but in the interval, S. R., of Attleborough
Circuit, had a Quarterly meeting. They consulted together to stop me from
preaching in Princeton; so his door was shut, but bless the Lord, another
was opened, Brother Thomas Vinsant, his sister’s husband, a Christian
man, opened his house. We had a powerful time. I came in the town on
Saturday, the next day I walked two miles and spoke twice. It was Thomas’
appointment on Sabbath morning, and he had but two persons to meet him
in class. An invitation came to me to make an appointment for Wednesday
night in the Coloured Presbyterian Church, upon the grant of Rev. Mr.
Woodhall, elder of that order in Princeton. Thos. Vorris, though a
Methodist, was like a roaring lion—went to Elder Woodhall for him to stop
it, as I was informed. But the meeting went on, it was a respectable, and
comfortable congregation. I preached and led class and prayer meetings,
and read, and explained the Scriptures. We had mourning and rejoicing,
and I saw the kingdom of Satan fall. When Brother J. H. came round again,
from some cause, he removed Thomas from that class, as they would not
meet him, and placed him over one of five or six persons; also impeached
him, taking his license from him, and left him only verbally licenced.
Glory to God for his Divine power. I do not rejoice for his downfall,
but for God’s grace which enables me to stand against the enemies of
the Cross. Glory to God, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for
it is the power of God unto salvation. I spoke from Ephe. 2d chap. 8th
ver. I felt life and liberty in word and doctrine. Thank God for the
victory, Brother Oakham, one of the Elders of the Coloured Presbyterian
Church, invited me to their house, and himself and wife treated me like
Christians, which, I believe, they were; my heart glows toward them. I
held a meeting in a dwelling house.
Jan., 1827. Contemplating on the great responsibility I owe to my God
for my stewardship, I fain would go round the Cross or shrink beneath
the load, but I rest upon the promises of God, which are as firm of the
pillars of heaven. My labors here cease a little.
April, 1827. My health having been bad, I have not travelled so largely,
and in this, as in some other moments of reflection, I felt somewhat
oppressed, and I resorted to the Hymn Book for something to suit my
feelings; the poetry as follows:
1. Soon as I heard my Father say,
Ye children seek my grace,
My heart replies, without delay,
I’ll seek my father’s face.
2. Let not thy face be hid from me,
Nor frown my soul away,
God of my life I fly to thee
In a distressing day.
3. Should friends and kindred, near and dear,
Leave me to want and die.
My God will make my life his care,
And all my wants supply.
4. My fainting flesh had died with grief,
Had not my soul believed
To see thy grace prove a relief,
Nor was my hope deceived.
5. Wait on the Lord, ye trembling Saints,
And keep your courage up,
He’ll raise your spirit when it faints,
And far exceed your hope.
However I went to Baltimore in the same month with the Bishop and
Elders, and enjoyed myself under great preaching, and preached several
sermons. Praise God, and the slain of the Lord appeared to be many. After
Conference, my mind led me over to Eastern Shore the second time; spent
a few days with the Church. (Peter D. Schuman, Elder of the charge) and
then returned to Baltimore, from there to the city of Philadelphia, and
then made some short visits from 40 to 60, and from that to 100 miles
round about; then down to Lewistown Camp-meeting, the second time; then
to a Camp-meeting at Mount Ephraim, N. J. The last of August I left for
New York Camp, on arriving there I spoke once or twice. The same as at
other places, our camp-meeting was not as great as I have seen before.
I spoke in both the Churches. We had a good time together, rejoicing in
the Lord. I left then for Albany; had a pleasant passage up the North
river, one hundred and sixty miles; the mountains and their stupendous
looks preached to me in my journey through. Oh, the wisdom of God, and
how marvellous in our eyes; enough to convince the infidel, yea, the
Atheist, that there is some first cause. From the effects produced,
look at the ingenuity of mankind, which actually comes from God, and is
displayed in building steamboats, and other great novelties in mechanism.
We accomplished the route the same day we started, and I found myself
entirely among strangers. But I made inquiry for Methodist friends,
and found brother Streeter, a coloured family, very respectable. They
treated me very kind; they were under the white Bishop, and I under the
coloured. But the same faith, same doctrine, same Baptism, same spirit.
Glory to God. Among the coloured people, the Baptists had the ascendancy.
There was a large hall prepared for me, and we had a large congregation
of different denominations. I spoke from these words and this Gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached unto all the world as for a witness, and
then shall the end come. God owned the word, sinners screamed; some fell
to the floor, others wept, while Christians rejoiced. A lady of color
was present, though she was a member of the Dutch Presbyterian Church;
her husband belonged to no Church, but was under an exercise of mind.
The Lord reached his heart, he mourned more than three days. They sent
for me to come to their house. I paid them a visit, and held prayer
meeting at their house. That Sabbath two weeks he joined the Methodist
Church. I spoke three times the first Sabbath afternoon; we had a large
congregation, at night still larger. Text. Never man spake like this
man. God’s spirit was poured out in a miraculous manner. On the ensuing
third day evening I spoke again, from these words. And came seeking fruit
on the tree and found none. To all appearance there was nothing done,
but God directed the word to the heart of a little girl, a gentleman’s
daughter, between eleven and twelve years of age. She joined the Church
before I left there. A good old Missionary, by the name of Mitchell,
came to the city before I left, and preached three sermons, in which
there was a great revival. The Elder appointed prayer meetings, north
and south of the city of Albany. I preached two or three sermons in a
school house, the last I spoke was in Brother Streeter’s house, from St.
Matt. Chap. 21 ver. 12th. I thank God for the comfortable visit I had
there in the discharge of my duty. This Methodist preacher, Mitchell,
had a book with him called the Essence of John Steward, a coloured man,
with his miraculous call to the ministry, the first one who succeeded in
Christianizing the Methodist Indians in Sandusky and that province, and
he sold them in Albany, and it seemed to have its desired effect also
with the revival, in encouraging us to hold a fast.
How good to contemplate or to think the heathen has caught the sound of
salvation through the name of Jesus, our Lord. I saw a goodly number
added to the Church on Sabbath-day. I still continued engaged in my mind
with the Lord, in their behalf, when I was informed that they had three
and four of an evening at their prayer meetings, then my mind felt at
liberty to leave for Schenectady. Sister Streeter rode with me fourteen
miles; I stopped eleven days, at which place there was a large upper
room that was appropriated for a preaching place, where I spoke to a
small number of coloured persons several times. They were under the white
elder, he was a friend to me, and appointed a meeting for me in the white
Brother’s house to speak for them. We had a favourable time. But the
people, feeling an uninterested spirit in propagating the religion of
Jesus Christ, I left the dust with them. Got on board a Canal boat for
Utica, there I met with my own connexion, African Methodist Episcopal
Church, we had a prosperous time. I spoke and had prayer meetings on
board of the Canal boat. There was a pasture there notwithstanding the
difficulties of this life and the people being hunted like partridges
on the mountain. It deprives a man’s usefulness among the people, but
the work of the Lord went on, and there is no weapon formed by the enemy
that can stop the work of God. Therefore we have nothing to fear. We
have large and respectable congregations, and I felt strengthened in
warning man to flee from the wrath to come. If signs and wonders did not
follow sometimes, I must certainly die, but glory to God for refreshing
showers. I led class, had prayer meetings, and took my passage on another
canal boat for Rochester; had a pleasant passage. I soon found some
Methodists, and our local Elder was then a smart preacher. I was there
three or four weeks, and he treated me very kindly and opened my way.
They erected a new brick church, basement for schools; the corner-stone
was laid while I was there. The elder was a man of good repute; people
of color of different denominations, but much united together. The elder
held the charge from there to Buffalo, he had then a Quarterly Meeting
on hand. I left Rochester with him and rode about seventy miles. Next
morning I left Lewistown and rode seven miles, crossed the Lakes, on the
British side. When we left Rochester the snow was ankle deep, when ten
mile from Lewistown, it became dry and hard, and when we crossed the
Lakes it was clear and cold, and the air very pure. I told the elder
this was the first time I ever breathed pure air. I walked about a mile
and the first house I stopped at was sister Holmes’. I felt strange and
lonely. I waited to see if the peace of God would abide on the house.
Previous to my being introduced, I arose from my chair and the power of
God fell upon the people, and, it seemed to me, that God answered me.
I was fully convinced that God would make bare his arm, in this part
of his moral vineyard. We had a Church in Niagara; the elder made an
appointment there, and forty or fifty miles round the circuit, being now
about six hundred miles from Philadelphia. I felt the loss of my former
companions and friends, the elder and deacon, in two days time left for
Buffalo, to hold a quarterly meeting in York state about seventy miles.
I commenced to speak for the people, and God owned the word, and I saw
many displays of his power—the people in Niagara seemed to me to be a
kind and Christian like people. The white inhabitants united with us, and
ladies of great renown. The slaves that came there felt their freedom,
began to see the necessity of education, and hired a white man to teach
them to read and write among themselves, and have Sabbath schools. I am
astonished to see so many there that came from a free state, and not
take more interest in instilling the science of education among their
fellow beings. The winter was cold—I never had experienced such—but
very healthy. I went to a town called Niagara. I spoke in a dwelling
house. The next night I spoke in the Old Methodist Church to a large
congregation of respectable people. There were three ladies, one the
widow of a great Judge, and one daughter and sister of first education;
they sympathized with me in this important work of the Gospel of Christ.
They assembled with us in our meeting. A little girl about 8 or 9 years
of age experienced religion and prayed in public, and attended to their
private devotion, so much for early piety. Teach the child the way he
should go and when he gets old he will not depart from it. But, it is to
be lamented, that so few of our children experience this early piety;
the cause we must try to find out and avoid the evil effects, and not
bring up our children in so much pride and heathenism. We, as a people,
are generally poor and cannot support so many changes of fashion; they
grow up and crave it, and oftimes substitute evil practices to support
themselves, either girls or boys, and often bring a stigma upon their
parents and family connexions, though very respectable. Let us bring up
our children in industry, for work is honorable, and it is the way to get
riches and to keep them. I travelled back and forward again from Niagara
to Buffalo, and had regular appointments in our Churches. We had a great
opposition among the coloured people, one trying to excel the other in
point of eminence. One of our preachers left us on the promise of forty
dollars per year. Poor man, he was like Simon Magus who perished with
his money. Our Circuit rider was absent on the Sunday of the split, but
the Lord was with us. I spoke three times to the remaining part of the
congregation, which was increased much by a large body of bystanders,
and great good followed; and we continued to sow and gather for two or
three months, and the Lord blessed our labors abundantly. Feeling I had
discharged my duty, I left and crossed the Lake from Buffalo to Fort
George, and spoke about eight miles from there, it was cold and snowed
very fast—it was four o’clock in the afternoon—the congregation had
been there and gone. We were in a sleigh, and the driver got lost; we
all brought up in a swamp, among the fallen tree tops, but we turned
about and found a house and lodged all night; and spoke next morning at
eleven o’clock to a quiet congregation, and the Lord was with us, though
composed of all denominations. I appointed another meeting and rode about
eight miles on horseback—it snowed and was very sleety—after I spoke to
the people I left them for good and made an appointment for the Indians;
two of the chiefs called at where I stopped to see me. I asked them to
pray for us; they complied, but done it in their own tongue. I felt the
power of God in my own heart. Then they held a council about it, and
granted my visit at Buffalo village, about three miles from Buffalo city.
We rode and got there before their worshipping hour, their school had
not dismissed, after a while they dismissed school—of 50 children—and
as they gathered to worship I saw an old chief come, he stood and prayed
very devoutly, tears running down his cheek. I told them I had not come
to worship with them, and wanted to preach for them after their worship
ended. They held a council and they agreed I should preach for them, but
I could not help admiring the ways as well as gestures of the children.
The teachers bring them up in the English language and dress some of them
in the English style, but the greatest number are clad in the Indian
style; those of the old Indians in their blankets. Some of them met me
from seven or eight miles round—they filled the house. It was in the
month of March—it rained and snowed—yet they walked in their moccasins,
and some bare-headed—they made a large congregation. Their Elder or
missionary had gone to teach another tribe that day, and he only taught
them very plainly, and read out of pamphlets the experiences of others.
I commenced by giving out the hymn in our language, and the interpreter
spoke in their tongue. Hymn thus, O for a thousand tongues to sing, &c.
They sung it beautiful,—two long benches of them sung by note (their
books printed in their own language) a very familiar note tune, such as
we use in congregations. I spoke plain and deliberate and very pointed,
the interpreter spoke it after me in the Indian tongue, and one of the
women cried out Amen. Much weeping among them, dear reader, take notice,
notwithstanding they are a nation revolted from Israel, and would not
be governed. Yet they can be civilized and christianized. We might call
them heathens, but they are endowed with a Christian spirit. I felt happy
in my visit; the missionary wished me to speak for them that evening,
but I had an appointment that night at Buffalo, after which my mind
was calm and serene. I left on Tuesday, 1st of April, on my return for
Philadelphia, and arrived home May 18th.
That year I travelled two thousand three hundred and twenty-five miles,
and preached one hundred and seventy-eight sermons. Praise God for health
and strength, O my soul, and magnify his name for protection through
various scenes of life.
God of my life whose gracious power
Through various deaths my soul has led,
Or turned aside the fated hour,
Or lifted up my sinking head.
While I was in Buffalo, a journey to the West was shewed to me so plain
that I could not stop in the city of Philadelphia but five weeks only,
then left for the western country. I started in a mail stage, and
stopped first at Westtown and spoke in our own connexion Church, and
then at West Chester in the old Methodist Episcopal white connexion. We
had a large congregation of quiet hearers. I felt liberty but no great
displays of God’s power. I had several meetings in different places,
visiting the sick. Having discharged my duty I left there and proceeded
on to Old Lancaster and spent some days. We have a good Church there,
and great meetings—the word of the Lord grew and was multiplied. God
poured out his spirit upon us, and we had a shout in the camp. I then
started for Columbia, Pa. The people are much divided, and it looked
very gloomy, but God directed me and he commanded his disciple to be a
sheep among wolves, and harmless as doves, notwithstanding the darkness,
God aided me in speaking to the people, and aided them in hearing, and
his name was praised. The people united, temptations and clouds were
vanished away. Then we sung, prayed, spake, and shouted in the spirit,
this is true Methodism. I led class, visited the sick and was much
favoured with the presence of the Lord. Our faith was increased, our
hopes confirmed. The preachers were kind and treated me well, and by
their help I travelled on my journey to Harrisburg. Feeling thankful
for the visit I had paid it seemed gloomy here, but I spoke there next
day. I took stage and rode to Chambersburg, and spent some days there,
and proceeded on to Fredericktown, Maryland, and spoke there from there
to Hagerstown, Macallansburg, and, I must confess, I do not remember of
ever seeing such a people, for, it seemed strong drink had been their
ruin. The circuit minister was there, and we had some signs and wonders
to follow after the preaching of the cross of Christ, and I trust to
meet some of them on the banks of deliverance, and help to swell the
notes of redeeming love. After the preacher left me I took stage for
Pittsburgh, at eight in the evening, rode all night until eight in the
morning. I was kindly treated, there were other persons in the stage,
four of them gentlemen, as I thought there was one who talked a great
deal, wise in his own conceit, about religion, and from that he displayed
a quantity of degraded principle, with disgusting language, at which I
made several sharp replies, and in my way, reprimanded him and the other
gentlemen looked on him with silent contempt, at which he got ashamed,
and afterwards treated me with great politeness, and I was comfortable
and arrived in Pittsburgh at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I went to Church
that night and heard a sermon from one of my brothers. I met with six
or seven ministers, very friendly, and treated me like Christians. I
remained in Pittsburgh six weeks, there had been one or two revivals
previous to my visit, especially the winter before I arrived, last day
of August, 1820. My labors commenced—the field was large—but the Lord
was with us—this gave me much encouragement, I was not ashamed of the
Gospel—it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes,
both Jew or Gentile. We had very good meetings, the Elder and preachers,
all received me with one accord—thanks to God for his divine goodness—I
felt moved by the Lord to pay Wheeling a visit although we had no society
there, I arrived and found but a small class of coloured people with
the whites, an old gentleman of color with the elder in charge granted
me the Church—the elder being a great preacher of college order. We had
a large congregation; I spoke for them once, and gave an exhortation at
another time, and felt no difficulty on that head, and after that they
could not treat me well enough. And, on the ensuing Sabbath, I helped
to lead class; and we all enjoyed ourselves, and on Tuesday I left for
Washington, according as I had promised our elder before I left him. On
my arrival there I met kind friends, and a large congregation of coloured
people. On Lord’s day I met the class; the people spoke with humility—it
was a melting down time—in the Spirit of God I preached several sermons,
visited the sick, and, in this spirit strove to uphold the aged. Feeling
a discharge of my duty I left for Steubensville, Ohio, and met a small
society—some true Christians there; no Church there; the Baptists granted
their Church; we had meetings there, and the Lord was with us—quiet
congregations—and the word had effect in the hearts of sinners—and
believers were established. I stopped a few days and left in the name
of the Lord. I proceeded on to Mt. Pleasant, and arrived on seventh day
evening, and the trustee gave me an appointment on Sabbath morning. At
11 o’clock I was feeble in both body and mind, but the Lord was with us
according to promise, think not what ye shall say, but open thy mouth
and I will fill it saith the Lord, he caused a shaking among the dry
bones, that morning. I think if any creature has a right to praise God
I have, and that in thankfulness, and I love him because he first loved
me. Bless his name. I preached several sermons to large gatherings, but
revivals not so manifest as at other places. I had some difficulty in
that journey, but only what is common among us; for many times deceitful
persons will set the Church on fire but can’t burn it up.
Moses saw it as a bush in a flame, yet not consumed. We have to be tried
as gold in the fire. After my visit was out a brother (leader in the
Church) conveyed me ten miles on my way, I stopped at Sinclairsville;
there was an appointment published on the next evening. At 7 o’clock
I spoke in the Court house to a large concourse of well behaved and
respectable citizens. I felt at liberty and left in peace of mind which
makes the work sweet. I was aided on to Cap-teen, a settlement of
coloured people; some from the lower counties; but they are industrious,
and have a Church of their own, and were about to send their children
to school, I held several meetings and there was some very respectable
people of colour—and the Lord was with us—I stopped with an aged family,
very respectable, they treated me very kind, and between 2 and 3 weeks,
I left in peace with God and man, and went to Barnsborough and spoke in
the white Methodist Episcopal Church, from thence to Zanesville, at which
place I felt much discouraged from the appearance of things. I did not
think of tarrying there, but at the first appointment I chose the words
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”—Paul. The room was very small for
the number of people, after which an old man well scented with ardent
spirits, tried to give an exhortation. I was astonished at the scene, the
people laughed, I got up and went out. I tried to labor again at night
and exhort the young ladies to the evil consequences of ill-behavior in
the Church of God; after which we had better order, and the old gentleman
was discovered to be intoxicated with spiritous liquor, and was disowned
from the Church, after which there was a great revival took place among
the white Methodists, both rich and poor.
Mrs. Dillin, who once was a Friend, and now a member of the Church,
spoke to the Trustees and Ministers, and they opened the Church and I
spoke twice in that Church, and after that I spoke in West Zanesville,
back of that place, and I still remained among my colored friends, and
they seemed much revived; after which they formed a Resolution to build
themselves a Meeting House. A Quaker Friend, so called, presented them
with a piece of ground to build one on, which they did. Glory to God, for
his glory stood over the doors of the Tabernacle. Many were convicted,
and converted, and many added to the old Methodist Church, and I left
there on New-Years day for New-Lancaster, where we had a Church, standing
on a frame of a house for three or four years, and had not been used
to preach in; but the Lord opened the way, and a great revival took
place among the people, and their eyes being opened, they with willing
minds commenced and built a new Church, and God blessed their labors. I
preached several Sermons and led Class, &c. My common way is to visit the
sick and afflicted in whatsoever city I may stop in, that I may get my
spiritual strength renewed in the Lord. Although I preached the Gospel
through the Commission of my Lord, yet, I have nothing to boast of.
I opened a Love-Feast in the said Church in New Lancaster. We held
Prayer Meetings. I spoke in the White’s Church also. The people were
very friendly. I met them in Class, and after the lapse of eleven days,
I left for Columbus. The Preachers generally were very kind to me. Both
white and colored. A worthy brother conducted me on further. It snow’d,
and I was very cold, but the Lord was with us, and my mind was free’d.
But notwithstanding, I met an antagonist, who was ready to destroy my
character, and the principles of the Work that God saw good to make me
instrumental of doing in his name, which caused me to open the case
to the Trustees and Preachers, who were much astonished at him to be
preaching four or five years with malice in his heart. I was favored to
see him in the morning before he went away, that was the first time he
had spoke to me anything like a Christian in that time. He knew from the
first period I went to him to satisfy his mind. But his heart was bitter.
I felt his spirit like a viper. But the word of the Lord was verified at
that time also. “When the Tempter raises a flood against you, I will set
up a standard against him.” He told me he had sent a letter to Pittsburg
to stop me, although I had my Licence from the Bishop, with his own
signature. I told him he was a worse enemy to me than I was aware of, and
I was ashamed of him, professing to be a Preacher in charge, and setting
such an example in a strange land, and begged him to throw away his
prejudices, or he would never obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. He left me
in a flash, and I saw him no more until Conference. I wrote a letter to
Bishop Allen to let him know of my grievances, as I was innocent of any
crime. I felt under no obligation to bear the reproaches of progressing
Preachers; and I wanted it settled at Conference. But it was looked upon
with little effect by the Preachers and Leaders. I laid it before the
Conference, and it was settled. But I tarried all winter. Preached, led
Class, visited the sick, &c., with great success. I bless God for the
witness of a good conscience. Old Sinners were awakened, and constrained
to come trembling, and enquiring the way to Zion.