_FIRST VISIT._
"He who in glory did on Horeb's height
Descend to Moses in the bush of flame,
And bade him go and stand in Pharaoh's sight--
Who once to Israel's pious shepherd came,
And sent him forth his champion in the fight,--
He within my heart thus spake to me:
'Go forth! Thou shalt on earth my witness be.'"
SCHILLER.
In the autumn of 1840, Sybil Jones was liberated by her Friends to
attend meetings and do religious work in the provinces, Nova Scotia,
and New Brunswick. In this work she was attended by her husband, and
they passed through many trying circumstances; but, being sustained
from above, they came home bringing sheaves with them and feeling that
they had been instruments in God's hand of doing good. A brief account
of this journey was kept by Sybil Jones. It has never been published,
but is full of interest to all those who love to follow the steps of
devoted servants of the Lord.
During the first winter of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold and
a band of soldiers forced their way over almost insurmountable
obstacles through the Maine woods to capture Montreal, Quebec, and the
other Canadian strongholds. Historians have followed their track,
carefully noting every detail of their march, recording what they
suffered and what injuries they inflicted, and that, too, though the
expedition failed of its end and many a fair young life was lost in
vain. Certainly, we can well afford to follow the pilgrimage of two
soldiers of the cross fully as heroic, carrying to those otherwise
perishing the news of life and salvation.
Sybil Jones was thirty-two years old when she made this visit; she was
in delicate health, and obliged to leave her two young children, James
Parnell and Narcissa, behind; but her whole soul was in the work, and
she writes as she would have done when years had fully developed her.
In this and her other diaries there often occur expressions which to
the frequent readers of Fox and the early missionary Friends may sound
stated and formal, but there is a life pervading the whole which shows
conclusively to a thoughtful person that these phrases are not forms,
but words clearly expressive of what she felt burning in her heart,
and they add to rather than detract from the weight of her account.
There is a wonderful depth of meaning and originality in the
expressions of Friends which unfortunately is lost sight of by
continual use, just as in all language word-metaphors which subtly
picture thoughts become cold by use and lose their picturesqueness. In
reading the pages recording the earnest labors of long ago let us read
in them all that was put there by looking for the feeling and life
under the words:
"Left home with a certificate from some of my friends to visit some of
the British provinces, the 23d of 8th mo., 1840, in company with my
husband. He also has a certificate for said service. Being
disappointed in a female companion, we had either to resign the
prospect of a visit this season or proceed with no other company than
our dear friend Daniel Smiley, who, with a minute from his monthly
meeting, concluded to accompany us to Nova Scotia. It was a trying
case, but, feeling as though the present time was the right time, we
informed the committee appointed by the monthly meeting for the
purpose of providing us with suitable company, how it was with us.
They met with the elders, and informed us of their conclusion, which
was that they thought best for us to proceed if it seemed like the
right time, as we had informed them. We had to proceed on the prospect
of apprehended duty under discouraging circumstances, yet I trust with
a humble reliance on Him who hath said, 'I will be a defence unto
Israel.' Being favored to resign ourselves to His direction and
protection, we felt our only strength to be in Him, feeling, too, the
consoling assurance that our dear friends we have left behind will
travail in exercises with us for the Truth's honor and our
preservation from every hurtful thing. We leave our dear children in
the best place we could find.... Above all, we have felt a humble
trust that He who never slumbers will keep them; and in remembrance of
the blessed promise, that all things shall work together for good to
them that love and fear God, I have been enabled under multiplied
discouragement to adopt the language, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.'
Blessed be His name for ever who has been with me in six troubles,
and has given me assurance that He will not forsake even in the
seventh if my place is where Mary's was of old.
"We attended two meetings the day we left--one in Windsor, the other
in Whitefield--which were very trying meetings....
"_Second day, 31st._ Arrived at Joseph Ester's in Calais; had a
favored meeting this evening in the Calvinist Baptist meeting-house.
The people here are so attached to Friends that they think it a
privilege to let us have a house for a meeting. The Baptists claimed
the privilege, and we thought best to improve it. After meeting I took
cold from the damp air so frequent in this place, and was confined to
the house till 9th mo. 4th. Proceeded to an appointment at St.
Stephen's (English side), First day, 9th mo. 6th, at two P. M., at the
Methodist house, which was a humbling season to the poor creatures,
but the eternal truth reigned over all, and I hope the 'blessed Master
of assemblies' had the honor, for it was by the might of His power
that the tall cedars of Lebanon bowed and the oaks of Bashan bent.
Nothing is too great for Him to do for us when our trust is in Him.
May it ever be placed there! Second day, 7th, had a meeting at St.
Stephen's in a Baptist house; put up at Ruggles's temperance house;
felt quite at home here; they were an interesting family. We sat with
the family before leaving them, and divine ability was given to speak
in the language of encouragement to them, assuring them that a
_little_ with the incomparable blessing of a peaceful mind was better
than hoards of gold obtained in a way to injure our fellow-creatures.
The demoralizing effects of the sale and use of ardent spirits were
lamentably felt here. The landlord told us that he was once in the
habit of keeping them for travellers and others, but became convinced
that it was wrong. It brought him into a close trial, he told us, for
this was the chief source of income. He said he prayed to his heavenly
Father to direct him what to do, and the answer was that he must carry
on the baking business. He accordingly entered into it, and with the
assistance of two or three daughters he made a good income. Oh that
all would go and do likewise who are in this iniquitous practice, that
must surely prove, if persisted in, their condemnation!
"_8th._ Parted from several of our dear friends who came to bid us
farewell, and proceeded on our journey; came about noon to Oak Bay,
parish of St. David's, a small village. Here we paused a little, but
proceeded. My mind became distressed for leaving the place without
trying to have a meeting, which I kept to myself until we had
travelled about two and a half miles, when I was obliged to request
our dear friend to turn about; which was crossing to us all, feeling
very anxious to get along, having been detained from my ill-health,
meetings, etc. beyond our expectations. But on turning toward the
place I think we all participated in the reward of peace. We stopped
at William Josling's, who met us with tears of joy. Oh may we omit
nothing required of us, but be willing to do and suffer His will who
will do all things well! This evening had a meeting in the Baptist
house. It was a solemn season, and to the honor of truth, I trust.
Lodged at William Golding's, who was in a tried state of mind owing to
entanglement with the doctrine of predestination. He spoke of the
circumstance of Pharaoh where the Lord said, 'For this same purpose I
have raised thee up;' also named the passage from the apostle, 'Hath
not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump, to make one
vessel for honor and another for dishonor?' He said that he considered
it as a temptation of the enemy, but at times could hardly keep it out
of his mind. As the subjects opened to my mind I endeavored to explain
them.... He seemed satisfied, and said he had never had so clear an
explanation before. Not feeling clear of the place without trying for
another meeting, we accepted the Methodist house, which was kindly
offered. A Universalist encountered me after meeting. I endeavored to
keep near best help. He became silent, and I think the truth sank deep
in his heart. We parted in mutual love and good feeling. He was a
member of the legislative council, a man of talents. We called on the
Methodist minister and his wife, who received us gladly; we thought
them sincere-hearted followers of Christ. Parted under a feeling of
holy relationship. Left this place for Tower Hill, in the parish of
St. David. Arrived in a lonely-looking place, very desolate, where
were a few inhabitants and a schoolhouse. There are few here who
reflect, I think, that they must die, and that it is needful to
prepare for that solemn event. We left them under serious impression,
I think. We called on a woman apparently dying, who said she was not
prepared to die; her sins were not forgiven. The family and several
neighbors present were in great distress. I felt moved to call her
attention to Jesus, who alone could help, reminding her of the
penitent thief upon the cross. Surrounding beholders were warned to
seek the Lord while in health, and not put it off till a dying bed, as
the pains of the feeble body were enough to bear, without the
indescribable pains of a wounded conscience. We called again on the
sick woman, who seemed a little revived. I felt drawn to impart some
words of encouragement, also to supplicate our heavenly Father on
behalf of all present. My dear husband imparted some words of
encouragement to her. We then left her bedside, where extreme poverty
and want were strikingly apparent, with some assurance that she would
find forgiveness and go in peace. We proceeded to meeting. A large
number of thoughtless mortals were assembled. We had to travail in
deep exercises for the awakening of life. Dear husband supplicated for
divine aid, which was mercifully granted. Truth finally obtained the
victory. It is the Lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes.
"_15th._ Had a meeting at Bearing in a schoolhouse at the fourth hour,
and one at Mehanas, parish of St Stephen's, at seven--the last a truly
contriting season. I proceeded, accompanied by my dear husband, to
visit some public-houses and places where liquor is sold, and to visit
some serious people. This work of apprehended duty was most
humiliating to the poor creature, but cheerful submission clothed my
mind with sweet peace. We were treated kindly by all, and all
expressed their thankfulness to us for calling, and received civilly
what we had to deliver to them, saying they knew the right, but were
unwilling to do it. Not feeling clear of these parts without a meeting
with the Congregationalists at Calais, though I thought it probable
that they would not grant it, I informed our company of it, who
encouraged me to attend to the opening. Accordingly, a messenger was
despatched, and returned word that they were expecting to meet in the
evening for a prayer-meeting, and would cheerfully give up the meeting
to us without a single objection. The Lord will make a way where there
appears to be no way. In the evening we met with them, and had a good
meeting, mutually satisfactory.
"_17th._ Sat down at the house where we were staying with the family
at meeting hour. Our little number with the family were enough to
inherit the Saviour's blessed promise, 'There will I be in the midst
of them.' We gave no notice, but two or three neighbors somehow got
information and joined our company. At first it was a stripped season.
The cloud as big as a man's hand was hardly discernible, but in the
Lord's own time He blessed us indeed. His power arose to the
contriting of all present. It was truly a refreshing time, in which we
could say, 'The Lord is my goodness and fortress, my high tower.'
"_18th._ Had a meeting at the Ledge in St. Stephen's at two o'clock.
Some of the true wrestling seed were present, who were visited in
their low dwelling-place and refreshed with the circulating influence
of divine love, which spread even to the skirts of the assembly. I am
ready to say, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.' 'He brought
me into his banqueting-house, and his banner over us was love.'
"_26th, which was First day._ Had a meeting in the city of St. John,
in the Methodist chapel in Germania street, at 2 P. M., and one at 6
o'clock in the parish of Portland, in the Methodist house. Several
thousand souls met with us this day, and the Lord blessed us
abundantly to the refreshing of the weary traveller toward the city of
rest. Lodged at the Methodist preacher's, William Temple, who was
truly hospitable. On the morning of the 28th went to the steamboat
bound to Annapolis, but, it being stormy, the captain deemed it
improper to put out to sea. Having our horses and carriage put on
board at high tide, and could not get them off until tide served
again, we felt some anxiety, fearing we had not done right in this
procedure, as the elements seemed against us. We met with a man named
Abial L. Brown on board, who kindly asked us to go home with him and
remain until the boat should go. We gladly accepted his invitation and
went to the house, where the family received us with affection, set
some refreshments before us, of which we gladly partook, not having
taken any breakfast and having walked some distance in the wet and
cold. After being thus refreshed and having warmed ourselves, we felt
inclined to assemble the family for a religious opportunity, which was
gladly acceded to on their parts. The season was a truly comforting
one. Afterward we inquired for a woman who had spoken to us the
evening before after meeting and manifested a great desire to have an
interview with us. From our description one of the daughters kindly
offered to try to find her, though they could not tell her name. She
made a successful attempt, and soon came with Elizabeth Girard, as she
said her name was. She was a Friend in principle, though belonging to
the Methodists. She lamented much the extravagant conformity to the
vain fashions of the world, which is at enmity to Christ--said they
had sorrowfully departed from the simplicity which marked the members
in their rise in Wesleyan days. She spoke of the spiritual worship
very clearly as that which was alone acceptable unto God. The storm
subsided at about ten o'clock. We left, accompanied by E. G., who went
to the steamboat with us. After our imparting some advice to this dear
friend, she left. At about one o'clock we left St. John's City, and in
twelve hours were across the Bay of Fundy at Annapolis. I was not very
seasick; He who holdeth the waters in His hand preserves us yet.
Little vital religion is felt in this part of the heritage. The people
here have many advantages for a livelihood. The land has a rich soil,
and the Annapolis River flowing through it in the midst of an
extensive valley, where many of its farms stretch along its banks, the
rich products may be borne through the river into the Bay of Fundy to
distant parts. Thus was a kind Providence bountifully blessed, but a
worldly spirit is prevailing among them.
"_14th._ Held a meeting at Granville, and on the 15th went over
Young's Mountain. Again not feeling clear, had a meeting in the
evening, a memorable season of humbling contrition to most present. A
young man named James Van Blarcum, being at this meeting, was
convinced of the truth. May the Lord give him strength to suffer for
His cause, which will no doubt be the case if he proves faithful!"[3]
[3] James Van Blarcum was at work on a house when the notice was given
for this meeting. On hearing that a woman would preach, he said he
would go and hear what these heretics had to say. It was a revelation
to him; his eyes were opened, and the whole course of his life
changed. A few years after this he came to China, so that he might
know more of Friends and their principles. At first his family were so
displeased at his becoming a Quaker that he was forced to leave his
home, though he was afterward highly respected by them all. He became
a powerful minister in the Society, and was for a number of years
connected with Oak Grove Seminary. He was married to Eunice, sister of
Eli Jones.
Eli and Sybil Jones attended many more meetings in the provinces,
among them Annapolis, Wilmot Mount, Wolfville, Falmouth, Pictou, and
Truro, making many weary journeys, some days riding as much as
forty-three miles to hold a meeting. These long rides were attended
with many discomforts, as it was the eleventh month, and the weather
extremely raw and cold. The roads were in poor condition, and the mud
oftentimes almost impassable. Sybil Jones describes the difficulties
encountered in making their way to Truro: "Coming to two roads about
noon, we inquired of an innkeeper the direct road to our destination.
We followed his directions, found excellent roads, but, being through
a thick forest, it was rather lonely. The weather being cloudy, night
came on early, without discovering any opening in the dense forest
that encompassed us. The thought did not occur that we might be on the
wrong road until the horses began to wade very deep in mud. My husband
sprang out of the carriage to lead the horses. After proceeding a few
steps, the mire growing deeper, he ordered the carriage stopped, and
after travelling around some time in the dark he exclaimed that we
were on the wrong road--that we had come to the end of a road. Our
feelings can better be imagined than described. Strangers in a
strange land, in a vast wilderness at the end of our road, and the
night being without even starlight, I shall never forget my feelings.
We found our carriage was fast in the mire. After unharnessing the
horses, which with some difficulty leapt out on hard footing, the men
soon pried the carriage out and harnessed to return, while I stood on
a dry spot where my dear husband had placed me. I was afraid that we
had been directed there for a wicked design, when these words came to
me: 'Judah's lion guards the way, and guides the traveller home.'
After going back about fifty rods we discovered a light, and, going to
it, found that it proceeded from a little hut. The people said that we
could get across the woods, to the right road by going a quarter of a
mile, and kindly offered to go with us and show us the way. We
followed through the roughest road I ever passed. One had to hold the
carriage behind to keep it from upsetting. We arrived safe on the
road, happy and thankful."
They had many "opportunities" in family circles, which they always
found refreshing. They met with great kindness, although in many
places they were greatly grieved to find that the spirit of the world
held sway over the people. In many cases a great controlling power was
felt, and they left believers much strengthened in the Lord to cope
with the adversary. Owing to the inclemency of the weather they deemed
it expedient to return to their homes. The homeward journey was long,
and they were often able to get but scanty accommodations; but they
ever found the "Lord a covert from the storms," and proved Him to be
"as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." They were greatly
cheered on retracing their steps to find that the seed scattered on
their journey of love had fallen in good ground. The tavern-keeper
with whom they had labored so lovingly had given up his sinful
business, and was now keeping a strictly temperance house. Indeed,
there was now no rum sold in the town. With deep interest and love for
the dear people in the field in which they labored, and looking to God
to bless their labors, they took their way to the home where were the
dear children whom to leave was so hard.
It was the beginning of winter before they prepared to return, so that
it was impossible for them to use the carriage with which they made
the journey, and it was finally decided to put the carriage on
runners, and in this way the long return journey was made.
Some years later they went over the same ground by carriage on a
second visit to the provinces. In one place, as they were driving
along through a long wood, they were met in the road by a huge bear,
which stood its ground for some time, but finally retreated and
allowed the Friends to go on their mission. Soon after this visit Eli
Jones felt that it was his duty to go over the meetings of Canada and
to speak to the Friends there, both in the different assemblies and by
their firesides. His dear wife in the mean time was making a tour
through New England, doing the work which was laid upon her. It was a
trial for them to be so widely separated, but each was in the proper
place. Sybil Jones was brought low with sickness and forced to hasten
home. Eli Jones came from his field of service, and called on his
friend Daniel Smiley, where he found his wife very ill; but recovery
was granted, and they came rejoicing to the family at home.