_WINTER IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE._
Before going on to speak of the work of Eli and Sybil Jones among the
Friends and other Protestants in the south of France, a brief sketch
of the rise and growth of the little branch of our Society there may
be in place. The story is full of interest and could be studied to
greater length with profit, but only the briefest reference to it is
admissible here.
Louis XIV. of France decided in 1685 to revoke the "Edict of Nantes,"
passed in 1598 by Henry of Navarre, granting liberty of worship and
repose to all parties in the Church. The revocation was the most cruel
order ever issued by any king. It commanded the demolition of all the
Protestant chapels that remained standing, and forbade any assembly or
worship; all opposing ministers were ordered to leave the kingdom
within fifteen days; the schools were closed; all newborn babes were
to be baptized by the parish priests; evangelical religionists were
forbidden to leave the kingdom, on pain of the galleys for men and
confiscation of person and property for women. It is calculated that
six hundred thousand Protestants left France during the twenty years
following the revocation, while many suffered cruel deaths and many
others spent their lives in the galley-ships. The great struggle made
against this royal edict was along the Cévenne Mountains in the
departments of Lozère, Drôme, Ardèche, Gard, and Hèrault. The
Protestants were called Camisards, perhaps from the word _camisarde_,
a night-attack, but its origin is unsettled. Many of the ministers in
Cévenne had been executed, and enthusiasm was raised to the highest
pitch. Deprived of their pastors, men, women, boys, and girls became
animated by the spirit of prophecy. "Young girls had celestial
visions; the little peasant-lasses poured out their utterances in
French, sometimes in the language and with the sublime eloquence of
the Bible." They assembled under the name of "Children of God," and
marched commanded by two chiefs, Roland and Cavalier. The insurrection
was widespread, and for a long time they overcame or evaded the royal
troops. "The Lord of hosts is our strength!" said one prophet. "We
will intone the battle-psalms, and from the Lozère to the sea Israel
shall arise."
They are thus pictured by a contemporary sent to deal with them: "They
are stark mad on the subject of religion, absolutely intractable on
that point; the first little boy or girl that falls a-trembling and
declares that the Holy Spirit is speaking to it, all the people
believe it, and if God and all his angels were to come and speak to
them they would not believe them any more; they walk to execution
singing the praises of God and exhorting those present, insomuch that
it has been necessary to surround the criminals with drums to prevent
the pernicious effect of their speeches." No men and women were ever
more in earnest or filled with more zeal, but it was often a misguided
zeal and the cause was dishonored by fearful bloodshed. Their camp
was named the "Camp of the Eternal," and they marched to battle
singing the grand version of the 68th Psalm, "Que Dieu se monte
seulement." Among them were many who were sincere, many on whom the
Spirit rested, and there was a grand principle animating them. Much
that seems so excessive may be excused on the consideration that they
were driven to fury by persecution and they bore in their veins the
hot blood of a southern race.
How the little company of peace-loving Friends came from these
_Camisards_, these _Children of God_, has been a question. There is a
manuscript still in existence of a letter supposed to have been
written by some pastors of Geneva which was received and circulated
through the Cévenne. It was an appeal for these struggling brethren to
throw away the sword and cease from bloodshed. "It must be the Lord's
arm," it goes on to say, "and not yours, which shall put an end to
your captivity. Do all you can to obtain the desired object by a holy
life, and not by the works of darkness."
After receiving this letter there was some abatement from their
accustomed acts of cruelty. Among those who claimed the gift of
prophecy was a young woman named Lucretia. Her influence over the
people excited the jealousy of the leaders. When they attempted to
silence her she called out, "Let those who love me follow me." Many
followed her, and her house became a place for meetings. From this
company, it has been said, the Friends in Congènies are descended. The
author has seen a wine-cellar at Fontanés, in the house of Samuel
Brun, where these Friends met for many years. The walls were lined on
the inside with wine-casks to keep the sound from going out, and
Samuel Brun has in his possession a large Bible which for a generation
was built into the wall of the building. Everything which has been
recorded shows the sincerity and quiet determination of these people
to worship God as the New Testament required. Year after year they
took their flocks out on the hills or tilled the more gentle slopes of
the mountains, and they never forgot to meet in their secluded vault
to praise God together for the blessings which He gave them. There was
a tower of Constance at Aiguesmontes of terrible repute, but they were
undaunted and possessed "the brave old wisdom of sincerity."
And this is how they became known to their brother Friends, as is told
in a tract compiled by Friends at Manchester, England: "In the
struggle for independence in 1776 the American colonies received
sympathy and aid from France. There was at that time living at
Falmouth a surgeon named Joseph Fox, a member of the Society of
Friends, who both by education and conviction regarded war in every
shape as forbidden by the gospel. He was part owner of the 'Greyhound'
and the 'Brilliant,' two cutters which traded along the Cornish coast.
The other owners of the cutters decided to fit them out with license
to waylay and capture merchant-vessels of the enemy. Joseph Fox of
course protested. Being one alone, his protest was disregarded and the
vessels were armed. The war broke out so unexpectedly that many French
crafts fell an easy prey to the English cruisers, and the 'Greyhound'
and 'Brilliant' succeeded in capturing two valuable merchantmen,
together with some small coasting-vessels. Joseph Fox believed it to
be his Christian duty to claim his share and hold it in trust to be
restored to the rightful owners. In 1783 peace was restored, and the
next year Joseph Fox sent his son, Dr. Edward Fox, to Paris to
advertise for the owners of the plundered property. A proceeding so
unheard of was naturally looked upon with suspicion, and before the
doctor could obtain leave to insert his advertisement in the _Gazette_
he had to communicate with the Count de Vergennes, one of the French
ministry, who required a formal declaration that his real object was
such as it professed to be.
Meantime, Joseph Fox died. In consequence of the public notice
application was made by numerous parties; all the claims were proved
to be well founded, and a chief part of the money was proportionally
distributed amongst the owners of the two merchantmen and their
cargoes. Those who had been sufferers by the capture made an
acknowledgment through the _Gazette_ of this rare act of restitution,
stating their desire "to give the publicity which it merits to this
trait of generosity and equity, which does honor to the Society of the
Quakers and proves their attachment to the principles of peace and
unity by which they are distinguished."
"Besides the applications for the restored property, Dr. Fox received
at the same time a reply of a very different character. It was a
letter with this address: 'The Quakers of Congènies-Calvisson to the
virtuous Fox.' The writers describe themselves as a little flock of
about a hundred persons, and express their joy to hear of the efforts
used by the advertiser to fulfil the commands of Christ. They
represent themselves as opposed to war on Christian principle, and as
being in consequence an object of hatred and contempt to their
fellow-citizens, both Catholics and Protestants. Especially do they
condemn the wars engaged in by the latter to keep possession of their
religious liberties. This letter led to further correspondence and to
a journey to London by De Marsillac, one of their community. From his
accounts English Friends discovered, to their surprise, that there had
existed in the south of France for sixty or seventy years a Christian
Church which, besides its testimony against war, held spiritual views
regarding worship and the ministry identical with their own."
The origin and discovery of these Friends can hardly fail to interest
those who are not already familiar with them. They were often visited
by Stephen Grelet, who greatly strengthened them and increased their
influence. One who has not been among them can hardly realize how this
little flock, surrounded on all sides with perils and enemies, rejoice
to welcome those who come to bring them strength and cheer. Many leave
the country to escape the army, some marry with other Protestants, and
the outlook is not encouraging for their continuance as a distinct
body; but they have a good history behind them, and should receive
every possible support to hold firm for the help of coming
generations.
When Eli and Sybil Jones went among them it was a time of
discouragement, and they both felt that there was a great service for
them to do. It is not easy to find just what they did, but we know
that for three months they carried on almost ceaseless labor to help
and instruct not only the Friends, but all the Protestants and
Catholics where it was possible. The pastors with one accord opened
their places of worship and approved and welcomed them.
There are many now in Nismes and vicinity who speak with great feeling
of them, and it is evident that all were deeply impressed by their
consecration and earnestness. We need not seek too eagerly for the
results of such work, for it is impossible to measure the good done,
either in counting those converted or those renewed. Two earnest
Christian ministers exert an influence and power in a community which
can be no more easily weighed than the ripples on the sea can be
counted.
SOUTH OF FRANCE.
"Set off in the diligence for Lyons, ninety miles distant; fine roads,
good accommodation. The grand scenery delighted us, though tinged with
autumnal frosts. We did not make ourselves known in Lyons. It was
First day, and it was odd and deeply affecting to an American guest to
rise on this morning and behold it a market-day, all bustle and
tumult. The state of morals is very low on the Continent.
"_31st._ Took steamer on the Rhone for Avignon. Met a very interesting
missionary from New York going to Rome. We had an interesting
conversation on the qualifications of missionaries, their trials,
painful separations, etc. Having both known them, we could the more
readily enter into sympathy and fellowship. Lodged in a hotel in the
dull popish town of Avignon.
"_1st of 11th mo._ Set off by rail for Nismes, where we were greeted
by our friends.
"_2d._ Attended Friends' meeting, and received visits from several
members. We were comfortably settled at a hotel near the Friends'
school, which we wish to visit when we have leisure from other
service.
"_3d._ Dear Eli went to Congènies to-day to attend meeting. We have
seen dear John Yardly on his return from his Russian mission. He gave
us pleasant accounts of the work of the Lord in that land and in
Turkey--said he found much openness and many Christian brethren. Some
have suffered loss of nearly all things for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ.
"_5th._ The two-months' meeting commenced. Great discouragement seems
to prevail, and little contending for the faith once delivered to the
saints. It is indeed to be lamented that the light burns so dimly that
was no doubt kindled by divine love, but for want of watchfulness it
gleams but faintly amid surrounding darkness. If those who profess the
blessed Name in this land were real converted characters! But, as in
ancient time, 'All are not Israel that are of Israel.' Oh may it
please the Lord to revive His work in this day! Toward the close life
seemed to spring up, and much solemnity prevailed. Meeting for
business assembled in the afternoon, and was a refreshing season. We
trust some were made to see where they had been straying. The meeting
concluded with more religious weight and signs of life, and from the
hearts of some arose the song of thanksgiving. Dear John Yardly's
company was indeed precious. I like his evangelical spirit and
devotion to the gospel of Christ.
"_7th._ Attended a meeting at the Methodist house, which was much
favored. Spoke from the first of John. My dear husband and our kind
helpers, R. and C. Alsop, went to St. Giles for a meeting.
"_9th._ We took a walk to an old ruin said to be the temple of Diana.
We also went to La Fontaine, where a large volume of water springs
from the earth. We also saw a beautiful Corinthian temple--'la Maison
Carrée'--said to be eighteen hundred years old.
"_11th._ Held a meeting for some serious soldiers who have lately left
the Roman Catholic worship. We had a good meeting with them; one of
their number spoke very well, at the close of our meeting, on the
immediate teaching of the Holy Spirit. This evening went to Congènies
by diligence, accompanied by R. and C. Alsop, leaving dear Eli to
attend meeting at Nismes."
* * * * *
After this Eli and Sybil Jones and their kind friends and helpers
attended many meetings at Nismes and at neighboring towns, going often
to Congènies and Fontanés. Meetings at the latter place seemed
especially opened and favored. Also held meetings, much assisted and
encouraged by the _pasteurs_, at Calvisson, Cordonion, Aujargues,
Aubais, and Vistric, many of which, they had evidence, were singularly
blessed by the Master of assemblies. They had many pleasant meetings
with the young people, and were helped to utter words of cheer and
encouragement to those whose life-work was just beginning. Very frail
in body, and at times almost sinking under the felt duty, yet they
sought to improve every moment of time, not wishing to make any plans
without a direct showing from their heavenly Leader. All places of
Protestant worship were open to them, and they often used the large
national places of worship called "temples." In Fontanés they held a
greatly blessed meeting in the parlor of their friend Daniel Brun.
They were always saddened, especially after a meeting at Saint Giles,
by the noticeable scarcity of men in meetings. Indeed, they found in
their meetings generally in France mostly women and children.
One of the morning meetings in the Friends' house at Nismes was a most
remarkable instance of the overshadowing of the divine Spirit. The
solemnity was most impressive, so that many wept before a word was
uttered. Sybil Jones was favored to see the time to rise and testify
to the people that a "pure spiritual worship is what is required, and
is the highest joy of Christians." The visitors attended meeting at
the school supported by Friends in England, and felt it to be a
profitable occasion for all present.
Sybil Jones's mind was often occupied with deep thoughtfulness of the
infinite importance of their mission to this land, and she besought
the Lord earnestly that their dependence might be on no other, and
that all their labors might be Heaven-directed. It was very cheering
to these tired laborers to have persons come to them after meetings to
acknowledge that they had been strengthened and to converse on those
things which pertain to godliness.
They attended a meeting sustained by young men in Nismes for general
improvement, reading useful books, etc. They were invited most
cordially to come by the young men, who told them that if they wished
to speak to them on religious subjects, they would be pleased to hear
them. E. and S. Jones felt it a providential opening, and S. Jones was
led to speak from the text, "The Lord loveth an early sacrifice."
They felt especially moved to thank the Lord for the "way" so
wonderfully made for them. They had not had to ask for a place to hold
a meeting, but when they felt the impression a place was always
offered. This seemed most wonderful to them, as the laws of France
forbid an assembly exceeding twenty persons at any place except in a
"temple" or consecrated place. Sometimes they had but "crumbs" to hand
out to the spiritually hungry, but at other times they had abundant
refreshing from the Master's table. They prayed ever that the
"creature might be abased" and that whether in "heights or depths"
they might wear the entire "armor of faith."
On the last day of the year 1853 they were at the home of Lydia
Majolier at Congènies. Sybil Jones writes: "This is the close of the
second year since I left the land I so dearly love. The retrospect of
the whole affords consolatory reflection. With the remembrance of
innumerable mercies my poor little sacrifices sink into
insignificance. May they be accepted by Him who looks at the heart! If
any good has been done, it is the Lord's doings.--Grant, most merciful
God, that the year 1854 may all be devoted to Thy service, with more
faith and love!"
The next two-months' meeting was a season of great encouragement. The
meeting for worship was large, and the Master honored it with His
life-giving presence. The meeting for business was a blessed season,
and all felt that the power of the Lord had been abroad in the land;
two members were received and two young men requested to be admitted.
At meeting of the school committee it was concluded "to solicit
subscriptions from Friends here, and see what amount could be raised,
and propose to Friends in England that the school be continued under
the care of Justine Paradon as superintendent and Clarence Benoit as
teacher, and that a school for boys be opened under the instruction of
Jules Paradon, with an assistant. The committee were encouraged to
persevere in the work, as the school had already proved a blessing to
the youth, and by some changes for the better might be more so."
A long rainy period hindered these dear Friends from holding many
meetings. They occupied the time when they were confined to the house
in writing to America, studying French, etc.
At a meeting held in an outlying village at the house of a woman named
Ann Mapit all seemed tendered before the Lord. Near the close a woman
left and went to her aged father, who had not attended a religious
meeting for fifty years, and begged him to go and hear these people,
"for they preached as though they would take them all to heaven." The
old man came and was quite moved, and spoke highly of the meeting,
although he had said on a former occasion, when a meeting was proposed
for a Friend, that they "would beat the drums." They saw plainly the
wonder-working power of God. On every side they saw evidences of the
"shaking" power.
In Calvisson the pasteur himself, a kind Christian man, chose to
interpret for them, which they thought a great condescension, as it
would doubtless expose him to ridicule from some who did not approve
of a woman's gift in the ministry. They held a powerful meeting at
Congènies, and found that many were there who had not attended a
religious meeting before for twenty years. They thought it prudent for
a time, being much worn by long service, to rest and try and gain some
strength to go on. Eli Jones's health was especially poor. After this
short respite they were much refreshed for the work, and attended a
meeting at Auvergne numbering fully eight hundred or a thousand
people. They appreciated fully the support of the pasteurs, which was
so lovingly tendered them.
They felt everywhere the disastrous effects of the degraded position
of women. Having so much manual labor to perform, they are unfitted
for the proper care of their children; consequently, both their minds
and bodies are frequently uncared for, and the home, that great
training-school, is not rendered as bright and attractive as it should
be. This, S. Jones thought, is what makes the French people so
volatile and often skeptical. The places of public amusement are often
sought in preference to the home.
Their work among the soldiers was a wonderful thing. Many came to
their meetings, and, laying aside their swords and taking off their
caps, sat meekly down to hear the glad tidings of "peace on earth and
good-will toward men." A remarkable movement sprang up among them.
One of their number said that at one time but three of them met for
worship, but lately nine had joined their number, and they felt much
encouraged. Many meetings were attended by these soldiers, who seemed
to appeal directly to Eli and Sybil Jones's sympathies.
They held a meeting at St. Hippolyte with the few Friends there, at
the Moravian meeting-house, and were very urgently pressed to hold
more meetings in that place. Fears were often felt by their friends
that order could not be maintained in their meetings, owing to the
novelty of the thing; but they always, even in very large audiences,
met with the utmost respect and attention. They went on one occasion
to Marseilles, and took a short trip on the Mediterranean, and felt
that they gained some strength by the change. Sybil Jones, accompanied
by some of her friends and the good pasteur Abausit, who had been such
a kind friend and interpreter, went to Montpellier to visit the
prison. They were much pleased with the neatness and order of the
entire establishment, and met the most courteous treatment from the
chaplain and director. There was much tenderness shown by the
prisoners. There were in the prison eight hundred Catholic and
fourteen Protestant prisoners. They were not allowed to speak to the
former, but were enabled to pray earnestly for the other poor souls.
They held a very large meeting in the afternoon, and it was to them a
precious season. Sybil Jones visited two prisoners in their cells, and
pleaded tenderly with them.
They then returned to Nismes and held a large meeting. One of the
pasteurs told them, in explanation of their kind reception on every
hand, that the Society of Friends moved along so prudently, peaceably,
and happily that they were received by all as Christian brethren. At a
meeting in St. Hippolyte great contrition was felt by a man who had
not attended meeting for many years, and would not permit his wife to
go, and forbade his sister to enter his house because she was
religious. He received his sister after the meeting, and seemed
greatly humbled. They felt that the Lord was speaking through his
instruments, and were encouraged to go forward. They held many large
and much-blessed meetings at Gallargues and Congènies, and visited
many to whom they were attracted, as they showed a concern for their
souls' welfare. Many came to inquire of them the "way," and they
formed many acquaintances and felt a binding interest in the people,
whose souls were so precious.
When the two-months' meeting again assembled they had renewed cause
for encouragement. It was a meeting graciously ordered by the Lord.
The meeting for worship on First-day morning was remarkably covered
with divine power and goodness, and Eli Jones seemed unusually
"clothed upon with gospel unction." The meeting for business admitted
into membership a man who had been a Methodist minister, and received
requests from twelve others. They were once invited to the home of a
good pasteur named Mensard, where they met five other pasteurs, and
their conversation was most pleasant concerning the ministry and
"things of the kingdom."
And now they felt that the burden of souls in the south of France was
rolled off, and they were sweetly released for service in other
fields. They held a large parting meeting, and many came to take
leave, among them a poor soldier in whom they were greatly interested.
He had been ordered to Constantinople without the companionship of any
of his religious friends. Of this they were not aware, and it was
remarkable that they felt impressed to read the ninety-first Psalm,
which seemed so suited to his case, and Sybil Jones was wonderfully
helped to pray for the poor soldier. The parting with the
school-children was an affecting season, and they at last set off,
leaving a large group of friends at the hotel-door for whom their
hearts reached out in tenderness and love.
They went to Avignon, and from there by boat on the Rhone to Lyons. On
First day they attended three meetings in that city; where they found
an earnest, seeking people. They lodged with a dear friend who was
received into membership at the last meeting. He seemed to be exerting
a religious influence about him. They enjoyed their intercourse with
his interesting family, and M. J. Lecky offered to take their youngest
son, Benjamin, to England to obtain a knowledge of the English
language; which pleased his parents and he was committed to her care.
They spent one day in the great capital, and admired the magnificent
and stupendous works of art with which Paris is adorned. Sailed from
Havre for Southampton. There they attended one meeting, and thence
proceeded to London. They attended Suffolk quarterly meeting. The
power of the Lord was felt, especially by the young. Lodged at
Richard Dikes Alexander's.
In London they lodged at Thomas Norton's, and attended London
quarterly meeting. Attended Brighton select meeting, and stayed at
Daniel Prior Hack's. They also attended meetings at Croydon and Lewes,
and Gloucester quarterly meeting; all of which were honored by the
Master's presence. On the 11th of 4th mo. they set off for Plymouth,
and soon after sailed for the dear home in America, leaving all their
work with the Master, for it was all done in His name. They carried
with them sweet memories of the aid and fellowship extended to them by
the French pasteurs. They also carried with them numerous written
testimonials of the pasteurs' appreciation of their labor of love
among them. The following is a letter from the pasteurs and elders of
Calvisson expressive of their feeling toward these laborers in the
Master's vineyard who had come from a distant land:
* * * * *
"We, the pasteurs and elders of the church of Calvisson (Gard),
declare that we have received the visit of Eli and Sybil Jones,
ministers of the Society of Friends. They have held two edifying
public meetings in our temple, before a numerous and attentive
audience, as well as a special meeting for the children of our
schools. Moreover, they have held a pastoral conference at Calvisson
(Gard), at which eleven pasteurs of our consistory and the neighboring
churches were present. We are happy to thank these dear friends for
the evangelical words they have brought to us. Their presence has been
for us a means of edification and of encouragement. Their prayers and
their exhortations, impressed with great spirituality, have produced
deep convictions and been visibly blessed, and have penetrated into
the hearts of all those who have had the privilege of hearing them.
The interest they have manifested for the salvation of souls and the
advancement of the kingdom of God has touched us in a lively manner,
and has given us the impression that they do not propose any other end
nor any other recompense for their sacrifices and their labors. They
have spoken amongst us the words of peace and charity, nor has
anything in their discourses wounded any faithful soul, either as
regards his faith or his individual opinions. We ask that in an
especial manner the divine blessing may attend the spiritual ministry
of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. We desire that the dear brother and sister may
be instrumental in shedding around them, wherever the Lord may call
them, that humble confidence in the wisdom from above that
characterizes all their discourses and their lives. May the Father of
spirits, who holds our hearts in His hand, grant to their prayers and
their efforts the awakening of souls and of consciences! Our Church
will always preserve a precious remembrance of these dear friends, and
sends them, through us, the expression of its prayers and its
gratitude. We declare that we know individually that Eli and Sybil
Jones have also visited the greater part of the numerous churches
which surround us, and that everywhere their preaching has been heard
with the same interest and the same edification. All our brethren have
been, like ourselves, moved and charmed by the unction and the grace
of their Christian exhortations. In the belief thereof we have given
to them the present certificate.
"TEMPIE, Pastor-President of the Consistory of Calvisson.
"THEODORE ABAUSIT, Pastor.
"REANT, Moderator of the Consistory.
"C. BERNARY, Treasurer.
"CALVISSON (Gard), _March 10, 1854_."