A JOURNAL OF THE LIFE, TRAVELS, AND GOSPEL LABOURS, OF A FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, DANIEL STANTON, Late of PHILADELPHIA, in the Province of PENNSYLVANIA.
With the Testimony of the MONTHLY-MEETING of FRIENDS in that City concerning him.
My Covenant was with him of Life and Peace, and I gave them to him, for the Fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my Name.
He being dead, yet speaketh.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed and sold by JOSEPH CRUKSHANK, in Third-street, opposite the Work-House.
M DCC LXXII.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE Monthly Meeting of FRIENDS in PHILADELPHIA, CONCERNING OUR DEARLY BELOVED FRIEND, DANIEL STANTON.
WHEN John the Divine was in exile in the isle of Patmos, "He heard a voice from Heaven, saying, Write,—Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them;" —which we believe now is the portion of our worthy friend, concerning whose faithful services we are engaged from the united motives of love and duty, to give this testimony; desiring, that all who read it, and more especially the Youth, may be excited, by his example, to seek an [Page iv] early acquaintance with the Lord, and to take up their daily cross in the prime of their days.—Thus, they also, may become shining lights and instruments of good to others.
HE was born in this city, in the year 1708, and his father dying before his birth, and his mother a few years after, he suffered great trials and hardships when very young:—Being early concerned to seek the knowledge of God, he had a fervent desire to attend religious meetings, though subjected to many difficulties and discouragements, before that privilege was allowed him; yet, being earnest in his desires to obtain divine favour, he was eminently supported under great conflicts and probations, and, continuing faithful to the degrees of light and grace communicated, a dispensation of the gospel ministry was committed to him, sometime before the term of his apprenticeship was expired; and abiding under the sanctifying power of truth, he grew in his gift, and became a zealous faithful minister.
[Page v]HE was very exemplary in his industry and diligence, in labouring faithfully at his trade, to provide for his own support, and after he married, and had children, for their maintenance; and was often concerned to advise others to the same necessary care; yet he continued fervent in spirit for the promotion of truth and righteousness, so that he was soon engaged to leave home, and the nearest connections of nature, to publish the glad tidings of the gospel,—and frequently visited most of the meetings of Friends in this and the adjacent provinces, and several times as far as the eastern parts of New-England. Having thus honestly discharged his duty among us above twenty years, and feeling his mind constrained in the love of the gospel, to visit the few Friends who remained in some of the West-India islands, and from thence the meetings of Friends in general through Great-Britain and Ireland, he communicated his concern to a few of his most intimate friends, who having unity therewith, he was encouraged to lay it before our monthly meeting.—Before he entered on this weighty service, he passed [Page vi] through a near trial and affliction in the death of his beloved wife; under which exercise he was graciously supported by the arm of divine strength, which had often been revealed for his help, in times of inward conflicts and outward distresses.
HIS concern to travel in the service of truth continuing, and the meeting having full unity with him therein, he embarked in the fifth month, 1748, accompanied by our dear friend, Samuel Nottingham, in a vessel bound for Barbadoes, and having visited the few meetings in that island, they went by way of Antigua to Tortola, where they continued some time, having some difficulty to get a passage to Europe; and their voyage thither was attended with some singular hazards and dangers, which occasioned their landing in Ireland; where our friend Daniel continued some months, visiting the meetings of Friends in that kingdom;—and after he apprehended himself clear, went over to England, and visited the meetings generally in that nation, and in Wales and Scotland, where his meek circumspect conduct and conversation, [Page vii] and lively edifying ministry, rendred his visit very acceptable and his memory precious.
IN his return home, and for some time after, he was in a low afflicted state of mind; being apprehensive, that through diffidence, and the want of perfect resignation to the divine will, he had omitted fully performing the service required of him, by not visiting the few Friends in Holland: yet he was mercifully preserved, and after a time of deep exercise, raised again to sing of the mercies and loving kindness of God on the banks of deliverance.
HE several times, with other Friends appointed to that service, visited the families of Friends in this city, and between the years 1757 and 1760, being accompanied by our friend John Pemberton, he visited the families of Friends generally within, the limits of our meeting; which weighty exercising service, he was enabled to perform to our edification and satisfaction. After which, he was frequently engaged [Page viii] to excite Friends to this useful and edifying practice.
IN the twelfth month, 1760, he set out on a visit to the meetings in the western parts of this province, and from thence in Maryland, Virginia, and North and South-Carolina, and returned in the sixth month following; since which he frequently visited many of the meetings near home, and some as far as Long-island, and other parts of the province of New-York. Within the last two years, he visited the families of Friends of some of the meetings in West-Jersey, in the city of New-York, and part of Long-Island; and after his return from this service, with great peace and satisfaction, he expressed his apprehension that he was now clear of all places, and that his stay here was near over;—having an evidence, that he had been faithfully concerned from his youth to fear and serve God.
HIS chief labour and religious exercises were in this city, where he was a diligent attender of all our meetings, and [Page ix] often on committees appointed on the services of the church; in which he was solid and weighty in spirit, waiting for the springing up of life, being steadily concerned both in and out of meetings, to live near the divine fountain: Thus he was very frequently qualified, and enabled to stir up the pure mind, and to recount the gracious dealings of God to Mankind, and as a faithful embassador to warn the negligent to flee from the wrath to come, and to excite the people to bring forth fruits answerable to the great mercies graciously bestowed on us; and was sometimes constrained to declare in a prophetic manner, a day of trial, in divers instances, very shortly before such a season came to pass.
HE was of late deeply exercised in consideration of the evils of the horse races, stage plays, drunkenness, and other gross enormities encouraged and increasing in this city; closely exhorting our youth against those pernicious and destructive devices of the enemy of mankind; and under the awful sense that God [Page x] will judge and punish the wicked and evil doers, he was often fervent in public supplications, that the Lord would lengthen out the day of his merciful visitation, and yet try the people longer; which seasons were solemn and humblingly affecting; manifesting, that although he was very close and sharp in reproof against evil, yet most tenderly concerned, that the transgressors of the righteous law of God might be prevailed with to repent, return, and live.
HIS love for the rising generation was very great; which he manifested by his affectionate notice of them, and especially of those who were religiously inclined, and his house was open to receive such, his conversation with them being seasoned with grace, and his counsel instructive and helpful to those who had seeking desires after the knowledge of truth, often lovingly inviting them to come, taste, and see, that the Lord is good; greatly desiring, that all who profess the truth, might walk agreeable to its dictates and be led thereby, as our worthy predecessors [Page xi] were, into that meekness, humility, and godly simplicity and plainness, which rendered them conspicuous and shining examples, and that none might rest short of the enjoyment of the life of religion, his zeal being great against such, who have the form of godliness, and by their actions manifest they have not the power thereof;—and he often fervently advis'd and cautioned those who are eagerly pursuing the world, and by the forfeiting cares, and grasping after [...] treasures, frustrate the good purpose of the visitation of divine grace to them, and closely reminded those, who in their small beginnings were low and humble, that now they were abundantly favoured, they should not set their affections on things below, but remember the rock from whence they were hewn;—and his concern was great that those who had the glad tidings of the gospel to publish, might be true examples to the flock, and adorn the doctrine they had to deliver by a circumspect life and conversation, and where any by not steadily keeping to that which would have preserved them, [Page xii] had involved themselves in difficulties, either by letting their minds out to the gains and profits of this world, or otherwise, his travail was great for such that they might be brought through, and every cloud and mist removed.
HE was much employed in visiting the sick and afflicted, to whom he administred his spiritual advice and experience, and often engaged in humble prayer for their support; and in the distributing to the necessitous according to his circumstances, he manifested his benevolent disposition.
AS he had been many years under great exercise and suffering of spirit on account of the slavery of the poor Africans, and frequently bore testimony against that unrighteous gain of oppression, he was of late somewhat relieved, as he found the eyes of the people become more open to see the iniquity of the practice; and he died in faith, that the light of the gospel will so generally prevail, that the professors of christianity will find it their duty [Page xiii] to restore to these people their natural right to liberty, and to instruct them in the principles of the christian religion.
ON the fifth day of the fifth month, he was violently seized with the bilious cholic, and continued in great pain several days; but afterwards being somewhat easier, he was at our morning and evening Meetings on Firstday, the thirteenth of the month, in which he was much favoured in his public ministry, and expressed that he thought his time would not be long with us. After this day's labour, he was again confined, yet being a little recovered he as at our meeting on Fifthday, the twenty-fourth of the month, which being small, he expressed his sorrow for it, and encouraged Friends to diligence in the attendance of week day meetings, the benefit of a faithful discharge of duty therein being great;— the next day he was at our monthly meeting, and to his own and our admiration was enabled to stay through both our sittings, though the last of them was longer than usual, and he afterwards expressed [Page xiv] that he thought himself better in the meeting than when out;—it was a season of divine favour, and some weighty matters being before the meeting, he with great openness spoke pertinently and clearly to them, encouraging Friends to the supporting and maintaining our christian testimony, against all that is contrary to it: This was the last public meeting he was at, being the next morning early seized with a renewed attack of the same disorder, which increased on him several days, and was so fixed, that all the endeavours of several skilful physicians and tender nurses, were not effectual to remove it, tho' in some measure to mitigate the pain, that he suffered much, not being able to lie down in his bed several weeks, yet thro' all he was mercifully supported, in much resignation, and patience, rather inclining, if it was the Lord's will, to be released.
FOR two or three weeks before his sickness, he appeared very desirous of settling every thing he had to do respecting the affairs of this life, and desired a [Page xv] Friend to review and transcribe the short memoirs he hath left of his travels and religious services, and to write his will, which he executed the day before he was first taken sick, and then appeared easy in his mind.
DURING the time of his sickness he often expressed his concern least his Friends should be too anxious for his recovery, saying, if he should live longer, and thro' any human frailty or infirmity occasion any reproach, it would be a cause of sorrow to them.
BY the desire of his Friends who attended him, he rode out several times, tho' not without much difficulty, and spent the two last days of his life at the houses of two of his intimate Friends. As he drew near his end, the strength of his love to mankind in general, and his Friends in particular, evidently increased, much desiring the prosperity of truth, and when a meeting time came had an earnest desire to be with Friends, and particularly the day before his departure.
[Page xvi]DURING his sickness, he frequently expressed himself in a very seasonable, instructive, and affecting manner; and the evening of the Firstday before he dyed, several Friends coming in to see him, he spoke a considerable time to them, having before been desirous of such an opportunity of the company of his Friends, to sit down and wait upon God, which was his great delight.
THE last day of his life he spent at the house of his Friend Israel Pemberton, at Germantown, and was unusually free and chearful, even till ten o'clock at night, when he undressed himself, and went into bed, remarking on lying down, that he had not before been able to do so, for five weeks or upwards, and he soon after fell asleep, but in a short time was awakened by the return of pain and difficulty of breathing, which thro' his illness he had been much afflicted with, so that he was oblig'd to set up in bed, and thus continued, at intervals freely conversing with our said Friend, who sat up with him, and he expressed his great thankfulness [Page xvii] that his head was preserved free from pain and his understanding clear, and that though it had been a time of close trial and deep probation, he could say he felt the evidence of divine support still to attend him.—After which, his pains increasing he got up and dressed himself, and walking about the room sometime, sat down in an easy chair, in which he fell into a sweet sleep, and in about three hours departed without sigh or groan.
THUS died this righteous man, who having fought the good sight and kept the faith, finished his course in full unity with us, and universally beloved by his fellow citizens, on the twenty eighth day of the sixth month, 1770, in the 62d year of his age and 43d of his ministry. His body was the next day attended by a large number of people of divers religious denominations to our meeting house, and afterwards interred in Friends burial ground in this city.
DANIEL STANTON's ACCOUNT OF HIS LIFE, TRAVELS AND LABOURS IN THE Service of the GOSPEL.
His Birth and Parentage;—Apprenticeship; —first coming forth in the Ministry;— and first Journey to Rhode-island;—his marriage and second Journey to New-England, &c.
IN a grateful sense of the many helps and great goodness of the Almighty to my soul, whereby he has been pleased from my young years to incline my heart to fear and serve him; it is on my mind to leave some account of my life, travels, and experience; wishing it may be a means to stir up the pure mind in any, to obey the will of the Lord, and to serve him, while they have time and [Page 2] opportunity to perform the same; for he is worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance, and is a good rewarder of all the sincere in heart; although they may have tribulations on the earth, they have also the company of Christ our dear redeemer, who promised to be with his disciples to the end of the world.
The place and time of his birth.BY the account I have had, I was born in the year 1708, in Philadelphia, in the province of Pennsylvania, of honest parents, Daniel and Abigail Stanton, and it was my hard lot soon to be deprived of them both; my father I never saw, he being lost at Sea sometime before I was born; and my mother died when I was a child, so that I have but little remembrance of her.
AFTER her death, I met with great hardships, both of body and mind, being destitute of parents, and of brother or sister, that I was in a lonely state, and went to live at several places a short time, the last of which (before I was put apprentice) was in New-Jersey, with my mother's brother; during which time, I went [Page 3] through great difficulties, too tedious to mention.
I LIVED there several years, and had no opportunity to go to any place of religious worship; but the lord was pleased by his grace and good visitation, to operate on my mind, that I was made to dread and fear the great almighty Being, and it was given me to know, that ‘God is a spirit, and they who worship him, must worship him in spirit and truth;’ and through the blessed knowledge of God by his holy spirit, I had great reproof in my own breast for sin and transgression, and dreaded to speak bad words, or to do what was evil, and was brought by inward conviction to mourn, and seek for mercy for my soul; and at a time when I heard of the suffering of my dear Saviour on the cross, and how he suffered unto death, my heart was broken before the Lord, and I went alone and wept, being much affected with a sense of his suffering by that hard hearted people, the Jews, and of his being crucified:—Great was the goodness of the Almighty to me, in giving me a [Page 4] sense of many things appertaining to Godliness, in the time of this tender visitation; and I found by the divine witness in myself, that if I would be a disciple of Christ, I must take up my cross daily, to that which displeaseth God; he being greatly to be feared and obeyed, and was worthy of the deepest reverence that my soul, body and strength could ascribe to his all powerful name.
ALTHOUGH it was hard to the natural part to become slain to the recreations and pleasures of this life; fervent were my cries and seeking after the ways of the lord, and I thought much of eternity in another world.
His first atdendance of meetings for religious worship.I HAD heard of many forms of worship, but had no opportunity to be with the people for that service to God, which was a great trouble to my mind; but at one time I asked leave to go and see a relation, with an intention for him to shew me the way to the meeting of Friends, which was held at New-town in Glocester county; he was loath to take the pains to accompany [Page 5] me, not knowing the solid desire of my mind; but through persuasion, I prevailed with him to go with me to the meeting, where I was more desirous to get some good, than to be seen of men. We sat in a part of the meeting together, where we were not much noticed by any that I know of, and in this blessed opportunity, through the power of truth, and the good testimony of that dear servant of Christ, John Estaugh, being attended with the authority of the word of life, my heart was greatly contrited and my spirit baptized in the presence of God, it was a joyful day of good tidings to my poor seeking soul, and the eminent and powerful advice, that did attend that worthy instrument in the Lord's hand for my salvation, has been like ‘bread cast upon the waters that has been found after many days.’
I WENT from that meeting much satisfied with the way of worship of Friends, and continued earnest in spirit, that I might have further knowledge of the blessed truth; my inward exercises were a [Page 6] great deal of sorrow and mourning, that I might come forward in the work of religion, and do that which was right in the sight of God.
LIVING with my uncle till near the age of sixteen years, I became uneasy, being desirous to learn a trade, not knowing what I might have to depend on for a livelihood, more than the labour of my hands; altho' my mother left considerable at her death, under the care of those who she expected would do justly by me; but it proved otherwise, they depriving me of the whole, to a small matter, less than twenty pounds: I went on trial to a ship carpenter in Philadelphia, in condescention to my uncle, it being a trade he rather chose for me, than I did for myself, and was there sometime, tho' I soon was dissatisfied both with the trade, and on account of the wicked conversation of the people of the yard, who being very vain, were a great exercise to my mind; tho' my master and mistress were kind and friendly to me, which was some comfort; but the greatest satisfaction I had in this [Page 7] world, was that I could attend religious meetings on the first day of the week, and was often favoured to hear the truth declared in the demonstration of the spirit and power, as also a secret divine power being at work in my heart, afforded solid pleasure and profit, in the midst of my trials; for, being soberly inclined, and delighting to attend religious meetings, I met with scoffings and mockings, and some in an outrage would bid me go along to meeting, despising my diligence on that account; but I was enabled through mercy and grace, to bear revilings as well as many deep distresses, which fell to my lot; being much concerned to seek after the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; oh the inward travel that I underwent, none knew but the Lord! And at an evening meeting near where I sat, a little way from the door, Benjamin Kidd, a Friend of the ministry, then on a visit to this province, from Old-England, came in and sat just by me, and in the meeting was eminently favoured in prayer, which I have many times thought was a particular instance of divine mercy to me, in so [Page 8] deep a travel of soul and spirit, as I had to wade through in several respects at that time.
His apprenticeship.AFTER being some time at the ship carpenters trade, which not being agreeable to me, I went again to my uncle's, where came a Friend from Philadelphia, who having seen me when I lived in town, would have me to go apprentice to him, he being a joiner; which I accordingly did, believing it would be of good service for me to have a trade to depend on; and served with him until I was about the age of twenty two years, and in the time of my apprenticeship, the goodness of the almighty was great in preserving me through my tribulations, which were various, beyond my setting forth; but the pure love and fear of the Lord, accompanying my spirit, and through the divine appearance of light and grace, Philadelphia. I was led in a close walking before him; and my understanding was opened to have a sight of many things, which the spirit of truth leads into; some whereof were plainness in speech and cloathing, few words in [Page 9] conversation, watchfulness and prayer, choosing rather to be alone, than in the company of those whose discourse and talking was out of the fear of God.
I MUCH delighted in retirement, and often walked alone and poured out my complaints before the allseeing eye, that knew the condition of my heart, desiring that he would be pleased ‘to create in me a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within me.’ I wanted to know the work of reformation effectually carried on, according to the mind and will of the blessed truth, and the nearer I kept to what it made manifest, the greater strength and dominion was given me to overcome the defilements of the world; and a concern came upon me in observing the pride and vain glory of the times:—I had very few acquaintance, and was rather despised and derided by some, who overlooked the Just Witness of Grace in themselves; ‘I chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin, for a season;’ ‘The sufferings of this present time worketh for [Page 10] us,’ as the apostle saith, ‘a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,’ and the blessed peace, that our dear Lord gives to those who follow him whilst here, is a reward sufficient to the sincere in heart, to hold out to the end.
THE countenance and good example of faithful Friends had a great reach on my mind, and when I came to be more acquainted with the dealings of the Lord, and could get frequently to religious meetings, and beheld the sitting of his servants, and attendance of his ministers, I could say, as did the queen of the South, who came from far to see the wisdom of Solomon, that the one half had not been told me, and one greater than Solomon was in the midst of his people; praised be his great name, even the name of Christ our dear Lord, that greatly appeared in power and majesty in Sion in those days, to the tendering my heart and spirit before him time after time, and not only eminently visited my soul, by his glorious light and truth, but sent many of his servants among us, from far and near, [Page 11] filled with gospel rain, to the watering the heritage of God; and the Lord, the master of our assemblies, was pleased to fasten their testimonies as nails in a sure place.
AFTER many powerful seasons of divine grace, His first appearance in the ministry. being favoured to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, as also ‘to taste and handle of the good word of life,’ a great concern of soul came upon me to open my mouth in a public manner, for the cause of religion, and the prosperity of Sion, which was a great and weighty work for me to engage in, being one of the meanest in this world, as I thought, and an apprentice lad, reasons would arise in me against so great a duty, not knowing how I might be used by my master, and whether it might agree with the unity of Friends, they being a great and wise people in this city, and by their knowledge and experience, were gifted with a sight of spiritual things, beyond my low capacity, as well as zealous for the good cause of God in their day.— I waded for a considerable time through [Page 12] much trouble and sorrow of spirit, lest I should go too fast, or before my divine Guide, for they who go before they are sent, cannot profit the people, or have peace in themselves, and peace to me and to do the will of the Lord, was what I most desired; oh! the earnest prayers that were in my heart that I might be rightly directed in all things, to the honour and praise of my blessed Lord and master; and a degree of his mighty power would lay such constraints upon me, that for Sion's sake I could not rest, and for Jerusalem's sake I could not hold my peace; so that after many powerful influences of the divine word, at about the age of twenty years I appeared in a few words, in prayer, at an evening meeting, in Philadelphia, and after this, sometimes in a few words by way of testimony, as they were put in my heart, in a great deal of fear and dread of the Almighty Being; and Friends bore with my appearance with much tenderness, and the ministry of those who were largely gifted in the mysteries of the kingdom, and like scribes well instructed thereto, that could bring [Page 13] out of the treasury things new and old, would correspond with what I had to say in the fear of Lord; which blessed helps, together with the evidence of peace in my own breast, gave a confirmation to my mind, that I was in the way of my duty.
AFTER I came forth in this laborious exercise, I dreamed a dream, or saw in a vision, that I was as a little child born into the world, and my mother was very tender of me (who I have thought to be the church) but there was an enemy that sought my life, and as though he would destroy me, but she that was my mother made her escape, and carried me into the wilderness, and we were preserved.—At another time when I was much concerned in spirit for acceptance with the Lord, I dreamed that I was travelling in a path, in which I met with some difficulties, and got through them and met with death, and a man came with a book, and it was said that my soul was acceptable with the Lord. I have had great cause to speak well of his excellent name for the revealing his secrets to my understanding, as I kept in his holy fear.
[Page 14]ABOUT the time that I first appeared in words in the congregations of the Lord's people, and sometime before, the glorious day spring from on high powerfully appeared amongst us, and several were engaged to speak to the praise of the Almighty, and to bear testimony to his great and good name, three before I appeared, and two afterwards; the first were Mary Nicholls, Benjamin Trotter, and Mary Emlen, the next were Joyce Marriot, and Elizabeth Widdifield, who continued serviceable ministers among Friends. I thought it might be said to be a time in some measure of the fulfilling the prophecy of the prophet Joel, ‘I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants, and upon the handmaids in those days, will I pour out my spirit.’ Joel ii. 28, 29, 30. The plainness, zeal, and pious example of many Friends in those days, made them as lights in this city, and instructors to me to follow them, as they followed Christ; and as I kept inward before the Lord in [Page 15] his rear, he was pleased to reveal his blessed mind and will, in things concerning the Gospel ministry, which is not to be received from man nor in the will of man; but by the revelation of Jesus Christ; and as I grew in the gift communicated to me, he was pleased to give me an open door in the hearts of his people; praised be his great name for ever more! And sometimes I had drawings in my mind to go to a neighbouring meeting, and what I had to say in their hearing was well received.
AFTER I had served out my apprenticeship, I wrought journey-work, Expiration of his apprenticeship. and lived with my master until his death, which was soon after I was free, and then wrought with another Friend in the city some time, when having an opportunity to go to Rhode-island, the place where my father was born, and several of his relations living there, I was desirous to see them, and while I was apprentice having an account of some estate that was my father's, laying in that country; 1731. His first journey to Rhode-island. on this account, and to see my relations and Friends, I took a journey in the year [Page 16] 1731, with Henry Frankland, from Old England, who came to America, on the service of truth, and being about going to those parts, was so kind as to take my company. He was a solid exemplary worthy Friend, whose ministry and gospel labour was to edification among Friends. My undertaking this journey was laid before our Monthly-Meeting, and Friends were pleased to give me a certificate.
THE first meeting we went to, was at Burlington, and from thence to several others in New-Jersey, as Little-Egg-harbour, Manesquan, Shrewsbury and Wood-bridge, and so to New-York, and to meetings on the Main, and the Yearly Meeting at Flushing, and to Friend's meetings pretty generally on Long-island; several of which were much to satisfaction and comfort; and I was glad to see and find the near unity that was among Friends, where our lot was cast.
FROM this island we went through Conecticut, which was a baptizing time to me, being a young traveller, not much [Page 17] acquainted with the difference of places, and behaviour of people from home, their conversation, as also their principles, through that government being greatly different from Friends, and altho' high in profession of religion, seemed to me very little acquainted with the light and spirit of Christ. It was a dark time, in which I went through much deep inward suffering. We passed along until we got to Kingstown, near Rhode-island, where we had a meeting, and then had one on Connanicut, and attended the Yearly-Meeting at Newport, Rhode-island, which was very large, and I hope a good meeting to a solid remnant. My Friend Henry Frankland, whom I accompanied so far, proceeded on his journey to visit Friends in New-England, and I staid in order to get my outward affairs settled, and to visit several Friends on that island, one of which was that dear and worthy Friend Jacob Mott, whose countenance shined and appeared as a follower and servant of Christ, it did me good to see him, and when I took my leave of him, his solid advice to me made lasting impressions on my [Page 18] mind.—After I had staid some time at this place, and had seen my relations and Friends, I returned back to Philadelphia, where I had known in an extraordinary manner, the gracious dealings of the Almighty; and I endeavoured to seek counsel of him to know where I had best settle myself in the world, and it seemed most suitable for me to continue in this city, where I wrought journey-work at my trade sometime; after which I rented a shop, and sat up for myself, humbly desiring of the Lord to add his blessing to my endeavours, not that I craved great things, but that by an honest industrious care I might have what was needful, as food and raiment, and desired ‘to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.’ And the abundant mercies and blessings wherewith he was graciously pleased to make way for me, both in things spiritual and temporal, were and are gratefully to be remembred by me, his goodness and peace being as a stream of living water to my soul, when favoured to drink thereat.
[Page 19]I WROUGHT hard at my outward calling when at home, yet not so much confined but that I kept close to religious meetings; in which the good presence of Christ our dear Lord, would many times overshadow them, and I have had to sit under the shadow thereof with great delight, and after such precious meetings with his people, I found my mind better qualified to attend to my necessary business and the affairs of life; and when the motions of truth would spring in my heart to visit religious meetings in places adjacent in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, I freely gave up to go to them, and sincerely laboured therein in the love of truth, in which I found great satisfaction, and with many Friends, the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and I hope in places my labour was of some service; the praise of which I freely attribute to my great Lord and master Jesus Christ; blessed be his holy name! he sustained and supported me, and through his gifs and grace preserved me in the fear of God; his fear was a fountain of life as well as unspeakable pleasure in my first setting out in the [Page 20] world for myself; Oh! the streams of the celestial fountain or waters of life stand open to all that are athirst, that they may drink, and they may have wine and milk without money and without price.—I wish that there was a more general thirst in the children of men, to drink of this water, which Christ our Lord has promised to give to true believers, and that it should be in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life; and he has said of himself, ‘I am the living bread which came down from Heaven, if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever.’ John vi. 51. Oh! how great is his goodness and condescension to hungering and thirsting souls, and thanks to him for ever more! they that eat of this living bread, partake of the blessed communion, and know the supper of the Lord; also sensibly partake of the new wine of the kingdom; they are like new bottles filled with new wine, and know him to drink and sup with them of this wine, new in his heavenly Father's kingdom; I take those to be new bottles that are created a new in Jesus Christ unto good works, and that [Page 21] know the kingdom of our heavenly Father to be come, and his will to be done on earth as it is done in Heaven; and as we are taught to pray for this, it would be well for all mankind to come to the experience of it in themselves; for Christ our Lord said to some of old, "The kingdom of heaven is within you;" and the faithful have it in their experience to be the same now: It is a kingdom that consists of peace and joy to the faithful subjects of his holy reign and government.
IN the year 1732, 1732. I found freedom in my mind to accompany my uncle Thomas Chalkley to visit some of the meetings of Friends in Bucks county and New-Jersey, and afterwards Chester county; in the performance of which we had near fellowship together, and Friends were kind, and I believe glad to see us; several of those meetings were large, and I hope comfortable to many. He was a near fellowhelper to me in my religious labours for the promotion of truth, and a bright example in the meekness and patience of the lamb; I do not know that I was ever [Page 22] acquainted with a man more inward, whose heart seemed to be more placed upon heavenly treasure, both in meetings and out of them, than this dear disciple of Christ.
1733. His marriage.WHEN these visits were accomplished, I having been engaged on account of marriage to Sarah Lloyd, a virtuous young woman who feared the Lord, daughter of honest parents, John and Sarah Lloyd of this city, on the fifth day of the second month, 1733, we accomplished that weighty undertaking in the pure fear of the Lord, in near affection to each other, and with the unity of Friends; and after I was agreeably settled, my heart was still given up to go of the Lord's errands, as he was pleased to send me, and visited Friends in these two provinces (Pennsylvania and New-Jersey) and other places, as the motion of life engaged me from place to place, and in a short time after I went as far as Shrewsbury, and some meetings thereaways.
[Page 23]IN the year 1734, 1734. I visited the meetings of Friends at Salem, Alloways creek, Greenwich, Cape-May and Great-Egg-harbour, several of which were to satisfaction and comfort.
AND in the year 1735, 1735. His second visit to New-England. having a concern on my mind to visit Friends in New-England, and our Monthly-Meeting in this city, giving me a certificate of their concurrence therewith, I accordingly proceeded, and was at several meetings in the Jerseys, from thence I went to the Yearly-Meeting at Flushing, on Long-island, where was our Friend Joseph Gill from Ireland, and several from Pennsylvania, the meetings were large, and religious labour was bestowed among the people. After it I visited Friends generally on that island, many of the meetings being very large and comfortable, attended I trust with the blessed power and presence of the Lord, which begat great nearness in the best fellowship with the tender-minded. I then proceeded to meetings on the Main, as West-Chester, Mamarineck, Rye, and several others; some of which [Page 24] were large and solid; 1735. New-England. from thence, after being at some meetings in Conecticut, I went forward to Rhode-island, which was a wearisome travel; but I got to Newport, and met with a kind reception from Friends, whom I visited in much love, there being a great number who make a profession of the way of truth; I was glad to see them, and could have been more so that all lived in possession of the same. From Rhode-island I took meetings in my way to Nantucket, where on my arriving I was kindly taken home by Nathaniel Starbuck, whose heart and house were open to receive the messengers of Christ.— On this island I met with a great number of choice exemplary Friends, and had several meetings among them, which I believe tended to edification. Being clear of this place, I returned to the Main, and taking meetings in my way, came to Boston, where I spent some time with Friends, both in public meetings and in their families; they being loving to me and glad of being visited, their number being small in the whole, but seemed to be well treated by people of other persuasions, far different [Page 25] from what it was in the early visits of Friends to that place, in which some of the servants of the most high, suffered unto death. From Boston I went to Lyn, Salem, and Newberry, and had comfortable meetings, as also at another place between Newberry and Dover, and after I had seen Friends at Dover and Cachechy, and a meeting near Dover, I returned to Salem and Lyn, and staid sometime at my kind Friend Zacheus Collins's, having met with some disappointment in travelling, which detained me some weeks, but I constantly attended meetings at Lyn, and found great openness and unity with Friends there, and believe my stay tended to some service, for the promoting of near love among the little flock of Christ in that place, having many blessed opportunities among them. I also went to the Yearly-Meeting at Boston, and back to the Yearly-Meeting at Lyn; which was large and greatly favoured with the ministry and service of that worthy handmaid of the Lord, Lydia Norton. After this, and the Yearly-Meeting at Salem, I parted with Friends in much love, and came [Page 26] on my way homeward, visiting the meetings generally as they came in course, also some back places, and at Swansey, Greenwich, and some other meetings, and to Rhode-island; tho' some of these meetings were hard and suffering times, and travelling wearisome, I was favoured with a share of peace in my own bosom.
AFTER a little stay at Newport, and some solid times among Friends, I took my leave and came to Kingstown meeting, and then set forward, passing through Conecticut with Jacob Barney, who came with me as a guide, and was a good companion; we reached Mamarineck, and staid a meeting, at which were two marriages; from thence to Long-island, where I made but a short stay, crossed at the Narrows and Staten-island, and got to Woodbridge meeting on the first day of the week, and the next day arrived at my own habitation, in about one week from Newport, and to my great satisfaction, found my family well, through the good providence of the Almighty.
[Page 27]AFTER I came home I kept close to meetings, Philadelphia. and faithfully laboured in that ability God giveth; being much concerned for the prosperity of his glorious work amongst us; my outward endeavours were also blessed, as I kept to industry, and I always found it best to be diligent, and not slothful in business; yet fervent in spirit serving the Lord; and by living in this city it was my lot often to visit the sick and those in affliction in this place, which were heart tendering and humbling times, which ought not to be forgotten by such who have been humbled under the mighty hand of God, and whom he has been pleased to relieve; but it is much to be lamented, that too many when raised from adversity, do forget in time of prosperity the dealings of the Almighty with them; the world and the uncertain things thereof, lead to forget what is certain to all men, that they must die, and after death that they are accountable to the Almighty Author of their being.
IN the year 1737, 1737. being appointed with several Friends of our Monthly-Meeting, [Page 28] to visit the families of Friends in this city, and having a concern on my mind for the service, I went to many places with my Uncle Chalkley, and other Friends, to good satisfaction. For some time I did not go any very distant journey, except once, as far as West-river, in Maryland, to the Yearly-Meeting, in company with my Friend Robert Jordan; but I diligently attended meetings in this city, and sometimes those near it, both in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey; which I did in much love, often choosing to go on foot, having in my young years had many heavenly seasons in that way of travelling.
1744. His third journey to New-England.IN the year 1744, it was on my mind to visit again Friends in New-England, and having the unity of our Monthly-Meeting, and my Friend Abel James for a companion, he being a young man I much esteemed; the latter end of the eleventh Month, we proceeded pretty direct to Long-island, where we visited most of the meetings of Friends thereaway, and the favourable presence and goodness of God being manifested in them, [Page 29] gave me ease of mind, New-England. and united my heart to the faithful among them. When clear there, we went on the Main, and travelled to Newport, on Rhode-island, where we were lovingly received among Friends, and after a short stay, we proceeded to Dartmouth, and were at a meeting there; and so forward through Boston, Lyn, and Salem, having meetings, in some of which I had satisfaction, and was glad to see Friends with whom I had some acquaintance in the best fellowship. The furthest place we went to in this journey was Salem; and were at several meetings on our return to Newport, which I hope tended to stir up the pure mind in some; altho' the life of religion appeared to be at a low ebb with many making a high profession thereof. After several good opportunities among Friends at Newport, we returned homewards through Conecticut, making a shore stay to rest at our Friend Thomas Franklin's, from whence we went to a meeting at New-town, on Long-island, then to New-York in company with several Friends, where we had a meeting, then proceeded home, [Page 30] where I was glad to see my dear wife and family again, Philadelphia. it being through the kindness of divine Providence, and they were very near and dear to me. This journey was attended with hard travel and hard labour to my body, also in the exercise of the gift of the ministry; but it was in good will and much love to the people.
FROM the year 1745 to 1748, I kept much at home at our own meetings; yet went sometimes to other meetings in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, as in the love of truth I was drawn forth to visit them; the Lord having a choice people in these provinces who fear his name, and my heart was often, filled with endeared love to the upright hearted seed of God, from my first acquaintance among them; being at times baptized and united together in the one spirit and fellowship, which is not in the wisdom of man, but from the power of God.
MY dear wife being weakly in body, and had been in a poor state of health for sometime, departed this life in the fortieth [Page 31] year of her age, on the first day of the second month, 1748, and I have good reason to believe that she is at rest, having before her death, expressed that she had made her peace with the Lord, and the evident tokens of his presence in her sickness, and at her latter end, much supported my mind in so great a trial, and loss of so good a wife and tender mother to my children, and one that loved the truth, and the servants of Christ, who lived an innocent life, being a pattern of plainness, a near companion, and true help-mate to me according to her capacity, both in things spiritual and temporal. After her death, in about a week, I buried my youngest son, and four sons before the death of their dear mother; which were very near trials; but my greatest help in these as well as many other afflictions that have fallen to my lot, has been to submit to the blessed will of the Lord, who gives and takes away. Now having two daughters left, I was much concerned that the Almighty might be pleased to look in pity on them, as he did in mercy on me, [Page 32] in my young years, Philadelphia. and give them wisdom and understanding hearts to walk before him in his most holy fear; for I soon found after the death of my loving wife, that I must leave them for a time, and my habitation and near comforts of life, for the sake of Christ and his blessed gospel, a concern increasing on my mind, not to delay the time in which I was to perform this errand, to go to islands and places abroad; this weighty undertaking I made known to my dear Friends, at our Monthly-Meeting in this city, with which they having unity, gave me a certificate for this purpose, in which they mentioned their prayers for my preservation thro' every trial and danger, which were many before my return; but the Almighty, All-powerful Being, delivered out of them all; glory, honour, and eternal praise to his eminent name for ever! but before I left home, I accompanied some Friends to visit several families in this city, which were solid and comfortable seasons.
His Voyage to Barbadoes, and Labours there and at the adjacent Islands; and Voyage from thence to Ireland.
AFTER I had settled my outward concerns, 1748. and had placed my dear children to be taken care of, until it pleased God that we should meet again, I left my habitation on the 13th day of the fifth month, 1748, after being on that day at a large meeting in our city, with Samuel Nottingham, a Friend from Northamptonshire, in Old-England, who was to be my companion. We came with a great number of our very loving Friends to Chester, had a solid meeting there that evening, lodged at our worthy Friend Grace Lloyd's, and next morning taking leave of our beloved Friends, we went on board the vessel and sat sail for Barbadoes. On the passage I met with near trials in spirit, and was at times almost overwhelmed by deep conflicts [Page 34] of soul; but thro' the kindness and mercy of God, Barbadoes. we arrived safe at Barbadoes, on the 21st day of the sixth month; where we met with several Friends who were kind and loving towards us, our dear Friend Joseph Gamble took us to his house, where we lodged for the most part of the time. After we had attended meetings at Bridgetown, the Lord being with us, enabled us by his mighty power to bear a faithful testimony, I trust, to his eternal Truth, we went to Speightstown, where we were favoured with some solid edifying meetings, tho' not so large as at Bridgetown; we lodged at our esteemed Friend Edward Harrison's; we were also at the Spring meeting-house, where we lodged, a Friend living therein, and the next day had a meeting there, and in the afternoon at Bridgetown, which was large and ended well. We were on this island twenty-one days, and having seen Friends generally, and been favoured with several edifying seasons, we departed from thence with Captain Austin, to Antigua, in our way to Tortola; we staid one week and a day at Antigua, lodged at James Birket's [Page 35] who was very kind to us; but my mind was much burthened and distressed for that place and people, who are for the most part a wicked and sinful generation; we had no meeting among them, there being no Friend on the island, except Friend Birket, and no openness, that I could find to satisfaction, for the testimony of truth to be declared, only we had some solid conversation with some. I came away much bowed in spirit for the sins of the wicked in that island. From thence we went for Tortola, where we landed on the 28th of the seventh month, and met with several Friends in the evening, that were glad to see us, at the house of our Friend John Pickering; where, and at our Friend William Thomas's, we lodged most of the time we were upon that island, they being truly kind and friendly to us; we were favoured with many good edifying meetings among Friends, there being two meeting-houses on the island, viz. one at a place called Fat-hog bay, the other at the Road; we attended both of them with diligence, near the space of six weeks, only that we [Page 36] were once at an island called Joes-Vandikes, Tortola. where we had a large good meeting.
ON the ninth day of the ninth month, we left Tortola, in order to return to Antigua, with design to get a passage for England; but being in a vessel the captain of which knew not how to manage her, we were going a contrary course, in which if we had proceeded, we might all have been lost; we were much tossed and driven about, and through persuasions, we prevailed with the captain to turn back, and he brought us to Santa Croix; but our going into the harbour called Lime-trees to drop anchor, seemed as if it would have proved fatal to us, there lying a vessel armed with guns, from which we were fired at three times, and my companion had like to have been shot; it seems they had a design to have sunk our vessel, having heard there was a Spanish privateer on the coast, and the Governor had given orders to keep her off; they suspected our's to be that vessel; but our mariners being in a great fright, made [Page 37] signals that we had no ill design; Santa Croix. when seeing we were in distress, they forbore firing, and through the kind deliverance of the Almighty we got safe in and dropt anchor. Praised and worshipped be the name of God, that was nigh at hand, and a present help in the time of need! may I forever adore his great and eminent name, with all the true in heart, throughout all generations! he will not suffer those to be confounded that trust in him, and who desire and endeavour faithfully to serve him. A particular case concerning privateering, sometime before I left home, now comes into my mind to mention. Some great men of our city being concerned in fitting out vessels for that wicked business, which having brought a deep engagement on my mind, it came upon me as a weighty duty, to go to one of these men, faithfully to warn him against this unrighteous way of getting riches; I got a Friend to accompany me, and I cleared my spirit of a heavy burden; he pleaded for the practice, but used me civilly.—A new vessel was fitted out sometime after, called the Tartar, which was much [Page 38] talked of to do great matters in privateering; but, as I have been informed, she sunk before she got out to sea, and many or most of the people on board were drowned. I had peace of mind for having discharged my duty, altho' I much lamented the unhappy circumstances of those poor fellow-mortals, losing their lives in such an evil undertaking.
BUT to return to the place where we came to an anchor—My companion went on shore at Santa Croix, and would have had me gone with him, but my mind being at that time much dejected, I chose to stay on board the vessel until next morning, when I went on shore, and met with my companion, who had agreed with a captain of a vessel, bound for Spanish-town, near Tortola, for our passage thither, we put our chests and other things on board this vessel, then went on shore, and travelled across the island on foot to Bas-end harbour, where the vessel was to go, choosing rather so to do, than to go round by water; in our walk we met with people that were kind to us; about noon [Page 39] we called at a house and dined, and were entertained in a friendly manner; taking leave here, we went on towards Bas-end, stopping at another house some distance from the town for a drink of water, the people seeing we were strangers, and being acquainted with Friends, kindly invited us in, to stay with them until the vessel came round to the harbour, and informed us that there was no house in the town suitable for us to be at, which I found afterwards was true, for they seemed to be a very wicked people. We staid with these kind people two nights and part of two days, and on leaving them we would have satisfied them for the time we were there; but they would not take any thing for our entertainment, and seemed well pleased with our company; the man of the house attended us to the water side to see us embark on board the vessel we had been waiting for, where he parted with us in a friendly manner: I waited a while on the shore for the Captain to go on board, there being a vendue, and a great number of people gathered to it, among them the Governor of the place, (being an island [Page 40] subject to the king of Denmark) and I have since thought, had we used endeavours, Santa Croix. we might have had a meeting among them, and I have wished it had happened so, for I have at times been desirous in a solemn manner for the welfare of that people; it in a fruitful island, and as good land I think as any I saw in all my travels, could it be inhabited by men of religious minds, so as to be fruitful to the heavenly Father, who is willing to do good to mankind in general; but oh! the islands hereaway, how great and many are the sins of the people, mournful hath been my soul for their many abominations!
Tortola.WE sat sail, and arrived at Tortola on the 15th of the ninth month. The Captain and sailors were a wicked company, took some of our things from us, and demanded considerable more for our passage than we had agreed for, which we thought unreasonable; but they said we could afford to pay, for that we were always going about; we told them we had the more need to be saving of what we had; they hoisted out the boat in an angry manner, [Page 41] and we paid them more than our passage to put us on shore; they first took use some distance from any house, and then landed us, which put us to the more difficulty what to do with our chests, and other necessaries, that they might be safe; but being seen by one Isaac Pickering (a kinsman to our Friend John Pickering) he sent his lad to ask us to his house, Tortola. where we went, and he was so kind as to send for our things, and took care of them, and lent us horses to go to his uncle's that night, where we were kindly received, and tenderly sympathized with on the disappointment and trouble, we had met with; they were dear and affectionate Friends to us on this island. We were at a meeting at Fat-hog bay, the 16th of the ninth month, and on the fourth day following, I was at one at the Road, both of them were good meetings. On the 23d of the month, I was taken ill of a fever at the house of our Friend Thomas Humphreys, and the next day my kind Friend John Pickering brought a man and horse and took me to his house, where I remained very ill several weeks, and some of [Page 42] the time I apprehended I should lay down my life among them; but it was the blessed will of the Lord to restore me again to some degree of strength, and I attended several meetings with Friends, wherein I had satisfaction, and on the 8th day of the eleventh month, I went to Gwan island, with our Friends James Parke and his wife, and staid till the eleventh of the same, and after having a comfortable time in his family, I returned to Tortola, it being the meeting day at Fat-hog bay, and it proved to be a meeting to satisfaction.
AFTER a solid sitting and parting with several at our Friend John Pickering's, on the 21st of this month, we went on board a vessel bound to the island called St. Thomas's (belonging to the Dutch) accompanied by our said dear Friend, Thomas's island. and Thomas Humphreys, Jonas Lake, and Joseph Ryan, and on the 22d landed there, and understood that the Captain of the ship, bound for Amsterdam, in which we were to take our passage, in order to get to England, was very ill. We lodged at John [Page 43] Demane's one night, and the next day went on board the vessel, where we staid mostly till the last day of the month, and our dear Friends above-mentioned, after seeing us placed in the ship, parted with us in a tender, loving manner, and my heart was affected in parting with them: In the time we lay at anchor, the Captain died, and the chief mate, Robert Stewart, was appointed Captain in his stead, who was very kind to us in the many distresses we met with on our passage.
SOME days before we sailed, my companion was taken sick, which so increased, that on the passage he seemed near unto death, which was a great trial and exercise to me, being myself weakly and feeble, for we were companions in tribulation; but thro' the mercy of the Almighty, he recovered.
AFTER we had been three weeks and some days at sea, a great storm arose, At sea. which appeared to be very dangerous, that in order to lighten the vessel, the seamen threw out several weighty things; after [Page 44] some weeks we got into soundings in the English channel, and were in hopes to be soon safe landed at some port in England; but another storm arose, which drove us off to sea, yet in eight days we again got soundings, but the wind being against us, we could not get forward to our expectation, and it rather suiting us to go to Ireland, the Captain altered his course for Kinsale harbour, as the vessel wanted repairs one of the Rudder-irons being broke, made it difficult to steer the vessel, but by endeavours, they managed pretty well, and the day we made sail for that land, we got in sight of the harbour, but night coming on, and being fearful of rocks and shoals, they put off to sea, and the weather being moderate the fore part of the night, the seamen were too careless and did not keep so strict a watch as they ought; but the Captain, as he lay in his cabbin had so great an uneasiness on his mind, that he could not lay still any longer, and went towards the head of the vessel, and found that instead of being out at sea, we were near striking on the land, whereupon he immediately awaked the [Page 45] sailors, and they tacked the vessel about, and were very watchful until the morning, thus we escaped that danger; In a storm on the coast of Ireland. in the morning it was very foggy, and a storm arose, and we could not discover the harbour, but were driven about for a considerable time, they threw over board one anchor; but the storm continuing and the weather distressing, we were drove towards the land, and the seamen being almost wearied out, apprehended we could not keep off much longer; thus we were in great distress, expecting the vessel would be wrecked, and the Captain being much surprised, came to my companion and me, telling us he would do what he could to save our lives, for that we were in great danger of being lost, and he expected we should be drove on the shore in the night, if we kept off in the day, and was desirous to know our minds, what he had best to do; whether to run the ship aground while we had day light, that if any of our lives were spared, we could the better see how to help ourselves; we not knowing what to advise him for the best, only to trust in the good providence [Page 46] of God, 1749. the Captain concluded to steer towards the land; the cries and lamentations of the people were great for mercy to their souls, apprehending the vessel might be soon dashed to pieces, and we might suddenly lose our lives; but I had reason to believe that the Gracious and Merciful Being was pleased to hear our cries, for the nearer we came to the land the fog cleared away, and they espied a vessel, which as we approached nearer, we discovered was laying at anchor at the mouth of Kinsale harbour, where we wanted to be, and as we came on our way, the harbour appeared plain; Arrives safe in Kinsale harbour. thus through the great deliverance of the Almighty, we arrived there safe, and dropt anchor; for this his merciful preservation, our hearts had great cause to be humbly bowed before him, and the Captain came to me, saying, ‘Now if you have it in your heart to return God thanks, I will join with you on my bare knees,’ and ‘if it had not been for your prayers, we should all have been lost;’ but I ascribed this great deliverance to the kind mercy of Divine Providence to us all; altho' I can truly say, my [Page 47] soul was earnest in supplication before the Lord at times on this trying passage, and at one particular season, as I lay in my cabbin, not knowing but that we might be swallowed up in the mighty ocean, the spirit of prayer came on me, and I was raised on my knees to make intercession with the All-powerful Being, after which I went upon the deck, and the Captain seeing me, expressed in a very loving manner his unity and satisfaction, and I thought that the same good power and presence which attended my mind, had some reach upon his heart.
OH! in this trying passage, how often did my soul go down into many discouragements, but I was helped through all, to rely on God's mercy, and on a time I took the blessed Bible into my hands, and it was as if my eyes were call on that passage in the prophet Isaiah, xliv. 1, 2, 3. where it is said; ‘Now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen: Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and [Page 48] thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen; For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.’ This gracious blessing of the Lord to his servants and chosen ones, was a comfort to me, and in his great condescension he fulfilled his promise to help in the needful time.
Landing at Kinsale in Ireland:—His Travels and Labours in that Kingdom; also in England and Scotland, to the Time of returning Home.
IT was on the 24th day of the first month, 1749, in the evening, 1749. Ireland. that we came to an anchor, in this safe harbour of Kinsale—when the officers and people from the town, came on board to see what we had in our vessel, some of whom staid all night, and my companion and I were confined to the hearing of their noisy conversation, until the next morning, so that we got but little rest, and had very little for several nights and days before; the Captain being gone on shore, returned the next day, and a civil man with him, who mentioned the names of several Friends that had visited that town, some of whom had come from America, which was pleasing to me to hear of; they having left their home a little before me, and had been travelling in the service of [Page 50] truth. When this friendly man returned on shore, we went with him to his house, being an inn; where we were civilly entertained, he took care of our chests and cloathing, and provided us with horses, and a guid to conduct us to Cork, being about ten miles; when we got there, being strangers, we were at a loss to find our Friends; we alighted at a public-house, and went in and got some refreshment; my companion inquired of a man in the house after our Friends in the town, who answered, that there were a great many of the brethren lived there; he was desired to go to one of them, and inform him that we wanted to speak with him; in a short time he brought one of our Friends, named Richard Allen, at the sight of whom I was well pleased, and he lovingly took us to his house, where soon after came Abraham Fuller, and another Friend, who asked for our certificates, which they read and were satisfied; our Friend Abraham Fuller inviting us to his house, we went with him, and made it our home, while I staid in Cork; we were favoured that evening with the company of several [Page 51] Friends, which I esteemed a great mercy from the Lord, that after being delivered from so many imminent dangers, we could be with so kind a people as they were to us; At Cork. the next day being the first of the week, I was at two meetings with Friends in that city, and my companion at one of them, which I hope will be remembered by both of us.
BEING brought unexpectedly and providentially to this land, I much desired that I might proceed aright in the course of my religious service, for when on our passage, I expected to land in England, and meeting with many trials of my faith, and deep sufferings in the West-India islands, as also at sea, I was ready to fear whether my present undertaking was from a right motion, or required of me to engage in, thinking that if I got safe to England, and saw some Friends there, and could meet with an opportunity to return home, whether I had not best so to do, not knowing that my lot would be cast in Ireland; but Divine Wisdom ordering every thing that is consistent with [Page 52] his Will for the best, I was made willing to visit Friends of this nation, and from Cork, I went to Bandon with my companion, where we had a large comfortable meeting, being many people there besides those of our religious society; then returned to Cork, where I staid several meetings; leaving my companion in this city, he being desirous to go home from thence, I proceeded on my journeys, first went to Youghall, and was favoured with a good meeting, after that to Killcommon, and had a meeting; from thence to Cashall meeting, which was pretty large, and I hope to satisfaction; I lodged at Solomon Watson's, who accompanied me to Clonmel, where I was at two meetings, which I hope were of some service to stir up the pure mind in those who attended them; from this place travelling twenty miles, Waterford. in a great deal of rain, I reached Waterford, where my kind Friends Isaac Jacobs and his wife, received me in a loving, tender manner, which was a comfort to me at that time, for I had been travelling in the deeps both inwardly and outwardly, being alone as to an outward companion, [Page 53] (except the person who was my guide) looking upon myself as a pilgrim and stranger in a strangeland; but the Almighty helped me, praised be his worthy name; we had a good meeting at Waterford, from thence I went to Ross, Ross. at which meeting the wicked were warned of their wickedness; the next day I had a meeting at Lambstown, in which I was favoured with my good master's presence, and it was to edification and comfort; from this place I went to Wexford, Wexford. where the meeting ended to satisfaction; from thence to Joseph Williams's and lodged, and to the meeting at Cooladine, Cooladine. and in the evening had a meeting at the widow Stephens's both of them being comfortable seasons: I then went to John Wright's, and Henry Herrit's, and to Billicane, having meetings to good satisfaction; after which in company with several Friends, I went to Dublin, and attended the Half-Year's meeting, which was large, Dublin. being there many choice Friends, whom I was glad to see, and the good presence and kindness, of our dear Lord being witnessed and enjoyed, both in the meetings for worship, [Page 54] and the discipline, made it a comfortable time to me, not having seen such a meeting since I left my native land, and the kindness and friendship that appeared among Friends at this meeting I have often remembred with comfort of mind, and the near unity I felt in my heart to a remnant among them, tended to the renewing of my strength and willingness to visit Friends generally in that nation; and my journey being laid out by Friends, that I might proceed for the best, in respect to travelling, I went from my kind landlord's, Peter Judd, several miles to a meeting, and to Killconnor, and was at a meeting there, which altho' they were hard suffering times, I hope were of some service to the solid minded; I had here a tendering time in the family of Samuel Watson, his dear wife having visited America, I had seen her in my native land; she was a worthy and serviceable instrument in the Lord's hand to many I believe where her lot was cast; from hence I went to Carlow, where the meeting was to me laborious; then to John Lakes, Balitore, Athlone, and Mountmelick, some of which [Page 55] meetings were comfortable satisfactory seasons; at Mountmelick, I lodged at Joshua Strangman's, with whom I had great nearness in spirit, and thought him to be a hopeful young man in the way of truth, and my soul possessed sweet peace under his roof; from hence I went to Ballinakill, Monntrath, Munderhead, and Rosegay, and had meetings, some of them being large and edifying seasons, gave relief to the deep travel of my soul among them, the blessed power of Truth, which is the crown of our religious meetings, tenderly affecting our hearts before the Lord; I then went to Limerick, and was at their meeting in the morning and afternoon, to satisfaction; from thence to Jonathan Barnes, and was at a meeting at Killcommon-moor, the fore part of which was to me a time of great leanness and poverty of spirit, but before it ended, was I believe a time of tender visitation to the people; and I was enabled through Divine Help, to declare the word of life among them; from thence I went to Burr, and was at a solid broken meeting, which was a comfortable season; then to William [Page 56] Litsall's, and Ballymorin, and had meetings; so returned to Athlone, called the center of Ireland, and lodged at William Sproul's, an antient loving Friend, who not only appeared to be, but I believe really was an example in the way of truth in that place, and had a lasting remembrance in my mind; from thence I went to the Moat, and Old Castle, at the last place there came to the meeting a priest, and a pretty many people, who behaved soberly, and I hope it was a good meeting; the next meeting was Ballahays, which was small, and the comers to it seemed to be but indifferent professors of the truth, which was cause of sorrow to my heart; but having cleared myself, I proceeded to Coothill, and had a meeting to which several came, and behaved soberly; the next was Cashelshane, which was to satisfaction and comfort; from thence to Charlemont, which was a large meeting, and I had hard labour to discharge my duty among them; here came a man and woman, who had been troublesome to Friends, in offering their intentions of marriage, who could not have unity with [Page 57] their proceedings, he not being a member of our religious society, and a disorderly person, but at the conclusion of the meeting, they took each other as man and wife, which imposition occasioned the meeting to break up in disorder; from hence I went to Ballyhagan, which was a a large and edifying meeting, and so to Colerain, Ballynacre, the Grange, and Antrim, and had meetings, which were mostly hard suffering times, and the comers to those meetings, I was afraid were several of them but lifeless professors of religion: I had the next meeting at Hilsborough, at which were many Friends, and it tended to satisfaction; that same day I had a good meeting at Lisburn, Belfast. from thence I passed through Belfast to Newtown, where came some who behaved rudely, and the meeting was not so well as could be desired; the next was Ballenederry, which was very large, and the Lord's good presence being with us, the hearts of the faithful for his many mercies had cause to give thanksgivings and praises to his most worthy name; after this meeting I had a near parting time at [Page 58] John Murrows, with many dear Friends, who came to take their leave of me; from thence I went to Monallin and Lurgan, and had meetings, and to that at the last place came many persons of great note, and behaved extraordinary sober, and we were favoured with a good meeting; the next was at Rafer-island, to which also came some not of our society, who confessed to the truth of what I had to declare among them, and parted with me in love.—I went several miles that afternoon, and lodged at Dundalk at an inn; the next day and part of the night I travelled forty miles, some of the way in a great deal of pain, and in a wet tired condition, to Edenderry where I was received at John Pim's, in a loving, kind manner; I attended their meetings on the first day in the forenoon and afternoon, which were large and I hope in the main, good meetings, the next were at Rathangen, and Timahoe, which were comfortable; from thence I went to Dublin, Dublin. and lodged at my dear Friend Peter Judd's, and was in and about Dublin nine days, and at several good living meetings among Friends in that city; [Page 59] and there being a remnant of dear Friends in some part of that nation, I had comfort of mind, in going to see and visit them in the love of God; and it being his blessed will to cast my lot in that part of the world, I faithfully laboured to discharge my duty in his fear, both to Friends and other people, that had freedom to come to our religious meetings, and several appeared to be reached by the power of truth, who did not make profession among us.
ON the 29th of the fourth month: Embarks for England. I embarked for England, accompanied by several Friends on board the vessel, where we parted in tender love, and on the first day of the fifth month, I landed at Whitehaven, altogether a stranger, Arrives at Whitehaven. and no outward companion, which to me was lonely in a strange land; but the Almighty was in his mercy and goodness near to me, to be my comforter, and I had great cause to bow with a bended heart in deep thankfulness before him, for his wonderful providence and many helps and deliverances: I enquired the way to Daniel. Stephenson's, by whom I was lovingly received, [Page 60] and kindly entertained; the next day being the first day of the week, At Whitehaven. I was at two meetings with Friends at Whitehaven, which I have often remembered. My way being laid out to visit Friends in Cumberland, I went forward the 3d of the fifth month, on my way to Cockermouth, and in travelling on the road my mind was much thoughtful, not knowing that I should meet with any one to be a comfort to me, when not far from the town to which I was going, I met with two Friends, at first sight I did not know either of them, but one of them speaking to me, I found it to be Christopher Wilson, at which my heart was much rejoiced, he being a Friend who had travelled among us, in the work of the ministry in America, and I had seen in Philadelphia; the meeting to which I intended, not being to be held till the next day, I turned back with him to his house; where we had near conversation together in the love of truth; the next day he accompanied me to the meeting appointed, which was a solid time; the day following I went to Jzel, and had a meeting with the few Friends [Page 61] there, and altho' small it was a solid meeting; after that, I was at Pardsaw-hall, which was a good meeting, so to Broughton, and had comfort of mind among Friends thereaway. I then returned to Pardsaw-hall again, and on the first day of the week the meeting was very large, and the good presence of God attending the same, made it an humbling comfortable season; the same day I was at a large meeting, near Christopher Wilson's, which ended well; from thence was at Keswick, tho' small a good meeting, so to Mosdale and had a large satisfactory meeting, also at Colbeck, Bolton, and Wigton, some of which were large, and I hope tended to edification and comfort; from thence I went to Allanby, and Holm, and had large meetings, in which the power of truth prevailed in a good degree, the next was at Kirkbride, in which I had hard service, and a close testimony to the unconcerned in the way of truth, which I left to their consideration; from thence I went to Jonathan Astell's, who and his wife were choice antient Friends, my stay at their house, and being with such [Page 62] dear Friends, afforded me at that time renewed comfort of mind; for altho' the Lord was gracious in some places powerfully to assist my poor spirit to discharge my duty, yet at times I met with close sufferings and bemoanings, for the arising of the Divine Spring of life, both in myself and others; I went to Carlisle from thence, and so back to Moor-house meeting, then to Scotby, Kirklington, and a meeting that John Irwen and his wife belonged to, who were both antient Friends, and I believe had been of service in the work of the ministry; and altho' some of those meetings were trying times, and attended with hard labour, I trust that I was clear in the sight of God in endeavouring to be faithful to what I apprehended to be my duty.
Northumberland.FROM Cumberland, I went into Northumberland, and the first meeting I was at, was Cuthbert Wigham's, where was a considerable number of newly convinced Friends, which was a comfortable and contrited meeting before the Lord; from thence I went to West-Allandale, to a large [Page 63] meeting, which was powerfully reached with the sense of the love of God; the next meeting was at Alston-moor, which tho' not very large, I hope might tend to the benefit of some; then Penrith, Terril, and Strickland meetings, some of which were to satisfaction, and I met with a kind reception, and had near unity with many dear Friends in divers places.
FROM Strickland, I went to Kendal, in Westmoreland, Westmoreland. to my dear Friend John Crowdson's, where I staid some days and rested as to travelling; but attended pretty many meetings in Kendal, to which belonged many worthy Friends, who were extraordinary kind and friendly, which I esteemed a favour, yet at that time, I was in a very low situation of mind, much overwhelmed with many inward sorrows, and conflicts of soul; but was intent to do the best I could to get through what might fall to my lot at so great a distance from my outward habitation, trusting in the Almighty hand of the Lord, who alone know my distressed condition, and to whom I put forth my cries and secret addresses [Page 64] for relief; dominion and everlasting praise be rendered to him for evermore! in the course of what he was pleased to lay upon my mind to say in meetings by way of testimony, he was also pleated to be gracious in appearing to open my way in the cause I had at heart, which was the promotion of welldoing, and the good of mankind here and hereafter; at this place meetings were large, and I hope blessed with the notice of heaven; to this meeting belonged Margaret Coupland, Kendal. who had visited our parts, was an exemplary solid Friend, and retained the lively sense of truth; while I was here, I received a letter from my kind Friend Israel Pemberton the younger, giving me some account of my dear children and Friends at home, which was very acceptable to me; this dear Friend's worthy father being a bright pattern and elder in the church of Christ, given to hospitality and good works, the near unity I had with him in spirit gave me much comfort and satisfaction of mind, as he was brought frequently to my remembrance in this journey. On account of my children, I had been [Page 65] often concerned, and dropped many tears for their everlasting welfare, they being very near to my life; Oh how I much desired that they might choose the Lord for their portion, and the God of Jacob, his blessing for the lot of their inheritance! then I trusted that he would be pleased to be a sure Friend to them as they kept in his holy fear and council.
FROM Kendal I went to Grayrig, which was a solid tender broken meeting, also to Preston Patrick, Windermere, and Hawkside, which meetings were to satisfaction, and ended well; from thence to Hight meeting, in Lancashire, which afforded some comfort to my mind, the next was at Swarth-moor-hall, Lancashire. where George Fox belonged in his time, which was a large and a good meeting, from thence I went to Lancaster, and was at two meetings on the first day of the week, which were large and comfortable, here lived Lydia Lancaster, and Elizabeth Rawlinson, both worthy Friends who had visited America, and in one of those meetings, they both appeared in a living testimony for the [Page 66] Lord in their advanced age, and it did me good to perceive that they were alive in the root of life; at this meeting was William Thomas, a ministring Friend from Tortola, lately landed; I went that day home with William Backhouse, a Friend who had visited America in the work of the ministry, he received me very kindly and lovingly in his house; the next day I was at Yellan meeting, which was to satisfaction; then to Bentham, which was a large meeting, and attended with the solid power of truth, from thence to Dent, in which meeting the spring of life was opened among us, to the comfort of the sincere in heart, to this meeting belonged John Burton, who had visited our parts, a dear Friend I was glad to see, having seen him in my native land; the next meetings were Brigflats, and Ravenstondale, which I hope tended to edification; to the last belonged Alice Alderson, a worthy instrument, who had travelled in America on the Lord's errand, and was truly acceptable in her religious visit; from thence I went to Grisedale, and was at a large living meeting, the next was at [Page 67] Counterset, which was large and solid; from thence I went to Swale-dale, Ausgarth, Richmond, and another meeting in my way to Raby, some of which meetings were satisfactory solid seasons; at Raby, I met with several worthy Friends, who I found in conversation to be true helpmates to me, particularly James Wilson and Joseph Taylor; I had seen Joseph in Philadelphia, when on his religious visit to our country, and it was a pleasure and comfort now to see him in his own habitation; from this place, I went to Bishop-Auckland, Durham, Benfieldside, Durham county. and New-Castle upon Tyne, which meetings were mostly hard laborious times to my baptized spirit; then to Shields, Sunderland, Shotton, and Darlington, the opportunities with Friends thereaway, being mostly comfortable; after these meetings I went to Stockton, Gisborough, Yalton, and Castletown, where I had meetings, some of which were to satisfaction; after this I went to that dear antient Friend, John Richardson's, he had been twice to America on religious visits, and had taken much pains in his day and time, for the [Page 68] spreading and promoting the gospel of peace and salvation in the earth, and altho' he was antient and feeble in body, he was fresh and green in the life of religion, and my heart was refreshed, in the unity and fellowship of Divine life, in being in his company; I lodged here, and the next day went to the meeting at Kirby-moor-side, to which he belonged, which was a solid good meeting, from hence to Ampwelford, Rilsdale, Thirsk and Kirby, some of which were weighty solid meetings, and the humble in heart were contrited therein; then to the (Quarterly-Meeting at York, Yorkshire. which held several days for worship and the discipline of the church, was very large and attended by many solid Friends from their particular meetings, near unity and gospel fellowship being in a good degree manifested, this opportunity begat an agreeable acquaintance with many Friends whom I afterwards found to be very friendly and kind to me, as I went forward on my journey. From this city I went to Thornton, Molton, Pickering, Withy, Stanton, Scarborough, and was at meetings, several [Page 69] of them being large, and edifying;—I was next at Bridlington, to which meeting came a pretty many people, but it was a time of hard labour, this meeting being declined from what it had been formerly, according to the account I had of it, and the few Friends left, did not live in that unity I could have been glad to have found among them; to this meeting once belonged Margaret Langdale, who came to Philadelphia, and was afterwards the wife of our worthy Friend Samuel Preston, late of that city, her labours among Friends in the work of the ministry were of great service in her time.
FROM Bridlington I came to Hornsey, and to two other places, and so to Hull, having meetings, some of which were large, being attended both by Friends and other people, and the Divine Presence of the Almighty being over all, they ended to good satisfaction. From Hull I went to a meeting in my way to Cave-holden, Pontifract, Rawcliff, and Thorn, to which meetings I travelled in great affliction of body, and much conflict of spirit, on [Page 70] account of great besetments that fell to my lot in the course of my travels, and the work and warfare that I honestly laboured in, having left all that was near and dear to me as a creature, on account of the blessed truth; that had not the All-powerful Aid helped me, to look to him in whom everlasting strength is, I had fainted; but dominion and praise to him forever, his strength was made perfect in my great weakness! and in those meetings I was enabled to bear a testimony to his Almighty name, altho' out of meetings greatly beset; yet keeping my confidence in God, he was pleased in his great mercy to cast up a way for my help and deliverance!
FROM Thorn, I went to my dear Friend Joseph Atkinson's at Rawcliff, who and his wife were as tender towards me as if I had been one of their own family; after some stay with these my loving Friends, I got better in health, and the motion of life and love increasing in my heart to visit the churches, I proceeded, and went to Thorn meeting, which was [Page 71] an edifying good time; here I met with my Friend John Fisher, who accompanied me to several places, having before travelled mostly alone, both in England and Ireland, as to a constant companion;— we had two meetings in our way to William Payne's, where we had a meeting, and at Hansworth-Woodhouse, to which last belonged John Haslam, a dear Friend who had been very acceptable in his religious visit to Friends in America, and had visited the churches to the great comfort of the faithful; his agreeable company at his own house, renewed our fresh unity in pure and lasting fellowship in the gospel of peace; from thence we went to Sheffield, where we had two large good meetings; the next was Burton, which was large and a comfortable time; the next meeting was at Wakefield, where came a pretty many people, in which I was silent, as it so fell out at several places in meetings appointed, which I have concluded, if rightly minded, might be a means to bring people to hearken to the alone teacher in their own hearts, for it is there the word of faith is to be obeyed; [Page 72] and altho' the dependance of the outward ear sometimes may be upon the servants of Christ; yet they cannot speak aright, and to the witness in the consciences of men, but as he is pleased by his spirit to give them utterance; the design and tendency of all true gospel ministry, which springs from the Divine Word of life, being to stir up the pure mind to adhere to the holy teaching of Christ in their own souls.
THE next meeting was at Gildersham, which was a solid good opportunity, and dearly united my spirit to some who attended the same; from hence I went to Leeds, and was at two large meetings on the first day, and at a week day meeting, some of which, I hope tended to promote true spiritual worship to God; from hence we went to Waldale, Brighouse, and Rawden, and had meetings which were large solid and comfortable; the next was at Bradford, to which came a pretty many people, and it ended well; we lodged at Benjamin Bartlett's, where we met with Edmund Peckover, Jane Hoskins, [Page 73] and May Drumond; my worthy Friend Edmund, having left great sweetness in the minds of many in America, and on mine in particular, it was a comfort to me to see him again.
FROM hence we went to Halifax, accompanied by William Longmier, a dear brother and fellow helper in the gospel, who had been with us to several meetings before, and was choice company, and did me much good; the meeting at Halifax was large, and ended I hope to the honour of Truth: here I parted with my companion, John Fisher, and went to five distant places, having meetings in my way to Skipton, some of which were large, being attended both by Friends and other people, and I believe to edification: I had a good time at the meeting at Skipton, and with the schollars of my Friend David Hall at his school, having near unity with his company, I lodged here one night, and went from thence to Lowtherdale, where William and Mary Slater belonged, who were serviceable Friends in the work of the ministry; this [Page 74] meeting was large and eminently affected with the sense of Divine Life and Power; the next meetings were Ayrton, Settle, and Newton, which were mostly solid and satisfactory; the next was Narsedale, which was small, and I was fearful very cold professors of the right way of worship in this I was silent; from thence I went to the Fiel, Proud-Preston, Longridge, and Elmaridge, and had meetings, which tho' mostly small were pretty satisfactory; the meetings following were Sowledale, Trowden, Marsden, and Trodmarden, and at another place, which were generally large and edifying. I went next to the meetings at Holdham, Manchester, Langtree, Aston, Bickerstaff, and Liverpool, some of which were pretty large and solidly comfortable; Lancashire. from Liverpool I went to Pankith, Warrington, and Framby, which meetings were large and uniting seasons to the honest hearted; at the last place I was much relieved and set at liberty thro' the dominion of the Divine Power that attended; from this place came Esther Clare to Pennsylvania, a Friend of the ministry, a member of our meeting in [Page 75] Philadelphia, who was divinely endowed and inspired with a knowledge in the things of God's kingdom, and was a helpful instrument in the hand of the Lord to me in my young years:—The next meetings were Sutton, Newton, and John Downs in Cheshire, to solid comfort; from thence I went to Chester, and to Rixham in Wales, which were hard small meetings, and dull as to the life of religion; then returning into Cheshire, Cheshire. to Namptwich, and Middlewitch, had meetings which were comfortable seasons: I then went to the house of a Friend belonging to Morley, where I rested some days as to travelling; during my stay here I visited the sick, and some Friends families, and Morley meeting which was large, and the good presence of the Lord attending, made it a good meeting; from thence I went to Stockport, Maxfield, and Leek, some of which meetings were large and to satisfaction; the last place was in Staffordshire, in my way from Joshua Tofft's to Stafford I had a meeting; Staffordshire. as likewise in that town, which was small, and the life of truth appearing at a low [Page 76] ebb among them, was cause of sorrow and suffering to my mind; the next meeting was at Birmingham, which was pretty large, and I hope of service to some who were there;—from thence I went to Coventry, Warwickshire. and lodged at my kinsman's John Newman, his wife being my wife's first cousin, they were exemplary Friends truly kind and loving, and a comfort to me in meeting with them at their own house; here I heard of the death of my dear aunt Martha Chalkley, from a Friend living at this place, the account of which much affected my spirit for the loss of so near a relation and dear Friend, whom I much loved and esteemed, she being one who feared the Lord, and was serviceable to Friends where she lived in her time.
AT Coventry I was at two large meetings, one of which was much crowded by reason of a funeral, and both were solid opportunities with the people; from hence I went tp Badgley, and another place some distance, and was at two solid meetings; the next were at Warwick, and Eatington, from whence I went to Shipton, [Page 77] in Worcestershire, and was at two large meetings to edification, from thence to Longcompton, Radway, Worcestershire. and Harborough, some of which meetings were large and solid; at the last place I was told, that the people when they heard of the meeting intended, said they would come to see the Outlandish man, and many came who behaved soberly, and Divine Life prevailed that day among us to the comfort of my mind; from thence I went forward to two meetings in my way to Worcester, at distant places; at Worcester the meetings were large and solid, and tho' some professors appeared to be gone out from the way of the self denying life, into much liberty and extravagance, yet I believe it was a time of visitation to their souls; from this city I went to Bewdley, Bromsgrove, Sturbridge, Dudley, and Colebrookdale, at which places I had meetings, mostly pretty large, solid, and edifying; the next place I went to was Shrewsbury, where, Shropshire. in company with several Friends, I visited two dear Friends that were in prison on account of tithes, and our hearts being tendered together, we had to [Page 78] praise the Lord and were comforted altho' in such a place of outward confinement; I was also at a meeting in the meeting-house which tho' not large was I hope well.
Wales.FROM hence I went into Wales, with John Fowler, a solid young man, who tho' not a public minister, came out of Warwickshire on purpose to accompany me; our first meeting was at Dolobran in Montgomeryshire, which was small and poor; then we came to Ellis Lewis's where we had a meeting with a few plain kind Friends, and at Twinde, in Merrionethshire, where were only three Friends to keep up the meeting; but it afforded much comfort to my mind, that I had an opportunity to see them, with whom we had a solid time; the next meeting was at John Goodwin's in the same County, a brave worthy man, who had been instrumental to bring several to the knowledge of the truth thereaway, and where is a large meeting, in which it gave me satisfaction in being among them; from thence we went to Talcot, and so into Radnorshire in South Wales, where we had two [Page 79] large good meetings, then to Pennybank in Carmarthenshire, and at Thomas Price's we had a small solid meeting, and at Ann Evan's in Cardiganshire, to which came many people, and the meeting was to satisfaction and comfort; we then had a meeting in our way to Carmarthen, and there also, which were small and but few faithful labourers, and the unsteadiness of some made it a mournful time to me; from thence I came to Haverford-west, where the Friends of Redstone met, which meeting was somewhat satisfactory. In my way from my dear Friend John Lewis's to Swanzey, I had two distant meetings, one of which was large and mostly people who did not profess with us, and I hope was of good service, the life and power of the Divine Word bringing the minds of the people into stillness, the meeting ended well.—I was at two meetings at Swanzey, the first small and silent, the other a large open time; from thence we came to John Bevan's, where we had a small hard meeting, then at Pontypool, where the meeting was pretty large and I hope ended well; we had [Page 80] also an evening meeting at a Friends house, which was a comfortable time; and one at Shirenewton, not very large, but a good meeting, this being the last in Wales; having visited all the meetings in that country that could be called by our name, as near as I remember, except Pedstown, and some of that meeting were at Haverford-west; when I had got there, I had great cause to be humbly thankful to my kind Lord and Master, for his Divine Help and merciful preservation thro' much toilsome travel both of body and spirit.
FROM thence I went to Ross in Herefordshire, and on my way parted with my companion John Fowler, his desire being to return home after this journey; at Ross I had a comfortable meeting, and went forward to Hamler, Leominster, and Bromyard, Herefordshire. having meetings; the two first were solid good opportunities, and at Leominster, it was large and some hopeful newly convinced Friends were there; the other was almost lifeless as to a true zeal for Divine Worship, and but little [Page 81] prospect of the growth of truth; from thence I came into Glocestershire, Glocestershire. and had meetings at Teuksbury, Cheltenham, Glocester, Painswick, and Nailsworth, some of which were hard suffering times, and I sincerely wish the life of righteousness more abounded among the professors thereof; from thence I came to Thornbury and to Ann Young's, and was at two good meetings, then to Bristol, Bristol. where I attended several large meetings, in which the kind hand of the Lord was with us, and I found Friends there to be very loving, and left them in the same; I also visited Kingsweston and Frenchay, which were large solid and edifying meetings; from thence to Sadsbury, Tedbury, Cirencester, Addington, and Camden, having meetings, and I trust was clear as to my duty among them; the next meetings were Milton, Burford, Whitney, Oxfordshire. Chalbury, Chippingnorton, Hooknorton, and Sedford, several of which were large good opportunities; from thence I went forward to Southnewton, and Banbury, and was at three meetings, one of which was silent, the other large good opportunities; [Page 82] at Banbury I was favoured with the company of my Friend Benjamin Kidd, 1750. who I had formerly seen in Philadelphia, when a lad, and was a comfort to me when I was in a reverent search after the things of God's kingdom; the friendship of this dear Friend at his house, was also now an encouragement to me in the way of my religious Service.
FROM hence I went forward into several counties, and was at a number of meetings in different places, which I hope were of profit to the people, and in some places they were large; at two of them I had the company of my beloved Friends Catharine Payton and Rachel Wilson, they being in their way to the Yearly-Meeting at London; Berkshire. we went forward together to Reading, where I met with my dear worthy Friend Samuel Hopwood, with whom when in Pennsylvania, I had travelled to some places, and I believe was now glad of our meeting to see each other again; he was a zealous and fervent labourer in the Lord's vineyard, who I believe had blessed his labours to many souls; we had a meeting [Page 83] at Reading to sweet satisfaction; from thence we all went to Maidenhead, and was at a meeting there, in which I was silent; from this town we went to London together, London. and on our way several Friends met us; our Friend John Hunt being one of them, would have me to his house, and gave me a kind reception, where I made my home for the most part during the times my lot was cast in that great city.
THE Yearly-Meeting was large, and I hope edifying to many honest travellers in Sion's way.
WHEN this meeting was over, I went for Scotland, finding my mind drawn forth in much love to Friends in those parts, Scotland. as I had after I first landed in England; but thro' some discouragement in myself, omitted the opportunity of going there when I was in Cumberland, near the borders of it, which caused me much more travelling to get to see Friends thereaway; but in regard to peace of mind, which is to be valued above all the world, I now gave up to perform this visit.
[Page 84]FROM London I went through several counties, having many meetings in particular places appointed, I was also at three Yearly-Meetings in my journey, as Colchester, Woodbridge, and Norwich, several of which were large and satisfactory, as were also some of the appointed meetings, tho' small, and I had near communion in spirit with some Friends as I passed thro' Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire, and in Yorkshire; I proceeded from York to Darlington with my companion John Kendal, a solid young man of Colchester, who had a savoury testimony for truth; we had a good meeting at Darlington, then went forward to Durham, and Newcastle, at each of which towns we had meetings, and Friends were kind in assisting to get us on our way to Alnwick, where we had a small meeting, and lodged at John Doubliday's; we then proceeded to Kelso, where we had two good solid meetings; then to Edinburgh, and had a meeting to some satisfaction; after which we had but one little meeting, which was in a Friend's house, [Page 85] until we got to Aberdeen, where we had two that wore large, Scotland. in which I hope the Lord's Power was in dominion to solid comfort; from thence we went to Kinswells, Inverary, and Old Meldrom, and had meetings to some degree of satisfaction; the last named place was the furthest meeting we had in Scotland, which was pretty large: from thence we came to Kilmuck, and was favoured with a comfortable meeting and somewhat large; the next was at New Aberdeen, also at Urie, at the seat of Robert Barclay, which were solid opportunities; at Urie there came many people, Friends and others, who behaved with solid attention, which made it a time of profit I hope to some; at this place we met with our Friends David Barclay, his wife and two daughters from London, who had come on a visit to their relations and Friends in those parts, and when they sat out from home we came a pretty many miles on our way with them; they were very kind and friendly, and by this acquaintance such a love was begat in the hearts of those kind Friends, that when I came back to London they had me [Page 86] several times to their house, and were truly respectful to me; Scotland. parting with them in Scotland, we went towards Glasgow, and had a small good meeting some miles distant from thence, and in Glasgow we were at three meetings, two of which were large, and in the main to solid satisfaction: After we had visited all the meetings of Friends in these parts, as near as I remember except one, some of the members of which were at the meeting at Urie, we came on our way to England again, which was several days journey before we got to Carlisle, and were obliged to lodge at several inns, which was not quite agreeable; but when I got over the water which parts England and the other land, England. my heart was tendered and broken before the Lord, under a sense of pure peace for the performance of this visit to that part of the world; I thought there were a few solid Friends in places, and could rejoice to hear that there number was increased; we went through Carlisle, Carlisle. and lodged at our kind Friend Richard Wait's at Newtown, a little distance; Kendal. next day we sat out for Kendal, [Page 87] and got there that night, where we were lovingly received, Lancashires stayed some time for rest, and attended several large, solid, good meetings, and visited divers dear friends in the town; from hence proceeded to meetings at the following places, viz. Crook, Preston, Lancaster and Manchester, which were mostly to satisfaction; then went into Derbyshire, to Moniash, Derbyshire. Matlock, Brick and Chesterfield, and several other places, some of which meetings were large, and I hope of service through Divine Help, for the promotion of truth; I parted with my dear Friend John Kendal, soon after I left Manchester, he intending to return home, after our long journey thro' Scotland; from this county I passed through Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, having many meetings, several of which I hope were to the satisfaction of the faithful; at a particular meeting not far from Leicester, to which came a considerable number of Friends, some of them from several distant meetings, it being the first day of the week, as we sat together in silence before the Lord, there was a shock of an earthquake, which made a [Page 88] great stir in the place, and the people who were met at another house for worship, came away, as I was told, to our meeting, where we were preserved in great stillness and little appearance of slavish fear, and I hope it was a singular time of benefit to that assembly.—From this county I went into Rutlandshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hartfordshire, and was at a number of meetings, some of which were favoured with a sense of the Lord's blessed power and presence; the next counties were Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire, in which were several solid meetings, tho' that at Cambridge was small, and the darkness of that dark place much depressed my spirit, which was attended with deep suffering;—I went from this county into the Isle-of-Ely, and visited the meetings generally thereaway; in the performance of which I had some comfort of mind; from hence I went into Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Hartford counties, visiting meetings as they were laid out by Friends, there being in several places some valuable solid Brethren, with whom I had near unity of spirit, in that faith which [Page 89] stands not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God; from hence I came into Middlesex, and had meetings, also at Basingtoke, Alton and Salisbury and several other places in Wiltshire, some of which were comfortable seasons in the best sense; I then went into Somersetshire, and to Bath and Froome, and some other places, and had meetings; then to Posset, and was favoured with a satisfactory meeting there, and the next day I was taken ill at my friend James Player's, it being I thought pretty much the effect of a cold, hard travelling and a close engagement of body and spirit I had passed through from one place to another; this illness detained me some weeks, in which time I was brought very weak in body, and at times low in spirit; but through the kind mercy of God, having somewhat recovered (tho' still weak) I sat out for the West of England, and went to Clareham, Glastonbury, Bridgewater, and many other places, at which I had meetings, some being large and mercifully favoured with Divine Help, uniting love and power; after visiting the meetings in [Page 90] the county of Somerset; I went into Devonshire and Cornwal, having the company of my dearly beloved friend John Player, to whose spirit I was nearly united in the love of truth, and was a great comfort and help to me in my weak condition, at his uncle's.—I would just remark that in some of the counties in which I had been, some dear young people, who were libertine in the shew of pride and finery of the world, became sober, solid and exemplary, and one young woman in particular was so reached, as I sat in a Friend's house, tho' I had nothing by way of testimony in words to her condition, yet the weight and exercise attending my mind at that time, so reached her understanding, she became a plain solid Friend, and before I left England, I heared her in the ministry at a meeting, and as I thought, to the general satisfaction of Friends present;— I was at Exeter meeting in Devonshire, and had a weighty solid time among Friends there, Devonshire. although I was much afflicted with the conversation of one professing the truth, that pleaded for carnal defence, and asked what defence we had [Page 91] in the province of Pennsylvania; I told him that Providence was our defence; yet he continued to plead for carnal defence in such a manner, that gave me much pain of mind, and I told him that I had no unity with his principles, and bore my testimony against his unprofitable discourse.—I went to several meetings in my way to Kingsbridge, where I had a solid meeting; from thence took a number of meetings; in my way to Austil in Cornwal, Cornwal. some of which were to satisfaction, and I hope of some service to the right minded; after a weighty good meeting at Austil, I came to Falmouth, and had a meeting in which I hope I was clear as to my duty amongst them; then accompanied by my dear Friend Samuel Hopwood, I went to Penzance, and many other meetings in these counties; from this place, where we had I hope a serviceable meeting, I returned, taking several meetings in my way to Bridport in Dorsetshire; Dorsetshire. we had two meetings in this town, the last of which was large, the people being told of an Indian, as I had come from America, I believe it raised a curiosity among them, for a large number [Page 92] came to the meeting, and as they came in looked on me and one upon another, Dorsetshire. but after a while behaved in a sober manner, and my dear Lord and Master favoured the opportunity I hope to the comfort of many, and when the meeting ended the people departed with quietness and sobriety; for which I had cause to be truly thankful, being much concerned how we should fare that day, so as not to occasion any blame to the good cause I have sincerely laboured to promote from my youth, humbly desiring that my endeavours altho' weak, might tend to advance the same.
AFTER having a pleasing time much to my comfort, with my loving kind Friend Samuel Bownas, who had visited America in the work of the ministry twice, I proceeded to several meetings in my way to Weymouth and Pool, where I also had meetings, some of which were solid times; then taking several meetings in my way to Southampton, I had there a small meeting; then passed over to Cowes on the Isle-of-Wight, and after visiting Friends there, [Page 93] and being favoured with some solid meetings among them, 1751. Kent. I returned to Southampton, and the next was a good meeting tho' small, at Portsmouth; then a satisfactory large meeting at Chichester, and two in my way to Lewis, where I was at a meeting to which belonged some loving Friends; from thence I took a meeting in my way to Kent county, and was at several as I went to Dover, some of which were satisfactory; tho' at Dover a hard time with the Friends attending the meeting; from thence I went to Folkstone, and so forward to Canterbury, and had a good meeting; as also another between this place and London; London. when I came to London, I went to my Friend John Hunt's, my usual lodging, staid sometime in this city, and visited many meetings which were large, and I had good cause to be thankful to God for his eminent power and presence, being therein manifested to the souls of his people, that I hope several of those meetings tended to the edification and comfort of the faithful among them; believing that the Lord hath a choice people in that great city, who fear his great [Page 94] Almighty name, and they are near to my spirit in the covenant of love and life.
AFTER I had thus visited London, I went to a considerable number of meetings in places some distance from thence, some of which were large weighty solid opportunities; my beloved Friend John Pemberton, whose company was acceptable, being with me at several of them.
London.HAVING gone through all the counties in England, and generally visited Friends meetings therein, as also those in Wales and Scotland, I attended the Yearly-Meeting in London, which was large and much favoured with the loving kindness and blessed presence of the Almighty; many dear Friends being here with whom I had near acquaintance, it was a comfort to my spirit that I could see them and part with them in the unity and love of truth; a short time after the conclusion of this meeting, accompanied by several loving Friends, I went to Gravesend, in order to embark on board a vessel bound for New-York, which not being ready for sailing [Page 95] when we came there, our dear Friends left us, I believe in true love, my spirit nearly and affectionately parting with them; Edward Cathrall of Philadelphia, was passenger with me in this vessel, Chevalier Dean being commander; we sat sail and came away as soon as we could from Gravesend, and after a passage of about eleven weeks, landed at New-York on the 10th day of the seventh month, 1751 old style, and on the 13th of the same month we got home to our habitations, Philadelphia. being the day before our Yearly-Meeting in this city. Which was through the great preservation of the Almighty, who was, and is a God nigh at hand, who supported and preserved me in great probations and conflicts of soul, beyond my ability to set forth in words; but I think it my duty to say, Good is the Lord and greatly worthy to be feared, praised, loved, honoured, worshipped, and obeyed! his goodness, mercy and grace have been eminent for my preservation and salvation, that he would not suffer me to be confounded, altho' he was pleased to permit great provings to befall me, both in my passage home [Page 96] and after I got to my habitation, according to his All-wise purposes; yet underneath has been his everlasting Arm of compassion and strength, which has wrought for my deliverance, and enabled me to commit my soul, body, and spirit to his keeping.—My dear children and affectionate Friends, I believe were glad for my return to them, and altho' I much desired to get to my native land and to see them again, after an absence of more than three years; yet my expectation as to the pleasure and comfort of that Divine Blessing in a manner I could have wished, was much disappointed, which I have thought was in part occasioned through an omission of duty, tho' I hope it was not wilful; it being to go on a visit to a people of anothe language, and I omitted the opportunity of performing that part of service, and had I gone on that errand, I might have got home as soon as I now did, and my once expected satisfaction I might have enjoyed.—A vessel belonging to our city, the Captain a member of our society, whom I knew and esteemed, was desirous of my taking passage with him from [Page 97] London, from whence he did not sail until several weeks after us, and arrived at Philadelphia, about the time I landed at New-York, that had I proceeded on the visit which was upon my mind, it was thought I might have performed it, and have been ready to embark in this vessel; but a cowardice and dissidence of my own abilities at times, and a fear of going too fast (I think I can honestly say) more than wilful disobedience, have brought some of the greatest sorrows upon me that I have met with in the world; but the mercies of God are great, who ought to be served and adored, and is worthy of the deepest reverence that can be ascribed to his All-Powerful Name!
AFTER a time of great anxiety he was pleased by his gracious Arm to deliver me, and to put a new song into my mouth, even praises to him the Living God! the light of his glorious Countenance afresh shining upon me, his blessed "Sun of Righteousness" appeared with healing under his wings, and I was sat at liberty again in a good degree to serve and praise him the Lord in the land of the living.
His return from England;—His visiting Meetings in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey; —His fourth Journey to New-England;— His Visit through the Southern Provinces to South-Carolina, &c.
1751. Philadelphia.I AGAIN took fresh encouragement to do my best endeavours both with respect to temporal and spiritual things, and settled myself with my two children, and my wife's mother, who lived in the same house with us; I kept to diligence in my outward calling, wherein I was blessed of the Lord with all the needful things of this life for me and mine, and through Divine Help, I was enabled to perform my religious services at home and abroad, as I was obedient to the blessed ability that God giveth, at times visiting Friends in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, with whom I had great nearness in the love of the Heavenly Father, and many of us were renewedly united in that love which brought us near to himself and made known unto [Page 99] to us the way that leads unto life and peace, as in the beginning.
IN the year 1753, 1753. having the unity of my dear Friends at home, my loving Friend Isaac Zane being my companion, Long-island. I went to Long-island, and visited all the meetings of Friends there, and some places where meetings were not usually held, or not very often, at Jamaica, and several other places, and found great openness among the people, and some very large meetings, and I think I may say to the praise of the Lord, I was greatly favoured with his light, life, and blessed presence, which nearly effected my heart with gospel fellowship to his children and people thereaway, and returned in the possession of great satisfaction in my own bosom.
IN the year 1754, 1754. I went in the unity of Friends, New-England. with my dear Friend Israel Pemberton as far as Boston in New-England; and as we went forward were at a comfortable meeting at New-York; from whence we went by water to Newport, [Page 100] Rhode-island, and arrived there the evening before the Yearly-Meeting, Rhode-island. at which were our Friends Catharine Payton from England, and Mary Peasley from Ireland; the gathering of people was great and much mixed, the love of God in Christ was truly preached, and lovingly extended to them, and I hope it was a good meeting to many;—after it ended I went with my Friends Israel Pemberton and Thomas Lightfoot to Boston, Boston. and from thence I went as far as Lynn and Salem, and returning to Boston, there again met my two loving Friends, and had a meeting which ended as well as I expected, the people attending it and behaving soberly; we then sat off for the Yearly-Meeting at Nantucket, and went by water at Woods-hole, and stopped at an island in our way, and being detained by contrary winds, did not reach the meeting so soon as we desired; but got there before it was over, and met again with our two women Friends, before mentioned, and there being many Friends on this island, it was a comfort to me that I had an opportunity of seeing them once [Page 101] more, and I esteem it a mercy from the Divine Being, Nantucket. for it seemed as I thought a risk of our lives to venture as we did in a little open boat a great distance from the land; but the intentions I believe of all us were for one good purpose, that we might have a time at that meeting with God's people, to serve him more than for any other consideration; it was a large meeting, and in some degree comfortable and edifying; and when it was ended, a pretty many of us, in company with the two European women Friends, took passage and landed at Woods-hole, where we had an evening meeting, I believe to solid advantage and comfort in some good degree. Thomas Lightfoot concluded to go forward to accompany the women Friends in their visit to the other parts of New-England, and my Friend Israel Pemberton and myself returned to Newport, where we were at several meetings, one was at the burial of the wife of Samuel Holmes, and in the main were solid meetings; from thence we proceeded homewards through Conecticut, Conecticut. New-York. New-Jersey. and got to New-York, Staten-island, and New-Jersey, [Page 102] having a large comfortable meeting some distance from Joseph Shotwell's; from whence we came pretty direct home through the tender mercies of the Lord; this journey nearly united our hearts to each other, and in his goodness he was pleased to afford some degree of peace to my mind.
1755.IN the year 1755, I visited most of the meetings in Bucks county, Bucks county. some of which I had not been at for several years, and thought were much increased as to the number of young people, and were large solid good meetings; wherein I had great nearness of spirit with many tender hearted dear Friends, and returned home with sweet peace in the performance of this visit; I also attended several meetings in this province and New-Jersey with my two worthy Friends Nicholas Davis and Adam Mott from New-England, which were large and I believe serviceable to many, and I received some pleasure and deliverance to my soul, after some distressing trials of my faith, and provings of hope towards God, which I have received as an [Page 103] unspeakable favour from him, 1754. that he was pleased to bring me out of a horrible pit and set my feet on a rock, that I can thankfully say, ‘None is so holy as the Lord, nor any rock like our God that is in heaven for the help of his people, and in his excellency above the skies.’ After a very acceptable visit to these parts, from those our dear Friends, who returning homewards Nicholas Davis died by the way, and altho' the loss I believe to be great to Friends where he belonged, and those abroad, where his lot was cast on his Lord and Master's errand; yet it is comfortably to be hoped, that he is at rest from his labours, and received the reward of a faithful servant; Oh! the sweet savour of life, and eminent power of the Divine Word that attended this man of God, whose sweet company, edifying conversation and tender love to the little and lowly lambs of Christ; (tho' a threshing instrument in the Lord's hand, against ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, that hold the truth in unrighteousness,) is not to be forgotten by those left behind while in mutability, who have had the benefit [Page 104] of his gospel labours and rightly esteem them. 1756.
Philadelphia.I ALSO accompanied our dear Friend Catharine Payton, with several Friends of our city, to visit the families of many of our fellow members, which service I think it may be thankfully said the Lord owned, the states and conditions of the people being suitably spoken to.
New-Jersey.IN the year 1756, I visited several meetings in New-Jersey, as Mountholly, Burlington, Old Springfield, Mansfield, Croswicks, Bordentown, and Upper-Springfield, which were generally large, and livingly attended with solid comfort; also with my dear companion Isaac Zane, I had several satisfactory seasons in some families, where we went to visit several antient Friends, also at the houses where we lodged; after these opportunities we went for Little-Egg-harbour, stopping at a saw-mill on the road, called Mount-Misery, where they desired a meeting, and finding freedom in my mind, we had a tender time with the people, tho' a desolate [Page 105] place.—We had two meetings at Little-Egg-harbour, New-Jersey. and I found my mind nearly united to some worthy Friends of that place; from thence we passed over a great marsh and a river to Great-Egg-harbour, where we attended a meeting at each meeting house, and it was cause of gladness to see an increase of tender minded Friends thereaway; not having been there for many years; there appeared a revival of love for truth and zeal for the same; since my being last there they had built a meeting-house, in which we had a powerful satisfactory meeting; we crossed the river to Cape-May, and had a meeting at the widow Townsend's, and one in the evening at her son's, and from thence we came to Greenwich and Alloways creek, having a meeting at each place, where came a pretty many people, and it was to some degree of comfort; after the last meeting we reached home, tho' it was somewhat late in the night, and altho' some part of this journey was attended with much riding and fervent labour in the Lord's work, I had cause to be thankful [Page 106] that I was obedient, and that he was pleased to enable me to perform my duty.
Pennsylvania.ALSO in this year 1756, and in 1757 and 1758, I attended the Indian treaties, some part of them with several dear Friends of our city, at Easton in Northampton county, at the time of one of which, I went with my dear Friends John Pemberton and Benjamin Hooton, as far as Fort-Allen, with an invitation from the Indians assembled at Easton and the government of Pennsylvania, to some Indians who discovered a backwardness or fear of attending the treaty; it was thought some of them had been very mischeivous in the murders and bloodshed and taking of captives, on the frontiers of our province; and a great concern having fallen on the minds of a number of worthy Friends, principally in Philadelphia, who freely contributed their money and time, for promoting the restoration of peace with the natives, as I have apprehended, and believe they have been the were instrumental in the Lord's hand to appease the revengful nature of so barbarous [Page 107] and cruel an enemy, Northampton county. the hearts of the Indians retaining a great love for the memory of our first worthy proprietary William Penn, Indian treaty. terming Friends his children, that I believe they were a great blessing in the hand of God, to the government of this province for the restoration of peace with such an enraged enemy, who had been permitted to be an heavy rod of chastisement on this land; yet remarkable it was, that through the protection of the Almighty, which was as the shadow of a mighty rock in a wearied land, few called by our name were ill used during all this calamity.
THERE were three Indian men accompanied us as far as Fort-Allen, Moses Tatamy, and two others; we travelled much in the night and through a great rain, stormy and cold weather, to reach that place to which we came the next morning, and the captain received us very civilly, and I thought did what he could to be of service to us, and behaved very kindly and friendly to the Indians, which they seemed to take well; at first [Page 108] fight the Indians appeared dreadful to behold, as to anger and revenge in their countenances, with their painted warlike looks and weapons, and were very shy; yet after some friendly conversation, and their receiving a few small presents which we carried with us for some of their Chiefs, Indian treaties. they appeared in a quite different disposition before we parted; but could not be prevailed with to come to the treaty, because of their word and the engagement they had made among themselves, to depute Tedyuscung, their cheif man, to transact the business with the government on their behalf; in confirmation of their continuing in this mind, they sent a string of Wampum by Moses Tatamy; after a further time of free conversation they appeared still more pleased, and as I thought out of love to us, sent two of their young men to accompany us back, we parted with them in love, our endeavours appeared to be well taken by them, and I hope were of service, altho' none of them but the two young men came with us to Easton; we ventured our lives, and went through hardships to perform this errand; [Page 109] but through the mercy and kindness of the Lord we were preserved; for which my soul had cause to be thankful to his great and good name.—At the other two treaties, I underwent with several faithful hearts, a deal of inward suffering and anxiety of spirit; a dark and dismal cloud of opposition appearing to the good work of peace; but the minds of Friends being kept so as to look unto the Lord Almighty, we had many extraordinary good meetings in waiting and thinking on him, and his dear beloved Son Christ Jesus, and at times in those meetings, the darkness would pass away, and the true light would shine to the renewing the hope of the humble; and the Lord, magnified be his name! prospered the endeavours of those faithful labourers, who had at heart this desirable work of peace, and I believe they will be heirs of that blessing, wherein Christ termeth the peace makers "Blessed," and calleth them the "children of God."
IN the year 1757, 1757. I met with a near trial in the death of my eldest daughter Abigail, who departed this life the 23d [Page 110] day of the fifth month, in the 21st year year of her age, which great change I hope to be her everlasting gain; some of her last words were, ‘Sweet Lord receive my soul,’ and went from this world in the bloom of life, in acceptance I hope with God; my wife's mother having departed this life on the 29th of the fifth month 1753, and I hope is at rest with the Lord; this burial of my dear child, made the eighth out of my family, and after all these many strippings and trials, I have found it good to trust in God, and do my best endeavours. My dear daughter Sarah and myself were now all of my family, and the Lord's blessings and mercies continuing to accompany us, with the near unity and company at times of faithful loving Friends, would unite my heart to the flock and family of Christ my dear Lord, and to those that are within the walls of the salvation of God; and great hath been the satisfaction that I have received in communion with those that are of Jerusalem, for "Peace is within her walls, and prosperity within her Palaces", and oh! the goodness and kindness of a [Page 111] compassionate God in helping and defending me a poor creature, and blessing the labour and travail of my soul in his righteous cause, with the enjoyment of peace at times, beyond my ability to set forth, Glory, honour, and praise to his great Name for evermore!
A WEIGHTY concern attending our Yearly-Meeting in 1758, 1758. Pennsylvania. for a further reformation from the practice of keeping slaves for term of life, several Friends with myself, were appointed to visit those members of our religious society, who held them in bondage, in order to advise for their liberty, it being believed by the truly conscientious, to be a great iniquity to keep them or their children, and children's children in perpetual captivity; agreeable to this appointment, I went in company with my Friends John Scarborough and John Woolman, to several such families in Chester county, to whom I hope we faithfully discharged our duty; on our return from this visit we were at a burial at Uwchland, and at the Monthly-Meeting at Goshen, [Page 112] where we met our Friend Joseph White, Chester county. and to answer the appointment of our Yearly-Meeting for settling the Western Quarterly-Meeting, at Londongrove, I went with the above named Friends to the ministers meeting held for the first time at that place, which was on the seventh day of the week; on the next day I was at New-Garden meeting, and on the following day, being the second of the week, at that at Londongrove, held for worship and the discipline of the church, which was very large, and I hope favoured in a good degree with the best wisdom, (our Friends Samuel Spavold, and Mary Kirby from Old-England, were also at this Quarterly-Meeting) we had been the week before at the Quarterly-Meeting at Concord, which I hope was of service to many;—after Londongrove meeting I returned homewards in company with our Friends Joseph White, Israel Pemberton and several others as far as Chester, where some of us parted with our Friend Joseph, he intending to embark there in the service of truth, on board a vessel bound for England.
[Page 113]SHORTLY after this journey I went to Mountholly meeting, New-Jersey. and to the Quarterly-Meeting at Croswicks, and joining company with my Friends John Sykes and John Woolman, performed visits to many places where they had slaves in bondage, and I hope in true love; after which, and a solid meeting at Mansfield, I returned home with great peace in my own bosom.
HAVING in the year 1757, Philadelphia. made some some progress in company with my Friend John Pemberton, in a religious visit to the families of Friends in this city, both of such as were in unity, and those who made some profession among us, we proceeded on and in the year 1760 compleated the visit to above five hundred families in the city, the northern liberties, and over Schuylkill, which gave relief to my mind, that we were enabled to accomplish so weighty an undertaking, which was kindly received, and I believe by many in that love, wherewith the Lord by his council and goodness accompanied us from place to [Page 114] place, 1760. and I hope they were seasons of tender visitation to many souls; from the time we began this visit I was mostly at home, only as I performed the journeys before-mentioned, and at some other times visited the neighbouring meetings in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, wherein I trust I was in a good degree clear in the sight of the Lord; my heart being given up at times to his blessed requirings;—in a short time after this family visit, I went as far as Maiden creek, in company with my Friend James Starr, and was at an evening meeting, which was large and edifying, held in his father's house; from hence I went to Reading, Exeter, the Forrest, Jacob Thomas's, and New-Providence, and had large meetings at several of these places, much to my own relief and comfort, and I hope to the satisfaction of others, for I found Friends thereaway to be loving and tender hearted, which nearly united my spirit to many of them, as sheep of my Heavenly Father's fold, and I trust as they are faithful to Divine Knowledge, that the Lord will prosper his work among them; my worthy Friend Ellis [Page 115] Hugh, accompanied me to several of these meetings, and his gospel labours were acceptable; after Providence meeting, I went to an evening meeting belonging to Plymouth, and the next day came home.
IN a little time after I went with my Friend Joseph Marriot to a large general and youth's meeting at Newtown in Bucks county, which held part of two days, Bucks county. where I met with a kind reception, and was favoured in the Lord's love, to enjoy his living presence among his children and people thereaway; then returning home, it being our Quarterly-Meeting, my dear Friend Samuel Nottingham from Tortola was there, and at the youth's meeting the next day, when the Lord's saving presence was made manifest among the young people, to the rejoicing the upright in heart;—the next meetings I was at out of town were at a general meeting at Derby, Derby. and at the burial of Robert Thomas at Abington, Abington. and at the first day meeting at Byberry, which were large solid seasons, wherein I found an openness among Friends in the love of the gospel; as also [Page 116] where I visited the sick and the families of some Friends; I was also at a first day meeting at Haddonfield, New-Jersey. at a large meeting at Chester at the burial of Robert French, a Friend in the ministry who was much beloved and valued as a good Example among Friends where he had lived, and I thought these meetings were owned with the best of help and instruction in a a good degree, for the profit of the people;—I was also at a large-meeting at Plymouth in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. on occasion of the burial of Joseph Waln, at which was also our Friend Jane Crosfield from England, who bore a large and living testimony to truth, and in which meeting gospel labour was bestowed with design for the everlasting benefit of the the people, which I wish may turn to the good of their never-dying souls;—I visited Fair-Hill, and was at a large meeting at German town, at the burial of Derick Johnson, and at the first day meeting at Frankfort, in which meetings I found a degree of openness, to bear a testimony to the way of truth, and I hope the spring of life was opened to the [Page 117] comfort of some tenderhearted ones amongst them.
HAVING been under a weighty concern of mind in gospel love, His visit to Maryland, Virginia, North and South-Carolina. for several years at times to visit the southern provinces on this continent, I acquainted Friends at our monthly meeting with the exercise that lay upon me, with which they having unity, were free to allow me their certificate, and on the 19th of the twelfth month 1760, I left my outward habitation, and my daughter Sarah to abide with my kind Friends Reuben and Margaret Hains during my absence; Isaac Zane being my companion on this journey, we set forward accompanied by many loving Friends several miles over Schuylkill, when we parted in tender love, and went home with our Friend Robert Valentine that night, and had a solid meeting the next day at his house in Downing's-town; after which we went on and reached Lancaster, and the next day were at their first day meeting, which tho' small, was attended with life and some degree of near unity; Isaac [Page 118] Whitelock was so kind as to conduct us to Susquehanna, and further to several meetings; it was with great difficulty through much ice that we crossed over this river, from thence we got to Yorktown, and had the next day a tender edifying meeting there, the day following we crossed a river through which our horses were swam, and went to Newberry meeting in the Redlands, which was a tender comfortable season; from thence we got on our way to Warrington, Huntington, and Manalin, which were meetings I hope mostly to solid advantage, and some of them pretty large; we came next to Pipe creek, Bush creek, and Monokessy in the government of Maryland, Maryland. where we had small meetings; the first was a solid season, the others tho' attended with hard labour, I hope it was received in love; after the last meeting, we went forward crossing the river Patowmac into Virginia; the next meetings were Fairfax, Goose creek, Potts or the Gap, some of which were largely favoured with solid comfort and satisfaction, there appearing many dear Friends with whom I had near [Page 119] unity in spirit; from the last place we travelled till we got over Shanondore-river, and lodged at John Vestal's, where we had a solid season in the family; a deep snow falling that night made it the more difficult for us to get forward the next day to William Jolliff's beyond Opeckan, Virginia. which after a long cold ride we reached, and were received in love, and the next day were at Hopwell meeting, being the first day of the week, and at their Monthly-Meeting the day following, both which were solid seasons; the next meeting was at Maurice Rees's, in which there appeared to be a necessity for an amendment in the way of truth; from thence we came to Back-creek, and the widow Lupton's had two meetings, weighty to my spirit, and I hope to the edification of others; I thought there was a number of valuable Friends in these parts; we were also at Winchester, and had a large meeting of Friends and others, in the Court-house, after it was ended, several persons of note not professing with us behaved in a very loving friendly manner; in going from thence I possessed sweet peace in my own [Page 120] mind and went to Robert Hains's, where we rested one day, Virginia. and on first day was at the meeting at Crooked-run, to which came many people who did not make religious profession with us, and behaved with solid attention, and I hope it ended to the honour of truth;—the next day we went a great distance from Friends, passing over rivers, creeks, and ice, and over mountains, and a deal of troublesome travelling, accompanied by Robert Hains and Richard Ridgway, two hopeful young men, to whom my spirit was united in tender love, we were hard set to get entertainment and lodging; late at night some of us reached a small house, in which was a great family, who were gone to bed; we were let into the house, which was an open cold place, the people were as kind as we could expect, endeavouring to provide us with lodging, but it was so cold I could not lay long, but got up and sat by the fire great part of the night, and to secure our horses they were put in a little square penn, scant of provender; the next morning, after some friendly conversation with the family, we set forward, [Page 121] and came to John Douglass's, and the next day had a large pretty good meeting at the said Friend's house; from thence we came to Camp-creek, Fork-creek, and Jannito, and were at meetings, some of which were large, and in a good degree attended with the spring of life and power; next day after the last mentioned meeting we crossed James-river and another river not far distant, and was at a meeting at Amelia the day following, in which I had some comfort of mind, it was pretty large; from John Johnson's we travelled a great distance to South-river, and being overtaken by the night were lost by taking a wrong road, which occasioned us to travel many miles extraordinary, and were hard set to find any house, but by hearing a horses's bell we took to a little path, which brought us just to William Pane's, and by calling he came to us, conducted to his house, and was kind to us; after feeding our horses, guided us to Sarah Linche's, and by the time we got there, it was about half past four o'clock in the morning; she was a tender loving Friend, who entertained us kindly; we rested [Page 122] a few hours, and then went to their week day meeting, which was small but solid; the next day we had a pretty large meeting of Friends and others at the same place, in which tenderness of heart appeared among them; the next day we went to Goose-creek, a long ride and a rough hilly road, accompanied by several Friends, and were at a meeting there on the first day of the week, I believe to some good service; that night we lodged at Peter Holland's, laying down in one room like a flock of sheep in a fold, being sixteen in number with the Friend's family; he was a kind hearted man, and did what he could to accommodate us with house room and otherwise, which I believe was to the satisfaction of our company, we had here a solid meeting; at the two last meetings there were several tender lately convinced Friends; from thence after near two days ride and passing over Stanton-river we came to Joseph Collins's, had there a solid meeting and rested one day; after which we were at Banister meeting, where came many people, and I hope it was a profitable season to a remnant; we [Page 123] went from thence to Richard Kirby's and had a large meeting, they appeared to be a tender seeking people, and much in the spirit of love; we then came near the river Dan and lodged; crossed the ferry next day to James Taylor's in North-Carolina, North-Carolina. being many miles, and were overtaken by the night before we reached the house, we lodged there two nights, and had a meeting at Eno, which was large and I hope to edification, then we went home with Joseph Maddock and lodged, and next had a meeting at the Hawfields, and the Spring, which tho' small I thought were good meetings, and Friends glad to see us; from Thomas Lindlay's, where we lodged, we went to the Monthly-Meeting at Cane-creek, and were also at their first day meeting, which were large, but times of suffering to my mind; from thence we proceeded to Rocky-river, the Center, and Deep-river, some of which meetings were large and I trust favoured with the extending of God's love and merciful visitation to the souls of the people; we also had a comfortable solid time at Richard Beason's, whose wife had been a valuable [Page 124] servant to the church, but was now grown old and feeble and much confined through infirmity of body; North-Carolina. but I thought lively and sensible in the best things; we were likewise at the Quarterly-Meeting at New-Garden, at their ministers meeting, and that for business of the church, also at their first day meeting; the two last were large and weighty seasons, wherein the Divine Presence was witnessed to the refreshment of the solid minded;—we were next at a meeting at William Coxe's, where were a pretty many Friends; it was attended with hard labour, which I with may not be lost, for I trust it was honestly discharged among them; we went forward to Solomon Coxe's and Cornelius Tyse's, and had a meeting at each place, to the last of which belonged several newly convinced Friends and tender people, with whom I had solid satisfaction; from hence we went to Pee-Dee, accompanied by Jeremiah Picket, lodged one night in the woods on our way there, and had a laborious meeting at this place, attended by a considerable number of people I thought for this remote part of the world, which [Page 125] had a humbling reach on some who were present I hope; we lodged at William Hall's, and from thence went to the Water-Ree in South-Carolina, accompanied by William Hall, Francis Clark, South-Carolina. Jeremiah Picket, and Andrew Mormam, lodged at Samuel Wiley's, had a tender broken meeting at the meeting-house, much to satisfaction and a pretty good time at the house of a Friend who was indisposed; also a solid time with a number of Catawba Indians, and then returned to Pee-Dee; in going to and returning from this place, we were two nights in the woods, but faired pretty well, the weather being fair and having provisions for ourselves and horses, and my mind nearly supported, I enjoyed peace in the journey; on our return to Pee-Dee, we were at their first day meeting, visited same sick families, and had a solid evening meeting at Francis Clark's, where we lodged, and the next day sat forward for Cape-Fear, and in our way were one night in the woods, and a great snow falling, the weather was disagreeble either to stand or to lay down before our fire; next morning we sat forward [Page 126] and got to Richard Bradley's at Cros-creek in Cape-Fear, where is a small town lately built; we had a meeting in it, to which came a pretty many people, some of whom were Friends, North-Carolina. and it was to some satisfactton; our next meeting was at the meeting-house at Dann's creek, which was a laborious time, and I wish it may have a good effect on the minds of the people, for I trust they were faithfully warned both on account of their slothfulness in the things of God, and the things of this world; from hence we came to John Newberry's and lodged, the next day went towards Upper-Fowling-creek, on Neuse-river, stopping in our way at Jonathan Evans's, where we had a tender time in the family, which I believe was well received, altho' he did not make profession with us; his wife was a valuable Friend, and I understand had a gift in the ministry; he conducted us several miles on the way and parted with us in love; after we left this man's house we parted with Jeremiah Picket and Francis Clark, who had accompanied us four hundred miles; at night we stopt at a house to enquire [Page 127] for entertainment, where was a woman and several children, North-Carolina. she gave us liberty for house room, and there being no bed for us we by on the floor, and it being cold and a snow falling, we were sometimes obliged to get to the fireside to warm us; it was a trying time to my spirit; yet I thought we were better off than when in the woods and snow a few nights before; we came the next day to Thomas Coxe's, where we had a meeting, and the people warned to prepare for their final change, mortality sounded aloud in these parts, and several seemed to speak with a mournful voice, concerning the death both of man and beast.
AFTER we crossed Rock-fish, Cape-Fear, and Neuse rivers, we were accompanied by Richard Coxe to John Radcliff's, and having a pretty large satisfactory meeting at Lower-Falling-creek, we came many miles accompanied by Moses Ratcliff to James Ross's, a dear Friend not long convinced of the way of truth, who did all he could to make us welcome, and we had here a uniting relieving time in [Page 128] waiting upon God, and after a meeting of religious service at Henry Horn's in Edgcomb on Tarr-river, North-Carolina. and a solid time in his family, the next day we rode many miles accompanied by James Ross to Moses Hall's and lodged, in whose family I was much comforted and united to such I believe that kept their places in the blessed truth; after an open tender meeting at Rich-square, and a near parting with several Friends, we came to John Cowpland's, where we had a meeting to solid advantage, and I hope profit to the people; we then went to Thomas Cowpland's and lodged, and the next day crossed a pretty large river, and after a long ride, through a dirty tiresome road, we reached Thomas Newby's, who and his wife are worthy kind Friends to the Lord's servants and particularly helpful to me in several respects; on the first day of the week we were at a meeting at Wells, which was large, and I thought solidly favoured with the consolation of truth, and several advices given forth in the love and fear of God, and humble contrition of heart I hope was offered up before the Lord that [Page 129] day; the two next meetings were Old-Neck, and Little-river, North-Carolina. both which were large, and in the openings of the gift of life I had to discharge that trust which I apprehended was required of me, and found a choice number of loving Friends hereaway, both old and young, with whom I had to rejoice in our Heavenly Father's love; we lodged at Thomas Nicholson's and went to the next meeting at Simon's-creek and New-begun-creek, which were large and solidly edifying, the current of love and life running freely among the people, to the watering the heritage of God; we were also at a Friend's named Trueblood, where was a great gathering of people, and the word of life freely preached among them, they were well behaved, and several parted from the meeting in a sober friendly manner; the next meeting was over the river by Old-Neck, when it was ended we returned, and were at the burial of a child of Daniel Saint, and had a solid meeting at his house, from thence we came to Joseph Newby's and lodged, and the next day, being the first of the week, we were at [Page 130] Piney-woods meeting, which was very large and comfortably owned with life and power; North-Carolina. from Thomas Newby's we went to a distant meeting, which was a hard suffering time, we were also at the Monthly-Meeting at Wells, which was very large and to edification, being the last meeting I was at in North-Carolina, after which I parted with several Friends in much love, and I hope many of those opportunities will be remembred by the living with my soul, and I wish it may be with thankfulness to the Lord, that is worthy of all the praise, honour and glory!
Virginia.WE came next day into Virginia, and were at a meeting at Sommerton, which was to some satisfaction; the next was at Lazarus Johnson's, from whence we went to John Denson's and lodged, and the day following were at a meeting at Black-creek, which was attended with solid instruction, a considerable number of Friends belonging to the same; we then came to James Stanton's and Joseph West's, and had meetings, to the last of which came [Page 131] a colonel of the county, and a considerable number of people, Virginia. and the good power of truth prevailed among us that day, which I hope was of service; then passing over Notawa ferry we came to James Jordan's and lodged, and from thence to the Western-branch Monthly-Meeting, at which were many people and an open time; the next meetings we went to were at Rasconeck, and Chucatuck, which last I was informed had been one of the largest meetings in Virginia, but is now reduced to two or three families, and things were at a low ebb among them, the other somewhat open, and attended by several who did not profess with Friends; from James Denson's we came over Nansemund-river to Samuel Fitzrandal's and lodged, and on the seventh and first days of the week, we were at the Spring Yearly-Meeting at Nansemund, which I hope was in the main well and somewhat large, considering the season, which was wet; we were at Elizabeth Burleigh's one night, where we had a solid evening meeting; when the Yearly meeting was over, we went home with Samuel Jordan, spent a little time with [Page 132] him, then went with Thomas Newby to Joseph Scott's and lodged, Virginia. and the next day were at a meeting at William Hollowell's, that gave me some ease of mind, lodged at Jacob Cornwall's, and the next day were at Surry meeting, which was large, and attended mostly by people not professing with us, who behaved soberly, and I believe it was a profitable season and ended well; the next was the Monthly-Meeting at Black-water, that part for worship was large, and the good presence and power of the Lord prevailed among us to the uniting our hearts to each other, and I thought the meeting for business might have been well, had not worldly matters been brought in among them; from Hanslem Bayley's we went to Burleigh meeting, which was large and solid; from thence we came to Gloster Hunnicut's, and had a large meeting, mostly of people who did not profess with Friends, which was owned with Divine Strength and Power, wherein I had comfort of mind; from thence we came to Edward Stabler's and lodged, and on the first day of the week had a very large meeting at [Page 133] Petersburg, to which came a great number of people from the town and country, Virginia. and many Friends a considerable distance, and through the Lord's helping hand his Great Name was praised, who is worthy for ever! the next large meeting was at the burial of an antient Friend near Wipanoak, it was held in an orchard, was an awful solid time and of brokenness of heart among the people; the next was at William Butler's at the marriage of his daughter, where were many people, and the meeting was satisfactory in a good degree; from hence we returned to Edward Stabler's and staid one night; after which we went forward and crossed James-river accompanied by our kind Friend John Pleasants and his wife, who took us to their house and gave us a kind welcome, and were the next day at Curl's meeting, which was large tho' not many Friends, it was a laborious time, things being low as to the growth of truth; after this meeting we came to John Pleasant's, kinsman to the last mentioned John, and lodged one night, who we had met with in North-Carolina, and was a loving Friend and brother [Page 134] to us, Virginia. was with us at many meetings, and his company valuable and serviceable to me, and my spirit was nearly united to him; from his house we went to White-Oak-Swamp meeting, which was large and to good satisfaction; the next day we were at Wyanoak meeting, where came a colonel and many people of note, both Friends and others that behaved sober, and the meeting ended well; from thence we went to Skimanone, and in our way crossed Chicahomony with John Pleasants, who had been our companion in several places, and another Friend that were our guides, and on the first day of the week were at a meeting at James Bates's where came a large number of people not of our society, and many Friends from a considerable distance, and I hope it was a time of profit and edification, for which my soul had cause to be thankful to the Master of our assemblies; we had also a solid tender time the same evening at Fleming Bates's, when things were spoken to in the spring of life and power, and our hearts were united together in gospel fellowship; the next day we came a great distance to [Page 135] Robert Ellison's and lodged, 1761. Virginia. and the day following were at Black-creek meeting, which was large and a weighty laborious time, and altho' I had hard labour I possessed peace of mind; the next meeting was at Chicahomony-Swamp, at which were many people not of our persuasion, and it was a solid good opportunity; from thence we came to Joseph Parson's, where we had a meeting in his barn, which I hope tended to some good service, there being a pretty many people present; the next meeting was at Cedar-creek, where came several that were reputed great men, and many people, Friends and others; it was a solid time, which afforded sweet peace to my mind; we went from thence to Micajah Terrell's, Samuel Hargrave's, and John Chegle's, and were at their first day meeting at Caroline, which was very large, and strength afforded to ease my burden that I had long borne towards this part of the world, and was I hope an awakening time to some then present; after it ended I parted affectionately with several dear Friends, it being the last meeting in Virginia, only a solid season at a [Page 136] Friend's house where we lodged, then went forward with Micajah Terrell for the Yearly-Meeting at West-river in Maryland.
Maryland.WE crossed Rappahanock and Potowmack rivers, and another ferry, and got to the Cliffts to William Harris's, who received us kindly, after along wearisome ride; the next day we had a meeting at the Cliffts, at which were many people, it was a solid time and I hope the witness in some was reached; we were also at a meeting at Herring-creek, which was small and I was doubtful almost lifeless as to the true zeal for Divine Worship, which gave me pain of heart among them; the next day we came to Philip Thomas's at West-river, and remaining there, attended the Yearly-Meeting, which lasted several days; it was large and greatly favoured with the visitation of God's love, through Jesus Christ, to the people, and was an uniting time to the faithful; when this meeting ended, my companion Isaac Zane left me, in order to return home; I went to Joseph Richardson's and dined, and then to visit my aunt Mary Henderson, my father's [Page 137] sister, whom I had not seen for several years, and thought had been dead, Maryland. until a Friend informed me at the time of this Yearly-Meeting of her being living; I staid there one night, and altho' she did not profess with us, being of the church of England so called, I believe was a religious woman, and of good repute; she was glad to see me, I thought had a respect for Friends, and parted with me in a kind tender manner, and not long after departed this life.
I WENT to a meeting a few miles from thence, which was solid, and from it home with Gerrard Hopkins, and the next day with several Friends to Indian-spring meeting, which was to good satisfaction, lodged at Richard Snowdon's, and was next at Sandy-spring meeting, whore came Friends from several distant places, and it was a solid time; from James Brooks's I went home with Henry Pierpoint, and was the next day at Elkridge, which was a large meeting, and faithful labour in gospel love bestowed among them, which I wish may have the desired effect, lodged [Page 138] at Joseph Pierpoint's, and was the next day at Patapsco meeting, Maryland. which I hope was in the main well; then went with Samuel Hopkins to his house, and the next day to Gunpowder meeting, where the living fountain was I thought in some measure unsealed to edification and comfort; I also went to the meeting at the Little-falls, at which were many people, and the good power of truth prevailed among us I hope to solid satisfaction; lodged that night at Henry Wilson's, and the next day was at Bush-river meeting, many Friends being there, it was a time of comfort to my mind; went home with James Rigby and his wife, staid one night, and next day attended a large meeting at Deer-creek, which was an awful heart-tendering season, wherein the truly living, with my soul, had cause to ascribe thanksgivings and humble praise to the Lord our God, who is worthy with his beloved son Christ Jesus, the only head of the true church, both now and forever more, Amen! Pennsylvania West-Nottingham.—then passing over Susquehanna ferry, the next day being the first of the week, I went to West-Nottingham [Page 139] meeting, which was somewhat large and solid, Pennsylvania. and got to William Jackson's and staid the night, and the day following, being the 25th of the fifth month, 1761, through the kindness and wonderful providence of the Almighty, that had been merciful and good in preserving and helping me through this trying journey, I arrived at my own habitation, Philadelphia. and found my daughter and things well as to my own concerns, and a kind reception with my dear Friends, who I was glad to see once more, and enjoyed a share of peace to my own soul; may all praise, honour, and glory be given to him the great and awful Majesty in Heaven!
BEING favoured with health I was enabled to perform my outward employment with diligence, 1762. and at sometimes visited the meetings of Friends in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, where in several places we were owned with our Heavenly Father's love, to comfort and edification; and a religious concern reviving in my mind, that I had felt for a considerable time, to visit Friends on the Eastern [Page 140] shore of Maryland, 1763. and the three lower counties in the territories of this province, having the unity of my dear brethren at home, I sat out on the 3d day of the first month, 1763, being the first day of the week, and came to Chester, accompanied by several dear Friends of our city, and was at a meeting there, which was a comfortable tender season of gospel love, and the same evening had a large laborious meeting at Wilmington, Wilmington. in which I hope I was clear as to my duty among them; the next day accompanied by Thomas Shipley (who was my companion in this journey) came to Lewis Clothier's and lodged, and I thought our being there was of some service, Eastern shore of Maryland. from this Friends we went to Sassafras meeting, where came a number of people, with whom I hope the power of truth had a tender reach on the hearts of several, we were next at Cecil meeting, in which the spring of life was I thought opened to solid comfort among us; we had the next day a meeting at Chester meeting-house, attended with hard labour, and one in the evening at James Claypool's in Chester-town, which was [Page 141] solid; from thence we came to Queen Ann's, Maryland. and had a large satisfactory meeting, in which I had some relief of mind, and I thought was a time of tender visitation to the people; we then went to Isaac Turner's and lodged, having in the evening a comfortable sitting in the family, they were kind and friendly; from thence to Tuckaho, where we had a blessed meeting, and on the following first day of the week were at Tredhaven, which meeting was solid and edifying; from hence we went to Joseph Bartlet's, where was a large exemplary family and no slaves, and had a good solid sitting; the next day had a large open meeting at the Bayside, mostly of people not of our persuasion, which I hope ended well; after lodging at John Kemp's, we came the next day to Francis Neal's, and the day following attended a large meeting at Little-Choptank, both of Friends and others, to some satisfaction; the next day we crossed Choptank river, and were at Marshy-creek meeting, which was a trying time, both on account of the coldness of the weather and a suffering cold house to sit [Page 142] in; we lodged that night at William Edmundson's, Lower counties of Pennsylvania. and the next day sat off for Lewis-town, accompanied by Benjamin Berry, and after a long ride got to Samuel Rowland's, who received us kindly, and was helpful in getting a large meeting for us in the court-house in the town; in which I trust they were faithfully warned and advised in the love of the gospel, and in visiting that place I enjoyed satisfaction;—from thence we went to Cold-Spring, which meeting was attended by many people, and I thought some revivings of life therein; the next meeting was called the Three-runs, which was an awful heart-tendering season, and many people at it; we were next at Mother-kiln's where came Friends from several parts, and divers other people, and it was a solid time; the day following we were at Little-creek meeting, which was a comfortable season, the following meetings were at Duck-creek, and George's-creek, and attended with hard labour; but I hope of service to stir up the pure mind in some; from my kind Friend Jacob Janey's, I came with several towards [Page 143] Okesshan, and on our way stopt at a house where were several in family, Chester county. with whom we had a solid opportunity, which I believe gave satisfaction to them as it did to us; on our way there parting with my companion Thomas Shipley, I came near Okesshan and lodged, and was the next day at a meeting there, which was a suffering time to my spirit; then went to the Quarterly-Meeting at Londongrove, where were Hannah Harris and Elizabeth Wilkinson, two worthy Friends from Old-England; the meeting was very large and I hope of service; from thence took divers meetings in Chester-county, some of which were large and attended with relieving help, in which I enjoyed much comfort and unity among Friends, as I visited the several particular meetings, which were Kennet, Center, Birmingham, the Forks of Brandywine, West and East Caln, Nantmil, Pikeland, Uwchland, Goshen, Newtown, Middletown, and Providence; to the last of which came (my son-in-law) Benedict Dorsey, with whom I came home to my habitation, Philadelphia. in the enjoyment of a share of peace; [Page 144] having visited the afflicted, and several Friend's families, and I trust faithfully laboured, travelling through cold and hardships and sometimes deep probations of spirit; but have had reverend cause to be humbly thankful to my blessed Lord and Master, who greatly helped I hope to his own praise, to whom be it ascribed for ever more!
1764.ON the 7th day of the fourth month, 1764, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. with the unity of my Friends at home, I went towards Buckingham, was the next day at that meeting, with Israel and John Pemberton and Joshua Emlen, which was large and to some satisfaction; after this meeting, Joshua Emlen being my companion, we proceeded to Kingwood in New-Jersey, New-Jersey. guided by Samuel Eastburn, lodged at Robert Large's, and the next day had a large meeting at this place to edification and comfort; from thence to Richard Lundy's, and after a stay of two nights, were at a meeting in his house, where was a number of tender hearted youth and others, in which the Lord was pleased to favour us [Page 145] with his blessed presence to satisfaction; the said Friend informed us that he had seventy children and grand children, some of whom were valuable Friends; this place was called the Great-Meadows; the next meeting was near Pawlings-kiln, in which a remnant was broken and contrited before the Lord, and I hope it was a time of Divine visitation to those who were present; from thence we went near the head of the waters at the Drowned Lands (so called) lodged at Elijah Pollard's, and next day being the first of the week, had a large meeting at his house, where came a mixture of people as to religious profession, and the Lord was graciously pleased to appear among us, and I understood that some acknowledged to the truth, for which my soul had cause to be thankful, it being a low time to my mind before the sitting of this meeting; we came from thence and lodged at Richard Gardner's, where we had a meeting the next day, at which there was a serjeant of the army, who, after the meeting, was in company with us many miles on our way towards [Page 146] North-river, and confessed to the principle of Truth as professed by us, and I thought that if he would resign his office as to outward war, and be faithful to knowledge, he might make a soldier for Christ; I found his spirit near to mine in many things relating to Truth, and parted with him in love; we lodged that night at an inn, and the next day crossed North-river ferry called Fish-kiln, and came to Joshua Sherman's, at whose house we had a solid tender meeting the next day, of many people, New-York government. Friends and others; then came to Oblong, lodged at Benjamin Ferriss's, and the next day were at that Monthly-Meeting, which altho' the day was very stormy, was attended by a number of Friends, and I thought with unity and satisfaction; the next day we came to John Howeg's and had a pretty good opportunity with many people; the day following had a long ride to Salisbury in Conecticut, Conecticut. lodged at Joshua Whitt's, and on the first day of the week were at a meeting in that place, where came a number of professors (but few of our society) among whom we had an open comfortable [Page 147] meeting; from hence we proceeded the next day towards a place called the Nine-Partners, New-York government. stopping on the way at a Friend's house to dine, had a solid time in the family, and the day following were at a meeting at the Nine-Partners, which was large, and Truth reigned in a good degree among us, I hope to the praise of the Master of our assemblies; the next we passed over Wapping-creek, had a meeting at a Friend's house, where came many people, and it was a heart-tendering time; the next place where we had two meetings, was Swego, the first of which was small, but a comfortable time; the other was large, and I thought the word of life prevailed in a good degree among us, for which a remnant had cause to be united in praise and thanksgiving to the Author of Life and Power; from thence we went towards Oblong, and the next day visited our two antient Friends John Howeg and wife, where came several of their neighbours and sat down with us, and the Divine Presence appeared among us in a powerful manner in a little mean cottage, wherein my spirit was [Page 148] refreshed before the Lord, and had a kind reception with those present; we were next at Oblong meeting, at which was a large number of people, who were faithfully warned and advised to keep in the fear of God, and Truth seemed to have a reach on the hearts of some; from thence we went to Dobson Wheeler's at New Milford in Conecticut, Conecticut. and the day following were at a large meeting in the meeting-house, where was a marriage, and a laborious time to my spirit among the people, but I hope of some service, their behaviour being in the main as well as might be expected, being mostly of other professions; we returned to Oblong, and were at the week day meeting, which was a time of poverty and suffering in spirit in some degree; we staid their Quarterly-Meeting of ministers and that for business, also their first day meeting, the last of which was very large, and in a good degree owned with the best of help, I hope to the glory of God, and was a time of loving parting with a number of dear Friends living thereaway; we went home with Samuel Field, and had a meeting [Page 149] at a place called Peach-pond, which was pretty large and solid; and altho' a great part of this journey thus far was mountainous, the roads stony, and wearisome and trying to body and spirit, yet through the Lord's loving kindness and tender mercy, I at times enjoyed peace of mind; being enabled to perform in this hard travel what I apprehended to be required of me by him who is worthy of praise and thanksgiving for evermore! New-York government. the two next meetings were Amawack and Shapaquah, which were large, and I hope well in the main; from thence we came towards a place called the Purchase, lodged at a Friend's house, and in the night was a time of rain, lightning, and thunder, by which, some distance from this place, as we were told, a poor black slave was killed, concerning whom two brothers had been disputing their right of property, and one of them had said that he would cut him in two but he would have his half of him; but through the permission of Divine Providence his time was shortened, and they must resign their claim to him; the next day we attended [Page 150] the meeting at the Purchase, which was large, also visited a family in affliction, both which were solid seasons; lodged that evening at Edward Burling's, and had a solid sitting in that Friend's hopeful family of young people; our next meeting was at Mamarineck, then at West-Chester, where came Samuel Emlen jun. John Haydock, and Haydock Bowne from New-York to see us, their company afforded much comfort to my spirit; this meeting being attended with life and near unity, made it a comfortable edifying season; we had the company of Matthew Franklin and William Mott at most of the meetings to this place from Oblong, two examplary Friends, and serviceable in the ministry; Long-island. from hence we passed over White-stone ferry to Long-island with several Friends, and Matthew Franklin took my companion and me to his house, where we had a kind reception; the next meeting we were at was Flushing, and they were warned against the ways of unrighteousness, and the well-minded among them I hope encouraged; the next day we visited several Friends in affliction, [Page 151] one of whom was Clement Willis, a pious tender woman, at Bethpage, Long-island. who seemed almost helpless as to bodily strength, and told us she had been in that condition thirty-one years, her frame of mind was heavenly, and appeared to be well contented in the will of Divine Providence; the day following we attended Bethpage meeting, which was large and solid, we were also at Setacket, and had a large good meeting; from thence we went to Samuel Willis's and lodged; the meetings following were at Matinicock, Oyster-bay, and Jerico, which were large and solid seasons; from Jerico we went to William Lime's and lodged, and on the first day of the week was at Westbury meeting, which was very large, and attended with hard close labour, but I hope in the gift of life and power that God giveth; we came that evening to Benjamin Duesenbury's, and were the next day at a meeting at Jacob Mott's, which was large and an awful season; we then went to the widow Pearsal's, who was an antient Friend, and a family I had long been acquainted with, whom I had reason to remember in near [Page 152] fellowship in the church; Long-island. after a meeting the next day at Cow-neck, we went home with Matthew Franklin, and attended the Yearly-Meeting at Flushing, which was very large, and I trust in a good degree owned with the presence of God; Joshua Emlen left me before the conclusion of this meeting, in order to return home, on account of his son being to embark soon for England; when the meeting ended I went with several Friends to Richard Hallett's, and the next day crossed the Narrows to Staten-island, New-Jersey. and thence with Joseph Shotwell to his home, and after having meetings at Rahway, Woodbridge, and Plainfield, to some satisfaction, accompanied by him and his wife over Amboy ferry, we went to Nathan Tilton's, and from thence to Shrewsbury, where I attended two large meetings, which I hope were in the main well; after the last I went home with James Tucker, my father's cousin, and staid one night, and the next day himself and son, and Joseph Wardel conducted me to Squan, where we had a large meeting, which was an open solid tender season, somewhat relieving [Page 153] to my spirit; lodged at Thomas Tilton's, who the next day accompanied me to Amos Middleton's, in or near Burlington county, and the day after, through the good providence of God, my alone helper through Christ in the way of true obedience to his blessed will, Philadelphia. I got home to my outward habitation, being the 7th day of the sixth month, 1764.
ON the 3d day of the second month, 1766. 1766, Pennsylvania. after our (Quarterly-Meeting in Philadelphia, I sat out from home with several Friends towards Haverford, lodged that night at George Smith's, and was the next day at a large meeting at Haverford, to satisfaction, Chester county. and then proceeded to the meetings at Newtown, Radnor, and Goshen, which were large; and attended with life and the Lord's good Presence and near unity with Friends; afterwards I attended the Quarterly-Meeting of ministers at Concord, in which my mind was deeply engaged for the maintaining of gospel love and unity, and real fellowship among ministers and Elders, and the Lord was pleased to give [Page 154] me an open door, that I believe the labour was well received; Chester county. Pennsylvania. and on the first day of the week, I went to Birmingham meeting, which was large, and they were faithfully warned in the fear of God; the next day I attended the Quarterly-Meeting for the affairs of the church at Concord, which was very large, and owned with the best of favour; after this meeting I attended meetings at Kennet, Wilmington, Center, and Chichester, some of which were very large, and the Lord's heart-tendering power and presence much favoured most of those opportunities, and Friends were affectionate and kind; after the last meeting I went home with Benjamin Sharpless and wife, and lodged at his house, and the next night at Nathan Yarnal's, with whose hopeful family in the way of truth, I had comfort of mind; the day following being the first of the week, was at Middletown meeting, which was large, Friends coming from several distant places, and through Divine favour, it appeared to be a solemn time, dined at Thomas Minshall's, and had I hope a profitable sitting with [Page 155] a number of dear young people and others, and was the next day at Providence meeting, which was owned with the virtue of life and power in waiting upon God; from thence I went to William Fell's, where lived his aged father Thomas Fell, who had been blind several years, and lately again received his sight, whom I thought to be a living Friend in the Truth, and I hope in favour with the Lord; the next day I was at a large meeting at Springfield, in which I trust they were faithfully warned and advised in gospel love, I lodged that night at Jonathan Maris's, came the next day to the Valley, and the day following had a meeting there, to which several Friends came from distant places, and it was a time of comfort to my mind, Philadelphia county. then went home with Israel Jacobs, crossed the river Schuylkill at Richardson's ford, and attended a meeting the next day at New-Providence, where came many people, it was a time of deep and close labour, but I hope tended to edification; then went to John Jones's and lodged, and was at Gwyned (or North-Wales) meeting on the first day of the week, which was [Page 156] large, Bucks county. and an open comfortable season, I then went to John Child's and staid two nights, and from thence to a large meeting at Plumsted, in which they were warned in the Lord's fear, and it appeared to be a time of profit to a solid remnant; after this I went to the Quarterly-Meeting at Wright's-town in Bucks county, of ministers and for the discipline, the last of which was large, and each owned with near unity among Friends, and gospel labour extended I hope to good purpose, Mordecai Yarnal and John Pemberton being also at this meeting; the next meeting was at Makefield, which was large, and comfortably owned with life and power in the Lord's strength, and was a solemn awful season; went to see a sick Friend, where many Friends met, it was an opportunity of much tenderness and brokenness of heart, wherein I had relief and satisfaction; lodged that night at Mahlon Kirkbride's, New-Jersey. and the next day crossed the river Delaware near Trenton with some other Friends, altho' a very rough passage, we were mercifully preserved, for which my heart has been [Page 157] thankful to the Lord, New Jersey. lodged that night at William Morris's, and on the first day of the week was at Trenton meeting, where assembled a pretty many people, Friends and others, and altho' it was a hard suffering time to my spirit, wherein I was deeply baptized in that place, I had some comfort in the company of some Friends thereaway; I came from thence and lodged at Marmaduke Watson's, and the next night at John Syke's, and the day following had a meeting in Bordentown, to satisfaction in a good degree; then went to Samuel Satterthwait's, and had a meeting the next day at Mansfield, at which considering the short notice, and it being a wet day, there were many people, and we had a solid season together; from thence went to Benjamin Field's, and the day following attended the Monthly-Meeting at Croswicks, which was large, and an open edifying season in the meeting for worship; then to Peter Harvey's, and the next day went to a meeting at Old-Springfield, which was large, and several things ran through me in the spring of life to aged and youth, as [Page 158] advice in near love to the cause of Truth, and for the welfare of God's people; New-Jersey. the day following I had a meeting at Mansfield-neck, where came many people, and it was a time of good satisfaction; the next day was at a large meeting at New-Springfield, which was attended with close labour, and faithful warning extended to the people, then went to Joseph Lamb's, where I was some what detained by a storm of snow, when it moderated I got forward, with my beloved Friend William Jones, to Little-Egg-harbour, to our kind Friend John Ridgway's, and the day following with him visited several families of Friend's, and went to see Christian Osborn, an antient Friend reckoned to be upwards of ninety years of age, who was mother and grandmother to many that were valuable in the way of Truth, we had a tender time in the family, I hope to some profit and edification; the day after, I attended the Monthly-Meeting at Little-Egg-harbour, which was in a good degree owned with Divine favour, and the life of the gospel power, and many people were present; being prevented by stormy weather some [Page 159] days from crossing the river to Great-Egg-harbour, till the first day of the week, New-Jersey. I then came with divers Friends to the Upper-meeting on that river, which was large for that place, and tended to edification and comfort; after which went home with Japhet Leeds, and he accompanied me that evening to Joseph Mapes's, where we lodged, and the next day were at a meeting near his house; from thence proceeded to Cape-May, in company with some Friends, lodged at Isaac Townsend's, and was the next day at a large meeting for that place, at the Lower meeting-house, to some degree of satisfaction, in which I laboured to turn the minds of the people to Christ our free and infallible teacher, and there appeared a tender-hearted few among them; I then went forward to Cohansy, and had a meeting somewhat large, and a laborious time at Greenwich, which being in gospel love, I trust tended to edification; I then came to Joseph Gibson's, and had a solid sitting in the family, his wife being much afflicted with a cancer, by which it was said she had lost one of her eyes, and almost the sight of the other, but was in a patient [Page 160] frame of mind; then went to James Daniel's, New-Jersey. and the next day to Salem to the burial of the wife of John Mason, on which occasion we were favoured with an awful solemn meeting, went home with Samuel Nicholson, and the next day had a solid sitting with an afflicted family in our way to Lower-Alloways-creek meeting, which was very large, wherein I gave up to spend and be spent in fervent love and gospel labour, and hope it was a blessed season to a number there present; from thence I came with several Friends to Benjamin Thompson's at the Glass-works, and the day following we had a large meeting at Upper-Alloways-creek, much to the satisfaction of some present, in which having cleared my spirit, I came away relieved in my mind; then went to Zacheus Dun's, and was at a large meeting the next day at Pilesgrove, which I trust was a time of profit to Friends and others, after this meeting went to Solomon Lippincot's, and the next day attended a large meeting at Upper-Greenwich, which was a time of hard labour, after which I came home, being on the 26th day of the [Page 161] third month, 1766; the Lord alone being worthy of all praise, Philadelphia. glory and honour for evermore! some of the meetings in this journey were (I thought) the largest in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, that I had seen before in visiting those parts, a great number of young people coming up on the stage of life, who I wish may be an army for Christ.
IN the same year and the sixth month, New-Jersey. I visited Evesham, Chester, and Rancocas meetings in the Jerseys, most of them being large, and attended with near unity with such as were I hope honest-hearted towards God; in the same month, a weighty concern attended Friends at our monthly meeting, Philadelphia. on account of a company of stage-players, that came to the city in order to erect a theatre to exhibit their pernicious diversions, to prevent which, and declare our testimony against their proceedings in a thing of so bad a tendency for corrupting the minds of the people, leading them from the fear of the Lord into vanity; Friends agreed to address our Govenor, John Penn, requesting [Page 162] him to interpose with his authority, to prevent the same, who being then at Shrewsbury, and Friends desirous to forward their address with a view to the good of our city and people; saw fit to appoint Mordecai Yarnal, John Pemberton, Joshua Emlen and myself, to go to Shrewsbury, and present it to him, it being about seventy miles from Philadelphia; we accordingly proceeded, and discharged our message; but the Governor we found had given liberty and his promise to the players, so that we had no prospect of obtaining redress from him; yet I trust that Friends and we were clear in thus discharging our duty to God and man in this respect; I returned home on the 2d of the month following, and enjoyed a degree of peace, having some solid sittings in some Friends families on our return, and an opportunity of seeing some whom I valued in the truth.
Philadelphia.AFTER these two journies this year, I kept much at home, and in obedience to the Lord, and in love to the inhabitants of this city, laboured in sincerity for their [Page 163] welfare.—In 1767 I attended the Yearly-Meeting at Salem, which was very large, Salem in New-Jersey. and much favoured with a visitation of gospel love and power, to the rejoicing the hearts of the faithful among Friends; on my way to this meeting, I took the week day meeting at Woodbury-creek, and on my return the youth's meeting at Pilesgrove, which was large, and both of them tending to solid satisfaction;—I had also some comfortable meetings in some families.
AFTER this journey I was at several meetings in this province and New-Jersey, some of which were large and I hope beneficial to the well-minded, one of them was at the burial of William Paxson, at Neshamany in Bucks county, which was an awful solemn time, and a great gathering of people; after these opportunities I staid much in the city, sincerely labouring for the prosperity of Truth in our own meeting, with the faithful belonging to the same, until I found a draft on my mind to visit some meetings in the Jerseys, and the particular families of [Page 164] Friends belonging to Chester meeting, 1768. a branch of Evesham Monthly-Meeting, which I performed in the twelfth month, 1768, New-Jersey. in much love, faithfully labouring both in the families where I went with my cousin John Lippincot and wife, Edmund Hollinshead, and John Roberts, also in the several public meetings, which were large, and chiefly in Burlington county, being eight in number, besides one with the Indians at Edgepelick (or Brotherton) where Divine Strength was afforded to proclaim the council and will of God through Christ, as I apprehended, and in the performance of this labour of love, I enjoyed great comfort of mind, and near unity with Friends, my visits to whose families were generally opportunities of kind reception, and such openness and brokenness of heart in many places, that it bespoke a day of visitation of God's love to their souls, and I wish it may be ‘as bread cast on the waters, that may be found after many days.’ Having performed this labour of love, I visited several meetings in this province and New-Jersey, and attended the burials of some valuable [Page 165] Friends at distant places, some of which opportunities were much to my satisfaction and solid comfort, as were the beneficial and profitable seasons at home, wherein I had to enjoy at times the Lord's living presence in the best of strength, and Divine liberty that is in the gospel, with my dear Friends of our own meeting.
AFTER this I found drawings in my mind of love towards Friends at Long-island and thereaway, 1769. and having the concurrence and unity or my dear Friends at our Monthly-Meeting, in the eighth month, 1769, I went forward, some Friends accompanying me; the first night I lodged at Robert Collison's, Bucks county. and the next day attended the Quarterly-Meeting at the Falls in Bucks county, where was Rachel Wilson from England, and a very large meeting, and I hope a time of profit to many; I was also at their youth's meeting the next day, which was comfortably attended with the love of God, and with near unity with Friends; after meeting dined at Mahlon Kirkbride's, then rode through Delaware ford, and reached [Page 166] that day Samuel Worth's, and the next Joseph Shotwell's, New-Jersey. and the day following being the first of the week, was at two meetings at Rahway, with our Friend Samuel Emlen jun. to some degree of satisfaction, then went with him and several other Friends to New-York, New-York. and engaged with him in visiting the families of Friends in that city, which we performed to about forty families, attended their Monthly-Meeting to some degree of comfort, and had several open times in places, wherein I hope the Lord's precious seed was watered through his blessed presence; my mind was much relieved of a burden that had lain upon me, and having met with a kind reception among Friends there, I went from thence to Westbury on Long-island, Long-island. where we had a large meeting on the first day of the week, which was favoured with Divine help, living comfort and near unity with Friends, where came my kind companion Joshua Cresson, who I had left at Rahway when on our way to New-York; after this meeting visited some Friends families, and the next day were at a burial, [Page 167] and the day following at the youth's meeting in the same place, Long-island. from whence we went to Matinicock, and Oyster-bay, where were two large meetings to good satisfaction, and on our way to John Willis's, we called with several Friends to see Clement Willis, who as I have already mentioned, had been confined through infirmity of body between thirty and forty years, and could not walk or stand alone, as I apprehend, most of that time; we were owned together in waiting upon the Lord by his living presence, and the dear afflicted Friend expressed, that she did not know that she ever had a more satisfactory time, and I hope it was a season of profit to several of us then present; on the first day following we were again at Westbury meeting, which was large, and I hope they were faithfully warned in gospel love, to the satisfaction of Friends; from Long-island we crossed over the Sound into Conecticut, Conecticut. to a place called Middlesex, in company with Matthew Franklin, John Wells, John Cock, Thomas Symonds and some others, distance about twenty miles by water, where was [Page 168] a small meeting under the name of Friends, a pretty many people came there, Conecticut. who behaved soberly, and we were comforted together, an openness appearing to receive the testimony of Truth; the next day we had a solid time with a Friend who was weak in body, and in the family, that seemed glad of the opportunity, receiving us kindly, and some who did not make profession with us were extraordinary so, and used us with much civility, and were helpful in assisting us to get to return to Long-island, Long-island. after our arrival there, we visited the following meetings, viz. Bethpage, Westbury, Jacob Mott's, the Monthly-Meeting at Westbury, also had a large meeting at Jerusalem, in which places I trust the Lord owned the labour of love bestowed among the people, there being I thought great openness in the hearts of Friends and others not professing with us; after these opportunities and having visited upwards of fifty particular families belonging to Westbury meeting, we parted with Friends in tender love, and came with our kind Friends and fellow-helpers Matthew Franklin and John [Page 169] Willis to Cow-neck, and had there a large and I hope a good meeting; Long-island. after which we went to our Friend Phebe Dodge's, who had crossed the seas to England in the service of Truth; we here met our Friends Samuel Willis and wife, and several of their hopeful children, and it being a time of comfort, I was glad of our being together in that nearness of spirit, wherein consists the best fellowship; the next day we visited several Friends with Matthew Franklin, on our way to his house, some of whom were confined through weakness of body, and I hope our calling to see them, gave them some encouragement of mind, through the Lord's tender mercy extended towards us; our next meetings were at Flushing and Newtown, in which I hope I was clear as to religious labour among them; after the last meeting I came away with several Friends and my companion, peaceful in mind, to New-York, and the day and part of the night following got as far as Princetown in New-Jersey, and the next day reached home, Philadelphia. where I again found a kind reception from my beloved Friends, and the best of peace [Page 170] attending my mind; the Lord alone being worthy of all the praise for evermore!
Philadelphia.AFTER my return home, deep and weighty labour fell to my lot in our meetings, as at many other times among Friends in this city; I also visited several who were weak in body, and some who were in deep affliction; and in the eleventh month this year, I attended Frankfort, Fair-hill, and Providence meetings, appointed by our worthy Friend Rachel Wilson, which were very large, and owned with a gospel visitation to the people; after the last meeting our said dear Friend went to Chester, and the same day embarked on board a ship bound for London, in order to return home with the wellwishes and prayers, I believe of a number, for her preservation and safe arrival; her faithful labours and diligent travels having given great satisfaction to many Friends and other people in America; Chester county Pennsylvania. from Chester in company with Joshua Cresson, I came that night to George Miller's, and the next day went to Goshen Monthly-Meeting, which was a time of good [Page 171] satisfaction to my mind, and I believe to others; Chester county. from hence we went on our way towards Concord Quarterly-Meeting, which we attended, and it was large and relieving to my mind, finding nearness of spirit among Friends; also visited Birmingham meeting on the first day, and the general (or youth's) meeting at Chester, and had several solid opportunities in places in the families of Friends, that both those meetings and the family visits, were I believe to edification and comfort; Friends being kind and loving, I returned home with a degree of peace in my own mind.
IN the same month I went with my Friend Israel Pemberton to the first day meeting at Bybury, Bucks county. at which was Joseph White, who in his public testimony was led to be remarkably particular, as to the state of the meeting that day, which I believe was wished by many that it might have its desired proper service; the next day I came with my Friend Israel to the Monthly-Meeting at Abington, through a great deal of rain, the meeting was small but something satisfactory; on the seventh [Page 172] day of the week following, I went into the Jerseys, New-Jersey. stopped that evening at Aquila Jones's, and had a sitting in the family, where was a number of slaves, in which opportunity I found liberty to advise and caution all present in much love and good will, and I believe it was kindly received; the next day I was at the meeting at Newtown in Glocester county, at which were many people, and to some good degree of satisfaction; having for a number of years had a desire at times for the growth of Truth in that place, I was made to rejoice of late, that Friends had agreed for sometime past to hold a meeting there once a month, the house being good, and many people living no great distance, and altho' the meeting had been dropt for several years, I trust as it is again revived, that if it be continued, the Lord through his tender and merciful visitation, may be pleased to place his name among them.
1770.IN the course of my religious labours and travels, a number have been reached unto by conviction, and several convinced [Page 173] of the blessed truth, as I have understood, some of whom remained serviceable among Friends, which I just mention as the Lord's blessing upon his own work, who is worthy of all the praise, glory, and honour for ever!—I know I have endeavoured to serve him in fear and trembling, and frequently have been bowed under a sense of my great unworthiness; but great hath been his mercy and power, extended towards me a poor tribulated sufferer in spirit, for the blessed seed's sake; magnified be his eminent name! he hath hitherto been my rock, fortress, and deliverer, and through his great kindness, I have a fixed hope in my mind of his salvation, through Christ Jesus my dear redeemer, whose glorious name let it be signified and adored for evermore!
TWO EPISTLES, Wrote after his return from his Journey to North-Carolina.
EPISTLE I. To Friends at their Monthly-Meeting at Perquimons in North-Carolina.
IN a measure of the same love that attended my mind when present in body among you, I take this freedom now to salute you in spirit, wishing the health and prosperity of the precious truth in every particular branch thereof; we as a people profess it to lead us into all truth, which is the greatest profession in the world, and is the most sure and safe for all the truly living and acting members of the mystical body and church of Christ, [Page 176] to be guided by the wisdom and nature of it in all things, to the glory of God.
AND dear Friends, keep in the peaceable wisdom and love of God, for ‘God is love, and Christ hath commanded us to love one another,’ as also one of his servant's adviseth to love as brethren; let nothing break the unity that is in the true faith and peaceable spirit of Christ our holy head; but dear brethren; be of one mind in his righteous cause, in a particular manner in maintaining decency and good order in his church, that his church may be built and supported by living stones, and his vineyard kept clean and thriving with living branches, such that may bring forth much good fruit to the praise of God!—My spirit according to my measure is often with such among you, that have the weight of the Lord's work on your shoulders, and I have many times been comforted in remembring the refreshing and edifying seasons of the power and presence of Christ that we have enjoyed together, in that ability he was pleased to afford unto us, when it was my [Page 177] lot to be in your parts; and I thought myself to be in a good degree clear as to my religious duty, only with respect to the meeting for business, it gave me some pain of mind, that there was no distinction made betwen such that were of our own family (Friends in unity) and those of other persuasions, by allowing them the same privilege with Friends, in siting in those meetings, to see and observe the remarks on your own proper business, and they having no proper right as members in the society, it must needs weaken the testimony, and the right labour of faithful Friends, and expose the management of such meetings to the vain and libertine conversation of the world, and so cause the way of Truth to be evily spoken of, as also give great pain and exercise to the sincere-hearted.
IT is in much love and tenderness, that I have thus expressed myself in this respect, and to ease the weight that has been on my mind, from a thought of that unusual custom, not allowed among Friends in other places where the authority of [Page 178] Truth takes place; I wish it may be reformed among you so as to have it otherwise, which I believe will be more to the advantage of the church among yourselves, and greater satisfaction to the Lord's servants that may come to visit you in gospel love; it had been better for me, I have thought, had I embraced the opportunity to have eased my spirit when we were together, but a backwardness prevented which I had rather had not happened; but if this is received in the same love that it is intended, I hope it may answer the same good design.
I DO not in the least desire by what I have mentioned, that any disrespect be shewn to those of other religious denominations, or to prevent their coming to our meetings for worship, or any christian office of love in any suitable way and manner, so that it be consistent with our holy profession, but with respect to what I have hinted, I have thought it an imposition and disorderly in such to expect any such privilege, and I wish that Elders may exert their authority, such that the Holy [Page 179] Ghost may make overseers, and that they may be preserved, so as to look well to themselves, and to the flock of Christ, and that the same powerful faith that hath been the foundation of the righteous in all ages, may be their strength and support, so as to rule well, and to be worthy of double honour, they labouring and enduring in the spirit of love and meekness, to do the Lord's work with pure hearts and clean hands, seeking that honour that comes from God only, that he may be pleased to fulfil his gracious promise, to honour those that honour him, that by their being good examples to the flock, the youth and all that go under our name, may follow them as they follow Christ, and my heart is tenderly affected before the Lord on account of the rising youth, who are coming upon the stage of life, and are reached I believe, many of them, by the same good shepherd's voice that visited many of us, by the powerful call of grace and faith to salvation, that they may daily partake of heavenly bread, and nourishment to their souls, so as to grow strong in the Lord, and in the power of [Page 180] his might, and they kept faithful to Divine Knowledge and the blessed yoke of Jesus Christ, so as to live in the fear of God, and prosper in those things that are consistent with Truth's testimony, obedience to parents, true moderation, plainness of speech and apparel, and out of the vain conversation of the ungodly; for the ways of the ungodly shall perish.—And let all the tribulated and faithful followers of the Lamb, be encouraged to keep your heavenly places in Christ, for he hath told us, that ‘Greater is he that is in you, than they that are in the world,’ and let none ‘be weary in welldoing, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not.’
IN true love I salute you, and wish that grace, mercy, and peace may increase and be multiplied among you;
EPISTLE II. To Friends at their Quarterly-Meeting at New-Garden in North-Carolina.
IN true and brotherly love, I take this opportunity to salute you, having been desirous according to my measure, that the Lord's glorious work and truth may prosper in your parts, and prevail to the glory and honour of his most excellent name and praise, that hath planted a number of families, not many years since in that wilderness, with a design I trust, that he might have a fruitful field or garden, yielding pleasant fruits, and be a sweet savour to him.
And dear Friends;
LET the awful sense of the great care and tender mercy, and good Providence of God towards his flock and family be thankfully remembred, so as to walk worthy of his grace and goodness towards [Page 182] you; and let the love of God in Christ prevail in your hearts, and brotherly love one towards another in the unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace; that there may be no hurting or destroying in all the Lord's holy mountain; but a care that you may be preserved in the faith and fellowship of the saints in light, that you may be as lights and way-marks to others, ruling well in your places and stations in the church of Christ, in the meekness and patience, humility and charity, as becomes the followers of the Lamb, looking to him, the true guide of his flock, to be led in and out that you may find pasture, and the best wisdom to direct your steps in the way of peace, and establish your goings in righteousness; that you may be a peculiar people zealous of good works, having a regard to truth's honour, and true moderation in all things, living in the cross of Christ, more than to mind temporal things or the profits of this world, that God's righteous seed may grow and thrive in all your minds, to the bringing forth plentifully such fruits that best please him; and as you are willing to be one with the [Page 183] pure seed, and to suffer with it, I hope you will enjoy the blessed promise of reigning with the same in the Lord's time, and that all hurtful things that are like briars and thorns, which would choak or hurt this precious seed, or sow discord among brethren, may be watched and guarded against, so as not to allow of hardness of heart, prejudice, or illwill one against another, the nature of which is contrary to the heavenly peace and sweet fellowship of Christ's kingdom, that consists of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost;—and as I wish for the aged to keep their ranks in righteousness, so I desire for the youth and rising generation, that they may come up in the foot-steps of the flock of Christ's companions, and adhere unto the true monitor and just witness of Truth in their own breasts, living near to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that they may be a people to God's praise, minding his early and tender visitations to their souls, and the good advice and care of their Godly parents and best Friends, and flee from youthful lusts and wantonness, wherein many go in the way to destruction, [Page 184] and occasion great pain and affliction, sometimes to themselves and nearest Friends when it is too late.
MY prayers are for their lasting welfare and for you all; and wish that brotherly love may rule and abound among you, it being ‘good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity; it is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.—As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Sion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore!’ Psal. cxxxiii.
There being no other written Memorial of our
Friend BENJAMIN TROTTER, between whom and
DANIEL STANTON, a long uninterrupted friendship subsisted; it is thought the subjoining the following here, may be acceptable to
Friends in general.
The TESTIMONY of the MONTHLY MEETING of FRIENDS in Philadelphia, concerning our beloved Friend and Brother, BENJAMIN TROTTER, who was born in this City, in the ninth Month of the Year, 1699.
HE was one whom the Lord early visited, and reached unto by the reproofs of his Divine Light and Grace, for those youthful vanities and corrupt conversation, which by nature he was prone to and pursued, to the grief of his pious mother, who was religiously concerned to restrain him, but as he became obedient to the renewed visitations of the heavenly call, denying himself of those things he was reproved for, he not only learned to cease from doing evil, but to live in the practice of doing well; and continuing faithful, became an example of plainness and self-denial, for which he suffered much scoffing and mocking of those who had been his companions in folly; yet he neither fainted nor was turned aside by the reproaches of the ungodly, which thus fell to his lot, for his plain testimony against their evil conduct.
[Page 2]IN the twenty-sixth year of his age, he appeared in the work of the ministry, and laboured therein in much plainness and Godly sincerity, adorning the doctrine he preached, by a humble circumspect life and conversation, being exemplary in his diligence and industry to labour honestly for a livelihood, though often in much bodily infirmity and weakness, desiring, as he sometimes expressed, that he might owe no man any thing but love. His inoffensive openness and affability, drawing many of different denominations to converse with him, he had some seasonable opportunities of admonishing and rebuking the evil doer and evil speaker, which he did, in the plainness of an upright zeal for the promotion of piety and virtue, tempered with true brotherly kindness and charity; respecting not the person of the proud nor of the rich, because of his riches, but with Christian freedom, declaring the truth to his neighbour, and was thus in private as well as public, a preacher of righteousness.
IN his public ministry he was zealous against errors both in principle and practice, and constantly concerned to press the nessity of obedience to the Principle of Divine Grace; Tit. ii. 11. a manifestation of which is given to every man; knowing, from his own experience, that it bringeth salvation to all them that obey and follow it's teachings [Page 3] and was frequently enabled with energy and power to bear testimony to the outward coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, his miraculous birth, his holy example in his life and precepts, and his death and sufferings at Jerusalem, by which he hath obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb. ix. 12 & 14.
IN his public testimony a little before his last sickness, he expressed his apprehensions, that his time among us would be short, and fervently exhorted to watchfulness and care, to keep our lamps trimmed, and our lights burning, and urged the necessity of being prepared to meet the bridegroom, as not knowing at what hour he will come.
HE travelled several times, and visited most of the meetings of Friends in this province and New-Jersey, and some in the adjacent provinces, but was not much from home; being upwards of forty years a diligent attender of our religious meetings in this city, zealously concerned for the maintaining our Christian discipline in meekness and true charity, careful in the exercise of that part of pure religion, visiting the widow and fatherless in their afflictions, and often qualified to administer relief and consolation to their dejected minds.
AFFLICTIONS of divers kinds, and some very deep and exercising, fell to his lot through the course of his life, which [Page 4] he was enabled to bear with exemplary patience and resignation, and particularly through his last illness, in which, for upwards of six weeks, he underwent great difficulty and pain, being afflicted with the asthma and dropsy, so that he suffered much, yet was never heard to utter a murmur or complaint, but frequently expressed his thankfulness, that he had not more pain, and often engaged in prayer, that he might be preserved in patience to the end, which was graciously granted him; so that he was capable of speaking to the comfort and edification of those who visited him; and from the fervent love of the brethren, which evidently appeared thro' his life, and most conspicuously during his last illness, and even in the hour of his death, we have a well-grounded assurance that he is passed unto life, and hath received the reward of the Righteous.
HIS body was attended by a great number of Friends and others, his fellow-citizens of divers religious denominations, to our Meeting-house in High-street, on the 24th of the third month, 1768, and after a solemn Meeting, in which several living testimonies were borne, was interred in our burial ground in this city.
ERRATA.
- Page xiii line 15, for as read was.
- xv line 8, for least read lest.
- Page 19 line 24, for gifs read gifts.
- 56 line 26, for thier read their.
- 96 line 19, for anothe read another.
- 101 line 6, for all us read all of us.
- 106 line 24 and 25, dele the were.