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20 the 4 Month 1794 I was now preparing to set out for my journey to the Eastern Governments I had the company of many friends for three days, and then in great poverty of spirit and in full unity and near and dear love to and with my friends I left my home my wife going with me to my daughter’s or son-in-law Abraham’s where I stayed all night
24 the 4 Month and then believing the time was full come to take my leave of wife and all we parted in near and dear love and I went on to Burlington not knowing where I should be led next for I said who is so blind as thy servants and messengers although poor as I was had a favored meeting and felt an increase of strength went to John Wright’s who went with me the next day towards Rahway we lodged at Elijah Pound’s having rode near forty miles I was very weary and soon went to bed but next morning felt refreshed had a solid time with the woman who seemed tendered for the most part I felt very insufficient to the work before me but through divine aid I had a little faith left in the all sufficient arm of divine power that has preserved me hitherto by traveling hard we got to the meeting at Rahway it being their Quarter on first day I went to Plainfield to a meeting held there this was a favored meeting and then returned to Rahway again and stayed till the meeting ended which was the 29 day of the 4 month 1794
30 the 4 month 1794 left Rahway and proceeded towards New York where I arrived about noon took my dinner and then [crossed out: went] in company with several friends went on board a boat and about the tenth hour at night arrived at Flushing got to our lodging was well received by friends here I met my horse by a friend from New York
1 the 5 month, 1794 this is their month meeting it was a laborious meeting to me this was a day of deep searching of heart but through divine favor felt an inward support and quiet of mind I stayed here till next day poor in spirit
2 the 5 month, 1794 here I left my horse and went to Westbury with a kind friend for such I have met with since I have left my home to my admiration blessed be God for his mercies great to his poor servant
3 the 5 month, 1794 this has been a day of renewed favor I had several solid sittings in families such as I believe truth owned I wish I may be humbly thankful for the same to the great preserver of men from whom all good comes
4 the 5 month, 1794 this day is first day was at Westbury meeting which was very large and highly favored truth was over all blessed be God who bringeth down the lofty from their seats and exalteth them of low degree I had some solid seasons in the afternoon in some families there being youth and others
5 the 5 month 1794 this morning am pretty well in health and am favored with an inward quiet which has been my support ever since I left my home though often in great poverty of spirit at times yet have no cause to murmur had a meeting at Cow Neck this was not large nor lively for want of more zeal yet power was given to labor for the cause of truth
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6 the 5 month 1794 this day I had a meeting at Matinecock which was large and a solid good meeting I felt such a degree of inward quiet that it is cause of thankfulness to the author of all good
7 the 5 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Oyster Bay which was very large it consisted mostly of people not of our society it was a favored meeting the people appeared solid and quiet from thence I went to Jericho
8 the 5 month 1794 this meeting at Jericho was large dull and heavy because of a lukewarm spirit but power was given to labor for the cause of truth in a close[?] way that seemed to be well received
9 the 5 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Jerusalem it was a very large meeting mostly not of friends but a solid favored one I believe to the tendering of many hearts blessed be God for his manifold mercies
10 the 5 month had a meeting at the Halfway Hollow [Half Hollow Hills?] not large after which I had a solid opportunity in the family
11 the 5 month had a meeting at Bethpage this was large it was an exercising time I was almost ready to give out but having some solid sittings in families seemed a little revived but continues poor in spirit I saw the necessity of keeping steady favored or not be things rough or smooth.
12 the 5 month 1794 had a meeting at Jacob Smith’s this was large and thought to be a favored meeting the largeness and solid sitting of the people was remarked as they was mostly not friend and where meetings were not usually held I went from meeting to meeting as an empty vessel but the Lord was pleased to fill my heart with life and power to labor for the exaltation of his great and glorious name who is God over all blessed forever
13 the 5 month 1794 this day had a meeting in a barn at Hempstead this was also large not many friend was a favored good meeting my mind seemed somewhat renewed in God our savior who has been mouth and wisdom tongue and utterance I was enlarged at this time I find the necessity after a time of favor to return to the king’s gate again under an humbling sense of the goodness of God who keeps from sinking below hope
14 the 5 month 1794 was at Westbury month meeting this was large but not lively lukewarmness prevailed they seemed at ease in Zion and content.
15 the 5 month 1794 this day Jericho month meeting this morning pretty well in health a good meeting I am poor in spirit but feel an inward calm.
16 the 5 month 1794 had a meeting at John Sering’s not large it was long in gathering but ended well
17 the 5 month 1794 had a meeting at Rockaway this was large and a solid good meeting at this was but two members the Lord was pleased to be mouth and wisdom tongue and utterance blessed be his great name who is God over all for human wisdom is not sufficient for thy work of Lord
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18 the 5 month 1794 was at Flushing first day meeting I with some solid friends of that meeting did believe when the meeting was left well a friend made some addition not to profit this needs great and guarded care so that from our desire to do good we do harm this I write for a caution
19 the 5 month 1794 visited a school had a solid opportunity respecting several matters this was well received though close[?]
20 the 5 month 1794 had a meeting at Newtown this was large and instructing here was but few friends here was a Presbyterian preacher who desired to have the liberty to speak as something rested on his mind and he thought not safe to quench the spirit but no reply was made what he had to say was in substance that he had been comforted in sitting with us and fully united with the doctrine delivered and requested a strict observation there unto without which no man could be saved for it was the doctrine of Christ himself and as old as the creation and could not be denied by any man let him profess what he will he said he was thankful that he had been with us I understand that he bore a good character and a moderate man but was never at a friends meeting before
21 the 5 month 1794 was at New York this is their preparative meeting day some close[?] labor I had in this meeting both with men and women to keep a guarded care over all their conduct and conversation during the meeting as now came on their yearly meeting that the cause may not suffer which they came about nor the honest enquirer be turned out of the way by the liberty that may be taken by friends
22 the 5 month 1794 visited several families to my comfort in this city
23 the 5 month was writing and paid some religious visits in this city
24 the 5 month 1794 this is the select meeting before the yearly meeting of business came on
25 first day these meetings was large but not so lively as could be wished
26 the 5 month 1794 after solid pause the business opened and a little entered on
27 the 5 month 1794 on to the thirty-first the meeting continued and it was thought to have been a favored season and much counsel given both in men’s and women’s part very suitable to their state
31 the 5 month 1794 this day the meeting ended and I felt poor in spirit and thought it safest to retire to my quarters and wait for further direction and counsel from God what to do next and where to go
1 the 6 month 1794 went on board the boat at New York the eighth hour for Flushing had a good passage got to the meeting in good season it was large and favored
2 the 6 month this morning crossed the bay to the mainland and was at Westbury meeting not large rather laborious but ended well here met me Hugh Judge and James Mott
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3 the 6 month 1794 was at Mamaroneck meeting this was large and favored in my passing along I had many solid opportunities in families
4 the 6 month 1794 was at Purchase Meeting this large but low and dull it is their preparative here was a number of plain dressed friends but life and zeal for truth’s cause was wanting ease and lukewarmness prevailed amongst the fore rank I had some close[?] work amongst them but ended well
5 the 6 month 1794 this morning set out for Rhode Island it was a trying season for I was unwell and felt something of my fits and having near two hundred miles to ride and no friends on the way caused me to look towards my close[?] this was more for the trial of my faith than any other way as I believe for after riding for forty seven miles that day felt my strength renewed faith and love to God increased blessed be his great name and that forever
6 the 6 month 1794 this day held my journey beyond my expectation had many deep and serious thoughts as my way was in an uncommon manner and my appearance and to the people this was trying to the first nature but I remembered what I preached to the people not to be ashamed of the Cross of Christ nor to deny him before men but let them that mock mock on but mind thee thy business and that is enough for thee and he was pleased to make hard things easy and bittersweet I feel an inward calm blessed be God
7 the 6 month 1794 this day proceeded on my way the road is very stony went about thirty miles to a friend’s house this was a comfort to my weary body
8 the 6 month 1794 went to Stonington [Hopkinton?] meeting this consisted not of friends but mostly of other people I clearly saw the necessity of a fresh supply of daily bread from heaven for human wisdom will not do for the Lord’s work this I am clear in great is my stripping at this time and poverty of soul but feel better
9 the 6 month 1794 this day was at Westerly meeting very small thought by the reason of the wetness of the day had a solid time in the family where I lodged
10 the 6 month 1794 was at Richmond meeting the woman where I lodged lost not the benefit of her friends’ company by being anxious in providing for them but came and her girls and sat with us in a solid manner and yet had enough to eat and some to spare this I write for encouragement to women [D: this anecdote occurs on 6/9/1794]
11 the 6 month 1794 this day was at West Kingstown meeting large and after had several solid seasons in families
12 the 6 month 1794 was at South Kingstown meeting large but long in gathering four of these last in Narragansett
this afternoon crossed two rivers three miles each got to Newport here my beloved friend Thomas Robinson met me as soon as I came on shore and took me to his house where I quartered during the yearly meeting which lasted five day in this I visited Portsmouth on first day this was large and favored
the yearly meeting was a low exercising time by that it ended I was poor in spirit at my friend Thomas Robinson’s I had a comfortable lodging himself wife and daughter Abigail being as kind as I could wish and company agreeable
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17 the 6 month 1794 this morning the yearly meeting ended and I went back across one of these rivers before mentioned to a little island called Canonicut where I lodged this night
18 the 6 month 1794 had a meeting at Canonicut the house was not large but much crowded it was thought that some of every family was there that lived on the island it was a solid good meeting in the afternoon crossed to Newport and so to Jacob Mott
19 the 6 month 1794 this day crossed a small ferry had a meeting at Tiverton this being wet day the number not large
20 the 6 month 1794 had a meeting at Little Compton this was very large so that the passage ways was full of people standing and some could not get into the house the people was very solid and quiet after the meeting came many both young and old not of our society to where we dined we had a solid sitting with them at which there was several of them were broken into tears and much tendered we had cause to bless magnify and praise the Lord we parted in feeling love
21 the 6 month 1794 had a meeting at New Rochelle this large the house could not hold the people they was solid and quiet
22 the 6 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Center large and in the afternoon at Newtown this was large and a good meeting
23 the 6 month had a meeting at Ponaganset not as large as the others
24 the 6 month 1794 had a meeting at Bedford this was dully and heavy by reason of a lukewarm drowsy spirit this prevailed amongst the foremost rank to my grief
25 the 6 month 1794 had a meeting at Long Plains and in the afternoon at Acushnet these was very large
26 the 6 month 1794 went on board the vessel in great poverty of spirit at Bedford bound for Nantucket sixty miles by water the first day there was but little wind and that contrary and the tide ahead as there was a place of danger and the tide low so that it was not safe to pass we laid at anchor for several hours till the tide made in our favor we was called on deck as there was no wind we must put out the oars for now was the time at high water to pass the place of danger we passed safe but what little wind there was yet contrary the captain as night was near thought best to run into an harbor I now began to think myself Jonah like and so it proved for in this harbor was a little town that I must visit that evening and the next day the wind blew fair we got to Nantucket just as the select meeting began this was a favored season 27 of 6 month
28 the 6 month 1794 this is their monthly meeting it was large I had a solid time both with men and women to their and my comfort
29 6 month 1794 this is first day was at two meetings very large solid and quiet the thirtieth was their select meeting small but favored.
1 the 7 month this their quarter at this time had another solid season both with men and women for business for many things had crept in amongst parents and children to wounding the cause of truth and their hurt
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2 the 7 month 1794 this is their quarterly meeting day in the afternoon had a select meeting with parents and heads of families this was not for public worship I had some close[?] work there was a large number and to outward appearance solid and plain but the life and power was wanting
3 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting in the forenoon at the other house [crossed out: of course] there being two in this town Nantucket in the afternoon with the young women had a meeting here was a large number this was an humbling time not to be forgot
4 the 7 month 1794 this day had three meetings the first at the eighth hour in the morning with the young men this was large but not so favored there seemed much rawness and insensibility of real good.
again at the second hour in the afternoon with the black both Negroes and Indians as they are much mixed in this place this large and to satisfaction
the fifth hour this day with those that was not members of any religious society and such others as chose to come this was very large and favored I believe held to the honor of the cause of truth and much to my comfort
5 the 7 month 1794 this day had no meeting but rode out about six miles to visit a friend and had a solid time in the family and on our return saw an herd of cows coming from pasture all through one pair of bars to the number of near five hundred they being fed on large commons there is but little fence on this island they plant corn not fenced these herdsmen tend the cattle for here lies many thousand acres of land that has no fence at all I never saw such a sight
6 the 7 month 1794 this is first day had two meetings this afternoon I visited several aged sick and infirm to their comfort
7 the 7 month 1794 this day took my leave of friends on Nantucket in near feeling love and went on board a vessel and went thirty miles by water to what is called the Vineyard it being an island I was some sick we landed at a place called Holmes’ Hole and went to William Coffin’s
8 the 7 month 1794 this morning I am poor in spirit and see but little how things may turn but think best to be still and say but little and let the Lord do as seemeth good to him for human wisdom is not sufficient to direct our ways we had a meeting here but not large though solid
9 the 7 month 1794 this morning went in a boat by water to a place called Woods’ Hole here I parted with my friend Jacob Mott who had been with me some time here I met my [crossed out: proposed companies] friend Thomas Rotch who had my horse and proposed to be my companion for some time we rode 8 miles this day
10 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Falmouth this was said by some to be the largest they ever saw at this place the people sat solid
11 the 7 month 1794 went to Yarmouth
12 the 7 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Yarmouth small it being rained
13 the 7 month 1794 was at Sandwich first day meeting not large and exercising.
14 the month 1794 had a meeting at Pembroke this large and favored
15 the 7 month 1794 this morning went to Taunton had a meeting in the afternoon here is a poor small old house and things in declining way there gathered a number of people not friends to my and their comfort they sat solid
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16 the 7 month 1794 this morning rode 30 miles to Rochester here is no friends at this place Benjamin Bump and his party has got the house from friends and holds a separate meeting I felt a desire to have a meeting at this place here we lodged at a tavern till next day that notice might be spread
17 the 7 month 1794 this morning feels in inward calm had a meeting at Rochester this is large [crossed out: is large] at the close I requested Benjamin Bump and his members would stay and the others withdraw this was no small trial to Benjamin for they all left him but three men and three women we had a solid time that seemed well taken and after we had dined went and visited Benjamin and wife and was well satisfied though things was laid close[?] yet well received we parted in love they signified their satisfaction
18 the 7 month 1794 this day began a visit to ministers and elders in the town of Bedford
19 the 7 month 1794 proceeded to visit the overseers this day
20 7 month 1794 this is first day was at two meetings and visited three families
21 the 7 month 1794 continues my visit to the active members
22 the 7 month 1794 continues the visit to all the rest that was members and some others that was infirm [crossed out: the]
23 the 7 month 1794 ends this visit to the satisfaction of the visitors and the visited so far as appeared this visit was [crossed out: at] in the town of New Bedford I parted with my friends in near feeling love and regard
24 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Freetown this was large but poor the people careless as to religion after I felt as a man without armor oh this inward support has not left me blessed be God forever saith my soul
25 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Somerset this not large but much as the other people seemed raw and careless
26 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Providence this not large yet very exercising I had some close[?] labor such as I thought would hardly be born well but not being clear requested friends and others to meet again at the fourth hour [crossed out: and if they pleased] to give notice to all the town if they pleased I was informed the governor living in this place went himself to inform the people although stormy yet a large gathering and solid it was a favored time some close[?] doctrine was delivered that was well taken by the people they learned to live in high life and full of pride then had a solid sitting with friends to our comfort this was a trying day but I believe ended well and to the honor of the cause of truth
27 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Cranston this was large but a very poor one till towards the end then truth was over all and they became solid
28 the 7 month 1794 had a meeting at Foster held in a private house this was large and solid so that they could not all get into the house
29 the 7 month 1794 was at Providence month meeting this was poor and dull [crossed out: the] in business I felt much as a pilgrim poor and stripped as a man knew nothing
30 the 7 month 1794 was at Smithfield month meeting this was very large in the fore part and favored the business managed well for the times for truth’s cause seemed low with them
31 the 7 month 1794 was at Uxbridge month meeting this was large in the fore part but rather poor and heavy
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Select Members:
James Davis
Benjamin Taber
Caleb Greene
Deborah Davis
Overseers:
Benjamin Taber
Thomas Hazard, Jr.
William Rotch, Jr.
Patience Austin
Amy Greene
Anna Hazard
Joseph Austin
Daniel Ricketson
Cornelius Howland
Joseph Russel
Abraham Russel
Matthew Howland
Cornelius Wing
Benjamin Taber, Jr.
Peleg Howland
Abraham Smith
Seth Russel
Barnabas Russel
John Howland
James Howland’s wife and children
William Russel’s children
Elizabeth Shepherd’s children
Shuball Bunker
Caleb Congdon’s wife
Thomas Akins’ wife and children
John Akins’ wife and children
Stephen Potter
Asa Smith
George Almy
Lydia Arthur
Abraham Ricketson’s Wife
Caleb Russel
Caleb Russel, Jr.
Thomas Rotch
Absent:
Isaac Howland
Reuben Swift
The above Friends were visited by our esteemed Joshua Evans from the 17th PM to the 23rd AM of the 7 mo. 1794 accompanied by his Friends Deborah Davis Caleb Green Thomas Rotch and Charity Rotch. Through the several sittings in said families, the ownings of divine favor was in a good degree evidenced, friends were in general mostly solid in attending to the cautious counsel and invitations to endeavor to come out of the several deep rooted customs so prevalent amongst us, to the hindrance and obstructing the work of reformation and regeneration and by preventing any fourth progress or introduction of those things which tend to leaven the mind into the customs and fashions of the world, not only to prevent but to put away such as may be removed out of sight. That our women Friends whose province it is to order the house may get together endeavor to unite consider and confer on the important subject what may be [crossed out: do] necessary to be done in order as effectually as may be to remove those things and to strengthen each other’s hands to encourage the youth in the paths and piety and virtue, that the next generation may be such as may be instrumental in advancing the cause and testimony of truth in the world, which must be by way of the cross
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beyond which there is laid up the crown of everlasting peace the sure reward of well doing. the close attention to the practical part of virtual religion
William Allen
Christopher Champlain
John Smith
Lydia Chase, Widow
Samuel Gould
Samuel Hailey
Avis Smith
Samuel Thomas
Abel Raynold
Jonathan Raynold
Benjamin Raynold
Tanner Raynold
Hannah Parish, Widow
Mary Jones
Philip Tillinghast
John Cozzins
Daniel E. Updike
Ruth Bizel
Benjamin L. Peckham
Samuel Hailey, Jr.
John Pearce
Samuel Brenton
Daniel Wall
The above named Families (most all of them belonging to no religious society were visited by our beloved Friend Joshua Evans from the morning of the 11th to the evening of the 12th of the 8 mo. 1794 accompanied by his companion and us. A good degree of weight and solemnity attended most of the families and the encouraging communications counsel and advices (of our esteemed Friend were kindly received (to the tendering of many hearts) which was not to seek the law at the priest’s lips, but turn the mind inward to the teachings of free grace given to all &c. Through the several sittings the ownings of divine favor was in a good degree evidenced, we believe to the edification and comfort of many honest enquirers of which there seems to be a considerable number here and having so freely united with him in spirit according to our measures that we feel desirous to give a testimony thereof—
Benjamin Raynold
Daniel Wall
Arnold Weeden
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2 the 8 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Glocester then rode nine miles to Elisha Steer’s there had another meeting under a tree as the weather was very warm these were large and favored here was a man that never had been at a friend’s meeting before he said the doctrine preached was such as he had never heard but it was the truth and could not be denied by any body profess what they may and much approved of the plain appearance that I made
3 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Lower Smithfield and in the afternoon at Providence these was both large but not so favored they being crowded and the weather warm the houses could not contain the people
4 the 8 month 1794 was at Greenwich month meeting this was large and laborious
5 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting Updike’s Newtown this was held in dwelling house not finished this was offered by a man not a friend this was large and favored I then went on board a vessel went ten miles by water to Rhode Island we had a pleasant passage of about one hour and a half
6 the 8 month 1794 this day was the quarterly meeting of ministers at Portsmouth, Rhode Island
7 the 8 month 1794 this was the meeting of business this was a dull time
8 the 8 month 1794 this the select members met and had a favored time of parting I then informed them of some further prospects I had in view though out of the common way with which they did unite and after had a meeting on a little island called Prudence here was a few friends lived the river was three miles wide this was a favored time
9 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting in the town of Newport in the forenoon with parents and heads of families by themselves this was a solid and favored time not to be forgot and in the afternoon with the young people this was large in these was much solid counsel given that was well taken
10 the 8 month 1794 was at their first day meeting in the afternoon and went by water fourteen miles to Updike’s Newtown we had pleasant passage with a fair wind in about two hours
11 the 8 month 1794 this day began a visit in this little to families not members of any religious society was at eleven families this day they appeared as sheep without a shepherd and sincere seekers of Zion’s ways their solid sitting and tenderness was a comfort to my heart
12 the 8 month 1794 I continued my visit to ten families not quite so solid this this evening had a sitting with all those tender people who chose to come this was such a time of favor as will not ever be forgot I believe by these poor things it was like a farewell season they seemed as though we could not part much solid counsel was given and well taken to my comfort we parted in near love and unity
13 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting in the aforesaid unfinished house the man the owner thereof ordered his carpenters to give way and let us have the house to hold a public meeting in if wanted he not living here in the town in the afternoon had a meeting at East Greenwich in the court house this was large
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14 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Warwick this was thought the largest and solidest that ever was seen at this place
15 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting in Providence the forenoon with friends only in the afternoon visited three ministers not friends we was kindly received but my prospect was not answered for I wanted these that was the leaders of the people to labor for a reformation for in this place was great dissipation and liberty but I found their hands was tied for they looked to the people for their maintenance and they was bound to please the public priests and people was alike
16 the 8 month 1794 this day forenoon visited three more ministers they received me very kindly in the afternoon visited the governor of Rhode Island and first judge of that place and one of the senators these visits was on the aforesaid account of the dissipation that prevailed in the town of Providence I thought these that stood as at the helm of government might have great influence but their hands was also weak though they acknowledged a reformation was wanting I wished them to make a beginning both by precept and example and not to be seen where these thing were so as to give countenance to them I did believe the youth might be helped they said they [crossed out: my labor] hoped my labor would not all be lost we parted in near love and if I came that way to pay them another visit
17 the 8 month 1794 this first day had a meeting Old Smithfield and another in the afternoon had a meeting at Cumberland in a Baptist meeting house at their request these was large and solid
18 the 8 month 1794 I had two meetings this day at Mendon and at Center hard laborious the people seemed unacquainted with stillness and was long a gathering
19 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Douglas this large and favored this house was in building and not finished their houses in general not large enough for the people
20 the 8 month 1794 was a second time at Glocester preparative meeting this not large here is a little solid number at the close[?] the men and women came together and had conference on the work of the reformation to good satisfaction
21 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Thomson this the most unpleasant that I have been at since I left home the people seemed wicked and unmannerly
22 the 8 month 1794 was at Leicester meeting this was favored here was a large number of scholars from the academy that with the others made a great show yet sat solid and behaved well and seemed very attentive
23 the 8 month 1794 [crossed out: had a meeting] rode twenty one miles and had no meeting
24 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Bolton this was large and laborious
25 the 8 month 1794 rode to Boston had no meeting this is a day of darkness and inward poverty the town is so noisy that I think it is a poor place for friends
26 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Boston in the town this was small and dull this was said the most orderly that had been seen in this place in the evening had all the members together not more than twenty this was a favored season
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27 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Lynn was large and laborious it is proposed to have another meeting with friends by themselves at the fifth hour this afternoon this was large and favored
28 the 8 month 1794 had a large meeting at Salem but the people being not acquainted with stillness it was laborious after this had two solid sittings with the most part of friends in this town to my comfort
29 the 8 month 1794 this day visited a sick family and rode 25 miles to Newbury
30 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Newbury this not large but favored we lodged at a friend’s that once had been baptized but to his great disappointment instead of its ministering life it ministered death.
30 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at Amesbury this small but favored
31 the 8 month 1794 had a meeting at [crossed out: Newton] Seabrook this large and favored
1 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Newton to the east of Boston [crossed out: this] small and favored
2 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Epping this was dull and heavy
2 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting the same day at Lee this was small and favored held in a private house in these parts is a solid body of friends
3 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Dover this was large and favored I as I am writing I feel a caution having so many favored seasons but I must give God the praise for I may say in truth there is none to me for never man could be more stripped than I am as I pass from meeting in so much that when I look to the grave it look pleasant if my days work was done but must not murmur but all is in wisdom and best for me to know nothing for human wisdom and study is not sufficient for the Lord’s work for we are too short sighted
4 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Kittery in the forenoon and another in the afternoon these not large and low yet some labor was bestowed
5 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Berwick this was a time of so great favor as not soon to be forgot it was large the people showed me much respect and many of them wanted to know when I should come that way again and when I was going many of them to take leave of me and wished me good success in their way this afternoon rode twenty miles
6 the 9 month this day rode forty eight miles to Durham in the depth of poverty not knowing how the Lord would be pleased to dispose of me next
7 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Durham on first day this was large but a poor low time my soul was deeply baptized under a sense of the appearance of things in these parts so that I slept little this night my cries was to the Lord for wisdom to direct for I saw my own was not sufficient in this time of trial blessed be his great name forever
8 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Lewiston this was small at the close[?] I requested the members to stay we had a favored time though the number was but like two or three
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9 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Greene this was small this was a poor low time at the close[?] I informed them I was willing to meet them again at the third hour this afternoon this was a little better and at the close the members at my request came together this was a favored time the meeting was held in a little log house covered with bark
10 the 9 month 1794 this day rode twenty miles to Winthrop in this journey so far I held so well that I had cause to marvel at the goodness of God to me a poor creature to him be ascribed a praise
11 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at this place it was large and exercising the people seemed on the decline as to the better part my spirit seemed to fail in this remote place and their titles for their lands no better but gained by war by their forefathers or first settlers of this country
the same day was informed that from this place the natives was drove off by the point of the sword this was a great exercise to my mind for it seemed to me as though they cared not how they came by their lands so they had it I believe a day of trial would come sooner or later I could not see how truth could prosper under so great wickedness but they held it out of sight, but alas alas this is far from the golden rule of doing to others as we would be done unto for that which they bought was for such a trifle that it was almost as nothing nine bushels of corn and some some small trifles for thirty miles square this they held as the fairest when much of the rest was taken by the point of the sword how friends could live on such land and be at ease I know not
12 the 9 month 1794 traveled twenty miles to Fairfield this is the farthest meeting up the Kennebec River six hundred miles from my home a rough country and wilderness the people fair hard and houses poor
13 the 9 month 1794 had two meetings at this place one for all societies and the other with friends by themselves these large and favored with power to labor for truth’s cause in both these much close[?] doctrine was delivered that seemed well taken by all sorts
14 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at the same place this is the third here and was much the largest ever seen here and an highly favored time it was supposed the inhabitants was in general here much gospel labor was bestowed to the comfort and edification of the people to the honor of the cause of truth and comfort of my mind
15 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Vassalboro this was large but a low season it was held on the east side of the Kennebec River
16 the 9 month 1794 was at a select meeting before the monthly at Vasal. and the afternoon a meeting on the west side of this river this large and favored
17 the 9 month 1794 was at Vassalboro month meeting here I revived a deep sense I had of the unjust way they obtained the land they lived on from the natives it being by the shedding of human blood this could not be a good title for friends to hold land by.
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18 the 9 month 1794 this day rode forty-five miles back to Durham
19 the 9 month 1794 was at the select and month meeting in one day this large and people solid here I revived again the iniquity done in taking the Indians’ land in the way they had done it being by no means as they would be done by this was a relief to my mind and received well
20 the 9 month 1794 rode twenty-five miles to Falmouth
21 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Portland in the forenoon at the county house this was attended by a large number of gay dressed folks, it was said by some that it was the most solid quiet meeting they had ever seen at that place and favored in the afternoon with friends by themselves here was but seven families the number small
22 the 9 month 1794 had a meeting at Windham in the forenoon and a large one at the close with those not of our society and then at the third hour with friends only these was favored solid good meetings
23 the 9 month 1794 was at their select month meeting.
24 the 9 month 1794 this is their monthly meeting of business which was low [crossed out: and adjourned to second day]
25 the 9 month 1794 had another meeting in the county house not so solid but ended well this was a second time at Portland
26 the 9 month 1794 was at the quarterly select meeting at Falmouth but dull
27 the 9 month 1794 this day is the quarterly meeting for business [crossed out: this] which was dull and low and adjourned to the 29 on second day
28 the 9 month 1794 this is first day in the forenoon was disturbed by a man not a friend who spoke several times till stopped by the high sheriff for a while and then began again and [crossed out: so held] continued till after the meeting broke up in this afternoon I had a meeting for the young unmarried people of all sorts this was large and an highly favored season acknowledged by many of the great ones that said they owned the doctrine preached at this time
29 the 9 month 1794 in the morning the select members met again by adjournment and then for business this quarter was solid and favored this was the most plain [crossed out: young] appearance that I ever saw of solid youth here I revived the wrong done to the Indians this bore some weight and several expressed their unity and wished it might not be forgot but be weightily considered for they believed there was something due to the Indians for their lands was taken from them wrongfully that they lived on
30 the 9 month 1794 this day was engaged in writing at John Winslow's at Falmouth
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1 the 10 month 1794 this day rode forty five miles to Bath [crossed out: at the east end of]
2 the 10 month had a meeting at Bath it was not large but solid and quiet and then rode twenty miles
3 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Henry Dearborn’s in his house he being a military general and a great man in his way he and his wife and the people was very kind we had a favored time at Cobbossee this was on the west side Kennebec River
4 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting in the courthouse on the east side of the Kennebec River about thirty miles up this was large and solid the people not in these places [crossed out: not] friends but thought the most quiet meeting that was ever known in these places and attended by such as never was at friends meeting before
5 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Bowdoinham this was large and favored this was on the west side of the Kennebec River below Swan Island.
6 the 10 month 1794 this day we traveled fifteen miles through a rough mountainous wilderness country where no carriage had passed before
7 the 10 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Jonathan Jones’ this was small and exercising the people’s minds seemed outward and had been used not to meet in silence but to be fed with words this in the back country towards the Broad Bay at Damariscotta Ponds
8 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at George Rhodes’ at Broad Cove not large and amongst a people whose religion seemed in argument and caviling about matters that they did not understand and their eyes and expectation outward and to hear preaching this their preachers teach them. this was an exercising place a few tender hearted
9 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at this cove at John Farrow’s this large for this place though the people was thick settled yet a poor place
10 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at the Widow Chapman’s on the east side of Broad Bay this was a favored one though small rode 15 miles
11 the 10 month 1794 rode thirty-five miles to Durham
12 the 10 month 1794 was at their first day meeting this was large and very solid in this was delivered some closte[?] doctrine it was well taken and went to Falmouth the afternoon
13 the 10 month 1794 went to Windham and tarried all night
14 the 10 month rode in company with several friends to Limington and had a meeting that afternoon in a private house small and quiet
15 the month 1794 rode a rough way to Sandwich forty-five miles
16 the month 1794 had a meeting in the afternoon not very solid yet quiet
17 the 10 month 1794 this day rode on horseback fifty miles to Rochester
18 the 10 month 1794 was at Dover month meeting this was dull and laborious first and last
19 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Rochester this very large and ended well and in the afternoon had another at Meaderboro large and favored
20 the 10 month 1794 rode 20 miles and had a meeting at Limington small and poor
21 the 10 month 1794 rode forty-five miles to Sandwich
24 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting
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Beloved Friend
I having it on my mind several weeks past to visit thy wife and children, and little flock at Newtown meeting, and now write this at thy house after meeting, the 29th of the 6 mo. 1794 The meeting (thy wife says was smaller than common) and much like many others now a days. close hard labor fore part before we can get through an indolent spirit which too much prevails. however I hope it ended well at last.
Thy dear wife expressed a gladness as we were riding together to meeting alone, and said it seemed a little like having thee with her. Abraham’s letter will inform further concerning her and the children. The accounts I have heard from thee have been very satisfactory and tends much to the confirmation of my mind in the belief that thou art in thy proper place. I often think of thee, and sometimes am almost ready to wish I was with thee, if I dare; however I have often thought it would have been very pleasant to me if way had opened for it, or that it had been so ordered, and I desire to be remembered by thee—friends here have divers times enquired after thee but I have not seen thy letter and have heard but little though that little has been very comfortable and gives encouragement to hope that thou will be preserved and helped along, and as far as I can discover it would be very acceptable to all thy friends to have thee return (when thou art clear though it were with thy beard on; for I think it is more plain to be discovered amongst thy friends now than ever, that thou hast left something like a sweet smell and a delectable savor which may be looked upon as a great favor, to be so far preserved, and now in a fair way I hope to fill up thy days work in the day time so as to receive the answer of well done at last; is the desire of thy friend whose love and regard time nor distance has not diminished in the least.
John Hunt
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Much Beloved Friend Epping 10 mo. 20th 1794
Although I [crossed out: h]am in some measure sensible of my unfitness to salute thee in any way that may be satisfactory yet thought it would yield me some satisfaction in this unexpected event of thy going out of these parts without seeing thee again for indeed I did not think so much about a final parting but what I held a secret thought of seeing thee again and now could I see that it could be with consistency I should propose meeting thee at Pittsfield tomorrow but as things now are I can’t see how I can break out [crossed out: and] through them but must submit to my allotment and deserved probation to think of thy going out of our parts so soon before we grow
any better is an addiction to my discouragements for if every leaning stock is removed and the staff also taken away how shall poor I ever pattern after a Joshua so as effectually to take up the resolution of serving the Lord. but thus much I believe if no more thy company will do convince us whereabouts we are and what we might have been had we been more like thee in coming up in faithfulness to what has been discovered by the same spirit and less like unfaithful Saul who made exceptions of things called to be destroyed, and for others who have not who have not so grossly offended as I fear I have it doubtless will help them on their way so that I rejoice thou hast trod the wearisome path of sojourning amongst us and believe thou has not labored in vain and now in a measure of that love that filled my heart towards thee at my first being in thy company which was, a larger portion than I could expect to have enjoyed do I affectionately bid thee farewell wishing to be remembered by thee as a poor child if thou can find me deserving of it in the least
Abigail Folsom
---[PAGE 18]---
20 the 10 month 1794
20 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Gilmanton this large and favored
21 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Pittsfield this was dull poor low time
22 the 10 month 1794 had another at the same place here I met my beloved friends Martha Ruth and Lydia Rotch to my comfort they going to the east and I to the west on our religious visits to friends like poor pilgrims though the Lord is our stay and staff blessed be his great and glorious name
23 the 10 month 1794 we parted she to the east and I to the west I went to Weare and she to [crossed out: Pittsfield] Gilmanton I feel very poor and stripped
24 the 10 month 1794 had a meeting at Hailstown this was large and solid this night the snow fell about two inches deep it looks winter like
25 the 10 month 1794 this morning the face of the earth looks discouraging and poor me as a pilgrim had a meeting with friends only this large clost[?] labor but ended well I am poor and low in spirit but through divine favor I feel inward quiet to attend my mind
26 the 10 month 1794 this is first day was at the meeting at Hailstown this was the third at this place all laborious friends not enough in the life but poor dry and barren easy and lukewarm this day very stormy
27 the 10 month 1794 went to visit a young woman in weak state of health whose parents was very rich and had brought her up in a delicate way it was thought the cause of her weakness as she said if her mother had let her run out as poor children did it had been better for her she being the only daughter her mother wanted her to be something more than common poor children and is likely to shorten her days this I write as a warning to parents not to be too finical in bringing up children the storm continues.
28 the 10 month 1794 this day rode thirty-five miles towards Richmond this is a mountainous way and very stony my soul at times did almost fail within me to see the towering height of the mountains and poor me as a pilgrim this night lodged at a tavern where we was well entertained I thought the man might have been convinced of our principles I thought him an honest enquirer I gave him a friends book. he said he liked it well he had not seen one before this he took kind we had some solid conversation on the doctrine of things being fore ordained this was so imbibed he said it would be hard to get over I was well satisfied my lot was cast their I believe he was an honest man he sold no spirituous liquors though a tavern keeps
29 the 10 month 1794 this forenoon reached Richmond the road continues rough and hilly for the most part I feel some better in spirit but weak in body
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30 the 10 month 1794 Richmond
30 the 10 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Richmond large and laborious here is a very foul mixture the people are turning to the world and friend with them
31 the 10 month 1794 went eight miles and had a meeting at Abraham Randal’s on an high mountain this was a dark foggy day it appeared awful it seemed as though we was in the clouds for below it was not so much darkness but my trust was in the Lord we had a solid good meeting
1 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting a third time at Richmond this was with friends only it was stormy the meeting was small but favored the people was much tendered both aged and youth for which my soul is humbled under a sense of the goodness of the Lord to me a poor pilgrim and [crossed out: [?]] the people treats me kindly of all ranks and denominations
2 the 11 month 1794 this is the fourth and last at Richmond this meeting is the largest that was ever seen at this place it was exercising but ended well
3 the 11 month 1794 this is an exercising day with me for I now am returning home because of the approaching winter the ways being difficult to travel in the winter season it is not likely to be of so much benefit to the people as the summer I hope to return next season if consistent with the divine will to finish the visit in the compass of New York yearly meeting having gone through Rhode Island yearly meeting except Nova Scotia
4 the 11 month on my way homewards feel some better in mind
5 the 11 month on my way homewards holds my journey well the roads good
6 the 11 month 1794 on my way homewards holds well and comfortable
7 the 11 month 1794 after having traveled near two hundred miles from New Hampshire to New York government the roads being mostly good lodged at Daniel Titus’ held my journey well rode upwards of forty miles day
8 the 11 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Purchase this large and well
9 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting at Mamaroneck a clost[?] time it ended well
10 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting at Westchester this large and favored
11 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting at Mamaroneck with friends by themselves this was a solid good meeting and ended well
12 the 11 month 1794 had [crossed out: another] meeting with friends selected at Purchase this was large and a profitable time
13 the 11 month 1794 was at the month meeting, at Purchase dull
14 the 11 month 1794 rode to New York this is a snowy day in the evening had an opportunity with the elders and laid before them a prospect of having parents and heads of families together this was united with and the time proposed tomorrow at the third hour
15 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting in New York with parents and heads of families here was a large number of both men and women and an heart searching time it was to good satisfaction so far as did appear though same things was laid so clost[?] that some said who can bear these things
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16 the 11 month 1794 this is first day had two meetings in New York they was large especially that in the afternoon there was such clost[?] doctrine delivered that it had an humbling affect on some minds they it was right they was to be searched as with lighted candles this evening had several favored opportunities in families in this city it has been trying baptizing season to me for several days past but blessed be the Lord he has preserved me above despair and from sinking below hope. this has been humbling to my mind a poor pilgrim
17 the month 1794 this morning met some of the ministers and elders on a weighty matter being unitedly agreed to meet with the young people in a divided capacity the young women at the third hour and the young men at the sixth this day met the young people accordingly and had a favored opportunity they appeared very solid insomuch that a friend said one sitting would compensate for all the trouble and hoped it would be of use [crossed out: this was this] the like had not been done before in this city, it appeared singular but ended well as some friends said they hoped I should now leave them easy and so I did though I had for the most part clost[?] labor in this city
18 the 11 month 1794 about the tenth hour left New York and came to Rahway
19 the 11 month 1794 proposed a meeting with friends of this town only which is united with and notice spread this is an exercising time friends are got at ease in a state of carnal security out of which it is hard to remove them I believe they grow worse and worse
20 the 11 month 1794 this is monthly meeting at Rahway and a very exercising one it was the life and power was wanting from the time I came to this town till I left it a great weight attended me and feel no relief in my mind though things was laid clost[?] they would fend off and think they was pretty whole
21 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting at Plainfield this was large and solid and comforting to my mind which had been very low for some days
22 the 11 month 1794 rode from Plainfield to Stonybrook this was an exercising day and a day of great stripping of spirit the adversary of all good was busy with his presentations how ever good the Lord was he the enemy would try to make me believe [crossed out: they] that the Lord was laying a trap to chastise me the more severe and that I had done little or no good in all my journey but he is a liar and the truth is not in him I found him to be so I write this for the encouragement of them so tried to put their trust in the Lord alone in times of poverty for he is good blessed be his great and glorious name saith my soul
23 the 11 month 1794 was at Stonybrook meeting and a low time it was for the people was regardless of the business of worship
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24 the 11 month 1794
24 the 11 month 1794 was at Crosswicks quarterly meeting it was large I had a time of clost[?] labor in the women’s part in pleading for the cause of God against superfluities of various sorts such as fine houses rich furniture and gaudy apparel the free use of the tea table and large looking glasses silk black cloaks as also silk of all sorts in this country but to use flax and wool and that of their own spinning for to bring up our children in a course of industry is consistent with our principles and best for the health and constitutions of our children for idle rest produces luxury and luxury many diseases both of body and soul
25 the 11 month 1794 visited a family of friends and had some labor respecting a reformation this was well taken I rode towards the next meeting
26 the 11 month 1794 this day had a meeting at Robins’ not heavy and another in the evening at Wall’s Mill this was a favored time
27 the 11 month 1794 had a meeting at Arneytown poor low and small
28 the 11 month had a meeting at Trenton a poor place for friends
29 the 11 month 1794 was at a meeting at Burlington this was a solid good meeting here seems a revival of truth’s cause some young people having engaged in the work it seems encouragement
30 the 11 month 1794 was at Mansfield meeting this large and solid and satisfactory
1 the 12 month 1794 went to John Wright’s in order to attend a month meeting
2 the 12 month 1794 was at Crosswicks month meeting a low tedious time
3 the 12 month 1794 was at Springfield month meeting here the extracts came under consideration and the weighty matters therein contained was well digested in a lively manner both in men’s and women’s meeting which I attended where was dropped many pertinent hints with respect to placing out children to improper places and employing and introducing persons of loose principles and immoral conduct and the youth copying after the vain fashions and customs of the world in their dress address and general deportment as also superfluity in house furniture these thing being advised from the yearly meeting and I remarked these things large looking glasses tea tables as all foreign trade such as silk and fine linen and to bring up children in a course of industry the rich as well as the poor so that they may know how in straitened circumstance to help themselves by their own labor if they should be left widows with fatherless children or in a far country where no father nor mother to look to when instead of sumptuous fair now a scanty pattern
4 the 12 month 1794 was at Mount Holly month meeting things low the aged and middle-aged poor and lifeless in a religious sense
5 the 12 month 1794 was at Evesham month meeting in the fore part favored with a solid calm but it was soon lost for want of depth of root and the meeting ended poorly I thought I saw clearly they was on the decline as to the better part but full of the world and the spirit of it
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6 the 12 month 1794
6 the 12 month 1794 came home and found my family all well as to health but other ways in want of my help for the adversary had made an inroad into my flock this was a great trial to me but every cup has its dregs except the cup of salvation that is sweet and clear to the bottom where is no sorrow although since I left my home many was gone to the silent grave and others gone out of the right way yet blessed be the Lord whose almighty power is a sure rock and refuge and safe sheltering place were the righteous flee and are safe I feel it to be so and am thankful feeling an inwardly calm in the midst of this storm
7 the 12 month 1794 thought best to do nothing in such a time as this rashly I felt inward quiet and comfort of mind this sweetens every bitter cup
8 the 12 months 179 for six days had to drink of the wormwood and the gall yet the Lord’s divine goodness was not wanting in this time of trial when the clouds of darkness ruled over my head yet the hand of the Lord was my refuge that notwithstanding all the outgoings and naughtiness of the people and my own children the Lord did succor my soul who giveth beauty for ashes the oil of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness in times of deep baptism my soul could say great and marvelous are thy works of Lord God all mighty and just and true are all thy way thou king of kings for thou wast with me through a long and trying journey of near eight months as a poor pilgrim and one that had none inheritance in this world through a rough mountainous country I believe in thy work and service to the comfort of many honest hearted friends as there is a large number in New England from Rhode Island to Fairfield about three hundred miles here is a solid body of plain kind friends as I ever saw from the 8 to the 13
14 the 12 month 1794 this is another trying day every way only this the Lord’s power was at my right hand and my bow renewed to make war in righteousness this was first day I had given me the word of the Lord to declare this I did faithfully at Newtown the meeting to which I belonged as I was now returned home to my inward peace continues with me [crossed out: that] the word I had to deliver was on this worse that I saw many dead bodies lying who was poisoned with the dregs of the syrup of the spirit of this world this struck a solemn calm and deep silence
15 the 12 month 1794 this day was employed amongst my children
16 the 12 month 1794 this is a day of trials too hard to mention I had some deep hidden dark things opened where the enemy and adversary the devil had put it in the hearts of my son and his wife to conceal having got to the bottom the opening of which was so striking to my son that it had liked to have taken his life for he thought he had hit it in so dark a hole as it would never be revealed but the devil did deceive him to his astonishment as he said this I write as a warning to all others not to serve the adversary the devil for he will most assuredly deceive them for he is a liar and the truth is not in him [significant revisions in this entry and the previous two between journals]
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17 the 12 month 1794
17 the 12 month 1794 the Lord has not left me comfortless but it was brought to my remembrance that the Lord has been pleased to favor me and should I receive good and not evil I thought I felt a little of that blessed power when the sea and winds was boisterous and wave rolled after wave that created a calm and an inward quiet and submission to the divine dispensations of my dear Lord and savior Jesus Christ and wish I may be content in prosperity and also in adversity so as to not sink below hope but have my trust in the Lord alone who is able to save
18 the 12 month 1794 this day was our fifth day meeting it was a large favored season I was led to set forth the difference between an earthly store house and an heavenly one was nothing and the other all thing in a dying hour to have something laid up that will go with us beyond the grave and that at such a time that there is no name little enough to call it by neither can pay a ransom for the soul be sure my beloved friends be willing to come under the government of the good spirit and then nothing can hurt you for all will be well come life or death
19 the 12 month 1794 I behold the smiles of a pleasant day but this is a changeable world and full of trouble but in Christ Jesus is peace, yea substantial peace that leaves no sorrow blessed by the king of kings and Lord of Lord saith my soul with a degree of awful reverence and most holy fear for he the Lord is worthy worth now and forever
20 the 12 month 1794 had a solid season this morning with my son that had missed his way and gone out in his marriage this gave me some comfort I informed him as that which was past could not be reconciled I felt as to my self disposed [crossed out: to] upon his good behavior to pass all by and look forward for it must be his good behavior that would bring him into favor again I would wish him to look no other way for he had transgressed and done that which was very wrong he said he was sensible of that it was as much as he could bear through all I feel that inward quiet that keeps my head above the flood
21 the 12 month 1794 was at our meeting at Newtown first day this was a favored meeting and was visited by a friend of this meeting who said he believed if I could be with them they should grow better for [crossed out: the] clost[?] doctrine was better taken of me than anybody else
22 the 12 month 1794 this day went to Salem with my wife on a visit
23 the 12 month 1794 visited a friend’s family to my comfort
24 the 12 month 1794 was at a preparative meeting at Salem this was a poor low dry barren season the life and power was wanting and so it is in many other places the spirit of this world has crept in
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25 the 12 month 1794
25 the 12 month 1794 was at Pilesgrove month meeting this solid the business done well I had a favored season with the women in their part pleading for a reformation this seemed well taken
26 the 12 month 1794 visited several families to my comfort I thought if we could lay aside rum and tea it would be a great step towards the work of the reformation these hints seemed striking to those present but I advised to look towards our ancient worthies who had a testimony against these things fathers mothers grandfathers and grandmothers who are in their silent graves the remembrance of these does my soul good and is as marrow to my bones and strength to my sinews their solid sitting in meetings was loud preaching to me in this yearly time of life and not forgot
27 the 12 month 1794 this day visited two families in one of these was a blind young woman blind who had suffered a great deal in striving to reserve her sight I thought was too anxious as I was doubtful least the disappointment should be the greater but to stand resigned
28 the 12 month 1794 was at first day meeting Alloways Creek a solid good meeting some clost[?] doctrine not to build their nests too high but to keep humble meek and low
29 the 12 month 1794 was Salem month meeting though it was but low yet I had some clost[?] labor both in men’s and women’s meetings to the peace of my own mind
30 the 12 month 1794 went to Greenwich this was a heart affecting season it seemed to shake [crossed out: the] my very foundation had I the refuge to fly to where should I now be if I had not that inward quiet blessed be the father of all our mercies and that for ever and ever
31 the 12 month 1794 was at Greenwich month meeting but low
1 the 1 month 1795 came home from Salem well satisfied with my labors in the love of the gospel amongst my friends
2 the 1 month 1795 my soul is not without its bitterness at home
3 the 1 month 1795 this day visited the sick to their comfort and mine also but [crossed out: one] of which [crossed out: who] expressed himself in a way to my admiration saying he thought he was near his end and must die and he saw the emptiness of this world and it was as nothing to him now but the welfare of his soul now was all this I feared he was not sensible of for he was a great warling[?] he had several hard spells that had not weaned him [crossed out: the things of] from this world as also another whose age and infirmity might have weaned him from the breast of this world but he hanged too till old age seemed as if it must cut him asunder for according to the course of nature he must soon leave it all and die
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4 the 1 month 1795
4 the 1 month 1795 this is first day was at meeting a poor low season I am well in health but have to drink of the bitters that is unknown to all men this I am through most holy help enabled to live above all for I see we must bear adversity as well as prosperity so that we be preserved in hope and our heads kept above water and to not sink too low this I esteem as a high favor in my pilgrimage for of have baptisms the world knows not of but if I can wade through all so as to make the port at last all will be well and can be where the troubler ceaseth troubling and the weary rest
5 the 1 month 1795 this day visited several sick not to much comfort
6 the 1 month 1795 continues visiting the sick as there are many of these at this time things look gloomy as to the outward there appears many threatenings but the people grow worse and abound in naughtiness alas alas saith my soul
7 the 1 month 1795 so bold is the Devil that as I was reading the scriptures that I was strongly tempted to believe that they was not true this made me cry out Lord increase my faith and suffer not the enemy to prevail in his attempts visited several sick folks the sensibility of their states seemed hid from their eyes through the deceit of this world this was a grief to my mind but what can be done to open their eyes
8 the 1 month 1795 this is our meeting day and had a solid season with a young man to my comfort he having requested to be joined with friends after visited a sick man this day had a little comfort
9 the 1 month 1795 this day attended the burial of an ancient neighbor who was old and died rich but this seemed no consolation to my mind for things spiritual was very low I thought as died the beggar so died the rich man
10 the 1 month 1795 was about a small temporal affair my bitterness continues this brings me into a near sympathy and deep feeling with the heavy hearted everywhere ye are my sister and brother
11 the 1 month 1795 this is first day was at meeting had some clost[?] service as I was traveling in the deeps for the arising of life God is good blessed be his great and glorious name and that forever
12 the 1 month 1795 month meeting in this meeting I was highly favored with might in the inner man to labor for the cause of my dear Lord and master oh that I may humbly thankful therefore
13 the 1 month 1795 oh that I may be favored to feel the foundation stone elect and precious for wave rolleth after wave one occurrence after another this made me remember poor Job and his trials as also the martyrs I am your fellow sufferer but if best thy will be done for thou knows best what is best for good is the word of the Lord as long as thou pleases to continue me in suffering let it be so for thy cause is dearer to me than life itself thanks thanks to him for I am martyred all the day if thereby I may gain an eternity
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14 the 1 month 1795
14 the 1 month 1795 visited two families by an appointment from the month meeting to those that did neglect meeting and drowsy when there one of these seemed hardly took the visit well for he was constant himself but made not way for his wife nor careful to get out his children this I write that none may think all is well if the heads of families attend meetings
15 the 1 month 1795 this our meeting day I thought our conduct grieved the holy spirit I also visited a caged[?] man sick
16 the 1 month 1795 this day I had to view the goodness and mercy of the Lord our God to a perverse people in not shortening the work and speaking the word and saying we should be no more and it must be so for what are we poor finite beings that we should grieve thy holy spirit and contend one with the other about our temporal affairs and extort one from each other and in an especial manner when thou art speaking thy rode in tender mercies over the inhabitants of the land and withholding the increase of the earth which is thine to give or withhold
Crops of grain are now much less by reason of a blast or mildew thou sendest the worms and the flies these things believe are because of the iniquities of the people for the people are become rich by the abundance of their trade their sons and their daughters finical and proud they are taught to live by extortion and unjust gain they that are rich oppress the poor by extortion the farmer raiseth the price of the produce of the ground because of the smallness of its increase the laborer complaineth of the of the extortion of the farmer the laborer raiseth his wages in order to get bread for his children the employer is angry with the laborer so here cometh in discord and envy and hatred
the merchant is fishing in the muddy water for the greater unsettlement the wider the door is open for him to increase his wealth and to make slaves of all the people
when bread corn is now double and everything in great confusion humility banished out of this land in too immoral a way the youth not brought up in a course of industry but they must be doctors lawyers or traders the study of these are to blind the eyes of the people and then it may be justly said the blind lead the blind till they both fall in the ditch
Moderation appeareth in but very few as for such as are mentioned in the sacred writing where are they show me the man that feareth God the man that loveth truth and hateth covetousness when now wheat flour selleth for forty shillings per hundred rye flower thirty, wheat fourteen shillings per bushel rye ten endear corn five, the poor cry for want of bread and the hearts of the
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people remain hard is not this upholding Satan’s kingdom if not I know not what is is it not grinding the face of the poor and oppress the needy the widow and fatherless children will the Lord not [crossed out: hold] gag[?] these guilty and in his displeasure turn them into outer darkness where the wicked dwell to be tormented and that forever and ever turn ye turn ye why will ye die inhabitants of this once favored land America America repent repent and wash thy cloths in incense least he blot out thy name from under heaven my soul mourneth within me when I think of the shortness of time in this world before we must die and leave it all and step out of time into long and endless eternity there to dwell forever [crossed out: that] what we now are so eagerly pursuing it is vainly of vanities all is vanity the golden rule is to do as we would be done unto the scarcity of any thing the poor stands in need of is not a sufficient rule to extort from them that they have gained by hard labor this is now our miserable situation oh Lord sound the trumpet louder and louder that so the inhabitants may be alarmed and their souls be saved
17 the 1 month 1795 I have to drink long draughts of the bitters that none knows of but the Lord who is my stay and my staff blessed be his gracious goodness under an humbling sense of this all within me bows and reverence thee oh my God I pray thee deal with me as it seemeth good with thee
18 the 1 month 1795 this is first day was at our meeting hard labor but good pay from that bountiful hand of a gracious God and good master
19 the 1 month 1795 was at the burial of another ancient neighbor who went off suddenly I fear not as well prepared as would have been to his lasting advantage but this I must live[?] to him that searches the hearts of all men and is supreme judge
20 the 1 month 1795 if the bitter cup is best let me drink thereof till thou sayest it is enough oh Lord for good is thy word blessed be thy name
21 the 1 month 1795 I have been at home reading and writing in deep contemplation in much sorrow and very poor in spirit I have been ready to say surely one day I shall fall by the hand of Saul unless thou Lord may be pleased to interpose and scatter my enemies which are many thou art able suffer not my faith to fail through this sifting time I adore thy goodness for thy mercies are great and thy loving kindness not shortened towards the works of thy one hand’s mankind
22 the 1 month 1795 this is our meeting day it was attended with some favor
23 the 1 month 1795 this day visited a widow and child who had a desire to come amongst Friends I thought she appeared in a good disposition I also visited a school at this appeared too much lightness the big scholars was the worst I also thought some of them in reading spoke too low and some too loud although women voices are not like men’s yet with proper care they may raise their voices nearly alike in these cases I gave them some advice and so returned to my daughters
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24 the 1 month 1795 this day came home from my daughters through a stormy day and in the afternoon read part of an Indian treaty held in the year 1744 which I think proper to insert a part it is as follows
Held at the town of Lancaster in Pennsylvania 1744 by the Lieutenant Governor of the province and the commissioners of the province of Maryland and Virginia with the Indians of the six nations
The governor and the commissioners took some of the Indians chiefs by the hand and after they had seated themselves the governor bid them welcome into the government
I shall only mention a few things that strikes my mind with sorrow to think how unfaithful the English have been after so many fair promises
friends and brethren sachems or chiefs of the Indians of the six nations these your brethren of Virginia and Maryland are come to enlarge the friendship with you which it is their desire may last so long as the sun the moon and the stars shall give light and be you with them as one body and one soul
the Indians now speaks as follows when you mentioned the affair of the land yesterday you went back to old times and told us you had been in possession of the province of Maryland above one hundred years. but what is one hundred years in comparison of the length of time since our claim began since we came out of this ground for we must tell you that long before one hundred years our ancestors came out of this very ground and their children have remained here ever since. you came out of the ground in a country that lies beyond the seas there you may have a just claim but here you must allow us to be your elder brethren and the lands to belong to us long before you knew anything of them. it is true that about one hundred years ago the Dutch came here in a ship and brought with them several goods such as awls knives hatchets guns and many other particulars which they gave us we saw what sort of people they were we were so well pleased with them that we tied their ship to the bushes on the shore (and least it should not be secure they removed it from time to time) to the trees and to the rocks and to the mountains and fastened it with wampum and sat on it and stood thereon to defend and make it secure during all this time the newcomers the Dutch acknowledged our right to the land and solicited us from time to time to grant them part of our country and to enter into league and covenant with us and to become one people. after this the English came into the country about two years after the arrival of the English they desired to be upon as good terms with us as the Dutch were with whom he was and to become one people with us and by his further care in looking into what had passed between us he found that the rope which tied the ship to the great mountain was only fastened with wampum which was liable to break or rot and to perish in a course of years he therefore told us he would give us a silver chain which would
[A page labeled “29” has been left blank, as if originally intended for the continuation of the above story]
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25 the 1 month 1795 this is first day was our meeting attended with some favor in the afternoon read the rest of the aforesaid treaty
26 the 1 month 1795 felt some ability inwardly to pray for my children without which my tongue seemed to cleave to the rule of my mouth and threw not what to pray for but as the holy spirit gave ability for without this divine influence we cannot pray for the best friend though in a dying hour this I esteem as a gift from God for so it is
27 the 1 month 1795 this day visited Mary Cooper wife of Marmaduke who was in a deep consumption and was likely soon to be go out of the troubles of this world and as I told her she had lived so innocent a life that I did believe she would go where she would know no more sorrow and I would have her be encouraged and labor after an inward quiet for I was clear there was a state attainable in which the grave would look pleasant for such a time I had experienced her innocent countenance was a comfort to me and although her removal would be a great loss to her dear children as she has several yet it will be her great gain therefore no cause of mourning for who is so near and dear to us that we would not be willing to give them up to go to heaven
28 the 1 month 1795 this day I find an act made for regulating Indian affairs that from and after the publication of this act if any person or persons within this colony shall give or sell to any Indian or Indians any strong liquors whereby they become intoxicated or more than one quart of beer or cider or half a gill of rum or any other spirit in one day to any one Indian except there be apparent necessity for so doing he she or they so doing shall forfeit and pay for each time the sum of twenty shillings and that if any sale be made by any Indian within the colony and any part of the consideration be paid in strong liquors more than by this act is allowed to be sold to such Indian the sale of such goods is hereby declared void and the property not altered hereby and that every pledge or pawn given by any Indian for drink shall upon complaint be delivered up to him by order of any one Justice of the peace
3 and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that every debt which shall be contracted by any Indian for strong drink shall be esteemed null and void
I think this was much to the credit of the rulers at that time although that law was only for two years yet it is worthy our remembrance and I wish it may not be forgot by succeeding generations as long as there is Indians and white people in this country that so a blessing may attend us both
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29 the 1 month 1795 attended our weekday meeting my cup not quite so bitter
30 the 1 month 1795 this morning had some weighty contemplations before out of my bed respecting a future state and thoughts on the grave and long and endless eternity increased in my mind to the close of the evening
I had some sadness of mind through this day yet was favored to lay down my head and take my rest in some degree of quiet thanks be to the author of all good let all within me manifest the same by an humble walking in the Lord’s fear
31 the 1 month 1795 I spent most of this day in writing but sometimes I feel almost discouraged and think all is to no purpose things seem to grow worse and worse and my trials are as the waves of the sea
1 the 2 month 1795 was at our first day meeting and a poor low one it was
2 the 2 month 1795 the waves seemed as though they would go over my head for wave followed wave and the waters came in unto my very soul oh the bitterness of the cups that is permitted I said is this to bring me acquainted with the sufferings of all men if so let me not murmur but wait till thou sayest enough oh Lord God almighty for thy ways are past finding out let all within me submit to thy divine appointment for thou oh Lord art good for those that trust in thee the flames cannot kindle on them nor death and hell destroy them for thou art alpha and omega the first and the last the beginning and the end blessed be thy great and glorious name oh Lord God almighty saith my soul
3 the 2 month 1795 the sun seemeth darkened and the moon giveth no light the clouds seems to thicken dearest Lord while my pen is going thy name is precious let succeeding generations trust in thee and remember me a fellow traveler my trials do arise from almost every quarter some places where not looked for but if I may be favored to retain so much of thy goodness as to be preserved in thy most holy quiet indeed it is the safe hiding place this evening I am informed of the death of Mary Cooper wife of Marmaduke who I believe lived an innocent life and I hope died in the same and as I told her I had a belief she would go where she would know no more sorrow and although she left a flock of small children yet no cause of sorrow on her part
4 the 2 month 1795 my troubles drop on the hoary frost it feels like a winter season that follows the summer for I was in my late eastern journey and amongst my dearly beloved friends favored
5 the 2 month 1795 this morning I enjoy the favor of that most holy quiet that I prefer before the increase of corn wine or oil or any other thing but as this is a world of changes I know not how soon it may although a calm it may cloud up again but it still continues through this day for we had a good meeting it being our meeting day and the burial of the aforesaid Mary Cooper [crossed out: wife of Marmaduke]
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6 the 2 month 1795 visited several young people that appeared to have spent their precious time in folly and vanity which is now as they have to look as into the silent grave a great alarm and seemed to have nothing to lean to I felt a near sympathy for them desiring they might not be discouraged from striving as the Lord is gracious good and kind and will pardon the penitent sinner for as I told them [crossed out: that] there was more joy over one sinner that repenteth there ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance great encouragement indeed for poor transgressors to not give out
7 the 2 month 1795 this day at home had the company of a sympathizing friend
8 the 2 month 1795 first day was at meeting in a stone school house at Pennsauken this ended well as I thought and large
9 the 2 month 1795 this our month meeting day it a favored time I laid before this meeting the prospect of a further visit to the Eastern Governments so far as Nova Scotia if way should open this was united with
10 the 2 month 1795 this morning feel an humbling sense of the goodness of the Lord and of the advantage there is in patient suffering as I have had a large portion to go through which I believe has been for my good and all in wisdom and the bread most convenient for me therefore never let me murmur but swell under an humbling sense of thy gracious goodness I also visited a young man on a sick bed he expressed himself as followeth I am as I expect on a death bed I feel very different from what I did in a time of health when amongst the gay dressed light spirited people what I then thought was or could in my one speculation or human wisdom merit and trusted in was a charitable and favorable opinion of professors of all sorts and a tolerable course of morality but now as I expect I am on a death bed I find it is as nothing without the life and power of truth I feel very much at a loss for that which I now want that is an inward assurance of the favor of God this I find now comes not by any human wisdom but is the gift of God I sometimes do feel for a few minutes a degree of inward sweetness but it is soon taken away again and the thoughts in my sleep is very afflicting for I often dream of being with my old sort of company their merry way of drinking of wine laughing and making merry is now a great affliction to me
if I could but now have an assurance that I might go well although young I should be willing to die he expressed these words and much more with tears flowing from his eyes oh that this may be a warning to all to make a good use of the time of health
and not to leave a work of so much importance to so late a period as a sick bed and dying hour I had a hope the Lord would not shut the door of mercy against him
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11 the 2 month 1795 this day had some little conflict
12 the 2 month 1795 this is our meeting day and tolerable degree of inward sweetness was felt to our comfort and encouragement
13 the 2 month 1795 there appears a sweet calm to attend in the opening of this day on my way towards Woodbury quarterly meeting, where I lodged we had some clost[?] conversation as we differed in sentiment I was of the belief that tea and coffee with its attendance had done as much hurt take the country through as rum although rum to a few that had a weakness that way had done a great deal of mischief and consequently had been their ruin and they have wasted that they and their wives and children should live on
but has not gadding abroad and tea drinking with their formal visits been the ruin of as many and set them as far of the favor of God and wasted their living in folly and vanity and by their custom done in more to their hurt for idolatry is as bad if not worse than drunkenness
I think it has been as great a grief to my mind the free uses of tea and coffee as ever it was when I was among the drunkards for I thought they were as great to the stranger simplicity of the truth and as far from God as the greatest drunkard that I saw when they was handing it about the rum on their servers when I have seen this I have been ready as one did in a similar case to say hear oh heavens [crossed out: and give ear] and be astonished oh earth at the extravagancy of the people when every poor cottage must have its tea ware oh the expense the country is at for tea ware and its attendance and the excess that it has got to that many conclude that they cannot live without it no more than the drunkard can without rum
only behold the cups and saucers they drink it out of what are they do not they witness against the tea drinker and all its attendance with this language abominable idolatry accompanied with that pride that is offensive in the sight of the most high
o how the custom has over spread this land that every poor person even to the very out inhabitance is captivated therewith
14 the 2 month 1795 was at a quarterly select meeting here I had to mention my prospect of friends filling such high stations having such broad collars to great coats but that we might be good examples at such times for it was too just a reflection that friends children when they came up to our quarterly meetings frequently carried home some new fashions
15 the 2 month 1795 first day meeting we had an invitation to the burial of a young man oh how often have we heard this sound of mortality
16 the 2 month 1795 I was at Woodbury quarterly meeting of business this was the first held there it to me was a low time
17 the 2 month 1795 visited one who looked more likely to die than live also looked on one who laid a corpse and an aged man who had long laid in an afflicted way but I fear he had not improved by it I also had a sore trial in conversing with one of my children that had conducted not to my mind
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18 the 2 month 1795 this morning arose with great bitterness of soul and as I had spent much of the night lamenting the backsliding of my children and their departure from the simplicity of the truth this at times seems as though it would bring down my head with sorrow to the grave
19 the 2 month 1795 this day was at the burial of my brother’s wife here was a large gathering of people I had more to say in my clumsy way than is common for me although very clost[?] doctrine it appeared well taken the meeting was favored with the ownings of truth in a good degree the people sat very solid I believe the meeting ended well this is cause of humble thankfulness
20 the 2 month 1795 this day passed tolerable pleasant visited several sick
21 the 2 month 1795 visited some sick and deeply afflicted one of these had so perverse a wife although her husband had for some time been confined to his bed she told me she had not been in his room for more than a week I told her I was ashamed to hear her say so I told her I could not tell what could have hindered me from seeing my wife for so long a time when in the same house and on a sick bed I wish this to be a warning both to men and women both husbands and wives not to lose their love to each other and guard against words that might better be spared
22 the 2 month 1795 this morning feel a great weight on my mind as is often my lot so to feel as a poor pilgrim and sojourner the iniquities of the people are very great and sin aboundeth first day meeting it was an exercising time yet ended well I better
23 the 2 month 1795 went to visit a young man who has a desire to come under the care of friends I also had some deep exercise of mind in a belief that an approaching trial was coming when the foundations of friends will be tried and many will fall for I believe the whore will have one another draught of the blood of the saints and of the martyrs
24 the 2 month 1795 these was my thoughts this morning before I was out of my bed in this language shall not the judge of all the earth do right under an humbling sense of these things every thing within me bows and reverence thee oh my God who lives forever and ever
I visited a neighbor of mine on a sick bed she is one that is very unhappy in her temper and often murmuring at the providences of God and thinks nobody’s lot so hard as hers this makes her life unhappy
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25 the 2 month 1795 this morning I feel pleasant for what cause I know not but I esteem it as a favor from him that has been gracious good and kind to me
26 the 2 month 1795 was at our fifth day meeting but a poor time
27 the 2 month 1795 was at Cropwell preparative meeting here they read the extracts both men’s and women’s in a lively manner to my comfort I had some good service that was united with by the meeting I believe it was strengthening to the honest hearted and well disposed
28 the 2 month 1795 visited several sick and afflicted as also some youth this was a solemn and instructive day to me I had to go into the deeps but have cause to bless the Lord my God that hath not left me comfortless
1 the 3 month 1795 was at Haddonfield meeting first day this an exercising one I thought there was such a stir and coughing at times as though they would break up I found a necessity to get inward solid and weighty so that if possible it might be a balance to every light spirit
2 the 3 month this day engaged in trying to encourage the building a schoolhouse in this neighborhood it has a favorable prospect but meets with some opposition on account of a right institution agreeable to the direction of the yearly meeting
3 the 3 month 1795 was further engaged to encourage the school received a letter from one in deep affliction he signified the comfort he had in a visit I paid him some time back his case was difficultly circumstanced both inward and outward I had a feeling for him but to adminnis [administer?] help was not easy to come at far the greatest part was in the bowels of the family between him and wife and her children for this is a second marriage and they had suffered the enemy and adversary the devil to destroy their peace and happiness so that their love for each other was lost as they expressed to me there was great disputing about their temporal entrust there being money and money’s worth on both sides the love of which is the root of all evil there was his and her children by former marriages oh that this may be a warning to all those who marry a second time not to lose their affection for each other and so divide their children and say these are my children and them are thy children for this soon begets enmity throughout the whole family and the loss of that love that is the capstone of all and comfort of parents and children and covers many faults I wish this may be a warning to all who join in marriage to seek for counsel from the great counselor and everlasting father and prince of peace and then I believe there will be no mis-marriages but being divinely directed all will be well and there will be great care and caution in all the conduct and conversation not to let the tongue run at random nor say that which might better be spared this is wrote by one of large opportunity having been up and down in many places and seen the conduct of many people as also my own experience having been twice married
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the second time to a woman that had children by her former husband these I dearly love as I believe she does mine by my first wife so that we are beloved by them and her children are my children and my children are her children and we love each other this is to our comfort and happiness
4 the 3 month 1795 this day visited several sick as also a widow and fatherless children
5 the 3 month 1795 I have a deep feeling of the changeableness of this world and how many things there is to embitter this life the people grow more and more wicked their hearts are harder and harder one towards each other extortion and a worldly spirit seems to run down our streets like a flood the proud are become honorable and the wicked are at the helm of government oh that we seek a good foundation for I believe a winnowing time is approaching when we shall be sifted as in a sieve
this is our meeting and preparative meeting it was a clost[?] searching time we answered the queries though hard work yet I hope in honesty I had some hard work to bring it about for things was very low and some friends would fain serene themselves and appear better than they really are
6 the 3 month 1795 this day spent in clost[?] labor with several who had been long contending about their interest they had gone far into the law and spent a great part of what might have settled the matter if being properly applied but now there seems a more favorable disposition than here to fore I think I had need be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove for I seem to stand between them both and things as got very wide amongst them and very difficult for it is the estate of a widow in her second marriage
now I write this to warn such to have their affairs settled before marriage as it often causes trouble when left undone till after
7 the 3 month 1795 this day spent in writing
8 the 3 month 1795 was at our first day meeting low dull and exercising
9 the 3 month 1795 our month meeting at this was granted me a certificate to perform a farther visit eastward as far as the British lines and to Nova Scotia this was signed by a large number of friends
10 the 3 month 1795 this was a favored day I was engaged in accommodating a very disagreeable difference of a family kind between parents and children we got it so far settled as to leave it to three men for they had it in the Court of Chancery for several years at a very great expense and had caused great uneasiness in the family this was where was a second marriage the widow not first having settled her affairs and being rich they contended about their interest and carried the matter to a shameful hith [height?] I leave this as a warning to all not to marry a second time till al their affairs are settled with the first husbands children this is my advice to widows as well widowers
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11 the 3 month 1795 least this paper be lost I take a copy that is as followeth I do hereby acknowledge the gift of a white mare unto Joshua Evans rising seven years old as witness my hand
this 11 day of 3 month 1795 Charles Newbole
and my desire is that my execrators[?] if I should die and leave this mare and Charles believing that they may return her if she is to be had and in as good order as may be Joshua Evans
I also visited several in tried circumstance one of which was a young married woman who had been a great libertine but now under the preparing hand of the Lord for further service without a doubt with me this was as much as she could bear for she was got very low and was calling all in question and ready to despair the enemy’s temptations was many and very clost[?] but it was with me to be a comforter to her for I did believe the Lord was preparing her for his own work and service blessed be his great name who sometimes sendeth to the hedges and highways of the stones of the streets raiseth up children unto Abraham this I believe is her case
12 the 3 month 1795 this fifth day meeting it was but poor low times then met to confer about building a schoolhouse but could fix no spot to set it and left it for further consideration
13 the 3 month 1795 this day continues poor in spirit and heavy laden
14 the 3 month 1795 this day had some clost[?] labor with one who was a bad man as was supposed and had spent much of his time the Lord had favor him with and now his head is covered with grey hairs he took the visit well
I then visited another family whose troubles has and still remain to be very great this was another second marriage my labor here was well received but is a nice matter to meddle between a man and his wife where they have children on both sides oh that all that marry may seek for best wisdom and then I believe they would be safely directed and escape much trouble but for want of this many widows have to drink the bitters
15 the 3 month 1795 we had a favored solid good meeting here I had some clost[?] doctrine it brought over the meeting a deep solemn pause this was sensibly felt this meeting ended well
16 the 3 month 1795 had some deep thoughts respecting a future state
17 the 3 month 1795 was at a meeting at Moorestown and poor low one it was
18 the 3 month 1795 visited one that seemed going as appeared into a consumption she was a sweet spirited woman and seemed much resigned I was comforted in a belief that all would be well come life or come death this is a happy state oh that there was more of the like it would be a blessing whilst he are and entitle us to a blessing he me after eternally in the heaven
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19 the 3 month 1795 this day began our quarterly meeting of ministers and elders this was a deeply baptizing day with me I had to deliver this doctrine I did believe that the conduct of some conveyed this language as to swear they never knew Christ for extortion and hard dealing did so prevail that rye sold for ten shillings wheat for fifteen and things in general in like manner this is very hard for the poor but a fine time for the rich to get money and to increase their treasure and set their hearts on the things here below
20 the 3 mo 1795 this is the quarterly meeting of business here I obtained a certificate to visit the Eastern Governments so far as Nova Scotia this was a poor low time although among friends from distant parts was here
21 the 3 month 1795 for three days I was at the spring meeting it was an humbling season the clamor noise and crowd that appeared in the city was marvelous to me although so lately visited with the rod of chastisement I thought the inhabitants was more wicked than ever for I was ready to say is not the cup of inequity full must not they feel thy rod again dearest Lord God almighty
24 the 3 month 1795 this a day of deep feeling for the widow and fatherless children and the afflicted everywhere for many are the trials of the poor
25 the 3 month 1795 my wife and I set out early this morning to go and visit her sister whose husband was buried about five days ago this was a great trial to the family for he was a kind husband and a tender father and is a loss to his friends
26 the 3 month 1795 this morning feel pretty comfortable though the more part of my sojourning here is in the deeps and poor in spirit I visited the old Indians that was somewhat under the care of friends of Haddonfield in the year 1794 and is now at Salem friends of that month meeting is about to see what they are in want of and provide the same and call on friends to defray the expense this I mentioned and it was fully united with and two friends appointed to have the care and make report to the next meeting I write this that the next generation may see that some of us loved the natives and do remember what we have heard our fathers say of the kindness of the Indians to the first settlers when the Indians was many and the whites but few and now the whites are many and the Indians few let us not forget to be kind to them I was with my wife at our sister Rebecca Collings where several friends came to see us we all went to visit these old Indians I bought ten pound of pork and she carried a basket full of other things we went and sat with them in their poor cabin or house these things was thankfully received by them the poor old Indians let my children always remember this land was once theirs and a good living and although we bought it it was at so low a rate they not knowing the improvements we should make would spoil their hunting as it has done and reduce them to so great wants I think we took the advantage of their ignorance but I see that we on the ground of strict justice we are indebted to them and do not let us forget the royal law of doing to others as we would they should do to us and then we must from time to time help the Indians and not look at that weakness they are insedent [incident? indecent?] to and have unhappily fallen with to their great disadvantage of drinking strong drink to excess have we not some weaknesses as well as well as they
27 the 3 month 1795 I was comfortably with the widow and fatherless children of our brother David Allen lately deceased and much missed in his family and amongst his friends he being a man in good esteem amongst his friends
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28 the 3 month 1795 visited some friends and went to our son and daughter Clement and Rebecca Hall to our comfort
29 the 3 month 1795 this is their first day meeting it was a clost[?] trying time but the doctrine delivered was well received though as some said such as they had never heard for it was clost[?] home work and hard to attend to it ended to my comfort at least
30 the 3 month 1795 this is Salem month meeting and an highly favored one it was both amongst men and women I took my farewell as I was going a long journey towards the east country again in this was many cheeks wet with tears we parted in great nearness love and sweet harmony blessed be God and that forever and ever saith my very soul
I also visited a man that seemed as it might be supposed was near his close I was afraid unprepared I had a solid time with him endeavoring to put him on making a right and suitable preparation this could not be amiss live or die he took the visit very kind
31 the 3 month 1795 came home from Salem under an humbling sense of the Lord’s goodness
1 the 4 month 1795 as is common in my sojourning in this world of changes cometh wave after wave I thought this day they would consequently roll over my head but the Lord may be trusted in for he leaveth not his truly depending children to fall to the ground I visited some widows and fatherless children as is common for those in that station to meet with trials but they may confide in the promise of Christ Jesus our Lord if they keep their places as becometh their stations he will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless children blessed be the Lord our God and that forevermore
2 the 4 month 1795 this was our meeting day at this time was buried a young man that had stuck a nail in his heel which was the cause of his and as was supposed this was a solid favored meeting I hope not to be forgot very soon
3 the 4 month 1795 visited some of my neighbors to our comfort
4 the 4 month 1795 was preparing for my eastern journey I had some awful thoughts on a future state
5 the 4 month 1795 this is first day meeting it was a time of favor and a solid good meeting and in the afternoon visited a woman with a sore breast in much pain but was somewhat comforted before I left her
6 the 4 month 1795 this morning had some deep thoughts respecting my leaving all that is near and dear to me and of the goodness and mercy of God in my last summer’s visit to New England this was strengthening to my mind
7 the 4 month 1795 joined some friends this morning in a visit to those that was in the neglect of attending meetings for worship and sleeping when there and copying after the vain fashions and customs of this world in dress and address this visit was well received and comfortable to my mind the opportunities was solid
8 the 4 month 1795 this day much in my common way poor in spirit and feel lonely and as though I had done nothing for the honor of God but as a poor pilgrim and sojourner in a weary land I sometimes say why is it so oh Lord am I unworthy the favors that my brethren are favored with for I hear them say they have good times when my lot is to suffer but I believe suffering is best form let me never murmur for thou sweetens every bitter cup oh Lord and art fulfilling thy promise in giving beauty for ashes the oil of joy for mourning and garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness therefore fear not little flock it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom ye little ones and in tribulations ye are my friends
9 the 4 month 1795 meeting day it was a poor low time as also fore and afternoon
10 the 4 month 1795 this night in a dream I thought I saw several Indians that said they lived at a place called Wheel Peeling [?] these seemed very glad to see me I thought it appeared as though I must go and pay them a visit if I could find the place they could not speak English as I thought yet there was a feeling nearness
[No page is labeled “40”]
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11 the 4 month 1795 this day nothing to remark
12 the 4 month 1795 this is first day meeting and the last before I go on my eastern journey it was so poor that I could not so much as bid them farewell
13 the 4 month 1795 this month meeting and a favored time it was and I took my farewell of my dear friends both men and women an humbling time it was
14 the 4 month 1795 this day I left my home to go on my visit towards the eastern country in near and dear feeling love and regard and went to my daughter’s where I tarry all night amongst my children my wife being with me I feel poor low and very insufficient for such an undertaking
15 the 4 month 1795 now left my wife and children that is near and dear to me and all for the cause and testimony of truth and the good of souls and peace of my mind
16 the 4 month 1795 continueth my journey and got as far as Rahway
17 the 4 month 1795 this day rode forty-five miles to Tappan I was favored with inward calmness which I take as mercy from God to me
18 the 4 month 1795 visited several families and had a meeting with Friends by themselves at Tappan things appeared but low and the number small being but one family of friends
19 the 4 month 1795 first day had a public meeting which was large the people at first look as though they bid defiance to everything but the Lord’s power was over all their high lofty look was brought down and the meeting ended well after noon rode eighteen miles
20 the 4 month 1795 had a meeting at Hooke[?] at this but small the people appeared solid towards the last and ended well we rode the same day nine miles and had a meeting in the evening at James Cromwell’s this was large and favored my mind was brought under an humbling sense of the Lord’s goodness
21 the 4 month 1795 this day rode twenty miles in a mountainous country up the North River on the west side the roads was stony and rough this was very trying to my poor weak body so much so as to cause me to bring my close into clost[?] view but I was favored with a sweet calm and perfect resignation to the divine will if my day’s work was done and the Lord would be pleased to accept of me to finish where so ever the Lord may see meet if I see my dear wife and children not again in this life blessed magnified and forever praised be the great name of the Lord my God and that forever and ever more saith my soul
22 the 4 month 1795 had a meeting at Smith Clove this was large and laborious after we traveled to Cornwell in great poverty of spirit though as to the outward things went well the Lord in time of need was not wanting though was as an empty vessel from meeting to meeting let not the traveler be discouraged
23 the 4 month 1795 I now am at David Sands’ at Cornwell on the west side of the North River as to my body I am better for it has been a trial to my poor body to travel in this rough mountainous country had a meeting this day at Cornwell this not very large and very laborious the people seemed settled at ease and lukewarmness in the afternoon of the same day in the evening had a meeting at Newburgh this was very large and although interrupted for want of more room yet a solid favored season and ended well I thought truth was over all and the Lord’s power reigned this in a place where was no friends lived
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24 the 4 month 1795 had a meeting at Newburgh Valley this was large although at the beginning laborious yet ended well and I believe was an humbling season to many after some solid conversation with some at a friend’s house we parted as I did believe in near feeling love and heartfelt sympathy
25 the 4 month 1795 I feel very poor having had since left home some baptizing times but have not lost my faith in God but feel willing that he may do with me as is best in his work and service come life or come death so that I may end well at last I have at this time a belief if I should never see home any more it will be well with me therefore let not my friends weep nor mourn for me I believe I am where I ought to be and in the Lord’s work and service blessed be his great and worthy name saith my soul this day had a meeting at Mulberry [Marlboro?] large and solid though in these parts the spirit of this world prevails though the country is new and mountainous and very stony here is not a lively sense of truth as I could wish
26 the 4 month 1795 had a meeting at Little Esopus this was large and the people solid and it seemed to end well afternoon visited four families some of them appeared tender
27 the 4 month 1795 visited six families and had a meeting in the evening this was small it being a stormy time this was a poor low and exercising day
28 the 4 month 1795 visited two families in the forenoon and had a meeting with friends by themselves this was a good meeting then visited two families in the afternoon these was sweet tender friends these families and meetings was in Little Esopus near eighty or ninety miles up the North River on the west side
29 the 4 month 1795 this day crossed the North River at a place called Crum Elbow up from New York eighty or ninety miles we had a favorable passage landed on the east side and went near Crum Elbow meeting house here we lodged with some tender friends had on this west side the river eleven meetings left these parts to my comfort also visited several families
30 the 4 month 1795 had a meeting at Crum Elbow this large and solid I had some clost[?] labor which was well received then visited a sick woman and had a favored time in the family where I dined respecting the prevailing customs and fashions in eating and drinking and wearing with a recommendation to moderate labor in bringing up of children and as much as may be to be content with the produce of our own country and to avoid so free use of tea for I did believe it impaired the health and made work for the doctors this seemed better received than what I looked for this gave me comfort blessed be the Lord his power is over all
1 the 5 month rode to Tidemon Hull’s in the these parts I was well received on both sides of the river though there is not so lively sense of truth as in some places yet here is a little few of the tender in heart and some of these are of the youth I attended a burial here though friends yet I saw something that felt not pleasant which I mentioned at the place that was when the corpse was let down in the grave to cover it with straw before dirt was thrown in this I could see no use in
2 the 5 month 1795 as to my present sense of feeling it is as is common for me poor in spirit but I am thankful and have no cause to murmur the Lord has not been wanting in the most needful time let all that is within me reverence his great name who is worthy worthy saith my soul
my mind seems to be turned towards the further part of my journey after attending a few meetings on my way to Lake Champlain and from thence to Nova Scotia if way should open and the Lord prosper my goings and enable me to do his work faithfully for to that I feel myself given up come life or come death had a meeting at Tidemon Hull’s this was large and solid
3 the 5 month 1795 was at the Creek Meeting this was large but very exercising
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4 the 5 month 1795 was at their month or preparative meeting it was a favored time truth was over all in this meeting I was led to revive the necessity of ministers and elders to a deep watchful care to keep their garments unspotted from the world as the eyes of the people was towards them as waymarks that not anything might be a stumbling block in the way of the honest enquirer as the customs of the world was evil and had gone into many wrong and hurtful things such as fine houses and rich furniture fine horses gay clothing tea drinking when we lived in so plentiful a country these hints was united with by the meeting and requested to be taken home and observed here was many lively remarks made this meeting ended well and to my comfort
5 the 5 month 1795 this day was at the quarterly select meeting at Nine Partners I had some clost[?] labor which was well received what seemed to open as a spot to take in was that of spending of our precious time in starching and ironing clothes and to consider the waste of flour in making starch that would feed the poor with bread and the needless scraps on our garments which was cuffs to coats high collars about the neck as also several other needless things that might feed and clothe the poor
6 the 5 month 1795 this morning am favored with a quiet mind blessed be God for so high a favor let all within me bow and reverence his great and glorious name
this is the quarterly meeting of business I had much clost[?] labor which was well received I believe the meeting ended well this was at Nine Partners
7 the 5 month 1795 this day end the quarterly meeting at Nine Partners it was very large the house though large could not contain the people in the fore part laborious yet truth was over all and the lofty was brought down and the little ones comforted blessed be God
8 the 5 month 1795 traveled forty miles to Hudson and lodged near the town the roads mountainous for the most part the day very warm I had the company of several friends
9 the 5 month 1795 am near the town of Hudson a beautiful little town on the south side of the North River about two hundred and forty miles from Philadelphia it is beautifully situated on the river here I lodged all night at Elihew Buncor’s they are building a large brick meeting house here in this town I visited four families of a friend
10 the 5 month 1795 this is first day had a meeting in the town of Hudson this was large and solid and power given[?] to labor for truth's cause in a clost[?] manner then parted with friends in near feeling love they was as kind as any friends need be nothing was wanting least I should be scant of money John Alsop lent me sixty dollars in gold and silver which [crossed out: I gave him an order upon Hannery Drinker as my friends desired me to do and they would answer the same to him] I paid at my return this I took as a great favor
11 the 5 month 1795 went on for Saratoga we reached here this evening it being near forty miles we passed through Albany and Troy and so to the new city. I had some deep exercise
12 the 5 month 1795 this day the select quarter at Saratoga the tenth hour it was a heavy poor meeting yet I labored some for the good cause that was well received
[No entries recorded between 5/13/1795 and 6/16/1795]
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17 the 6 month 1795 at this place called Peru where resided a few friends about ten families this morning we had an opportunity with friends by themselves to begin at the ninth hour and a public meeting to begin at the eleventh hour these was large and to our comfort and there also for it is not common to be more sensible of the owning of truth then was this day an aged friend said she had a desire that the states of the people might be spoke to and this has been done to her satisfaction and so in near feeling love we parted with them and traveled twenty five miles and crossed the lake three miles to the Grand Isle not finding my mind sufficiently qualified to hold a meeting at Plattsburgh at that time though not as I thought clear and so it proved though I believe all by divine direction for the way opened as it could not have done if we had held a meeting then at Plattsburgh for I believe the Lord’s time is the best time and we as poor pilgrims ought to not to run before we are called but feel our way
18 the 6 month 1795 this day our horses gone on to St. John’s under the care of my companion and we left behind to visit up and down the Lake Champlain had two favored meetings one at the Grand Isle and the other seven miles distant at a little town called Plattsburgh this was a solid good meeting and then back to the Grand Isle to log my soul breathing forth this language thank thanks to the God and father of all our mercies who is alone worthy worthy for way has opened in a marvelous manner so as no human wisdom could have been sufficient to have done
19 the 6 month 1795 had two meetings on the Grand Isle this day the first the most trying that I been at so great a degree of rawness here we had not sat long before one of their great men said he believed the people was all come and I might go on with what I had to say he was informed he had better try to be still that was our custom I thought he was ashamed for he got up and went out and stayed awhile and then came in and hanged down his head and sat the meeting out very quiet
20 the 6 month 1795 this day had a meeting on this isle with the few friends by themselves it was for conference this was a favored season now being clear of Grand Isle parted with friends in great nearness and love I believe not soon to be forgot their tears trickled down their cheeks and they signified their satisfaction it is all I ask for or crave that I may be favored to love a good savior be kind and be so careful to bring no reproach on truth’s cause and testimony parted with friends and went to the Isle of Mott [Isle La Motte?] which is a small isle in the Lake Champlain
21 the 6 month 1795 this day had two meetings one on the Isle of Mott and the other on the mainland the first a favored one though small the last in the afternoon not so favored and crossed over the lake to Chazy on the west side the lake where liveth two families of friends
22 the 6 month 1795 had a meeting at Chazy large for the place and a solid good meeting here a man that served as priest desired to know if it would be an offense to sing an hymn I informed him very calmly that it was not our custom then he sat awhile it was tiresome to that poor things and so the activity of the creature wanted to be doing something he stood up and spoke a few texts of scripture and then sat quiet I informed them our custom and the meeting ended to the honor of truth for it was a solid good meeting
in the morning I had an opportunity with the few friends that reside here at Chazy to good satisfaction we tarried here this night the women was tried as they came from old England to settle in this new country I wish friends not to remove with their families without proper clearness and the advice of the month meeting and then not let interest be the motive
23 the 6 month 1795 took our leave of friends at Chazy in feeling love and went by water to Saint John’s where we had a meeting that afternoon I believe to the honor of truth for there was such a solemnity covered the meeting that all loose and opposite spirits was bound to the praise of the Lord be it given
24 the 6 month 1795 several conferences was had by those that wanted to be informed of our principles and after several opportunities as they said to their satisfaction they gave us some recommendations to some of their friends supposing it might be to our advantage on our way in Canada then we left
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them though they said they wanted more of my company and further information concerning friends and their principles but I believe we left them well in an enquiring mind which will not be lost I believe till some fruits is brought forth to the praise of the great husband man and good of their souls if they continue in faithful obedience to truth’s dictates and then we travelled to a little town called Tipperary on the banks of the river Saint Lawrence a little below the falls here I felt my faith almost ready to fail for such a wicked crew I had not met with since I had left home and that of a strange language I now began to call all in question for I said it was in vain for me to try anymore in this dark popish country and then laid me down to rest a little and to renew my strength in the Lord my helper who was not wanting in the needful time we dined and then went on to an Indian town ten miles up the same river on the south side for the river runs at this place east and west about one mile and half wide the name of their chief is Captain Thomas a solid sensible sober man but could not speak English well but he wanting to be informed of our business got an interpreter who read my certificate to him and informed him of my errand and why I had come so far from home and left my wife and children he replied it was good and bid me welcome he said I was now here and could speak to him but should go away and he might forget it but if I would leave him some writing that he could see some other day he should take it kind for he had never heard of us before as a people and should be glad to be informed of our principles for he thought strange that their priests would not let them learn to read the Scriptures he wanted to know my mind I told him that he was afraid they should see for themselves and so leave him and seek a better principle than his was and so pay him no more money he said he believed so too I showed him some letters written by some of our Indians he asked if it was his own handwriting I told him it was he said it was good and appeared very solid he several lines signified his assent by saying yeah it was a favored time and comfort to my drooping mind here resided about two or three hundred men women and children in a compact little town made mostly of heaved logs they seemed to live well the chief said they raised much wheat and corn he walked out to show me the town which was well situated on the bank of the river Saint Lawrence they appeared a well behaved people dressed in the Indian dress some of them painted in their way and some with earrings breast plates and nose jewels this was looked on as an ornament I suppose the chief entertained us well though in a different way yet comfortable and freely his wife a handsome well behaved woman she dresses in the common was no great distinction in dress between the chief and the rest they all went without britches with a short blanket that reached down to the knees they seem all friendly to each other and satisfied in their way and manner of living the name of this town or tribe is Caughnawaga it consisted of about one hundred and fifty houses
25 the 6 month 1795 this morning after having written a few lines to leave with the chief and presenting it to him which he took kind and left him some books that I had with me that he might be informed of friends’ principles after a comfortable night’s entertainment took our leave of them and he bid me welcome and thanked me for my visit the which I was comforted in
finding myself not clear returned again to of Tipperary and after a little quiet waiting proposed a public meeting in this town however strange it might seem and our landlord offered the privetage of his house so notice was spread at three o’clock about the time appointed the people met a considerable number and the power of the Lord was clearly manifest the quietness of those rough people was to my admiration and it was a favored season though some could not understand English yet the power was felt to be in dominion over all its enemies
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26 the 6 month 1795 this morning after having a solid sitting with the family and another with one Rogers and his family proceeded on our way towards Montreal and in our way had to cross a branch of the river the bridge being gone had to drag the wagon on three hewed logs and swim our horses we got well over and traveled down the riverside about ten miles then crossed the river Saint Lawrence and traveled on foot it being about a mile below the town where we crossed and left the wagon and horses with my companion to come when the boat came as it was gone over we seemed well received in their way here I met with some young men from the Jerseys one Samuel Newbold this was pleasant to me as it gave my wife another opportunity of hearing from me for he said he would go to my house I also sent more letters by him
we took our lodging at a tavern in the town of Montreal at one Cushing near the market we had a room by ourselves these people kept an orderly tavern for them houses and was kind to us and their charge not high we made this our home till we left the town unless when some that was friendly had us to their houses as several there were of that number that felt near to me and I left this town in love and harmony and I believe there is room for more labor and will be somebody’s work another day for I found a door open in many hearts in the town of Montreal beyond what I looked for
27 the 6 month 1795 had a meeting at the Presbyterian meeting house in this town in the afternoon this was very large as there had never been a friends meeting in this place before but they not being acquainted with our way and strangers to silent waiting soon grew uneasy and some went away I had my certificate read this gave them much satisfaction as they are stayed a large number and I believe it ended well and to the satisfaction of many for several expressed it themselves and appeared yet more friendly even till I came away and I felt a sense of truth left behind as a little plant or seed sown for somebody to dress and I pray the good shepherd may put it into the hearts of some of his servants messengers and ambassadors to go to that place with proper authority from the Lord almighty to plead with them to forsake their evil way and turn to the Lord for great is the abomination of this country viz. Canada for the sacred name is used in common and few stand clear even those of the fore rand[?] and old grey headed men and women as also much other profane language and this seems looked on as good breeding or something genteel these people an adulterous generation and much seeped in ignorance by their priests as they are mostly Romans and yet I am not without a hope that someday the Lord will have a people in this country but I think it will not be the work of a day or two but be advanced gradually and by the Lord’s own almighty power for human strength is not sufficient
but this day I may not live to see but shall live in the faith
[crossed out: 28 of: 6 month 1795] this day being done and yet not alone for I believe the dear Lord was with me to my comfort as I was waiting for further opening and to be divinely instruction from the all wise putter forth I saw as it appeared in the true light a passage by water but knew of none to be had but believed it was right for me to take a walk to the door and there stood a man a stranger he asked me which way I came and where I was going I told him I came from near Philadelphia and was going to Dartmouth if I could but I had been to the postmaster who said the way was almost impossible and very trying either on foot or horseback and nine hundred and fifty miles but he thought it much best to go by water but I knew of no passage he replied here was a vessel bound for that place proposing to sail tomorrow this put me to a stand what to say and more so as my companion was walked out
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[Mispagination: this is the second page labeled “46”]
and where he was I knew not but after a little pause I told him it was a favorable opportunity I was at a loss what to say but if I knew where the vessel lay I would go and see the captain he said if I had a mind to go and he would go with me to the vessel I accepted his offer but when we came the captain George Searmon[?] was not on board but on our return to my lodging we met him in the street I informed of the business he replied he would take us I as my companion was gone out I could not agree fully till he came I then was informed of those whose employ the vessel was in and those spoke favorable of the opportunity and of the captain but was waiting for an opportunity first with my companion before I come to a full result but all was concluded on in the absence of him but his uniting and that the other friend should go back with our horses and carriage all this was as I thought planned before I had it no sooner came my companion but he readily united and then we went and agreed with the captain for five guineas a piece for our passage to Dartmouth where friends lived the place unto which he was bound and now ready to sail tomorrow morning so we proposed in the morning to have our things early on board
28 the 6 month 1795 yearly got our goods on board the ship named Four Brothers but in putting off got aground that hindered us that day but we stayed on board but going by water always was unpleasant but at this time was more pleasant for I thought I could freely trust my life in the hand of the Lord and if this opening was in order for my final close I saw no other way and so was willing to submit to his divine disposal and could say blessed magnified be his great and glorious name though much in the cross to my own will for I thought I could not submit to go to sea but in summons to the divine will and so at this time nothing else would have induced me short and in obedience I go on Lord with an unpleasant company yet kind to me here we lay at anchor all night against Montreal
29 the 6 month 1795 the wind freshened up and the passengers all on board we set sail down the river Saint Lawrence the passengers was a man and his wife who had engaged the cabin so that the captain himself had turned out till they came to Quebec this was hard fare to me but as my mind was favored with an inward quiet I bore it better than I could have looked for we got on our way about seventy miles into the Lake St. Peters this lake is eighteen miles in width and twenty-five in length here we came to an anchor that night
30 the 6 month 1795 this day the wind proved ahead so that we made but little way before we came to anchor again this night the watchmen fell asleep and the ship amongst the rock dragged her anchor in great danger but through favor received no damage but to our surprise soon struck rock but soon got off again the wind ahead we soon came to anchor again here I was led to view the unfaithful watchmen when fallen into a spiritual slumber and the souls of men in danger of shipwreck we came off better than I looked for this was cause of humble thankfulness and made me call my conduct all in question least I had missed my way but the way did do open that I did believe it was the Lord’s doings come what would of me and knew not how to mend it though to me as a man oh how pleasant would be a prison
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compared with this but I found to look forward would not do but to make the best of all come what would and leave the event to the Lord to do as is best in his light so that all might be to his honor and the creature abased and more and more brought low and laid as in the dust the prospect of being so long we conjoined (viz. for two or three weeks) my pen cannot set forth the depth of my mind and bitterness thereof at times though to me kind was the captain except at times his language I could not speak well of this caused me to look every way and try every concern I could not find but the honor of the cause of truth and good of souls was what I had in view therefore I hoped I had not offended the God of all good
1 the 7 month 1795 laid most of this day at anchor though sometimes drove with the current this made it seem tedious but to be as much retired as I could be of sound would be best for the winds and the seas was only at the command of the Lord and we must submit to his divine disposal sometimes things felt pleasant but not always so for I found hard to the natural part but this I leave for those that may come after that they may trust in the Lord alone for though our captain was an active man and did well attend to his business yet I could place but little confidence there but it was for all to my comfort when he was on board and so far well
2 the 7 month 1795 laid at anchor the most of this day the wind was much against us but at night drove with the current within nine miles of Quebec this appears to be a flat level country and thickly settled though the houses poor and the inhabitants mostly French and can speak but little English this was some addition to my trials to be amongst a people of a strange language but I strove to make the best of every cross occurrence and let not my faith fail in the Lord if he would please to keep my head above water and my soul from sinking I thought I must look for a long passage of one month
3 the 7 month 1795 this morning a fresh breeze we soon came broadside of the town of Quebec this town is near two hundred miles from Montreal on the north side of the river Saint Lawrence it stands on a mountain and point of land near half round this consists of the lower and upper town the lower near the water under the hill with one street and then an ascent in some places more and some less from one to two hundred feet so upright that it is not passable for man or beast through this there is a passway up the hill as by nature the upper town is large the buildings good and seems very compact but not so large as I looked for not more than one third near as large as Philadelphia here our captain and sailors went on shore and the sailors got too much strong drink this made them quarrelsome the captain being not onboard and that was not the worst for I could not tell how soon they would murder each other for they struck with clubs and handspikes but I told my companion after some little trial it might be best to stay in the cabin and let them alone but this was such a trial as I think never met with before and no way to flee for refuge but to the Lord who faileth not them that can put their trust in him I strove after an inward quiet as it was likely this would be such a night as I had never passed but through divine favor the captain came on board this gave me some relief for he bore much sway things seemed in some measure to settle but to set forth my exercise I think I cannot but must leave my reader to judge of things as I had at best a thousand miles at best yet to go
4 the 7 month 1795 about eight or nine this morning weighed anchor there being not much wind made not much headway the country on both sides the rivers very thick settled their farms being laid out in lots from fifty to one hundred rods in width the land mostly pretty level their buildings looked well and comfortable
5 the 7 month 1795 the wind blew more fresh I began to be unwell with the motion of the ship but no way to flee but to him that regardeth the sparrows blessed magnified be his great and glorious name saith my soul
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6 the 7 month 1795 this and the seventh we passed on one side a very mountainous unsettled country and on the other side out of sight of land as the river grew very wide we had come about three hundred and fifty miles from Quebec to a place called the Gulf of St. Lawrence or Cape Rosier here we soon left sight of land the wind blew fresh and my sickness increased insomuch that I thought the sea must be my grave for my shattered constitution as I thought I could bear but little more I was not able to sit up and the motion of the ship so great at times that I could hardly keep my bed which was none of the best it was some sails though the captain gave me a mattress this continued for two hundred miles and near three days before we came in sight of land again for fear of the ship coming on shore the captain thought best to stand out to sea that night this put us ten or twelve leagues out of our course the wind blowing fresh and looked stormy oh the exercise of my soul and prayers to God that he would be pleased not to leave me in this trying season who failed me not for I felt him to be a stay and a staff to lean upon in the most greatest trials of all here I was led to look more clostly[?] into my stepping along and the cause of my being here and on the most clostest[?] inspection I could say it was in obedience to the divine will and the best that I new how come life or come death I could submit and commit myself to the Lord with a well grounded hope and faith that it would be well with my soul and all felt clear and easy and the sea if it must be my grave was now no terror I found Jerusalem to be a quiet habitation because of my inward retiredness they thought I was low spirited I told them it was not so but I wanted to be still and quiet but felt a good degree of calm and resignation blessed be the Lord our God to whom my prayer was day and night whose attentive ear was open to hear the cries of the poor
this continued till the eleventh and there we came in sight of the lone end of the isle of St. John’s the sight of which was pleasant to me a poor pilgrim for I was wary of the seas but the Lord’s goodness was so great that my desire was and is that it may never be forgot by me so long as I have a being here on earth
12 the 7 month 1795 here we lay after a hard gale and in danger of rocks and shales between the island of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia for we had the mainland on the one side and Cape Breton on the other side this morning was calm this was rather a comfort to my body but about noon the wind freshened up we entered the Gut of Canso with an uncommon time of favor which I ascribe to him who can command the seas and the winds and they obey him for we passed this place in safety such as made the captain confess it was of the Lord’s doings no sooner had we passed this danger but a calm ensued that lasted till night for we passed this gut so called because of its narrowness between the mainland and Cape Breton this passage saves three or four hundred miles it is about twenty miles in length and about one mile in width a deep awful sense of the Lord’s goodness lovingkindness and mercy impressed my mind the wind soon abated and became calm here we lay all night near Cape Canso
13 the 7 month 1795 this morning was a thick fog that we knew not where we was nor how far from land this to me was very trying but no way but to look to the Lord and be still who was pleased to arise to my comfort and disperse the thick fog the sun appeared and we not out of sight of land but the wind freshened against us but the captain as well as we anxious to see the desired port in order to pass a point of land stood out to sea till about noon and then turned towards land again the wind blew fresh and contrary my sickness increased and for fear of the land in the evening out to sea again the wind against us my pen cannot describe the exercise of my mind but I felt my mind stayed on the sure foundation and blessed cornerstone Christ Jesus our Lord to whom be ascribed all praise dominion and honor
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from the thirteenth to the sixteenth we had but little wind and that contrary the vessel rolled to and fro this increased my trial for none can think how wary I of my situation and the tossing of the vessel in this situation we continued to the sixteenth about noon and then the Lord was pleased to favor us with a fresh breeze this I can but ascribe to his divine goodness as several other times of the like favors when my faith was ready to sail and my head to sink
16 the 7 month 1795 about noon the wind blew fresh but not fair but so that we came pretty well on our way it continued all night and in the morning we was in sight of the bay goeth up to Halifax this did look pleasant but not knowing how soon we might be far from it again as the captain said he when so near had been drove three days out to sea again
17 the 7 month 1795 our hopes increased of being favored to arrive at the so long desired port which was granted about the middle of the afternoon we arrived at Dartmouth to my great comfort where we was kindly received by our friend Seth Coleman I thought all within me gave way and reverenced God my savior to whom be all ascribed saith my soul I was reduced very low in body but my spirits somewhat revived under an humbling sense of the Lord’s goodness loving kind and mercies whose favors has been great to me while on the water
18 the 7 month 1795 being weak rested my tongue cannot set forth the thankful sense of my heart
19 the 7 month 1795 this being first day and I a little recruited attended their meeting at Dartmouth and a blessed favored one it was to the tendering of many hearts for the meeting was large for that place and very solid after which went into the country about four miles where we tarried all night at our friend’s Thomas Green here we was kindly entertained
20 the 7 month 1795 this morning visited three families to good satisfaction for I believe as they said we came in the right time for their trials was very great and their minds unsettled for friends had mostly gone and left them parts those that remains are but a little few and they could not see their way clear to go away this was a sore trial to these to whom I was a comfort as they said and had come at a time when most needed
21 the 7 month 1795 this day visited six families who appeared solid and some tenderness they was good countenanced this town of Dartmouth handsomely laid out in lots intended for a town here is between fifty and a hundred houses on the east side of Jabucta[?] Bay and on the other side the town of Halifax consisting of about five hundred houses on the west side the bay compactly built and strongly fortified the sight of which a burden to my mind the sound of war was too frequent this made my stay here not so pleasant although the kindness of friends was not wanted
22 the 7 month 1795 my mind hath its usual exercise but nothing more than common for me
23 the 7 month 1795 this day we was at three meetings a meeting for public worship and one by way of conference and then adjourned till three in the afternoon this was called a preparative in which their church affairs was transacted and marriages allowed by reason of their remote condition these was as solid favored meetings as I was ever at so far as I was capable of judging for the place they was large and comfortable to me their business well conducted and I saw no room for them to be discouraged because of the smallness of their number for I did believe divine kindness was near to them
24 the 7 month 1795 this day feel poor in spirit and so it is often my lot did a little writing [crossed out: and visited one family] we went to visit the ship crew that we came with who was glad to see us here we had some disagreeable accounts at Boston New York and Philadelphia of mobbing and rioting and a prospect of wars between Britain and America this was to me heartfelt pain – for the very sound of wars and the roaring of cannons I am wary of
25 the 7 month 1795 wrote two letters to my wife and children
26 the 7 month 1795 first day had a very long favored meeting and a farewell time a solemn season and parted in near feeling love in the afternoon of this day visited four families to their comfort as they said
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27 the 7 month 1795 this day took our leave of Dartmouth many friends and others came to take their leave of us we had a solid parting the soldiers having got the ferry boat for their service we went up the bay and then swam our horses over the bay it being near half a mile we got well over and that day rode upwards of thirty miles I had a severe lax so that we stopped at a public house the next day was rainy and I very unwell so that we tarried here the twenty eight they was very kind and tender to me my mind was much humbled but was favored with an inward quiet blessed be the Lord
29 the 7 month 1795 this morning a little refreshed set forward not without some difficulty rode near forty miles to another public house by the name of Peck I felt much spent we was bound for Samuel Moore’s towards Annapolis a friend oh the trial of body and of mind it is hard for me to express the people showed much kindness the country thick settled and the road good the country most mountainous but the people seemed to live in plenty and great openness to receive friends for they was wary of their teachers
30 the 7 month 1795 being very unfit to travel we hired a chair for me to ride in for we had forty miles or more to travel this day and I remaining weak for my disorder continues we reached Samuel Moore's that day it being one hundred and seven miles oh the comfort it was to my poor tried body and mind
here we tarried till the third of the eight month had two meetings one in his house large and favored and another on the mountain nearby these parts being thick settled and the minds of the people open towards friends I had to marvel at the kindness of all sorts and all ranks of people they interceded for us to stay longer and have more meeting for they thought it a favor our coming amongst them
4 the 8 month 1795 being somewhat recovered we set forward toward Annapolis and had a meeting this afternoon at Randolph very satisfactory though a rainy time it was large I a little recover as to my health we appointed two meetings next day one in a Baptist meeting house nearby and another about ten miles of these was favored here appears great openness amongst the people towards friends they are very kind to us
these two last meeting was held the fourth of the eighth meeting this was trying to my weak body but enjoy a degree of divine favor blessed be the Lord who has been near in the most trying time of all blessed magnified and forever praised be his great and glorious name oh Lord God almighty saith my soul
6 the 8 month 1795 this day travelled on to Annapolis and so to Edward Thorn’s about nine miles from Digby who was so kind as to take his boat and go with us to Digby without fee or reward this is a little town of about one hundred houses standing on the bay or basin so called it being at the mouth of Annapolis River where it emptieth through a narrow passage into the Bay of Fundy about one mile wide and three in length here the tide riseth and falls thirty feet this night lodged at a tavern in this town
7 the 8 month 1795 this day had a meeting in Digby town in this tavern in a large room this was offered freely I was not free to hold one in their steeple house this was large and favored and they expressed a heart tendering season to some they said they wished we would stay longer and have more meetings but the vessel being near ready to sail in which we was to go in to cross the Bay of Fundy to New Brunswick at shore we went onboard and was on the water all night and a trying night it was to me
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though not stormy yet I was very sick with the motion of the vessel as was several others that was passengers we had on board a bishop of the Church of England so called he showed great respect to me and was desirous to see my certificate and when he had read it he much commended it as also the order and said it well agreed with his sentiment after this it seemed to increase his love to me and would often come and say friend Evans how do you do are you any better and when we parted in his way gave me his blessing as did a great many others same I had reason to believe was sincere for it was with tears trickling down their cheeks in great tenderness and I feeling love for many are as sheep without a shepherd through these parts and if any friend find their mind’s turned this way here is a great field of labor and much openness at this time towards friends as I ever saw in any of my travels the country well settled the people remarkable kind the roads good on the other side the Bay of Fundy there was nothing that oppressed my mind with weight but the manner in which they came by the land the inhabitants being taken from their lands and good farms well improved and another come and possess their labors for I saw good farms and many of them that was taken from the French and given to them this was contrary to my mind insomuch that I could but leave them my sentiments respecting the injustice and told them was I so situated I should hold myself indebted to them so long as I held it from them and would show all kindness to them whenever I could that it might be some retaliation they said they thought it was very wrong so to take their lands and give it to another as had been done but saw no way to help it for they was drove from their homes and the king had settled them here to me it appears a very trying situation as also the great preparation for war
8 the 8 month 1795 after a passage of about twenty-two hours this was a favorable passage it being about [crossed out: near fif] forty miles from Digby to New Brunswick where we landed in the afternoon was kindly received by the friendly people as many of them had been educated amongst friends and had a love for them but was as sheep scattered having no shepherd
9 the 8 month 1795 this day had two large and favored meetings at New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy I believe to the honor of the cause of truth and tendering of many hearts for many expressed their satisfaction and they had not for a long time heard such gospel truths declared the solid sitting of the people was to my admiration as a long silence was held at the fore part of the meeting and many of them never had been at a friends meeting before but this was the Lord’s doings no doubt with me blessed be the name of the Lord for his manifold mercies towards me as I say sometimes I am as a worm and no man
10 the 8 month 1795 this day am waiting at New Brunswick for an opportunity to go on to Beaver Harbor the boat being not quite ready visited a few families and was writing pretty quiet in mind being kindly entertained the people wishing us to stay longer and have more meetings for many expressed their satisfaction in the meetings we had in this place for it had been long since they had heard the gospel so preached
11 the 8 month 1795 yearly this morning went onboard the boat with four oars the weather being favorable we got to Dipper Harbor about twenty miles when we tarried all night at one French’s who entertained us very well and would take no pay we had for our company Samuel Moore and Jesse Woodard whose company was very pleasant
12 the 8 month 1795 this morning went on board again it being about halfway to Beaver Harbor we had a favored passage by water this was trying to me we reached the harbor about noon and then appointed a meeting at five this afternoon the number was small but a solid favored time we was well received by Joshua Knight [crossed out: another meeting tomorrow]
13 the 8 month 1795 had another meeting at Beaver Harbor this not large but solid
14 the 8 month 1795 went this day to Passamaquoddy at the mouth of the river Saint Croix about twenty miles from the aforementioned harbor
15 the 8 month this day by water to Machias in the province of Maine here we landed about the ninth hour at night the passage was favorable these two days was kindly received
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16 the 8 month 1795 had two large favored meetings at Machias to general satisfaction here was not one friend but ourselves nor never had been a meeting held before the people sat solid and quiet and many of them expressed their satisfaction and wished us to stay longer but it was not agreeable to [crossed out: our] my minds for I often think when things are left well it is best to make no additions nor long or unprofitable delays but to leave them hungering after more meetings this I write for the instruction of my fellow travellers [crossed out: that] so we may leave a good favor and not become burdensome in our visits and in a special manner amongst strangers for in some places we had need be well assured we have good authority for what we do least we hurt the cause of truth and wound ourselves and suffer the activity of the creator to be set to work and we miss our way and take imagination for revelation but to I the putting forth of the great and good shepherd who puteth not his own[?] forth but that he goes before them and prepares the way
17 the 8 month 1795 the people was very kind and many gave us invitations to partake with them while we stayed and lent us two horses to go on our way twenty miles to Pleasant River towards Pornopscot [Penobscot?] and a man to fetch the horses back and would take no pay but I gave the man at our parting a dollar for his kindness for he seemed to do it with so good a will that I was not willing to omit giving something
18 the 8 month 1795 had a meeting at Pleasant River not large though solid and in most of these places a great openness to receive friends it looked as if the fields was white unto harvest and much room for labor for many are weary of their preachers and their minds looking and wishing to become more acquainted with friends I have believed the Lord would send more of his servants into this place oh that they may be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves after meeting we crossed the river to Richard Coffin’s
19 the 8 month 1795 this day hired two horses and a man to fetch them back at a dear rate but as we had no horses of our own here we must do as we could so that we could get along we traveled upwards of thirty miles to Frenchman Bay in the province of Maine here we lodged
20 the 8 month 1795 here the man it being rainy went back with the horses after traveling six or seven miles to Paul Dudley Seargon’s[?] who offered us his boat and hands to go with us near thirty miles but it being rainy we tarried all day in this place he offering freely to entertain us he appears to be a very kind man
21 the 8 month 1795 this morning went on board the boat went down Frenchman Bay and so by water to Blue Hill so called it being on our way towards Penobscot we had a pleasant passage I had to admire the goodness of the Lord in preparing our way blessed be his great and matchless name saith my soul tremblingly and in great awfulness and true love and fear let it ever remain under an humbling sense of his many mercies
22 8 month 1795 yearly this morning hired two horses crossed a neck of land six miles and then by water again to Penobscot here I felt very poor and the way seemed closed up as to the outward but lying down to take a little rest word came that an opportunity presented to go ten miles in a boat by water across the bay this so far struck my mind that we agreed for our passage and put our things on board but feeling myself not clear and may unexpectedly opening for a meeting the next day and trust the Lord to make way as he had done here to fore
23 the 8 month 1795 had two meetings at Penobscot it was thought large solid good meetings the people behaved very commendably and to my comfort I hope a time to the honor of truth and the benefit of some individuals
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24 the 8 month 1795 this morning went onboard the boat at Penobscot and crossed the bay to Ducktrap where we landed about noon it being fourteen miles and in the afternoon had a meeting at this place not large but solid good meeting the people behaved well
25 the 8 month 1795 this morning hired horses and a man to bring them back rode to Camden and appointed a meeting tomorrow at the tenth hour this is on Penobscot Bay
26 the 8 month 1795 had a meeting at Camden not very large though solid satisfactory and then went to Broad Bay at Camden I bought me a horse bridle and saddle
27 the 8 month 1795 had a meeting at Broad Bay at the Widow Chapman’s this was a favored meeting it made some deep impressions on some minds and brought us near to each other as some said although as to the outward strangers this afternoon went fifteen miles to the Widow Canaday’s near Sheepscot ferry
28 the 8 month 1795 went to Durham to Jeremiah Hacker’s
29 the 8 month 1795 went on to Falmouth in company with several Friends the weather is so warm it was as trying as much as my constitution was able to bear
30 the 8 month 1795 this was first day was at their meeting at Falmouth poor dull one it was in the afternoon went on
31 the 8 month 1795 continues on our way toward Sandwich riding on horseback was trying to me an old shattered constitution but am favored blessed be the Lord to whom is all due and nothing to man nor the contrivance of men for [crossed out: to] all is nothing that we can do this I have been clearly convinced of in this my pilgrimage or journey for the honor of God and good of souls oh that it may have the desired effect I was well and kindly received by all the people and many of them gave me their blessings in their way some sincere some of form affirm
1 the 9 month 1795 got to Sandwich in the afternoon I as to health pretty well though weary proposed a meeting tomorrow
2 the 9 month 1795 had two meetings at Sandwich one public the other with friends by themselves large and exercising but ended well hard labor is my lot and much poverty is my lot but let me not murmur for the Lord has been good and prospered my goings
3 the 9 month 1795 this morning set out towards the Cohorse[?] on Connecticut River in Vermont
4 the 9 month 1795 continues on the way and in the afternoon reacheth the Cohorse very wary and thinks proper to appoints two meetings tomorrow it being first day here met Henry Hull from Nine Partners
5 the 9 month rested this day at Jared Bassett’s[?] in leaving[?] at Cohorse
6 the 9 month 1795 had the two meetings as appointed the first in a schoolhouse in Norwich the other in a Baptist meeting house the first a solid good meeting the last large and interrupted by the peoples going out and coming in which is often the case when friends hold meetings in them kind of houses to me there appears a need of care how we too freely make use of their houses though offered by them these two meetings was held in [crossed out: the] Cohorse
7 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting in Sharon near Jared Bassett’s [crossed out: and about noon set out towards Danby] this was large but not so favored I thought by reason of a friend saying too much and dwelling too long on giving an account of his exercise and convincement this brought such a death over my mind that I was ready to say I shall never open my mouth in public anymore I have thought as little as may be is best on that score for I have often been wounded to hear friends in their public testimonies enlarge too much in this spot set out about noon toward Danby
8 the 9 month 1795 continues towards Danby over the mountains reached them before night found the roads not so bad as represented or I looked for although this is a mountainous country
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9 the 9 month 1795 I am here comfortable after a long and trying journey both by land and water near as much as my life could bear through the Canada country from Lake Champlain to Montreal and so down the river Saint Lawrence and out to sea to Halifax or Dartmouth on the Bay of Jabucta and from thence through the country from Halifax by land by water to this place it being near or quite two thousand miles
10 the 9 month 1795 this day had a meeting at Danby large and exercising the people’s minds was not settled on the true foundation but was outward and unfit for divine service
11 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting at Mount Holly on the Green Mountain in Vermont government this was where had never been a friends meeting held before and although unacquainted with our practice and way of meeting sat commendable still and appeared very solid it was large and a favored season we was kindly invited to several of their houses but it is my belief when we are clear the sooner they are left in the hand of the Lord to do with them as is best in his sight
12 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting at Wallingford a little village near George Van’s this where had not been a friends meeting before this was very large and a solid good meeting the Baptist priest expressed his satisfaction with what was said and appeared tendered
13 the 9 month 1795 the towering height of the mountains in this place to me appears awful they being more so than I ever have seen before they are up to the clouds and there is much more rain and snow than in the more level parts of the country some think twice as much oh how hard do some of these live that settle these new countries where they are so rough and mountainous I went to visit some of those who in their little cottages covered with bark as is most of their houses or thatched with straw this tendered my heart was at first day meeting at Danby large and exercising though power was given to labor for truth’s cause and the spreading thereof many things opened in my view some of which was the free use of rum tea and tobacco these things I believed was never introduced by the dictates of truth but came in as a thief in the night at the backdoor and standeth behind the curtain and is too much out of sight for custom has blinded our eyes as it has in many other evils to the great hurt of us as a people but I have faith to believe the Lord’s work is on the whole and will go on let who will oppose it but it will not be the work of a day or two but most go slowly on as way opens for I believe it is the Lord’s will to bring about a reformation and that the work is be gone let the faith of none of the little ones fail them for I believe those that are first called to this work will have to go through great exercise but their reward standeth sure blessed be God
14 the 9 month 1795 traveled from Danby to Easton
15 the 9 month 1795 was repairing my carriage for some of my harness was lost n their return back from Montreal to Saratoga
16 the 9 month 1795 went over the North River to Saratoga weekday meeting large and trying then returned to my friends where my lodging was
17 the 9 month 1795 was at the month meeting at Easton at the close of which I requested the shutters might be opened and women sit a little while together when the business was over and then I had some clost[?] labor respecting the reformation and the customary use of rum tea and tobacco and running so freely in to this extensive trade and neglecting our country produce but to bring up our children in a course of industry for nothing more suitable for ourselves and our children than the produce of this large plentiful country for idleness is the mother of mischief and opens the door for much evil company and conversation that is hurtful
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18 the 9 month 1795 went to White Creek
19 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting at White Creek large and solid after which an aged man came to me and said he had thought much of being a Quaker but felt afraid but this day had heard the truth declared to his comfort he seemed very tender at parting and gave me his blessing and wished the Lord might prosper the work in my hands
20 the 9 month 1795 was at Pittstown first day meeting in their new meeting house the first held in that house and the largest gathering they had seen a solid favored season it was to see how solid and commendable the people sat in all the meeting was marvelous to me though of all ranks and of all sorts it was evident that truth reigned over all and in dominion
21 the 9 month 1795 rode from Pittstown to Albany and so to Coeymans Patent
22 the 9 month 1795 was writing a letter to my wife and children and some little remarks
23 the 9 month 1795 had a Meeting at Coeymans Patent large and solid and at the close of worship with friends by themselves here I had some clost[?] labor respecting the work of reformation and the necessity of entering thereon as things was much out of order here and friends at ease and lukewarm and thinking growing of a wrong nature fast and none to say nay
24 the 9 month 1795 this is month meeting at Coeymans Patent it was a laborious time but power was given to labor for the cause of truth and after the business was ended men and women sat together and had a solid opportunity on the work of reformation and contracting of our wants and leaving off wholly rum tea and tobacco and to have less to do with foreign trade for its channel was so corrupt and caused so much confusion and bloodshed and to bring up our children in a course of industry and as the harmless cow came with a fresh supply of milk twice in every day morning and evening pray let us be content with homespun fair
25 the 9 month 1795 rode to Clinakills[?] with several friends had a favored time
26 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting at Clinakills[?] largest that had ever been at that place the house held not all the people this was a favored season some said they hoped the Lord would bless and prosper my labors the people behaved solid
27 the 9 month 1795 in the forenoon had a meeting at New Britain large and solid and in the afternoon another meeting at Stephentown large and laborious but power was given to labor for the honor of God and his most holy cause and good of souls this day I am sixty four years of age and this summer have been on a religious visit through Canada Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and York yearly meeting and at times am truly humbled under a sense of the Lord’s goodness in preparing the way before me which I am clear no man could have done so well for I wanted for nothing that could be had for great was the kindness of the people
28 the 9 month 1795 this morning visited a settlement of the people called Shakers they received us friendly but very reserved I informed them that I felt my self drown forth in love to come and see them and if they was free to come and sit down with us and if anything arose on their minds or ours to mention to do it freely without being cramped for as I had never seen any of that people but had often heard of them as he said no doubt but some false and some true then leaving us to go and consult the brethren then returning asked if I was born in this country I said yes then what was my profession I told him I was one of the people called Quakers and had a certificated and was willing to let him see it which I did after reading it asked if I was free he should show it to some more of them in the next room
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I told him I was willing to as many as he pleased he then went into the next room where was several came by this time to consider the matter for I find they move as a body and are much united as one family and do not act without consulting together here they read my certificate as I could hear them over and over this took some time and then he returned and gave me my certificate again and said they found I was a member of that society and was an approved minister and was going a long journey but I informed him I had been and was now on my return and if he was free to inform me of their custom principles and manner of worship I should be willing to hear it he said they believed in Christ Jesus and in his second appearance and did endeavor to live up to the scriptures and to become the followers of Christ being members of his church by being baptized with the holy ghost and coming under the cross that had crucified every fleshly lust this he seemed very confident in and that they now had no desire after women more than a child I said be not too confident has thou felt not anything towards women at no time he confessed that he had been tempted but had power to resist the tempter and that they had forbid to marry and held it not right and that in marrying and so doing all the world was wrong and laid in sin but themselves I asked if he thought there was none went to heaven in all the world but that little few that was of them I told him I traveled a great deal and found of all societies some tender spirited little ones that I did believe was in favor with God said I dost not thou believe so he said yeah do not you come short at some times he said yea but are restored again but the manner with which you gratify yourselves with your wives when you do not believe they are in a capacity to conceive or bear children and that from the gratification of this lust proceedeth all fornication and adultery and not for procreation or to multiply but to fulfill the lust of flesh for which cause we forbid to marry and do take up the cause against these lustful desires therefore believe we are right and all others are wrong I told him that if those that married erred on one hand they did so on the other in forbidding that which Christ did not for that a man should leave father and mother and cleave to his wife although I did see they was in error there was something in his remark worthy serious thought so that none abuse that of marriage in gratifying themselves and fulfilling their lustful desires when no intention of multiplying or populating their country in my thought deserves our serious thought I believe they poor things look too much this way and are in an error I fear yet when I see so much sin committed amongst men and women it is no marvel with me that some should be raised up that should forbid to have anything to do with women and forbid to marry though believe a path as I told him between us both near or right that was to marry and not go in unto her but for propagation dost not thou believe so he said yea
I asked him respecting their manner of worship he said they came together every night and took a solemn pose and had some labor in the manner of their worship I asked in what manner and if they had anyone that was looked upon as their minister he said nay but they began after this manner when they was come together if any of the elders felt anything to arise with weight on their minds they was at liberty to speak and then began with singing of Solomon’s songs and so to dancing
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and so continued to the end I told him it was not our custom so to do but to meet together and sit down in silence believing that the time now is when God is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth and that this may be acceptably performed where no vocal voice is heard but in solemn awful reverent silence to this he made me no answer
he said they owned George Fox and believe he was a good man till he mixed with the world but that he then fell away and that there had been a falling away until now and that we had lost our gift of discerning and had many defected rotten members in our church and therefore could not be the church of Christ
but that they had that gift amongst them and had sought out some of the most deep hidden sins and had brought them to make open confession I told him I was afraid they was mistaken and that they was not so whole as they thought they was he appeared to me to be solid sober man and well behaved he said they lived in love and all as one family and each one their portion of labor according to their ability as they had many sorts of mechanics or tradesmen and some to have the oversight and see that their work was well done and that nobody should be wronged or deceived and passed the inspectors before sold this gained them credit amongst those they dealt with and their words was to be depended upon in their trade and dealings so that those that bought nails by the barrel did not find one that was not fit to drive they was so careful that a friend told me he went to buy half a bushel of onions and could not get them till they had passed the inspector
he told me that they did not receive members if they had wronged anybody until they had returned fourfold and that when they came amongst the they put all they had into the general stock and if at any time they thought best to leave them they took as much as they brought and no more although there is some errors amongst them such as I could not unite with and some unguarded members that gives them a bad name some of such I saw that bridled not their tongue but the one that confer with us was a sensible solid moderate man and went very deep into some things and after a space of three or four hours conference he kindly invited us to stay and dine said our horses was eating good hay and they would soon have dinner I told him we thought it kind but believed best to go he said he was not afraid to confer with me for I was not on my critics and we parted in love and I thought better of them than before all about them looked decent and clean as an industrious people
the women are much by themselves their business was spinning sowing knitting and weaving and managing the other household affairs
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29 the 9 month 1795 had a meeting at East Hoosick very large as almost all the meetings are this was held nearly in silence but solid the people sat quiet and orderly for the which I gave them the praise and requested they would not be discouraged but come to meeting again for we believed God might be worshiped where no vocal voice was heard and that the hour cometh and now is that as God is a spirit we all profess what we may must worship in spirit and in truth after noon visited several sick for it is a time that many died
30 the 9 month 1795 visited several families of whom Robert Nesbit was one he being very low in this place had some satisfaction in laboring for truth
1 the 10 month 1795 was at the preparative meeting at East Hoosick very large in the fore part favored and as it was a time when they read and answered the queries I sat first with the women in their part while they answered the queries who went as deep into a search of things as I ever saw friends go to my comfort after they had done I then sat with the men as they read and answered the queries and a poor low time it was amongst the men in their part the life and power was wanting and fear of coming too clost[?] and so answered evasively to my grief for I did fear the queries was likely to become as near to them for they sought their own ease and not the honor of truth
2 the 10 month 1795 rode to Eanes Curtis’ in company with several friends I was grieved to see this man making so large preparation for making cider
3 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at Curtis’ house this was small dull and poor and to me mournful afternoon went on our way towards Tyringham and in our way visited a Shaker settlement had a solid conference and then was permitted to see the women who appeared plain and sober one of them an ancient one spoke freely and friendly asked several questions which I answered so far to her satisfaction that she asked if I would not come and see them again I thought there was something of instruction in their appearance their dress was moderate their head clothes in one uniform manner so that their appearance moderation as though they as they said lived much in cross but as to this I feared they was not so fully acquainted with as I had wish they did I may say I had some satisfaction in this my visit to them
4 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at Tyringham a large solid good meeting and ended well after which had some solid conference in company with the committees from East Hoosick month meeting respecting the continuance of a meeting in this place as the number is but small and things but low and needs the care of friends as I thought
5 the 10 month 1795 traveled to Goshen a very rough road this country is rough and mountainous to Charles Richards’ a singular man in almost all his conduct but an honest hearted man that felt near to me and with whom my soul did unite in almost all his ideas for I think he went deep into things and had the cause of truth at heart
6 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at Goshen in Charles Richards’ house large and solid though the people are in these parts long at coming together
7 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at the Branch so called in the afternoon dull and heavy
8 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at small and in the fore part a poor low time till came in some of other societies though gay in clothes yet I did believe the Lord had regained to them for power was given to labor which I felt not before but a dull drowsy indifferent lukewarm spirit and at the close I felt a desire to have another meeting with the inhabitants the next day I signified the same which was united with and a place appointed and they the gay sort proposed to have the care of spreading the notice this was their preparative meeting at this place things appeared very low
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9 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting near the town of New Milford in a private house with those not friends very large and a time not soon to be forgot it was a solid favored meeting
10 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at the Valley at friends meeting house large and solid
11 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at Peach Pond small poor and exercising I had some labor
12 the 10 month 1795 was at the month meeting at Oblong this was an exercising time the life and power was wanting the world and things thereof took the room of the heart oh the crowding cares of this world cleave to me choked the good seed the members became dry and barren and withering I had some clost[?] labor that seemed well taken
13 the 10 month 1795 was at the select meeting in this place exercising poor and dull
14 the 10 month 1795 was at the month meeting at Nine Partners very large and somewhat lively and ended well I had some profitable labor to good satisfaction as they said
15 the 10 month 1795 here I met a committee on the boarding school at Nine Partners here I was led to signify my prospect respecting a boarding school this was a solid time and I was led more than ever deep into the nature of the education of dear little children this my mind I left with them to consider of as I believed it my duty
16 the 10 month 1795 was at the month meeting at the Creek it was very exercising poor time
17 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting with the youth at the Creek meeting house this was large and favored the young people sat solid more to my comfort than when the parents was with them this was sorrowful to think of but so it was the unlawful use of lawful things is the greatest snare the enemy has to catch friends with in this snare he hath caught many of our society to my grief as I pass up and down in this land
18 the 10 month 1795 I was at a meeting at Little Nine Partners large laborious and exercising the house much crowded and held not all the people power was given to labor for truth to the tendering of some blessed be the God of all good whose power is not lessened nor hand shortened
19 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting with youth at Nine Partners this was very large and a solid favored time to the tendering of many hearts a number of whom was of the rebellious naughty ones oh that it may not soon be forgot by them but be as bread cast on the water to be found after many days to the healing of the wounded in heart and sitting for eternal life peace and happiness after this proposed a meeting tomorrow with parents
20 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting with parents and heads of families at Nine Partners for the month meeting this large and a solid good meeting here I revived some of the sense of friends in yearly times respecting fine houses and rich furniture and a worldly spirit that is very prevalent in this place also the free use of cider tea and [crossed out: smoking] tobacco all which I did believe might be well spared for as there was many friends that had to bear their testimony against these things to their dying day is a conformation to my mind the free use of these things was not the dictates of truth but came in as a thief in the night and that the Lord will still raise up them that must bear testimony for God and the maintaining of his most holy cause and truth on earth against these things till a reformation is brought about amongst friends
21 the 10 month 1795 had another meeting at the Creek or stone house with heads of families this was also large and a favored time as many said and I was of the same mind here I had to revive some of the sense of our ancient worthies now in their silent graves but their memory lives and is fresh in some minds to this day their punctuality in their dealing and at a ward and that they was trusted without being bound by the law to be just and true in all their dealings their words was looked on as good as their bonds here I also had to revive as before the evil use of cider tea and tobacco as also the weighty care of the education of children and the ruinous effects of a neglect
---[PAGE 60]---
at this meeting was many hearts tendered and many tears shed
22 the 10 month 1795 had a meeting at Stephen Dean’s large and solid
had another meeting in the afternoon same day large and solid at Israel Titus’
23 the 10 month 1795 had a large meeting at Oswego this was very large and thought favored
24 the 10 month 1795 traveled to Purchase in the Government of New York in my way I saw a shameful sight that was a bull tied and dogs worrying him a large company standing by
25 the 10 month 1795 was at Purchase first day meeting very large so that the house could not contain them all by many but it was the most wicked set if I was favored with a truesome of their states that I have met with since I have left home yet they sat commendably well for so mixed a multitude but I believe myself not clear of this meeting I was led to lay things clost[?] I was so bowed that I hardly could hold up my head all that afternoon I believe that meeting is but a poor place I thought the faithful was but few in number
26 the 10 month 1795 travelled to Oblong in order to be at that quarterly meeting this country is rough and mountainous the roads bad this day a friend who was educated a Presbyterian said he was convinced by hearing some little children saying thee to one another they seemed so lamb-like he said it was truth’s language now see dear friends what plainness will do though in little children and how much more in parents and heads of families when we live up to our first principles then are we not stumbling blocks to the honest enquirer but as good way marks and as the salt of the earth having not lost its savor so it will be felt for miles round where this is a neighborhood
[One page has been torn out here, presumably containing p. 61 and p. 62]
[A page labeled “63” is blank]
[No entries recorded between 10/27/1795 and 11/17/1795]
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18 the 11 month 1795 this day had a meeting at Robert Renald’s this was the largest that was ever seen at this place and a solid good meeting it was thought to be and ended well
19 the 11 month 1795 had a meeting at Amawalk in the forenoon large and exercising
and had another meeting in the afternoon at Colebark[?] this larger than was ever seen at this place and heart tendering time it was and many eyes flowed with tears it was a comfortable season as many said blessed be the name of the Lord
20 the 11 month 1795 had a meeting at Chappaqua large and low for life and power was wanting
had another in the afternoon at Isaiah Quimby’s this very large and satisfactory
21 the 11 month 1795 traveled from thence to New York poor in spirit as is common for me
22 the 11 month 1795 was at their first day meetings in New York fore and afternoon they were the most afflicting meetings that I have sat in for some time this was near the close of the mortality in that town after what might have been an humbling time and have weaned the people from the eager pursuit of earthly riches and to have sought that which is more durable and should last beyond time but so soon as the rod was stayed to my grief the inhabitants turned again as the sow to the wallowing place and so waxed worse and worse
23 the 11 month 1795 this day visited a few families and had some contest with an old formalist Quaker who had been long in trading and now pleads for it as the richest and only way to improve a new country and enable people to live happy this was greatly to my astonishment but I found the god of this world had blinded his eyes but as I told him to my grief while we was dealing with and disowning the youth for going out of plainness such things as they was selling them was the very things that they was dealt with for wearing this I said before him but I found him blind and deaf as an adder for he would not hear least it should clash with his worldly entrust for I thought it was his god though an high professor those things I laid clost[?] as he could bear and so left him this was in New York
24 the 11 month 1795 left New York about the eighth hour in the morning and traveled forty miles towards home
25 the 11 month 1795 continues my way homeward forty more the next day
26 the 11 month 1795 reached home this evening after a long and trying journey of four thousand miles and near eight months time with cause of deep humble thankfulness to the God and father of all our mercies who has prepared the way before me let me never forget his goodness so long as I live in this world the reward is sufficient for all my labor how trying it was to my weak constitution the Lord kept me from sinking below hope in the most trying time when tossing on the sea and sick almost unto death yet was favored with an inward stay and staff to lean upon
27 the 11 month 1795 for two days after my return finding my wife and children alive and grandchildren except one infant that was deceased this was cause of humble thankfulness it being more than I expected from what I had heard of the sickness and mortality in that neighborhood for many have been called from time both aged and youth and that in a few months husbands from wife and wife from husband parents from children and children from parents that there was no age exempt
29 the 11 month 1795 this was first day meeting at Newtown this place where I belong and a favored one it was an heartfelt joy once more to meet again
30 the 11 month 1795 took a little ride out with my wife to see some friends
1 the 12 month 1795 visited several families one of them was Isaac Mickel and wife she being in a poor way though innocent as I thought and calm
---[PAGE 65]---
2 the 12 month 1795 this day at home
3 the 12 month 1795 this our preparative meeting it was an exercising time hard labor for the poor servants of the lord who cannot hold their peace but must speak to the people
4 the 12 month 1795 visited some sick [crossed out: and had some smith work done at my wagon]
5 the 12 month 1795 this was the beginning of our quarterly meeting the select part it was a clost[?] searching time I had to mention in this meeting several superfluities and in particularly large looking glasses as being one cause of so much pride and the unfitness of the heart and mind to go to meeting after standing before the large glasses and putting all their clothes in print and the heart filled with pride I thought it high time to reduce the number of those large glasses and put them all away
6 the 12 month 1795 this is our first day meeting this a favored time
7 the 12 month 1795 the quarterly meeting business now began it was my lot as is often to blow a trumpet where the enemy is making his advance as all the answers to the queries mentioned that of a drowsy spirit in meetings I told them I believed it was in part owing to living too high and luxuriously and eating too freely and using spirituous liquors such as cider and wine in too plentiful a manner and smoking tobacco these things drains of the juices and dries up the sweet fluids of the body and so dulls the spirits and unfits it for divine service this was my belief was one cause amongst a many others that caused so much drowsiness in meetings
in this meeting was revived a concern for the Indians as they was once the owners of this country and we had bought it at an under rate as they did not consider the value nor know how we should by living amongst them destroy their hunting by clearing the land but as I feared the prospect of friends at this time was turned towards the foreign Indians which I had no objection to but at the same time not let us forget those on whose land we not live for they are in want that are in our neighborhoods but visit those and see if these are not in want immediately as winter is coming on I also mentioned what was my thoughts as I traveled through many parts of this land when I beheld the hills and valleys that as I thought was once covered with their flocks and herds and much game and easily taken such as beasts of the field and birds of the air and now we the white people had killed and drove them away and cleared the land and spoiled their hunting and made their living hard and covered the country with ours that was of another sort this appeared clear to me to called for our sympathy and tender feeling for the natives the Indians and that we do not let them suffer for want of food nor raiment I also thought was a suitable time to discharge the little trust the Lord had reposed in me in pleading the dearest[?] cause I told friends not to buy their baskets and brooms and pay them with cider or strong drink as they had a weakness that way and would sell their things for less than the value for strong drink neither pay them in old clothes but buy them such as was strong and new and give them full the worth of what they bought I hoped that no friend would be cross to the Indians although the land was now much improved and cleared not to refuse to let them build their houses or cabins on their ground if they should want for they must be somewhere and as timber was become scarce and dear that we speak calmly and peaceably to them and let them know that as timber is now scarce they must endeavor to make the best of it and when they cut a stick to make the best of it and work it all that is fit for use but not to refuse them that liberty and when we cut a tree that may suit them cut off a piece for them this I believe would prevent their wasting the timber giving uneasy and preserve and brighten the chain of friendship that was between our fathers and their fathers at the first settling of this land for they lived in great friendship since my memory which is about sixty years ago for then there was many Indians and we lived as brothers for they was kind to us and we to them this makes me love Indians for I cannot forget it
---[PAGE 66]---
8 the 12 month 1795 this and the 9th visited several sick and infirm to my and their comfort
10 the 12 month 1795 was our weekday meeting it was a solid good meeting
11 the 12 month 1795 was at Evesham month meeting in company with several public friends here was much said some of which might have been spared if I had a true sense of the matter for I have often thought that a few words and that to the purpose is better than a great many when the life and power is wanting and it is my sense and judgment that our meeting for business ought to be for that purpose and that public friends if anything to say by way of ministry to be as short as may be so as to discharge the trust reposed in them and be clear for we have many public meetings and preaching is not wanting but life and power
12 the 12 month 1795 this day in feeling sympathy I felt my mind turned towards the poor and afflicted first I visited an aged friend that seemed as though his time was nearly run out and the day’s work not done as I feared I urged him to use all diligence the little space of time was yet behind for he said he thought every hour would be the last I asked if this did not alarm him he said yes I told him it was an awful thing of brought so near as that death and judgment was the next thing to be entered on
I then visited a widow and her afflicted daughter that had married an unworthy husband they appeared much in the innocency and I did believe in favor with God both the mother and the daughter they was rejoiced to see a friend that could sympathize with them oh that none may join in marriage without divine counsel and to direct and then I believe there would but few so unequally yoked and unhappily married as now there is too many for want of this
I then visited some old Indians in old age and suffering condition with whom I had tender sense of feeling for I did believe the comforts of life was wanting their bedding laid on the wet ground and was no more but a little straw their clothes scanty and cabin poor I thought it was likely they often wanted for a little comfortable nourishment as one of them was between eighty and ninety and her daughter upwards of sixty and she blind these both widow and consequently not able to support themselves I did believe this case called for friends care and speedy help
13 the 12 month 1795 was at Haddonfield first day meeting and poor time it was I thought they had got into a lukewarm state although of late they had been visited with sickness and death many of the inhabitants numbered to their silent graves and several now in a languishing condition yet great insensibility and forgetfulness of God and a worldly spirit prevailing to the grief of my mind oh death death who is the king of terrors what a favor it will be for them that when thou come are found so ready that they may say welcome welcome oh Lord thy servant is ready and that state attained to that the grave may look pleasant and it be no terror
14 the 12 month 1795 this is our month meeting we had the company of several friends from a distance there was several things came before the meeting that of distilled spirits this was sharply spoke to by several who thought that to make a free use of cider and wine it would have a tendency to weaken the cause and their own hands hang down and friends not to keep spirits in their houses but as formerly in apothecary’s shops only for there was a fire in some that the use of cider and wine increased however there was a committee appointed to have the care in that case and make report but I had a belief the cause was flattening and friends grew weaker and the world gained the ascendency and preference in the hearts of almost all a little few excepted who has not bowed to Baal nor kissed his image
---[PAGE 67]---
and further was recommended the mind of the yearly meeting respecting the Indians that lived in the wilderness from whom the white people had taken their land and destroyed their hunting and have drove them so far that now it is hard for them to live by hunting and now they wish to learn to be farmers and to be instructed in husbandry and have schools and learn to read and write so that they may read the scriptures and be instructed in our principles this I did write with as I was of the belief we was much indebted to them and more so to those on whose land we do reside that are in straightening circumstances and hard beset for the necessities of life a number of which are far advanced in life to these my mind was most towards and wished that a few friends might be appointed to visit them and inspect their circumstances and afford them immediate relief if need this was united with and a committee appointed and entered on our minutes this I told them would be a credit to the next generation to see our kindness to the Indians
15 and 16 of. 12 month 1795 went to visit some of my children gave them some advice respecting religion and living a sober religious life so that when death comes they may be ready and go well and be forever happy this I laid clostly[?] before them as the most material work we had to be engaged in the little stay we have here they appeared solid some of this was near parting
17 the 12 month 1795 this is our weekday meeting friends brought more than common of the youth to this meeting I had a hope of an increase of living faith life and power revived
18 the 12 month 1795 nothing remarkable feel some bodily affliction
19 the 12 month 1795 for five days visited a number of the afflicted who seemed rejoiced we was made thankful in the Lord’s goodness and each other’s company though at times feel great poverty of spirit and heaviness of mind yet a little faith remains
24 the 12 month 1795 was at Pilesgrove month meeting a most trying time it was I thought I must now give out for it seemed as if the floods would swallow me up and everything looked gloomy and the worst of all I was afraid the Lord was angry with me and was about to hide his face from me I said oh Lord suffer me not to fall a prey to the enemy of my soul though wave cometh after wave I know help is in thee
25 and 26 of 12 month 1795 visited some in deep affliction of body but I believe in favor with God for I did believe he was full filling his promise who said he would be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless children here I had some increase of strength
27 the 12 month 1795 was at Salem first day meeting I had some clost[?] doctrine it seemed well received but a friend standing up who had a smooth way of speaking [crossed out: but I not being not used to handle the polishing rust for] yet I believe time calls for plain doctrine in the afternoon with the black people at the same place here was a large number it was somewhat favored but poor me was yet low and poor in spirit
28 the 12 month 1795 was at Salem month meeting in this meeting my bow was renewed in my hand and I had some faithful labor both in men’s and women’s part to my and their comfort I was led to set forth the pernicious effects of a worldly spirit and a departure from that ancient practice of friends being at a word in their dealings and the bad effects of a sumptuous way of living also that of building fine houses with rich furniture and in a particular manner large looking glasses as being the very enjoins of Satan and I did believe pride would not have had so rapid a growth if there had been none of them amongst friends and that we remember the faithful testimony of our ancient worthies against the free use of rum tea and tobacco
29 and 30 of. 12 month 1795 returned home and in my way visited several sick to our joy in each other
31 the 12 month 1795 this is the last day of this year it was our weekday meeting here was a large number of youth and a solid good meeting I thought we was favored with the divine presence
1 the 1 month 1796 for six days was in and about home and did but very little good for instead of attending with the committee on the Indian affairs I let in the reasoner and thought myself of so little consequence it was not best for me to go and so was good for nothing losing that time this I leave as a warning for others that may be so tried
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7 the 1 month 1796 this is our preparative meeting and a poor low time
8 the 1 month 1796 I had it on my mind to attend a neighboring month meeting but the enemy of all good was busy again and tried to turn me aside anyway so as to answer his end for it matters not the way so the end is answered and the Lord’s work not done I lingered and lingered till it was almost out of season till every joint trembled and I said let me not fall at last by the hand of Saul I cannot describe my distress but none knew my state but the Lord alone but in great weakness I was favored with a little strength so as to press through all and when I came there my bow was renewed in my hand and a favored time it was both in men’s and women’s meeting for my mind was turned to the women’s part where I had to speak to parents and children respecting a worldly spirit and going into superfluities in dress and furniture this I had to press in plain language for I believe there is too much of smooth work for the times for plain dealing is much wanting but who is willing to stand as at the north gate in the Lord’s watch and blow the trumpet at the approach of the enemy though clost[?] work was called for the meeting ended well
9 the 1 month 1796 I went and attended another month meeting and had much the same service for my Lord and master blessed be his great name who is eternally worthy of all adoration and praise for he is a rich rewarder of all them who serve him faithfully
10 the 1 month 1796 this is first day I was at a neighboring meeting where I sat silent
11 the 1 month 1796 this is our month meeting at this time was the extracts of the year 1795 read a second time in which was advised against a worldly spirit and the debilitating effects proceedings there from not only in following the vain custom of the world in dress and address but in buildings and furniture and sumptuous living and pompous shows at marriages as also the neglect of attending meetings and sleeping when there at this time was very evident amongst us and a worldly spirit the ground cause of all these complaints that such as would be rich for the sake of being rich I clearly saw this struck at the root of the matter but putting put those advices in practice would come clost[?] home and that the rich would hardly hear it especially the parents more so than their children but I thought I saw in the true light a way that might be profitable and how to put in practice these most solitary advices that was to appoint two friends out of each meeting to treat in a tender feeling manner with such as gave occasion in any of these matters be them young or old and after such labor and patient waiting could not be prevailed on to take their friends’ advice the overseers stand ready when informed to extend further care and if they cannot be reclaimed to bring forward such cases this I gave as my sense in that meeting but the rich began to fend off and would not suffer such an appointment but began to say who was clean-handed enough for such an appointment some said not one I said we was poor indeed if so it was high time something was done
also I spread before the meeting a fear that for some time had attended my mind on account of a school being set up in Haddonfield to encourage the youth and others to learn the French language here I thought I saw a danger and snare laid for the feet of the dear youth and that it opened a door for popularity and would be like to lead in to unprofitably mixing with persons of loose conduct and bad principles this this seemed to fret some of the promoters for they supposed to have been highly applauded but there was many both young and old that united with me and was glad that it was mentioned in so public a place for I did believe that
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those that did go into it should consider well the grounds of their movement and take friends’ advice previous thereunto for I believe this to be more of that worldly spirit now if we could be favored to teach our children humility and self-denial this perhaps with a blessing might prove of lasting advantage when time to us shall be no more here this time loudly calls for when it is evident the judgments of the Lord is in this land for often is the sound of mortality in our ears and the cry of the widow and fatherless children and yet the people’s hearts remain hard oh how many of late have been taken parents from children and children and some in a short warning oh that all may be concerned to be ready when death comes for then ready or not we must go and leave all to another state of being that is never to have an end
12 the 1 month 1796 was at Woodbury month meeting here was revived that of a worldly spirit here again I opened my prospect and what would be regaining that which we have lost by extortion when we have produce to dispose of we let moderation appear which would be loud preaching if when pork by the hog fetch six pence a pound then friends sell for four pence or five pence and so in proportion this would be far more to the honor of the cause of truth and the principle we profess than for friends to the foremost in asking and taking the highest price which now [crossed out: savors] stink of extortion this has been a stumbling block to many honest enquirer this was but a poor low time amongst the people they seemed to have rather gone back than forward since the last time I was here which is some time the meeting seemed dull dull dull
13 the 1 month 1796 for the most part of this week I was favored but towards the end thereof grew more poor till the next first day which is the seventeenth
18 the 1 month 1796 for several days bodily pain but an easy mind towards the end of this week somewhat recovered on seventh day we had the company of John Simpson, Claton Brown, Joseph Whitall, Reuben Hilyer this was an appointed meeting at this time came in to my mind that in a time of drought we looked up to the clouds for rain sometime when there was many clouds there was but little rain and sometimes when but little clouds there came much rain and when in the gallery was many preachers and the minds of the people turned and looking that way there was but little said and at other times when but few in the gallery and the minds of the people looking to him the bishop and holy high priest to anoint and open the mouths of his servants so that freely receiving they freely give and all are edified the twenty third the week ends
24 the 1 month 1796 done no good thing
25 the 1 month 1796 this and the day following have been clostly[?] engaged in visiting the sick and pleading the cause of the poor to my comfort and theirs also
27 the 1 month 1796 for three days collecting some money by subscription for a Negro family in low circumstance[?] to by them clothing got ten or twelve dollars the neighbors gave freely for they were honest sober black people we ought not to let the poor suffer while we abound in plenty for all is of God mercy
31 the 1 month 1796 this is first day was at meeting
1 the 2 month 1796 was at Burlington month meeting I was in men’s and women’s part where I had some service but it was rub[?] and go for a spirit of lukewarmness did prevail and the world was gaining the ascendancy of the minds of friends
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2 the 2 month 1796 was at Chesterfield month month meeting here friends differed in sentiments and took up much time very unprofitably and made things no better but worse for want of a little more condescension and I believe wounded the hearts of some of the youth I thought the old folks that had more form than substance carried their points to the hurt of the meeting this evening had a favored opportunity at Clayton Newbold’s as also next morning in their family for the children appeared something innocent
3 the 2 month 1796 was at Springfield month meeting this was a favored time in the management of their business they were much united the youth sat very solid this is comfortable and pleasant to see at the close the ministers and elders with the overseers was desired to stop to consider how far friends ought to deal with those that paid their substitute tax [crossed out: for] in lieu of personal service it was united that as other disorderly persons if they justified their conduct
4 the 2 month 1796 was at Mount Holly month meeting here things was very low and business poorly managed I thought not to the honor of the cause of truth the life and power was wanting in the evening I visited a man that had been an old professor and had caused friends much trouble by taking [crossed out: too] strong drink to excess with him I dealt clostly[?] he appeared to me a great deceiver I told him I thought it would be best for him to request friends to set him without the camp for cleansing until he manifested himself clear from that of drinking strong drink to excess
after this visited an ancient friend as also two women that was in a poor state of health one of which diseased in two days after I visited a Methodist family who appeared religiously disposed they was very tender and expressed satisfaction
5 the 2 month 1796 was at Evesham month meeting I thought things was rather on the decline as to the nature and groundwork of religion though they hold up the form through an hard struggle for the world and the spirit of it hath too much place in the hearts of many for there is not room for religion to grow and flourish to the honor of the great husbandman
6 the 2 month 1796 on my return home I felt great stripping of spirit but in visiting the poor and some in affliction was comforted and had cause to bless praise and magnify the great name of Israel’s God in that he has not left nor forsaken me who has none to look to but him the Lord alone for strength
7 the 2 month 1796 was at our first day meeting as usual
8 the 2 month 1796 this our month meeting I requested a copy of the yearly meeting minute relating to that of a worldly spirit for I thought it was high time some of them was visited this the meeting granted the clerk ordered to give me at this time I revived a concern to pay a religious visit to the families of friends of Newtown and hold a few meetings on or near the river side this was united with I also revived a concern that had been an exercise for some years of there being such a concourse at our quarterly meetings of business and holding of them on that day as for public worship but that they be held more select this seemed much united with by many but some could not see it best it was left for the present
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9 the 2 month 1796 from this to the 13 nothing more than visiting the poor and afflicted and attending to the necessities of those two old Indians who are at my house the one upwards of eighty and the other more than sixty the last blind they are under the care of the monthly meeting of Haddonfield
14 the 2 month 1796 this is our first day meeting it was a favored day not to be forgot we had the company of our friend Samuel Smith who had a searching testimony to tendering the hearts of many both young and old to our comfort
15 the 2 month 1796 had some as I thought clear openings respecting meetings of discipline and the manner of holding of them as in the authority of truth which is for men and women not to meet [crossed out: to go there but] in their separate apartments with partitions shut and no meeting for public worship but after a solid pause [crossed out: then] as calm and quiet as may be go on business [crossed out: and not as some think like] without breaking up the meeting as it’s called for I have seen ministers cramped for want of time and business hurried to a disadvantage and weak constitutions much spent and meetings end poor and lifeless and the divine presence not felt at the close that on the whole I do believe that if traveling friends are not clear they had better appoint a meeting the following day I leave this as my sense [crossed out: at this time] though I may not live to see it brought about this would prevent so large a concourse of people of whom are a number of the dear youth that suffer loss by getting into company and contraction profitable acquaintance which and sometimes prove to their hurt and the grief of parents and mixing with persons of loose principles and bad morals
16 the 2 month 1796 this day the women friends from Europe was at our meeting
[A page labeled “72” has been left blank]
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miles
23 the 4 month 1794 the number of miles from place to place in my journey eastward through New England
miles
from my home to Abraham Warrington’s 10
to Burlington sandy roads 10
from thence to Crosswicks good roads 15
from thence to Princeton swampy 16
from thence to Brunswick good road 18
from thence to Rahway good 17
from thence to New York middling 20
from thence to Flushing by water 16
from thence to Westbury some good 15
from thence to Cow Neck good 7
from thence to Matinecock hilly stony 10
from thence to Oyster Bay hilly and stony 6
from thence to Jericho good 6
from thence to Jerusalem good 7
from thence to Half Hills [Half Hollow Hills?] good 12
from thence to Bethpage good 6
from thence to Jacob Smith’s good 17
from thence to Hempstead good 5
from thence to Westbury month meeting 5
from thence to Jericho month meeting 3
from thence to John Sering’s good 9
from thence to Rockaway good 12
from thence to Flushing part good 17
from thence to Newtown part good 16
from thence to New York good 8
from thence back to Flushing 16
these on Long Island distance and roads from Long Island to West Chester 6
from thence to Mamaroneck bad 13
from thence to Purchase roads bad 9
from thence to Hopkinton bad roads
on the east side of Connecticut 125
from Hopkinton to Westerly bad 11
from thence to Richmond bad 13
from thence to Kingstown bad 10
from thence to South Kingstown bad 7
from thence to ferry bad 6
crossing the ferry to Canonicut 3
across the island one 1
over the ferry to Newport 3
back cross the ferry to Canonicut 3
crossed again to Newport 3
from Newport to Portsmouth and back 16
from Newport to Jacob Mott’s 8
from thence to Tiverton 5
543 [Actually sums to 541]
556
where I lodged and the names
Long Island Benjamin Hicks
then Thomas Pearsall
then Gideon Simmons
then John Sering
then Silas Downing
then Refine Weeks
then Elias Hicks
then Elias Hicks second time
then James Oakley
then Henry Whitson
then Gideon Simmons second
then Gideon Simmons third
then Thomas Titus
then John Titus
then Thomas Pearsall
then Isaac Undrel’s
these on Long Island
now to New York Joseph Dilaplain
where I quartered
the yearly meeting time
to the eighteenth of: 4 month
then went to Thomas Pearsall
then Hugh Judge
then David Halstead
then Daniel Titus
then Widow Smith tavern
then another tavern
then Jeremiah Browning
then Joseph Collins
then Benjamin Hocksy
then George Hazard
then John Condon
then Thomas Robinson
Newport
then Zaccheus Chase
then Thomas Robinson
During the yearly meeting
then John Greens
then Jacob Mott’s
then Susanna Barker
then John Gifford
then David Russell
then John Tucker
then John Gifford
then William Roach three night
the 30 then William Brown, Nantucket,
till the 7 of the 7 month 1794
---[PAGE 74]---
from thence to Little Compton roads bad 8
from thence to New Rochelle bad 6
from thence to Center bad roads bad 4
from thence to Newtown bad 5
from thence to Ponaganset bad 5
from thence to New Bedford bad 6
from thence to Acushnet good 5
from thence to Long Plain good 6
from thence back to Bedford good 10
from thence to Nantucket by water 60
from thence to the Vineyard by water 30
from thence to Wood’s Harbor by water 9
from thence to Falmouth good 8
from thence to Sandwich good 15
from thence to Yarmouth sandy 18
back from Yarmouth to Sandwich sandy 18
from thence to Pembroke good 32
back to Smith Brown’s good 3
from thence to Taunton good 30
from thence to Rochester good 30
from thence to New Bedford good 14
was six days at New Bedford visiting families
from thence to Freetown bad stony 20
from thence to Somerset bad 7
from thence to Providence good 18
from thence to Cranston good 7
from thence to [crossed out: Scituate] Foster bad 13
from thence to Scituate 12
from thence to Providence good 12
from thence to Smithfield good 14
from thence to Uxbridge 6
from thence to Glocester bad 9
from thence to Elishe Steer’s meeting bad 9
from thence to Lower Smithfield 10
from thence to Providence 6
from thence to Greenwich 14
from thence to Updike’s Newtown 8
from thence by water to Portsmouth on Rhode Island a second time 11
from thence to Newport Rhode Island 8
506
8 the 7 month 1794
then William Coffin two nights at the vineyard
then Richard Lacks
then John Wing
then Hatsel Kelly, Yarmouth
then John Wing’s second time
then Smith Brown's
then Smith Brown's second
then Isaac Woodard's
then at a tavern, Rochester
then Thomas Roch to the 23 the 7 month 1794 ended my family visit to this town New Bedford to my comfort
then George Shore
then Patience Brayton
then Thomas Arnold
then Sylvester Weeks
then Elishe Boiny
then Moses Brown
then Daniel Antony
then Elisha Tornton
then James Smith
then Elisha Steer
then Lidea Lockwood
then John Langford
then Jacob Mott
then Thomas Robinson
Newport Rhode Island
then Benjamin Runels
then John Casey
then Elisha Harris
then Moses Brown
these in and about Providence
then Daniel Antony
then Uriah Gilson
then Jesse Battey
then Benjamin Battey
these the north of Rhode Island
government
then John Potter
then George Comstock
then John Frye
then Ann Orrick in Boston
then Benjamin Alle
then Alice Nedom
---[PAGE 75]---
the distance from meeting to meeting, miles
from thence to Updike’s Newtown by water 14
from thence to East Greenwich 8
from thence to Warwick 9
from thence to Providence a third time 5
from thence to Lower Smithfield second time 6
from thence to Cumberland not friends 6
from thence to Mendon bad roads 15
from thence to Northbridge bad 7
from thence to Douglas bad 13
from thence to Glocester a second time bad 10
from thence to Thomson bad 12
from thence to Leicester bad 21
from thence to Bolton 20
from thence to Boston 32
from thence to Lynn 12
from thence to Salem 6
from thence to Newbury 25
from thence to Amesbury 4
from thence to Seabrook 6
from thence to Newton and back 14
from thence to Epping 16
from thence to Lee 8
from thence to Dover 12
from thence to Kittery in Vermont [Maine?] 4
from thence to Berwick 12
from thence to Falmouth 45
from thence to Durham 25
from thence to Lewiston 15
from thence to Greene 12
from thence to Winthrop 20
from thence to Vassalboro 21
from thence to Fairfield 15
then back to Vassalboro 15
from thence back to Durham 45
from thence back to Falmouth 25
from thence to Portland and back 12
from thence to Windham and back 20
from thence to Portland a second and back 12
from thence to Bath 45
634
[crossed out: 589]
Newbury, Lewis Davis
then Stephen Gove's
then Ezekiel Jones
then Abigail Folson
then Aaron Ranson
then Silas Frye
then at Saco, William Harper's tavern
then Joseph Eastes
then Amos Davis
then Abiather Richmond
then Steward Foster
then John Pincom
then Harper Boman
then Daniel Shepherd at Fairfield up the river Kennebec one hundred miles or near it, from my home six hundred miles
then Hezekiah Hocksy
Rimington Hobby, Jacob Taber
then second time back to John Pincom’s
then Joseph Douglas
then Joseph Eastes
then John Winslow
then John Winslow a second
then James Winslow
then Stephen Morrow
then John Winslow six nights during the quarter meeting at Falmouth
then Jonathan Sergeant
then George Ramsdal four times on Kennebec
then Jonathan Jones’s
then at Isaac Lincoln at Broad Cove three nights
then Sarah Canaday’s, a widow on the east side of the river Sheepscot
then Jeremiah Hacker at Durham
then John Winslow’s on my return to the west
Jedediah Cob
Robert Boody
John Purington
---[PAGE 76]---
miles 4 of: 10 month 1794
from thence to George Ramsdel’s 20
from thence to Henry Dearborn’s and to Bowdoinham and back 14
back again 14
from thence to Jonathan Jones’s 15
from thence to Isaac Lincoln’s 15
from thence to John Farrow and back 10
to George Rhodes and back 5
from thence to the Widow Chapman’s
here we had a meeting on the east side of Broad Bay thirty miles east from Kennebec River 5
from thence to Sarah Canaday, a widow’s near Sheepscot River 15
from thence to Arnold’s ferry at Kennebec on my return back 15
from thence back to Durham 20
from thence back to Falmouth 25
from thence to Windham 10
from thence to Limington 20
from thence to Sandwich 45
from thence to Dover month
meeting 60
from thence back to Rochester 7
from thence to Meaderboro 7
from thence to Gilmanton 20
from thence to Pittsfield 15
from thence to Weare or Hailstown[?] 30
from thence to Richmond 55
in this place back and forward to meeting 10
from thence to Hadley a little town on Connecticut River 44
[crossed out: then] from thence to Job Allen’s tavern and near Hartford on the same river 47
from thence to New Haven to a tavern three miles of the town 47
from thence to Daniel Titus 47
from thence to David Hulsted 10
at Purchase meeting [crossed out: to] and from
thence to Mamaroneck 8
from thence to Westchester 13
and back to Purchase 21
from thence to New York 33
from thence to Rahway 20
690
Jonathan Dame at Dover
then Ezekiel Hite in New Hampshire government
then John Brown
then at David Gove two nights
then at Daniel Gove
then at John Hogdon
Daniel Gove a second time
then at one Moses tavern between Hailstown [and] Richmond
then to Jedediah Buffum, three nights at Richmond, New Hampshire government
then at Jaazaniah Barrett, two nights same place
then at a tavern at Hadley
then at Job Allen's tavern
then at another tavern, these in Connecticut
then at Daniel Titus
then at David Hulsted
in New York my companion from Richmond is Israel Sabel
the roads for one hundred miles through these parts very good from Northfield to New Haven
then to Benjamin Cornwell
then to James Quimby
then to James Mott
then at David Hulsted
then at Joseph Dilaplain
four nights in New York
then at Isaac Meatin
at Rahway two nights New Jersey
then at Hugh Webster’s
Plainfield at Elijah Pound
Stonybrook Samuel Brown
Crosswicks Joseph Lowry
John Wright four nights
Samuel Gaskels
---[PAGE 77]---
20 the 11 month 1794 miles
from Rahway to Plainfield 9
from thence to Stonybrook 33
to Samuel Brown’s and back 6
from thence to Crosswicks 16
from thence to Robin's 10
from thence to Arneytown 9
from thence to Crosswicks second time 8
from thence to Trenton 9
from thence to Burlington by Crosswicks 13
from thence to Mansfield 7
from thence back to Crosswicks a third time 11
back and forward to John Wright’s 8
from Crosswicks to Springfield 9
from thence to Mount Holly 11
from thence to Evesham 8
from thence to my home 13
this I acknowledge as a high favor from God for which cause let all within me reverence his great and glorious name who has wrought so marvelously and made way in the hearts of all the people where my lot was cast and friends in particular manner with whom I was between seven and eight months and laid by not one day for want of health nor took one day to rest till I came home which was the sixth day of the twelfth month 1794
then to Nathan Robin's
then to Alse Marriot
then to John Wright’s
then to Clayton Newbold
then to Thomas Gaskell
then to William Rogers
then to Thomas Dudley
and then home the sixth
day of the twelfth month
one thousand seven hundred
and ninety four
A cure for fellins. Take lime and soft soap, mix it together something thinner than mortar, put it into a brass thimble, and bind it on. Keep it on till all the black stuff runs out, which may be six or eight hours.
It has been an effectual cure by some that have tried it.
14 the 4 month 1795 left my home a second time on a religious visit to the eastern governments lodged at Abraham Warrington’s ten miles from my house 10
from thence to Stonybrook 34
from thence to Rahway 38
from thence to Tappan near the North River 41
from thence to Kakiat 18
from thence to James Cromwell’s 9
from thence to William Thorn’s 20
from thence to David Sands at Cornwell 9
from thence to Newburgh 8
from thence to Newburgh Valley 10
from thence to Mulberry [Marlboro?] 11
from thence to Little Esopus 16
then back and forward in visiting families 20
then crossed the ferry up the North River from New York at a place called Crum Elbow eighty miles
404
14 the 4 month 1795 left my home on a visit to the eastern governments
lodged at Abraham Warrington’s the first night
then to Benjamin Clark’s
then to Joseph Shotwel’s
then to Daniel Lawrence
then to James Cromwell’s
then to William Thorn’s
this in York government
then to David Sands
then to Newburgh a little town on the North River
then to James Hallick
then at Roland Roberson (he liveth in a mountainous place up the North River)
then to James Tilson
then to Jacob Lattins
then to Isaac Fost's two nights
---[PAGE 78]---
from Crum Elbow ferry to the meeting house 8
from thence to Tideman Hull’s 12
from thence to the Creek meeting 5
back and to meeting 6
from thence to Nine Partners 9
from thence to Hudson in York government 50
from thence to Saratoga 60
from thence to Saratoga on the west side 8
back and forward to meeting 9
from thence to Greenfield 16
from thence to Galway 15
from thence to Boultown [Ballston?] 15
from thence to Newton [Newtonville?] 14
from thence to Saratoga back again 15
from thence to Queensbury 30
from thence to Lake George the south end 10
from thence to the bridge crossing the east branch of the
North River in Washington county 6
from thence to Benjamin Potter’s 8
from thence to Levy Mead’s 7
thirty miles [crossed out: there and] back to Queensberry the roads new and rough so that we was forced to go on horseback 31
from thence to Samuel Deen’s 3
from thence to Fort Ann 12
from thence to Skenesborough 12
from thence to Vergennes in Vermont near Lake Champlain 52
from thence to Ferrisburgh 4
from thence to Jonathan Hoeg’s and back 4
from thence to Ferrisburgh to and brought back and forward to Vergennes as I was engaged here visiting families 12
left Vergennes and went on board a schooner taking my leave of friends and others who many of them accompanied us on board where we parted in feeling nearness and love not to be forgot of whom Thomas Robinson and Jemima his wife was two. We was bound for Saint John’s went down Elbow Creek 8
then across the Lake Champlain to the west side to Gragheart[?] 3
from thence to Willsboro on the west side the Lake 5
from thence to Peru the west side Lake Champlain 25
from thence to Ransom’s taverns on the Lake opposite the Grand Isle 26
from thence cross the lake to Daniel Hight’s[?] 3
from thence back by water cross the lake to Plattsburgh to a small town near the bay where we had meeting 7
from thence back to the Grand Isle 7
from thence cross the isle to a meeting on the east side 5
from thence same day to a meeting on the north end of this isle and back to our lodging on the south side 14
and from thence to a meeting of conference with friends by themselves 3
from thence to the Isle of Mott [Isle La Motte?] where is a few
inhabitants as it is a small island 7
571
lodged at Tideman Hull’s this night
then at Isaac Hallock’s two nights
then a third time Isaac Hallock’s
then at Silas Bunker near Hudson
then at Elihew Bunker’s in Hudson
then at Hitchcock’s
then at Nathan Eddy’s
then at Saratoga at Rufus Hall
then at Isaac Laits on the west side the North River Saratoga
then at Ephraim Otas
then at Jonathan Griffin's
then at Joseph Dean's
then at Philip Mackinburg's
then at William Odel's
then at Joseph Fowler's
in this place lived William Cary and Ruth his wife this is at Newton
then back to Ephraim Otas again
then at George Southwick
then at Benjamin Potter’s on the west fork of the North River
then at Pelick trips this is the furthest settlements to the west from Lake George as they said
then at William Bond’s. Here I crossed the North branch twice to see a sick woman, was to her comfort and mine. Also here laid banks of ice near the end of the fifth month 1795
then at Valentine Brown
then at Thomas Stringam's
then at Samuel Dean’s
then at a tavern on our way to Ferrisburgh, the roads miry and country new
then at another tavern this not [crossed out: [illegible]] agreeable for near eighty miles
here was no friends till we came to Vergennes in the government of Vermont near Lake Champlain
then at Thomas Robinson’s
then at Lidda Fish
then at Jonathan Hoeg
then at Lidda Fish
then at Thomas Robinson’s
several nights at Vergennes
then at John Fields
then at Richard Keases, Peru
then at Daniel Hoeg's on Lake Champlain two nights
on the same isle at
---[PAGE 79]---
from thence to Colewell’s manor 9
from thence to Jacob Bouling’s 12
this is up the Chazy River west side lake
from Chazy to Saint John’s 40
from thence to Laberary [Tipperary?] 20
from thence to Cocawago [Caughnawaga?] and back to Laberary 20
from thence to the ferry 10
from thence to Montreal on the north side the river Saint Lawrence to the town 2
from thence down the river to Quebec 190
from thence by water to Halifax 1000
for from Montreal it is called eleven hundred and ninety miles which we came in the brig called Four Brothers with Captain George Searmon. We landed at Dartmouth the opposite the town of Halifax the seventeenth day of the 7 month 1795
from thence to Thomas Green’s and back 7
from thence to Windsor on a branch of Fundy Bay this is a small village on a river 47
from thence to Annapolis 84
from thence to Digby as we came 20
from thence to New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy 40
from thence to Dipper Harbor on the same bay as we go towards Beaver Harbor 20
from thence to Beaver Harbor a little scattered town almost left being but four or five families 20
from thence to Passamaquoddy 20
from thence to Machias 35
from thence to Pleasant River 20
from thence to Frenchman Bay to the
ferry this is towards Pornopscot [Penobscot?] 39
from thence by water to the Blue Hills [Blue Hill?] 30
from thence to Penobscot 15
from thence to Ducktrap 14
from thence to Camden 14
from thence to Broad Bay 18
from thence to Falmouth 70
from thence to Sandwich 75
from thence to Cohorse[?] on Connecticut River in the government of Vermont 70
from thence to Danby 65
these roads are rough, stony, and mountainous as well as the country, the traveling of which to me appears awful to see the towering height of the hills and the clouds striking on them
1926
then at Isabel Fisk
on the Isle of Mott the meeting at Abraham Knop's and same day another at Colewell’s manor, at one Grant’s
then at Jacob Bouling six miles up the Chazy River the west side Lake Champlain
lodged two nights
then at a tavern at St. John’s in Canada at the furthest end of Lake Champlain
then at
then at Montreal at tavern one Cushing near the market where we was kindly entertained till we went on board the ship bound for Halifax or Dartmouth, where we, through the Lord’s goodness, we landed safe. Blessed be God for all within me doth at my landing bow and reverence his great name. Let these mercies never be forgot so long as I live here on earth.
then we lodged except one night till the twenty-seventh when we left this Dartmouth and set forward towards Annapolis. Lodged at two taverns and then at Samuel Moore’s for four nights. We had two meeting in these parts
from thence to Robert Randolph’s
from thence to Job Young’s
from thence to Digby in Nova Scotia
then at John Garrison’s in New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy
three nights
and then at one friends at Dipper Harbor
then at Joshua Knight at Beaver Harbor
then at David Owen’s at Campbellton
then at a tavern at Machias in the province of Maine
then at one Merriot’s on Pleasant River
then at Richard Coffer’s on the same river
then at Peter Parker’s at the Blue Hill so called near Mount Desert
then at a tavern in Penobscot town
then at a tavern at Ducktrap on Penobscot Bay
then to one Gregory's at Camden
then at the Widow Chapman’s, Broad Bay
then at the Widow Canaday’s
then at Jeremiah Hacker's at Durham
then at John Winslow’s at Falmouth
then at Jedediah Cobb’s
then at John Levitt’s
then at one scribner's at Sandwich
then at a tavern, then at Jared Bassett’s in Cohorse near Connecticut River
---[PAGE 80]---
from Danby to Mount Holly and back 40
from Danby to Easton 43
from Easton to Saratoga and back 12
from Easton to White Creek 20
from White Creek to Pittstown 14
from Pittstown to Coeymans Patent 53
from Coeymans Patent to Clinakills[?] 25
from Clinakills[?] to New Britain 14
from New Britain to Stephentown 10
from Stephentown to Easthusock 30
and so to see Robert Nesbet 7
this is in a part of the bay government or Massachusetts, near two hundred miles from York
from thence to Stockbridge 25
from thence to Tyringham 15
from thence to Goshen 35
from thence to the Branch 25
from thence to New Milford 12
from thence to the Valley 12
from thence to Peach Pond and back 20
from thence to Oblong 18
from thence to Nine Partners 20
this part of the country is mountainous and stony, the roads rough. The people improve their lands well, they grow rich and proud, religion low
from thence to the Creek meeting 8
from thence to Little Nine Partners and back 22
from thence back from the Creek to Nine Partners 8
from thence to the Creek back 8
from thence to [crossed out: the] Stephen Dean’s 10
from thence to Israel Titus 4
from thence to Oswego meeting house 11
from thence to Poughquag as I went 13
from thence to Oblong 9
from thence to Nine Partners 20
from thence to West Hartford 70
from West Hartford to Oblong again 65
from thence to Robert Ronald’s 30
from thence to Amawalk 10
from thence to Colebark[?] 10
from thence to Chappaqua 10
from thence to Isaiah Quimby’s 8
from thence to New York 42
from thence to my home 100
908
the twenty-sixth of the eleventh month 1795 where I found my family all to my comfort after a long and trying journey of near eight months time and four thousand miles so far as Halifax in Nova Scotia where I was kindly entertained and great openness to receive friends and their principles. This is a good country and the people live well.
These are the number of miles since I left home in this journey 1795
Total Distance 6204
from thence to Stephen Rogers's
from thence to George Vans
from thence to Steven Baker
from thence to James Cornwell
from thence to [space] Duel
from thence to Peter Moser
from thence to [space] Peckom’s
from thence to Levy Hoeg
from thence to Frances Bunker
from thence to Joseph Michel
from thence to William Shearman (this is near the Shaker’s town in York government, a people very reserved in their way and honest in their dealings, though some of their ideas I could not think well of nor unite with)
from thence to David Antony
from thence to Adam Harklis
from thence to John Upton
from thence to Eanes Curtis
from thence to Aamas Carpenter
from thence to David Tryan
from thence to Charles Richard
from thence to Thomas Dean’s
from thence to Abner Howeg
from thence to Nicholas Windsor
from thence to Daniel Haviland
from thence to Abner Howeg
from thence to Isaac Thorn
from thence to Isaac Hallock
from thence to John Allen
from thence to Garrett Burtis
from thence to Enoch Darling
from thence to Joseph Lancott’s
from thence to Isaac Osborne’s
from thence to Brown Wilbur’s
from thence to Isaac Thorn’s
from thence to Isaac Undrel’s
from thence to Elisha Steal’s
from thence to Ebenezer Crosby at West Hartford, Connecticut
from thence to Charles Gilbert
from thence to Charles Richard’s
from thence back to Elishe Steal’s
from thence back to Abner Howeg
from thence to Isaac Osborne’s again
from thence to Robert Reynolds
from thence to Joseph Walter’s
from thence to Jacob Undrel’s
from thence to Timothy Carpenter
from thence to Joseph Dilaplain
from thence to Elijah Pound’s
from thence to Joseph Eleson’s
from thence to my own home 26 the 11 month 1795
These are the places where I lodged and the names of the persons
[A page labeled “81” is blank]
---[PAGE 82]---
Month meetings
Rhode Island quarterly meeting:
Richmond
x Uxbridge
x Smithfield
x South Kingstown
x Greenwich
x Providence
Swansea
Rhode Island
Sandwich quarterly meeting:
Sandwich
Pembroke
x Ponaganset
x Acoaxet
x Nantucket
x Bedford
Salem quarterly meeting:
Salem
Seabrook
x Dover
Falmouth quarterly meeting:
x Falmouth
x Durham
x Vassalboro
those marked I have been at
Quarterly meetings within
Rhode Island yearly
x is Rhode Island
x Sandwich
Salem
x Falmouth
three of these I have been at
Salem quarterly meeting is held on the 5th day before 2nd. 6 day in the 9 month at Berwick 12th month at Dover 3rd month at Seabrook and 5th day before 1st. 6th day in the 6 month at Salem
Falmouth quarterly meeting is held [crossed out: at] on 5 day before the 1st. 6 day in the 9th month at Vassalboro 12th month at Durham 3rd month at Windham and 5th day before the last 6th day in the 5th month at Falmouth
Sandwich quarter held at Bedford 1st 6 day in the 10th month
at Rhode Island the fifth day before the second sixth day of 3 month
at Smithfield the second sixth day of the tenth month
at Swansea the second sixth day of the first month
at East Greenwich the second sixth day of the fourth month
---[PAGE 83]---
New York quarterly meeting is held on the fourth day preceding the last first day in the tenth month as also in the first fourth and seventh the first and seventh months at Westbury on Long Island
Oblong quarterly meeting is the fourth day preceding the first first day in the eleventh month as also in the second fifth and eighth the second and eighth at Purchase these are held circular
Nine Partners quarterly meeting is held the fourth days in the next week following in the said months the eleventh second fifth and eighth
Easton [crossed out: the] quarterly meeting is the forth day in the week next following in the same months eleventh second fifth and eighth these are of course one after the other from New York to Easton quarter after quarter
the month meetings constituting each quarter
New York quarterly meeting:
New York
x Westbury
x Jericho
Oblong quarterly meeting:
x Oblong
x Purchase
Chappaqua
Nine Partners quarterly meeting:
x Nine Partners
x Hudson
Cornwell
x Crick
Saratoga quarterly meeting:
x Saratoga
x Easton
x Danby
East Hoosick
Quarterly meetings within New York
yearly meeting
is New York
Oblong
Nine Partners
Saratoga
[Pages labeled “84” and “85” are blank]
---[PAGE 86]---
[This page has been divided into three columns, but only the first contains text]
18 the 4 month 1795 Tappan on the west side of the North River forty miles from York the names of friends whom I was nearly united to in my journey in that country towards Lake Champlain
at Tappan: Daniel Lawrence and his family
at Mulberry: Edward Hallock
at Little Esopus: Jacob Cotony, Alexander Young, then Jacob Lattin
at Crum Elbow: Isaac Frost and Solomon Frost his son
at the Creek meeting: Isaac Hallock and wife Ruth and Jedediah Allen
at Hudson, a little town on the North River the east side near two hundred miles up from York: John Alsop, Elihew Bunker, Silas Bunker, Peter Barnard husband to Hannah Barnard
at Saratoga: Rufus Hall and wife
at Saratoga on the west side of the North River: Ephraim Otis, Jonathan Grifes, Thomas Wilbur
at Queensbury: George Southwick and Daniel Hull
at Vergennes: Richard Burling, Thomas Robinson and wife Jemima. This is three hundred miles north of York and near Lake Champlain, at a little town at the falls of a creek
at Ferrisburgh: the Widow Fish and Timothy Pigars and Joseph Hoeg and Jonathan Hoeg
at Peru on the west side of Lake Champlain: Richard Keas and wife
at the Grand Isle: Daniel Hoeg and wife
[A page labeled “87” is blank]
---[PAGE 88]---
[This page has been divided into three columns, but only the last contains text]
the roads eastwards from Rahway to New York the roads are good there are three rivers one a quarter of a mile one half a mile another two miles the last lies alongside the town of New York
from New York to Westchester Mamaroneck and Purchase the roads not very bad some stony
from Purchase to Seabrook ferry not every bad if we go the lower road next the bay
from Seabrook to Hopkinton and so through them parts to Newport the roads rough and stony there is two ferries to cross three miles wide these are near Newport
from Newport to Bedford the roads are hilly and stony and very bad one small river to cross
from thence along the sea crossed to Falmouth the roads are good for them parts in general but them of from the sea towards Providence Smithfield Uxbridge Glocester Epping and Bolton in these parts the roads are mountainous and stony they are passable for carriages as also to Sandwich where and Richmond
from Falmouth to and up Kennebec these hills are clay and slippery and the roads rough though present
from Kennebec to Broad Bay the roads are mountainous rough and stony yet we went with our carriages
---[PAGE 89]---
1794 the names of my beloved friends eastward in my visit to New England and them parts
Uxbridge:
Elisha Thornton
Royel Southwick
These are a number of women
New York:
Ann King
Ann Dobson
Long Island:
Elizabeth Simmon
Newport:
Thomas Robinson’s wife and their daughter Abigail
New Bedford:
Deborah Davis
Priscatta Roatch
Elizabeth Roatch
Salem:
Alice Nedom
Cranson:
Lydia Heeks
Nantucket:
Elizabeth Redmond
Dorcas Brown
Kittery:
Hannah Fry, a young woman
Mary Fry
Falmouth:
Lydia Winslow
Ebenezer Winslow’s wife
Durham:
Ann Hacker
Hailstown:
Martha Gove
Daniel Gove’s wife
Epping:
Abigail Folsom
these are both men and women I remember well in near feeling love in my travels in New England in the year 1794 their kindness felt, it never be forgot so long as I live here on earth, and when we have done here that we may be worthy to join that angelic host in praising God forever
Long Island:
Elias Hicks and wife
Gideon Simmons
Thomas Pearsall
New York:
Joseph Dilaplain
George Bound
Joseph Pearsall
Purchase:
Hugh Judge
James Mott
Richard Mott
David Hulsted and wife
Rhode Island:
Thomas Robinson and wife
Jacob Mott
New Bedford:
William Roach [and] wife
Thomas Roach (my beloved companion for near four months) and wife
Joseph Austen
Nantucket:
William Brown
Samuel Rodman
Providence:
Moses Brown
Daniel Antony
Cranston:
Sylvester Weeks
Elisha Harris
East Greenwich:
John Casey
Lynn:
Benjamin Ally
Daniel Ally
Isaac Collins
Kittery:
John Fry
Falmouth:
John Winslow
Ebenezer Winslow
Durham:
Jeremiah Hacker
Joseph Douglas
Vassalboro:
Rimington Hobby
John Taber
Weare:
David Gove
Daniel Gove
Richmond:
Jedediah Buffom
Jaazaniah Barrett
Israel Sabel
1794 visited these islands the size of New York in width miles four and in length fourteen
Long Island in width seven and in length 130
Canonicut in width one and in length seven
Rhode Island in width four in length fifteen
Nantucket in width four and in length fifteen
The Vineyard in width three and in length sixteen
Prudence in width one and in length nine
Families of friends
in Boston 3
in Lyn 80
in Newbury 10
in Amesbury 13
in Seabrook 17
in Newton 5
in Epping 9
in Weare 60
in Dover 40
in Kittery 6
in Berwick 40
in Durham 40
in Lewiston 4
in Greene 4
in Winthrop 5
in Fairfield 12
in Vassalboro 24
in Falmouth 30
in Windham 30
in Limington 3
in Sandwich 16
in Gilmanton 9
in Pittsfield 10
in Richmond 16
these the number of families of friend beyond Boston with some allowance for mistakes by Joshua Evans
---[PAGE 90]---
John Hinchman
Hannah Warrington
Joshua Evans Journal, 1794 4mo. 20 - 1796 2mo. 16
This diary of Joshua Evans covers April 20, 1794 - February 16, 1796
Evans, Joshua, 1731-1798
1794 - 1796
81 p.; 20.5 cm
RG5/190
Friends Historical Library journals collection --https://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/sfhl-mss-003
Joshua Evans, a Quaker minister and abolitionist, was born in 1731 in West Jersey, a member of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. About the year 1754, he experienced a religious conversion and thereafter devoted his life to sharing his rigorous interpretation of the Gospel through an ascetic and pious life style and simple ministry. Barely educated, he nevertheless was acknowledged as a minister by Haddonfield Monthly Meeting in 1759. Evans was a vegetarian and a fervent proponent of the peace testimony, Quaker plainness, and ending slavery. In 1798, he traveled through the southern states condemning slavery in the strongest terms. Returning to New Jersey, he died in July 1798. A detailed inventory of the Joshua Evans papers held by the Friends Historical Library is available at http://www.swarthmore.edu/Library/friends/ead/5190joev.xml
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