Bean diary 1872-1873 (England and Ireland)

 
 
Joel Bean Diaries 1872-1873 England and Ireland
 
Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore (Pa.) College
Copied by Tom M. King of San Jose, CA.
June 23, 1998
 
 
 
Folder consists of a leather bound booklet of about 100 handwritten pages, with cover title of Records  and a written 1872.  Following that are 25+ handwritten browning thin paper half sheets continuing the account of the visit in England.
 
First Entry:  flysheet signed Joel Bean  and next (other side) page records:
 
 
The texts quoted in the following pages were the subjects given me to speak upon in the meetings named.  JB
There is a Diary to accompany this naming homes visited and other matters of interest.  This is a Record of more interior experience.
 
========================== 1872-1873 ========================
 
Northern Ohio, 9th mo. 24, 1872.  Passing Eastward.    
                        May I realize in this Journey the Psalmists' Exclamation -- "How Precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God.  How great is the sum of them!"  Another brief paragraph continues similarly, but not underlined.
 
Philadelphia, 238 So. 10th St.  (two brief sentences of thoughts at "morning reading".)
 
Newport R.I.  10th Mo 10. 1872  
                                    The invitation of the Master - "Come and dine," preceded his charge "Feed my lambs,"  "Feed my Sheep."  His disciples are fed by him as a preparation, and in order to feed others.  They had just learned how fruitless all their toil until Christ give direction and success.  (Underlines in original)   This entry continues to back of page (top only) about the same number of words.
 
            Next page:   "While at Newport we called to see Davis Bufferson?? (his words follow).
                                   
                                    "Extract from a letter received from Barnabas C. Hobbs.  dated 10th mo. 2. 72.   (follows--wishing good trip)
 
Amsbury, Mass 10th mo. 13.  The memorial name revealed to Moses "I Am" is unfolded thro' Christ to His disciples and His Church.     (continues)
 
In Lynn on 7th day morning (thoughts follow)
 
Sandwitch N.H. 10th mo. 22. 1872  (thoughts follow)
 
Windon, 11th mo. 2.  (thoughts follow)   ends with "In remembrance of our Quarterly Meeting, met today at Springdale and in prayer on behalf of the Church there, near access was felt to the Throne of Grace, . . . ."
 
11th mo. 8. 1872  Parted with our children.  (thoughts follow)
 
Embarked for England on the Celtic  11th mo. 9. 1872.  When I first came on board with our baggage yesterday an almost fearful sense came over me of the dangers of the deep.  (thoughts continue).
 
Steamship Celtic, First day, 11th mo. 10.  The Episcopal Service was read, or conducted by the Purser, at 1 1/2 a.m.  It was pleasant to see such recognition of the day and of the duty of worship. and to witness the devout manner of a number who joined in the service.
                        With an intelligent Roman Catholic lady, the widow of Gen Kearney, we had free and pleasant converse upon some of the doctrines of her Church and she told us of the experiences of one of her daughters who has gone into a  Convent.
                        In the afternoon at 3 a delightful little Bible Class on the 1st Chap. of Romans.
 
On the Great deep.  11th mo. 11     Our Roman Catholic friend is forbidden by her Church to unite in worship with Protestants, for this reason:  It is " not deemed right to go to any place where Almighty God is worshipped as mere spectators, without joining in that worship, and the Catholic cannot consistently unite with any protest against itself."
                        That Church believes none can be saved outside of her:  i.e., "the Church holds all truth, and all who are saved, are saved thro' a measure of the truth which she holds and proclaims."    
            (next full page)  Our Evangelistic friend belonging to no Church organization (the opposite Extreme to the Catholic) reads his Bible as forbidding woman to teach in the Church, (She may preach the Gospel to the world, but may not teach the body.)   As this excludes half the race from this service, and himself from the Enjoyment of it, we could not ask the Catholic to our Bible Class, nor propose to the "Evangelist" that my H. (means Hannah, his wife) should teach a Class composed of Christians alone.
                        And yet with both we can Enjoy sweet open converse together.  I am glad to feel that larger fellowship wh(ich) can recognize both as fellow disciples, and all their work for Christ.
 
Mid Ocean, Fifth day, 11th Mo. 14.  Held our little meeting together.  How much to be thankful for!  How much to learn! . . . .
                        We have much pleasant intercourse with fellow passengers. . . .
                         Opportunities are given us every day, for me to learn, for Dear Hannah to work.  It is mine to receive.  Her more blessed part is to give.  I desire to let the light shine:  I hope I do not hide or hinder it.  But is seems allowed, if not indeed allotted me in great quietness upon this ship to observe and listen, to gather all I can of good, and to
encourage what is good" to discountenance Evil by withdrawing and keeping apart from it as much as possible rather than by Encountering it in Controversy.  NOTE!!
 
                        Amid the  great diversity of opinions and beliefs represented here, my own business seems to be rather to search for Truth than for Error: for that which owns Christ, rather than for that which demis (sic) Him. 
                        There are two ways (next page here)  to help others, one by fellowship, and the other by protest: one by Encouraging the good in them, the other by warring and testifying against the Error or the wrong in them.  There may be uniting with others, so as to compromise the Truth.  And there may be a testimony against Errors and wrong without love.  Oh let me be kept in the very  Truth, and in the very Spirit of my dear Lord, in thought, in word, in deed.
 
"Celtic" Firstday, 11th mo. 18.  Gained a victory over reluctance to take up a Cross for my Lord. which greatly humiliated me because its cost is so much.
 
Near Liverpool 11th mo. 19, 1872  (editor's note:  Large seaport in England)
 
High Flats, Haddensfield.  11th mo. 29. 1872 at Joseph Firths.
                        We have been about a week and a half in England.
 
(Note:  Joel Bean continues for 2 pages about carefully observing English customs, being met at the boat   and staying at "the sweet home at dear Isaac Robson's",   with prayers by Henry Lees at the first mtg., and since by John Newby, Geo Satterthwaite, Sarah Firth.)
 
 
WHAT FOLLOWS IS PLACES WITH BRIEF (5 TO 10 WORDS) QUOTES)
 
            Haddensfield.
            Ackworth
            Pontefract
            Leeds 12th mo. 1. 1872
            Ramden, 12th mo. 3.
            Drewsbury
            Barnsby 12mo. 5.
            Beighouse 12 mo. 5.
            Bradford 12th mo. 8.
 
            12th Mo. 8. 1872-- (after a page of thoughts)  "In thinking of  Evening Meetings and dreading them more on account of my weariness when night comes on. almost incapacitating for labor."  . . . .
            Halifax 12th mo. 11.  Rom XV. 29.
            Beighouse Mo. Mtg. at Bradford 12th mo. 13.
            Kendal Firstday 12 mo. 14.
            Edinburgh Firstday, 12 mo. 22. 
            First month 1.1872 (means 1873?)  We leave Scotland in peace.  The Lord has                              been very gracious to us in this north land. . . . We go on towards the high places of Durham & Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland and Darlington freshly stripped and found in spirit. . . .
 
            Newcastle First mo. 2. 1873
            Benfieldside, 1st mo. 3
            Sunderland 1st mo. 5. 73  First day meeting large.
            Newcastle Mo Meeting 1st mo. 8
            Darlington Mo Mtg. 1st mo 9.
            Darlington 1st mo. 10. 1873.
            Darlington, First day, 1st mo. 12.  Large Meeting this morning at Darlington and a large Mission Mtg this Evening.
Manchester, 1st mo. 16  Lancshire & Chishire Q. Mtg.
Manchester Firstday, 1st mo. 19.
            After the Q. M. at Manchester a week was spent in Cheshire among the small meetings.
 
London, Firstday, 1st mo. 26.1873. . . . . At the Morning Mtg on Second day we were welcomed and Encouraged by Friends known and loved, and by other before unknown.  And on Leaving London Third day morning our dear frds J. B. & M. Braithwaite were made the instruments to hand us loving encouragement . . .
 
                                                York Quarterly Meeting 1st mo. 29.
Scarboro by the Sea. 2nd mo. 4 1873.  We have spent three days here in the  sweet resting place at  Jane Rountree’s.
                                            I came from York, a worn and weary traveler.   . . . .
 
(continues a full page)
 
Thorne, 2nd mo.  7  Went to the little meeting at this place without an opening or a word for service but with an unusual trustfulness of Spirit. . . . . (was easy service, Wm Casson ministered to Meeting and to us and our dear younger friend Joseph Clark, who came with us as Guide from Doncaster, offered feeling prayer..
Sheffield, Firstday, 2nd mo. 9.  In the Evening Mtg it is usual to read a (Bible) chapter before the Mtg for worship.
Sheffield, Danl (sic) Doncaster’s sweet  home, 2nd mo. 11. 1873. Three days ago we came to the sweet homes from which we now strike the tent, to depart.  We came Strangers.  We go with  hearts bound to every one of this dear household. . . . . (continues for  another page and one half)
 
Nottingham,  Firstday 2mo. 16 
Castle Donnington, 2nd mo. 22
Leicester 2nd mo. 23
Birmingham Firstday 3rd mo. 3.
Cruve?, 3rd mo. 5 1873  I spent the day in bed (at Nathl Worsdell’s) after a very sick night.  (continues one half page)
 
Dublin, Ireland. Firstday 3rd mo. 9.
Dublin, 3rd mo. 10
Lisburn Mo. Mtg. 3rd mo.  13.
Ulster Q. Meeting at Lisburn, Firstday 3rd mo.16.
(Concluding Mtg. Third day 3rd mo. 18)
 
Ballinderry, Fourth day, 3rd mo. 19.
 
Hillsboro, Fifth day 3rd mo. 20.
Sixth day,  3rd mo. 21.  Having an appointment at Rich Hills, I had a  proving season to pass thro’ in the morning on finding My H. (Hannah, his wife) unable to go, and that I must go without her.  As James N. Richardson took the Bible, . . . .Mary Rogers prayed for me & for the mtg.
Mountmellick, Leinster(?) Q. M. First day 3rd mo. 30.
Concluding Meeting Third day, 4th mo. 1.
Waterford, 4th mo. 3.
Cord. First day 4th mo. 6.
Munster Q. Mtg, Clonmel (?) 4 mo. 13  Conclusive Mtg. Clonmel, Third day. 4 mo. 15.
Monadwich, Ireland. 4th mo. 17. 1873.  A letter from Sister A. S. (Shipley?) Hannah’s sister) caused anxious feelings about the children.  With the wide Atlantic between us, we have no resource but prayer.  (continues)
Dublin Yearly Meeting, Sixth day Evening, 5th mo. 2.  Returned to our sweet haven of rest at Saml Bewley’s  (?) after a joint session of the Y. M. tired, sad, with homelongings in a double sense.  To see so many of our people turning from our own principles, from our liberty to bondage, from simple trust in the Divine Arm of Power to human instrumentalities, seems to me cause for morning.
Dublin, Sixth day. 5th mo. 9.  The Yearly Meeting has closed with Conclusive Mtg
 today.   I am very weary, which may in some measure account for a feeling of much depression.
 
(Joel Bean continues for unusual length, 3 pages!)  excerpts follow:
 
                 During this Y. M. many of the meeting have I think been memorable from the power given to some of the messengers (not including myself) to preach the word.  R. W.  Douglas, J. F. Hanson,  Al. N. Rogers & others . . .
      Never before have I had so to feel and suffer for the sake of my people.
       The last mtg of M. & E. was a searching season.  A very general and prevailing religious interest is manifest but many are leaving  us, to seek the aid of Ministry and the use of ordinances:  relapsing from the high vantage ground gained by our Fathers, as they Called the Church & led the way to holier heights of Christian light and life, and liberty.  There are dear living exercised ones still in this Y. M.:  while many seem little able to understand the Experiences of the former days.  . . . .
Worcester, England. Fifth day, 5th mo. 15. 1873
Chelmsford, First day 6th mo. 8.
Essex Quarterly Meeting. Colchester. 6th mo. 10. 1873
Norfold, Cambridge & Hunts Q. M.  St. Ives. 6th mo. 12.
Norwich, First day 6th mo. 15.  Evening.  As all are gone to the Evening Meeting and I am left to enjoy a quiet hour alone (having for three weeks omitted the Evening Mtgs) I take up my pen to inscribe in this recrd, one more Ebenezer.  (unknown meaning of “Ebenezer”.)
 
  Joel Bean writes 2+ pages including:  . . . Just after my prostration near the close of Yearly Meeting in London, and just before the tidings of our dear Cathie’s illness was announced to us by a telegram from America, I . . .  .
Brighton, First day, 6th mo. 22.
Neath, South Wales, Western Q. Mtg. 6th mo.25.
Bristol, 6th mo. 29.  First day.
Exeter, Fourth day 7th mo. 2.
Exeter, 7th mo. 5.  . . . .With trembling trust I look forward towards leaving this field of service and out over the great deep to our western home.   . . . . (in fixing a three weeks earlier period for our return on account of our dear child’s prolonged illness.)
Forguay (?), Firstday, 7th mo. 6d.
Plymouth.  Devon & Cornwall Q. Mtg. 7th mo. 9. 1873
Leeds, Brighouse Mo. Mtg. 7th mo. 11. 1873.
Huddersfield, First day. 7th mo. 13.
7th mo. 18 1873. (Eve T.)  We are passing away from the sight of the Irish Coast, out upon the broad Atlantic. 
Seventh Day Eve T.  7th Mo. 19.  The fog thickens around us.  The night is approaching. Icebergs may be near our track.  We may be liable to collision with oth‑‑‑er vessels. . . . .(continues half page)
 
7th mo. 28.  Landed in safety.  Found our Cathie at window much improved in health.  Lily and other friends well. . . .   (these are the two daughters of Joel and Hannah Bean).
 
En Route from Philadelphia to Newport.  Steamer Bristol, L. I. Sound Thirdday, Eve J (?) 8th mo.5.  .. . . . I recall the eras of my life which have been connected with passages over this Sound..  I first crossed it, a young man going forth alone to attend N. Y. Y. Meeting . . . .  I returned with a peace no words could fully tell.  Again I went abroad for a winter’s sojourn in the Sunny South, and returned with fresh soul witnessing . . . .
     The gift of my life companion is associated with a visit to my native New England, and a passage over these waters.
       Our Sandwich Island Mission was borne in weighty prospect (in our Entering upon it) and reviewed in peaceful retrospect on our return upon this Channel.
       And now our late Journey (to England and Ireland) is linked, both in our going out and in our coming in, . . .
       I first passed over these waters a youth.  Now my grown up daughter bears me company. . . . . .
        Christ was much to me then.  How much more do I realize Him to be to me now. My only foundation, my refuge. Can I not say in humble truthfulness, My All!
Gilmanton, N.H. 8th mo. 1873 
(last entry in diary book is 5 pages of a 13 stanza poem (8 lines per stanza) reviewing Joel Bean;s life.)
 
=============== 1872-1873 England/Ireland Diary =======