Chapter 2

My esteemed Friend, Abraham Farrington, being about to make a Visit to Friends on the eastern Side of this Province, and having no Companion, he proposed to me to go with him; and, after a Conference with some elderly Friends, I agreed to go: We set out the fifth Day of the ninth Month, in the Year 1743; had an Evening-meeting at a Tavern in Brunswick, a Town in which none of our Society dwelt; the Room was full, and the People quiet. Thence to Amboy, and had an Evening-meeting in the Court-house; to which many People came, amongst whom were several Members of the Assembly, they being in Town on public Affairs of the Province: In both these Meetings my ancient Companion was enlarged to preach, in the Love of the Gospel. Thence we went to Woodbridge, Raway, and Plainfield; and had six or seven Meetings in Places where Meetings of Friends are not usually held, being made up chiefly of Presbyterians; and my beloved Companion was frequently strengthened to publish the Word of Life amongst them: As for me, I was often silent; and, when I spake, it was with much Care, that I might speak only what Truth opened: And I learned some profitable Lessons.—We were out about two Weeks.

My esteemed Friend, Abraham Farrington, was about to visit Friends on the eastern side of this province. He had no companion, so he asked me to go with him. After discussing it with some older Friends, I agreed. We set out on the fifth day of the ninth month in 1743. We held an evening meeting at a tavern in Brunswick, a town where no members of our Society lived. The room was full, and the people were quiet. From there we went to Amboy and held an evening meeting in the courthouse. Many people came, including several members of the Assembly who were in town on public business for the province. At both meetings, my older companion was moved to preach in the love of the Gospel. From there we went to Woodbridge, Raway, and Plainfield. We held six or seven meetings in places where Friends do not usually hold meetings. Those attending were chiefly Presbyterians. My beloved companion was often given strength to share the Word of Life among them. As for me, I was often silent. When I spoke, I took great care to say only what Truth revealed to me. I learned some valuable lessons. We were away for about two weeks.

Near this Time, being on some outward Business in which several Families were concerned, and which was attended with Difficulties, some Things relating thereto not being clearly stated, nor rightly understood by all, there arose some Heat in the Minds of the Parties, and one valuable Friend got off his Watch; I had a great Regard for him, and felt a strong Inclination, after Matters were settled, to speak to him concerning his Conduct in that case: But I being a Youth, and he far advanced in Age and Experience, my Way appeared difficult; but, after some Days Deliberation, and inward seeking to the Lord for Assistance, I was made subject; so that I expressed what lay upon me in a Way which became my Youth and his Years: And, though it was a hard Task to me, it was well taken, and, I believe, useful to us both.

Around this time, I was involved in a business matter that concerned several families and presented difficulties. Some things about it had not been clearly stated or understood by everyone. As a result, feelings grew heated among those involved, and one valued Friend lost his self-control. I had great regard for him. After the matter was settled, I felt a strong desire to speak to him about his conduct. But I was young, and he was much older and more experienced, so I found this difficult. After several days of reflection and inwardly seeking the Lord’s help, I became willing to do it. I expressed what was on my mind in a way that respected my youth and his age. Though it was a hard task for me, he received it well, and I believe it helped us both.

Having now been several Years with my Employer, and he doing less at Merchandize than heretofore, I was thoughtful of some other Way of Business; perceiving Merchandize to be attended with much Cumber, in the Way of trading in these Parts.

I had now been with my employer for several years, and he was doing less business than before. So I began to think about another line of work. I saw that trading in these parts involved many burdens.

My mind, through the Power of Truth, was in a good degree weaned from the Desire of outward Greatness, and I was learning to be content with real Conveniences, that were not costly; so that a Way of Life, free from much Entanglement, appeared best for me, though the Income might be small. I had several Offers of Business that appeared profitable, but did not see my Way clear to accept of them; as believing the Business proposed would be attended with more outward Care than was required of me to engage in.

Through the Power of Truth, my desire for outward greatness had greatly diminished. I was learning to be content with practical comforts that did not cost much. So a life free from many entanglements seemed best for me, though the income might be small. I received several business offers that seemed profitable, but I did not feel free to accept them. I believed they would bring more worldly cares than I was required to take on.

I saw that a humble Man, with the blessing of the Lord, might live on a little; and that where the Heart was set on Greatness, Success in Business did not satisfy the craving; but that commonly, with an Increase of Wealth, the Desire of Wealth increased. There was a Care on my Mind so to pass my Time, that nothing might hinder me from the most steady Attention to the Voice of the true Shepherd.

I saw that a humble person, with the Lord’s blessing, could live on little. But when a person’s heart was set on greatness, success in business did not satisfy the craving. As wealth increased, the desire for it usually increased too. I was concerned to spend my time so that nothing would keep me from listening as steadily as possible to the voice of the true Shepherd.

My Employer, though now a Retailer of Goods, was by Trade a Taylor, and kept a Servant-man at that Business; and I began to think about learning the Trade, expecting that, if I should settle, I might, by this Trade and a little retailing of Goods, get a Living in a plain Way, without the Load of great Business: I mentioned it to my Employer, and we soon agreed on Terms; and then, when I had Leisure from the Affairs of Merchandize, I worked with his Man. I believed the Hand of Providence pointed out this Business for me; and was taught to be content with it, though I felt, at Times, a Disposition that would have sought for something greater: But, through the Revelation of Jesus Christ, I had seen the Happiness of Humility, and there was an earnest Desire in me to enter deep into it; and, at Times, this Desire arose to a Degree of fervent Supplication, wherein my Soul was so environed with heavenly Light and Consolation, that Things were made easy to me which had been otherwise.

My employer now sold goods, but he was a tailor by trade. He employed a man to work as a tailor, and I began to think about learning the trade. I thought that, if I settled down, I could make a simple living by tailoring and selling a few goods. This would spare me the burden of a large business. I mentioned the idea to my employer, and we soon agreed on terms. Then, when I had time away from selling goods, I worked with his tailor. I believed that the hand of Providence had pointed me toward this work, and I learned to be content with it. Yet at times I felt an urge to seek something greater. But through the revelation of Jesus Christ, I had seen the happiness that comes with humility. I deeply desired to enter into that humility. At times, this desire led me to fervent prayer. My soul was then so surrounded by heavenly light and comfort that things which had been difficult became easy for me.

After some Time, my Employer's Wife died; she was a virtuous Woman, and generally beloved of her Neighbours; and, soon after this, he left shop-keeping, and we parted. I then wrought at my Trade, as a Taylor; carefully attended Meetings for Worship and Discipline; and found an Enlargement of Gospel-love in my Mind, and therein a Concern to visit Friends in some of the Back-settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia; and, being thoughtful about a Companion, I expressed it to my beloved Friend, Isaac Andrews, who then told me that he had Drawings to the same Places; also to go through Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina. After considerable Time past, and several Conferences with him, I felt easy to accompany him throughout, if Way opened for it. I opened the Case in our Monthly-meeting; and, Friends expressing their Unity therewith, we obtained Certificates to travel as Companions; his from Haddonfield, and mine from Burlington.

After some time, my employer's wife died. She was a virtuous woman, generally loved by her neighbors. Soon afterward, he gave up shopkeeping, and we parted. I then worked at my trade as a tailor and regularly attended meetings for worship and discipline. I felt a growing love inspired by the gospel and a concern to visit Friends in some back settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia. As I considered whom to take as a companion, I spoke to my beloved friend Isaac Andrews. He told me that he felt drawn to visit the same places. He also felt drawn to travel through Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina. After considerable time and several discussions with him, I felt comfortable accompanying him throughout the journey, if the way opened for it. I brought the matter before our monthly meeting, and Friends expressed their unity with the plan. We obtained certificates to travel as companions, his from Haddonfield and mine from Burlington.

We left our Province on the twelfth Day of the third Month, in the Year 1746, and had several Meetings in the upper Part of Chester County, and near Lancaster; in some of which, the Love of Christ prevailed, uniting us together in his Service. Then we crossed the River Susquehannah, and had several Meetings in a new Settlement, called the Red-Lands; the oldest of which, as I was informed, did not exceed ten Years. It is the poorer Sort of People that commonly begin to improve remote Desarts: With a small Stock they have Houses to build, Lands to clear and fence, Corn to raise, Clothes to provide, and Children to educate; that Friends, who visit such, may well sympathise with them in their Hardships in the Wilderness; and though the best Entertainment such can give may seem coarse to some who are used to Cities, or old settled Places, it becomes the Disciples of Christ to be content with it. Our Hearts were sometimes enlarged in the Love of our heavenly Father amongst these People; and the sweet Influence of his Spirit supported us through some Difficulties: To him be the Praise!

We left our Province on the twelfth day of the third month in 1746. We held several meetings in the upper part of Chester County and near Lancaster. In some of them, the love of Christ prevailed, uniting us in his service. Then we crossed the Susquehannah River and held several meetings in a new settlement called the Red-Lands. I was told that the oldest of these settlements was no more than ten years old. It is usually poorer people who first clear and cultivate remote wilderness. With few resources, they must build houses, clear and fence land, grow corn, provide clothes, and educate their children. Friends who visit them can surely sympathize with their hardships in the wilderness. The best hospitality these people can offer may seem rough to some who are used to cities or long-settled places. Even so, disciples of Christ should be content with it. Among these people, our hearts were sometimes filled with the love of our heavenly Father. The sweet influence of his Spirit supported us through some difficulties. Praise be to him!

We passed on to Monoquacy, Fairfax, Hopewell, and Shanando, and had Meetings; some of which were comfortable and edifying. From Shanando we set off in the Afternoon for the old Settlements of Friends in Virginia; and, the first Night, we, with our Pilot, lodged in the Woods, our Horses feeding near us; but he being poorly provided with a Horse, and we young and having good Horses, were free the next Day to part with him; and did so. In two Days after, we reached to our Friend John Cheagle's, in Virginia; so we took the Meetings in our Way through Virginia; were, in some Degree, baptized into a feeling Sense of the Conditions of the People; and our Exercise in general was more painful in these old Settlements, than it had been amongst the back Inhabitants: But, through the Goodness of our heavenly Father, the Well of living Waters was, at Times, opened to our Encouragement and the Refreshment of the sincere-hearted. We went on to Perquimons, in North-Carolina, had several Meetings, which were large, and found some Openness in those Parts, and a hopeful Appearance amongst the young People. So we turned again to Virginia, and attended most of the Meetings which we had not been at before, labouring amongst Friends in the Love of Jesus Christ, as Ability was given; and thence went to the Mountains, up James-River, to a new Settlement, and had several Meetings amongst the People, some of whom had lately joined in Membership with our Society.

We traveled on to Monoquacy, Fairfax, Hopewell, and Shanando, and held meetings. Some were comforting and spiritually uplifting. From Shanando, we set off in the afternoon for the old Friends settlements in Virginia. The first night, our guide stayed with us in the woods, and our horses fed nearby. But his horse was not well suited to the journey, and we were young and had good horses. So we felt free to part with him the next day, and we did. Two days later, we reached the home of our friend John Cheagle in Virginia. We attended meetings along our way through Virginia. We were, to some degree, baptized into a deep awareness of the people's conditions. In general, our spiritual labor in these old settlements was more painful than among the people living farther inland. But through the goodness of our heavenly Father, the well of living waters was at times opened. It encouraged us and refreshed the sincere-hearted. We went on to Perquimons in North-Carolina and held several large meetings. We found some openness there and saw hopeful signs among the young people. We then returned to Virginia and attended most of the meetings we had not visited before. We labored among Friends in the love of Jesus Christ, as we were given strength to do so. From there, we went into the mountains, up James-River, to a new settlement. We held several meetings among the people there. Some had recently become members of our Society.

In our journeying to and fro, we found some honest-hearted Friends, who appeared to be concerned for the Cause of Truth among a backsliding People.

In our travels, we found some sincere Friends who seemed concerned for the cause of truth among people who were straying from it.

From Virginia, we crossed over the River Patowmac, at Hoe's Ferry, and made a general Visit to the Meetings of Friends on the Western Shore of Maryland; and were at their Quarterly-meeting. We had some hard Labour amongst them, endeavouring to discharge our Duty honestly as Way opened, in the Love of Truth: And thence taking sundry Meetings in our Way, we passed homeward; where, through the Favour of divine Providence we reached the sixteenth Day of the sixth Month, in the Year 1746; and I may say that, through the Assistance of the Holy Spirit, my Companion and I travelled in Harmony, and parted in the Nearness of true brotherly Love.

From Virginia, we crossed the Patowmac River at Hoe's Ferry and visited the Friends' meetings throughout the Western Shore of Maryland. We also attended their quarterly meeting. We had some hard work among them, trying to carry out our duty honestly, as the way opened, in the love of truth. From there, we attended several meetings on our way home. Through the favor of divine providence, we reached home on the sixteenth day of the sixth month in 1746. I can say that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, my companion and I traveled in harmony. We parted in the closeness of true brotherly love.

Two Things were remarkable to me in this Journey; first, in Regard to my Entertainment, when I ate, drank, and lodged at free-cost, with People who lived in Ease on the hard Labour of their Slaves, I felt uneasy; and, as my Mind was inward to the Lord, I found, from Place to Place, this Uneasiness return upon me, at Times, through the whole Visit. Where the Masters bore a good Share of the Burthen, and lived frugally, so that their Servants were well provided for, and their Labour moderate, I felt more easy; but where they lived in a costly Way, and laid heavy Burthens on their Slaves, my Exercise was often great, and I frequently had Conversation with them, in private, concerning it. Secondly; this Trade of importing Slaves from their native Country being much encouraged amongst them, and the white People and their Children so generally living without much Labour, was frequently the Subject of my serious Thoughts: And I saw in these southern Provinces so many Vices and Corruptions, increased by this Trade and this Way of Life, that it appeared to me as a Gloom over the Land; and though now many willingly run into it, yet, in future, the Consequence will be grievous to Posterity: I express it as it hath appeared to me, not at once nor twice, but as a Matter fixed on my Mind.

Two things struck me on this journey. First, I felt uneasy when I ate, drank, and lodged for free with people who lived comfortably on the hard labor of their slaves. As I turned inward to the Lord, I found that this uneasiness returned at times throughout the visit, from place to place. Where masters shared much of the burden and lived frugally, I felt more at ease. Their servants were well provided for and had a moderate amount of work. But where masters lived extravagantly and placed heavy burdens on their slaves, I was often deeply troubled. I frequently spoke with them about it in private. Second, the trade of importing slaves from their native country was strongly encouraged among them. White people and their children also generally lived without much labor. These things were often the subject of my serious thoughts. I saw so many vices and corruptions in these southern Provinces, made worse by this trade and way of life, that they appeared to me as a gloom over the land. Though many now willingly take part in this way of life, its consequences will bring suffering to future generations. I express what has appeared to me, not just once or twice, but as a matter fixed in my mind.

Soon after my Return Home, I felt an increasing Concern for Friends on our Sea-coast; and, on the eighth Day of the eighth Month, in the Year 1746, with the Unity of Friends, and in Company with my beloved Friend and Neighbour, Peter Andrews, Brother to my Companion before-mentioned, we set forward, and visited Meetings generally about Salem, Cape May, Great and Little Egg-Harbour; and had Meetings at Barnagat, Mannahocking, and Mane-Squan, and so to the Yearly-meeting at Shrewsbury. Through the Goodness of the Lord Way was opened, and the Strength of divine Love was sometimes felt in our Assemblies, to the Comfort and Help of those who were rightly concerned before him. We were out twenty-two Days, and rode, by Computation, three hundred and forty Miles. At Shrewsbury Yearly-meeting, we met with our dear Friends Michael Lightfoot and Abraham Farrington, who had good Service there.

Soon after I returned home, I felt a growing concern for Friends along the coast. On the eighth day of the eighth month, in 1746, I set out with the unity of Friends. My beloved friend and neighbor Peter Andrews accompanied me. He was the brother of the companion I mentioned earlier. We visited meetings throughout the areas around Salem, Cape May, Great and Little Egg-Harbour. We also held meetings at Barnagat, Mannahocking, and Mane-Squan, and then went to the Yearly Meeting at Shrewsbury. Through the Lord’s goodness, a way opened for us. At times, the strength of divine love was felt in our gatherings. It brought comfort and help to those who were rightly concerned before him. We were away for twenty-two days and rode an estimated three hundred and forty miles. At the Shrewsbury Yearly Meeting, we met our dear Friends Michael Lightfoot and Abraham Farrington, who did good service there.

The Winter following my eldest Sister, Elizabeth Woolman, jun. died of the Small-pox, aged thirty-one Years. She was, from her Youth, of a thoughtful Disposition; and very compassionate to her Acquaintance in their Sickness or Distress, being ready to help as far as she could. She was dutiful to her Parents; one Instance whereof follows:—It happened that she, and two of her Sisters, being then near the Estate of young Women, had an Inclination, one First-day after Meeting, to go on a Visit to some other young Women at some Distance off; whose Company, I believe, would have done them no Good. They expressed their Desire to our Parents; who were dissatisfied with the Proposal, and stopped them. The same Day, as my Sisters and I were together, and they talking about their Disappointment, Elizabeth expressed her Contentment under it; signifying, she believed it might be for their Good.

The following winter, my eldest sister, Elizabeth Woolman, jun., died of smallpox at the age of thirty-one. From her youth, she had been thoughtful and very compassionate toward her acquaintances when they were sick or in distress. She was always ready to help as much as she could. She was also dutiful to her parents. One example follows. Once, she and two of her sisters were nearly grown young women. One First-day after meeting, they wanted to visit some other young women who lived some distance away. I believe their company would have done my sisters no good. My sisters told our parents they wanted to go, but our parents disapproved and stopped them. Later that day, my sisters and I were together, and they were talking about their disappointment. Elizabeth said she was content with our parents' decision. She believed it might be for their good.

A few Years after she attained to mature-Age, through the gracious Visitations of God's Love, she was strengthened to live a self-denying exemplary Life, giving herself much to Reading and Meditation.

A few years after she reached adulthood, God's gracious expressions of love gave her strength. She lived a self-denying life that set an example for others, devoting much time to reading and meditation.

The following Letter may shew, in some Degree, her Disposition.

The following letter may show, to some degree, her character.

In the fore Part of her Illness she was in great Sadness and Dejection of Mind, of which she told one of her intimate Friends, and said, When I was a young Girl I was wanton and airy, but I thought I had thoroughly repented of it; and added, I have of late had great Satisfaction in Meetings. Though she was thus disconsolate, still she retained a Hope, which was as an Anchor to her: And sometime after, the same Friend came again to see her, to whom she mentioned her former Expressions, and said, It is otherwise now, for the Lord hath rewarded me seven fold; and I am unable to express the Greatness of his Love manifested to me. Her Disorder appearing dangerous, and our Mother being sorrowful, she took Notice of it, and said, Dear Mother, weep not for me; I go to my God: And, many Times, with an audible Voice, uttered Praise to her Redeemer.

Early in her illness, she was deeply sad and discouraged. She told a close friend, “When I was a young girl, I was playful and carefree. But I thought I had fully repented of it.” She added, “Lately I have found great satisfaction in meetings.” Though she was so distressed, she still held on to hope, which was like an anchor to her. Some time later, the same friend came to see her again. She recalled what she had said before and told her, “It is different now, for the Lord has rewarded me sevenfold. I cannot express the greatness of the love he has shown me.” Her illness seemed dangerous, and our mother was sorrowful. She noticed this and said, “Dear Mother, do not weep for me. I am going to my God.” Many times, she praised her Redeemer aloud.

A Friend, coming some Miles to see her the Morning before she died, asked her, how she did? She answered, I have had a hard Night, but shall not have another such, for I shall die, and it will be well with my Soul; and accordingly died the next Evening.

A Friend came several miles to see her on the morning before she died. The Friend asked how she was. She answered, “I have had a hard night, but I will not have another like it. I will die, and it will be well with my soul.” She died the next evening, as she had said.

The following Ejaculations were found amongst her Writings; written, I believe, at four Times:

The following brief prayers were found among her writings. I believe she wrote them on four occasions:

I. Oh! that my Head were as Waters, and mine Eyes as a Fountain of Tears, that I might weep Day and Night, until acquainted with my God.

I. Oh, if only my head were full of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, so I could weep day and night until I knew my God.

II. O Lord, that I may enjoy thy Presence! or else my Time is lost, and my Life a Snare to my Soul.

II. O Lord, may I enjoy your presence! Otherwise, my time is wasted, and my life is a trap for my soul.

III. O Lord, that I may receive Bread from thy Table, and that thy Grace may abound in me!

III. O Lord, may I receive bread from your table, and may your grace abound in me!

IV. O Lord, that I may be acquainted with thy Presence, that I may be seasoned with thy Salt, that thy Grace may abound in me!

IV. O Lord, may I know your presence, be seasoned with your salt, and be filled with your grace!

Of late I found Drawings in my Mind to visit Friends in New-England, and, having an Opportunity of joining in Company with my beloved Friend, Peter Andrews, we, having obtained Certificates from our Monthly-meeting, set forward on the sixteenth Day of the third Month, in the Year 1747, and reached the Yearly-meeting at Long-Island; at which were our Friends Samuel Nottingham, from England, John Griffith, Jane Hoskins, and Elizbeth Hudson, from Pennsylvania, and Jacob Andrews, from Chesterfield. Several of whom were favoured in their publick Exercise; and, through the Goodness of the Lord, we had some edifying Meetings. After this, my Companion and I visited Friends on Long-Island; and, through the Mercies of God we were helped in the Work.

Recently, I felt drawn to visit Friends in New-England. I had an opportunity to travel with my beloved friend, Peter Andrews. After obtaining certificates from our monthly meeting, we set out on the sixteenth day of the third month in 1747. We reached the yearly meeting at Long-Island. Our friends there included Samuel Nottingham from England, John Griffith, Jane Hoskins, and Elizbeth Hudson from Pennsylvania, and Jacob Andrews from Chesterfield. Several of them were blessed in their public ministry. Through the goodness of the Lord, we had some uplifting meetings. After this, my companion and I visited Friends on Long-Island. Through God's mercy, we were helped in our work.

Besides going to the settled Meetings of Friends, we were at a general Meeting at Setawket, chiefly made up of other Societies; and had a Meeting at Oyster-Bay in a Dwelling-house, at which were many People: At the first of which there was not much said by way of Testimony; but it was I believe, a good Meeting: At the latter, through the springing up of living Waters, it was a Day to be thankfully remembered. Having visited the Island, we went over to the Main, taking Meetings in our Way, to Oblong, Nine Partners, and New-Milford.—In these back Settlements we met with several People, who, through the immediate Workings of the Spirit of Christ in their Minds, were drawn from the Vanities of the World, to an inward Acquaintance with him: They were educated in the Way of the Presbyterians. A considerable Number of the Youth, Members of that Society, used to spend their Time often together in merriment; but some of the principal young Men of that Company being visited by the powerful Workings of the Spirit of Christ, and thereby led humbly to take up his Cross, could no longer join in those Vanities; and, as these stood stedfast to that inward Convincement, they were made a Blessing to some of their former Companions; so that, through the Power of Truth, several were brought into a close Exercise concerning the eternal Well-being of their Souls. These young People continued for a Time to frequent their publick Worship; and, besides that, had Meetings of their own; which Meetings were a while allowed by their Preacher, who, sometimes, met with them: But, in Time, their Judgment, in Matters of Religion, disagreeing with some of the Articles of the Presbyterians, their Meetings were disapproved by that Society; and such of them as stood firm to their Duty, as it was inwardly manifested, had many Difficulties to go through. And their Meetings were in a while dropped; some of them returning to the Presbyterians; and others of them, after a Time, joined our religious Society. I had Conversation with some of the latter, to my Help and Edification; and believe several of them are acquainted with the Nature of that Worship, which is performed in Spirit and in Truth.

Besides attending the established Meetings of Friends, we went to a general Meeting at Setawket. It was made up chiefly of people from other religious societies. We also held a Meeting in a house at Oyster-Bay, where many people gathered. At Setauket, little was spoken in testimony, but I believe it was a good Meeting. At Oyster-Bay, living waters sprang up, making it a day to remember with thankfulness. After visiting the Island, we crossed to the mainland. We attended Meetings along the way to Oblong, Nine Partners, and New-Milford. In these back settlements, we met several people who had been raised as Presbyterians. Through the immediate workings of the Spirit of Christ in their minds, they had been drawn away from worldly vanities. They had come to know him inwardly. Many young members of that society often spent time together in merriment. But some of the leading young men among them were visited by the powerful workings of the Spirit of Christ. They were led to take up his Cross humbly and could no longer join in those vanities. As they remained faithful to their inward conviction, they became a blessing to some of their former companions. Through the power of Truth, several came to be deeply concerned about the eternal well-being of their souls. For a time, these young people continued to attend public worship. They also held Meetings of their own. Their preacher allowed these Meetings for a while and sometimes attended them. But in time, their religious beliefs came to differ from some of the articles of the Presbyterians. Their society then disapproved of their Meetings. Those who remained faithful to their duty, as it was made known to them inwardly, faced many difficulties. After a while, their Meetings came to an end. Some returned to the Presbyterians, while others later joined our religious Society. I spoke with some of those who joined us, and their conversation helped and edified me. I believe several of them understand the nature of worship performed in Spirit and in Truth.

From hence, accompanied by Amos Powel, a Friend from Long-Island, we rode through Connecticut, chiefly inhabited by Presbyterians, who were generally civil to us; and, after three Days riding, we came amongst Friends in the Colony of Rhode-Island. We visited Friends in and about Newport, and Dartmouth, and generally in those Parts; and then to Boston; and proceeded eastward as far as Dover; and then returned to Newport; and, not far from thence, we met our Friend, Thomas Gawthrop, from England, who was then on a Visit to these Provinces. From Newport we sailed to Nantucket; were there near a Week; and from thence came over to Dartmouth: And having finished our Visit in these Parts, we crossed the Sound from New-London to Long-Island; and, taking some Meetings on the Island, proceeded homeward; where we reached the thirteenth Day of the seventh Month, in the Year 1747, having rode about fifteen hundred Miles, and sailed about one hundred and fifty.

From there, I rode through Connecticut with Amos Powel, a Friend from Long-Island. The colony was chiefly inhabited by Presbyterians, who were generally courteous to us. After three days of riding, we came among Friends in the Colony of Rhode-Island. We visited Friends in and around Newport and Dartmouth, and throughout that area. Then we went to Boston and traveled east as far as Dover. We returned to Newport, and not far from there we met our Friend Thomas Gawthrop, from England. He was then visiting these provinces. From Newport we sailed to Nantucket, where we stayed nearly a week. From there we crossed over to Dartmouth. After finishing our visit in those parts, we crossed the Sound from New-London to Long-Island. We attended some meetings on the Island and then continued homeward. We reached home on the thirteenth day of the seventh month, in 1747. We had ridden about fifteen hundred miles and sailed about one hundred and fifty.

In this Journey, I may say, in general, we were sometimes in much Weakness, and laboured under Discouragements; and at other Times, through the renewed Manifestations of divine Love, we had seasons of Refreshment, wherein the Power of Truth prevailed.

On this journey, I can say that we sometimes felt very weak and struggled with discouragement. At other times, as divine love was revealed anew, we felt refreshed, and the power of Truth prevailed.

We were taught, by renewed Experience, to labour for an inward Stillness; at no Time to seek for Words, but to live in the Spirit of Truth, and utter that to the People which Truth opened in us. My beloved Companion and I belonged to one Meeting, came forth in the Ministry near the same Time, and were inwardly united in the Work; he was about thirteen Years older than I, bore the heaviest Burthen, and was an Instrument of the greatest Use.

Through renewed experience, we were taught to seek inner stillness. We were never to search for words, but to live in the Spirit of Truth. We were to tell the people what Truth revealed within us. My beloved companion and I belonged to the same Meeting. We began our ministry at nearly the same time and were inwardly united in the work. He was about thirteen years older than I was. He bore the heavier burden and was an instrument of the greatest use.

Finding a Concern to visit Friends in the lower Counties on Delaware, and on the eastern Shore of Maryland, and having an Opportunity to join with my well-beloved ancient Friend, John Sykes, we obtained Certificates, and set off the seventh Day of the eighth Month, in the Year 1748; were at the Meetings of Friends in the lower Counties, attended the Yearly-meeting at Little-Creek, and made a Visit to the chief of the Meetings on the eastern Shore; and so Home by Way of Nottingham: Were abroad about six Weeks, and rode, by Computation, about five hundred and fifty Miles.

I felt called to visit Friends in the lower counties of Delaware and on the eastern shore of Maryland. I had an opportunity to travel with my beloved older friend, John Sykes. We obtained certificates and set off on the seventh day of the eighth month in 1748. We attended Friends’ meetings in the lower counties and the yearly meeting at Little-Creek. We also visited most of the meetings on the eastern shore. Then we returned home by way of Nottingham. We were away about six weeks and rode an estimated five hundred and fifty miles.

Our Exercise, at Times, was heavy; but, through the Goodness of the Lord, we were often refreshed; and I may say, by Experience, He is a strong Hold in the Day of Trouble. Though our Society, in these Parts, appeared to me to be in a declining Condition; yet, I believe, the Lord hath a People amongst them, who labour to serve him uprightly, but have many Difficulties to encounter.

Our spiritual struggles were sometimes hard. But through the Lord’s goodness, we were often refreshed. From experience, I can say, he is a stronghold in times of trouble. Our Society in these parts seemed to me to be declining. Yet I believe the Lord has people among them who strive to serve him faithfully, though they face many difficulties.