Chapter 4

Feeling an Exercise in Relation to a Visit to the southern Provinces, I acquainted our Monthly-meeting therewith, and obtained their Certificate: Expecting to go alone, one of my Brothers, who lived in Philadelphia, having some Business in North-Carolina, proposed going with me Part of the Way; but, as he had a View of some outward Affairs, to accept of him as a Companion seemed some Difficulty with me, whereupon I had Conversation with him at sundry Times; and, at length, feeling easy in my Mind, I had Conversation with several elderly Friends of Philadelphia on the Subject; and he obtaining a Certificate suitable to the Occasion, we set off in the fifth Month of the Year 1757; and, coming to Nottingham Week-day Meeting, lodged at John Churchman's; and here I met with our Friend Benjamin Buffington, from New-England, who was returning from a Visit to the southern Provinces. Thence we crossed the River Susquehannah, and lodged at William Cox's in Maryland; and, soon after I entered this Province, a deep and painful Exercise came upon me, which I often had some Feeling of since my Mind was drawn towards these Parts, and with which I had acquainted my Brother before we agreed to join as Companions.

Feeling a spiritual concern about visiting the southern Provinces, I told our Monthly Meeting and received its certificate. I expected to travel alone. But one of my brothers, who lived in Philadelphia, had business in North-Carolina and offered to accompany me part of the way. Because he had worldly affairs in mind, I found it somewhat difficult to accept him as a companion. So I spoke with him several times. At last, feeling at ease about it, I spoke with several elderly Friends in Philadelphia about the matter. My brother obtained a certificate suitable for the journey, and we set off in the fifth month of 1757. We came to the weekday meeting at Nottingham and stayed at John Churchman's. There I met our Friend Benjamin Buffington from New-England, who was returning from a visit to the southern Provinces. From there, we crossed the Susquehannah River and stayed at William Cox's in Maryland. Soon after I entered this Province, a deep and painful spiritual struggle came upon me. I had often felt something of it since I first felt drawn to these parts. I had also told my brother about it before we agreed to travel together.

As the People in this and the southern Provinces live much on the Labour of Slaves, many of whom are used hardly, my Concern was, that I might attend with Singleness of Heart to the Voice of the true Shepherd, and be so supported as to remain unmoved at the Faces of Men.

People in this province and the southern provinces live largely on the labor of slaves, many of whom are treated harshly. Because of this, I was concerned to listen wholeheartedly to the voice of the true Shepherd. I also hoped to receive the support I needed to remain unmoved in the face of others.

The Prospect of so weighty a Work brought me very low; and such were the Conflicts of my Soul, that I had a near Sympathy with the Prophet, in the Time of his Weakness, when he said, "If thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, if I have found Favour in thy Sight," Numb. xi. 15. But I soon saw that this proceeded from the Want of a full Resignation to the divine Will. Many were the Afflictions which attended me; and in great Abasement, with many Tears, my Cries were to the Almighty, for his gracious and Fatherly Assistance; and then, after a Time of deep Trial, I was favoured to understand the State mentioned by the Psalmist, more clearly than ever I had before; to wit: "My Soul is even as a weaned Child." Psalm cxxxi. 2. Being thus helped to sink down into Resignation, I felt a Deliverance from that Tempest in which I had been sorely exercised, and in Calmness of Mind went forward, trusting that the Lord Jesus Christ, as I faithfully attended to him, would be a Counsellor to me in all Difficulties.

The prospect of such a weighty task brought me very low. My soul was so troubled that I deeply sympathized with the prophet in his weakness, when he said, "If you deal with me this way, please kill me, if I have found favor in your sight," Numbers 11:15. But I soon saw that my feelings came from not fully surrendering to the divine will. Many afflictions troubled me. Deeply humbled and in tears, I cried out to the Almighty for his gracious and fatherly help. Then, after a time of deep trial, I was blessed with a clearer understanding of the state described by the Psalmist: "My soul is like a weaned child." Psalm 131:2. With this help, I was able to surrender to God's will. I felt freed from the storm that had caused me such distress. With a calm mind, I went forward, trusting that the Lord Jesus Christ would guide me through all difficulties, as long as I faithfully attended to him.

The seventh Day of the fifth Month, in the Year 1757, I lodged at a Friend's House; and the next Day, being the first of the Week, was at Potapsco Meeting; then crossed Patuxent River, and lodged at a Public-house. On the ninth breakfasted at a Friend's House; who, afterward, putting us a little on our Way, I had Conversation with him, in the Fear of the Lord, concerning his Slaves; in which my Heart was tender, and I used much Plainness of Speech with him, which he appeared to take kindly. We pursued our Journey without appointing Meetings, being pressed in Mind to be at the Yearly-meeting in Virginia; and, in my travelling on the Road, I often felt a Cry rise from the Center of my Mind, thus: O Lord, I am a Stranger on the Earth, hide not thy Face from me.

On May 7, 1757, I stayed at a Friend's house. The next day was Sunday, and I attended Potapsco Meeting. Then I crossed the Patuxent River and stayed at an inn. On May 9, I had breakfast at a Friend's house. Afterward, he accompanied us a short way. As we traveled, I spoke with him about his slaves, in the fear of the Lord. My heart was tender, and I spoke very plainly to him. He seemed to take my words kindly. We continued our journey without arranging meetings, because I felt pressed to attend the Yearly Meeting in Virginia. As I traveled, I often felt a cry rise from the center of my heart: O Lord, I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide your face from me.

On the eleventh Day of the fifth Month, we crossed the Rivers Patowmack and Rapahannock, and lodged at Port-Royal; and on the Way we happening in Company with a Colonel of the Militia, who appeared to be a thoughtful Man, I took Occasion to remark on the Difference in general betwixt a People used to labour moderately for their Living, training up their Children in Frugality and Business, and those who live on the Labour of Slaves; the former, in my View, being the most happy Life: With which he concurred, and mentioned the Trouble arising from the untoward, slothful, Disposition of the Negroes; adding, that one of our Labourers would do as much in a Day as two of their Slaves. I replied, that free Men, whose Minds were properly on their Business, found a Satisfaction in improving, cultivating, and providing for their Families; but Negroes, labouring to support others who claim them as their Property, and expecting nothing but Slavery during Life, had not the like Inducement to be industrious.

On the eleventh day of the fifth month, we crossed the Patowmack and Rapahannock rivers and stayed at Port-Royal. On the way, we happened to travel with a militia colonel who seemed thoughtful. I spoke to him about the general difference between two ways of life. Some people work moderately for their living and teach their children thrift and practical work. Others live on the labor of slaves. In my view, those who work for their living have the happier life. He agreed, and spoke of the trouble caused by the Negroes' difficult and lazy disposition. He added that one of our laborers would do as much in a day as two of their slaves. I replied that free men who give proper attention to their work find satisfaction in improving and cultivating their land and providing for their families. But Negroes work to support others who claim them as property, and expect nothing but slavery for life. They do not have the same incentive to work hard.

After some farther Conversation, I said, that Men having Power too often misapplied it; that though we made Slaves of the Negroes, and the Turks made Slaves of the Christians, I believed that Liberty was the natural Right of all Men equally: Which he did not deny; but said, the Lives of the Negroes were so wretched in their own Country, that many of them lived better here than there: I only said, there are great odds, in regard to us, on what Principle we act; and so the Conversation on that Subject ended: And I may here add, that another Person, some Time afterward, mentioned the Wretchedness of the Negroes, occasioned by their intestine Wars, as an Argument in Favour of our fetching them away for Slaves: To which I then replied, if Compassion on the Africans, in Regard to their domestic Troubles, were the real Motive of our purchasing them, that Spirit of Tenderness, being attended to, would incite us to use them kindly; that, as Strangers brought out of Affliction, their Lives might be happy among us; and as they are human Creatures, whose Souls are as precious as ours, and who may receive the same Help and Comfort from the holy Scriptures as we do, we could not omit suitable Endeavours to instruct them therein: But while we manifest, by our Conduct, that our Views in purchasing them are to advance ourselves; and while our buying Captives taken in War animates those Parties to push on that War, and increase Desolation amongst them, to say they live unhappy in Africa, is far from being an Argument in our Favour: And I farther said, the present Circumstances of these Provinces to me appear difficult; that the Slaves look like a burthensome Stone to such who burthen themselves with them; and that if the white People retain a Resolution to prefer their outward Prospects of Gain to all other Considerations, and do not act conscientiously toward them as fellow Creatures, I believe that Burthen will grow heavier and heavier, till Times change in a Way disagreeable to us: At which the Person appeared very serious, and owned, that, in considering their Condition, and the Manner of their Treatment in these Provinces, he had sometimes thought it might be just in the Almighty so to order it.

After some further conversation, I said that men with power too often misused it. Though we made slaves of the Negroes and the Turks made slaves of the Christians, I believed liberty was equally the natural right of all men. He did not deny this. But he said that the Negroes’ lives were so wretched in their own country that many lived better here than there. I only said that, for us, the principle on which we act makes a great difference. And so the conversation on that subject ended. I may add here that, some time later, another person spoke of the Negroes’ suffering from wars among themselves. He offered this as an argument in favor of our bringing them away as slaves. I replied that compassion for the Africans in their troubles at home might be our real motive for buying them. If so, and if we followed that spirit of tenderness, it would lead us to treat them kindly. As strangers brought out of suffering, they might then live happy lives among us. And they are human creatures whose souls are as precious as ours. They may receive the same help and comfort from the holy Scriptures as we do. So we could not neglect proper efforts to teach them about the Scriptures. But our conduct shows that we buy them to advance ourselves. And by buying captives taken in war, we encourage the parties involved to continue the war and spread more destruction among themselves. While we do these things, saying that they live unhappily in Africa is far from an argument in our favor. I said further that the present circumstances of these provinces seemed difficult to me. The slaves looked like a burdensome stone to those who burdened themselves with them. And I believed that the burden would grow heavier and heavier if the white People remained determined to put their prospects of material gain above all other considerations. It would grow heavier if they did not treat the slaves conscientiously as fellow creatures. This would continue until times changed in a way disagreeable to us. The person then appeared very serious. He admitted that, when considering their condition and treatment in these provinces, he had sometimes thought the Almighty might justly bring about such a change.

Having thus travelled through Maryland, we came amongst Friends at Cedar-Creek in Virginia, on the 12th Day of the fifth Month; and the next Day rode, in Company with several Friends, a Day's Journey to Camp-Creek. As I was riding along in the Morning, my Mind was deeply affected in a Sense I had of the Want of divine Aid to support me in the various Difficulties which attended me; and, in an uncommon Distress of Mind, I cried in secret to the Most High, O Lord, be merciful, I beseech thee, to thy poor afflicted Creature. After some Time, I felt inward Relief; and, soon after, a Friend in Company began to talk in Support of the Slave-Trade, and said, the Negroes were understood to be the Offspring of Cain, their Blackness being the Mark God set upon him after he murdered Abel his Brother; that it was the Design of Providence they should be Slaves, as a Condition proper to the Race of so wicked a Man as Cain was: Then another spake in Support of what had been said. To all which, I replied in Substance as follows: That Noah and his Family were all who survived the Flood, according to Scripture; and, as Noah was of Seth's Race, the Family of Cain was wholly destroyed. One of them said, that after the Flood Ham went to the Land of Nod, and took a Wife; that Nod was a Land far distant, inhabited by Cain's Race, and that the Flood did not reach it; and as Ham was sentenced to be a Servant of Servants to his Brethren, these two Families, being thus joined, were undoubtedly fit only for Slaves. I replied, the Flood was a Judgment upon the World for its Abominations; and it was granted, that Cain's Stock was the most wicked, and therefore unreasonable to suppose they were spared: As to Ham's going to the Land of Nod for a Wife, no Time being fixed, Nod might be inhabited by some of Noah's Family, before Ham married a second Time; moreover the Text saith, "That all Flesh died that moved upon the Earth." Gen. vii. 21. I farther reminded them, how the Prophets repeatedly declare, "That the Son shall not suffer for the Iniquity of the Father; but every one be answerable for his own Sins." I was troubled to perceive the Darkness of their Imaginations; and in some Pressure of Spirit said, the Love of Ease and Gain is the Motive in general for keeping Slaves, and Men are wont to take hold of weak Arguments to support a Cause which is unreasonable; and added, I have no Interest on either Side, save only the Interest which I desire to have in the Truth: And as I believe Liberty is their Right, and see they are not only deprived of it, but treated in other Respects with Inhumanity in many Places, I believe he, who is a Refuge for the Oppressed, will, in his own Time, plead their Cause; and happy will it be for such as walk in Uprightness before him: And thus our Conversation ended.

After traveling through Maryland, we came among Friends at Cedar-Creek in Virginia on the 12th day of the fifth month. The next day, we rode a day’s journey to Camp-Creek with several Friends. As I rode that morning, I was deeply moved by my need for divine help through my many difficulties. In unusual distress, I cried silently to the Most High: O Lord, please have mercy on your poor afflicted creature. After a while, I felt relief within. Soon afterward, a Friend in our company began to speak in support of the slave trade. He said that Negroes were understood to be descendants of Cain. Their blackness, he said, was the mark God placed on Cain after he murdered his brother Abel. He said Providence intended them to be slaves, a condition fitting for the descendants of so wicked a man. Then another Friend spoke in support of what he had said. I replied in substance as follows. According to Scripture, only Noah and his family survived the Flood. Since Noah was descended from Seth, Cain’s family was completely destroyed. One of them said that after the Flood, Ham went to the Land of Nod and took a wife. He said Nod was a distant land, inhabited by Cain’s descendants, which the Flood had not reached. He added that Ham had been sentenced to be a servant of servants to his brothers. Therefore, with these two families joined, their descendants were undoubtedly fit only to be slaves. I replied that the Flood was a judgment upon the world for its abominations. It was agreed that Cain’s descendants were the most wicked, so it was unreasonable to suppose they had been spared. As for Ham’s going to the Land of Nod for a wife, no time was specified. Some of Noah’s family might have settled in Nod before Ham married a second time. Moreover, the text says, "That all Flesh died that moved upon the Earth." Gen. vii. 21. I also reminded them that the prophets repeatedly declare, "That the Son shall not suffer for the Iniquity of the Father; but every one be answerable for his own Sins." I was troubled to see the darkness of their thinking. Under a sense of spiritual burden, I said that love of ease and gain was generally the motive for keeping slaves. People, I said, often seize on weak arguments to support an unreasonable cause. I added that I had no interest on either side, except the interest I wished to have in the truth. I believe liberty is their right. I see that they are not only deprived of liberty but also treated inhumanely in other ways in many places. Therefore, I believe that he who is a refuge for the oppressed will, in his own time, plead their cause. Happy will be those who live uprightly before him. And so our conversation ended.

On the fourteenth Day of the fifth Month I was at Camp-Creek Monthly-meeting, and then rode to the Mountains up James-River, and had a Meeting at a Friend's House; in both which I felt Sorrow of Heart, and my Tears were poured out before the Lord, who was pleased to afford a Degree of Strength, by which Way was opened to clear my Mind amongst Friends in those Places. From thence I went to Fort-Creek, and so to Cedar-Creek again; at which Place I had a Meeting; here I found a tender Seed: And as I was preserved in the Ministry to keep low with the Truth, the same Truth in their Hearts answered it, that it was a Time of mutual Refreshment from the Presence of the Lord. I lodged at James Standley's, Father of William Standley, one of the young Men who suffered Imprisonment at Winchester, last Summer, on Account of their Testimony against Fighting; and I had some satisfactory Conversation with him concerning it. Hence I went to the Swamp Meeting, and to Wayanoke Meeting; and then crossed James-River, and lodged near Burleigh. From the Time of my entering Maryland I had been much under Sorrow, which so increased upon me, that my Mind was almost overwhelmed; and I may say with the Psalmist, "In my Distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God;" who, in infinite Goodness, looked upon my Affliction, and in my private Retirement sent the Comforter for my Relief: For which I humbly bless his holy Name.

On the fourteenth day of the fifth month, I attended Camp-Creek Monthly Meeting. Then I rode to the mountains along the upper James-River and attended a meeting at a Friend's house. At both meetings I felt sorrow in my heart, and my tears poured out before the Lord. He was pleased to give me a measure of strength, which opened the way for me to speak my mind among Friends in those places. From there I went to Fort-Creek, and then back to Cedar-Creek, where I attended a meeting. There I found a tender seed. As I was kept humble and close to the truth in my ministry, that same truth responded in their hearts. It was a time of mutual refreshment in the presence of the Lord. I stayed at James Standley's house. He was the father of William Standley, one of the young men imprisoned at Winchester the previous summer. They had been imprisoned because of their testimony against fighting. I had a satisfying conversation with James about it. From there I went to the Swamp Meeting and the Wayanoke Meeting. Then I crossed James-River and stayed near Burleigh. From the time I entered Maryland, I had felt great sorrow. It grew until I was almost overwhelmed. I may say with the Psalmist, "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God." In his infinite goodness, he looked upon my suffering and sent the Comforter to relieve me while I was alone. For this I humbly bless his holy name.

The Sense I had of the State of the Churches brought a Weight of Distress upon me: The Gold to me appeared dim, and the fine Gold changed; and though this is the Case too generally, yet the Sense of it in these Parts hath, in a particular Manner, borne heavy upon me. It appeared to me, that, through the prevailing of the Spirit of this World, the Minds of many were brought to an inward Desolation; and, instead of the Spirit of Meekness, Gentleness, and heavenly Wisdom, which are the necessary Companions of the true Sheep of Christ, a Spirit of Fierceness, and the Love of Dominion, too generally prevailed. From small Beginnings in Errors, great Buildings, by degrees, are raised; and from one Age to another are more and more strengthened by the general Concurrence of the People; and, as Men obtain Reputation by their Profession of the Truth, their Virtues are mentioned as Arguments in Favour of general Error, and those of less Note, to justify themselves, say, such and such good Men did the like. By what other Steps could the People of Judah arise to that Height in Wickedness, as to give just Ground for the Prophet Isaiah to declare, in the Name of the Lord, "that none calleth for Justice, nor any pleadeth for Truth." Isaiah lix. 4. Or for the Almighty to call upon the great City of Jerusalem, just before the Babylonish Captivity: "If ye can find a Man, if there be any who executeth Judgment, that seeketh the Truth, and I will pardon it." Jer. v. 1. The Prospect of a Road lying open to the same Degeneracy, in some Parts of this newly-settled Land of America, in Respect to our Conduct toward the Negroes, deeply bowed my Mind in this Journey; and, though, to briefly relate how these People are treated is no agreeable Work; yet, after often reading over the Notes I made as I travelled, I find my Mind engaged to preserve them. Many of the white People in those Provinces take little or no Care of Negro Marriages; and, when Negroes marry after their own Way, some make so little Account of those Marriages, that, with Views of outward Interest, they often part Men from their Wives by selling them far asunder; which is common when Estates are sold by Executors at Vendue. Many, whose Labour is heavy, being followed, at their Business in the Field, by a Man with a Whip, hired for that Purpose, have, in common, little else allowed but one Peck of Indian Corn and some Salt for one Week, with a few Potatoes; the Potatoes they commonly raise by their Labour on the first Day of the Week.

My sense of the state of the churches brought a heavy burden of distress upon me. The gold seemed dim to me, and the fine gold changed. Though this was generally the case, my sense of it in these parts weighed especially heavily on me. It seemed to me that the prevailing spirit of this world had left many minds inwardly desolate. The true sheep of Christ must be accompanied by meekness, gentleness, and heavenly wisdom. But a spirit of fierceness and a love of power too generally prevailed instead. Great structures are gradually built from small beginnings in error. From one age to the next, they are strengthened by the general agreement of the people. As men gain a reputation for professing the truth, their virtues are cited in favor of general error. Less prominent people then justify themselves by saying that such good men did the same. What other steps could have led the people of Judah to such heights of wickedness? Their wickedness gave the prophet Isaiah just cause to declare, in the name of the Lord, "that no one calls for justice, nor does anyone plead for truth." Isaiah lix. 4. It also gave the Almighty cause to call upon the great city of Jerusalem just before the Babylonish captivity: "If you can find a man, if there is anyone who does justice and seeks the truth, I will pardon it." Jer. v. 1. During this journey, I saw a road open to the same decline in some parts of this newly settled land of America. It lay in our conduct toward the Negroes, and the prospect deeply troubled me. It is no pleasant task to describe briefly how these people are treated. Yet, after often rereading the notes I made as I traveled, I feel compelled to preserve them. Many white people in those provinces pay little or no attention to Negro marriages. When Negroes marry in their own way, some white people attach so little importance to those marriages that they often separate husbands from their wives by selling them far apart for financial gain. This commonly happens when executors sell estates at auction. Many Negroes do heavy labor in the fields, followed by a man hired to watch them with a whip. They are commonly given little more for a week than one peck of Indian corn, some salt, and a few potatoes. They generally grow the potatoes themselves by working on the first day of the week.

The Correction, ensuing on their Disobedience to Overseers, or Slothfulness in Business, is often very severe, and sometimes desperate.

The punishment for disobeying overseers or neglecting work is often very severe, and sometimes extreme.

The Men and Women have many Times scarce Clothes enough to hide their Nakedness, and Boys and Girls, ten and twelve Years old, are often quite naked amongst their Master's Children: Some of our Society, and some of the Society called New-Lights, use some Endeavours to instruct those they have in reading; but, in common, this is not only neglected, but disapproved. These are the People by whose Labour the other Inhabitants are in a great Measure supported, and many of them in the Luxuries of Life: These are the People who have made no Agreement to serve us, and who have not forfeited their Liberty that we know of: These are Souls for whom Christ died, and, for our Conduct toward them, we must answer before him who is no Respecter of Persons.

The men and women often have barely enough clothes to cover their nakedness. Boys and girls of ten or twelve are often completely naked among their master's children. Some members of our Society and some members of the Society called New-Lights try to teach those they own to read. But in general, teaching them to read is not only neglected but disapproved of. These are the people whose labor largely supports the other inhabitants, and provides many of them with life's luxuries. These are the people who have made no agreement to serve us and who, as far as we know, have not forfeited their liberty. These are souls for whom Christ died. We must answer for our conduct toward them before him who shows no favoritism.

They who know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and are thus acquainted with the merciful, benevolent Gospel Spirit, will therein perceive that the Indignation of God is kindled against Oppression and Cruelty; and, in beholding the great Distress of so numerous a People, will find Cause for Mourning.

Those who know the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom he sent, also know the merciful, benevolent spirit of the Gospel. In that spirit, they will see that God is angry at oppression and cruelty. And when they see the great suffering of so many people, they will find cause to mourn.

From my Lodging I went to Burleigh Meeting, where I felt my Mind drawn into a quiet resigned State; and, after long Silence, I felt an Engagement to stand up; and, through the powerful Operation of divine Love, we were favoured with an edifying Meeting. The next Meeting we had was at Black-Water; and so to the Yearly-meeting at the western Branch: When Business began, some Queries were considered, by some of their Members, to be now produced; and, if approved, to be answered hereafter by their respective Monthly-meetings. They were the Pennsylvania Queries, which had been examined by a Committee of Virginia Yearly-meeting appointed the last Year, who made some Alterations in them; one of which Alterations was made in Favour of a Custom which troubled me. The Query was, "Are there any concerned in the Importation of Negroes, or buying them after imported?" Which they altered thus: "Are there any concerned in the Importation of Negroes, or buying them to trade in?" As one Query admitted with Unanimity was, "Are any concerned in buying or vending Goods unlawfully imported, or prize Goods?" I found my Mind engaged to say, that as we professed the Truth, and were there assembled to support the Testimony of it, it was necessary for us to dwell deep, and act in that Wisdom which is pure, or otherwise we could not prosper. I then mentioned their Alteration; and, referring to the last-mentioned Query, added, as purchasing any Merchandize, taken by the Sword, was always allowed to be inconsistent with our Principles; Negroes being Captives of War, or taken by Stealth, those Circumstances make it inconsistent with our Testimony to buy them; and their being our Fellow-creatures, who are sold as Slaves, adds greatly to the Iniquity. Friends appeared attentive to what was said; some expressed a Care and Concern about their Negroes; none made any Objection, by Way of Reply to what I said; but the Query was admitted as they had altered it. As some of their Members have heretofore traded in Negroes, as in other Merchandize, this Query being admitted, will be one Step farther than they have hitherto gone: And I did not see it my Duty to press for an Alteration; but felt easy to leave it all to him, who alone is able to turn the Hearts of the Mighty, and make Way for the spreading of Truth on the Earth, by Means agreeable to his infinite Wisdom. But, in Regard to those they already had, I felt my Mind engaged to labour with them; and said, that, as we believe the Scriptures were given forth by holy Men, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and many of us know by Experience that they are often helpful and comfortable, and believe ourselves bound in Duty to teach our Children to read them, I believe, that, if we were divested of all selfish Views, the same good Spirit, that gave them forth, would engage us to teach the Negroes to read, that they might have the Benefit of them: Some, amongst them, at this Time, manifested a Concern in Regard to taking more Care in the Education of their Negroes.

From my lodging I went to Burleigh Meeting, where I felt my mind settle into a quiet, resigned state. After a long silence, I felt called to stand up. Through the powerful working of divine love, we were blessed with an uplifting meeting. Our next meeting was at Black-Water, and from there we went to the yearly meeting at the western Branch. When business began, some members thought certain queries should now be presented. If approved, their respective monthly meetings would answer them later. These were the Pennsylvania Queries, which a committee of Virginia Yearly-meeting had examined. The committee had been appointed the previous year and had made some changes. One change favored a custom that troubled me. The query was, "Are there any concerned in the importation of Negroes, or buying them after they are imported?" They changed it to: "Are there any concerned in the importation of Negroes, or buying them to trade in?" One query was accepted unanimously: "Are any concerned in buying or selling goods unlawfully imported, or prize goods?" I felt moved to speak. I said that we professed the Truth and had assembled to support its testimony. Therefore, we needed to search deeply and act in that wisdom which is pure. Otherwise, we could not prosper. I then mentioned their change and referred to the query about goods. I added that buying merchandise taken by the sword had always been acknowledged as inconsistent with our principles. Negroes were captives of war or had been taken by stealth. These circumstances made buying them inconsistent with our testimony. The fact that they were our fellow creatures, sold as slaves, made the wrongdoing much greater. Friends appeared attentive to what I said. Some expressed care and concern about their Negroes. None objected in reply to what I said, but the query was accepted as they had changed it. Some of their members had previously traded in Negroes as they did in other merchandise. Accepting this query would therefore take them one step further than they had gone before. I did not see it as my duty to press for a change. I felt at peace leaving it all to him who alone can turn the hearts of the mighty. He alone can make way for Truth to spread on earth by means that accord with his infinite wisdom. But I felt moved to work with them concerning the Negroes they already had. I said that we believe the Scriptures were given by holy men moved by the Holy Ghost. Many of us know from experience that the Scriptures are often helpful and comforting. We also believe it is our duty to teach our children to read them. I believe that, if we were free of all selfish interests, the same good Spirit that gave us the Scriptures would move us to teach the Negroes to read, so they could benefit from them. At this time, some among them expressed concern about taking greater care in educating their Negroes.

On the twenty-ninth Day of the fifth Month, at the House where I lodged, was a Meeting of Ministers and Elders, at the ninth Hour in the Morning; at which Time I found an Engagement to speak freely and plainly to them concerning their Slaves; mentioning, how they, as the first Rank in the Society, whose Conduct in that Case was much noticed by others, were under the stronger Obligations to look carefully to themselves: Expressing how needful it was for them, in that Situation, to be thoroughly divested of all selfish Views; that living in the pure Truth, and acting conscientiously toward those People in their Education and otherwise, they might be instrumental in helping forward a Work so necessary, and so much neglected amongst them. At the twelfth Hour the Meeting of Worship began, which was a solid Meeting.

On the twenty-ninth day of the fifth month, ministers and elders met at nine in the morning at the house where I was staying. I felt called to speak freely and plainly to them about their slaves. I pointed out that they held the highest rank in the Society, and others paid close attention to their conduct toward their slaves. They therefore had an even greater obligation to examine their own conduct carefully. I expressed how necessary it was for them, in their position, to put aside all selfish interests. By living in pure Truth and acting conscientiously toward those people in their education and in other matters, they could help advance a work that was so necessary and so neglected among them. At noon, the meeting for worship began. It was a solid meeting.

On the thirtieth Day, about the tenth Hour, Friends met to finish their Business, and then the meeting for Worship ensued, which to me was a laborious Time; but, through the Goodness of the Lord, Truth, I believe, gained some Ground; and it was a strengthening Opportunity to the Honest-hearted.

On the thirtieth day, around ten o'clock, Friends met to finish their business. A meeting for worship followed, which was a difficult time for me. But through the goodness of the Lord, I believe Truth gained some ground. The meeting was also a strengthening opportunity for those who were honest-hearted.

About this Time I wrote an Epistle to Friends in the Back-settlements of North-Carolina, as follows:

Around this time, I wrote a letter to Friends in the back settlements of North-Carolina, as follows:

From the Yearly-meeting in Virginia, I went to Carolina; and, on the first Day of the sixth Month, was at Wells Monthly-meeting, where the Spring of the Gospel Ministry was opened, and the Love of Jesus Christ experienced amongst us: To his Name be the Praise!

From the Yearly Meeting in Virginia, I went to Carolina. On the first day of the sixth month, I attended Wells Monthly Meeting. There, the wellspring of Gospel ministry opened, and we experienced the love of Jesus Christ among us. Praise be to his name!

Here my Brother joined with some Friends from New-Garden, who were going homeward; and I went next to Simond's Creek Monthly-meeting, where I was silent during the Meeting for Worship: When Business came on, my Mind was exercised concerning the poor Slaves; but did not feel my Way clear to speak: In this Condition I was bowed in Spirit before the Lord; and with Tears and inward Supplication besought him so to open my Understanding, that I might know his Will concerning me; and, at length, my mind was settled in Silence: Near the End of their Business, a Member of their Meeting expressed a Concern, that had some Time lain upon him, on Account of Friends so much neglecting their Duty in the Education of their Slaves; and proposed having Meetings sometimes appointed for them on a Week-day, to be only attended by some Friends to be named in their Monthly-meetings: Many present appeared to unite with the Proposal: One said, he had often wondered that they, being our Fellow-creatures, and capable of religious Understanding, had been so exceedingly neglected: Another expressed the like Concern, and appeared zealous, that Friends, in future, might more closely consider it: At length a Minute was made; and the farther Consideration of it referred to their next Monthly-meeting. The Friend who made this Proposal had Negroes: He told me, that he was at New-Garden, about two hundred and fifty Miles from Home, and came back alone; and that in this solitary Journey, this Exercise, in Regard to the Education of their Negroes, was, from Time to Time, renewed in his Mind. A Friend of some Note in Virginia, who had Slaves, told me, that he being far from Home on a lonesome Journey, had many serious Thoughts about them; and that his Mind was so impressed therewith, that he believed that he saw a Time coming, when divine Providence would alter the Circumstances of these People, respecting their Condition as Slaves.

Here my brother joined some Friends from New-Garden who were going home. I went on to Simond's Creek Monthly-meeting, where I remained silent during the Meeting for Worship. When the business began, I was troubled about the poor slaves, but I did not feel clear about speaking. In this state, I bowed in spirit before the Lord. With tears and inward prayer, I begged him to open my understanding so that I might know his will for me. At last, my mind settled into silence. Near the end of the business, a member spoke of a concern that had been on his mind for some time. He was concerned that Friends were greatly neglecting their duty to educate their slaves. He proposed that meetings sometimes be held for the slaves on a weekday. Only certain Friends, to be named in their Monthly-meetings, would attend with them. Many present seemed to agree with the proposal. One said he had often wondered why the slaves had been so greatly neglected. They were our fellow creatures, he said, and capable of religious understanding. Another expressed the same concern and seemed eager for Friends to give the matter closer attention in the future. At last, a minute was made, and further consideration was postponed until their next Monthly-meeting. The Friend who made this proposal had Negroes. He told me that he had been at New-Garden, about two hundred and fifty miles from home, and had returned alone. During that solitary journey, his concern about the education of their Negroes had returned to his mind from time to time. A Friend of some prominence in Virginia, who had slaves, told me that he too had traveled alone far from home. On that journey, he had many serious thoughts about his slaves. These thoughts had made such an impression on him that he believed he could see a time coming when divine Providence would change the condition of these people as slaves.

From hence I went to Newbegun Creek, and sat a considerable Time in much Weakness; then I felt Truth open the Way to speak a little in much Plainness and Simplicity, till, at length, through the Increase of divine Love amongst us, we had a seasoning Opportunity. From thence to the Head of Little-River, on a First-day, where was a crowded Meeting; and, I believe, it was, through divine Goodness, made profitable to some. Thence to the Old-Neck; where I was led into a careful searching out the secret Workings of the Mystery of Iniquity, which, under a Cover of Religion, exalts itself against that pure Spirit, which leads in the Way of Meekness and Self-denial. From thence to Pineywoods: This was the last Meeting I was at in Carolina, and was large; and, my Heart being deeply engaged, I was drawn forth into a fervent Labour amongst them.

From there I went to Newbegun Creek, where I sat for a long time feeling very weak. Then I felt Truth open the way for me to speak a little, plainly and simply. At last, as divine love grew among us, we had a deeply meaningful gathering. From there I went to the Head of Little-River on a First-day, where the meeting was crowded. I believe that, through divine goodness, it was helpful to some. From there I went to the Old-Neck. There I was led to examine carefully the hidden workings of the Mystery of Iniquity. Under the cover of religion, it sets itself against the pure Spirit that leads us in meekness and self-denial. From there I went to Pineywoods. This was the last meeting I attended in Carolina, and it was large. My heart was deeply engaged, and I was drawn to work fervently among those present.

From hence I went back into Virginia, and had a Meeting near James Cowpland's; it was a Time of inward Suffering; but, through the Goodness of the Lord, I was made content: Then to another Meeting; where, through the Renewings of pure Love, we had a very comfortable Season.

From there I went back to Virginia and attended a meeting near James Cowpland's. It was a time of inward suffering, but through the Lord's goodness, I was content. Then I went to another meeting, where renewed pure love brought us a very comforting time.

Travelling up and down of late, I have had renewed Evidences, that to be faithful to the Lord, and content with his Will concerning me, is a most necessary and useful Lesson for me to be learning; looking less at the Effects of my Labour, than at the pure Motion and Reality of the Concern, as it arises from heavenly Love. In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting Strength; and as the Mind, by a humble Resignation, is united to him; and we utter Words from an inward Knowledge that they arise from the heavenly Spring, though our Way may be difficult, and require close Attention to keep in it; and though the Manner in which we may be led may tend to our own Abasement; yet, if we continue in Patience and Meekness, heavenly Peace is the Reward of our Labours.

In my recent travels, I have seen again how necessary and useful it is for me to learn a lesson. I must be faithful to the Lord and content with his will for me. I must pay less attention to the effects of my work than to the pure impulse and genuine concern arising from heavenly love. In the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength. Through humble surrender, our minds are united to him. We may speak knowing inwardly that our words come from a heavenly source. Even so, our path may be difficult and require close attention to stay on it. And the way we are led may humble us. Yet if we continue with patience and meekness, heavenly peace is the reward for our work.

From thence I went to Curles Meeting; which, though small, was reviving to the Honest-hearted. Thence to Black-Creek and Caroline Meetings; from whence, accompanied by William Standley, before-mentioned, we rode to Goose-Creek, being much through the Woods, and about one hundred Miles.—We lodged the first Night at a Publick-house; the second, in the Woods; and, the next Day, we reached a Friend's House, at Goose-Creek. In the Woods we lay under some Disadvantage, having no Fire-works nor Bells for our Horses; but we stopped a little before Night, and let them feed on the wild Grass which was in plenty; in the mean Time cutting with our Knives a Store against Night, and then tying them, and gathering some Bushes under an Oak, we lay down; but, the Musquettoes being plenty, and the Ground damp, I slept but little: Thus, lying in the Wilderness, and looking at the Stars, I was led to contemplate on the Condition of our first Parents, when they were sent forth from the Garden; but the Almighty, though they had been disobedient, continued to be a Father to them, and shewed them what tended to their Felicity, as intelligent Creatures, and was acceptable to him. To provide Things relative to our outward Living, in the Way of true Wisdom, is good; and the Gift of improving in Things useful is a good Gift, and comes from the Father of Lights. Many have had this Gift; and, from Age to Age, there have been Improvements of this Kind made in the World: But some, not keeping to the pure Gift, have, in the creaturely Cunning and Self-Exaltation, sought out many Inventions; which Inventions of Men are distinct from that Uprightness in which Man was created; as the first Motion to them was evil, so the Effects have been and are evil. At this Day, it is as necessary for us constantly to attend on the heavenly Gift, to be qualified to use rightly the good Things in this Life amidst great Improvements, as it was for our first Parents, when they were without any Improvements, without any Friend or Father but God only.

From there I went to Curles Meeting. Though it was small, it revived those who were honest at heart. From there I went to Black-Creek and Caroline Meetings. Then I rode to Goose-Creek with William Standley, whom I mentioned earlier. The journey was about a hundred miles, mostly through the woods. We stayed the first night at an inn and the second in the woods. The next day, we reached a Friend's house at Goose-Creek. In the woods we were at a disadvantage, having no means of making a fire or bells for our horses. But we stopped a little before nightfall and let the horses feed on the plentiful wild grass. Meanwhile, we cut a supply of grass with our knives for the night. Then we tied up the horses, gathered some bushes under an oak, and lay down. But mosquitoes were plentiful and the ground was damp, so I slept very little. Lying in the wilderness and looking at the stars, I was led to think about our first parents' condition when they were sent out of the Garden. Though they had been disobedient, the Almighty continued to be a father to them. He showed them what would bring them happiness as intelligent creatures and what was acceptable to him. It is good to provide for our material needs in the way of true wisdom. The ability to make useful improvements is a good gift, and it comes from the Father of Lights. Many have received this gift, and such improvements have been made in the world from age to age. But some have not kept to the pure gift. Instead, through worldly cunning and self-exaltation, they have sought out many inventions. These human inventions are distinct from the uprightness in which humans were created. Since the first impulse behind them was evil, their effects have been and still are evil. Today, surrounded by great improvements, we must constantly attend to the heavenly gift so that we can use life's good things rightly. This is just as necessary for us as it was for our first parents. They had no improvements and no friend or father but God alone.

I was at a Meeting at Goose-Creek; and next at a Monthly-meeting at Fairfax; where, through the gracious Dealing of the Almighty with us, his Power prevailed over many Hearts. Thence to Manoquacy and Pipe-Creek, in Maryland; at both which Places I had Cause humbly to adore him, who supported me through many Exercises, and by whose Help I was enabled to reach the true Witness in the Hearts of others: There were some hopeful young People in those Parts. Thence I had Meetings at John Everit's in Monalen, and at Huntingdon; and I was made humbly thankful to the Lord, who opened my Heart amongst the People in these new Settlements, so that it was a Time of Encouragement to the Honest-minded.

I attended a meeting at Goose-Creek, and then a Monthly Meeting at Fairfax. There, through the gracious dealings of the Almighty with us, his power prevailed over many hearts. From there I went to Manoquacy and Pipe-Creek in Maryland. In both places, I had reason to worship him humbly. He supported me through many trials, and with his help I was able to reach the true witness in others’ hearts. There were some promising young people in those parts. From there I held meetings at John Everit's in Monalen and at Huntingdon. I was humbly thankful to the Lord, who opened my heart among the people in these new settlements. It was a time of encouragement to those who were honest in heart.

At Monalen, a Friend gave me some Account of a religious Society among the Dutch, called Mennonists; and, amongst other Things, related a Passage in Substance as follows:—One of the Mennonists having Acquaintance with a Man of another Society at a considerable Distance, and being with his Waggon on Business near the House of his said Acquaintance, and Night coming on, he had Thoughts of putting up with him; but passing by his Fields, and observing the distressed Appearance of his Slaves, he kindled a Fire in the Woods hard by, and lay there that Night: His said Acquaintance hearing where he lodged, and afterward meeting the Mennonist, told him of it; adding, he should have been heartily welcome at his House; and, from their Acquaintance in former Time, wondered at his Conduct in that Case. The Mennonist replied, Ever since I lodged by thy Field, I have wanted an Opportunity to speak with thee: The Matter was; I intended to have come to thy House for Entertainment, but, seeing thy Slaves at their Work, and observing the Manner of their Dress, I had no liking to come to partake with thee: Then admonished him to use them with more Humanity; and added, As I lay by the Fire that Night, I thought that, as I was a Man of Substance, thou wouldst have received me freely; but, if I had been as poor as one of thy Slaves, and had no Power to help myself, I should have received from thy Hand no kinder Usage than they.

At Monalen, a Friend told me about a religious society among the Dutch called Mennonists. Among other things, he related the following story in substance: A Mennonist knew a man of another society who lived a considerable distance away. The Mennonist was traveling on business with his wagon near the man’s house. As night approached, he thought of staying with him. But as he passed the man’s fields, he saw the distressed appearance of his slaves. So he lit a fire in the nearby woods and slept there that night. The man heard where the Mennonist had stayed. When they met later, he mentioned it and said the Mennonist would have been heartily welcome at his house. Given their past acquaintance, he wondered why the Mennonist had acted as he did. The Mennonist replied that he had wanted a chance to speak with him ever since he slept by his field. He explained that he had intended to come to his house for lodging. But when he saw the slaves at work and noticed how they were dressed, he no longer wished to accept his hospitality. He urged the man to treat them more humanely. He added that, as he lay by the fire that night, he had thought about how the man would have welcomed him freely because he was a man of substance. But if he had been as poor as one of the man’s slaves and unable to help himself, he would have received no kinder treatment from the man than they did.

Hence I was at three Meetings in my Way; and so I went Home, under a humbling Sense of the gracious Dealings of the Lord with me, in preserving me through many Trials and Afflictions in my Journey. I was out about two Months, and travelled about eleven hundred and fifty Miles.

From there, I attended three Meetings on my way home. I returned with a humbling sense of the Lord’s gracious care. He had preserved me through many trials and afflictions on my journey. I was away for about two months and traveled about eleven hundred and fifty miles.