Chapter 10

Having been some Time under a religious Concern to prepare for crossing the Seas, in order to visit Friends in the northern Parts of England, and more particularly Yorkshire; after weighty Consideration, I thought it expedient to inform Friends, at our Monthly-meeting at Burlington, of it; who, having Unity with me therein, gave me a Certificate; and I afterward communicated the same to our Quarterly-meeting, and they likewise certified their Concurrence therewith. Some Time after which, at the general Spring-meeting of Ministers and Elders, I thought it my Duty to acquaint them of the religious Exercise which attended my Mind; with which they likewise signified their Unity by a Certificate, dated the twenty-fourth Day of the third Month, 1772, directed to Friends in Great-Britain.

For some time, I had felt a religious concern to prepare for a journey across the sea. I wished to visit Friends in northern England, especially in Yorkshire. After careful consideration, I thought it best to tell Friends at our Monthly Meeting in Burlington about my concern. They expressed their unity with me and gave me a certificate. I later told our Quarterly Meeting about my concern, and they also gave me a certificate expressing their agreement. Some time afterward, I felt it was my duty to tell the general Spring Meeting of Ministers and Elders about the religious concern on my mind. They also expressed their unity with me in a certificate addressed to Friends in Great-Britain. It was dated the twenty-fourth day of the third month, 1772.

In the fourth Month following, I thought the Time was come for me to make some Enquiry for a suitable Conveyance; being apprehensive that, as my Concern was principally toward the northern Parts of England, it would be most proper to go in a Vessel bound to Liverpool or Whitehaven: And, while I was at Philadelphia, deliberating on this Occasion, I was informed, that my beloved Friend, Samuel Emlen, jun., intending to go to London, and having taken a Passage for himself in the Cabbin of a Ship, called Mary and Elizabeth, of which James Sparks was Master, and John Head, of the City of Philadelphia, one of the Owners; and I feeling a Draught in my Mind toward the Steerage of the same Ship, went first and opened to Samuel the Feeling I had concerning it.

In the following fourth month, I thought it was time to look for suitable passage. Since my concern was mainly with the northern parts of England, I thought it best to sail to Liverpool or Whitehaven. While I was in Philadelphia considering this, I learned that my beloved friend Samuel Emlen, Jr., intended to go to London. He had booked a cabin passage on the ship Mary and Elizabeth. James Sparks was its captain, and John Head of the city of Philadelphia was one of its owners. I felt drawn to travel in the steerage of the same ship. So I first went to Samuel and told him how I felt about it.

My beloved Friend appeared glad that I had Thoughts of going in the Vessel with him, though my Prospect was toward the Steerage; and he, offering to go with me, we went on board, first in the Cabbin, a commodious Room, and then into the Steerage; where we sat down on a Chest, the Sailors being busy about us: Then the Owner of the Ship came, and sat down with us.

My dear friend seemed glad that I was considering traveling on the ship with him, though I intended to travel in steerage. He offered to go with me, and we went aboard. We first entered the cabin, a spacious room, and then went into steerage. There we sat on a chest while the sailors worked around us. Then the ship’s owner came and sat down with us.

Here my Mind was turned toward Christ, the heavenly Counsellor; and I feeling, at this Time, my own Will subjected, my Heart was contrite before him.

Here my mind turned toward Christ, the heavenly counselor. At that time, I felt my own will yield, and my heart was repentant before him.

A Motion was made, by the Owner, to go and sit in the Cabbin, as a Place more retired; but I felt easy to leave the Ship, and made no Agreement as to a Passage in her; but told the Owner, if I took a Passage in the Ship, I believed it would be in the Steerage; but did not say much as to my Exercise in that Case.

The owner suggested that we sit in the cabin, where we would have more privacy. But I felt free to leave the ship without making any agreement to travel on it. I told the owner that if I did travel on the ship, I believed I would go in steerage. But I did not say much about my inner struggle over the matter.

I went to my Lodgings, and soon after went to Bed, and my Mind was under a deep Exercise before the Lord; whose helping Hand was manifested to me as I slept that Night, and his Love strengthened my Heart. In the Morning I went with two Friends on board the Vessel again; and, after a short Time spent therein, I went, with Samuel Emlen, to the House of the Owner; to whom, in the Hearing of Samuel only, I opened my Exercise, in relation to a Scruple with regard to a Passage in the Cabbin.

I returned to my lodging and soon went to bed. My mind was deeply troubled before the Lord. As I slept that night, I felt his helping hand, and his love strengthened my heart. In the morning, I went back on board the vessel with two Friends. After a short time there, I went with Samuel Emlen to the owner's house. With only Samuel listening, I told the owner about my inner struggle and my misgivings about traveling in the cabin.

After this I agreed for a Passage in the Steerage; and, hearing in Town that Joseph White had a Desire to see me, I felt the Reviving of a Desire to see him, and went then to his House, and next Day Home; where I tarried two Nights; and then, early in the Morning, I parted with my Family, under a Sense of the humbling Hand of God upon me; and going to Philadelphia, had Opportunity with several of my beloved Friends; who appeared to be concerned for me, on Account of the unpleasant Situation of that Part of the Vessel where I was likely to lodge.

After this, I arranged to travel in steerage. While in town, I heard that Joseph White wanted to see me. My own desire to see him returned, so I went to his house. The next day I went home, where I stayed two nights. Then, early in the morning, I parted from my family, feeling the humbling hand of God upon me. I went to Philadelphia, where I had the chance to spend time with several of my beloved Friends. They seemed concerned about the unpleasant conditions in the part of the vessel where I was likely to sleep.

Having stayed two Nights in Philadelphia, I went the next Day to Derby Monthly-meeting; where, through the Strength of divine Love, my Heart was enlarged toward the Youth then present; under which I was helped to labour in some Tenderness of Spirit. Then, lodging at William Horne's, I, with one Friend, went to Chester; where, meeting with Samuel Emlen, we went on board, the first Day of the fifth Month, 1772; and, as I sat down alone, on a Seat on the Deck, I felt a satisfactory Evidence that my Proceedings were not in my own Will, but under the Power of the Cross of Christ.

After staying two nights in Philadelphia, I went to Derby Monthly Meeting the next day. There, through the strength of divine love, my heart opened toward the young people present. In that love, I was helped to labor with some tenderness of spirit. After lodging at William Horne's, I went with one Friend to Chester. There we met Samuel Emlen, and we went on board on the first day of the fifth month, 1772. As I sat alone on a seat on the deck, I felt a reassuring certainty. I knew that I was acting not on my own will, but under the power of the Cross of Christ.

Seventh Day of the fifth Month. We have had rough Weather mostly since I came on board; and the Passengers, James Reynolds, John Till-Adams, Sarah Logan and her hired Maid, and John Bispham, were all sea-sick, more or less, at Times; from which Sickness, through the tender Mercies of my heavenly Father, I have been preserved; my Afflictions now being of another Kind.

The seventh day of the fifth month. The weather has been mostly rough since I came aboard. The passengers were all seasick at times, some more than others. They were James Reynolds, John Till-Adams, Sarah Logan and her hired maid, and John Bispham. Through the tender mercies of my heavenly Father, I have been spared from seasickness. My troubles now are of another kind.

There appeared an Openness in the Minds of the Master of the Ship and of the Cabbin-Passengers toward me: We were often together on the Deck, and sometimes in the Cabbin.

The ship’s captain and the cabin passengers seemed open to me. We were often together on deck and sometimes in the cabin.

My Mind, through the merciful Help of the Lord, hath been preserved in a good Degree, watchful and inward; and I have, this Day, great Cause to be thankful, in that I remain to feel Quietness of Mind.

Through the Lord's merciful help, my mind has remained fairly watchful and focused inward. Today, I have great reason to be thankful that I still feel peace of mind.

As my lodging in the Steerage, now near a Week, hath afforded me sundry Opportunities of seeing, hearing, and feeling, with respect to the Life and Spirit of many poor Sailors, an inward Exercise of Soul hath attended me, in regard to placing our Children and Youth where they may be likely to be exampled and instructed in the pure Fear of the Lord; and I, being much amongst the Seamen, have, from a Motion of Love, sundry Times taken Opportunities, with one of them at a Time alone, and in a free Conversation laboured to turn their Minds toward the Fear of the Lord: And this Day we had a Meeting in the Cabbin, where my Heart was contrite under a Feeling of divine Love.

For nearly a week, I have been lodging in the steerage. This has given me many chances to see, hear, and feel what life and spirit are like for many poor sailors. I have felt a deep concern about placing our children and young people where they are likely to learn the true fear of the Lord by example and instruction. Since I spend much time among the sailors, love has moved me several times to speak with them one at a time. In these open conversations, I have tried to turn their minds toward the fear of the Lord. Today we held a meeting in the cabin, where my heart was humbled as I felt divine love.

Now, concerning Lads being trained up as Seamen; I believe a Communication from one Part of the World to some other Parts of it, by Sea, is, at Times, consistent with the Will of our heavenly Father; and to educate some Youth in the Practice of sailing, I believe, may be right: But how lamentable is the present Corruption of the World! how impure are the Channels through which Trade hath a Conveyance! how great is that Danger, to which poor Lads are now exposed, when placed on shipboard to learn the Art of sailing!

Now, concerning boys being trained as sailors, I believe that travel and communication by sea between parts of the world are sometimes consistent with the will of our heavenly Father. I also believe it may be right to teach some young people to sail. But how regrettable is the corruption of the world today! How impure are the channels through which trade passes! How great is the danger to which poor boys are now exposed when they are placed aboard ships to learn sailing!

O! that all may take Heed and beware of Covetousness! O that all may learn of Christ, who was meek and low of Heart! Then, in faithfully following him, he will teach us to be content with Food and Raiment, without respect to the Customs or Honours of this World.

Oh, may everyone take care and beware of greed! May everyone learn from Christ, who was gentle and humble at heart! If we follow him faithfully, he will teach us to be content with food and clothing. We will not concern ourselves with the customs or honors of this world.

Men, thus redeemed, will feel a tender Concern for their Fellow-creatures, and a Desire that those in the lowest Stations may be assisted and encouraged; and, where Owners of Ships attain to the perfect Law of Liberty, and are Doers of the Word, these will be blessed in their Deeds.

People redeemed in this way will feel a tender concern for their fellow creatures. They will want those in the lowest positions to receive help and encouragement. Shipowners who come to live by the perfect law of liberty and put the word into practice will be blessed in their deeds.

Rising to work in the Night is not commonly pleasant in any case; but, in dark rainy Nights, it is very disagreeable, even though each Man were furnished with all Conveniences: But, if Men must go out at Midnight, to help manage the Ship in the Rain, and, having small Room to sleep and lay their Garments in, are often beset to furnish themselves for the Watch, their Garments or something relating to their Business being wanting and not easily found, when, from the Urgency occasioned by high Winds, they are hastened and called up suddenly, here is a Trial of Patience on the poor Sailors and the poor Lads their Companions.

Getting up to work at night is rarely pleasant under any circumstances. But on dark, rainy nights, it is very unpleasant, even if every man has everything he needs. Men may have to go out at midnight to help manage the ship in the rain. They have little room to sleep or store their clothes, so they often struggle to get ready for their watch. Their clothes or something else they need for their work may be missing and hard to find. When high winds make it urgent to call them up suddenly and hurry them along, the patience of the poor sailors and the poor boys who work with them is put to the test.

If, after they have been on Deck several Hours in the Night, and come down into the Steerage soaking wet, and are so close stowed that proper Convenience for change of Garment is not easily come at, but for Want of proper Room, their wet Garments are thrown in Heaps, and sometimes, through much crouding, are trodden under Foot in going to their Lodgings and getting out of them, and they have great Difficulties, at Times, each one to find his own, here are Trials on the poor Sailors.

If the sailors spend several hours on deck at night, they may come down into the steerage soaking wet. They may be so tightly packed that they cannot easily get what they need to change clothes. For lack of room, their wet clothes are thrown in heaps. Sometimes, because of the crowding, the clothes are trampled as the sailors go to and from their sleeping places. At times, each sailor has great difficulty finding his own clothes. These are hardships for the poor sailors.

Now, as I have been with them in my Lodge, my Heart hath often yearned for them, and tender Desires have been raised in me, that all Owners and Masters of Vessels may dwell in the Love of God, and therein act uprightly; and, by seeking less for Gain, and looking carefully to their Ways, may earnestly labour to remove all Cause of Provocation from the poor Seamen, either to fret or use Excess of Strong-drink; for, indeed, the poor Creatures, at Times, in the Wet and Cold, seem to apply to Strong-drink to supply the Want of other Convenience.

As I have stayed with them in my lodging, my heart has often ached for them. I have felt a tender desire for all ship owners and captains to live in God’s love and act uprightly. I hope they will seek less profit and carefully consider their conduct. In this way, may they work earnestly to remove every cause that might lead the poor sailors to fret or drink too much. For indeed, in wet and cold weather, the poor creatures sometimes seem to turn to strong drink for comfort they lack otherwise.

Great Reformation in the World is wanting; and the Necessity of it, amongst these who do Business on great Waters, hath, at this Time, been abundantly opened before me.

The world is in great need of reform. At this time, the need for reform among those who do business at sea has become abundantly clear to me.

The eighth Day of the fifth Month. This Morning the Clouds gathered, the Wind blew strong from South-eastward, and before Noon increased to that Degree that Sailing appeared dangerous. The Seamen then bound up some of their Sails, and took down some; and, the Storm increasing, they put the Dead-lights, so called, into the Cabbin-Windows, and lighted a Lamp as at Night.

The eighth day of the fifth month. This morning the clouds gathered, and the wind blew strongly from the southeast. Before noon, the wind grew so strong that sailing seemed dangerous. The sailors then tied up some sails and took others down. As the storm grew stronger, they put covers called deadlights over the cabin windows. They lit a lamp as they would at night.

The Wind now blew vehemently, and the Sea wrought to that Degree, that an awful Seriousness prevailed in the Cabbin, in which I spent, I believe, about seventeen Hours; for I believed the poor wet toiling Seamen had Need of all the Room in the crouded Steerage, and the Cabbin-Passengers had given me frequent Invitations.

The wind was now blowing fiercely, and the sea was so rough that a solemn seriousness filled the cabin. I spent about seventeen hours there, I believe. I thought the poor, wet, hardworking sailors needed all the space in the crowded steerage, and the cabin passengers had often invited me in.

They ceased now from Sailing, and put the Vessel in the Posture called, lying-to.

They stopped sailing and put the vessel in a position called lying-to.

My Mind, in this Tempest, through the gracious Assistance of the Lord, was preserved in a good Degree of Resignation; and I felt, at Times, a few Words in his Love to my Ship-mates, in regard to the All-sufficiency of him who formed the great Deep, and whose Care is so extensive, that a Sparrow falls not without his Notice; and thus, in a tender Frame of Mind, spake to them of the Necessity of our yielding, in true Obedience, to the Instructions of our heavenly Father, who sometimes, through Adversities, intendeth our Refinement.

During the storm, the Lord graciously helped me remain fairly calm and accepting of his will. At times, I felt moved by his love to say a few words to my shipmates. I spoke of the all-sufficiency of him who formed the great deep. His care is so vast that not even a sparrow falls without his notice. With a tender heart, I spoke to them of our need to obey the guidance of our heavenly Father. He sometimes intends to refine us through adversity.

About eleven at Night I went out on the Deck, when the Sea wrought exceedingly, and the high-foaming Waves, all round about, had in some Sort the Appearance of Fire, but did not give much, if any, Light.

About eleven at night, I went out on deck. The sea was very rough, and the high, foaming waves all around looked somewhat like fire. But they gave off little, if any, light.

The Sailor, then at the Helm, said he lately saw a Corposant at the Head of the Mast.

The sailor at the helm said he had recently seen St. Elmo's fire at the top of the mast.

About this Time I observed the Master of the Ship ordered the Carpenter to keep on the Deck; and, though he said little, I apprehended his Care was, that the Carpenter, with his axe, might be in Readiness, in case of any Extremity.

Around this time, I noticed that the ship’s captain ordered the carpenter to stay on deck. Though the captain said little, I thought he wanted the carpenter and his axe ready for an emergency.

Soon after this, the Vehemency of the Wind abated; and, before Morning, they again put the Ship under Sail.

Soon after this, the wind grew less violent. Before morning, they set sail again.

The tenth Day of the Month, and first of the Week, it being fine Weather, we had a Meeting in the Cabbin, at which most of the Seamen were present: This Meeting to me was a strengthening Time.

On the tenth day of the month, a Sunday, the weather was fine. We held a meeting in the cabin, and most of the sailors attended. The meeting was a strengthening time for me.

The thirteenth Day of the Month. As I continue to lodge in the Steerage, I feel an Openness this Morning, to express something farther of the State of my Mind, in Respect to poor Lads bound Apprentice to learn the Art of Sailing. As I believe Sailing is of some Use in the World, a Labour of Soul attends me, that the pure Counsel of Truth may be humbly waited for in this Case, by all concerned in the Business of the Seas.

The thirteenth day of the month. As I continue to stay in the steerage, I feel free this morning to say more about my thoughts on poor boys apprenticed to learn sailing. I believe sailing is of some use in the world. So I feel a deep concern that all involved in seafaring may humbly wait for the pure guidance of truth in this matter.

A pious Father, whose Mind is exercised for the everlasting Welfare of his Child, may not, with a peaceable Mind, place him out to an Employment amongst a People, whose common Course of Life is manifestly corrupt and prophane; so great is the present Defect amongst Seafaring Men, in regard to Piety and Virtue: And, through an abundant Traffic, and many Ships of War, so many People are employed on the Sea, that this Subject of placing Lads to the Employment appears very weighty.

A devout father who cares about his child’s eternal welfare may not feel at peace placing him in a trade among people whose way of life is plainly corrupt and profane. Such is the present lack of piety and virtue among seafaring men. And because of the extensive trade and the many warships, so many people work at sea that the question of placing boys in this trade seems very serious.

Prophane Examples are very corrupting, and very forcible. And as my Mind, Day after Day, and Night after Night, hath been affected with a sympathizing Tenderness toward poor Children, put to the Employment of Sailors, I have sometimes had weighty Conversation with the Sailors in the Steerage, who were mostly respectful to me, and more and more so the longer I was with them: They mostly appeared to take kindly what I said to them; but their Minds have appeared to be so deeply impressed with that almost universal Depravity amongst Sailors, that the poor Creatures, in their Answers to me on this Subject, have revived in my Remembrance that of the degenerate Jews a little before the Captivity, as repeated by Jeremiah the Prophet, "There is no Hope."

Profane examples are very corrupting and very powerful. Day after day and night after night, I have felt tender sympathy for poor children put to work as sailors. Because of this, I have sometimes had serious conversations with the sailors in the steerage. They were mostly respectful to me, and became more so the longer I was with them. Most seemed to welcome what I said. But their minds seemed so deeply marked by the almost universal depravity among sailors. Their answers to me on this subject reminded me of what the degenerate Jews said shortly before the Captivity, as the prophet Jeremiah repeated it: "There is no Hope."

Now, under this Exercise, a Sense of the Desire of outward Gain prevailing amongst us hath felt grievous, and a strong Call to the professed Followers of Christ hath been raised in me, that all may take Heed, lest, through loving this present World, they be found in a continued Neglect of Duty, with respect to a faithful Labour for a Reformation.

As I struggled with this concern, I was grieved by the desire for material gain that prevailed among us. I felt a strong call to those who profess to follow Christ. Let all take care that their love of this world does not lead them to neglect their duty to work faithfully for reform.

Silence, as to every Motion proceeding from the Love of Money, and an humble Waiting upon God to know his Will concerning us, has now appeared necessary: He alone is able to strengthen us to dig deep, to remove all which lies between us and the safe Foundation, and so direct us in our outward Employments, that pure universal Love may shine forth in our Proceedings.

It now seems necessary to quiet every impulse that comes from the love of money and humbly wait for God to show us his will. He alone can give us the strength to dig deep and remove everything between us and the safe foundation. He alone can guide us in our daily work so that pure, universal love may shine through in all we do.

Desires arising from the Spirit of Truth are pure Desires; and when a Mind, divinely opened toward a young Generation, is made sensible of corrupting Examples, powerfully working, and extensively spreading amongst them, how moving is the Prospect!

Desires that arise from the Spirit of Truth are pure. God may open a person’s heart to the younger generation. When that person sees corrupting examples spreading widely and powerfully influencing young people, how moving the sight is!

The sixteenth Day of the Month. Wind for several Days past often high, what the Sailors call squally, rough Sea and frequent Rains. This last Night a very trying Night to the poor Seamen: The Water, chief Part of the Night, running over the main Deck, and sometimes Breaking-waves came on the Quarter-deck. The latter Part of the Night, as I lay in Bed, my Mind was humbled under the Power of divine Love; and Resignedness to the great Creator of the Earth and Seas, renewedly wrought in me; whose fatherly Care over his Children felt precious to my Soul: And Desires were now renewed in me, to embrace every Opportunity of being inwardly acquainted with the Hardships and Difficulties of my Fellow-creatures, and to labour in his Love for the spreading of pure universal Righteousness on the Earth. The Opportunities were frequent of hearing Conversation amongst the Sailors, in respect to the Voyages to Africa, and the Manner of bringing the deeply-oppressed Slaves into our Islands. The Thoughts of their Condition, frequently in Chains and Fetters on board the Vessels, with Hearts loaded with Grief, under the Apprehensions of miserable Slavery; my Mind was frequently opened to meditate on these Things.

The sixteenth day of the month. For several days, the wind has often been strong, with rough seas and frequent rain. The sailors call this weather squally. Last night was very trying for the poor sailors. For most of the night, water ran over the main deck. Sometimes breaking waves came onto the quarterdeck. Later in the night, as I lay in bed, my mind was humbled by the power of divine love. I felt a renewed acceptance of the will of the great Creator of the earth and seas. His fatherly care over his children felt precious to my soul. I also felt a renewed desire to take every opportunity to understand my fellow creatures’ hardships and difficulties deeply. I wished to work in his love to spread pure, universal righteousness on earth. I often heard the sailors talk about voyages to Africa and how deeply oppressed slaves were brought to our islands. I often found myself reflecting on their condition aboard the vessels. They were frequently in chains and fetters, their hearts burdened with grief as they anticipated a miserable life in slavery.

On the seventeenth Day of the Month, and first of the Week, we had a Meeting in the Cabbin; to which the Seamen generally came. My Spirit was contrite before the Lord; whose Love, at this Time, affected my Heart.

On the seventeenth day of the month, the first day of the week, we held a meeting in the cabin. Most of the sailors attended. My spirit was humbled before the Lord, whose love touched my heart at that time.

This Afternoon I felt a tender Sympathy of Soul with my poor Wife and Family left behind; in which State, my Heart was enlarged in Desires that they may walk in that humble Obedience wherein the everlasting Father may be their Guide and Support, through all the Difficulties in this World; and a Sense of that gracious Assistance, through which my Mind hath been strengthened to take up the Cross and leave them, to travel in the Love of Truth, hath begotten Thankfulness in my Heart to our great Helper.

This afternoon, I felt tender sympathy for my poor wife and family, whom I had left behind. My heart filled with the desire that they walk in humble obedience. Then the everlasting Father may guide and support them through all the difficulties of this world. I also felt grateful to our great helper for his gracious help. Through it, my mind was strengthened to take up the cross and leave my family to travel in the love of truth.

On the twenty-fourth Day of the Month, and first of the Week, a clear pleasant Morning: And, as I sat on Deck, I felt a Reviving in my Nature; which, through much rainy Weather and high Winds, being shut up in a close unhealthy Air, was weakened.

On the twenty-fourth day of the month, a Sunday, the morning was clear and pleasant. As I sat on deck, I felt my strength returning. It had been weakened by being shut up in close, unhealthy air through much rainy weather and high winds.

Several Nights of late I felt Breathing difficult; so that a little after the rising of the second Watch (which is about Midnight) I got up, and stood, I believe, near an Hour, with my Face near the Hatchway, to get the fresh Air at the small Vacancy under the Hatch-door; which is commonly shut down, partly to keep out Rain, and sometimes to keep the Breaking-waves from dashing into the Steerage.

On several recent nights, I found it hard to breathe. So, shortly after the second watch began, I got up. This was around midnight. I believe I stood for nearly an hour with my face near the hatchway. I wanted to get fresh air through the small opening beneath the hatch door. The hatch door was usually shut, partly to keep out rain and sometimes to prevent breaking waves from splashing into the steerage.

I may, with Thankfulness to the Father of Mercies, acknowledge, that, in my present weak State, my Mind hath been supported to bear the Affliction with Patience; and have looked at the present Dispensation as a Kindness from the great Father of Mankind, who, in this my floating Pilgrimage, is in some Degree bringing me to feel that, which many thousands of my Fellow-creatures often suffer in a greater Degree.

I can thankfully acknowledge to the Father of Mercies that, in my present weakness, my mind has been supported so that I can bear my suffering patiently. I have come to see my present condition as a kindness from the great Father of mankind. In my wandering journey through life, he is allowing me to feel, to some degree, what many thousands of my fellow creatures often suffer more intensely.

My Appetite failing, the Trial hath been the heavier; and I have felt tender Breathings in my Soul after God, the Fountain of Comfort, whose inward Help hath supplied, at Times, the Want of outward Convenience: And strong Desires have attended me, that his Family, who are acquainted with the Movings of his holy Spirit, may be so redeemed from the Love of Money, and from that Spirit in which Men seek Honour one of another, that in all Business, by Sea or Land, we may constantly keep in View the coming of his Kingdom on Earth, as it is in Heaven; and, by faithfully following this safe Guide, shew forth Examples, tending to lead out of that under which the Creation groans!

My loss of appetite has made the trial harder. In my soul, I have felt tender longings for God, the source of comfort. At times, his inward help has made up for the lack of outward comforts. I have strongly desired that his family, who know the movements of his holy Spirit, may be freed from the love of money. May they also be freed from the spirit in which people seek honor from one another. Then, in all our business, by sea or land, we may always keep in view the coming of his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. And by faithfully following this safe guide, we may set examples that help lead people away from what makes creation groan!

This Day we had a Meeting in the Cabbin; in which I was favoured in some Degree to experience the fulfilling of that Saying of the Prophet, "The Lord hath been a Strength to the Poor, a Strength to the Needy in their Distress;" for which, my Heart is bowed in Thankfulness before him!

Today we held a meeting in the cabin. During it, I was blessed to experience, to some degree, the fulfillment of the prophet's words: "The Lord has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in their distress." For this, my heart bows in thankfulness before him!

The twenty-eighth Day of the Month.—Wet Weather of late, small Winds inclining to Calms: Our Seamen have cast a Lead, I suppose about one hundred Fathoms, but find no Bottom: Foggy Weather this Morning.

The twenty-eighth day of the month. The weather has been wet lately, with light winds tending toward calm. Our sailors have lowered a sounding line, I suppose about one hundred fathoms, but found no bottom. It is foggy this morning.

Through the Kindness of the great Preserver of Men my Mind remains quiet; and a Degree of Exercise, from Day to Day, attends me, that the pure peaceable Government of Christ may spread and prevail amongst Mankind.

Through the kindness of the great Preserver of humanity, my mind remains quiet. Day by day, I feel a measure of concern that Christ's pure and peaceful rule may spread and prevail among humanity.

The leading on of a young Generation in that pure Way in which the Wisdom of this World hath no Place; where Parents and Tutors, humbly waiting for the heavenly Counsellor, may example them in the Truth, as it is in Jesus;—this, for several Days, hath been the Exercise of my Mind. O! how safe, how quiet, is that State, where the Soul stands in pure Obedience to the Voice of Christ, and a watchful Care is maintained not to follow the Voice of the Stranger!

For several days, I have been thinking about guiding a young generation in that pure way where worldly wisdom has no place. In that way, parents and teachers may humbly wait for the heavenly Counselor and set an example of the truth as it is in Jesus. Oh, how safe and peaceful it is when the soul lives in pure obedience to the voice of Christ and remains watchful, taking care not to follow the voice of the stranger!

Here Christ is felt to be our Shepherd, and, under his Leading, People are brought to a Stability; and, where he doth not lead forward, we are bound, in the Bonds of pure Love, to stand still and wait upon him. In the Love of Money, and in the Wisdom of this World, Business is proposed; then the Urgency of Affairs pushes forward; nor can the Mind in this State, discern the good and perfect Will of God concerning us.

Here we feel Christ as our Shepherd, and under his guidance, people find stability. When he does not lead us forward, pure love binds us to stand still and wait for him. But love of money and worldly wisdom lead people to propose business ventures. Then urgent affairs push them forward. In this state, the mind cannot discern God’s good and perfect will for us.

The Love of God is manifested in graciously calling us to come out of that which stands in Confusion: But, if we bow not in the Name of Jesus; if we give not up those Prospects of Gain, which, in the Wisdom of this World, are open before us, but say, in our Hearts, I must needs go on, and, in going on, I hope to keep as near to the Purity of Truth as the Business before me will admit of; here the Mind remains entangled, and the Shining of the Light of Life into the Soul is obstructed.

God shows his love by graciously calling us to leave behind what is in confusion. But we may not bow in the name of Jesus or give up the chances for gain that the wisdom of this world holds out to us. Instead, we may say in our hearts, I must go on. As I do, I hope to stay as close to the purity of truth as my business allows. When we do this, our minds remain entangled, and the light of life is blocked from shining into our souls.

In an entire Subjection of our Wills the Lord graciously opens a Way for his People, where all their Wants are bounded by his Wisdom; and here we experience the Substance of what Moses the Prophet figured out in the Water of Separation, as a Purification from Sin.

When we completely submit our wills to the Lord, he graciously opens a way for his people. There, his wisdom sets the bounds of all their desires. There we experience the reality that Moses the prophet represented through the Water of Separation, a cleansing from sin.

Esau is mentioned as a Child red all over, like a hairy Garment: In Esau is represented the natural Will of Man. In preparing the Water of Separation, a red Heifer, without Blemish, on which there had been no Yoke, was to be slain, and her Blood sprinkled by the Priest seven Times toward the Tabernacle of the Congregation; then her Skin, her Flesh, and all pertaining to her, were to be burnt without the Camp; and of her Ashes the Water was prepared. Thus the crucifying the old Man, or natural Will, is represented; and hence comes a Separation from that carnal Mind, which is Death.

Esau is described as a child who was red all over, like a hairy garment. Esau represents the natural will of man. To prepare the water of separation, a red heifer without blemish, which had never been yoked, was to be killed. The priest was to sprinkle her blood seven times toward the Tabernacle of the Congregation. Then her skin, flesh, and all that belonged to her were to be burned outside the camp. The water was prepared from her ashes. This represents the crucifixion of the old man, or natural will. From this comes a separation from the carnal mind, which is death.

"He who toucheth the dead Body of a Man, and purifieth not himself with the Water of Separation, he defileth the Tabernacle of the Lord; he is unclean." Numb. xix. 13.

"Anyone who touches a dead human body and does not purify himself with the water of separation defiles the tabernacle of the Lord. He is unclean." Num. 19:13.

If any, through the Love of Gain, go forth into Business, wherein they dwell as amongst the Tombs, and touch the Bodies of those who are dead; if these, through the infinite Love of God feel the Power of the Cross of Christ to crucify them to the World, and therein learn humbly to follow the divine Leader;—here is the Judgment of this World;—here the Prince of this World is cast out.

Some people, out of a love of profit, enter a business where they live as if among tombs, touching dead bodies. If, through the infinite love of God, they feel the power of the Cross of Christ crucify them to the world, and if they learn through it to follow the divine Leader humbly, then the world is judged. Then the prince of this world is cast out.

The Water of Separation is felt; and, though we have been amongst the Slain, and, through the Desire of Gain, have touched the dead Body of a Man, yet, in the purifying Love of Christ, we are washed in the Water of Separation; are brought off from that Business, from that Gain, and from that Fellowship, which was not agreeable to his holy Will: And I have felt a renewed Confirmation, in the Time of this Voyage, that the Lord, in his infinite Love, is calling to his visited Children, so to give up all outward Possessions and Means of getting Treasures, that his holy Spirit may have free Course in their Hearts, and direct them in all their Proceedings.

The Water of Separation is felt. Though we have been among the slain and, in our desire for gain, have touched a dead man's body, Christ's purifying love washes us in the Water of Separation. We are led away from that business, that gain, and that fellowship, which were not agreeable to his holy will. During this voyage, I have felt renewed confirmation that the Lord, in his infinite love, is calling to his children whom he has visited. He calls them to give up all outward possessions and means of gaining treasure, so that his holy Spirit may move freely in their hearts and guide them in all they do.

To feel the Substance pointed at in this Figure, Man must know Death, as to his own Will.

To feel the reality this image points to, a person must know the death of their own will.

"No Man can see God, and live." This was spoken by the Almighty to Moses the Prophet, and opened by our blessed Redeemer.

“No one can see God and live.” The Almighty spoke these words to the prophet Moses, and our blessed Redeemer explained them.

As Death comes on our own Wills, and a new Life is formed in us, the Heart is purified and prepared to understand clearly. "Blessed are the Pure in Heart; for they shall see God." In Purity of Heart the Mind is divinely opened to behold the Nature of universal Righteousness, or the Righteousness of the Kingdom of God. "No Man hath seen the Father, save he that is of God; he hath seen the Father."

As our own wills die and a new life forms in us, our hearts are purified and prepared to understand clearly. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." When the heart is pure, God opens the mind to see the nature of universal righteousness, the righteousness of the Kingdom of God. "No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father."

The natural Mind is active about the Things of this Life; and, in this natural Activity, Business is proposed, and a Will in us to go forward in it. As long as this natural Will remains unsubjected, so long there remains an Obstruction against the Clearness of divine Light operating in us; but when we love God with all our Heart, and with all our Strength, then in this Love, we love our Neighbours as ourselves; and a Tenderness of Heart is felt toward all People for whom Christ died, even such who, as to outward Circumstances, may be to us as the Jews were to the Samaritans. Who is my Neighbour? See this Question answered by our Saviour, Luke x. 30.

The natural mind is busy with the affairs of this life. In this activity, we propose things to do and want to go ahead with them. As long as this natural will remains uncontrolled, it obstructs the clear working of divine light within us. But when we love God with all our heart and all our strength, we also love our neighbors as ourselves. In this love, we feel tenderness toward all people for whom Christ died. This includes those who, in outward circumstances, may be to us as the Jews were to the Samaritans. Who is my neighbor? See our Savior's answer to this question in Luke 10:30.

In this Love we can say, that Jesus is the Lord; and the Reformation in our Souls is manifested in a full Reformation of our Lives, wherein all Things are new, and all Things are of God; 2 Cor. v. 18. in this the Desire of Gain is subjected.

In this love, we can say that Jesus is the Lord. The transformation of our souls is shown in the complete transformation of our lives. In these lives, all things are new, and all things are of God (2 Cor. 5:18). In this transformation, the desire for gain is brought under control.

When Employment is honestly followed in the Light of Truth, and People become diligent in Business, "fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord;" Rom. xii. 11. here the Name is opened: "This is the Name by which he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jerem. xxiii. 6. O! how precious is this Name! it is like Ointment poured out. The chaste Virgins are in Love with the Redeemer; and, for the promoting his peaceable Kingdom in the World, are content to endure Hardness, like good Soldiers; and are so separated in Spirit from the Desire of Riches, that in their Employments they become extensively careful to give none Offence, neither to Jews nor Heathen, nor the Church of Christ.

When people work honestly in the light of truth, they become diligent in business, "fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord." Rom. xii. 11. Then the meaning of this name is revealed: "This is the Name by which he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jerem. xxiii. 6. Oh, how precious this name is! It is like ointment poured out. The chaste virgins love the Redeemer. To promote his peaceful kingdom in the world, they are willing to endure hardship like good soldiers. In spirit, they are so free from the desire for riches that they take great care in their work to give no offense, either to Jews or Heathen, or to the Church of Christ.

On the thirty-first Day of the Month, and first of the Week, we had a Meeting in the Cabbin, with near all the Ship's Company; the Whole being near thirty. In this Meeting, the Lord, in Mercy, favoured us with the Extendings of his Love.

On the thirty-first day of the month, a Sunday, we held a meeting in the cabin. Nearly everyone on the ship attended, about thirty people in all. In this meeting, the Lord, in his mercy, blessed us with an outpouring of his love.

The second Day of the sixth Month. Last Evening the Seamen found Bottom at about seventy Fathoms.

The second day of the sixth month. Last evening the sailors found the sea was about seventy fathoms deep.

This Morning, fair Wind, and pleasant. As I sat on Deck, my Heart was overcome with the Love of Christ, and melted into Contrition before him; and, in this State, the Prospect of that Work, to which I have felt my Mind drawn when in my native Land, being in some Degree opened before me, I felt like a little Child: and my Cries were put up to my heavenly Father for Preservation, that, in a humble Dependence on him, my Soul might be strengthened in his Love, and kept inwardly waiting for his Counsel.

This morning, the wind was favorable and the weather pleasant. As I sat on deck, my heart was overcome by the love of Christ, and I melted in repentance before him. In this state, I gained some sense of the work I had felt drawn to while in my native land. I felt like a little child, and I cried out to my heavenly Father for protection. I prayed that, relying humbly on him, my soul might be strengthened in his love and remain inwardly watchful for his guidance.

This Afternoon we saw that Part of England called the Lizard.

This afternoon we saw the part of England called the Lizard.

Some Dunghill-fowls yet remained of those the Passengers took for their Sea-store; I believe about fourteen perished in the Storms at Sea, by the Waves breaking over the Quarter-deck; and a considerable Number with Sickness, at different Times. I observed the Cocks crew, coming down the Delaware, and while we were near the Land; but afterward I think I did not hear one of them crow till we came near the Land in England, when they again crowed a few Times.

Some chickens that the passengers had brought for food at sea still remained. I believe about fourteen died in storms at sea, when waves broke over the quarterdeck. A considerable number died from sickness at different times. I noticed the roosters crowing as we came down the Delaware and while we were near land. But afterward, I think I did not hear any of them crow until we came near land in England. Then they crowed a few times again.

In observing their dull Appearance at Sea, and the pining Sickness of some of them, I often remembered the Fountain of Goodness, who gave Being to all Creatures, and whose Love extends to that of caring for the Sparrows; and believe, where the Love of God is verily perfected, and the true Spirit of Government watchfully attended to, a Tenderness toward all Creatures made subject to us will be experienced, and a Care felt in us, that we do not lessen that Sweetness of Life, in the animal Creation, which the great Creator intends for them in our Government.

As I watched their listless appearance at sea and the wasting sickness of some of them, I often remembered God, the source of goodness. He gave life to all creatures, and his love extends even to caring for sparrows. I believe that where God’s love is truly made perfect, people will take care to govern in the right spirit. They will feel tenderness toward all creatures under their care. They will also take care not to diminish the sweetness of life that the great Creator intends for those creatures under our care.

The fourth Day of the Month. About Noon a Pilot came off from Dover; where my beloved Friend, Samuel Emlen, went on Shore, and thence to London; but I felt easy in staying in the Ship.

The fourth day of the month. Around noon, a pilot came out from Dover. My beloved friend Samuel Emlen went ashore there and then traveled to London. But I felt at ease staying on the ship.

The seventh Day of the Month, and first of the Week. Clear Morning; we lay at Anchor for the Tide, and had a Parting-meeting with the Ship's Company; in which my Heart was enlarged in a fervent Concern for them, that they may come to experience Salvation through Christ. We had a Head-Wind up the Thames; lay sometimes at Anchor; saw many Ships passing, and some at Anchor near; and had large Opportunity of feeling the Spirit in which the poor bewildered Sailors too generally live.—That lamentable Degeneracy, which so much prevails on the People employed on the Seas, so affected my Heart, that I cannot easily convey the Feeling I have had to another.

The seventh day of the month, and the first day of the week. It was a clear morning. We lay at anchor, waiting for the tide, and held a parting meeting with the ship's company. During the meeting, my heart was filled with fervent concern that they might experience salvation through Christ. We faced a headwind as we sailed up the Thames and sometimes lay at anchor. We saw many ships passing and some anchored nearby. I had ample opportunity to feel the spirit in which the poor, bewildered sailors so often live. The sad moral decline so common among people who work at sea affected me deeply. I cannot easily convey to another person what I felt.