"How lovely and sweet she was! and, though she lived so many years and did so much good in them all, it always seems to me that she died "in the midst of her years."
"Oh, we should have liked to keep her longer, the dear one! But He who seeth to the end knew when to close the strife--
"Knew when to loose the silver cord, To break the golden bowl, And give to her that richest gift, Salvation of the soul.""
CHAPTER IV.
_FIRST VISIT._
"He who in glory did on h.o.r.eb"s height Descend to Moses in the bush of flame, And bade him go and stand in Pharaoh"s sight-- Who once to Israel"s pious shepherd came, And sent him forth his champion in the fight,-- He within my heart thus spake to me: "Go forth! Thou shalt on earth my witness be.""
SCHILLER.
In the autumn of 1840, Sybil Jones was liberated by her Friends to attend meetings and do religious work in the provinces, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. In this work she was attended by her husband, and they pa.s.sed through many trying circ.u.mstances; but, being sustained from above, they came home bringing sheaves with them and feeling that they had been instruments in G.o.d"s hand of doing good. A brief account of this journey was kept by Sybil Jones. It has never been published, but is full of interest to all those who love to follow the steps of devoted servants of the Lord.
During the first winter of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold and a band of soldiers forced their way over almost insurmountable obstacles through the Maine woods to capture Montreal, Quebec, and the other Canadian strongholds. Historians have followed their track, carefully noting every detail of their march, recording what they suffered and what injuries they inflicted, and that, too, though the expedition failed of its end and many a fair young life was lost in vain. Certainly, we can well afford to follow the pilgrimage of two soldiers of the cross fully as heroic, carrying to those otherwise perishing the news of life and salvation.
Sybil Jones was thirty-two years old when she made this visit; she was in delicate health, and obliged to leave her two young children, James Parnell and Narcissa, behind; but her whole soul was in the work, and she writes as she would have done when years had fully developed her.
In this and her other diaries there often occur expressions which to the frequent readers of Fox and the early missionary Friends may sound stated and formal, but there is a life pervading the whole which shows conclusively to a thoughtful person that these phrases are not forms, but words clearly expressive of what she felt burning in her heart, and they add to rather than detract from the weight of her account.
There is a wonderful depth of meaning and originality in the expressions of Friends which unfortunately is lost sight of by continual use, just as in all language word-metaphors which subtly picture thoughts become cold by use and lose their picturesqueness. In reading the pages recording the earnest labors of long ago let us read in them all that was put there by looking for the feeling and life under the words:
"Left home with a certificate from some of my friends to visit some of the British provinces, the 23d of 8th mo., 1840, in company with my husband. He also has a certificate for said service. Being disappointed in a female companion, we had either to resign the prospect of a visit this season or proceed with no other company than our dear friend Daniel Smiley, who, with a minute from his monthly meeting, concluded to accompany us to Nova Scotia. It was a trying case, but, feeling as though the present time was the right time, we informed the committee appointed by the monthly meeting for the purpose of providing us with suitable company, how it was with us.
They met with the elders, and informed us of their conclusion, which was that they thought best for us to proceed if it seemed like the right time, as we had informed them. We had to proceed on the prospect of apprehended duty under discouraging circ.u.mstances, yet I trust with a humble reliance on Him who hath said, "I will be a defence unto Israel." Being favored to resign ourselves to His direction and protection, we felt our only strength to be in Him, feeling, too, the consoling a.s.surance that our dear friends we have left behind will travail in exercises with us for the Truth"s honor and our preservation from every hurtful thing. We leave our dear children in the best place we could find.... Above all, we have felt a humble trust that He who never slumbers will keep them; and in remembrance of the blessed promise, that all things shall work together for good to them that love and fear G.o.d, I have been enabled under multiplied discouragement to adopt the language, "Thy will, not mine, be done."
Blessed be His name for ever who has been with me in six troubles, and has given me a.s.surance that He will not forsake even in the seventh if my place is where Mary"s was of old.
"We attended two meetings the day we left--one in Windsor, the other in Whitefield--which were very trying meetings....
"_Second day, 31st._ Arrived at Joseph Ester"s in Calais; had a favored meeting this evening in the Calvinist Baptist meeting-house.
The people here are so attached to Friends that they think it a privilege to let us have a house for a meeting. The Baptists claimed the privilege, and we thought best to improve it. After meeting I took cold from the damp air so frequent in this place, and was confined to the house till 9th mo. 4th. Proceeded to an appointment at St.
Stephen"s (English side), First day, 9th mo. 6th, at two P. M., at the Methodist house, which was a humbling season to the poor creatures, but the eternal truth reigned over all, and I hope the "blessed Master of a.s.semblies" had the honor, for it was by the might of His power that the tall cedars of Lebanon bowed and the oaks of Bashan bent.
Nothing is too great for Him to do for us when our trust is in Him.
May it ever be placed there! Second day, 7th, had a meeting at St.
Stephen"s in a Baptist house; put up at Ruggles"s temperance house; felt quite at home here; they were an interesting family. We sat with the family before leaving them, and divine ability was given to speak in the language of encouragement to them, a.s.suring them that a _little_ with the incomparable blessing of a peaceful mind was better than h.o.a.rds of gold obtained in a way to injure our fellow-creatures.
The demoralizing effects of the sale and use of ardent spirits were lamentably felt here. The landlord told us that he was once in the habit of keeping them for travellers and others, but became convinced that it was wrong. It brought him into a close trial, he told us, for this was the chief source of income. He said he prayed to his heavenly Father to direct him what to do, and the answer was that he must carry on the baking business. He accordingly entered into it, and with the a.s.sistance of two or three daughters he made a good income. Oh that all would go and do likewise who are in this iniquitous practice, that must surely prove, if persisted in, their condemnation!
"_8th._ Parted from several of our dear friends who came to bid us farewell, and proceeded on our journey; came about noon to Oak Bay, parish of St. David"s, a small village. Here we paused a little, but proceeded. My mind became distressed for leaving the place without trying to have a meeting, which I kept to myself until we had travelled about two and a half miles, when I was obliged to request our dear friend to turn about; which was crossing to us all, feeling very anxious to get along, having been detained from my ill-health, meetings, etc. beyond our expectations. But on turning toward the place I think we all partic.i.p.ated in the reward of peace. We stopped at William Josling"s, who met us with tears of joy. Oh may we omit nothing required of us, but be willing to do and suffer His will who will do all things well! This evening had a meeting in the Baptist house. It was a solemn season, and to the honor of truth, I trust.
Lodged at William Golding"s, who was in a tried state of mind owing to entanglement with the doctrine of predestination. He spoke of the circ.u.mstance of Pharaoh where the Lord said, "For this same purpose I have raised thee up;" also named the pa.s.sage from the apostle, "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump, to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" He said that he considered it as a temptation of the enemy, but at times could hardly keep it out of his mind. As the subjects opened to my mind I endeavored to explain them.... He seemed satisfied, and said he had never had so clear an explanation before. Not feeling clear of the place without trying for another meeting, we accepted the Methodist house, which was kindly offered. A Universalist encountered me after meeting. I endeavored to keep near best help. He became silent, and I think the truth sank deep in his heart. We parted in mutual love and good feeling. He was a member of the legislative council, a man of talents. We called on the Methodist minister and his wife, who received us gladly; we thought them sincere-hearted followers of Christ. Parted under a feeling of holy relationship. Left this place for Tower Hill, in the parish of St. David. Arrived in a lonely-looking place, very desolate, where were a few inhabitants and a schoolhouse. There are few here who reflect, I think, that they must die, and that it is needful to prepare for that solemn event. We left them under serious impression, I think. We called on a woman apparently dying, who said she was not prepared to die; her sins were not forgiven. The family and several neighbors present were in great distress. I felt moved to call her attention to Jesus, who alone could help, reminding her of the penitent thief upon the cross. Surrounding beholders were warned to seek the Lord while in health, and not put it off till a dying bed, as the pains of the feeble body were enough to bear, without the indescribable pains of a wounded conscience. We called again on the sick woman, who seemed a little revived. I felt drawn to impart some words of encouragement, also to supplicate our heavenly Father on behalf of all present. My dear husband imparted some words of encouragement to her. We then left her bedside, where extreme poverty and want were strikingly apparent, with some a.s.surance that she would find forgiveness and go in peace. We proceeded to meeting. A large number of thoughtless mortals were a.s.sembled. We had to travail in deep exercises for the awakening of life. Dear husband supplicated for divine aid, which was mercifully granted. Truth finally obtained the victory. It is the Lord"s doing and marvellous in our eyes.
"_15th._ Had a meeting at Bearing in a schoolhouse at the fourth hour, and one at Mehanas, parish of St Stephen"s, at seven--the last a truly contriting season. I proceeded, accompanied by my dear husband, to visit some public-houses and places where liquor is sold, and to visit some serious people. This work of apprehended duty was most humiliating to the poor creature, but cheerful submission clothed my mind with sweet peace. We were treated kindly by all, and all expressed their thankfulness to us for calling, and received civilly what we had to deliver to them, saying they knew the right, but were unwilling to do it. Not feeling clear of these parts without a meeting with the Congregationalists at Calais, though I thought it probable that they would not grant it, I informed our company of it, who encouraged me to attend to the opening. Accordingly, a messenger was despatched, and returned word that they were expecting to meet in the evening for a prayer-meeting, and would cheerfully give up the meeting to us without a single objection. The Lord will make a way where there appears to be no way. In the evening we met with them, and had a good meeting, mutually satisfactory.
"_17th._ Sat down at the house where we were staying with the family at meeting hour. Our little number with the family were enough to inherit the Saviour"s blessed promise, "There will I be in the midst of them." We gave no notice, but two or three neighbors somehow got information and joined our company. At first it was a stripped season.
The cloud as big as a man"s hand was hardly discernible, but in the Lord"s own time He blessed us indeed. His power arose to the contriting of all present. It was truly a refreshing time, in which we could say, "The Lord is my goodness and fortress, my high tower."
"_18th._ Had a meeting at the Ledge in St. Stephen"s at two o"clock.
Some of the true wrestling seed were present, who were visited in their low dwelling-place and refreshed with the circulating influence of divine love, which spread even to the skirts of the a.s.sembly. I am ready to say, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." "He brought me into his banqueting-house, and his banner over us was love."
"_26th, which was First day._ Had a meeting in the city of St. John, in the Methodist chapel in Germania street, at 2 P. M., and one at 6 o"clock in the parish of Portland, in the Methodist house. Several thousand souls met with us this day, and the Lord blessed us abundantly to the refreshing of the weary traveller toward the city of rest. Lodged at the Methodist preacher"s, William Temple, who was truly hospitable. On the morning of the 28th went to the steamboat bound to Annapolis, but, it being stormy, the captain deemed it improper to put out to sea. Having our horses and carriage put on board at high tide, and could not get them off until tide served again, we felt some anxiety, fearing we had not done right in this procedure, as the elements seemed against us. We met with a man named Abial L. Brown on board, who kindly asked us to go home with him and remain until the boat should go. We gladly accepted his invitation and went to the house, where the family received us with affection, set some refreshments before us, of which we gladly partook, not having taken any breakfast and having walked some distance in the wet and cold. After being thus refreshed and having warmed ourselves, we felt inclined to a.s.semble the family for a religious opportunity, which was gladly acceded to on their parts. The season was a truly comforting one. Afterward we inquired for a woman who had spoken to us the evening before after meeting and manifested a great desire to have an interview with us. From our description one of the daughters kindly offered to try to find her, though they could not tell her name. She made a successful attempt, and soon came with Elizabeth Girard, as she said her name was. She was a Friend in principle, though belonging to the Methodists. She lamented much the extravagant conformity to the vain fashions of the world, which is at enmity to Christ--said they had sorrowfully departed from the simplicity which marked the members in their rise in Wesleyan days. She spoke of the spiritual worship very clearly as that which was alone acceptable unto G.o.d. The storm subsided at about ten o"clock. We left, accompanied by E. G., who went to the steamboat with us. After our imparting some advice to this dear friend, she left. At about one o"clock we left St. John"s City, and in twelve hours were across the Bay of Fundy at Annapolis. I was not very seasick; He who holdeth the waters in His hand preserves us yet.
Little vital religion is felt in this part of the heritage. The people here have many advantages for a livelihood. The land has a rich soil, and the Annapolis River flowing through it in the midst of an extensive valley, where many of its farms stretch along its banks, the rich products may be borne through the river into the Bay of Fundy to distant parts. Thus was a kind Providence bountifully blessed, but a worldly spirit is prevailing among them.
"_14th._ Held a meeting at Granville, and on the 15th went over Young"s Mountain. Again not feeling clear, had a meeting in the evening, a memorable season of humbling contrition to most present. A young man named James Van Blarc.u.m, being at this meeting, was convinced of the truth. May the Lord give him strength to suffer for His cause, which will no doubt be the case if he proves faithful!"[3]
[3] James Van Blarc.u.m was at work on a house when the notice was given for this meeting. On hearing that a woman would preach, he said he would go and hear what these heretics had to say. It was a revelation to him; his eyes were opened, and the whole course of his life changed. A few years after this he came to China, so that he might know more of Friends and their principles. At first his family were so displeased at his becoming a Quaker that he was forced to leave his home, though he was afterward highly respected by them all. He became a powerful minister in the Society, and was for a number of years connected with Oak Grove Seminary. He was married to Eunice, sister of Eli Jones.
Eli and Sybil Jones attended many more meetings in the provinces, among them Annapolis, Wilmot Mount, Wolfville, Falmouth, Pictou, and Truro, making many weary journeys, some days riding as much as forty-three miles to hold a meeting. These long rides were attended with many discomforts, as it was the eleventh month, and the weather extremely raw and cold. The roads were in poor condition, and the mud oftentimes almost impa.s.sable. Sybil Jones describes the difficulties encountered in making their way to Truro: "Coming to two roads about noon, we inquired of an innkeeper the direct road to our destination.
We followed his directions, found excellent roads, but, being through a thick forest, it was rather lonely. The weather being cloudy, night came on early, without discovering any opening in the dense forest that encompa.s.sed us. The thought did not occur that we might be on the wrong road until the horses began to wade very deep in mud. My husband sprang out of the carriage to lead the horses. After proceeding a few steps, the mire growing deeper, he ordered the carriage stopped, and after travelling around some time in the dark he exclaimed that we were on the wrong road--that we had come to the end of a road. Our feelings can better be imagined than described. Strangers in a strange land, in a vast wilderness at the end of our road, and the night being without even starlight, I shall never forget my feelings.
We found our carriage was fast in the mire. After unharnessing the horses, which with some difficulty leapt out on hard footing, the men soon pried the carriage out and harnessed to return, while I stood on a dry spot where my dear husband had placed me. I was afraid that we had been directed there for a wicked design, when these words came to me: "Judah"s lion guards the way, and guides the traveller home."
After going back about fifty rods we discovered a light, and, going to it, found that it proceeded from a little hut. The people said that we could get across the woods, to the right road by going a quarter of a mile, and kindly offered to go with us and show us the way. We followed through the roughest road I ever pa.s.sed. One had to hold the carriage behind to keep it from upsetting. We arrived safe on the road, happy and thankful."
They had many "opportunities" in family circles, which they always found refreshing. They met with great kindness, although in many places they were greatly grieved to find that the spirit of the world held sway over the people. In many cases a great controlling power was felt, and they left believers much strengthened in the Lord to cope with the adversary. Owing to the inclemency of the weather they deemed it expedient to return to their homes. The homeward journey was long, and they were often able to get but scanty accommodations; but they ever found the "Lord a covert from the storms," and proved Him to be "as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." They were greatly cheered on retracing their steps to find that the seed scattered on their journey of love had fallen in good ground. The tavern-keeper with whom they had labored so lovingly had given up his sinful business, and was now keeping a strictly temperance house. Indeed, there was now no rum sold in the town. With deep interest and love for the dear people in the field in which they labored, and looking to G.o.d to bless their labors, they took their way to the home where were the dear children whom to leave was so hard.
It was the beginning of winter before they prepared to return, so that it was impossible for them to use the carriage with which they made the journey, and it was finally decided to put the carriage on runners, and in this way the long return journey was made.
Some years later they went over the same ground by carriage on a second visit to the provinces. In one place, as they were driving along through a long wood, they were met in the road by a huge bear, which stood its ground for some time, but finally retreated and allowed the Friends to go on their mission. Soon after this visit Eli Jones felt that it was his duty to go over the meetings of Canada and to speak to the Friends there, both in the different a.s.semblies and by their firesides. His dear wife in the mean time was making a tour through New England, doing the work which was laid upon her. It was a trial for them to be so widely separated, but each was in the proper place. Sybil Jones was brought low with sickness and forced to hasten home. Eli Jones came from his field of service, and called on his friend Daniel Smiley, where he found his wife very ill; but recovery was granted, and they came rejoicing to the family at home.
CHAPTER V.
_EAST, WEST, AND SOUTH._
"I have always been thinking of the different ways in which Christianity is taught, and whenever I find any way that makes it a wider blessing than any other, I cling to that: I mean to that which takes in the most good of all kinds, and brings in the most people as sharers."
After their return from this last visit they pa.s.sed a few years in quiet work at home, often attending the different quarterly meetings in New England, and generally taking an annual trip to Newport to be present at the yearly meeting, which was occasionally attended by Friends from the West and from Great Britain, bringing thither knowledge of far-off lands where the whitening fields called for more laborers.
In 1845 they felt called to go over the meetings of Friends in nearly all parts of the United States, and this and the next year were mostly taken up with that work.
Eli Jones has since travelled over this ground many times, and has often visited the different yearly meetings of America, but always with quite different feelings from those which were in their hearts at the first extensive visit. John Wilber had been "disowned" by the Friends only two years before, and his upholders who had separated from the Society were in many of the meetings which they visited.
There was a general feeling of sorrow that a second unhappy division should appear in the midst of peaceful neighborhoods and the animosity arising from fruitless argument had weakened the loving spirit and dampened the zealous ardor of many who should have been the unbiased spokesmen of the gospel of Christ.
Eli and Sybil Jones endeavored to draw the two parties together into the house of faith and true belief. It is almost impossible in the midst of church differences for any one who is interested to be unprejudiced in his judgment. Bitterness shows itself in the hearts of the most loving. Differences are exaggerated and words are misunderstood for things. The main body are over-eager to win back those they are losing, while they are inflicting deeper wounds by their too hasty blows at what seems the heresy of their opponents, and the latter cherish a feeling of glory in the size of the rent they are making. These two Friends tried sweetly and gently to persuade those differing with them that the ancient Rock was the only foundation for their building. They visited the families of nearly all the meetings and impressed their thoughts on the individual members. If perhaps they accomplished little in cementing the two bodies, they did much to strengthen the weak and to point the unsheltered to a Tower of safety and defence. It may be interesting to follow them in a few extracts from Sybil Jones"s journal:
"Left home 9th mo., 1845, with a certificate to visit in the love of the gospel the yearly meetings of Ohio, Indiana, Baltimore, and North Carolina. We took pa.s.sage on the steamer John Marshall from Augusta to Boston, and from there by cars to Lynn, where we attended their quarterly meeting. Friends in this meeting are brought under deep exercise on account of the attendance of a committee from the Separatists and John Wilbur in person. They took full liberty to throw out their sentiments and bore very hard on Friends, all of which Friends were mercifully favored to bear with true Christian patience.
After being detained seven hours the meeting adjourned until nine the next morning, at which time they convened without interruption and were greatly refreshed together.
"From Lynn we went to New Bedford, where a small meeting of the Wilburites is held, some of whom we called to see and were treated kindly, but were painfully afflicted in spirit under a sense of their alienation from the unity of the Spirit by which we are called.
Friends here are not numerous, but upright standard-bearers. In the morning attended Newtown meeting, which was also attended by the Separatists (a few being here). After a time of solemn retirement before the Lord truth rose into dominion and a contriting time it was."
They went on by boat to New York, and from there to Philadelphia and Baltimore, where John Meader, Thomas Willis, Richard Carpenter, and others met them to go in their company farther west: "We reached Mount Pleasant the day previous to select meeting, which began the 8th of 9th mo. The spirit of bitterness has made sad havoc here. The four visiting Friends were duly proved in suffering with the suffering. No notice was taken of any certificates on their minutes. The servants of the Lord in attendance were of one heart and one mind, and there were times amid the conflict that the gracious ear, I doubt not, inclined to the fervent pet.i.tion, "Lord, save us or we perish." A calm stole over the troubled waves, and ability was vouchsafed to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ.
"The meeting closed on the 12th of the month, and the next morning we proceeded on our way to Cincinnati. We took the steamer New Hampshire, and were more than five days on the Ohio River. The water was low, so that we were often aground some hours. We had a meeting on board with the pa.s.sengers, and it was crowned by the presence of Him who holds the waters in the hollow of his hand and causeth the mountains to flow down at His presence. We were treated with great kindness and respect.
The first part of our pa.s.sage I noticed some playing cards, which brought me under great exercise, and after carefully examining the subject I thought it my duty before retiring to rest to walk to the table and express my feelings. Asking leave of them, I proceeded to relieve my mind, which was received kindly, and I saw no more card-playing afterward. I felt great peace in taking up this cross.
May I always be willing to do His will who leadeth safely and sustaineth the soul amid every conflict!