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Title: Religious Experience and Journal of Mrs. Jarena Lee
Giving an Account of Her Call to Preach the Gospel
Author: Jarena Lee
Illustrator: A. Hoffy
Release Date: December 16, 2021 [eBook #66953]
Language: English
Produced by: Mary Glenn Krause and the Online Distributed Proofreading
Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
images generously made available by The Internet
Archive/American Libraries.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND
JOURNAL OF MRS. JARENA LEE ***
[Illustration: _From Life by A Hoffy._ _Printed by P S Duval._
MRS. JARENA LEE.
_Preacher of the A,M,E, Church.
Aged 60 years on the 11th day of the 2nd month 1844.
Philad^a 1844_]
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
AND
JOURNAL
OF
MRS. JARENA LEE,
GIVING
AN ACCOUNT OF HER CALL TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
Revised and corrected from the Original Manuscript, written by herself.
PHILADELPHIA:
Printed and Published for the Author.
1849.
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1836,
By JARENA LEE,
In the Office of the Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND JOURNAL OF MRS. JARENA LEE.
“And it shall come to pass ... that I will pour out my Spirit
upon all flesh; and your sons, and your _daughters_ shall
prophecy.”—_Joel_ ii. 28.
I was born February 11th, 1783, at Cape May, State of New Jersey. At the
age of seven years I was parted from my parents, and went to live as a
servant maid, with a Mr. Sharp, at the distance of about sixty miles from
the place of my birth.
My parents being wholly ignorant of the knowledge of God, had not
therefore instructed me in any degree in this great matter. Not long
after the commencement of my attendance on this lady, she had bid me do
something respecting my work, which in a little while after she asked me
if I had done, when I replied, Yes—but this was not true.
At this awful point, in my early history, the Spirit of God moved in
power through my Conscience, and told me I was a wretched sinner. On this
account so great was the impression, and so strong were the feelings of
guilt, that I promised in my heart that I would not tell another lie.
But notwithstanding this promise my heart grew harder, after a while,
yet the Spirit of the Lord never entirely forsook me, but continued
mercifully striving with me, until his gracious power converted my soul.
The manner of this great accomplishment, was as follows: In the year
1804, it so happened that I went with others to hear a missionary of the
Presbyterian order preach. It was an afternoon meeting, but few were
there, the place was a school room; but the preacher was solemn, and in
his countenance the earnestness of his master’s business appeared equally
strong, as though he were about to speak to a multitude.
At the reading of the Psalms, a ray of renewed conviction darted into my
soul. These were the words, composing the first verse of the Psalms for
the service:
“Lord, I am vile, conceived in sin,
Born unholy and unclean.
Sprung from man, whose guilty fall
Corrupts the race, and taints us all.”
This description of my condition struck me to the heart, and made me to
feel in some measure, the weight of my sins, and sinful nature. But not
knowing how to run immediately to the Lord for help, I was driven of
Satan, in the course of a few days, and tempted to destroy myself.
There was a brook about a quarter of a mile from the house, in which
there was a deep hole, where the water whirled about among the rocks; to
this place it was suggested, I must go and drown myself.
At the time I had a book in my hand; it was on a Sabbath morning, about
ten o’clock; to this place I resorted, where on coming to the water I
sat down on the bank, and on my looking into it, it was suggested that
drowning would be an easy death. It seemed as if some one was speaking
to me, saying put your head under, it will not distress you. But by some
means, of which I can give no account, my thoughts were taken entirely
from this purpose, when I went from the place to the house again. It was
the unseen arm of God which saved me from self-murder.
But notwithstanding this escape from death, my mind was not at rest—but
so great was the labor of my spirit and the fearful oppressions of a
judgment to come, that I was reduced as one extremely ill, on which
account a physician was called to attend me, from which illness I
recovered in about three months.
But as yet I had not found Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write,
being extremely ignorant: there being no one to instruct me in the way
of life and salvation as yet. After my recovery, I left the lady, who,
during my sickness, was exceedingly kind, and went to Philadelphia. From
this place I soon went a few miles into the country, where I resided in
the family of a Roman Catholic. But my anxiety still continued respecting
my poor soul, on which account I used to watch my opportunity to read in
the Bible; and this lady observing this, took the Bible from me and hid
it, giving me a novel in its stead—which when I perceived, I refused to
read.
Soon after this I again went to the city of Philadelphia, and commenced
going to the English Church, the pastor of which was an Englishman, by
the name of Pilmore, one of the number who at first preached Methodism in
America, in the city of New York.
But while sitting under the ministration of this man, which was about
three months, and at the last time, it appeared that there was a wall
between me and a communion with that people, which was higher than I
could possibly see over, and seemed to make this impression upon my mind,
_this is not the people for you_.
But on returning home at noon I inquired of the head cook of the house
respecting the rules of the Methodists, as I knew she belonged to that
society, who told me what they were; on which account I replied,
that I should not be able to abide by such strict rules not even one
year—however, I told her that I would go with her and hear what they had
to say.
The man who was to speak in the afternoon of that day, was the Rev.
Richard Allen, since bishop of the African Episcopal Methodists in
America. During the labors of this man that afternoon, I had come to the
conclusion, that this is the people to which my heart unites, and it so
happened, that as soon as the service closed he invited such as felt a
desire to flee the wrath to come, to unite on trial with them—I embraced
the opportunity. Three weeks from that day, my soul was gloriously
converted to God, under preaching, at the very outset of the sermon. The
text was barely pronounced, which was “I perceive thy heart is not right
in the sight of God,” when there appeared to _my_ view, in the centre
of the heart, _one_ sin; and this was _malice_ against one particular
individual, who had strove deeply to injure me, which I resented. At
this discovery I said, _Lord_ I forgive _every_ creature. That instant,
it appeared to me as if a garment, which had entirely enveloped my whole
person, even to my fingers’ ends, split at the crown of my head, and was
stripped away from me, passing like a shadow from my sight—when the glory
of God seemed to cover me in its stead.
That moment, though hundreds were present, I did leap to my feet and
declare that God, for Christ’s sake, had pardoned the sins of my soul.
Great was the ecstacy of my mind, for I felt that not only the sin of
_malice_ was pardoned, but all other sins were swept away together. That
day was the first when my heart had believed, and my tongue had made
confession unto salvation—the first words uttered, a part of that song,
which shall fill eternity with its sound, was _glory to God_. For a few
moments I had power to exhort sinners, and to tell of the wonders and of
the goodness of Him who had clothed me with _His_ salvation. During this
the minister was silent, until my soul felt its duty had been performed,
when he declared another witness of the power of Christ to forgive sins
on earth, was manifest in my conversion.
From the day on which I first went to the Methodist Church, until the
hour of my deliverance, I was strangely buffeted by that enemy of all
righteousness—the devil.
I was naturally of a lively turn of disposition; and during the space of
time from my first awakening until I knew my peace was made with God,
I rejoiced in the vanities of this life, and then again sunk back into
sorrow.
For four years I had continued in this way, frequently laboring under
the awful apprehension, that I could never be happy in this life. This
persuasion was greatly strengthened during the three weeks, which was the
last of Satan’s power over me, in this peculiar manner, on which account
I had come to the conclusion that I had better be dead than alive. Here I
was again tempted to destroy my life by drowning; but suddenly this mode
was changed—and while in the dusk of the evening, as I was walking to
and fro in the yard of the house, I was beset to hang myself with a cord
suspended from the wall enclosing the secluded spot.
But no sooner was the intention resolved on in my mind, than an awful
dread came over me, when I ran into the house; still the tempter pursued
me. There was standing a vessel of water—into this I was strangely
impressed to plunge my head, so as to extinguish the life which God had
given me. Had I done this, I have been always of the opinion, that I
should have been unable to have released myself; although the vessel was
scarcely large enough to hold a gallon of water. Of me may it not be
said, as written by Isaiah, (chap. 65, verses 1, 2.) “I am sought of them
that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not.” Glory be
to God for his redeeming power, which saved me from the violence of my
own hands, from the malice of Satan, and from eternal death; for had I
have killed myself, a great ransom could not have delivered me; for it is
written—“No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” How appropriately
can I sing—
“Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.”
But notwithstanding the terror which seized upon me, when about to end
my life, I had no view of the precipice on the edge of which I was
tottering, until it was over, and my eyes were opened. Then the awful
gulf of hell seemed to be open beneath me, covered only, as it were, by
a spider’s web, on which I stood. I seemed to hear the howling of the
damned, to see the smoke of the bottomless pit, and to hear the rattling
of those chains, which hold the impenitent under clouds of darkness to
the judgment of the great day.
I trembled like Belshazzar, and cried out in the horror of my spirit,
“God be merciful to me a sinner.” That night I formed a resolution to
pray; which, when resolved upon, there appeared, sitting in one corner
of the room, Satan, in the form of a monstrous dog, and in a rage, as if
in pursuit, his tongue protruding from his mouth to a great length, and
his eyes looked like two balls of fire; it soon, however, vanished out of
my sight. From this state of terror and dismay, I was happily delivered
under the preaching of the Gospel as before related.
This view which I was permitted to have of Satan, in the form of a dog,
is evidence, which corroborates in my estimation, the Bible account
of a hell of fire, which burneth with brimstone, called in Scripture
the bottomless pit; the place where all liars, who repent not, shall
have their portion; as also the Sabbath breaker, the adulterer, the
fornicator, with the fearful, the abominable, and the unbelieving, this
shall be the portion of their cup.
This language is too strong and expressive to be applied to any state
of suffering in _time_. Were it to be thus applied, the reality could
no where be found in human life; the consequence would be, that _this_
scripture would be found a false testimony. But when made to apply to an
endless state of perdition, in eternity, beyond the bounds of human life,
then this language is found not to exceed our views of a state of eternal
damnation.
During the latter part of my state of conviction, I can now apply to my
case, as it then was, the beautiful words of the poet:
“The more I strove against its power,
I felt its weight and guilt the more;
’Till late I heard my Saviour say,
Come hither soul, I am the way.”
This I found to be true, to the joy of my disconsolate and despairing
heart, in the hour of my conversion to God.
During this state of mind, while sitting near the fire one evening,
after I had heard Rev. Richard Allen, as before related, a view of my
distressed condition so affected my heart, that I could not refrain
from weeping and crying aloud; which caused the lady with whom I then
lived, to inquire, with surprise, what ailed me; to which I answered,
that I knew not what ailed me. She replied that I ought to pray. I arose
from where I was sitting, being in an agony, and weeping convulsively,
requested her to pray for me; but at the very moment when she would
have done so, some person wrapped heavily at the door for admittance;
it was but a person of the house, but this occurrence was sufficient to
interrupt us in our intentions; and I believe to this day, I should then
have found salvation to my soul. This interruption was, doubtless, also
the work of Satan.
Although at this time, when my conviction was so great, yet I knew
not that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the second person in the
adorable Trinity. I knew him not in the pardon of my sins, yet I felt a
consciousness that if I died without pardon, that my lot must inevitably
be damnation. If I would pray—I knew not how. I could form no connexion
of ideas into words; but I knew the Lord’s prayer; this I uttered with a
loud voice, and with all my might and strength. I was the most ignorant
creature in the world; I did not even know that Christ had died for the
sins of the world, and to save sinners. Every circumstance, however, was
so directed as still to continue and increase the sorrows of my heart,
which I now know to have been a Godly sorrow which wrought repentance,
which is not to be repented of. Even the falling of the dead leaves from
the forests, and the dried spires of the mown grass, showed me that
I too must die in like manner. But my case was awfully different from
that of the grass of the field, or the wide spread decay of a thousand
forests, as I felt within me a living principle, an immortal spirit,
which cannot die, and must forever either enjoy the smiles of its
Creator, or feel the pangs of ceaseless damnation.
But the Lord led me on; being gracious, he took pity on my ignorance; he
heard my wailings, which had entered into the ear of the Lord of Sabaoth.
Circumstances so transpired that I soon came to a knowledge of the being
and character of the Son of God, of whom I knew nothing.
My strength had left me. I had become feverish and sickly through the
violence of my feelings, on which account I left my place of service to
spend a week with a colored physician, who was a member of the Methodist
society, and also to spend this week in going to places where prayer and
supplication was statedly made for such as me.
Through this means I had learned much, so as to be able in some degree to
comprehend the spiritual meaning of the text, which the minister took on
the Sabbath morning, as before related, which was “I perceive thy heart
is not right in the sight of God.”—Acts, chap. 8, verse 21.
This text, as already related, became the power of God unto salvation
to me, because I believed. I was baptized according to the direction
of our Lord, who said, as he was about to ascend from the mount, to
his disciples, “Go ye into all the world and preach my gospel to every
creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
I have now passed through the account of my conviction, and also
of my conversion to God: and shall next speak of the blessings of
sanctification.
A time, after I had received forgiveness, flowed sweetly on; day and
night my joy was full, no temptation was permitted to molest me. I could
say continually with the psalmist, that “God had separated my sins from
me as far as the east is from the west.” I was ready continually to cry,
“Come all the world, come sinner thou,
All things in Christ are ready now.”
I continued in this happy state of mind for almost three months, when a
certain colored man, by name William Scott, came to pay me a religious
visit. He had been for many years a faithful follower of the Lamb; and
he had also taken much time in visiting the sick and distressed of our
color, and understood well the great things belonging to a man of full
stature in Christ Jesus.
In the course of our conversation, he inquired if the Lord had justified
my soul. I answered yes. He then asked me if he had sanctified me. I
answered no; and that I did not know what that was. He then undertook to
instruct me further in the knowledge of the Lord respecting this blessing.
He told me the progress of the soul from a state of darkness, or of
nature, was three-fold; or consisted in three degrees, as follows:
First, conviction for sin. Second, justification from sin. Third, the
entire sanctification of the soul to God. I thought this description
was beautiful, and immediately believed in it. He then inquired if I
would promise to pray for this in my secret devotions. I told him yes.
Very soon I began to call upon the Lord to show me all that was in my
heart, which was not according to his will. Now there appeared to be a
new struggle commencing in my soul, not accompanied with fear, guilt,
and bitter distress, as while under my first conviction for sin, but a
laboring of the mind to know more of the right way of the Lord. I began
now to feel that my heart was not clean in his sight; that there yet
remained the roots of bitterness, which if not destroyed, would ere long
sprout up from these roots, and overwhelm me in a new growth of the
brambles and brushwood of sin.
By the increasing light of the Spirit, I had found there yet remained the
root of pride, anger, self-will, with many evils, the result of fallen
nature. I now became alarmed at this discovery, and began to fear that
I had been deceived in my experience. I was now greatly alarmed, lest I
should fall away from what I knew I had enjoyed; and to guard against
this I prayed almost incessantly, without acting faith on the power and
promises of God to keep me from falling. I had not yet learned how to war
against temptation of this kind. Satan well knew that if he could succeed
in making me disbelieve my conversion, that he would catch me either on
the ground of complete despair, or on the ground of infidelity. For if
all had passed through was to go for nothing, and was but a fiction,
the mere ravings of a disordered mind, that I would naturally be led to
believe that there is nothing in religion at all.
From this snare I was mercifully preserved, and led to believe that
there was yet a greater work than that of pardon to be wrought in me.
I retired to a secret place, (after having sought this blessing, as
well as I could, for nearly three months, from the time brother Scott
had instructed me respecting it,) for prayer, about four o’clock in the
afternoon. I had struggled long and hard, but found not the desire of my
heart. When I rose from my knees, there seemed a voice speaking to me,
as I yet stood in a leaning posture—“Ask for sanctification.” When to my
surprise, I recollected that I had not even thought of it in my whole
prayer. It would seem Satan had hidden the very object from my mind, for
which I had purposely kneeled to pray. But when this voice whispered in
my heart, saying, “Pray for sanctification,” I again bowed in the same
place, at the same time, and said “Lord _sanctify_ my soul for Christ’s
sake.” That very instant, as if lightning had darted through me, I sprang
to my feet, and cried, “The Lord has sanctified my soul!” There was none
to hear this but the angels who stood around to witness my joy—and Satan,
whose malice raged the more. That Satan was there, I knew; for no sooner
had I cried out “The Lord has sanctified my soul,” than there seemed
another voice behind me, saying “No, it is too great a work to be done.”
But another spirit said “Bow down for the witness—I received it—_thou art
sanctified_!” The first I knew of myself after that, I was standing in
the yard with my hands spread out, and looking with my face toward heaven.
I now ran into the house and told them what had happened to me, when, as
it were, a new rush of the same ecstacy came upon me, and caused me to
feel as if I were in an ocean of light and bliss.
During this, I stood perfectly still, the tears rolling in a flood from
my eyes. So great was the joy, that it is past description. There is no
language that can describe it, except that which was heard by St. Paul,
when he was caught up to third heaven, and heard words which it was not
lawful to utter.
MY CALL TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
Between four and five years after my sanctification, on a certain time,
an impressive silence fell upon me, and I stood as if some one was about
to speak to me, yet I had no such thought in my heart.—But to my utter
surprise there seemed to sound a voice which I thought I distinctly
heard, and most certainly understand, which said to me, “Go preach the
Gospel!” I immediately replied aloud, “No one will believe me.” Again I
listened, and again the same voice seemed to say—“Preach the Gospel; I
will put words in your mouth, and will turn your enemies to become your
friends.”
At first I supposed that Satan had spoken to me, for I had read that
he could transform himself into an angel of light for the purpose of
deception. Immediately I went into a secret place, and called upon the
Lord to know if he had called me to preach, and whether I was deceived or
not; when there appeared to my view the form and figure of a pulpit, with
a Bible lying thereon, the back of which was presented to me as plainly
as if it had been a literal fact.
In consequence of this, my mind became so exercised, that during the
night following, I took a text and preached in my sleep. I thought
there stood before me a great multitude, while I expounded to them the
things of religion. So violent were my exertions and so loud were my
exclamations, that I awoke from the sound of my own voice, which also
awoke the family of the house where I resided. Two days after I went
to see the preacher in charge of the African Society, who was the Rev.
Richard Allen, the same before named in these pages, to tell him that I
felt it my duty to preach the gospel. But as I drew near the street in
which his house was, which was in the city of Philadelphia, my courage
began to fail me; so terrible did the cross appear, it seemed that I
should not be able to bear it. Previous to my setting out to go to see
him, so agitated was my mind, that my appetite for my daily food failed
me entirely. Several times on my way there, I turned back again; but
as often I felt my strength again renewed, and I soon found that the
nearer I approached to the house of the minister, the less was my fear.
Accordingly, as soon as I came to the door, my fears subsided, the cross
was removed, all things appeared pleasant—I was tranquil.
I now told him, that the Lord had revealed it to me, that I must preach
the gospel. He replied, by asking, in what sphere I wished to move in?
I said, among the Methodists. He then replied, that a Mrs. Cook, a
Methodist lady, had also some time before requested the same privilege;
who, it was believed, had done much good in the way of exhortation, and
holding prayer meetings; and who had been permitted to do so by the
verbal license of the preacher in charge at the time. But as to women
preaching, he said that our Discipline knew nothing at all about it—that
it did not call for women preachers. This I was glad to hear, because it
removed the fear of the cross—but no sooner did this feeling cross my
mind, than I found that a love of souls had in a measure departed from
me; that holy energy which burn ed within me, as a fire, began to be
smothered. This I soon perceived.
O how careful ought we to be, lest through our by-laws of church
government and discipline, we bring into disrepute even the word of life.
For as unseemly as it may appear now-a-days for a woman to preach, it
should be remembered that nothing is impossible with God. And why should
it be thought impossible, heterodox, or improper for a woman to preach?
seeing the Saviour died for the woman as well as for the man.
If the man may preach, because the Saviour died for him, why not the
woman? seeing he died for her also. Is he not a whole Saviour, instead of
a half one? as those who hold it wrong for a woman to preach, would seem
to make it appear.
Did not Mary _first_ preach the risen Saviour, and is not the doctrine of
the resurrection the very climax of Christianity—hangs not all our hope
on this, as argued by St. Paul? Then did not Mary, a woman, preach the
gospel? for she preached the resurrection of the crucified Son of God.
But some will say that Mary did not expound the Scripture, therefore, she
did not preach, in the proper sense of the term. To this I reply, it may
be that the term _preach_ in those primitive times, did not mean exactly
what it is now _made_ to mean; perhaps it was a great deal more simple
then, than it is now—if it were not, the unlearned fishermen could not
have preached the gospel at all, as they had no learning.
To this it may be replied, by those who are determined not to believe
that it is right for a woman to preach, that the disciples, though they
were fishermen and ignorant of letters too, were inspired so to do. To
which I would reply, that though they were inspired, yet that inspiration
did not save them from showing their ignorance of letters, and of man’s
wisdom; this the multitude soon found out, by listening to the remarks of
the envious Jewish priests. If then, to preach the gospel, by the gift of
heaven, comes by inspiration solely, is God straitened: must he take the
man exclusively? May he not, did he not, and can he not inspire a female
to preach the simple story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection
of our Lord, and accompany it too with power to the sinner’s heart. As
for me, I am fully persuaded that the Lord called me to labor according
to what I have received, in his vineyard. If he has not, how could he
consistently bear testimony in favor of my poor labors, in awakening and
converting sinners?
In my wanderings up and down among men, preaching according to my
ability, I have frequently found families who told me that they had not
for several years been to a meeting, and yet, while listening to hear
what God would say by his poor female instrument, have believed with
trembling—tears rolling down their cheeks, the signs of contrition and
repentance towards God. I firmly believe that I have sown seed, in the
name of the Lord, which shall appear with its increase at the great day
of accounts, when Christ shall come to make up his jewels.
At a certain time, I was beset with the idea, that soon or late I should
fall from grace and lose my soul at last. I was frequently called to the
throne of grace about this matter, but found no relief; the temptation
pursued me still. Being more and more afflicted with it, till at a
certain time, when the spirit strongly impressed it on my mind to enter
into my closet and carry my case once more to the Lord; the Lord enabled
me to draw nigh to him, and to his mercy seat, at this time, in an
extraordinary manner; for while I wrestled with him for the victory over
this disposition to doubt whether I should persevere, there appeared
a form of fire, about the size of a man’s hand, as I was on my knees;
at the same moment there appeared to the eye of faith a man robed in a
white garment, from the shoulders down to the feet; from him a voice
proceeded, saying: “Thou shalt never return from the cross.” Since that
time I have never doubted, but believe that God will keep me until the
day of redemption. Now I could adopt the very language of St. Paul, and
say, that nothing could have separated me from the love of God, which is
in Christ Jesus. Since that time, 1807, until the present, 1833, I have
not even doubted the power and goodness of God to keep me from falling,
through the sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth.
MY MARRIAGE.
In the year 1811, I changed my situation in life, having married Mr.
Joseph Lee, pastor of a Society at Snow Hill, about six miles from the
city of Philadelphia. It became necessary therefore for me to remove.
This was a great trial at first, as I knew no person at Snow Hill, except
my husband, and to leave my associates in the society, and especially
those who composed the _band_ of which I was one. None but those who have
been in sweet fellowship with such as really love God, and have together
drank bliss and happiness from the same fountain, can tell how dear such
company is, and how hard it is to part from them.
At Snow Hill, as was feared, I never found that agreement and closeness
in communion and fellowship, that I had in Philadelphia, among my young
companions, nor ought I to have expected it. The manners and customs
at this place were somewhat different, on which account I became
discontented in the course of a year, and began to importune my husband
to remove to the city. But this plan did not suit him, as he was the
Pastor of the Society, he could not bring his mind to leave them. This
afflicted me a little. But the Lord showed me in a dream what his will
was concerning this matter.
I dreamed that as I was walking on the summit of a beautiful hill,
that I saw near me a flock of sheep, fair and white, as if but newly
washed; when there came walking toward me a man of a grave and dignified
countenance, dressed entirely in white, as it were in a robe, and looking
at me, said emphatically, “Joseph Lee must take care of these sheep, or
the wolf will come and devour them.” When I awoke I was convinced of my
error, and immediately, with a glad heart, yielded to the right spirit
in the Lord. This also greatly strengthened my faith in his care over
them, for fear the wolf should by some means take any of them away. The
following verse was beautifully suited to our condition, as well as to
all the little flocks of God scattered up and down this land:
“Us into Thy protection take,
And gather with Thine arm;
Unless the fold we first forsake,
The wolf can never harm.”
After this, I fell into a state of general debility, and in an ill state
of health, so much so, that I could not sit up; but a desire to warn
sinners to flee the wrath to come, burned vehemently in my heart, when
the Lord would send sinners into the house to see me. Such opportunities
I embraced to press home on their consciences the things of eternity, and
so effectual was the word of exhortation made through the Spirit, that I
have seen them fall to the floor crying aloud for mercy.
From this sickness I did not expect to recover, and there was but one
thing which bound me to earth, and this was, that I had not as yet
preached the gospel to the fallen sons and daughters of Adam’s race,
to the satisfaction of my mind. I wished to go from one end of the
earth to the other, crying, Behold, behold the lamb! To this end I
earnestly prayed the Lord to raise me up, if consistent with his will.
He condescended to hear my prayer, and to give me a token in a dream,
that in due time I should recover my health. The dream was as follows: I
thought I saw the sun rise in the morning, and ascend to an altitude of
about half an hour high, and then become obscured by a dense black cloud,
which continued to hide its rays for about one-third part of the day, and
then it burst forth again with renewed splendor.
This dream I interpreted to signify my early life, my conversion to God,
and this sickness, which was a great affliction, as it hindered me, and I
feared would forever hinder me from preaching the gospel, was signified
by the cloud; and the bursting forth of the sun, again, was the recovery
of my health, and being permitted to preach.
I went to the throne of grace on this subject, where the Lord made this
impressive reply in my heart, while on my knees: “Ye shall be restored to
thy health again, and worship God in full purpose of heart.”
This manifestation was so impressive, that I could but hide my face as
if some one was gazing upon me, to think of the great goodness of the
Almighty God to my poor soul and body. From that very time I began to
gain strength of body and mind, glory to God in the highest, until my
health was fully recovered.
For six years from this time I continued to receive from above, such
baptisms of the Spirit as mortality could scarcely bear. About that time
I was called to suffer in my family, by death—five, in the course of
about six years, fell by his hand; my husband being one of the number,
which was the greatest affliction of all.
I was now left alone in the world, with two infant children, one of the
age of about two years, the other six months, with no other dependence
than the promise of Him who hath said—I will be the widow’s God, and a
father to the fatherless. Accordingly, he raised me up friends, whose
liberality comforted and solaced me in my state of widowhood and
sorrows, I could sing with the greatest propriety the words of the poet.
“He helps the stranger in distress,
The widow and the fatherless,
And grants the prisoner sweet release.”
I can say even now, with the Psalmist, “Once I was young, but now I am
old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging
bread.” I have ever been fed by his bounty, clothed by his mercy,
comforted and healed when sick, succored when tempted, and every where
upheld by his hand.
THE SUBJECT OF MY CALL TO PREACH RENEWED.
It was now eight years since I had made application to be permitted to
preach the gospel, during which time I had only been allowed to exhort,
and even this privilege but seldom. This subject now was renewed afresh
in my mind; it was as a fire shut up in my bones. About thirteen months
passed on, while under this renewed impression. During this time, I had
solicited of the Rev. Bishop, Richard Allen, who at this time had become
Bishop of the African Episcopal Methodists in America, to be permitted
the liberty of holding prayer meetings in my own hired house, and of
exhorting as I found liberty, which was granted me. By this means, my
mind was relieved, as the house soon filled when the hour appointed for
prayer had arrived.
I cannot but relate in this place, before I proceed further with the
above subject, the singular conversion of a very wicked young man. He was
a colored man, who had generally attended our meetings, but not for any
good purpose; but rather to disturb and to ridicule our denomination. He
openly and uniformly declared that he neither believed in religion, nor
wanted any thing to do with it. He was of a Gallio disposition, and took
the lead among the young people of color. But after a while he fell sick,
and lay about three months in a state of ill health; his disease was a
consumption. Toward the close of his days, his sister who was a member of
the society, came and desired me to go and see her brother, as she had no
hopes of his recovery, perhaps the Lord might break into his mind. I went
alone, and found him very low. I soon commenced to inquire respecting his
state of feeling, and how he found his mind. His answer was, “O tolerable
well,” with an air of great indifference. I asked him if I should pray
for him. He answered in a sluggish and careless manner, “O yes, if you
have time.” I then sung a hymn, kneeled down and prayed for him, and then
went my way.
Three days after this, I went again to visit the young man. At this time
there went with me two of the sisters in Christ. We found the Rev. Mr.
Cornish, of our denomination, laboring with him. But he said he received
but little satisfaction from him. Pretty soon, however, brother Cornish
took his leave; when myself, with the other two sisters, one of which was
an elderly woman named Jane Hutt, the other was younger, both colored,
commenced conversing with him, respecting his eternal interest, and of
his hopes of a happy eternity, if any he had. He said but little; we
then kneeled down together and besought the Lord in his behalf, praying
that if mercy were not clear gone for ever, to shed a ray of softening
grace upon the hardness of his heart. He appeared now to be somewhat more
tender, and we thought we could perceive some tokens of conviction, as he
wished us to visit him again, in a tone of voice not quite as indifferent
as he had hitherto manifested.
But two days had elapsed after this visit, when his sister came to me in
haste, saying, that she believed her brother was then dying, and that
he had _sent_ for me. I immediately called on Jane Hutt, who was still
among us as a mother in Israel, to go with me. When we arrived there,
we found him sitting up in bed, very restless and uneasy, but he soon
laid down again. He now wished me to come to him, by the side of his
bed. I asked him how he was. He said, Very ill; and added, “Pray for me,
quick?” We now perceived his time in this world to be short. I took up
the hymn-book, and opened to a hymn suitable to his case, and commenced
to sing, but there seemed to be a _horror_ in the room—a darkness of a
mental kind, which was felt by us all; there being five persons, except
the sick young man and his nurse. We had sung but one verse, when they
all gave over singing, on account of this unearthly sensation, but
myself. I continued to sing on alone, but in a dull and heavy manner,
though looking up to God all the while for help. Suddenly I felt a spring
of energy awake in my heart, when darkness gave way in some degree.
It was but a glimmer from above. When the hymn was finished, we all
kneeled down to pray for him. While calling on the name of the Lord, to
have mercy on his soul, and to grant him repentance unto life, it came
suddenly into my mind never to rise from my knees until God should hear
prayer in his behalf, until he should convert and save his soul.
Now, while I thus continued importuning heaven, as I felt I was led, a
ray of light, more abundant, broke forth among us. There appeared to my
view, though my eyes were closed, the Saviour in full stature, nailed
to the cross, just over the head of the young man, against the ceiling
of the room. I cried out, brother look up, the Saviour is come, he
will pardon you, your sins he will forgive. My sorrow for the soul of
the young man was gone; I could no longer pray—joy and rapture made it
impossible. We rose up from our knees, when lo, his eyes were gazing
with ecstacy upwards; over his face there was an expression of joy; his
lips were clothed in a sweet and holy smile; but no sound came from
his tongue; it was heard in its stillness of bliss; full of hope and
immortality. Thus, as I held him by the hand, his happy and purified soul
soared away, without a sigh or a groan, to its eternal rest.
I now closed his eyes, straightened out his limbs, and left him to be
dressed for the grave. But as for me, I was filled with the power of the
Holy Ghost—the very room seemed filled with glory. His sister and all
that were in the room rejoiced, nothing doubting but he had entered into
Paradise; and I believe I shall see him at the last and great day, safe
on the shores of salvation.
But to return to the subject of my call to preach. Soon after this, as
above related, the Rev. Richard Williams was to preach at Bethel Church,
where I with others were assembled. He entered the pulpit, gave out the
hymn, which was sung, and then addressed the throne of grace; took his
text, passed through the exordium, and commenced to expound it. The text
he took is in Jonah, 2d chap. 9th verse,—“Salvation is of the Lord.” But
as he proceeded to explain, he seemed to have lost the spirit; when in
the same instant, I sprang, as by altogether supernatural impulse, to my
feet, when I was aided from above to give an exhortation on the very text
which my brother Williams had taken.
I told them I was like Jonah; for it had been then nearly eight years
since the Lord had called me to preach his gospel to the fallen sons and
daughters of Adam’s race, but that I had lingered like him, and delayed
to go at the bidding of the Lord, and warn those who are as deeply guilty
as were the people of Nineveh.
During the exhortation, God made manifest his power in a manner
sufficient to show the world that I was called to labor according to
my ability, and the grace given unto me, in the vineyard of the good
husbandman.
I now sat down, scarcely knowing what I had done, being frightened. I
imagined, that for this indecorum, as I feared it might be called, I
should be expelled from the church. But instead of this, the Bishop rose
up in the assembly, and related that I had called upon him eight years
before, asking to be permitted to preach, and that he had put me off; but
that he now as much believed that I was called to that work, as any of
the preachers present. These remarks greatly strengthened me, so that my
fears of having given an offence, and made myself liable as an offender,
subsided, giving place to a sweet serenity, a holy joy of a peculiar
kind, untasted in my bosom until then.
The next Sabbath day, while sitting under the word of the gospel, I felt
moved to attempt to speak to the people in a public manner, but I could
not bring my mind to attempt it in the church. I said, Lord, anywhere
but here. Accordingly, there was a house not far off which was pointed
out to me; to this I went. It was the house of a sister belonging to the
same society with myself. Her name was Anderson. I told her I had come
to hold a meeting in her house, if she would call in her neighbors. With
this request she immediately complied. My congregation consisted of but
five persons. I commenced by reading and singing a hymn; when I arose I
found my hand resting on the Bible, which I had not noticed till that
moment. It now occurred to me to take a text. I opened the Scripture,
as it happened, at the 141st Psalm, fixing my eye on the third verse,
which reads: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my
lips.” My sermon, such as it was, applied wholly to myself, and added
an exhortation. Two of my congregation wept much, as the fruit of my
labor this time. In closing, I said to the few, that if any one would
open a door, I would hold a meeting the next sixth-day evening: when one
answered that her house was at my service. Accordingly I went, and God
made manifest his power among the people. Some wept, while others shouted
for joy. One whole seat of females, by the power of God, as the rushing
of a wind, were all bowed to the floor, at once, and screamed out. Also a
sick man and woman in one house, the Lord convicted them both; one lived,
and the other died. God wrought a judgment—some were well at night, and
died in the morning. At this place I continued to hold meetings about
six months. During that time I kept house with my little son, who was
very sickly. About this time I had a call to preach at a place about
thirty miles distant, among the Methodists, with whom I remained one
week, and during the whole time, not a thought of my little son came into
my mind; it was hid from me, lest I should have been diverted from the
work I had to do, to look after my son. Here by the instrumentality of a
poor coloured woman, the Lord poured forth his spirit among the people.
Though, as I was told, there were lawyers, doctors, and magistrates
present, to hear me speak, yet there was mourning and crying among
sinners, for the Lord scattered fire among them of his own kindling.
The Lord gave his hand-maiden power to speak for his great name, for
he arrested the hearts of the people, and caused a shaking amongst the
multitude, for God was in the midst.
I now returned home, found all well; no harm had come to my child,
although I left it very sick. Friends had taken care of it which was of
the Lord. I now began to think seriously of breaking up housekeeping, and
forsaking all to preach the everlasting Gospel. I felt a strong desire
to return to the place of my nativity, at Cape May, after an absence of
about fourteen years. To this place, where the heaviest cross was to be
met with, the Lord sent me, as Saul of Tarsus was sent to Jerusalem, to
preach the same gospel which he had neglected and despised before his
conversion. I went by water, and on my passage was much distressed by
sea sickness, so much so that I expected to have died, but such was not
the will of the Lord respecting me. After I had disembarked, I proceeded
on as opportunities offered, toward where my mother lived. When within
ten miles of that place, I appointed an evening meeting. There were a
goodly number came out to hear. The Lord was pleased to give me light
and liberty among the people. After meeting, there came an elderly lady
to me and said, she believed the Lord had sent me among them; she then
appointed me another meeting there two weeks from that night. The next
day I hastened forward to the place of my mother, who was happy to see
me, and the happiness was mutual between us. With her I left my poor
sickly boy, while I departed to do my Master’s will. In this neighborhood
I had an uncle, who was a Methodist, and who gladly threw open his door
for meetings to be held there. At the first meeting which I held at my
uncle’s house, there was, with others who had come from curiosity to hear
the woman preacher, an old man, who was a Deist, and who said he did not
believe the coloured people had any souls—he was sure they had none. He
took a seat very near where I was standing, and boldly tried to look me
out of countenance. But as I labored on in the best manner I was able,
looking to God all the while, though it seemed to me I had but little
liberty, yet there went an arrow from the bent bow of the gospel, and
fastened in his till then obdurate heart. After I had done speaking, he
went out, and called the people around him, said that my preaching might
seem a small thing, yet he believed I had the worth of souls at heart.
This language was different from what it was a little time before, as he
now seemed to admit that coloured people had souls, as it was to these
I was chiefly speaking; and unless they had souls, whose good I had in
view, his remark must have been without meaning. He now came into the
house, and in the most friendly manner shook hands with me, saying, he
hoped God had spared him to some good purpose. This man was a great slave
holder, and had been very cruel; thinking nothing of knocking down a
slave with a fence stake, or whatever might come to hand. From this time
it was said of him that he became greatly altered in his ways for the
better. At that time he was about seventy years old, his head as white as
snow; but whether he became a converted man or not, I never heard.
The week following, I had an invitation to hold a meeting at the Court
House of the County, when I spoke from the 53d chap. of Isaiah, 3d verse.
It was a solemn time, and the Lord attended the word; I had life and
liberty, though there were people there of various denominations. Here
again I saw the aged slaveholder, who notwithstanding his age, walked
about three miles to hear me. This day I spoke twice, and walked six
miles to the place appointed. There was a magistrate present, who showed
his friendship, by saying in a friendly manner, that he had heard of
me: he handed me a hymn-book, pointing to a hymn which he had selected.
When the meeting was over, he invited me to preach in a schoolhouse
in his neighborhood, about three miles distant from where I then was.
During this meeting one backslider was reclaimed. This day I walked six
miles, and preached twice to large congregations, both in the morning and
evening. The Lord was with me, glory be to his holy name. I next went
six miles and held a meeting in a coloured friend’s house, at eleven
o’clock in the morning, and preached to a well behaved congregation of
both coloured and white. After service I again walked back, which was in
all twelve miles in the same day. This was on Sabbath, or as I sometimes
call it, seventh day; for after my conversion I preferred the plain
language of the Friends. On the fourth day, after this, in compliance
with an invitation received by note, from the same magistrate who had
heard me at the above place I preached to a large congregation, where we
had a precious time: much weeping was heard among the people. The same
gentleman, now at the close of the meeting, gave out another appointment
at the same place, that day week. Here again I had liberty, there was a
move among the people. Ten years from that time, in the neighborhood of
Cape May, I held a prayer meeting in a school house, which was then the
regular place of preaching for the Episcopal Methodists, after service,
there came a white lady, of great distinction, a member of the Methodist
Society, and told me that at the same school house ten years before,
under my preaching, the Lord first awakened her. She rejoiced much to see
me, and invited me home with her, where I staid till the next day. This
was bread cast upon the water, seen after many days.
From this place I next went to Dennis Creek meeting house, where at the
invitation of an elder, I spoke to a large congregation of various and
conflicting sentiments, when a wonderful shock of God’s power was felt,
shown everywhere by groans, by sighs, and loud and happy amens. I felt as
if aided from above. My tongue was cut loose, the stammerer spoke freely;
the love of God, and of his service, burned with a vehement flame within
me—his name was glorified among the people.
I had my little son with me, and was very much straitened for money—and
not having means to procure my passage home, I opened a School, and
taught eleven scholars, for the purpose of raising a small sum. For
many weeks I knew not what to do about returning home, when the Lord
came to my assistance as I was rambling in the fields meditating upon
his goodness, and made known to me that I might go to the city of
Philadelphia, for which place I soon embarked with a very kind captain.
We had a perilous passage—a dreadful storm arose, and before leaving the
Delaware bay, we had a narrow escape from being run down by a large ship.
But the good Lord held us in the hollow of his hand, and in the afternoon
of Nov. 12, 1821, we arrived at the city.
Here I held meetings in the dwelling house of sister Lydia Anderson,
and for about three months had as many appointments as I could attend.
We had many precious seasons together, and the Lord was with his little
praying band, convincing and converting sinners to the truth. I continued
in the city until spring, when I felt it impressed upon my mind to
travel, and walked fourteen miles in company with a sister to meet with
some ministers, there to assemble, from Philadelphia. Satan tempted me
while on the way, telling me that I was a fool for walking so far, as
I would not be permitted to preach. But I pursued my journey, with the
determination to set down and worship with them. When I arrived, a goodly
number of people had assembled, and no preacher. They waited the time to
commence the exercises, and then called upon me. I took the 3d chapter
John, 14th verse for my text. I had life and liberty, and the Lord was
in the camp with a shout. Another meeting was appointed three miles from
there, when I spoke from Psalms cxxxvii, 1, 2, 3, 4. My master was with
me, and made manifest his power. In the County House, also, we held a
meeting, and had a sweet waiting upon the Lord. I spoke from Hebrews ii,
3, when the Lord gave me peculiar liberty. At a dwelling house one night
I spoke from John vii, 46, when six souls fell to the floor crying for
mercy. We had a blessed outpouring of the spirit among us—the God of
Jacob was in our midst—and the shout of heaven-born souls was like music
to our ears.
About the month of February my little son James, then in his sixth
year, gave evidence of having religious inclinations. Once he got up
in a chair, with a hymn book in his hand, and with quite a ministerial
gesture, gave out a hymn. I felt the spirit move me to sing with him. A
worthy sister was in the room, who I asked to pray for him. I invoked
the Lord to answer and seal this prayer in the courts of heaven. I
believed He would and did, and while yet on our knees I was filled with
the fulness of God, and the answer came. I cried out in the joy of my
heart—“The dead is alive”—and ran down stairs to inform a neighbor. Tears
ran down the cheeks of my now happy boy, and great was our rejoicing
together. He had been the subject of many prayers, and often had I
thought I would rather follow him to his grave than to see him grow up
an open and profane sinner like many children I had seen. And here let
me say, the promise of the Lord is, “ask and ye shall receive.” Dear
parents; pray for your children in childhood—carry them in the arms of
faith to the mercy seat, and there present them an offering to the
Lord. I can say from my own experience, the Lord will hear prayer. I
had given James the Bible as Haman gave Samuel to God in his youth, and
by his gracious favor he was received. For the further encouragement of
fathers and mothers to engage in this blessed work, let me refer them
to Ecclesiastes xi, 6: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening
withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either
this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
“Sow it in the youthful mind,
Can you have a fairer field?
Be it but in faith consigned,
Harvest, doubtless, it shall yield,
Fruits of early piety,
All that God delights to see.”
In November I journeyed for Trenton, N. J. At Burlington I spoke to the
people on the Sabbath, and had a good time among them, and on Monday the
12th, in a School house. Sister Mary Owan, who had laid aside all the
cares of the world, went with me. We had no means of travelling but on
foot, but the Lord regarded us, and by some means put it into the heart
of a stranger, to convey us to the Trenton bridge. We fell in with the
elder of the circuit, who spoke to me in a cold and formal manner, and
as though he thought my capacity was not equal to his. We went into the
sister’s house, where we expected to stay, and waited a long while with
our hats and cloaks on, before the invitation to lodge there was given.
In the morning I had thought to visit Newhope, but remained to discharge
my duty in visiting the sick and afflicted three or four days in the
neighborhood. I was invited to a prayer meeting, and was called upon by a
brother to speak. I improved the offer, and made some remarks from Kings
xviii, 21. One of the preachers invited me to preach for them on sixth
day evening, which I complied with before an attentive congregation, when
God followed the word with much power, and great was our joy. On the 17th
I spoke in the morning at 11 o’clock. I felt my weakness and deficiency
for the work, and thought “who is able for these things,” and desired to
get away from the task. My text was Timothy vi, 2-7. The Lord again cut
loose the stammering tongue, and opened the Scriptures to my mind, so
that, glory to God’s dear name, we had a most melting, sin-killing, and
soul-reviving time. In the afternoon I assisted in leading a class, when
we found the Lord faithful and true—and on the same evening I spoke from
Hebrews ii, 3.
The next day, sister Mary Owan and myself set out for Newhope, where
we arrived, after walking sixteen miles, at about six o’clock in the
evening. Though tedious, it was a pleasant walk to view the high mountain
and towering hills, and the beauty and variety of nature around us,
which powerfully impressed my mind with the greatness and wisdom of my
Maker. At this place I stopt at the house of the gentleman with whose
wife’s mother I was brought up, and by whom we were agreeably received.
The next evening we called upon brother Butler, where I addressed a small
company, and God, through his words, quickened some. The next night I
spoke in an Academy to a goodly number of people, from John iii, 14. Here
I found some very ill-behaved persons, who talked roughly, and said among
other things, “I was not a woman, but a man dressed in female clothes.”
I labored one week among them, and went next to Lambertsville, where we
experienced kindness from the people, and had a happy time and parted in
tears.
I now returned to Philadelphia, where I stayed a short time, and went to
Salem, West Jersey. I met with many troubles on my journey, especially
from the elder, who like many others, was averse to a woman’s preaching.
And here let me tell that elder, if he has not gone to heaven, that I
have heard that as far back as Adam Clarke’s time, his objections to
female preaching were met by the answer—“If an ass reproved Balaam, and
a barn-door fowl reproved Peter, why should not a woman reprove sin?” I
do not introduce this for its complimentary classification of women with
donkeys and fowls, but to give the reply of a poor woman, who had once
been a slave. To the first companion she said—“May be a speaking woman
is like an ass—but I can tell you one thing, the ass seen the angel when
Balaam didn’t.”
Notwithstanding the opposition, we had a prosperous time at Salem. I
had some good congregations, and sinners were cut to the heart. After
speaking in the meeting house, two women came up into the pulpit, and
falling upon my neck cried out “What shall I do to be saved?” One said
she had disobeyed God, and he had taken her children from her—he had
called often after her, but she did not hearken. I pointed her to the
all-atoning blood of Christ, which is sufficient to cleanse from all
sin, and left her, after prayer, to his mercy. From this place I walked
twenty-one miles, and preached with difficulty to a stiff-necked and
rebellious people, who I soon left without any animosity for their
treatment. They might have respected my message, if not the poor weak
servant who brought it to them with so much labor.
“If they persecute you in one city, flee into another,” was the advice I
had resolved to take, and I hastened to Greenwich, where I had a lively
congregation, had unusual life and liberty in speaking, and the power of
God was there. We also had a solemn time in the meeting house on Sabbath
day morning, and in a dwelling house in the evening; a large company
assembled, when the spirit was with us, and we had a mighty shaking among
the dry bones.
On second day morning, I took stage and rode seven miles to Woodstown,
and there I spoke to a respectable congregation of white and colored,
in a school house. I was desired to speak in the colored meeting house,
but the minister could not reconcile his mind to a woman preacher—he
could not unite in fellowship with me even to shaking hands as christians
ought. I had visited that place before, when God made manifest his
power “through the foolishness of preaching,” and owned the poor old
woman. One of the brothers appointed a meeting in his own house, and
after much persuasion this minister came also. I did not feel much like
preaching, but spoke from Acts viii, 35. I felt my inability, and was led
to complain of weakness—but God directed the arrow to the hearts of the
guilty—and my friend the minister got happy, and often shouted “Amen,”
and “as it is, sister.” We had a wonderful display of the spirit of God
among us, and we found it good to be there. There is nothing too hard
for the Lord to do. I committed the meeting into the hands of the elder,
who afterwards invited me to preach in the meeting house. He had said he
did not believe that ever a soul was converted under the preaching of a
woman—but while I was laboring in his place, conviction seized a woman,
who fell to the floor crying for mercy. This meeting held till 12 or 1
o’clock. O how precious is the sound of Jesus’ name! I never felt a doubt
at this time of my acceptance with God, but rested my soul on his every
promise. The elder shook hands, and we parted.
Nov. 22, 1822, I returned to Philadelphia, and attended meetings in and
out of the city. God was still my help, and I preached and formed a
class, and tried to be useful. The oppositions I met with, however, were
numerous—so much so, that I was tempted to withdraw from the Methodist
Church, lest some might go into ruin by their persecutions of me—but this
was allowed only to try my faithfulness to God. At times I was pressed
down like a cart beneath its shafts—my life seemed as at the point of the
sword—my heart was sore and pained me in my body. But the Lord knows how
to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust till
the day of judgment to be punished. While relating the feelings of my
mind to a sister who called to see me, joy sprang up in my bosom that I
was not overcome by the adversary, and I was overwhelmed with the love
of God and souls. I embraced the sister in my arms, and we had a melting
time together. Oh how comforting it is to have the spirit of God bearing
witness with our spirits that we are his children in such dark hours!
When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, (tho’ oft he has tried,)
The soul cheering promise the Lord will provide.
He tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions our graces have tried,
This answers all questions, the Lord will provide.
I felt a greater love for the people than ever. It appeared to me that
they erred through ignorance of my desire to do them good; and my prayer
was that nothing but love might appear in my ways, and actuate my heart.
Religion is love—God is love. But it was nothing less than the Divine
power that brought me through, for it appeared that the hosts of darkness
were arrayed against me to destroy my peace and lead me away from the
throne of love.
June 24, I left the city of Philadelphia to travel in Delaware State. I
went with captain Ryal, a kind gentleman, who took me to his house in
Wilmington, and himself and lady both treated me well. The first night
of my arrival; I preached in the stone Methodist meeting house. I tried,
in my weak way, to interest the assembly from the 2d chapter of Hebrews,
3d verse—“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” God
was there, as we had the most delightful evidence—and many had their
eyes opened to see there was no escape from the second death while out
of Christ, and cried unto God for his saving grave. I would that all who
have not embraced the salvation offered in the gospel, might examine the
question candidly and seriously, ere the realities of the other world
break up their fancied security.
In July I spoke in a School house to a large congregation, from Numbers
xxix, 17. Here we had a sweet foretaste of heaven—full measure, and
running over—shouting and rejoicing—while the poor errand-bearer of a
free gospel was assisted from on high. I wish my reader had been there to
share with us the joyous heavenly feast. On the 15th of July I gave an
exhortation in the meeting house again to a listening multitude—deep and
solemn were the convictions of many, and good, I trust, was done.
The next place I visited was Newcastle. The meeting house could not be
obtained, and two young gentleman interested themselves to get the Court
house, but the Trustees objected, wishing to know why the Methodists did
not open their Church. The reason was “I was not licensed,” they said. My
two friends waited on me to speak in the Market house, where I attended
at early candlelight, and had the pleasure of addressing a few plain
truths to a crowded but respectful congregation, from John vii, 46—“Never
man spake like this man.” On Sunday the same young gentlemen invited me
to give another discourse, to which I consented, before a large gathering
of all descriptions.
From here I proceeded to Christine, where we worshipped in a dwelling
house, and I must say was well treated by some of my colored friends.
I then returned to Wilmington, where in a few days I had a message to
return again to C. My friends said I should have the Meeting house, for
which Squire Luden interested himself, and the appointment was published.
When the people met at the proper time, the doors remained locked. Amid
cries of “shame” we left the Church steps—but a private house was opened
a short distance up the road, and though disappointed in obtaining egress
to a Church, the Lord did not disappoint his people, for we were fed
with the bread of life, and had a happy time. Mr. and Mrs. Lewelen took
me to their house, and treated me, not as one of their hired servants,
but as a companion, for which I shall ever feel grateful. Mr. Smith, a
doctor, also invited me to call upon them—he was a Presbyterian, but
we prayed and conversed together about Jesus and his love, and parted
without meddling with each others creeds. Oh, I long to see the day when
Christians will meet on one common platform—Jesus of Nazareth—and cease
their bickerings and contentions about non-essentials—when “our Church”
shall be less debated, but “our Jesus” shall be all in all.
Another family gave me the invitation to attend a prayer meeting. It was
like a “little heaven below.” From here I walked about four miles that
evening, accompanied by the house maid of Mrs. Ford, a Presbyterian,
who said she knew her mistress would be glad to see me. Mrs. F. gave
me a welcome—said she felt interested in my speaking, and sent a note
to a Methodist lady, who replied that my labor would be acceptable, no
doubt, in her Church that afternoon. When I came in, the elder was in the
pulpit. He gave us a good sermon. After preaching, this lady spoke of me
to the elder; in consequence, he invited me to his pulpit, saying “he was
willing that every one should do good.” My text was Hebrews ii, 3. Though
weak in body, the good Master filled my mouth and gave me liberty among
strangers, and seldom have I spent so happy a Sabbath. Mrs. F. had a
colored woman in her family one hundred and ten years of age, with whom I
conversed about religion—how Christ had died to redeem us and the way of
salvation, and the poor old lady said “she wished she could hear me every
day.” I also called upon another, one hundred and sixteen years old, who
was blind. We talked together about Jesus—she had a strong and abiding
evidence of her new birth, and in a few weeks went home to heaven. Here
she was long deprived of the light of the sun, and the privilege of
reading God’s blessed word; but there her eyes are unsealed, and the Sun
of righteousness has risen with healing in his wings.
There glory beams on all the plains,
Which sight to her is given—
There music rolls in sweetest strains,
And spotless beauty ever reigns,
And all is love in heaven.
I left Mrs. Ford’s and walked about three miles to St. George, with a
recommend to a Mrs. Sutton, a noble-minded lady of the Presbyterian
order, where I was generously treated. Here I preached in the School
house to a respectable company—had considerable weeping and a profitable
waiting upon the Lord. I accepted an invitation from a gentleman to
preach in a Methodist Church three miles distant—found there a loving
people, and was highly gratified at the order and decorum manifested
while I addressed them. Mrs. Smith took me home with her, who I found to
be a christian both in sentiment and action. By invitation, I went next
to Port Penn, and spoke with freedom, being assisted of the Lord, to a
full house, and had a glorious feast of the Spirit. The next night found
me at Canton Bride, to which place I had walked—spoke in a School house,
from Math. xxii, 41—“What think ye of Christ?” The presence of the Lord
overshadowed us—believers rejoiced—some were awakened to believe well of
my Master, and I trust are on their way to glory. In Fieldsborough, also,
we had gracious meetings.
At Smyrna I met brother C. W. Cannon, who made application for the
Friend’s Meeting house for me, where the Lord blessed us abundantly. We
attended a Camp-meeting of the old connexion, and got greatly refreshed
for the King’s service. I rode ten miles and delivered a message from the
Lord to a waiting audience—the Master assisted, and seven individuals,
white and colored, prostrated themselves for prayer. Next day I rode
to Middletown—spoke in a School house to a white congregation from
Isaiah lxiii, 1, and a good time it was. In the morning at 11 o’clock, I
addressed a Methodist Society, and in the afternoon at 3 o’clock, spoke
under a tree in the grave yard, by the road side, to a large audience.
Squire Maxwell’s lady, who was present, invited me home to tea with
herself and nieces, and a Quaker lady showed her benevolence by putting
into my hand enough to help me on my journey. The Lord is good—what
shall I do to make it known? I rode seven miles that night, and gave an
exhortation after the minister had preached, and felt happier than a King.
I now travelled to Cecil county, Md., and the first evening spoke to a
large congregation. The pastor afterwards baptized some adult persons—and
we all experienced the cleansing and purifying power. We had a baptism
within and without. I was next sent for by the servant of a white
gentleman, to hold a meeting in his house in the evening. He invited
the neighbors, colored and white, when I spoke according to the ability
God gave me. It was pleasant to my poor soul to be there—Jesus was in
our midst—and we gave glory to God. Yes, glory—glory be to God in the
highest. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” I boast not myself. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but
God giveth the increase. I tried also to preach three times at a place
14 miles from here—had good meetings—backsliders were reclaimed and
sinners convicted of sin, who I left in the hands of God, with the hope
of meeting and recognizing again “when we arrive at home.”
* * * * *
Returned back to Middletown. The next day the preacher of the circuit
conveyed me to his place of appointment at Elkton. We had a wonderful
outpouring of the spirit. At Frenchtown I spoke at 11 o’clock, where I
realized my nothingness, but, God’s name be praised, he helped me in
the duty. Went again to Middletown, and from there to Canton’s Bridge,
and talked to the people as best I could. Seven miles from this place
I found, by the direction of a kind Providence, my own sister, who had
been separated from me some thirty-three years. We were young when last
we met, with less of the cares of life than now. Each heart then was
buoyant with mildly hopes and pleasures—and little did we expect at
parting that thirty-three years would pass over us, with its changes and
vicissitudes, ere we should see each other’s face. Both were much altered
in appearance, but we knew each other, and talked over the dealings of
the Lord with us, retracing our wanderings in the world and “the days
when life was young.”
“Our days of childhood quickly pass,
And soon our happiest years are run—
As the pure dew that gems the grass
Is dried beneath the summer sun.
There’s such deceit—such guile in men,
Who would not be a child again?”
During this visit I had three meetings in different directions in
gentlemen’s houses, and a prayer meeting at my brother’s, who did not
enjoy religion. My good old friend Mr. Lorton happened to be there, who
told the people that he had been to my house—that he knew Mr. Lee (my
husband) intimately, and that he had often preached for him while pastor
of the Church at Snow Hill, N. J.
I next attended and preached several times at a camp meeting, which
continued five days. We had pentecostal showers—sinners were pricked to
the heart, and cried mightily to God for succor from impending judgment,
and I verily believe the Lord was well pleased at our weak endeavors to
serve him in the tented grove. The elder in charge, on the last day of
the camp, appointed a meeting for me in a dwelling house. Spoke from
Acts ii, 41. The truth fastened in the hearts of two young women, who,
after I was seated, came and fell down at my side, and cried for God to
have mercy on them—we prayed and wrestled with the Lord, and both were
made happy in believing, and are alive in the faith of the gospel. The
next morning a brother preacher took me to St. Georgetown. From there I
took stage to Wilmington, and called on my friend Captain Rial, in whose
family I spent two days and nights. Went to Philadelphia to attend a
camp-meeting. Returned again to W⸺, where I was taken sick with typhus
fever, and was in the doctor’s hands for some days—but the Lord rebuked
the disease, gave me my usual health again, and I returned back to
Philadelphia.
The Bishop gave me an invitation to speak in Bethel Church; but here my
heart fluttered with fear at the commencement, in a manner known but to
those who feel their unworthiness in addressing new and large assemblies.
My text was in Isaiah x. 10, 11. Previous to dismission, the Bishop gave
me another appointment in Wesley Church for first day morning, where I
labored to encourage believers, from Ephesians ii, 19. The comforter
was with us—we were sprinkled as with clear water from above—the hands
of those that were hanging down were lifted up, and we truly had a
refreshing season. Glory to God for the manifestation of His Spirit. “Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God.”
On the ensuing Thursday night, in Union Church, I had the opportunity of
speaking a word for my Saviour again, and recommenced the impenitent to
see to it that they took the advice of my text, in Rev. iii, 18. The Lord
searched the heart as he did Jerusalem with a lighted candle, and there
was a moving of the Spirit among the people.
From Philadelphia I travelled on foot thirty miles to Downingtown, and
gave ten sermons while there; and remember the cold day in December I
walked sixteen miles from the above place to brother Wells’, where I
staid one week, and labored both among colored and white. They had one
class there. Three miles further, I talked on Lord’s day to an apparently
hardened people, and next night preached in a School-house, after a ride
of ten miles. The call of the Lord was for me now to go to West Chester,
N. Y., where I remained a little period with brother Thomas Henry and
brother Miller; preached in a School-house and in the Wesleyan Methodist
Meeting-house. When prepared to go home, a request was sent me to
preach in the Court-house of the county, to which I rode ten miles, and
addressed the citizens on two evenings. The Lord strengthened his feeble
instrument in the effort to win souls to Christ, for which my heart at
this time was heavily burthened. Next morning I left for Westhaven, where
I visited a School of boys and girls, and was much pleased to see them
engaged and improving in their studies. How great the difference now,
thought I, for the mental and moral culture of the young than when I was
a child!
In the month of June, 1823, I went on from Philadelphia to New York with
Bishop Allen and several Elders, (including our present Rev. Bishop
Brown,) to attend the New York Annual Conference of our denomination,
where I spent three months of my time. We arrived about nine o’clock
in the evening. As we left the boat, a person fell into the dock, and
notwithstanding the effort made to save and find him, he was seen no
more. ‘In the midst of life we are in death.’ On the 4th of June I spoke
in the Asbury Church, from Psalms c, 33. I think I never witnessed such
a shouting and rejoicing time. The Church had then but recently adopted
the African M. E. discipline. On the 5th I brought my master’s message to
the Bethel Church—Text Isaiah lviii, 1. “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up
thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and
the house of Jacob their sins.” The spirit of God came upon me; I spoke
without fear of man, and seemed willing even there to be offered up; the
preachers shouted and prayed, and it was a time long to be remembered.
June 6. Spoke in the Church in High Street, Brooklyn, from Jer. ix, 1—“Oh
that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might
weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” In these
days I felt it my duty to travel up and down in the world, and promulgate
the gospel of Christ, especially among my own people, though I often
desired to be released from the great task. The Lord had promised to be
with me, and my trust was in his strong arm.
Renouncing every worldly thing,
Safe ’neath the shadow of thy wing,
My sweetest thought henceforth shall be
That all I want I find in thee,
In thee, my God, in Thee.
I left my friend in Brooklyn, and went to Flushing, L. I. Here we had
quite a revival feeling, and two joined society. Visited Jamaica and
Jericho; spoke in brother B’s dwelling, in the church, and under a tree.
Went to White Plains to the camp-meeting; the Lord was with us indeed;
believers were revived, backsliders reclaimed, and sinners converted.
Returned and spent a little time in Brooklyn, where I addressed the
people from Rev. iii, 18, and John iii, 15.
July 22. Spoke in Asbury Church from Acts xiii, 41—“Behold ye despisers,
and wonder and perish.” I pointed out the portion of the hypocrite, the
liar, the Sabbath-breaker, and all who do wickedly and die in their sins;
they shall be to the judgment bar of Jehovah, and before an assembled
universe hear their awful sentence, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,” while the
righteous shall be received “into life eternal.” On the 28th I went to
Dutch Hill, L. I., and spoke before a congregation of white and colored,
in a barn, as there was no other suitable place. I felt happy when I
thought of my dear Redeemer, who was born in a stable and cradled in a
manger, and we had a precious season. Brother Croker, of Brooklyn, and
father Thompson were with me, at whose feet I desired rather to sit and
learn, they being experienced “workmen that needed not to be ashamed.”
But the Lord sends by whom he will.
The next Sabbath I weakly attempted to address my friends in New York
again. Took the words in Math. xxviii, 13, for my text—“Say ye, his
disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” The place
was greatly crowded, and many came who could not get in. A class met
here, to which the preacher invited all who desired to remain, and
thirty persons tarried. He called upon me to lead, but He who led Israel
over the Red Sea assisted, and it was a gracious time with us. Some who
remained from curiosity were made, like Belshazzar, to tremble and weep,
while the spirit strove powerfully with them. One experienced religion
and joined society. I expect in the resurrection morning to meet many who
were in that little company, in my Father’s house, where we shall strike
hands no more to part; where our song of redemption shall be raised to
God and the Lamb forever. Dear reader, if you have not, I charge you to
make your peace with God while time and opportunity is given, and be one
of that number who shall take part and lot in the first resurrection.
Though I may never see you in the flesh, I leave on this page my solemn
entreaty that you delay not to obtain the pardoning favor of God; that
you leave not the momentous subject of religion to a sick bed or dying
hour, but now, even now, seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, and he
will be found of thee. “If any man sin, he has advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous.”
“Oh that the world might taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me,
Would all mankind embrace.”
I visited a woman who was laying sick upon her death-bed. She told me
“she had once enjoyed religion, but the enemy had cheated her out of
it.” She knew that she must die in a very little while, and could not
get well, and her agony of soul, in view of its unprepared state for a
judgment to come, awoke every feeling of sympathy within me. Oh! how
loud such a scene calls upon us to be “faithful unto death”—then shall
we “receive a crown of life.” Also visited Mrs. Miller, who once “tasted
that the Lord was good,” but had ceased now to follow him. She had been a
Methodist for many years—got her feelings injured through some untoward
circumstance—had fallen from grace, and now was sick. A good sister
accompanied me; we conversed with Mrs. M., sung an appropriate hymn,
and my friend supplicated the throne of grace in her behalf. She had
frequently felt the need of a returning Saviour, and during prayer her
heart became melted into tenderness. She cried aloud for mercy, wrestled
like Jacob for the witness, and the Lord, faithful and true, “healed her
backslidings,” and we left her happy in his father. Praise the Lord for
his matchless grace. I entertained no doubt of her well-grounded hope;
and on seeing such a display of God’s power, I was lost in wonder, love
and praise. Let the backslider hear and take courage. Let all who are
out of Christ hear the invitation—“Repent ye and be converted, for God
hath called all men everywhere to repent.”
“Without reserve give Christ your heart,
Let him his righteousness impart—
Then all things else he’ll freely give,
With him you all things shall receive.”
With a serene and tranquil mind I now returned to Philadelphia. The
Bishop was pleased to give me an appointment at Bethel Church, but
a spirit of opposition arose among the people against the propriety
of female preaching. My faith was tried—yet I felt my call to labor
for souls none the less. “Shall the servant be above his Master?” The
ministers of Jesus must expect persecution, if they would be faithful
witnesses against sin and sinners—but shall they, “awed by a mortal’s
form, conceal the word of God?” Thou God knowest my heart, and that thy
glory is all I have in view. Shall I cease from sounding the alarm to
an ungodly world, when the vengeance of offended heaven is about to be
poured out, because my way is sometimes beset with scoffers, or those
who lose sight of the great Object, and stop on the road to glory to
contend about non-essentials? Rather let the messengers of God go on—let
them not be hindered by the fashions and customs of a gainsaying and
mis-loving generation, but with the crown in view, which shall deck the
brow of those only who are “faithful unto death”—let them “cry aloud
and spare not.” Who regarded the warnings of Noah? who believed in his
report? Who among the antediluvians, that witnessed the preparations of
this righteous man to save himself and family from a deluge of waters,
believed him any thing else than a fanatic, deluded, and beside himself?
Let the servants of Christ gird on the armor, and listen to the Captain’s
voice: “Lo I am with you always, even unto the end.” With the promise
of my Lord impressed upon my mind, I remained at home only a week, and
walked twenty-one miles to Lumbertown, and preached in the Old Methodist
Church and our African Church. Brother Joshua Edely was then a deacon
there, and held a quarterly meeting soon after my reaching the place.
He also appointed a love-feast in the morning, when the love that true
believers enjoy at such scenes made the place akin to heaven. While here
I spoke as the Spirit taught me from Solomon’s Songs. It was a happy
meeting—refreshing to the thirsty soul—and we had a shout of the king in
the camp. I shall never forget the kindness I received here from dear
sister G. B. May the blessings of heaven be hers in this and the world to
come.
I travelled seven miles from the above place to Snow Hill on Sabbath
morning, where I was to preach in the Church of which I was a member;
and although much afflicted in body, I strove, by the grace of God,
to perform the duty. This was once the charge of JOSEPH LEE. In this
desk my lamented husband had often stood up before me, proclaiming the
“acceptable year of the Lord”—here he labored with zeal and spent his
strength to induce sinners to be “reconciled to God”—here his toils
ended. And could it be, that a poor unworthy being like myself should
be called to address his former congregation, and should stand in the
same pulpit! The thought made me tremble. My heart sighed when memory
brought back the image, and the reminiscences of other days crowded upon
me. But why, my heart, dost thou sigh? He has ceased from his labor, and
I here see his works do follow. It will be enough, if these, the people
of his care, press on and gain the kingdom. It will be enough, if, on
the final day, “for which all other days were made,” we pass through the
gates into the city, and live again together where death cannot enter,
and separations are unknown. Cease then, my tears—a little while, my
fluttering heart! and the turf that covers my companion, perchance, may
cover thee—a little while, my soul! if faithful, and the widow’s God will
call thee from this valley of tears and sorrows to rest in the mansions
the Saviour has gone to prepare for his people. “Good what God gives—just
what he takes away.”
My mind was next exercised to visited Trenton, N. J. I spoke for the
people there, but soon had felt the cross so heavy. Perhaps it was
occasioned through grieving over the past, and my feelings of loneliness
in the world. A sister wished me to go with her to Bridgeport—where
I found brother Orwin, then elder over that church. He gave me an
appointment. We had a full house, and God’s power was manifest among the
people, and I returned to the elder’s house rejoicing. The following day
I walked fourteen miles to a meeting, where also we were greatly favored
with the presence of God. Soon after this, I thought of going home to
Philadelphia. I got about three miles on foot, when an apparent voice
said “If thou goest home thou wilt die.” I paused for a moment, and not
comprehending what it meant, pursued my journey. Again I was startled
by something like a tapping on my shoulder, but, on turning round, I
found myself alone, which two circumstances created a singular feeling I
could not understand. I thought of Balaam when met by the angel in the
way. I was taken sick and it seemed I should die in the road. I said I
will go back, and walked about four miles to Bridgeport. Told a good
sister my exercise, who was moved with sympathy, and got brandy and
bathed me. On Wednesday night I spoke to the people at Trenton Bridge,
and notwithstanding the opposition I had met with from brother Samuel
R⸺, then on the circuit, the Lord supported the “woman preacher” and my
soul was cheered. On Thursday I walked fourteen miles, when the friends
applied to the elder to let me talk for them, but his prejudices also,
against women preaching were very strong, and tried hard to disaffect the
minds of the people. The dear man has since gone to stand before that
God who knows the secrets of all hearts—and where, I earnestly pray, he
may find some who have been saved by grace through the instrumentality of
female preaching.
“Then here, O God, thy work fulfil;
And from thy mercy’s throne
O grant me strength to do thy will,
And to resist my own.”
Norristown, Bucks county, January 6, 1824. Brother Morris conveyed me
here at his own expense, and made application for places for me to speak.
Addressed a large congregation on the fourth day after my introduction
into the place, in the court-house, from Isaiah liiii. 1,—“Who hath
believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” I
felt embarrassed in the commencement, but the Spirit came, and “helped
our infirmities”—good attention, and some weeping. On the 18th I spoke
in the academy—it was a solemn time, and the people came out in numbers
to hear. I then walked four miles to brother Morris’s—spoke twice in the
school-house, and once in a dwelling house.
On the 14th April, I went with Bishop Allen and several elders to
Baltimore, on their way to attend Conference; at the end of which the
Bishop gave me permission to express a few thoughts for my Lord. On
leaving the city of B., I travelled about 100 miles to Eastern Shore,
Maryland. Brother Bailey was then laboring on that circuit, who received
and treated me very kindly. We had several good meetings, and twice I
spoke in Bethel Church, when the outpouring of the Spirit was truly
great. In company with a good sister, who took a gig and horse, I
travelled about three hundred miles, and labored in different places.
Went to Denton African Church, and on the first Sabbath gave two sermons.
The Church was in a thriving, prosperous condition, and the Lord blessed
the word to our comfort. During the week I labored in the court-house
before a large concourse of hearers. The Lord was unspeakably good, and
one fell to the floor under the power.
By request, I also spoke in the Old Methodist Church in Denton, which
was full to overflowing. It was a happy meeting. My tongue was loosened,
and my heart warm with the love of God and souls—a season yet sweet to
my memory. From there I went to Greensboro’—the elder gave a sermon,
after which I exhorted the poor sinner to prepare to meet the Lord in
peace, before mercy was clear gone forever. The Old Methodist connexion
gave an invitation for me to speak in their house, which I embraced,
feeling thankful that the middle wall of partition had, thus far, been
broken down. “He that feareth God and worketh righteousness shall be
accepted of him”—not he who hath a different skin—not he who belongs to
this denomination, or, to that—but “he that feareth God.” My Master is
no respecter of persons. May the partition walls that divide His sincere
followers be broken down by the spirit of love.
In Whitehall Chapel I spoke to a respectable congregation, from Isaiah
liii. 1. Though in a slave country, I found the Omnipresent One was with
us. Dr. Clarke took us home to dine with his family—for which uncommon
attention I felt highly gratified. I believe him a Christian in heart,
and one, no doubt, who has read the words of the Saviour: “Whosoever
shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water
only, shall in no wise lose his reward.” And, notwithstanding the doctor
was a Presbyterian, Mr. Buly had the privilege of baptizing two of their
colored children.
* * * * *
I stopped next at Concord, and in the Old Methodist connexion tried to
encourage the Lord’s people to persevere. God displayed His power by a
general outpouring of the Spirit—sinners cried for mercy, while others
shouted for joy. Spoke also to a congregation of colored and white at
Stanton Mills; and arrived again at Eastern Shore, where I spoke in
Bethel Church during Quarterly Meeting. Attended their love-feast, where
several joined society, and many encouraging testimonies were given by
young converts that “God hath power on earth to forgive sins.” May they
be faithful stewards of the manifold gifts of God—and never be ashamed
to confess what the Lord had done for them. Many lose the witness out of
the heart by withholding their testimony from their friends and neighbors
of the power of God to save. They run well for a season, but the tempter
whispers “not now”—and by and by the soul becomes barren and unfruitful.
May God help the young converts to “watch,” and tell around what a dear
Saviour they have found.
“Ashamed of Jesus!—yes, I may,
When I’ve no guilt to wash away—
No tears to wipe—no good to crave—
No fears to quell—no soul to save.”
June 10th, 1824. Left Eastern Shore for a journey to Bath, and went
around the circuit with brother J. B., the elder. In the Old Methodist
Church, at Fory’s Neck, I had the privilege of speaking to a large
congregation, which was made the power of God unto salvation. Visited
Lewistown, and had a blessed meeting in the Methodist Church. The tears
of the penitent flowed sweetly, which always encourages me to persevere
in proclaiming the glad tidings of a risen Saviour to my fellow beings.
When the heart is thus melted into tenderness, I feel assured the Lord
sanctions the feeble effort of His poor servant—it is a good omen to my
mind that the mourner is not forsaken of God, and that he yet stands
knocking at the door for admittance. Oh! that those who weep for an
absent Jesus may be comforted by hearing Him say—“Thy sins, which were
many, are all forgiven thee: go in peace and sin no more.”
Elder J. B. preached in Greensboro’, where I attended, and had a
quickening time. Some enmity had existed among the brethren, but the
spirit of love got the ascendancy, and the lion became as the lamb. The
gospel is the best remedy to subdue the evil passions of men that has
ever been discovered. Dear Master, let Thy gospel spread to earth’s
remotest bounds.
I have travelled, in four years, sixteen hundred miles and of that I
walked two hundred and eleven miles, and preached the kingdom of God
to the falling sons and daughters of Adam, counting it all joy for the
sake of Jesus. Many times cast down but not forsaken; willing to suffer
as well as love. I spoke at Harris’s Mills, in a dwelling house, to a
large concourse of people, from Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, xviii.
19-20. I felt much drawn out, in the Spirit of God, meanwhile from my
feelings. I observed there were some present that never would meet me
again. Mr. J. B., the elder, then requested me to lead the class. Much
mourning, weeping and rejoicing. Four days afterwards, a man that sat
under this sermon, (a shoemaker by occupation) fell dead from his bench
without having any testimony of a hope in Christ. How dreadful to relate
the wicked shall not live out half their days. In Easton I spoke from
the Evan. John, 1 chap. 45 ver., the Lord’s time. Then proceeded to
Dagsberry, 25 miles, preached in Bethel Church to a multitude of people,
it being to them a new thing, but only the old made more manifest. Bless
God for what my heart feels, for a good conscience is better than a
sacrifice. Two sermons preached in said Church, I spoke from Acts 13
chap., 41 ver.,—the power of God filled the place—some shouted, others
mourned, some testified God for Christ’s sake had forgiven sin, whilst
others were felled to the floor. From thence we went to Sinapuxom, spoke
on Sabbath day to a large congregation from Num. 24 chap., 17 ver,—the
Lord gave light, life and liberty on that portion of Scripture. Great
time. The elder closed the meeting, the memory of which will be sweet
in eternity. I intended to take an appointment, but being taken sick
the elder filled the appointment, and while preaching, there were 10
or 11 white men came and said they wanted to see the preacher; he sent
for them to come into the house, but they seemed afraid or refused;
after he had finished, they came to the door to know by what authority
he was preaching—but it was me they were after, but I was fortified,
for their laws, by my credentials, having the United States seal upon
them,—they tried to get him out of the house, they said, on business. But
he told them he would meet them at 9 o’clock in the morning before the
magistrate, seven miles distant. Brother J. B. then took my credentials
and also showed his own, and, upon examination, the magistrate said, she
is highly recommended and I am bound to protect her. An under-officer,
anxious to get hold of my papers, very much opposed to our being in
the State, tried hard to frighten us out of it, and went to lay his
hands on it, but was rebuked by the magistrate; and two days after
the magistrate sent word to me to go on and preach, he did not care
if I preached till I died. I never met them but told the friends that
God would make an example of them before one year. My mind led me to
Solsbury and to Snow Hill—the brother, through persuasion, did not go,
for fear of some difficulty, under which consideration I declined going
for that time, I then returned to Easton, but my mind still led me to
pay that religious visit, which was still accomplished by a sister and
myself. I called on brother Massey, a preacher, who conducted us to Snow
Hill and Solsbury. In the afternoon, the elder and one of the Trustees
of the white Methodist Church, called on me to know of my faith and
doctrine, and, while conversing, the spirit of the Lord breathed upon
us—we had groans and shedding of tears—that evening the Elder gave me an
appointment in the colored church to a large congregation, and we had
a powerful time, sinners awakened and backsliders reclaimed. So great
was the time that the meeting lasted until three or four o’clock in the
morning. It was like a Camp meeting, they came seven miles distance from
only three or four hours’ notice. Next morning we left for Snow Hill, the
Elder sent down for the friends to take care of us all, and our board,
with the horses, should be paid for, consequently we were treated with
great hospitality. I preached in the Old Methodist Church to an immense
congregation of both the slaves and the holders, and felt great liberty
in word and doctrine; the power of God seemed without intermission. We
left there and rode 16 miles, spoke to a small company of people. In
the afternoon to a large congregation, chiefly Presbyterians, and at
many other places too tedious for me to mention, I preached twenty-seven
sermons and then returned to Easton again, where I was informed that the
constable who was so enraged against me before was then dying; the other
white man who came and set at the end of the table twice while I was
laboring, thinking I would say something to implicate myself and wanted
me arrested so bad, had been sold and his family broke up; it is thus the
Lord fights for Israel.
I then made an appointment at a place called the Hole in the Wall, it was
a little settlement of coloured people, but we had no Church, but used a
dwelling house, and had a large congregation. I had no help but an old
man, one hundred and odd years of age; he prayed, and his prayers made us
feel awful, he died in the year 1825, and has gone to reap the reward of
his labor; freed from the toils and cares of life, no more to labor under
a hard task master, but to rest where the slave is freed from his master.
I strove then to fill the appointment at 11 o’clock in the morning,
from Daniel 5 chap. 27 ver., the declaration was, there is no other way
under heaven that men can be saved only through Jesus Christ; the Lord
gave me great light on this subject. At 3 o’clock, in the afternoon,
we stood in the open air in the woods, and I spoke from 12 chap. 2-3
ver. I felt greater liberty on this subject than the other; the Lord was
with me; of a truth I felt the force of it now. Glory to God. Who can
constrain against the power of God? We had people of all descriptions,
from the true Christian to the Devil, and from slave-holder to slave. We
visited Georgetown Jail, saw four men there sentenced to be hung, two
white men and two colored; one of the white men, by the name of Sharp
had killed all his family, except his oldest daughter; she was the most
hardened wretch I ever saw; I read a chapter and conversed with them.
Sharp treated it with contempt, but the other answered with a degree of
humility; but they were hung according to the laws of their state.
But O, their end,
Their dreadful end!
I was invited by one of the Trustees of the Old Methodist Church to pay
them a visit on the ensuing Sabbath morning. I made the appointment for
said day. I left Georgetown on the morning early, half past ten o’clock
we arrived in Milford; Church bell was ringing. We were conducted into
the Church; a local preacher was in the pulpit and had prayed, but was
asked to come down by another who invited me there. I spoke for them and
afterwards they gave out for another appointment at night, but it caused
a controversy among themselves, and they threw it on him to come and
see if I would fill it. Previous to this the coloured preachers told me
there was controversy about woman preaching. But he came and asked me how
long I had been preaching the Gospel. I answered, rising, 5 or 6 years.
He said it was something new. I told him it seemed to be supposed so. I
referred him to Mrs. Fletcher, of England, an able preacher and wife of
Mr. Fletcher, a great and worthy minister of the Parish. He asked why I
did not go to the Quakers. I told him I was sent to the Methodists. I
asked if he had a sister in the Church, and she witnessed a Christian
life, and was called and qualified to preach, do you think you would be
justified before God, to stop her? He has not answered me yet. I found
it was prejudice in his mind. He talked as if he had not known what the
operation of the Spirit of God was. We may say, with propriety, he had
not tarried at Jerusalem long enough. When about to part, he asked me if
I would come, but I could not then promise. At night, the people came in
their carriages from the country, but were disappointed, for I spoke in
a colored Church. The doors and windows were opened on account of the
heat, but were crowded with people; pride and prejudice were buried. We
had a powerful time. I was quite taken out of myself—the meeting held
till day-break; but I returned to my home. They told me that sinners
were converted, backsliders reclaimed, mourners comforted, and believers
built up in the most holy faith. Then they wished us to stay until next
night to preach again; but I thought it best to leave them hungry.
Previous to this I was sent for by a slave-holder to come to his house
to preach three funeral sermons, all at one time, two grown persons
and one child; they had been dead about a year, but their graves were
only filled up even with the earth. I spoke standing in the door of his
dwelling to a great congregation, from the 2 Book of Samuel, 12 chap. 23
ver.—dwelling much on the certainty of the child’s happiness, through the
redemption of Christ—shewing how men might be saved living in accordance
with the truth. When finished we fell in procession and moved to the
graves of the departed. Brother Massey rehearsed the funeral ceremony,
then the graves were raised and made oval, as usual, a most affecting
scene, one of the deceased being the mother of two little girls there
present. They were so affected, it seemed they would go in fits; several
persons tried to pacify them, but in vain. It was a solemn time; many
were deeply affected that day at the graves, and mourning of the whites
in the house, but they treated us kindly, and we left them, visiting
many places too tedious to mention. I met a Camp meeting of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church at Denton. The Elder was much encouraged in
commencing the Camp. Although in a slave State, we had every thing in
order, good preaching, a solemn time, and long to be remembered. Some
of the poor slaves came happy in the Lord; walked from 20 to 30, and
from that to seventy miles, to worship God. Although through hardships
they counted it all joy for the excellency of Christ; and, before day,
they, or a number of them, had to be at home, ready for work; but some
said they came as sinners before God, but went away as new creatures in
Christ; and they could not be disputed. My heart glows with joy while I
write; truly God is inscrutable. The Elder, J. B. then appointed a Camp
meeting within five miles of Easton, too near the town, but it was done
to glorify God. Yet it seemed there was not that general good done like
the previous time. He gave me an appointment on Sunday afternoon; to
myself I appeared lost; thought I was doing nothing, but the south wind
from the hill of the Lord began to blow upon the spices of his garden.
The power of God arrested a person who started to run, but fell in the
flight, and begged God for mercy and obtained it. After the sermon,
which was the first of my being apprized of it, but no merit to me,
but all glory to God, for the good done at Camp meetings, though much
persecuted, but they are a glorious meeting to me. I pray God to protect
the camp-meetings while I thank him for the invention. Various are the
operations of the Spirit of God on the human family. We must believe in
the truth of God, and then we can behold the mysteries and enjoy the
truth of them with joy and thanksgiving. I went to speak about 10 miles
from Centreville at early candle light—warm weather—in a dwelling house,
the largest congregation being out-of-doors. I felt an open mind, the
power of God fell upon the assembly in open air, and I heard an awful
cry. A woman had started, jumped over the fence and run, but fell and
rose again; that woman contended until she found redemption in Jesus
Christ. I went to a place called Beaver Dams and spoke there; left there
for Hillsborough, and spoke there to a large congregation; from there
to Greensborough, and preached in white Methodist Church. The visit not
so prosperous; from there to Boomsborough. We were much favoured and
approbated by the people, and blessed with the presence of the Lord in
power. I then preached at Cecil Cross roads in an old meeting house,
almost down, to a large congregation, and it was warm. I was informed a
gentleman rode fourteen miles to attend that meeting. Previous to this
the Methodists had almost died away, a very few excepted at that place,
but from that time they took a rise as I was informed by two young ladies
from there. In about 5 years after I left they built a large Church on
that same spot where the old one stood, and had a fine congregation; from
there brother J. B. appointed a Quarterly Meeting on Mr. John Peaker’s
Island, for a society of 60 members, which was composed altogether of the
said gentleman’s slaves. We were entertained in the best of style, had
a powerful meeting, and a great manifestation of the power of God. From
there we returned to Easton a second time, and were entertained by the
overseer very highly at Mr. John Peakey’s Island. Went to Baltimore, from
there I visited Hales’ Mills, and preached three sermons, much favored of
the Lord by his presence, after which I returned to Baltimore. The elder
gave me an appointment and collection, and I returned to Philadelphia.
And on Sunday morning Bishop Allen gave me an appointment in Bethel
Church, and we had a shout in the Camp of Israel.
I had spent six months in Maryland and I only remained in this city three
or four weeks, during which time the Lord was with me, and opened my way
through opposition, but I felt willing to suffer cheerfully.
Through tribulations deep
The way to glory is.
I also preached in the Union Church, the Lord verified his promise
according to what he told Mary, to go, he would meet her, whomsoever I
will put forth I will go before, so there was a shaking among the dry
bones. My mind soon became oppressed and craved to travel. In 1825 I left
Philadelphia for a journey through Pennsylvania. I spoke first at Weston;
we had an elder on West Chester Circuit, named Jacob Richardson. We had
buried a young Christian before preaching the sermon, and gave me the
sacrament sermon in the afternoon. I spoke from Matt. 26 chap. 26-27 ver.
I felt as solemn as death; much weeping in the Church, tears stole down
the faces of the people.
Jacob Richardson was a spiritual preacher. God attended the word with
power, and blessed his labors much on his circuit. From there a friend
carried me to Downingtown, where I took stage and went on to Lancaster;
but prospect not so good there; they had a new Church but not paid
for; the proprietor took the key in possession and deprived them of
worshipping God in it. But I spoke in a dwelling house, and I felt a
great zeal for the cause of God to soften that man’s heart, or kill him
out of the way; one had better die than many. Brother Israel Williams, a
few days, called to converse with him on the subject, and he gave him the
key; he was then on his death-bed, and died in a short time afterwards,
and we must leave him in the hands of God, for he can open and no man
can shut. I went on to Columbia and spoke in the Church, and my tongue
fails to describe the encouragement I met with. The Lord converted poor
mourners, convicted sinners, and strengthened believers in the most holy
faith. God’s name be glorified for the display of his saving power. I led
class, held prayer meetings, and left with a good conscience for little
York. The first sermon I preached was in the Church at 10 o’clock in the
morning, from Mat. xxvi, 26, 27, to a large congregation. My faith it
seemed almost failed me, for when I got in the stand, so hard was the
task that I trembled, and my heart beat heavy, but in giving out the
hymn I felt strength of mind, and before I got through, I felt so much
of life and liberty in the word, I could but wonder, and in the doctrine
of Christ it was a sacramental sermon indeed to my soul. I spent some
weeks there, and we enjoyed good meetings and powerful outpourings of
the Spirit. I truly met with both good and bad; my scenes were many and
my feelings various. I bless the Lord that the prayers of the righteous
availeth much. After freeing my mind, I passed on to York Haven, and
preached in a School-house to a white congregation; I was not left alone,
but was treated very well by a white Methodist lady. I took lodgings at
her house all night; next afternoon took stage for Harrisburg, and when I
stopped at the Hotel a gentleman introduced me to the Steward, who took
charge of me and escorted me to Mr. Williams, where I took supper. It was
on a New Year’s evening; the colored congregation had expected me and
made a fire in our Church, but being late when I arrived, they had gone
to hear a sermon in a white Methodist Church, and I had retired to rest
a while in the evening. When they returned they came after me, taking
no excuse, and I had to come down stairs, go to the Church, and preach
a sermon for them, then 10 o’clock at night. The text from Acts xv, 36.
Hymn 250th, as follows:
And now my soul another year
Of thy short life is past,
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be the last.
The effects of the gospel of Christ was no less than at other
great seasons, but was wonderful—backsliders reclaimed and sinners
converted—there was mourning, weeping, shouting and praising of God for
what he had done. I preached several sermons, and was well treated by all
circles of people. We had large congregations of well-behaved people; and
feeling my work done in this part, I proceeded to Carlisle, Pa. There
was a small body of members; I spoke and led class for them during the
time I was there, which was ten days; felt my discharge of God, and took
stage to Shippensburg. There was great success at this place; fifteen
joined the Church; some of the most hardened sinners became serious and
reformed. I was astonished at the wonderful operations of the Spirit, and
the immense congregations. At the first sermon the house was crowded,
and I had the good attention of the people. A man came into the house
intoxicated, and offered to interrupt by speaking, but a gentleman
put him out so quietly that it had no effect upon the meeting. When I
contemplate the goodness of God to the human family, in putting them in a
proper capacity of choosing the way of salvation, I feel sometimes almost
lost, to think that God has called such a worm as I to spread the common
Saviour’s name. But said the Lord, “I will send by whom I will”—praise
the Lord who willeth not the death of sinners—“as I live, saith the Lord,
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they turn and
live.”
I then proceeded on to Chambersburg by stage, and met with one Rev.
Winton, who displayed much of a christian disposition, and conversed
freely with me on the most particular points of the God-Head, for my
instruction, showing his benevolence. He knew I was a stranger—he had
friends to go to at that place, but he offered to pay my bill for a room
at the Inn. I never have forgot the goodness of that gentleman, who, I
believe, to be a great gospel minister. I stopt at brother Snowden’s,
who were very kind to me. The Lord continued to pour out His Spirit
and clear the way for me, and also continued to convict, convert, and
reclaim the backsliders in heart. There were very large congregations,
both in and out of doors, and great revivals throughout the circuit. The
elders generally treated me well, for which may the Lord bless them and
their labors in his vineyard, and add to the Church such as shall be
forever saved from the power of sin—may I take heed lest I fall, while
I teach others. Saith the Apostle: “Paul may plant and Apollos water,
but God must give the increase,” for which I feel thankful. I remained
in this place for some weeks, but being debilitated in body, I left for
Philadelphia about the middle of April. On my return, I met with such a
severe trial of opposition, that I thought I never would preach again,
but the Apostle says, “ye are not your own but are bought with a price.”
I feel glad that God is able to keep all that put their trust in him,
though the mis-steps of others often interrupt our own way—I always
found friends on different parts of Globe. I preached and led classes
on my return. Praise God for his delivering grace—“Oh the depth of the
riches” of the glory of God, how unsearchable are his ways; they are past
finding out—a sea without bottom or shore. One thing is encouraging,
“When he who is my life shall appear, I shall be like him.” “I know my
Redeemer liveth, and shall stand on the latter day upon the earth, and
though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” Lord
help me to keep this confidence. Rev. Richard Williams, a gentle and
christian-minded man, treated me well. God would not suffer me to be
destroyed. It is not by might or by power, but by the Spirit, saith the
Lord of hosts. Dear reader, give ear to the truth, for the mouth of the
Lord has spoken it.
If such a worm as I can spread
The common Saviour’s name,
Let him who raised thee from the dead,
Quicken my mortal frame.
On my return I stopped at Lancaster; the Church was opened, and I
preached to large congregations, and with powerful success; the dead were
brought to life by the preaching of the cross of Christ. From there I
left for Philadelphia.
In July, 1824, I felt an exercise of mind to take a journey to Reading,
Pa., to speak to the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. I left the city
and stopped at Norristown on my way to Reading. I spoke in the Academy
to a respectable congregation, the same evening I arrived there. I felt
a degree of liberty in speaking, though it was a quiet meeting, and I
also felt thankful that the Lord would manifest himself through such a
worm as me. Next morning I walked four miles and stopped at Littleton
Morris’s, and preached two sermons on the Sabbath day, and God struck
a woman, and she had liked to have fallen to the floor; I spoke in the
Dunkard’s meeting house. This ended my visit with them at this time. On
Tuesday I walked three miles to Schuylkill, to take the Canal boat on
Wednesday morning. I met in company with a Presbyterian minister and lady
on the boat; they treated me very kindly indeed. We arrived in Reading
about 7 o’clock in the evening. I was recommended to a family in that
place, the man of which had once confessed religion, but had fallen from
grace, and they were very kind to me. The next morning I enquired for
other respectable families of color, and an elderly lady of color that
belonged to the white connexion, and the only colored Methodist in the
place at that time, conveyed me to Mrs. Murray’s, where I remained a
while; then the elderly lady, just mentioned, feeling interested for me,
went to the proprietors of the Court-house with me, to see if we could
get it to preach in, and like Esther the Queen, who fasted and prayed,
and commanded the men of Jerusalem and the women of Zion to pray; as she
approached the King the sceptre was bowed to her, and her request was
answered to the saving of Mordecai, and all the Jewish nation. When we
approached this gentleman, who was the head Trustee of the Protestant
Church, I showed him my recommendation, and he answered me, “Madam, you
can have it,” and I felt humble to God for the answer. I felt it my
duty to preach to the citizens, and accordingly made an appointment for
Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Rev. James Ward, a colored Presbyterian,
assembled with us, although he was so prejudiced he would not let me in
his pulpit to speak; but the Lord made a way where there was no way to be
seen; there was no person to intercede until this sister tried to open
the way; the men of color, with no spirit of christianity, remained idle
in the enterprize, but we got possession and we had a large concourse
of people. I spoke with the ability God gave me. I met with a family of
color, but very respectable, that formerly had belonged to our Church
in Baltimore; they invited me to their house, and it was a home to me,
praise God. I held a meeting in their house previous to holding meetings
in the Court-house; the white brethren and sisters assembled with us. We
called on a minister’s lady, and she treated me very kindly, while he,
like a Christian, united and helped to go through with the meetings. I
visited the Quaker friends (amounting to four only) then in the place,
and very pleasant visits they were. A great number of christian friends
called on me, among the rest this minister’s lady, who left a donation
in my hand, consequently the way was made where there was no way, but I
left in friendship. Praise God I feel the approbation now. It is to be
lamented, that James Ward, colored, with his over-ruling prejudice, which
he manifested by saying no woman should stand in his pulpit, and with all
the advantages of a liberal education, was in a few weeks after I left
there, turned out of the Church.
On returning to Philadelphia, I stopped at Pottsgrove and found a Society
of colored persons, christians I believe. We had solemn meetings there;
I felt strength of mind. I met kind friends there, and visited a Church
about six miles off; preached in the morning; the Lord was with us; of
this truth my soul is a witness; in the afternoon I preached to a large
congregation. Next morning I left for Philadelphia. I continued to
preach, paid some short visits about, and was welcomed home again.
I left Philadelphia again for Lewistown, Del., to attend a camp meeting
of the African Methodist Episcopal connexion, of which I was a member, to
be held in Gov. Paynter’s Woods. There was immense large congregations,
and a greater display of God’s power I never saw. The people came from
all parts, without distinction of sex, size, or color, and the display
of God’s power commenced from singing; I recollect a brother Camell
standing under a tree singing, and the people drew nigh to hear him, and
a large number were struck to the ground before preaching began, and
signs and wonders followed. There appeared to be a great union with the
white friends. James Towson was the Elder holding the camp; he was in the
bloom of the gospel of Christ. But poor brother, may the Lord give him a
Peter’s look by the way of mercy. Right Rev. Bishop Allen was present.
The ministry were all for me, and the Elder gave me an appointment, and
the Governor with a great concourse came to hear the weak female. My
heart beat, my limbs trembled, and my voice was faint, but I spoke from
Eccles. xi, 9, 10. After I took my text, it appeared to me as if I had
nothing to do but open my mouth, and the Lord filled it, consequently I
was much encouraged: it was an immense assembly of people.
Content with beholding his face,
I all to his pleasure resigned.
After the camp-meeting was over, the Elder visited another camp-meeting,
and left me in liberty to preach around the circuit, which I did,
and afterwards returned to Lewistown, and spoke in the old Methodist
meeting-house; I had a great time among my colored brethren. I feel
thankful to my friends for their kindness to me, especially to brother
Peter Lewis, whose house was a home to me. I had much happiness in
leading class and prayer meetings; preaching the gospel seemed to be
the great task. Brother Lewis conveyed me to Georgetown; I spoke in our
colored people’s Church, and we enjoyed ourselves very much; the Lord
drew people from all quarters; a wonderful outpouring of the Spirit
indeed; weeping in all directions. It is a good sign to see tears of
contrition stealing down the cheeks of the hearers; it makes me believe
the word is sanctioned. The last place was at the head of the river; I
then returned to Lewistown, and in a few days I left for Philadelphia.
I had a very uncomfortable passage; very sea-sick indeed—the vessel
could not come out of the mouth of the creek for a couple of days, in
consequence of a severe storm, after which we arrived in the city on
Tuesday morning. After a short stay in the city, I took a visit to
Trenton, Dec. 25. I spoke as usual, for there we had lively meetings,
after which I had no home, but the Lord provides, for sister Roberts and
family were my friends and took me in, and we often had sweet counsel
together. From there I went to Princeton. The Elder, Joseph Harper, of
our connexion, was a friend to me, but I had to withstand a beast at
Princeton, in opposition, like the one I had to front on Bucks county
circuit; the former named Thomas Voris, a local preacher, and using the
language of the Psalmist prophesying in reference to the Saviour, “mine
equal, my guide hath lifted up his heel against me.” We had preached—he
invited me to come to his house to hold meetings the next week, but I was
taken sick for a few days, but in the interval, S. R., of Attleborough
Circuit, had a Quarterly meeting. They consulted together to stop me from
preaching in Princeton; so his door was shut, but bless the Lord, another
was opened, Brother Thomas Vinsant, his sister’s husband, a Christian
man, opened his house. We had a powerful time. I came in the town on
Saturday, the next day I walked two miles and spoke twice. It was Thomas’
appointment on Sabbath morning, and he had but two persons to meet him
in class. An invitation came to me to make an appointment for Wednesday
night in the Coloured Presbyterian Church, upon the grant of Rev. Mr.
Woodhall, elder of that order in Princeton. Thos. Vorris, though a
Methodist, was like a roaring lion—went to Elder Woodhall for him to stop
it, as I was informed. But the meeting went on, it was a respectable, and
comfortable congregation. I preached and led class and prayer meetings,
and read, and explained the Scriptures. We had mourning and rejoicing,
and I saw the kingdom of Satan fall. When Brother J. H. came round again,
from some cause, he removed Thomas from that class, as they would not
meet him, and placed him over one of five or six persons; also impeached
him, taking his license from him, and left him only verbally licenced.
Glory to God for his Divine power. I do not rejoice for his downfall,
but for God’s grace which enables me to stand against the enemies of
the Cross. Glory to God, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for
it is the power of God unto salvation. I spoke from Ephe. 2d chap. 8th
ver. I felt life and liberty in word and doctrine. Thank God for the
victory, Brother Oakham, one of the Elders of the Coloured Presbyterian
Church, invited me to their house, and himself and wife treated me like
Christians, which, I believe, they were; my heart glows toward them. I
held a meeting in a dwelling house.
Jan., 1827. Contemplating on the great responsibility I owe to my God
for my stewardship, I fain would go round the Cross or shrink beneath
the load, but I rest upon the promises of God, which are as firm of the
pillars of heaven. My labors here cease a little.
April, 1827. My health having been bad, I have not travelled so largely,
and in this, as in some other moments of reflection, I felt somewhat
oppressed, and I resorted to the Hymn Book for something to suit my
feelings; the poetry as follows:
1. Soon as I heard my Father say,
Ye children seek my grace,
My heart replies, without delay,
I’ll seek my father’s face.
2. Let not thy face be hid from me,
Nor frown my soul away,
God of my life I fly to thee
In a distressing day.
3. Should friends and kindred, near and dear,
Leave me to want and die.
My God will make my life his care,
And all my wants supply.
4. My fainting flesh had died with grief,
Had not my soul believed
To see thy grace prove a relief,
Nor was my hope deceived.
5. Wait on the Lord, ye trembling Saints,
And keep your courage up,
He’ll raise your spirit when it faints,
And far exceed your hope.
However I went to Baltimore in the same month with the Bishop and
Elders, and enjoyed myself under great preaching, and preached several
sermons. Praise God, and the slain of the Lord appeared to be many. After
Conference, my mind led me over to Eastern Shore the second time; spent
a few days with the Church. (Peter D. Schuman, Elder of the charge) and
then returned to Baltimore, from there to the city of Philadelphia, and
then made some short visits from 40 to 60, and from that to 100 miles
round about; then down to Lewistown Camp-meeting, the second time; then
to a Camp-meeting at Mount Ephraim, N. J. The last of August I left for
New York Camp, on arriving there I spoke once or twice. The same as at
other places, our camp-meeting was not as great as I have seen before.
I spoke in both the Churches. We had a good time together, rejoicing in
the Lord. I left then for Albany; had a pleasant passage up the North
river, one hundred and sixty miles; the mountains and their stupendous
looks preached to me in my journey through. Oh, the wisdom of God, and
how marvellous in our eyes; enough to convince the infidel, yea, the
Atheist, that there is some first cause. From the effects produced,
look at the ingenuity of mankind, which actually comes from God, and is
displayed in building steamboats, and other great novelties in mechanism.
We accomplished the route the same day we started, and I found myself
entirely among strangers. But I made inquiry for Methodist friends,
and found brother Streeter, a coloured family, very respectable. They
treated me very kind; they were under the white Bishop, and I under the
coloured. But the same faith, same doctrine, same Baptism, same spirit.
Glory to God. Among the coloured people, the Baptists had the ascendancy.
There was a large hall prepared for me, and we had a large congregation
of different denominations. I spoke from these words and this Gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached unto all the world as for a witness, and
then shall the end come. God owned the word, sinners screamed; some fell
to the floor, others wept, while Christians rejoiced. A lady of color
was present, though she was a member of the Dutch Presbyterian Church;
her husband belonged to no Church, but was under an exercise of mind.
The Lord reached his heart, he mourned more than three days. They sent
for me to come to their house. I paid them a visit, and held prayer
meeting at their house. That Sabbath two weeks he joined the Methodist
Church. I spoke three times the first Sabbath afternoon; we had a large
congregation, at night still larger. Text. Never man spake like this
man. God’s spirit was poured out in a miraculous manner. On the ensuing
third day evening I spoke again, from these words. And came seeking fruit
on the tree and found none. To all appearance there was nothing done,
but God directed the word to the heart of a little girl, a gentleman’s
daughter, between eleven and twelve years of age. She joined the Church
before I left there. A good old Missionary, by the name of Mitchell,
came to the city before I left, and preached three sermons, in which
there was a great revival. The Elder appointed prayer meetings, north
and south of the city of Albany. I preached two or three sermons in a
school house, the last I spoke was in Brother Streeter’s house, from St.
Matt. Chap. 21 ver. 12th. I thank God for the comfortable visit I had
there in the discharge of my duty. This Methodist preacher, Mitchell,
had a book with him called the Essence of John Steward, a coloured man,
with his miraculous call to the ministry, the first one who succeeded in
Christianizing the Methodist Indians in Sandusky and that province, and
he sold them in Albany, and it seemed to have its desired effect also
with the revival, in encouraging us to hold a fast.
How good to contemplate or to think the heathen has caught the sound of
salvation through the name of Jesus, our Lord. I saw a goodly number
added to the Church on Sabbath-day. I still continued engaged in my mind
with the Lord, in their behalf, when I was informed that they had three
and four of an evening at their prayer meetings, then my mind felt at
liberty to leave for Schenectady. Sister Streeter rode with me fourteen
miles; I stopped eleven days, at which place there was a large upper
room that was appropriated for a preaching place, where I spoke to a
small number of coloured persons several times. They were under the white
elder, he was a friend to me, and appointed a meeting for me in the white
Brother’s house to speak for them. We had a favourable time. But the
people, feeling an uninterested spirit in propagating the religion of
Jesus Christ, I left the dust with them. Got on board a Canal boat for
Utica, there I met with my own connexion, African Methodist Episcopal
Church, we had a prosperous time. I spoke and had prayer meetings on
board of the Canal boat. There was a pasture there notwithstanding the
difficulties of this life and the people being hunted like partridges
on the mountain. It deprives a man’s usefulness among the people, but
the work of the Lord went on, and there is no weapon formed by the enemy
that can stop the work of God. Therefore we have nothing to fear. We
have large and respectable congregations, and I felt strengthened in
warning man to flee from the wrath to come. If signs and wonders did not
follow sometimes, I must certainly die, but glory to God for refreshing
showers. I led class, had prayer meetings, and took my passage on another
canal boat for Rochester; had a pleasant passage. I soon found some
Methodists, and our local Elder was then a smart preacher. I was there
three or four weeks, and he treated me very kindly and opened my way.
They erected a new brick church, basement for schools; the corner-stone
was laid while I was there. The elder was a man of good repute; people
of color of different denominations, but much united together. The elder
held the charge from there to Buffalo, he had then a Quarterly Meeting
on hand. I left Rochester with him and rode about seventy miles. Next
morning I left Lewistown and rode seven miles, crossed the Lakes, on the
British side. When we left Rochester the snow was ankle deep, when ten
mile from Lewistown, it became dry and hard, and when we crossed the
Lakes it was clear and cold, and the air very pure. I told the elder
this was the first time I ever breathed pure air. I walked about a mile
and the first house I stopped at was sister Holmes’. I felt strange and
lonely. I waited to see if the peace of God would abide on the house.
Previous to my being introduced, I arose from my chair and the power of
God fell upon the people, and, it seemed to me, that God answered me.
I was fully convinced that God would make bare his arm, in this part
of his moral vineyard. We had a Church in Niagara; the elder made an
appointment there, and forty or fifty miles round the circuit, being now
about six hundred miles from Philadelphia. I felt the loss of my former
companions and friends, the elder and deacon, in two days time left for
Buffalo, to hold a quarterly meeting in York state about seventy miles.
I commenced to speak for the people, and God owned the word, and I saw
many displays of his power—the people in Niagara seemed to me to be a
kind and Christian like people. The white inhabitants united with us, and
ladies of great renown. The slaves that came there felt their freedom,
began to see the necessity of education, and hired a white man to teach
them to read and write among themselves, and have Sabbath schools. I am
astonished to see so many there that came from a free state, and not
take more interest in instilling the science of education among their
fellow beings. The winter was cold—I never had experienced such—but
very healthy. I went to a town called Niagara. I spoke in a dwelling
house. The next night I spoke in the Old Methodist Church to a large
congregation of respectable people. There were three ladies, one the
widow of a great Judge, and one daughter and sister of first education;
they sympathized with me in this important work of the Gospel of Christ.
They assembled with us in our meeting. A little girl about 8 or 9 years
of age experienced religion and prayed in public, and attended to their
private devotion, so much for early piety. Teach the child the way he
should go and when he gets old he will not depart from it. But, it is to
be lamented, that so few of our children experience this early piety;
the cause we must try to find out and avoid the evil effects, and not
bring up our children in so much pride and heathenism. We, as a people,
are generally poor and cannot support so many changes of fashion; they
grow up and crave it, and oftimes substitute evil practices to support
themselves, either girls or boys, and often bring a stigma upon their
parents and family connexions, though very respectable. Let us bring up
our children in industry, for work is honorable, and it is the way to get
riches and to keep them. I travelled back and forward again from Niagara
to Buffalo, and had regular appointments in our Churches. We had a great
opposition among the coloured people, one trying to excel the other in
point of eminence. One of our preachers left us on the promise of forty
dollars per year. Poor man, he was like Simon Magus who perished with
his money. Our Circuit rider was absent on the Sunday of the split, but
the Lord was with us. I spoke three times to the remaining part of the
congregation, which was increased much by a large body of bystanders,
and great good followed; and we continued to sow and gather for two or
three months, and the Lord blessed our labors abundantly. Feeling I had
discharged my duty, I left and crossed the Lake from Buffalo to Fort
George, and spoke about eight miles from there, it was cold and snowed
very fast—it was four o’clock in the afternoon—the congregation had
been there and gone. We were in a sleigh, and the driver got lost; we
all brought up in a swamp, among the fallen tree tops, but we turned
about and found a house and lodged all night; and spoke next morning at
eleven o’clock to a quiet congregation, and the Lord was with us, though
composed of all denominations. I appointed another meeting and rode about
eight miles on horseback—it snowed and was very sleety—after I spoke to
the people I left them for good and made an appointment for the Indians;
two of the chiefs called at where I stopped to see me. I asked them to
pray for us; they complied, but done it in their own tongue. I felt the
power of God in my own heart. Then they held a council about it, and
granted my visit at Buffalo village, about three miles from Buffalo city.
We rode and got there before their worshipping hour, their school had
not dismissed, after a while they dismissed school—of 50 children—and
as they gathered to worship I saw an old chief come, he stood and prayed
very devoutly, tears running down his cheek. I told them I had not come
to worship with them, and wanted to preach for them after their worship
ended. They held a council and they agreed I should preach for them, but
I could not help admiring the ways as well as gestures of the children.
The teachers bring them up in the English language and dress some of them
in the English style, but the greatest number are clad in the Indian
style; those of the old Indians in their blankets. Some of them met me
from seven or eight miles round—they filled the house. It was in the
month of March—it rained and snowed—yet they walked in their moccasins,
and some bare-headed—they made a large congregation. Their Elder or
missionary had gone to teach another tribe that day, and he only taught
them very plainly, and read out of pamphlets the experiences of others.
I commenced by giving out the hymn in our language, and the interpreter
spoke in their tongue. Hymn thus, O for a thousand tongues to sing, &c.
They sung it beautiful,—two long benches of them sung by note (their
books printed in their own language) a very familiar note tune, such as
we use in congregations. I spoke plain and deliberate and very pointed,
the interpreter spoke it after me in the Indian tongue, and one of the
women cried out Amen. Much weeping among them, dear reader, take notice,
notwithstanding they are a nation revolted from Israel, and would not
be governed. Yet they can be civilized and christianized. We might call
them heathens, but they are endowed with a Christian spirit. I felt happy
in my visit; the missionary wished me to speak for them that evening,
but I had an appointment that night at Buffalo, after which my mind
was calm and serene. I left on Tuesday, 1st of April, on my return for
Philadelphia, and arrived home May 18th.
That year I travelled two thousand three hundred and twenty-five miles,
and preached one hundred and seventy-eight sermons. Praise God for health
and strength, O my soul, and magnify his name for protection through
various scenes of life.
God of my life whose gracious power
Through various deaths my soul has led,
Or turned aside the fated hour,
Or lifted up my sinking head.
While I was in Buffalo, a journey to the West was shewed to me so plain
that I could not stop in the city of Philadelphia but five weeks only,
then left for the western country. I started in a mail stage, and
stopped first at Westtown and spoke in our own connexion Church, and
then at West Chester in the old Methodist Episcopal white connexion. We
had a large congregation of quiet hearers. I felt liberty but no great
displays of God’s power. I had several meetings in different places,
visiting the sick. Having discharged my duty I left there and proceeded
on to Old Lancaster and spent some days. We have a good Church there,
and great meetings—the word of the Lord grew and was multiplied. God
poured out his spirit upon us, and we had a shout in the camp. I then
started for Columbia, Pa. The people are much divided, and it looked
very gloomy, but God directed me and he commanded his disciple to be a
sheep among wolves, and harmless as doves, notwithstanding the darkness,
God aided me in speaking to the people, and aided them in hearing, and
his name was praised. The people united, temptations and clouds were
vanished away. Then we sung, prayed, spake, and shouted in the spirit,
this is true Methodism. I led class, visited the sick and was much
favoured with the presence of the Lord. Our faith was increased, our
hopes confirmed. The preachers were kind and treated me well, and by
their help I travelled on my journey to Harrisburg. Feeling thankful
for the visit I had paid it seemed gloomy here, but I spoke there next
day. I took stage and rode to Chambersburg, and spent some days there,
and proceeded on to Fredericktown, Maryland, and spoke there from there
to Hagerstown, Macallansburg, and, I must confess, I do not remember of
ever seeing such a people, for, it seemed strong drink had been their
ruin. The circuit minister was there, and we had some signs and wonders
to follow after the preaching of the cross of Christ, and I trust to
meet some of them on the banks of deliverance, and help to swell the
notes of redeeming love. After the preacher left me I took stage for
Pittsburgh, at eight in the evening, rode all night until eight in the
morning. I was kindly treated, there were other persons in the stage,
four of them gentlemen, as I thought there was one who talked a great
deal, wise in his own conceit, about religion, and from that he displayed
a quantity of degraded principle, with disgusting language, at which I
made several sharp replies, and in my way, reprimanded him and the other
gentlemen looked on him with silent contempt, at which he got ashamed,
and afterwards treated me with great politeness, and I was comfortable
and arrived in Pittsburgh at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I went to Church
that night and heard a sermon from one of my brothers. I met with six
or seven ministers, very friendly, and treated me like Christians. I
remained in Pittsburgh six weeks, there had been one or two revivals
previous to my visit, especially the winter before I arrived, last day
of August, 1820. My labors commenced—the field was large—but the Lord
was with us—this gave me much encouragement, I was not ashamed of the
Gospel—it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes,
both Jew or Gentile. We had very good meetings, the Elder and preachers,
all received me with one accord—thanks to God for his divine goodness—I
felt moved by the Lord to pay Wheeling a visit although we had no society
there, I arrived and found but a small class of coloured people with
the whites, an old gentleman of color with the elder in charge granted
me the Church—the elder being a great preacher of college order. We had
a large congregation; I spoke for them once, and gave an exhortation at
another time, and felt no difficulty on that head, and after that they
could not treat me well enough. And, on the ensuing Sabbath, I helped
to lead class; and we all enjoyed ourselves, and on Tuesday I left for
Washington, according as I had promised our elder before I left him. On
my arrival there I met kind friends, and a large congregation of coloured
people. On Lord’s day I met the class; the people spoke with humility—it
was a melting down time—in the Spirit of God I preached several sermons,
visited the sick, and, in this spirit strove to uphold the aged. Feeling
a discharge of my duty I left for Steubensville, Ohio, and met a small
society—some true Christians there; no Church there; the Baptists granted
their Church; we had meetings there, and the Lord was with us—quiet
congregations—and the word had effect in the hearts of sinners—and
believers were established. I stopped a few days and left in the name
of the Lord. I proceeded on to Mt. Pleasant, and arrived on seventh day
evening, and the trustee gave me an appointment on Sabbath morning. At
11 o’clock I was feeble in both body and mind, but the Lord was with us
according to promise, think not what ye shall say, but open thy mouth
and I will fill it saith the Lord, he caused a shaking among the dry
bones, that morning. I think if any creature has a right to praise God
I have, and that in thankfulness, and I love him because he first loved
me. Bless his name. I preached several sermons to large gatherings, but
revivals not so manifest as at other places. I had some difficulty in
that journey, but only what is common among us; for many times deceitful
persons will set the Church on fire but can’t burn it up.
Moses saw it as a bush in a flame, yet not consumed. We have to be tried
as gold in the fire. After my visit was out a brother (leader in the
Church) conveyed me ten miles on my way, I stopped at Sinclairsville;
there was an appointment published on the next evening. At 7 o’clock
I spoke in the Court house to a large concourse of well behaved and
respectable citizens. I felt at liberty and left in peace of mind which
makes the work sweet. I was aided on to Cap-teen, a settlement of
coloured people; some from the lower counties; but they are industrious,
and have a Church of their own, and were about to send their children
to school, I held several meetings and there was some very respectable
people of colour—and the Lord was with us—I stopped with an aged family,
very respectable, they treated me very kind, and between 2 and 3 weeks,
I left in peace with God and man, and went to Barnsborough and spoke in
the white Methodist Episcopal Church, from thence to Zanesville, at which
place I felt much discouraged from the appearance of things. I did not
think of tarrying there, but at the first appointment I chose the words
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”—Paul. The room was very small for
the number of people, after which an old man well scented with ardent
spirits, tried to give an exhortation. I was astonished at the scene, the
people laughed, I got up and went out. I tried to labor again at night
and exhort the young ladies to the evil consequences of ill-behavior in
the Church of God; after which we had better order, and the old gentleman
was discovered to be intoxicated with spiritous liquor, and was disowned
from the Church, after which there was a great revival took place among
the white Methodists, both rich and poor.
Mrs. Dillin, who once was a Friend, and now a member of the Church,
spoke to the Trustees and Ministers, and they opened the Church and I
spoke twice in that Church, and after that I spoke in West Zanesville,
back of that place, and I still remained among my colored friends, and
they seemed much revived; after which they formed a Resolution to build
themselves a Meeting House. A Quaker Friend, so called, presented them
with a piece of ground to build one on, which they did. Glory to God, for
his glory stood over the doors of the Tabernacle. Many were convicted,
and converted, and many added to the old Methodist Church, and I left
there on New-Years day for New-Lancaster, where we had a Church, standing
on a frame of a house for three or four years, and had not been used
to preach in; but the Lord opened the way, and a great revival took
place among the people, and their eyes being opened, they with willing
minds commenced and built a new Church, and God blessed their labors. I
preached several Sermons and led Class, &c. My common way is to visit the
sick and afflicted in whatsoever city I may stop in, that I may get my
spiritual strength renewed in the Lord. Although I preached the Gospel
through the Commission of my Lord, yet, I have nothing to boast of.
I opened a Love-Feast in the said Church in New Lancaster. We held
Prayer Meetings. I spoke in the White’s Church also. The people were
very friendly. I met them in Class, and after the lapse of eleven days,
I left for Columbus. The Preachers generally were very kind to me. Both
white and colored. A worthy brother conducted me on further. It snow’d,
and I was very cold, but the Lord was with us, and my mind was free’d.
But notwithstanding, I met an antagonist, who was ready to destroy my
character, and the principles of the Work that God saw good to make me
instrumental of doing in his name, which caused me to open the case
to the Trustees and Preachers, who were much astonished at him to be
preaching four or five years with malice in his heart. I was favored to
see him in the morning before he went away, that was the first time he
had spoke to me anything like a Christian in that time. He knew from the
first period I went to him to satisfy his mind. But his heart was bitter.
I felt his spirit like a viper. But the word of the Lord was verified at
that time also. “When the Tempter raises a flood against you, I will set
up a standard against him.” He told me he had sent a letter to Pittsburg
to stop me, although I had my Licence from the Bishop, with his own
signature. I told him he was a worse enemy to me than I was aware of, and
I was ashamed of him, professing to be a Preacher in charge, and setting
such an example in a strange land, and begged him to throw away his
prejudices, or he would never obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. He left me
in a flash, and I saw him no more until Conference. I wrote a letter to
Bishop Allen to let him know of my grievances, as I was innocent of any
crime. I felt under no obligation to bear the reproaches of progressing
Preachers; and I wanted it settled at Conference. But it was looked upon
with little effect by the Preachers and Leaders. I laid it before the
Conference, and it was settled. But I tarried all winter. Preached, led
Class, visited the sick, &c., with great success. I bless God for the
witness of a good conscience. Old Sinners were awakened, and constrained
to come trembling, and enquiring the way to Zion.
L. W., a respectable brother from Chillicothe, had never heard a woman
preach, and was much opposed to it. An appointment was given me, and
when I went into the desk and commenced reading the hymn to commence the
worship, he looked at me a while, then got up and went out and stood
until I had nearly got through the hymn, and then he came in, when I
asked him to pray for us but he refused. I prayed myself, after which I
took my text, and felt much liberty in speaking in the spirit indeed.
And after meeting he came and shook hands with me in the spirit of a
christian, and next day he came and confessed to me his prejudices had
been so great, so much like his father, that he could not unite with
me, but now he believed that God was no respecter of persons, and that
a woman as well as a man, when called of God, had a right to preach. He
afterwards became a licensed preacher, and we parted in peace. I took the
stage and left for Chillicothe, but there was but one house that would
open for me in the city, although I had my recommendation with me. As
soon as that friend heard of me she met me in christian bonds, and her
house was my home, her husband being a man of christian qualifications,
and I went on my mission doing my Father’s will. I spoke once in the week
and on Sabbath afternoon, to crowded houses; it was like a camp-meeting,
and twenty-one lay under the power of God at one time; after preaching
we called them up to be prayed for; some got religion that day and some
on the next Sabbath, and the father L. W. became one of my best friends,
and a doer of the work. There was large fields of labor open to my view,
and I visited both colored and white, and many were concerned about
sanctification. I was with them about six weeks, during which time I had
an interview with a lady, who informed me she had a call to preach the
everlasting gospel of Christ. She was a Presbyterian by profession, and
she told me she feared the church government. But the greatest objection
was, her husband was a Deist by profession; she also told me of her
experience she passed through; it was a broken heart and a contrite
spirit. God answers the prayers of such a supplicant, but she could not
enjoy that sweet fulness of religion in that situation of life, although
very rich as regards this world’s goods; also knowing that gold and
silver should vanish away, but the word of God should endure forever. And
some feel their labors a long time before it comes to perfection. Our
Methodist sisters established a prayer meeting, and the people worked in
the unity of the spirit, and much good was done in the name of the Holy
child. Glory to God for what my heart feels while I use my pen in hand.
I felt peace of conscience and left Chillicothe for Hillsborough to meet
a quarterly meeting of W. C., he being Elder at that place; the Governor
and his family residing there, six in number, were all Methodists, and
one son a preacher; they had the spirit of christians. The trustees of
the Methodist church opened their doors and gave us liberty to hold our
quarterly meeting and love feast in their church, and we had a good time.
The friends mostly gave me a small donation, which was very thankful;
after which I left there for Cincinnati, where I spoke to a large
congregation. I stop’t at Williamsport and spoke in the white Methodist
church to a respectable congregation. I felt liberty in the spirit of
God, and we left there about daybreak in the morning. All nature seemed
in silence (except the chirping notes of a little bird.) A few rods from
us a Panther screamed very loud and sudden, but we could not see him, it
being a dense thicket on either side of the road, but the unseen arm of
God sheltered us from harm; one of the gentlemen seemed quite used to
hearing them. We arrived safe in Cincinnati about 11 o’clock; the Elder
W. C. was very liberal in giving me appointments, and the friends were
very affectionate to me, and large congregations attended. I remained
there some time, feeling to be blessed in my weak endeavors to a great
extent. The next day after I arrived there, one of our sisters fell sick
and I had the pleasure of visiting her on her death-bed, and in her last
hour she told me in presence of others, her peace was made, and raised
her hands toward heaven and told us she was going. This is the end of
sister Crosby; who can doubt this faithful saying, by grace ye are saved.
A month or more previous, she had buried a daughter, who was a member of
our church; before she left the world, she called her young companions
and caused them to promise to meet her in heaven, and then closed her
eyes triumphing in death. Brother Crosby laid the heavy task on me to
preach their funeral sermons, which I did, as feeble a worm as I am, on
Sabbath morning. Words of my choice were found in 2d Ephe. 8th v:—“For by
grace ye are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the
gift of God,” which of itself is a sermon to all that believe—glory to
God, Christ has overcome the world. And while laboring many tears were
shed both in joy and sorrow. But it’s better to be one day in the house
of the Lord than a thousand in the tents of the wicked.
Another circumstance worthy of notice, was a young man whose heart was in
the world and in worldly affairs, or the pursuits of nature, and diverted
much of his time on Sabbath days on the Mississippi River, fighting
against all impressions of the Spirit of grace, until God stopped him
by the heavy hand of his power, in a death-bed affliction. After some
time he began to inquire the way to Zion. His mother was also a stranger
to the blood of Jesus, but wished me to come and see her son; being
conducted to the house, I found him looking like an anatomy. I asked him
if he believed in Christ and his all sufficiency to save; his answer
was in the affirmative. We had prayers with him and there was a display
of God’s power; a white woman screamed and nearly fell to the floor,
but strove hard to keep from it. And on that day he acknowledged his
Saviour to be reconciled to his poor soul. Praise God! my soul replied.
Afterwards he wished me to hold a meeting with as many persons as the
room would contain with him, which I accepted; one day and night after,
he departed this life, and requested me to preach his funeral sermon
at the house before the procession moved to the ground. I spoke from
the 14th chap. 13 v., and we had a solemn time; you may anticipate the
weight of that important task, but we had joy in the midst of sorrow, and
this was the last of James Thompson. I also left his sister in the last
stage of consumption, and she confessed to be in favor with the Lord.
Having finished my visit, I left in steamboat for Dayton. I spoke three
times, and tried to preach the whole salvation, God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The members of the New-light church deny
the divinity of Christ. Once I spoke in a large dwelling of Dr. Esley,
after which himself and wife went on a journey to Indiana and wished me
to go with them, but I was deprived by a previous engagement, having
to attend a camp-meeting at Cap-teen. After my return to Urbana, Ohio,
I took stage for Springfield, and from there to Columbus, and spoke
several times. The Elder’s class consisted of about twenty; a young man
and myself led the class in 1829. The Elder W. C. ordered a camp-meeting
for the Cincinnati people, and the brother at Cap-teen and Rev. Bishop
Brown, held a conference, and we had a very large camp-meeting, and
manifestations of great good, and at the close of the Love-feast, there
were thirty-two or three testified that they experienced the love of
God. The people of color came out forcibly, and the preachers preached
in power. My health was much destroyed by speaking so often and laboring
so very hard, having a heavy fever preying upon my system. I was called
upon to speak at a camp-meeting, I could scarcely accomplish the task,
and I was obliged to take my bed (having also lost my appetite) as soon
as my sermon was over. After a while my particular friends conveyed
me to Mount Pleasant in a carriage; the day was pleasant, but in the
woods at night we were overtaken by a dreadful storm of thunder, wind
and rain, but through the will of Providence I escaped the inclemency
of the weather and stopped at brother and sister Hance’s; after being
medically renovated, I fulfilled an appointment, and commenced to visit
the sick in that place, but was arrested by a heavy fever. A physician
was called, and by daybreak my senses left me, so severe was the disease,
which caused the physician to visit me two and three times a day, which
proved to be the bilious fever. After my mind returned and became calm,
I was convinced that it would not terminate in death at that time. I
had faith in the Lord. Eleven days I lived on rice water and chicken
tea without salt, at the end of which time I felt an appetite to eat. I
had been under a deep sallavation which proved a blessing in effecting
a cure. After a lapse of four weeks I was enabled to get out of that
house, but very weak; my money was short; I left seven dollars with them
hoping the Lord may bless them; then I returned to brother Hance, and was
well treated. I commenced preaching, though very weak, and I accepted
an appointment on Sabbath in the white Methodist Episcopal church, to a
well-behaved congregation, about ten miles distance. I had to be carried
to the carriage in a blanket and returned the same way, and was well
taken care of by brother and sister Moor and family, for which may the
Lord bless them in basket and store. Elder Jones gave me an invitation to
go to Pittsburg and try to gather a little strength, which I accepted,
and was kindly taken care of by brother Lewis and wife, which I very much
profited by the assistance of his family doctor, which he called in amid
the blessings of Providence; this was in May, 1830. I then commenced to
labor amid the souls of the people, which are precious. After gaining
strength in body and mind in my recovery, I spoke to a good number of
colored friends on the Hill, and they were about to build a church for
worship as they owned the property. When I was able to travel, one of
the preacher’s wives and a kind brother conducted me on to Washington,
from which I took stage for Mount Pleasant; labored for them, enjoyed
a love-feast with them, and in a few days left for St. Clairsville and
the next successive place; then took stage for Zanesville, continuing to
labor around the circuit, and then went to Columbus. I was invited to
attend a quarterly meeting at Urbana; we had quite a profitable waiting
upon the Lord; it makes me glad when they say let us go up to the house
of the Lord. After trying to rest myself four or five weeks, a brother
preacher, in company with brother Steward’s widow and myself, visited the
Indians, she having lived nine years in Sandusky. We heard them preach in
their own language, but I could only understand when he said Jesus Christ
or God, and the interpreter had gone to conference. I spoke to them in
English, was entertained in an Indian family, and that very kindly,
after which I shook the dust off my feet and left them in peace. Thank
the Lord for Urbana. The Elder appointed a camp-meeting at Hillsborough;
it was nothing to boast off; after which I turned towards Philadelphia.
Brother Rains paid my stage fare on to Springfield; there I endeavored
to speak to a small and very quiet congregation; from thence to Columbus
and paid seven dollars and a half, and left for Wheeling; stopped at a
camp-meeting at the request of the Wheeling friends, but it seemed that
both the golden wedge and Babalonish garment was there, as the wheel
could not turn, for Christ said I could not do many mighty works on
account of your unbelief; the Devil was at work, but the Lord was above.
I spoke at Wilkesbarre to both white and colored, Baptists and
Methodists, and had an invitation to preach in the afternoon, had good
congregations, and tears of contrition were visible in many places. I
had life and liberty. I next visited Wheeling, stopped a few days and
labored several times, which was much blessed, and the Elder organized a
new class of twenty-one young men, brother and myself led them the first
time, and they seemed very zealous. But in a few months the severity of
the Laws stopped their religious privileges, which is an honor to any
people; while sin is a reproach to any Nation. I then paid $10 and took
passage to Hagerstown. My health was poor. Passengers consisted of three
white ladies, members of the Episcopal Church, and one old gentleman, (a
Deist) 73 years of age, who would reproach Religion, until I told him
that Solomon spoke of a man 70 years of age, and called him a fool,—and
exhorted him to get religion; for God’s name is worthy to be praised
by all intelligent beings. I have found Him to be a strong hold in the
day of trouble. We arrived at Hagerstown in eight or ten days. We had a
Meeting House there. I met the Elder, Joseph Harper, Deacon John Cornish.
Had good Meetings; a visit of the Holy Ghost. The house was crowded, and
many hundred sinners struck to the heart,—back-sliders were reclaimed—and
believers built up in the most Holy Faith. Praise God for so much. I
spoke to a very respectable congregation of white people about eleven
miles distant.
“Go, preach my Gospel saith the Lord,
Bid the whole world my grace receive;
He shall be sav’d that trusts my word,
He shall be damn’d that won’t believe.”
I then took my passage for Fredericktown. The Society was small, but
willing to encourage the Gospel of Christ. We had meeting in a large
upper room of a building; the congregation was of both white and colored
persons. I felt life and liberty, and an increase of my labors. In about
ten days sinners were awakened—backsliders reclaimed—and believers built
up in the most Holy Faith. The white Preachers threatened to turn them
out of their Church for going to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I thought when war commenced it was time to run. Oh! what prejudice and
stupidity: for love is the fulfilment of the Law.
We had a remnant of our Connexion from Virginia, years before, but
through some contention among themselves, the owner of the Church took it
from them, run up a chimney in the centre of the house, and rented it out
to different families to live in. He also went into the yard, kick’d over
the head and foot boards of the graves, and levelled them down, and made
a garden of the grave-yard. But the Lord afflicted him even unto death,
and he was buried a day or two before I arrived at Frederick-town.
But God has a people everywhere; a remnant that never has bowed their
knee to Baal. A Lutherian brother, (minister,) interceded in their
behalf, (the Church being offered for sale,) and receiving One Hundred
Dollars from the Trustees’ hands, bought it in for them, and a firm Deed
being made for the Trustees, the Elder taking charge of it. So much, for
Delivering Grace.
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His foot-steps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.”
I next started for Washington City; took passage in the stage about 1
o’clock in the afternoon, and arrived about 1 o’clock in the morning, and
the clerk of the office conveyed me to a very respectable colored family,
(Mr. Adam’s’) who kindly received me, and continued so to do, but I met
my antagonist in that place, who strove to stop my Ministerial Mission;
but Right is more than Might. Bishop Allen being a man of renown, and
having Grace abounding in his heart, he sent a letter to his son-in-Law
who resided in that place, to intercede for me during my stay, which he
did. Truly, the way seemed somewhat dark at first. I saw revivals among
the members, though the congregation was small, the Lord raised me up
plenty of friends among them, for God is all in all. The Elder in charge
was not to be seen until the last Sabbath I was there. He preached in the
morning, but I was ashamed of his conduct towards me, through prejudice,
while he was a leading man for the people. Reader, judge for thyself. But
my God gave me a part and lot in this matter, saying, “Behold, I send you
as Sheep among Wolves, be not afraid:—Lo! I am with you always;—even unto
the end of the world.” Praise God for his endurable promises. In a few
days I left for Baltimore in stage. Some part of the route was by Rail
Road. Pleasant journey; arrived safe in Baltimore, engaged a colored
man’s hack, which conveyed me to Mrs. A. H.’s, to whom I ever shall feel
indebted; for herself and family were some of my warmest-hearted friends.
Truly, I must say “the Lord remembered me in my lowest state.” The Elder
and Preachers of Baltimore with one accord, gave me appointments, and
we had prosperous Meetings. We had a female speaker there, who seemed
very zealous. I asked permission to take her into the pulpit, which was
granted, and she spoke much in the spirit of God—which was attended with
power, she being a woman of God; deportment graceful, and her ideas in
Scripture very correct, and they were all very much pleased with her.
She was a Teacher in the Sabbath School, at which place she often took
occasion to extend her usefulness in speaking for the cause of God, for
which she suffered much opposition, even from her husband; although he
was a Preacher of the Gospel, she encountered severe trials. Next I left
Baltimore for Philadelphia, my home, and found my friends all well; and
my only son also, was well, and remained with Rev. Bishop Allen, where
I left him before I went away. After being absent for two years and
six months, I found Bishop Allen in very ill health, but he ever had
continued with unwearied interest in my son’s welfare, by sending to
school, and otherwise improving him in education; by which he has made
considerable improvements therefrom; which give me great reconciliation
of mind; one thing lacking, which was a trade. But finally, Rev. Bishop
grew nearer and nearer his time of departure,—prior to which he was
much interested for the good of my son in getting a trade, but it being
the winter of 1830, he concluded to keep him until spring; but the Rev.
Bishop coming to the steep of time, departed this life March 26th, 1831,
after seeing 72 years in a world of affliction. Immediately afterwards I
placed my son with a French gentleman, with whom he stayed and learned
the Cabinet-making business in this city. This is the way I have got
along after getting my son to a trade. I felt myself to be like a poor
pilgrim indeed; wandering through this world so wide; having to travel
among strangers, and being poor and destitute; I was sorely tempted. My
money was gone, my health was gone, and I measurably without a home. But
I rested on the promises of God. “They that put their trust in me shall
never be confounded.” Without having a dollar to help myself, I saw the
Lord would verify his promise, bless his name for it.
I stopped a few weeks with my sister and Dr. Burton; boarded with her,
and he seeing my debilitation of body, rendered medical assistance, which
helped me much; but I was unable to labor and preach for some months.
After my business of 1831 had been accomplished, I felt it my duty to
visit my aged Parent, whom I had not seen for eleven years. At length I
started on my journey for Cape May, West Jersey, in the following way:
By Steam Boat to Salem, N. J., and preached in the African M. E. Church
to a good congregation, and we had a comfortable waiting upon the Lord.
Some signs followed the preaching of the Cross of Christ; the people were
very kind. From thence by Stages to Greenwich, and spoke with the Elder
to a very humble people; a great display of God’s power, six joined the
Church, seven were baptized, and others fell to the floor and cried for
mercy; thank God for it.
On Monday morning I left for Bridgeton; we having no Society there,
I preached in the Court House to a large assembly of different
denominations. I felt a degree of liberty in speaking, and I then stopped
a few days with them, and was kindly received and entertained. I then
proceeded on to Fair-field, and endeavored to labor for them at 11
o’clock, Sabbath morning, and at 3 o’clock, P. M. to crowded houses of
respectable and quiet congregations, and the Lord poured out his spirit
upon us and we had a solemn waiting in his presence, for which my soul
rejoices even now.
I next went on to Port Elizabeth, which was very thinly inhabited, some
two or three very respectable families there with only three persons
belonging to Church; among them a Sqr., Brick, a man of ability. Through
him the Church was opened for me, and I preached two Sermons to large
congregations of respectable inhabitants of the place, in which I placed
myself as in my Saviour’s hand, and staying there as clay in the hands
of the Potter. I had liberty, whilst I could hear the humble groans of
the people, which caused my breast to swell as with pure Seraphic joy. I
bless the Lord, that the Gospel has never been left without a witness.
Wisdom is justified of her children saith our Lord; if it was not so,
thousands of Christians would have sunk in despair; but now and then I
come across a great many whose sins were cancelled, and in whom pride was
destroyed, and respecters of persons were not known. Among such, God will
prosper the labors of his servants. “God knows the proud afar off, but
his Saints are beloved in his sight.” I next proceeded to Goshen; there I
found my aged mother, who I had not seen for eleven years, well in health
and very active. But above all the rest, enjoying Religion, the love
of God in the soul; which is more than the Gold of Opher; though poor,
making many rich. Truly, she dropped many aged tears on account of my
exposures in travelling, but I strove to compose her by the word of God,
which tells us “in this world we shall have tribulation, but in him we
shall have peace.” ’Tis there, the Christian’s warfare ends, and sorrow
cannot come. We dropped a few tears of gratitude with uplifted hearts to
Almighty God for bringing us together once more in the flesh.
But my work soon again commenced. I preached in a dwelling house the
next; in Goshen School-house, to both white and colored; and was assisted
by the prayers of some humble souls, and felt both life and liberty. My
colored brethren held a protracted meeting. Some were Baptists and some
Methodists. But all one in Christ. I think I never saw a greater display
of God’s eternal power; it was somewhat inexpressible: Glory to God for
it. Four miles from there I preached in the Court House to a congregation
of different denominations, and the house was crowded. Text—28th Chap.
of St. Matt. 18th and 19th verses. On the following Sabbath I spoke
in a School-house to a white Methodist congregation. We had a weeping
time in the afternoon of the same day. Spoke to my own people, and
the Lord blessed several souls. It was a time long to be remembered.
Truly a sword that is so often whetted, must keep Sharp, but in the
midst of difficulties it appeared the word had its more perfect effect.
After feeling I had discharged my duty towards God in that part of his
vineyard, I returned home and spent the winter in Philadelphia, but very
much afflicted. But in the midst of it my peace was like a river.
Some time in February 1832, the Lord sent two friends to take me out of
town to visit a part of his vineyard, and they thought it would improve
my health. I rode about twenty-two miles,—grew worse again—but medicine
was applied which proved effectual. I spent a few weeks, preached in the
Free Church in Norristown, three or four times, built by a lady of the
Church of England, for all, or any that preach Christ and Him crucified.
Having gained my health, I returned in peace to Philadelphia, where I
labored under some difficulties until the middle of May: After which
I took a journey with a sister preacher for about two or three weeks,
and truly the Lord blessed her labors abundantly, and my heart rejoiced
to witness the out-pouring of the Spirit of that Gospel visit with a
Hand-Maiden of the Lord. The Scriptures are fulfilled as spoken of by
the Prophet Joel, Chap. 27th, 2nd verse. “Ye shall know that I am in the
midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord, your God, and none else, and
my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterwards,
that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your
daughters shall Prophecy. Your old men shall dream dreams, and your
young men shall see visions.” In 1831, a young man who professed to be
righteous, says he saw in the sky men, marching like armies, whether
it was with the naked eye, or a Vision by the eye of Faith, I cannot
tell. But the wickedness of the people certainly calls for the lowering
Judgments of God to be let loose upon the Nation and Slavery, that
wretched system that emanated from the bottomless pit, is one of the
greatest curses to any Nation.
June 1832, my mind was led to travel towards the east part of New Jersey,
through Trenton, N. J., &c., and I preached three or four times, and
found considerable consolation. The Elder made me appointments about two
or three miles in the country, where there were a class of Methodists.
There was a white came next morning to invite me to speak for them the
next Sabbath afternoon, and himself proposed to make me a collection. I
thus, truly, saw a way made for me I knew not, for I had but three or
four cents in my pocket. Yet I had not mentioned it; but according to
promise, after I had spoken, their contribution for me amounted to four
or five Dollars; which aided me on my journey. So much for trusting in
God. I then went to Princeton. Not much success there, the Society being
small. Preached three or four times there. Left for New-Brunswick, and
had very good meetings; more praying people, and had more life and power
among them, and the Word of God had its effect. And the Judgments of
God was in the land, the Cholera was taking away the people by scores.
An awful day to them that had no God with them in death. It carried a
sword with two edges, it cut right and left, took Saint and sinner, noble
and ignoble, white and colored. It showed equality in my God’s Decree;
where he speaks of “all men.” I next left for Rahway,—still coming among
strangers, but was kindly received by friends, both colored and white,
of different orders, without distinction. I saw a large field open
before me, and a plenty of labourers wanted in that part of God’s moral
Vineyard. I commenced to obey the Spirit of God, and had great liberty,
both in Word and Doctrine. I stopped six weeks, and the Elder only once
preached. The people dying fast: News came into town from New York that
great mortality was prevailing,—the people dying at the rate of 120 to
160 a day. It was truly alarming, but we were highly favored in Rahway,
there being only about four or five cases; and among them it clearly
shown that God had no respect for persons. One poor colored man, who had
used too much ardent spirits, was boasting about 8 o’clock that Cholera
could do nothing with him; but while harnessing the horse for the family
to go to church only two hours after, being 10 o’clock, A. M., he was
seized with cramps, carried into the barn, and several Doctors sent for
who remained with him, he having no friends. But at last, there being
no hope for him by 8 o’clock P. M., the Doctors requested some colored
Methodist family to let him die in their house, which was cheerfully
acceded to, and he died about 12 o’clock, and was buried before day-light
the same morning. A very rich man also died who was buried in splendor in
day light, but the poor beggar was hurried away at night; yet they both
died wicked. A short notice indeed. But Oh! their end, their dreadful end.
I still continued to labor, and witnessed good revivals. When the
President’s Proclamation went out for a General Fasting throughout the
United States on account of the Judgment of God, it was obeyed by all
denominations, and of course came under our notice,—and we having no
Elder in that place, held it ourselves,—and it fell to my lot to give a
Sermon on that occasion, which I did through some embarrassment, from
St. Matt. chap. 24th, 21st and 22d vrs. And the Spirit of the Lord was
upon me, and the Scriptures opened to my mind. The stammering tongue was
loosed, and the feast truly glorious. At night we held Prayer-meetings,
and so continued until I felt at liberty to leave them. I then proceeded
on to New York. On my arrival I called on the Elder, S. T⸺, and was
kindly received by him, and after a few days he gave me an appointment
in Brooklyn Church, it having been near six years since I had spoken
to that people. But while filling several successive appointments I
saw signs of much good being done in the name of the Holy Child Jesus,
which was owned with one accord. When entering the pulpit, the Bible
being torn, I was deprived of finding the Text. A young gentleman of
the Episcopal Methodist Church being present, took occasion on my next
appointment to present the Church with a large new Bible. So much for the
principles of Christianity. The Elder also gave me three appointments in
the Bethel Church, New York, at Asberry, in Allen st. upper part of the
city,—several times in Flushing Church, and attended a Love-Feast, where
the people spoke in the Spirit. Praise God for it.
I then returned to New York again, feeling my strength much renewed in
the inward man Christ Jesus, I saw a large want of labor there, as the
Prophet Ezekiel said: “I saw the river rise to the loins of a man.”
After laboring about six weeks and seeing it was not in vain; with the
approbation of the Brethren and in answer to a good conscience. Oh! that
I had language to express my mind while I hold my pen in hand. But had
I the tongue of an Hannah, whilst she spoke to Eli! I could not express
the revelation of Jesus; but the bodily strength seemed to fail fast.
I then returned to Philadelphia, rested four days and was called to
Salem, N. J., and after preaching two or three times crossed the Bay
for St. Georges, a town in the State of Delaware, and preached twice
by invitation of the citizens, and also by request I spoke in Delaware
City. Here a horse, gig and driver being provided for me, I rode four
or five miles in the evening and preached to a large congregation of
white and colored persons. Good behaviour, but no particular display
of God’s power. I returned the same night to St. Georges, and spent a
few days with my sister, whom I had not seen for eleven years previous.
I left there a few days before Christmas for Philadelphia, where I
remained until January 1, 1833. After which I started, in company with
another sister for New Hope, Pa. We held meetings in Frankford, then I
proceeded to Ben-Salem; from thence to Attleboro’. The Elder, P. S.,
was on that circuit, he cordially gave me appointments, and we were
caused to rejoice. The Devil was also at work, setting up difficulties
like mountains high, but having a skilful Pilot I steered between the
rocks. The Church, having been in a seven years law suit, was gained
by the African M. E. Connexion. A brother, L. I⸺, conveyed us seven
miles, and I attended an appointment which was visited by the Spirit of
the Holy Ghost. Sister C⸺ followed in exhortation and the meeting was
closed by a brother—a crowded house—and were requested to hold another.
But we appointed the next in Holmesburgh, which was alike prosperous.
After which I returned to Philadelphia, and there remained until July 2,
at which time I left for Canada, being a second visit to my scattered
nation, for which I felt a painful impression. For more than six years
the first stop was in New York, from there to Albany, where I remained
three or four weeks, but the Church was wading through deep waters. I
had, long before, felt a great anxiety to publish my religious experience
and exercise to a dying world, but, laboring under the disadvantages of
education, I thought it a favour to pay $5 to have a portion of it taken
from the original of my own registering, and corrected for press. By
special request I visited Troy and found a christian spirited minister,
Rev. Wm. Bishop, with a lively society, and I spoke for them—the Lord was
with us, and gave seed to the sower and bread to the eater, at different
times; and, the next Sabbath I preached my Farewell sermon, and on Sunday
night I held prayer meeting in the Church, and on the next Saturday
I left for Schenectady, preached in the Presbyterian Church twice on
Sunday, and was kindly entertained; after which I left on Monday for
Utica, and arrived there next morning about sunrise. I spoke for them on
Thursday evening, also on Sunday afternoon to crowded houses of lively
Christians, and they administered to my necessities to assist me in
travelling. I felt a great liberty in the gospel. From there I proceeded
to Rochester, where I arrived, after being two days and a night on the
Canal, and found Elder Graham with a prosperous Church, which seemed as
though his labors were much blessed. But, alas! the Devil crept in—he
left them—they became scattered, the old trustees died, and the other
connexion caught them. But during my stay they added several to the
Church. I then left for Little York in Canada, which was one day’s sail
across the Lakes; the passage was very rough that day. I was directed to
Brother Brown’s, the preacher, and was kindly received by himself and
wife. I preached on Sabbath morning and afternoon, and that day we had a
shout in the Camp of Israel. Praise God, the mission was both owned and
received. After speaking several times and holding prayer meetings, I
left them for Niagara, spoke three times. From there to St. David, and
preached to a respectable congregation of whites and colored persons.
Six years before this I visited Niagara and there was a large society of
the A. M. E. Connexion, but at this time the very Chapel was gone, the
minister dead, the people scattered and backslid. I, finding only two
or three members at this time and no school, and children coming up in
sin, then left for St. Catharine; spoke three times, but no particular
revival, there were some who wished to be lords among God’s heritage, and
the work seemed stagnated, but they used me well, and I left them with
peace of mind, in discharging my duty, for George, and spoke on Sabbath
morning to a white and colored congregation in a school-house—wonderful
time indeed—some shouted, some mourned, others sought for mercy, and I
felt the Holy Ghost upon me, glory, glory, glory to God. After I helped
to lead the class, I was insisted upon specially to preach a child’s
funeral sermon, before the corps left the house, a curious circumstance,
which was caused by the following incident: Seven years before I had
preached in the neighborhood, to a great mixed multitude, after which I
was invited to dine by this person, on which visit this child was born,
or on that day; after some little hesitation on my part, I accepted the
invitation and preached from the 2d Book of Samuel, “I shall go to him,
but he shall not return to me.” It was a very solemn time—the corps was
then taken to the Church of England, and laid before the altar, the
clergy spake over it, and very much to the purpose, without partiality,
and then committed it to the breathless grave. On Thursday night I
filled an appointment at a brother’s house, the Lord was there. On the
next Sabbath I rode seven miles, preached and helped to lead class, and
the next week I left in stage for Little York, but stopped in Niagara,
preached several times and paid a visit to a new society of Wesleyan
Methodists, also then returned to York again, and preached for a society
of Baptists, a very quiet and attentive congregation, with one exception.
Text, by grace ye are saved through faith, that’s not of yourselves,
it’s the gift of God. The Devil is always busy in his agency as in the
following: a school-teacher was present in the congregation who, after
I concluded my subject, arose to contradict my argument, he became
very much excited and red in his face, but while he was on his feet I
expressed a desire of the congregation not to notice his reply, and they
accordingly treated it with contempt, which caused him to desist with
all his prejudices against women. The people were very kind. From thence
by steamboat, I proceeded to Hambleton, which was 50 miles; I found no
colored society in that place, but the children went to school; about two
miles from there I found a class, and, by permission of the trustees,
on Wednesday evening, I spoke in the Methodist Chapel, to a small
congregation, from a very short notice, but the Lord owned His Word.
After the close of the meeting, an English gentleman and his lady invited
me to go home and lodge one night at their house, which I did, and they
exhibited a great degree of benevolence towards me; may God reward them
for it. On Sabbath morning I spoke to my own people, and afterwards led
class and found the same one God owned them in worship also. I saw that
seed must be sown accordingly. I spoke in the afternoon, and the Lord
made himself manifest by His Spirit in great display; the people, though
very poor, were exceedingly kind; one of the brother preachers, conveyed
me to Dundas and Flamburg, west. I preached to a large congregation in
the white Methodist Chapel. We had an humble waiting upon the Lord. From
there I went to Ancaster, there the Lord prepared a friend to take care
of me through the winter. I preached several times and met many friends
whom I had seen in Cincinnati; some gifted preachers there, but no elder
to preside. There were many of our society there, called from place to
place, which had been scattered like sheep without a shepherd—it truly
was heart-rending to hear them lamenting the loss of their shepherd who
was deceased. The brethren kept a watch meeting on Christmas eve. We
enjoyed the meeting and spent the night like St. Paul; the next day it
fell to my lot to fill an appointment which I did with both life and
liberty, (praise God for it) from the 2nd chap. of St. Luke, verses
10, 11. I felt my mind lead me to a village called Ammonsburg, on Lake
Ontario, on what was called the Bush side, but I kept it with myself and
the Lord, and kept travelling and preaching as the Lord gave ability.
Brother S. Lewis was much interested at my anxiety for that people’s
welfare, and also Brother Wm. Edwards, a gospel preacher, who had been
instrumental in civilizing and christianizing many of the natives whom
I saw in Brantford, an Indian town on the Mohawk river, where a number
of the natives lived along the river side, in the woods formed churches
of societies of different denominations, ours excepted, and having
no Methodist Church, a gentleman, seeing the necessity of a place of
worship for us, gave us the privilege of a large house to worship in
several times; truly it was cold, but we had many comfortable meetings,
and very many solemn impressions made on a number of the minds of those
present; afterwards I left for Buffalo. The road was so rough that it
caused me to be quite sick. I could not stand it to ride 200 miles in
that cold weather, and I continued to preach in and out of town to
different denominations through frost and snow. A gentleman came to me
after the sermon was over, and wished me God’s speed in a very friendly
manner, then quietly withdrew with his ladies in company with him, with
politeness. My mind was on Buffalo, Brother Edwards had not yet formed
any society. I particularly desired him to take my appointment, which he
did, and also read the discipline with proper explanations, wishing to
know who would be subject to the government of the same, and there were
ten persons came forward and consented to be subject as members of our
Discipline. I went to Ancaster, stopped at brother Lewis’ and wife, and
although she was a young married woman, she was very much like a mother
to me. My mind was exercised to go to Ammonsburg, through a gloomy
winter; that night, after serious meditation, I fell asleep, and suddenly
awoke and received the witness that I must go. Next morning I informed
brother Lewis that I must go, and, he, feeling interested for me, had
me conveyed, in a private carriage, that I might travel comfortably.
In the middle of February I left for Chatham, and arrived there on the
26th of the same month, where I found a society scattered, without a
shepherd; some living in the faith of Christ, while others had gone back
to the beggarly elements of the world. Mr. Lightfoot received me very
kindly; his house was open for worship, where I had large gatherings some
five or six times, for a new place. The house being quite commodious,
and Mr. Lightfoot used every endeavor to send me on with the gospel to
others. In April I left for Ammonsburg, there the believers seemed much
strengthened; backsliders reclaimed, and sinners converted to God. Among
which was a woman that had belonged to the Methodists by profession,
having the form of godliness but was destitute of the power, until the
Spirit of God arrested her at this time. After which she ceased her
carnal amusements; quit dancing and went to praying, at which time she
arose on her feet and said that she never saw that dancing was wrong
before now—but she had resolved to serve God in spirit and truth—praise
God for the victory. For three days in Ammonsburg we could scarcely get
any rest, from the effects of the outpouring of the spirit of God, on
both white and colored. I was still more confirmed in mind that my visit
was accepted of my God, who gave me this mission in Christ Jesus. I
stopped with a brother, Jas. McKenney, and his affectionate wife, who had
suffered much in the fear of Jesus. Brother made an appointment for the
next evening for me, which I tried to fill. Text as follows: 16th chap.
of St. Matthew’s Gospel, 26th verse. I was in a strange part of God’s
vineyard, but his power was manifest even there; after which another
appointment was made for Sunday morning, which was alike prosperous, and
I helped to lead class; then spoke in the afternoon and at night with
equal success. My mind was much exercised, seeing the need of schools.
I counted 25 children and some young people whom I loved. I lamented
their obscurity, and advised them to get a white man to teach them, and
endeavored to shew them, that, without the advantages of education they
never would be a moral people, and, in the course of time, their own
children could, by proper advancement, become teachers for themselves.
So I continued in all the towns, finally they caught the spirit and
commenced in the following places; in Ancaster they chose their trustees
to build a house for school, and likewise to preach in, at Brantford,
at Chatham, and St. Catharine. Some went to St. David’s and Toronto,
to Sabbath Schools, and in the week also; colored and white, all went
together. After the course of two or three weeks, a colored teacher
came to the last named place and established a school of between 30 or
40 scholars (after being examined and found competent) which improved
the manners of the people very much, and they worshipped in their own
Chapels. Their own preachers, exhorters, and class-leaders (colored).
There was a young sister that wished to travel with me a little way,
and brother McKenney furnished us with a driver and conveyance, and the
friends received us very kindly, and, to my astonishment, we were given
appointments by the trustees of the Church. I spoke from the following
text, By grace ye are saved through faith, that is not of yourselves, but
it is the gift of God. A Friend, W⸺, was there, who was ever ready to
oppose the Methodists; he was a Baptist preacher, and would invite the
Methodists to preach for them, and then get up and contradict them; he
wished me to come and preach for them, but I felt no spirit of contention
in religion and I declined. Our own people were talking of forming a
union with the Canadian Methodists who were a branch of the Old Episcopal
Methodists, that was raised by the missionaries from America; this being
the time of the split, but some would leave to the Wesleyan Methodists.
I preached five or six different times in this village for several
Sabbaths two sermons a day, in which the Lord gave ability. We continued
our meetings as usual, and invited the old ministers to visit us, which
they did; and one of them gave an exhortation after me, and God’s power
filled the house and the guilty were alarmed, while believers rejoiced in
hope of a better resurrection. I left that morning, rode five miles with
a friend, and on Wednesday afternoon preached again—signs and wonders
followed—after which I continued to visit the sick the remainder of the
week, and on Sabbath day I rode five miles again to the Chapel, and
filled an appointment in the afternoon for the last time as I thought,
but the Lord seen best, and I was retained another week; the next Sabbath
I filled an appointment from the following text: Finally, brethren, pray
for us that the word of the Lord have free course and be glorified even
as it is with you; which was my Farewell Sermon. After which I returned
to Ammonsburg in the fear of God; where I preached several times and saw
many manifestations of the operations of the Spirit of grace, and, on
the following Sabbath, Brother A⸺ made an appointment for me six miles
distant, and one also for 6 o’clock in the evening; we had a very hard
ride through the swamp, and met a large gathering both in and out of
doors, and sinners were cut to the heart, and cried aloud for mercy,
which was a joyful sound to believers in Christ Jesus. The next evening
I spoke again from Isaiah, chap. 59 ver. 1; and several of the nobility
taking into consideration my necessities, contributed to me the sum of
$5. We had a quiet waiting upon the Lord; after which I and a sister that
was with me, called on Mr. Gardiner and he collected some subscriptions
and added to the former sum, for which, I trust, God will reward all
the cheerful givers, as they were very generous. I held prayer-meetings,
visited the sick, and passed many joyful moments of sweet communion
especially in one sister’s company, who was a member of the National
Church in Ammonsburg.
But in affliction she enjoyed the Spirit’s grace, and, in May, 1834,
we parted as for eternity, and I trust to meet her where parting will
be no more, neither will any of us shake the parting hand, for we have
had sweet communion together, in spiritual exercises. Dear reader,
think not that I am going to heaven as in golden slippers, for I have
various trials to encounter while travelling over this world so wide,
but I feel willing to suffer for the cause of God, after which I shall
(if faithful) meet many of my friends that have communed with me in the
Spirit, where we never, never shall shake the parting hand—these are the
consolations in affliction as described in Rev. chap. 12, 11th verse.
And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their
testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death; and whilst I move
my pen my soul rejoices in God my Redeemer. Having filled my mission I
parted with my friends in joy. I sailed for Detroit city, 18 miles, then
bid adieu to British shores, not knowing that I should ever step on them
again. I was kindly received on American possessions by a respectable
family from Cincinnati, a Mr. D⸺. I felt there was a work for me to do
in that part of God’s vineyard. I arrived on Tuesday and on Thursday
evening we had a comfortable meeting at the usual place. I met with much
encouragement in laboring for the Lord, and many impressions were made on
the minds of the hearers. The evening previous to my landing I saw some
of the American affliction towards the people of color, such as mobbing,
theft and destruction. Wo unto the inhabitants of the earth and the sea,
for the Devil is come down unto you. On the following Sabbath morning,
10 o’clock, I preached again, then lead class—a soul reviving time,
indeed—at 7 o’clock, P. M. I preached again, and the house was crowded to
overflowing, it not being sufficient to hold the people. Text as follows:
And the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached unto all the world for
a witness, and then shall the end come. After which we visited a prayer
meeting held by the stationed minister in the white Church, which was
truly comfortable. On the next Sabbath I had an appointment made for me
on the British side in a dwelling house, but, it not being sufficient
to hold the people, the Episcopal Methodists opened their session-room
which was larger and well crowded with various denominations. Text, 1st
chap. St. John; ver. 45. The Lord touched my tongue as with a live coal
from his altar, and we had a good time as from the hand of the Lord,
and the Amens of the preachers, elders, and leaders, helped to swell
the theme of rejoicing. Glory to God, we had all things common. But now
feeling my mission ended I waited for the first opportunity and took
passage for Buffalo. Three hundred and sixty miles on Lake Ontario, and,
I must say, the most uncomfortable passage I ever experienced, although
the boat was commodious, yet they treated the people of color very
indifferently indeed, as regards their accommodation, and yet charged
them a high price, I having paid $4.50. After two uncomfortable days’
and nights’ sail, we arrived at Buffalo wharf about six o’clock, A. M.
Six years had elapsed since I had been in Buffalo, which was the first
time, but during my absence many changes had taken place, the loss of
some of my particular friends by death and other moveable causes. But I
found a Mrs. Davis, who was a great friend indeed to the people of God.
I felt my mission truly in this part of His vineyard—there were a few
of the Episcopal Methodists, but no established society. The Baptist
denomination had the majority of the people, they opened their places
of worship and I preached and held prayer meetings three or four times
among them, which was attended with considerable success. I also had the
pleasure of meeting an anti-slavery society where I heard some very able
discussions on the rights of the oppressed, and also clear demonstrations
of the cruelty of the slave-holder, which was exposed with all its horror
by a young man by the name of L⸺, but was greatly opposed by the Judge
of the city, after which the young man arose to his feet the second time
in which it seemed nothing escaped his exposure. I, about this time had
written from Buffalo to Philadelphia (as it was shown me by the Spirit
that my son had embraced religion) to know the fact of the matter, as I
was some hundred miles from home and received the satisfactory answer
by letter from his own hand, which explained his conviction—the length
of the distress of his mind—the severity of which had caused him to
seek opportunity to put an end to his own existence, but in the act he
was told to try to pray once more, by the voice of the Spirit, which he
consented to do, but concealed his intention from the people, which had
been suggested by the Devil, to take his own life, and it would be all
over. In this extremity it was God’s opportunity by his act of obedience
to convert his soul, after bringing him to the ground like a Saul of
Tarsus, and now stands as a living witness that God has power on earth to
forgive sin.
O Reader, you may only imagine the joy of my heart at such language as
this from my only son, whom, it seemed, God had left as a comfort to me
in my old age, more especially after not having had any communication
from him for eight months, and then he was very ill which made my cross
seem very heavy, but I trusted in God, although I expected to hear of
his death when I did hear any thing, but, on my knees at a brother and
sister L⸺’s at family prayer was shown these things by revelation of
Spirit, which caused me to get up off my knees and I exclaimed aloud, the
Lord has converted the soul of my son, for which we had a shout around
the room, and then comes the letter as a witness of the same from his
own written composition. I scarcely knew how to praise the Lord enough,
and for another reason when I thought that God granted what I had prayed
for, from the days of his childhood, while I travelled the barren wilds,
of lonesome hills, and gloomy vales. But so much for trusting in God
who will not let the prayers of his people pass unnoticed, but is bound
to hear and answer when they pray aright. Praise the Lord, O my soul,
magnify his name.
With joy let Judah stand
On Zion’s chosen hill,
Proclaim the wonders of thy hand,
And councils of thy will.
I now began to feel my mission somewhat complete as regards distance,
and therefore concluded to return towards home. A brother and his wife
crossed the Lakes with me for company, I then took the cars, and bid
them adieu. I remained in Rochester a while after my arrival, but, to my
sorrow and surprise, a society that, twelve months previous, was large
and seemed every way prosperous, had nearly dwindled away—the preacher
gone and the people scattered except a resolute few, who were bound to
go through, and that at the risk of their all; and to them I endeavored
to fulfil my mission. I also spoke for the Wesleyan Methodists—they
treated me with christian fellowship. Our Lord said, they that are for
us are not against us, forbid them not—it truly was comfortable. There
was seed to the sower and bread to the eater. I also stopped at Palmyra,
visited the sick and otherwise endeavored to fill my mission. A little
difficulty existed, relative to a slave girl being concealed and taken
away, but while we were at worship the Justice of the Peace was in the
house and every thing seemed quiet. After service, the congregation
quietly withdrew—this was on the 6th of August. On the next day a lady
of color paid for a seat for herself and me, and we took passage on to
Canondagua, 16 miles; there I found a Church and people prosperous. They
received me kindly—my first appointment, 11 o’clock, Sabbath morning;
the word had some impressions, in the afternoon still better, at night
God was his own interpreter, the hallowed fire began to run to sin’s
confusion. I had several appointments through the week, which were alike
prosperous. Although I felt my inability, yet the answer to a good
conscience strengthened me, even in a strange land, and, with Paul, I
can say I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power
of God to every one that believes. I then took stage for Geneva, having
recommendations to these little towns or villages, I found a few members
of the Episcopal Methodists, and also of the Presbyterian denomination;
they were very friendly and opened their house to entertain me—the
colored gentlemen of the vicinity around were building a house for the
Travelling Missionaries to preach in; it was opened for me, and I felt
great liberty in endeavoring to labour for the Lord; tears of contrition
dropped freely; a sister there shewed great hospitality towards me. After
filling three appointments, I left on the third day of the week. I took
stage for Ithaca, having had an invitation from the Rev. H. J⸺ who had
the charge. I arrived about 4 o’clock in the afternoon and was taken to
Elder H. J⸺. Before I entered the town I felt, according to the movings
of the Spirit, that the Lord would pour out his Spirit upon the people,
for which I yet rejoice in hope of a better resurrection. We met in the
unity of the Spirit and continued so with humility—the friends were kind
indeed to me, in and from the noble edifices of the large conveniences,
to the humble cottage of Christian inmates. But an humble heart is better
than a sacrifice. The society was young but was composed of some very
respectable people, and useful citizens. Congregations large, class
lively, and the Spirit of God visited us in abundant measure, which
made the people speak with great confidence in the Lord. Though hard
toiling, yet duty makes labor light; some backsliders reclaimed, sinners
converted, and believers strengthened; while many joined the Church,
which was a sign of some good in the name of the holy child Jesus. After
which my visit closed in peace with God, peace with all men, and the
answer of a good conscience. I was next conveyed by carriage to the
steamboat, and took passage for Albany. Crossing the Seneca river or
lake, where passengers meet the canal boat for Albany, which was my next
stopping place. I was recommended by a gentleman to the captain; took
passage; and after a pleasant voyage of two days and nights, we arrived
at Schenectady, and the next morning we arrived at Albany. The Rev.
Mr. Williams was stationed there; I payed him a visit; the preachers
generally professed a Christian Spirit. The task seemed as though laid
on a Jonah; I preached twice on Sabbath day; and through the aid of Bro.
S. S⸺, I was able to get to New York. Rev. R. W⸺ was one of the oldest
Elders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who has since that
fell in the battle-field, declaring war against the power of Darkness,
and his bones were buried with all the honors of war. Let me live the
life of the righteous and let my last end be like his. On my arrival at
New York, I found the Rev. S. S⸺, Elder, stationed there; I spent three
weeks in that city; I preached in Bethel; in Allen Church several times;
good congregations for that part of the town, but the other was crowded.
I only mention a few texts, 1st Sam. 2d chap. 6th ver.; 3d chap Hebrews,
3 first verses. Brother Jacob Matthews gave me an appointment in Zion
Church, and I felt the Lord, as before mentioned, to be very close to
me. The Rev. T. E⸺ gave me an appointment in Asbury Church on Sabbath
night, text, 3d chap. of St. Matthew, 12th verse, which was a night
long to be remembered by all present; the Lord made bare his arm; some
were arrested under the power of God, and fell to the floor crying for
mercy, while believers were strengthened in the faith of Christ. I also
had appointments in Brooklyn, L. I.; there we were much favored with good
meetings; a number of Old Methodists, with faithful preachers who kept
the flock of Christ alive; and our labors were crowned with success, and
additions to the Church. In the midst of life we are in death. Since I
had been last at this place, previous to my tour in British America,
the young gentleman that manifested such friendship for the Church by
presenting it with a Bible for my appointment, had bid adieu to time and
had gone to the mansions of bliss. The day previous to my arrival, I
stopped at Bro. T⸺’s, one of the oldest standard families that celebrated
the Church of God; his wife, a mother and sister upwards of seventy years
of age; whose character was unblemished, faith firm, although afflicted,
yet cheerful, with a short illness, in September, 1835, left the world
in triumph. I commenced my journey for Canada, in 1832. From the second
day of July to the fifteenth day of October, years following, 1833, I
had preached 138 sermons, and travelled between 27 and 28 hundred miles.
Returned from Brooklyn, and attended a quarterly meeting at Flushing;
Bro. J. S⸺, elder in charge. Saturday evening I gave an exhortation, and
preached Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, the Lord accompanied the word,
and, be it remembered, it will be either a savor of life unto life or
of death unto death. Having finished my visit I felt anxious to go to
Philadelphia; feeling my labors to come to a close for the present. I
arrived safe at home, found my son and friends all well, and then heard
the truth of his conversion, for which I yet give glory to God. I was
three days in the city and left for Salem, N. J., on business; finding
the doors opened to me I preached in the Church; we had a comfortable
waiting upon the Lord, but no particular display of his power. After
which I crossed the bay to New Castle, Del. and then proceeded to see my
long lost sister; this being the second time in forty-two or forty-three
years—there I found a large field of labor. Preached in a school-house
by permission of Mr. S⸺, he being a man of authority, and chief owner
of a large part of the town. I was also sent for to speak in Delaware—a
horse and gig and dinner prepared—I was taken five or six miles, blessed
with a full house and I felt the power from the upper world, and the
Lord was with me. After two days visit my mind being easy, I rested, and
on the third day I left for Philadelphia; finding all well, I remained
for a few days, and then left for the Rev. R. R⸺’s circuit, and found
him a Christian and a gentleman. I first hailed Burlington, and met the
ministerial order of Brethren, who received me with joy.
The Vineyard of the Lord before the laborer lies.
We had several very good meetings; I then crossed over to Bristol and
spoke once or twice in a dwelling-house, at which time the Lord verified
his promises, which are, I will hearken unto. I proceeded on my journey
to Trenton, which was Elder Robinson’s Circuit. Two or three days after
this he arrived in the city. On Sabbath morning he preached and was much
favored by the Spirit of the Lord. At night I preached and felt joy in my
soul; from there he gave me other appointments. My mind was cleared and
the Scriptures opened themselves to my mind and I felt strengthened; some
shouted, others wept. I feel the holy influence of that fire now, while
my pen makes record of the same to a dying world. Let the inhabitants of
the rocks sing, and let them shout as from the top of the mountains. I
preached another sermon from the 59th chap. of Isaiah, 12th verse. The
fire kindled some where, and the hearty amens that ascended the hill
of the Lord seemed to strike guilt to the hearts of sinners. I helped
to lead class. O, the worth and value of precious souls which cause me
oft to mourn. I preached again from the 22d chap. of Rev. 1st ver. The
prayers of God’s people helped me, and the power of God, like the dew of
heaven, was let down upon us, and the sower and reaper rejoiced together,
independent of various opposition. I also spoke from Romans, 1st chap.
16th ver., and spoke three times on Sabbath day; and I felt more strength
at the last appointment than I did at the first, which proves the
assertion of Scripture, freely give and freely receive. I also visited
the sick, after which they gave me some appointments at Princeton, a hard
part of the vineyard. I had my talent and to use it I was not ashamed,
although the substance seemed to be lost—full houses. The Presbyterian
friends were very kind to me and received me with Christian friendship.
The weather cold, and travelling hard, through wintry storms to pass. The
first text, Let the dead bury the dead. It seemed a little astonishing,
especially to the brethren. I continued, and on different times filling
appointments. From thence to Brunswick; and one of the coldest days, rode
sixteen miles; the Lord was with me, and I had great liberty of speech;
a church and a large congregation; and the power of God was more fully
manifest than at Princeton; and the Lord added such to the Church as, I
trust, will be eternally saved. I remained there to labor for the Lord
two or three weeks, and there was a general revival throughout in prayer
meetings, both of male and female, and in class meetings; not my labors,
reader, but the merit belongs to God alone.
Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him;
Praise him all ye stars of light;
Sun and moon rejoice before him,
Praise him, angels in your heights.
After my return to Philadelphia in December, 1835, I saw a large field
open to my view, it being a strong place, and many different spirits to
contend with, I endeavored to commend this portion of sacred Writ: Job,
22d chap. 10th ver., But he knoweth the way I take; when he hath tried
me I shall come forth as gold; again, Rev. 3d chap., 8th ver., and I
seemed much troubled, as being measurably debarred from my own Church
as regards this privilege I had been so much used to; I could scarcely
tell where to go or stay in my own house. I said, Lord, where shall I go?
and was directed to brother Murray, Elder then of Little Wesley Church,
and when coming to his house he expressed his astonishment at my coming
out through the inclemency of such weather, I paused, then told him I
was sent to him and knew not for what; he said I know—then he gave me an
appointment on Sunday night, and on the following Wednesday evening; from
there I received an appointment at Zoar Church, by the elder, and the
Lord converted one soul, which caused me still more to rejoice in God my
Saviour; from that the elder of Wesley Church gave me an appointment and
I preached to a large congregation, and felt strong in the cause of my
God. My call seemed chiefly in Philadelphia. In the year 1835 I travelled
721 miles, and preached 692 sermons. I also spoke in Bethel Church; some
false brethren. They that are not for us are against us, and if they are
against God’s ministry, whether male or female, they are against God,
who says I send by whom I will, for all are one in Christ Jesus. May
the Lord pardon their errors, and make them be careful how they handle
edged tools. In 1836 I travelled 556 miles, and preached 111 sermons;
and felt under much exercise to print a book, and I had some friends
to encourage me, such as the Rev. R. R⸺, and the Bishop, with others;
and every circumstance was so favorable that I finally succeeded, and
when they were brought home, I sat down in the house and wondered how I
should dispose of them; to sell them appears too much like merchandize.
While in this situation it was suggested to my mind, you must pay for
them, or it will do more harm to the Gospel than if you had not printed
them. But to myself, (if not printed) would be the scourge of a guilty
conscience before the Lord. At 4 o’clock, P. M., my mind was directed
to a Presbyterian sister, and on my way I met Bishop Allen’s widow who
bought one, and that afternoon I sold one dollar and fifty cents’ worth.
The Lord so blessed the offering of that work to the world, that in less
than four months I paid sixty dollars through God’s assistance, for the
expenses which gave me great tranquility of mind, and caused me to feel
still more like wearing out in the service of God. Various are the ways
through the interposition of Providence that I succeeded in disposing of
that little work, viz.: camp-meetings, quarterly meetings, in the public
streets, &c. Praise God for his mercies as well as his graces.
After this I started for a Camp-meeting, near Baltimore. On my arrival
I received two appointments, and after the Bishop came, still more was
given to me, and at one time the power of God arrested an individual
and he cried aloud, fell out of the door and was reclaimed. I preached
three sermons in the African M. E. Church, and God gave us souls at
every meeting, and my heart rejoiced to see sinners coming to God.
Notwithstanding I had my opposers I out-live them through the strength
of Him, that yet loves His faithful followers. After seeing so many
displays of the miraculous power of God, I returned to the city of
Baltimore, with peace of conscience. After which my mind was exercised
to go to Elicott’s Mills to preach in the African M. E. Church, and was
accompanied by a dear sister, previously having had conversation with
Bishop Walters he sent a letter to the preacher in charge, who received
me with christian spirit. In the morning I led class and in the afternoon
I had an appointment, and preached from the 5th Chapter of St. Luke, 18th
& 19th verses. A full house, with attentive hearers,—praise God for a
visitation of His Spirit. An humble groan is better than a sacrifice. At
night I spoke from the 7th Chapter of Hebrews, 12th & 13th verses, and
wonderful to relate, if language could, the power of feeling. And well
may it be said that feeling has no fellow. On Thursday night I spoke from
the 61st Chapter of Isaiah, 1st verse: And truly I was anointed. And
one visible sign of the manifestation of the Spirit of God was, an aged
lady was caused to cry aloud, under the distress of mind, and many more,
too tedious to mention. During the whole week, I continued to visit the
sick, &c. One case I here mention as a caution to those who procrastinate
the day of Salvation, which is as follows. By request, I called to see
a Slave-holder of a tyrannical turn, said to be very wicked. But he had
received a summons, served by the officer Death, and I saw it pictured in
his face; previous to which I had heard of his selling two men from their
wives, recently. I asked him what he thought of dying; if he was prepared
to meet the change. He told me he was not. He was very ill, could not
recover, but wanted religion and could not get it; but wished me to have
prayers with him. This I did, but it was of no avail, although it was
truly solemn. I then exhorted him to have faith in the merits of the
blood of Christ, and then left him, a repining subject for eternity.
“Don’t you see how unexpected in my chariot I do ride,
Convulsion fits, Plagues and Fevers, are the weapons by my side.”
_Death._
After this, I returned to Baltimore, and from thence I was conducted
to Springtown, and spoke in the morning, Sunday, 11 o’clock. Text, in
Psalms. No extra display in the afternoon. Brother H. U., held forth to a
very large congregation. At night I preached again. By this time there
was inroads made upon the minds of the people,—they caught the Hallowed
Flame, and some shouted, while others were convicted and reclaimed,
and I was lifted up in Word and Doctrines of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. On Monday night I held a Prayer-meeting,—next morning I
started for Baltimore, quite indisposed, but being once more restored
to health, I preached on the following Sabbath night in Bethel Church,
Baltimore, appointment by Bishop Walters. Text, Acts 18th Chapter, 9th
& 10th verses, with special references, from Chapter 20; 19th, 20th,
21st & 22d verses. On the ensuing Wednesday night I preached again from
Prophet Joel, Chapter 1st., & 1st vers. The slain of the Lord truly was
many. Again I spoke from Hebrews, Chapter 7th; 12th & 13th verses, at
3 o’clock, P. M., and God’s name was glorified. I had great liberty of
speech—bless the Lord. It is a good cause to live in, but better to die
in. It is sweeter than life and stronger than death.
The Bishop gave me an appointment on the following Sabbath night. Text,
from one of Peters’ Epistles, 5th verse. The word preached had its
effect. Three persons were arrested under the power of God and felled to
the floor at once. The grand-mother and her daughter and grand-daughter
cried aloud for mercy. In the meanwhile a gentleman fell on his face and
cried for Sanctification; and there was a general rumbling among the dry
bones. Praise God, for I feel the unction from on high, while I hold my
pen.
I next started for Long Green, a distance of sixteen miles. A sister I⸺
who had been travelling with me, as also brother Dunn, accompanied us. I
spoke from Acts 17, verse 31. Three persons found peace, several under
serious impressions. The word still had a lasting effect, and they sent
for us again. We complied, accompanied by our Rev. brother; although the
morning was very cold, we were blest to get there in time for Church,
and by the help of God, I tried to speak to the people from these words.
“Although you tread upon scorpions and serpents, they shall not hurt you,
having faith.” The word went out and did not return void; for two found
peace that day, and we left some on the floor mourning for redemption in
Christ, while others wore deep symptoms of serious impressions for the
welfare of their souls. We left at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, but the
meeting continued until night. May God continue to water every plant in
Zion. I preached and sold my books, and paid my own way. I returned to
Philadelphia in December. After I arrived my health was much impaired,
and I had a severe spell of sickness. So ended 1836.
I commenced travelling March 11th, 1837. Eight miles from Philadelphia,
I preached three Sermons. Two at Blaketown, N. J., after which I took
Steam-boat for St. Georges, Del., to see my sister; at the request
of Doct. ⸺, he being the main proprietor of the town, I accepted an
appointment and filled it. I then spent a few days with my sister, and
left for Salem, N. J. Preached two Sermons on Sabbath day, two miles
from Salem, and we had a good meeting,—for, where the Lord is, there
is liberty. On Wednesday left for Greenwich, preached three times, and
the Lord was there in power, and my soul witnessed it. From thence I
proceeded to ⸺ and there truly was a revival among the people, which
gave me encouragement to trust in God. From there I proceeded on to
Port Elizabeth, and spoke in the Ebenezer Church, to a very large and
respectable congregation from seventh chapter, Hebrews, 12th & 13th
verses. On Sunday 3 o’clock, P. M., I preached at the same Church, then
I proceeded six miles further and preached one Sermon to the Forgemen,
and tried to give them the Gospel, but I did not feel that liberty
of Spiritual fellowship as I did at many places, to see professing
Christians working hard on the Sabbath at the forge, and then walk into
Church, to keep the Sabbath Holy is, in my opinion, altogether out of
the question. However I returned from that place the same night, and on
Monday I left for Goshen, Cape May, to see my aged mother, then 78 years
of age. I found her happy in the Lord, and my sister also. I preached
three sermons on Cape May and left them as I found them, in the hands
of God. I arrived on my return, at Port Elizabeth on the next Sabbath
morning, filled an appointment both morning and night. Next morning I
took stage for Philadelphia, where I arrived on June 5th, found all
well. Our Conference being held in May, I concluded I must have some
of the Feast. Three or four days after this I proceeded to New York,
from there on to Albany, Elder Williams having charge of the Church. I
preached nine sermons. Some revivals, some joined the Church, and members
strengthened in the Faith of Christ. I also visited Troy, preached three
Sermons there, one for a white congregation. We had a good meeting; and
I was well treated by the friends. On my return to Albany I preached two
sermons—and truly enjoyed myself in the Lord. I then returned to New York
with an appeal to the conscience of every man, as regards my endeavors
to do good,—bless the Lord. Duty makes labor light. My visit was to be
accomplished in New York and Brooklyn. Rev. Wm. C. ⸺, having charge at
both places, gave me appointments. Preached four sermons in New York,
five in Brooklyn and two in Flushing and one in Williamsburg.
Knowing my religious visits were nearly closed for the present, I availed
myself of the opportunity of visiting the different Schools, the most
impressive was that of Mr. Louis Tappan, which I think exceeded all I had
ever seen; the principles in different branches which had been, and in
some instances, are yet hid from the people of color, to deprive them of
their enjoyments, were here taught them, which greatly helped to elevate
them to a position that would command respect through the short voyage
of life. These are the proceeds of vital piety. “Do unto all men, as ye
would they should do unto you.” Love, truly, is the fulfilment of the
Law. O! may the day speedily come when the yoke of oppression shall be
finally destroyed. Under a striking impulse of gratitude, and at the
request of Mr. Tappan, I delivered a short address and then left the
School with the answer to a good conscience. Then leaving New York, I
arrived at New Brunswick, where I was kindly received. Preached three
sermons; truly, the Lord was there in power. Next I proceeded to Rahway,
preached four sermons, and some were added to the church. From that to
Princeton, and preached four sermons. No particular display of God’s
power; yet my soul rejoices in hope of the promise. “If Israel is not
gathered, Jacob shall not lose his reward.” I then left for Trenton, met
a Quarterly Meeting, and the Elder gave me two appointments. His labors
had been very successful on his circuit. I then left for Philadelphia,
and found my friends well. This being the month of November, I remained
a-while in the city. I preached in Bethel Church and the Union also. Dec.
2nd I left for New-Hope, with a sister speaker. She and myself attended
two churches by the permission of the Elder, R. R. ⸺. I preached five
sermons before Christmas, 1st at brother S’s house, 2nd at the Mountain,
and 3rd in the new church; praise God for it. “Long expected, seen at
last.” The 1st text as follows: “Wisdom is justified of her children,”
&c. it was a time long to be remembered. I preached the Watch-Night
sermon Christmas Eve, from Matt. 2nd chap. and 10th verse, and during
my stay until New-Years Eve, there was great good done in the name of
the Holy Child Jesus. In travelling towards Frankford I stopped at
Holmesburg for the purpose of warning some persons of approaching danger,
but finding an intimate friend of mine very ill, I paid her a religious
visit, which gave me much satisfaction to see her resignation unto death.
I purposed leaving next morning for Frankford at 9 o’clock, but she died,
and the Elder and preacher being at a far distance from there, by special
request I attended the funeral, and after a short sermon at the house I
had to commit the body to the earth, as no other person was present to do
it. I then left for Frankford, preached four sermons which was profitable
through God’s grace.
Feb’ry. 16th, I started for Attleboro. I spoke from the following
passages: Romans 6th chap. 21st 22d 23d verses. Also from the 8th
Chapter, 36th & 37th verses. At first it seemed like seed sown in stony
ground, but the deadness began to remove, and life, light and immortality
was come to pass through the preaching of the Cross of Christ. I preached
one sermon in Ben-Salem, and held a prayer meeting, and the Lord
smiled upon us, and truly some had in a measure lost their first love,
and others who had not defiled their garments, but contended for the
fulfilment of the promise. Now, coming towards Philadelphia, I found my
son and my friends all well. After preaching one hundred and forty-six
sermons and travelling nine hundred and ninety-nine miles.
In April, I felt impressed to visit Reading, Pa., which I did, and met
some that I had met with years before, testifying that God is God, and
changes not. I preached five sermons, and truly I must say that the
Gospel is prevailing. Some few years previous there was not one member
of church, now there is a good church and a large society. I now went to
Norristown, spoke five times and led class. A man formerly lived there
that played on the violin, but leaving his place of residence went to
Philadelphia and embraced religion, and was called to go to the people of
that town to preach the gospel to them, and the Lord blessed his labors,
and they now live in hope of a better resurrection.
July 15th, 1838, I left for Westchester, preached two sermons. From there
I went to Chichester, from that to the Valley, laboring as I passed
along to lively congregations. On the 23d I left for Columbia, calling
on Rev. S. S. ⸺, he gave me three appointments. God revived his work in
the hearts of his people, and while my pen moves my heart burns with love
to God. Next I left for West-town and visited some aged friends, such
as could not get to the church, and two remarkable ones in particular,
which were regarded as pillars of the church. I was conducted on board
the canal boat for Lewistown. I had a pleasant passage, arrived at 1 or 2
o’clock, A. M. and was kindly treated by them. Preached four sermons to
a hard people. I was sick during my stay, my system was much debilitated
before I reached Pittsburg; however, I pressed on to Huntingdon, found
a small society suffering for want of help. I was received by all the
brethren, preached five sermons, rode 11 miles and spoke to the Forgemen,
but through bad management the congregation was small, but the word had
its effect; the souls of the redeemed are precious. I next proceeded to
Hollidaysburg. Took passage by stage at night, arrived at 8 o’clock A.
M. I was kindly received by a gentleman belonging to Wesley church, and
entertained in a friendly manner. Preached two sermons to a comfortable
congregation, and then left for Johnstown. After I got out of the car I
thought it almost the last end of the world as regards accommodations.
I had to stand near one hour before I could get a person to carry my
trunk. The Captain was kind and offered to send me a person, but I got
a man at last to take my trunk there. His wife was kind, although I
introduced myself to her, knowing her to be the Barber’s wife. She sent
for him to come in, and then introduced me to her husband. When he sat
down he said, “you preach do you?” I try, said I. “Do you understand the
Scriptures?” Some parts of it, was my answer. He appointed a meeting,
and the time arrived, congregation gathered. When I commenced I felt
a little confusion in the house, but in a few minutes every thing was
still, and we had a solemn waiting upon the Lord; after which the
Barber closed the service. So I left them. A brother informed me that
the chief Magistrate of the town said we must hold another meeting and
he would attend it, but the preacher did not seem to feel interested
for the welfare of souls; for this cause I took passage on steam boat
for Pittsburg, which was pleasant although crowded. The last day being
Sabbath, I sat in serious meditation on the beauties of Creation and the
plan of Redemption. There were some lady passengers from Charleston that
enjoyed religion would come and sit by me to read. When about to leave,
one of them requested me to pray for her husband and daughter. I hope
that Elijah’s God will prosper her desire for their welfare. We arrived
at Pittsburg about 8 o’clock, P. M. I was conducted to the house of a
worthy Father in Israel, where I remained awhile, preached four or five
sermons in Pittsburg. My mind still urging me on to Brownsville; and the
Lord opened the way. The Elder of the circuit coming into Pittsburg, made
a way for me, and provided me with a sister to accompany me. The Lord
blessed the labors of his servants. In three months time there were one
hundred and ten added to his circuit. Some converts, some mourners. Five
out of one family fell in love with this Heaven-born plan, I commenced
my winter journey the 10th of December. I left Pittsburg for a Quarterly
Meeting at Williamsport; it was a tedious journey. We had to walk seven
miles, and on entering the town we met a brother coming to meet us with
a conveyance. That night the meeting commenced, and truly the battle
was the Lord’s. Six were slain by his mighty power, and the faith of
believers strengthened. I spoke at 11 o’clock from the 12th Chapter of
Isaiah, 5th & 6th verses, and at night again, to a crowded house of
well-behaved people. Elder Clemens, a successful laborer for the Lord
was on this circuit. After preaching, the mourner’s bench was erected,
and the slain of the Lord were many. This meeting continued two days and
nights, after which our Love-feast took place. The Lord was in the midst,
and the people were crying for mercy in every direction. The Wesleyan
Methodists opened their church and gave me an appointment on Monday at 3
o’clock, P. M., after which the Elder gave us privilege to hold prayer
meetings, which continued all night, was very successful, and a revival
took place with both white and colored people, and one of the members
informed me there were thirty persons added to the church that time.
Praise God for the victory.
The world cannot withstand
Its ancient conqueror;
It sure must fall beneath the hand
That arms us for the war:
We then rested a few days and started for Uniontown, a female travelling
with me; and we were received very kindly by Bro. Jackson and wife,
and the friends generally. I preached out at the forge to an attentive
people and felt both life and liberty. The Elder returning from his
circuit, preached again, and five united with us in the Church, after
which the Elder formed a new Society, fourteen miles distant. I then
preached in the white M. E. Church to a very attentive congregation,
whose groans ascended the hill of the Lord, and I felt his presence in
a powerful manner—text, Isaiah lix. 1 v. On 24th of December the Elder
held a watch-night, and on the 25th we started for Ridge Port again.
I received the morning appointment and the Elder preached at night,
and the Lord continued to pour out his Spirit upon the people, which
caused a general revival. Ten joined the Church on trial. Some we left
mourning for the redemption in Christ, while others seemed to be in full
stretch for the Kingdom of God. I had a previous invitation to a church
five miles distant on the turnpike, and I spoke in the morning at 11
o’clock, and just closed the sermon, when a gentleman came with a swift
horse and vehicle on express for me to come and fill an appointment for
them at 3 o’clock P. M., and accordingly went. We arrived between 2 and
3 o’clock. I met a large congregation of very respectable people, and
preached from these words: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” &c.
The next Wednesday I attended an appointment in Greenfield in the old M.
E. church; it was a very stormy night, and I thought from the inclemency
of the weather there would be no person out; but through the perseverance
of the Brother and his wife that came for me, there was quite a large
congregation gathered, after which he handed me up in the pulpit, and I
endeavored to preach from these words: “We have found him of whom Moses
and the Prophets did write,” and I must say that the christian groans
that were uttered, and the hearty Amens that ascended the hill of Zion,
were answered seemingly as with coals of fire from God’s holy altar,
which warmed every heart. Pray God to carry on the work.
Thy banner unfurl,
Bid the nation surrender;
And own Thee their God,
Their King, and Defender.
Some hundreds were added to that circuit that year, ending February,
1839. In a few days I left for Williamsport, where I remained a few days
at Bro. C’s., and attended several very good meetings at Washington, Pa.
I had an appointment given me by the Elder of the white M. E. Church,
which I accepted. By special request, I visited a white young lady in
the last stage of consumption, and after conversing with her about the
salvation of her soul, I received great satisfaction, who I trust now
rests in Abraham’s bosom. I attended a quarterly meeting at Washington,
and I heard some powerful exhortations—God owned the word and by his
infinite power arrested a woman who formerly kept a dance house, and
with her, her family also, (saving her husband who had lately died,)
and they, five in number, cried aloud for mercy at the hand of God, and
afterwards joined the church; the old lady appeared very serious, and
they all spoke well in Love-feast.
I had a special invitation, by letter, to go to Waynesburg, which I
received, and spoke in the old Methodist church, after being conveyed
there by a brother that was sent for me expressly. On Wednesday evening
I spoke in the Court house; it was in the month of February, and the
walking was very difficult; the friends were very kind; but few colored
persons, only two members of the church, and six joined. I spoke for them
five times—after discharging my duty I left in peace with God and man.
On my return to Washington, I spent a week or ten days, and preached on
Sabbath day, and at night three sermons. The Mayor of the city declared
his intention to impose a heavy punishment upon any person or persons
disturbing any church, and it had the effect to make some of the wildest
of the rabble behave themselves in the church with respect, while I
endeavored to declare the oracles of truth. After which I left for
Meconnoburg, and preached eleven sermons.
In March I left for Pittsburg, and we met in joy; and at my first
appointment I spoke from Isaiah c. 50, v. 31. I then rested three or
four weeks, during which time my mind become much exercised to go to
Cincinnati—it was difficult to travel, but God always makes a way for
his people. A friend both to God and me, got a passage for me on board
of a Steamboat, with a preacher and his family, and on my arrival, I was
recommended to friends there, Elder King and wife, and I found them. I
told them it was my business to preach. An appointment was given me. I
spoke several times, and the Lord approbated the efforts of the feeble
worm, and believers were built up in the most holy faith. My visit was
joyous. My pamphlets went off as by a wind, the Elder recommending them
very highly, and also encouraged me to have the 2d edition printed, which
I had done—there being then one thousand more for sale, in which I was
successful. Five joined the church after the last sermon.
I then left for Dayton, Ohio, and found a large church and building. The
colored population there was very large—there I preached six sermons,
and one in the other church. I was aided by both churches. I then took
steamboat for Hambleton, a well situated place, and preached two sermons;
had a good visit, much favored of the Lord, although the members were
much scattered abroad. But a worthy brother, a man of God, had settled
there and formed a Society of some twenty persons, which was still
prosperous. After preaching two sermons, I took passage in steamboat for
Cincinnati; remained there awhile until I had some new direction opened
to my mind, where I might call the people to the arms of Christ. The
recent printing of my tracts, had caused me to be very scarce of money,
(price of printing 1000 copies, $38.) There were individuals who helped
me in a way for travelling. The Elder being absent that Sabbath morning,
there was some disorder prevailed among some who seemed double-minded,
yet they were officers. But God can make a way where there appears to
be no way. Mrs. E. J., her husband and children, made me a present of
seven dollars, and another friend interceded for me in getting a good
cabin passage in a comfortable boat, and no distinction—captain was a
gentleman. I enjoyed sweet communion with the spirit of the Lord. But a
painful circumstance took place near our journey’s end, which seemed to
me awful in the extreme. There was a woman on board of the boat who was
called insane. I thought she was laboring under a despair of mind. She
had seen herself a dreadful sinner, and set in a melancholy position; at
times only she would seemingly arouse and ask us not to let them hurt
her. On one occasion I asked her how she felt. She answered, “I hear some
persons talking; they will hurt me—I would drown myself, but it is such
a sin.” A lady and myself strove to comfort her, after which the lady
read to her respecting the storms. She set very quiet, then she suddenly
arose to her feet, and said she must pray. I told her to kneel down by
my side, which she did very orderly; she first prayed in Dutch; I could
not understand her only as she said God or Jesus, and then she prayed in
English very feeling, then clapped her hands and said he has taken a load
off me—this was about 10 or 11 o’clock, A. M. She arose, washed her face
and hands, combed her hair, and then put on a cap and looked like another
person, and thus remained until candle-light, she and the young lady
walking and talking. I was reading and felt greatly relieved from the
care of her. Suddenly the chambermaid came in and asked me for her, and
it seemed only five minutes since I missed her. The captain made search,
went down on the deck and there found her, but she begged so hard to stay
there that he left her. The boat arrived at Portsmouth next morning at
sunrise, and that morning at 8 o’clock, she was seen to jump overboard.
They lowered a boat and tried to save her, but before they reached her
she sank to rise no more; and on the authority of God’s word, I say, no
self-murderer hath eternal life. Reader, be careful, exceedingly careful,
how you trifle with the spirit of God, lest it should take its flight and
leave thee to undergo eternal punishment.
Take the warning, turn and live,
And God will his Spirit give.
After landing, I felt to be a stranger in a strange land, but the Lord
ever provides in time of need. Accordingly I was conducted by a gentleman
and introduced to a friend who received me and treated me kindly, and in
a few days introduced me to one of the Trustees, who welcomed me to the
Church. Now I began to feel the spirit of my station. On Thursday night
I filled an appointment. It was altogether a strange thing to hear a
woman preach there, so it made quite an excitement, which made my labor
very heavy, as the people were all eyes and prayed none. But on Sabbath
day we had a crowded house, and an old backslider fell to the floor
like Dagon before the Ark. Six joined the church on probation. On next
Sabbath, Elder Peters’ quarterly meeting took place, which was greatly
enjoyed by all present. I met many of my friends from Pittsburg and other
places, and we rejoiced together. One day in the house of the Lord is
more than a thousand in the courts of the wicked. The first Sabbath I
spoke to the class, five fell to the floor under the influence of God’s
power. Two days afterward we left for Gallopeler quarterly meeting;
took passage on board of steamboat, which was very pleasant, without
distinction. When we arrived, it being night, a gentleman conducted us to
our lodgings and introduced us, where we were kindly received. I preached
one sermon to a small society that seemed almost without a shepherd
to look to their welfare. I was astonished at the situation of the
church—after which time the Elder came. A Baptist society occupied the
house in the morning, and in the afternoon the Elder preached—it was a
dull time indeed, none joined. At night I tried to preach, but could not
tell what the Lord had done for them people, for they seemed both barren
and unfruitful.
I felt an anxiety to go to Chillicothe, for which place I took passage
and arrived on Wednesday; found a large field of labor open. I preached
on the next night (Thursday) to a very large and well informed
congregation. I then took passage via canal, and my mind was much
exercised, indeed, somewhat uncommon. Text 1st, Thessalonians: “Because
iniquity abounds the love of many waxed cold, but they that endure to
the end the same shall be saved.” Text 2d: “For Christ sent me not to
baptize, but to preach the gospel lest the cause of Christ should be made
of non effect.” Text 3d. Prov. 5th c. 6th v., I preached again from these
words: “All flesh is as grass.” Fifth and last: “I am the true Vine,” &c.
My visit being out, I left for Williamsport in peace with God, likewise
the brethren, as the friends had used me very kind. After the quarterly
meeting, we all took passage with the Elder for Pittsburg, to meet the
conference. I there met the Rt. Rev. Bishop, and others I was glad to
see. I remained there two or three weeks, and preached four sermons.
Both preachers and people used me like christians. The conference
was largely attended with ministers from every direction. The Bishop
granted an open house for persons to visit and hear the arrangements
and appointments on the circuits. The preaching was very good, and it
seemed as if the word fell heavy upon the hearts of the King’s enemies;
a general revival took place. The Bishop gave me an appointment during
the conference. After my visit came to a close, I was exercised to
leave for Philadelphia. A lady, named Mrs. Dorsey, being acquainted with
one of the captains of the boats, succeeded in procuring a comfortable
passage for me for $15, and $3 for board, making $18 in all, when it was
$48 from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. I felt grateful towards God for his
mindfulness of me. The captain was a gentleman, and the passengers of
the first circle, and I enjoyed their company. When we changed boats at
Hollidaysburg, the captain put me on the fast line that I might arrive
at Philadelphia in the day. There was a white lady on the boat with me,
bound to Philadelphia, who had travelled from New Orleans. A gentleman
who was coming to the city, seeing her lonely situation and also mine, he
never left the cars until he saw each of our baggages in the omnibus and
starting for our doors—a gentleman indeed. Thus ended this journey, Sept.
1839.
After my arrival, my first inquiry was after the state of health of my
son and his family, and to my great disappointment I found that my little
grandson had died. This was startling news to me, you may think, but the
Lord removed him for some wise purpose of his providence, and in this I
felt perfectly resigned to his will, with a heart of gratitude for my
protection and safe arrival at home. I remained in the city about three
months, and received appointments in our churches on Thursday nights,
although in years past I always had them at any time, Sunday afternoons
not excepted. In Philadelphia, N. York, Baltimore, and all the principal
cities, from 100 to 1000 miles distant, as I travelled under the reign
of the first Bishop Rt. Rev. Richard Allen, I have been instrumental in
the hands of God of gaining many hundreds of dollars for the connexion,
by raising societies where there never had been any, since which time
they have grown to such a mass as to build large churches, and that in
different places, and likewise have spent hundreds, but don’t regret
it, as I was about the work of Him that sent me, for which my reward is
promised if I but hold out faithful.
Now, pray for me,
That while on earth I roam;
That with the joyful Jubilee,
I may arrive at home.
I again was impressed upon to go into the western part of the State
of Pennsylvania and labor for the Lord, as the field appeared large
before me. About this time sister Elaw, a speaker belonging under the
jurisdiction of the E. Methodist connexion, coming to this place, she
received an appointment which had been given to me, and I closed the
meeting after her, and we enjoyed good seasons together. The greatest
display of God’s power seemed visible in a Protestant congregation;
sister preached, and I gave an exhortation and closed, in which there
was a great shout for victory. I was informed by those that were in the
spirit, that they saw the glory of God like a sun over the pulpit, and a
face shone after it, thus the battle was the Lord’s.
My sister leaving for England to visit the world’s convention, I started
alone. My first appointment was over Schuylkill—then I was conveyed nine
miles farther, preached three sermons, and then returned to the city; on
the following week I left again for Lancaster, Pa., but meeting friends
going to Columbia I went with them. The meetings were attended by the
spirit of God, and the speakers felt the spirit of their station, and
the feast was glorious; over thirty were added to the church in less
than a week, and many of them found peace with God. From thence I went
to Marietta, preached two sermons, and then left for Lancaster. The
Lord owned the word spoken, and after preaching, ten joined the church.
“Praise the Lord, for He only doeth great wonders.”—Psalms. I then
proceeded on to Carlisle. Seemingly the wolf had got in among the fold
and had scattered some clear away. But God’s word will have its effect
where it is promulgated in its purity. The consequence was, we had a
great rejoicing. I preached six sermons, including one for the Protestant
Methodists. I employed my time, as usual, endeavoring to explain the
effects of the everlasting gospel of the kingdom, even in common
conversation. The happy seasons I have seen are ever memorable to me,
and my prayer is, that all Israel may be saved, not only from the trials
of life, but from the power of hell. I then proceeded to Harrisburg,
preached one sermon to a good congregation, and felt considerable liberty
in speaking. I left next morning for Marietta; it was a very cold day;
sometimes I rode in a slay and sometimes in a carriage. I preached one
sermon on Sabbath, and next day took passage in a slay for Columbia. I
stopped a few days, preached one sermon, then left for Penningtonville.
I preached there on Sabbath day to a good congregation of different
denominations—it was a glorious day to my soul. Upon the authority of
God’s word, there need be no doubt about religion, for they that have
it carry the witness within themselves. Thus, having finished my visit
with a peace of conscience, I returned to Philadelphia, March 1st,
and found all my friends well. I waited in the temple of the Lord and
preached several times. I felt anxious to go to Baltimore on a visit to
the general conference, being the first of that kind held there for many
years. After mentioning it to the Bishop, he said I should be paid for
it if I wished to go, for which I felt very grateful. After making the
necessary preparations by arranging my clothes, &c., the morning came
for to start; the boat was to leave Philadelphia at 6 o’clock, A. M. My
mind had been somewhat divided about going to N. York, as I wanted to see
the convention of the American Anti-Slavery Society. But on my way to
the Baltimore boat, in company with a young sister, my mind was suddenly
arrested by a strange sensation, which proceeded from some supernatural
cause, followed by a voice which seemingly spake thus: “a watery grave!
a watery grave!!” I told the sister what had been revealed to me, yet not
half a square from the house. She believed as I did, and I consequently
turned back with an impression I should be drowned if I went, as I
seemingly saw the water. “How unsearchable are God’s judgments, and his
ways are past finding out.”
The same month, April, I was sent for in great haste to visit Cape May,
to see my aged mother, as it was thought for the last time, as she was
very ill, at the advanced age of 82 years. I went and remained with
her several weeks, when she nearly recovered. I then filled several
appointments unexpectedly. But my way was I know not where. During my
stay there I lost a nephew 12 years of age, whom I trust rests. But I
should have mentioned, the day I returned from the Baltimore boat, I
took passage at 2 o’clock, P. M., for Burlington, and preached for them
on Sabbath day at a quarterly meeting, and second day after I left for
New York and arrived the first day the convention sat, which I attended
in company with Mrs. H. Lane, who was ever zealous in the good cause of
liberty and the rights of all, and I heard some very eloquent speeches
which pleased me very much, and my heart responded with this instruction:
“Do unto all men as you would they should do unto you;” and as we are all
children of one parent, no one is justified in holding slaves. I felt
that the spirit of God was in the work, and also felt it my duty to unite
with this Society. Doubtless the cause is good, and I pray God to forward
on the work of abolition until it fills the world, and then the gospel
will have free course to every nation, and in every clime.—After the
convention was over I returned to Philadelphia, and prepared for a long
journey. But previously I visited a part of Rev. Turner’s circuit—Jersey,
viz. of Burlington, Trenton, &c. His charge was extensive and laborers
were much wanted. I endeavored to preach two sermons in Burlington,
and in other places nine more, and then visited Allentown and preached
three sermons. I visited a camp meeting and never saw a greater display
of God’s power, for truly signs and wonders followed the preaching of
the cross of Christ, while the voice of prayer made sinners stare and
filled them with awe and wonder. I also preached to a small society five
miles farther, called Lawrenceville, after which I returned to Trenton,
Princeton, &c., and in a few days I left for Brunswick. I left for this
journey in 1843, in one of the brother’s own conveyance, for which I
felt very thankful. I filled several appointments, and then left for
New York, where I remained several weeks, and proposed the holding of a
protracted meeting to the Elder Boggs, in charge, and he thought well of
it, and appointed one, and it seemed that the people truly had a mind to
work, and the Lord blessed our labors. I preached on two Sabbath nights
and once in the middle of the week. A revival broke out and twenty-one
were added to the church, and it concluded with a victorious Love-feast,
glory to God. During my absence my son was taken very ill with a severe
disease, and I felt very anxious to see him after an absence of several
months; consequently in December I left N. York on my return, and I
found him much better than I expected, which greatly relieved my mind.
I preached once in the Bethel, once in the Wesley church, which came in
the connexion, Hurst St., and other places, but soon finished my work in
this city, and notwithstanding the severity of the winter, I returned
to Rahway, and found the friends very kind to me. I thank the Lord for
giving them hearts to be so, as the winter was trying. I preached ten
sermons during my stay, in which time a great revival took place in the
church, and many were added, amongst whom was a Rev. father E⸺, who had
left our church but at this time returned, and truly we made use of that
very appropriate phrase: “The dead is alive and the lost is found,” and
the brother rejoiced much, seeing the Providence of God. Now I began
to feel my labors nearly completed in that part. I returned to N. York
(as my visit was not accomplished in that city) on the 1st of March,
1841, and tarried some time, after which I took passage on steamboat
for New Haven and arrived there at 1 o’clock, P. M. I was conducted by
carriage to Mr. B’s, and his family was kind; on next Wednesday I was
taken to a brother’s house, near the meeting house, which they commenced
in January, and I preached in it in March. Being a people there whose
minds were much cultivated, I felt at liberty to speak, believing God
would own his word, which he did, and we had a revival. But Lucifer had
prepared an engine to play upon it and put it out. But we had some firm
members that turned neither to the right or left, as the scripture saith
“the righteous shall hold on their way.” Ah! reader, many scenes I have
passed through, but I yet live by faith in the Son of God. I preached
twenty-one sermons, and made my home at brother White’s, near the church;
this saved me from a great deal of exposure in going to and returning
from the church. I perceived their slothfulness in coming out to Sabbath
morning services. My first text was Rev. i, 10. God was with us truly,
for signs and wonders followed, and we commenced a protracted meeting,
and on the fifth night there were fourteen mourning souls at the anxious
bench. After a stay of seven weeks, I felt at liberty to leave them,
which I did, and arrived in New York on the 24th of April. Elder B. gave
me an appointment the ensuing Sabbath morning in Bethel church. After
that I went over to Brooklyn and spoke three or four times, but my heart
mourned to see such a great falling off that had taken place in a few
months past. But the conference sit there, and they had good preaching,
and the congregation soon began to increase. The brothers were kind to
me and gave me appointments at different places. I continued to travel
round about, and spoke a number of times in Flushing, eight sermons in
Jamaica, three in Flatbush, three in Huntingdon south, three in Glencove,
and then returned to Brooklyn again, and remained awhile with a sister
who was ever kind to me, for which I hope God will reward her, with
others. There was a camp-meeting to commence that week of my return, to
be held by Rev. Boggs, near Harvest Straw, and I through invitation went
in company—it was a very rainy time, but we had a great meeting, and I
received two appointments. We caught no cold, and the christians rejoiced
in the victories of the Cross, for we believed the Lord would shelter us
even in the midst of storm.
Having a great desire to go to Massachusetts, I paid my way to Harvest
Straw to take the boat, but was disappointed, not being in time, after
which I had to pay a gentleman to convey me ten miles and conduct me
safe on board of the boat for Albany. I had a pleasant cabin passage for
$1.50. On my arrival I employed a person to convey me and my baggage to
a friend’s house, and when I got there, they being absent, I did not
stop even for breakfast, but returned to a N. York boat that stopped at
Hudson, and there to take passage by Railroad. On my arrival, I found
the cars did not start until 4 o’clock, P. M. It then occurred to my
mind that I was in Hudson unexpectedly, and truly the hand of the Lord
must be in it, as I wanted to visit that place some time before. I then
went out in search of some of my own people of color, trying to find
out if I could get a place to preach in on my return, as I felt anxious
to call the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. When about to start in
the cars for Stockbridge, one of the brothers of the church went in
company with me to the camp. By 7 o’clock we were safely landed and
found the meeting prosperous, and I felt warm for the battle, as though
I must press through fire or water. We had one mile to walk or pay 25
cents—after walking the distance, we found the tent that the Albany
friends were accommodated at; soon after which the Elder heard of it and
called upon me, which seemed to approbate my coming to his camp. I felt
a great degree of liberty, believing myself to be in the right place.
After several other strangers had labored in their turn, the Elder gave
me another appointment on Saturday night. I endeavored to speak as God
gave ability, and a brother closed meeting after me. On Sabbath morning
at 10 o’clock, I tried to speak again to a large congregation. It rained
very heavy, but they gave the best attention and withstood the storm in
all quietness; I felt free, the tongue was loosed, the lip was touched,
and the heart was warm, which seemed to operate with the language of the
text, in Rev.: “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day.” The Lord owned
the word, and the hearty Amens that went up, caused the woods to echo. A
white Methodist gentleman was present, who had become almost choked to
death with the glutted cares of this world; while sitting, God through
his mercy, sent his awakening power to his heart, and he rejoiced louder
than others, telling me he was glad the Lord had sent me, that his mind
had been overcharged with the cares of this life truly, and all of this
while Israel shouted for the battle. The wicked were somewhat rude on
Sunday night, and the Elder gave a very appropriate address to the
gentlemen of the State of Massachusetts, showing how our rights were
invaded, after which the gentlemen took it on themselves to guard the
camp ground, and we had good order. The breaking up was a time long to
be remembered, and on that day at 12 o’clock I left for Hudson. I there
preached one or two sermons, visited the sick, &c., and was then taken to
Pittsfield, preached one sermon, and then proceeded by stage to Hudson
city, where I remained a while with a kind sister and her daughter.
I attended the church on Sabbath morning and enjoyed a good sermon
delivered by the Elder.
At 2 o’clock, P. M., I tried to preach in the same church to a full
congregation. Text from the general epistle of James, 1st Chapter & 25th
verse. At night I spoke in the old Methodist church for the first time,
from these words; “We have found him of whom Moses and the Prophet’s
did write, Jesus of Nazereth, the son of Joseph.” My mind was much
exercised on the subject; receiving light from Heaven. I preached one
sermon in the School-House at Catskill from these words; “I will give you
power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and they shall not harm you.”
The Lord was there of a truth. After this, by request, I spoke in the
white Methodist church from these words: “Therefore, cast not away your
confidence, which has great recompense of reward.” The Lord was there,
and assisted the clay to speak in his name. On Monday night I spoke from
these words of Paul to the Hebrews: “If the words spoken by Angels, are
steadfast,” &c., which had its desired effect. On Saturday I left for
Albany, taking with me a good report for the Elder of our connection;
after which, we wrote for him to come and form a Society, which he
did sometime afterwards. The Elder was kind, and gave me appointments
frequently. He held a Protracted Meeting, at which all of our laborers
were successful. I preached seven sermons in Albany and one in Troy;
after which I felt moved upon to visit Binghampton, and sister Tilghman
was on her way to the same place to visit her father and mother, from
whom she had been absent for some time, preaching the Everlasting Gospel
of the Kingdom. But we were detained on the canal some time; but the
Captain was kind and treated us well. After five days sail we arrived
safe, and found our friends well; but not well in the Lord.
As soon as I enter a city I can feel the spirit that I may have to
contend with; but by the permission of the Elder I filled appointments
for a week or two, and then left for Montrose Quarterly Meeting. Preached
five sermons, and passed through many things that were not agreeable,
but duty makes labor light. I also spoke to a white congregation. After
riding five or six miles and back the same night, and preaching two
sermons in the town, I returned again to Binghampton, and held the
Christmas Watch-Night meeting, as I found it was about to be omitted,
and feeling interested, made application to the Trustees the Elder being
absent, and thus gained permission. It was a task for me, as sister
Tilghman was sick; but the Lord was with us, while we rejoiced in the
light that had come into the world. Glory to God for the gift of his Son.
In the morning three of us attended the Episcopal church, and associated
with them in receiving the Lord’s Supper. At night I preached again, and
I felt zealous in the cause of God, who was, and is ever faithful to his
promise; “Lo! I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.”
The Elder then returned and urged me to stay, but I saw my way was
onward. Alter preaching once more, I was aided on my way to Owego,
where I found the enemies were many, standing in opposition to female
preaching, or preachers of any kind; but God always clears the way for
his people. While they were preparing to have a dance rather than come to
hear preaching, and boasting that they would invite the Elder to come to
it, God laid his heavy hand upon the man that was to play the fiddle for
them; he fell sick on the floor; but he was determined to carry it out,
and sent for another man, and he refused, and at last this Goliah-like
man was glad to send for the Elder to come and pray for him. “O! sinner,
thou cans’t not measure arms with Jehovah! He is a man of war, and the
Lord is his name.” In this very place, God worked miracles among them. I
preached on Friday night, Sabbath morning, afternoon and night—and God
worked wonders; converting some of the most wicked among them.
After this, I left for Smithboro; it seemed truly a hard place, and my
labors were attended with but little success. There were a few scattering
Methodists that assembled to worship, and seemed profited thereby.
After I delivered my message I left for Towanda; and there we had very
comfortable meetings. I then proceeded ten miles further and preached;
there were eight persons, there one being an exhorter. They met us in
the spirit of the gospel. After doing my duty I returned to Towanda, and
on Wednesday I left for Athens; remained two days, preaching two sermons
in the Academy. Next morning I rode about two miles, but we had to wait
until the next Tuesday, in consequence of the flood being so great. I now
was among strangers, with very little money; but finding the lady was a
christian, I ventured to open my mind to her, telling her the nature of
my mission. She told her husband, who said he would charge me only six
shillings. I sewed three spreads together for her to quilt. She then
informed me of a lady preacher in the neighborhood, one mile distant.
I was kindly received by her, and met another person there also that
seemed greatly wrought upon. After a seasonable word of exhortation, I
took tea with them. In three days time I left for Towanda again, and
met with great success by preaching in private houses. There was a
gentlemen that seemed as if he never thought of God in all his life,
but was arrested by the conviction of God’s spirit, and sent for me to
come and pray for him and his family. To this my soul greatly rejoiced,
leaving him with a promise to call again, which I did. After inquiring
my manner of travelling, and what I depended upon for support. I replied
by giving him a statement of how I travelled, when he kindly aided me by
a donation, and wished me success, requesting me to pray for him and his
family before I left them, and I believe I saw him then fast ripening for
eternal blessedness.
I was then sent for to return again to Owego, a distance of 38 miles,
and they would pay my way on to Montrose, on my way to Philadelphia. I
obeyed the request and found things very prosperous indeed. At night we
had prayer meetings, and the Lord continued to pour out his spirit upon
the people, and we had a meeting every night. Mr. J. H., formerly of
Columbia, whose lot was cast as in a strange land, where there were only
a few people that were members of the M. E. church; several husbands,
strangers to God until now, and their wives, servants of the most High
God, and two daughters of Mr. J. H., were justified through faith—three
joined the church previously. I was selected to make a class book, and
did so, as I wanted to see how many were for us. The Baptists had held
an anxious meeting, after which five joined them. I made the trial by
special invitation, and thirteen joined us. I had preached on Sabbath
morning and night, and then held prayer meetings every night afterwards
that week, except Saturday night; a man and his wife fell to the floor
and cried for mercy, and both arose in the same hour soundly converted,
giving God the glory. I preached on the next Sabbath morning and then led
class, and at night again—text, Judges iv. 25, 26. They all marvelled at
a woman taking such a deep subject, but the Lord assisted the organ of
clay, and we had the victory, as there were twenty-one persons joined
from that revival, and nearly all of them evinced justifying grace. On 3d
day night we wound up, as I was to start on my journey on next day, which
I did—brother paid my passage. I rode 28 miles in good company with a
lady and gentleman who were going to New York. She said she was sorry to
part; we had a heavy thunder storm with rain, and it was very dark, but
we had a very careful driver, and we arrived safe at Montrose and took
supper—between 12 and 1 o’clock at night I took stage for Wilkesbarre and
arrived there at 8 next morning, and there I crossed the Susquehanna; I
was very hungry, and having a little time I went to the house and asked
the lady for breakfast and I would pay her. She said she had nothing,
but would try and get me a good breakfast and take no pay, which she
did. I truly feel thankful to God that he has proved himself a table in
the wilderness. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon I arrived safe and was
kindly received, and preached on Sabbath morning and night. Between the
two appointments I rode two miles and preached in the afternoon. That day
the Lord was in the house in power. Tuesday evening we had a glorious
prayer meeting. I rode all night around the mountain, and some walked
and appeared to be a quarter of a mile off. But the Lord preserved me
in the mail stage alone. I adore his name now and I shall for evermore.
The preacher in charge arrived the next day after I did, and spent his
labors of love among the people. On the Wednesday following he went
away and left me in charge of the class, (eight persons) to regulate
them, and by the permission of the elder I addressed them. After I had
relieved my mind and taken my seat the preacher formed them into a class
and appointed a leader, who but three months before, was unconverted;
but being so interested for the prosperity of Zion, seemed worthy of the
appointment. After this I endeavored to hold prayer meetings through the
week; preached twice on Sabbath day and helped to lead class, as the
brother was young,—but they were all willing people, and truly it seemed
to be the day of God’s power among them, and “Peace abided at our House.”
At the expiration of three weeks and four days I left them fifteen names
on their class book. I then rode a distance of sixty miles over a hard
road, hills and mountains, (there being no turn-pike or rail-road on that
rout from Wilksbarre to Easton;)—some part of the way there was good
sleighing. Through the help of Providence we arrived at Easton about 8
o’clock, P. M. I took supper and lodging in the Hotel, where I was well
accommodated; after which I found a small number of colored friends. We
had a meeting, and “it was good for us to be there.” After this I called
at New Hope, thirty-two miles I think from Philadelphia; visited the
family I was brought up in, stopped and rested myself, as I felt much
exhausted from travelling, so much winter and summer. I preached two or
three times. Brother J. B. ⸺ was holding a protracted meeting. I gained
strength; thank the Lord, and then left for home, and arrived in the city
the last day of March 1842, having been two years, wanting a few days,
almost incessantly travelling. I found my son, together with the rest
of my family connections quite well; yet I could hear of the ravages
of death, the relentless murderer, who never takes denials; my little
grand-daughter, a promising child indeed, was taken with the rest. O! how
soon delights may perish, and my heart responds—“The Lord’s will be done.”
My health being very much impaired, I knew not but that I should be the
next one called away, but the Lord spared me for some other purpose,
and upon my recovery I commenced travelling again, feeling it better
to wear out than to rust out—and so expect to do until death ends the
struggle—knowing, if I lose my life for Christ’s sake, I shall find it
again.
I now conclude—by requesting the prayers of God’s people everywhere, who
worship in His holy fear, to pray for me, that I ever may endeavor to
keep a conscience void of offence, either towards God or man—for I feel
as anxious to blow the Trumpet in Zion, and sound the alarm in God’s Holy
Mount, as ever;—
Though Nature’s strength decay,
And earth and hell withstand—
To Canaan’s land I’ll urge my way,
At HIS Divine command.
But here I feel constrained to give over, as from the smallness of this
pamphlet I cannot go through with the whole of my journal, as it would
probably make a volume of two hundred pages; which, if the Lord be
willing, may at some future day be published. But for the satisfaction
of such as may follow after me, when I am no more, I have recorded how
the Lord called me to his work, and how he has kept me from falling from
grace, as I feared I should. In all things he has proved himself a God
of truth to me; and in his service I am now as much determined to spend
and be spent, as at the very first. My ardour for the progress of his
cause abates not a whit, so far as I am able to judge, though I am now
something more than fifty years of age.
As to the nature of uncommon impressions, which the reader cannot but
have noticed, and possibly sneered at in the course of these pages, they
may be accounted for in this way: It is known that the blind have the
sense of hearing in a manner much more acute than those who can see: also
their sense of feeling is exceedingly fine, and is found to detect any
roughness on the smoothest surface, where those who can see find none.
So it may be with such as I am, who has never had more than three months
schooling; and wishing to know much of the way and law of God, have
therefore watched the more closely, the operations of the Spirit, and
have in consequence been led thereby. But let it be remarked that I have
never found that Spirit lead me contrary to the Scriptures of truth, as I
understand them. “For as many as are led by the _Spirit_ of God are the
sons of God.”—Rom. viii. 14.
I have now only to say, May the blessing of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost, accompany the reading of this poor effort to speak
well of his name, wherever it may be read. AMEN.
P.S. Please to pardon errors, and excuse all imperfections, as I have
been deprived of the advantages of education (which I hope all will
appreciate) as I am measurably a self-taught person. I hope the contents
of this work may be instrumental in leaving a lasting impression upon the
minds of the impenitent; may it prove to be encouraging to the justified
soul, and a comfort to the sanctified.
Though much opposed, it is certainly essential in life, as Mr. Wesley
wisely observes. Thus ends the Narrative of JARENA LEE, the first female
preacher of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church.
BETHEL AT PHILADELPHIA, PENN., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
FINIS.
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