Birth, 1748.—Early visitations of Divine grace.—Apprenticeship.—Trials and temptations.—Marriage, 1771.—Renewed visitations of Divine love.—Appearance in the Ministry.—Situation of Friends during the war.—Journey to Philadelphia, 1779.—Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781.—Illness, 1781.—Visit on Long Island, 1782.—Visit to the Meetings on the Main, 1782.

Having experienced many mercies and preservations, both spiritual and temporal, in passing through this probationary state, I am induced to record some little account of them, under a sense of humble gratitude to my gracious and merciful Creator and Preserver.

I was born on the 19th day of the third month, 1748, in the township of Hempstead, in Queens county, on Long Island. My parents, John and Martha Hicks, were descended from reputable families, and sustained a good character among their friends and those who knew them. My father was a grandson of Thomas Hicks, of whom our worthy friend Samuel Bownas makes honourable mention in his journal, and by whom he was much comforted and strengthened, when imprisoned through the envy of George Keith, at Jamaica, on Long Island. Neither of my parents were members in strict fellowship with any religious society, until some little time before my birth. My father was at that period united in membership with Friends; but as his residence was mostly at some distance from meetings and in a neighbourhood where very few Friends lived, my associates, when young, were chiefly among those of other religious persuasions, or, what was still worse for me, among those who made no profession of religion at all. This exposed me to much temptation; and though I early felt the operation of divine grace, checking and reproving me for my lightness and vanity, yet being of a lively active spirit, and ambitious of excelling in my play and diversions, I sometimes exceeded the bounds of true moderation, for which I often felt close conviction and fears on my pillow in the night season.

When I was about eight years old, my father removed his habitation and settled on a farm which his father had left him, on the south side of the island, near the sea shore. This introduced a new scene of diversion to my active mind, which was prone to pleasure and self-gratification. The shore abounded with fish and wild fowl, and I soon began to occupy myself with angling for the former, and shooting the latter. These amusements gained an ascendency in my mind, and although they were diversions for which I felt condemnation at later periods, yet I am led to believe that they were, at this time, profitable to me in my exposed condition, as they had a tendency to keep me more at and about home, and often prevented my joining with loose company, which I had frequent opportunities of doing without my father’s knowledge. My mother was removed by death when I was about eleven years of age, and my father was left with the care of six children, three older, and two younger, than myself; and although he endeavoured to keep his children within the limits of truth, yet opportunities sometimes occurred to join with vain companions. But the Lord was graciously near to my poor soul in my tender years; and he followed me with his reproofs, and his dread made me afraid.

When I was about thirteen years of age, I was placed with one of my elder brothers who was married, and lived at some distance from my father’s residence. I was here without any parental restraint; and mixing with gay associates, I lost much of my youthful innocence, and was led wide from the salutary path of true religion, learning to sing vain songs, and to take delight in running horses. Yet I did not give way to any thing which was commonly accounted disreputable, having always a regard to strict honesty, and to such a line of conduct as comported with politeness and good breeding. Nevertheless, I became considerably hardened in vanity, and on several occasions in riding races was exposed to great danger; and had it not been for the providential care of my heavenly father, my life would have fallen a sacrifice to my folly and indiscretion. O my soul, what wilt, or canst thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits, for his mercies are new every morning!

About the seventeenth year of my age, I was put an apprentice to learn the trade of a house carpenter and joiner, and this by no means placed me in a more favourable situation than before; for my master, although considered an orderly man, and one who frequently attended Friends’ meetings, was yet in an eager pursuit after temporal riches, and was of but little use to me in my religious improvement. We had to go from place to place, as our business called, to attend to our work, and I was thereby introduced into hurtful company, and learned to dance and to pursue other frivolous and vain amusements. During my apprenticeship I passed through many trials and much exposure; and I have often thought, that had it not been for the interposition of divine mercy and goodness, I should have fallen a prey to the varied temptations which surrounded me; for although I was overtaken in many faults, in which my poor soul was deeply wounded, and for which I afterwards felt the just indignation of an offended God, yet when I have looked back on this scene of my life, and recounted the many snares that I escaped, all that is truly sensible within me has been bowed in humble admiration of the Lord’s mercies and deliverance; and in reverent gratitude, I was made to praise and magnify his great and adorable name, “who is over all. God blessed for ever.” In the midst of my vanity and exposure, the Lord, as a gracious father, was often near; and when I was alone, he inclined my mind to solid meditations.—Some of my leisure hours were occupied in reading the Scriptures, in which I took considerable delight, and it tended to my real profit and religious improvement.

My youthful companions would often endeavour to persuade me and each other, that the amusements, in which we spent much of our precious time, were innocent; yet being very early convinced by the divine light that its teachings were truth, it had, in my calmer moments, an ascendency in my mind over all the reasonings and persuasions of men. Nevertheless, I had such a proneness to levity and self-gratification, that I often ran counter to clear conviction, and went on for a considerable time, sinning and repenting; for the Lord in great mercy had regard to me in my tried condition, and often opened a door of reconciliation to my poor soul. But I was too weak to keep my covenants in the midst of so many temptations, until by his righteous judgments, mixed with adorable mercy, he opened to my mind, in a very clear manner, the danger I was in of falling into eternal ruin.

Under the weight of this impression, my heart, in the midst of merriment, was often made very sad; and while engaged in the dance my soul was deeply sensible of its evil and folly: even my reasoning powers, when thus enlightened by the clear evidence of divine light, were made to loathe it as a senseless and insipid pursuit, and utterly unworthy of a rational being. But although I formed resolutions to refrain from this evil and others of a like nature, yet it was difficult to resist the importunities of my companions; and I found by experience, that if I would altogether cease from them, I must wholly withdraw from the company of those who were inclined to such pursuits. On the last occasion that I was present at a dance, and in which I was pressed to take a part, I was brought under great concern of mind, and was struck with a belief, that if I now gave way after forming so many resolutions, and should again rebel against the light, I might be left in an obdurate situation, and never have another offer of pardon. I also clearly saw that this would be just, and that my blood would be upon my own head; and feeling the dread of the Almighty to cover me, and a cry raised in my soul towards him, when I was called to participate in the dance, it seemed as though all my limbs were fettered, and I sat down and informed the company that I was now resolved to go no further. I was deeply tried, but the Lord was graciously near; and as my cry was secretly to him for strength, he enabled me to covenant with him, that if he would be pleased in mercy to empower me, I would for ever cease from this vain and sinful amusement: and he instructed me, that if I would escape the danger of another trial, I must keep myself separate from such companions; and blessed for ever be his right worthy name, in that he hath enabled me to keep this my covenant with him from that time inviolate.

In looking back to this season of deep probation, my soul has been deeply humbled; for I had cause to believe that if I had withstood at this time the merciful interposition of divine love, and had rebelled against this clear manifestation of the Lord’s will, he would have withdrawn his light from me, and my portion would have been among the wicked, cast out for ever from the favourable presence of my judge. I should also for ever have been obliged to acknowledge his mercy and justice, and acquit the Lord my redeemer, who had done so much for me; for with longsuffering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently for my return, and would have gathered me before that time, as I well knew, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but I would not. Therefore it is the earnest desire of my spirit, that the youth, and others whom it may concern, may wisely ponder their ways, and not think that the frivolous excuses which those make, who endeavour to justify themselves in such vain and wicked diversions, by saying that their parents judge it innocent, or their teachers have instructed them so to believe, or that under the law it was deemed admissible, will stand them in any stead in the day of solemn inquisition: for what are all these carnal reasonings worth, when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, against one single conviction of the divine light in the secret of the heart. The last is clear and self-evident; the others are mere evasive excuses: and I often reflect with surprise on the conduct of those parents, who are spending their substance in hiring idle dancingmasters to teach their children this unnatural and unchristian practice, and who plead for excuse the example of righteous David. But how unlike is their dancing to his, who did it only in worship and honour to his God, and in conformity with the outward dispensation under which he lived. We have, however, a better and higher example than David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a better covenant; this covenant is inward, even the law written upon the heart, which no outward example of others can ever abrogate or disannul; nor do his doctrines or self-denying example in any wise approbate or justify this foolish and idle practice, but, in all parts thereof, condemn and disapprove it: for if none can be his disciples, except those who deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, as assuredly no others can, how can those be acceptable to him who are living in the daily gratification of their own licentious wills, and spending their precious time and talents in such fruitless and vain sports.

His self-denying apostles also have left us neither example nor precept in justification of such wanton and evil amusements; but we are exhorted by them to redeem the time, because the days are evil, and to use diligence to make our calling and election sure, and to follow them as they followed Christ: there is not a word of learning to dance, or of dancingmasters, but an exhortation to abstain from all idle and vain sports, and foolish talking and jesting, which are contrary to Christian gravity, and to the self-denying example of the blessed Jesus, who, when personally on earth, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and, therefore, the house of mourning is recommended to all who are wise in heart, for it is the fool’s heart only that is captivated in the house of mirth.

My apprenticeship being now expired, I gradually withdrew from the company of my former associates, became more acquainted with Friends, and was more frequent in my attendance of meetings; and although this was in some degree profitable to me, yet I made but slow progress in my religious improvement, until several years after I had entered into a married state. The occupation of part of my time in fishing and fowling had frequently tended to preserve me from falling into hurtful associations; but through the rising intimations and reproofs of divine grace in my heart, I now began to feel that the manner in which I sometimes amused myself with my gun was not without sin; for although I mostly preferred going alone, and while waiting in stillness for the coming of the fowl, my mind was at times so taken up in divine meditations, that the opportunities were seasons of instruction and comfort to me; yet, on other occasions, when accompanied by some of my acquaintances, and when no fowls appeared which would be useful to us after being obtained, we sometimes, from wantonness or for mere diversion, would destroy the small birds which could be of no service to us. This cruel procedure affects my heart while penning these lines; but my gracious Redeemer was drawing my mind from such low amusements, and I was led to consider conduct like this to be a great breach of trust, and an infringement of the divine prerogative. It therefore became a settled principle with me, not to take the life of any creature, except it was really useful and necessary when dead, or very noxious and hurtful when living. And, in exercising this privilege, we ought to be careful to do it in the most mild and tender manner in our power; for I think every candid mind must be convinced, that the liberty we have for taking the lives of other creatures, and using their bodies to support our own, is certainly an unmerited favour, and ought to be received by us as the bounty of our great benefactor, and be acknowledged with great humility and gratitude.

I have likewise from reflection, founded on observation, and from the nature and reason of things, been led to believe, that we frequently err by the liberty we take in destroying what we esteem noxious creatures; and not only abuse the power given us over them by our great Creator, but likewise act very contrary to our own true interest. For, as all in the beginning was pronounced good that the good God had made, we ought not to destroy any thing that has life, for mere gratification. It is our indispensable duty, as reasonable accountable beings, wisely to ponder our ways, and consider the consequent effect of all our conduct; for if we are to give an account of every idle word, how much more so of every presumptuous act.

In the twenty-second year of my age, apprehending it right to change my situation from a single to a married state, and having gained an intimate acquaintance with Jemima Seaman, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, and my affection being drawn towards her in that relation, I communicated my views to her, and received from her a corresponding expression of affection; and having the full unity and concurrence of our parents and friends, we, after some time, accomplished our marriage at a solemn meeting of Friends, at Westbury, on the 2d of 1st month, 1771. On this important occasion, we felt the clear and consoling evidence of divine truth, and it remained with us as a seal upon our spirits, strengthening us mutually to bear, with becoming fortitude, the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our lot, and of which we had a large share in passing through this probationary state. My wife, although not of a very strong constitution, lived to be the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Our second daughter, a very lovely promising child, died when young with the small pox, and the youngest was not living at its birth. The rest all arrived to years of discretion, and afforded us considerable comfort, as they proved to be in a good degree dutiful children. All our sons, however, were of weak constitutions, and were not able to take care of themselves, being so enfeebled as not to be able to walk after the ninth or tenth year of their age. The two eldest died in the fifteenth year of their age, the third in his seventeenth year, and the youngest was nearly nineteen when he died. But, although thus helpless, the innocency of their lives, and the resigned cheerfulness of their dispositions to their allotments, made the labour and toil of taking care of them agreeable and pleasant; and I trust we were preserved from murmuring or repining, believing the dispensation to be in wisdom, and according to the will and gracious disposing of an all-wise providence, for purposes best known to himself. And when I have observed the great anxiety and affliction, which many parents have with undutiful children who are favoured with health, especially their sons, I could perceive very few whose troubles and exercises, on that account, did not far exceed ours. The weakness and bodily infirmity of our sons tended to keep them much out of the way of the troubles and temptations of the world; and we believed that in their death they were happy, and admitted into the realms of peace and joy: a reflection, the most comfortable and joyous that parents can have in regard to their tender offspring.

In the spring after our marriage, my wife’s relations gave me an invitation to come and live with them, and carry on the business of their farm, they having no other child than her. I accepted this proposal, and continued with them during their lives, and the place afterwards became my settled residence. My advantages, in a religious point of view, were greater than before; as I had the benefit of the company of several worthy Friends, who were my neighbours, and by whose example I was frequently incited to seriousness and piety; yet, having entered pretty closely into business, I was thereby much diverted from my religious improvement for several years. But, about the twenty-sixth year of my age, I was again brought, by the operative influence of divine grace, under deep concern of mind; and was led, through adorable mercy, to see, that although I had ceased from many sins and vanities of my youth, yet there were many remaining that I was still guilty of, which were not yet atoned for, and for which I now felt the judgments of God to rest upon me. This caused me to cry earnestly to the Most High for pardon and redemption, and he graciously condescended to hear my cry, and to open a way before me, wherein I must walk, in order to experience reconciliation with him; and as I abode in watchfulness and deep humiliation before him, light broke forth out of obscurity, and my darkness became as the noonday. I had many deep openings in the visions of light, greatly strengthening and establishing to my exercised mind. My spirit was brought under a close and weighty labour in meetings for discipline, and my understanding much enlarged therein; and I felt a concern to speak to some of the subjects engaging the meeting’s attention, which often brought unspeakable comfort to my mind. About this time, I began to have openings leading to the ministry, which brought me under close exercise and deep travail of spirit; for although I had for some time spoken on subjects of business in monthly and preparative meetings, yet the prospect of opening my mouth in public meetings was a close trial; but I endeavoured to keep my mind quiet and resigned to the heavenly call, if it should be made clear to me to be my duty. Nevertheless, as I was, soon after, sitting in a meeting, in much weightiness of spirit, a secret, though clear, intimation accompanied me to speak a few words, which were then given to me to utter, yet fear so prevailed, that I did not yield to the intimation. For this omission, I felt close rebuke, and judgment seemed, for some time, to cover my mind; but as I humbled myself under the Lord’s mighty hand, he again lifted up the light of his countenance upon me, and enabled me to renew covenant with him, that if he would pass by this my offence, I would, in future, be faithful, if he should again require such a service of me. And it was not long before I felt an impressive concern to utter a few words, which I yielded to in great fear and dread; but O the joy and sweet consolation that my soul experienced, as a reward for this act of faithfulness; and as I continued persevering in duty and watchfulness, I witnessed an increase in divine knowledge, and an enlargement in my gift. I was also deeply engaged for the right administration of discipline and order in the Church, and that all might be kept sweet and clean, consistent with the nature and purity of the holy profession we were making; so that all stumbling blocks might be removed out of the way of honest inquirers, and that truth’s testimony might be exalted, and the Lord’s name magnified, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”

A war, with all its cruel and destructive effects, having raged for several years between the British Colonies in North America and the mother country, Friends, as well as others, were exposed to many severe trials and sufferings; yet, in the colony of New-York, Friends, who stood faithful to their principles, and did not meddle in the controversy, had, after a short period at first, considerable favour allowed them. The yearly meeting was held steadily, during the war, on Long Island, where the king’s party had the rule; yet Friends from the Main, where the American army ruled, had free passage through both armies to attend it, and any other meetings they were desirous of attending, except in a few instances. This was a favour which the parties would not grant to their best friends, who were of a warlike disposition; which shows what great advantages would redound to mankind, were they all of this pacific spirit. I passed myself through the lines of both armies six times during the war, without molestation, both parties generally receiving me with openness and civility; and although I had to pass over a tract of country, between the two armies, sometimes more than thirty miles in extent, and which was much frequented by robbers, a set, in general, of cruel unprincipled banditti, issuing out from both parties, yet, excepting once, I met with no interruption even from them. But although Friends in general experienced many favours and deliverances, yet those scenes of war and confusion occasioned many trials and provings in various ways to the faithful. One circumstance I am willing to mention, as it caused me considerable exercise and concern. There was a large cellar under the new meeting-house belonging to Friends in New-York, which was generally let as a store. When the king’s troops entered the city, they took possession of it for the purpose of depositing their warlike stores; and ascertaining what Friends had the care of letting it, their commissary came forward and offered to pay the rent; and those Friends, for want of due consideration, accepted it. This caused great uneasiness to the concerned part of the Society, who apprehended it not consistent with our peaceable principles to receive payment for the depositing of military stores in our houses. The subject was brought before the yearly meeting in 1779, and engaged its careful attention; but those Friends, who had been active in the reception of the money, and some few others, were not willing to acknowledge their proceedings to be inconsistent, nor to return the money to those from whom it was received; and in order to justify themselves therein, they referred to the conduct of Friends in Philadelphia in similar cases. Matters thus appearing very difficult and embarrassing, it was unitedly concluded to refer the final determination thereof to the yearly meeting of Pennsylvania; and several Friends were appointed to attend that meeting in relation thereto, among whom I was one of the number. We accordingly set out on the 9th day of the 9th month, 1779, and I was accompanied from home by my beloved friend John Willis, who was likewise on the appointment. We took a solemn leave of our families, they feeling much anxiety at parting with us, on account of the dangers we were exposed to, having to pass not only the lines of the two armies, but the deserted and almost uninhabited country that lay between them, in many places the grass being grown up in the streets, and many houses desolate and empty. Believing it, however, my duty to proceed in the service, my mind was so settled and trust-fixed in the divine arm of power, that faith seemed to banish all fear, and cheerfulness and quiet resignation were, I believe, my constant companions during the journey. We got permission, with but little difficulty, to pass the outguards of the king’s army at Kingsbridge, and proceeded to Westchester. We afterwards attended meetings at Harrison’s Purchase, and Oblong, having the concurrence of our monthly meeting to take some meetings in our way, a concern leading thereto having for some time previously attended my mind. We passed from thence to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting, and then turned our faces towards Philadelphia, being joined by several others of the Committee. We attended New Marlborough, Hardwick, and Kingwood meetings on our journey, and arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th day of the week, and 25th of 9th month, on which day we attended the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which began at the eleventh hour. I also attended all the sittings of the yearly meeting until the 4th day of the next week, and was then so indisposed with a fever, which had been increasing on me for several days, that I was not able to attend after that time. I was therefore not present when the subject was discussed, which came from our yearly meeting; but I was informed by my companion, that it was a very solemn opportunity, and the matter was resulted in advising that the money should be returned into the office from whence it was received, accompanied with our reasons for so doing: and this was accordingly done by the direction of our yearly meeting the next year.

The yearly meeting closed on the 2d day of the following week; and feeling my health a little restored, though still very weak, I left the city, and was taken by my kind friend John Shoemaker to his house. The next morning being rainy, and being still unwell, I rested here during the day, but my companion proceeded to attend the monthly meeting at the Falls. The next day I went to Byberry meeting, after which I rode with our valuable friend James Thornton to John Watson’s, at Middletown, where I was again joined by my companion. We attended their monthly meeting, and found things in but poor order, and discipline at a low ebb, for want of faithful standard bearers. We then attended meetings, to some satisfaction, at Wright’s Town, Plumbstead, and Buckingham. From thence we proceeded to the monthly meeting at Hardwick, where things appeared very low as to the right exercise of discipline; but feeling our minds engaged, we laboured, in the ability received, for their assistance and encouragement. After this we passed on to the Drowned Lands, and attended a meeting with the few Friends of that place, and some others who came in; but things, pertaining to religion, seemed at a very low ebb with them, which makes hard work for the poor traveller. From thence we went pretty directly to Nine Partners, and after having two meetings there, we proceeded to Oswego and Apoquague, and then to the monthly meeting at Oblong, in all which meetings truth was exalted, and I left them with peace of mind. We then turned our faces homeward, and after going a few miles on our way, we were overtaken by a constable, with a warrant from a magistrate to bring my companion before him, who, after examination, committed him to a board of commissioners, as a dangerous person to travel at such a time. We were led to believe, on inquiry, that this interruption was merely the fruit of envy, and occasioned by two acquaintances of my companion, who had fled from the Island for refuge. However, after a short detention, which gave me an opportunity of visiting a few families of my relations, and of attending a small meeting which I had passed from in some heaviness before, he was set at liberty, and we attended the quarterly meeting at Oblong. After this we passed on, taking meetings at Peachpond, Amawalk, and the monthly meeting at Purchase, and from thence proceeded home. I found my family well, which, together with the preservations and favours experienced in our journey, impressed my mind with thankfulness and gratitude to the great and blessed author of all our mercies. I was from home in this journey about nine weeks, and rode about eight hundred and sixty miles.

After the close of the aforesaid journey, I felt my mind engaged to make a general visit to Friends on the Main belonging to our yearly meeting; and with the concurrence of Friends, and in company with William Valentine, who, under a like concern, had agreed to be my companion, I left home on the 1st of the week, and 4th of 3d month, 1781, in order to accomplish the same. We sat with Friends in our own meeting, and then proceeded to Flushing; and the next day, the commanding officer of the king’s troops at this place permitting us, we crossed the Sound to Frog’s Neck, and lodged with our friend Joseph Caustin. On the following day we attended an appointed meeting at Westchester, and then went forward, taking meetings as they came in course for fifteen days successively, the last at Little Nine Partners: and although in many places meetings appeared in a low state, as to the life of religion, yet, through divine favour, help was afforded, insomuch that I generally left them with the satisfactory evidence, that my way had been rightly directed among them.

After the last mentioned meeting we set forward towards Saratoga, and lodged that night at an inn. The innkeeper’s wife, in the course of some conversation, discovered that my companion and I were from Long Island, where the king’s party bore rule; and she, being a friend to their cause, seemed to wonder much, that we should leave them, and come out among the Americans, signifying that if she was there, she should not be willing to come away; and when I informed her that I expected we should shortly return thither again, her admiration was still more excited, and she was surprised how we should dare to act so: whereupon I took occasion to acquaint her how we stood in regard to the contending parties; informing her that as we took no part in the controversy, but were friends to them and to all mankind, and were principled against all wars and fightings, the contending powers had such confidence in us, and favour towards us, that they let us pass freely on religious accounts, through both their armies without interruption; a privilege, which they would not grant to their own people. This account made her marvel greatly, having never heard of the like before. She acknowledged it was very good, and wished for herself that she could come into the same situation, but said she could not, unless she first had retaliation for the wrongs she had received, after which, she said she should be willing to forgive them; not considering, that there was nothing to be forgiven, where full pay or satisfaction had been received. Nevertheless, this is the natural condition and disposition of all worldly-minded men and women, who have not known, through the powerful influence of the gospel of Christ, the work of regeneration and the new birth, whereby they might experience redemption from such a malicious and revengeful spirit.

On the next day we proceeded to Coeman’s Patent, on the west side of Hudson river, which we crossed at a place called Claverack landing. We reached there on 7th day evening, and the following day had a meeting with the few Friends, who had lately settled at that place, and some of their neighbours, who were mostly Baptists. It was the first Friends’ meeting ever held there, and was a satisfactory season. We then rode that afternoon about twelve miles towards Albany, and lodged at an inn; and the next day we reached Saratoga, since called Easton, and lodged with our friend Daniel Cornell. It was late in the night before we arrived, and the evening snowy; and the country being newly settled, Friends’ houses were generally but poor, so that several times, while in these parts, I felt the snow fall on my face when in bed. This affected me with a heavy cold when I first came here, but afterwards I was much favoured during the journey, having in good measure become inured to the hardships we had to go through. We attended the meetings belonging to this monthly meeting, being four in number; viz. Saratoga alias Easton, Danby about forty miles further to the north east, White Creek, and Hoosack. The monthly meeting was held alternately at this latter place and Saratoga. We also visited nearly all the families belonging to this monthly meeting, and had good satisfaction, and a peaceful reward of our labours. From thence we went to New Britain, and visited three families, in each of which there was but one member of our Society. We then returned to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting, also several other meetings in that neighbourhood which we were not at in our way up. After this we attended Oblong quarterly meeting, and next the monthly meeting of Shapaqua; and then taking meetings at Purchase, Mamaroneck and Westchester, we passed the Sound again, and got safe home the 15th day of 5th month. I was gladly received by my family and friends, having been absent on this journey about ten weeks, and rode about eight hundred and fifty miles. We attended thirty-two meetings, six of which were monthly meetings, and one quarterly meeting, and visited about ninety families.

It was in the latter part of this journey, between Mamaroneck and Westchester, that we met with the interruption, which I before alluded to, from some of those robbers, who frequented the country between the two armies. I was a little ahead of my companion and some other Friends, and was met, and accosted by two of those persons in a very rough manner. I did not see them until they spoke, and one of them demanded very rudely to know where we were going. I looked calmly upon him, and informed him, without the least interruption of mind, where we were intending to go. He then interrogated me further, as to where we had been, what our business was, and where we were from, to all of which I gave true and suitable answers in a mild and pleasant tone. They seemed thereby to be entirely disarmed of their rage and violence, although they had just before robbed and beat a man; and the one, who had hitherto stood silent, being the most overcome, said to his fellow, “Come, let us go, the Quakers go where they please;” and, then turning away, they left us to pursue our journey without further interruption. I considered this as a merciful preservation through the interference of divine providence, who, by his power, not only sets bounds to the sea, and saith, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed,” but also limits the rage and will of wicked men, and turns them from their purpose; and thereby delivers, from their power and cruelty, those that put their trust in him.

In the fall of the year 1781, I was taken sick with a fever, which lasted for several months, in the course of which my strength became very much exhausted, and some of my friends were ready to conclude, that I should not continue long with them; yet, through the whole of my indisposition, I had to believe that I should recover. But through the exercise and distress both of body and mind which I experienced, it proved a very humbling dispensation to me. One circumstance in particular made it peculiarly exercising to my mind, although it was that on which I principally grounded my belief of recovery. When I was reduced nearly to the lowest state of bodily weakness, a prospect opened on my mind to pay a religious visit to some parts of our island where no Friends lived, and among a people, who, from the acquaintance I had with them, were more likely to mock, than to receive me, seeing that I considered myself but a child in such a service. But when the prospect first presented, it was very impressive on my mind, and an injunction seemed to attend requiring my assent thereto; and although I pleaded as an excuse my weakness and inability of body, as well as my unfitness, even if I was well, for such a service, yet with all my reasonings and pleadings I could feel no excuse granted me, and the requisition lay heavy upon me both day and night. By my thus standing out, I was brought very low both in body and mind; and finding that I could get no peace in this state of refusal, and that if I did not yield, my life must be taken for my stubbornness without any prospect of peace hereafter, I at length yielded to the heavenly call, which brought immediate peace and comfort to my afflicted soul; and the Lord was very gracious, opening many things for my encouragement. In the forepart of the next summer, having fully recovered my health, and apprehending the right time had arrived to perform this service, I opened it to the monthly meeting, and obtained its unity and concurrence, and two Friends agreed to bear me company. We set out about the middle of the 8th month, 1782, and had a very favoured meeting at Jamaica, with a considerable number of the inhabitants. After this we had a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, on the south side of the island, and then passed on to a Dutch settlement called Flatlands, where we had some difficulty to obtain a meeting, in consequence of the priest of the place being opposed thereto. The people seemed generally afraid to offend him, but said that if he would consent, they should be very willing to attend. However his assent could not be obtained, for he appeared very jealous lest his interest in the people should be affected. But there was one man, who seemed so much master of his own house, that he said we were welcome to have a meeting in it, let others say what they might. A meeting was accordingly appointed, which, although small, was a satisfactory opportunity. The master of the house and his wife, in an especial manner, seemed much affected therewith, and pressed us to come and see them again. From thence we passed on, and had meetings at Gravesend, New-Utrecht, and Springfield, all to good satisfaction. From the latter we proceeded home, feeling the comfortable reward of peace for this service, and very thankful to the Lord, my gracious helper, for his countenance and support therein. May his name be praised for ever.

In the latter part of 1782, I attended, with a committee of the yearly meeting, the quarterly meeting on the Main, and the monthly meetings thereunto belonging, on a proposition from the said quarterly meeting for a division thereof. We were absent about seven weeks, and rode about six hundred and sixty miles.